Smart Wedding

300 Chicken Recipes

2009-08-22T11:30:00.003+07:00

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!

2009-04-23T15:00:00.005+07:00

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

2009-04-08T16:48:00.001+07:00

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!

2009-04-08T16:45:00.003+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:21:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:20:00.005+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:20:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:18:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:17:00.001+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:16:00.007+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:16:00.005+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:16:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:15:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:14:00.007+07:00

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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‘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

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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

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‘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

2009-03-25T20:03:00.002+07:00

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

2009-03-25T20:02:00.001+07:00

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.

Planning a Destination Wedding

2009-03-25T20:01:00.001+07:00

Your wedding is around the corner and dreams of faraway romantic places or quaint hideaways come to mind when trying to decide where you would like your wedding.

If this is you, there are two ways to go when planning a destination wedding. The first is to hire a professional and the second is to do your homework. For those of you who are planning your own, here are a few things to consider.

First of all there is location. When trying to determine where you want to go, let your mind think outside of the box. Beaches are wonderful but there are hundreds of other places that are just as romantic and fascinating. How about a country inn, lakefront resort, or a wintry mountainside lodge that can be rented for the weekend? If nothing comes to mind, ask your family and friends about some of their favorite getaways.

Speaking of family, inviting everyone you love to one place for several days of fun in the sun can be a good thing, but before you plan a faraway affair, ask yourself if your essential friends and family will be up for the trip. Grandma may not want to fly to Italy for the week and some cannot plainly afford it.

If you are having your wedding in a faraway place, consider hiring a local who can help you take care of the details. An on-location wedding coordinator (many resorts include a coordinator in their wedding packages) can shoulder the burden of researching and securing vendors, arranging airport transportation, and locating all those last-minute things, from dry cleaners to hiking tours, that may come up. Depending on your temperament, this can be a welcome reprieve or a scary proposition.

When it comes to cost, keep in mind you can spend as much or as little as you want on a destination wedding, just as you can at home—there are no steadfast rules about which is less expensive. But don’t forget to factor in at least a couple of pre-wedding research trips into your budget, even if the coordinator is doing the bulk of the work for you. You may be surprised to find out that destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings. This is because they generally involve fewer guests, and resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive deals. In watching your pocketbook, you can also opt for less expensive destinations or destinations that offer a wide range of dining and lodging options. If you wed in at a top travel spot, consider choosing an off-season date, and explore local neighborhoods with less touristy price tags for other aspects of your event, like your rehearsal dinner.

If you are getting married in another state or country, you will need a local marriage license, and possibly a passport. The passport is simple; just be sure to apply well in advance of your wedding date. Getting the marriage license can be slightly trickier, especially in a foreign country. Contact the local city hall (if you don't speak their language, get an interpreter!) and get permission to be married in the location.

Some places require blood tests, immunization certificates, or doctor's certificates in order for you to legally marry. No matter where you are getting married, it is best to find out as much as possible in advance. There may be unexpected requirements, such as an established residency, a waiting period, or a certain number of witnesses.

For couples looking to create a really memorable occasion without breaking the bank, destination weddings are a perfect option – as long as you do your homework.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/planning-a-destination-wedding-444767.html

About the Author:
Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men's, women's and children's guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

Green Wedding

2009-03-25T19:59:00.001+07:00

It has never been more stylish to be ‘green.’ Topics such as recycling, sustainable materials and socially responsible buying used to be left to hemp-wearing, dreadlocked hippies. Now they are part of our every day lives. We are all told to be aware of our ‘carbon footprint’, we sort our rubbish into different bins, and we consider options such as ‘fair trade’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ when making a purchase. It seems like we are becoming more ‘green’ in all of our decisions, including the ones surrounding a wedding.

‘Green Weddings’ have been a hot topic in wedding glossies for months, and there lots of options to make your wedding a bit more environmentally friendly or socially responsible, starting with the invitations. Picking invitations printed on recycled paper is a start, so is eliminated unnecessary envelopes and protective tissue or sleeves. You can also add cute ‘Please recycle me’ stickers to the back of your invitations to encourage your guests to be greener. Or you could eliminate paper invitations altogether. Companies such as sendomatic.com offer an e-vite service. You can design and send your invitations to your guests via email. While it may seem unconventional, as well as reducing waste, this service has the added bonus of being able to track who has read their invite, keeping up to date on who is coming, and sharing new information about the event with your guests.

Gifts are another area where there is a great opportunity to make a little difference in the world. If you already have everything you need to start your life with your partner (i.e. toasters, towels and glassware) then give a thought to those who have very little. A simple option is to choose a charity that you and your fiancé feel strongly about, and ask that instead of buying a gift, guests make a donation in your name. You can even set up your own fundraising page at www.justgiving.com to see how much has been donated. Alternatively, at www.caregifts.org.uk your guests can buy poor families gifts on your behalf that will make a lasting improvement to their lives. Not only is this a great social effort, but it makes writing the dreaded thank you notes (or emails) much more interesting…‘Dear Aunty Sue, thank you so much for our goat.’

And then we have the wedding gown. I often feel a bit sad when I think of the millions of wedding dresses getting mouldy and moth eaten in cupboards around the world. Elaborate gowns, worn once and then hidden away. It is one of the greatest areas of waste in a wedding. Buying a new wedding dress is often the highlight of a bride’s wedding experience (apart from the wedding itself, of course!) However, why not take an afternoon to drag out your mother or grandmother wedding dress and see if it can be restyled into something you would wear. There is something deeply sentimental about wearing a dress that has been passed down a generation or two, and a talented dressmaker may be able to alter the gown to a more modern style. Of course, with retro fashions, it may only need tailored to you to look perfect. Vintage wedding gowns can be found in specialist boutiques, or online. You may even find the exact gown that you have your eye on, for hundreds less, on Ebay. And if the description says ‘only ever worn once’ you can be pretty sure that’s true. Companies such as Conscious Elegance in the UK can turn your vintage gown into a new-to-you custom dress, or purchase one of their designs created using environmentally friendly fabrics.

And if you need an extra incentive to make the effort to go green, then imagine what luck and fortune will come your way in your married life if Karma exists!

Useful Links to help you Go Green for your Wedding:

It has never been more stylish to be ‘green.’ Topics such as recycling, sustainable materials and socially responsible buying used to be left to hemp-wearing, dreadlocked hippies. Now they are part of our every day lives. We are all told to be aware of our ‘carbon footprint’, we sort our rubbish into different bins, and we consider options such as ‘fair trade’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ when making a purchase. It seems like we are becoming more ‘green’ in all of our decisions, including the ones surrounding a wedding.

‘Green Weddings’ have been a hot topic in wedding glossies for months, and there lots of options to make your wedding a bit more environmentally friendly or socially responsible, starting with the invitations. Picking invitations printed on recycled paper is a start, so is eliminated unnecessary envelopes and protective tissue or sleeves. You can also add cute ‘Please recycle me’ stickers to the back of your invitations to encourage your guests to be greener. Or you could eliminate paper invitations altogether. Companies such as sendomatic.com offer an e-vite service. You can design and send your invitations to your guests via email. While it may seem unconventional, as well as reducing waste, this service has the added bonus of being able to track who has read their invite, keeping up to date on who is coming, and sharing new information about the event with your guests.

Gifts are another area where there is a great opportunity to make a little difference in the world. If you already have everything you need to start your life with your partner (i.e. toasters, towels and glassware) then give a thought to those who have very little. A simple option is to choose a charity that you and your fiancé feel strongly about, and ask that instead of buying a gift, guests make a donation in your name. You can even set up your own fundraising page at www.justgiving.com to see how much has been donated. Alternatively, at www.caregifts.org.uk your guests can buy poor families gifts on your behalf that will make a lasting improvement to their lives. Not only is this a great social effort, but it makes writing the dreaded thank you notes (or emails) much more interesting…‘Dear Aunty Sue, thank you so much for our goat.’

And then we have the wedding gown. I often feel a bit sad when I think of the millions of wedding dresses getting mouldy and moth eaten in cupboards around the world. Elaborate gowns, worn once and then hidden away. It is one of the greatest areas of waste in a wedding. Buying a new wedding dress is often the highlight of a bride’s wedding experience (apart from the wedding itself, of course!) However, why not take an afternoon to drag out your mother or grandmother wedding dress and see if it can be restyled into something you would wear. There is something deeply sentimental about wearing a dress that has been passed down a generation or two, and a talented dressmaker may be able to alter the gown to a more modern style. Of course, with retro fashions, it may only need tailored to you to look perfect. Vintage wedding gowns can be found in specialist boutiques, or online. You may even find the exact gown that you have your eye on, for hundreds less, on Ebay. And if the description says ‘only ever worn once’ you can be pretty sure that’s true. Companies such as Conscious Elegance in the UK can turn your vintage gown into a new-to-you custom dress, or purchase one of their designs created using environmentally friendly fabrics.

And if you need an extra incentive to make the effort to go green, then imagine what luck and fortune will come your way in your married life if Karma exists!

Useful Links to help you Go Green for your Wedding:

It has never been more stylish to be ‘green.’ Topics such as recycling, sustainable materials and socially responsible buying used to be left to hemp-wearing, dreadlocked hippies. Now they are part of our every day lives. We are all told to be aware of our ‘carbon footprint’, we sort our rubbish into different bins, and we consider options such as ‘fair trade’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ when making a purchase. It seems like we are becoming more ‘green’ in all of our decisions, including the ones surrounding a wedding.

‘Green Weddings’ have been a hot topic in wedding glossies for months, and there lots of options to make your wedding a bit more environmentally friendly or socially responsible, starting with the invitations. Picking invitations printed on recycled paper is a start, so is eliminated unnecessary envelopes and protective tissue or sleeves. You can also add cute ‘Please recycle me’ stickers to the back of your invitations to encourage your guests to be greener. Or you could eliminate paper invitations altogether. Companies such as sendomatic.com offer an e-vite service. You can design and send your invitations to your guests via email. While it may seem unconventional, as well as reducing waste, this service has the added bonus of being able to track who has read their invite, keeping up to date on who is coming, and sharing new information about the event with your guests.

Gifts are another area where there is a great opportunity to make a little difference in the world. If you already have everything you need to start your life with your partner (i.e. toasters, towels and glassware) then give a thought to those who have very little. A simple option is to choose a charity that you and your fiancé feel strongly about, and ask that instead of buying a gift, guests make a donation in your name. You can even set up your own fundraising page at www.justgiving.com to see how much has been donated. Alternatively, at www.caregifts.org.uk your guests can buy poor families gifts on your behalf that will make a lasting improvement to their lives. Not only is this a great social effort, but it makes writing the dreaded thank you notes (or emails) much more interesting…‘Dear Aunty Sue, thank you so much for our goat.’

And then we have the wedding gown. I often feel a bit sad when I think of the millions of wedding dresses getting mouldy and moth eaten in cupboards around the world. Elaborate gowns, worn once and then hidden away. It is one of the greatest areas of waste in a wedding. Buying a new wedding dress is often the highlight of a bride’s wedding experience (apart from the wedding itself, of course!) However, why not take an afternoon to drag out your mother or grandmother wedding dress and see if it can be restyled into something you would wear. There is something deeply sentimental about wearing a dress that has been passed down a generation or two, and a talented dressmaker may be able to alter the gown to a more modern style. Of course, with retro fashions, it may only need tailored to you to look perfect. Vintage wedding gowns can be found in specialist boutiques, or online. You may even find the exact gown that you have your eye on, for hundreds less, on Ebay. And if the description says ‘only ever worn once’ you can be pretty sure that’s true. Companies such as Conscious Elegance in the UK can turn your vintage gown into a new-to-you custom dress, or purchase one of their designs created using environmentally friendly fabrics.

And if you need an extra incentive to make the effort to go green, then imagine what luck and fortune will come your way in your married life if Karma exists!

Choosing your Wedding Colours

2009-03-25T19:58:00.004+07:00

When couples make their bookings for ceremonies they sometimes ask advice. I love it when a bride-to-be asks about choosing a colour scheme. I’ve seen so many beautiful combinations and I am going to share some tips with you!

When you choose a colour scheme, bear in mind that it will affect everything from the bridesmaid’s dresses to the flowers on the table at the reception. If you are a bit uncertain, consider a colour scheme with shades from one side of the colour chart rather than complementary colours. For example if you want pink, go for 2 different shades of pink and team them with the creamy shade of your dress. Let’s see how that would work – imagine a hot pink, a pale pink, and cream.

The wedding bouquet and table flowers would be in all three colours.

The bridesmaids would wear all wear hot pink and carry pale pink and cream flowers.

The groom could have a hot pink buttonhole for his left lapel, and the other buttonholes for groomsmen and ushers could be pale pink. Corsages for the mothers could be in cream, which would also work with whatever colour dresses they want to wear.

Incorporate your colours into your reception tables.

At an indoor daytime reception, the tablecloths really do look better in white or cream. With our pink colour scheme, bring in touches of the same dark and pale shades with flowers. Keep everything else neutral as an elegant backdrop. White plates, plain silver cutlery, plain glasses will all look beautiful.

For an outdoor reception things can be more dramatic. Hot pink tablecloths with pale pink napkins and gorgeous white flowers will add the final perfect touch.

Before making your final choice, collect samples of colours you like and try them out next to each other. Look for flowers in those tones and check out fabrics for bridesmaid’s dresses.

Above all – have fun and keep it simply elegant.

Choosing Bridesmaids Gifts

2009-03-25T19:58:00.002+07:00

After you go through the daunting task of picking which lucky ladies will accompany you down the aisle as bridesmaids, you will eventually have to show them that you appreciate all their hard work with some sort of a bridesmaid gift. Now, you may choose to get all the ladies the same item as not to show any favoritism or you may choose to go a more personal route and select a gift that harks back to a certain memory that you shared with your close friend or relative. No matter what you must realize that these gifts are a reflection on you as well and therefore you should give it some thought before purchasing an item or it could very well end up being recycled as a Christmas gift for your bridesmaids sister.

First things first, you should decide what kind of a budget you are working with. Most likely some very special lady out there has a limitless budget and that’s fine you should have no problem finding bridesmaids gifts at Tiffany’s and Co. However, for 99% of the women getting married, a budget is something we are all forced to work with. One utilitarian method could be to buy them all matching jewelry that goes with their dresses. This jewelry doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive; I actually have compiled a very elegant collection of affordable bridal jewelry.

If that is not quite your style or if you were looking for something a little less flashy a trendy way to go could be to personalize a tote bag, perfume bottle, or a cosmetic case. These are all great gifts with a personal touch that will get a ton of use. Please click here if you would like to see some other unique bridesmaids gifts that I have compiled.

At the end of your very special day it will not matter what gifts you purchased for your bridesmaids. The amount of fun that you all have together and the memories you make should overshadow any trinket that you purchase for them. However, it is still important for you to show your appreciation for their support. Remember it is truly the thought that counts.

By Shirley Tan

Shirley is the President of American Bridal.

She has over 20 years experience in the wedding industry. She has been awarded the prestigious American retailer of the year award in 2007, as well as been featured on the hit show Designing Spaces (Bridal Edition). Most recently she has been working on a book that has just been released titled “The Bridal Handbook”.

Web Site: http://www.AmericanBridal.com

How to Cover a Tattoo for a Wedding

2009-03-25T19:56:00.001+07:00

Tatoos were once a symbol of rebellion. Something reserved for the social extremes to brand their beliefs or lifestyles onto their bodies. Sailors, prison inmates, gangsters, bikers, punks, and goths. Now, skin ink seem to be as commonplace as blue jeans, with people from all walks of life adding art to their permanent look in the form of symbols, words or pictures. Stars, Chinese or Japanese symbols and tweety pie are especially popular.

But weddings can bring out the traditionalist in even the most contemporary bride, and many will find themselves wondering how to fade, cover up or remove an unwanted tatoo that looks out of place with their wedding gown. Studies have shown that between 20 and 50% of people regret their tattoos later in life.

Tatoos on the shoulder and arms are the biggest troublemakers. These tats are bound to be seen in every photo, and many brides (and her parents) wish that they weren't.

How to Cover Up Tatoos with Make Up
Make up might be able to hid a tatoo on your wedding day, but it will have to be carefully and liberally applied, and it can be difficult to find a heavy foundation that will match your skin tone and look natural. You should also be careful that the makeup doesn't end up being transfered onto your white gown, or your wedding guests' nice clothes. Hugs are usually pretty plentiful at weddings, so this is a big consideration. Specialized products such as Tattoocamo are specially formulated can minimize these risks, as they are specially formulated to cover up tattoos.

Ana Crane Simpson, About.com's make-up expert has some good advice for brides. She recommends using a red lipstick as a base to cover the tattoo, followed by concealer. You can see this tattoo cover up trick work in this video .

How to Fade and Remove a Tattoo
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, and want to remove your tattoo completely, then there are two options. The first is to have your tattoo removed by a professional, who may use laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical injections to break up the pigment, or even a skin graft. All procedures are very costly, and will require several visits. They are also reportedly somewhat painful, with most people commenting that the pain is the same if not more, as getting the original tattoo.

There is a lot more information about tattoo removal procedures on this website .

The latest way to remove a tattoo is through creams such as Wrecking Balm that gradually fade the ink. These creams are safe and easy to use, and have the added advantage that they can be used at home. No need for trips to a clinic, appointments or further expense. Their (pretty cool) website explains how it works and has some effective examples of faded tattoos.

If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to permanently remove your tattoo before your wedding day, then this looks like a great tattoo removal product to try.

If You Want to Remove a Tattoo For a Wedding
Don't:

•Use sticking plasters to cover up a tattoo. They never look natural and often fall off.
•Worry about it too much. You made the decision to have a tattoo and it is now part of you. Your new husband is vowing to love you just the way you are - tattoos included!

•Panic if your tattoo is still visible in some wedding photos. Your photographer should be able to retouch it without too much cost.
•Try any severe tattoo fading or removing systems too close to the wedding date. The only thing worse than an unwanted tattoo is a big patch of inflamed, red skin!

Do:

•Look into all of your options to find one that works well for your goals, budget and pain threshold
•Read testimonials and speak to other people who have tried the technique
•Seek expert advice, whether it be from a make-up artist for covering up a tattoo or a doctor regarding permanent removal

•Think carefully before getting another tattoo!

Cheap Honeymoon Ideas For Couples On A Budget

2009-03-25T19:10:00.002+07:00

Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there’s not much money left in their budget for the honeymoon. But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic honeymoon at your dream destination? Here are eight ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon.

