Bridesmaid dresses: Several factors become crucial when selecting bridesmaid dresses. Colors and fabrics vary with the seasons. Their style should complement the bridal gown and have the appropriate formality for the time of day. Choose a dress color and style that will flatter all the bridesmaids, and remember that the main focus may be on the backs of the dresses during the ceremony.

Reserving alteration services: As soon as you select your gown, make an appointment to reserve services for alterations. Many bridal alteration specialists are booked months in advance. Your bridal shop will have someone on staff, or can refer you to a reliable seamstress with whom they have worked. Include this service in your budget; it's never included in the price of the gown.

Guideline for dress lengths: The bridesmaids' dresses should never be longer than the bride's gown. Your mothers' dresses should never be longer than the bridesmaids' dresses.

Looking good all day long: As you choose fabrics for your dress, consider how long you will be wearing it. Some wrinkling is inevitable, but certain fabrics wrinkle more easily. Here are a few suggestions for keeping it smooth: Eliminate travel by dressing at the ceremony site. Bring a stool to rest on at the ceremony site. If you have a long train, make sure there is an aisle runner. A detachable train and/or veil will enable you to travel about comfortably at the reception.

Picking up your dress: Consider leaving your dress at the bridal shop or designer's studio, even if it's ready far in advance of the wedding day. The bridal shop may be better equipped to store the dress and keep it fresh and pressed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following recommendations are for your protection: (1) Be careful where you buy your wedding dress; ask your friends and family about their experiences; (2) make sure the delivery date of your dress is well in advance of your wedding; (3) obtain a copy of the order or receipt with a guarantee of delivery date to keep with your wedding records; and (4) if a contract is used, read it carefully (even the fine print) before signing! If you have any questions or concerns about the company, consult with appropriate organizations.

Selecting a photographer: Find a photographer with whose style you feel comfortable. Look closely at his or her sample albums, and don't be afraid to ask for references. A contract reserves the date and should confirm that the estimate given will be the total cost, excluding extra prints or specialty photographs ordered. Within this section you will find many photographers; compare the information listed, and make sure they meet your needs. The prices vary from one photographer to another; make sure you understand what the "package price" includes and what the extras are.

Consulting with your photographer: When you finally select your photographer, sit down together so you can communicate what you imagine your pictures to be. Be specific about formal and candid photographs. Be sure you let the photographer know what you expect. Ask if she or he can provide a checklist for you to fill out.

Digital vs. Film: Digital cameras have come a long way in a short period of time. Some of the new cameras are turning out incredible photos! However, as you meet with different photographers you will find that many offer the option of digital or 35-mm film and medium-format film or a mix of both. Sit down with your photographer and determine where their comfort zone is (film or digital) and what will work best for your particular needs.

Assigning a photographer's helper: You should submit a list of photographic requests to both the photographer and the helper so that your helper can guide the right people to the photographer.

Formal portraits before the ceremony? Today, more brides and grooms are deciding to have formal portraits taken before the ceremony to maximize time with their guests. If you do choose to have formals done before the ceremony, make sure to have everyone dressed and ready for pictures at the designated time.

Black and white photos: Traditional formal wedding photography can have a new and exciting look, such as the photojournalist style, a more candid documentation of the day. Black and whites are timeless and classic, and handpainting will make the photos an original piece of artwork you will be proud to display.

Store your wedding photos on CD: Ask your photographer if he can help you store your photos on CD for safekeeping.

Storing your photos: Store your wedding photos in a safe place; it is recommended that you keep them in the box provided with the wedding album. If you ordered the photos without an album, make sure you put them in an album soon after receiving them. Be sure you use "acid free" paper to mount your photos on. This will help ensure they last a lifetime. Always keep them someplace dry.

Engagement photo guest book: Instead of a guest book, consider using your engagement photo with a large matte area around it. Family and friends can sign around your photo with well wishes. This provides a wonderful keepsake to frame and display on your wall. Rarely do you pull out your guest book and think about everyone who was there to celebrate your wedding day with you.

