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
At most weddings
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.If you are considering a very informal wedding, there are some simple, but elegant invitations available. If you are on a tight budget for your wedding, you can still hold a fabulous event, even if it is informal.
For informal wedding invitations, you might consider printing them yourself. Many of the laser printers found in home offices nowadays are comparable to what a custom print shop can provide. There are terrific box sets of blank wedding invitations available at many fine stationary and printing shops. You'll find the card stock, envelopes and reception cards are already included. This is a terrific way to save some money, but yet send out a beautiful wedding invitation.
One nice aspect to printing your own invitations is that how much you can personalize the wedding invitation. You may wish to provide a photo of the two of you, or personalize each invitation to a specific guest. Most informal weddings are usually smaller than formal affairs. This is the perfect time to let your uniqueness as a couple to shine through. You might consider simple wedding note cards, instead of complete wedding invitations. Some people often reserve the invitation only for their family members as a memento and invite friends by word of mouth.
Since printing for these types of invitations are normally completed at home, you and your soon-to-be spouse can take the time to plan out what you want on the invitations. You might be surprised at what the two of you can come up with for a beautiful, unique invitation. Consider something as informal as hand written note on pretty stationary.
If you want to have your invitations professionally printed, watch for specials that are often offered in the early spring. You may also find some bridal shops that offer a great deal on invitations, floral arrangements, or dresses. You may find this is a terrific way to budget several of your wedding items at once.
Online printing shops are also a good option for wedding invitations on a budget. Most of these sites offer templates where you are able to mix and match designs and styles to meet your needs. You will be able to see a proof of what the finished product should look like, and most also offer a money back guarantee. Be cautious of the print shops that promise deals that seem too good to be true. Look for reviews of some of the print shops you are interested in and do your research. A bargain is only a bargain if you don't have to have it reprinted again.
Informal wedding invitations do not mean you must sacrifice quality. It simply means you don't have to use the formal wording or expensive supplies. There are many beautiful invitations available for an informal wedding. You only have to do a little research to find the set that meets your expectations and budget. After all, the invitation is only a small part of the much more important event.
By Janine Sinclair
Shopping for erotic lingerie is something many women do. Most women have different reasons for shopping for it, of course. Some like the pleasure and tantalizing sense of sexuality it can bring, others want to spice up their relationships, and others simply like how erotic lingerie feels on the skin. Purchasing erotic lingerie is sadly something most women do alone, however, as few women actually take their partners with them on this most sensual of retail journeys.
One of the best variants is to prepare the invitations by you. In this case they will be special and unique. Besides, they will impress the guests. If you will choose the handmade invitations, you will have an opportunity to find the most appropriate decorations and fabric depending on your wishes and tastes. If you will choose handmade invitations, you can be sure that nobody else has, had or will have the same invitations.
Do not forget to mention all essential information in the invitation card. They gusts must receive all information about the events, the location of the ceremony, the theme of the party, the date and time, and, if you wish, amount of guests.
Pay attention also on the style of the invitation. There are many available variants, such as type and size of envelopes, layout and wording, color schemes and design, etc. All depends on the budget and your tastes.
Pay attention on the return envelope and the seal. It is very important. Send the invitation beforehand to give your guests some time to prepare and to arrange their plans. The best decision is to send the cards three months before the ceremony. In this case everyone will respond and you will have an opportunity to make all arrangements concerning the placing of the invited people.
If you will follow the recommendations which are given below, you will save your money, efforts, time and nerves and prepare the unforgettable and unique invitations.
By: Cynthia Allen
During the honeymoon the couple will enjoy the time and different activities. Usually the couple devotes this period to the common hobbies and to each other. The honeymoon must be exotic and romantic, unique and unusual. These recollections will stay with you forever. You have to care about the honeymoon beforehand. To avoid the stress and problems during the honeymoon you have to foresee all details.
There are many options available and each couple can choose the most appropriate offer. Below the main rules which can help you to make the right choice, are described.
By: Demarcus Lee
But wanting to have chocolate wedding favors for your reception can leave you scratching your head as to what you should actually choose, and how chocolates can be presented at your reception in a beautiful and appropriate manner.
Choosing these favors will depend on many things, but probably your budget more than anything. There’s no limit to the amount of money you can spend on designer bonbons and truffles and other gourmet items, so it’s a good idea to have an actual budget in mind before you even begin shopping around.
