tips for the weds

Getting married is a truly exciting time for the happy couple and that excitement can lead to a very expensive occasion but it doesn't have to be like that. You can get married for less with these cheap wedding ideas.

There are many ways to limit your total spend on the wedding, just because you have a budget does not mean it has to be a dull day.

You can have a wonderful day, which of course it should be and still not break the bank. Remember the point of getting married, it is because you want to be with your partner and to show your devotion in a formal manner.

Flashy weddings are for the celebrities who feel the need to impress their friends and the glossy magazines so leave them to it. A British newspaper recently featured couples who got married for less than £500, do they love each other any less? I do not believe so.

Probably the single most expensive item for the day will be the wedding dress. This is also one of the most important items to the bride, men, take note you will have to take a back seat here. You can trim the cost if you try, by looking at used wedding dress, gasp, horror, used wedding dress? OK, lets take a look at it from this angle, many brides will marry in a vintage wedding dress, for vintage read secondhand.

A used wedding gown can be bought from many places and when you consider it has probably only been worn once if at all then a slightly less expensive dress can be a great saving. You can buy fabulous wedding dresses online so check it out.

The next items are the rings, huge diamonds may look impressive but a plain gold band will be more practical, less likely to lose a stone and be cheaper to insure! Remember it is not the size of the diamond but the size of the heart that gives it.

The wedding breakfast can be made cheaper by inviting a small gathering of family and close friends, wedding venues make a fair amount of money out of catering for weddings so reduce the number of guests and you reduce the cost. If you want a big party for everyone that you have ever met, do it after the honeymoon at a cheaper venue. You will be more relaxed then anyway and probably enjoy it more.

The wedding cake does not have to be a massive commercially made one, if you have a friend who loves cooking ask her to make one, it will make her day and probably be tastier.

A major expense will be the honeymoon if you let it. Think ahead, holidays vary considerably in price throughout the year so if you are set on a couple of weeks in the Caribbean plan your wedding for the cheaper times. Organizing a long haul holiday can be stressful at the best of times so consider a short break in a country hotel instead, you have the rest of your lives to see the world. I hope you find these cheap wedding ideas useful.

`Norman Stanley

Its All About the Wedding

Wedding accessories are small details but paying close attention to it will make the whole event appear more polished. These accessories are items used at the ceremony and the reception. Some are for the purposes of presentation while some are for symbolic value.

The basic accessories used in the ceremony involve the following: decorations; guest books and albums; pens; pillows and ring boxes, baskets and bags; unity candles and garters. These small details play a part big in the ceremony.

The decorations set the romantic and festive mood of the wedding. Decorations consist of visually appealing materials such as flowers, fabrics, lights and fixtures. These decorations often follow a specific color theme for a sophisticated and refined look.

Guest books and albums are accessories that help document the event. Guest books contain names, addresses and signatures of those who actually attended the wedding. These not only serve as a remembrance but also as a guide when the newlyweds are writing their "thank you" cards. The guest books go with the pen so that there won't be delays when the guests sign. Pens are also present after the ceremony when the newlyweds sign their marriage contract.

Albums, on the other hand, contain photos taken during the entire event. Just like the guest books, it also serves as a remembrance. It is a visual narration of the events that transpired during the occasion.
Pillows and ring boxes also form part of wedding accessories. These little containers make the wedding trinkets look more presentable when used during the ceremony. Wouldn't it be inappropriate when the ring to be worn by the couple is just handed by the ring bearer without the silky cushion?

Baskets and bags are also considered as accessories. These containers are held by the flower girls and contain flower petals and confetti's. Petals and confetti's are to be scattered by the flower girls before the bride makes and her entrance and after the newlyweds leave the venue.

Other accessories such as unity candles, cords and arras are included because of what it symbolizes. Unity candles symbolize the light that will guide the couple as they journey into the married life together. The cords symbolize the union of two souls, making them inseparable forever. Arras is a wedding accessory not commonly used in wedding ceremonies. It is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It also represents the role of the husband as the bread winner of his family.

Taking a close look on wedding accessories is important. These accessories may be small details in a wedding but if combined, they play an important part in the success of the wedding.

To your beautiful wedding!--Bobbie Hamilton

Are you looking for Christian marriage advice? Well, you came to the right place. I want to first start off by encouraging you that it is not too late, no matter how far down you may be. The sad fact is that you are reading this more than likely because you are hurting and in pain. Let me reassure you that God cares and He has a plan for you and your marriage. Do not forget that He said, "I know the plans I have for you..." Perhaps you are feeling desperate and looking for a Christian marriage retreat or a Christian marriage seminar. Let me say that there is a lot out there to choose from.

