<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link><description>AisleDash</description><image><url>http://www.aisledash.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url><title>AisleDash</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com</link></image><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright><generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Wedding Wise: How to prepare a toast</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blmurch/336021355/"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="267" border="0" align="right" alt="toast the bride"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/t0ast1.jpg" /></a>You've agreed to propose the toast to the bride. Even though you've known her for years, when you start to consider what you might say, you draw a complete blank. You've never been great at public speaking. Where do you start? Gary Drevitch at <a href="http://www.freelancedad.typepad.com/freelancedad/articles/dont_burn_your_toast.html">Freelance Dad</a> consulted with experts as Toastmasters International, and came up with these tips:<br /><br /><strong>Brainstorm</strong>. Jot down everything you can think of about the bride. List her good points, special memories you have, why she and her beloved make a good couple. The brainstorming will give you a general outline for your toast. <strong>Research</strong> will fill in the gaps.<br /><br /><strong>Know your audience</strong>. Don't say anything to annoy or embarrass the bride and groom, and keep it clean. <br /><br /><strong>Write it all out </strong>so you can practice it, but when the time comes, use short notes. A cue-card or two should be enough; ten typed pages is too much!<br /><br /><strong>Sound like yourself</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Start with a joke, end with sentiment</strong>. As Drevitch notes, "One of the classic rules of wedding toasting is to end by tugging on the heartstrings. If you can't be sentimental at a wedding, where can you?"<br /><br /><strong>Keep it short.</strong> Toastmasters suggests three to four minutes, but we can guarantee that if you want to make it shorter than that, your audience will not object!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.freelancedad.typepad.com/freelancedad/articles/dont_burn_your_toast.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262761/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/24/wedding-wise-how-to-prepare-a-toast/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>public-speaking</category><category>speech</category><category>Toastmasters</category><category>wedding-toast</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Tips for the toast - love your list</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/etiquette/" rel="tag">Etiquette</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/wedding-party/" rel="tag">Wedding party</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/812054"><img width="203" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="300" border="0" align="right" alt="champagne flutes toasting" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/812054_champagne_chin_chin.jpg" /></a>The wine-kind, not the kitchen appliance.<br /><br />One of the traditional duties of the male contingent, toasting can be done either by a specially-appointed (or even hired) MC, but <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/04/toasting-and-the-best-man/">most often it's done by the best man</a>.<br /><br />Anywhere you look, you can find a list of who toasts whom, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/06/for-the-best-man-who-toasts-when/">in what order</a>, and <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/05/must-champagne-be-served-for-the-champagne-toast/">with what</a>. Thing is, all the lists are different. Who toasts whom, in what order? Who knows?<br /><br />This can be a good thing. With so many possibilities, you can do it any way you like! Another piece of even better news:<p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Tips for the toast - love your list</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20976450/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262255/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/best-man-and-toasting-love-your-list/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>best-man</category><category>best-man-duties</category><category>best-man-toast</category><category>champagne</category><category>champagne-flutes</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>reception</category><category>reception-MC</category><category>wedding-toast</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Caverswell Castle, England - fairytale venue</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/fairytale-venue-caverswell-castle-england/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/fairytale-venue-caverswell-castle-england/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/fairytale-venue-caverswell-castle-england/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/destination-ceremonies/" rel="tag">Destination Ceremonies</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/1caverswall.jpg" /><br /></div>
