300 Chicken Recipes

The most common and the most liked food in this world is Chicken. The chicken are most populated with over than 24 billion every year. And it was one of the most common meats that everybody loves it. There are some different kind food of chicken like fried chicken, chicken soup, chicken rice, butter chicken, chicken wings, etc.

There is the web that can give you Ebook with over 5000 recipes and 300 Mouthwatering Chicken Recipes, for all of you chicken lovers, you should have to know this recipes. All about chicken was here! You will not regret when you know this. I’d try that one and there’s so much more about chicken recipes. Im a chicken lover, so I will not fool away this chance.

We can create our own taste when we do it by our way. And theres more free recipes that can we get. The recipes such as :

ORIENTAL CHICKEN TENDERS CURRIED PEANUT CHICKEN
CHICKEN PECAN QUICHE
APRICOT CHICKEN WINGS
CHICKEN FRY ICED TEA
HIDDEN VALLEY CHICKEN DRUMMIES
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN WINGS
BUFFALO-STYLE CHICKEN WINGS

And many more.

There are not only about chicken, you will also get free chocolate recipes. And that all around the world recipes most people loves it.

Not only that, you will also get Starbucks Beverage Recipes:

Starbucks Frappuccino
Starbucks Chai Tea
Starbucks Java Float
Starbucks Mocha Coconut Frappuccino
Starbucks Frappuccino
Starbucks Frozen Frappuccino
Starbucks Frappuccino II
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks Gingerbread Latte for Two
Starbucks Iced Constantine Coffee
Starbucks Vanilla Iced Coffee
Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Creme Frappuccino
Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha

And many more. So, for you coffee holic, now you can make it your own taste. It will be fun to create our own way. We can combine according our taste. Just try it now…

Looking for BEACH WEDDING DRESSES? Here's BEACH WEDDING DRESSES information for you!

Check out these great tips on beach wedding dresses! It features all beach wedding dresses questions and answers.

If you’re considering a wedding with an ocean view, About Beach Wedding Dresses
Many styles work well on the sand.
Beach weddings are considered more informal than their church counterparts. An informal wedding dress looks classy and elegant for your beach wedding, without being too over the top.



Since beach wedding dresses are so casual, in most cases, a wedding veil is not required. If you do want to go this route, you’ll need one with a style to match the dress. Of course, if you’re wearing a simple beach wedding dress, you’ll want simple footwear as well. Read LoveToKnow's resource on bridal flip flops for more on casual wedding footwear. If you’re wearing a hat, make sure it’s pinned securely. Simple tropical blooms are fun on the beach.Flowers are the perfect complement to a beach wedding dress! One of the selling points of beach wedding dresses is that they don’t take as long as a more formal gown to order.

If a romantic destination ceremony is your idea of the perfect wedding backdrop, consider a casual but elegant wedding on the beach. With the perfect dress and the perfect man, the only thing left to order is the perfect sunset.
Finding the Perfect Dress for your Beach Nuptials

While you will find some informal wedding gowns in traditional wedding dress specialty shops, you may do better to look for your gown in other places. Try these sources for your beach wedding gown:
• Hawaiian wedding gowns: Find traditional and contemporary Hawaiian designs on this web site.
• Dessy Group has a full line of wedding dresses, including less formal styles, several of which are perfect for beach or destination weddings.
• Tropical Tantrums has Hawaiian wear for your whole wedding party!

Wedding Planning Tips

Looking forward to your wedding? Have you started the research and gathering of the information you’ll need to plan it properly? It is better to start now instead of ending up in a stressful situation. Here are some wedding planning tips.

Who is doing what?

Sit down with your future spouse and discuss openly and honestly the "planning" responsibilities. Who will plan the entertainment? Who will plan the menu? Who will decide on the baker and see it through? The many, many details are important.

Visit a couple of wedding shows

There are lots of wedding shows going on all the time and you can attend a wedding show or two in your area. The best strategy is to attend two shows, actually. The first time, your purpose can be "information gathering". See what vendors offer, look at jewelry, gowns, hairstyles, cakes (and taste them too), tuxedos, flowers, balloons, etc. The second visit should be around four-to-six months before your wedding with the purpose of making appointments with vendors you like, asking detailed questions about their services and gathering information about pricing.

The wedding sites of your dream

Write a list of sites that you have always dreamed of having your wedding. On the beach, in the largest cathedral in the city, in the country, at the Country Club, at your dad's beautiful backyard. There must be hundreds of sites available in your city or in another city (destination weddings is the rage). Narrow the sites to three of your favorites, then check to see if your wedding date is available at the site before making the visit.

How many wedding guests?

The size of the guest list is one of the most important issues to discuss. You know the rule of 50% of the guests should come from the bride's family and 50% from the groom's family.

When planning the guest list, consider two components: number of guests invited or the wedding budget. Usually, a small wedding consist of 100 guests or less. These are normally a smaller budget because the reception (food and refreshments) consist of 40% of the cost of the event. However, a small wedding could have a large budget of say $20,000 consisting of the finest food and wine and other accommodations. The small wedding budget is in the range of $1,000 to $10,000.

In average, a wedding consist of 200-300 guests which means the average budget may come as a surprise to you. Providing a seated affair or buffet, champagne and entertainment at the reception consist of 40% of the budget. An average wedding in the USA for the last couple of years is $22,000. Of course, there are many ways to slim the budget with a little creativity.

So, what is a large wedding? A large wedding can consist of 300-500 guests. This is mostly an extravagant affair, and the budget isn't as important as the celebration itself. Providing a wonderful reception for a large number of guests can really add up! With an unlimited budget, why not serve a savory menu and serve the best refreshments for your once-in-a-lifetime event? Usually, a large wedding cost anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000.

It is always a good thing to plan a wedding well in advance. Be careful however, not to let your wedding planning get in the way of your normal responsibilities. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust, such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or counselor, who work with engaged couples daily and understand the stress you may experience.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is an internet publisher. His website The-Wedding-Site.net offers valuable free information for all who are planning a wedding or interested in wedding issues, for example bridal shows and other wedding issues. Check out The-Wedding-Site now.

Planning a Wedding!

Plan Well Ahead
A well planned and coordinated effort at organizing the wedding arrangements well in advance, will ensure better, and more satisfying results. A good tip-try not to miss any wedding invitation that you may receive in the months preceding your wedding function.You will get fresh ideas on decor, venues, menus, caterers plus a first-hand experience of the efficacy of professional agencies involved in providing such services. Talk to people who have organized similar functions in their families recently. Remember that finally, your individual preference will determine how you wish to build your theme wedding party.

Catering agencies normally offer lower rates when the wedding season has just started but begin to raise their rates as booking begin to pour in.The choice of venues vary from hotel banquet halls, which form the higher end of the market, to fashionable club lawns and well-landscaped farmhouses.Depending upon your preference and budget, you can select the venue.

Select Your Caterer
Scout the market thoroughly. 'Theme For A Dream' Weddings
Usually, weddings involve multiple functions and/or venues. Theme functions are very fashionable these days.

Decorations & Equipment Hire

If you’re planning to have your wedding in setting that does not provide decorations or equipment, then you need to consider either purchasing or hiring them, or a mixture of both.



