Source: todaysbrideonline.com

Theme weddings continue to be one of the fastest-growing bridal trends. Limited only by your own imagination, themes can run the gamut from fairy tale to ethnic extravagance. And a theme can be as loose and simple as your color palette — a chic, natural way to unite a site. Plus, it will give you a great focal point to start your planning.

Whatever you choose, allow yourself to embrace the theme for your wedding. And be sure to incorporate it throughout the entire wedding, involving all of the decor. The secret to having tasteful wedding decor is that everything ties in with the theme of the wedding, the colors match and that the wedding does not look thrown together at the last minute, but put together with care.

Everyone has unique tastes and yours should reflect your tastes. Choosing a theme may make choosing the appropriate wedding decor easier. Chances are that if you choose items that appeal to you instead of giving in to other people, you will easily be able to create your own theme.

Colored Wedding Themes
A color themed wedding is one of the most popular because of the added consistency of reception decor as well as the simplicity. Choosing the perfect color scheme may seem like a challenge, however the eminent amount of tones and shades can be combined for a truly unique style. Any color is available to be used and in creating certain combinations adds depth. The colors chosen can be incorporated into every aspect of the wedding; from the bridesmaid dresses, centerpieces, and cake. Thinking past the basic rainbow of colors can really make a unique experience for the bride and her guests. Softer shades of pink are the most popular scheme of colors to be used as a theme because pink is feminine and subtle enough having the ability to be paired with a variety of other hues.

Evolving from its stark beginnings, the black and white theme is now a symbol of sophistication. This traditional theme became popular in the early half of the twentieth century and the juxtaposition of the colors creates a classic look with a contemporary atmosphere. The black and white coloring holds the flexibility of being held a venue like a restaurant or night club rather than the typical church or ballroom setting. These smaller spaces can be more flexible for ornate decorations and can help build a warm ambiance around your special day. In addition to finding the perfect venue, adding patterns to the bleak black and white can help add vivacity and bring the room together.

The pairing of the rich colors, such as shades of blue and purple, creates a placid day/night for a wedding and is becoming more popular throughout the years. For example, the deep hues can be accentuated in the center pieces or boutonnieres. Nevertheless, one must be careful abusing the color with this combination because of the deep, intense hues. Some use other shades such as lilac and royal blue for a different accent on the wedding aura. If one if weary then the blues and purples can be used in different accent pieces around the reception venue, for example using a centerpiece with blue and purple flowers instead of putting down a blue tablecloth.’

As blues and purples are popular during the winter months, yellow and orange weddings are trendy for the summer and spring seasons. The brightness of the colors light up any venue and the use of simple accessories can distinguish the atmosphere. These accessories range from flowers like Calla Lilies or simple field daisies. Orange and yellow are more than often paired with white to add consistency. With hundreds of options, color themed weddings are simple to achieve and create a vivid semblance on one’s special day.

Sport Themes
For couples who could never live without their favorite sport or team, whether it’s baseball, golf, or field hockey, they can now incorporate their fanatic ways into their wedding and reception. The simple form of this theme is using the colors of the team in the decorations or rise up to the occasion by having the groomsmen wear actual team jerseys.

In terms of venues, sports weddings are the spotlight in the midst of a traditional ceremony held in a chapel or the couple can opt into holding the ceremony on a baseball diamond, football field, or golf course. If available the ceremony could even be held on the actual field, diamond, or course of the favored team. Also, for fun, the ring bearer can even present the rings on a football, basketball, or baseball glove.

A sport themed wedding can help emphasize the obsession with a team and creates a light-hearted, fun filled day for everyone.

Ethnic Themes
There are hundreds of thousands of cultures all over the world, so no couple should subject themselves to a simple wedding. The use of traditions from all over the world creates a unique experience for guests as well as the bride and groom.

A traditional Indian wedding, typically held at the bride’s residence, is performed under a mandap , a decorated four pillared canopy. The brides outfit consists of a red sari heavily embroidered with gold thread. She accessorizes with traditional ornate gold jewelry. The grooms outfit can be a customary Sherwani (long tunic embroidered with gold thread) worn with Kurta pajamas, or a simpler dhoti and tunic.

Indian weddings are very bright events, filled with ritual and celebration, that continue for several days. They are generally not small affairs, with anywhere between 100 to 10,000 people attending.

Red is central to the wedding theme of China. It signifies love, joy and prosperity and is used in a variety of ways in Chinese wedding traditions. The bride’s wedding down is often red, as are the wedding invitations, and wedding gift boxes or envelopes for cash gifts. Even the bride and groom’s homes are decorated in red on the wedding day.

The bride change dresses a few times during the wedding while the groom changes once or does not change. In the morning, the bride is usually dressed in a traditional Chinese wedding gown. She won’t change until after she has served tea to her in-laws. Then she changes to a western style white wedding gown for the ceremony. At the wedding banquet, the bride changes to a formal day time gown, and the newlyweds will serve wine to guests at the wedding. The last one is a night gown she wears when she sees the guests off at the end of the banquet.

