On your honeymoon, you may travel to a sandy beach or a bustling city, have a relaxing trip or immerse yourself in new activities - the possibilities are unlimited. Start by discussing your budget. Though you certainly want your honeymoon to be wonderful, you shouldn't have to go into debt to finance it. Calculate how much money you have or can ...
Shopping For Your Wedding Ring
Getting the most for your money
When you pick your diamond, you'll probably have to choose between size and quality. If you want a big stone, you can save by downgrading the quality of color and even clarity - barring any obvious visible flaws - but don't stint on the cut, which releases the most brilliance from the gem. Pron...
Wedding Decorations
Centerpieces
Fresh flowers are natural table decorations for any wedding reception. Think of your favorites first. Then consider how the flowers can enhance the mood of the party. Arrangements of elegant roses or painterly calla lilies in silver vessels may dress the tables at a formal wedding, while a cluster of potted zinn...
Wedding Invitations, Stationary & Thank-You Cards
There's more to wedding stationery than the requisite invitations. Before those are sent out, you may want to mail engagement announcements and save-the-date cards. For your wedding day, you will likely have printed programs, menu cards, seating cards, and other decorative accents. And after the event, there are thank-you notes and announcements...
The Wedding Reception
Choosing the Site
If your ceremony and reception will not be at the same location, try to choose places that are no more than a half-hour drive apart. If you are getting married in a church or synagogue, for example, you might take a look at the facilities there; some have a stately room on the ground that could meet your nee...
Wedding Music
Ceremony Music
Choosing the music for your wedding can seem like a daunting task. To make the prospect less overwhelming, think in terms of audio "snapshots": what kind of music would you like when your guests arrive for the ceremony? What song will best capture your emotions as you walk down the aisle toward you future spous...
Hiring a Wedding Photographer
The photographer you will entrust with preserving your wedding-day memories should be one of the first people you hire: Start searching at least six months ahead of time. Solicit referrals from friends and wedding professionals, and try to interview at least three photographers. With large studios, insist on meeting the person who will actually ...
Working With a Wedding Florist
The term "florist" can refer to anyone from a neighborhood-shop owner to a floral designer who oversees every detail of the decorations. Even if you plan to arrange your own flowers (only advisable if you have experience and will have a lot of help), it's wise to consult a knowledgeable wedding florist who can offer advice and provide varieties ...
Wedding Favors
Giving a favor is a joyful gesture, expressive of your gratitude and happiness for your guests' presence on this special occasion. The best wedding favors are exercises in elegant simplicity, beautiful things that are not too taxing to plan, make, or fit into the budget. They are among the wedding's most appealing elements and one of the easiest...
A Guide to Wedding Cake
Ideas for Cakes
The designs of the wedding cake can reflect the style of the wedding as much as the couple's taste. In planning its appearance, you might take inspiration from the details of your wedding (seashells, ferns, or autumn leaves); the flowers of your bouquet or centerpieces; or your monogram. Of course, the inside ...