Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?

What exactly does ‘destination wedding’ mean?  Well, this is the term used for a wedding which takes place in a desired location which is away from the bride and grooms’ home town.  The wedding ceremony and reception is held in a location where everyone (including all guests) has to travel to get to the wedding.

Choosing a destination for your wedding is probably the most important wedding planning decision you will have to make.  After all, the location of your wedding will dictate many factors of your wedding, including the cost.  For example, many people are now opting for a more tropical and exotic location to get married, and if you have to travel to the other side of the world to get to your dream wedding destination, then that can be pretty expensive.

Destination weddings are certainly growing in popularity.  While there are still many couples who go down the traditional route of getting married in a church followed by a reception in a banquet hall, there is no doubt that a destination wedding is a new and upcoming trend with couples wanting to tie the knot. 

Why are destination weddings so popular?
Well, one good reason is that they mean a vacation for everyone involved in the wedding and not just a honeymoon for the bride and groom.  Some people keep it small and quiet with just immediate family and friends, while other couples have a huge wedding party traveling with them – it all depends on what you want.  A destination wedding is also popular with people getting married for the second or even third time.  They don’t want all the fuss and formality of a traditional marriage, they simply want to ‘get away’ and get married.

Things to consider when planning a destination wedding:
• If wanting a tropical wedding, remember that it will be very hot and you and your partner could feel very uncomfortable in your wedding attire
• Do you want only close family/friends to come with you, or a larger wedding party?
• Can all of your guests afford the travelling expenses?
• Can you afford to pay for your guests to travel?
• Do you want to hold a second reception back home for friends and family that couldn’t travel with you?
• Is privacy important to you?  You will be surrounded by your guests for the whole duration of your wedding / honeymoon.

Remember that you will be inviting the guests to travel with you.  Most likely, the guests will be paying their own way and are essentially planning their entire vacation around your wedding.  Therefore, you will have to give considerable thought in what both you and your guests want to do before and after the wedding.
In summary, destination weddings are becoming very popular and because of this there are many travel agents who now specialize in these types of weddings.  Make a decision on how large you want your traveling party to be and if your guests can afford it.  Make sure to have some kind of understanding with your guests if you want a few days of privacy.

 

INTERRACIAL COUPLES: Multicultural Weddings - a New Kind of Celebration

Planning a wedding is a very personal matter, and a stressful one too. Many interracial couples are encountering even more stresses when attempting to prepare a celebration that combines two cultures. There is little in the way of resources for those planning for a multicultural wedding, and thus, the current and past generations of planners can be considered pioneers of the multicultural wedding evolution. With over 1.6 million multicultural marriages in the United States, it is apparent that multicultural weddings will be the trend of the future. While many couples prefer their weddings to be culturally neutral, others are facing the multiethnic issue face on and are incorporating both cultures in a unique style of their own.

There are many cultural groups that are currently practicing multicultural wedding traditions, including Jewish-Korean, Japanese-Protestant, and Hindu-Catholic, just to name a few. These pairings are facing increasing social acceptance and as a result the popularity of having multicultural weddings is on the rise. Multicultural weddings are difficult to organize because a variety of factors, over and above the normal elements of cultural neutral weddings must be considered. Choosing the right mix of religious, ethnic and traditional parts of the ceremony is time consuming and emotional. Even the basics, i.e. location, food, and clothing can be the most strenuous problems to solve. Deeply cultural families and paying families tend to get involved and feel the most offended when portions of their traditions are omitted. Sometimes, the best decision is to compromise and create new traditions that are composed of both cultures.

Interracial couples do not necessarily have to be practicing members of their culture in order to celebrate with traditional customs. To give a wedding character and to celebrate one's family, couples will draw upon their favorite and most appropriate customs to include in the wedding. Multiethnic weddings can contain as much or as little cultural detail, giving the couple more control over the overwhelming interests of both families. Weddings consists of such a vast variety of factors from invitations, flowers and music to dress, food and the ceremony itself, that there are an infinite number of ways of adjusting and tweaking the wedding to suit everyone's desires.
Although there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter multiethnic wedding, there are still many ways of getting help with difficult planning choices. Wedding planners, caterers, friends and family are excellent resources for designing a custom multicultural wedding. Weddings are personal experiences, and the best one's are the most unique.

 

Insider Tricks to Create a Great Wedding Video.

If you have been hired to create a video of someone’s wedding and reception, it can be a really fun job.  Not only is there a lot of joy, laughing and fun moments during a wedding celebration but it is really gratifying to know that the video you are creating will be part of family celebrations of these people for decades to come.

Naturally, you want to do a good job.  But whether you are just getting started or have been shooting video for years, you know things can sneak up on you and make your job more difficult.  So there are some “insider tricks” that you should keep in mind especially on the big day so the wedding goes off like clockwork and you get that great video without disturbing the joy and fun of the family.

The first few precautions actually happen long before you drive up to the church and that is a thorough equipment check.  Check and double check your equipment and then check it again.  It can’t hurt to be a bit compulsive about this.  Also, check that all of your supplies are new, in good shape and that you have back ups of batteries, bulbs, tapes or whatever recording media you are using.  If you know your equipment is in good shape, you can walk in there like the professional you are.

Next, be everywhere early and well prepared.  In fact, it can’t hurt to scope out the church and reception hall the day before to check the lighting and do some planning on where you might plan to get your best video from.  If Martin Scorsese can preplan all of his shoots, so can you.

Now be sure everybody knows who you are.  Meet the bride, groom, the wedding party and others close to the planning.  If there are security people, be sure they know who you are as well.  If there is a need for passes or badges of any kind, be sure you have one well ahead of the wedding day.

Part of networking with the key players includes getting some face time with others who may be supporting the wedding.  Many weddings have a wedding planner who must know everything that is going to happen.  Be sure he or she knows who you are and what you are going to do before you start disturbing their domain.  It is also a great idea to meet the other photographers and do a bit of preliminary choreography so everybody can get their shots.  Be aware that you really don’t want to do such a great job of videotaping the wedding that you damage the experience of the wedding guests.  This all takes lots of planning.

If they rehearse, you rehearse.  The rehearsal is one of the great missed opportunities that wedding photographers and videographers have to step through the wedding with the party and plan where you are going to be.  Now secure permission to be there as you never want to surprise a nervous bride or her mother.  But if they know you are working as hard as they are to get ready, they will be thrilled and you may find them giving you directions on shots they want included in the video and where they want (and don’t want) you to be at strategic moments during the wedding.  This information is gold on producing a high quality video for your customers.

Once everything is ready, jump in there and enjoy the wedding right along with everyone else.  You know you are ready and you like what you do so you can celebrate this big day and produce a top-notch video that will be a treasured memory for this bride and groom for many years to come.

Have you attended a Gujarati Wedding?

The Gujarati weddings are full of splendor and fun. As most of the Gujarati population indulge in business rather than employment, they are financially well off and hence money is never a problem at such weddings. A function like a wedding also serves as a rapport development exercise between customers and vendors.

The following rituals are performed in a guajarati marriage. Let us first have look at the pre marriage rituals.

First among the pre marriage rituals is the Mandap Mahurat.
Here the families of both the bride and groom in their respective homes and the groom seek the blessings of the lord Ganesha.  The house is full of relatives at such times and every one enjoys the wedding. Such a pooja is performed a few days before the actual marriage and is performed by a priest.

Graha shanti is performed by the all the relatives who have gathered in the house to attend the wedding.  The priest decides an auspicious time  for the pooja and the entire family performs this pooja at such times.

Jaan is an interesting ritual performed at the bride's residence. The grooms, along with his family arrive at the bride's residence and seek the blessing of the in laws.

Now its wedding time.

