For sparkling wine lovers, the passing of August also brings forth anticipation as grapes in vineyards change color and clusters of grapes burst forth with the promise of great wine. Harvest time occurs around late-August and the long journey from vine to glass begins.

What better way to celebrate the blessings of summer and toast the new adventures awaiting you in the fall than to join Scarlett Belle on our wine tasting cruises? This time of the year is perfect for sipping great wine while enjoying the amazing views afforded by a sunset cruise through the harbor.

More info can be found here:
http://scarlettbelle.com/party-event-cruises#wine-cruise

Nature’s accents have also been popular. Shapes of trees or mountains with highlights of rivers, ponds, birds, animals, gardens, and reptiles. Use accessories like fountains, sprinklers, swings, bird houses, and benches to add to your picturesque nature cake.

Wedding Photographer

• Native Santa Barbara wedding photographer Ronnie Slavin has a strong background in outdoors and sports as well as weddings and portrait photography.

Wedding Invitations

• Wedding Invitations A large range of wedding invitations and wedding stationery.

Wedding Directories

• WedAlert.com, “Your Wedding Planning Just Got Easier.” Listen to hundreds of wedding songs. Find local wedding professionals, articles, and much more.
• Search for all things wedding at Seek Wedding.
• Search for all things wedding related at WeddingDirectory.org
• Wedding Directory | Bridal Information

• Arizona Golf  Wedding & Party Gifts in Los Angeles, CA  California Wedding & Party Gifts  Scarlett Belle Riverboat Charters

They are generally sent at least 4-6 months prior to your wedding but, if you are planning a destination wedding, for example Hawaii it is strongly recommended that you send them 12 months in advance if not longer. For seasonally busy and tourist locales or on or around a holiday it is best to send them 9-12 months in advance. Your guests will then have ample time to make all the necessary arrangements needed to be a part of your special celebration and may even extend it into a vacation of their own.

Use your imagination, Save the Date Cards are not meant to be formal. There are many design options available. You can have them match your wedding invitations, magnets, brochure style, post card size, multiple layers, booklet style, you can add a picture of you and your fiancé, or embellishments to add a personal touch.

Here are some guidelines on what your cards should state, your names, date of wedding, city or town and state of where wedding will take place. Also, because Save the date Cards are a recent trend and many that have not attended a wedding recently may mistaken them for the actual invitation be sure to include something along the lines of, “Invitation to follow”, “Invitation and details to follow”, “Invitation will follow” this is usually placed at the bottom of the card. For more wording suggestions visit www.verseit.com. If you have a wedding website don’t forget to include the address for your guests to view.

If you need to keep your guest list to a minimum, make a list of close family and friends whom you want to make sure will be able to attend and mail them a Save the Date Card, you do not need to send Save the Date Cards to everyone you are inviting but, every guest that receives a Save the Date Card must also receive an invitation.

We recommend providing your guests with additional information to help facilitate their planning such as airline, car rental, hotel, information on things to see and do in the area and surrounding areas, special events, theatrical shows etc. Go the extra mile and acquire group discounts by calling specific companies and seeing if they offer group discounts.

As a bride you can express your deepest love and intimacy for your groom with your choice of wedding flowers. The perfect secret love language just for the two of you.

Tulip is the most favorite flower for Spring Weddings! Tulip flower bouquets come in varieties of colors, from white, black purple, red, pink, yellow, orange and even blue.

Traditional Meanings of Flowers

• Ambrosia: Your Love is Reciprocated.
• Anemone: Epectaion.
• Arbutus: Thee Only Do I Love.
• Aster: Symbol of Love, Daintiness.
• Babys Breath: Innocence.
• Camellia (Pink): Longing for you.
• Camellia (Red): You’re a Flame in My Heart.
• Camellia (White): Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman’s Good Luck Gift.
• Daffodil: Regard, Unrequited Love, You’re the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I’m with You.
• Daisy: Innocence, Loyal Love, I’ll Never Tell, Purity.
• Dandelion: Faithfulness, Happiness.
• Fern: Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter.
• Gardenia: You’re Lovely, Secret Love.
• Gloxinia: Love at First Sight.
• Heather (White): Protection, Wishes Will Come True.
• Hydrangea: Understanding.
• Ivy: Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection.
• Lilac: Love’s First Emotions.
• Lily (Yellow): I’m Walking on Air, False and Gay.
• Lily (Calla): Magnificent Beauty.
• Lily Of The Valley: Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You’ve Made My Life Complete.
• Murtle: Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage.
• Orange Blossom: Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness.
• Orchid: Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children.
• Peony: Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage.
• Poppy (Red): Pleasure.
• Primrose: I Can’t Live Without You.
• Rose (Bridal): Happy Love.
• Rose (Pink): Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me.
• Rose (Red): Love, I Love You.
• Rose (Thornless): Love at First Sight.
• Rose (Mix of Red & White): Unity, Flower Emblem of England.
• Rosebud (Red): Pure and Lovely.
• Roses (Single Full Bloom): I Love You, I Still Love You.
• Spider Flower: Elope with Me.
• Stephanotis: Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel.
• Tulip (General): Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland.
• Tulip (Red): Believe Me, Declaration of Love.
• Tulip (Variegated): Beautiful Eyes.
• Tulip (Yellow): There’s Sunshine in Your Smile.
• Violet: Modesty.
• Violet (Blue): Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I’ll Always Be True.
• Violet (White): Let’s Take a Chance.
• Zinnia (Magenta): Lasting Affection.

