Wedding Colors
Reds and greens certainly reflect the season, but overdo this color combo, and your wedding may seem more holiday-oriented than you intended.
What's Hot Now: Consider a less-is-more approach to your color palette: Silver and white with crystal accents can add some serious glamour to your winter wedding. For your ceremony, try a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with white satin ribbon, or decorate the altar with a crystal curtain backdrop adorned with hanging strands of elegant white phalaenopsis orchids. If you're exchanging vows outdoors, get your guests in on creating the ambience by giving out clear umbrellas to friends and family members as they arrive.
Holly motifs spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.
The Flowers
Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms.
What's Hot Now: Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they're accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.
Invitations
Since winter weddings are usually held indoors (it's an ideal time for ballroom receptions), they often call for a more formal invitations.
What's Hot Now: A black-tie event is nicely conveyed by heavy cardstock and a navy blue, chocolate-brown, or even eggplant font with hand calligraphy. For a fresh way to achieve a formal tone for your winter wedding, use thick, frosted Plexiglas invitations in white scripted ink. Send the sturdy invites out to all your guests tucked into silver envelope liners.
Centerpieces
Go beyond glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site.
What's Hot Now: If you want to heighten the drama, bring in the icy outdoors with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. Have your florist fill the vases with tall winter-white branches and hanging crystals to reflect the light from the tables. Surround the centerpieces with votive candles, and top your tables with white dupioni table linens and frosted glass china.
Escort Cards
Miniature sleighs and holly motifs stamped onto your escort cards would spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.
What's Hot Now: Leave everyone awestruck as they retrieve their escort cards by making the entire table sparkle. Have the cards hand-calligraphed in silver ink and attach them to individual crystals with a ribbon. Hang each from an oversized crystal candelabra centerpiece for a new take on the popular escort card tree.
The Music
A classical pianist playing during dinner is a sure way to create an elegant ambience, but consider a more unexpected accompaniment.
What's Hot Now: For a twist on the tunes, consider hiring an a capella quartet to sing background music at your reception. Have the group sing your favorite jazz and pop songs to set a welcoming and festive tone for the evening. If you're into a more classical sound, hire a cellist and ask that Vivaldi's "Winter" be included in the repertoire.
Cocktail Hour
A winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?
What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.
The Cake
A wedding cake trimmed in red or green ribbon or topped with roses looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways.
What's Hot Now: Play up the season with a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.
Favors
Food wedding favors are always a hit, but if cookies or truffles seem passe, try new treat ideas to send your guests home satisfied.
What's Hot Now: Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. An over-the-top idea that will undoubtedly impress: Have your caterer set up a hot chocolate and churros station to top off the evening.
Honeymoons
While many couples flee the blustery weather for warmer (and sandier) locales for their honeymoon, a winter wedding can segue perfectly into a snowy escape.
What's Hot Now: Embrace the season and rent a cozy log cabin for a week in Lake Placid, or join the jet-setters at a luxurious hotel in Aspen for some serious skiing, wining, dining, and snuggling.
Special thanks to: Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler from In Any Event in New York, NY; and Kate Parker from Kate Parker Weddings in New England.
-- Anja Winikka
See More: Winter Weddings
* Save
* Email
* Print
* Link to This
To link to this article from your blog, copy and paste the url below into your blog or homepage
* Share
share your advice on this topic
Write your own tips and ideas to share with other Knotties.
62844179
walkinmybeat
Since flowers are expensive and only last for one night, I opted for beautiful iron lanterns from superwholesaler.com. They were much cheaper than flowers (less than $4 a lantern!) and I can keep them.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Do's and Dont's Of Winter Weddings
Weddings aren't just spring and summer affairs these days. More and more couples are opting to marry during what used to be the "off season" for nuptials, and why not? The romantic ambience of a snowy landscape, the relative lack of competition for vendors and sites -- there's lots to love about having a winter wedding. Read on for some of our tips on how to make yours memorable.
Don't: Be Afraid to Experiment With Color
You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.
Do: Dress Your Bridesmaids in Style...
Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin -- go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Check out photos of our favorite bridesmaid dresses.
...But Don't: Leave Them Freezing!
Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must -- in most parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.
Do: Create a Cozy Reception...
There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.
...But Don't: Let It Overheat
Okay, we know it's cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.
Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...