10 Crucial Questions to ask your Photographer:

1. How many weddings have you photographed and do you have references?
2. What is your wedding day schedule?
3. Do you have your own lighting equipment?
4. What special techniques can you provide?
5. Do you shoot digital or film?
6. What are my album choices?
7. Do you have an assistant?
8. Do you take a break?
9. What do you wear?
10. In case of emergency, do you have a backup photographer?

Reserving a band: Reserve a band or orchestra for your reception immediately. There are only a limited number of Saturdays available, especially in peak wedding seasons. Popular bands and orchestras are often reserved up to a year in advance.

Setup requirements: The formality, facility, and size of your event will determine the type of music that is appropriate. Inquire about whether the site can accommodate dancing and has the area necessary for the musicians to set up and perform. Be very specific about getting the space and electrical requirements from the band so that you can accurately relay the information to your contact person at the facility.

Cut-off hours: When you make all the final arrangements with your facility, be sure to ask if they have any specified time cut-offs for music. Some facilities require that music be stopped as early as 10 p.m. for the comfort of neighboring homes, businesses, or other guests.

Background music and dancing music: Remember when reserving your music that the first hour of your reception or event is a time for introductions and mingling with guests. If your band begins playing immediately, you'll want to make sure that the music is background-type music that doesn't overwhelm and interfere with mingling. The band can be instructed at a certain time or by signal to pick up the pace of the music for dancing.

Keeping the flow going at the reception: It is a good idea to have a liaison between the bride and groom and the band. This person can instruct the band when it's time to play the "first dance" song. Many times the band leader will act as master of ceremonies, announce the cake cutting, throwing of the bouquet, and the garter toss. The best man can act as your designated liaison since he will be close at hand to coordinate the order of events with the bride, groom, and parents. This will help the day to flow smoothly for the bride and groom.

Be sure to ask about breaks: How many breaks will the band be taking and for how long? Will there be music provided during this downtime? Will the musicians require food and/or beverages? This could affect the total count given to the caterer.

What kind of band is appropriate: For a wedding with 50-75 guests, a three-piece band is appropriate; for 75-200, a four- to six-piece band works well.

NOTE: Make sure your contract is sound, and that your event won't be bumped for a larger engagement. A deposit is usually required.

10 Questions to ask your Band or Musicians:

1. How many wedding have you performed at? Do you have references?
2. How much time do you need to set up?
3. How many people are in your group?
4. Do you handle requests?
5. Do you take breaks?
6. Have you played at my venue?
7. Do you bring your own equipment? If so, what?
8. Do you have insurance?
9. Can I hear a demo and will the players on the demo be performing at my wedding?
10. What do you wear?

Meeting with a disc jockey: The most reliable DJs are usually found through referrals. However, be sure to meet with DJs in person; tastes vary, and videotapes never show everything. Make sure the person you meet is the one you are hiring for your event. You should also ask to meet his or her substitute. Ask to see equipment, portfolios, or presentations of their shows so you know what to expect. Discuss appropriate dress and your particular theme. If they do more than one show per day, check to make sure they have the appropriate equipment setups for two or more shows. The DJ should be able to provide you with a list of selections so that you can choose favorites ahead of time. A DJ may even expand his collection to accommodate a few of your favorites. Be sure to provide music that people of all ages will enjoy.

Written contract: Obtain a written contract stating exactly what you have agreed upon: date, number of hours (including setup), types of equipment, who will be doing the show, the total cost, provisions for overtime services, insurance, attire, etc.

Master of Ceremonies: Consider asking your DJ to act as Master of Ceremonies at your reception. Be clear about how you want this role to be handled. A Master of Ceremonies adds direction to the flow of traditional reception events: cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and garter, announcing the first dance. One DJ recommends that the "first dance" should immediately follow toasts to the bride and groom. This breaks the ice and gets the party going, especially when the rest of the wedding party takes to the dance floor during or after the first dance.

Volume of music: Discuss volume as well as music selections with the DJ. Keep the volume of music low for the first hour of your reception, allowing guests to mingle and ensuring that the level is comfortable for all guests. When dancing begins, the volume can be raised.

Setup requirements: Inquire about your site's dancing accommodations. Find out whether your DJ needs early access to the room, and about space and electrical requirements. Make sure your facility contact knows about these needs and that they can be met.

