A wedding journal is one way to make your memories even more tangible. Later on down the road, you would certainly appreciate going down memory lane and revisiting one of the most momentous occasions in your life. How do you go about making your own wedding journal?

Why not start at the moment you get engaged? Go to your local bookstore or crafts shop and pick out a blank journal. Of course, you may not be able to carry this with you at all times so it would be a good idea to have a scratch pad handy to take around with you. This way, you can write your thoughts and feelings any time you want to. Later on, you can transfer these into your journal. You can even turn it into a scrap book and add photos and other memorabilia. You will be sure to have tons of these as you plan your wedding.

What can you write in your wedding journal? Starting from your engagement, you can write about the proposal and your feelings about that. Later on, you can write about events and happenings related to your wedding planning. From the choosing of the venue, the theme, the people involved, and more, you can jot all these down and document your activities.

So what is the point in keeping a wedding journal? After all, you may be thinking, the wedding ceremony itself will be well documented with videos and pictures. Still, a wedding is not a stand alone event. As you probably already know, a wedding is the result of months of planning. You would probably go through a lot – both good and bad – in the months prior to your wedding. Documenting these times may even be more precious as time passes by. More so, writing things down can help alleviate some of the stress that you will surely be undergoing. Much like other journals, let your wedding journal be your outlet in times of pressure.

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Wedding themes would usually be picked out by the bride with the consent of the groom in the end. It is customary and only normal that women are more passionate and particular about their wedding themes since they are usually exposed and do the research on how to make such an event in their lives a treasured moment. The color schematics cover the flower arrangements, entourage designs and of course the wedding giveaways that are passed on during the reception proceedings.

It has been a common sight that color themes would usually create the proper ambiance and complement that weddings would usually project. The selection of colors would usually have meanings. These would stem from ancestral and superstitious beliefs that include good luck charms and happy marriages. It would all depend on the level of belief that sides, bride and groom, and their families would normally advice.

Ill-prepared weddings may not have time to go over the necessary preparations, making it something secondary since the main purpose is simply to tie the knot. While implementing colored themes in weddings is not really a requirement, it is a sign of unity and for some who believe in superstitions, a sign of well-preparedness in journeying towards a new life as husband and wife.

But the standard practice in weddings, whether it is big or a small gathering, really follow a certain them to make the occasion unique and different from the standard wedding events that people would get to experience through friends and colleagues. Couples would normally resort to trying to improve or outdo the weddings that they see, mixing ideas and trying to conceptualize something unique for their own wedding to be different and extravagant.

Besides, weddings are usually held once in a lifetime for couples who want to be officially married. Preparations and the like are tedious but after some years, they will always go back to memory lane and look at how exotic and memorable their exchange of vows truly was.

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Resorting to marriage is not immediate for some. It should be something that would be considered after careful deliberation and thinking. For one, moving their foot forward towards marriage is a rather large step considering that changes in lifestyle and manner of living will truly be something that people would have to be open to. Convenience and luxury will surely be different from the usual routine of being single since needing to look out for your partner as well is the added responsibility that comes with holy matrimony.

Planning a wedding is something that would need extensive preparation. It is not purely a case where a man and a woman would change “I Do’s”. If only marriage was that simple then anyone of legal age can easily get married. Outside the usual planning of ceremonies, wedding guests and necessities to make the occasion a memorable one, the bride and groom to be should consider life after giving up their single status.

One two people would tie the knot, there is no turning back. It is assumed that both people are aware of the predicament that they have placed themselves into and unlike ordinary relationships; it is not easy to break off. Starting a family of their own, deciding on how many off springs to have, where to be situated and computing the finances are only some of the issues that will surely be among the normal marital problems to be faced.

Hence, this is why relationships are considered a test of compatibility. The complement of the partnership and planned union should have a strong foundation and resorting to marriage is done by mutual agreement by both parties. Exchanging vows is something sacred and memorable hence man and woman should carefully consider why marriage is serious that what most people think.

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On this special day, set aside your other concerns. Let the day be filled with only happy thoughts. This is not the time for petty quarreling over trivial matters. Rather it is s time to celebrate unity, family and a whole lot of love.

What should you do? For one thing, make sure that you choose carefully and wisely. This is one day where you want to hear nothing but praise. It is impossible to please everyone but if you choose the best of everything, it is possible to please most.

