Basic Tips for Planning a Wedding

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

1. The first thing you should decide is how big and complex you want your wedding to be. Do you want a small wedding? Or would you rather have a big wedding? You need to make sure both you and your partner are on the same page and agree on things. Prepare to make some compromises.
2. Decide on a good theme for your wedding. This includes how people will dress, food, location, and decorations.
3. How much can you really afford. There is no reason to go all out on a wedding if you cant afford it. This could lead to some really big problems with your families and you as a couple.
4. Do you want to hire a wedding planner? Wedding planners are certainly great and do a good job. But there not necessary either. Be sure if you do hire one that they don't get you spending allot more money then you originally planned.
5. Don't wait to long to get your plans in order. This is something that you must start taking care of. Start booking locations, getting invitations ready, and find your dress. Planning a wedding takes time and work. You need to set a date and get at it. If you don't you might find a year or two go by and your still not married.

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Living in LOVE : Remembering Why You Married

The kids are yelling, the dog is barking, and you just found out that your spouse forgot to do the one thing that you needed them to do today...again! This scenario may sound typical for your family, or your scenario could be worse. Maybe you and your spouse are arguing more and more, and connecting less and less? You may have even asked yourself, "Is this marriage a mistake?". Though you knew your life wouldn't be like the Brady Bunch, you may find yourself surprised at just how much work a marriage can be - and its twice as hard if only one person is working at it.

If this is your situation, ask yourself why you married your spouse? I know it sounds silly, but really...why did you marry them? "Because we were in love"- well, that's the easy answer-go deeper. See, life happens...kids are born, cars breakdown, jobs are lost, and through all of the ups and downs that are inevitable, its important that you remember why you married this person.

Reflect:

    Think of the first time you saw your spouse. What is one thing that stood out to you about them?
    Remember one time when you were sad, angry or disappointed and your spouse really came through for you. What happened? How did it make you feel?
    What is one thing funny thing you know about your spouse that no one else knows?
    Think back to your single life, before you met your spouse. What was it like? Now, really think - what is one small thing your spouse does to make you happy that you are here and not back there?
    Remember a time when your spouse did something out of the ordinary and surprised you. What did that moment feel like?
    Remember the first time you saw your spouse holding your child. How did that make you feel?

Remind:

    In a quiet time when both you and your spouse are sitting together, bring up your first date. Bring up your happiest memories of this day.
    Think of a funny story about when you first were married - good choices are dinners gone bad, ruined laundry, etc.
    Talk about when you first became parents. What were your fears and hopes. Mention something positive about their parenting, and their connecting to your children.

Renew

    If you eat dinner infront of the TV, stop. Gather together at the table with the TV's off, so you can actually connect to your family rather than 'veg out'.
    Be nice. Okay, sometimes that's easier said than done, but a little sweetness can go a long way. When you get up or go to another room, ask, "Can I get you anything?"
    Be forgetful. Don't remember every little thing your spouse has done that irritates you. Sometimes we hold on to the past because it feels familiar. Its not fair to hold the past against your spouse, and its not fair for them to do it to you. If they do, lead by example. Once they see you letting go of the past, they will also. As long as they know you are holding on to the past for future fight ammunition, they will do the same.
    Touch. Place your hand on your spouse's hand; lay your arm across their shoulders. An innocent touch can be just the softness and connection that your spouse is looking for.
    Overlook. There is nothing gained by pointing out all of your spouse's short comings, and when they have made a mistake don't use it as an opportunity to put them down. Surprise them by 'not noticing' their mistake. No one likes to have their mistakes pointed out to them. We are all adults, and its likely that they are already aware of what they've done.

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

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

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Planning Your Wedding - How To Get Organized

You have purchased the latest bridal magazines from your local grocery store and there are pages and pages of photos of beautiful wedding gowns, rings and articles on weddings. Some give you a brief idea of what you need to do to plan your wedding, but you're still not sure how to begin the process.

The key is to start organizing and planning earlier than later.
You first need to create a system to keep all the details in one place. You may choose to use a binder with a tab for each category you will be using. Examples of categories are: Bakery, Ceremony, Catering, Florist, Music, Reception, Photography, Transportation. An accordion file is another choice, using the same category tabs. You will be able to see each category at a glance.
Whichever system you choose, use it to keep track of all receipts, pictures, brochures, business cards etc. that is related to each category.
Once you have your system in place, you can then do some research. There are many wedding planning books out in the market, even online websites (like this one). Visit your local bookstore or library to pick up a book to help your with the entire planning process.
Find a "wedding timetable" layout. This timetable will include a list of to-do's for the entire months/year before the big day. Some of the first things on this timeline may be: Consulting with fiancé and parents to decide budget and financial support. Another may be deciding the number of guests to invite to your big day (always dependent on budget $$ available), deciding what type of wedding - formal or informal or even interviewing wedding coordinators. This timetable is a basic guideline. You can recreate on your computer to fit your wedding and time line.
Once you have an idea of all the details involved in planning a wedding and all the dedicated time you will have to spend, you can start recruiting help from family and friends. Delegate tasks to help you check off all the to-do's on your list and by the time you know it, it's wedding day.