The bride and groom arrive at the wedding location in their own decorated vehicles. Both the bride and the groom change to the wedding attire and come on the common dais. Here the first function to be performed is the Kanya Daan. The bride's father lays trust on the groom that his daughter will the well taken care of. As per the rituals, the brides are considered the Goddess Laxmi and groom is considered Lord Narayana. The father of the brides takes her hand and places it on the hand of the groom. All these are performed before the sacred fire.

Hasta Milap is a step further to Kanya Daan. The grooms scarf and the bride's sari are tied in a knot which signifies their union before the entire guest, who are present on the occasion. This is done by the priest who performs a pooja along side the sacred fire.

The final step before the couple is fully married is called Saptapadi. This is very significant ritual. This is performed in the north India by walking around the sacred fire. In case of Gujarati and some other communities, the priest places 7 small heaps of rice on the floor. The bride and the groom take 7 vows together as the bride places the here thumb on each of the small heaps of rice. In case of Gujarati , the couple also takes 4 mangal pheras,  which represent "Dharma", "Artha", "Kama" and "Moksha".

Now the couple is married and is now man and wife in full view of the entire guest present. The couple then seeks the blessing of the all the elderly guest present for their long happy married life.

All these rituals are over by the mid of after noon. The bride and the groom go to their respective homes if they are nearby and now the post marriage ceremony takes place.

The Reception takes in full splendor. One of the best halls is selected. The bride and groom are seated at and decorated seat on the dais. They are visible to each of the guest who arrives at the reception. The guest meets the couple one at a time and exchange greeting and gifts with them. This goes on till all the guest has been attended by the bride and the groom. The guests then have their dinner and so do the bride and the groom.

Now the reception is over, it is time for the bride to leave the fathers  house to be with her newly wed husband. Here we have the Vidaai ceremony in which the bride gives a tearful farewell to her family.

Now one last ceremony before the couple start their married life.
This is called the Ghar ni Laxmi. The bride is considered as Laxmi of the house and is welcomed to the groom's house. A bride pushes down and vessel filled with rice. All the grooms' family gather around the couple and then they play some games. These are fun games which are intended to help the bride mix with the groom's family members.

After some of the games, the bride and groom are left together to start their married life.

We wish them both a long happy married life.

Gay Wedding Ring: Symbol of Love and Equality

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for many people, although for an increasing number of persons, it has become a several-in-a-lifetime event. In any case, it is still a very special ceremony that binds not only a man and a woman together; today, gay male couples and gay women couples also observe the ceremony to affirm their lifelong commitment to each other. In such ceremonies, the gay wedding ring takes center stage.

Same-sex marriage is still illegal in the majority of U.S. states and in countries all over the world, so what gay couples opt for is to participate in a “commitment ceremony,” where the exchange of gay wedding rings also takes place. A gay wedding ring most often resembles the traditional gold or platinum wedding band. Of course, the couples are free to have the designs or the metal they wish for their gay wedding ring. Gay-related symbols are often engraved on the rings, and various textures and effects are available as well. Irish and Scottish rings, multicolored rings, woven rings – a wealth of options is available.

Homosexual and lesbian couples who have exchanged or are planning to exchange gay wedding rings in commitment or blessing ceremonies include Rosie and Kelly O’Donnell, and actress Sophie Ward and Rena Brannan. British musician Sir Elton John and David Furbish have also talked about getting married as soon as gays are legally allowed to join together in matrimony in Great Britain.

Jewelry designers such as Udi Behr are recognizing the need of “unconventional” couples to affirm their commitment to one another. Behr created a collection of gay wedding rings and gay engagement rings called “Love and Pride” in support of the gay rights movement.  Behr, who is himself straight, is a popular designer among celebrities; famous people who buy his work include Sharon Stone and Britney Spears.

As with heterosexual couples, gay couples see their weddings bands as a tangible symbol of their love and commitment to one another. Notwithstanding governmental indifference to or disapproval of their needs and wishes, gay people will go on standing for what they believe is their right. The gay wedding ring, aside from its romantic connotations, has also become a symbol of the large part of homosexual culture in today’s society.

Fun Wedding Music Activities

Music is as much a component of a good wedding as food and drink. You can have a wedding without music, but it's likely it will seem a little quiet and dull. So whether you have a full live band, a string quartet, a DJ spinning tunes or recorded music from a boom box, it should be included.

But music's not just for dancing. There are a myriad of activities you can plan around the music that will add an element of fun to your wedding.

One popular idea is to play musical chairs. Sure, this is a fun kid's game and you don't want to insult your guests in any way, but you can have some fun with this version of musical chairs. The chairs can be just about anything, from chairs lined up from the food tables, to the floor, if you think your guests might be open to sitting on the floor (and then having to get up and down again). One fun option is to use the men as the chairs - they kneel on the floor, with one knee on the floor and the other bent. The women sit lightly on the men's' knees as they are playing musical chairs. When either the man or woman falls down, that couple is out, until one couple is left.

Some brides and grooms like to play musical chairs in order to give away the table centerpiece, which many guests like to take home. Instead of assigning a number and awarding the centerpiece to the person in possession of that number, you have each table play musical chairs until the person left standing is the one that gets to take home the centerpiece.

How about a rousing game of "name that tune"? This is a game that's best for a smaller, intimate wedding where everyone knows the bride and groom well. Prior to the wedding, whoever is planning the wedding should get a list of favorite songs of both the bride and groom. Create a CD of those songs, and then create a game of "name that tune". Guests can be divided into teams and then be played just a small snippet of each song.

After guests hear that first snippet, they can then "bid" on how quickly they can name the tune. So one group might say they can name the tune in 10 seconds, while the other group might say 5 seconds. Once one group has bowed out, the other group will then have to "name that tune". This is a fun game that gets everyone involved and which the bride and groom are particularly delighted by.

Depending on the style of the wedding, there are many fun games you can play to get the bride and groom out on the dance floor. Now, if this is a very large and very elegant wedding, this option might not work since there is certain decorum to maintain, but for a casual, fun, family-centered wedding some of these games can be fun.

If guests want to "call out" the wedding couple onto the dance floor, they can be asked to get out on the dance floor themselves first and hula hoop or perform their own version of a break dance. Much in the way guests sometimes have to "perform" to get the couple the kiss this is another way to get the guests involved and having fun in order to create fun wedding memories for the bride and groom.

Free Wedding Toast Samples

Wedding toasts are a great way to wish the new couple well, but it can be hard to get it just right if you’ve never done it before. If you feel a lot of emotion about the union, it may be even more difficult to get the toast just right. Keeping it simple really helps, as well as keeping it short. Remember that a toast is simply a way to let the new couple know that you are excited for them, and that you were happy that they made you a part of their day. The more you try to put into a toast the more complicated it can be, so don’t try to pack too much into the toast.

Samples

Below is a very simple toast that you can use regardless of how well you know both of the bride and the groom. This is also a great way to make a toast when you really want to wish the couple well but you aren’t too sure what to say!

“First, I wanted to say congratulations to Bill and Nancy! I am so happy for the both of you and I know that today is the first day of what will be a very long marriage. I also want to thank the two of you for inviting me and making me a part of your big day. I know that there will be many more celebrations of your love and your marriage in the future!”

Below is a more intimate toast that you will find works well for close friends and family and will help you convey a bit more personal emotion.

“Congratulations, you two! I know that everyone is saying great things to you, but I had to get up and really express how happy I am for you. I know that both of you have been looking forward to this day for quite awhile, and I have to say that it couldn’t have been more beautiful. I know that you have a lot of great plans for the future and I can’t wait to sit back and watch them unfold for you. Congratulations, Bill and Nancy!”

As you can see, you can keep it really simple or you can add a bit more personalization to a toast. Usually a toast is just a few minutes long, so you don’t need to get into long stories or convoluted hopes for the new couple. Instead, keep things short and sweet but be sure to convey your happiness for the new couple. If you don’t know the personalities of both the bride and the groom well, keep humor limited and clean, just so that you are sure you don’t offend anyone.

