Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tips For A Wedding Toast
The toast is a very important part of any wedding reception. If you're the maid of honor or best man, it's most likely your job to say a few words about the bride and groom. Since this is your time to shine, the tips below will help you with the perfect toast for a very special occasion. If you know that you are going to be giving a toast at the wedding reception, make sure that you prepare yourself. It is probably not a good idea to stand up in front of hundreds of people and just "wing it". Take some time to sit down and think about what you're going to say. When you are toasting, you are going to be saying some words about the bride and groom. You may want to write your thoughts down on an index card in outline form. Elaborate on your relationship with the bride and groom, why they are important to you and how much happiness and success you wish them in the future. If you are a naturally funny person tell a joke. Make sure it is in good taste. If you have a nice story about your friends include it in the toast. You could include details that your friends might have thought you forgot. It would be a pleasant surprise. You may want to inlcude a poem or a quote. If you are a more serious person make your toast more sincere and serious. Your toast can be sentimental, funny or serious. It is your choice. When in doubt, err on the side of being conservative.When you are finished, raise your glass, give your final wishes and take a sip. You will need to remember to hold the mic right up to your chin so every guest can hear you.
What A Flower Means
WHAT A FLOWER MEANS
Flowers may tell a story or have a unique meaning. Romance has long been linked to flowers. Do all symbolize love? Some say all Rose colors have special meanings. Some brides pay close attention to those meanings and just couldn't bear to have any other flowers on their wedding day. However, there are brides that have other preferences and may select the same flowers her mother may have carried or her wedding day, the state flower or her birth month flower. If the groom is a big flower giver the bride may select the first type of flower the groom gave her as a gift to carry on her wedding day.
Below are some flower facts I have been told through the years. If you know a flower fact or color meaning please share it with us and our readers.
Rose Colors and Meanings
Red: Love, passion, respect, courage
Yellow: Joy, friendship, freedomPink: Happiness, gratitude, appreciation, admiration
Cream: Thoughtfulness, charm, graciousness
Orange: Admiration, facination, enthusiasm, desire
White: Innocence, purity, secrecy, reverence
Roses in full bloom can express deep gratitude, a single rose says "I still love you."
A bouquet of rose buds represents innocent love, tea roses can send the message that you will always remember someone. Thornless roses can mean love at first sight. A bouquet of ten roses means perfection. Two roses means mutual love and affection. A bouquet of nine roses symbolizes you will be together forever. Three dozen roses means head over heels in love. A bouquet of fifty or more roses expresses a love that has no bounds.
Birth Month Flowers & Meanings
January: Carnation or Snowdrop - Facination; Devoted Love
February: Violet, Primrose or Iris - Modesty, faithfulness, Valor
March: Daffodil or Jonquil - Regard, Devotion, Sympathy
April: Daisy or Sweet Pea - Innocence, Blissful pleasure, Purity
May: Lilly of the Valley or Hawthorne - Fertility, Hope, Sweetness
June: Rose or Honeysuckle - Love, Devoted affection
July: Larkspur or Water Lily - Laughter, Purity of heart
August: Gladiolas or Poppy - Grace, Character, Imagination
September: Aster or Morning Glory - Daintiness, Symbol or love & affection
October: Calendula, Cosmos or Marigold - Joy, Modesty, Grace
November: Chrysanthemum - Rest, Cheerfulness, Lovliness
December: Narciassus, Poinsettia or Holly - Egotism, Formality, Good cheer, Merriment
Flower Meanings:
Calla: Transition of growth. Reflects beauty and pride gained from shared wisdom over time.
Bird of Paradise: Magnificence and splendor. Celebrates romance's unexpected side.
Hydrangea: Pride, greatfulness, praise and appreciation.
Orchid: Beauty, affection, understanding.
