Showing posts with label Etiquette Basics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etiquette Basics. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

Wedding anniversary party ideas will make the celebration of your anniversary a memorable one. Plan well, to have an anniversary party that will go down in the history books!

Anniversaries are the annual celebrations of the continuation of love. Wedding anniversaries are to be celebrated with friends and families, who were there with you to witness your matrimony. Indeed, wedding anniversaries parties have to be great ideas, so that they can be cherished over a long time. Wedding anniversaries party ideas make the most special event of your life, memorable. Wedding anniversaries party ideas range from romantic, fun, sentimental, creative, traditional or just a plain simple, to celebrate the union of the two souls in love!

Whether 1st or the 50th, every anniversary brings a unique element to the relationship tied by marriage. It makes you understand each other more than ever, it teaches you to love the person as he/she is, it helps you to grow and gives you an opportunity to fall in love all over again. Turn these moments of your life into evergreen memories, with brilliant 25th wedding anniversary party ideas to 50th wedding anniversary party ideas.

Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas
The following wedding anniversary party ideas will be a riot of fun and frolic. Let's begin..


50th wedding anniversary party ideas, are the only way you can begin the golden year of marriage. Congratulations for reaching a half century with your better half. The 50th year is symbolized by gold. Ideas for 50th wedding anniversary party should entail setting up the venue with the traditional symbolic color. Decorate the venue with the brilliance of gold. Tie the chairs up in golden tulle, use china with golden rims and serve drinks with a golden tinge. After living together for 50 years, the material possessions hold lesser value than the intangible gifts. Make the couple renew their wedding vows in the same church where they got married 50 years ago. Recreate the magic of that occasion with the help of old photographs and unforgettable memories!

25th wedding anniversary party ideas will make the jubilation, go down as unerasable in the memory lane. By the grace of god, the couple has spent 25 years together, which is why they deserve super innovative ideas for a 25th wedding anniversary party. Arrange a belly dancing competition, the winner gets the bride or the groom! You can give out prizes like the 'most voluptuous one', 'the best dancer' and 'the worst dancer'. Definitely, everyone present, from a child to the oldest member of the family, will enjoy this party.

1st wedding anniversary party ideas are extremely close to the heart. It is the first year that you have spent together, as a couple, discovered one another's attributes, loved one another's flaws and grown up together. The union has to celebrated, though deciding some fantastic 1st wedding anniversary party ideas will need a deliberate effort. Throw a surprise party for the love of your life, with just the two of you. Book a movie theater, take her/him out for ballroom dancing. Another brilliant idea, is to book a private beach for a weekend and sail on a cruise, on a moonlit night. Definitely, your love will be floored by such romantic ideas for anniversary. To celebrate the 1st wedding anniversary, you can invite all your friends over and go out for whitewater river rafting. They surely would be an adventure, until the next time you decide to celebrate!

For all those who think that they are too old to have a wild party for their wedding anniversary, here's an advise: wedding anniversary parties should get bigger as the years pass by! Put on your thinking caps and think of some unique and never-done-before wedding anniversary party ideas. Whether it's arranging a party for your friends or throwing one yourself, having fun is the only motto! So go ahead and party all the way to glory, to mark another year lived with your love, who has made the bond eternal and forever!

By Mukta Gaikwad

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Unique Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Years

Wedding anniversary, be it the 1st or the 60th, is a memorable day for a couple. Here is some information about the unique wedding anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the occasion.

Wedding anniversary is one of the most cherishing moments in every couple's life. It recalls the memories of marriage, the very first day when both when both the partners are tied together into a precious bond of longer-lasting relationship. With each passing year, your emotional attachment with your spouse grows stronger. Wedding anniversary is the right time to express how much you care for your partner. You can take your day off from the busy schedules and plan your anniversary in a blissful way to make it a memorable occasion. Giving romantic gifts and fulfilling your partner's wishes is a perfect way to celebrate this occasion.

