Stay Tuned...

 

We are thrilled to announce new and exciting things coming your way!  Please be on the lookout for brand new happenings here at RTA in the next couple of weeks ;)

 

 

Table Numbers

If you decide to have a seating chart for your wedding reception, you will need to find a ways to label each table. One of the best parts about planning your big day is adding your personal touch to your wedding reception table numbers. Creative designs offer a great way to reflect who you are as a couple and highlight your wedding theme. Whether you are modern, classic, fun or quirky, there are lots of different ways you can take your table numbers from simple to fabulous.

Although numbers are the classic choice, you don’t have to settle for a simple white card with a number on it! There are many great choices out there. Here are just a few fun ideas I found for a more distinctive and creative way to direct guests to their tables.

Recently, brides are skipping the table numbers altogether and giving each table a name! The options are endless. Here are some ideas to jump-start your own creativity:

-          board games

-          books

-          famous couples

-          movie stars

-          movies

-          favorite countries visited throughout the world

-          famous landmarks around the world

-          types of flowers

-          types of wines

-          car brands

-          natural elements like stone, water, wood, fire, etc

-          cartoon characters and superheros

-          languages

-          musical instruments

-          sports

-          sports teams

-          desserts

-          types of cuisine

-          TV shows

-          cocktails

-          craft beers

-          types of candies

-          time periods and eras

-          favorite restaurants

-          card games

One more option:

Ask your photographer to take a few photos of you holding up numbers during your engagement session. If you are using your engagements pics for “Save the Date” cards of other wedding related correspondence, this will ensure a consistent look, as all the photos will be taken on the same day.

Trend Alert: Metallic Wedding Cakes

Metallic trends are really hot right now in the wedding world. From adding these type of accents onto bridal fashion to having them on tables in the décor details these accents are popping up all over the place. One big way metallic is making a splash is on the wedding cake. You can tone it down with a few accents here and there or go with an overall metallic cake and really turn heads. Whatever you chose will make your cake the perfect accessory to your celebration. Here are some examples:

 

Baraat ideas... One horse or Six hundred horses

The traditional Indian wedding establishes a bond between two families and their cultures. The marriage ceremony is a series of colorful event spread over two to three days. One of the important and fun ceremonies is the arrival of the groom (known as Baraat) on the day of the wedding. A Baraat is a huge parade of family and friends of the groom, dancing their way to the ceremony site. This is the grooms chance to make a grand entrance with his friends and relatives, who are called the “baraatis”.

I have seen a groom enter on a horse, an elephant and even a Ferrari. A baraat is generally for about 30 minutes, during which the friends and family members dance around the groom. They usually have a Dj and Dhol player to add to the mood.

Traditionally, the Groom’s entrance is on a beautifully decorated White horse. Recently grooms are opting for different entrance options to really impress and the limitation is their imagination (And maybe rules of your Venue!)

Baraat options we have recently discussed with our clients are:

Tampa Trolleys, car, yacht, speed boat, jet ski, helicopter, elephants and convertibles.

Some additional baraat tips:

·         For an evening baraat fireworks are a beautiful addition

·         Have guests throw flower petals which will look gorgeous in photos

·         Serve light refreshments of cold beverages to guests, especially if it is taking place outside during summer

·         Consider giving matching safas or scarves to the male guests to wear. This could become favors after the procession.

Escort card ideas

Indian Themed escort cards

Escort cards come in many different styles.  There are many to choose from.  When choosing these for your big day it’s important to take into consideration what your theme or colors are for the event.  If you can’t find one that goes with your theme or colors try getting an elephant style like the ones below.  Elephants symbolize good luck and are a great way to say thank you.

Here are some examples of Indian themed escort cards that we love...

 

3 Budget Wedding Tips for a Fall Wedding

One of the best ways to stick to your budget wedding plans is to plan a wedding in the fall or winter, when fewer couples are tying the knot. Many experts agree that choosing to get married in the off season is an excellent way to save money. So after you order your affordable wedding rings online, pop the question, and start thinking about budget wedding ideas for a fall celebration.

                                     

Here are 3 fall budget wedding tips:

1. Decorations

Instead of shelling out a lot of money to the florist, consider using seasonal flowers and foliage as decorations at your fall wedding. Ask your favorite local florist if you can pay a small fee to rent potted seasonal flowers, such as mums, to decorate your ceremony or reception venues. Choose a flower color that will coordinate with your bridesmaid dresses. Or purchase inexpensive glass vases for each table at the reception, and fill the vases with small branches of colorful fall leaves and grasses collected by friends and family. Better yet, choose an outdoor venue and let the beauty of the natural world serve as your free decorations.

