Saturday, December 15, 2007

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Try our partnerships for gift ideas --

Smart Gift Ideas for Weddings, Fund Raisers, Annivesaries, Retirements, Graduations, Employee Incentives or Just Saying "Thank You" to Clients

Top Tips For New Year's Eve

Make your December 31 one to remember with our top tips...

Table decorations

For your table centre decorations try using large offcuts of autumn branches with leaves and trails of ivy -- you’ll find them all in the garden at this time of year. Add some rich red apples and wire them on with a few candles. Stick to rich red and gold colours, and avoid pine at all costs -- Christmas is over and gone!

Fun and games with candles

The old saying ‘you could hear a pin drop’ refers to the old days when hostesses fixed a pin into a candle. It was timed to burn down and for the pin to drop out at midnight onto a dish. If there are only a few of you, try this by making a candle each and having a prize for the winner whose pin drops out at the closest to midnight.

Vodka

Buy some flavoured vodkas, chill them down and serve vodka shots either in shot glasses or through a vodka luge. Make sure you serve the vodka after dinner or your guests may feel the effects a bit too early!

Fireworks

Stage a home firework display, complete with sparklers, space blankets (from the camping shop to keep you warm -- only a few pounds each) and gluhwein, plus toffee apples for the younger ones!

Think ahead

Food for the later part of the night -- or early morning -- is always very welcome. You could serve some miniature hamburgers, bite-sized pizzas and sausages in buns at around 2am. Accompany these with tin mugs filled with hot chocolate to keep your guests going!

Dance the night away

Stick to music that your guests recognise. This is not the time to try to wow partygoers with your eclectic tastes or flaunt your knowledge of obscure musical trends. Whether it’s a band or a disco or just a home stereo, you want tunes that everyone can get up and get down to.

Hogmanay spirit

Treat your guests to a selection of malt whisky bottles. Buy a few different makes and set them up on a small bar for an impromptu tasting session. Do this later on in the evening -- it always attracts a big audience, especially among the male members of the party for some reason...

Sweetie time

Buy some glass trumpet vases and fill each one to the brim with different chocolate and sweets -- Smarties, Maltesers, marshmallows, it’s up to you. This will cause a stampede with the coffee.

Head gear

Buy some crazy head-dresses and dish them out at midnight. Your local party store will have a fun selection, probably including Red Indian head-dresses, sailor’s caps, French army hats, devil’s horns, crowns and so on. Hand them out and watch the part start swinging -- just make sure you have your camera ready!

The camera never lies...

Issue disposable cameras so your guests can capture their favourite moments of the night. You can buy disposable cameras here on the confetti website.


*(when comes to offering alcohol to your guest please be mindful and sensible)*

"Information provided by Confetti"

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Holidays - When Its Your Turn To Plan The Party

The Christmas holiday season is a magical time of the year. It is easy to encounter happy strangers, as well as friends and loved ones, who greet one another with the joy and goodwill that abounds. All of these feelings of fun, festivity and fellowship create the perfect backdrop for the annual Christmas party.

In general there are two broad categories of Christmas parties. One is the traditional office one which is usually held sometime in December. There has been a rather recent trend for office parties to be held early in the month of December, rather than very close to Christmas Day.
In this way, the many social events of the season are spread throughout the month. Some companies, especially those that are involved in retail, choose to have their company parties after the New Year. Because it is such a hectic time for retailers, it is sometimes difficult to gather all of the employees together at the same time.

Of course, those in the category of a personal party, which involves friends and family, is more often held on the weekend preceding Christmas or on Christmas Eve. This type of holiday party is a wonderful opportunity for families to get together and socialize and catch up with the happenings of the year. Often family parties on this special day feature a time to exchange gifts, enjoy some entertainment, partake in delicious favorite foods that people bring to share and sing around the Christmas tree.

When embarking on the planning of a Christmas party, do keep in mind that during the holiday season people are at their busiest. To ensure that your event is attended by all invited, it should be scheduled as far in advance as possible so that your guests can juggle their other commitments.

Some of the things to keep in mind for organizing a great party are: choosing the date and creating the guest list, sending out the invitations (either by snail-mail or by email), planning the menu and asking others to bring certain food items or extra silverware, setting a budget that you can commit to, decorating the house and making sure there will be adequate seating. When such an event is well planned out and organized properly, it greatly reduces the stress of hosting a party and will make it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, you included.
Probably one of the biggest aspects of planning such a party is creating the menu. There are so many wonderful foods that are part of the traditional feast.

Including family favorites can really help to make the event more special and memorable for everyone. This is a great time of year to ask your guests to bring their most-liked foods to share as this can be an opportunity to share favorite memories or traditions that might be based around that food.

The main thing to remember about any Christmas party is to focus on the sharing and giving spirit of Christmas with people that you care about. This is more important than any one food, decoration or activity that might be planned and will lend to creating memorable gatherings.

"Remember It Is Not Too Late" You can always contact " AtUrBest Wedding And Event Planners" (http://www.wedsaturbest@yahoo.com/ ) to get you thru the holiday events so you can just sit back and enjoy yourself....

Information provided by "Ezine Articles"

Friday, October 12, 2007

The Proposal

Romantic & Unique Marriage Proposal

Guys we need to have you step back and take a look at this wonderful proposal.....

When you are ready to pop the question use a little charm,

tenderness and remember



THINK FIRST THAN SPEAK AND MOST OF ALL LET'S BE ROMANTIC....



Go to this link first.



