Are You Wanting a Fairytale Wedding

With all the excitement of becoming engaged and having your fairytale wedding visualized in your head. Your dream is ready to come alive!

This will be a day where you will gave the wedding you have always dreamed about. You will be royalty and it will be an event to remember!

You set a date and then immediately start putting your dream into motion. Two immediate task come to mind 1. Going dress shopping which is so fun! and 2. Finding that perfect Fairytale Wedding Invitation that speaks to who you are and what type of wedding you are having.

Your wedding invites have to be perfect. They are like an advertising campaign for your royal wedding! You want them to be regal, ornate and symbolize your love for one another. They will be beautiful and your guests will be in awe when they see them. The perfect invite will have colors of golds and silver that are embellished with jewels and look like a page from the Cinderella book itself. You might even want to throw in a crown at the top for extra elegance.

At the same time you have a great desire to go dress shopping and find that dress you have always had in your mind. Imagine trying on all the exquisite gowns and finding that perfect regal gown that flows and drapes just how you want it. It fits your body perfectly and you know at that moment that THIS is the ONE. A crown or tiara is place atop your head and your golden or crystal slippers are placed upon your feet completing your princess attire and symbolizing your beauty and elegance that you will present to your prince.

Once those 2 important details are in the works your next big task is to find the grand location that you will host this royal party at. Now if you are in a foreign country to can oftentimes find a castle or medieval structure that could serve your royal purposes. But if none are to be found you can find historical buildings that have great architecture or ballrooms that are over the top and elegant for your day.

A grand ballroom is a great element for your reception. Colors of gold and silver are popular and a hit among Fairytale weddings. Exquisite fabrics drape the walls and chandeliers hang overhead sparkling in the light. You can see yourself making a grand entrance by horse drawn carriage and walking down the red carpet into the center of the ballroom where you will be introduced as the newlywed couple.

Your prince will look his best and present to you a stunning king that you can be proud of. He will be dressed to the nice with his suit and hair done just right. He will have a gleam in his eye and a dance to his step as he sees you in your gown and presents you as his bride.

Your guests in their black tie attire and flowing gowns will highlight this day as the best party ever as they wine and dine on food from your expert chef.

You have been to wine tasting, cake tastings, and dinner tastings and have chosen a 6 course meal that will have their taste buds wanting for more. Your chef prepares gourmet dishes from France, Italy and all over the world. And as they eat off of the fine china sat before them they look at the head table and smile to see you so happy and beautiful. This is truly a day they will remember and be honored to be apart of.

Music plays an important part of the reception. you can choose to have elegant music entertained with dance hits so that all styles and genras are represented. your 1st dance can be an elegant classical song and then you can boogy down with your guests the rest of the night except for the slow songs. We all know that every princess knows how to shake it loose once in a while!

As the night comes to an end and you are about to leave on your carriage you say goodbye in style. Thanking your guests with wedding favors to remember this Fairytale wedding by. Whether they be tasty treats that you have put together for them, or a trinket that symbolizes your love, they will have something to remember for years to come.

Top 5 Most Expensive Las Vegas Wedding Packages

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Known as “The Marriage Capital of the World” for good reason, most people know that tying the knot in Vegas is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get married. What most people don’t know, is that Vegas is where you’ll also find some of the most luxurious, extravagant and expensive wedding packages around.

With packages ranging from $39 for a “Desk Wedding” at A Las Vegas Wedding Chapel (the minister literally sits at his desk and marries you!) all the way to the $23,090 Elegant Affair Ceremony package at the Wynn Hotel & Casino, there are literally hundreds of different Vegas wedding packages to choose from.

In case you were wondering what casinos offer the most expensive wedding packages in Vegas, here they are:

1. $23,090 - The Elegant Affair Ceremony at the Wynn Hotel & Casino

When you book the most expensive wedding package in Vegas, you expect to be pampered. The Elegant Affair Ceremony package at the Wynn Hotel & Casino does not disappoint.

