Beach wedding gown

Wedding Gowns. How Did You Choose Yours?

2008-12-13T17:49:00.000+08:00

Wedding Gowns. How Did You Choose Yours?. There is a very wide range of wedding and evening gowns offered by Bridal Studios.

Brides to be are spoilt for choice of what to wear and choose.There are many times that brides get really overwhelmed by the number of gowns they have to choose.1 wedding gown, 1 evening gown, 1 tea-dress, 1 Chinese Kua are the norms of an ordinary pakage.However, for brides who can afford to pay more, they may have up to 2 or even 4 wedding gowns and 3 evening gowns.

Some brides even order gowns from overseas and arranged to be delivered to Singapore.I remembered I have one friend of mine is really rich and she could afford to get different items such as her shoes, gowns from European countries. These items were to be air-flown to Singapore.

Wow!!!Yes! Wedding is one in a life-time big event of one’s life. But it is just the beginning and for those brides who want more than what their budget allows, it is a wise decision to sit down and plan through how much they can spend on their gowns.There are many times that an unwise decision was made in the spur of moment to get the gowns that they wanted to wear, and at the same time, they have blown their budgets.

So, one advice for ladies, as well as men out there, do include budgeting in the wedding planning and learn to do it together as it could benefit them by setting a foundation for them to learn to budget after their wedding…and it is still a long long way to go…

Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces. Three Elegant Choices

2008-12-12T20:57:00.000+08:00

Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces. Three Elegant Choices
At some point during your wedding planning you will probably realize (if you haven’t already) that weddings aren't cheap, and you may be forced to make difficult budgetary decisions.

There are many ways to cut costs out of your wedding budget. For example, you can choose not to give out wedding favors, limit the choices at the open bar to beer and wine and choose elegant, inexpensive wedding centerpieces.

The key is to find inexpensive wedding centerpieces that fit into your overall wedding theme without coming off as cheap and tacky. With a little thought you can make this happen.

Here are three ideas for elegant, inexpensive wedding centerpieces:

"Alternative Floral Arrangements"

The most popular choices for wedding centerpieces contain flowers in some way. If you have talked to any florists, you will quickly find out that you have to pay a premium to have the beauty that flowers can bring to a wedding reception.

Instead of real flowers, consider silk floral arrangements. These aren't the silk flowers that your grandmother has from the seventies. Silk floral arrangements today are created by artists, and honestly they are sometimes more beautiful than the real thing.

Dried flowers are another possibility. Many times they are less expensive than fresh flowers, and you can also combine them with silk or select fresh flowers.

Lastly, if you have a few close friends or family members helping out you can create your own floral arrangements to use as your centerpieces.

"Candles Can Set The Mood"

Another option for inexpensive wedding centerpieces is taper displays. Take three or four tapers of different size and put them on a decorative plate or other holder.

Tapers come in all shapes and colors, so it should be easy to match the color of your wedding. You can also add a few silk or dried flowers to the centerpiece for added effect.

"Hurricane Vases Are Versatile"

Hurricane vases are elegant and practical, and you can do many things with them. They can be found at many craft stores and online for only a few dollars each.

Take the hurricanes and fill them with an object that compliments your overall wedding theme. For example, tapers or pillar candles work really well. Wrap ribbon or silk flowers around the base, and you have the perfect inexpensive wedding centerpiece.

Other things to put in a hurricane include stones, water with a single Gerber daisy, coffee beans and just about anything you can think of that goes with your wedding.
by:Stephen Badiali

Wedding Centerpieces , Four Tips For Stunning Centerpieces

2008-12-12T19:33:00.000+08:00

Wedding Centerpieces, Four Tips For Stunning Centerpieces. There are many details that go into planning a wedding reception. After you find a location for your reception, book the caterer, and hire the entertainment, your focus can turn towards other topics like wedding centerpieces.

As with all wedding details, wedding centerpieces come in a wide range of choices. From expensive and over the top to cheap and modest, you will have to search for the option that is right for you and your wedding celebration.

Set your budget and start thinking of wedding centerpiece ideas. As the saying goes, sometimes less is more, and centerpieces are no exception.

If you are having a simple, elegant wedding you would not want to have lavish, obnoxious centerpieces that excessively stand out. On the other hand if you are having an elaborate wedding affair an extremely simple centerpiece may look out of place.

Here are four tips for finding the perfect wedding centerpiece:

"Look For Unique Vases or Items For Flowers"

Flowers are the most popular choice for centerpieces, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. Try finding unique vases instead of ordinary clear glass vases. There are many options including different color glass vases and unique shapes.

Instead of vases you can also choose other items to hold your flowers like birdcages or fishbowls. Try adding items to the containers like stones, pearls or other objects that match your theme.

"Think Seasonal For Centerpiece Ideas"

The season that you are getting married can spark some great, creative ideas for wedding centerpieces.

For a Fall wedding consider incorporating pumpkins into your centerpieces. Options include small carved pumpkins that can double as wedding favors and pumpkins filled with flowers or candles.

Summer weddings have many items that can be used for centerpieces. These include seashells, lighthouses and other nautical items.

For a Winter wedding, add pine cones or holiday items.

"Get Creative"

Think outside of the box and come up with something unique. If you have an overall theme to your wedding, try incorporating something from that theme into your centerpieces.

For example, if you are getting married in a city like New York or Chicago, try tying in something unique from that city. New York is called The Big Apple, so you could somehow incorporate apples into your centerpieces.
by: Stephen Badiali

Marriage Problems

2008-12-12T17:20:00.000+08:00

Marriage Problems It is very interesting how people think if they solve their marriage problems everything will be OK. You see, marriage problems aren’t the problem with problem marriages. Marriage problems are the stink that comes from those things that don’t belong in your marriage. Solving a marriage problem is like spraying perfume on someone who hasn’t had a bath for six months. If you want to get rid of your marriage problems stop making new ones and the old ones will disappear on their own. Does this make sense to you?

Let’s say for instance you and your spouse learned from some flaky pseudo psychologist to share with each other what bothers you about each other. Unfortunately this insane practice is actually encouraged to this day. Wouldn’t it be easier for each of you to just pick up a two by four and start bashing each other? It has exactly the same affect. The only difference is using the two by four clearly shows what that kind of behavior does to your partner. Who, in their right mind, can imagine what good might come from beating up the person you love.

The simplest way to eliminate marriage problems is to not cause them. The easiest way to not cause marriage problems is by filling your communications and thoughts with beautiful and loving acts. I have yet to meet somebody who prefers a two by four upside their head over a flower or a sweet “I love you.”
by: Lessons For a Happy Marriage

3 Traditions for Helping You Choose Your Wedding Rings

2008-12-12T17:15:00.004+08:00

3 Traditions for Helping You Choose Your Wedding Rings
Wedding rings are one of the most recognized symbols of love and commitment from all over the world. Few things transcend the cultural barriers, such as "mama" for mother and a smile for a greeting.

It's amazing to see how one small circular band of precious metal can instantly say so much. Funny isn't it, that the wedding can cost thousands and the slim gold or platinum band is a few hundred, yet lasts far longer than the day itself, and is worn day after day, 24/7. A small hunk of metal divides the available and the unavailable at the glimpse of an eye.

Which Hand for Wedding Rings?

The hand that wedding rings are worn on varies from country to country and culture to culture.

By default, most people wear their wedding rings on the left hand.

Countries such as Colombia, Germany, Greece, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine and Venezuela traditionally wear their wedding rings on the right hand.

There are also certain cultures and religious beliefs such as Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans who typically wear the wedding rings on the right hand. And in Greece, since many are Orthodox Christians, they also wear their wedding ring on the right hand.

Jewish women will often wear their wedding bands on the right hand during ceremony, and change their wedding rings to the left hand after the ceremony.

In the Netherlands, catholic people wear their wedding rings on the left, all others on the right but in Austria, Catholic people wear the wedding bands on the right. What are Vietnamese wedding traditions? With the majority of Vietnamese weddings now being Catholic, Catholic Vietnamese families are known to exchange wedding bands at a separate church ceremony. Modern Vietnamese weddings, due to Western influence, exchange wedding bands between the bride and groom, but still include giving jewelry to the bride.

For other countries, it depends on region of the country, such as Belgium.

In parts of India - a toe-rings (bichiya) are worn instead of wedding rings on a finger - and increasingly worn along with finger wedding bands. An Iron Bangle or "loha" is worn by women in eastern parts of India, such as West Bengal.

Other customs, perhaps more modern, include either partner wearing the other's wedding rings on a chain around the neck instead of the ring finger as more of a social statement of being married.

Materials of the Wedding Ring?

Metal, because if it's durability is the most common material of wedding rings, and the metal of choice, in order of popularity is: gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten, nickel silver, stainless steel.

History mentions rings of long ago were also made of hemp, wood, bone ... and if you remember the old TV show Happy Days - a lifesaver candy.

The metal ring often set with diamonds or other precious stones or gems.

Style of the Wedding Ring?

In French speaking countries, especially France wedding rings often consisted of 3 interwoven rings - representing the virtues of faith, hope and love.

Russian wedding bands typically consisted of 3 interlocking bands - gold, white gold and rose.

Greek & Anatolian (Turkey) wore puzzle rings, which are sets of interlocking metal bands that arrange in a specific order to form a single ring. If the spouse came home and found the ring in a different arrangement, then it may have questioned the fidelity of the other.

Celtic wedding rings are often engraved or embossed with a Celtic knot design to symbolize oneness and continuity. The Claddagh design symbolizes fidelity.

For North America, typically two rings are worn on the same finger - an engagement ring, and a plain wedding band. After first anniversary or child, a gift of an eternity ring is given, typically a three ring combination. This tradition is especially observed in the UK. In whatever culture, we exchange rings as a vow of everlasting love and commitment to our partner, to stay true to one another, and to walk down life's journey together to experience the new and exciting facets of companionship and physical union.
by: Stephan Bevan

Indian wedding cards

2008-12-12T17:09:00.002+08:00

Indian wedding cards

India is a land of great diversity, it is full of colors. A multitude of religions exist under the Indian sky, they all have unique ceremonies and rituals associated with them. Wedding is one of the most important events of an individual, as well as a family’s life. For Indians, wedding is extremely special. They celebrate it with great pomp and show. Most Indians try to make their wedding the most memorable event of their lives. They aim to make everything associated with the wedding special.

Wedding invitations form an important part of every wedding. People try to have wedding cards that are beautiful, creatively designed and one of a kind. Married couples preserve their wedding cards, so that they can refer to them in future and experience the nostalgia of their wedding.

Every religion has some unique features associated with wedding cards. The cards are different depending upon the region as well, for example a north Indian’s wedding invitation card would differ from that of a south Indian’s wedding card, or for that matter, the wedding card of a north easterner.

Indian wedding invitation cards can be divided into the following categories:

• Hindu Wedding Cards
• Muslim Wedding Cards
• Sikh Wedding Cards
• Scroll Wedding Invitations
• Multi-faith Wedding Invitations - Interfaith cards
• Designer Wedding Cards
• Non Religious wedding Cards and
• E-Wedding Cards

Indian wedding cards stand out prominently with their exquisite designing and intricate detailing. They offer a wonderful blend of style and artistry. They are filled with eye pleasing colors and distinctive textures. They are made on a variety of papers, from imported to hand made ones. Though earlier wedding invitation cards were solely made from paper, nowadays the card designers have been making creative use of a variety of materials to make the cards. Hindu wedding cards often come studded with Kundan stones.

Indian wedding cards also commonly feature quotes from the religious books, for example Hindu wedding cards, have quotations from the Bhagwad Gita, the Muslim wedding cards have quotes from Quran, while the Sikh wedding cards, carry quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib. These quotes are usually meant to bless the marrying couple with good wishes for their married life.
by: Ricky lee

Tips to Preserve Your Wedding Photographs

2008-09-05T13:11:00.002+08:00

Tips to Preserve Your Wedding Photographs. Wedding is the most precious moment in the life of man. It ties tow souls into an everlasting bond. The bond of love and respect for each other. To preserve these moments’ photographs is the best option. For pictures has the power to tell the stories once happened? To preserve the wedding photographs for showing to grandchildren or refresh the thoughts of old memories needs care. For preserving the photographs one need to have knowledge of protecting them from being decayed.

Carefully compiling and packaging photos will prevent common damage such as yellowing, fading, or disintegration. It's most important to have an archival album with acid-free paper, acid-free prints, acid-free adhesive, and even acid-free photo corners. Acid-free albums are composed of acid-free papers, and the photos that they contain should be printed in a reputable lab where they will be washed long enough to remove all the chemical rinses used in developing. Black-and-white prints last longer than color. The nature of the materials used in color prints is more likely to fade due to temperature and moisture.

For prints it is resin-coated press prints, which are good, but not archival. Fiber is best for printing. Both touching them and resting them on newspaper can taint them with oil and acid that will speed their aging process. Then the wedding album should be good. Keep wedding album in a cool, dry place, away from bright sunlight. While marrying in this internet age helps in storing photos in much more decent manner. People can preserve a virtually limitless number of images from the biggest day of one’s life. Digital Devices in these photos are into digital picture frames to smart phones that help to store images on a micro SD memory card. It can store many images together. They can be viewed at MP3 player, laptop, PDA and some mobile phones to store images.

PC or laptop many photos are transferred into disc so that they can be stored in laptop or pc. Storage method makes it easy to transfer images to PC or laptop, where one can use editing software to create collages, crop, and color-adjust and otherwise manipulate images. Photo-sharing Web Sites many site provide ample space for storing the wedding photos. Photo-sharing Web sites also allow spicing up photo presentation with effects like captioning, cropping, editing, borders and more. One can show images in a slide-show format, and even share images with a specific group of family or friends, or designate them viewable by anyone interested in wedding images. The Web site acts as a broker for the images, sharing a percentage of the sale price with the member who posted the photo.

Your Own Wedding Web Site in this many couples are now opting to design their own Web sites prior to the wedding. After the big day, the site can be used to share anecdotes and images from the honeymoon, update friends and family on the place where couple lived as newlyweds, and even for posting personal thank-you messages for especially thoughtful gifts. If unprotected, photographs and artwork will prematurely age and yellow. For special memories, like wedding or anniversary photographs that are not easily replaced, a quality frame will protect them so they will be around for a long time. This extra investment now will pay dividends for a lifetime of great framed memories. It is a life time achievement so it is important to preserve that sweet memory once and all.
by:1stjournal.com@gmail.com

Wedding Readings - Popular Passages For Your Wedding Ceremony

2008-09-05T12:58:00.002+08:00

Wedding Readings. Popular Passages For Your Wedding Ceremony. If you're writing your wedding vows or personalizing your wedding ceremony with meaningful readings, delve into the world of literature, poetry, quotes and lyrics for inspiration. Here are some sample passages to get you started...

"Poetry"

William Shakespeare - "Romeo and Juliet"

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite. William Shakespeare - "Sonnet 116"

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

"Wilferd Peterson - The Art of Marriage"

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other,
not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation,
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere
in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the Spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which
the independence is equal, dependence is mutual,
and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is BEING the right partner.
This is "The Art of Marriage"

"Cultural Heritage"

Irish Wedding Blessing

May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children's children
May you be poor in misfortunes,
Rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward

"Apache Wedding Blessing"

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to each other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you,
For each of you will be comfort to the other.
Though you are two bodies,
There is but one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And, may the days of your life
Be good and long upon the earth.

"Hollywood"

When Harry Met Sally

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

To Love and Be Loved

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

"Moulin Rouge"

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

"The Notebook"

The best love is the kind that weakens the soul, that makes us reach for more, that plants fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever.

The Notebook

Poets often describe love as an emotion that we can't control, one that overwhelms logic and common sense. That's what it's like for me. I didn't plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt that you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us. We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me love like that has happened only once, and that's why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I'll never forget a single moment of it.
by: Cori Russell

Unique Bridesmaid Trends of Style & Jewelry

2008-06-24T14:02:00.002+08:00

Unique Bridesmaid Trends of Style & Jewelry. Not all bridesmaids have the same look and styles, and brides this year are reflecting their unique personalities in their bridesmaid jewelry. There are many different ways to incorporate your various bridesmaids styles into their bridesmaids jewelry. You may have a bridesmaid that is used to wearing big hoop earrings or bold necklaces and another that wears very tiny earrings or barely any jewelry at all. This is where selecting custom bridesmaid jewelry to match your bridesmaids personalities, style and sizes is key.

Decide on one color palate that makes sense for the color of gown your bridesmaids will be wearing. Once you have determined what color palate will work best for your wedding style, the rest is easy. Browse through the various styles of earrings, bracelets and necklaces to find exactly what each individual bridesmaid would look appropriate and comfortable in. You can choose the same necklaces for each maid and then a different pair of earrings, or select different pieces of jewelry all together for each bridesmaid. Whatever you decide, sticking with the same color palate throughout is a wonderful way to diversify while still coordinating together.

A popular trend this season is brides selecting the same style necklace for each bridesmaid and then choosing different earrings for each bridesmaids personality. This is a great gift idea to allow your bridesmaids to show their own uniqueness. Another popular trend is brides allowing bridesmaids to select their own dress styles, but keep all of the dresses the exact same color. When a bride opts to do this, the neckline styles can all be different, which is a great time to select different necklaces for each bridesmaid that compliments their own personal gown. By doing this, you are still coordinating your colors and style into the wedding, but allowing each bridesmaid to be different.

No matter what you decide to do when accessorizing your bridesmaids for your wedding, have fun with it. Your bridesmaids have been excited and planning right along with you, a gift of jewelry that compliments both their styles and personalities will be noticed and appreciated.
by: Bonnie back

Brides From Ukraine

2008-06-19T02:03:00.003+08:00

Brides From Ukraine. Ukraine is a part of Eastern Europe, very much famous for its natural beauty as well as beautiful Ukrainian woman, both are famous globally. Earlier Ukraine was a part of Soviet Union, but after its sovereignty, the economy has degraded. It was a result of inflation. The country is suffering from problems of unemployment and decreasing economy.

"Ukrainian Beauty"

Ukrainian women are still untouched by the political and economic problems of this country. They are beauty and health conscious women, who can work extra hours to get money to fulfill their personal need for cosmetics and beauty products. Ukrainian women work out regularly to maintain their appealing figure. These are some reasons behind the global attraction for Ukrainian bride.

After the decomposition of Soviet Union, several people left their native places. Several women got married to people in United States, UK, Canada and other developed countries in search of a better life and future prospects. A positive aspect of Ukrainian women is that they are well versed in eastern and western cultures. The reason is that Ukraine has a blend of both eastern and western civilization due to its unique geographical location.

People in United States, UK, Canada and other European and North American developed countries are interested in marrying with women from Ukraine. They are mesmerized by the beauty and positive attributes of women from Ukraine. They know very well that Ukrainian woman are well versed in all kinds of stuff, be it home making, taking care of children and elderly people of family, decorating homes or cooking and other household stuff. Along with that these woman are well educated and very good in English speaking, it's another attraction for men of developed countries.

The popularity of such marriages between people of two different cultures and geographical location is increasing day by day, and several agencies are budding in this area to provide such special matrimonial services to special set of customers.

In brief, Ukrainian woman are not only popular as mail order brides due to their beauty and physical attributes but also because of their inherent loving and caring nature which every man looks for in his bride. The added advantages are getting a wife with a kind heart and expert in all house hold works
By:weddingfromukraini

Your Wedding Linens Have An Irish History Behind Them

2008-05-03T03:20:00.002+08:00

Your Wedding Linens Have An Irish History Behind Them. If you are attending a wedding, odds are that you will see all the furniture covered with wedding linen rentals. The chair that you sit on, the table and even the napkins will usually be high quality wedding linen rentals. If you look at most of the fabrics used in a wedding and reception, most of them are, or could be, made out of linen, cotton or even silk. Linen is sometimes a general term that many people do not quite understand. One thing that many find interesting and are surprised by is the fact that linens have a deep history in most of Europe. Your wedding linens may have a deep Irish history.

It is generally accepted that actual linen, made from flax fibers, was first grown in Ireland around 900-1000 BC. The cultivation of flax for the use of linens was huge; even before the start of the more modern centuries, flax was grown in large quantities. Nearly every person in Ireland had clothing made from linen. The leaders of Ireland encouraged the growth of the industry, and because of this, the linen industry in Ireland blossomed. By the 1700's, Ireland was exporting their linens across the globe. Ireland was even exporting to the British colonies in America. The span of Ireland's exporting of linen shows the early strength of the country's linen industry. Ireland continued to prosper in the linen industry, generally without the use of wedding linens, a major source for the industry today.

When the cotton industry began to grow, the linen industry had to find ways to not only stay competitive, but to introduce linens in new ways. The linens were beginning to be sold in hospitals and hotel rooms in both high quality and low quality linens. Because of the high quality available with the Irish linens, and the rich tradition behind the cultivating and spinning of the actual linen, Irish linen was/still is considered something of a more luxurious fabric. The look and feel of the linen gave it the luxurious qualities that many people look for, especially for wedding linens.

Irish linens started being used for things such as weddings and parties. Because of the material used to make linens, the actual fabric can handle some rough wear and tear. The fabric started to be used as wedding chair covers and table covers to soak up spills and take a beating that the tables might not be able to handle. Because of the way that the actual fabric itself is made, it can absorb spills and drips. It quickly absorbs them, and eventually, the tablecloth or chair may not even feel damp or wet.

Wedding linen rentals have found themselves in weddings and at parties not only because of their strong and durable qualities, but also because of their look and versatility. Wedding linen rentals have allowed couples to furnish their wedding reception in a way that they like. They can choose the colors and the textures to match the rest of their decorations. Napkins, table covers, and chair covers have allowed those throwing a party to give the ambiance more of an elegant, sophisticated feel.

While the linen you have used or will use in the future may not have been made or grown in Ireland, the country has a deep-rooted history in the industry. Much like other European nations, Ireland's history with linens and textiles has allowed them to hone the craft of linen making. So, when you find yourself planning your special day and choosing your wedding linen rentals, the color and style you choose may be as rich and interesting looking as the history of how the fabrics all came to be. By: Janet Ireland

How to please everyone’s musical tastes at your wedding reception

2008-03-23T17:38:00.002+08:00

How to please everyone’s musical tastes at your wedding reception. It’s true . . . from flower girls to grandparents, each person at your wedding reception thinks that his or her favorite music is the coolest and everyone will like it. As the Bride and Groom, you already know which songs you MUST hear at your party – and you know some songs you definitely DON’T want to endure. But how do you please everyone?

* Play a little of everything

Pick any type of music -- Motown, country, rock, swing, big band, jazz or hip-hop. An experienced wedding DJ can immediately pick the most popular songs in each category and will select tunes that turn passive listeners into active party participants. From shaking in their seats to dipping on the dance floor, your guests will connect with songs you’ve planned and tunes your DJ instinctively chooses. A little Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett here, a little Justin Timberlake or Prince there… a variety of music, presented in exciting ways by your DJ, will be appreciated by your guests. While a rookie DJ might play song after song in one genre, an experienced professional will sprinkle in a little of everything, and mix it up as needed to keep your party cooking and the dance floor RED HOT.

* Play guest requests

When a DJ plays song requests, your party hits the bulls-eye for those individuals who ask for and hear their favorite tunes. The jolt of a new mood or tempo catches other guest’s attention. As guests notice that requests are played, they make their own requests, leading to more bulls-eyes as their requests are honored. Soon, your party hits the target for everyone, because you allowed your DJ to make someone happy for one song.

When inappropriate songs are requested, experienced DJs know to respond with honest assessments of the music’s contribution to the current mood. A great DJ will offer appropriate song suggestions in the same genre, with the same energy level as the requested music.

* Hire a fantastic DJ; then trust him.

An experienced DJ will create a strategic music plan, using your play lists, your reception format, and his experience as an entertainment professional. Great DJs can read the crowd and anticipate events before they happen. The best advice for the Bride and Groom is: relax! Be flexible and allow the party to unfold at its own pace. You’ll have a wedding bash that will leave you and your guests all breathless.
by: Mike staff

How financial stress threatens a marriage?

2008-03-23T17:17:00.002+08:00

How financial stress threatens a marriage?. Despite the common misconception among many single people, marriage is not easy. It takes a lot of work because life takes a lot of work. Life can be difficult and complicated enough for a single person, so when another person is involved it can become more complicated. Money is one of the many reasons that a marriage can break up, especially if times of financial distress has continued over a lengthy period of time. In fact, financial stress appears to be the cause of about 80 percent of all divorces. This goes to show just how stressful financial trouble can be for a couple who are both affected by it.

The vows taken today are often recited more because they are what couples are supposed to recite when going through the process of getting married. Very few actually take the time to review the vows and take their meaning to heart. This is why many difficulties that arise at a later time may be enough for the husband, wife or both to call it quits and to start living their separate lives. Money is what allows people to get their necessities, so a lack of money to the point of poverty and the inability to acquire the necessities and comforts of life can often make a married couple stressed and very unhappy with each other. Of course, it is not just simply the lack of money, it is how there came to be the lack of money.

There are couples where one or both of them will spend more than they are earning each month. Poor management of the income is often the biggest reason for the financial trouble a couple is experiencing. As is the case for any couple who are suffering overwhelming stress that is making the couple seriously think about divorce, contacting a family therapist or a couple’s counselor might not be a bad idea. The therapist or counselor can talk with the couple and help them work out what exactly is causing their want for separation.

