How To Select Wedding Ties For Men

Wedding ties are now available for men and boys in different patterns, designs and colors. There are also maximum choices present for you to select from a wide range of materials. A perfect collection of ties that are meant for wedding is to deplete without the inclusion of ties that are made of silk. The advantage of choosing a silk cloth is not only for the purpose of ensuring smoothness but also for the provision of brightness that appears strikingly unique when others have a look at it. The bright look can further be enhanced with a perfect finishing, especially, towards the ends.

The number of options available for men regarding the combination of wedding ties is limited. Hence, it is a wise decision to match different combination for as many occasions. Also, less number of ties means that you need to spend less towards their maintenance. When wedding ties are matched with different accessories, the creative side of a men is unveiled which depicts that the dress sense also. Men can prefer luxurious wedding ties that are handmade in Italy. It is better to opt for ties of various lengths as most of the wedding ties need to match perfectly upon groomsmen too.

Selecting wedding ties for men is a laborious procedure. Hence, if one can dedicate some amount of time for selection, then the chances of getting the best collection is highly guaranteed. The first factor that needs to consider regarding the buying of a wedding tie for men is its look. The design and pattern are the elements that comprise of looks factor. Ensure that the tie is not heavy with a lot of designer work. The patterns should appear as thin and fine as possible. Purchasing silk ties guarantee that they are not worn out too quickly. If men can manage cotton ties, then they can go ahead with ties made of such kind of materials too.

The shape of men wedding ties needs to perfectly groom. They should not appear clumsy or wayward. In general, they should start narrowly from the top and should widen till the end. This look will get enhanced when the length of the wedding tie is perfect. Maintaining the length that is above waistline is what considered being an ideal factor. As weddings are meant for lifetime bonding, one has to be picky while choosing the right kind of wedding tie. Due to the wide range of selections available in the current market, wedding ties that are worn by ring bearers also hold much importance.

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Choosing The Perfect Songs For Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. It marks a notable transition for you as a person. It means you are finally taking that step to share your life with someone you love and eventually build a family of your own together. With these in mind, you would definitely think about making sure that this day turns out to be one unforgettable event for you to experience and what better way of making it special than using the power of songs.

So how do you make sure your play-list fits you and your soon to be spouse? Well, here are some useful tips you can use to choose the best songs perfect for the occasion of your wedding day:

1. Consult with your spouse - Right off the top of his or her head, they might be able to suggest songs that they would like to use during your wedding day. You might also forget some incidents wherein certain songs have played a very important part in your life so it would be good to have your spouse help you with that. Do it together and you would surely find it such a memorable experience as part of preparing yourselves for the wedding day.
2. Remember the good old days - When was the first time you met each other? What's the first song you dance with, even if you are not yet a couple? Do you have any theme song? Look back at the memories that you have had with each other and surely, you will find that the highlights of it can be encapsulated through the memory brought by a song. What's the tune blasting in your car radio while you took your first long drive together for a summer vacation. This is definitely one trip worth taking 
3. Consult your videographer - You might also want to involve your videographer in the process since they will be using the songs you picked for purposes of making your wedding video. They might have a few creative suggestions worth listening to. You should also take note of copyright issues especially if you are thinking of getting your songs burned into a CD which your guests can eventually bring home with them.
   Include some good old songs that are danceable and fun - Weddings are bound to be very emotional but it does not have to mean that you'd let the whole crowd drown in the moment's many different ballads. If the songs you pick for your wedding day would also be heard by the guests, you owe it to them to at least be fun and happy about the moment. Include some fun danceable tunes to which they can relate to so you can make the occasion a really fun and memorable one for everybody present there.
4. Get a DJ for your wedding party - If you are still not sure with your list of songs, then you can always seek the help of a DJ to work out a good list of songs for your wedding party. You can hire someone who's actually pretty popular around the wedding scene. Having a DJ around is also much better because it allows you to find someone whom your guests could talk to and request some songs with during the party.

