Nothing sets the stage for your wedding or special event better then a little mood lighting. Using lights is easy and often inexpensive way to brighten up your venue or create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. But let’s face it. String lights, candles and LED up lighting can be found at just about every event. To help your event stand out among the rest, we compiled a list of our favorite lighting ideas that are not only unique, but also affordable!

Photo courtesy of XL Entertainment

Centerpiece Lighting: Don’t spend a ton of money on flowers for your event, only to have them disappear in the dark when the DJ dims the lights. By illuminating your glass vases with a LED Submersible Floralyte, you can feel confident that your décor will continue to wow your guests throughout the evening. These battery operated lights come in a variety of colors and last over 48 hours, so there is no need to worry about them turning off in the middle of your party. At $2.95 each, it’s understandable why this trend is all the rage. Note: To achieve the look pictured, use 3-4 of these LED lights. Mix with water and a pack of clear acrylic vase gems.

Fairy Berries: Looking to replicate a look right out of a fairytale? The lighting experts at Fairy Berries created a product that seemed to come straight out of a Disney movie. These clear balls include a glowing white LED light that fades on and off slowly and can last up to 20 hours. Place them in your bouquet, centerpieces, or around your outdoor garden for a look that will enchant your guests. Only $18 for a pack of 10 at Save-on-Crafts.

A Bryan Photo

Sparklers: Looking for a way to add some sparkle to your event? Take a step back to your childhood and incorporate sparklers into your day. Whether they are used for a grand exit or just for entertainment, your guests will enjoy illuminating the night sky with these  regular and heart shaped sparklers. The pictures will be amazing as well! Just make sure you okay it with your venue first! These sparklers start as low as $21.00 for a pack of 72!

Photo by: Brides.com

Under Table Light: This is a new effect that many DJ and Event Production companies are beginning to offer. It’s a great way to give your tables a simple glowing effect, while also providing a soft dim light that is cohesive to your event colors or theme.  Under Table LED Lights come in a variety of colors and are remote control operated to make it easier to turn on during an event. They can be a bit pricey, ranging anywhere from $70-100 a piece. Make sure to check with your DJ first to see if they can provide this service at a cheaper rate.

Photo by Skyline Pyrotechnics

Fireworks: Looking to really put on a show? If sparklers don’t ignite your imagination, maybe fireworks will! Outdoor, beach and waterfront receptions are great places to put on a firework display. Guests will “ohh” and “ahh” over this event. Most states require permits from firework shows and you will absolutely need to clear this with your venue before purchasing any equipment. If all works out, All Spark Fireworks is a great place to purchase affordable fireworks for your wedding or event. Begin your life together with a bang!

Photo by Brides.com

Illuminating Paper Lanterns: This trend originated in China and has recently become popular here in the United States. These electric or battery operated lights offer a unique lighting solution to any special event. Customizable in shape and color, you will be sure to find something that works for your décor and budget. Illuminating your venue from above sets the stage for a romantic evening.They are perfect for outdoor or tented receptions! You can purchase these lanterns at Lights For All Occasions for as low as $5.95!

LED Floral Bouquet: Koyal Wholesale introduced a great product that will surely make a lasting impression as you walk down the aisle. The Crystal Beaded LED Floral Bouquets are battery operated and come in a variety of colors. They are the perfect addition to any winter or evening wedding. At only $29.80, you can easily afford to have a bouquet unlike anyone else’s.

Photo courtesy of Wedding by Color

Projector Backdrops: Forget the monogram! Many couples and event hosts are now using projectors to illuminate images on bare white walls. Showcase a location for themed events, or choose to keep it simple by using black and white silhouettes. You could even create a slideshow of pictures that features the newlywed couple or guest of honor. It’s not only a great way to illuminate a room, but also a clever way to make a large space look smaller. Projector rentals vary on prices, but can usually found pretty cheap at your local rental company. Make sure to check with your DJ or entertainment company first, as many of these companies already have them.

