Creative Wedding Favour Ideas

WEDDING FAVOUR IDEAS

Homemade Granola

Sweet or savory? Give your guests the choice to pick from a mix of flavorful munchies that are sure to be devoured in the car ride home. Fill mason jars with a delicious snack. Pop on a label so it’s easy for guests to grab the mix they want as they go.

Retro Rounds

There's no nickel required for these surprising treats. Fill old-school style capsules with an assortment of favorite goodies. To finish off, pop on a monogrammed label.

Signature Soda Pop

Signature drinks aren't just for cocktail hour. Send friends and family members home with a refreshing reminder of your big day. Start with a bottle of soda pop, attach a stylish straw, and reveal the recipe of your signature drink. Cheers!

Regional Treat

If you're hosting a wedding in your hometown, then share a regional favorite. Package goodies in a classic-style container and add an out-of-the-ordinary tag, like ones made from actual maps. Now that’s hometown flair.

Customized Flash Drive

The sad news is that the party must come to an end. The good news is that you can send guests home with memories that will play on forever. Load a flash drive (tip: find one in your signature hue) with favorite photos and your very own playlist. Chances are guests will be pretty excited to watch and see if they made it into the video.

Tea Lovers Souvenir

The ultimate soothing reward for a day of non-stop festivities. Package loose gourmet tea with a sweet honey stirrer stick and finish with a ribbon and tag.

Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Wedding DJ

Getting the most out of your DJ

Depending on where you come from, the things you take into consideration when choosing the music for your wedding are dramatically different. Back when I got married, I would NEVER have used a DJ in a million years, having coming from the school of thought that a DJ is a loud obnoxious creature who incites your guests to do dances you would prefer never be a part of your biggest day (Macarena, ChaCha, Slide, YMCA... I could go on forever).

All DJs are created equal, and the good ones are worth their weight in gold. But even if you don't necessarily have a whole bunch of DJ options for your wedding (the venue provides it or you're getting married on an island that only has a couple of choices), you can structure your wedding playlist in a way that makes your wedding flow seamlessly even if the guy running the system is dumber than a box of rocks.

Here are some tips to help you set things up so that you can relax and enjoy the music you want to hear on your big day!

1) Establish up front that you are the CLIENT and you are in charge. Let him know if you don't like a talker. Tell him if he has absolutely no room for independent judgment. If you don't want to hear a single song that isn't on your personal playlist, let him know. Lay out the ground rules and don't be afraid to be a little bit aggressive and put it writing, asking him to acknowledge your requests. Many DJs prefer you be upfront and direct. Just don't be rude about it. There's a way to be demanding without being Bridezilla. Be a little nicer if he's your only option at the venue.

2) Be very specific about your playlist and, if he doesn't give you a good form to work with, create your own and include the following categories:
Ceremony 
- Prelude music
- Music for seating the mothers
- Music for the bridesmaids' processional
- Music for the bride's processional
- Recessional music
Reception
- Cocktail music pre-entrance 
- Entrance song
- First dance song
- Daddy/daughter dance song
- Mother/son dance song
- Cocktail music post-entrance
- Dinner music
- Cake cutting song
- Bouquet/garter toss songs
- Last dance

3) Decide whether you're going to let the DJ take requests or not, and make sure you're clear on the system with the DJ. If you'd prefer he not take requests, you can ask him to tell people that he doesn't have the music being requested up to a certain point. If somebody gets aggressive, he might have to explain that the bride and groom have requested no spontaneous requests.

4) Be VERY SPECIFIC about your "Do Not Play" list. Those are the songs you really, really don't want to hear at your wedding. You never know what your friends may request, and you're better off making sure the DJ knows at the outset exactly how you feel about that. Trust me, "We are Family" can be a very awkward music selection in many groups.

5) Get your playlist to your DJ as early as possible. Every DJ has a different system, and many of them have to pull your playlist from their master systems, especially if you're getting married somewhere like the tropics where the DJs might not have the most current systems. Some of them need time to make sure they have all your music ready in time for your wedding. At the very latest, have all song selections to your music master no less than 30 days prior to your wedding date. A full 90 days is even better.

If you're not working with a wedding planner, or you don't trust the recommendations of the venue's banquet manager, do your own homework and research and see what other brides who got married in your area had to say about their own DJs. Angry and dissatisfied brides blog...fairly or not. But you'll be able to tell who sounds like a bitter crazy person and who had a legitimately bad experience. Hopefully, you can learn something from their bad experiences rather than repeating them yourself.

