Do I need to have a wedding rehearsal?

Rehearsal Tips...

Having a wedding rehearsal is a fun thing to do on the day before your wedding. It also should be mandatory if you have more than one attendant on each side. However some locations charge a fee to host this service so please ask what they are in advance. This way there are no surprises.

Should you consider the possibility of forgoing the rehearsal there are some special situations that would allow you to do so. Here are some guidelines that you can follow should you choose this option:

• If you're having a wedding with just yourselves or only one attendant each.
• If you've been married before and are familiar with the drill.
• If you have responsible competent attendants that can go off of verbal instruction.
• If you begin the ceremony standing in place.
• If you elope.

Follow us on http://twitter.com/FCWeddings for more information on rehearsals, how to hold them and tips for wedding rehearsal luncheons in our upcoming weeks.

Live music, a DJ or an IPOD? You decide!

Musical Options... 

Over the years First Class Weddings has spent a lot of hours going over musical options with our clients. Now, with our blog up and running we have the ability to freely bring you insider information regarding the selection of your wedding and reception music. This is important because it fills the air with magic when your guests arrive and ultimately sets the mood for your wedding. 

Live Music: This option is the most expensive. However, having live music at your ceremony is highly recommended. Live music truly fills the air with an emotional element that you can't get from another source. If you're looking to provide a serene moment in time in which your guests will always remember then live music is the way to go. If you are considering going live at your reception then it will be important to remember that your music list will be limited to their repertoire.

DJ: This option can be a nice alternative option to live music and can save you a little money depending on how much time you need a DJ for. However, First Class Weddings highly recommends having a DJ at your wedding reception over your ceremony. Experienced DJ's can customize your celebration and provide you with what the world offers in music. They make it fun and they can also provide MC services. DJ's are not for everybody yet can work perfectly should you want your music to reach beyond a specific genre.

iPod: This option is by far the most conservative option. First Class Weddings does not recommend an iPod for your wedding because it really does dampen the overall ambiance. In addition, in our experience; 9 times out of 10 something happens with either the equipment, the programing, the speaker system or person that's in charge of 'hitting play'.

Whatever option you select we would like to remind you that this day happens only once in a lifetime. It is not an ordinary day so we encourage you to make it extra special by securing a special musician soloist, duo, trio, quartet, band and or DJ. An iPod...well it's really for everyday use!

What every Maid of Honor must know!

Best Girls are priceless!

Being a Maid/Matron of Honor can be hard work! However, knowing in advance what is expected of you can make a world of difference if you want to be exceptional. Here are 10 things a Maid/Matron of Honor should know when accepting the offer of being the brides 'personal assistant'.

1. Plan on assisting the Bride in selecting her dress as well as the bridal parties attire.
2. Offering assistance with addressing invitations and calling for final RSVP's is a must.
3. Helping the Bride determine seating arrangements is mandatory.
4. Being the on-call girl for discussions with any details, favors or decor is important!
5. Offering your help with any day-of tasks should be a given! 
6. Taking care of the brides train (if applicable) once she approaches the alter area is mandatory.
7. Taking the brides bouquet during the ceremonies ring exchange is a no-brainier.
8. Assisting the bride to and from the restroom to freshen up is the right thing to do.
9. Yes, collecting gifts, envelopes and being the last to leave is exceptional!
10. Plan on giving your time on the day after to ensure that any loose ends are taken care of can be difficult, yet necessary.

Whatever you do, please do not try and criticize, judge or disagree with the Brides flavors. Every wedding is truly a personal reflection of the couples style and should be honored as that. Being an exceptional 'Best Girl' requires patience, understanding and most of all, love.

10 Money Saving Tips for your Wedding

Saving Together...

1. Doing a destination wedding at your honeymoon location combines expenses and will save on your overall expenses.
2. Sending save-the-date cards are an extra expense that is totally OK to cut out of the budget.
3. Be conservative when purchasing your wedding gown.
4. Considering a luncheon instead of a reception dinner will cut your costs in half.
5. Doing your own make-up will save you time and money!
6. Have your ceremony chair rentals transferred to the reception tables after the wedding.
7. Keeping your centerpieces simple & low to the table can save you a lot of money!
8. Forgo favors and instead hand write thank you cards for each person or family.
9. Keep the dessert display option on your menu instead of ordering a large wedding cake (paying for a small 6" wedding cake on a pedestal for your traditional "cake cutting" will actually save you money).
10. Designate day-of tasks like setting place cards and favors to a friend or family member vs. paying someone else to do it.

When it comes to saving money the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. This will allow you to keep your costs down without sacrificing elegance.

What Makes a Marriage Last?

Marriage Will Last a Lifetime!

A little research would tell you that marriages that last a lifetime are at an all time low. Several reports, reviews and opinions on the sensitive subject of making marriage work are indifferent so we make no guarantees on how long your marriage will last  However, we would like to suggest that these ten things would make a significant difference on the overall health, happiness and length of your marriage... should you take them to heart.

1. Time
2. Patience
3. Honesty
4. Love
5. Forgiveness
6. Commitment to Marriage
7. Loyalty
8. Respect
9. Communication
10. Partnership

And when times get hard, remember the love that you once shared together and please try and make an effort to celebrate your commitment together as often as you can. Telling each other that you love them every single day, how much you admire them, or how special they made you feel by doing something for you is a few of many ways you can keep the love alive. We also encourage you to remember that you are in it for better and for worse. The love you have for each other must be strong enough to endure all obstacles, and with a little luck, it can.

Things you should know about candles

I Love Candles!

Setting the mood at your reception with the elegant flame of a candle is undeniable. However, here are three things you should know before setting your sights on this option.

1. Check with your venue to make sure they allow an open flame - there are many indoor venues that prohibit open flame, this means that you have to go with battery operated candles instead. This rule is by order of the Fire Marshal!

 2. If having your reception outdoors make sure the flame of your candle sits two or more inches below the rim of the glass holder - otherwise, even the slightest breeze will blow them all out.

3. We can't say this enough! Make sure you buy drip-less candles... This will prevent a pooling mess and save your linens from suffering any damages.

To find out where the best place is to buy candles and other insider tips, sign up for our newsletter at firstclassweddings.com

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

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 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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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.