World of Wedding

Wedding Ring Set

2010-07-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Wedding ring set styles

To decide on the style first think if you are going to wear your ring set every day. If so, it should not only be beautiful but practical. The style should be elegant enough to go with most of your cloth.

What wedding ring set styles are available to you? Most popular is a set that consists of a classical ring with a single diamond and a ring with channel set diamonds. But there are other possibilities. If you like something more elaborate think of engraved style or a beaded edge style. There are also vintage wedding ring sets and Celtic style bands.

The best way to find a style you like is to visit a big online wedding ring shop. Don’t mind the prices for now, just look at different ring set styles they offer and see what you like the most.

Choosing the right metal for your ring

After deciding on the style, you will have to make up your mind about the material for your ring set. Here you have a choice of gold, white or yellow, platinum and titanium. But even before you go for a particular material asks yourself do you want a yellow wedding ring set or a white set?

If you want yellow, than your only choice is traditional gold. White wedding rings are becoming more popular in recent years, because they look more modern and easier to match with any cloth. Think of the other jewelry you own and wear often, will white or gold go with most of it?

Also think of how much you can afford to spend on your ring set. Most expensive is not necessarily the best. If you go for a cheaper metal, you can have a set with bigger, better quality diamond.

Gold wedding ring sets

Yellow gold wedding ring set is the easiest to find. Yellow is traditional and also it has that warm feeling that is associated with marriage. When looking for traditional gold sets most people think that more carats (more pure the gold) the better. This is not always true.

Gold is a very soft metal, and 24 carats gold ring can get scratches easily. For the purpose of durability 14 carats gold ring sets are the most popular, but if you want more pure gold, 19 carat is a good balance between purity and durability of your ring.

Platinum wedding rings and ring sets

Platinum is an excellent material if you can afford it. Platinum rings have a whiny white look and last forever without a single scratch. Platinum doesn’t come in carats because the metal used in jewelry is pure and not mixed with any other metals.

Titanium ring sets

Titanium ring set is another option. Titanium doesn’t shine as much as platinum or white gold, but it has a stylish modern look, it is very durable and not as expensive as platinum. Titanium wedding ring sets are not as widely available as ones from other metals, so you will have to do a special search online for them.

If you decide on the style, price range and material for your wedding ring set in advance, it will be much easier to find a perfect set. You can look at different jewelry stores and department stores.

Actually department stores often have wedding ring sets on sale, so you can get a good deal. If you don’t find anything suitable locally, search for your ring set online. There a hundreds of jewelry shops online, they offer great selection or rings and the prices are usually better than in traditional shops.

Man's Wedding Ring

2010-06-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Picking out the man's wedding ring can sometimes be more difficult then picking out the woman's ring. Let's face it; it is just not "manly" for a man to wear jewelry. So how in the world are you supposed to pick out a man's wedding ring? Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing your man's wedding ring.

1) What is the Price?

Men do not like to spend money on jewelry. Money can be spent on a tool set or a big screen television perhaps, but not on a man's wedding ring. Most men are not going to be impressed if you spent a lot of money on a man's ring. They would much rather hear that you got a killer deal on it. Definitely do not feel obligated to spend a lot of money on your man's wedding ring. Anything that does not turn his finger green will probably work just fine.

2) What Size?

How large does you man want his wedding ring? The width of the wedding band is something you should think about. Some men like just thin bands while others like very thick wedding bands. This is something that you need to consider when picking out your man's wedding ring.

3) What is His Style?

What does your husband-to-be like? Is he more of a traditional person or does he like things that are new and unique. This is usually a good indicator of what he wants in a wedding ring. Some men are completely satisfied with the standard gold wedding band; however, others like to find what is new in the market such as a tungsten ring (with a tungsten ring, your husband can basically put his finger through a meat grinder and their ring will survive without a scratch). A man's wedding ring should reflect his personality.

4) Is There a Way to make it Meaningful?

It is always nice to make the wedding ring meaningful. For example, you can pick the style of his father's or your father's wedding. Possibly there is a family heirloom that can be passed on to him or maybe there is something that you can engrave onto his ring. If possible, try to give significance to the man's wedding ring.

5) Should it match my Wedding Band?

In most cases, the man's wedding ring matches the woman's wedding band, but this is not always the case. If you are not sure what to get, it is always safe to get matching wedding bands but make sure to talk to him about it, he could possible have something else in mind.

6) Does he want to be Part of the Process?

This is probably the most important question. Maybe he knows exactly what he wants for his wedding ring and you are worrying about picking one out for him for no reason. It is traditional for the man and the woman to select their wedding bands together. While he may be completely disinterested, let him have the chance to be a part of the decision. This ring will be on his finger for quite some time, so he should get a say in the matter.

Don't let picking out your man's wedding ring become too difficult of a task. Just remember to pick something that fits him and his personality and make sure to invite him to be a part of the process. When picking out your man's wedding ring, it is time to think about what he likes (since he is the one wearing it) instead of what you want for him. Make him happy. The bottom line here is to know your man.

Hair Accessories

2010-04-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hair sticks also form a part of bridal hair accessories. These are particularly used to secure hair that is styled in a bun or updo. Decorative hair sticks are used to hold the hair in place. These are also available in various shapes and styles as well.

Bridal hair accessories also include hair picks. These are tiny jewels that can be worn in the hair either in a particular pattern or they can also be scattered throughout the hair.

Bridal hair slides that are bedecked in pearls and stones are also great to keep your hair in place. These are actually simple hair clips that are modified to look ultra glam.

Shells; particularly the mother of pearl, acts as a great bridal hair accessory as well. These can be used after drilling a small hole in it, which would make it relatively easier to use.

Ribbons and lace can also be used to create an innovative look for the wedding hairstyle. These can be interwoven into the hair. Ribbons can also be used to create pretty bows where as lace can be tied up into small bunches and hair can be wrapped around it.

The amount of bridal accessories you can encounter at any outlet may be innumerable. The trick lies in finding the right one to suit your hairstyle in the best manner possible.

Hair Accessories

2010-04-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

The wedding day brings great excitement and even anxiety to many brides. Planning the right wedding gown and a hairstyle to blend with the style of the gown can be a cumbersome task to many.

This, of course needs loads of planning and discussions with your hair stylist to find one that suits you to perfection. Using the right bridal hair accessories can help you look your best on your wedding day.

You might wonder what’s the big deal about hair accessories! Before you plan to use any, you must be aware of the various kinds of bridal hair accessories that are available in the market. The perfect bridal hair accessories can turn any simple hairdo into a fantastic looking one. So, take a look at some of the bridal hair accessories that are seen on the fashion scenario today.

Hair clips are one of the most basics of hair accessories. This primarily serves the purpose of managing your hair by keeping the hair off the face or piling them up above the head.

Hair clips come in a wide variety as well, such as Barrettes, which are made of metal or plastic or even wood. For your wedding day, an ideal hair accessory would be hair snaps that are mainly used for decorative reasons. Hair snaps are used to hold the tiny strands of hair in place.

Bridal hair accessories cannot be complete without the mention of hair combs. This is a kind of a headpiece that is attached to the head due to a small comb shaped structure attached to it.

Hair combs can be worn on top of the head as well as on the side. Hair combs come in attractive designs and finishes that are bejeweled with pearls and rhinestones. Hair combs look fabulous when worn with stylish updos.

Crystal hairpins look fabulous and are one of the most sought after wedding accessories. Crystal hairpins are available in Orchid shaped designs, diamante branch shapes, soft feathery look or even in funky shapes as well. Choose one that best suits your gown and hairstyle.

Flowers are one of the most favored patterns in bridal hair accessories and if you have a penchant for flowers, these are bound to add a fresh ‘fragrance’ to your wedding hairstyle. Flowers, whether real or artificial are often used as a bridal hair accessory by many.

For those girls who are going in for a simplistic ponytail, you can opt for decorative elastics or ponytail holders that will add a quaint touch to your entire hairstyle.

Headbands are also one of the most glamorous and stylish bridal hair accessories that one can opt for. These have different widths and can be worn with stylish updos. You can opt for sparkling tiara’s that can add to the dazzle of the wedding day. Tiaras are available in various designs such as flowers made in crystals.

Beautiful Bridal Hair

2010-03-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Don't choose a hairstyle that makes you feel not yourself. Brides often get pressured into certain styles because of "tradition". If a particular style makes you feel uneasy, don't choose it. It does not matter that your mother, best friend or hairstylist like it - what really matters is YOU.

Before going to the stylist, try to develop a good idea of what type of hairstyle you would like. Cut out the pictures of your favorite hairstyles from magazines and bring them to the stylist. If you can't find any pictures, be prepared to describe exactly what you want.

Try out the hairstyle in advance, before your wedding day. Schedule the "practice run" with your stylist. If the hairstyle that you envisioned does not look as good on you as you had hoped, you'll be glad you found that out before the big day!

Walk around with this hairstyle for several hours to make sure it's comfortable. The last thing you would want is to have hair pins hurting you and ruining your fun.

At the "practice run", bring a Polaroid or digital camera to take instant pictures. Ask the stylist to take pictures from the back and other angles. The pictures will give you a better idea how the style would look to others (as opposed to just looking in the mirror).

Make sure your hair style does not get completely messed up several hours later. Try moving around and see if the hair stays put. You would not want a hair disaster during the first dance!

Your hair style should go well with your wedding dress and headpiece. Classic dresses go best with classic hairstyles. Non-traditional dresses might look odd with the formal updos. Buy the dress before you select a hairstyle. Bring your headpiece and the picture of your dress to the stylist, so the stylist can evaluate whether it's a good match.

Don't have any coloring or chemical treatments done right before the wedding - these can go wrong, and there won't be time to fix them! Do them several weeks in advance.

Don't make drastic changes. Your wedding day is not the time to color your hair in a completely different color or cut off long locks. After all, you would still want people to recognize you at your own wedding!

Be aware that updos will make you look taller. Depending on your situation, it might work for you or against you. If you are already taller than the groom or are the same height, don't do an updo. If you are short, use the updo to your advantage.

Don't make your hairstyle too flamboyant - it should not compete with your face and your dress. You would want to avoid the situation where your hair is the only thing that jumps out at people when they look at you.

Makeup Rules

2010-03-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Have a portfolio or picture selection available for brides-to-be to view along with the bridal makeup used. Often, it is difficult for a bride to express into words the look she is going for. Photographs can help you communicate.

Set up consultation. This should be done a few weeks ahead of time. During the consultation, note the time of day the wedding will take place, flowers, dress style and color, hair color, bridal hair style, eye color, time of year, and personality. If possible, communicate with the stylist to discuss the hair style.

It may also be a good idea to ask to see some of the makeup products that the bride is already using. This will give you a good insight as to what the bride is accustomed to wearing.

Discuss different bridal hair and makeup trends. Allow the bride to get a visual by seeing the photos. Then follow by setting up a second appointment.

It is at the second meeting that you can unveil your plans for makeup. Demonstrate your selection for the bride-to-be. Demonstrate more than one bridal makeup style and photograph the results.

Bridal Hair and Makeup

2010-03-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

A wedding day is most likely to be one of the most treasured days in a bride’s life. With brides such as Cinderella and Snow White as role models, it is of no surprise that expectations are at their highest.

Therefore, brides expect to look and feel their best. It is what a bride deserves. That is where a makeup artist can enter with the wand and add to the dazzle and elegance of the wedding day.

Bridal hair and makeup should be simple, yet elegant. It is important t remember that the hair and makeup should not compete with the bride’s dress; rather the hair and makeup should complement the dress.

Equally important, is knowing the expectations of the bride. The makeup artist should note that the bride will want to feel comfortable, not confined by her bridal hair and makeup. Being comfortable may also mean keeping the makeup simple, not vibrant.

This may not be the day to experiment with a new style. The bride does not want to feel self-conscious of her new look. She will want everyone to notice her beauty today and for years that follow in photographs.

Today’s bridal makeup and hair is soft and subtle. The effect is sexier, less harsh. Hair can be worn down, flowing with loose curls and waves. The updo that once dominated the bridal hair scene has a much softer look as well.

Today’s updo style is not sprayed, pinned, and tucked to hide every loose hair. The look is pinned and tousled, leaving it soft and stylish. The bridal hair is romantic.

Bridal makeup trends are soft and romantic to complement the hair and latest trends in bridal gowns and bridal hair. No longer do the lips have to be lined heavily and matte foundation with loose powder applied. While this is traditional, today’s bridal makeup is more radiant and natural. Today’s brides want to glow with elegance.

There are some bridal hair and makeup rules and tips that the makeup artist can follow to ensure the wedding day will be a beautiful success.

Bridal Wedding Day Tips

2010-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Your wedding is the one time in your life when you want to look amazing. At your upcoming wedding ceremony and reception, you will be the center of attention, with all eyes on you as you make your way down the aisle toward your groom.

Obviously, you want to look your absolute best. Prior to your wedding reception and ceremony, you need to find time to relax, while doing something special for you. Here are a few tips that will help you look like a fairytale princess on your wedding day.

Facial Care

If you have ever given thought to treating yourself to a facial, now would be the ideal opportunity. In fact, if you want to spend some quality time with your maid of honor, the two of you could enjoy a trip to the day spa together, a perfect way for thanking her for all her hard work and support. In addition to looking great, a facial will help you relax.

Today, just about every city has a day spa where you can be pampered, even smaller towns. An excellent option is a steam facial, which benefits you by releasing toxins and trapped dirt within the skin’s pores.

Now, one important thing to consider is that a steam facial should be done between three and six weeks before the actual wedding day. The reason is that as the skin is cleaned, a breakout is possible.

Foot Care

In addition to walking down the aisle, chances are you will be standing for long periods of time while going through the wedding ceremony and reception.

Considering that you will be wearing new shoes, standing in front of your guests while exchanging wedding vows, and then waiting to greet each guest as he or she walks through the receiving line, you want your feet to be comfortable. Then of course, remember the dancing and walking you will be doing at the reception as well.

To pamper your feet, we recommend you start by getting a good pedicure several days before your nuptials. By doing this, your toenails will look fabulous, which is especially a good idea if you plan to wear open toe shoes.

In addition, you might want to consider visiting a reflexologist, which is a trained professional that uses a special form of Chinese wellness. With reflexology, pressure is applied to various points on the feet, which then benefits different parts of the body.

Body Massage

You definitely want to make time for several massages before the wedding ceremony. A full body massage is a great way to prepare for your wedding. Most importantly, you want to work with a qualified masseuse to help relieve stress, while making you feel like a brand new person. A massage the day before your wedding will relax both the body and mind, something you could do alone or with your maid of honor.

As a result, you will arrive at your wedding feeling refreshed and ready to face anything ahead of you. In fact, most brides agree that after a body massage, they feel confident and more in charge simply from being stress free.

In summary, it's important to make time for yourself before your wedding ceremony and reception. By following these simple bridal beauty tips, you will look and feel your best on the most important day of your life, your wedding day!

Bridal Shower-Not-Boring Themes ( part 2)

2010-01-13T07:24:00.001-08:00

Occupational Hazard

Few things are more flattering than having your friends develop a party around your job. After all, you spend day in and day out there, and what you do is probably pretty important to you.

Is the bride a teacher? Hand out apple-shaped candles as favors ... and place them in brown paper lunchbags.

Give her a chalkboard eraser "to erase any grudges" after she's married: spray paint the top gold or silver, and have everyone sign it with a Sharpie. Sew or glue together a quick clip-on or bandana for her dog's collar that reads, "Teacher's Pet."

Is your bride an attorney? Hire a Judge Judy impersonator (yes, they exist!) to make a showing. Ask each guest to "submit a brief" -- a gift of lacey underwear for the honeymoon, accompanied by a personal note to wish the bride well.

More Ideas for Exciting Showers

Christmas in July: Place the bride's gifts under a big, frou frou artificial tree you've hung the guest favors on. Serve iced eggnog and mocha-cinnamon smoothies. Everyone loves Christmas ... especially when you've had a break from it, and don't have to agonize over what to buy the boss.

Dancing Queens: Dress up in big, pouffy prom dresses from the past (you'll find them at every thrift store), super-glam makeup, even tiaras. Lay on loads of body glitter. Head out en masse to your neighborhood restaurant or karaoke bar and toast the bride as she opens her gifts.

Cheesecake Party: Ask your guests who their favorite hunk is. Serve mini-cheesecakes in lots of different flavors (Baileys and orange, amaretto, chocolate fudge), and place a framed photo of their favorite "cheesecakes" next to each serving platter, with a special label: "Brad Pitt Blueberry," "Creme de Menthe Mel." Get inventive with the descriptions. Borrow or rent the biggest espresso machine you can find, and serve up steaming coffee drinks.

Whatever you end up going with, don't be afraid to be creative. The less you go by the book and the more you think about what makes the bride special, the more fun your shower will be for everyone.

Bridal Shower-Not-Boring Themes

2010-01-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

So you're planning a bridal shower -- and everyone says you need a theme. "Around the Clock." "Home and Garden." Yawn!

There aren't many times we get to be silly and girly in this world, so a bridal shower shouldn't be wasted. Make sure it's genuinely fun. It's simple --- just think about what makes your bride special, and let yourself loose with the theme. Here are a few ideas to charge up the noggin and organize something unique.

"Like High School — But Better."

Revive some great times by tipping your hat to the bride's high school days. Look up all those slightly embarrassing hits from the year she graduated -- let's say the 80s.

(Create a gift CD of same for all your guests -- they'll secretly savor them when no one else is around.) Yes, they still make banana clips! Pass them out, along with big, dangly inexpensive hoop earrings and loads of jelly bracelets (remember? You wear about a hundred on each arm, a la vintage Madonna).

Slather on the pink, blue and green eye shadow, metallic nail polish and bright blue mascara. Play the soundtracks from Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles.

Now for the games: segment a flashback classic, such as Madonna's "Holiday," into three or four CDs. Divide your guests into the same number of groups, and challenge them to come up with a dance routine to fit their part of the tune. Bring them back together in 10 or 15 minutes to perform their mini-masterpiece before a video camera you've set up for the occasion.

Tape everyone's routine in order. Give a prize to the best choreographers (actually, give a prize to everyone for being a good sport). Together, you've created a music video that no one could forget. With any luck, it'll mysteriously show up at the reception.

Wine and Chocolate

Sometimes, when you tour a bunch of vineyards in wine country and you're really lucky, you hit upon "wine and chocolate" day. But you don't have to wait to hit the jackpot -- you can organize your own.

Plan an easy afternoon of popular, easy-drinking wines like Merlot and champagne, and ask each guest to bring a creative form of chocolate. Some of our favorites: chocolate croissants, chocolate papaya crepes, chocolate-covered ginger, and yes, jalapeno brownies.

But don't stop with the food -- make an outright bordello of it. Pile lots of velveteen pillows around the room, drape the walls with heavy fabric, burn a bit of incense. Put on some soothing Moroccan music, and arrange a few flowers in plum colored pails or vases you've dressed up with groovy gold fringe.

Now pass out those beverages in pretty glass flutes, dropping a rose petal in each one. Then dig in! (Have doggie bags at the ready for blissed-out guests who want to enjoy the spoils later at home).

Unique Wedding Guestbook Ideas

2010-01-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

While the traditional wedding guestbook serves an important function, more and more couples -- and wedding planners -- are steering away from the time-tested in favor of something more personal.

That's especially true for brides and grooms having a relaxed second wedding, or those who simply enjoy a dynamic relationship and powerful personalities. Traditional guestbooks are great, but one-of-a-kind alternatives can be even better!

So, you’re sold -- you’ve decided to put together a more totally-you memento of your guests than that little quilted journal and feather pen. And yet, it’s a struggle to come up with the perfect idea. Never fear … with a little brainstorming, you’ll find yourself armed with several original choices.

While you ponder, ask yourself questions about what makes you stand out as a couple. What are your hobbies? Do you play any instruments? How do you like to spend your free time? What tantalizing spot did you pick for your honeymoon? Take mental note of your talents and passions … or prized possessions. Answering basic questions like these should help you develop a fresh and personal spin on the traditional guestbook.

Here are a few quick ideas to help you get started:

• Blessed with musical talent? If you play the guitar, keep an eye out for miniature or older, not-necessarily-playable guitars at music shops, thrift stores, and so on. Buy some Sharpies and clear acrylic spray, so the surface can be signed and sealed for years to come. You can make similar modifications to instruments like banjos, mandolins, violins. Actually, with a little creativity you could probably convert almost any instrument!

• Crazy for sports? If so, consider signing memorabilia or sporting goods equipment related to your favorite sports or teams. Hockey players are sure to appreciate a signed hockey stick they can mount in a shadow box or simply hang from a wall. If you’d like to play this down a bit, just frame a picture of yourselves dressed in your favorite team’s jerseys (or going to a sporting event) and leave plenty of ink-friendly matting around the frame.

• Love to travel? Look for artifacts or souvenirs that can be signed and framed or displayed after the ceremony. Fans of the Far East might enjoy a signed kimono. A safari jacket might be perfect for Africa aficionados. Most countries lend themselves to some type of apparel or indigenous piece of art that’s simple to convert into a customized guestbook alternative.

• It’s also worth mentioning that the number of couples going with a Signature Platter is on the rise. Why? Because not only is a signed platter a great way to remember your special day, it’s one of the few "guestbooks" that can actually become part of your daily routine.

These are hardly your only possibilities for novel alternatives to the traditional guestbook. With a little creativity, brainstorming and research, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a "guestbook" that’s as perfect for your wedding as you are for each other.

Write Own Wedding Vows

2009-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to personalize your wedding ceremony? Consider incorporating your own carefully chosen words into this momentous occasion, and build the foundation for a life-long relationship.