String Lights: Okay, so I know we said that string lights are often overdone, but when designed right, they can look amazing! Save up your old holiday lights and dangle them on a bare wall to create a jaw dropping display. Cover with a sheer linen to hide the wires and you have yourself an inexpensive, illuminating backdrop that will leave a show-stopping impression. If you are purchasing string lights, make sure you check out Save-on-Crafts  for a variety of light style at an affordable price.

Illuminating Dance Floor: What better way to surprise your guests then by illuminating the dance floor during your first dance as husband and wife? These LED dance floors will set the mood for your party, and grab the attention of your guests. Depending on your location, they can become pretty expensive to rent. However, they can offset the cost of any other lighting effects you thought you needed. For a price quote in your area, contact LED Party Floors.

Before purchasing any lighting equipment, do your research. Often times DJ’s and local rental or production companies offer the delivery and set-up of these types of displays at a majorly discounted rate. You never want to spend a ton on something that will often times only be used once.

Did you provide completely unique lighting for your wedding or special event? Make sure you share your ideas for future clients.

Jackie Rossano of Salon Cartarae , pictured above, shares her secrets for ensuring flawless hair and make-up on your wedding day. Photo courtesy of Contemporary Image.

Face it ladies-no matter how much money you spend on your gown, the wrong hair and make-up could shatter the wedding day look you were aiming for. To make sure you look as dazzling as you want to feel on that special day, Jackie Rossano, master stylist at Salon Cartarae offers a few helpful tips for future brides preparing for their ‘all eyes on you’ moment.

Practice for Perfection
Jackie reminds us that every major show needs a dress rehearsal. Make sure to book a trial for your hair, make-up, nail color, and spray tanning if you are using these services on your wedding day. Doing so will relieve wedding day jitters because you will be able to see your finished look before your big day. It also helps the stylist understand exactly what you are looking for. Some things to remember:

• Come prepared with a few photos of what it is you are picturing.  Even if they are only pictures of what you DON’T like. Also, bring a photo of your dress. This will help your stylist come up with ideas that you are comfortable with and that work well with your look.
• Please understand that not every hairstyle looks good on each person.  Celebrity photos should be used as inspiration. Not a template. Make sure to ask your stylist for recommendations that will work best for your face and your gown. Some ladies look better with their hair up, others with it down.  Remember that just because it looks good on a model in a picture, doesn’t mean it is the best do for you.
• Bring any hair accessories that will be worn on your wedding day with you to your trial so that the stylist can figure out how to best incorporate them into your look. Especially your veil!
• If you are wearing flowers in your hair, ask your florist for a sample or bring fake ones to your trial. These accessories are usually attached to bobbie-pins. We always recommend silk flowers as opposed to the real thing as flowers can wilt in the sun. If you do choose to use real flowers, make sure you ask your florist for extra’s on your wedding day, just in case!
• If you are trying new products for the first time, such as fake eyelashes, make sure you include them in your trial. Some people are allergic and find them uncomfortable.  Every detail of your look should be tested out so you can be 100% sure that you will be looking and feel comfortable on your wedding day.
• Take pictures at your trial and bring them with you on the day of your wedding.  Your stylist might need a reminder of exactly what he or she did during the dress rehearsal. This is especially true if your trial is a month or more before the big day.

Bridesmaid Bliss
According to Jackie, some of the biggest fights between brides and bridesmaids occur because of hair conflicts. Brides have certain expectations for their bridal party members, while bridesmaids believe that how they wear their hair should reflect their personal tastes. Some advice to consider:

• Do not require your bridesmaids to have the same hair length.  They are your bridesmaids, but more importantly, your friends and it is not fair for you to ask them to change their style because of your special day.
• On that note, do not force your girls to wear the same hairstyle either. Politely ask them to wear their hair either up or down and allow them to choose their style.  As stated earlier, every look is different on each person. You want your friends and family to look and feel as gorgeous as you.

Tips and Tricks
Jackie reveals her secrets for fantastic hair care leading up to the big day.