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Wedding Photography: Preserving the Memories

A person's wedding can be one of the most important times in their life. They will have memories that they want to treasure forever and then pass on to their children. Wedding photography helps them do this. Having pictures taken at the wedding and then at the reception can capture those precious memories in freeze-frame and help you keep them forever.
Pictures are important so you want to be sure you get good photos, high quality photos that you can enjoy forever.

Most people will have a wedding book designed out of the collection of the best wedding photos. Usually the photographer will do this for you. You will then have a beautiful scrapbook from your wedding to hold your memories.
Choosing a photographer is a very important step in your wedding pictures. You want someone experienced that will do an excellent job for you. It's possible that you may be on a budget and price may be a factor as well.

How Do You Choose a Wedding Photographer?
There are several things you are going to want to look for with the most important being the quality of the work. It would be great if you could find a photographer that you had seen in action, perhaps at a family member or friend's wedding. The hardest part of choosing a wedding photographer is that you sign a contract and agree to pay before you have ever seen the photos. That's how it works in the world of wedding photography; you must make your decision based of faith in the photographer. So how do you make a decision like this?
Referrals
First, you are going to want to look at referrals. Ask your friends or family members who did their weddings and start compiling a list. You will also need to verify that these people are still photographing. Ask everyone you can about their wedding and their wedding pictures. Most people will even let you see their wedding photos and you can check out the photographer's work.
Experience & Samples
Aside from samples from people you know, you can ask the photographer himself about samples. You can call the photographers on your list and do an interview over the phone or make an appointment to meet in person. This is your chance to ask the photographer any questions you may have such as their experience, what training they have and what different types of photography they have studied. If you are doing an in-person interview, the photographer can show you portfolios of samples of their work. If doing a phone interview, that ends well, you may want to go in person and see a portfolio.
Schedule and Appointment
When you have chose the photographer you think you want to use, you will have to schedule several appointments. The bride and groom, the bride's parents and anyone else who may be taking part in paying for the wedding should be present at these meetings regarding the wedding photography.
At these meetings, you will discuss price, payment schedule and possible deposits. Next you will discuss the plan for taking the photos. Many people also get video and digital photographs now. Do you want these? Will your photographer be able to provide these? Will there be extra fees?
Many people have specific plans as to what they want pictures of (e.g. bride and father coming down the aisle, bride and groom, rings exchanging, the kiss, the bridesmaids, etc.) This is your chance to get all this written down so that the photographer is sure to get all the shots you want. Other people give their photographers a little more freedom to decide what pictures will be good to take.
Be sure to ask any questions you have about this important event. Your wedding photography is important to you so don't hesitate to be clear about what you want.

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Why Hire A Wedding Designer?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused over how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. These worries often mount as quickly as the cost of the wedding. After the euphoria wears off and the reality settles in, it's shocking to discover how much preparation is involved. Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon. Couples often find they want experienced professional help.

Not long ago, a wedding designer was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a designer is an essential element of a well-planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage someone to handle the details. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the wedding designer saves you valuable time and money. The designer can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred and fifty hours to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and making sure all the details are in place.

Designers are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Our training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. We want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event with no worries. Remember you should enjoy your wedding and remember it always as one of the greatest events of your life.

©2004, All Rights Reserved, Sasha Souza Events, Do not reproduce without permission from author.

Sasha Souza Events was first established in 1995 and specializes in full service wedding and event design. Today, Sasha Souza Events is an Master Bridal Consultant, distinguished member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

In 2004, Sasha Souza was honored by Modern Bride Magazine as one of the top 25 trendsetters in the wedding industry... being included with top industry pros such as Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Preston Bailey Event Design, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes & Jane Packard Flowers. She was also asked by Antonia van der Meer, the editor of Modern Bride Magazine, to take on a role in the prestigious Modern Bride Advisory Panel. Being considered among the top event design & coordination companies in the nation is a great honor and Sasha Souza always strives to create unique, fun and interesting events for the guests to experience.

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Summer Wedding Photography Ideas

Brides getting married this week are probably clapping their hands and jumping up and down with glee at the glorious sunshine we are having at the moment. Their wedding photographers are probably wringing their hands instead! Brilliant sunshine of the sort we are having at the moment, makes for challenging photography but a good photographer should have plenty of ideas for using the venue to its best while still getting some beautiful outside pictures.

So what is so difficult about taking photographs in bright sunlight? Firstly it's the lighting. Photographers like to be able to control the lighting, but when the sun is blazing down out of a clear blue sky, there is an awful lot of bright light coming from almost directly above. While the sun may be the light source, the whole sky acts like a reflector. If possible, arranging to have at least some of your photos taken early in the day, or just before sunset, would make for some beautiful shots, but that can be difficult if you want to include your guests. Otherwise, any way you can make the light slightly less direct would help. For example, if you the bridal party stands just in the shade of a building, or a tree, and the photographer stands in the sunshine, the light on the bridal party is softened slightly. Some stunning couple shots can be taken through open archways or doorways; either with the photographer standing outside in the sun, so the shot is more gently lit, or a silhouette style shot with the photographer further in the shade looking out at the sun through the couple. Reflectors can also help bounce the sunlight in the right direction.

One of the other problems with bright light is the reflections it causes. Whether it's windows reflecting the light, or one of your guests' glasses, it can spoil the light in the picture, and even if it doesn't, it is much better if you can see your guests eyes! In the case of windows it may just be a case of changing the angle slightly so the light doesn't bounce directly towards the camera. And your guest can always take their glasses off briefly!

