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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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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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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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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Having an Outdoor Weddings

The pros and cons of having an outdoor wedding...

Depending on where you live, 3 of the 4 seasons allow brides to at least entertain the thought of getting married outdoors. But before you get your heart set on saying 'I do' with nothing more than the big blue sky overhead, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

- Having an alternative plan is a must. Weddings require weeks, if not months, of preparation. There's no way to predict the weather for a particular day that far in advance, so having an alternate location is essential. Your alternative location, including address, needs to be included on the invitation, too.

- You need to accommodate your guests' needs in regards to shade, bathroom facilities, parking, and convenience of getting to and from the seating area. Is it possible for guests with handicaps or limitations to attend without complications?

-Will your location have a building or room for a tent for the wedding party to get ready in? Or will you arrive ready to walk down the aisle?

-Will you hold the reception in the same location or somewhere else? If 'somewhere else' is the answer to this question, how convenient is your location to your reception area? Will guests be driving across town, several miles away, or forget it and go home?

-What happens to deposits made on either the outdoor location or alternative-depending on which one you use? Will you forfeit any monies paid for the one not used?

-What about wedding vendors; the florist, caterer, etc. Will they know where to go?

Outdoor weddings do take some extra planning, but they're not something to be discounted. An outdoor wedding can be absolutely beautiful-and there are just as many pro's as there are con's to having one...

-Outdoor weddings usually eliminate the need for flowers and other decorations. Most outdoor venues come 'wedding ready'.

-Outdoor wedding venues usually tend to be able to accommodate more people. All you have to do is make sure there are plenty of chairs.

-Outdoor weddings are often a bit less formal. This allows you to go a bit more casual with the reception decor, food served and other such items.

If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, then by all means, do so. It's your day. Just be sure you think ahead, have a 'plan b', and know that if you have to use it, you won't be any less happily married.

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Say Your "I Dos" in a Gorgeous Bridal Lehenga Choli

The minute that your significant other pops the question and you tearfully say yes, what comes next? It usually has something to do with planning the 1,001 details involved with the wedding. One of the major decisions that you need to make is which bridal dress it is that you are going to wear to look your best on your big day. If you are planning a traditional Indian wedding, for example, one of the most popular options that most brides go for is wearing the bridal Lehenga Choli.

Worn during Indian wedding ceremonies and festivities, Lehenga Choli is an outfit consisting of a Lehenga, Dupatta and a tight choli. A choli is a blouse which bares a woman's midriff when worn. It is the base of most Indian outfits including the Indian Sari costume. Lehenga is a type of long, pleated or embroidered skirts; while a Dupatta completes the Lehenga Choli. This type of garment is made with different types of materials like:

    Brocade
    Chiffon
    Cotton
    Crape
    Khadi
    Net
    Satin
    Silk

Silk, however, is still the most preferred material. Embroidery work, beading and other embellishments are added to the garment to make it even more beautiful.

Now, if you are in the process of choosing which Lehenga Choli bridal style to wear on your big day, one of the top things that you need to consider is your body type. Just as it is with every bride, women have different body types and instead of focusing on your flaws, it does pay to choose the right style of Lehenga Choli to wear so that you can look your best on your big day.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can choose the right style to wear based on your body type:

For tall women.

For tall women, modern Lehenga Choli styles like ones with A-line, straight cut or mermaid skirts would elongate your body even more.

For petite women.

For women who are slender but are not that tall, almost any cut of the skirt for the Lehenga Choli should look good on them.

For pear-shaped women.

Pear-shaped women are those with a heavier lower body and narrower torso. If you fall under this category, choose designs which help disguise your hips, thighs and buttocks while accentuating the upper portion of your body.

For apple-figured women.

Apple-figured women are the opposite of pear shaped women. They have heavier bust lines and a narrower bottom. Instead of going for midriff-baring Lehenga Choli designs, choose ones which have a more fitted top and a loose, flowing bottom to balance out your shape.

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Wedding Registry: 101

The wedding gift registry can be one of the most exciting things about getting married. It may seem overwhelming to pick out every single thing that will be part of your new home, but here are a few wedding registry tips to make the process easier.

When can I start to register for my wedding?

