Trendy wedding invitation ideas

You may have read the NY Times recent story regarding the new trend that couples are using to announce their engagements, receive wedding rsvp's using QR codes on their invitations and save the date cards.

According the the wedding couple interviewed in that news story they wanted people to go,‘Oh, that’s cool."  When the code is scanned it took her guests to a website that had details about her wedding weekend events. “We didn’t want a traditional verbose information card, so using the code meant the card could be really clean,” she said.

Are there other ways you can use QR codes for your wedding?  Of course.  Here are a few ideas from http://qreateandtrack.com/ who made the save the date card to your right as well as the ones below:

• Use them on your RSVP cards.  Placing a QR Code could allow people to respond to your invite directly from their smartphone. The QR Code could point to a mobile-optimized landing page.

• Last but not least, another use for QR Codes on Wedding stationery could be on table number cards. You could place a QR Code on each of the cards that could possibly point to a video of the couple thanking their guests or perhaps a photo gallery of the couple.

 

I thought these were fantastic ideas.  What do you think?  How would you use a QR code at your wedding?

How to register for your honeymoon

Have you been registering for gifts and wish that your guests would just give you money to use towards your honeymoon?  Well guess what?  In a way you can get them to give you money for your honeymoon by registering for it at www.thehoneymoon.com .

By creating a honeymoon registry, engaged couples have a place to direct wedding guests who ask "What kind of gift would you like?" A honeymoon registry allows you the chance to select when and where you want to honeymoon and enables your wedding guests to buy a travel experience as a gift rather than a toaster or dish set.

Many couples getting married now a days are older, well established and already merging two apartments or homes.  The last thing you need is yet another toaster. Signing up for a honeymoon registry could ensure you get what you really want.

A honeymoon registry generally works by allowing a couple to select elements of their honeymoon (airfare, hotel nights, meals, tours, sports, spa treatments, admissions, spending cash) that friends and family may buy for you in increments as wedding gifts.

Many travel agencies also provide travel registry services.
As with anything else, you need to be a smart consumer when choosing a honeymoon bridal registry. The last thing that you want is to have the value of your gifts eroded by a high "service fee" that can reduce your take by as much as 15 percent. That means before your honeymoon, you typically receive a check for the total gift cash contributions minus the company's percentage, which could represent a considerable loss to you.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a honeymoon bridal registry:

• What does it cost to register?
• Are there other fees involved?
• Is your business a travel agency?
• Do you help customers announce their registry?
• In what form do we receive our registry gifts and when?
• Can they be redeemed for cash?
• Do you notify us every time a gift is purchased?
• Can the registry be integrated onto our wedding Web site? 

So if registering for a honeymoon sounds like a fab idea to you then go to www.thehoneymoon.com and register for the honeymoon of your dreams....and tell us your experience with it below please.

Wedding-opoly anyone?

Have you ever thought, "Hey, I wish that I had a game of Monopoly that portrayed my life...instead of Boardwalk and railways.  Well, guess what?  Monopoly has done it again!!!

"I created one for my friends as a wedding present and used the names of local stations, bars and gigs as properties as well as familiar situations that would demand cash. They LOVED it." Ruth Gillan

This version of Monopoly is completely custom made in the factory. You send in your specifications, wait 6 weeks, and receive your game! You could have it be a surprise, and order it for the couple, or you could simply purchase them a gift certificate/voucher, and let them design their own.

You can name the 22 property squares, you can choose and name the icons, you can name the game. This game is made in the real Monopoly factory, and will come in a lovely metal presentation box. Even the rules and the title deed cards are personalized. This is a 100% original wedding gift, perfect for your favorite newlyweds!!

What do you think?

This is a WEDDING CAKE! What do you think?

This stunning wedding dress cake is truly food as art.  It is so intricately decorated that it almost appears wearable.  The bodice is designed simply with a few details while the skirt is covered in swirls, ridges, and calla lilies.  This wedding dress cake almost looks good enough to wear.

 

If you want a wedding cake like this then make sure you choose the right Seattle wedding bakery.  Recommend someone here or check out www.seattleweddingworkbook.com for tips and ideas on how to choose the right wedding cake bakery in Seattle.