There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.
...But Don't: Leave Them Out in the Cold!
If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
-- Kate Wood
Don't: Be Afraid to Experiment With Color
You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.
Do: Dress Your Bridesmaids in Style...
Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin -- go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Check out photos of our favorite bridesmaid dresses.
...But Don't: Leave Them Freezing!
Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must -- in most parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.
Do: Create a Cozy Reception...
There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.
...But Don't: Let It Overheat
Okay, we know it's cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.
Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...
There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.
...But Don't: Leave Them Out in the Cold!
If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
-- Kate Wood
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Your Finally Engaged ! What Now ?
Now that your dream is becoming a reality, it's time to shop for the perfect gown. There's just one problem. There are so many beautiful styles to choose from. How does one find the perfect wedding dress?
You'll probably want to take a family member or close friend or two with you when you try on dresses. Since this is the most important dress
you'll ever wear, you want it to look perfect. The person you take with you should give an honest opinion. "Fine" and "Okay" are not acceptable answers. You want to look "Fabulous!"
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Comfort: Does the dress fit properly? Is it bulky or heavy? Remember, you're going to be wearing this for the better part of a day. You may think you can handle the itchy lace, but the reality is: after an hour or two, it might drive you batty. Will you be able to sit? Fit in the limo? Can you walk freely?
Pictures: The camera really does add ten pounds. If you look in the mirror and you're sure your dream dress makes you look a little heavy, think of how you'll look in pictures. Don't let your dress overwhelm you. If it looks to poufy, it probably is.
Time: It takes time to order a dress. Once it's in, it will need to be fitted and altered. Make sure your dress isn't left until the last minute. You may end up paying hefty fees for rush jobs. Shop for a wedding dress at least six months in advance - preferably longer.
Seasons: Dress according to the season. The last thing you want to do is wear a heavy, long sleeved dress in the summer. Likewise is wearing a summer frock when the temperatures are artic. Be practical. Don't suffer a heat stroke because you wore a winter dress in ninety degree heat.
Diet: It's fine to slim down for your wedding, but you also want your dress to fit properly. Once you have your final fitting, there should be no more dieting.
Try on more than one dress, the style of your dreams may not look as you intended. By looking at several styles, you'll be able to find the gown that flatters you the most. Finding the perfect wedding gown should be fun, not a chore. Invite your favorite people along, have lunch and make a day of it. Don't let this be a stressful time. After all, you're buying the dress of your dreams
.
You'll probably want to take a family member or close friend or two with you when you try on dresses. Since this is the most important dress
you'll ever wear, you want it to look perfect. The person you take with you should give an honest opinion. "Fine" and "Okay" are not acceptable answers. You want to look "Fabulous!"
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Comfort: Does the dress fit properly? Is it bulky or heavy? Remember, you're going to be wearing this for the better part of a day. You may think you can handle the itchy lace, but the reality is: after an hour or two, it might drive you batty. Will you be able to sit? Fit in the limo? Can you walk freely?
Pictures: The camera really does add ten pounds. If you look in the mirror and you're sure your dream dress makes you look a little heavy, think of how you'll look in pictures. Don't let your dress overwhelm you. If it looks to poufy, it probably is.
Time: It takes time to order a dress. Once it's in, it will need to be fitted and altered. Make sure your dress isn't left until the last minute. You may end up paying hefty fees for rush jobs. Shop for a wedding dress at least six months in advance - preferably longer.
Seasons: Dress according to the season. The last thing you want to do is wear a heavy, long sleeved dress in the summer. Likewise is wearing a summer frock when the temperatures are artic. Be practical. Don't suffer a heat stroke because you wore a winter dress in ninety degree heat.
Diet: It's fine to slim down for your wedding, but you also want your dress to fit properly. Once you have your final fitting, there should be no more dieting.
Try on more than one dress, the style of your dreams may not look as you intended. By looking at several styles, you'll be able to find the gown that flatters you the most. Finding the perfect wedding gown should be fun, not a chore. Invite your favorite people along, have lunch and make a day of it. Don't let this be a stressful time. After all, you're buying the dress of your dreams
.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
When it comes to wedding spending, bridal couples are tightening their sashes and cummerbunds. Since it peaked in 2007, the cost of the average American wedding has fallen by nearly a third, from $29,000 to $20,000, according to the Wedding Report.
