For those looking to make their wedding much "greener",..heres some info from,
Kristin Ciccolella of WedAlert
www.wedalert.com
Green is becoming the new white when it comes to weddings. Eco-chic weddings are becoming increasingly popular among couples.
Here are some tips when planning an eco-friendly green wedding, which incorporates ecologically and socially responsible products and services.
* Location: The first element to set the tone is the location. Environmentally aware pairs are opting for botanical gardens over ballrooms. Many couples are having their nuptials on untouched terrain, for example nature preserves, the beach, parks or their own backyards.
* Keep it local: Whenever possible, use local resources for your wedding. In addition to saving on transportation, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your local economy.
* Bridal gowns: Wear natural fibers like organically grown cotton, silk and hemp, which are becoming increasingly popular. If you are having a dress designed, make sure that it doesn’t contain any synthetic materials or chemical dyes. Many brides to be are also turning to vintage dresses or pre-worn wedding gowns from their family members which also adds a hint of nostalgia.
* Invitations: Use recycled or tree free paper for your invitations.
* Catering: When choosing your caterer, find one who specializes in organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan diets are popular for many reasons including health, ethical and environmental concerns. Speak to your caterer to discuss and create an interesting and delicious menu sans meat, dairy and processed sugars. For example, an interesting and delectable entrée would be herb-roasted seitan with grilled artichokes, Mediterranean grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and wasabi mashed potatoes. Support local farms orchards and vineyards by buying your produce and wine there. The demand for ecologically responsible and healthy food is a growing trend overall in the catering field. Choose organic wine which is made from grapes and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals which damage soil and water. There are many organic wine vineyards to choose from.
* Wedding cake: Find a baker that will make a cake with organic, natural and fair trade ingredients. Be sure to serve fair trade coffee!
* Transportation: Show up in style, Get chauffeured in eco-chic hybrid limousines or opt for the old fashioned horse and buggy.
* After the ceremony: Have guests toss freeze dried flower petals or ecofetti (biodegradable confetti). Eco friendly Birdseed or biodegradable rice is also popular.
* Flowers: Find a local florist who recycles everything they use from the flowers and foliage. Use potted living plants as centerpieces for the tables instead of cut floral arrangements. Select arrangements that can be replanted, and invite your guests to take them home to replant.
* Favors: Organic chocolates make great gifts with a personalized note printed on recycled paper. Jars filled with organic jams, jellies or honey. Handmade soaps or candles are a nice touch as well.
* Candles: Use soy candles, its romantic and energy efficient. They are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.
* Photography: When choosing a photographer, make sure you chose a photographer that works in digital format. Digital photos are easier to share and much more environmentally friendly. No harmful chemicals, film or wasted paper. If you are set on film photography, there are less toxic developing methods, discuss this option with your photographer.
* Honeymoon: When planning your honeymoon, consider the rainforest in Costa Rica or an amazing adventurous escape at an eco friendly holistic luxurious spa in Africa or Fiji.
By Kristin Ciccolella
WedAlert Corp.
www.wedalert.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
Visit our website at, www.imemoryfilms.com,..and for more info, wedding tips & ideas, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wodpress.com
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Newlywed Tips-Picking a House You'll Both Love!
A "must-read" article by Michelle O' Connor of San Diego weddings.
If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, how can they agree when it comes to buying their first home? With most men preferring high energy sporting events to Celine Dion concerts, and most women preferring love stories over “Die Hard” it isn’t difficult to see that men and women can be headed in different directions when it comes to selecting a home.
Men and women look at homes in totally different ways - women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of a home as an extension of their personalities/ hobbies.
What Women Want
When women shop for homes they look at things such as, do they like the wall paper in their bedroom, is the carpet the right color, does it “feel” good here, can I see myself cooking in the kitchen, are there enough bedrooms for future family and/or visitors etc….
