12/10/07

Window to your Wedding


With destination weddings on the rise, it is becoming more and more important for couples to have a means for informing their guests of their upcoming wedding plans as well as provide recommendations for out-of-town guests.

Wedding websites allow your guests one-stop shopping when it comes time for them to arrange their travel plans as well as other details. You can be as specific as you wish and link your website directly to the hotel reservation pages that you would like to recommend to your guests. You will find that having a website is not only a time-saver but a budget-saver as well. The multiple mailings that can sometimes become necessary to communicate with your guests can easily eat up a good portion of any wedding budget. Allowing your guests to RSVP online will also cut down on your wedding expenses. No need for RSVP cards! However, you can always order just enough for those guests who may not be web savvy.

Destination weddings have definitely become a way for couples to express their style in a less traditional way. If you choose to have your wedding in a destination location, try to make it a fun experience for you and your fiancé as well as for your guests. Destination Wedding Tips 1. Location, Location, Location. When selecting a location, choose one that appeals to your tastes and wedding style. Keep in mind, however, that because it won't be as easy as going down the street to the local church to attend your wedding, you'll have to assume that your guest list may be smaller. You'll need to get a good sense about the number of attendees you wish to have before selecting your event facility so you can be confident that it will be appropriate for the crowd.

2. Less is More. Destination weddings can be expensive not only for those getting married, but also for those attending. Try to be mindful of that when selecting your wedding site so those who are closest to you can afford to attend. Consider having your wedding during the off-season so costs will be lower. Traditionally, accommodation expenses are covered for the bridesmaids by the bride's family and for the groomsmen by the groom's family. All other guests should be responsible for their own expenses. Most hotels will work with you to offer group discounts.

3. Assist your Guests. You may know the location that you will be flying off to for your dream wedding like the back of your hand, but most of your guests will not. Your wedding website can be a tool to help you educate your guests about the area, local attractions, accommodation ideas, the weather and directions. Making their job easier will only amount in a larger turnout at your wedding. Use your website to remind them of the things they may not consider such as a passport if required for your chosen location.

Recommended Wedding Website Link:

Wedding Window - Design your wedding site in minutes.


Additional Wedding Articles
http://merrybrides.blog.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com

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12/7/07

Wedding Cake Toppers - Crown Your Wedding Cake In Style


By Elizabeth Reuth

When it comes to wedding cake decor, most couples choose to adorn their wedding cake with a cake topper of some kind. Wedding cake toppers come in many forms and can be as different as the couples who choose them. From elegant monograms to fun and humorous cake toppers, you’ll find something unique to crown your wedding cake in style and put a personal touch on your wedding cake.

Here are the main types of wedding cake toppers:

Floral Wedding Cake Toppers

As flowers are such a big part of weddings, it’s only natural that flowers would make their way atop wedding cakes too. Flowers as wedding cake toppers add natural beauty to wedding cakes and are perfect for any type of wedding that features flowers in other areas like the bride’s bouquet or table centerpieces. Floral cake toppers can be created by a small tight bunch of blooms on the top of the cake or a group of flowers cascading down the wedding cake.

You can use silk or real flowers as a wedding cake topper. If you use natural blooms, be sure to use varieties that will remain fresh without water for a few hours. You don’t want faded and wilting flowers on top of your wedding cake.

Humorous Wedding Cake Toppers

If you and your fiancé joke around a lot or want to lighten up the seriousness of your wedding, there are wedding cake toppers that will give a sense of whimsical comedy to your wedding reception. You can find lots of wedding cake toppers that will make you giggle. Humorous cake toppers are available that feature the bride and groom climbing up the wedding cake, the bride fishing for the groom and even a cake topper where the bride drags the groom by the pant leg. Though they’re certainly not for every couple, if you and your fiancé have a fun sense of humor and want to lighten up your wedding reception, a funny wedding cake topper will do the trick.

Monogram Wedding Cake Toppers

Monograms are popping up everywhere in weddings these days and the top of the wedding cake is no exception. Monogram Cake Toppers are a very elegant way to show pride in the names of the bride and groom. Wedding cake toppers featuring monograms are also a great way to put a personal mark on your wedding reception. Monogram cake toppers generally feature the initial of the groom’s last name (which is the bride’s new last name), but they can also be a combination of the bride and groom’s names.

You can use a monogram as your wedding cake topper in several different ways. The monogram can be created using spun sugar, flowers or you can purchase a monogram cake topper made from plastic or lightweight metal.

Traditional Wedding Cake Toppers


There’s something very charming about a wedding cake topped with the traditional bride and groom standing side by side. Traditional cake toppers give your wedding cake a very cute and retro look. If you’re thinking that you and your fiancé aren’t exactly the traditional bride and groom, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use a traditional wedding cake topper. These days, retailers offer different choices of brides and grooms in every color, shape and size. For couples who want to give their wedding cake a touch of classic appeal, a traditional wedding cake topper is just right.

With so many choices to top your wedding cake, you’ll surely find a wedding cake topper that will go perfectly with your cake. Think about your personal wedding style and determine which topper, floral, humorous, monogram or traditional, is best to crown your wedding cake.