Once in a lifetime is a phrase often used to describe weddings. With that thought in mind, why not go ahead and spend a little more than you normally would to have something that isn’t just good, but great for your wedding. You don’t need to go in debt but just uncurl those tight fists a little bit.

For example, you may have to work with a tight budget but that is no reason not to serve the best possible food at your reception within that budget. No one will expect you to put on a lavish unlimited buffet. You can amaze them with great tasting food that doesn’t break your bank.

Yes you can get married in a t-shirt and jeans. No one will gainsay you if you insist. Just think for a moment though; this is a rare occasion. It is one of those moments were you get to dress up. Your future mate may want to get all dressed up - well at least in designer jeans and a great top at least. You may not want to spend a ton on an outfit that you will only wear once but at least pick out something that really brings out your best features and really makes you look great.

One of the nicest things about weddings is the fact that it gives you a chance to say thank you to everyone. Getting to this moment in time took the help of a lot of people. Your wedding is a chance to let them know how much you value their friendship, love and support. Don’t think gratitude ever goes out of fashion. It is one of the most uplifting things you can do on this day for your guests.

The simple truth is, the divorce rate is higher than ever. Yet with every marriage that takes place, hope is born anew in us that there is a chance to indeed attain happiness and a lifetime relationship. Sometimes you find it in the least expected places and it can come when you aren’t looking for it. That is what makes it even more special. All the more reason that you should celebrate and let others share in your joy. Everyone can stand to have more good news and happiness in their lives; and if it isn’t their turn to walk down the aisle, at least they can share in your good fortune and celebrate with you.

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The date and time of the wedding are two items that should be planned ahead of time. This should be discussed long before you begin hunting for possible venues. It is a lot easier to get a great venue if you have these details clear; though it is understood that you may need to adjust to the availability of the venue or find another place.

What is the best time for your wedding? The answer varies from person to person. It depends on a lot of factors, most of which you must balance for the wedding to meet your needs.

One thing to think about is what time of the day you are at your best. Most people qualify themselves as morning people. Others say they are night owls. It simply means the time that they are truly alive, alert, aware and able to enjoy what is going on around them. It is the best time for them to be getting ready for an occasion as major as their wedding. Think about it. If you are someone who doesn’t feel truly awake until the afternoon, having a morning wedding can make you feel rushed. This usually translates to additional stress you don’t need. It can ruin not just your mood but the way you look. So it really is best to work with your body clock - or condition yourself to wake up earlier than usual and adjust as best you can.

A useful tool for some couples is the biorhythm calendar. The basic theory is that our condition follows a cycle or pattern. Measuring three aspects - your physical, mental, emotional state - the biorhythm calendar can help you to pick a date when you are at your best. This is a day when all the aspects are on the way up or at the peak rather than in the nadir. You and your future spouse can use an online calendar and utilize the results to help you select an optimum day.

Of course, not everyone believes in the biorhythm calendar and that’s ok. You can just choose a day based on your availability, your preferences and the time slots given by the management of the venue you want to use.

Just keep in mind that the best time is the one that allows you to be very relaxed in spite of all the things that you may need to prepare and check on. Do make sure to go with what is most comfortable for you and your future spouse. Don’t let anyone till you that it is necessary to start at unholy hours. You will just find yourself grumpy from lack of sleep, to say the least.

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What were very memorable about this wedding were the toasts. First the father of the bride stood and thanked everyone for attending the wedding. He said that he was very glad to see his daughter happily married. He talked of the anxiety of being a father of girls, how a dad always prays that his child finds someone who will truly love her and make her happy; and how he feels that indeed she has found it in the groom. He then proceeded to welcome his new son-in-law to the family. He then offered a toast to the happy couple.

Next the father of the groom stood to give his speech. He said that from the first moment that the bride was introduced to them, he hoped that she would become part of their family. They, the groom’s parents, saw in her qualities that they truly hoped for in a daughter and that they felt would make their son truly happy. They were blessed to have their wish fulfilled this day. He proceeded to offer a toast to the bride and groom’s happiness.

