Wedding Songs Guy - Wedding Dresses, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Songs & More

Top Your Wedding Cake With Style

2010-01-05T12:32:00.000-06:00

Top Your Wedding Cake With Style
By Vincent O'Neil

You can add a touch of elegance or even unique style for the top of your wedding cake. Traditionally most brides chose to use the bride and groom formal wedding cake topper or even a fresh array of flowers made by their florist. The beautiful bride and groom topper made from fine china or porcelain was the standard. Ornate and often surrounded by fresh flowers and greens, it made for a great keepsake.

In recent times, brides and grooms have looked outside of the box and have begun to personalize their wedding cakes. Monogram wedding toppers have experienced much growth as a topper. Made from gold platter or sterling silver, these initials of the bride and groom are on long picks to push into the top of the cake. A variety of fonts are available. The script lettering adds a clean and crisp design to the cake, making a simple but classy statement. The initials can also have crystals and gems to enhance the look. Brides are using just the last name initial or the initials of their first names with the last name initial larger.

You can also get the monogram cake topper done in acrylic. You can choose from round, square, heart shaped and other shapes. Adding greenery and simple flowers to this design makes for a special topper.

If you are looking for a more unique topper, you can have one custom designed for you. Many brides and grooms have hobbies or interests that are special to them and they wish to show off their interests through the topper. There are companies that specialize in unique, custom designed toppers. Some companies are able to create a bride and groom topper to look like the bride and groom. Working from a photo provided, they are able to match gowns, faces and formal wear.

You can also have a lot of fun with a wedding topper. Companies specializing in toppers can create the bride and groom playing tennis, or riding horses, playing golf or even surfing. Basing the design on the interests of the bride and groom and making the figures to match their photos create a long lasting and memorable topper. These allow the bride and groom to design their own topper and to have fun doing it.

The price range for monogram cake toppers varies based on the materials used. You can purchase them for around $15.00 for plated initials and up over $100.00 for sterling silver or gold. The custom designed toppers are reasonably priced from $68.00 and up, depending on the selection and amount of detail. It is refreshing to see toppers evolve into a much less stiff and traditional look. Wedding cake toppers have certainly gained a new look and personality. Take a look on line to see the many wedding cake toppers available to buy.

If you are looking to find out more information about a wedding cakes site you may want to try and search for keywords like Wedding Cakes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_O'Neil

Wedding Cufflinks - A Great Gift

2010-01-05T12:31:00.000-06:00

Wedding Cufflinks - A Great Gift
By Gary Trotter Gary Trotter

So much attention is focused on the bride's wedding dress that it is all too easy to forget about what the male members of the wedding group might be wearing. As with all these things it is the small details that make all the difference. Men's clothing can be slightly uninspiring so why not jazz up your outfits by utilising a set of wedding cufflinks?

Cufflinks are available in a wide variety of styles some including diamantes or other sparkly stones. Many are often personalised with the position held by the owner on the wedding day, i.e. groom, best man, usher etc. An alternative form of personalisation is to include the owners initial or name engraved on the cufflinks or the accompanying box.

Securing a set of men's cufflinks has a number of advantages:

The cufflinks will help to unify the clothing of the entire wedding party. Cufflinks can be purchased for the groom, best man, father of the bride, groom's father, ushers and even page boys. This wide variety of cufflinks make it possible to unify the entire male wedding party.
Wedding cufflinks are often personalised which means as well as being a great item to wear on the big day they form a lasting memento of the day.
They are a relatively inexpensive way of providing a great gift for all the male members of the wedding party.

So go on, why not spoil your wedding party and buy a set of personalised wedding cufflinks. They will look great!

Gary Trotter runs Wedding Favours Online (http://www.wedding-favours-online.co.uk/) an online store selling wedding favours, wedding accessories and more. We also stock a range of wedding cufflinks for your wedding day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Trotter

Affordable Wedding Invitations - Stylish Ways to Save

2010-01-05T12:27:00.002-06:00

Affordable Wedding Invitations - Stylish Ways to Save
By Rose Watson

Flowers, and bridesmaids, and rings... oh my! While you've been fantasizing about your dream wedding since you were a girl in pigtails, you probably haven't been saving that long. The reality is that those princess dreams can be pricey. But affordable wedding invitations can help you hang onto your hard-earned cash. From the latest in web technology to traditional photo stationery, here are 5 ways to be a fabulous--but frugal--bride. For affordable invites, all you need is a little creativity as well as access to the right home computer equipment.

1. Do it yourself - You don't need flashy computers or professional printing presses to create affordable wedding invitations. You can design and print your invites at home using cardstock from a local or online craft store and a printer. Whether you print a simple text invitation or design your own photo wedding invites, DIY-ers will find it simple to save cash.

2. Email - While it's not exactly Emily Post, this is the ultimate in affordable invites. No printing. No mailing. That can mean a lot less fuss for busy brides. Email invites offer as much breadth of styles as the paper kind. You can send text only invites or create photo invitations. Online services offer invitation templates, making it easy to design a stylish invite. These companies also offer services such as RSVP tracking and RSVP reminders. There is a fee to use these sites, but it's still less expensive than traditional paper invites. Remember, some guests, like Great-auntie Hazel, might not be wired, so you'll still need to make sure they get the information another way.

3. Less can mean more - in your pocketbook, that is. You can also create affordable wedding invitations by being choosy about where you spend your money. For example, you might splurge on a stunning printed invite or professionally-designed photo invitations but choose to print the map cards on your home computer. Add style to these handmade pieces using crafting scissors to cut a scalloped edge on the edges of the paper for trim.

4. Downsize - Rather than investing in RSVP cards and return envelopes, consider using an RSVP postcard instead. Most wedding invitation specialists offer these postage-friendly items, but you can save money by printing them at home too. These postcards can be done in a variety of styles to suit any wedding theme. For a fun touch you may also want to add a picture of yourself and your future spouse--similar to the photo wedding invites that are increasing in popularity.

5. Be savvy - Even big-city fashionistas are frugal these days, so don't be afraid to shop around to get the best deals on invites. For example, one company might charge a fee to add images to photo invitations, while another firm might waive those charges. Keep an eye out for stylish close-outs for which there might be a discount.

Don't let a less-than-ideal budget frustrate your wedding plans. From photo invites to RSVP postcards, you have lots of options for affordable wedding invitations.

Rose Watson is a reviewer and commentator on wedding invitations sites. She is inspired to help you find the perfect wedding invitation. Go now to: http://www.allstyleweddinginvitations.com/ and discover recommendations and more information about designing and selecting your wedding invitations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Watson

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

2009-12-15T21:55:00.000-06:00

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

By Sidney Strachan

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?

The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.

Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.

What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?

There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.

Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon/travel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.

Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.

A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.

Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.

Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.

June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.

If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.

Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.

Your honey moon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.

TIPS

Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day:

Trim your guest list

Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception

Budget your honeymoon well

Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford

Research: at least 6 months in advance

Book in advance: try the internet

Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare

Shorten your vacation stay

Travel and wed in the off season

Go on a Cruise: They are usually all inclusive

Bahamas Aficionados publishes Bahamas vacations tips, a fresh and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people like YOU! If you're looking for the *best rated* Bahamas Vacation guide, the latest up to date information on the Bahamas and helpful support from an honest friend in the business come and grab a F-R-E-E subscription today at: http://www.rmsbahamas.com

email us at: rmsbahamas@msn.com

To post a comment on our website, click on intranet, log in as guest use the same password and post your comments.

About The Author

Sidney Strachan is a young entrepreneur. In 1998 he and Rudolph started resource Marketing Services a B2B service oriented company. He has written many articles and is presently about to release a book of poetry entitled On and On. His website is entitled Bahamas Aficionados. It is a site promoting vacations in the Bahamas while providing services for the pleasure or business vacationers. Services include organizing and arranging Bahamian weddings, specialty tours and seminars/conferences, providing business equipment for rental and many other business and vacation oriented services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_Strachan

Family Law

2009-12-15T21:52:00.000-06:00

Family Law
By Johnette Duff

A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one of every two marriages ends in divorce and the average length of a marriage before divorce is only five years. Many couples today chose cohabitation over traditional marriage. What happened to the idealized family depicted in Father Knows Best, Leave it To Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet?

No simple answer exists to this question: our intimate relationships have been affected by the industrialization of society, urbanization, continued changes in the traditional roles of the sexes and greater economic independence for women, a rise in the percentage of the population pursuing a college education, a lessening of social pressure against couples who cohabit, the recognition of legal rights for llegitimate children, a decreasing birth rate, improved birth control methods and a longer life expectancy. All these factors contribute to our alarming divorce rate.

Is it any wonder the state ( literally, the state you live in and as, generically, any form of government) must pass laws that affect our personal relationships as we struggle for answers?

You can take opposing views of the laws in our country. One argument is that they protect society and its members, but the flip side contends they are a means of oppression. The laws that impact our intimate relationships are not necessarily harmful or intrusive in and of themselves. However, forming a relationship without a working knowledge of these laws and without considering all the ramifications can lead to situations where the end result is both.

The state's role in romantic relationships has often been justified by “public policy” interests. The term “public policy,” though vague, is used to justify laws or actions that would injure the public welfare or be contrary to public decency, sound policy and good morals.

Understanding the necessity of laws that impact on our personal relationships starts with the recognition that our society is not the first to regulate love and the law. The efforts of governments throughout history to control the couplings of its citizens illustrates why and how our own laws were created and why and how, inevitably, they will adapt as society changes.

The one form of marriage permitted under our laws is the only option for couples who want a legal relationship. Happily, the single status is only a temporary situation for most Americans. Few will stop looking for love, trust, companionship and sexual and emotional fulfillment with another person. However, couples wanting to remarry, parents with ready-made families, couples over 65 looking for companionship without legal complications, all seek answers from the same legal relationship.

Although divorce laws have undergone radical changes in our lifetimes, the marriage laws have remained relatively static. Unfortunately, because couples considering marriage have many different needs, it is not uncommon for the laws that govern marriage to conflict with these needs. Too often, couples learn too late that financial penalties come attached to the marriage license. Marriage may be the only means of forming a legal and financial relationship under the law but, for many, legal marriage simply implies that they must suffer penalties to legalize their relationship.

As traditional marriage has proven less and less capable of living up to its potential in our society, alternatives such as unmarried cohabitation have arisen. The increase in couples who choose to cohabit can be traced to the fact that the marriage laws are not meeting the needs of these citizens in forming their personal relationships. Although there are a variety of reasons why couples choose to “just live together,” financial disadvantages are a major factor.

If you are previously married and considering a remarriage, you know that the older bride or groom has different needs than the young couple entering a first marriage. The responsibilities and obligations from prior marriages, particularly when children are involved, cannot be ignored. Men and women over fifty who have minor children fight the same uphill battle as younger couples do in defining and fulfilling their obligations of visitation, custody, support, and inheritance. These problems create stress for the old family, as well as the new, upon remarriage.

Even without children, it is possible that obligations to former spouses can impact a new marriage. Older couples must consider the potential loss of private pensions, alimony, social security benefits or tax advantages because of a remarriage. Also important is the issue of inheritance of assets that may have taken a lifetime to accumulate. Older couples may want to limit their financial obligations to each other in the areas of support, medical costs, insurance, and pension benefits.

