Wedding Ideas

The invitation is the first impression of the type of wedding you have planned. Your invitation may be custom made, sophisticated, eloquent or a do it yourself creation. With all the styles and colors to choose from, it should not be too difficult to find the perfect invitation.

Whether your invitation is traditional or casual, you will need to include a RSVP (response card) and a reception information card. Other items you could put in with the invitation are directions to the church and reception hall.

With today’s blended families it is increasingly difficult to find the proper wording for the wedding invitation. Here are some examples of traditional wording for your invitation.

Wording when Hosted by the Brides Family:

Mr. and Mrs. John Snow
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Nadine Ellen
To
Eugene Everett Banks
on Saturday, the 5th of May
two thousand and five
at two o’clock
St. Paul’s Church
Bellingham, Washington

Wording when Hosted by the Grooms Family:

Mr. and Mrs. Gilford James Banks
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Ms. Nadine Ellen Snow
to their son
Eugene Everett Banks
on Saturday, the fifth of May
two thousand five
at two o’clock
St. Paul’s Church
Bellingham, Washington

Wording when Hosted by the Bride and Groom:

Ms. Nadine Ellen Snow
and
Mr. Eugene Everett Banks
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage
on Saturday, the fifth of May
two thousand five
at two o’clock
St. Paul’s Church
Bellingham, Washington

Listed below are more resources to help you design your wedding invitation.

For more information, visit these sites:
www.WeddingInvitationsInfo.com
www.WeddingPlanningInfoCenter.com

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Styles and choices in wedding bands have changed drastically over the past few years. Because everyone seems to be looking for something that is unique and different, jewelers are offering more choices than ever before. This leads to a small dilemma, however. With so many different styles now being offered, how do you know whether the band you choose is truly unique? People dont want something that is just a non-traditional style anymore. People want something that no one else has anywhere. This can be a tall order to fill. Still, even if you cant manage something completely unique, at least you can find a wedding band that is different enough it will get attention and possibly turn a few heads.

Custom Ordering

This is perhaps the best way to find a truly unique wedding band. It is also one of the most expensive. Although the Internet makes custom ordering much more accessible than it ever was before, you can still expect to pay more for your custom ordered band than you would for any other type of wedding ring. If you are completely set on having a truly unique wedding band, however, this is the way to go.

Tension Set bands

A very interesting style of wedding band that has started becoming popular is the tension set wedding band. These rings are not a traditional solid circle but instead have a split in the design. In this split a stone is set so that it is held in place by the tension of the opposing ends of the ring. There are positive and negative aspects to choosing a ring with a tension setting, but it is a design that gets noticed. Tension set wedding bands can be custom ordered as well, so the opportunity is still there for something truly unique.

Celtic Wedding Bands

Wedding bands with attractive Celtic design patterns have been rising in popularity, but are still far from the norm. With so many different Celtic braid and weave designs available, it is easy to have a ring that at least appears to be unique. There are a lot of companies that can do Celtic designs according to custom specifications as well and, because these companies specialize in this type of work, a custom ordered Celtic wedding band is often less costly than other types of custom bands. When looking for a unique wedding band, a Celtic design may be the way to go.

It is often said that there is nothing new under the sun. This old adage may be true, but there are at least options in every situation. The search for a unique wedding band need not be fruitless. Even if you cant find or afford a true one-of-a-kind ring, the options and differences in styles available will at least help you find something that is unique to you. And isnt that really all you could ask for? If your wedding band is consistently admired and you hear the question Whered you get that quite often, you can feel satisfied that youve found a unique wedding band.

This article provided courtesy of http://www.nuptials-planner.com

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Your boyfriend has proposed and it is time to make a decision on the most important detail of your wedding: The wedding dress.

The choices are many. Should it be sleeveless, short, long, lacey, sequined or plain? So many questions to ask yourself, although you are sure of one thing, it needs to be perfect.