Free Wedding Invitation Templates

For casual ceremonies, the sky is really the limit as to style.
But most weddings follow a certain set of formalities in their
invitations. Here is a template for a normal wedding invitation:

         Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
   request the honour of your presence
    at the marriage of their daughter
              Kathryn Marie
                   and
          Mr. James Henry Smith
     on Saturday, the tenth of July
         two thousand and five
            at seven o’clock
          First Baptist Church
            222 Ellerbe Road
              Paris, Texas

As for a formal wedding template, there are some rules of wording
that are appropriate:

1.  Spell out every word, even the date and year. Street, not St.
Road, not Rd.
2.  Use Roman numerals in titles, such as David Kenneth Williams
III. Do not use "3rd" or "third".
3.  For weddings in a church, say "request the honour of your
presence". For non-religious weddings, say "request the pleasure
of your company".
4.  Write out full names. Do not use initials.

You can copy and paste this template onto your word processor for
easy guidance:

       (the name of bride’s parents/parent)
        request the honour of your presence
         at the marriage of their daughter
               (the name of bride)
                      to
               (the name of groom)
                on (weekday name),
    the (day of month, spelled out) of (month)
           at (time, spelled out) o’clock
          (name of church or building)
          (address of church/building)
           (city, state of ceremony)

Optional:
        Reception Immediately Following
                      At
             (name of location)

Directions to the reception hall can be given at the wedding or
on a separate card in the invitation envelope.

Free Wedding Vows - Allow The Vow To Say What You Feel

Wedding vows that come from the heart sends all the right signals in the right direction. Vows have always been a strong tradition upheld at wedding ceremonies. Promises dedicating a lifetime commitment to each other is a lovely way of saying I will love you till my dying day.

The exchange of a marriage vow usually include pledges like being faithful also directing their unconditional love for the partner. Are you contemplating personalizing your own wedding vows and not sure who to turn too for advice then go online and click wedding vows for assistance in gathering more information.

Free wedding vows can have an effect on the way traditional ceremonies are carried out at weddings. Good news on free wedding vows off the internet besides being free is you are in control of the choice of words for your service thus allowing you to say what it is you want to say and mean it. Free sample vows are there for modification if needed.

By altering the words of traditional vows read out at a wedding gives you the opportunity to say, that on this special day you did it your way. There are vows specially devised for second marriages and couples with ready made families.

Worth considering is a piece of poetry which is a common practice when pledging vows, poetical words come from within
Good advice for the couple is to sit down in private and talk things through before making any decisions on the changes they want made to their wedding plans.
This way when both are agreed, you have the have happy couple before the wedding and an even happier couple after the exchange of vow all because the words spoken showered your loved one with what they wanted to hear.


The secret behind a good wedding vow is that the words should fill the air with love and affection. Nothing can compete and ever will with a genuine heartfelt promise to cherish forever.

Infinty together forever if the words spoken are to mean what you really feel.

Five Things Your Wedding Photographer MUST Offer

You’re getting married, right?  Congratulations! And, you want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you’ve always dreamed.  But, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures.  Bummer.  So, how do you choose the right photographer?

Here’s how.  Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.

1. Do you like the photographer’s work?  Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site.  It’s best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding.  The albums probably represent the best of the photographer’s work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you?  Are they pleasing to look at?  Does the lighting and the color look good to you?  Is the photographer’s style what you are looking for?  Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones.  Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding.  If you don’t like the photographer’s work, there is no need to consider them further.  Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding.  Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer’s work you see is the work you will get.

2. Do you like the photographer’s personality and mannerisms?  Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor?  Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests.  A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant.  I know you don’t want that!  Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose.  If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also.  To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally.  If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer’s personality.

3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic?  Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems?  Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)?  Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images?  Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding?  How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day?  Ask them.  Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress.  Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he’s coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that :-).  You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.

4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also?  An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a “newbie”.  An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong.  That’s why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary.  My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.

5. Does your photographer offer you the right value? Not the right price, but, the right value.  If your photographer doesn’t have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are.  If the photographer has all four, that’s a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important.  Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want.  Someone who offers a “low” price up front may sound attractive.  But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on.  A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.

So, there you have it.  Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams.  Good luck and congratulations again.

Five Reasons Las Vegas is the Wedding Capital of the World

Las Vegas is the known as not only the Entertainment Capital of the World, but also the Wedding Capital of the World.  Over 120,000 couples now flock there every year to say I do.  There are many reasons so many couples choose to take the plunge in this glitz and glamour city. Let's examine some of them:

1. Where else can you get the exciting wedding options that Las Vegas has to offer?  The wedding packages Las Vegas offer are vast and unusual and many of them can't be found anywhere else.  Drive thru wedding chapels, Elvis ceremonies, and a wide variety of themed wedding packages are just some of the unique wedding opportunities you will find if you choose to say I do in Las Vegas.

2.  The ease of obtaining a marriage license is a big draw for many couples. There are no blood tests and no waiting periods making it easy to be spontaneous. You can wake up one morning and decide you want to get married, hop a flight to Vegas, and be married by that evening.

3. No time consuming wedding planning. Chapels all over the city offer pre arranged wedding packages that include everything you need for your wedding. This takes the stress out of having to plan your nuptials. No having to coordinate the minister, site, photographer, florist, etc. They do it all for you. The biggest decisions you will have to make is deciding which Las Vegas chapel or location to wed at and then choosing the wedding date, time, and package that you want. The wedding coordinators at the location you choose will help you with the rest.

4. It can be very inexpensive. A marriage license costs $55 and a no frills Vegas wedding package starts at about $40 (not including the minister fee) so you can easily say I do for around $200. Figure in the cost of airfare and other travel costs and you can still get by with spending between $1000-2000 which is well below the average cost of a wedding which is now somewhere between $20,000-30,000.

5. After the wedding is over, you can take advantage of the fact that you are in one of the most exciting cities in the world and enjoy some of the wonderful entertainment and attractions that Las Vegas has to offer.

So if you are contemplating Vegas nuptials, know that you can have an easy, affordable, and exciting wedding ceremony if you decide to say your vows in the Wedding Capital of World.

For Pre Wedding Fun – Try a Stag Do in Cardiff

Plan your next bachelor party in Cardiff The capital of Wales is also its party capital – the centre of all things hip and happening. Having stripped away its reputation as a destination to be avoided, you can now find a smashing good time anywhere within the city limits. The place is fun and friendly and the atmosphere resonates with the laughter of its people, proud of their history and culture.

 Why a stag do in Cardiff? There are many reasons why your stag do should come to Cardiff. For one, the sporting industry has recently transformed this once cultural haven into an exciting town unrivalled the world over for its enthusiasm and willingness to have a good time (at least that’s what the locals claim – but for the sake of a good time, we’ll believe them). Because of Cardiff, Cup Finals will truly never be the same.

 Rock your head to the beat of great music and entertainment and dance the night away in one of Cardiff’s many trendy, adrenaline-pumping nightclubs. Join in the renaissance of this great city and you’ll feel like a new man before you know it. With over 350 bars and clubs to spend your time in, you’ll never find a moment to spare – which is a good thing when enjoying a stag do or bachelor party with all your closest buds. And don’t forget to head on over to St. Mary Street to rock the night away in front of the castle – an experience difficult to replicate anywhere else. Join in on the great experience of a rejuvenating city and you won’t be disappointed.

Stay away from the usual stag do destinations and come to Cardiff to have a blast and fill your head with tons of fantastic memories. Don’t follow the crowd – create your own path and the party will definitely follow. Cardiff is the perfect place to meet all kinds of people and have a good time without spending all your hard-earned cash. So in the spirit of Millennium Stadium join the new millennium and participate in all that Cardiff has to offer a stag partygoer such as yourself. When it comes to celebrating your impending marriage no other place provides the best in nightlife, entertainment and activities for such an affordable price.

