Fashion

When planning your wedding, you need to decide on a theme. Some brides just want a traditional wedding with the usual gorgeous dresses and tuxedos. Flowers, candles, music, everyone dressed up for the celebration of your life.

But someone people like things a little less formal. A casual wedding is easy to arrange and could save the couple a lot of money. Everyone likes to get involved and help prepare for a wedding.  Aunts, cousins, friends and, of course, your mom.  Grandmothers like to be asked for help, so don’t forget them.

Friends can provide the music, help make the decorations, even preside over the ceremony.  Letting your loved ones assist you gives them a sense of accomplishment when your wedding day turns out to be glorious and the knowledge that you wanted their help and input will make it an even happier memory.

A trend that has become very popular is the western theme. The bride still wears the gorgeous gown but when she lifts her skirts, you see a pair of fancy cowboy boots instead of the dainty slippers. The bridesmaids also dress prettily and step into boots. The groom and his groomsmen wear jeans and boots. A simple vest can complete his outfit or a Western style jacket. Just the change in attire makes the wedding more fun.

Inexpensive yet attractive decorations are easy to make. With enough advance planning, all decor can be prepared by family and friends. Have a little gathering with the women in your life to put together the items you have chosen. You’d be surprised how much can be produced in a few hours. And you’ll more ideas and advice than your can handle.

A short reception follows with the toasts to the new couple and cake for all. But the after party is a barbecue with all the trimmings. Dancing and music under the stars is fun for all ages. Many people with country homes have set aside a little piece of their land to rent out for parties. A barbecue pit or grill, a bar for serving food and drinks, big open space for tables and games, a stone floor around an old tree for dancing, and a band stand.

The groomsmen can do the manly thing at the grill. The bridesmaids and other friends can serve the trimmings and let the mothers of the newly married couple sit back and basque in the well wishes of many friends. The outdoor setting leaves room for very large crowds to mill around and visit. No worries about cleanup since the dishes go in the trash and the outdoor area doesn’t need to be swept.

The music can be provided, again, by friends or have someone operate a CD player hooked up to good speakers. Country music is fun to dance to but crossover music works as well. Depending on the taste of the bride and groom, maybe a little rock could be thrown in. Since the baby boomers helped to establish rock music, the older members of your party will enjoy it, too. Just set aside a time for that wedding waltz and the dances with the parents of the new couple.