Finally, squinting is a big problem with sunlight. The other issues can more easily be resolved by wedding photographers without causing an issue for yourself or your guests, or afterwards with judicious use of photo editing software, but you can't edit out a squint! Choosing the right angle so the light isn't irritating people's eyes can help, but often you will just need to take lots of shots and hopefully there will be a few without anyone squinting at the camera!

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Wedding Flower Bouquets, A Bride's Dream!

It's a bride's dream that her wedding should be a very special one. Well, keeping that under consideration many of the bride's maids usually try to keep everything intact and according to her wish. Usually wedding flower bouquets are a complex problem that stuck between the arrangements of the wedding. While under the role of bride, she is unable to decide a particular color and nature of flowers. Here swinging mood sometimes cancels huge orders placed to the florist. Selecting a right flower bouquet is thus considered to be as a major matter at a wedding.

A wedding flower bouquet found in the hands of a bride while walking on the aisle is always a specially made one. The finest of the flowers are handpicked for this job. Wedding flower bouquet that bride holds got brightest, beautiful and gloomiest flowers. A wedding designer is sometimes hired for keeping everything as in the wish of the bride. Each and every thing for her wedding is selected along with the colors of sheets on tables, color of chairs, carpets and flowers etc are selected accordingly after consulting the bride.

Florists sometimes also arrange a visit to their flower beds for the bride to select and chose particular flowers form a massive selection. Florists also recommend a few amazing flowers for bouquet that could look beautiful in her hands along with the beautiful wedding dress. Matching flowers are sometimes chosen by the bride and sometimes same colored are selected. Fresh and breezy flowers are delivered to the arrangement organizer for the wedding soon enough before the wedding so that the flowers do not lose their shape and gesture.

A perfect wedding is what a woman always wants. Wedding flower bouquets are one of the things that complete it. This bouquet could be arranged in big sized ones that are to be grabbed with both hands, or the one with small size that could fit in only one hand. Usually brides chose single handed bouquets as they are easy for them to handle while walking the aisle, also that she have to empty her one hand for her father. Grooms also sometimes could help the bride select a wedding flower bouquet.

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The Art Of Preserving Wedding Bouquets

Wedding bouquets are a very special part of any wedding. They symbolize the wedding and the love of the bride and groom and hold special memories especially for the bride. Many brides wish that they can preserve their wedding flowers for life as a way of remembering their beautiful day. Today you will get to learn how you can preserve them easily for decades that are to come. The preservation method that you will adopt for your these flowers will largely be determined by the type of look you want to have and the type of flower bouquet that you own.

You can either choose to preserve your bouquet of flowers yourself or you can hire a professional to do this for you. There are a lot of professionals these days that are offering great services for the preservation of flower bouquets and can help you do the task for you. It is important that you decide on this well in advance before the actual wedding date because your wedding bouquet will need immediately attention right after your wedding. That is another reason why most people prefer to give their flowers to professionals for preservation because they usually don't have time after their wedding as they will most likely leave for their honeymoon.

You should also keep in mind that the preservation methods of your flowers at home usually require weeks to complete. It is best to have your bouquets freeze - dried by a professional for a great look. In your preservation methods you will have to take apart each flower, press it down for freezing, and then rearrange it back the way it originally was. Drying agents like borax, silica gel, or sand. The professional who is handling your bouquet will tell you how to transport your frozen flowers with care to avoid any damage.

You should bear in mind that the cost for preservation of such flowers is easily up to $100 these days. This price will vary based on the size and type of bouquet you have. Special glass enclosures and frames are mostly used for careful transport of the bouquet. These substances will be used to help draw out all the moisture. If you do not want to hire anyone, all you can do is take the flowers apart yourself and hang them out until they dry out. Then you can easily resemble the flowers back into the bouquet arrangement they had.

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Interesting Wedding Tiara Tidbits

Wedding tiaras can be found online or in wedding shops. They are made out of various materials including, but not limited to rhinestones, crystals, pearls, and gemstones. Wedding tiaras are a fun option for embellishing the bride's hair do. Wedding tiaras will create a classic look for any bride on her wedding day. What's more, tiara's can be custom made if planned for far enough in advance.

Tiaras are definitely a favorite for brides and little girls today. They can be found in lovely hues of blue, pink, lilac and white, which allow brides to bring in their look their wedding colors. Bridal tiaras always provide the classic look for a wedding. Wedding veils can be worn with tiaras during the ceremony. It can then be easily removed for the reception and the tiara can shine beautifully on its own. The bride's hair will keep the tiara stable especially if the bride has a secure ponytail.

Wedding tiaras may be all the rage these days, but they're definitely not newly invented. They actually date back as far as ancient Egypt, where they were used for decoration on the heads of mummies from royalty. Ancient Greeks and Romans also used tiaras as special rewards, and sometimes to show honor and/or rank.

A tiara is a hair accessory definitely worth taking into consideration when planning your wedding ensemble. Tiaras provide an essential aspect of any bride's look for her memorable wedding day. Wedding tiaras are favored due in large part to the way it makes a woman feel (like a princess) on her wedding day. They are arguably one of the most important accessories brides can easily wear on her wedding day. They can be both eye-catching and sparkling as the bride walks down the aisle to meet her groom, as they are made to look brilliant and dazzling from every direction and angle.

