WHAT KIND OF GIFT TO GIVE FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING

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Many couples are choosing to plan a destination wedding and save the money that a traditional wedding can cost. In addition to saving money, a destination wedding can be more intimate, romantic and provide less hassle than a traditional wedding. If you are traveling to be a part of a special ceremony, you might wonder what kind of gift to give for a destination wedding.
REGISTRY GIFT
Couples that decide to have a destination wedding still register for gifts at their favorite stores, and you can't go wrong when buying them something listed on their wedding registry. Send the gift to the couple immediately prior to or immediately after their wedding so the couple won't have to transport heavy gifts from the site of their wedding.
MONEY
Money is the easiest gift to give for a destination wedding. A card with cold, hard cash (or a check) in it is easy to transport and the bride and groom will always be able to use it. A suggested cash gift for a wedding gift is $50. If you are very close to the bride and groom, the amount of money that you give could be more.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Some people prefer to give gifts that they know the bride and groom will use, such as a gift certificate or a gift card to the store where they are registered. Others prefer to buy gifts which the bride and groom would not buy themselves. Some examples are a gift card to an upscale restaurant, tickets for a hot air balloon ride or a gift certificate for cooking classes that they can take together.

TIPS TO DECORATING TABLES AT YOUR WEDDING

When it comes to decorating your wedding reception, there are things you need to consider to transform the venue into a different place. However, the decorations will largely depend on the type of wedding you have planned as well as the budget you have allocated for it. The decorations you choose will need to depict the theme that you have chosen for the wedding so you can make the event magical. If you are on a budget while decorating your wedding venue, it is important to know which key areas to concentrate on. Here are the areas to decorate:
REGISTRATION TABLE
The entrance of your wedding reception is a vital place that you should decorate carefully. You can simply decorate it with a few flowers, ice sculpture, or a statue. Make sure that you situate your registration table near the entrance so the guests can easily sign the guest book. If you have prepared a seating chart for your guests, have another table where they can get their place cards on. You can decorate these two tables with flowers or confetti.
SWEETHEART TABLE
In the center of the room, you should set up a sweetheart table where the newlywed couple can sit on. The best way to decorate this table is to surround it with draped organza fabric and adding candles and petals over it. The use of draped fabric and par lights as a backdrop behind the table can also add to its effect.
GUESTS TABLES
Each table should be covered with table linens. If you prefer a clean look, you can use white linens to make your tables look simple. Make sure you have placed a centerpiece on top of each table so that they are attractive to look at. However, see to it that the centerpiece you chose is just the right size.
CAKE TABLE
In some weddings, the cake serves as the centerpiece of the venue. Decorate it the way you would with the sweetheart table as it needs to be accentuated. When you’re planning your wedding, you will need all the help you can get from an expert. Call us today so we can get started!

A TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE WEDDING: TRUNG & THU

Today we bring you a little bit of culture and colour with a traditional Vietnamese wedding! When Trung and Thu found us during their engagement, we were delighted at the thought of being the ones to document this special day for them. Since Jeff’s family is Vietnamese as well, we share a special connection! Of course we loved hanging out with Trung and Thu during their awesome engagement session a few months ago, after which we were even more excited for their big day. In a traditional Vietnamese wedding, the festivities begin with a procession to the bride’s home. Thu’s family had beautifully decorated their home for the occasion with lots of colourful, traditional and symbolic touches. The house was bustling despite the very early start to the day! Everyone was awake and excited. I loved capturing some of the colourful details that would be a part of the ceremony to come.
Buddhist wedding ceremony photography Thu was looking absolutely beautiful in her Áo Dài, the traditional Vietnamese dress.
Vietnamese bride getting dressed in Áo dài or qipao Bridal wedding dress, Sydney Australia But of course she also had several other dresses for later!
Trung was looking handsome as well! In the lead-up to the wedding, he had told us that all the last minute planning was like being a part of grand final week, preparing for the big game on Saturday. Haha! His groomsmen and friends watched with smiles as he got ready.
Trung and Thu were very excited about two special cars they had hired for the day. Is this one cool looking or what? Rolls Royce wedding car for Sydney Asian wedding Then it was time to get the vehicles packed up to make the procession over to Thu’s house for the ceremony. The boys carried eight special trays containing gifts for the brides family. The red cloth coverings, as well as the specific number of trays, are believed to bring the new couple good luck.
Meanwhile, at Thu’s house, the crowds were gathering in anticipation of the groom’s arrival. Trung and Thu had even managed to hire Lion Dancers and some pyrotechnics to annouce the start of the ceremony! Lion dancing costumes and firecrackers at Sydney Young lion dancers at Vietnamese/Chinese wedding in As the groom’s processional rounded the corner, the musicians began vigourously beating their drums and clanging symbols. The long strands of firecrackers were lit and went off with a wild crackling as the strands thrashed about in the air. The din echoed around the block, drawing out heaps of curious neighbors onto their patios to glimpse the festivities! The lion dancers went at it full throttle, jumping, lurching and bobbing around with tons of energy. In addition to the eight trays, the guests came bearing other gifts, including the traditional gift of a giant roast pig.
Vietnamese wedding procession of Groom
The little bit of rain coming down sure wasn’t going to stop this parade! Lion dancers at Asian wedding ceremony in Australia Trung looked so excited!
Lion dancers at Asian wedding ceremony in Australia Colourful lion dancers in cultural Asian-Australian Lion dancing at Sydney Vietnamese wedding As the two families greeted each other, they presented the bride’s family with some traditional lacquer boxes and gifts for the bride.
Serving tea at Vietnamese cultural wedding Bride The women now carried the eight trays inside, containing gifts of fruit, cakes, and other sweets.
Bride
Gifts and fruit at Vietnamese wedding tea ceremony Once inside, the tea ceremony began with the burning of incense. The bride and groom and family pray to their ancestors and ask for their blessing.
Gifts of jewellery for the bride are always essential!
The mothers lovingly presented Thu with her beautiful new pieces from Tiffany’s.
Sydney wedding photographers, Asian wedding Exchanging gifts and jewelry in Asian tea ceremony Exchanging rings in Asian/Vietnamese/Chinese wedding After exchanging rings, the bride and groom served tea to each of their family members. Traditionally, at this point in the tea ceremony each family member has the opportunity to give a bit of advice about marriage and family to the couple, or to simply express their well wishes. The bride and groom are presented with an envelope containing money, often in a lucky amount.
Photo-journalistic photography of Asian wedding Documentary style photography of Vietnamese tea Vietnamese-Australian wedding, offering tea Chinese wedding tea ceremony in Sydney Australia Photos of Asian wedding tea ceremony in Sydney Asian wedding photographers with photojournalistic style Offering tea and respect at Asian-Australian wedding Vietnamese tea ceremony in Sydney, Australia After the tea had been served, the women handed the lucky trays back to the men… so that the processional could begin again and proceed to the groom’s house for the second half of the ceremony!
Exchanging gifts during Vietnamese wedding ceremony Groom Rolls Royce wedding car in Sydney, Australia Trung and Thu were seen as officially married now, but the fun wasn’t over yet. Traditionally, after the tea ceremony at the bride’s house, the family members are invited to a reception at the groom’s house. Trung and Thu had a fancy reception planned at a local restaurant later that evening, but all the family were invited to the groom’s house for lunch and a second tea ceremony.
Once everyone had arrived, they formed a line down the block and proceeded inside, with parents first and other family members following in order of seniority.
Colourful bridal processional in Asian-Vietnamese Thu was looking so beautiful and happy! I loved the way her red roses matched her Áo Dài perfectly. Inside, the groom’s house was as beautifully decorated as the bride’s.
Creative and colourful Phoenix and Dragon fruit I couldn’t get over how cool these food sculptures were.
Can you tell they are a dragon and a phoenix? The dragon and phoenix are a yin and yang metaphor, representing male and female. These two mythic creatures are often seen as a part of Vietnamese and Chinese weddings, symbolic of blissful relations between husband and wife. These amazing creations were made out of pineapples, chili peppers, snake beans, cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves, and held together by tiny pins. They were truly works of art (and definitely too pretty to eat!). I was also quite partial to this succulent- looking green tree, made out of sweet sticky cakes.
Colourful fruit sculptures of Phoenix and Dragon for The groom’s parents lit more incense as they honoured the ancestors from Trung’s side of the family.
Incense and Buddhist altar during Vietnamese tea Trung and Thu exchanged tea cups and envelopes with a few more family members.
Serving tea to the Groom
With their marriage official, it was just about time to begin the celebrations! Stay tuned for part 2, where you’ll see what we got up to with the bridal party at Bicentennial Park, and what a blast everyone had at their fun-filled reception at Golden Harvest Restaurant.
Coming soon!
Friends and family of Trung and Thu, leave a comment below for the happy couple or let us know what you think of the photos! Leave your email address to be notified when the full gallery of images is online.

HOW TO DESIGN YOUR INDIAN WEDDING, MANDAP, RECEPTION, WEDDING STAGE DECORATION IN TUNE WITH YOUR THEME

Every wedding has a unique and interesting story to tell. Every wedding is special and should be planned and done in a way that it stays in the memory of your hearts till the rest of your lives.
This is the event which is ought to stay in your life, and should be done in a glorious way. The planning should be done in a special way, breaking from the monotony of having a conventional wedding. The Mandap Decoration, Reception Decoration, Wedding Decoration, Wedding Stage Decoration, all should be done in a planned, modern, exceptional and chic way. The approach to the planning should be fresh with an entirely new and unique perspective with innovative approach to wedding design, event planning and management, all merged with the classic traditional wedding etiquettes and panning.
The Indian wedding planner should turn your day into an unforgettable event and something that you will cherish for the rest of your coming life. All the important aspects of the wedding should be kept in mind while working as a team to make the wedding turn out perfect as envisioned by you.
The focus should be given to the preferences, likes and dislikes and customizing the entire wedding right from the initial preparation to the Wedding Gate Decoration, Wedding Tent Decoration, Tent Suppliers to the last detail of the guests who will be attending the grand event. The celebrations should be exceptional right from the wedding day itself.
The planning team should work on the individual detail providing you with the guidance at each and every step so that what you visualize for your wedding day becomes the reality. Whether it’s a small and intimate wedding you desire or the lavish grand extravaganza, the planning and the preparations all should be done according with the knowledge and the available resources to help you create the wedding of your dreams. All this while keeping the budget in mind and without compromising on the details.
The design and the theme chosen by you should be done with the new idea and new concept right from the decoration to the Mandap, Ceiling, Chairs, Clothing, and Stage. These days happen only once in life time and should be done in such a way that they not only stays in the guests and the bride and grooms mind for long but should also appeal the hearts of the ones who go after attending the whole event and relish it for days. Each and every aspect of the wedding is important and the proper management ensures that Groom and Bride has to just sit and relax and enjoy their wedding as the wedding planner takes all the responsibility to properly manage the whole event. The wedding is extension of your likes and dislikes, preferences and lifestyle. The planning should interpret your vision into an awe inspiring reality. The whole event management should offer you a consultation at every step so when you decide, you decide knowing all facts and the angles.

