Cheap Wedding Invitations

How to: Event Planners Wedding Coordinators
Wedding coordinators are available to orchestrate the varied details associated with a successful Michigan wedding and reception. The cost of a coordinator varies greatly and depends largely on the amount of time spent on your wedding. How to Tips for Event Planners By using articles and expert advice, you can handle the wedding preliminaries yourself, but it is still wise to use event planners to help keep your wedding day organized. A coordinator can smooth the wedding day's progression and so help provide the relaxed and enjoyable day you desire. A relative or close friend may be able to do the wedding day coordinating for you. Many churches have wedding hostesses who know about church facilities and policies. How to Tips for Wedding Coordinators - Acquaint yourself with the ceremony site. - Discuss with the bride and groom any wedding policies of the ceremony site. - Be available to assist the bride and groom by answering questions, offering suggestions, and having names of available resources for services. - Be as organized as possible, with all wedding day information in one place. - As you assist the bridal couple in planning their big day, know the following; (1) Who will be giving the bride away? (2) Will the bridal couple be having a double-ring ceremony? Who will have the rings? (3) Will the officiant provide the wording for the vows, or will the bride and groom be writing their own? (4) Will communion (the Eucharist) be observed? Who will participate? (5) Will the lighting of the unity candle be included? (6) What other special observances will be a part of the outdoor Michigan ceremony? (7) Who will have the marriage license? When and where will it be signed? (8) Will the bridal couple have a receiving line? If so, where? Who will be involved? (9) Who will be responsible for cleaning out the bride’s dressing room? The grooms dressing room? (10) Who will be responsible for audio and/or videotapes of the ceremony? of the reception? (11) If a preceremony buffet is to be served at the ceremony site, who will be responsible for setup? Serving? Cleanup? (12) Where will the reception be? How soon will it follow the ceremony? (13) Who will be responsible for taking the guest book to the reception? To whose home afterward? (14) Who will be responsible for transporting the gifts from the ceremony site? from the reception site? To whose house? - Confirm your arrival time for both the rehearsal and ceremony with the custodian of the facility (or other designated person). This time should be early enough to accomplish any necessary advance preparations: unlocking doors, setting up equipment and accessories, turning on lights, heating or air conditioning, etc. - Confirm with the bride the arrival times of the bridal party, the brides and grooms parents, and grandparents, special others, the officiants, musicians, florist, photographer, DJ, etc. On the wedding day be available to greet each one, to answer any questions, and to give any last-minute instructions. - At the rehearsal, review the wedding day arrival times with the participants who’s to be where and when - and indicate to them the importance of being on time. - If possible, have all the decisions concerning the ceremony made prior to the rehearsal. If any unexpected changes do occur, they should quickly be addressed to the bride. - Make certain that each of the ushers receives a list of his responsibilities at the ceremony site. Also, take time at the rehearsal to demonstrate exactly how they are to usher, and allow them to practice. Don't assume they already know what to do. - As the wedding coordinator you will probably be responsible for collecting any fees or honorariums from the bride and groom. These may be disbursed either at the rehearsal, before the ceremony, or after the reception, as previously indicated by the recipients. - Determine how many seats (or pews) need to be reserved for special seating, and who will be sitting where. - Before the florist leaves the premises on the wedding day, count the bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages to make certain all the needed flowers are there. - Know when and where the photographer will be taking pictures. - When an aisle runner is being used, make certain it has been firmly pinned and taped in place. Tape the end of the runner down once it has been pulled up the aisle to keep it taut. - If the facility is not equipped with a signaling system, a small flashlight may be used to cue the musicians for the start of the processional and for any other special timing needs. - Be prepared for possible emergencies with a special bag that includes these items: aspirin, breath mints, clear nail polish, emery boards, facial tissues, hair spray, iron, sanitary napkins, scissors, sewing kit, spot remover, static spray, and straight and safety pins. - Another bag may contain: pins (for flowers and for pinning the aisle runner in place), small flashlight (for signaling musicians), hair dryer (for hair needs and candle wax removal), masking tape (for marking the positions of the bridal party), matches or lighter (for lighting candles or candle lighters), measuring tape (for locating positions of the bridal party), scotch tape (for taping gift cards to packages), black ink pens (for signing the marriage license).

