How You Could Be Travelling in a Famous Film and TV Car Marque on Your Wedding Day

Everyone wants to look back upon their wedding day with fond memories. It is one of the most monumental days of their life, and one that you would want to live in style. The day itself takes time and a lot of organisation, one aspect of the day which is often over looked is the wedding transport.

Wedding car hire comes in various styles and can be a great photograph opportunity for your wedding album or video as well for your guests. Some guests may wait outside to see you arrive, and then everyone will see you and your groom leave for, and arrive at the reception. So you want your transport to be something special and possibly tie in with your wedding theme or venue.

Classic cars are a favourite choice of wedding car and some have been made famous by the power of TV and film in sparking interest in these cars. With the advent of many new TV stations, many old programmes and films are being re-run that feature the famous old marques which have rekindled interest in them - from James Bond's supercool Aston Martin to Inspector Morse's Mk2 Jaguar.

Here are a selection of famous TV car marques that are available for you to choose for your wedding day transport.

TV Programme: Kingdom

Car: Alvis TE21

Fruity old thespian Stephen Fry plays an East of England lawyer in this gentle comedy drama and he scoots around Norfolk in a fabulous Alvis TE21 drophead - sparking an interest in classic cars from a whole new generation. Alvis is a weird marque. In the best part of 50 years from 1920 onwards, the Coventry-based firm produced cars that were noted for top quality, great handling and a nifty, sporty character. The TE21 model arrived at the end of 1963, and with a stiff suspension it could shift a bit. It was pretty heavy yet managed a very respectable top speed of over 120mph and was available with automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox. It makes a very, very stylish classic wedding car.

TV Programme: Inspector Morse

Car: 1960 Mk II Jaguar

In Colin Dexter's novels, grouchy copper Inspector Morse's car was a classic Lancia, but ITV used a Jaguar MK II 2.4 from the start of the television series. In fact, the Carmen red Jag became so iconic that new editions of the earlier novels have been changed so that Morse's car is a Jaguar! The Jaguar Mark II 'a compact four-door saloon' was introduced in October 1959, and was made until 1967. Morse's Jaguar is a 2.4 litre model with a twin overhead-cam 6-cylinder 2,483-cc engine giving 120 bhp. It's a bit slow for TV coppers, only capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 17.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 96.3 mph, but Morse didn't exactly need to burn around the university city of Oxford. Jaguar made almost 84,000 Mk11s, 25,070 of Morse's 2.4 variation. These wedding cars are very often old English white, with sporty chrome wire wheels and a spacious leather and walnut wood interior. As a wedding car it is ideally suited either as the brides vehicle, supporting bridesmaids car or sporty 60's classic for the groom and bestman.

TV programme: James Bond films

Car: Aston Martin DB5

Spy 007's love of fast cars is evident all the way through the original Ian Fleming novels and when they eventually made the silver screen, car lovers everywhere drooled over his gorgeous DB5. It is famous for being the first and most recognised Bond car, featuring notably in: Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Casino Royale, while it also made background appearances in The World Is Not Enough and Diamonds Are Forever. The DB5's engine had been enlarged from the previous DB4's 3.7L to 4.0L, while the addition of a five-speed transmission and three SU carburetors enabled the car to pull 282hp and propel it to 141 mph (238 km/h). Standard equipment on the DB5 included reclining seats, pile carpets, electric windows and a fire extinguisher. All models had 4 seats and 2 doors.

TV Programme: Back To The Future (Film)

Car: De Lorean DMC-12

Look, make no bones about it, apart from James Bond's DB5 this is THE iconic TV and film car. It grabbed attention in real life and it grabbed attention on-screen. The De Lorean DMC-12 became a time machine for Back To The Future, but was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and manufactured for real in 1981 by the De Lorean Motor Company, in Northern Ireland. The 2-door coupe had a 2.8 L (2849 cc), V6 engine and was available in 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions. It was the only model ever produced by the company and featured gull-wing doors with a fiberglass 'underbody', to which non-structural brushed stainless steel panels are fixed. The first prototype appeared in March 1976, and production officially began in 1981 (with the first DMC-12 rolling off the production line on January 21st) at the DMC factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. During its production, several aspects of the car were changed, such as the bonnet style, wheels and interior. About nine thousand DMC-12s were made before production stopped in late 1982.