Now it was the best man’s turn. A little less serious, he talked of how much his friend changed since meeting the bride. He talked of how they knew that this girl was the one for his friend because his favorite pastimes now took second place to being with her and how responsible he became. He talked of how they complemented each other and how much their love and friendship showed - truly best friends. He offered a toast to love and friendship.

Then it was the groom’s turn. He stood up and said, “Thank you to my bride without whom this wedding would not have taken place”. That cracked most of us up since yes, there would have been no wedding if she had not said yes. Then he went on to explain that he was very lazy and laid back about the whole wedding. She was the one who made most of the decisions. She made sure that he got involved and it was thanks to her wise choices that the wedding went off so smoothly and was so absolutely beautiful, truly one he would cherish.

These are by no means perfect toasts. For sure there have been better made ones. The beauty of them is that they come from the heart and they celebrate the happy couple’s togetherness and goodness. They may not be flowery or poetic but everyone gets exactly what the speakers mean and yes, they do get to know the bride and groom a little better; and yes, they do get to wish them well.

So, what’s the trick to making the best toast? Speak from your heart and speak of the joy and love you see in the happy couple. Raise your glass and smile.

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While most brides don’t make their previous wedding the basis of comparison for this second nuptials, it does play a part in their decision making. Consciously or unconsciously, many brides opt to have a wedding that is almost the complete opposite of their first. Brides who had a small, intimate wedding will usually opt for a grander affair this time around. If they had a lot of fluff or add ons during their first wedding, they usually have a more streamlined and simpler look for these nuptials.

Often this is the result of hind sight, learning from the first experience. It could also simply be that they’ve realized that their dream wedding wasn’t the way the first wedding went and this is their chance to make their ideal nuptials and reception take place.

There is also the fact that the bride is a little older than at her first marriage. her tastes have changed. She is probably more sophisticated now. That often means no more frilly pink and more bronze. Forget the wedding dress that makes you look like a debutant and put on a gown to truly accent your beauty in a shade that isn’t white.

Don’t forget the possibility that the bride may be a mom now. Most brides who are also mothers choose to include the children in the planning and decision making. After all, the groom isn’t just getting a wife. He’s actually getting an instant family. In fact many say that it isn’t just the bride who says I do; that the children must accept him as well for the marriage to truly succeed. The children are usually included in the entourage. The clothes of the entourage are chosen with the ages of the kids in mind as well since they will usually be dressed in a style as similar to that of the happy couple as possible. No low necklines, bare back and the like for your nine year old daughter even if she is a junior bridesmaid.

The best part about getting married again is in the fact that you are literally getting a chance to do it over - create the dream wedding that you may not have had the first time around because you couldn’t afford it then or because there were so many other people and factors to consider. There are fewer barricades and you are more sure of yourself which usually translates to a more defined personal style to stamp onto this very special event. As we all know, no matter if it’s your first, your fifth or your tenth, you will always want your wedding to be uniquely you.

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The 50th anniversary is called the golden anniversary since gold is the associated element. This sets the theme for the anniversary - almost everything is done with touches of gold, from the dress of the bride to the place settings and decor.

How do you celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary? Some couples choose to get married again. They have a renewal ceremony where they affirm their commitment to each other once more. In fact some couples re-enact their wedding day all over again. They use the same church for their renewal of vows and the same venue for their reception - yes they might even serve the same dishes.

There are a few differences. For example, at a golden anniversary, the children usually take on the various parts of the entourage rather than having the former bridesmaids, maid of honor and best man re-enact their parts. It would be great to have all the people that stood up with them present but rarely is it possible to have everyone there. Besides it is an honor that the children are happy to be given.

The bride rarely wears the original bridal gown she wore 50 years ago. In fact some brides choose to wear a dress in shades of gold with matching accessories.

The bride rarely wears a veil for this ceremony. Remember the veil was used to hide the brides face from her groom. The lifting of the veil was seen as permission granted to the groom to see all of who she was and after 50 years, they have definitely done that part so no need for veils.

Some couples choose to enter the ceremony the same way they did at their original wedding. The bride walks down the aisle and the groom marvels anew at her beauty and realizes how blessed he is that she chose him. For some couples though, they feel that it is time to walk in together, just as they have walked beside each other for fifty years.