Every bride wants to capture a show stopping look that encompasses her total presentation, which includes her dress, makeup, shoes, veil, hair do, jewelry, manicure, pedicure, floral bouquet, and tiara and more. Be cognizant of the fact that tiaras can be a show-stopper of any event, so be careful that the tiara does not outshine the bride. The tiara must enhance the bride's overall look and not become the focus of her look.

Brides today may receive their wedding tiaras as a gift from either their mother or grandmother. Many brides plan to gift their tiara in the future to their children for their wedding day, creating a wonderful heirloom that can be passed on to future generations. Jewelry has been one of the greatest treasures we can keep aside from education, family, and experiences. A wedding tiara will make a fabulous treasure for any family!

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iPhone Wedding Photography - The Next Big Thing

I don't know what it's like in your group of friends, but in mine, almost all of us have iPhones. Half of us have iPads too. We all have digital cameras that we used to use to take photographs of our lives or our children, but these days almost all our photos are taken with our mobile devices. And surprisingly, the photos we take with our phones are almost always as good as those we can take with our digital cameras (and not all of our friends are wedding photographers!). These days, the digital photo technology installed on our mobile phones is often as good as some digital cameras, so obviously some people have decided on iPhone wedding photography to record their big day.

A quick Google will show you that there are wedding photographers out there who will offer this service as a secondary photographer rather than the lead photographer. Primarily in America for now, but once the iPhone 5 comes out, it is bound to gain popularity over here too. And given the popularity of the phones, it is always something you could ask a friend to do to give you another viewpoint of your special day.

So what do you need to consider when planning a spot of iPhone wedding photography for your wedding day? As anyone who has one will know, battery life is a concern, but you can get special battery packs that you charge up beforehand then attach when your phone is getting low on charge. Another potential issue is that the current models don't cope well with low lighting, so if your wedding is likely to not have great lighting, a mini-light reflector is a sound investment. A mini tripod designed just for iPhones is also a useful tool to have in your camera bag!

Just as with a digital camera, you will want to take as many different shots as possible as not all of them will come out the way you want them to. Once you have narrowed the images down to those that are good quality, you can start to have some fun with them, just like you would with your digital camera. Except with your iPhone, the application (a.k.a app) is right there on the device. There are a variety of apps you can use, so play around until you find one you like. Once you have edited each image so that it looks the way you want it to, you can print off your images as usual, and finish off your experiment as an iPhone wedding photographer by creating a little wedding album - the perfect wedding gift if you were there as a guest as you will be able to get it to the happy couple well before the lead photographer can!

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Designer Wedding Dresses Making Your Dreams Come True

So you've said yes to the man you've always dreamed about and now the planning of the biggest day in your own life begins. There is certainly so much to do and plan, from the venue, to the cake, to the wedding guest list, the food and everything appears to be going well until you reach the portion where you need to get your gown.

In many instances, obtaining the perfect dress is often the cause of the greatest source of stress for brides. But this will no longer be the truth. Getting the dream dress is only a phone call away. By making your appointment you can get a specialist to assist you in choosing the dress that can make you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Be it the traditional style or something more modern, designer wedding dresses appeal to all tastes. You could have a dress with lace or satin, smooth and sleek or with ruffles and bows, no matter which your heart desires. You can even replace the color from the typical white to ivory, champagne or a pastel color. There will be a huge variety to choose from and no restrictions as to how many you would want to try on. No matter your size an ideal gown will be waiting for you and after you find it you will know that the verdict you have made is the one making your heart beat faster and preferably the groom's heart too on the special day.

Professional designer wedding dresses organizations stock all the designers available and will be able to customize the gown so that it will be a ideal fit to your shape. Should you be planning the big day inexpensively the professional will also be able to assist you to choose a dress that will help you to stay within your budget? When you have decided on the dream dress, it will be reserved for you and cleaned by professionals should it not be sparkling already. Then about a month before the wedding ceremony you will go for a final fitting where the dress will be customized to fit you perfectly. The organization will ensure that your dress is available two or three days before the wedding and a final fitting and check is done to make sure that all is ideal.

You'll have the option to purchase the dress or to rent; it will be your decision. Also a number of companies can request your dress to be designed tailored for you by the top designers who stock their dresses at the display room. Designer wedding dresses really are a dream come true and have seriously become more affordable so that everyone can now wear a beautiful gown that can make the big day a wonderful memory. You will have the chance to wear a top designers dress and absolutely spend the day feeling and looking wonderful. Don't forget as you walk down the church aisle that on account of a great company you might be pleasing your childhood dream of being a beautiful princess for the day.

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Expression Of The Bride And Groom's Personality Through The Use Of Wedding Cake Toppers

Congratulations, you just announced your marriage engagement! Now, so very much more excitement is in your immediate future as you plan for your big wedding day. My guess is you will receive a lot of friendly suggestions and advice from your circle of friends and family, especially from your mother and perhaps grandmother and/or sisters. Your future mother-in-law may also be a virtual treasure chest of ideas. It can quickly become a bit overwhelming trying to sort out exactly how you and your spouse envision your wedding day to unfold with so many well meaning, important people all trying to give you their friendly advice.

Family wedding traditions may be important to others, but may not necessarily be as important to you and your fiance'. Perhaps the two of you want to create whole new family traditions. The bottom line is that your wedding is exactly that; it is "Your Wedding Day!" The two of you must collectively make a myriad of decisions that work for each of you while expressing your individuality as a couple.

