tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24569852984651833642024-02-21T04:31:56.799-05:00Wedding Blog by My Wedding ZoneWedding Blog, Ideas, News for the Bride & GroomMy Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-54469710063364839422014-05-12T02:00:00.000-04:002014-05-13T02:15:02.743-04:00Visit Our New Local DirectoryWe are currently making some improvements to the Wedding Zone network. Please check back soon!<br />
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Looking for local wedding professionals? Visit <a href="http://www.weddingzone.com/">Wedding Zone Local</a> to start your search!My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-37945474447656831732013-08-12T01:20:00.000-04:002013-09-11T01:23:21.695-04:00DIY Wedding: Five Ways To Incorporate Fun Material Into Your WeddingOnce the wedding proposal has been made and accepted the fun begins. Your wedding day will be a labor of love that is sure to incorporate childhood dreams and a grown-up wish list.<br />
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SURPRISE AISLE RUNNER</h2>
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If you are a bride who leans to the wild side, consider a non-traditional <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Ceremony-Wedding-Ceremony-Aisle-Runners" target="_blank">aislerunner</a> for your wedding ceremony. What's wrong with using a fun leopard print fabric to glide up the aisle on? Leopard print can be purchased in a variety of shades and you can buy extra fabric for pew bows and to embellish candle stands and reception tables.<br />
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<h2>
LEATHER AND LACE</h2>
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Anything goes when planning a wedding, so don't be afraid to embrace a daring theme including lace accents. Bridesmaids can don leather sashes to accent their lacy gowns. Leather and lace touches would be lovely on bouquets, boutonnieres and reception centerpieces. Pair these materials with darker wedding colors like chocolate brown, deep magenta and black.<br />
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<h2>
OVERDO WITH TULLE</h2>
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Lots of brides utilize tulle in their wedding decorations, but consider bumping it up a notch! Purchase three or more colors of tulle for a festive and colorful event. Use the rainbow of tulle to make pew bows, reception table runners and chair accents. You will have instant wedding joy using small layered squares of tulle for candy favors tied up with twine and colorful tags thanking guests for attending.<br />
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<h2>
COWBOY UP</h2>
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There is a growing trend of cowboy themed weddings featuring easy cotton wedding clothes, wildflower bouquets and fun calico prints with leather accents. Have crafty girlfriends help make calico print table runners, napkins or place mats for each guest. Top your tables with mason jars, simple flowers and a scatter of buttons for the perfect touch. Using <a href="http://www.rusticoleather.com/" target="_blank">leather products by rustico</a>, wrap silverware bundles in leather bows and make candy-filled leather pouches as wedding favors.<br />
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<h2>
BURLAP DREAM</h2>
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Let burlap be the unexpected star of your wedding reception. It is lovely to work with, affordable and adaptable. Use it for a wedding aisle runner trimmed with rose petals, as well as for the ring-bearer pillow and chair bows. You can stitch drawstring bags filled with spa products as gifts to wedding attendants.<br />
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When planning the perfect wedding it is a wonderful idea to incorporate fun materials as they add interest, rich texture and unexpected touches. Be creative and a little daring and you are sure to be pleased with how your memorable day comes together.<br />
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Article submitted by <a href="mailto:riannehunter@gmail.com">Rianne Hunter</a>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-45676233777043337542013-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:002013-02-04T03:28:45.945-05:00The 10 Habits That Keep Marriages Strong<i>Years of Happiness</i><br />
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The key to wedded bliss isn't over-the-top romance, but these surprisingly simple practices you can do to stay, or fall back, in love with your partner. Read on for expert tips on how to have a happy marriage.<br />
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<h2>1) Not trying to change each other</h2><br />
Maybe you wish he folded his socks, or that he would chat it up with your friends without prompting. But, his inability to notice hair in the sink may stem from the laid-back personality that drew you to him in the first place. "One of the things we see with happy couples is that they know their partner's differences, and have pretty much stopped trying to change the other person," says Darren Wilk, a certified Gottman Couples Therapist with a private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Rather than trying to fight their partner's personality style, they instead focus on each other's strengths."<br />
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<h2>2) Framing your demands as favors</h2><br />
Whether you want him to unload the dishwasher more often or pay closer attention to the kids, your partner will be more likely to change his behavior if he feels like he'll get relationship brownie points. "Throw it out there like a favor. Present it like 'here is the recipe for what will make me happy,' because everyone wants to make their partner feel happy," says Wilk. "When you present your needs, present them as what you do want rather than what you don't want." Instead of saying, "I hate when you have to have everything scheduled," try saying, "I would love to have a day where we can just be spontaneous."<br />
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<h2>3) Vocalizing your appreciation</h2><br />
Giving your partner positive reinforcement sounds like a no-brainer, but couples often forget to do it. <br />
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"Relationship expert Gottman's research found that in everyday life, happy couples have 20 positive moments, such as a shared look, compliment, or affectionate touch, to every negative moment," says Wilk. <br />
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Tell him something positive three times a day, and be specific. Instead of saying, "You're a good dad," tell him why. "You're a good dad because you helped our daughter with that puzzle, which I never would have had the patience to do."<br />
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<h2>4) Focusing on the positive</h2><br />
"Unhappy couples are stuck in a negative state of mind," says Wilk. "You will always find what you look for. If you look for stuff that bugs you and that your partner is doing wrong, you will find it every day. If you look at what your partner is doing it right, you'll find it everyday." <br />
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It's a choice to flip your mindset, so when you find yourself getting annoyed, visualize something he does that makes your heart flutter to halt the negative thought circuit.<br />
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<h2>5) Taking trips down memory lane</h2><br />
"Happy couples tend to rewrite history by glossing over the bad stuff and focusing on the happy times," says Wilk. By reliving memories out loud to your partner, it actually changes your mindset, and how you view him and think about your relationship. Try this exercise whenever your feel your relationship needs a boost: Go over the highlights of when you were first dating, or rehearse the best moments of your relationship (such as the day you had an impromptu picnic in the park during your lunch hour, or that surprise anniversary date he took you on) to uncover buried memories.<br />
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<h2>6) Never siding with the enemy</h2><br />
"Sometimes what affair-proofs a relationship is simply being there when your partner needs to vent, and having their back without trying to fix the problem," says Wilk. "People want someone to listen to them. The key is to be supportive, and never take the side of the person he's venting about, even if you can see where that person is coming from. For example, if he is upset that his boss took away a contract and gave it to someone else in the office, now is not the time to say, "Well, maybe you didn't put your best effort in." Right now he needs his feelings validated, and to hear you say, "That must have been really hard." Happy couples know when to bite their tongues.<br />
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<h2>7) Not getting too comfortable</h2><br />
Trust, security, and commitment are key elements in any relationship, but having them doesn't mean you can treat your relationship as rock-solid, and stop trying. <br />
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"Relationships are a fragile ecosystem, and that's why there is a 50 percent divorce rate," says Wilk. "Happy couples keep dating, telling each other they look great, and doing things together."<br />
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<h2>8) Having rituals of connection</h2><br />
"It's not only about having a date night, but happy couples seem to do a lot of mundane things together," says Wilk. "They have little habits that they decide to do together, whether it be sitting down to pay the bills once a month or folding laundry." <br />
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We say, anything to make that pile of dirty clothes feel more manageable.<br />
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<h2>9) Knowing your partner's calls for attention</h2><br />
Happy couples are mindful of those little moves their partners do for attention. When Gottman's team studied 120 newlyweds in his Love Lab, they discovered that couples who stayed married six years later were paying attention to these bids for connection 86 percent of the time, compared to only 33 percent of the time for those who later divorced. <br />
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So, look out for the little things, and respond to his need to connect. Like if you're grocery shopping and he casually mentions that he hasn't had Fruit Loops since he was a kid, throw them in the cart for him to show that you care.<br />
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<h2>10) Doing the little things</h2><br />
"When it comes to relationship satisfaction, you can't just ride on the big things like, 'I don't drink, I pay the bills, I don't beat you, we went to Hawaii last year,'" says Wilk. "This stuff is not really what keeps couples happy in their daily lives." <br />
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What really matters is all the small stuff that adds up, such as being there for each other when one needs to vent, or noticing when he needs a hug, or making him his favorite meal just because. "It's also giving up on the idea that you have to feel in love all the time. Marriage is about trust and commitment and knowing each other," says Wilk. "That's what love is."<br />