Fortunately, couples are discovering that it's easy to cut wedding costs without skimping on food or subjecting guests to cash bars. Here are their top strategies:
When getting quotes from reception venues, bakeries, florists and other vendors, tell the manager that you're planning a party or an event, but leave out the "w" word. "If you don't mention the word 'wedding,' the price is often 25 (percent) to 30 percent cheaper," says Alan Fields, co-author of "Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Planning a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget."
He notes that one Boston television station had reporters call 11 venues and get quotes for a wedding reception. Later, they asked for the price for a retirement party on the same date. Eight out of 11 had a "marriage markup" -- in one case from $65 to $90 per person. "In their defense, catering managers say that people don't drink as much at corporate parties, but I'm not so sure that accounts for all the difference," says Fields. Fields notes that many reception halls have several different menu packages, so he recommends requesting all of them to get the range.
Florists and bakeries also have discretion with pricing. "We have had florists admit that when they see people wearing a large engagement ring and driving a BMW, they start suggesting the exotic orchids that need to be flown in from Hawaii. But if you don't look like you're having a wedding, they won't go over the top.
When you have dinner at your favorite restaurant, the bill doesn't come with a rental fee for the table, chairs, napkins and wine glasses. There is no surcharge for the candlelight and flowers on the table. It's all covered in the price of the meal. The same principle applies when you're buying dinner for 200 -- the price of all those soup spoons and salad forks is included, and there is no fee for transportation and setup -- everything is already there. Plus, free parking!
"During the recession, many restaurants have tried to focus on special events, and many will hold private functions and do it very affordably -- even if you rent the entire restaurant," says Fields.
Lynn Truong, managing editor of the frugal-living blog Wise Bread, treated her 200 wedding guests to a 10-course meal at a Chinese restaurant. The cost: $55 per person -- with no extra charges like cake-cutting or corkage fees. "There's no beating the price for a Chinese wedding banquet, and the food is delicious
If you can't afford a band or disc jockey -- or simply want to spend the money on your honeymoon -- make a playlist on your MP3 player and rock the house for free!
Event planner Sara Gaum, owner of vendorbar.com in Boston, recommends appointing a friend or relative to monitor the music and cue up the first dance and other highlights. The playlist should have a good mix of music that will appeal to all generations, and the music should be timed properly, with lower-key cocktail music during the first couple of hours. "No one will want to hear Lady Gaga while you're still eating dinner," says Gaum.
If you get married during the off season -- from Nov. 1 to March 31 -- you'll be able to get better rates for venues, photographers, officiates, bands and the like. You'll also pay less if you steer clear of Saturday night.
Mariesa Stokes of Birmingham, Ala., cut her costs by a third by getting married on a Sunday. "Since it was a holiday weekend, our guests had Monday to travel," she says.
Buy your wedding rings at Costco? Fields says that warehouse stores sell more than just pallets of canned tuna and paper towels; they are also a great source for rings, cakes, favors and flowers. "It doesn't sound very romantic to buy an engagement ring at Costco, but who cares? It's a diamond engagement ring. It looks very nice, and it's 30 percent less than it would be a retail jewelry store," he says.
On the opposite side of the spectrum are micro-vendors, artisans and craftspeople who sell their rings, headpieces and invitations directly to couples through sites like Etsy, often at a fraction of what major retailers charge.
Once again, the key is to avoid stores that cater to bridal couples. Many brides have discovered that buying their wedding dress from everyday retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew means paying hundreds, rather than thousands, for the garment. One Seattle bride bought an ivory dress at a shop that catered to bridesmaids and mothers -- it was across the street from a high-end bridal shop -- and paid less than $200. "Add a veil and you'd never know it was not a wedding gown!" she says.
Fortunately, couples are discovering that it's easy to cut wedding costs without skimping on food or subjecting guests to cash bars. Here are their top strategies:
When getting quotes from reception venues, bakeries, florists and other vendors, tell the manager that you're planning a party or an event, but leave out the "w" word. "If you don't mention the word 'wedding,' the price is often 25 (percent) to 30 percent cheaper," says Alan Fields, co-author of "Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Planning a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget."