CHEAP WEDDING DECORATIONS – IDEAS FOR WEDDING DECORATIONS ON A BUDGET

If you want to cut cost on your wedding, then it's wise to go for cheap wedding decorations. If you want to hire a wedding decor to decorate the halls or venues for your wedding then you're looking at at least additional several tens of thousands of naira to your wedding cost.
In this article I want to share with you ideas for wedding decorations on a budget.
Cheap Wedding Decorations Ideas
Usually when average Nigerians are getting married they don't hire a wedding decor, they just buy the decoration accessories they want to use and give them to family and friends to use to decorate the cars that will take them to the wedding ceremonies and the wedding venues. And that's a good idea. Decide how you want to decorate, what and what you'll need for the decoration and get family and friends to work.
It's good to have a clear idea of how you want the place to look and make those who will decorate the place understand what you want so that they can work together to achieve what you want for you. And it makes them work faster too when they all understand the look they want to create.
Know if you're going for an inexpensive wedding décor before deciding on a wedding venue. It helps you to pick out a cheap but beautiful venue for your wedding. A place you wouldn't need to do much to make beautiful. If money really isn't a problem, there are halls you can use that are already beautiful enough to get married in without needing any decor. Many churches these days look good enough to get married in without any decoration. Usually your decoration concern is the venue for the wedding reception.
For decorations, little is always more especially for cheap wedding decorations. Keep decorations as simple as possible. Depending on the hall you're renting for use, you may be lucky to already have decorations in place. But if that's not the case with just a few decoration accessories, you can create a very romantic look for your wedding reception.
For example with some potted plants you can easily create a garden atmosphere whether you're using a hall or having an outside wedding reception.
To get a grand but simple look buy a lot of tulle. Tulle is a soft, fine silk, cotton, or nylon material like net, used for making veils and dresses. Use some of the tulle to create a canopy effect. To create a canopy effect you have to start from the center of the ceiling if it's a hall or it can even be attached to trees to create that effect depending on the venue you're using. There are different ways you can do this.
To complement the effect you already created with the tulle, you can then use some of the tulle to make bows on the back of the chairs.

BEYOND BRIDESMAIDS: HOW TO INCLUDE MORE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY

Bridesmaid selection can be one of the most daunting and potentially damaging tasks a bride can face during the course of her wedding planning. The fear of resentment or hurt feelings among friends and family who didn’t make the cut is certainly understandable; some brides decide to forgo a wedding party altogether, or only appoint a single friend or sibling to stand beside them on their big day. Others opt to include as many people as humanly possible a la Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses. But one way to ultimately solve this bridesmaid conundrum is by finding creative alternative ways to include your nearest and dearest in the wedding ceremony, even if they aren’t toting matching bouquets. Here are a few ideas:
Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for a legal marriage ceremony in Canada. While filling out forms may not be the most romantic aspect of your wedding day, you can turn this bureaucratic procedure into a thoughtful gesture by appointing close friends or family members to the role.
By including their names in the program or having your officiates call them up when it comes time to sign the documents, these close friends and relatives who didn’t quite make the cut for your wedding party will be less likely to feel like B-listers on your big day.
Readers: You know that kind of loud friend who you love to death but have a tendency to always steal the show? Instead of banishing her to the back row, let your pal take centre stage with a reading role. Not only will she be in her element, she’ll be able to contribute a meaningful portion to your ceremony by delivering a poem, religious passage or even a line from your favourite movie, a famous speech or any of the other boundless options for ceremony readings.
Ring Warmers: A ring warming ceremony can be a touching addition to the usual wedding fare. Include your nearest and dearest who aren’t standing up as bridesmaids by asking them to bestow a quiet blessing or happy thought on your wedding rings before they’re exchanged. Attach the rings to a ribbon so they don’t get lost and then pass them around the first few rows of guests or, if you’re having a smaller wedding, the entire group of celebrants!
Pole Holders: Brides who are including a traditional Jewish wedding canopy or chuppah in their ceremony can honour friends and family by asking them to hold one of the four poles. Some pole bearers make a grand entrance by carrying the chuppah down the aisle and assembling it before the bride and groom arrive. House Party: Everything is bigger in Texas, and weddings are no exception. When Jenna Bush, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, tied the knot, she nixed bridesmaids altogether in favors of a 14 member “house party” (in addition to the maid of honour, whose role was filled by her twin sister). Predominant below the Mason Dixon Line, house parties are “a Southern tradition through and through,” says Texas wedding blogger Clare Liguori of Belles, Bouquets and Galveston Bay. ”The main difference between a house party member and a bridesmaid is that the house party does not stand up with you at the altar in the church; they sit with your family in the front row. There are lots of other duties that the house party can help you with: reading during the ceremony, attending to the guest book and gift table, handing out programs, serving cake, and just helping you get through the day. Other than the whole altar thing, the house party is just as much a part of the wedding party as the bridesmaids.” Whether you decide to expand the roles of your ceremony participants or not, the biggest safeguard against hurt feelings is making sure your friends and family feel appreciated, even if they aren’t officially part of your wedding party. Pulling someone aside after the ceremony and personally thanking them for coming or including heartfelt welcome message in your program can go a long way.

