Congratulations Are In Order

To A New Life Together,


I know there are some very happy couples going into the New Year, why because you received that beautiful diamond, sappire, ruby, topaz or whatever your favorite setting is for your engagement ring.

I know with all the celebrating and of lets not forget New Years' Eve you are anxious to start working on your plans for your Wedding Day. If you didn't get engaged on Christmas or New Years', don't worry we still have Valentine's Day ( I have a lot of suggestions for that day so don't even worry). lol....

Here are a few suggestions you would like to start with first:

The biggest part of starting the preparations for your wedding:::



REMEMBER THIS WILL BE A STRESSFUL EVENT: (If you know you do not like to be stressed, HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER) put that on the top of your list.....

MAKE A BUDGET: STICK TO THAT BUDGET:

Sit down with all parties that are contributing to help pay for your wedding.

8 TO 12 Months Before the Wedding:

Select a wedding date and time.
Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting).
Begin your guest list.
Consider possible color schemes.Explore pre-marital counseling.
Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc.
Shop together for your wedding rings.
Decide upon your budget.
Determine who will pay what expenses.
Book your wedding location(s).
Choose your attendants.
Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery.
Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories.
Give thought to your honeymoon location.

5 to 8 Months :

Check the requirements for marriage license.
Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice.
Again consider pre-marital counseling.
Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.).
Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices.
Begin your record of gifts received.
Send thank you notes as soon as possible.
Order your invitations and related stationary needs.
Start shopping for the mens’ wedding attire.

3 to 5 Months:

Finalize your guest list.
Decide upon and order your favors.
Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake, and mints.
Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).

2 to 3 Months :

Have engagement portraits taken.
Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
Mail out invitations and announcements.
Decide on the mens’ wedding attire.
Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.
Purchase your wedding day accessories.
Arrange attendants' parties.
Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections.
Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments.
Finalize all honeymoon plans.

2 to 4 Weeks:

Final wedding dress fitting.
Final fitting for your wedding attendants.
Obtain marriage license.
Have your attendants' parties.
Purchase your going-away outfit.
Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary.
Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.
Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)

1 to 2 Weeks :

Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s) and provide a list of music you would like played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss.
Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly. Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations. 1 to 7 Days
Make sure your marriage license is in order.
Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.
Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.
Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.
Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.
Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.
Have your rehearsal dinner.
Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.
Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. Inform your caterer of the total guest count.
Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.
Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.

Your Wedding Day:

Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.
Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need.If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.
Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
Seat guests as they arrive. The groom’s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time, the mother of the bride is normally seated last.
Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!

The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After

The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After



Step 1: Find a shared dream for your life together.

It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff of married life: What's for dinner tonight? Whose turn is it to clean the litter box? Did you pay the electric bill? But the best partners never lose sight of the fact that they're working together to achieve the same big dreams. "Successful couples quickly develop a mindfulness of 'us,' of being coupled," says REDBOOK Love Network expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in New York City. "They have a shared vision, saying things like, 'We want to plan to buy a house, we want to take a vacation to such-and-such a place, we like to do X, we think we want to start a family at Y time.'"



Step 2: Ignite (and reignite) a sexual connection.

In any good relationship, sex is way more than just a physical act. It's crucial for the health of your emotional connection, too: It's something only the two of you share; it makes you both feel warm and loved; it draws you back together when you're drifting apart. And did I mention that it's a whole lot of fun?

Striking up those sparks when you first meet is easy. Nurturing a strong, steady flame? That's the hard part. When you've got a mortgage, a potbelly, and a decade or two of togetherness under your belts, it can be hard to muster up the fire you felt when you first got together. That's when it's even more important to protect your sex life and make it a priority. "You have to keep working to create allure and seduction for each other or your sex life will become lackluster," Greer points out. "Who wants the same turkey sandwich over and over? You want it on whole wheat! On toast! As turkey salad! On a roll!" (And now I will imagine my husband covered with Russian dressing. Thanks, Dr. Greer.)

As the years go by, you'll keep revisiting and realigning and reimagining the passion you have for each other. And if you keep at it, you'll have a sex life that transcends your marriage's lack of newness, the stresses of family and work, the physical changes that come with aging. Now that's something worth holding on to.


Step 3: Choose each other as your first family.

For years, you were primarily a member of one family: the one in which you grew up. Then you got married, and suddenly you became the foundation of a new family, one in which husband and wife are the A-team. It can be tough to shift your identity like this, but it's also an important part of building your self-image as a duo (and maybe, eventually, as three or four or...).

Step 4: Learn how to fight right.

"Fighting is the big problem every couple has to deal with," says Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist in Oakland, CA, and author of After the Fight. That's because fights will always come up, so every couple needs to learn how to fight without tearing each other apart.

Fighting right doesn't just mean not throwing produce; it means staying focused on the issue at hand and respecting each other's perspective. Couples that fight right also find ways to defuse the tension, says Wile — often with humor. "Whenever one of us wants the other to listen up, we mime hitting the TV remote, a thumb pressing down on an invisible mute button," says Nancy, 52, an event producer in San Francisco. "It cracks us up, in part because it must look insane to others." Even if you fight a lot, when you can find a way to turn fights toward the positive — with a smile, a quick apology, an expression of appreciation for the other person — the storm blows away fast, and that's what matters.

Step 5: Find a balance between time for two and time for you.

Jonathan and I both work at home. This frequently leads to murderous impulses. Though I'm typing away in the bedroom and he's talking to his consulting clients in our small home office, most days it really feels like too much intimacy for me.

But that's my bias. When it comes to togetherness, every couple has its own unique sweet spot. "There are couples that are never apart and there are couples that see each other only on weekends," Greer says. With the right balance, neither partner feels slighted or smothered. You have enough non-shared experiences to fire you up and help you maintain a sense of yourself outside the relationship — not to mention give you something to talk about at the dinner table. But you also have enough time together to feel your connection as a strong tie rather than as a loose thread.

Your togetherness needs will also change over time, so you'll have to shift your balance accordingly. "My husband and I spend a lot of time together, but it's almost all family time," says Katie, 40, a mom of two in San Leandro, CA. "We realized a few months ago that we hadn't had a conversation that didn't involve the kids or our to-do lists in ages, so we committed to a weekly date. We were so happy just to go to the movies and hold hands, something we hadn't done in ages. It felt like we were dating again!"

Step 6: Build a best friendship.

Think about the things that make your closest friendships irreplaceable: the trust that comes with true intimacy, the willingness to be vulnerable, the confidence that the friendship can withstand some conflict. Don't those sound like good things to have in your marriage, too?

"Happy couples are each other's haven," says Holland. "They can count on the other person to listen and try to meet their needs." Greer adds, "When you're true friends, you acknowledge and respect what the other person is; you don't try to control or change them. This creates a sense of safety and security when you're together — you know you're valued for who you are and you see the value in your partner."

Then there's the way, when you've been with someone a while, that you become almost a mind reader. You have a shared history and inside jokes. Your guy knows what you'll find funny, you forward him links to articles you know he'll enjoy, and best of all, you two can make eye contact at a given moment and say volumes without opening your mouths. And is there anything more pleasurable than sharing the newspaper with someone? Sitting in companionable silence, absorbed in your respective reading, sipping coffee, occasionally reading something out loud, but mostly just lazing happily together, communing without needing to speak? Ahh....

Step 7: Face down a major challenge together.

You're sailing along through life, and suddenly you hit a huge bump. A serious illness. Unemployment. The loss of a home. A death in the family. How do you cope?

The truth is, you never know how strong your relationship is until it's tested. All too often, the stress of a crisis can pull a couple apart. But the good news is, when you do make it through in one piece, you might just find yourselves tighter than ever.

"What didn't happen to us?" says Daryl, 28, a preschool teacher in Harrisburg, PA. "My husband lost his job and took a minimum-wage job he was way overqualified for just to make ends meet. He was offered a better job in a mountain town outside San Diego, so we moved. Then during the California wildfires several years ago, our house burned down and we lost everything. We were living in a one-room converted garage with no running water and a newborn. But we found that this chaos somehow brought us even closer together. We took turns losing it. We really kept each other sane."

