Merry Brides: Preview "Wedding Veil Glossary"

Merry Brides: Preview "Wedding Veil Glossary"

How to Save the Date Wedding Announcements

By Ashlee Williams

Save the dates should be a fun, low stress way to spread the news that your officially getting married.

I Do's of Save The Date Cards

♥ Keep the announcement simple; you don't need to list any specific wedding information. Here is a sample of wording:

Stephen Anderson and Kristin Davis
are getting married
Saturday, Nov 16, 2011
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Formal Invitation to Follow

♥ Send your cards 6-8 months prior to the wedding - eight months in advance is best if many of your guests will be traveling from out of town and need to make arrangements.

♥ Save the dates are not absolutely necessary, but it may be a good idea to send them. Especially; if you are having a destination wedding or a wedding that takes place on a major holiday weekend (Thanksgiving, Christmas) then the cards are a must to let your guests know far enough in advance to avoid conflicting plans.

♥ Be creative and stylish with your Save the Dates. For an ultra formal wedding it's customary to send a formal layered card with an envelope. However, for a more "fun" wedding your card options are limitless. For a fall wedding you could send a leaf in a box with the announcement on a small card, or maybe send a leaf shaped announcement. For a destination wedding, you couldh have post cards sent from the location saying "Can't wait to see you here on December 15 for our special day!" For beach weddings, you could send a message in a bottle with your rolled up note of information. Use your imagination to make your announcement as unigue as you are.

♥ Remember, a save the date card is like a pre-invitation - once you send it to a person, by the standards of etiquette you have invited them to a wedding and must them a formal invitation too.

♥ Even if a recipient of your save the date card lets you know they cannot attend before the invites are officially sent, you must send them one anyway.

Dont's for Save the Date Cards

♥ Evites (as trendy as they are) or emails do not count as save the dates. Don't send save the dates through the Internet - always send them through the Postal Service.

♥ If you are inviting someone to bring a guest with them, don't forget to address the save the date to that person with the words "and guest". Decide in advance who your inviting with and without a guest to avoid confusion later on.

♥ Don't forget to send save the dtes to even the VIP's; your bridal party, and groomsmen, and even your parents! Just because they are involved doesn't mean they shouldn't feel like valued guests too.

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♥ Recommended online Resources ♥

Invitations By Dawn

 

Beach Bliss Save The Date

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 For more great wedding advice please visit our sister sites Merry Brides,  Merry Brides Twitters,  Merry Brides DIY

Fun Ideas For Your Engagement Party

Traditionally, an engagement party is smaller and less formal than a wedding reception. It’s meant to allow family members and close friends to get to know each other before the big day. Here are a few fun ideas for a uniquely non-reception engagement party:

DIY ~ How to Make Napkin Wraps

These Napkin wraps as adorable and super easy to make. You can download the Eat, Drink and Be Married Napkin Wrap template right here!

Materials

8.5 x 11″ 80lb white card stock (like this from Paper Source )

Color Printer

Paper Cutter

Double Sided Tape

Napkins

Instructions

1. Download the Eat, Drink and Be Married Napkin Wrap. Print using the highest settings on your color printer to ensure that the delicate text is crisp and clear. There are 2 wraps per sheet.

2. Cut each wrap on the black dotted line, making sure to cut off all of the black ink so that the edge of the wrap remains white.

3. Create a mock fold around your napkin to see where you should create the creases on each side of the wrap. After you are certain that the wrap will fit snuggly around the napkin, either fold the wraps by hand or using a bone folder.

4. Secure the wrap around the napkin using double sided tape. Please note, there is only a small amount of room to tape the wrap, so make sure that you fold the napkin small enough to allow a bit of extra room to tape the back of the wrap together.

My Recommended Sites
♥ Wedding Window

♥ Favor your wedding guests! American Bridal carries a huge selection of unique wedding favors.

For more great advice visit us on Merry Brides Tumbles ♥

Merry Brides: How to Create a Romantic Wedding mood

Merry Brides: How to Create a Romantic Wedding mood

Additional Wedding Advice:MerryBridesFun WeddingsGreat Wedding AdviceSparkling WeddingsCreate Your Own Wedding Website- Great way to keep your guests updated on your wedding!

