Top 10 Valentine's Day Wedding Style Ideas

Planning a Valentine's Day Themed Wedding?
Here's how to do it without the cheese.

First, some history on the lover's holiday: Though sending cards and love notes only dates back to the 1840s, Valentine's Day has been around since 496 A.D. Flash forward hundreds of years, and you'll find that this year Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, making the most romantic day of the year the perfect time to say I do. Not sure how to pull off a Valentine's Day wedding with style? We've got 10 tips to help you plan.


Show Your Love

To get started, think about Valentine's Day and what it means to you. Look for inspiration from your own love story -- if you met on the ski slopes of Vail, incorporate cool blues and other wintry hues. Or take your decor cues from an ultraromantic destination you've been to, like Paris or Venice.


Find Your True Colors

Valentine's Day is synonymous with pink and red. Depending on your style, you can go with this traditional palette or do something unexpected. For example, choose a classic black and white palette and subtly add hints of red or pink. Do so by carrying a deep red bouquet or wrapping pale pink satin ribbon around the tiers of an all-white cake. Another way to make these romantic hues stylish is to go for contrast. Think deep crimson paired with ballet slipper pink.

Seal It with a Kiss

For a semiformal affair, get guests in the mood by sending save-the-dates decorated to look like vintage Valentines. Instead of a guest book, you might leave out Valentines for your guests to send to you with their well wishes and words of advice (make sure there are extras in case they want to give some to each other too!). For a formal wedding, flocked paper, whether for your invitations or escort cards, makes a luxurious statement with its rich, soft texture.

Create Room for Romance

Speaking of texture, use it to your advantage to create a romantic vibe. Lots of candlelight will shine even brighter if you choose table linens that have a silky sheen. For lounge or cocktail areas, a few faux fur pillows or throws will create a comfy, cozy mood (as well as a perfect spot for guests to snuggle). And if a fireplace or fire pit is an option, by all means, light it. Any frosty February chill will be forgotten thanks to its comfort and warmth.

Add Some Mood Lighting

Think about lighting to set the mood. Splashes of soft pink light will warm up a space and make everyone look great in photos. While you may not want hearts everywhere, a heart-patterned gobo spotlight would look quite modern dressing up your dance floor. And, of course, nothing says romance like a candlelit dinner. Go for ornate, flower-draped candelabras or create a more contemporary vibe with frosted glass votives.

Say It with Flowers

Roses on Valentine's Day are a given. But other blooms can be just as romantic and stylish. Amaryllis is one showy winter flower that's dramatic and gorgeous. For a rich contrast, mix deep red calla lilies and cockscomb. Another option, no matter what your budget: Experiment with adding nonfloral elements, like feathers or crystals, to your centerpieces for a rich and luxurious look.

Toast Your Love
A Valentine's Day wedding calls for its own special signature cocktail. A pink sugar-rimmed cosmopolitan or a flute of champagne with gold flakes will play up the romance factor. A chocolate martini is another delicious option. You might also consider having small bowls of classic Valentine candies, like Conversation Hearts and red cinnamon hearts, at the bar for a sweet but subtle touch.



Have Your Cake and More

Valentine's Day is a day to indulge. Last year, $14.9 billion worth of chocolate was sold in America. Consider serving decadent desserts like individual-size flourless chocolate cakes drizzled with raspberry syrup or dark chocolate-dipped dried fruits. For the actual cake, a modern heart pattern embossed into white fondant is a great option, or choose a red filling (like red velvet cake or fresh strawberries) so that each slice will have a hint of color.


Play Sweet Music

It's more than likely your first dance will be to a love song. But if you want to keep the mood romantic all night long, ask your guests to fill in their first dance song (or simply the name of their song”) on their RSVP cards. Mixing some of these tunes into your playlist is a lovely way to honor your guests and help them relive loving memories.


Give 'Em Some Sugar

Don't forget to let your guests know how much you love them. Leave them handwritten messages -- love notes, if you will -- in glass bottles at each place setting for a fun favor. Or send guests home with something sweet, like chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered espresso beans, packaged in a creative way. Add a personalized card with a cute saying like, We're in love…with you! Thank you for coming.”



Special thanks to Maya Kalman of Swank Productions, New York; Debbie Geller of Geller Events, Los Angeles; and Christine Paul of Christine Paul Events, Inc., New York
Photo Credits: (From top to bottom) Eclectic Images Photography, Jonathan Dann Photography, Weddings By Pamela, Alternate Angles, Glenn Barnett Photography, Lisa Kyle Photography.
Source: Kate Wood  http://www.theknot.com/ 

Ceremony Site

Wedding Ceremony

Checklist

     Your ceremony is a reflection of who you are. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire.  Many people choose to have a traditional ceremony in a church, while others have taken their special day outdoors to a park of the beach.  These days, anything goes!