If it appears that financial stress is possibly the biggest reason, the counselor or therapist can put the couple in touch with someone who can help them right their troubles. Then, the couple’s therapist can speak with the couple and help them reconcile and maybe even calm the couple down enough to think more clearly about what a divorce would really mean for them and any children that are involved. Divorce is not something that should never be entered into lightly. It means an end to that relationship and the breakup of a family, which can be greatly traumatizing to the children of that marriage.

When a couple believe that the only way out of their troubles is to get a divorce, consulting a marriage therapist to get some impartial advice might help save the marriage as well as find a way to deal with the issues causing the stress. If divorce is still what the parents choose to do, then family counseling for both the parents and the children might be a good idea so that everyone can get through the divorce without unnecessary stress.
by: Jennifer B. Baxt, LMHC, LMFT

Don't Start Your Marriage in Debt: Ways to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding

2008-03-23T17:04:00.002+08:00

Don't Start Your Marriage in Debt: Ways to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding. Weddings are big business, but you can have an elegant wedding on a small budget if you plan correctly. Many more brides are looking at their contemporaries and wondering why anyone would want to spend $30,000 on a single event? With a little bit of creativity and a good eye for a bargain, you can save a lot of money on your wedding and not have to go into your marriage in debt.

The first step in saving money is to plan out your budget. Make sure to be realistic about the figure, since you don't want to see it ballooning over the course of the planning. Once you've nailed down a rough estimate, make sure to factor in a 10 percent extra just in case there are changes in prices from your vendors, or an emergency of some sort (like your florist loses your order).

Make a list of your “must haves” for the wedding to help you decide where you can reduce expenses. For example, if it is really important for you to hold you reception in a specific event hall, you may be willing to trim back on some of the other expenses in order to make up for the cost. Write down your top five things that would make your wedding perfect, and then work from there. Even in a worse case scenario, you'll want to make sure to have enough money for those five things.

Create and print your invitations yourself. In this day and age, most people have virtual print shops on their computers already. If you buy paper from an office supply store and have a little bit of time and creativity, you can make and print your invitations yourself. And best of all, they'll be done at a fraction of the cost of other invitations which means you'll be able to spend more in other areas.Another way to cut costs on your wedding is to keep the guest list to a minimum.

If you have a small wedding with fewer than 50 guests, you'll have lower expenses for the reception and the invitation printing costs. There's nothing wrong with keeping things small and intimate, plus you may be able to hold your reception in a much more budget friendly location. In fact, you could hold the entire event at a friend's home or affordable public location instead of renting a large venue.

Shop around for your dress to get the best deal. There are many discount dress shops that have dresses that are designer quality for much, much less. Even though your heart may be set on a dress from a certain designer, there's no reason why you can't find a discount dress that has many of the same elements. Remember, the money that you save on the dress can go toward making your day all the more special with other elements of the event.Your special day doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. With just a few of these tips, you can stay within your budget and have a beautiful wedding.
by: Jamie Jefferson

What Don't Wedding Consultants Do?

2008-03-18T13:31:00.002+08:00

What Don't Wedding Consultants Do?.What don’t wedding consultants do? You may know what wedding planners will do for you, but have you ever thought about all those things that they won’t do (or simply won’t tell you about?). Wedding professionals will make sure that you select the perfect gown, they’ll set up the best venue, and they’ll arrange everything for your wedding on paper ... but what don’t wedding consultants do?

In most cases, the number one complaint that couples have regarding their wedding planner is that these professionals are far too good at covering up the truth. Since most wedding experts often plan numerous weddings at the same time, you may not always deal with the same person. For example, you and your fiancé may meet with a wedding planner many times before the big day.

The three of you may visit venues, taste cakes, and plan decorations, but when the actual wedding day arrives ... don’t be surprised if you are suddenly left dealing with a colleague of your planner’s. Can this really happen? If you are dealing with a large wedding business, then yes, it can. In order to avoid this, make sure you put the person’s name down on a contract, and be very clear when you insist that they be present during your big day. Still, there are other things that your professional may not tell you. Wedding planners are taught to smooth over a situation no matter how bad it gets – this is their job.

So, if your DJ suddenly can’t show up, a wedding expert may just hire another one without letting you in on the secret. Why? They simply don’t want to ruffle your feathers. What don’t wedding consultants do to inspire confidence in their abilities? Certain “experts” have been known to mispronounce names; run bills much higher than they need to be; and take full advantage of destination weddings (free vacation anyone?).

Lately, wedding planners have made it a point to go after inter-racial couples. Why? Well, if you must plan two different types of weddings ... or mesh one into two ... the overall cost of the wedding will rise. Therefore, beware of a consultant that wants to add on “customized” details to your wedding to “honor” your faith. For the most part, wedding professionals are really trying to plan the best wedding for you, but there are some people out there simply looking to make a small fortune.

Now that you know the answer to the original question (what don’t wedding consultants do?), you will be able to choose a planner that is perfect for you. Though some couples will tell you horror stories, if you know what will happen during your big day (make sure you have it all written down on paper), you don’t need to worry.
by: Aazdak Alisimo

Favorite Wedding Flowers for Brides

2008-03-18T08:33:00.002+08:00

Favorite Wedding Flowers for Brides. Flowers is a must element in your wedding day. Make the wedding bouquet for bride can be as simple as cut several flowers & tie them. But not every flower is suitable for bridal bouquet. It is strange if you use the wrong flowers. Knowing what are the most popular flowers is very useful for you. If you know what are the best and most favorite, it is easy for you to make a good "wedding flower". You can make it as single flower arrangement or combine several popular flowers to make it unique. So, what are the most beloved flowers for brides? Here is the list:

Calla Lilies.

Calla lilies are elegant flower. The flowers are very popular choices for bridal bouquets, flower arrangements, & home decoration because of its range of colors available with unique shapes. Calla lilies are poisonous plants, so if you want to arrange a bouquet made with calla lilies, consider to keep it far from children & pet.

Tulips.

The look is instantly fresh. The flowers come with hundreds varieties with typically have one flower per stem and are available year-round. Many people think that tulips are flowers from the Dutch. Actually, tulips are native to Central Asia & Persian Empire. The vast majority of tulips are being exported from Holland to all over the world.

Hydrangea.

A hydrangea bouquet should be a good choice for those who want a simple elegance nosegay bouquet. Hydrangea is native to southern and eastern Asia. White is the most species color. Other species can be pink, blue, purple, and red. Hydrangea has a unique shape. Its shape is suitable for making a nosegay bouquet.

Roses.

The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart. Roses symbolize love with various color (white, pink, & red), beautiful shape, and more than a hundred species. Its beautiful shape with good smell can touch the heart of many people. No wonder if roses is the most favorite flowers in the world. Rose is also a durable flower. The characteristics

Carnation.

Carnation is the flower of love. Carnations usually are used for showing love and fascination. But cultivars of many colors can bring different symbol from each color. For example, white carnation may symbolize the purity of Mother's Day. Actually, the carnation is a species of Dianthus. Colors include pink (natural color), red, white, yellow and green.

Stephanotis.

Stephanotis can make a simple cake become elegant. The flower has white petals, star-shaped flower, and dark green leaves. The best known stephanotis species is Stephanotis floribunda whose are popular component of wedding bouquets.

Gerbera.

The name was taken from the last name of the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Gerbera is a genus of sunflower family. The flowers grow with less water, so they are suitable for home gardening. Gerbera is popular for wedding bouquet because it is vary greatly in shape, color, and size. The capitulum is composed of hundreds of individual flowers.
by: Mark su

Honeymoon Specials And Planning - Get The Facts

2008-03-18T08:26:00.002+08:00

Honeymoon Specials And Planning - Get The Facts. You may be in for a big case of sticker shock when comes time to pay for your honeymoon. A good honeymoon is not cheap, and that is the reason many people try to find deals when they are starting to make arrangements where they would like to go and how long they want to stay. There are a lot of "honeymoon" specials out there, but you do have to look into what you are getting. These special are usually paid in advance, and that means that if you are not happy, you can't get a refund. Starting your marriage off in misery is not a good thing.

Some "honeymoon" specials are really incredible, and that is why they sold out so fast. Take some time to look for special offers that are out there if you can, by planning your "honeymoon" as far in advance as possible. If you can find "honeymoon" specials for places that you've already visit, then you know by now that you are going to appreciate what you have when you get you want to find out the real deal before you pay up.

Remember that the word 'honeymoon' does not have to be include in the advertising to be a honeymoon special. Any type of vacation deal you can find can be a honeymoon special. Though some places have a suite just for honeymooners, you don't have to stay in one to find something divine. Honeymoon specials are only special if you can get a great deal and have an amazing time, you don't have to limit your holiday to something that is meant for newlyweds if you did not find good options. A honeymoon is just a vacation with a fancy name. Don't forget that you can find some very good deals out there.

There are times when telling somebody you are on your honeymoon you can get an even better deal though. You should remember that when you are shopping for honeymoon specials. Even though not everybody will give you a promotion or even a price cut, there exist some individuals who will do so. They put out honeymoon specials by hoping that you have such a grand time that you will go back there a few times on your anniversary to relive your unique time together. Many places that I have been to hold special memories, and these are certainly the places that I return to time and time again. Every now and then I do this to make sure I do not forget the place.
by: Paul Zayer

Brides Want Sleek and Sexy Wedding Dresses

2008-03-16T12:20:00.002+08:00

Brides Want Sleek and Sexy Wedding Dresses. Red carpet glamour is making its way down the aisle. Christine Antoniou finds out why so many brides are opting for a sleek "wedding dress" look on their wedding day.

If you catch yourself staring dreamily at a glamorous sleek and fitted gown but turn away thinking �I could never wear that� � don�t rule it out just yet. What might come as a surprise, a fitted style flatters most shapes and sizes. And keeping an open mind will send you on your way to finding a gown that not only suits your shape, but your personality.

Conjuring up images of 1950s glamour and Hollywood icons, a sleek gown is the perfect way to achieve a sexy, romantic and delicate look. Think plunging necklines, silk charmeuse, delicate beading and fish tails, to enhance and define your silhouette.

Figure flattering:Designer Karen Willis Holmes says her sleek designs are figure flattering and a little sexy. �Sleek gowns are very popular at the moment,� Karen says. This style flatters 99 per cent of brides, it really does suit all shapes.�

And while the sensuous and delicate fabric will give you a soft and romantic look, corsetry underneath the wedding gowns will do the work for you. Your waist can be pulled in, and your figure accentuated to achieve a feminine silhouette. �A lot of brides think they won�t look good in a sleeker gown but once they try sleek styles on they love it,� Karen says.

Mariana Hardwick�s Goddess Collection highlights the lure of slimline gowns that emphasise the hourglass shape with a dip neckline, drop waist with bodice over the hips, beading and exposed corsetry.

Mariana says the current mermaid style suits a longer body but fitted gowns in general can look �wonderful and sexy on anyone�. �A more voluptuous figure can look great because a bridal gown needs flesh, shape and curves,� she says. �Women these days are body, health and fitness conscious and this style celebrates the female figure. The essence of bridal dressing is optimising all of your best features and reflecting your personality,� she says.

Hair and make-up:A more understated gown gives you the perfect opportunity to accessorise and add glamour to your look. After all, this is your day to create the look you dream of. Go for a neat sleek bun and make a dramtaic entrance, with vibrant red lips and subtle eyes.Or if you are after a softer style, a feminine half-up hair-style that is structured but still soft will turn heads as you walk down the aisle.

And even though you may sit in the make-up chair for more than an hour, it�s all about looking natural and fresh. Think blushes, pinks and flowers like English rose for a natural and beautiful look.

Accessories:Long drop vintage look earrings are popular with brides but make sure they don�t overpower your gown. Brooches can add another dimension of glamour to your gown, or be creative and have some fun and put a brooch in your hair.

Relax:A person who you trust and an open mind are the best things to take with you when choosing your dream wedding gown.Mariana says it�s not unusual for brides to have a fixed idea of what they want before they have tried on their first gown. She suggests trying on a range of silhouettes from full gowns to A line to slinky. �Keep an open mind, often what you want can be different to what suits you.�

Karen reminds brides to relax and to be guided by gown designers. �Just try things on because you never know what a dress will look like until it�s on � you can always take it off if you don�t like it.�
by: Robert Palmer

Wedding Announcements and Bridal Shower Invitations for That Special Day

2008-03-16T12:04:00.002+08:00

Wedding Announcements and Bridal Shower Invitations for That Special Day. Getting married is a very exciting time but there are many details to be taken care of beforehand. One of these responsibilities is sending out Bridal Shower Invitations. Sending out "Bridal Shower" Invitations may not seem like a big task but it’s important to keep the Bridal Shower Invitations fun while conveying the tone of the shower and including important information.

Many people choose to use the theme and colors of the wedding when doing anything that is wedding related. This includes Bridal Shower Invitations, Wedding Announcements, wedding shower invitations, marriage announcements, Bachelorette party invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, elopement announcements, engagement announcements, engagement party invitations, bridal shower thank you cards, and of course, wedding invitations.

One of the key factors in any kind of mailing is the wording that is used. This is especially true for "Bridal Shower" Invitations, Wedding Announcements, "wedding shower" invitations, marriage announcements, rehearsal dinner invitations, elopement announcements, engagement announcements and engagement party invitations, and wedding flower centerpiece.

There are many bridal shower and Wedding Announcements wording ideas. On a surprise "bridal shower" invitation you may want to say, “Don’t tell but we’re having a surprise shower for Mary Smith…” Another fun way to word "Bridal Shower" Invitations may be for a recipe shower. Here is where you would enclose two index cards and have the guest write a recipe on one and a recipe for love on the other. To add to the theme of the "bridal shower" invitation, one may request that gifts come in the form of kitchen items. For a lingerie "bridal shower" invitation, you may want to say something whimsical such as, “Robert and Lynne fell in love as we all saw, now let’s throw her a party with gifts of bras!”

Besides wording, you want the "Bridal Shower" Invitations to comply with the theme of the party. If you’re hosting a recipe bridal shower, then the Bridal Shower Invitations may be displayed with a border of different kitchen gadgets and utensils. Lingerie "Bridal Shower" Invitations could be in the shape of a bustier or a set of bra and panties. Bachelorette party invitations can also be very fun and playful, as that generally keeps within the theme of the party. If the Bachelorette party is being held in a bar for example, the Bachelorette party invitation may come in the shape of a martini glass.

For those who want something truly unique, it’s possible to get custom-made Bridal Shower Invitations, Wedding Announcements, "wedding shower" invitations, marriage announcements, bachelorette party invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, elopement announcements, engagement announcements, engagement announcements, engagement party invitations, lingerie "Bridal Shower" Invitations, "bridal shower" thank you cards, and wedding invitations.

Wedding shower invitations and Wedding Announcements can also come in a wide variety of themes but will generally be a bit more formal and will most definitely stay within the theme of the wedding. For example, wedding announcement wording could say, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith are honored to announce the wedding of their daughter…” These announcements however, don’t always need to be extremely formal. For an elopement announcement where the ceremony may not have taken place in a conventional setting, the wording may be something such as, “Ms. Karen Smith and Mr. John Brown honored their love by eloping while on vacation on a Bahamian cruise.”
by: Sarah

The Wedding Bomboniere Guide

2008-03-15T23:44:00.001+08:00

The Wedding Bomboniere Guide. Finding the right bomboniere for your wedding can be tough. There is a seemingly endless variety of miniature treats to give your guests from the traditional sugared almond in a delicate arrangement of lace, net, and artificial flowers to personalised gift boxes and scented candles.

Giving bomboniere is the traditional way to thank guests for coming to celebrate your wedding. This European custom has become increasingly popular in Australia with couples wanting to give guests a small memento of their day.

Usually, bomboniere are left on the reception tables for guests to take home. Many couples go for a combination of the traditional sugared almond treat coupled with a small gift.

If you are looking for something a little more creative and memorable, there is an increasing variety of inventive bomboniere on the market. Couples can give their guests anything from a personalised mixed CD to disposable cameras for them to record the day.

Modern interpretations of the traditional gift can include small cakes, chocolates and other sweets. You could also choose small presents such as a picture frame or an engraved champagne glass.
For those who want to indulge their creative streak, here are some fresh ideas for an old tradition:
� Miniature wedding cakes
� Novelty boxes of chocolates
� Jars of homemade foods/preserves
� A small plant or seedling
� Gourmet coffee or tea
� Coffee mugs
� Bookmarks
� Key rings
� Soaps
� Beer coolers
� Hand painted ceramics or tiles

Bomboniere needn�t be expensive or elaborate. For most couples it is a symbolic gesture to show their appreciation to their guests. Whether you choose to make your gifts or order them from a bomboniere specialist, remember it's the sentiment your guests will appreciate.
by: Robert Palmer

Wedding Flowers Centerpieces - 6 Hints and Ideas For Every Season

2008-03-13T14:20:00.003+08:00

Wedding Flowers Centerpieces - 6 Hints and Ideas For Every Season. There are many options to choose from for centerpieces, however wedding flowers centerpieces are probably the most popular. There are many great flower choices regardless of the season of your wedding.To get you started, listed below are 6 hints to consider when thinking about flower centerpieces.
Set a budget for your wedding flowers centerpieces. Flowers can be very expensive, so have an idea of how much you will be able to spend.This is one area a good Florist or wedding planner can help. Tell her or him what you are looking for and what your budget is, and they will be able to give you ideas to work with.

Choose flowers that are in season to help keep you within your budget. Having off season flowers imported will definitely cost more and possibly be a hassle.Where you live might also determine what flowers are available at different times of the year.

If you are having a destination wedding, choose flowers that are native to that location. Take advantage of what is available locally.Most larger resorts have wedding planners or Florists onsite to help with the selection and set up of your centerpieces.

Look for unique containers or vases to make your centerpieces unique. This can help to take a boring centerpiece and make it memorable.For example, instead of plain old clear glass vases, choose vases that are a different color or have designs in them.

If your budget is really tight, consider silk flowers. Good ones look very real, and your guests might not even know the difference.Check craft stores for do it yourself supplies. There are also professional designers that specialize in silk flowers.

Match your flowers with your wedding theme. This can be a color combination, a season like Fall or just about anything.Your theme can run through all of your table decorations including flower colors and containers.To help with the selection and coordination of your wedding flowers centerpieces, you should consider working with a Florist. It is definitely possible to do them yourself, however Florists have access to the freshest varieties of flowers and they can give you valuable ideas.

As mentioned previously choosing flowers in season can help to keep you in budget, and they are also easier to find in season. Listed below are the most popular wedding flowers for each season. SpringThere are many flowers to choose from for Spring including cherry blossom, daffodil, dogwood, hyacinth, sweet pea and tulips. Match up the vibrant colors of the season with your flowers to create eye-catching centerpieces.

SummerHot Summer options include dahlia, daisy, gladiolus, snapdragon, violet and zinnia. This is the perfect season for a daisy theme wedding or a combination of the colorful flowers of this season. FallPopular choices for Fall include sunflowers, chrysanthemum, and hydrangea.

Try sticking to deep reds, gold and other colors of the season.Accent your flowers with leaves, pumpkins or apples to finish off your wedding flowers centerpieces.WinterAmaryllis, evergreen, poinsettia and roses are great choices for Winter. Evergreens can be decorated if you are having a holiday wedding, and you can never go wrong with roses especially around Valentine’s Day. by: Stephen Badiali

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

2008-03-13T14:06:00.002+08:00

How to Plan a Destination Wedding. It's true, destination weddings are all the rage today. What exactly is a destination wedding? In simple terms, it's a wedding away from your hometown, either just the two of you, or with family and friends. It can be as simple or elaborate, inexpensive or lavish as you desire.

Okay, so it's the wedding trend of the day, but, is it any simpler to plan? Or, is planning a wedding far from home even harder than planning one in your own hometown? The answer to that, of course, is up to you, and how lavish or unique you want your wedding to be. Here are the steps in planning that destination

"I Do." Step One: Who's Going to Attend?

Before you can plan your wedding destination, you really have to decide who you're going to invite, as your guest list can sometimes narrow your choices of destinations.Is your destination wedding going to be for just the two of you? Then the whole world is your oyster. Are you going to invite a few close friends or family members? If so, are you going to pick up the tab for their travel, or are travel expenses to be paid by each individual?

If you can't afford to pick up the tab for travel to your wedding, and the friends and family members would have a hard time coming up the money, then you might want to pick some special place closer to home. For example, if you live in Phoenix and want a destination wedding where family and friends could easily travel to, you might want to pick Sedona rather than Hawaii. There might also be time restrictions for your guests as well. Some people just can't take time off of work to attend your wedding on some tropical island, whereas they might be able to attend a wedding which is a few-hours drive away.

Step Two: When is the Wedding?

If the two of you are planning your wedding around vacation time at work, then that too may dictate where you will have your destination wedding. If your vacation time is during hurricane season, you may want to skip Cancun and opt for the beaches of Southern California instead.

Step Three: Draw up a Wedding BudgetFace it;

Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Your heart may be screaming the beaches of Costa Rica, but your budget is screaming Las Vegas. Yes, we all want to answer our heart's call, but your budget should have the last word. But, don't let that keep you from choosing a great, unique wedding destination. You'd be surprised how many wonderful, unique wedding destinations there are which may fit your budget. B&Bs all over the United States, in such romantic destinations as California, New England, Florida and Virginia, offer inexpensive wedding packages for either just the two of your, or several guests.

When considering your budget, you have to consider travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding related expenses. In addition, you should also plan on the costs for accommodations, meals during your stay and even the things that you would like to do there.

Step Four: Consider the Marriage Laws

Some locations in the United States as well as some countries make having a wedding very difficult. You may have to deal with specific requirements before you can actually wed. Before you select a location at which to be married, make sure you know what the laws in that location actually are.

Step Five: Hire a Wedding Planner or DIY

Once you've narrowed in on your wedding location, you need to decide if you will be planning your wedding yourself or if you will need to hire a wedding planner. If you are having a larger destination wedding with numerous family and friends attending, you may want to hire a wedding planner to help coordinate everything. If it's just the two of you, you can probably handle the planning yourself.

Often you can hire a wedding officiant who has packages available which include picking a location, performing the ceremony, as well as transportation, cake and champagne. Resorts and even B&Bs also offer packages which make the planning extra simple.

Step Six: Enjoy Your Honeymoon

Here's the best part of having a destination wedding. The honeymoon starts right after the "I Do." With destination weddings continuing to grow in popularity, and more B&Bs, resorts and wedding planners offering wedding packages, planning a destination wedding can be as simple as planning a vacation.

No more renting a hall, hiring a band, sending invitations to an ever-growing list of guests. It's time to take the stress out of your wedding planning and make it fun. A destination wedding allows you to do just that. by: S. Hearn

Wedding Cakes: The Classic Bride vs The Diva Bride

2008-03-02T13:54:00.002+08:00

Wedding Cakes: The Classic Bride vs The Diva Bride . Which Bride are you? Choosing a wedding cake depends on much more than the flavours you like. It comes down to personality and who you really are.

"The CLASSIC Bride"

The classic bride is all about traditional bridal style. She is all about simple elegance. If this is you, then you can emulate that classic bridal style on your classic wedding cake.

Flower Petals on the Cake

Consider a beautiful white on white cake with frothy white icing and piles of beautiful rosebuds and petals. Create a romantic look around the cake by scattering white and pink rose petals over an organza tablecloth. A beautiful silver plated cake stand to add to the elegance of your cake’s display.Crown this beautiful cake with an elegant tower of ivory and white garden roses.

"Classic Colours"

The classic bride typically combines a monochromatic pallet of classic and elegant. Colours of champagnes, blushes, creams, light pinks and whites will be beautiful when accented with light greens from the stems of these flowers. These colours are timeless and you will feel like a classic celebrity on your special day.

This is a bridal style that endures all trends and will always be popular. Your "wedding cake" design will also be a style that endures all trends and the cake will be one that is remembered for years to come.

"The DIVA Bride"

You are the Diva Bride. Un-shy, bold and colourful, you will not go unnoticed.
On the day of your wedding you want your wedding cake to say, “Look at me” just as you want every one to look at you. Your "wedding cake" will incorporate these aspects of you - these aspects that everybody loves you for.

"A Cake that Stands Out"

Imagine this – a white fondant cake that is bursting with a strawberry fruit filling and strawberry red roses. Or perhaps, a decadent chocolate icing cake with amazing red sugar roses that are leafed in gold. You want a tall cake with six tiers. One that the vendor is going to need a ladder to cut. You want a cake that stands out as much as you. From the top you will have a beautiful topper with red ribbons cascading to the table, all edible of course.

"Diva Colours"

Don’t be afraid to use the red roses, or other bright contrasting colours. As you are the ultimate diva bride, you are going to have a lot of options when it comes to "wedding cake" colours. Anything that is glam will go for you. If there is any colour in your dress, you should definitely use from that the colour pallet for your "wedding cake". These colours are sure to be noticed at your reception.