Of course, one of the many decisions most couples must make is what kind of wedding cake will they will have, as wedding cakes traditionally become the main centerpiece for wedding receptions. Additionally, how large does it need to be? How many people does it need to feed? Do you want a traditional tiered cake, a multilayer cake, or perhaps you prefer cupcakes? What flavor or flavors do you want in your cake? What kind of filling would you like between layers?

Finally, how do you want it decorated? Wedding cakes often have a layer of fondant or marzipan with decorations on top of this layer made from icing and/or sugar decorations. Do you want it decorated very simply or very ornately? Do you want a quirky decoration, or live flower decorations? Perhaps religious decorations will be the most meaningful to the two of you. Maybe you want your cake decorated with traditional monograms or other designs.

Wedding cake toppers provide a fabulous means of putting the final touch on the wedding cake. The wedding's theme can easily be incorporated by using a topper. What's more, the happy couple's personality can easily and uniquely be reflected through the use of a cake topper. Today many fabulous choices of toppers are available for every bride and groom. Designs include the whimsical, funny, and humorous; be themed, such as sports, hobbies, military, location, ethnicity; contemporary and traditional designs and figurines; and monograms. Many toppers can be mixed and matched, allowing couples personalization for their hair and/or skin color.

Couples today have an abundance of wedding cake toppers available to choose from like never before. Of course, a custom made topper is yet one more option (although more expensive) should they still not be able to find what they're looking for. Nevertheless, thanks to such a wide array of cake toppers readily available in these modern times, most couples will find it virtually impossible not to find an awesome wedding cake topper which uniquely expresses their personalities. Keep in mind that whichever wedding cake topper is ultimately chosen, it needs to work with the overall design of the cake.

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Fall Wedding Decoration Ideas Using Pumpkins

It is heading toward fall and weddings of the season are being planned. Think about using pumpkins in your wedding decorations, food and treats.

Pumpkin wedding decorations can be causal and simple or rise to the occasion and be elegant, It is just in the way you use and decorate them.

Here are some ideas for your wedding reception decorations and other uses for pumpkins to make your day something beautiful to see and enjoy.

As an added bonus these decorations should be less expensive and fit into your wedding budget very well.

Use a pumpkin themed cloth for the guest book table, gift table and a buffet table if you are having one or use a fall colored cloth and arrange small pumpkins on the table itself.

You can probably find the cloths in discount stores or craft supply stores.

For the tables you can hollow out pumpkins in orange or white and carve hearts in them. Then place a votive candle in each one and there you go with a very festive fall look.

At each table fill a bowl with pumpkin candies as a treat centerpiece.

Instead of mints on the tables place brightly colored pumpkin shaped candies. It is a nice treat for the guests as they sit at the tables.

Another centerpiece idea is to arrange small pumpkins and gourds on a reflective mirror and add a few fall colored votive around the arrangement.

Get some attractive baskets and arrange small pumpkins and decorative gourds in them.

To make it more elegant you can choose to spray paint some of the gourds gold.

Thoroughly hollow out mini pumpkins or gourds and they become your Fall wedding table candle holders.

For an evening reception purchase pumpkin themed candle holders which I believe come in gold, white and orange, add appropriate colored candles. Place them at the center of the tables and scatter fall colored shiny confetti around them. They produce a romantic soft glow for the event.

Tie a wide fall colored ribbon around your guest chair and tie a small pumpkin securely into the bow at the back.

As a wedding favor give each guest a miniature pumpkin and have someone you might know who prints well paint your initials and wedding date on the little "guy".

Another fun wedding favor would be to create a small area at the reception as a "Pumpkin Patch" and invite the guests to take one at the end of the evening..

How would it be to serve pumpkin soup as part of your wedding offering?

Do a treats table with small slices of pumpkin pie, or cupcakes with pumpkin candies on top. Even pumpkin flavored muffins might "hit the spot."

Your pumpkin flavored wedding cake and frosted with a maple frosting then decorated with small pumpkins and autumn leaves made of stiff icing would be a delicious treat.

Favor bags printed with pumpkins, spice soap shaped as pumpkins, a variety of place cards to choose from and other favor ideas.

You need only to search the internet for more choices.

The ceremony area can benefit for using pumpkins, too.

On a table in the vestibule arrange some various sized pumpkins and on one of them paint the word "WELCOME."

They do have pumpkin-shaped ring bearer pillows which would be unique.

Have your flower girl carry a pumpkin shaped basket when tossing the flower petals in front of you.

There are many other pumpkin ideas for you to use just do your research. You need only to search the internet, look at magazines and don't forget your family and friends especially those you know who have creative talents.

I hope this starts your creative juices going and gives you some ideas as to how to make a simply pumpkin a wedding decoration of beauty, color and a reflection of your personality.

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Weddings Are More Than a Celebration of a Couple's Love

Introduction

Wedding is that sacred occasion when two different people join together for the rest of their lives to love, trust, faith, respect, and cherish each other through all seasons of life. It is the ultimate expression of a loving commitment between a man and a woman to take care of each other, and to share all the joys that only a marriage can bring.