Remember there are eight avenues you can go to for help with your proposal ideas:


Let's think about what you are going to do: Is it going to be:


Extravagant & Costly


Romantic


Friends and Family (which she has probably gave them ideas)


Trip & Vacations (somewhere she might have hinted)



Simple but Sweet

Signs & Hints (make sure you pay attention to these)


Hobbies & Sports


Intimate


In case you still don't get it we have provided you with some wonderful ideas:


Remember timing and location is a big part of the proposal:


Lets take care of this issue:


What Not To Do


Before we get to the good stuff, here are a few


"misadventures" to avoid when proposing marriage:
Do not trivialize the proposal.



You're asking someone if they want to spend the rest of your lives together not what they want to eat for dinner.


A marriage proposal is meant to be a special and memorable occasion for you as a couple, so don't allow relatives or friends to invite themselves along when you know you're going to pop the question.



Don't propose at someone else's special occasion, like a wedding, baby shower, etc.. First of all, it's not polite to detract from someone else's special day. And secondly, it's best to make a special day for just the two of you.

Don't put your partner on the spot, such as proposing in public in a situation where they feel forced to say yes (then privately say no).




TRY THESE SUGGESTIONS



Put the ring around the top of her favorite bottle of perfume and wrap both in a pretty paper to give to her as a gift. When she opens it, get down on one knee and propose.




Take her out to the mall or her favorite store just as you would any other time, but tell her it's your treat. Make sure you talked to the manager there earlier in the week to make sure that their receipts say "Marry me, name." instead of "Have a good day." Buy her that dress shes been raving about and when you get the receipt complain that they made a mistake in the price. Ask her if she thinks it adds up right. When she realizes what it says, pull out the ring.


Propose on YOUR birthday, when they are thinking of giving you gifts. There is no better birthday present you can receive than your significant other saying they will marry you.


Give her a beautiful sterling silver charm for her necklace with your proposal engraved on it.Or put the ring on a necklace with the charm (engraved with your message and your engagement date).

Surprise her with a basket of several little gifts (a book, a new CD from her favorite band, some chocolates, etc) and let the ring be the last thing she opens. Need help putting together a basket? We've found a collection of very romantic baskets that are perfect for a proposal.


Create a website asking your beloved to marry you. Make sure you're there when she's viewing it though, then get down on one knee when she's done. A website is a public declaration of your love, so she'll be able to share your proposal with her friends and family.



Send her an eCard that will be delivered to her at work. Include a romantic love poem that tells her exactly what she means to you. At the end, ask her to marry you. Be at her work waiting to surprise her after she's received the card.



Put it in her Palm Pilot This will work best if she checks it frequently when you're together. You can either put your whole proposal or give her a few teasers and then get down on one knee and propose when you're with her.



Send a text message asking her to marry you to her cell phone. While you're out and about and she least expects it, send the message. She'll be surprised to receive a message on her cell while you're together. After she's read it, get down on one knee and propose.



Is she always working at a computer? Set up the screen saver to be the proposal, and be there when it pops up. To do this on a windows machine, simply right click on your desktop and select 'properties'. Click on the 'screensaver' tab. Select '3D Text' and then click 'settings' to change the text. She'll be pleasantly surprised when she walks up to the computer and see's your proposal. Be waiting with flowers and the ring behind her.



Tie the ring to your cat or dog collar, then call them to come in (ala 'Meet the Parents'). When she sees the ring, get down on one knee and propose.



Turn off the lights and cuddle up during a thunderstorm - propose as you see each other through the lightning flashes.



If you have a fish tank at home, get a special piece for inside, such as a treasure chest. Add the ring and a small sign of some sort that says something like "Of all the fish in the sea, you're the only one for me. Will you marry me?". When she reads the sign, get down on one knee and ask her to be your wife.


Take out an ad in the newspaper. Create a colorful ad with photos of the two of you and your proposal



After an intimate, romantic dinner, take her out for a romantic horse drawn carriage ride around the city. While cuddling close together under the stars, ask her to do you the honor of becoming your wife .



Send out a press release asking her to marry you. Hopefully your local newspaper or magazine will pick up the story!



Create your own newspaper front page with a headline that reads "Will you marry me, name?". Get up early one morning and slip the fake front page over the real newspaper for her to find. While you're sipping your morning coffee and she opens the paper to find your proposal, tell her how much she means to you and ask if she'll do you the honor of becoming your wife.



Create a cd of "your" songs and add your proposal message to the CD or print it on the CD cover. After she's read the proposal, play the cd and dance to your music.



Have a party with friends and family. Book a band or DJ and have them play your song. When they do, get on the dance floor and get on one knee. Tell her that this is moment you have been waiting for and then pop the question.



Get four balloons with each containing a word from "Will you marry me?" Once she's popped them all and revealed your proposal, present the ring to her.


Holiday Proposals


Christmas


Play Santa and be sure to tell her what Santa wants for Christmas.... for her to be your wife!



Give her 5 wrapped boxes with a different word (will you marry me) in each box and the ring in the last box. Make sure she opens them in the correct order!.


While decorating the Christmas tree, put the ring around a glass ornament and hand it to her to hang on the tree.


Place strands of Christmas lights on your lawn spelling out "Will you marry me?" so that she sees it when she drives up.


Place the ring in a small box with her name on it and hang it on a branch on the Christmas tree. Have some one 'find it' after all the other presents are opened. As she opens it, pop the question!


New Years Eve


Do it at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. What better way to start the new year than to have her as your fiance?


Read each other your New Year's resolutions and let your last one be to make her your wife.


There are so many romantic possibilities Bubble baths are insanely romantic as it is, but you can still take it up a notch for this romantic holiday. Pick up some sensual bubble baths and relax together. Add some wine, some candles, and a massage and you've got the makings for an incredibly romantic evening. Want a more playful bath time experience, check out the bathtub love game. The game comes with bubble bath and 10 plastic bubbles filled with naughty suggestions. You randomly select a bubble and perform it on your lover. Keep going until you bubble bath has turned into something more.