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about a <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/2/How-to-Event-Planners-Wedding-Coordinators.html">tips for wedding planners</a> or a <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com">DJ in Michigan</a>.

Michigan Banquet Halls in Michigan
There are many Michigan banquet halls in Michigan (well over 400 for you to interview). If you are planning a wedding reception, then the selection factors may be more demanding. Traditional private parties will still require some time when browsing around. This list will help you select the right one. Options for Outdoors Is there an outdoor patio? Is it an up sell? Can you get it thrown in if you book during certain times of the year? There are other options that vary between Michigan banquet halls. Other options include gardens, outdoor tented areas, pathways, and more. I will tell you why these may be important later. Layout & Setup Layout of the hall is not something to overlook. It might make it harder for some of your other vendors to do what you want them too. Rooms might have different layouts. Depending on your style you may want to consult with any of your vendors if you suspect a problem with your banquet venue layout. For example accent lighting does not work well with a room filled with windows. More and more banquet halls in Michigan are trying to give you a variety so that they can appeal to different tastes. Banquet Halls in Michigan $ Oh, let us not forget that pricing IS an important factor. Please keep in mind it is not the most important. Some venues can charge an arm and a leg because of how much detail is put into their layout; others have more simple economic solutions. This is not to say that you should ignore pricing. When you interview with different banquet halls in Michigan you will notice the price ranges. My best advice is for you to go with the one that is most convenient with you want to accomplish. Number of Guests This is a biggie! Make sure that the Michigan banquet halls can meet the needs of your guests. All banquet halls have a max capacity, and some even have minimum requirements. Before you start interviewing with your venues please have some sort of number in mind for how many you will be expecting. If you are using them to caterer the meal, then your head count will also be required for the quote for the meal. Also remember that your vendors who work hard for you may require a vendor table at your event and you may want to include them in the head count. Outside Vendors Yes or No When you do not use outside vendors your packaged price brings your total down. This includes in house DJs, caterers, florists, cakes, photographers, and videographers. Now, what are the drawbacks to using in house wedding vendors? If you have your heart set on a couple of banquet halls, then you may have to use their in house DJs. Let us say that you interview the DJ and he does not seem that competent, what do you do? Exactly, this is one of the drawbacks. Some companies sacrifice quality for quantity when they are in house contracted. You might have to use their bartenders as well. This means you can not bring in your own alcohol. There are many pros and cons, but you get the idea. Your best bet is to interview other vendors that are not in house beforehand. This way you will know how to negotiate with the in house vendors or hall because of the reasonable quotes you got from other wedding vendors in Michigan. Michigan Banquet Halls To summarize everything, you will have to evaluate the overall appeal of the banquet hall. Can your photographer take great shots outside? Is there a chapel? If your reception hall is not being used for the ceremony, then is it close to the church? This is where the number communication failure happens, in route from church to hall! Will there be changing rooms if you are having your ceremony there? Do you need to do much decorating, or is it already presented well? You can see how all of this factors into pricing. Good way to find out is to ask how many weddings they did last year and ask for recent references from people within the past year. Make sure these references are similar with your event type.

Robert Reno offers wedding reception entertainment and also accommodates private parties, and high school proms. He has a vast exposure as one of the most innovative and creative Michigan DJs. He is working for Encore Entertainment & Productions. For further information about venues please visit their <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com/michigan_disc_jockeys_links.html">Michigan Banquet Halls</a> page or <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/1/Michigan-Banquet-Halls-in-Michigan.html">Michigan Banquet Halls</a> blog.