How wonderful it is to see two people who start out as strangers, then develop and nurture their relationship into something more intimate and serious. These two people may come to marriage with a mixture of good and bad experiences of love, but they intend to do everything to ensure that the other spouse would be happy throughout the marriage.

Weddings Are Not Just About Two People

Weddings not just bring two people together, but two families, two tribes, two villages, or even two countries. Weddings are all about the love between two people and the friends and family they share that love with.

Weddings exist in virtually every known human society. The wedding traditions and customs however, vary considerably in different countries and cultural contexts. The ceremonies and traditions may differ from place to place and from culture to culture, but there is one thing that is common in every wedding. That one thing is "love."

The atmosphere of a wedding reflects the love that the bride and groom feel for each other. The sweet distinct smell of the fresh flowers, the organ playing the deep tones of the wedding chorus, smiling faces of the family and friends, the groom anxiously awaiting his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress, the bride in a beautiful white dress, holding a bouquet of flowers walks down the aisle with her father, looking at his groom through the veil nervously and offering a smile, moving one step at a time to the beat of the organ, these are the memories that both bride and groom will cherish and hold for the rest of their lives.

A wedding is not just the ceremony of joining of hands but to join two hearts and two souls together. It is about merging of two lifestyles. It is the beginning of a happily ever after. From "Yes" to the "I Do's", every single moment of a wedding is touching.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions bring everyone together. It is a great way to catch up and reconnect with old friends, and share the joy of a wedding. To celebrate and share the joy that flows from the union of two hearts, beating as one. It is the strongest bond the world has ever known, a bond that lasts a lifetime.

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Say Yes to a Wedding Dress That Looks Great on You

The perfect wedding gown; what every bride-to-be wants. After all, the dress is one of the (if not THE) focal point of the entire wedding. The perfect dress for one bride might be a huge mistake for another.

Your wedding dress is probably the most expensive piece of clothing you will ever buy and even though you'll wear it for such a short time, it will make more of a statement than anything else you ever wear, so take the time to find the one that's just right for you.

The selection of wedding gowns you'll have to choose from is overwhelming. One would think there's only so many ways to do white and frilly, but it doesn't take more than a passing glance through the bride magazines to know that's not true. Silk, organza, satin, polyester, even fine cotton; all can be fashioned into wedding gowns. And all that fabric can be configured into several different styles-princess, mermaid, pick-ups, Grecian, Victorian, royal elegance, simple country... Oh, and let's not forget the embellishments-pearls, sequins, crystal or glass beads, lace, tulle, rhinestones, ribbon, gossamer and even feathers.

So... when you are ready to actually shop for your dress, follow these tips for making the event a happy and memorable one. AND for choosing a wedding gown that will add to the already beautiful and radiant you.

    Take along a couple of trusted friends or family members; ones that will be honest but not overly critical.

    Don't get hung up on numbers-the size ones, that is. You will look much better in a dress that really fits than you will in a dress that is the size you think you need to be.

    Do consider the price of the gown. Set a price limit BEFORE you set out on 'the hunt' and stick with it! Yes, you want something you feel like a princess in, but you need to remember you'll only be wearing the gown for a few hours.

    Don't buy a wedding gown with the intentions/hopes of losing weight in order to fit into it. Just don't.

    Shop around. Take pictures of the dresses and you IN the dresses. That way you'll have something to go back to.

    Don't buy your gown too far ahead of time; six months maximum.

    Be realistic when it comes to what looks fabulous and what doesn't. Not every figure is made to wear every style of gown. Find a style, neckline and fabric that is flattering in all the right places on YOU! Again... take someone you trust along to help you decide.

As the mother of several daughters-all of whom are now married-I can tell you assuredly that when you take a look at yourself in THE dress, you'll know it. You'll just know it.

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Wedding Makeup for Dark Complexions and Dark Eyes

 The Right Makeup for Brides with Dark Complexions and Dark Eyes
By the time your wedding day arrives you probably have a pretty good idea of what colors look good on you when it comes to eye shadow and lipstick. But just in case you are one of those girls who don't bother with much more than mascara and lip gloss on a daily basis but want to step it up a notch for your wedding, here are a few tips on how to be a more polished and glamorous you-not Chuckles that clown in drag.

    Foundation is meant to even out the color and tone of your skin-not paint on a new one. If your skin is very dark, you might need to select a shade lighter than your actual skin. Use a light, oil-free product that glides on effortlessly. And remember that less is more. A little goes a long way.

    Brows are meant to be left in their natural state-not plucked away and then painted on. Just neaten them up and let them follow their natural line. If you need to, fill in the spaces by smudging with a brow pencil the same color as your brows.

    Cream blush is best for all skin types and colors. Cream goes on more evenly, stays in place and doesn't fade. Darker complexions generally do better with peaches and corals. Apply sparingly and blend well. Remember... Chuckles lives under the big top.

    Eye shadow colors most suitable are browns and tans as well as copper and gold tones. A great way to make your eyes appear brighter and larger is to apply a bit of gold shadow on the inside corners of your eyes. If a bit more color is what you have in mind, pinks also work well on people with dark skin. And since this is a special occasion, a light dusting of shimmer on your just under the brow will give you a bit of extra glow. Be careful, though, too much glitter reflects off the flash of the photographer's camera.

