Planning Your Honeymoon -- 6 Tips To Help

Planning Your Honeymoon -- 6 Tips To Help
By Andrea Britt

The groom traditionally plans the honeymoon. However, most brides prefer to be in on the honeymoon plans so that they can prepare ahead too. Here are some things the two of you need to discuss when planning your honeymoon.

• The honeymoon budget: The groom usually pays for the honeymoon so it is important that you both know how much you can afford to spend. The budget will determine your choice of destination and the duration of your honeymoon.
• The honeymoon destination: Honeymoons are meant for relaxing, having fun and enjoying the beginning of a life together. Both - the bride and the groom - must be happy with the chosen destination. If your bride doesn't like the heat, going to Hawaii might not be such a great idea. Likewise, if mountains are not her thing, Switzerland is out for you. Choose a destination that appeals to you both.
• Weather: It is important that you consider the weather before heading to a new location. Going for an Arctic Cruise in the middle of January might not be the wisest thing to do. All honeymoon destinations have a peak season during which you experience the best of the place. If the higher rates don't bother you, travel during peak season.
• Using a good travel agent: Most people think a honeymoon package would turn out more expensive than if they plan their own honeymoon trip. This is not always the case. Sometimes a good travel agent can get you great discounted rates. A travel agent can also help you pick and choose your destination, make reservations for you and in general advise you about your honeymoon plans. Using a travel agent is also helpful if you are traveling to a foreign country, which is unfamiliar territory for you.
• Legalities & papers: The last thing you want on your honeymoon is to be stuck in a foreign country with some legal documents missing. Make sure your passport, visas and any other documents you may need are organized well in advance. Also get yourself an International driving permit to enable you to move about freely.
• Traveler's checks: Carrying cash while traveling may not be such a great idea. It is always better to carry traveler's checks which you can encash at your convenience around the globe. Credit cards are also an option but with Internet fraud on the rise, they too pose a risk.

Wherever you choose to honeymoon, remember to plan well in advance and make all your bookings before you leave. Roughing it can be great fun and being spontaneous is exciting as well. However, your honeymoon is about pampering and sensuality and an easy, relaxing time. So plan your honeymoon with a few thoughts ahead of time to keep it the "vacation of love" you both will enjoy!

Copyright Andrea Britt, 2005. All rights reserved.

Reprint Rights: Feel free to use this article on your website or online publication. Please remember that you must include the author's copyright, resource box and live URL links, exactly as shown below, to the author's website at the end of the article.

Andrea Britt is owner of http://www.CharmingWeddings.com where you can find elegant, unique wedding favors, bridal shower favors, and wedding planning tips for your wedding reception and bridal shower.

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Planning Weddings on a Budget

Planning Weddings on a Budget
By Rosemarie Baylor

Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the key to maintaining a budget you can afford. It is a good idea for both the future Bride and Groom to do this together. You may find that you have two completely different ideas of what your wedding should cost.

Make a list for each area of your wedding. This will help you in coming up with a total cost for your special day. Include the amount you would like to spend and who will be paying for each area. The following is a list of some area's you may want to consider adding to your list:

1. Wedding accessories and gown

2. Grooms Formalwear

3. Bridal Jewelry

4. Ceremony Site, Officiator, Musicians and vocalists

5. Photographer

6. Reception Hall

7. Wedding Favors & Decorations

8. Wedding Cake

9. Toasting Flutes and a Cake Serving Set

10. Flowers

11. Dancing Music for the reception

12. Invitations

13. Flowers

14. Attendant Gifts

15. Honeymoon

Open a savings account just for your wedding expenses and start saving for your big day as soon as possible. Try to plan only what you can afford without the use of credit cards and loans. Remember you are beginning your new life together, and it will be much easier without the accumulated a huge debt in planning your wedding.

Best wishes on starting your new life together debt free.

Rose Baylor handles news and information for Rosemarie’s Wedding Boutique. For more information on bridal accessories, bridal party gifts and other items for your wedding day, visit [http://www.weddingsbyrose.com]

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Is Eloping For You?

Is Eloping For You?
By Jennifer Baumann

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by your not including them. In addition, there are also some important questions you need to ask yourself before you run off and get hitched without including those most important to you. Here's a rundown of things to consider when planning to run off like some of the kids are doing nowadays.

What are your family obligations? Will your immediate family be hurt by not being included? And, do you care?