Whisper "I Love You" News Year Day Wake her up this morning with an "I Love You" and a ring as you whispered in her ear will you marry me.


Valentines' Day


You should ok on this day....Its' that simple but you can do something up till Valentines Day.


Flirting in the fun part of romance, so spend this entire week flirting with your partner. It'll rejuvenate your relationship and you'll reap the benefits.


Night one: Relax with wine and candles.


Night two: Give each other massages.


Night three: Spend the entire time kissing, but nothing else.


Night four: Play the bathtub love game.


The game comes with bubble bath and 10 plastic bubbles filled with naughty suggestions. You randomly select a bubble and perform it on your lover.


This game is all about bathtub foreplay.


Night five: Make love in the tub.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Holidays - Event Planners Get Ready

By Sara J. Welch, Successful Meetings

It's holiday time, when companies throw parties to thank their employees for their hard work during the year, and employees are more than ready to relax from all that work and celebrate the season. So what are the key ingredients for a successful corporate holiday bash? "A great DJ," says an event planner at a major media company in New York City. "A coat-check routine where nobody has to wait. But more importantly, a ton of food and plenty of bars, so nobody complains about the lines."

Five Tips for Successful Holiday Parties Have an emergency plan.

Think: What would you do if something happened to a guest? Find out where the nearest hospital is, when the event venue was last inspected by the fire marshal, and whether anyone is trained in emergency procedures (CPR, defibrillator use, etc.).

Manage alcohol consumption. Otherwise, if a guest injures himself or someone else, as the event planner you could be named in a liability suit.

Don't play Barry White. Slow, sexy songs encourage an atmosphere of sexual harassment, say veteran event planners.

Don't let guests wander off unattended. Again, if someone got hurt or attacked, you could be found liable.

Have a nice party—but not one that's over the top. Public perception is important. Keep in mind what impression you' d convey if people read about your party in the media.



Groom's Attire cont'd

Jacket Styles:



Tailcoat
The tailcoat is a very formal jacket that can either be single or double-breasted, with two or six buttons, respectively. The front of the jacket is short and the back features two long tails. A tailcoat can come in either black or white, and is best suited for elegant evening weddings. This coat is traditionally worn with a vest and bow tie, and can be further dressed up with gloves and a top hat.

Cutaway Jacket
The cutaway is a formal daytime jacket that is short in the front and tapers to one long tail in the back. This coat comes in black or dark grey, and is traditionally paired with matching trousers.

Tuxedo Jacket
There are many options with the tuxedo jacket. It can be single or double-breasted with anywhere from one to six buttons. There are also three different lapel styles to choose from. The peaked lapel forms a "V" at the collar and points upward. The notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. The shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck.


Dinner Jacket
This white or ivory jacket resembles a tuxedo jacket, and is best suited for warmer weather weddings. A dinner jacket can accommodate both formal and semi-formal evening weddings, and is one way your groom can set himself apart from his groomsmen.

Mandarin
This modern jacket has no lapel, a stand-up collar, and six buttons extending from the neck down to the waist. The mandarin jacket is worn with a mandarin-collared shirt, and does not require any type of tie.

Long Coat
The long jacket is a variation of the tuxedo jacket that extends down beyond the man's fingertips. since this coast has more length than the other styles, it is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men. the long jacket is best suited for weddings held in colder weather.

Groom's Attire

Groom's Formal Wear Tips

The groom should select his formal wear based on the formality of the wedding. For a semi-formal or formal wedding, the groom will need a tuxedo. A tuxedo is the formal jacket worn by men on special or formal occasions. The most popular colors are black, white, and gray. Options: Use the following guidelines to select customary attire for the groom:

Things To Consider: In selecting your formal wear, keep in mind the formality of your wedding, the time of day, and the bride's gown. Consider darker colors for a fall or winter wedding and lighter colors for a spring or summer wedding. When selecting a place to rent your tuxedo, check the reputation of the shop. Make sure they have a wide variety of makes and styles to choose from. Reserve tuxedos for yourself and your ushers several weeks before the wedding to insure a wide selection and to allow enough time for alterations.

Plan to pick up the tuxedos a few days before the wedding to allow time for last minute alterations in case they don't fit properly. Out-of-town men in your wedding party can be sized at any tuxedo shop. They can send their measurements to you or directly to the shop where you are going to rent your tuxedos. Ask about the store's return policy and be sure you delegate to the appropriate person (usually your best man) the responsibility of returning all tuxedos within he time alotted. Ushers customarily pay for their own tuxedos.

Informal wedding: Business suit, White dress shirt and tie

Semi-formal daytime: Formal suit, White dress shirt, Cummerbund or vest
Four-in-hand or bow tie

Formal daytime: Cutaway or stroller jacket, Waistcoat, Striped trousers
White wing-collared shirt, Striped tie, Studs and cufflinks

Formal evening: Black dinner jacket, Matching trousers, Waistcoat White
tuxedo shirt, Bow tie, Cufflinks Cummerbund or vest

Very formal daytime: Cutaway coat, Wing-collared shirt, Ascot,

Striped trousers, Cufflinks, Gloves

Very formal evening: Black tailcoat, Matching striped trousers
White wing-collared shirt, Waistcoat
Patent leather shoes, Studs and cufflinks, Gloves


Info provided by Wedding Solutions

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Lets Pick Your Dress

In wedding planning your gown is the centerpiece. Basically, everything else is built around it. The gown sets the style and formality for the ceremony and reception.
Your bridal gown should create a signature statement for your wedding. You should select a dress that makes you feel like royalty.


A-Line/Princes
The A-line dress features a shape that is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase A. The dress flows fluidly from the bust to the hem with an unbroken line. Due to its classic and simple style, the A-line dress is appropriate for any occasion.

