All About Your Wedding: July 2008

Saturday 19 July 2008

Wedding Budget Advice - 4 Ways to Save Money on Your Bar Tab

So you've read the etiquette rules proclaiming cash bars a no no, and now you're fretting the potential cost of a pricey open bar at your wedding reception. Relax, an open bar does not have to kill a carefully planned wedding budget. Consider these four ways to save:

1) Find a Reception Site that Allows Outside Alcohol

Believe it or not, many wedding venues will let you bring your own alcohol, which can lead to extensive savings! Liquor store prices are always less, and you can usually return any unopened bottles for a full refund after the wedding. When prospecting potential reception sites, ask whether stocking your own bar is a possibility.

2) Select a Reception Site with Reasonable Bar Prices

Along those lines, even if you cannot find a desirable reception site that will allow you to stock your own bar, compare bar prices when interviewing facilities. Just like catering menus, all bar menus are not created equal. Many reception sites offer reasonable bar rates (anywhere from $15-$25 per person), while other charge exorbitantly. Bottom line: do your research and choose wisely.

3) Serve a Limited Bar

Even though cash bars are frowned upon, you don't necessarily have to provide a completely open bar at your wedding reception. Consider serving beer and wine only; this will substantially cut down on bar costs, and most wedding guests will hardly notice. If you have a number of liquor drinkers on your guest list, serve a full bar stocked with only well brands.

4) Cut the Guest List

We know you have heard it before, but the only way to substantially cut your wedding budget is to decrease your guest list. Almost all wedding costs are tallied on a per person basis, bar packages included. Decreasing the number of people in attendance will significantly decrease your bar costs. This advice on how to cut your wedding guest list offers useful tips to get your list down to size.

By Cori Russell

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_Russell

Five Steps to Creating a Memorable Wedding

Congratulations! You are getting married and ready to experience the best day of your life. A wedding is the most important event in a person's life, signaling the bond of two becoming one. There are less memorable things (such as Uncle Jack's love for open bars), but you can easily squeeze those memories out by creating a memorable experience of your own. It only needs a touch here or there, but it makes such a wonderful difference to your special day. Here are five steps for creating that memorable experience:

1. Pre-wedding pampering. This is usually a bride-exclusive event, but men need apply. Men might think it is 'weird,' among other unmentionable things, but it'll really freshen up their day, prepping them up for the ceremony. Weddings are stressful, so take some time beforehand to get a nice massage, have a relaxing facial, and enjoy some cuisine before getting ready.

2. Travel in style. Instead of entering the church in your Sedan, rent out a limo instead. It's elegant, spacey enough for the entire wedding party, and you'll have time to relax as the limousine driver drives you to your destination. You might even have time to enjoy a glass of champagne or two! When you step out of the limo, and your dress' train falls elegantly as you walk away, you will truly be the star of your big day.

3. Personalize the ceremony. Instead of incorporating a simple Catholic mass, personalize it with singers, special readings, or a different spin on "Here Comes the Bride." Hire a singer or two to sing a special song during the ceremony. Have a friend read a special passage from the Bible or religious text of choice. Instead of hiring an organist, hire a guitarist instead for a relaxed, casual ceremony. When you infuse your personal touch to your ceremony, both your spouse-to-be and guests will remember it for life.

4. Delegate your responsibilities. Your wedding is indeed a large production for the woman. She is the star of the show, so it is important that she only focus on the most important event of the day - sharing it with your spouse-to-be. She should delegate. Ahead of time, make sure that all of your bridesmaids and groomsmen have their share of responsibilities, so she only has the responsibility of enjoying her big day.

5. Create a fun reception. Instead of creating a reception that simply the traditional fare, infuse your personality into the festivities. Remember, a reception gives all of your guests an opportunity to celebrate your bond with your soul mate - and give them an ability to express their excitement! You may want to hire both a traditional band and a DJ, who will both play songs that will have the crowd, young and old, on their feet. Or, you could hire an instructor to teach your guests a fun dance. When your guests have fun, they celebrate your lifelong bond - and remember your wedding forever.