For an idyllic and fairytale wedding venue you can't beat <a href="http://www.caverswall-castle.co.uk/index.htm">Caverswall Castle</a> in Staffordshire, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/04/destination-wedding-england/">England</a>. Built in 1275 by Sir William-de-Caverswall (who is mentioned in the legends of King Arthur's court) this is a location that will suit brides with a taste for romance, drama and splendour.<br /><br />Available on an exclusive basis only, the castle is licensed for civil weddings and can accommodate up to 70 seated guests. Your reception can be held in the Dungeon rooms, which can hold up to 90 people, or for a smaller group the dining room can seat 22 people. There are also loads of gorgeous settings for magnificent photographs, including the castle battlements and an olde-worlde moat.<br /><br />Your day doesn't have to end when the reception is over. Make like a medieval Princess and sleep over. There is accommodation for 22 people, including four turret cottages and seven superbly designed bedrooms, beautifully furnished in period style. <br /><br />Rates for a days exclusive use range from around &pound;3000 to about &pound;5000. <a href="http://www.caverswall-castle.co.uk/wedding-enq.htm">Contact the castle</a> for more detailed information.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.caverswall-castle.co.uk/index.htm>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/fairytale-venue-caverswell-castle-england/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261155/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/23/fairytale-venue-caverswell-castle-england/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>caverswall-castle</category><category>wedding-venue</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:04:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Music for the mother-son dance</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/music-and-entertainment/" rel="tag">Music and Entertainment</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/grooms/" rel="tag">Grooms</a></p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2465127407_07ec72ff4b_m.jpg"><img width="160" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="255" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/mothersonsmall.jpg" alt="mother-son dance" /></a>If you're going to do the traditional mother-son dance, you'll need to be considering just your musical options, and as you do you'll want to take mom into account. No fair forcing her to dance to music that you forced on her as a teen (which we're pretty sure you've outgrown by now anyway, right?). Nor should you be trying to get her to groove to stuff you love which leaves her cold.<br /><br />Though there's room for musical compromise, the odds are good that you'll be dancing to something that sits firmly on the "Oldies" section of the shelf. And that's all right. Cool and cutting-edge though you may be, if there's a time to trip the very traditional fantastic, the mother-son dance is it. Besides, that oldies stuff is generally pretty easy to dance to, which could save you both a heap of embarrassment. We doubt you and mom have spent many hours dancing together, at least not since she gave you a few pointers the night before your Senior Prom.<br /><br />Okay, guys, it's your turn. Will you be having a mother-son dance? And if so, what music have you chosen, or are you considering?<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://groomify.com/2008/06/09/mother-son-dances/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261261/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/music-for-the-mother-son-dance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>featured</category><category>mother-son</category><category>mother-son-dance</category><category>play-list</category><category>reception-music</category><category>wedding-dance</category><category>wedding-music</category><category>wedding-play-list</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise:  Save money with a potluck reception</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/weddingwise-save-money-with-a-potluck-reception/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/weddingwise-save-money-with-a-potluck-reception/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/weddingwise-save-money-with-a-potluck-reception/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/invitations/" rel="tag">Invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><img width="201" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="163" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/300px-potluck06.jpg"  alt="" />Your eyes keep shifting between your budget spreadsheet and your potential guest list.  You love your friends and family -- all 250 of them -- but at 35 bucks a head for dinner, you can't afford to invite them all.  You could save thousands of dollars by cutting your guest list in half, but how do you decide who makes and who misses the cut?  This part of wedding planning is no fun.<br /><br />So here's an idea:  instead of an expensive, fancy feast that blows your whole wedding budget, ask your guests to bring a dish to share instead of a gift.  Provide guests who travel or guests who simply don't cook with a list of pre-made items that can be bought at your local grocery store, and appoint someone to field all the phone calls about what to bring.  Sure there will be some repeats, but with several dozen guests, you'll surely get a nice variety for your buffet.<br /><br />Make sure your invitations are clear about this.  "In lieu of gifts, the bride and groom request that you bring your favorite dish to serve at our reception buffet.  Call Mandy, the Maid of Honor, at 555-5555 with questions."  Then you can take the money you saved on food and buy your own wedding gifts, so you get exactly what you need and want.  Encourage guests to include the recipe with the dish they bring, so that you can create a wedding cookbook.  You can even post the recipes online to share with all the guests.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/weddingwise-save-money-with-a-potluck-reception/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1259291/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/22/weddingwise-save-money-with-a-potluck-reception/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>advice</category><category>budget</category><category>budget-weddings</category><category>buffet</category><category>casual</category><category>catering</category><category>cooking</category><category>cutting-costs</category><category>food</category><category>guest-list</category><category>invitation-wording</category><category>on-a-budget</category><category>picnic</category><category>picnic-weddings</category><category>pot-luck</category><category>potluck</category><category>receptions</category><category>saving-money</category><category>wedding</category><category>weddingwise</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Inspiration board: DIY wedding</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/fashion/" rel="tag">Fashion</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/ceremonies/" rel="tag">Ceremonies</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/inspiration-boards/" rel="tag">Inspiration Boards</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="middle" alt="DIY inspiration board" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/diy-board.jpg" /><br /></div>