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How To Purchase Affordable Wedding Ties

Wedding ties are significant regarding the appearance of a groom. They form to be an inseparable part of every outfit. However, it is always a cause of concern in choosing the right kind of fabric that needs to worn on the wedding day. Purchasing wedding ties in bulk not only proves to be affordable but also gels with the fact that a groom and groomsmen should wear the same kind of wedding ties for matching purposes. The color of a wedding tie forms to be the center of attraction. Owing to this popular concept, grooms are getting increasingly picky about the right color they should opt. Of late, ivory is the best-preferred color by most of the
grooms.

It will look trendy when grooms consider bow ties for their weddings. A simple bow tie will not only be priced affordably but also provides a formal look. It is easier to wear and requires less maintenance. However,
it is not suitable for all. One needs to have a right combination of dress
before one prefers a bow tie for their wedding. When choosing a good
collection of wedding ties, people need to concentrate on the range. The
collection should cater to the needs of the groom along with groomsmen and
ring bearers. For this purpose, all the ties need to be unique. A wedding
tie that is black in color and made of silk cloth is preferred the most.

The trends in wedding ties have evolved over the years. Initially, the
more plain a wedding tie looks, it was thought to be that grand. People
used to prefer a simple look. However, with the latest trends in fashion,
new designs and patterns have held the centre of attraction for over
sometime now. On the flip side, there are wedding ties based on themes.

For example, ties that are either yellow or blue in color are the flavor
of the season. These ties suit grooms the most who are trying their best
to look different. Also, there are wedding neckties that are offered by
numerous brands.

If cheap wedding ties are needed, then ties that are designed with the use of various materials must be considered. The kind of quality a silk wedding tie can offer differs from the one that is offered by a cotton-wedding tie. Wedding ties made of polyester falls somewhere in between those two. It should be remembered that purchasing a good quality tie for your wedding is not enough. You need to know how you should
maintain its sheen and quality.

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Wedding Gowns In Christian Marriages

Wedding is the most celebrated event in the journey of life for any person. Choosing the right dress for this occasion is the biggest issue for any bride. The bride comes across a dizzying selection of choices while she goes for buying wedding gowns. The brides also choose the color, style and type of bridesmaid dresses that her bridesmaids are going to wear during her special occasion. There is a lot of importance of wedding gowns during any Christian marriages. The wedding gowns that a bride wears during her wedding are expected to be white in color. The white color of the gown symbolizes innocence, happiness, virginity and purity. Also the wedding gowns are regarded to be a treasured heirloom for any bride. This is because the brides pass down their wedding gowns to their daughter or granddaughter.

There is a difference between wedding dresses and wedding gowns. Wedding gowns are considered to be a more formal dress which is worn during the wedding. Dresses are informal or formal attire, which are mostly one piece garment. It is usually worn with a skirt of any length. Settle down to buy wedding gowns as also bridesmaid dresses much ahead of your wedding date. This would provide the time for any kind of alterations that need to be made. 

 

Also if you and your bridesmaids are plus sized women then the wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses should be custom-made, which requires suitable time. The time of the wedding is also very important to order for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. If you are looking for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses during an off-season then there are very less chances for you to get one. So it is quite wise to look out for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses much ahead of the wedding.

There are different styles of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses available in the market. The formality of the wedding ceremony would help people to decide about the kind of wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses they choose to wear. Also the time of the day would be an important factor to help deciding the right wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses.

Weddings can be classified into formal evening or day time event, semi-formal event or even informal event. Generally for formal weddings the bride chooses to wear lighter formal wedding gowns. The semi-formal wedding gowns are much less elaborate than the formal ones. They are generally made out of chiffon sans any lace or beading. Also these are long or short sleeved ones which extend up to one or two feet from the hem. Informal wedding gowns are the ones which are generally shorter dresses and suits. The hemline of informal wedding gowns runs from the knee up to the mid-calf and looks more like a cocktail or party dress.

The color of wedding gowns is very important. Generally white color wedding gowns are preferred over others. Red and black color cannot be used for wedding gowns since it is the sign of prostitution and mourning respectively. The bridesmaid can choose to wear bridesmaid dresses of any color. But the bridesmaid dresses should certainly match wedding gowns of the bride. Wedding gowns need to be preserved in a good manner so that you can pass it down to your daughter or granddaughter.