This, before money and personal feelings, comes first. You may want to consider calling your parents before you make the big leap, just to let them in on the secret. Or, perhaps you feel like it would do more harm than good. You might want to include them in the runaway, like so many couples do who simply want to avoid a huge, expensive wedding: a few of you get on a plane to some exotic destination, and wed there.

Then, there's announcing your marriage afterwards. Some couples do send a formal announcement, and some throw their own "reception" or big party after they've wed, which is a great way for family and friends to feel included on your big decision. Others send what's called an "At Home" card, which simply announces that the two of you are married, you're home, and your new names (and addresses, etc.). A personal note explaining why you eloped is often included, to assuage possible hurt feelings

Lastly, most couples that elope give the advice that in the end, you should do what you want to do. It's your marriage, after all, and if you want to be alone, then so be it.

Should We Still Register and Receive Gifts?

This is a bit of a complicated issue, because many times people close to you may feel insulted or hurt that you didn't want to include them in your ceremony, but you still want them to buy you gifts. Most etiquette mavens recommend that you not register for gifts, but if you want to have a reception for your family and friends, you are more than welcome to accept any gifts they may bring.

Can We Send Announcements?

Eloping, by definition, is a secret, unplanned, getaway wedding without anyone's consent. So, if you plan to tell everyone you just want to have a private ceremony, you're actually just having a non-traditional, destination wedding. Announcements are recommended, and gifts are acceptable.

The internet has a plethora of suggestions about where to go if you're planning a wedding getaway.If you want to pay the price, you can certainly hire a coordinator to arrange your plans for you, like they do in Puerto Vallarta or Australia, or even Scotland. Choose where you want to wed, and then begin comparing prices to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Be sure you research marriage license and passport requirements as well as waiting periods. Also be sure there will be an officiant who's able to marry you.

Even eloping can be a complicated wedding plan that will require a bit of organization and money. It all depends on what your image of a "dream day" is. Take that idea, and run away with it.

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, and much more.

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Caricature Entertainment - A Surefire Way to Liven Up Your Wedding Celebration

Caricature Entertainment - A Surefire Way to Liven Up Your Wedding Celebration
By Ellen Zucker

Caricature entertainment will make your wedding celebration stand out and be remembered.

If you have never seen caricatures drawn at an event, you will be amazed when you see how popular they are with guests. Not only do they have a great time, they leave with a memento to cherish.

This article will discuss why it is a great idea to include caricature entertainment at your wedding reception. Then it will furnish tips on finding and booking the perfect artist for your event.

People love to watch an artist draw. The transformation of blank paper into a drawing that captures a guest's personality and character is nothing short of magical. A competent caricature artist performs this seemingly effortless feat in just a few short minutes.

And, so, an audience will quickly form to watch the magic (and have some good natured fun with the 'victim in the hot seat.')

In fact, the better your guests know each other the more likely there will be some ribbing. But that is part of the fun. Especially if you have a family of practical jokers like mine.

Many people think of party caricature as children's entertainment. It is. The 40, 50, and 60 year-old 'kids' have as much - or more - fun as well as the little ones.

Which makes it perfect for wedding receptions where there are few if any chronological children present.

But what makes caricature entertainment really special is that your guests receive a keepsake to take home. Their drawing is a one-of-a-kind memento they will cherish.

Many guests still have caricature drawings from events they attended ten, even twenty years ago. Some frame them and hang them on a wall.

For an added touch, ask the artist to print an inscription such as "Jenny and Joe's Wedding, March 6, 2010" onto the drawing stock ahead of time.

Would you like to have caricature entertainment at your wedding? Your guests will have a great time and you will have a hassle-free experience when you download my free report, "How to Avoid the 7 Most Common Mistakes When Hiring a Caricature Artist for Your Party!" [http://www.caricatureartistphiladelphia.com/]

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How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features

How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features
By Cheryl King

All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day, and often it is easy for them to picture themselves in a wedding gown. But once something is placed upon the head, the whole perception of self-image is altered. A well-designed veil will accent or de-emphasize certain facial or body features if chosen thoughtfully, as well as match the bride's personality, reflect the gown's features, and conform to the formality of the wedding and reception.

The headpiece should be ornate enough for the gown and not look like an afterthought. It is a very condensed area and therefore may be more heavily beaded than the gown. Many brides have been misinformed and feel that if their gown very ornate they should opt for a very small, simple, and inexpensive headpiece, when they should be concerned that the overall effect is a balanced one. The area framing the face is not a very good area to skimp on since it is the most viewed area of the bride both in person and in photography.