Cut-off hours: When you make all the final arrangements with your facility, be sure to ask if they have any specified cut-off times for music. Some facilities require that music be stopped as early as 10 p.m. for the comfort of neighboring homes, businesses, or other guests.

Special effects and requests: Most disc jockeys are glad to play special songs if they are requested. Also inquire about any special effects they can supply, such as lighting, strobes, mirror balls, and fog. Be sure to notify the DJ if certain songs or musical styles should not be played, even if guests request them.

10 Crucial Questions to ask your DJ:

1. How many weddings have you played at and do you have references?
2. What types of music styles do you play?
3. Can you take requests?
4. What type of equipment do you use and how much space do you need for set up?
5. Do you take a break?
6. Will you be the person at my wedding or another representative from your company?
7. Have you played at my venue?
8. Do you have insurance?
9. Do you guarantee your work?
10. What do you wear?

Be creative with your selection of musicians and songs: You'll enjoy selecting music with special meaning for you and your groom. If you can't decide what you want, talk with some of the musicians, listen to their demo tapes, and view their song lists. Musicians are usually very helpful and will gladly offer ideas and suggestions to make your wedding special and meaningful.

Approve your ceremony music selections with clergy: Make sure your clergyman is aware of your music selections. Ask whether there are any restrictions on music. Some ministers insist on approving all the music prior to the ceremony. Your favorite love song may seem offensive to the clergy; neither you nor your musicians will enjoy any last-minute confrontations.

Be sure to find out about the musicians' requirements: They may need to set up and warm up before the event begins. Make sure the ceremony or event site is open at least one to two hours before. A music rehearsal may conflict with your photographs, but the solution is to plan ahead and inform the musicians and the photographer of each other's needs.

Amplification equipment: Help the musicians coordinate any necessary amplification equipment. Find out ahead of time if the church or hall has a PA system. If so, ask whether the church will permit you to use the system for your wedding. Find out whether it is compatible with the musicians' equipment (many churches have older systems with incompatible microphones).

Plan how to start the ceremony music: Prelude music is a nice touch as the guests are being escorted into the church. To start the processional music, have someone signal the musicians at the appropriate time. Setting a specific time doesn't always work because guests may still be coming in, or delays may get in the way of starting the ceremony on time. One way to handle this is to have your clergyman signal the musicians to start the processional music after a nod from the father of the bride. Also provide your priest, judge, or pastor and the musicians with a cue sheet. The officiant can unknowingly cut off your well-planned music.

Hire for both ceremony and reception: Most musicians can perform at both the ceremony and reception. Ask your musician if he can do both; some individual musicians can add other instruments on to make a trio or quartet.

10 Questions to ask your Band or Musicians:

1. How many wedding have you performed at? Do you have references?
2. How much time do you need to set up?
3. How many people are in your group?
4. Do you handle requests?
5. Do you take breaks?
6. Have you played at my venue?
7. Do you bring your own equipment? If so, what?
8. Do you have insurance?
9. Can I hear a demo and will the players on the demo be performing at my wedding?
10. What do you wear?

The Traditional Korean Wedding:
The Beauty of Korea is present in the photos above. Thank you to korean-arts.com for assisting with portions of a traditional Korean Wedding Ceremony.

In Korea, the marriage between a man and woman represents the joining of two families, rather than the joining of two individuals. As such, the event was often called Taerye (Great Ritual), and people from all over participated. Steeped in traditional Confucian values, the ceremonies and events surrounding the actual marriage were long and elaborate, from the pairing of the couple to the rituals performed after the ceremony.

The Details:
Hand lanterns are used for lighting the way from the groom's home to the bride's home on the night before the wedding. Traditionally, the groom's family would carry a wedding chest filled with gifts for the bride's family.

Wedding ducks are a symbol for a long and happy marriage. Cranes are a symbol of long life and may be represented on the woman's sash. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, and many of the world's major religions are active in Korea. Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Shamanism are the four major religions of Korea

For over 2,000 years, the traditional Korean costume, the Hanbok, has been worn by men, women and children. Originally, the Hanbok was made out of white cotton, silk or a scratchy coarse fabric called hemp. Today Koreans wear Hanboks in many colors and types of fabrics.