Empire
An empire dress is defined by the raised waistline that sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. This style is usually paired with a square neckline and wide set straps or sleeves.

Column
The column dress has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. This dress, also referred to as a sheath, tends to hug the body and show any and all of your curves.

Ball Gown
The ball gown style is perfect for those brides envisioning a fairy tale wedding. This silhouette pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt that can either be one piece or separates. The ball gown is most appropriate for large, traditional weddings.

Mermaid
The mermaid silhouette contours to the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body.


The Sleeves

Choose your sleeves so you can feel comfortable. Flattering sleeves can enhance your overall look by camouflaging heavy or thin arms.

Cap
These sleeves are short and fitted on the arms. They are usually paired with a fitted bodice.

Three-quarter
This is a fitted sleeve that ends midway between the elbow and the wrist.

Fitted
This natural set-in sleeve can be either long or short. It is always without fullness and worn very close to the arm.

Pagoda
This sleeve is fitted from the shoulder to the elbow, then flares out in a tier to mid arm in front and to the wrist in back.

Bell
The set in sleeve is fitted from the armhole to the elbow, flaring out at the wrist.

Sleeveless
No Sleeve

Pouf
Full and gathered at the shoulder and upper arm creating a "pouf" shape, then narrowing down towards the elbow and wrist.


Waistline - The waistline brings shape and balance to your gown and adds style to your silhouette.

Natural
The bodice and skirt are joined and fitted naturally at the waist.

Basque
This has an elongated bodice, which fits through the waist and drops to a pointed "V" in front.

Dropped
The bodice is dropped several inches below the natural waistline.

Empire
This has a shortened bodice with a high-waisted seam just below the bust line.


Lengths - The length you wear will depend on the formality of your wedding and your gown's silhouette. It can either add the illusion of height or make you appear shorter.

Floor
The longest hemline falls 1/2" from the floor, slightly brushing the floor ( formal or semi-formal).

Ankle
The long hemline barely revels the ankles (formal or semi-formal).

Tea
This hemline falls several inches above the ankles (semi-formal or informal).

Knee
The short skirt falls just below the knee (informal).

Mini
The shortest skirt falls mid-thigh (informal).

Hemlines- add definition to the overall look of your dress. The right hemlines can work wonders in enhancing the shape of your hips.

Trumpet
A slim, fitted skirt or dress that flares out at the knee to create a conical trumpet shape.

A-line
The skirt falls gently from the hips and flares at the hemline to create an A-shape.

Fishtail
A panel sewn on to the back of the skirt simulates a fishtail.

Straight
A dress that falls from the hips straight down to the hemline with no diversions.

(Info provided by The Afrocentric Bride)

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

What Type Of Neckline Are You Blessed With?

These are just basic necklines available for you to choose from when selecting your wedding dress.

Low-cut scoop or v-necks will show off your flirty side, while high collared or bateau necklines are a more sophisticated option.

Necklines: Scoop
This basic neckline arcs down from one shoulder to the other in a "U" shape. Much like the v-neck, the scoop can be as deep or as high as you feel comfortable with, depending on the amount of skin you want to expose. Most all figures can pull off this look, as it is compatible with all sleeve lengths.


Necklines: High Collar
A high collar covers the chest and can either end just below the neck or extend up the neck. Having a high collar on your wedding dress will create a formal and elegant look. There are many variations on the high collar that include a cut-out or keyhole that exposes a limited amount of your chest while maintaining the look of a high collar. You can also opt for an illusion high collar that uses a sheer or lace covering over a strapless bodice that still covers your upper body but allows your sexy side to shine through. This neckline also supports all lengths of sleeves so all body types can pull off this look.

Necklines: Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline gets its name from the way it arcs over each breast, connected between them in a "V" and creating what looks like the top of a heart. This style is most commonly found on strapless dresses, but is also available on dresses with a variety of sleeve lengths. The sweetheart neckline is ideal for brides with a large bust line since the shape helps create support and control exposure.


Necklines: Square
The square neckline has a straight horizontal bodice that meets with straps in a 90 degree angle. The crisp clean lines of the square neck will create an elegant look on any dress style and works well with most all figures. The straps can be sleeveless, or flow into any length of sleeve so you have the option of baring your arms or covering them up with this neckline.

Necklines: Off The Shoulder
Off the shoulder dresses do just that, hang off the shoulder. The neckline encircles your torso, wrapping around the outside of your upper arms, just below the shoulder. A variation on this neckline is known as the Portrait cut because of the way it seems to frame your face. This look is often used with longer sleeves so you can be covered but also show off your neck and shoulders. This look is very elegant without sleeves as well since it allows you to have an open neckline, much like a strapless dress would, but also provides support for your bodice.


Necklines: V-Neck
The V-neck drops the neckline down in a "V" shape between the shoulders. This neckline can range from very subtle to plunging, depending on how revealing you want your dress to be. The V-neck works well with both large and small breasted women. A high "V" can conceal large breasts in a feminine manner by highlighting their natural shape while maintaining coverage. Conversely, small breasted women can wear a low cut or wide set "V" that will draw attention to the chest and create the illusion of a fuller bust. A V-neck is a good option for brides with all upper-body types since it can be used with any sleeve length, from thin spaghetti straps to long sleeves and anything in between.

Necklines: Strapless
This simple neckline extends from one underarm to the other without the support of straps. This is a classic look that can be slightly modified by having the neckline softly arc up or down depending on how you want your bodice shaped. This neckline looks best on brides who have well-toned arms since the line of the strapless dress draws attention horizontally across your body, which includes your upper arms and shoulders.


Necklines: Bateau
The bateau, or boat neck, connects at the edges of the shoulders, leaving a long neckline that runs from shoulder to shoulder along the collarbone. This sleek style can either be strapless or have any length of sleeve. It is particularly suited for brides with a larger bust line since it draws attention up to the neck and collarbone.