As soon as the planning begins for the big day, choosing your wedding dress becomes somewhat of an urgency for most brides, who do not want to wait until the last minute. While dealing with wedding stress and preparations, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to try on different styles and find the one who says you.

The theme of your wedding will be an important point when selecting that special dress. Are you getting married on the beach? If so, you might choose a light airy style. Have you decided on a formal affair? Then by all means, go all out and wear a white dress covered in silk and lace. Whatever type of occasion your wedding will be, your dress will play one of the most important roles in it!

Its also important to think about the month and season you are getting married in. If you are having a middle of summer wedding, then you probably shouldnt wear a wedding dress with double layers or long sleeves. After all, this is supposed to be the most memorable day of your beginning together. You dont want the biggest memory to be how much you perspired throughout the ceremony!

When choosing a wedding dress, try on comfortable styles. Walk around in them, if kneeling is part of your ceremony, then kneel in the dress and be sure you are not going to be uncomfortable in your choice. The beauty of the dress is only half of your decisionthe other half is looking beautiful, happy and elegant. You cannot look happy if you are holding your breath so seams do not pop or youre itchy from the lace on your arms.

One mistake that a lot of brides tend to make when choosing a wedding dress is with the size. If you are planning on losing weight before your big day, do not buy a dress the size you think you may be come the wedding day. Instead buy the size you are on the day you choose the dress. It will always be easier to take a dress in if it is too big, than to add material for a dress that ended up being too small.

With the expense of weddings, some couples try and cut back by making their own flowers, having a family member bake the wedding cake or hiring a friend to take wedding photos. Although it is okay to cut back and still have your dream wedding, dont skimp when choosing your wedding dress. If you cannot afford to hit a wedding boutique and pay their prices, try wedding consignment shops, who offer like new dresses at an affordable price.

Whatever style, color or price range you decide on when choosing your wedding dress, remember that you are still You and that is who your fianc fell in love with, not your dress, which will only add to the ambiance of your day.

After you have chosen your wedding dress hang it in the bag it comes in and do not over show it. Give guests something to look forward to as they see you for the first time walking down the aisle. And unless it is unavoidable, do not let your future husband see your dress at all before the wedding. Its bad luck!

This article provided courtesy of http://www.marriageplanner.net

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You’ve found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall, a gazebo, acres of fragrant jasmine and honeysuckle, and even a small, clear pond. Now it’s time to take the garden wedding of your dreams a little further. Let’s start with invitations.

**Garden Theme Invitations

The right invitation says “old world” and “hand made.” Artistic? Hand-paint a flower design, scan it in to your computer and fade it into the background of your invitations. Or collect and press wildflowers and violets to include.

Accent your invitations with small brass buttons or charms. Seal the envelope with sealing wax and a seal that ties into your wedding: a seashell, a flower, a swan.

Raised lettering on your vellum overlays makes for a beautiful antique look. And no, you don’t have to purchase invitations to achieve it. You can do it yourself with a printer (ideally a laser printer), embossing powder and a heat gun (or hair dryer). Learn more about this technique:
http://www.paperzone.com/Crafter_Corner/cornerwedding5/print

**Garden Theme Decorations

Look for cozy round tables, and set a large outdoor umbrella over each one. Use several layers of linens; the bottom one a solid color (not necessarily ivory or white), and the top, a coordinating print reminiscent of chintz or calico.

Use unbleached muslin and tulle to set the stage, and avoid bridal white. Choose peach, sand and mushroom tones instead — anything that complements the sepia photographs of forebears you’ll want to set on the tables. Use tea to safely dye anything you have on hand that’s just too white.

For mood lighting, you’ll want pillar candles, but not the ordinary sort — the kind that’s trimmed with small lampshades. Decorate the shades to suit the mood, with silk fringes and braids.

Comb thrift stores for colorful floral china (we routinely find full services there for cheap). Stack a larger, contrasting plate under a smaller. Use the most vivacious color combinations you can get away with.