Honeymoon Gift Registry
You can decrease the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china, your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful. You’ll find a number of honeymoon registries online; travelcounsellors.co.uk and myhoneymoon.co.uk.are two of the most established.

Swap Houses
If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go and stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours. Sound risky? Maybe - but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes since the 1950s. For an annual membership fee, home exchange clubs will help you find someone willing to swap homes with you, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go smoothly. According to Homebase-hols.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half. More importantly, though, you’ll get to live like locals, and perhaps make life-long friends.

Rely On The Hospitality Of Others
Hospitality Clubs can hook you up with people who are willing to host you in their private homes. The largest such club has more than 23,000 members in 148 countries. Membership is usually free, although you’re asked to provide hospitality to others (on a voluntary basis) in return sometime in the future. In addition to saving you money, it’s a great way to meet locals who can give you an insider’s perspective on your honeymoon destination. Other places you can look for free or reduced-cost accommodations include hostels (they’re not just for the young and single anymore) and monasteries and convents, some of which open their doors to guests for little or no charge.

Win A Free Honeymoon
"Nothing in life is free" - unless you win a free honeymoon in a promotional sweepstake or contest. Quite a few travel agencies and other companies run contests giving away honeymoons as a way of promoting their services.
The odds of winning a free honeymoon may be remote, but the cost of entering is usually just the time you spend searching the web for a “honeymoon contest” and filling out online entry forms. Remember - someone has to win!

Go Camping
Firelight and shooting stars every night. . . breathtaking natural beauty. . . snuggling with your partner in a cocoon of zipped-together sleeping bags. . . Yes, camping can be romantic, as long you’re well prepared and have the right equipment (warm sleeping bags, a comfortable mattress pad, and a waterproof tent are a must). Plus, it’s pretty cheap - £10 to £20 per night at most locations. It’s even cheaper if you cook your own food. You can mix a few nights of camping with a few nights in hotels to make your honeymoon more affordable.

You could combine your camping trip with some unique experiences such as bungee jumping, kayaking and canoeing, a Landrover safari, or what about the thrills of whitewater rafting? Whatever you decide to choose, this would definitely equate to a "different" type of honeymoon!

Travel Off-Peak
It may be obvious to seasoned travellers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the “off season” - basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination. Certain destinations’ accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30 percent or more during the off-season compared to the peak travel season. However some countries do have a monsoon or hurricane season, so do some research about your destination before booking.

Consider Airline Alternatives
When booking flights online, don’t overlook the discount airlines (EasyJet, Ryan Air, BMI etc). Try to be flexible about your arrival and departure dates; it's often much cheaper to travel at "unsociable" hours, and it's nearly always more expensive to fly on a Saturday.

Sign Up To Travel Newsletters
If you’re not picky about where you honeymoon, you can probably cash in on promotional deals offering deep discounts on airfare and lodging - if you know about them. To stay abreast of the latest offers, sign up with as many free budget travel newsletters as you can. The Good Web Guide offer information on a whole range of adventure and activity holidays, plus spa and luxury holidays

Types of honeymoon

2009-03-25T19:09:00.001+07:00

The Cultural....

Cities such as Rome or Barcelona are perfect for couples in pursuit of romantic European culture; they both offer a range of accommodation from bed and breakfasts to five star hotels, catering for any budget. Good places to look for accommodation are on tourist board websites and on travel sites such as easytobook.com.

The Active....
If an active holiday is more appealing, then African safaris and scenic stays in Australia and New Zealand are a very popular option. Websites such as safari.co.uk give examples of tailor made safari holidays and Luxury Adventures offer active holidays in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Alternative..
The city of Reykjavik in Iceland features in the Top 10, proving that if it is a totally unique honeymoon you are after, you may wish to try an alternative destination and swap the sun, sea and sand for snow and ice. A skiing holiday is perfect for those in pursuit of an active honeymoon, or destinations such as the Ice Hotel in Sweden, offers accommodation with a big difference! There are many activities such as travelling the 7.5 mile distance from the airport to the hotel on dogsled, trying the hot sauna, visiting nearby Stockholm or watching a band or play in the ice replica of the Globe Theatre. Also if staying in amongst the ice sounds too much then you can stay in one of the Hotels ‘warm’ hotel rooms or in the ‘Northern Light’ chalet featuring skylights for a cosy night under the stars.

The Popular ....

With views like this it is easy to see why Barbados has been at the top of honeymoon destinations for many years. The characteristic white beaches and crystal waters are the perfect scene for such a romantic occasion. Crane Beach, one of many of the islands beautiful beaches is recognised as one of the top in the world, making it a must to visit on your honeymoon.

According to expedia.co.uk the Top 10 Honeymoon destinations are as follows:

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1.Barbados
2.Bahamas
3.Paris
4.Venice
5.St Lucia
6.Sardinia
7.Mauritius
8.Reykjavik
9.Seychelles
10.New York

Most of these destinations are of course no surprise as many couples view their ideal honeymoon on the white sands and tropical seas of the Caribbean islands, or in a romantic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower or along a Venetian canal. There are many ways to pursue this type of getaway. If it is the tropical islands you are after, an all inclusive may be an option and companies such as Sandals cater for this in the idyllic islands of Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas. Also, the major travel agents are great places to find deals that require minimal organisation on your part. Try looking at websites such as Thomas Cook, Expedia and Thomson.

source : www.guidesforbrides.co.uk

Flower girls, ring bearers and child attendants

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Cute or a bride’s biggest mistake?

Many brides like the thought of having children in the wedding party on the big day. But is it a good idea? Child bridesmaids and pageboys might look sweet in the photographs, but can you trust them to behave themselves? And would they want to do it?

If you do decide to have children among your attendants, it’s important to check with their parents to see whether the child will be available and happy to do it. Whether or not the parents should contribute to the cost of the child’s outfits can be tricky, and it’s important that who pays for what is established early on.

There are several traditional roles for child attendants at weddings:

Flower girls
The flower girl tends to be a very young bridesmaid, and walks down the aisle in front of everyone else during the wedding ceremony. She gets her name because she sometimes scatters petals or confetti on the ground for the bride to walk on, and sometimes hands out confetti for people to throw after the ceremony. Often she is dressed as a flower fairy, or sometimes in the same colours as the bridesmaids. She can sit with her parents during the wedding.

Ring bearers
Sometimes the bride and groom ask one of their attendants, usually a pageboy, to be their ring bearer. A ring bearer will carry a cushion with the rings on that will be passed to the bride and groom when it is time for them to exchange wedding rings. It’s up to the best man to ensure those precious rings get to the ring bearer before the ceremony.

Little bridesmaids and pageboys
Age is an important factor when choosing these attendants, as while very young bridesmaids and pageboys may look delightful they could end up being a fidgeting nightmare and are often reluctant to perform to cue.

Although the main function of the little ones is to add to the general beauty and delight of the day, as everyone knows, those angelic smiles can sometimes hide a mule-like stubbornness when it comes to coaxing them into smart clothes and good behaviour.

This is where the chief bridesmaid comes into her own, as does a small bag of treats, to encourage good behaviour. Parents of younger children may need to be roped in to help in the preparations, however, very often they tend to be more co-operative if Mum or Dad is not around so be sure to arrange plenty of helpers.

Source : www.confetti.co.uk

Bridesmaids – yes or no?

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Should the bride have helpers and how do you choose them?

There’s no rule that says brides have to have attendants, but if you do, choose carefully! Your bridesmaidsshould be there to lend you support and help, and not add to your stress. So don’t choose anyone who already has their hands full with a new job, or baby. Remember also -- it’s your wedding not your bridesmaids’. So while they will be excited for you, don’t expect them to drop everything else in their lives!

When inviting people to be your attendants, always make it clear who will pay for their outfits. If there is a substantial financial outlay involved, it’s best to make this clear at the outset to avoid upset later. This is particularly important where small children are involved. Always check with the parents first before you promise little Tessa she can be a bridesmaid.

Could my bridesmaid be a man?
What if your best friend/the only person whose taste you trust/your favourite shopping partner is actually a man? No worries. There’s an increasing trend for bridal attendants to be of either gender. Just clear it with your fiancé -- he may be a little surprised to find another man at the altar!

Help -- I’ve got too many!
In the first flush of newly-engaged excitement and emotion, many a bride-to-be has made the mistake of impetuously asking all her closest friends to be bridesmaids, before realising that the practicalities of the day mean that a bevy of blushing bridesmaids is simply not an option!

Rachel is a classic example. ‘When I first got engaged, in a haze of celebratory champagne, I asked five friends to be bridesmaids. After we had found a venue and worked out our budget, I realised that, firstly, five bridesmaids couldn’t squeeze down the aisle of the tiny chapel we were getting married in and, secondly, I could barely afford my dress without having to fork out for five bridesmaids’ outfits too! I suddenly realised what a tricky situation I'd landed myself in.’

Yasmin has a similar tale of woe. ‘I asked four best friends to be bridesmaids. However, once we started planning seriously, our costs spiralled out of control and we decided to downscale the whole wedding. I had to ask two friends to drop out. It was awful. They felt rejected and it has definitely damaged our relationships.’

And then there’s Lucy...’My problem wasn’t asking too many friends to be bridesmaids, but asking too many of their children!

‘I visualized myself coming down the aisle followed by a crowd of adorable children and asked eight small children to be my attendants. Two weeks before the wedding, we had a disastrous rehearsal. Four of the children were just too small to understand what was going on and screamed and howled throughout. I realised that if I went ahead with my original plan, the ceremony would be a complete shambles.’

Source : www.confetti.co.uk

THE dresses

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Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day

Meringue or empire line, frilly and fancy, or no fuss -- whatever the wedding dress of your dreams, it's a good idea to seek a second opinion, preferably professional. That way you can make sure that the final creation fits and flatters you perfectly, accentuating your good points and minimising the rest.
Whatever style you decide on, it's worth remembering that the back view is as important as the front for most ceremonies, where the guests will be behind you.

It's a good idea to choose crease-resistant fabric, so you don’t ‘do a Diana’ (whose royal wedding dress is generally considered to have needed a good going over with an iron). If you want to have a train, it's wise to make it detachable so that it can be removed (or hooked up) at the reception for dancing.

Talk to your fiancé to make sure that the colour and style of your dress are coordinated with him and all the attendants. There’s no need to reveal the finer details of the dress to the groom, as of course, he shouldn’t know what it looks like until he sees his bride, looking gorgeous, walking down the aisle towards him.

Why wear white?
Wearing white for a wedding is a symbol of purity and first became popular in the 18th century. But if white doesn’t suit your complexion or tastes, why not dress in your favourite colour? Wedding gowns in cream, pale gold, pale blue and pink are all quite usual now and there's been a recent move to much deeper colours in shades of green or even burgundy -- particularly stunning for a winter wedding.

When buying your dress, take someone along whose opinions and judgments you trust, as it's a big decision to make alone. It is best to try on as many different styles as you can at first and view them from all angles.

Specialist bridal shops and stores keep dozens of styles in a range of sizes and most provide a fitting and alteration service at a small extra cost. You may need to book an appointment in some of the most popular shops.

What goes with it?
Accessories may include shoes, jewellery, gloves, a veil and tiara and underwear. You should always wear your wedding shoes and underwear to your fittings to make sure the dress is the right length and fits in all the right places.

You’ll find tons of ideas for wedding dresses and accessories in our Fashion and Beauty section.

Before the day

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Although many of the pre-wedding tasks will fall to your parents if you’re not hosting the wedding, as the bride-to-be you still have plenty of pre-wedding tasks to do.

Deciding on the date
It’s never too early to decide on the date for the wedding -- the longer you have to prepare, the more likely you are to get exactly what you want and the less likely you’ll be to be rushed into making hasty decisions.

When deciding on a date for your wedding, you'll need to think about when, as well as the bridal couple, the best man, bridesmaids and ushers are free, not forgetting important relatives and close friends. You might want your wedding date to be one of special significance. You might also want to calculate a date which does not coincide with your period.

Planning the ceremony
Once the wedding date is set, you and your groom should contact the vicar of the church in which you want to get married or the superintendent registrar for your area if the wedding is to take place in a register office or civil venue.

The wedding ceremony itself is for you and your fiancé to agree. Other than the celebrant, no one else should get involved. You can email this paragraph to anyone who disagrees, if you like!

Decide who’s paying for what
There's only one real rule when it comes to budgeting for your wedding: plan only for the type of wedding you can realistically afford.

From our registered users, it seems that the average wedding costs about £15,300. This includes around £1,200 for the rings, £1,400 for the wedding outfits and essential pampering in the run-up to the big day and £1,300 for the wedding itself. The reception adds a further £3,500 and then, of course, there’s the honeymoon and various other expenses that vary from couple to couple...

Traditionally, it falls to the father of the bride to pick up the tab for the main event, with the groom chipping in for the church or registry fees and the all-important honeymoon. But more and more couples now choose to pay for the bulk of their wedding themselves.

It's important to work out from the start who is paying for what and whether there are any financial constraints. For example, is the bride's father willing to pay for a horse and carriage to the church? And how many guests can you afford to invite to the main reception?

confetti's interactive budget planner can get you started on working out how much to spend on the various items. It gives the average costs normally paid out. It's essential to set a limit, whether it's your money or your parents’ purse that's paying.

Planning your wedding is stressful enough without arguments erupting over the costs. Allow a further 10 per cent to your budget to cope with the inevitable extras.

You’ll find more tips on setting budgets dealing with wedding finances on this site.

Bride's Guide

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It’s your wedding day, so here’s how to do it your way...

From ancient times, the bride has been celebrated, in poetry and prose, as everything good, pure and beautiful. That's some myth to live up to!

In reality, being a bride-to-be can sometimes be a very stressful experience. However natty your fiancé looks in his waistcoat and tails, it’s you who has the pressure of knowing all eyes will be upon you as you come up the aisle. Plus you won't feel remotely pure, beautiful or good when you're rowing with your in-laws over the length of their guest list!

Our best advice to you is to relax and make sure you look after yourself in the run up to the wedding. Take your time making important decisions (so start planning well in advance) and allow our complete confetti guide to help you have a fantastic day.

What’s expected of the bride?
What’s expected of the bride?

As the bride, the wedding is very much your day. From flowers to wedding favours; colour schemes to cakes, you’ll influence every decision about how your wedding looks, sounds, tastes and even smells!

The chat in our confetti café shows us that most brides tend to fall broadly into one of two camps: ‘DIY-brides’ and ‘compromise brides’.

The ‘DIY bride’ is the kind who has been cutting out pictures of blushing babes in white dresses since she was knee-high. Now she’s getting married she knows exactly what she wants -- and what she doesn’t want, so she’s going to do it all herself (the planning, not necessarily the cake baking and dress-making).

The ‘DIY bride’ is a woman with a mission and will happily take hours sourcing exactly the right shade of plum taffeta to hand tie the bouquets with. She wants to be in control of her wedding, she sees it as an exciting, all-consuming, once-in-a-lifetime project and why not?

The ‘compromise bride’ is also into her wedding but sees it as more of a team event. She’ll get opinion from everyone from the groom to the office cleaner before making a decision. She’s keen for her parents to be involved, the parents of the groom, the bridesmaids... she’s happiest when she’s collaborating on decisions.

Sometimes the compromise bride will get railroaded into having something she isn’t sure about but she’s happy to incorporate other people’s ideas and wishes. So what if she didn’t do the seating plan, or the bridesmaids choose their own outfits?

Of course, DIY bride and Compromise bride are extremes. But before you begin planning your wedding, it’s worth thinking about which camp you fall into.

Arrangements for paying for and hosting weddings vary, but if you’re sticking to tradition and the wedding is to be paid for by your parents, then your parents may feel they have the right to influence everything from the invitations to the reception catering. If this is not what you had in mind, then it’s only fair to agree this upfront.

If you and your fiancé are paying for your wedding yourself, however, most of the planning will probably be down to the two of you. This might leave you with more freedom to make choices but you may end up compromising on things due to lack of budget.

The first step towards planning your wedding is to decide who is doing and paying for what and to set a date and a budget.

On confetti you’ll find confetti buyer’s guides to help you with all the major purchases you need to make, such as photography, flowers and food and drink.

You’ll also find advice and ideas to help you plan each stage from engagement to honeymoon.

Plus there are interactive tools to take advantage of, such as the budget planner and to do list.

Source : confetti.co.uk

Words on your Invitation Card

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These wordings give you an idea of wedding invitation text thus these are collection of wordings samples and wedding invitation samples. You can either select any pre formatted wordings from the collection or send us your own customized wordings.
We provide you a good collection of Invitations-Wordings, Fonts for Invitations, Printable Wedding Symbols and Die-Casted Wedding Symbols from classic to artistic which serves ideal for the purpose.

Sample Wordings - 01

Reception

Please join us for dinner and dancing immediately following the ceremony at

Seattle Sheraton, Cirrus Ballroom
1400 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

Please visit our wedding website www.XXXX.com
where you will find all the information you need
to join us on our special day, including:
Travel Information
Hotel Accommodations
Tourist Destinations
Driving Directions
RSVP

Wedding Sangeet

“Aaj Ki Haseen Shaam, XXXX Aur XXXX Ke Naam”
Please join us for a festive evening of sangeet and dance

to celebrate the wedding of
XXXX and XXXX

On
Friday, the 15th of June, 2007

at
Sitara Palace, Parsippany, NJ
7:00 pm

With Best Wishes
From
XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX

Sangeet

Aaja Galey, Aaja Nachle
Drs. XXXX and XXXX K. Mann
Invite You to a Musical Evening
To Celebrate the Forthcoming Wedding of Their Son
XXXX

On Friday, July 1st, 2005
7:30 pm

Royal England Golf Club
1400 South Hollywood Mountain Drive
Montara, California
569-690-4690

Regrets Only
769-569-5699

No Gifts Please With Complements From
Family and Friends

For Muslim

Aaj Ki Haseen Sham
XYZ(Groom Name) Aur XYZ(Bride Name) Ke Naam

The Allibhoy and Soomar families
invite you to an evening of

Pithi and Sangeet

Join us for dinner and an evening of
Dandia-Raas and Music

April 10th 2009 at 4:oo pm

Silverhawk Convention Center
3999 Rose Garden Drive
Pflugerville, Texas 78660

Souvenirs for Guests

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When choosing a gift or keepsake for people you have invited to attend your wedding, you can stick the tried and true or you can take a creative approach. Either way, you can offer guests an inexpensive keepsake that they will enjoy.

Among the most popular wedding souvenirs are boxes of chocolates, tins of mints or sweets, pens, coasters and picture frames. Candles, soaps and scented cachets are popular wedding souvenirs as well.

