Wedding Speeches by the Bridegroom

The bridegroom’s speech is customarily the second of the wedding speeches given at a wedding reception and follows the parent’s of the bride speech. Public speaking is a common fear among many and giving wedding speeches may be just as fear producing as speaking in front of a large group of work associates. Knowing what tradition dictates in wedding speeches will not only aid in producing a memorable speech, but also help to alleviate the stress at not knowing what to say or what is expected.

Wedding speeches given by the groom is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge those who helped to make the wedding a reality. Thanks should be given to family and friends for attending and those who were in the wedding party. If the bride has opted out of giving wedding speeches the groom will be speaking on behalf of the both of them. In this case, it is imperative that he use the word “we” instead of “I” in his speech and to thank those who participated in both wedding parties.

Time should be taken to give special thanks to those who traveled a long distance to attend the wedding and reception. It is not necessary to list each person by name, but if they are comfortable with the attention they may appreciate that their time and effort was acknowledged.

Wedding speeches given by the groom should then focus on his parents. This is the time for him to thank them for their contributions to the wedding and their ongoing support throughout his life. His words need to be spoken from the heart and express his deep affection for his parents. Although most parents know that their child cares for them, the groom publicly acknowledging those feelings at his wedding reception will be a memory his parents will carry with them always.

After the groom speaks to and about his parents, the wedding speeches should then thank those who were in the wedding party. He should introduce the members of his wedding party by mentioning the groomsmen, best man and the ring bearer. Special attention should be given to how they helped to support him during the planning phase of the wedding. The groom should then thank his best man and share with those attending why he was chosen for this honor. He can inject humor by relaying a funny, but appropriate, story about some of their escapades and also take a moment to let the best man know how highly he regards their friendship.

Wedding speeches given by the groom should then be directed to his lovely bride. This is the groom’s opportunity to both publicly acknowledge and let his wife know how much he loves her and is looking forward to spending their lives together. He can also share with those attending how they met and when he first knew that she was the woman he wanted to marry.

It is customary at the end of wedding speeches given by the groom for a toast to be offered to the maid of honor and bridesmaids. The perfect ending to a speech filled with love and thanks could be a romantic kiss given to the woman who is now his wife.

Preparing and giving a speech often causes feelings of stress. Wedding speeches given by the groom are comprised of several traditional elements. Knowing what is expected in his speech may aid the groom in preparing his speech and possibly alleviate some of his pre-wedding speech gitters.

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Have A Seat! Should You Make A Seating Plan For Your Guests?

One question brides face is whether or not to make a seating plan for the guests at the reception. On one hand, a seating plan ensures that your tables are balanced and that everyone at the reception has a place to sit. On the other hand, creating a seating plan is a lot of work that an already stressed bride-to-be may not care to address!

A seating plan is a lot of work. If you decide to go this route, you’ll need to make sure that your tables are relatively balanced, and that guests who come solo feel welcome and comfortable, without feeling like they’re being set up with other eligible singles.

You’ll also need to avoid uncomfortable seating situations. Do not seat divorced parents at the same table, unless you (and they) are certain they can be civil throughout the event. Instead, give each parent his or her own space, and seat them with close friends who can lend support or make a potentially tense situation more bearable.

Resist the temptation to seat the parents of the bride and groom together. While newly minted in-laws may welcome the opportunity to get to know each other, it’s more likely that they will want to sit with their closest friends.

Avoid setting tables close to the venue’s kitchen, if possible. Likewise, avoid seating guests too close to the bar. These “high-traffic” areas make it difficult for guests to enjoy the reception.

If you will be serving dinner, and have offered a choice of entrees, you’ll need to indicate your guests’ menu choices unobtrusively to the wait staff. A symbol on the guests’ name card, or a colored piece of paper at their place setting will work just fine. Alternately, you could seat guests who have selected the same entrée together, to minimize confusion for the wait staff.

Seating plans can be a challenge, but they can also make your guests feel comfortable and create a delightful, enjoyable experience for them.

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Losing A Member Of The Wedding Party

Four weeks before your wedding, a member of the wedding party pulls out. Dresses or tuxedos have already been paid for. What should you do?

Wedding party members can withdraw for a number of reasons. When this happens, make the best of it. Dealing with a withdrawal on the bride’s side can be difficult, because bridesmaids’ dresses are often ordered four or more months in advance. If you want to maintain the symmetry of the wedding party, you’ll need to find another friend who is willing to stand in at the last moment. Be prepared to absorb the extra costs of alterations to the dress. Although it is expected that the bridesmaids will pay for their dresses, a last-minute substitute should receive extra consideration. Make it very easy for the sub to say “Yes” to your call for help.

When you’re thinking about a sub, keep in mind the size of the person who withdrew and the size of your substitute. Substantial alterations can be difficult to achieve and will be expensive, but a talented seamstress can make it work. It’s always easier to cut down a dress to fit a smaller person than it is to make a smaller dress go farther. If your bridesmaids will be wearing shoes dyed to match their dresses, and in the time remaining you cannot make that happen for your sub, take a deep breath and be flexible. Under long dresses, no one will notice the shoes! If your bridesmaids dresses are tea-length or shorter, take your sub shopping and find a pair you can both live with, even if they don’t match the other bridesmaids’ dresses.

If, on the other hand, a groomsman pulls out, the local tuxedo rental shop should be able to accommodate this loss more easily. Let the rental place know as far in advance as possible that your tuxedo rental needs have changed. If the change will be a problem for them, they may be able to draft other options for helping you out.

Among the possibilities for substitutes, family members are your best bets. Siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings or cousins may be more willing to jump into the breach to bail you out than a not-so-close friend. If you’re still having trouble coming up with a sub, brainstorm with the other members of your wedding party. They may be able to generate a list of sympathetic friends who can help out. Likewise, if a member of your wedding party will be bringing a guest who wasn’t planning to stand up in your wedding, the guest may be willing to “be promoted” for the evening.

Losing a member of the wedding party at the last minute doesn’t have to be a disaster as long as you’re willing to be flexible when finding a substitute.

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Steve Martin Weds Anne Stringfield

Comedian and actor Steve Martin, 61, and writer Anne Stringfield, 35, were married in a private, moonlight ceremony in front of about 75 guests on July 28, at Martin’s home in Los Angeles. Stringfield wore a gown designed by Vera Wang and Martin wore an Armani suit. According to Reuters Canada, Martin and Stringfield’s guests were unaware that they were attending a wedding, believing instead that they had been invited to a party at Martin’s home.

Former Nebraska Senator and one-time presidential candidate Bob Kerrey, who was ordained for the occasion, performed the ceremony. Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels was the best man and the bride’s sister was the maid of honour.

Guests included Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson; Diane Keaton; Eugene Levy; Carl Reiner; Martin Mull; and Nancy Meyers. Following the ceremony, the guests dined and enjoyed bluegrass music provided by Hot Rize. Martin also entertained the assembly, playing the banjo on a rendition of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”

This is Martin’s second marriage. He was married to British actress Victoria Tennant from 1986 to 1994. It is the first marriage for Anne Stringfield. The couple have been dating since late 2002. Only last week, the New Yorker reported that they were engaged. Stringfield previously wrote for the New Yorker magazine and served as its deputy head of fact-checking. She has most recently been published in Vogue. Martin, who is an occasional contributor to the New Yorker, has enjoyed a long career in comedy, and is preparing to reprise his role as Inspector Clouseau in a sequel of the 2006 remake of the Pink Panther.

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Wedding Speeches by the Maid of Honour

There is no greater honour than to be asked to give a wedding speech. Traditionally, only three wedding speeches were given; the parents of the bride’s speech, groom’s speech and the best man speech. Today, this tradition has been tossed to the wind and others are asked to step forward and give a speech, or a long toast, to the bride and groom. Other individuals such as the bride, maid of honour and the parent’s of the groom are giving wedding speeches as well. Since this is a break from tradition, there are no hard and set rules as to what is expected in these wedding speeches. This allows for more creativity, but can also be stress producing if you are unsure of what to say.