• This should go without saying, but do not make any drastic changes to your hair style right before your wedding day. Six months before your wedding is not a good time to test whether or not you look good in bangs.
• If you normally color your hair, make sure to schedule your appointment two weeks before the wedding.  This gives your hair an opportunity to adjust to color and look more natural. It will also last long enough for you to continue looking fabulous on your honeymoon.
• Know your hair type. Many stylists advise to not wash your hair the day of your wedding, but to wash it the night before since hair with natural oils is more effectively styled. However, too much oil may require a wash at the salon if excessive amounts of dirt are present in the hair. Tell your stylist during your practice round whether you have an oily, dry or normal scalp and follow washing instructions accordingly.

Time and Place
Like every profession, stylists work best in their own atmosphere at his or her own pace. When scheduling your day, be aware of the following:

• It is always easier for a stylist and a bride if you and your bridal party travel to the salon on your wedding day. While in some cases they are able to come to you, it is more likely that something could go wrong. What if the curling iron suddenly breaks or you begin running behind. If you are able, consider going to salon where there is extra equipment and staff on the premises. There is usually more room, less distractions and better lighting as well.
• When creating your timeline, set aside at least two hours for the bride’s hair and one hour for each bridesmaid so that there is plenty of time and no one will feel rushed. Best possible outcome, you finish early!
• Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for make-up per person and another two hours for the bride, depending on what she is having done.
• Book your appointments far in advance, especially if you are getting married in the heart of wedding season. Many salons’ can only accommodate one wedding party at a time.
• While we are all for celebrating on your wedding day, be respectful of other customers at the salon. Ask permission ahead of time to bring a light breakfast, refreshments, and champagne. Most salons are very accommodating and depending on the size of your wedding party, may even choose not to take other appointments during that time.

Don’t Forget!
Jackie reminds future brides to wear a zip-up or button-up shirt when getting your hair styled before the wedding. We leave nothing to chance. Also consider the climate of your wedding venue. Long flowing hairstyles do not hold up well in high humidity at outdoor weddings.

Salon Cartarae is located in Manasquan, New Jersey. For information on their prices and services be sure to check out their website at www.saloncartarae.com or follow them on Facebook.

For more ideas, make sure to pick up Abby’s new book “Style Me Pretty Weddings“

The core of any wedding is the exchange of vows. Elaborate customs and rituals have developed around this rite of passage, however, as long as the exchange of vows meets your celebrants and governmental requirements, the rest of ceremony can be left up to your imagination.

When creating a custom wedding ceremony, it is recommended that the standard outline of a ceremony be used to make it easier for guests to ‘follow along’.  Each element can then be personalized to create a distinguished and memorable event.

Below is the most common wedding ceremony outline with tips on how it can be personalized to reflect your relationship.

Welcoming Guests
Traditionally, ushers escort each female guest to a seat, with a male guest following. If the guests arrive as a couple, the usher can just say, “Please follow me.” An usher is also responsible for handing out programs and exit favors when applicable. For larger weddings, it may be more efficient for ushers to only escort guests with reserved seats, such as immediate family members, readers and VIPs. In this case, ushers would welcome guests upon entering the ceremony location and invite them to sit wherever they wish. Traditionally, guests of the bride sit on the left while guests of the groom sit on the right; however, it is becoming popular for couples to ask guests to sit on either side to reflect the merging of two families.

Processional
The processional still remains one of the most traditional parts of a ceremony. It can be customized with different music but the order of the procession should be as follows:

• Seating of Honored Guests and VIPs
  When the music begins, any living grandparents (that are physically able) would begin their procession down the aisle. The Mother of the Groom and Father of the Groom would come next, followed by the Mother of the Bride. It is recommended that immediate family members walking alone be escorted down the aisle by an appointed friend or relative as this can be a very emotional moment during the ceremony and having someone to walk with provides a great deal of comfort.

•  Entrance of Bridal Party
  Once all immediate family members have been seated; the bridal party enters in this sequence: ushers, junior ushers, junior bridesmaids, bridesmaids, matron of honor, maid of honor, ring bearer and flower girl. As a couple, you can decide whether the groomsmen should escort the bridesmaids down the aisle or if you prefer them to enter with the groom beforehand.