Who’s Who on the Bridal Shower Guest List
When getting married, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the proper etiquette involved with many of the wedding functions. The bridal shower is no exception. Many brides-to-be are left uncertain of the proper procedures to follow when planning a bridal shower and who to invite. In addition, the proper role of different guests on the list can become confusing. With a few simple rules of thumb, however, you are guaranteed to have a memorable and proper bridal shower. Who Hosts the Bridal Shower? The maid or matron of honor, and never the bridesmaids, traditionally hosts the bridal shower. It is, however, acceptable for another close friend of either the bride or the groom to take on the responsibility. For the most part, it is considered unacceptable for a close relative of the bride, such as the mother or siblings, to throw a bridal shower. This is because it gives the appearance that the family is scouting for gifts. In some areas of the country, however, it is customary for a close relative to throw the bridal shower. In addition, if the bride does not have anyone else to throw the party for her, it may be acceptable for the mother or a sister to throw the party. The family members should, however, try to have as little involvement as possible. It is never considered acceptable for the bride to throw her own bridal shower. Sometimes, the coworkers of a bride-to-be also decide to throw a bridal shower. A group of coworkers or just one coworker may host this shower. So far as etiquette is concerned, this is perfectly acceptable. Just be sure to limit the guest list to coworkers. Inviting friends and family to a bridal shower hosted by coworkers is tacky. Who should be invited to the Bridal Shower? You can invite whomever you want to your bridal shower. Your guest list should certainly include your mother, your future mother-in-law, and your maid or matron of honor. If the bride or the groom has a stepmother, she should also be invited. Traditionally, a bridal shower involves only women. But, co-ed bridal showers are gaining in popularity. This decision is one you will have to make when creating your guest list. Typically, brides-to-be invite their immediate family members to attend their bridal showers. They also invite all of the female members of the bridal party, and the male members if the bridal shower is co-ed, and other close relatives. Close friends are also invited to the bridal shower. As a rule of thumb, only people who have been invited to the wedding itself should be invited to the bridal shower. It is uncouth to invite someone to the shower without also inviting him or her to the wedding as it implies you are only interested in receiving his or her gifts. You are not, however, expected to invite everyone who will be attending the wedding. Of course, bridal showers hosted by co-workers are the exception �" you are not expected to invite you co-workers to your wedding, even if they do throw you a bridal shower. If you are having a difficult time deciding who to invite to your bridal shower and who not to invite, take a look at your wedding guest list. First, eliminate all of the females with whom the bride does not know directly, such as the wives of male friends. Next, cross off people who were invited to the wedding simply because it is “proper,” but who are not close to the bride. This can include distant relatives or female friends of the bride-to-be’s parents. What if there will be more than One Bridal Shower? If you will be having more than one bridal shower, mothers, stepmothers, and female siblings on both sides, as well as the maid of honor, should be invited to every shower. None of these women, however, should be expected to provide a gift at each shower. In addition, the female siblings of the groom should have the option of choosing to attend only one of the showers. Any other guests should be only invited to one of the showers. If you do choose to invite someone to more than one shower, be sure to make it perfectly clear that the person is not expected to bring a gift each time.

Nicole Owczarczak is owner of Dress-My-Wedding.com. Find high quality, <a href="http://www.dress-my-wedding.com/wedding-favors.html">unique wedding favors</a> at discount prices.

Planning a Budget Wedding.
Planning A Budget Wedding.
I'm sure you have seen the Steve Martin film, "Father of the Bride" where his daughter's wedding gets out of control, with Wedding Co-Ordinators, Ice Sculptors and so on.

It is not as ludicrous as it at first glance appears, as many weddings have spiralled out of control and there is a rule of thumb: "The More You Spend on a Wedding, the Tackier it gets". Of course, this is not always the case, but there is a growing trend towards Budget Weddings, and rightly so.

Spending your life savings on your big day is not just crazy, it is insanely idiotic. Wouldn’t you rather have money to put down on a house and furnish it, or to pay for your honeymoon? In fact, the down payment for a house or mortgage is far more beneficial for your future happiness. You can have elegant, beautiful weddings and receptions without having to go broke in the process.

Today’s couples know that weddings on a budget just make more sense than spending like crazy. That and the days when the bride’s parents pay for everything is just about over. Nowadays couples are often spending their own money on the wedding as many of them live together long before the wedding day. Budget Weddings don’t have to mean that you have to give up on style or sentimentality. It means using your imagination, and using your own hands or the help of friends and family rather than paying through the nose for professionals.