You might also want to give some consideration to the theme and tone of your wedding and reception. Is it a very formal affair in an elegant banquet hall or a more casual party? If it’s formal and traditional, then typically you want chocolates that are just as elegant and indulgent. Most chocolate makers have packages that they make up just for weddings, usually a small collection of bonbons or truffles that comes in beautiful boxes. They may be decorated like little tuxedos and wedding gowns. They may be heart-shaped and hand decorated with your names or initials. Some may offer just one very exquisite or decadent chocolate in its own mini tray or foil, and be wrapped with a bit of tulle and ribbon.
Other small treats may be a few chocolates stacked on top of each other to resemble a wedding cake, again, in its own mini tray and ribbon or a small clear box. There are also chocolates in the shape of a letter which is usually in a clear plastic bag and tied with an elegant ribbon.
However, if your reception is more casual then your options can include treats such as chocolate covered pretzels in a small box. If you’re both sports loves, there are chocolates shaped like golf balls, soccer balls, bowling balls, volleyballs, baseballs, and virtually any other sporting ball you can think of.
For those who love casinos or who are planning a Vegas-themed wedding, some chocolate wedding favors are shaped like large dice or like poker chips.
For beach wedding favors, you can find chocolates in the shape of seashells. Some bakers can offer to make just plain squares of chocolate that are stamped with your name or initial.
When opting for chocolate wedding favors such as these, be sure to dress them up with a personal touch. If the box they come in is rather plain, wrap it in beautiful wrapping paper and large ribbon from either your paper supply or fabric store, in a color that matches your reception’s theme.
And of course a very affordable and unique option for chocolate wedding favors is personalized candy bar wrappers, which usually come in a wide variety of designs and styles. These can match your wedding’s tone, whether elegant and traditional or fun and whimsical, and can also provide a nice keepsake for an album or scrapbook.
As more and more chocolate makers realize the popularity and versatility of chocolate wedding favors, you may see that you as a bride have more and more options available to you when it comes time to choosing just the right chocolate favors for your reception.
By: Linda Ellison
So the question was popped and now you and your fiancé are in the process of planning your wedding, congratulations! Now you are faced with the daunting task of budgeting. So how much does a wedding reception cost? Is it cheap, expensive or average? Only you can answer those questions after taking the following into consideration.
A Cheap Wedding Reception is not Always the Best
You heard the saying, you get what you pay for, let the buyer beware. Well, when you are interviewing wedding reception vendors you will get a general feel for the prices and options. The lowest cheapest spectrum might be competitively priced, but will they under deliver? Determining how much does a wedding cost will depend on credibility of your wedding reception vendors. They should provide you with a list of recent references (preferably last 6 months.) You can stay way below the average for your grand total wedding costs. Just keep in mind that the cheapest service you go with will have to compliment your ONE wedding.
Average Wedding Prices has its Pros and Cons
Well an average price for your wedding cost might make you jump for joy, but are their services just average as well? Does the company have any unique options? If not, then why are their prices so low? Do they get enough business? If a wedding company can help you save by creating a package just for you then this might interest you. Any company with average prices must deliver in other areas. Your wedding is FAR from average.
Expensive Wedding Costs
So you have interviewed several wedding companies and determined that the pricing does not matter. Great, you will have more options available for you. My only concern for you is that sometimes these prices are determined by people that have overinflated egos. It is best to make sure that on the contract “IN WRITING” it is stated as to exactly what you are getting. Do not leave any room for discrepancies. Trust me, I am a wedding entertainment vendor and I have heard horror stories from other brides. An expensive wedding cost does not always mean that you will be receiving the best service.
How Much Does a Wedding Cost
The cost of a wedding reception can not be determined in dollar amounts. It will cost you aggravation and grief if you make a poor choice. This goes for the expensive, cheap, and average wedding costs. The most important thing is that you enjoy your wedding reception with you family and friends knowing that you spent just amount of time and energy into selecting the perfect wedding reception vendors.
By: Robert Reno
Planning a wedding ceremony is one of the most exciting things any person can do, but it can also be one of the most nerve wracking and stressful times of their life.
Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of planning a wedding knows just how difficult and time consuming it can be, and it is important to give this vital job the time and consideration it deserves.
A great wedding doesn't just happen; indeed a memorable ceremony is the result of hundreds of hours of careful planning, and it is important to start as early as possible.