Wedding Decorations : Make it Personal

How to Choose the Right Decorations for your Wedding

With the wedding being one of the most important days in many people's lives, it's no wonder so many brides question the choice of decorations. Each wedding is unique so you want your decor to show your personality and complement your dress and theme. Learning how to choose the right decorations for your wedding is an important step to ensuring your big day is one you'll always cherish.

1

Choose a style or theme for your wedding that will help you decide which decorations are appropriate. Use your wedding dress as a guide to the formality and style. For example, a large formal event you may need more wedding decorations than you would for a small party on the beach.

2

Consider color schemes to help you tie everything together. Flowers, linens, bridesmaid dresses, cakes and flowers should look as though they belong together even if they aren't exactly the same color. Use a wedding planner color wheel to help you decide on accent colors.

3

Look at the time of year in which your nuptials take place. Also consider the time of day you are getting married. For example, an evening wedding in the winter may require darker colors, extra candles and muted flowers, while an afternoon wedding in the summer may require light airy colors, bright flowers and handheld fans for guests to cool themselves in the heat.

4

Pick your decorations based on your location. For an indoor ceremony you may have to look at candles, flowers and pew decorations, while for an outdoor ceremony you may have to look more at arbors, paper lanterns, plants and aisle runners. Look around and use the atmosphere surrounding you to help choose your decor.

5

Rent items from a specialty store catering to weddings and parties. Items like tables and chairs, linens and even table decorations are all great to rent rather than purchase. Often the venue where you choose to hold your wedding may have closets full of decorations you can use for no additional cost.

6

Draw a map of your wedding area and label the specific areas for your wedding decoration choices. When deciding how to choose the right decorations for your wedding, consider the alter, pews, gift and cake tables, bathrooms, guest book table, food and guest tables, chairs and chair backs, walls, doors, ceilings and floors, where you may need to add color or hide architectural flaws and areas that don't fit with your design plan.

TIPS:

• Purchase guest favors that double as table decorations. Look for pretty boxes, potted plants, ornate Chinese fans, wine glasses and other items that fit your theme and style.
• Use Internet photo galleries for inspiration. Visit theknot.com for some expert advice and lots of photos and contact information of local wedding and party shops and planners.
• Hire a wedding planner to help you choose your decorations. She often has connections to wholesale prices, rental opportunities and new design ideas.

Photography : Choosing the right photographer

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

1. Trinidad & Tobago Wedding Photographer Yaisa Tangwell
   Wedding Photographer
   Address: Kitchener Street, Port of Spain
   Phone:(868) 706-1532

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The unfortunate thing about your big day is that it is, well, only one day. Fortunately, the right wedding photographer can gorgeously preserve the entire event's happenings, the emotions, and the fun—forever! One perfect picture can instantly take you back to the happiest day of your life, and one perfect album can become your favorite coffee table book.

When it comes to professional photography, most shutterbugs start out by shooting weddings. This can mean wading through a lot of prospective hires before you find the right fit for you. Below are simple tips for finding a photographer who will articulate the event exactly how you want to remember it.

1. START SEARCHING IMMEDIATELY

   So, you just got engaged—Congratulations! Now start looking for a wedding photographer. The truth is, the best professional photographers book their schedules a year in advance, so hiring someone is one of the first things you should do after you've set the date.
   However, if your plans call for an out-of-season wedding or a Sunday ceremony, there is a good chance your chosen photographer is available. Give yourself six months to find the photographer of your dreams if you're having a more uniquely timed wedding.

2. TAP INTO YOUR NETWORK

   Good wedding photographers have a reputation for success and can even be local celebrities. They should be the easiest to find, but that doesn't mean they're the best for you. Start your search by crowdsourcing recommendations from friends and family who have planned weddings in the last few years, and ask your married friends if you can peruse their photo albums. Look to Facebook pages and professional websites for samples of work, blog posts, and client reviews.
   The other professionals involved in your wedding day festivities will have worked with various photographers in the past. Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner, venue manager, caterer, baker, florist or limousine driver—it's (literally) their business to have such contacts.