Hey, marriage is no roll in the hay. It's tough, real work. But the reward, the edifice you build together that will shelter you through years of tough times, is more than worth the effort. The small, friendly cottage you build — decorated with your shared history and stories, filled with color and laughter — will be the warmest and safest retreat you can imagine.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

Happy Holidays

Greetings Everyone,


In lieu of the holiday season we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays....


no matter what you believe in or how you celebrate your time do it with family and friends and in a postive atmosphere.


For our past readers as you probably notice just like our New President Elect has stated a change has come. Well we have done some changes ourselves we have changed our name to Gala Affairs By AtUrBest. There will also be new changes on our new website.



We want to thank all our readers old and new and no matter what you believe in never let your spirit be pulled down by the negative people. Never let one person dictate how you should live your life.

I want to take this time to also tell you about Networking in these times there are a lot of wonderful, hard working individuals who are experiencing a great deal of lay offs. I would like you to take the time to view ETP Network - Empowering Today's Professional. This is the following link... take a few minutes to view the site.. www.etpnetwork. com


Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least,"--Goethe

Red Wedding Invitations for the Holidays

The holidays are a festive and fun time of year when families get together to celebrate so it makes it a perfect time for a wedding. While a holiday wedding may leave you with plenty of choices in terms of themes, one of the best ones if you want to add some dramatic color to the event is a red theme.

Red Wedding Invitations Set the Tone

If you love the idea of a red theme for your wedding, then you’ll want to start off with invitations that set the tone. If your wedding will be a more formal affair, then you might want to consider the Red Celebration Jacket Invitations with their elegant black bow. For more semiformal occasions, the Floral Rhapsody Column Layered Invitations might be a good choice while the Red Riva Wraps Invitations would work for even casual weddings.

Article provide by www. MyExpression.com

Remember, your invitations introduce the theme and set the mood for your wedding so choose invitations that reflect both.

Other Ways of Adding Red to Your Wedding

Adding red to your wedding isn’t nearly as hard as you might think. Start with your wedding flowers. Choose flowers that come in vibrant red colors, such as roses and tulips. Both silk and real versions can be used in moderation because their color is so rich you don’t need much to make a big impression.

With your wedding dress, you can add red accents to pull your look into the rest of theme. For example, add a red sash to your gown, wear ruby jewelry, have red flowers in your hair, dye your shoes and handbag red, or carry a bouquet of red flowers. If you want to keep your look all white, then choose red dresses for your bridal party. Make sure the groom and his attendants wear red cummerbunds, ties, and handkerchiefs as well.

At the reception, make sure you add some red color to your wedding cake. Your cake designer can add read or sugar flowers to the cake. If you want to go even further, you could choose a red velvet wedding cake or a red filling, such as strawberry, cherry, or raspberry.

Make sure to use your red decorations sparingly at the reception though. Too much red can be overpowering. Instead, use the red items as accents to another color, such as white or black. You might use red linen napkins, red flowers or balloons for centerpieces, or red streamers to decorate.

If you’re giving guests a small gift, consider small bags of fiery cinnamon candy hearts or candy wrapped in red foil. Another idea might be a red candle.

Just remember that any theme you choose needs to be carried throughout all of the elements of your wedding.

Holiday Weddings: Getting Married On A Memorable Day

With so many different types of holidays throughout the year, choosing a theme for holiday weddings is pretty simple. And basing your theme on these particular days makes it easier to select the types of decorations, flowers, favors, and overall scheme colors that you'll be using. .

Please be aware that vendor prices, and location fees will most often cost a lot more than if your wedding is held on any other day. Also, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and New Years are extremely popular for holiday weddings, so you need to book all vendor services and locations far, far in advance.

Some brides may opt for a Christmas winter wedding. It's the season of joy, after all, and what better way to celebrate than with a promise of eternal love!

Beware, however, planning your winter wedding too close to the Christmas holidays, some venues will be booked for office parties. On the upside, your venue will probably already be decorated for the holidays, so there's great savings on lights & decorations if you're planning on a Christmas theme.

The Christmas wedding takes special planning, but the fun and special memories that result are definitely worth all the early planning. Be sure to send out your invitations as early as possible so that friends and relatives can plan to attend your wedding during what may be a very busy holiday season.

Besides the Christmas theme of ruby reds and emerald greens, also consider the traditional winter wonderland theme in shades of dark and icy blues, or build your decorating theme around a white wedding — complete with artifical snow, silver snowflakes, and stunning white flowers such as tulips, gardenias or calla lillies

1. Christmas Ornaments - Grab some clear glass Christmas Ornaments and fill them up with whatever you like. Use small rose buds, plastic berries, or other festive filler. Another thought is to make a printout of your names and wedding date, and include it on the inside of the clear ornament. Then simply tie a ribbon with your colors around the top. This is also a great way to add some color to your tables.

2. Candy Canes - Candy canes wrapped with ribbons and a romantic verse are another great idea. You can also scatter miniature candy canes on the table for snacking and to add some color, or leave larger ones around the table at each place setting as a place card, or both.

3. Christmas Stockings - This is a more complicated idea, but again the possibilities are endless. You can buy sets of plain Christmas stockings at craft stores and use glitter glue to attach each guests name. Fill the stockings with whatever you like, candies, oranges, thank you cards for their attendance are just a few ideas. Drape them across the side of each chair as a place setting.

4. Christmas Cookies - Make some sugar cookies, or have a friend do it, and use cookie cutters in shapes of Christmas trees, stockings or Santa's, and sprinkle with festive colored sugar or sprinkles. Leave one at each place setting as an after dinner treat.

5. Miniature Christmas Wreaths - Miniature Christmas wreaths can be purchsed at many craft stores, and definately make a statement! To decorate, buy some greenery or plastic berries and leave one at every place setting. This is a great idea if you are craftsy and have some experience.

Use your imagination with your wedding favors, you have a lot to work with if you are using a Christmas theme. Your guests will appreciate the homemade wedding favors and will have something to help decorate their homes and remember your wedding for years to come.

Get Ready It's Time For The Holidays

Last week I noticed while I was in one of the big chain stores that they had already had their Halloween, Thanksgiving and my goodness yes Christmas Items.

What I notice was the Halloween and Thanksgiving section was so small it might have had one aisle between the both. The Christmas aisle was a total of four aisle.

Never the less I will like to dedicate a couple of ideas for the up coming holidays for those that are interested in doing something.



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Halloween:

Autumn is the start of the holiday season and parties abound! Why not start it off with your own Halloween party? It could be a pumpkin carving party for Halloween, a party to usher in the month of October, a horror film viewing party, a child's Halloween party or one for adults only. Have a Halloween block party on the big night! There are so many opportunities to have fun at this time of year, why stop with one party? Make the most of October and have a great time! Start some Halloween traditions with friends and family! Get your imagination going. Whether it's ushering in October with a celebration, throwing a horror film fest, a pumpkin carving party, a Halloween baby shower or a good old Halloween costume party, or a Halloween Wedding (it has been done).


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THANKSGIVING:

Rich orange hues, chocolate browns, bright blossoms, and retro-mod patterns come together to create a decidedly chic & inviting atmosphere that's perfect for everything from special occasions to casual dinner parties with friends! Incorporating the fall color theme...

Use an orange tablecloth with multi-color napkins in autumn colors. Use earthenware dishes in different colors. For instance brown dinner plates, dark orange bowls and mustard colored salad plates. Scatter autumn leaves from your yard on the tablecloth. Decorate with dried gourds of different shapes, colors and sizes.


Invite your guests to help out. People know how much work goes into preparing a Thanksgiving meal, and can feel guilty for showing up at a home where hours of preparation have gone into a feast with no help. Ask them to bring a dish, assign someone to roll duty, to make wure there are plenty of hot ones available. Put someone in charge of dessert. And for dishes - EVERYONE is welcome! Make sure all the work doesn't get piled on one person - it should be a day of giving thanks for everybody! After everyone is seated, go around the table and have each person name something they are thankful for - the dig in!