These items – and many others -- can be customized with your wedding information to make them personalized for your event. You can even order custom refrigerator magnets to commemorate your wedding, choosing artwork from formal to funky to suit the event.

For outdoor weddings in warm weather, wood or paper fans imprinted with your wedding information make a fun and functional souvenir for your guests.

Souvenirs that follow a wedding theme are growing in popularity as well. Beach weddings can be commemorated with beach chair placeholders, sea shells or miniature sailboats, for example. Asian themes include custom chopsticks, hand-painted parasols and even fortune cookies. A Maryland wedding may feature a custom crab hammer, and wedding guests in Seattle may receive a customized bag of coffee.

Compact discs or cassette tapes of the music played at the wedding reception packaged in a custom-printed sleeve can be entertaining gifts. Bottles of wine can even be laser etched with the happy couple’s names and the wedding date.

Source : www.weddingsouvenirs.com

Simple Ways to save your wedding Budget

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1. Don’t Overdo the Champagne
Only approximately 30 percent of wedding guests actually drink the champagne served for the toast, says Seccuro. Serve champagne only to guests who want it. So rather than pour a celebratory glass for every guest — an expense of at least $7 per person (which is usually charged on top of the main bar bill) — ask servers to circulate with trays of pre-poured flutes before the toast. That way, the guests who want to drink some bubbly can, while others can raise a glass with their beverage of choice.

2. Choose Flowers Wisely
Choosing your flowers wisely can save you a pretty penny. "Roses are among the least expensive (about $1 a stem)," says planner Tara Guérard of SoirÉe in Charleston, S.C. What's more, if you stick to a single type of bloom, a talented aunt can easily arrange them. By putting 36 roses in four mint julep cups at every table, you can prune your bill in style.

3. Get Married on a Less Popular Day and Time
"Scheduling your wedding outside the prime months (June through October) gives you more leverage in negotiating rates," says Gregory Hyder, director of catering at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. And if you opt for a simple Sunday-afternoon event over a Saturday-night extravaganza, you'll find "savings coming from all directions," Hyder adds. "The reception will be shorter, with fewer courses in the meal and less liquor consumed." Such factors can lessen your outlay by an additional 10 percent.

4. Choose a DJ or iPod Instead of a Band
"A band can eat up a big portion of your budget," notes Amy Nichols. "If you have limited money to spend, go with a DJ." Another choice, thanks to the iPod and its customizable playlists, is to act as your own DJ (or ask a friend to do so) via your venue's sound system. Some DJs will rent you a loaded iPod, a two-dock hookup, a mike and speakers.

5. Get a Smaller Showpiece Cake
"Designer cakes are all the rage, and for good reason," says Liz Seccuro. "Everyone looks at the cake!" Guests can still feast their eyes on an elaborate confection — just order a scaled-down version that will feed half the crowd, and then serve the rest from a sheet cake that has the same flavors and fillings. Remember too that about 10 percent of your guests won't eat any cake at all.

Source : www.instyleweddings.com

How to do a honeymoon wedding list

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Wedding preparations are sent to try us. When, after a decade of what-ifs and maybes, my girlfriend and I finally decided to put in the call to the vicar, the fun began overnight. We were shoved blinking into a world of lists, phone messages and goat's cheese tartlets.

Some things were more straightforward, though. A ten-year relationship meant that a traditional wedding list would have been pointless - we had all the towels, teapots and chopping boards that any two people could reasonably need. So what to do instead? Our wanderlust answered for us. The last time we'd had more than five days off work together was for an anorak-cold break in Tunisia four years previously. We would set up a honeymoon travel fund.

We worked out that by pulling every available string, we could wangle eight weeks off. As for finance, that wouldn't mean designer hotels, Egyptian cotton or icky little chocolates, but it would mean time to breathe. And rather than staring at a butter dish and thinking “who gave us that again?”, we would be waltzed by the arms of adventure. We were sold.

The question of where to go was a trickier one. We toyed with an overland trip to Turkey, or with two months of mayhem and spices in India. We also considered Jack Kerouac-ing across the United States. But it was the wild expanse of South America that really appealed - the colours, the romance, the mountains and the music.
We knew from experience that frantic travelling would only lead to stress. The way to do this was slowly, with no rigid itinerary. We booked online flights, coming in to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, and leaving two months later from Buenos Aires in neighbouring Argentina. What happened in between would be decided when we got there.
We were heavier by a ring apiece on the day we left, with the barn-dancing feet of 140 wedding guests still resonating through our daft smiles. Twelve hours after leaving Heathrow, we were released into a deafening basin in the Andes, and the honeymoon was under way.

La Paz is a misnomer of epic proportions. The city is a circus of babble and chaos, all bowler hats and firecrackers. Our hotel was alongside stallholders selling dried llama foetuses. We spent our first night flat out in a candlelit café, the pair of us woozy from the altitude and drunk on the buzz of the streets. Novices to Bolivia, we learnt that barely a day went by without some sort of celebration or protest march; that when paganism and Catholicism collided, squares filled with costumes and the smoke of grilled meat. And that wearing flip-flops was no guarantee that you wouldn't be tailed by shoeshine boys.

The buses in Bolivia are cost-efficient and often entertaining - gabbling tea salesmen flashing smiles down the aisles while tussocky Altiplano drifts by outside. They took us west to Lake Titicaca, where we lolled in hammocks and feasted on fresh trout. They took us east to Coroico, where, after biking the serpentine stretch of cliff road into town, we spent days in a simple cabana in the hills, letting the hours drift by with the hummingbirds and fireflies.

While we were definitely eschewing the luxuries of five-star pampering, the joys of week-to-week improvisation were huge. Bolivia served up mind-bending variety. In the north were toucans, howler monkeys and the Amazon. In the south were flamingos, red desert and the endless hallucinatory white of the Salar de Uyuni. Everywhere were chunky steeples, flower garlands and papoose-slung babies.

The continent continued to work its magic in Argentina. There was reverse culture shock when we crossed the border - in the Bolivian morning we were in the dusty Wild West, and by the Argentine evening there were shiny cars and air-conditioned shopping centres. But if anything, the days here were slower. We flopped in Salta for art galleries and long nights of folk music, then farther south in Cafayate we cycled from vineyard to vineyard, getting progressively wobblier.

We decided on internal flights to Patagonia, a one-off splurge for a week at the bottom of the world. The Fitzroy mountain range is like a child's drawing - steep and pointy. We camped, schlepping up to glaciers and drinking asparagus soup in the snow. On our last evening under canvas, we walked around the rim of a moraine lake and watched two condors sweep the skies. It felt as though we were the only four on Earth.

Buenos Aires gave us a final send-off with a week of tear-jerking tango and little sleep. What a city. There was football and folklore, there were flea markets and sizzling steaks the size of plates. It was stirring and human and full of every type of South American character imaginable. For richer, for poorer - that was Buenos Aires all right. At 2am, dusty wine racks and thunderous songs of the past do something special to you.

Much of what we'd spent had come from our own pockets, but without the contributions of friends and family we simply wouldn't have been there. Of course in the meantime, the kettle's on the blink and we need new pillowcases. But who's grumbling?
The new gift list

Rainbow Tours (www.rainbowtours.co.uk/honeymiles) offers the chance to contribute towards the “honeymiles” cost of a safari in Africa or to pay for extras such as a microlight flight over Victoria Falls or an elephant-back journey in Botswana
Thomas Cook (www.thomascookhoneymoons.com) has an easy-to-use honeymoon list covering nine tour operator brands under the Thomas Cook umbrella

Responsibletravel.com has just begun a system for contributions to honeymoons. It will soon offer this through the popular wedding list website www.wrapit.co.uk
Ampersand Travel (www.ampersandtravel.com), recently voted Wallpaper* magazine's best travel agent of 2007, offers an upmarket honeymoon list covering India, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Luxury Explorer (www.luxuryexplorer.com) offers “honeymoon pots” for contributions from guests. Destinations include Bali, Italy, Thailand and Morocco

To Escape To (www.toescapeto.com) can arrange for dancing Samburu warriors to meet private planes, hot-air balloon rides and private beach dinners to be added to trips
Honey Money (www.honeymoney.co.uk) wedding lists include “romancing in Rome” and “luxury in the Maldives” options

Honeymoon for a disabled traveller

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Fiona Gosling's daughter wants honeymoon suggestions that are suitable for a wheelchair user

Ginny McGrath
Our disabled daughter is happily getting married next September and as she is unable to work she is hoping that we will pay for the honeymoon as well as the wedding. She needs to use a wheelchair most of the time although she can painfully walk short distances. Can you suggest somewhere that would be special but not cost us too much money? Fiona Gosling, Lanercost, Cumbria
Ginny McGrath, Times Online Travel News Editor, responds: I have got some advice for you from Tourism for All, (email info@tourismforall.org.uk) a charity that provides infomartion about tourism services to disabled people, people in a wheelchair and their carers.
For an exciting city trip, London offers loads of accessible attractions, taxis and buses, as well as nights out at the theatre. For accommodation, Tourism for All suggests the "honeymoon package" at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. It is close to Kings Cross station which has step free access and next to theatreland.
Tourism for All has special rates if you book through www.tourismforall.org.uk or 0845 124 9971. The hotel recently won a "best accessible facilities" award, and has eight accessible bedrooms including one with a fitted hoist.

Bellagio: the Pearl of Como Lake since 19th century

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Bellagio lies directly on Como Lake and is crossed by a main street called via Garibaldi, which is criss-crossed by suggestive lanes which run up and down the hillside to the lake.

The most famous is called Salita Serbelloni. Here, a plaque marks the long stay of the musician Franz Liszt.
This romantic landscape it?s the perfect frame for your dreaming wedding day.
Bellagio, famous for the magnificent villas is one of the most refined location for your special event. It?s not easy to find so magical venues preserved as they were still in their maximum splendor period. And this area it?s particularly rich of villas rentable for weddings and unique occasions. The typical italian gardens of the Villas will impress your guests and the pictures of your wedding day will be simply astonishing.

After the unforgettable ceremony moment, while your guests start to refresh themselves with a delightful aperitif on a terrace, you could have the pleasure to discover fascinating corners of this ancient small town going for a brief and romantic walk, in order to relax a bit after the eternal promise.

You could stand few instants on the dock for the pleasure boats that has been rebuilt paying particular care to respecting the feel of the old dock and then take a water taxi for just fifteen minutes to admire the view of Bellagio from the water, scintillating in all his beauty.

Starting from the historic centre called Borgo it?s possible to visit seven of the 22 districts of Bellagio in around two hours, some are hidden among the trees on the mountain slopes, others enjoy a dominant, panoramic position, right up to the last one, Pescallo, which is again on the lake. It is like taking a dive into nature, history and beauty, among olive trees, flowers, antiquities and views that know no equal.

After this nice walking tour, you?ll be happy to try the exquisite bellagio?s food. The lake area has its own particular traditional cuisine, which is influenced by nearby Switzerland, by the mountain and, naturally, by the lake. One can still find genuine, old fashioned ingredients. Why don?t you think about an uncommon regional rehearsal dinner?

The touristic fame of Bellagio started in 19th century, when the Duke Melzi decided to build here his magnificent summer house.
This episode, attracted the Milanese aristocracy to the area and Bellagio became the most elegant and refined of courts.
Villas, gardens and several hotels which to this day are still the pride of the town and a major attraction for visitors, were built within a few years.
These palaces were visited and lived in by many famous names of the period, artists, politicians, royalty, intellectuals and scientists as well as various heroes of our Risorgimento.
Grand Hotel Bellagio (now Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni) inaugurated in 1872 and is still operating.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni it?s a stunning location to celebrate your wedding.
A place full of tradition, charme and elegance since ever.

Alessandra Fabi is the Italian Lakes Wedding’s coordinator for lake Como area. If your idea of wedding is refined, sophisticated and with a special attention to details, she?s your perfect wedding planner!
She makes each client feel unique and she treats each wedding as if it were her own.
For more information about Weddings in Bellagio Lake Como please contact us.

Your Top 10 honeymoon questions

2009-01-23T15:49:00.004+07:00

When you break it down, sometimes a wedding abroad can feel more like a burden than a joy.
Last year I was invited to – and attended – four destination weddings. This makes me well placed to suggest some ways in which you can make this unexpected addition to your travel plans still feel like a worthwhile holiday.
My foreign wedding relay kicked off with a colleague’s alpine nuptials in Chamonix. The next leg was at a South African vineyard, where my fiancée (for the record, the furthest we are dragging our own guests is West Sussex) was best man.
Then in May, we headed to Italy for my brother’s wedding in a Piedmont castle. And finally it was on to Miami in October, where a British friend of mine married her Argentine love.
I do not want to sound spoilt, it was an amazing year of travel but thanks to all these overseas marriages, I now have an aching overdraft and no more holiday time.
My point is that if you have received an invitation to a wedding abroad it is important to make the most of the opportunity. Of course, the marriage revelry will be magical, but don’t forget to take in some culture, taste the local cuisine and have time away from the raucous retinue.
A thoughtful bride and groom will offer help early on. If you are a close friend or relative of a couple who have sent out their Save the Date cards but have yet to organise information packs, it might be worth dropping a few hints.
A useful tool is to set up a personal website; my brother used iWeb to create a brilliant site for his Italian nuptials. It included the story of their engagement (on a Moroccan rooftop), photos of the wedding party, information about flights and the local area, Italian wedding traditions, some topical translations (honeymoon = la luna di miele) and places to stay.

Numbered Reception Tables are Boring!

2009-01-23T15:49:00.002+07:00

A great idea to incorporate into your wedding reception is to create themed tables. Whatever the atmosphere of your wedding, there are many creative ways to organize your tables besides numbering them. Imagine a guest arriving at the reception and having their name card on the entry table letting them know they will be sitting at the “UT Longhorn Fans” table!

This not only adds an interesting and conversational detail to your wedding reception, but it may make it easier to determine how to group your guests. You can categorize your guests not only by how they know each other, but by topics you know they are interested in. For example, if you don’t have 10 people to sit at table that includes your husband’s friends from the gym, you can turn the table into the Sports and Fitness table, and add guests that you know are big sports fans. Another example: “University of XX” table. You can include all your college friends, even though some might not know each other (dorm friends, sports teammates, roomies, friends from you major). This way, there will be a common topic of interest for all the guests at that table. It’s more challenging than you may think to group your guests, but themed tables can make the process easier for you.
Another idea for arranging tables, instead of numbering them, is to create table identifications based on the theme of your wedding. For example, if you are having a vintage or antique themed wedding, considering choosing characters from the past to use as table markers: the Elvis table, the Clark Gable table, the John Wayne table, etc. Or if you are having a Disney themed wedding, imagine how cute it would be to have a Mickey table, a Goofy table, a Cinderella table, etc! These can also make it simple to create unique and interesting centerpieces for each table.

Of course, not all brides want to designate the tables their guests sit at, but I recommend it so as to prevent any of your guests from feeling “lost in the lunchroom.”

“Something Sparkly (and Borrowed- shhh!)”

2009-01-23T15:48:00.001+07:00

Have you been eyeing the perfect piece of jewelry to complement that gorgeous wedding gown, but can’t find room in the budget to purchase the sparkling piece of jewelry?
At Adorn Brides, you can rent fine wedding/special occasion jewelry for a fraction of the retail price. Not only is all their jewelry stunning, ordering is simple. Whether you envision diamonds, pearls or precious metals as the perfect accessory for your gown, Adorn Brides and other jewelry rental services probably have exactly what you’re looking for. Most jewelry rental services have a wide selection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even jewelry sets to choose from.

You can lease jewelry for your wedding with ease and confidence. The jewelry you select is inspected and cleaned prior to shipment and will arrive two days prior to your wedding day.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t afford these dazzling diamonds- rental fees start as low as $200 for a jewelry set at AdornBrides

AdornBrides makes looking picture perfect on your wedding day so very simple (not that you already don’t make looking beautiful seem easy!) The best part is, no one will ever guess your remarkable wedding day jewelry is “something borrowed.”

Will you…

2009-01-23T15:43:00.004+07:00

Asking your bridesmaids to be in your wedding should be a special moment for both of you, so brides should take care to make sure that moment is unforgettable. While traditional etiquette would require you ask your bridesmaids in person, with friends commonly being separated by thousands of miles today, it’s become more acceptable for brides to ask from a distance.
Whether you use an idea you find somewhere, or come up with your own, your bridesmaids won’t ever forget the effort and care you took to include them in your wedding. And you won’t regret it!
One creative option is to have small, individual cakes or cookies made specially for each of your bridesmaids. You can even personalize each cake with their initials. While the cake may be too yummy for your bridesmaid to preserve, she won’t forget how special this sweet treat made her feel!

A very personal option (although this one requires a bit of creativity) is to pen a poem about your friendship with the bridesmaid and end it by asking her to be your bridesmaid. If you have a creative streak (or know someone who does) and have a small bridal party, this idea will touch your bridesmaid’s hearts like nothing else could.

A small photo album (or digital photo frame) with a blank last page/slide with your wedding date is a way to ask your bridesmaids that they can keep on display forever. After the wedding, they can fill in the last page with a picture of themselves with the bride at the wedding.
You can have a mini bouquet, similar to what you’re planning on using at your wedding, delivered to your bridesmaids with a note asking them to carry a similar arrangement as a bridesmaid at your wedding. We all know that flowers (and chocolate, too) are a sure way to a woman’s heart, so you can bet that a mini bouquet will be a hit with all your bridesmaids!
The help of these closest friends you ask to be your bridesmaids will be priceless to you throughout the wedding planning process, so take plenty of care to select the perfect, memorable way to ask these special ladies.

Wedding for Breakfast

2009-01-23T15:43:00.002+07:00

Morning weddings can be just as fun as evening weddings- and the food can be just as delicious.

A crepe bar is a fantastic way to bring the yummy factor to a brunch reception. Or how about a waffle bar? Both sound fabulous!
If you and your honey want stations at your reception, create an omelette station. Or perhaps a french toast station? Guests will love creating their own brunch! If a carving station is more what you had in mind, a spiral sliced honey ham is a perfect fit for a brunch reception.

Even if you’re reception is before noon, you can still serve alcohol- if you wish. One popular, budget-friendly alcoholic drink to serve with brunch is the mimosa (orange juice and champagne.)
Only on your wedding day can you have your cake before lunch time (Exciting, huh?!) Carrot and lemon cake make fabulous morning wedding cakes! If you’re looking for a creative alternative to a wedding cake for your morning reception, have a giant cinnamon roll created that you can cut for pictures and then serve to your guests.
The bright side of hosting a morning reception is that you have more time to celebrate with your family and friends and you can get an early start on your honeymoon by leaving the same day (oh, also- morning receptions are generally less expensive than receptions at other times of the day.)