3. NARROW DOWN YOUR OPTIONS

   Once you have a list of your top choice photographers, take an in-depth look into their services to begin eliminating candidates who aren't a good fit. Determine which photographer will meet your budget as well as your specific needs. Consider how well they perform in different settings and environments. For example, if you are throwing a beach wedding, it makes sense to find a photographer who is proficient at outdoor photography.
   Think about the emotional tone that you want your photos to express. Are you and your fiancé serious and traditional, or do you prefer a more light-hearted and playful theme? A talented photographer can listen to your vision and articulate it perfectly, so you should see tonal variation in their sample work.

4. CONDUCT YOUR INTERVIEWS

   After narrowing your selection of wedding photographers down to around three, make appointments to interview the candidates. Likely, the photographer will have two or three wedding albums available to show. Make sure you see at least one album of an entire wedding, from start to finish, preferably something that is comparable to what your wedding will be like in physical setting and emotional tone. After examining all of the sample work closely, request to see another set of photographs from a recent wedding. This will enable you to see both his best work from the pre-selected albums and his average daily work. Some things to keep in mind:
   • Examine the basics of the pictures such as color, clarity, exposure, graininess and composition.
   • Determine the photographer's style—does she shoot photos that are adventurous and artistic, or are they standard and ordinary?
   • Do the guests look natural or self-conscious?
   • Do the photos capture the emotional tone organically, or does do the couple's poses feel forced?
   Be sure to leave the interview knowing the highest vs. average quality of the photographer's work, her visual style, and if she will adjust her style to your individual taste. Her willingness to work closely with you to satisfy you as a client is key to producing an exceptional result, and a professional knows that.

5. GAUGE THEIR PROFESSIONALISM

   While not all amateur photographers are created equal, the best way to guarantee that you will receive a quality wedding album is to hire a seasoned professional with a solid and varied background of nuptial experiences from which to draw.
   During your interview, find out how many weddings the photographer has shot over how many years. He may have been a professional photographer for 15 years but only doing weddings for the past year. Remember, wedding photography is much different than any other type of photography; the pressure is high and the emotional energy is not suited for everyone.
   Be sure to ask if the photographer has shot at your wedding venue before. If he has, he may already know where to stand to get the perfect shot or how to incorporate the church's ancient stained glass in a uniquely engaging way.
   With such experience comes not only the knowledge of how to photograph a wedding, but also how to act during the ceremony and reception. For example, how will he dress and how will he act around your wedding party and guests? Beautiful photos capturing the smiles of family and friends are just as important as the multitude taken of the bride and groom. And speaking of which, he'll be by your side just about as much as anyone in the party, and then some—how well do your personalities mesh? Will his presence be an asset or a burden? Truly, a wedding photographer's charm and ability to put everyone at ease is as important a skill as the actual photography.

6. DISCUSS PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

   Although you may not be a professional yourself, you should know what type of camera and equipment your photographer will be using. You may find that you are more particular about it than you think. For example, there are advantages to both digital and film that you may want to consider. You should also ask what program she uses to edit the photos—if a photographer says they don't edit, run!
   Asking about equipment, gathering information on your options, and forming opinions on preferences shows that you are confident in your vision and helps you to convey it fully.

7. DETERMINE COSTS AND SIGN THE CONTRACT

   While you want to book your photographer for the date of your wedding immediately, make sure you read over the legal details of exactly what you will get before signing the contract. Ensure the photographer you meet with is the photographer who will show up on your wedding day and if you should expect a second cameraperson or assistant. Determine what parts of your wedding day will be covered and how many hours you have with your photographer. Clear communication and reiteration of the details of the ceremony, the reception, and the specific types of photographs you want is crucial. In all, the contract is in place to remind both you and the photographer of the services you agreed upon.

Wedding Invitations : The Perfect Wedding Invitation

WEDDING INVITATIONS 

Your wedding invite should be aligned to the theme of your wedding. Use your wedding invite to tie the theme of your wedding all together. Will your wedding be black and white themed...classic or contemporary? Your answers may affect the choice of invitation design. We've all heard the expression, "why fix what isn't broken," and this especially holds true to your wedding décor and invitations.Once you have determined your color palette and potential theme there are a plethora of sites online to take you through a step by step process where by you can choose your very own personalized invitations 

Classic Invitations carry lace, flourishes and curls and are just as divine as more contemporary typography options. With a wide variety of tints and unique layouts, couples are be able to express their individuality while honoring an eternal tradition that generations of lovers have done prior. 

Top Honeymoon Destinations!