You can save some money without skimping on any of the good stuff. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing to make your day special. There are so many ideas that can make your wedding a great deal cheaper in the long run.

Some of these ideas include:

Buying your dress secondhand ; Having friends and family make your food and cake for you in lieu of a wedding gift ; Using an MP3 player instead of hiring a DJ ; Having your reception at home with only close friends and family ; Not inviting the entire universe to your wedding.

There are just so many things that you can do to make your wedding days a bit cheaper that this article alone cannot cover them all. Brainstorm and use your imagination to find more ways to plan your budget wedding. You can have your wedding outdoors, in your garden or ask a family member if they can host your reception. Have theme based weddings that can be easy to create. Theme weddings always take a lot of the cost out of throwing a big and expensive wedding and they are always a lot of fun for everyone that is involved.

In conclusion, there are many ways to plan a budget wedding. Careful thought and careful selection of services you purchase and guests you invite should be at the forefront of your mind. Trim the guest list to include only friends and family that are close to you. This is difficult to do but sometimes it is necessary if the cost per guest is going to break your budget. Think about it like this; you can simply cross off the names on the list of guests who might feel obligated to come to the wedding if they are invited, but would not be upset in the least if they are not asked to attend. Invite only the people who are important to you and your parents, rather than everyone you know. This is the most cost-saving thing you can do in planning your budget wedding.
More Articles and Information at:
http://www.budget-weddings.blogspot.com

Planning a Budget Wedding, without sacrificing the elegance of the occasion. Lots of tips, advice and resources can be found at: <a href="http://budget-weddings.blogspot.com">Budget Wedding</a>

How to Plan a Corporate Event Party
It is that time of the year! Before you know it, companies will start planning their corporate event parties for the coming holidays. These parties are usually done on behalf of the employees to spark moral and teamwork. So you are probably wondering how to plan a corporate event party? Well, a good rule of thumb is to start the planning stages 4-6 months prior to the date. If you are anticipating over 125 guests, then you will require more resources and this timeframe should be stretched from 6-9 months instead. Depending on your corporate culture will determine the way you go about planning a unique corporate bash. Location Location Location Going back to the guest list, you will first need to figure out how many guests will be in attendance. This will limit you with choices for a venue. If you are a larger regional or global corporation then you may need audio, visual, and hotel meeting space. If this is a less complex company, then a celebration at your local banquet facility might do the trick. If you have any out of town guests (CEOs, board members, honorary or distinguished guests) then you might want to locate your corporate event party near an airport for ease of logistics. The location should be allocated towards the largest portion of your budget; however there are other factors that are equally important. Hire the Right Team A team of professional vendors will be able to execute your vision without hesitation. A good question to ask your self is, 'how am I trying to leave an impact on at this party'? Regardless of the answer, your vendors including caterer, guest speakers, and entertainment are an extension of your reputation. A poor selection of vendors may leave a bad impression on your guests including those in management. This is the second most important area to invest your time and energy because it is the small details that can make or break a corporate event. Pick a Spontaneous Theme Do you remember your last past at your company from any of the previous years? If you have to think for more than ten seconds, then the planning committee did not do their job. When you sell or market a product, you have to establish an identity for your brand, and likewise when you plan and execute a successful party, you need to create a theme centered on your company. This theme should be different from past years. Try to implement your companies history and short term vision into the theme. There are many places to start and a good way to do this is to brainstorm with some of your co-workers to get some great ideas. Get Guests Involved We all know that one of the main purposes behind the company party is to ignite team building skills and employee moral. So how do you plan a corporate event party? Ask your guests, the employees. A great way to get instant feedback is with a newsletter addressed to all the employees. You can also mass e-mail a link to a survey for specific requests to all the employees. You might want to get an idea of the type of entrees guests might want. They will be able to tell you fun ways to promote team spirit and what type of vibe they are expecting from the party. The more you center the company party around your employees the more successful the event will be. Finally be Creative After you have read the above tips on how to plan the perfect corporate party, the final advice is to be creative. There are many stresses associated with being responsible for the company party, do not let this limit ideas. Many times people will not try creative ideas because they are afraid it will flop and management will put the blame on them. Just because it is a company party does not mean that waltz music will be played the entire evening. Just because it is a company party does not mean your guests should expect the traditional format with speeches and dinner selections. You will be surprised with the compliments you will receive if you think outside of the box. For example get a sushi bar, use Accent Lighting, or have an all white party. As you can tell the possibilities are endless. So if you want to leave a lasting impression on your guests keep them in mind and choose a theme that will surprise everyone including yourself!