Decorations and Equipment Hire

There are an abundance of hire companies in business today, offering couples a great deal of variety and options to choose from. Whether it be candelabras or centrepieces, aisle runners or arches that you’re after, you are bound to find an equipment hire company who will be able to meet your needs.
With the increasing popularity of garden ceremonies and ‘at home’ weddings, businesses are being more creative with their ideas and allowing for couples to create truly unique and personalised trimmings for their wedding ceremony and reception. With careful planning, you will be able to create amazing results and all at a fraction of the price of more traditional, formal weddings.

Things to Consider

Once you have found a venue for your wedding ceremony and reception, you’ll probably be wondering where to start in terms of decorations and equipment hire. There are a number of things that you should consider first. These include:

Ceremony venue
Ceremony venue layout
Reception venue
Reception venue layout
Items that you must have
Items that you would like to have


Ceremony Venue

When considering the ceremony site itself, you should take into account the following when planning for your decorations and equipment to hire. Firstly, if it is to be held outdoors, ensure that there is shelter nearby, or arrange an alternate setting or marquee in the case of inclement weather (rain, hail or shine). Also consider the time of day in which your ceremony is to be held, so that you can position your backs to the sun. You’ll have much better photos if you’re not squinting from the sun being in your eyes.
Consider what equipment you will require for the ceremony itself, taking into account:

Your entrance/processional.
You may wish to hire a red carpet, or similar runner for you to walk upon.
The point where you will exchange your vows.
Wedding arches and other decorative items are available to hire, and may add a romantic touch to your ceremony.
Whether there will be any readings. If so, a lectern or stand may be required for the reader to position himself or herself.
A location for the signing of the register.
You may wish to hire a table and chair set by which to sit at to sign the register.
How may seats (if any) you will need to hire for your guests, and where you wish to position them.
Any other decorative items you may wish to have.
Venue Layout

The most important factor is the venue itself and it’s layout. If it is possible, ask the venue manager whether they have a copy of a floor plan or map that you may keep. If not, you may wish to sketch an approximate drawing yourself. In doing so, you will be able to work out what equipment you will require, where it should be positioned and the quantity and size that your venue will allow for. On the plan, take note of the areas in which you may wish to place a DJ/band, the caterers, bar (if required), dance floor, gift table, guest seating etc. It may also be handy to mark down the location of electrical points, so that you can plan for lighting, or any other services that require a power outlet. Lastly, take note of the location of the toilets (you obviously don’t want to set up the caterers next to the toilet door)!



What You May Need to Hire

As mentioned, there are so many options to choose from today, that planning your decorations and equipment for hire may seem an overwhelming task. The lists below may be of assistance in sparking some ideas for your special day.

Wedding Ceremony

To make your ceremony a truly unique and memorable one, you may wish to consider the following list of items to hire or purchase.

Aisle runner/carpet
Back drops
Balloons
Baskets (for ceremony booklets etc)
Birds (to be released)
Butterflies (to be released)
Chair/Pew bows
Chair covers
Candelabras
Candles
Candle holders
Columns/pillars
Confetti/flower petals/bubbles
Flooring
Floral arrangements
Flower pots/vases
General decorations/banners
Heating/cooling
Lectern/stand (for readings or seating plans etc)
Lighting
Linen/fabric
Marquee/shelter
Piñatas
Plants/pots/trees
Rotunda/gazebo
Special effects/fireworks etc
Steamers/ribbons
Tables/chairs
Table decorations
Trellis
Umbrellas
Wedding arch


Reception Venue

Once you have noted on the floor plan where everything is located, you may begin to plan for what you may wish to hire for your reception. If your reception is a sit down dinner, consider how many guests you will have and how many you wish to have seated at each table. From this number you can work out the amount of tables and chairs that may be required. Note that if your venue is short on space, round tables take up more room than rectangular tables.

If your reception is being catered for you will need to discuss with them, exactly what they provide in your chosen package, and what they may require.
You may also wish to discuss with your entertainers or DJ (if you’re having any) what their requirements are in terms of equipment. In most cases, entertainers come prepared with all of their necessary equipment, however, it’s always a good idea to double check.

Consider any other services in which you are employing for your wedding reception and be sure to contact them in regards to whether anything may be required on your part, in terms of equipment.

The following list will provide an idea of what items may be required for your wedding reception:

Back drops
Balloons
Bar
Cake stand
Cake table
Candelabras
Candles
Candle holders
Catering equipment
Chair covers
Columns/pillars
Crockery
Cutlery
Dance floor
Easel/stand for seating plans
Flooring
Floral Arrangements
Flower pots/vases
General decorations/banners
Glassware
Heating/cooling
Jukebox
Lectern/stand (for speeches and the MC)
Lighting
Linen/fabric
Marquee/shelter
Microphone / P.A. system
Napkins
Napkin rings
Piñatas
Place card holders
Plants/pots/trees
Refrigeration and eskies
Special effects/fireworks etc
Steamers/ribbons
Tablecloths (Bridal table, cake table, guest’s tables, gift table)
Tables/chairs
Table centrepieces
Table decorations
Table runners
Wishing well

Choosing a Decoration and Equipment Hire Company

When selecting a decoration and/or equipment hire company, attempt to speak to couples that have utilised their services in the past. Seek recommendations from both family and friends, or people who have recently been married. Alternatively, a well-regarded decoration/hire company will be able to provide you with a list of previous clients whom you may be able to contact to speak to.

Once you have found a decoration/hire company, discuss your needs and the equipment that you require to ensure that they are able to accommodate your requests. It is also important to discuss the company’s fees and any other essential information that you should be made aware of (breakage costs etc). You should enquire as to whether the fees that are quoted include delivery, set-up and re-collection, and whether you are required to clean any equipment prior to returning them to the hire company.

Ensure that they are flexible and accommodating in regards to your requests and have the ability to assist you in fully planning your ceremony and reception decorations and equipment. Prior to signing any contracts with the hiring company, ask to view a showroom or display of their equipment to ensure that it is clean, in good condition and well maintained. Many decoration and hire companies will have photo albums, videos or DVDs that you may view, in order for you to gain an understanding of their products and service.

Good Luck, and happy decorating!

Beverages

Once the food has been taken care of, it is time to consider the ‘bevies’! There are several options and costs associated with serving beverages at a wedding and it is important to consider all of them, and the pros and cons associated with each.

Open Bar

An open bar gives you and your guests the opportunity to drink an unlimited quantity of beverages throughout the length of the reception. The bar staff keep track of the guests orders and then issue a bill at the end of the reception. From a guests point of view an open bar is the ‘ultimate’ when it comes to wedding receptions. Whilst this may be the case, at the end of the day, it is not the guest who will be paying the bill. The open bar option is fine, should you have an unlimited amount of cash to spend on beverages, but if you’re like the majority of people, this is probably not likely. Not only is it the most expensive way to serve drinks at the reception, it is also the most likely method to intoxify your guests!
One way around this is to have an open bar for the first hour or two of the reception and then resort to one of the following options listed below.

Tray Service

In order to minimise the cost to you, whilst ensuring that your guests don’t have to pay for their own drinks, you may wish to opt for a tray service. Prior to your reception, meet with your drinks caterer and select a variety of drinks that you believe will be popular among your guests. These may then be pre-poured and served to your guests throughout the reception at pre-determined times. The advantages of this option are that it helps to keep the cost down for you, and it prevents over consumption of alcohol among your guests. The disadvantages are that if a guest misses the drinks tray they may have to wait until the next round, and secondly they may feel as though they’d like a few more drinks.