**Garden Theme Centerpieces

For a simple, one-minute centerpiece, gather a handful of old-fashioned spiral lollipops. Arrange loosely in mason jars.

To get a rise out of your guests, make or buy breadsticks redolent of thyme or rosemary, and display on end in a pitcher or galvanized bucket.

You’ll be in good “chair” when you make these adorable centerpieces: use wrought-iron doll-sized chairs from garden stores. Lay moss or wheat grass on the seat, and twine ivy or flower garlands through the back and arms.

**Great Garden Theme Eats

Concentrate on light, portable finger foods. We suggest:

- Cherry, peach or lavender lemonade
- Chai tea
- A light, sweet wine, like Gewurstraminer

- Prosciutto and melons
- Deviled eggs with sundried tomatoes
- Stuffed mushrooms with feta, spinach and bacon

- Prosciutto/tomato panini
- Curry cucumber sandwiches
- Gazpacho

- Strawberry cream puffs
- Mini cheesecakes

**Express the Inexpressible

For music at your garden wedding, almost anything goes — as long as it’s live. Call your local college for some inexpensive combos. Harps and violins or flutes and guitars — it hardly matters, as long as your musicians can breathe and eat lunch.

Blake Kritzberg is owner and proprieter of FavorIdeas.com. Stop by http://www.favorideas.com for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla’s weekly adventures, and free resources for brides. For more on planning your garden theme wedding, see: http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-favor-garden-theme.htm

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Gone are the days when all wedding ceremonies were conducted in religious surroundings and required the blessing of God. Whilst the majority of people still opt for a traditional ceremony, more and more people are looking at new and innovative ways to get married.

When planning wedding ceremonies, it is important to think carefully about what you hope to achieve, what sort of atmosphere are you going to create and, indeed, what your guests would enjoy. The wedding day, itself, should be planned with the bride and groom in mind; however, it is always wise to consider your guests. Just think about it, getting married whilst descending white water rapids may not be such a good idea if few of your guests can swim!

Although wedding ceremonies can take place in almost any type of environment, you should ensure that the individual conducting your ceremony is licensed, so that you can be certain that your wedding is legally valid.

People are becoming more and more imaginative when it comes to wedding ceremonies, in an attempt to be different from the rest. Of course, if both bride and groom enjoy a similar hobby, a theme may be very obvious. For example, if you are both divers, getting married under water or maybe bungee jumping if you both enjoy throwing yourselves off bridges!

Not all wedding ceremonies are as dramatic as these, non-religious options; but simple ceremonies, in general, are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are people opting for simplicity, because it tends to work out cheaper, but also because of the increase in the number of second weddings taking place. Couples, especially second time round, are generally keen to ensure that they opt for smaller, elite gatherings of close friends and family, with a stronger emphasis on quality rather than quantity.

Many venues now offer the complete service and it is well worth looking at your favorite hotels to see if they have a license to perform wedding ceremonies. By keeping everything in one venue it will be easier to control the flow of the day and to ensure that guests are not concerned with transport, throughout the day.

Even the vows taken during wedding ceremonies are becoming more modern and tailored to an individuals desire. Those getting married can now write their own vows so that they really mean something special for their individual circumstances.

Arguably, the trend towards creating your own wedding ceremonies allows individuals to really put their own stamp on their special day. After all, it is your day so why shouldnt you have it all your own way?

Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingceremonyhelp.com

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These tips assume that you are going to be using your regular hairdresser to plan your style and on your wedding day. However if you plan to style your hair yourself, you can easily follow the same timetable and I have added some extra tips for you.

1. Plan! Plan! Plan! The earlier you start to plan the better. This gives you the chance to get your hair into the best condition possible and to have practice runs with your hairdresser trying out different styles and colors as well as trying out veils, tiaras and flowers. Ideally start this process 6 months before.

2. Collect pictures of possible hairstyles from all different magazines not just wedding magazines and discuss them with your hairdresser at least 4 months before your big day.

