Your Table Plan Dilemmas Sorted….by Colour

Having problems seating all those awkward family members and friends at your wedding reception? Who will sit together? Does the table have the right balance? Questions that anyone who has ever organised a wedding will no doubt have asked.

Fear not, the answer may have been staring you in the face. I’m talking colours of course, and to help, try using this great colour planner. Simply fit each of your guests into one of the colour categories to create harmony on your most special of days.

White – Guests in this category are optimistic with pure intentions. This is why white is such a popular wedding dress colour as it symbolises everything which is good whilst bringing people together. White is really an amalgamation of the entire spectrum of colours and is at the centre of any colour chart, therefore you should use white category guests as people who will bring a table together.

Ivory – Is symbolic of intelligence and seclusion (as in Ivory Towers). Ivory Guests should be seated at tables where they can go about their intellectual pursuits in seclusion without bothering less high-brow guests. This maybe at first seem difficult, after all it is the most social of gatherings. On reflection try placing them close to white category guests who will help to draw them out a little.

Red – Guests who are strong willed and even a little courageous could well have red personalities. Two unrelated reds seated in close proximity is never a good idea as a clash of wills could almost certainly ensue. For a contrasting table put them with green guests or for a more complimentary table lilac or orange guests would be a great combination.

Lilac – Is symbolic of being spiritually balanced. Ideally your guest will be contented with himself and his immediate surroundings and because lilac also symbolises new love your guest will also be enjoying a blossoming relationship so a partner will need to be close by. Compliment lilac guests by placing them with green guests.

Green – Symbolises a generous and practical person, realistically these guests are hard to find so use them sparingly. Generous guests are always appreciated but with a practical side you may find they have the confidence to head the table. Greens compliment orange guests and you could mix with a couple of red guests for a little added spice.

Orange – Any guests falling into the orange category (which is symbolised by a joyful and sociable manner) should be placed on tables where there may be concern over an adequate flow of conversation. Your orange guest will be able to raise a laugh around the table. Any red guests in close proximity will provide a joyous and raucous atmosphere.

Pink – Is a colour which symbolises positive energy, love, compassion and friendship. Pink guests are very good at mediation and provide a great balance between red and green guests.

Black – ‘The Protector’ will make sure guests on other tables don’t make any attempt to steal wine, wedding favours or other treats from their table! A pink guest on this table may help calm things down.

Gold – Has always been a symbol of strength, and this strength derives from power, wealth and a vibrant personality. Any guest who falls into this category will be successful with a big personality. Be careful when placing these people next to white category or pink guests as they just don’t go!

Silver – Guests who have both a spiritual and a healing personality need only apply! Silver category guest can be wise, calming and talismanic - just make sure all the guests on the same table are ready to hear these words of wisdom.

Whatever you decide try having a look at our range of colours available for Wedding Favours at www.goweddingfavours.co.uk

Source: www.goweddingfavours.co.uk

Louise Jarman is the proprietor of Go Wedding Favours and specialises in providing unique and unusual wedding favours, whatever your theme and colour scheme.

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Choosing the right Wedding Photographer

Have you ever been asked to take photos for a friend or families wedding? Some consider pressing a few buttons on their camera easy, then after a little research it slowly dawns the task ahead -, how do I organise 30 family members? How do I get the best angle? What’s an f stop? What if I miss a picture?
Wedding photography is not such a casual affair after all, nor for the faint hearted. Sure anyone can attempt to take the pictures, but would let just anyone with a spanner fix your car brakes? Anybody with a wooden spoon make the wedding cake? somebody with some scissors cut your hair? Someone with a knife remove your spleen? No Siree! For myself, wedding photography is a serious full time job, having to be calm and collected at all times & especially in appearance to put people at ease. Having been in the business 10 years, I would like to offer a little advice, Asking the right questions to is extremely important. If I were hiring a wedding photographer, these are the questions I would definitely ask.


1 Are you the actual photographer who will be photographing my wedding?

2 Are you a member of a professional photographer association?

3 May I see all photos from an entire wedding, not just the best photos picked & chosen from many different weddings.

4 What type and how much assistance will they provide in planning your album?

5 Have they any commendations from happy couples?


The reason for these questions are so
many companies have sprung up with expensive marketing campaigns & slick sales techniques, in reality a newbie photographer will turn up who is paid peanuts, inexperienced and isn’t really bothered in getting the best shots. Sadly the couples do not always feel good with a stranger photographer.That is why at www.cjphotographic.com all work is carried out by myself ( qualified SWPP & LMPAA) after consulting with the couple, and in turn I am successful due my personal services, quality of imagery and recommendations from satisfied couples.