Place Beverages on the Tables

By placing bottles of beer and wine (along with soft drinks and juices) on the tables, guests are able to serve their own drinks when they wish. There are usually two ways in which you may go about this. The first is to meet with your drinks caterer prior to the reception to order a set amount of beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks and juices. Have the staff place the drinks on the table, throughout the reception for your guests, allowing a set amount for each table. This will allow you to control both the expense and the consumption.
The other option is to do the above with an unlimited supply. This is obviously a more expensive option, but may still be controlled by the drinks staff if you request the service to be cut back throughout the reception.

Cash Bar

The cash bar option allows you to be free of any expenses associated with beverages. This option requires your guests to pay for their drinks, as they would at any other bar. Many couples use this option in combination with some of those already mentioned above. For example, you may wish to have an open bar for the first hour or two and then revert to the cash bar option after that time. Another option is to provide beer and wine, along with soft drinks and juices throughout the reception, however use the cash bar for spirits. And yet another option would be to provide non-alcoholic beverages to your guests throughout the reception and use the cash bar for alcoholic drinks.

Bar Tab

A bar tab gives you the option of setting a pre-determined amount of money (the ‘bar tab’) to cover drinks for your guests. Throughout the reception, bar staff keep note of the drinks being ordered by your guests. Guests are free to order whenever they wish throughout the reception and once the bar tab is reached, they must purchase their own. This option gives you peace of mind that you won’t be going over budget and your guests may continue to drink, at their own expense if they wish to.

Self-Catering Beverages

There may also be the case where your caterer or reception venue does not cater for or provide alcohol. In this case it may be possible for you to arrange to purchase the beverages and organise wait staff to serve it. If this is the case, you need to discuss your options with your reception venue. Check whether you are required to arrange any liquor licences or similar in order to have alcoholic beverages served at your reception.


Be sure that you order enough alcohol for the evening, and remember that it is better to have too much than too little. Many hotels and liquor stores will buy back any unopened bottles or slabs, so you can rest assured that you wouldn’t be left with a house full of alcohol after the big event! They also may provide complimentary glasses for use at your reception when ordering the alcohol from them. All you need to pay for are any breakages. Ask your liquor store to assist you in planning for the amount of alcohol that you will require for your guests. On average, most guests will consume 4-5 drinks. The table opposite may also assist in planning how much alcohol you need to purchase. This should be used as a guide only.

With the right choice of caterer and selection of drinks, your guests are bound to be talking about your reception for years to come.

Questions to Ask Your Caterer

Regardless of the type of reception you are having, you should consider asking the following questions when meeting with your cater.

What style of catering do they provide (buffet, sit down dinner, finger food etc)?
Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests that they will cater for?
What are the meal or food options available?
Do they cater for special dietary needs (vegetarian, diabetic, gluten free etc)?
Are menu changes possible?
Are wait staff provided and, if so, what will the ratio of staff to guests be?
Do they provide cutlery, dinnerware, napkins, tablecloths and glassware?
Do they provide drinks and alcohol (if required)?
Are they licensed to serve alcohol (if required)?
Is there anything that they do not provide?
Is there anything that they need in order to set up or operate?
Do they clean up after the guests have eaten?
Are they insured?
What is the final cost and are there any added costs?
What deposit is required and when is the final payment due?
What is their cancellation / refund policy?
Is there anything else that you should be made aware of?

Style of Catering

There are also some other important factors that you should consider when selecting your caterer. First and foremost, you need to decide upon the style of reception and catering that you wish to have. There are several options to choose from including:

Afternoon Tea
Buffet (sit down or standing)
Champagne Brunch
Cocktail Style
Finger Food
Luncheon
Sit down formal dinner
Once you have decided upon the style of reception you would like to have, ensure that your caterer can accommodate for this. Some caterers specialise in only one particular style (such as buffet or finger food only), so ensure that you choose someone who is experienced in the type of catering you wish to have. In addition to this, some caters specialise in catering for certain numbers (for example, less than 100 guests or more than 100 guests), so it’s important that you have an idea of how many will be attending your reception.

Catering

Despite the fact that your wedding day nerves may leave you feeling as though you don’t want to eat, your guests probably won’t be feeling the same. And as their stomachs begin to rumble, it’s a good feed that will (no doubt) be on their minds



Choosing a Caterer

Apart from your wedding ceremony itself, the meal is something that your guests are sure to remember. By taking the time to select a professional and quality caterer, you can rest assured that your food and beverages will be mouth watering, served at the right time and temperature, and by courteous and efficient staff.

When deciding upon a caterer, it is very difficult to select one from a brochure alone, so make sure that you speak to people whom have utilised their services and ask them lots of questions. Seek recommendations from both family and friends, or people who have recently been married. Alternatively, a good caterer will be well known to the bridal industry and should be able to provide you with a list of past clients who you may be able to talk to.

If a particular caterer runs a restaurant, go along and sample their food before making any final decisions. Others may have display albums that you may browse through in order to see how their menus are prepared and some will also be able to offer taste testing. It may even be possible for you to go along to one of their functions to see how they operate and how they prepare and present their food.

Make appointments with a few different caterers and be sure to look for quality and value for money. Obtain written quotes from each, and compare these at home to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want for the price that you can afford.

Wedding Night Attire

In addition to the lingerie that you wear on your wedding day, you may wish to purchase something special for your wedding night and perhaps to wear on your honeymoon. From feminine to flirtatious to sexy and saucy, there are so many gorgeous items to choose from for your wedding night and honeymoon.

Depending upon how risqué you want to go, you can opt for anything from a simple, silky chemise to a sexy ensemble, which you may only find in an adults only store. Examples of the styles of lingerie in which you may wish to choose from includes:

Baby dolls: Typically a short-styled gown with thin spaghetti straps
Bra sets especially designed for the bride
Camisole sets
Chemise sets: A short slip, typically worn under a dress or other garment
Corsets and bustiers
G-strings and other sexy bridal underwear
Garter sets
Leather, vinyl and latex (if you want to be a little daring)!
Mesh and chain-wear (getting even more risqué)
Negligees: Typically a sheer or lacy gown
Teddies: A chemise with attached underwear
Teddiettes: A teddie with detachable garter set
As you can see there is so much to choose from. Whatever your choice, ensure that you select lingerie which fits well and is comfortable. Take the time to select items of good quality, but most of all have fun!

Bridal Shape Enhancers, Hosiery and Underwear

Shape Enhancers

If shape is what you need, then there’s plenty of options out there for you to explore. Traditionally, back in the days of the 1800’s corsets were used in order to enhance the female shape, whilst flattening out the torso and allowing the breasts to spill over the top. They were extremely uncomfortable and it has been reported that women would often pass out from doing them up too tight! Luckily, the design has changed over the decades, and whilst traditional lace-up corsets are still available today, there are many variations on the market.

Torsolettes, corselettes, and an assortment of styles of bustiers are available to women in order to provide shape, support and lift without being uncomfortable. Various new materials have also been developed, such as Lycra and Spandex, which are often used in bridal lingerie, along with flexible boning, to enhance the feminine shape.

Hosiery

Whether or not you choose to wear hosiery on you wedding day is up to you. If you do choose to, then it is important that you make the right choice in order to be comfortable. Whether it’s pantyhose, tights or thigh high suspenders that you plan to wear you should keep a few things in mind.