•  Entrance of the Bride
  At this time the music should change indication that all of your guests should stand. The bride will then take her fathers right arm, standing on his right side, and begin her walk down the aisle. This places her in the right position to join her groom since she will be on his left.

Opening Commentary
During the opening commentary, your celebrant introduces him or herself and welcomes your friends and family to your ceremony.  The officiator will then announce the purpose of the gathering and discusses the importance of marriage. They may also choose to say a few words about you and your philosophies of marriage, what marriage means to you and what it holds for your future.  The officiator may also share some more casual remarks should he or she have come to know you during marriage preparation.

Marriage Address
In a traditional ceremony, this is where the homily would go. The celebrant can use this opportunity to go in detail about your “love story”. They can talk about how you met, fell in love, the different life adventures you have shared and ultimately, what has led you to this moment.

First Reading
The use of readers is very important stagecraft for your ceremony. They connect you with your guests because they come from the audience, not the bridal party. A reading can be anything from a short poem, lyrics from a song, narrative from a book, or verse from a scripture. An alternative to a reading would be to ask a close friend or relative to tell a story about you. It could be someone who introduced you or witnessed the growth of your relationship. Regardless, this portion of the ceremony should be meaningful to you as a couple and solidify what was said during the marriage address.

Declaration of Intent
This is the “I Do” part of a wedding. The bride and groom face one another, takes hands, and answer a series of questions whereby you are declaring what you are intending on doing-joining your lives in marriage. A cute way to customize this area is to create your own “I Do’s.”

Unity Ritual
The unity ritual is the focal point of the wedding ceremony and can be highly entertaining to watch. It is meant to symbolize the joining of two individuals into one partnership. There are many different takes on this ritual and can be customized to represent your overall wedding theme. For example, if you are having a beach ceremony, you might want to do the sand ritual, or if you are having a rustic wedding, it would be appropriate to plant a tree. Other rituals include: The Unity Candle, Wine Sharing, Handfasting, and Bread Breaking ceremonies. The possibilities and interpretations of this are endless and should reflect your personalities and interests.

Vows
This is the portion of the ceremony in which you verbally commit your lives to each other. The celebrant, in a “repeat after me” style can read them, but composing your own set of vows is enthusiastically encouraged. This act along can bring your ceremony to a whole new level, and will have your guests on the edge of their seats. There is no better way to personalize your ceremony then through your own declarations of love.

Exchange of Rings
Here you give each other a physical expression of fidelity. Short ring vows are usually done in a “repeat after me” style as the couple places the rings on each other’s fingers. This portion of the ceremony can also be combined with your vow exchange. Whatever you as a couple feel most comfortable with.

Second Reading
Here is another opportunity to invite a close friend a relative to be a part of your ceremony. This reading should emphasize commitment, everlasting love, and blessings for the future. As in the first, it should be personal to the couple and reflect their relationship. Make sure you give readers plenty of time to prepare by providing them with their readings a number of weeks in advance. Always bring extra prints of the reading on the day of the wedding just in case someone accidently forgets their copy.

Unity Ritual
This is a good moment in your ceremony to honor family and friends (living and deceased), who have played an important role in your lives. Some ways of doing this is through Actions In Memoriam, Parental Vows, Giving Roses, Using a Photo Montage, Special Song, Signing a Marriage License and Ketubah Signing just to name a few. This section can also be switched with the first Unity Ritual or be eliminated all together. It’s your ceremony and should be created the way you feel most comfortable with.

Closing Remarks
The officiator uses this opportunity to give final blessing and summarizes on the important elements of the ceremony. A short poem or piece of advice is another good option. If you have bubbles, rose petals or something you want guests to shower you with as you exit, this is also a good place to have your celebrant make a little announcement about the directions upon exiting.

Declaration of Marriage and First Kiss
Your celebrant pronounces you Husband and Wife and you seal the deal with your first kiss as a married couple. This act needs no further explanation.

Recessional
The bride and groom lead the recessional back down the aisle, followed by the bridal party in the opposite order that they came in. After the bridal party has exited, the parents of the couples will leave, followed by grandparents and other family members. At this point in time you may choose to have a receiving line in which you greet your guests and thank them for coming.

