Gone are the days when wedding receptions were limited to sit down dinners at which guests anxiously await the arrival of the wedding party and go through the buffet line. Trendy brides are now subsituting typical receptions for ideas such as appetizers only, afternoon tea receptions or food stations with exotic ethnic dishes prepared right in front of your eyes.

• EXTEND the wedding celebration. Many couples are planning weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. This is a great option when you've got family or relatives that live out-of- town that you don't have the opportunity to see often
• REHEARSAL DINNERS are getting more casual and many are incorporating a theme, such as a Texas barbecue, Mexican Fiesta or a beach party!
• Many brides are choosing more NATURAL LOOKING FLOWERS & bouquets that have a "just picked" looked rather than a formal bouquet in a holder.
• ON-LINE GIFT REGISTRIES. They save you time, energy (no more trips to the mall) and they give you so many more choices than a typical department store registry.
• Brides are taking time to add more SENTIMENTAL and PERSONAL TOUCHES to their wedding, such as writing their own wedding vows and personalized wedding favors that reflect the couples individual tastes and hobbies. (HINT: your name and wedding date can be printed on just about anything, such as pens, coffee mugs or etched in wine glasses).
• Many Brides are forgoing the traditional GUEST BOOK and instead are preparing a mat and having guests sign the mat, which then can be framed and displayed in their home after the wedding.

Garden style weddings are a growing trend. If you have not had the opportunity to attend a garden style service, they are one of the most intimate, romantic ceremonies a bride can plan.The possibilities are numerous when it comes to picking a site for a garden wedding. Places such as your city's botanical garden, state parks, and horticulture facilities are good places to begin the search.

There are many benefits to having a garden style wedding. Often times the location itself may offer a picturesque view and eliminate the need for purchasing additional decorations. This can save a lot of money when it comes to decorating the wedding site.

Additionally outdoor weddings offer more flexibility than some typical locations. The outdoors serves as a blank slate where one can create any type of atmosphere that they desire. Alot of brides are also deciding to have their reception on the same grounds, extending the garden style to the reception. This not only creates a beautiful reception but also saves having to pay rental fees for two locations and the guests having to drive between the wedding and receptions sites.

There are things however, that one must keep in mind when planning a garden style wedding. Factors such as the possibility of rain, the temperature, and the presence of insects can all put a damper on your big day if one does not adequately prepare.

Mid-South Wedding Planners would like to thank each and everyone of you for your interest in our services.We are looking forward to meeting you at the Bridal Show,our experienced staff is here to bring you the ultimate in wedding planning services.

Join us July 9, 2006 at the Bridal Rhapsody Extravaganza located at Agricenter International 7777 Walnut Grove Memphis TN Show Time: 11:30am - 5:00pm.

Did it begin as a romantic dinner at a intimate restaurant, or did your witty groom propose to you at your favorite team's championship game, or was your proposal a unique occasion that never has been done before? Well, we want to hear all about it. Send us all the great details from your marriage proposals.

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Brides,what are you dying to hear more about? Please take this opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions on what you would like to read about in our next issue.

Send your emails to info@msweddingplanners.com!