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Christmas:

Christmas - a time to sing carols, adorn the poinsettia, hear the jingling of bells, make merry with friends and watch the light snow in some areas of the u.s. getting accumulated on the ground to form a natural white blanket. This is an occasion to celebrate togetherness, to hold a party and meet up with family and friends and greet them on this auspicious occasion. Each person wants to celebrate Christmas in an own special way.

Christmas Dinner :

This is the most crucial part of the Christmas party. Because, as you know, the Christmas dinner is the main event of the day for which the whole family gathers and eats together. Set out the dinner table with a white cloth which symbolizes high spirits and creates a soothing party aura. It can also be lighted with scented candles and fluorescent bulbs. If possible, a buffet should be laid out and menu should be planned according to the tastes and preferences of the guests and children. On Christmas Eve, people usually gorge on roasted turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, Christmas pudding (or plum pudding. The Christmas cake should always be served at the end of the dinner.

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Next Get Ready For New Years Eve

The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group of NY invites you to its
September networking event. When it comes to politics, Latinos are
playing key roles and gaining power in U.S. government positions. Our
September speaker is a leader with over 20 year career of passionate
activism and involvement in government and politics in New York,
including running for Manhattan Borough President in 2005.



Please join HPNG as we proudly welcome:



Mr. Carlos Manzano

Executive Director, Latin Media and
Entertainment Commission (LMEC)

City of New York



Carlos is the Executive Director of the Latin Media and Entertainment
Commission for the City of New York. In this capacity, he has developed
strategies and plans based on economic development, events, marketing,
public relations, and policy to meet the mission of making New York the
capital of Latin media and entertainment.



Previously, he served as an independent consultant and project manager
in information technology and marketing projects for businesses and
individuals; and Assistant Commissioner for the Beacons program at the
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).



I'll see you there!



-Ali



--------------------------------------



AGENDA



6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Registration

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Speaker program

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Networking



* $15.00 pre-pay

* $20.00 at the door



CLICK HERE TO PRE-PAY



* Appetizers compliments of HPNG

* Cash Bar



-------------------------------------------------------



ABOUT
HPNG



HPNG holds monthly networking events to bring together Hispanic
professionals from every industry to make new contacts and to share and
exchange ideas.

JOIN
THE HPNG NY MAILING LIST

Special Thanks To Our Media
Partner:

LATINVISION

Part II Choosing the Perfect Wedding Favors

Keep in mind the style and mood of your wedding. This depends greatly on the location and formality you choose. For example, the atmosphere at a beach wedding would be much more fun and relaxed than a more formal wedding held at a city museum. Let your surroundings inspire you.

Couples spend approximately 2-3 percent of their wedding budget on favors. It is important to know your budget and approximately how many guests will attend your reception. This gives you an idea of how much each favor should cost. The fewer guests you have, the more eccentric your favors can be. Many weddings are planned around a specific theme chosen by the bride and groom. If you choose a wedding theme, select favors that fit within it. Favors are a perfect way to enhance your theme.

Consider your color scheme when purchasing or making your favors. You may want to use several different colors to beautifully decorate your tables, or you may stick to only one color for a classic effect. It's really up to you.

Remember, you can personalize almost any wedding favor with tags (labels with your names and wedding date), by ordering monogrammed ribbons, or by making them yourself. Whether your favors are casual or elegant, they become a nice way to thank your guests for sharing your wedding day.



Bath & Body Wedding Favor Ideas

Bath Salts: Purchase tiny glass bottles or fabric bags and fill with pretty bath salts. Add a spoon or shell for measuring the salts.
Scented Potpouri or Lavender Sachets: Sew a small pillow aproximately 5x5 inches and fill with scented potpouri. Wrap in a coordinating ribbon. Used to scent drawers and closets.

Decorated Soap: Wrap decorative or great smelling soaps in tulle or tissue and tie with a bow. Consider using pretty wrapping paper and wrap a rectangular bar of soap like a tiny present. The possibilities are endless with this great favor.

Hand Lotion: Fill small (1-3 oz) size containers with homemade or store bought hand lotion. Decorate with flowers or ribbon.

Candle (casual wedding): For a casual wedding take one small 2" votive candle, wrap in tulle (a nylon netting material typically used for veils). Gather at the top and tie with ribbon or raffia.

Candle (formal): For a formal wedding consider a pair of romantic tapered candles tied together with ribbon. Add two faux gold rings to the ribbon.
Toothbrush: A great favor if either of you are dentists! Keep them in the package and tie with a beautiful ribbon. Add an event tag.




Home Decor Wedding Favor Ideas

Coaster: Make or buy a unique coaster for each guest.
Tassel: Buy a beautiful tassel and attach a special message of thanks.
Picture Frame: Purchase a wallet size photo frame and add a photo of the two of you.

You may also use them to hold place cards or special messages. Consider a frame or decorate one to match the theme of your wedding. Ornamental silver for a Victorian wedding is one example.

Candy Dish: Purchase small candy dishes at a craft or dollar store. Fill with mints, candy or nuts and add an event tag. No need to wrap this one.

Napkin Ring: Place each guest napkin in a unique napkin ring. Decorate with real or silk flowers. Match to your wedding theme if desired.

Refrigerator Magnet: These come in all shapes and sizes. Choose one to fit your wedding theme or interests or take a laminated a picture of the two of you and glue to the magnet (wallet size photos work best). Magnets are available at most hardware stores. There are several photography stores that will place your photo on a refrigerator magnet. Wrap each magnet in colored paper and accent with a ribbon bow.

Travel-Themed Wedding Favor Ideas

State or Regional Map: These can be bought at gas stations, travel shops or sport stores. Decorate with a ribbon. Great for out of town guests that want to explore the area.

Travel Mug: These can be bought at most dime or super stores. Tie a ribbon around the handle or consider having your names and wedding date put on the outside.
Compass: Stores that sell camping equipment are the best place to find this favor. Ask if you can buy them in bulk at a discount.

Mini Umbrella: A handy favor for just about everyone. Tie with a 1 inch wide ribbon in your wedding colors.

Travel Clock: Everyone needs a travel clock at one time or another. Buy in bulk and have your names printed on them.

Travel Candle: Purchase travel candles and decorate the lid with small silk flowers.

Edible Wedding Favors

Gourmet Coffee Packs: A miniature gourmet coffee pack decorated with small flowers and ribbon.

Preserve: Purchase tiny jars of jam or make yourself. Cut a circle of fabric which coordinates with your bridal colors and tie over the lid with a ribbon or raffia.
Tea Bag: Purchase a small tin of tea or tie a pretty bag of tea (paper wrapped) with a ribbon. Add your event tag.

Bottle of Spice or Herb: Just about any spice or herb will work. Your guests will think of you every time they use it! Decorate with ribbon or flowers.

Regional Food: If you are expecting a lot of out-of-town guests, try a regional food item such as a type of fruit or bottled drink. Add a ribbon or flower.

Coffee Spoon: These favors are used to add flavor to coffee. Plastic spoons are dipped in chocolate and cooled on wax paper. The chocolate covered end is then wrapped with tulle, gathered and tied with a ribbon or flower.

Homemade Cookie(s): Decorate your favorite homemade cookies (shaped into hearts or bells).

Wrap with clear plastic wrap or clear bags and tie with colorful ribbons.
Wedding Cake Sampler: Take small wax coated boxes and have your cake baker place a small piece of cake in each one.

Decorate the box with a ribbon or silk flower.

A Spoon Full of Sugar: Buy sturdy white plastic spoons. Place two to three Jordan almonds in the spoon and wrap with a circle of tulle. Gather and tie the tulle with a ribbon at the base of the spoon.

Assorted Mints: Mints are colorful and do not melt. Wrap them in tulle and tie with a pretty ribbon in your wedding colors.

Fine Chocolates: Choose fine chocolates that have foil wrappers. Wrap in a tulle circle and tie with a ribbon.