Before personalizing your wedding ceremony, make sure you talk to your celebrant about their standard order of events as each officiator may have their own preferred way of performing this service. Together you should come up with a plan that reflects your personalities but also makes you feel the most comfortable. It is also a good idea to talk to family members about special traditions that may be important to them to include. Being the center of attention can often times be embarrassing for couples, so make sure you feel comfortable with the layout you are creating. If you tend to get nervous in public situations, you might prefer the more traditional vows instead of saying your own.  Lastly, do not be afraid to practice. Have a rehearsal to get out any last minute jitters and work out any kinks. This will make you feel all the more prepared on your wedding day.

Did you add a unique personal element to your wedding ceremony? Please share it with our readers!

In addition to Valentines Day, holidays, birthdays, vacations, and, well, every other day of the year, Proposal Day has been set aside as a special day for couples to get engaged.

A man named John Michael O’Loughlin invented the holiday after his cousin’s boyfriend spent years stringing her along without popping the question. He felt badly that his cousin had to wait so long and decided to create a day to be dedicated to proposals, or at the very least, a day that encourages conversations between couples to decide if their relationship is heading in that direction.

Proposal Day falls over the Vernal Equinox, during which the day and night are at equal lengths.  A second Proposal Day occurs during the Autumnal Equinox in September.  It is considered a good day to nudge procrastinating lovers into marriage because the equinox symbolizes the compromise it takes to build a successful relationship.

At SociaLife, we believe that any day that celebrates love, should be taken seriously. Therefore, we are sharing one of our favorite proposal videos.

Click Here to learn more about Proposal Day or to find out when the next one falls.

Some other cool details that Kirsta and Mylo incorporated into their reception were “Terrible Towel” favors that included the couples name and wedding date. Guests waved these high in the air as the couple made their grand entrance to the NFL theme song. They continued to wave them throughout the evening, which indicated a kiss between the newly married couple in lieu of clinking glasses.

Kirsta and Mylo’s wedding day will certainly be remembered as a legendary touchdown in their own game of life!

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue And A Lucky Sixpence For Her Shoe”

 This tradition stems from an Old English rhyme and holds the superstition that if a bride carries these items on her wedding day, she will have a long and successful marriage. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness; something blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity, although this remains largely a British custom.

Historically, family members and close friends have given these items to the bride in her eleventh hour, however, brides are opting to take reign of this tradition and purposely include these items into their wedding wardrobe. While the dress is commonly the something new, and old and borrowed are family heirlooms, brides are getting creative with their something blues.  Here is a collection of our favorite something blue ideas. Whether you are going for something traditional or incredibly unique, we know you will find something you love!

1. Blue Petticoat 2. Heart Patch 3. Blue Wedding Dress 4. Blue Embroidery

5. Blue Birdcage Veil 6. Blue Hairpin 7.Blue Veil 8. Blue Hair Elastics

9. Oscar de la Renta Something Blue Perfume 10. Blue Hair 11.Blue Makeup 12. Blue Nail Polish

13. Blue Ink Messages on Sole of Shoe 14. Blue Soled Shoes 15.Blue Socks and Shoes 16. Blue “I Do” Stickers

17. Blue Diamond Tiffany & Co. Ring 18. Blue Pearl Bracelet 19.Aquamarine Tiffany & Co. Pendant Necklace 20. Blue hair Brooch

21. Bridal Bath Robes 22. Victoria Secret Bridal Panty 23.Blue Sweater 24. Blue Bridal Gloves

25. Blue Garter 26. Blue Framed Sunglasses 27.Blue Bridal Clutch 28. Blue Floral Headpiece

29. Blue Bridal Tissues 30. Bouquet Locket 31.Blue Ribbon 32. Blue Beaded Safety Pin

33. Blue Car 34. Blue Temporary Tattoo 35.Blue Floral Bouquet 36. Christian Dior Blue Lined Dress

Have another unique spin on this tradition? We’d love to hear it! Please share your idea so brides can use it as their something “borrowed.”