On the occasion of wedding anniversary, the couple receives special gifts that suit to the anniversary year from their relatives and friends. While buying the gifts, it is always better to consider the likes and dislikes of the couple. There are certain gift ideas, either traditional or modern that are meant for a particular anniversary year. However, these gift ideas are different with respect to the tradition of a particular country. Let's take a look at the unique wedding anniversary gift ideas by years.

1st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: If you are planning to buy a first wedding anniversary gift for the couple, then you can opt for traditional paper gifts or modern clocks. Some popular paper gifts are personalized items like books, novels, art, gift certificates, photo albums, scrapbooks and decorative plants. A list of gift clocks includes wristwatches, wall clocks and mantel clocks. The couples can consider buying matching watches for each other, as a token of love.


5th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: As per tradition, the gift theme for the 5th wedding anniversary is wood; whereas, the modern theme is silverware. There are many items of wood that you can give to the couple, some of which are wooden furniture, decorative plant in a wooden vase, photo gifts, wooden sculpture, wall hangings and other decorative wooden pieces. Silverware gifts include jewelry items and/or crockery items like silverware plates, bowls, teapots etc. Giving crafts made from wood and silverware is also a good idea.

10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: The 10th wedding anniversary traditional gift is either tin or aluminum and the modern gift theme is diamond. If you are looking for a traditional gift, you can opt for a pewter (made of 85-99 percent tin) plate or aluminum cookware. If your budget is high enough, then you can consider buying a diamond jewelry.

25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: This is the silver wedding anniversary of the couple, which is worth a celebration. Like other wedding anniversaries, this has both traditional and modern themes. While silver is the traditional gift for the 25th anniversary, sterling silver is the modern gift theme. Most popular gift items are silver champagne glasses, photo albums and frames, silver showpieces, jewelry box, silver-bordered wall clock and candle holders. Whether the gift is small or large, the silver wedding anniversary day is a precious moment, traditionally celebrated with close friends and families.

35th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: The traditional theme for 35th wedding anniversary gift is coral; whereas, the modern theme is of jade. Coral and jade jewelries are the best gift options for the couple who have spent 35 years together. Other gift alternatives for the couple are jade sculptures, coral stone gifts, serving trays, home decorative items and baby jade bonsai plants.

50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: The 50th wedding anniversary is called the golden anniversary and is a big occasion. Only fortunate couples get the chance to celebrate together the 50th year of their wedding. Since it is the golden anniversary, gold is the gift theme. For such a lucky couple, you can give gold jewelry, gold plated spectacles, photo frame and wrist watches.

60th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: The 60th wedding anniversary, referred to as the diamond wedding anniversary, should be celebrated with a bang. The gift theme for the 60th wedding anniversary is diamond as per both the traditional and the modern ideas. Some of the best diamond gift items are no doubt diamond-studded wristwatches, diamond jewelry and other diamond ornaments.

Well! These are wedding anniversary gift ideas by years that may help you in deciding the best gift for the couple. For couples (US citizens) who have spent 50 or more years together, a request can be made for sending congratulatory message from the President of the United States.

By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Romantic Evenings: Ideas for Planning Romantic Evening at Home

Planning romantic evenings is a great way to break your daily routine and kindle your romance. Here are some ideas for planning romantic evening at home.


You must have frequented all the gourmet restaurants in your vicinity; must have had innumerous movie dates to have romantic evenings with your partner. Are you thinking of ideas for planning romantic evening for two? It need not always be plush and luxurious in a restaurant or a club. How about having a romantic evening at home? Your home can be a perfect place for you two to have a romantic evening. All that you need is creativity and some before-hand preparation. Let us assume that you are completely aware of your partner's likes and dislikes in nearly all the aspects (if not, at least try to know his favorite food and music). If you have children, do not forget to arrange for a babysitter, in advance.

Ideas for a Romantic Evening at Home

You can have the traditional romantic evening plan with food, music and wine. Cook his favorite dishes, uncork a bottle of wine, put on some light romantic music and you have created a perfect mood of having a romantic evening! Dress up specially for the occasion as he will definitely appreciate that. This is one of the most favored romantic evening ideas!