Necklines: Halter
This neckline features two straps that connect from the bodice to the back of the neck. There are many options with the halter, as it can be a variation of the square neckline where the straps pull from a horizontal bodice, or it can be paired with a V-neck for a sexier look. This neckline is most appropriate for those brides that have well-toned upper arms as the halter draws attention to your neck and shoulders. Due to the nature of this neckline's design, it does not allow for sleeves, so if you are conscious of your arms and want them covered, then you may want to choose a different neckline. The halter neckline works well with all dress types from the dramatic ball gown to the sleek column, so whatever silhouette you choose, the halter is a reasonable option.


(Info provided by The Wedding Solution)

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Lets Talk About Your Flowers

Wedding Flowers

Ceremony Flowers- can be used to personalized your ceremony site.

Altar- These are flower arrangements on either side of the altar. These are usually on the large side so that they can be view from afar.

Trellis - In case your wedding is outside you may want to rent a trellis. They come in various sizes and shapes. The florist will decorate them with your wedding colors.

Pews - A simple ribbon or flower arrangement will may your pew look wonderful. A lot of times these arrangements can be use to mark the pew for special guest.


Bridal Party
Bridal bouquet Bridal throw-away bouquet Bridal go-away corsage/bouquet Maid of Honor bouquet (can be different from bridesmaids) Bridesmaids bouquets Flower girl bouquet or basket, optional headpiece Mother of Bride corsage/bouquet Bride's Father - boutonniere Grandmothers/Great Grandmothers corsage Grandfather/Great Grandfathers - boutonniere


Groom's Party
Groom boutonniere (can be different from ushers) Best man boutonniere Ushers boutonniere Ring Bearer pillow and boutonniere Groom's Mom's corsage/bouquet Groom's Father's boutonniere Grandmother/Great Grandmothers corsage Grandfather/Great Grandfathers boutonniere


Church
Candelabras Pew decorations Aisle runner Altar decorations Arch (optional or for outdoor services)


Reception
Arrangements for tables/chairs Tablecloths, napkins available Arrangement for head table (dais) Cake arrangements for cake or table (optional) Arrangement for buffet table Arrangement for sign-in table Arrangements for restrooms


After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, there are many options for the flowers. Below are some suggestions:
Have a family member or guest bring the bouquet to the reception to use as a centerpiece on the gift or reception card table.
Deliver them to a nursing home or hospital for someone else to enjoy.
Deliver them to a sick friend or relative who could not attend your wedding.
If there is a service the next day, they may be left behind.

Usher & Tameka Foster's Wedding Canceled

July 28, 2007

People.com reported details of Usher's wedding being canceled.

The wedding of Usher and Tameka Foster, originally planned for Saturday afternoon at record executive L.A. Reid's home in New York's Hamptons, has been canceled, a representative for Usher confirms to PEOPLE .

A source also says that the 70 to 100 guests who were expected at the wedding are being advised that the event will not take place as originally planned. Flower decorations have also been seen being removed from the Reid home.

In a statement, publicist Patti Webster said, "It was announced today that the wedding ceremony for Usher Raymond IV and Tameka Foster was canceled. No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected." Read more . . .

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Does It Make Sense To Insure Your Wedding?

Wedding News


By Marshall Loeb

NEW YORK - Given that the average cost of a wedding America has reached $27,000, it's no surprise that less than 1 percent of couples make room in the budget for wedding insurance. But if you and your beloved are sinking a fortune into your upcoming nuptials it may be worth considering taking out a policy.

Wedding insurance now covers a broad range of contingencies and can help you recoup your money should things go awry on or before your special day. You can buy policies that cover nonrefundable deposits if you have to cancel your wedding due a death in the family or a natural disaster like a flood, fire or hurricane; others reimburse you if your spouse is in the military and is unexpectly deployed; and still others cover the expense of restaging wedding photos or replacing a lost or damaged wedding dress.

There's even a policy that covers cold feet, so parents no longer have to pay the price for a child's last minute change of heart.

The cost of wedding insurance ranges from a couple hundred dollars all the way up to $1,000 , depending on where you buy your policy and what it covers. This may sound like another unnecessary expense, but it's just a drop in the bucket when you consider the overall price .

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Responsibilites Of The Wedding Parties

Maid of honor: Also known as a matron of honor if she is married, this is the bride's right-hand-gal. She helps the bride plan the wedding, and supports her during the ceremony. She organizes the bridal shower and fulfills numerous wedding day responsibilities, including walking down the aisle behind the bride, holding the groom's ring on her thumb, toasting the couple, as well as collecting gift envelopes at the reception.


Best man: The male equivalent to a maid of honor. He helps plan the bachelor party, making sure things don't go in a direction disrespectful of the bride. If there is a co-ed wedding shower, the best man helps the maid of honor with the planning. He traditionally drives the groom to the wedding, keeps the bride's ring, gives the officiant his or her fee after the ceremony, and offers a reception toast.

Bridesmaids: A support group for the maid of honor, they help her organize pre-wedding parties and perform nuptial tasks. It is the bridesmaids who throw the bride a bachelorette party. In keeping with their party hostess image, bridesmaids may be asked to lure guests onto the dance floor during the reception.

Groomsmen: Any number of men who help the best man and the groom with wedding plans. At the ceremony, the groomsmen accompany the bridesmaids down the aisle; they may also act as ushers before joining the wedding party at the altar.

Flower girl: A young girl, aged between three and eight, who walks in front of the bride with a basket of flower petals, which she scatters about. After walking down the aisle, the flower girl sits down for the duration of the ceremony.

