Mo's Tips #3 Wedding centerpieces

Creating a beautiful reception area is an important part of the wedding planning. However, this can be quite overwhelming in addition to the other wedding plans.
But, with some simple forethought, the reception area can look appropriate with the simple addition of wedding centerpieces for the tables.
The easiest way to achieve nice wedding centerpieces is to simply have the wedding florist make centerpieces which use the same flowers as the wedding flowers. This will complete the look of the wedding décor and using the florist will ensure that the work will be done without adding to the stress of the wedding couple. This is a great idea for wedding centerpieces if cost is not a factor.
However, flowers do tend to be costly for a wedding. The bride can ask the florist for a less expensive style while still using the same floral theme. This may provide a good option and most florists are understanding of the need to stick to the wedding budget.

Below are some of the best options to take as your wedding centerpieces:

Flowers:

It's by far the most common centerpiece used. Use flowers that will compliment the theme and it will look great! You can even just have them in vases, but try and get unique vases, of different shapes and in an unusual colour or the theme colour of the wedding. It's also just as important to considwe the season when you will be getting married, is it going to be spring, autumn, summer or winter? If you can determine that, you should have a few ideas coming to mind. Seasons can play a big role in a wedding theme, for example, if you are getting married in spring or autumn you can have carved out pumpkins with candles in them for the centerpieces, or in summer you can have beach accessories like big shells, even some sand in a bowl, and in winter you can have lots of candles and pine cones.

A Bowl of Live Fish
The idea of placing a glass bowl of live fish on the center table of your wedding reception is but something new. According to some claims, this will attract the guests who will be entering or leaving the reception venue anytime of the wedding day.
You can put some beads of different colors and shapes on the water and some amount of fish food at the table for better effects.
This is effective especially if you have kids as part of your guests. Make sure, however, to keep an eye on the kids and teach them how to avoid hurting your school of fish, if possible.

Lighted Candles
Want to add a touch of romance to your wedding day? If yes, then why not consider candles as part of your wedding centerpieces? The candles are a great way of establishing an air of romance and a touch of enchantment for you big day.
It will work best if you set your venue with dim light. However, if you plan to set your wedding in the early afternoon, then candles may not be the perfect option for you to consider as they may not create that targeted effect.
So every couple wishing to establish great impressions on their wedding should consider setting up some wedding centerpieces on their reception.

M.O's Tips#2 Step by Step planning and checklist for your Wedding Day

No matter what type of wedding you are planning to have, it always helps to have a detailed timeline checklist to follow. This will help you to stay on your toes and it will also give you a planning guide. Just cross them off as you complete each task.

Nine to Twelve Months Before
• Decide who will officiate at the ceremony. • Select a wedding date and time. • Announce your engagement. • Determine how many guests may attend. • Determine the type of wedding you want and theme. • Select and order the bridesmaids' dresses. • Establish a starting budget. • Select and hire a photographer. • Select a caterer if not already provided by the reception• Select and secure your reception location. • Select and secure your ceremony location. • Begin choosing your wedding cake baker, videographer, musicians, and florist. Sign necessary contracts.

Six to Nine Months Before
• Start making the guest list • Select the attendants for your wedding party. • Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc. • Start planning for honeymoon. • Register with a gift bridal registry.

Four to Six Months Before

• Make appointments for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist. • Shop for wedding rings. • Select and order or print the invitations and stationery. • Make sure all the men's attire has been ordered. • Decide where to live after the wedding. • Complete the guest lists. • Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper. • Inform mothers to select their dresses. • Select and order the men's attire. • Finish honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before

• Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer. • Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. • Select your wedding rings. • Buy a wedding guest book. • Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal. • Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon and any other parties. • Determine your resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. • Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc. • Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests. • Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place. • Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before

• Mail invitations and announcements. • Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for details and timing. • Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait. • Select gifts for all your attendants. • Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists. • Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding. Four to

Six Weeks Before

• Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests. • Buy a gift for the groom. • Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal bridal portrait. • Purchase a going away outfit. • Pick up your wedding rings. • Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, goblets, garter belt, candles, etc. • Confirm florist details and delivery times. • Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony and reception. Start writing placement cards. • Make sure all bridesmaids' attire has been fitted. • Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before

• Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. • Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. • Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper. • Reconfirm your guests' accommodations • Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready. • Review any seating details with the ushers. • Make sure all wedding attire fits. • Finalize the seating arrangements. • Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary plane tickets. • Start packing for your honeymoon. • Call any guests who have not responded yet.• Finish all the place cards for the reception. • Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc. • Give a final head count to the caterer. • Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.• Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day • Wrap and present the wedding party gifts. • Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

One Day Before
• Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. • Stay with your family the night before and sleep early. • Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. The Big Day • Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate. • Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. • Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment!!!• Be sure to eat properly. • Rest and relax with a good bath. • Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

M.O. Tip #1 - Here are some important questions to ask any wedding photographer:

#What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, relaxed, photojournalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?#Do you shoot in colour or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both colour and b/w versions of the same picture?#What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?#Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be?#Can we meet any assistants who will also be there taking pictures?#How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer? How many were similar to the size and formality of our wedding?#How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?#What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?#Do you develop your own film?#Can we buy the negatives from you?
...After you’ve asked these questions of your potential wedding photographer, there are several questions you’ll want to ask yourself:

#Do I like this person? Do I get along with them or get a good feeling from them? #Do I like their work as a wedding photographer? Is it well lit, focused, well framed? Looking at their books, do I feel like I have a good feeling for the wedding?
Don’t forget to call their references. While it may feel a bit awkward to call a stranger, it can be invaluable to have an outside opinion on a potential wedding photographer. Remember, your photographs will be one of the most lasting aspects of your wedding – you’ll want to make sure you find the right wedding photographer for you.