He notes that one Boston television station had reporters call 11 venues and get quotes for a wedding reception. Later, they asked for the price for a retirement party on the same date. Eight out of 11 had a "marriage markup" -- in one case from $65 to $90 per person. "In their defense, catering managers say that people don't drink as much at corporate parties, but I'm not so sure that accounts for all the difference," says Fields. Fields notes that many reception halls have several different menu packages, so he recommends requesting all of them to get the range.
Florists and bakeries also have discretion with pricing. "We have had florists admit that when they see people wearing a large engagement ring and driving a BMW, they start suggesting the exotic orchids that need to be flown in from Hawaii. But if you don't look like you're having a wedding, they won't go over the top.
When you have dinner at your favorite restaurant, the bill doesn't come with a rental fee for the table, chairs, napkins and wine glasses. There is no surcharge for the candlelight and flowers on the table. It's all covered in the price of the meal. The same principle applies when you're buying dinner for 200 -- the price of all those soup spoons and salad forks is included, and there is no fee for transportation and setup -- everything is already there. Plus, free parking!
"During the recession, many restaurants have tried to focus on special events, and many will hold private functions and do it very affordably -- even if you rent the entire restaurant," says Fields.
Lynn Truong, managing editor of the frugal-living blog Wise Bread, treated her 200 wedding guests to a 10-course meal at a Chinese restaurant. The cost: $55 per person -- with no extra charges like cake-cutting or corkage fees. "There's no beating the price for a Chinese wedding banquet, and the food is delicious
If you can't afford a band or disc jockey -- or simply want to spend the money on your honeymoon -- make a playlist on your MP3 player and rock the house for free!
Event planner Sara Gaum, owner of vendorbar.com in Boston, recommends appointing a friend or relative to monitor the music and cue up the first dance and other highlights. The playlist should have a good mix of music that will appeal to all generations, and the music should be timed properly, with lower-key cocktail music during the first couple of hours. "No one will want to hear Lady Gaga while you're still eating dinner," says Gaum.
If you get married during the off season -- from Nov. 1 to March 31 -- you'll be able to get better rates for venues, photographers, officiates, bands and the like. You'll also pay less if you steer clear of Saturday night.
Mariesa Stokes of Birmingham, Ala., cut her costs by a third by getting married on a Sunday. "Since it was a holiday weekend, our guests had Monday to travel," she says.
Buy your wedding rings at Costco? Fields says that warehouse stores sell more than just pallets of canned tuna and paper towels; they are also a great source for rings, cakes, favors and flowers. "It doesn't sound very romantic to buy an engagement ring at Costco, but who cares? It's a diamond engagement ring. It looks very nice, and it's 30 percent less than it would be a retail jewelry store," he says.
On the opposite side of the spectrum are micro-vendors, artisans and craftspeople who sell their rings, headpieces and invitations directly to couples through sites like Etsy, often at a fraction of what major retailers charge.
Once again, the key is to avoid stores that cater to bridal couples. Many brides have discovered that buying their wedding dress from everyday retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew means paying hundreds, rather than thousands, for the garment. One Seattle bride bought an ivory dress at a shop that catered to bridesmaids and mothers -- it was across the street from a high-end bridal shop -- and paid less than $200. "Add a veil and you'd never know it was not a wedding gown!" she says.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Gingerbread House Party
Throw a "gingerbread house" party. Invite friends over for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly baking and a little competitive fun to show off your creativity. Target has some easy and fun kits, like the Reindeer Flight School Gingerbread Kit, Rice Crispy House Kit, and shortbread Cookie Decorating Kit — all priced under $15. The affordable price will make it easy to bring your friends together. You can team up and see which group makes the ultimate gingerbread house with Mom and Dad being your judges — or fly solo and see who can create the best looking cookie. Half the fun is letting your creativity come out in your creation, but don't forget to offer your guests beverages and snacks to keep the energy going (and the gingerbread strictly for your creations). Serve salty snacks, like Archer Farms chips and pretzels and holiday beverages like Egg Nog or hot chocolate. Set the mood by streaming a holiday playlist with all of the hits, and decorate the table with personalized place cards so your friends know which special work space is for them.