A CANADIAN’S GUIDE TO GETTING MARRIED IN LAS VEGAS

Getting married in Las Vegas is both easy and inexpensive so it should come as no surprise that this mecca for excess and kitsch has become the Marriage Capital of the World. In fact, close to 100,000 couples flock to Sin City to tie the knot each year.
Most couples look to Las Vegas when it’s time to tie the knot because of the endless possibilities the city offers. The sky is the limit when it comes to planning a wedding in Las Vegas. Get married inside of a slot machine at the Casino Wedding Chapel, on board the Titanic, a 25,000-square-foot exhibit at the Luxor, atop a 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas or in a Maverick helicopter reroute to the Grand Canyon. For a more traditional experience tie the knot at Aria’s serene onsite wedding chapel, which is outfitted with cameras so you can live-stream your nuptials.
Here we’ll give you all the facts you need to know about destination weddings in Las Vegas, from the laws and customs to the best time to plan a wedding and the costs involved with doing so.
THE BEST TIME TO GO:
Fall and spring are generally the best months to plan a Las Vegas wedding because temperatures tend to be mild (rather than cool or sweltering). That said, April through June and September through the end of October are also considered peak season in the city so look to November to avoid the crowds while scoring more reasonable hotel rates.
THE FLIGHT:
Westjet and Air Canada both currently operate direct flights between Las Vegas and Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Air Canada also offers a direct flight from Montreal while Westjet offers additional direct flights from Winnipeg and Edmonton. Flights from Alberta and B.C. take about three hours while the trip from Montreal and Toronto is about five hours.
THE LEGAL PAPERWORK:
The Clark County Court House is open 365 days a year and typically issues same day marriage licenses within 20 minutes for a cost of $60. To obtain your marriage license, both parties must appear in person before a clerk at a Clark County Marriage Bureau location. Identification to prove your name and age is required. Whoever performs your marriage ceremony has, by law, ten days to submit documentation to the Clark County Recorder’s Office for your marriage to be recorded. Once recorded, you can order a certified marriage certificate online from the Recorder’s Office website. There is no waiting period to get married after the marriage license has been issued. Marriage licenses are good for one year from date of issue.
THE LOCAL CUSTOMS:
There is nothing more classically Vegas than a wedding ceremony officiated by the king. Whether you choose the iconic Graceland Wedding Chapel or a more contemporary hotel venue, there are a number of ordained. This king of Kings (who was given the key to the city in 2011) will even pick you up in a pink 1955 Cadillac that used to belong to Lucille Ball! The budget: Las Vegas weddings can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars (for a simple private ceremony in your hotel suite) to tens of thousands of dollars for larger celebration at a hotel or private mansion. Basic wedding packages at hotels such as Aria, Wynn and Paris Las Vegas start at approximately $1,700.
THE VENUE:
With a costume shop on-site and a chapel complete with fog machines and entryway large enough to drive a Cadillac through yes, you can actually be driven partway down the aisle Viva Las Vegas is an especially popular choice for themed celebrations. For a more refined garden party celebration we recommend the Wynn’s idyllic Primrose Courtyard, the only private courtyard on The Strip.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEDDING STAGE DECORATION AND ITS GROWING

Importance
Wedding decoration holds an important place in Indian weddings. A proper wedding decoration and reception decoration is what makes a wedding stand out. In Indian weddings, this decoration goes along with the overall theme of the entire wedding and thus done with utmost care and importance. With growing trend of designer wedding, the decoration is the topmost priority of every wedding and people make sure they are spending major chunk of the budget on the proper decoration so as to make the wedding stand out in the crowd.
Wedding decoration involves decoration at every stage, right from the Wedding Gate decoration, to, reception decoration, to wedding stage decoration, to wedding decoration. This is an entire process and thus is done from the scratch in every wedding as each Indian wedding has a different theme and is based on a completely new idea and ritual so to make the wedding in accordance with the design of the wedding, each step of decoration is done with minute care and details.
The wedding decoration involves beautifully designed entrance gate so as to capture the attention of your guest the moment they enter the wedding. The ambiance is also tastefully done keeping the theme in mind. Nowadays the Indian weddings are done with a theme, the theme might me autumn, or spring or with the shades of some religious touch, so keeping all that in mind the specific atmosphere is designed so to make the wedding reflect the taste and lifestyle of the bride and groom. The idea behind a wedding decoration is to capture the moment in the eyes of the ones attending the wedding. As Indian wedding or any other wedding is once in a lifetime moment and people want it to turn out the best, its rapidly becoming a norm to appoint a wedding planner in the wedding who takes care of all the wedding planning and decoration.
Appointing a wedding planner saves you from the process of planning the whole wedding by yourself. As wedding planners are well versed with the ongoing trends and changes in the market, they are updated with the current trend and they suggest you the latest decoration options that you can do in the wedding and then they plan the whole wedding in accordance to the decoration option you choose. As the wedding decoration is the soul of any wedding, the planner makes sure that he is taking all the minutest care while planning for the wedding stage decoration, wedding decoration, reception decoration, and Wedding Gate decoration. By leaving these things in expert’s hands, you are left with enough time to relax and enjoy the wedding as they are professionals and they know the work inside out. Any wedding decoration which is being done by a planner always have this professional look and it makes the whole wedding looks fabulous and the whole wedding turns out to be a memorable and exciting memory in the eyes of family and the people who attend it.