Ring bearer: A young boy, aged between three and eight, who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl -- or in front of the bride if there is no flower girl. The ring bearer carries a small, decorative pillow, on which two rings have been attached.

Ushers: For many people, the term usher is synonymous with groomsman. Some weddings, however, feature separate people whose sole job is to seat guests.

Mother of the bride: While not so much a position as a point of fact, the mother of the bride does incur a few responsibilities, including walking her daughter down the aisle if her daughter desires, and being reception hostess, reception toaster, and emotional support for the bride.

Mother of the groom: The groom's mother attends the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner with the rest of the wedding party. At the ceremony, she may be escorted up the aisle during the prelude. And, of course, for weddings that have dancing at the reception, she gets to dance the mother-son dance with the groom.

Father of the bride: He may or may not help with the funding of his daughter's wedding. Other duties might include walking his daughter down the aisle, helping the couple find a wedding site, ferrying guests to and from the wedding site and reception venue, as well as initiating "man-to-man" talks with his future son-in-law about topics from the bachelor party to the groom's place in the bride's family. Heartfelt reception toasts are commonly given by the father of the bride, as well.

Father of the groom: He and the groom's mother might help the bride and groom fund various parts of the wedding -- traditionally, the groom's side paid for the rehearsal dinner. The father of the groom might also help the father of the bride find a wedding location, offer wedding toasts, and address any service problems that arise during the wedding and reception.

Junior bridesmaids: Young women, typically aged between nine and 15, who dress and function as bridesmaids.


Junior groomsmen:
Young men, generally aged between nine and 15, who dress and act as groomsmen.

Junior ushers: Usually young men, though they can be young women, aged between nine and 15, who dress the same, and perform the same duties as adult ushers.

Candle lighter
: In some Christian ceremonies, boys or girls aged between nine and 12 light candles at the altar just before the mother of the bride is seated. Candle lighters usually dress like the wedding party.

Train bearers: (They are also called pages.) Young boys or girls, aged between six and nine, who carry the bride's extra-long train as she walks down the aisle. Do not use train bearers, however, if your dress does not have a train!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Charlotte Couple Chosen to Wed in the Wal-Mart Aisles on 7/7/07

From the Wall Street Journal Online

Local couple are 'Lucky in Love' and awarded wedding package, ceremony and reception venues on most popular wedding date of the year

BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall -- Charlotte, N.C., couple Caleb Cox and Ella Glass are "lucky in love" after learning they are one of only seven couples across the country that will be married at a Wal-Mart store on one of the most sought-after wedding dates in recent years. Wal-Mart stores and G-Squared, a Wal-Mart exclusive brand from Gartner Studios, announced the names of the seven couples receiving such wedding packages earlier this week as a result of their "Lucky in Love Wedding Search."

When Wal-Mart Stores discovered many of its betrothed customers were having difficulty finding venues for their July 7 -- or 7/7/07 -- weddings due to the popularity of a "lucky 7" date, they joined G-Squared to provide a solution. In addition, the cost of the average American wedding can be overwhelming at $22,000(1). The answer was the "Lucky in Love Wedding Search" to provide seven couples their local Wal-Mart lawn and garden area as the colorful backdrop for the ceremonies and receptions. After reviewing more than 400 entries from across the country, Caleb and Ella were selected to say "I do" at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 3706 Diann Marie Road in Louisville, Ky., which is Ella's hometown.

Read more . . .

Friday, June 29, 2007

Traditional --WHO PAYS FOR WHAT EXPENSES

Today most couples usually pay for their own wedding with some contributions from families. The average wedding budget will consist of spending anywhere from $5,000- $25,000 - (depending on your venue, honeymoon, decor and size of the event).

As planners we would also like to inform you that a planned out wedding 24 months to 12 months is an idea time. Although we have planned many weddings in a month's time frame .


#1 fact - You need to have a budget that is a must.

#2 fact - Set up an account for just wedding activities.


Both parties need to contribute at lease the same amount to the account every time you get paid.

The account is to be put in both names and to be used for wedding and honeymoon expenses only.


"""Remember This is not The I need this account....""""

(hint, nice pair of sandals, need my nails done or, oh I had to get my hair done). Or (hint, new 22's, video games, nor the new I Apple (phone), or whatever your friends have told you that you need to check out..... )

Just in case you did want a break down of who pays for A Traditional Wedding here we go!!!!


The Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories --The Bride's Family