Both options can be very helpful.

Be careful with the Christian marriage advice you get because not everyone that calls them self a Christian is in fact a believer. Make sure that whatever Christian marriage advice you do get lines up with the Word of God. At the bottom of the page I give a recommendation of someone that has helped many Christian Marriages succeed. He has a great deal of experience and his education is marked by a Doctorate of Theology and he also holds a PhD. His program offers an 8 week guarantee so you might want to check it out. Regardless, of what you do to save your marriage I want to applaud you for not giving up. Hang in there because God can do great things with very difficult circumstances. He may use a Christian Marriage seminar or a Christian marriage retreat or perhaps He may use the resource at the bottom of the page.--George Knoechel

Let me leave you with this Christian marriage advice: He parted the Red Sea. He made the sun to stand still. He made a way for His creation to come back to Him by coming into the world. If those things are true (they are) then can't He also save your marriage no matter what you have been through?

The wedding cake is truly the showpiece of the reception. Cakes have become more creative, and also follow trends in design and fashion like never before. These are some of the hottest trends for wedding cakes in 2009.

Clean lines are king right now. The smooth-as-glass finish of fondant icing is still all the rage at most weddings, and one stand-out design feature is more popular than a busy cake with a pattern all over it. One interesting trend in wedding cakes has to do with the layers. The basic look of three stacked round layers is still the most common, but you are also seeing a lot more of cakes that are square, octagonal, hexagonal, or a combination of round and shaped layers. Offset layers, which are stacked slightly off-kilter are also a hot look for wedding cakes right now.

When it comes to cake decorations, truly you can have anything that your heart desires. There is nothing that a skilled baker cannot create out of sugar, gum paste, or royal icing. That said, there are some definite trends for decorations for 2009 wedding cakes. Most lean towards being mod or minimalist.

The most minimalist cakes consist of three to five round layers covered in smooth white fondant. The only decoration is a colored ribbon around the base of each layer and perhaps a monogrammed medallion on the side of the center layer. These cakes are kept very simple, with no cake topper. They are very urban chic, though they may be too simple for some brides.

Mod design is also something that is being seen in wedding cakes these days. Round circles layered over fondant is one cool effect. Simplistic sugar flowers are another big trend. They are often scattered over the cake in varying density, such as many flowers clustered near the top of the cake, gradually thinning out to just a few blossoms scattered at the base of the cake.

Another very popular trend is to have a vine of sugar flowers set diagonally down one side of the cake. The flowers can be large or small, subtle or colorful, but they are usually done in only one branch, leaving the rest of the cake plain. Although fresh flowers will never be out of style for wedding cake decorations, they are not being seen as much this season.

Brides are still interested in having cakes designed that complement their bridal ensemble in some way. For a very unique look, cover a cake in large white sugar "pearls" which are dusted with an opalescent powder. This is a fun and modern reference to classic pearl bridal jewelry. If crystal bridal jewelry is more your style, you can adorn your cake with clear molded sugar "crystals" arranged in a geometric design. Note that the sugar crystals are intended to mimic clear crystals, not silvery rhinestones. It is a more subtle style than the ornate cake jewelry that has been seen in recent years.

The great thing about a wedding cake is that you can have whatever you want. So, take some pointers from the latest trends, or choose to go in another direction; the choice is entirely yours. In the nd, all that matters is that you love the way your wedding cake looks, and that your guests love how it tastes.--Bridget Mora

Wedding Checklist

Getting married is a rollercoaster ride. It's both a rush and a stomach turner. Planning for a wedding is a challenging, mind boggling and body-draining task considering all the factors that need to be considered. For an upcoming bride, knowing what to prioritize amongst these factors can be the most difficult task of all. Apart from these; there are family obligations, social traditions, life crises, and job demands that complicates the whole process. In the end, it can be helpful to realize and remember that a wedding's purpose is about a solemn ceremony and celebration of joyous commitment between the bridge and the groom, with well-wishers around as witnesses. Below are some tips to ponder on especially when planning a wedding without a coordinator or on a budget. Some brides are lucky to have both. Some though, need to get creative when having neither of the two.

• Prioritize from the checklist-Each wedding guidebook, online wedding website, or wedding magazine article commonly presents a wedding preparation checklist. Often times, this checklist covers the complete range of preparations. Reading through the list, it's often the case that not all of the listed elements are the number one priority for a wedding. The list provides a great jump off point but from here, brides can simply the planning process by focusing only on the essentials. After simplifying tasks, a bride can now be in the right direction to make more detailed arrangements.