You can have an outdoor romantic dinner in your backyard. It will be a very romantic evening in the starry night. A candle light dinner tops the list of tips for a romantic evening. Wear your cocktail dress, cook his favorite food, include a variety of desserts and also good quality wine. The candle light dinner can also be followed with a dance, if you both appreciate it. Those living in apartments can plan this in their balcony.


Even cooking can be a great activity if you have to do it, together, with your beloved. Try to cook a new recipe together. It will be a lot of fun, chopping and frying and baking together along with talking and having a lot of fun. If the dish is successful, you will really enjoy having it. If not, you can always have catered food at home as an option. Here, the process is more pleasurable than the actual product!

Some good ideas for a romantic evening also include having a bubble bath or giving each other a massage. Make sure you have lot of scented oils. You can even make it more exciting by having rose petals and scented candles. This will make your evening romantic as well as a passionate one. Having a swim together is also one of the perfect romantic evening ideas.

If you both are working types, you can just spend time together, literally doing nothing, but talking. Create the mood of nostalgia by recalling the firsts in your relationship like your first date or first kiss. You can cuddle up and spend time going through old photographs, reliving those wonderful moments. You can catch up with a romantic movie or a classical romantic novel. Just spend the 'us' time together.

The whole idea in planning romantic evenings at home is to get that much needed together time. Married couples can plan romantic evenings and revive their courtship days. Try not to exaggerate things. Having a calm and peaceful time together is the keyword. Exaggeration and complication can pressurize your partner. Just allow the romance to fill the air. Do not worry whether things will work out as planned or not. They definitely will! And if they do not, your partner will appreciate your ideas and hard work. Remember to retain an element of surprise before planning a romantic evening. Follow these romantic evening ideas and have a great and memorable time together!

By Madhura Pandit

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Favors

The perfect "thank you"

It is safe to assume that most guests attending your wedding have spent money purchasing a wedding gift; and that a few more have had to shell out cash for an airline ticket and hotel stay. A good way to say “thank you” and show your appreciation to your guests is with wedding favors.

Stay true to yourselves!

Although your favors do not need to be elaborate, they should have some thought put into them.No one wants to receive (or give!) those favors that have become cliche and will just get thrown out. Give your gifts some thought before you make a decision. A unique gift that really reflects the personality of the bride and groom is going to be the gift that everyone keeps and appreciates.

Keep costs in mind

Keep in mind how many people you need to buy for (and you may want to purchase a few extras!). If you have 200 guests at your wedding you don’t want to buy wedding favors that cost $10 each, that would be $2000 just on wedding favors! Remember, you are already providing food and drink, the favor is just a token of appreciation.


Favor ideas by the season!

Anytime of Year

Glass coasters etched with symbols of love
Candy bars with a custom wedding day label
Champagne split with a personal label that can be used as a place card as well
Candy station with different candy customized with your wedding colors

Spring

Small potted flowers
Pastel iced petit-fours with a candied flower
Cookies glazed like colorful flowers


Summer

Beach towels in your wedding colors
Colorful plastic margarita glasses
Earthenware pots painted with your wedding color and guest's name (doubles as placecards!)

Fall

Mini home-made pumpkin, apple or pecan pies
Pots of locally made jam or jelly
Fall scented candles

Winter

Mason jars layered with chocolate chip cookie ingredients and a tag with the recipe
Snowflake ornament engraved with your wedding date
Custom designed hot cocoa packets in a mug


The Wedding Guest Favor:

A wedding guest favor is a small token of appreciation for having friends and family come to celebrate your marriage to the one you love. It doesn't need to be expensive or elaborate, and it provides your guests with a small memento that they can take home to remember this special day.

There's so many different types of favors that are available that I couldn't possibly list them all here. What bridal favors you choose is a personal choice, along with how much you're willing to spend. Some favors cost under a dollar while others can be priced over five dollars each!