Firstly, decide upon the colour and pattern that best suit your style and complements your gown. Ensure that you choose a pair that fit well and don’t sag or slip whilst you’re wearing them. By selecting hosiery that is of good quality, your legs should be well supported and your hosiery should be less prone to snags or ladders.

Bridal Underwear

Unless you will be wearing an all-in-one piece incorporating a corset style body suit with pant attached, you’ll need to purchase some matching underwear for your bra or bustier. As with any other form of lingerie, comfort is the key in order to prevent you from getting your knickers in a twist!

Depending on your personal style and the style of your dress, select underwear that will not interfere with the line of your gown or show through. If you have a figure hugging or slinky style gown, a g-string, boy leg or seam-free style will probably be your best choice.

Avoid lacy or patterned underwear, as it will be highly visible with this style of dress. If however, your dress is a fuller style offering more coverage, then there really are no limitations as to what you wish to wear. There are some beautiful pieces when it comes to wedding lingerie including those decorated with crystals, beading and other embellishments.

Whatever you decide, make sure that it fits you well and leaves you feeling beautiful.

Bridal Bras

Once you have decided upon the style of your wedding gown, you can start looking for the right bra to accompany it. The bra in which you select should be comfortable, complement your gown, and make you look and feel beautiful and sexy. Ideally, an experienced and professional sales person should correctly fit you for your bra.

If possible, take along a photo of your gown, capturing its design to ensure that the appropriate style may be selected. Ultimately the bra in which you will select will be influenced by the neckline of your gown and whether it is strapless. If you are wearing a strapless gown, then you may wish to consider either a strapless bra or perhaps a bustier. A bustier may be a better alternative if lift is what you’re after – something that a strapless bra usually cannot provide. The bustier surrounds the torso and has the ability to push the breasts upwards.

As another alternative, providing that you are not overly large breasted, you may wish to choose to sacrifice a traditional style bra altogether. Many brides choose to accompany their strapless gowns with ‘breast petals’ or adhesive cups. These are especially useful if your gown is slinky or figure hugging as they allow you to be seam free. These alternatives are also ideal to wear with a halter neck dress if a halter neck style bra is not your preference.

For smaller breasted women who want to create the look of fuller, larger breasts, there are a few options. Push-up and demi style bras will help to enhance your breast shape and provide cleavage. In addition to this you may wish to purchase a pair of gel or water inserts to place in the cup of your bra. These help to achieve the appearance of fuller, larger looking breasts. If however, you’re on the larger side in the bra department, minimisers have the ability to offer you a smaller, more shapely appearance. Shop around until you find the look in which you are trying to achieve.

Keep in mind when shopping for your bridal bra, that you don’t want to spoil the line or appearance of your gown. Your lingerie should fit like a second skin and you should avoid fabrics, especially lacy ones, which show through your wedding dress fabric. Seamless undergarments are an excellent alternative as they prevent the appearance of the gown from being interrupted. Finally, ensure that the fabric of the bra is comfortable to wear, does not rub or cause itching or sweating. You will be wearing it for most of the day, so you want it to be comfortable.

Bridal Lingerie

Choosing the right bridal lingerie is as important as choosing your wedding gown itself. The choices that you make when it comes to your under garments will impact the way in which your gown sits and flows from your body.

Take time to find the perfect attire that complements both your personal style and that of your gown. The advantage of choosing good lingerie is that it can enhance, lift, minimise and control areas, helping you to look and feel beautiful.

Your choice of lingerie will be dependant upon the overall style of your dress and your body shape. A simple, slinky dress will call for minimal lingerie, whilst fuller, formal gowns may require lingerie that provide lift and shape support.

Your lingerie, of course, not only serves a practical purpose, however it also has a more intimate side to it. Despite the fact that your wedding guests won’t know what’s underneath your gown, it will be judged by one important person, your new husband. For this reason, select something that is comfortable to wear, but also leaves you feeling sexy and irresistible. There are various types of lingerie to choose from, from the simplest, sexiest of bras to full figure hugging corsets. The information contained within this section should help you to choose what is best for you.

Preparing Your Shoes for the Big Day

After selecting your appropriate footwear, you will want to ensure that they serve you well on your big day. In order to get you ‘stepping out in style’, and without blisters or aching feet, it is important that you perform a little ‘shoe shape up’ to get them ready for your trip down the aisle!

Breaking in Your Wedding Shoes

In order to ensure the best comfort on your wedding day, it is important to break in your wedding shoes. This will allow your shoes to conform to the shape and size of your foot and prevent discomfort on the day.

In the weeks leading up to your wedding, begin to wear your shoes for a short period of time around the house. Avoid wearing them outside in order to keep them in the best condition and prevent scuffs. Gradually increase the amount of time in which you spend wearing your shoes until you feel comfortable in them, and that you’re certain you could wear them for a whole day.

Prepare the Soles

During the course of your wedding day, you will possibly be walking on various surfaces – anything from a carpeted church aisle, to a grassed lawn area or a slippery dance floor. These surfaces may prove difficult to walk on, and the soles of your wedding shoes may not have adequate grip or have a shiny surface. In order to prevent any accidents, it’s a good idea to prepare the soles of your shoes, and there are two easy ways to do so.

Firstly, you may consider purchasing a pair of self-adhesive traction soles. These pads easily adhere to the base of the sole and add extra grip – especially useful when showing off your moves on the dance floor. Another option is to rub a coarse sheet of sandpaper over the soles of your shoes to scuff the surface. Either of these methods are very effective and will ensure that you remain upright throughout the day (at least until you hit the bubbly, that is)!

Bridal Shoes tips

Comfort

As mentioned above, the last thing you want on your wedding day is a case of the wedding shoe blues. Comfort is vital when selecting your wedding shoes. Although you may have your heart set on a gorgeous pair of strappy stiletto’s, if they’re going to leave you hobbling around the reception centre then they’re probably best left on the shelf.

When shopping for your shoes, it is best to leave it until the later part of the day. Generally speaking, our feet swell throughout the day as they warm up, especially in the hotter months. It is best to try your shoes on when they are at their ‘largest’, which will therefore be in the afternoon.

Ensure that you try the shoes on and have a good walk around in them. If they feel tight, loose, rub against any area of your foot, or just don’t feel right, then try a different style. If you will be wearing hosiery on your wedding day, then try your shoes on with hosiery. If possible, have a qualified assistant help you to select an appropriate style for the shape of your foot, and correctly fit these for you. This should assist in purchasing an appropriate shoe that you will be able to wear all day without feeling uncomfortable.

Heel Height

Another important factor to consider is the heel height of your wedding shoes. You will need to decide upon whether you wish to wear flat ballet style slippers, platforms, medium height heels or opt for a higher stiletto. Your decision will obviously be based upon a number of factors including your height, and the height of your groom, and the style and length of your wedding gown.

If your wedding gown is short in length, you may wish to choose a shoe with a higher heel. In doing so, you will create the impression of longer, leaner legs. On the other hand, you may decide upon a smaller, flatter style shoe should your gown be longer in length. Remember that the length of your dress will be affected by the height of your heel, so it is therefore important that you take your shoes along with you to your dress fittings.