If you were asked to be the maid of honour at a close friend’s wedding you may also be called upon to give a wedding speech. Public speaking is a common fear among many. If you are one of these chosen few, you may want to become familiar with wedding speeches and what is customarily conveyed to help relieve pre-speech gitters. By gaining knowledge about wedding speeches, you can craft a speech that is both heart warming and compliments wedding speeches given by others.

Since maid of honour speeches were not usually given, there isn’t a set placement for the speech as those given by the father of the bride, groom and best man. However, wedding speeches given by the maid of honour usually fall before or after the parents of the groom speech. This detail will ultimately be up to the discretion of the couple.

If you have been asked to be the maid of honour and speak at the reception, you may want to start by thanking those that contributed their time to preparing for the wedding. For example, you could acknowledge those who helped decorate the reception hall, helped with wedding invitations or made wedding favours. You would not want to include the officiant, those who made the wedding cake or the caterer, as these individuals will most likely be mentioned in the bride’s parents’ speech. This spoken “thank you” and acknowledgment of their hard work will mean a lot to those who helped to make the wedding a reality.

Wedding speeches given by the maid of honour should then be directed toward the bride. You could speak of your relationship with the bride or mention special times you spent together. If you decide to take your cue from the best man speech and make your speech humorous, steer clear of any stories or anecdotes that may embarrass or humiliate the bride. If you are unsure if a particular joke or story may cause embarrassment it would be best to err on the side of caution and leave it out.

Nearing the end of wedding speeches given by the maid of honour, it is imperative to remember to mention the groom. You can state how happy and in love your friend, the bride, appears to be whenever she is with her beloved or how you knew that he was the “one” for her. It would be endearing to mention what a wonderful choice she made in a husband and that you wish them nothing but love, happiness and success in their future together.

You could cap off your speech with a heartfelt poem that expresses your thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to convey or if you are married, words of wisdom on what constitutes a loving, successful marriage. Before handing over the microphone to the next individual giving wedding speeches be sure to offer up a toast to the next speaker. Although there are no hard and set rules to giving a maid of honour speech, it is helpful to have a guideline to ensure the speech goes smoothly and compliments other wedding speeches.

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Afraid To Plan Your Own Wedding? Call In A Pro!

Weddings can be stressful to plan, especially if you’re not good at planning! Many brides today do not receive the same tactical support from family and friends they may have gotten in an earlier era. Couples are also waiting until later in life to marry, which means that many engaged pairs are working full-time, sometimes far away from the planned location of the wedding. If planning a wedding seems like a daunting task, consider hiring a wedding planner, also called a wedding coordinator, to do the deed for you.

Professional wedding planners are experienced in organising both large and small weddings. They can assist with all facets of a wedding, and can take the pressure off of a busy bride-to-be. Wedding planners are generally familiar with the local venues, caterers, florists, bakers and other service personnel who provide wedding services and can make more dispassionate decisions about what to have, where to have it, and how things should look. They are indispensable if you plan to get married in a far-away city, or are considering a “destination” wedding.

You can find wedding planners in the local phone book or online. Recently married friends may also be able to help. If you need to find one on your own, interview several candidates before you decide who you’ll be working with. Understand clearly what services the planner will and won’t provide. Ask for references and follow up! Talk candidly with the references about their event and their experiences with the wedding planner.

Before you choose a wedding planner, ask about how they keep track of expenses associated with your wedding, how often you’ll receive an accounting, and how you will be billed for the planner’s services. Ask the planner to develop a timeline for your wedding, and use it to verify that the planner is on schedule. For wedding expenses, will you pay the planner, or the service provider directly? If the planner will be paying wedding bills for you, verify with the service providers that they’re being paid.

Budget management is a great benefit of using a wedding planner. The coordinator can help you make realistic decisions that will allow you to stay within your budget. Since they’re more experienced with planning weddings, they can also draft creative suggestions that will make your wedding shine.

The services of a wedding coordinator can run anywhere between a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars, depending upon what you want the planner to do, where you’re located and how experienced the planner is. If you decide to work with a wedding planner, stay in close contact and make yourself available for decisions as the Big Day approaches. The right planner can make your wedding a joyful event for everyone, including you!

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What To Do About Uninvited Guests

As your RSVP cards come back, you discover that you have more guests than you’ve invited. What do you do about uninvited guests? Read more about what to do about uninvited guests

Journey Love

My love for you is a journey;
Starting at forever,
And ending at never.

~ by Anonymous ~

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Wedding Cars: Check Out All Options

The details of wedding planning can be stressful for every bride and groom. One of the fun choices that the couple will get to make is choosing from all of the possibilities of wedding cars. While many couples feel that their only option is the standard limousine, there are wedding cars that will showcase the personality and taste of the bride and groom while they ride in style.

One of the most popular, non-traditional wedding cars is the classic car. This could be any classic car that fits into the style of the couple. It can be difficult to find classic cars that are rented out. It is easiest if the bride and groom know someone who owns one or knows someone who knows someone who owns one. Classic cars are everywhere, but often kept safe in a garage. It will take a little homework in order to secure one of these, but it is worth it to make a grand entrance and exit.

Another option in wedding cars is the convertible. The bride and groom can choose to be chauffeured or drive it away themselves. Either way, the convertible is a way that the couple can show off their fun and wild side! Picture the wind blowing the veil behind the bride. It is a stunning site. This is also one of the best options in wedding cars because these can generally be rented by the day rather than by the hour. It can be a less expensive option and the couple may choose to keep the car for several days to enjoy.

It is perfectly acceptable for any couple to choose the classic look of the limousine. This is the standard in wedding cars. This is an excellent option for those couples that want to maintain tradition and are having a simple and classic wedding. This is also great for the bride and groom who want to be able to travel with their wedding party. The limousine is still the classic choice in wedding cars.

For the bride and groom who want the same classic look but want to go beyond the limousine, there are two other excellent choices in wedding cars. These are the Rolls Royce and the Bentley. These cars are known for their beauty and style. The couple will need to hire a chauffer and the couple will not be able to travel with their wedding party, but these two options will make a lasting impression on all of the wedding guests.

There are new wedding cars available that are perfect for the bride and groom with a large bridal party. It has become quite popular for companies to manufacture stretch SUV’s. These are just as lush as limousines but hold more people and showcase an entirely different style. Another option is the party bus. These buses are also decked out with all of the accommodations found in a limousine, but will hold an entire bridal party. This is a great choice for those who want to have a party while they travel. These two options in wedding cars are perfect for the couple that wants to travel with their friends and family.

Any of these wedding cars will fit in with perfectly with whatever plans the bride and groom have made for their wedding. Each of these choices will display a different and unique style!

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What To Do When Your Guests Can’t Get Along

Weddings are meant to be a time for a bride and groom to share their happiest moments with friends and family. But what happens when two people on your guest list don’t get along?

This is a common occurrence for an engaged couple whose parents have divorced. For the wedding guests, the prospect of meeting a former spouse’s new love interest, or standing for pictures as “one big happy family” may be awkward or painful. These feelings can be intensified, especially if the falling-out is recent history, or the breakup was particularly unpleasant.

There are no rules about inviting guests, except that all invited guests should be treated equally. You will be the center of attention on your special day, and your wedding is about the commitment you and your intended are making to each other. While you should not go out of your way to aggravate a nasty situation, do not try to please everyone on your guest list, either. It can’t be done.

Make your guest list with your soon-to-be husband or wife. It’s acceptable and expected to ask family members for help with the list, to make sure no one is forgotten, but who’s on and who’s off are decision that are strictly up to you! If you know you will be inviting parents or close family members who don’t see eye-to-eye, discuss the invitation with them beforehand. Let each person know that you would like to them to share you special day, and ask that they put aside their feelings for the event. Let them know you will understand if they choose not to. Be firm, and do not change your guest list.

You need not choose between your parents or other cherished guests, regardless of the circumstances of history. If you would like both parties to attend, then by all means, invite both parties. It will be up to the invited guest to make his or her decision about whether to attend your event.