If you are a refugee from the marital wars, you learned the hard way about precautions that could have been taken the first time and should be taken the next. The happily married couple doesn't need to learn from experience; they, too, can benefit from the information in this book. If you are one of the lucky couples who has beat the odds and stayed married, we want to show you how to continue to protect and preserve your relationship...and your money. Check out loveandthelaw.com to discover what you need to know about your relationship.

About The Author

Ms. Duff has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, in The Wall Street Journal, Self, New Woman, Smart Money and Modern Maturity and has been a guest on hundreds of radio talk shows.

johnetteduff@aol.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnette_Duff

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding

2009-12-01T22:18:00.000-06:00

Here is another great article. Always remember that the Wedding Songs Guy is here to help at http://www.weddingsongsguy.org/.

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding
By Warren Zielinski
Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine the ideal programme for your Wedding day. A String Quartet can provide music for every stage of your Wedding.

First of all, we have the Brides breakfast. If you are hiring the services of a String quartet for the whole day, you may be able to arrange for one or two of the players to come along for this early stage of the wedding at reasonable extra cost. A single string instrument, such as the cello, can provide gentle background music with Schubert's Ave Maria or the solo suites by Bach. It is considered good form to invite the musicians to have a meal with your guests, especially if there is a long interval between wedding stages.

Next follows the Prelude. This is the stage when your guests arrive at the actual venue where the ceremony will take place. This is often a different venue from where the Brides breakfast and / or Reception takes place. You should allow enough time for the musicians to arrive at the wedding venue before your guests! By this stage, the full quartet (all 4 players) will need to be on site for the main part of the ceremony, so it makes sense to take advantage of their presence and ask them to play for the Prelude as well. The Pachelbel Canon is an ideal piece of music for this purpose. As this stage is probably the longest (with exception of the reception), the quartet will need to have a substantial repertoire of peaceful arrival music in order to avoid repitition. Selections such as the Flower Duet from Delibe's Lakme and The Swan by Camille Saint-Saens are perennial favourites. A good string quartet will be aware of these requirements, and should be able to assure you that their repertoire is varied, extensive and appropriate. Allow up to 30 minutes for this stage.

Now comes the big moment of your Wedding day, the Processional (walking down the aisle!) This is when you'll be very pleased that you hired a String Quartet. The actual music for the infamous 'Here comes the bride' is the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner. If your prospective ensemble doesn't know this piece (and it's proper title), walk away! They most likely will of course. If you have your heart set on something else, you must make sure that the quartet either already has it in their repertoire, or has the resources to acquire it. More obscure musical requests may need to be written specially for quartet. Arrangements of most show tunes etc. should be within the grasp of the quartet musicians themselves. You should however, expect to pay an additional fee for this service. A good arrangement takes time.

The Signing of the register is the next stage of the Wedding which requires music. The Andante Cantabile by Tchaikovsky or Alexander Borodin's Quartet no.2 are both very appropriate for this stage of the wedding, as they are relaxing and soothing pieces of music. Bach's Air on the G string is also wonderfully effective. This allows everyone in the room to have a bit of a breather and will help to release any tension in the room! You should ensure that the quartet you have hired has the entire selection prepared, and not just excerpts, again to avoid endless repetition of 'the famous bits'.

That's it, you've done it, you're married! All that's left for you to do is to walk back down the aisle, the Processional. Unless you have very strong feelings about an alternative piece of music, it is advisable to stick with the Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn. Everybody expects to hear it, it suits the occasion perfectly and is a fantastic piece of music perfectly matched to the sound of the String Quartet.

It's party time! The reception follows the processional, and often takes place at a different location from the wedding ceremony. In order to ensure that the musicians arrive before the guests, it is advisable that you allow them to leave the ceremony immediately following the conclusion of the processional. There is a huge amount of very good Quartet repertoire which is suitable for a Wedding reception. It would be possible to satisfy the needs of your reception with the music of Mozart alone! Of course, an experienced quartet should have a balanced repertoire. Even so, It is worth checking that the musicians have certain pieces in their arsenal. Make sure that they have on hand all the well-known baroque and classical masterpieces by Mozart, Haydn and Handel, some light music classics, jazz standards, show tunes and arrangements of other popular songs. You should expect to hear Ein Kleine Nachtmusic (a little night-music) by Mozart, Boccherini's Minuet and The ragtime music of Scott Joplin to name but a few.

About The Author

Warren Zielinski is a top Professional violinist and musician. As Chief co-creator of the comprehensive and useful musicians-anytime.co.uk website, Warren has an enviable reputation amongst live classical wedding music specialists in the UK and abroad. Musicians-anytime specialises in providing the best young professional string quartets and ensembles for all types of events, parties and ceremonies.

info@musicians-anitime.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Zielinski

When To Order and Send Your Wedding Invitations

2009-12-01T22:12:00.000-06:00

When To Order and Send Your Wedding Invitations
By Edna Renskers

Wedding Invitations should be ordered when you have all the details of your wedding set… place, time of ceremony and reception as well as your guest list. Plan to place your invitation order at least 3-4 months in advance, some companies may require 4-6 months. Especially, if you are ordering custom made invitations or handmade invitations and coordinating ensembles. Depending on the intricacy of your design and because they are not mass produced, but rather assembled one by one it can take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks for your order to arrive. Also consider the factor of the design process, possibility of errors, proofs and changes in your design.

Ideally invitations are sent 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding. It is best to send out-of-town guests their invitations 8 weeks in advance, as this will allow for making travel arrangements. Consider sending out-of-town guests save the
date cards earlier, with information on hotels, flights and car rental.

Keep in mind that you will need time to address your invitations, ask family and friends for help. While doing it yourself is the most cost effective way. There are other alternatives you may want to consider: the invitation comapny may provide this service for an additional fee or send the envelopes to a calligrapher. A fun alternative would be to learn calligraphy yourself, there are many books and materials readily available.

Even though selecting your invitations may seem like a daunting task with all the possibilities available, giving yourself enough time will prove beneficial and a money saver.

It is never too early to start shopping around!

Edna Renskers is a professional wedding stationery designer and owner of Edna's Sweet Announcements.

Handmade Wedding Stationery and More! http://www.ednassweetannouncements.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edna_Renskers

Organizing Your Wedding Invitations

2009-12-01T22:10:00.000-06:00

Organising Your Wedding Stationery

By Claire Bowes

Of all the things you need to do, buy and organize in preparation for your wedding, wedding stationery is something that must be planned ahead. After all, you need to let your guests know well in advance of your forthcoming big day. Your wedding invitation and accessories set the tone for your special day firmly establishing your style and taste. It is the first official message about your wedding that a guest will receive from you, so make it special. If wedding etiquette is important to you, then make a start with your wedding stationery.

The Use of the Internet

The Internet has opened up new avenues for anyone planning a wedding. All your research can literally be done online and this also applies to finding your stationery items. There are hundreds of online stationery and wedding related websites that display all types of wedding invitations and accessories for you to choose from. Today many brides do their wedding research online as you can become quickly informed of the latest trends and new products available. You can either buy your wedding stationery directly over the Internet, or collect ideas and samples and take these to your local stationery store to implement. Most online stores actually send you a sample in the post to let you look and feel the stationery items before you purchase them.

Custom Stationery

Every bride wants her wedding to be as unique as can be. A good place to start is with custom wedding stationery. The great advantage with custom stationery is that you can enter your own wording, select the typeface, text size and color. No matter what theme you have set for your wedding, you will surely be able to customize your stationery to compliment the tone. Wedding invitations and accessories can be bought in various styles such as classic, contemporary, floral, embossed, layered and religious.

On a Budget?

If you're on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home wedding invitations. Save money and impress your guests when you personalize and print your wedding invitations at home using free online services that are available from some major online stationery stores. You pay for the paper and envelopes and then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools, you'll be able to enter your text, tweak it, preview it, and print it. No mistakes, no hassles, no wasted cards - and its cheap!

Choose a Theme

The theme of your stationery should coincide with the overall theme of your wedding. For example, if you are having a garden wedding then you may choose to have a floral print on your stationery items. There are many accessory items available to help you tie your stationery in with the theme of your wedding. For example, ribbons, hearts, rings, white doves etc.. The same applies to the color of your invitations. This is normally decided upon by the color of your bridesmaids dresses.

Stationery Items

You would be surprised at how many wedding stationery items there are. While your wedding invitation is the most prominent item of stationery, you can find complimentary stationery accessories to match your wedding invitations:-

Wedding Invitations
Wedding Programs
Announcements
Engagement Announcements & Invitations
Save-the-Date Cards
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Bridal Shower Invitations
Wedding Accessories (menu cards, thank you notes etc..)

Plan Head

Your wedding invitation is the first official message about your wedding and your guests need to know about their invite in plenty of time. Here is a checklist to help you plan ahead and be organised:-

Double-check that the wording in your invitation is correct. Ask a friend or family member to also look through the invitation for you;
Order your invitations as soon as your date, time and place have been confirmed. Three to six months before the ceremony is what most expert planners suggest;
To calculate the number of invitations to order remember to count one invitation per single guest, couple and family;
After calculating the number of invitations add approximately 25 invitations to your order: 10-12 more for keepsakes, plus extras for the last-minute guests. Also, depending on how large your order is, add 25 to 50 additional envelopes in case of mistakes in addressing;
Most established wedding planners agree that you should plan to mail your invitations six weeks before the wedding. This gives the quest plenty of time to respond;
Make sure you have one completely assembled invitation weighed at the post office to determine the correct postage.

Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding and tell your guests what type of style and theme you have chosen for your wedding.

Summary

Don't underestimate the important of your wedding stationery. It sets the tone and style of your wedding and portrays the image you want to set. Wedding stationery should tie in with the overall theme of your wedding. Invitations and announcements can be bought on a budget by using specialty software to print from your PC.

Claire Bowes is a freelance write and owner of Online Wedding Planning Guide. Find our further information about Wedding Invitations

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Bowes

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

2009-11-26T19:24:00.000-06:00

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

By Claire Bowes
There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 - $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don't worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn't mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else's.

You just need a bit of guidance and a few tips to help you achieve the dream of your big day. Here are a few suggestions with tips on how to save on some of the more expensive aspects of a wedding.

Wedding Gowns

Do you really need a hand-made wedding dress with beads and diamantes? This is where the big cost is and there are several options in cutting the cost. Why not opt for a second-hand wedding dress? It's probably only been worn once anyway and you can get a once expensive dress for half the price. Consider buying an evening gown/cocktail dress from a department store or look into renting your wedding dress for the day.

The Reception

This is where the cost of a wedding can get out of hand. The wedding reception is normally the biggest expense, but one of the easiest to cut down on costs. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding, this is a lot. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum, do you really need to invite family members who you have never seen for years? Instead of a three-course meal why not opt for a hot and cold buffet (even cater for yourself)? Instead of holding the reception in an expensive hotel suite or wedding reception, why not consider having it at someone's home or a club, or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimal and only serve beer, wine and soft drinks.

Photography

The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony only and ask a family member or friend to take snap photos of the reception. Or you could go one step further and ask them to take the photographs for the whole day and not bother with the expense of a photographer at all.

Invitations / Stationery

If you're on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home stationery. There are many online stationer's that will offer this service free of charge. You pay for the paper and envelopes, then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print so as not to make any costly mistakes. Alternatively, you can buy software and do-it-yourself from your PC.