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A Sacred Wedding Ceremony--Outdoors!

Amidst the sweet smell of the pines and firs, the very special energy of Mt. Shasta brings a blessing to all who honor this power spot in the far northern portion of California.

Are you thinking of getting married? Or know someone who is? The unusual variety of select places that abound around the meadows, forests -- yes, even in the snow on the mountain itself makes McCloud, Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta City, and Weed the very best place. An example was a wedding on the upper snowy slopes on New Year’s Day, with bright blue sky, the bride and groom, two witnesses, the Reverend, and a boom box playing Pacabel Cannon.

In choosing the sacred ceremony, the bride and groom may add or subtract verses of choice. Both meet with me for about an hour sometime before the wedding day. A profound experience is usually felt by participants who can honestly tell each other truths about their relationship.

There are many beautiful spots to choose from. Mt. Shasta Resort is a favorite, for both outdoor and indoor weddings. Here is one of the best views of the mountain for your background. Often our Bed & Breakfasts are set up for weddings. Then there are lakes (I've done a ceremony on a raft on Castle Lake) and, of course, the mountain itself has infinite nooks, hideaways, brooks and meadows.

If there is one or more children who will join with a new parent coming into the family, A Joining Ceremony is held for all, before the wedding itself, thus giving the newcomers a welcoming that perhaps could save hours of family therapy later.

The fee for all this? Whatever gratuity you choose, knowing that you are investing in your marriage…it all comes back to you! Delight in the splendor of Mt. Shasta, as well as in the many exciting adventures you will share together; not as one, but as the pillars of a temple stand apart, supporting the roof together, so shall you.

reveleanor@AwakePath.com
http://www.AwakePath.com/page/1076538
Spiritual Counseling Center,
eBooks, videos, & weddings

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Buying a Wedding Dress

For every season, for every motif, for every person and for every color symbolism, there will always be the right wedding dress. Choosing what to wear in your wedding is as critical as choosing the the man you will be spending your sunset days with.

There’s a multitude of wedding dress styles to choose from – in some countries that have veered away from much of wedding rituals and traditions, dress styles number in the thousands. With this dizzying array, how do you choose yours? How do you make sure that your dress will be a reflection of the real YOU, not the fashion model on the glossy cover of magazines that grace bridal boutiques and corner stalls in the metropolis?

Buying a Wedding Dress: Style
The style of your wedding dress will depend on about four factors. There may be more but these are the most common ones we can think of:

• Type of wedding
• Your personality
• Your budget
• Your culture and that of your future husband

If you write down your thoughts about these four factors including any other detail you can think of, you’d have a good starting point for discussions with the boutique consultant. By rattling off your preferences, she can already come up with a short list and show you the styles immediately. This will save you time from browsing through voluminous catalogues and the sometimes crowded store racks.

Type of wedding: are you going to be married in a church and will the reception be inside a hall, OR are you going to be married in the beach, garden or in some enchanted island where guests will be free to roam around and then gather in an outdoor tent to offer their best wishes and congratulations?

An outdoor wedding would narrow your choices. You will certainly want to consider not wearing a gown that would require you to wear high heels, unless you want to leave permanent marks on that beautifully manicured lawn. Wear a gown that looks right with a pair of sensible but stylish flats to keep you from boring holes on the ground. For practical reasons, you may want to seriously not wear a long, down to the ankles type of dress. This will spare you from having to deal with a muddy hem. Make sure the hem is heavy enough not to fly up at the first sign of a sudden gust of wind.

For the same reasons, a train is not ideal for an outdoor wedding. You will likely find it covered in mud and grass stains by the end of the reception. If your dress comes with a veil, keep it weighted to keep it from blowing around too much, unless again you’d want your groom and pastor to chew on the lace by the end of the service, or risk the veil pin landing on someone’s cake.

Your personality: “tell me what you wear to your wedding and I’ll tell you what kind of person you are” may ring true, but remember that you need not be forced into wearing anything because it’s tradition or your rich mother-in-law has done the cherry picking in some designer’s rack. Your dress is you, inside and outside. Let it bring out the message on this special day.