Ready to walk down that aisle? By following these simple steps, you will enjoy a memorable wedding you and your guests will remember for ages. Wedded bliss does not have to be traditional - infuse your personality and your wedding day will be marked in history.

By Eric Devlin

Eric Devlin is the Owner and President of Premier Transportation, one of the leading Dallas limousine companies. Having been in business for over 10 years, he has served stars such as Trent Resner, Jay Leno, Don Henley, and Axel Rose. Offering high-end limousine services to and from the DFW airport, as well as rentals for all special occasions, Premier provides safe, convenient, courteous, and reliable wedding limousines in Dallas and surrounding area. To learn more or inquire about our services, visit http://www.PremierofDallas.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Devlin

Manage Your Finances For Your Wedding - Top 5 Ways

To plan for you matrimonial preparations can be extremely difficult especially if you are working on a very tight budget. Nonetheless, here are some of the important things to remember on how to iron out your finances while you conceptualize your matrimonial celebration.

First, you need to think of concepts as to how you want the occasion to be like. You need to figure out whether or not it would be something simple or grandiose or something that is just in between. It is important to imagine already how you want it to be because it is from this concept where you would start to consider other aspects like how many people to invite and who are these people.

Second, you need to consider how much you want to allocate for the preparations for the occasion. You know that for almost every part of the occasion you need to set aside an amount to pay for the finances. The bridal gown, the grooms attire, the entourages' attire, the flower arrangement, the photo and video documentation, the venue, the reception, the flower arrangements, the gifts and many more. These are but some of the things that you have to set aside and include in the budget.

Third, start to prioritize the list of items in your budget and try to allocate a specific working budget for each starting with the most necessary preparations to the list unnecessary or optional expenses. Make sure to make a realistic budget for every item. It helps if you look for previous quotes on a particular expense and then increase the allocation from five to ten percent or really inquire for the cheapest quotes for a particular item and then do the computation.

Fourth, if everything goes well within the budget allocation then it is a good budget to start the conceptualization of the details of every item.

Lastly, as much as possible stick with the budget so that you do not spend more then expected but if you need to spend more than the allocation and yet you do not want to start your married life with debts incurred from the preparation, then you should trim down those unnecessary expenses and look for alternatives. For example, if you allocated an amount for the flowers and yet you found out that the flowers that you want is off that season and would certainly cost more if you order those flowers, you better find a good alternative for it which is equally as beautiful as your first choice.

These are just five of the important things that you should know about how to manage the finances for special occasions like marriages.

By Jesse Miller

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Theme idea or Wedding Favors go to My Bridal Favor now and find ideas for Wedding Favors and Groomsmen Gifts like Glass photo Coaster Wedding Favors. I think Ever Bride deserves that one great wedding don't you if so go now and look.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Miller

15 Easiest Wedding Reception Table Decor Ideas Ever!

Are you looking for some really easy, simple to set up wedding reception table decoration ideas? You've come to the right place. Everyone wants their reception tables to look great and match their overall wedding theme. But, your tablescapes don't need to give you a headache or break the bank. You are going to be quite busy the day of your wedding, so you need quick, easy centerpieces! Many of our ideas are quite affordable, as well as no fuss!

1. Seasonal fruit in decorative bowls or baskets. Did you know that you can spray paint inexpensive bowls to match your color scheme if necessary? Go "green" - Give guests beautiful centerpieces, and snacks at the same time! Beautiful color, and no waste.

2. Tulle fabric table runner with floral items or arrangements. This combination can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like, and will easily adapt to any color scheme. Use your bridal party bouquets as some of the floral accents - especially at the bride & groom's 'head table'.

3. Pre-made floral arrangements. Probably the most simple, yet beautiful way to spruce up any table. Short or very tall are best for conversation. Be cautious of tipping with very tall, slender floral arrangements on small tables & outdoors.

