What Makes a Great Wedding Picture?

Smile for me Baby!

When shopping around for a great wedding photographer it is imperative that you ask to see more of their work than what is available on their web site. In addition, we suggest that you ask these important questions.

• Will you personally be taking my wedding photos?
• Will you be bringing an assistant?
• Can my family take photos at the same time as you?
• How much do you charge for overtime?
• What will you (and assistant) wear on my wedding day?
• Do you bring back-up equipment?
• How long after the wedding will it take to receive my proofs and album?

A FRESH IDEA: In addition to securing a great photographer for your wedding day we suggest picking up the camera yourself (if time allows) and taking a picture or two of your life long partner. Taking your own images are great fun and you may possibly capture some adorable moments.

A Christmas Proposal

A Romantic Sleigh Ride Proposal...

If you're wondering how to propose to your soul mate or if you're thinking about how your partner will propose then we have a snowy idea for you. How about an intimate sleigh ride through the snow kissed mountains? Add a warm cozy blanket, hot cocoa, or even some Champagne and there you have it, a unique proposal that will surely achieve success.

In Colorado there is a small little town called Breckenridge that can supremely accommodate this type of request. This quaint little town is only an hour and a half drive from Denver and they specialize in this type of romance. With prices starting at $295, the custom ride is well worth your consideration.

For more information visit www.brecksleighrides.com , or call 970-453-0222. This little company in the heart of the mountains has what it takes to make your winter wonderland wedding proposal everything you imagined and more...

Beach Glass Weddings

 10 Fresh Beach Glass Ideas!

• Fill a tray with beach glass and display your place cards in them
• Fill clear glass vases with beach glass and create something magical for your centerpieces
• Hot glue beach glass to your invitations, favors, baskets, pillows, vases, frames, books or thank you notes
• Make Beach Glass Garlands or wreathes to either hang in your arch, drape over your chairs or lay down the isle-way
• Make wired beach glass jewelry for gifts (bracelets, necklaces, key chains etc.)
• Provide beach glass to your pastry chef to use around your wedding cake
• Attach beach glass to fabric table runners and use to enhance your reception tables
• Glue beach glass to the top of skewers, wire or lei needles and have your florist place them in your flower arrangements
• Scatter or display them on your food display tables
• Fill tall glass vases with beach glass and water and submerged flowers and place them down each side of your isle-way, then you can have them transferred to the reception and displayed there

For more fresh ideas follow us on Twitter: @FCWeddings

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

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.

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

Whirly Pop Centerpieces!

Kids Love Candy!

What a "fresh idea". Whirly Pop Centerpieces on a table that is specifically designated for kids. Select your color theme and wow! This is a simple little detail that makes a lasting impression on your event. Combine it with a custom candy bar and your wedding reception will surely make a lasting impression on all of your guests. If you have a great centerpiece idea we would love to see them. Send your comments and photos to news@firstclassweddings.com, we will feature our favorite in the months to come.