» Alyssa Morgan

Pet-Friendly Weddings? Take It Outside!

Alyssa Morgan — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:23:21 +0000

The Do’s and Don’ts of Including Your Pet In Your Wedding

No, these are not fighting words—it’s just a great place to have a wedding, especially if you’re planning on including your pets. With sunny skies, lush landscape and all those trees, what dog wouldn’t want to be outside? That’s why outdoor weddings are a perfect venue to include pets in your ceremony. They can be free to be themselves and you don’t have to worry about them staining the carpet.

While an outdoor wedding does lend itself to having your furry friend walk down the aisle, there are still some important things to be considered to make sure everyone enjoys the experience as much as you do. While dogs are the typical participant you see at weddings, this also pertains to any type of pet.

Doggie Do’s

Ask for permission to have pets, even in an outdoor venue, since there may be concerns for damage and cleanup. Always check to see if any fees will be involved. Some indoor venues charge an extra fee for dogs, but having it outside might save you money and time on the clean up.
Be sure to inform the rest of your wedding party and your guests that your wedding will include pets to avoid issues, such as allergies, fears and misconceptions. You know what they say—be kind to the humans!
Consider how your dog will react to the wedding. What we deem tasteful and beautiful, like a harpist, dove releases, candles, etc., or even large crowds and camera flashes might be a scary distraction or unsettling for your pet. Always consider your dog’s temperament, and expose him or her to these elements several times before hand to reduce the effect.
With that said, practice multiple times with your pet, like you would for any new trick or behavior. Simulate walking down the aisle and sitting, offering treats and praise with each successful attempt. And, if your pet will be wearing a bow tie or a ring pillow, put it on your pet several times before the wedding.
Designate someone (not in the bridal party) to watch your pet for the day. Have that person handle transportation to and from the wedding, sitting with your pet during the ceremony if necessary and making sure your pet is secure during the reception.
Be sure to keep plenty of water outside and scope out a cool, shady spot for your pet to relax before and after the ceremony.

Doggie Don’ts

While it may break your heart, it’s best not to include a pet in the wedding if other people in the party feel strongly against it. However, letting guests and bridal party know well in advance might just give them time to come around.
Don’t let your dog loose on the guests if he or she isn’t well behaved. If you’re not confident in your dog’s ability to walk down the aisle and sit on command, use a leash and a human guide.
Petals and pooches don’t always mix. Don’t place flowers on your pet and be cautious around arrangements. Some may include wiring and even poisonous flowers, which may harm your pet.
Don’t forget to get your pet groomed before the wedding. Schedule an appointment 1-2 days in advance.
Don’t take pictures with your pet on after the wedding unless you’re sure how your dog will react to all the excitement. By the end of the day, you may end up with a testy tail-wagger. So, most photographers suggest taking pictures early in the day or the day before.�
Hopefully, these tips will ensure a delightful day for your dog and everyone else. Look out world…Here comes the pooch!

What Not To Wear To An Outdoor Wedding

Alyssa Morgan — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:12:24 +0000

Sometimes the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation can quickly fade when you are perplexed about what to wear. Trying not to be overly dressed or too casual, the hunt for just the right outfit begins. But when you realize that it will be an outdoor wedding, many other factors must be considered—not just what goes well with those pumps! Here are some tips on how to handle the dress-code dilemma.

The Nuptial No-Nos

Avoid short, flowing skirts and dresses that can easily blow upwards and wear something long (such as a pencil skirt) and tailored instead. Windy beach weddings are notorious for untimely exposures.
Nix the high-heeled shoes that will sink into sand, mud or grass. Flats or stacked heels will be easier to maneuver on nature’s carpet.
If the wedding will take place at midday when the sun is at its peak, refrain from wearing dark suits and jackets that will attract and absorb heat. Lighter-weight clothing is a much cooler option. A jacket that can be easily removed will come in handy if the celebration lasts into the evening or the day turns warmer or cooler than expected.
Don’t wear hosiery, heavy makeup or chunky jewelry in hot, humid climates or you’ll melt.