Writing your own vows is definitely an ambitious undertaking. Not only must you determine the perfect words to say, but those words must be rehearsed and recited in front of your closest family and friends on a day that will be one of the most important of your life. Follow these easy steps to pen and recite beautiful vows from the heart.

Step One - Before you put pen to paper, consider these factors:

Get approval -
Talk to your officiant to make sure personal vows are even allowed. Some religions object to non-secular expressions during the wedding ceremony. Even with the go-ahead, submit your personalized vows to your officiant for review before the big day; he or she may have specific objections or even helpful ideas.

Establish an estimated length -
Your audience will find it odd and even comical if one rambles for 5 minutes will the other says 10 words.

Be succinct -
Overly lengthy wedding vows may lose your audience and will only increase the potential for error. Review them in front of someone else. You can rehearse with each other, or if you'd rather keep them a surprise, read your vows to a trusted loved one.

Step Two - Decide What to Say:

Consult your past -
Time for a trip down memory lane. Start jotting down the details of special firsts in your relationship-first meeting, first date, first kiss, first "I love you," etc. What qualities made you fall in love in the first place? Are there special milestones in your relationship that that have helped bring you here today?

Envision the Future -
What challenges and achievements to you foresee in the future, and how do you expect to meet those things together?

Complete Me -
Sure, it's a line from a movie-but there's a reason for its now cliché status. What characteristics does he/she bring out in you? How does he/she make you a better person?

Use the right words -
Compile your notes, memories and reflections, and begin turning words into sentences. Consult your thesaurus for the perfect expressions to reflect your thoughts. Some words to get you started: love, trust, support, strength, encourage, respect, cherish, admire, value, commit, pledge and promise.

This article offers even more advice on what to include in your wedding vows

Step 3 - Say it With Heart:

Have a cheat sheet -
Even if you plan to memorize them, the nerves may kick in when the big moment arrives. To avoid a potentially awkward scene at the wedding ceremony - bring a cheat sheet just in case.

Save-The-Date Cards

2009-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Although save-the-dates are not absolutely necessary, these cards have increased in popularity with the rise of destination weddings and modern guest lists spread throughout the country.

Since they are a relatively modern concept, no real rules apply - a fact which sometimes causes confusion for brides when planning their wedding stationery. I've sorted through the information that's out there to bring you the real ins and outs concerning save-the-dates…

Who Needs them?
If your guest list includes a number of out-of-towners, or if your wedding takes place during a holiday or other peak time, you are a prime candidate for save-the-dates. Since invitations don't go out until 6-8 weeks before the big day, save-the-dates are the perfect way to give wedding guests a preliminary heads up so they can begin making travel arrangements.

These days, however, more and more brides send these cards regardless of the time and location of their wedding. Why? Save-the-dates provide a fun opportunity to get the word out and foreshadow the style of your big event.

Rules & Etiquette
Again, few rules apply. The only information you must include is your names and wedding date, although I suggest including location information as well so wedding guests can begin their travel plans. Aim to send save-the-date cards soon after you secure your date and venue, or about 4-6 months prior to your wedding.

Remember, everyone who receives a save-the-date also receives an invitation, so have your guest list finalized prior to sending them. You can, however, always add guests later (there is no rule that says everyone must receive a save-the-date card). Although formal replies are not required, you can get preliminary attendance estimates through word-of-mouth.

Trends & Ideas
These cards will be the first impression of your wedding festivities, so take advantage of this opportunity to build excitement amongst your wedding guests. If you already know the colors and/or theme of your wedding, now's your chance to provide a sneak peak. Or try including a favorite love poem or quote that symbolizes your relationship. Here are some of my favorite ideas and trends:

• Use vibrant colors that will "pop" as soon as guests open the envelope.

• Incorporate graphics that correspond with the season and/or location of your event. If you are planning a fall wedding, try including colorful leaves, or include seashells for a wedding on the water.

• If the timing is right, turn your save-the-date cards into holiday greetings. Incorporate your engagement photo or another photo taken shortly after the proposal.

• Who says they have to be printed stationery? Set yours apart by turning them into scrolls, pens, stickers, magnets or a creative calendar-marker. You are only limited by your imagination!

Wording Samples
The content of your save-the-dates should be short, sweet, and to the point - providing a basic who, what, where and when. There is no standard wording; they may be as formal or as whimsical as you'd like. In any case, make sure to include "Formal invitation to follow" somewhere on the card.

Here is the basic layout for the save-the-date cards:

Save the Date: [bride & groom's name] are getting married on [wedding date] in [city, state]

Here are some wording samples you might want to consider:

• Traditional:
Please save the date:
May 12, 2010 for the wedding of
Bob & Mary in Charleston, South Carolina

• Fun & Cutesy:
We're Tying The Knot!
John popped the question, and Katie said yes.
Please join us on October 17, 2011
Orange County, California

• For a destination wedding:
Please join us in paradise on June 17, 2012
when Lisa & Jay say "I Do"
in Maui, Hawaii

Low Budget Wedding

2009-12-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

Even low budget weddings can take a huge bite out of savings and often end in huge debt obligations.

Planning a wedding yourself not only saves money but, gives that personal touch that provides lasting family memories.

Personal touches like creating your own wedding favors and planning your own reception can be particularly satisfying.

You will take great pride in your accomplishments when planning a low budget wedding. Not only in your creations but in the huge savings you will boast about.

A low budget wedding will have much the same wedding costs as the higher counterparts, but you can save money in each area to stay within your budget.

The only way to avoid the costs is simply not to have a formal wedding. If you're footing the bill yourself and just can't see yourself starting your married life with a financial burden, you could always opt for a courthouse ceremony and intimate dinner.

A formal ceremony can then be planned well in advance. A re-taking of wedding vows is common practice today, and it's a very romantic anniversary date! Consider this if your funds are extremely limited and you will be financing most of the wedding budget.

However, if it breaks your heart to forego the formal ceremony, and you have limited funds, save as much money as possible using low budget wedding ideas. Here's a real wedding budget saver that can reduce the cost of the wedding reception greatly.

The Wedding Reception

The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're not careful. Of course, the most obvious way to save money on the reception is to keep it small.

Where you host this grand occasion could make or break you.

Your low budget wedding remedy? Find a reception location that's free or low cost.

A free location may include, your home, or a friend or family member's home. A low cost option might include the Church reception hall, the local fire department's reception room, and club hall rentals. Most will have a kitchen area for preparing and serving food.

Sometimes you will even find a local restaurant that specializes in low budget wedding receptions. These will likely offer a package for the reception which may include dinner and limited beverage with the rental of restaurant space or banquet rooms. Check hotels in your area for banquet rooms as well. Some may rent the banquet room alone and/or offer reception packages as an option.

Leave no stone unturned in your search! You may happen upon a gem of a deal that will save you a lot of money. Ask around. Get recommendations from friends and family. Do a local search on the internet. We have several plantations in our area who offer wedding reception packages. These are elegant locations and are usually competitively priced; including options for the low budget wedding.

Make a list or chart to record all your findings. Record not only price but services available, and packages available. Then you can compare where you will get the most for your money.

For instance, you may be able to rent a space for a really cheap rate and hire outside catering for the dinner. But, if you find a location that costs more but will offer you a package that includes the catering, it may be the better deal in the long run.

The one big exception to this scenario is if you opt for a potluck reception. Many guests may be pleased, if not relieved, to be given the choice to bring a reception dish in place of a wedding gift. You will find that low budget reception packages usually come with a low budget menu as well.

If you choose this option, you will save greatly on catering expenses. I am certain your guests will be more pleased with the menu selections. This would be your best low budget wedding option and will save the most money.

Budget Wedding ( part 2 )

2009-11-18T09:09:00.001-08:00

Drinks At The Wedding

To have a free bar, or cash bar? Such a difficult question to answer. Of course, it would be fantastic to offer a free bar to all your guests, all day, but with limited funds, it’s not a realistic option for most people.

Booze Budget Cost Saving Tip:

The ideal in this instance is to use a venue where you can bring your own booze. I was lucky enough to be able to do this at our wedding and managed to pop across to France and buy 180 bottles of wine and 240 beers, plus Pimms and cassis for under 1500$. We had stacks left and our guests were restricted to beer, wine or soft drinks, but no one seemed to mind.

Another option is to come to an arrangement with the hotel regarding corkage. A friend got married in a hotel, which charged 20$per bottle of wine. She arranged a flat fee of 1500 for all of her beer and wine opening. Although it seems like a lot, it meant that she could afford to supply beer and wine for her guests.

Bridalwear

With most bridal dresses starting around 1300 and running into thousands of dollars, this is a huge expense.

Bridalwear Cost Saving Tip:

You can still look fabulous for a fraction of the price and feel that you’re minimising the eco-footprint of your wedding by buying a ‘pre-loved’ wedding dress.

Many charity shops have specialist ‘bridalwear’ departments where you can purchase new and designer dresses that have been worn once. You can try the dresses on before buying and you’ll get a warm glow from doing something for ‘Charidee’.

If you’re a little braver, you can venture online, where there are some fantastic bargains to be had in the ‘pre-loved’ lines. Take a look at some of the ‘For Sale’ forums of the popular wedding websites and you’ll see bridal dresses, veils, tiaras and those Jimmy Choo shoes that you know you want for a fraction of the cost.

The Wedding Photography

Many couples feel that photography is a major part of the day and are prepared to pay upwards of 4000$ for a beautifully presented wedding album. Photographers have confirmed that it isn’t the actual photography, which is the major part of this expense, but printing and preparation of the formal wedding albums.

Wedding Photography Cost Savings Tip:

Many photographers are prepared to attend your wedding day and then provide you with a DVD of your photos for around 1000. With the DVD, you can then use some of the fantastic online services to prepare your own ‘Photo Book’ - costing much less. Or, as many guests will no doubt have digital cameras with them, combine place cards with little notes asking them to share their wedding photos on your online directory.

Another excellent tip for having a photo keepsake of your wedding is to use several Instant Photo Guest Books, which combine Polaroid Instant Photos and hand-written sentiments from your guests. These photo guest books are ready to enjoy the "instant" your wedding is over -- and creating them adds great fun to the wedding reception!

Budget Wedding

2009-11-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

With the average wedding now costing 20000, many couples are now looking for ways to have a ‘celebrity’ stylish wedding, without the celebrity price tag. The first tip is simple – ask for a discount.

The worst that can happen is that they say ‘No’. You might be a bit embarrassed, but what have you lost? We’ve pulled together 5 other top tips to help you create your dream wedding on a shoestring budget.

Choosing The Wedding Venue

Your venue is probably going to be the single biggest wedding expense that you’ll have to pay, with many of the more popular venues charging 2000 upwards. But you don’t need to spend this sort of money to have a fabulous venue.

Wedding Venue Cost Saving Tip:

Many village halls, golf and rugby clubs have suitable rooms available for a fraction of the price. The trick is to see past the existing décor and imagine it sprinkled with hundreds of fairy lights or candles – think of Ross’s wedding on the hit show Friends that Rachel ruined!

If you’ve found the wedding venue of your dreams, but it looks as if it will be out of your budget, don’t despair. Many venues offer significant discounts for mid-week or ‘out of season’ weddings which can run into thousands of pounds.

Food At The Wedding

Deciding what kind of menu you want to offer for your wedding can be difficult enough without having to see the price tag that goes along with it!

Food Budget Cost Saving Tip:

There are lots of ways to cut back on your food budget, and still have a memorable day. Selecting a venue where you can bring in your own caterers is often a much better value than using the existing venue catering. You can even go as far as preparing all the food yourself, though be careful of taking too much.

If you don’t have a choice about which caterer you use, there are still ways that you can trim your spending costs. Try replacing the starter course with canapés, instead of having both. Or, replace dessert with your wedding cake – so often wedding cake gets forgotten about because guests have already had so much to eat.

A new idea that brides are buzzing about is the wedding ‘cheese’ cake. Literally, it is three slabs of cheese turned into a wedding cake for that special ‘cutting of the cake’ photograph and ceremony. Why not combine the two instead of having a separate cheese and cake course? Or serve this with crackers, chutney and pate for your evening guests?

Mother of the Bride Dress- Try To Save

2009-11-13T10:45:00.001-08:00

Shop Sales Racks:

This is a no-brainer. Retail stores will discount up to 70% of the original price of the mother of the bride dress, depending on how desperately they want to clear the racks of the current season's clothing to make way for the new season.

Spring/summer lines start showing up on the racks from January through April, while fall/winter dresses are introduced between June and September. Therefore, you will get bargains around these times as well for the last season's mother of the bride apparel.

Shop Early:

The mother of the bride should start shopping for her mother of the bride outfit as soon as she knows the colors of the wedding. All too often she takes care of all the details that go into the wedding, while forgetting her own needs.

She should spend this time with the bride going over styles, fabrics, accents, accessories, etc. Late shopping only brings on more stress and possibly more money spent on things that were purchased in haste and then returned with "buyer's remorse".

Quite a few bridal shops do not take back returns or offer refunds once the mother of the bride walks out of the store with her dress.

Shop Online Stores:

There are tons of reputable and traditional bridal boutiques out there that have an online store on the immense "world wide web" nowadays. The costs of running and up keeping a brick-and-mortar store are escalating and definitely cut into profits.

Any savvy shop owner knows full well that they will have to own a "web store" to fully maximize their sales and therefore, profits. Check their Better Business Bureau record or see if the site has a BBB online reliability logo, if you are still not comfortable shopping online. Once you start using your fingers to do the shopping, you will never stop!

Shop Bridesmaid Dresses:

The "youthful" mother of the bride can opt for a bridesmaid dress which are normally priced less expensively than a mother of the bride gown. Seek the tailoring expertise of a bridal dress seamstress to add on beads, sequins, and other exotic trimmings to create a uniquely appealing look.

Search for ' Discount' Dresses Online:

The mother of bride can open up more options for herself if she is computer literate and able to do a search using the keywords "discount" or "cheap". Example, search for discount mother of the bride dresses.

These words can conjure up an image of herself in a cheesy, polyester dress but you will be surprised what will show up online that are not quite cheesy despite being made of polyester. By the way, there are 40 blends of polyester and almost all synthetic fabrics for special occasion wear are made of some type of polyester.

Shop Regular Evening Wear:

Add on a shawl or jacket or buy fabric to make a unique, one-of-a-kind jacket to cover the shoulders and arms for modesty or for providing warmth.

Wear a Teal Length or Cocktail Dress:

These are priced less than the floor-length gowns and are more versatile, as you can surely wear them again at another special occasion.

Wedding DressTradition

2009-10-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Weddings performed during and immediately following the medieval era were often more than just a union between two people. They could be a union between two families, two businesses or even two countries.

Many weddings were more a matter of politics than love, particularly among the nobility and the higher social classes. Brides were therefore expected to dress in a manner that cast their families in the most favorable light, for they were not representing only themselves during the ceremony.

Brides of an elevated social standing often wore rich colors and expensive fabrics. It was common to see such brides wearing bold colors and layers of furs, velvet and silk. Brides of a lower social standing often copied the elegant styles of wealthier brides as best they could.

Over the centuries, brides continued to dress in a manner befitting their social status—always in the height of fashion, with the richest, boldest materials money could buy. The poorest of brides wore their best church dress on their wedding day. The amount of material a wedding dress contained also was a reflection of the bride's social standing and indicated the extent of the family's wealth to wedding guests.

Today, there are wedding dresses available in all price ranges, and Western traditions have loosened up to include a rainbow of colors and variety of lengths, which are now considered acceptable. Women may purchase ready-made gowns, wear a family heirloom, or they may choose to have a dressmaker create one for her. In addition, today many bridal salons have samples of wedding gowns in their stores where the bride selects a certain style and orders one to be made to fit.

Wedding dresses have traditionally been based on the popular styles of the day. For example, in the 1920s, wedding dresses were typically short in the front with a longer train in the back and were worn with cloche-style wedding veils. This tendency to follow current fashions continued until the late 1940s, when it became popular to revert to long, full-skirted designs reminiscent of the Victorian era.

Although there has always been a style that dominates the bridal market for a time, and then shifts with the changes in fashion, a growing number of modern brides are not choosing to follow these trends. This is due in large part to non-traditional and non-first-time weddings, and women who are marrying later in life.

Today, Western wedding dresses are usually white, though "wedding white" includes creamy shades such as eggshell, ecru and ivory. Philippa of England was actually the first documented princess in history to wear a white wedding gown during a royal wedding ceremony: she wore a tunic with a cloak in white silk bordered with grey squirrel and ermine).

White did not become a popular option until 1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Victoria had worn a white gown for the event so as to incorporate some lace she owned. The official wedding portrait photograph was widely published, and many other brides opted for a similar dress in honor of the Queen's choice.

The tradition continues today in the form of a white wedding, though prior to the Victorian era, a bride was married in any color except black (the color of mourning) or red (which was connected with prostitutes). However, in Finland during the 19th century, it was popular for brides to wear dark colors, especially black.

Later, many people assumed that the color white was intended to symbolize virginity, though this had not been the original intention. (It was the color blue that was connected to purity.) The white gown is in fact a symbolic Christening gown.

The are a variation of the white surplice worn in the Western Catholic tradition by members of the clergy, church choirs and servers and the gowns worn by girls making their first communion and at their confirmation and also by women making religious vows. Today, the white dress is normally understood merely as the most traditional and popular choice for weddings.

Bridal Gowns Tips

2009-10-13T08:19:00.001-07:00

Bring the entourage, but don't buy.

It's fun and useful to bring your mother, friends or sisters on the dress-shopping expedition. It gives you a buffer against an overbearing sales staff, and it's fun to see if your impressions of perfection are shared by your loved ones, not to mention how they'll love being part of such an important decision.

But no matter how enthusiastic everyone gets over a certain dress, don't buy in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to reconsider and buy with a cool head later, alone. The vast majority of dresses are non-returnable, so when you've bought it, you've bought it.

Don't buy too early unless you must.

Bridal gowns can take four to ten months to come from the manufacturer, but there's no reason to buy over a year ahead of time, unless your chosen style is going to be discontinued. Give yourself some time to sit on your decision. Once you pick a gown, you'll see a hundred others nearly like it. You'll become a walking encyclopedia on that style of gown. All the better if you still have room to choose.

If you've bought "The One," stop shopping

Any more window-shopping at this point will only lead you down the road toward the dreary land of Two-Dress Brides. What you need to do instead is remember that blissful feeling of having tried on The One. Go get The One out of the closet, put it on and stand in front of the mirror. You'll remember exactly why it's The One.

If you've bought "The One" and can't stop shopping, get a second opinion.

Show your first and second choices to other brides. Be honest -- tell them you've already remortgaged your condo for the first dress, but you think this second dress might be it. They'll be truthful, too -- the first one was better. You'll feel reassured.

Don't tell yourself "I'll sell the old dress and choose a new one."

This old saw of the Two-Dress Bride just won't work. You'll never get more than a fraction of what you paid for your first dress if you bought it new.

Don't be afraid to aim high -- no matter what your budget.

Some brides knew from the start they wanted a designer label, but life just didn't cooperate by making them heiresses. Yet all is not lost if you're willing to shop courageously. At any given moment, a better-heeled bride is selling her once-used St. Pucchi or Ulla-Maija on eBay. She paid thousands upon thousands, but you, smart shopper, will pay half that or less.

To take this road, you must shop earlier than other brides so you'll have a choice of gowns. Always pay with a credit card so you'll have recourse if the dress doesn't arrive in acceptable condition, and again, shop early so you can buy another if necessary. Shop courageously, but not recklessly.

Shop online, but never send a check.

Bridal gown businesses sometimes have a way of disappearing overnight. No matter what the proprietor tells you, never make a purchase as large as a wedding gown without the chargeback protection of a credit card. If they say they can't take plastic, move on.

Don't hold out forever for The One.

Some brides never find The One. What they do find is a few dresses they look beautiful in. If you're this bride, try starting your planning from the theme instead of the dress. You'll probably eventually get sick to death of dress shopping. When that happens, "good enough" really will be good enough. Concentrate on other aspects of the wedding that mean a lot to you, like the venue, the food, or the inevitable adoration of your soon-to-be husband.

Mother of the Bride Dress

2009-10-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Your daughter’s wedding is announced. She has butterflies in her stomach and one thousand and one things to do. Her "butterflies" becomes yours and your thoughts are racing just like hers.

You, as her mother, will help her plan her dream wedding, just like your mother planned yours. At the back of your mind……"What am I going to wear? Will I look just as beautiful as my daughter on her wedding day? So many people are going to be looking at me as well…."

Fret no more. Here are the RULES but like all rules, they may be broken or should I say improvised and revised to suit you. I say….whatever makes you and/or your daughter happy!

1. Confer with your daughter. She will come up with a color scheme for her wedding.

2. Ask her whether she wants the color of your dress to complement her wedding color/colors or almost match it. Examples of complementary colors to a red color theme is burgundy, wine, claret red, dark pink, and purple. As for a "match", it would certainly be difficult to have an exact match of the colors, as your dress will be of a different manufacturer, style, fabric, and dye. So, do not stress over this.

3. You, as the mother of the bride, will decide on a color or colors, after consulting your daughter. Suggest to her to be flexible on the choice of colors—perhaps two or three choices would be great. Mother of the bride dresses are not made like bridesmaid dresses, the latter being preordered and tailored months ahead of time for the occasion. Shopping for a mother of the bride dress can be a headache and nightmare rolled into one, especially for the plus size woman or if you live in a rural city.

4. Do not forget to involve the mother of the groom. After you have an idea of what color you would or should be wearing, inform her. She will definitely appreciate that as she will be in a panic mode as well, going through the same motions as you will soon be, looking for that perfect "mother’s" dress.