SEVEN TIPS FOR TERRIFIC CORPORATE EVENT DECORATIONS

When you plan a corporate event, you’re really planning an experience. Everything that goes into the event, from the invitations to the entertainment, work together to create a memory for your attendees. Nowhere is this more important than with the decorations. Corporate event decorations help create the mood and atmosphere for your event. They communicate the theme and bring the entire experience together. Without this important element, your event may fall flat.
Before you begin planning your event’s decorations, you need to do a thorough evaluation of the space. You use a number of different decorating techniques to enhance the event hall or meeting space.
Here are seven tips for creating corporate event decorations and themes that make an impact:
DECIDE ON YOUR THEME COLORS
Color speaks volumes at corporate events. You should have a theme picked out, along with a few key colors, long before you start decorating. This theme should be used in your event invitations to set the stage for the attendees’ experience and in all online event branding.
When you get ready to decorate the space, use these colors often, but not too frequently. You don’t want to overwhelm your attendees with your signature color. Pair it with white or another neutral in order to tie everything together and soften the impact. For example, you can use white linens and dishes, but then add your signature color in your table decorations, ceiling decorations and stage backdrop.
START AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE
Many event planners forget that the entrance to the hall or dining area is just as important as the interior space. The check in location or doorway should express the theme of the event. You can wow attendees with a breathtaking display around the entrance doorway or a unique sign in space. For example, a cruise themed end of year party could feature “boarding passes” and a nautical looking check in desk to prepare guests to “board the ship.” Even think about integrating the night entertainment to help greet the guests.
CREATE AN INTIMATE FEEL
Large halls and auditoriums are great for floor space, but often the ceilings are so high that the space can feel like a big cave. In order to “bring down” the ceiling, you can use decorations on the ceiling or midway up the wall. For example, you can use large inflated balloons to artificially “drop” the ceiling. Alternatively you can drop the ceiling with large stretches of fabric dropped from the ceiling to create an indoor canopy space.
USE THE WALLS
You can also create a closer feel with pictures or photographs in frames throughout the room. It will turn a large corporate event space into something unique and special. If you’re having a more casual or themed event, you can also use rented cut outs and themed decorations throughout the hall to create a more lighthearted feel.
WORK AROUND COLUMNS OR PARTITIONS
Sometimes the space you’re working with can have elements that obscure the view. Check your seating plan very carefully and try not to seat anyone behind these obstructions. If it’s not possible to avoid, consider having personal view monitors on each table to attendees can see the speakers or entertainment.
TRY DIFFERENT SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Although round tables are typical for most events, you can think outside of the box and try something different: Custom linens and table decorations can turn long rectangular or square tables into something special and different. Or, consider having a mix of table sizes and shapes in different sections of the floor to create some interest. Long tables can feel more intimate and create opportunities for conversation. Just be sure not to place large centerpieces in the middle of the tables so attendees can see one another.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
Although balloons and crepe paper still dominate the list of corporate themed party ideas, working with greenery and flowers can help give your event a natural and soothing feel. Try mini-topiaries, flower arrangements or live garlands throughout your event to bring the outdoors in.
Your corporate event decorating style will depend a lot on the nature of your event and your overall budget, but with these tips you can spark some new ideas and make

TIPS FOR PAKISTANI WEDDING DECORATION

Every culture has different traditions and religious obligations as well as the wedding ceremonies in Pakistan also differ from the ceremonies in other countries and religions. In Pakistan Islamic religion is dominating and people get married as per Islamic rules. However the importance of this mega even in one’s life can never be falsified and no doubt all going to get married people want to make this event more enjoyable, memorable and romantic for them and want to catch the memories of this event in their mind and also the guests invited in the event.
Where there is wedding ceremony, wedding decoration is a common issue there. No matter wedding is going to be celebrated in Pakistan or in any other country, all people make some decorations to make this event more special but the decoration ideas and trends may differ from country to country and religion to religion. Here is interesting discussion on the wedding decoration ideas in Pakistan.
A wedding ceremony in Pakistan normally continues for four days. Each day has some different activities and decorations as well. People dress up differently on each day. First day is known as Mehandi, second day Barat that is day of Nikkah and last final day of wedding ceremony in Pakistan is Walima. Each day decoration is different from the other as their charm and importance is different.
The discussion here is about wedding decoration in Pakistan, so let’s have some special ideas about each day decoration.
Mehandi: In mehandi celebration, people wear yellow dresses. The bride wears yellow and the groom wears a simple white dress. The mehandi tradition is celebrated. To make decorations for this day, you need to arrange some yellow tulles and yellow flowers. Well decorated stage with proper sitting arrangements. Try to keep with the theme of yellow color. To make splendid mehandi decoration, you may arrange some small flower baskets that will fragrance sweet and also match your wedding activity. Also lightening the candles and artificial lights will give a special look to the function. Combination of yellow and green tulle should be used to decorate the pillars of the stage, seats and also the stairs and entrance of the function area.
Barat: In the function of Barat the groom and his family join the bride’s family at their home or the decided place and perform the religious obligation of Nikkah and the bride and groom then become life partners. Barat decoration is most important of all. A person responsible for the decoration of this day have to be very strong observer and creative to make this day for both the families going to be trapped in a new lifetime relation.
While planning for the decoration of Barat, you need to decorate the stage, chairs, parking area and reception area.
To decorate this day, you may select one theme and collect the decoration material and with the help of your team make this day marvelous for the wedding couple and both families and invited guests. In arranging decoration material you need to collect fresh flowers, silk wedding flowers, lighting arrangement, Napkins, wedding table centerpieces, wedding confetti, candles and flower baskets.
In Barat decoration main focus should be on the stage and reception area where at the arrival of Barat both families greet and then the guests are seated with respect. The special activity of this day is when the bride and groom make signatures on a paper in the presence of religious priest and guests. After this holy activity, sisters, friends and cousins of the bride present milk to the groom and demand something in return. This is not a religious activity. People celebrate this activity just to make this day more enjoyable, memorable and special.
Decoration of that glass of milk and the plate in which that glass is served is also included in Barat decoration. This milk glass can be decorated with flowers and ribbons and also some artificial jewels.
Last day of wedding ceremony in Pakistani wedding is Walima. This day is very important for both the families. Newly wed couple is being introduced to the relatives and family members. On this day decoration is of some other nature. Special meal or dinner is given from the groom family to all guests. It is also a religious obligation for the groom to arrange for the dinner of friends and realities. All decorations of this day are also same as for Barat.
Decoration activities include reception area decoration, stairs decoration, and stage decoration, seating decoration, lighting and parking.
Planning for decorating is not an easy task so keep all the things in mind including religious obligations, regional trends, budget available and also liking and disliking of the bride and groom.