Must Takes

2009-01-23T15:42:00.001+07:00

On your wedding day, you may want to give your photographer a list of “must have” photographs that are essential “Kodak moments” in your mind.

By Stephen & Jennifer Bebb

Before you print off an endless list, don’t forget to leave the photographer some room for creative license. You probably hired your photographer for his skill and creativity, so don’t take that away from him/her- you’ll end up with some unexpectedly perfect photos! You may even ask your photographer for his/her shot list, as many professionals build their own through the years.
As a rule of thumb for how many shots to include on your list, you should count on about three to five minutes per picture. Feel free to include both posed shots and candid shots on your list. Shots with friends will be harder to predict, so sit down before hand to select groups you want pictures with to add to the shot list (maybe with the friends who set you up with your FH.) If you want specific children in your shots at the reception, you may note to the photographer to try and get those shots early, as children tend to wilt and need to go home fairly early.

Alice Garik Weddings

Check with your photographer on a couple things before creating your shot list. Make sure he’ll work off a shot list and ask him what information about the shots he wants from you. That way, you don’t do any extra work and your list is tailored to your own photographer.

Cup Cakes

2009-01-23T15:41:00.001+07:00

Wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes- including “cakes” of individual cup cakes.

Many brides are opting for cupcakes, in lieu of the traditional wedding cake, because a cupcake cake is something strikingly different, they’re generally less expensive and less messy. Not only are cupcake cakes original, they’re also a yummy conversation piece. Cupcake cakes also allow you to avoid the hefty fee some venues charge to cut and serve the wedding cake. How sweet ;)
Think about using a variety of different flavors of cupcakes. With a wide variety of cupcake flavors in your “cake,” every guest is sure to find a flavor they love!
For the traditional bride who loves the idea of the cupcake cakes, but loves a traditional cake with a topper too, you can buy mini bride and groom toppers for your cupcakes. How’s that for the best of both worlds?

Plum Party Toppers
If you like the idea of a cupcake cake, but want to keep things formal, then fancy liners may be the way to go! You can find them in every design imaginable and they’re relatively inexpensive, too!

Paper Orchid Liners
You can always dress your cupCAKEs up or down, depending on your wedding style, but there’s undeniably a whimsical punch that cupCAKEs hold over the traditional wedding cake!

Save The Date

2009-01-23T15:40:00.001+07:00

What better way to ask your potential wedding guests to save the date and not book another event for your wedding date than to send them something pretty for their refrigerator to remind them of your upcoming nuptial date? That’s what lots of brides are thinking as more and more of us send save-the-date magnets to our potential guests!

If you’re unfamiliar with save the dates (or STDs), here’s the low-down: they’re most important for destination and holiday weddings (when you’re inviting a lot of out-of-towners,) but lots of brides use them just because they like them. Who can blame them? Save the dates (especially magnets) are a darn cute idea! Most save the dates are sent out anytime between six months to a year prior to your wedding and give guests sufficient time to make travel arrangements. You should know that it’s only proper to send everyone who receives a save-the-date a formal invitation when the time comes. That said, you’ll want to be certain you’re sure about your guest list before sending out save-the-dates.

Save the dates are simple enough to do- all that you have to include is the couple’s names, the wedding date and the location. Including additional information, like the out-of-town hotel information or the nearest airports, is completely optional. For the saavy bride, it’s smart to include your wedding Web site on the save-the-date to get the address out there for guests to stay updated with wedding information and travel arrangements.

So now that you’re sold on the save-the-date idea, here’s the best news. Magnet Street Weddings has a holiday promotion running and everything (yes, everything) on their site is 15% off with this promotional code, WBCS15. Just enter the code when you check out by January 4, 2009 and be confident that all your guests will be at your wedding because they’ll have saved-the-date! Good looking out, bride-to-be!

Top if Off

2009-01-23T15:39:00.001+07:00

Once you’ve decided on the shape, number of layers, flavors and colors of your wedding cake, you can’t forget to decide on the finishing touch: a cake topper. With all the different styles of cake toppers available, picking a cake topper can be a fun, rewarding task for every bride!
Traditionally, a wedding cake topper is a small model that sits atop the cake and symbolizes the bride and the groom. Some brides opt for the cake topper used to embellish their parents’ or grandparents’ wedding cakes as their wedding cake topper, which is a great way to incorporate family history and sentimentality into this aspect of your wedding.

Something old & borrowed.
If you’re leaning towards the classic model of the bride and groom as your wedding topper, your decision isn’t made yet. Another option you have is that this style of wedding cake topper can be made of porcelain, like companies such as Lenox and Lladro offer. Or, there are glass figurines available, also.

Lladro
Or your traditional style cake topper can be comical- many brides see their cake topper as a small, but noticeable, way to insert a little comedy into their wedding day festivities.

Gone Fishin
For all of us Etsy fans, The Small Object sells adorable wedding toppers that can even be customized to the physical appearance of the bride and groom- great idea, huh? We should have thought of that, but since we didn’t, The Small Object has precious handmade wedding toppers.

Precious, we know!
Another option you have is the classic monogram cake topper. Monogram cake toppers come in all sorts of varieties, there’s monogram toppers with crystals, single letter monogram toppers, three letter monogram toppers, modern monogram toppers and the list goes on and on. The biggest perk of a monogram topper is that it’s completely customized to you and your wedding! If you’re thinking about a monogrammed cake topper, Toppers with Glitz has lots of basic information about these cake toppers on their Web site- not to mention, incredible toppers for sale!

As you can tell, there are countless options (even more than we’ve mentioned here) for your wedding cake topper. Whatever style of wedding cake topper you decide on, you can be sure that as long as it’s what you want, it will literally top off your cake perfectly!

A Generous Celebration

2009-01-23T15:38:00.001+07:00

What better way to celebrate your nuptials than by sharing your blessings with those who need it? These are the exact sentiments the modern bride who uses her wedding as a way to give to a special charity or organization. It would seem more modern couples opt to contribute, rather than merely consume, when it comes to their wedding.

One of the most common ways to contribute to a charity through your wedding is to make a donation instead of give favors to each guest. This idea is becoming so popular that organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society, will send you cards to set at place settings to explain the wedding donation to your guests. If you love animals, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will also send you place cards explaining your donation. The number of charities that will provide you with tasteful ways to inform your guests of your donation are growing by the day! You should know that it’s not necessary to disclose just how much you’ve donated in each guest’s name- that can be a personal decision between you and the groom. A word of warning when it comes to making donations to charities and organizations that are special to you: out of consideration for your guests, you should avoid making contributions in their names because they may not want their name to be associated with the organization the donation was made to.

American Cancer Society Wedding Scrolls

Many couples own more stemware, glassware and cutlery than they know what to do with, so asking guests to make charitable donations to a specific organization in lieu of favors is an option some couples find very appealing. For that reason, couples may decide to register with charity clearinghouse, such as Just Give, instead of with Crate and Barrel or a store of the likes.
There are even more ways to give through your wedding:

• Purchase products tied to charities, like LiveStrong wristbands to give as favors to your guests
• Ask your caterer to donate the leftover food from your reception to a homeless shelter or food bank
• Suggest that your bridesmaids donate their dresses to organizations that give dresses to underprivileged teens for their proms. Send your bridesmaids to Donate my Dress to find out how they can help!
• Send the flowers from your big day to a nursing home or hospital. If you want to go even further in your giving, deliver the flower yourself and visit with the patients. Either way, you’re sure to brighten the day of someone who is sick or elderly.
As long as your donation is given from the heart and thoughtfully, your guests will appreciate and admire your decision!

Wedding Gazebo decorations

2009-01-23T15:37:00.001+07:00

For your most important day, you need an equally important location. Many are the places and many are the varied reasons why someone would chose a particular place. One in particular, the Gazebo, is a picture perfect spot used especially for a small, outdoor wedding, although is is not unheard of to use a smaller version of a gazebo inside a larger building. And when it comes to decorating said Gazebo, the possibilities are endless!

First, and this is more than likely something that you are already ruminating, think of what the wedding theme with be. Are you going with contemporary and modern, fun and sassy, beach and exotic, Asian-inspiration, or with classic and vintage? There is so much to choose from that it may become difficult, but the best idea is certainly to be true to yourself and your unique style. Maybe that even means going with a goth wedding at a renaissance festival or with a whole Disney theme complete with your favorite characters. Whatever your decision, you’ve got one of the hardest parts down. Everything else will come when you focus on what would be appropriate for your theme, including the type of decorations that will adorn your Gazebo.

Another important must is to visit the site and take a lot of photographs of the locale so that you have many points of reference, whether your wedding is a D.I.Y. or a planner or florist needs to look at it. It is also not unheard of for your florist to want to come see the site in person before talking over your wedding plans so that she or he has a good grasp of what they are going to be working with. You will probably need the dimensions of said Gazebo so it is a good idea to take along a tape measure and paper and pencil just to be on the safe side. Make sure you get an idea also of any restrictions the property manager has, because it might be horrible having to sort out any problems on the actual day of the wedding.
Of course for any important occasion such as a wedding, it is very important to have a working budget already drawn up so you and your florist have an idea of what is available. You need to figure out not only how much it cost to rent your Gazebo, in case the location features it but there may be an extra fee for using it. Don’t be shy of double and triple checking that a certain Gazebo is available for you and only you on the day of your wedding, especially if it is at a community setting such as a park.

If there is an issue about not using nails and screws and there are none from a previous event, it may be helpful to review what other options you have. A decorative device you could of course use is ribbon to tie garlands and cloth like tulle and hold it in place or have it bunch in a certain way. Also there are hooks that can hang from the top or anywhere there is a place to hold them. You could get some that have a adhesive backing that is easy to remove. Another florist favorite is to use chenilles, or pipe cleaners, like a twist tie that you can curl at the ends and add flowers or beads. A good florist will usually have an idea about getting things to hang correctly.

If you decide to use flower garlands or swags, there are different holders that florist use, with new ones being invented all the time. The ever popular oasis in a cage that can be hooked to others or stand alone is very common. Or she/he might use a oasis strung in a net that is a recent addition to the available tools. If the Gazebo is made out of metal or a flat smooth surface like glass, there are cages that hold oasis that have a suction cup that can attach powerfully to the Gazebo with a good amount of weight. For a smaller and more delicate arrangement you can attach button oasis that come with their own adhesive backing.
There are so many options; it’s just a matter of being informed and having a little creativity to make your wedding day the most memorable for you and your guests under your beautifully decorated Gazebo.

Buying A Wedding Dress

2009-01-23T15:06:00.005+07:00

What’s your wedding theme/motif?

For every season, for every motif, for every person and for every color symbolism, there will always be the right wedding dress. Choosing what to wear in your wedding is as critical as choosing the the man you will be spending your sunset days with.

There’s a multitude of wedding dress styles to choose from – in some countries that have veered away from much of wedding rituals and traditions, dress styles number in the thousands. With this dizzying array, how do you choose yours? How do you make sure that your dress will be a reflection of the real YOU, not the fashion model on the glossy cover of magazines that grace bridal boutiques and corner stalls in the metropolis?

Buying a Wedding Dress: Style

The style of your wedding dress will depend on about four factors. There may be more but these are the most common ones we can think of:

• Type of wedding
• Your personality

• Your budget
• Your culture and that of your future husband

If you write down your thoughts about these four factors including any other detail you can think of, you’d have a good starting point for discussions with the boutique consultant. By rattling off your preferences, she can already come up with a short list and show you the styles immediately. This will save you time from browsing through voluminous catalogues and the sometimes crowded store racks.

Type of wedding: are you going to be married in a church and will the reception be inside a hall, OR are you going to be married in the beach, garden or in some enchanted island where guests will be free to roam around and then gather in an outdoor tent to offer their best wishes and congratulations?

An outdoor wedding would narrow your choices. You will certainly want to consider not wearing a gown that would require you to wear high heels, unless you want to leave permanent marks on that beautifully manicured lawn. Wear a gown that looks right with a pair of sensible but stylish flats to keep you from boring holes on the ground. For practical reasons, you may want to seriously not wear a long, down to the ankles type of dress. This will spare you from having to deal with a muddy hem. Make sure the hem is heavy enough not to fly up at the first sign of a sudden gust of wind.

For the same reasons, a train is not ideal for an outdoor wedding. You will likely find it covered in mud and grass stains by the end of the reception. If your dress comes with a veil, keep it weighted to keep it from blowing around too much, unless again you’d want your groom and pastor to chew on the lace by the end of the service, or risk the veil pin landing on someone’s cake.

Lady in red

Your personality: “tell me what you wear to your wedding and I’ll tell you what kind of person you are” may ring true, but remember that you need not be forced into wearing anything because it’s tradition or your rich mother-in-law has done the cherry picking in some designer’s rack. Your dress is you, inside and outside. Let it bring out the message on this special day.

Also, you’ll have to take your body type into account. If you have a good figure, show it off within the limits of decency, of course, especially if you’re getting married in church. Not that the pastor’s opinion should carry weight in the choice of your dress, but it is his church nevertheless, so be respectful of the place where your marriage will be solemnized.

A sleeve dress (one that clings to your body from neck to ankle) looks best on someone with a slim figure and curves to show off. If you’ve always been proud of your hips, look for a dress that flairs out a bit at the waist. If you want an overall slimming effect, do not invest in fluffed up sleeves and huge skirts, or you will look bigger than you really are. A skirt with lots of fabric so that it drapes and folds would be ideal. Do not add puff to the lower portion by adding a hoop or other fabric.

Your budget: who says you need a designer dress? One does get “suffocated” by the usual styles out there. You could spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress that will end up in an attic somewhere, only to be looked at when nostalgia strikes. Many brides think of their future daughters when they buy their wedding dress, but remember that your daughter could end up saying, “how could you wear a thing like that to your wedding, mum?”

If you have other wedding expenses and don’t want your wedding dress to take up the lion’s share, you can ask a sister or close friend to help you design a wedding dress. We know of a few friends who asked a private seamstress to do their dress, and they charge considerably less than boutiques and designer outlets.

Culture: The factor of culture plays a dominant role in weddings and when one wears a wedding dress that is typical of one’s culture, then the conversation gets livelier. For example, if you’ve been to a Scottish wedding, you’ll know that tartans and Highland kilts will be the dominant features of the wedding attire. Tartans are colorful fabrics that are also known as plaid. Scottish people also put accents to make the dress more attractive – like a Celtic knot that stands out.

Or you’ve seen the traditional Chinese attire. Brides will usually wear a red Chinese dress because red symbolizes love. If you’ve been to a Greek wedding, you’ll notice that both bride and groom wear flowers on their head instead of a veil.

Peachy pink gown

Buying a Wedding Dress - Color
The color white, traditional for wedding dresses, was originally used to signify the bride’s virginity to the gathered witnesses. This virginity was likewise attested to by the hanging of a blood-soaked sheet the next morning. Though the custom of the bridal sheet has died, the customary bridal color still seems to be alive and well for the most part. Widows or divorcees might choose an ivory color to keep from claiming the white, but if tradition prevails, brides stick with what is expected in this sense.

The color white is not mandatory though. A differently colored dress would make a wonderful splash on your wedding day. The color red, for example, means joy, love, and fertility and is traditional for brides in China. No rules exist saying brides cannot wear purple or sage; indeed, an outdoor wedding might look even lovelier with a deviation from strict tradition. Always check with your pastor to see if you and your entourage can wear different colors, and ask him which colors are strictly forbidden.

Buying a Wedding Dress - Stories for You

If you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed by wedding preparations and agonizing over your wedding dress, you may want to take a break, sit and lounge on your favorite armchair, and curl up with a good book. We’d like to suggest My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter and Tulle published last month (January 2007) by Random House (ISBN: 978-0-676-97846-9; 0-676-97846-0). It’s an anthology of thoughtful essays that cover the full range of bridal sentiments, before and after the wedding. One of the contributors said that “the most important thing about the dress was that it wasn’t white, it wasn’t long and it had not a whisper of tradition clinging to it.”

There are about 26 essays from different women who talked about their wedding dresses and some of them, already divorced, described how their dress “felt all wrong” or “didn’t fit” or “it just wasn’t me.”

By taking time off from wedding preparations, you can re-charge yourself by reading about weddings. Wedding stories never fail to bring a warm glow to heart or trigger your love for laughter. For example, we looked for a story about wedding dresses and we found a funny one online from the Canadian Press (May 2005). It tells the story about a couple, Christopher Cummings and Charity O’Brien, both from Missouri, who got married on the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. The title of the news story caught our attention: Weddings on Ice. Exchanging Vows on Alaskan Glaciers.

Guess what the bride wore to her glacier wedding?

The usual, white traditional – complete with sequins. But what else did she wear with it? We’ve chosen this paragraph and want to share it with you:

“The bride wore a curvy, strapless white satin gown sprinkled with sequins. She also had on tights, sweat pants, rain pants and a pair of hefty hiking boots fitted with spikes.”

“The groom was charmed. ‘That’s the way she is…’ ‘although the dress was a surprise.’

Don’t forget. YOU get to choose, not anyone else. It’s personal, it’s special, and it’s an occasion that may happen only once in your life.

7 simple tips to reduce your wedding’s bar bill

2009-01-12T14:34:00.001+07:00

If your wedding is threatening to put you in the red, think about holding back at the bar. Brides.com presents seven simple tips to save money on alcohol without your guests ever knowing.

Schedule a morning or midday reception with just a signature fruity cocktail like mimosas. Another option is to hold the reception on a Sunday night, when guests are more likely to exercise restraint and the festivities can wind down by 10 p.m.
If you've arranged to purchase wine on your own, buy it by the case to save money. But be careful, you should make sure that your savings aren't eclipsed by a corkage fee, which can run as high as $18 a bottle.
Another simple tip is to close the bar during a seated dinner, and serve only wine and soft drinks. "You could save as much as two drinks per person," says Christina Taylor, a wedding coordinator with Candid Concepts in Renton, Washington.
You should know your crowd. If you've invited a lot of light drinkers, ask the caterer if you can have a "by consumption" plan, which means you'll be charged by the number of drinks that are poured. According to Joyce Scardina Becker, of Events of Distinction in San Francisco, if the guests are known revelers, opt for a flat fee (a per person rate), around $25 per head. This'll make sure that there are no surprises at the end of the party.
Have the catering staff briefed: If you're looking to save, there should be no pre-opening of bottles, scooping up of drinks before glasses are empty, or automatically pouring wine in anyone's glass.
Skip the champagne toast: Let guests clink with whatever's in their glass, whether it's water, wine, a cocktail or Gatorade. Make sure, though, that no one's glass is empty.
Be creative: Laura Weatherly of Engaging Affairs in Washington, D.C., sets up fruity sangria bars (heavy on the orange juice and club soda). Los Angeles planner Sasha Souza offers mocktails like tequila sunrises with flavored syrups (recipes at torani.com). "Make it look good and people will never ask ‘Where's the liquor?'" she says.

