It's all about the Dress!

Modern Goddess

Gowns with straps, no straps, one shouldered, raw-edge chiffon, lavish bodices, Paris couture and sweeping trains, with so many choices how does one decide?

Some brides vision the perfect wedding dress when they are a teenager. Others, wait until they are officially engaged to even think about it. Either way, the dress should be breath-taking and therefore shopping to find the perfect dress should be an event in itself.

Grab your girlfriends, mom or anyone special and create a fun filled day of shopping for that perfect wedding dress. To get your mouth watering check out the spring 2011 collections of some of our favorites.

www.rivini.com
www.jimcouture.com
www.le-spose-di-gio.it/
http://liancarlo.com/bridal.htm

Star Fruit Martini

Tropical Sensations!

Adding something different to your bar offerings is not only fun, it's memorable. Here is one of our favorite recipes and it's sooooo easy!

1.5 shots of citrus Vodka - shaken with ice - strain into a chilled martini glass of choice and place one or two pieces of pierced star fruits (with a toothpick) to perch on the inside edge of the glass or make a one inch cut in the center to sit perfectly on the edge of the glass.

Keep your eye out for more amazing recipes at twitter.com/FCWeddings

Do I have to buy gifts for my Bridesmaids?

 I love my Bridesmaids!

No, you don't need to buy your bridesmaids gifts. However, it is a wonderful way to thank them for wearing your dress of choice, taking time out of their busy schedule to share in the planning process with you and probably even organized your bridal shower. A day at the spa, personalized (monogrammed) gifts, wedding related costs like hotel room or transportation costs are all great gift ideas to think about.

For other amazing bridesmaid gift ideas visit shoploveme.com
FirstClassWeddings.com & @FCWeddings have great tips too! Don't miss out!

Modern Napkin Folds

 Dress up your tables!

Napkin folds are a perfect way to add a finishing touch to your reception dinner tables. Some folds can suit the couples favorite things (flowers, birds, candy, sports, etc.), while others hold menu cards, place cards or favors. Modern brides are taking greater care in choosing custom cloth linens with either embroidery, lace, rings or some form of delicate detail. Whatever your theme we encourage you to add a fun surprise to the table with your napkin fold. Here are a few trendy ideas to get you going.

• Napkin folds that hold fresh flowers
• Napkin folds in the shape of blossoms that reveal round place cards
• Napkin fold with photo finish (holds personal note inside and picture on top)
• Napkin cinch, ring or ties
• Napkin rolled to size for menus and place cards (double pocket)
• Napkin folded flat pockets to hold menu cards (like seen above)

For more napkin folding ideas check out www.joydevivre.net

5 Secrets for a great wedding!

 The Best Ideas!

Write your own vows: There is just something about speaking from the heart that turns an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary wedding.

Include your guests: Coming up with a way to include your guests in the actual blessing of the ceremony creates a more intimate connection with your friends and family. One example; have each guest write a special message on a shell and place into a apothecary jar.

Add a sweet sentimental touch: Using your grandmothers lace to tie something special to your bouquet or presenting lei's or gifts to special members of the family during the ceremony creates a more memorable occasion for everyone.

Personalize things: From your save the date cards to your thank you notes and everything in between, try and find a way to personalize your wedding.

Unique Exits: This is a really great way to create a perfect ending to your special day. Try using a demolition car instead of a limo or how about leaving by helicopter or running through a shower of lavender blossoms?

Whatever you decide to do, remember that your wedding is a true reflection of who you are. For more helpful tips join our exclusive network at firstclassweddings.com

The top 10 things to do 1 month before your wedding

TO DO!

1. Finalize your guest count
2. Get your marriage license
3. Pick up your wedding dress and arrange for it to be pressed (if it hasn't been already)
4. Go Shopping! Get travel gear, wedding party gifts, and so on
5. Rent Tuxedos (if applicable), through planner or on your own & schedule measurement appointments for everyone
6. Discuss secure or make any specialty items and decor for the reception (favors, place cards, and so on)
7. Finalize your floral order, reception details, vendors etc. and arrange final payments
8. Get your hair cut & colored (if desired) or do a trial run with your artist
9. Book your manicure, pedicure appointment
10. Research, secure reservations & send invites for a pre-wedding group activity or rehearsal dinner (if applicable)

Happy Planning Everyone!

What is your Dream Wedding Location?