Once the guest has made his or her decision about attending, leave it at that. Your wedding is your special day. Do not allow yourself to be upset (or up-staged!) by a relative who will not or cannot put aside old wounds for a few hours. If a close family member or friend chooses not to share your special day, it is no reflection on you and your soon-to-be spouse. It will only change the joy of your occasion if you allow it to.

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No Means No! The Adults-Only Reception

Every bride must decide whether the invitations to married couples will also be extended to the couple’s children. There are good reasons for not allowing children at a wedding reception, but ultimately it is a decision of the bride and groom to allow or disallow children.

If you do not want children at your wedding, make this clear to your guests by addressing the invitation only to the couple. It’s improper to write “No Children” or “No Kids” on the invitation or an insert, however you may indicate that the reception is “Adults Only.” If your guests RSVP with their children included, you may have to let them know personally that the reception is meant for adults only. If guests insist, you may have to be firm in enforcing your policy. Family members can sometimes assist in convincing a reluctant guest to respect your wishes.

If you do not plan to include children in your invitations, you should exclude all children, including those who are part of your wedding party, and infants who are nursing. If you permit exceptions for some children and not others, guests who respected your wishes may be put off when they find some children at your reception. By not inviting your guests’ children, you do run the risk that your invited guests will decline your invitation. There’s nothing wrong with this, if you can accept this risk.

If couples must travel from some distance to attend your wedding and leaving the children at home is not an option, you may consider hiring a sitter to stay with the children while your guests attend your reception. This is somewhat easier to do if your reception is being held at or near a hotel. Parents of children who require a sitter can split the cost of a room for the evening, or the hotel may have a small meeting space that can accommodate children during your event. Your guests can check on their children as often as they feel it necessary, and still enjoy the reception.

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Wedding Speeches by the Best Man

After the wedding ceremony, the wedding party and guests usually attend a less formal wedding reception. This is a celebration where all who attended enjoy a reception dinner, wedding cake, dancing and spending time with the bride and groom on their first day as husband and wife. Few occasions bring about feelings of warmth, love and unity like those brought to the forefront when two people vow to spend their lives together. Being able to capture these emotions in wedding speeches may possibly be one of the high points of a wedding reception.

Traditionally, the father of the bride, the bridegroom and the best man are the ones to give wedding speeches. Today it is common for others in the wedding party to make a speech as well such as the bride, maid of honor, and the parents of the groom.

The first to speak is the father of the bride, followed by the bridegroom and then the best man. Infused with warmth and humor, this speech is often the most anticipated. If done correctly, wedding speeches by the best man are amusing and heartfelt, but remain tasteful as not to offend those present.

In years past, the maid of honor did not give a speech at the reception; therefore, the best man was viewed as the head of the wedding party. It was customary that he would speak on behalf of the wedding party and would thank the bridegroom for his kind words to the maid of honor and bridesmaids. It is also appropriate, if not required, for the best man to compliment both the bridegroom and bride on how wonderful they look and comment on the beautiful bride and how blessed the bridegroom is to have her by his side. Mentioning the overall success of the wedding is customary in wedding speeches by the best man as well.

After everyone has been acknowledged, then the real fun begins. Wedding speeches by the best man must be humorous. This is not only traditional, but it may have been the deciding factor in him being selected as best man. The bridegroom may have chosen him for this honor because he had faith that he could pull off a heartfelt and tastefully humorous wedding speech! This is not always an easy feat as some jokes may not be appropriate for older and younger generations. If the gentle ribbing is good-natured and special attention given not to offend, wedding speeches given by the best man are assured to be a success.

After the humorous teasing and heartfelt sentiment, it is the best man’s responsibility to relay messages and read e-mails from those who were unable to attend the wedding. The bride and groom should review these with the best man before the wedding reception to point out each person’s relationship to them. Wedding speeches by the best man should culminate with him once again complimenting the bride and toasting to the couple’s future happiness.

Wedding speeches given by the best man are often one of the high points of any wedding reception. For the speech to be customary it should contain certain elements. It needs to speak on behalf of the wedding party, be heartfelt and most of all, respectfully humorous.

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Romijn And O’Connell Say I Do

Model and actress Rebecca Romijn, 34, and actor Jerry O’Connell, 33, have married. The western-themed wedding took place on July 14 in 38°C temperatures at the couple’s home in Calabasas, CA. This is the second marriage for Romijn, and the first for O’Connell. The bride wore a white lace Ralph Lauren dress. The groom wore a gray suit.

According to People Magazine, the couple wed in front of about 100 family members and friends in a casual ceremony, and celebrated afterward with a barbecue dinner. Romijn and O’Connell first met in 2004, at a party in Las Vegas as Romijn was scouting locations for a documentary entitled Wet Dreams, about the fountains in that city. The couple announced their engagement in September 2005.

Romijn currently stars in ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and has recently appeared in the X-Men movie series. She is also known for her modeling work in several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and Victoria’s Secrets ads, and was previously married to actor John Stamos. They split in 2004 and their divorce was final in 2005.

O’Connell played Detective Woody Hoyt in “Crossing Jordan” which recently ended its six-year run. He also appeared in “Sliders” and “Jerry Maguire” among many other works.

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Love Verse

Love puts the fun in together,

The sad in apart,

The hope in tomorrow,

The joy in the heart.

~ by Anonymous ~

Keywords: Wedding Vows and Sayings, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Indoor or Outdoor Weddings

It’s another of those age-old questions a bride and groom face: indoors or outdoors? Regardless of your rationale, the choice almost always comes down to personal preference. An outdoor wedding may offer an unmatched view or a beautiful setting. It may also offer airplanes buzzing overhead, roadway noises, excessive heat or an unexpected downpour.

The practicality of an outdoor wedding also depends somewhat upon the season of the year. If you live in a perpetually sunny climate, the season may not make much difference in your plans. Otherwise, if you have your heart set on an outdoor affair, your wedding may need to wait for the most opportune weather.

The one circumstance in which you may not have a choice about where your ceremony takes place involves a religious wedding. If you plan to marry according to the customs of a particular religion, the indoor/outdoor question may be academic. Some denominations require that wedding ceremonies be performed inside the church building. In that case, your choice would be limited by the dictates of the denomination. Check with the person who will be officiating to see if there are restrictions on where the ceremony can be performed.

If you have no such restrictions, then the choice is yours. Churches often have a picturesque location for ceremonies. If you can find a place that is large enough to accommodate your guests, and is not negatively affected by wildlife, traffic noise, airplanes overhead or boats on a lake, an outdoor wedding may be ideal. Outdoor lighting will allow the photographer to take pictures of your wedding without having to use a distracting flash, and a beautiful, relaxed environment can make your wedding memorable. If insects may be a problem, citronella torches or other natural repellants may keep the bugs at bay while your wedding takes place.

If you can’t tolerate uncertainty, don’t plan an outdoor wedding. Many things will cause anxiety on your big day, and if you think you will devote excessive amounts of time to worrying about the weather and other elements you don’t control, an outdoor wedding is not for you. Indoor venues protect your ceremony and guests from traffic noise, wildlife, insects, inclement weather and uninvited observers. Indoor venues allow you to schedule your wedding year-round and usually provide some temperature control, so your venue is neither too hot nor too cold.

If you do plan an outdoor wedding, make a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Often, couples choose their reception site as their Plan B if the weather doesn’t come through for them. The size of the reception site and its ability to accommodate your wedding is something to keep in mind as you’re choosing the venues for your wedding.

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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

After the wedding is over, the real work begins! Thank you notes must be sent to all guests who attended the wedding, and to those who did not attend, but sent a gift. Read more about Thank You wording

Choosing a Wedding Reception Venue

When planning your wedding reception, the most important decision to make is where to hold it. What type of wedding reception venue should you choose? What amenities does it need to have? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

First and foremost, check to see that the wedding reception venue is available for the date of your wedding. Find out how many people the location can accommodate, as well as how many parking spaces are available for your guests. It is a good idea to ask about the function centre’s policies should you arrive late or need to stay longer than originally planned. If you are having both the wedding and the reception at the same venue, make sure that additional rooms are available for use as dressing rooms for the bridal party.