<br />This week we brought you Do It Yourself (DIY) weddings. One of the great things about doing it yourself is the money you can save. And who else knows what you want better than you do? Here are the things we found for you: <br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Inspiration board: DIY wedding</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1262928/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/inspiration-board-diy-wedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>DIY</category><category>inspiration</category><category>inspiration-board</category><dc:creator>Becky Scott</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Image of the Week: Mother-son dance</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/image-of-the-week-mother-son-dance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/image-of-the-week-mother-son-dance/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/image-of-the-week-mother-son-dance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/relationships/" rel="tag">Relationships</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/music-and-entertainment/" rel="tag">Music and Entertainment</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22553353@N00/2465127407/" title="mother and son dance by Tracie Taylor Photography, on Flickr"><img width="333" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2465127407_07ec72ff4b.jpg" alt="mother and son dance" /></a><br /><br />
<div align="left">This is Groom Week on AisleDash, and what better picture to illustrate the theme than with this terrific shot by Tracie Taylor Photography. We love this picture, not just because he's a very handsome fellow (who obviously gets his at least half his good looks from his mother), but because of the positive energy between mother and son.<br /><br />There's an old saying that if you want to know what a woman will look like in twenty years, look at her mother. Well, we'd like to add another saying to the list: If you want to know how your groom will treat you in twenty years, watch how he treats his mother. We're thinking that in another twenty years, this man's bride will still be glad she chose him!<br /><br />Thanks, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22553353@N00/">Tracie</a>, for sharing this picture with us.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;">If you'd like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into our group <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/aisledash/pool/">Flickr Pool</a>. <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;">We'll highlight one image every Monday. We're looking for brides and grooms and attendants and guests and cakes and shoes and anything else that was fabulous about your wedding day. Be sure to read the intro on the <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/aisledash/">main Flickr page</a> for more information, and please upload only photos for which you own the copyright.</span></span></span></span></em></div>
</div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2465127407_07ec72ff4b.jpg>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/image-of-the-week-mother-son-dance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1261245/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/21/image-of-the-week-mother-son-dance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>family-relationships</category><category>groomstuff</category><category>mother-son</category><category>mother-son-dance</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Biscuit bouquets for your table centrepiece</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/biscuit-bouquets-for-your-table-centrepiece/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/biscuit-bouquets-for-your-table-centrepiece/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/biscuit-bouquets-for-your-table-centrepiece/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a></p><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/1biccie.jpg" />There's nothing new about iced wedding biscuits and there's no doubt that they do make great wedding favors. But how about an iced biscuit bouquet? It's certainly a fun and quirky idea and while it isn't really suitable for a traditional and classic wedding (can you just <em>imagine</em> the bride swooshing down the aisle holding a bunch of biccies?) it could be quite a funky bouquet alternative for the offbeat bride in a fun and informal setting. Well, why not?<br /><br />Okay, maybe that is stretching the imagination just a tad but the idea of sending a bouquet of biscuits as a thank you gift is actually lovely. It's always nice to have a delicious biscuit with that mid-morning cup of coffee and how cool would it be to munch on a iced wedding-gown or shoe or top hat? Lots of fun, we think. Another good idea is to use them as funky table centrepieces, and they can do double duty as favors too.