2. Food

Work with your caterer to create a budget wedding menu that includes fruits and vegetables that are in season. This choice is better for the environment and may also save you a fair amount of money by selecting produce that is plentiful and available at this time of year. Butternut squash, pears, and tangerines are just some of the bounty of the fall harvest. Butternut squash bisque, a mixed greens salad with tangerine dressing, and pear tartlets all sound delicious and seasonally appropriate for a fall wedding.

3. Attire

If you get married in the fall, you may benefit from bridal stores attempting to mark down the wedding gowns they still have in stock after the spring and summer wedding seasons. If you are having an indoor wedding, then a sleeveless wedding gown will still serve you well for a fall wedding. If you are planning an outdoor celebration, then you may wish to find a coordinating lacy shawl or elegant shrug to stay warm. If you find a more elaborate shawl, then it would likely be best to opt for a very simple gown. 

Getting ready for your Big Day!!

Every bride wants to look her best for her big day.  Here are some great workout moves to do to get you in perfect shape.   

1.       For a sleek, smooth torso try these moves:

·         The Twist

a.       Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Imagine holding a ball in between your thighs. Squeeze your thigh muscles, then pull in your belly and tuck it under your pelvis (so you're in a slight sitting position). Lace your fingers together and place your hands behind your head.

b.      Keeping your chest high, slowly twist from side to side without moving your lower body, so that your upper body turns from facing left to facing right. Keep it slow -- you won't get the full benefit if you're relying on momentum. Repeat 40 times. Yep, you heard us right -- 40!

·         Standing Side Crunch

a.       Stand in the same position as you did for the twist, with your abs tucked in and your toes facing front (but drop the imaginary ball!).

b.      Lift your left knee toward your left arm bringing your elbow down to meet it. Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat it on the right and do a total of 20 repetitions on each side.

 

2.       To firm up that all-important rear view try these upper- and lower-back workouts

·         One-Arm Row

a.       Stand with your left side next to the front of a bench (or a coffee table, or a couch). Place your left foot and left hand on the bench, bending your right knee. Keeping your torso parallel to the ground, grasp a dumbbell with your right hand. Let your arm hang straight down with your palm facing your thigh.

b.      Slowly pull the dumbbell up and back until it's in line with your hip. You should feel a muscle contraction in your upper back (that means it's working!). Repeat 10 times, then switch sides.

·         Pullover

a.       Lie on the floor with your knees bent, hip-width apart, and feet planted. Grab a dumbbell with each hand and extend your arms up over your body, so that your arms make a 90-degree angle with your torso.

b.      Keeping your elbows slightly bent, slowly lower the dumbbell back behind your head as far as you can; you should feel a stretch in your back muscles. Next, lift the dumbbell back into the starting position above your body, squeezing your back muscles as you go up. Do 10 repetitions per set. 

3.       If you want toned triceps and biceps, try these moves.

·         Bicep Curls

a.       Standing with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, pull your tummy in and tuck your pelvis under. Hold a heavier pair of dumbbells down at your sides with your palms facing front.

b.      Keeping your elbows at your sides, slowly curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Reverse direction and lower the dumbbells into starting position -- avoid locking your elbows. Do 10 repetitions per set. Slow and steady wins the race here -- you'll get a bigger benefit from the exercise if you use concentrated, controlled movements. If you feel like you're whipping the weights around to get them up, your dumbbells are too heavy. Downgrade to a smaller weight so you can move more comfortably.

·         Tricep Dips

a.       Sit normally on a sturdy, non wheeled chair. Place your hands on the front edge of the seat (fingertips facing front) and your feet on the floor, hip-width apart and a little bit ahead of you. Slowly slide your bottom off the seat of the chair, keeping your hands where there are.

b.      Keeping your arms close to your body, bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, allowing your rear end to descend past the edge of the chair. Using your arms to lift you, reverse direction and push yourself back up to the point at which your arms are straight. Work up to 15 dips per set. 

Working out and eating right go hand in hand when trying to look your best.  Make sure you also follow the below steps to get the maximum benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

1.       Get plenty of sleep.

2.       Make sure that you're feeding your whole body -- mind, spirit, and soul

3.       Drink plenty of water.

4.       Do things that you enjoy with your body -- walk, bike, dance, make love, hang with friends.

5.       Happily and guiltlessly indulge now and then.