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<i>About the author: Article written by Holly Corbett, submitted by <a href="http://redbookmag.com/" target="_blank">Redbook Magazine</a>.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-44917485176030377432013-01-02T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T03:55:53.201-05:00Bridesmaid Gift Ideas 2013If you buy the same generic gift for all your ladies and call it a day, your hunt for the perfect present really isn’t that challenging. However, if you want a unique present for each bridesmaid that expresses your gratitude for all her help and support, you have a bit of a challenge ahead of you.<br />
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Finding a gift that expresses your gratitude will depend on the personality type of each bridesmaid. We have gift ideas for nearly every personality type out there. Check here for gift ideas that will fit every lady in your wedding party.<br />
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<b>The Future Starlet</b><br />
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Tickets for an off-Broadway production at a local theater.<br />
A subscription to a magazine with all the latest Hollywood drama.<br />
A gift certificate to the movie theater.<br />
A gift basket will all the fixins for the perfect night at home – a DVD of the latest Hollywood sensation, popcorn, plenty of sweet treats, and fuzzy slippers.<br />
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<b>The Always-On-The-Go Girl</b><br />
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Gift certificate for a zumba class at the local gym.<br />
Photography lessons.<br />
Sailing lessons.<br />
Registration in a glamping expedition.<br />
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<b>The Next Top Chef</b><br />
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Custom apron.<br />
Gift certificate for a tour of a local winery.<br />
Table linens.<br />
Non-perishable gourmet grocery items.<br />
Cooking classes with a chef.<br />
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<b>The Crafts Queen</b><br />
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Handmade jewelry.<br />
Personalized, handmade stationary.<br />
A quilt.<br />
Homemade beauty products like facemasks, soap, hair tonics or lotion.<br />
Yarn and knitting needles.<br />
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<b>The Tomboy</b><br />
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Custom poker set.<br />
Tickets to watch her favorite sports team.<br />
Workout essentials – yoga mat, water bottle, running shoes, rollerblades.<br />
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<b>The Anywhere-But-Here Girl</b><br />
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Personalized luggage tags.<br />
A gift basket with a plug adaptor, travel alarm clock, ear plugs, and sleep mask.<br />
A small fleece blanket, perfect for curling up on a chilly airplane.<br />
A cosmetic bag with travel size bottles for beauty essentials.<br />
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<b>The Green Girl</b><br />
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A compost pail.<br />
Fair trade coffee.<br />
Bike tire air pump.<br />
Bulbs or seedlings for flowers or herbs.<br />
A gift basket with homemade goodies – breads, jams, etc.<br />
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<b>The Outdoor Lover</b><br />
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A gift basket with a beach towel, sunscreen, beach ball, and sandals.<br />
A kite.<br />
A picnic basket with reusable plates, cups and silverware.<br />
A custom cornhole set.<br />
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<b>The Family Girl</b><br />
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A subscription to a parenting magazine.<br />
Gift certificate to the zoo.<br />
Family-friendly board games.<br />
Gift certificate to a museum.<br />
Snowman building kit.<br />
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<b>The Beauty Queen</b><br />
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Silk pajamas.<br />
Designer clutch.<br />
Manicure essentials – nail polish, emery boards, luxurious hand cream.<br />
A weekend travel package to a spa.<br />
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<b>The Gadget Girl</b><br />
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Gift certificate to the app or iTunes store.<br />
High tech headphones.<br />
Blu ray player.<br />
Car adapter for mp3 player/iPod/iPad.<br />
Cordless mouse or keyboard.<br />
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<i>About the author: Guest author Jessica Zepeda is a newlywed who is happy the drama of wedding planning is over! Now, she likes to share all her wonderful tips with those brides who are still wading through the process. She has even started a blog of best bachelorette party games and <a href="http://bestbachelorettepartygames.com/" target="_blank">bachelorette party tips</a>.</i><br />
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Surely, you will be able to find the perfect gift for each of your bridesmaids. Every lady has a different personality and each one deserves a gift that she’ll appreciate!<br />
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Do you have any great gift ideas we left off the list? Let us know!My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-65177958843180400272012-12-26T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:20:57.085-05:00The Double Honeymoon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFBbNP4JAS3qDbYA97X8tqXtgk6J9nBPonoykAok_KaZ-ZGg1RxMrz4zmjeT8FbcDq7Hp6w9ALR8FkndRmcdPRsL5hMbP3h8AtlasU0zud3PomB8ElBIg6lSVBcLGhqdzJPwxMmilgY_W/s1600/Antigua_Honeymoon.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFBbNP4JAS3qDbYA97X8tqXtgk6J9nBPonoykAok_KaZ-ZGg1RxMrz4zmjeT8FbcDq7Hp6w9ALR8FkndRmcdPRsL5hMbP3h8AtlasU0zud3PomB8ElBIg6lSVBcLGhqdzJPwxMmilgY_W/s200/Antigua_Honeymoon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573872639987698834" /></a> <br />
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Decisions, decisions, decisions. You've just spent months and months planning your wedding. What are you going to do for your honeymoon? Maybe, you just want to take a break and relax. Your partner, on the other hand, is looking to celebrate and party it up 24/7. <br />
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What to do? The double honeymoon, or the half and half honeymoon, gives you the best of both worlds. Let me use our honeymoon as an example... my wife and I both enjoy the nightlife, however, after several months of running around planning our wedding, we both agreed that we needed some time to relax. <br />
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Our first destination was <a href="http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/jumbybay/" target="_blank">Jumby Bay</a> in Antigua, a secluded island resort that can only be reached by plane or boat. No television, no cars, no cabs, just bicycles and golf carts to get you around this luxurious private island. While we were honeymooning, fashion designer and daughter of Sir Paul, Stella McCartney, was doing a photo shoot at the resort. The staff greeted us personally each morning at breakfast by first and last name. <br />
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After three days of total rest and relaxation, it was time to move on. We jumped on the hourly ferry to the mainland and took a cab over to our next destination... Sandals Antigua. We spent the last four days of our honeymoon with twenty four hours of activities, loud music and fun people. Of course, it wasn't as relaxing and personalized as our first three days in Antigua, but it balanced out our Honeymoon perfectly! <br />
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If you budget your money the right way by spending less time at the 'luxurious' destination and more time at the 'commercial' resort, you won't see much of a difference in price. It was only a couple hundred dollars extra for us to stay at Jumby Bay for the first three days, as opposed to staying at Sandals for the whole week. Be sure to look for all-inclusive packages at both destinations if available. <br />
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It's your honeymoon... you deserve the best! <br />
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<em>Submitted by Joe Tortorello, Site Administrator</em>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-35773318806983842372012-11-28T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:21:20.547-05:00Top 10 Hotel / Resorts In The CaribbeanConde Nast Traveler has recently published the "Top 10 hotels & resorts in the Caribbean".<br />
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Whether you're planning an all-inclusive destination wedding or romantic honeymoon, these hotel and resort destinations may be your answer to the Caribbean destination wedding or honeymoon of your dream!<br />
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To see more hotels on the list, go to CondeNastTraveler.com.<br />
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1) <b>Peninsula House</b><br />
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Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Visit <a href="http://www.thepeninsulahouse.com/" target="_blank">Peninsula House</a> for simple luxuries, grand gestures, antique vases overflowing with orchids, light filtering into every guest room. Las Terrenas lies comfortably among some of the many idyllic beachfront villages that dot the Northeastern Coast of the Dominican Republic, on the Samana Peninsula, where the sun first rises to welcome the day...<br />
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2) <b>Jumby Bay</b><br />
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Jumby Bay, Antigua. Visit <a href="http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/jumbybay/" target="_blank">Jumby Bay</a> online for more information. A Rosewood Resort, situated on a private Caribbean island just off the coast of Antigua, the luxury resort of Jumby Bay offers spectacular natural surroundings and haven-like seclusion, perfect for your destination wedding or honeymoon.<br />
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<b>"Absolutely incredible, loved it. Beautiful beaches, luxurious villas. We had dinner right next to Stella McCartney, fashion designer and daughter of The Beatles, Sir Paul, who is also a frequent vacationer at this resort. Will definitely be taking my wife back soon!"</b><br />
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We happen to have our very own personal experience with this property. Joe Tortorello, owner and founder of weddingzone.net, weddingzone.com and other affiliated sites spent part of his honeymoon with his wife Jennifer at Jumby Bay. They finished up at Sandals Grande All Inclusive Antigua Resort. <br />
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3) <b>Nisbet Plantation Beach Club</b><br />
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St. Kitts, Nevis. Visit <a href="http://www.nisbetplantation.com/" target="_blank">Nisbet Plantation Beach Club</a>, separated by a two-mile channel, discover the beauty of the sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis in the British West Indies. Your Caribbean travels will lead you to islands that are rich in vegetation and history.<br />