Other Flower Color Meanings:Pink: Innocence, youth, joy, grace
Purple: Royalty, ceremony, accomplishment, admiration
Red: Passion, Love
White: Innocence, Modesty, Elegance
Green: Health, good fortune
Shades of Blue: Calm
Orange: Confidence, satisfaction
Flowers may tell a story or have a unique meaning. Romance has long been linked to flowers. Do all symbolize love? Some say all Rose colors have special meanings. Some brides pay close attention to those meanings and just couldn't bear to have any other flowers on their wedding day. However, there are brides that have other preferences and may select the same flowers her mother may have carried or her wedding day, the state flower or her birth month flower. If the groom is a big flower giver the bride may select the first type of flower the groom gave her as a gift to carry on her wedding day.
Below are some flower facts I have been told through the years. If you know a flower fact or color meaning please share it with us and our readers.
Rose Colors and Meanings
Red: Love, passion, respect, courage
Yellow: Joy, friendship, freedomPink: Happiness, gratitude, appreciation, admiration
Cream: Thoughtfulness, charm, graciousness
Orange: Admiration, facination, enthusiasm, desire
White: Innocence, purity, secrecy, reverence
Roses in full bloom can express deep gratitude, a single rose says "I still love you."
A bouquet of rose buds represents innocent love, tea roses can send the message that you will always remember someone. Thornless roses can mean love at first sight. A bouquet of ten roses means perfection. Two roses means mutual love and affection. A bouquet of nine roses symbolizes you will be together forever. Three dozen roses means head over heels in love. A bouquet of fifty or more roses expresses a love that has no bounds.
Birth Month Flowers & Meanings
January: Carnation or Snowdrop - Facination; Devoted Love
February: Violet, Primrose or Iris - Modesty, faithfulness, Valor
March: Daffodil or Jonquil - Regard, Devotion, Sympathy
April: Daisy or Sweet Pea - Innocence, Blissful pleasure, Purity
May: Lilly of the Valley or Hawthorne - Fertility, Hope, Sweetness
June: Rose or Honeysuckle - Love, Devoted affection
July: Larkspur or Water Lily - Laughter, Purity of heart
August: Gladiolas or Poppy - Grace, Character, Imagination
September: Aster or Morning Glory - Daintiness, Symbol or love & affection
October: Calendula, Cosmos or Marigold - Joy, Modesty, Grace
November: Chrysanthemum - Rest, Cheerfulness, Lovliness
December: Narciassus, Poinsettia or Holly - Egotism, Formality, Good cheer, Merriment
Flower Meanings:
Calla: Transition of growth. Reflects beauty and pride gained from shared wisdom over time.
Bird of Paradise: Magnificence and splendor. Celebrates romance's unexpected side.
Hydrangea: Pride, greatfulness, praise and appreciation.
Orchid: Beauty, affection, understanding.
Other Flower Color Meanings:Pink: Innocence, youth, joy, grace
Purple: Royalty, ceremony, accomplishment, admiration
Red: Passion, Love
White: Innocence, Modesty, Elegance
Green: Health, good fortune
Shades of Blue: Calm
Orange: Confidence, satisfaction
Formal Wear Etiquette
When the invitation says "BLACK TIE"
If the event you are attending is "black tie" & the invitation says the same, you are expected to wear a tuxedo. All guests invited to this fuction are required & expected to wear formalwear. However, this term does not mean you have to wear a black tie!
When the invitation says "BLACK TIE PREFERRED"
This means the host of the party prefers to see all guests in formalwear. You could wear a dark suit, but tuxedos are preferred.
When the invitation says "BLACK TIE INVITED OR OPTIONAL"
In this case, it is not mandatory to wear to tuxedo, however, you will probably see more tuxedos than dark suits at these affairs. Black tuxedos & white or ivory dinner jackets with black trousers are appropriate. However, dinner jackets should only be worn between Memorial Day & Labor Day.
When the invitation says "WHITE TIE"
This term means you must wear black tails with black trousers & a white pique' formal shirt, bow tie & vest. This ensemble is known as the "ultra formal look" & if your event calls for it, you should not wear anything else.