5. Shop as soon as you can. Finding YOUR dress is important too. Understand that you are shopping for a specific style that you like and look great in, a specific color, and then a specific size.

Then, you will need to allow sufficient time for professional tailoring of the dress, to get it to fit just right! Also, what about the accessories like shoes and jewelry.

6. Shop bridal or department stores first. You can get a first hand look at the styles out there and the type and quality of fabrics. Do not ignore online formal wear stores. Visiting an online store is easy and stress free as they are sources of good ideas of what you would like to wear on that special day.

7. Take care of yourself in these nerve-wrecking times of preparation. Remember, you need to look good as well, although it is your daughter’s wedding.

8. Now, sit back and relax. You have found your most perfect mother of the bride dress and have a few more weeks to spare. Give yourself a big pat on the back!

Casual Wedding Dresses

2009-10-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Casual settings for wedding are gaining ground due to many reasons today.

As per tradition, formal weddings were definitely the order of the day but today, a lot of new ideas are being incorporated to make the entire process of planning a wedding an easy task.

Brides-to-be no longer wish to have long trails of cloth behind them; many young girls wish to bend the rules towards finding something more wearable!

Most couples prefer elegant casual weddings for many reasons. With hectic schedules and increasing work pressures, one hardly has any time to plan elaborate traditional weddings. Besides, with inflation, planning for a lavish or stylish affair often remains a dream for many.

Well, couples today have smartened up and have realized there is no point lamenting over this issue and have found an alternative solution, which is an equally fun affair!

So, how does a would-be bride fulfill her desire to be the most stunning woman on her wedding day? A set budget may not really be flexible enough to accommodate those gorgeous and elaborate wedding gowns!

Thanks to the efforts of many creative geniuses, women need not fret about not having the best of gowns. With casual wedding dresses gaining prominence, these have opened up a whole new world of trendy, stylish and beautiful gowns and dresses that are dazzling yet do not deflate the pocket!

From the traditional venues to the beautiful beaches or backyards, wedding venues have changed and so have dressing styles. You need not cringe with the thought of casual wedding dresses simply because there are many reasons you can be happy about opting for the same.

If you take a peek into your local store, you can definitely find a plethora of options from the sunny yellows to the sultry reds in a variety of styles.

Although ivory white is the most preferred color, a beach wedding for example, can allow you the option of trying something new. It need not be elaborate, you can choose something stylish and casual; an ensemble you can even wear later for any special occasion.

Bridal Dress

2009-09-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

In order to get the best results, it is wise to select your bridesmaids’ dresses at least five months before the wedding ceremony.

In general, the bridesmaids' dresses are ordered through a bridal salon. There are also some brides who like to have them made by a professional tailor.

You will find lots of them at a department store. These dresses will meet your requirements and your bridesmaids will in all probability wear them again to another formal party or wedding.

If you order from a bridal shop your bridesmaids may have to leave a down payment to order the dress. All deals should be made in writing to avoid any complication in the future.

For a bridesmaid who is out of town, ask her to call her local bridal shops to see if they carry the same dress to try on it on there for size. Or, she can tell you her measurements by phone or email. It makes a lot of sense to order all of the dresses together because it will help reduce the chances of slight differences of color.

While selecting bridesmaids’ dresses, make sure that they complement your gown and fit in with the type, decor and color and wedding theme. Irrespective of their figures, all your bridesmaids should look flattering in simple, elegant designs.

Dress length

You should also pay attention to dress length, as the bridesmaids’ dresses for formal or semiformal weddings should be floor-length to tea-length. For an informal daytime wedding, it hardly matters if the dress is short or long. It is, however, a convention that the bridesmaids should not wear short dresses if the bride wears a floor-length dress.

The bridesmaids should also bring the same shoes or heel height as the bride on the wedding day. It is never a bad idea to talk to a few attendants before making the final choice.

It is possible that you would like to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. In such a scenario, it is better if the bridesmaids choose the same colors and similar styles even if the dresses are different. Alternatively, each bridesmaid can pick her own favorite color keeping the style uniform.

Otherwise, the bride can choose a particular color and let her bridesmaids choose the shade of that color they would like to wear. If you want to set the maid of honor apart from the other bridesmaids, choose for her a different color, dress or headpiece or just give her a larger bouquet.

Perfect Dress Tips

2009-09-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

1. Bring the entourage, but don't buy. It's fun and useful to bring your mother, friends or sisters on the dress-shopping expedition. It gives you a buffer against an overbearing sales staff, and it's fun to see if your impressions of perfection are shared by your loved ones, not to mention how they'll love being part of such an important decision.

But no matter how enthusiastic everyone gets over a certain dress, don't buy in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to reconsider and buy with a cool head later, alone. The vast majority of dresses are non-returnable, so when you've bought it, you've bought it.

2. Don't buy too early unless you must. Bridal gowns can take four to ten months to come from the manufacturer, but there's no reason to buy over a year ahead of time, unless your chosen style is going to be discontinued. Give yourself some time to sit on your decision. Once you pick a gown, you'll see a hundred others nearly like it. You'll become a walking encyclopedia on that style of gown. All the better if you still have room to choose.

3. If you've bought "The One," stop shopping. Any more window-shopping at this point will only lead you down the road toward the dreary land of Two-Dress Brides. What you need to do instead is remember that blissful feeling of having tried on The One. Go get The One out of the closet, put it on and stand in front of the mirror. You'll remember exactly why it's The One.

4. If you've bought "The One" and can't stop shopping, get a second opinion. Show your first and second choices to other brides. Be honest -- tell them you've already remortgaged your condo for the first dress, but you think this second dress might be it. They'll be truthful, too -- the first one was better. You'll feel reassured.

5. Don't tell yourself "I'll sell the old dress and choose a new one." This old saw of the Two-Dress Bride just won't work. You'll never get more than a fraction of what you paid for your first dress if you bought it new.

6. Don't be afraid to aim high -- no matter what your budget. Some brides knew from the start they wanted a designer label, but life just didn't cooperate by making them heiresses. Yet all is not lost if you're willing to shop courageously. At any given moment, a better-heeled bride is selling her once-used St. Pucchi or Ulla-Maija on eBay.

She paid thousands upon thousands, but you, smart shopper, will pay half that or less. To take this road, you must shop earlier than other brides so you'll have a choice of gowns. Always pay with a credit card so you'll have recourse if the dress doesn't arrive in acceptable condition, and again, shop early so you can buy another if necessary. Shop courageously, but not recklessly.

7. Shop online, but never send a check. Bridal gown businesses sometimes have a way of disappearing overnight. No matter what the proprietor tells you, never make a purchase as large as a wedding gown without the chargeback protection of a credit card. If they say they can't take plastic, move on.

8. Don't hold out forever for The One. Some brides never find The One. What they do find is a few dresses they look beautiful in. If you're this bride, try starting your planning from the theme instead of the dress.

You'll probably eventually get sick to death of dress shopping. When that happens, "good enough" really will be good enough. Concentrate on other aspects of the wedding that mean a lot to you, like the venue, the food, or the inevitable adoration of your soon-to-be husband.

Pick A Wedding Dress

2009-08-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

When little girls spend their math classes daydreaming of weddings (instead of winning the World Series -- not to say you can't do both), what do they dream of first?

The perfect wedding dress, of course: a gown in white satin with a bustle and sweeping train, the perfect embellishments, and the perfect shoes.

There are few occasions in our modern world where a woman finds herself in a position to wear a no-holds-barred ball gown, much less a crystal tiara, and all too many where she's called on to wear to a neutral suit or uninspiring "biz-caz" combo. No wonder that with so many brides, their wedding plans start with the dress.

Many of these brides are lucky. They may search high and low, braving chilly department stores and pushy bridal shops, but eventually they come face-to-face with The One. They know this is The One because they start crying, or their mother or friends all start crying at once. Suddenly the rest of the planning ... the theme, the tone, the right kind of venues ... it all springs to life.

Other brides aren't as fortunate. They've searched just as hard, working their way through shops across three or four states, but they haven't found The One. Instead, they've found three or four Contenders, all of which are serviceable and nice, but not earth-shattering enough to tell them that now is definitely time to stop the searching and get on with the planning. These brides have it harder.

Even if you're the first kind of bride, buying the dress is such a momentous decision that you run a risk of falling into that wallet-skinning category known as the Two-Dress Bride.

Modest Wedding Dress

2009-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

How does this dress look on me? Should I get the ivory or the white wedding dress? Or – worst of all – does this dress make me look fat? Every man worth his salt already knows the answer to that question and can whip it out without a moment’s thought. But when I was told (read: forced) to help find a modest wedding dress, I was a little confused and completely lost.

Not knowing where to begin, and refusing to actually go into a wedding boutique, my search for a modest wedding dress naturally began on the Internet. Unfortunately, I only have Internet access at work, and few things are as embarrassing and awkward as getting caught shopping for a wedding dress online. (What? No, sir. No, I was not looking at wedding dresses just now. I was looking at…um… err… trucks. Big trucks. Monster trucks. And hammers. Lots of hammers.)

Picking out a modest wedding dress is something that a guy should never be expected to do. At least, he shouldn’t be expected to do it well. We all know he’s never going to get it right. There are just too many variables, options, and other things we just don’t understand. Still… I gave it a try.

Even when you limit your search to modest wedding dresses, there’s still a huge variety to deal with. First, pick a sleeve. There are short sleeve wedding dresses, long sleeve wedding dresses, and if that’s not good enough you can split the difference and go for a ¾ sleeve. There’s even something called Tulle. (Toolie? What the heck is a toolie?)

And don’t forget the color. If, like me, you thought all wedding dresses were white, then like me, you would be wrong. There’s white, there’s ivory, there’s silver on white, silver on champagne, silver on ivory, and even white on white. (Isn’t that just more white?) Granted, all the silver on white was usually on a reception dress… wait. Reception dress? There’s more than one type of modest wedding dress?

Oh, and lest we forget all the accessories. Because lets face it, even the most classy, expensive, hand stitched modest wedding dress still needs a couple sparklies just to finish out the look. Even I know that. Well… I know that now. Up until now I just assumed that there was only one piece of very important jewelry that made a difference on a wedding day. Apparently you have to worry about necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras, too.

As it turns out there is more to a veil than a piece of cloth tied delicately around the bride’s head. Obviously it has to match your modest wedding dress, but once you start talking about two tier fingertip, or single tier elbow… now I begin to get scared. But after a little research and contemplation, I can now discuss embroidery, lace, and beading with the best of ‘em.

And that means that I’ve gotten in touch with my fashionable, feminine side enough for one day. In fact, I spent so long secretly looking at someone in a modest wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, or other formal number, that I had to go home and immediately spit, hammer up some drywall (with my brand new hammer), a punch a pedestrian in the throat. He seemed a little upset, even after I explained to him all about finding the perfect modest wedding dress.

Wedding Dress to Impress

2009-08-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Your wedding gown is arguably the most important garment purchase in your lifetime. No other dress comes with more anticipation – and will be more photographed - than this one. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend like royalty to look like a princess on your wedding day. With these smart dress savomg strategies, you can still walk down the aisle feeling like a million bucks (without having to spend just that).

Something Borrowed
Today, anything retro screams chic. So consider donning your mother’s wedding gown. You’ll not only honor a family legacy, you’ll save a pretty penny too! With vintage lace overlays and crystal embellishments making a comeback, you won’t have to worry about looking dated. With a few simple (and inexpensive) alterations, you can make it your own.

Avoid Added Adornments
Beading, pleating, stitching, embroidering…all of these trimmings add up and are going to cost you extra. Consider a wedding dress that is simply embellished, yet still elegant.

Shop Savvy
Be on the lookout for sample sales, trunk shows, and outlet bargains. Bridal shops are trying to rid their racks of the previous season’s gown styles to make room for new ones in the late-summer/winter months. Get ready to brave the crowds for super savings.

Don't Name Drop
Sure, designer duds are nice – but if you’re on a budget – you may want to skip the sought-after label. The good news is that you won’t have to sacrifice on style. If you find a look you like from a high-end wedding dress designer, you can almost always find something similar by another name in your price range.

Be Honest
Just because your wedding dress budget doesn’t match your elaborate vision doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look you want. Approach this shopping decision with an open mind. When stepping into a bridal boutique, tell them exactly what you can realistically spend, and let them take care of the rest. They are the experts, and you might be surprised to see what they can come up with—the perfect wedding gown exists at every price point.

Think Outside Traditional Tulle and Lace
There’s no written rule that says your wedding day attire has to be an official bridal gown. The look you are going for is often available through another avenue. For instance, many bridesmaids’ dresses come in white or ivory, offering a less expensive, less fussy alternative to the traditional wedding dress.

Designers Wedding Dress

2009-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

When you choose your wedding dress, it is essential that you choose something that suits you rather than eyeing something you fancy. It is a huge misconception that only women with hour-glass figures can look perfect on their wedding day.

The key is to opt for a dress that complements your best features and hides your flaws. You don’t have to reconcile to anything less than your dream dress; you should customize your choice to a dress that suits you the best.

Designer wear

Every dress designer’s claim to fame is the exclusivity they offer. They apply their individualistic style to each wedding dress and help you shine as a unique and radiant bride. Apply your own ideas; get inspired from different sources such as bridal magazines, fashion magazines for the cut or color, designer boutiques or even the neighborhood dress maker.

Be wary of getting carried away by the latest trends in bridal wear or the current style in vogue, for it may not necessarily suit your body type, complexion or personality. If you like something that you see, cut out the picture and show it to your dress stylist as it’s much easier for the stylist to understand what you have in mind.

Customize a style or cut you like to suit your personality and body type. Try it out to check on the fittings to ensure that it flatters your figure and brings out the best features of your body. Make it a point to research and evaluate various options before you zero in on the final look.

Adaptive approach

Before you start shopping for your wedding dress, it is vital to understand your body type. Choose the fabric and style that best complements your personality. Fabrics like chiffon, georgette and silk blend with the body.

Full figured ladies can opt for a V-neck or scoop neckline as it narrows down an otherwise broad frame by drawing attention vertically.
Women with a heavy bosom may wear an A-line style gown that creates an overall balance for heavier brides and conceals hips and a tummy.
Very thin and petite women should stay away from off-the-shoulder dresses as they tend to bring attention to the lack of curves.
Pear-shaped women, those with wider hips and narrow shoulders can carry off an A-line silhouette very well as it camouflages big hips.

If you decide to buy something from a store or boutique, always make it a point to try it on. Dresses in a coat hanger or your hand look very different from when they are on your body. It makes perfect sense to try it on before you make a purchase.

Show your happiness through vibrant colors

Wearing a white dress on your wedding day is passé. If you are very particular about having a conventional wedding, experiment with different colors and bring life to your momentous day. Choose a shade that brings out the color in your eyes and enhances your complexion; it could be anything from ivory to champagne.

If you are getting married on Valentine’s Day, you can wear red, the color of love. As commonly known, different colors signify different emotions. Red is the color of love and fiery passion. In fact, the Chinese consider red as the traditional color of good luck.

A complete look
As you scout for the perfect wedding dress, do not forget that the right accessories complete the look. Accessories like shoes and jewelry are equally important and need to be coordinated with the dress and occasion. Pearls and diamonds go with almost any color and add a touch of elegance to the entire look.

You can opt for stilettos if you are used to wearing high heels on a daily basis. If not, go for shoes with a wide heel so that it is easy to balance. You do not want to prepare so much in advance and finally fall on your wedding day. Wedges are also in vogue and to a certain extent, easy to balance. High heeled shoes are very stylish except that it can get uncomfortable for long hours.

Choose the perfect wedding dress and stand apart on your special day. Your lovely face will glow with the confidence, happiness and the marital bliss you look forward to.

Wedding Dress Decision

2009-07-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most difficult decisions the bride to be must make. You may fall head over heels for a dress in one of the many bridal magazines. But, please take into consideration every woman’s body is different and the possibility of the dress looking exactly as it does on you is very slim.

Get Experienced Advice
My number one piece of advice is to make an appointment with a bridal boutique near you to get help from women who tend to hundreds of other brides to be. They will choose dresses that accent your unique curves.

Styles Abound
Most bridal boutiques carry a large variety of styles and brands to allow for different budgets and types of weddings. Most of the dresses that are advertised tend to be very pricey so you can usually find a similar dress that isn’t a brand name, but half the cost or less.
As for choosing the right type of dress I do have a bit of insight from my experience dress shopping. While every woman is different, these tips are pretty much universal.

Consider Lace-ups
Something that I discovered as I was trying on countless dresses was that lace-up back dresses are AMAZING! They not only hold you in which eliminates the need for a bra, but also take at least two dress sizes off of your figure. Quite the confidence boost!

Upfront and Personal
For large busts or small busts most dresses are a pain. The cups are either too big or too small. If it is too small you can try gel cups but that doesn’t always help. Your best bet is to try a lace up back because they shape to your figure for the most part and can help hold you in with large or small breasts.

Disguise Chicken Arms
If you have sagging arms that you would like to hide without getting a complete long-sleeved dress they have a solution. There are little half sleeve covers to hide your upper back and arms. You can also wear long gloves if you strictly want to cover your arms.

Its All About Illusion
Dresses with an A style flare are wonderful for those with a pear shape. The top of the dress can accent your tiny waist and the bottom can hide a large rear and legs. Some of us aren’t blessed with super model legs and these dresses area great fix.

Veils Add Mystery
When it comes to veils you can spend a fortune for double layer or triple but single layered veils work just the same. The only downfall is you don’t have a layer to wear over your face. However, most women don’t do that because it gets in the way of photographing their face.

Tweak For the Perfect Fit
All in all the wedding dress is quite a project to find and get altered. Your best bet in staying within your budget is choosing a dress that needs the least amount of alterations. I feel strongly about lace up backs because they tend to require less work and fit more figures which save you money.

Keep Trying
Make sure you try at least three on before making a decision and make an appointment with a professional. This will take the stress off of you and make the process go much more smoothly.

Modern Bride Styles

2009-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Weddings are all about personal style. Reflecting the overall trend of breaking away from tradition and steadfast rules, modern brides are choosing wedding gowns that reflect their personality rather than that of their grandmother's.

The only rule for wedding dress style these days is to choose one that suits you, whether that means a gold gown, trouser suit or sundress.

And even if you are more traditional and inclined towards the fairy princess in a white satin ballgown, you need not worry about being perceived as old fashioned or "not with the times." The modern "rule" for wedding dress style is to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful on your most special day.

The 21st Century Bride -

That said, although certain traditional dress styles are always popular, bridal fashion does follow mainstream fashion to some extent. So if you are looking for something a little more contemporary or "now," consider turning to the catwalks for inspiration.

The currently popular 20s–and floral–style dresses can be easily incorporated into a wedding dress. Accessories, such as belts and chandelier earrings, can also transfer from the catwalks to comprise your wedding look. Try to avoid fashion that will date quickly, however, as you will want to display your wedding photographs for a long time. As a general rule, keep your wedding ensemble fashionably forward, not overly trendy.

Today's Hot Wedding Dress Trends:

Add Some Color -
Using a wedding dress to bring out a colorful personality, modern brides are not afraid to add a splash of color to the traditional white gown. Whether that means adding a colored ribbon or piece of jewelry or foregoing the white wedding dress all together, today's brides find inventive ways to incorporate color into their wedding attire. Particularly popular shades are blue, pink, cappuccino and champagne. Believe it or not, black accents recently dazzled the runways.

Lace Up -
Lace has made a recent comeback, exuding a look of vintage romance that is feminine, yet not overdone. Many brides are enchanted by lace, envisioning a majestic day in a lush green garden.

Magnificent Embroidery -
For an ultra elegant, opulent feel, glamour girls savor wedding gowns adorned with intricate hand-embroidered details. This look warrants grand chandeliers, candlelight and an isle of red roses.

Ultra-Feminine -
As seen on the runway, feminine details are making a big impact. Ribbons, ruffles, flowers, bows and even dainty sleeves are finding their way back onto wedding dresses and taking femininity to a new level. Brides who envision themselves floating along the cobblestones of a historic mansion will love this look

Rent a Wedding Dress

2009-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that your wedding dress will be one of the most expensive items in your wedding. In fact, you can save a fortune if you are going to rent the wedding gown. Renting a gown is also considered environmental friendly.

However, renting a wedding gown is not the same as buying a new one because you have to return it after your wedding. In order to prevent unnecessary arguments with the or the wedding dress shop, you should bear the following points in mind.

Place your order as early as possible

Since it will certainly take some time for the alterations of the gown in order to make it fit your body, you should place your order to rent it at least half year before your big day. You may need to place the order even earlier if you are going to do that in the peak seasons.

Check the gown carefully when you pick it

You have to check the wedding dress with the greatest care when you pick it. You need to check if there are dirt and damages on the gown. You will then drop down everything about the dirt and damages on the contract before signing it.

This is very important if money saving is the main reason for you to rent the gown. You will certainly rent an older gown with a lower price. However, there will usually be more dirt and damages on such a gown (since it is an older one). If you do not check all the problems of it carefully and drop notes about that, it can be sure that you will just be arguing with the people from the bridal shop when you return the gown.

Pick the wedding dress yourself

You should not ask others to pick the gown for you. This is because they cannot try the wedding dress for you when they pick it. You should spend the time to pick it yourself. If you find that the gown does not fit when you are trying it, you can ask for alterations right the way. You may not have enough time to bring the gown to the shop again for alternations if you are having others to pick it for you.

Pick the gown a few days before your wedding

You should pick your wedding dress at least a few days before your wedding. If you really find that the wedding dress does not fit, you can still allow the shop a few days to alter the dress for you. Of course you should not pick it too early either since you may become fatter or slimmer (it should be slimmer, I bet) after you pick the gown.