 HAWAII

We here at First Class Weddings (FCW) are eager to help guide you through all the stages of the wedding planning process. However, there are some decisions that you must make on your own before we can help you.

Decision 1: Make a final decision on where your destination wedding will be.

You can spend countless hours researching the web and weighing your options ahead of time. To better help you, one site that FCW finds extremely helpful for clients considering Hawaii is www.gohawaii.com. This site will provide you with information on the seven Hawaiian islands and what each of them have to offer. Another site for those of you that may be considering France is www.hautewedding.co.uk. This site is great if you're looking for a European adventure. Finally, if you're wanting to get married in the Rocky Mountains we suggest www.coloradoweddings.com.

Whatever location that you're dreaming of it is important that you decide on a destination location first and focus your attention on this decision as your FIRST priority. This will save you TONS of time and literally add years to your life. Also, we hope that your decision does not rely on finding a wedding planner to help you first, but rather on the amazing destination itself.

Once you decide on a location then you can begin seriously looking for someone to guide and assist you in the State/area that  you have selected. First Class Weddings can then help you determine who will warrant your time and attention in the wedding industry. Keep checking back for the launch of our exclusive directory of qualified professionals.

Follow us on Twitter for other helpful website links: @FCWeddings

Perfect Ways for Brides to say Thank You

Heartfelt Thankyou's

Don't even think about skipping out on writing your thank you notes! And blast emails or "day of" thank you's are very impersonal and totally lame. Thank you notes need to be sent to anyone that has given you a gift. This includes gifts of time and assistance (don't forget all the attendants and your service providers). Whomever you choose, thank you notes pertaining to a wedding are mandatory! Oh, and so is sending them out in a timely manner (which is typically within one month after the wedding).

Having a hard time finding just the right words? Here are three great suggestions to help get you going.

Dear Uncle Bob & Aunt May,
Adam and I can't thank you enough for the beautiful crystal Vase. The hand-cut flowers are so intricate and real looking - we will use it often. I'm sure both for entertaining and when Adam surprises me with flowers! It was absolutely wonderful seeing you both at the wedding. Thank you once again. With love and good memories, Adam & Eve

Dear Uncle Bob & Aunt May,
Adam and I want to thank you very much for your generous wedding gift. It will go toward buying a new wooden bench for our home. In fact, we already have a lovely one picked out - one that we plan to keep for many, many years. We enjoyed seeing you at the wedding and only wish that there had been more time for visiting. Once again, thank you for your generous gift. We are extremely appreciative. Sincerely Adam & Eve

Dear Uncle Bob & Aunt May,
The serving dishes you gave us are just perfect! The design is uniquely fresh and modern, and it they will get lot's of use. I'm very sorry that you couldn't make it out for the wedding. It was nice to know that your thoughts are good wishes were with us. Once again. thank you for the wonderful gift. It's definitely something we'll both enjoy. With much love, Adam & Eve

On a final note, hand written letters are best. However, now days brides are getting creative so anything goes. Just don't forget to write your thank you notes!

The most expensive wedding ever!

How much would you spend?

The most expensive wedding in the world was between Vanisha Mittal (daughter to Lakshmi Mittal) and Amit Bhatia (an investment banker) in the year 2004. It was an elaborate six day Indian celebration held in a 17th century French Chateau. The total costs for their wedding...over 60 million US dollars. There were over 1000 guests including Donald Trump and celebrities alike. From elaborate invitations, custom gifts, hand crafted wedding attire and the finest food you've ever tasted, this wedding was, and still is the most talked about wedding in the world.

The Engagement Ring

I Thee Betroth

Asking for a woman's hand in marriage really dates back to Roman times. Basically, a groom traded a coin or ring as a sign of security for his promise. In Egyptian times, the circular shape of the ring has always symbolized, unending love.  Other forms of history say that in the Middle Ages it was common to split a coin and give half to the woman and half to the man to bind their commitment to each other.

The Diamond engagement ring has been around since the fifteenth-century. In addition to the clear stones, colored gemstones are also symbolic in nature (amethyst meaning luck) and all these amazing stones main purpose is to seal your promise with something of value.

Other forms and trinkets of a couples promise consist of courtship rings, love tokens, wedding spunes, and dowry's. Over the years First Class Weddings has had the honor of seeing thousands of rings and heard many stories of how their mate asked them for their hand in marriage. By becoming a member of our elite network we will be sharing some of their stories and presenting you with some fresh ideas in regards to "Asking the love of your life to marry you".