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/8/How-to-Plan-a-Corporate-Event-Party.html">how to plan a corporate event party</a> or the <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com">DJ in Michigan</a>.

Defining Responsibilities �" Bridal Shower Guidelines You Need to Know
Hosting a traditional bridal shower can be confusing when you look at all of the etiquette rules and guidelines. Who should host the shower? Is it appropriate to ask for gifts? Who should be invited to the shower? Most of the time, the maid of honor or bride’s family is expected to host a bridal shower. If the responsibility of hosting a shower falls on you, then here are some bridal shower guidelines you should know.

Hosting a bridal shower can be a great way to get together with the bride-to-be and socialize with friends and family. If you are expected to host a shower, you might not understand what responsibilities you have as a hostess. After you understand what your job will be as a hostess, you can plan the shower and sit back and relax as everyone has a good time.

The first step in planning a bridal shower is to talk to the bride. Her preferences will determine what kind of shower you give. She may want a more traditional shower, or might prefer an informal co-ed shower. You will also need to work around her schedule when planning a date and time. She will be very busy as the date of her wedding approaches. Find out what day works best for her and plan on using that date. If she has guests that will need to travel to attend the shower, make sure they are aware of the date in plenty of time. Also, you will need to get a guest list for the shower. As a general rule, you will not invite someone to the shower that has not been invited to the wedding. Talk to the bride and find out who will get a wedding invitation. Also, find out whom she wants included in her shower. If she has a large family, it might not be possible to invite all of her family and friends. Most bridal showers have no more than about 30 guests.

After you have determined the guest list and the time and date, you can start planning the shower. The number of people she invites will help you determine where the shower will take place. If she only wants to include a small circle of friends, you can think about hosting the shower at a private home or an intimate restaurant. For larger guest lists, it might be necessary to rent a space. Also, selecting a theme for the shower might help you stay on track when planning a shower. You might want to have a barbeque, a brunch or host a pampering spa bridal shower. Select a theme that interests you and the bride before making other plans.

As you plan the guest list, you will need to think about the budget. Most of the time, the maid of honor is expected to host a shower, but things are changing and this is not a hard and fast rule. The bride’s family can also help pay for the shower or help provide food and decorations. The budget is the amount you are able or willing to spend on a shower. If you have a limited budget, you might be able to get others to help pitch in to pay for the shower. Your budget will also determine what kinds of decorations you will use, the food you will serve and activities you will provide to the bridal shower guests. As the hostess, you might choose to splurge on food while keeping activities or decorations to a minimum.

Sending out the invitations is the next step in getting ready to host a bridal shower. Make sure that all of the information is included on the invitation, such as the time, date and location. If you are going with a theme, incorporate the theme onto your invitation. For more casual showers, you can even make phone calls or send out email invitations instead of mailing invitations. Generally, shower invitations are sent out two to three weeks prior to the shower. This gives guests enough time to plan ahead. If you need an accurate count on the number of guests that will be attending, be sure to include contact information for RSVPs. In addition, bridal showers are usually given about eight weeks before the wedding. This will help you plan when the shower will be held.

Nicole Owczarczak is owner of Dress-My-Wedding.com, offering valuable free information and advice to all who are planning <a href="http://www.dress-my-wedding.com/bridalshower.html">bridal showers</a>.