TV programme: Herbie 'The Love Bug'

Car: 1963 Volkswagen Beetle.

Peace and love, man. With the amount of 'acid' dropped in the hippified atmosphere of the late 60s, we weren't all that surprised when a film starring a humanised VW beetle appeared. Herbie The Love Bug was a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle deluxe ragtop sedan painted in Volkswagen L87 pearl white. The interior would normally be a matching white but Herbie's interior was painted a special non-reflective grey, so the camera and studio lights would not reflect. In this original 1968 film, Herbie's stripes differ from those in later movies - the stripes do not cover the valances or louvers of the car and the blue is a lighter shade. Also, Herbie features color-keyed running boards, while in later films the running boards are standard black.

With this information you can start looking for a wedding car company with these types of cars, many wedding car websites have pictures of the their cars and offer advise on the limitations of distance and seating capacity etc. The more detailed the information you provide when contacting them, the more accurate the quotation that is offered.

It is always recommended to arrange to view older cars to check the cars condition before booking, and reputable companies will always agree to this. It will also identify whether the company is an agent or the actual wedding car owner.

Gavin Burnham has been involved in wedding cars for a number of years and offers further information articles & pictures at [http://www.cars4weddings.co.uk/wedding-cars/jaguarstypemk2.htm] Cars 4 Weddings have a unique selection of 15 family owned wedding cars for the bride and groom

Beautiful Bridal Veil and Wedding Hairstyle Combinations

The bridal veil is a lovely accent to the wedding gown. It definitely says, "Here comes the bride"! To make the most of your veil, you will need to choose a headpiece and hairstyle which complement it. These are some suggestions for beautiful bridal veil and wedding hairstyle combinations.

Many wedding gowns are shown with matching veils. This can be the perfect finishing touch for your gown, especially when the veil is adorned with a detail pulled from the bridal gown, such as a matching lace applique. The perfectly matched veil and wedding dress set, however, can become very formal and a bit stiff, so always feel free to select an alternate veil which looks pretty with your gown without being an exact match.

Once you have the veil and gown worked it, it it time to put the rest of your look together. In general, the more veil you have, the more grand or large your hairstyle should be. You do not want to end up looking like a bald lady swallowed up by an enormous veil! So if you have selected a veil with several tiers, for instance, opt for a wedding hairstyle which also has fullness and a strong presence. A sleek ultra modern bun would not hit the right note, whereas an updo with a bit of a bump to it would be well balanced with a fuller veil.

A full veil also needs bridal hair jewelry with some presence. If your wedding is formal, a sparkly tiara can be placed right up against the front edge of the veil, which should be worn right on the top of the head or just back a pinch on the crown of the head (more narrow veils can be worn further back). Brides who plan to remove their veils after the ceremony can opt for bridal hair jewelry worn in the back of a fancy updo, where it will really shine once the veil is removed for the reception. A large crystal comb or a scattering of sparkly hairpins could be just right.

When deciding on your wedding hairstyle, it is important to consider where on your head you wish to wear your veil. If you like the look of a long veil flowing behind you, but prefer not to have any veil near your face, opt for a style like a braided bun in the center back of your head. The veil can be placed below your hairdo, and your headpiece directly above it. Great hair jewelry for this bridal hairstyle and veil combination include a jeweled circlet which goes around the edge of the bun or a large feather flower set on one side of the hairdo.

Brides with short hair will have a different set of considerations. You may well end up wearing your hair in its everyday style, if you have a short haircut tailored to a specific look. It is still worthwhile to have your hair professionally styled on the day of your wedding to make sure it looks its absolute best. Besides, hairstylists have tricks that can add volume to even the shortest haircut or give a perfect sleek finish to styles like modern bobs. When you have less hair, a single layer veil looks the best, as too much fullness will be overwhelming. Anchoring a veil in short hair can be tricky, but if you select a double headband as your bridal hairpiece, it will be much easier. The comb of the veil can be nestled between the two bands of the headband to prevent the veil from sliding down the back of your head.

A final tip is to have your veil and headpiece selected before having a hair trial at the salon. This will help your hairstylist to guide you to the hairdos which will be the best match to your accessories. You will be ensured of coming up with a veil, headpiece, and bridal hairstyle which all look fantastic together.

Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry, receptions and gifts. For a beautiful selection of bridal hair jewelry and headpieces, visit http://silverlandjewelry.com/, where we offer free crystal samples for color matching.