Jordan Almond Surprise: Wrap five to ten Jordan almonds in tulle and tie with a ribbon.

Decorated Candybar: Take any flat candy bar and remove the outer wrapper. Make your own wrapper using a computer and any color paper. Consider a love recipe for one side such as: "Take two people in love, add lots of trust, honesty and friendship, blend well and savor." Put your names and wedding date on the front.

Candy Kiss Rose: Place two candy kisses base to base. Wrap with tulle and attach to a floral wire using floral tape. Attach two silk rose leaves and tie a ribbon to the stem.

Truffles: Purchase tiny boxes through your local craft store or invitation supplier and fill with chocolate truffles. Decorate the boxes with paint or ribbon.

Garden Wedding Favor Ideas

Perennial Flower Seed Packet: Colorful seed packets make beautiful favors. Leave as-is or attach an event tag or thank you message.

Rose Petal Cones: Take sheets of stiff white paper and cut into 6x6 inch squares. Write in calligraphy or use your computer to print your names and wedding date in one of the corners. Fold the paper in a cone so the writing appears on the inside, top corner. Secure with clear tape. Fill the cone with rose petals. Your guests can throw them as you leave.

Silk Flower(s): A single red silk rose (or real if your budget allows) tied with a white or cream ribbon is stunning. Consider a flower that matches your theme or wedding colors. Add an event tag or have the information put onto the ribbon. Printed ribbons are available through most invitation companies.

Vase of Flowers: Most dollar stores have several small vases in stock. Decorate them with ribbon and add a silk flower or two.

Small Topiary: Topiaries are popular home décor items and will add a special touch to your reception tables. They can be purchased or hand made. Place in groups at the center of each table.

Terracotta Pot & Seed Packet: Buy the smallest terracotta pots you can find. Place a perennial seed packet in each one and decorate the pot with a raffia bow.
Tree Seedling (Evergreen): Tree seedlings are extremely popular at today's weddings. They come pre-packaged at your local nursery. They also work as Christmas favors. Add a ribbon to finish them off.

Potted Plant: Potted plants make wonderful favors and double as centerpieces when placed in groups at each table. No additional decorations are needed.


Nautical Wedding Favor Ideas

Seashell(s): If you live near a good shelling beach, spend the afternoon relaxing with your fiancé' collecting shells. Wash and decorate each one with ribbon and event tag. If you don't live near a beach, consider purchasing a bag of shells to decorate.

Toy Boat: Fill a miniature toy boat with candy and wrap in tulle. Gather the tulle and tie with a ribbon. This is a popular nautical favor.

Message in a Bottle: Buy clear bottles at your local craft store. Fill with colorful confetti or shredded craft foil and slip in a special rolled up message. Be creative and have fun.

Seashell Candle: Take large seashells (clam shell shaped) and fill each half with melted beeswax and a wick. When the wax is cool, wrap in clear cellophane or tulle and gather with a ribbon.

Brassware: Brass items are typically found in marine environments. Choose miniature brass ornaments such as an anchor or sea creature.

Sand: If you are both from different coasts, consider bringing the two of them together in your wedding favors. Take two small vials and fill one with sand from your beach and one with sand from the other. Tie them together with ribbon and add a note stating the significance of this favor.

Holiday Wedding Favor Ideas

Christmas
Candy Cane: Take one or two candy canes (the kind that are already wrapped in clear plastic) and tie with a white or red ribbon.
Christmas Decoration or Ornament: Decorations and ornaments are plentiful during the Christmas season and your guests can use them year after year.
Jingle Bell: Buy 82 mm round jingle bells at a craft or sewing store. Glue flowers and ribbon to the top with a hot glue gun.

Small Poinsettia Plant: Buy the smallest ones you can find and tie a white ribbon around the pot. Medium size poinsettias look great placed in groups at each table.
Small Wreath: Purchase small wreaths at a craft store and decorate with holly or small pine cones.

Valentine
Box of Chocolates: Small heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates are the perfect favor for Valentines weddings. They are easy to find at most super stores and supermarkets.

Cherub Candle Holders: Inexpensive cherub candle holders can be found at most craft stores. Decorate with ribbon or flowers (candle is optional).
Heart Balloon: Fill beautiful heart balloons with helium and tie to the back of each guest chair or wine glass. This favor does double duty by becoming part of the reception decorations.

Potpourri Heart: Fill clear plastic hearts (found at craft stores) with your choice of potpourri. Decorate with flowers or ribbon.

Easter
Chocolate Eggs: Wrap several chocolate eggs in tulle, gather and tie with a ribbon. You may hide these around the reception area and have a favor hunt. Once a guest finds a favor, they sit down. The last guest to find a favor must do something interesting that you have chosen.

Basket of Joy: Fill a small plastic or natural basket with candy or Jordan almonds. Wrap the whole thing in tulle or just the candy for a different look.
Chocolate Bunny: Purchase small foil wrapped chocolate bunnies and tie ribbons around their necks in your wedding colors.

Plastic Egg: Plastic eggs are plentiful around Easter time. Buy the pastel kind and fill with candy. Tie a pretty ribbon around the center to hide the seam. Place in a small Easter basket at each table or have one large Easter basket in the center of the table and place all your favor eggs into it. Your flower girl can walk around with a basket of eggs and pass them out to your guests.

Time Period Wedding Favor Ideas

Victorian
Potpourri or Herb Blend: Potpourri not only looks beautiful, but it smells wonderful. Buy large bags in a scent you like. Wrap a 1/4 cup of the blend in tulle and tie off with a ribbon. Tip: Lavender (devotion), Rosemary (remembrance), Violets (faithfulness), rose (beauty/love), marjoram (joy/happiness), myrtle (love, marriage).

Bookmark: Create a beautiful bookmark and personalize it with your own message or buy them at bookstores. An engraved, silver plated book mark is a lasting and treasured keepsake.

Corsage or Boutonnière: Ask your florist to make a small corsage or boutonnière for each guest. These make your tables look wonderful and your guests feel important.
Decorative Mint Tin: Specialty candy shops carry decorative tins filled with mints. Many feature a flower or Victorian theme. Consider adding a decorative label to the bottom which has your names and wedding date.

Lace Sachets: Take 2.5 inch wide lace and cut into 6 inch lengths. Fold in the center (end-to-end) and hand or machine sew the edges together. Leave the top open. Fill the sachet with candy, nuts, birdseed or potpourri. Tie with a ribbon and event tag.

Decorative Thimble: Buy pretty decorative thimbles and wrap in tulle, gather and tie off with a satin ribbon.

Fan: Fans are great favors for warm outdoor weddings. Decorate them with fresh or silk flowers and ribbon.

Medieval
Bag of Gold Coins: Specialty candy stores sell chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Sew or buy a small draw-string bag and fill it with gold coins. Disperse the coins over the guest tables for added effect.

Incense: Take 2-3 incense sticks, wrap in colored tissue and tie with a ribbon. Have some burning in the center of the tables to add to the theme or ask your florist to work them into your flower centerpieces.

Oil Perfume: Oil perfume was used by the nobles during this time period. Buy a large jar of it at a perfume shop and pour into tiny bottles or vials. Decorate with ribbon and roses and add your event tag. Use a Medieval font or calligraphy on the tags.

Engraved Goblet: Purchase silver plated goblets from an engraving shop. Add your name and wedding date.

Renaissance
Scroll: Scrolls can contain anything you would like your guests to know. Consider listing interesting facts about the wedding party or use this format to write a special thank you to your guests. Roll and tie with a silk or velvet ribbon in your wedding colors. The sky is the limit!

Fun/Children Wedding Favor Ideas

General
Fun Pad & Markers: Purchase small notepads and crayons. Tie 2-4 colored markers to the notepad with 1" wide ribbon.
Toy Car: This is a favorite among little kids. Buy 3" metal cars, leave in the box and tie with a ribbon.

Mini Lego Kit: Buy one small Lego kit for each child. Display their creations at the head table. The kids are sure to enjoy this favor.