You'll want to have an idea of what you need and want before you go "shopping," so it's a good idea to start thinking about your registry shortly after your engagement. Put it on your wedding checklist as a priority task, and make sure to have your registry completed before your first bridal shower so people know where to shop for gifts.

How many places should I register?

Couples will register at anywhere from one to four stores. Be sure to allow for a variety of gift options, but don't overwhelm your guests by registering at too many retailers. Try to register at stores that offer online shopping to make things more convenient for guests. But remember not all of your guests may use the computer so don't make your wedding registry purely online.

Regardless of where you register, be sure to select items at a variety of price points so all of your guests will find a gift they're comfortable purchasing.

What do I need to register for?

It's important to take an inventory of what you already have, what needs to be updated, what you really want, and what you'll need later. For example, even if you're not hosting a lot of dinner parties now, consider that at some point you might, and you'll want to be prepared with good china, servingware, etc.

You can even choose to register for donations to your honeymoon fund or house payment. If this is something you're interested in doing, you should still consider creating at least one traditional registry at a store, as not everyone is comfortable giving money as a gift. Plus it's always nice to have something tangible to open!

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Top Tips For Writing A Best Man's Speech

Getting ready

Do your research. No speech is improved by getting basic facts wrong, whether that's about how the groom and bride met, the names of their respective family members, or the name of their pooch. Similarly, even the most experienced speakers - in fact, especially the most experienced speakers - ensure that their speeches are structured. Again, preparation is all. There is no disadvantage in sitting down well in advance and thinking about what you'd like to say, relying on the ability to 'wing it' will rarely work. Write a draft; refine your draft; then run this past a friend whose judgement you value. Finally, once you are happy with the speech, write it up on flash cards so that you are equipped on the day itself.

Practice makes perfect
There is no substitute for rehearsal. Most best men are not regular public speakers, and so they are novices who are making a speech in an extremely emotional and very public forum. This is a very high-pressure debut, even for the most confident character. So start running through your speech well in advance of the big day. Start in front of your bathroom mirror if that's where you're comfortable! The idea is to familiarise yourself with your words. Once you feel happy and confident with the basic speech, you should graduate to running through it in front of a friend. Again, leave yourself plenty of time for this stage, as this is your chance to use their input to hone your performance. Listen to their comments and incorporate them!

Timing is all

Traditionally, the wedding breakfast format has run: ceremony; photographs; reception; dinner; then speeches and dancing. However, more and more weddings now feature the speeches before dinner starts. If you can persuade the happy couple to consider this option, it has real advantages for the nervous best man. Your audience is already in the mood - they've had the ceremony, and some refreshments at the reception - so you're not speaking to an unreceptive group. However, no one is too drunk, meaning no boisterous heckling, and more importantly you can get the speech done early in proceedings. Then you can relax and enjoy the rest of the celebrations, and that includes a glass or three of champagne.

Humour

Lastly, a word on humour. There is a premium on the best man's speech being a comic turn. This leads to often ill-advised jokes scattered seemingly at random through the speech. If you are not naturally a comic genius - and how many of us are? then avoid this temptation. This is where thought and practice are at a premium. Use the support of your chosen friend and take their advice. Learn a couple of set piece jokes if necessary, and remember - you are not delivering a speech to a party conference or a sermon. Your best man's speech can be short but sweet, and better that than remembered for all the wrong reasons.

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Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Party

One of the first tasks on your wedding checklist should be selecting the members of your wedding party. While this may seem like a fun part of planning, remember to choose wisely: There are actual responsibilities involved with being a bridesmaid or groomsman. Your best friend from college may seem like a fun bridesmaid, but will she be available and willing to complete all her tasks? Here are some things to consider when choosing your wedding party.

Maid/Matron of Honor

The maid or matron of honor (she's a matron if she's married and a maid if she's not) can easily end up with the most responsibility in the wedding party (save for the bride and groom). Her number one responsibility is keeping the bride calm and cool both during the planning process and on the wedding day. Some of her many other tasks may include organizing the bridal shower and bachelorette party, assisting with pre-wedding errands and projects (such as wedding dress shopping, helping design the wedding website, invitation addressing, etc.), and wedding day responsibilities such as coordinating the bridesmaids, signing the marriage license, and giving a toast at the reception.