Keep in mind that if you are not used to wearing high heels, your wedding day may not be the best time to experiment. In saying that however, walking in high heels is not overly difficult and really just requires some dedicated practice. For those of you whom are intimidated by the whole high heel affair, (but want to wear them for your big day), use the months leading up to your wedding to practice wearing heels.

Begin by just standing in your heels and getting used to the feel of the shoe on your foot. Take a few steps, preferably on a hard surfaced floor (soft carpet may cause you to lose your balance) and remember, when walking in heels, to point your feet directly in front of you, keeping your legs as straight as possible. Continue to walk forward and back around the room in order to gain confidence. When you have mastered the hard floor, have a go on carpeted areas, stairs and uneven surfaces. The key is to practice, practice, practice. With this in mind, you’ll soon be master of the high heel and be stepping out in style on your wedding day…fingers crossed!

Bridal Shoes

Although you may think that there really isn’t much to consider when choosing your wedding shoes, you may wish to think again. Believe it or not, a great deal of thought needs to be given to selecting the right wedding shoe to ensure that you are able to make it through the day on your feet.

The perfect wedding shoe is one that is comfortable. Remember that you will be on your feet for the majority of the day. Walking down the aisle, greeting guests, photos, and dancing the night away is going to clock up a few km’s.

Take the time to carefully select an appropriate style that not only complements your gown, but also leaves you free of blisters, aching feet or a case of the wedding shoe blues!

What to Consider in a Bridal Shoe

Just like everything else on your wedding day, you will want your bridal shoes to be perfect. There are a few important considerations when selecting the perfect pair including, comfort, heel height, style, fabric, colour, detailing and of course, cost.

Select and purchase your shoes as soon as possible after choosing your wedding gown. It is extremely important that you shoes accompany you to your dress fittings, as it will help to determine the length of your dress.

Bridal Garters & Purses

Traditionally speaking the bridal garter represented the virginal girdle. It was believed that as the groom removed the garter from his bride it represented her relinquishment of this status.

Throwing the bridal garter at the wedding reception originated in France. At the time, any form of bridal attire was considered to be a sign of luck. The bride would remove her garter and throw it to the guests in the hope that whoever caught it would be the recipient of good luck.

In Australia, and other parts of the world, this custom has undergone some adaptations and today, it is the groom who traditionally removes the garter from the bride. All of the unmarried male guests are called upon to gather around in order to catch the garter as the groom tosses it to them. It is believed that the man who catches the garter will be the next to marry.

Whether you choose to wear a garter or not, is up to you. Some brides actually wear two – one to toss away to the unmarried men and one to keep. There are many choices available ranging from basic lace or cotton style, to more elaborate pieces with intricate detailing. You may wish to choose a blue garter if you’re following the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue tradition.

Bridal Purses

Traditionally, the bridal purse (often referred to as the Dorothy bag, dolly bag, dilly bag, or bride bag) was used to hold confetti and was carried by the bridesmaid. In modern times, the bridal purse is used more as a convenient accessory. The majority of brides tend to use a purse to house items of necessity such as a sewing kit, lipstick, tissues and other important items.

When choosing your purse you will find that there are a variety of styles on offer, including clutch style purses, drawstring bags and tote bags to name a few.

It is once again important to follow the five golden rules of accessorising when choosing your bridal purse. Purses may be purchased from various locations or made to suit your particular needs. Fabrics may be dyed to match the colour of your gown and pearls, crystals, beads or other embellishments may be added at your request.

Bridal Gloves

Whether or not you decide to wear gloves is once again a matter of personal preference. Bridal gloves can be a beautiful way to complement your gown, especially if you are having a formal wedding. The style of glove that you choose will be determined, once again, by the style of your wedding gown. If your gown features embellishments such as lace, pearls, crystals or beading, then you may wish to create a more sophisticated and polished look by choosing gloves with similar trimmings. You should also attempt to match the colour and fabric of your gloves with that of your dress.

In terms of length, short length gloves should accompany long sleeved gowns, and short sleeved or strapless gowns call for longer gloves. There are generally four standard lengths of bridal gloves including, opera length, elbow length, classic/standard length and shortie or wrist length. The following guide may help you to decide upon a pair of gloves that is best suited to you and your gown.

Opera Gloves
Opera length gloves are the most formal style of bridal glove and best accompany strapless or sleeveless gowns. If your wedding is very formal then these are possibly the gloves for you. Opera length gloves extend the entire length of the arm and end at the shoulder or top of the bicep. This style of glove is fantastic if you like the look of strapless, open neck gowns, but also want to cover up a little.

Elbow Gloves
Elbow length gloves are best suited to short sleeved or off-the shoulder style gowns. This style of glove extends from the fingertip to either just above or just below the elbow. Elbow length gloves are also a very popular choice for bridesmaids. One thing to bear in mind is that this style of glove tends to draw attention to the upper arms.

Classic / Standard Gloves
Classic or standard length gloves are shorter than those styles mentioned above and typically end below the elbow, usually mid way up the forearm, or above the wrist. As with the elbow length style, they are best suited to short sleeved, cap sleeved or off the shoulder style dresses.

Shortie / Wrist Gloves
Shortie or wrist length gloves are considered to be the most informal style of bridal gloves. Typically they end between the base of the thumb and the wrist. They best accompany mid to long sleeve gowns and offer a fresh and feminine look.

If you are undecided about wearing gloves for whatever reason, keep in mind that there are many options to choose from. Ring ceremony bridal gloves are also something to consider. These gloves are especially designed to allow the bride to receive her wedding ring from her groom without removing her gloves. You will find that these gloves usually have a slit in the ring finger portion of the glove to allow the finger to slip out from the glove without the glove having to be removed.

Gauntlet style gloves are another option, which allows your hand to be exposed, reducing many glove limitations.

Tiaras and Headpieces

When deciding upon a tiara or headpiece, you should once again consider the five golden rules above. It may also be helpful if you have a basic idea of the hairstyle you wish to have on your wedding day.

Generally speaking, larger tiaras and headpieces will complement larger, up-style do’s and smaller pieces will go better with short hair or simpler styles. If you have very short hair, you may wish to consider a bridal headband or smaller, delicate tiara or decorative comb. There are also a great variety of pins and clips available today for shorter styles that can look absolutely beautiful. And don’t forget the ever-famous fascinator – they can look great too!

The following may be of assistance when choosing your tiara or headpiece:

Match the Style or Pattern
Select a tiara or headpiece with a similar style or pattern as your wedding gown. If your gown is made of fabric detailed with a floral pattern, then select a tiara that has details of flowers or petals to reflect the style. Modern gowns are best matched with tiaras and headpieces that have a geometric or symmetrical design.

Match the Detail
When selecting your tiara or headpiece, consider the detail of your gown. If your gown consists of crystal detailing, then choose a tiara featuring crystals. Similarly, if your gown has pearls, a tiara with pearl details will best suit. Generally speaking, Austrian crystals will complement any gown. Pearls on the other hand are best suited to gowns with accents of pearls, or harmonised with pearl jewellery.

Match the Colour
When deciding upon your tiara or headpiece, ensure that it blends well with the colour of your dress and accessories, such as jewellery. As mentioned in ‘Golden Rule number 3’, the following colours and tones work best together:
· White gowns – silver tones, crystals, rhinestones or white pearls.
· Ivory, cream or off-white gowns – gold tones and ivory pearls.