Holiday Themes
No longer looked on as cliché, marrying on a specific holiday bestows a notion of celebration including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, July Fourth, and Halloween. Although these weddings celebrate a theme, they do not necessarily need to occur on that holiday or even during the season. According to some, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year; and what better way to spread the cheer than to get married near the annual holiday.

Whether choosing to wed actually on or near Christmas or in July (six months after the fact), the colors implemented in the theme should mimic that of a Christmas time. The colors included are red, green, gold, or silver. Snowflakes are an inserted asset to the venue and centerpieces along with sleighs, pine trees, and/or fake present boxes arranged around the reception hall for added holiday cheer. Music wise, classic holiday tunes a la Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald generate a merry aura.

Holiday themes can be incorporated in different ways depending on the desires of the bride or groom. Whether the wedding is transformed into a white wonderland or a haunted cemetery, these themes are unique and pleasurable for the couple and guests.

Beach Themes
Beaches are the quintessence of fun, freedom and leisure; and many couples are drawn to a beach theme because of their love for the vibe, colors and creatures. The varieties of ways to achieve this theme are endless, including shells or coral as centerpieces in a reception hall.

The beach is paradise, but many live hundreds of miles away from the nearest waves. So instead of spending hundreds of dollars on airfare, a bride can settle on bringing the beach to the venue of their choice. By incorporating specific colors and decorations, such as cornflower blue, aqua, tan and white, the ocean can be found in the middle of the country. Pairing these colors with seashells, palm trees or coral centerpieces, your guests will sense an ocean nearby.

Why not embrace some traditional customs from the cultures of Hawaii into your own beach setting. In a traditional wedding of the Polynesian culture, the bride wears a long, loose fitted white dresses and leis; the groom also wears all white to the ceremony. Traditional Polynesian music played during the reception helps add to the mood.

If boats are an interest, hanging a ship steering wheel or drape a fisherman’s nets on the walls creates a nautical feel. Take note, in order to pull off this theme, the venue’s natural light must be flourished because let’s face it…at the beach it’s sunny everyday and no one wants all of the vibrant colors to go to waste.

Personal Themes
There’s certainly a lot more to wedding day footwear than five-inch heels. If your wedding is a laid-back affair, a funky pair of sneakers might add a kick of personality to your look. For the groomsmen, have them follow suit in a fun way. Maybe they wear the same style sneaker but in different colors.

Converse All-Stars are probably the most iconic sneaker ever made, so it’s no wonder brides everywhere continue to make a statement with the classic shoe. That statement: your weddings shoes can be fashionable AND functional!

There are no rules when it comes to your wedding, and it should be an all out expression of your personalities; so stay true to your style and wear what makes you comfortable!

Source: todaysbrideonline.com

Source: partyspot.com

A theme isn’t necessary for a Bar Mitzvah, but it can make things more fun — and simplify your party planning. Why? When you’ve got a theme in mind, picking out party details is that much easier — details that fit with your theme and palette are in, obvious mismatches are out.

Brainstorm with your son to come up with a theme that plays up one of his passions, whether it’s basketball or video games. We asked a professional party planner for five inspirational ideas for Bar Mitzvah themes, and then came up with an example for each.

Favorite Place:
A vacation spot — or a dream destination — can provide great fodder for a Bar Mitzvah theme. We chose Hawaii.

Key decor: Evoke the islands with Hawaiian-print linens, tiki torches (if you’re outdoors, of course), and tropical flowers in the centerpieces — think birds of paradise, hibiscus, and lilies.

Entertainment: Have a troupe of hula dancers come and give a performance after dinner. You could even ask whether they can give a lesson to the kids (don’t forget the grass skirts!).

Catering: Do a fruit smoothie bar for the kids with plenty of tropical choices like mangoes, papayas, and pineapple in addition to the classics (strawberries, bananas, and OJ), and a tropical signature cocktail (mai tais, anyone?) for the grown-ups.

Favors: Tiki-style cups or Hawaiian-print boxer shorts make fun takeaways for a Hawaiian-themed Bar Mitzvah.

Extras: Use postcards from Hawaii as place cards — and “address” each one to each guest at their table (if you’re really ambitious, have the Bar Mitzvah boy include a note to each of his friends or to special relatives).
Hobbies and Passions:
Could he spend all day playing the saxophone? Are you always on your way to or from his soccer practices? Spotlighting your son’s number one pastime is a great way to make the Bar Mitzvah all about him. We chose basketball as our example.

Key decor: It’s all about b-ball, so be sure the spotlight is on the sport. Life-size cutouts of favorite NBA players make for fun decor (and great photos). Basketball trading cards can be scattered on tables or used as escort cards (cover up the names on the cards and fill in guests’ names instead).

Entertainment: Rent an arcade-style hoops game, whether it’s basketball-themed pinball or arcade machines, or an Alley Hoops or Super Shot basketball game for high-scoring fun.