4. Shells, candles & sand. Gorgeous possibilities await with this summer wedding centerpiece idea. Do a practice layout before the wedding day and take a picture of it when you get it just right (so your helpers know how you want the elements arranged). Have a shoe-box sized plastic bin available for quick clean up of the sand after the reception.

5. Fabric napkins, stemware & votives. Don't underestimate the simple, crisp beauty of glass and candlelight! Beautiful, inexpensive & eco-friendly!

6. Petals and tea light candles. Arrange them into swirling shapes or randomly spread them out for a soft, easy look. Use buds or whole flowers too (just the heads) if you like! Make a heart shape with the tea lights on round tables.

7. Stemware, petals & wine bottles or sparkling cider. Set up in the middle of round tables or in clusters at rectangular tables, this combination would be both practical and lovely. Go "green". Could be set up on a colored cloth.

8. Fresh cut greenery, candy canes & candles. So easy, fragrant and fun for holiday weddings! Use white Christmas light strings if your venue doesn't allow candles to be lit.

9. Pre-made wreaths (lay flat) and candle. Not just for the holidays, wreaths can be created to match any theme and color scheme. Simply lay them out! Works especially well for round tables. Wreathes also make nice gifts afterwards for the bridal party or for other helpers as well.

10. River rocks. Go "green" - Consider using polished, river rocks as decor. As soon as your event is done, bring them back to nature... Use a large size and have guests write inspirational words on them as keepsakes for you!

11. River rocks, bowls & floating flowers. Easy to assemble and has a very natural look. Can easily match any color scheme. Eco-friendly centerpiece!

12. Mirror, confetti and candle(s). Adding petals also would soften this look. Very easy to set up and adds lots of shimmery color and light to your tables.

13. Balloon bunches. Lots of bang for your buck! You'll need something heavy to anchor them down, although you can purchase them with plastic heart-shaped 'anchors' on each balloon. Make sure strings are kept long to foster conversation at tables.

14. Candelabras with ivy. Classic and so simple to set up. Ivy could be fresh cut or silk. Candles can match your color scheme. Candelabras can be rented!

15. Fresh cut flowers in vases. Use seasonal flowers from your yard, a friend's yard, florist, or grocery store. SO simple to set up and clean up. Give the flowers to your guests as they leave the reception so they can be put to good use afterward. Ask your venue, florist or caterer if they have vases.

By Krista Dunk

Krista Dunk, Founder & CEO

http://www.NWweddingplace.com
"Helping Pacific Northwest Couples Plan Their Dream Weddings & Successful Marriages™"
Olympia, WA

Read our Blog at: http://www.NWweddingplace.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krista_Dunk

Wedding Speeches And Messages Worth Noting

Witnessing a bond between a man and a woman is something that is considered a once in a lifetime event. Celebrating this meaningful event is made even more exciting the moment the bride and the groom profess their eternal love for each other. A lot of wedding ceremonies have been meaningful primarily because of the wedding speeches done by people close to the newly wed. Apart from other wedding traditions and the celebration of love coupled with scrumptious foods and well wishers, the most anticipated portion of the celebration is the wedding speeches.

Wedding speeches are usually given by people close to the married couple. This can be a member of the family of either the bride or groom or close friends and relatives. Giving a wedding speech does not necessarily follow a format. A person asked to do a speech should give out something that will make both the bride and the groom beam with happiness. It can be positive traits of the married couple; advices or tips; overall this should be your way of expressing your happiness and joy on their union.

If you have been chosen to do a wedding speech then it is important to consider that everything you utter should be well planned and thought out. This should not be in any way a complicated task to deliver for this will only take few minutes in length. Thus, you have to be brief and direct to the point when it is your turn to express your piece. Make it simple and noteworthy.

Remember that wedding speeches are genuine and sincere messages or advices. It has a limited time and so make certain that your message should be encapsulated in short phrases and sentences. Incorporating jokes and comic stories can be done however, this should not be a way in making the newly weds and guests to feel embarrassed and humiliated. There are instances where wedding speakers are being carried away by their emotions that may be due to overjoyed feeling or excitement; yet, cracking jokes that may lead to something awkward and discomforting should be avoided.

