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/ 

Valentine's Day Themed Weddings

February is the time of year set forth for love, so why not have a Valentine Wedding. Colors of red and pink will set the mood of a valentine romance. The groom and groomsmen can be in black with beautiful red boutonnieres. The bridesmaids could hold a single rose, while the bride can carry a rose cascade.

While roses are associated with Valentines Day, they are expensive at this time of year. You may consider pink flowers for the bridesmaids decorated with little red hearts. Your florist will have suggestions for creative alternatives. Be sure to plan ahead as all florists will be very busy!

When choosing your venue, look for romantic settings. What does romance mean to you; castles and mansions, or cottages and hideaways? A glowing fire and romantic nooks will keep you and your guests warm, while plenty of windows will allow you to view the scenery outdoors. How romantic it would be to have a venue that allows you and your guests to view the setting sun.

Reds and pinks, or burgundy and mauves, will bring romance to your reception and add a touch of elegance. Hershey Kisses & Hugs and little sweethearts can be available for the children’s delight. Your table centerpieces could have small valentine candy boxes, one large box of chocolates for the bigger tables, Glass Candy Jars with Personalized Labels, or you can use "Personalized Shot Glass/Votive Holders" to fill with small pieces of candy or votive candles to match.

It’s quite easy to accommodate a Valentine’s Day themed wedding with favors. You can give your guests Hershey kisses in a sachet, personalized sweetheart candies that say "Thank you (last name) family", Jordan almonds in the shape of a heart, sugar cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, or a CD of memorable love songs that played during the night.

Give your guests tiny heart-shaped boxes of candy with a note attached saying "Thank you for being our Valentines. Love, Jessica and George."

We also carry other really great Favors with "Love" or "Heart" themes; such as: "A Slice Of Love" Pizza Cutters in Pizza Box, "Love Is Brewing" Teapot Timer, "Spread The Love" Personalized Strawberry Jam, Heart-Shaped Tea Infuser, "Love Bug" Ladybug Magnets", and much much more! http://www.esteracreations.net/index.php?cPath=32

Valentines Day is a wonderful time for a wedding! Planning ahead is crutial because this is a busy time of year for many venues and florists (some flowers may not be in season and many florists' prices for certain flowers increase during Valentine's Day season). Your wedding will be full of romance and love, and may rekindle some romance for your guests. 

  

Source: http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?p=357

Ceremony Music Selections

    

     The music you choose for your ceremony also reflects your taste and style, allowing you to express yourselves and your feelings for one another.  Certain locations, such as a church, may have rules about the songs they will allow you to play, but most sites will let you use whatever you select.

Prelude
     Selection:________________________________
     Author:__________________________________ 
     Played By: _______________________________ 

Prelude
     Selection:________________________________
     Author:__________________________________ 
     Played By: _______________________________ 

Processional
     Selection:_______________________________ 
     Author:_________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________ 

Bride's Processional
     Selection:_______________________________ 
     Author:_________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________ 

Ceremony
     Selection:_______________________________ 
     Author:________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________ 

Ceremony
     Selection:_______________________________ 
     Author:________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________ 

Recessional
     Selection:_______________________________     
     Author:_________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________

Postlude
     Selection:_______________________________ 
     Author:_________________________________ 
     Played By: ______________________________ 

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?

Baby's First Aid Kit

Making a first-aid Kit for your Baby?
It is important to have a first-aid kit in an easy to find location for both you and future baby sitters.
Be prepared for all of your baby's minor aches and illness with this list.

_ Baby nail clippers
_ Cotton balls (don't use swabs to clean baby's nose or ears)
_ Baby thermometer
_ Bulb syringe/ nasal aspirator
_ Medicine dropper
_ Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)
_ Saline nasal drops
_ Baby gas drops
_ Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Disinfecting hand soap: for you!