"Cake in the Spotlight"

If you really want your cake to get as much attention as you, consider giving the cake its own grand entrance. Have a rolling cart decorated with organza and thousands of petals. Have your serving set elegantly decorated with ribbons and you may possibly want to have tiny tea candles surround the cake, your serving set and your champagne glasses to add drama to the moment. Have the lights dimmed and allow the candles to show the elegant and dramatic beauty of you and your wedding cake.
by: cakes wedding

Wedding Cake Tops And Accessories

2008-03-02T13:41:00.002+08:00

Wedding Cake Tops And Accessories. Your wedding cake is the central piece of decoration, and probably the most delicious decoration, that brings your entire theme into focus. The culminating factor of the vital "wedding cake" is the elegant design, symbol, or figurines that you place on top of all the cake’s luxurious tiers. Cake tops are a great way to really put your personality and your good taste into your wedding reception. Also, wedding cake toppers are great keepsakes for you and your newly wedded spouse to take home in remembrance of your special day.

You can keep these durable items for a lifetime, keeping them out on display in your new home as a testament to the bond you share and the memories you’ve made and will continue to make in your new life together. Try choosing a "wedding cake" topper that reflects your personality, beliefs, and approach to life by searching for cake toppers that represent many different cultures, worldviews, and historic traditions. Choosing the perfect topper can be a daunting task, but with these examples listed below you don’t have to worry at all about looking any further for a great piece that will impress your guests and stimulate your memories in the future.

# Traditional Celtic Claddaugh Cake Top:

This traditional Irish symbol represents the bond between the bride and the groom perfectly. The claddaugh symbolizes the fact that your hands will be blessed in friendship and your hearts will be joined in love forever. This beautiful blessing couldn’t come in a more beautiful cake top that is made of glazed porcelain and will be the perfect addition to any cake and will certainly enhance the feeling of romance and the eternal love you share for your new spouse.

# Silver Asian Double Happiness Traditional Script Brushed Cake Top:

This simple silver colored happiness symbol represents the joy and completion you feel as a result of your bond with your partner. The simplicity of this cake topper makes it a very versatile item that can be used on your primary cake or any other place you’d like in your wedding reception to enhance the message of love.

# Contemporary Couple Cake Topper:

Breaking from the traditional stiff-looking bride and groom atop the wedding cake, this magnificent glass sculpture features a modern art version of the bride and groom in the middle of a special dance. This cake topper is certainly a very elegant flower addition to your cake while also being a very efficient means of communicating the message of love and the union of two souls.

# Reflective Castle Cake Top:

This cake topper is absolutely stunning! It is the perfect way to top off your magical wedding and to remind the bride that she looks like a fantastic princess on her special day. This fantasy castle is made of perfectly clear glass and is accented with gold pieces. This cake topper fits into anyone’s wedding and will capture the elegance of the lighting and the confectionery treat that it is sitting on top of. Make your cake more enjoyable and functional as a design piece with this wonderful cake topper.
by: Joe Palladino

The Perfect Time to Get Married

2008-02-27T23:49:00.002+08:00

The Perfect Time to Get Married. The wedding business is always going, because people are always getting married. People get "married" in every season of the year, but selecting the right time that is best for you is certainly a tough decision. So here are some things which you can think about when selecting the right season to tie the knot.

Summer weddings are fantastic because the temperature is nice and warm. This opens up many different options for you as far as colors go. Summer brings a lot of yellows and light greens to the table. It offers a perfect weather for a dressed down wedding for your bridesmaids. For example, think of sandals and flip flops, outdoor scenery, and warm summer nights. Summer always has love in the air and just may be the perfect time for a wedding.

When fall arrives the trees are changing and the temperature is cooling. A country wedding might be the perfect fit for this season of the year. A little country music and a wooden dance floor would be perfect for you and your loved one to dance away the evening. There are plenty of colors to accentuate your dress and give your wedding day a special splash of personality that is only offered in this season of the year.

The snow has finally come and a white blanket covers the ground for you winter wedding. A cold night provides the perfect cozy feeling for your special evening. Choose from light blues and purples, or a deep crimson red to highlight your wedding shoes and bring color to the beautiful blanket of snow outside. A horse carriage ride through the snow mingled with a romantic cuddle to bring in the warmth of marriage in the cold of winter.

Wedding flowers, Spring has finally sprung and the tulips are in full bloom. The grass is green and the trees are flowering. It is a season that displays life all around you. The sun has finally come back to warm the air coupled with afternoon showers to cool the evenings. Spring is a season where vibrant colors and pastels can come together to provide a beautiful look that might be perfect for your wedding.

There are so many different options available to you in selecting the right date to get married. Each season carries with it its own personality and a look that provides a feeling which might be perfect for your wedding. The perfect time to get "married" is the time you choose to make lifetime promises to you loved one.
by: mike a

Bridal Show Expo - All Your Wedding Ideas In One Location

2008-02-27T23:37:00.003+08:00

Bridal Show Expo - All Your Wedding Ideas In One Location. Is there a wedding in your future? A bridal show expo is one of the best ways for a bride-to-be to discover the latest wedding trends, discover vendors for brides and get ideas on everything you will need to make your wedding a wonderful success, from hiring wedding professionals to ordering the perfect tuxedos.

Bridal expos, sometimes labeled a "bridal showcase", are offered frequently and chances are that there will be no need to jaunt too far to attend one. A bridal show expo is often held at a function hall, expo center, or arena. They can get very large. The advantages of visiting a bridal expo is that you can compare lots of wedding vendors all in the same building. The old saying about first impressions really holds true. The bridal expo may acquaint you to vendors for brides you had never considered and turn you off a vendor you had considered. In the end, this will save time. You won’t have to arrange lots of meetings in order to consult each vendor separately.

Before going to the bridal expo, be sure to have a small notebook and pencil. There will be a lot of facts to digest. You might want to leave your purse in the car because there will be so many things to see and touch and it’s possible to lose your purse or have it stolen. Instead, put some cash and other necessities in front pockets. Upon entering a "bridal expo", a greeter will offer you a plastic bag with some information already inside. This plastic bag is ideal for holding all of the information from the vendors to be looked at later.

There will be many exhibitors at the bridal expo including vendors for reception sites, bakeries, musicians, and even insurance agents selling life insurance. Try to map out a course of action so that you have time to see the vendors you are interested in. It would be sad to miss out on a cake that tastes out of this world simply because you walked past that aisle without paying attention to it. A vendor is often handing out a coupon or freebies so take advantage of all the offers. Take the time to view every vendor so as not to miss out on the best service or vendor for your wedding.

Often there will be a fashion show at the expo where designers will showcase gowns and other wedding fashion accessories. Often there is entertainment, and normally your admission charge, if there is one, blankets all the costs. Even attending a bridal show takes some advance readiness. Be sure to check the schedule beforehand for the times of special demonstrations or events that are of interest to you.

The purpose of a bridal show expo is to generate business for the vendors for brides. They are equally beneficial for the bride because they save her the time and headaches associated with meeting with vendors that aren’t right for her wedding. Whether it is taking the right photo, booking a dream honeymoon or planning a wonderful reception, all of your questions will be answered by the professionals at the expo. When it pertains to wedding planning, there is nothing more supportive than attending a bridal expo.
by: Ron king

Top Wedding Flowers

2008-02-27T09:18:00.002+08:00

Top Wedding Flowers. Bouquets look better when it use the right flowers. Make the bouquet for bride can be as simple as cut several flowers & tie them. But not every flower is suitable for bridal bouquet. Knowing what are the most popular wedding flowers is very useful for you. If you know what are the best and most favorite, it is easy for you to make a good wedding flower. You can make it as single flower arrangement or combine several popular flowers to make it unique. So, what are the most beloved flowers for brides? Here are:

Gerbera
The name was taken from the last name of the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Gerbera is a genus of sunflower family. The flowers grow with less water, so they are suitable for home gardening. Gerbera is popular for wedding bouquet because it is vary greatly in shape, color, and size. The capitulum is composed of hundreds of individual flowers.

Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are elegant flower. The flowers are very popular choices for bridal bouquets, flower arrangements, & home decoration because of its range of colors available with unique shapes. Calla lilies are poisonous plants, so if you want to arrange a bouquet made with calla lilies, consider to keep it far from children & pet.

Roses
The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart. Roses symbolize love with various color (white, pink, & red), beautiful shape, and more than a hundred species. Its beautiful shape with good smell can touch the heart of many people. No wonder if roses is the most favorite flowers in the world. Rose is also a durable flower. The characteristics of a good rose are: long stemmed, bold petals, & has minimum five petals.

Hydrangea
A hydrangea bouquet should be a good choice for those who want a simple elegance nosegay bouquet. Hydrangea is native to southern and eastern Asia. White is the most species color. Other species can be pink, blue, purple, and red. Hydrangea has a unique shape. Its shape is suitable for making a nosegay bouquet.

Carnation
Carnation is the flower of love. Carnations usually are used for showing love and fascination. But cultivars of many colors can bring different symbol from each color. For example, white carnation may symbolize the purity of Mother's Day. Actually, the carnation is a species of Dianthus. Colors include pink (natural color), red, white, yellow and green.

Stephanotis
Stephanotis can make a simple cake become elegant. The flower has white petals, star-shaped flower, and dark green leaves. The best known stephanotis species is Stephanotis floribunda whose are popular component of wedding bouquets.

Tulips
The look is instantly fresh. The "flowers" come with hundreds varieties with typically have one flower per stem and are available year-round. Many people think that tulips are "flowers" from the Dutch. Actually, tulips are native to Central Asia & Persian Empire. The vast majority of tulips are being exported from Holland to all over the world.

How To Choose Wedding Shoes

2008-02-26T20:19:00.001+08:00

How To Choose Wedding Shoes. Wedding shoes are not typically at the top of a bride’s shopping list. This is mainly because they are among the least noticed wedding accessories during the wedding, but they really can be one of the most important parts of your bridal attire. From a comfort standpoint they’re certainly an important detail that should not be overlooked.

Wedding shoes are almost as important as your wedding dress. They are also a very good example of a product that is increasing in terms of internet sales.

A couple of things to consider when picking out "wedding shoes" are heel height and of course comfort.

Generally wedding shoes are seen as such a minor part of the entire wedding event that brides should feel no pressure at all when it comes to their shoes. However, "wedding shoes"" are still incredibly important because they’ll add height if you want heels and they must be comfortable enough to spend several hours in.

As a bride if you feel you’ve got enough to agonize about without trying to find shoes that match your dress exactly, clear "wedding shoes" may be an excellent solution for you. Many clear wedding shoes are decorated with dainty rhinestone detailing, with nearly invisible vinyl bands across the top of your foot for structure and support. Clear "wedding shoes" are made out of vinyl and transparent thermoplastic acrylic resin.

Some choose to have their wedding shoes properly dyed to match your dress, making them a beautiful accessory on your very special day.

If your wedding shoes are higher-heeled than those you are used to, you may want more structured practice sessions. Another trick to keep in mind is to break in your wedding shoes to be sure that on the big day your "wedding shoes" aren't killing your feet.

No matter how great your wedding shoes are, you'll curse them on your wedding day if they make you miserable.
By: Clyde Lee Dennis

Why Do Cd Wedding Favors Make Great Gifts

2008-02-26T20:13:00.001+08:00

Why Do Cd Wedding Favors Make Great Gifts. In this article we are going to look at a very popular gift to hand out at your wedding known as CD wedding favors. These make awesome souvenirs to give out for many different reasons.

First of all do you need to find the perfect favors for your wedding day? To let them know how much you appreciate them sharing your special day with you there are many types of favors, you can give to your guests.

CD "wedding favors" are one that is really popular. When you use CD "wedding favors" you will be giving your wedding guests a gift that they can keep forever.

They will be able to go back and listen to it. When they hear it they will automatically remember your special day. Music is something that can live on from generation to generation and it really makes a terrific gift to hand out.

One other reason why CD wedding gifts are so popular is because you can personalize them. You can have a photo of yourself and your fianc&eacutee put onto the CD, plus you choose the music that goes onto it.

Depending on your photographer you can use a wedding photo and personalize it right from your wedding day itself. If you prefer you can make them up in advance and you one of your favorite photos.

You can really customize the music to match the theme of your wedding. Music is something people do listen to and whenever they pull out your CD to play this will always be a true remembrance of what your wedding was about.

So you will be able to customize the favors so that when people see them they will think of you and remember sharing your day. You can not always do that with other types of souvenirs you are giving out.

There are many different places that you can find the "wedding favors" that you want.

You can go to a local wedding store near you. You can also go online and look for gifts that you want to use. It does not matter if you use CD "wedding favors" or if you choose to use another type.

No matter what type it is you want to use, make sure that you look at more than one because it is important that you find the one that will let your guests know that you are happy that they are with you on your wedding day.
By:

Why Glass Wedding Favors Are The Perfect Gift

2008-02-25T23:28:00.002+08:00

Why Glass Wedding Favors Are The Perfect Gift. Are you looking for the perfect wedding favors for your special day? In this article we are going to talk about glass wedding favors. They can add a touch of elegance to an already perfect day.

Plus you can do it at a cost that falls in line with many different kinds of gifts people give to their guests.

Favors for your wedding guests are important because you want to let your guests know how much you appreciate them sharing your special day with you. One good way to convey that message is with wedding favors made of glass that they can keep forever.

An example of this is a personalized perfect pair pillow pack. Made of glass you're able to personalize it with the wedding date, and the names of the bride and groom. You can add candy to it to make the perfect gift for people who have taken the time to attend your wedding.

You can find glass wedding gifts in a couple of different places. You can shop at a local wedding store. You will be given many choices of all different kinds of wedding favors.

You may have to visit more than one place to find what you want. You can even talk to a professional wedding planner for ideas that you can use too.

You also find favors on the Internet. You can find what you need at all kinds of different websites. You just want to look at as many of the sites as you can so that you will be able to see what all is available.

By keeping a budget in mind you can comparison shop and come up with some very nice souvenirs to give out. The internet is very helpful this way and this will help you find the perfect favors for your wedding day.

No matter where you find the glass wedding favors that you want, you want to make sure that you choose carefully. Find ones that will let your guests know how special it is to you that they are with you on your wedding day.

Your wedding guests are a huge part of your special day so why would you not let them know how special they are with the perfect wedding gifts. By choosing glass favors you are really projecting an attitude of thanks that they may not always feel at a wedding.

By:

Bridal And Wedding Lingerie: Before The Gown Goes On

2007-12-02T16:57:00.000+08:00

Bridal And Wedding Lingerie: Before The Gown Goes On. Many brides put a lot of thought and consideration into their wedding dress. What about the wedding lingerie that slips on before the dress? What you wear underneath your wedding gown is as important as the dress itself. Carefully chosen wedding lingerie does more than look good at the end of the day, it enhances the outer appearance of the dress throughout the event.

Bras, girdles and hosiery all contribute to the overall effect by smoothing out everything underneath to make your dress appear flawless. Why wear run-of-the-mill underwear when you could wear sexy bridal lingerie? Don't worry about comfort, either. Sexy doesn't mean itchy or tight-fitting. If you choose a bridal lingerie set that fits right, you'll be comfortable all day long.

Let's take a look at a few of the key components for your wedding lingerie:

"The Bra"

It's a fact: Most women don't have a bra that fits properly or even know the proper way to be fitted for a bra. We've all suffered through bras that are too tight or too loose, or the cups are too big or way too small. The straps slip and the under wires are uncomfortable. In general, an ill-fitting bra has the potential to be as much of a torture device as anything the Spanish Inquisition could dream up.

Start by going to a good lingerie store. The saleswomen helps guide you in finding a bra that fits properly. They teach you how to take the proper measurements and find the styles of bras that flatter your particular form. Designers are well aware that women want decorative bras and want comfort too. You'll have many styles to choose from.

Girdles

Girdles may have fallen out of fashion over the years, but they do play an important part in your wedding lingerie. A girdle helps to smooth out all the errant curves and form them where they belong to enhance the fit of your dress. Fit is important. Get the right measurements and you'll have a garment that's comfortable and flattering.

If you choose pantyhose, make sure the waistband isn't so tight that it shows through the dress. This is where the girdle helps smooth out a sharp division at your waist. If you go the garter belt route, don't go cheap. Clips on the cheap garter belts might slip. You don't want your stockings bagging around your ankles during that all-important first dance as husband and wife.

Before closing the sale on the wedding dress, take some time to put together well-fitted wedding lingerie. Make sure everything is snug and relaxed. It should fit with the wedding dress and should be discrete enough that it saves some of the surprise for later. The right bridal lingerie can make all of the difference in terms of the overall comfort and style of the special day.

There are so many different styles out there, do your research, feel comfortable and most of all enjoy every second of looking forward to your big day, it is after all the most important day of your life. by: Amanda cotterill

"Jackpot" Wedding Care Package To Bring Extra Luck To Your Wedding On 7-7-07

2007-12-02T16:45:00.000+08:00

"Jackpot" Wedding Care Package To Bring Extra Luck To Your Wedding On 7-7-07.

Is it possible to add more luck when you are getting married on 7-7-07? Getting married is a big gamble because no one knows which half they are the marriages that end in divorce. According to theknot.com, 31,000 couples are planning to get married on “lucky” 7-7-07. This number is triple the usual number of the July 4 weekend weddings. Triple number “7” lining up on a Las Vegas slot machine gets you a jackpot payoff.

Couples getting married on 7-7-07 are looking for extra luck for their “jackpot” marriage. But staying happily married is not about luck: it is a big task that is all about communication and physical and emotional connection.

If you are going to marry on 7-7-07 and you want to add more luck to your wedding, I suggest that you create your own Jackpot Wedding Care package: you and your partner can create a more personal and meaningful beginning to your marriage. It is a “survival kit” for the first year of marriage.

I suggest you put lucky 7 items inside the “Jackpot” Wedding Care Package. Each item is necessary to bring extra luck when you prepare for the marriage and to keep the marriage strong and happy. Inside the Jackpot Wedding Care Package, put the following items together as a wedding present to you and your partners:

• a talking stick or rock (each uniquely designed and craft-painted by the couple)
• a journal book (the bride recording her thoughts as the wedding day approaches)
• a weekly “Honey To-do List”
• sexy lovers’ coupon book
• personalized wedding vows (to be rewritten and renewed on each anniversary)
• a prenuptial marriage agreement (fun and sexy, not just financial agreements)
• sexy photos of the couple

If you are already married, you still can create this Jackpot Wedding Care Package. and a “marriage stimulator” for couples who are already married. by: Py Kim Conat

Smart Wedding Planning - A Quick Guide To Saving Money On Your Wedding Day

2007-11-30T21:16:00.000+08:00

Smart Wedding Planning - A Quick Guide To Saving Money On Your Wedding Day. If you've begun to research reception venues, photographers, and other "high-ticket" items on your wedding to-do list, you've undoubtedly experienced a good case of sticker shock by now. You may find yourself thinking: "How can they get away with charging this much?!!"

It's a fact. The wedding industry is huge, and anything with the word "wedding" attached to it is likely to mean "expensive".

So is it feasible to hire a photographer who doesn't necessarily focus on weddings, or a band that wouldn't be found in your local bridal magazine? Absolutely!

To get started on this road less traveled, begin by asking recently-wed family, friends or colleagues for any good wedding leads. Perhaps they'll know of a fabulous bakery that was less expensive than all the larger ones in the area. Or an art student who just graduated from college and is looking for work as a calligrapher. Maybe there's a friend of a friend who's an aspiring photographer and would be able to capture fantastic wedding photos for you on your big day.

Next, move your research online and check out the local wedding chat boards in your area at TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com. Look for posts like "Rave Reviews" and "Highly Recommended" - and be sure to also take note of any vendors that received negative reviews from other brides and grooms. Another excellent free resource is Craigslist.com. Musicians, photographers and other artists post their services regularly here in areas across the country. If you see a post that catches your eye, just send a quick email to the poster to get more information, or submit your own ad describing exactly what you're looking for.

Finally, head to Amazon.com or your local book store and buy at least one good wedding planning book. This will be your trusty reference book and will help you know just which questions to ask, so that you can make an informed decision about a particular wedding vendor. For example, knowing the various costs that are typically associated with catering will allow you to ask for only the items you NEED, and avoid paying for anything you don't. In fact, knowing a bit about each type of wedding service vendor - caterers, musicians, DJs, etc. - will actually help save you money no matter which vendors you talk to, "professional" or not.

With a little outside the box thinking and basic knowledge about the "biz", you're on your way to pulling together a fantastic wedding day that may just cost you less than you think! by: Allison Campbell

Men’s Wedding Rings, A Recent Phenomena, Or Should A Man Wear A Wedding Ring Or Not?

2007-11-30T20:48:00.000+08:00

Men’s Wedding Rings, A Recent Phenomena, Or Should A Man Wear A Wedding Ring Or Not?. Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding ring by men was not common until recently. Whereas women have worn wedding rings for eons, men have not. The use of rings as a symbol of everlasting love enshrined in marriage can be traced back thousands of years. But not so much for men.

It was, in fact, during the second world war that the use of wedding rings by men became more common. (Note that mens wedding rings and mens wedding bands are interchangeable, both meaning the same thing.)

It became the custom for US soldiers going to war to publicise their marital status by the wearing of a man’s wedding ring. They were happy to make public their commitment to their wife by the wearing of a public symbol that declared that commitment to all. Given that this habit of wearing mens wedding bands was reasonably new it was all the more creditable that these men were willing to forego the marital obscurity available to them from not wearing a ring and actively chose to make a public statement about their choice.

Men’s wedding rings have become increasingly more common since that time. Today it is probably as common for a newly married man to wear a ring as not. This may be due to several factors. The modern man may consider it his duty to choose to make the same public marital statement as his wife will. And his wife may well consider it a condition of the marriage that he do so. After all, in these days of equality, if she is prepared to make a statement then should he not do so as well?

Despite the fact that the wearing of a ring by a woman is a matter of choice, it is in fact almost obligatory due to the fact that it is so common. Many women do not even consider the possibility of not wearing one. Often, however, a man usually considers the wearing of a man wedding ring very carefully.

There are a number of issues to consider. Firstly, is he concerned about a public display of his marital status? Some men, whether rightly or wrongly, are threatened by this. Others are not in the least concerned.

Secondly whilst the wearing of jewellery by women is so common as to go unremarked that is not necessarily the case for men. For many men the wearing of mens wedding bands is just a case of being asked to wear jewellery. Men often do not feel comfortable wearing jewellery and in many cases have never done so before. Whilst some men see their wedding band as different to wearing ordinary jewellery, others feel just the same as if they were being asked to wear ear rings. “It’s just not done by men”. The author, for example, wears a man wedding band, but would never consider wearing any other form of jewellery.

And as many men have never worn any form of jewellery before they have no idea what it will feel like to have something permanently on the finger. Is it heavy? Does it rub? Silly as it may seem to women this can be of concern to some men.

(If this genuinely is of concern it is quite possible to find a cheap jewellery shop, buy the cheapest ring available and wear it for a while. See exactly what it feels like. And find out your size at the same time.)

Men’s wedding rings are, in the eyes of some men, effeminate. “Real men” don’t wear rings or jewellery at all. This is becoming less of an issue as the wearing of a man’s wedding ring becomes more common, but is still an issue with many men.

Culture is also a consideration. In many cultures the wearing of wedding rings by men would never be considered. Men must think about how their particular culture, and also their religion, would view the wearing of a wedding band.

There are also practical considerations. Many men are engaged in trades where the wearing of a man wedding band would be downright dangerous. Although unlikely it is quite possible for a ring to get caught in machinery. In some jobs a ring cannot be worn on the job, and must be removed. This can also apply to women.

Ultimately though, the wearing of a men’s ring is just one of the many choices the man will have to make once he makes the commitment to marry. And it is often a choice made by the couple together, maybe one of the first they make in conjunction about their wedding.

Which finger is the ring worn on, and why?

Generally a man’s wedding band is worn on the ring finger, the same as for women. The ring finger, for those unmarried men not familiar with the concept, is the fourth finger of the left hand. This is considered to be the finger closest to the heart.

This notion came originally from the ancient Greeks who believed that this finger had an artery which flowed straight to the heart. Whilst anatomically incorrect this makes for good fable.

So you have both decided that he will wear a men’s wedding ring!

Once the man or couple have made the decision to purchase a men’s wedding ring for him there are still choices to make. Do they want to wear a matching set? Or does he prefer that his ring looks quite different to his wife’s. It is perfectly possible for a couple to buy a ring set where the style of the rings match perfectly, or even with matching engraved messages of love.

Generally though, even where the couple are to wear a matching ring set, the two rings are different. It is more common for the man’s wedding ring to be wider than the woman’s. This is because men’s hands and women’s hands are different. A woman usually has narrower finer fingers, and so a narrower band suits her hand. A man on the other hand has wider chunkier fingers and so a wider man wedding band is more suited.

This often results in the mans ring costing more than the woman’s ring even with matching styles, as the mans ring uses more, often expensive, material.

There are many innovative styles available now. Many men prefer a simple unadorned band, however others enjoy highly decorated styles which make a loud statement. The wearing of, for example, very wide and highly adorned Celtic rings is becoming much more common.

When considering the styles of men’s wedding rings it is well worth thinking about the personality of the individual. While different men have very different personalities different rings will suit different personalities as well. A loud outgoing man, for example, can wear a loud outgoing unique men’s ring.

There are many different ring materials which also reflect the personality of the individual. Titanium or Platinum are both becoming much more popular. Whilst diamonds are not, of course, as popular with men as with women, they do make a clear statement which pleases some men who choose them. Diamond men’s rings clearly say “I can afford it” or at least the big ones do. But it can be a brave man who chooses to wear a large diamond band.