<br /><br />There are a number of companies that supply biscuit bouquets, ( a quick Internet search will bring up a good list) but we really like <a href="http://www.biccies.com/bouquets_wedding.html">these ones</a> from <a href="http://www.biccies.com">Biccies</a>. The biscuits are handmade, they look good, they taste good and at &pound;44.99 they're not too destructive to your bank account.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.biccies.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/biscuit-bouquets-for-your-table-centrepiece/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1260025/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/biscuit-bouquets-for-your-table-centrepiece/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>biccies</category><category>biscuit-bouquets</category><category>cookie-bouquets</category><category>gifts</category><category>wedding-cookies</category><dc:creator>Wendy Davidson</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Could you cater your own wedding?</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/budget-advice/" rel="tag">Budget Advice</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1019418"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="150" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/buf5fet_variations.jpg"  alt="close-up of buffet" /></a>We confess to being just a little dubious about this. We can see the temptation, however. Receptions eat up (no pun intended) a huge percentage of your wedding costs. If you're working with a very tight budget, those costs may well be something you'd like to reduce. Is it realistic to self-cater?<br /><br />It would depend a lot on the size and formality of the wedding, of course.  Catering your own formal sit-down four-course banquet for 300 guests? We can't imagine how you'd manage that. A simple cold buffet for 30? That could be do-able.<br /><br />The trick is liable to be in spreading out the work. Most people have family or friends who love to cook. Maybe you could organize a reception pot-luck for your casual wedding. In that case, you're likely not going to be doing much of the food preparation yourselves, but instead be organizing the people who will be bringing the food. What do you think? Could the couple organize their own catering, or is this one wedding task that really should be left to the professionals?<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#poll16866">View Poll</a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.cheap-wedding-success.co.uk/wedding-catering-DIY.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256896/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/could-you-cater-your-own-wedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>buffet</category><category>catering</category><category>potluck</category><category>reception</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Very personal toasting glasses</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/keeping-the-memory/" rel="tag">Keeping the Memory</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://whirligig-gifts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=73&amp;products_id=363"><img width="186" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="270" border="0" align="right" alt="polka-dot champagne flute"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/multi-spots-and-stripes-champagne.jpg" /></a>If you'd like to create one-of-a-kind glasses for the two of you -- either wine glasses, champagne flutes, or even just simple water goblet -- it can be a simple project to take on. Some <a href="http://www.frugalbride.com/handpaintedglasses.html">glass paint and conditioner</a>, a brush or two, and the glass. If you're not the best artist in the world, a few hearts or just some swirls can create a very attractive effect. Remember, for an elegant effect, less is very often more, particularly on glass, where you can see the design from both sides, and it can easily get looking too busy.<br /><br />If you have a little more talent as a painter, you might want to get more adventurous. Check out the gallery for inspiration!<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/">Hand-painted Inspiration Gallery</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923616/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923614/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg3_thumbnail.png" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923613/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923612/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/hand-painted-inspiration-gallery/923611/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/hpg6_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.frugalbride.com/handpaintedglasses.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256965/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/19/very-personal-toasting-glasses/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>champagne-flute</category><category>DIY</category><category>diy-wedding</category><category>glass-paint</category><category>painted-glass</category><category>personal-wine-glass</category><category>toasting-flute</category><category>water-goblet</category><category>wine-glass</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Make your own floating candles</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/pre-ceremony-parties/" rel="tag">Pre-Ceremony Parties</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/animals/unicorn/cookiecutter.htm"><img width="225" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="170" border="0" align="right" alt="unicorn cookie-cutter"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/unicookcut.jpg" /></a>You read our post about the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/">floating candle centerpieces</a>, and you really want to make them for your reception.  Thing is, you want something unusual, let's say, oh ... unicorn candles! Yes, unicorn candles to go with your fairy-tale theme. Sadly, you just can't find them anywhere.