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BABY'S FIRST-AID KIT WHEN TRAVELING

     It is always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. This checklist contains everything you will need when traveling with your baby to help you deal with minor problems. If you are unsure about something or have any questions, call your Pediatrician.
     Store all kits in a lunch box, zippered bag, or something like a tackle box and keep them out of reach of curious babies and children.  Many items of the first-aid kit can be hazardous.
     The most important items in your kit may be contact information.  Securely tape, glue, or staple the following contact information to the inside of your kit:

Emergency Contact- Names and Numbers

_ Pediatrician or family doctor.
_ Local Hospital.
_ Poison Control Centers' national emergency hotline (800) 222-1222
_ Two closest neighbors and/or family members (in case of an emergency; such as childcare for an older sibling or a ride to the hospital)

First-Aid Kit

I'm making a first-aid kit for baby. What should I include?
      Be prepared for all of your baby's minor aches and illnesses with this list.

_ Baby nail clippers.
_ Cotton balls ( don't use swabs to clean baby's nose or ears).
_ Baby thermometer.
_ Bulb syringe/ nasal aspirator.
_ Medicine dropper.
_ Infant acetaminophen ( Tylenol).
_ Saline nasal drops.
_ Baby gas drops.
_ Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze ( for circumcision care).
_ Antibiotic cream.
_ Disinfecting hand soap: for you!

 ADDITIONAL ITEMS
(if recommended by your Pediatrician)

_ Rehydration fluids (such as Pedialyte) to rehydrate children with diarrhea.
_ Prescription Medication, Asthma inhaler, or Epinephrine injector if your child is allergic to bee stings, peanuts, shellfish, or if your baby has some other type of life-threatening allergy.



(American Medial Association's "Handbook for First-Aid and Emergency Care" can be purchased here)

What is a bridesmaid?

     A bridesmaid is first and foremost someone who the bride wants to be a part of her wedding. Perhaps she is a sister, or a very close friend; her friendship and support of the marriage is meaningful.  More than that, a bridesmaid and/or maid-of-honor serves a practical purpose. During the hectic time of planning a wedding, she is a confidant, advice giver, doer of menial tasks, errand runner and more. A bride should have at least one bridesmaid (preferably the maid-of-honor) who is reliable, cheerfully helpful, organized, and who lives close to the bride.

A bridesmaid's duties might include:

_  Helping the bride shop for her dress and bridesmaids’ dresses.
_  When asked, giving advice on decorations, favors, music, and more.
_  Helping the maid of honor to plan a bridal shower, and, if appropriate, chipping in for the costs of food, decorations, or venue.
_  Helping to plan a bachelorette party (this the bridesmaids may pay for or split the cost with the other attendees).
_  Helping the bride dress (and stay calm) before the ceremony.
_  Providing moral support at all times.
_  Telling others where the couple is registered and other details, such as when they will return from their honeymoon, where to send gifts, and any name changes.
_  Being useful at the wedding reception. The couple may ask you to help direct guests to the guestbook, assist with a special moment, make sure that vendors have arrived, or do crisis management. You might also want to stick around after the reception and make sure things are cleaned up and wedding presents secured. _  Being social. Be sure to talk to as many guests as you can, making them feel warmly welcomed. If there's a dance floor, help get the party going!
_  Consider throwing (or helping to pitch in for) a day-after brunch. These events are great to help the couple catch up with out-of-town guests, and have a more relaxed environment to socialize in.

*A good bridesmaid also makes sure she is helpful rather than a hindrance. This means being where she needs to be, on time, ordering her bridesmaid dress at the right time, and not badmouthing the bride behind her back.

A Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor has additional duties. She is the person whom the bride most wants to honor and celebrate her friendship. At the wedding ceremony, she has the honor of being the last to walk down the aisle before the bride, and stands next to her during the ceremony. In addition to a bridesmaid's duties, listed above, a maid of honor should:

Help with wedding planning, such as researching locations, florists, caterers and other vendors.

_  Volunteer to help address wedding invitations and/or announcements.
_  Make sure her fellow bridesmaids have ordered their dresses and accessories on time.
_  Helping with the rehearsal dinner.
_  Holding the bouquet during the ceremony.
_  Giving a meaningful toast during the reception.