We invite you to join the new generations of wedding experts by signing up today at firstclassweddings.com

Colored Uplighting

Don't Forget the Lighting!

Colored up lights are an economically priced enhancement that is often overlooked. Choose from the basic colors of amber, blue, green, red, pink, white, and gold, and start thinking about lighting as a great way to enhance your reception. Here are some fresh ideas to help get you started. 

• Colored spot lights over your reception tables
• Colored up lights on trees, foliage, columns, artwork, tents etc.
• Colored spot lights into the ocean or private gathering area
• Colored up lights to enhance the cake table
• Colored up lights to create pathways to and from places at your event (to the bar etc.)

One of our favorites tricks of the trade is to add lighting underneath your tables (like the picture above). This add that touch of color to the table itself from the ground up.

The Red Rose

Giving a rose means more than "I love you"

     Sure, we all know the meaning of a red rose, right? Whether receiving a single rose or a bouquet of long stemmed red roses, most will agree in it's universal meaning as a symbol of "love". Have you ever wondered how that came to be? Of all the beautiful flowers in the world, why the red rose and not a tulip, carnation or even a rose of a different hue? The answers may not only surprise you, but impress upon you the significance in history of a simple, single flower.


"In Victorian times, bouquets called "tussie-mussies" were given by suitors to young women; the arrangement changing as the relationship progressed, giving the intended clues as to the present standing of the relationship. Two roses, taped together was a sign of an engagement but if full in bloom and placed over two single buds it signified secrecy.

The spiritual meaning of the rose can be traced to prehistoric times, as petrified wreaths have been uncovered in ancient Egyptian tombs. The Romans and Greeks too, worshiped the rose, and were especially fond of the aroma, using petals to fragrance themselves and their bathwater.

Many species were brought to Europe by the Crusaders. In fact, England chose the rose as their national emblem.

In mythology, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was often depicted wearing roses around her feet, neck and head. In numerology, three roses indicates love, life and light; eight petals a message of rebirth and renewal and seven a symbol of universal understanding and order.

In religion too, a rose bush it is said grew at the site of Christ's death and the Catholic rosary was originally a string of 150 dried roses.

In the Tarot, the rose is a symbol of balance. It's beauty represents hope, new beginnings and a promise of sorts.

Looking back in history, the rose has clearly defined its magical essence. It's timeless, beautiful and most importantly, means much more than "I love you". For these reasons and more FCW suggests that you consider adding the rose into your flower arrangements."

Written by: Robin L. Curran

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Become an exclusive member to receive luxury discounts on wedding products and services, sign up to receive our one-of-a-kind newsletter, and most importantly gain access to our list of service professionals that warrant your time and hard earned cash. From tricks of the trade, to fresh ideas, First Class Weddings clears through the web clutter and provides you a trusted resource of information, products and services. Isn't it about time? 

Join us at www.firstclassweddings.com and become and exclusive member today!

5 Great Hangover Remedies

• Sleep of course is the best: Your body produces extra protein molecules while you're sleeping and these help mend your body at a cellular level.

• Drink a Bloody Mary: Spicy V8, one or two shots of Vodka, Salt and Pepper, one teaspoon of horseradish, two or three green olives, celery or pepperoncinis and about five or more drops of hot sauce.

• Eat a Bountiful Breakfast: Veggie Scramble, Fried Potatoes/Hashbrowns, buttery toast and a orangey mimosa or good coffee seems to do the trick.

• Sex is typically a great hangover remedy. Known for reducing pain as the hormone oxytocin surges, endorphins increase, and pain declines.

• Exercise: This helps the body rid itself of toxins and the increased circulation gets blood and oxygen to your brain.

Ritzy Wedding Veils!

Oooo la la....

An average bridal veil could cost you $40, while a custom creation could cost $500 or more. Before you go looking, you might want to ask yourself, "What kind of veil do I want?" Well, let's cut to the chase and present the styles.

Visor Cage Veils
Shoulder Length Veils
Elbow Length Veils
Finger Tip Length Veils
Knee Length Veils
Cathedral, Chapel & Long Veils
Mantilla Veils
Colored Veils
Ribbon Edge Veils
Cut Edge, Scalloped Cord Veils

One Tier, Two Tier Veils etc... 