Flowers And Men

What? Flowers and Men! Not really. Before you think of shaking your head in mock disbelief, let us enlighten you with the fact that most men have been obsessed with flowers as early as the Romantic period. Many a Victorian dandy has sniffed a bunch of blooms while writing scented love notes to his beloved and famous poets have waxed eloquent verse about their sheer beauty. Who can ever forget Daffodils by William Wordsworth?

Studies show that flowers actually have a positive effect on human beings and men aren’t far behind from being influenced? Though it is an established fact that men are not averse to flowers, one never really thinks of giving them flowers often. Get that idea out of your head. According to many surveys taken by men show that the vast majority of men would enjoy receiving flowers for their birthday or other special occasions. Flowers are as cherished by men as by women. Though they may not exactly go weak in the knees, men like to feel just as special and pampered as most women do.

Men like flowers in all colors, depending on their personalities. Some especially prefer colors that are vibrant and colorful, and enjoy flowers including the likes of red roses, pink orchids and yellow chrysanthemums. Not to mention any particular favorite flower the man might have from orchids to a cactus. Others like dark and unusual shades and appreciate when a lady gives them a sultry black rose.

When buying flowers for men, it is important to go for simple arrangements. Men usually don’t like arrangements that are very elaborate and fancy. In fact adding interesting green plants and herbs to the arrangement is usually a good idea. These days, contemporary styles with sleek lines are great favorites with men.

However, not all flowers can be given to all men. And in case you are questioning whether that’s a huge generalization, we are assuming you realize that certain flowers such as red roses symbolize passion and romance and are not really appropriate to be given as gifts to fathers, brothers, and so on. Flowers such as the white carnation – which symbolizes innocence – and the Belle of Ireland – which stands for good luck - can be gifted to any man, whether he’s a part of your family of group of friends. Remember, whether it is their birthday or a recent achievement in their professional lives, men like to be shown appreciation with flower gifts.

Wait! Men also like to use flowers as accessories. When your man wears a classic black suit and tucks in a blood red rose in his breast pocket, doesn’t he look absolutely divine? Yes! Men are known to like accessorizing their look with a single flower or a spray pinned to their pockets. This style not only looks very stylish but gives them an air of rakish charm. So don’t hesitate to tuck in that rose for him the next time you are headed for a romantic dinner at a lavish restaurant.

Choosing A Wedding Date

The most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are informed of your engagement is "When is the wedding?" Choosing a wedding date is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help you pick a perfect date for your wedding.

If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, especially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked very quickly.

Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal attire choices.

Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christmas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too much for some people.

Maybe you thought having a wedding during a holiday would be easier for your guests due to the three day weekend. Some people may appreciate that your wedding is during a long holiday weekend while it might be difficult for others because many people plan their own vacations during these times of the year.

Are there important people in your life that you feel must attend the wedding? While there will always be people who will not be able to make it, some people may be higher on your priority list than others. For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date with these important people to avoid any problems.

Find Out What Kind Of Wedding Gown Suits You

If images of white dresses are dancing in your head, then you must have been recently engaged. Of course, many women have had an image of their wedding in their head since the time they were born, but will the real life live up to your dream?

Capturing a personality

Although it may seem that all wedding dresses are alike, there are many ways to capture individual styles. White may be the traditional wedding gown color, but more brides are choosing off-white or a light cream as an alternative. This can show your fashion consciousness, while still remaining true to the traditional coloring.

If you’re a bit more vibrant and outgoing, you may want to do something daring at your wedding. This thought may be accentuated if you are looking to do a themed wedding as well. Try a different color altogether. Do something wild like red or purple. While they might not be the standards, they will definitely liven up a wedding photo.

And if you’re looking for a theme for your wedding, you will want to study related dresses to the time period or culture. If you’re looking for something that is renaissance inspired, then you may want to look in costume shops for styles that can be turned into wedding gowns.

Using your body type

If you’re looking for something that is flattering, then you’re going to need to try on a lot of dresses before you do. But this is a good thing. Many times, brides find that their dream dress doesn’t always look like the dream in their head.

For women who are shorter in stature, you may want to select a gown with longer lines and seams. Although your high heels will help to create a taller look, the cleaner and simpler the dress, the more it will elongate you. You should pick something that doesn’t have a lot of detailing because it may cause the eyes to look at one particular area rather than you as a whole image.

For the taller woman who is looking to create a less lengthy style, you will want to find a dress with more detail toward the bottom of the dress. This helps to draw the eye away from the height.

All in all, whatever dress makes you feel beautiful is the one that is right for you. So, don’t let convention or tradition stand in the way of your dream. Short or long, detailed or not, your wedding dress should reflect everything that you are feeling on your wedding day.

Fantastically Unique Centerpieces make a Wedding Memorable

A couple wanting to really impress the guests at their wedding should invest in truly unique centerpieces. Typically, most reception facilities do not provide a great deal of creativity in the decorations because they usually utilize standard table linens and place settings. However, utilizing unique centerpieces is a great way for the wedding hosts to make their reception memorable.

Using live fish in centerpieces is a unique idea for a wedding reception. Glass bowls can be used with a few glass marbles or beads along with some exotic and colorful fish. A person could even include a small amount of fish food at the table where children will be sitting with instructions on how to avoid hurting the fish. The kids will have fun and will be less distractive if there was a more traditional centerpiece on the table. This lively and interactive centerpiece is a sure fire hit idea with kids and will even keep adults occupied.

Another great centerpiece idea is to place board games at each table. The idea is very unique and usually the attendees choose to play the games; the games also provide the guests at the table the incentive to introduce and have conversations with those seated at the table if they don’t know them. This is a great option for people who do not like dancing because they will not perceive being left out of the wedding.

Pastries or cakes arranged on a tray and decorated with fresh flowers also make a lovely centerpiece. These sweets can be used to replace of the wedding cake. This often speeds up receptions and makes the logistics of large wedding parties getting a piece of cake simpler. Using several pastries as centerpieces is extremely unique but it also allows the guest to select from several different types of pasties and flavors. These centerpieces can be accompanied by traditional wait staff and the pastries and cakes prepared in the kitchen for desert or they can be sliced at the individual tables for additional esthetic value.

An attractive journal that accompanies the theme of the wedding along with several pens will also provide a unique centerpiece. This type of centerpiece will look lovely on the table and should be used by the guests to write messages of congratulations or advice for the couple in the future. The couple has a unique centerpiece and they also have a treasured souvenir of their wedding day in the kindred words recorded by their guests.
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Fall Weddings: Splendor Your Event With An Array Of Fall Wedding Favors

So, you decided to take the most anticipated walk down the aisle and you have chosen the Fall as the perfect accent.  Fall weddings are very romantic because the season represents a beautiful transition much like the transition you are about to encounter.   The best way to accent the wedding with the season is to choose from an array of fall wedding favors that are ideal for both sexes.

Most seem to think that the wedding is all about the bride.  Actually, it isn’t especially when it comes to choosing the right wedding favor for your guests.  This is a time for the bride and grooms to come together as one to make practical decisions.  The pair of you has already decided on the season of the wedding, now it’s time to work together in honor of your guests.  Let’s try this out for size…when you think of fall, what comes to mind – the beautiful changing leaves, the cool atmosphere, maybe even cider and doughnuts.  Rest assured, your thoughts were possibly calming to say the least.   This could be reflective in your theme and décor.  This is a good way to narrow down on what to choose for a good fall wedding favor.