Attire That Says “I Do”

A dressy linen pantsuit would be nice and cool for an outdoor wedding. Pair it with a chic, floral-print top, and your ready for a garden wedding, or with sassy flats for the beach.
Keep your summery yet sophisticated look by wearing sleeveless dresses, strappy sandals and glowing skin.
Just as important as WHAT to wear is HOW to wear your hair. Keep hairdos under control in hot weather with upswept styles that will remain neatly in place, no matter what Mother Nature dishes out.
For outdoor weddings, don’t forget the accessories. No, I’m not talking about jewelry and purses but umbrellas, sunglasses, makeup blotting papers (or powder) and an extra pair of flat shoes just in case.

Extra Tip: For destination weddings, selecting a knit dress that resists wrinkles will keep you looking your best when you arrive or after unpacking.

Awesome Alternatives For Outdoor Wedding Arches

Alyssa Morgan — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:31:36 +0000

Although wedding arches are beautiful, not everyone wants to include one in their ceremony. Whether they feel it’s overdone or just want something different, many brides are looking for unique ways to create a focal point at their wedding with something other than an arch. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Photo by Flickr's ronsho

Canopy: Wouldn’t it be lovely standing beneath this canopy on the beach as the fabric floats in the ocean breeze? Or use it to transform an open field into a paradise. This one is lit, which makes it perfect for an evening wedding. You can also consider Indian mandaps or Jewish chuppahs, which have a similar look.

Pillars/Columns: For a grand presentation that is perfect for traditional and contemporary weddings, columns have elegantly graced the front of many wedding ceremonies. So versatile, they can be draped with tulle, flowers, garlands and lights to create just the right mood. Check out the column backdrop below, enhanced with sweeping chiffon and greenery, for example. Another great idea is using columns of varying heights with candelabras on top, which looks quite romantic.

Photo by Flickr

Natural Arch: While these definitely are arches, I included them because they’re definitely not your traditional arches. What an ingenious idea? Bending tall hedges or palms into an arch is a splendid idea that can be used to mark the entrance to the wedding area or for the bride and groom to stand beneath. Either way, it’s naturally beautiful.

The Most-Overlooked Obstacles For Outdoor Weddings

Alyssa Morgan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:39:42 +0000

Planning an outdoor wedding is a big job. There are so many details to cover, it’s no wonder that some things might get overlooked. Here’s how to contend with the little things that, if left unaddressed, can quickly turn into a big problem.

Accessibility: An outdoor wedding can be gorgeous but dreadfully hard to get to if you are elderly, wheelchair bound, or can’t walk long distances. Be prepared to accommodate any elderly or disabled guests by checking out the walkways, parking areas and restrooms available.

Cover Candles: While they can be a romantic part of the ceremony or reception, the wind can get the best of them. Place them in hurricane globes or votive holders to keep them from being extinguished.

Keep The Sun Out Of Your Eyes: A wedding at sunset can be beautiful, but not when the glare blocks everyone’s view and your photographer’s shot. Be sure to seat guests away from the sun to avoid the glare. Find out what time the sun will set on your wedding day and consider additional lighting for guests walking to the parking area.

Don’t Play Catch The Cake: If your wedding will be in the heat of the day, you might find it running away as it melts in the sun. Avoid buttercream icing, and choose a stiffer fondant icing instead that can take the heat.

Put The Weight On: No, we’re not talking about a few extra pounds, but adding a few weights to your tablecloths, ribbons and even your veil to make sure they don’t fly away in the breeze. Mini wedding bells or small fishing weights can be painted to match the color scheme and attached along the fabric’s edge.

Don’t Sweat It: Keep perspiration to a minimum by upgrading your normal antiperspirant. Heated temperatures and the stress of the day can break even nerves of steel. Choose a deodorant that contains aluminum chloride, which has been proven to control excessive perspiration.

Choose The Right Shoes: Although a pair of stilettos can really accent an outfit, spiked heels can easily sink into the ground, especially if it happens to rain the day before. Instead, choose a low or chunky heel or no heel at all with ballerina flats. Your bridesmaids will thank you for it.

And don’t forget to let your guests know in advance that the wedding will be held outdoors so they can dress appropriately.