When looking at the room for your reception, check for amenities you will need. Is there equipment available for making speeches? If another event is scheduled before your reception, will there be adequate time for the band to set up and for you to decorate? If there are no events scheduled before yours, when will you be able to access the room to begin preparation? Some wedding reception venues will allow you to set up the morning of your wedding, or even the day before. Ask whether decorations are supplied for the event, and get a detailed list of items that will be provided. Don’t forget to inquire whether any kinds of decorations are prohibited, such as lighted candles, fireworks, or confetti.

If your wedding reception venue is outdoors, ask about alternate facilities that are available for you to use in case of bad weather. Keep an eye out for picturesque spots where you can have photos of the wedding party taken, too.

Some wedding reception venues require you to use services that they provide, such as catering and alcoholic beverage services. Be sure to find out about such requirements and the pricing of each level of service. Many function centres can either supply or recommend other services, too, such as a DJ or band, florists, photographers, and so forth. It is also common for a wedding reception venue to have special pricing arrangements with local hotels and cab companies for the convenience of your guests. Finally, you might wish to ask if the function centre offers baby-sitting services, or at least has a room available that could serve as a children’s area.

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Wedding Verse

Love me without fear
Trust me without questioning
Need me without demanding
Want me without restrictions
Accept me without change
Desire me without inhibitions
For a love so free….
Will never fly away.

~ by Dick Sutphen ~

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Disposable Wedding Cameras Enhance the Wedding Experience

Everyone loves a wedding. It is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate their love for one another and for the bride and groom. The wedding day should be forever immortalized in photographs and so the bride and groom hire a photographer. In addition, the bride and groom should purchase disposable wedding cameras to capture even more moments from the wedding day.

Disposable wedding cameras should be placed at every table. This can be one camera per table, one camera per couple, or one camera per family. It is up to the bride and groom how many disposable wedding cameras to purchase based on the expense as well as the expense of developing. Guests will be thrilled to see these cameras at their reception table and will likely begin snapping shots right away.

The best thing about disposable wedding cameras is that it gives the guests the opportunity to share their view of the wedding with the bride and groom. While the professional photographer is busy capturing the big moments such as the cake cutting and first dance, the wedding guests have the ability to capture more of the candid moments that the photographer simply doesn’t have the time to take. Just as the photographer cannot be everywhere at once, neither can the bride and groom. They will be busy with their guests and fulfilling wedding traditions. The bride and groom will be thrilled to see the candid photographs that their friends and family took with their disposable wedding cameras.

Another excellent reason to purchase disposable wedding cameras is to make sure that everyone is photographed. The bride and groom will want a complete set of memories from their wedding day. The professional photographer will be taking pictures of the families and bridal party, but may neglect to capture pictures of all of the guests. The bride and groom may not realise this right away, but will be very upset later when they realise there is no picture of someone important. Disposable wedding cameras give the guests the ability to take photographs at their own table and almost ensures that everyone’s photograph will be taken. This will be priceless to the bride and groom.

The ease of use of disposable wedding cameras is another reason to include them. They come completely ready to go in a wedding themed package and complete with flash. Once the wedding is complete, the bride and groom can have a collection box for the cameras or have someone collect them to drop them off for developing. The disposable wedding cameras will be developed before the bride and groom even return from their honeymoon!

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We Have An Announcement

Wedding announcements are a wonderful way to let friends and family know that you’ve gotten married, especially if you’ve eloped or had a small, quiet wedding. Do rules of etiquette apply when sending out wedding announcements, and if so, what are they? Read more about announcements

Wedding Cars that Make a Statement

On the day of the wedding, the bride will need transportation to the ceremony, then the bride and groom will ride together to the reception, and finally, they will make their departure after the reception. This should be done in a style that fits the wedding and personal style of the bride and groom. There are many different types of wedding cars to choose from that will make a statement.

When it comes to wedding cars, the standard has been a chauffer driven limousine. This is the ideal choice for a couple that is throwing a classic and simple wedding. It is also one of the least expensive options. For the bride and groom who are throwing an elegant and classic wedding, but want to go one step above the limousine, there is the option of the Rolls Royce. The Rolls Royce is an excellent upgrade from the limousine. It is classy, elegant, and classic. The bride and groom will make a true entrance arriving in one of these wedding cars.

Some couples have a wild streak to their personalities. Even if the wedding will be traditional, the bride and groom can make a big statement by choosing one of these exceptional wedding cars. The bride and groom with a fun personality can choose to drive away in a classic convertible. Everyone has seen the pictures with the bride’s veil streaming out behind her as the wind blows. This is a wonderful choice for the bride and groom who are also on a budget and the car can generally be rented for several days at an inexpensive price. A truly adventurous couple may choose to arrive and depart on a motorcycle and sidecar. Most brides are not this adventurous while wearing a big, white gown, but this will surely make the statement that the bride and groom imagined!

Some brides and grooms choose to travel with their entire bridal party. This has become quite popular and so the demand for larger wedding cars has been met. One of these wedding cars is the traditional stretch limousine. Again, this is for a classic wedding. The couple that wants to make a truly unique entrance may choose to rent a stretch SUV such as an Escalade. These wedding cars will accommodate a lot of people while the guests look on in awe. This is one of the most expensive options and therefore will make that impression. Finally, there is always the option of choosing the wedding bus. This is generally a short bus that is fitted with comfortable seating and upgrades that would be expected for a wedding vehicle. Each of these wedding cars will allow the bride and groom to travel in style with their entire wedding party.

Among all of the decisions that the bride and groom must make while wedding planning, choosing from the options of wedding cars is one of the most fun. The couple can choose a car that befits their personal styles while meeting their specific needs. The choices for wedding cars are almost limitless!

Keywords: Wedding Cars, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Quotation

Your voice makes me tremble inside
And your smile is an invitation
For my imagination to go wild.
~ by Anonymous ~

Keywords: Wedding Vows and Sayings, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Wedding Speeches by the Father of the Bride

Wedding speeches given by the father of the bride, or the bride’s parent’s speech, are traditionally the first speech given at a wedding reception. Of all the wedding speeches given, the father of the bride speech is usually the most touching and sentimental. The symbolic gesture of “giving his daughter away” at the wedding ceremony is often a bittersweet event for a father. Wedding speeches that are able to capture and convey these bittersweet emotions will stir hearts and create a fond memory that will not soon be forgotten. Although wedding speeches should be spoken from the heart, there are customary elements that should be included in a bride’s parent’s speech.

Wedding speeches given by the father of the bride or another individual substituting in their place, should be between seven to ten minutes long. This will ensure that time is allotted for others giving wedding speeches. The speech should begin with an opening statement such as a humorous anecdote or letting those in attendance know that he is slightly nervous about giving a speech. After the opening line, the speaker should thank those who financially contributed to the wedding, those involved in its planning and organization and everyone for attending.

The bride’s father speech should also include observations about the wedding itself. This could be a comment on how beautiful the wedding turned out to be, how happy and in love the couple appear to be or relaying an amusing event leading up to the wedding. Additional sentiments pertaining to his role as a father to the bride such as preparing the speech, giving his daughter away and the joy the day has brought him can also be conveyed in wedding speeches.

Wedding speeches by the father of the bride would not be complete without affectionate sentiments spoken to and about his daughter. These words need to be spoken from the heart and can include how beautiful she looks, how proud he is of her, and the happiness she has brought to his life. This part of the speech can be light hearted as well by gently poking fun at his daughter and speaking about the special bond they hold. He should take this opportunity to let his daughter know that she is loved and cared for deeply and although she is a married woman, she will always remain his “little girl”.

Other elements that can be included in wedding speeches by the father of the bride are information about the bride and groom’s relationship and romance such as how they met, when he first noticed that his daughter was in love, how well suited the couple are for one another and his reaction to the news of their engagement. The speech can be concluded by expressing confidence in their relationship and wishing them success and happiness as they begin a new chapter as man and wife.

Wedding speeches given by the father of the bride are beautiful and sentimental as the father speaks of his love for his daughter and his wish for the newly wedded couple’s future happiness. Giving a speech can be stressful regardless the event. Knowing what is customary in a father of the bride speech can help to make it a speech that will not soon be forgotten by those in attendance.