The best gift for both sexes is a gift that both can use.  For a fall theme, golden wine bottle stoppers with carved leaf tips are an awesome idea.  Coasters detailed with fall leaves and even photo albums with pressed leaves are great ideas and are great additions to the table décor.  Make an array of this festive event by adding to the table setting place card holders that hold the card in a leaf, a ceramic turkey place card holder or even pumpkin place card holders for that harvest touch.  If you’re looking for something more edible, maple cookies or honey dried in the shape of a maple leaf makes a great ensemble for guests.

For do it yourself projects, try candy corn placed in a silver mint tin with a clear top.  Get a bit fancier and tie a personalized ribbon around the mint tin in a festive autumn color to add more spice to the table.  Speaking of spices, this is a great idea for fall wedding favors. Another idea is to place fall theme kisses in chocolate colored favor boxes or add chocolate shaped leaves to pumpkin centerpieces and place in the center of the table for the guests to enjoy.    A cellophane bag of harvest shaped cookies tied with multicolor ribbon works well with kids.  These ideas are all fun and great for both sexes to enjoy.

Exclusive Wedding Gift Ideas

You are searching for a non-traditional wedding gift... You want something different that will elicit the oohs and aahs of everyone.

Of course, you could go to the couple's registry and pick something from there, but then your gift wouldn't be unique.

Here are some tips to help you come up with some great, unique wedding gift ideas.

Ask yourself these questions: 

-what do you know about the couple?
-what do they like?
-where are they planning to spend their honeymoon?
-what's their personality?
-what is their lifestyle?

The answers to these questions can give you ideas for a gift that displays your thoughtfulness and care.

Here are just a few gift ideas to ponder: 

1. Gift Certificates to a spa for the bride and groom are great before or after the wedding. The wedding day is often stressful, so you could offer a day at the spa to prepare them for the wedding day. Or, they could use it just after their honeymoon, as they prepare to resume their regular activities.

2. As an alternative for the day at the spa, you could give them a spa in a basket, including monogrammed robes, towels, and a few other relaxing items, like candles, bath and body lotions, some romantic music, and even engraved wine glasses accompanied by a bottle of wine for a special evening at home.

3. Keepsake Box - As time goes by, memories begin to fade, and what better and more unique gift than a special box where they can safely store all those precious mementos that become more cherished as the years go by? This box is perfect for things like: marriage license, special photos, place cards, vows, and all those other special keepsakes that often get lost as time passes.

4. Silver-Plated Picture Frames - the perfect way to display favorite photos of their special day. Have them engraved with the couple's names and the wedding date for a treasured memory.

5. Etched Glass Wedding Invitation - Have their wedding invitation, or other special verse engraved on a glass sculpture. This will be treasured for years to come, and definitely unique. Or, for a little variation, get the actual invitation, and mount it on a glass plate and finish it with matching colored paint.

6. Honeymoon Photo Album - this could be made out of wood, with something like "A Honeymoon to Remember" engraved on the cover: a perfect place to capture those wonderful honeymoon memories.

You are now ready to give the perfect wedding gift to your friends and family.

Every Bride Must Have It

Wedding favors are quickly becoming a trendy essential of the wedding celebration. Wedding favors are small gifts that are given to each guest at the wedding reception. It says, “thank you” for coming to our wedding and celebrating this most special day with us.

Wedding favors are becoming an important part of the wedding planning process. Before you make or purchase your wedding favors you have to determine the following:

1. How many people are invited to the wedding?

You need to know how many people are attending the wedding to determine the number of wedding favors needed. Wedding favors are usually bought after the RSVPs to make sure there are enough favors for each guest. Therefore, the favors are usually bough one month or closer to the actual wedding day.

2. What is your budget per guest?

You have to determine the budget for your wedding favors. You can buy some very nice wedding favors for about $2-$3. If you are crafty you can make your own favors, but most people leave it to the professionals and buy their favors.

3. What is your theme?

Your theme or wedding location or the time of the year can determine your wedding favors. For example, a beach wedding calls for a beach theme wedding favor such as a dolphin wine stopper, a seashell candle, or a beach chair candle or cardholder.

Just like the bridal gown, wedding favors are a part of the bride’s to do list. The decision on what favors to give to the guest should be made by the bride and groom. You can purchase inexpensive but useful wedding favors that will end up in someone’s home not in trash can of your reception venue. An elegant wine stopper, a pretty candle, a shiny bottle opener, a personalized chocolate bar all have the power say to your guest “thank you” with style and elegance.

Emerald Gardens: An Elegant Las Vegas Wedding Venue

Emerald Gardens is a beautiful wedding venue located in Las Vegas, west of the famous Las Vegas Strip. This location offers a breathtaking outdoor courtyard for wedding ceremonies and is a great alternative if you aren’t interested in the wedding chapels that Las Vegas is famous for. The courtyard features lush landscaping, flower beds, palm trees with twinkle lights, a gazebo, and amazing views of a golf course and nearby mountains.

Emerald Gardens also has a beautiful banquet room that is great for a memorable wedding reception.  The banquet facility offers a glass staircase, mahogany dance floor, granite bar, and views of the outdoor courtyard area.

Packages offered include a ceremony only package as well as packages for a ceremony and reception.  The ceremony only package is offered Monday through Thursday only.
Ceremony packages include the site, an officiant, music, and a bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom. If you prefer not to have your wedding outdoors, they can arrange your ceremony in the reception room. A bridal dressing room and groom’s room are also available.

Reception packages are available for up to 300 include a disc jockey, wedding cake, buffet style or sit down dinner, and choice of bar packages.  The delicious gourmet menu that they offer is extensive and includes everything from Cornish Game Hens with Herbed Wild Rice Stuffing to Virginia Baked Ham with Brown Sugar, Cloves, and Cinnamon Apple Slices.  Emerald Gardens also gives you a lot of choices when it comes to choosing your wedding cake.  They offer many cake flavors and fillings and have many designs to choose from so you can create the perfect cake for your wedding.

Emerald Gardens is definitely worth looking into if you are looking for an elegant and scenic locale for you wedding ceremony and reception.  Their wedding coordinators can assist you and help take the pain out of planning your special day.

Eight Important Basics to Planning a Bridal Shower

Planning a bridal shower can be one of the most exciting activities you have ever experienced. There is so much joy associated with bridal shower. Everyone is pleased to bring gifts that the bride is excited to see as a sign of the start of her new life. Even though getting ready can be an exciting time, it can also be a very stressful time. There are so many things that you must consider when you are planning your bridal shower.

One of the most important things to first consider is the guest list. You should invite anywhere from five to twenty people. If you invite more than twenty, you risk overwhelming the bride and the guests, as you want it to be a rather intimate affair. When you make your guest list, be sure to consult the bride as to whom she wishes to have at her wedding shower. Female family members of both sides of the wedding party should certainly be at the top of your guest list. You will also want to include the bride's closest friends, and, of course, the wedding party. Be sure that everyone who is invited to the wedding shower is also on the invitation list to the wedding to avoid any hurt feelings.

The second important thing to think about is the invitations. The invitations you choose can have any look or feel that you like. If you wish to have a themed shower, send out invitations that match your theme. For example, if you plan to have a beach party shower, send out invitations that have the look of a beach party. If you are not having a themed shower, you might want to go with something that looks like the bride's wedding invitations. Check with the printer of her wedding invitations, as he or she might be able to cut you a deal if the bride's invitation order was big enough. Whatever type of invitation you go with, be sure to include the guest of honor's name, the time, date, and location of the invitation, the hostess' name and phone number, an RSVP deadline (about two weeks before the shower is sufficient), and the shower theme. If you wish, include a map of how to reach the location. You might also think about including where the couple has registered and the colors of their future home. Send the invitations out about one month in advance of the wedding shower.