Disney
Mini Pumpkin: If you have the Disney theme and your wedding is in the fall, mini pumpkins are a great favor (remember Cinderella?)

Tinkerbell's Magic Dust: Wrap confetti in tulle and tie with a ribbon. Add a tag which says "Tinkerbell's Magic Dust". Have your guests throw the confetti as you leave.

Cinderella's Glass Slipper: Purchase clear plastic or glass slippers which can be filled with your choice of candy, wrapped in tulle and decorated.

Heritage Wedding Favor Ideas

General:
Chinese Fortune Cookie: Buy fortune cookies, enough for all your guests. Carefully remove the fortune with tweezers and put your own personalized message inside. An alternative is to have them made for you with your personalized message inside.
Origami Figurine: Check out a book on Chinese origami (paper folding) from your library and buy some beautiful origami paper from a craft store. Choose any animal, bird or flower pattern you like. This will go much faster if you have friends or family help you.

English Lace: Purchase lace material at a fabric store and cut into 9" x 9" squares. Take 4-5 English toffees (wrapped) and gather the lace around them. Finish with small silk roses.

African Wood Carvings: Purchase small imported wood carvings that are made in Africa. These are pretty just the way they are.

Japanese Saki: Miniature bottles of Japanese Saki make wonderful favors.
Scandinavian Candies: Purchase tiny boxes of Scandinavian marzipan candies. Most specialty candy shops will have them.

Irish Linen Handkerchief: Purchase small lace handkerchiefs and place 5 - 10 Jordan almonds in the center. Gather and tie with pretty ribbon. Add some delicate silk flowers.

Grecian
Olive Leaf Headpiece: Purchase vines of olive leaves at your local craft store and form them into circles. This will help the guests be part of your theme.
Olives: Take small jars of olives and tie with a fancy ribbon. Attach an event tag or special thank you message.

Hawaiian
Flower Lei: These chains of flowers are customary in Hawaii. They also make colorful table decorations. Ask your florist if they can make them or buy fakes.
Coconut: Purchase coconuts at your grocery store. Wrap each one with a large ribbon in your wedding colors. This favor is a real eye catcher.

Sunblock: Buy a small bottle of sunblock or skin care product for each guest. Decorate with ribbon or tulle. A silk flower adds a nice touch.

Southwestern
Mini Piñatas: Tiny piñatas are available at many specialty paper stores.
Small Cactus: Purchase small cactus for each guest and decorate with a raffia bow.


Western-Themed Wedding Favor Ideas

Mini Cowboy Hat: Mini flocked cowboy hats can be found in the bridal sections of larger craft stores. Fill them with candy and wrap in tulle.
Toy Squirt Gun: Buy the small squirt guns at a local toy store. Decorate with flowers, ribbon or pearls. Fill them with water if you dare. :)

Horseshoe: Purchase small horseshoes from a local blacksmith and paint them white with spray paint. Once dry, decorate the bend with small silk flowers and small string pearls (available at craft stores with wedding departments). Horseshoes are considered lucky for English brides.

Small Straw Hat: Glue floral sprays, ribbons or bows to small straw hats you purchase at a craft store.
Metallic Wedding Favor Ideas

Brass Bell: Take a small silver or gold bell and decorate the top with a ribbon. Have your guests ring them as you leave that evening or when they want you to kiss.
Cookie Cutters: Take two small metal cookie cutters and tie them together with ribbon. Add a flower or event tag.

Keychain: Look for a keychain with an interesting design or motif (match to your wedding theme if possible). Attach a 9x2 inch strip of tulle in a bow for added color.

Money Clip: A great favor for smaller weddings or wedding party mementos.
Sugar Spoon: A silver plated sugar spoon tied with a single 1 inch thick satin ribbon is sure to please your guests.

Other Wedding Favor Ideas

Thoughtful:

Charity Note: Write a note to each guest stating that you have made a charitable donation in the guest's name. Roll and tie with a ribbon.
List of Fun Things To Do: If many of your guests are visiting the area, make a list of fun events they can attend the day after the wedding. Roll it into a tube and tie with a ribbon.

Postcard: Buy postcards that represent your area. Write a special message on each one thanking your guests for being part of your celebration. Place each one against the wine glass or on the plate.

Word Search Puzzle: Word searches are a popular pastime. Make your own by using words which represent your wedding. Wedding party names, your interests and pet names all work well. Make several copies, roll into a scroll, and tie with a ribbon.

Newsletter: A newsletter is a great way to introduce both of your families to one another. Include photographs of your families and write short biographies for each. Fold and place in an envelope or roll and tie with a ribbon.
Poem: Write a small poem yourself or choose one from a poem book at the library. Roll it up and tie with ribbon or small silk flowers.

Paperback Book: Small books make great favors. Choose your favorite book or one to fit your theme.

Customized T-shirt: This is a fun favor that your guests can wear. Buy a box of plain T-shirts, take them to a printing shop and have an appropriate design or phrase put on them.

Photography
Candid Photo: Take a 3x5 inch photo of the two of you and get a reprint for each guest. Place each photo in a pretty envelope and decorate as you like. Consider using as a place card.

Polaroid Photograph: Have a friend or family member take a Polaroid photo of each guest as they arrive. Give to the respective guest as a favor before the night is over.

Mini Photo Album: Small albums which hold one roll of film (36 exp.) can be purchased for under $5.

Disposable Camera: Buy one camera per couple. Encourage your guests to use them during the reception. You'll probably get copies of some of the photos later!
Photo Mug: Have your pictures put on a mug and fill it with large foil wrapped candy. Buy strips of craft foil and hang over the sides of the mug for a festive effect. Tip: fill the bottom half of the mug with shredded craft foil so not so much candy is used.

Practical Items
Matchbook: This favor is available through invitation suppliers or you may purchase them yourselves and decorate.

Napkin: This inexpensive favor can be ordered from almost any invitation supplier. There is a wide choice of colors and designs available.

Sewing Kit: Small sewing kits can be purchased at your local superstore and some supermarkets for as little as a dollar. Wrap like a small present with colorful paper or craft foil.

Stamps: Do either of you work for the post office? This favor will get used for sure. Place 4 to 8 love stamps in a small envelope and add a note of thanks.
Toothpicks: Purchase a small box or other interesting container and fill with toothpicks. Decorate with ribbon or flowers and add an event card.
Phone Card: Why not buy each of your guests a phone card with 5 to 10 minutes of long distance time. Place in a small envelope and use as a place card. A gold seal is a classy touch.

Deck of Cards: There are many decorative cards on the market today. Consider having cards made with your engagement photo on the back.

Office Mementos
Mini Notebook: Notebooks can be found almost anywhere at minimal cost. Choose one with a pretty cover and tie with a ribbon.

Paper Weight: Purchase ready made paperweights or make your own. One idea is to take medium sized smooth stones, wash them and paint each one with what ever design you like. Look though magazines to get ideas and make sure to sign the back of each one.

Colorful Self-Stick Notes: These notes come in several colors and are easy to decorate with flowers or ribbon. You could wrap each one in beautiful wrapping paper.

Mini Stapler: These can be purchased at office product stores and they come in a variety of colors. Finish off with a ribbon tied in a bow.

Pen/Pencil: Pens and pencils can be purchased with your names and wedding dates on them. Decorate each one with a beautiful 1" wide ribbon tied in a bow.

Stationary: A small box of stationary makes a great favor. Decorate with a simple ribbon.

Pocket Calendar: These are thoughtful favors to give to guests toward the end of the year. They are widely available at most stationary stores. Tie with any size ribbon.

Sports
Fishing Lure: Fishing is popular with both men and women. Consider a packaged lure tied with a ribbon (keep in the package so the hooks don’t hurt anyone). This one is also good for nautical themes.

Autographed Baseball: Take one new baseball and have the bride and groom autograph it. Tie a 1" wide ribbon in a bow around the ball to add a feminine touch.

Decorated Golf Ball: Take net circles and gather around a golf ball. Tie with a ribbon and add your event tag.

