Wedding China and Table Patterns... who knew?

Wedding China and Table Patterns.. who knew?

Throughout our lives, we have watched mom or grandma set the table, and always thought that the way they do it is the right way. As you got older and decided to "BeHitched" you started searching for different china patterns for your wedding. All of a sudden, you get stumped!! You could have sworn that the napkin would go to the left under the fork. WRONG! Proper ettiquette shows that the napkin should lay beautifully on the plate. Then you think, which plate? Uhhh, so confusing isn't it? Don't worry, here are some tips from BeHitched Weddings!

Our China terminology 101

China

A term used to describe dinnerware and dishes. Some different types of china include bone china, porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware. Bone china is the best china, and, along with porcelain, is considered fine china. Stoneware and earthenware are examples of casual china.

Formal China

Also called fine china, is normally used for special occasions. Bone china and porcelain are considered fine china, and are more expensive, but of a higher quality than casual china. Fine china, made from finely ground clay, is fired at extremely high heat. (Examples are Wedgewood and Rosenthal)

Casual China

Everyday dinnerware. It's less expensive than fine china but also less durable. Casual china is usually sold in 4-piece place settings.( Example: Villeroy &Boch, Rosenthal also makes casual china)

Bone China

Strong, glasslike, and translucent, is considered the best china. It's made of a finely ground clay mixture, which includes bone ash, and is fired at extremely high heat. Adding bone ash creates bone china's bright white color. Despite its delicate look, it is surprisingly strong and chip resistant. It is best to wash bone china by hand, but check with the manufacturer to see if it's dishwasher safe. (Waterford, Lenox and also Wedgewood)

Porcelain

Strong, glasslike, and translucent. High-quality china made from the same clay mixture in bone china -- minus the bone ash -- porcelain may look delicate, but it is extremely durable and chip resistant. It's best to wash porcelain by hand, but check with the manufacturer to see if it's dishwasher safe.

Earthenware

A heavy, slightly porous ceramic often used for everyday china. It was used to make most ancient and antique pottery, including English Delft. It's often glazed, and not as heavy as and less durable than stoneware.

Ironstone

A hard, heavy, durable earthenware with a white porcelain-like appearance. It's also called Masonware.

Stoneware

Safe to use in both the microwave and oven, stoneware is dishwasher safe. It's very strong (ground stone is added to the clay), heavy, and nonporous. Stoneware has a glassy surface but may feel rough. It is stronger and heavier than earthenware, and is given a glaze.

Formal Place Setting

Usually 5-piece setting, including a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and a cup and saucer.

Casual Place Setting

Usually 4-piece, including a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, and mug.

We hope this helps!

"BeHappy" "BeHealthy" "BeHitched!"

September Weddings

Fall is just around the corner and the time has come to put pastels to rest for another 6 or 7 months. You getting married in September and are clueless as to what colors to have for your theme. BeHitched Weddings has some suggestions for you:

Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine!

September is a month where you can really use some of the deep, rich colors. Consider combining green with browns, yellows, oranges, reds and cream. It would also look pretty with cocoa and cream colors. Keep your attendants in mind when selecting colors as you want everyone to look good in the colors. One example, you could have your attendants wear cocoa dresses with a cream sash and carry bouquets of the rich mixed colors. This is one way to tie in the green. You could also use it in the linens. I think if you use the green as an accent, it should work beautifully. Once you've selected your florist, they will also be able to help you put the colors together. You need first to select your own dress (if you haven't done this already) then pick out the dresses for your attendants.

Catering:

Experts say that couples are moving away from the standard salad as a first course. One popular alternative is soups -- their warmth and heartiness make them a natural fit for fall. Consider squash bisque served in little pumpkins, or butternut squash soup ladled over crumbled blue cheese. Seafood-based starters are also very popular, but you can bypass the standard crab cakes in favor of smoked salmon or fish mousse.