Once you've sent out the invitations, it is time to start planning your party. You will want to start with some light appetizers for your party guests. Try to provide a variety of foods, and try to avoid foods that guests might be allergic to. If you intend to serve highly allergenic foods like peanuts, be sure to keep them well away from the other foods you will serve. Don't forget to think about drinks as well. Serve a wide variety, and be sure to include healthy drinks like water and fruit juice. If you also intend to serve cake, try to make it fit with the theme of your party.

Once you've considered the food, you are ready to start thinking about party games. You will want to play two to four games during your bridal shower. These games can serve as ice breakers if you wish. One fun game is to issue a list of common purse items. Whoever has the most items in their purse from your list wins. Another great game is a simple wedding word scramble. Whoever deciphers the most words in the time allotted is the winner.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Be sure to include time in your shower for everyone to introduce themselves and their relationship to the bride. Remember that several of your guests may have a connection to no one but the bride, so it is important to help them get involved with the other shower attendees.

A sixth thing to consider when you are planning a bridal shower is party favors for all of the guests. While this tends to be a regional idea, offering party favors for each guest is a nice touch. You can do something as simple as a small box of candy or a scented candle. Try to offer party favors that reflect the theme of your shower, if you have one.

An additional thing to think about when you are planning is the decorative scheme. If you are having a themed shower, you probably already have some ideas in mind for decorations. If you are having a fairly general themed bridal shower, you need to think about table linens and centerpieces at the very least.

One final thing you must consider when you are planning a bridal shower is planning for after the shower. Buying some thank you notes for the bride to send that match the invitations is a nice touch. Furthermore, giving the bride a preprinted list of guests with up-to-date address information can also be quite helpful.

Planning a bridal shower is an intensive procedure, but getting the right combination of events will lead to a happy memory.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about bridal showers, the more you will be able to share with others.

Edible Wedding Favors

There is one type of wedding favor which is almost always appreciated by the guests at the wedding. This is an edible wedding favor. Whether you opt for sweet or savory items you and your guests are likely to enjoy your edible wedding favors. The downside to giving an edible wedding favor is it is likely to be consumed shortly after your wedding instead of being saved for years to come as a memento of your wedding. However, you can rest assured that your guests will greatly enjoy the gift. This article will provide a few ideas for edible favors you can give to your guests on your wedding day.

One of the most popular edible wedding favors is a simple chocolate bar with a personalized wrapper. These chocolate bars can be simple milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate are can be filled with items such as almonds or raisins. There are even more options available for the wrapper of the candy bar. This is very important because this is the first thing your guests will notice about your favor. Most brides and grooms opt to have their names and the date of the wedding printed on the wrapper and select a wrapper design which relates to love, weddings or the specific theme of the wedding. However, some brides and grooms may even decide to have their pictures on the wrapper along with their names and the wedding date.

Tins filled with candy are another option for brides and grooms who want to give out edible wedding favors. These tins can be filled with any type of candy you wish. They can be filled with mints, hard candies, candy coated almonds, chocolates or any other favorite candy. There is also typically the option of personalizing the tin by including the wedding date and the name of the bride and the groom. The guests may eat the candy soon after the wedding but they can keep the candy as a reminder of your wedding and use it to store other small items such as change, sewing needles, rubber bands or virtually anything which is small enough to be stored in the tins.

Candy is a very popular choice when a bride and groom are considering giving edible wedding favors. One unique way to give out candy as wedding favors is to use large glass bowls as the centerpieces for the tables and fill the bowls with the bride and grooms’ favorite types of candy. You can give each of your guests a small container which matches the theme of the wedding such as a sand pail for a beach themed wedding or anything else which is appropriate. The guests can fill the containers with some of the candy from the centerpiece at the end of the evening.

Cookies are other options for brides and grooms who want to give out edible party favors. There are a number of different options in this case. You can select cookies which are rather plain in nature but place them in keepsake boxes with the bride and grooms’ names as well as the date of the wedding. They can also give out personalized fortune cookies with each fortune depicting a quotation which is related to love. Another way to use cookies as wedding favors is to give out cookies displaying a photo of the couple. There are many bakeries that can make these cookies for you in a variety of sizes and shapes. You simply need to select a design and give the bakery a photo to use in the design process.

Cocoas, teas and coffees are still another option for couples who want to give out edible wedding favors. You can select specialty cocoas, teas or coffees or you can have the packaging customized to include your picture, an appropriate quotation, poem or other message related to loves and weddings. Putting the couple’s names as well as the wedding date on the package is a good idea as well as including a picture of the couple.

Your Matchmaker Recommends a Titanium Wedding Ring

Your wedding ring is a symbol of eternal love between marriage partners - it shines in the wedding photographs, and it is the first thing your guests will want to look at.   Sadly most wedding rings do not stay shiny and new – after ten years, many gold rings are dented and scratched with no shine.   Did you know that titanium is an option for your wedding ring?

Titanium was first discovered in England in 1791 by Reverend William Gregor.  It is named after the Titans, a race of powerful deities who ruled during the legendary Golden Age. The metal is produced in its highest quantity in Australia, and is prized for its strength and light weight.  This makes it very suitable for anyone involved in manual work, as it will stand up to wear much better than gold.  It is also a hypoallergenic material, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Until recently, Titanium was most likely to be used in high tech fields such as space and medical fields – if you wear lightweight glasses, they probably contain Titanium.  In jewellery, the use of titanium is a new innovation. Jewellers are just learning that the metal is easy to work with and makes for some very beautiful jewellery. You should be able to find Titanium wedding rings in a variety of designs and styles, set with stones and also inlaid with other precious metals.  If your Matchmaker found you a rich spouse, you can set your titanium ring with diamonds or emeralds.

The good news is that it usually costs less than the equivalent version in other precious metals.  Matrimonial experts will normally advise against trendy wedding rings – as anyone sporting a wide wedding band from the seventies now realises.  However, the look of a Titanium wedding ring is not radically different from gold or platinum but it has so many advantages – lower or average cost, high tensile strength, scratch resistance, and it is hypoallergenic.

Of all the things in your wedding day budget, your wedding ring is the most permanent.  The bridal dress will probably gather dust in a box or go to a charity shop, flowers are gone in a few days, the cake might last until the birth of your first child.  The ring, however, is here forever as a reminder of your love match.  And if your matrimonial arrangement does go wrong, remember that titanium is a stronger material as you take aim to throw it at your beloved!

Your Wedding Budget: Setting And Sticking To It

Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the chapel? Then set a realistic wedding budget -- and stick to it.

In the process of planning a wedding, budget concerns often is a source of disagreement for a couple. They may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford. To make the wedding a truly happy occasion, it is important that the couple discusses financial constraints early.

Set A Budget And Save For It

The first tip is -- discuss finances before the wedding plans begin. Everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available for the wedding.

To maximize that budget, you should start saving early for your wedding. Advance planning and saving will allow you to maintain or even exceed your budget, comfortably. And that will make wedding planning easier and more fun.

Get Everyone On-Board

Once your wedding budget has been established, set it aside for a few days and then review it again. This gives everyone a chance to let the information sink in. The budget review after this waiting period gives the participants a chance to verify that they understand and agree to the budget. This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in 1 area, leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy.

Budget Line Items

When you've decided exactly how much money is available for your wedding, the next step is to divide the total into budget categories, such as the venue, food and drink, bride's attire, groom's attire, transportation, entertainment, photography, favors, centerpieces, and gifts. It is also advisable to set aside money for unforeseen expenses.

Who Pays

Part of establishing a budget is to be clear on who will pay for what.

Shopping And Negotiating

You will need to negotiate contracts for services, and so you must know the budget for each area of the wedding. If you have allotted $250 for entertainment, look for a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, then negotiate to ensure that you remain under budget.
 
It's wise to shop around and compare prices for services. A company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range, let them know why you are going to have to choose another company. You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.