This content originally appeared in Brides magazine. For more wedding tips, visit Brides.com, your number one source for weddings.

Wedding tips that take the cake

2009-01-12T14:33:00.002+07:00

For some soon-to-be-married couples, choosing a wedding cake is becoming more important than deciding on an entree. When selecting a wedding reception menu, the engaged are finding it's hip to "marry" the unexpected, like pairing wine with wedding cake.

Couples often serve wedding cake with champagne, but a sweet cake can exaggerate champagne's acidity and leave a bitter taste. When choosing a wine to serve with wedding cake, keep in mind complementing aromas, textures and dominant flavors. The main cue in wine pairing is the type of sauce or spice used in each dish--and the same goes with dessert. Focus on the strongest flavors, particularly the frosting and filling. A rich chocolate cake, for example, calls for a bold and velvety red wine, such as Mirassou's Merlot, to complement and enhance the full flavor of the chocolate.

Anna Pezik, a senior editor with Brides.com, knows firsthand how important a couple's food and wine choices--and other wedding details--can be in influencing the feeling of their big day.

Ms. Pezik notes, "From their color choices to their tasting preferences, couples want their wedding day to reflect their personal style. By offering their guests a selection of varietals that pair up with each course throughout the reception--from the appetizers to the wedding cake--couples set the tone of their day and offer guests a memorable culinary experience."

Here are some other innovative wedding cake ideas:

* Square-shaped cakes are becoming more popular. Balance out the clean lines of an angular cake with an ornate, vintage cake topper.

* Ivory buttercream icing is still a classic, yet it can be modernized with accents of brown, platinum or even black icing. Choose a color scheme that complements your wedding.

* Traditional cake flavors--such as chocolate cake with buttercream filling, and white cake with white chocolate filling and fresh berries--are always delicious. Look to a family or childhood favorite for inspiration.

* Many of today's cakes are being lavishly adorned with flowers. Consider a flower that has special meaning for you and your fianc.

* The cake's stand or display table should not be forgotten but also shouldn't detract from the cake. Focus on simplicity and harmony--if roses are prominent in your centerpieces, sprinkle rose petals on the table rather than adorning it with an arrangement.

However you decide to personalize your wedding, remember that food and wine choices can add or detract from the feeling of your special day. Envision your dream wedding and let the magic of perfectly paired food and wine inspire your wedding day. For more bridal tips or to enter the "I Do with Mirassou" contest, visit Mirassou.com.

Chardonnay pairs well with vanilla-flavored and almond-flavored cakes that have buttercream or coconut filling or icing.

Goats And Other Gifts For Groomsmen

2009-01-12T14:31:00.003+07:00

AmericanBridal.com Tip: Goats And Other Gifts For Groomsmen

When you’re out shopping for the perfect gifts for groomsmen, do not allow your mother to make any suggestions at all. Can’t you just hear it now? Why not a nice pocket watch like your grandfather had? she’ll say. How about a nice pack of crisp handkerchiefs? Mmmm…that’s just what they want, the chance to blow their noses in a six-by-six bed sheet. No, make sure to avoid that well-intended but very misguided motherly gift advice.

Most couples make the mistake of worrying about the type of gift the groomsmen will appreciate. Don’t stress over that! Who cares if one of the guys is sporty and the other guy cries at operas? What you want to do is buy gifts for groomsmen that make a statement about who you are! Are you an environmentalist? Buy a chicken or a goat for a third-world family in the groomsmen names. But don’t stop there. Sure, it’s a great cause you’re giving to, but isn’t your goal really to humiliate and embarrass your groomsmen? I thought so. Here are a few suggestions to help you really make a statement when it comes time to let everyone know what you got the groomsmen:

· Photoshop some pictures of farm animals with shots of the groomsmen.

· Have one of those “farm animal noise” baby toys on hand (you know, the one where you pull the handle and different farm animals make sounds?) You’ll be able to say….”And for Tommy, we bought him a (pull the lever to make the animal sound) goat.”

· If you’ve planned for some music, throw in a couple of animal-themed songs.

At the end of the day (or night) you’ll have done something great toward ending world hunger, while feeding your need for sweet, delicious humiliation.

A Plant Makes A Great Groomsman Gift

2009-01-12T14:29:00.005+07:00

AmericanBridal.com Tip: A Plant Makes A Great Groomsman Gift

Okay, if you’re looking for a really cool groomsman gift, why not give him something that he doesn’t have to feed, can’t kill, and can use at home, in the office, or in his garage if he really wants to. I’m talking about a houseplant, a fake one of course. There are some really impressive fake houseplants out there these days. The best thing about them is that they don’t require any sunlight to thrive. So, if your groomsman wants to put the plant in a corner somewhere away from any windows, he can! A funny thing would be to get a plant that looks real, but isn’t. Make sure to add a lot of detailed instructions on how to care for the plant. For added effect, put a handful of potting soil in the container! Unless your groomsmen have a PhD in agriculture, it might be quite easy to fool them. Sure they’ll figure it out eventually, but why not make really creative groomsmen gifts by adding the following “plant care” instructions:

1) This plant requires at least one hour of cold temperatures every day. Place in a plastic bag and leave in the freezer for only one hour each day.

2) Fertilize regularly. Coffee grounds work best.

3) Keep the leaves free of dust by carefully wiping each leaf with a damp cloth. This should be done two or three times a day.

4) Once every two days, take the plant completely out of the pot, change the soil, reposition the plant, and pack down neatly.

5) Water as required.

Let’s face it, your groomsmen probably aren’t going to go through all of those steps, but if they do, they’ll soon figure out the joke. Just to see the initial look on their faces is worth a laugh!

Unique Wedding Favors

2009-01-12T14:29:00.002+07:00

AmericanBridal.com Tip: Unique Wedding Favors

Unique wedding favors work really well when you have an unusual or off-beat wedding theme to work with. For example, fall wedding favors are easy to come up with when you’re using an autumn theme. Unique wedding favors for that kind of wedding could be anything from pressed leaves wrapped in ribbon to a few tulip bulbs placed in a sheer organza bag for your guests to plant.

Unique wedding favors should trump traditional wedding favors. You want to come up with ideas that haven’t been done a million times before. If time isn’t on your side, you can do an Internet search for ideas at onsite stores like American Bridal, for example, where you’ll find tons of ideas and unique wedding favors to choose from. If you’re looking for unique, non-traditional wedding favor ideas, consider these unique wedding favors:

1) Astrology charts. This can take any form whether complete horoscopes written out for each astrological sign, or just one astrological sign and its significance based on your wedding date.

2) Take thumb prints of you and your spouse and stick them side-by-side on a beautiful sheet of parchment (on an angle to look like a heart). Turn that into your “signature” and write a thank-you note to your guests for being there.

3) Pretzels. That’s right…pretzels. Who doesn’t love them? Get some that are dipped in white chocolate and string a few onto some ribbons.

Have fun coming up with your own unique wedding favors and don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. It’s your wedding, your theme, and your unique wedding favors.

Wedding Photography

2009-01-12T14:26:00.003+07:00

When you meet with your wedding photographer, you will have a lot to talk about. There will be many different moments happening before, during and after the wedding. Wedding photography is part photojournalism and part portraiture. You want your wedding photographer to be prepared for the unexpected. During your interview with them, you want to ask them about their style; their background and their experience.

You want a wedding photographer who watches the people around them. You want wedding photography that comes from being unobtrusive where they catch not only the key wedding moments, but also the moments of deep connection between the bride, the groom, the family members and other guests.

Imagine, standing in the vestibule of the Church while the Bride is waiting with her father for their cue. They aren’t saying anything with words, but Dad brushes her cheek with his knuckles, ever so lightly and her eyes shimmer with tears. The corners of her mouth turn up just ever so slightly and her father’s face softens as well. That is the shot you want in your wedding photography. Be sure to give your wedding photographer clear details of the wedding location, venue, theme and most of all – what you want to see.

Take the time to talk to your wedding photographer during the interview and during the wedding planning. If it helps, write down what you want your wedding album to look like before you meet with the photographer in order to give them clear directions. Remember, however, that while the wedding photographer is a professional, it’s still your wedding.

Wedding Tips ever

2009-01-12T14:23:00.001+07:00

A wedding is the biggest event most people will ever plan, endure, or enjoy. Many books have been written about Wedding Planning and are filled with innumerable tips.

But, let's tackle this subject bravely as we first declare that if you have never planned a wedding before, do not underestimate how much you will have to spend, and how far ahead of the date you should plan!

Your wedding is a show - this is show business. This may sound crass or insensitive but let's get real. Your obligation is to put on a show that impresses the women, period. Forget about the fathers, the brothers, the uncles, the male business associates invited - plan your wedding specifically for the women planned to be in attendance. Give the women a good show and your wedding will be a success, guaranteed.
There is no specific dollar range that ensures success. You can blow tens of thousands and have a public relations disaster. On the other hand, don't get hysterical about the cost of everything. And these days you are free to talk about having both families help absorb the cost.
It is an axiom that nothing guarantees success, but a lack of planning will guarantee dismal failure. So plan, plan, plan for every detail and put it neatly and legibly on paper.
The more months you have to plan the more options you have for everything, including some room to re-negotiate with certain vendors.
When planning the date consider:
1. The weather
2. Whether the most important people have scheduled commitments for that day that they cannot change
3. Whether some huge event in your town may interfere with traffic patterns around your wedding location or reception
4. Whether a close by Holiday may make air travel or transportation problematic as far as having people in town on time. For instance, if you live in New Orleans, a wedding in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras is asking for trouble.
If a number of relatives and friends are having to fly in, check with some local hotels or motels as far as a group rate for those dates and let people know right away.
Get specific contracts with your vendors - bands, DJ, florists, caterers, bakery - have everything in writing. And ask for additional costs that could be charged to you such as traveling, over time, sales tax. Insist on all the details in the contract. Be suspicious if your vendor doesn't like this.
When negotiating on a wedding photography package, specify to your photographer that you want a very efficient picture taking schedule. Concentrate on photos. Don't schmooze with the photographer if it distracts them from getting the next shot. Put into the printed schedule when and where the photo sessions are taking place before and after the ceremony. Appeal firmly to the wedding party and relatives you want in the photos to go immediately to these locations so that you don't waste precious time trying to round up everybody scattered all over the property. Your guests are waiting patiently for the photography to be finished. Also, remember that your caterer at the reception hall is depending on you sticking to your schedule to show up so that food will be at its peak.
When planning the ceremony you should certainly try to personalize your ceremony. However, please don't fall into excess: such as three or four voice solos, extended memorized speeches or poems, or singing songs to each other. Your emotions WILL sneak up on you, no matter how calm you are even through a wedding rehearsal the night before. Nine out of 10 couples will blubber uncontrollably at the moment they are under pressure to face each other and perform. Yes, a wedding is a show, but keep it from being your take on Oscar night.
Weigh the cuteness factor versus the unpredictability factor when thinking about using children in the ceremony under the age of five. They have notoriously small attention spans during the boredom of dry clerical recitations.
If you plan to have a friend or relative read a poem or selection during the ceremony please have a rehearsal reading to check for mispronounced words and clarity. And for the love of all, make it short!
Make sure the groom has some involvement in the planning, even if you have utterly no respect for his judgment!
To go with that, enjoy the planning and don't fight with anybody!
Understand that this wedding is also the joining of two entire families. If you are different in religion, background or culture, celebrate each side's uniqueness and emphasize the things in common - love for the bride and groom, for instance.
Tactfully make sure the mothers understand that this is YOUR wedding. If you have reached a sticking point about something that you don't want to do that your mother does, back off and think carefully and as logically as possible. Where possible give in on some detail if it would make you happier to see your mother's satisfaction than to get your own way. But, if it's something that you absolutely have your own heart set on, we encourage you to cry uncontrollably until you get your own way.
For the day of the wedding the bride should have a bag packed for the church and reception that assumes she's staying overnight for two days. An emergency pair of this and that, plus white chalk for touching up smudges on white shirts, blouses, and dresses.
When it comes to a bachelor party or even bachelorette party, discuss your feelings with each other. Agree not to do things that will get you off on the wrong foot with each other. Be sensitive to each other's feelings but not too sensitive to your own. And give each other a little space, a little wiggle room, since both of you may be under some alcoholic influence as you blow off a little steam. Have a sense of humor about each other's night out with the guys or gals.
Save yourself money and don't bring your checkbook to the wedding. Let your vendors know that you will mail them the remainder of the balance after the wedding. Having a checkbook handy may set you up for getting "hustled" for extra expenses while you are in a giddy mood.
Don't plan to leave on your honeymoon immediately. This invites disappointment and ill feelings since both of you will be extremely exhausted right after the wedding. Wait a few days, open gifts, sleep in late, slow down and rest before you pack and take off on your honeymoon.
To wrap up - use patience, plan, plan, write it down, get the details, divide work into teams, compromise where needed, give yourself months and months to organize, and enjoy the planning process itself. And never assume anything, check, and double check for all contingencies and possible snags and emergencies. Plan how you will cope and overcome these if they happen - WHEN they happen!

Source : www.101weddingtips.com

Wedding Decorations

2008-12-30T16:25:00.003+07:00

Walking Down the Aisle

Every bride needs friendly advise, and we have some great ideas for decorating your ceremony site! Begin with an Aisle Runner—it creates an excitement and marks the way for your bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer, and you! Your flower girl is adorable! Give her Rose-Shaped Petals in a Flower Basket to spread along the way. Decorate the seating with Decor Cones filled with more petals. Add Pull-N-Fluff Bows and Lighted Bridal Garland on pillars and archways. Flameless Votives create the romantic glow of candlelight with safe, no-flame candles, and can be placed around the ceremony site.

Wedding Reception Decorating

Celebrate your new life as a married couple at the grandest party you may ever plan-your wedding reception. Your reception should reflect and complement the formality of your ceremony. As your guests enter the reception site, their first stop will be the display table with table numbers. For a look of elegance, place your cards in Mini Frames. The frames also act as favors for the guests to take home.

Another beautiful element of the reception is the gift table. Add a decorative Gift Card Holder, shaped as a Gift Box, Mailbox, Bird Cage or Wishing Well. It’s a lovely way to keep wedding gift cards together at the reception.

Wedding Ceremony Decor

The accents you select for your wedding will be part of your family heritage. They are both beautiful decorations which set the mood for the day and treasured keepsakes which can add meaning to future family weddings.

You'll want to choose accessories which reflect your wedding theme or that have special meaning for you. Many couples include family religious items in the ceremony--bibles, prayer shawls, etc.,--to pay tribute to previous generations and keep them alive in memory. For other accents, you'll want to add your personal stamp to the proceedings. Wilton unity candles are often used at the altar as part of the ceremony; many candles and holders from Wilton feature popular wedding themes which can be carried throughout the day--flowers, hearts and Irish claddaghs to name a few. For the bouquet you'll carry down the aisle, consider the Fresh-Look Flower Holder, with natural-looking stems that make silk flowers look like they were just picked. Don't forget our beautiful guest books, plume pens and ring bearer pillows to coordinate with your chosen theme.

Wedding Reception Table Decorating

Make the most of your reception site and set a romantic wedding day mood! Decorate the tables with Lighted Bridal Garland—it adds a soft glow to the wedding ambiance. Place along table edges, around the cake, on pillars and railings. Also display Flameless Votives in groups and Sparkling Ice scattered on the tables. Wedding Toppers make gorgeous centerpieces; scatter Rose-Shaped Petals on tables for a romantic look.

Wedding Cake Table

The bridal toast is an important part of the reception celebration. It’s an official announcement that the bride and groom are now Mr. & Mrs., and it is time to honor them! See the selection Wilton Toasting Glasses to be used at the reception. Keepsake quality, they can be displayed at home and used at every anniversary to relive the wedding day!

Decor for Chairs

Decorate ordinary reception chairs and distinguish wedding party and special guest seating with beautiful white satin chair covers. Want more color? Chair covers can be dyed to match the wedding color, or simply add a big bow to the back of the chair in the color of your choice.

Source : www.wilton.com

wedding invitations and announcements

2008-12-30T16:22:00.000+07:00

Your wedding invitations and stationery set the tone for your wedding! Take the time to select your favorite paper, color, type style and personalized icon. Make certain to provide your guests with all the details of your event—start by sending a fun save-the-date announcement to let everyone know about your big day! Then take a look at the spectacular selection of Wilton wedding stationery, such as printable and blank wedding invitations, photo wedding invitations, a complete wedding invitation kit, thank you cards and more!

Wedding Planner - Month 1

2008-12-30T16:21:00.004+07:00

THE REHEARSAL

It's always a good idea to "practice" your wedding ceremony--your mind will be in a million places on your wedding day and all eyes will be on you. The rehearsal also gives you and your wedding party a chance to visualize the ceremony and to spend time together socially.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ceremony, this is the time to speak up. This is also a good time to review the wedding day logistics. Make sure everyone knows what they are doing and when it needs to be done. Settle any transportation issues.

The rehearsal dinner, if you choose to have one, is traditionally hosted by the groom's family. You and your fiancé may want to make suggestions to have it at a favorite restaurant. This dinner is the perfect time for special toasts and for family members to get to know one another. It is often your last social gathering until after your honeymoon. You can also present gifts to your husband-to-be and to your attendants/groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner.

WEDDING DAY TIPS

Confirm with florist, limo company, photographer, etc. and make sure they have the correct time and location of your wedding. Be prepared for inclement weather and make any necessary changes. For instance, if it's raining, you may want to change at the church instead of at home. And bring lots of umbrellas for your entire wedding party.

Have a friend "on-call" at the wedding to run any unexpected errands throughout the day. Give him or her a list of phone numbers for all your wedding services, such as photographer, caterer and florist, etc.

Have all payments handled ahead of time.

Pack a Bride's Emergency Kit. Here are some suggestions on what to include:

Bobby Pins
Bandages
Hair Spray
Extra Pantyhose
Makeup
Needle and Thread
Clear Nail Polish
Fabric Glue
Tissues
Static Remover
Breath Mints
Safety Pins
Clean Washcloth
Small Scissors
Antacid (for nervous stomach)
Credit Card

(Your groom should also pack a similar kit with his essentials.)