Flowers:

September is a wonderful time to have a wedding and no better time for September wedding flowers. There are a wide number of flowers to choose from that bloom all year around, are available all year round or that bloom specifically in the late summer and early fall seasons. You truly have the advantage when picking September wedding flowers. Be willing to break away from the traditional pale colors and white that most weddings are done in and bring in the colors of the changing season to your wedding. Make it a memorable occasion by choosing September wedding flowers.

African Iris, Roses, Calililies are just some ideas for your ideal wedding flowers.

Favor Ideas:

A old, old voice must have whispered when you set your heart on an autumn wedding.
It all began with the first twinklings of agriculture in Europe. When the barns and barrels were full for the winter and the harvest chores ended, only then would you know if you were rich enough to marry that year! If you were, you passed around the drink and meat, and piled up branches for all-night bonfires: it was time to celebrate with friends.
Even today, we still seek that unique sensation of a full belly and fuller pantry in autumn.

Honey and nuts, berries, coffee and cheeses are the earthier ingredients that go well with your autumn wedding theme.

Personalized Fall leaves as decor , Autumn gold or chocolate brown candy filled boxes with Fall leaves for decor, Leaves personalized mint tins, mint packs, chocolate leaves... these are all some ideas for you to think about.

Things to know:

14% of brides get married in September

12% of brides get married in October

9% of brides get married in November.

Bouquet Toss

So we just got back from a wedding and of course got to the bouquet toss. The DJ asked that all single ladies hit the floor to catch it an of course single ladies, married ladies, single guys and married all come to the floor. A cute teenager caught it and had a few shrieks of excitement then literally "tossed" the bouquet on a table to continue dancing with her friends.

Did you ever wonder what the tossing of tossing of the bouquet really symbolizes?

The tradition of the bride throwing the bouquet is said to have started in 14th century England. The guests, thinking a piece of the bride's clothing would bring good luck, would grab at her fight for pieces of the bride's clothing, flowers, or headpiece to share in the good fortune.Another version is in France in the 1300's the bride tossed her bouquet before she left on her honeymoon. The tradition began with the bride tossing a garter or stocking. The bouquet symbolised a bride's good fortune being passed to the maiden who caught it.The bouquet toss has come to symbolize a wish for good luck from the bride to the single women guests at the wedding, and is believed to be the next to marry.

So next time you go to a wedding and are ready to catch that bouquet, remember that it represents good luck to you. Hold on to it for a while, it might just mean you finding your true love.

99 Cent Store Weddings?

09-09-09 Seems to have been a big hit for the 99 cents only store. Apparently, 9 couples won some sort of promotion and were able to get married in the 99 cents store for only 99 cents. They got all dolled up with 99 cents flowers, crepe paper and were given a small buffet lunch with 99 cents store items.

I think this was a great idea! Not only are you able to celebrate your special day without going broke, but you get everything for only a buck! Who knows, 99 cents store might be the new Neiman Marcus in the future if our economy keeps going the direction it is in.

Congratulations 99'ers!!!!

"BeHappy, "BeHealthy" and "BeHitched!"

I wonder what will happen in 10-10-10?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/09/state/n090312D80.DTL&type=bondage

Gay and Lesbian Weddings

Planning a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony and you are not sure what the essential elements are to the ceremony. Maybe you have been invited to a commitment ceremony and are just not sure what to expect. You woul be surprised to know that gay and lesbian ceremonies are very much the same as traditional weddings, and the ceremony is nearly identical. The only difference is that a commitment ceremony is not legally binding in many areas yet. It is simply a public affirmation of the couple's commitment in front of their friends and family.

A commitment ceremony can take place with gay, lesbian or transgendered couples. This ceremony could be formal or casual, and depends on the couple's wishes and the rules of the officiant or house of worship it is being held in. Generally speaking, this is a simple outline of how a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony will occur.

BeHitched Weddings takes great pride in helping couples out there have the perfect commitment ceremony and reception. We will work closely with our new clients to make sure that everything goes smoothly so you can get wild and crazy.. because it's true what they say.. "Girls Just Wanna Have fun!"