After being picked up at the airport by your private chauffeur who will take you to the courthouse to get your marriage license, you’ll be checked in to your extraordinary 2,490 sq ft Wynn Fairway Villa (which features a stunning views of the golf course, a private patio and private massage treatment room) where you’ll stay for two nights.

Getting ready for the big day includes pampering for both the bride and groom. While the groom is enjoying not one, but two rounds of golf with a private caddy, the bride is treated to a pre-wedding day visit to The Salon for an up-do and make-up application and a Spa manicure and pedicure with a paraffin treatment (the Bride returns the next day to The Salon for her wedding day up-do and make-up application). Lest the groom feel left out, the package also includes a hot lather shave and classic manicure from The Salon’s Barbershop for him.

For the actual wedding, couples will enjoy an extravagant floral packages (customized bouquet and boutonniere, as well as eight custom-designed pew arrangements and an aisle runner generously covered in a pathway of delicate rose petals) and two hours in the private bridal salon. An extensive photography and video package rounds out the ceremony highlights.

Other indulgences include a Good Luck Ritual Massage, customized for two in your villa, followed by peppermint foot treatments, moisturizing hand therapies and aromatic scalp treatments.

Additional treats include a lavish “morning tasting” for two served in bed - complete with Italian mimosas, Dinner for two at Alex, plus two glasses of Tete de Cuvee Champagne from Alex’s champagne cart, and Fondue for two in your villa paired with a special bottle of dessert wine. During your stay you’ll also receive two VIP indulgence package tickets to Le Reve.

The extravagant goodie bag includes one bottle of Veuve Clicquot, “La Grande Dame” Rose Champagne, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Premier Cru Brut Champagne and a special wedding gift, two glasses of Nicolas Feuillatte Premier Cru Brut Champagne to toast to your life together and two monogrammed spa robes as a memento.

Both the Bride and Groom are exceptionally pampered in the Elegant Affair Ceremony. But if there are guests that want to attend, you’ll have to let them know that they’re on their own when it comes to festivities and food & drink.

2. $18,500 - Decadence All-Inclusive Ceremony & Reception (up to 50 guests) at Mandalay Bay

This ultimate all-inclusive event is sure to please as you and 50 of your closest friends and family as you enjoy an exceptionally beautiful wedding ceremony and cocktail reception at the Mandalay Bay. You can just sit back and relax as you let your personal wedding planner take care of all of the details for you!

Your package begins with a private chauffeur meeting you at the airport, taking you to the get your wedding license and then bringing you to the Mandalay Bay where you’ll check in for three nights in your upscale Honeymoon Suite.

Package amenities include a Wedding Rehearsal, a personalized up-do and make-up application for the Bride at Robert Cromeans Salon on the day of the big event, and a generous floral package with bouquets for the Bride and her Maid-of-Honor as well as boutonnieres for the Groom and his Best Man.

Four hours of photography ensure every precious moment is captured throughout the day. The package also includes 250 photographs, various enlargements of your favorite shots and a DVD of the ceremony as well as private webcasting of the event.

During the ceremony, guests enjoy the beautiful sound of elegant music played by a Pianist while a DJ provides the music for three hours during the reception.

Speaking of the reception, if you choose this all-inclusive package at the Mandalay Bay, you’d better tell your guests to come hungry. The three hour cocktail reception in the private ballroom includes passed hors d’oeuvres and station upon station of delicious food accompanied by a three hour premium brands bar service. A custom wedding cake and champagne toast round out the menu.

Guests will return home with a personalized poker chip favor as a memento of the event.

3. $17,000 - Brasilia Ceremony & Reception Package (100 guests) at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Invite your favorite 100 guests to Las Vegas enjoy this exceptional all-inclusive ceremony and reception event at the Rio completely planned for you by your personal wedding coordinator.

Pampering includes a couples massage for two, a spa package including a manicure, pedicure and up-do for the Bride on her wedding day.