Doing some practice will allow you to identify flaws and make necessary adjustments. It would also help if you make a short note or outline of the things that you will say during the celebration. Listing all possible messages and advices can be written and narrowed down afterwards. Ensure that these are things that you consider the most important messages.

Wedding speeches are messages meant to be simple yet, unforgettable. It should be a message from the heart that is genuinely spoken and etched in the mind. People have a way of determining speeches that are sincere especially married couples so avoid unnecessary notes. As a whole, wedding speeches are considered reflection of the couple's traits, their love for each other and also the kind of life they will lead.

By Ellen Tayana

If you're looking for heartfelt remarks and messages on a friend or sister or brother's wedding, you can visit wedding-speeches.info and find out what you can say to that one special and remarkable message.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Tayana

Getting Engaged - The Emotional Struggle Women Face Before the Wedding

Inside the newly engaged woman often lie fear, anxiety, sadness and loss. It is these important internal details, so largely ignored by conventional wedding guides and planners, that an engaged woman must face and confront if she ever hopes to arrive at the altar fully prepared to enter into a healthy marriage.

Feelings of loss?

There is no other time in your life when you are truly giving up one identity for another. The transition is more complex than simply taking a new last name, a literal change of identity and a decision that brings with it its own set of questions and anxieties. You are also giving up your symbolic identity as a single woman, even a child. Women often worry, "I'm losing my youth," or, "I won't be able to relate to my single girlfriends." A stage in your life, the only stage you have ever experienced, is ending, and many women experience feelings of loss as a chapter closes on their lives.

What if...

As one chapter closes, another begins. A chapter of commitment and togetherness. This new stage brings forth feelings of joy and excitement, but fear and uncertainty are also involved. You are entering into a partnership with another human being, causing your future's happiness to rely so heavily on the actions of another. Needless to say, this realization can expose feelings of fear. What if our marriage doesn't last? What if he cheats on me? What if I cheat on him? What if the passion fades and we grow apart? What if something terrible happens to him? These questions can penetrate the veneer of even the most outwardly joyous bride.

Am I making a mistake?

Popular culture and society seems to conveniently ignore these questions and uncertainties. As engaged women, we hear a barrage of "congratulations!" and "what will your dress look like?" when we announce the big news. Even those closest to us neglect to recognize the importance of more internally probing questions and advice during engagement. As a result, many women begin to question their readiness for marriage. Any feeling less than euphoric is deemed as indication of making a mistake, as we have been conditioned to believe that anxiety and confusion are a reflection of "not being ready" or choosing the wrong partner. Thus, instead of accepting and discussing these feelings, we distract ourselves with the wedding planning and ignore our internal emotions.

Learning to accept your feelings

In reality, these thoughts could not be more normal. In every other major life transition, simultaneous feelings of loss and gain are not only expected, but encouraged. When you graduated high school, when you graduated college, when you moved away from your hometown, when you left your first job for a better opportunity, those around you understood and sympathized with your conflicting emotions. But did those feelings of sadness and loss hinder you from taking that next step and succeeding with flying colors? Of course not. You allowed yourself to address and analyze your thoughts, and then you proceeded with the change. This is exactly what you need to do during your engagement as you prepare for your journey to the altar and marriage. Realize that feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, allow yourself to feel these feelings, and discuss and analyze them with those around you. Don't allow your friends and family to focus on the wedding planning process to the exclusion of your internal struggles.

The engagement stage involves more than simply planning a big party. It involves introspection and emotional analysis. It involves open communication with your fiance, family and friends. It involves acceptance of fear and sadness. Once a bride realizes the complexity of this transition, she can address her emotions and move forward in planning for both a fabulous party and a successful next chapter in her life.

By Cori Russell

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell

50 Beautiful Songs to Choose For Your Wedding

This is a popular list of songs I have gathered after going through my own wedding. I hope it gives you some ideas!