By Seventeen
By Seventeen
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Twilight Wedding Theme Idea's
Looking for some new and creative Twilight Wedding Themes Idea's . What a day to remember than to play out the hit movie that has been drawn out through the years and hit just about every home in the world. Ok _ Ok . So you can't have Edward or Jake but you do have the love of your life. How creative could this theme be? Would you go as far as to add bike marks to your neck? Wear a vintage gown? Arrange it for a misty dark day? What would you do ?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
9.0 CT Channel Wedding Set Size 8 ( $100.00 )
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61867535/90-ct-channel-wedding-set-size-8
Total carat weight is 9.0 carats and total ring weight is 9.8 grams. Designed to wear perfectly as a matched set. This ring is made of Two Tone 14K Gold or Rhodium overlay ( A hard, durable, silvery-white metallic element that is used to form high-temperature alloys with platinum and is plated on other metals to produce a durable corrosion-resistant coating.) layered and bonded over a base of semiprecious metals. The stone is a high quality Cubic Zirconia that will never lose its brilliance or color.(Cubic zirconia is a high quality synthetic stone that is very hard and mimics the appearance of diamonds. It is much more reflective than glass or crystal and therefore sparkles more brilliantly. Cubic Zirconia is not a naturally occurring substance, it is man-made.)
No one would have the slightest idea that this beautiful set is not valued for thousands of dollars.
This ring is a size 8 Brand New .. Never Worn
RED NECK WEDDING FOR SALE ON ESTY
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56565665/redneck-wedding
This fishing wedding theme will make that angler in your life actually be excited to show up for your special day !
Here is what is in the package :
11 bundles of dark red roses
2 white heart shaped center pieces with small tackle box in center ( can make more for an additional charge of $5.00 each upon request )Handmade by paper and craft tackle box
Just married sign that sticks to car ( white and classy with small fishing poles on the sides for decoration )Handmade by paper and sticky tape
300 red rose pedals
300 white rose pedals
Misc basket of white and red roses ( for decoration )
4 camera's in package ( film is black and white) package is clear with roses in the corner.Roses were added with a glue gun to give the added touch
Cake topper ( ball and chain) Bride holding the keys while the groom has got ball around leg, sitting down by gone fishing sign with his fishing poles on ground .The cake topper was bought and redone to fit a fishing theme. Added was fishing poles and gone fishing sign.
Tackle shaped card box.. This card box is made from different sized boxes then carefully created to look like a tackle box. Then wrapped in sturdy red paper with red and white roses decorated on it . And accents of silver fish throughout.
10 favor boxes ( bride dress)
10 favor boxes ( groom tux)
2 corsages .. that are red roses with silver fish on a white ribbon that wrap's around the wrist that drapes down
( can make more for an additional charge of $2.00 each upon request) Handmade
2 boutonnieres .. that are made of a red rose with a silver fish accent . ( can make more for an additional charge of $2.00 each upon request) Handmade
24 tube bubbles white in color and heart on top.
18 bubbles with a tulle top and silver fish and fishing poles on top ( can make more for an additional $4.00 a box which is a box of nine )Bubbles were bought and the tulle was added with glue gun and fishing poles were placed on them.. There are very cute favor's!
1 love beyond measure silver heart shaped spoon set in package use as a favor or gift. With added ribbon and fishing pole
1 silver heart shaped wine opener wrapped in a bow and small decor fishing pole in middle of bow. With added ribbon and fishing pole
5 silver heart shaped wine cork screw and poorer (color is black and silver) All in separate packaged box . Can use as a favor or gift. With added ribbon and fishing pole
1 pack of 200 count of silver fish . Can be used as a charm favor, add charms to goblets, decoration, where ever you imagination takes you
1 set of long black gloves ( snug fit .. One size fits all) with FLW patch on the top ( very unique) Gloves were handmade
Toasting goblets. Shiny white in color heart shaped base with small diamond like accents. With added ribbon and fish to dangle in the center
Flower girl basket .. white basket wrapped in red ribbon with silver fish accents on it
Matching guest book and pen set. Shiny white in color heart shaped base on the pen set.Guest book was bought and has an added fishing patch on it to match the theme
Matching cake server. Shiny white in color hearts on the top of server set. Added ribbon and fish in the center
Brides bouquet. White and red roses, with silver fish though out the leaves. Base is a white cream that ties into a bow on top . Silver fish are on each side of the tie section going up to top of the bouquet.
