Having Your Bridal Headbands

by Cornelia O'Hara

Have you thought about what you will do with your hair at the wedding? Of course, the style of your hair is as important as any other with your ensemble. With that a huge selection of bridal headbands are made by different designers to cater to the needs of brides out there.


If you are one of those who are going to choose a bridal headband to wear for the wedding, an easy choice between Swarovski crystals and pearls or a combination of both can be the perfect add to finish your wedding look.


But to be able to determine if you are suitable to wear a bridal headband, better ask your stylist if it will really match your dress and your style. You should also determine how your headband will be placed which makes the selection of this hair accessory easier.


When choosing for the perfect bridal headband, you can choose from neutral colors or several colors of Swarovski crystals. If your wedding dress has trims or has embroidery with another color on it, then a better choice for your bridal headband is to choose a bronze and cream pearl with a golden shadow crystal that is also suitable for champagne and latte wedding dresses.


You can also choose a headband that has only pearls on it and you may be able to find pearls of different size. When you choose the color of your pearls, you have to find the color that is closest to the fabric color of your wedding dress. There are so many types of choices to choose from, but if your wedding dress is white or a light diamond white, then a good choice for your pearls is with the color white. However, if your dress is a deep almost yellow ivory, then the color for your headband is cream.

If your dress has crystals on it, then the most natural choice for your headband should be Swarovski crystals for your headband. Since most wedding gowns have crystals embedded on them, your safest choice is to choose your headband made of Swarovski crystals. The same goes with your bridal jewelry set.


You can also choose a combination of Swarovski crystals and pearls with your headband if you want to add more sparkle. A combination of these two is also beneficial particularly if your dress also has a combination of these two.


When considering if you are really going to wear a bridal headband, think about whether you will wear a regular style or a slanted style so that you can choose your headband carefully. If you are going to wear a headband at an angle, you can consider wearing a headband tiara. But you can also consider wearing a comfortable headband so that you won't be too uncomfortable for the whole day.


About the Author
Cornelia O'Hara writes articles on weddings, jewelry, fashion, and etiquette for Silverland Jewelry & Gifts.

Wedding Dress Trends

by Jamie Hanson

Wedding season is in full swing this year, with the greatest percentages of weddings taking place in June, July, and August. The late spring and summer months are popular for weddings due to a greater selection and availability of flowers, better options for outdoor venues, etc. One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding (for the bride, at least!) is finding the perfect wedding dress.

Traditionally, bridal gowns have been white, long, with veils, trains, and detail work. Today's brides have many more options as to shade (ivory, candlelight white, white-some brides even choose color accents and detail work), and length (tea length, anyone? How about knee length?). Veils are optional, with some brides opting for fresh flowers in the hair while others choose between blusher veils, shoulder, elbow, fingertip, waltz, chapel, and cathedral length veils. Tiaras are also popular, with or without a veil.

Current wedding dress trends include asymmetrical cuts-this can be achieved by gathered material up on one side (ruching around the waist), uneven neck or hemline, or bows/rosettes strategically placed. One-shoulder dresses are also emerging this year, probably due in part to Michelle Obama's gown at the Inaugural Ball. Simple dresses are also popular, which offers greater possibilities for accessorizing. And although long, elegant dresses will never go out of style, shorter dresses are becoming more popular, especially for destination weddings-think waves and sand.

Vintage styles are also gaining popularity, especially from the 1950's era. Birdcage veils and tulle skirts are two features of this style. Sheer elements are "in," whether it be the bottom portion of skirt, sleeves, or wraps, today's bride has the "light and breezy" option. While color for the bride used to be a big no-no, today's bride can accent her gown with colored sashes, colored detail work (beads or embroidery), bows (bows are popular now too), and more. If you want to stay traditional but still have color, having a big, bright, colorful bouquet is also a current wedding trend. What about sleeves? Although it seems like strapless has been the staple for the past several years, experts say sleeves are coming back into fashion-light or sheer fabrics in short or three quarter sleeves.

If you are planning a wedding in 2010, you'll have plenty of options to choose from as you shop for your dream bridal gown. From blusher to cathedral veils, tea-length to floor length with train, white to color, you are sure to find the perfect dress and be in style.

About the Author
Lillian Lottie is a Phoenix Bridal and can help in your search for the perfect wedding dress phoenix Arizona based.

Elegant simple mermaid wedding dress

by agoodic

2010 wedding dress sculpt tends to be simple. Elegant and simple mermaid wedding dress, beautiful newborn. Commemorate the most beautiful moment in life, aesthetic wedding dress has been the dream of the woman. From that moment on, to be the most beautiful bride. Mermaid dress although are simple but are better than the ones which are complex and although they are using little materail but the the quality is much better.Decorative techniques mainly are traditional embroidery, crystal pearls, lace, ribbons, bowknot, drape, flouncing ...

Whole-day 24 hours quality services is praised highly by customers from over 100 countries We will give our perfect service to you all the time, from material selection, product manufacture,order delivery,to your succesfully receiving the items. And we will also give you our best follow up service to you to completely make sure you are satisfied. You can inquiry us by live chat on our site anytime you want. And all your emails send to us will be replied in very short time.

Free tailor-made, carefully hand-crafted every detail We can manufacture the dresses matched to your any speical requirements no matter where you are from,which ethnic you are and how old you are. We will select the high quality and exquisite material, and will also make each producing process perfectly well.

Reliable product quality, our commitment is that refund if unsatisfied Customers will firstly care about the wedding dress quality, when they firstly buy from a website,they will ask if the items quality on the site is reliable,Whether they are worth to buy. We will always consist on our company principle' Quality is the life of our life', Our products have earned good reputation from over 100 countries customers, The reputation is their recognition of our products and our service. And we promise to give you a refund if you are not satisfied with our products.