Open Arms by Journey
For The First Time by Kenny Loggins
From This Moment by Shania Twain
Canon In D by Pachebel
I Finally Found Someone by Bryan Adams & Barbara Streisand
Endless Love by Mariah Carey & Luther Vandross
The Day I Fall In Love by Dolly Parton & James Ingram
Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Barry Manilow
When I Fall In Love by Nat King Cole
Eternal Flame by The Bangles
Heaven by Lauren Wood
Just The Way You Are by Diana Krall
Fly Me To The Moon by Michael Buble
The Way You Look Tonight by Michael Buble
So Much In Love by All 4 One
Truely, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden
L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
The Moment by Kenny G
She's The One by Robbie Williams
I Do (Cherish You) by 98 Degrees
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
Love Me by Colin Raye
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
I Want To Grow Old With You by Adam Sandler
Amarantine by Enya
This I Promise by NSync
Angels Brought Me Here by Guy Sebastian
My Valentine by Martina Mcbride & Jim Brickman
Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
The Gift by Jim Brickman
Feather by Kevin Kern
Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra
All My Life by KC & Jojo
A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
Love Is All Around by Wet Wet Wet
Celebration by Secret Garden
Will You Marry Me by John Berry
In Love With You By Jacky Cheung & Regine
Allegrato by Bond
Bridal March by Jonathan Cain
My Destiny by Gary Valenciano
Love Of A Lifetime by Firehouse
What A Difference A Day Makes by Jamie Cullum
Can't Stop Loving You by Phil Collins
You Are The Love Of My Life by George Benson & Roberta Flack
One Boy One Girl by Colin Raye
I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You by Tina Arena & Marc Anthony
It Had To Be You by Harry Connick Jr
Forever Love by Wang Lee Hom

Angela is an active love coach in her community and a writer for a wedding blog.

She shares more tips about love and romance at http://yourloveangel.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Tay

Wedding Sex - Virgin Or Not, It's a Sacred Event

Question from Bride: "My husband is a virgin but I am not. I feel guilty that he saved himself for marriage. How can I make our wedding sex special when I've already had sex before with other men?"
Wedding sex is on a whole new level. Traditionally, people were supposed to wait until marriage, but it's more of a rarity among couples today.

If you're a religious couple, chances are higher that you've saved yourself for an amazing night of wedding sex.

But it's more than just sex, regardless of whether or not you've been romantically entangled with someone previously. Wedding sex is the first moment the two of you will give yourselves to one another as husband and wife.

Even if you've already had intercourse with one another, wedding sex will be memorable and romantic and special because you've just joined your hearts in a celebration of commitment forever.
If you're a virgin bride, you may have a lot of anxiety about wedding sex. That's normal and your groom will probably understand if you're open about your fears. The key is to make it an intimate moment. Read some guides that deal with intimacy, not just the act of sex itself.

Make sure you take your time and don't rush your intimate moments that night. Wear something special for your wedding sex - lingerie fit for a beautiful bride. Linger in your first moments as husband and wife. And most of all - enjoy yourself!

Some couples even find wedding sex is out of the question after several days filled with high-stress, long hours and partying. That's okay, too. No one said you MUST have sex on your wedding night. You want it to be special, so save it for when you're full of energy if you want to!

You may even want to have a ceremony before the intimacy takes place (especially if you're worried about not being a virgin bride). You can write vows only your husband will hear about devoting your body to him and he to you - anything romantic will do the job.

By Chris Hunter

Visit http://www.totally-weddings.com/ for tips, resources, gift ideas, shopping and more to help you plan your wedding day. Also find out how to Cheat Proof Your Marriage with our top selling Ebook.
http://www.totally-weddings.com/Cheat-Proof-Your-Marriage/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Hunter

Very Cheap Wedding Gowns - Secrets Sources That Bridal Shops Hope You Never Find Out About

If you are looking for very cheap wedding gowns but still want a first quality dress then here are the secrets to getting a drop dead gorgeous wedding dress at a ridiculously cheap price.