Catering: Go with kid’s fare that fits with a fun, casual theme — mini burgers are a yummy (and trendy) way to go. Another kid favorite: A french fry bar where you can choose your own toppings.

Favors: Personalized mini basketballs are a great take-home for this Bar Mitzvah. Customized basketball jerseys also make a great favor.
Favorite Colors:
The perfect theme for the kid who’s not that into having a theme is to go with his favorite color to tie everything together. These ideas will work with any color, but we went with blue.

Key decor: Blue balloons are fun, and blue linens are a natural. To make things a little more dynamic, vary the shades — like indigo, cerulean, and sky blue — instead of doing all one hue.

Centerpieces: Boys aren’t always so into flowers. How to do a cool blue centerpiece? Think of non-floral elements that could fit your theme. Small table lamps with fun blue shades add a little light to the space. Another option: faux gifts wrapped with different blue papers and ribbons.

Catering: Do an all-blue candy bar so kids (and adults) can pick out treats to enjoy at the party (and afterward — don’t forget take-out containers so guests can take some home). Blue M&M’S, rock candy, Skittles, jelly beans — the choices are endless. Another option: Rent a cotton candy machine.

Extras: Going for a cool blue? Get extra cool with an ice sculpture or two with your son’s initials as an adornment for the entry or buffet area.
Favorite Time in History:
Looking to the past can be a terrific source of inspiration for your Bar Mitzvah. Choosing a specific decade (like the ’50s) or going even further back (think ancient Egypt or the Renaissance) can put a unique spin on your son’s Bar Mitzvah. For our example, we chose the ’60s.

Key decor: Decide first if you want to go ’60s mod or ’60s hippie — for a more mod look, juxtapose bright colors (poppy centerpieces, maybe?) with black and white. For a hippie vibe, think daisies, lava lamps, and beaded curtains for your decor.

Entertainment: Celebrity impersonators can interact with guests and give you some seriously funny photos. For the ’60s, The Beatles or Ed Sullivan could be fun. Though he’s technically from the ’90s, hiring an Austin Powers impersonator will definitely impress the kids.

Favors: Get guests in on the act with sunglasses and love beads. Another option: tie-dyed T-shirts customized with the Bar Mitzvah child’s name and birth date.

Extras: Number tables with images of the Bar Mitzvah boy in costume as various ’60s icons, or with their picture created in the style of different artists from the era (for example, Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein).
Favorite Movies:
The movies are a major source of inspiration for Bar Mitzvah themes — no surprise, since Tinseltown is everywhere these days. A Hollywood theme can be as broad as, well, “Hollywood,” or you can opt to focus on one of your son’s fave flicks.

Key decor: You can go in any direction with this theme as far as colors go — it’s the fun extras that will make it fit. Movie posters, faux film reels, and a red carpet entry will give it a Hollywood feel.

Entertainment: Screen actual movies by the dance floor — and you don’t have to have the sound on, it’s more for the ambiance. Something with lots of color and excitement (and that everyone knows so well that they can enjoy a minute or two sans sound) works best — think classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Wizard of Oz.

Catering: Serve concession-style snacks for the kids’ dessert. Rent a popcorn popper for fresh popcorn all night long, or have your caterer dream up their version of classic sweets like Ring Dings or Ho Hos.

Extras: Name the tables for each of your child’s favorite films, and label them with a mini version of that movie poster.

Source: partyspot.com

Source: streamarticles.com

If you’re planning a wedding, you probably already have some ideas for the music you’d like to play at the reception. Choosing and playing just the right music can make the reception into a great party that people will remember for years.

Thus, it’s important that you choose the right DJ for your reception. Take this decision seriously, because the right one can turn your reception into a party for the ages that everyone will remember long after they’re gone. Here are a few things to consider when choosing one for your reception.

Experience. Wedding reception deejays have quite a different job from club DJs, both in terms of the music they play and the role they take as the announcer. Wedding disc jockeys must know how to play music that suits a wide variety of demographics and wedding settings. Try to find on who focuses specifically on wedding receptions; the more years of experience he has, the better.

Reputation. Check with the DJ’s prior clients to see if they can provide positive references for him. If he’s done good work in the community in the past, you should be able to find prior clients who will attest to his good service and professionalism.

Allowing Your Own Playlist. A great hire will always understand that you want to play specific songs at your reception, and at specific times as well. He’ll take special care to make sure these songs go off without a hitch at the right times and will allow you to make general selections for the playlist as well.

Keeping it Fun. Try to find a deejay who is known for bringing a high-energy performance to a reception along with his team. It’s the their job to set the mood for a reception and get people loosened up and having fun, so you definitely want to choose someone who will keep the atmosphere fun and lively.

Reliability. A good DJ will arrive at the reception area before your guests do and will stay for the entire time that you agreed upon when you hired him. Really outstanding DJs might also bring extra equipment and entertainment if something goes wrong with the main the equipment.

It’s easy to see why it’s important to hire a DJ who does a great job no matter what. Take some time to research the DJs available to you before you make a choice and you’re sure to have a great reception.

Source: streamarticles.com