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Avoid Wedding Rip-Offs
Book As Far In Advance As Possible
Most facilities, vendors, and planners can be booked more than a year in advance. If possible, take advantage of this window of opportunity. Should something go wrong, it will provide you with more time to make alternate arrangements. Also, be aware that some vendors will actually charge you more if you order or book things at the last minute.
Shop Around and Deal With Trustworthy People
Before booking anything you should shop around and get an idea of current prices for each category of your wedding. Don’t just hire the first vendor you meet with. Ask around with family, friends, co-workers, etc. and get their recommendations about services they may have used.
Get Everything in Writing
It would seem obvious to do this, but a lot of couples tend to go on “faith” of what a vendor says, then are shocked with the vendor doesn’t follow through. Get everything, down to the smallest detail, in writing and be sure both you and the vendor agree on all points before signing any contract. Include exact descriptions, such as if you are ordering flowers: how may bouquets, the exact type and colour of the flowers, etc.
Regarding Photographers and DJ’s
When booking these services with a company, often you may wish to have a particular photographer/videographer and DJ for your wedding because you have seen their work or heard their play style and really like it. Make sure this is detailed on the contract with the person’s name. Again, also include the clause that if that particular person is substituted, you will not pay for the service and will receive a refund on all deposits. Don’t pay the full fee for a last minute substitute (unless you were thoroughly happy with their service).
Going back in time: Plan a Renaissance Period Wedding
Creating the scene
The first thing that helps a renaissance themed wedding is the actual setting. If there is an older church that you can agree upon, it’s best to start there. The renaissance was a time where people were closer to nature, so incorporating something outdoors might be nice.You could decorate the area with a lot of simple bunches of flowers. Think of the times as simpler and you’re sure to find even more ideas. Ribbons were popular decorations . Tie to pews or to chairs – but use fabric ribbon not florist ribbon. Your wedding party attire will also make an impression. The bride may want to wear something long and flowing with bell sleeves and an intricate bodice. Anything that looks like a corset is perfect, though they’re much more comfortable now.
(This dress is from www.katrinamariedesigns.com).
The groom is a little trickier as many men don’t want to wear leggings or tights! However a luxurious coat with a thick brocade pattern might be the perfect way to show his dedication to the theme. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can have different colored versions of the outfits.
You might also want to ask your guests to come in similar attire. Just be sure to give details of costume hire shops that you have checked out on the invitation. A renaissance love poem will help set the theme on your invitation which could be sealed with wax and your new monogram.
All in the details
The ceremony can have a more nature-oriented theme as well. This can include lighting plenty of candles, and attach sprigs of lavender or some other fragrant herb in the napkin ring. Have traditional Celtic or medieval musicians play for the reception.
Add a feast of roasted pig or lamb and plenty of wine or mead served in pewter goblets and you’re well on your way to a renaissance themed wedding.
Themed weddings are all about the details. Do some research and find some that work for you.
Snow Castle
The Wedding Planner Advises: In the Finnish town of Kemi a snow castle is built every year in the centre of the town. This is a wonderful setting for your winter wonderland wedding as there are plenty of accommodation choices and activities in the town to cater for your accompanying guests. Wedding packages for the snow castle start at about €250 per couple.
Further north, amidst beautiful Finnish Lapland scenery lies the Kakslauttanen Hotel. The hotel offers accommodation in genuine log cabins or if you wish, opt for a night in the Igloo Village, which has 17 igloos built of ice and snow, an ice suite for the wedding night and five unique igloos built of heated thermal glass. The glass igloos are a lot more cosy than their snow sculptured brothers and are wonderfully romantic, as you can watch the natural spectacular of the northern lights above you while lying in bed. For your ceremony there is an ice chapel decorated with ice sculptures or you can choose to get married in the romantic wooden chapel located close to the hotel. You can arrive in a sleigh pulled by reindeers or huskies, or if you really want to get to the church on time how about a snow mobile? Wedding packages here start from €950.
In any of these locations you and your guests can try all sorts of winter activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, sliding, and skating.