Sports Cards: Purchase 5 to 10 sports cards for each guest. Wrap in clear or colored cellophane and tie a ribbon.

Tennis Ball: Take a tennis ball and wrap with tulle and a ribbon or just tie with a beautiful 1" wide ribbon. They come in colors other than yellow!

Adding Some Elegant Touches To

Your Wedding Reception Tables

Your guests will be spending an ample amount of time at their selected seats during your reception. Set the mood and theme by incorporating elegant touches to your wedding reception tables. From linens to centerpieces, there are many ways that you can do this. Here are a few suggestions to try out:

1) At a formal wedding dinner, you will be using linen napkins. Use unique, themed cookie cutters as napkin rings and slip a rose or other flower within the folds of the napkin for an extra special touch.

2) Many times you may be able to have the napkins folded in intricate ways and placed directly on the dinner plates.

3) Have one larger flowered centerpiece for the table, then place a single vase and matching flower at each place setting.

4) Use large lace doilies or solid fabric table toppers over the top of plain white tablecloths to add color and texture to the room.

5) Use small picture holders as place cards. These double as your favors as well.

6) Scatter rose petals on the table. Another option is to use inexpensive rhinestones, large beads or colored glass beads instead.

7) Using narrow “curly ribbon”, scatter small curls on the tabletop in colors that match your theme.

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.

Wedding Budget Tips

Do not worry if you cannot have your dream wedding due to a low wedding budget. Many brides with low wedding budgets still have great weddings without all the frills and without breaking the bank. The number one reason for divorce is money problems, start avoiding money troubles now. The good thing is that you already stopped thinking spend and started thinking save. A lot of brides and grooms go into debt even before they are married. They put thousands of dollars on credit cards, or take out loans, which take years to pay back. With interest on top of the basic payments plus all the new cost of living together (if not already) you can put your future plans on hold for awhile. Some of the new cost that you take in once you’re married is often over looked. Some of the bigger budget items are: financing a home, insurance, furniture, and utilizes. If you plan to have kids soon that is another huge cost to factor in to your life budget. But do not haste if you really want to spend a lot of money on your wedding, without the proper wedding budget now, then wait till you save up all the money for your high budget wedding. (My aunts did, their wedding had over 500 people and it had all that a wedding can have with a high wedding budget, however they saved for 6 years to pay for it. Most of the money, I think, when to her 3-carat diamond ring!)

Now if you are ready to start your wedding budget list right, and plan your wedding now you will find a lot of wedding budget help in this article. Below is a huge list of wedding budget ideas and budget tips for all aspects of wedding planning. All these wedding budget ideas came either from other low budget brides (No, you are not the only one.), or wedding vendors. The wedding budget list will cover wedding photography budget, budget wedding invitations, budget wedding dress, just to name a few.

Fact is: you cannot have everything in life. But think on the bright side, everyone said that you couldn’t buy happiness anyway. You have your groom and that is all that really matters, right?

Know your Wedding Budget!
How can you save money when you do not know how much you can afford?
You need to know what services cost out there and what you can afford. Be budget wise: print out and read "Average Wedding Cost" by Amena Harris, then come back. That article will give you a common list of vendor services and their prices.

All set? Then lets start!

Prioritize: Time to adjust that budget
Before you begin planning your wedding and reception take the time to sit down with your fiancée and categorize the top five items, or services that is a must for your wedding day. Doing so will help you both see each others view on a perfect wedding and help determine what items, services, or other ideas that are less important to you both. This can be from wanting your wedding in Hawaii to not wanting a full band, or wanting a designer wedding dress instead of opting for a budget gown.

Guest List: Guests do not come cheap
The fewer guests you have the less money you will spend. The more guests the more favors, invitations, cake, food, drinks, and larger reception hall is needed. Receptions being the most costly due to catering services, and the hall size most of both these services charge per-person prices. The best advise is to limit the guests you have per how long your reception will be. For example, if you had 150 guest and you want to greet everyone individually for a minute each you would need 2hrs and 30mins. Remember this does not include other activities, like dancing, eating, tossing the garter, cutting the cake, etc.

Another way to determining how many guests is to just invite close family and friends that you enjoy being with.

Invitations: Getting the word out
Anyone can make invitations. Do-it-yourself can save money and show everyone how skilled you are. You can even add a personalized touch to each. You can make them on the computer with software and pastel colored printing paper, or even handwrite with a gold pen and stationary; the possibilities are endless, be creative. If you lack creativity or don’t have time, call around to get price quotes, everyone prices differently. The higher priced one may be nicer but if this is not a top priority buy the cheaper ones. Your guests should not care if you send them a plain white invitation instead of the custom one shaped like a bride. Your guests will more than likely just write the date on the calendar and throw away the invitation anyways.
To save money on purchased invitations:
Purchase thermographed print instead of getting the invitations engraved. Thermography is raised print were as engraved is indented, however they look and feel the same.

Other ways to save:
If everyone has email or most have email then you could email invitations. The ones without email send an invitation by mail.
Save on return postage, envelopes, and printing by having your guest call to RSVP.

Wedding Registry Checklist

Many couples find themselves having a difficult time deciding on what items they wish to add to their wedding registry check list. Often, there are numerous offers from stores and service providers offering enticing deals and packages all designed to get the couple to register with them. The problem is, as enticing as some of these offers might be, are they really offering what the couple really needs or items that appeal directly to them?

To avoid getting overwhelmed by all the offers, couples should take the time to sit down and make a list of items they need and of things that are important to them. This list should be made before considering any offers or visiting the stores.

Knowing ones personal style will help greatly when trying to decide exactly where to register. A wedding registry check list should include colors and style of décor that appeals to them. Neutral colors like black, tan, brown, and white are good colors to consider as well because they will stand the test of time and fit well into any décor.

How much space a couple has to display and store items on their wedding registry check list is an important consideration as well. There is no sense in adding item after item just because a store offers it, adding items that might be too large, or items a couple thinks they might use, but end up placed in storage for future use only to later be forgotten about.

When couples are choosing what items to add to their list, it is a good idea to list items that fall into a variety of price ranges. Mix items that are expensive in with items that are inexpensive or mid range. Avoid registering hi-tech items just because they are the ‘in thing'. Couples should register items that are practical and ones in which they will use for years to come.

Couples should also think in terms of sets when adding items to their wedding registry check list. If a couple likes a particular mixing bowl, make sure to include items such as a mixer, cake and pie pans, a roller, measuring cups, a spatula, and other cooking and baking essentials.

Some couples choose to branch away from adding traditional items such as china, flatware, cookware, small kitchen appliances, and other household essentials to their wedding registry check list and add things such as registering for a cause, items for sports and hobbies, wine and wine accessories, creating a honeymoon fund where guests can donate funds towards the honeymoon expenses, or registering for stocks.

After a couple has their wedding registry check list complete, they should consider registering at a variety of places that offer items that suit their needs and tastes. Look for places that offer perks when registering with them. A couple also wants to make sure that they can update their registry often because some items might be unavailable or seasonal.

Wedding Invitation Formality and Styles

Depending on the formality, time, and hosting of your wedding, you will see there are a variety of ways to word your invitation. The styles are very similar, however, depending on your wedding, certain aspects will be different. Below you will find a compiled list of various ways to word your invitations in both formal and informal styles.

The formal wedding invitation includes: the invitation, an outside envelope, a reception card, an RSVP card, an RSVP envelope, directions to the church and the reception, information on accommodations for out-of-town guests, and thank you cards. Formal invitations include a line for the guest name, are very plain, and are engraved or have raised print (called thermograph). Most formal styles also have a raised border and black ink type. Addressing each card to a guest can be a pain, especially if you are inviting more than 50 people, however it adds a personal touch. The paper is very plain with little to no detail and it is printed on white or ivory paper. Even though engraved print is nice, you can use thermograph print if you are on a budget. Using thermograph instead of engraved print is less expensive, and has the look and feel of engraved print. Other options may be available, check with experienced wedding stationery companies under Invitations in your state.

