Advice On Preparing For A Great Home Wedding

By Amanda Jane

Why spend a fortune for a commercial wedding venue when you have your very own backyard or garden to host it? If you have enough space in your yard, then your home would be a good option.

Home weddings used to be the rule and commercial venues the exception since the event itself is truly a family affair. As people's lives became more complicated, and their schedules more hectic, couples began to consider commercial wedding venues.

There is no place like home and holding the event here may not only be more comfortable for the couple but it will also be less expensive. However, you need to have your home all spruced up and you have to prepare for your home wedding.

Assign people

Don't be a control freak. Well, if you must, at least assign a trusted family member or friend to take are of each arrangement. Consider your home wedding as an organization activity where you have to establish a committee that will take care of things. Set up a committee for cleanliness, decoration, safety, catering, tables and chairs and even food test.

Measure your space

Make sure you the total number of people who will be present in your wedding will fit in your yard. This includes the caterers, waiters, guests and even your videographer and photographer. You may have to adjust your guest list to the actual space available in your yard. A buffet party will be ideal if you want to accommodate as many guests because you need not set up formal tables for all of them. This also means you will have an informal set up.

Availability of parking area

Does your neighborhood have enough parking space for your guests? Ask your neighborhood officials if you need to get a permit for the party considering that you may have to reserve a lot of space for parking. This will give the officials a heads up so they can organize the traffic to your area. But if you live in a ranch and you own acres of land then you definitely wouldn't' have any problem with parking space.

Landscape ahead

You want a picturesque view during your wedding so it would be good to plan ahead. Landscape your lawn several months from the event. You should also decide on your theme and color so the landscape artist can figure this in his design.

Check with the officiant

There are denominations that do not allow the holding of wedding ceremonies outside a chapel or a church. If such is the case, you may want to consider another officiant who would agree to the planned venue.

Book a nearby hotel

Some of your guests may come from different places and they would want to check in at the nearest hotel. It is always practical to have your guests billeted at a hotel, either at your own expense or theirs, unless you have a large estate. Make sure you mention this in your invitation so they can also plan ahead.

There are thousand and one things to attend to when you are planning a home wedding. It can get pretty crazy especially when the big day draws near but the satisfaction of being married in a place you call home will always be a cherished memory.

Additional Wedding Advice
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Couture Bridal Look On A Budget

By Shanell Bledsoe


The rumors are true...you don't have to spend a fortune on a wedding gown to look like you did!

The details that make couture style so expensive can be recreated on a simple, inexpensive gown. For instance, some of the trends right now are draped fabric, ruching, sashes, broaches, and unique accessories.

You can start with a simple, strapless satin dress with little or no embellishment. (Search online for "simple wedding gown" or "informal wedding dress.") Add a wide satin sash in a fabulous color, tied either in a bow or square knot, and place a broach in the middle of it. Why not dye your favorite heels to match the sash color? Top it off with a matching satin bolero jacket for a little coverage in case the air is chilly at your reception.

If your wedding is going to be held in an informal location such as a beach or garden, consider a dress in a lightweight, flowy fabric such as chiffon. Complete your look with a satin ribbon around the waist in a beachy color like turquoise or coral, and adorn your feet with footless sandals (or foot jewelry) made with pearls or crystal beads. A long veil is always beautiful blowing in the sea breeze. Imagine those gorgeous pictures!

Another idea for an unembellished dress is to keep the focus on your accessories. A sassy birdcage veil (think Reece Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama!) and vintage chandelier earrings give a sophisticated, elegant look to any simple gown.

Remember, your wedding is all about your individual style. So get creative, look for accessories that show off who you are, and make it your own!


Recommended Link:

Couture Bridal Gowns - Everything you need to create the dress of your dreams!

Additional Wedding Planning Advice
http://merrybrides.blogspot.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com


Written by: Shanell Bledsoe, owner of Destinations Bridal http://www.destinationsbridal.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shanell_Bledsoe

7 Tips For A Great First Dance

By Mike Staff



You don't have to be on "Dancing with the Stars" to enjoy your first dance together as husband and wife. Use these tips...

1. Choose a meaningful song. Select a song you both love and one that keeps an easy beat, especially if you're beginning dancers. When your song lasts longer than the usual three minutes, ask your DJ to fade the ending. Remember: frazzled dancers don't dazzle.

2. Take a couple of dance lessons. Group lessons can be intimidating, but private lessons remove the pressure of dancing for an audience. Your instructor will teach you according to your ability level. With private instruction, beginners can quickly master the basics with confidence. Dancing, like music, lifts the spirit and is so much more enjoyable when shared with your significant other.

3. Decide who leads and who follows. Gender no longer has anything to do with your decision. Choose the pattern that makes you comfortable. There's nothing wrong with following a simple lead. The object of dancing is to enjoy the dance! Being able to follow the leader creates confidence in the follower and makes a more pleasurable dance for the leader, too. If you're feeling brave and brassy, create a dance that switches leads once or twice during the routine.

4. Learn a couple of exciting steps. A pre-planned (choreographed) dip or a twirl makes a splashy statement without the tricky toe work of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. These moves are not only easy, but they offer impressive photo opportunities for still shots and videographers. When you look at them in the future, your photos will take you back to these moments with pride and a satisfied chuckle.

5. Plan your entrance and your exit. Will you clasp hands and kiss before you begin your dance? Will you sashay in from the left and leave to the right? Whatever you decide, be sure to tell your camera operators where and in what direction you will start and finish your dance, as well as any choreographed moves you plan to make. That way, they can prepare to capture the moment in its best light and with the correct angle.

6. Familiarize yourselves with the dance floor. Check out the floor you will dance on. Make sure you know its dimensions. Some styles of dancing (like Foxtrot) require a bigger space. Other styles like nightclub two step don't require much space. Have a good idea of the size and shape your wedding reception dance floor will be so that you can practice and get used to dancing in that amount of space.

7. Practice, practice, practice. Practice on a busy dance floor in a public place. You can also practice at home, of course, (preferably in front of a large, floor-length mirror), but you also need the experience of dancing in front of an audience. Practice your routine at least a couple of times per week, for several weeks, until your feet seem to move without much help from your mind. Concentrate on having fun during your first dance, and your guests will jump to join you on the dance floor.


Recommened Fun Links

Share the details of your wedding through a Wedding Website.


Additional Wedding Planning Advice:
http://funweddings.blog.com, http://merrybrides.livejournal.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions http://www.mikestaff.com/ an award winning Wedding DJ, Entertainment and Videography Company located in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Mike is also a well known Detroit radio personality, having spent over 14 years on-the-air at one of Detroit's most popular music stations, 101-FM WRIF.

© Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Staff

What You Never Knew About Traditional Irish Weddings

By Gregg Hall


The distinctive traditions like Claddagh Rings, superstitions, a special toast, as well as kilts and bagpipes make it really easy to distinguish an Irish wedding from the wedding celebrations of other countries. Let's take a close look at some of these unique components in the Irish wedding.

One of the most unique of all is the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring made to resemble a pair of hands holding a heart with a crown. According to tradition, these rings must be passed down from mother to daughter and since they are intended to be passed down through many generations it is considered improper to purchase one of these rings on your own. There is also a tradition that states how the ring is supposed to be worn. If someone is engaged, the ring is to be worn with the tips of the crown facing outward towards the fingertips. Someone who is not romantically involved would wear the ring in the outward position, meaning that the tips of the crown are pointing to the wrist.

Some of the other unique aspects of traditional Irish weddings are the strange superstitions that surround them. Although a rainy or overcast day is really unwanted at any wedding, it is even less desirable at an Irish celebration because according to tradition the sun must shine down on the bride so that the couple will be blessed with good luck. The Irish are very superstitious people; another sign of good luck for a new couple is the sound of a cuckoo or the sight of three magpies. When it comes to wishing the couple well and congratulating them it is bad luck for a female to be the first one to offer congratulations to the bride. This is why a relative or close friend of the Groom will always be sure that he is first.

No celebration in Ireland would be the same without the sound of Bagpipes and the presence of kilts. By tradition it is customary for the pipes to be played by family and friends of the couple as they walk into the church and also to the reception. In addition, these people who have brought their own bagpipes may also continue to play the pipes for dancing. It is a great opportunity for these individuals to dress in traditional kilts creating a truly distinctive occasion.

Superstitions a play a large role in a traditional Irish wedding and many of the traditional superstitions relate to objects or occurrences that are thought to bring the couple good luck. These events are festive celebrations that involve family, friends, lots of food and great music.

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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about Ireland and Irish Gifts Online at http://www.uniqueirishgifts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall


Additional Wedding Planning Advice

http://merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.com
http://funweddings.blog.com

Wedding Day Meal Options

Wedding Day Meal Options

(MS) - One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make when planning a wedding concerns how to feed the guests. This boils down to two choices: a sit down meal or a buffet style serving. Each has their ups and downs, and which route to take typically depends on a number of factors.

· Degree of formality: Formal weddings often call for a sit-down meal, as it's generally viewed as more elegant. But this doesn't exclude the buffet- style option from formal weddings. At more laid back, but still formal, weddings a buffet-style meal is perfectly acceptable. For weddings that aren't as formal, it's generally best (and less expensive) to offer a buffet style meal.

· The guest list: The global nature of the world today means friends and family are spread out more than ever. The guest lists at many weddings are increasingly looking like a United Nations summit, with attendees coming from all over the map. If a wedding guest list features many guests who have flown or traveled from afar, it might be more appropriate to offer a more relaxed, sit down meal.

The age of guests should be considered as well before deciding on a meal option. If there will be lots of elderly people or even guests with young children, it's probably easier on them to offer a sit down meal. For weddings that boast a particularly young guest list, a buffet style might encourage more mingling and allow those guests to meet one another a lot easier than a sit down meal would.

· Budget: Buffet-style meals are generally less expensive, but this isn't always the case. Some think a sit-down meal will cost more because a wait staff is required to serve the food and drinks. While this is true to an extent, buffet-style meals still require a staff on hand to replace food that has run out. In addition, the time of day of the reception plays a role as well. For example, a buffet-style lunch will not be nearly as expensive as a buffet-style dinner. In general, though, a buffet at a wedding is almost always more budget-friendly than a sit down, typically costing far less per plate.

· Flexibility: Guest lists are often unique, with each guest having particular preferences when it comes to food. This makes buffets an especially attractive option. Sit down meals can be very limiting, which won't bode well for picky eaters. A buffet, however, offers many selections, and chances are even the pickiest of eaters will find something they can devour.

Recommended Reading

Wedding Menus

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The 5 Most Common Diet and Exercise Mistakes

By Rosie Peters

Can't lose weight? Tried absolutely everything, but still frustrated by fat that won't shift or worse, more weight packing onto your tummy, hips and butt despite your best efforts? Frustrated, fragile and reaching stealthily into the larder for a bit of comforting chocolate? Stop right there. Have the strength to put that calming little treat back where you found it and read this - with an open mind.

With a willingness to accept your mistakes. Because you can lose weight and keep it off for life. What's more you can be fit and healthy while you are doing it. You have the key; you just haven't worked out how to use it. Stop bashing your head against the wall and find the door!

If you can admit that the buck stops with you, accept responsibility for your diet and exercise mistakes and move on, then you are on the road to success. These are 5 of the most common diet and exercise mistakes. At the moment you are probably making more than one of them, but don't realize it, or don't have the guts to admit it or don't have the tenacity to get over it. Time to change your attitude. If you want to lose weight and be fit for your lifetime you have to admit your mistakes and move forward.

Diet and exercise mistake #1

Expect weight loss and fitness results immediately. This afternoon, straight after you've skipped your hamburger and large fries lunch and replaced it with an apple and low fat yogurt that you walked all the way to the deli to pick up yourself. If you don't lose a kilogram or so in the first 3 days, give up. No one can say you didn't try.

Reality: It took a long time to pile on your excess weight. It's going to take a long time and a lot of committed discipline to reverse this. Don't struggle - accept this cold hard fact and get on with losing that unwanted weight. The time will pass and the weight will drop off.

Diet and exercise mistake #2

Embrace a fad diet out of the latest popular magazine. Something endorsed by someone very famous; they wouldn't lie to you. Look, it works for Posh Spice - a diet of lettuce and fresh air will work for you too. And it's so severe you won't have to keep at it for too long.

Reality:
Posh Spice, on fairly close inspection, seems to have some surgical aid and personal trainer type involvement to embellish the lettuce and air combination. Her body is part of her business enterprise and she has the money to spend on it. Chances are you are going to have to use your tenacity and dedication rather than your gold plated credit card and impeccable connections in "the industry" to lose weight and keep it off. Stop dreaming; commit yourself to a proven diet and exercise program that you can stick to for life and your erstwhile dream will come true.

Diet and exercise mistake #3

Develop diet and exercise amnesia. When you record your calorie intake and output for the day, underestimate the food you have eaten - both in what you actually ate and in the portion sizes. Skip your exercise today cause you went hard at it yesterday, or was it last Sunday? Never mind you can always exercise more and eat less tomorrow (or eat less and skip the dreaded exercise again).

Reality:
Unless you keep a food and exercise diary and record accurate portions and calories, you are lying to yourself about your diet. If you don't make exercise a daily habit, you have sabotaged your weight loss and fitness program before you even really start. Any diet that tells you not to worry about calories, fat and exercise doesn't really seem to be a diet by definition when you take a minute to think about it.

Diet and exercise mistake #4

Lose some weight, feel good about it, maybe even buy some new slimline clothes, then go back to eating what made you fat in the first place. Get your exercise locating the TV remote and shuffling off to the kitchen for sustenance.

Reality:
If you don't change what you eat and the way you eat it and your exercise regime or lack of it for the term of your natural life, you will be doomed, doomed I tell you (insert manic laughter here). Look, you don't like being fat and unhealthy. In order to turn this around, you have to be willing and able to make permanent changes to your habits that will be disturbing and difficult at first. Over time, your faithful, long suffering body will reward you for your excellent decisions by performing at a much-improved level, with a much better physical and mental outlook. Your cunning brain will begin to crave good food if you give it the time to get used to the idea. It's up to you to take responsibility for permanent change in your life and wait patiently for the rewards.

Diet and exercise mistake #5

Pay no heed to reality. Try to convince yourself that you are OK at this weight, at this level of (non) fitness. Unflattering photos have been taken from a bad angle. Boutiques are stocking only ungenerous brand sizes, not meant for real people. You medical adviser is over-reacting to your cuddly shape with creepy conversations about type 2 diabetes.

Reality:
You can't be Cleopatra (Queen of Denial) forever. Telling yourself you are OK at this weight and that you don't really need a change of diet or exercise is just plain lazy and dodging the issue. You want to lose weight or you would not be reading this. You have to want it enough to be honest with yourself about your current weight and fitness levels and what your goals are.

You have to make a plan for weight loss and exercise and have the determination to stay with it - it is simple. Don't make the mistake of thinking it should be easy. It cannot be easy. Nothing worth doing is easy. But it is very much worth the effort.

Recommended Reading


http://merrybrides.livejournal.com/
http://funweddings.blogspot,com/