How to Create a Romantic Wedding mood

ROMANTIC WEDDING MOOD

Defining characteristic: personalized with clever details

Ideal setting: botanical garden

Most expensive version would include: peacocks roaming the grounds, swans swimming in fountains

You’ll make do with: your initials in flowers on the doors leading to the ceremony

Colors seen: butter yellow, ballet pink, celery green

You’d wear: gown by Melissa Sweet, Carolina Herrera, or Jenny Packham (above)

On bridesmaids: kneelength silk dresses—same color, different styles— from J.Crew or Ann Taylor

Invitations: “Poppies” from Dauphine Press

Serving style: seated

On the menu: sea bass, chicken Florentine, vegetable Napoleons

On tables: garden roses, hypericum berries, and calla lilies

Reception music: six-piece swing band

Cake would be: oval tiers with ribbon detailing

Extra entertainment: your college friends sing you a song

After-party: hotel bar

On their way out the door, guests overheard saying: “That was so them.”
    

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The Knot Wedding Shop Love this site!

Additional Wedding Advice: Create Your Own Wedding Website, MerryBrides, Fun Weddings, Great Wedding Advice Sparkling Weddings

The Second Marriage: Tips for Success

With almost half of all marriages in the United States today ending in annulment or divorce, is there really any wonder why second marriages are becoming all the more popular? We all learn from our mistakes and move on to be better people, which is what a second marriage should be all about. Though some men and woman may be afraid to jump into a second marriage, remind yourself that all because that first marriage didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean that your second marriage is doomed for failure. Here are some things for you to keep in mind so that you know your second marriage will be a success:

Correct your Errors

As much as you may love pointing the finger at your ex and accusing them for everything that went wrong in the marriage, take a minute or more) and point the finger back at yourself. Every relationship breaks down because of two people; so what was your role? What mistakes did you make that you would like to make sure don’t happen again? Take out a pen and write these down. You can then reflect on these changes you want to make and make sure that you will change the way you and your spouse both deal with conflict in the future.

Be You

Before getting into a second marriage, you must fully restore yourself from the last one. This means making sure that you are emotionally prepared for marriage, mentally prepared for it, spiritually engaged, and physically ready to be in a long term “forever” relationship again. Any regrets or frustrations from your prior marriage must be completely washed away before you can even consider becoming married again.

Know your Spouse Better

The reason why so many marriages are doomed from the get-go is because they didn’t really know their spouse as well as they should have. Though time isn’t the ultimate measurement of how well you know your spouse, studies have shown that the longer men and women dated prior to marriage, the greater their chances of having a successful marriage. The more time you spend together, the more you will be ready to accept them and accept any changes that the relationship may go through together. Make sure that you and your spouse have a few “ups” and “downs” prior to saying “I do” so you can see how you both can handle situations that may not be the most pleasant.

Change Happens

As mentioned above, change will happen. Everything won’t be how it is today in your marriage. You will argue and you will fight. You will be ecstatic and you will be overjoyed with one another. You will face challenges and you will face hardships together. The key is that you stick together, no matter what the change may be and support one another through it. Talk it out and communicate. Never shut down on your partner and never shut out your partner – otherwise you’re simply asking for a one-way ticket to your second divorce.

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Are Wedding Gloves Right for You?

By Cori Russell

Are gloves the right wedding accessory for you…

Nothing screams elegance and refinement quite like a pair of white gloves. Just the idea of them is enough to conjure up iconic images of Camelot or Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In fact, gloves used to be a must for all formal events. These days, however, they’re more of a fashion statement – and are completely optional. Unsure if you can pull off this once ubiquitous accessory? Read on to find out…

Fabric
Gloves are available in a number of fabrics. Kid leather gloves are regarded as the most formal; however, romantic lace, classic satin, crushed velvet, and sexy sheer organza also provide an elegant look.

Glove styles and lengths

Fingerless: Either long or short, fingerless gloves offer added convenience during the ring exchange, as your ring finger is already exposed.

Gauntlet: Extending from the elbow to the wrist, a gauntlet glove looks like a sleeve, as it lacks any material covering the hand.

Wrist length: These short gloves cover your hands to within two inches of your wrist, providing a simple yet sophisticated accent. This style is less formal than longer lengths, and looks great with long-sleeved gowns.

Elbow length: These gloves extend to just before or just after your elbow. This style is flattering for brides with toned limbs, as it draws attention to the upper arms. This length works well with short-sleeved dresses.

