Wedding Day Timeline

You have worked so hard planning the details of your special day. Now its time to set up a Wedding Day timeline to ensure to the best of your ability that all of your plans are in harmony.

The wedding day timeline is that of the actual wedding day it indicates when important events such as the wedding ceremony, cake cutting, toasts, vendor arrival and end time should happen. A timeline can also be a money saving tool. You do not want to have to come up with extra money for extra hours of service from a vendor, i.e limousine company can charge anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 for extra time.

Below you will find some tips for creating your timeline. If you have been working with a bridal consultant she or he will assist you with this deadline. If have chosen a "Day Of" coordinator, she or he will also be able to assist you with this timeline.


You have already booked your hall and ceremony place, so you have a time in place: start there. Start with the ceremony time and work backwards.
In between you will list all of the events that need to take place prior to this time.



Think about all of the vendors that you expect to meet with prior to the ceremony; Photographers, Florists, Make-up artists. Allot a certain amount of time for each vendor.

*When is your photographer arriving? Will you only take pictures of you and your bridal party? Will you have the photographer take pictures of you and your fiance before the ceremony?
*How much time will the make-up artist need for each bridesmaid and will they be working alone or with someone else? Ask your make-up artist how much time she or he will need for each bridesmaid. Do you need to go to a salon for hair and make-up or will they come to you? In this area I would strongly recommend that you have the artist come to you? If they don't please keep in mind travel time and possible delays.
*Include travel time to ceremony location.

After you get to the ceremony time, you will need to include the length of time for the ceremony. Remember any extra elements like song selections, poetry readings, etc.
Will you be going to another location for pictures? If the ceremony is not at the same location as the reception include travel time.

Reception timeline should include cutting of the cake, bouquet toss, first dance etc.

Make sure every vendor in your wedding receives a copy of your wedding day timeline in advance. Have a list of important contacts for the day, vendors, bridal party include their phone numbers. This list should be given to the Day of Coordinator, Planner or Maid of Honor. Click here for a contact list template.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline based on a 5:30pm

12:00 Bride & bridesmaids arrive at designated location for hair and make up.
12:30 -2:30 Makeup and hair
2:30 Florist Delivers Flowers
2:30 - 3:30 Everyone Gets Dressed
3:30 - 4:30 Photographer takes posed shots
4:00 Limousines arrive at Grooms location
4:30 Limousines arrive at Brides location
4:00 - 5:00 Guests start to arrive/seated
5:30 Ceremony starts
6:00 Bride walks down
6:30 after Wedding Pictures
7:00 Move over to reception hall/Cocktail hour
8:00 Reception
8:15 Bridal party announced
8:20 First Dance
8:30 Dance with Parents, Bridal Party Dance
8:45 Dinner Served
9:45 Bride and Groom walk around and greet guests
9:55 Toast/Cake Cutting
10:15 Dance floor open
10:30
10:50 Dance floor open
11:45 End of reception



Each Wedding Timeline will vary from wedding to wedding. If you have rented a venue that requires you clean up, you should leave an hour at the end of your night for clean up. Cake cutting should be done early in the evening preferably after dinner; this is to accommodate older guests and guests who have to leave early. The cake cutting ceremony signals a time when guests could leave without appearing rude. If you are taking pictures at a separate location you should allot time for traveling.

Remember a timeline will help you stay relaxed and allow you to enjoy your day. Remember if something goes off schedule, it's ok!! Don't allow this to ruin you day.
Be Inspired to set a schedule that will allow you to enjoy your day!!!!!!!!!!!

Wedding Jewelry

You have selected your wedding attire, now selecting your jewelry should be next on your list. The choices you make can enhance your wedding attire, however your choice can all take away from your wedding dress.

While browsing online I came across an exquisite site for wedding jewelry, Anna Bellagio. I was almost compelled to do some in depth research by purchasing a few pieces, all for the greater good. The jewelry was beautiful and the prices were great. Everything highlighted on this page are under $100.00.