When they first got married, they either paid for everything themselves or their parents shouldered some if not all of the cost of their nuptials. For the 50th anniversary it is sometimes shouldered by the couple but more often than not, the children are the ones paying for it since usually, it is their idea to have a big celebration anyway.

While the wedding theme normally includes it, it doesn’t mean that it should only be gold, but it is the dominant color. It is usually partnered with cream, white, silver, green or any other color, - usually in the metallic shades. Red is rarely used with the gold since the red tends to overpower the gold.

The 50th anniversary is an achievement rarely seen in this generation which is why every couple who makes it to this milestone truly have something to celebrate. We hope everyone gets to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

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Your wedding is your moment to take control of your destiny. You are stepping forward and proclaiming to everyone that you do choose your fiance/e to be the person with whom you will spend the rest of your life. Why should anyone else be in control of what your wedding will be like when it is the doorway to your married life, right?

There are only three factors that should temper your choices. These are:

• Your budget
• The preferences of your fiance/e
• The availability of the materials you need for your wedding

The budget is the first item on the limiting factors because it cannot be escaped. The simple truth is that you can only spend what you have. This means not only cash but any line of credit you have. You cannot buy anything without money to pay for it. You can go ahead and order the most expensive dress, reserve the fanciest place and have the most expensive buffet meal set for your wedding but you’d better be prepared to put money down or the reservations will vanish. Worse, your wedding could indeed push through but you’ll be badly in debt.

It is far better to get the best you can, working within the budget you have. You might be surprised at how beautiful a wedding you can have without spending hundreds of thousands. Think of it as preparation for being married. You’ll find that the budget will be in effect from the moment you guys become Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

The second limiting factor is the preference of your future spouse. Man or woman, everyone has thought of what their wedding day will be like. Anyone who says otherwise is in need of some veritaserum. As kids we have all thought of one day having family of our own and that walk down the aisle or the moment you say “I do”. Naturally since it takes two to make a marriage, there are also two people to take into consideration when you plan your wedding and the other person is not your own mother or your future in-laws, just you and your future spouse.

The third limiting factor is the availability of the materials you need for your wedding. This includes anything that is needed from your wedding. This can be the venue for the ceremony, the venue for the reception, oysters for your appetizers, champagne from a particular vineyard and so on and so forth. The availability of these things is outside of your control. You will need to either work with what is available or adjust your plans to a timetable where these materials can now be had.

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For example, some brides are absolutely determined that they will have the most shapely figure for their wedding. They want to have the tinest possible weight so aside from starving themselves and exercising all the time (this is one step away from anorexia, ladies), some brides decide to get a corset. Yes, you read right - a whale bone corset just like they used in the olden days. On the wedding day, some brides look just like Kiera Knightley, gasping and fainting from being unable to breath properly.

Thank goodness the surprise cakes aren’t so popular anymore. The surprise cakes were the fake cakes with a person hidden inside. These are usually used for birthdays, bachelor parties and the like. Some prankster best men get the grooms in trouble when they deliberately mix up the order dates and the bride and groom get a surprise. It can mean a cold wedding night for the groom.

Whenever anyone objects at a wedding, drama is instantly added. Can you believe that some best men actually hire someone to pretend to object to the wedding - if not pretend to object themselves. They think it’s funny but the joke can backfire in a very big way. It’s a lot funnier if the couple gives threatening glares at their guests like Kathy Griffin and her husband did at their wedding to make sure that none of them try and stop the wedding instead.

A few couples have chosen a balloon as their getaway vehicle. It can be great floating “under a twilight canopy” as the song “Up, Up and Away” goes. But it can be a hassle and potentially embarrassing for the bride to clamber into the basket in her wedding gown. Either prepare a getaway outfit or choose an easier vehicle to get in and out of.

Some couples opt to have all sorts of games at their weddings where the guests have to do some funny looking stuff just to entertain the happy couple and their guests. It sometimes feels like the court jesters never really went out of fashion watching some of the antics they go through like having to eat a banana as fast as they can or showing the newlyweds how a proper kiss should be done - some couples go way overboard here.

The long and short of it is, crazy antics can seem cute and sometimes they are funny but they aren’t always right for your wedding. Try to think whether it is worth it and something you’ll be glad you did when you look back at your wedding. If you say it is, just make sure that you have all bases covered and have your recovery plans in place just in case the joke goes wrong.

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