The Wedding Veil

There are many theories surrounding the tradition of the bridal veil. The first theory dates back to Roman times when arranged marriages were common. The bride would wear the veil in order to cover her face until the ceremony was complete. The groom would then be permitted to lift the veil in order to reveal his ‘blushing bride’ for the first time. The bride was therefore protected against the groom backing out of the wedding ceremony if he did not like what he saw.

The second theory, also dating back to Roman times, relates to a practice whereby a groom would throw a blanket over the face of his chosen bride as he captured her.
Yet another thought behind the tradition is that the veil was worn as a means of protection for the bride from evil spirits. It was assumed that if the evil spirits could not see the bride through the material, then they could not destroy her wedding day.

A fourth theory suggests that the veil was used in order to hide the bride’s blushes. The veil is therefore often referred to as a ‘blusher’ and this is where the term ‘blushing bride’ stems from.
In many weddings today, it is still customary for the groom to lift the ‘blusher’ or veil of his bride prior to the first kiss at the wedding ceremony. Times are however changing. Today, many brides choose veils that do not necessarily cover their face, and some choose not to wear one at all. It’s up to you whether or not you decide to wear a veil, however you should note that some religions do require that the bride’s face be covered during the ceremony.

When deciding upon a veil to wear, ensure that it complements the style of your wedding gown. Follow the five golden rules above and you should be fine.
You should also consider the following when selecting your veil:



The position in which you would like your veil to sit. For example, high on the top of your head or lower, towards the bottom of your head (above a low bun, for example).
The length of your veil. If you are particularly short in height (less than 160cm), then an elbow length veil is recommended. If, on the other hand, you are on the taller side, (greater than 168cm), then a fingertip length veil would be more likely to suit. If you’re somewhere in between, then it’s probably fine to go with either.

Consider the detailing, if any, on the back of your gown, and the gown’s overall style. Your veil length should be cut just above or below any focal point on your dress. Also avoid ending the veil length at the waistline or bodice, as it tends to ‘cut you in half’. The veil should end either just above, or just below the waistline.

Consider whether you wish to have any detailing on your veil. Your veil should complement the style of your gown. If your gown features detailing of crystals, for example, you may be able to have these added to your veil to match. You may also choose to have a satin or plain edge, or some other feature. Options are only limited by your imagination. Just remember that your veil should complement, accentuate and be proportional to the dress, not detract from its details.

Styles of Veils

The following list may be of assistance when deciding upon the length and style of your veil.

Blusher
A blusher is a shoulder length section of the veil that is traditionally worn over the face. This may be used to accompany either traditional or modern gowns. A blusher forms only part of the veil and is generally combined with other lengths of tulle to form a veil with various layers. The blusher is the grooms’ favourite part of the veil – the part in which he lifts to kiss his bride!

Cathedral length
Long, flowing and elegant is the cathedral length veil. Best suited to formal or traditional gowns, especially cathedral styles with trains. The cathedral length veil extends onto the floor and at least 15-30cm beyond the train of the gown.

Chapel length
The chapel style veil is approximately 2½m long and is best suited to full-length gowns and those with long sleeves.

Elbow length
An elbow length veil is the best choice to show off any detail on the back of the dress from the waist down. It best accompanies shorter gowns without trains, or those with a full skirt. It may be used in formal or semi-formal weddings.

Fingertip length
Used for either formal or semi-formal style weddings, a fingertip veil flows down from the head of the bride and ends at her fingertips. The veil is a very popular choice as it complements the majority of gowns, providing that they are longer than thigh length.

Accessories

As with many wedding related customs, some wedding accessories in which a bride may wear are based on traditions that have developed over decades. Whether you’re wearing your accessories based on tradition (such a wearing a veil, or a bridal garter), or simply to dazzle your groom, there are five golden rules that should be applied when selecting them.

The Golden Rules of Accessorising

Golden Rule number 1:

Choose your wedding dress before your accessories.
In order to ensure that your wedding accessories complement your dress, it is vital that you choose your dress before your accessories. There is no point in purchasing an old fashioned, traditional style necklace, only to discover that it doesn’t match your modern day designer gown.

Golden Rule number 2:

Don’t overdo it!
If there’s one thing that can overshadow the beauty of the bride, it’s over-accessorising. Over-accessorising may not only look out of place, but it can also detract from beauty of the gown and the bride wearing it.
If your dress is simple in nature, then yes, by all means go ahead and experiment with a few items to accompany your gown. If however, it is more elaborate, consisting of intricate detail such as extensive hand-sewn beading, then you may want to ‘dress down’ on the accessories. Perhaps a simple necklace, or a matching bracelet and earrings set, on their own, may suffice.

Golden Rule number 3:

Consider the style of your wedding and wedding gown.
When choosing your accessories, try to maintain a common theme or style. If the style of your wedding and your wedding dress are traditional in nature, ensure that your accessories complement them by following suit. Traditional accessories may include pieces with details of gold and ivory pearls, for example. On the other hand, a modern accessory may be bolder in nature with features detailing silver, crystals or rhinestones. If your dress has features including gems, stones or pearls, ensure that your accessories follow suit. Wearing crystals set in silver will most likely not complement an ivory gown with pearl detailing. On that note, traditional ivory or cream gowns will be best accompanied by ivory pearls or beads and gold undertones, whilst white gowns will go better with accessories detailing crystals, rhinestones, white pearls, and silver undertones.

Golden Rule number 4:

Consider the neckline of your gown.
Accessories will also look more in place when they follow the neckline of your wedding dress. For example, a necklace that drops down in the form of a Y or V, or heart shape will go well with a similarly shaped neckline. Fuller, bulkier pieces, or those that drop down, will best accompany a strapless gown where there is greater skin exposure. In the case of a halter neck or high neck gown, the ideal way to accessorise is with chandelier style earrings or an eye-catching headpiece or tiara.

Golden Rule number 5:

Feel comfortable.
Despite all that is listed above, possibly the most important factor to take into account is to ensure that you’re comfortable with your accessories. Find something that reflects your personal style as well as that of your gown. If it doesn’t sit properly, or is uncomfortable to wear, then don’t buy it just because the sales assistant has commented that it looks great.

Source : www.brideguide.com.au

Bride Guide

Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you haven’t organised a major event previously. As a bride-to-be, it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of frustration when planning the big day. Stress levels can be high, and what should be an enjoyable time can often end in tears - and not necessarily from you, the bride! Funnily enough however, you’ll probably wonder what all the fuss was about once your wedding day comes to an end.

The Bride Guide has been developed to assist you in planning your wedding, with everything available at your fingertips, in an organised and simple format. The aim of the guide is to help reduce any wedding planning stress and to avert any unnecessary grey hairs from sprouting prior to your trip down the aisle. In order to help you reach your special day in one piece, The Bride Guide is divided into easy to find sections, each consisting of the basic wedding-planning components. Within each section you will find all of the information necessary to plan your wedding. Our wedding directory will help you to find bridal businesses and services specific to your needs.

Join The Bride Guide today and gain access to extra wedding planning tools and information, regular newsletters and special offers from our advertisers. Best of all, membership is FREE.

Happy Planning!

How to Have an Environmentally Friendly Wedding

“Turning Your White Wedding Green”

Tying the knot but still want to be environmentally friendly? There are many ways to make your white wedding green. Here are some tips to make your special day sustainable as well as unforgettable:

Invitations and Programs


When the time comes to create invitations, consider printing them on recycled or recyclable paper. An alternative to paper invitations is to email or telephone guests. You can also create a website with details about your wedding-directions, hotels, other weekend events, to avoid having to print this information out for everyone.