You also have the choice of purchasing ready made favors (convenience) or creating your own (more personal and can save you money - see the articles featured below). Ideas abound when you open your imagination and look around you.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

How To Know Tip Etiquette

How to Know Tip Etiquette
By eHow Careers & Work Editor

You reach for the check after dinner and once again, you're stymied as to how much you are supposed to leave. Your hairdresser and the bellhop both gave you a slant-eyed look when they received their tip. There must be some sort of rule, you think. Here are some etiquette guidelines to help you feel confident tipping in any situation.

Step 1:
Leave approximately 15 percent of your meal cost when tipping a waitperson that provided you with good service. You can adjust this amount if you were very pleased or disappointed in the service.

Step 2:
Consider setting a minimum tip amount. If you order coffee and a slice of pie the tip won't amount to much if you only leave 15 percent, but the server came to your table a half a dozen times to fill your cup. A minimum tip of $2 or more will assure he is compensated for his service.

Step 3:
Give your hairdresser between 15 to 20 percent for her services. Some people don't know they are supposed to tip a stylist, but they depend upon their tips to make a living.

Step 4:
Slip a couple of dollars into your door attendant's hand if he hails a cab for you or retrieves your luggage. A dollar or two per bag is proper when the bellhop carries them to your room. The same amount goes for a valet who parks your car.

Step 5:
Tip food delivery persons, but not postal employees, when they bring packages. It's tough to keep it straight, but remember that employees of tax-funded services are legally not allowed to accept tips. However, etiquette allows you to give them a monetary gift at Christmas time if you feel they have served you well throughout the year.

Friday, February 1, 2008

The Perfect Way To Say I Love You

Guess what boys and girls its that special time of the year again.....

St. Valentines Day....

As the season of love i.e. valentine has arrived,
the lovebirds have started planning to convey
their feeling of love to each other.

Rose, the prominent symbol of love has to be used
effectively to express these tender feelings.
Love is a feeling that comes from the heart and changes
our lives forever...Love is special and love is precious.
It comes in our lives like a soft breeze and things change forever.

Romantic Valentines Ideas

Well if you want to make your valentine feel special then a
great idea for you is to place a small love note with three magical
words written on it 'I Love You' and place it besides her bed
and see the miraculous effects.

Take a day's leave from office and plan the day with your loved one.
Prepare some nice valentines cookie recipe in the shape of heart and

I'm sure your partner will love it.
Romantic long drive and a candle light dinner is a fabulous idea.
Do not forget to present her a bouquet of red
roses because to express love what better way than flowers.

Instead of buying a card, this valentine's day do something different.
Prepare a nice colorful card and do not forget to write love quotes.
There are lot many things to do for Valentine Day like go to a disco and party.


This is the day when words are not enough.
Some action is also required to make the day different.
Well I hope you must have got an idea that I'm talking
about giving your spouse a nice tight hug.

Decorate the house for the special occasion.
Implement smart tricks for creating the mood for romance.
Dim lights, light music, romantic songs and most importantly
attire a nice costume specially meant for Valentine's Day.


Adorn yourself with jewelry and other fashion accessories.
Propose your partner and tell her/him how special and important
he/she is for you and that it is difficult to imagine your life without them.
Hold each other's hands and go for a short walk.
Appreciate each other and read out romantic poems for your lover.

Tips For Proposing
Asking for her hand in marriage is a perfect way to show respect and love.
Do it in private without her knowing before you propose.


If you aren't sure what type of ring she wants, or you are surprising her, propose with a loose diamond, so that she can pick out her own setting later. Keep in mind what you think her idea of romance is. Some women would be ecstatic to pick out their own ring setting, but others might find it disappointing.


Know the answer before asking the question!

Keep it an absolute secret. Asking for advice from her sister or friend is a good idea ONLY if you can ensure secrecy. Don't tell anyone your plans if you're not sure you can trust them to stay quiet.


Plan this event. She is going to remember it for the rest of her life, so put some effort into it. Above all else, be creative. Embellish the ideas below with your own personal touches. Celebrate afterwards. Let it be known that she just made you the happiest man on earth.