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About the Author
Free tailor-made, carefully hand-crafted every detail We can manufacture the dresses matched to your any speical requirements no matter where you are from,which ethnic you are and how old you are. We will select the high quality and exquisite material, and will also make each producing process perfectly well. Reliable product quality, our commitment is that refund if unsatisfied http://www.weddinggownswholesale.com

How to Look Great in your Wedding Photos!

by Martin

As a top wedding photographer with Butterfly Photography (www.butterflyphotography.ca) in Vancouver, BC, I always get asked by my clients about what they can do on their part to ensure they have beautiful wedding photos. Here's a bunch of tips I always share with them.

Selecting photo shoot location.

1. In a typical wedding, the formals and creative portraits are taken in the few hours between the end of the ceremony and start of the reception. Therefore, you want make the most of the time you have with your photographer for your creative portraits. To ensure you get the pictures you want, scope out some locations before you even meet your photographer. Have an idea of what theme you would like your photos to have (i.e. urban setting or natural setting) and specific locations you would like to go to. Remember to provide this information to your photographer.

2. If possible, try choosing a location that has meaning to you and your partner. Locations where you first met, shared your first kiss, had first date, or had your proposal are ideal! Shooting at these locations will bring out so much more emotion when looking at your images.

3. If schedule is important, choose a location that is within 15 minutes driving time of your ceremony site and reception site. Remember, excessive driving time will cut into photo time.

4. When selecting the location, remember to account for the time it takes to park your vehicle and also walking (in heels) to the scenic location. There is nothing worse than having to cut locations for your wedding photos or be over an hour late for your reception because of scheduling issues. Selecting a photographer.

1. Besides budget, the most important thing is personality. Choose a photographer that you can connect with and have a good laugh! There is nothing worse than having a photographer where you personalities do not mesh well. This could lead to awkwardness during the photo shoot and images where the facial expression is not natural or uncomfortable.

Preparations for wedding.

1. Sleep: Get enough sleep (8 hours minimum) the night before your wedding to avoid tired eyes in your wedding photos.

2. Hair: Do not use any shimmery or glittery hair gel / spray because sparkles catching the light turn white in photos and end up looking like dandruff in your hair.

3. Makeup: A professionally trained makeup artist should know this, but everyday "day" makeup application is not the same as application for photography or glamour. So if you are doing your own make up, please add some dimension to your face by using blush, bronzer, and highlight powder -- there are some "how to" guides on the Internet to help you achieve this. Or you can also head to your local MAC where the staff there will show you how and where to apply these items, and what is suitable for your bone structure. Please practice a few times with the entire make up ensemble before your wedding day.

4. Facials: A lot of brides like to get treatment for their skin for their wedding. If you getting a facial, make sure to schedule your spa session at least 2 weeks before the wedding. That way if anything goes wrong (allergies or over exfoliation), your skin will have time to heal back to normal before the wedding day.

5. Dress: A bustle is very handy. Make sure to have a bustle installed and/or a loop sewn inside for you to hold up the dress train with your hand. Sometimes bridesmaids forget to do their "duty".

6. Tide Pen: This handy little pen can remove stains which are bound to happen on a white dress. Make sure to follow the tide pen's instructions and test the tide pen in an inconspicuous location of your dress before you use it.

7. Food & Water: Things tend to get very busy during the wedding, and before you know it, you may have skipped breakfast or lunch. Have snacks and water handy to keep hydrated and your energy levels up so you can enjoy your day!

The wedding day. 1. Perfume/deodorant: Always apply these items prior to putting on the dress as it may stain your dress.

2. Walking down the aisle: Remember to walk down the aisle one at a time. Walk slowly so your photographer can take multiple photos in case you blink. During the walk, look at your guests, look at the groom, enjoy your day, and avoid looking at the camera or the floor.

3. Have fun, relax and enjoy your day! Take time for each other and think about your day.

About the Author
Martin is a professional photographer at Butterfly Photography based out of Vancouver, Canada that offers wedding photography services to couples. We offer a limited number of destination weddings a year! contact us at www.butterflyphotography.ca

Best Wedding trends in 2009

by Maria Thomas

If you are planning to get married this year, then make sure that you are informed about the latest trends in the weding industry in order to ensure that your wedding is trendy and hip. Lifestyle magazines, fashion designers and other wedding experts have united their ideas to bring forth something marvelous and exclusive for 2009.

Forget white, get something new! Modern wedding dresses are taking a turn for the colorful. In 2009, expect to see shades of red, black and blue as the main colors for bridal gowns. Perhaps the hottest combination this year will be silver and royal purple!Shiny metallic is for couples who want to add a bit of glam and glitz to their wedding.

Outdoor weddings- in farm, vineyards or even in backyards are in style these days- and these trends are going to persist in in 2009. An outdoor setting gives a swank, laid-back and happening loom to any wedding. Having a vintage inspired wedding is also a great way to add style without adding a lot of cost. The 1920s weddings will be particularly hot and modern in 2009.

For the wedding favors, consider something personalized and practical.You can use lot of ideas to make sure that the wedding favor is suitable and exclusive.The modern way of saying thank you to your visitors include delectable desserts with recipes in it or even plants in small pots.

Well, above are some of the fashionable wedding trends for 2009! The modern wedding is all about your personal style and taste. So make it as special and as glorious as possible!

About the Author
To read more about Stone Garden visit Stone Garden Learn more about Landscaping Stones

Comfortable Wedding Attire for the Bride

by Bridget Mora

You want to look your best on your wedding day. That is not in question. And yet, the type of attire that brides usually wear can often be as uncomfortable as they are beautiful. Is it possible to find wedding attire that is both gorgeous and comfortable enough to happily wear all day? Yes!

The wedding gown is the most important part of the bridal ensemble, and this is the one piece that will play the biggest role in your comfort level throughout the day. I remember reading that when Melania Knauss married Donald Trump, her couture wedding gown weighed something like fifty pounds! Can you imagine what it would be like to drag a fifty pound dress around on your body for an entire day? This just serves to illustrate one of the first principles when shopping for a comfy wedding gown: go for one that is lightweight. A gown can be slender and wispy, made from a few yards of chiffon. But you can also have a full and traditional dress that is light, as long as you choose your materials carefully. The lightest options for a full skirt are tulle, organza, and organdy. Satin, especially a polyester satin, will weigh you down the most.