The Most Popular Wedding Destination in Italy

If it is an Italian wedding that you want, then be sure to explore a Tuscany wedding as one of your options. By far the most intriguing and breathtakingly beautiful part of Italy, Tuscany has the perfect balance of history and present day. Evidence of this is seen in the art of the town and landscapes that are evocative. To make your Tuscany wedding charming and a dream come true, there are a variety of wedding venues available to suit every palette and enough and more wedding planner to ensure that your day is just perfect!

Venues that can be explored

Tuscany weddings are romantic and special no matter what the destination is and that is the beauty of this place, whether you choose to get married in an olive grove, hamlet, renaissance villa, farmhouse or a medieval castle that the famous Medici family resided in! Medieval and tucked away towns that you can choose from are Lucca, Pistoia, Florence, Grosseto, Arezzo and Sienna.

Lucca offers you charming medieval villas that were built by and housed some famous people, like the renaissance villa that was built by Mattoe and the villa on the banks of lake Massaciuccoli that was home to the famous Puccini.

Pistoia offers you a charming villa that dates back to the 17th century and well as an elegant fairy tale like family home that housed one of the most famous families of this little town. This villa has a chapel attached to it as well. Florence offers you the most variety for a wedding in Tuscany with Tuscan architecture that dates back as far as the 14th century. With charming and imposing villas that are rooted in the days gone by and venues for a civil ceremony, you will be spoilt for choice at Florence.

Siena too is not far behind Florence. This little Chianti town has medieval castles and villas that give you the option of having a wedding with a royal touch or one that is by the country side.

Grosseto and Arezzo also offer you their fair share of villas and castles.

Planning a wedding in Tuscany

If you decide to have your fairytale wedding in Tuscany, you are definitely going to need a lot of help to plan it especially if you do not live here, which is the case most of the time. There are plenty of professional wedding planners, like 'Weddings in Italy by Regency', 'Original Tuscan Wedding', Wedding with a View' etc., who would be more than happy to make all the arrangements for you, right from the ceremony, to the catering and photography and everything in between. Most of these planners specialise in Tuscany wedding so your wedding will be in good hands.

Author is a contributor writer for Tuscany Weddings. Currently working with one of the leading Wedding in Tuscany and Italy wedding Packages providing company.

Be Flexible When Using Wedding Magazines For Inspiration

Brides are bombarded by images through magazines, sales clerks, friends, family and television programming. Everyone is selling the dream, the wedding fantasy. Magazines show even the simplest wedding perfect in décor and location; nothing is overlooked except the details of how it all comes together. Who would not want their wedding to be as beautiful and flawless as one seen in a magazine? One magazine in particular has the most fantastic favors, bouquets and hors d'oeuvres and the pages are filled with pictures so natural looking, so simple you are sure any fool could do the same thing with very little effort. Unfortunately, all the wonderful favors, bouquets and hors d'oeuvres can be very expensive to purchase and extremely time consuming, complicated and costly to make. 

Recently, there was a great photo spread of a beautifully decorated wedding and reception along with a "how-to" article on dressing up the chairs.  Large bows had been placed on the back of chairs, adding to the elegant look of the wedding. The "how-to" part of the article however, was unclear to say the least and the yardage needed for the bows was left out completely. After doing a quite a bit of research, it turned out the ribbon used to make the bows was an expensive French silk that had to be special ordered because of the extreme width. The ribbon in question sold in ten-yard bolts and retailed for $76. Each chair bow required five to six yards bringing the cost per chair for just the bow to $38. According to statistics the average number of guests attending a wedding is 178; the cost of bows based on that number would be $6,764.   

Of course, you can use substitutes but you have to be careful. If you go too cheap or sway very far from the size and style of the design, the look is lost.  Your attempt at an elegant look will end up cheap, an obvious failed attempt to create a look you can not afford. 

Several party and event supply sites on the internet specialize in extra wide ribbon and wedding décor fabrics. One site features a beautiful selection of satin and shimmering organza in finished sized bows and table toppers. A package of five organza bows sells for $4.95. The same fabric is also available in forty-yard bolts. It is worth the time to do a few internet searches before buying at a local craft or fabric store. 

Remember that the pictures seen in bridal magazines are staged.  The pictures found in magazines are not necessarily practical. They do not have to be functional or safe because there is no actual wedding. However, you can often achieve the same mood or look you see in magazines if you are willing to think outside of the box and keep at least one foot planted in reality.  