Keywords: Wedding Speeches, Weddingblog, Wedding
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A Lesson in Wedding Etiquette: Preparing Your Wedding Invitations

At first, you might be wondering if you have a need for wedding invitations at all. After all, you might want to trim your wedding costs, and invitations may seem as if they’re an unnecessary expense. Read more about Wedding Etiquette

Satchel Bomboniere Boxes

There are few occasions in your lifetime that will remain fondly etched in your memory. Your wedding, the day that you and your beloved will begin your lives together as man and wife is one of these momentous events. In order to make it a day to remember, not only for you and your beloved, but also for your wedding guests, it is imperative to strive for perfection when planning your wedding.

After you have decided on a particular style and theme for your wedding, it is necessary to find and purchase wedding essentials that coincide and compliment your theme. The list may appear daunting from picking out your wedding dress, cake, flowers, wedding and reception venues, invitations and bomboniere boxes. Of the numerous wedding necessities, bomboniere boxes are the one purchase that conveys to your guests your appreciation and gratitude for their attendance at your wedding.

Bomboniere boxes are wedding staples that have been utilised as a gesture of appreciation to those who attended a couple’s wedding for centuries. The first trinket or bomboniere boxes were commonly given amongst European aristocrats and were constructed of crystal, precious stones and porcelain. The wedding favors in the trinket boxes were sugar cubes and other delicate confections that represented wealth and royalty. Sugar was expensive and highly valued by the wealthy during this time period. As this commodity decreased in price, those of lesser means were able to incorporate the tradition of giving bomboniere boxes to wedding guests as well.

In recent times, bomboniere boxes have taken on many different forms and are made of various materials. Although sweet confections or five sugared almonds, given to represent health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life for the newly married couple, are still used as gifts in bomboniere boxes, today, the favors are more diverse such as dried flowers, candles, and individually wrapped chocolates. Wedding favors are only limited by your imagination. There is now the option to choose gifts based on the theme of your wedding.

If you want to add a splash of understated elegance to your wedding décor than satchel bomboniere boxes may be exactly what you are searching for. Satchel bomboniere boxes come in an array of colours and are constructed of both sturdy paper material and plastic. These delicate wedding favor boxes are accented with a ribbon tied in a bow or knot to compliment the colour of the bomboniere boxes. Powder blue bomboniere boxes accented with a cream ribbon may be perfect if you are looking for a more subdued colour palate. If a dramatic splash of colour is desired to add drama to the traditional wedding colours of ivory, cream and white, bomboniere boxes in bright colours such as red, purple, blue, and orange are available. Beautiful prints are also available that add a unique and customized nuance to satchel bomboniere boxes.

Satchel bomboniere boxes also come in transparent plastic, which are complimented by a lovely ribbon in the colour of your choice. Due to the transparency of the plastic, the gift inside the satchel bomboniere boxes is easily seen. This allows for more creativity as the presentation of the gift inside the box adds to the overall exquisiteness of the satchel bomboniere boxes.

Regardless if you chose transparent plastic or sturdy paper, satchel bomboniere boxes can be personalised with the name of you and your beloved and the date of your wedding. This can be placed on the bomboniere boxes themselves or on the ribbon. What better keepsake for your guests than satchel bomboniere boxes inscribed with your names and the date of your special day?

Bomboniere boxes have been given as a token of appreciation to wedding guests for centuries. These gifts not only convey your gratitude, but can also compliment any wedding décor. If you are aiming to create an elegant motif for your wedding, than satchel bomboniere boxes would fit perfectly.

Keywords: Bomboniere Boxes, Weddingblog, Wedding
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What To Expect When Your Bridesmaid Is Expecting

So, you’re marching through your wedding plans when one of your bridesmaids announces that she’s pregnant. This could be a tough situation. What should you do?

There was a time when pregnant women didn’t go out much after they started showing, but those days are in the distant past. It’s not uncommon for a bridesmaid or the maid/matron of honor to discover a pregnancy after agreeing to be in your wedding. It’s not a cause for panic.

If the bridesmaid believes she can stand up in your wedding in her expectant state, go with the flow. This kind of “bump” poses no problem for many brides. Bridal gown manufacturers often have dress lines that can accommodate or even flatter a pregnant bridesmaid. If you haven’t already chosen a dress, consider choosing an A-line style or a dress with an empire waist to accommodate your expecting bridesmaid.

Alternately, if you’re comfortable with doing so, allow your bridesmaids to pick out their own dresses in the color of your choice, or in complementary colors. Remember, there’s no rule that says all bridesmaids need to dress alike. Friends come in all shapes and sizes, and finding one style that fits all redefines the word “challenge!”

If you’ve already purchased the bridesmaids dresses, talk to the people at the dress shop to see if they can offer suggestions or advice. They may be able to modify the dress of your choice to accommodate your pregnant pal. Most dress shop owners are also talented seamstresses, and can make a dress that complements your original selection.

You may have to compromise on shoes. Pregnant women tend to swell a bit, especially in their feet and ankles, and moreso as their due dates approach. If you haven’t already purchased shoes, wait until you’re closer to your wedding date to go shoe shopping. Pregnant women sometimes have a hard time maintaining their balance. Do your pregnant bridesmaid a favor and avoid choosing high heels. (The rest of your wedding party might appreciate that as well!)

If your bridesmaid chooses to withdraw from your wedding party, or complications from her pregnancy prevent her from participating, don’t feel hurt or angry. She would be there for you if she could, but her situation won’t permit it. If she withdraws early on, you should be able to find a stand-in for her. If her withdrawal is late in the game, you may not have a choice but to go with a lopsided wedding party. If you’re worried about a procession not working out because of an absent bridesmaid, have the Best Man stand at the altar with the groom and have your maid/matron-of-honor escorted down the aisle by one of the ushers.

Keywords: Wedding Planning, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Wedding Cakes on a Budget

Wedding cakes are one of the traditions that everyone looks forward to at a wedding. Will the bride and groom feed each other nice and sweet or smear the cake on the other’s face? Regardless of how the bride and groom choose to handle this situation, one thing is always standard and that is the beauty of all wedding cakes. In this day and age, weddings are becoming more and more expensive and wedding cakes are no exception. It is possible to serve a beautiful cake while maintaining a budget.

The majority of wedding cakes are priced based on a per person amount. This is obviously subjective based on what the baker feels is a standard size for a single slice of cake. The baker will ask approximately how many guests the cake will be feeding. This will determine the size of the cake and the number of tiers. Regardless of what the baker suggests, the bride and groom always have the final decision on the size of the cake.

One of the best ways to save money on wedding cakes is to have a single, small cake for show and several sheet cakes to cut for the guests. The wedding cake can be any size and any number of tiers, but may still not be enough to feed all guests. Many couples choose this option, even when budget is not a factor. The bride and groom will have a beautiful cake in order to cut and feed each other. The guests will not notice or care that they are not eating the same cake as the bride and groom. This is one of the easiest ways to save on wedding cakes.

Another option for couples on a budget is to have cupcakes rather than traditional wedding cakes. This is not only a great way to save money, but it is also a very popular option and can be done beautifully. It is unique and different and can enhance the beauty of the wedding. The cupcakes are generally arranged in tiers similar to wedding cakes. Each guest will receive an individual cupcake. This saves on having to pay the fee for cake cutting as well as paying for a large, expensive cake. This is perfect for the bride and groom on a budget.

When the time comes to choose from all of the available wedding cakes, the bride and groom need to stick to their budget. This means passing up some of the fancier options and going for simplicity. This can be done and the bakery will work with the couple and within the budget as long as the budget is reasonable. The cake will still be professional and beautiful but may not be extravagant.

Wedding cakes are not only delicious, but it is fun to choose the flavors and style. The bride and groom on a budget should make sure to try out several bakeries and get quotes. This is also a great way to taste yummy wedding cakes from different bakers. Each bakery will also offer designs that are unique to their bakery. These suggestions should make it much easier for the couple to choose from their options of wedding cakes while maintaining their budget.