The cut of the bridal gown is another factor in how it will feel to wear. If comfort is a priority for you, avoid a strapless gown which requires a very snug fit to stay up. You would be amazed at the difference it can make to add a little pair of spaghetti straps to a strapless gown. With your shoulders helping to support the dress, it no longer has to fit so snugly. This is not to say that the dress needs to look loose or baggy. A wedding dress with straps can look like it fits as close to the body as a strapless dress, but you will be able to take a deep breath.

What goes on under the gown also matters. If the gown you have chosen comes with a massive petticoat built in, you can always ask your seamstress to remove some of the layers of netting, or even the entire crinoline. When your preference is to keep the crinoline, take a look at how it is made; it should be lined with a soft fabric to prevent the itchy netting from scratching your legs all day.

The accessories that you select will also play a big role in your level of comfort on your wedding day. Far and away the biggest difference maker will be your shoes. Yes, those towering designer stilettos are fabulous, but do you really think that your feet will thank you for choosing them? Especially by the end of the day, you want to be certain that your feet will still be feeling good enough to dance all night. What good does it do you to have gorgeous shoes if they kill your feet so much that you have to spend half the night sitting down or take them off? A better option is to find a really pretty pair of dressy flats or even a pair of ballet slippers. If you simply must wear high heels, buy them a little bit loose, and wear an insert in them for the ceremony; as your feet swell during the reception, you can remove the insert to give you more space.

Even things like your hairstyle and choosing custom bridal jewelry will affect your comfort. Bridal jewelry that is custom made to your specifications can be sized to fit you just right so that you will not be bothered by a too-tight necklace or bracelet digging into your skin. As for your hairstyle, if you are considering wearing all of your hair up, be sure to try out the style for an entire day at some point before the wedding. Brides who have a lot of long heavy hair may find that having it all piled up on top of their heads can actually cause headaches, as can styles that are pulled too tightly. A half up style may be more comfortable for your wedding.

With these tips in mind, you will find it easier to find the bridal gown, accessories, and even the hairstyle that will maximize your comfort. After all, when you feel great, you will look your most beautiful!

About the Author
Bridget Mora writes for http://silverlandjewelry.com/ about fashion, jewelry, and weddings. When you are looking for that perfect finishing touch for your wedding gown, consider custom bridal jewelry.

Tipping at Your Wedding

by Jason Hennessey

So your wedding is just around the corner and your mind is everywhere. From planning to budgetary considerations to guest invitations to gifts and wedding favors, all this are all yours to handle. But you can always enlist the services of a professional wedding planner to help you hack through some of the stuff. Your wedding definitely involves a lot of people and at some point in time you will have to show some kind of gratitude or thank you to those whose services are invaluable to the success of the day. But to whom do you tip and to whom do you not?

Tipping is a common wedding practice and tips are a necessary priority in your budgetary allocations. Tipping is most common when you have chosen to have a private company be in charge of reception conveniences like catering, parking for vehicles, music and entertainment and the like, or when you are using hotel facilities should you choose to hold the reception in a hotel. Though tipping is an act of absolute voluntary, it is deeply embedded in wedding ceremony culture that wedding vendors more often than not expecting it.

But in your wedding the cardinal rule is that you call the shots. It is only you who can decide whether or not to tip or not. And you also get to choose who to tip and who not to. Remember to ascertain whether the wedding company is including vendor charges in the agreement you sign for their services. This is to guard against double tipping and thus stretching your budget. And always give your tips at the conclusion of the reception. This will give you a clear view of who did what and then you can tip them accordingly and proportionately. Below are some the people that you consider for tipping on your big day.

The music DJ plays an important part in the entertainment of your guests. You tip the DJ if he is an employee of a company providing for the entertainment. But if he is the owner there is no need because you pay him the contractual fee. Other people that you consider for tipping are bartenders, hair makeup and stylists, restroom attendants, waiting staff, drivers, and valet parking attendants among others. Some people go as far as tipping photographers and wedding planners and coordinators.

These are people that we tend to look down upon but the truth of the matter is that without them you can say goodbye to that perfect wedding that you have always envisioned. But no one should hold you hostage on who to tip and the amount to give. Carefully put tips in envelopes for each individual and have them delivered personally to them. Evaluate the services of each of them and the amount of cash you give to them should correspond to the work that you see them do. Tipping should be a discreet voluntary act and you should never take it as a debt you owe someone, just give it in a warm respectful manner and let it be clear that it is just a way of saying thank you.

About the Author
A guide to tipping at your wedding, including advice as to why you should make allowances in your wedding budget to tip private wedding vendors which you may employ.

Styled to perfection - wedding dress solutions

by Mike Joned

Your wedding dress is probably the most important fashion item you will every buy. No pressure to get it right then! Here are a few tips to help you choose the dress of your dreams.
Is it me?

First and foremost is to be true to yourself. Choose something that is really 'you'. Wearing something that does not feel right means you will not feel comfortable in your own skin. And throughout your wedding day, you will need to feel totally at ease in order for you to radiate confidence.

Big bust?

Your groom loves your assets. But he is not marrying them alone! Everyone wants a big bust these days, and many are prepared to go under the knife to get it. But sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing.

If you have a large bust, there are styles that can minimise your assets so they work for you, as opposed to against you. Take the square neckline, for instance. When teamed with supportive straps, the look is perfect for heavy boobs. In fact, this is a shape that flatters most body shapes.

Also consider off the shoulder styles if your boobs are more than ample. However, this look is not so successful if you have broad shoulders, since off the shoulder dresses tend to emphasise width. If your shoulders are a little on the wide side, consider a strapless style instead.

Sweetheart necklines are literally shaped like the top of a heart. This cut accentuates the decolletage and, as such, flatters the wearer.

Scoop shaped necklines suit practically everyone. Particularly successful at minimising the bust, they prove a canny choice if your boobs are hell bent on stealing your limelight.

Flat as the proverbial pancake?