Ring bearer pillow ..Satin material, white in color. Has a lace trim on edges. In center is tied with white ribbon and silver fish in center, throughout the pillow is fishing patches on it. ( unique) Handmade
And finally i have a 5 tier cupcake stand. It is well made cardboard that all fits together ( never used ) in package. These are fun to work with, the sky is the limit on decorating these. You can have small cake on top for bride and groom, then cupcakes in tiers going down, or all cupcakes, the choice is up to you . ( you can Google ideas , they have some cute ideas on the internet)
Renaissance Wedding On Esty
This Wedding theme is remarkable ! The theme comes with 24 complete centerpieces already arranged dried/silk flowers in each silver old time stein shaped vase , head table centerpiece is a gold color with ivy wrapped around it and holds 3 candles and one large candle in center. , gift table arrangement, 11 flower balls that can hung up or just used for decoration. 3ft tall knight in armor, armor helmet ice bucket,60 silver ( different patterned) candle holders that can be used with the theme with candles,used as decorations, or even on a cupcake tier. Place each cupcake on a silver holder for your guests. 2 renaissance hanging wall decorations, Matching flower girl basket and brides bouquet, all in a Renaissance theme.. This can also be used for themed birthday party.. Free shipping to the United States!
All the flowers and centerpieces were put together and added into the vases carefully. Designed to give the old renaissance appearance. Flower balls were made to give a bit of a elegant touch. Flower girl basket and brides bouquet were carefully made to fit the wedding theme. All vases have had added ribbon and been rubbed to look worn down for the appear old.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Embroidered Bride and Groom Hankie Gift Set
Bride and Groom hankie set comes with one black groom hankerchief with white embrodered letters that say Groom and one white with lace bride hankerchief with white embroidered letters that say bride. The bride's hankie is accented with a blue bow with a pearl in the center which adds her "something blue". This is a great gift for the soon to be Mr and Mrs for their wedding ceremony and will be an everlasting keepsake
12 Happily Ever After Visor Favors
Great for outdoor weddings, give as a favor to your guests. Let them enjoy these fun in the sun keepsake!
You will recieve 12 Foam Happily Ever After visors. Assorted colors, each with an elastic band. 8 1/2" x 8".
At this price you are spending $2.00 for each guest for a great mamorable keepsake! WOW .. Thats a good deal !
Cute Cupcake Towel Brides Bridal Party 4 Piece Gift Set
You will recieve 4 sweet treat towels. what a beautiful way to say thank you !
Give your maid of honor, bridesmaids,and flower girl a sweet treat with this unique cupcake towel gift. These truly unique gifts are a treat that your bridal party will find useful and practical, each uniquely designed cupcake is made of 100% brown cotton hand towel topped of with a faux strawberry and accented with a pink cupcake holder with decorative hearts. Each towel measures 8" x 8" and comes ready for gift giving finished in a clear cello bag and wrapped with a pink and white dotted satin bow.
Clear Crystal Bouquet
This bouquet would make a statement on your wedding day ! Clear crystal bouquet is 10 1/2" long. This is a truely elegant item that can be used for a variety of occasions
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How To Plan Your Wedding
Step 1: Setting the date -
One of the most important details of the wedding you and your spouse have to decide upon is the actual date of the wedding.
This should be taken cared of first and the factors in choosing a date includes the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and the availability of friends and family.
Step 2: The Budget-
This is also a very important step, even before you start to make your plans. Know how much you want to spend for each detail of your wedding.
With the average wedding costing approximately $20,000 you certainly want to setup a budget for each detail so you don't find yourself over extending.
Step 3: Your Venue -
Where your wedding will take place. Looking for a place to have your wedding certainly is important and it is also the biggest chunk of your budget besides your honeymoon. But there are ways to reduce this cost. Here are a few tips to help with your decision when choosing your venue.
Some venues will offer you a discount on days when traditionally weddings are not held. Also the time of year and day will also become a factor in this expense.
For example, certain weekdays and Sunday, as well as mornings and afternoon receptions are typically cheaper. Another point, usually after a holiday, is not considered a peak time and again the price tends to be less expensive.
Step 4: The size of your wedding -
It is very important to talk with your future spouse about the size of your wedding that you both have in mind. A dream wedding for one may not be that of the other.
So it is important to discuss these details regarding the arrangement of the wedding such as, location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited, and the choice of entertainment.
Step 5: Photographs/Videographer -
Sure your friends and family will be taking pictures and some of them will own camcorders. But for this special occasion you will want to consider a professional because you want something very special,lasting and visually presentable.