Your one-night stay in an upgraded Rio Suite also includes breakfast in bed for two, Dinner for Two in one of the Rio’s Owned Restaurants and a Strawberry Kiss Amenity for Two in Suite, and the use of a private Limo for one hour.

Decadent decor and generous flower arrangements turn one of the Rio’s elegant ballrooms into a stunning location for your dinner and dancing reception. Guests will enjoy a fully plated dinner consisting of your choice of a starter, followed by an incredible entree (may we recommend the Petit Filet Mignon served with herbed butter and lobster stuffed prawns….), concluding with wedding cake for dessert and a champagne toast.

Four hours of photography (including a generous print package) and a DVD of the event ensure your memories are preserved for a lifetime.

4. $16,500 - Dolce Romanza - Sweet Romance Wedding Package at the Venetian/Palazzo

It doesn’t get any more romantic than a wedding packages from the elegant The Venetian/The Palazzo, where your dream Las Vegas Wedding unites with the storybook charm of old world Italy. When you choose this package, your Personal Event Planner will assist you with ceremony details, a reception (not included in this package), and group accommodations.

The package includes a two night stay in the luxurious Prima Suite and up to to 20{bae04e795698e02432b4b773242eeed98d77780b616f416d82fc89d217bb4847} off Suite accommodations on additional nights booked should you wish to extend your stay.

Start by choosing one of the many beautiful ceremony locations around the resort: the stunning Venezia Courtyard, the dramatic Palazzo Waterfall, or the elegant Wedding Chapel. Six lavish floral arrangements will be placed around your ceremony site along with fresh floral aisle markers, perfectly coordinating you’re your $300 floral allowance for your custom-created bouquet and matching boutonniere.

In addition to your ceremony which features string trio live music accompaniment, the package also includes a 30-minute rehearsal, Honeymooner’s Breakfast in Bed, Tuxedo Chocolate-covered Strawberries, a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and one hour limousine service to be used as you choose.

You’ll also receive the Fortuna Photo Package With Second Camera Upgrade, a DVD of Ceremony in Custom Leather Folio and a Venetian Photo Album.

5. $16,000 - The Cosa Bella Wedding Package at the Bellagio

With this Bellagio wedding package, you’ll stay in a luxurious Penthouse Suite for two nights with a Lakeview and High Floor and enjoy additional indulgences such as continental breakfast for two in bed, dinner for two in Picasso or Prime (Beverages, Beverage Tax & Beverage Gratuity Not Included), and a $750.00 Bellagio Gift Certificate to be used in the Salon and/or Spa.

This package includes private Limousine Service from and to McCarran Airport as well as Limousine Service to and from Bellagio to the Marriage License Bureau. Also included is a rehearsal the day before your wedding and a professional harpist will serenade guests during your ceremony.

The floral package includes Bride’s Bouquet and Groom’s Boutonniere Floral Package, six extravagant pew markers with floral sprays and two mantle arrangements, a walkway of fresh white petals for bride’s processional (includes 3 bags) and the use of a custom Bellagio aisle runner.

The generous photography package includes The Cosa Bella Photography Package (see details under Photography Section) one and one half hours of Chapel Time (East or South) inclusive of chapel photography, two additional hours and thirty additional images shot for photography around the resort. You will also receive two DVDs of your wedding ceremony and live broadcast of your wedding ceremony on the internet.

Included as gifts from the Bellagio is One Bottle of Cristal Champagne, Bellagio’s Jean Philippe Maury Gourmet Cho colates, Swarovski Champagne Crystalline Flutes, Two Luxurious Bellagio Suite Robes and a Bellagio Custom Made Tote Bag.

During your stay, you will also enjoy two tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O’ Show (based on show schedule).

Well a girl can dream, can’t she?!

Make Your Own Wedding Invitations Express Your Style

Picture this - your invitation arrives by mail. Your guest opens the envelope and reads your invitation to your wedding. They mark their calendar and fills out the response card - and then they throw the invitation away. UGH!!! You spent a fortune on that invite, and now it’s in the trash.