Ask about the penalties if the gown is damaged

You will also need to ask about the penalties if you damage the gown. The penalties will certainly be different for different shops. Dropping down all the penalties may be involved if the gown is damaged will be a crucial step. Otherwise it will just render unnecessary arguments.

Perfect Wedding Dress

2009-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Gothic Themes Dress

2009-06-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Gothic fashion is all about being brazen and bending the regular norms of fashion ideas. Gothic fashion is very much in vogue today although it may not be incorporated in our daily lives. Fashion is an ever-changing phenomenon and many fashion gurus are on the lookout for adding new trends to the existing styles. This may also be the reason perhaps why Gothic fashion still rules for many!

Gothic fashion may be regarded to be bizarre by few but for the pure Goths, this was not only about freedom, it was also about sexual liberation. Gothic fashion was all about making an individual statement where the color black was used in major outfits seen in Gothic fashion. Gothic fashion has always been about flowing skirts, long sweeping dresses, tight jeans, nails painted in black and loads of chains and studs.

Apart from all these fashionable clothing seen in Gothic fashion, Gothic wedding dresses are still in demand today! Strange it would seem since Gothic fashion is considered to be slightly bizarre by many. Here’s a look at Gothic wedding dresses and why these are still preferred by many brides!

Gothic Wedding Dresses:

A Gothic wedding theme is quite popular and very much in vogue now-a-days. Gothic wedding dresses should be planned keeping the entire theme in mind. Many women love to go in for the medieval ages look since most medieval dresses are in white. Gothic wedding dresses are not about being nice and prim and proper, these are about being wicked and flaunting your style quotient. Therefore, you would need to think a couple of times before you go in for that perfect Gothic wedding dress.

Such dresses being exclusive, you may not perhaps find a store dedicated to Gothic fashion. In that case, only the Internet would prove to be useful where you can locate websites that deal with Gothic clothing so that you can have a custom made Gothic wedding dress for your wedding!

You need to remember that Gothic fashion is all about being dark and dramatic and apart from black, you can go in for deep colors such as red, a deep purple or even a dramatic blue. The right fabrics for the Gothic wedding dresses would be rich and heavy such as velvet or satin. You can combine these Gothic wedding dresses with some lace as well. If you are the kind who loves to flaunt her body then a corset can also be incorporated in the design as well.

Gothic wedding dresses should be long and flowing and you can also opt for a variety of necklines such as the Victorian neckline or any other plunging necklines which you would dare to wear! If you wish to avoid corsets or sleeveless wedding dresses then you can opt for flutter sleeves and long flowing sleeves. Use some delicate trims to add more style to your Gothic wedding dress.

Gothic fashion ideas need to be handled well so that you look beautiful with a touch of naughtiness as well! Therefore, select your elements carefully in order to avoid looking completely out of place! After all, it’s your wedding day; you need to look fashionable and stylish as well. Use the right accessories to add more dimensions to the Gothic wedding dress. Over the top bustiers and fishnet stockings are all a part of Gothic fashion. Team these up with satin gloves and stiletto heels. You can also add a touch of elegance with chandelier earrings.

Use these basics of Gothic fashion to find the ultimate Gothic wedding dress! This unique theme is bound to make your day feel even more special!

Wedding DressTips

2009-06-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Chances are your wedding dress will be the most important clothing purchase of your life. Yes, you will only wear it once; but, will you ever wear another dress more anticipated and more talked about?

And while this is indeed an important clothing decision, you have probably never gone through the process of purchasing a wedding gown until now. Thankfully, I have rounded up useful advice to get you started on your way to walking down the aisle in the dress of your dreams.

Start Shopping Early -

Time is of the essence. Most likely, you did not get engaged after a week of dating, so why would you want to rush such an important shopping decision? Planning a wedding is stressful, and the last thing you want to add to your worries is dress shopping. You need time. Not only do you need time to shop, but keep in mind that you will also need time to wait for your dress to arrive and time for fittings. Try to start looking for your perfect wedding dress right after you are engaged. You should aim to purchase your wedding gown at least 6 months before your wedding date, as this will ensure enough time to wait for your gown to arrive and have it tailored.

Wedding only 5 months away, and you haven't even tried on your first dress? Don't panic. While shopping early is preferred, you can always buy a dress off the rack, and many bridal salons can turn a dress around more quickly if necessary. You just may have to be a little more flexible in your dress choice.

Educate Yourself -
Wedding dresses come with their own unique glossary of terms (or jargon, as you may want to call it). Before stepping foot into a bridal salon, try to brush up on your vocabulary. There are terms for gown silhouette (the basic shape of the gown), neckline, bodice, sleeves, trains etc. Learn the basics and try to narrow down which options you prefer and which ones best suit your figure. Overwhelmed? This wedding dress styles guide provides detailed descriptions on every type of wedding gown.

Envision Your Perfect Wedding Dress -

Many bridal salons do not allow you to simply browse through all their wedding dresses. They first ask you a few questions about your wedding and your overall style and bring dresses that reflect your vision to you. Therefore, it's best to have an idea of what you want before you shop. After you have educated yourself on the various parts of a dress, think about what wedding dress style suits you. Always dreamed of being a princess?

A ball gown silhouette is probably your best bet. Dream of showing off a figure sculpted by hard work at the gym? A sheath dress may be perfect for you. Keep in mind that your dress, while suiting your personal style, should also suit your wedding venue. A formal ball gown is probably not appropriate for a beach wedding in the sand, while a sundress may not work in a cathedral.

Know Where to Shop -

The most popular choice is the bridal salon, known for a high level of customer service. Bridal salons exist almost everywhere; you can search our local wedding services section for ones nearest you. Of course, all bridal salons are not the same. Some feature wedding gowns from multiple designers, others feature only gowns from one specific designer custom for their particular store.

Price ranges vary as well. While many bridal salons offer gowns starting as low as $300, prices at other stores can start as high as $4000. Call and inquire before choosing a store. Brides on a tighter budget can try an outlet. Bridal outlets offer hundreds of dresses, often from past seasons, at a discounted price.

Determine Your Budget -

It's best to have an idea of what you would like to spend before stepping into a bridal salon. This will save you the hassle of going to salons out of your price range or allowing the sales clerk to bring you dresses you cannot afford. The average cost of a wedding dress is around $800. Shop around online and in magazines to get an idea of how much wedding dresses cost and how much you want to spend. In general, your wedding gown shouldn't exceed 10 percent of the cost of the wedding reception.

Wedding Dresses for Every Kind of Girl

2009-06-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I think it would be safe to say that today most brides prefer sleeveless wedding dresses. However, you might be surprised to know that many brides prefer modest wedding dresses and you might be even more surprised that they look lovely in them.

Whether young and mature brides alike are choosing a modest wedding dress because they are getting married in a religious venue that requires modest dress, or because they simply prefer a modest wedding dress, they have access to a wide array of lovely fashions that fit the style of almost every type of bride. From haughty couture to ballroom and from the beach to the baseball diamond, they (and you) can find the right modest wedding dress for the day of all days.

Beach Girl Modest Wedding Dress

If you are the type of girl that dreams of a destination wedding with your intimate family and friends, then consider two of the modest wedding gowns that I think would belong on the sand!

The first dress I have in mind is one that is simple, yet gathered in "bustle bursts" in the skirt. The effect is stunning. It looks like billowed clouds but isn’t pretentious. It also portrays the white motion of the sea, which for the beach—what could be better. Want to see the image of the dress that inspires my words? I saw the image of this cloud dresson a bridal gown website.

Another modest wedding dress beach option is a simple two-piece dress with simple trim and a graceful loop of the skirt. It gives the impression of effortless soft char or beauty—for the calm, sweet, beach bride. I saw the image² that inspired these ideas on the same bridal gown website.

Couture Girl

For the girl who hates to admit it but will truly only settle for the best and most couture of fashions, there are dresses that will warm the heart of even the most determined and haughty fashionistas.

For the fasionista, elegant beadwork can be exceptional and a flawless cut is required. A fashionista should consider the daring new-age gown that will stand out with a modest--yet form fitting--richly beaded gown, that flares hill-like past the hips into an ending that is fit for a movie star. Check out the photo that inspires my admiration.³

Let’s face it. The true fashionista wants to show off her beauty and grace and true blue loveliness. She may also want to show off her tiny little waist and will be able to do exactly that with the dress I have in mind. With a splash of color that draws the eye and a skirt of tiered loveliness there will be plenty of eyes wandering after this lovely item^.

Accessory Girl

For the girl who wants a modest wedding dress but knows that it is the accessories that really make a statement, I would recommend two items:

The sash brooch is the perfect way to attract attention to the waist and add a touch of richness to a modest dress.

A tiara with the right hair locks can brighten an entire wedding! This tiara, though small hints towards royalty and grace.

Country Girl

A "country girl" may choose almost any style of dress, but I like to think of her focusing on a dress that is well made yet unadorned. A pure, sweet look with a traditional veil and a fitted waist would make a lovely dress for the girl who loves the pure feelings of the outdoors.

How about a dress that will remind you of Julia Robert’s "bell" dress in the movie, "Runaway Bride." This type of dress in conjunction with a classic veil says gorgeous country in my book of love.

You may be a hippie bride, a European chic bride, a cowgirl bride or an Asian style bride. No matter what type of bride you are, you can take advantage of the gorgeous array of modest wedding dresses that are readily available today.

Wedding Preparation Tips

2009-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Wedding planning and preparation tips:
When planning the guest list, remember that you do not need to invite your co-workers. If there is some one that you work with that you are very close to, that is one thing but inviting 100 people from the office is just a waste of your money on the invitations because only the ones that you are close to will come anyway.

* The first step in wedding planning is deciding how much money you are going to spend and make a budget. When planning your wedding budget allow 25% more for extras that you haven't planned for.

* Order the invitations four months in advance. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks in advance. Take the invitations to the post office to be weighted for sufficient postage.

* On your wedding day bring along an emergency kit with a needle and thread, safety pins, hairpins, hairspray, nail polish and extra pantyhose.

* Start shopping for a wedding dress six months in advance. You will need several fittings before it is perfect.

* Do your hair and makeup before putting on your wedding dress.

* Plan your honeymoon six months in advance. Make all arrangements and reservations well in advance.

* If your budget is small, share your joy and happiness with only family and your closest friends.

* When selecting a caterer try to sample their food before hiring them. If it is a restaurant, go there to have dinner before you hire them.

* Invitations should always be addressed by pen, preferably a black fountain pen.

* Remember that it is his wedding, too. Some men do not want much to do with the planning but it is not always too. Take his advice too.

* Plan your budget first. The rest you can fit into that budget.

* If you and your fiancée have a disagreement, work it out without involving either set of parents.

* When shopping for your wedding dress, state your price range at the beginning.

* Remember to always send a "Thank you" note for all wedding gifts you receive.
When choosing a wedding date, take your guests into consideration. Avoid family birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Also think about those that will be traveling.

* View his or her photographs to see if you like their style of photography. If you do, book as early as possible.

* Planning a wedding takes a lot of time. If you don't have the time, hire a wedding consultant.

* When you are meeting with a florist for wedding flowers, know what your budget will be and the colors you have chosen.

* Eat something before your wedding. Even though you might not feel hungry, try to swallow just a few bites. You don't want to faint on your big day!

* Make detailed photocopies of your wedding day schedule beginning that morning and continuing until your departure for your honeymoon. Give copies of the schedule to all parents as well as everyone in the wedding party.

* Don't hesitate to ask family and friends to help with preparations. Choose the appropriate task for the person you are asking.

Wedding Quotes

2009-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

The wedding day is the most awaited day by most couples. This is the day that is filled with anticipation and eagerness.

Therefore, I have made a compilation of romantic as well as funny wedding quotes that can make you see the funny as well as the lighter side of marriage. Friends and family as well as couples can have a great time reading this compilation of wedding quotes.

Wedding Quotes:

Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one. -Friedrich Halm

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. -Germaine Greer

A wedding is a start of togetherness... of walks in the rain, basking in the sunshine, shared meals, caring for one another and sensing the love that a marriage carries.-Unknown

The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. - Henny Youngman

A happy marriage is a new beginning of life, a new starting point for happiness and usefulness. – Dean

When you meet someone who can cook and do housework--don't hesitate a minute--marry him. – Unknown

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
- Ogden Nash

We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. - Sam Keen

The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make, not just on your wedding day, but over and over again and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife. - Barbara De Angelis

You don't marry someone you can live with; you marry the person who you cannot live without. - Anonymous quotes

Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century. - Mark Twain

Love: a temporary insanity, curable by marriage. - Ambrose Bierce

Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash. - Joyce Brothers

Marriage is the alliance of two people, one of whom never remembers birthdays and the other who never forgets. - Ogden Nash

Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. - Oscar Wilde

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. - Martin Luther

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A happy marriage is a new beginning of life, a new starting point for happiness and usefulness. - Dean Stanley

A man in love is incomplete until he is married. Then he's finished. - Zsa Zsa Gabor

The woman cries before the wedding; the man afterward. – Unknown

A good marriage is one, which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love. - Pearl S. Buck quotes

To keep the fire burning brightly there's one easy rule: Keep the two logs together, near enough to keep each other warm and far enough apart-about a finger's breadth-for breathing room. Good fire, good marriage, same rule. - Unknown

Let men tremble to win the hand of woman, unless they win along with it the utmost passion of her heart. - Nathaniel Hawthorne

A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment. – Jane Austen

All weddings are similar, but every marriage is different. - John Berger

Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy. – Unknown

Wedding Themes that Can Save You Money

2009-05-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Looking to save money on your wedding reception? Instead of relentlessly paring down your guest list or compromising in other areas, why not think about using a low-cost theme for your special day?

A wedding that fits into a particular theme is often more relaxed than your typical reception. And, since there’s less pressure to spend exorbitant sums on extras you simply don’t need, they can often save you a bundle.

Reception themes allow people to get creative with their celebration and express themselves. People often choose to base their themes on hobbies, personal interests, and dreams. Choosing to go with something like a beach theme, a Mexican fiesta, or a toga party (for a really wild example) is simple -- and the food is cheap and easy. Take a look at some more themes to lessen the cost of your reception.

Roman theme: The choices with the Roman theme vary. Togas are almost always a part of the festivities. Serving fresh fruits like grapes and apples not only provides a healthy alternative to more traditional fare, it’s also in keeping with the typical Roman diet. Serving fresh rotisseries meats or cold cuts are great with this theme as well. You can generally serve beer and wine for this theme, and you can decorate with wreathes, garland, candles and anything else in the Roman fashion.

Fairy Wonderland: To go with this theme, you could use fairies wings, have sheer fabrics draped around you, decorate with baby’s breath, moss, and serve fine breads and appetizers. This theme really lets the bride bring her childhood dreams to life. Music like Enya would be nice to listen to for this theme.

Ethnic traditions: This theme requires that you choose specialty foods and decorations from the ethnicity of your choice. For example, should you choose a Scottish theme, you would listen to bagpipes, dress in the Scottish fashion and do all things Scottish.

Mexican fiesta: This fun theme can have you hitting a piñata, serving popular Mexican dishes, utilizing things like Santa Fe decorative blankets for the walls, and many other things. You can play mariachi music or Spanish guitars for this theme.

Arabian Nights: For this theme you can fill your reception hall with beautiful linens and let your bridal party have costumes should they wish to. You can also serve Middle-Eastern foods or appetizers, pita bread, etc. This theme is very versatile and fun.

Greek Mythology: This theme can be geared toward a particular Greek saga or, more popularly, guests can each come dressed as a particular Greek hero of their choice. Greek foods like fresh fruits, wine, and other edibles of ancient Greece can be offered.

Hawaiian: You can use your imagination to create any Hawaiian fantasy that you wish. You can give out fresh leis or artificial ones as wedding favors. You can serve fresh tropical island fruits such as pineapples, and serve those cute tropical drinks with decorative umbrellas – basically, wherever your mind takes you.

Disney: There are so many popular Disney characters that we all remember from our childhood that this theme opens up a world of possibilities. You can choose to focus on a particular character, or simply take the entire world of Disney and use it as your theme.

The Wild West: This theme can be as fun as you want. You can set up your reception area to look like an old saloon and have dancers give a tame burlesque show. This theme also allows you to serve easy-to-create entrees like meatloaf, all the way up to more expensive fare, such as steaks. As long as you stick with your theme (i.e. leave out the shrimp cocktail) you can have a great time.

NASCAR: This theme has a world of possibilities. You can decorate with checkered flags and checkered flag streamers, toy cars, or painted numbers of the different cars and drivers. If you would like, you can decorate with a particular driver motif. The best part about this theme is that it is very casual and you can serve regular foods like pizza, large submarine sandwiches, hamburgers and even chips and nachos; pretty much any food that you want. In general this relaxed type of theme applies to all sports-related themes. This theme is great for receptions where lots of sports fans will be attending. You can also opt to watch a race on a large TV during the party.

Movies: Popular movie themes like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings can be a lot of fun for receptions when the bride and groom are movie buffs. Decorations will be based on what the general movie symbolizes. For example, if you chose the Matrix, you would use computer data charts and sheets, computers, dress in all black, etc. You could serve appetizers rather than entrees for this type of theme as well. Playing the movie during your reception is a cool idea for background scenery.

When it comes to themes, the possibilities are endless. Coming up with them can be much of the fun. After you have chosen your theme, you can brainstorm ideas to expand upon it for the decorations, food, activities and more.

Gifts For Girlfriends

2009-05-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Are you struggling to find a unique gift for your girlfriend? Do you want to get the gift that will leave her in tears because she loves it so much? There are many gift for girlfriend ideas out there, but most are just cheesy and do not make much sense.

However, you can give her a message in a bottle that will show her exactly how much you love her. Here are the benefits.

First, when you are searching for gift for girlfriend ideas you are usually looking for something unique that is not jewelry, is not going to cost you hundreds of dollars, and will show that you put a lot of feeling and thought into the gift. Let's face it, guys are not the best at picking out gifts, but if they are willing to put time, effort, and thought behind the gift, then they will rarely go wrong.

Second, a message in a bottle is the perfect gift for girlfriend idea because it is decorative, comes in a box that gives it the best presentation, and it contains a message that you can either write yourself or have written for you. This gives you the option to say what you want to say or have someone help you say what you are feeling. It is a wonderful presentation and a very unique gift that no other guy will have ever given her.

Last, when you pick out a message in a bottle you get to choose from so many options that you can customize the bottle, the paper, the presentation, and the message specifically to what she will like. This gives you the chance to really WOW her with how well you know her. Plus this will be a keepsake that she can always keep close to her so that she will always be reminded of you and how much you love her.

Mermaid Style Bridal Gowns

2009-05-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a bridal gown with that "wow" factor? The dress that will make your fiance's jaw drop when you walk down the aisle? Then look no further than the sexy mermaid style bridal gown.

A mermaid gown is a silhouette that is fitted through the bodice and the hips, and then flares out into a fuller skirt at the knee. Mermaid gowns are usually made of fabrics that can hold their shape, such as satin, lace, or tulle, to really emphasis the signature flared hem. It is a style that is made for a bride who wants to make a dramatic grand entrance.

Wearing a mermaid gown is not going to be for everyone. You have to be comfortable with your figure, and with having a lot of attention drawn to your hips. This can actually be a shape that is flattering on a variety of different figures. Girls who are blessed with great curves will look eye-poppingly gorgeous in a sexy mermaid gown. Brides who have more straight figures will find that a mermaid style can add the look of curves to their frame. The one category of bride who should avoid a mermaid gown at all costs is the pear shape.

Mermaid bridal gowns will always be glamorous and elegant. They are most often found in fabrics, such as the aforementioned satin, that are appropriate for more formal weddings. Sometimes you will also see them done in delicate laces that will tone down the drama of a mermaid to make it more wearable for less fancy events. The tight bodice and hips of the mermaid shape are reminiscent of the glamorous gowns of the 1950s and early 60s, when women loved to show off their curvaceous figures.

There are any number of necklines that you can choose for a mermaid wedding gown, but strapless is definitely the most popular. After all, there is no point in trying to be demure at the top when the entire dress is screaming va va va voom! Even within a strapless neckline, though, there will be some options.

Slender brides who are trying to create the illusion of curves should look for sweetheart strapless necklines. Brides who already have all the curves that they need should consider straight across necklines, or ones that curve up slightly across the front. When your gown is very fitted, you want to make sure that nothing is spilling out from the top!

Because the mermaid gown does have a glamorous feeling, you will want to choose accessories that are equally fabulous. For your wedding jewelry, look for custom bridal Swarovski necklaces. The sparkle of Swarovksi crystals will add the drama that you want in custom bridal necklaces. When the piece is handcrafted just for you, it also allows you to make changes so that the necklace is a perfect match to the style of your gown. Finish the look with dazzling crystal earrings and a matching bracelet.

Due to the very fitted nature of a mermaid gown, you may want to think about changing into a second dress for the reception. If you are content to do a couple of ceremonial dances and then spend the rest of the evening mingling with your guests, your mermaid gown should be just fine. But brides who plan to really dance the night away will find it easier to do so in a more forgiving silhouette.

You can't beat the mermaid style bridal gown for drama, elegance, and sensuality. It is a style that always stays in fashion because of how great it makes a woman look and feel. If you want to be drop dead gorgeous on your wedding day, then definitely give the mermaid shape a try.

Planning a Wedding

2009-04-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

If you're planning on getting married, Efi Condovrakis has this very useful calendar to help brides organise the big day.

You've been a guest at many memorable weddings, where the bride looked gorgeous, her flowers were beautiful, and the reception venue and music were spectacular. Now it's your turn to organise the biggest day of your life - so where do you begin?