Top 5 wedding favors picks in 2007
Pick #1: Crystal wedding favors Crystal wedding favors are hot in 2007 as it blends into monochrome color schemes. Items such as cinderella Glass Slipper candle, pewter carriage or silver gemstone tiara place card holders, a satin slipper wedding cake topper, fairy Tale image wine stoppers, a slipper shaped bottle opener and many other that add elegance and class to give the look pop are some alternatives to try for this year. This can be extended to serving up with some iced martini bars to sparkle up the event. This is quite popular and an in-thing as it can used to concoct more than one flavor and the bar remains packed throughout this event. It acts as a crowd pleaser and puller to any event where guests can chill out and have friendly chats and conversations with one another. Therefore, this type of favor would even make it quite retro if you used the right items which made the whole event sparkle and dazzle. Pick #2: Food theme wedding favors Food theme wedding favors is another hot flavour for 2007. Anything that tickles your taste buds with something sweet and savoury is the thing to go for. Items such as gourmet popcorn, ethnic inspired treats and goodies or some others conventional treats with a twist will truly whet your guests' appetite. You might want to consider using bailey's to come up with your very own concoction for your guests. These might be in the treat of mudpies, cocktails or perhaps sweets or pastries. Guest would certainly enjoy and appreciated new and novel ideas. Therefore, it will be a good idea to arrange with your mum or even a restaurant chef of caterer to whip up some food items to complement some of the more adventurous taste buds. Pick #3: DIY wedding theme favors DIY wedding theme favors is also something for you to tinkle with. If you are a creative person and always trying ways to think out of the box, this is the theme for you. Items such as handmade or handcraft save-the-dates, invites, menu cards or programs that just shout 'you' will be considered shocking, stunning and creative DIY items. Do not churn these items out from your anonymous print shops as it'll just dull the whole mood down. This is to bring out the spontaneity of it by being something hippy and different. Generation Z we are in, and will be in if this is to be tapped. Pick #4: Chocolate cum floral wedding theme favors Chocolate cum floral wedding theme favors is a colorful template and provides an visual enriching ceremony. Sultry exotic colours by using chocolate and enhanced with the colors of the flowers are right for creating such feel. Additionally, brown plus anything is what had been seen from years and yet still wildly popular. You can still start with pairing anything that is brown or chocolate might be a good idea, with purple, reds and corals. Additionally, this can be used in combination with what had been described in pick #2, that is something sweet and savoury to go with. If you are more adventurous, you may also pick some floral to be put into the guests' mouth or something edible from the nature. As flowers have some beneficial additives, it'll be also to your guests' delight to know a thing or two of what they might be eating. Pick #5: Las Vegas or Italian wedding favors Experience transformations like choosing Las Vegas wedding favors or Italian wedding favors. Note that these favors can be in the domain of high-budget weddings. These weddings can create a unique experience with the different items that can be purchased on specialized shops, the lightings, props and furniture. It is crucial as you will like to create such themes. Alternatively, it can be extended with making arrangement with either the travel agency or your wedding planner to take a trip down to that country. If you are thinking Las Vegas wedding, make a trip down to Las Vegas, similar to Italian wedding favor going to Italy. This will surely be a truly enriching experience with some transformations from your daily lifestyle for that moment in time. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit <a href="http://www.floralweddingfavor.com">floral wedding favor</a> to learn more about <a href="http://www.floralweddingfavor.com/diy-wedding-favors.php">diy wedding favors</a> and other <a href="http://www.floralweddingfavor.com/wedding-favors-to-make.php">wedding favors to make</a>.

Memorable Wedding Reception Tips
Every bride’s wants their wedding day to be perfect and most importantly memorable. So, how do you make your wedding reception stand out as a reflection of yourself and your guests? If you want one stellar wedding reception, then you need to plan it from your guest’s perspective. Start by asking yourself 'what do I want my guests to say when they enter the room?' and also 'what do I want my family and friends to say when they leave the reception?’ Memorable Wedding Reception Tips Here is a great tip, think back to a wedding reception that you attended recently. What was the focal point of the wedding? Was there anything that really stood out to you? Think about the flowers, decor, lighting, food, desserts, facility, people, or music, where did they spend the time and energy at? What was your initial reaction to what they did at their wedding reception? A wedding reception is a once in a lifetime event. This classy affair is also a celebration and should be an expression of two lives becoming one. From the guests point of view you want it to be looked back on as the BEST EVER! I like to ask our clients 'what is most important to you for your wedding day?' A majority of responses are classy, elegant, fun, relaxing. I ask what you want your guests to say after your reception, 'wow that was very detailed' 'wow that lighting on the walls was classy' 'wow that music really set the tone for the evening'. If you really ask yourself how you want your wedding reception to be remembered, it can be a great place to start planning your wedding budget. You answer the questions to help prioritize your wedding planning based on your guest’s perspective. If you want your wedding reception to flow exactly as you have planned, then think hard about what you are looking to accomplish. The first step in creating that lasting memory is to follow the memorable wedding reception tips above.