Also, you’ll have to take your body type into account. If you have a good figure, show it off within the limits of decency, of course, especially if you’re getting married in church. Not that the pastor’s opinion should carry weight in the choice of your dress, but it is his church nevertheless, so be respectful of the place where your marriage will be solemnized.

A sleeve dress (one that clings to your body from neck to ankle) looks best on someone with a slim figure and curves to show off. If you’ve always been proud of your hips, look for a dress that flairs out a bit at the waist. If you want an overall slimming effect, do not invest in fluffed up sleeves and huge skirts, or you will look bigger than you really are. A skirt with lots of fabric so that it drapes and folds would be ideal. Do not add puff to the lower portion by adding a hoop or other fabric.

Your budget: who says you need a designer dress? One does get “suffocated” by the usual styles out there. You could spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress that will end up in an attic somewhere, only to be looked at when nostalgia strikes. Many brides think of their future daughters when they buy their wedding dress, but remember that your daughter could end up saying, “how could you wear a thing like that to your wedding, mum?”

If you have other wedding expenses and don’t want your wedding dress to take up the lion’s share, you can ask a sister or close friend to help you design a wedding dress. We know of a few friends who asked a private seamstress to do their dress, and they charge considerably less than boutiques and designer outlets.

Culture: The factor of culture plays a dominant role in weddings and when one wears a wedding dress that is typical of one’s culture, then the conversation gets livelier. For example, if you’ve been to a Scottish wedding, you’ll know that tartans and Highland kilts will be the dominant features of the wedding attire. Tartans are colorful fabrics that are also known as plaid. Scottish people also put accents to make the dress more attractive – like a Celtic knot that stands out.

Or you’ve seen the traditional Chinese attire. Brides will usually wear a red Chinese dress because red symbolizes love. If you’ve been to a Greek wedding, you’ll notice that both bride and groom wear flowers on their head instead of a veil.

Buying a Wedding Dress - Color
The color white, traditional for wedding dresses, was originally used to signify the bride’s virginity to the gathered witnesses. This virginity was likewise attested to by the hanging of a blood-soaked sheet the next morning. Though the custom of the bridal sheet has died, the customary bridal color still seems to be alive and well for the most part. Widows or divorcees might choose an ivory color to keep from claiming the white, but if tradition prevails, brides stick with what is expected in this sense.

The color white is not mandatory though. A differently colored dress would make a wonderful splash on your wedding day. The color red, for example, means joy, love, and fertility and is traditional for brides in China. No rules exist saying brides cannot wear purple or sage; indeed, an outdoor wedding might look even lovelier with a deviation from strict tradition. Always check with your pastor to see if you and your entourage can wear different colors, and ask him which colors are strictly forbidden.

Buying a Wedding Dress - Stories for You
If you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed by wedding preparations and agonizing over your wedding dress, you may want to take a break, sit and lounge on your favorite armchair, and curl up with a good book. We’d like to suggest My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter and Tulle published last month (January 2007) by Random House (ISBN: 978-0-676-97846-9; 0-676-97846-0). It’s an anthology of thoughtful essays that cover the full range of bridal sentiments, before and after the wedding. One of the contributors said that “the most important thing about the dress was that it wasn’t white, it wasn’t long and it had not a whisper of tradition clinging to it.”

There are about 26 essays from different women who talked about their wedding dresses and some of them, already divorced, described how their dress “felt all wrong” or “didn’t fit” or “it just wasn’t me.”

By taking time off from wedding preparations, you can re-charge yourself by reading about weddings. Wedding stories never fail to bring a warm glow to heart or trigger your love for laughter. For example, we looked for a story about wedding dresses and we found a funny one online from the Canadian Press (May 2005). It tells the story about a couple, Christopher Cummings and Charity O’Brien, both from Missouri, who got married on the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. The title of the news story caught our attention: Weddings on Ice. Exchanging Vows on Alaskan Glaciers.

Guess what the bride wore to her glacier wedding?

The usual, white traditional – complete with sequins. But what else did she wear with it? We’ve chosen this paragraph and want to share it with you:

“The bride wore a curvy, strapless white satin gown sprinkled with sequins. She also had on tights, sweat pants, rain pants and a pair of hefty hiking boots fitted with spikes.”

“The groom was charmed. ‘That's the way she is…’ ‘although the dress was a surprise.’

Don’t forget. YOU get to choose, not anyone else. It’s personal, it’s special, and it’s an occasion that may happen only once in your life.