CHINESE CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS

CHINESE WEDDING DECORATIONS
Most Chinese Wedding Decorations are supplied by the banquet hall or hotel reception hall. Present at nearly all Chinese weddings is the character for happiness 喜 ( xǐ ):. It is often hung upside down because the Chinese word 倒 (dào, upside down) sounds the same as 到 ( dào, arrive). Therefore, it symbolizes the arrival of happiness.
Some betrothal gifts and dowry gifts may include pillows and blankets embroidered with double happiness. Chunlian are also hung on the doors and windows of the new couple’s home to usher in happiness and good fortune.
Other Chinese wedding decorations include lights, candles and flowers similar to those found at Western weddings. Nearly all wedding banquets have a stage for the bride and groom to stand on while an emcee or master of ceremonies makes announcements, a toast and leads the wedding festivities.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF HOSTING AN ADULTS-ONLY WEDDING

The decision to have an adults-only wedding is just that, a decision, and a perfectly acceptable one. The pressure to invite everyone to your wedding can not only tax your budget, it can also cramp your style. If you have your heart set on an elegant evening event, a setting not really conducive to little ones toddling about, stick to your guns. Mollify any potential hurt feelings by sharing your intentions in a clear but gentle manner.
DO
· PLANT THE SEED EARLY
As early as possible into your planning, lay the foundation by sharing that the affair will be adults-only. As the question will inevitably come up, treat it as an opportunity to let people know and do it with conviction.
· CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY
The difference between sayings “we have decided” and “we are thinking about” leaves too much room for interpretation. Be very clear in your diction.
· ENSURE YOUR INVITATIONS REFLECT YOUR PLANS
Address invitations to precisely whom they are intended for, meaning specific individuals or couples, rather than families.
DON’T
· FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO FIELD THIS ALONE
You and your fiancé should both tell your close friends, family and wedding party your plans, so the word will spread quickly, and not only through you.
· LAMENT ABOUT CHILDREN
Avoid disparaging how children will ruin your wedding. Even if that is genuinely how you feel, it is not a sentiment that any parent will agree with. Instead, focus on the elements of the wedding that are decidedly grown up (perhaps an elegant menu, or your favourite champagne).
· WAFFLE BY MAKING CONCESSIONS
Be mindful that your guests who have left their own children at home might be surprised, and let’s be honest, miffed, to see children in your bridal party and rightly so. It is all or nothing when it comes to an adults-only wedding.

ETIQUETTE ADVICE: HOW TO KEEP YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW FROM PLANNING YOUR WEDDING (WITHOUT OFFENDING HER)

Ironic, isn’t it? You were likely getting by just fine making decisions until your engagement, and now you are being bombarded with suggestions on how you should do things!
Most people have such nostalgia around their own wedding and will freely share advice on how they did things (or plan to do them), hoping you might find these tips helpful. They mean well. And such suggestions are merely that: helpful suggestions. You cannot please everyone, so best to gently set out your planning parameters. Whether you feel stuck in a gridlock with your mother-in-law over flowers, or you’re being snubbed by your sister for choosing cake over the cupcakes she loves, here’s how to finesse some well-intentioned suggestions.
1. HEAR THEM OUT
Most people chiming in with suggestions genuinely want to help and their ideas are often couched in either how they did things at their wedding, or what they envision for you. They simply want to know that you have heard what they have to say. If your mother-in-law is waxing about how much she loves peonies, ask for details! What was her bouquet like? How many bridesmaids did she have again? Does she have peonies in her garden?
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SUGGESTIONS AND HAVE CONVICTION IN YOUR DECISION
Clearly let the other person know that you’ve heard their suggestion an acknowledgement might be all they are after and then you can’t be faulted for not hearing them out. Tell your mother-in-law the peony bouquet in her wedding photos looked gorgeous, but you really have your heart set on hydrangeas, for example. If you waffle or ask her what she thinks of hydrangeas, you might be inviting more helpful suggestions so be mindful of how the discussion ends.
3. CARRY ON
You can make people feel included in your planning without feeling pressure to let others make decisions for you. And while compromise is key between you and your fiancé, it is not the end of the world if your mother-in-law isn’t in love with your floral arrangements. Being rude to her, however, might be! Just remember: The communication lines you establish and the grace you exude will far outlast your wedding day.