    Eyeliner and mascara should be black and WATERPROOF. Liner is applied in a fine line on both upper and lower lash lines and mascara applied to curled lashes; a layer of lengthening and a layer of lash-thickening to top lashes and a single layer of lengthening to the lower lashes.

    Glossy, kissable lips in reds, burgundies or coffee colors look best. Be sure to line your lips to avoid 'bleeding' and do a double take in the mirror just before you go to meet your groom to make sure your teeth aren't wearing any of it.

    Finish off with a blotting paper. Loose powder is optional, but when applied lightly, sets everything in place.

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To The Layman: Why Is Wedding Photography So Expensive?

There are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those who know the going rate for wedding photography, and those who don't. Those who do usually gasp and be amazed at the prices they rake in per wedding, and soon after go on their daily lives. For those who don't, now is the cue to do the above. Wedding photography can cost up to US$3,000- $10,000, depending on the experience of the photographer.

The upper limits often put people in awe of how much these wedding photos cost, after all it was all in a day's work. But is it really just a day's work? More often than not, what people fail to see is the sheer amount of hard work required to prepare for the big day (yes, it is the photographer's big day as well) and the work that follows. Those au naturale shots you see? Not without the hours of effort from the photographer on end.

Weddings were never an inexpensive affair to begin with. From the caterer, to the DJ, to the venue - all these sum up to a substantial amount of money. For the uninitiated, today we shall unravel the mystery as to why these esteemed bunch of photographers deserve the amount they are quoting.

Wedding photography is no walk in the park, that you should already know by now. Work begins even before the wedding day starts. Photographers have to ready their equipment, which does not come cheap. Just the camera for example, is at $2,500 a pop. Photographers usually have a back-up just in case of a malfunction of the first. Not to mention other special equipment such as lenses for different scenes and situations, extra battery and memory card backups etc.

At the wedding itself, the photographer devotes 6-10 hours of his day (on a weekend, no less) to capturing the essence of the event of your lifetime. Anyone who has been through a day of wedding would have no problems seeing how demanding and stressful it is for anyone who is not a guest. Other than having to be on standby for planned shots, the photographer also has to be on the lookout for great candid shots that would mark the occasion and emotions for the newly-weds and their guests for years to come. That we are talking about non-stop, hardly any breaks kind of back-breaking work. If the client's pockets are deep enough, the photographer might have some to spare for an assistant photographer.

The event does not end there for the photographer. What happens behind the closed doors of the photography studio is the photographer crouched over the computer, editing the images so that your eyes are not half-closed or your beloved little cousin is not making a face at the group shot. And contrary to popular belief, perfecting a photo does not take the same time as snapping your fingers. It takes time, and a lot at that.

So, let's summarize what has the photographer has done to deserve the top dollar. First, there is the preparation stage where he has to spend time making sure he has all the necessary equipment (and beg, steal or borrow if he doesn't have it). Time is also required to create a shot list, and coordination if the couple requires some must-have shots of their guests. If the wedding venue is somewhere unfamiliar, it would also help if the photographer could conduct a recce of the place to seek out the good photo spots. Without stating the obvious, the photographer gets busy again after the actual event, going into post-processing of the pictures to create that perfect album in your eyes. ALL of that - takes time.

Other than your wedding favours, wedding photos are the only other souvenirs you bring home to remind you of your beautiful nuptials forever. Surely you do not want to compromise on this just to pinch that few pennies? Pick a wedding photographer whom you can trust and just relax, and focus on being the happy bride or groom you are supposed to be at your wedding.

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Want to Look Stunning in Your Bridal Lehenga Choli? How to Choose One to Wear on Your Big Day

One of the most colorful and traditional wedding ceremonies involve Indian brides and grooms. India in general is a country which is chock full of colorful traditions and rich cultural events. Unlike church weddings in Western countries which are a bit more formal, Indian weddings are grand celebrations where 50 to 100 guests or even more participate. There's dancing, pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies, and the wedding ceremony itself is fun yet solemn and fully traditional.

How to Choose the Right Lehenga Choli to Wear

One of the reasons why Indian festivals and weddings are ultra-colorful is the garments worn by both men and women. Indian brides in particular are very traditional when it comes to what they are wearing during formal occasions like weddings and grand festivals. Even Western women and females from other parts of the world tend to wear Indian-inspired garments due to their sheer beauty, elegance and brightness in color.

If you are a bride who is planning what to wear during her traditional Indian wedding ceremony, for example, a type of garment that you can don is the bridal Lehenga Choli. Worn as early as the ancient times, colorful Lehenga Cholis are the go-to outfits of most brides. When worn with the right set of accessories, these beautiful garments are definitely the best way for women to make a fashion statement.

When choosing which Lehenga Choli garment to wear, here is a quick look at the factors that you need to consider:

What material is the garment made of?

Just as it is when choosing any type of clothing item, it is a must for you to be selective in choosing the material that you are going to wear on your wedding. Lehenga Cholis are usually made from silk although the accessories are made from a light, georgette material which is used to make scarves or veils.

How about the color and pattern of the fabric?

Red and yellow are dominant colors for Indian brides, although you can also go for unusual bridal shades like blue, green, gold, orange, etc. Most fabrics of Indian women's clothes are floral in nature although some also have elegant abstract patterns.

Which style will best suit your personality and the occasion?

Modern Lehenga Choli designs are made to suit the bodies of modern Indian women. Take your pick from garments which have A-line skirts, fishtail or mermaid skirts, circular skirts or straight-cut skirts.