Opera length: The longest and most formal style, these gloves extend almost to the shoulder, ending at the upper part of your bicep. Opera-length gloves provide an alternative for those who want an open neckline, but prefer a bit more coverage. This glove style looks great with strapless and sleeveless gowns.

Additional Wedding Advice please visit our sister sites:MerryBrides, Merry Brides Twitters Jabot Jewelry Merry Brides Tumbles

How to Set a Proper Formal Dinner Table for Your Reception

Your wedding reception is a formal affair. Proper etiquette and good table manners call for the host to ensure the table has been set correctly. The place settings should reflect the menu choices and always be positioned correctly. Don’t leave anything to chance. It is best to consult with your catering manager to be sure everything will be set properly.

Place Setting Styles

There are three types of place settings: formal, informal, and basic with two common rules shared.
1. The utensils are placed in the order of use from the outside in.
2. With a few exceptions:
Forks are place to your left.
Knives and spoons are placed to your right.

Proper Formal Dinner Place Setting

The elements of the formal place setting are not complicated. There are many elements, yet each is used in the order of service. Once you visualize where each element is placed and see how each is used during the meal, you will appreciate the fine art and nuance of a formal dinner setting.

Elements of a Place Setting

SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS are generally unsightly. As they are important to the meal, consideration should be given to them as part of the table decor.

THE CHARGER PLATE is an oversized and decorative plate set in place for each guest. The use of a charger is highly recommended as it presents a lovely and complete look to your table before the food has been served. Once the food course begins, it will remain in position. The plate for each food course will be placed on top of the charger and removed, leaving the charger to decorate the table between courses.

THE NAPKIN is placed on top of the charger plate. In the absence of a charger, the napkin is placed in the empty space where the dinner plate will be placed. Although the napkin placement does not change, you do have a choice on how to present it. You may choose the fabric and color of the napkin as well as the napkin fold. Your napkin is also a great location to insert your menu card.

CHINA selection can be used as an added element of decor to your table setting. Choose a pattern that enhances your charger plate and that beautifully accents your table lines. Your dining china is made up of three main elements: bread or butter, salad, and dinner plates.

•THE BREAD & BUTTER PLATE is placed above the forks on the left with the butter knife placed diagonally on top of the plate. Place the handle facing the right and blade faced down.
•THE SALAD PLATE is a smaller than your dinner plate and, when served, is placed on top of your charger plate.

•THE DINNER PLATE for the main entree will be placed on top of your charger plate.

FLATWARE is equally important as a decorative element. You may select an elegant sterling-silver pattern that will blend in nicely with your tabletop decor or a more eccentric pattern with gold accents and engraving for more of a statement. No rules apply to selecting flatware other than making sure that you include the appropriate elements that will be used for your menu selections.

•THE DINNER FORK is the largest of the forks and is placed to the left edge of the charger plate.
•THE SALAD FORK is placed to the left of the dinner fork. Should your menu require your salad to be served after the entree, the small salad fork is placed to the right of the dinner fork, next to the charger.
•THE FISH FORK is placed farthest to the left of the dinner fork because it is the first fork used. Only set a fish fork if fish is to be served.
•THE DINNER KNIFE is placed to the right edge of the charger plate.
•THE FISH KNIFE is a specially shaped knife placed to the right of the dinner knife.
•THE SALAD KNIFE is included if the salad is to be served first and is placed to the right of the fish knife.
•SOUP SPOON is placed to the right of the knives if soup is to be served as a first course.
•OYSTER-COCKTAIL FORK is set to the right of the spoons if shellfish is being served. Please note: This is the only fork ever placed on the right of the plate, and although very cute, in an effort not to confuse your guests, please do not place them on the table if you are not serving a fish or seafood course.

GLASSWARE
Glassware is placed to the upper right of your dinner plate and can number up to five depending on your beverage service. It is a very important element on your tabletop. It enhances the mark you are placing on your table decor. As with your china pattern, you may select from a variety of glassware to accompany your place setting. Your pattern selection may consist of clear crystal, colored glassware, or an elaborate pattern.

•THE WATER GOBLET is placed directly above the knives.
•THE CHAMPAGNE FLUTE is placed to the right of the water goblet.
•THE WINE GLASSES are set slightly below and to the right of your water goblet.
•THE SHERRY GLASS is placed to the right of the red and white wine glasses.