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 2

2008-12-30T16:21:00.002+07:00

SHOWERS

There's nothing more fun for a bride who is knee-deep in planning and organizing than going to a shower in her honor. Here are some ideas you can pass along to your shower hosts if they are in need of some creative themes.

Room-to-Room Shower

Each guest is given a room in the house and her gift is to be used in that room. This is a great way to get a variety of gifts.

Around-the-Clock Shower

Each guest is given a time of day and her gift is to be used at that time. For instance, 9:00 am could be a waffle maker, while 10:00 pm might be bed linens or lingerie.

Holiday Shower

Each guest is assigned a holiday and her gift should be used at that holiday. For instance, handmade Christmas stockings for Christmas, Irish linen for St. Patrick's Day or champagne glasses for New Year's.

Recipe Shower

Each guest brings a favorite recipe and the gift should be used to make that recipe. For instance, a favorite lasagna recipe might accompany a lasagna pan or pasta maker.

Wine Shower

For the couple that loves wine, here is a great way to build their wine collection. This works well as a couples shower. Each couple brings their favorite bottle of wine and everyone chips in for a wine rack and glasses!

Outdoor/Garage Shower

The idea behind this shower is to "get the men involved" in choosing gifts that the groom can appreciate as well. This also makes a great couples shower. Gift ideas include: yard tools, snow blowers, patio furniture and grilling equipment.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 4

2008-12-30T16:20:00.002+07:00

OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Prior to sending out invitations, consult with family and local hotels on accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

Some things to consider:

How many out-of-towners do you expect and will any of them be staying with family?
Negotiate a good rate and reserve blocks of rooms at a few hotels with varied price ranges. Inquire about other services, such as swimming pools and breakfasts.
If your wedding reception is at a hotel, they may be able to offer you adiscounted rate for your guests.
Include hotel options in the invitations for your out-of-town guests.
You can also include information on air fares, car rentals and hotel shuttles.
You should pay careful attention to any out-of-towners who are in your wedding party. Make sure they are able to get to where they need to be when they need to be there.
Assign a family member the responsibility of overseeing the needs of out-of-town guests.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 5

2008-12-30T16:19:00.005+07:00

CHOOSING WEDDING FAVORS

On an occasion as special as your wedding, it's nice to give your guests a little something to remember the moment. One traditional choice is a gift of colorful candies, such as Jordan almonds or pillow mints, nestled in a pretty container. It's a gift that symbolizes the sweetness the newlyweds have found.

Other favors help guests participate in the wedding. At one time, rice was the choice for greeting the newlyweds as they left the ceremony as man and wife. Today, more environmentally-sound ideas prevail-showering the couple with wedding bubbles or releasing groups of butterflies. At the reception, put a tiny celebration bell by each place setting-guests will love to ring them throughout the event to get the couple to share a kiss. It's also a nice touch to give every guest a small frame to commemorate the wedding. The frame can help direct guests to their seats by showing their name and, after the wedding, it can display a photo from the event.

Wilton has many favor containers and decorations to match your wedding colors and theme.

SELECTING WEDDING DECORATIONS

Choose accents for the ceremony and reception that reflect your wedding look or that have special meaning for you. Many couples include religious items in the ceremony which have been handed down from relatives-bibles, prayer shawls, etc. This is a great way to pay tribute to your family and keep them alive in your memory. Wilton unity candles are often used at the altar as part of the ceremony; many candles and holders feature popular wedding themes which can be carried throughout the day--flowers, hearts and Irish claddaghs to name a few. You'll also need a bouquet to carry (silk flowers work well), a ring bearer pillow, guest book and pen. Wilton has many accessories to make your wedding day special.

The Wilton wedding cake ornament will be one of your most prominent decorations. Work with your cake decorator to select an ornament which will complement the cake you've chosen. There are many themes and styles to choose from-some feature posed couples, many display lovebirds, hearts, flowers, and other wedding symbols.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 6

2008-12-30T16:19:00.003+07:00

INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY

Local printers will have a number of sample books for you to look through. Once again, be sure to choose a paper stock, ink color and type style that ties in with your overall wedding theme. You will also have many options regarding the wording. Check an etiquette book for proper phrasing.

Ask to see a proof before printing and check it over and over. Don't forget about additional thank-you cards, announcements or table cards if you want them to match your invitation.

Order extra outer envelopes and make sure a return address is printed on them. Envelopes should be addressed neatly in ink that won't smear. A professional calligrapher can save you from a long and tedious task and can free you up to take care of other wedding plans. The wedding invitation "kit" should include: the invitation, reception card, reply card with stamped return envelope, directions to church and reception, outer envelope and postage.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 7

2008-12-30T16:18:00.003+07:00

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Choose a color that reflects your theme and complements your dress. Get input from your bridesmaids-especially if they will be paying for their own dresses. (Remember, as the bride, you have ultimate veto power).

Consider the figures and skin color of your bridesmaids and try to choose a style that is flattering to everyone. Many brides are offering their bridesmaids several styles in the same fabric and color so they can choose a style that suits them best.

Shop around to get the best deal and don't forget the evening wear departments of fine clothing stores as an alternative to bridal shops-especially if you have a smaller wedding party. You're more likely to find a sale price at these stores.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 8

2008-12-30T16:17:00.001+07:00

PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY AND MAKING IT SPECIAL

Religious backgrounds of both bride and groom will dictate a lot when planning a ceremony. If you and your groom are from different religious backgrounds you may want to incorporate elements of both religions into your ceremony. After all, a marriage is the joining of two people and their backgrounds, customs and families. Be open with family members when it comes to planning the ceremony and anything sentimental. Encourage discussions whenever possible.

Your wedding program is a great way to personalize your ceremony. Here are some suggestions for planning a ceremony that's straight from the heart:

Choose music and biblical readings or verses that have particular meaning to you and your fiancé, or to the family.
Share unique family stories about yourselves with your priest, rabbi, or minister.
Invite special friends or loved ones to participate as lectors, ushers ormusicians.
Write your own vows.
Explain in the program, your relationship to each member of your wedding party. This allows all of your guests to know your wedding party a little bit better.
Remember deceased relatives in the ceremony or with a special note or poem.
Write a special thank-you to your guests and family members for bringing you together and for sharing in your joy.
Family heirlooms such as wedding gowns, jewelry or linens are a wonderful way to make your wedding one to cherish.

SELECTING YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Wedding cake designs, like wedding dresses, come in varied styles-contemporary, Victorian, floral-inspired and traditional. Choosing the cake design perfect for your wedding is not difficult. The Wilton collection of bridal cake books is a wonderful source of ideas and designs to help you select the cake of your dreams. Each includes decorating directions to provide to your baker.

You can also get inspiration from bridal magazines and wedding publications. Looking through wedding books will help you focus on the design you want, matched to your theme and color.

Wedding cakes are available through many sources-the caterer for your reception, your favorite bakery, a professional decorator. Shop around! Pick a reputable source and trust them to provide you with ideas and examples of cakes to choose from; or take a more personalized approach and provide your own cake design. Supply such basic information as the size cake you will need (number of servings) and reception site and time. Ask about price, especially if you are providing the design, and if a deposit is required. Inquire if different flavors and fillings are available.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 9

2008-12-30T16:16:00.001+07:00

TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR REGISTRY

Just like your wedding, your home should reflect a certain style that both you and your new groom have decided upon. Help each other visualize how each room should look. Make suggestions and exchange ideas. Be sure to get the input of your fiancé. Some men have a hands-off approach to registering-and prefer it that way, while others want to be actively involved.

Designate one weekend to look at as many different styles of china, furniture and glassware as possible. Try to see as much as you can. Once you like what you see overall, you can choose the stores that will carry your registry. Be sure to inquire about shipping and exchange policies. For your guests' convenience, try to have at least one store that is easily accessible to most people-especially those out of state.

Choose items that are functional and well-made. After all, this is the only time in your life that you get to do this. You want your gifts to last. Be cautious of trends.

If you need the basics, such as pots and pans, towels and dinnerware, don't get too carried away with registering for accessories such as picture frames and nut dishes. Register for the things you need first. Also, register for a variety of things that have different price tags. This gives your guests a little more flexibility in choosing a gift that fits their budget.

China can be particularly expensive, so beware. If you choose a high-end pattern, understand that many guests can only spend a reasonable amount and won't feel comfortable giving you a teacup or one dinner plate as a wedding gift, despite the value.

Stay organized and check off gifts on your list as you get them. As you begin receiving gifts, be sure to record them in your guest card file and send thank-you notes appropriately. Make sure the store's registry is accurate and inform them of anything that needs to be changed or corrected. Remember, don't count on all your gifts to come from your registry. You will be surprised what you get, so keep a sense of humor.

THE DRESS SEARCH

If you're looking for a traditional style gown, there are more than you can imagine at the many bridal shops around town. If you desire something a little more unusual or casual, don't overlook the evening wear departments of fine clothing stores. Some brides are even lucky at vintage clothiers or antique shops.

Choose a dress style that reflects your overall wedding theme and one that you feel comfortable wearing. Most brides say they know right away when they've found the dress that's right. Don't get frustrated if the search is a long one. You are bound to find the dress that's for you.

A good rule to remember is: you should always wear the dress-don't let the dress wear you. When it comes to detailing-lace, ribbons, pearls and bows-more is not always better. Don't let yourself be overpowered by your dress. The same rule applies to headpieces.

Choose a waistline and neckline that accent your best feature-hips, waist, bust or shoulders. Similarly, your dress should downplay your most unflattering features. If you are lucky enough to fit into a sample size-usually Size 10 or smaller-you may find a great buy off the rack.

Some dress manufacturers can offer additional services to help you find the dress you want. For instance, if you are having a winter wedding and love a particular dress that only comes in short sleeves, see if the manufacturer can add sleeves for an extra cost. They will also add extra length for tall brides.

Don't squeeze into a dress that doesn't fit-it will show. Have a professional tailor do the necessary alterations, with the final changes made as close to your wedding day as possible. Remember, you will be moving around a lot on your wedding day. Kneeling, bending and dancing will make comfort a priority, so don't choose a style that's too restricting or revealing when you move.

Don't forget about your budget. If money gets tight, consider a bridal resale shop or consult a seamstress to have your dress made.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 10

2008-12-30T16:15:00.001+07:00

CHOOSE THE LOCATION & SET THE DATE

Try to limit your ideas of ceremony and reception locations to a manageable number and then start visiting them. Ask about rates, availability and services included. Remember to get everything in writing pertaining to money, i.e., deposits, etc.

Keep notes on the number of guests each facility can accommodate and any restrictions they have.

Visit churches/synagogues and find out about their wedding policies, spiritual preparation requirements (i.e. pre-cana classes), ceremony options, fees, restrictions and availability.

You can choose your date based on the information you have gathered at each location. Once you have carefully reviewed your options for both the ceremony and reception, choose what fits your style and budget best and set the date. Make sure your date is appropriate for your honeymoon plans and work schedules.

CONSIDER THE OFF SEASON

Many reception halls have peak seasons and are willing to discount your fees if you choose a less hectic month or a Sunday reception instead of a Saturday night. Also, if you are planning a hotel wedding, consider going outside of the "big city" and investigate your options at local airport or suburban hotels. You may find you get more for your money.

Once you have chosen your date, you can start booking other services-photographer, florist, limousine, etc.

CHOOSING YOUR CATERER

If your wedding reception is at a hotel or banquet facility, the you will most likely not need a caterer. You will rely on their staff to provide the services you need. If you do require outside catering services, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Be aware of your budget at all times-and stick to it!
Know the approximate number of guests when you talk to caterers.
Know your style and hire some one who will work hard to achieve it.
Don't be afraid to challenge a caterer's ideas if they contradict yours.
Review as many menu options as possible that stay within your budget and reflect your theme.
Get recommendations from friends and recent brides. Also, check the caterer's references.
Sample the caterer's food and visit an upcoming event.
Ask questions-especially regarding the services included and details in the contract. Review the contract over and over again.
Be involved in the choices to the degree that you want. Communicate your expectations and involvement up front.
How flexible is your caterer? Can he/she trim costs if necessary? How good are they at "crisis management"?
Shop around and get quotes.
Make sure your personalities click.You will be spending a lot of time together, perhaps for many months.
Always remember… this is your day,so get what you want.

TRANSPORTATION

You will need transportation services for the following:

From home to the ceremony for bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen.

From the ceremony to the reception for bride and groom and wedding party.

From the reception to the wedding night hotel for the bride and groom.

IDEAS FOR TRANSPORTATION

Rented limousines or luxury cars.
Horse and carriage.
Vintage cars.
Trolley or streetcar.
Ferry.
Friends or family.

MUSIC

How can you find a good quality band or disk jockey? One good way is to ask friends for recommendations-someone you know has probably attended a wedding lately. You can also contact your local musicians' union. They can put you in touch with artists who will meet your needs. If possible, try to arrange to hear performers in advance-it's the best way to be sure of hiring musicians who play the style and repertoire you want.

Ceremony Ideas:

Vocalist, harpist, guitarist, adult/children's choir, trumpet, flute, piano, organ.

Reception Ideas:

Harpist, violinist, piano, flute, band/orchestra, disc jockey.

You may want to have one form of music during cocktail hour and another for after-dinner dancing.

PHOTOGRAPHER

When your wedding day is over, all you will have left are your memories and the photographs to keep for years to come. So make sure you have the best photographer you can afford.

Start by looking at albums of family and friends and ask around for references. Look for ads in local bridal magazines.

Before you select your photographer, do your homework and know what you want. The options are limitless:

Black & white or color, or both?
Posed shots vs. candids?
Portraits in studio or at wedding?
How many family and guest shots?
What do you want your album to look like?
Inside or outside shots?

Make sure your photographer is easy to work with and has a clear understanding of what you want. Find out all costs, including shooting time, proofs, packages, prints, retouching and specials.

Provide your photographer in advance with a "shot list". This will serve as a schedule for him to plan his day and will help ensure he gets all your requests on film.

In addition to your professional photographer, you can also ask friends to bring cameras. Sometimes the best shots are those taken by an amateur.

Another fun idea that is gaining popularity is having disposable cameras at each guest table. Your guests can have fun throughout your reception capturing the moments that your photographer can't.

YOUR WEDDING VIDEO

The beauty of video is that you can preserve your wedding-exactly as it happened-for years to come. It also allows you to see your wedding from a different perspective when you return from your honeymoon. You'll be surprised how much of your wedding was a blur until you see your video.

As with the photographer, be sure to see sample tapes and get references. Shop around and get costs up front for shooting time, editing and duplication.

Know the type of wedding video you want. You may prefer an entire "production", featuring childhood clips and special effects. Or you may just want simple highlights from the ceremony and reception. Be aware that the prices will vary widely for each of these. Your videographer should know exactly what your expectations are.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 11

2008-12-30T16:14:00.001+07:00

DEVELOPING THE BUDGET

Know What You Can Afford

Begin your planning with a realistic approach towards the budget. Have an idea of the style you want to create on your wedding day and trust that there are many ways to get it-and not all of them have to drain your bank account.

Download the Budget Worksheet.

Who Pays For What?

Traditionally, the mother and father of the bride assume financial responsibility for everything except flowers and liquor, which are paid for by the groom's parents.

Today, however, when it comes to funding a wedding-anything goes! Possible arrangements include:

Splitting the costs equally between families.
You and your fiancé may wish to pay for the wedding yourselves, especially if you have established careers and a good income.
Have your parents and your fiancé's parents pay for any guests they invite.
Parents may simply have a dollar amount they wish to contribute to your "wedding fund".
List wedding costs and allow parents to pick and choose the expenses they can cover comfortably.

CONTROLLING YOUR COSTS

Flexibility is the Key

There are many options for each element of your wedding-a little creative thinking can help you keep wedding costs in line. Here are some things to remember:

Food Budget

In most cases, food will be the most costly portion of your wedding. The good news-your menu also offers you the greatest flexibility for trimming the budget.

Not all weddings require full dinners with an open bar. Depending on the time of day, a brunch or luncheon that offers lighter fare can be truly delightful-not to mention more affordable.

Choose the elements of your menu very carefully, and consider less expensive substitutions for hors d'oeuvres and entrees if cost is an issue. Cocktail receptions and open houses are also very popular and aren't nearly as costly as a full dinner.

Liquor

To control costs, be conservative in the length of your open bar period, or limit your options to champagne or beer and wine only. Most people will have a wonderful time even with limited liquor choices. It may even help avoid problems from that one guest who always overindulges at the open bar.

Champagne punches, mulled wines or sangria are festive liquor options that can really stretch the budget, so keep them in mind.

You may want to ask about buying your own liquor instead of relying on your caterer to purchase it for you. You can stock up when the prices are good at discount liquor stores. Although this may not be an option at hotels, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Limit the Guest List

Here's a great alternative if you have your heart set on a full dinner with all the trimmings: review your guest list again and again and cut wherever possible. It may be worth it to you to have a smaller group instead of sacrificing the lavish dinner, or vice versa.

Get it in Writing

Wherever you decide to have your reception, you will want to get all your costs in writing to avoid any surprises. Be prepared to spend time reviewing your contract in detail and be sure to ask questions. You should know exactly what's included and what's not.

You will also want to shop around for the best package, and let your prospects know you are doing so. This will prompt them to be up front and they are more likely to offer you a competitive bid.

CHOOSING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Since every couple has their own special style, it only makes sense that their wedding should reflect who they are. This personal style is what makes a wedding special and should be carried out consistently in all aspects of the celebration.

Here are a few things to consider that will help create your overall wedding style. Once you have developed this style in your own mind, you can build your wedding around it and start creating a day that is one-of-a-kind.

Do you have a preference for a certain era? (i.e., contemporary, vintage 20's, Victorian, Renaissance, etc.)
Do you prefer certain colors, fabrics or flowers?
Do you have a certain dress style or length in mind?
Time of Year-Spring and Summer can offer you more casual flexibility, even outdoors, while Fall and Winter are perfect seasons for formal candlelight receptions.
Time of Day-Morning and afternoon weddings are typically followed by brunch or luncheon receptions, while late afternoon or evening weddings precede cocktail or dinner receptions.
Ethnic Customs-ethnicity and family traditions may play a big role in determining your wedding celebration. This applies to both the ceremony and the reception. Wedding traditions can vary from country to country, region to region, and even from state to state. Be sure to keep family customs-both sides-in mind when planning your day.
Indoor vs. Outdoor-A garden atmosphere with a gazebo or tent will create an entirely different feel than a formal hotel, country inn or banquet hall.