Fear not. If your chest is a tad too flat for your liking, then try a boat neckline. This will work wonders if it incorporates added detail at the shoulders, because such detail will detract the gaze from your chest.

An effective trick to add substance to a flat chest, is to wear a shrug with a fabulous fastening. Exquisite embellishment will add bulk as well as interest.

A halter neck style is also an excellent choice for flat-chested brides. What's more, it is a young, sexy look with more than a hint of glamour.

If you are tall, you might crave the diaphanous look. Statuesque brides look a million dollars in a sheath dress - but not so good if their groom is shorter. Indeed, considering the proportions of your groom is a wise move when it comes to purchasing your wedding dress.

Small but perfectly formed

Petite brides need to be aware of their proportions, and choose their dresses accordingly. Don't go for big style statements if they threaten to overwhelm your form, but opt for details that flatter your figure without stealing the show.

Narrow shoulders do not tend to suit a halter neck, as this style can emphasises the negative.

Bony collarbones? Then a high necked dress can disguise them in an instant. Go for a sheer fabri c, such as lace or chiffon, from the bust upwards. This will take the weight out of the look. Short necks do not tend to suit solid high necklines.

Emphasising the positive and eliminating the negative

Perhaps you are a pilates devotee, and proud of your well toned arms. If you want to emphasise your lack of extraneous flesh, then a strappy design is for you. Strappy gowns work well at less formal beach ceremonies, too.

If you have bingo wings or chunky arms, consider gowns with beautiful sleeve detail (lace is a wonderful choice) or drape a sheer shrug around your shoulders. These draw the attention away from your arms with dramatic results.

Long necks are emphasised by a wide soft scoop neckline that skims the top of the shoulders. If you have a short neck, give yourself extra height with a stunning tiara or a hair style that creates height.

An array of wedding presents, gifts and gift ideas such as flower arrangements can be found at the Gift Experience, where every wedding gift is catered for with style and professionalism.

About the Author
Content creator.

Top Wedding Dress Trends for 2009 and 2010

by Cori Russell

Want to ensure a fashion-forward look for your upcoming 2009 or 2010 wedding? From sleek silhouettes to mini-dresses and tiered gowns, these latest looks for wedding gowns will help you put your best fashion foot forward to get you down the aisle in style.

Sleek Silhouettes

Slim is the silhouette of choice for the modern wedding dress - as sheaths, trumpets, and column wedding dresses ruled the runways. Don´t fret if you´ve always dreamed of donning a billowy ball gown, however, as this traditional style never goes out of style.

Colorful Details
Modern brides are experimenting with color to tie their ensembles into the color scheme. Adding a splash of color to the basic white gown remains popular through colorful sashes and appliqué details, or more dramatically through two-toned wedding gowns with a colored bodice against a white or off-white skirt.

High Hemlines
Not afraid to show a little leg, today´s brides are embracing the tea-length and mini shift dresses that have become de rigueur in nearly every wedding dress designer´s latest collections. The trend makes sense for destination weddings calling for laid back attire and brides opting to don a second dress for dancing the night away at the reception.

Tiered Skirts
Whether chiffon, tulle, organza, or even feathers - layers of fabric are the newest major detail designers are playing with to create soft, yet dramatic gowns. This flowing style is perfect for the bride who is a romantic at heart.

Floaty Fabrics
Dresses weighted down by heavy crepes, matte satins and silks are lightening up to fabrics like taffeta and organza. These airy fabrics are easy to layer and more comfortable for a gown worn for up to 10 hours. And for brides having a summer wedding, donning a lighter fabric will ensure they´re glowing - not sweaty and red-faced - on their wedding day.

One Shoulder
This asymmetrical look is a hot fashion trend that has crossed over into the bridal world to update the basic strapless gown. Carrying a simple, no fuss vibe, the one shoulder gown is a great option for a destination wedding. Bonus points for those blessed with toned limbs, as this neckline shows off the upper arms and shoulders.

Practical Pockets
Having graced gowns for a few seasons, pockets remain hot in 2009. The style lends a casual vibe for relaxed events, and - perhaps best of all - it´s practical too, allowing brides to keep essentials like lip gloss or tissues on hand throughout the day.

Get even more 2009 and 2010 wedding dress trends in this complete wedding dresses guide and photo gallery.

About the Author
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.

Be a Beautiful Bride

by Caroline Husbands

Planning ahead is definitely the key to enjoying your perfect wedding. Unfortunately, all too often, it is the bride who suffers the most stress. Planning a wedding is very exciting but very soon it can become unbelievably nerve-wracking.

Numerous decisions have to be made, including choosing the venue, type of ceremony, flowers, guests and music as well as, most importantly, your perfect wedding dress. On your big day you will be wearing an exquisite dress, your make-up will be perfect and your hair, as well as you, will shine with health and happiness.

To look your absolute best on your big day you should consider making a few changes to your lifestyle right now. Small changes all add up to the perfect you.

Water and Food. This is one of the easiest changes to make. Commit to drinking up to two litres of water per day which will help to cleanse your system, and give you smoother and clearer skin. Secondly, promise yourself that you will watch what you eat. Planning a wedding can be very time-consuming and can mean you grab snacks or miss meals rather than eating well-balanced and healthy meals. If you don't enjoy enough healthy food with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables your skin will look sallow and you could look drawn and tired on your big day which is not a good look.

Lists and Delegation. Divide your wedding plans into stages and write down what needs to be done at each point along the way. By writing it down you will know you haven't forgotten it. Remember, you do not have to do everything yourself. Everyone will be good at sorting different things and will want to help you, but you do need to ask them.

Keep Well-Balanced. If problems do arise try stepping back from the situation a little and taking a few long deep breaths. In the long-run, nothing is ever as bad as it seems at the time and the more relaxed you are the more beautiful you will look. You are, after all, marrying the man of your dreams, and that is the most important thing. Also, don't become a wedding bore. Try to spend some quality time with your fiancé when you don't talk about the wedding at all. Even if it's only one night a week, make it special.