When To Start Planning
Many wedding planners recommend that brides to be start planning for ceremony as the question has been popped.
Choosing a date can be a job in itself, and it is important to schedule that wedding date as far in advance as possible.
Planning as far ahead as possible will help to ensure that the church and reception hall will be available for the wedding day, and it will give all the guests and members of the wedding party plenty of time to prepare as well.
Using A Wedding Checklist
After the date has been set it is time to start planning the ceremony in earnest. One of the best places to start is with a well thought out ceremony checklist.
This checklist can be used to determine all those large and small details that will need to be worked out. From the perfect dress to the freshest flowers, there are plenty of details to be worked out when planning a wedding. A checklist can make the process a lot easier and much less stressful.
A Checklist Will Make Things Easier
Having a wedding ceremony checklist in hand will also make it easier to work with caterers, wedding dress designers, florists, photographers and other wedding professionals.
A written checklist is a great way to ensure that everything has been taken care of and a great way to avoid misunderstandings with vendors. Preparing a checklist will help ensure that everything gets done on time and that the wedding ceremony is the event of a lifetime.
By: Shaunta Pleasant
For so many couples, the wedding invitations (and everything associated with the invitations) prove to be the most problematic part of the wedding planning process. Perhaps both sets of parents have remarried or the Bride and Groom have decided to host the wedding on their own. In this day and age, there is no standard definition of a wedding. So, to help you in your woes…here are some invitation etiquette rules made easy:
A traditional wedding invitation should be worded as follows:
Mr. and Mrs. Bride’s Father’s First Name / Last Name
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Bride First / Middle Name
To Mr. Groom First / Middle / Last Name
Day and Month of the wedding spelled out
year spelled out
at time spelled out
Location of the Ceremony
City, State
Or rather…
Mr. and Mrs. William McLucas
Request the pleasure of your company
At the wedding of
Abigail Dee
To
Tait Elliott Larson
Saturday, the twenty-seventh of August
Two thousand and seven
At half after five o’clock
Old South Church
Boston, Massachusetts
It’s good to use this as your template, then customize with your own unique details. For most couples, however, it simply isn’t this straight forward. Here are some ways to tackle the more unique situations:
Bride and Groom are Hosting the Wedding
Ms. Bride First Name / Last Name
and
Mr. Groom First Name / Last Name
request the honour of your presence
as they celebrate their marriage
Day and Month of the wedding spelled out
year spelled out
at time spelled out
Location of the Ceremony
City, State
Both Sets of Parents are Hosting the Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Bride’s Father’s First Nam / Father’s Last Name
and
Mr. and Mrs. Groom’s Father’s First Name / Last Name
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
Bride First / Middle / Last
and
Groom First / Middle / Last
{etc}
Parents/Parent has Divorced or Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. Bride’s Mother {New Husband’s} First Name / Last Name
and
Mr. and Mrs. {New Wife} Groom’s Father First Name / Last Name
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Bride First / Middle / Last
{etc}
Small Wedding then Large Reception
…to the ceremony and reception
Mr. and Mrs. Bride’s Father’s First Name / Last Name
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Daughter first name / middle name
to
Mr. Groom First name / Last name
Day, Month spelled out
Year spelled out
at time spelled out
Location of Ceremony
and afterward at the reception
Location of Reception
…to the reception only
Mr. and Mrs. Bride’s Father’s First Name / Last Name
request the pleasure of your company
at the wedding reception for their daughter
Daughter’s First Name / Middle Name
and
Mr. Groom’s First Name / Last Name
Day, Month spelled out
year spelled out
at time spelled out
Location
City, State
When a Parent or Parents Have Passed
(It should be sent only from the living parent…)
Mr. (Mrs.) Father/Mother’s First Name / Last Name
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of his/her daughter
Bride First Name / Middle Name
To
Mr. Groom’s First Name / Middle / Last
{etc}
When the Groom’s family hosts the wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Groom’s Father’s First Name / Last Name
request the hour of your presence
at the marriage of
Miss Bride’s First Name / Middle / Last
To
their son
Groom’s first Name / Middle Name / Last
{etc}
Although these are many of the more common circumstances, they of course, barely crack the surface. There are so many ways to phrase a wedding invitation, depending on your own familial situation. What IS important is that you convey the tone of the wedding thru the invitation. Sometimes, proper etiquette isn’t the only element to consider.