Recommended Companies offering a wide assortment of Cake Toppers

Specialty Wedding Cake Toppers

Whimsical Cake Toppers

Personalized Cake Toppers

Figurine Cake Toppers


Additional Wedding Planning Reading
www.merrybrides.livejournal.com
www.funweddings.blogspot.com
www.merrybrides.blog.com

A wedding expert, Elizabeth Reuth offers a wedding planning guide online for brides and grooms and is the author of the popular wedding vow book Perfect Wedding Vows in Minutes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Reuth

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6/16/07

Six Tips for a Great Coffee Wedding Favor


By: Lisa Carter

A lot of people love coffee. For some individuals, mornings are simply not complete without a great steaming cup of aromatic and flavorful coffee. This is probably why coffee has now also invaded the wedding scene. If you’re also thinking of handing out coffee favors then take a look at these great tips for coming up with the perfect coffee wedding favor.

Study the Basics of Coffee

Coffee brands and blends were not created equal. Coffee fanatics among your guests would notice if your coffee wedding favor is not the best kind. Take time then to get to know basic details about coffee.

Your coffee wedding favor research should start with the beans. The two major beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is more popular and reputedly more flavorful. Robusta however generally has more caffeine content and is cheaper. You can have ground coffee or coffee beans in your coffee wedding favor. From your coffee wedding favor bean inquiry you can move on to choosing among the many bean variations like Kona, Columbian, decaf, organic and many more. The most common choice is to have a coffee bean blend. There are also a great variety of flavors to choose from such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, butter rum, cinnamon and Irish cream.

Sample the Merchandise

The best way to choose the right kind of coffee for your coffee wedding favor is to sample the different kinds of coffee yourself. Your coffee wedding favor should be able to speak well about your own personal taste and personality. If you are not confident about your choice, you can ask a group of friends to help you choose a good blend or flavor.

Be Creative with the Package

Most coffee favors are simple packs of coffee bean blends with the details of the event up front. You can however be more creative with your coffee wedding favor. You have the choice among mugs, tin cans and baskets to hold your coffee wedding favor. The advantage with these containers is that your guests can still have a useful reminder of your special day long after they have consumed their coffee giveaway.

Be Generously Sweet

A lot of coffee drinkers prefer to pair their cups of coffee with little sweet edibles. Generously add a few things in your wedding favor like homemade cookies or chocolate candies.

Add Some Great Accessories
You may include a personalized coffee favor accessory with your coffee pack instead of having a personalized container for your coffee wedding favor. Wrap a silver spoon or stirrer or a heart shaped coffee scoop in tulle and ribbons to add to your coffee pack.

Be Considerate of Others

It’s true that a lot of people really drink coffee but there are also some who prefer tea or do not drink coffee at all. Add a few items in your giveaway for your non coffee drinking guests. The most common options include tea and chocolate drinks. You should be careful though with how you pack your wedding favor. Include too many items and it may start to look like a grocery store goods giveaway.


Fun Links



Wedding Advice:

Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Wedding Planning Guide
Fun Weddings Weddings on a Budget Ashlee Wedding Window - Create your own Wedding Website
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Lisa Carter is an expert in wedding planning. Get her Coffee Wedding Favors here or visit her site at www.Your-Wedding-Plans.com for money-saving tips and other wedding favor ideas and other useful advise for your dream wedding

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Checklist Of Flowers For Your Wedding Day

Sky Facet, LLC

By Dawn Dingus

Weddings and beautiful flowers go hand in hand. Fresh flowers, silk flowers, dried flowers and preserved flower arrangements alike require special preparations and planning. Whether you intend to hire a professional florist or make your own wedding floral arrangements, it is a good idea to create a checklist of flowers that you will need for your special day.

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The following list includes flower arrangements for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, bridal party members, family members and other individuals providing special services or assistance throughout your wedding day. Use the checklist below as a general guide to assist you in creating your own personalized checklist of flowers. Add or remove items from the list based on your wedding day needs. Creating wedding checklists well in advance will not only give you and/or your family time to plan and save money for expenses, but it will assist you in keeping your wedding plans organized and detailed. Once you have determined the number and different types of flower arrangements you will need, you can set your wedding flowers budget and begin researching different floral designs to coordinate with your wedding day theme.

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Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony

Guest Book Table or Stand

Candelabras

Unity Candle Table or Stand

Church Pews (with or without pew bows)

Alter

Wedding Arch

Piano and/or Organ

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Flowers for the Bridal Party, Family and Other Individuals

Bride's Bouquet

Bouquets for Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

Flower Girl Basket and Flower Girl Crown/Hair Accessory

Corsages for Mothers and Grandmothers

Boutonniere for Groom

Boutonnieres for Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers and Ring Bearer

Boutonnieres for Fathers and Grandfathers

Boutonniere for Minister/Officiant

Corsages or Boutonnieres for Pianist/Organist

Corsages or Boutonnieres for Wedding Coordinator

Corsages or Boutonnieres for those providing special services or assistance.

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Flowers for the Wedding Reception

Candelabras

Chandeliers

Wedding Party Head Table

Guest Tables

Cake Table

Cake Knife and Cake Server

Buffet Table(s)

Other Food Tables

Gift Table

Lattice Partitions

Columns/Poles

Free-Standing Arrangements



Fun Links:


About the author: Dawn Dingus is an experienced wedding planner and content writer for SouthernCraftworks.com and PersonalizeYourGift.net. Shop at http://www.SouthernCraftworks.com for wedding accessories, bridal jewelry, personalized candles, keepsakes, favors and engraved gifts for all occasions.