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Planning Las Vegas Weddings From out of Town

Couples soon to be married in Las Vegas often have hesitations if they are coming from another town, particularly if they are bringing their bridal party with them. What is the bride's duties? What are the bridesmaids assignments? And how can the wedlock party do their duties from another area? Here are the duties of many and various members of the bridal party to help answer a sprinkling of those hesitations.

Las Vegas Weddings - The Woman Celebrated - The Bride
The bride decides the them of her wedding as well as the colors. The bride is the most beautiful woman in the room. Every woman is unique and so her bridal decisions should also be unique. She must decide whether to have her hair up or down, and who her stylist will be. It is recommended to have a stylist do a practice hair-do at least two days before the wedding.

Las Vegas Weddings - Jobs of the Groom
While grooms don't usually have as many decisions to make as the bride, they can be just as stressed. The groom is often times in charge of the honeymoon location. Grooms plan where the honeymoon will be as well as how long it will be. The groom is usually second in command as far as decision making goes. The groom must decide if Las Vegas is to be the honeymoon place since the bride and groom are already getting married there.

Las Vegas Weddings - How to Choose the Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids usually plan the bridal shower among other functions for the bride. Bridesmaids are traditionally the right arm of the bride. The principal bridesmaid is called the maid of honor (or matron of honor if she is married). The bridesmaids jobs are more than almost anyone in the bridal party save it be the bride.

Las Vegas Weddings - Who Should be the Best Man?
In the US, the groomsmen assist the best man with many functions. The Bride The Bride The Center of Attention - The Bride

Communication is particularly important for out of the area Las Vegas weddings because it can make or break a wedding. In reality, communication is probably the most important part of the wedding for out-of-towners. In town weddings have a high enough risk for disaster, so out-of-area weddings need to be planned particularly carefully.

Here are several planning ideas to help get the juices flowing:

In medieval times, each guest at a wedding was supposed to bring a small cake, the cakes would be stacked on the table in levels and layers (If the couple who are engaged were able to kiss over the top of the stack it was considered I wish you good fortune). This is a great favor because it’s something guests can continue to use long after your reception and because you can choose from a wide variety of colors and scents. Good communication, written agreements, and a thorough interview and selection process will help you avoid problems and help you stay on track so that everything runs smoothly.


Planning Las Vegas weddings from out of town can be difficult. Finding unique wedding invitations shouldn't be. Go to http://www.vegaswedlockinvitations.com for Las Vegas wedding invitations.

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The Secret Tool for Editing the Perfect Wedding Vidoe

f your wedding video consists only of raw footage shot by friends and relatives because your budget had no room for professional videography services, don't despair. You can still have a beautifully edited video by doing it yourself or hiring a video editor.

In either case you can save substantial time and money by first organizing the footage yourself with the help of a secret tool called "logging." Logging is a process whereby you review/playback the footage and write down or “log” the starting and stopping times, per the time code, of your preferred shots.

You can make your own log sheets simply by taking blank pieces of paper (8 1/2 x 11) and drawing grids containing rows and columns. At the top of the page you can have rows and columns in which you insert basic information about the program you are editing.

For example, you will want rows for the name of the wedding, the date, the name of the cameraperson, and the videotape cassette number. This is important if the footage comes from more than one camera that used more than one tape. This way you will know who shot the footage and which videotape cassette your are logging. Don't forget to have a place where you can number your log sheets (e.g. Page ___ of ___). This helps to keep you from getting lost when you have multiple log sheets/pages.

Now add about twenty-five rows, divided into four columns. Head the columns as follows: "Action" "Start" "Stop" "Comments".

As you play back the tapes, write down the specific action you are viewing (e.g., "entrance of first bridesmaid," or "mother of bride being escorted to seat," etc.) Write down the time code when the action starts and then write down the time code when the action stops.

Most newer digital cameras place an automatic time code on your footage. (The time code isn't really “on” your footage, but is a part of the playback display.)

However, if you're using VHS or another analog format, before viewing the footage, be sure to reset the video player's counter to 00:00:00 for each tape before you begin logging.

You will also rate or "comment" on each one of your log entries according to its suitability (e.g., “don't use,” “must use,” “so-so,” “really bad”), or any other notes that you wish to remember about a particular shot.

Once the logging is complete, and you have selected all the shots you want to use, you will have a blueprint for editing the video. This “blueprint” will have the added benefit of substantially reducing the time you or an editor spends in the editing suite. Since most professional editors charge by the hour, this can result in significant cost savings.