Ultimately there are no rules about choosing a man wedding band. It is up to either the man or the couple together to make a decision. Will he or won’t he. There are a variety of considerations. First, will he wear one? Once that decision is made in the affirmative then there is a whole world of choice about styles, widths, materials and the type of statement the ring makes, both for the man and the woman.

But once he has his ring on it is rare that he decides that he doesn’t like it. And even if he doesn’t, it is rare that the woman will let him take it off! by: Peter crump

Wedding Hair Style Tips: Choose Your Wedding Day Hairstyle Carefully

2007-11-30T20:39:00.000+08:00

Wedding Hair Style Tips: Choose Your Wedding Day Hairstyle carefully. Women like to look glamorous, elegant and sexy on their wedding day so they usually take the time to choose an extravagant dress, stunning shoes and make up, and then there is the hair style. Whoa boy! Women usually have a stylist visit them when they are getting ready for the wedding, which costs a fortune, or they visit the parlour early in the morning before their wedding to get their chosen hair style done.

A woman's hair may be her crowning glory, but getting a new 'do' just before a big event in your life can be a major mistake. Plan ahead with any chemical treatments - bleaching, colouring, streaking, perming or straightening - and if you're considering any radical changes in length or style do it at least six to eight weeks before the big event, this way it gives you and your hair time to adjust together and get a “working relationship” on the go.

On your wedding day, hundreds of eyes will be on you, and your chosen wedding hair style can either complete the picture or detract from it. That is why it is so important to choose the perfect formal hairstyle well in advance of the big day so that you and your stylist can get it right and make custom additions to your wedding hair style. Nothing is worse than a hastily crafted coif decided upon only minutes before the ceremony, take the time with your stylist to go over what looks suit you and what looks don’t, obviously avoid the looks that don’t suit you. Larger figures should wear their hair up as this draws attention and slims the face down, slimmer brides should look at curls which accentuate the face and shoulders.

Men may seem as though they don’t care about their wedding hair style and women are none the wiser to it, but in fact the bride groom spends at least 15 minutes making sure all the gel is in the correct plane and he has no sticky up bits!!

A great wedding hair style is crucial, especially for those wedding pictures, make sure it's not some kind of style which is going to fall all over the place or is going to be blown around in high winds! That way you can be sure of looking great in those pictures! by: Mellisa Burton

Wedding Loans – When Wedding Bills Are Postponing The Wedding Bells

2007-11-30T20:29:00.000+08:00

Wedding Bills Are Postponing The Wedding Bells. Somewhere when you least expected, you find the person who you know you are going to share your life with. You met that wonderful person. And it is a blessing that you are going to walk down the aisle with that person. You want to share it with everyone, everyone. And this one important day of your life has to be perfect in every respect of the word. 2.3 million weddings are taking place each year, but that doesn’t make your marriage just another figure in the statistics.

If you have taken the decision to get married then perhaps you are moving to the next decision which is how to get married. While preparing for that question, the question of finances is understandably related. Wedding loans have the perfect answer, in case you can’t afford the wedding you are thinking of. Today average wedding costs somewhere between £18,000 and £19,000. Only 40% of the people can actually pay for their wedding. This amount might not fix into every ones pocket. Wedding loans offer the precise answer for wedding fund blues. However, wedding loans options are expanding online making it easier to get finance for wedding. But they might even make it easier for you to fall prey to taking more than you need.

Wedding finance is no longer the monopoly of the bride’s father. Most of the couples pay for their own wedding or the cost is split between the families of the bride and the groom. Budgeting is integral when you are taking loan for your wedding. How much you need and what is going to cost what – should be very clear in your mind. When you are searching for wedding loans online – this is a good source for wedding loans – take your time. It is rather easy to find wedding loans online with great interest rates. Borrowers can use a loan calculator to know whether they can afford the wedding loan or not. You can ask different loan lenders for wedding loans quotes. This will help you in finding a wedding loans deal that has value for your money.

Interest rate for your wedding loans is what decides how much it will cost you. Interest rate on wedding loans is dependent on many things; therefore you might not be offered the rate that is displayed as the APR. APR is the annual percentage rate – it is the true cost of the loan. You will be using this to compare the wedding loans quote from different lenders. Every lender calculates APR differently therefore it becomes all the more important for you ask for wedding loans quotes from different lenders.

Credit a credit check before you apply for wedding loans. Credit score have a huge impact on loan borrowing. You can have an easy access to your credit report and credit score at credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax and Trans union. They will give you concrete details on how to improve your credit score also. Interest rates for people with bad credit score are higher. But there are other factors, which wedding loans lender might be looking at. The presence of collateral will enable you to get wedding loans at lesser interest rates. Unsecured wedding loans that are without any collateral would invite a higher interest rate than secured loans.

Take wedding loans as an opportunity to discuss your views towards money and finances. Get each others views on how to manage your finances. Most of married couples fight on finances. Before you take wedding loans you are supposed to work out on your finances and lifestyle so that you can accommodate monthly payments into your budget. Figure out how and when you are going to repay your wedding debts.

Wedding is of an emotional significance to those who are getting married. However, don’t let emotions phase out you financial decision or you might end up being in debt. The amount on Wedding loans should be what you can afford. Sit down and try to cut on the wedding expenses wherever you can. Don’t take wedding loans for costs that might be avoided. Sit down and take time to plan not only the wedding but the finance for the wedding. A rushed wedding loans decision might direct you towards a wrong deal. Financial troubles at the start of your married life are a big no-no. Marriage can be the hardest decision you made in your life. But it will turn out to be the most rewarding one if there is enough love and a good financial decision to back it. by: Amanda thompson

Incentive Based Marketing Strategies For Wedding Photographers: 5 Wedding Packages To Attract More Wedding Clients

2007-11-30T20:17:00.000+08:00

While professional photographers shoot many types of events, many are coming up with unique ideas and incentives to offer their wedding clients, which are giving them an edge over their competitors.

Photographers who are looking for ideas that compliment their current wedding offerings are turning to other wedding vendor’s professional photographer programs to market themselves in a whole new and very unique way.

In a recent survey conducted by Adesso Albums, the following five incentives were identified as the most successful incentive-based marketing strategies for attracting wedding clients and referrals:

Engagement Photo Sessions

Many photographers will add an engagement photo session of the couple to their wedding package. This is a great incentive for couples wanting to publish professional engagement photos in their local newspaper or later use their engagement photos in a showcase album at the wedding.

Engagement Photos Showcased At Wedding

Engagement photos are showcased in an album that is later used at the wedding reception as a guest book. The photographer’s engagement photos of the couple are showcased in the album and guests then add their handwritten sentiments and warm wishes on the album pages – a keepsake that is a lasting reminder of the day (and the photographer).

Wedding Photo Website

A website that hosts the engagement and wedding photos is a wonderful way for the couple’s out-of-town guests who couldn’t make it to the wedding feel as if they were a part of it. It also gives the couple an opportunity to stay in touch with their guests with fun pictures of the wedding and wedding reception.

Custom Parent Albums

Creating a custom album for each set of parents can boost the currency of the new son or daughter in law in addition to making a very special and personal gift. The albums feature photographs that are meaningful to each set of parents in a beautifully bound and personally created coffee table album for them to enjoy for years to come.

Hi-Resolution CD

Having a high resolution CD of all their photos gives the couple the ability to have prints made long after their wedding day is over – for family gifts, to frame and send to friends as a reminder of that special day or even to get shots printed and framed for their new home.

Reduced Rates for Enlargements

This incentive is especially meaningful to couples with large families. With a reduced rate for print enlargements, the couple can provide their close family members with more than a few 4 x 6 wedding prints. by: lesley mattos

Beach and Las Vegas Invitations Etiquette

2007-11-17T19:54:00.000+08:00

Beach and Las Vegas Invitations Etiquette. Most couples getting married for the first time need recommendations with their weddings. Etiquette can be confusing and wedding invitation etiquette can top that list. Here are the best tips to loosen the tension and create an enjoyable experience when sending out your Las Vegas wedding invitations.

If You Make Your Own Nuptials InvitationsYou should be sure to be very specific when it comes to listing who is invited to the marriage. It’s understandable that you hope to cut down on wedding costs, but don’t create any bad feelings by not being specific in your invitations. If you would prefer that children not come to your ceremony, note that in your invitation. If you are inviting a single friend, make sure you let them master that they are welcome to bring a guest.

If You're Headed to the Beach for Your NuptialsIf you’d like to have beach wedding ceremony invitations or photo marriage invitations, have them designed or create them on your own. This is a great way to make your wedding ceremony stand out from the other weddings your guests have been invited to so they are sure to remember your special day. If you like, you can include confetti in the shapes of palm trees or other beach items to make your invitation stand out and sparkle.

You can even personalize your envelopes so that they match up with the theme you have created for your wedding ceremony. Why the Enclosures can be as Significant as the InvitesThe recipient is asked to mail back the response card roughly two weeks before the marriage or by the date indicated. A wedding package is many times followed or accompanied by a marriage reception and thus, often couples need to include a reception card with that information.

The envelope is pre-addressed and pre-stamped by the family for ease. The accommodation information gives helpful tips about airfare, transportation or hotel arrangements for different state guests. Don't Forget the EnvelopesWhen addressing the inner invitation envelope, address it to the individuals you are inviting, ie. John and Mary Smith. Square shaped invitations and larger than normal invitations often times require more postage.

Make sure you check with the post office before you send them out. The tissues that sometimes come with invitations and envelopes are to be placed over graphics or wording during the hottest times of the year so the ink doesn't run or blot. Definite invitations don't come with an inner invitation envelope and that is fine for most couples.

Save Money Without Losing StyleWhether you use traditional invitation designs or come up with something whimsical of your own, you can save money by finding your wedding package invitations online. With the competition of nuptials invitation businesses thriving, inexpensive Las Vegas wedding invitations are more easily found online.

In the past, marriage invitations had to be printed by a printer who charged a premium for engraving and other services. Invitations can be very costly for many couples unless they understand where to look. More Invitation EtiquetteMailing your invitations quickly will guarantee that any out-of-towners will get them in plenty of time.

The etiquette you use when sending your wedding package invitations can also set the tone for your celebration, so it’s significant to follow a few special clues for proper invitation etiquette. This will advice to keep the peace among your wedding party and friends so that you can enjoy your day without worrying about anyone being left out or offended. If your invitations are whimsical and unusual, the recipients may expect something out of the ordinary.

When you’re planning a Las Vegas wedding, the invitations that you choose and send can set the tone for your entire celebration. Follow these guidelines and the stress will melt away as you send out your invitations. You'll have the confidence that you are doing everything right and nothing can go wrong.
by: Renae judkins

Fall Wedding and Halloween Weddings Tips

2007-10-25T19:51:00.000+08:00

Fall Wedding and Halloween Weddings Tips. If a fall wedding is in your plans, consider if you will these suggestions to make your special event a day your guest will remember for years to come. Traditionally fall wedding color schemes incorporate either rich jewel tones in traditional fall colors such as reds, oranges, browns and yellows.

Fall flowers such as chrysanthemums and zinnias in theses rich hues are a great choice for your wedding bouquet, floral arrangements and reception table centerpieces. For an elegant display, consider using either live or silk branches of colorful autumn leaves instead of flowers in your arrangements and centerpieces.

One of the loveliest fall wedding bouquets I’ve seen consisted of small sprays of red and orange maple leaves tucked into a bouquet of gold chrysanthemums. Today’s bride has a wonderful selection of fall theme wedding favors in traditional fall shades to choose from to complete her color scheme.Some modern brides prefer to use chocolate brown with light-blue accents as the color scheme for a fall wedding.

If you prefer this color scheme, consider having your florist dye some chrysanthemums blue and tuck a few bare dark brown branches in amidst the flowers for your floral arrangements and centerpieces. As a unique touch for that trip down the aisle, have your flower girl scatter small autumn colored leaves or bright red, orange and yellow flower petals along your path instead of the traditional rose petals.

Halloween weddings are my favorite! They offer such a host of fantastic possibilities. To create a spectacular decor, scatter real or artificial leaves in fall colors over your reception tables. Place tea light or votive candles inside small pumpkins carved into Jack-o-Lanterns and sit them on top of small nests of colorful leaves for table centerpieces that will create a warm romantic glow throughout the room.

For a sparkling finishing touch, place a few orange foil wrapped Chocolate Jack-o-Lantern wedding favors on each dinner plate or in a favor container or dessert dish at each table setting. The orange foil wrappers will shimmer and shine in the candle lights glow and your guest will love the delicious chocolate treat!

In lieu of standard floral arrangements, you may prefer to have your florist affix bouquets of red, gold and orange chrysanthemums to small straw broomsticks and hang them at the end of each row of seats along the aisle at your wedding and on the walls in your reception area for a festive Halloween touch.For a more casual affair, consider sitting bride and groom scarecrows and pumpkins atop bales of hay in the corners of your reception room to create a whimsical touch for your festivities that is sure to make your guests smile.

If you want to present your guests with a truly unique fall wedding favor, ask your photographer or a talented friend or family member to take a few photos of you and your fiancé outside with a glorious background of fall foliage. Select your favorite and have enough copies made to tuck inside a small silver frame or photo album wedding favor for each of your guests.

Your favors will reflect the color scheme of your wedding, and provide your guests with a truly thoughtful and much appreciated memento of your special day.When making your decisions, always keep in mind that the perfect wedding is the one that best reflects the personalities and tastes of the bride and groom. If you or your fiancé do not feel comfortable with a choice you have made, it’s probably not the right choice for you.

There are no hard and fast rules you have to adhere to when planning the wedding of your dreams. For example, if you, your fiancé and family and friends feel more at home at an outdoor barbeque than a formal dinner, then it is perfectly okay to have a barbeque instead of a formal dinner reception after the nuptials.
by: L.Wright

How I Feel During Our Bridal Gowns Selection?

2007-10-25T19:40:00.000+08:00

How I Feel During Our Bridal Gowns Selection?. Bridal gowns never seem to amuse me. They are such delicate fine art pieces worn on a lady’s body.For the fact the gowns are worn on a woman, it makes it more glamorous and sensual.So elegant and sweet!And the most magical moment is to see the bridal gown on your wife.I still remember the first time I saw my wife wearing her wedding gown.It was during the trial period. I felt like I was having a sweet dream.

It also hit me that my then girlfriend was soon going to my wife.Many images flashed across my mind from the time we were in university till that moment. 5 years had passed and I’m getting married!There was a sense of empowerment and blissfulness rushing through me. It was like a magic cast on me and oh my, I’m floating on cloud nine!

It was a million dollar feeling.No, it was priceless.Yet, I felt it was strange some of my female friends told me their grooms were not very enthusiastic to accompany them during such important times.I know ladies take hours to find the perfect gown. It was also not easy to find his perfect wife.Grooms should be with you the whole process similar to how he will pledge to be with you in times of ups and downs.If a groom can’t even be bothered to go through this, you may want to reconsider who you are marrying.
by:Jhong Ren

What Wife Wish Their Husband Knew About Woman

2007-10-25T19:30:00.000+08:00

What Wife Wish Their Husband Knew About Woman. Men and women are different and they behave differently.Women are very much of emotional creatures whereas men are more prone to run by logic.That is why in a marriage, there is endless squabbles and complaints about the husband and wife.

In fact, I see as misunderstanding of each other. Remember the book titled “Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars.” There is so much truth in it.Men and women can never ever understand each other completely, even if they are together after fifty or sixty years.In your marriage, was there a time that you complain about your husband for not knowing how you feel?Was there a time that you told him “you should have done this or that“?Was there a time that you mentioned “you should know what I am feeling right now“?

Even if he could have said “Yes, I know how you feel”, but seriously, do you really think your husband can really know what you are feeling.Even though that husbands and wives know they are not psychic, they are always playing these kiddish mind-reading games. They expect each other to “mind-read” them and to know exactly what is on their minds.Interesting? Sounds familiar?I was doing some research online and these are 10 things what husband wish their wife knew about man. (While you look through, ask yourself how much do you know about men in general):

* 1. Men would rather feel unloved than inadequate and disrespected.
* 2. A man’s anger is often a response to feeling disrespected by his wife.
* 3. Men are insecure.
* 4. Men feel the burden of being the provider for their family.
* 5. Men want more sex.
* 6. Sex means more than sex.
* 7. Men struggle with visual temptation.
* 8. Men enjoy romance, but doubt their skills to be romantic.
* 9. Men care about their wife’s appearance.
* 10. Men want their wives to know how much they love them.

I am not a woman and I can’t really say that I totally understand women. However, I know these are definitely 2 things what wife wish their husband knew about women:

* 1. Remain faithful.
* 2. Ask questions, really listen, and respond.
by: Jhong Ren

Decorating for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception

2007-10-20T15:18:00.000+08:00

Decorating for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception. At both the ceremony site and the reception, you'll want to create a festive scene. Often the floral arrangements used for the ceremony are later taken to the reception so that they can by fully enjoyed throughout the day. Many of our ideas in this chapter can be used at one location or both.Floral DecorationsFresh flowers add fragrance and freshness to the wedding day.

They should be in keeping with the wedding style and any theme you've chosen for the reception. Flowers can also drive the price of the wedding up faster than any other item. Coordinate all the flowers to complement the season, wedding colors, and sites for the ceremony and reception. Remember, though, that they are only accessories and should not only accessories and should not upstage the entire affair.

Reception DetailsThe reception can be as formal or as casual as you wish and may have a special theme.Colorful balloonsClusters of balloons tied with ribbons or a banner and coordinated with the wedding colors can mark the reception location. Balloons should be inflated with helium to keep them afloat. They can be fastened with ribbon streamers and the names of the couple can be printed on them.

Have the balloons blown up the day of the wedding because they'll last only about eight hours. The cake cutting ceremony is usually extended with a personalized cake servers and toasting flutes.Sandy has been in the wedding favors industry for over 20 yrs. She specialized in unity candles and supplies.
by: Mikus

A marriage made in heaven: hitcher's guide to Dubai

2007-10-05T16:31:00.000+08:00

A marriage made in heaven: hitcher's guide to Dubai. Will the parents get on? Who will the bridesmaids be? Will a king’s ransom be enough to pay for the big day? These are all questions that will inevitably come up when any couple decide to tie the knot and for this reason, more and more people are opting to exchange vows abroad.

The average price of a wedding in Britain has been placed at anywhere between £4,000 and £18,000, depending on which survey is to be believed and what is being taken into account in terms of the"wedding costs". Nevertheless, whichever figure is used, there is no doubt that a wedding is a pricey business that can lead many couples into debt; not the ideal way to begin married life!

Perhaps not as obvious a "wedding destination" as, say, the Caribbean, Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular choice, with a lot to offer over other traditional hitching hotspots, and it has even been dubbed ‘the Las Vegas of the Middle East’, but what makes it so popular with couples?

Firstly, there is accessibility. There are direct flights from Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and London and the flights are mostly under 7 hours. Furthermore, flights can be found for as little as £200. Secondly, Dubai has year-round sunshine and rainfall is rare, meaning an outdoor wedding is practically guaranteed to be safe from a washout.

Dubai itself is one of seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, and is a wealthy area, popular with businesses and tourists alike. It is famed for its large shopping malls and ambitious real estate projects, such as the Palm Islands, the world’s largest man made islands which will eventually house numerous residential, leisure and entertainment facilities. And there is also Ski Dubai, the world’s third largest indoor ski slope, catering for skiers and snowboarders. On top of this, Dubai offers a fantastic range of golf courses and some excellent scuba diving, with numerous wrecks dotted around the coastline, so there is certainly no shortage of activities in Dubai.

Like most major cities, Dubai has its own iconic structure in the Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab, the world’s tallest hotel which was built to resemble a billowing sail, and from its helipad Tiger Woods famously hit golf balls in 2004. There’s also the Madinat Jumeirah which translates into ‘the city of Jumeirah’, a sprawling luxury resort, encompassing waterways and glorious sea-scapes, restaurants, shops and even a private beach making it a perfect venue for weddings in Dubai.

Importantly, English is widely spoken throughout Dubai and most signs are written in both Arabic and English, making practical issues such as travelling and shopping a breeze. There are also no special visa requirements for most western countries.

Dubai is an ambitious and bold place which doesn’t do things in half-measures. Its climate, accessibility and activity-rich opportunities make it the perfect place to tie the knot. Viva Dubai!
by: Elisha burberry

How To Look Great On Your Wedding Day, with Your Wedding Dress Lingerie

2007-10-05T16:20:00.000+08:00

How to look great on your Wedding day, with your wedding lingerie. Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming of being beautifully dressed in the latest fashion and everybody is going WOW .. Then reality sets in and we go back to watching the six o'clock news .. Now being well dressed is the desire we all have so here are a couple of tips to brighten up your day . This includes your wedding dress and your wedding dress lingerie.

Plenty of women on tight budgets or who think they have a figure problem still manage to look wonderful everyday. That's because they have learned the secret of style ; wear what suits you ! Now take a moment to learn how to use your clothes to showcase what is most beautiful about yourself . Learn to add the personal touches that make a look your own. Start with wearing elegant lingerie under all your outfits.

Fit

Find clothes that fit you properly, including your body lingerie, if you wear a 12 don't try to wear a 10 .. A good fit is when clothes skim the body , showing curves with out clinging to them and that all the details pockets , flaps seams and pleats lie flat . Any time clothing pulls or buckles it not only creates a sloppy appearance it adds pounds. The same is true of clothes that are to big , sweat the small stuff , the devil is in the details.

"Fabric"

Fabrics that fall smoothly over the curves of your body are the most flattering . But the hunt for just the right drape , weight , and texture can take some patience .

"Color"

Anyone who has ever stepped out of the house in a red dress knows color catches the eye and can make you look terrific. How about some red honeymoon lingerie to spark the romance.

"Monochromatic"

There are two compelling reasons to dress in one color . The long , unbroken line it creates makes for a pulled together look , and an overall color can make you appear slimmer . Stark color contrast draw the eye and form horizontal lines that divide your body making it appear wider and shorter . Example if you have a belly bulge the line created where your white shirt meets your black pants call attention to the very spot . Where a monochromatic looks helps the eye glide right over trouble spots . While any color will achieve the effect , darker colors which absorb light are the most slimming .. Different shades for the same color will also work
by: Topcat

Choosing A Bridal Lingerie Set

2007-10-03T13:58:00.000+08:00

Choosing A Bridal Lingerie Set. Your bridal lingerie set offers the chance to go all-out with the lingerie of your dreams. It is very important to choose your wedding dress first, to ensure that the "bridal lingerie" set you select will fit perfectly underneath your gown. You also want to be certain that your bridal lingerie enhances the way that your gown looks. Wear your complete bridal lingerie set to every gown fitting, as it may affect the tailoring of your wedding dress.

"Bridal lingerie" comes in many forms. You may want traditional and formal pieces, such as a bridal bustier, demure panties and stockings with a garter belt. This type of elegant bridal lingerie provides excellent coverage and body sculpting underneath your wedding gown. Your new husband will enjoy the Victorian fantasy provided by elegant "bridal lingerie" on your wedding night.

However, women today have more options than ever before. Some brides choose to eschew tradition, preferring instead to wear more erotic lingerie underneath their wedding gowns. Many erotic lingerie pieces for brides feature variations on the demure bridal theme, such as tight corsets with plunging necklines in place of more conservative bridal bustiers. Others pay homage to bridal traditions in a cute and unusual way, such as thong panties covered by a veil.

White is the traditional color for brides, and many women choose to carry the color through to their bridal lingerie set as well. Whether you dream of traditional, elegant "bridal lingerie" or more erotic lingerie pieces, you can find a wide range of bridal lingerie in white. However, many brides of today prefer more daring colors. Black is especially popular for bridal lingerie, as many women relish the juxtaposition of an innocent wedding gown with racy undergarments. Black bridal lingerie will certainly make your new husband sit up and take notice as well.

Your "bridal lingerie" should ultimately reflect your personality and fantasy. Your wedding day is a moment in the spotlight. You are undoubtedly working hard to make sure that every detail, from favors to bridesmaid shoes, is perfect. Your bridal lingerie is no less important as a part of your wedding, since it affects everything from the fit of your gown to the way that you feel about yourself.

It is sometimes difficult to decide what to wear, but a simple exercise can provide a starting point. When you daydream about your wedding, how do you see yourself? Do you feel that your wedding is a part of history, with long traditions playing an important role? In that case, you will probably enjoy the ritual of traditional "bridal lingerie" items. Is the most important part of your wedding the romantic atmosphere that you hope to achieve? Consider soft, lacy garments that will help to enhance the sensuality you feel. Are you a modernist, interested in breaking new ground? You may prefer a more modern look and feel in your "bridal lingerie".

Some women choose two sets of "bridal lingerie", one set to wear underneath the wedding gown and a second set for the "wedding night". This is a great solution if your wedding gown requires specific garments that do not necessarily fit your personality. This also allows the gown undergarments to be a part of the costume of the wedding dress, separate and distinct from the romance of the wedding night.