If you have deternined your preferred style (from above) then great; if not, we suggest that you grab your girlfriends, spend a few hours at a local bridal shop, and determine what/if a veil is for you. Don't be afraid to try on the most elaborate creations! Live on the edge and choose something that truly looks amazing on you. Bring your camera and take a picture of what you've tried on so you can view them later. This will help you determine what you really want (if any).

Remember, most veils stay on just during the ceremony and are removed before the reception festivities begin. This way you can have two completely different looks for your event. 

Happy veil hunting everyone!

Wedding Superstitions

What's Lucky?

Over the years different cultures have believed that there are specific things that you can do to bring "good luck" to a new couple. Even though First Class Weddings is not superstitious, we are eager to share with you some of the things that are still carried on today in order to ward of evil spirits and give a new couple the best opportune chance for a life long, healthy and happy marriage.

1. Ducks are often included in Korean weddings because like many other birds, they mate for life.
2. A pine tree is planted at the newlyweds home as a sign of fertility and luck in Switzerland and Holland.
3. June weddings are considered lucky because of the Roman goddess of marriage and femininity.
4. Sunshine is the luckiest weather.
5. In Hawaii if rain falls it is a sign of fertility.
6. It is said that if an English bride meets a chimney sweep on the way to the wedding and kisses her, it's good luck. 
7. Swans also represent life-long mates.
8. Matching wedding clothes ward off evil spirits.
9. Grooms wearing a flower that is also in the brides bouquet is a symbol of his decloration of love.
10. Gifts of 5 almonds represent long life, fertility, happiness, health and wealth.

Setting the Mood

 

It's a Mood thing

Everyone knows that your wedding day is about more than showing off all the amazing little details. It's about "setting the mood". Here are a few simple ideas to get you to thinking about what kind of mood you want your guests to walk into at your wedding.

Live Musicians - This is the number one way you can add ambiance to your wedding, and with selective songs you can create the perfect mood for your guests to walk in to and continue to enjoy during your ceremony.

Cultural Elements - Adding a cultural element to your event is a wonderful way to ensure that you are "getting your guests in the mood". There are Indian flairs, Buddhist traditions, Historical trends and many other ideas in which you can select from.

Non-traditional seating - Creating a different seating arrangement at your wedding will make a lasting impression and definitely set the mood. Seating ideas include: Crescent moon designs that wrap around the alter area, full circle seating, and custom bench seating.

Guest Involvement - There are some great ways that you can give your guests something to do upon their arrival. For example: Guests can write a best wish on ribbons attached to floral picks that they can stick into your floral arch before they are seated. This is a wonderful way to get your guests involved and create a romantic mood for your ceremony.

Custom Lighting - This is by far one of the most brilliant ways to set the mood to any event. The options are endless no matter if you're getting married indoor or outdoor and there are lighting elements that can totally set the mood to your event.

Whatever you do to set the mood for your wedding we would like to encourage you to be creative, and of course you can follow our posts for more "fresh ideas".

To become an exclusive member, visit firstclassweddings.com

Hand Made Paper Notes

Personal Touches

Hand made paper thank you notes, menu cards, place cards, favor tags add a huge personalized touch to your event. There are several companies that you can buy these specialty papers from or you can make the paper yourself (depending on how crafty you are). For those of you who love DIY, this is a great project.

Items you can Recycle that you will need:

Newspapers

Playing Cards

Paper Bags

Napkins

Egg Cartons

Tissue

Supplies you will need:

Sponge

Window Screen in a frame of any size

A container to totally submerse frame

Blender

White Felt

Stapler

Liquid Starch

Instructions:

1. Fill blender half full with ripped pieces of items and then add warm water and blend until smooth with no pulp.
2. Fill your container half full and add at least 3 blender loads to it (the more you add, the thicker the paper), mix well.
3. Stir 2 teaspoons of liquid starch into mix.
4. Submerge frame with screen into mix and move it back and forth to place pulp onto the screen.
5. Gently lift frame up and flatten pulp onto area.
6. Take felt and place on top of pulp, use your sponge to press water out and off of pulp.
7. Very gently peel fabric and paper away from the frame and screen (this may take practice).
8. Stack paper with felt onto a plate or baking sheet, press sheets together and squeeze out excess water with another plate or pan if needed.
9. Carefully separate sheets and hang to dry on clothes line or placing them on dry newspaper.
10. Cut to desired size and they are ready to use.

For more DIY instructions for crafty, unique ideas for wedding invitations, thank you cards, etc. become an Exclusive First Class Weddings member at firstclassweddings.com