Men Prefer…
Men, on the other hand, want to know if a space will work for their music room, can they see themselves watching Football in the living room, is there enough room for a boat in the garage… Most importantly, men want to know if they are getting a good deal.
Working Together
So how can people with such different perspectives come together to make a purchase that pleases both? Here are some ways for newlyweds to successfully navigate the home-buying process.
First have a good idea of what you both want before you go in to talk to a real estate agent. Take time to discuss what’s important to each of you and decide together what amenities are necessary and fit your price range. Decide on your price range first and get pre-approved for a mortgage to insure you can buy the house you want once you find it. It can be very disappointing and frustrating to spend lots of time locating your dream home only to find out you can’t afford it.
Be up front with your real estate agent as to what your priorities are how set you are on price range. Insist on only viewing homes that fall into the price range you have established. Keep from being wishy washy in order save time for both the real estate agent and yourself and from giving your agent any room to deviate from your original plan.
Disagreements
If there is any disagreement, excuse yourselves to talk privately. One person may not recognize the risk of buying a home outside of your price range, or may really love the kitchen while you hate the living room. Don’t discuss it in public; go home and work it out.
Final Decision
Once you decide on your home, make sure the numbers add up. This is where couples can help each other. In many cases, women are the ones who read the small print, while men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections.
Be patient. Make sure you have talked over any concerns and that all of your questions have been answered. Allow time for both of you to examine the home. View homes during the week, when agents are less busy and can give you’re their full attention.
If couples discuss their priorities and price range in advance, take the time to gather all the necessary information, and locate a good real estate agent and make the decision together. The odds are pretty good that everybody will be happy with the new surroundings.
By Michelle O’Connor – San Diego Weddings
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, ideas, and info,...please visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, how can they agree when it comes to buying their first home? With most men preferring high energy sporting events to Celine Dion concerts, and most women preferring love stories over “Die Hard” it isn’t difficult to see that men and women can be headed in different directions when it comes to selecting a home.
Men and women look at homes in totally different ways - women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of a home as an extension of their personalities/ hobbies.
What Women Want
When women shop for homes they look at things such as, do they like the wall paper in their bedroom, is the carpet the right color, does it “feel” good here, can I see myself cooking in the kitchen, are there enough bedrooms for future family and/or visitors etc….
Men Prefer…
Men, on the other hand, want to know if a space will work for their music room, can they see themselves watching Football in the living room, is there enough room for a boat in the garage… Most importantly, men want to know if they are getting a good deal.
Working Together
So how can people with such different perspectives come together to make a purchase that pleases both? Here are some ways for newlyweds to successfully navigate the home-buying process.
First have a good idea of what you both want before you go in to talk to a real estate agent. Take time to discuss what’s important to each of you and decide together what amenities are necessary and fit your price range. Decide on your price range first and get pre-approved for a mortgage to insure you can buy the house you want once you find it. It can be very disappointing and frustrating to spend lots of time locating your dream home only to find out you can’t afford it.
Be up front with your real estate agent as to what your priorities are how set you are on price range. Insist on only viewing homes that fall into the price range you have established. Keep from being wishy washy in order save time for both the real estate agent and yourself and from giving your agent any room to deviate from your original plan.
Disagreements
If there is any disagreement, excuse yourselves to talk privately. One person may not recognize the risk of buying a home outside of your price range, or may really love the kitchen while you hate the living room. Don’t discuss it in public; go home and work it out.
Final Decision
Once you decide on your home, make sure the numbers add up. This is where couples can help each other. In many cases, women are the ones who read the small print, while men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections.
Be patient. Make sure you have talked over any concerns and that all of your questions have been answered. Allow time for both of you to examine the home. View homes during the week, when agents are less busy and can give you’re their full attention.
If couples discuss their priorities and price range in advance, take the time to gather all the necessary information, and locate a good real estate agent and make the decision together. The odds are pretty good that everybody will be happy with the new surroundings.
By Michelle O’Connor – San Diego Weddings
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, ideas, and info,...please visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
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