<br /><br />There might be a solution. Instead of hunting in candle stores, try cooking supply stores. If you can find a <a href="http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/animals/unicorn/cookiecutter.htm">cookie-cutter</a> in the shape you're after, you're all set, because you can actually make candles from cookie cutters. You'll need the cutter, of course, some modelling clay, wicks and wax. If you're adding scent or color, you'll need those, too.<br /><br />For complete how-to details, head over to <a href="http://www.allfreecrafts.com/candles/cookie-cutter-floating-candles.shtml">All Free Crafts</a> and follow the instructions. As long as you're appropriately careful when working with hot wax, you can easily create one-of-a-kind candles for those centerpieces!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.allfreecrafts.com/candles/cookie-cutter-floating-candles.shtml>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256944/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/make-your-own-floating-candles/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>candle-mold</category><category>cookie-cutter</category><category>cookie-cutter-candles</category><category>DIY</category><category>DIY-wedding</category><category>floating-candles</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Floating candle centerpiece</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/241223"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="149" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/floa6ting_candles_2.jpg"  alt="floating candles" /></a>Floating candles are an ideal way to create a peaceful, romantic atmosphere at your reception. They are one of the simplest centerpieces to make, too. Simply choose an attractive receptacle -- a wide, shallow clear glass bowl works very well. Fill it with an inch or three of water, place the candles on the surface, and light them. Done! <br /><br />There are many easy ways to add a little flare to this basic idea. You might choose to put some pretty river pebbles or glass beads on the bottom of the bowl, or float flower petals or metallic (inflammable) confetti on the surface of the water. Perhaps you could even add a few drops of food coloring to the water to create a glowing basin of color.<br /><br />Choose candles that match your color and/or theme. Wax floats, so any candle that is wider at the top than the bottom will work.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.marthastewart.com/article/light-up-a-table-with-floating-candles>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1256932/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/18/floating-candle-centerpiece/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>centerpiece</category><category>centrepiece</category><category>floating-candles</category><category>water-centerpiece</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise: DIY fruit centerpieces</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/weddingwise-diy-fruit-centerpieces/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/weddingwise-diy-fruit-centerpieces/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/weddingwise-diy-fruit-centerpieces/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="203" border="0" align="right"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/large_image.jpg" alt="" />Using fruit as your centerpiece is an easy way to add a dose of rustic chic to your table settings - in addition, arranging fruit in square glass vases will dress up even the most inexpensive flowers.<br /><br />We recommend using fruit that will hold up well over time - citrus is a good bet (in fact you should check out<a href="http://www.beachweddingsbytheknot.com/odb/themes/beachweddings/detailview.aspx?type=3&amp;id=14292&amp;MsdVisit=1"> this citrus-themed wedding</a> at The Knot, it's just beautiful!) - but really, use your imagination and don't skimp on quantity. More is better!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com/fruit-wedding-centerpiece.html">Do it Yourself Weddings</a> has some clever ideas for you - we like using limes because they're green and will camouflage the stems very nicely.<br /><br />Tie it all with some raffia or pretty ribbon and - voila! You've got centerpieces!<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/weddingwise-diy-fruit-centerpieces/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1249120/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/16/weddingwise-diy-fruit-centerpieces/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>centerpieces</category><category>citrus</category><category>flowers</category><category>table-settings</category><category>wedding-wise</category><category>weddingwise</category><dc:creator>Roxanna Sarmiento</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Iced branches for a winter wedding</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/iced-branches-for-a-winter-wedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/iced-branches-for-a-winter-wedding/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/iced-branches-for-a-winter-wedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/pre-ceremony-parties/" rel="tag">Pre-Ceremony Parties</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/ceremonies/" rel="tag">Ceremonies</a></p><img width="225" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="208" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/icedbranches.jpg" alt="iced branches" />Imagine yourself walking down this aisle for your winter wedding. Wouldn't you feel like you were taking a romantic walk through an ice-coated forest? The pale branches glitter with what looks like ice crystals, or even glass, but is in fact <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/covafidibyga.html">plastic</a> -- it will last longer than ice, and cost a whole lot less than crystal!