Proposal Ideas:


Have a custom fortune cookie made with your marriage proposal on the fortune.
Propose at a family function. Either surprise her and her family, or get her family involved by arranging a surprise engagement party or champagne toast.


Have the ring be the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks.


Have your proposal painted on a banner or a billboard.

Take her by it on your way to a romantic dinner.

Stop under the sign; get out of the car and onto one knee to present the ring.
For the word game lover, play one and spell out your proposal with the tiles or make a special word search puzzle for her to solve.


Put your proposal on the paper strip of a Hershey's kiss

Make a memory box filled with mementos from your life together thus far. At the bottom, have a poem or a note with your proposal on it


Have the ring box chocolate dipped and put it in a box of chocolates. (Use a small box of chocolates, so that you don't have to wait too long for the moment to happen!)


Take her on a romantic walk on the beach to a waterfall and spell out the words,
"Will you marry me?" in the sand or with rocks by the water.

Get her portrait painted or drawn from a photograph with the ring on her finger.

Have the ring ready when she notices.
Add to your family by bringing home a brand new puppy with a ribbon collar.
Have the ring tied to the ribbon. When she discovers it, bend down one knee.

Freeze the ring in an ice cube and drop it in her glass, while you are at your favorite restaurant. When she realizes what is in her drink, get down on one knee and ask her to marry you.


Go to a local bakery
Instruct them to bake a cake with a marriage proposal on it and put it in the window. Take her on a romantic nighttime stroll right past the bakery, and point to the personalized cake in the window. Drop down on one knee, pull out the ring, and ask her to marry you. This way you can have your cake and eat it too, literally.


Surprise her by sending a bouquet of flowers to the office
Tie the ring to the end of one of the stems. After the flowers are delivered, go to her office and propose.

Valentine's Day Checklist

1. Your SchedulesBefore you can decide on anything, you need to find out what both of your schedules are. Do one or both of you have to work? Find out what hours. Does your date have something else planned during any part of the day? Make sure to find out everything, then tell your date AS SOON AS POSSIBLE what time to reserve for your interlude.


2. Consider Your Date's InterestsIs your date a "flowers and romance, dance all night" type, or a "stay at home in front of the fire" type of person? This is important in determining what you are planning to do. If you're not sure, ask your date what they like.


3. Plan Your Date By now you should know what timeframe you have to work with and what your partner's interests are. With this information it should be much easier deciding what to do. While you're planning, make sure to check if reservations are needed, any tipping requirements, transportation you might need, any possible dress code, timeframe of any events, and if there are any restrictions on any mood enhancers you might want to bring, like candles. Don't forget to let your date know about any information they need to know, like dress codes, etc.!



4. Your Gift The gift is almost as, if not more, important than the actual date. It doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to show that you've put a lot of time and care into selecting it. If you're deciding to give a traditional favorite, like flowers or chocolates, try and do something unique with them.


5. Confirm Everything!!!The night before, take some time and confirm any reservations or plans you have that involve a third party. This not only helps ease your nerves a bit, but also reminds the other person of their possible duty.


6. Relax And Enjoy!Pick up your date and enjoy each other's romantic company! Relax, because you've taken all the steps to plan the perfect Valentine's Day date!!


Things To Do With Your Partner

What is your favorite thing to do with your partner?
1. Cuddle
2. Talk
3. Sleeping next to each other.
4. Long WalksTop 3 Locations:BeachBy MoonlightBy Sunset
5. Kissing
6. Wrestling
7. Looking into each other's eyes.
8. Just be with them.
9. Make love.
10. Watch romantic movies.Either at home or at the movies.
11. Have a romantic dinner.
12. Laugh together
13. Relax
14. Lie in bed and talk.
15. Do something new.
16. Feed each other.
17. Watch T.V. and cuddle.
18. Spend time at the park.
19. Look at the stars.
20. Have an all day date.



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.

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, 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).

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.

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....