Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Secrets to Writing and Delivering Wedding Vows

I recently went a wedding where the bride and groom wrote their wedding vows together and read them aloud. It was so touching and beautiful that my own husband even teared up! That never happens. This got me to thinking about they keys to good wedding vows. Here's what I've come up with:

1. Read all or part your vows instead of repeating them. This will keep you from imitating the intonation of the officiant. This will truly make a big impact on your audience.

2. Speak up so the back row can hear you.

3. Don't write anything disparaging, too personal or that is an "inside joke" because you do have an audience.

4. Print your vows on thick construction paper that fits with your color scheme. Give your coordinator or a trusty friend the extra copies in case anything happens to the originals. Give another copy to your officiant, so they can follow along and know when you're going to finish.

5. Keep it short, most people's minds wander after one minute.

6. And try your best not to cry! This can turn into blubbering and honestly, no one wants to hear that. If you feel your voice crack or know the tears are coming, pause and regain your composure, no one will mind waiting a bit!

Do you have anything else to add? Have a different opinion? Let us know. And email me for a copy of vows that my friends used!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Wedding Wow: Photo Booth

It seems that there are no new wedding ideas. That may be seeing as people get married under water and even while skydiving these days. BUT I saw an idea at a wedding recently that I love so much...renting a photo booth.

My husband and I had sooo much fun taking the pictures and afterward we had a cute keepsake and so did the bride and groom. Meanwhile the photo booth attendant was compiling the pictures into an album as they were taken and we got to add the caption - so smart!

Booth Nation is one company that hires out photo booths for weddings and parties. What a great way to get people together making memories, whether it be six people crammed into the booth making faces and laughing or a special moment with the newlyweds.

I think this is an excellent way to get unusual shots of your guests and add a bit of extra entertainment to the wedding reception. However, beware of the late night shots - they can get pretty scandalous. Then again, that might be the stuff you'll want to remember later anyway;)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Love It!


These are a few of my favorite things:

Martha Stewart Wedding whatnots at Wal-Mart

Sephora - the thing I love about it the most is that their friendly staff does NOT work on commission. They are all about great customer service. You can go to Sephora and ask one of the women to help you find a look that is right for your wedding day (or any day or occasion). They will make you up and let you try anything and everything….for FREE and NO pressure to buy!!!

Lucky Paperie - this paper boutique and custom design studio offers letterpress invitations, greeting cards, stationery and gifts. Oh my!

Bellini's – These make elegant cocktails to pass arounds at your wedding reception. Umm umm umm.

GreenKarat.com – ecologically responsible jewelry that is as conscientious as you are. And you can recycle your old jewelry and put that money towards your purchase. Hey, in this economy, every little bit helps!

What are your wedding loves?