Choosing your wedding colors

One of the earliest decisions you need to take while planning your wedding is choosing the right color combination. Most people go for a theme of two or three colors which can be applied tastefully across decorations, clothes, ribbons, flowers and even on the cake.

So before you can decide on the details of your wedding you need to get the colors down.

1.    First go through a few fashion magazines, and check out discussion boards on color trends for the season in which you’re getting married. You don’t have to follow the fashionistas, but it will give an idea of good color combinations.

2.    Look at the venue. You may get ideas of contrast or match depending on the background of the place you’ll be saying your vows at. If it’s an outdoor location be sure to keep in mind the time of the wedding. The sea can look a very different blue in the afternoon light, than in the evening sun.

3.    Imagine your bridesmaids. How do you see them? Bright and colorful, soft and subtle, deep and elegant? These thoughts can give you insight into your color taste and preferences.

4.    Think of your wedding gown style. (Luckily it’s white so no color issues there, right?) If it’s a vintage dress look at what colors suit that particular period. If a sleek, bold modern dress, find out what colors exude that attitude.

5.    Next do the legwork, roam around looking at colors. Your own house, a store for evening wear or bridesmaid dresses, ads that feature weddings, even interior décor magazines will give you hundreds of color combinations with examples of how they can work together.

Don’t forget to give yourself some time to stew on your chosen colors till you’re sure they’re the ones that represent you best.

And also, as always, keep an option available.

First Line of Defense – Choosing Bridesmaids, Ushers, Groomsmen & Attendants

Here it is, a question that requires the shrewdness of a senator, the diplomacy of a consulate, and the skill of a general. Who amongst your friends, relatives and siblings will be standing by your side and assisting with the ceremonies at your wedding?

Choosing your maid of honor and best man may have been easy and obvious, but the next level of attendants requires a lot of thought.

Here are some ways to help you choose:

First decide how many attendants you need/can afford. The average rule is one attendant for 50 guests. Asymmetric number of bridesmaids to groomsmen is not common, but certainly not a taboo.

Draw up a list of potentials. Include the ones you want to be in it, and the one who have been hinting their availability.

Subtly make sure they are ready and able to help you in their chosen capacity at the wedding. You may realize your first choice is going to be 8 month pregnant at your wedding or that someone else is just no good under pressure.

Shortlist and enquire. Has anyone done this before? Do you want to draw on that experience or give someone else a chance?

There will be a few amongst your close friends and relatives who just want to enjoy themselves. Find out who would not be interested and narrow your list down.

That shortlist is looking shorter now, right? No issues, start assigning roles and make sure all those chosen are thoroughly aware of what you expect of them. Use this opportunity to consider if you’ve made the right decision or need to switch. Yes, you can do it, just be diplomatic, and think musical chairs.

KEEP SUBSTITUTES! Very important. People fall sick or cancel for a variety of reasons all the time. Just like an understudy in a play, you need a few backups in case of emergency. (Look to that list who just wanted to enjoy themselves.)

If you don’t have roles and too many people, create a few jobs. Candle-bearers, program distributor, assistants, can all be given to the younger folk to get them involved.

Image Credit: divemasterking2000

Hidden Wedding Costs You Can’t Afford to Miss

See what celebrity wedding planner Donnie Brown says about managing costs for a luxurious yet affordable wedding.

MyFoxHouston, Aug 25th 2010: There are some costs associated with a wedding that many brides, grooms and parents may not be aware of or consider until it is too late and they are charged to their accounts.

Donnie Brown, one of the wedding event planners featured on the Style Network program “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” explains on FOX 26 Morning News Extra some examples of hidden wedding costs.

Brown, the author of “Donnie Brown Weddings: From the Couture to the Cake,” has planned events for singer LeAnn Rimes and actress Emma Thompson.

About the Book, “Donnie Brown Weddings: From the Couture to the Cake”
Donnie Brown Weddings covers it all—booking the venue, tailoring the guest list, selecting the menu, buying the gown. To ensure that his readers hire the right people, Donnie lists not only what questions to ask each vendor, but also what their answers should be.

Complete with detailed timelines and checklists, this hard-working guide makes certain that every last thing gets done within budget and on time.

Click Here to read more