Here a a few things to look into when planning your Committment Ceremony...

Type of Ceremony - Depending on the state and country of residence, gay couples may have the option of planning a full marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, or commitment ceremony. You may also want to decide if you and your partner desire a religious or non-religious ceremony.

Itinerary- A typical ceremony and reception will take at least 5 hours, not including pictures taken in between the ceremony and reception. Take ample time to discuss your ceremony plans with your partner. Keep a notebook for important information and develop an itinerary of the ceremony day. Share this itinerary with the reception hall, DJ or band, officiate, venue and other people key to the success of the ceremony.

Budget -Take time to carefully plan the budget for your ceremony. Take into account the number of guests, the venue, entertainment, photography, rings, tuxedo rentals, etc. An easy way to plan a commitment ceremony budget is to allot a certain amount for each major area of the ceremony. Here is a simple break down:
50% Reception
10% Flowers
10% Music
10% Photography
10% Tuxedo or Dress Rental
5% Invitations
5% Miscellaneous

Wedding Vows- Individually write your vows. Vows can be as personal or standard depending on your preference.

Location & Venue- Of course, the location of your ceremony should be a special place for both you and your partner; however, consider choosing a central location for all of your guests. Also, make sure the venue of choice is gay-friendly. Call ahead to make sure the venue you choose is comfortable hosting a same-sex ceremony. In addition, make sure you are comfortable in the venue of choice. Gay Friendly Inns is a great place to start. Some couples also choose to have their ceremony performed at gay pride. Often there will be officiants on hand to perform group commitment ceremonies. View the gay pride calendar.

Find a Church-Call a gay-friendly church and ask if they are willing to perform a gay commitment ceremonies. If they refuse, don't get discouraged. There are many others that will.

Number of Guests-Some couples choose to have small intimate ceremonies, while others have large events. Invite the number of guests that make you and your partner comfortable. Remember that the cost of the ceremony can rise depending on how many guests you invite.

Invitations- You can purchase wedding invitations at your local stationary store or online. Choose invitations to your taste. If money is a concern, try a little creativity and create your own special cards or host an announcement shower at a friend's place.

Reception Halls & Caterers- Decide if you'd like a reception at a private home, a public hall or non at all. If considering a public venue, call the reception hall and book it at least 10-12 months in advance. Be prepared to tell the event planner your desired booking date and time, how many guests you are expecting and what cuisine you'd like served (if they cater as well). Some places offer full packages (ceremony venue, reception, caterer, music and photographer).

DJ/Band and Photographer -The DJ can sometimes be a sore spot when it comes to wedding and commitment ceremonies. Choose a DJ with experience. Select a play list that tailors to both your tastes and the palate of your guests. Decide on a photographer with experience and be clear about what you expect. It helps to choose a DJ and photographer that is comfortable in a gay atmosphere. Word of mouth recommendations are always best.

Limousine Services-Think about how you will arrive at the ceremony and to the reception. Check your local listings for a limousine company or for the cost conscious, solicit a friend with a really nice car to chauffeur you around for the day.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake or Wedding CupCakes?

We all know that the classical traditional "thing" to do is to have a 3 layer and up wedding cake for your special day right? Decorated with our favorite flowers, designs and colors. Fresh flowers and glass designs all around the cake table surrounding this lovely masterpiece. Let's imagine something else. Imagine 4 layers of cupcakes with red velvet flavor and delicious bride/groom sprinkles all over! Yes, cupcakes. The new "in" thing to do is to have a cupcake table.

Let's be realistic. We are living in a recession and living in a recession means that we have to pinch and save whenever and wherever we can. Couples today prefer to spend more on their flowers and photography rather then the cake. The truth of the matter is that only 25% -50% of wedding guests actually eat the wedding cake. Why not pay less, provide your wedding guests the opportunity to sample the "wedding cupcake" and in the end not feel so bad that food has been wasted?



Think about it!

Wedding Planner?