Keywords: Wedding Cakes, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Wedding Invitations - The Five Most Common Mistakes

You’ve probably heard your share of wedding disaster stories over the years the wedding in which a wayward dog jumped into the wedding cake or the one where the bride forgot her pricey veil on the way to the ceremony. Read more about common wedding invitation mistakes

What to Include in the Bridegroom Wedding Speech

The bridegroom wedding speech is a highlight of the wedding. This is the opportunity to thank all of the most important people as well as share some romantic and humorous stories. The bridegroom wedding speech should last around five minutes. This is enough time to thank everyone as well as provide enough stories to be interesting. It is important to remember that there are key points to be made during the bridegroom wedding speech.

The bridegroom wedding speech should be witty and lighthearted. The bridegroom can share stories about how he and his bride met, perhaps a humorous date they shared, or anything that is romantic, humorous, and endearing. It is important that the bridegroom wedding speech expresses true love for his new bride without going overboard, sharing too much information, or being boring.

One of the most important reasons for the bridegroom wedding speech is to thank the plethora of people who have impacted the wedding and lives of the bride and groom. The bridegroom should first thank the parents of the bride, thanking them for hosting a lovely wedding, as well as thanking them for allowing him to marry their beautiful daughter. This part of the bridegroom wedding speech is a sign of respect.

The bridegroom wedding speech should also include a special thank you to his own parents for supporting him throughout his life. The bridegroom should also thank the wedding officiant as well as anyone who played a major role in planning the wedding. The bridegroom wedding speech should also include a thank you to the best man. Any of these special thanks can include a short story about the wedding planning process or why these people are so special.

The bridegroom wedding speech must include a thank you for the bride. She is agreeing to spend the rest of her life with one man. He should feel humbled and honoured and he should express that in his bridegroom wedding speech.

Finally, it is tradition for the bridegroom wedding speech to end with a thank you to the bridesmaids for all their help in planning the wedding and being there for the bride. The bridegroom wedding speech ends with a toast to the bridesmaids!

Keywords: Wedding Speeches, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Give Wedding Cake Boxes so Guests Can Take a Treat Home

Wedding cake boxes are becoming very popular. Wedding guests are often urged to take home some of the leftover wedding cake, since there is always leftover wedding cake. This can be a bit problematic without wedding cake boxes, so it is a good idea to plan ahead. Planning ahead allows the bride and groom the chance to choose wedding cake boxes that are attractive.

There are several different options when it comes to wedding cake boxes. This is so that the bride and groom have the ability to choose wedding cake boxes that match with their chosen theme or colour scheme. There are even some options that will match with a theme, such as Asian takeout boxes for an Asian themed wedding. These wedding cake boxes are also available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any needs the couple may have. These boxes are designed to fit the occasion perfectly!

There are some extras that can be added to the wedding cake boxes in order to make them even more beautiful and personal. These can be personalised. The couple can consider having their names and wedding date added to the wedding cake boxes. In addition, the bride and groom should use ribbon to tie off the boxes. Most likely, this will require the staff at the reception venue to prepare the wedding cake boxes for the guests to take home. Make sure that the ribbon size is proportionate to the size of the box. Also consider whether plain ribbon or personalised ribbon would be best.

Wedding cake boxes are not a necessity when it comes to wedding planning, but they exude an elegance that is above and beyond standard wedding extras. These wedding cake boxes are a wonderful addition and enhance the overall quality of any wedding!

Keywords: Bomboniere Boxes, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Disposable Wedding Cameras Capture the Unexpected

The bride and groom have many important decisions to make when choosing their wedding vendors and one of the most important is the photographer. The photographer is going to capture all of the most important moments of the wedding day. The photographer, as a professional, knows exactly where to be at the appropriate time in order to snap all of the most important pictures. Many brides feel that this is a reason to save the expense of purchasing disposable wedding cameras, but disposable wedding cameras are actually going to bring the wedding photos to a whole new level!

Disposable wedding cameras are generally placed at every table during the wedding reception. The number of cameras at each table is up to the bride and groom. The point of these disposable wedding cameras is so that the guests have the opportunity to take photographs from their point of view. The guests will capture the most important moments from different angles and perspectives than the professional photographer. This makes disposable wedding cameras a wonderful addition to the wedding reception.

Disposable wedding cameras are going to give the bride and groom some of the best candid photographs from the wedding. Since the guests will have free reign over the photos they choose to take. Since the photographer is going to be busy with the bride and groom, there will likely be few pictures of the guests. This is something that will bother the bride and groom for years after their wedding. By giving out disposable wedding cameras to the guests, there will be plenty of photographs of the guests from their table as well as many candid shots that will likely become favorites of the bride and groom.

Disposable wedding cameras bring the wedding photographs to an entirely different level. The professional wedding photographs will forever be treasured and displayed proudly in an album as well as framed on the wall. These candid shots from the disposable wedding cameras will also be treasured, framed, displayed, and shared with all of the wedding guests. These pictures are perfect for giving to guests after the wedding as a thank you for attending. They are capturing the wedding through their own eyes and will be thrilled to have a memory from the wedding that is their very own.

The most important reason to purchase disposable wedding cameras is because the bride and groom cannot be everywhere at once. They are being pulled in every direction for photo opportunities as well as by excited friends and family who want to wish them well. The disposable wedding cameras give the bride and groom a chance to see the moments that they may have missed while they were busy elsewhere. These photographs can be priceless!

Disposable wedding cameras are a wonderful addition to every wedding! They allow for the guests to show the bride and groom what a wonderful time they had at the wedding while sharing their own perspective. There will be unexpected candid photographs and moments the bride and groom may have missed. These disposable wedding cameras can bring the bride and groom even more joy once the wedding is over!

Keywords: Wedding Cameras, Weddingblog, Wedding
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You’re Getting Married Where?

The majority of couples who plan weddings choose to have their celebration close to home, giving friends and family the option of attending without taking on too many expenses. An emerging trend, however, is the so-called “destination wedding” which takes place in an exotic location and may be attended by (usually) a small group of family members and friends. Usually, the bride and groom have the wedding and honeymoon in one place.

Couples choose an exotic destination for any number of reasons: they don’t want to plan a large wedding; they are attracted to the romance of a faraway place; they’re marrying for the Nth time and don’t want a big ceremony… the list goes on.

If you plan to marry in a foreign country, how should you go about planning such a wedding and what do you need to consider?

You’ll need to do some investigation up front to learn about the requirements for a legal and valid marriage in the destination of your choice. Since 1 January 1995, Australia has recognised marriages conducted elsewhere, as long as the marriage meets the legal requirements for marriage in the place in which the marriage was performed. Australians are no longer required to marry at the Australian Embassy or Consular offices and consular officials no longer perform marriages.

Nonetheless, do not make any assumptions about what constitutes a legal marriage in the destination of your choice. Make contact with your Consulate or Embassy in the country in which you plan to marry. They will have updated information on what you will need to do to have your marriage recognised when you return home. Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with validating or translating foreign documents.

If you plan a religious wedding, ask the officiant about the requirements for a legal marriage. A religious ceremony doesn’t always double as a legal marriage. You may also need to register for a marriage license with a town clerk, supply health papers, or have a civil ceremony performed while you are in town. Find out how long it will take to arrange for the necessary paperwork and what information you’ll need to supply. Don’t wait until the last minute to make these plans. If it normally takes two weeks to process an application, you could return home empty-handed!

If you plan to have a wedding at a hotel or resort, you may find that the location has an event planner on staff to help you with the details of the ceremony itself. If not, you may need to contract the services of a wedding planner who is experienced with planning exotic weddings or who is located in the destination you’ve chosen.

If you would like to have family and friends attend, you’ll need to supply notice well in advance of your wedding. They may need to save money or arrange for a passport, all of which can take a significant amount of time. Dresses, tuxedos and other trappings may need to be brought along or shipped in advance. When it comes to weddings, guests usually pay for their own transportation and lodging, but a trip to an exotic location may go beyond the means of your invitees. If you have family members or friends that you definitely want in attendance, you may have to subsidize their trip.