Informal invitations differ in what is included with the card. The shape, style, print, ink color, and paper, can all vary. Informal invitations do not have a line to write in the guest name and are usually not engraved or have raised print. Informal invitations are used to reflect a couple's personality, style, or theme of the wedding. There are many styles to choose from, and you can find out about them by checking with experienced wedding stationery companies under Invitations in your state. You can also use your own unique ideas and others to design a style yourself.

NOTES:

In both Formal invitations and Informal invitations always use the first, middle and last name, in that exact order. Unless you pick an informal style, never use nicknames or initials. Only "Mr.", "Mrs." and "Dr." can be abbreviated on a formal card. On either type of invitation include days, dates, times, addresses, and always write out the word "and" between names (i.e. Mr. and Mrs., Mary and Mike). Note that in the samples below the traditional British spelling of honour and favour is often used, which is very popular. You can view different ways of wording various types of cards by looking at "Bride's parents hosting" "Options".

Better understanding the layouts listed:

Below are the most commonly used invitation styles along with a short description. Hosting situations include just the bride's parents, just the groom's parents, both bride's and groom's parents, divorced parent(s), deceased parent. Guests are invited to the reception only, even when the bride and groom are hosting. To every layout there is a formal and informal version for you to use. Some have even more options under each formal and informal version. Pick the one that best suits your situation, your formality, and use it to have the invitations made; you can also make your own.

Bride's parents hosting:

It is traditional for the parents of the bride to pay for the ceremony and the reception (see article "Who pays for what?" by Onewed.com for more information about who pays for what in planning a wedding.) For this particular case, the most used invitation layout is this one:

Formal

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Kathy Anne and Mike Adam Harris
would like you to join them
to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Options: (any card can use)

Instead of: "at The Holy Church
200 Caroline Ave

Fredericksburg, Virginia
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.":

Use: on Saturday, the first of October
two thousand and five
at four o'clock in the evening
The Holy Church
200 Caroline Ave
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Instead of: "at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange"

Use: at The Holy Church

200 Caroline Ave

Fredericksburg, Virginia

on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.

The reception afterwards will be held at

Hilton Hotel,

115 Willis Street

Orange, Virginia
Options: (any card can use)

Instead of: "would like you to join them":

Use: requests the honour of your presence


Include groom's parents:

The parents of the bride can choose to include the parents of the groom in the invitation to make them feel as if they are part of the family as well. To add them, put their names after the groom's name like this:



After: "Mr. and Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine"

Add:

son of
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Scott Gaine
After: "Kathy Anne and Mike Adam Harris
would like you to join them
to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine"

Add:

son of
Mary Lynn and Tim Scott Gaine


If father is deceased, and mother has not remarried:

If the father of the bride has pasted on and her mother is not remarried, the mother of the bride would use this:

Formal

Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of her daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Kathy Anne Harris
would like you to join her

to celebrate the marriage of her daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


If father is deceased, and mother has remarried:

If the father of the bride has pasted on and her mother has remarried, the mother and her husband would use this:

Formal

Mr. And Mrs. Keith James Smith
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of her daughter
Amy Kelly Harris
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Kathy Anne and Keith James Smith
would like you to join them

to celebrate the marriage of her daughter
Amy Kelly Harris
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


If the mother is deceased, and the father has not remarried:

If the mother of the bride has pasted on and her father has not remarried, the father of the bride would use this:

Formal<

Mr. Mike Adam Harris
requests the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of his daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Mike Adam Harris
would like you to join him
to celebrate the marriage of his daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia








If the mother is deceased, and the father has remarried:

If the mother of the bride has pasted on and her father has remarried, the father and his wife would use this:



Formal

Mr. And Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of his daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Joanne May and Mike Adam Harris
would like you to join them

to celebrate the marriage of his daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia




The parents are divorced:

The bride's parents are divorced and want to host together, either remarried or not. Use the individual identities of the separated parents, rather than their previously married names.



Formal

Mrs. Sylvia Bryant and Mr. Paul Williams
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Sylvia Bryant and Paul Williams
would like you to them
to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


The groom's parents are hosting:

The groom's parents are paying for or planning the ceremony and the reception.

Formal

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Scott Gaine
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

to celebrate the marriage of
Amy Kelly Harris
to their son
Joe Tim
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Mary Lynn and Tim Scott Gaine
would like you to join them
to celebrate the marriage of
Amy Kelly Harris
to their son
Joe Tim
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


The bride and groom are the hosts:

Either the bride's or the groom's parents are paying or planning the event. This may be used for a second wedding where only friends are invited to attend.

Formal

Miss. Amy Kelly Harris
and
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
request the pleasure of the company of

............................................................................

at their marriage
at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Amy Kelly Harris
and
Joe Tim Gaine
would like you to join them
to celebrate their marriage

at The Holy Church, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Options:

(can be used by all styles

that the bride and groom are the host)

Instead of: "Miss. Amy Kelly Harris
and
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
request the pleasure of the company of

............................................................................"

Use: The honour of

...........................................................................
Is requested
At the marriage of
Katherine Nicole Jones
To
Michael Adam Nelson
Options:

(can be used by all styles

when the bride and groom are the hosts)

Instead of: "Amy Kelly Harris
and
Joe Tim Gaine
would like you to join them"

Use: The honour of your presence
Is requested
At the marriage of
Katherine Nicole Jones
To
Michael Adam Nelson


For reception only, where the parents are hosting:

This is used when only friends are invited to the reception and the parents of the bride are hosting.

Formal

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

at an evening reception to be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 6.30 p.m.
to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Kathy Anne and Mike Adam Harris
would like you to join them
at Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 6.30 p.m.
to celebrate the marriage of their daughter
Amy Kelly
with
Joe Tim Gaine

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


For reception only, bride and groom hosting:

This is used when only friends are invited to the reception that is hosted by the bride and the groom.

Formal

Miss. Amy Kelly Harris
and
Mr. Joe Tim Gaine
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................

at an evening reception to be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 6.30 p.m.
to celebrate their marriage

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Amy Kelly Harris
and
Joe Tim Gaine
would like you to join them
at Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 6.30 p.m.
to celebrate their marriage

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia


Both the bride's parents and the groom's parents are hosting:

This is a wedding hosted by both sets of parents (even though traditionally the parents of the bride pay for it). It may even be paid for by both parents:

Formal

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Adam Harris
and
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Scott Gaine
request the pleasure of the company of

...........................................................................
at the marriage of
Amy Kelly Harris
and
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church
Caroline Ave, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

R.S.V.P.
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Informal

Kathy Anne and Mike Adam Harris
and
Mary Lynn and Tim Scott Gaine
at the marriage of
Amy Kelly Harris
and
Joe Tim Gaine
at The Holy Church
Caroline Ave, Fredericksburg
on Saturday. 1st October 2005
at 4 p.m.
The reception afterwards will be held at
Hilton Hotel, Willis Street, Orange

Please reply to
123 Toby Lane
Fredericksburg, Virginia

12 Great Catering Tips

As far as wedding expenses go, your catering or food bill is typically your largest expense (45-50% of most wedding budgets). Therefore, choose your caterer carefully. Spend plenty of time with your caterer talking about your budget, the style of reception you'd like (i.e. buffet, food stations, sit down dinner or cocktail reception) and the types of food that you'd like to serve.

If you are unfamiliar with the caterer, always schedule a "tasting" to sample their culinary skills and take note that the food is attractively presented too.

Check References! Many brides ask for references but never call them. Make at least TWO reference phone calls. Don’t by shy, remember -- brides love to talk about their wedding!

When hiring your caterer, be sure to ask about the dinnerware or china they will be using. Some caterers will include all the dinnerware in their price - but they may be chipped, scratched and worn out. So, ask to see samples to make sure that the place settings nicely compliment the rest of your wedding decor.

Service is an extremely important element when choosing your caterer. Be sure to ask about the ratio of servers to guests. Now, this can vary depending on the type of reception you have (seated dinner versus buffet). One good rule of thumb is to have one server for every 8-10 guests.