The Wedding Ring for the Bride --The Groom


The Wedding Ring for the Groom --The Bride


Wedding Gift for the Groom --The Bride


Wedding Gift for the Bride --The Groom


Bridesmaid Gifts --The Bride


Groomsmen/Usher Gifts --The Groom


Bride's Bouquet --The Groom


Bridesmaids Bouquet-- The Bride's Family


Mother's Corsages-- The Groom


Grandmother Corsages --The Bride's Family


Groom's Boutonniere --The Groom


Groomsmen Boutonnieres --The Groom


Father's Boutonnieres --The Bride


Usher's Boutonnieres --The Groom


Ceremony/Reception Flowers --The Bride's Family


Altar Baskets/Arches --The Bride's Family


Canopy/Carpet/Candleabras --The Bride's Family


Rented Items for Wedding --The Bride's Family


Rented Items for Reception --The Bride's Family


Invitations/Announcements --The Bride's Family


Wedding Programs --The Bride's Family


Napkins/Matches/Favors The Bride's Family


Marriage License --The Groom


Church Fee --The Bride's Family


Clergyman/Officiant Fee --The Groom


Musician/Soloist --The Bride


Reception Hall --The Bride's Family


Catered Reception/Professional Services --The Bride's Family


Wedding Photography --The Bride's Family


Video Photography The Bride's Family


Orchestra/Band/ DJ-- The Groom's Family


Wedding Cake --The Bride's Family


Grooms Cake --The Groom's Family


Rehearsal Dinner --The Groom's Family


Bridesmaid Luncheon-- The Bride


Bachelor Party --Best Man/Groom's Attendants


Bachelorette Party --Matron/Maid Of Honor


Wedding Breakfast-- The Bride's Family


Bridal Brunch-- The Bride's Family


Bridesmaid's Gown-- Bridesmaid's


Maid of Honor Gown --Maid of Honor


Matron of Honor Gown-- Matron of Honor


Best Man Formal Wear --Best Man


Usher's Formal Wear -- Usher's


Groomsmen's Formal Wear --Groomsmen


Father of Bride Formal Wear-- The Bride's Family


Father of Groom Form Wear-- The Groom's Family


Grooms Formal Wear --The Groom's Family


Children's Formal Wear --The Children's Parents


Limousine Service-- The Groom


Honeymoon Arrangements --The Groom


Travel Expenses to the Wedding --The Out-of-town Attendant or Family
Memeber

Accommodations for out-of-town Guest --The Brides Family



****Now as stated before this was Traditional Wedding Etiquette "Who Pays For What". *****

In today's world I will repeat usually the couple pays for everything with a little help from family members.


(next ...Who is Responsiblity for What).

Friday, June 22, 2007

Yes!!! There Is A Groom's Calendar

The Groom's Calendar

10-12 Months Before:
  • Pick out the engagement ring (if not yet selected).
  • Announce your engagement.
  • Discuss wedding plans and budget with fiancée and all parents.
  • Select your best man, groomsmen, ushers (one usher per 40 guests).

8-9 Months Before:
  • Meet with officiant to discuss the ceremony.
  • Start compiling your guest list.
  • Begin making your honeymoon travel plans.

6 Months Before:
  • Visit gift registry with fiancée.
  • Arrange for transportation to ceremony, and to reception, for the wedding party.
  • Complete your honeymoon plans.
  • Register with nearest Tuxedo shop and pick your tuxedos and accessories.

3 Months Before:
  • Return to your tuxedo shop and get fitted for your tuxedo.
  • Complete the guest list.
  • Pick out and order wedding rings.
  • Plan rehearsal dinner with parents.
  • Choose gifts for your bride and wedding party.

1 Month Before:
  • Make sure all men have been measured for tuxedos. Get your marriage license.
  • Arrange to move belongings to your new home.

2 Weeks Before:
  • Attend bachelor party (please keep it clean you will have to explain).
  • Adjust insurance policies, bank accounts, utilities, etc.

The Week Before:
  • Pick up your tuxedo remember, try it on, in the store, to insure a proper fit.
  • Pack for the honeymoon.
  • Get cash for gratuities and officiant's fee.
  • Take a deep breath... you're almost there.
  • Enjoy your rehearsal and dinner.

The Big Day:
  • Double-check all details, wedding rings, and transportation... marriage license.
  • Get to the ceremony on time.
  • Relax and Enjoy your wedding!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

"Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"

Does the statement weigh more than the meaning of the symbol?


Listen ladies - true you are worth the gloss, the sharpest, you are well worth the cut but lets think about this for a minute. You and your man are discussing the fact that you will be together for the rest of your lives. So you know eventually you will be getting married. So yes there will be an engagement ring. And yes you do expect to be able to show it off at the water cooler, at the sorority meeting and yes at church Sunday morning.

Now lets take a minute to reflect on the approximately true to life of the matter the cost of the diamond ---yes I said the cost. Your finance will probably be making those payments for that ring till after the wedding day. ***Remember the average cost for an engagement ring will run your man between the price of $500- $3500 and up. http://www.engagementrings.lovetoknow.com

Now I know you are saying yes and I am well worth it. Yes you are but now lets see if you decide to maybe cut down on the dollar amount and maybe try another solution the money that you will save him now will benefit you later in the end. I am sure you can come up with other means of finding use for the extra dollars.

Now in being fair lets think about being creativity maybe you and your finance could come up with a special design for your engagement ring and your wedding bands. Being unique in designing your rings would be a special gift to each other. Some of choices if you would like to consider are precious stones or gems just to mention a few..

Precious Gems:



Tanzanite - blue - purple, shapes (oval, trillion, cushion, pear shape, round, heart shape, marquise)

Emerald - green shapes

Ruby - raspberry with a reddish tone

Sapphire - many colors for this stone ( blue, pink, padparadscha (red tone), yellow sapphire, white sapphire, green sapphire).

Semi - precious gemstones

Amethyst - purple tone

Briolettes - red-orange, green, blue, white crystal, pink


Carnelian - orange with red tones

Chalcedony - green very soft

Cyrysoprase - green tone


Coral - lite red

Labradorite - skyblue

Lapis - ocean blue

Malachite - aqua green

Spessartite garnet - orange flame color

Turquoise - lite blue greenish tone

Charming Citrine - golden tone

Diamond Topaz - crystal white

Topaz - golden -yellow tone

Now don't get me wrong diamonds are a girls best friend but some of these gems look beautiful when they are combine with unique designs and they have special meanings when you have created it yourself. Besides when that anniversary rolls around and you know the dollars are heavy and plenty than go ahead and hit your man up for the cut that is flawless and describes you to the tee....

But just
in case you don't fall for this remember your diamonds are precious just as well .....and they will stand out in a crowd..... check out these tips by www.diamondreview.com

Monday, June 18, 2007

Non Traditional Vows

So you have visited Martha Stewart's site to find out if it's OK to use Non Traditional wedding vows. Then you found out the site only covers traditional wedding vows. Vows are a very personal matter between a couple. The thing to remember is this is your day. You have full control over the most memorable experience you will cherish and remember.