I come across many brides who are skeptical of wedding planners upon our first conversation. Some are a little negative at first, others are ready to get to work but most... are a little confused. You would think, what is there to be confused about? Wedding Planner.. yea.. I plan weddings... but.. what do you really do when you plan a wedding? After being in the business 5 years and planning two of my own (yes, you read that correctly), do you know that even I am lost sometimes? Each wedding you plan is unique. Each couple brings out new meaning to the words 'Wedding Planning'. The beauty of this business or "planning" as I like to call it, is that there are no rules as to legal or not legal, right or wrong. This is YOUR wedding. Whatever the bride and groom wants is a definite YES.

From the very moment you walk into my office, you have joined my BeHitched family. We will sit down and you will share with me, what your ultimate vision is. I will simply help you get there minus the stress, the frustration, the rude people, the traffic, the bad weather.... I will take care of it all. Toward the end of our planning, you will simply nod your head and smile or shrug your shoulders and say "Sabrina, let's keep looking".

What does the Wedding Planner Do?

A wedding planner consults with the to-be bride and groom and according to the feedback that he receives from them, takes care of:
*Ordering the flowers, hiring a photographer, musician and other service providers for the wedding.

*It is the job of the wedding planner to deal with the various vendors and see that he can get the best possible rates from different vendors for his clients.
*Wedding planners usually have a great sense of fashion and this helps them to ensure that everything is tasteful and color coordinated for the wedding. They are responsible for ensuring that the theme of the wedding is reflected in all aspects of the wedding. Right from the design on the napkins, to the place settings, the flowers, and to the wedding dress; everything should be in sync with each other and it is the job of the wedding planner to ensure that.
*The wedding planner manages the money and ensures that the wedding is according to budget.
*In short, a wedding planner is a mediator, a consultant, a sounding board, an organizer, an artisan and a financial adviser all rolled into one. And sometimes they even turn out to be a punching bag when nerves get frazzled (figuratively speaking), even though their job description definitely does not call for it!

The obvious answer: "Wedding planners plan weddings." :-)
Wedding planners are hired by engaged couples and/or their families to help coordinate the big event. They are party planners who have expertise in planning weddings.
Any big event is complex to plan. Weddings are big events, and important ones, especially to the bride. They want everything to go right. But planning events takes time, and it helps to have experience. So, more and more busy brides are hiring planners to help.

Making the bride happy by relieving her of all the small details and fulfilling her dreams.

Wedding planners have many duties. Like choosing a menu for the reception, selecting a date, choosing flowers, getting clergy, making invitations, finding the location and decorations. Wedding planners have more duties then you think they do.

Wedding planning is not easy thing,
Wedding planner will arrange all things related to marriage, Planning Wedding date, place, decoration of place, invitation, guest and gifts, wedding cakes, wedding flower, and wedding jewelery, articles, wall papers, wedding stationery, wedding accessories and many more

Anymore questions?

Getting married? Call BeHitched Weddings for all your wedding planning needs and get 10% off by just saying you read our blog!

http://www.behitchedweddings.com/

BeHitchedWeddings@yahoo.com

818-813-9803

818-239-6575

Wedding Advice

If you need help with wedding etiquette or just completing projects these are the blogs for you!

Always a Blogsmaid: Send your "weddiquette" questions in to this blog to get helpful answers.
Totem Travel Blog: This blog specializes in honeymoon vacations.
Allegro Photography : The images from this wedding photography pair are sure to have you inspired.
Dynamite Weddings: Read advice and inspiration from both engaged and recent brides on this blog.
Bridalwave: Check out Bridalwave for all things wedding related, including thoughtfully written articles.
Wedding Fanatic: Wedding Fanatic covers planning advice, trends, and more.
Our One Heart: Here you’ll find tips for both weddings and honeymoons.
Groom Groove: This blog is an excellent resource for grooms and other men involved in weddings.
Simply Dazzling Events: Simply Dazzling Events is wonderful about answering wedding questions and regularly features wedding eye candy.