Witchy Weddings

Monday, March 19, 2012

Happy Spring!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Series: Unique Ways to Make Your Wedding Special

My parents spent fifteen years photographing weddings and it always amazed me when a couple added that little something that made their wedding unique, personal and very romantic.

This gown was created out of the silk from the groom's parachute, that saved his life in World War II. The dress later went on to be worn by the couple's daughter and daughter-in-law before being donated to the Smithsonian.

http://newsdesk.si.edu/snapshot/parachute-wedding-dress enlargement

When I was selling wedding gowns, one of my favorite brides, incorporated a bit of her love story into the flower arrangements. On the couple's first date, the groom, a very big, stern looking police officer, had brought hot pink tulips. Two years later, she walked down the aisle carrying a nearly identical bouquet.

One of my parent's couples left their wedding reception at Lake Tahoe in her family's restored antique boat. Another family (for whom my parents photographed all four weddings) used Dad's prized antique car. Another bride, a pre-school teacher, invited 20 something preschoolers to take part in her wedding as attendants. The wedding was a bit chaotic, but the couple's love of children and incredible sense of humor shined through every photograph.

A dear friend of mine married her sweetheart five years to the day after their first date, on Winter Solstice. They incorporated Christmas trees, customs from both of their ethnic backgrounds, and stockings for the children who attended. It's one of the most memorable weddings I've been to because it was one full of love (her dad's toast made everyone cry) and their sense of fun.

Whatever part of your love story you chose to incorporate, it will add to the uniqueness, the sweetness and the joy of your clebration.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Buying a gown

The wedding gown has become an icon in Western culture. Many wedding professionals use your gown as a guide to your style. Everyone you know will have an opinion about what you should wear, and there are literally, thousands of choices available.

I used to sell wedding gowns. It was a job that was frustrating, entertaining and challenging. My expereinces, however, can benefit you. Here's all my best advice about gown shopping in a convient list format.

Get an idea about what you think you want before you head to a store. Once you walk in and see a thousand dresses hanging up, it' get's overwhelming.
Make appointments to guarantee you will have time with at a salon.
For the first few rounds of shopping, take only one or two people who know your taste and want to help you look your best. I can't tell you how many times I had a bride with an entire entourage (every single one of them with their own agenda) and no clue about what she wanted. It makes for craziness. Narrow down your choices first, then bring the whole crowd for the final round (once you've narrowed the selections to two or three). This will make life much easier for you and your bridal consultant.
Be open to trying on a couple of suggestions that you hadn't considered. A good bridal consultant will know the store's stock, the dressmaker's offerings and have experience with the best gowns for your shape. You could be pleasantly surprised to find the perfect dress isn't one you had thought of.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for a different consultant if the one you start out with isn't a good match.
Gowns from most lower and mid range dressmakers will take 8-12 weeks for delivery and then alterations will take about 2-3 weeks on top. Give yourself time.
Get recommendations from people about seamstresses. Trust me when I say some "professionals" are not.
If you are looking for a unique gown, try etsy or other artisan sites. For period clothing, try Renstore.com, Victorian Trading Co., Amazon Dry Goods, Folkware (patterns only), or vintage clothing stores.
Bridesmaids dresses are a great alternative for less formal or inexpensive events. They are also available in a rainbow of colors.
Your gown should be ordered in your current size and altered to fit. Don't bank on losing weight to fit a smaller gown. Also, don't freak out when you see the number on the size chart. Formal wear is often sized differently from your everyday clothing.
If you can spend time during the week to shop for your gown, you will get more time and better service than on the weekends.
Don't let people talk you into things you hate. You can try them on and discard them, but don't settle.
Have fun!

Happy shopping!

Monday, November 28, 2011

An exciting discovery, I think

Guess what I found? All of my wedding planning notes, including my ceremony outline. It was in with the taxes from, like, 10 years ago. I will try to re-type it and post it for an example in the next few weeks. It is very detailed because our ceremony was performed by a non-denominational minister who was completely unfamiliar with hand fasting.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wedding Checklist: 4 to 5 months

4–5 months

Decide on bouquets and floral arrangements with the florist, or look for ideas to do with your own flowers.
Plan the groomsmen attire
Finalize the rental lists. Tables, chairs, tents, etc.
Grooms: Buy or rent your attire and accessories.
Book a calligrapher if you are using one.
Book the rehearsal dinner and finalize rehearsal dinner plans.
Decide the dress code...how do you want your guests to dress? Black tie, casual, or something in between?
Book a handfasting night hotel room
Finalize what the groomsmen are wearing. If need be, have fittings.
Make all honeymoon and travel reservations, including flights and rooms.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Looking for contributors!

Are you in the wedding business or a pagan officiant? Want to share your wisdom? We'd be happy to have you join this blog. Send an email to: cauldronfullofstars@gmail.com

Thanks!