     When selecting your ceremony site, think about who you are as a couple and what makes the two of you unique.  Are you very traditional, dreaming of the perfect flowing white gown and walking down a long aisle, carrying a bouquet of beautiful flowers?  Or do you long for something unusual, to mark the day as yours?  This can be as simple as being married at the museum where you had your first date, or as elaborate as saying your vows after a hike to the summit of a mountain.  If you decide on an out of doors location, you may want to consider having a backup spot in case of inclement weather.

     Consider options like writing your own vows, or using a passage from a romantic book or pay to express your love.  Incorporate traditions that reflect your heritage, such as the Catholic Unity Candle ceremony or the African American tradition of jumping the broom.

     You will also want to think about who will be officiating you ceremony.  If you are having a religious ceremony, is there a particular clergyman who you are close to or who has impacted your life?  If you are going to be having a civil ceremony, is anyone in your life licensed to perform weddings?  Having someone close to you perform the ceremony that will bind you for life can make your wedding really special.

_ What is the name of the ceremony site?
_ What is the website and e-mail of the ceremony site?
_ What is the address of the ceremony site?
_ What is the name & phone number of my contact person?
_ What dates & times are available?
_ Do vows need to be approved?
_ What is the ceremony site fee?
_ What is the payment policy?
_ What is the cancellation policy?
_ Does the facility have liability insurance?
_ What are the minimum & maximum number of guests allowed?
_ What is the denomination, if any, of the facility?
_ What restrictions are there with regards to religion?
_ Is an officiant available?  At what cost?
_ Are outside officiants allowed?
_ Are any musical instruments available for our use?
_ If so, what is the fee?
_ What music restrictions are there, if any?
_ What photography restrictions are there, if any?
_ What videography restrictions are there, if any?
_ Are there any restrictions for rice/petal-tossing?
_ Are candlelight ceremonies allowed?
_ What floral decorations are available/allowed?
_ When is my rehearsal to be scheduled?
_ Is there handicap accessibility and parking?
_ How many parking spaces are available for my wedding party?
_ Where are they located?
_ How many parking spaces are available for my guests?
_ What rental items are neccessary?
_ What is the fee?

Wedding Planning Checklist

The following Wedding Planning Checklist is a very complete and detailed list which itemizes everything you need to do or consider when planning your wedding, and the best time frame in which to accomplish each activity.

This checklist assumes that you have nine months or more to plan your wedding. If your wedding is in less than nine months, just start at the beginning of the list and try to catch up as quickly as you can! Use the lines to the left of the items to check off the activities as you accomplish them. This will enable you to see your progress and will help you determine what has been done and what still needs to be done.

NINE MONTHS AND EARLIER_ Announce your engagement.
_ Select a date for your wedding.
_ Hire a professional wedding consultant.
_ Determine the type of wedding you want: location, formality, time of day, number of guests, etc.
_ Determine budget and how expenses will be shared.
_ Develop a record-keeping system for payments made.
_ Consolidate all guests lists: bride's, groom's, bride's family, groom's family, and organize as follows: those who must be invited, those who should be invited, those who would be nice to invite. Decide if you want to include children among guests.
_ Select and reserve ceremony site.
_ Select and reserve your officiant.
_ Select and reserve reception site.
_ Select and order your bridal gown and headpiece.
_ Determine your color scheme. (TIP: Try "Inspiration Boards" such as the ones you will find in our blog. They can give you an idea of what colors look good together and how you can incorporate them into the table linens, table decor, flowers, Bridesmaids dresses, Favors, etc.)
_ Check with your local newspapers for wedding announcement requirements. Send engagement notice with a photograph to your local newspaper. (Optional)
_ Buy a calendar and note all important activities: showers, luncheons, parties, get-togethers, etc.
_ If ceremony or reception is at home, arrange for home or garden improvements as needed.
_ Select and book photographer.
_ Order passport, visa, or birth certificate if needed for your honeymoon or marriage license.
_ Select Bridal Party: maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, ushers (approx. 1 usher per 50 guests), flower girl and ring bearer.

SIX TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING_ Give the Wedding Party Responsibility Cards (also provided in this blog) to your wedding party.
_ Reserve wedding night bridal suite.
_ Select your and Bridal Party dresses, shoes and accessories.
_ Select and book caterer, if needed.
_ Develop a record-keeping system for payments made.
_ Select and book ceremony musicians.
_ Select and book reception musicians or DJ.
_ Schedule fittings and delivery dates for yourself, attendants, flower girl and ring bearer.
_ Select and book videographer.
_ Select and book florist.
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING_ Start shopping for each others wedding gifts.
_ Reserve rental items needed for ceremony.
_ Finalize guest list.
_ Select and order wedding invitations, announcements, and other stationery such as thank-you notes, wedding programs, and seating cards.
_ Set date, time, and location for your rehearsal dinner.
_ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
_ Start planning your honeymoon.
_ Select and book all miscellaneous services, i.e. gift attendant, valet parking, etc.
_ Register for gifts.
_ Begin to break-in your shoes.
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
_ Select bakery and order wedding cake.
_ Order party favors. *ESTER A CREATIONS offers unique, affordable, personalized, and a beautiful variety of favors! Live Help consultation is available to help you select your favors; to match your theme, color scheme, to fit your budget, and to help you pick which favors best represent you as a couple.*