Take away some of that pain, by making your own and not spending a fortune on what is going to end up in the trash. Making your own not only will save you money, but it is a great way to make a very personalized invitation.

You could use one of the kits that are available at most major craft stores. These are easily done on home printers and the assembly is quite easy to do. Or start from the bottom up and create your own.

You can find ideas through library books or ask for the help of a friend who is into scrapbooking. Many of the same tools and supplies used in scrapbooking are what you will need for this project.

Whether you word your invitation with the formal and standard wording or do something very different make sure it answers the questions - who, what, when, where, and why. Make sure the address is clear and includes the street address and town. Main Street can be found in just about any town - be specific or your guest could be at some else’s wedding.

  • Before deciding on the overall look of your invitation, choose your envelope - you can buy these rather cheaply in bulk at the same craft stores, but make your invite to fit or you’ll need something custom to fit any unusual sizes.
  • Use ribbon down the side to add an elegant look to an invite that has been simply printed on one side of card stock. You could also add a decorative edge by using a pair of scissors that cut with a curvy pattern.
  • Add a picture and print information on a piece of vellum. Tie the parts together with a ribbon.
  • Use cute punches to put a design in a corner of a printed invite.
  • Take a picture of the church, print the info on vellum as an overlay.
  • Take a picture of a nice church door, slice the door open down the center, and have the info ‘inside of the door’.
  • Take a picture of the area where your outdoor ceremony will be held, print the picture on card stock, and add the text of the invite with it.

Include in your invite any info your guest may want to know. I.e. ‘the pool in the backyard will be available for swimming once the cake has been cut! Don’t forget your swimsuits.’ Or ‘Hampton Park’s trails are so nice, please feel free to bring your hiking boots and explore, once we’ve had our dinner.’

This added info will make sure your guests come prepared the best way to enjoy your day.

What ever you choose make sure your guest get the info they need and know how they should get there, and how they should be attired. If your invitation is informal they might feel they should dress informal, if the invite is formal they might need to know if its black tie. Give them a hint with the invitation.

Have fun creating your invites and expressing who the both of you really are.

When it comes to designing use the different tools that are available for scrap booking like decorative punches, embossing tools, velum, pictures of the two of you, ribbons, and don’t forget the paper - so many colors and prints out there to use. Design with the envelope in mind. Stock envelopes will be the cheapest, so size them to fit. Use the right kind of tape or glue - some kinds will add bumps and not give the right effect.

Here’s a fun idea - gather your crafty friends and have a design night to pool the talent and come up with the best ideas. The winning design is sure to be original and created with a lot of love.

Weddings in Detroit Michigan

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A major traditional wedding trend I have been noticing is keeping the big day memorable and non-traditional. If you flip through the pages of a wedding magazine in Michigan, you will notice something…. all the featured weddings are UNIQUE. Do you want yours to be cookie cutter down to the linens, or will you allow your creative juices to express you and your fiancé.

Weddings in Detroit

According to statistics, there are roughly 25,000 marriages in southeastern Michigan each year. Many couples wonder if they can throw a wedding reception that stands out. So what is so special about a wedding in downtown Detroit? Well, for starters there is elegant architecture all around. This will give your photographer some great ideas to capture those picture perfect shots you need. There are just so many fun places in Detroit for wedding photos.

Wedding in Detroit

In addition to the architecture there is so much history to be told. I believe that every wedding in Michigan tells a story about the couple and who they are. The way you tell this story to your family and friends is by the details and preparation put into your wedding. A great location will be remembered in the photos and videos. When you look back in your photo album on this day, do you want to have warm memories flood you instantly?

Another plus is the awesome view a wedding location in Detroit will provide. Whether it is the riverfront terrace at Belle Isle, or Comerica Park from the Detroit Athletic Club; these are familiar places that people can identify with. Other trendy spots include the Masonic Temple, the Gem Theater downtown, the Scarab Club in midtown, or the Roostertail in the city.