Wedding Advice: Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Wedding Planning Guide Fun Weddings Weddings on a Budget Ashlee Weddings
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6/10/07

How to Choose your Wedding Videographer

The Wine Messenger


Author: Shawn Hickman

Your dream wedding takes months of planning and lots of hard work. You’ve painstakingly researched every detail to make your wedding day perfect. When the day is over you want to see and hear the joy and excitement all over again. A quality wedding video will allow you to re-live those emotional moments again and again. Magical moments for generations to come!

Therefore you want someone you can trust to do a professional job, but need some help finding the right video production company. Lets outline some of the most important tips in finding the perfect wedding videographer for your needs.

THE BUDGET

Costs for wedding videography vary greatly. Many new add-on items like “Love Stories,” Childhood Photo Montages,” rehearsal dinner coverage, dvd creation, and large screen presentations all add to the overall costs. Narrowing down the things that mean most to you will help before you get started.

VIDEO COVERAGE

Some videographers give unlimited time while others have packages with a certain number of hours built in.

One hour minimum of pre-ceremony coverage is needed to capture the best pre-ceremony shots. This can be some of the best video coverage of the whole day.

Three full hours of reception time should be sufficient to capture most of the major events during the reception. This should give you a good idea of the total time your videographer will need to cover the important events of the day.

VIDEO & AUDIO EQUIPMENT

Most perspective brides have no idea what type of professional equipment a videographer will use, so all you can go by is your own eyes and ears. See at least two or three samples of their work. Many web sites have streaming samples that will give you an idea of that company’s style and artistic flow. Video quality can be harder to see due to the inherent compromises compression puts on a streaming video via the web. Closer examination of their work can only be seen in person. This gives the added benefit of meeting your videographer and seeing how attentive they are to your needs. Remember they will be representing you at the wedding!

VIDEO AND AUDIO QUALITY

I believe that video quality starts with acquisition. The camera and audio gear used by wedding professionals varies greatly as well. Therein lies some major cost differences between video companies. Some lenses cost as much as some professional cameras. “High-end” videographers use the best gear money can buy. Great sound quality can only be achieved through expensive audio support gear and proper preparation. Trust your own ears when viewing demo samples and compare to any great movie or television show. This is an often over-looked feature, even by professionals. Great audio is crucial to the overall production. While listening to sample clips, pay attention to how clear the vows, music, readers, and minister’s voices sound. A good videographer may even run a remote feed back to his camera directly out of the DJ or band's sound board. Ambient audio can then be mixed in during editing for an even better sound mix. After all, with home theatres becoming more common, your wedding movie could rival anything seen on TV today!

FLOW, CONTENT, AND EMOTION

Editing is not just deciding what stays in and what goes out of your wedding video. Editing can emphasize all the emotions and create a visual and audio experience that will captivate. Great movies are edited for film and editors win academy awards. The same is true of your videographer. Did you cry watching someone elses wedding video during the demo appointment? Video is an emotional experience that is enhanced by subtle editing techniques. Many hours of time will go into your wedding video. For those who just want raw footage, with no audio “sweetening”, slow motion, music, and opening or closing/recap montages, maybe your videographer will adjust his price for you. However, this can take out a lot of the “magic” editing can bring to your wedding movie!

INTERVIEWS

Even though your videographer should be as unobtrusive as possible, please point out it may be your wish not to put any of your guests on the spot for interviews. Discuss who is important, and who should be interviewed. Ask the videographer how he approaches people for an interview.

PERSONALITY

Personality is important so you get along well with your videographer. How well does the videographer listen to you? Your videographer should be flexible on what you would like. Ask as many questions that pop into your head and observe the way they answer your questions. I often watch bridal chat forums to hear how sweet their photographer or videographer was. This is important and shows they care about you.

STYLE

Styles also vary, but a really good videographer can deliver many different styles. Just like photographers using the “photojournalistic” approach as opposed to the traditional and formal posed shots, videographers can offer their own style of documentary as well. Many videographers offer the “short edit”, which is either on add-on or part of their package. Please ask how long the typical edited video might be for your wedding. An eight hour wedding day could be condensed to a 35 – 45 minute total program with the “short edit” concept.

REPUTATION

Reputations for professionals are built and earned. The good ones usually have a long track record in their field of work. Quality control over many years will make or break most companies. Again, this is where the cost factor definitely comes to play as an expensive wedding video production company can targetr their talents towards a more discriminating audience, albeit smaller. These companies may demand a premium, but will more than likely provide more than what you expected. These higher-end videographers do far less wedding videos per year, but demand a higher price. If they were not in demand they would go out of business.



Fun Sites:


Sponsors: http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.wordpress.com, http://funwedddings.blog.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com http://merrybrides.blog.com http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.blogspot.com

About the Author: Need a wedding venue... Holy Trinity Reception Center
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6/5/07

Bridal Shower - 6 Ways to Create an Unforgettable Invitation



*Author: Anthony Lee

Here are the ways to create an unforgettable bridal shower invitation.