Miscellaneous

Flowers can be another great expense, but also an unnecessary one. Why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden (or a friends or relatives). Buy plain gold or white gold wedding bands as these are the cheapest. Get a friend to make your wedding cake for you and opt for a smaller tier cake and it doesn't have to be a fruit cake - try a sponge, chocolate or carrot cake! Make your favors and center-peices yourself. Accessories for these can be found at little outlet stores or online. Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative?

Summary

Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.

About The Author Claire Bowes is a freelance writer and owner of the Wedding Planning Online website where you will find further tips and tricks on planning your wedding day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Bowes

Wedding Shower Checklist

2009-11-26T19:19:00.000-06:00

A Wedding Shower Checklist

By Claire Bowes
Bridal showers are one of many pre-wedding parties and are great fun. They are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Not only that, but they are a good excuse for the bride to get together with her friends and family to play hilarious games and to enjoy the food and wine.

Did you know that a trend has started for 'couples showers'? This is sometimes termed as the 'Jack' and 'Jill' shower where you shower both the bride and groom with gifts and good wishes. Either way, if you are having a traditional shower party for just the bride, or decide to have a couples shower, then the planning and the checklist will invariably be the same.

Here is an outline of a wedding shower checklist to get you on your way to organising a great shower party.

Who should host the shower?

Traditionally the maid of honour tends to plan the shower party. But today, anything goes and it is perfectly acceptable for both family and friends to work together to organize, host and share the cost of the wedding shower. It doesn't really matter who actually hosts the party as long as it is planned well in advance and normally in consultation with the bride. If the shower is planned to be in someone's home, then it's always a good idea to choose the person with the largest home or garden.

When to have your party

Because of the busy schedule the bride and her family will have in the lead up to her wedding, it is best to hold the shower about four to six weeks before the wedding. A growing trend is that more wedding showers are no longer a surprise and statistics show that 4 out of 5 brides are employed, therefore it is necessary to include the bride in the planning when it comes to setting a date and time. A traditional 'girl-only' party could be a Sunday brunch, a midweek lunch or an afternoon tea garden party.

Couples showers are best held on a weekend day or evening. The majority of people tend to work between 9-5 Monday-Friday, therefore a weekend is a safe bet in that most of the couples' friends and relatives can attend. If you are having a shower party with work colleagues, then the ideal time would be in your lunch hour or straight after work.

Who to invite

Apart from your family members, the host should invite people you know well whether it be friends, relatives or work colleagues. You don't want to invite too many people, as a large group tends to split off in small separate groups. You want everyone to interact with each other and be a manageable size for everybody to play the hilarious shower games and not feel left out. Taking all this into consideration, a comfortable shower should involve about 10-20 people.

You don't necessarily need to buy expensive shower invitations. Another growing trend is that many brides are doing their wedding research on the Internet. The internet has opened up many 'cheaper' avenues and you can now get some great printable-wedding-shower-invitations. These invitations are customized with your own wording and design, and are printed directly from your own printer.

What's your Theme?

As with the actual wedding, it is wise to choose a theme before sending out the invitations. The theme can then be used throughout the shower and incorporated in with the invitations, decorations, favors and refreshments.

There are literally dozens of topics for a shower party theme. The most popular is the 'kitchen' theme as there are endless pieces of equipment and accessories you can buy for the kitchen. The host knows the bride well and will surely fit a theme around either what the bride and groom need, or their lifestyle. For example if the happy couple are both into health and fitness, then a fitness theme could be an option.

One good idea for a couples shower is a wine tasting theme. This is ideal for a Saturday night party and I am sure the men will enjoy this one and easily get into the swing of things!

Food, Favors and Games

Food: It depends on the theme and location for which type of food to prepare. For example, if you are holding a 'wine tasting theme', then a finger buffet with crackers, nuts and other nibbles goes down well with wine. If you are holding a garden shower party, consider light finger food - cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, mini-quiches, blueberry cream puffs, crab dip and a bacon, egg and cheese casserole and salads.

Favors: Some people choose not to give shower favors. It really depends on where you live and if it is a tradition in your area or not. If you do, you don't have to go overboard with favors if you want to keep the expense down. Give something small and useful like a scented candle. Most people like scented candles and they are practical. A potpourri satchel is another welcome and practical idea.

Games: Everyone should be included in the shower games. Shower party games are a great ice-breaker for people to get to know each other. Games can include bridal shower bingo as this is always a big hit as is 'what's in the bag (memory game). Trivia questions about the bride and groom or making a wedding dress with toilet paper are all fun games to be had.

Thank You Cards: Normally a simple 'thank-you' was enough, but today, with showers being larger and guests busier, a personal note is the only way to make sure that sincere appreciation is expressed.

Summary

Bridal showers are meant to be fun. They do need a lot of planning and organization in advance, but they are worth it. The bride and groom receive practical gifts for their home, and shower party's are a great excuse to get together with friends and family to have one whale of a time!

About The Author

Claire Bowes runs her own website Wedding Favors Ideas If you're planning a wedding, then get some ideas for Cheap Wedding Favors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Bowes

June Weddings

2009-11-26T19:04:00.000-06:00

June Weddings

By Gary E. Anderson

From the book Spider’s Big Catch

As June wraps its arms around us like the warm hug of a favorite aunt, I begin to think about weddings. I've been a musician for thirty years, and I've played at scores of weddings and receptions, sometimes more than once for the same person. It was a way to make a living—the money was good and there was usually decent food.

As a wedding soloist, I’d sit off to the side, watching brides in white dresses and grooms in rented tuxedos promise to love each other forever. But somehow, I couldn’t shake a sadness that always hung over me as I watched, knowing that one in every two marriages will fail.

I can’t explain it, but over the years, I developed an eye for knowing whether a couple was going to make it or not. There was just something about the way the bride and groom related to each other—the look in their eyes and their body language—that offered clues as to how their marriage was going to turn out.

Then one afternoon, while our band was playing for a large reception in a small town ballroom, I casually looked across the vast sea of people. My glance moved from table to table, until I saw the bride and groom, sitting alone in a corner. They were sitting in total ease, holding hands, saying nothing.

Her flowing white dress and his tuxedo seemed out of place, but their happiness and comfort with each other was totally apparent. There was no question that those two people belonged together. They would’ve been sitting there in those same two chairs, still holding hands in exactly the same way, if they’d been wearing blue jeans and overalls at someone else’s reception.

They were at a party, to be sure—a big, loud party. But the party was really for the benefit of everyone else in attendance. They were totally comfortable just sitting in their corner, out of the limelight, watching the people they loved having a good time.

As cynical as I’d become over the years, something struck me at that moment as I watched that couple. I realized that weddings actually represent the triumph of the human spirit. Every marriage is a public statement by two people, letting the whole world know that together, they choose to believe that their union will be the one-in-two that lasts.

When thought of in that way, every wedding really symbolizes a victory of hope—in the face of all odds. Sure, it’ll take all their courage and strength to succeed, but no matter what, couples continue to try.

They know the statistics are against them—but they look straight into the eyes of the odds makers and say, “So what?”

And why not? Throughout history, people have staked their fortunes, and sometimes their very lives, on less than a 50-50 chance.

Maybe that’s why we hold so many weddings in the month of June. It’s a month that can be unpredictable—full of warmth and promise one minute, and then suddenly becoming stormy and filled with uncertainty.

As for me, since seeing that couple, holding hands at their reception, I’ve begun singing my wedding solos with a renewed hope—embodied by two people at the altar, vowing to face their future together, in spite of overwhelming odds.

© 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Gary Anderson is a freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter, and manuscript analyst, living on a small Iowa farm. He’s published more than 500 articles and four books. He’s also ghosted a dozen books, edited more than 30 full-length manuscripts, produced seven newsletters, and has done more than 800 manuscript reviews for various publishers around the nation. If you need writing or editing help, visit Gary’s website at http://www.abciowa.com. abciowa@alpinecom.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_E._Anderson

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

2009-11-23T13:14:00.000-06:00

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

By Claire Bowes

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and are getting married. What a wonderful time in your life - full of promise, hope, and happiness. Can you think of a better way to express these emotions than through flowers? A wedding would just not be the same without wedding flowers.

The Tradition of Wedding Flowers

Carrying flowers by the bride is not something new; it actually has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were used to keep away evil spirits during the wedding celebration. Later, during the Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility. Eventually, flowers were given different meanings and used as a way of sending "love notes" in the form of bouquets. Soon, the tradition of the meaning of each flower trickled down and was adopted for the bride's bouquet.

By tradition, the groom wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his buttonhole. This custom originates from the Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady's colors as a declaration of love.

So it seems that a wedding without flowers is like, well, it's like a garden without flowers!

So Many Choices

Have you ever considered how many different kinds of flowers there are? Hundreds of beautiful blooms are available to create the romantic elegance your wedding deserves. You may even feel like author Phoebe Cary, who said, "I know not which I love the most, Nor which the comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or the royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or the faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head." So, how do you choose?

One way is to consider the different meanings of the flowers and create a bouquet that is not only beautiful to the eye, but also meaningful to the heart. Another way is to consider the time of year. Many flowers are more common during one season than another, so finding off-season flowers may be difficult!

Based on tradition, here are some of the more popular wedding bouquet flowers and what they mean, along with when they are in season:

Red Rose - Love, All Year
White Rose - Unity, All Year
Yellow Rose - Joy, All Year
Orange Rose - Passion, All Year
Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness, All Year
Alstroemeria - Devotion, All Year
Baby's Breath - Innocence, All Year
Calla Lily - Magnificent Beauty, March through September
Carnation - Devoted Love, All Year
Daisy - Innocence & Romance, All Year
Ivy - Fidelity, Marriage, All Year
Lily Of The Valley - Happiness, March through September
Myrtle - Joy , All Year
Orchid - Love & Beauty, All Year
Stephanotis - Marital Happiness, All Year
Tulips - Love & Passion, January through April
Zinnia - Affection, All Year

The best way to get the right flowers is to choose the right florist and one of the best ways to find a good florist is by word of mouth. If the florist's service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Select a florist that listens to you and really grasps the look and feel you want. Be open to the florist's ideas and suggestions. In the long run, it will be the value of their experience, talent, and expertise that you have purchased.

Don't Forget the Flowers for the....

In addition to flowers for the wedding party and family members, you will need flowers for the church, arrangements for the reception tables, head table, and guest book table. You may even want flowers for the cake and a small bouquet for the ladies' room. To make sure you don't forget any of your floral needs, here is a list of possibilities:

Flowers for the Bridal Party
Bride's Bouquet
Maid/Matron of Honor
Mother of the Bride
Mother of the Groom
Bridesmaids
Flower Girl
Grandmothers
Groom
Best Man
Father of the Bride
Father of the Groom
Ushers
Ring Bearer
Grandfathers

Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony

Altar Arrangements
Aisle Markers
Candelabras
Aisle Runner
Canopy or Archway
Kneeling Bench

Flowers for the Reception

Bridal Table
Cake Table
Guest Table
Buffet Table
Bandstand
Gift Table
Guest Book Table
Bouquet to Throw

Fresh flowers underline the importance and elegance of your wedding day. They enhance any setting and can literally transform an average looking room into a beautiful scene. If you've planned well, your flowers will be exactly what you want, and you'll be free to focus on what your day is all about.