It's an unfortunate fact, excessive mark-ups are the reality of any product or service related to the wedding industry. But when you have the right 'insider" information you can take control of the situation and get a wedding gown just like the ones you see in the pages of the top magazines or at any bridal expo or trunk show at a price that you can afford.

The reality of the wedding dress industry is this--over 87% of wedding dresses today are made in China. Many of the top designers use factories in China to produce their gowns. Why? Because labor is cheaper there and yes, there are more garment manufacturers in China then anywhere else right now. Also, there are many skilled seamstresses and tailors in China, a skill that is slowly disappearing in the states and in other counties

So chances are good that that dress you have had your eye on with a few exceptions, was made in China. In some cases like on eBay, you can get your wedding dress directly from a Chinese supplier. Sometimes a very risky move, but before you do that there is a better way.

The best way to get very cheap wedding gowns is to find a wholesaler that has a working knowledge with a reputable wedding gown supplier(s) in china. Usually you can find deeply discounted gowns like this online. An online wholesaler doesn't have the overhead that a bridal shop has because they don't have to pay the high costs that come with having a storefront. Now he or she can pass those savings directly to the customer.

A reputable online wedding dress wholesaler will have a strong knowledge of wedding gowns, how they are made and should be concerned with quality above everything else. But most importantly that wholesaler is assuming the risk for you. Rather than buying direct from the manufacturer, the reputable wholesaler puts their reputation and money on the line when you purchase your wedding dress from them.

One thing that you should always watch out for when looking for very cheap wedding gowns are the pictures of the bridal dresses themselves. If they are pictures of gowns that you've seen in magazines or ads, then be careful. Look for pictures of the "actual gowns themselves". You want to see something that has already been made. They are not always as glamorous as that dress that's on that highly paid model, but at least you will know what you are getting.

See if you can get close-up photos of detailing. This is a true sign that the wholesaler puts quality first. Look at the beading, is it hand sewn? The majority of the detailing should always be hand sewn. Sometimes glue is necessary, but only in certain circumstances. Look at the fineness of embellishments and embroidery as well.

Don't let the prices throw you, just because you are getting very cheap wedding gowns doesn't necessarily mean that you gown won't be 1st Quality. Remember the mark up on wedding gowns can sometimes be 500%. It's outrageous. But the key to finding a reputable wedding gown wholesaler is to find one that is willing to give you a solid return policy. As long as that is in place, then you will be amazed at the quality you can get at a price that you can afford.

Finding a good wedding gown wholesaler is the difference between getting very cheap wedding gowns that are cheaply made or finding that one gorgeous well made gown at a bargain price. Now you can look like you spent $2,000 on your bridal gown when in all actuality, you maybe spent $299!

By Deborah Kolich

We are reputable wedding gown wholesalers who have a huge selection of 1st quality Very Cheap Wedding Gowns None of our dresses are over $500. Get your one-of-a-kind wedding dress from http://www.mybigfatbeautifulwedding.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Kolich

Affordable Wedding Gowns That Look Like You Spent Thousands

Let's face it, is there any bride to be that doesn't want to save money?

With the average cost of a wedding pushing the $30,000 mark, you have to budget for everything these days.

But, does buying an affordable wedding gown mean that you have to skimp on the quality? The answer is "absolutely not!" But as with anything else, you must be careful where you get that very cheap wedding gown, because some of these sellers are very unscrupulous. But before we get to the best ways to identify a legitimate discount wedding gown company, you need to understand why there is such a high mark-up on wedding gowns to begin with.

First of all, the key to getting very cheap wedding gowns is to find a reputable company that eliminates the middleman between the manufacturer and the bridal shop. If you can get your dress direct from the manufacturer you literally save thousands!

When you find a company like this, you will not pay over $1,000 for the same gown, but usually under $500. Not only that, but these reputable companies will make your gown custom for you at the time that you order it. The best, inexpensive wedding gown dealers will still do the embroidery, beading and detail work by hand...as it should be. They will also only use 1st quality fabrics and embellishments.