Best Man

The groom may be tempted to choose the biggest party animal in his group of pals to be his best man, as he is head of the bachelor party planning committee. However, the best man is also responsible for keeping the groom on schedule throughout the wedding day, as well as giving the first toast at the reception. He will also hold onto the wedding bands for the ceremony, and may be asked to give remaining payments and gratuities to the wedding vendors.

Bridesmaids

In addition to helping the bride get ready for the big day, and attending and helping to organize the showers and bachelorette party, bridesmaids also serve as backup for the maid/matron of honor. Bridesmaids should be available for dress shopping, to help out with DIY wedding projects, and to share any advice the bride needs.

Groomsmen

Although most men think their only task as a groomsman is to help plan a bachelor party for their buddy, there is a bit more to it. The groomsmen generally act as ushers before the ceremony - distributing programs and escorting guests to their seats.

Ring Bearers and Flower Girls

The youngest members of the wedding party walk down the aisle just before the bride. The ring bearer carries a small decorative pillow with the wedding rings (or fake rings, just in case). The flower girl may carry a basket of petals, scattering them as she walks. Small children always look cute dressed up in their fanciest attire, but make sure the kids in your wedding can handle the responsibility of walking down the aisle and sitting through the ceremony (or come up with an escape route for them before the vow begin).

Wedding planning can be stressful, but the right bridesmaids and groomsmen can help make the process easier and more fun. Just remember to consider the responsibilities of each role before you choose the members of your wedding party.

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Asian Wedding Themes: Soothing, Sophisticated and Exotic

Asian themed weddings have become quite popular these days. The understated elegance of Asian décor can create a wedding celebration that is visually stunning. Simple, soothing and sophisticated, Asian décor also offers a touch of the exotic, a combination that has proven irresistible to many couples who wish to create a wedding look and atmosphere that is beyond the ordinary. Read on for a few tips on giving your event a bit of traditional Asian flair.

Whether your wedding will be a daytime event or an evening one, no Asian themed wedding would be complete without paper lanterns. Whether you choose mini lanterns as elements of your centerpieces or as specialty wedding favors, or large paper lanterns to serve as your primary reception lighting, lanterns are an indispensable detail of Asian wedding décor. And, no matter your wedding color scheme, you'll want to have at least a few red lanterns scattered about, since red is the color of luck in the Chinese tradition.

Fans are another must-have item for an Asian wedding theme. Decorative silk or sandalwood fans certainly lend an Asian feel when they are incorporated into the wedding décor. They can be used as table decorations, in centerpieces, placed around your guest book or given to your guests as wedding favors. Wedding programs can be printed on paper fans, and napkins can be folded into fan shape to add flair to your reception place settings. Traditional Asian fans can be purchased in a variety of sizes and can be found in an array of colors and patterns to suit any wedding color scheme.

Parasols make wonderful accent pieces in an Asian themed wedding. They can be used as decorations along the wedding aisle or carried by bridesmaids to add a colorful, exotic touch to the ceremony. As part of your reception décor, large paper parasols can be hung from the ceiling, or miniature ones used as table decorations. They can be purchased in bright, bold colors or more subtle shades, as well as in a variety of patterns.

Bamboo is traditionally included in wedding décor in some Asian cultures. Live bamboo plants scattered about as accents is a great way to use bamboo at your wedding, or use bamboo place card holders on your reception tables. Another great way to incorporate bamboo into your celebration is to give bamboo picture frames, coasters or bookmarks to your guests. Any of these items make lovely Asian wedding favors to compliment your wedding theme.

Other details that can help create just the right atmosphere at an Asian themed wedding are water features, such as small, battery operated fountains or decorative bowls with floating candles, lotus flowers, orchids or cherry blossoms. Elephants, in some Asian cultures, symbolize happiness, luck and longevity, and are traditional additions to the wedding celebration as décor elements or Asian wedding favors.

With a little imagination and research, you can put together all the elements you need for a beautiful Asian themed wedding. Whether you lean towards Chinese, Japanese or Indian elements, or a combination of them all, the simple elegance of Asian style décor is sure to set a lovely, romantic scene for your wedding celebration.