Claire Bowes runs her own website Wedding Favors Ideas If you're planning a wedding, then get some ideas for Cheap Wedding Favors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Bowes

Living in LOVE : Remembering Why You Married

2009-11-23T13:11:00.000-06:00

Living in LOVE : Remembering Why You Married
By Samantha Olea

The kids are yelling, the dog is barking, and you just found out that your spouse forgot to do the one thing that you needed them to do today…again! This scenario may sound typical for your family, or your scenario could be worse. Maybe you and your spouse are arguing more and more, and connecting less and less? You may have even asked yourself, “Is this marriage a mistake?”. Though you knew your life wouldn’t be like the Brady Bunch, you may find yourself surprised at just how much work a marriage can be – and its twice as hard if only one person is working at it.
If this is your situation, ask yourself why you married your spouse? I know it sounds silly, but really…why did you marry them? “Because we were in love”- well, that’s the easy answer-go deeper. See, life happens…kids are born, cars breakdown, jobs are lost, and through all of the ups and downs that are inevitable, its important that you remember why you married this person.

Reflect:

Think of the first time you saw your spouse. What is one thing that stood out to you about them?

Remember one time when you were sad, angry or disappointed and your spouse really came through for you. What happened? How did it make you feel?

What is one thing funny thing you know about your spouse that no one else knows?

Think back to your single life, before you met your spouse. What was it like? Now, really think – what is one small thing your spouse does to make you happy that you are here and not back there?

Remember a time when your spouse did something out of the ordinary and surprised you. What did that moment feel like?

Remember the first time you saw your spouse holding your child. How did that make you feel?

Remind:

In a quiet time when both you and your spouse are sitting together, bring up your first date. Bring up your happiest memories of this day.

Think of a funny story about when you first were married – good choices are dinners gone bad, ruined laundry, etc.

Talk about when you first became parents. What were your fears and hopes. Mention something positive about their parenting, and their connecting to your children.

Renew

If you eat dinner infront of the TV, stop. Gather together at the table with the TV’s off, so you can actually connect to your family rather than ‘veg out’.

Be nice. Okay, sometimes that’s easier said than done, but a little sweetness can go a long way. When you get up or go to another room, ask, “Can I get you anything?”

Be forgetful. Don’t remember every little thing your spouse has done that irritates you. Sometimes we hold on to the past because it feels familiar. Its not fair to hold the past against your spouse, and its not fair for them to do it to you. If they do, lead by example. Once they see you letting go of the past, they will also. As long as they know you are holding on to the past for future fight ammunition, they will do the same.

Touch. Place your hand on your spouse’s hand; lay your arm across their shoulders. An innocent touch can be just the softness and connection that your spouse is looking for.

Overlook. There is nothing gained by pointing out all of your spouse’s short comings, and when they have made a mistake don’t use it as an opportunity to put them down. Surprise them by ‘not noticing’ their mistake. No one likes to have their mistakes pointed out to them. We are all adults, and its likely that they are already aware of what they’ve done.

The point is, take some time to remember why you are in this marriage, take some self control and control your end of the marriage, and take the gloves off. Your spouse is not your enemy, and remember though children are the products of marriage, they are not the glue that holds a marriage together…love is.

Living in love with your spouse can sometimes be challenging, and that’s okay- that’s why the vows read for better, or for worse. With a little bit of effort on your part, and a partner that really loves you it is absolutely possible to live in love, and that is not only a great gift to yourself and your spouse. Living in love is a wonderful gift to your children.

About The Author

Samantha Olea is a designer, business woman, wife, and most of all Mother of 2! Samantha founded a free parenting resource at http://thebestmoms.com/ hoping to help every mom be the very best mom they can be! Samantha is also the owner of her own web design, graphic design, and hosting firm at : http://getwrappedup.com/ and AWU Gifts: http://gifts.getwrappedup.com/, where she helps Moms start their own business and work from their homes.
sam@thebestmoms.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Olea

10 Secrets to a Successful Stress-Free Wedding

2009-11-23T13:09:00.001-06:00

10 Secrets to a Successful Stress-Free Wedding
By Chuck Groot

Your wedding is supposed to be the most important day in a your life, and yet for many, just getting there in one piece is harder than fitting stilettos on an elephant. Why is it so difficult? The biggest problem is stress and how the interplay of all the different participants at your wedding adds or subtract from that stress. Here are some wedding ideas to have a truly successful and happy wedding.

Scientists use the term HOMEOSTASIS (homeo = the same; stasis = standing) to define the physiological limits within which the body functions efficiently and comfortably. Stress disturbs homeostasis by creating a state of imbalance. The Lord knows how easily some people can cause us imbalance. Well, the secret of all of this is that, if we know how difficult it is to change ourselves, we must then take for granted that we are not going to be able to change others, especially between now and the wedding date. So what can we do to make or create STASISHOMEO “the ability to maintain the same mental condition we enjoy now on the day of your wedding” (LOL)?
The all time stress-o-meter gives the following scores to different stress events in our lives:
Event Stress Score
Death of spouse 100

Divorce 73

Marital separation 65

Jail term 63

Death of a close relative 63

Personal injury or illness 53

Marriage / partnership commitment 50

Loss of job 47

Retirement 45

Illness in family 44

Sexual problems 39

Childbirth 39

Change in finances 38

Death of a close friend 37

Change of job 36

Taking out a mortgage or loan 31

Mortgage foreclosure 30

Increased responsibilities 29

Offspring leaves home 29

Fight with in-laws 29

I don’t know girls, but I think that a fight with the boss rates right up there with marriage.

The first thing we must do is to be able to recognize stress in others and ourselves. Stress management involves four main tasks:

ü Recognize and understand the signs of stress.

ü Identify and understand the sources of stress.

ü Learn to manage controllable sources of stress.

ü Learn to support yourself and cope with stress reactions to

situations beyond your control.

Signs of Stress

Over-stress reactions include a wide range of symptoms: stomach aches, headaches, sleep problems, poor concentration, moodiness, irritability, and racing thoughts. It's important to recognize that these are all signs of stress overload, probably not signs of a more serious condition.

Now that you know all this good stuff, does it help? No! We need some tools and strategies to help you have a Successful Wedding.

1. A great stress reducer is getting in shape for the wedding.

Let’s face it; you are going to have a second full time job. Planning and organizing a wedding is a time-consuming and energy zapping experience, not to mention the marathon parties, the family get togethers, and all that glorious shopping. Don’t forget, all the marathon parties, food, drinks, cake, drinks, dinners. Did I mention drinks? This sends your body and nervous system for a loop.

What’s the best thing to do? Go for a walk. That’s right, a nice calm, stress relieving, pound reducing walk. Or if you are so inclined, go to the gym and work out. Aspiring brides and grooms who want to get fit for their perfect day are latching onto a fitness trend where gyms, personal trainers and spas all promise weight loss, toning and a healthy glow in “bridal boot camps.” The more energy you use, the more stress you rid yourself of (and it helps to tone your legs and build your cardiovascular system so that you can dance all night long at your reception!)

It is also very important to be eating right and taking time to rest both of which can vastly improve energy levels. Start drinking more water instead of caffeine and sugar-loaded liquids. Reduce salt intake. Caffeine, sugar and salt, cause chemical reactions to your nervous system by making you jumpy, nervous and high-strung, so make sure you watch your consumption of these items. Salt, or sodium, also helps your body retain water, causing that bloating, puffed-up feeling.

2. Secondly, couples have to realize they shouldn't expect "perfection". Expect a "terrific" day and set reasonable expectations.

This actually is considered the number one stress factor – desperately seeking perfection. You must remember what your main goal is, and that is to get married to the one you love the most in the entire world. Setting expectations that are too high will create stress and lead to frustration, and then more stress.

There will be stress, you can count on it. Why? Because there are not only a lot of decisions to be made but also many details to be worked out, and others may want, or try to influence you. Such pressure is not bad or wrong; it just requires that you and your fiancé be aware of what is really happening. Try to respond to issues and avoid reacting to things. It will make a big difference.

Remember, things will go wrong; you are dealing with people and lots of variables. Don’t sweat the small stuff; the key is that if something does go wrong only you will know about it. The best way to make sure that things don’t go wrong is to plan carefully, track faithfully, and confirm diligently.

*The week before the wedding call all your vendors and check the date, time and location with them to verify the correct details. Give a list of their phone numbers to someone in case any of them don't show up on the day.*

3. Picture your wedding the way you want it, visualize all of your details clearly in your mind, and stay focused on what you want.

Couples are constantly re-defining weddings. They seem to place more importance on their wedding being a celebration of individual love than on fussiness, formalities or old-fashioned, outdated etiquette. They are celebrating who they are, right now.

Remember, if you fail to dream, you will live your nightmare, so figure out what it is you want and go for it. With this mental image, you can list down all the details, and one by one, when you have either completed them or delegated them to someone you trust to make sure that they get done the way you want them to be done, you can check them off. Having this list is a huge stress buster and it helps you sleep at night. Another secret for a good night’s sleep is to have a notebook beside your bed, and every time you wake up thinking that there is something you think you missed, write it down.

Often simplicity in a wedding ceremony is much more beautiful than having too much. This helps keep stress levels down as well. You can also create a great wedding website at http://www.22wed.com where you can keep everybody informed about what is happening and that will help keep you focused.

4. Time is always another stressful factor.

Another great stress reducer and wedding success maker is time management. Couples who begin planning early and pace themselves should be able to avoid last minute chaos. The old saying, “An hour late and a dollar short” could never be more applicable than for a wedding. Give yourself as much time as possible to dream about your wedding, write down all your goals (things you need to do), budget for each area, and give yourself time for a breather. Below you will find a basic wedding planner with guidelines as to what you might need to do and when it would be appropriate to get done.

Speaking of a breather, while planning your wedding you may have found that it has essentially taken over your life. You need to reclaim your life, even if it is only for a day or for a few hours, and take some time to yourself. Make time to connect with your partner and spend positive time together.

What is it you used to do before all of this planning? Do you like to read? Do you enjoy gardening? How about going for walks? Whatever it is that you may have let slip or sacrificed for the greater good, you need to take that time to yourself and your loved one and enjoy the relaxation that comes with doing something that you enjoy.

Learning to delegate is vital, especially the day of the wedding. Put someone else in charge of paying the vendors, moving the guest book from the ceremony to the reception site, double-checking with the caterers, or any other small task. Read through your list and assign everything! Hey, it’s your day – enjoy it!!!

5. Relationships themselves, between the bride and groom, can be stressful and can become even more stressful prior to the marriage.

Back on the stress-o-meter, we see that getting married in itself is a very stressful change in a person’s life. When we further add to that: late nights, changes in eating habits, changes in drinking habits, fear of all kinds (failure, things going wrong, anxiety attacks, tripping down the aisle, etc), we see that things can get out of perspective with the one we love.

As the old song says, “You always hurt the one you Love”, and there are other relationships other than the one with your fiancé’: those between the bride and her family, her sisters, her bridesmaids, the groom and his friends and family. The "relationships" I'm speaking of, are everywhere and not limited to the relationship between the bride and groom.

Take some time to reconnect with your closest friends. Try not to talk too much about your planning, but realize that it is a part of your life right now and your friends probably are interested. However, they also want you to be interested in their lives, so don’t forget to ask them questions and turn the attention towards them, too.