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Get Your Gown Without Busting The Bank

You really don't have to go far to find budget wedding dresses. You don't have to have a "wedding club" membership. You don't have to "know the right people". And you don't have to travel to a different state or country. Truth be told, you just need to follow these simple tips if you want to find budget wedding dresses that look beautiful & elegant.

Getting a Wedding Dress for Less...

1. Ask Mom. This is the easiest way to get a wedding gown under the budget. Chances are your mother, grandmother, or some other female relative has a dress which you could wear. Ask her if she'd grant you the "honor" of wearing the gown for your wedding. Also, ask if it would be okay to make a few small changes to the dress as well
2. Shop During the Off Season. Oddly enough, the prices on wedding dresses skyrocket during the late spring and summer months. To avoid this "out of nowhere" price hike, try searching for that perfect wedding dress in the fall and/or winter months. Chances are you'll save big bucks if you do.
3. Be Thrifty. There's no shame in visiting thrift stores in search of budget wedding dresses. Such places tend to have a wide selection of clothing choices; which will likely include an area filled with nice dresses and other formal attire. Browse around and see if anything catches your eye.
4. Don't Dent, Rent. If you want a beautiful, new wedding dress yet wish to avoid "denting" the budget too badly, the most logical option for you is to rent. Renting is a very wise option, as you'll be able to wear the dress you want for a price you can very easily afford. The only drawback to this particular method -- if you can even call it that -- is you won't be able to keep the dress afterwards.

These are 4 of the easiest and quickest ways of acquiring budget wedding dresses. If you refuse to follow these simple tips, well, then you're likely not going to save money with this part of the wedding planning.

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Find Inexpensive Wedding Photographer

Finding an inexpensive wedding photographer does not necessarily mean you have to hire an inexperienced photographer. However, it does require you to do some research and negotiating in order to get the best possible price from the photographer. Here are a few tips to get you started in your quest to find a reputable yet inexpensive wedding photographer.

1. You should get estimates and price quotes from several photographers in your area. This way you can have a little bit of leverage when you begin your negotiations.

2. Start looking online for coupons to your local photographers. Once you have a few coupons for different photographers you should get a price quote. Make sure you do not tell the company you have a coupon, save that for when you are signing the contract.

3. Negotiate with the photographer. If there are things in your package that you do not need, offer to relinquish those for a reduced price.

4. Keep in mind the number of years a particular company has been in business. Normally, you can expect to pay more money for a highly experienced wedding photographer. But don't feel that you can not negotiate with a veteran photographer to get an inexpensive wedding photographer.

When you are in negotiations with the photographer, you need to be realistic with your expectations. Do not think you are going to be able to get the price reduced by several hundred dollars. That would be offensive to even ask the photographer. They are providing a necessary service and should be compensated for it.

You have to approach the situation with class and style without making yourself look like you are trying to get something for nothing. However, you can approach the photographer without causing him or her to feel offended by simply leaving the ball in their court.

For example, let them know you are not interested in a particular part of the package and ask if there can be a change in price if you do not want the full package.

With these tips you should be able to find the perfect inexpensive wedding photographer for your wedding. Don't get discouraged if you do not get the massive discount you are hoping for, instead be ecstatic that you got a discount at all. At this point, every penny you can save on wedding related expenses is a penny more in your purse.

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You May Now Kiss The Bride

Did you ever wonder where that custom came from? Well... it is believed it comes from the western world, but has reach the four corners of the earth. The kiss between the bride and groom is believed to have started in ancient Rome, for a strange reason, as written in A Treasury Of American Superstition. A suspicious husband in Rome pressed his lips on his wife's to to learn if she had been drinking wine! Then in time this led to the betrothal or marriage kiss to show good faith between lovers.

At most weddings the "free for all" kissing the bride takes place right after the wedding, but there has been interesting variations of bride-kissing. In Scotland, the pastor had to be the first to kiss the bride, it is believed her happiness depended on it. There was another custom that when the husband kissed the wife she had to cry, if she didn't her married life would be full of tears. There was another custom that the bride had to kiss all the men present.