Video editing is the process of building a video program, shot by shot, by electronically cutting and splicing the raw footage, in order to tell a story in the most seamless, compelling and entertaining way. Editing allows you to keep the good and dump the bad, thereby creating a finished product that is more than the sum of its parts.

Picture the footage as a very long chain. The footage, like a chain, is made up of individual shots or “links”. You select and assemble the shots or "links" together to tell your story.

Video editing is a very creative and exhilarating process. However, you might want to resist the temptation to channel Steven Spielberg, by getting carried away with effects like too much slow motion, or using every wipe and dissolve in you editing program's arsenal. Remember... this is about the bride and groom and not about you and your burgeoning editing talents.

Whether you decide to edit the footage yourself or hire a professional editor, using the secret tool, "logging" will put you well on your way toward having a beautifully edited wedding video that you will treasure forever.


Olivia Romero is an independent video producer with over 15 years experience writing, producing, directing and editing. Olivia and her partner, Tony Jones, teach couples how to save money by producing their own professional-looking wedding video. It's easy and fun! To learn more, visit Wedding Video Secrets.

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The Wedding Seating Plan

Do I need a Seating Plan?
If you have a small, informal reception, you may not feel you need a plan. However for larger numbers, or a sit down meal, both you and your guests may benefit from a seating plan. Guests are saved from a mad panic of trying to find a seat on a table with their friends/family and you can place people where they’ll be happiest! The wedding meal may last for 2-3 hours and is a significant part of the day. If your guests are sitting with people they get along with, it will make a big difference to their overall enjoyment of the day.

There are a number of options for the seating plan:
• No plan at all – best for stand up buffets or small and informal events.
• Assign guests to tables – you allocate guests to tables but the choice of seat is theirs.
• Assign guests to seats – you specify the seats at which each guest will sit.

If you remember only one thing…
Do what you think would make you and your guests most comfortable.

The Top Table Dilemma
While the traditional top table (Bride and Groom seated at a long table flanked by the wedding party) is still favoured by most, alternatives are often being introduced as family structures get more complicated. The traditional layout is as follows:



There are alternative arrangements – these are useful when parents have split up and are possibly with a new partner. Alternatively, you may want to avoid the top table altogether and have a romantic table for two, or sit with other friends/family.

Top Tips for Other Tables
1. Seating tables with just one family group will let them relax, but won’t do much to encourage mingling. However, a table where no one knows anyone else might be a bit daunting for most people! Try and arrange a mix on each table – so everyone knows a few people. By thinking about guest’s ages and interests you can make sure that each table is likely to get on and have fun!

2. Where to sit singles can also create a dilemma. On one hand you might want to try out a little matchmaking, but on the other, this could be rather uncomfortable and awkward for your guests (it might be very obvious too!). Certainly avoid a ‘singles’ table but generally do whatever you feel is best for your guests.

3. If you are using round tables, the general etiquette is to seat males and females alternately around the table. If you are using long tables, seat couples opposite one another and then alternate male/females along the table.

4. The tables closest to the Bride and Groom should be reserved for the closest friends and family.

5. Give each table a name or number. Table names could be themed - for example people, objects or places that are relevant to you as a couple. Names also remove the perceived hierarchy of tables. You should create a name card for each table (your venue may do this for you) so that guests can easily find their table.

6. If you are assigning guests to specific seats you should create name place cards. These could also show menu choices (if you are offering them) or indicate vegetarians. The waiting staff will really appreciate this and it will allow them to give a more seamless service. You should also give a paper copy of your plan to the venue so that they can see where people are seated.

Creating the Plan
Start arranging your seating plan early. You can start doing this before all your RSVPs have come in as most of your close friends and family will probably be definitely attending, even if they haven’t formally replied yet.

To begin creating your plan, get a general idea from your venue how tables will be arranged in the room, determine whether you’ll be using round or long tables or a mixture of both, and work out how many people you can sit at each table.

Arranging the plan can take a long time and might involve numerous revisions. Many people cut up pieces of paper for each guest and table and use these to try out different layouts. Thankfully, over the last few years software (web-based, for download or even Excel spreadsheets) has become available to make the task simpler. It can save you not only hours of your time but also reduce the stress in the lead up to the big day by simplifying last minute changes.

Article written by Adam Leyton of toptableplanner.com, an online table planning tool for weddings, parties and events.

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