For those of you that are more whimsical, and less inclined to follow tradition, here are some fun, quirky ways to phrase a wedding invitation…
Traditional…but Cheeky
Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Brown
request the honour of your presence
as their daughter
Emily Cecilia
bids single life adieu
and makes an honest man out of
Mr. Tad Everett Jennings
Saturday, the fourth of May
two thousand and six
at half after five o’clock
St. Mary’s Church
Smithville, NY
Traditional…but Cute
Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Brown
together with
Doctor and Mrs. Charles E. Jennings
would be honoured by your presence
as their children
Emily Cecilia
and
Tad Everett Jennings
promise to love, honour and
respectfully disagree with each other
{about the quickest way to get to 89th and 5th}
Saturday, the fourth of May
two thousand and six
at half after five o’clock
St. Mary’s Church
Smithville, NY
{customize to suit your personalities}
Traditional…With Personality
Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Brown
together with
Doctor and Mrs. Charles E. Jennings
request the honour of your presence
as their children
Emily Cecilia
and
Tad Everett Jennings
tie the knot, take the plunge, and otherwise “seal the deal”
Saturday, the fourth of May
two thousand and six
at half after five o’clock
St. Mary’s Church
Smithville, NY
Casual and Sweet
Elissa and Eric Brown
and
Charles and Meredith Jennings
would be honoured
to share with you the moment at which the lives of their children
Emily Cecilia
and
Tad
will be forever—and most beautifully—changed
This celebration of love, new beginnings and {first date} that brought them together
will be held on
Saturday, the fourth of May
two thousand and six
at half after five o’clock
St. Mary’s Church
Smithville, NY
{personalize to suit your own moment}
Casual and Personal
The only thing that could make us happier than
the marriage of our {pragmatic} daughter
Emily Cecilia
to
the {adventurous} Mr. Tad Everett Jennings
is if you’d share in the occasion with us
The couple will wed on
Saturday, the fourth of May
two thousand and six
at half after five o’clock
St. Mary’s Church
12 Winding Way
Smithville, NY
After witnessing their vows
we invite you to join us for libations and merrymaking
(customize to suit your personalities)
The hot, new trend is to take the traditions established by your families and find a new setting for them. Weddings, in general, take a great deal of tedious planning. Add an unusual twist and you're definitely going to need some help. Don't stress yourself out by pretending that you can take all of this on. Consultants and bridal specialists produce these sorts of functions often.
Once you've come to your senses and hired a wonderful professional, you can relax and actually have fun. The sky is the limit. Sit with your betrothed and brainstorm. It's very important for you to find your style. Come up with five adjectives to describe you and/or your relationship. Talk about how formal or informal your function should be. How many guests should you invite?
If you met one another in Cancun, then what could be more romantic than traveling back there to exchange vows on that same stretch of beach? Host a clambake for your closest friends and family with a shoe check and lots of seashells, driftwood, cheese cloth and twinkle lights.
If you both have theatrical backgrounds, then choose your favorite piece of work by Shakespeare or Rodger & Hammerstein and build your day around it.
Television buffs could host a We Love Lucy Party. Imagine recreating Ricky's nightclub, the Tropicana, with everything in black and white and shades of gray and your favorite episodes on screens around the room. Work on some Technicolor reds (Lucy's hair,) some pink tulle and hearts (from the opening sequence.) The heart could become a whole "logo" on all your pre-printed material - invitations, menu cards, thank you notes, etc. ... Send your guests home with a bottle of Vitameatavegamin!
The possibilities are endless! Build on holidays - Christmas, Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, and Equinoxes. Display your pride in your heritage or ethnicity. Host an English tea party. Use plaid and hire bagpipes if you're Scottish. If your family is from Spain, serve paella and hire flamenco dancers. If one of you is from New York and the other from Mississippi, stage a Mason-Dixon Line party. Confederate vs. Union - the whole thing writes itself! Military balls are gorgeous and a bride or groom or both who have spent any time in the service will appreciate all of the structure, pomp and circumstance.
There are no rules, except that you have fun. Thousands of dollars and a lot of planning later, all you are left with are beautiful memories and a gorgeous photo album. Make sure that when you pour over these pictures with your children and grandchildren that, in them, you are smiling and having the time of your life. Or "a legendary good time!"
I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful 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.