If it is possible to find or design a headpiece with some of the gown's prominent features a finished look will result. Be sure to use the same or very similar types of materials in your headpiece. It is ok, however, if the pattern itself varies. If in doubt, stick to an entirely beaded or floral headpiece to avoid conflict.

Try to keep the styling of the headpiece in sync with your gown as well. Modern and contemporary gowns look great with beaded combs, tiaras, back pieces, asymmetricals, hatinators and hairpins. Traditional gowns fare well with beaded combs, tiaras, floral bandeaus, asymmetricals, hairpins and pillbox caps. Very formal gowns almost require a tiara, pillbox, Juliet cap, mantilla, or crown.

In general, the best veil lengths are the waist-length and gown-length veils. These hit natural stopping points, and do not interfere with the gown's lines. Formal weddings almost beg for long veils (at least 6" past the train); and the illusion is very sheer so your gown will not be hidden underneath the veil at all. Detachable veils help to make these much more practical and comfortable. Fingertip veils tend to be the least flattering of all to both the bride and the gown.

A well-designed headpiece will accent or de-emphasize certain facial features if chosen thoughtfully. For example, a wreath or halo effect will round and shorten a face. Pointed tiaras, which are taller in the center than the sides, will slim a face.

As a general rule of thumb, any headpiece, which is tall and/or narrow, will slim and lengthen a face. Subsequently, a low and/or wide headpiece may shorten or widen a face. Therefore, if the bride wishes to de-emphasize a round face, she should avoid a round headpiece such as a wreath.

Keep in mind that the veiling may also alter your appearance. Long veils will lengthen and slim a body while shorter veils may emphasize the waist and hip area. Edged veils also tend to call attention to their ending areas, especially a waist-length veils which ends in the midsection. Probably to best way to get the full effect is to stand about 10 feet from the mirror and be sure that you are creating the image you have long dreamed of.

Below are some tips to help in the selection process:

1. To assure a uniform look, try to bring out your favorite features on your wedding gown.

2. You have spent a great deal of time on your gown, but how many pictures will actually show that train? And how many will show your face? Don't skimp here!

3. The correct veil length should generally hit at the waist or at least 6 inches past the train to avoid conflict with the lines of the gown. The train was designed to have long, flowing lines, and a fingertip veil will typically disrupt the lines creating a choppy, unharmonized look.

4. Try to find detachable veils if you would like a lighter look for the reception without disturbing your wedding day hairstyle.

5. If you desire to slim or lengthen your face, try to implement long, slim lines in your headpiece and veiling. For example, try pointed tiaras or combs higher in the center than the sides.

6. For a long, thin face choose a more round looking ensemble. Wider, shorter tiaras and combs, brim hats, wreaths, and the like are often quite flattering.

7. A gown-length veil will also help to slim your figure! Think streamlined! Fingertip veils accent your hips!!

8. Stand back from the mirror to get the overall effect with both the gown and veil on. Don't tip your head down and look up at the mirror, because that is not how everyone else will see you.

9. Consider selecting your accessories from an upscale bridal salon who will measure the correct veil length on you and have their suppliers create exactly what will make your guests say, "What a beautiful bride!" rather than, "What a beautiful gown!"

Please visit our website for many styles for your perfect day: http://www.cherylkingcouture.com

"The Famous Veil Lady from North Carolina" (according to Bridal Sources Magazine)

Copyright 1993, revised 2010

Cheryl King is the Chief Designer for Cheryl King Couture. Her designs can be found in leading bridal salons nationwide. She also has her designs featured in the editorials and on the covers of leading bridal magazines. Mrs. King has been designing couture headpieces and veils since 1989, and uses the finest materials available. Her collections are presented at the Couture Bridal Market in New York twice each year, where they are viewed by magazine editors and select bridal salons.

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Here Comes the Bride

Here Comes the Bride
By Vivian Gordon

As we hear the music begin to play the Bridal March, we all
stand to welcome the new bride as she walks down the
aisle in her white gown looking perfect, not a thing out of
place.

Not too long ago, I saw a photo of a bride on her wedding
day getting ready to make this once in a life time journey
down the aisle. But something wasn't quite right, in one
hand she held a cigarette and in the other she was taking a
swig out of a bottle of whiskey. It made me think about how
we are going to present ourselves to Christ when we
become united as His Bride and He as our Bridegroom.