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/7/How-do-your-want-your-wedding-reception-to-be-reme.html">Memorable Wedding Reception Tips</a> or the <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com/">Michigan DJ</a>.

Shooting a Wedding Video? Say Goodbye To the Confusion of Operating Your Video Camera
If you are planning to shoot a wedding video, and your only prior experience with using a video camera is the footage you shot at your three year old's birthday party, then here’s a chance to quickly and easily learn the most important camera functions and their optimal settings. 1. The on/off function If you don't know how to turn your camera on, then you're out of luck. Different cameras place their on/off power buttons in different locations. You know your camera’s power is on if you see an image in the viewfinder or flip-out screen. Note: Don’t forget to remove the lens cap. 2. Menu functions There are some settings in your camera that need to be adjusted/set before you videotape the wedding. They are accessed through the Menu button on your camera. These functions and their optimal settings include: Time/date �" Off No matter how professionally you shoot the wedding, if you leave the time/date function on you will look like an amateur. Focus �" Auto Exposure �" Auto White Balance - Auto The only time you need to change these settings to" Manual" is when lighting conditions or picture composition are out of the norm. (e.g. adjust for exposure: heavily back-lit subjects making them look like they’re in a Witness Protection program; adjust for focus: competing objects in foreground that make your camera continually roll focus back and forth with nauseating results…like looking through your grandfather’s bifocals. Gain level �" 0 Increase gain level only when light levels are low. You should be aware that increasing gain levels will affect the quality of your videotape. However, so does darkness. Increasing gain level may be your only choice in this situation. Record mode/speed �" SP (Standard Play) Your camera may have additional record modes/speeds including: EP (Extended Play), LP (Long Play) and SLP (Super Long Play) These record modes are designed to extend the record time you have on your videotape. If you find that the wedding is running longer than expected and you do not have additional videotape, changing the record speed to EP, LP or SLP will give you more record time on the tape. You should be aware that using these slower modes will result in some loss of quality. 3. Battery insertion Become familiar with camera battery insertion. Trying to figure this out in a dimly-lit church during the wedding ceremony is going to spell big trouble for you. Also, remember to keep track of the remaining power level of the batteyr by observing the battery level display in the viewfinder. 5. Zoom function Zoom controls on a video camera usually include buttons or slide control marked W (wide) and T (telephoto). You should become familiar with the sensitivity of these controls. This is similar to becoming familiar with the sensitivity of the brakes on a new car. 6. Microphone input jacks If your camera has a mic input jack, you will be able to plug in an external microphone which will enhance the quality of your audio while giving you more range and flexibility with your camera. 7. Headphone input jack Plug a headphone set into this jack so that you can check the quality and level of audio you are receiving into the camera while recording or during playback. 8. Videotape insertion This is something you should know well before coming to the church. Different cameras require specific tape insertion methods. Improper tape insertion can have damaging effects on your camera. If you are unsure, take your camera and videotape to a video camera dealer that can help you with this matter. 9. Tripod Even though is not a function found on the camera, a tripod is an essential adjunct to proper camera operation. Correctly extending and locking the tripod legs, attaching the camera to the tripod quick-release plate and operating the pan/tilt locks and handle are tasks and skills that must be mastered before attempting to shoot the wedding. 10. View finder or flip out monitor Older cameras have viewfinders which are used to help you see what you are shooting/videotaping. You can adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision by using the diopter which is a small wheel attached to the viewfinder. Newer camera models usually include a flip-out screen monitor which functions like the viewfinder but with an easier-to-see display. Although more convenient for viewing, the flip-out screen requires more battery power. So if you find yourself running low on battery power, close the flip-out screen and use the viewfinder. (Both will not work at the same time. You must use one or the other.) Viewfinders and flip-out screens also provide a readout of the status of several camera functions such as Record, Pause, Stop, record speed, battery power level and videotape used and/or remaining. Think of these displays like the gauges on you car dashboard. 11. Record Just because your camera may be turned on doesn’t mean that you are capturing any video. You must push the Record button if you want to have something to playback to the bridal couple later. Once you push the record button, your viewfinder should display a red REC or red dot indicator, which verifies that the camera is recording. Another indication that you are recording will be a running time code display, also in your viewfinder/flip-out screen. Just remember, fear and anxiety come from not being prepared. Becoming familiar with these basic video camera functions and settings will help you to be relaxed, confident and looking forward to capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event that the bride and groom will treasure forever.