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4) <b>Anse Chastanet</b><br />
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St. Lucia. Visit <a href="http://www.ansechastanet.com/" target="_blank">Anse Chastanet</a> to plan your destination wedding or honeymoon. Anse Chastanet's spectacular scenic location, it's unique setting and special ambiance, has firmly ensconced the Resort as one of St. Lucia's foremost honeymoon vacation spots and we have the awards to prove it.<br />
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5) <b>Jade Mountain</b><br />
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Jade Mountain, St. Lucia. Visit <a href="http://www.jademountain.com/" target="_blank">Jade Mountain</a>, with jaw-droppingly beautiful rooms, all have 15-foot ceilings, unforgettable Piton Mountain views, and private infinity pools in different colored tiles (ruby red, amber, plum). Chef Allen Susser’s Jade Mountain Club mixes sweet and spicy flavors, but the emphasis is on seafood that makes your taste buds sing.<br />
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6) <b>The Reefs</b><br />
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Bermuda. Visit <a href="http://www.thereefs.com/" target="_blank">The Reefs</a> for Bermuda's best wedding/honeymoon desination. Say “I Do” overlooking breathtaking views of the Atlantic or with pink sand between your toes. The Reefs is the perfect setting for the Bermuda wedding of your dreams. <br />
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7) <b>The Caves</b><br />
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Negril, Jamaica. Visit <a href="http://www.islandoutpost.com/the_caves/" target="_blank">The Caves</a> to plan your destination wedding or honeymoon. A customized wedding or honeymoon at The Caves is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Bask in the sheer romance of sun-dazzled days and moonlit nights.<br />
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8) <b>Hotel Le Toiny</b><br />
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St. Bartherlemy, St. Barts. Visit <a href="http://www.letoiny.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Toiny</a> to plan your dream honeymoon. Privacy and exclusivity have always been the defining characteristics of Hotel Le Toiny. Situated in the area of the island referred to as Cote Sauvage, the 15 pastel-colored bungalows, called Villa Suites, are set on a gentle slope overlooking the bay of Toiny and the Caribbean Sea.<br />
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9) <b>Seven Stars Resort</b><br />
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Visit <a href="http://www.sevenstarsgracebay.com/" target="_blank">Seven Stars Resort</a> to book your destination wedding. Ultra private oceanfront setting, Custom wedding and honeymoon packages, Complimentary services of a wedding coordinator.<br />
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10) <b>Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa</b><br />
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Westmoreland, Jamaica. Visit <a href="http://www.sandals.com/main/whitehouse/wh-home.cfm" target="_blank">Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa</a> for more info. All rooms at this, the newest Sandals resort, sit on “a never-ending beach,” in a 500-acre wilderness preserve between Bannister and Parker’s bays on the island’s south coast.My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-41165533101368286642012-09-26T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:21:44.294-05:00Destination Wedding ResortsMaking your wedding a unique event is a challenge to every couple and saying I do's with a twist in a romantic but adventurous resort wedding can make the experience extraordinary for the couples and the guests.<br />
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We all want to get married just once to someone whom we hope to share our whole life with. We try to check all wedding websites, magazines, bridal shows and videos and hope to come up with the most unique idea to celebrate our own. Most of the time, we cannot control who we should invite to our weddings. It is but natural to have family relatives and close friends to witness the momentous event. However, we can always choose were to celebrate it and how it will be celebrated.<br />
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A unique resort wedding with some twists like scuba diving or mid ocean wedding ceremonies and others can make one's nuptial truly unusual, one of a kind and memorable.<br />
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<b>A Luxurious Resort Wedding is Always worth the Long Wait</b><br />
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If it has taken years and was almost impossible to say your precious I do, then a luxurious resort wedding will always make the long wait worth it.<br />
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After years of waiting and believing, it is but right to reward yourself and your future spouse a luxurious wedding that is complete with all the comforts and pleasures like fairy tales are told. There can be nothing more delightful than finally meeting your better half and pledging your forever with her. Spending a great time with her on a perfect get away for your wedding is like expressing your gratitude to the most high for bringing her to your life - in the grandest way possible.<br />
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A helicopter ride, a yacht trip or a stay in the luxurious beach resort can truly make the experience pleasurable and making the experience. A resort wedding is a dream come true for any bride or groom who has waited for a long time for the reality of such a dream.<br />
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<b>A Perfect Beach Resort Wedding for Busy Couples</b><br />
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If you have been working all your life, a perfect beach resort wedding is the ultimate escapade that makes busy couples to enjoy each other's company in a more intimate way.<br />
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Your busy schedules could make it impossible for you to share precious moments together. However, an event like a wedding can make any boss understand the need to be off work for a couple of days. Grab the chance to spend special intimate moments with your beloved and take off to a grand beach resort wedding that can take your relationship to a whole new level.<br />
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Everyone needs quality time with the person they loves especially to someone they promises to live their lives forever with. And when it comes to starting a new life together, it is important to start everything right together. A beach resort wedding can offer both of you a relaxing, refreshing and peaceful time together in a destination far from the hustle and bustle of the city life.<br />
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<i>About the author: This is a guest post from Kala, courtesy of <a href="http://wedding-resort.com/" target="_blank">Resort Weddings</a> by Traveloni.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-8282115667635875992012-05-30T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T23:28:24.675-05:00Photo Booth Rental Company Now Offers Facebook Integration(PR.com) Photobooth Rocks, an Orlando photo booth rental company gets social by adding a new feature that allows you to upload your photo booth images and videos directly from your event. The photo booths also feature more upgraded technologies like video messaging, email and customized welcome screens.<br />
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Only Photo booth rental Orlando Company, Photo booth Rocks can combine the latest technology with exclusive features, ease of use, and gorgeous quality style booths that give you everything you want in a professional photo / video booth for your next event.<br />
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"We continuously are updating our booths and making them better for your entertainment part from the rest," says Owner Kristin Hubbard Wilson.<br />
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Photobooth Rocks offers a variety of photo booth styles to fit your event needs. Whether you are planning an elegant gala and are looking for a sleek booth or you are hosting an event with hundreds of people, Photobooth Rocks has the traditional sleek style booth, the group style photo booth that holds 10-12 people or the open air style booth.<br />
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For more information about Photobooth Rocks, call 407-509-9786 or visit www.photoboothrocks.com<br />
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*Additional Photography is available upon request.<br />
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Join the Photobooth Rocks Fan page.<br />
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<b>About Our DJ Rocks</b><br />
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The team at Photobooth Rocks has been entertaining Central Florida and the State of Florida for almost a decade. From pre-event managing to the grand finale, Photo booth Rocks prides itself on professional, high quality, cutting edge technology photo booths and experiences. Our teams’ value of commitment to showcase at every event with Black Tie Standards is just as important to us as our passion for greatness. The Owners, Management, and Operation teams coordinate logistics leaving nothing to chance.<br />
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<i>Photobooth Rocks now allows you to post your images directly to Facebook.</i><br />
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For more information about Photobooth Rocks, visit www.photoboothrocks.com or call 407-509-9786.My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-85139680375806696702012-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:002012-06-26T01:18:09.818-04:00The Knot 2012 Movie TrailerAnother fun wedding inspired movie! In this romantic comedy, soulmates Alexandra (Talulah Riley) and Jeremy (Matthew McNulty) are getting married. At least that's the plan...<br />
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View information, cast, synopsis, trailer, etc. at IMDb.com...<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877797/" target="_blank">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877797/</a>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-4704281589919315782012-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:00:03.164-05:00Origins And LegendsMany of our modern popular wedding traditions have their origin in times past. Here's a sampling.<br />
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The Bridal Shower tradition has its roots in the 1800's. The story is told of poor a miller who fell in love with a wealthy maiden. But, the father of the maiden was against the marriage. He refused to provide a dowry for her, and a bride could not marry without a dowry. The story goes that the bride had generous friends who "showered" her with so many gifts, they could forego the missing dowry.<br />