Decide on a date, it's best to give yourself plenty of time, and let the planning begin!

Twelve months to go

* Book the reception venue. Remember you need to take into consideration the style, size and budget.
* Book the ceremony.

Ten months to go

* Choose colour scheme and theme.
* Start looking for your wedding dress.
* Make a preliminary guest list
* Choose maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
* Choose master of ceremonies, band or disc jockey.

Six months to go

* Shop for bridesmaid's dresses, shoes and accessories.
* Book a photographer. Make an appointment to visit their studio to meet them and have a look at their work and choose a package that suits your taste and budget.
* Consider a videographer.
* Select a florist and order your bouquets, buttonholes, church decorations and reception table arrangments.
* Order invitations and stationery - acceptance cards, thank you cards, table place cards, hymn books, etc.
* Choose a location for photos and remember many public gardens require a permit.

Four months to go

* Choose the suits for the groom and groomsmen.
* Make travel arrangements for the honeymoon and organise passports and visas.
* Select cars.
* Choose wedding rings.
* Choose a wedding cake.
* Organise gift registry. Department stores, individual stores and online retailers offer this service.
* Send invitations to overseas guests so they have plenty of time to make travel arrangements.
* Book a hairdresser and make-up artist.

Two months to go

* Post wedding invitations.
* Make hotel reservation for the wedding night.
* Meet with the priest or celebrant to discuss and finalise ceremony formalities.
* Meet with your reception venue organiser to finalise menus and running details.
* Have dancing lessons if you think you both need them!

One month to go

* Lodge 'Notification of Intention to Marry' with The Department of Deaths and Marriages.
* Have hair and make-up trials. Don't forget to take your veil if you're wearing one.
* Finalise details with the master of ceremonies.
* Have your final fitting for wedding dress and bridesmaid's dresses.
* Finalise living arrangements and tie up financial and legal matters.
* Purchase ceremony accessories such as ring pillow and guest books.
* Purchase garter, toasting goblets etc.
* Organise lingerie.
* Choose wedding vows.
* Organise church programs.
* Select songs for bridal waltz.
* Reconfirm everything: flowers, cake, cars, band etc.

Two weeks to go

* Have bridal showers, hen's night and buck's night.
* Finalise guest numbers with the reception venue.
* Organise table seating for your guests. Write place cards and give them to the reception venue.
* Wear in wedding shoes.
* Pack overnight bag for the hotel and honeymoon.
* Write thank you speeches.
* Pick up wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses. Try everything on again.
* Shop for thank you gifts for your bridal party.

One week to go

* Pick up groom and groomsmen suits - check for proper fit.
* Pick up wedding bands.
* Have wedding rehearsal.
* Have a manicure.
* Spoil yourself and your bridal party with a relaxation massage.
* Reconfirm your honeymoon details.

Wedding day

Relax and enjoy, as this day, which has consumed you for so long, is over very quickly.
And don't forget to eat!

Some good advice
* Don't feel you have to invite everyone you know to the wedding. It's okay to invite your guests to the service only.
* Don't say no to help. There's a lot to organise and if your friends and family are offering help, let them help!
* Don't do any running around on the day. Have your flowers delivered to you and your hairdresser come to you etc.
* Bridesmaids usually pay for their own dressers and shoes.
* Don't expect parents to pay for the wedding. However many do contribute.
* Remember both sets of parents would like to be involved in the decision making, especially if they're paying towards the wedding.
* Many couples are choosing wedding bubbles instead of confetti as they look great in photos.
* Signature bears are fun instead of guest books.
* Try not to consume too much alcohol untill after the formalities.
* Place a few disposable cameras on each table and have your guests take photos of each other and the wedding couple. It's great looking back at these informal pictures.
* Make sure there are plenty of spare pantyhose for yourself and the bridal party.
* Make sure you pack tissues, lipstick, band-aids, etc, in your bag.

Things No-One Tells You About Getting Married

2009-04-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

You plan it for months (or years), but there'll always be things you can't predict on your wedding day. Here, brides who've been there tell you how to prepare for the unexpected.

"Stage fright happens to brides, too"
"I'm a shy, quiet person and, normally, the idea of standing in front of 100 people would terrify me. Somehow, I thought it would be different on my wedding day. It wasn't. To my horror, straight after the 'I dos', a blotchy, red rash crept over my neck and face. Reassuringly, the celebrant told me it happens quite a lot."
Georgina, 33, Melbourne, Vic

"What's more important: wedding or marriage?"
"My family and friends were constantly asking about my wedding, but never questioned me about the fact that I was about to start sharing my life with another human being, which seemed much more important than, 'Are you wearing a band/veil?' I felt relieved when the pressure to have a perfect wedding day was finally over."
Gabrielle, 32, Perth, WA

"Don't make big plans for your wedding night"
"I had amazing plans for my wedding night - after the reception we wanted to kick on to a bar with our friends, and then have a romantic night in our candlelit wedding suite. But by midnight, I was exhausted. I'd been up for 19 hours and experienced a roller-coaster of emotions. So, instead, my husband spent his wedding night picking bobby pins from my hair."
Sharon, 34, Ashfield, NSW

"Parents will probably complicate things"
"Both my parents and my husband's are divorced and all have new partners. Trying to please all of them was incredibly difficult. But how can you ignore their demands when they're contributing money? Eventually, my husband and I decided we had to be firm and do what we wanted - after all, it was our day."
Kellie, 25, Cabarita, NSW

"Your dream dress will be over your budget"
"Before my wedding, I imagined getting married wearing a $500 classic, cream suit. But I ended up splurging on an antique lace dress, which cost thousands in fabric alone. We went so over budget for the wedding in general that we gave up and spent what we liked. So don't beat yourself up if you blow your budget."
Emily, 27, Perth, WA

"Some of your closest friends won't make it"
"I had this romantic notion that everyone I invited to the
wedding would attend. But in reality, some people won't be able to - especially if you get married overseas, as I did. It's easy to feel upset, but ultimately - like most wedding details - it won't matter on the day. Your wedding will still be incredible."
Fiona, 31, Rose Bay, NSW

"Even 'ideal' bridesmaids can cause headaches"
"I'd heard horror stories about lazy bridesmaids, so I thought my super-organised friend would be perfect. But Kate, who had a list - and an opinion - for everything, was so organised I started to feel I had lost control of my own wedding. Although Kate had good intentions, I wish I had picked someone more on my wavelength."
Michelle, 29, Prahan, Vic

"You're not the only one who might cry"
"At the weddings I've attended, the bride cried, so I thought I might, too. But as soon as I arrived at the church I felt calm. As I walked down the aisle, my husband-to-be was looking at me in a serious, but tender way I'd only seen once before - when he proposed. Then, during the vows, he cried. I squeezed his hand, and at that moment I knew we had made the right decision."

Stretch Your Wedding Budget by Renting

2009-04-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Engaged couples long for a wedding day that will be unique and memorable, but in these tough economic times many are becoming more cautious about how they plan and spend their budget.

According to The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks wedding spending in the United States, the average cost of a wedding in 2008 was $21,814. That is a 24 percent decline over the 2007 average of $28,704. This decline doesn't mean you can't have exactly what you want on your big day to create your dream wedding.

"You can rent almost anything you need to make your wedding match your vision," says Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Rental Association (ARA), the global trade association for the rental industry. "By renting items for your wedding, you have access to products that may have otherwise been too expensive in large quantities. You can get exactly what you want at a price that meets your budget."

Choose linens that match your wedding colors, or go for classic white to offset the color of your centerpieces. Linens can be rented in a variety of colors and textiles, and add a touch of elegance to every space. Create drama without adding cost by creating a monochromatic design for your table.

Centerpieces can be elegant or casual, depending on your style. Mix tall and short clear vases to add depth to your table and save money on large floral arrangements. Or choose a variety of candleholders to create a vintage-inspired look and a romantic, low-light atmosphere.

Planning an outdoor wedding? Tents can transform any setting into striking surroundings for your big day. ARA member rental businesses have a variety of tents to create the venue, as well as everything you need to make it beautiful and comfortable.

Large tents and elegant canopies come in a variety of colors and styles. Many come with cathedral ceilings, windows or even clear tops -- allowing guests to catch a glimpse of a dramatic sunset or a sparkling night sky.

Many ARA member rental stores offer personalized service through their Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs) who are specially trained to help you choose the right rentals to make your dream wedding come to fruition. Most offer on-site support the day of your wedding, and that's a day you'll be looking for all the support you can get!

You can also rely on the expertise of your ARA member rental store professionals before you book your venue. They can help you assess the potential site for things like power accessibility, ground water issues or overhead power lines that may interfere with your vision of a tall tent, among other situations.

White chocolate wedding cake

2009-04-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

The wedding cake is truly the crème de la crème of cakes. With so much tradition and many superstitions of luck surrounding it, the cake plays a pivotal part in your celebrations and should be an amazing centrepiece which reflects the sentiment of this momentous occasion whether traditional, classic, elegant, modern, themed or funky!

Try a Chocolate wedding cake

Ingredients

Butter for greasing
200g white chocolate, chopped*
250g butter, chopped*
2 cups caster sugar*
1/2 cup milk *
1 orange, zest finely grated*
1 3/4 cups plain flour *
1/2 cup SR flour*
1/3 cup Grand Marnier*
2 eggs, lightly beaten*
Extra 1/2 cup Grand Marnier
400g white chocolate, chopped
500g cream cheese, chopped
2 cups icing sugar mixture
600ml thickened cream
2 baby cabbages
375g pkt white chocolate melts

Here's how

1 Grease and line the base and sides of 3 deep, round, 20cm cake tins with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 160C. Combine the chocolate, butter, sugar and milk in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted. Transfer the melted chocolate mixture to a large bowl, let cool slightly.

2 Use a whisk to stir the orange zest, the sifted flours, Grand Marnier and eggs into the chocolate mixture. Keep whisking until the mixture is a smooth batter. Pour the batter into one of the tins and bake for 1 hour 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Cover the cake with foil halfway through the baking time to prevent over browning. Remove cooked cake from oven and leave to cool in the tin.

Repeat with another 2 batches of mixture. You may need to extend the cooking time if you bake 2 cakes at one time.

3 To make the frosting: Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes. Leave to cool. Place half the cream cheese and icing sugar in the small bowl of an electric mixer and beat until just smooth. Add the remaining cheese and sugar and beat again until smooth. Pour in the melted chocolate and beat until combined. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and fold it through cream cheese mixture. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm enough to spread. After refrigeration you may need to stir the mixture until smooth before spreading.

4 Use a serrated knife to cut each cake horizontally through the centre. Brush 1 tbsp of extra Grand Marnier over one cut surface of cake then spread with 1/4 cup of frosting and replace top. Repeat with other cakes.

Stack the cakes on a serving board or plate, sandwiching them together with 1/4 cup of frosting each. Make sure last cake is inverted so the base of cake is on top for a completely flat surface. Secure the layers in place by inserting 3 skewers vertically through the cakes. Cut skewers down to size, so they can be frosted over. The skewers can be removed when you serve the cake.

5 Cover cake with remaining frosting. Run a palette knife from bottom to top around the sides of the cake to form a decorative pattern. Swirl the frosting on the top with a palette knife. Refrigerate the cake until you're ready to place the leaves on cake and take it to the table. The frosting of the cake can be done the day before serving. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 1 hour before pressing chocolate leaves into frosting.

6 To make chocolate leaves: trim off any torn leaves from the cabbages. Then carefully remove 4 outer leaves. Melt 1/3 of the white chocolate melts for the frosting. Use a spoon to spread the melted chocolate over the outside of the leaves. Avoid having the chocolate run over the edges of the leaves. Allow the chocolate to set, then carefully peel the leaf away leaving the chocolate shell. Repeat with remaining chocolate and leaves. If you're careful, you can reuse the cabbage leaves. Coat another 4 leaves, making them slightly smaller by not coating the whole leaf. Repeat one more time with 4 smaller leaves. Once all the leaves are set, arrange the larger leaves around top of cake like a flower, pressing them gently into icing to set in place. Place next size inside larger leaves and so on. Use any smaller broken pieces to stand in the centre of the flower.

7 To serve: after presenting the whole cake to the guests, carefully remove the skewers and separate it back into 3 cakes, Cut the cakes into serving size pieces - tiny if you're serving a separate dessert or larger if the cake is being served as dessert.

You can store any unused cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Cut wedding costs, for better or worse with lower-cost locations

2009-04-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

It wasn't your typical rehearsal dinner, but it was everything Liz Jones and Josh Dilworth hoped it would be - authentic, casual and relatively cheap.

Guests by the dozens gathered in a barn on the Jones family farm for a simple picnic-style meal. Afterward, they played croquet, horseshoes and badminton, shadowed by towering grain silos and within earshot of lowing cattle.

When the sun set, they returned to the barn for an "open mic" that included guitar-playing, poems and the bride's fiv-year-old nephew singing "You Are My Sunshine."

Her father also offered a little advice to the guests, many of them East Coast city folk from the groom's side of the family.

"If you're watching out here in the cornfield tonight and it gets a little later, you'll see some guys come out of there and ask, 'Is this heaven?" Curt Jones said, grinning. "And you say, 'No, it's Iowa."'

Turns out, it was heaven, indeed, for a young couple looking to save some cash.

They might have have opted for a wedding in Austin, Texas, where Jones attends graduate school and Dilworth works in public relations. But while they'd been saving for a few years - with a working budget of $10,000 - they knew they'd get more for their money in northwestern Iowa, where she'd always enjoyed taking friends after she'd left home for college.

"It also meant we could say to people, 'If you can get here, it'll be cheap for you while you're here,"' Jones said.

She and Dilworth, both 28, married on a recent Sunday morning outside a state park lodge on the shores of West Okoboji Lake, just north of the farm. Renting the lodge for the entire day cost all of $200. Brunch for 130 guests, done by a local resident who caters on the side, was $11 a head.

Looking for ways to save on wedding expenses is an increasingly common scenario for young couples, faced with hefty student loans, credit card debt, a tough job market and ever-increasing living expenses. Many couples are choosing lower-cost locations, as Jones and Dilworth did, or planning smaller "destination" weddings away from home for family and their closest friends.

Teddy Lenderman, an author and longtime wedding consultant in Terre Haute, Ind., has noted the growing concerns about wedding costs among her clients.

"We just work at compromising and spending those wedding bucks where we can get the most impact," said Lenderman, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to a Perfect Wedding."

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is just under $29,000, according to the Wedding Report Inc., which tracks trends in the industry.

But these days, Lenderman says, couples are more likely to haggle with wedding vendors. Still others are buying wedding supplies from online discount merchants and other wholesalers. And couples are doing a lot more of the work themselves, with the help of family members and friends.

The whole notion of planning a low-cost wedding can be stressful. Beth Hoops, a 23-year-old recent college graduate in St. Louis, says even thinking about it causes her "panic attacks."

"For me, the economy might have a devastating effect on the type of wedding I have," said Hoops, who's already worried about paying off $50,000 in student loans. She and her 27-year-old fiance Steve, who works for the federal government, are considering flying off for a smaller wedding.

"I know I can't afford a blowout here at home, and I don't want to be embarrassed," Hoops said. "According to society standards, weddings are supposed to be glamorous and expensive."

But others say it doesn't have to be that way.

Susan von Seggern, a bride from Los Angeles who got married in July at her parents' home in suburban Rochester, N.Y., says she and her husband John had to cut costs because they are starting an organic gardening business together.

Their parents helped pay for the wedding. But they also found ways to save, including getting help from friends who did the wedding photography and her makeup and helped design her dress - all for free or at cost, as a wedding gift.

"I feel great about it. I saved money and involved the people I love in a meaningful way," von Seggern says. "And really, when you are the bride and getting ready to walk down the aisle, you are so preoccupied you barely notice the details around you."

There's also a chance to get creative. Rather than having the caterer do dessert, the von Seggerns ordered cookies and brownies from the bakery at a Wegmans supermarket, which she calls "a Rochester legend."

In Iowa, Jones and Dilworth also decided to forgo the wedding cake.

Instead, they arranged for Kate Shaw, a resident of the nearby town of Spirit Lake, to arrive in her 1967 vintage Ford ice-cream truck to offer frozen treats to the couple's gleeful guests. That cost $200.

After that, the wedding-goers changed clothes so they could swim and play more games.

"It's very much a find-your-own adventure wedding," said Dilworth, who now shares the last name Jones-Dilworth with his wife. "We went into it knowing we didn't have a lot of money to spend, but it came out even better than we thought."

There were friends and family who were unable to travel to relatively remote Iowa, some because of the high cost of airfare. But once there, Zach Dilworth, the groom's 22-year-old brother, said he needed only "about 40 bucks" for the entire weekend.

"They've shown me that a wedding doesn't really have to be expensive - and it's still all there," he said. "That's what Josh and Liz are about - using what you have. They're very resourceful."

Among other things, the couple decided to email their wedding invitations instead of mailing paper ones. They designed and printed their own wedding programs and had centrepieces that consisted of simple table runners, small Texas cacti and old photos of themselves and their loved ones.

Altogether, they and their parents spent about $9,300 on the wedding weekend, including the dress and tux, several meals for guests, and compostable forks, plates and napkins, made partly from corn. That's still a lot of money, they say - but thousands less than many of their friends' weddings.

And even with a smaller price tag, their guests still raved.

"I can't imagine anything better than this," Liz's uncle, Sohrab Gandomi, said as he gave the groom a hug at the reception. "It's just wonderful."

April Wedding

2009-04-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

An April wedding can be a beautiful spring affair. The weather is not too hot, the spring blooms are starting to poke through and everyone is enjoying a sense of renewal and rebirth. April can be the perfect time to begin your lives together with a beautiful wedding.

Invitations
Take advantage of the light pastel colors to create a bright wedding invitation. Some patterns that look great for an April wedding invitation include seersucker, pinstripe and polka dots. Take your cues from Easter tones with pale yellow, baby blue, light pink, muted green and lavender are all great for April. Include a lavender sachet or a pretty pastel ribbon with your invitation for a beautiful and subtle spring touch.

Also, if you're sending your spring-themed wedding invitations on time, they should reach your guests around February or March (depending on when in April your wedding is set for) - just in time to relieve your guests of the winter doldrums.

Decorations
Seasonal flowers for April include Bells of Ireland, Chrysanthemum, Snap Dragons and Sweet Peas. Take your cues from these light colors and accent with your flowers. Choosing flowers that are in season can save you some money and give your wedding bouquet a fresh look.

Since April is also Easter-time you may have to deal with Easter decorations. Make sure you check with any venue you rent or the church where your wedding ceremony will be held to make sure you either like the decorations or can have them removed for your event.

Reception menu
While there is no rule about which foods to serve you might consider fresh foods and baby vegetables to pair with a light chicken or salmon dish. A crisp salad with strawberries or apricots can add zing to your April menu. For the bar, served chilled white wine and a fruity punch or signature cocktail

Weather
In many areas, the weather can be unpredictable in April. But don't let this deter you from an April wedding. If you're planning for an outdoor wedding, make sure you have some indoor space available in case the April showers loom. Make a note on your invitation about your 'plan b' so guests know where to go in the event of inclement weather.

Attire
Again, the weather may dictate some of your details for you. Make sure you to note your indoor or outdoor plans on your April wedding invitation so guests can dress accordingly. Any day in April can be warm and sunny or rainy and chilly. Additionally, plan on dressing your bridesmaids appropriately for the weather; consider a sleeved dress or a wrap to go with their dress. This will keep them warm and prepared for just about any weather situation.

April is a beautiful time to plan your wedding. Start with a bright spring invitation and you'll have everyone excited for your beautiful spring affair. Stay ahead of the fickle weather with a great 'plan b' - just in case - and you'll enjoy a great April wedding day

Spring Wedding Decorating Ideas

2009-03-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Spring is a great time for new beginnings, especially for starting a new life with someone special. What better way to celebrate than to incorporate a spring theme into your wedding decorating! A few simple touches are all it takes to have a big impact. After a dull winter, your guests will appreciate a bright and happy occasion.

Popular colors for a sping wedding are pastels, so keep this in mind when shopping for your bridal party and for your decorations. If you want a darker color for your bridesmaid dresses, try using the same color in a lighter shade for the wedding flowers and centerpieces.

The contrast will add freshness to your big day while making everything look smart and well coordinated. Try not to use too many different pastel colors together unless you're planning an Easter wedding.

Some great color choices are: pink or rose, light blue, yellow, lavender, and a soft green. Some good color combinations include rose and lavender, lavender and light blue, or yellow and soft green. Using colors that are close to each other on the color scale will give a softer look to your day, while using opposites will create bolder combinations.

Other than color, some easy ways to add spring to your wedding are:

- Use potted bulbs in your decorations. They can be used to decorate your ceremony, as centerpieces at your reception, and on the gift and cake tables. Just make sure to choose bulbs whose flowers aren't heavily scented in case any of your guests have allergies. A lot of scent in a closed in room can have people looking for fresh air very quickly. Daffodils and tulips are great choices and are available in a variety of colors. You don't need to have the same flower at every table, and using a variety can make your decorating more interesting for your guests.

- Other seasonal flowers that can be used as cut flowers are lilacs, pansies, and freesias, but again be careful with heavy scents. Lilacs smell beautiful, but some are more scented than others.

- Spring is the time when many people start thinking about planting their gardens. Consider giving away flower or tree seeds in decorative seed packets as a wedding favor. The seeds can be for your favorite plant, or for one that has significance to your family. If I were planning a spring wedding, I would give away apricot tree seeds as a subtle reminder of my grandmother and the apricot tree on her farm that used to always be in bloom for her birthday in May.