Top 100 memorable wedding songs

One of the most memorable scenes in a wedding is the first dance. Sometimes choosing the song for that very important dance can be difficult.  To help you and your fiance in this decision we have listed the Top 100 First Dance Songs of All Time. 


 

1. After All - Peter Cetera & Cher
2. All My Life - Linda Ronstadt
3. All My Life - KC & JoJo
4. Always - Atlantic Star
5. Always & Forever - Heatwave
6. Amazed - Lonestar
7. A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
8. Back At One - Bryan McKnight
9. Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
10. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
11. Breathe - Faith Hill
12. Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
13. Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
14. Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
15. Colour My World - Chicago
16. Could I Have This Dance - Anne Murray
17. Crazy - Patsy Cline
18. Don't Know Much - Linda Ronstant & Aaron Neville
19. Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross or Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey
20. Everything I Do - Brian Adams
21. Faithfully - Journey
22. Forever - Mariah Carey
23. Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
24. From Here To Eternity - Michael Peterson
25. From This Moment - Shania Twain & Bryan White
26. Groovy Kind Of Love - Phil Collins
27. Grow Old With Me - Mary Chapin Carpenter
28. Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison or Ros Stewart
29. Hawaiian Wedding Song - Andy Williams
30. Here & Now - Luther Vandross
31. I Can Love You Like That - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
32. I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
33. I Cross My Heart - George Strait
34. I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees or Mark Wills
35. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
36. I Finally Found Someone - Bryan Adams & Barbara Streisand
37. I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
38. I'll Be - Edwin McCain
39. I'll Still Be Loving You - Restless Heart
40. I Love The Way You Love Me - John Michael Montgomery
41. In This Life - Colin Raye
42. I Only Have Eyes For You - Art Garfunkel
43. It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr.
44. It's Your Love - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
45. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
46. I Swear - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
47. Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
48. Keeper Of The Stars - Tracy Byrd
49. Lady In Red - Chris Deburgh
50.  Look At Us - Vince Gill
51. Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
52. Love Can Build A Bridge - Judds
53. Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse
54. Love Of My Life - Sammy Kershaw
55. Masterpiece - Atlantic Starr
56. Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
57. Moon River - Andy Willams
58. More Than Words - Extreme
59. More Than Words Can Say - Alias
60. My Best Friend - Tim McGraw
61. One In A Million - Larry Graham
62. Only You - Platters
63. Open Arms - Journey
64. Power Of Love - Celine Dion
65. Saving The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
66. Sea Of Love - Honeydrippers
67. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
68. Still The One - Shania Twain
69. Take My Breath Away - Berlin
70. That's Amore - Dean Martin
71. That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
72. The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley
73. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
74. Through The Eyes Of Love - Melissa Manchester
75. Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
76. To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
77. Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You - Roberta Flack
78. True Companion - Marc Cohn
79. Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
80. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
81. Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker
82. Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
83. Valentine - Martina McBride
84. Waiting For A Girl - Foreigner
85. We've Only Just Begun - Carpenters
86. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
87. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton
88. When I Fall In Love - Nat King Cole or Celine Dion
89. When I Said I Do - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman-Black
90. When You Say Nothing At All - Keith Whitley
91. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
92. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
93. You & I - Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
94. You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
95. You Had Me At Hello - Kenny Chesney
96. You're The Inspiration - Chicago
97. You're Love Amazes Me - John Berry
98. Your Song - Elton John
99. You've Got A Friend - James Taylor
100. You've Got A Way - Shania Twain

To ensure a memorable first, second and third dance...make sure you hire the right DJ. Here's a list of a few in the Seattle area that we recommend: http://www.seattleweddingworkbook.com/wedding-djs-bands-entertainers-in-seattle.htm

5 Money Saving Tips for Wedding Flowers

Every wedding should be dripping with beautiful flowers. But we don't want our wallets to run dry because of it. We have some tips for you that might really cut down the price you would be paying. 

  

First tip, give your florist a general idea of the style and color scheme you are going for. Tell her which flowers that are an absolute no, but generally allow them flexibility so they can use what is in season and cheapest. There are some times when peonies cost a fortune, and other times when they are so cheap you can fill your hall with them. Make sure this flexibility will be reflected in your final price tag.