1. Use pop-ups - Hey, it's not just for kids and pre-teens. Pop-ups make a nice statement and a pleasant surprise. Use an ordinary paper-folded pop-up or a wire pop-up that springs into position when the envelope or invitation is opened. Pick an element taken from your shower theme such as a pair of hearts, a church, wedding bells, flowers or a pair of doves for the pop-up.

2. Ticket to the shower - Why not make give your bridal shower invitation a different flavor by making it look like a concert or theater ticket? Print the title of your invite on one side and include the details (place, time and dress code) on the other side. When guests come in through the door, assign a 'ticket taker' to tear a portion of the invitation and let the guests keep the rest.

3. Use natural materials - Go green with your bridal shower invitation and use recycled paper and bio-degradable materials. Use pressed leaves and dried flowers to decorate the invitation. To make a nice-smelling card, use dried fragrant flowers like roses, gardenias and lavender.

4. A sparkling affair - Why not include rhinestones in your bridal shower invitation? Rhinestones shine and sparkle even when used in small quantities. If your invitation has a drawing of a rose in front, glue a rhinestone in the middle or on one of the petals. Rhinestone can also shine inside an illustration of a martini glass or between two hearts.

5. Go handmade - Handmade bridal invitation cards are a smart and beautiful way to send out invites to a special occasion. Since they are handmade, no two invitations are exactly alike. Plus, you can also customize to include your favorite design elements.

6. The scent of things to come - Want to make your bridal shower invitation memorable? Using your favorite cologne or perfume, lightly spray or dab the invitation before sealing it in an envelope. The scent will stay on for several days and will still smell as good even if your guest opened it a few days later.


Fun Links


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    5/22/07




    Save 10% on Party Supply orders $100+


    By Christopher Smith

    Are you planning a bridal shower but want to make it a bit different than the usual shower? Consider incorporating an afternoon tea theme into your plans. The event doesn't need to be a serious high tea with straight faces all around. Make it fun for the bride and the guests by going all out and encouraging everyone to get involved.

    If you want your guests to arrive prepared, make sure their invitation states that they are invited for an afternoon tea party. Hint that they bring items to help lighten the mood, such as fancy gloves, hankies or hats that they can use all through the shower. Getting the guests involved before the shower means fewer surprises during the shower and gives them a heads up as to what they can expect. There will always be some guests who won't feel comfortable participating, so don't let them get you down.

    It's also a great idea to have some extra costume pieces for guests who don't have anything at home that they can bring.

    The best way to get the atmosphere of an afternoon tea is to serve tea in fancy tea pots. Borrow these from friends and family if you don't have them yourself. Just be careful with them to make sure they don't break. You'll also require fancy tea cups and saucers and entice everyone to drink with their pinkie fingers in the air! Make it light-hearted and turn it into a shower game!

    You can also use tea pots as vases and fill them with fresh flowers. These would make excellent centerpieces, set on a napkin or embroidered cloth.

    To accompany the tea, serve dainty sandwiches filled with cream cheese and cucumber slices. Scones with homemade preserves and thick cream are also applicable for this theme. Small cookies and squares will introduce some diversity to your party menu.

    An afternoon tea bridal shower isn't complete without, of course, the tea. But don't feel constrained to only this beverage. You can serve iced tea, coffee, or punch as well, but keep in the spirit by serving all of the drinks in tea cups.

    If you have lots of room, set up dainty tables with four or five chairs at each table for the atmosphere of smaller parties going on at the same time. If tea is the main beverage, you can set up one pot per table and let your guests help themselves.

    Keep the bride involved in the theme by providing some tea party garments for her. She may appreciate the theme since it will take some of the attention and pressure off of her as the guests get caught up in their tea party. Having a theme also helps to keep the festivities going without those awkward silences that occasionally happen because it gives people who don't have a lot in common something to talk about.

    Make sure that you and your co-hosts are willing to jump head first into the shower theme. The more you are willing to get into it, the more willing your guests will be to follow suit. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and will make everyone else more comfortable to join in. If you're having fun, your guests will too.




    Recommended Links:




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    Fun WeddingsWeddings on a BudgetAshlee WeddingsWedding Window - Create your own Wedding Website







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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    DecorateFor can give you great ideas on     Fresh Flower Arrangements, House Plants and Winter Decoration Ideas. Visit us today.


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      5/4/07

      Choosing the Perfect Groom's Cake

      HerRoom What's Hot

      by Heather Robinson

      You and your groom can stretch your creative minds when choosing your groom's cake. You should have fun with it!

      Traditionally, the groom’s cake was meant to be carried home by guests. For this reason, it was made with durable ingredients such as fruit. Yes, all grooms cakes were once fruitcakes! Unmarried females would actually sleep with their piece of cake! They reportedly would dream of the man they were supposed to marry!

      Guess what? You don't have to follow tradition anymore! It's safe to say that your women guests will most likely forgo sleeping with a piece of your groom’s cake!

      Today, groom's cakes come in all shapes and sizes. So, how do you decide on your groom’s cake? Here are a few suggestions:
      Ask your groom's advice. The final decision may ultimately be yours, but at least ask him his opinion before you throw down money on it. You probably don't want to end up with a groom’s cake that the groom will hate.