3. Each time you go to the hairdressers to try out a potential wedding day style take photos to help you remember what you liked about it for future reference and take someone with you whose opinion you can trust.

4. Make the most of what youve already got, maximize your good points rather than going for a look that isnt really you.

5. Start weekly conditioning treatments at least 3 months before your wedding.

6. Give you hair a break from harsh styling methods and equipment; this will help with getting your hair in tip-top condition.

7. If you are having flowers in your hair have a trial run with your hairdresser a couple of months before and make sure you have your appointment booked for the wedding day.

8. One month before have a trial run with your veil/ tiara and finalize with your hairdresser the style you have decided upon.

9. If you are having an updo on the day, wash your hair the night before as just-washed hair can be harder to manage.

10. Make sure you have an SOS kit on your big day, which you can give to the bridesmaid with the biggest handbag! - Plenty of hairgrips and pins in a matt color in a shade similar to your hair, hairbrush, tail comb, hairspray and shine spray.

Extra tips if you are doing your hairstyling yourself

1. As well as planning your style in the months before your wedding you need to try out various styling products so that you can be confident that the ones you are using on the day will make your hair look its best.

2. To avoid your hair being flat use most styling product on the roots.

3. Hair products from the same range are designed to work together.

4. Have a trial run with your veil and tiara on the style you have chosen. To fix them into your hair, use clear combs and matt grips in a similar shade to your hair. If its practical, keep them in your hair for a few hours to make sure they have staying power and to avoid having a slipping veil and tiara on the day.

Last but not least relax and enjoy your day :o)

Copyright Skye Irwin, Haircare-made-easy.com, 2005

This article is copyrighted. Please feel free to use it in it’s entirety including copyright information and information about the publisher. Skye Irwin operates the website HairCare Made Easy, you can get her Hair Care Made Easy book from http://www.haircaremade-easy.com/spage.html

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By: David Chandler

The wedding gown is most important choice for a bride during her wedding. Every bride dreams of an enchanted wedding and a beautiful gown is what can make the bride look like a princess.

Choosing a wedding gown that flatters your figure and body type is something that should be remembered. Make sure that the dress matches your personality. Your selection of wedding gown should be based on what looks good on you and not necessarily, what the current fashion is.

Your wedding gown should be in theme with your wedding. If you are having a traditional and formal wedding, you should choose a very formal and full-length wedding gown. If you are having a casual wedding, such as a garden wedding or a teatime reception, then your wedding gown should be less formal. This would include a trendy wedding gown, that is less formal and more fun.

Here are some bridal gown words that you will want to know before hitting the bridal stores, knowing these words will allow you to choose a dress that is right for you.

A-line: a fitted bodice that flares out to the hem creating an A shape.

Ballroom: This is the classic Cinderella type gown, full skirt, off -the-shoulder and a natural waistline. This type of gown is great for the full-figured bride.

Basque waist- the waistline begins below the waist, forming a U or V shape: slenderizing: a good choice for brides with wide hips.

Empire: Cropped body, high waist, slightly flared skirt: not a good choice for brides that are large busted, along with clingy fabrics and heavily decorated body.

Miniskirt- The hem is above the knee, and typically has a train either short or long.

Princess: Slim fitting body with emphasis on the waist. Typically worn by people to give the appearance that they are smaller than what they are.

Sheath: Fabric continues down the body from the shoulders to the ankles for a close-fitting look, with no waistline.

Picking up your dress: It is actually very smart to leave the dress at the bridal shop even if the dress is ready far in advance of the wedding day. The bridal shop should be better equipped to store and keep the dress fresh and pressed.

For more information, go to: www.WeddingGownsInfo.com

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By: Blake Kritzberg

Increasing numbers of American brides are thinking about doing something that used to be unthinkable — getting married in a bold red gown.

Not that red is a stranger to marriage. Hardly. Red plays a major role in Chinese, Hindu, and some Muslim weddings, and was a popular choice in medieval times. But for modern Westerners? Yes — we too are starting to marry in red. At least some of us.