To get away from centering on ourselves, we need to do something for someone else. You will be surprised how good (and relaxed) you will feel by making someone else feel good. Cook a friend dinner, serve a meal at your local soup kitchen, baby-sit for a couple who could use a break, take your niece or nephew out for an ice cream cone...there are so many things you can do for so many people - give it a try and see how good you feel!

Another really important aspect to remember is that there are always some people (relatives or friends) who know how to "push your buttons". When you are feeling very stressed… be sure to stay away from or at least limit your time with these people. I know it’s hard, but force yourself to – it will pay dividends in the long run.

Speaking about being hard – JUST SAY NO! Now is not the time to be a people-pleaser. There may be many people around you who want to have their say about how your wedding should be arranged. Nevertheless, this is your day, and while you will want to accommodate others' views, much stress can be avoided if you start as you mean to go on, clearly asserting your wishes and plans wherever possible, and not encouraging suggestions that you know will eventually be turned down. Being honest is the best policy all round.

That point brings me to the topic of arguing. Where weddings are concerned, the emotionally tense environment can lead people to make mountains out of molehills. How spoons and forks are placed on tables may never have mattered before, but they may become a hot topic of debate between parents and the bride/groom-to-be.

Try to avoid arguing over petty things. Remember that it's better to have a simpler wedding and that in the end; it's not the minute details of your wedding that will really make your marriage or your relationship with your family members successful.

Finally, remember the intention behind the tension. Why is your mother insisting you wear that horrid dress on your wedding day? Why is your father insisting on getting to the hall on the day of the wedding by taking the most complicated route?

It's not because they're your worst enemies. Their reasons are that they love you and want what's the best for you. Reminding yourself of the intention behind the source of conflict will help you realize that while you are getting stressed over the disagreements over certain issues pertaining to the wedding, behind that disagreement there is love and concern. Your families, especially your parents, want what's best for you and that concern is what is motivating them.

6. Money issues also frequently come up and create stressful situations.

Don't forget to budget! Since money is such an easy thing to fight about, make sure you sit down at the beginning of the process, agree on how much money you're going to spend, and stick to it! I know, I know, budget is as close to a four-letter word as you can get, but it also can bring you closer to those you love. If everyone is on the same page and in agreement, everything will go much more smoothly.

Grooms might find themselves more concerned about, or "stressed out" about money. Subconsciously, rightly or wrongly, men often will have the concept that they will have to take care of the women, and that includes financially taking care of them. Money and financial issues are almost always stress-inducing, and it doesn't necessarily matter how much money someone has! Whether you are a bride or a groom, a wedding is a time where all kinds of stress can manifest itself. So do not dodge this bullet. Meet it head on and openly discuss each and every detail of the wedding with those who are financially responsible so that you can arrive at a consensus.

7. Venus and Mars Stress (taken from the pop-psychology of John Grey)

Are you and your fiancé arguing more than normal? Realize that this friction is normal because you are spending more time on wedding planning versus spending time on your relationship. Not always, but usually, guys look at the big picture and gals look at specifics, so take this difference into account when you are planning and expecting things from each other. Naturally, we are going to approach things from different angles and perspectives. Use this to your best advantage; work with your strengths and try not to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Above all, brides and grooms need to respect each other and each other's uniqueness. Individually, they should be aware of their thresholds for stress, and how much stress they can handle in a given time period. Remember: words said in explosive or high stress situations cannot be taken back once they are said. If you're feeling stressed out...Stop, Relax, Listen, and Communicate with each other. Look around you to see what is REALLY happening. Respond to situations and issues and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

That's why it is so important to take time away from wedding planning and spend time with each other. A romantic dinner, a bike ride -- whatever you both like to do together. (Just don't discuss the wedding plans!)

Girls, if your guy is being rather quiet or distant, don’t take this personally. He is just crawling into his cave for a bit to get centered again – let him. Let him deal with whatever he needs to deal with and know that he will eventually come out again for a breathe of fresh air, and he will be his usual loving self again.

Guys, your beautiful bride-to-be is working overtime to make this a super special day for the two of you. If you feel left out or that you are not getting enough attention, don’t mope or whine – talk to her. Let her know your feelings and ask if there is anything that you can do to help her, and mean it. When her voice gets a little high-pitched or she becomes short-tempered and shrill, just go with the flow – this too will pass. Give her a big hug and take her out for dinner and dancing, and she will be back to her usual loving, caring, and considerate self in no time. Remember the five most important words ever “What ever you want honey”. Or the four most important words, “I will do that.” Or the three most important words, “ I Love you.” Or the two most important words, “ Yes dear.” The most important word, “O.K.”

8. Many brides fear that they will forget something important.

One way to handle stress is to stay organized while planning. Writing everything down in a special wedding notebook is a good idea.

Take a few moments each day, preferably at night before going to sleep, and do breathing exercises. Then go over your list with your mate and see if there is anything that you forgot. Check off things that are done, and then mentally redo the list as if it has never been done at all to see if there was an item that you missed. This is a great way to include your fiancé in the details so that he will feel part of things.

9. Do a practice run

Go hear your intended DJ in action, or at least, get three recommendations and talk to them about his/her work.

Why is music such an important part of a wedding? It creates an atmosphere that fulfills the dreams of the bride, groom and their families. "Many brides dream of the perfect wedding, and most 'hear' certain music in the background. We help to create the desired atmosphere, while coordinating the event to make sure it's a success, Because every wedding is unique, it's important to select a DJ that has a good variety of music.

Have a meal where you intend to have your reception.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try to create the affair of your dreams, long after everything is said and done, people always remember the food. It would be wise to go once or twice times to see if the quality is consistent or, as previously mentioned, to talk to at least three other couples who have had their reception at the same venue.

At least four to six months in advance, have your portraits taken by the photographer who is going to photograph your wedding.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want to remember it with all of its beauty. That being said, your portraits are one of the very few things that will last forever. The relationship you have with your photographer is critical: it is very hard to capture fabulous photographs when you don’t get along with the photographer or that his/her style doesn’t match yours. Make sure that you get together with the photographer several time before the wedding and have a clear understanding of what the expectations are. Create a list of all the photographs that are really important to you. Create a list of all the people that you really want to have a special portrait with because the photographer can’t read minds. The photographer hasn’t a clue that Aunt Grisellda from Upper Podunk is your favourite aunt. You need to let them know.

10. GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND WISDOM ALWAYS TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE – In other words, Don’t Worry Be Happy.

The biggest secret to a successful wedding is to not worry yourself to death, enjoy the day, and enjoy the moment because it will not come again.

Think it through. Go ahead and fret a little. It's better than trying to suppress all the anxiety. The more you try to suppress unwanted thoughts, the more likely you are to become obsessed with them. That's particularly true when you're under a lot of pressure, stress or mental overload. So just when you're trying to avoid unhappy thoughts, you'll actually get sadder than if you'd confront those unhappy thoughts head-on. Ninety-nine percent of what we worry about never happens. Feel the fear, that's part of being human. Regardless, go out and do things anyway, knowing that most of your fears are unfounded.

Take your time. It's one thing to think about your problems. It's another to let them dominate your thoughts. Don’t let people pressure you into making a decision you don’t want to make. If there are things about your wedding that are worrying you, focus on your worry for thirty minutes, and try to think of solutions to the problem. Research on chronic worriers shows that if they spend time at night actively worrying about their problems, the degree of worrying in their lives goes down overall

Write a new ending. People who worry can be amazingly creative. They turn any harmless scenario into a disaster by imagining the worst. Try putting that creativity to good use by turning your fears into fantasies. If you worry about tripping while you go down the aisle and falling into a candle destroying your hair-do because the veil exploded in fire, try picturing yourself being light as air and, to the amazement of all your guests, floating down the aisle while a chorus of angels sings “You are the Wind Beneath My Wings”. (How’s that for “lightening up”!)

Tally your troubles. List all your worries. Are you afraid that it's going to rain on the day of the wedding? You can't control the weather, so file it under the heading "Beyond My Skills." Do you worry that other people find you unattractive, even when you really know you're not? That goes on the "Creative Fiction" list.

What's the sense of worrying about things in these categories? There isn't any. Why worry about the weather? Why worry about things that aren't true? Once you expose these thoughts as worthless worries, it’s easier to dismiss them.

Take action. Some worries are more legitimate. Are you concerned about your health? Well, list all the things you could do to improve things. Maybe you could start walking every day, or eat better. Then decide which items on the list you're going to do. The secret is doing, doing, doing. When you're actively working on a solution, worry is less likely to be a problem, and you'll begin to feel as if you're the designer of your life, not a victim of it.

Be a willing participant and creator of your wedding – HAVE FUN!!!

One way to let all your friends and family enjoy the planning process is to have a personal website that allows interaction and a diary up to and including the wedding day. This idea is particularly useful if you have family or friends who are out of town and can’t attend the wedding. A great website to check out would be http://www.22wed.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Groot

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

2009-11-18T11:56:00.000-06:00

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants
By Blake Kritzberg

Tracking down a wedding officiant can be a little intimidating. Perhaps you remember a time when it was hard to get one if you weren't among the "regularly churched"! But times have changed, and hiring an officiant for your wedding is now standard procedure.

Basically, brides-to-be find themselves in one of two camps: Either they have a regular church and a favorite minister, who might be a longstanding family friend, or they need to find one through word-of-mouth or web sites.

The latter situation often costs more, but allows for a lot of flexibility. Depending on your tastes and faiths, you can often find a judge, a Catholic priest to marry you outdoors, a Rabbi to officiate at an interfaith wedding, a non-denominational officiant who encourages you to write your own vows, and so on.
How to find officiants

A good national directory for finding Catholic officiants is http://www.rentapriest.com/.
If you're stuck for ideas, try asking vendors. Your florist or caterer is probably well acquainted with local options.
Another excellent way to find officiants is to visit a large wedding forum, like The Knot, and post on boards for your local geographic area. You can often get an idea of the flavor, preparedness, flexibility and even appearance of a popular local officiant.
When should you book an officiant?

Some officiants book early. If you're really particular about whom you want to do the service and can't budge on the date, try to book more than six months in advance. Some couples book a year ahead.

How much do officiants charge?

A minister at your own church may not charge anything at all, but may accept donations. In that case, a $100-200 donation is about average. Ask the minister yourself if there's any doubt.
An officiant you engage yourself will set his or her own rates. Rates generally range from $250-600, but some well-known officiants may charge more.
Do we send an invitation?

By custom, you invite your officiant to your rehearsal dinner as a guest. You also invite the officiant and his or her spouse to your reception with a formal invitation, just like other guests. Unless the officiant is an old family friend, he or she may decline to stay, but an invitation is proper. You aren't expected to invite the officiant's children.
Can you use a friend as an officiant?

It's done all the time, and can make weddings very personal. A father, mother, or the friend who introduced you can make for an amazing event. Be sure to pick someone comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, and brush up on your state's laws and licensing requirements. Here's a good site to begin your research
www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.html
Your chosen friend or family member can become ordained "instantly and online" at the Universal Life Church, which in some areas will enable them to perform legal weddings. Again, be sure of your state's laws. Many times, ministers ordained by ULC will also have to register in their state and obtain a license before they can practice. Call your local county clerk for clarification.

Universal Life Church: http://www.ulc.org/

Do I meet with the officiant before or after booking, and what should I expect at the meeting?