When determining a final head count for your caterer, you should include a meal for your entertainer (DJ or Band), photographer and Wedding Day Coordinator. But, always confirm with these vendors that they do want a meal before you include them in your head count. And, make sure to separate these from your guest head count because your caterer will usually charge you less for "vendor" meals.

If your caterer is providing meals for your DJ, Band or photographer, be sure to ask your caterer where the meals will be served for them and confirm that they will be eating somewhere "out of sight" from your wedding guests.


Ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" that is a sampling of all the food at your reception. It's likely that the bride and groom will not get a chance to eat and enjoy all of the wonderful food at the reception. Even if you're leaving the next day on your honeymoon, it makes for a great late night snack.


Be sure to ask your caterer about "guaranteed numbers". Many caterers will quote prices based upon a minimum or "guaranteed" number of guests. Many base their figures on a minimum of 100 guests. If your final guest count is less than a hundred, there may be an additional fee.

Find out what decorations (if any) are included in the caterer’s price. Ask to see pictures of their table displays. Some caterers that do buffets or food stations will include floral arrangements and other decorations. As your wedding plans progress, talk to your caterer about your color theme so that all decorations and floral arrangements will coordinate.


A recent trend when doing buffets or food stations is to have a menu board. This is where the names of the entrees (and sometimes a brief description) and items served are scrolled elegantly onto a piece of paper displayed on a board or in a picture frame.

Be careful on how many hors d'oeuvres you order. Do you really need eight different varieties? You'd be surprised - some caterers will suggest this! If you are doing hors d'oeuvres - four different varieties is usually sufficient. For more money-saving catering tips, check out the Frugal Wedding.

10 Things NOT to Do Before Your Wedding

Don't start your wedding planning without a budget. One of the most stressful elements to wedding planning usually is money. Make sure you decide up front how much your total wedding budget is going to be and who will be contributing and how much.


Don't spend more than your budget or what you can afford. Your wedding day is an important day, but it is only one day. You don't want to start your new life together by going into "serious" debt from your wedding expenses and being strapped with that debt for the next five years.

Don't rely upon oral agreements with vendors. Get everything in writing!


Don't try and do everything yourself. Planning a wedding can be a full time job in itself. So, don't try and take on such an enormous project alone, delegate as much as you can! When it comes to weddings, everyone loves to help, so let them!


Don't insist on having it your way all the time! Come to an agreement on the things that are less important.


Don't skimp on your photography. Your wedding day goes by so fast, and after it's over, all you'll have left is your memories and your pictures.


Don't get crazy over every detail. It can really take the pleasure out of the wedding planning process. I mean, will it really matter that the ribbons for the favors are baby blue instead of ice blue?


Don't forget to thank everyone involved in your wedding and those that gave you gifts. Also, don't let those thank you notes pile up. Send them out promptly after you receive a gift.


Don't overload yourself the day before your wedding. This is not the time to put together 200 favors. Try to do only one or two small tasks and leave the rest of the day to relax and pamper yourself.


Don't expect perfection for your wedding day. Expect a "terrific" day and set reasonable expectations. Never forget, the main goal is to get married.

Wedding Vendors & Contracts: What You Should Know Before You Sign

Read your contracts carefully. Read every word. Ask questions if something is unclear. Ask to change wording in the contract if you are uncomfortable with any of the language. Don’t just assume it’s a "standard" contract and that everything will be alright.


If the contract is lengthy, ask to take it home to review. Or, ask the vendor to fax you a copy of the contract before you meet with them.


Before you give a vendor a deposit, always get a written contract which includes all important information such as the date, time and what the wedding vendor is expected to perform.

Be as specific as possible in the description. For example, don’t just say flowers to be delivered – put the number of bouquets, the type of flowers and the date, time and location for the delivery.


As you make changes throughout the planning process, be sure to update your contract – even if you just hand write the changes and sign and date it.


Think carefully about your choices before placing deposits with vendors. Most deposits are nonrefundable.


Most vendors will require a deposit to hold your date. Try to pay as small of a deposit as possible and never pay the full amount up front when booking several months ahead. You never know if a vendor may go out of business and take your deposit with them. Avoid any vendor who insists on being paid in full up front!


Whenever possible, use credit cards for all payments to vendors. If there is a problem or dispute, you will have a much better chance of getting a refund than if you pay by cash or check -- even if it is several months later.


When paying your wedding vendors and making purchases for your wedding, use a credit card that "gives you something back". There are credit cards that will earn points for everything now – air miles, gifts, long distance calling – you name it!


If you have any questions or doubts about doing business with a wedding vendor, call the Better Business Bureau in your area. And, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check RECENT references! Don’t rely on someone who used their services a few years ago.

20 Ways to Panic-Proof Your Wedding Day

Tell everyone providing you services exactly what your requirements are. Put everything in writing and make sure your wedding vendors sign the agreement. Be sure to specify items you don’t want as well (i.e., racy rap songs, too many posed photos, onion dip, whatever else you don't want).

Two or three days before the wedding, call all your wedding vendors and verify your bookings. Have them read back to you the time, date, and location of the wedding as they have it noted as well as the services or items they'll be providing. That way, you’ll know if they have the right information. Make sure they know how to get to the site. It’s a good idea to send a reminder letter as well. Bring your list of phone numbers so someone can make a phone call if they don’t show up.


Avoid asking friends or family to provide food, flowers, or official photography. It will create an awkward situation if you're not pleased with the results. It's easier to expect perfection from someone being paid rather than a favorite uncle whose feelings may be hurt if you complain about his photography. He probably also doesn’t have a spare camera to bring along if his breaks or an assistant to fill in if he catches the flu and can’t make it.

Never let a friend serve as a bartender. He may pour too much liquor which could quickly deplete a limited supply, run up the bill, or get guests too drunk. He might also get drunk, or leave the bar unattended to socialize.


Avoid heavy cake tops or too many tiers. These can make the cake unstable.

Protect your wedding dress. Never iron it or attempt any kind of touch up. If it is badly wrinkled, contact the bridal shop for pressing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke after putting the gown on. Do not apply makeup and keep away from pets. If you’re traveling to the wedding in your gown, avoid exiting the car near dirt or bushes.


When you get your wedding dress, practice putting it on, walking, turning, and moving like you will during the ceremony. Get a feel for how the dress moves and how much extra time you’ll need to handle the train.


Avoid having children under age three in the wedding party. If you do, let one of the attendants walk with the child or pair them with an older child.

Secure fake rings to the ring pillow so they won’t fall off. Have the Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man carry the real ones.

Make sure someone knows of any plans to use alternate entrances to the ceremony (side doors, back doors) so they won’t be locked out for the ceremony.

Accompany the bridesmaids to their fittings to make sure the dresses are not altered to be too short, too loose, or too tight.

Advise out of town members of the wedding party to arrive early on the day before the wedding so you don’t run the risk of missing or delaying the rehearsal.

Have attendants arrive early to get dressed so there is no delay when the photographer arrives and no worry about making the wedding on time.

Have a spare tape recorder, batteries, and extra tape in case the one you’re planning to use to record the vows acts up.

Get your marriage license in advance of the ceremony and have it with you on the wedding day. You don’t want to discover on your wedding day that you aren’t licensed to be married!

Have someone assigned to take care of the last minute details and ensure the bridal party is dressed and ready to go. She can answer the phone, go on errands, and make sure everyone has something to eat before the wedding.

Practice driving the route to the ceremony at the time of day and day of week to check out traffic patterns. That way you’ll know how much time you’ll need to get to the site.


Bring along an emergency bag. Include a needle and thread, safety pins, nail polish, hairpins, and extra panty hose. Also tuck in a couple of cookies and some hard candy in case someone needs a quick pickup.


Try not to stay up late the night before the wedding. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine so you’ll be at your best all day.

If something goes wrong, don’t panic. You’ll probably be the only one who notices that the ribbons in the bridesmaid’s bouquets are the wrong color. Don’t let little things ruin your day. Accept the idea that your wedding may not (and in fact, probably will not) go as planned. Always keep your sense of humor!