Your Health. If you smoke, then why not take getting married as your ideal opportunity to stop smoking, after all, you don't want fag ash dropping down onto your beautiful new wedding dress or have a coughing fit at the ceremony. Also, try to fit in some regular exercise which will help to keep you healthy and can also be a good form of relaxation.

Finally, ensure you have enough sleep. Sleep is a beauty secret many people overlook but it can heal and rejuvenate and help you look stunning. Have a beautiful wedding! Be a Beautiful Bride!

About the Author
Caroline Husbands is a Senior Bridal Style Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful, Europe's leading Image Consultancy. Bridal services include bridal make-up, hen parties and a new book, Be a Beautiful Bride.

Wedding Dresses - Let the Groom Have a Say

by Nadi Baruch

Tradition has it in Western cultures that the groom does not see what the bride is wearing until the wedding day. This makes it rather difficult for the groom to have any say at all! The groom will, however, have some idea of the sort of wedding that is being planned; he will know if it's traditional or modern. Time was that the groom didn't have a chance either to see or to say anything about the wedding dress and offer his view on what he wants his beautiful bride to look like on their wedding day.

Today's bride is definitely more concerned about the groom's opinion and tries to balance her decision by including his views in the process to make her wedding dream become a reality. Some brides even allow the groom to go with them when they choose a wedding gown, and listen to his opinion. The options for a wedding dress are endless; some grooms wants to see their bride more conservative, some simple, others sexy, elegant, or even like a Hollywood star. The wedding dress is a very important part of the overall picture where the bride has the main say, but there are other aspects of the wedding where the groom can participate and help out and offer his opinion.

Before going out there to find your perfect wedding gown the best idea is to have a little chat and come up with the decision on how much would you like to spend for your wedding dress as well the budget for the whole wedding. From this point on it will be easier for you and your groom to plan that unforgettable wedding. Just how much do men think that the bride should be paying for that dress? This only becomes an issue if the bride and groom are paying for it. If the brides parents are stumping up the cash, what the heck! The amount also depends on the budget, of course: some folks can just afford more than others, so it's not an easy one to answer. Prices range from a couple hundred US Dollars to a couple thousand and more. The important thing is that the groom has to be happy with how costs are portioned out and it's not unreasonable that more should be spent on the bride than on the groom even in these days of equality.

In these enlightened times, if the groom does, indeed, get a chance to choose the dress with the bride, or at least see some photos, catalogs or visit some websites, then we have to admit that times have changed; the groom will as often as not nowadays want to have some input; after all, the bride will surely want to have a say in what HE is wearing, won't she?

The key to this is to discuss and come to an agreement on style and price BEFORE the bride goes off looking. That way, the marriage will begin as it's meant to go on.

About the Author
The style of wedding dress is all about you. At Bella's Brides you can find the best style that match your personality. http://www.bellasbrides.ca

Wedding Quiz - Superstitions and Traditions

by Renee

1. The bride should stand to the left of the groom so that his sword arm is free incase he has to fight off any other men that want to steal his future wife. True False

2. A bride SHOULDN'T sew her own wedding dress. True False

3. You should put a silver pence in the brides shoe before the wedding. True False

4. It's bad luck to throw brown rice instead of white rice. True False

5. In Medieval England, women could propose to men anytime. True False

6. Traditionally, the flower color combination of red and white is avoided. True False


Scroll down for answers -

1. True - This was an actual practice years ago!

2. True - The superstition is that for every stitch a bride sews herself she'll shed one tear during her marriage.

3. True - It's supposted to bring wealth and prosperity. This was started by the Romans around the time of Ceaser. Although I'd take it out before the dancing starts, or it might not be so lucky then.

4. False - There are no rules about whether you can throw white or brown rice. Though there is the myth that it harms birds. Most places won't allow you to throw rice, not because it harms the birds though, but because they are worried about people slipping on it.

5. False - They could only propose on February 29th. Since that day wasn't counted as an official day, women and men had equal rights because there were no laws being upheld.

6. True- People who are superstitious avoid these because the colors stand for blood and bandages.

About the Author
Renee Banin is President of Fortune Wedding Favors and its partner sites Promise Wedding Favors, Treasure Wedding Favors and Wax Wedding Favors. With easy to use websites, and low prices she hopes to ease the stress of planning a wedding. http://www.fortuneweddingfavors.com http://www.promiseweddingfavors.com http://www.treasureweddingfavors.com http://www.waxweddingfavors.com

The Wedding Photographer

by michaelrussell

Your wedding day is one of the milestones in your life that will become a defining point in your personal history. Memories of a wonderful wedding day can last forever. A really good wedding photographer provides you with a record of that special day that you can share with family and friends and it is worth having a consummate professional handle the photography on a day that cannot be repeated and must, therefore, be captured perfectly as it unfolds.

There is no need to offend any well-intentioned friend who offers to 'save you the cost of a photographer' by coming along with their camera. You can say that the more pictures that are taken of the day the better and you'd love your friend to capture informal pictures of all the guests who are usually left out of the formal shots or suggest that you want all your guests to relax and enjoy the day with you and let others do the work.

The formal groups that used to be the only product of wedding photography in former times are still part of a wedding album today but a first-class wedding photographer will capture special moments before, during and after the ceremony that will bring a smile to your face many years after the event. If your wedding is to take place in Surrey or South West London, you may be fortunate enough to be able to hire Kat Hannon, one of Britain's leading wedding photographers, to 'do' your special day!

Why Use A Professional Wedding Photographer?

Equipment Digital cameras are great but cameras designed to allow amateurs to take snapshots will not produce the results that professionals can obtain with their equipment. Apart from anything else, having a selection of different lenses allows a professional to get shots that someone with a single-lens apparatus cannot hope to obtain.

Locations One of the big differences between an amateur photographer and a professional is the ability to instantly see the 'whole' picture when taking a photograph and know how it will turn out, the result of training and experience. A professional wedding photographer has an eye for background, light and shade, colour and suitability and knows the best places to get the best results.