THE DESSERT COURSE

Depending on how much room you have on your dining table, you dessert spoon or fork and coffee spoon may be brought to the table along with the dessert and coffee or placed horizontally at the top of the dinner plate. In the latter scenario, your coffee spoon is placed closest to the top of the dinner plate followed by the dessert spoon on top of the coffee spoon. In this scenario, both spoon handles should be pointing toward your right.

Should your dessert require a fork, the dessert fork is placed on top of the coffee spoon with the tines pointing to the right, handle to the left.

COFFEE is served butler style with the coffee spoon on the saucer to the right of the handle. You may also elect to have the coffee spoon incorporated into your flatware presentation and is placed closest to the top of the charger plate. Your coffee cup and saucer will be in the same pattern as the china chosen for dinning.

The design of the table is a major visual factor when guests enter the reception room. A beautiful table has harmony and balance. The centerpiece is the anchor of the design and the place settings must be positioned at an equal distance from each other and from the centerpiece.


Please visit our sister sites: Merry Brides Tumbles, Merry Brides Twitters

Etiquette for for making a Wedding Website

Many modern brides today are spreading the good cheer and keeping their friends and family informed of the happy progression of their engagement by creating their own wedding Web site.

Setting up your own wedding website is easy, and is the most effective way to provide pertinent information related to your wedding. Your guests will never have to wonder what is expected of them because you have defined all the details. If there are any questions, a quick e-mail to you should get them back on track and alert you to make that point clearer on your Web site. This is such an invaluable tool because it provides the ceremony and reception location and timeline. You will be able to suggest travel and hotel accommodations, plus your wedding registry choices will make everything so clear.

Guests of all ages will be reading your wedding Web site, so let me share a few suggestions that will keep you on the etiquette track.

Etiquette for Wedding Websites
1. Write clearly and avoid slang terms may be misunderstood by a different generation.

2. Make sure the Web site represents you as a couple by choosing a design layout that reflects your personalities. Designing it in the color tones you will be using in your wedding is a clever way of hinting at what is to come.

3. Keep it as well organized as possible making it user friendly.

4. Keep it “G-Rated” and simple. Please avoid the temptation to share any intimate details regarding your relationship. Even the first kiss, details of dates, and so on should be left out. Of course, everyone will be interested in the romantic time you met and your proposal. Just try to keep it focused on the nature of your relationship and the pending union.

5. Do not list your Web site on your wedding invitations. The best ways to inform guests of your wedding Web site is by word of mouth, listing it on your save-the-date card, the response card, or map.

6. Electronic RSVPs through your Web site is acceptable; however, it is still necessary to enclose a response card as part of your invitation suite. You may put a line on the bottom of your response cards to make your guests aware of this new option by simply stating: You may also RSVP through our wedding Web site at: http://www.TheSmithNuptuals.com.

7. Avoid putting a huge emphasis on your gift registries. Use tact and discretion when including links to your registry retailers.

8. Wedding Web sites are informative and fun, but you must still send a wedding invitation via snail mail and include all pertinent information related to your wedding as there may be a few guests who are not online.

9. Don’t stop at the wedding. Remember to use your wedding Web site to share the photographs from your honeymoon. Many couples are opting to continue their wedding Web site to keep their extended families up to date with their new married life.

You can create your own fun or luxurious wedding website with this FREE TRIAL

For more great wedding advice please visit our sister sites: Merry Brides Twitters or
Merry Brides

10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Planner Before Making the Hire

Cori Russell

It may be the "bride's day," but remember that you can't get there alone. A wedding planner can be your advocate and your voice, especially when you're not around. The key to a successful working relationship begins with finding the right person to join forces with as an invincible team. Once you've decided that you'd like to hand over some wedding tasks to a seasoned pro, you'll need to schedule some phone or face-to-face consultations with a few in your area. These meetings should leave you with a clear idea of which planner best suits your needs and personality, so it's best to come prepared with the right questions. Here's what you need to know to find the perfect match.

1. The Know How - Does the wedding planner offer all the services you need? Come prepared with a list of things you'd like help with, and review your list together.

2. Money Talks - Does the planner's service fees work within your budget, and is the planner able to commit to your total wedding budget while planning your event?