Today, however the grooms kiss seems to be a part of the ceremony as a symbolic gesture to seal the matrimonial sacred vows just exchanged. So now when you kiss your husband you know the meaning behind the kiss, you may even want to cry.

by Kitty Ariza

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Questions To Ask Your Wedding Videographer

Multiple award-winning Chicagoland videographer, Kris Malandruccolo of Elegant Videos by Kris, gives us her insight on choosing the best person to videotape your wedding.

How long have you been in business?
A more experienced videographer should do a better job for you. Using an established business means that they are in business for the long-term and probably won't shut down next week.

Are you the one who will be videotaping my wedding?
Make sure you speak to the person who will actually videotape your wedding. Many larger studios use free-lancers, and it is important to speak with the actual videographer ahead of time to make sure you get everything you want and to make sure you are comfortable with the videographer.

How many cameras do you use? Does that mean a second videographer?
If you are having "two cameras", then find out if that means a second videographer or just a camera on a tripod. Having a second videographer is more expensive than just a camera on a tripod (usually kept on wide angle). A second videographer can be well worth the extra cost due to the extra coverage you will get. Be sure to discuss camera placement and any videotaping restrictions ahead of time with your videographer.

What type of cameras do you use?
"3-Chip Digital" or 3CCD and HDTV is the most recent and highest resolution camera. Digital cameras have more 530 lines of resolution. Super VHS & Hi-8 cameras (which use analog tape) have 400 lines of resolution and VHS cameras have 230 lines of resolution. The higher the lines of resolution, the better quality picture you will get, but expect to pay more for a videographer who uses 3-Chip Digital cameras.

What kind of lighting do you use?
Some videographers use lights on their cameras, others do not. Some videographers will use a stand-alone soft-box light that gives off soft, even lighting. Ambient lighting at the reception hall will also help the photographer's pictures turn out better and the flash or video light won't seem quite so harsh.

How many and what kind of microphones do you use?
Audio quality is just as important as video quality. At the ceremony, have the groom wear a wireless microphone and have another one on the podium for any readers or singers. At the reception, make sure everyone who is giving a toast or blessing is using a microphone; this includes the person who is introducing the bridal party. Be sure to discuss audio placement ahead of time with your videographer.

How do you edit the wedding video?
The latest and newest technology is non-linear editing (on a computer). Ask how many hours your videographer spends on editing since it will make a difference in the final price. It is not unusual for videographers to spend between 30-40 plus hours on the computer editing a wedding. Expect a price difference (and quality difference) between those who edit non-linear and those who don't.

Can I have my wedding on DVD?
DVD is the latest trend in videography. DVD is a much better quality picture than VHS tape because there is no loss of quality when going from a digital master tape to DVD. Some videographers can customize their DVDs with multiple chapter stops/scene selection and a customized case with your wedding picture on it.. Your wedding video can last for generations without any deterioration when archived to DVD. I believe providing the finished production on DVD is a must-have!

How do you stay up-to-date in the video business?
Video technology is an ever-changing field (like the computer field) and professionals need to stay current. A videographer should be a member in local and national associations. Ask the videographer if he/she has ever been to any seminars or conventions. Any videographer belonging to WEVA (Wedding & Event Videography Association) or ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) is a big plus.

How can I see samples of your work?
Be sure you are seeing samples of the actual videographer who will be videotaping your wedding. This is especially important when dealing with larger studios that may have several crews that they send out on the weekend. Some videographers will send out demo tapes and others will ask you to schedule an appointment to visit them, others have video clips (called streaming video) on their website where you can view their work while you are on the internet. If possible, try to meet with the videographer before you sign the contract.

What other services or special effects do you offer?
Some examples are childhood/dating photo montage, wedding/honeymoon photo montage, bridal preparations, love story video (the two of you describing how you met, etc.), short-form video, highlight video, recap video, concept video, rehearsal coverage, big screen presentation, etc. This is also a good time to ask the videographer if they use special effects such as black & white, sepia-toned, slow-motion, animation, etc. There are many options to choose from!