It’s been happening more and more in Europe over the past decade. Maybe that’s because Europe recalls long stretches of time when wedding gowns weren’t white. For eons, a woman simply wore her best dress — one she could certainly use again — although to keep luck on her side she might gravitate to certain colors and avoid others. With all the choices, it was harder to keep the good colors straight, so the folk world offered a poem with a few fortunate outcomes and many poor ones:

Married in White, you have chosen right …
Married in Brown, you will live in the town …
Married in Blue, you will always be true …

Blue gowns were popular since early times, since blue represented purity and the Virgin Mary. This tradition continues in the “something blue” a bride wears today. White was less common, especially among anything other than the bluest bluebloods, because of its difficulty in coming clean in the wash.

But eventually, several big players popularized white, most notably the fashion hound Queen Victoria. Ever since — especially in a world where clothes are mass-produced and a woman can afford many dresses, even one she’ll only wear once — white’s been all the rage.

Yet even more recently, some have found this timeworn symbol of purity and affluence a little constricting. Some brides want a little less predictability and more choice. And not everyone looks good in white, as some brides point out.

While a percentage of European brides have snapped up dramatic red gowns for the past decade, Americans have been more cautious. It’s only been about the past four years that tentative pastel washes and small colored accents have made the scene here.

That’s beginning to change. A small but growing number of brides — and designers — are getting bolder. Formal, stunning, all-red gowns are making inroads into Christmas or holiday weddings, especially the cozy kind in front of a crackling hearth. You’ll see more red at Valentine weddings, rose-themed weddings, and Las Vegas weddings — not to mention second weddings where the bride’s more apt to select exactly what she feels good in, and nothing less.

Thinking of red for yourself? Maybe your forebears did too. During the American Revolution, it wasn’t uncommon for brides show their support for the rebellion by donning a red dress.

Fortunately, these days it’s not a political statement. A bride wears red because she wants to. She’s comfortable with herself and with the dress she finds most beautiful — even if that choice still raises some eyebrows in the back of the chapel.

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is owner and proprieter of FavorIdeas.com. Stop by http://www.favorideas.com for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla’s weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date eCards, screensaver, wallpaper and web site templates.

For today’s red wedding gowns at a glance, please see: http://www.favorideas.com/red-wedding-dress.htm

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By: Tanya Turner

Wedding rings and bands arent just pieces of jewelry, they are a symbol of your love and devotion to each other. Remember, you will have to wear your wedding ring every day for the rest of your life, so the ring should not only be beautiful but also comfortable to wear and a true reflection of your style. So what are your options?

First you will have to decide whether you want identical rings for yourself and your beloved or if the bride and groom will have different rings, to suit their individual personality. Then you will have to decide on the material and style.

These days you can find a stunning variety of wedding rings and wedding bands. The days when a wedding ring had to be yellow gold are long gone. Titanium, platinum and white gold rings have become incredibly popular. The reason white rings are in fashion is because they look modern and go with virtually any outfit. Diamond solitaire rings, diamond solitaires with accents and/or other germ stones, and Celtic wedding rings are also currently in fashion. See comparison of wedding rings styles

If youre looking for a top-quality ring that would look great for a long time, then a platinum wedding ring is the best choice. Platinum is an elegant metal, which is very popular these days because of its white, shiny look and durability. Platinum doesnt glitter as much as gold, either, which makes it look very chic. The only drawback to platinum rings is that they are rather expensive.

White gold rings are another popular choice for modern couples. A lot of people prefer the brilliance of a white gold wedding ring, so white gold solitaires are very fashionable now. You can get 10K, 14 K or 18K white gold rings but, since you expect your wedding ring to last for many years, it is best to go with a better quality 18K white gold ring.

Titanium is a durable, strong, hypoallergenic and very light precious metal, which makes it great for wedding and engagement rings. It looks similar to white gold and platinum rings, but feels much lighter. Titanium is also less expensive than platinum or white gold so, if you are on a budget, a titanium wedding ring would be an excellent choice.