The Expenses of a Bridesmaid There is a considerable expense involved in being a bridesmaid, including cost of apparel, travel and hotel room for the ceremony, hosting a party, as well as a shower gift and a wedding gift. A bridesmaid can save money by asking others to pitch in for the showers, wearing a dress she already owns (if that’s okay with the bride), making her own dress, and staying with friends. She can give her friend the gift of time - i.e., the gift of addressing and stuffing the invitations. Also, a bride may pay for some of the expenses if her budget allows it.

The Bachelorette Party Planning a bachelorette party should be a fun experience for a bridesmaid to toast the bride and have a blast with both new and old friends. The party planner should be sure to keep the bride in mind always. Just because the wild maid-of-honor might want a stripper doesn’t mean the bride will. Consider if the bride is more a gambling-in-Vegas type of gal, or a sitting-by-the-pool-with-a-white-wine-spritzer girl. Read Bachelorette Party Themes, Ideas and Activities to get some ideas and hints. Most of all, a bachelorette party should be a unique amazing experience that’s both a total blast and an enormous bonding time.

*Above article "Being a great attendant" By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide*

"What does maid of honor really do?"

      The maid of honor is the bride's chief support. Specifically: she helps the bride with wedding planning, making decisions, and navigating family difficulties and other stresses.  She's also responsible for being the head of the bridesmaids, keeping them organized.  The maid of honor leads the bridesmaids in planning a bridal shower and often a bachelorette party.  On the day of the wedding, a maid of honor helps the bride get dressed and stay calm.  Often, she makes a toast or a speech at either the wedding or the rehearsal dinner.  Couples getting legally married in the United States frequently ask the maid of honor to be one of the signers of the marriage license.  Perhaps most importantly she's a good listener, and has a strong shoulder for the bride to lean on.

Who Should be Chosen for the Maid of Honor?

- Typically, a bride asks her sister or her closest female friend.

Can a Man Be a Maid of Honor?

- Of course! When a woman's closest friend is a man, it makes sense that he be the person she relies on for her wedding, and wants to honor. It does mean that any traditionally-gendered events, such as the bridal shower or bachelorette party, need to be inclusive of all genders.

Does This Person Have to Be Called a Maid of Honor?

- Whether you've got a female or male best friend, sometimes the term "maid of honor" just feels strange. Instead this role can be called, "bride's honor attendant", or even whimsically, "the bride's sidekick." If a married woman is chosen, she's traditionally called "the matron of honor.

*Above article "Being a great attendant" By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide*

Bridesmaid Clutch with Survival Kit

www.esteracreations.com

(Can be found in Category: Bridal Party Gifts)

Bridesmaid Clutch with Survival Kit

Let your favorite girls prepare for the worst while looking their best with our super chic Bridesmaid Clutch with Survival Kit. With its over the top trend appeal and ultra functional nature, this is one wedding day detail your bridesmaids won't want to go without. Equipped with all the right survival accessories - from band aids and bobby pins to sewing kits and breath mints - and designed in plush matte satin, it's no wonder why this unique gift is such a well anticipated product!

Fashioned in matte satin and featuring zip and snap closures, each sleek mini purse may also be personalized free of any extra cost to you. Bridesmaid clutch includes the following survival kit items: 2 band aids, 4 bobby pins, towlette, matchbox styled sewing kit, breath mint and travel size Kleenex pack.

The Bridesmaid Clutch with Survival Kit may be embroidered with a monogram or single script initial in light pink, medium pink, light orange, orange, red, aqua, apple green, light blue, light purple, lavender, sage, Caribbean, white or grey/silver thread at No Additional Cost.

Things To Bring

As it gets closer to the big day it can become difficult to keep track of whats needed. So we've put together a list of things to bring that you can pack little by little ahead of time. And it makes a really great check list. We've included items for an "Emergency Kit".