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Why "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?" The "old" was usually a personal gift from mother to daughter, a symbolic piece of wisdom for married life. The "new" symbolized the new family being formed by the marriage. "Borrowing" is especially important since it is to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital bliss. "Blue" has two traditions, ancient Roman maidens wore blue on the borders of their robes to denote love, fidelity and modesty, while Christians associate it with the purity of the Virgin Mary.<br />
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In very early days, fathers would offer daughters as peace offerings to warring tribes. Because of the hostility, the families were placed on opposite sides of the church so the ceremony could proceed without bloodshed. The ceremony united the two warring factions into one family, and the danger was resolved. Today, family members still sit on opposite sides.<br />
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Because the early Anglo Saxon groom often had to defend his bride from would-be kidnappers, she stood to his left, leaving his sword-arm free just in case. The "best" warrior in the tribe stood by the groom and was responsible for helping defend the bride, should the need arise. Thus we have the placement for the best man.<br />
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Ever wonder where the phrase "tie the knot" comes from? Supposedly this also goes back to early Roman times. The bride would wear a girdle that was tied in many knots, which the groom had the "duty" to untie. As a side note, this can also refer to the tying of the knot in Handfasting Ceremonies, which were usually done without the benefit of clergy.<br />
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In early times the bride had to be carried over the threshold because she was (or was pretending to be) reluctant to enter the bridal chamber. In those days, it was considered ladylike to be hesitant at this point. Another legend has it that the bride was carried over the threshold to protect her from any evil spirits which might be lingering there.<br />
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The term "Honeymoon" also originated centuries ago. It was the custom for couples to get married beneath a full moon. Then they would drink honey wine for thirty days in a row, to foster good luck. This created the term honeymoon.<br />
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The wedding cake originated from the ancient custom where a loaf of wheat bread was broken over the bride's head to symbolize hope for a fertile and fulfilling life. The guests ate the crumbs which were believed to offer good luck. The custom found it's way to England in the Middle Ages where guests would bring small cakes to a wedding and put them in one large pile. The bride and groom were expected to stand over the cakes and kiss.<br />
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Loud noises were said to drive away evil spirits, and during the ceremony the guests would make noises to keep the evil away. Today, it's traditional that the bridal party honk their car horns and drag rattling tin cans while leaving the ceremony.<br />
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<i>Kathryn Lemmon, Wedding Zone Staff Writer</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-9577858572746070402012-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:23:07.662-05:00Rehearsal Dinner IdeasTraditionally, on the day before your wedding, the festivities get started with a rehearsal. Over time, this function has split into two separate events, a practice session along with a meal. The meal brings together close friends and family, generally the same people who attended the rehearsal, plus appropriate others.<br />
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<i>Is a rehearsal of the ceremony really necessary?</i><br />
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Although a formal rehearsal of the ceremony is not required, most officiants will want to take a run through of the full program. Those included would be the bride and groom, their parents, the wedding party and any readers/singers. The officiant will give everyone their cues for the next day, so things will go smoothly. Knowing where to stand and what to do will ensure everyone is a fraction less nervous at the wedding.<br />
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<i>What if we can't use the wedding site for the rehearsal?</i><br />
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Ideally, you should have the rehearsal at the wedding site. This can be especially valuable if there are young children in the wedding party. Sometimes however, the requirements of the site do not make a rehearsal feasible. A rehearsal can be done in someone's home, or in just about any large space.<br />
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<i>What's the function of the rehearsal dinner?</i><br />
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After the rehearsal, everyone gathers for a celebration dinner, where the bride and groom are the center of attention. In this less-formal setting, family members meeting for the first time can mingle and get better acquainted. Unlike the Big Day, the bride and groom are under less pressure and have more time to talk with relatives in a relaxed fashion.<br />
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Once everyone has arrived and is seated, either the bride or groom should take a moment to welcome their guests with a few heartfelt words and thank them for attending.<br />
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Numerous toasts are usually part of the rehearsal dinner. If you need someone to start the toasts, the groom's father is a good choice.<br />
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<i>Who should be invited to the dinner?</i><br />
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The rehearsal dinner guest list should include immediate family, (parents and siblings) wedding-party members and any spouses and significant others along with the parents of any child attendants. You should invite the officiant and his/her spouse to the dinner, unless it's a civil service. If you have out-of-town guests who have already arrived for the wedding, you can invite them to the dinner portion of the evening.<br />
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<i>Who handles the costs of the dinner?</i><br />
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The groom's parents traditionally paid, but these days it can be hosted by anyone. No matter who hosts, be sure they are involved in the entire planning process.<br />
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<i>Is it necessary to send formal invitations to the rehearsal dinner?</i><br />
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No, engraved invitations are not necessary, unless you're planning an event as big and formal as the wedding reception. For most couples, word-of-mouth or simple phone calls are fine.<br />
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<i>When is the rehearsal dinner?</i><br />
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Often, this event is on the eve of the wedding, however it could be anytime during that day, as in morning, noon, or evening. The term "dinner" is used loosely.<br />
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<i>Where should the dinner be held?</i><br />
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Where you hold the event will depend on the number of people you expect to attend and the costs involved. The options are wide open, from a casual barbecue in the backyard to a table for twenty-five at the local country club. Keep in mind, relaxation and chatting are high priorities at this event. The location should also be convenient for out-of-town guests, who may not be familiar with your city. Provide a detailed map if necessary.<br />
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<i>Should I handout gifts during the dinner?</i><br />
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In addition to family members meeting each other, the dinner provides an excellent opportunity for the couple to hand out their attendant's thank-you gifts. Chances are, this setting will be much less hectic than the reception and can make the gift giving more personalized. The couple should present their parents or anyone else who was an important part of the wedding process, with a token of appreciation.<br />
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<i>Kathryn Lemmon, Wedding Zone Staff Writer</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-8317874635387830132012-01-04T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:23:54.955-05:00Floral Traditions And Trends 2012Nothing quite captures the romance of a couple joining together in matrimony like the beauty and sensuous scents of nature's magnificent creations, flowers. But, more than just decoration, flowers set the tone and make a personal statement about the couple.<br />
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For centuries we have associated different flowers with the emotions which underscore the union of two souls - the rose has always symbolized the love between two individuals, for example. Blossoms and greenery have adorned churches, homes, gardens and parks, enhancing the backdrop where lovers wed.<br />
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But, the bridal bouquet remains the real focal point for the bride and the florist. Strict rules about bouquets have all but vanished, leaving brides free to design any sort of arrangement they prefer. Flowers are no longer limited to white or cream, although pale blossoms are often chosen because they fit the spirit of the occasion and don't draw attention from the bride. Fall weddings inspire even bolder palettes. For example, burgundy roses arranged with pale, peach-colored blooms make for a stunning and very romantic bouquet. Other color additions include a touch of blue or lavender. Lilacs and hydrangea are popular choices. Red roses and poinsettias remain popular for holiday weddings.<br />
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One recent trend has been to simply hand-tie a mass of like-colored roses with ribbon so they look graceful, yet unpretentious. This simple, elegant look has been extremely popular for the past several years and gives the bride more of a natural appearance, as if she just stepped from the garden.<br />
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Another new approach is a herb bouquet. An herb bouquet, which also contains flowers, might include a combination of sage, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, orchids and twigs. It smells lovely and will make a wonderful keepsake.<br />
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Experts say the choice of your wedding bouquet depends a great deal on the style of your gown. For instance, a bride dressed in Victorian-inspired white lace might select an old-fashioned cluster of sweetheart roses and violets for the bouquet. On the other hand, a bride in a country-style gown might want a more casual profusion of wildflowers and daisies. The most traditional and formal bouquets, however, are usually all white. However, white bouquets can include a bit of fern or ivy for color. The bouquet size should also be in proportion to the bride. Too large an arrangement will overpower and clutter the look of the bride.<br />
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Florists advise against making a firm decision on flowers too early in the planning process. As the bride will probably attend weddings and get many ideas from wedding publications, it can be premature to select flowers a year in advance. Color schemes change and ideas change often over a year's time, which can lead to confusion. Four to six months prior to the wedding is usually a better time frame.<br />
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It's helpful to a florist if the brides bring in photos (or other visual aids) of the floral arrangements they like, as well as samples of dress fabrics of the bride and attendants. <br />
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Florists are now seeing a trend toward having flower decorations at all phases of a wedding, from the ceremony to the reception. Some florists will move flower arrangements from the ceremony sites to the reception sites, then rearrange existing displays into centerpieces or use them to embellish doors, tables, stages, or other areas.<br />
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Bridesmaids, mothers, the groom and groomsmen should all wear flower styles which match the theme of the wedding and the bridal bouquet. Bridesmaid flowers should not upstage the bride's ensemble, but it is recommended that the maid of honor have a larger bouquet with a distinct arrangement.<br />
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Most popular flowers are associated with a desirable quality. The list below includes some flowers and their special meaning.<br />
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<b>Apple Blossoms</b> - good fortune<br />
<b>Baby's Breath</b> - pure heart<br />
<b>Bluebell</b> - constancy<br />
<b>Blue Violet</b> - faithfulness<br />
<b>Daffodil</b> - joy<br />
<b>Gardenia</b> - joy<br />
<b>Gladiolus</b> - generosity<br />
<b>Iris</b> - wisdom<br />
<b>Lily of the Valley</b> - happiness<br />
<b>Magnolia</b> - nobility<br />
<b>Orange Blossom</b> - purity and fertility<br />
<b>Orchid</b> - beauty<br />
<b>Rose</b> - deep love<br />
<b>White Daisy</b> - innocence<br />
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<i>Kathryn Lemmon, Wedding Zone Staff Writer</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-91973529890943925672011-11-30T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:24:50.813-05:00DIY Wedding Favors 2012Many brides and grooms want to thank all their wedding guests for attending their special day. One way that they do this is by sending home their guests with wedding favors. Unfortunately, many wedding favors fly under the radar and sometimes guests forget to take them home with them. If you are planning to have wedding favors at your wedding, be sure to impress your guests with a favor that will not be soon forgotten. Here are a few DIY wedding favor ideas that will be sure to please you and the rest of your wedding guests as well...<br />
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<b>Pre-Packaged S'mores</b> <br />
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In clear plastic containers, have separate boxes for the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate pieces. Package each up individually and have one nest on top of one another. Wrap with a decorative ribbon, for a wedding favor that guests will be sure to enjoy!<br />
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<b>Flowers, Plants, or Sunflowers</b><br />
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Send guests home with a token that can be enjoyed for years to come. Pre-packaged sunflower seeds or even bulbs placed in special packaging would be an ideal favor, as guests can take these gifts home and have them grow with love. You could have blooms that are already established, planted in decorative containers with a special note from you to your guests decoratively attached to the container.<br />
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<b>Customized Stationary</b><br />
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Leave a lovely stack and beautifully wrapped set of monogrammed stationary at each guests' place setting. Personalize each notecard with your new initials and be sure to include envelopes as well. Guests will be sure to use this thoughtful and personalized gift!<br />
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<b>Scented Candles</b><br />
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This favor idea is ideal for those having a beach wedding, but would also be perfect for those couples that enjoy candles as well. Place a scented votive candle into a mini pail. Attach a lovely personalized label on the outside of the pail. Have your name and wedding date prominently displayed on the label. You can even customize the color candle to what color dresses the bridesmaids wear. Or you could even choose a scent that you both enjoy to share with your guests.<br />
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<b>Jar Gifts</b><br />
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This idea of giving your wedding guests jar gifts has many possibilities! You can simply jar just about anything. Package cookie mix in a clear Mason jar, make a candle within the jar, insert cupcake mix, granola, homemade jam or even hand salve. Personalize the jar with decorative ribbons, color coordinate the jars with your wedding colors, and event attach a personalized recipe if what you packaged needs directions.<br />
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<b>As you can see, there are many wedding favors that aren't quite traditional, but do make a big impression with guests and leave a lasting impression with them as well.</b><br />
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<i>About the author: Amanda Cooper is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wedding Favours Kingdom</a>, which carries an array of wedding accessories, wedding favors and even <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/christmas/" target="_blank">Christmas Favors</a>. Amanda is a contributing writer for other wedding, travel and home-related websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys reading.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-92155384126362903552011-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:25:14.220-05:00How To Add Music To Your Wedding CeremonyThe importance of your wedding ceremony music should never be underestimated and it is worth spending some time choosing the right songs and music to fit. <br />
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Music is a key part of creating an atmosphere and also to fill in those moments when there is a lull in proceedings. Whether you go for pre-recorded or live music it is a great way to personalize your ceremony and set everyone up for the celebrations to come.<br />
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With a religious ceremony it is often traditional to have live music, perhaps from an organist, choir or string quartet. You may find you are restricted more on choice with a religious ceremony than you would be with a civil one so you should always run your ideas past your officiant first. With a civil ceremony they must not be any religious references or themes so do check the lyrics on any songs before you add them to the list.<br />
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At a civil ceremony it is usual to have a CD player or set up your MP3 player. A civil ceremony is typically quite short so live music may not really be a cost effective choice unless you book them to play at the reception too. Do consider the size of your venue as well, a small venue may not be able to accommodate several musicians as well as all your guests, whilst a large venue and a CD player combination may leave guests at the back struggling to hear! Ask to check out the acoustics when you visit and talk with the officiant about your options.<br />
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Finding your perfect music….<br />
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There are many CD’s and downloads out there which have compiled the traditional and popular choices for wedding ceremony music and some couples may find their officiant will present them a list of ‘approved’ music and songs to choose from. However, you do not have to go down the traditional route or keep everything classical – think about how your song choices will personalize your ceremony.<br />
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You will need to pick music for when you walk up the aisle (processional), when you go to sign the register (interlude) and when you walk back down the aisle as man and wife (recessional). There maybe time constraints to consider however, particularly with a civil ceremony in a register office so do ask how long each piece of music should be.<br />
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On a final point you may have favourite tracks or music that you think will fit perfectly in your ceremony, however many have come unstuck with unsuitable lyrics suddenly becoming immediately obvious the moment a track is played on the day! Always check out the lyrics and any alternate meanings before making your final choices – just in case!<br />
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<i>About the author: Georgina Clatworthy is a featured columnist for 1Wedding Source and wedding guru helping brides-to-be with their wedding planning. Although she is not associated with <a href="http://www.loswillows.com/" target="_blank">Los Willows</a>, she can recommend them as being a stunning San Diego wedding venue.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-20758904930416557192011-11-16T11:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T04:25:56.972-05:00DJ Value Tips<b>10 Tips to Get the Most Value for Your Wedding DJ Dollar</b><br />
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"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." - Warren Buffett<br />
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In this economy, brides and grooms want to get the most value for their money when selecting their wedding DJ. Since DJ rates are determined by a DJ's experience, level of service and quality of equipment, there is little value in hiring the least expensive DJ you can find. Phoenix AZ DJ Billy James offers 10 tips to help you get the best value when hiring your wedding DJ.<br />
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1. Travel Time - Most DJ's would rather travel minutes rather than hours to get to your reception. Select a DJ who is located close to your venue and then ask if the reduced travel time could result in a reduced rate.<br />
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2. Prime Time - Saturdays are prime time for weddings. If your wedding will not take place on a Saturday, your DJ may consider a reduced rate if it is requested.<br />
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3. Number of Hours - Most wedding receptions do not last more than 4 or 5 hours. If your cocktail hour will take place on a patio or foyer, the venue's house system can often provide the background music. Hiring your DJ for an hour of dinner music and 3 hours for dancing may be sufficient. A DJ's 4 hour rate is usually less expensive than a 5 or 6 hour rate.<br />