• Discuss budget details-A dream wedding where budget is no object can be possible but most couples, particularly with the present global economic fluctuations, usually plan a wedding around a budget. Most couples can be tempted to splurge or go over a set budget so it's essential to reiterate that this must not happen. After all, reminiscing after the wedding should be joyous and not filled with debt.It also helps to shop around and be open to all options for whatever essentials that the couple decide upon. Wedding expositions and bridal fairs are a big help as wedding suppliers make use of brochure printing to market their services and promos. Apart from those who print brochures, there are numerous wedding suppliers who print catalogs, business cards and flyers which can be handy reference materials when shopping.

*Seth Luca

cakes for the weds

What usually come to mind when we think of wedding cake toppers is the ubiquitous bride and groom in a wedded pose. You may add some color and character to that idea of bride-groom image by a design concept where the bride is grappling her groom while he is trying to avoid her! Or you can even be a bit more thematic with your design by having the groom come in military gala uniform if the groom happens to be enlisted in the military. You may also be overly romantic by going for a portrait design with the picture of the bride and groom as your cake topper.

We are now seeing a popular design of wedding cake toppers where we find the initials of the bride and the groom and, in some cases, initials of the couples' last names. There are many styles to choose from if you want to take on this popular way of presenting an attractive modern theme of cake toppers. The styles include bejeweled initials, script style and crystal style.

You can also choose to highlight the theme of your wedding in the design and style of your cake topper. You can select from a wide array of design ideas for your cake topper to complement the overall theme and character of your wedding. This is one great way of giving identity and distinct feel to the occasion. If you are planning a beach wedding then you have a lot of design options to choose from which would include the more popular seaside jewel cake toppers. You can maintain continuity by preparing wedding favors following the same design option.

Most of the popular cake toppers that are available nowadays perform a twin function. Firstly, it adds class and elegance to the wedding cakes. On top of these motivations, wedding cake toppers are also used to create the focal point for the overall theme of the wedding celebration and also of the wedding favors. Your choices of wedding cakes may differ in sizes and tiers and the choice of cake toppers will surely add to the overall appeal of the wedding cake.

Majority of wedding planners and couples who are very detailed in their preparations include the design of the cake topper as one of their major concerns. They usually start out with the selection of the final design of the cake topper before they move on to the design of the gown and the overall theme of the wedding. There are unique wedding cakes that are multi-layered and with elaborate icing designs. The cake topper is normally used as the highlight of these wedding cakes. A carefully designed wedding cake and cake topper is also one of the highlights of your wedding photography.

The best way to get design ideas for your cake topper is by going online. Aside from the traditional bride and groom design, you will also find a wide array of other design options for your cake topper. The design options include rings, doves, horses and even leisure interest of the bride and the groom.

==Chuck R.Stuart

Your Essential Wedding Accessories!

Many brides neglect shopping for wedding accessories. Wedding accessories are important to finish the look you are trying to create. If you do not purchase accessories your gown would look bare. This article details some of the essential wedding accessories.

The Wedding Veil

All brides need to decide whether or not to use a wedding veil. A wedding veil is traditional, so if you are planning a traditional wedding you should include the veil in the bridal accessories. When picking out the wedding veil make sure you choose one which fits in with the theme of your wedding and goes well with the wedding gown. Remember that there are many styles and lengths in wedding veils today and you will have many options to choose from. You should try on several veils in different lengths and styles while wearing your dress before making the final decision.

Shoes and stockings

You will need to find wedding shoes and stockings to wear with the dress. Shoes and stockings should be tried on with the dress to see how they all look together. Usually brides choose shoes that are made of materials such as velvet, satin and silk as they are materials best suited for formal events. You could even have embellishments on your shoes such as beads, sequins, pearls of crystals. When choosing shoes and stockings you should make sure that they are comfortable as you need to wear them all day long. When you look back at your wedding you do not want your first thought to be that you feet hurt all day long.

Jewelry

The wedding bands and the wedding rings are the most important jewelry in your wedding. However, these are not the only pieces you will be wearing. You can choose a few other pieces to wear such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You want to choose jewelry that is nice and adds to the whole ensemble, but not jewelry that steals the show. Even though the wedding gown is the most important piece you will be wearing that day, the jewelry should also be nice enough to compliment the gown. Diamonds and pearls are commonly found in wedding jewelry. If you have any family heirlooms that will go well with your dress you may want to choose to wear them, they usually work out as an ideal heirloom? a piece of jewelry which is beautiful and which has sentimental value.

Headpieces

Headpieces can be a nice touch to the rest of your outfit. Headpieces include combs, headbands, back pieces, and tiaras. Head pieces are usually decorated with crystals, pearls, beads of flowers. A beautiful headpiece can help hold the veil in place and complete the look or you can choose you use the headpiece, like a tiara, by itself and eliminate using a veil at all.