Once a bride requested that her cake and buffet tables, aisles and pathways be decorated in the same fashion shown in a wedding magazine. The bottom of the cake and buffet tables were outlined with votive candles, as were the walkways. The photograph, taken at twilight gave the setting a very beautiful and romantic look. It was simply dazzling.  

Unfortunately, there was one small drawback; it was not safe or practical. It was in fact a fire hazard. Anyone who got too close or table linens moved by a breeze could catch on fire. We compromised, creating small florets of light by using mini electrical cluster lights. Each cluster was secured to gutter nails with electrical ties and the nails were pushed into the ground to keep the lights in place. The clusters where then covered with small glass floral bowls to prevent them from being stepped on. The effect was lovely and we achieved the same romantic feeling without creating a fire hazard.  

You can achieve just about anything if you keep an open mind. Being flexible and looking outside of the box are your biggest assets when it comes to getting what you want. Magazines and television shows are great resources as long as you keep in mind the image you see is not always possible to achieve exactly but you can usually get the same feel and look if you are flexible. When you are ridged and unwilling to see or listen to other ideas, to look outside the box, you limit the possibilities available. So, stay open, stay healthy and smile, you are getting married!

Mary Spies has written numerous articles on wedding planning, drawing on her 30 years as a wedding professional. writes a weekly blog, What Every Bride Should Know When Planning a Wedding and is producing a series of wedding planning DVD's. Mary has recently completed her first book on wedding planning.

Mary is also the owner of Church House a quaint wedding cottage in Salem, Oregon and NW Bride & Groom, a service which provides nondenominational wedding officiants for NW Oregon and SW Washington.

For a link to the site mentioned above click on http://weddingsonchurchstreet.com/advice.htm

http://weddingsonchurchstreet.com

Fresh and Feminine Wedding Gowns For Spring 2009

For brides wondering what will be the hottest looks in wedding gowns for spring 2009, the answer is fresh and feminine. Forget about traditional or heavy gowns, these dresses have a lighter, more fluttery effect. For more about the freshest looks for spring 2009, read on...

One of the things that really gives a wedding gown its style is the fabric that the designer uses. For spring, the most popular fabrics are sheer and crisp, like silk organza, tulle, and even Swiss dot. These materials allow the designers to create wedding dresses that are airy and have lots of movement, while still being able to maintain shape, silhouette, and details.

Speaking of details, they are everywhere. Some of the current trends involve, layers, ruffles, and handkerchief hems, all of which have great flow and movement when the bride walks down the aisle. They are perfect for the bride who wants her big entrance to be red carpet worthy! And yet, because these dresses have their details created mostly from fabric, instead of heavy beading or lace, they are still soft enough to be perfect for an outdoor daytime wedding, as well.

The spring 2009 dresses are all about character. Although most of them still have the same neckline (strapless), they all have unique and distinctive details. These are definitely not cookie cutter style gowns, which is great, because they will allow each bride to show her individual taste. Whether you like something sexy, flowery, flowy, or even flouncy, there is a gown that will capture your essence.

Many of the spring gowns have empire waistlines that hit right under the bust, or in some cases, a touch higher. Yards of soft fabric flow from the waistline, creating a shape that is very graceful. It is a much less fitted look than you may be used to seeing, so it can take some getting used to. The best idea when looking at a new shape is to keep an open mind and try one on, because you might end up loving it. This type of cut is also very forgiving, so that the bride can enjoy a few bites of cake at the wedding!

When looking at such eclectic styles of gowns, you will want to choose interesting accessories to coordinate. Pearl bridal jewelry has long been a favorite of brides, and makes a beautiful complement to such feminine and graceful gowns. Because the gowns are less traditional, consider alternatives to your mother's classic strand of pearls. More open and airy pearl bridal jewelry, such as long drop earrings, or crystal and pearl pendants will suit the breezy effect of the organza and tulle better. Another fantastic look is organic shaped keshi pearls. Keshi or "petal" pearls are very popular with high-end designers, but you can also find some very affordable keshi pearl jewelry online.