Beautiful pink Peony's

Second tip; avoid holding your wedding in February when flower prices are at an annual high due to Valentine's Day. That month even the cheapest of flowers are expense.

Third tip, large arrangements on an altar will only be seen from far away. Use inexpensive flowers such as carnations, or large filling flowers such as snowball mums. 

Pink Carnations with a Pink Ribbon

 Fourth tip; find a venue such as a park or garden that is already lush and beautiful. And think about talking to your venue directors and asking them if any other brides are booked the same day as you are. If the two of you could coordinate flowers and split the cost it would save the both of you a fortune.

White Lily's with Feathers

Do you want to use your birth flower in your wedding but don't know what it is? Here is a list of all months and there flower.

Cream and Pink Roses with a studded wrap

 January - the Carnation or Snowdrop

 February - the Violet or Primrose
 March - Jonquil (aka Daffodil or Narcissus)

 April - the Sweet pea or Daisy

 May - the Lily of the Valley
 June - the Rose
 July - the Larkspur or Water Lily
 August - the Gladiolus or Poppy

 September - the Aster or Morning Glory

 October - the Marigold

  November - the Chrysanthemum
 December - the Narcissus
    

Quick tip, before you toss you bouquet have a back up bouquet to toss. Keep the one you walked down the aisle with hidden away. Maybe ask a bridesmaid to help you with this task. This keeps your bouquet from getting bruised or damaged, so it lasts longer for you.

 

For some amazing wedding florists in Seattle, check out www.seattleweddingworkbook.com .

How to hire the right wedding dj

Is the "Chicken Dance" a dirty word in your book? Find out how to hire the perfect disc jockey for your non-traditional event.

 

The Hustle. The Macarena. The Electric Slide. By themselves they're kind of cute, but put them all together in a wedding reception playlist and watch your guests roll their eyes (unless of course they've had too much to drink, in which case prepare for things to get ugly when they hit the dance floor.)

Not every bride wants a DJ who plays the "classics." Not every brides wants a DJ who chats it up before every song. And, not every bride wants a disc jockey as old as her parents. Simply put, modern brides and grooms are on the hunt for the "anti" wedding DJ who can spin all the hot songs AND take into consideration the likes of older guests who may not be gaga OVER Lady Gaga.

So how can you make sure you're hooking up with a wedding vendor that gets your unique musical tastes? Here's some pointers:

1. Be Clear On Your Likes and Dislikes
Hit your old CDs and print up copy of your iTunes playlist BEFORE you start looking for your wedding disc jockey. Once you have a list of songs both you and your groom adore and approve of, google the worst wedding songs of all time and add a "Do Not Play" list to your arsenal. After you've pulled it together THEN start reaching out to DJs in your area and make it clear what you like, don't like, and what expectations you have for your reception.

2. Get References From The Musical ExpertsNot loving the list of available wedding DJs in your neck of the woods? Why not call your fave local radio station, bar or dance club for recommendations? Typically, someone on staff will know someone they can refer you to who will totally be in synch with your unique musical vision and tastes.

3. Set Clear Perimeters
What kind of music are you planning on playing at your cocktail party? How many sets are you anticipating? Can your guests make requests? Should your DJ hold off playing racy songs or ones with explicit lyrics? These are all questions you should be prepared to answer BEFORE you schedule your first consultation. The idea is to create an entertaining flow that fits your event and profile as a couple. If you're super low-key and don't mind letting your DJ work the room, make that clear. If you have a very precise vision of what you want, make sure it's written into your contract prior to the big event.

4. Define the Details and Dress Code
It's going to look kind of funny if your groom and all his guys are wearing suits and your DJ shows up in a tuxedo, right? The same thing goes for a DJ unprepared for a "surprise" drummer or saxophonist solo.  Set guidelines, make introductions, and ensure ALL your wedding reception entertainment is on the same page. This may be your day, but you won't be able to make sweet music with your groom if your message OR needs are totally out of tune with your talent.

5.  Make sure that your DJ comes RECOMMENDED!  
This is important because there are so many dj's out there that "say" what they can do but haven't yet proven it.  

Who are you choosing for your DJ?  What type of music are you going to have?  Get involved below: