The Wedding Party

In ancient times, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, so in order to protect the bride, her friends were richly dressed in costumes similar to the bride's and acted as decoys to confuse the evil spirits.

It was once common for the bride and groom, as well as their friends, to walk to the church on the morning of the wedding. Afraid that a spurned suitor would try to place a curse on the bride and groom, their friends would garb themselves similar to the bride and groom in order to trick the evil wishers.

Today, the function of the bridesmaid is to be a support to the bride as well as her confidant and friend.

Have you ever wondered about the purpose of groomsmen? Legend has it that this came about during ancient times when women were in short supply and a man had to literally kidnap his bride from her village, clan or tribe. The groom-to-be would bring along his 'best men' to help fight off angry family members or from competing suitors.

The best man of days-gone-by was responsible for more than the wedding ring. Since there remained a threat of the bride's family attempting to forcibly gain her return, the best man stayed by the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, protecting the bride and groom from any threats. He also served as a sentry outside the newlyweds' home.

It is believed to bring good luck to the groom if the best man arranges for the groom to carry a good luck charm in his pocket on his wedding day. It is also considered good luck for the best man to pay the officiant's fee in an odd sum.

Nowadays, the role of the groomsmen and best man has been confined to the honorary positions.

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Tom Tsatsos http://www.theamericanwedding.com/ Source: ArticleTrader.com

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Photographing Your Wedding Formals

Whether you choose to do you your formal photographs prior to the ceremony or immediately afterwards, you'll find that these formal group photographs will become some of your most treasured memories in years to come. How your photographer organizes these groupings will have a great effect on the outcome of these photographs. There are a number of different philosophies when it comes to photographing families, bridesmaids and ushers and the biggest obstacle facing you and your photographer are the time constraints which are an unfortunate part of the wedding day.

This is where having a gameplan will be of great benefit. It has been my experience that a "formals" session will typically last anywhere between forty minutes and one hour. Clock-watching becomes a necessity because everyone involved in your wedding day has a job to do, and running late is never a good idea. Your function director will generally have a pretty tight timeline regarding seating your guests and getting dinner on the table. Timely completion of your formal photography session may prevent the burning of 250 plates of Chicken Cordon Bleu, and there's nothing worse than dry, overdone chicken!

I like to start a photography session with the largest groups first. If you have a sizable wedding party they'll appreciate the fact that you've completed their photographs and now they can go enjoy a cocktail and some hor's doerves. Next I like to photograph the bride's family and the groom's, followed by any aunts, uncles, cousins and special requests. Finally, I can concentrate on the Bride and Groom and give them the attention they deserve without worrying about the "next" shot we'll need to take. At this point everyone is ready to be introduced into the reception hall, with nothing but free-flowing candid coverage for the remainder of the day.

If formal photographs are important to you, (and why wouldn't they be) I strongly suggest that you create a list of the formal groupings that you wouldn't want to miss. On such a busy and exciting day you're likely to forget a grouping or two, and you certainly can't hold your photographer responsible for missing a family photo if you never told him to take it! My photography assistant plays the role of "second-string quarterback", holding the clipboard containing the shot list and checking them off as we go. Another tip is to let those folks who you'd like involved in photographs know in advance that they'll be needed. Remember, you may have less than one hour to get this done. You don't have time to track people down and get them to the photography area.

Another possibility which works for some couples is to complete the formal photographs prior to the ceremony. I know some of you are cringing at the thought of breaking with tradition, but if you analyze the advantages you may find that this is an option worth considering. Obviously, a pre-ceremony photo session isn't possible in all cases, but works particularly well when the ceremony and reception are taking place at the same venue. I'll simply have the key parties arrive about one and a half hours prior to the start of the ceremony and then go through the groupings in much the same way as described above. The advantages here are obvious: Time restrictions have been eliminated, cocktail hour can now be enjoyed by everyone, including the bride and groom and best of all, no burnt chicken!
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Andy Heller is the owner/operator of Heller Photography, http://www.hellerphoto.com specializing in Boston Wedding Photography and social events throughout Massachusetts since 1987. He can be reached at 508-668-4277 or by email: andy@hellerphoto.com Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Heller HTTP://FUNWEDDINGS.BLOG.COM, HTTP://FUNWEDDINGS.WORDPRESS.COM http://http://fun.createswebsites.com

Choosing Your Wedding Vows

Just like anything else in your wedding, your vows can reflect on who you are. You may choose a traditional, a religious, a customized, an interfaith, a multilingual, the possibilities are endless. A “wedding vow” is a set of promises you and your groom make to each other during the wedding ceremony. In Western culture, the wedding vows customarily included the notions of unselfishness such as –love-, faithfulness -forsaking others-, unconditionality -in sickness and in health-, and permanence -until death do us part.

During your vows at the very least you must have an officiant and witnesses present. Traditionally, the groom pronounces his vows first, followed by the bride. The order can be changed; there is no law that sets the order in which the vows said. It is possible for the bride and groom to say the vows in unison to each other. Usually the couple will face each other and join hands for their vows.

Almost all wedding officiants allow you to customize your vows, and it should be discussed prior to the ceremony. If you are unsure about the wordage of your vows, ask your friends, family, and the officiant for some examples they’ve used in the past.

Sample Vows:

I, (your name), take you, (your name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my faithful friend, and partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

I, (your name), take you, (your name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.

Remember you and your groom can say different vows.

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Make Smiles Part of Your Family Legacy

Weddings, graduations, family reunions, family vacations, birthdays -- all are milestones that offer many photo ops. The stories behind the smiles are rich and treasured. To help preserve their family histories, one in four Americans will scrapbook their memories this year. With these quick tips and today's technology, it's easy to capture your family history.

Family gatherings are an ideal time to document family history. Before the next family event, record what you know about family members -- birth dates and birth places, married names and maiden names, spouses and other family members. This will help pinpoint any missing information.

* Think about the photos you'd like to take, and make a list of all the shots. Consider groupings of generations, such as all grandparents or grandparents with grandchildren. Try posing together siblings or cousins, or even those who share a common family name. For fun, arrange family members by age or height. Or, document milestones by photographing the oldest person, the youngest person or the family member who came the farthest.

* Plan to take your photos early in the day. Everyone will still be fresh and smiling, the kids will be clean and you won't risk running out of time.

* Don't underestimate the number of photos you'll take. If you're using a traditional camera, pack plenty of film. If you're using a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards. Consider including a few disposable cameras that can be passed around so you can gather everyone's perspective on the occasion.

* During the event, interview family members to fill in the missing blanks in your family survey. Ask about favorite childhood memories, family traditions and what they've accomplished since you last gathered. Be sure to record special family recipes, too.

* After the event, take steps to ensure that your family history is preserved for future generations. A downside to digital photography is that many amateur photographers do not realize that most computer printer inks are not moisture-resistant, and digital prints are more likely to smear, run and fade than traditional photos.

* To ensure long-lasting photo quality, archivists say you should protect images. That's why Krylon has introduced a spray-on digital photo and paper protectant called Preserve It!, which doubles the life of digital photos. Preserve It! protects digital images from early aging and makes them resistant to moisture and fading. Easy-to-use Preserve It!, available in matte and gloss finishes, dries quickly, and its clear formula will not alter the finished photos. The spray also extends the life of images printed on the highest quality paper with the highest quality ink, and works on traditional photos, too. Use it to protect the written family history you've recorded, as well.

* Finally, store your photos correctly. Do not display photos in direct sunlight and store them in a cool place, away from high humidity. Basements and attics are two of the worst places to store precious photos and other papers.

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Wedding Day Emergency Kit

If you have ever attended a wedding or served as a member of the wedding party, you know that things do not always go as smoothly as planned. That is why it is a great idea to pack an Emergency Wedding Kit. You and your bridesmaids will feel more secure knowing that you have your grooming supplies stashed nearby.

Here is a list of items you may want to pack:

Nylons - Don't forget to add a few extra pairs for your bridesmaids!

Clear Nail Polish - Great to stop snags in nylons before it becomes a run

Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Antacids, Eyedrops, and Allergy medicine (if necessary)

Masking Tape- To fix hems

Emery Board/Nail file plus a bottle of the nail polish you are wearing

Hair Accessories-Hair dryer, hair spray, brush, comb, curling iron, bobby pins etc.

Safety Pins

White Chalk - Great for covering stains on a white dress

Tissues

Small sewing kit- needles, threads, scissors

Wet hand wipes

Make-up remover pen (or wipes) to fix smeared eye makeup and lipstick

Make-up - Lip gloss, foundation, lipstick, mascara, powder, blush etc. Put all your makeup plus a compact mirror in a small cosmetic bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Breathmints

Small bottle of water

Healthy snacks such as granola bars in case someone in your bridal party feels weak before the ceremony.

Shoe polish, lint brush

Cell phone - Don't forget to turn off before ceremony!

It is a good idea to pack your Emergency kit the day before the wedding so you don't forget anything. During the reception have one of your bridal attendants stash the kit away for easy access.

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Is Eloping For You?

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by your not including them. In addition, there are also some important questions you need to ask yourself before you run off and get hitched without including those most important to you. Here's a rundown of things to consider when planning to run off like some of the kids are doing nowadays.

What are your family obligations? Will your immediate family be hurt by not being included? And, do you care?

This, before money and personal feelings, comes first. You may want to consider calling your parents before you make the big leap, just to let them in on the secret. Or, perhaps you feel like it would do more harm than good. You might want to include them in the runaway, like so many couples do who simply want to avoid a huge, expensive wedding: a few of you get on a plane to some exotic destination, and wed there.

Then, there's announcing your marriage afterwards. Some couples do send a formal announcement, and some throw their own "reception" or big party after they've wed, which is a great way for family and friends to feel included on your big decision. Others send what's called an "At Home" card, which simply announces that the two of you are married, you're home, and your new names (and addresses, etc.). A personal note explaining why you eloped is often included, to assuage possible hurt feelings.

Lastly, most couples that elope give the advice that in the end, you should do what you want to do. It's your marriage, after all, and if you want to be alone, then so be it.

Should We Still Register and Receive Gifts?

This is a bit of a complicated issue, because many times people close to you may feel insulted or hurt that you didn't want to include them in your ceremony, but you still want them to buy you gifts. Most etiquette mavens recommend that you not register for gifts, but if you want to have a reception for your family and friends, you are more than welcome to accept any gifts they may bring.

Can We Send Announcements

Eloping, by definition, is a secret, unplanned, getaway wedding without anyone's consent. So, if you plan to tell everyone you just want to have a private ceremony, you're actually just having a non-traditional, destination wedding. Announcements are recommended, and gifts are acceptable.

The internet has a plethora of suggestions about where to go if you're planning a wedding getaway.If you want to pay the price, you can certainly hire a coordinator to arrange your plans for you, like they do in Puerto Vallarta or Australia, or even Scotland. Choose where you want to wed, and then begin comparing prices to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Be sure you research marriage license and passport requirements as well as waiting periods. Also be sure there will be an officiant who's able to marry you.

Even eloping can be a complicated wedding plan that will require a bit of organization and money. It all depends on what your image of a "dream day" is. Take that idea, and run away with it.

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14 Tips for an Affordable but Comfortable Tropical Honeymoon

1. Schedule your departure day two days after the wedding to give you ample time for rest after the activities and the celebrations. If you must travel immediately, remember to leave in the middle of the day and not the early morning so you’ll get a good night’s sleep.

2. Ask your travel Agent for Honeymoon Packages, these usually offer the best destinations for honeymooners, not to mention discounts and freebies.

3. Never, ever overbook day trips, you’re not just traveling, you’re with your new Spouse, better save up some energy for the night’s fireworks.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask about certain perks, events.

5. In addition to the above, don’t be afraid to request extra stuff, like a big bathtub, a double bed, or a romantic view.

6. Don’t forget to bring your marriage Certificate along with you, especially if the name of the bride is already under her husband’s name.

7. Pack your camera and lots of film; you won’t want to miss anything. You might also want to pack a disposable underwater camera and extra batteries, these are absurdly pricey in tourist spots, and you wouldn’t want to overspend.

8. Mention to anyone, especially in the café or in the tour boat, that you’re on your honeymoon, yes this may sound a bit embarrassing, but some restaurants give extras like free drinks or gifts for honeymooners. This also works for birthday celebrants.

10. If you want an active honeymoon, research and prepare for water sports; the tropics are a great place, to learn them, always remember to consult hubby before you try one though.

11. Stock up on sun protection. The higher the SPF the better, as you’ll probably be spending whole days out in the sun; you wouldn’t want to get skin cancer after just two weeks of marriage.

12. Some travel agencies include island hopping trips, these are great ways to explore, and enjoy. This is especially good because you’ll get a change in scenery, and won’t easily get bored, especially if you have an extended honeymoon.

13. Even if your valuables are inside your hotel room, keep them under lock, and if you decide to bring them with you, always watch out for stray pickpockets.

14. Bring with you a stock of candles and massage oils that you can place inside your hotel room for that romantic evening after touring and swimming.

And finally, have some fun, relax and enjoy youself.

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Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of www.homeadditionscontractors.com, an online homeowner resource and advice site on do-it-yourself home addition projects. http://funweddings.blogspot.com, http://funweddings.wordpress.com http://funweddings.blogspot.com

You've Got Your Band, Now It's Time To Get Your DJ!

When do you get married? In a church or outside on a beach? Will your reception be at a big hotel or small bed & breakfast? No matter what the answers above are, you still need to find entertainment for your wedding reception. More than 9 out of 10 weddings now include a disc jockey vs a band (This was exactly opposite back 10 years ago when bands performed at the majority of weddings).

Exactly how do you go about choosing one DJ vs another? How can you weed out the “weekend wanna-be’s” from the true professional disc jockeys? The success or failure of your reception lies in that decision.

There are some key items that you need to know when interviewing your disc jockey. In the interview process, you should be able to meet your DJ (not a salesperson) so that you can make sure that the three of you mesh. Here is a list of items that you need to ask your DJ:

1. Do they have complete backup gear on-hand (it does no good back at the office if something goes wrong at your wedding)? Do they have qualified backup DJs available in case of sickness or other reason? There have been too many occasions where a DJ cancels on a wedding client only days or weeks before their wedding date – No backup. You do not want to be days away from your big day and not have any entertainment.

2. Do they have a written agreement or contract? If it’s not in writing – it doesn’t count. Make sure their contract protects you and your rights as well as theirs.

3. What form of music do they use? Vinyl? CD? MP3? If they are using CDs – make sure they are professional anti-skip cd players. This will guarantee that your music will not be interrupted. If they are using MP3’s, make sure they have a backup computer or CD backups. We all know too well that computers can crash. The middle of your first dance is no time to be waiting for a reboot.

4. How up-to-date is their music? Professional disc jockeys belong to DJ subscription services (monthly or weekly releases) – they do not download their music for free off of the internet and they do not rely on buying a couple CDs at the local music store to stay in tune with what is coming out. Ask to see their latest cd’s and verify the release date.

5. Do they have voice mail, a toll free number, website. email and fax number? Do they respond to your calls and emails in a timely fashion. There is nothing worse than doing business with someone that doesn’t return your calls promptly. A professional business person should be responding to you either the same day or at worst, within 24 hours. If you have a question or concern, you cannot wait for days without response.

6. Have they performed at the facility you are having your reception at? Although this is not necessary, the more familiar they are with the layout/staff, the better. If they have not played there before, will they meet you at the facility ahead of your wedding date to do a walk through with you?

7. How much do they have invested in equipment (not music – just equipment)? They can have $1,000 invested in equipment and say that they are a DJ. A true professional will have $7,000 - $15,000 or more invested in just the equipment that they bring into your event. What is the difference? It’s kind of comparing the sound quality of listening to a typical FM radio station and the same song on CD. The CD has so much more depth and clarity compared to the muddy compressed feel of a radio station. You could ask about the brand of equipment that they own (Brands such as American Audio, American DJ, Gemini, Peavey, are typical entry level brands and are an indication that your potential DJ’s equipment is not up to par)

8. How many speakers do they typically use? For the standard 125 person wedding, a true professional DJ will bring in 3 or 4 speakers minimum. There should be a subwoofer or pair of speakers on the ground for bass response. The second pair should be up on stands to provide clarity in the high end frequencies (anything spoken on microphone). Bringing in a single pair of speakers and leaving them on the ground gives you a very muffled sound and guests will not hear announcements, toasts clearly. Using just a pair on stands will get you clarity, but will sound hollow and the DJ will have to raise his volume to compensate for the lack of equipment.

9. Do you have any special needs? Outdoor cocktail hour? Wedding ceremony in the same facility as your reception? Make sure your disc jockey is equipped to handle your needs.

10. Probably the best advise I can give you is this – if you are uncomfortable with any of your DJ’s answers or if you just don’t hit it off with them – walk away. You have to be absolutely confident with your entertainment choice. There is no redo button. Everything must be perfect. Your DJ will not only act as DJ, but your Master of Ceremonies. That means that they are the contact person between banquet staff, the two of you, your photographer, etc. The DJ must coordinate everything. If not – who will? 99% of banquet facilities will tell you that they will coordinate details on the day of your wedding, but reality is – they do not. Once the desert is served, you’ll be hard pressed to even find them.

Remember, if the DJ and their price seems too good to be true –it probably is. Why would a great DJ charge ½ of what the going rate is? Let’s be serious. We all know that you get what you pay for. Have a great wedding – but remember that your entertainment choice will either make your reception a success or a flop. I’ve never known an ice sculpture, picture frame favors or pretty centerpieces make your guests have a great time. It’s all about the entertainment.

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Rob Alberti is the owner of http://www.afterhoursdj.net and contributing writer on http://www.weddinginsider.net Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Alberti http://funweddings.wordpress.com, http://funweddings.blog.com www.fun.createswebsites.com

Bridesmaid Gifts

Your bridesmaids are special people - friends and family members - who you have individually chosen to stand beside you as you begin an exciting new chapter in your life. These individuals have always been there to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a word of encouragement. Now it's time to show them your appreciation for their support.

The following is a list of unique and creative gift ideas to give to all your bridesmaids for their help in making your wedding day all the more special.

Morning at the Spa:
The morning of the wedding, treat them all to an hour at a local spa. They'll be able to relax and feel rejuvenated. Most spas offer facials, nail services, massage and a host of different body wraps and products to take home. Who knows, maybe you can splurge and join them, too. It might be quite awhile before you get to spend quality time with them again. And it will help calm those pre-wedding jitters.

Engraved Heart Locket:
Make each bridesmaid's gift truly memorable, by personalizing it. These types of gifts are always appreciated, and most importantly, they are always remembered. An Engraved Heart Locket is a simple, elegant way to say thank you to all these wonderful women. Consider a monogram on one side and your special message on the other. Place special pictures on the inside. They're sure to be treasured keepsakes.

Gift of Pearls:
Show your appreciation with pearls. They are the perfect wedding accessory, appropriate for brides, members of the bridal party and guests alike. Consider a pair of simple pearl studs or a mother of pearl necklace for each of your bridesmaids.

Silk Pajamas:
Soft, sensuous, ultra-feminine silk pajamas are an ideal gift for bridesmaids. Nothing is more comfortable for lounging around or sleeping in. For a personal touch, have these monogrammed with each bridesmaid's initials.

Homemade Scrapbook:
If you have the time, create a scrapbook for each of your bridesmaids. Highlight the friendship or special relationship that you have had with each of them over the years. Leave the last page blank with a little sticky note that says - for our group wedding picture.

Choosing your bridesmaids may have been a challenge - finding that perfect gift to express your appreciation shouldn't be. Just consider all your options, such as those gifts listed above, and think of the one thing that you might like to receive if you were in their position. Good luck and congratulations!

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Kathy Burns-Millyard. Need more great gift ideas for a variety of people and occasions? Visit The Home Gift Shopper at http://www.homegiftshopper.com - And don't miss our new, full article RSS feedArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Burns-Millyard http://funweddings.blog.com/ http://funweddings.wordpress.com. www.fun.createswebsites.com

Bridal Jewelry to Wear Again and Again

You want your bridal jewelry to make an impression, while not interfering with the “wow factor” of the wedding gown. For some brides, their bridal jewelry exists to be worn at their wedding. Then it goes into the jewelry box or safe to never be worn again. That is just not right!

You took a lot of time choosing the bridal jewelry. It should be a memento that you can wear over and over again. Every time you put it on, you will remember your special day that you became someone’s wife. The cake gets eaten and forgotten. The flowers eventually wilt and die. Your wedding dress gets preserved in the hopes that you can pass it down to your own little girl some day. But your bridal jewelry, that is something you can take out time after time to enjoy. Liken it to the pictures in a photo album. You can relive those moments, then put them away to treasure for another time.

Pearls are often a part of the bridal jewelry. They are classy, elegant and have a timeless quality. No matter what setting it is in – gold, silver or platinum – bridal jewelry pearls can accentuate your features and your wedding dress. Not all pearls are created equal. There are a number of color variations, so you may have to bring your wedding dress with you when selecting your bridal jewelry. A warm, creamy color is one variation of pearls. Another variety has a pinkish hue.

When considering other bridal jewelry options, think about the design of your wedding dress. The neckline is important in your decision of bridal jewelry. If the neckline is high, you can choose a necklace with a special pendant or charm. Perhaps there is no neckline and the wedding gown is strapless. Your choice of bridal jewelry would then be a choker and possibly earrings to match. If the neckline is low or open, you could wear a necklace with complementary earrings. You could forget about the necklace part entirely if the wedding gown is very ornate in the front. If that is the case, then earrings are your best bet in bridal jewelry.

Another thing to think about in selecting bridal jewelry is whether or not the dress is really ornate and elaborate. If it is, perhaps a basic, understated bridal jewelry set is your choice. A simple dress with casual, elegant lines calls for more sophisticated bridal jewelry.

Feeling a bit funky? Punch up your bridal jewelry with a little color. Highlight the wedding colors in your necklace, bracelet and/or earrings. Colorizing your bridal jewelry gives you more options to wear them after the wedding is over too.

Shop around. If you are near a jewelry store while running errands, pop in and browse. Sometimes finding the right bridal jewelry for you will happen when you least expect it. Or, you can sketch out your vision of what you want your bridal jewelry to look like. A business that custom crafts jewelry could probably make what you want. Of course, there is always a higher cost involved for original work.

Just remember, you are the star of the wedding. The bride and wedding dress usually are. Your bridal jewelry reflects the inner you, so wear something that speaks to your heart. Pick something that you can wear again and again. Your memories, thanks to the bridal jewelry, are priceless.

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See ya tomorrow!

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Dave Poon is the owner of Go Wedding Gifts. We take the headache out of selecting gifts for your wedding party, whether they are Bridesmaids or Groomsmen. Come and see our selection of bridesmaid gifts and bridal jewelry at http://www.GoWeddingGifts.com Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://funweddings.blog.com www.fun.createswebsites.com

Spinning or Strumming: Choice of Music a Tough Call

Do you want this guy in charge of music at your wedding? Make sure you research your music options well in advance and get recommendations where available.


Every couple wants their wedding to be perfect. From choosing the right wedding dress to making the guests comfortable to picking the right menu at the reception, choices have to be made at seemingly every turn. And music for your wedding is no exception. This decision essentially comes down to choosing a DJ or a band for the wedding reception. Both a DJ and a band come with their advantages and disadvantages. To help you make a more informed decision, here are some things to consider:

· Price:
If you're worried about how to afford the music, you might want to go with a DJ. DJ's are almost always less expensive than a live band. The asking price for a DJ might start out around $1,000 for a typical four-hour reception. If the DJ has a stronger reputation and is known to involve audiences more, this price can double. Meanwhile, most bands can command between $2,500 to $5,000 for the same four-hour period. Plus, with a DJ, you'll only need to provide a courtesy meal for one or two people. A band can have five or more players. That adds up to more out-of-pocket expenses.

· Length of the wedding:
Most receptions last in the neighborhood of four hours, which can be a long time for a band to keep up a full head of steam. They may supplement with pre-recorded music during breaks. If you know your reception might run longer than that, perhaps a DJ is the way to go.

· Size of the reception hall:
Many times the size of the reception hall can help make the decision of a band versus DJ easier for you. Some reception halls aren't quite big enough to hold a band and a dance floor. Such halls may also restrict the type of music that can be played as well.

· Atmosphere:
The degree of formality of a wedding can also dictate which way to go. If you're getting married a little later in life and your guest list is older, then a band is likely the way to go. But if you're getting married in your 20s and your guest list is made up mostly of people of a similar age, then a DJ can be a more fun and suitable option for you and your guests.

· Talk to the DJ/Bandleader:
A good DJ or bandleader can be the emcee of a reception. On the other end of the spectrum, a less-than-personable DJ or bandleader can bring down the mood of what is supposed to be a fun night. Interview a DJ about his music selection and his overall attitude during a performance. To see what a bandleader might be like, ask him about his schedule and try to catch his band's performance at another wedding. You can also ask married friends about bands or DJs they might have used.

There are also many types of bands you can choose from. A band known as a "General Business" band, for instance, is typically very versatile, capable of playing several different styles of music. If your wedding will have a particularly ethnic flavor, there are also numerous bands catering to every ethnicity imaginable.

· Decide early on:
The type of music will likely have to be one of the first decisions you make with regards to your wedding. This is thanks to talented bands or DJs being in high demand come wedding season. Oftentimes, a DJ or a band will have their schedule booked at least a year in advance, meaning you need to know far ahead of time which route you want to take.

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Until next time!
Jasmine

http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://funweddings.blog.com www.fun.createswebsites.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Marriage Financial Planning Needed Before the Wedding

When you are thinking about getting married, it is also time to think about your financial plans. When you plan your wedding, you spend a lot of time deciding what you want in personalized wedding favors, wedding accessories, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, bridal apparel and even the honeymoon, but haven’t yet planned for the day to day finances after the marriage. Many couples go into marriage with no idea on how to manage their money. Conflicts over money are the number one problem reported by married couples.

Before the wedding, the couple should get together and work out a financial plan. First of all, they should decide which partner should handle the day to day financial affairs. It is common for one spouse to have a good aptitude for money management and organization, while the other spouse does not. It is important to recognize which one has the better skills, and let them keep track of the finances on a daily basis. This would include paying the bills, reconciling the bank statements, and working within a budget or spending plan.

There must always be open communication between both spouses on all financial matters. This is a key point that many couples miss. With the union of a marriage, what was once “yours” now becomes “ours.” A married couple needs to look at their total income, debts and savings as belonging to both of them. In a marriage relationship, two become one; this includes all aspects of your life. You become one in your emotional, physical, spiritual and financial relationships. There is no more “mine,” it becomes “ours.”

Many couples ask if one makes more money than the other, or has more assets than the other, whether those assets should be protected with a prenuptial agreement. It is good to think about how your assets should be distributed in the event of your death, and a prenuptial agreement could address that, but the purpose of a marriage is not for one spouse to be financially independent and the other one not. If you want to have financial peace in the household, then you must communicate together and share equally all financial matters. This does not mean that one spouse cannot spend more than the other spouse, such as on hobbies, if it is agreeable to both spouses.

There is no need to have separate saving or checking accounts. Separate accounts would be more like a roommate relationship. You are not roommates; you are in a committed, lifetime relationship when you get married. Do not keep secret accounts that your spouse does not know about, because sooner or later, the other spouse will find out about it. Putting your money in joint accounts is the best arrangement in most cases, and by having joint accounts with the right of survivorship (JWOS), there are other benefits as well. In the event of a death of one spouse, the ownership will pass directly to the surviving spouse, without having to go through probate and the cost, time, and public record required for probate. So, it is a good idea to have a joint owner or beneficiary on every account.

Working up a budget, or a spending plan, is a very necessary part of financial management. Too many couples have no idea how much they spend each month, compared to how much they earn in income each month. They then end up getting in trouble by running up credit card debt, and other debts that their income cannot pay for. If you have a budget or spending plan, this will help make sure that you are not going to spend more than you make, and will help you achieve financial success, and create the ability to save for things you want in the future, such as for college tuition or retirement. Your housing expenses, including your mortgage payment or rent, insurance, taxes, utilities and repairs and maintenance should be no more than 40% of your gross income. Then allocate your other expenses, such as food, clothing, medical, transportation, and entertainment among the remaining amount you have to spend. You need to build up an emergency saving fund equal to six months of income for emergencies that may arise, and then set up a long term saving and investment plan. Remember to include church and charitable contributions in the plan as well.

Couples must work together in managing their finances in an open, committed relationship so that the two become one in a lifetime, loving family unit.

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Until Next Time!

Jasmine


Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Pam is owner of www.WeddingsAreFun.com - Personalized Wedding Favors, Unity Candles, Bridesmaid Gifts and Groomsmen Gifts. She specializes in Personalized Wedding Favors and Gifts. http://funweddings.wordpress.com, http://funweddings.blog.com, http://fun.createswebsites.com

Tailor Honeymoon Travel to Your Personal Style

The Carlton and Grand Canal Hotel in Venice, Italy is perfect for an international getaway.

Couples often focus on personalizing their weddings while neglecting to make their honeymoon uniquely theirs. Are you a formal sophisticate, a laid-back casual, or a romantic escapist? Travel expert Bob Boles of hotelbook.com says the key to a happy honeymoon, besides the companion choice, is to identify your travel style and match your destination accordingly.

"The Internet has provided us with the most useful travel tool available," Boles says. "Couples are now empowered to do their own research on destinations, local events, restaurants, and hotels with the click of a button."

Dedicated to offering couples more alternatives, Boles and his travel team have identified independent and boutique hotels worldwide at www.hotelbook.com for travelers to more easily find the right hotels for their post-nuptial escapes. Drawing from Modern Bride's list of top honeymoon travel destinations, Boles suggests the following hotels for discriminating couples:

· Bermuda's Waterloo House is an elegant five-star destination with 29 luxurious bedrooms, a manor house and surrounding cottages dating back to 1815, amid four acres of terraced gardens by the infamous Hamilton Harbour.

· Miami Beach's Hotel Ocean is a luxury boutique with 27 Mediterranean-themed rooms appointed with original décor and fireplaces. The hotel offers VIP access to trendy nightclubs, restaurants, and a private jet for daytrips to a remote island.

· Also on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach's The Bentley Hotel is a five-star, all-suite hotel with art deco architecture and 53 designer suites. It has an incredible view of the Atlantic from a spacious rooftop sundeck complete with pool and jacuzzi.

· Maui's Prince Hotel Makena Resort is a five-star hotel secluded on a quarter-mile of crescent-shaped Maluaka Beach, and built around an Asian meditation garden. Rooms open to the garden and the ocean, and guests have access to the Makena North Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

· On the Big Island of Hawaii, the 1800-acre Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, is a five-star destination on Kauna'oa Bay, considered by many to be the island's most beautiful beach. Besides the white sands and shimmering waters, this hotel also offers access to Golf Digest's No. 1-rated golf course in Hawaii, the Mauna Kea Golf Course.

· The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, is an all-inclusive property with vibrant roomy cottages built above natural volcanic caves overlooking the ocean. Complete with a saltwater pool, sauna, hot tub and Jacuzzi, the hotel's 10 handcrafted cottages are set in a garden on the edge of the sea.

· Across the Atlantic in Rome, the Boscolo Exedra Hotel is a five-star white marble palazzo from the 19th century overlooking Michelangelo's Basilica Degli Angeli and situated for discovering the city. The hotel features two exclusive restaurants, a wine bar and champagnerie, as well as a rooftop terrace with pool offering a stunning view of the city.

· Another option for Italian travelers is the Carlton and Grand Canal Hotel in Venice, where 145 rooms in 18th Century Venetian style offer a splendid view of the Canal Grande and the Hotel's traditional courtyard.

Boles encourages couples to educate themselves before settling on a destination, and suggests www.hotelbook.com as a resource for finding and booking independent and boutique hotel finds.

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Until Next Time!
Jasmine

http://funweddings.blog.com http://funweddings.blogspot.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com, www.fun.createswebsites.com

The Christmas Wedding

To be merry at Christmas is one thing, but to be married at Christmas is truly romantic and magical. What could be a better time to get married and start a new life than when families come together to celebrate the festive season?

I’m sure there are many ideas that you and your partner can come up with on your own, however, here is a brief outline of some of them that may help you on your way.

VOWS:

• Your vows should come directly from the heart; however, the wording could be played with in order to create a magical feeling for you both.

• As Christmas is a religious time you could always stick with the traditional vows, maybe embellishing upon this for the sake of the Christmas season.

INVITATIONS:

• Leave a little more time before sending your invitations as people’s diaries will be very busy this time of year.

• You can highlight the Christmas theme on your invitations without making it look too much like a Christmas card, for example, simply introducing a border made of white snowflakes around your text.

WEDDING FAVORS:

• Ice cube place card holders
• Treasure ball – filled with Christmas candy
• Holiday ornament candles
• Miniature wedding snow globes
• Personalised Christmas crackers
• Mini Christmas trees

ENTERTAINMENT:

• Ask a children’s choir to sing at the ceremony.
• Hire a wedding magician to give your wedding breakfast a little more….well you know – magical!
• Any singer or band that is willing to either provide part or a whole Christmas show.

DECORATIONS:

• This one is simple – except this time you might not want to let the kids have a go.
• Miniature Christmas trees with lots of presents underneath
• Lots of candle light
• Glitter!

THE CAKE:

• You could have a cake that looks like a stack of Christmas gifts
• Decorate with Iced holly and berries
• Incorporate the traditional colours and symbols

THE ARRIVAL:

• For a true Christmas look you could arrive on a Christmas sleigh with Santa at the reins.
• If you’d prefer to arrive by the normal means you could work a little magic with the decorations.

FLOWERS:

• Check with your florist which flowers are in season over Christmas.
• Bear in mind that flowers can be more expensive this time of year.
• Use holly, pine and sprigs of Ivy.
• Add mistletoe to accent corsages and boutonnieres.
• Place pots of poinsettia in the center of each table, tied with a ribbon trim.

Well that’s a start anyway! Between the two of you, I’m sure you’ll find many more ways in which to make the perfect Christmas wedding.

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Live with Passion!
Jasmine

Article Source: http://www.articeledashboard.com Luca Salamone Website: www.vocalshow.co.uk Biography: Luca is a professional trained vocalist performing for a variety of events including wedding receptions. UK Wedding Singer http://funweddings.blog.com www.fun.createswebsites.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

There's a Flower for Every Bride

Your wedding day is the perfect time to stop and smell the roses - or the daisies or the tulips or the hydrangea. A bride's flower options, from her bouquet to the centerpieces, are virtually limitless. If you're having a difficult time choosing the right blooms, consider the type of bride you are. There's a perfect flower for everyone. Here are some suggestions depending upon your own personal style.

THE CLASSIC BRIDE

Silver-screen star Grace Kelly comes to mind when you think of the classic bride: Simple, sophisticated and timeless. She follows all the rules of wedding etiquette, and she takes tradition seriously. The classic brides' current celebrity role model might be someone like Jessica Simpson, who walked down the aisle carrying a bouquet of stephanotis in 2003. White roses or stephanotis with pearl pins in the center are the ideal flowers for the classic bride's bouquet. The classic woman's bridesmaids carry cascading roses in shades that match their dresses. Her groom and ushers sport rose and baby's breath boutonnières. Long-stemmed white roses in tall vases that allow guests to see one another make for traditional, tasteful reception centerpieces.

THE MODERN BRIDE

This bride is up on all the hottest wedding trends, and she's more than happy to include them in her big day. She is in vogue and willing to think outside the box. Debra Messing, the "Will and Grace" star who carried a tall bouquet of calla lilies at her wedding in 2000 to screenwriter Daniel Zelman, is someone the modern bride can emulate. When it comes to the bouquet, she should consider single-flower monochromatic nosegays or calla lilies in white or a bright color. Calla lilies in various shades - from yellow to crimson - are ideal for the modern girl's attendants. Her groom might stick with the traditional rose boutonnière or simply a silk handkerchief tucked in his front pocket, depending upon the affair's degree of formality. Wildflowers for centerpieces or towering trays of cookies or another conversation piece are key signs of a modern bride.

THE GLAMOROUS BRIDE

Diva is the first word that comes to mind when you hear about the glamorous bride. Everything she does makes a dramatic statement. And her flowers - or lack thereof - are no different. Think Melania Knauss, who wed Donald Trump in January 2005. She clutched rosary beads in lieu of a bouquet as she walked down the aisle solo. A glamourous bride who prefers to make a statement with flowers should choose something like orchids, peonies, giant peonies, or black-magic roses. This bride often chooses more sleek and simple flower arrangements for her bridemaids - if she includes them - because she should be the center of attention.

THE ROMANTIC BRIDE

She wants to be a princess for a day and often wears a big frilly dress with lots of regal details. The late Princess Diana is her role model. The romantic bride chooses flowers that are cascading and pastel. Consider dahlias, a baby's breath cloud or a nosegay in a silver or gold cone-shaped vase called a tussy mussy. Tea roses are a great choice for the bridesmiads, and the flower girl wears a wreath of baby's breath in her hair. Decorative reception flowers should be soft and demure in color.

RECOMMENDED READING

The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers

From bouquets to boutonnieres, corsages to centerpieces, The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers features everything a bride needs to know about those all-important details. This lavishly illustrated book includes more than 150 color photographs and a wealth of useful information. Featuring page after page of beautiful arrangements, a fully photographed glossary of popular wedding flowers, advice on finding and working with a florist, step-by-step instructions for creating a host of floral accents by hand, and explanations of floral terminology, this is a book to be enjoyed well beyond a wedding. From the ceremony arrangements to the posies for the bridesmaids, this comprehensive resource guides the happy couple through every aspect of floral decoration.

The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers (CLICK HERE!)

Until next time!
Jasmine

http://funweddings.blogspot.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com, www.fun.createswebsites.com

Dealing With Wedding Vendors

Even in the bridal industry, there will always be shady people who might be looking to take advantage of a young couple getting married. It could be a wedding photographer who nickels and dimes for every little thing, or even a high priced wedding consultant who has dollar signs in her eyes. To avoid any misunderstandings, headaches and really bad experiences, follow these tips below and you're wedding planning will be worry-free, for the most part.

Establish a contract; this is really a no brainer. If you are dealing with a reputable business, you will find that this is often standard procedure before engaging in any business. Remember; do not to assume anything, always read the fine print and the terms and conditions. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do not sign anything until you full understand what you are signing for.

It is also important to consider cancellation policies. What happens if you wish to cancel a service you have booked? Will there be fees involved? Dear God, what if the wedding is called off? You have to be sure that there is an escape clause for extreme circumstances such as these. As much as we don’t want to think such horrid thoughts, things do happen all the time.

When dealing with caterers or reception facilities, find out if there are additional fees for set up and clean up. Do not be afraid to ask about charges for cake cutting, coat rooms and corkage fees. All costs should be itemized in the contract and request that no additional fees are to be added after these fees have been agreed upon.

Be sure to inquire about overtime fees. Whether this is for your reception, limousine service or any other service on the day, you do not want to be slapped upside the veil with an unexpected charge for overtime fees. Play it safe and find out what options you have if your wedding runs overtime. Nine times out of ten, they always do.

Be cautious of a deal that seems too good to be true. If you shop around, ask questions and do your homework, you should have a general idea of how much a certain service will cost. If you find an offer that is suspiciously cheap, don't be afraid to ask why. Most likely, it’s not too good to be true; rather, the service is simply horrible.

Double bookings can sometimes happen, particularly during the peak wedding seasons. If you know that another wedding is booked for the same day in the same room as yours, be sure that you specify your exact time, from which hour to which hour you require the room. Remember to allow for enough time to clean-up between weddings. Hopefully, someone on staff will manage their time effectively to avoid any awkward situations.

Don’t be obsessive, don’t compromise, don’t forget about your budget, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just because you are planning the most important day of your entire life, don’t get too emotional and do not be pressured by slick vendors or high pressure sales tactics. There are enough quality wedding professionals to choose from – you do not want to regret one of these decisions later.

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Until Next Time!

Jasmine

is a wedding planning guide that offers a complete array of wedding article, vendors, tips and free wedding resources. Britopian Marketing is a consulting firm that offers internet marketing services for small business. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Brito www.fun,createswebsites.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Create Homemade Invitations

If you are throwing a party, part of the planning will involve letting the guests know about the event. Invitations sent through the mail are one of the easiest and most traditional ways of sharing the news. Yet, your invitations don't just have to be the preprinted ones bought at your local card shop. You can use creativity and some items at hand to design invitations geared to the theme of your party. Here are some ideas for creating winning invitations:

· Cut and paste: Here's a way to let your creativity shine. Cut out pictures from magazines, printed from the Internet or any other media, that follow the theme of your party and paste them on card stock of your choice. Purchase the stock at a stationary store or a craft center. For example, if you're hosting a bridal shower, select pictures of wedding dresses, bouquets and cakes. Include the information about the party in the same way - cut out the date, address and party location from similar sources. One advantage is that each guest will have a unique invite to remember the event.

· Use creative materials: For smaller parties (where you won't want to incur large postage costs), consider using decorative bottles, tubes and other interesting packaging materials to hold a rolled-up invitation. It will lend an old-fashioned, romantic feel, and be an invitation your guests will certainly remember.

· Let food lead the way: How about using food items as invites? Bake a batch of sugar cookies in a shape that correlates with the theme of your party (like a balloon, gift box, etc.) Frost them, then use edible decorating pens to write the information on the cookies. Just be sure to package carefully so the cookies won't crumble en route!

· Consult the inner graphic designer: A home computer is a perfect tool for creating invitations. Whether you choose to design and print your invitation from scratch use specialty papers with decorative borders and themes. Or use the many invitation kits available at stationery and office-supply stores. The possibilities are endless. Embellish your invitations with ribbon, vellum paper, or confetti tucked inside the envelope.

· Get computer savvy: If you prefer not to use snail mail to send out your invitations, you can design e-mail cards as well. Many online sites offer guest list maintenance and reply options to make it convenient. Just point and click to invite your friends and family.

· A photo tells the story: A simple design strategy is just to place a favorite photo on the invitation (such as a portrait or candid of your child for a birthday party). You can print them up yourself, or use a service that will print photo cards, like one at a neighborhood store or through the Internet, for a cost slightly above normal photo developing charges.

Whatever method of inviting your guests you choose, just remember to clearly spell out the details of the event and include a "respond by" (RSVP) date and phone number. In addition, include directions to the party location for out-of-town guests.

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Until Next Time!
Jasmine


http://funweddings.blogspot.com/ , www.fun.createswebsites.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com