Choosing The Right Moments Unlike most photo shoots, a wedding doesn't allow for endless re-takes - a wedding photographer cannot shout "Cut!" and have events repeated until the shot comes out right! That is why it is so important to have a professional capture the day - knowing just when to take pictures and, equally, when not to... There are many little moments leading up the the wedding itself, just afterwards and during the reception that make for wonderful additions to a really good wedding album - who better to capture those moments than a wedding photographer who is also experienced in reportage? Nothing beats experience when it comes to getting it right first time every time and you are fortunate in having a Surrey wedding photographer who has that experience and can show you an example of what can be done to ensure that you always look back on your wedding with pleasure and that future generations will also admire the results.

About the Author
author writes for wedding photographer in Surrey - which is partly in south west London. View his work at http://www.kh-wedding-photographer.com and you will get the picture straight away!

Choosing Personalized Wedding Gifts For Bridesmaids

by Janet R.

As the bride and as a friend or a sister of your bridesmaids, you are now in a situation where you feel like giving personalized gifts for bridesmaids.

Personalized wedding gifts are definitely a good choice, though, and these will sure appreciated by your attendants. What make these gifts special is the thoughtful meaning they carry. Making your gift for bridesmaids personalized help them think they've been really appreciated and acknowledged.

When choosing present for your bridesmaids, the most important consideration which you need to take is whatever gift you give, it should must be remembered and cherished by such ladies for a long time. And so, personalized gifts are the perfect stuff that should come in first in your list. However, shopping for any personalized gifts, make sure each chosen gift you have should project elegance and beauty so that you bridesmaids will never forget that you've given them something precious. If you have planned to give personalized present for your bridesmaids, at first it may seem very easy to choose but the real challenge is deciding upon what kind of gifts to purchase. Although the choices are so many, but you need to stick with those that your bridesmaids like the most.

Wondering where you can find great gift ideas for bridesmaids? Consider browsing the net. The Internet has a plethora of ideas to offer, and one of which are thousands of online wedding gift stores. These store are probably your first stop when shopping for wedding gifts. Just name it and they surely have it, from wedding accessories, wedding dresses, bridal jewelries to wedding gifts.

However, when shopping gifts for bridesmaids, you must choose ones that matches their personality and lifestyle. Remember, your bridesmaids might not have similar personality and lifestyle. But for instance you want to give the same kind of gifts to all your bridesmaids, differ them in color or design. Or perhaps, as what the earlier idea have said, make them personalized. If you will wrap a number of compact mirror, add the bridesmaids' engraved name or initials on each mirror. Or if you will give jewelry pieces like bracelets, let their name or initials engraved as well.

Apart from engraved compact mirrors and jewelry gifts for your female attendants, you may also consider those embroidered items such as handbags and shirts. One of the most popular gifts for bridesmaids are handbags. And although these handbags seem to be an ordinary or a traditional wedding present, but having them embroidered with your bridesmaids' initials or names can turn them into extraordinary ones. There are a wide variety of customized handbags where you'll be able to personalize handbags for your bridesmaids by means of embroidery. Lastly, try to figure out how's is it cool to see these ladies wearing personalized shirts at your bridal shower party? There are so many customized party shirts that are a sure hit for bridesmaids, and these shirts works Best if the theme of the shower is somewhat extreme where there is a loud music, crazy dancing and other silly programs are to be shared by all.

About the Author
Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. If you're looking for wedding party gifts, visit the website Mybridesmaidsgifts.com and choose from their products. Shop for personalized tote bags online!

Planning the Wedding Day: What To Consider

by Cherry Bonachita

A wedding ceremony is a public demonstration of eternal vow of two individuals. Just like other events, the success of the wedding depends greatly on how well the details are planned and organized.

Below are procedures that need to be followed to ensure an orderly and successful wedding.

Schedule the Wedding

The date for the wedding is the first thing that needs to be discussed by the couple. The time and exact date has to be considered as there must be an ample preparation before the wedding day. The preparation includes the choice of the best wedding dress from the list of magnificent Brooklyn bridal gowns , as well as the right groom's suit.

Premarital Counseling

Some churches make it a must to have the couple go through premarital counseling. The counseling includes advice and tips to have a lasting marriage.

Church Reservation

Once the couple has agreed on a date for the matrimonial ceremony, the next step is to make an appointment with a minister for church reservations. The meeting with the minister should involve the bride and groom.

Rehearsal

Most rehearsals are done few days or the night before the wedding. The rehearsal basically takes an hour and the presence of all the members of the matrimonial party is imperative.

Wedding Day

As the most awaited day comes, the groom is undoubtedly excited to see his bride in an elegant Brooklyn bridal gown marching towards the altar to meet him. He and the groomsmen must be in the wedding venue before the bride and the bridal party arrives. The groom has to honor the entrance of the bride. During the wedding proper, pledges and vows are made by the couple. This includes the pledge of faith, marriage vow, and the exchange of rings. These pledges are the best part of the ceremony.

A wedding ceremony is indeed very significant. The whole event marks a challenge for the couple as they start a new life together and serves as a remarkable experience for the guests.

About the Author
To know the latest trend in Brooklyn bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride and all wedding accessories and jewelries, simply visit this site.

Wedding Reception Rentals Guide and Checklist

by Cori Russell

When you book your reception site, be sure that you understand what's included in the rental fee. Each venue is different, so you have to clarify with the site manager which items the venue provides and which wedding rentals you must provide.

(this list of questions to ask your wedding reception site will help you determine what's included) As always, make sure that everything you have agreed upon is put in writing. Depending on the venue - and the type of reception you're planning - you may need to supply some, if not all the items listed below.

Wedding Rentals Checklist

Tables

Here's a breakdown of the types of tables you may need:

Guest Tables -

36-inch rounds seat 4-6 guests.

48-inch rounds seat 6-8 guests

60-inch rounds seats 8-10 guests.

6 ft rectangle seats about 8 guests

Cake Table(s) -

Appropriate size depends on size of cake, whether you'll also have a groom's cake, and whether you'll display both cakes on the same or separate tables. 48-inch round usually works well

Head Table -

Seats bridal party. Often consists of rectangular tables placed end-to-end.