For the final finishing touch, you will want to choose a hairstyle that is also fresh and romantic. Soft waves cascading over the shoulders are perfect for brides with longer hair. To give it some shape, pull back the sides of your hair (this will also make it easier to anchor your hair jewelry). If you prefer to wear your hair up, a messy bun or chignon is a lovely option. Avoid any hairdos that are overly stiff or contrived.

The spring 2009 collection offers many great options for brides. Some of the best looks are those that are feminine and fresh. The unique styling of these wedding gowns is something that every bride will appreciate.

Ask Bridget for advice in areas of jewelry or weddings. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.com. Pearl bridal jewelry can be classic and gracious, or fresh and modern, depending on your style. Every bride will find pearl bridal jewelry to love.

Which Of These Fall Wedding Themes Appeal To You?

Autumn is quite a popular choice when it comes to seasonal weddings. This can be attributed to the fact that nature just bursts with very vibrant colors that any wedding becomes even more beautiful! And you can use this invigorating change of colors to your benefit! Still, you can go beyond relying on these usual changes that come with autumn. There is because there are fall wedding themes that you can use for your own wedding. With the many options, you have to find the answer to this important question: which of these fall wedding themes appeals to you?

Delicious Apples

Autumn is the ultimate season for picking apples. You can incorporate this very fulfilling event into your wedding. It is actually very easy to do this. The simple act of adding apples into just about everything for your wedding is more than enough. Think wedding favors and wedding decorations for a minute here. You can place a plate of apples and apple slices for every table for your guests. You can also make use of apple candles with candle holders that are shaped like apples as well. And if that is not enough, you can serve your guests apple pie, apple cider, apple sauce, and other delicious apple treats!

Pretty Pumpkins

When autumn hits, you definitely have two holidays to look forward to: Halloween and Thanksgiving. For both holidays, the pumpkin is definitely a mainstay in any household. If you plan to hold your wedding during the fall, then you can make use of pumpkin items for your wedding decorations and wedding favors. For instance, you can serve your guests boxes of pumpkin cookies, or chocolates in the shape of pumpkins. You can also adorn your place of reception with decorations in different shades of yellow and orange. When you add dark green or chocolate brown to these colors, it actually makes the perfect combination for a pumpkin-themed wedding.

Grapes, Wine, and Vineyard

The shades of green, purple, and red are very important when you want to go for this theme. There are just so many things you can do with grapes, wine, and vineyard themes. For starters, you can use fruit displays of grapes for every guest table you are having. They make great centerpieces as well. As for wedding favors, you can go for wine glass charms, wine goblet card holders, and even wine stoppers. As for your wedding decorations, you can use vines to give that romantic ambiance of being in a vineyard.

So, which of these fall wedding themes appeals to you? Whatever you choose, just remember to discuss this with your partner and your families so that you can also get their input on the matter.

Are you looking for unique Wedding Theme Ideas? You may read more about different wedding themes here: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=770289

Kelly Rhodes is a lifestyle writer with special interest in fashion, weddings, food and interior decor. Be sure to check out a complete list of wedding theme ideas and resources at http://weddingthemeideas.net

Plan A Fairytale Wedding

Who in the world would say 'no' to a fairy tale wedding? Not a single soul. It is every girl's moment of truth and a dream come true. A dream which has been thought about for years and would just be a fantastic feeling when finally turned into a reality. The royal feeling should leave the bride herself spellbound. Here are a few ideas for that Cinderella wedding.

A great idea for your consideration is to arrive for the wedding ceremony in a chariot or carriage pulled by four white horses. For fairytale wedding favors, one has to really study the options available. Every Cinderella wedding favor should carry a touch of royalty to add class to the fairytale wedding. Fairytale inspired wedding favors include magic slipper candles, castle-shaped bottle stoppers, and even place card holders in the form of a pumpkin carriage!

Wedding invitations that have an intricate design in jewel tones and gold add to the royal touch. This wedding stationery does not only become an important element of the wedding, it is also is a perfect memento.

Other things that make up a Cinderella wedding would be to hire a really enchanting castle to host the wedding. Choose from motifs inspired by what the princess story includes. The glass slipper will always remain an all-time hit. Then there is the magic wand as another option.

The location, other than a castle, can be anything that costs less, but ambiance is not to be ignored here. A wedding ceremony held aboard an airplane is one that will certainly create a buzz. Similar options are available, such as a wedding reception and ceremony held on a ship, under sea, a flying hot air balloon or ultimately in outer space!