(Name), I take you to be my lawfully wedded (husband/wife). Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and your strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and I will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my beloved (wife/husband), to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.
What person doesn't want to feel like a movie star? A Hollywood glamour wedding theme will help you feel just that way, and give an elegant and fun style to your wedding as well.
Think about old-fashioned Hollywood, and the excitement of the red carpet. After all, if there's any day you should act like a star, it's your wedding day!
Bride: Look for bias-cut dresses with v-necks and fish-tail hems. Designers to look at include Jenny Packham, Badgley Mischka, Amy Michaelson, and Monique Lhuillier. Satin is a classic fabric, and chandelier earrings are a must.
Groom: Black tie or white tie – go for the classic Fred Aistaire look, complete with sharp, pressed clothes and neat haircut.
Groomsmen: Black tie or simple one-button dark suits.
Wedding Colors: Silver, white, black, and blush pink.
Flowers: You'll want to look for classic flowers, such as roses, peonies, and lilies.
Try arrangements composed of just one flower, such as all rose bridesmaids' bouquets, or an elegant bunch of calla lilies for the bride. Consider wearing a flower in your hair for that
Music: A swing band is perfect for this type of wedding. You could also hire a dance instructor to teach your guests how to do the lindy hop and the Charleston – perhaps at the rehearsal dinner.
Invitation: Look for ones that echo your theme.
Setting: An old art deco movie theater, particularly if it has a large lobby, is a perfect setting. If you don’t have one of these in your town, look for an old-fashioned formal restaurant or supper club, like the 21 Club, or a grand ballroom at a hotel.
Transportation: Drive away in a vintage Rolls Royce Phantom convertible. Or, just enjoy being chauffeured in a limousine.
Special Touches: Name your tables after classic Hollywood stars, or romantic movies. Give your bridesmaids high quality feather boas.
Consider wearing a feather and rhinestone hair accessory, a la Josephine Baker. If you're renting your dance floor, ask for black and white checkered.
Source: Nina Callaway.
In an ever-evolving society where traditions and culture continuously merge, wedding etiquette continues to be a shape-changer. While there are some traditional rules that the bride and groom may want to stick to, a cookie-cutter wedding complete with a toy bride-and-groom on top of the cake may not be what the bride and groom’s memories are made of today.
The wedding is yours and yours alone.
Here are a few tips on how to make it your very own …
Maybe you’ve got the details of the actual wedding ceremony worked out, but what about the reception? One of the major costs of the wedding reception will definitely be the food, so you’ll want to make sure you’ll have enough food for everyone without spending too much money. Here are some top ways to cut on your catering bill that will ensure that your guests enjoy your reception—and you save money.
Don’t order more food than you need.
We talked now about the 2008 wedding predictions. Well I looked the some favourites and popular bridal publications - but you know what is HOT on the coasts...does not necessarily trickle down to us....so some of my predictions are based on local experience.
1. AFTER PARTIES - couples are wanting to keep the party going way after midnight by going to a secondary location with their guests. They may not sponsor the party, but they will plan for it.
2. BANQUET/FAMILY STYLE - is coming back here to the Tri-State. We are also seeing more and more people using the square tables (two banquets bumped together). Mix and match at the reception with the table sizes!
3. HOT COLOR -They said that pink is the hot color for 2008. I think it is beautiful, but I foresee it not being as popular until later this year. Instead, I prediction the color chocolate to continue on from last year and start showing up earlier in the year (not just in the fall).
4. REMOVING TRADITIONS - Couples are opting to plan their reception, their way. That may mean: less speeches, no garter/bouquet toss, and multiple desserts offered (instead of just the cake).
5. DETAILS ON THE WEDDING DRESS - Very popular around here is the wedding dress that gets bunched up and tucked. Also - look for more details on the back of the wedding dresses....
Whats about yours?
Weddings are stressful. No matter how much planning and preparation you do the stress levels never seem to go down. There always seems to be that opportunity for things to go wrong. So why not reward yourself with a fantastic holiday at the end of it?
One of the biggest things the bride and groom have to look forward to is their Honeymoon. Personally I would never recommend delaying the honeymoon particularly for work commitments. You will find you need this time to chill after an enjoyable but stressful period.
The Wedding Day takes so much preparation and planning that the Honeymoon is the ideal way for the bride and groom to relax, de-stress and enjoy their first few days or weeks of married life together.