* People do it, but removing your tuxedo coat at an event is not proper. Discarding your coat is a sure way to destroy the pomp of a formal occasion
If the event you are attending is "black tie" & the invitation says the same, you are expected to wear a tuxedo. All guests invited to this fuction are required & expected to wear formalwear. However, this term does not mean you have to wear a black tie!
When the invitation says "BLACK TIE PREFERRED"
This means the host of the party prefers to see all guests in formalwear. You could wear a dark suit, but tuxedos are preferred.
When the invitation says "BLACK TIE INVITED OR OPTIONAL"
In this case, it is not mandatory to wear to tuxedo, however, you will probably see more tuxedos than dark suits at these affairs. Black tuxedos & white or ivory dinner jackets with black trousers are appropriate. However, dinner jackets should only be worn between Memorial Day & Labor Day.
When the invitation says "WHITE TIE"
This term means you must wear black tails with black trousers & a white pique' formal shirt, bow tie & vest. This ensemble is known as the "ultra formal look" & if your event calls for it, you should not wear anything else.
* People do it, but removing your tuxedo coat at an event is not proper. Discarding your coat is a sure way to destroy the pomp of a formal occasion
How To Compromise On Your Guest List
How To Compromise On Your Guest List
Deciding on a final guest list for your wedding day can become an interesting and stressful task. It may take much patience and negotiation for all involved. How do you make it as simple as possible? Combine four seperate lists. The bride and groom each make a separate list and each set of parents should make a list. When making the list don't feel obligated to invite someone just because they may be offended if you invite another friend or relative and not them. If you have a friend or relative that you know in advance could be a potential problem on your special day simply do not add them to the list. If you can't decide if you should invite someone or not ask yourself this question: Would I take $100 our of my pocket and lay it in this person's hand and say "Go to a concert or go to dinner"? If you can't say you would do that for the person then don't invite them. You are paying for them to attend a special event. Is it rude? Some may think that it is, but the fact of the matter is that it's reality.The bride's mother must talk to the groom's mother about the number of invitations that will be available for the groom's parents to send, taking into consideration their financial contribution. If both families live close to each other, the lists can be divided evenly. When the groom's family lives in a different city or state, the number of invitations made available may be reduced, since the probability of attendance from the groom's family and friends may be reduced. If both families know each other, there is also the possibility of double listing mutual friends. In this case, the invitations should be divided evenly. If the groom's family wishes to invite more people than the number originally agreed upon, they should discuss this with the bride's family. If the number cannot be increased, the groom's family may offer to share the costs or host a separate reception after the honeymoon. Remember COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE.
Deciding on a final guest list for your wedding day can become an interesting and stressful task. It may take much patience and negotiation for all involved. How do you make it as simple as possible? Combine four seperate lists. The bride and groom each make a separate list and each set of parents should make a list. When making the list don't feel obligated to invite someone just because they may be offended if you invite another friend or relative and not them. If you have a friend or relative that you know in advance could be a potential problem on your special day simply do not add them to the list. If you can't decide if you should invite someone or not ask yourself this question: Would I take $100 our of my pocket and lay it in this person's hand and say "Go to a concert or go to dinner"? If you can't say you would do that for the person then don't invite them. You are paying for them to attend a special event. Is it rude? Some may think that it is, but the fact of the matter is that it's reality.The bride's mother must talk to the groom's mother about the number of invitations that will be available for the groom's parents to send, taking into consideration their financial contribution. If both families live close to each other, the lists can be divided evenly. When the groom's family lives in a different city or state, the number of invitations made available may be reduced, since the probability of attendance from the groom's family and friends may be reduced. If both families know each other, there is also the possibility of double listing mutual friends. In this case, the invitations should be divided evenly. If the groom's family wishes to invite more people than the number originally agreed upon, they should discuss this with the bride's family. If the number cannot be increased, the groom's family may offer to share the costs or host a separate reception after the honeymoon. Remember COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE.
Putting Your Quirky Little Twists On Your Wedding Day Festivities
Putting Your Quirky Little Twists On Your Wedding Day Festivities
Years ago it was unacceptable. Weddings are formal affairs, but lately they're getting some personality. Couples are tossing tradition and making their wedding distinctly their own.