Sweetheart Table - in place of head table, small table that seats the bride and groom while the rest of the wedding party sits at guest tables.

Buffet Tables -

If you have decided on a buffet dinner, you'll need to arrange several food stations, such as meet carving, etc. (Buffet tables may be provided by the catering company.)

Gift Table -

Size depends on the number of guests you are expecting.

Guest Book Table -

A small table for your reception guest book.

Chairs

For a seated dinner or buffet, you will need to provide seating for all reception guests. For a buffet style cocktail reception you may able to get away with enough chairs for half or more of the total number of guests. You may need to rent or purchase chair covers separately. High chairs for children should be available from rental companies.

Linens and Chair covers

Linens and Chair covers may be included with the rented tables and chairs, or you may need to source them elsewhere.

Tableware

For a formal sit-down reception, tables are usually set with complete place settings. At a buffet reception where guests serve themselves, plates and silverware may be located at the buffet table.

Tent

A large tent or canopy may be required for receptions held outdoors to protect you and your guests from the sun or rain.

Options: Tents and canopies come in different sizes and colors. A smaller tent (20-by-20 feet) will accommodate about 40 guests at a sit-down dinner. A 20-by-40 about 200, and a 60-by-100 about 500 or more. Depending on the shape of your reception area, you may need to rent several smaller canopies rather than one large one. Contact several party rental suppliers to discuss the options.

Take pictures of the site for references for your tent rental company. Although they should survey the facility themselves before they set up the tent, the pictures are a good reference for them when you first set up an appointment.

Heaters/Air Conditioners

You may need to rent heaters if your reception will be held outdoors and if the temperature may drop below sixty-five degrees. There are electric and gas heaters, both of which come in different sizes. Gas heaters are more popular since they do not have unsightly and unsafe electric cords. In warmer climates, portable AC units may be rented for outdoor events.

Dance Floor

The size of your dance floor will depend on how many guests you expect. They can range from 12 by 12 feet up to 20 by 30 feet or larger. Get some graph paper and make a floor plan, and bring this to you when you visit your rental company.

Visit this complete wedding rentals guide for a printable checklist you can file and keep with you to manage your rentals.

About the Author
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.

Weddings & Honeymoons

by sally

A honeymoon is a holiday of a lifetime, one you’ll want to remember forever, its the start of your life together as a married couple Like your wedding, it needs careful consideration and planning. Its important for both of you to sit down and decide what you both want before booking it. Don’t forget to get good advice as discussion and planning can mean the difference between an average and a wonderful experience.

Here are some of the points to consider.

How long do you want to go for?

Do you want to be away for 2 weeks or perhaps just a few days away?

How much do you want to spend?

Is that price to include extras like food and drink? depending on which destination you go to, prices may be cheap or expensive, its worth considering whether all inclusive or half board would be better value than room only?

Would you prefer a beach holiday or not?

Do you both like to lie by the pool and the beach all day, or do you want more to do? Do you like watersports? Do you like lots of culture and exploring?

Where in the world do you want to be?

This can often be one of the hardest ones to answer unless you have had your heart set on a place. Your destination quite often is determined with your budget and your duration.

Check out things like the weather for the time of year and whether there's a need for visas and vaccinations.

Finally, enjoy the planning and take your time, its your honeymoon ! and have a great time wherever you go!

Come to my marriage site.

About the Author
Once the weddings over you've still got the honeymoon to look forward too!

Making Your Wedding Special

by Melissa E Cruz

Some people like being different. That is just the way it is. Some people love to do things differently from the way others would usually do them, sometimes in a way that has never been done before. Some people like to be unique and different from everyone else, and when you do something that is unique and different from everyone else, it makes you stand out more among the crowd. It makes people sit up and pay attention, and you become the center of attention whenever you do something unconventional or that is a refreshing change from the norm.
If you are different from everyone else, you're not so easily forgettable. This holds true for events such as weddings too for if there is something unique about it, most will reminisce the event. No matter how much you need to stick to the norm, there is always room for you to slide in a little bit of uniqueness.

Weddings are an event that you should try to make extraordinary for weddings are meant to be memorable. How will the guest distinguish your events that the other five weddings that they may have attend this year? Wedding ceremony, wedding process and wedding themes are more or less the same everywhere and if you do something out of the ordinary, chances are your wedding will stand out from the rest.

If you are stuck with the traditions and thinks that not much can be done differently for your wedding, you can think again. Don't give up just yet for as mentioned, even the smallest part in the wedding can be unique and others will still notice it. What have you got to lose anyway if you consider to make unique wedding gifts, printable wedding invitations and wedding guest books. These are the few safe things that you can definitely spoil yourself rotten with creativity.

Unique wedding gifts, unique printable wedding invitations and unique wedding guest books are definitely the safer items to experiment on your creative side as you don't stand to lose much if anything should go wrong. Besides, how far can you divert from the norm with these items? No one would be in a state of a shock if you do display that wild creative side of yours unlike experimenting on the other important elements of the wedding ceremony itself.

So with options like unique wedding gifts, unique printable wedding invitations and unique wedding guest books for example, you get to flaunt and show off your creative and artistic genius when you personalize them yourself. These things can usually either be custom made or store bought, but of course if you want to be different, then custom made is the way to go. You get to pick out the designs, even design it on your own if you want, and you get to determine from start to finish how the outcome of the finished products you are going to be like.

Personalizing the wedding gifts, printable wedding invitations and wedding guest books means that you have embedded yourself in the product so that the product is wholly yours. Wedding gifts or otherwise known as wedding favors that are unique will be loved and cherished by the guests for these are the mementos of your wedding.

Make your wedding as unique as your heart desire for weddings are meant to be forever embedded in your memories and for the guests, your wedding might not be just another wedding. Even something as small as a wedding gift will be able to make that difference.

About the Author
Melissa Cruz is a leading wedding planner who specializes in areas such as wedding decorations, wedding favors, theme weddings, bridal accessories, wedding gifts, just to name a few. Her works are regularly featured on various publications pertaining to wedding matters.