Celtic wedding bands are also very popular. They can be made of yellow or white gold, platinum, titanium or silver. Celtic rings feature elaborated knotwork designs in one or more colors. If you dont want a plain ring, a Celtic style wedding ring might be a suitable alternative.

These wedding ring choices are the most popular todays - but bear in mind that you and your beloved will wear your wedding rings for many years. Ring fashions can change. So it is best to choose the ring that you really like and best suits your personality.

Tanya Turner is a wedding jewelry expert and a founder of www.Man-Wedding-Rings-Guide.com, where you can find unbiased information about all types of wedding rings with pictures of most popular styles of wedding rings

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By: Tanya Turner

Selecting a wedding ring isnt as easy as it looks. You are going to wear your ring for the rest of your life, so it should be something you wont get tired of in a couple years. You will have to look at and try on many different rings before you come to a final decision and, being an intelligent consumer, you should know what your options are.

First, you will have to decide how much you can afford to spend. Then, with your budget in mind, choose the material you want your ring made of.

Wedding ring materials can be:

14K or 18K yellow gold, classic and still very popular for wedding and engagement rings
white gold, which is gaining popularity because it looks stylish and very modern. Also white gold can be worn with silver or platinum jewelry and it goes with most fabrics
platinum is one of the hardest metals, which in itself makes platinum a suitable symbol for enduring love. It is also very pure: while 18 K gold contains only 75% gold, most platinum jewelry is 95% platinum. Platinum rings look similar to white gold, are very elegant and stylish, dont scratch and dont loose their look with the passing years. Platinum rings are the most expensive but, considering that you will wear your ring for the rest of your life, that doesnt really matter for many couples
titanium is long lasting, light and not very expensive, so it has recently became a very popular material for wedding rings. Titanium rings are similar in appearance to white gold rings but they are so light that you can hardly feel one on your finger. Titanium is a particularly popular material for mens wedding rings

When choosing the material, think of what would work best with your clothes and the other jewelry you usually wear. Is your jewelry box filled with gold or silver? If your favorite pieces are silver, it is a good idea to get a white gold, titanium or platinum wedding ring. Alternatively, you could get two tone ring - usually made from white and yellow gold. This type of ring would match silver jewelry as well as gold.

Some women also want to match their wedding rings with their engagement rings. This is certainly something to take into consideration, if you plan to wear both rings on the same hand. Another option is to wear your wedding ring on the left hand and your engagement ring on your right hand - in which case they should probably still be the same color, but dont have to match so closely.

Which wedding ring style to choose?

There are many styles available, so everybody can find a ring to suit their tastes. When it comes to style, though, the first thing you have to decide is if you both will wear similar rings or if each will select one that expresses his or her personality. The most popular styles are:

Traditional plain bands - even though they are plain, they will always be stylish and fashionable. These are also best suited for men who arent accustomed to wearing jewelry
Bands with beaded edges are a little more elaborate
Two-tone bands which can be worn with either gold or silver jewelry
Celtic wedding rings are really hot how. Covered with ancient knotwork designs, they look really stylish
Solitaire rings with a single precious stone
Solitaries with accents - rings with a large stone and several smaller stones around it
Channel diamond rings

The best gem stones for wedding rings

Diamonds are unbeatable favorites for wedding rings and with good reason - not only are diamonds the most beautiful and expensive of all precious stones, but they are also the hardest. Other hard stones are rubies and sapphires. Gemstones like amethyst or aquamarine are too soft, which makes them unsuitable for a wedding ring that you are going to wear every day.

No matter which style and material you chose, you want a ring that would be comfortable on your finger. For this reason it is always best to go with a ring that is smooth around the edges.

Tanya Turner is a wedding jewelry expert and a founder of www.Man-Wedding-Rings-Guide.com, where you can find unbiased information about all types of wedding rings with pictures of most popular styles of wedding rings

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