Substitute Creativity For Cash

Doing things on your own is another way to stay under budget. Homemade invitations or making your own favors or centerpieces can greatly reduce the wedding cost, freeing up funds for other areas of the wedding.

Do not fall into the trap of viewing your budget as restrictive. Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focus on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique. You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints.

Anticipate The Unforeseen

Realize that there are bound to be snags along the way. If you go over budget in 1 area, you will need to cut the budget in another area. As long as you stay aware of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you can roll with the punches and alter your plans to accommodate any needed changes.

Make It A Wonderful Memory

A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship. It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans. Doing this early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding. It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on a positive note.

After all, working together is what a marriage is all about.

Elegant Ways to Say I do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known as the Wedding Capital of the World and is famous for it’s wedding chapels, drive thru ceremonies and Elvis nuptials.  Although these popular options are available, there are also numerous other ways to say I do in Las Vegas.  Many hotels, resorts, and other locations in the Las Vegas area offer some very elegant and breathtaking wedding sites.

Lake Las Vegas is quickly becoming a very popular destination for weddings in the Las Vegas area.  Located about 17 miles from the famous Strip, this stunning lake location offers ritzy resorts and amazing views of the mountains, desert, and Vegas skyline.  There are many wedding venues to choose from at Lake Las Vegas.  The Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas offers several including a cobblestone courtyard in a garden and a lakeside location with a bridge and gazebo.  They also have a beach venue which provides a waterfall, bridge and a dock in a lagoon which acts as the altar.  The MonteLago Village Resort Lake Las Vegas also has several wedding sites to choose from.  A balcony in a hotel suite, a gazebo, and golf course locations are just a few of the wedding settings offered there.  Another great option they offer are yacht weddings on Lake Las Vegas.  The Wedding Company of Las Vegas offers a wedding package that offers a gondola wedding on Lake Las Vegas and includes helicopter transportation to and from the wedding as well as a helicopter tour of the Las Vegas lights.

Las Vegas is home to many top notch golf courses and country clubs which also provide amazing wedding sites.  At Siena Golf Club, you can have your ceremony on their lawn under a wedding arbor.  You can then hold your reception in their clubhouse or community center which both offer wonderful views of the golf course, a lake, and the Las Vegas Strip.

Mount Charleston is another wonderful alternative for a wedding in the Las Vegas area.  Located about a 45 minute drive from the Strip, this beautiful mountain locale offers not only cooler weather than the Valley but also stunning scenery.  The Mount Charleston Hotel provides packages for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  You can have your wedding ceremony outdoors with all the beauty of the mountain surrounding you.  Receptions can also be arranged outside, or can be held inside the hotel.

Planning your Las Vegas wedding no longer means that you are limited just to wedding chapels, drive thru ceremonies, and Elvis.  These are still great options but they are not for everybody.  If you dreamed of something more extraordinary for you big day, Las Vegas provides you with plenty of options to consider.

Diamond Wedding Ring Guide: Tips And Advice For Choosing Your Ring

One activity that you will undoubtedly appreciate when preparing for your wedding ceremony is the wedding ring selection. Like most young girls, you have probably spent most of your life dreaming of the perfect diamond wedding ring. Hopefully, you and your fiancé have decided to shop for rings together, or you have informed him of what you like. You will wear the wedding ring for a significant amount of time and it only makes sense that it's something that you like. If your knowledge of diamond wedding rings is limited to size, it's a good idea that you obtain more information before you make your wedding ring selection.

Loose or Set
When most people think of a diamond wedding ring, they often think of a stone that is already set or mounted. You can actually buy a diamond only and choose a setting later. The intelligence in doing so is cost. When you shop for loose diamonds you will notice that diamonds are available in various sizes, including oval, round, and marquise. If you don't have a personal preference for a certain style, you might want to consider your hands. Certain styles complement certain types of hands. A good guide is to match the shape of the diamond to the hand. Do you have long, narrow fingers? An oval-shaped diamond or similar elongated style diamond for your wedding ring would probably work for you. Round diamonds are considered a good choice for most hands.

The Perfect Setting
Something else to consider when shopping for a wedding ring is the setting. Do you choose platinum or yellow or white gold? Yellow gold is the setting that most people choose for their wedding ring. It is typically less expensive than platinum or white gold. If you choose a yellow gold wedding ring, be careful that you don't choose a higher quality just because you think it is better. As the quality of yellow gold goes up, the softer the metal becomes. A wedding ring set in 24k gold will be less resilient to scratches than a ring that is set in 14k gold. Platinum is by far the most expensive and most durable of the trio. White gold is a good choice for a wedding ring setting if versatility is important to you. White gold tends to go with everything.

White diamonds are by far the most popular. Did you know that you could buy a pink diamond? Diamonds are available in other colors, but these are typically more expensive. Second to the classic white diamond is the yellow diamond. When shopping for your wedding ring you will actually find more of these than any other color of diamond.

Considering Cost
Your budget probably carries the most weight in your wedding ring selection. A wedding ring featuring a diamond can cost as little as $100 and as much as $1,000,000. In general, the amount of money you can expect to pay for a diamond wedding ring will vary according to the type of stone and the setting. The more carats a wedding ring has the more it will cost. Diamonds set in platinum will cost you the most, while you will spend very little on a wedding ring set in 14-carat gold. You can balance the cost by buying a wedding ring with a high number of carats and set in a less expensive setting.

Dream Weddings Don’t Have To Cost A Fortune

It has finally happened - your partner has finally popped the question, you said yes and put on the ring, and now there is a wedding date hovering somewhere in the future. At this point, you may be asking yourself how on earth you are going to afford all the essential parts you have so longed envisioned as part of your dream wedding. The good news is that with the proper length of time, you can plan your wedding in such a way that you will find the best bargains possible and the proceedings do not cost you a fortune.

As in any money-saving endeavor, the most important rule in saving on the costs of your wedding is to shop around religiously. Remember to compare every price on every part of the wedding that you are going to be shopping for. This is especially important when considering the various service providers for your wedding, including the florists, the photographer, the caterer, and even the venue. Do not jump at the first price or location that comes along- the payoff of patience may be a lot of money.

Setting your date well ahead of time will often also allow you some wiggle room when it comes to many of the areas where you will be laying out finances for your weddings. Setting an early date will mean that you will not be desperate for any particular service when the time of your wedding comes along. Often the people who provide services for weddings begin to be booked up very quickly when it comes to specific times, such as the wedding “season” and around other occasions that are particularly geared towards the same services that might be used for weddings, such as graduations and even holidays such as New Year’s Eve. Planning and booking well ahead of time will mean that you are not desperate when talking to the agency, and thus you will not be stuck with one of the higher-priced options after having left the decision to the last minute.

You can also end up saving quite a bit of money for your wedding by choosing to do some of the tasks involved yourself. With the huge increase in the popularity of various crafts, and the subsequent rise in the number of craft stores, many people are now making a lot of their own paraphernalia for their weddings themselves. Wedding invitations, favors, decorations, and thank-you notes are all projects on which you can save money and add a unique touch by doing the work on your own, often with the help of your bridal party and other family members.

In order to save money on your wedding, you will also want to pay close attention to your networking possibilities. Many people know friends and family who just seem to have a knack when it comes to some of the skills that will be necessary for your wedding. Having friends who know what they are doing could significantly reduce your costs when it comes to decorating and even catering the weddings. Many friends will also be able to do the videography for your special day, although the photography is best left to a professional (and if you happen to have a friend who is a professional, so much the better!)

There are many ways to make sure that your dream wedding is a success without mortgaging you future. With the right amount of time, planning, do-it-yourself will and contacts, your wedding may be much less expensive than you would have believed!

Dos And Don’ts Of Shopping For Your Wedding Dress

DO Shop early! Avoid the “Two Weeks ‘til Wedding Day Attack.” Get your wedding dress early.