How about the cut of the bodice?

Depending on the amount of skin that you are comfortable showing, you can choose Lehenga Choli designs which are close fitting with long, short or half sleeves. There are even designs which allow women to bare their midriffs but without taking away from the tradition of wearing quite conservative Indian women's clothes.

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Unusual Wedding Transport Option - A Helicopter!

With so many options available how do you choose your wedding transport? Will you be going to the church in a Rolls Royce or Bentley? Perhaps a friend has a top of the range Mercedes that you may be able to borrow! Don't forget that if you have a large wedding dress that needs a lot of space, you will need to make sure it will fit in your wedding transport!

There are the more traditional modes of transport with horse drawn carriages still a very popular choice. Obviously all of this really depends on budgets that are available. A horse drawn carriage or classic car tends to be the most expensive option and can prove unreliable! After all a vehicle that was designed and built many years ago will have a tendency to break down, even though the companies that keep these cars, keep them in pristine condition and no expense spared on servicing and maintenance. Obviously the same could be said for a horse as an animal has a mind of its own and will use it. This occasionally leads to issues, as the old saying goes you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink!

Have you considered something different? Steer away from the norm and choose a wild and wacky way to arrive at the venue! We asked our brides how they intended to get their wedding venue and our favourite response was a helicopter! Wow, imagine the look on your friends faces if you arrived in a helicopter! Although still a rare option this is becoming increasingly popular in country estates and old manor houses (where there is room to land). As you would imagine this is a relatively expensive option but how cool would you look flying off into the sunset together after the big day for a quick flight before the evening do?

There are however a number of things to check before you book a helicopter. Where is it going to land? What are the costs to land? If you are landing at the property that you are getting married they will often waive the costs. Flights are often sold per hour and range in cost between £500 - £1,000 per hour. This may sound expensive but bear in mind how fast you will be able to get there in a helicopter! Most people have time left over and many companies will allow you to use this time to have a pleasure flight to see the local sights, or perhaps to transport you to the evening venue.

Don't forget about your photographer! If you arrange to meet your photographer before the wedding, you may need to let them leave before you do otherwise you will beat them to the venue and they will miss the magical shots of the landing and you stepping out in your stunning wedding dress! Last but not least remember to have a back up plan! If the weather is not suitable the helicopter will not be able to take off. So a car on standby might not be such a bad idea! If the weather does turn against you most helicopter companies will allow you use your time at a later date.

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Jewish Wedding Traditions

Often times we forget that within the borders of our country are many different cultures and religions-especially when it comes to a wedding. Among the most beautiful and tradition-steeped is the Jewish wedding. The history and symbolism behind a Jewish wedding ceremony is rich and meaningful. Even if you aren't Jewish, it is still interesting to read and understand the meaning behind what takes place for a young Jewish couple to become husband and wife.

Prior to the wedding an engagement contract called a Ketubah is signed by two witnesses. The contract outlines the husband's responsibilities to the wife; financially, physically and emotionally. It even goes so far as to outline what provision he will make in the event of his death. The Ketubah is taken very seriously by the Jewish community and once signed cannot be broken. It's also interesting to note that the Ketubah is written and designed in to almost be a work of art which is often framed and hung in the home of the couple.

Kabbalat Panim is the term used for keeping the bride and groom apart the day of their wedding (and sometimes even up to a week prior to the day). Protestant weddings also observe this tradition and that of the Shomer (best man) and Shomeret (maid of honor) keeping the bride and groom calm, comfortable and as stress-free as possible in the hours leading up to the actual ceremony.

The Jewish bride and groom have individual pre-ceremonies. These ceremonies are called Kabbalat Panim. The groom's is called a Tisch. These ceremonies are attended by men and women respectfully and the couple is treated like royalty in every way possible. The next event to take place is the Bedecken. This ceremonial act requires the groom to be escorted from his Tisch with music and dancing to where the bride is waiting for him. When he arrives he places the veil over her face. This is to allow the groom to view his bride just prior to the marriage to insure he is marrying the woman he desires to. This stems from the deception Jacob was subjected to when he unknowingly married Leah instead of her sister, Rachel-the woman that he truly loved (Genesis 29:23).

After the veil is in place, the groom enters the room in which the ceremony will take place and takes his place under the Chuppah-a canopy to represent the new home the couple will make together. The bride is then escorted into the room and takes her place beside her husband to be. Some Jewish communities require the bride to circle the groom seven times; symbolic of many Biblical teachings.

The first part of the ceremony begins with a cup of wine. This is called the Kiddushin. It is the rabbi's blessing of the marriage and is followed by the exchanging of wedding rings. Next comes the reading of the Katubah by the groom, who then hands it to his bride. The couple are now officially husband and wife. But the ceremony continues with a second cup of wine and the Nissuin, or reading of the seven blessings. This is followed by the familiar breaking of a glass by the groom in front of the rabbi and guests with a shout of 'Mazel Tov'.

The first thing the newly married couple does is Yihud. This is when the newlyweds are allowed some time in seclusion together before the celebration begins. What most call the wedding reception is called aSimchat Chatan V'Kallah in the Jewish community. It can be a sit-down meal or something resembling a cultural festival. Lots of music and dancing will be present, you can be sure-including the Horah circle dance.

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