      Go bold! Consider bold cake flavors such as a rich chocolate fudge torte, red velvet or tiramisu that will complement your wedding cake.

      Consider various cake flavors. Be open-minded about cake flavors. Consider these great cake flavors: hazelnut, pumpkin, coconut cream, almond, banana walnut and carrot to name a few.

      Make a statement with fillings. Pleasantly surprise your guests with fillings such as praline, peanut butter, Irish cream, coffee or cappuccino!

      To theme or not to theme.

      Your groom wants a cake that resembles a large mouth bass and you are not thrilled with the idea of a fish near your wedding cake! What do you do?

      You could just give in and give him what he wants. However, if the idea is just eating you away consider offering the grooms cake at the rehearsal dinner instead of the reception where only your close family and friends will see it! If the budget allows consider having two cakes - the fish cake can be for the rehearsal dinner and the cake of your choice could be for the reception.

      A bit of advice - try not to make the grooms cake a source of contention. When everything is said and done you will most likely feel regret for causing a rift between you and your husband over a cake.

      Groom's cake ideas. Two tiered cake with chocolate frosting adorned with chocolate covered strawberries and greenery, a tuxedo, a shirt and tie, John Deere logo or tractor, deer, a sports ball, the logo of his favorite sports theme, his company logo, a musical instrument, his favorite pet, a cake in the shape of his name, a cake in the shape of the state where he is from. The idea here is to be as creative as you wish!

      Don't leave the table out. The table that the grooms cake sits on should be decorated as well. You could use greenery, fabric or strawberries. You could also use items that have meaning to the groom such as a childhood photo.

      Cost saving tips.

      Save money by purchasing your wedding cake and your groom’s cake from the same bakery. Ask if they will offer you a discount.

      Have someone make the grooms cake for you.

      Make it a sheet cake. Sheet cakes are less expensive than tiered cakes.

      Pay someone to bake and frost a cake, but ask a friend or family member to decorate it for you.

      Skip the grooms cake altogether. There is no rule book that says you have to have a groom’s cake.
      Have fun choosing your grooms cake. Be creative and offer your guests a unique cake experience. Whichever cake you choose it should be a reflection of you and your groom's personality. Have fun with it and it will be a great addition to your wedding!

      Recommended Sites:


      Sponsors: Wedding Planning Resource Louis Vuitton handbags Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Fun Weddings Wedding Planning Guide Diamond.com

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      5/3/07

      Save on Catering - Plan a Tantalizing, yet Wallet-Friendly, Menu for your Wedding Reception




      Suffering from catering sticker shock? You betcha! You will allocate about 50% of your entire wedding budget to wining and dining your guests. If you're already dreading the look on their faces when offered bread and water, browse through these favorite money saving tips. Budget-savvy brides can get creative and wow their guests with a mouthwatering and memorable meal that won't maximize their catering budget.
      Eliminate Courses -
      Break from the five course mold as it's tedious and expensive. Why not serve a 3 course meal that's extraordinary? Eliminating a soup, salad, or an extra dessert at your wedding reception will go unnoticed and will free up some of your catering budget for what really excites you.

      Appetizer Tables -
      Passed hors d'oeuvres, while elegant, can drain your catering budget. Consider instead an appetizer table. And don't fret that this decision will scream low end. Infuse the table with creative displays; even a vegetable tray can be done to evoke the ultimate in class and panache.

      A Casual Affair -
      The most stylish events are not always black tie. A recent trend has brides breaking from the stuffy formal wedding reception and embracing a more casual and festive atmosphere. Consider instead a down-home barbeque, a New England Clambake, a Mexican Fiesta. With a little insight and ingenuity, you can serve these relaxed themes in a manner that's positively chic.

      A Non-Dinner Affair -
      Dinner is the most expensive meal to serve. Save on catering by considering a brunch, lunch or even a dessert reception. Your wedding budget will thank you.

      A Cocktail Reception -
      Along those lines, consider a menu consisting entirely of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. If your wedding reception does not coincide with a meal time, a cocktail and appetizer reception is perfectly acceptable. Since these events typically run for only two hours, in addition to savings on catering - location, staffing and other rental fees are also considerably reduced.

      Recommended Sites:




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      5/1/07

      Married or Maiden Name? Behind the Last Name (Change)


      By Cori Locklin

      Suffering From Identity Crisis?

      Call it the precursor to the "Mommy Wars," the name change debate can be just as ruthless, just as grievous, and that seemingly perfect solution, just as elusive.

      Granted, for many women the name game is a non-issue. In fact, The Lucy Stone League, an organization named after a woman who refused to take her husband's name when she married in 1855, estimates about 90 percent of women marrying today will drop their own name to take their husband's. Hmmmm, so is the great debate merely a grand illusion leftover from bra-burning second wave feminists of the 1970s?

      Hardly. Because while most women say "I do" to taking their husband's last name, a great many of them struggle with the concept and the decision. A quick glance at some online forums dedicated to the topic affirmed that this is still a hot button issue with judgment, perceived or actual, running rampant on both sides of the proverbial fence.

      Even those brides who didn't agonize over the decision are painfully aware of potential ramifications of their married name and judgments the other camp may inflict; "Oh! you took his last name? Well, isn't that so 1950's house-wifey of you!" And the condemnation is by no means exclusive to one side. From the other side, you may hear, "So you hyphenated your last name? Are you that insecure that you feel the need to assert your independence with every penned signature?" And so on and so forth. The judgment of women by fellow women seems to begin with the name change and continues through to the next hot button issue whether or not to work outside the home. And we all know that no one is going to solve these issues any time soon.
      Thus, it's understandable that many engaged women struggle with the notion of the impending name change. If you are one of those women who can't seem to find that easy answer - that perfect solution - relax in knowing that you're not the first women to wrestle with the concept, and you most certainly won't be the last.

      Reasons Women Resist

      Changing your name is never easy; you must get a new driver's license, passport, and credit cards. Then slowly you change subscriptions, membership cards, address books. The process is inconvenient and time consuming, but this doesn't even factor how long it takes psychologically to accept a new married name as your true identity. The root of the dissonance lies deeper.

      Identity - Let's face it, the thought of changing the name that's stamped on your birth certificate can seem like a door slamming shut on the woman that was. For many women this is a tough psychological transition to accept.

      Cultural Significance - Some women, particularly from strong ethnic backgrounds, consider their maiden names a testament to a proud cultural background strongly tied to their character. Any other name would be an inaccurate depiction of their cultural identity. A woman of Asian descent, for example, may find it absurd to transform suddenly into a "Smith" or a "Jones."

      Family History - A rich and storied family background may have bore a woman a name wrought with historical meaning signifying generations of ancestors who overcame countless obstacles to flourish in a new world. She may have a strong personal connection to such a name that she's not quite ready to shake.

      Professional Consideration - For women who have literally built names for themselves professionally, they may find a name change too difficult or too costly for their careers.

      Lineage - Many women feel a strong urge to ensure their family name lives on. Perhaps you are the last in your generation who can pass down the family moniker and don't want to be the cause of a dying breed.

      Aesthetics - Yes, we all laughed at "Julia Gulia," but many women do face the prospect of marrying into a name that either sounds ridiculous with their first name (a number of jokes come to mind), or a name that is extremely difficult to pronounce or spell. If you've been a "Jones" all of your life, going to a 5-syllable name may prove a tough transition.

      Societal Implications - For some the tradition of the woman changing her name upon marriage seems patriarchal and signifies a change in "ownership" from father to husband. You may ask why society still practices such a symbolically oppressive tradition in these supposedly modern times.

      Options Galore

      Just like the number of potential personal reasons behind the internal struggle, the range of naming options varies. Before making a hasty decision, realize that there a number of ways you can go in finding a name that fits.

      Maiden in the Middle - Take his name but replace your middle name with your maiden name. You can still have both names without the often-awkward hyphen.

      Implications - This is a great way to honor both your maiden name and your hubby's. You will still have to go through the process of changing your name, however, and if you feel this solution does not properly address the societal implications of female ownership, this option may not work for you. You may also really like your middle name and hesitate to lose it.

      Pass it On - Take his name and give your maiden name to one of your children, either as a first or middle name.

      Implications - This is another good way to pay homage to your maiden name and ensure that it survives at least one more generation. Again, if you have concerns with the idea of changing your last name at all, this may not be the solution for you.

      A Night and Day Difference - Keep your maiden name professionally and his name socially. You can go ahead and officially change your name, while keeping your maiden name at work and in professional circles (many celebrities do this).

      Implications - This option seems like a good compromise, but realize that many people will get confused, especially if a lot of your social network is comprised of professional acquaintances and vice versa.

      Have it All - Add his name to the end of yours essentially creating two middle names for yourself. You don't always have to go by all four, and you will both have the same last name without the confusing hyphen.

      Implications - You will still essentially have his last name; if this is a problem for you, this may not be a solution. You may also find that your maiden name gets lost amongst the four names over time.

      Call in the Hyphen - Use a hyphen to link your last name with your husband's.

      Implications - This option lets you have the best of both worlds, but can be tough on the tongue and even the ear. Of course, there is also the whole conundrum: Mrs. Long-Smith marries Mr. Tom-Jones, and they have a son named Mr. Tom-Jones-Long-Smith. Because of this, many perceive the hyphen as merely a one-generation solution. Also, consider the fact that your immediate family will all have different last names. There is something very unifying about introducing the bunch as "The Anderson Family."

      Get Creative - Create a new name either hyphenated or a new name altogether that you both share.

      Implications - The epitome of fairness and compromise, this option solves the problem of multiple last names for the same family. However, if you were originally hesitant to give up your identity to take his last name, taking on a completely random identity with no ties to either of you may seem senseless.

      His and Hers - Keep your name, both of you will have different last names entirely

      Implications - By keeping your name as is, you can forego the whole name change process. You stay you; he stays himself. Amazingly enough in these seemingly modern times, however, having a different last name from your husband can cause confusion. What will you name your children? And regardless of how many people you inform that you have kept your maiden name, some will still refer to you as Mrs. Husbandslastname. You will need to be prepared to handle this gracefully when correcting people.

      Go Mod. - Keep your name and he takes your name.