"Bridal lingerie" has come a long way in recent years. Be sure to shop around to discover all of the options that are now available to you. Choosing your "bridal lingerie" is an important part of planning your wedding, so be sure to dedicate the appropriate time and energy to the task. Choose your "bridal lingerie" after you select a dress, and be sure to wear all undergarments to every dress fitting.
by: Mary Jane

Ky Marriage And Divorce Records

2007-09-30T19:45:00.000+08:00

Ky Marriage And Divorce Records. Divorce Records: Divorce Public Record. Divorce and Divorcee Records: It is important to know that history of the party you are dealing with and court divorce records can provide that history. CIA's Electronic Reading Room is a great resource for it allows you to take a glance at CIA public divorce records. Another useful site is the Lexis-Nexis. This free public divorce records search database is a wonderful source for archive stories of marriage, state government divorce records and civil court divorce records.

These are just among the many useful resources that you can use. Although they can provide you with the data you need, they are striving to improve their coverage and accuracy.. Additionally the GPO makes publications from three levels of government available for free public use in Federal depository libraries throughout the United States.

Find Divorce Records:
A company that specializes in helping you find court records can tell you if the person you are concerned about was ever arrested convicted or even paroled. Some of them include knowx. See cost of marriage license in florida Divorce Records Are You Ready to Know What You May Find Out?

Many say that divorce records can serve as a good measure of the character of an individual especially since these records indicate the final divorce decree and the circumstances surrounding the situation. If there are any issues of domestic violence or child abuse, these will be clearly stated in the divorce documents. Likewise, if there were any disputes regarding properties between the spouses, restraining orders and any other settlement issues, these will also be seen in the divorce records..

Getting Divorce Records
On the state level state police troopers highway patrol correctional agencies and other law enforcement agencies may also maintain separate databases. For the latter previous court records may be used against someone involved in a current court case. More at military florida marriage records free Additionally the GPO makes publications from three levels of government available for free public use in Federal depository libraries throughout the United States.
by : Lori

Wine Wedding Favors on the Rise

2007-09-09T18:33:00.000+08:00

Wine Wedding Favors on the Rise. Wine wedding favors are growing in popularity to match the rise of wine themed weddings. As wine becomes more popular in our society, more couples are opting for a wine themed wedding, even if they can't make it to the wine country. You can find a variety of wine wedding favors such as: custom labeled wine bottles, wedding themed wine stoppers, and wine scented candles.

You can personalize wine labels to create a custom labeled wine to use as "wedding favors" or to give as gifts to attendants, family and out of town guests. You can personalize the labels with your wedding date and names as well as a personal message. You can add your favorite photograph to your label to further customize the label. Depending upon your budget and needs, you can get wines in full bottles or half bottles. At some wineries you can participate in the wine making process and bottle your wine with the help of friends and family. You can even serve your custom label wine at your reception if your venue allows it.

Another option for a wine "wedding favor" is a personalized wine glass or Champagne flute. You can get glasses or flutes etched or imprinted with your names and wedding date to commemorate your special day. Your text can be enhanced with several wedding style designs like hearts, doves, and wedding rings. To decorate the glasses use ribbon that matches your wedding colors and tie a bow on the stem of each glass.Wedding wine stoppers have become more popular and now there are more and more options to choose from.

Most of these stoppers are made from chrome with a rubber seal to help preserve the wine. You can choose "traditional wedding" theme wine stoppers with designs like hearts or a bride and groom or you can tailor it to the season of your wedding. There are wedding wine stoppers with fall leaves and snowflakes, for example, if you are having an autumn or winter wedding.There are also many wine stoppers that can go with a specific theme, like beach ball or sea shell wine stoppers for an ocean front wedding. There also fairy tale style toppers. Many of these stoppers come in a gift box and often have tags that can be personalized. Also available are sets that come with both a wine stopper and a corkscrew.

Wine charms are another wine themed item that makes for an inexpensive wedding favor. There are several wedding related wine charm sets available which usually come packaged in a set of four charms. If you want a more personalized option there are wine charms that can be customized with your name and wedding date.Other wine themed wedding favors include coasters with wine designs and wine scented gel candles that come in replica wine glasses.

The gel candles usually come in different wine scents like Merlot or Chardonnay and come in a petite wine glass.Wine wedding favors are an easy and inexpensive way to enhance a wine themed wedding. Additionally these are favors that people will keep, use and enjoy which will remind them of your special day. by: David Scott

The 100% Solution to Joy in Marriage or Relationships!

2007-09-02T11:03:00.000+08:00

The 100% Solution to Joy in Marriage or Relationships!. Yes, you can escape becoming one of the 50% who don't make it. The 100% Solution is how to escape being one of the 50% that end in breakup or Divorce. And, by the way, the statistics are even more grim for couples who live together without making a "marriage committment". So, everything you read in this article about marriage especially applies to live-in arrangements because, without a "marriage committment", you laid the groundwork for splitting up the minute you unpacked the boxes.

I know you have heard - "marriage is a 50-50 proposition". This is a throwback to the flower-power 60's. The fact is, "successful marriages" are a 100% - 100% proposition. This means I accept my Wife 100% and she accepts me 100%. We allow the person on the inside to be the person on the outside, completely exposed. Absolutely nothing is hidden.

Nothing is kept secret. No walls between us.

No manipulation. And, most of all, No expectations of certain behavior or results. A 50-50 solution implies you and your mate are holding back 50% from each other in the relationship. 50-50 never works, not if you want bliss. 50-50 is nothing more than an arrangement. 50-50 cannot be a marriage. But, you might say - "you don't know what he/she has done to me", "he/she is a liar", "I can't trust him/her". May I boldly say - "Get over it!". If you want your marriage to prosper, you must put away the past and start fresh because, honestly, you aren't perfect either.

No one is the perfect wife or perfect husband or perfect mate. No one is without "sin", so-to-speak. No one does everything perfectly in relationships.

No, not one! If you think you are the perfect mate, you may need counseling. Sorry to burst your bubble but it's true. No one is perfect,

No, not one.Now, this does NOT mean you stay with a mate who is physically or emotionally abusive. Do not be anyone's punching bag. Get away as fast as you can and get to a safe place, especially if you have children. How do I know The 100% Solution works? My wife and I lived the 50-50 solution with our former mates and we both ended in divorce from our former mates. When we "married" each other we had some rough spots in the beginning because we both were playing by the old 50-50 solution.

Then we discovered The 100% Solution. We have been happily living The 100% Solution for over 10 years with no stress in our marriage and no arguments. Even our "financial situation" improved because we began working together and trusting one another 100%. When we don't agree on a course of action, we don't do it. It's simple.

-Why do something your partner doesn't agree with?
-Why create stress?
-Support your partner 100% and they will support you.

So, what exactly is The 100% Solution? First, I will give it to you and then tell you where we found it. As you read it, you just might recognize it. Here it is.

# 1) Love is patient.
# 2) Love is kind.
# 3) Love does not envy and is not pretentious. It is not ambitious or self seeking.
#4) Love bears with all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (except abuse!).
# 5) Love keeps no record of wrongs - it does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth.
# 6) Love is the eternal tie that binds us.And we have added - Love never criticizes, condemns, or complains.

If you are critical of your mate, condemning of your mate, complaining about your mate, you are abusing your mate. You need help - now. You need help to find out why you are abusing your mate and how you can stop it. There is something wrong in your personality and you need professional help immediately. Do you recognize the 6 points? We found The 100% Solution in the Bible in 1st Corinthians - Chapter 13.

We have been living it successfully because we determined to put the past behind us and create a new future - together. We also go to church together and study the Bible together, but, if you are not interested in the Bible, another helpful resource is the book - "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" by John Gray, PhD. We also studied this book together and discovered a few little personality quirks we were not aware of. It was a great help. You can get it from any major bookstore and on-line
by: JimDesantis

A Day in the Life of a First-time Wedding Planner

2007-09-01T19:36:00.000+08:00

A Day in the Life of a First-time Wedding Planner. The digital clock showed 7:30am and Sandra was officially freaking out. She had offered to take charge of the planning but so many things had gotten out of hand since that fateful Saturday when she first called the happy bride-to-be. Now Jo was going to hate her. And all because Sandra had seriously underestimated the amount of effort it took to plan a wedding. With all her experience in corporate event management, she had thought that pulling off a wedding would be a piece of cake. But now the cake was going to be her undoing. That, and a whole list of other details as long as the bride’s train…the train! Oh shoot! She had forgotten about the additional beading!

Her performance so far was so disastrous that Sandra was pretty sure there would be no more second chance for her. She should have realized that corporate events and "weddings" were two distinctly different functions. Weddings came with a whole lot more expectations and pressure than she had bargain for. She was quite certain after this no sensible bride would ever dare to risk their wedding plans with her. Anyway, Sandra did not think she would have the vigour to go through this bundle of stress all over again.

No matter how grave the situation was, Sandra had to press on. The wedding theme was already decided after poring through various suggestions with Jo and her fiancé. A Christmas wedding it was. What they had not taken in account was how their decision would further complicate things for Sandra. Belatedly, she found out that most churches and popular places were fully booked. The couple was left with no choice but to have a garden "wedding" and reception at the family’s yard.

Which still would not have proven too much to handle if only the other details did not fall apart. Things like the craft shops running short on supplies for one. Due to it being peak wedding gift-giving season, it had become next to impossible to find enough of everything they needed to put the "wedding" together. As such, Sandra was left running from shop to shop the entire week, trying to gather as many supplies as possible from each one. Somewhere between an armload of organza ribbons and a trunk load of tulle, it dawned upon her that it might have been easier to leave things to the experts instead of trying to play Martha Stewart.

Luckily, she found an online trader who was able to deliver her the rest of the supplies that she could not get. She counted her blessings. Next on the list of thing-to-do was to gather enough helping hands to put together the wedding favours. But, with the Christmas around the corner, almost every family member and close friend of the bride was extremely tied up with their own holiday plans. Sandra was near hysterical and downed dozens cups of herbal tea to soothe herself before placing more frantic phone calls. At long last, an inexperienced but willing group of volunteers appeared at her doorstep to offer assistance. However, early the next morning, Sandra was confronted with yards of wrappers, ribbons and more than a hundred potpourri pouches strewn everywhere across her living room. She had made a mistake with the choice of material and now all the contents were spilling out.

It would not be such a problem if Sandra had more time. Sadly, this was not the case. There were millions of other things screaming for her attention. Just the night before, Jo’s mother phoned. After all the hassle Sandra went through, she had the nerve to tell her now that the wedding cake design the bridal couple had chosen was unsatisfactory. It was actually such a unique design that Sandra had to call up more than three different confectioners to find one who was able to do the Christmas log cum wedding cake. She had even pored over the various designs of cake toppers and chosen one that would suit the wedding concept as well as be available at this time of the year. Now, she suddenly found herself caught in the middle of a tight spot between a cake and a very hard-to-please mother-of-the-bride.

Soon after, the bride herself called. Jo was sobbing uncontrollably as she tried to explain to Sandra what catastrophe had happened. Only when she finally calmed down was Sandra able to understand that the gown rental shop had misplaced the designated set of bridal accessories that came with the gown Jo had selected. A new set was on the way but would not arrive in time for the wedding! No matter what, Sandra had to make an emergency shopping trip today and hope against hope that she would be able to find the extraordinary pair of bridal hair clips that Jo loved so much.
by Mellisa Cruz

Bridal Set a gift for a lifetime

2007-08-31T14:03:00.000+08:00

Bridal Set a gift for a lifetime. Being a bride is the most memorable occasion in a woman’s life. On the special day, every bride wants to look her best and takes care that everything about her is perfect. The glow on the bride’s face is natural and comes from the happiness within. It all starts with those nice smelling bathing salts, the herbal treatments, the beautifully created wedding dress, the coiffured tresses, the enhancement of the facial features with the required make up, and finally the perfect jewelry to adorn the feminity of the bride, completes the bridal
look.

The perfection of her look depends on finding the "bridal set" perfect bridal jewelry. The bride may find a perfect necklace to wear but may not find the matching earrings or the right bangles or bracelet or even ring to go with it. A bridal set resolves this problem and saves a lot of time. Bridal sets are jewelry made with the intention of putting together everything for that special occasion. A "bridal set" comprises of a necklace, earrings, bangles/bracelets, and a ring that match and go well together. All a bride needs to do is select the "bridal set" that goes with her look on the wedding day.

These bridal sets come in a variety of metals, like gold, silver, white gold, and platinum. There are plain precious metal bridal sets and there are "bridal sets" set with precious stones, like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires etc. The choice of the type of bridal set depends on the expense and the affordability of the bride.

If you are the bride, you will have to take utmost care in selecting the "bridal set". First thing is the set of course, but don’t buy it just because you love the jewelry set. The bridal set by itself may be beautiful, but you must see if it matches your dress. Even a most expensive and beautiful wedding gown can look bad if worn with the wrong bridal set. You don’t want any such thing to mar the occasion. Look into all factors when selecting the "bridal set", like the style, quality and affordability.

Bridal sets look good because they were meant to be used together. All major jewelers stock several styles of bridal sets to suit all budgets. You can even use your bridal set after the wedding day. When going out on those romantic dinners, you can wear just your earrings or you can choose to wear just the bracelet at times, or even the necklace. Just because it is a bridal set, you don’t have to keep it aside like you do the "wedding dress". How would it feel wearing that jewelry on your first anniversary and reliving the special moments.

Make sure the bridal set does not completely overshadow the wedding gown. The bridal set should fit in the theme of the wedding. If the wedding dress is made up of a certain type of crystals, then your bridal set cannot be of pearls. Keep in mind the overall look when buying jewelry for the big day. Once that is taken care of, all you need to do is experience the feeling of satisfaction and thrill with the numerous compliments coming your way.
by: Robert Thomson

Wedding Cake Toppers: A Guide

2007-08-29T20:26:00.000+08:00

Wedding Cake Toppers: A Guide. Long long time ago, there was a princess. Or, to be exact, a baker's daughter who was going to be married, but wanted to see the symbol of her love and a perfect piece of art that would add to the wedding and make all other baker's daughters green-eyed.

The father thought and though and thought and finally came up with the idea. He made up to small figurines of a bride and groom and put them on the top of a wedding cake. Daughter was furious, but everyone else liked the idea. And that's how these special cake toppers for weddings were invented.

Nobody can really tell if it is a fiction or a story (which indicates that it is fiction, after all), but the fact is that the wedding cake toppers have been one of traditional symbols of married couples. The fact they were placed above the cake let everyone to see how the bride and groom look like (or want to look like, if you remember Shrek, you know what I'm talking about) and remind everyone that these two people are the most important that day.

"Wedding cake" toppers can be made in a wide variety of designs and styles - the couples are now able to choose the topper they think would fit the best in their vision of their future marriage.

While "wedding cake" toppers might be an excellent idea, you can still spoil it by not following the tips below:

1. Do not buy wedding cake toppers made of plastics, especially the cheap ones.

The point is that the wedding cake topper simply has to be as exceptional as you can get, maybe even more than your wedding cake. That's why the mass-produced toppers just won't do the trick. Handmade ones usually cost more than you think is reasonable, but they will change your wedding cake into something wonderful that will make your wedding a truly wonderful event.

2. Be creative.

It is a good idea to prepare the wedding along with the wedding cake and cake toppers as all personalized, not mass-produced items. The point is that this will add a lot to the romance and glamour imbued in the wedding itself.

Do not feel constrained with all the traditional ideas of how the cake toppers should look like. There are many new designs available and don't forget that you might also have your own ideas. Don't be afraid, just use them!

3. Parents´ wedding cake topper

Here's something for those who want to creative, but lack the budget: use your parents cake topper... of course if only it is still available. As toppers are often stored as souvenirs, there is a good chance that at least one of them is still somewhere near.

Keep in mind that wedding cake toppers are not just another addon to a cake, but a real emblem representing the love between husband and wife.
by Rene

Buying A Wedding Gift Is Painful

2007-08-25T13:35:00.000+08:00

Buying A Wedding Gift Is Painful. Every time I get a wedding invitation in the mail I get a chill down my spine because coming up with a great wedding gift ideas is a painful process. It’s funny because when I tell my friends and family this they all laugh at me as tell me to just go to the department store the couple is registered at and buy some thing off the registry. Well I could do that but I think that is some what "impersonal". I’ve been to the day after parties were the newlyweds open the gifts. I’ve seen the look on their faces as they open the tenth box of dinnerware. It’s not a pretty sight. You know the minute they open the gift if it will go in the return pile or if it’s a keeper.

Give a wedding gift that will be remembered

Here are a couple of tips that I’ve used successfully to turn my wedding gift buying around. They may seem a little out of the ordinary but that’s exactly what you should be after. Take these tips, think about them and I’m sure you will come up with a great gift that you will be proud to give.

1. What do they love to do together? Answer this question and get them something that they can use doing the activity. For example if the love to snow ski buy them a season pass to the local ski hill, or if the like to golf buy them a round of golf for two, you get the idea.

2. Think about the couples home. What could they use besides the normal dishes and kitchenware? How about some framed artwork for the new bare walls, or maybe hire someone to wash the windows?

These are just two tips that can be used to find the perfect wedding gift. There are sites on the internet that are full of tips like these for people attending weddings. Check them out and buying wedding gifts will no longer be a painful experience.

By: James Kronefield

Hair Styles for Your Wedding Day

2007-08-24T13:48:00.000+08:00

Hair Styles for Your Wedding Day. As every woman knows, it isn't necessarily the dress that makes the biggest impression on your wedding day; it's how you look in it. If your hair style isn't perfect under your veil then everyone will notice. The best hair styles for your "wedding day" are the ones the compliment your dress perfectly as well as your personality. It is so important to the overall beauty of the bride.

Before you choose your wedding hair style, you need to pick the perfect salon in which to get it done at. You should choose one that you are familiar with or someone you know is. The last thing you want to happen is to end up at a salon that doesn't specialize in wedding hair styles. Make sure you make you appointment well in advance, as the larger salons that specialize in "wedding hair styles" get booked up quickly, especially during wedding season.

Then you need to look at your shape of your face, as well as the dress you are wearing. You also need to know what type of veil you will be wearing and how much of your hair style it will be covering. If you are planning on wearing a tiara or a veil that drops over the face you need to make sure your hair style will not be crushed or look awkward. The best hair style for wearing a tiara is a simple one. You could choose the very elegant bun at the nape of your neck look or you could choose a high bun. You could also go with a very simple part in the middle of your "hair style" with curls cascading down your back. It will give you a more formal and put together hair style.

If your "wedding" is more casual, then you could easily put a few flowers in it, or better yet, just let it hang naturally with a few well placed jewel adorned barrettes. Flowers are also a popular choice in wedding hair styles, especially for the more informal wedding, in place of a veil. They make you look innocent and fun without losing any of the graceful and well designed look. You can easily match the flowers in your "hair style" to the flowers in your bouquet for a whimsical look.

There is also what is known as the "Las Vegas hair style" which is popular among younger brides, whether they are eloping or not. It has more of a funky, youthful look of a bun or ponytail pulled back neatly with the front bangs loose and curly. It falls on the face in an easy way making you look relaxed and cool.

No matter which "hair style" you choose for your wedding, make sure you really love it. Have the stylist practice beforehand so there are no surprises the morning of your big day. Consider having different hair styles from your bridesmaids to really stand out. Each person should have a hair style that suits their face and length.

by: B Johannesson

Fire Fighter Wedding Cake Topper

2007-08-24T13:32:00.000+08:00

Fire Fighter Wedding Cake Topper. Weddings are a great ceremony to mark the pleasure and joy. At this vital point, you will not leave any stone unturned to impress your guests. You will decorate your cake as well as your "cake topper" to mark the occasion in a grand way. You will surely bid on a wedding cake topper that is perfect for the firefighter wedding. Fire fighter wedding cake topper with the red bunker suit and tools are at hand. In this figure, the happy bride is holding a bouquet of red roses. You will get to see that the heart is trimmed in a variety of white flowers with satin spun roses and pearl sprays. The base of this structure is adorned in white lace with white flowers and pearl sprays with a rib boned bow of red and white with the Maltese tools symbol hanging from the front.

Firefighter dog tag necklace is a good example of a fire fighter "wedding cake topper" with etched steel and soft enamel. You will see that necklace chain is included in it and it could be a very nice gift to show support to one of the bravest. "Firefighter" carrying bride figures is a tall figure in which black helmet is attached to the fireman head. You will get a glimpse of a real mini veil on bride. With hard bonded resin hand painted in the comment box, it indicates the bride hair color of blonde, brown, black/red/silver hair and flower bouquet color. Dual firefighter wedding figures could be a marvelous fire fighter wedding cake topper in which the bride wears a black helmet with a real mini veil.

Fireman wedding flutes denote a pair of bride and groom, etched toasting flutes with all along fireman helmet and bridal veil. Firefighter veil engraved toasting & plate set and firefighter fabric guest book & pen are other good pieces which could be decorated at the top of your cake as a fire fighter "wedding cake topper". If you are not content with all these, then embroidered fire ring pillow would douse your appetite.

Firefighter carrying bride "wedding invitations" is really an elegant panel invitation with tissue, inner and outer envelope. Each such fire fighter wedding cake topper shows an invitation which contains return name and address. EMT ambulance wedding napkins is another such fire fighter wedding cake topper with white luncheon or beverage napkins. This particular figure with your choice could well be used to imprint the names and wedding date.

by: Bill Hansen

Initial Wedding Cake Toppers

2007-08-23T19:51:00.000+08:00

Initial wedding cake toppers. might lend you with an occasion to come across with crystal initial cake topper which is a stunning and sparkly cake topper. You could get this one in two types and in two sizes. These initial "wedding cake" toppers are having ten luscious Swarovski crystal colors. You will come to know that each piece is hand made, fully studded on both sides, and includes a sturdy integrated stem. With putting these initial "wedding cake toppers", you could make your wedding cake unforgettable.

Initial wedding cake toppers could further include a silver finish cake top. If you wish to have an unforgettable keepsake with the most sparklicious cake topper, then go get it. As these silver finish cake top with imbedded letters carry the ultimate in personalization to every bride and groom. These initial "wedding cake toppers" are also perfect for showers and anniversaries as each letter could be obtained in two sizes. You might use both sizes to create a monogram.

Initial "wedding cake toppers" include white cake top letters which bring the charm in personalization to every bride and groom. You will get the feeling of a touch of excitement as these metal letters decorated with Swarovski crystals will look amazing amongst your reception decorations. Initial "wedding cake toppers" like these could be customized by pairing two letters with the heart, two letters with the ampersand, or form a monogram using three letters.

Floral cake topper as an initial "wedding cake topper" could be the perfect complement to your cake top letters. If you are decorating your cake with it, then the cake top is accented with a fabric floral arrangement and a decorative arch. You might get it in white, pink, red, lilac, or blue floral accents. Larger image initial wedding cake topper is a single etched script initial to create a simple, but elegant finish to your cake and it is wonderful for weddings and showers.

by: Bill Hansen

What to Look for in Men’s Wedding Bands

2007-08-22T19:45:00.000+08:00

What to Look for in Men’s Wedding Bands. When shopping for men’s wedding bands there are many options to choose from. Style, comfort and character in wedding jewelry, brings to light a rising fashion trend in men’s wedding bands .

One of my favorite shopping adventures revolves around the hunt for men’s jewelry. The excitement that comes over my clients is contagious; some are more excited about picking the right "men’s wedding band" for the hubby to be, than their own.

When it comes to wedding bands, a popular choice among couples is to design their own bands, but selecting a style that is unique and characteristic for each person is just as special. "Wedding bands" today don’t just come in gold, newer metals such as titanium, tungsten and platinum are gaining attention among the newly engaged. Some of the hottest wedding bands for men today, include cutting edge styles in exciting metals.

Men’s wedding bands today don’t differ all that much from women’s "wedding bands", as most can be worn be either sex. Selecting the right wedding band can be a wonderful experience and a great way to set the tone for the many days and years that lie ahead. When looking for a men’s wedding band, consideration should be given to size, weight and quality, plus color and cut, if diamonds or other gems are to be included.

The weight of the band is key as comfort is critical since wedding bands are worn on a daily basis and meant for long term wear. There are numerous styles, but one of my personal favorites that gets a high rank from clients, is the titanium ring.

Titanium represents a growing trend in fine jewelry, and it’s quickly becoming the preferred metal for "wedding bands" in particular. Due to its lightweight, corrosion resistant qualities and hypoallergenic characteristics, titanium rings are respected both by designers as well as the individuals who wear them. Fashionable, sleek, lightweight and extremely strong, a titanium ring makes an ideal men’s wedding band. Available in a variety of styles such as natural titanium rings, exotic black titanium rings and hardcore tungsten carbide rings.

Men’s wedding bands are often selected based on weight and what he does for a living. Gold which is a heavy metal, is also more prone to scratches and thinning over time, whereas with a titanium ring, not only is it much lighter in weight, it is more durable. Style plays a significant role as well. There is the classic band which is simple in form, or more intricate designs such as two tone rings like the titanium ring with a gold inlay. Diamonds can also be included, as well as brushed or hammered finishes.

Regardless of your style or preference, you can find the right ring for your man at affordable prices. Titanium-Jewelry.com, one of my standby retailers has a wide selection of men’s wedding bands starting as low as $115, allowing you to find the ideal titanium ring for your special day regardless of budget.

Once you selected the men’s wedding band of choice, you will need to ensure the proper size. Many people get nervous when it comes to sizing, but it really is a non issue if done properly. Ideally, you will want to have the ring finger professionally sized, but if this is not an option, no need to worry. Titanium-jewelry.com offers comfort fit rings. This means that the inside of the ring has a slight roundness, allowing the center of the titanium ring to fit closer to the finger than the outer edges. Choosing a comfort fit "titanium ring" reduces pinching that can occur with a flat design, making the ring more comfortable.