<br /><br />Given that each branch is coated in the plastic ice crystals, you might fear this would be a very time-consuming and fiddly craft. In fact, assuming you don't paint the branches, each one probably takes no more than 10 minutes to assemble, and is done when the glue dries in an hour! If you wanted to paint the branches to match your color scheme, this would become a two-stage craft: first the painting and then drying, and then, likely the next day, the glue and crystals.<br /><br />For more samples of plastic crystal crafts, and full instructions on this craft, check out <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/icedbranches.html">Save-On Crafts</a>.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.save-on-crafts.com/icedbranches.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/iced-branches-for-a-winter-wedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1254912/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/iced-branches-for-a-winter-wedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>church-decoration</category><category>craft-crystal</category><category>crafts</category><category>DIY</category><category>ice-branches</category><category>ice-crystal</category><category>winter-wedding</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Decorating with light: Centerpieces that glow</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/decorating-with-light-centerpieces-that-glow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/decorating-with-light-centerpieces-that-glow/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/decorating-with-light-centerpieces-that-glow/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/pre-ceremony-parties/" rel="tag">Pre-Ceremony Parties</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/partyideas.html"><img width="400" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="490" border="0" alt="glowing martini glass centerpieces"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/glowingcenterpieces.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
<br />Light creates mood. Brilliant daylight bouncing off crystal wine glasses raises the spirits. Candles create a romantic mood. Too little light is somber. The lighting you choose at your ceremony and your reception will do a lot to create the mood you want for your event, whether that be playful, reverent, romantic, or something else entirely.<br /><br />Save-On Crafts has an interesting page of ideas. Whether you want the tall and feathery centerpieces shown above, or the more subtle immersible LED ice cube, or the funky glow necklaces, there's an arrangement that uses it. You can make them as shown, or use the ideas as a springboard for your own creativity. (And of course, SaveOn Crafts can provide all of the necessary bits and pieces to enable you to make them yourself!)<br /><br /><em>For more information and a wide range of other delightful centerpiece ideas, check out <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/partyideas.html">SaveOn Crafts</a>.</em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.save-on-crafts.com/partyideas.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/decorating-with-light-centerpieces-that-glow/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1254897/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/15/decorating-with-light-centerpieces-that-glow/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>centerpiece</category><category>DIY</category><category>DIY-wedding</category><category>LED</category><category>LED-centerpieces</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Reception centerpiece takes the (cup)cake!</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/reception-centerpiece-takes-the-cup-cake/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/reception-centerpiece-takes-the-cup-cake/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/reception-centerpiece-takes-the-cup-cake/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/cakes-and-catering/" rel="tag">Cakes and Catering</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/do-it-yourself/" rel="tag">Do-It-Yourself</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=255004.0"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/cupcake47tree.jpg" alt="large cupcake stand" /></a><br /></div>
<br />We've talked about the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/17/cupcakes-take-the-cake/">wedding cupcake</a> as an option to the traditional wedding cake before. We've even shown you some nice <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/02/cake-alternative-fancy-cupcakes/">cupcake cups</a> to <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/28/hearts-a-whirl-cupcake-favors/">hold them beautifully</a>. But what do you do with 300 cupcakes when you can't find a cupcake stand that will hold more than sixty?<br /><br />Well, you can buy or rent five cupcake stands, obviously. This will certainly help prevent congestion around the cake table. You could instead simply have the cupcakes distributed to the tables direct from the kitchen. Or you could take the route chosen by one enterprising bride, and create a cupcake tree of more than life-size dimensions!<br /><br />This amazing tree is well over six feet (2 m) tall. The tiers are made from fiberboard, the dividers between from Styrofoam cake forms. A curtain rod runs up the middle to hold it all together, and the entire tree is set upon a Christmas tree stand. For more details and pictures, check out <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=255004.0">the post on Craftster</a>.