      Implications - Well, why not?? Women have been doing it for centuries, so it's about time the tables turned. But let's face it - even in these modern times - the idea of a man taking his wife's last name can seem outrageously "out-there" to some. He may face some ridicule from his friends, and his family may or may not be supportive of the idea. And if you are insistent that your taking his last name is oppressive, why is it any less oppressive for him to have to take yours?

      Go Traditional - Take his name, and join the ranks of 90% of women getting married today.

      Implications - Convenience-wise, taking his name will make your life easier (you won't have to explain to countless strangers that yes, you really are married, and yes, little Tom and Jane really are your children. Deep down, many women see doing so as an act of love and commitment, not something to be judged in terms of gender politics. If being perceived as old-fashioned and dependent are what's stopping you, assert your independence and ignore it. Instead, consider taking your husband's name a sign of entering new stage in life, for there aren't too many instances when it's perfectly acceptable and even encouraged to shed your old skin and embrace a fresh new beginning. Of course, if letting go of your maiden name just doesn't feel quite right for you don't fight it for tradition's sake (see above for possible alternative solutions!)

      Things to Remember

      Regardless of the name you choose, invite your future husband into your internal dialogue. If the decision is troublesome for you, alert him from the beginning and discuss with him your reasons for debating the name change. The final decision should be one that is comfortable for both of you and to heck with the rest of them!

      And just what can we take away from the sea of perplexities and countless naming options? It's important to realize that a woman's identity is not ultimately tied to her last name. Many women who take their husband's last name are far from traditionalists. Likewise, not every woman who keeps her maiden name or some combination of both possesses the feminist fire of a Lucy Stone. So yes, pondering whether to change our last names often involves an internal struggle, but we women should delight in knowing that our true character is more complex than a name. If the perfect solution proves elusive, rest assured that regardless of the name you take you will always be yourself in all your mannerisms, quirks and idiosyncrasies that make you uniquely you. Cheers to you!








      Useful Sites

      Sponsors: http://www.elegala.com http://merrybrides.wordpress.com, www.windsor.weddingwindow.com http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.blog.com

      For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com/ , your ultimate wedding planning resource.
      http://www.articlealley.com/article_59749_41.html Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering a comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and their recommended vendors, along with planning articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries.

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      4/30/07

      DIY Wedding Invitations

      Claddagh Wedding Invitations and Envelopes




      By Jane Martin

      The first step in DIY wedding invitations is to gather the information needed. Addresses, times, the actual event and other instructions the attendees will require. It is also helpful to know at least about how many you'

      Look at the numbers of invitations you plan to create and the budget you have. This will tell you how complex you can get without spending too much time or money on the project.

      It is not difficult to find ready made kits to help you. Some are essentially blank cards with wedding related clip art and some decorative borders. Others not only include cards but computer programs to aid in the creation of the invitations. While helpful they are not essential especially if you have software already on your computer (which is often better than the software in the kits) and the skills to use them.

      When you start the DIY wedding invitations, the two keys to keep in mind are clarity and beauty. You want the cards to be attractive and lovely, and you don't want the card to be difficult to read. Don't be afraid to design in a publishing or word processing program, print out samples and make changes. Always print before making a decision, as no matter how hard they try, images on screen and on paper aren't the same thing. Use ordinary paper until you get the results you want, then you can go to using the actual paper you intend. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can use a paper cutter, hole punch, tape and more than one kind of paper to create impressive effects at the cost of time and effort.

      The cards you create have a huge advantage over professionally made cards. They can perfectly reflect your personality and desires, instead of what someone else thinks is appropriate. If the number of cards isn't too high, it is possible to add a color picture of the couple. Even if the guest list is too large for the ink required, the guests with parts in the wedding can get such personal attention.

      For some, there is a tendency to think that printing is the end of the process, except for putting the cards into an envelope. Don't be afraid to sign the cards, if there aren't too many, or to use attachments like colored card stock shaped like a heart or butterfly, or a ribbon.

      Once you have the design finalized, create one. Test your plan to see if it really looks like you desire before you start a large print batch. Depending on the design chosen and the printer, this process can take some time, so plan around any need to keep feeding cards into the printer or keep any eye on the printing.

      Once you have created your DIY wedding invitations, check them against the guest list, collate them into envelopes and send them out, with one less task for you to worry about.




      Recommended Sites:




      Sponsors: http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.wordpress.com http://weddingsbyashlee.blog.com www.windsor.weddingwindow.com

      About the Author
      Jane Martin is an ex-wedding planner who now provides free help and advice to brides and grooms. Her latest projects include www.theonlineweddingguide.co.uk and       www.weddingplansecrets.com




      InvitationBox.com

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      4/26/07

      How to Create a Customized Wedding


      (MS) - More so than ever, soon-to-be-wed couples are establishing their own traditions by looking for ways to impart a custom feel into their weddings - without breaking the bank. Weddings have a tendency to be contagious, and chances are, you've already been invited to a number of weddings this year. After a while the same traditions can become tedious and routine. If you are planning your own wedding, you may be competing with others you know for unique ideas.

