Whether folded, draped, stuffed in water goblets or built into a creative shape, napkins have the ability to add to beautiful table design.  Most caterers offer a standard black or white napkin with their linen package. You can use these basic colors and find ways to make them original by either adding creative napkin rings to the napkins or using contrasting colors elsewhere.

First, you need to determine what atmosphere you are trying to create for your guests.  If your ideal wedding is simple and clean, I would stick with white linens and napkins.  This will enhance the “pure white wedding” feel. You will still be able to bring your color or theme in with the centerpieces, but you will avoid making the table feel busy or overdone.

On the other hand, if you are attempting a brighter, more striking wedding, try mixing it up with your napkin colors!  Napkins are an easy way to add color to your table without overwhelming the room. Remember: “Less is more.” Adding a simple touch of color with the napkins can make the room glow!  I love these two pictures I found from The Knot. The napkins are presented in two very different ways, but still have the same effect and pop of color throughout the room.

A very common way for napkins to be used in a table setting is folded with a pocket.  Many brides use the pocket to place a menu, a small favor or flower.  This is another great way to incorporate napkins into fun table settings.

You might see napkins as minor details that are the last thing on your to-do list…and that’s fine!  They are a small consideration that can make a big difference!  I take time to blog about these little details because I truly believe that these are great ways to make your wedding stand out!

You might think what is more non-traditional than a mini-length wedding dress?  You would be surprised to hear that recently, many brides are choosing to sport the shorter lengths, especially at outdoor weddings! If you are a daring bride and want to be remembered for your original wedding style—go for the mini!   I think we will start seeing more brides going short, as it is one of the hottest trends of 2009!

The polka dots on this dress are so much fun!

Orange Tree weddings

This reminds me of Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress

This fun and flirty tea length dress allows for a more casual feel while at the wedding and helps avoid grass stains if the wedding is outside.   But don’t think just because you are choosing a short wedding dress that it means you have to host a casual wedding.  Many designers are coming out with short dresses full of style and extremely polished. These two dresses I found are absolutely high fashion and elegant:

Bridal Wave

Paul Costelloe

One of the main things that draws my eye to the shorter wedding dress is that it allows you to show off your sassy shoes that I know you spent hours shopping for! Have fun with creative shoes that add color or extra style to your outfit!

If you can not pull yourself away from the “princess” feeling you get when you are in a wedding gown, I would suggest looking into one of these shorter dresses to change into for the reception.  It will allow you to move freely and dance the night away with your guests! If you are switching dresses after the wedding, keep a similar style with both dresses, such as similar fabric or shape to keep it consistent.

Did you decide to strut a mini down the aisle?  What were the reactions from friends and family!?

Do you view lace as old-fashioned or too dressy?  Or do you see lace as sexy and desirable?  Lace is an all-around fabulous fabric that can be used in weddings to create so many different moods.  I have been to weddings where lace is used to create a very formal, elegant feel.  The picture of the dress below from Monique Lhuillier is a perfect example of an attractive, yet classy way to wear this fabric!  It exudes confidence and glamor.  Lace-making is an ancient craft that took time and patience to create…but delivered a delicate beautiful fabric when completed. It adds a level of sophistication to everything while keeping a very feminine look.

There is another side to lace if you have a more flirty personality.  Especially on dresses, lace mixed with a variety of silk and other materials creates a very sexy glam look.  I love this on brides- I think it leaves an impression with the guests that you can take sophistication to the edge and still be fabulous!  Even the black lace shoes I found at My Lovely Big Feet Blog are filled with personality!  These Maggie Sottero and Sottero Midgley dresses are sassy but still have the vintage touch we love!

Lace is not only a fabric!  I adore these cakes that have the appearance of being covered in lace.  They will not only continue the theme of your wedding, but also enhance the lace on your dress!  And they look so delicious!

Check out this lace tape I just found at Design Mom!  WOW!  You can easily apply the lacy look to favors or invitations to help keep the theme throughout the entire wedding!

Having kids at weddings has always been an interesting question.  While one couple will fill their pews with children of all ages, the next wedding will hire babysitters and require all kids to not attend. It is absolutely personal preference, and there is good reasoning on each side of the debate.

Frederick-Ng Photography

As for me, I think kids are an adorable part of weddings!  I love seeing little boys dressed up in tiny tuxes, and I adore little girls who are living out their real princess dreams.  It doesn’t bother me when the ring bearer doesn’t make it down the aisle or the flower girl is crying on her way down.  I do understand the argument of kids being a distraction at weddings when they start to cry during the vows or are talking during the message. If you’re trying to have an “absolutely perfect” day, children can definitely throw in an unpredictable factor! Do keep in mind: Guests will remember they are at a wedding to support the new family, and one day hopefully kids will be a part of the couple’s wonderful family!

Rich Miller Photography

6 Keys to Having Kids in Your Wedding:

1.  Make sure they get as much sleep as possible before the big day.

2.  Have someone designated to watch the kids.

3. Bring games to keep them entertained.

4. Have snacks to keep their stomachs smiling.

5. Practice. Practice. Practice.

6.  Don’t have high expectations of them.  Remember they are just kids!!

They are going to get dirty….

Steve Holcroft Photography

They might not make it through the entire ceremony…

Kelly Moore Photography

Victoria B.C Wedding Photography

They are going to cry…

LaCour Photography

They might not behave as well as you want them too….

Steve Holcroft Photography

But in the end I promise you will be glad they spent your special day with you!

Rodolfo Arpia

**All of these photographers did an amazing job of capturing the essence of being a child!  I Love them all

Let me know how you feel about having kids at your wedding?

jump for joy v : feel extreme happiness or elation [syn: exult, walk on air, be on cloud nine]

At some point during your engagement, you’ve felt as if you are walking on air…unable to contain your excitement and want to jump for joy! If you like to let loose and have fun with your pictures, I highly suggest the “jumping” picture for your wedding!  It allows everyone’s outgoing personality shine through and lets you look back at your day and see a photo capturing the true energy surrounding your wedding.  This fantastic picture is the combined effort of everyone in the bridal party jumping at exactly the right time that the photographer snaps the picture.  Be patient- it might take a few tries, but you will love the final product!   Rich Miller Photography knows how to evoke emotion out of the bridal party as you can see in these great shots:

Kick off your shoes, let your hair down and celebrate like these girls! 

Wedding by Color

You and your groom have worked endless hours planning your wedding, and the day has come!  You’re officially husband and wife and have so much to look forward to.  Don’t let anything get you down on this special day.  Celebrate. Laugh. JUMP FOR JOY!!

David Bampton Stuido

Warning: The jumping picture will only work under one condition: that everyone in the bridal party is 100% committed to jumping as high as possible with as much energy as they have in them!  If you have one half-hearted groomsman on the end of the jumping line, he will stick out like a sore thumb!