<br /><br />via: <a href="http://www.diylife.com/2008/07/11/cupcake-tree-for-your-wedding/">DIYLife</a><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=255004.0>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/reception-centerpiece-takes-the-cup-cake/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1252983/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/reception-centerpiece-takes-the-cup-cake/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cupcake-display</category><category>cupcake-tree</category><category>cupcake-wedding-cake</category><category>cupcakes</category><category>DIY-wedding</category><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>WeddingWise: Band vs DJ</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/weddingwise-band-vs-dj/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/weddingwise-band-vs-dj/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/weddingwise-band-vs-dj/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/music-and-entertainment/" rel="tag">Music and Entertainment</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/brass_big_band.jpg" />Of course you want to have music at your reception. Who doesn't? The biggest question is whether you want to have a live band, or a DJ. Which will it be?<br /><br />A live band is great. It can provide a sophisticated, upscale feel at your reception. Who doesn't love a live band? But be careful. Ask yourself the following:<br />
<ul>
    <li>Do they play the type of music you and your guests will like? </li>
    <li>Do they have a large enough repertoire to satisfy you and your guests?</li>
    <li>Is your reception venue big enough to accommodate a band?</li>
    <li>Will a band fit your budget?</li>
</ul>
A DJ can provide great entertainment, too. And with the right DJ, you'll have a wider range of music than with a band. Can a band go from country to funk to soul, if that's what you want? A DJ can. But before you decide, think about these things:<br />
<ul>
    <li>Do you want a DJ who just plays music and that's it, or do you want a "personality" to entertain the guests?</li>
    <li>Will a DJ play the music you want, or just what he likes?</li>
    <li>Will a DJ fit your budget?</li>
    <li>If you tell her NOT to play the chicken dance, will she listen?</li>
</ul>
There is no wrong choice when it comes to a band vs. a DJ. It just comes down to what works for you.<br /><br />Image: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/hoteltangerina/2433091171/">tanjazz</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>)<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/weddingwise-band-vs-dj/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1253837/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/13/weddingwise-band-vs-dj/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Becky Scott</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Show your love: Gel vases</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/12/show-your-love-gel-vases/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/12/show-your-love-gel-vases/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/12/show-your-love-gel-vases/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/flowers/" rel="tag">Flowers</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a></p><a href="http://www.wrapables.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=A52706&amp;cate3=050107"><img width="200" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="248" border="0" align="right" alt="heart-shaped gel vases"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/windowhearts.jpg" /></a>A quick and easy way to add color to your venue, these gel hearts can be attached to glass, plastic or metal. They don't adhere so well to paint, so you probably can't use them on the walls -- not if you don't want your heart and flowers suddenly plunging to the floor! However, on a mirror, or a glass door, the window behind the head table?<br /><br />Because they're gel, they're re-usable, too. If you don't want two dozen of these for yourself, perhaps you can give them to your bridesmaids and flower girl, or offer them to any guests who have been particularly helpful.<br /><br /><em>You can find more information on the <a href="http://www.wrapables.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=A52706&amp;cate3=050107">Love Vase Gel Gem at Wrapables.com</a>. </em><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.wrapables.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=A52706&amp;cate3=050107>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/12/show-your-love-gel-vases/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1253090/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/12/show-your-love-gel-vases/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Ilona Peltz</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Beautiful handblown glassware</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/beautiful-handblown-glassware/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/beautiful-handblown-glassware/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/beautiful-handblown-glassware/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/gifts-and-registries/" rel="tag">Gifts and Registries</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/green-weddings/" rel="tag">Green Weddings</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/clr_rim3.jpg" />When you pick out your wedding china, are you looking for something classic?  Something elegant and fancy, or something funky and different?  If you tend toward the funky, you'll love <a href="http://www.oriontrading.com/glass/glass_cobalt.html">Orion Glassware Collection's handblown Mexican glassware</a>. <br />Whether you're looking for glasses for your wedding registry, or to use for your rehearsal, reception, or bridal showers, you should definitely have a look at these glasses.  They are made from recycled soda bottles, so they're eco-friendly as well as beautiful.  <br /><br />Each glass is handblown, so no two are exactly alike, and they come in several colors, so you can select the color that best matches your wedding or home decor.  Flip through the gallery below for some examples of these artistic pieces.  