Antique Wedding Rings

by Suta

Your bride will probably want to have ring that complements her engagement ring when you go to choose your antique wedding rings. Often, well decorated antique wedding rings may look good on but detract attention from the engagement ring so you may need to try a number of antique wedding rings to see which suits it best.

When two people say their vows to stay with each other, it is clearly symbolized in the circular form of the antique wedding ring they then place on one another's finger. There are a number of customs where presenting gifts to the engaged couple is quite normal and only ends when the wedding rings are final given with the vows. Often nowadays this older tradition is replaced by the giving of an ‘eternity' ring to show that the vows taken are forever.

It is now becoming more popular to have wedding rings engraved so if you and your partner are buying matching antique wedding rings, why not have them both engraved with a message personal to you both just to give them that unique feel. Often plain antique wedding rings just don't suit the personality of the owners so if this is the case why not have both you and your partner's wedding rings given a unique style by having the edges engraved. It is worth remembering that you are choosing rings for your wedding and not someone else's so as long as you both agree you can't go wrong with your choice.

Never forget how important you antique wedding ring is and that it is not like any other jewelry you posses. Therefore, never accept anything but the best quality rings you can afford or find. It is possible to buy antique wedding rings inexpensively but this should not be done as it undermines the significance of the wedding rings and you can be sure the rings will not stand the test of time.

Your expensive antique wedding rings should also fit perfectly so do not accept anything less as when you come to place them on each others fingers on the wedding day you may find they no longer look as good. To make sure your antique wedding rings fit perfectly you will need the services of a professional jeweler to measure you and your partner's fingers, which is something you can't do over the internet. Having the wedding rings made to measure ensure that they are not too tight to put on or so loose they fall off. Adjustments aren't usually done ‘over the counter' so allow plenty of time for your antique wedding rings to be adjusted before the big day. So as soon as you have planned when you are to be married, go out and choose you antique wedding rings and allow at least a couple of months for the rings to be adjusted.

You also need to allow time to choose your antique wedding rings as the choice of design and styles is huge. Choosing your antique wedding rings should be a combination of what is comfortable to wear on a daily basis and what looks god to you both but remember that your instinct should play a big part in the decision. Remember that your antique wedding rings are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. This type of life changing statement means you should buy wedding rings that reflect this and that you will feel proud to wear.


About the Author
Article by Suta at: http://theuseofjewelry.blogspot.com/

How to Select a Really Good Wedding DJ

by Donna Ennis

I've noticed these days that just about every bride hires a DJ to handle music at the wedding reception (and sometimes at the ceremony). I'm sure part of that trend has to do with convenience. What most brides don't realize is that deciding on a DJ goes beyond the question, "Who should I have playing music for my guests?" It is one of the most critical choices on a bride's list of arrangements for wedding-day service providers. (For brides who prefer to hire live musical entertainment for their events, this applies to band leaders of orchestras, as well.)
A good DJ can smoothly guide the flow of your ceremony or reception, and keep your guests involved and entertained. A bad DJ can ruin the entire event. A great DJ can dazzle your guests and at the same time help to seamlessly coordinate the work of everyone operating behind the scenes, turning your reception into the most fabulous party of the season. A DJ (short for Disc Jockey) is unquestionably your MC (short for Master - or Mistress - of Ceremonies). They sit in the control seat: They have the microphone, and they are the focal person in the hall. From there they can alert people like caterers, videographers and photographers to be ready for whatever is happening next at your event; they can keep your guests informed and happy and they can field any requests your guests might have for special music. A masterful DJ literally can be a bride's best friend at the reception.

As with any friend, you need to choose wisely. Do some thinking before you draw up your list of DJ candidates. First, consider who you will invite to your event, and what kind of atmosphere you want. If your family and friends tend to be somewhat reserved, then hiring a flamboyant, over-the-top DJ would be a mistake. Someone generating that kind of high-voltage personality might repel your group from the dance floor, rather than attract them to it.

On the other hand, if you have a raucous entourage of people who love to party, then you don't want a DJ whose style is to keep the music playing, keep your events running like clockwork, and generally keep the ship on an even keel. Your friends and family may hang back, waiting for the DJ to get into the party spirit and rev up the action to the level of excitement they prefer. It could be a long wait.

Here is a checklist to help you select the best DJ for your occasion:

1. Verify that the behind-the-mike personality of your DJ is a good match for the group personality of your guests.

2. Make sure the DJ enjoys working with your other support people (such as caterers and videographers) because that is a vital part of the job.

3. Make sure the DJ has the right equipment in their studio to bring to your event: Enough audio gear and lighting gear to cover the needs of the hall and the demands of your schedule.

4. Is the DJ is willing to play the kind of music you enjoy, and has plenty of the appropriate songs in their collection?

5. Are you comfortable enough with the DJ that you can trust them make judgment calls on what songs to play at certain times (even songs that may not be on your list), in order to liven up the party?)

You're the expert on what the crowd at your party will be like; the DJ should be your expert on getting the event moving and keeping it going. For that to work, you both need to share your expertise. Be wary of a DJ who seems to have all the answers - even before you ask a question. A good DJ will want to spend time talking with you so that they can prepare to do the best job possible. Remember to let your disc jockey or band leader know you expect them to help coordinate the work of your other support people, like the videographer and the photographer. If that seems like a new idea to them, then you should look elsewhere.

As a wedding professional, I always contact the DJ before a wedding just to make sure we get off to a good working relationship. I let them know that I appreciate what they'll be providing at the reception, and that I'll be relying on them for a heads-up if any part of an event is starting before I am ready. It always helps, but what I've found is that the great DJs are the ones who call me before I get a chance to call them. They know their job - all phases of it - and they can't wait to get started. It's a pleasure to work with those professionals. That is the kind of mastery you want in the person directing your reception ceremony music.

About the Author
TeamWedding.com - Home of Top Wedding DJ, Band and Orchestra Sites http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-music.html