It goes without saying that a bride is always prepared. She
puts so much thought and effort into this day, that there
should be no room for surprises.

Rev. 21:2 says; "the bride has prepared herself."

What kind of preparations must we be making in our own
lives that we should be made worthy of coming to Christ?

For one thing, in order to take on the responsibility of
marriage, we must be mature. In our walk of faith, we must
first grow up and not stay a child. We should make an extra
effort to grow up and be mature in Christ so that we will be
ready to receive Him. It's true that we are all children of the
King, but it's only the ones who are mature who will get the
car keys! Maturity is the key to this kind of anointing in the
kingdom.

How do we get to this point? It takes serious preparation on
our parts. To receive God's glory and anointing, we first have
to die to ourselves. This means we must give up all our
carnal desires and sacrifice our wills to conform to His Will.
This is the only way through the veil of Christ in which to
enter into the Holy of Holies. God cannot look upon sin, that
is why He washes us clean as snow in the blood of His
Son.

The book of Esther is a beautiful example of how one
unsuspecting woman was chosen by God "for such a time
as this" to be in the right place at the right time. It's not that
she was better than anyone else, she was obedient and
sacrifices her self will in order to come to the king.

This book is not just a story, but a representation of being
the Bride of Christ, or the church. Esther 2:8-10 represents
how we too must learn to allow the government of God to
rule over our lives in order to be anointed. Esther was
literally anointed with special oils and perfumes to be
purified.

God is a God of order, everything signifies something
important, especially numbers. Esther spent 12 months
getting ready, the number 12 represents the divine
government, God's ruling. She submitted herself and
allowed God to govern this preparation in His time. Esther
had 7 maids which represents perfection and
completeness. Rev. 1:4 speaks about 7 Spirits and 7
Manifestations. The 7 Spirits of God are: Life, Truth,
Adoption, Holiness, Grace, Supplication, and Glory. These 7
Spirits are the 7 purifications of the Bride of Christ.

We as Christ's disciples must first soak in God's glory, in
His presence just as Esther did in the oils and perfumes.
She spent 6 months soaking in myrrh. The number 6
represents the flesh, and the myrrh was used in burial
ceremonies. Esther had to die to herself. Then she spent
another 6 months soaking in the oil, which represents the
Spirit of God. This brings healing, completeness.

If we are to be the Bride of Christ, then it only makes sense
that we prepare ourselves in the same fashion as Esther.
Once we have entered into the gates, it only makes sense to
desire to go into the Holy of Holies. This is where we seek
God's face, not just His hand. But in order to approach this
place, we must be prepared to minister to God and not the
other way around. This the place where we no longer ask
God to do for us, but what we can do for Him! Unless we
become willing to make sacrifices, we will always remain in
the outer courts, and not much happens out here.

It was Esther's desire to attend to her king and ask, "What
can I do for you?" She was not getting ready to make
demands on him. In being a mature Christian, we know that
it's not about us, it's ALL about Him and the role we play in
this marriage ceremony. Once you have entered into the
Holy of Holies, you don't feel the need to ask God for
anything, because you know that He already knows all your
needs and is prepared to give them to you. It will become an
automatic response to give Him all the praise, honor and
glory.

In the Old Testament, the aroma of the burnt sacrifices were
a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord. This is how He
determined who would pass through the veil where He
inhabited. No carnal flesh could enter into this sacred place.
Today it's still the same, we can not enter in as long as we
are carnal, it takes sacrifice, obedience and a lot of
preparation to come into the presence of God.

Another important number to consider is the number 10.
This represents our human responsibility. Esther 2:16-17
says she was taken into the royal house on the tenth month.
The king desired her just as God desires us today. She took
the responsibility upon herself to be restored and ready for
her king.

"Have the boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of
Jesus. By a new and living way, which He has consecrated
for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh. Let us draw
near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies
washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22 (Amplified)

The veil is the body of Christ and we must pass through
Him in order to get to God. Just as a bride ministers to her
husband, we too must minister to God. If we submit like a
wife should, there is NOTHING that our groom won't do for
us.

"Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave Himself for it. That He might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of the water by the Word."
Eph.5:25-26 (Amplified)

A glorious church, (you and me) and not just one that is
anointed is one without spot, blemish or wrinkle. It must be
holy. It is the combination of anointing and glory that
removes all spots, blemishes and wrinkles which result in
no sin.