_ Select and order Reception decorations and Centerpieces. *ESTER A CREATIONS has a large variety of centerpieces to choose from. Unique, affordable, engravable vases, photo frame vases, centerpieces to match any color scheme or theme, and much more!*_ Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage.
_ Select and book transportation for wedding day.
_ Check blood test and marriage license requirements; this will depend on which state you live in.
_ Shop for wedding rings and engrave them.
_ Consider having your teeth cleaned or bleached.
_ Consider writing a will and/or prenuptial agreement.
_ Plan activities for out-of-town guests both before and after the wedding.
_ Purchase gifts for your Bridal Party. *ESTER A CREATIONS has a wonderful variety of gifts (engraving available) for your Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer, Best Man, Maid Of Honor, Parents, etc.*

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING_ Mail invitations. Include accommodation choices and a map to assist guests in finding the ceremony and reception sites.
_ Maintain a record of RSVPs and all gifts received. Send thank-you notes upon receipt of gifts.
_ Determine hair style and makeup.
_ Schedule to have your hair, makeup and nails done the day of the wedding.
_ Finalize shopping for wedding day accessories such as toasting glasses, ring pillow, guest book, etc. *ESTER A CREATIONS has a wonderful variety of Wedding Accessories to match your wedding theme and add a personal touch to your wedding day.*_ Have your formal wedding portrait taken.
_ Select and reserve wedding attire for groom, ushers, father of the bride and ring bearer.
_ Plan a luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids. Give them their gifts at that time or at the rehearsal dinner.
_ Find "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a six pence (or shiny penny) for your shoe."
_ Finalize your menu, beverage and alcohol order.

TWO TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING
_ Confirm ceremony details with your officiant.
_ Arrange final fitting of bridesmaids' dresses.
_ Have final fitting of your gown and head piece.
_ Make final floral selections.
_ Pick up rings and check for fit.
_ Finalize rehearsal dinner plans; arrange seating and write names on place cards, if desired.
_ Make a detailed timeline for your wedding party.
_ Make a detailed timeline for your service providers.
_ Confirm details with all service providers, including attire. Give them a copy of your wedding timeline.
_ Start packing for your honeymoon.
_ Finalize addressing and stamping announcements.
_ Decide if you want to form a receiving line. If so, determine when and where to form the line.
_ Contact guests who haven't responded.
_ Meet with photographer and confirm special photos you want. We've included a detailed list of questions in this blog that can be printed out and used for each photographer you interview._ Meet with videographer and confirm special events or people you want videotaped.
_ Meet with musicians and confirm music to be played during special events such as first dance.
_ Continue writing thank-you notes as gifts arrive.
_ Remind bridesmaids and ushers of when and where to pick up their wedding attire.
_ Purchase the lipstick, nail polish and any other accessories you want your bridesmaids to wear.
_ Determine ceremony seating for special guests. Give a list to the ushers.
_ Plan reception room layout and seating with your reception site manager or caterer. Write names on place cards for arranged seating.

THE LAST WEEK_ Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits.
_ Do final guest count and notify your caterer or reception site manager.
_ Gather everything you will need for the rehearsal and wedding day as listed in the Wedding Party Responsibility Cards.
_ Arrange for someone to drive the getaway car.
_ Review the schedule of events and last minute arrangements with your service providers. Give them each a detailed timeline.
_ Confirm all honeymoon reservations and accommodations. Pick up tickets and travelers checks.
_ Finish packing your suitcases for the honeymoon.
_ Familiarize yourself with guests' names. It will help during the receiving line and reception.
_ Notify the Post Office to hold your mail while you are away on your honeymoon.
THE REHEARSAL DAY
_ Review list of things to bring to the rehearsal as listed in the Wedding Party Responsibility Cards.
_ Put suitcases in getaway car.
_ Give your bridesmaids the lipstick, nail polish and accessories you want them to wear for the wedding.
_ Give best man the officiant's fee and any other checks for service providers. Instruct him to deliver these checks the day of the wedding.
_ Arrange for someone to bring the accessories you purchased; such as flower basket, ring pillow, guest book and pen, toasting glasses, cake cutting knife and napkins to the ceremony and reception.
_ Arrange for someone to mail announcements the day after the wedding.
_ Arrange for someone to return rental items such as tuxedos, slip, and cake pillars after the wedding.
_ Provide each member of your wedding party with a detailed schedule of event/timeline for the wedding day.
_ Review ceremony seating with ushers.

THE WEDDING DAY_ Review list of things to bring to the ceremony as listed in the Wedding Party Responsibility Cards.
_ Make sure Gratuity Envelopes are handed out.
_ Give the groom's ring to the maid of honor.
_ Give the bride's ring to the best man.
_ Simply follow your detailed schedule of events. Relax and enjoy your wedding! CONGRATULATIONS!