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Flowers & Decorations
Simple bunches of mums and dahlias are ideal for cool-weather centerpieces. Add eye-catchers like a coil of bittersweet berrieswrapped around a hurricane lamp or a glazed urn of maple-leaf branches.
Just because you're having a winter wedding doesn't mean you needto sacrifice beautiful flower arrangements. A pure white canvas can bethe perfect backdrop for bright pops of color, making a big impact withfewer pieces. Or a streamlined white-on-white or monochromatic effectcreates a stunning modern twist. You also don't have to fret, the chill inthe air doesn't mean your wallet has to feel the deep-freeze! Here aresome seasonal options for any budget:
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Affordable: santini mums, roses and ginestras
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Mid-range: narcissus, bouvardias, and cybidium orchids
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Splurge: amaryllis, ranunculus and sweet peas
Fruits and veggies—front and center! Centerpieces plucked from afarm stand are replacing floral fantasies.
Give your wedding a charming custom touch by incorporating your favorite lines from books, poems or songs into the ceremony or reception decor. You can easily print them on glass, fabrics, favors andmore!
Move beyond monograms and create a decorative logo to "brand" your wedding. Designs can be based on your initials, but can alsoincorporate your hobbies and interests. Use your personalized logo onsave-the-dates, invitations, napkins, table decor and more.
After the ceremony and photos, the bridal party’s bouquets often getplunked down and forgotten. Grouped on a side table in vasespersonalized with charming name tags, they’re showcased for all toenjoy.
Centerpieces do not have to be identical. Go traditional with sometable displays, and decorate others with unconventional arrangements.
To prevent wedding day drama, check to make sure that no one in your bridal party is allergic to the blooms you’re putting in bouquets.
Create an impact on a budget with one showstopping floral piece, likea flowering chandelier, then top your tables with a forest of candles.
Spruce up your centerpiece by adding lots of votive candles—they'reaffordable and give a table instant glamour, bathing everyone in aflattering light.
Use a long runner (on a banquet table) or a tray (on a round table) as aplatform for your flowers and candles—it adds a block of color anddefines the space.
 
If you don't think you'll have time to create all the bouquets andcenterpieces you'll need for your wedding on your own, ask for help.Your groom and mom (and his) as well as your bridesmaids should allbe on your short list of people to call when you need wedding-planninghelp.
No matter where you wed, first impressions are essential. Apersonalized entryway will make your site more welcoming and helpguests feel at home almost immediately. If you're having an outdoor wedding, hang leis of orchids or sun-catching glass ornaments on thesurrounding trees. For a ballroom, have your florist create an escortcard table arrangement with plenty of height so it's the first thing guestssee. A rustic affair calls for tons of lanterns lining the pathways.Jewelry
To make sure your engagement ring is at its sparkliest for your big day,clean it with a mixture of six parts water and one part ammonia. Use asoft-bristle brush to make it really shine.
A dusting of baby powder on your finger before the ceremony willensure that your ring slides on smoothly.
Don't go overboard on your wedding day jewelry. If you are wearing astatement necklace, don't wear large earrings as well. Making onepiece the focal point of your look creates a subtle, sophisticated effect.Dresses
Even if you think you prefer a certain gown style, stay open-mindedwhile on your search—you might find something you love that younever expected!
Line up something for posterity. Some designers will offer a signedfashion illustration of your dress.
Don’t be afraid to venture away from a crisp white gown. Instead,consider dresses in shades of lemon, ivory or oyster if they better fityour skin tone.
If you’re struggling to select a gown style, then think about whichinterior design movement is most striking to you. Is it graphic modern?English countryside? Eclectic and relaxed? This is likely the look youwill be most comfortable and happiest in on the wedding day.
You'll never know which wedding dress style will look right on you untilyou try them on, so keep an open mind when you're dress shopping.Don't be afraid to try on a silhouette that you didn't imagine yourself in.Many brides envision themselves in ball gowns and end up purchasinga sexy mermaid-shaped wedding gown. And vice versa.Music
Andy Kushner, an outside-the-box bandleader based near Washington,D.C., suggests that brides should ask their band or DJ to allow nobreak between tunes because people walk away as songs end
 
Surprise your parents and new in-laws by playing their first-dancesongs after your own first dance. Announce the songs and their significance, and invite everyone up for a spin.
Spice up a processional or recessional with some fun tunes—theultimate personalization! Fun processionals we're hearing: "The LonelyGoatherd" for the flower girl, "California Girls" for the maids, "ThereShe Goes" for the bride herself.
If the dance floor is packed come toast time, ask your band or DJ to letthe music play longer and delay raising your glasses until there’sdowntime.
If you’re having instrumentalists perform at your cocktail hour, consider having them switch from classical to contemporary sheet music. You’llgive your guests a treat and get them ready to for the receptionfestivities when the musicians change from Bach to the Beatles.Food & Drinks
To warm up guests' bellies at your chilly winter wedding, serve soup inshot glasses as hors d'oeuvres. It's unique and mess-free!
Ethnic street eats prepped with gourmet ingredients are the coolestnibbles, like mini sliced steak burritos with chimichurri sauce.
Chef Laurent Saillard and co-owner Catherine Saillard of iCi, a Frenchbistro in Brooklyn, says that if you are setting up a relaxed party at arestaurant that is known for family-style pastas, don’t ask the chef for something radically different, like coq au vin. Stick with its strengths.
After a night of dancing, many guests will appreciate a late-night bite.Offer mini hamburgers and grilled-cheese sandwiches or milkshakes intiny milk jugs served with brownies. Your hungry guests will surelythank you.
For your reception, choose dishes made with seasonal, locally growningredients—you’ll support sustainable agriculture and get the freshestfood.
Have desserts butlered—passed by waiters—and guests never haveto leave the dance floor to indulge.
Looking to minimize your bar bill? Providing only beer, wine, soda anda signature drink can cut your bill in half, says Los Angeles planner Mindy Weiss. You also can choose off-brand liquors and house winesinstead of premium brands. Most guests won’t notice.
Buffets, once thought of as merely a budget-friendly option for weddings, have come into vogue. Include some traditional elements(perhaps salad, filet, vegetable, starch) and some fun food too (like agumbo buffet for a groom from New Orleans and a crepe table for abride who spent time in France).Honeymoons
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