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.

Technorati Tags: designer jeans, weddings, tight budget, unity, family, celebrate, amaze, gratitude

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.

Technorati Tags: biorhythm, venue, night owls, body clock, couples, weddings

Of course, whether you have it made to order or choose one that is ready made, the hunt can be exciting. It can also be tiring, frustrating and a very long process. But there are ways to make sure that the hunt never becomes too tedious.

• Bring someone with you when you go looking for the perfect dress. It’s always more fun to do things with your best friend or your siblings or your mom. Ask someone you enjoy shopping with to go with you as you window shop. Make a day of it. They’ll be great company and they can help you by giving you a different point of view. If you decide to try on some dresses, they can provide an appreciative audience or a necessary critic. They’ll help make sure you have a blast and leave the ill-suited looking ones on the rack.
• Attend bridal fashion shows. If you want to be up to date and gowned in the latest styles, the runway is definitely someplace you should go. One of the best things about a bridal fashion show is that you can see how the dress will move when you wear it. You’ll be able to see if the train is difficult to manage or a skirt too hard to maneuver in without having to try it on yet. You can also get some ideas for your hair and make-up based on what the models are wearing. Just make sure to have a camera handy (if the show allows it) or a pen and pad for quick sketches and notes.
• Why not have your very own bridal fashion show? Go ahead and try on all the gowns you are interested in. There is no other way to find your dream piece and playing to a supportive audience is always more fun than trying on just one or two in the dressing room.
• You can now check out runway fashions from the comfort of your home. There are websites where you can watch the bridal fashion shows on demand. You can catch the latest trends from some of the biggest names in wedding fashion such as Vera Wang and Moica Lhuillier without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
• Compile pictures of dresses you like. Many brides have a vague picture in their head of what their dream dress actually looks like. Sometimes, you like the skirt of one dress to go with the top of another. Add the embellishment on the third and the train of a fourth and you get your dream gown. It is a lot easier for your seamstress to make your dress if she has pictures to base on rather than just your description so go ahead and put together the ones you like. It will help ensure you get the gown you really want.

Technorati Tags: wedding.wedding gown, shopping, bridal dress, fashion, trend, Vera Wang, Monica Lhuillier

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.

Technorati Tags: golden anniversary, 50 years, wedding, renewal of vows, entourage

It is always fun to discover items that are perfect for your wedding. It is like finding treasure every time. Sometimes you wonder why no one thought of it before because it makes perfect sense to you that such an item be used.

For example, everyone knows that the bridal car is going to get a makeover. The groomsmen are bound going to attach a big “Just Married” sign with strings of cans and shoes attached to the back bumper. It is fun; but for some people who are very private, it is too showy. The great news is, you really don’t have to put up with it. Talk to your groomsmen and ask them to forego the noisemakers. Instead of having a big placard attached, get one of those little caution signs that attach to the back windshield. There is one that says “Newlyweds On Board”. You can leave that sign up until you feel that you are now an old married couple.

If you and the groomsmen are environmentalist, you’ll want to save the trees and minimize the amount of paper or wood you’ll use. Rather than having a placard, get a wedding glass marker instead and write the “Just Married” announcement on the rear windshield instead. Just make sure that the one you get has erasable ink or your going to owe someone a new windshield.

Don’t use shoe polish. Aside from the fact that it really isn’t good for the car, it just makes a mess. Aside from using a wedding glass marker, you can just purchase some wedding window clings. These stickers are really easy to attach to the car, will make less of a mess and will definitely get the point across. They even have signs like “mother of the bride” and “Together Forever”.

Have you decided what to give as a wedding favor? If you like cars and a shot of whisky every now and then, why not give “big shot wedding favors“. These make for really interesting thank you gifts for your guests. If you don’t want to buy them, these are easy to make and the materials can be found at a regular toy store and department store.

Can’t decide what in the world you can use for something blue? Here’s a pretty option: get an anklet. Nobody will see your anklet since it is covered by your gown. You can have an anklet that has a blue pendant or choose one that has more than one blue stone or crystal attached. These are really beautiful to look at and are really comfortable as well. They also add effect if you do expose your dainty ankle accidentally.

There are more cool ideas out there so keep your eyes open. There is sure to be a match to what you need out there. Just keep your mind open to possibilities.

Technorati Tags: wedding, novelty items, anklets, pendants, markers, signs, newlyweds, just married, cars, fun

Aside from exercise and proper sleep, ones diet can go a long way to helping get ourselves in the best possible physical health. When we are getting the proper nutrition our body will have more energy. The food we eat can also help us avoid getting sick and yes, even help us lose weight.

Here is a list of food that any bride (and groom) may find useful in keeping their body in optimum condition:

• Apples - The saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away is very true. Apples are a great source of fiber which are important in keeping your body lean and clean. They also provide you with anti-oxidants which your body needs to prevent cell and tissue damage.
• Nuts are great to nibble on and great for adding flavor and texture to your meals. You can be totally nutty about nuts because they are cholesterol free and contain vitamins and mineral. Almonds, macadamias, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecan nuts, walnuts and yes, peanuts are generally low in sodium (salt) which is a good thing.
• Greens are a must have in every meal you eat. If you aren’t used to it yet you probably feel like someone is handing you rabbit food. The simple truth is that the body processes vegetables more easily than it processes meat. Freshly picked vegetables give you vitamins and minerals and at the same time are less fattening than meat or bread, or pasta. Eating more greens can help you slim down without making you feel starved. Just think of it as eating an appetizer at every meal. Once you get used to it you’ll wonder why you didn’t eat it more often.
• Lean meat is the best kind to have if you are going to eat meat. They contain less fat than other parts of their source which means your body ends up with less cholesterol and fat as well.
• Red Rice is the best if you want to eat rice. This organic rice has more fiber and is easily digested. One very useful thing about this rice is that you don’t need to eat a lot of it to feel full. It is heavy in the tummy which is excellent for avoiding over eating.
• Fish is definitely a good item to have in your daily meal plan. Fish meat is much lighter than beef or pork and is very tasty. It provides a healthy alternative to your regular steak dinner. Fish and shellfish are also a good source of calcium. Omega3 is found in tuna and is excellent for the heart.
• Water is a must for the body! The body requires at least 8 glasses a day in order to be able to properly cleanse its systems. Drinking less than that means that your body doesn’t have enough to wash the toxins out of your kidneys or to cool the body with when it is hot. Drinking more water is also a great way to help slim down since we often mistake thirst for hunger. You’ll find that you’ll be less hungry if you just drink 8 glasses a day regularly.

Technorati Tags: weddings, health, food, weight loss, nutrition

]]> http://www.wedding-blog.net/food-for-the-bride-to-be.php/feed/ http://www.wedding-blog.net/six-steps-to-the-wedding-body-you-ant.php http://www.wedding-blog.net/six-steps-to-the-wedding-body-you-ant.php#comments Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:15:56 +0000 Lesley-Ann Weddings About The Groom About The Bride Bridal Beauty http://www.wedding-blog.net/?p=213 Okay, brides and grooms, it is time to get in shape. The time to start improving one’s figure for optimum fitness begins the moment you say yes to getting married. The sooner you get started, the better your results can be - and with less difficulty too.

Getting in the shape you want starts with a major act of will. You have to decide what kind of changes you want. None of the lackluster “I wish I was” ideas. You need to have steely resolve that you are going to make it happen, doing everything you should, and everything you can to achieve your dream body. This is often not easy for most people simply because they are easily tempted and easily distracted.

If you are serious about getting your body in better shape, here are some things that you should do for yourself. These steps make your transformation more than just a one time thing. It can keep you in shape for the rest of your life - if you let it.

The first thing you need to do is find yourself a coach. Most people insist that they can do it on their own but the truth is, left to our own devices we get lazy and find hundreds of excuses not to do what you know you need to, if you really want to slim down. Coaching is effective because you have someone who is an expert in their field showing you the proper techniques to help you achieve your goal. He or she can help you tailor a system that will suit you perfectly. Some gyms employ not just an exercise trainor, they’ll also have nutritionists to help you with your diet. They’ll be there to make sure that you have the full guidance you need, when you need it the most.

You also need to have a very clear reason to change your shape. Simply saying I want to look great isn’t enough. If your reasons are clear, you won’t be tempted as much because you know exactly what is on the line. For example, it could be because you want your wedding pictures to show a slim and fit bride without camera tricks. It can be because you want to be able to fit into a bikini during your honeymoon without any unsightly rolls of fat. It might be because some old friends are coming to your wedding and you want them to see that you haven’t let yourself go in spite of the fact that you are no longer teenagers.

Visualization is an important technique that you can use to make your goal happen. In your mind, see yourself with the body you want. You are walking down the aisle in your beautiful dress and your groom is amazed at your radiance. He easily sweeps you off your feet when the time comes to carry you over the threshhold. Some people draw themselves wearing their dream outfit so that they can see for themselves that it is achievable.

You have to choose a method that you will know will work for you. For example, choosing to go on the Atkins diet or South Beach diet can feel like torture for those who love to eat carbohydrates. Some never make it past the first week because they can’t stand being without their comfort foods. If you can’t give up the food, then find a workout that you do like and will achieve your results. If you don’t want to lift weights, go ahead and attend dance classes instead. The method you should use is the one that you will stick to and you know for a fact definitely achieves results.

A habit isn’t formed overnight. This is true of exercise and food as well. If you really want results, commit to 21 sessions of exercise and 21 days of your new diet. You’ll find it gets easier. On the 21st day, commit to another hundred even if that goes beyond your wedding. You’ll be amazed at how automatic it will be to practice good eating habits and exercise, even if you are on your honeymoon already because of it.

Once you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait. Take action immediately. The best time to start is when you are all fired up and momentum will do the rest.

Technorati Tags: wedding, health, fitness, shape up, diet, exercise, coaching

]]> http://www.wedding-blog.net/six-steps-to-the-wedding-body-you-ant.php/feed/ http://www.wedding-blog.net/wedding-tip-keep-away-from-the-scissors.php http://www.wedding-blog.net/wedding-tip-keep-away-from-the-scissors.php#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2007 13:46:34 +0000 Lesley-Ann Weddings About The Bride Bridal Beauty Wedding Tips http://www.wedding-blog.net/?p=211 Generally speaking, women express themselves through their hair. The way that a lady fixes her hair shows what kind of mood she wants to set or how she feels about herself. Some choose a short, no mess cut - and usually these ladies are pretty straightforward in most of their decision making. Others opt for a longer but still wash and wear style - these are usually busy ladies who like looking glamorous but don’t have much time to waste on primping. Then there are those to whom long hair is a must for both versatility and style - these are for the ladies who feel that looking great is never a bother and adapting is as important as breathing. All are great looks.

Have you ever noticed though that the hair is often reflective of ones moods? When you are having a tough day, do you sometimes find that your hair is a bit more unruly than usual? It can often seem like you have a bad hair day on the days when things just aren’t going your way. The most common reaction if the woman gets really frustrated - chop off all the locks! Poor, poor tresses will now lie on the salon floor.

Now, that would be ok if the style that comes out is a major improvement. Here’s a dilemma though…you’re wedding is just a few weeks away! Your gown was designed with your previous style in mind. All you can do is find a good stylist who can help you make the most of your new look.

Hopefully though, you are reading this with your wedding months away and this scene can be averted. First off, don’t let your temper get the best of your hair. Rather than going for the scissors, ask for a hot oil or hair spa treatment instead. These are both soothing for you and reconditioning for your locks.

Next, the moment that you have made up your mind to get married, make sure that you have a great hairstylist and stick to just him or her. Ensure that they know about your wedding - naturally one assumes that they will be making your wedding do for you. This will help minimize any damage should you get into a snit and take it out on your poor tresses. Your stylist can either prevent you from chopping off any necessary lengths or can make sure the style will still go well with your wedding look - and still sooth your mood.

If you’ve already gone and done the deed, well, if you have time, your hair will grow back. If the wedding is too close by, there are always hair extensions and wigs. It is amazing how quickly these hair pieces can transform your look with a few well placed weaves. Again, it is best placed by an expert since you don’t want any bits and pieces falling out during the wedding ceremony or reception.

Don’t forget: On a bad hair or bad mood day, keep away from the scissors and talk to the stylist you trust. That will help keep your gorgeous locks safe until the wedding.

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding planning, hair, remedy, solution, hair problem

]]> http://www.wedding-blog.net/wedding-tip-keep-away-from-the-scissors.php/feed/ http://www.wedding-blog.net/cosmetic-surgery-before-the-wedding.php http://www.wedding-blog.net/cosmetic-surgery-before-the-wedding.php#comments Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:28:27 +0000 Lesley-Ann Weddings About The Groom Wedding Stress About The Bride Bridal Beauty http://www.wedding-blog.net/?p=209 It is amazing how many men and women want to have plastic surgery nowadays. Just a couple of years ago, the mere thought of anyone cutting the skin would be enough to make anyone run screaming in the opposite direction. Now brides and grooms actually welcome it with open arms.

The thought of having oneself tucked, trimmed or enhanced is more common place now. There are now many good surgeons who really can do the job well. It is less scary since quite a number of your friends have already had some sort of augmentation done.

One thing to keep in mind is that most cosmetic surgery takes time to do and time to recover from as well. The best places will tell you that you have to get yourself in shape before having anything done since this is still surgery and you want to be in the best physical condition in order to recover more quickly - and get the most of the surgery as well.

If you are really set on having plastic surgery help to enhance your features for the wedding, take time to ask around first. Don’t jump at the first clinic that you hear of. Even some sort of promotion or discount is no reason to just put yourself under their knife.

It will stand you in good stead to do extensive research before actually having any work done. Ask your family and friends who they would recommend. It is best to ask someone whose enhancements you admire. Ask them about the experience. This will help you prepare for your own surgery.

Think hard about what you want done. Is it possible to achieve the change you want without surgery? Can you reshape your body with simple exercise instead? You may end up happier and spend less by simply disciplining your mind and body to exercise and diet properly.

If you really feel that surgery must be done, give yourself at least 6 months before the wedding to do it. Keep in mind that it isn’t usually as simple as going in for a morning cup of tea and going home in the evening as if nothing happened. Some need a day, others need weeks to get over the enhancement. You may even need to have make more than one visit in cases where the change you want to make is extensive.

Keep in mind also that it is possible for the surgery to go wrong. While many developments in technology have made the process safer, it is still not a hundred percent safe. Some people have had their faces and bodies ruined by botched cosmetic surgery from which there is no recovery. That is definitely not something you want when you are about to get married.

Long and short: be very sure that cosmetic surgery is really something that you want to do before your wedding. It is not easy and there is some pain involved. Besides, your fiance/e fell in love with you before you were enhanced. Is the change really necessary?

]]> http://www.wedding-blog.net/cosmetic-surgery-before-the-wedding.php/feed/ http://www.wedding-blog.net/new-year-resolutions.php http://www.wedding-blog.net/new-year-resolutions.php#comments Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:21:49 +0000 Lesley-Ann Weddings About The Groom Wedding Budget About The Bride About The Couple Bridal Beauty Wedding Tips http://www.wedding-blog.net/?p=207 It is a brand new year and everything is fresh again. You’ll want to get up to a great start and there has never been anything better than making New Years resolutions. Resolutions are goals that you set for yourself with a maximum 1 year deadline. These help to set your mind for what’s ahead of you.

While they vary from bride to bride, here are some new year’s resolutions you might want to have:

• I will set aside time just for me and my fiance without there having to be a special occasion and I will make sure that at this time there will be no discussion of wedding plans. Every couple needs to have time alone to just be together. Don’t forget to take time to do nothing but watch a movie or have dinner out; maybe even just cuddle up. You’ll be glad you did
• I will actively work on my health and beauty. While we all know that every bride is beautiful, we all want that extra glow that makes us absolutely luminescent as we walk down the aisle. The number one way to achieve it is to be in the best of health. Sit yourself down and figure out how you can get yourself in better shape for your wedding. This doesn’t just mean lifting weights or jogging regularly. This can also include going to the spa at least once a month and having regular facial treatments.
• I will be careful to work within our budget. Many a couple gets carried away when they shop. We get the shopping fever where we feel we must have this wedding favor or that style of wedding cake, and more and poof goes the money. Before you know it, you’re in debt and that is not a good thing. Careful spending can still produce a magnificent wedding without leaving you in the poor house.
• I will work on building my relationship with my future in-laws. This preparation stage for your wedding is the best time to start deepening your bonds to his parents and siblings. After all, once you are married they become part of your family too. You’ll be working with them throughout the wedding preparations so make it time well spent, build strong ties.
• I will be organized and on top of things. I will have a schedule and program to follow that will ensure that everyone involved in the wedding will know exactly what they need to do. This will help avoid chaos and help achieve a perfect wedding.
• I will not turn into Bridezilla. I will practice being cool, calm and collected. I will trust that I chose the best team of wedding professionals and they will do what is necessary to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
• I will have fun. It is my wedding and our party. I deserve to enjoy it even as I try to be a great host and ensure that everyone is entertained and having a great time.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, New Year, resolutions, goals

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