As we all know, one of the most anticipated moments for any bride’s wedding is being able to dance with her dad to a special song. Unfortunately, Andrea’s father, Mark, passed away shortly before her wedding after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Knowing how much this dance meant to her, Andrea’s brother Nick created a way to not only honor their dad, but to ensure that Andrea still had her special dance. He previously recorded himself singing the song “Butterfly Kisses” and enlisted a few special men to take turns dancing with Andrea during the traditional Father/Daughter dance. Andrea’s first dance is with her grandfather, followed by her brothers Luke and Nick and ended with her her new father-in-law Scott. As touching as this story is, I have to give credit to Andrea for staying so composed. This moment must have been incredibly difficult for her, yet she was able to hold it all together.

Personally, I was crying like a baby!

Groundhog Cake Topper via Etsy

February 2^nd, otherwise known as Groundhog Day, is upon us again. The not so celebrated holiday stars our favorite rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, who makes his way out of his hole after a long winters sleep in search of his shadow. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

Bill Murray made light of this honored tradition while starring in the 1993 comedy, Groundhog Day. In the film, Murray plays Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during a hated assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.

Since most couples dream of reliving their wedding day, it comes as no surprise to us that they are jumping at the opportunity to be married alongside Punxsutawney Phil on the most important day of his year. That’s right! Groundhog Day Weddings are held in “Phil’s Wedding Chapel” located in Punxsutawney and are officiated by the Mayor of the city. While there is no guarantee the day will be repeated, the memory of being married alongside the worlds most famous groundhog will surly relive over and over again in memories of you and your guests.

For more information on partaking in a Groundhog Day Wedding at Phil’s Wedding Chapel, check out their website at: www.groundhog.org

Paper Bouquets: Paper floral bouquets are the most affordable and often the easiest DIY project. Check out this great tutorial from 100 Layer Cake on how to create gorgeous paper roses for a storybook bouquet.

Storybook Paper Bouquet, Paper Peonies Bouquet, Whimsical Paper Bouquet, Pink Paper Bouquet

Fabric Bouquets: Get creative with color, patterns and texture when creating bouquets made out of fabric. This no-sew tutorial from Made makes this project super easy!

Pink Fabric Bouquet, Lace Fabric Bouquet, Rustic Fabric Bouquet, Orange Fabric Bouquet, Blue Fabric Bouquet

Button Bouquets: The hardest job you will have with creating a button bouquet is finding enough buttons to match your color scheme. Craft stores like Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics sell buttons in bulk, which will surely make this project easier to conquer. Check out this awesome step-by-step tutorial from A Million Dresses to learn how to create a one-of-a-kind stunning bouquet.

Floral Button Bouquet, Black and Gold Button Bouquet, Purple Button Bouquet, White and Gold Button Bouquet, Teal Button Bouquet

Brooch Bouquet: Some of the most stylish bouquets we have seen always include a little bling. These bouquets, made entirely of brooches, are shinny and sweet. No Impact Bride has created an easy DIY guide to making these forever bouquets. Don’t have the time to create them yourself? Etsy offers a huge selection of custom brooch bouquets.

Floral Brooch Bouquet, Pink Brooch Bouquet, Gold Brooch Bouquet, Vintage Brooch Bouquet

Feather Bouquet: Not only are they super soft, but these bouquets are as light as a… (well, you get the picture). Feather bouquets can be a bit tricky to make. We highly suggest a purchase at Emplume for a glamorous look that will stun your guests!

Pink Feather Bouquet, Ivory Feather Bouquet, Winter Feather Bouquet, Dried Flower + Peacock Bouquet

Honorable Mentions: We saved the best for last! Brides are coming up with outrageous ideas for alternative bouquets. Basically, anything can be used to create a one-of-a-kind look that reflects your personality or wedding theme. If you are searching for ideas for your own special day, we invite you to visit our Pinterest page for inspiration.

Succulent Bouquet, Seashell Bouquet, Veggie Bouquet, Cotton Candy Bouquet, Doorknob Bouquet