A comfort fit ring will be looser on the finger since it is not flat on the inside but rather rounded, making a more comfortable fit. Therefore, when you are getting sized use the narrow finger sizer, which is 3 mm wide, (as opposed to the wider one of 6.5 mm.) This will provide a more accurate finger size. Titanium-jewelry.com will even provide you a plastic finger sizer for free. Additionally, they have a “Ring for Life” program which features an exclusive Lifetime Sizing policy. For more information on this program or men’s wedding bands, please visit www.Titanium-Jewelry.com.

by: Seowhat

Tip Your Relationship Scale: Put The Positive Back In Your Marriage

2007-08-19T12:26:00.000+08:00

Tip Your Relationship Scale: Put The Positive Back In Your Marriage. Tip Your Relationship Scale: Put the positive back in your marriage If you put your ear up against the bedroom door of so many couples today, this is what you might hear:

“Our relationship used to be so much fun. We used to laugh all the time.”“I know. Now everything seems so serious. We hardly spend any time together anymore, and when we do, we’re either fighting or schlepping the kids somewhere.

”You don’t have to resort to mass eavesdropping to know that so many couples end up in some variation of this highly unpleasant, stuck state. Their relationship, once a sanctuary to life’s burdens, is now a source of distress. These relationships weren’t doomed from the start. In fact, a high percentage of them started off strong. The partners intently listened to one another, demonstrated affection and compassion, affirmed each other’s world view, and were friends as well as lovers. So what happened?

There are many reasons why strong relationships can become anemic. Let’s look at one common reason. And take heart, this one is relatively easy to fix.

How the negatives can quickly outweigh the positives in your relationship

Your mind is constantly making associations and connections. Feelings get linked with certain events and people. Have you ever eaten something rancid? Since that unfortunate, memorable mouthful, you’ve probably cringed every time you thought about the food. Your strong reaction and the spoiled food became linked in your mind. Think about different people in your life for a moment. Doesn’t each person stir up different feelings? A caring friend makes you feel understood and secure while uncle Ted’s trademark genital jokes across the Thanksgiving table make you wish you lived on a different continent.

How does this apply to your relationship?

Let’s look at Frank and Fran—the “every” couple:

In the beginning, Frank and Fran enjoyed romantic dinners, sleeping in late on the weekends, walking their dogs, sharing hopes and dreams, making each other laugh, and supporting one another during stressful times. The positives outnumbered the negatives by a wide margin, causing each to develop positive associations for the other.

Let’s look at Frank and Fran seven years later:

They come home from work exhausted. One of them typically picks up dinner, which is mindlessly consumed as they stare at the plasma screen. Fran hates when, as soon as the food is gone, Frank zips through four hundred channels searching for something he wants to see. To occupy herself, Fran reads a magazine. When they occur, brief discussions about work seem like a formality. Weekends are for paying bills (always a tense event), yard care, food shopping and trips to the dry cleaner. The most fun they have occurs separately: Frank builds birdhouses and Fran plays on a softball league. The positive associations each had for the other have fallen away and new, negative associations are developing.

What is the balance of your relationship?

Many relationships and marriages travel this course. The danger exists because couples do not protect their marriage from the stresses that can consume all relationships. Of course you can’t hide from the stressful realities of life—life happens. But you can take steps to create pockets of time together that will keep the positives alive and well while you both tackle life’s mundane aspects. Balance is the key.

When the scale tips toward the negative (when most of the time spent with your partner involves mainly stressful and mundane activities), sooner or later you will associate your partner with the feelings these activities evoke. Since we avoid people and circumstances that are unpleasant, you may begin pulling away from your partner…without even realizing it.

Make a plan with your partner to nurture the pleasurable, shared activities that already exist and become creative in adding new and exciting ways to enjoy each other’s company. These activities do not have to be expensive, unrealistic or time-consuming. Start small, and keep it simple. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results and if at first it feels like you’re throwing all these great intentions down a deep well. The positive to negative scale takes time to re-adjust. The balance you seek was once there in your relationship and you can discover it all over again.

By: Rich Nicastro,Ph.D

Unity Sand Ceremony - A Hot, New Wedding Trend

2007-08-18T17:17:00.000+08:00

Unity Sand Ceremony - A Hot, New Wedding Trend. If you've attended many "weddings" lately, or read trendy magazines or newspapers, you've undoubtedly noticed that the ceremonies are no longer just your Grandmother's and Grandfather's typical church wedding.

The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from a container, such as a seashell, into one special container symbolizing their coming together as one.

This unique celebration was recently brought into the public eye with the "marriage" of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter of the TV series, "The Bachelorette." Rather than the time-honored ritual of the Unity Candle Ceremony, the famous couple chose the alternative, Unity Sand Ceremony. Their decision has sparked a craze in weddings across the country.

The "ceremony" has controversial origins, some believing that it began with the Native Americans and some insisting the Hawaiians were the ancestors of the legend. Whatever its origin, the Unity Sand "Ceremony" is fast becoming a nationwide "wedding ceremony" trend.

The flowing sand and blending of the colors symbolize the bringing together of two lives into one. Some couples prefer to leave a small amount of sand in their respective container to show that even though they now function as one, they remain individuals.

A staple in "marriages" everywhere, The Unity Candle Ceremony has long been a tradition for marriages both elaborate and simple. Usually, there is a single candle that both bride and groom light from a flame of their own single candle. Parents or other members of the "wedding" party often join in the candle lighting ceremony.

The Unity Sand Ceremony can also be altered in many ways to include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, various colors of sand are given to wedding members who will add their sand to the couple's sand, all flowing into the container, creating a colorful and one-of-a kind symbol of unity.

In an age where couples are planning weddings that are unique to their beliefs and lifestyle, the sand ceremony can be personalized many different ways to fit the occasion. After the ceremony, the couple has a unique keepsake to remember their "wedding" day.

Hawaii has been a popular destination for weddings since airplanes became the preferred mode of travel. Its mild weather and sandy beaches create a perfect environment for the entire "wedding party" to be barefoot on the beach while witnessing the Unity Sand Ceremony - a tradition as old and exceptional as the islands themselves.

Not going to have a wedding on a beach? Don't worry. Sand is available online, or the couple can use sand from a destination they've visited or that has a special meaning in their lives. Distinctive containers designed to fit any religion or lifestyle can also be purchased online.

Many couples write their own vows for the ceremony, but passages from ancient Hawaiian or Native American weddings can easily be found on the Internet for the portion of your wedding relating to the Unity Sand Ceremony.

Whatever your dream wedding entails, consider incorporating the Unity Sand Ceremony into the celebration. You'll be sure to create memories that your guests will talk about for a long time to come.

Wedding Gown Therapy

2007-08-17T16:43:00.000+08:00

Wedding Gown Therapy. It had been a bad hair month, “said Beth Grading. “I had been passed over for a promotion, my best friend got a great job in San Francisco and I had a string of ‘no where dates’. “I felt so goofy that my bad mood lifted. I loved pacing up and down the stairs. “Studies show that visual cues can affect your emotions. If you add laughter to the mix you have a powerful combination..” Says Eli Davidson, M.A. author of Funky to Fabulous: Creating the Life You Want, Not the One You Are Stuck With (Oak Grove Press).Trot to your local thrift store or consignment store and buy wedding gown (or if that gives you the heebie geebies buy a second hand ball gown). If you have a task you dread (like cleaning your oven or preparing your taxes) put on your handy wedding gown. Your mood can’t help but lift.

It’s hard to take yourself as seriously when you are walking around with a six foot train of silk trailing behind you. Changing your clothes into celebration wear automatically boosts your mood.

It is a Pattern Interrupt "Technique" founded in the principles of Neuro Linguistic Programming. You can disrupt a bad mood by giving yourself a cheerful cue by putting on some celebration wear.

Change Your Outfit-Change Your Outlook
A "wedding gown" may not be the perfect thing to slip into at the office. By slipping into a different pair of shoes, or changing into a vibrant sweater, you are short circuiting a negative pattern. “By taking dominion over your behavior even in a simple act like putting on some lipstick, you are giving yourself a new cue.” suggests Eli Davidson. “If I am having a dizzing day , I will go home at lunch and change my clothes. I come back to the office refreshed and redirected. .” Says Barbara Holden of Austin, Texas.
That new signal overrides the existing one and reminds you that you are the one that determines your mood. You can then more easily direct yourself in a more positive direction.

Color Me Happy
Keep an item close that is the color of happiness? Color is a powerful unconscious motivator. It is one of our fastest signaling systems. Green on the grass is great. Green growing on your hamburger is gross. Think of your favorite color and your mood will improve. “I love having tea in my orange and turquoise mug that my niece Elena made.” said consultant Since there is a powerful link between color behavior and mood keeping a “happy color” close you can help short circuit your stressors.

Get Goofy
100 laughs are equal to 10 minutes of aerobics. Have some silly wear handy for when you are taking yourself too seriously. “I put a ping pong table in my design studio. Ping pong makes me giggle. Laughing makes me more creative.” Olia Toporovsky of New York City. Consider keeping a goofy pair of glasses (my current favorite) for the drive to and from work.

By: Eli Davidson

How to Select Bridal Jewelry

2007-07-23T20:49:00.000+08:00

How to Select Bridal Jewelry. On your wedding day, you want to look and feel like a princess, with beautiful wedding attire and jewelry that enhances your beauty. You will be the focus of all eyes on your special day, which is why you need to look picture perfect.

Plan everything in advance - the wedding type, the location, your bridal attire, the hairdo and also learn how to select your bridal jewelry at EvesAddiction.com. From "modern jewelry" to vintage jewelry, and even classic jewelry styles – wear what will work best with your wedding dress.

The selection of "bridal jewelry" will mainly depend on the "bridal attire" you choose, the wedding type (formal or informal) and also on the location where the wedding will be conducted. As a rule, for a simple "bridal dress", wear a classic single pearl necklace or a single cubic zirconia pendant.

For a lacy and elaborate wedding dress, keep to the elegant white pearls and "diamond jewelry". Pearl stud earrings and diamond stud earrings are always an excellent choice for an understated look. Depending on your "wedding dress" you can also select from lovely gold, platinum and bridal jewelry.

Your "wedding dress" and most important, the neckline of your dress, will be the determing factor of your bridal jewelry necklace you choose to wear. For a V-neckline select a single piece or stranded necklace, of the right length. For a strapless dress, a pearl or diamond choker looks elegant. For halter neck or a dress that covers the neckline concentrate on the earrings. Select drop or bold chandelier earrings that can add a touch of glamour and are the current fashion trend. Keep your hairdo in mind when choosing earrings.

Depending on whether the wedding is a formal church wedding, glamorous wedding, informal garden wedding or "beach wedding", wear jewelry that is suitable for you. Select from vintage classic, timeless pearls, diamonds, bold colorful jewelry, gold, platinum or sterling silver "bridal jewelry" for a church or glitzy wedding. You can also accessorize with veils, tiaras, and hair jewelry. For a "beach wedding" keep your jewelry simple.

The "jewelry" you choose for your bridesmaids can be in line with what you decide for yourself, based on the setting. Select lovely pieces of "jewelry" from sterling silver, cubic zirconia, colorful, clear, classic and trendy styles among many others for your bridesmaids. And for the groomsmen you can select from a variety of cuff links and money clips among other gifts, such as stainless steel bracelets.

Whatever "bridal jewelry" you choose, be careful to avoid mismatches. If you know how to select bridal jewelry, you are sure to be the one that all eyes are glued on.

Shoes for the Bride

2007-07-23T20:29:00.000+08:00

Shoes for the Bride. Trying to find the perfect shoes for your Special Day can only be described as troublesome. Will it be heels or flats? Will you show your toes or will you opt for a sandal look? Wading through all the colors, "styles and designs" may cause the soon to be bride to shed a tear or two. Don't despair, finding a wedding shoe doesn't have to be such a daunting proposition if you just follow a few simple details.

Let's first look at your gown and it's color and type of fabric. A rule of thumb, is to keep your shoes and gown as coordinated as closely as possible. Match the material of your "wedding dress" with the fabric of your shoes. Heels would be the right choice if your going with a short or knee length dress to make your legs look slimmer. It will also give you legs all the way up to your,well, you know where. A nice addition and attraction would be to go with an open toe heels. Well manicured toes are a must if you chose this option.

The climate is another consideration if you're getting married outside. If it's going to be hot and humid, you'll want to think about sandals as your choice. After all, you'll not want to turn your new husband off with stinky feet when you remove your shoes after the "wedding".

Make sure that your shoes are a comfortable fit. You'll be on your feet all day so you'll want something that feels nice. Don't try and squeeze into a shoe just for the look Wear the size that you would normally wear for your office shoes or dress pumps. If you fall between two sizes it's best to choose the larger one. Don’t sacrifice style over comfort.

If your feet hurt you will feel miserable. If you decide to choose a "wedding shoe" with straps or ties make sure that they can be loosen easily and does not scraped onto your skin. Your wedding shoes can make or break your wedding day. Make sure you take your new shoes on a test drive. Walk on different surfaces and break them in good before your special day. Do Not sacrifice comfort for style.

Take a piece of sandpaper to roughen the smooth finish on the sole of the shoes. This will help to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces. Its better to change your "wedding shoes" now than wait for the "actual wedding" and be sorry for not being able to walk properly on the aisle. Once your at the reception you'll want to have a second pair of shoes handy.

Keeping comfort uppermost in your mind. You'll be sitting most of the time at the reception so why would you want to have heels on? It pays to spend extra effort in choosing the perfect pair "wedding shoes".

Brides in general do not give as much attention to their "wedding shoes" as they do to their gowns. They thought that their guest’s attention would be on their dress. But most people are drawn to the bride’s legs and feet if they are wearing short dress, thus giving extra attention to your wedding shoes. Would it be nice to have your best feet forward during your wedding day.

by: Art luff

Cheap Indian Wedding Dresses

2007-07-23T20:05:00.000+08:00

Cheap Wedding Dresses. Much bride likes to consider various dresses for their marriage. The dresses of marriage worn by Indians are very different from the Western model of the dress of marriage, however still beautiful. One expects thus that an Indian bride gleams her special day, the Indian dresses of marriage usually are very colored with the complex designs and the embroidery.

With the difference of the "traditional" white usually carried by the bride Western, the Indian wedding dresses are often red because the white is a color of mourning in much of sectors of the world. Red "Indian dresses" of marriage are regarded as good luck and will bring to the couples much of happiness.

Since India is so varied in the culture and the religion according to which area you are inside, the Indian dresses of "marriage" will change too. Some common models used, however, are the sari, the choli of will gaghra, and chameez it shalwar. Is the sari what many people already saw the Indian port women? The fabric is rolled up around the body, is fixed by pins or is remplié in the waistband.

Will gaghra is a long skirt and a shirt maker runs with a scarf, called a dupatta, draped through the trunk of the bride. Chameez shalwar is of long trousers finished tunic. It has also the dupatta draped through the trunk, but the bride can indicate that the dupatta is carried around the neck or of the surplus the head. The Indian "wedding dresses" are often a combination of the models, threading, orders and beadwork complex.

Some bride Indians with money make partly engrave in relief their Indian wedding dresses with gold or the pure money. The Indian dresses of marriage are usually made of a fabric which reflects well the light like satin, silk, or the silk muslin. Other accessories are available with the Indian dresses of marriage. There can never be too many collars, bracelets, rings, or decoration earrings of hair on an Indian bride.

by: bill

10 Tips For Choosing The Best Hawaiian Wedding Planner

2007-07-22T19:00:00.000+08:00

10 Tips For Choosing The Best Hawaiian Wedding Planner. This article will offer you just what you need to know to make the best selection for your Hawaiian wedding planning company.

* 1. Find a wedding planner who has a decent website.

A professional well thought out website will give you a picture as to just how busy and professional the wedding company really is.

A good website should offer you plenty information so that you are able to make an intelligent decision about a wedding company before you even call.

* 2. Choose a "wedding planner" who gives you their names, business address and phone numbers plainly on their website.

In every wedding market, there are always a number of companies who try to hide who they are. Often, they have worked at making their identity hard to find because they don't want to talk to their clients unless absolutely necessary. They will cloak their identity, offering no personal information. This is an indication that you are dealing with a fly-by-night company or one who is only a middle-man, hiring another "planner" to coordinate their actual weddings.

* 3. Pay attention to the way a wedding planner handles you on the telephone.

You will want to do business with a company who treats you with respect. If someone is abrupt, do you really want them coordinating your "wedding"? How you are valued on the phone is an accurate idea of how you will be valued on the day of your wedding. If a wedding planner doesn't have the time to get back to you before you have even booked, how easy will they be to communicate with after they have your money and you're "stuck" with them?

* 4. Choose a "Wedding Planner" who has experience.

Over the years many young women have told us that they see organizing weddings as a dream job. Here on Maui, there are many who have thrown up a quick website and begun to tell their friends that they are now a Maui wedding coordinator. Do you want to be someone's first (or second) wedding? Experience is so paramount, especially here on Maui where there is so much to learn, including wedding locations, legal questions, types of flowers, the difference in wedding vendors, which ministers and photographers are the best, etc., etc.

* 5. Ensure your "wedding planner" will definitely be at your wedding.

There are cut-rate wedding companies who only make telephone calls for you. They schedule a minister, a photographer and maybe a videographer to do your wedding, but they don't send a coordinator to show and to run everything, because that would mean they would have to raise their prices and lose their selling point.

If no on-site wedding planner will be at your ceremony, who will make certain that any of the key players knows what they're doing? And if for some reason, one vendor (like the minister) is late or heaven forbid, does not show up at all because of some mix up, who will pull all the pieces together and get a backup? Unless your wedding includes just a minister, and no one else, you want to be confident that a wedding coordinator will be in attendance when your ceremony is performed.

* 6. Pick a wedding coordinator with the spirit of Aloha.

"Aloha" means love in Hawaiian. Those of us who reside in Hawaii enjoy the attitude that is here and which comes, first and foremost from the native Hawaiians. We want to talk to you like you're family (or ohana, as we say here). It is crucial to look for a "wedding planner" who truly treats you like you're part of the family.

* 7. Choose a "wedding planner" who is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

This seventh point is pretty much our most important piece of advice. In any industry there are always those who do not handle their clients well. Even companies who have been in business for years. In Hawaii there are a handful of wedding planners who have a long list of unhappy or semi-happy couples. The advised way to avoid such coordinators is to investigate them with the Hawaii Chapter of the Better Business Bureau. You can be sure that a planner with a number of black marks will rise to the attention of the BBB. A member company offers you one more guarantee that you will go home happily "Maui'd."

By: John souter

Is It Difficult To Design Your Own Wedding Invitation?

2007-07-22T18:44:00.000+08:00

Is It Difficult To Design Your Own Wedding Invitation? When a couple decides to get married, they start to plan every detail of their wedding. Everything needs to be perfect, no matter it is the wedding cake, the venue or the "wedding invitation". As a bride-to-be or a groom-to-be, you may want to participate in every detail of the wedding planning.

Considering the "wedding invitation", you may want to have your own unique design. You will try to choose the materials you love most, the most beautiful printing patterns and even the most elegant envelopes. However, is it really possible for a couple to have a total control on the design of the wedding invitation? The answer is certainly yes but you should take some time to work and research on the "wedding invitation".

First of all you should try to at least understand, if not familiar with, different processes involved in making the "wedding invitation". Although a "wedding invitation" does not need to be a printed card. Most couples will probably go for this option of printing. In this case you should try to understand different printing process, say, four color printing, embossing, hot stamping and engraving.

By understanding these printing or post printing processes, you will know what is possible and what is impossible. For example, you may originally want an embossed pattern on a card of 3mm in thickness, which is impossible. If you do not have a basic knowledge about these printing process, it can be sure that it will lead to misunderstanding between you and the printer you hire. Eventually it will become some unhappy memories.

Once you get the basic knowledge about the printing process, you can start to make your own wedding invitation design. If you are good at drawing, you can draw your own graphic elements. If you are not an expert in drawing, you can still try to compose the "wedding invitation" using computers. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are some of the most popular software in graphic design.

Using computer software can help you to test and experiment different design options. You can have a rough idea of the printing effects by just printing the design out using the printer at home. However, you should bear in mind that process like embossing cannot be imitated by printing.

After you finalize the design, you can get a professional printing company to discuss about the production of the cards. Firstly you should send the printing company your computer files and let them know your requirements. They should be able to advise you the best way to print the wedding cards. They can also advise if you should make changes to your computer files.

The next step is to choose the materials, in this case it should be paper, which you like most. The printing companies should have different paper samples for you to choose from. You should beware of the colors of the paper. Most probably your design is based on the assumption that the graphics will be printed on white color paper. The colors of the graphic will become totally different if they are printed on gold color paper.

You may also want some environmental friendly paper. If it is really one of you concern, you should be sure that you ask the printing companies if they have collections of environmental friendly paper for your to choose from.

The envelope is also very important. You can choose to get some ready made envelopes if there is a budget constraint. You can also decide to make your own envelope but you have to be prepared that the price will be quite something if this is the case.

When every little detail is settled, you should always ask for a color proof before going for the production. The color proof can give you concrete idea about your "wedding invitation". If you find the printing effect is not what you want, you can still make changes and have the color proof done again. You will just waste your money if you do not make a color proof.

If the color proof is alright and you find that you love the effects, you can now ask your printing company to go for the final production. It will normally take seven to fourteen days for the printing process, depending on how complicated the design is. Finally you should get a perfect wedding invitation which is designed by yourself.

Wedding Favor Gift Ideas For Children Participants

2007-07-22T18:23:00.001+08:00

Wedding Favor Gift Ideas For Children Participants. Most brides are particular with the roles of the children for their upcoming "weddings". They love to see these little angels getting dressed up marching down the aisles.

In the United States itself, the ring bearers and "flower girls" are only confined to being under six years of age. However, the children who are above six years old may be counted as ring bearers and flower girls if they wish to.

One of the perfect "wedding favor gift ideas" for these participants is the candy bars which are nonetheless ornamented attractively. The "wedding favor gift" ideas that seem very much attractive to them involve candy bars, sweets, and even toys.

When they get to know that these items are at stake for their participations, they are all the more motivated to do their roles. It never hurts to provide some more motivation to these little kids on the day of the "wedding".

The ideal ages for ring bearers, train bearers and "flower girls" are between three up to six years of age. The ages seven up to ten years old have to be assigned with more mature roles such as the tending to the wedding guestbook, carrying of prayer book and candles, and handing out the flowers and programs to the mothers as well as the grandmothers.

But then it is always one's choice to adjust these ages for the roles which they deem most apt for the children participants. Remembering that these little kids fancy much toys and sweets, you're already on your way to having a sound idea with regards to the "wedding favor" gift ideas that you'll give them.

Concerning the wedding favor gift ideas to the adolescent participants is another thing to consider. Unlike the flower girls and ring bearers, the junior groomsmen and bridesmaids are no longer that fancied with sweets and toys.

They have another set of interests and you must adjust to them. What would they do with the wedding favor gift ideas that seem to deviate from their interests? If you want them to appreciate your "wedding favor gift idea", try out something that is within the scope of their likes. Simple keepsakes like key chains, pens, pendants, and the likes are closer to their appreciation list.

By: Tim lee

Wedding Favor Gift Ideas For Children Participants

2007-07-22T18:23:00.000+08:00

Most brides are particular with the roles of the children for their upcoming weddings. They love to see these little angels getting dressed up marching down the aisles.

In the United States itself, the ring bearers and flower girls are only confined to being under six years of age. However, the children who are above six years old may be counted as ring bearers and flower girls if they wish to.

One of the perfect wedding favor gift ideas for these participants is the candy bars which are nonetheless ornamented attractively. The wedding favor gift ideas that seem very much attractive to them involve candy bars, sweets, and even toys.

When they get to know that these items are at stake for their participations, they are all the more motivated to do their roles. It never hurts to provide some more motivation to these little kids on the day of the wedding.

The ideal ages for ring bearers, train bearers and flower girls are between three up to six years of age. The ages seven up to ten years old have to be assigned with more mature roles such as the tending to the wedding guestbook, carrying of prayer book and candles, and handing out the flowers and programs to the mothers as well as the grandmothers.

But then it is always one's choice to adjust these ages for the roles which they deem most apt for the children participants. Remembering that these little kids fancy much toys and sweets, you're already on your way to having a sound idea with regards to the wedding favor gift ideas that you'll give them.

Concerning the wedding favor gift ideas to the adolescent participants is another thing to consider. Unlike the flower girls and ring bearers, the junior groomsmen and bridesmaids are no longer that fancied with sweets and toys.

They have another set of interests and you must adjust to them. What would they do with the wedding favor gift ideas that seem to deviate from their interests? If you want them to appreciate your wedding favor gift idea, try out something that is within the scope of their likes. Simple keepsakes like key chains, pens, pendants, and the likes are closer to their appreciation list.

By: Tim lee

Wedding Jewelry Tips

2007-07-22T12:07:00.000+08:00

Wedding Jewelry Tips. A young girl spends several years of her life dreaming of her wedding day. Especially, how she would look as a bride and in this, she wants no compromise. Of course, the most important aspect is her wedding dress. It must be chosen with a lot of care. But this dress will look its best only when complimented by the proper choice of wedding jewelry.