These Gwenyth Cubic Zirconia earrings caught my eye right away. So elegant, a great compliment for a sweetheart or v-neck style. For more earrings, click here.









Were you looking for pearls. Check out these unique earrings. The colored studs are available in over thirty colors. For more pearl jewelry, click here.













Do you want a nice bracelet to compliment the beautiful work on you dress? Do you want to enhance a simple gown? Try these bracelets




This pearl and crystal necklace is great accent to your beautiful dress and a way to bring in your wedding colors. This necklace is also available in over thirty colors.



Be Inspired by beautiful jewelry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Outdoor Wedding Venues in NY

Outdoor weddings can be very beautiful and offer a unique experience for you and your guests.


The Queens County Farm Museum


The first venue that I would like to highlight is The Queens County Farm Museum. The Queens County Farm Museum's history dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working historical farm in the City. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. The site includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden.

Your wedding can be held in various parts of the farm: The Barn Complex, The Pavilion, The Orchard and the North Lawn. The Orchard and the North Lawn require rental of a tent, tables and chairs. They have a recommended caterer and rental company to use, however you can use your own caterer and rental company if they can provide the right certificate of Insurance. Click Here for additional details on site rentals. If children will be attending your wedding, a hayride might be a great way to entertain them.

Queens Botanical Garden



Imagine the beautiful backdrop of this floral oasis for your wedding. Tucked away just a couple of blocks from the busy streets of Flushing, Queens, 39 acres of luscious landscape await you and your bridal party. The Wedding Garden has been specially designated for your wedding. The Wedding Garden gracefully blends elements of Eastern and Western garden design. Stone lanterns and pagodas can be seen throughout the one-acre site, while a charming gazebo, footbridge, benches, and sumptuous planters evoke the refined elegance of the Victorian era. The Wedding Garden is perfect for small intimate nuptials. A complete wedding package at the Queens Botanical Garden includes a Wedding Garden ceremony, garden scenery for photography, rehearsal time, cocktail reception on the Terrace, a white reception tent with cathedral sides and specialty up lighting, dance floor, and tables and chairs. For more information, click here.

The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow




A beach wedding in NY is possible at The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow. The serene beachfront offers a unique location for a wedding. The Pavilion is located at the west end of the Boardwalk. You may enjoy your special day dancing on the boardwalk, overlooking the beautiful sunset on Long Island Sound. To get more information or visit this unique site, click here.


Woodbury County Club



The remarkable landscape of this location will be perfect for your outdoor wedding. Hold your ceremony near the fountain-filled reflecting pool, or walk over the bridge as your guests look on and you enter the lakeside gazebo. For more information, click here.

Be Inspired by beautiful outdoor spaces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inspiration Boards

Find some inspirations in these inspiration boards that I created. Create your own at BridalCanvas.com.

Asian Elegance by aleximanievents

Golden Glam by aleximanievents

Signature Drinks

Signature drinks for weddings bring an extra special element to your event. They are a great way to show your personality and uniqueness.

Choosing your Signature Drink

* Consider the theme of your wedding.

You may have chosen an "Old Hollywood Glam" themed wedding or a Beach themed wedding, consider drinks that are reflective of the era or the location.

*What is your favorite liquor?

You could consider having a drink built around one of your favorite Spirits.








* Color of your wedding.

Whether you have chosen red, pink or green. You can chose a drink that uses the color of the wedding. Whether it be in the liquor itself or in the garnishes. Colored sugar or a fruit reflecting the color of your wedding can add a special touch.

When choosing your signature drink, you want to pick a drink that appeals to wide audiences and is not too strong. Have a "mocktail", non-alcoholic version of your signature drink available for your guests that that don't drink.

Signature Drinks can also be a cost saving element to your wedding. Consider serving the cocktails during the cocktail hour. During the reception serve beer and wine only.



