You will spend most of your planning time on reception and reception decorating, that’s where all the celebrating occurs.  So where do you begin?

1) Select a theme.  When you choose a theme, it allows you to narrow down your decorating scheme.  Themes could be a color you love, or repleting a place you have been too.

2)  Evaluate your reception space.  Find out where the reception manager normally sets up the tables, band, midnight buffet.  Can you changes any of these locations if you so choose?

3)  Work within your budget.  You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to achieve an elegant look for your reception hall.  Most reception venues will have a selection of decorating that can be used, some may even be FREE so ask!  Start shopping early, for those cost steals.

4) You will want to get a lot of ideas for the decorations, so you’ll need to do some research. Bridal magazines and the internet are great areas to start your research.

5)  Express your personality through the decorations.  A truely successful wedding is a wedding that is an extension of the couple.  This may help you select your theme!

Things that should be concerned before selecting or trying different bridal day hairstyles are;

1) Your choice of headpieces.  Some tiaras will only suit certain hairstyles.  Hair clips may suit your favorite bridal updo best, but may not flatter your dress.

2) Your dress.  Your hairstyle should compliment your wedding gown not take away from it.

3) Your face and style.  You want to glow on your wedding day.  Have your hair reflect your personality and style.  Your hairstylist can help you achieve your perfect look.

It’s a good idea to go to your hairstylist appointment with some ideas in mind. Research hairstyles by;

1) Bridal Magazines.

2) Online search, search celebrity wedding hairstyles, popular wedding hairstyles.

3) Asking a friend.

Looking for your bridal shoes?  Remember that you will probably be on your feet on day and all night.  Buy good quality shoes that are comfortable, have good sturdy heels and reliable straps and buckles.  You don’t want any embarrassing skids or falls, especially as you walk down the aisle.  There are some stylish, trendy bridal shoes that are sure to finish up any bridal attire with class.

Aster Bridal Shoes.  Available in with or without the crystal stone detail, this shoe is offered in white and ivory dyeable fabric for ultimate versatility. Heel measures 3-inches high with a wide, comfortable base and the slingback has a bit of elastic for a personalized fit. Handmade with fine European silk and lined with genuine leather for ultimate support and comfort. Sole is non-skid brushed tan leather. Comes in a standard “medium” width that runs true-to-size, so order the size you are accustomed to wearing every day.

Coloriffics Victoria Bridal Shoes.  This fashion forward wedge heel sandal is made in your choice of ivory or dyeable white satin. Heel measures 3.25″. Available in a large selection of sizes.

Grace Ballet Bridal Shoes.  A sensible choice for a long day on your feet, this cute little ballet flat has a dainty bow placed off to the side of the vamp as a dressy finish in your choice of white or ivory. Available in a wide selection of sizes. This fabric is not dyeable.

To view more beautiful bridal footwear, visit HerWeddingShop.com.

Visit HerWeddingShop for a wide selection of wedding cake toppers.  Cake toppers help define your wedding style and add personality to your celebration.  The following are some of my favourites.  To view all of them visit HerWeddingShop and shop for your cake topper from the convenience of your home.

My Love Cake Topper, Visit HerWeddingShop.com for more details

A tall, sleek design makes this an absolutely modern choice for a cake topper. The bride’s dress is painted with a pearly white while the groom’s red bow tie adds a pop of chic color. Each figurine measures 6.5″ tall and is made of lightweight resin.

Romantic Moment Cake Topper, Visit HerWeddingShop.com for more details

Glazed porcelain provides a delicate, glossy white finish that looks like icing so this cake topper blends seamlessly with the rest of the cake. It’s crafted in a traditional style and is made to be displayed as a keepsake after the wedding. Each topper measures 5.75″ tall.

Just the Two of Us Cake Topper Set, Visit HerWeddingShop for more details

Give your cake a look that’s fresh and trendy with this bejeweled topper bearing your initials and symbolizing that you are now together as one. Each silver metal and Swarovski crystal set comes in three pieces - the linked hearts are one piece, and the initials are two separate pieces. Once grouped together, your cake topper will measure approximately 4″ tall and 7.25″ wide at widest point. Pieces are easily set into the cake with the attached 5″ spikes.