GUIDE TO WEDDING STATIONERY

Before you go buying every pretty note card in sight, you’ll want to figure out just what you’ll be ordering and when. Use your wedding style, theme and budget to guide you through the options and try to keep it consistent with similar colours and themes. To help make the process less stressful, KAYZDEKOR has compiled a step-by-step guide of what you need to know about the paper products you’ll be ordering.
SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS
When to order: Up to one year in advance.
When to send: Eight to 12 months before the big day.
If you plan on getting married in the summer or tying the knot out of town, it’s best to notify your guests ahead of time so they can save the date for your special day. Save-the-date cards can be sent up to one year in advance. The message inside the card should be brief, note the date and location of your wedding and explain that a formal invitation will be mailed at a later date.
INVITATIONS
When to order: Three to four months in advance.
When to send: Six to eight weeks before the big day.
The invitations are the centerpieces of your wedding stationery suite and will reflect the tone of your big day. Styles range from lavish cards and envelopes printed on heavy stock to simple, eco-friendly designs. Traditionally, a wedding invitation has several pieces: the outer envelope printed with your guest’s address, an unsealed inner envelope that protects and contains the invitation, the invitation itself, the reception card (if your party is held at a different location than the ceremony), printed directions to the ceremony and reception locations and lastly, the RSVP card with an accompanying self-addressed, stamped envelope.
REPLY CARDS
When to order: Three to four months in advance.
When to send: Inside the invitation, six to eight weeks before the big day.
A traditional reply card informs your guests of the RSVP deadline, and asks them to accept or decline their seat at your wedding. Due to dietary concerns, many reply cards also include menu options so guests can choose their meal preference.
RECEPTION CARDS
When to order: Three to four months in advance.
When to send: Inside the invitation, six to eight weeks before the big day.
The reception card informs guests of the location, date and time of the celebration that takes place after your ceremony.
WEDDING PROGRAMS
When to order: Formal, multi-paged programs should be ordered along with invitations (three to four months in advance). Allow four to six weeks for simple programs with minimal pages.
Your wedding program is an informative guide that features ceremonial details, such as date and location, names of the bridal party, the event timeline and may include favourite excerpts from books or poems recited. The program also serves as a wonderful keepsake and allows you to express your individuality as a couple by including your engagement story or how you first met.
MENU CARDS
When to order: Six weeks before the big day.
Menu cards are a relatively modern addition to wedding stationery. They list the courses offered at the reception and the elements of each meal as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.
PLACE CARDS
When to order: Six weeks before the big day.
Small cards labeled with each guest’s name informing them where they will be seated at the reception.
THANK-YOU CARDS
When to order: With the invitation, six to eight weeks before the big day.
When to send: Ideally, ASAP for gifts received before the wedding and within one month for gifts received on your wedding day.
The thank-you card expresses your gratitude for having your guests share such a special day with you, as well as for any gifts you may have received. Although you may find this process time-consuming, it’s best not to take shortcuts. Take the time to write a brief, yet personal, handwritten thank you to each guest, noting the gift they gave and how you plan to use it.

GUEST LIST ETIQUETTE: HOW TO SOLVE THE PLUS-ONE DILEMMA

Partners or spouses of friends or family members are a cinch when it comes to sending out invites, but what about your single guests? There is often pressure to address invitations to a single recipient with “and guest”, but are you obliged to? While it is a thoughtful gesture to allow a single guest to bring a date, it is not required. Before making a decision, here are three careful considerations to keep in mind:
· The same rule should apply to all guests, so either all single guests are welcomed to bring a date, or no one is. It is only fair.
· Just how many single guests will there be at your wedding? If it is a matter of adding two or three guests, it might be a feasible and very kind, gesture.
· Are you comfortable meeting someone for the first time at your wedding? Such an intimate occasion might not be the ideal setting to be making introductions.
If you are put on the spot and a guest asks about bringing along a date, you can politely decline by explaining you have limited seating, or aren’t comfortable meeting new people on such a monumental day. And if there are many guests coming solo to your wedding, perhaps use the opportunity to suggest they save a dance for a certain other guest? Romance will be in the air after all.

FUN WAYS TO GET TECHIE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Technology has made wedding planning even easier with mobile apps, tools and websites. But, wedding tech is not just limited to the planning stage. Many couples are using technology to share their wedding moments as they happen with their guests and the online world. Devices like iPads, smart phones and digital cameras are also adding an interactive touch. We’ve compiled eight of the neatest ways to add technology to your wedding:
1. STREAM YOUR WEDDING LIVE
Skype is a great way to connect with people around the world on the cheap. If a loved one can’t make it to the wedding, video call them or have them watch the proceedings online via live stream. Many destination wedding venues now have video-streaming capability, so you can easily broadcast your wedding.
2. PLANNING APPS AND WEBSITES
Forget Excel spreadsheets. There are hundreds of apps out there for download that will let you organize, plan and gather inspiration. From budgeting tools to music playlist creators to seating charts, you can keep all of your wedding info at your fingertips.
3. QR CODE INVITATIONS
Instead of waiting weeks for an RSVP, let your guests respond instantly with a QR code invitation. QR codes short for “quick response” is a barcodes that store data that can be read by smartphones. Having one on your invitation can instantly direct guests to your wedding website, maps, and directions even add the date to their calendars. Add a QR code to table number cards and let guests browse online photo albums or videos.
4. POSTING YOUR WEDDING IN REAL TIME
Instead of turning off their phones during the proceedings, many couples are choosing to keep them on and sometimes use them during the wedding for in-the-moment selfies and live-tweeting of vows (seriously)! Some couples have even changed their Facebook statuses right at the altar. Wedding hash tags guests can use for Instagram and Twitter have become a mainstay at many modern weddings but some couples are also opting to designate one guest a “tweet of honour” — this person is responsible for posting real-time updates throughout the day.
5. USING IPADS
In Denver, Colorado, a bridesmaid couldn’t make it to her best friend’s wedding, so a groomsman “carried” her down the aisle via an iPad. She got to be a part of the ceremony and even mingle with guests from 1,600 miles away. Some couples also use iPads at the altar to read off their wedding vows. The new iPad mini is even small enough to fit into your wedding clutch!
6. INSTANT PHOTOS WITH PHOTO BOOTHS
The newest trend in photo booths is instant photos. Vancouver-based Flipbook offers each guest a photo flipbook of their photo booth pictures, which are printed out in less than a minute. Many other photo booth services offer instant Polaroid or printouts as a keepsake for your guests.
7. DIGITAL GUEST BOOKS
One digital service, Thrilled for You, lets you download a kiosk software program on your computer to let guests record personal wishes. You can also rent a video booth, similar to a photo booth, so guests can record personal messages. Some companies will even compile the raw videos into a montage DVD on the spot. Camerarenter.com sends you a box of digital cameras, and then compiles all of the photos and videos onto a sharing website.
8. DIGITAL FRAMES
Digital frames are a neat way to display photos at your guestbook table. Companies like 3D Wedding.org can even create a digital 3D album of your wedding or engagement photos!

