-Use orange, brown, copper, burgundy, purple, or green in your color palette. 

-Add an autumn feel to your menu by serving squash, artisan bread, chicken pot pie, pasta, pumpkin pie, cream-based soup, apple cider.

-Use lanterns as centerpieces.

-Have a dark chocolate, carrot, or cheesecake.

-Dahlias, hydrangeas, and red calla lilies are all options for fall flowers.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/fall-good-things-for-weddings?lpgStart=1&currentslide=2&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Winter:

-If you are looking for a Christmas feel, decorate with ornaments and evergreens.  If you are trying to create a winter wonderland use snowflakes, silver, and icicles.

-Your color palette should include silver, gold, red, dark green, cream, ivory, or white.

-Other decorating options include jingle bells, wreaths, and mirrors.

-Give out holiday-themed cookie cutters as favors.

-Menu options include chili, mac and cheese, pasta, soups, and hot chocolate.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/white-winter-weddings?lpgStart=1&currentslide=1&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Tips from Weddings magazine

-Once you have put a list together, start calling caterers to check their availability.  Make sure to ask about menu options, samples, price per person, what the price includes, the display, number of servers, overtime charges, tip, tax, cancellation policy, references, deposits, balance due date, and leftovers.

-Ask all the questions to ALL the caterers before you make your decision.

-Once you have hired a caterer, make sure you keep your invoice because it contains important information and details. 

Tips from Weddings magazine

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/giving-thanks?lpgStart=1&currentslide=14&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

1. Find the perfect photographer:  Get recommendations from friends whose wedding pictures you loved!  That way you know their good and you can also name drop.
2. Know what you are getting:  It’s important to go over the wedding photography package with your photographer.  Make sure they is no confusion about the cost, and pay attention to details like how many pictures you want total.
3. Make sure they know what you want:  The best way to be pleased with your pictures is to make sure there is no confusion.  Verbally explain to the photographer what you expect.  Ask about pre-wedding meetings and make the most of them! 

http://www.image-designer.com/wedding-photography/wedding-photography-layout.jpg

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/adebisi-and-joffrey?lpgStart=1&currentslide=5&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Lauren & Tim, a New Orleans wedding:  Make sure your fiancé has a role in the planning process.  Lauren had her fiancé pick out New Orleans music to put on CDs for the welcome gifts.

Adebisi & Joffrey, a Minneapolis wedding: Even if you are a laid-back couple, plan all the details.  You never know what might come up!

Megan & Steve, a California wedding: Their wedding weekend was so busy, they decided not to have a brunch on Sunday.  Remember to let your guests relax!

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

“Because Your Love Me” by Celine Dion

“Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk

“At Last” by Etta James

“Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

“Amazed” by Lonestar

Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

“Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross

“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn

“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw

“Drive” by Alan Jackson

“In My Life” by the Beatles

“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

A: Yes.  Asking your cousin to do this is like saying, “Please help me and miss out on the fun even though you didn’t make the cut for bridesmaid.”  However, someone that might actually feel honored by having a job like this is a child.  Make your cousin’s kids feel special and let your cousin have some fun instead!

Q: I don’t really know the officiant, so do I have to invite him plus one to my reception? 

A: If the officiant is a rabbi or pastor, you should probably invite them.  If the officiant is a justice of the peace, don’t worry about it!  Either way they probably won’t come so don’t stress about this too much!

Tip from Martha Stewart Wedding Fall 2009

A: This is usually annoying for guests, but here are some tips to make the gap easier for them.  If there is an hour or less between the two events, try to delay them at the church by serving refreshments.  If the wait is longer than that, provide guests with a list of activities to do while they wait.  Also, some guests may worry about where to change into the reception clothes if it is black tie.  Offer them your house or a hotel to change in if necessary. 

Q: I want a small ceremony but a large reception.  Do I have to invite everyone to both events? 

A: It is acceptable if you invite a significantly less number of people to the ceremony than the reception, like inviting 20 people or less to the ceremony and 100 people or more to the reception.  However, part of the experience is seeing the bride walk down the isle and the vows being exchanged, so keep that in mind when deciding who you want to invite!

Tip from Martha Stewart Wedding Fall 2009

http://www.weddingreceptioncenterpieces.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wedding-reception-decorating-ideas.jpg

-Go to flea market to look for creative decorations for your buffet display.  Shawna lined chicken-wire baskets to hold the fried chicken at their reception.

-Since the couple is not religious, they decided not to use traditional vows.  Instead, they wrote their own wedding program based on compassion.

-They took recipes from their favorite chef’s cookbook and incorporated them into their menu.

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/montana/montana-mountains

Elizabeth and Chris: A Palm Springs Wedding!

-The couple used Kate Spade escort cards because the clever sayings on them.

-To help everyone get the full Palm Springs experience, the couple scheduled a croquet match the day before.  They also made a CD for their guests to listen to on the drive to the wedding.

-Although Elizabeth planned most of the wedding, she hired two day-of planners so she could relax on her big day!

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/palm-springs

Tips from Modern Bride

For Babysitting Networks: CorporateKidEvents.com

For Bachelorette Goodies: BacheloretteSuperstore.com

For Beauty Products: BridalBabe.com

For Budget Helpers: Ebates.com

For Cake Toppers: FancyFlours.com

For Flowers and Décor: Etsy.com

For Wedding Planning: Brides.com

For Photos and Videos: Flickr.com

For Music: BustAMove.com

Plan something simple!  The after-party can be held at someone’s house, a local bar, or a hotel suite.  As for the guest list, you can invite everyone at the wedding, but usually the younger guests stay.   There is usually not a formal invitation for the after-party, so ask your bridal party so spread the word or the DJ to announce it at the reception. 

Make an easy menu!  Your guests just ate a huge meal, so finger foods will hit the spot!  Serve sliders, chicken fingers, and grilled cheese.  As for beverages, have coke bottles, splits of champagne, and bottles of beer.  Ask your friends to bring serving platters and napkins. 

Effortless decorations!  Light some small votive candles to create a relaxed atmosphere.  Also, ask your bridesmaids to bring over the centerpieces from the reception to decorate with.  Finally, make sure there is plenty of seating because your guests will tired from dancing! 

Tip from Modern Bride

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/03-08/3012sliders2.jpg