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4. Number of Guests - From a DJ's perspective, a low-key reception for 50 guests has less stress and requires less equipment than a high-powered reception for 200. If you are having a small, simple reception, ask if your DJ will factor that into his pricing.<br />
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5. Venue Access - Experienced DJ's love venues with easy access to load their heavy equipment in and out. If your reception venue does not involve parking garages, stairs or elevators, ask your DJ if that advantage can be reflected in his rate.<br />
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6. Agencies - Some excellent wedding disc jockeys are represented by agencies. However, when you hire a wedding DJ through an agency, the rate you are quoted will be used to compensate several people. Dealing with a DJ directly, rather than through an agency, may better your chances of getting more entertainment value for your money.<br />
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7. Upselling - Some DJ services charge extra for dance floor lighting, wireless microphones, extra speakers, etc. This is called up-selling. You will get more value if you hire a DJ who includes these extras at no additional charge or is willing to give you a lower rate by eliminating these extras.<br />
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8. Credit Card Processing - Most professional DJ services accept major credit cards. However, it costs the DJ money to process a credit card. Ask about a discount if you are willing to pay by check or cash.<br />
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9. Feeding Your DJ - Catering Directors will often ask if you'd like to provide a meal for your DJ. If you feel that's appropriate, ask for a vendor discount (or box) rather than including the DJ as part of your guest list. A professional DJ will not have time to sit down to a full course dinner and you'll save $$.<br />
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10. Don't Be a Bridezilla! - If you are a fun person and easy to work with, then ask for the "I'm not a Bridezilla" discount. You may get one :)<br />
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<i>About the author: <a href="http://www.billyjamesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Wedding DJ Billy James</a> is an experienced musician, professional DJ and Master of Ceremonies</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-21632844454634999732011-11-09T11:00:00.000-05:002011-11-11T16:06:59.959-05:00A Wedding Date To Remember 11/11/11<b>Vegas weddings and weddings around the world skyrocket on 11/11/11</b><br />
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It's a day that comes only once every 100 years - 11/11/11. And in Vegas, that means throngs of lovebirds are flocking to chapels to get hitched Friday. "We're surrounded by hundreds of couples who want to get married on 11/11/11," said the Rev. Charlotte Richards, owner of Little White Wedding Chapel on the Las Vegas Strip. The chapel has 200 brides and grooms who are either getting hitched for the first time or are renewing their vows. In addition to a beautiful ceremony, Richards said she is offering bridal flowers and dog tags that have the 11/11/11 date inscribed on them. Many couples booked their special day two years in advance. At least 75 additional staff members were needed to accommodate the demand at Little White Wedding Chapel. "We have 17 ministers, limousine drivers, greeters, videographers," Richards said. In 30 of the weddings, an Elvis impersonator will serenade the couple. Closer to downtown, the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel is equally abuzz. It has 190 weddings booked, with the first starting at midnight. That means about four weddings every 30 minutes throughout the day, with only a couple of hours of down time for a break. General Manager Brian Mills calls his establishment "The Fun Chapel." Couples can have Blues Brothers or Marilyn Monroe impersonators as officiators. They can also have a Camelot-themed wedding or one with an Elvis impersonator, complete with a 1964 pink Cadillac convertible that drives the couple down the aisle. The couples include 18- and 19-year-olds; military personnel who are about to get deployed and want a quick wedding; and some who are renewing their vows. "Part of the thrill is that it'll be a day the couple won't forget -- as in it will be easy to remember your anniversary," Mills said. He said he's already looking forward to 12/12/12.<br />
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These unique wedding dates became popular at the turn of the century with 1/1/2001. The most popular was 7/7/2007. If you would like to have your wedding on a unique date that comes only once every century, next year will be your last chance! Start planning your 12/12/2012 wedding today...<br />
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<i>Newsfeed, MSNBC</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-22573631029234495212011-11-02T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:14:20.386-05:00Appreciation Gifts For Your Bridal PartyWhen a newly engaged couple begins to plan out their wedding, typically they choose a few close family members or friends to stand by them while exchanging their vows. The bridal party can be as large or small depending on what the couple prefers. No matter the size of the bridal party, their assistance and support with the wedding is priceless. To show how much you appreciate them participating in your wedding day, give them a gift that they will truly never forget. Here are a few fabulous ideas for the entire wedding party.<br />
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<b>Gifts for the Entire Wedding Party</b><br />
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Personalized Beverage Coozies - Have your bridal party drink in style with their name and their role in your wedding displayed on the outside part of the coozie. This is a perfect gift and it can be used well after the wedding is over.<br />
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<i>Personalized Shot Glasses</i> - Cheers! Personalize beautiful shot glasses with your bridal party's name and your wedding date. Make them feel extra special by getting Bridesmaid, Groomsman, Maid of Honor or Best Man engraved on the shot glass as well.<br />
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<i>Bridal Party Baseball Caps</i> - Are you really in to sports and want to try and incorporate that into your wedding festivities? Shower your bridal party and family members with baseball caps! From the Father of the Bride to your Best Man, these bridal party baseball caps will surely get everyone's spirit soaring!<br />
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<i>Engraved Key Chains</i> - Have your bridal party remember how appreciate you are of them every time they get into their car with a engraved key chain depicting their name and a personalized message from you.<br />
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<i>Monogrammed Stemless Wine Glasses</i> - Surprise your bridal party by giving them a beautiful set of monogrammed stemless wine glasses. Perfect for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen!<br />
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<b>Gifts Just For The Bridesmaids</b><br />
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<b>Monogrammed Compacts</b> - Show those special ladies in your bridal party that they mean so much to you, by gifting them with a beautiful compact! Every time your bridesmaids search through their purse for their compact mirror, they will be sure to think of you!<br />
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<i>Wedding Day Accessories</i> - Give your bridesmaids something that they will cherish for years to come, a beautiful jewelry set, which they can wear on your wedding day. Earrings, necklace and a bracelet would be a thoughtful and gorgeous way to say thank you to your bridesmaids.<br />
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<i>About the author: Amanda Cooper is a freelance writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom, which carries an array of wedding accessories, <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wedding Favours</a>, and <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/candle-wedding-favours/" target="_blank">candle wedding favours</a>. Amanda is also a writer for other travel and wedding-related websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys cooking for friends and family.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-65258128809743433122011-10-26T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:26:43.050-05:00Live Wedding Music<b>How to book a wedding band</b><br />
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The one way to guarantee a memorable end to your wedding is day is to <a href="http://www.bandsforhire.net/" target="_blank">hire a live band</a>. The live atmosphere is an excuse for people to get up and dance to the music, even if they're usually not the type. Whether it's motown, swing, pop/ or rock you're into, then you'll most certainly have been browsing on google and found it a little overwhelming. With so many bands to choose from, all at different prices and many appearing to be similar at what they do, it can hard to pick the right band.<br />
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Most people haven't really ever had a reason to book a wedding band before, so if you're not sure how it works, hopefully this article will give you a point in the right direction! I'm going to take you through the process of how to find a wedding band, some guidelines about the wedding reception running order and some things to think about before hiring a band.<br />
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<b>Where do I start?</b><br />
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Before booking a band, you obviously want to hear the music that you like so if you're looking for a swing band, the easiest thing to do is type it in Google and see who comes up. Of course, it's difficult to know how good a band is live but their demo's, website and photos are usually a good indication of how serious a band is. If a band's been together for 8 years and are coming up at the top on Google, they must be doing something right. If you want to be 100% sure about a band you either need to watch them play live or book through a reputable entertainment agency. Watching a band play live first isn't as easy as it might sound because event bands very rarely play in public. Hiring a band through a music agency means they've been checked out and are up to a high standard. Remember, you usually get what you pay for!<br />
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<b>Booking your Band</b><br />
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Once you've found a band you like, make an inquiry sending over the date, location of the wedding and rough timings. Most bands will quote for 2 x 45 minute sets or 3 x 40 minutes. If the band is available and you want to go ahead, the band or agency will send over a contract, which would be signed by yourself and the band. A deposit of around 20% - 30% is usually required to secure the booking.<br />
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<b>Payment</b><br />
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With the deposit paid, you'll be expected to pay the remaining fee to the agency a few weeks before the date or alternatively you may need to pay the band on the night, it all depends on the route you've gone down.<br />
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<i>Article submitted by Adam Mezzatesta</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-16237508628686523412011-10-19T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:14:46.493-05:00Selecting Your Attendants<b>How do you pick your bridesmaids and groomsmen?</b><br />
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Why is it that wedding planning always seems to bog down when it comes to planning out the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen to have in the ceremony? Even if a couple can agree on the number to have, how do you decide which people you should ask to be your attendants?<br />
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These questions have been asked by nearly every bride for the last 50 years (or at least as long as women have been planning their own weddings). While the question of who to have as your wedding attendants is a little harder to answer than the number you should have, both questions have fairly simple answers.<br />
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<b>How Many Attendants Should You Have?</b><br />
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When it comes to the number of attendants that should be in your ceremony, there really is no “right” or “wrong” number. However, it is with a sigh of relief that most brides hear that there is a general rule of thumb regarding the number of attendants, and that it is based off of the size and formality of your wedding. <br />
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- Large and/or Formal Weddings (200+ guests). For large and/or formal weddings, it is generally accepted that between 6-10 bridesmaids and an equal number of groomsmen will be in the ceremony.<br />
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- Semi-Formal/Medium Sized Weddings (100-200 guests). For Semi-Formal and/or medium sized weddings the standard rule of thumb is between 1-6 bridesmaids and an equal number of groomsmen.<br />
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- Casual / Small Sized Weddings (under 100 guests). For Casual or small sized weddings having just a best man and maid of honor is acceptable, though 1-2 additional sets of attendants is not unheard of.<br />
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- Second Marriages. Normally for second marriages there are no attendants, though those with children may choose to have them as part of the ceremony.<br />
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<b>How Do You Choose Your Attendants?</b><br />
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Deciding who to ask to be your bridesmaids or groomsmen can provide even more headaches, especially if you come from a large family or have a large number of close friends. Again, thankfully, tradition has a few thoughts on the matter.<br />
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- Selecting your maid of honor/best man. Selecting a maid of honor or best man is actually fairly simple. A best friend; someone special on whom you can depend is the traditional choice for a maid of honor or a best man. While many times it is a friend, you can also choose a brother, sister or even father or mother to fill these roles.<br />
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- Selecting your bridesmaids/groomsmen. Selecting your bridesmaids and/or groomsmen is a more difficult task, especially if you have a large number of friends or family. But traditionally choosing close friends or family members who are close to you is an acceptable way of choosing your bridesmaids or groomsmen.<br />
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While choosing the number of attendants and deciding who those attendants should be can be a sticky point in your wedding planning, hopefully knowing what the traditionally accepted numbers and choices are can help you in smoothing out the details of your big day.<br />
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<i>About the author: Sarah Rigos is founder of the leading <a href="http://www.starlightregistry.com/" target="_blank">cash registry</a>, Starlight Registry.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-77586558796123633902011-10-12T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:27:29.892-05:00Theme Wedding IdeasTheme Weddings: how to make your special day even more special.<br />
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Weddings are events often organized with respect for tradition: religious ceremony, white wedding gown, fine banquet and so on. But behind every ceremony, there are two people, whose desires and personality may lead to the wish to give their wedding a touch of uniqueness and personalization. A good way to do that, without giving up traditions, is to plan a theme wedding.<br />
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Theme weddings can be of many different kinds. Here you are some examples, to be inspired from:<br />
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<b>Beach Weddings</b><br />
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For people who love the seaside and want a young and fresh wedding, a wedding on the beach can be the perfect option. The idea is a good fit also for low-cost venues, as luxury restaurants and expensive decorations can be replaced by a rich buffet and simple but colourful flowers.<br />
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<b>History-inspired weddings</b><br />
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A Medieval, 9th Century or Gone with The Wind style wedding: a multitude of ideas comes from history and there’s almost no limit to what it can suggest to make your wedding very original, especially if you choose the right location to increase the effect. Try to think, for example, to a Roman-style <a href="http://www.boscolowedding.it/eng/wedding-rome-italy.htm" target="_blank">wedding in Rome</a>, with the Coliseum as a perfect background.<br />
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<b>Fairy tales inspired weddings</b><br />
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A wedding venue good enough for a princess: which girl has never thought about a wedding in a castle? Hotels and restaurant located in old restored castles are not impossible to find, especially for <a href="http://www.boscolowedding.it/eng/wedding-location-italy.htm" target="_blank">wedding venues in Italy</a> and in France.<br />
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<b>Personalized wedding venues</b><br />
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A theme wedding does not necessary need a huge effort. A wedding venue can be personalized also thanks to a few simple details. A good idea could be to pick up a specific theme according to the bride’s style, like a colour or the favourite flower, and choose the decoration according to this choice. Other original and simple ideas to give the venue a personal touch could be to write your own wedding vows or to organize special activities to entertain the guests.<br />
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<i>Planning a theme wedding can be very complicated.</i> For this reason, it could be a good idea to hire a professional wedding planner, especially if you choose to celebrate your wedding abroad. Involving friends and relatives could be also useful, so that they can enter the “themed” atmosphere in the best possible way.<br />
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Whatever support you decide to get, the most important thing to remember is that who has to make the final decisions is the couple. This is what really makes a wedding personalized.<br />
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<i>Article submitted by Dimple Lalji</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-85972438803161152552011-10-05T11:00:00.000-04:002011-11-30T18:01:35.466-05:00Special Ways to Remember Your Loved Ones on Your Wedding DayA wedding day is a once in a lifetime event and will be cherished for many years to come. We are surrounded by our loving family and friends who wish us the very best of what a marriage has to offer us. It is also a time for reflection and a time to assess our lives and where we would like to head into the future. But often times looking back in order to plan the future, means that we come to the realization that there are loved ones which are no longer here with us. Although this may be sad that they are unable to physically take part and attend your wedding day, there are many special ways to remember those that are no longer with us.<br />
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<b>A Verse, Hymn or Song</b><br />
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No matter where you have your wedding ceremony, a specific and special verse, hymn or song can be read or sung as an acknowledgment to those loved ones that have passed. Have this moment incorporated into your actual ceremony and have it stated in the wedding program the reason and importance of that verse, hymn or song.<br />
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<b>Candles</b><br />
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Just like the bride and groom light a unity candle together to recognize their lives coming together as one, set aside a unique candle lighting ceremony for your loved ones who are no longer with you. Lighting a pillar candle on both the bride and the groom's side of the altar can signify those lost loved ones. Ask others to help you light various tea light candles at the ceremony site, each candle then representing a loved one that has passed.<br />
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<b>Dedicate a Poem or Story or Share a Memory</b><br />
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Although the center of attention is primarily placed on the bride and groom on their wedding, those that wish to share the spotlight with the loved ones who are no longer with us, often dedicate a poem or story or even share a memory of that special someone. This can spoken to those attending the wedding ceremony, or spoken by a guest attending the ceremony or the bride and groom can decide to share the poem, story or memory with everyone by inserting into the wedding ceremony program. This would be a lovely dedication to show how much you miss your loved ones and would be an ideal time for other guests to reflect as well.<br />