Some brides are opting to wear shoes the same color as her bridesmaid dresses. Some brides are opting for chocolate frosting on their wedding cake tinted various shades. One groom had a love of flight. At the wedding the groom's cake took the shape of a plane and compasses served as escort cards. An outdoors loving couple may decide to hold their wedding outside in a field with the reception being held in a building or barn. A couple into the Civil War era may opt to hold their ceremony at a historic bed and breakfast that was once a home built or lived in during that time. One couple were beer enthusiasts. They sent out save-the-date cards in the shape of coasters and gave personalized beer glasses as favors at the reception. A bride had a love for gardening, she gave tulip bulbs in elegant gift bags. It has also become very popular to include cultural traditions into the ceremony & reception.
How do you decide what to incorporate into the theme of your special day? The best thing to do is think about your ideas, visualize the big picture and discuss it with your wedding coordinator/ director and ask their opinion. Once you have looked carefully at each option and have discussed it with all of the decisions makers for your event (after all if someone else is helping you pay for the wedding they do have input) you must decide what you feel will make you happiest on your wedding day and go with it.
Armistead Events wedding coordinators/directors are experienced at helping brides incorporate personalized style and cultural traditions into weddings.
If you are a bride who has included something special into the theme of your day, or if you know someone who has please share it with us and our readers.
Years ago it was unacceptable. Weddings are formal affairs, but lately they're getting some personality. Couples are tossing tradition and making their wedding distinctly their own.
Some brides are opting to wear shoes the same color as her bridesmaid dresses. Some brides are opting for chocolate frosting on their wedding cake tinted various shades. One groom had a love of flight. At the wedding the groom's cake took the shape of a plane and compasses served as escort cards. An outdoors loving couple may decide to hold their wedding outside in a field with the reception being held in a building or barn. A couple into the Civil War era may opt to hold their ceremony at a historic bed and breakfast that was once a home built or lived in during that time. One couple were beer enthusiasts. They sent out save-the-date cards in the shape of coasters and gave personalized beer glasses as favors at the reception. A bride had a love for gardening, she gave tulip bulbs in elegant gift bags. It has also become very popular to include cultural traditions into the ceremony & reception.
How do you decide what to incorporate into the theme of your special day? The best thing to do is think about your ideas, visualize the big picture and discuss it with your wedding coordinator/ director and ask their opinion. Once you have looked carefully at each option and have discussed it with all of the decisions makers for your event (after all if someone else is helping you pay for the wedding they do have input) you must decide what you feel will make you happiest on your wedding day and go with it.
Armistead Events wedding coordinators/directors are experienced at helping brides incorporate personalized style and cultural traditions into weddings.
If you are a bride who has included something special into the theme of your day, or if you know someone who has please share it with us and our readers.
The Benefit of Hiring A Wedding Director For Your Rehearsal & Ceremony
The Benefit of Hiring A Wedding Director For Your Rehearsal & Ceremony
When you think of a wedding director, think of a famous Hollywood director whose job is to have all the actors in place when he or she shouts "Action." The wedding director is there to orchestrate the event. Armistead Events wedding directors are trained, experienced and have directed hundreds of weddings. The director is there to make sure flowers get distributed to attendants and family and to cue the guest book and program attendants when it is time for them to be in place. He or she makes sure the photographer and/or videographer are ready, the ushers are ready to escort the guests to their seats and that the musician or musicians are cued when it is time to start the prelude. The director will make sure the grandparents and parents are seated at the appropriate time, that the celebrant, groom and ushers are ready and in place, that the flower girl and ring bearer are in place and that the bride and bridesmaids are ready to stroll down the aisle with their beautiful bouquets held just right. The director will make sure that any special traditions the bride and groom wish to observe happen at the appropriate time.