What about the contract?
When you decide to hire the videographer, ask to see a copy of the contract. Ask how much of a deposit is required and when the remaining balance is due. Make sure everything you want in your wedding video is spelled out. As it gets closer to your wedding day, the videographer should request a "planning meeting" either over the phone or in person. Ask your videographer if they will attend your rehearsal - some videographers attend, some do not. It should also state when you will get your finished video.

What will you charge to videotape my wedding based on the coverage I am looking for?
If you are on a budget, let the videographer know that upfront. If your budget is flexible, wait to ask about pricing until you have explained to the videographer what you are looking for and after the videographer has talked about skill, equipment and service. A professional videographer with up-to-date digital equipment can start around $2000. Videographers with S-VHS cameras and less editing will probably charge less. A more seasoned professional offering many extras can charge upwards of $5000 and more. These prices are only a guideline, as pricing can vary region to region. It is hard to put a price on talent unless you view their work. Remember, your videographer is creating a family heirloom. Great video is not expensive, it's priceless!

By Kris Malandruccolo

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Selecting Attendants

It's a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by caring, familiar faces at your wedding ceremony. But, if you come from a large, close-knit family and have a wide circle of friends, selecting who will be standing beside you at the alter can be a true test of diplomacy. Here's some advice to keep everyone happy.

Shoshana Kopp Brady is a Certified Wedding Coordinator and Event Planner, from Bloomington, Indiana. She works closely with engaged couples preparing for the big day.

She comments, "Closest friends and family should be the first consideration when deciding on attendants for a wedding. These are the people who know you best and around whom you are most comfortable. Choosing between friends can be difficult and might require explanations to the friends the bride or groom did not choose. However, once everyone understands the situation, things should run smoothly."

Shoshana adds, "At times, political situations arise where individuals try to assume the role of a bridal attendant. Some brides don't want to cause friction and add the person to the party while others keep with their original plan. The day belongs to the bride and groom and should be everything they would like it to be."

Ordinarily the bride and groom select two to six attendants and the ring bearer/flower girl. The actual number of attendants may vary, depending on the size and formality of the wedding. A good rule of thumb is to have one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests, but this isn't set in stone.

A large wedding party traditionally signifies a formal wedding. So if you're planning a small, intimate gathering, ten bridesmaids might be a bit much. More people can mean more complications--in terms of coordinating schedules and making sure the attire is ordered.

Your own budget plays an important role in deciding how many attendants you should choose. In terms of expenditures, it's customary to purchase a wedding party gift for each attendant and bouquets for the bridesmaids.

For their part, attendants will be responsible for the costs of wedding attire, as well as the pre-wedding parties and possible travel expenses.

You need not ask someone to be in your wedding simply because they had you in theirs. Shoshana notes, "Reciprocation is not necessary in choosing a bridal party. However, the bride may wish to explain her decision to friends or family whose feelings may be hurt if this is the case."

Before rushing in and asking your top candidates, think about what you expect from the attendants. Will it be hands-on help, such as preparing invitations and tying ribbon favors, or simply moral support on the big day? Will multiple out-of-town trips be required for dress fittings? Keep in mind, it may not be realistic to have high expectations from friends with especially hectic schedules or those who live far away.

"Communication is key. Brides should be very open and communicate with the entire bridal party as far as expectations, schedules, accommodations, attire, pre-wedding events, and wedding day itinerary," says Shoshana.

What happens if you're the bride and your best friend is male or you're the groom and your best friend is a female? There's no reason why he/she can't stand next to you at the wedding using the more generic title of Attendant, rather than groomsman or bridesmaid.

Don't be too concerned if you haven't got the same number of bridesmaids as groomsmen. There's no rule dictating the numbers must be equal.

There are plenty of other roles good friends and family can play in your wedding. Here are some possible suggestions:

• Greeter
• Program distribution
• Candle lighting for the ceremony
• Guest book attendant
• Gift table attendant
• Favor distribution
• Poem reader
• Soloist or musician at ceremony or reception
• Birdseed or rice distribution
• Junior bridesmaid (typically girls ages 8-15)

Finally, senior family members and those less agile could be singled out with a special mention in the program or given a corsage or boutonniere.

by Kathryn Lemmon

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