- Small trees can also be used as centerpieces or used as favors. Choose ones that are about a foot high so they don't block out everything at your wedding. If using them as centerpieces, plant them in decorative pots and include some planting instructions. For favors, they can be placed on a side table so they aren't in the way during dinner. An announcement can be made after the speeches that they are for the guests to take home. Tie a note of thanks around their base with some raffia as an added touch.

Using color and seasonal flowers you can give your wedding a spring-time feeling without going to a lot of extra time or expense. Think spring and have fun decorating for your wedding!

Easter Wedding Favor Ideas

2009-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Easter is a celebration of love, life, birth & rebirth, so it is a natural favorite for a wedding. A springtime wedding decked out in shades of pastel pink, lilac & yellow makes for a romantic & bright setting.

If you are having an Easter wedding, here are some great wedding favor ideas for you to consider.

Mini Easter Baskets. You can find miniature baskets at crafts or dollar stores. White ones look best but if you can’t find these, buy natural ones & spray them. For your contents choose miniature chocolate eggs or rabbits or colorful candies like jellybeans or M & M’s. Tie you baskets with big bows in your wedding colors.

Marshmallow PEEPS.™ These adorable chicks & bunnies are available in shades of yellow, pink, lavender, blue & white. They also come in egg & heart shapes. Another option for your wedding favors is a giant bunny in yellow, pink & lavender.

PEEPS™ Place Marker Favor: Paint & decorate some mini terracotta pots or simply write your guests names on them. Fill these pots with jellybeans & insert a Popsicle stick into a PEEPS™ chick or bunny, & plant it in the pot of jellybeans.

Stuffed Easter Toys. Miniature Easter toys make great wedding favors. Buy a selection of bunnies & chicks then create your own personalized thank you tags, tied on with ribbon bows round the toy’s neck.

Blooming Paper Whites. Create a beautiful favor by purchasing some paper white narcissus bulbs & planting them in small terracotta pots. Store them in a cool, dark place until two weeks before your wedding.

At this point, repot them into moist compost & place them back in to a cool, dark place until the roots are set (about a week). After the roots have appeared (gently tug them, if there is some resistance, then they have rooted), place them in a bright room. Make sure you keep them moist, but not overly so. Don’t water in the 2 days leading up to the wedding.

Flower Bulbs. Choose spring bulbs like Dahlias or Begonias which come in a variety of colors which you can coordinate with your wedding colors or theme.

Give each guest one, three or five bulbs, depending on size, in burlap envelopes. Make sure you include a card with the planting & care instructions on. You could personalize these on your own computer.

Engraved Plant Markers. Choose from zinc or copper plant markers & engrave them, with an engraver, with your names & wedding date.

"Watch Our Love Grow" Favors. Miniature watering cans make whimsical favors & are inexpensive from favor stores or craft shops. Place a packet of seeds inside such as annuals which are easy to grow. Attach a thank you tag with ribbon or raffia or a note which reads "Love Grows Best with the Care of Family and Friends" or "Our Love Grows Stronger Every Day."

Customized M&M's in Easter Eggs. Visit a craft store for plastic egg shaped containers which you can fill with chocolates or M & M’s. The latter can be personalized with your names at the M & M’s brand store. Tie a ribbon bow around them & arrange them in a large white basket. You could ask your flower girls to distribute them at the reception.

Porcelain Keepsake Eggs. These are available for under $2 from good favor or craft stores. Fill them with your choice of confectionary.

Wedding Trends of 2009

2009-03-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

A wedding ceremony is something that could be connected with fashion. Just as the ramp updates its yearly collection, so does wedding trends. You might be interested about what's in and out of the wedding aisle and venue for 2009.

The line-up of creations and recommendations might help you get an idea for the next in-thing in preparing for your wedding day.

There are different beliefs and practices when it comes to planning for a wedding ceremony. Lifestyle magazines, fashion designers and even wedding reception experts and planners have fused their ideas together to come up with something new for 2009.

Wedding favors the 2009 way

Gone were the days when you have to give wedding favors just to express gratitude for the presence of your intimate friends. On a more practical note, 2009's personalized gifts have taken things a notch higher. Your giveaway already serves two purposes: one for your occasion to be remembered; and two for your guests to make use of your practical gifts.

A lot of ideas have already struck the minds of the bride and the groom when it comes to giving wedding favors. Traditional wedding bells and "couple" figurines no longer come to mind. The modern way of saying thank you to your visitors include delectable desserts with recipes in it or even plants in small pots.

2009 wedding reception

Some choose to have their wedding celebrated outdoors. Many will choose to have the wedding ceremony in a church and the reception somewhere else. Others may opt to have the wedding ceremony and reception held in one location. This is very helpful because the guests do not have to spend time when traveling from one place to another.

For 2009, an environmental concept is integrated in the celebration. Aside from incorporating biologically and ecologically-friendly materials in the fabrics worn by the bride and the groom, garden weddings are always regarded. One may choose to give plants as gifts to their guests.

The role of the internet in 2009 weddings

Social networking is already a part of everybody's lives. Many of us spend hours surfing the internet for several purposes. And yes, you could do the same thing for planning your wedding day. Your web browsers could definitely contribute a lot when it comes to your wedding plans. From the proposal to consultation, seeking opinions from friends can be done through your computers. Besides this, you have a lot of online wedding shops which could give you a handful of help for wedding favors and other wedding-related materials.

More than coming up with creativity for bridal gowns and groom's outfits, 2009 wedding trends covers a lot of other aspects. You could always base your choices for your wedding ceremony from the above list. Never fail to add a touch of your own ideas. After all, the day is still yours to celebrate.

Wrecked Wedding Cakes

2009-03-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry Wedding Cakes

Wedding disasters do happen. After ensuring that every piece of the wedding collage is in its proper place disaster strikes and of all things, it happens to wedding cakes! When this happens, you can do nothing but watch the cake in horror as it slowly slides to the table and onto the floor. Blame the bakers, the cats and dogs, and yourself.

First, the bakers advertise themselves as the best when it comes to wedding cakes; or Aunt Thelma was being kind and suggested you can save more money if she does the cake with her outdated baking technology, or that you were not informed by that top baker that fondant can taste like paper and there were too much half-eaten cakes. Whatever the disaster, you still have a little contribution to the tragedy.

Sometimes the cakes bombed in-transit. The carefully constructed and painfully art crafted wedding cake is smashed beyond recognition. Only an experienced and deft cake artist can do an on-site SOS and save the day. The three-tiered cake is now a single layer cake topped with fresh blooms and emergency ribbons - for photo ops. Guests can only wonder why they couldn't eat cake.

How to Avoid Wedding Cake Disasters

During baking, en route to the reception, or sitting magnificently on a table just for it, wedding cakes invite disaster. Outdoors, wedding cakes invite ants and other insects lured by its delicious scent and birds might take a swipe at it! Indoors, ants can march to the cake, your dogs and cats might try it, and little children might be tempted to find out what's inside all that beautiful flowers and ribbons.

Those who had the misfortune with wrecked cakes during their weddings can tell you these:

Ask friends where they ordered their beautiful cakes
Ask the baker to show his portfolio
Ask the baker to give you a cake taste test
Order from a baker who lives near the area
Inquire if they freeze their cakes
At the reception, make sure no pets are on the grounds
Outdoors, place the cake in a tent or under a patio umbrella
Get a professional not a DIY to do your wedding cake

One more important thing, don't make the mistake of thinking that your wedding cake won't get into any trouble. Stay alert to the safeguards you have read or heard from friends. Better yet, assign your sister to take care of the cake until the countdown to the ceremonial cake slicing.

Yes It Can Happen to You

A cake is just a cake you say. It's different with this cake. Your wedding cake, next to your wedding dress is the focal point of interest in your wedding. In the planning for your wedding cake, have safeguards for possible destruction. Think like a general when it comes to wedding cakes.

If disaster strikes, you can only grit your teeth. But when it's over, the whole thing becomes funny. Wedded couples have a fun slapping cake icing around and making the most of their first day together despite wedding cakes disasters.

Orchid Wedding Decorations

2009-03-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

You have decisive that you desire to use orchids for all your decorating desires at your wedding, but how do you twitch? The answer is entirely austere. First, you must choose where you orchid wedding will be detained.

If you idea to have your wedding in Hawaii, then you will be happy to know that you will find numerous single and lovely orchids that can be worn for your wedding. Here you will be able to use a brand of colorful and magnificent Hawaiian orchids for your decorations.

However, if you are available to have an iciness wedding in the US, you will have to quest for artificial flora. Do not be alarmed. You can find many matchless and wonderful silk orchids that look as striking as the actual ones.

Now, that you know what plants you will use, real or silk, now is the time to think about decorating. Real plants will wilt, so they will not last while silk flora . Therefore, you may yearn to use both. This way you can construct many of the decorations preceding to the wedding with silk orchids.

An arch bejeweled with sultry orchids is a very admired accessory that is not only lovely but is romantic as well. Many couples dearest the idea of saying their own printed vows in a humid situation even if they cannot be in Hawaii. An arch adorned with rare and acute silk orchids can do the hoodwink.

All you have to do find an arch each metal or fake. You can use sallow gauge to protect up any of the metal that you do not want to be seen. The remainder is totally cool. Purchase silk orchids, silk babys breath, and silk tropical ferns. Now, you can do wonders with that plain arch. You can also use different dyed streamer to moreover tint coordinate with the orchids you have special or use contrasting ensign to carry out the incline of the orchids.

Along with your orchid arch, you can have your garland, bridesmaids plants, and the flowers that the flowergirl scatters, and even the support for the wedding rings matching the orchids. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorate your wedding with acute and sole orchids. Use your imagination and coin a wedding that is your own and one that will last in the hearts of those that are nearby.

Wedding Decoration Ideas

2009-02-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Of course we all know that a wedding is the best time in a woman’s life and there are women who look forward to their wedding for years.

Decorating for wedding receptions whether your own or as a part time job can either be very hard work or very much fun depending upon many things.

Fortunately there are many wedding reception decorating ideas online these days and one way to get more ideas for your wedding is to look at other people’s weddings. These websites have a few ideas with links to several weddings, and wedding receptions. Of course, the extent of decorating a wedding reception depends on the size of the wedding and if the wedding has a theme or not. Wedding reception decorations also must be within the couple’s budget for the wedding. There may be many different wedding reception table decorations that they want, but just are not able to afford.

Wedding reception decorating ideas
As was stated earlier, the budget, the size of the wedding and possible themes all influence wedding reception decorations. Very simple and inexpensive decorations that can be handled by the bride and groom alone as a way of cutting the cost of any wedding are very easy to make.

It can be just as simple as getting a few things from a craft store and putting them together; flowers (real or imitation) can be placed in a vase with beautiful colored stones that are preferably the colors chosen for the wedding. These can be used as centerpieces on the tables. Colored tablecloths are usually also available at either craft or department stores.

Another great idea for inexpensive weddings where there will be lots of children attending is to use white paper for tablecloths and provide guests with colored pens or pencils and crayons for any children attending and have the guest write or draw (as the case may be) notes to the bride and groom. This is not only a great decorating idea, but can be saved as a memorial of the happy day.

Even themed weddings can be very simple and inexpensive. Some ideas might be a Christmas theme that emphasizes the colors red, white and green. Red tablecloths with mini decorated Christmas trees can be used to decorate the tables. There are also appropriately colored napkins and serving sets that can be used to decorate the reception. Soft, mellow Christmas carols make for wonderful background music, with small stockings or ornaments as favors.

Candles are one decoration that can be used in almost any wedding no matter how inexpensive or elaborate the wedding. Candles are especially nice if it is an evening wedding and the reception hall is dimly lit. This can make for a very beautiful and romantic atmosphere. Add beautifully decorated satin tablecloths and some greenery and you have a very, very romantic setting. This is especially beautiful if the hall is large and there are many guests. If this is the case and if there will be dancing then setting aside the portion of the room that will be used for dancing by small poles draped either with satin ribbons or garlands of greenery makes a very beautiful scene. Add soft background music and you have a wonderful wedding reception area.

Weddings with themes are also great for getting decorating ideas as in the Christmas theme above. Fall is another nice theme that can be either informal or as formal as you would like. Color combinations such as burgundy and hunter, or wine and navy are just a couple of the many color choices for more formal fall weddings. There are also several red, orange, and yellow flowers to go with this theme such as marigolds, apricot lilies, rust and burgundy hydrangeas. Once again, candles either colored orange or hand painted are a magnificent centerpiece, arranged with a small amount of greenery.

Of course there are other themes that are great for weddings, medieval feasts, ethnic weddings, some of which are absolutely beautiful to behold such as the Japanese and S. Korean style weddings, others are Romeo and Juliet themed weddings or an amazing under the sea themed wedding.

Other decorations that can make wedding receptions beautiful are rose petals either as table decorations or floating on a pool of water.

Decorating for a wedding reception can be simple or fancy, expensive or inexpensive all according to the needs and the taste of the bride and groom. It can be quite easy and done by the couple or friends of the bride and groom or can it can be done professionally, but either way with just a few good ideas decorating can be fun and seem elegant when finished. Either way decorating for a wedding reception or other wedding related function does not need to be stressful or difficult.

Wedding Party Roles

2009-02-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

As traditions change it’s hard to keep track of who does what and when. But don’t stress yet: basic wedding party etiquette has actually remained the same. Make your life easy and refresh your memory on some of the different roles and responsibilities of your wedding-day entourage.

Mother of the Bride:

Hosts/co-hosts an engagement party.
Helps the bride shop for her gown and change into it at the ceremony.
Compiles a list of ideas for the entire wedding.
Keeps track of wedding gifts.
Helps compose a guest list.
Dances with the groom at the reception.

Father of the Bride:

Hosts/co-hosts an engagement party.
Pays for all or part of the wedding expenses.
Walks down the aisle with the bride and gives her away.
Offers a toast during the reception.
Dances with the bride at the reception.

Tip: The bride’s mother may serve as her matron of honour, and the groom’s father may serve as his best man.

Groom’s Parents:

Arrange a meeting with the bride’s parents soon after the couple’s engagement.
Pay for some ceremony expenses.
Pay for some reception and honeymoon expenses (optional).
Help compose a guest list.
Plan, co-host and pay for the rehearsal dinner.
Father dances with the bride, mother dances with the groom.

Maid/Matron of Honour:

Helps the bride in any way she can throughout the wedding planning process.
Plans and hosts the bridal shower.
Helps the bride shop for bridal accessories and bridesmaid dresses.
Keeps the groom’s ring safe until the ceremony.
Adjusts the bride’s veil and train when she reaches the altar and holds her bouquet during the ceremony.

Best Man:

Plans the bachelor party.
Makes sure the groom has everything he needs for the honeymoon.
Picks up anything the groom has ordered.
Is responsible for the marriage licence and its delivery to the officiant.
Decorates the getaway vehicle.
Keeps the bride’s ring safe until the ceremony.
Gets the groom and groomsmen to the wedding on time.
Offers the first toast at the reception and can serve as the master of ceremonies.

Bridesmaids:

Help maid/matron of honour plan and host the bridal shower.
Run small errands for the bride.
Attend the bridal luncheon.
Shop for a joint wedding gift with maid/matron of honour.

Groomsmen:

Help the best man with his pre/post-wedding responsibilities.
Clean up the ceremony site before leaving for the reception.
Dance with the bride, both mothers and every bridesmaid.

Tip: Groomsmen often double as ushers by seating wedding guests and “releasing” them after the recessional by walking down the aisle. Providing directions to the reception and handing out programs are also common responsibilities.

Flower girl:

Precedes the bride down the aisle.
Carries a basket of flowers and can sprinkle petals in the bride’s path.
Can walk beside the ring bearer.

Ring Bearer

Precedes the flower girl down the aisle or can walk beside her.
Carries a pillow or a tray with symbolic rings for show.

Tip: Flower girls and ring bearers should be between four and eight years old.

Valentines Preparedness

2009-02-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

If you are a guy and are either in a relationship, married, or are trying to work your way into a relationship, you know how important it is to be prepared for this time of the year.

Valentines is one of those days that might be dreaded by many guys, but is definitely one that can't be ignored or you will face the consequences. So here are a few tips to help you get on top of the ball before the big day comes!

Be in touch with your online inter-mantra! This time of the year the internet is one of your best friends because of all of the fantastic deals that online stores offer. Online flower shops will be busier than ever and online deals will offer you an easy way to order your sweetheart some beautiful flowers at a great price.

If you are looking to get your sweetheart some jewelry, online might be the place to bargain shop because these stores are looking to capture your business. You can expect speedy shipping but realize if you wait too long, these stores may not be able to perform same day miracles for you. Point taken?

If you are going to get your sweetheart a Valentine card, don't put it off until the day before. Keep in mind that there are thousands of other men in your same area that are going to be doing the same thing, so if you wait too long, you may have to settle for a birthday card. This is not the way to score points with your better half, cover your bases and think ahead, she will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

When writing in your Valentine card, put some thought into it. A simple I love you is great, but remember that women are emotional beings and want to know why you love them. This is your chance to really make her feel good about herself and let her know what amazing things you see in her. This shouldn't be hard, just think back to when you first met her, or your first kiss and how you felt. Remember that she will be expecting great things from you, so don't let her down. Go the extra mile for the one you love.

This day doesn't have to be something that is painful; rather it should be a day that you look forward to for months. It is a time to celebrate your love for your better half and spend quality time with her without having to worry about the stresses life can provide. Take her out to a fancy restaurant, treat her to a night out on the town, or doing whatever it is that makes her the happiest and enjoy this great day!

Plan a Winter Wedding

2009-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular. For those people who don't want the traditional June wedding, winter weddings offer a completely different approach with the ceremony. As an added bonus, winter weddings usually are less expensive and it's easier to book the wedding venue.

There are a few things to consider with a winter wedding. Unless you live in a year round warm climate, you will want your wedding indoors. This means you will need to choose your wedding venue at least several months in advance. Even though wedding venues are usually easier to reserve during the winter, you will still need to be sure you have enough notice for the venue you want.

Your flower choices may be somewhat limited during the winter; however, there are beautiful winter flowers to choose from. You might consider tulips, roses, freesias, or mums. If you have a specific wedding flower in mind, you can find it for your winter wedding; you may just have to spend a little more to get them.

With a winter wedding, it's a good idea to hire a wedding car service. This is a terrific to travel in elegance and style, but you will also not have to worry about driving to the service or reception. Of course, the weather can be unpredictable, so this is the best way to avoid dealing with wintry roads. Most wedding car services will require booking in advance, so don't wait to long to choose your perfect wedding car.

You will need to plan your reception as soon as possible as well. If you plan to have your wedding around the winter holidays, remember that many people hold family affairs in some of the more popular wedding venues. Many churches also hold special services for the holidays. Be sure you allow enough time to secure the wedding and reception venues that you desire.

One nice part about a winter wedding is the honeymoon afterwards! You can plan to go from a winter wonderland to a tropical paradise. After all the stress of planning the wedding and reception, then having the service in the winter, a tropical honeymoon will be a terrific getaway. A winter wedding can be a nice change for those that don't wish to have a traditional wedding. While you will find many aspects of your wedding are easier to plan in the winter, you will still have to plan accordingly. This will help prevent any problems you might come across on your wedding day.

Tips For Your Wedding Theme

2009-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

You will probably need to choose your wedding theme what you starting planning for your big day. The choices for your other wedding items such as invitation and gown will probably follow the theme so that your wedding can become a whole unique event. In fact, there are quite a number of different themes you can choose from. Some of the most popular choices are beach wedding and winter theme wedding.

You will first of all consider the season and time of the year you will have your wedding. It will be nonsense to plan for a winter white wedding if you are going to host it in summer. Considering the season, you may even try to relate your big day to the festivals. One of the most obvious possibilities is certainly Christmas. If you are going to have your big day on the Christmas day, you can certainly make your wedding ceremony and reception a Christmas party. Adding some seasonal favors to your wedding can make your big day more unique.

You will also need to choose between the notions of formal and informal wedding. Some couples will believe that a wedding should always be a formal event and it makes no sense to plan for an informal one. On the contrary, some other couples may think that the essence of a wedding is sharing the joy and happiness with their beloved ones. As a consequence, these couples may go for a more informal wedding.

Once you make your decision on this matter, it will be quite difficult for you to change. It can be a mess if you change your mind at the middle of your wedding planning. For example, you may need to pay extra if you have originally ordered your wedding invitation in a formal style but you change it to an informal design when it is being printed.

Besides the choice between formal and informal, you will also need to consider if you want a traditional or modern wedding. You may choose to have your wedding in a church and this will most probably be more traditional. In this case your choice of wedding gown may also be more traditional. Since all the traditional choices are usually well developed, you may somehow find it easier to plan for a traditional wedding. However, some couples nowadays may want to go for something different and unique so that the big day reflects the life style of them.

The budget is also an important consideration when you are choosing your theme. If you are on budget, you may choose a theme which can help to save you money. A beach wedding is considered a more economical choice of theme. Of course there are always ways to save money no matter what your theme is. However, no one can deny that some themes may render a cheaper wedding. As a result, you may need to avoid themes that will certainly cost you more if you are not planning to spend so much money.

Winter Wedding Themes

2009-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Are you a person that loves the winter? Do you like the shimmer of snowflakes, or the bed of snow that falls on a forest of trees? If so, you may want to think about having a winter wedding theme. There are so many beautiful ways that this theme can make your wedding stand out!

Colors
Thinks cool colors, such as white, baby blue, grey, ivory and silver.

Invitations
Shape your invitations like snowflakes, snowmen, Christmas trees, or mittens. Have theme sparkle with glitter and snowflake confetti. Use metallic ink pens to make your wording shine.

Something else you could try is to make your invitations look more like Christmas cards.