Ideally, an officiant will allow a "getting to know you" meeting before you book them, though not all will. Most at least offer telephone interviews, which helps you see how they fit with your personal style.

During your first meeting, the officiant will typically tell you about his or her background, discuss the logistics, bring up any premarital counseling requirements, ask some questions about your personal history, and show you a sample ceremony script. This is a good time to discuss special unification ceremonies or personal vows, bring up interfaith issues, and learn whether your officiant plans to attend your rehearsal.

Blake Kritzberg is editor of FavorIdeas. Visit now for great inspirations for your Christmas or winter wedding, and an intoxicating collection of winter wedding favors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_Kritzberg

Wedding Cake - Bakery Tips

2009-11-15T20:35:00.003-06:00

Wedding Cake - Bakery Tips

By Nina Romanov
Wedding cake bakeries will have a cake portfolio to look at and that will help you decide if they are able to make the cake you want.

Have an idea of how many guests you will have at your reception, this will help determine the amount of wedding cake you will need or number of cupcake wedding cakes. The pastry chef/cake decorator may ask how many invitations are being sent to how many people and how many are from out of town or from more than a certain number of miles away.

The pastry chef/cake decorator will use this information to calculate how many people will actually show up at the reception and how many of those will actually eat a piece or more of cake.

By this time several people, such as the minister and caterer, will have asked for this information. They will have calculated and told you how many people they think will actually attend your wedding and reception.

You will have been appalled at the low number they came up with. You know that everyone you invite is waiting breathlessly to attend your wedding and that only those who are ill or incapacitated or on Moon will pass up the chance to wish you well in person on your big day. When the baker comes up with a similar number, believe him because it’s true.

Many people will simply forget and others can think of no way worse to spend a summer Saturday than at another wedding. That’s just the way it is. And you can believe it and save some money, or you can believe that everyone will come and then have to decide what to do with the leftover cake.

Do whatever will do the most to put your mind at ease for the next six to eight months. Saving money by ordering only a sufficient amount of cake based on the years of experience of your baker is no good if you are going to fret over it and be nervous about it for more than half a year.

Sleeping well, feeling good and setting your mind at ease before your big day is a lot more important than saving money and having no leftovers. You will have enough to go crazy with as your wedding approaches.

When in wedding cake bakery, be clear about the date, time, and location of the wedding and receptions; set deadlines for changes to the cake design and size and for delivery; provide the address of and a map to the reception.

Make sure that the cake can be delivered at a time convenient to you or whomever you will have to receive and inspect the cake.

There should be a written contract with the wedding cake bakery to specify the size, shape, flavor, color, decorations, delivery day, delivery time, delivery place, and price of wedding cake.

Such a contract, of course, does not need a special form or a lawyer to draw it up. It can be a simple list with this information. The list should be dated and signed by both the baker and you, and you should each have a copy.

Many wedding cake bakeries have their own form for such orders because it is as important to them that you remember exactly what you asked for and don’t remember asking for something that you never mentioned as it is to you that they deliver what you did ask for.

If they have their form, use it and add any items or information that you need to. Make sure you take a copy of their form.

Bring swatches of material to match the cake to your wedding colors because colors in pictures are often slightly off and a picture’s colors can fade with time. (But again, don’t forget the picture of the wedding cake.)

Below you will find list of questions you should ask the pastry chef, baker, or cake decorator at the wedding cake bakery. It is your special day you have every right to ask questions!

Questions to ask at the bakery:

(Suggestion: print these questions, you will certainly need them)!

1. Can pastry chef/cake decorator create custom cake from your instructions and to look like your wedding-cake picture.

2. What flavors of wedding cake and icing are available? Or if you already have an idea what you want, ask "Can you make a (type of cake) with (flavor of icing)?"

3. Ask to sample some of the bakery's cakes. If you don't care for any of the cake samples offered by the bakery, ask for additional samples or as what other choices are available.

Even if you have to order a small cake to try the baker's version of what you want, it is a small price to pay for satisfaction.

4. In case you want to use fresh flowers to decorate the wedding cake, ask if the bakery can provide them or if you or a florist must deliver them.

5.Request to see pictures of wedding cakes from their photo gallery. Take a look at their album and see if you like the looks of the cakes. Ask how old the pictures are and if the person who baked and decorated these cakes is the same person who will create yours.

6. Does the bakery, baker, pastry chef, or cake decorator has the required licenses and has passed health inspections. Licensing varies from state to state, but a bakery is probably required to be licensed as a retail food establishment or as a food preparer.

The health department of the city, county, or state probably issues licenses. The baker, pastry chef, and decorator may also be required to be licensed or qualified as a food handler.

You can go to most states' web sites and find out just what licensing is required so that you know what to ask for.

Most bakeries will gladly let you look at the kitchen to see where the cake will be mixed, baked, decorated, and stored; this is probably as satisfying as seeing the licenses.

You should probably ask to take a peek at the kitchen after asking about the licenses. You can also ask to see the results of the latest health inspection.

7. If you simply don't like frozen food and don't want it served at your wedding, ask if the wedding cake will be frozen. But understand that some people believe the taste of several cakes improves after freezing.

8. Ask how long before the wedding date the cakes will be prepared and how they will be kept until time for delivery. If you think the time or the method of storage will result in the bridal cake not being as fresh as you want, express your feeling to the person you are talking with.

He or she either will explain or demonstrate that this will not be a problem or will negotiate a shorter length of storage. She may let you sample some cake kept for that length of time. Some cakes keep well when frozen, and others do not.

Pound cakes and some carrot cakes seem to improve with freezing. If you are not satisfied and cannot reach some agreement, you must use another bakery.

9. To find how much time and attention will be spent on your cake, ask how many orders the bakery typically has for the weekend of your order and how many of those your pastry chef might be producing.

A large volume can be an indication that not a lot of time and attention can be devoted to your cake. But a very busy bakery also indicates that many people like its products and trusts its work. Wedding cake bakery that no one likes will have plenty of time to dedicate to your cake, but that alone will not guarantee good results.

Neither will a very busy bakery guarantee good results all the time. For one, you may need to check with them during the week of production to make sure that things are going well.

For the other, you may want to check to make sure that your order has not somehow been overlooked among so many orders. In either case verify that your cake is in the process of being prepared.

10. Ask if the decorator is experienced and good and if he or she decorated the cakes pictured in the bakery's gallery.

The point of such a question is to find out whether you will be getting the best the bakery has to offer and whether you will be served by the same personnel that did the work seen in the bakery's photo album and for the references you will contact.

You may be satisfied that all decoration is supervised by a master decorator with long experience and excellent references, even though the actual work may be done by one of several less experienced decorators.

11. Ask to be introduced to each of the people who will bake, decorate, and deliver the cake. You may have questions you want to ask. If you do, ask them.

For example, you might be concerned with the experience each one has. If so, you might ask how many cakes they have baked or decorated. I might be more concerned to simply ask whether they did the cakes in the bakery's album of cakes.

If you have no questions, ask to meet them anyway. Introduce yourself and try to make it easy for them to remember your name and your face. Show a great pleasure at meeting the people who have created the wonderful masterpieces that have come from this bakery and tell them that you look forward to having them create your wedding cake.

What you are creating is a personal relationship with these artists at the wedding cake bakery. Like all workers and artists, these people like being appreciated and will do their best work for someone who has praised them and treats them as a master of their craft.

This goes as well for the person taking your order, whether it is the owner, manager, or just the order taker. I suggest that you work to make as good an impression on them as you expect them to try to make on you. Dress well when you are shopping for a bakery.

You don't have to dress like you're meeting the Queen or the First Lady, but don't be dressing like you're about to be hitting the bars with your friends on your bachelorette party--not unless you dress a lot better for that than most of the young women in my neighborhood.

Please try to time your visits so that the bakery is not crowded with customers. This is particularly important in smaller bakeries.

12.If you are concerned, ask whether the cake be made from scratch or from packaged mixes. Packaged mixes are so much more expensive that few busy bakeries would use them. And if they produce the wedding cake you want and it tastes good, do you care whether it's from a mix or from scratch?

13. Ask what the price will be. If the baker can give you an estimate but not the final cost, ask how much the final cost might vary from the estimate.

If the baker says that they will charge by how long it takes because they charge by the hour, ask how many hours it will take and do the calculation yourself.

Again, if it's an estimate of hours, ask how far the hours might vary from that estimate. If you feel uncomfortable with the bakery's commitment to giving you a number, maybe you should find another bakery.

14. Ask for customer references so that you can talk to with them. Then actually contact them and ask about their experience with the bakery.

While they were probably very pleased with the bakery (otherwise you'd think the bakery would not be giving them as a reference), they may give you some pointers about how best to deal with the bakery.

15. Request a written proposal that includes the size of the cake, the flavor, the icing type and flavor, the description of the cake: Number of tiers or number of cupcakes or miniature cakes, decorations, the date and time the cake would be ready, whether it would be delivered and where and when, and the price.

Some bakeries will put all of this in a proposal and some will commit to just the basic items. Press for commitment to everything that is important to you.

Would you like to learn more about cakes? Do you need wedding cake ideas, pictures, cake toppers or other supplies? Looking for bakery? Visit http://www.cakechannel.com See you there :-)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nina_Romanov

Wedding Jewelry Guide

2009-11-15T20:34:00.000-06:00

All that Glitters-Something Old, Something New...

By M J Plaster
Brides through the ages have accessorized with wedding jewelry to add a finishing touch to their bridal attire; however, many brides who don't wear jewelry in everyday life jump at the chance to wear it on their wedding day. Is it the special occasion or the chance to play dress-up that prompts these brides to don the unthinkable—jewelry?

Those brides too practical to care about jewelry in real life use it on their wedding day to check off all the "somethings" that bring good luck—something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Whatever your reason for wearing jewelry on your wedding day, it should complement the overall theme of the wedding, including the formality of the occasion, the design of the wedding dress, and the bridal color scheme if your jewelry includes color.

The traditional bridal jewelry ensemble consists of pearl and/or diamond earrings and necklace, often heirloom pieces (something old, something borrowed). Pearls top the list as the most popular bridal jewelry. Originally worn as a symbol of purity, pearls are understated, elegant and timeless. If you listen closely and put your ear to the ground, you can almost hear that chorus of all the Mothers of the Brides from here to Timbuktu: "Dear, you cannot go wrong with pearls." For once, Mother's mantra hits the mark.

The same holds true for diamonds. You can't go wrong with real diamonds. A rare bride can afford to be gaudy and showy with diamonds, and those who can know better. It's the blinding array of affordable simulated diamonds that leads to trouble. On your wedding day, less is always more unless you're Elizabeth Taylor. There's a fine line between a fairy tale look and gaudy. If you're not sure whether you're crossing the line, ask for help from a trusted friend or relative with an air of elegance.

If you want to wear pearls and a little flash of diamonds, the "Sweetheart" Swarovski line combines the two (something new), and offers you a choice of colors in pendants and spacers, as well as your choice of metals. Swarovski crystals and glass pearls are the finest in quality from the Czech Republic, world renowned for their crystals and semi-precious gems. Each handmade piece is customized to match the colors in your wedding. Their line also includes glass fresh water pearls. If you want to introduce a little color into your wedding jewelry, pick up a color in the bridesmaids' dresses (something blue).