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Family Friendly Bachelorette Party Ideas

Bachelorette Parties are growing popular in America with brides considerably favoring the idea of spending a day with their friends before tying the knot of eternal bliss. A Bachelorette Party is just a way to celebrate the last days of spinsterhood. However, with the very notion of a Bachelorette Party, many conclude it to be a night of drunken debauchery where girls go wild doing not so acceptable things. Contrary to this regard, a Bachelorette Party is just a platform for having fun and the mode of entertainment can be quite family friendly as well.

In fact majority of brides opt for family friendly Bachelorette Parties to celebrate their female bonding. They make sure that their selection of entertainment techniques should be fun filling and should not "embarrass, humiliate, or endanger the honoree of any of the guests." As quoted by etiquette expert Peggy Post.

Taking the cue, some fabulous Bachelorette Party Ideas are mentioned below, which can be referred if you are planning for one.

A Day Out: You can simply go out to spend quality times with your friends. A lot many events can scheduled up for the entire day. As you're planning the day for the entertainment of your guests of honors, so list out those events that your friends will prefer. Like, you can take them for the latest movie release followed by a good lunch in a nice place. Next, you all can go for shopping in some big mall, which is guaranteed to be fun; end up gifting them, something of their choice. For the evening, a decent pub will be the right choice to enjoy best wine, light music and quality time. Other options are like go skating; opera; visit some water park; go for relaxing spa treatments, etc. In this day out, you can also invite your relatives as the modes of entertainments are all family friendly.

A Perfect Sleepover: Invite your best buddies, relatives and family friends for a sleep over. The idea of sleepover is just like a pajama party, where the priorities are not to look good or to have good food, wine, music etc but to have unlimited fun only. All friends in pajamas can hop up to the bed and talk late night about the bygone years, gossip about the un-invited friends or do what so ever is entertaining. Here, a few hours can be dedicated to a supper comedy movie or some real hot scary one. Midnight feasts of instant noodles, pizzas, burgers will be great to complete the party. Your sleepover has to be matured and different from the teen age sleepovers, so you can try out giving individual testimonials to each of you friends and hope to get the same in return as well.

Fun with Sports: For a family friendly Bachelorette Party, having fun with different types of sports is a good option. Scavenger Hunt can be the most preferred idea. Here, even your young flower girls can participate. Scavenger hunt can be prepared based on different themes associated with marriage or honeymoon. Other sports can be water sports in some water park around or music chair, rain dance, etc.

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Bling Wedding Ideas

You Ain't got a Thing if you Ain't got some Bling.

Flowers, lace, music, glitz and glam; these are the things a fairy-tale wedding are made of. Oh, and don't forget the bling!

Bling-the word for anything shiny and eye-catching; the perfect compliments to a day already filled with beauty. And the best part? It doesn't cost much to get the bling-effect many brides want.

For the ceremony, consider filling the stage or area where the bride and groom will say their vows with 'oceans' of tulle that has been a) sprayed with gold or silver glitter b) sprinkled with sequins of silver or gold or c) embedded with twinkling lights.

Other stunning effects:

    Having the flower girl sprinkle synthetic white feathers with sequins on them

    Placing an archway at the front of the church for the couple to stand under that has been wrapped in twinkling lights and shimmery fabric

    Use gossamer sprayed with glitter to form a canopy over the bride and groom accented by large gold silk flower arrangements in clear glass or white milk glass vases.

    Fill the church with gold and silver candles which have been placed on mirrors to reflect the light.

    Gold, silver, bronze or jeweled colored dresses for the bridal party are stunning against a background of twinkly lights and/or sequins.

Moving on to the reception...

    Gold or silver table clothes and table service. Why not use both; silver table cloths with gold table service or vice versa.
    Place gold or silver candles on mirrors in the center of each table and sprinkle large 'crystals' or 'gems' around them.
    Fill the reception hall with twinkling lights, gold and silver balloons and clear glass bowls filled with gold and silver balls.
    Table cloths of shimmery fabric sporting centerpieces of gold or silver flower picks or bowls filled with glittery balls and 'gems' swathed in feather boas

Finding the shiny, shimmery décor for your wedding isn't difficult, either. If possible, shop for these items during the Christmas season when there is an abundance of such items. You can also find unique items on wholesale floral supply websites as well as the popular party supply sites such as orientaltrading.

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Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

The great outdoors - what is there not to love about it? If you adore the sand, sea and all that goes on around the beach, the peace and tranquility of a forest or simply your own beautiful back garden, why not think about getting married at your favourite outdoor location - what an idyllic backdrop for your big day! From exchanging your vows to having the moments captured on camera there will be many happy memories to share.