Decorations

Keep it simple. There are many things you can do easily and inexpensively with your winter decorations.

* Use white and silver decorations. If you plan it right, you can buy your decorations when they are on sale in January. Use white, hanging lights, Christmas trees, ornaments, and ice sculptures. Hang snowflakes and soft, flowing fabrics from the ceilings and walls.

* Use white or blue gems stones and beads to fill clear glass jars and vases.

* Use a combination of white flowers, white candles, silver floral containers, silver ribbons, and silver candlesticks.

* For your centerpieces, use snow globes, ice sculptures, small “trees painted white with ornaments hanging from the branches.

* Get some “cob-web fluff” used at Halloween to create your snow.

* Go to a craft store to find a can of window frost to frost up all the windows in your hall or reception area.

Food

Think of what you would have at a big Christmas dinner..

* Soup, turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, baked potatoes, etc.
* Eggnog (if you can get it), hot chocolate, apple cider and tea are great winter refreshments.

* Candy canes, gingerbread and shortbread cookies for finger desserts and food decorations.

Dress
A winter bridal gown could be white, with silver, blue or gold trim. This could be with beading or rhinestones on the dress along with the veil.

If your wedding is held in a colder location, opt for a beautiful cape that is made of red velvet or white faux fur. You could also opt for carrying some kind of muff even instead of the traditional flowers.

Wear glistening jewelry with an “icy” look to it. Long pieces that dangle small diamonds are perfect.

The men could wear white tuxes with silver, blue or gold vests and cummerbunds.

The Getaway

If your budget allows, try to find a horse drawn carriage to take you off on your getaway from the reception.

Honeymoon
Follow your winter wedding theme and honeymoon in a mountain cabin or lodge. This will complete your winter wedding experience. Snuggling by a roaring fire and sipping hot cider or hot chocolate is a perfect winter honeymoon retreat!

Winter Wedding Ideas

2009-01-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

Weddings in the winter are rather rare, and call for special winter wedding favors. You can find many inexpensive ideas for your favors for winter while browsing on the internet. There are many ideas around that you can incorporate with your wedding theme with some imagination and creativity.

One rather easy and cheap idea is snowflake place card holders. These place card holders not only show the guests where they are to be seated, but also double as winter wedding favors. These favors are usually sold in sets of 12 or more and are rather inexpensive while giving a good look to your wedding.

Another idea for your winter wedding favors would be candles. You could give your guests plain old candles, or use your imagination to add some spice to the candles. You could consider personalizing them on your own or by having the company selling candles personalize them for you. Whichever option you choose, you get great winter wedding favors with the different scents, styles and colors found in .

Then there are white rose ball candles that fit well with your winter theme. These favors work double as ice breakers for your wedding guests on the wedding day. These unique favors are not only inexpensive but also help decorate your wedding hall. Snowflake candle holders also make good winter wedding favors. You can place them on your reception tables to work as candles holders, décor for your tables and also as winter wedding favors for your guests.

You can also use your creativity for your winter wedding favors by making holiday CDs of your holidays. You can either choose a specific holiday or combine a medley of music from numerous holidays to create a favor that the guest is sure to cherish for years to come. The CD jewel case can also be personalized with a picture or just place the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date and a thank you statement.

Scarves serve as wonderful winter wedding favors. If you have the time, patience and interest, you yourself could knit these scarves for your small wedding gathering. However if your gathering is a big one or if you have no time, you could have them ordered. You then drape a scarf on the back of each chair in your wedding hall to let your guests wear and appreciate them while celebrating.

Whatever you choose for your winter wedding favor, it is important that you keep to your.

Wedding Cake history

2008-12-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

After the wedding dress and bride's bouquet, maybe nothing is so powerful a wedding symbol as the wedding cake. It's so ubiquitous, many people just assume the wedding cake has always been a part of wedding celebrations everywhere.

Like all popular beliefs, there's some truth to that idea, though of course the real facts are much more fascinating and a whole lot more colorful.

The Wedding Cake's Early Days

During the heady days of the Roman Empire, wedding guests were served not one cake but a sumptuous collection of many small treats and pastries as a kind of wedding party favor. In some parts of the empire, one single cake was dropped over the bride's head at the reception, as a way of wishing the couple good luck in the future.

Later, during the Middle Ages, many guests would bring small cakes to the wedding celebration. The cakes were all piled atop a single table, creating the beginning of the tiered wedding cake known today. As a tradition, a bride and groom that could still kiss over the pile of cakes were considered to have good luck in the upcoming marriage.

Modern Times

Wedding cakes began to change and grow in the 19th Century, when new means of refrigeration could keep their ingredients fresh for much longer periods.

The modern wedding cake is a kind of homage to St. Bride's Church, a famous English Medieval Chapel. The church's spire includes several spires, much like a tiered cake.

Many modern couples have adopted the wedding cake design to display their own interests or passions. For example, a couple fascinated by the Renaissance may choose to decorate their cake with decorations specific to that time period. The bride and groom figures atop the cake may also reflect their hobbies and pastimes.

Because modern wedding cakes have become so elaborate, their preparation time has steadily grown. Wedding planners are encouraged to make arrangements with a pastry chef up to three months in advance of the wedding reception.

Wedding Cake Traditions

Some popular wedding cake traditions taken from around the world include:

- a bride who cuts her own cake will have to work hard all her life.

- if the groom lays his hands over the bride's hands as the cake is cut, they will share their possessions their whole life.

- the bride cuts the first piece of cake as a way of hoping for children.

Wedding Gifts

2008-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make / not just on your wedding day, but over and over again / and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife. ~ Barbara De Angelis

Weddings are about love, romance, togetherness and all the mushy things, but weddings are also about the love that the guests shower upon the happy couple. Wedding gifts are like blessings and good wishes for the couple as they embark upon a beautiful journey and pledge their eternal love and commitment towards each other. If you are planning to attend a wedding very soon then you’ve come to the right page, because this article will provide you some useful ideas to pick out personalized wedding gifts!

Photo Frame and Keepsakes

Photo frames and memorabilia make for perfect wedding gifts. Getting the couple’s names engraved and imprinted on the photo frame will definitely help you to create a unique and personalized wedding gift. You can get a photo frame in various materials like wood, silver, or even a digital photo frame. In case you are looking for a more interesting option, getting the couple’s name carved in Chinese or Egyptian symbols can be a great idea as well. You can also gift the couple a personalized keepsake box, engraved or embossed with their names or initials. Make sure to create personalized memorabilia for the couple, which they can use and cherish forever. A wall clock can also be personalized to include the couple’s photographs and names. You can even get a caricature of the couple framed and present it as a gift to the couple on their wedding.

Personalized Bath Sets

This is a very interesting idea and makes for a lovely personalized wedding gift. While creating a complete bath and body work set you can include many things. You can get a complete bath and body care kit with bath salts, body scrubs, shower gel, shampoo, body lotions and body sprays with personalized tags of the couple. Include identical bath towels with the names or initials of the couple. Also include two identical bathrobes and bath slippers for both of them with their initials embroidered on the robes. This bath set will not only be a unique gift, but the couple can actually use and enjoy it for a long time!

Personalized Crockery and Cutlery

Since the couple is about to lead a life together, useful items like crockery and cutlery will definitely help them while setting up their home. Fancy crockery like china plates and bowls, or even complete dinner sets can be personalized by a golden print, or any other imprinting or embossing method available. Preferably personalize the crockery and cutlery with the initials of the couple since getting the entire names on the plate can deter the aesthetic value of the crockery or cutlery in case the print occupies a large space. A beautiful set of glasses personalized for the couple can be a great wedding gift as well. Personalized grill monograms that will charm the barbeque lovers are quite popular as well.

Personalized Gourmet Gift Baskets

If you want to gift the couple with some interesting gourmet treats, then a personalized gourmet gift basket will fit the bill. You get the personalized food packaged and labels and include all sorts of gastronomic treats starting with delicious chocolates. Tea/coffee hampers, flavored and roasted nuts, cheese hampers, and may be a bottle of champagne or wine with a personal label for the couple. Gourmet gift baskets are also a unique idea, which makes for a delicious and satisfying personalized wedding gift!

Wedding Cake

2008-11-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Proper Wedding Flowers

2008-08-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wedding flowers are one of the biggest parts of any wedding budget, so saving money on them should be a top priority for any bride and groom. To save on money and to keep within your budget you should consider buying the flowers wholesale. Especially when the flowers are in season like spring it is a great time to purchase wholesale because of the stock of flowers. Remember to check your arrangement in a mirror with you holding it so you would picture how it would look like to someone else's view. This is a new generation and silk wedding flowers are the rage.

White wedding dresses come in a wide variety of shades of white; you want to make sure that the flowers that you choose will coordinate with your wedding dress so you should match it with a swatch. Professional florist know accent the flowers just so, so they will attract attention to you in the way that you want. There is no shame in learning from the success and failures of others and doing so will generally save you a lot of grief. Your florist will help you with which flowers are seasonal if you are still unsure as to what to go for.

Your Montreal florist can recommend the many colorful options available. You are in for a pleasant surprise at your local florist. Florists can customize flowers to what ever you like, these fresh flowers with professional cutting them will make your bouquet outlast any store bought flowers.

The bouquets can be the same color as the bride's bouquet or a different color. Bouquets can also be fashioned by keeping in mind the family tradition. Any good wedding florist should have at least a few sample bouquets they can show you. If no live bouquets are available, however, be sure to look through the photo book the florist has. Ensure that gift bouquets are ordered for the mothers. Problems arise because of last-minute flower substitutions due to weather or transportation issues, which may be more expensive.

Women find themselves making last-minute decisions about changes to their arrangements, often without seeing what the revised bouquets will look like. Spring flowers make attractive centerpieces for tables and rooms. Bridal bouquets can be prepared with them.

The best way to evaluate how and where to allocate your wedding budget is to determine exactly what your priorities are. These days, 4 out of 5 couples pay for their own wedding and it helps to know how your budget should be broken down. It is with the budget that you can set realistic goals for your wedding and whether or not if your budget is realistic to your finances.

Since summer is the most popular time for weddings, it is very important to decide in advance the type of wedding flowers wanted by the bride. Since the florists are bound to be busy with many other weddings, the bride should be sure of her choices. Florists will also deliver all the flowers to your destination.

Flowers in the center of the table always makes a good center piece, your guest will want to take these home and make your wedding day memorable. Most wedding florists will have a portfolio of photographs from past weddings, and they should be happy to share this portfolio of past work with potential customers. Most established florists are not one-man shows but a huge network of florists in different places.

Wedding flowers and arrangements

2008-08-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Think about all aspects of the flowers including the church, the reception, the bridal bouquet, the button holes and bridesmaid.

Thinking about how you and your partner would like your tables at the wedding reception to look. Remember to think practically. As nice as large flowers are you will have to remember most people at weddings like to talk to each other but if they can’t see each other for the lily display they might think it is a bit odd.

If you ask your wedding florist they should be able to advise you on this but remember it is your wedding so don’t just go with what they want – as they might be advising what is easier for them to do but isn’t what you put in your scrap book of your ideal wedding when you were 12.

It’s your big day; it’s your dreams so make sure you get what you want.

It used to be that you chose your flowers based upon the time of year you were hosting your wedding. Many flowers and foliages are available all year round meaning your florist will be able to import any flowers that you have your heart set on as they grow these with specially adapted conditions.

Remember when choosing a color scheme for your wedding to think about the different flowers that are available in natural colors to compliment the outfits, or if you will have to get specially modified flowers – where they die the color.

Do remember that the flowers should only be decided upon once the wedding outfits have been chosen. Your local florist should be given notice of the wedding approximately four months in advance so that he or she is free on the day. The florist will want to discuss exact details around six weeks in advance of the wedding so make sure you have this under control.

For an beautiful and stylish effect use hat pins to secure the steps, matched with some complimentary voile these will look beautiful ask your Montreal wedding florist for advice on this.

They should be able to help you with ordering in special flowers as well as getting ideas to create the perfect bridesmaid flowers.

Rose Gold Engagement

2008-08-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

There are many engagement rings on the market. You would think that makes choosing difficult, but actually most brides favor the yellow and white gold rings. This is common throughout pretty much all parts of the world. Recently though the advent of rose gold has all women in absolute amazement. The captivating colors of rose gold engagement rings drive ladies crazy.

What is a Rose Gold Engagement Ring?

The deep rose color is caused by adding copper into gold and silver alloy. Gold isn't very durable alone, but when you add metal alloys like nickel, silver and copper, the gold becomes long lasting and the metals change the color. The more of one metal alloy you add during the creation will effect how drastic the change in tones are. Creators have to put a lot of work into studying the perfect balance to create colors such as a slightly peachy gold, to a deep rose gold. Its a difficult process but the end result is amazing.

The rosy hue woman around the world are finding deeply romantic is one part copper and three parts gold. If you add more copper the deeper the rose tint will become.

Styles of Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Since the rose color adds a deeper feeling of love to the rings, designers and artists decide to incorporate art into the metal. There goal is to come up with more personalized engagement rings to spark the heart's flare in all bride-to-be's eyes.

The color shows such unique tones that it inspires romantic creations such as rose petals to be drawn all across the band. This gives it the feel of deep love forever blooming on the finger of your hand. When you consider that the rose like pink is the color of the heart and a symbol of love, designers like Claddagh create heart emboss and heart etchings unto the ring. This style is favored by the ladies who's heart's bound heavy in there chests when they glance at the alluring color.

Rose gold engagement rings are also well suited for multi-color designs and patterns or etchings across the ring itself. This doesn't only make the ring have a certain personalized feel to it. It also can be designed to perfectly fit various choices of gemstones and diamonds. Attaching these to the ring in different settings makes the rings very personal and made to especially to fit your lover.

A very interesting form of engagement ring can even feature gold, rose gold and silver all along side each other. This pattern forms wonderful rainbow trio rings guaranteed to spark notice and questions of others when they see it on your finger.

Quality and color of your engagement ring can set the distinct personality your marriage will be set off of. In example rose gold engagement rings are a combination of sincerity and romance for couples to aspire to have in their relationship. Just be careful when deciding to purchase a rose colored ring, they are very pricey and it would devastating to find that after all that cost, your lover would have preferred plain gold.

Match a Bouquet Color to Your Wedding Dress

2008-07-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

There are many colors you can choose for your bouquet. If you are going to wear a colored dress, choosing the right color to accompany your dress can be a bit tricky. Because not every color is suitable for your dress. To choose the suitable one, there are some guidelines to follow:

Choose Your Favorite Color

Choose the color that you like & reflects your personal taste. You have a favorite one, and you can pick its shades to be your bouquet element. Whatever your guests talk about yours, you need not to worry. You like it, right?

Use the Same Color

You can match your bouquet color by mixing the shades of your gown or theme color. For example, if you pick a purple wedding theme & you wear violet dress, you can choose shades of violet as your bouquet elements. Shades of violet consists of orchid, purple, violet, etc. You can choose one shade or combine them as your arrangement. Flowers that can be used to arrange it such as lavender, hydrangea, lily, etc.

Use Complementary Color

Complementary color is opposite of it. If they mixed, they produce a neutral one such as white, grey, or black. The exact opposite of the dress' color will make a great focus to the bouquet. In this combination, you should pay attention about each strength. The easiest way to choose is by looking at a color wheel, a circle chart that tell you what primary different colors will become when they mixed together. With the right composition, you can achieve a great one. The standard complementary are: red and green; blue and orange; yellow and purple. For example, if you are going to wear a purple dress, you can choose a yellow one that can be arranged with yellow calla lily, sunflower, gerbera, etc.

Neutral Bouquet

If you are still confused after reading this, try neutral arrangement. Neutral means without color. Although neutrals are white, grey, and black; for flower, a neutral is white. White is purity and basic. It can be matched with any color. White has several hues: cream, snow, & ivory. Those hues can be found on calla lily, carnation, freesia, etc.

Bouquets for Life

2008-07-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful of the bride's adornments at a wedding is the bouquet. Normally constructed of fresh flowers, the wedding bouquet would last for a week or two, and then have to be dried or tossed. Today that is not the case; today's modern bride has options that are more permanent.

There are various bridal books, magazines and shops to help you choose the perfect style and color. The arrangement you select should be a reflection of your personality and/or the color scheme of your wedding.

A growing popularity in wedding flowers is silk flowers. Silk flowers are non-allergenic, will never wilt and can be kept as a remembrance of your special day for years to come. Another advantage over silk flowers is their cost and durability.

Another option for the wedding bouquets is stunning handmade porcelain flowers. Porcelain and silk flowers are available in traditional styles. With a seemingly unlimited array of colors, these amazing creations last a lifetime. Many come with a display stand included in the purchase price, so your wedding bouquet now has become an exquisite family heirloom.

As you plan your special day, consider the option of a porcelain handmade bouquet. The cost is a bit higher, yet the memories of your ceremony will be with you forever. In addition, your wedding bouquet will be with you as well, a permanent reminder of your love for each other.

Wedding Bouquet

2008-07-19T19:32:00.001-07:00

The flowers are a part of our life, excite and make us happy and also the flowers give us a reason to show the purest and sincerest feelings. A flower will never be associated to the lie, hypocrisy and cheat. By itself, the flower can command respect and also bring to light the deepest emotions.

More often, the flowers are the messenger of love and passion and respect, making the eyes and especially the soul happy. Therefore maybe the wedding bouquet is one of the most important accessories for a bride to be. In the most special moment in a girl’s life, all has to be perfect as she always dreamed. And the wedding bouquet is for the bride, she is carrying it during all day long. That’s way she’s the one who chooses the flowers, her favorite flowers and her favorite colors. Because the flowers will complete the bride and put forward her feelings and her unique personality.
The bridal bouquet has its meaning. Besides the fact that the flowers will be an unforgettable memory, the wedding bouquet is the natural perfume of the bride. Because every flower spreads a special and unique scent, the flavor of love.

There are specialized persons who are saying that the wedding flowers have to assort to external elements as restaurant, decorations, guests, wedding themes. It’s not true. All it matters is the bride’s wishes and spirituality.
There are flowers for romantic or strong personality or modern thinking or classic brides. We are not speaking about the wedding bouquet’s shape. There is another article about. We want to suggest you, as a future bride, the flowers for you to enjoy your wedding and to feel perfect in your shoes.

A romantic bride will choose discreet, tender and delicate flowers: lilies-of-the-valley, freesias, tulips, lisianthus, orchids, jasmines, arranged in a free and very simple style, without glassy accessories. She prefers white simple color or dull tones of cream, violet, pink. This bride wants her to be sensual and pure and the flowers to complete her and never to be the wedding attraction.

There are roses for the classic brides, white roses round arranged. For the classic-joyful brides, the perfect wedding bouquet will be a multicolor round rose bouquet. The classis-daring future wife will carry a completely red rose bouquet or the rose bouquet garnished with red or pink or orange or yellow mini roses. We can include here the lilies, but they also fit to the strong-personality brides.

To an elegant bride we are recommending calla lilies. If you want to be pure and simple, yet elegant, we think that the white calla lilies are the perfect flowers for you. If she wants to catch the guest’s eyes, she has to choose a white and other favorite color combination (red calla lilies would be our suggestion) for calla lily wedding bouquet. Also if it’s fall, violet, burgundy or orange calla lilies will be the perfect choice. For a spring wedding and also a happy bride, calla lilies in a multicolor bright bouquet will light up your face. The calla lilies lend to an original combination with eucalyptus leaves or Hypericum berries or Mistletoe.

If you are a strong personality person, fit yourself a wedding bouquet with dominant shaped flowers. The lilies, Amaryllis, Flamingo flower (Anthurium), Bird-of-paradise-flower (Strelitsia), Protea flower, Nerine, Delphinium, Vlam Leucospermum, Tuberose, Leucadendron are flowers for you to be original and to amaze.

There are modern wedding bouquets for modern brides. In this case, the florist or floral designer is the person who takes the decision. It’s his art. He can mix flowers from any floral category and put together flowers with different shapes and colors. The bride chooses the main line for the bridal bouquet and the florist has to know the bride’s preferences for flowers and accessories.

Flowers for happy bouquets: Alstroemeria, gerbera, sunflower, delicate anemones, Asclepias, Lilac, Australian bells, Aster, daisy, peony, daffodil, hyacinth, gladiolus, corn flowers etc.

The berries branches are beautiful, original and chic accessories for a bridal bouquet. We want to give you some suggestions: Hypericum, Mistletoe, Bittersweet, Cotoneaster, Winterberry, Magic berry, Crabapple, Hibiscus pods, Mountain ash, Pyracantha, Pepper berry, Snowberry etc.

Hoping that we’ve given you the best suggestions and we’ve been helpful, we are now wishing you best and “Happy Marriage!”. Brides from all over the world, be proud of you, smile and enjoy your moment! Take the good energy from flowers, by feeling their perfume!

Ask Your Wedding Florist

2008-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to have the ceremony at a church, the reception and evening party at a different location this will result in you requiring two sets of wedding flowers. It may be worth seeing if you get them moved by the florist or by a relative on the day.

If you are planning to have the ceremony at a church, the reception in one venue and the evening reception in another place this means you are going to require three different sets of flowers instead of the two.

Or if your budget is quite large check with your florist to see if they can supply the flowers for two or three of the venues which means you will be surrounded by the same theme of your chosen wedding flowers all day long which will make a very happy memory and your photographs will also reflect this effort.

The florist being reliable is a big issue on your special day the last thing you need to worried about is whether the florist is going to turn up. You should look out for testimonials from previous clients all good florists should have them.

You will also need to find out how many other weddings they do on the same day. It is a question of wanting your florist more concerned with yours or someone else’s wedding when they are creating your flowers, after you plan them so well you don’t want the ideal getting lost on the day, ideally they should only book in a few per day but do check if you are having complicated designs however a wedding Florist in Durham should be able to cater to this for you.