3. The Right Connections - Does the planner have a network of reliable professionals and can s/he refer you to those that match your style and budget?

4. Prime Negotiator - Will the planner be able to help you save on any aspects of your wedding - either by negotiating the best prices, scoring vendor discounts or obtaining added extras?

5. Etiquette Guru - Is the wedding planner knowledgeable on etiquette matters, and can s/he steer you in the right direction?

6. Trend Savvy - Is the planner in-the-know on the latest wedding trends and styles?

7. Straight Troubleshooter - Can the planner coordinate all logistics with vendors and the wedding party to ensure everything runs smoothly? With a professional on hand - you should be able to enjoy your day like a guest and leave the details to them. To give you an idea, this printable wedding planner can walk you through each wedding task that the professional should be able to handle.

8. Personality Plus - In the end, it's all about a positive relationship and trust. Do you like this person? Try to get a sense for how well you think you'll work together.

9. Always the Professional - Ask to see the planner's business license, professional organization membership or any indication that s/he is a certified business professional and not just moonlighting as a wedding planner.

10. Seal of Approval - Ask to see reference letters. Be wary if s/he cannot provide any.

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Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russe

Please be sure to visit our sister sites:

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Want unique wedding centerpieces? Hold the flowers!

Who says you need flowers to create spectacular centerpieces? When one of our Facebook brides asked us for unique ideas for centerpieces that don’t incorporate flowers, we couldn’t wait to come up with ideas to help her. Here are some of the options we brainstormed — and there’s not a petal to be seen!

1. Texture and Drama — Here’s your chance to get dramatic without spending a fortune on florals!

How to:

• Fill a clear large vase with gorgeous ornaments or decorative objects, like metallic spheres or glass balls.

• Gather some elegant feathers into a spray and tie together.

• Attach the feathers to the vase with wide, eye-catching ribbon.

2. Sparkle and Light — Artistic candles displayed in unexpected ways create a big impact.

How to:

• Fill a clear glass vase with beads or sand at the bottom.

• Add in shimmering candles (one large or three tapers) for sparkling light.

• Surround the large vase with candles in votive to reflect off the vase.

3. Double Duty — Display your favors creatively to double as an attractive centerpiece.

How to:

• Find beautiful trays and cake stands.

• Favor boxes and mix and match lids and bottoms

• Stack the boxes on the trays or cake stands to form pyramid shapes

• Add a note encouraging guests to take a favor from the centerpiece after your meal

4. Finishing Touches — Classic candles become “wow!” looks when you trim them to match your décor!

How to:

• Gather three different shapes or sizes of candles

• Trim each candle with layers of ribbon, decorative trim and beads

• Place candles on a mirror tray to reflect light

• Sprinkle crystals on the mirror for additional sparkle

Prada Infusion D'iris - Great Scent for Wedding

My new favorite perfume: Prada Infusion D'Iris

Tradition and innovation fuse into a dreamlike ideal in Prada's Infusion D'Iris, the new fragrance for the modern woman. Prada's exceptional quality ingredients evoke the classic ambiance of a luxurious Italian voyage, from the clean freshness of Florentine Iris Padilla to the warm, subtle glow of Sicilian Mandarin. Savor the floral citrus reverie of this scent's unique, elusive essence.

Honeymoons You'll Both Love: Lisbon and the Algarve, Portugal

WHY YOU'LL BOTH LOVE IT.... You can sightsee and get your culture on in Lisbon, then head south to lounge on the Algarve's beaches.

EXPLORE In Lisbon, seize your chance to sight see it up. A sample plan: Wander the narrow alleys of the Alfama district (one of the oldest in the city) and visit the 12th-century Sé de Lisboa cathedral, then continue to the Castelo de São Jorge for a gorgeous view of the city. (If you're sharing this experience with a foot-dragging spouse, sweeten the pot by ending the day at a fado café, sipping sangria and taking in the sounds of the country's signature folk music.)

For a more modern snapshot of Lisbon, head to the waterside Parque das Nações, where you can take a cable-car ride over the entire park along the Tagus River, then end the day with an evening at the Casino Lisboa. Other must-see spots include the Belém district, where you'll find historical sites like the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Belém Palace (now the home of Portugal's president) as well as museums like the Museu Colecçáo Berardo at the Belém Cultural Center, which houses works by artists like Picasso and Dalí.