Source : www.wilton.com

Wedding Planner - Month 12

2008-12-30T16:13:00.002+07:00

Congratulations—you’re engaged! Now that you’ve found that special someone to build a future with, the most exciting time of your life is about to begin. Enjoy this moment and take time to remember the feeling.

ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT

You have big news—so pick the right time and place to let everyone know. Family dinners or holiday parties are perfect—everybody’s there to help you celebrate. You’ll have to tell some people over the phone, but try to share this news in person with as many as you can. It's not often we get to celebrate something so exciting! Once you’ve told those closest to you, think about your wedding date, or at least the time of year. Then, submit your announcement with an engagement photo to local papers.

DREAM YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

Most brides have pictured their wedding since they were very young. Now that your wedding is about to happen, let yourself dream again. Think of the perfect setting, see yourself in the dress of your dreams, hear the music, smell the flowers and imagine the cake. Aim for the things that make you happy without worrying about expense or practicality. When you develop your wedding plan, you can choose those parts of the dream most important to you and eliminate those that aren’t essential. In this way, you’ll come closest to the wedding you’ve always imagined.

GETTING ORGANIZED

Consider A Wedding Consultant.
If you don’t have the time to handle a lot of details, a wedding consultant can make wedding planning easy and will provide many creative ideas for you. A wedding consultant is particularly helpful in planning an out-of-town wedding.

CREATE A PLANNER

Keep all your notes, brochures, magazine tear-outs, ideas and contact numbers in one place. You can purchase a formal wedding planner at a bookstore, or a simple three-ring binder will do the trick.

Most importantly, have a system that works for YOU. Start brainstorming with your fiancé, friends and family.

Whatever your situation is, be sure to know how your wedding will be paid for before you begin your planning. It’s a lot easier to cut back in the beginning than later on.

THE GUEST LIST

Start building a complete and accurate guest list. Confirm spelling, zip codes and apartment numbers. Use this list not only for your wedding invitations and thank you notes, but to share with your shower hosts for their invitations. Ideally, a computer file would be the most convenient way of maintaining a database of names. If you don’t have access to a computer, an index card file also works well. Keep your file in alphabetical order with current address information.

You should also note on each card the following:

Which showers should they be invited to?
Have you sent an invitation?
Have they responded Yes or No?
Gift name and date received
Date Thank You sent

Remember that you won’t know exactly how many guests you can invite until you decide on your reception location and know the capacity—but get started early because it’s a big job.

Source : http://www.wilton.com

Best wedding souvenirs for guests

2008-12-27T11:29:00.001+07:00

A wedding is for most couples the happiest day in their life. The wedding party is the moment they will share their happiness with their family, friends, colleagues and some other people. Most couples will pleasure and thank their guests with a nice wedding souvenir which remind them on this beautiful day.

Here are a few suggestions which may help you to select a wedding souvenir for your guests:

* Wine glasses- Wine glasses are popular wedding souvenirs. Maybe you can buy a glass etching kit and engrave your names and wedding date. Every time your guests will drink a glass of wine they will remember your wedding and the happiness of this memorable moment.

* Candles- There is plenty of choice in candles as wedding souvenirs for your guests. You can personalize these candles with a picture of your wedding. Maybe candles with a ribbon can be a good idea. You can put these candles in a box and decorate this with a ribbon and a romantic text which reminds the day of your wedding.

* Disposable camera- Disposable cameras are some original ideas to share your wedding day with your guests. Most guests will take different pictures and no moment of you wedding will be forgotten. You will gather more pictures and it is a surplus which you can add with these taken by a professional photographer. Your guests will be happy with this souvenir and you can almost be sure that someone has taken a picture of every little wonderful moment of your wedding. Every picture is a as well a memory for you as for your guests.

* Ceramic figure- Ceramic figures are wonderful souvenirs to give your guests. A wedding bell or a vase with the name of the bride/groom on a ribbon attached will remind your guests this unforgettable day of your life and it is a nice surprise to decorate their room. Ceramic figures are timeless souvenirs and everyone will appreciate such gifts.

* Candy- Most everyone loves candy and you can't go wrong with buying candies to pleasure your guests. You can buy a box with different kinds of sweets but maybe chocolate will be the best choice for your guests. Chocolate is one of the most popular candies and there is plenty of choice to make variation in a candy box for your guests. It is preferable to compose a box with different kinds of chocolate, for example milk, dark, praline or some others and there are also different brands available.

It is preferable to make your candy wedding souvenir romantic; this can easy be done by composing a chocolate box with a variety of chocolate in the shape of a heart, roses, swans, birds or any romantic item. You can best place them in a special wrapper and the bride and groom's name on it.

It is important to consider a few factors before you take the final decision of the wedding surprise for your guests. It is necessary you pay attention which souvenir you will buy because you want that your guests will remind your wedding more fondly than some other ones. It is not a matter of spending much money but finding something which can be useful for your guests and will remember them always on your wedding. Creativity and inspiration is the key to find the perfect wedding surprise for your guests.

Wedding Souvenirs for Invited Guests

2008-12-27T10:59:00.003+07:00

When you’re planning a wedding, you are making memories that will last a lifetime for you and your spouse-to-be as well as your friends and families. To make the event even more memorable, many couples choose wedding souvenirs for the wedding party and invited guests to serve as a reminder of the special day. For some, wedding souvenirs are for the members of the wedding party, for others they are for the guests, and sometimes they are for both. No matter who you are buying Wedding Souvenirs for, use this helpful guide to find the right one.

When choosing a gift or keepsake for people you have invited to attend your wedding, you can stick the tried and true or you can take a creative approach. Either way, you can offer guests an inexpensive keepsake that they will enjoy.

Among the most popular wedding souvenirs are boxes of chocolates, tins of mints or sweets, pens, coasters and picture frames. Candles, soaps and scented cachets are popular wedding souvenirs as well.

These items – and many others -- can be customized with your wedding information to make them personalized for your event. You can even order custom refrigerator magnets to commemorate your wedding, choosing artwork from formal to funky to suit the event.

For outdoor weddings in warm weather, wood or paper fans imprinted with your wedding information make a fun and functional souvenir for your guests.

Souvenirs that follow a wedding theme are growing in popularity as well. Beach weddings can be commemorated with beach chair placeholders, sea shells or miniature sailboats, for example. Asian themes include custom chopsticks, hand-painted parasols and even fortune cookies. A Maryland wedding may feature a custom crab hammer, and wedding guests in Seattle may receive a customized bag of coffee.

Compact discs or cassette tapes of the music played at the wedding reception packaged in a custom-printed sleeve can be entertaining gifts. Bottles of wine can even be laser etched with the happy couple’s names and the wedding date.

Source : http://www.weddingsouvenirs.com

Sex Before Married

2008-12-27T10:52:00.003+07:00

Destination Weddings...

2008-12-26T16:55:00.001+07:00

One of the most watched trends in weddings today is that of the "destination wedding". Today, destination weddings account for a whopping 10% of all weddings occuring among American or Canadian couples. This is pretty significant because just 10 years ago, the term 'destination wedding' was virtually unheard of. And there's no reason to expect a cooling down of this trend any time soon, in fact, it's just gaining speed.

The Destination Wedding: What is It?Perhaps you've heard some buzz about destination weddings recently, but you're still not clear on the concept. Destination Wedding essentially means "eloping with a crowd". It's a modern version of eloping. When a couple eloped in the past, they ran off alone together. Now they may still run off to get married, but they take their closest family members and friends with them to share in the celebration.

Destination weddings are sometimes also referred to as "Honeymoon Weddings" because they combine a wedding and honeymoon all in one. "Familymoon" is another term we are starting to hear used interchangeably with the destination wedding because it is, in essence, a honeymoon that the whole family (and often close friends) goes along on.

Find Destination Wedding Accessories in the SuperWeddings Store

Why is it Hot?

It's hot because it appeals both to those who want to run away and get married somewhere exotic, as well as to couples who want to share a really memorable wedding experience with the people closest to them. Couples are grabbing hold of this idea because, instead of having just one day to celebrate their nuptials with their favorite people, they have several days of quality time together. Compare this with the traditional wedding, where often times the day speeds by in a whirlwind and the couple has only fleeting moments to spend with individual guests and you start to see the appeal of the destination wedding.

Another reason for the destination wedding trend is that re-marriages now account for 50% of marriages in the US and Canada. While a conventional or traditional wedding is perfectly acceptable for a remarriage today if that's what the couple wants, some couples just aren't comfortable with a lot of hoopla when its not their first trip to the altar. Some prefer something a little more low key or quiet, with just the people closest to them in attendance. The destination wedding is perfect for this.

The internet is also a huge faciliator where destination weddings are concerned. The internet makes the world a much smaller place. Through online research you can explore geographic locations, tour resorts and hotels, read menus, look at cakes, and view examples of a photographer's work or a hairstylist's updos. Planning a wedding from afar is no longer the scary and risky proposition it once was. You can make contact with resorts and vendors, including wedding coordinators, in the destination of choice via email, and have information, price lists, and contracts sent back to you in a matter of moments. Its also much more affordable to enter into diagloue with service providers via email than it would be if you were racking up long distance bills along the way.

How Many Guests?

Curious about the number of guests typically attending these destination events? You may be surpised to hear that it is approaching 50. That's significant, because just 4 or 5 years ago the typcial destination wedding had a guest list of just 10 - 20 people.

You can invite as many or as few people as you want to your destination wedding. Just keep one thing in mind: There are likely to be people on your guest list who will be unable to attend due to the expense involved or the logistics of arranging a jaunt away from home. People have limited vacation time, they may need significant lead time to book their vacations, or they may not be able to arrange to be away from home on the dates you've selected for a wide variety of other reasons. Also keep in mind that your idea of the dream destination may not match theirs, so if you are expecting them to pay their own way, they many not be willing to invest their limited vacation budget into the vacation of your choice. And that's perfectly valid and entirely understandable, so don't hold it against them or take offence.

Before you get too far down the road in planning your destination wedding, ask yourself if you are still going to be happy if some of the people on your guest list are unable to attend. What is none of them decided to come - would you still be happy if it was just you and your sweetie celebrating your marriage alone together in that exotic locale? Be prepared for these possibilities before proceeding.

Research Required

Before you get your heart set on any specific destination wedding plan, its super-important to do your research and determine whether what you have in mind is feasible. Not only do you need to investigate costs, but you will also need to carefully determine what the requirements and regulations are in regard to saying your "I dos" in the destination of your choice. Some countries only allow citizens to marry on their soil, others may have a residency requirement whereby you have to live in the country for 30 days, 6 months, or a year before you are eligible to marry there.

You'll also be required to provide various forms of documentation in order to marry in another country, and you need to know what specific documentation is required for the country in question. In some cases, the law of the land requires that you also have the documents translated at your own expense, in advance, into the official language of the country in question. These are merely examples of the types of red tape and hoops you may be required to jump through, so careful investigation is paramount.

Another important part of doing your research has to do with determining whether there are any travel advisories or weather concerns for the area you'd like to be wed in. Use the same percautions you would when planning any other vacation. Check weather conditions for the time of year (avoid planning your wedding in the middle of hurricane season, for example), check with US Department of State to ensure that there are no travel advisories for the area in question due to polital upheaval, cival war, or terrorism.

Flexibility a MUST

Its also really important that you be fexible when planning a destination wedding. You may have ideas in your head about what you would like your wedding to look like that simply aren't compatible with the destination you have chosen. For example, maybe you've been dreaming of a gown with layer upon layer of crunchy taffeta since you were a little girl, but if you wear that at an ocean side wedding in the tropics, you'll pass out from the humidity and heat exhaustion before you make it half way down the aisle. You've heard the expression "When in Rome do as the Romans do"? No where is that more applocable than in the destination wedding scenario. Tailor the details of your wedding to the destination. Follow the recommendations and suggestions of the local pros - they know what's doable and appropriate in their local area. No point in swimming against the tide.

Control Freaks Beware

Some brides (or couples) like to persoanlly oversee each and every little detail of their wedding plans, and have personal involvement at every juncture. If this is you, think carefully before proceeding with a destination wedding. Unless you plan to make one or more trips to the destination before the wedding for planning purposes, which can get quite costly, you are likely going to need to put a lot of the details in the hands of someone else - proabably a resort event coordinator, wedding planner, or travel agent who specialized in destination weddings (or a combination of the above). The logistics simply don't allow for you to have close control. Make sure you are cool with that or you may be in for more stress than you bargained for.

Who Pays for Guests Accommodations and Travel?

This is the big question that everyone is asking. There is no rule of etiquette that requires the couple to pay for guests travel and accommodation expenses, however, it is certainly hospitable of you, and a real treat for your guests, if you can cover some of all of their costs. Some couples do this, others do not. If possible, you might consider covering a portion of your guests expenses, say, just their airfare or just their accomodations.

Obviously, if you are picking up some or all of the tab, you'll increase the likelihood that guests will be able and willing to attend.

Paying for Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Expenses

The couple is, however, responsible for covering the accommodation expenses of their bridal attendants, in otherwords, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and honor attendants. This rule of etiquette applies for all weddings, not just destination events, any time an attendant will have to travel to participate as a member of the wedding party. If your budget is tight, keep this in mind before selecting your attendants and perhaps limit yourself to just one honor attendant on each side.

Easy on the Expenses

Whether you have decided to foot the bill, or at least part of it, for your guests, or whether they'll have to pay their own way, try to reduce the costs as much as possible by looking into group rates on airfare and hotel rooms. American Airlines has a program whereby they will provide a group discount if 10 or more people are flying to attend the same event. It doesn't matter if the cities of origin are not the same, as long as everyone is headed for the same destiantion. Other airlines may be willing to discount tickets when a group is travelling as well, so try to negotiate the best rates possible for you and your guests. (It's possible to do this yourself, but a good travel agent or wedding cooordinator will be skilled at getting the best rates for you).

Similarly, hotels or resorts will often discount room rates when you are booking multiple rooms at a time. Have the resort reserve a block of rooms for your party. When guests call in to make their reservation, they simply mention that they are part of your party, and they will qualify for the group rate. Make sure you tell the hotel or resort to keep all the rooms on the same floor - that way guests can be cozy and can interact with one another.

If you have chosen a particularly posh hotel or resort, you might also want to source out alternate accommodations that are close by but a little easier on the wallet so guests can have budget alternatives. Make guests aware of all of their accommodation options so that they can select that which best fits their budget.

Get Professional Help

If this is all sounding complex, overwhelming, and time consuming, truth be told, it can be. Some couples think that running away to get married will simplifyy their wedding plans, but depending on the destination you are running to, and the type of event you are planning, it may just introduce a different set of complexities.

To ensure that all goes smootly when planning your destination event, its best to work with a travel agent or a professional wedding coordinator.

If using a travel agent, try to find one that specializes in destination weddings if possible, as they'll have experience in not simply arranging your air travel and accommodations, but also some of the other details and logistics. For instance, they'll know which resorts specialize in catering to destination weddings and which ones offer free wedding packages and the like.

If you are going to use a wedding planner, you can either select one based in your own home town, or find one who is located in your destination. In either case, once again, its best to look for someone who specializes in destination weddings. This is particularly true if the consultant is your own area and will be coordinating this event from afar. To find a wedding consultant who can assist, you can request a referral to a SuperWeddings Certified Wedding Consultant through The International Institute of Weddings. This will ensure that you are dealing with a qualified, serious professional with solid credentials.

Start Early

The key to success in planning a destination wedding is to start as early as possible. As mentioned before, you'll need time to do your research about what will be required to get married in the destination of your choice. You'll also need time to talk with the people you intend to invite to get a rough idea of what dates would work for them.

Once a firm date has been set, you need to get busy making decisions early on in the process. All the details, from the biggest the smallest, need to be considered and decided upon. This way you won't end up scrambling to make important decisions under the gun because time has run out -- that is the best way to make the worst decision.

Find Destination Wedding Accessories in the SuperWeddings Store

A Whole New Industry

The popularity of destination weddings has grown so rapidly that its given rise to a whole new industry in an of itself. Today entrepreneurs and exisiting companies are spotting the enormous opportunity in this hot trend and are finding ways to cash in on it. More and more resorts are now specifically catering to the destination wedding crowd. Airlines and hotel chains are developing special programs specifically for the destination wedding market. Cruiselines are getting in on the action, as is one of the most successful companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company. With its destination wedding packages, Disney World has become the second most popular destination in the US for destination weddings (following Las Vegas). Even some entire cities, towns, and countries are discovering that they can profit substantially by making destination weddings their focus. The Carribbean islands, for instance, have in the last number of years further eased their requirements for non-residents to marry on their soil, in order to incourage the influx of destination wedding couples. Some cities and towns in the US and abroad are now putting effort and investment into marketing themselves as wedding destinations because they realize the powerful potential it will have on their ecomonies. The websites of more and more Chambers of Commerce or Visitors and Tourists Bureaus are heavily focusing on the destination wedding aspect of their cities as a means of attracting more tourism.

Make this Table Centerpiece!

2008-12-26T16:36:00.004+07:00

Pretty in Pink! This centerpiece would be very appropriate for a spring or summer wedding, with its rose petals and soft color. You can easily create a centerpiece like this using fresh rose petals, but we'll let you in on a little secret - the ones used here are faux! Made out of acetate, a silk-like material, who would know they aren't the real thing?

Creating this Wedding Centerpiece is Easy! Here's How:

1. Start by selecting an attractive clear glass container for the centerpiece. Here, an elevated bowel on a glass pedestal was used, but feel free to use a more standard style of bowl for equally lovely effects.

2. Fill the container with fresh water.

3. Select your floating candles. For our centerpiece, square floaters from Candles Just Online , were chosen because the atypical sqaure shape adds terrific visual interest to the overall design. You can mimic this look entirely if you use sqaure floaters in your design, or you could select another style of floating candle to create your own look. We recommend Candles Just Online for a great selection of styles of floating candles.

4. Place the floating candles in the water. To mimic the look in the photo, crowd the candles in the container - for this particular container, four candles was about all it could hold, and we crammed them in! If you prefer a different look, use fewer candles.

5. Now its time to add the Pièce de Résistance - the rose petals, also available from Candles Just Online . It's the rose petals that really cap off the look in this particular centerpiece design and give it that super-romantic, super-soft visual effect. Just place the petals on water and around the candles, and be sure to also sprinkle them on the table, around the centerpiece to finish that wonderful setting!

Make the Pedestal Bowl (Optional)

The exact bowl shown in the photo is not available for purchase anywhere that we know of, but any type of clear glass bowl can be used for your centerpiece - it does not have to be a raised bowl - so simply substitute a different style of bowl to create a look that is all your own and truly unique.