      Did you know that according to the latest findings, 2.4 million weddings occur annually? That's a lot of bouquet tossing and wedding band renditions of "The Wind Beneath my Wings" to sit through. It's no wonder most brides want their ceremony and reception to be different. Maybe you're inspired by the lavish celebrity affairs, many of whom fly entourages to exotic locales like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes did last year in Italy, or clean out florists' supplies of an entire species of flower all in the effort to be different. Celebrities have the bankrolls to do so. But you, too, can have a custom affair with an average wedding budget. So apart from choosing personal wedding songs and outlandish bridesmaids' gowns, what can you do to be unique? Plenty.

      "With a creative imagination and some internet resources, you can host a custom wedding," says Ava Jordon, an Illinois wedding planner. "From personalized stationery to memorable keepsakes, there are a number of ways to put your special touch on the affair."

      1. On Location: Change the setting of the wedding. Think beyond the local reception hall. Investigate a park, theater, museum or even a building rooftop. You may be able to get these venues for a steal. Also, destination weddings are growing in popularity. According to the American Wedding Study conducted by the Conde Nast Bridal Group in 2006, about 16 percent of all couples have a destination wedding, a 400 percent increase in the past 10 years. Your destination can be a Caribbean island, the San Francisco Bay or a European castle.

      2. Break the rules: Okay, so there really aren't hard-set rules in weddings, except for those that your house of worship may require. Still, people become accustomed to certain traditions. Go against the norm. If the groom wants a female "best man" that's his prerogative. If the bride wants to ditch the white gown and wear a drop-dead-gorgeous red dress, she certainly has the right. The first dance at the reception doesn't have to be a sappy love song. Choose an up-tempo number or your favorite rock hit. It's a celebration after all. Some guests' jaws may drop initially, but soon they'll understand you're just expressing creative license.

      3. Personalize stationery: Couples can show their personalities through the stationery they choose - from quirky save-the-date fridge magnets to thank you notes that all form a cohesive theme. A well-designed invitation set not only establishes the mood of the event, it also informs guests of what to do and when. But traditionally stationery doesn't offer many opportunities for personalization, especially if you're planning a wedding that has unique communication needs, such as a destination wedding. Checkerboard Ltd. has a line of wedding stationery called Blue Moon that opens up the possibilities for customization. It provides all the elements couples need to communicate with their guests when they are planning destination weddings or have special requirements where stationery needs to be more than just a response card and ceremony announcement. For example, Blue Moon sets include save-the-date cards, invitations to special activities, schedule of events, stickers forlocal maps and guidebooks, tags for gift bags, maps, directions cards, welcome letters, programs, and custom folders to keep all these documents together. Styles include tropical, al fresco and island botanical themes, beautiful alpine imagery, and seasonal designs. Most invitations can be customized for almost any destination, whether it's overseas or the next town over.

      4. Take the cake: Instead of a tiered wedding cake go for a custom creation. If you've ever tuned into the Food Network you know that cakes can be designed in all shapes and sizes. Or maybe you prefer something even more unique? Whether a series of individual cupcakes, gourmet brownies or your favorite pie, allow your preferences to set the scene instead of feeling the need to conform.

      5. Free DIY favors: Guests look forward to taking home a memento from the wedding. But usually it's just something that ends up collecting dust on a shelf. Who likes those Jordon almonds anyway? For intimate weddings, such as destination wedding affairs where the guest list may be considerably smaller, you can personalize favors for each couple that attends the event. Offer a sweet sentiment and words of thanks for their attendance. Blue Moon has a series of matching wedding favors that you can print out for free on a home computer and assemble yourself at www.checkernet.com/favors. From playing card packages, to CD holders, to flower favor boxes, you can calm stress with some wedding-themed origami and present something truly unique that won't be a budget-breaker.

      Think unique and whimsical for your wedding and definitely stand out from the crowd. It's your special day so make the most of it and enjoy and remember the day forever.


      Recommended Sites
      • Find the perfect invitation for your special day. Choose from hundreds of designs, customize your text, preview and order online.
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      4/24/07

      Wedding Venues - 4 Steps to Finding Your Reception Site


      By Cori Locklin

      When it comes to your wedding reception, the venue is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The wedding venue should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.

      Daunted by the task? Don't be. While you should approach venue selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.

      1. Theme and Style of Event -

      Different types of wedding venues set the stage for specific styles of wedding reception. Before deciding, determine the type of affair you would like to host.

      Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner).

      Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of wedding venue you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

      2. Geographic Location -

      Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? How about a Caribbean island? With today's jet-set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your wedding will dictate the location—a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea…

      3. Size -

      OK—so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great—you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring wedding venues, there is one final criteria to consider - capacity. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of wedding reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacities based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

      4. Now Find Your Site! -

      Find as many venues that meet these initial criteria as you can. Use this handy online Wedding Venues search to find reception sites and services in your area that meet your needs, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each venue and meet with the manager. After that—it's decision making time!


      Recommended Links

        DesignerShoes.com!...Specialty store for Brides who leave a larger footprint

        Wedding Supplies and Favors

        Miniature Wedding Cake candles


        Sponsors: Fun Wedding Great Wedding Advice Merry Brides Plan a Wedding www.Elegala.com

        Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a comprehensive ad-free wedding planning resource featuring a nationwide directory of wedding reception sites and their recommended vendors, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Wedding Reception visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin

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