The Bride's Attire
The women's attire includes a chogori (short jacket with long sleeves) with 2 long ribbons which are tied to form the otkorum. A chima, a full length, high waisted wrap around skirt is worn. Boat shaped shoes make of silk, are worn with white cotton socks

The bride's attire might include a white sash with significant symbols or flowers. A headpiece or crown may also be worn.

The norigae is a hanbok decoration which has been worn by all classes of Korean women for centuries. It is tied to the skirt or the ribbon on the jacket. The knot on the top is called the Maedup.

The Groom's Attire
A jacket (chigori) and trousers (paji) and an overcoat (turumagi) are worn. The jacket has loose sleeves, the trousers are roomy and tied with straps at the ankles. A vest may be worn over the shirt. A black hat (moja) could be worn.

The wedding feast or reception, (kyorhon p'iroyon) can be a mix of traditional and western cultures.

Each individual region on the continent of Africa has a rich heritage for traditional marriage and they will range widely from the Amhara in Ethiopia to the Massai in Kenya. The most used and recognized traditional ceremony is the Yoruban.

A traditional Yoruba wedding ceremony is shown complete with a priest. On the bottom row is the headdress the priest would wear. Yoruba is an African language that is spoken in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and among communities in Brazil, Sierra Leone and Cuba. Included are pictures of an Igbo wedding ceremony - Igbankwu Nwando at Awka in Eastern Nigeria. The Igbo culture & traditions are very rich and rewarding especially to the Oraifite people. In red and yellow dresses is a picture of Igbo Music Dancers at the Igbo wedding ceremonies. Each individual region on the continent of Africa has a rich heritage for traditional marriage and they will range widely from the Amhara in Ethiopia to the Massai or Swahili in Kenya. The most used and recognized traditional ceremony is the Yoruba. Ìgbéyàwó is a Yoruba1 word meaning marriage, wedding, "or bringing home the bride". The use of this word is very common in the area of Nigeria and beyond, as a way to convey the traditional heritage and to share details about wedding events. In the center of the collage is a photo of the newly elected African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma in the ceremony for his own wedding ceremony.

Although, still performed in Japan, the truly historical and traditional Shito-style wedding ceremony, is not as common as it once was. If you are ever lucky enough to be invited to or be apart of one of these weddings, you have to question why any bride or groom of origin Japan, would have any other type of ceremony. Therein lies the story behind the ceremony, which involves the grooms Mother being the head of the household, etc. To be truly ritualistic, you would follow this belief system as well. These ceremonies were performed in Shinto Shrines that were simply amazing. Today in Japan many of these shrines are available to couples who prefer to follow the traditions of Japan.

The bride wears a white kimono and an elaborate headpiece covered with many ornaments to invite good luck to the happy couple. A white hood is attached to the kimono, which the bride wears like a veil to hide her 'horns of jealousy' from the groom's mother, who will now become the head of the family. Japanese grooms wear black kimonos to their wedding ceremony. The average cost of a typical wedding and wedding party in Japan is said to be a couple million yen, and the number of guest ranges from 50 to 200 for an average couple. 

写真を楽しんでください (Enjoy the photographs)

Traditional Indian Weddings are themselves some of the most beautiful ceremonies with stunning coloration and deeply steeped in tradition. We have combined several pieces from various indian weddings. A wonderful blog with some of the most exquisite photography is Maharani Weddings, which captures some of the more modern Indian experiences tied to the more traditional. Here we found Tejal and Jason's wedding.

If you want to see some of the most elaborate tents available, then you have to go to the Raj Tents website. These are beyond tents. The word tent is transformed into dream settings and you have to go to this site to see for yourself what appears to be limitless options, such as walls and lighting and linings and ottomans and much much more.

The cake is from I Dream of Cake and was created to match the lace on the gown of another bride. This site will also stir your imagination with ideas for cakes, some you might not even think possible.

A very traditional carving, used in a less that traditional Indian wedding is the ice sculpture from Muhurtha Event Design. If you have had a recent wedding steeped in one tradition or another, we would love to hear from you.