1. How do you know them?
2. Why did they choose you as best man?
3. How would you describe each of them? What are the first five adjectives that come to mind?
4. What was the groom like before he met the bride? How has he changed knowing her?
5. How did they meet? How did the groom tell you about her?
6. If you are married, you may wish to think about marriage advice you’ve received or have learned.

Start

Start off by introducing yourself, as not everyone in the room will know who you are. You might say “Excuse me everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment. I’d like to take a few moments to say a few words about our bride and groom. I’m John Doe, Patrick’s best man and longtime good friend (or brother, son, etc.)” To get people’s attention, you might insert a quick joke here. Before you get too far into your speech, you should thank the people hosting, traditionally the parents of the bride. If the bride and groom are paying for the wedding themselves, simply say, “We’re all delighted to be here today on this joyous occasion.”

Middle

Tell a funny story about the bride and/or groom or give your thoughts on love and marriage, tell the story of how they met, or talk about how you’ve seen them change through their relationship. While you may know the groom better, try to make your toast balanced, speaking about each of them. Avoid ex-girlfriend stories and keep it rated PG for kids and grandmothers in the room! Most of all, if you are sincere about what you are saying, and your words come from the heart, it’s hard to go wrong.

Closing

It’s often good to wrap up your toast with a wish of happiness and good health. Raise your glass with a resounding congratulations, cheers, l’chaim or salud, and don’t forget to drink to your own toast!

Writing your toast down on a notecard and practicing it a few times is a great way to get comfortable with what you are saying and it wont look like you are reading straight from the card. Speak loudly and clearly so people in the back of the room can hear you.

Have Fun!

Wedding Color Combos

• Teal and Coral
• Vintage Purple and Sky Blue
• Emerald and Cream
• Mauve and Wine
• Lilac and Sky Blue
• Wine and Blush Pink
• Sky Blue and Light Yellow
• Mocha and Blush Pink
• Warm Gray and any Pink or Coral or Blue or Purple
• Olive and Mauve
• Mint and Vintage Purple

Style – Ultra Formal – Usually for evening weddings indoors or under canopies

• Bride & Groom – Though it may sound daunting, the ultra formal look is easy to achieve. Most wedding dresses will already be in this style, and the bride can add accents like elbow-length gloves and wear a veil. The groom should wear a tuxedo, complete with a cummerbund or vest, bow tie and formal shoes.
• Wedding Party – Bridesmaids should wear floor-length dresses and have their hair in up-do’s or other formal styles. Groomsmen should follow the groom and wear a tuxedo, but add different color accessories than the groom’s so the groom stands apart.
• Guests – Women should wear gowns or formal dresses and men should wear tuxedos or a sharp suit. An understated tie is acceptable.

Style – Formal – Usually for evening or daytime weddings, indoors or outdoors

• Bride & Groom – The bride should have no trouble looking the part in the majority of the dresses available. A veil would be appropriate for this style. The groom should wear a tuxedo, but a well-tailored 2- or 3-button suit with a tie is just as acceptable.
• Wedding Party – Bridesmaids should wear floor-length dresses with formal shoes. Groomsmen should follow the groom and wear a tux or suit, but with different color accessories.
• Guests – Women may wear gowns or formal dresses and men should wear a sharp suit with an understated tie.

Style – Semi-Formal – Usually for evening or daytime weddings, indoors or outdoors

• Bride & Groom – This is the most popular style for weddings and brides will often get creative by wearing a garland or a tiara instead of a veil. The groom should wear a sharp suit and a white or black tie.
• Wedding Party – Bridesmaids may wear floor-length or tea-length dresses. Again, groomsmen should follow the groom and wear a suit, but with different color accessories.
• Guests – Women should wear dresses that reflect the time of day, and men should wear a suit with a tie.

Style – Casual – Evening or daytime weddings, indoors or outdoors

• Bride & Groom – This style will allow for most attire options. Brides can wear anything from a typical wedding gown to a simple white dress. Men should wear a suit and tie, but can get more creative with their accessory colors.
• Wedding Party – Bridesmaids should wear tea-length dresses, but not anything longer than what the bride is wearing. Groomsmen should wear a suit and tie.
• Guests – Women should wear dresses that reflect the time of day, and men should wear a suit, with or without a tie.

Style – Unique – Evening or daytime weddings, indoors or outdoors

• Bride & Groom – More and more these days, the lines between wedding attire and formalwear have been blurred. Brides may wear a splash of color on their gowns, such as a gold sash or green trim on the hem. Though menswear hasn’t strayed too much, a splash of color on a tie or other accessories have been seen in recent weddings.
• Wedding Party – Though the men may stick to their suits, bridesmaids can wear unique dresses with unexpected pairings. In one winter wedding, brides wore mini dresses with faux mink bolero jackets. It all depends on the theme of the wedding and the look that is trying to be achieved.
• Guests – Women can wear dresses or even nicely tailored pantsuits while men should wear a suit and tie, not necessarily in dark colors.

Style – Bohemian – Usually for daytime weddings, indoors or outdoors

• Bride & Groom – Lots of couples who marry on the beach or in other settings in nature will wear simple linen outfits. The bride may wear a simple sheath or flowing dress and the groom may wear a linen shirt (Hawaiian print is popular) and pants or shorts, both of them oftentimes going barefoot.
• Wedding Party – Bridesmaids should follow the bride and wear dresses that are no more formal than the bride’s, and the groomsmen should wear outfits similar to the groom.
• Guests – Women can wear casual dresses and men should wear slacks with a button-down shirt, a tie is optional.