Detroit Wedding Reception

You can plan your ceremony and wedding reception in Detroit. There are plenty of chapels, churches, and synagogues to help you with sorting the logistics. This is one of the biggest factors to consider. The most common problems at weddings happen when traveling between the ceremony site and the reception hall. My best advice for you, is to choose a ceremony location that is within 15 minutes of the reception location, and to exchange contact information with the key people involved in the big day. If you need recommendations, then check with the facility where you are having your reception at. They should have several venues in Detroit that they refer to brides for ceremony locations.

Detroit Wedding Location

So now comes the question… where to have a Detroit wedding reception in Michigan? I have included 5 key locations that should be a snug fit for what you are looking for. Their characteristics put them on the edge of elegance and hipness that come naturally. You can not find the same vibe in a hall outside of downtown Detroit. Suburban halls just can not compare with the potential your wedding reception will have if it is someplace more dynamic and spontaneous. The places below are a great start for your reception location ideas in Detroit. When compared to the cookie cutter halls, the list below offers stunning views, posh surroundings, and various price ranges.

Detroit Athletic Club

This venue is anything but average. The Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit Michigan has different layouts, simple yet classic decor, great atmosphere, and is rich in history. This venue is gives a bride that nothing else can. You have so many options for photos around the area. There are many weddings in Detroit Michigan each year. Besides the Detroit Athletic Club, there are other great locations for a bride to wed at. You might also consider the following locations.

Belle Isle

Did you know that Belle Isle of Detroit is the nation’s largest city-owned island park (938-acres). You will appreciate the natural view off the East Riverfront, the Ambassador Bridge, and Windsor at a variety of hidden areas throughout the isle. Because you are only renting the space for your wedding reception, you will need to provide guest seating and bring in an off-site cater. Some spectacular photo-ops to be taken at Belle Isle include the Scott Fountain and the Nancy Brown Peace Carillion. You can contact Belle Isle’s office for further inquiry about rentals at 313.852.4075.

Detroit Yacht Club

Regarded as North America’s largest yacht club, this place is located on Belle Isle and provides couples with executive catering in a formal yet relaxing environment for their wedding reception. Just as the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Yacht Club has member policies. However a member may sponsor a non-member so that you can secure this prime location for your wedding reception. For more info, contact Julia Doherty at her phone number 313.824.2887.

Ford Field

Just as Comerica Park, Ford field offers world-class dining with the excitement of downtown Detroit’s newest stadium. There are a variety of banquet rooms that offer a great view of an enclosed atrium as well as the entire stadium. You might be thinking that sporting events are the main priority for Ford Field, but discerning brides that take the time to have their reception at this fabulous spot find the scenery and cuisine worth the wait. For more info, contact Susan Zevelkink at her phone number 313.262-2245.

Fox Theater

Designed by Howard Crane, the Fox Theater has breathtaking decor located in the heart of downtown Detroit’s entertainment district. For brides serious about reserving this venue for their wedding reception, I recommend that you book far in advance to ensure no schedule conflict with the theaters public events. For more info, contact Molly Briggs at her phone number 313.471.3206.

Detroit Science Center

Have you been there lately? The Detroit Science Center has been recently remodeled and if offers midtown the best in large on-site and off-site catering. They would like to extend you and your guest list up to 2,000 a warm welcome. This venue shares a modern touch with their I-MAX Dome Theater films and science exhibits; however, your wedding reception will still hold all the values associated with casual elegance. For more info, contact Angela Zini at her phone number 313.577.8400, ext 412.

Roostertail

Considered one of Detroit’s most finest restaurant, weddings at the Roostertail in Detroit are extra special. The history of this restaurant spans several generations and gives magnificent river views along the East Riverfront. Due to the style of your wedding reception, the Roostertail offers several banquet room layouts as well as outside dining. To get a better idea of how they will personalize your day with world-class dishes, contact Shawna at her phone number 313.822.1234 ext 133.