Great weddings don't just happen. Guests don't notice when timing is working well; they only notice when it is not. The director meets with the bride and groom prior to the rehearsal to make sure all the details for the rehearsal and ceremony are covered and a schedule has been created. There are direction and entertainment packages available for the reception too. The director will conduct the rehearsal. Having a non-family member conduct the rehearsal is a great bonus. There may be attendants or family coming that have not seen each other for quite some time. If they know you have hired a director they will be more willing to cooperate and not treat the rehearsal as a family reunion or time to catch up on the latest news. They will know it is serious and the faster everyone is confident with what they need to do for the ceremony the quicker everyone gets to the rehearsal dinner where there will be plenty of time to enjoy the company of those you have chosen to be a part of your ceremony.
The wedding director gives the bride and her family the chance to really enjoy the wedding without worry. It is the director who is there to handle any unforeseen crises that may arise. Many recent brides would assure you that a wedding director is essential and well-worth the price.
Finding qualified and experienced wedding directors can be a challenge. Armistead Events has certified wedding directors on staff. An Armistead Events wedding director will make sure the bride's wishes are executed on her wedding day.
When you think of a wedding director, think of a famous Hollywood director whose job is to have all the actors in place when he or she shouts "Action." The wedding director is there to orchestrate the event. Armistead Events wedding directors are trained, experienced and have directed hundreds of weddings. The director is there to make sure flowers get distributed to attendants and family and to cue the guest book and program attendants when it is time for them to be in place. He or she makes sure the photographer and/or videographer are ready, the ushers are ready to escort the guests to their seats and that the musician or musicians are cued when it is time to start the prelude. The director will make sure the grandparents and parents are seated at the appropriate time, that the celebrant, groom and ushers are ready and in place, that the flower girl and ring bearer are in place and that the bride and bridesmaids are ready to stroll down the aisle with their beautiful bouquets held just right. The director will make sure that any special traditions the bride and groom wish to observe happen at the appropriate time.
Great weddings don't just happen. Guests don't notice when timing is working well; they only notice when it is not. The director meets with the bride and groom prior to the rehearsal to make sure all the details for the rehearsal and ceremony are covered and a schedule has been created. There are direction and entertainment packages available for the reception too. The director will conduct the rehearsal. Having a non-family member conduct the rehearsal is a great bonus. There may be attendants or family coming that have not seen each other for quite some time. If they know you have hired a director they will be more willing to cooperate and not treat the rehearsal as a family reunion or time to catch up on the latest news. They will know it is serious and the faster everyone is confident with what they need to do for the ceremony the quicker everyone gets to the rehearsal dinner where there will be plenty of time to enjoy the company of those you have chosen to be a part of your ceremony.
The wedding director gives the bride and her family the chance to really enjoy the wedding without worry. It is the director who is there to handle any unforeseen crises that may arise. Many recent brides would assure you that a wedding director is essential and well-worth the price.
Finding qualified and experienced wedding directors can be a challenge. Armistead Events has certified wedding directors on staff. An Armistead Events wedding director will make sure the bride's wishes are executed on her wedding day.
Wedding Day Seating
Must Know Tips For Seating At Your Reception
The seating at your wedding reception is a very important subject. Some Brides think ahh...no big deal I'm having a head table for my wedding party and everyone else can just sit where ever they would like. Unfortunately things are not quite that simple. There are a few things you may want to take into consideration. If you are having a head table and the Father of the Groom is the best man do you want the Mother of the Groom to sit at the head table with him or with other family members at another table?If several members of your wedding party are married and their spouse and/or children will attend you will want to make sure your wedding party is clear about your wishes on where their family should sit and where they should sit. Some brides include spouses and/or dates of the wedding party at the head table. Some Bride and Grooms elect to have a sweetheart table for them and will make a seating chart for their wedding party and will seat them at round tables instead of a head table.If you are having a head table for your wedding party with reserved tables for your families you should make sure the people who are to sit at these reserved tables know exactly who they are. Keep in mind that your reception venue staff may not know who these family members are. If you have any difficult or stressful situations in your family such as a step families, siblings who don't get along, etc you may want to consider a seating chart. The seating chart is extra work, but may be the difference between certain individuals being comfortable or uncomfortable. Keep in mind that when guests are uncomfortable you always run the risk of problems or unwanted situations. If you have handicapped guests make prior arrangements for them if possible. If you know your grandmother will be in a wheelchair ask the venue to make sure the original chair is removed from her from her seat so that she may pull up to the table without being put on the spot by needing to ask someone to move anything for her. This goes back to the comfort issue. Make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible and the best way to do this is by thinking ahead. If you go the extra mile to make sure your guests are not put in an embarrassing situation they will notice and will appreciate it more than you will ever realize.