DO Research before your buy. The quickest and easiest way to research is by searching online. There are many Web sites dedicated do wedding dresses where you can get a ton of useful information about styles, designs, trends, etc.

DO Go to a wedding dress specialist. You should visit several wedding boutiques, and learn from the pros. Of course, keep in mind they are selling, so you should take everything with a grain of salt.

DO Expect minor alterations. Even the most expensive designer wedding gowns might need a few adjustments. If you buy your gown well in advance, you may need to alter the dress again a couple of weeks prior to the wedding.

DO Keep an open mind while you shop for your wedding dress. Try lots of things on. Often the dress you thought you’d never like is the one that makes you look and feel the best.

DO Bring shoes with the same height as your wedding shoes are going to be on your special day.

DO Slip a bustier, a control-top panty hose into your purse.

DO Have Fun!

DON'T panic if you have to special order! Wedding dress salons can special order your dress faster than you can say "panic."

DON'T put up with unfriendly sales people. This is your wedding day, your big purchase. The sales person who sells your wedding dress to you should share in your enthusiasm and make it exciting for you.

DON'T shop after you’ve bought. Instead enjoy the rest of your wedding planning journey.

DON'T give up! Finding that perfect wedding dress is going to take some work.

DON'T take too many people with you on your hunt for your wedding dress. You shouldn't take more than five people with you on your shopping trip.

Don't Overlook The Importance Of Your Wedding Music

There are two aspects of wedding music that need to be addressed when planning your big day. First, you may wish to select certain music or arrange for professional soloists or musicians to play during the actual wedding ceremony. But at the wedding reception, it's pretty much anything goes when it comes to selecting wedding music, provided it's tasteful.

Right away is the time to plan your wedding music. Good talent gets booked fast and you don't want to end up having to select the brand new DJ with only a few weddings under his belt or something even worse. Booking your music a full year in advance is advisable but at a minimum, you should know who will be showing up and what he or she will be playing at least six months prior to the wedding date.

For most weddings, selecting the music for the wedding ceremony isn't that complicated because most often, it's controlled by the person in charge at the location where the ceremony will take place. When you're researching your wedding ceremony options, be sure to inquire about any guidelines with respect to wedding ceremony music as these could possibly impact your decision. If the ceremony is being held outdoors, check for electrical hook-ups or book live musicians.

Wedding music during the ceremony is basically secondary to the ceremony itself so the music is really meant to sort of 'fill in the gaps' during the non-speaking periods such as while guests are being seated, during the procession, and while lighting the unity candles. Of course, it's your wedding and it can be custom-designed.

The music that's played at the reception, however, is going to mean the difference between a successful reception and one that's ho-hum. And this is where things can start to get complicated. When you begin searching for wedding reception music, you'll realize rather quickly that you have a lot of options. You can book a live band, or a DJ that'll play pre-recorded music, or you can buy that CD full of top wedding songs and have someone act as the DJ.

It's important that you both agree on the type of wedding music you want played at your reception. There are 'traditional' songs that almost always are played at certain points during the reception such as the father/daughter dance, the cake cutting, the dollar dance and so on. And then there is all the music in between. Do you want jazz, country, R&B, new age, Italian, Latin, Jewish-inspired, or a little bit of everything? That's an important decision to make because the musicians you select have to be able to deliver what you want or you won't be happy.

Try to book experienced professionals for your wedding music. Always ask for and check references. Even contact the Better Business Bureau. If booking live talent, arrange to hear a live performance before booking. Scrutinize the contract before signing to make sure all parties agree on the number of hours music will be provided and that everything that has been agreed to is in writing. Find out the cancellation and refund policy, too.

Don’t Get Married Without It!

It is true that weddings are wonderful affairs; proper preparation requires a great deal of down-to-earth paperwork. The written contracts with all the vendors you take into service to carry out the biggest day of your life. Contracts are legal documents that define specific terms and conditions of the service to be done, keeping misunderstandings to an absolute minimum. A properly prepared contract should protect you and the vendor you hire.

Most commonly wedding vendors provide you with formal contracts that may have been drawn up by an attorney. Contracts are not fun to read, and may be difficult to understand. You can pay an attorney to help you understand it, or you can spend the time to decipher it yourself. It is your responsibility to understand everything included in the contract. If you are unsure of something is included in the contract have it appended. If there are several things you are concerned about, you may need to append a detailed list of important points.

Most importantly include the exact date of the wedding day. The exact time of you event must also be included. Many reception sites have multiple events, even multiple weddings on the same day. The total cost and itemized rundown of what is included in the prices is important to avoid last minute surprises and expenses. You may assume certain accessories are part of the price until you are told on the big day that it costs extra.

Make sure that accessories such as tables, chairs linens, etc. are included in the price.
What specific decoration is included? What areas are decorated? If you agreed on specific colors, be sure to include it in as much detail as you can.

Insist on including the date and dollar amount of your deposit and the date of when the total amount is due. Include the exact address of the venue. You don’t want to send out invitations without having the exact address in writing. If the company has multiple rooms for events, make sure the name of the room is included in the contract.

Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policy of the venue. You have to understand you options in case you must change the date or change the venue altogether.
You should be provided with name and phone number of the emergency contact person.
Room capacity, to make sure the site is big enough to accommodate your wedding party.

Contracts are a serious matter, and they require careful attention. They are legal and binding, so you might want an attorney or a wedding professional review it for you before you sign it. You may save a lot of money by investing a little in some professional help. Before signing the contract read it over carefully. Don’t allow it to be rushed into signing the contract until you have understood it entirely.

Never pay the entire amount in advance, but many companies will ask you to pay half of the total amount upon closure of the contract. Others may ask only for a down payment. Be prepared to pay with cash or a personal check, and always get a receipt. To protect yourself, try to pay with a credit card. When reading the contract and before signing, find out what your obligations are. If you guests drink a bit too much, find out who would be responsible should anything happen. Make sure the place is insured; get detailed information about their coverage.

Once you made your decision, you have to receive a written contract signed and dated by the person in charge. The contract must include all of your responsibilities and all of the responsibilities, warranties and guarantees offered by the venue.

Do Something Smart And Unique: Earth-Friendly Wedding Decorations

It might seem wasteful to you to decorate and use all of these cut flowers in order to make a big room beautiful for one night. Are there any environmentally friendly options?

Change the setting

The easiest way to keep from using cut flowers and dried petals is to have your reception and ceremony outside. This sounds like trouble in the making, but it’s a lot easier than it sounds. If you have a large space in someone’s yard or in a park(with everyone’s permission), you can set up a large tent for the reception hall and even the ceremony if you’d like.

Since guests will be under a roof, there is little need for worrying about the weather and they can still see the beauty of the outside as they eat. Find a beautiful setting and light some lanterns around the tent, it creates a soft glow well into the evening.

New ingredients

Of course, if you’re looking for the most earth friendly eating options, you will want to select the buffet option with a limited portion of food. Any additional food can be donated to the local shelter if you’d like.

You will not be using any plastic forks or cups, so you will need a lot of glasses and silverware to make sure that you don’t run out. Napkins can be cloth and washed instead of thrown out.

As decorations, you can spread lavender along the tops of the tables and then include small tea lights as well as larger candles as needed. Find candles that burn clean (as soy ones do), and these are quite friendly to use.

If you’re looking for a centerpiece, you can choose to have tall silver or gold vases in the middle (metal) and fill them with ice and a bottle of champagne for the table. This looks great, plus it serves a function. You can then give away the vases for planters at the end of the night.

Using kegs instead of individual beer cans is a great way to cut back on waste—even if it can be recycled. Recycling tends to be more and more difficult to do as the night goes on.

Let the conversation and the happiness decorate the night, not things that you will only throw away the next day. Being earth friendly isn’t difficult when you think of other ways that you can use things after the wedding is over.