Flowers


One way to consider your environment is to select an organic flower source or consider growing your own bouquets. When the ceremony has ended, recycle flowers by giving them to your bridesmaids or local hospices. Use potted plants in place of cut flowers for centerpieces. These can then be given as gifts or enjoyed in your new home together.


The Ring


If a diamond is a girl’s best friend, choose a conflict-free one. (Many diamonds come from Angola or Sierra Leone where rebel military groups terrorize the people, and profit from mining operations). Buying a vintage diamond is another option. If your heart is not set on the precious gem, forget the diamond altogether and opt for a simple band or other type of ring that has value to you.


The Dress
Look for a wedding dress made of organic materials or buy a previously-owned gown. Some boutiques have obliged by actually designing wedding gowns in hemp and other light-on-the-earth fabrics. Other brides take great satisfaction in giving their mother's gown a second run.


After the Ceremony


When the ceremony has come to a close, give away as much as possible: donate flowers to a local hospital, send leftover food to a homeless shelter, take your dress to a re-sale shop, etc.
In creating your new life together, practice making sustainable choices in your daily life together. Be ingenious. Create your own traditions. It’s certainly worth it!

How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer

‘Once the guests have left, the Honeymoon is long over and you are enjoying life together in wedded bliss, you'll be left with only two visual reminders of your wedding day; your photographs and video. Of these, your photo album is probably the most precious reminder of your wedding day, bringing back memories, tears and laughter of your special day. And, as is the case with any wedding or celebration around the western world, picking a photographer to capture your special moments in time, should be one of the most important choices for your big day.’ Keith Nichols.


Like every other aspect of your wedding choosing a photographer is a very personal task, and finding that ideal person will depend on your own unique ideas of what you want, as well as what you can afford.


One of the first things you should decide upon is the style of photographs you want. Wedding photography styles range from traditional ‘posed’ photographs, to journalistic style where more informal shots are taken recording the development of the day, to very ‘artistic’ images, that might show strange angles or composition to capture the ‘essence’ of a moment. ‘We picked a photographer because of his modern portfolio.’ Explains one Wedding Guide España bride. ‘He took a few ‘posed’ family shots, but mostly he really caught natural expressions on peoples faces, and the way that the light played through the stained glass in the church. When we look at our photos, they really make us remember our wedding, and they don’t look like everyone else’s wedding photos.’ Be sure to look at all of a photographer’s sample albums, and ask about their various styles.


Justin Curran advises, ‘Make sure the albums are full weddings and not just a collection of the best photographs - huge mistake. A good photographer will have an album of best shots, but should also have albums of full weddings - start to finish, that way you can see his style in full.’


When researching photographers, don’t be afraid to ask them for references. Have their previous brides been happy with their work and professionalism? What about other suppliers in the area that you are working with? The wedding industry can be a small world, and most suppliers in an area will be familiar with one another. Your florist or hairdresser may have some great referrals of photgraphers that they have worked with.


If at all possible, meet with your photographer before booking them. Try to make an appointment at a set time, and see how punctual they are. What is their general ‘vibe’? Do you instantly like them? Do they seem friendly, fun, professional, controlling? It took Emily and her fiance only one meeting to decide which photographers NOT to pick. ‘There was this one horrible couple that were like the Stepford photographers. They had a contract that included terms and conditions for US and our wedding guests to follow so that we wouldn’t get in their way when they were taking the photos!’ Some photographers may have assistants or colleagues; clarify that the person you meet, or talk to on the phone will be the person taking the photos.


Don’t waste time visiting photographers that are outside your budget; starting with your dream photographer and having to ‘settle’ for one you can afford is a sure fire way to guarantee disapointment. Decide on your budget, and stick to it. Don’t be forced into upsell options, but remember that this is your big day and great photos are worthwhile. There are some really beautiful ways to display your wedding images now, from collage frames, to coffee table books, to image boxes. Justin warns against selecting the cheapest photographer, saying ‘Don't be conned by photographers who offer extremely cheap prices - I recently heard of a photographer charging 150 Euros for a full day & prints. This to a professional such as myself is an insult - the most important thing to remember is that this is a printed memory that will last a life time or more - don't be fooled by someone who may ruin your day if its as cheap as that.’ Ask if the photograph offers any payment plans that may help you to be more flexible with your budget.



Get it in writing. We can’t stress enough, folks. Make notes from each conversation that you have in person, or on the phone. Be specific about your expectations for before and after the actual wedding. One unfortunate bride turned up to the church only to discover that the photographer was not allowed in. ‘I couldn’t believe it. The Church secretary said it was their policy to not allow any photography within the building. They had never mentioned it to me when I booked. I’d also assumed that my photographer would have visited the Church in advance to get an idea of where to take the best photos from, something which I was told isn’t standard practice!’ Be sure to cover details included in each pricing package’ advises Keith Nichols, ‘such as pre-wedding sittings, sizes of prints, do they have an assistant to help out, can they produce Digital Coffee Table Albums, can they set your photographs to music on a DVD or make it a size that you can email a small video around the world or will they sell you a DVD containing all of the photographs shot on the day, to allow you to have images printed at your cost.’ If you are getting married in Spain but live elsewhere, ask how you and your family can view your proofs and order images.
Photographers in Spain
Photo Video Spain
Justin Curran Photography

'Make a Great Wedding Speech' - Phil Calvert

Make a Great Wedding Speech
by Philip Calvert As Featured on BBC Breakfast TV!

"Philip Calvert's new book posits every bear-trap that all hapless wedding speech-makers might fall in to." The Independent On Sunday

Who do you know who's getting married this year?
Looking for a fantastic and fun wedding gift?
Need some ideas for your forthcoming Wedding Speech?

Then check out the Ultimate Crib Sheet for the Ultimate Wedding Speech! Now in its second edition - revised, updated and funnier than ever!

Are you, a friend or relative getting married this year?
Are you going to be a Best Man?
Are you the Father or Mother of the Bride?

Then there' s a good chance you'll be called upon to 'say a few words'.

Make a Great Wedding Speech is here to help you plan, prepare, perfect and deliver your speech with self-assurance, style, flair, sincerity - and joy!

Featuring everything you will ever need to make a fantastic wedding speech - including special tips for people who are reserved, shy, quietly spoken, very nervous, terrified, emotional, over-confident and people who have never spoken in public before. There are even tips for Brides who want to make a speech!

Please order today from Amazon here 'Make a Great Wedding Speech' - an amazing book from Philip Calvert, and an absolute must read for Brides, Fathers of the Bride, Best Men and Grooms - and a great wedding gift too!


"Tom Sharpe meets Tom Peters - Brilliant!"

"Very, very funny - I cried laughing!"

"An excellent read, written in a manner that even those nervous of public speaking will be able to make a great speech. Philip Calvert has hit the nail on the head with this book, one of the best of this area that I have read. A great read and a great help."

Choosing your song for your first dance

‘Your Song’

Sometimes finding the right songs for the biggest moments of your wedding can be a daunting task. After all, there’s much you need to consider (like you don’t have enough stuff to stress out about already!). Your first dance tune is THE most important song of the night. Next to seeing you kiss at the altar at the end of the ceremony, this is the one of your most romantic events; your big moment alone on the dance floor. So the song has to be special. Have no fear; it doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. Here are some things to consider when choosing those special songs for your first dance as a married couple.