Scarab Club

Located in the heart of Detroit’s Cultural Center, the Scarab Club in Detroit has a rich history in arts and distinctive wedding receptions. Its unique style and ambiance provides for a memorable event whether inside by their fireplace or an outdoors Michigan ceremony by their English garden. They have a recommended caterer that provides creations ranging from hors d’oeuvre and luncheons to lavish receptions. Just as the Detroit Athletic Club, the Scarab Club also has membership policies. For a taste in something different, contact Christine Renner at her phone number 313.831.1250.

The Infinity and the Ovation

Want an all-inclusive cruise package aboard a private yacht? The Infinity and the Ovation of Infinity Yacht Charters offer services for private affairs such as wedding receptions. Either yacht will take you and your guests on trips throughout Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. The two-level Infinity will accommodate guests up to 150, as the Ovation (a three-level yacht) holds up to 325. Would you like to sail the great lakes in style for your wedding reception? Contact Infinity Yacht Charters offices at phone number 586.778.7030.

The Whitney

Known as the American restaurant in an American palace, the Whitney in Detroit features an award winning menu for catering. With their lavishly impressive atmosphere, your wedding reception will blend in perfectly at the Whitney. They can handle any reception with guest lists exceeding 600 attendants. The Whitney also boasts intricately-carved woodwork and an impressive grand staircase. Since they have multiple dining locations, it is best to contact Suzanne Gormely at her phone number 313.832.5700.

Avoiding the Stress When Planning a Beach Wedding

Planning a wedding is certainly a challenge and many brides are now turning their attention to warmer shores and considering getting married abroad, perhaps on a beach. But how can you be sure that this is the right decision for you? After all, this is your big day so you want to get it right. One of the biggest drawbacks encountered by people trying to plan a wedding abroad is the ability to communicate their needs and requirements effectively. In fact, this will often put people off booking a foreign wedding all together, which is a real shame because there are things you can do to ensure your big day goes to plan, no matter where you are.

Getting married in your home country will usually involve lots of close communication, with everybody from the florist, wedding venue, reception venue and even the minister officiating the ceremony. With a beach wedding overseas much of this communication is lost. In many cases, the bride and groom will not even step food in the wedding and reception venue until the big day itself and you will find that many plans are made last minute. This can be incredibly stressful and can leave many couples feeling that their wedding is not going to be a success.

The Solution?

Info, Info, Info…

Arm yourself with lots of information about the resort, your hotel and the wedding ceremony venue as far in advance as possible. The internet is a great resource for this and many hotels and restaurants will have email addresses that you can use to communicate effectively. Don’t worry about sending multiple emails to your chosen venues; they will usually be more than happy to help you make any plans and arrangements. If you do not get a satisfactory response to your emails then try telephoning. OK, this can be expensive, but you really should not cut corners for this special day. A short phone call is sometimes all it takes to start up a great line of communication with your hotel / venue / restaurant.

Use your Tour Operator

Furthermore, you will more than likely have booked your overseas wedding through a tour operator. In this case you should use the services of their wedding planners to the full. They are on hand, both in your home country and in resort, to help make your day special. You are paying for their services, so it would be foolish not to use them and they will have a specific insight into your chosen destination. They may even reveal a hidden gem of a venue to you that you would never have found simply by searching the internet.

Avoid slipping into Holiday Mode

When arriving in resort, many countries will require you be resident for a number of days before allowing you to marry. Use this time wisely and don’t slip into “holiday mode”. Meet up with your wedding planner on a daily basis, take note of her mobile phone number so you can reach her easily and ask her to show you around the resort so you can get a better idea of the most suitable spots for a photo opportunity or a quick, refreshing drink with your guests. You will need to meet with the florist for your flowers and the baker for your cake, so ensure the planner takes you to both in good time.

Planning any wedding is stressful and planning a wedding in a foreign country can seem like a daunting task. However, the reality is that a wedding abroad, especially one booked through a tour operator, is much less stressful than the big white wedding at home. Just use the resources available to you wisely and everything will run to plan, ensuring you have the day of your dreams.