Gloves

Many brides enjoy wearing gloves. There is something so elegant about a pair of beautiful white gloves paired with a wedding dress. Gloves look especially right with a strapless gown. The general rule is the shorter the sleeves, the longer the gloves should be.

Handbags

Even though you do not carry a bad with you down the aisle or even at the reception it is still nice to have a small purse of handbag available with anything you may need. Typically a small purse is packed with things a bride may need to touch up her look such as makeup, cologne and a small sewing kit for emergencies. It does not have to be large; it can be a small clutch.

by:Pam Kazmierczak

gift for the guests

Whether it is a simple party or grandiose get together the best way to show guests ample appreciation for coming is giving away party favors. One celebration in particular that needs a lot of consideration and planning. Finding the best and appropriate wedding favors for guests must be top precedence among other things at wedding celebrations. Flamboyant unique trinkets may prove to be appealing. Bear in mind that since there are many to choose from in the market place it can ultimately lead to indecisiveness. Therefore the best way to combat this is to be in the know what's hot and what's not. Custom fit the personality of the guests to the wedding favors. And, in no time they will love it.
Food for the gods is one very delicious example of a wedding favor guests adore. As sweet as the ceremonies can come those delectable treats are heavenly to the taste buds.Personalized picture of the couple, goodie bags, canisters or boxes accentuated by love notes and ribbons are ways to spice them up.
For the more extravagant wedding favors, elevate those delicious treats from cookies to miniature replica of the wedding cake. Now, that is one way to make a wedding statement. Those little stunners are mostly popular to the well-off high class families. As long as they are within reasonable budget, then it is exceptionally graceful to give out. Best way to pack these beauties is to place them in simple or intricate, depending on your preference, boxes. This will keep the wedding favors from deforming, and it will be less trouble to take home.
There is one way to make sure guests commemorate the wedding vividly. Pictures make for good remembrance and placing them in frames can craft for a practical wedding favor. The majority of wedding nowadays uses this. As the popular choice for wedding favors, picture frames can be dressed up according to the theme or motif. It can also come in the most simplest in form to give way to the guest's liking in using it, leaving everything to the imagination. This can be practical, in that the picture frame can blend well with the interior décor of the guest's home. This way it will be placed on the table top. The wedding will be remembered more frequently every time they see the picture frame.
Basically the main point of wedding favors are ultimately two things. First, is to give thanks to the visitors for coming and part taking in a joyous occasion. Showing appreciation by giving back is the supreme manner of saying thank you. Wedding favors does just that. Its second purpose is immortalizing the experience of the celebration. When a wedding is celebrated in the most unusual themes they are best remembered if guests take home a part of that with them. So, every time they see the wedding items, they will know how beautiful the wedding was and how much their senses feasted that day.
From simple to the most unique wedding favors, one thing remains to be true, that the coming together of two hearts is worth remembering. So stimulate and pay tribute to the celebration by making sure not to leave out wedding favors in weddings.

by:Abhishek Agarwal

honeymoon delights

Although there are some magazines and advertisements available for you to look at when you are still deciding for your honeymoon destination, the most probable thing to happen to you is to select not the best for you but the most advertised destination.

Here’s how to choose your honeymoon destination, unadulterated;

personalized style:

When are you going?

The first thing you have to identify when choosing your honeymoon destination is not where or how will you spend your honeymoon; but the “when”. Most honeymoon destinations have their season-highs and season-lows. These are influenced by the weather on the location. Activities and some amenities depend on in the time of the year. The number of visitor also relies on time. Some hotels and resorts are best on a particular time of the year. Some also offer special prices on a particular season. If you would want to know what you would get and the things you can do on your honeymoon, try to figure out first when will you hold your honeymoon.

What are the activities you would like to do?

Making sure you know what you want to do on your honeymoon destination will certainly make your selection easier. For example, you like to do water sports on your honeymoon; or you like have a luxurious pampering: or you want to explore culture and history; or you want to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Knowing this will keep you on your aim to get the honeymoon destination of your choice.

Set your budget and identify the possible honeymoon destination…

The next big questions in planning your honeymoon are the budget and the destination. After you have identified the time of the year of your honeymoon, you must now set your budget. You should also have identified the your possible honeymoon destinations. Doing this at the same time will let you figure out how much money will you have to take out and how luxurious or simple your location would be.

If you have a shortlist of possible destination that fits your budget, the next you should do is identify what places offer the best accommodation, amenities, services, sights, luxury, and comfort among others. Then, choose one that is right for both of you.

Remember that the place should not necessarily be the least expensive; it should be the place where you will be able to enjoy and have fun together.