Choose your "wedding jewelry" with utmost care. Here we have a lot of information which is going to help you to make your choices and look your very best.Your jewelry can help set the mood for your wedding and enhance the overall look and feel of your gown. Think and plan about whether modern jewelry, "vintage jewelry", or classic jewelry styles will work best with your wedding dress. Then consider the various elements of your wedding and then decide if the pieces you like will evoke the mood or look you want to create for your wedding.

First of all set the mood of your "wedding". The style of your "wedding" can help narrow down your bridal jewelry choices. Important things to consider are whether you want a daytime ceremony or in the night. Do you wish to make it a grand affair or keep it limited to a small intimate gathering? Here are some popular options for different types of "weddings" along with the dress codes and jewelry ideas best suited to the occasion.Beads can be strung together in any number of combinations to create different objects.

Most of the times we create ornamental items like bracelets, earrings, and so on. Accomplished beaders are known to create highly complex bead items like multi-strand necklaces and complete ornament sets.

Glamorous weddings: With this you could get away with bolder, and perhaps glitzier, "wedding jewelry" and accessories at large, black-tie and the same would suit for night-time weddings.

Simple, elegant weddings: here a romantic lacy dress, simple "jewelry styles" and vintage jewelry pieces could work for you. Heart lockets or brooches can also help you create an antique feel.

To create an elegant, timeless affair, look toward classic jewelry pieces such as strands of pearls and diamond earrings and create memories to last a lifetime.Laid-back beach weddings: To keep the atmosphere light-hearted and full of fun, wear simple yet bright jewelry. A simple strand of pearls and some flowers in your hair can set the tone for an early afternoon ceremony on the beach.

Cultural weddings: In this case there may not be much to choose in terms of because different cultures have different traditions and customs that can guide your "jewelry" choices. For example, Irish brides may choose to wear a piece of jewelry featuring a Celtic knot or Claddaugh design. Similarly, Asian brides commonly wear jade, a symbol of good luck, health, and prosperity.

Remember, your bridal jewelry can also compliment your wedding's color theme. For example, simple and understated bridal jewelry can offset bright, vibrant flowers, candles, and linens. On the other hand, an emerald necklace or ruby drop earrings can provide attractive contrast to single hues and neutral colors.

Compliment your gown with bridal jewelry A pure white dress looks wonderful with primary color choices. If you plan to don white on the big day and feel like wearing blue sapphires or red rubies, you can surely do so. If you choose a simple dress, then big, bold "jewelry", even colored gemstones, could look fabulous. When you select the type and length of your necklace and earrings, make sure they look good with the neckline of your dress.With these tips in mind you can plan the dream wedding the memories of which you will cherish forever. By: Fashion jewelry

Sexy Bridal Lingerie - For the Honeymoon and so Much More

2007-07-21T18:28:00.000+08:00

Sexy Bridal Lingerie - For the Honeymoon and so Much More. First off Nice and noughty would like to congratulate you on your engagement and wish you nothing but happiness. For your wedding night NiceAndNaughty has taken the guess work out of your lingerie.

We have a vast selection of sexy bridal lingerie perfect for your wedding night. Choose from baby dolls, gowns and dresses, bustiers and corsets, and sexy bridal thongs. The wedding night and honeymoon is a time for "celebration".

You are celebrating the love you share with each other. There are types of lingerie that you can wear both day and night regardless if you are cuddling in the honeymoon suite or on a night out. Day time wear could consist of a sexy cami and panty set under your travel clothes. A sexy bustier or corset under your gown. Or even a flirty bra and panty set with a garter belt under an evening dress for a night out.

You always have a "surprise" for your new partner and a seductive secret for what the night entails. Evening wear can be just as sexy. Whether you sachet into the bedroom in a sexy little baby doll so you can cuddle right up to your new husband or you choose to wear an elegant gown that takes his breath away. For the brides that like to show a little more skin NiceAndNaughty offers a complete line of sexy bridal teddies.

For a look that is a little more flirty add a sheer robe or jacket to your ensemble (you can even make him remove it…or a little strip tease). NiceAndNaughty offers a perfect selection for the honeymoon and the years to come. Our bridal lingerie also makes perfect bridal shower and bachelorette party gifts. by: Ja'Nice West

How to Add a Personal Touch to Your Wedding Flowers

2007-07-17T20:12:00.000+08:00

How to Add a Personal Touch to Your Wedding Flowers. Your wedding day will last forever in photographs as well as in the memories of those who attend. You can make it even more memorable by doing some or all of the floral design yourself. Designing your own wedding flowers is a great way to infuse your "wedding" day with personal style. And you’ll save money, too!

While creating your own wedding flowers can be extremely satisfying, you’ll need careful planning and a few extra resources to perfect your floral plans. Here are some simple things to keep in mind when tackling your DIY wedding flower project.

1) What is your time budget?
From the moment you got engaged, you’ve probably been thinking of your :wedding" budget. Chances are you’ve had to cut a couple of corners or add a few dollars to it as the big day grows near. But when it comes to do-it-yourself projects, like your "wedding flowers", you’ll need to be mindful of more than money. Time is a precious resource for a busy bride-to-be.

Know in advance which projects will take the longest. For example, making a simple boutonniere will take less time than constructing a large floral centerpiece. Choose DIY floral projects that fit your time budget, do as much as you can ahead of time, and make a floral design timeline to follow in those hectic days right before the event.

2) How much can you really take on?

Creating your gorgeous bridal bouquet with your own two hands may be your dream come true, but realistically it takes patience and know-how to get the job done. Think about your experience with flowers or other crafts. Can you apply that knowledge to your "wedding flower" plans? Do you know where to get supplies and how to care for fresh cut flowers?

If you are unsure about your ability, consider taking a floral design class or use a good online resource like "Wedding Flowers" DIY. A little research will keep you from getting in over your head and make your wedding day even more special.

3) Practice makes perfect

No matter how simple your DIY flower projects are or how skilled you are in floral design, practice your arrangements before the big day. During your practice run, note how long it takes you to finish each sample, then multiply by how many you need to make. This will help you create your time budget for the real wedding flowers.

A practice run also lets you evaluate supplies and designs ahead of time. Better to find out now that you’ll need more ribbon, or that you don’t like a certain flower combination, than the day before your wedding.

4) Don’t go it alone!

Just because you’ve decided to do-it-yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone! Enlist the help of friends and family. Have a bridal party luncheon the week of the wedding and have your bridesmaids help you make bows or even their own bouquets.

With time, planning and the right attitude, you can have gorgeous floral arrangements at your wedding, along with the pride that they came from your hands and the hands of those you love. by: Xeal

Wedding Dress Considerations

2007-07-16T13:41:00.000+08:00

Wedding Dress Considerations. Weddings can be expensive. The average wedding today in the United States costs an estimated $29,000.00

One of the important "considerations" you will have is finding the right dress. Brides will spend an average of $1000.00 and more on their dress. You want quality workmanship, beautiful fabric and the style that's best for you.

A "wedding dress" is something all brides dream about and since this will probably be the most expensive dress you will ever buy, it's important that you make the right choice. Remember that it's a dress that you will probably wear only once, so keep this in mind!

To help you make your decision, take a family member with you or some of your friends who you know will be honest. There's a lot of money at stake, so its important you stay in charge. Don't be afraid to shop around - there are many businesses out there all wanting a piece of the "wedding industry". Take your time and go with the store you feel most comfortable with and who provides the best customer service.

Once you have made a decision on a dress, ask the shop to store it for you until the big day. That way it will stay pristine. If you order a dress outside of your country, have it delivered one month before your wedding to make sure you have time for alterations. Don't be afraid to negotiate with some of the vendors. Believe it or not, there are some vendors that will negotiate!

If you are on a tight budget, one way to save money is to pick out a pattern from a top designer and hire a seamstress. Choose less expensive, yet quality fabric and you can save about half the costs if you were to buy from a store. Another option is to buy a used "wedding dress". You can find these on popular auction sites, such as Ebay.

Unless you choose a designer dress, it's the alterations that can really affect the cost of the dress. Don't buy a gown more than one size too big and make sure you are happy with the neckline and the back because those are the most expensive changes to make.

Make sure you really examine the "dress" so you know the quality is worth the price tag. Don't be afraid to ask if the "dress" is made of silk or polyester - after all, it's your money and you want to be sure you are getting what you are paying for. A great method to tell if the "dress" is made well or not is to look inside. Examine the stitching and seams. Look for loose threads and if the sewing looks professional and solid.

Your wedding day is a day you will remember for the rest of your life. Although you may spend a lot on your "dress", remember that it's also your day to have fun. Don't be afraid of getting your dress dirty. Just be yourself and have fun.

Oh - and don't forget about the shoes! Don't make a sacrifice for looks over comfort. After all, if you can't walk you won't be able to show off your dress!

Do I Need a Wedding Planner for My Las Vegas Wedding?

2007-07-15T18:08:00.000+08:00

Do I Need a Wedding Planner for My Las Vegas Wedding?. Okay, so you are still teary-eyed after saying yes to your boyfriend’s proposal to live happily ever after. What next? It’s time to get your feet on the ground and plan your dream "wedding". Somehow, everything comes into focus and you start to panic. “So where do I start?” you ask yourself.

For first time brides and grooms, planning a "wedding" can be quite daunting. You may take into consideration the possibility of eloping.What better place to elope to than “The Wedding Capital of the World”? Three hundred and sixty five days of the year couples from all parts of the globe come to Las Vegas to have the wedding of their dreams. The stereotypical “Tacky Vegas Wedding” is a thing of the past. Unless that is what you are looking for and then that is possible as well.

This, of course is the beauty of a Las Vegas Wedding. Whatever your wedding dreams, wants and needs it can and will be done for you at a fraction of the cost.You may consider the possibility of hiring a wedding planner, but do you need one?Most of the wedding chapels in Las Vegas (both in the casinos and independent chapels) have in house “wedding coordinators”.

These coordinators will work with you to choose a wedding package and plan you reception (if needed). There are also independent coordinators that can put together the most intimate and extraordinary weddings. If you are looking for a simple intimate wedding with just you, your fiancé, and maybe a few friends and family members you most likely will not need the assistance of an outside coordinator or planner.

If your plans include a large wedding party, guest list and reception you may want to enlist the services of a coordinator who will be dedicated to your needs. The question is what your needs are. Once you agree on what type of wedding you want, you will be able to decide if you really need a wedding planner.

A wedding planner or coordinator can be very useful as they know the ins and outs of the whole Las Vegas Wedding circuit, but what is most important in planning your wedding is arming yourself with information. Weddings are big business in Las Vegas and if you were to do a search on the internet you will see story after story of couples who felt misguided or deceived by wedding chapels, coordinators or venders simply because they didn’t’ understand or ask how things worked. Research is the best investment you can make for your big day.

A guide such as “The Vegas Wedding Book” written by a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel insider, is full of tips, questions to ask and chapel secrets to assist couples with planning their wedding without being taken in by hidden charges. It is advisable to do your own research as is suggested in this guide prior to making any decision or plans for your "wedding". Enlisting the help of a wedding planner may be the route for you in creating a stress-free environment before your wedding date and on the big day itself.

However, you have to contend with an additional budget for their services. The payment for wedding planners vary depending on how they charge, whether it is package style or if they ask for a per hour rate. Some wedding planners base their fees on the total budget for your wedding.Here are some of the reasons why you may opt for a "wedding planner":

* 1. Experience - Wedding planners have years of experience in wedding preparations and you can expect them to know even the smallest details that you need to take care of before your wedding. They also know the best wedding chapels in Las Vegas and they will be able to give you tips in organizing your special day.

* 2. Contacts - These people have been involved with the Las Vegas wedding scene for years. They are in close contact will suppliers who can give you the best deal for everything you need from documentation, photography, catering, gowns, etc. The best thing is, they also know which suppliers are reliable and which are not.

*3. Information and Negotiation Skills - You can be sure that if you want to get the best prices possible for your wedding requirements, your wedding planner can haggle for you. Planners use their inside information to negotiate with suppliers and service providers to get the best deal. Las Vegas wedding planning can be a thrill but it can also prove challenging for those who are not from Las Vegas. If it’s a big wedding with all the bells and whistles then a wedding planner can be of great service, but ultimately not really necessary, especially if you have the right guide. by: Abby Winthrop

Saving A Marriage - How You Can Do It

2007-07-15T14:18:00.001+08:00

Saving A Marriage - How You Can Do It. Couples who are ready to give their all into saving a marriage must be congratulated heartily. With divorce being the easy way out, and for some, the only way out, in modern society, we must give credit where credit is due, and there is plenty of credit in saving a marriage.

Saving a "marriage" wont be easy. Nothing that is worth having is ever easy. Saving a "marriage" entails rebuilding trust in each other, and to be ready to truly forgive your partners transgressions, just as he must forgive yours.

A way that can help in saving a "marriage" is to write down at least ten things you require from your partner. This little exercise can shine a spotlight to many of the misunderstandings that couples who are trying to save a marriage can face.

All partners come with baggage, and your baggage is no better or worse than your partners. In a perfect world this wouldnt be so, but saving a "marriage" wouldnt be a problem in paradise. When you are saving a "marriage", dont be afraid to speak the truth from your heart. Many times we hide our feelings and others are not aware of them. No one is a mind reader, and many situations can be easily solved when everyone is in on what the problem is. Both partners have to be clear in expressing their needs, neither one should ever be expected to read the others mind.

Saving a marriage can take patience, humility, forgiveness, and most of all communication. When each partner is communicating their needs properly, everyone will be speaking the same language and messages wont be misconstrued.

Taking the time for saving a "marriage" can be the greatest gift you have given to each other. Instead of throwing up your hands and saying, Give me my marbles, Im going home, I dont want to play with you anymore, we should say, If we love each other we are committed to saving a "marriage" we made in good faith and in love. We owe it to everyone involved to try to be saving a marriage. by: Arturo renzon

There’s More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think

2007-07-14T15:53:00.000+08:00

There’s More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think. Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the other terms and items that are associated with them. Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you’ll probably encounter while shopping for your invitations.

Seal n Send Invitations: This type of wedding invitation is mailed to guests as a single-folded piece (without an envelope) having the respond postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Since the respond piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing. Prices for this product normally include seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the "invitation" and on the perforated respond postcard.

Announcements: For those who won’t be invited to your "wedding" but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on the same paper as your invitation but mailed on your "wedding" day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.

Reception Cards: If there isn’t enough room on your "wedding invitation" for listing the details of your reception or if not all guests will be invited to attend the reception, reception cards can be ordered to match your "invitations" and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards: These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The response card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your "wedding invitation". Remember to include a postage stamp on this small envelope which will also have a mailing address already printed on it so all your guests have to do is fill out the card and mail it back by the date you have printed on it.

Map Cards: These direction cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.

Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps: This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable "wedding invitations" are returned to you. There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.

Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your "wedding invitation" ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals: These self-adhesive labels add just the right finishing touch. They are available in many styles and are used on your outer envelope making it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Informal Notes: These are used separately from your wedding invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. They are personalized with either your names or monogram on the front with the inside being blank for writing your thank you notes. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.

Not all of the above items are necessary to make your "wedding invitations" complete. Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which ones you would like to include as part of your invitation ensemble. By: Prntdcre

Wedding Insurance - Reduce the Stress and Worry Over Planning Your Wedding

2007-07-14T15:23:00.000+08:00

Wedding Insurance - Reduce the Stress and Worry Over Planning Your Wedding. It's finally here... he proposed! She accepted! Or maybe the other way around! Regardless of who made the first move, there's a "wedding to plan"... decisions to be made, vendors to be booked, venues to choose... shopping to do... the mad preparation begins!

For many people, "planning a wedding" is probably much like embarking on a college education: there's a lot more to it than people think who haven't already been through it before. It's more than planning a party; there are some pretty serious emotions involved -- all around. It can be highly stressful at times. There are ways, however, to mitigate this stress and make this a happy time.

If you want to bypass most of this stress altogether, consider hiring a "professional wedding" coordinator to do all the legwork for you and even absorb much of the logistical stress on the big day itself. A competent coordinator will orchestrate the entire event for you, for a percentage of your total wedding budget. Before you balk at the idea of adding yet another cost onto everything else that must be paid for, realize that "professional wedding planners" often actually save the couple money by knowing how to get certain services for a much lower cost than the general public would pay for the same thing. And since the "wedding coordinator's" fee is a percentage of the budget you've already set, you won't actually be adding another cost. Considering how much work you will be saved, hiring a coordinator may be something that's well worth looking into.

Whether you hire a "professional coordinator" or organize the wedding all by yourself, there are many additional ways to minimize stress. One consideration is event insurance, just in case anything should go wrong. Wedding event insurance is quite comprehensive and can cover a wide range of possible disasters. According to one source, the top five reported claims include:

* damaged wedding attire
* having to re-take the wedding photographs
* having to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement
* caterers not showing up
* loss of wedding rings

While it's never desirable to have to actually use "insurance" and file a claim, it's a good thing to have the policy in place nonetheless. This is the first day of the rest of your married life, and you want it to be as perfect as possible. Whatever you do, don't allow little mistakes or omissions to become calamities. It may not be understood by those who have not been through it, but on your "wedding" day, everything seems so much larger than life -- whether good or bad.

The last thing anyone wants is to have their wedding be remembered as a disaster, and with how much of an expense weddings can be these days, it only makes sense to have some form of insurance. After all, a wedding can cost as much as (or more than!) a down payment on a house, and you wouldn't buy a house without insurance, right? Right! By: Kathyh

Including Flowers in Your Wedding Day Hairstyle

2007-07-13T20:07:00.000+08:00

Including Flowers in Your Wedding Day Hairstyle. Wedding is said to be the most important event in bride as well as groom's life. Brides are often seen fretting and fumbling over the best "style" that suits them due to the number of options to choose from. And what better way there is to choose a style than to include the flowers in the hairstyle as it provides both conventional as well as exclusive approach.

It is not a new trend but it has been prevalent since ages. The brides earlier were known to attire in a simple dress but bedeck their lovely locks in the glory of flowers. It has been said that flowers are the symbol of good fortune and opulence.

Using simple "flowers" in a hairstyle works out to be much less expensive than choosing a costly headpiece or veil. So, if you are on a tight budget, don't add up extra expenses. Just get some beautiful stems and ask your hairstylist to include these blooms into your style.

Of course, the "flowers" you choose for your hair must be in tune with the theme of your wedding. They should go well with your dress and other accessories. Also, don't overdo it; use only a few buds in order to frame your face and not overshadow it. If you have the time and money, you may want to do a trial run a few days before your wedding to give your "hairstylist" an idea of what you want.

If you're going in for an informal" wedding", you may want to incorporate flowers in your wedding theme. Some brides use entire wreaths or combs of flowers in their hair to present that personal and informal touch. This is really beautiful during the spring or summer when the air is rich with fragrance and "flowers" are in abundance.

To keep in tune with the theme of flowers on your wedding day, have your bridesmaids include "flowers" in their hair instead of carrying a traditional bouquet. Make sure that the colors are in harmony and don't forget to don your flower girl with "flowers". They often wear a halo of blooms as they carry a basket of flowers. You will be surprised at the stunning effect.

Imagine how lovely it would be instead of throwing a bouquet, you tossed a ring of "flowers". This is an incredible way to personalize your ceremony and reception while adding beauty and elegance to your "wedding" day attire. If you choose to wear a veil, flowers can easily be incorporated into the headpiece or even sewn into the veil itself.

There are many ways to add "flowers" to your "hair style". That's nature's beautiful way to enhance the splendor of your wedding. There are many wedding books and magazines that provide creative ideas and the World Wide Web offers a lot of information. These inputs will help you choose the right flower encrusted style that will highlight your outfit. by: Ngo franz

A Day in the Life of a First-time Wedding Planner

2007-07-13T16:23:00.000+08:00

A Day in the Life of a First-time Wedding Planner. The digital clock showed 7:30am and Sandra was officially freaking out. She had offered to take charge of the planning but so many things had gotten out of hand since that fateful Saturday when she first called the happy bride-to-be. Now Jo was going to hate her. And all because Sandra had seriously underestimated the amount of effort it took to plan a wedding. With all her experience in corporate event management, she had thought that pulling off a "wedding" would be a piece of cake. But now the cake was going to be her undoing. That, and a whole list of other details as long as the bride’s train…the train! Oh shoot! She had forgotten about the additional beading!

Her performance so far was so disastrous that Sandra was pretty sure there would be no more second chance for her. She should have realized that corporate events and weddings were two distinctly different functions. "Wedding"s came with a whole lot more expectations and pressure than she had bargain for. She was quite certain after this no sensible bride would ever dare to risk their wedding plans with her. Anyway, Sandra did not think she would have the vigour to go through this bundle of stress all over again.

No matter how grave the situation was, Sandra had to press on. The "wedding" theme was already decided after poring through various suggestions with Jo and her fiancé. A Christmas "wedding" it was. What they had not taken in account was how their decision would further complicate things for Sandra. Belatedly, she found out that most churches and popular places were fully booked. The couple was left with no choice but to have a garden "wedding" and reception at the family’s yard.

Which still would not have proven too much to handle if only the other details did not fall apart. Things like the craft shops running short on supplies for one. Due to it being peak gift-giving season, it had become next to impossible to find enough of everything they needed to put the wedding together. As such, Sandra was left running from shop to shop the entire week, trying to gather as many supplies as possible from each one. Somewhere between an armload of organza ribbons and a trunk load of tulle, it dawned upon her that it might have been easier to leave things to the experts instead of trying to play Martha Stewart.

Luckily, she found an online trader who was able to deliver her the rest of the supplies that she could not get. She counted her blessings. Next on the list of thing-to-do was to gather enough helping hands to put together the wedding favours. But, with the Christmas around the corner, almost every family member and close friend of the bride was extremely tied up with their own holiday plans. Sandra was near hysterical and downed dozens cups of herbal tea to soothe herself before placing more frantic phone calls.

At long last, an inexperienced but willing group of volunteers appeared at her doorstep to offer assistance. However, early the next morning, Sandra was confronted with yards of wrappers, ribbons and more than a hundred potpourri pouches strewn everywhere across her living room. She had made a mistake with the choice of material and now all the contents were spilling out.

It would not be such a problem if Sandra had more time. Sadly, this was not the case. There were millions of other things screaming for her attention. Just the night before, Jo’s mother phoned. After all the hassle Sandra went through, she had the nerve to tell her now that the wedding cake design the bridal couple had chosen was unsatisfactory.

It was actually such a unique design that Sandra had to call up more than three different confectioners to find one who was able to do the Christmas log cum wedding cake. She had even pored over the various designs of cake toppers and chosen one that would suit the wedding concept as well as be available at this time of the year. Now, she suddenly found herself caught in the middle of a tight spot between a cake and a very hard-to-please mother-of-the-bride.

Soon after, the bride herself called. Jo was sobbing uncontrollably as she tried to explain to Sandra what catastrophe had happened. Only when she finally calmed down was Sandra able to understand that the gown rental shop had misplaced the designated set of bridal accessories that came with the gown Jo had selected. A new set was on the way but would not arrive in time for the wedding! No matter what, Sandra had to make an emergency shopping trip today and hope against hope that she would be able to find the extraordinary pair of bridal hair clips that Jo loved so much. by: Melissa Cruz

Tuxedos and Prom Dresses

2007-07-13T13:45:00.000+08:00

Tuxedos and Prom Dresses. Getting ready for the Prom can be quite expensive but the biggest cost is generally in relation to tuxedos and "prom dresses". Most of the tuxedos are only rented for the evening but the cost of a good quality one still isn’t very cheap. It is important to get fitted for a "tuxedo" early to ensure the best fit. You also want to make sure you get to order exactly what you want, not what is left over. You will be fitted at the rental shop to make sure the pant length and the jacket fit well. Once your "tuxedo" comes in you need to go in and try it on. This way any necessary alternations can be done before the Prom.

You can select traditional black or be unique and choose white. In most cases shoe rental is included with the cost. It is important to know the color of the dress the date will be wearing so the correct color of tie and cummerbund can be ordered as well. If you don’t have this information you should still order your "tuxedo" early and then provide that information at a later date.

Prom dresses are expensive, but what girl doesn’t want to feel like a princess on the night of her Prom? They are available in a variety of colors, styles, and made from different materials. Prom dresses seem to go in trends so it is hard to purchase one the year before on sale for the next year in an effort to save money. Some years the trend is for short prom dresses that sparkle. Other types the style is a long "flowing dress".

It is important to find the right "prom dress" to fit your particular body shape. Even if you absolutely love the style of a dress you want to pass it up if it isn’t a correct fit. You don’t want to feel self conscious when you wear it. Make sure the "prom dress" you pick accents your features and minimize those you aren’t comfortable with. For example if you don’t find your arms attractive stay away from sleeveless dresses. If you think you legs are too short look at the selection of long "prom dresses".

It's important to shop early for "prom dresses", so you can take advantage of the best selection. Look at many different stores so you can compare styles and prices. If you find the perfect Prom dress early on ask the sales clerk to hold it for you. This way you can continue looking and come back if it is your final selection. After a day of trying on several "Prom dresses", it can be hard to remember how all of them looked. A great solution is to have a friend or parent go with you and take a picture of you in each of them you really like. You can have the film developed at a one hour center or use a digital camera.