Olivia Romero is an independent video producer with over 15 years experience as a writer, producer, director and editor. Olivia and her partner, Tony Jones, help couples save money by producing their own professional-looking wedding video. Its easy and fun! Learn more by visiting <a href="http://www.howtoweddingvideo.com">Wedding Video Secrets</a>.

Creating your first impression with wedding invitations
After you've decided who you want to invite, you should decide how you are going to invite them. Your invitations should fit in with the overall theme and mood of your wedding celebration. These little notes are your guests' first impression of your wedding. Invitations can be pricey, but you don't necessarily need to pay an excessive amount of money to craft the style and tone of your special day. There are thousands of invitations available in stationary stores, on-line and from catalogs. You could also opt to craft your own � an increasing trend for today's wedding couples. Think about all these options and choose the one that best fits your style and budget. If you can, use the same kind of stationary for everything in your wedding. Order all stationary material you need at one time and order more than the number of guests you plan to invite. Invitations are typically purchased in increments of twenty-five or fifty. If you're making your own invitations, order extra paper, velum, envelopes and anything else you would like to create them. It's less expensive to order more than you need the first purchase than to have to order more later because you ran out. There are many things you should be aware of when deciding on your invitations or researching about how to make your own invitations. Evaluate the weight of the paper, the color tint, font and size of wording, size of invitation and envelopes, general look and postage restrictions and costs. Think about buying your invitations on-line. You can frequently find the same invitations on-line for a fraction of the price you'll pay at your local stationary stores. Regardless of whether you plan on buying your invitations online, look at websites for ideas and price comparisons. It's a convenient place to research ideas without leaving your home. Choose exactly what you will be ordering and including with your invitation. There is no "wrong" or "right", but normally most brides order invitations, inner and outer envelopes, a reception card, response cards and response card envelopes. Other options include: pew cards, place cards, and accommodation information cards � even bridal registry cards. Invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding. It's customary to all invitations by hand. If your handwriting isn't up to standards, ask some family members with nice penmanship to to assist you. You could also opt to have your invitations written by a calligrapher. Your invitations will need to include everything your guests should have to get to your ceremony and reception: date, time, address, exact name of site and reception room along with directions. Customs have changed as far as whose names should be mentioned on the invitation. It once was appropriate that invitations were given in the name of the bride's parents, even if she lived away from home or had been married before. If the bride's parents were divorced, the name of only one parent appeared on the invitation. If the parent remarried, the step-parent's name was listed on the first line followed by the daughter's to indicate relationship. These are still appropriate rules to follow but they are surely no longer considered the only way to write your invitations.

John has been a licensed and ordained minister for 41 years. He has served as wedding officiant for more than 1,000 <a href="http://www.mauime.com">Maui weddings</a> with his wedding planning business, Maui Me Inc. All of his ceremonies are original and he performed his first wedding 35 years ago. John has written almost 50 Christian books (which have been translated into eight languages). In addition to performing the ceremonies for <a href="http://www.affordablemauiweddings.com">Maui weddings</a>, he shoots most of the photography.