You should definitely consider hiring a professional for direction. Specialty wedding cocktails are very popular in weddings today, you caterer might be able to offer this service to you. A "mixologist" is a term given to someone who has studied or is skilled at preparing mixed drinks. Independent and special event ‘mixologists’ are also another good option. You can choose a special cocktail unique to you as a couple or maybe a classic cocktail with a twist.

Click here for a list of the top 5 mixology bars in NY. For a list of top mixologists throughout the United States, click here.

The base of wedding signature drinks is often a classic cocktail like a martini. However, options for signature drinks are unlimited. With the various colored liqueurs available you can create many color specialty drinks. Almost any type of alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) drink can be signature drink, including mojitos, pina colodas, manhattans, margaritas and any other type of cocktail.




As summer approaches, here are some ideas for Summer Signature Drinks, click here.

Be Inspired by a unique drink!!!!!!!!!

In Memoriam-Remembering Loved Ones at Your Wedding Ceremony

There are many ways to remember a loved one and honor them at your wedding. A memorial service, done in a respectful and uplifting manner, can be a special part of your wedding ceremony. Ultimately it is up to you, some couples are afraid that a tribute to deceased loved ones could dampen the happy mood of the wedding day. Others feel that keeping their memory alive will have an uplifting affect. The couple together should decide if remembrance of deceased relatives and friends is appropriate for the their special day.

Here are some ways to remember loved ones:

Memorial Candle Lighting

Lighting memorial candles during the wedding ceremony can be a way to honor the memory of parents, grandparents or other close relatives who have passed away. Memorial candles are lit on behalf of those being remembered during the ceremony.

Photos in Remembrance

Placing photos of those to be honored in a visible place in the ceremony is another way to recognize those who are no longer with you.

 

Wedding Program Remembrance
If you have a wedding program booklet for your ceremony, be sure to use that opportunity to remember deceased relatives and friends. This is one way to honor those people without an actual public memorial ceremony.


Loving Words

A sensitive officiant is one of the best ways to bring loved ones to mind. Have him or her briefly memorialize the people behind your remembrance items.

Food

A more lighthearted approach to honor family members is including a famous cookie or candy recipe with your desserts, a signature appetizer on the menu, or a favorite sweet in a candy buffet. Include a small framed note that explains the connection.


Music

A moving tribute might include dedicating a song at the ceremony.

Clothing

A touching way to remember someone is to wear one of their personal items. It could be your "something old". A grandmother's broach or a pair of grandfathers cufflinks. Brides and Grooms can both memorialize their loved one with this remembrance idea.


Donations

If a loved one was lost to a physical illness. A "donation in lieu of favors" is a great way to remember the person you lost. Donations to charities like the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association. Similarly, a donation to a cause that was dear to your loved one would be great. You could alert your guests of this donation by placing individual cards or a framed table note at the reception.

Find items click below:

Candles



Donation Cards

Memory Candle Holder



Be Inspired by memories!!!!!!!!

Earth Day

In the past I have discussed various Eco-friendly ideas that you could implement on your wedding day. I have been honored to share these articles on Focusorganic.com, a blog about all things eco friendly. Today as they celebrate their 1st Bearthday (spelling is intentional), they are offering some great giveaways.

I took a look at all of their fabulous prizes and came across a company that I fell in love with. I appreciated the uniqueness of their invitation styles and the wonderful colors they have created in an eco-friendly way. They offer eco-friendly invitations and other paper products.

Twisted Limb Paperworks is a carbon-neutral production art studio nestled in the wooded countryside of South Central Indiana. They sustainably create colorful handmade 100% recycled paper using old colored office paper and grocery bags, recycled water, and inclusions of flowers, wildflower seeds, grass from our field and ferns from our woods. They creatively assemble handmade papers into recycled wedding invitations, business promotional items, holiday greeting cards, birth announcements, shower invitations, thank-you notes, programs, guest books, place cards, menus and favors.