HONEY MOON DESTINATIONS 

All this wedding planning is getting me tired. Let's take a little break and pretend we're sipping on some cool coconuts on a awesome beach and think of some cool honey moon destinations you and your hubby and get away to from all the hustle and bustle or your terrible lives.Here are our top picks!

MALDIVES - Perfect for couples who like deserted island escapes .Spend your time lazing on the beach,snorkling ,swimming and even diving and enjoying Maldivian sunrises and sunsets. 

BALI-Perfect for couples who want to experience spiritual culture and immerse themselves in art, dance,Asian cooking, and outdoor activities ranging from swimming to diving and even white water rafting. 

THAILAND - Perfect for couples who want a mix of activities from city excursions and nightlife to mountain trekking to beach -combing to shopping in modern malls and outdoor fish and flower markets. 

BELIZE - Perfect for couples who want an authentic and luxurious but eco-friendly experience that blends the county's culture with outdoor activities like zip-lining and cave tubing. 

ST LUCIA-Who want a refined beach resort vibe and want the flexibility to travel beyond their resort. 

TAHITI- Want to spend quality time with each other on a secluded beach 

CARIBBEAN - Simply the best place to be!

CROATIA- Perfect for couples who want a mix of old Europe and a traditional Mediterranean cruise that offers plenty of beach time. 

CANCUN ,MEXICO - Pefect for couples who will likely be absolutely exhausted after all their wedding planning and the big day. The all-inclusive hotels of Cancun pamper honeymooners so they can start their married lives off with plenty of "us" time.

 NEW ZEALAND: Perfect for couples who enjoy a active ,outdoor adventures paired with a refined luxury resort. 

Wedding Makeup : More Advice! We had to do it Twice!

MAKEUP SESSION : PART 2 

Whipping Out the Eye-Lash Curler

If your one of those people who are blessed with awesome long eye lashes like me , you'll definitely benefit from a eye lash curler. It would make your eyes pop. A trick of mine is to heat your curler with a blow dryer for 3 seconds and then curl your lashes. False lashes are not a a bad option also if you want that EXTRA pop for your wedding day. Getting them professionally done would be a good idea 

Water Proof Mascara

There's 100% chance that you would tear up for your wedding. Water Proof Mascara prevents your makeup from being ruined . All Hail Water Proof Mascara!  So stock up on this secret weapon!

Prime Up!

Just as you would prime a wall before you paint . You should do the same to your skin before you apply any powder based product to your face. It prevents your makeup from melting on your face. It fills in pores and fine lines and allows your makeup to go on smoothly.

Highlighter 

Invest in a highlighter. Nothing brightens up the skin more than using a highlighter properly. Just simply brush under the eyes , above the brow , and the creases of your nose and under your chin.

Wedding Makeup : Wedding Clown or Wedding Princess?

WEDDING MAKEUP 

The Key is to Look Like yourself Only Better 

It was told that Kate Middleton chose to do her own makeup because she wanted William to recognize her when she walked down the aisle. If you wear little or no makeup like myself on a daily basis then your wedding day is not the day to try out something out of your comfort zone . Chances are you'd end up looking like the clown Ronald Mc Donald. The same rule holds if your a huge makeup fan. Kim Kardashian still looked like Kim Kardashian when she walked down the aisle in a full face of makeup in 2014 . 

Should You Have a Pro Do Your Makeup

There are somethings in life that people just hate doing or  they just pretty much suck at it. Applying makeup are one of those items which I can never get right. Therefore if it were me, I would definitely hire a pro to do the job. A good idea would be to consult with your makeup artist first and let her do a trial run before the big day . Speak out and state what you want so you would not be disappointed on your wedding day. 

The Most Important Part of Your Makeup : Your Skin Tone 

It doesn't matter how big your nose is , how dry your lips are - if your skin does not look on point ,you still won't look your best for your wedding day. Your priority should be making sure your skin looks great. Try getting a good facial a few days before your wedding day to even out skin tone ,dark  circles and other problem areas. Most brides have found that getting a facial a day before leaves their skin red and scarred so they choose to do so a couple days before as to give it time to heal. 

Pick Your Eyes or Your Mouth

A basic rule of makeup is to either play up your eyes or your mouth. Yes pick one. Either or mouth or your eyes. Play up both and you risk looking like a clown. So if you decide to go all out on your eye makeup ,keep your lips light with a gloss or a light pink lipstick. If you want to play up your full sexy lips, do so with a bright deep colour ,but keep your eyes relatively light.