Why not make a conscience effort to decide that from this
day forward you will strive to live a holy, upright and
righteous life before the day of your wedding ceremony with
Christ. Make a point to live holy from the heart and seek His
face. Be prepared on the day you walk down the aisle and
look into the face of your bridegroom, Christ. The wedding
banquet prepared afterwards is going to be a one of a kind
experience. All are invited but not everyone will be attending.
Many are called, but few are chosen. Will your
name be on this invitation?

Vivian Gordon is called by the power of the Holy Spirit to write inspirational articles to help open the spirital eyes and ears of those who need to hear and see. She dedicates her life to not only hearing the Word, but doing it as well. It is her desire to be a beacon of light to those who may be in the dark. Also called to be a prayer intercessor and warrior to bring health and healing into lives of others that don't know how to pray for themselves. God has given her many gifts in which to serve Him.

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Understanding Celtic Wedding Rings

Understanding Celtic Wedding Rings
By Marc Choyt

Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a group of independent tribes spread throughout much of current day Europe, were sophisticated artisans, carving knot work patterns that have inspired modern day jewelers to create wedding rings. These motifs have meaning. Yet understanding the knot patterns and why they make such ideal wedding rings can be illusive. The ancient motifs are rooted in mysterious cultures that stretch back well before written history.

Though the earliest written accounts of the Celts were from Roman descriptions, some knot work motifs found in Eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. We know the Celts, similar to Native people of North America, viewed that the earth itself as well as all aspects of life and death as divine. They had a large and varied pantheon, worshipping local gods. The natural world was considered sacred, and every river, mountain and tree had its own spirit of place. Rituals were rooted in a particular oak grove or waterfall. Early Celtic leaders even mocked human-like images of Olympian gods or the wild animals of their vale and forests.

Knot work, which has become synonymous with today's idea of "Celtic" was undoubtedly a form of sacred, artistic expression. Some of the most famous designs were preserved in highly embellished, illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells which somehow survived the Viking invasions. It was created in the 9th century at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and depicts wonderfully imaginative images of humans and animals embellished with knot work motifs, linking medieval Christianity with ancient Druidic culture.

In Western culture, there is a long and venerable tradition of artists that have been inspired by knot work motifs. Celtic design was particularly popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and depicted knots in their work. In modern times, some of Picasso's early art is highly influenced by knot work. And there has always been a group of metal and visual artists that have kept the Celtic fires burning by using the knot work patterns in jewelry and other forms of artistic expression.

For some people, the choice to have a Celtic wedding ring is an expression of their wish to connect deeply into their own ancestry. They feel empathy with a European based tribal tradition that treats the earth as Mother. It's also easy to fall in love with soulful Celtic music and poetry. Others simply want the one piece of jewelry that they wear every day to have a beautiful design with significance.

Whether one has Celtic heritage or not, a Celtic motif wedding ring is appropriate because it has universal, symbolic meaning. In the most general sense, the knots express two different paths woven together. Life itself can be viewed as a great web of interconnectedness which is expressed in the knot work. Even our own spiritual path, metaphorically, can be viewed as a tapestry of interconnected experiences. The Celtic wedding ring is a talisman which reminds us, in physical form, of our mystic connection with another person and the great web of life.

This weave of particular experiences makes us unique, which is why we are attracted to some knot work patterns on wedding rings more than others. What appeals to you and your fiancé may well bring insight to the nature of your relationship. Some couples are attracted to knot work motifs that are simple and flowing, which perhaps illustrates a partnership based on harmony and ease. Other knot work designs on wedding rings are more dynamic and complicated, suggesting creative elements, or passionate peaks and valleys.

Many Celtic merchants will label a particular design as "Friendship" or "Unity" but often there's not any real basis for these labels. These facile tags short change the person interested in the ring by giving a concept instead of assisting them to understand the deeper meaning behind the design. It's also easy enough to say that the ring is about how all things are interconnected, but this is so general that it doesn't help explain why we may be attracted to the sacred geometry of one ring over another.

To do this, you can contemplate the various components that make up the knot work and try to determine how they are functioning. For example, consider the circle. We speak of a circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the season. Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and community. In the broadest sense, the ring itself is a circle, and putting it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.