THOUGHTFUL WAYS TO HONOUR YOUR ELDERS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Whether it’s a grandparent, a great-aunt, an old family friend or perhaps even a great-grandparent, your wedding is a perfect time to express how much you cherish an elder’s presence and respect his or her achievements. “Its payback (due gratitude) for their investment, for raising a family and struggling economically to keep a roof overhead,” Honouring grandparents with some kind of thank-you is like reciprocity. It’s important to include older relatives in a celebration because you never know if there will be a chance to repeat this acknowledgement. “It’s a happy day with everyone in a good mood and it’s a great time for photo ops, reciting a blessing or including vintage paraphernalia.”
BORROW FROM ANOTHER CULTURE
While honouring older relatives sounds like a wonderful idea, it’s actually not a common practice in traditional Western weddings that put so much focus on the bride and groom and their respective parents. Elderly relatives don’t really have any distinctive roles or special “duties” when it comes to planning a wedding, unless you take it upon yourself to include them in a significant way. Borrow inspiration from those cultures that do traditionally pay tribute to respected elders as part of the wedding rituals:
In some Chinese cultures, a traditional tea ceremony, takes place after the marriage ceremony. The bride pours tea for the eldest married relative first, which, for instance, could be the groom’s grandparents, and then continues to serve down the hierarchy of oldest to youngest.
Another example is the tribal wedding customs of the Iroquois.
On the day of the marriage ceremony, the bride’s mother and maternal grandmother accompany her to the home of the groom’s maternal grandmother. They offer her a number of wedding cakes carried in a basket–a sign that the bride’s family has approved of the marriage.
At the end of the Sikh ceremony, the pathi (the man who reads the holy book) asks the parents and grandparents to stand as he addresses them regarding their roles in supporting the couple.
IDEAS TO WELCOME THEM AND SHOW THANKS
Cultural traditions aside, everybody can and should show respect for elderly guests who are an important part of their lives. Here are ten more ideas to consider:
1. ENSURE THEIR COMFORT:
The most basic thing to start with is to make sure the wedding site can accommodate those who may be unsteady on their feet, have wheelchairs, walkers or other disabilities. Seat guests with hearing impairments close to the front or inquire about the availability of special earphones or other amplifying devices. Provide the option of a special menu in case of diet restrictions due to health problems.
2. PLAY THEIR SONG:
Have the band or DJ play the first-dance song from your grandparent’s wedding–it will be a sentimental moment for them and add a personal touch to your reception.
3. SHARE THE UNITY CANDLE:
Have grandparents from both sides pass the bride and groom each a lit candle to use to light the unity candle as a symbol of the two families coming together.
4. ENLIST THEIR EXPERIENCE:
Ask an elderly relative or friend who’s been married for a long time to say a few words, deliver a speech, give a toast or recount a humorous story about the key to a successful, happy and lasting marriage.
5. RECORD THE MOMENT:
Ask your photographer to try to get a candid or intimate shot of bride with her grandmother or grandfather and also have a posed picture taken for posterity.
6. A FLORAL TRIBUTE:
Include your grandmother’s or great- grandmother’s favorite blooms in pew markers, your bouquet, corsages and centerpieces.
7. BORROW SOMETHING FROM THEM:
Fulfill the tradition of something old and something borrowed by incorporating an elderly relative’s hairpin, brooch, vintage hanky or cuff links into your ensemble. In Jewish ceremonies, the Kiddush cup is often a family heirloom passed down for generations.
8. EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUTE:
Leave a sentimental note for parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in their respective pews.
9. MAKE HOMEMADE BONBONNIERES:
Thank guests by sending them home with beautifully wrapped treats made from one of your grandmother’s famous recipes–gingersnap cookies, biscotti, cinnamon rolls, crispy chocolate squares–with a tag detailing the no-longer secret recipe.
10. SHARE THE DAY:
Take a moment on the wedding day to sit somewhere private with a special grandparent. Talk about how you’re feeling, laugh together or simply relax and catch your breath while holding hands... HAPPY NEW YEAR