As I am planning my own wedding, I am watching many videos on wedding planning and advice. I am trying to research everything from floral arrangements to wedding etiquette to wedding gowns to saving money (which is a big one for me and countless brides-to-be) to the first dance song selection. I’ve been asking other married couples what they did their big day just to get idea. One thing I’ve found to peak my interest is being unique. I have always been the type to look for something unique and diverse with anything and I plan on doing the same with my own wedding. I am going to list some of my favorite tips and hopefully this will help with other brides looking for something new and exciting.
For more traditional weddings, the bridal party and the bride will come down the aisle to The Bridal March or Ava Maria but brides do not necessarily need to use those particular selections. I joked with my groom-to-be and suggested that I walk down with my father to Who is that Lady? by the Isley brothers. Even though I was joking, I found that other brides are grasping onto that idea. I met Miranda Black on TheKnot.com website while adding information about my future day. She stated that she was going to play the Bridal March but with a twist. She is going to have a reggae version complied by a local group in her hometown. Her future husband is originally from the Caribbean and she thought that would be a great way to incorporate his culture into their wedding. Another bride, Janie claims that she is the biggest Mariah Carey fan. She plans walking down the aisle to Always be my Baby. When I asked her their song choice for their first dance, she said they are going to have a mix of Carey’s songs. That is also another unique add to her big day. Because there is such a large selection of music out there, the bride and groom can represent themselves and their personalities without spending a lot of money.
A big chunk of the bride and groom’s budget goes to the venue of the ceremony and the reception. Finding a place to praise and showcase your love for your spouse-to-be is important. It should embody you and your personal style but also reasonable in price. Instead of the typical church (if you’re not that religious) and banquet hall, why not think outside the box? During my wedding planning, we have thrown around different types of ideas such as museums and the church camp that he volunteers. You too can think of places that are significant to you and your guy. Tamia Collins of Indianapolis got married at Butler University, the school where she met her husband. A friend of mine, Marcus Banks, met his wife while working with her at their local grocery store. He not only proposed there but they got married there six months later. They said their I Dos in the fruit and vegetable area which also added to their décor. Don’t be afraid to ask the owner of your favorite facility and see if they will accommodate to having your wedding there. You never know. They might say yes.
Do you like strap-less gowns or do you favor the sleeves? Should you wear white or ivory? Are you going to have a long veil, a shoulder-length veil or would you prefer not to have a head piece? After watching some many videos on gowns, skimming through various bridal magazines, and getting ideas from family and friends, finding the perfect wedding dress could definitely be overwhelming. I have not even started the process yet because I want to make sure that I’ve reached my weight goal (and that is a completely different article). I have found though a lot of brides are making big statements with their dress. A woman can find any type of style whether it has a pencil skirt to having your back completely out to even candy apple red with black polka dots! Tonya Redding of Detroit has loved the color red since she was a little girl. She never played by the normal rules of the game so choosing a red dress with black polka dots did not surprise her family at all. She stated that the best part about having red and black wedding colors is that it was not hard to find items to match. I don’t think I will go that far when deciding my dress but I am thinking of two different types of head wear for the ceremony and the reception. Some women will have the traditional long veil pass their hips for the ceremony and then maybe a sparkly headband during the reception. Women can switch it up with their dress and accessories as long as they’re comfortable.
Some women have chocolate brownies topped with strawberries and whipped cream. I have seen a few weddings where the bride and groom choose a five-tier cake with different flavors for each level. Various have selected rice krispie treats, cheesecake and even cupcakes to replace the conventional wedding cake. The style of your cake can add to the tone of your reception. It will have its own table with matching lighting and floral arrangement. Because your cake will make a statement, let it shine with a bang. Patricia Steinberg wanted her groom, Ronald to handle the style of cake. Having that role, he took completely advantage but kept his wife-to-be in mind. For the bottom tier, it was styled like his tux with a boutonnière that matched his own. The top two tiers were in the shape of Patricia’s wedding dress. It had been copied to the tee from the design of the beading to the lacey pattern. Patricia was not able to see the cake until her wedding day but when she did, she fell in love with it immediately. You don’t have to have the usual pearl white three tier wedding cake. Transform it and take a risk because before anyone else, you want to be happy.
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, exhausting and just before your big day, you probably just want to scream at the top of lungs. It can be downright crazy but if you can bring your own style and a special touch to your day, that could make the process a little bit easier. Do not be afraid to stand out from everyone else and try something different. You just might start a trend. Happy wedding planning!
In Indianapolis, here are some places to ponder when needing help showcasing your uniqueness:
Bridal gowns
http://www.sophiasbridalandtux.com/
www.nancysbridalboutique.com/
http://www.posiepatchbridalsuperstores.com/
Wedding entertainment
cocktailsax.com/default.aspx
http://www.leonardscorp.com/
Cakes
auntruthiesteatime.com
http://holycowcupcakes.com
www.taylorsbakery.com/
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Comments
Red and black polka dot dress? Well, to each his own. As much as I love maroon, I don't even think I'd go that far, but you better believe the bridal party would be rocking maroon and there would be some maroon cummerbunds and ties and such. Ha, ha, ha. Wedding planning sounds fun. I never understand why some grooms won't get involved. I think your first song should be "Sweet Lady" by Tyrese or "Brickhouse." *cracking up*
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