TIP: Organization is key and it will decrease stress levels. Try using a duffel bag or a medium sized tote bag. A small cosmetic bag is ideal for the small emergency items needed for the ceremony/reception, and if you can find one with compartments that's even better. Sometimes you can find these in the pharmacy in the cosmetic section.


TO THE REHEARSAL

BRIDE'S LIST:
_ Wedding announcements (maid of honor to mail after wedding)
_ Bridesmaid's gifts (if not already given)
_ Camera and film
_ Fake bouquet or ribbon bouquet from bridal shower
_ Groom's gift (if not already given)
_ Reception maps and wedding programs
_ Rehearsal information and ceremony formations
_ Flower girl basket and ring bearer pillow
_ Seating diagrams for head table and parents' tables
_ Wedding schedule of events/timeline
_ Tape player with wedding music


GROOM'S LIST:
_ Bride's gift (if not already given)
_ Marriage license
_ Ushers' gifts ( if not already given)
_ Service providers' fees to give to best man or wedding consultant so she/he can pay them at the wedding


TO THE CEREMONY

BRIDE'S LIST:
_ Aspirin/Alka-seltzer
_ Bobby pins
_ Breath spray/mints
_ Bridal gown
_ Cake knife
_ Change of clothes for going away
_ Clear nail polish
_ Deodorant
_ Garter
_ Gloves
_ Groom's ring
_ Guest book
_ Hair brush
_ Hair spray
_ Head piece
_ Iron
_ Jewelry
_ Kleenex
_ Lint brush
_ Luggage
_ Make-up
_ Mirror
_ Nail polish
_ Panty hose
_ Passport
_ Perfume
_ Personal camera
_ Plume pen for guest book
_ Powder
_ Purse
_ Safety pins
_ Scotch tape/masking tape
_ Sewing kit
_ Shoes
_ Something old
_ Something new
_ Something borrowed
_ Something blue
_ Spot remover
_ Straight pins
_ Tampons or sanitary napkins
_ Toasting goblets
_ Toothbrush & paste


GROOM'S LIST:
_ Airline tickets
_ Announcements
_ Aspirin/Alka-seltzer
_ Breath spray/mints
_ Bride's ring
_ Change of clothes for going away
_ Cologne
_ Cuff links
_ Cummerbund
_ Deodorant
_ Hair comb
_ Hair spray
_ Kleenex
_ Lint brush
_ Luggage
_ Neck tie
_ Passport
_ Shirt
_ Shoes
_ Socks
_ Toothbrush & paste
_ Tuxedo
_ Underwear

Photography (Questions)

The following is a complete list of questions to ask each photographer you interview.

Photographers Comparison Chart- Bring this chart with you when you go to interview different photographers so that you have a list of questions to ask and can use the answers to choose the right photographer for your wedding. You can make extra copies if you interview more photographers.

What is the name & phone number of the photographer?

What is the website and email of the photographer?

What is the address of the photographer?

How many years of experience do you have as a photographer?

What percentage of your business is dedicated to weddings?

Approximately how many weddings have you photographed?

Are you the person who will photograph my wedding?

Will you bring an assistant with you to my wedding?

How do you typically dress for weddings?

Do you have a professional studio?

What type of equipment do you use?

Do you bring backup equipment with you to weddings?

Do you visit the ceremony/reception sites prior to the wedding?

Do you have liability insurance?

Are you skilled in diffused lighting & soft focus?

Can you take studio portraits?

Can you retouch negatives?

Can negatives be purchased? If so, what is the cost?

What is the cost of the package I am interested in?

What is your payment policy?

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Do you use proofs?

How many proofs will I get?

When will I get my proofs?

When will I get my album?

What is the cost of an engagement portrait?

What is the cost of a formal bridal portrait?

What is the cost of a parent album?

What is the cost of a 5" x 7" reprint?

What is the cost of an 8" x 10" reprint?

What is the cost of an 11" x 14" reprint?

What is the cost per additional hour of shooting at the wedding?