Durham Wedding Planner is your source to find everything you are looking for to plan your special day. In addition to offering free wedding website and free planing tools, we will also keep you informed on all bridal shows and bridal events in your area. Wedding shows offers brides a chance to visit local wedding companies under one roof. Enter the contests, watch the bridal fashion shows, ask the experts questions and become inspired. When the show is over you can meet up with other local brides in your area in our connect area to share ideas and also sign into our members area to add notes and make a free personal wedding site. We invite you to visit us today at DurhamRegionWeddingPlanner.com. Enjoy your planning!

A wedding album is a beautiful wedding keepsake.  These pictures you will pull out again and again to reminisce over the day, and to show children and grandchildren in years to come. 

1) Ask for referrals from friends and family, and don’t be shy to ask to see their photos.  This way you can see how well they capture every moment of the wedding day.

2) Remember that you have to feel comfortable with your choice of photographers.  They will be with you all day.

3) Compile a list of pictures you would like taken and have this included in your contract if needed.  This way you will not be disappointed with the end product.

4) You don’t have to hire professionals to take pictures or video, it can be a friend or family member.  But if you do this, remember not to be upset if a moment was missed.

Check out our directory for a great selection in wedding photographers.

Wedding Invitation, image from Istockphoto.com

Wedding Invites come in assorted stationary, fonts, and may have small add-ons that can add to an invitation, to enhance its look and add to your wedding theme.  You may choose a wedding invitation with a ribbon made of organza material, if you are having an elegant black-tie wedding. Someone having an outdoor garden wedding may choose an invitation with stamped leaf design.

There are many places in the Kingston area with experts that can assist you in achieving the perfect wedding invitation to fit your budget and suit your theme.  View the selection at DurhamRegionWeddingPlanner.com.

Interested in online wedding RSVP?  Join our Member’s Area today to see how you can add an online RSVP option to your wedding invitations.

Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Bethany is The Ranch Resort Banquet & Conference Centre, perfect venue for your special day owned by Nick Notarangelo and Jane Doidge.  The Ranch Resort & Conference Centre offers elegance and ambiance all year round, the perfect setting whether in autumn amidst the fall colours or in summer overlooking the green hills and sandy beach by our private lake.  Plan a beautiful wedding, with no stress.

The Ranch Resort

The Ranch Resort offers many options complimentary to you when you book your wedding here.  “Our facility is the perfect venue for any special event”, said Jane.  With 10, 500 square feet available they offer a choice of rooms for large or small conferences, weddings or any reception.  From room set-up and tear down and cloth linens of your colour choice to in house decorations, props and greenery and dinner music, this beautiful location has everything you need.  Oh yes, don’t forget the beautiful photo opportunities.

The Ranch Resort

At The Ranch Resort their gourmet menus are custom-tailored to suit any taste and to fit every budget.
Choose from their delicious hors d’oeuvres, elegant plated four course meals, casual buffets or design a menu that is uniquely your style. Their skilled and professional catering staff is attentive to your every request and will create a memorable and festive feast sure to delight all your guests.

The Ranch Resort can accommodate any type of party.  Whether it’s a wedding, bachelor party or bridal shower, contact The Ranch Resort today to see what they can do for you.

The right floral arrangements can make your wedding extra special. Flowers can bring a warmth and vivid colors to your wedding theme. Our directory is filled with wonderful wedding flower shops that can help you add this touch of elegance to your wedding. Search among all the great flower shops in the Durham Region from the convenience of your home at DurhamRegionWeddingPlanner.com.

Calla Lilly Wedding Arrangement

Flowers and decorations embellish a wedding. Large floral pieces can make such a dramatic bold statement. Work with your florist to achieve the mood and theme you want with the flowers you choose. There are so many things that can be done with flowers, it’s incredible.

White Bridal Arrangement

Wedding gown shopping can be a great experience if you know what you want. You can begin shopping for your gown months before you go into a bridal shop. Start by searching on line or looking through magazines. This will allow you to come up with a few styles of dresses that you feel best suits your body and personality. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try on other styles at the bridal shop, but rather it gives you a starting point.

The Durham Region Wedding Planner is filled with great bridal shops in the Durham Region that carry a variety of bridal gown lines from numerous wedding gown designers. You can search the bridal shops in your local area by checking our company directories and choosing the wedding gown shops that interest you. Each company has a direct link to their website, and some of them list the wedding gown designers that they carry in their bridal shop. So if you have a designer in mind, this is a great way to find the wedding dress of our dreams. So make a cup of tea, relax, and start wedding dress shopping now! Have fun!