As for as the reception food goes, serve the guests with a varied range in menu. With dishes selected from all over the world along with French wines and Indian mangoes make a statement for itself. Trying noodles from China, hamburgers from Germany, and doughnuts from the US are some accessories to a royal class wedding.

The groom is expected to be a 'prince charming'. Therefore, he is to be groomed to the last detail. The hairstyle, the dress, and the accessories all demand a rich and colorful presentation. Swarovski crystals can add up to the bride's demanding jewelry accessory.

The a dance troupe may be brought down to shake a leg or two at the wedding reception. Looking at themes, the 'Happily Ever After' motif, carriages, and candles are some that will add a touch of class to the fairytale wedding.

L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors. They offer many popular gift ideas such as place card holders, Cinderella themed favors, and bridesmaid gifts. For more information about candle wedding favors, wedding planning, or wedding reception ideas, visit their website.

Great Winter Wedding Tips For You

Weddings are special occasions in people's lives. Hence, they want everything to be perfect for themselves and their guests on the day. Although the usual plan of action is to choose a day when it is not too hot or cold, a winter wedding can be fun if it is carefully planned. There are quite a few things to consider if you are planning a winter wedding for your partner and yourself.

o The Venue
Even if you think that it is romantic to have snowflakes drifting through the air and the sound of Christmas bells ringing in the distance, deciding to have an open-air wedding during winter may be a bad idea. Especially if the temperature of the area is particularly low, guests may feel terribly uncomfortable due to the cold, and it will also be a restriction on the outfits that they as well as your partner and you can pull off. If you do have an outdoor wedding, make sure there are bonfires around so that people can warm themselves if they want to.

o The Holiday Season
The winter season is the time for festivals. It starts with Halloween. Then comes Thanksgiving, shortly after which we have Christmas. We finally celebrate New Year by ushering in a brand new beginning. Therefore, a lot of people take off from work and go home to celebrate with family. Some also go out of the city for vacations.

If you plan to marry during winter then make sure you give your guests enough time to adjust their holiday plans and still make it to your wedding.

o The Food
Since winter is anyway a time for festivals, good food is an ongoing affair during this time. You also have the choice and the opportunity to try new things which are not traditional to weddings otherwise. You make opt for a turkey for the non vegetarian dish and serve various kinds of pies instead of a wedding cake. However, those who don't want to let go of the cake may order for a snow white cake to keep sync with the weather outside.

There should be a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks available. Apart from the traditional champagne and wine that is normal to the occasion, you may also have coffee and tea served to guests as soon as they arrive to the venue to keep them warm. Spiced wines, alcoholic concoctions of hot chocolate and eggnogs are other popular winter drinks that can be served.

o The Outfit
The outfit is an integral part of the wedding. For a man it is easy to look good as well as keep it warm by wearing a three piece tuxedo with warm clothing inside. However, for the bride it might be an issue to wear the latest deep neck, sleeveless designer gown and not get frost bites during the event. Therefore, you should plan accordingly and make sure that your outfit has some option of putting on something warm.

A light knit shawl or a tweed jacket carefully tailored to suit the wedding outfit can be a good way to keep the cold at bay. Wearing stockings is also a smart way to keep yourself warm.

o The Decoration
Use the seasonal flowers such as tulips, roses and poinsettias is a good thing to do as it will be less expensive. You may go for a silvery look and use snowflakes to decorate the venue. If you want a more colorful look you can always use holly leaves, mistletoes and red roses to do up the place.

Simon Johnnson is the director of content for Executive Gift Shoppe. They specialize in groomsmen gifts such as pocket watches and money clips, as well as many other engraved gifts.

A Southern California Wedding in San Juan Capistrano

Thinking of a Southern California destination wedding? There are certainly many cities and locations from which to choose: Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano. Wait, you don't know about San Juan Capistrano? Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, San Juan Capistrano is a perfect place to get married or elope. That is, if perfect to you means beautiful sunsets and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

San Juan Capistrano is a quaint, laid-back beach community loaded with history, boasting, among things, the oldest neighborhood in California, dating from the late 1700s to early 1800s, as well as the Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded more than 200 years ago.