You might also take a palace-themed day trip to Queluz and Sintra. In Queluz, you can wander through the gilded halls of the Versailles-like Palácio Nacional de Queluz (don't miss the mirrored Hall of Ambassadors). Continue on to Sintra, where you can tour the colorful 19th-century Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the former summer residence of the country's monarchs. Be sure to sample the town's signature pastry: an egg, cheese, and cinnamon tart called a queijada de Sintra.

RELAX The Algarve, the country's southernmost region, features hundreds of beaches and many coastal resort towns—this is where the "rest and relax" portion of the honeymoon will commence. Start out by hitting the beach at Praia de Dona Ana, near the town of Lagos. Sheltered between dramatic cliffs, the white-sand beach and calm, blue water are gorgeous—take that, French Riviera! In town you can easily while away the rest of the afternoon hopping among the cafés and bars and watching the yachts cruise into the harbor. The coastal city of Albufeira is also populated by modern beachside resorts, although the town's Cerro da Vila, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, offers a lot of Old World charm (à la Santorini, Greece).

While you're in the Algarve, visit one of the thalassotherapy centers, where seawater is the basis of spa treatments. For dinner, try the local specialty cataplana (a combo of steamed shellfish and pork). Souvenir hunters (or, shall we say, shopaholics?) should visit Porches Pottery, named for the town it's in, located between Lagos and Albufeira. This studio is renowned for its hand-painted ceramics; visit the farmhouse-style workshop to see the famous majolica technique in action, and pick out a piece of tin-glazed earthenware, which makes a perfect keepsake. If you want a break from the beach, head north for a night in the picturesque Caldas de Monchique, a spa town in the mountains known for its therapeutic hot springs.

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* For more great wedding advice be sure to check out our sister sites Merry Brides and Merry Brides Twitters

15 Questions to Ask Before Renting a Wedding Venue

Once you've found a suitable venue for your ceremony, ask a lot of questions before signing an agreement or contract. Here are suggested questions you may want to ask What is the legal occupancy allowed for the venue?

Will the venue be available of the date/time of your ceremony?

Are any other weddings scheduled for the same day?

What is the rental fee for the venue? How many hours does this include? Does it allow time for decorating and un-decorating? Is it available for the wedding rehearsal? If so, is this fee included, or is it extra?

Are there any other extra or unexpected fees that may be charged? If so, what are they?

How are fees to be paid? A deposit now? The balance when?

Do you provide such things as an aisle runner, silk flower arrangements, candles, kneeling bench, and so on?

Do you furnish a lighting technician, wedding coordinator, janitorial services, musicians, and so on? If so, are there extra fees for these services?

Are there any restrictions regarding the decorations, such as attaching floral bouquets at the end of each pew or aisle? to the walls? To candle scones?

If it's a religious venue, are there any restrictions regarding musical selections, modesty of wedding attire, flash photography, readings, poems, use of lighted candles, and so on?

If it's a religious venue, are there also restrictions as to who may officiate? Are we obligated to use the venue's clergyman, rabbi, or priest? Or may we have our pastor or civil officiant marry us?

Are there any restrictions on tossing items (rice, petals, bird seed?

What type of guest parking is available?

Are there bride and groom dressing rooms?

Does the venue have wheelchair accessibility?

Does the venue offer outdoor facilities?

Ashlee Williams is a wedding planner and editor of Merry Brides. She will help you plan a fabulous wedding while staying on a budget. You can also check her out on Merry Brides Twitter for a lot of great wedding advice and ideas.

How to Protect Your Engagement Ring

PROTECTING YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING

Each diamond is rare and unique—that's part of what you're paying for. The proper care will help you get your money's worth.

Safe storage

Jewelry boxes and dresser drawers are often the first places a thief will look for your valuables, so choose a secure hiding place that is inconspicuous yet convenient for you. Consider installing a home safe, or if you only plan to wear your engagement ring only on special occasions, store it in your bank's safe-deposit box.

Everyday wear

Being extra mindful of your diamond while performing daily tasks—like putting on gloves, which can catch prongs—will decrease the likelihood of your ring being damaged or misplaced. When removing your ring to wash dishes, shower or sleep, designate a save spot—in small bowl or in your jewelry box—that's away from sinks or surfaces where it can be forgotten or lost.