To order, visit <a href="http://www.oriontrading.com/glass/glass_cobalt.html">this page</a>.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/">Handblown Mexican Glassware</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/906922/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/coblt2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Cobalt Glassware" title="Cobalt Glassware" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/906926/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/swirl1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Margarita or Martini Glasses" title="Margarita or Martini Glasses" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/906925/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/margta3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="More Margarita Style" title="More Margarita Style" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/906920/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/clr_rim2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Various Sizes" title="Various Sizes" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/handblown-mexican-glassware/906919/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/clr_rim1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Red Rims" title="Red Rims" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.oriontrading.com/glass/glass_cobalt.html>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/beautiful-handblown-glassware/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1248916/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/beautiful-handblown-glassware/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>cobalt</category><category>cream</category><category>creamnavygold</category><category>dishes</category><category>glasses</category><category>glassware</category><category>gold</category><category>green</category><category>hand-blown</category><category>handblown</category><category>mexican</category><category>navy</category><category>receptions</category><category>recycled-glass</category><category>wedding-gifts</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Signature wedding cocktails by SKYY vodka</title><link>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/signature-wedding-cocktails-by-skyy-vodka/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/signature-wedding-cocktails-by-skyy-vodka/</guid><comments>http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/signature-wedding-cocktails-by-skyy-vodka/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/receptions/" rel="tag">Receptions</a>, <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/category/favor-file/" rel="tag">Favors</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-proposalsmall.jpg" alt="" />When selecting all the personal touches for your wedding and reception, don't forget the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2007/10/10/the-signature-drink-raising-the-bar/">signature cocktails</a>. You can pick your favorite drink to serve, create something of your own, or give your cocktails personalized names with memories from your relationship. <br /><br />As a sweet favor, you can even send your guests home with the <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/08/offering-a-signature-cocktail-send-guests-home-with-the-recipe/">drink recipes on special coasters</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.skyy.com/"><br />SKYY Vodka</a> has created five great wedding recipes with great wedding names, like SKYY Wedding Bliss:<br />2 oz SKYY Vodka<br /> &amp;frac34; oz Cinzano vermouth<br /> Lavender simple syrup<br /> Vanilla bean<br /> Chop a half vanilla bean in small pieces width-wise and place in a cocktail shaker. Add lavender syrup and muddle the vanilla bean, crushing the vanilla bean. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, add SKYY Vodka and Cinzano. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with fresh flower and vanilla bean.<br /> <br />View the gallery for more signature cocktails and recipes.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/">SKYY Vodka Signature Wedding Cocktails</a></strong></p><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/906959/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-blushing-bride_thumbnail.jpg" alt="SKYY Blushing Bride" title="SKYY Blushing Bride" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/906960/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-cocktails_thumbnail.jpg" alt="SKYY Wedding Bliss" title="SKYY Wedding Bliss" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/906961/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-father-of-the-bride_thumbnail.jpg" alt="SKYY Father of the Bride" title="SKYY Father of the Bride" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/906962/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-made-with-honor_thumbnail.jpg" alt="SKYY Made With Honor" title="SKYY Made With Honor" /></a><a href="http://".$GLOBALS["HTTP_HOST"]."/photos/skyy-vodka-signature-wedding-cocktails/906963/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aisledash.com/media/2008/07/skyy-proposal_thumbnail.jpg" alt="SKYY Proposal" title="SKYY Proposal" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href=http://www.skyy.com/>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/signature-wedding-cocktails-by-skyy-vodka/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/forward/1248865/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.aisledash.com/2008/07/09/signature-wedding-cocktails-by-skyy-vodka/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>alcohol</category><category>cocktails</category><category>personalized-cocktails</category><category>reception</category><category>receptions</category><category>signature-cocktails</category><category>signature-drinks</category><category>skyy-vodka</category><dc:creator>Meg Massie</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>