However, you can create a bowl that looks very similar to this for yourself by gluing the bottom of a clear glass bowl to an overturned drinking glass (clear). Use a hot glue gun, or ask your local craft store for a clear adhesive suitable for gluing glass.

Source : http://www.superweddings.com

Unique Wedding Ideas...

2008-12-26T16:36:00.002+07:00

Unique Wedding Idea: Looking for a unique alternative to "clinking glasses" at your wedding reception? Announce to your guests that in order for you to kiss, they must stand up and tell a story, or share a memory, about either you or your fiance, or about you as a couple. Then get ready to reminisce, to laugh, and to brush away tears. Your guests will be kept entertained and you'll have so many more special memories of your big day to look back upon.

Unique Wedding Idea: Assign someone to snap pictures of guests as they arrive at the reception using an instant camera. After the wedding, sign each photo, add your wedding date, and include a short word of thanks to each guest for having attended. Mail the photos to the guests along with your thank-you cards as an extra special memento.

Unique Wedding Idea: Many brides or grooms struggle with the dilema of what to get for the love of their life as a wedding gift. On this most important of all occasions, it has to be something extra special... and very romantic, but somehow the ideas just don't seem to flow. We found a unique idea that we absolutely love - the perfect solution... For a very small fee you can have a star named after your sweetheart as a wedding gift to them. Yes, an actual star in the sky. Stars have been named after celebrities, dignitaries and other special people for years. Bet you didn't know that you can do this for the person you love as a unique and utterly unforgettable gift. When you name a star for someone you love you also receive a parchment certificate, available framed or unframed, with the name of the person you are naming a star after, the dedication date, and telescopic coordinates of the star. You'll be sent a booklet with charts of the constellations plus a larger, more detailed chart with the star you've named encircled in red so future generations may identify the star name in the directory and, using a telescope, locate the actual star in the sky! It really is the gift of a lifetime. What could be more perfect for the person who is the star in the story of your life? It's an excellent idea as an anniversary gift for special people in your life as well. Get more info.

Unique Wedding Idea: Every bride is looking for unqiue ideas and special ways to make her wedding more meaningful. Here is a wonderful and very touching idea to honor the two mothers at the wedding ceremony. But be certain to have lots of hankies on hand because this is guaranteed to tear up the eyes of everyone present...

Ask your floral designer to design two detachable floral sprays into your bouquet. After your father walks you down the aisle, just before he turns to leave you and take his seat, remove one of the special flowers from your bouquet. Hand it to him and give him a kiss. Let him know in advance that this will take place and tell him that as he takes his seat in the pew with your mother, he is to present the flower to her on your behalf.

Then at the conclusion of the ceremony, as you begin to make your way back up the aisle as husband and wife, stop at the pew where your mother-in-law is seated. Remove the second special flower from your bouquet and present it to her, along with a kiss, before continuing up the aisle.

Don't tell the moms in advance that this will be taking place! It is the element of surprise which helps to make this so very sweet and special. There will not be a dry eye in the room...

Unique Wedding Idea: Here's a fabulous and wonderfully unique wedding favor idea! Searching for something a little more interesting than tulle-wrapped candy or useless little do-dads? Make it really special. Give your guests an elegant, but extraordinary gift they can grow. We found beautiful cards of handmade paper which have flower seeds embedded right into the paper. Your guests can literally plant a memory of your wedding. Here's how: Purchase a card for every guest, and include a handwritten note in each, thanking them for sharing your special day. This in itself is a very warm and personal way to show your appreciation to your guests for attending - but this little favor is a gift that keeps on giving! After the wedding, your guests will be able to plant the paper and watch it grow into real, living - and very lovely flowers. They simply "plant" the entire card into the earth, and soon it will begin to grow. Each card comes with planting instructions. The flowers it produces will be yet a second very special gift to them, from you, which will help them to remember your wedding. You will be in their thoughts often as they enjoy the prettiness of the flowers growing in their garden. Rest assured that they will tell every passing neighbour, and every visitor who stops to admire their garden, the story of how they grew flowers from the amazing little card of thanks given to them by you, on your wedding day. A very special remembrance of a very special day and couple. These handmade seed cards can also be used for extra-special wedding invitations, bridal shower invites, or thank-you cards. Take a closer look at these ideas!

Unique Wedding Idea: Did you know that if you are Catholic, you can have your marriage blessed by the Pope himself? You need simply send one of your wedding invitations to the Vatican for a blessing, along with a donation. You will then be sent a papal blessing which can be framed and treasured for a life time for it's deep and special meaning. Ask your priest to provide you with information on precisely where and whom to address the invitation.

Unique Wedding Idea: Incorporate a piece of history and age old tradition into your wedding bouquet. Orange blossoms are one of the most highly traditional flowers which can be included in the bridal bouquet. Brides have being carrying this particular flower on their wedding day for centuries. In fact, it is perhaps the very first flower ever to be carried in a wedding bouquet, and one very rich in meaning and symbolism. What makes it so special? The orange tree was thought to be very significant because it is the only plant that bears both the flower and the fruit at the same time, a trait which symbolizes abundance. It was believed that by carrying blossoms from the orange tree in the wedding bouquet, the blessing of an abundance of all things beautiful and nurturing would be passed along to the new marriage. You can incorporate this special meaning into your own bouquet by having your florist include a few orange blossoms among the blooms you will carry on your wedding day, just as brides throughout the centuries have done.

Unique Wedding Idea: Here is a wonderful idea for a beautiful and creative alternative to the standard guest book: Purchase a silver serving tray to be placed on a table by the door at your reception. As guests arrive, have them 'sign' the tray using an engraving pen or engraving tool. These engraving products can be purchased at most hardware stores, usually for about $15 - $24. (Check the hardware department of your local Wal-Mart). In the end, you'll have a precious and beautiful keepsake serving tray, covered in the signatures of your wedding guests. Display it in your china cabinet and pull it out for use on those extra special occasions.

Source : http://www.superweddings.com

What is Honeymoon Registry?

2008-12-26T16:33:00.001+07:00

More couples today are getting married after they have lived on their own and are established in apartments or homes. They have many of the household items that are traditional wedding gifts, such as pots & pans, toasters and dishes. Thus the nature of bridal registry has been changing. One offspring solution to this problem is honeymoon registry.

Honeymoon Registry Services offer a solution for these couples and their friends and family wishing to buy them meaningful wedding gifts.

After a couples' honeymoon has been planned, the honeymoon registry service can take those plans and put it into a registry list, just like a registry list that you would find at a department store. But instead of the list containing household items, it contains pieces of a couples' honeymoon. Not only do guests have the opportunity to help them pay for airfare and resort accommodations, but they can also buy romantic gifts, such as a candlelit dinner or an exciting afternoon of scuba diving. The items on honeymoon registry lists can include activities or "extras" that the couple would like to do on their honeymoon, the beginning of their new life together. Gifts are broken down into not only airfare and hotel, but also any activity that couples wish to do on their honeymoon. These activities may include items such as breakfast in bed, a champagne welcome, scuba diving, horseback riding, ski lift tickets, casino chips, tickets to shows and much, much more.

Honeymoon registry is just a new way of helping the couple begin their new life together. Dishes, toasters and china may break or get old, but a honeymoon gift will always be a memory of a special time in their lives.

However, all honeymoon registry services are not created equal. Some travel agencies advertise a honeymoon registry service, although all their service may include is allowing your friends and family to mail in checks towards your trip. You do need to make sure to choose the right service that will provide you and your guests with the best possible service.

Following are questions that you can ask to help you determine how your honeymoon registry will be received:

* Does the company provide an itemized registry list or do friends and family simply contributes money? Your friends and family want to feel like they are purchasing something meaningful for you and if they have a list describing what they are purchasing it will make a better gift giving experience for them. To see an example list click here.

* How will your friends and family make purchases? Does the company accept credit cards? Does the company have a toll free 800 number? How will they get the list to your friends and family? The process needs to be as accessible as possible, including for out of town friends and family. Many companies will put your registry list on the Internet, where out-of-town friends and family can access it.

* Will your friends and family receive anything to show for their purchase? Will they receive a gift certificate and a receipt? How will you know who has purchased what?

* Does the company specialize in honeymoon registry? Will the people answering the phone know who you are and help make the purchase as easy as possible for your friends and family?

Source : http://www.superweddings.com

Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake

2008-12-26T16:31:00.003+07:00

Customarily the top tier of the wedding cake was always saved for serving either on the couple’s first anniversary or at the christening of their first child – whichever came first. Started in England the custom survived for centuries and is still occasionally observed today. However, in the past the wedding cake was a brandy-soaked fruit affair that was easily preserved for long periods of time; besides couples had children almost immediately after marriage so keeping the cake was sensible. Today, wedding cakes are made from delicious but hard to preserve flavors and fillings and most couples wait at

least a year before even thinking about having children so saving the top tier of the wedding cake becomes a harder proposition.

If you do want to still keep to tradition then make sure to wrap the cake properly in plastic wrap and tin foil and freeze it as soon as possible after the wedding reception. Most cakes will keep for up to three months in this fashion. You can thaw and eat the cake when you return from your honeymoon, to celebrate a birthday or any other festive occasion. However, if you do want to save the top tier of your wedding cake it means adding to the cake’s already high cost - saving the top tier means that you will have to add a tier in order to feed your guests. With the price of wedding cakes being what they are, following an out-dated tradition may not be worth it.

Whatever you decide, as long as your wedding cake is an impressive dessert that people will admire and remember then you have succeeded in getting the perfect confection for your sweet table.

Source : http://weddingcakecreations.com

The Perfect Way to Display Your Wedding Cake

2008-12-26T16:30:00.001+07:00

After all the effort that you put into choosing the perfect wedding cake and all the time and hard work that the cake designer puts into creating it – the cake should not be left to sit by itself to one side of the hall. This magnificent labor of love should be placed in such a way that all eyes are drawn to it. Naturally is it wise to consult with the reception hall management as to the best place for displaying the wedding cake. As they are accustomed to setting up weddings they will have plenty of great suggestions for maximizing the effect of your wedding cake.

One idea is to have the cake placed near the entrance to the hall where every guest will have to pass it before entering. Another great idea – and one that is commonly used – is to set it up just in front of the head table so that all eyes are on the couple and the cake. Another idea is for it to be placed just to the side of the dance floor – although should you have a careless dancer on the floor, it just might spell disaster. Another idea is to have directly on the head table. Something else that some couples opt for is to have the cake brought out just before the cake cutting ceremony and placed in the middle of the dance floor for all to see.

Whatever you decide just make sure that the table on which the cake rests is subdued and does not detract from the cake itself. A light coloured table cloth and some flowers are more than enough accents to off-set something as grand as a wedding cake.

In the end, once all the pictures have been snapped, the cake sliced and the fun over – everyone will always remember the way you looked and how fabulous your cake was.

Source : http://weddingcakecreations.com

Customizing your Wedding Cake Topper

2008-12-26T16:27:00.001+07:00

Since your wedding cake is supposed to be a reflection of you and your fiancé then

what better way to communicate who you are than by customizing your cake topper? We have all seen the traditional, staid bride-and-groom cake topper, but it is possible to find unique toppers that better reflect your couple.

There are literally hundreds of sites on the internet from which you can order cake toppers that range in style from traditional to contemporary to custom designs. For the couple who loves a gag, it is even possible to find humorous cake toppers such as ones where the bride is seen dragging a kicking and screaming groom to the altar or a couple riding a Harley Davidson.

Those who prefer something with a personal touch can always customize their own cake topper. Many companies specialize in creating personalized cake toppers that incorporate a couple’s picture, a memento from their courtship or some other personal item into the topper. Couples who decide to go this route should plan their topper design well in advance to give the company enough time to design, make and deliver the toppers before the wedding date.

A cake topper can also be an instrument that either member of the couple enjoys playing, a crystal heart or any other finely wrought sculpture that expresses your love and your happiness at finally walking down that aisle.

Regardless of what you choose, a wedding cake topper is a great way to personalize your wedding cake. Depending on what you choose as a topper it can also be a great conversation starter for family and friends who may have never met or who have not seen each other in many years. Wedding cake toppers have come a long way since the typical bride-and-groom, so be creative and take advantage of the choice for your wedding day!

Source : http://weddingcakecreations.com

Hot Wedding Tips!

2008-12-26T16:26:00.001+07:00

Ask your caterer about the availability of children's plates. This is a practical and sensible way to reduce wedding expenses. Many couples aren't aware that, at a reduced cost, most caterers can create smaller portions for the little people on your guest list, who normally don't eat as much as adults. In fact, often you can request something which will have more appeal to the little guys anyhow, such as cheese burgers or chicken fingers and fries instead of the more fussy food you and your adult guests will likely be dining on. Children's plates are typically available at dramatically lower costs than your cost per plate for adults. While children's plates make a great deal of sense from a couple of different stand points, particularly that of your budget, many caterers will not mention their availability unless you specifically enquire or request such a thing. This is because they will make greater profit on adult plates.

'Tis the season.... Looking for affordable bridesmaid dresses? Try shopping for them during the holiday season - but not in expensive bridal salons. Department stores such Sears, for example, generally carry an excellent selection of glamourous cocktail and evening dresses as the season for parties approaches - but at much lower prices than what you'd pay for similar "bridesmaid dresses" in a bridal boutique. With just a quick look though a local department store before firing off this tip, I was able to find an array of gorgeous styles priced at a mere $49! An entire world of fabulous finds can definately be found for well under $100. So when the season of good cheer rolls around, it's time to grab your girls and hit the mall! If rock bottom prices are what you have in mind, here's an even better suggestion: Scour the stores towards the end of the holiday season when prices are being heavily marked down, and cash in on the clearance sales for even greater savings!

Number those reply cards! Many a bride has a huge headache on her hands when, as sometimes happens, the occasional reply card is sent back with no names filled in. Clearly an oversight on the part of the guest who sent it, but how do you figure out who on earth it came from? Here's a little trick which will ensure that you avoid this problem all together - place a small, inconspicuous number on the back of each reply card before enclosing it with the invitation. Use a list to record each guest's name along with the number on the reply card you are enclosing for them. That way, if someone should forget to fill in their name, a quick glance at your list will tell you precisely who the reply belongs to.

Making your own invitations? Save money by using reply postcards instead of the usual reply cards with envelopes. Postage rates for postcards are about 13 cents less than the rate for stamping envelopes (Remember, you must pre-stamp the reply cards for your guests!) Plus, by using postcards you'll also save the expense of envelopes. Simply print the response information on one side of the card, and your address on the other side.

Make sure your florist includes at least a little bit of ivy in your bouquet. This lush green climbing vine symbolizes fidelity and is traditionally used in bridal bouquets for that special symbolism.

Be sure to "break in" the shoes you will be wearing on your wedding day in advance. If your new shoes aren't stretched a little before the big day, your feet may be killing you before you even make it to the reception. This has been an unpleasant distraction for many a bride on her wedding day, don't let it put a damper on yours! Spend several hours wearing your bridal shoes around the house in the weeks before the wedding and you'll have no problem kicking up your heels long into the wee hours when the big day arrives.

Be sure to have pictures taken of your reception site before your guests arrive, while everything is still in place and looking fabulous! Later, you'll love looking back on these pictures which will so perfectly capture the way in which everything you envisioned for your wedding was transformed into reality.

This piece of expert advice comes to us from Ann, a wedding consultant with over 30 years of experience - and the owner of the bridal consulting firm of Bergin-Bryant, Inc. in the New England area. Check out the insider information she provides about booking a limousine for your big day...

"I have a few questions I always ask limo services before booking them for my clients:

1. Are the drivers properly attired in livery and cap....or are they inappropriately attired in tuxedos? To be technically correct according to traditional etiquette, drivers should wear livery and cap, but many companies send them out in tuxes instead.

2. Aside from the usual vanity license plate, is there any advertising on the limo...such as in the rear window? If so, is it a cling that they can pull off?

3. What brand of champagne do they serve...usually its pretty cheap.....so ask!"

The Games Photographers Play...
Everyone knows that before booking a photographer one should visit his or her studio to view their work. What you may not know is that the photos you are viewing may not be the work of the photographer you are considering hiring! Some photographers purchase beautiful wedding photos from photography industry suppliers and wholesalers, which they then hang in their own studios. This understandably leads the prospective clients inevitably to believe that they are viewing the work of the photographer in question. This practice is far more common than you might imagine, and although it may be misleading, in most jurisdictions there is nothing illegal about it as long as the photographer doesn't explicitly and specifically tell you he took the particular photo(s). So what can you do? How will you know? ASK! That's right, ask the photographer specifically if all of the photos on display were taken by him or her. Unless you are dealing with someone really unscrupulous, most will tell you the truth if asked this question directly - although there are never any guarantees. So buyer beware! As always, exercise caution and ask a lot of questions. When booking a photographer, you should always insist on references from previous clients, and check those references! You should also ask for the names and telephone numbers of the couples in the photos you are being shown, and do a very careful reference check to ensure that they are legit!

Forget about trying to keep all of your wedding planning details organized by writing them in a book, binder, or 3-ring planner - that's a disaster waiting to happen. Weddings are huge projects, and they require excellent project management - you should be using wedding planning software. This is the secret to how the best weddings are being planned today. There are simply too many details to manage, too many things to remember, and far too much to juggle without the help of the right planning tool to keep you on track, organized, and in control.

Source : http://www.superweddings.com

Traditions Surrounding the Wedding Cake

2008-12-26T11:09:00.003+07:00

Wedding cakes were not always the beautifully created pastry that we know and

love to eat today. Through the centuries our current custom has evolved out of some truly strange traditions. Not only are we much luckier than the wedding guests of yesteryear but we today’s brides have it a whole lot easier!

The wedding cake dates all the way back to ancient times. The Romans were the first to bake the pastries out of wheat. However, unfortunately for Roman brides the cakes were not for their eating pleasure but for breaking over their heads! Thats right - The groom broke the cake over the brides head and the guests gathered up all the crumbs as tokens of good luck.

In the middle ages the size of the wedding cake symbolized the bride’s popularity as the guests were supposed to bring the different tiers of the cake. These were then piled one of top of each other using apple sauce. In the middle ages the cake were actually sticky buns that the guests brought and piled up. The bride and groom were expected to kiss over the stack – which often resulted in dirty, trampled and unappetizing buns for the guests to eat afterwards. In the 1800’s fruit cakes were used and this custom was brought to North America by the Pilgrims. Fruit cakes remained in favor until recently. The custom of cutting the cake originated in Greece where the couple cut the cake to ensure a happy and fertile marriage.

No matter what other customs surrounded the wedding cake – the world over it represented the same thing – the couple’s fertility.

Source : http://weddingcakecreations.com