Generally speaking, you will find these wholesalers online as this saves tremendous overhead. The one thing that you absolutely must check on is their refund policy. Since wedding dresses can not be "returned for a refund", (for the longest time that was the biggest scam, brides would wear them and then return them!) does the company that you are dealing with allow exchanges if the dress doesn't fit or you don't like it? Check this carefully.

Once you find a reputable company, check out their accessories too. The mark ups on things like veils, tiaras and other wedding extras in a bridal shop is outrageous. Many times you can get a designer quality dress with all of the accessories for right around $500! Now that is an affordable Wedding Gown that any bride could live with.

In other words, just because you want an affordable wedding gown does not mean that you are stuck with a cheap looking, out of date styled dress for your big day.

In fact, smart and savvy brides should buy direct because they get the best of both worlds, a designer quality gown at an amazing low price. Now you can take that.

By Deborah Kolich

Don't buy your wedding gown until you check out the best resource for Affordable Wedding Gowns Online. You do not have to settle for anything but a 1st quality, custom made, hand tailored dress that is at a Very Cheap Wedding Gowns Price!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Kolich

Your Wedding Ceremony - Engaging the Senses at Your Wedding Ceremony (Taste)

Life is rich and we should call upon its richness and celebrate it in as many ways as we can! This article celebrates just a very few ways we can celebrate the sense of taste in our wedding ceremonies AND create rituals that we will carry long into marriage. The more connections to the wedding day, the happier the marriage will be.

You may not know why there were frequently sugar-coated almonds associated with wedding feasts. Almonds were considered to be bitter. Life was understood to contain the difficult and so the almond represented life's challenges. They were coated with sugar in recognition that love and marriage sweeten the challenges of life.

That's why they show up on so many bridal tables as wedding favors. (that and of course the sugar takes the dyes so well, so they're easy favors to have color coordinated.) Well that, and they're cheap! But they have actual meaning. It used to be that folks got so little sugar and nuts were a staple of life. They seemed really sweet to folk. But now, we eat so much sweet food that a few sugared almonds barely seem interesting to us.

It's not unreasonable (and very easy) to create a small ritual around those almonds (the bitter and the sweet, the sustenance and the delight) and use them in the wedding ceremony. Then think how much more interesting they'll be at the reception. And if no one else likes them, you can always give them to your wedding celebrant. She'll eat them and enjoy!

What is the role of Bread and Wine in a religious ceremony? Obviously that depends upon the religion, but most religions have a tradition of blessing a ceremony with grain and many add the wine. Or some have the wine and add the grain.

Like the almonds, the grain represents that which will sustain us. And the wine is from sweet fruit. (you mean that's why they use sweet wine in Christian churches where they serve wine at communion? I'd have liked history so much better if they'd done it on food rather than wars!) Offer one another the stuff from which life grows. And then share the cup of sweetness.

Here's a big caveat: Don't use a ceremony that excludes people. If you want Christian Communion and some large number of your guests are not Christian, take Communion yourselves and then after the ceremony, invite the guests who are interested up to partake.

Not long ago, I had my first strawberry of the season. My first local strawberry. Oh, boy! I had to wait around, they had sold out and had to dash back to the field where the pickers were in full swing.

I've done several weddings around the summer solstice -- which seems to be high tide in strawberry season just about anywhere in the northern hemisphere -- where the bride and groom fed one another strawberries. (Peaches also work for this!) You need to be incredibly strategic with the napkin... no bride wants berry juice on her dress... But the symbol of life and sweetness overflowing are about as fabulous a symbol for a marriage overflowing with love as you could find.

Bottom Line?: Give your relationship the chance it deserves to succeed wildly! Have a good time at your wedding and in your marriage - and use tastes and images that will enhance your experience at the wedding and create reminders for life ever after! After all you and your relationship deserve it. Sign up to receive 2 free templates for creating the wedding vows to sustain a marriage that lasts forever: http://annkeelerevans.org/weddings/optin

By Ann Keeler Evans

The Rev. Ann Keeler Evans - helping you move from "I do" to happily and healthily ever after.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Keeler_Evans