1. Make sure the song you choose is one that the two of you can actually dance to! You may be able to tear up a dance floor, but your groom may have two left feet. Picking a song with an odd tempo may make him feel awkward, especially out on a dance floor in front of his friends and family. Try to keep it simple.

2. Make sure both of you actually LIKE the song. For example, you may really like Lonestar’s “Amazed”, but if country music makes your groom’s teeth itch, you need to choose another song. Or, he may really like that “one” Metallica ballad, but you hate it. Next, please.

3. Is the song appropriate for a bridal dance? Let’s face it…you may both really like the song, but “Love Bites” by Def Leppard does NOT make a good bridal song. Don’t laugh…it’s happened! (And there were many rather confused wedding guests that night).

4. What is ‘your’ song? Sometimes you may think that you don’t have a song that is “yours”, but there may still be a ‘soundtrack’ to your relationship that you can choose a favourite from. What was the first song the two of you danced to? Is there a ballad by an artist that the two of you are big fans of? What was the number one when you first started dating? Was there a song playing in the background the night he proposed to you? These are things to think about. If that doesn’t seem to work, start listening to songs on the radio a bit closer. Listen to the lyrics. Eventually you will find a song that will express what you want to say to each other on your wedding day…and that’s your song!

6. Another thing you may want to consider is the length of the song. “In Your Eyes” may be the perfect song for you, but the track is nearly 6 minutes long. That’s a long time to be out there - the two of you…alone with everyone’s eyes upon you…feeling paranoid yet? Don’t be afraid to ask your DJ to fade the song out early.

7. Don’t wait until the last minute to choose the song. This will be one of the most important moments of your wedding. Take as much care in choosing songs for these moments as you did in choosing the hall, your flowers or your DJ! Listen to the radio. Go to your music collection. Browse through music stores. Poke around through iTunes. Ask your friends, especially those who have already gotten married. Ask your family. Ask your DJ for ideas when you consult with him. Use his experience and knowledge.

8. Take a few minutes to really listen to some songs. Besides, with all of the chaos normally associated with planning a wedding, taking a few moments to sit back, relax, breathe and listen will certainly help take some of the tension off. Enjoy the process! Once you relax a bit, the right song will come to you.

The main thing to remember - this is your big moment. Make it special not only for you, but for your guests as well.

Making a Guest List

Deciding who does, and doesn’t, get invited to one of the most important days of your life can be a difficult task fraught with anxiety about who you want, or don’t want at your wedding. Choosing who you definitely want there is the easy part. Friends and family who you have always been close to and wouldn’t dream of celebrating without can be added to the guest list in the blink of an eye. The hard part comes with more complicated relationships, for example ex partners of family or friends, or new partners for that matter. And what about co-workers? Can you invite one person from your small office and not the other without seeming rude?

When you sit down to write your list, close your eyes and imagine your wedding reception. Imagine looking around at all of your family and friends and write down the names of the faces that you see smiling back at you. Ask your fiancé to create his own dream list for his side. This is probably your most honest ‘A’ list of guests. Refining the list will, unfortunately, involve considering finances, space and a bit of politics.

If your ‘A’ list is already too long for your budget, then you will have to make some cuts. But before you start crossing out names, consider splitting the wedding into three parts- the ceremony, the reception meal, and the party. Explain to your guests that because of limited budget you can’t invite everyone to the meal, but that you hope they will join you in celebrating with them for drinks and dancing. Good friends who deserve to be on that ‘A’ list should understand this, and care more about being with you and sharing some part of your day than getting a free meal.

If you really don’t want to exclude anyone from the whole event, then think about how you could economise the reception to be able to include everyone. By having a buffet, instead of a three course meal, could everyone be there? If your budget allows for the full guest list, be sure to make sure there is also enough space at your chosen venues for all of your friends and family.

After your own ‘A’ list is complete, speak to your parents, and those of your fiancé. They will probably have more names that they would like to add, for example old family friends or relatives who they feel should be there. You may also have other people who you feel should be at the wedding, either out of politeness or necessity. This will create your ‘B’ list.

There are always difficult choices to make about who you feel you have to invite out of necessity but don’t really want there. People you will invite because you don’t want to offend them or cause an argument amongst your family. Many brides create a ‘C’ list of these people who they invite, even though they don’t want them there. Unless you are having a huge wedding where the number of guests isn’t limited by budget or space, try to be ruthless. If you don’t want someone at your wedding, what will you be losing if they get annoyed at you for not inviting them? This might be the perfect opportunity to decide who is important to you in your life, and who you should say goodbye to.

At the end of the day, do you want to pay for someone to enjoy a great meal and party if they don’t really mean enough to you to be on your ‘A’ list? The chances are that the people on that dream list are there because they have been good friends, and are close to you, and it is those people who you want to share your special day with.

Choosing your ideal venue

Choosing the wedding site that is just right for you can be a lot of fun. Before you start looking, talk about what you want from a location. As you do, take into consideration your budget, your wedding theme, the atmosphere you want at your wedding, your interests, and your guests. The location is one of the most important aspects of your wedding so consider carefully what will make yours a special, one-of-a-kind wedding event.

While legal religious or civil wedding ceremonies in Spain must take place in a church or approved building, there is a huge variety of locations for the reception or blessing. So how do you choose the place that is right for you?

First and foremost, if possible, both bride and groom should visit each location together to get a feel for it. Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise while you are looking around. First impressions count, so when you first visit, note things like how friendly and helpful the staff are and how clean the place is.

Be sure to check what is included in the cost of having your wedding at each location. Some places may decorate for your wedding, while others may leave that to you. The same goes for flowers, cake, and even music. Consider both your budget, and the work involved for all sites. If you don’t have a lot of free time, it may be easier to choose somewhere that will take care of as many elements of your wedding as possible. If you already have details and ideas for other areas of your wedding, then choose somewhere that will allow you more control over the look and feel of your celebrations.

You should also take into account accessibility for your guests. Will you need to hire taxis, or a private coach for people to get to and from their hotels? Is it easy to find, or should you provide good directions or a map for guests and service providers? Is there enough parking nearby? Do any of your guests need wheelchair or disabled access? Are there any steep slopes or long flights of stairs that might pose a problem or hazard for elderly people or young children? (Spanish properties do not have the same over-cautious safety regulations as the UK!)

Many people dream of a beach wedding, but literally getting married in the sand can be a logistical nightmare. While it may seem romantic, stop for a moment and imagine the white sand beneath your feet (are you wearing sandals or bare feet under that beautiful gown?), a light breeze (blowing sand on your guests, and in your eyes) and the bright sun overhead (your options here are to squint at your husband to be, or get married in your sunglasses.) Of course, it is possible to lay a basic platform, and erect a wedding arch to counteract the worst of the sand and sun, but the majority of town halls will not grant a license for a wedding in a public place such as a beach.

Practical matters are important for every location you consider. For example, if you want to drape romantic fairy lights around the reception room, check there are enough electrical sockets. Are there bathrooms on the premises? If you know that there will be very young children at your wedding, are there nappy changing facilities? While they may not be the deciding factors for your choice, it is good to be aware of them before the wedding so that you can plan accordingly if necessary.