When you return home, you’ll need to supply documented proof that a marriage has taken place. When you’re researching your wedding destination, find out how long you can expect to wait to receive the proper documentation after your ceremony. This is an important step, since any legal benefits of marriage in your home country may not kick in until you can produce hard evidence of your wedding. Understand that you may have to wait to change your name or transfer the title to property until you can prove that you and your intended have tied the knot.

Many couples or their families host a reception back at home after the wedding has taken place. These events allow friends and family who could not attend the ceremony a chance to share their good wishes with the bride and groom. These events aren’t normally as formal as a traditional wedding reception may be and may also be significantly smaller in attendance. Other couples choose to send wedding announcements that simply tell friends and family that they’ve gotten married. Announcements are usually sent in the weeks following the wedding. There’s no requirement that these go out immediately upon the couple’s return.

If a destination wedding is in your future, leave plenty of time to plan; do your homework on the local laws and customs; make sure your wedding is recognised as legal and valid wherever it takes place and above all else, get your documentation! If you have any lingering doubts about the legality of a foreign wedding, arrange for a civil ceremony before (or after) your trip to seal the deal.

Keywords: Wedding Planning, Weddingblog, Wedding
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The Perfect Wedding Thank You Wording

Wedding thank you wording is very important. The bride and groom need to thank all of their guests for attending their wedding as well as for any gifts they might have received. Thank you cards should also be sent to those people who were unable to attend the wedding but did send a gift. The wedding thank you wording needs to be sincere and friendly. Read more about thank you wording

Helpful Tips on Creating Wedding Speeches

Giving a speech is a common fear held by many. This can be a stress-inducing event that causes your heart to race, your palms to sweat, and your voice to shake. These unpleasant reactions to stress can make giving wedding speeches appear insurmountable. The best defense to any stressful situation is to be as prepared as possible to face the obstacle. If asked to give a speech at a loved one’s wedding, it is crucial to become knowledgeable about what sentiments are usually conveyed in wedding speeches, how long the speech should be and what not to say or do.

Traditionally, only three wedding speeches were given at a wedding reception. These were wedding speeches by the parents of the bride, bridegroom and the best man. Today, others in the wedding party are opting to step up to the podium and give wedding speeches such as the bride, maid of honour and parents of the groom. However, the couple can ask anyone they choose to give a speech at their wedding reception as new traditions are being included with older more established traditions.

Wedding speeches should be fairly short and last between 3 to 5 minutes long. Non-traditional speeches do not have established expectations like those given by the parents of the bride, bridegroom and best man. If you are not one of these individuals, but you have been asked to give a speech, this allows for more creativity since there is no prescribed format. Although this allows for more artistic expression, it may be stressful if you are unsure of what to say and what is appropriate.

When composing wedding speeches certain elements should be included. First, it is important to convey your appreciation. You could simply express your gratitude for being included in the wedding party, being asked to give a speech or simply being invited to be a part of the couple’s special day.

Next, your attention should be focused on the newlyweds. You could speak of fond memories or special times that were shared with the bride or groom. This is the part of your speech where you can be humorous or sentimental depending on your style and personality. It is important to remember if you decide to share a fond memory or funny escapade that you do not unwittingly embarrass or humiliate the bride or groom. Wedding speeches should only include jokes and sentiments that are appropriate for various age groups from small children to grandparents and older relatives of the bride and groom.

Most wedding speeches include compliments directed toward the newlyweds and the overall success of the wedding. Take time to state how beautiful the bride looks or how stunning the groom looks in his tuxedo. Compliment those who helped to make the wedding a day to remember such as the couples’ parents and those in the wedding party.

Your speech can culminate with words of wisdom regarding building a lasting and loving relationship, a meaningful quote or fitting poem. Wedding speeches usually end with a toast being offered to the couple’s health and happiness and a short toast to the next speaker.

This is a basic outline of what is customary in wedding speeches. However, if you are not one of the traditional speakers such as the parents of the bride, bridegroom or best man there is no prescribed format on what is expected in your speech. This will allow for more creative expression as you add your own special touch to make your speech unique and personal. In order to craft a well-presented heartfelt speech, it is also important to know what is customarily said in wedding speeches so yours will compliment the others. Another important tip is to practice your speech before the big day to help relieve pre-wedding speeches gitters!

Keywords: Helpful Tips on Creating Wedding Speeches, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Wedding Invitation Wording Essentials

There are certain essentials when it comes to wedding invitation wording. Guests need the right information in order to plan for their trip. This information is all supplied with the wedding invitation wording. Read more about wedding invitation wording essentials

History of the Wedding Cake

Almost nobody can imagine their wedding day without a special wedding cake to make the celebration complete. The tradition of having a cake at weddings goes back hundreds of years to medieval Europe, and likely even beyond.

Wedding cakes have probably been around since ancient Greece and Rome flourished. In ancient Greece, sesame and honey cakes may have been served to (or even thrown at) the new couple to promote fertility. In Rome, bread was shared by the bride and groom and then broken over the bride’s head, also in the hopes of ensuring fertility and good fortune. Guests would try to catch the crumbs as they fell to the ground, desiring to share in the couple’s good luck. This may have been the beginning of the modern tradition of giving a small slice of wedding cake to each guest in attendance.

In medieval times, the bride and groom did not supply the wedding cake. Rather, each wedding guest brought a small cake or bun to contribute to the festivities. The many cakes were stacked up high in layers. It was considered good luck if the bride and groom could kiss over the top of the stack without toppling them over. (It’s from this custom that we probably inherited the tradition of using a kissing-bride-and-groom cake topper, too.)

Over time, these many-layered wedding cakes gave way to the typical tiered cakes that are found at weddings today. It is possible that these tiers evolved from the shape of the spire from a famous medieval church. St. Bride’s Church in London was designed by Christopher Wren, and an ingenious baker decided to create a cake in the form of the famous landmark. The cake was a hit, and people have copied it ever since.

The white icing that is typical of today’s wedding cakes gained precedence in Victorian England. While white has long been a symbol of purity (and thus of the bride’s virginal state), Queen Victoria helped popularize bridal white. Her lavish wedding in 1840 boasted a wedding cake that weighed 300 pounds and was adorned with flowers. Amazingly, a piece of this cake is still on display at Windsor Castle!

Wedding cakes are a tradition that have lasted for centuries and will no doubt endure for hundreds of years more. By choosing your own wedding cake, you, too, will take part in this wonderful tradition.

Keywords: History of the Wedding Cake, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Wedding Insurance: When A Piece of the Rock Is Better Than Nothing At All

This isn’t news, but weddings are expensive! Insuring a wedding is becoming more common as the cost of weddings increase. A wedding insurance policy will cover the costs associated with cancellations and losses incurred when a wedding doesn’t go off as planned.

Horror stories abound, but sometimes circumstances require that a planned wedding be moved or cancelled. The reception venue burns down three days before the wedding. A wedding dress is lost in transit, or the bridal shop goes out of business before the dresses can be delivered. A sudden family illness forces the cancellation or postponement of the wedding. Any of these events can prompt a couple who has thousands of dollars at stake to call a halt to the Big Day.

Finding a new venue that can hold 300 people four days before the wedding can be painful and downright expensive. Without wedding insurance, the loss is absorbed by the couple or whomever is paying for the wedding. With the average wedding cost at approximately $30,000, it’s understandable why some couples who are sparing no expense, are also taking no chances.

Granted, the likelihood of something going wrong before the big day is small. Every wedding has its little aggravations, but in most cases, the wrinkles get smoothed, the problem gets solved and the show goes on as planned. So, should you buy wedding insurance? The consensus among nervous brides is an emphatic “Yes!” but realistically, insurance is another expense in an already expensive game. Policies will run anywhere between $100 and $600, depending upon what’s covered and what the risk of loss is.

If you decide to go the insurance route, talk to several carriers before settling on a policy. But act quickly! The earlier you settle on a policy, the better, since deposits for venues, dresses, the cake, and services like photography and videography must be made well in advance of the event. And understand exactly what the policy covers, what’s excluded and whether an additional rider is required for certain services or situations.