Non Traditional wedding vows may be in order, if the couple is from different religious faiths or they just want something different that represents their unique relationship. We know of couple that had been dating for a while and one of them was married before. So Carl, who was Catholic and Phyllis, who was Baptist, decided on non traditional vows so no wedding attendees would be offended. More importantly, they wanted non traditional vows, because they felt their relationship deserved an expression of who they were together and as individuals.

So there are many reasons, and it's perfectly OK, to develop your own non traditional vows. IT's YOUR DAY!!

Below are some suggested words for creating your own non traditional vows. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

"I bring myself to you this day to share my life with you; you can trust my love, for it's real. I promise to be a faithful mate and to unfailingly share and support your hopes, dreams and goals. I vow to be there for you always; when you fall, I will catch you; whey you cry, I will comfort you; when you laugh, I will share your joy. Everything I am and everything I have is yours, from this moment forth and for eternity."

"Since you came into my life, my days have been bright and glorious, but today, our wedding day, is the brightest of them all, a golden moment, made splendid by our love for each other. And yet, this beautiful moment is only a taste of what is to come as we share our lives together as husband and wife. I pledge my love to you from this day forward; I promise to be faithful and true to you, rejoicing in my good fortune to have found you as my life-mate."

" I love you and I want to be your partner through out our life together. I promise to be patient spouse, always be truthful and compassionate. I will be your best friend, your soul mate, your sweetheart, your helpmate throughout life, always putting you first above my own needs. I promise to live a life that will honour the vows that we have spoken before God, family and friends and make you glad you have married me on this day.

"Since you have entered my life my days have been bright and glorious, but today my love is the brightest of them all, a wonderful moment, made splendid by our love for each other. And yet on this day we share this beautiful moment. This is only the taste of what our life will be as we come to share our lives together as husband and wife. I pledge on our love for each other that from this day forward: I will be faithful to our and true to you rejoicing in my good fortune to have found such a wonderful soul mate who will be my life mate forever and forever.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Tips For Event Planning

BEWARE --- A STRONG HEART - You Can Not Be - A SOFT HEART - And be a successful event planner. You are in charge of the entire event - there will be no second chances.
Believe it or not, when it is time to present your company and yourself the "The I am Number #1 has to be branded on your chest."

NERVES OF STEEL - In order to deal with arrogant bosses, administrators, fathers, mothers, brides or grooms- problems or no problems you must stay stern, upbeat and positive during the event. (You can fall out later after all is said and done). NEVER SHED A TEAR the opposition must always see a smile -(never a frown) on the event planners face.

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE --- Why event planners stick it out through pressure, crazy hours, and deadlines. "They love what they do." "The event planners motto". "You are only as good as your last event.". You will be called upon to make many decisions, a lot of times in only a split second. You must have good communication skills. Your ideas must be planned out effectively to your clients, staff, and vendors among others. Your image must stand out with a (save the day emblem on your chest).


FLEXIBILITY--- Remember there is always something that will go against the grain. It will never show up on the planning chart. You must always be ready for the great come back pull it by the strings, horns or by the nose to make sure your event goes off with a hooray --get set you must bring a client back to reality - sometimes their
plans are way above their budget, **hint let them know way before the last item on the check list is check off" ---you must must let them know the decor they are looking for does not go with the theme that they are trying to present.


SMART TIP -- While keeping your business on track, offer your services as a volunteer. This will present a good record for you to follow. Make sure you are assisting the person who is in charge and that you get the experience you need to put your business on the track and run with it.


SMART TIP -- The average event planner will host anywhere between 40-50 events per year whether it be corporate, trade shows, conventions, company picnics, holiday parties, meetings, fundraisers, receptions. Try and find a smaller event and work your way up the ladder. Lets not forget our social events as well-- weddings, birthdays, and anniversary parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, Sweet 16 parties, children's parties, graduations, and reunions etc.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

The Guy Needs To Step Up to the Altar

Remember Guys [for your safety], I could be thrown out of the club for helping you.

  • When your lady asks your opinion -- Give it -- whether you think its right or wrong. (make sure its right).
  • Always remember to compliment --- whether its a flower, a color or just some object that you have no clue (its looks nice.....) we always want to be recognized for our accomplishments.....
  • Be romantic --- (this is number one) no matter how tired you are..... (you will get more rest later).
  • When dining out --- (remember how you were brought up) when out in a restaurant ---- other people will see how you were brought up as well
  • Eating and drinking should be done quietly, with your mouth closed.
  • Don't load your food up on your fork.
  • If you're eating at a buffet, its OK to make several trips. Do not load your plates up at one time.
  • Unless you are a medical doctor, or you have a babysitter caring for the children, do not answer your cell phone during dinner.
  • When you have finished eating, place your utensils parallel to each other across your plate. The knife blade and fork tines should rest close to the plate's center. This alerts the server your plate can be removed.

Guys, if you are ready to propose let it come from the heart--- the words will generally come out wonderful..... (trust yourself)

If all fails just give her the ring and tell her you want her to spend the rest of her life with you....

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

What was Heavier : The Bride, the Groom or The Cake?

The baker displays the cake so naturally, so beautiful as each layer was placed on top of each other so gracefully'


The cake was designed as if it was to good to eat.. As the bakery started to place the last top on the cake, the next thing that occurred was a wedding blooper you could never repeat. The top fell completely off the table and down to the floor.... In the middle of the setup everyone turned as if "some disaster like storm of the century on attacking the shore.


The bakery who apparently was prepared for anything to happen had her assistant run back to the car and bring back a new top.... (question does this happen a lot -- you need to travel with two toppers.) Needless to say the ceremony and the cake cutting was a smash literally.... Later the news was broken to the bride and the groom..... they still had a smile.... on their face... Wonder what would have happen if there was not an extra topping....