A square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings use the shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have an element of stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic lore, and the number five represented the four directions and the center point.

Many Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction. If you look at the shape of an arrow, it's easy to understand why a triangle might connote movement.

Another common Celtic motif is the knot work depicting a trinity. Many Celtic deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood to the maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die. Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One being dividing off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and son-- a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.

While the above guide for understanding knot work is not necessarily based on any scholarly or anthropological text on the meaning of knots, it does provide a starting point that is based on a universal perspective. Every Celtic ring is going to have some variation of these shapes. Spending some time contemplating the motif may yield some insight.

Though modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities than the Celts had during the time of the Romans, finding an exceptional Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may not be possible. The best place to search is on the internet, which has the widest selection. Today you can find rings made with platinum, or white and yellow gold accented with diamonds. Some of the most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where the knots are one color, such as white gold, while the rim of the ring might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of class and price.

Your wedding ring is a once in a life time purchase that you will live with every day. It must be aesthetically beautiful. The knot work on the rings should be well executed. It should have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be explained on the website.

The best jewelry designers offer engagement ring sets, along with the option of having a wider band for the gent and a narrower of the same knot work motif for the lady. You'll want it comfort fit, which means that the band tapers slightly toward the center, making it easy to wear. Since it is very likely within the course of a marriage that you'll gain or loose twenty pounds, it is most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.

The company you choose should have a record of creditability backed up by customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them a call and see if they are worthy of doing business with. A track record of timely delivery is also essential. It's not uncommon for a ring from outside the US to be held up by Customs, for example.

Finally, the most important thing is to trust your feelings. The rings should be unique and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment to your beloved.

Marc Choyt graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a degree in English. In 1995, he received an MA degree in Humanities from St. John's College. In 1996, he and his wife, Helen Chantler, founded Reflective Images, a designer jewelry company specializing in contemporary Celtic jewelry. http://www.artisanweddingrings.com
http://www.celticjewelry.com

Please send email requests to marek@celticjewelry.com

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A Butterfly Release; Alternatives to Throwing Rice

A Butterfly Release; Alternatives to Throwing Rice
By Jodi Hopper

Brides are looking for different ways to make their wedding different and unique. The releasing of butterflies is starting to become a very popular alternative to throwing rice. They are environmentally friendly and beautiful also. As the butterflies fly around and even land on guests, you will see the delight and excitement on their faces. They will leave talking about the release and some may even be walking out with a butterfly on their shoulder.

When ordering butterflies, you want to make sure that they come from a reputable butterfly farmer. You do not want to try to save money and order "grow your own" butterfly kits. There are many things that can go wrong and you don't want to be disappointed on your wedding day.

The butterflies can either be released individually or as a mass release. You may want to consider the event to decide what type of release to do. You can order enough butterflies to hand out to all of the guests, you can just have the wedding party do a release, or the bride and groom can do a mass release. When doing a mass release, three to four dozen make a nice release. You can do more or even less, depending on the impression that you would like to make.

The individual release envelopes are a triangular shaped envelope. Different farmers offer different options. Some use origami envelopes; others use a card stock type. Some will offer to have names and dates written on the envelopes free of charge and others will charge a small fee.

The mass release box comes in many different sizes, shapes and decorations. You can opt to make your own or buy one from where you purchase your butterflies. They can range from a plain basket with netting wrapped around it, that you make yourself, to the more extravagant box decorated in satin and flowers. You can talk this over with whomever you purchase your butterflies from. They will be able to advise you on the best effect that you would like to achieve.

You do have to remember that the butterflies can not be released in the rain or in temperatures below 65 degrees, depending on the type of butterfly that you purchase. In the event of rain, you can use a hanging cage that you can place your butterflies in and hang them at your reception. Where you purchase your butterflies will be able to help you out with what would be the best thing to do and ideas on what to do.

As you can see, you have many options and ideas that you can do with a butterfly release. They will add that unique and elegant touch to your wedding, but beware, they just might steal the show. www.wishuponabutterfly.com

Jodi Hopper is the owner and operator of Wish Upon A Butterfly. Jodi Hopper raises butterflies for release at weddings, parties, anniversaries, and other types of events or celebrations. Jodi specializes in raising quality Monarchs and Painted Ladies for releases. The butterfly farm is open for tours in the summer. She is also carries the Butterfly Wish Bouquet along with a line of terrariums for butterfly displays.

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