Guidelines for Bridal Jewelry

Semi-formal or formal attire guidelines apply to wedding attire—the simpler the dress, the more elaborate the jewelry. You can't highlight everything, and you don't want your jewelry to compete with your gown. Intricate bridal gowns with elaborate beadwork or hand-sewn lace call for simple, elegant jewelry while unadorned bridal gowns can support jewelry with more glitter, glitz and drama.

You may hear that a white bridal gown requires silver jewelry and that an ivory bridal gown requires gold jewelry. Unless you specifically selected your bridal gown to match your engagement and wedding rings, select gold or silver jewelry according to your personal preference. You're going to find that almost everyone with whom you discuss your wedding plans has an opinion on nearly everything, usually stated as a rule.

When you select your wedding jewelry, ask yourself the following questions:

Does the jewelry fit the occasion? Is it too formal or too casual? Does the jewelry compete with your wedding dress? Does the necklace follow the curve of the neckline? For example, if your wedding gown has a round neckline, a choker follows the neckline. If your gown has a V-neck, a longer necklace follows the neckline. Does your jewelry accentuate your best features, or does it attract attention to the wrong area of your face or neckline?

Earring Options

Whether you choose studs, or dangling earrings, pearls or diamonds, the key words are delicate and elegant. If your bridal bouquet and floral displays are predominantly pastel, you can select one of the pastels for your jewelry ensemble. Pale pink pearls are stunning with a bouquet of pastel roses. Out with the rules: wear whatever makes you look and feel good.

Neckwear Options

High necklines are the only necklines that generally cannot support neckwear. The neckline is the neckwear! If you're wearing a severe neckline such as a bateau, you can wear a more dramatic necklace: a larger, dramatic pendant or a longer strand of pearls. When in doubt, a simple pearl choker complements most necklines without overpowering the gown.

Tiaras

If you elect to wear a tiara, limit the rest of your jewelry to simple stud or button earrings and understated neckwear. You chose the tiara to make a statement; let it do just that. In fact, you may want to forego a necklace when wearing a tiara so that the eye wanders up to the tiara.

When selecting your jewelry, determine which asset you want to emphasize, and use jewelry to draw attention to that asset.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for jewelry and engagement rings. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_J_Plaster

Basic Tips for Planning a Wedding

2009-11-15T20:31:00.000-06:00

Basic Tips for Planning a Wedding

By Tyler Casselman

Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if you don't do the proper research and stay within your budget things can go bad in a hurry. What you need is to keep things well organized and simple. Here are some tips to help make sure your weeding plans go smoothly.

1. The first thing you should decide is how big and complex you want your wedding to be. Do you want a small wedding? Or would you rather have a big wedding? You need to make sure both you and your partner are on the same page and agree on things. Prepare to make some compromises.

2. Decide on a good theme for your wedding. This includes how people will dress, food, location, and decorations.

3. How much can you really afford. There is no reason to go all out on a wedding if you cant afford it. This could lead to some really big problems with your families and you as a couple.

4. Do you want to hire a wedding planner? Wedding planners are certainly great and do a good job. But there not necessary either. Be sure if you do hire one that they don't get you spending allot more money then you originally planned.

5. Don't wait to long to get your plans in order. This is something that you must start taking care of. Start booking locations, getting invitations ready, and find your dress. Planning a wedding takes time and work. You need to set a date and get at it. If you don't you might find a year or two go by and your still not married.

If you follow some of these basic tips I think you will find things to along smoothly. Soon you will be off on your honeymoon with your sweet heart.

Tyler Casselman operates the site Wedding Ideas Home. [http://www.wedding-ideashome.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Casselman

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

2009-11-14T15:20:00.001-06:00

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

By Omaudi Reid

When two people - destined for each other, come together, there is often an incredible amount of combustibility. Combustion occurs when two or more substances react chemically together, resulting in the giving off of heat and light; often called burning. In the same manner, two people joined together by God can spiritually set each other on fire.

However, after being married a while that sense of combustibility can easily be lost if the spiritual life of the marriage is not cultivated. But, a couple that intentionally, and actively engages in maintaining the spiritual life of the marriage continues to be a strength one to another, and ignites new sparks that blazes through every area of marriage and family. I believe that through personal devotion, mutual support, joint devotions, spiritual dialogue, and spiritual activities, a Christian couple can maintain spiritual intimacy in their marriage.

First, each spouse must keep their fire burning. Each partner keeps their fire burning by maintaining a growing and intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus, through personal prayer and Bible study. When we first got married, my wife and I mistakenly thought we could depend on each other’s spiritual life for our personal growth. I thought to myself “my wife is such a great Christian, she will be able to help me solve my spiritual struggles”. The mistake we made was instead of pursuing the Lord for our personal growth, we began to depend on each other. Eventually instead of helping, we began to drain each other. What we learned is that we must maintain intimacy with the Lord in order to have true spiritual intimacy with each other.

Once our personal lives are burning with spiritual fire, then we can conduct that heat to our partners. If you have ever touched a hot pot, then you understand what a conductor is. Metal pots are good conductors because they transmit the heat coming from the stove. The person whose spiritual life is hot and on fire can conduct that spiritual strength to their partner.

To be spiritual heat conductors we must intercede for our mates in prayer, and support them with our encouragement. An effective intercessor believes God for the success of their partner. Exercising faith in prayer for your partner is crucial. Why? Well, we know more than anyone else the strengths and weaknesses of our partners. We see their faults, joys, and sadness. Thus, not only do we have the opportunity to intimately intercede in faith for them, but also our encouragement means a lot to them. Essentially, we must be our partner’s own spiritual cheerleader – fanning the flames.

In addition to the above, a Christian couple spreads the spiritual flames through joint spiritual habits. The most obvious of these is having scheduled devotions. In devotions couples pray and share biblical truths with each other in an open and transparent way. I recommend not only having a scheduled time of devotion, but also allowing that time to develop into a natural habit. In our experience, my wife and I, have found it best not to allow our scheduled time to become a rigid formality; instead, it serves as a training time for the natural flow of our spiritual connection. So that in times of difficulty praying and sharing together will be as simple as breathing.

A natural outflow of a joint spiritual life is spiritual dialogue. Although often neglected, spiritual dialogue is an important part of spreading the flames of spiritual intimacy. I define spiritual dialogue as qualitative and interactive conversation concerning our application, thoughts, feelings, and conclusions on spiritual matters as it relates to our life and society. Put simply, it is enjoyably talking about how spiritual things affect our life and the world around us.

Spiritual dialogue is qualitative and interactive. It is more than surface talk, such as “Pastor preached a good sermon today”. It involves sharing our deep spiritual thoughts to each other, such as “this is how I’m going to apply the sermon to my daily life..”, or “the Lord showed me weakness in that area”. Remember to interact, and allow each other ample time to share insights and thoughts.

Going to spiritual events together provides opportunities for spiritual dialogue. Sometimes we can make religious activities such a duty that we drain all the joy out of it. Couples, however, can enjoy spiritual activities together. The spiritual activities couples can share together goes beyond the regular Sunday services, and weekly conferences. Volunteering to work side by side in a Christian ministry, and working together on Christian projects are good activities to share together.
Along with that, today there are Christian movies and television programs that you can watch. Many Christian organizations today are making Christian videos more than ever. Perhaps you and your mate can buy a video, and watch it together, then discuss it afterwards. Simply enjoy your joint spiritual life; you are heirs together of God’s promise.

Omaudi Reid is the owner of HarvestersOnline, and author of Creating Unbreakable Bonds: Marital Intimacy on Three Levels He has a diploma in ministry from Harvest Army Bible Institute, and is currently pursuing a bachelor at Beulah Heights Bible College. He is an ordained minister of the gospel of Christ. Visit his website, Harvesters Online, for other marriage articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omaudi_Reid

Essential Advice for Your Wedding Day

2009-11-14T15:16:00.001-06:00

Essential Advice for Your Wedding Day

By Keith Kingston

You've been engaged for months, you've made it through planning the
ceremony, the attire, the reception, the honeymoon, and you haven't killed
each other yet. The worst is over. When you wake up on the morning of your
wedding day, your only job is to go along for the ride, enjoy every moment
and make some memories. Read on for essential advice for your wedding day.

Both of you have been waiting and planning for a long time in order to make
this day go off without a hitch. Just be aware that things NEVER go as
planned, so expect the unexpected and don't get too worked up about it. It
is the unexpected events that make the best stories for years to come.
Relax, and have a good time. This is your day to celebrate your blissful
union.

For her:

The day of the wedding is often more stressful for the bride than any of the
planning process has been. Start your morning off with a relaxing bubble
bath or a massage at the spa. You deserve to start this hectic day as cool
and relaxed as you possibly can be. Do it alone if you need some private
time (since you will be surrounded by people ogling and vying for your
attention for the remainder of the day), or if you are nervous and need to
chat, invite the bridesmaids along for some pre-wedding pampering.

Have all appointments made ahead of time, and allow plenty of time for
hair-dos, make-up, manicures, etc. Have a close friend who is not part of
the wedding party act as your gopher for the day. If you get a run in your
pantyhose, they'll be on call to run to the store. If your florist is
running late, they are in charge of calling the company. This will keep you
removed from most of the stressful situations, and keep you moving on
schedule. Don't forget to give your friend a gift for helping you through
any wedding day glitches! Arrive at the church with plenty of time to
spare. Remember, you MIGHT tear up a bit, so have plenty of tissues handy
as to not smear that gorgeous make-up.

Spend the last few minutes before the wedding starts with your bridesmaids.
Do some deep breathing if you're nervous, and think about how long you have
been awaiting this precious day.

For him:

It is perfectly normal for the groom to wake up a bit jittery on the morning
of his wedding. The best way to handle the stress of this day is to make
sure you have all your responsibilities completed ahead of time so you can
spend this day in a stress-free zone. Things to double check the preceding
week include travel plans for the honeymoon, transportation from church to
reception and reception to airport, cost of anyone you will be paying on the
actual wedding day (and remember to have plenty of extra cash for tipping-
EVERYONE involved expects to be tipped at least 15%).

Sleep in. Having plenty of rest is important before the hours of
socializing you'll be doing today. When you get up, a long jog or a trip to
the gym is often just what you'll need to work off some of those anxious
feelings. Allow plenty of time to get ready and arrive early at the church.

Spend some time horsing around with your groomsmen. Take some deep
breaths, and wait for your beautiful bride

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who offers advice on cheap wedding stationery [http://www.4-wedding-stationery.com] such as invitations, place cards, thank you cards and order of service booklets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Kingston

Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding

2009-11-14T15:15:00.000-06:00

Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding

By Jackie Duescher
Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic, clever, and a couple that are downright strange. Uncover here how to fill your wedding with all things Irish save the Blarney Stone.
Harvest Knots

According to history, Irish men declared their intentions of marriage by giving their fiancee harvest knots of straw decorated with flowers or bells to wear in their hair or around their neck. Make a harvest knot to wear on your wedding day, or place one in your bouquet to symbolize your Irish heritage.
Ceilidh

The steps of Irish folkdances are called ceilidh. Treat your attendants to an Irish dancing lesson, and then "perform" a jig to traditional Irish music at the reception.

Lace!

A way to incorporate Celtic pride into your wedding attire (besides hand-beading four leaf clovers all over your gown) is to adorn yourself with beautiful Irish lace. Known for its intricate patterns and zenith quality, wear a veil or carry a handkerchief made of this intricate Irish decoration.