You might not be aware that although at present you are not able to get married legally outdoors in the open hour, there are no rules that require you to sign your legal documentation at the same time as your wedding. This leaves you with virtually endless possibilities and flexibility as to where to marry the one you love. The legalities of the paperwork can be conducted with two of your witnesses a day or two afterwards at which time you will make a declaration of standard set statements and sign the register.

With many couples wishing to marry outdoors in one complete ceremony there are many licensed civil venues where you can marry in the glorious fresh air. There is a legal requirement for it to be within a permanent structure so the legal paperwork can be conducted at the same time and must be large enough to accommodate both the Bride and Groom, two witnesses and the registrars whilst your guests watch on with happiness and joy.

If you do choose to have a wedding outside then read on for some helpful advice to ensure your day goes smoothly as possible.

Do take into consideration all weather possibilities. If it's expected to be a scorchingly hot day then have iced bottles of water available for your guests and have fans as a wedding favour. Erect gazebos and canopies for those wishing to escape into the shade. Alternatively if it is forecast to be wet and damp ensure that your guests are advised to bring waterproofs and if you can have a plan B back up if the weather foresees the location as a no go venue. Often a bride and groom will hold the reception indoors somewhere so check there is the space and availability for the ceremony to be conducted indoors if need be.

The weather is the one thing on your big day that cannot unfortunately be booked so be sure to cover all possibilities. Think about your wedding dress and how it would withstand windy conditions. Inform your guests so they can be prepared and choose suitable attire.

If you are having a large wedding party or there is background noise at your outdoor location you may need to think about hiring a sound system. With the natural beauty of outdoors it is unlikely that you will require many if any decorations. Do visit the location around a week before just to check it is how you wish it to be for your big day. You may choose to use an arch of the flowers featured in your bouquet to marry under.

If you are eating outdoors ensure that your caterers are fully aware of this and choose food that will survive the heat. Talking of food do keep your guests topped up with plenty of fluids to avoid them becoming dehydrated. Alcohol is very dehydrating so have refreshing alternatives on offer to quench everyone's thirsts. The joy of the outdoors also brings bugs. To avoid any annoying flying things upsetting your day simply put out some citronella candles or invest in a bug zapper to keep them away.

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The Most Beautiful Indian Weddings Ever

An Indian wedding is a very pure and sacred bond, bound by the mantras and in the presence of Lord Agni, the God of Fire. Summer is the peak wedding season. One of the most exciting and fun filled parts is the baarat - where the groom is seated on a horse and surrounded by ecstatic relatives and friends dancing on famous songs from Bollywood and Hollywood.

There are many ceremonies that are part of an Indian wedding. Each of them is charming in their own way, which lends a unique unmatched charm to the whole wedding. It is not just about uniting two people, it is about the unison of two families, two social cultures while bringing the bride and groom together.

The ceremonies are accompanied by a variety of religious, family and local traditions. The main parts are the sagai or engagement, shaadi or marriage ceremony and vidaai or leave-taking of the bride. Some of the rituals that are part of beautiful Indian weddings are:

    Tilak: This is a formal approval to the marriage from the groom's family. The bride's family visits the house of the groom to announce the relationship formally. There is a huge lavish feast at the groom's place to mark the occasion. There are only select members from the bride's family.

    Varmaala: The groom and bride drape garland or varmaalas around each other in the presence of family, friends and other well wishers.

    Kanyadaan: This is the sacred handing over of the bride by her father to the groom. The groom vows in the presence of Lord Agni to protect and love his wife.

    Saat Phere: This forms the essence of Indian weddings. The bride and groom, tied physically by a cloth, circle Lord Agni's fire and take vows of supporting and staying by each other through thick and thin.

    Vidaai: Vidaai is a ceremony that marks the end of the wedding ceremony. It completes the wedding ceremonies. The bride and her family get quite sentimental and emotional. The bride is led out of her house by her family and relatives. She is then handed over to the groom's family amidst a couple of rituals.

The most beautiful Indian weddings ever are very grand and pure in every way. This is the very reason why people all over the world choose to have their wedding in the Indian style with all the many ceremonies and grandeur.

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