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<i>About the author: Amanda Cooper is a writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom, which carries a large selection of wedding accessories, <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wedding Favours</a>, and <a href="http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/candle-wedding-favours/" target="_blank">candle wedding favours</a>. Amanda is also a writer for other home and wedding-related websites. When Amanda is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-9926998608435731762011-09-28T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:31:34.107-05:00Groom’s Survival GuideNow while you might well be wondering how one apparently small question could have such massive repercussions just bare in mind what this day means to the lovely lady in question. Most guys have never really given much thought to their future wedding but for many women it is a day they have pictured from their earliest memory. When you were scuffing your new school shoes chasing a ball your bride-to-be was already dreaming of her future Prince Charming (although at the time he was probably wearing a cape rather than your favourite trainers and T-shirt). It’s an over used phrase that it’s the most special day in a girl’s life but it is true. And what’s more she expects it to hold the same significance for you. So while she’s buying a newsstand’s entire stock of wedding magazines and showing you the 27 different ways she’s thinking of wearing her hair she’s hoping that thoughtful look on your face relates to your own ideas for the wedding rather than whether you’ll get to sneak out for a quick 18 holes this weekend rather than go to yet another wedding fair. Oh yeah… and she’ll wear a dress that will cost the price of a small family car. And then never ever wear it again.<br />
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Communication is key. Despite your beloved now having turned into bridezilla, in the words of Rudyard Kipling you need to “keep your head when all about you are losing theirs”. She IS going to get stressed. She IS going to get upset. You WILL have arguments concerning the wedding day. All this is perfectly natural and doesn’t mean you love each other any less it just means you’re planning a wedding and researchers say this is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, especially for the bride.<br />
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One of the biggest complaints brides have is that their husband-to-be doesn’t seem to get involved enough or show enough interest. Yes there is an impossible list of questions to get through; What kind of flowers? What colour tie? What gifts do you get the bridesmaids? Should you sit Cousin Albert near the door in case he has one of his “moments”? While it’s true that what font you use on the place settings isn’t going to end world hunger or bring about piece in the Middle East these small details can make all the difference on the big day so get involved. Your wedding should be an extension of your personalities with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make the two of you so different. That doesn’t mean you have to dress as Smurfs or walk down the aisle to Iron Maiden but it means you should both be have a say in how you want the day to play out. <br />
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But you will need help to. Any bride has a whole support network buzzing around her keen to help out at every step and dress fitting. Us guys are never quite as willing to look for help but it’s not a bad idea to have someone on hand you can call when you need to head on a “fact finding mission” of you own to the nearest watering hole. Make sure your best man is the right man for the job who will sit with you and help you let off some steam when you need and also be the kind of friend that can help take some of the load off your shoulders when it comes to researching cars, musicians, DJ’s, etc.<br />
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So don’t just sit back ignoring the chaos, it isn’t going to go away and you’ll only add to the bride’s stress levels and if you bury your head for too long you might wake up on the day to find you’re travelling to the church in a pink stretch limo in a lime green suit. Make decisions, enjoy the process because despite some of the potential sticking points it should be enjoyable. After all this is going to be the most significant day of your lives, it’s your big day too.<br />
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<em>Article submitted by Kye Harmon, <a href="http://www.simplythebestgroom.com/" target="_blank">www.simplythebestgroom.com</a></em>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-25537093751925772772011-09-21T11:00:00.000-04:002013-10-10T03:55:06.613-04:00Tips For Attending A Bridal ShowThis article has been moved to... <a href="http://www.weddingzone.com/local-bridal-shows/">Local Bridal Shows</a>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-90974453499892028822011-09-20T11:05:00.000-04:002011-10-17T21:32:04.005-04:00KDLT News Anchor Surprise On-Air Marriage Proposal<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9sLYyZiQCeM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Jennifer Hudspeth, a news anchor for KDLT in South Dakota, was surprised by her boyfriend, Nate Johnson, with a marriage proposal during a live newscast. Hudspeth is also known for her Miss Minnesota 2007 victory. KDLT is an NBC affiliate television station. No word yet on a wedding date.<br />
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<i>Newsfeed, NBC</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456985298465183364.post-83353943394517807792011-09-14T11:00:00.000-04:002013-01-25T04:34:05.888-05:00Engagement Ring Shopping Tips For MenLet's face it - when a man walks into a jewelry store to purchase an engagement ring, beads of sweat may form on his forehead within minutes. Most men can become easily overwhelmed if they have not been regularly peppered with engagement ring styles, diamond cuts, and favorite designs from their fiancée.<br />
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Here are some shopping tips for any guy looking to make the perfect engagement ring purchase sometime in the near future:<br />
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<b>Listen Up</b><br />
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Almost all women will drop hints at some point on what type of engagement ring they want to wear on their perfect day, as well as the rest of their lives. Some hints are subtle and some are as obvious as the tattoo on Mike Tyson's face. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open when the hints start dropping. If you pay attention to your significant other at all, you'll know a hint when you see one.<br />
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<b>Learn about Color, Cuts & Clarity</b><br />
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There are many different parts to a diamond engagement ring that determines its value and price. The diamond might look sparkly and beautiful, but until you completely understand the mechanics behind a diamond you can't be too sure what you're really getting. Let's talk about the famous four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color is based on a specific grading system, which starts at D, which are clear, colorless stones, and goes all the way to Z, light yellow or brown stones. Diamond clarity is graded similarly to identify any blemishes and imperfections - the less inclusions are in a diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is. Grading ranges from flawless to included (I3).<br />
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There are many beautifully cut diamond shapes, from marquis to emerald to round to princess to cushion - this decision can be difficult. Try to sneak a peek into your loved one's jewelry box. Is there a theme? This is another time when hints will come in handy. Additionally, some cuts by their nature (round, cushion) will cast a more sparkly glow.<br />
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Carat is simply the weight of your diamond. Of course the bigger you go, the more expensive the stone will get. However, remember that a smaller stone of great brilliance, clarity, color, and a finer cut will be more expensive than a larger diamond of less quality. Your jeweler will be able to show you any paperwork for the particular diamond you're shopping. If the shop refuses to, or doesn't know their diamonds' specs, shop elsewhere.<br />
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<b>Many Metals</b><br />
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Don't forget to consider which precious metal you want securely holding that diamond. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or even palladium, if you can find it. Platinum is the rarest, most expensive metal of the group, but you really do get what you pay for. When platinum scratches, it's simply displaced, not worn down or lost, like some other metals. It also feels nice and heavy. Palladium is in the platinum family of metals, but it's not as rare, and is a lot less dense of a metal, so it's lighter. It's a good metal if you like the look of white gold but don't like the price of platinum. White gold is very popular in engagement rings lately, but yellow gold is classic, and is making a strong comeback. Rose gold is more of an acquired taste, but as with everything, the metal you choose will depend on your fiancée's personal taste. Does she wear gold- or silver-tone jewelry more often? This should be obvious; if it's not, just ask.<br />
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<b>Shop Around, Stay Organized</b><br />
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Don't run out and get the little blue box that's marketed so well, because all you will be doing is paying for a brand name. Take your time and make your rounds between your nearby jewelry stores so you can accurately compare diamonds. Map out a group of online and offline stores you want to visit and keep tabs on what you find. Most guys find it easier to compare prices online before making a purchase, whether it's from a brick and mortar store or an online jeweler. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of all the pricing and technical specs of the engagement rings you like.<br />
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<b>Get Online</b><br />
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There are a tremendous amount of websites, images, and charts to help you learn exactly what you need in order to purchase the right engagement ring. Some websites even allow you to build your perfect engagement ring and see what it looks like immediately.<br />
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<b>Customize Your Own</b><br />
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If you have exhausted all your local jewelry stores, you might want to explore customizing a ring online. A customized engagement ring could allow you to get exactly what you want without having to guess. If you have a design or gemstone in mind, you can save lots of time by creating it online, then simply sit back and wait until it arrives in the mail. Reputable online companies will give you easy returns if you're not happy or if the ring wasn't what you were expecting.<br />
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Shopping around for an engagement ring doesn't have to be an immensely complicated process. With a little patience and planning, you'll find the perfect ring for your future wife with ease.<br />
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<i>About the author: Eva Viane works at the extraordinary, customized jeweler <a href="http://www.gemvara.com" target="_blank">Gemvara</a>, located in Boston, MA. <a href="http://www.gemvara.com" target="_blank">Gemvara</a> offers high-end, fully customizable jewelry hand-crafted by some of the world's most talented jewelry designers. Each piece is customized to the client's choice of gems and metals. The stone and band possibilities are simply endless. For more information please visit our website.</i>My Wedding Zonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12727179171481330411noreply@blogger.com0