Playin' o' the Pipes

Infuse your ceremony with the strains of the Irish pipes. Although bagpipes have Celtic roots, they are traditionally Scottish. For a truly Emerald Isle affair, locate an Irish uillean piper to lead the processional or recessional.

Irish Wedding Feast

The customary wedding feast in Ireland was a potluck hosted at the bride's family's home. Each guest brought traditional Irish dishes such as soda bread, coddle, and stew. Even if you're having a more formal reception, you can still celebrate this Irish tradition by having a "feast" for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

The Wedding Cake

Old custom dictates that the Irish wedding cake (usually a dense fruit cake with white icing) was cut by one of the bride's sisters or bridesmaids. Where would they cut it? Over her head, of course. The bride remained seated while the groomsmen held the cake over her head while her sister or best friend did the honors. Our only concern: this tradition works best and safest when the cake is NOT a four-tiered confectionary concoction. Eeeek!

Noise Makers

A noisy way to ring in your nuptials with the luck o' the Irish is to have a recessional like those in Celtic history: instead of throwing rice upon exiting the church, men would fire rifles or other firearms into the air to signal that a couple is wed. Not your traditional exit (most churches would frown upon guns in the parking lot), if the men use blanks in their guns, and if you are getting married in an area without noise ordinances, then fire away, Irish style.

Giving the Claddagh

Two hands holding a heart underneath a crown is the Irish symbol for "Let Love and Friendship Reign". Share your Irish heritage with your attendants by giving them Celtic-inspired gifts marked with the claddagh. Give your maid of honor a candle gift engraved with the "faith ring", or jewelry made of claddagh. Buy claddagh wedding rings, or wear the Irish symbol around your neck on your wedding day as a reminder of your heritage.

Tokens of Hair

A more unusual Irish tradition is for the man to give the woman he loves a bracelet woven of human hair. Symbolic of acceptance, when the woman wears the circle of hair, she is linking herself to him for life. There's no mention of exactly who's hair it is, however, so if wearing hair jewelry gives you the heevies, see "Harvest Knots" for the same idea, using straw instead.

Lucky Dates

The traditionally superstitious Irish believed that the last day of the year is especially lucky, since the couple would wake up on the first day of their new life on the first day of the new year. Plan your wedding for December 31, the luckiest of Celtic days.

Jackie Duescher provides the customer service for Keepsake Favors as well as inspiration for many of the favor creations on the site. Jackie has a special knack for finding Irish themed favors for weddings other occasions, and she firmly believes that a favor doesn't have to be expensive to impress your guests.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Duescher

7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make

2009-11-14T15:13:00.000-06:00

7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make

By Chris Simeral
“What in the world could they have been thinking?”
Definitely words you DON’T want to hear your guests uttering at your wedding. But despite your best intentions, sometimes things slip through the cracks. Sometimes you make a really silly mistake that, if you had just stopped and thought about it for a few minutes, never would have happened.
The problem is that many brides and grooms are so darn busy trying to manage everything else that’s going on – from housing out-of-town guests to dealing with last-minute cancellations or additions to the guest list -- they simply overlook the obvious. That’s when smart people wind up making really stupid mistakes. Here are seven common slip-ups that can ruin an otherwise perfect ceremony.
1. Failing to Thank the Guests
They came to the wedding. They brought gifts. They stopped and congratulated you and took time out of their busy lives to help you celebrate the joining of you and your beloved in a new life together. Don’t leave the reception hall without saying thank you!
2. Speaking While Intoxicated
This one should be a new form of misdemeanor. If your wedding traditions include the bride or groom making a speech to the assembled guests, do it before you enjoy the free bar. You’ll be thankful later when you watch the wedding videos, and you won’t have to apologize to people you don’t remember insulting.
3. Beware the Infamous “Wardrobe Malfunction”
Black underwear, white dress. It was a bad idea in elementary school, and it’s still a bad idea today. Check in a mirror in various lighting situations to make sure that your dress isn’t sheer or invisible in certain conditions prior to the ceremony. If you are renting a tux, check it for rips and make sure you have it fitted before you bring it home. Also, black is the only acceptable color for a tuxedo.
4. Late to the Altar
Not only is this one inconsiderate to the guests and your soon-to-be spouse, but it also wreaks havoc on your vendors. Ice sculptures melt, food gets cold, and photographers lose needed time to pose people and get those still shots for memory albums. The only reason you should ever be late to your own wedding would be something completely beyond your control – like a force of nature.
5. Running out of Food/Drinks
You made the guest list. You know how many people you expect to be there. Running out of food is a good way to make sure your guests feel unappreciated and is inexcusable. This is not the place to save money. Make sure you have enough dinner and drinks for all who are expected to attend; it’s better to throw some away than have hungry guests and nothing to feed them.
6. Know Where the Ring Is Before Walking Down the Aisle
It happens more than you might think. The best man is supposed to be holding the rings, and he leaves them in his other coat. The bride expects them to be brought on a pillow but the ring-bearer is only eight and thought they were golden Barbie doll crowns. Do one more spot check for the rings before you start down the aisle and you won’t have to worry about an awkward moment and a ruined ceremony.
7. Inviting Your “Ex” – Without Telling Anyone
Unless there is an extremely good reason for inviting your ex-boyfriend or ex-wife, don’t do it. It makes everyone uncomfortable. A close corollary to this is not letting members of the wedding party know what your betrothed’s name is (yes, it sounds unbelievable but it DOES happen). If you have not been engaged for a long time, or you recently ended a long-standing relationship prior to your wedding and your wedding party isn’t familiar with your intended, make sure you introduce them. You don’t want to deal with a wedding toast to you and your ex-girlfriend because the best man didn’t know your bride’s name!

Chris Simeral is the creator of The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit, the wedding-coordinator-approved home-study course for couples personalizing or renewing their wedding vows. Couples from all over the United States, Great Britain, Canada and New Zealand have used the kit to create truly memorable and romantic wedding vows. Sign up for the free wedding vow mini-course at http://www.weddingvowtoolkit.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Simeral

To Stay Married, Keep Dating

2009-11-12T20:27:00.001-06:00

To Stay Married, Keep Dating

By Terry Hernon MacDonald

One of my favorite memories from last year was not watching my young daughters rip into their Christmas presents, or seeing them perform in the school talent show. No, my happiest recollection was the date my husband and I went out on one stormy Tuesday night in November.

A few days before, we’d had our fill of running the girls to swimming lessons and fighting with them to do their homework. We could not endure the sight of one more PTA notice requesting money for this fundraiser or attendance at that meeting. We broke. We called a sitter and reserved a table at the most elegant restaurant in town.

And what a night it was. The sitter was late, of course, and the wind snapped off tree branches and hurled them at our car, but we made it. The food, the wine, and the service were fine. We put the children firmly out of our minds. By the time the salad came, we were sufficiently unwound.

We started having fun. We were laughing. The subjects of the weird charge on our cell phone bill or our dire need for a new refrigerator never entered the discussion. We were transformed into the couple we used to be before children, two cars, and a mortgage. We were footloose, fancy free, and out for a good time.

The happiness of that evening stayed with us for many days. We were attentive to one another. We remembered why we’d gotten married and were glad for it, proving my mother’s advice that happy couples continue to date each other forever.

“It’s important,” she’d say.

But, in the early years of our marriage, I’d make excuses. Diaper and formula bills left little money for nights out on the town. It was impossible to find a good babysitter. It was selfish of us to take time away from the children.

“Make it a priority,” my mother would respond. “Children are the result of the marriage, not the reason for it.”

Like a lot of couples, my husband and I had forgotten that. We’d completely wrapped ourselves up in our children and their needs. We started losing sight of each other, but we knew that if we didn’t make time for our relationship, our children would grow up and we’d be left behind, looking at each other and wondering, “Who the heck is this person?”

So we decided to make it a goal to go out on a date once a month (once a week is better, according to my mother), and I heartily recommend you do the same. If you’re a woman and your husband is reluctant, don’t guilt trip him into “taking” you out. You’re not luggage. Instead, remind him that you love him, and tell him that you miss having him to yourself. That should convince him.

I’m not going to pretend it’s ever easy to squeeze a date onto a calendar of never-ending responsibilities. It isn’t. My husband and I had dinner plans tonight, but we had to cancel due to an event at our daughters’ school. It's disappointing, but it won’t deter us. We’ll just reschedule our night out for next week.

We've made it a priority because, as my mother counseled, our happy marriage depends on it.

Terry Hernon MacDonald is the author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Visit her website at http://www.marrysmart.com .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Hernon_MacDonald

Butterfly Releases first hand experience

2009-11-12T20:13:00.003-06:00

Alright, so I have actually been to a wedding that did the butterfly release. It was a beautiful experience and was really quite moving (no pun intended). However, the way in which the butterflies are kept calm is by keeping them at a cool temperature. So, when the boxes with little butterflies were being passed out, some of them had wings flapping in the box and others didn't. When the word was given to release the beautiful butterflies and they were released some of the dazzling creatures took off and others were still de-thawing. Don't be alarmed if this happens, they are still alive. Also, you will want to make sure that it is a nice day out, otherwise it would be rather cruel to let the butterflies go in a snow storm or thunder and lightning. On a final note, the butterflies after release tend not to fly away or fly very far. They are still disoriented and confused after being awakened from a frozen slumber and will just kind of "hang around" for a while.

Just a little heads up if you are thinking about this.

Yours Truly,

The Wedding Songs Guy

Butterfly Releases

2009-11-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

Butterfly Releases

By Tammy Spivey

Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty in flight. The viewers have the opportunity to experience the beauty of one of nature’s most symbolic and beautiful creations.

The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings and rebirths. What better way to celebrate the beginning of a new life together than with the releasing of butterflies at your wedding. There is an old Indian legend that tells the story of why the butterfly was created. It is often read at butterfly releases as the guests make a wish and release their butterflies.
Butterfly Releases are both magical and momentous. Every release is unique and special just as every wedding, every anniversary, every birthday, and every moment of our life is unique and special. Each of us has been given a beautiful gift of life that we must take the opportunity to experience and enjoy.

Butterflies can be released from the shipping envelopes they arrive in, with every guest having their own butterfly or with only the wedding party having their own release envelope.
You may also choose to have a mass release with all of the butterflies placed in one container. Either option is special depending on the effect you are trying to achieve.

Butterflies should only be released outside during daylight hours on a sunny or overcast (not rainy) day with a temperature above 60 degrees. The butterflies should be set free no later than two hours before sunset. This allows the butterflies time to eat and find a hiding place for the night. Releases should be held in areas protected from the wind or the butterflies will quickly disappear. A warm, sunny flower filled area or garden is best.
No matter how you choose to release your butterflies, a butterfly release is a beautiful, unusual, and exciting way to celebrate your new life together.

At Butterflies Abound, we offer you the opportunity to experience Beauty in Flight. We offer Wedding Butterflies and Butterfly Releases for Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations, Memorials, and All of Life’s Memorable Moments. Remember Your Moments and Watch Your Dreams Take Flight.

WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE IBBA AND TAKE PRIDE IN OFFERING ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF BUTTERFLIES FOR YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENTS.

Butterflies Abound spyvcom@atlantic.net http://www.butterfliesabound.com "Watch Your Dreams Take Flight"

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