But, what most couples come for are the beautiful beaches and sunsets in San Juan Capistrano and nearby Dana Point and San Clemente. Here is a sprinkling of the venues in San Juan Capistrano which will make your wedding memorable:

San Juan Capistrano Mission Inn Hotel

Conveniently located within walking distance of the Amtrak and Metrolink train depot, and adjacent to the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, this charming 20-room boutique hotel is situated in an 80-year old Valencia orange grove in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano, California. With seven-layer bedding, imported English towels and French-milled soap, however, you know it's probably not a cheap venue for a wedding. Two-day, weekend event packages begin at $12,000 and include use of the entire inn, all 20 guest rooms and suites, swimming pool, parlor and gardens. The event fee also includes a continental breakfast served each morning from 8-9:30 am as well as Sherry and homemade sweets served each afternoon. The Mission Inn can be reached at 1-866-234-0249. The hotel does not allow children under the age of 12. Pets of all ages are welcome, however.

La Casa del Camino

La Casa del Camino has several settings to choose from, including indoor or outdoor wedding settings. You can choose from the Rooftop Garden, a sprawling, sun-drenched terrace with breathtaking ocean and coastal views, the Italianate Courtyard, which is lushly landscaped, the Cress Room, an intimate meeting/reception room off the Italianate Courtyard, and the Catalina Room, a rooftop meeting/reception room with views of the Pacific Ocean. You can reach La Casa del Camino by calling 888-367-5232.

The Franciscan Gardens

Another venue located in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano, the Franciscan Gardens is a very romantic wedding spot, with blooming rose trees, bubbling fountains, wedding arches, white columns and a unity candelabra.

The Tea House On Los Rios

Located in the Los Rios Historic District, the Tea House is a great spot if you're interested in a garden setting. Although the Tea House can accommodate a wedding for up to 200 guests, it's also a perfect place for a more intimate ceremony, making it a wonderful spot for a small destination wedding of close family and friends.

Anytime's a great time for a wedding in Orange County, although Southern California is often hit with "June Gloom" during the month of June when the sun is obscured by a thick marine layer. But, you might want to keep in mind some annual events in the area which can keep you and your wedding guests occupied, such as the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race in April, the Shakespeare Festival in San Juan Capistrano during the summer months, the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach from July to September, and the Tallships Festival in Dana Point in September. While visiting the area from December through April, do treat yourselves to a Whale Watching excursion.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a wedding locations website, where you can learn more about California weddings.

Why Brides Don't Know What Wedding Favors to Buy

Many brides are flummoxed when it's time to choose the wedding favors. They aren't sure when to order them, and they aren't sure what to get. If you're one of those brides, this article can help you figure it out.

When to Order Them

Brides like to put off ordering their favors until shortly before the wedding. This isn't because they're lazy; it's because they have a more accurate guest list then, and they're less likely to end up with the wrong number of favors.

Sometimes this is a good idea, and sometimes it isn't. For brides that plan to buy something fairly generic, such as a truffle or specialty chocolate in a decorative box, putting off the favors is fine. That way, if your first choice ends up back-ordered, you won't feel much grief in ordering an alternative -- after all, chocolate is chocolate.

On the other hand, if you're having an unusual theme wedding and only one kind of favor will do, or you simply have your heart set on something, you're better off ordering sooner. Favors are subject to churn -- styles come and go. More than a few brides have bookmarked "favorite favors" on my site for months, then written in anguish when the items went out of stock or hit a six-week backorder shortly before the time they planned to order.

In short, if you can substitute easily, then wait until your final guest count comes in. If not, play it safe.

What to Get

Many brides ask themselves, "What will everyone like?" Trying to please everyone didn't work when you decided who to marry. And it won't work when choosing your favors, either.

Sometimes brides get so intimidated with the question that they start asking other brides what to get. This never works either -- and here's why.

Brides come in distinct flavors, like ice creams. Some are vanilla. Some are more exotic, like avocado-coconut. The Hallmark Wedding Press Room has a little gem that puts it perfectly: younger brides often want a traditional, fairytale affair where everything goes by the book. But many older brides having a second wedding are determined to do things their way ... which can be pretty non-traditional. Are these two brides going to be happy with the same kinds of favors? Of course not!

Let's say you're the kind of bride who has a little drawer or shelf full of silver picture frames and miniature wedding cake candles. Almost every wedding you've attended has given you a little keepsake reminder, which you treasure. In turn, you'd love to give the same type of keepsake to your guests. You'll probably naturally gravitate toward the kinds of favors that guests can use indefinitely -- picture frames to hold photos of the event or family members, personalized champagne flutes, clever miniatures that remind everyone of the destination wedding you held. When you ask other brides what favors to give, what you really mean is, "what type of keepsake favor would you find most meaningful?"