Getting ready for Prom can be a very exciting time but also expensive. Plan ahead and know the budget you have to cover all of your Prom items. Make sure you shop early for tuxedos and Prom dresses so you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for as well as fits your budget.

The Trench Coat and The Tuxedo

2007-07-13T13:36:00.000+08:00

The Trench Coat and The Tuxedo. Try to chart the course of fashion and you’ll need more than a sexton, compass and telescope, to navigate to its beginning. The rise and fall of fashion is like waves in a storm filled ocean. However, charting the course of style is much easier, it has a known beginning, its progress can be documented and unlike the turbulent fluctuations of fashion, style dictates a constant theme that has the ability to cross cultural barriers and oceans.

* British civil administration made it easier for us to chart the course of style because of the precise way its administrators recorded important historic events. But it’s also worth remembering that before computers and electronic organisers’ people kept diaries where dates and events were recorded with great accuracy. Unlike the throw away society of today many of these diaries were kept and are intact even today. Baeurocratic systems certainly play an important role, accurately recording information through the ages enabling fashion designers to access archives.

* For example it’s well documented that Thomas Burberry opened his own business in 1856 in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Noticing how local shepherds and farmers wore linen smocks, which were cool in summer and warm in the winter, he attempted to apply the same principles to other clothing. In 1879 he developed a fabric which was weatherproofed in the yarn before weaving, using a secret process and then proofed again in the piece, using the same undisclosed formula. The new material was un-tearable and weatherproof, whilst cool and breathable. He called the cloth ‘gabardine’ and registered the word as a trademark.

* In 1901 Thomas Burberry designed a raincoat that became the regulation style during the First World War. Adapted to include functional epaulettes, straps and D-rings, it was named ‘The Trench Coat’. At that time, officers in the army took to wearing a Burberry raincoat as part of their uniform. The lightweight cotton was preferred to the heavy rubberised mackintosh that was supplied at the time.

* The Burberry Trench coat continues to be an essential part of outerwear collections. Authentic details remain even to the metal “D” rings on the belt, which are now purely decorative. However this is interpreted from season to season according to whether fashion dictates a slim or full fitting silhouette together with a long or short hemline.

* Extraordinarily that same century, 1860, the Prince of Wales ordered a short smoking jacket to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham from his friend, the tailor, Henry Poole. It was the first dinner jacket on record and was cut in midnight blue cloth. In 1886, a Mr James Potter of Tuxedo Park, New York, was a houseguest at Sandringham. He consequently ordered a similar dinner jacket to Bertie's from Henry Poole & Co. It was this dinner jacket that Mr Potter wore at the Tuxedo Park Club inspiring numerous copies that fellow members wore as informal uniform for stag dinners. Thus the Tuxedo was born at Henry Poole & Co. It took only eight years for an accidental style to cross the Atlantic Ocean and soon became an American institution.

* There are many other prime example of style innovation to note, interestingly many originated in Mother England “come on the mighty blues” Take Harris Tweed; it’s been constant through many decades of fashion fluctuations. The dark business suit dates back to the early nineteenth century, initiated by Beau Brummell, this style continues today. The tie dates back thousands of years. Jessie Langsdorf a New York tailor made significant structural changes to the tie eighty years ago. He made his ties from three separate pieces of silk: the blade, the gusset and the under-end, these were cut at 45 degrees on the bias.

* So let’s drop a few names of individuals who initiated styles that are taken for grated today, Coco Chanel, Jean Patou, Beau Brummell, Amelia Bloomer, Thomas Burberry, Jessie Langsdorf, Tommy Nutter, Vivian Westwood, Oxford University, and Cambridge University, Thomas Burberry. It’s all history, but like history fashion has a habit of repeating itself, actually fashion is just repetition of style. “Style is constant, fashion comes and goes” by: Patrick

What You REALLY Need to Know Before Marrying Someone with a Bankruptcy

2007-07-13T13:06:00.000+08:00

What You REALLY Need to Know Before Marrying Someone with a Bankruptcy. "Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband...for better and for worse...regardless of his credit scores?"

OK, so maybe that's not exactly how most "marriage vows" go. But, how important are your potential spouse's credit scores in the grand scheme of things?

The first thing you need to understand when you marry someone with a previous *bankruptcy* appearing on their credit reports is that their *bankruptcy* and other bad credit will never merge with yours.

So, don't panic—you won't wake up one day and find their *bankruptcy* appearing on your credit reports. Credit reporting just doesn't work that way. You are two separate individuals with unique Social Security numbers, credit reports and credit scores.

All three of the credit reporting agencies in the United States store credit files on individuals—not couples. Never the two shall meet...unless, of course, you have accounts that are in both of your names. In that case they WILL show up on both of your credit reports and they WILL affect both of your FICO credit scores.

When you're applying for credit with your spouse, you need to pay attention to a few key things:

1. What it means to become a co-borrower
2. How and when to apply for credit together (also known as "joint credit")
3. When it makes sense to add your spouse as an authorized user on one or more of your credit card accounts

Marriages...bankruptcies...and mortgages...

It's a mistake to assume too much when you apply for a mortgage or new car loan.

The most common assumption is that if a person with a *bankruptcy* is added to the loan application as a co-borrower, the credit will automatically be more expensive. It might be. But then again...it might not be.

The best way to tackle this situation is to know all of your options. You start by knowing how to structure the deal.

How do you do this?

Simple, each of you should fill out individual credit applications.

Now, the lender can review your credit scores and advise you if you're better off submitting an individual or joint credit application to the lender.

The mortgage or auto lender should compare all your options and advise you of the pros and cons accordingly. If they don't take time to compare...take it as a sign that they don't have your best interest at heart and get a second opinion.

If you do like what the lender has to say—then take his advice and do what he recommends.

However, if you don't like what the lender has to say—then you have two choices:

1. Wait six months and work hard to increase your credit scores...then re-apply.
2. Take what you can get, even if it's a high interest rate—but use this only as your very last resort. (If then.)

There were many times my wife and I wanted something...and could have gotten it immediately (but at a higher cost). Instead, we would always wait until we qualified for the lowest interest rates and best terms.

At times it hurt. And we had plenty of arguments about waiting. But in the end, we both agreed it was for the best. It's amazing how much money just one or two extra percentage points on your interest rate can add to the cost of something over time.

Stephen Snyder is the founder of the After Bankruptcy Foundation a non-profit organization that provides free personal bankruptcy recovery advice. He has also helped thousands of people through the challenges of bankruptcy and marriage. by: Stephen Snyder

Wedding Planning at a Budget

2007-07-12T18:06:00.000+08:00

Wedding Planning at a Budget. Every bride and groom who have limited financial resources would need to cut corners while planning their "wedding".

In fact, there are hundred and one things that you can either outsource to others or do it yourself.

Now then we know wedding planning can be outsource? Hmmmm…

Even though we wanted to fully plan our "wedding" by ourselves, the thing is as much as we want to, we have limited time and energy.

But again, I have seen many brides who did items by themselves.

Plus another big contributing factor to the big hole in your purse or pocket is the ability to be frugal, decisive and able to bargain.

Usually after the wedding, the couples would have used up all their savings or even in debt!!!

Many brides in fact take the 1st offer for "wedding" packages and bridal studio offers.

If they have read this book, they may do otherwise.

They did not know that if they bargain just enough, they can save another few hundred dollars to even a thousand dollar.

During my"wedding planning," I did a lot of bargaining and I pushed my way through. I got another 5R wedding album for free. This album would have cost me another 200 dollars.

In addition, did I tell you I got 2 helpers room instead of one (worth $500) and free corkages for 40 bottles of wine (previously 15) and I saved another $300!!!

Wow, a saving of $1000!!!

While I was planning my "wedding", I bought this wedding ebook on wedding planning.

At that time I was lost. Frantic for a solution, I bought this ebook and I’m glad I did.

Now I still do.

This book helps me save $500.

Initially, I went to bookstores to look for books on "wedding planning" at a budget. But it seemed to me that those books offer high-end services and products.

Perhaps, the importer thinks that all Singaporean are really rich.

So, spend your money wisely as "wedding" is just the first step to a life-time of marriage.
by: Jhong Ren

Marriage Starts from Small Step

2007-07-11T21:23:00.000+08:00

Marriage Starts from Small Step. Many friends around me are mostly working adults and they are dog-tired after each day of work.

Many times, it was really hard to put aside a day to spend with your spouse.

Sometimes, plan might have been laid out on a Friday night so that you and your spouse can spend some good time together to catch up and unwind.

Unexpectedly, your boss asked you to stay back because of a big project. There goes for more over-time and less time with your dear one.

Work, work, work…

we all know work is endless…

but time with our love one is not limitless…

If we keep on pushing back what we have always wanted to do with our spouses…say going for a movie, travelling to some countries or joining a course together…we are going to meet with more disappointment because “our next time” will be replaced with future work and tasks…

Sometimes, I know I’m really busy…and know that the work has to be submitted…

But many times, I tell myself that today is a promise to my wife that I will spend time with her…and I just have to close both eyes and push my work aside.

What about you? How much time do you spend with your spouse?

You can share with me how do you juggle between your time at the office, at home and even your personal time.

I know it is not easy and you have your own creative way.
by:Jhong Ren

Wedding Gowns Selection

2007-07-08T17:38:00.001+08:00

Wedding Gowns Selection. I’m not going to describe how beautiful the gowns are. I think you can see for yourself. Perhaps you may have different opinion. Anyway, this post is about the gown selection process. I remembered a female friend of mine told us that her boyfriend specifically mentioned to her NOT TO ask him along during gown selection.Why?Because it is a lengthy process.

Last year around this time, my wife went for her first selection phase. Normally there are two phases. The second one will be the trying of the altered pieces.

My wife took two days to find the gowns she really loved. For the first time, it started at 6pm and ended at about 10pm. She didn’t really see one that she really like. On the second day, she went back to the Bridal Studio and stayed from 2pm till 8pm.I was with her on two days after working hours. For the ladies, the gown selection is a tedious process.

As much as we wanted to enjoy the proces, there is alot of times that we could be really overwhelmed by the number of gowns the bridal studios offer. We just do not know how to pick. In fact, we even don't know what we want!!!What I eventually found out is that what the ladies actually wanted is the reassurance plus the companionship of her husband-to-be. It does not mateer if times are hard. What she wants is your actual presence beside her. Yes, what she needs is just You! by: Jhong Ren

Wedding Invitation Etiquette Spelled Out

2007-07-08T17:27:00.000+08:00

Wedding Invitation Etiquette Spelled Out. Wedding invitation etiquette can be hard to learn, especially if you're doing your wedding invitations for the first time without help. Here are some easy, spelled out rules for creating and sending your" invitations" to make the process easier.General Invitation EtiquetteIf your invitations are whimsical and unusual, the recipients may expect something out of the ordinary.

If the" invitations" are formal, recipients will expect a formal affair. "Invitations" should be mailed six to eight weeks before your wedding. The etiquette you use when sending your wedding invitations can also set the tone for your celebration, so it’s important to follow a few special pointers for proper invitation etiquette. This will help to keep the peace among your family and friends so that you can enjoy your day without worrying about anyone being left out or offended.

Enclosures EtiquetteThe response card is traditionally used for gathering totals for the caterer and getting a general number of guests attending. Save the date cards are not used as a substitute for the "wedding invitation" and typically mentions that an "invitation" will follow. Other pieces often included in the ensemble are the reception card or folder, map or direction card, and accommodation information. The recipient is asked to mail back the response card roughly two weeks before the wedding or by the date indicated.

Envelopes EtiquetteWhen addressing the inner invitation envelope, address it to the individuals you are inviting, ie. John and Mary Smith. Seal n' send wedding invitations many times don't come with envelopes. You fold and address them. If you ordered a seal n' send that doesn't have envelopes, you can usually order envelopes separately from the "invitation" company. Invitation envelopes can come in several shapes, sizes and colors.

Destination "Invitation" EtiquetteStylized fonts can be used to convey the atmosphere you want to have at your wedding – relaxed, formal, or laid back. If you’re designing your own invitations, you have a wide range of latitude for choosing colors, styles, fonts, and envelope inserts that will beach your beach theme. If you’d like to have beach "wedding invitations" or photo "wedding invitations", have them designed or create them on your own. This is a great way to make your wedding stand out from the other weddings your guests have been invited to so they are sure to remember your special day.

Homemade "Invitation Ettiquette" If you are very specific, and you do it in a kind way, people will be more likely to enjoy spending your wedding day with you. It’s understandable that you want to cut down on wedding costs, but don’t create any bad feelings by not being specific in your invitations. Whether you make your own "invitations" or have them printed by a professional printer, they should be high in quality and you should proofread them for printing so that embarrassing mistakes can be eliminated.

If you have printed the "invitations" on your home computer, you can print the envelopes by using special calligraphic fonts.Saving Money Without Losing EtiquetteWhether you use traditional invitation designs or come up with something whimsical of your own, you can save money by finding your "wedding invitiations" online. In the past, "wedding invitations" had to be printed by a printer who charged a premium for engraving and other services.

With the competition of "wedding invitation" businesses thriving, inexpensive "wedding invitations" are more easily found online. Invitations can be very costly for many couples unless they are aware where to look.With these a snap rules, your "wedding invitation" expersience should be easy and your invites should be mailed out without worry. by: Renae Judkins

How to deal with a cheating spouse, and how you two can repair your marriage

2007-07-08T17:18:00.000+08:00

How to deal with a cheating spouse, and how you two can repair your marriage.
If your marriage is being damaged by a cheating spouse, there are ways you two can recover from that infidelity. The cheating spouse as well as the faithful partner need to come together and ask some difficult but important questions.

The way you respond will "determine" your readiness to restore your relationship and allow marital healing and recovery to occur, for both the faithful and the cheating spouse.Each of you should find a quiet place, separate from each other, and take a few minutes to honestly answers these questions. The cheating spouse and the faithful partner should answer:Are you both willing to acknowledge that something has gone wrong in your relationship? It’s most likely the case that the cheating spouse was unhappy with the marriage and thus distracted him or herself with the affair.

This is not to say that it is the non-cheating spouse’s fault or responsibility for the infidelity. But is necessary that you both assess your relationship prior to the affair. Are you willing to do the hard work required for healing? A spouse cheats because affairs are generally exciting, even addictive, with their sense of newness, infatuation, and obsession. So it’s hard for a cheating spouse to let go of that excitement in exchange for a committed, mature love. That means that it will take work from each of you to let go and move on.

The non-cheating spouse needs to heal from the betrayal, when his or her entire perceptions of the cheating spouse were shattered. And you both have to find a way to survive that hurt, so you can then work to move through the pain and reestablish trust. Are you both willing to do what’s necessary to restore trust? Genuine remorse is necessary from the cheating spouse. He or she needs to end the illicit relationship, just as the non-cheating spouse needs to establish firm boundaries for future behavior.

The cheating spouse should answer:Are you willing to be accountable from this point forward? Your infidelity has violated your partner and your vows. At this point you have to allow yourself to hear the feelings of pain your cheating has created, and be more accountable. The only way for trust to be reestablished between you two is for you to express sorrow for your cheating, to vow not to cheat from now on, and then to go about proving your commitment.

The non-cheating spouse should answer:Are you willing to forgive? Forgiveness is some of most difficult work in life, but it is also the most rewarding. It is extremely demanding, especially when we’re talking about a betrayal this intimate. The cheating spouse must accept responsibility, but the partner who has been faithful must also resist the urge to return the hurt that he or she undeservingly received. Once you’ve considered these questions individually, discuss your answers.

Based on what you learn about yourselves and each other, you can begin to put together a plan of action that can help you begin to recover from the pain you’re both experiencing.For the cheating spouse as well as the non-cheating spouse, the ultimate goal is to find a way to leave your past hurt and indiscretions in the past, and move forward toward a stronger and deeper relationship. The more honest you can be with yourselves and each other, the greater chance you’ll have at reestablishing trust and commitment in your marriage. by: Grand Langston

Inside the Mind of the Married Man: What Intimacy Means to Him

2007-07-08T17:07:00.000+08:00

Inside the Mind of the Married Man: What Intimacy Means to Him. It’s not a surprise to any married woman that the word “intimacy” evokes a pretty strong reaction in men. Either they equate it with sex — always sure to elevate a man’s heart rate — or on some level they piece together that it might entail “sharing feelings,” “talking” or “emotionally connecting” — the kind of stuff that gets a man’s pulse racing in a very different way.

So how can a woman get the emotional intimacy she wants in her marriage? Truly understanding the male mind is the key. He Said, She SaidOn average, a woman uses 7,000 words a day and five tones of speech. A man uses just 2,000 words and three tones. Women are talkers; men, not as much.

We know this is nothing revolutionary, but stop to consider some neurological evidence that is — evidence that suggests why men and women are so different.Recent studies have found that the act of talking "triggers" a flood of chemicals in a woman’s brain which gives her a rush similar to that felt by heroin addicts on a high! On the other hand, talking about emotions actually increases men’s stress levels! While intimate conversation can create euphoric feelings in women, they are more likely to trigger that hardwired fight-or-flight response in men.

Not just figuratively — literally!Man to ManIf you think talking is the only way to gain emotional intimacy in your marriage, think again. It can actually be one of the best ways to push a man further away. Instead, lean into his definition of intimacy. Not sure he has one? Read on.

The key point women often don’t grasp is that men are capable of great intimacy. It just looks very different for men than it does for women. Try to accept that his approach is not better or worse. It’s just not yours. For women, intimacy is intertwined with communication. Not for men. Think about some married men you know and how they relate to their friends.

How they interact and what they do together most likely looks very different from your same-sex friendships. Whereas women tend to connect through expressing themselves, men find closeness through “doing.” Women often are dismissive of such male camaraderie. They don’t understand the appeal. But any woman interested in building a stronger marriage should look at this critical point. It is a real opportunity to relate to your husband in new and invigorating ways.

A New ApproachCommunication is obviously vital to any healthy relationship. But as any married woman knows, trying to force her husband to communicate never works. She never quite gets what she wants. Instead, marriage experts advise individuals to shift away from their own personal desires and lean into the needs of their spouses. So now that you know emotional intimacy for men tends to result from shared activity, try to honor this need. Look for new experiences to share. Get out of your routine.

There might be activities that you both like doing together; or maybe one person’s interest can become the special thing you do together. Focus on and cultivate these activities. Some couples choose to participate in a sport together. Others volunteer their time for a cause or take on a project to which they can each bring their skills, like home remodeling.

New shared activities can also do wonders for reinvigorating chemistry between you. Right now you may be feeling comfortable with each other, but the relationship is not really that exciting. Doing new activities together is a great way to cultivate intimacy and bring passion to your marriage again. Bottom LineWant more intimacy with your man? Stop trying to get it in ways that don’t work. Instead, understand how he works. Talking is important, but it’s not the only way to jump-start intimacy. Think like a man to get what you need as a woman. by: Grant Langston

Planning The Perfect Back Yard Wedding

2007-07-08T15:45:00.000+08:00

Planning The Perfect Back Yard Wedding. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding site, your own back yard may be just the place. If you are considering holding a wedding at home, there’s a lot to think about. For example, do you need a tent? Are you required to have a special events license? Should you get portable toilets for the back yard? These small touches can make or break a back yard wedding. According to Elana Lancit, founder and president of Vancouver-based Sweet Beginnings, a full-service wedding consulting and event-planning company, “An at-home affair takes a lot of planning.

Consider hiring a professional consultant. Although the benefits of a home wedding come with added considerations, if you arrange everything in advance, the day will be wonderful for you and your guests.

• Weather or Not: First on Lancit’s list is weather insurance. “Plan on renting a tent no matter what,” says Lancit. “Weather is just too unpredictable. Tents provide good shade in the heat, and if you are planning a wedding in the fall, heating lamps are good to have on-hand,” she says.

• Be Neighbourly: To ensure your neighbors don’t complain about the noise, invite them along, or at least inform them about the event. If you are not inviting the neighbors, Lancit suggests dropping off a bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a restaurant a few days prior to the event. “This shows appreciation and respect for your neighbours,” says Lancit.

• Menu Planning: Lancit suggests hiring a catering company to handle the food and bar. Before the wedding day, invite the caterers to your house so they can see what kind of space your kitchen offers. They may decide to bring a tent to provide additional space for prep work. Before signing the contract, make sure to discuss what is included in the cost. For example, will they provide plates and utensils? Also, consider the weather – you want to choose foods that will not perish.

• Parking: Parking can be a cause of distress on the big day. Since most homes cannot accommodate 200 cars, Lancit suggests using a valet service, which most guests appreciate. The valet service will handle all logistics and keep your guests from walking a great distance. “If you choose to hire valet, consider having extra staff at the beginning and end of the event,” says Lancit.

• License: Lancit suggests calling city hall to find out if you are required to have a special license or permit for your event, such as a parking permit or a special event license. Also get information on notice by-laws and inquire about extra insurance.

• Bathrooms: Don’t forget to think about bathrooms! This is something that people all-too-often forget about. If you don’t have enough bathrooms in your house or do not want people trekking through, consider port-o-lets. Have at least two set up not too far from the party. Lancit also suggests hiring someone to clean the bathrooms during the event.

• Event Logists: Lancit recommends creating a complete floor plan and to consider the location of the musicians; head table; guest tables; dance floor; dressing room for bride, groom and attendants; and station for hair and makeup.

• Power: Check on getting an extra generator. With all the music and lighting, you want to make sure not to blow a fuse during the event.

• Flooring: If you are setting up your dance area on grass, consider ordering a dance floor. If the ground is uneven, work may need to be done in order to lay down the flooring.

• Lighting: Guests need to be able to see where they are walking so they don’t trip over anything. Make sure everything is well-lit. Consider adding candles, lanterns and mini-lights.

• Flowers: Make sure to work with a florist who will provide flowers that can hold up in all weather conditions.

• Coat Check: Depending on the time of year, make sure you have a place for guests to hang their coats.

• Don’t Forget The Inside: Make sure your house is presentable just in case guests take a peek.
by: Susan Hutson

Honeymooning In Las Vegas

2007-07-08T15:10:00.000+08:00

Honeymooning In Las Vegas. Choosing an ideal place for your honeymoon is one of the best parts of planning a wedding. For couples planning a Las Vegas wedding the post is even sweeter because not only is Las Vegas “The Wedding Capital” it is an ideal spot for honeymooners. If you are like the many couples who decided on a Las Vegas wedding, you can follow in their foot steps and choose from the multitude of activities available to you and your new spouse.

Las Vegas may be famous for its casinos but it is also a great place for honeymooners. While in the research phase of your Las Vegas wedding planning you most likely searched for "Las Vegas wedding" information and discovered many interesting locations that you would like to explore in Fabulous Las Vegas.

Whether you prefer romantic resorts, sophisticated hotels, old Hollywood or jungle safari’s you can find it in Vegas. And because Las Vegas is a top wedding destination, you can also expect to get great travel deals on honeymoon packages.Las Vegas is home of top hotels like The Bellagio, The Wynn, The MGM Grand Hotel, Caesar’s Palace and the likes.

These hotels are also home to the top shows and the best restaurants, where you can spend romantic dinners together. Get mesmerized with the millions of lights that adorn the streets of Las Vegas. Las Vegas is not limited to casinos and The Las Vegas Strip. If you are the outdoors type you can book a tour of the Hoover Dam. Experience the wonders of nature at the Valley of Fire. Take in the beauty of the Mountains at Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston.

If you are traveling during the winter months you can hit the slops on Mount Charleston.For those up for an adventure you can feat your eyes on the beauty of the Grand Canyon or the Arizona Spillway. The Reclamations Tour will educate you on how the Nevada generators work, but this tour is not for the fait of heart, you will be going down the canyon.The Boulder nook is the place to be if you are a “Celeb Watcher”, because this is a favorite destination of presidents and celebrities. And for the brave of heart be sure to visit the Boulder Dam Hotel, number four on the list of “Top Haunted Hotels In the United States”.

Another favorite for celebrity watchers are the many nightclubs and restaurants seen in tabloids worldwide that are frequented by some of Las Vegas’ most famous fans. And don’t leave the place without visiting Tabu if you want to go celebrity spotting. Nightlife is bustling in Las Vegas and you will surely be entertained by the various lounge acts all over the strip. If you want to experience Mardi Gras in Vegas then visit Rain and give your better half an unforgettable "honeymoon". But if you truly want to rub elbows with the worlds most famous faces then Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum is the place to be.

Witness Vegas history with Sinatra and Dean Martin or visit with Liborace at the Liborace Museum, where his jewelry costumes and piano are on display. And don’t forget to visit with the sweetest celebrities at M & M World.And of course no trip is complete without shopping. No matter what your budget Las Vegas has everything you could dream of. Stop by at the Miracle Mile Shops, located at the Planet Hollywood—it is really a miracle for shopaholics as this place carries over 170 shops to suit your fancy!Le Boulevard at Paris is the place to be for those who want to have a glimpse of what shopping at any European hunt would be like.

If you want to experience Paris in Vegas then this is it! The Forum Shops at Ceasar’s Palace and the truly extravagant shops at the Wynn which features stores from the worlds most exclusive designers. Other shops and malls worthy to visit are Via Bellagio, Showcase Mall, Hawaiian Marketplace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. You can also visit the different shopping malls off the strip of Vegas like Galleria, MonteLago Village and the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. by: Abby Winthrop