On the road

When flying, always keep your engagement ring with you—either on your finger or stowed safely in your carry-on. When you aren't wearing your ring, stash it in the hotel's safe-deposit box, never the safe in your room or, worse yet, your luggage. And if you find yourself in a place that makes you uneasy, turn your engagement ring upside down so the diamond doesn't attract unwanted attention.

Care tips

No matter which metal you chose, daily wear can take a toll on your ring, so check prongs periodically for loose stones. If you bump your ring, examine it for damage and, if necessary, take it to your jeweler for inspection and repair.

DIY cleaning

A yearly professional cleaning and polishing is recommended, but periodic at-home cleanings will keep your diamond super-sparkly between trips to the jeweler. In a small bowl away from the sink, soak your ring in warm sudsy water. Then use a soft toothbrush to clean between crevices. After rinsing, dry it with a lint-free cloth.

Playtime

To avoid accidentally damaging it, remove your diamond before swimming, sports, gardening or household chores. If you lead a very active lifestyle, you may want to consider a bezel or bar setting (which hold a diamond more securely) over a prong setting.

Insure your ring

This is the wisest thing you can do to protect your sparkling investment. Insurance guarantees your diamond will be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged.

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7 New Wedding Cake Trends

By Cori Russell

Much more than a sweet finale to the reception meal, wedding cakes are a major style statement. And trends in wedding cakes, like all other wedding details, evolve with the times. The wedding cake presents a perfect opportunity for creative brides to play with shape, color and embellishments. For those of you who need a little inspiration, consult this list of top trends for wedding cakes in 2009.

Back to Buttercream

Buttercream was once the traditional frosting for wedding cakes, but sleek cakes came into favor, and rolled fondant became the frosting of choice. Not any more - thanks to advanced tools and techniques that allow buttercream to look as smooth as fondant, cakes iced in buttercream are again the norm. We love this trend, since buttercream frosting tastes better, has natural ingredients, and costs less than fondant. Now you can literally have your stylishly sleek cake – and eat it too.

Chocolate Face

Brides have bucked the traditional white wedding cake for the last few years, but today´s brides are no longer hiding decadent chocolate behind a shield of white frosting for appearances sake. Dark chocolate is now front and center on the face of the cake, as chocolate or mocha cakes are appropriately decked in chocolate mousse or whipped chocolate frosting. The result is a full blown chocolate dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Blue Rules

Shades of blue dominate the 2009 wedding décor palette, and your wedding cake is a perfect canvas to incorporate this hot shade. Consider a cake saturated in turquoise, periwinkle, or even navy, and embellish it with complimenting colors like silver, white, grey, lavender, or yellow.

Square Mini Cakes

Cupcake towers in lieu of wedding cakes have been around for awhile, but brides are making cupcakes interesting again by playing with shape and size. Brides are stacking square shaped mini-cakes (slightly larger than cupcakes) adorned with flowers or dressed as presents for a completely different take on the cupcake frenzy.

Think Pink


Pink – the perpetual hot color for weddings – had begun to fall out of favor as brides experimented with more non-traditional hues like browns, grays, orange, and even black. But pink is back in a big way, and brides are incorporating the hue into their wedding cakes. Pink instantly freshens-up classic white: Tone down an all pink cake with white floral or lace details, or dress up a white cake with pink embellishments.

Scripted Text

Wedding cakes adorned with calligraphy-style motifs and writing is one of the year´s hottest trends. Create an antiqued look with black writing on a white or ivory cake, and get creative with the text. Some options? Write a favorite poem or verse, your wedding vows, or words representative of your wedding theme - such as names of flowers for a garden wedding or types of shells at a beach wedding.

Groom´s Cakes

The old Southern tradition of the groom´s cake is shedding its regional trappings and growing in popularity throughout the nation. And no, it doesn´t have to be the iconic red velvet armadillo from "Steel Magnolias." Today´s grooms cakes, now just as elaborate as the wedding cake itself, often reflect the groom´s interest in a dramatic and whimsical expression; a deer grooms cake for an avid hunter, shaped like a race car for an diehard Nascar fan, or decked with his favorite sports team logo.

Recommended Cake Idea Books

Wedding Cakes You Can Make: Designing, Baking, and Decorating the Perfect Wedding Cake




Wedding Cake Art and Design: A Professional Approach

About the Author: Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.