Their natural eco-friendly papers and stationery are perfectly designed for a celebration that is gentle on the earth. Their products have been used for green wedding celebrations, commitment ceremonies, anniversaries, births, bat/bar mitzvahs, business events, fundraisers, award dinners, meetings, graduations, memorial/funeral services, and milestone birthdays.



Their mission is to provide friendly, down-to-earth customer service and to create art that is accessible! All of their invitation and stationery designs have do-it-yourself kits and you-assemble options to accommodate both a range of budgets as well as your interest in participating in the creative process. Check out their ideas on creating an eco-friendly wedding, click here.

Be Inspired by earth friendly products and choices!!!!!!!!!!!

Children in your Wedding

For some couples children are a big part of their lives; including them in their nuptials would never be a question. Here are some roles that you could give to those special little ones in your lives:

Flower Girl

It is recommended that a flower girl be between 4 and 8 years old. Although cute, a child younger than 4 may be a small problem. They may love the idea of being in the wedding until the wedding day when they might be nervous or get distracted easily. However, you can make this decision based on the individual child. The flower girl tosses petals on the aisle right before the bride comes down the aisle. You can have as many as you want, although I would not recommend more than 3 or 4.










Ring Bearer

Ring bearers should also be between the ages of 4 and 8 years old. The same age rule would apply for the ring bearer as the flower girl. The Ring Bearer has the responsibility of carrying the rings down the aisle (not recommended that the actual rings be given to Ring Bearer). You may have one Ring Bearer for each ring. The Ring bearer may carry a pillow or a box.






Gift Attendant

Do you know an extremely responsible child that you would like to include in your wedding, this is an excellent role for that child. Appropriate age for a Gift Attendant would be 12 and up. They would be responsible the gift table. They would take gifts from guests and watch the gift table periodically during the receptions. They would also help to carry the gifts to the car after the reception.

Junior Attendant

Also known as Junior Bridesmaids or Groomsmen, this role is reserved for children too old to be flower girls or Ring Bearers. Recommended age would be between 8 and 14, anyone older could be a regular Bridesmaid or Groomsmen. Their responsibilities would only include going to the rehearsal and walking down the aisle on the wedding day. A Junior Usher, would assist in seating guests and distributing programs.

Special Tips

* After running it by their parents, ask the children personally. Ask if they would enjoy being in the wedding so that the experience would be wonderful for them as well.

* Keep the child up to date with wedding plans. You want to feel a part of and sharing could do just that.

* Make sure a child attends the rehearsal. Rehearsals will be more important for children than for adults.

* Remember to pick a special personal gift for each child in your wedding party. This will be a reminder of the important role they played in your special day.

* If possible and appropriate invite children to other pre-wedding festivities.

* Try to seat parents of young children near the front, if they get restless you can have them sit with their parents without an interruption to the ceremony.

* Have an activity bag available for the children at the reception. This will keep them entertained during the ceremony. This would be a good idea for any child attending your wedding.





















Gifts: Click links below

http://foreverwedstore.com/childattendants.html

Jewelry Set

Cinderella Carriage Ring Box

Flowergirl Basket

Silver Brocade Pillow



Flower Girl Dresses

http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/gallery/flowergirl_dresses/editorspick/designer/usangels/detail/173776/

http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/gallery/flowergirl_dresses/vendor/designer/groupusa/detail/169580?offset=4

Spotlight of Thomas Knoell Designs

Thomas Knoell Designs is the only premier headpiece custom design studio on Long Island. They offer a unique service for clients, where brides and their bridal party can meet directly with Tom to create completely custom designs. To see more designs, click here



Today, Thomas Knoell Designs, Inc. is a successful business that is rapidly growing. We have been featured on NBC’s Today Show and News 12 Long Island. Pieces from our collections have regularly appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot Wedding Gowns, Manhattan Bride, Modern Bride and INStyle Weddings. Brides can now find our pieces in stores across the US.