In addition to above you will also need to see if the person you have consulted with will be doing your flowers. You’ve spent hours with your florist choosing what flowers you want only to realise on the big day that someone else is creating your perfect wedding flowers. To ensure this doesn’t happen ask your florist. They will have a vast amount of experience in wedding flowers in the North.

Wedding Flowers

2008-06-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wedding Flowers were brought into weddings to represent new life, never-ending love, purity and fertility. The groom wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet, to signify his declaration of love. Bouquets traditionally consisted of flowers and herbs. Some bouquets also contained dill, since it was believed that dill promoted desire. After the ceremony, the dill would be eaten for that purpose.

An Irish bride insists on having lavender in her bouquet, as it signifies good luck and happiness. Tossing the bouquet comes from an English tradition where women would attempt to tear pieces of the bride’s dress and flowers to possibly obtain some of her good fortune. To escape from the women, the bride would toss her bouquet into the crowd and run away. It is believed today that the woman that catches the bouquet will be the next to marry.

Though some trends have blossomed and others have wilted, one thing remains true: flowers are a great way to make a highly personal statement. Here are some factors that can be considered to choose a particular type of flower:

Color is the first factor to be considered. A wedding bouquet must match the wedding gown of the bride and the other decorations. Apart from flowers, many types of ribbons, beads and baubles can be used for this purpose.

Another way to personalize a bouquet is to choose flowers that match the personality of the bride or is expressive of her background. For instance, a bride may choose to show off her Norwegian heritage by including purple heather -- Norway's signature flower. Or she might pair the groom’s and her birth-month blooms.

Bouquets can also be fashioned by keeping in mind the family tradition. The bride may carry the blooms her mother had carried for her wedding, or can wrap her bloom with her grandmother’s scarf to give it a vintage feeling.

Flowers can also be chosen for sentimental value. For example, a bride can carry flowers which the groom had given to her on their first date, or can make a bouquet of his favorite flowers. This will make the bouquet more special and personalized. The wedding flowers can also be in tune with the surrounding environment. These are a few tips to make wedding bouquets more personal and unique, but the ultimate choice, as always, remains with the bride!

Bridal Shower

2008-06-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

A new bride typically only has a few wedding showers before the actual wedding ceremony, and it should be fun for everyone involved. Bridal shower themes are a great idea, and many people have started finding some really fun theme ideas to make the shower more memorable, and helpful to the bride. The bridal shower is typically thrown by the maid of honor or some other family member. The location is any place that works with your theme. If you are planning a bridal shower, and are anything like me, totally lacking in imagination, then you've come to the right place. I've done some research and talked to friends and listed my favorite ideas for a themed bridal shower below.

The Entertainment Theme:

Have all the guests bring gifts pertaining to entertaining the couple in times to come. This includes buying CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, video games, and anything else you can come up with, get creative. This could also include televisions or DVD players or other game machines. For food bring boxes of candy, microwave popcorn, hot dogs, or even nachos such as you would get at a movie theater. Make the bridal shower invitations look like an over-sized movie ticket. A great idea for a couple that is just starting out.

Around the Clock Theme:

In this scenario, each guest or pair of guests is assigned a certain time of day, such as lunch time, bath time, or an actual time of day, like 8 am. Each guest should bring gifts that will be used during the time they are assigned. For example, with a morning time assigned, coffee mugs or specialty coffees would be a great gift. An afternoon time like around lunch time could be his and her lunch boxes complete with matching thermos. Finger foods are a great snack to be served, and a great bridal shower invitation for this theme would be clocks with each guest's time on it.

Gift Certificate Theme:

With all of those mounting bills from the wedding, most couples would love to have a gift certificate themed bridal shower. In this theme, each guest is asked to bring the bride a gift certificate of their choice. This can include gift certificates to grocery stores, restaurants, spa treatments, clothing stores, movie theaters, and furniture stores. The possibilities are endless, and they are sure to enjoy it! Snack ideas are limitless, as are your bridal shower invitations.

Garden/Tea Party Theme:

This works great with a spring wedding. If you have a friend with a nice garden or yard with beautiful scenery, ask to borrow the space for an afternoon. Gift ideas are limitless, and finger foods desserts and sandwiches make a great snack to serve. Decorate with fresh Montreal flowers in the color of the wedding, and the bridal shower invitations look great with flower pressed paper which can be found in any craft store and printed on your computer.

Recipe Theme:

Also great for the bride and groom starting a new home together. Have each guest bring their favorite dinner recipe, favorite dessert recipe, and a miscellaneous recipe, along with the ingredients for each (dry goods only) as a gift. This will give them lots of dinner ideas, as well as being able to stock their pantry a bit before the wedding. Food for the bridal shower can be anything you like, and bridal shower invitations on blank recipe cards are a great idea! Be sure to include several blank recipe cards with each invitation as well.

The ideas for a bridal shower theme are endless. Use your imagination and the sky is the limit.

Winter Wonderland Wedding

2008-06-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Planning a Christmas wedding can be a great way to combine your special day with the magic of the holidays. For brides planning their wedding around the holidays, here are a few suggestions to have you walking in your own winter wonderland.

Montreal Flowers:

If you’re getting married in the winter around Christmas time, why not embrace the season? “There’s something magical about the winter season – bring those elements in. Lots of red, especially the darkest crimson blooms such as black magic roses, create bold, stunning arrangements. A traditional red rose is a safe way to play it and then pick other elements to jazz it up a bit. Add to those roses some additional details: chocolate cosmos, hypericum berries, pepper berries, and winter berries.

For a good pop of color, submerging cranberries in the vases of water. If red is not in your wedding pallet, another option awaits. There is nothing more beautiful than a traditional white wedding. Not only does the cold air prevent white petals from browning around the edges, but your blooms will also reflect winter’s snowy ambiance. Pair white roses with green berries, combine dramatic amaryllis with white gazer lilies, or couple green and white cymbidium orchids.

With all of the romance your blooms will exude, make sure you’re not the only ones enjoying kissing throughout the evening. Hang mistletoe in entryways or any other place guests might want to share a smooch. This romantic seasonal green also works well as an accent to all floral arrangements, including corsages and boutonnier

Catering:

To keep your guests warm on the inside with the cold winter chill outside, add a hot chocolate and wassail cider bar to your reception beverage station. Spicing up your hot drinks with cinnamon sticks for stirring and cinnamon & nutmeg for toppings. Keep that chocolate coming. Give that favorite chocolate fountain a twist of flavor – peppermint flavor. Cinnamon bears reign as the popular dipping item for chocolate fountains this winter, and not only for peppermint-flavored fountains. Milk and dark chocolate please the pallet as well with this spicy snack.

In addition to the chocolate fountains, serve hot bread pudding and pumpkin pie as desserts for your reception. Or select pumpkin spice and cream cheese filling for your wedding cake to stay true to the season. However simple or lavish you’re planning your big day, utilize the winter season to your advantage. Give your guests those extra details that will have them remembering your wedding whenever winter season rolls in.

Decorative details:

Use Christmas ornaments in place of traditional guest cards. Simply attach a small card and ribbon with their name imprinted on the ornament. Or hand paint each name on the individual ornaments. Your guests will remember your wedding for years to come each time they place their ornament on their Christmas tree.

Dip candy canes in white or dark chocolate and wrap them in plastic bags tied with a simple red or white ribbon. Give away these treats as your favor at the end of your wedding reception. Display gifts in a sleigh or under an evergreen decorated with pictures of the couple. Instead of a star or angel as the tree topper, use a bride and groom in its place. Before you walk down the aisle, have your flower girl toss imitation snow or miniature snowflakes in place of flower petals.
Replace the wedding march with a slow-paced, instrumental holiday tune. Fill your reception with sweet winter aromas. Boil apple cider with floating oranges and cinnamon sticks in various hidden corners of the room. Or light deeply scented evergreen candles to bring the outdoors in.

There's no denying the romance of the winter season: gently falling snow, softly glimmering lights and sweetly scented evergreens.

Wedding Decoration

2008-05-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Your wedding day will more beautiful with ornaments. But, decorating correctly is not easy. The wedding event consists of numerous acts, objects and things required to be put together duly arranged in the chain system. If any of the links is missed the event turns to the flop-show. The Wedding flowers ,Wedding costumes or dresses and the Wedding Ornaments in particular need the most attentions much longer before the day of Wedding.

Of course there are hundreds of Jewelery designers who provide all the required assistance in making the ornaments of your choice and within your specific budgets too. For this you must plan out the entire deal well in advance enabling the jeweler to shape up the ornaments exactly to meet your design and tastes. This may also enable you both to go for any addition or alterations if so required once the ornaments get ready.

In the Western Countries the brides are not that very choosy for their Wedding Ornaments and generally does not emphasis much for the same. They give more importance to their Wedding Costumes than the Ornaments. However, it does not mean that they do not wear the ornaments or the jewelery; they mostly prefer solitaire or diamond studded Broaches, Necklace, Bracelets, Pendants or Ear-rings etc. Those who cannot afford these settle with imitation or other similar artistic ornamental jewelery.

In the Indian traditional marriage system, the bride has to be given the maximum Ornaments made of Gold or other Precious metals like Platinum. The Natural Beads and Pearls tied with nylon strings and partially using Gold in between, the other precious stones like Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst etc studded in Gold or White metals duly gold platted. Even the Diamond studded ornaments are the most preferred by the richer sections of the society. The Wedding Ornaments have a plenty of items under the title, to name a few:

First is necklaces: The traditional chain type of necklace symbolically name "Mangal Sutra" is a must for any wedding bride. The brides mainly prefer necklaces of their traditional designs and patterns duly hand-made by their familiar Goldsmiths. However, the machine-made qualities with the lighter weights and very attractive designs and patterns are also preferred due to its low cost and easy handling. Combination of two different metals is selected to give the elegant look to the necklaces.

Second is pendants: These are considered as the most attractive or eye-catching part of any necklace and are mainly made of Gold with matching stones or other metals coinciding the necklace design. The sizes and shapes of such pendants are also vivid and often found of symbolizing sacred logos. Some brides also go for the engraved or diamond studded initials of her spouse. Pendants with individual zodiac signs are also in fashion.

Third is earrings: The medium sized earrings made from gold and similar precious metals are generally preferred by the brides that resemble the pattern and design of the necklace overall.

Fourth is bracelets: Commonly known as the Bangles are made in various designs and combinations suitable to match the related ornaments

The last is Rings: This is again the important piece of the Wedding Ornament and has some significance in the Wedding Process.

Bridal Bouquet

2008-05-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

If you go to your wedding florist, they will usually show you a catalogue for some ideas. There are so many types of flowers and bouquet styles to select from, so how do you know what you should look out for?

Asking yourself these few questions may help though!

1) What's your body size?

Remember, your first choice of bouquet may not be the best choice, it makes sense to get something which will look good on you instead. With all eyes on you at your wedding, it's a costly mistake to make if everything else is perfect except your wedding bouquet!

However if you are tall and lanky, a cascading type of bouquet or a hand-tied one will suit you better. Do not go for the round one as it will make you look even taller. With heels that pile on the height on the actual day, it may make you look like you tower over your hubby, especially if he is of about the same height as you.

If you are slightly on the heavy side, a cascading one will help you look slimmer on your wedding day. You will be surprised that the unique shape of the bouquet being round at the top and ending with a pointy bottom does wonders for your body shape!

2) Is there any colour theme for your wedding?

Choose the type of flowers that will complement your colour theme, especially the colour of your wedding gown. For brides who are wearing ivory or white gowns, it is a lot easier as most flowers will match. However, if you are wearing bolder colours like purple or pink, flowers that are of the same colour group but in different shades will look pleasant to the eye. Always remember, the rule of the thumb is to match. The bouquet should not look like a sore thumb against your wedding dress and get your guests talking for the wrong reasons.

3) When is your wedding held?

Certain types of flowers are seasonal, so depending on the month your wedding is, you may not be able to get them even if its your favourite bloom! Some typical all year round flowers are roses, lilies, gardenias, freesias, gerbera daisies, etc. If you wish to choose flowers like hydrangeas, tulips, they may not be available at your free will, so ask your florist for advice and plan ahead in advance!

Wedding Planning

2008-05-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding can be a daunting experience. You want your wedding day to be perfect, the best day of your life, and it can be done without the help of a wedding planner. The internet is a great source of information when doing your own wedding planning. You will find many articles, books and planners which will be of great value in getting started and will also show you how you can save considerable amounts of money. So arm yourself with your friends’ and family’s support, with as much as much information as you can, and get organized so that your wedding will be the special event you have dreamed of.

It’s official! Everyone is thrilled. It is a wonderful time to share happiness, dreams and plans with and family. Getting advice from those who care will encourage you to carry on with your wedding planning. Your friends and family can be an invaluable asset to you during this special time.

Now it’s time to get organized. Your wedding date is set, and choosing someone to officiate at your wedding is of great importance. Searching for gowns, rings, wedding flowers, reception venue, choosing invitations, selecting the photographer, the type of music, and everything else that comprises planning your wedding can be exciting for the organized bride. Planners and lists will keep you focused when making all those important decisions.

Doing your own wedding planning has a huge benefit. You can save considerable amounts of money! Most services and merchandise can be had at a large discount in many instances. Research the wedding industry. There are many secrets and loopholes. Watch out for scams. Learn to say no. The money you save can be used to help buy a new home , or give you a great honeymoon. Don’t give away your money.

Having your family at your side while you organize and make all these important decisions, and knowing that you are spending your money wisely will be very gratifying. Wedding planning can be fun.

Plan Your Wedding

2008-04-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

If you're in the process of planning your wedding, you'll be well aware of just how much organisation the event really requires! After all, you'll want to make sure that this really is the happiest day of your life, and that all goes exactly the way you want it to! And while you'll be able to leave some of the more mundane aspects of wedding planning to your relatives or your designated wedding planner, there are some wedding plans and services that you'll definitely want to take care of yourself - and having a way to do this all online is sure to save you a large amount of time.

Many retail outlets with specialist wedding services now offer comprehensive online wedding portals on their sites, in order to help you plan your wedding at your convenience - all from the comfort of your living room. For instance, you'll definitely want to try on your own wedding dress to make sure you've got the perfect fit. But if you're looking for dresses for your bridesmaids or flower girls, you might want to have a look at the selection available to you online first and, if you find the perfect bridesmaids dresses for your wedding, you can buy them online.

Sometimes, you'll even be able to buy crucial items like wedding footwear and wedding jewellery for both you and your troupe of bridesmaids and flowers girls online. And if you're looking for a dress or trouser suit for the mother of the bride or an important female guest to wear, you'll be able to look for that online also. You'll even be able to browse things like wedding stationary, wedding flowers by Montreal florist, and get personalised wedding invitations, RSVP cards and personalised place cards to match - all online!

Increasingly, however, the most popular online wedding planning tool is a wedding gift list, and getting your wedding guests to consult your online wedding gift list can offer a range of benefits. For starters, you and your fiancé will be able to compile your list of potential wedding gifts from the convenience of your own home, instead of having to trawl through a variety of shops to find what you're looking for. It'll also cut down the environmental cost of having to print multiple copies of a wedding gift list to send out to all your friends and well-wishers.

Additionally, opting for an online wedding gift list will make it easier for your guests to buy your presents without fear of duplication, while many wedding gift list providers also provide gift wrapping services for an additional fee. So you won't just get the wedding presents that you've always wanted, you'll also receive them beautifully wrapped!

So enjoy the luxury of organising your wedding online - you might find the whole wedding planning experience a lot easier to bear!

Wedding Flowers

2008-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wedding flowers are one of the biggest parts of any wedding budget, so saving money on them should be a top priority for any bride and groom. To save on money and to keep within your budget you should consider buying the flowers wholesale.

Especially when the flowers are in season like spring it is a great time to purchase wholesale because of the stock of flowers. Remember to check your arrangement in a mirror with you holding it so you would picture how it would look like to someone else's view. This is a new generation and silk wedding flowers are the rage.

White wedding dresses come in a wide variety of shades of white; you want to make sure that the flowers that you choose will coordinate with your wedding dress so you should match it with a swatch. Professional wedding florist know accent the flowers just so, so they will attract attention to you in the way that you want. There is no shame in learning from the success and failures of others and doing so will generally save you a lot of grief. Your florist will help you with which flowers are seasonal if you are still unsure as to what to go for. Your local florist can recommend the many colorful options available. You are in for a pleasant surprise at your local florist. Florists can customize flowers to what ever you like, these fresh flowers with professional cutting them will make your bouquet outlast any store bought flowers.

The bouquets can be the same color as the bride's bouquet or a different color. Bouquets can also be fashioned by keeping in mind the family tradition. Any good wedding florist should have at least a few sample bouquets they can show you. If no live bouquets are available, however, be sure to look through the photo book the florist has. Ensure that gift bouquets are ordered for the mothers. Problems arise because of last-minute flower substitutions due to weather or transportation issues, which may be more expensive. Women find themselves making last-minute decisions about changes to their arrangements, often without seeing what the revised bouquets will look like. Spring flowers make attractive centerpieces for tables and rooms. Bridal bouquets can be prepared with them.

The best way to evaluate how and where to allocate your wedding budget is to determine exactly what your priorities are. These days, 4 out of 5 couples pay for their own wedding and it helps to know how your budget should be broken down. It is with the budget that you can set realistic goals for your wedding and whether or not if your budget is realistic to your finances.

Since summer is the most popular time for weddings, it is very important to decide in advance the type of wedding flowers wanted by the bride. Since the florists are bound to be busy with many other weddings, the bride should be sure of her choices. Florists will also deliver all the flowers to your destination. Flowers in the center of the table always makes a good center piece, your guest will want to take these home and make your wedding day memorable. Most wedding florists will have a portfolio of photographs from past weddings, like Wedding florist Montreal, and they should be happy to share this portfolio of past work with potential customers. Most established florists are not one-man shows but a huge network of florists in different places.

First Date Flowers

2008-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

"First Date Flowers" always feels like over-kill. I would feel like a real ass bringing flowers to her door when I hardly know her; especially because I minimize phone contact. Depending on the woman, flowers can send a message that you are desperately trying any "romance" tactic you have read about in a novel -- or worse yet, in an on-line "tip" e-mail group.

Instead I bring the "mini-bouquet."

Buy Montreal flowers -- you probably want to buy a couple of the $4 deals at the store. If she asks, it's risky to have to tell her you picked them from the neighbor's yard -- or near some weeds at the laundromat. Next, select about 5 various tiny ones and bunch them together. Tie them together with thin ribbon in a bow (it won't work without the ribbon). The whole thing should be no longer than 2 1/4 inches.
Keep them in your pocket.

When the time is right present them to her sincerely. Don't use them to fix the mood. Use them when you think the mood has peaked. If it is a dinner date, I often do this while we are waiting to be seated. (Many times women feel most "womanly" during this period because you are playing the male role of arranging dinner. She will wait passively and watch you handle confidently the situation -- watching you provide for her.)

Depending on your attire (coat pockets are the best -- but summer is hot), you will be trying to unload these babies before they get completely demolished in your pocket. Choose robust flowers -- check on their state periodically to determine their decay rate. Don't be afraid to just ditch them if the opportunity doesn't arise (which means the date is going sucky anyway), but even mangled flowers will do the trick.

It's the effort and surprise. There is something sexy about not giving them gifts right away in the evening -- providing them as though you are not in a hurry to unload them hints at an "endless supply of provisions occurring at regular intervals" -- (the female need -- something about caring for offspring -- but we'll leave that for another discussion).

She will be able to leave them out on the table to look at, without drawing embarrassing attention from strangers. Also, she will take them home in her purse, and reflect on them later (points while you're not even around).

I guess I don't recommend giving the whole bunch of flowers at the end of the evening. Once I strongly hinted at this while dropping her off, by mentioning the major flower bunch was in my trunk and needing water. She ignored the hint -- content with the mini-bouquet.

Instead put them up in your own house. Flowers are nice to look at; plus it spruces up any bachelor pad -- even if they are 6 months dead. Girls always ask who they were from -- depending on how much you are willing to spin the truth, I would say, "I bought them."

How to Give a Gift

2008-02-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much thought someone will put into picking out the perfect present yet uses very little imagination on how to give it. In many ways, the presentation of a gift is just as important as the item itself. Imagine buying someone a gold ring and leaving it on the kitchen counter with a note that says "thought you might like this." Or contrast that with the gift of a ring hidden inside a rosebud that will "magically" appear as the rose blossoms in the sunlight.

The next time you are giving a gift, consider presenting it in a creative or meaningful way.Even, when giving flowers, think before, how to...

On one Saturday morning while my wife was sleeping in late I ran a string all through the house, beginning at the location where I hid her gift from Montreal florist. The string went through cabinets, under seat cushions, in the bathtub, behind the sofa and throughout all the rooms in the house. Had I been thinking ahead, I would have attached small gifts all along the string as a teaser for the big present at the end. After I ran the string through our home, I brought the other end of the string to my wife in bed and explained that I had bought a present for her and it was at the other end. I had never seen her get out of bed so quickly on a Saturday morning.

Another way in which I like to give presents to my wife is by having her find them. I will write about 7 or so clues which lead from one written clue to the next until the final clue leads to the hidden gift.

If you want to go all out on the "treasure hunt" theme, you can give your spouse a tape in the "Mission Impossible" style giving them their assignment to locate the missing gift. Depending on the time you have and equipment available, you can even include videotaped clues which definitely would add to the overall excitement of the quest.
There are dozens and dozens of ways in which you can transform the presentation of even an ordinary gift into a truly romantic occasion. Just "think" about it.