The Inevitable But Not Very Helpful Response

Here's what inevitably happens.

Bride A, an older, non-traditional bride, responds: "Well, I personally find picture frames boring, but I gave out sushi candle favors at my small, Asian-themed reception and everyone adored them."

Bride B, a young, traditional bride, responds: "I didn't think that everyone would like picture frames, but everyone likes chocolate, so I handed out truffles in an elaborate ribboned box."

Bride C, who's a little tired of wedding planning, responds, "I don't really care about favors, and I threw away every favor I ever got. Skip 'em; nobody likes them."

Bride D, who may be a social activist or may have lost someone recently, says: "I have several diabetic relatives who couldn't enjoy candy, and I wanted to do something meaningful, so instead of favors I donated to my favorite cause."

All these responses are valid and thoughtful. Yet none of them are helpful to the keepsake bride, who will find the most personal satisfaction in handing out something as lovely as the favors she herself has received and saved over the years.

The moral of the story? Stop asking other people what to get, and start thinking about you. What kind of bride are you? Fairytale and traditional? Sleek and contemporary? Quixotic and independent?

If you have any doubts at all on that score -- and believe it or not, it's easy to have them -- go and hie yourself hither to one of the Web's many "What Kind of Bride Are You?" quizzes. As silly as they seem, they're actually incredibly useful if you're still in the process of figuring it out.

Once you have your style nailed down, you're closer to identifying what favors will truly satisfy you, which is the point. Taking a CNN poll of friends, relatives and strangers is a great way to stay in office, but it's not a great way to choose your favors.

"Know thyself," said the oracle at Delphi. It's been golden advice ever since -- especially for brides.

Blake Kritzberg is editor of FavorIdeas. Visit now for great inspirations for your Christmas or winter wedding, and an intoxicating collection of wedding favors for winter.

Unique Wedding Cake Toppers - Personalize Your Wedding Cake Toppers

Today, wedding cake toppers are becoming more popular. Many couples are choosing to step away from the more traditional wedding accessories and are showing more flare and personality at their receptions. Here are a few unique wedding cake toppers that may fit into your wedding theme.

Simple

If you choose not to get to creative with you wedding topper you could choose to go with the old stand by. The tradition choice is the initial of the last name of the bride and groom, or the monochromatic bride and groom wedding cake topper. These choices have been used for years in traditional weddings. You really can't go wrong choosing either of these wedding cake toppers for your reception.

Unique

If you feel like being a bit more creative and adventurous you should try to find more of a unique cake topper. Today, more brides (and grooms) are moving away from the traditional toppers and moving towards unique wedding cake toppers. For instance, a really elegant idea would be to use a monogram topper for your cake. This type of wedding cake topper can be made from glass, or fiberglass, and sits atop your cake mounted via platform or metallic base. The first initial of the bride and groom's last name and the first initial of their first names are usually engraved into the glass. This look is absolutely gorgeous and will definitely have your guest talking.

Custom

As people continue to move away from the classic and traditional wedding cake toppers, brides and grooms are really beginning to show their personalities at the wedding receptions. Today, custom made wedding cake toppers are becoming a hot commodity. These accessories are custom made to suit the needs, and usually the personalities, of the bride and the groom. The more popular toppers are clay figurines. For example, a fun idea would be to have a figurine made that depicts the groom carrying the bride over the threshold.

Sports

If you are a sports fanatic, you are in luck. It may even be possible to order sports related wedding cake toppers. Whether you are a basketball fan or a hardcore football fan, you can show your allegiance to your team, even on your wedding day. You may be thinking that this is just a groom's thing. You may be surprised that many brides would love to have their college team represented somewhere in their reception.

Different people have different personalities, and this really shows when choosing a topper for their wedding cakes. Some choose the conservative route and will simply have an acrylic initial or a representation of the couple atop their cake. Some choose to be a bit more creative and will elect to have their topper custom made. Whatever the choice, be it simple or unique wedding cake toppers, be sure that the accessory does not over power your reception in order to keep the focus on the bride and groom.

Find more useful wedding cake ideas including Humorous Wedding Cake Toppers at Wedding-Cake-Idea.com