I love to find individuals who are inspired by the things and people around them. This was the case for Thomas as he was inspired by lovely wife to be, when he created his first headpiece, a gift of love to his wife. Thomas Knoell has created a a successful business that is rapidly growing. Love for what he does, what he creates inspires him to continue to create beautiful and unique headpieces for brides today.



They have been featured on NBC’s Today Show and News 12 Long Island. Pieces from their collections have regularly appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot Wedding Gowns, Manhattan Bride, Modern Bride and INStyle Weddings. Brides can now find their pieces in stores across the US. Purchases can only be made through official retailers. For a list of retailers, click here



Think of an inspiring Thomas Knoell Design for you beautiful day!!!!!!!!!!

Wedding Hair Styles

Check out these great wedding hair styles for every bride

 

How to pick your wedding flowers

Wedding flowers are an integral part of your wedding, making the right choices is important to help tie various different elements together. Elements such as your venue, the style of you wedding, your bridesmaids dress and of course your colors. Once you have determined your venue, wedding day colors and formality, you are ready to choose your flowers.



Look through various wedding magazines, books and websites. This will help you to have an idea of what you would like to see at your wedding. Look at wedding magazines, websites and books to get an idea of what type of wedding flowers you like. These resources will have specific flowers and color combinations that may coordinate with your wedding. Armed with a swatch of your bridesmaids dresses and your vision, follow these steps:

Establish your budget

You should go back to your wedding budget and confirm what you have set as your floral budget. Keep in mind that your flower budget covers all flowers for your wedding day from ceremony to reception and everything in between. Flowers usually take about 10% of your wedding budget, so if you have a $20,000 dollar wedding budget the amount for your wedding flowers would be $2000. Be sure to stand firm on your budget when talking to your florists, $100 dollars over your budget may not be a bad thing, however $3000 dollars over is a great deal and will throw you off budget. If you really love flowers and want to spend a little more, to remain within your budget, you might want to spend less on another area of your wedding.



Find your color vision and establish your style

Make sure that before you see a Florist that you know your color scheme. When you meet with florist this is one of the first questions that they will ask. They will not be able to refer you to the right flowers for your day, this might be frustrating for you and the florist. You should have swatches of your girls dresses and your overall color scheme.

The style of your wedding is equally as important. A garden bouquets will probably not work well at a formal evening wedding. The style of your wedding dress is also important as it will determine what bouquet is best for your dress. The florist will want to know how ornate your dress is, whether it's white or cream, if it's classic or contemporary, and other important details. This information is crucial when meeting with a florist.



Consider your wedding location

Think about your wedding location, how many flowers will you need to complete your wedding look? Do you need alot of flowers for your ceremony if you are getting married at a great outdoor venue with wonderful landscaping? Are the walls of your indoor venue covered with a floral pattern? or is it a blank canvas? The answer to these questions will help the florist to draw out a vision for your overall floral decor.

Find a Florist

You need to meet with florists. Like any other vendor it should be someone with whom you connect. This will be important as they will help to execute your vision. Consider the type of person that will work best with you? Always ask to see a portfolio!! A florist may say that they have done it before, but such an important part of the visual aspects of your wedding should not be left unchecked. References from friends that have recently planned a wedding is a good place to start. You can check out a company with the Better Business Bureau where you can find out if anyone has had problems with them in the past. Get everything in writing, make sure the contract details include date of your wedding, delivery place and time, flowers chosen, number of flowers ,colors and of course price. There are a host of various wedding websites that will assist you with finding a wedding florist in your area, some of these sites allow you to sign up to find a florist in your area and within your budget.

Check out these sites:

Justwedding.com
Weddingwire.com
TheKnot.com
WeddingChannel.com


Be Inspired and informed when choosing your flowers!!!!!!!!!!!