Keywords: Wedding Insurance, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Choosing A Wedding Celebrant

July 5, 2007

A wedding celebrant is the person who conducts your wedding ceremony and legalizes your marriage. A professional wedding celebrant can help you choose your style of wedding ceremony, or design one of your own creations. Finding a celebrant you trust and feel a good rapport with is crucial, since this person will direct the most important and memorable part of your wedding day. While many wedding ceremonies are still performed by religious officials, more than half of weddings in Australia are now overseen by a wedding celebrant.

You should begin your search for a wedding celebrant many months in advance. Good celebrants are often booked up well ahead of time. Saturday afternoon is the most popular time to hold a wedding, so if you wish to have yours then, be aware that a celebrant may be difficult to find. It may be a good idea to have alternate times in mind, especially if you wish to book a specific celebrant.

One excellent way to find a wedding celebrant is to ask friends and family for recommendations. There are also organisations of professional celebrants, such as the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants. Many celebrants have won awards in their profession, and have testimonials that you may read from previous couples.

When interviewing a potential celebrant, ask about issues that are important to you. Perhaps you would like to have family or friends participate in the service, or you’d like to incorporate aspects of your cultural background. A good wedding celebrant will be open to suggestion and will help you plan a wedding based on your preferences. Many celebrants will be able to help you write your vows and select appropriate poetry or readings, as they often have a wide selection of examples to browse. Be sure to ask whether the celebrant has a public address system available, if one is needed. Some wedding celebrants even supply music if requested.

A wedding celebrant’s fee is determined by a number of factors, such as how many times you wish to meet before the ceremony, whether you will hold a rehearsal, and how much planning he or she contributes to the event. Naturally, the more time the celebrant spends on your wedding ceremony, the higher the fee will be. As with any service, however, choosing the least expensive celebrant is not necessarily a good idea. You may wish to meet with several celebrants before choosing one whom you feel comfortable with as a couple.

Keywords: Wedding Celebrants, Weddingblog, Wedding
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July 5, 2007

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July 5, 2007

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July 4, 2007

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Personalised Bomboniere Boxes

July 4, 2007

You can probably count on one hand occasions where the entire event is fondly remembered down to the minutest of details. Your wedding day will almost assuredly be one of these occasions. You will want your wedding day to be perfect as it will be a day remembered for a lifetime. If you are not well versed in wedding “dos and don’ts” or are unable to hire a wedding planner, the ability to both plan and execute a flawless wedding may appear impossible. However, with proper planning and forethought the wedding of your dreams will be well within your reach.

Before making any decisions or purchasing wedding accessories, it is crucial to have in mind a style or theme you are wanting to create for your wedding. Once this has been firmly established, you can decide on a wedding dress, wedding and reception venues, invitations, flowers and bomboniere boxes that best coincide and accent your carefully chosen wedding theme.

One wedding accessory that should not be overlooked when planning your wedding are
bomboniere boxes. These are wedding favors or gifts given as a gesture of gratitude to those who attended your wedding. The tradition of distributing bomboniere boxes to wedding guests is an old one. The first bomboniere boxes were believed to be crafted from porcelain, crystal and precious stones; the contents of which contained sugar cubes or fine confections. Giving bomboniere boxes at wedding ceremonies were a common practice amongst European aristocrats and the sugar cubes and other delicate confections symbolized wealth and royalty.

As sugar became more affordable, distributing wedding favors were incorporated into wedding ceremonies of veryone. Sugar cubes were soon replaced by almonds and in the thirteenth century, sugar coated almonds or confetti were introduced as wedding favors. Confetti was later transformed to Jordan almonds, which are still a popular gift given to guests in modern day weddings.

Whatever theme you have chosen for your wedding, there are bomboniere boxes available to fit it perfectly. Today, bomboniere boxes are constructed from various materials and come in numerous designs. Most bomboniere boxes are made of plastic, sturdy paper products, stainless steel, and organza and tulle fabrics. The designs of bomboniere boxes are practically endless from cubes, pillow boxes, hearts, treasure chests, satchels, carry boxes, noodle and hexagonal boxes to name just a few.

Once you have chosen the perfect bomboniere boxes to compliment your wedding theme, you can have them personalised with the name of you and your beloved and the date of your special day. This can be inscribed on the bomboniere boxes themselves or on the ribbon. The inscription is done in gold foil and adds a sophisticated touch to any wedding motif. What better way for your wedding guests to remember this special occasion than by having a keepsake that is personalised with your names and the date of your wedding?

When planning your wedding you want to insure that it will be a day to remember, not only for you and your beloved, but for all those who helped to make the day special. Regardless if you decide on a traditional or non-traditional wedding, or your style is sophisticated, classy, elegant, or down-to-earth; there are bomboniere boxes that will thoroughly compliment your taste and wedding theme. By giving personalised bomboniere boxes, your wedding guests will have a keepsake to remember your special day for a lifetime.

Keywords: Bomboniere Boxes, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Second Hand Rose?

July 4, 2007

An article about second weddings which appeared earlier this week in USA Today has generated a lot of discussion. The second wedding, as it turns out, is a hot-button topic. The likelihood of being invited to a second wedding is high and grows as time goes on. According to the article, a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 54 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 are likely to remarry within five years of a divorce, and 75 percent are likely to remarry within ten years of parting company with a former spouse.

As it turns out, the trouble occurs when a second-time spouse marries someone who’s never married before, and the first time bride or groom would like a big, traditional wedding. The flap is no longer about what colour the bride wears, but whether or not a second wedding puts an undue burden on guests who attended a lavish wedding for the bride or groom the first time around.

The stickiness can also carry over to the wedding party. Many second time brides, and those marrying later in life, have discovered that friends who stood up in a first wedding, or who seem to be a natural choice for a wedding party, are declining the invitation because they don’t want to deal with the expense, the personal politics and surprisingly, the diet regimen! “Been there, done that!” carries the day among older women.

As a sign of the times, many women who are planning second or third weddings consult periodicals like Bride Again and Encore Bride, two staples in the growing second-wedding industry. These online periodicals are filled with tips for planning (and feeling good about) a second trip down the aisle. The magazines offer helpful advice ranging from tackling tough family issues to avoiding ceremonial faux pas - don’t invite a former spouse, don’ t recycle dresses or rings, and don’t put on a new engagement ring before the divorce is final.

Keywords: Second Marriages, Weddingblog, Wedding
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Traditional Wedding Invitations

July 3, 2007

When preparing invitations for your traditional wedding, there are many customs to follow. Read more about traditional wedding invitations

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July 3, 2007

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Traditional Apache Prayer

July 3, 2007

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be a shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness for you;
for each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,
but there is only one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,
to enter into your days together.

And may your days be good
and long on the earth.

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And Do You, Mary, Take This Blender…?

July 2, 2007

An item in a recent advice column caught my eye. A couple had RSVP’d to the wedding of two casual acquaintances, but decided that they no longer wanted to attend after having dinner with the soon-to-be-married pair. While at dinner, the engaged couple revealed that they had registered for expensive wedding gifts with the intention of returning them for cash. The bride-to-be had also issued several unflattering remarks about a shower gift they’d received (and returned), and even groused about the giver not buying off of the couple’s registry, not realising that the dinner companions had been the givers of the unwanted shower gift. The invited guests’ question was about the best way to retract their RSVP.

In the online edition of one paper in which the column was run, readers abandoned the obvious discussion and instead engaged in a spirited debate over whether it was a good idea to buy gifts not listed on the gift registry. The debate was somewhat heated, and by the end of the day, it was clear that most people (including the bride and groom in the story) had lost track of the idea that a gift registry is not an order form, but merely a set of suggestions. Gift-givers are under no obligation at all to buy items from the registry. While a gift registry is a convenience for guests, some people actually prefer to pick out gifts that reflect both the tastes and good wishes of the giver. In the day of computer-generated gift lists complete with barcode scans of the items on the list, purchasing personalised gifts is quickly becoming a lost art. Marrying couples would do well to remember that some of their guests actually took the time to select a gift they thought the recipients would enjoy. After all, it’s still the thought that counts.

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