For more seating information call an Armistead Events Bridal Consultant today!
The seating at your wedding reception is a very important subject. Some Brides think ahh...no big deal I'm having a head table for my wedding party and everyone else can just sit where ever they would like. Unfortunately things are not quite that simple. There are a few things you may want to take into consideration. If you are having a head table and the Father of the Groom is the best man do you want the Mother of the Groom to sit at the head table with him or with other family members at another table?If several members of your wedding party are married and their spouse and/or children will attend you will want to make sure your wedding party is clear about your wishes on where their family should sit and where they should sit. Some brides include spouses and/or dates of the wedding party at the head table. Some Bride and Grooms elect to have a sweetheart table for them and will make a seating chart for their wedding party and will seat them at round tables instead of a head table.If you are having a head table for your wedding party with reserved tables for your families you should make sure the people who are to sit at these reserved tables know exactly who they are. Keep in mind that your reception venue staff may not know who these family members are. If you have any difficult or stressful situations in your family such as a step families, siblings who don't get along, etc you may want to consider a seating chart. The seating chart is extra work, but may be the difference between certain individuals being comfortable or uncomfortable. Keep in mind that when guests are uncomfortable you always run the risk of problems or unwanted situations. If you have handicapped guests make prior arrangements for them if possible. If you know your grandmother will be in a wheelchair ask the venue to make sure the original chair is removed from her from her seat so that she may pull up to the table without being put on the spot by needing to ask someone to move anything for her. This goes back to the comfort issue. Make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible and the best way to do this is by thinking ahead. If you go the extra mile to make sure your guests are not put in an embarrassing situation they will notice and will appreciate it more than you will ever realize.
For more seating information call an Armistead Events Bridal Consultant today!
Wedding Invitation Wording
Wording your wedding invitations can be confusing. Standard wording is considered proper etiquette, but you can invite your guests in your own unique way. Remember to keep it as simple as possible and stick to the facts.
You can include a poem, or a message to your guests. You may want to insert words into the text that correspond with the theme of your special day. The options are endless.
For more information on invitation wording and etiquette tips make an appointment with an Armistead Events Wedding Consultant today!
Lynchbug DJ, Lynchburg Wedding DJ, Lynchburg Wedding, Wedding, Weddings, Photographer, Wedding dress, Wedding dresses, Bridal gown, Bridal accessories, Lynchburg dee jay, Lynchburg disc jockey
You can include a poem, or a message to your guests. You may want to insert words into the text that correspond with the theme of your special day. The options are endless.
For more information on invitation wording and etiquette tips make an appointment with an Armistead Events Wedding Consultant today!
Lynchbug DJ, Lynchburg Wedding DJ, Lynchburg Wedding, Wedding, Weddings, Photographer, Wedding dress, Wedding dresses, Bridal gown, Bridal accessories, Lynchburg dee jay, Lynchburg disc jockey
Friday, November 14, 2008
Where is the Armistead Events website?
I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the Armistead Events website with all of the cool tools and information. We can't wait to get it to you, but it looks like we are going to have to wait a little longer. The website is still in the designer's hands. Hopefully it will be launched sometime around New Year's Day 2009 and will be well worth the wait.
In the mean time you can find us on Facebook at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armistead-Events/41994853645
Please stop by our Facebook page and become a fan!
In the mean time you can find us on Facebook at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armistead-Events/41994853645
Please stop by our Facebook page and become a fan!
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