Step 6: The cake -
Dont forget the cake! When in search for your wedding cake it's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. To make this fun invite some friends and family to the tasting!
Step 7: Ordering wedding invitations -
If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way you can customize them and add your own personal touch to them.
Step 8: Your wedding attire -
Don't forget to start looking for your wedding gown months before the wedding day. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting.
Also, the groom should make arrangements for either buying or renting a tuxedo. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you would have some time to make other arrangements.
There you have it. 8 steps to get you started on your wedding plans. Planning your own wedding is really not difficult, being organized and knowing what steps to take when, certainly reduces the stress involved.
Now put these steps into action, and to help you more with your wedding plans you can find many resources on the internet
One of the most important details of the wedding you and your spouse have to decide upon is the actual date of the wedding.
This should be taken cared of first and the factors in choosing a date includes the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and the availability of friends and family.
Step 2: The Budget-
This is also a very important step, even before you start to make your plans. Know how much you want to spend for each detail of your wedding.
With the average wedding costing approximately $20,000 you certainly want to setup a budget for each detail so you don't find yourself over extending.
Step 3: Your Venue -
Where your wedding will take place. Looking for a place to have your wedding certainly is important and it is also the biggest chunk of your budget besides your honeymoon. But there are ways to reduce this cost. Here are a few tips to help with your decision when choosing your venue.
Some venues will offer you a discount on days when traditionally weddings are not held. Also the time of year and day will also become a factor in this expense.
For example, certain weekdays and Sunday, as well as mornings and afternoon receptions are typically cheaper. Another point, usually after a holiday, is not considered a peak time and again the price tends to be less expensive.
Step 4: The size of your wedding -
It is very important to talk with your future spouse about the size of your wedding that you both have in mind. A dream wedding for one may not be that of the other.
So it is important to discuss these details regarding the arrangement of the wedding such as, location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited, and the choice of entertainment.
Step 5: Photographs/Videographer -
Sure your friends and family will be taking pictures and some of them will own camcorders. But for this special occasion you will want to consider a professional because you want something very special,lasting and visually presentable.
Step 6: The cake -
Dont forget the cake! When in search for your wedding cake it's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. To make this fun invite some friends and family to the tasting!
Step 7: Ordering wedding invitations -
If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way you can customize them and add your own personal touch to them.
Step 8: Your wedding attire -
Don't forget to start looking for your wedding gown months before the wedding day. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting.
Also, the groom should make arrangements for either buying or renting a tuxedo. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you would have some time to make other arrangements.
There you have it. 8 steps to get you started on your wedding plans. Planning your own wedding is really not difficult, being organized and knowing what steps to take when, certainly reduces the stress involved.
Now put these steps into action, and to help you more with your wedding plans you can find many resources on the internet
Friday, October 1, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Wedding Themes
Weeding Themes are my favorite : Theres are so many ways to express yourself and loved one in so many different way's. The sky is the limit to what you can do .Once you have a vision of what you want your wedding to "look like", you can then begin focusing on exactly what you'll need to buy and/or make, plus have a better understanding of what vendor arrangements will need to be made. This will save you both time and money in the long run. You need to embarace your theme and make it come alive ! ( That is the fun part) Play it smart and pick your theme first. It's easier to coordinate your decorations, favors, flowers, dresses, menu and all the other items required when it revolves around a theme. There are a million questions and thoughts that will spin in and out of your mind over the next several months. The most important ones will be answered as you get right into the nitty-gritty part of organizing your wedding and selecting the supplies and accessories that you'll need.Rest assured, we have tons of ideas on a huge variety of wedding themes with new creative wedding ideas being added all the time. Each theme will inspire you with innovative ideas and cost-saving suggestions for a truly fabulous ceremony and reception.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wedding Vows
Wedding vows...everyone has different ideas and ways to go about handling them. However, what it really comes down to is simple: should you or should you not make your own wedding vows? For many people, who are looking to be different and have more personal wedding vows, making their own wedding vows is the only way to go. However, as you make up your mock wedding vows, you will notice that it is not as easy as it sounds. Even when writing from the heart, it can be very hard to find ways to put your feelings into words. This is something that can be done, but it's always nice if you can have just a little bit of help. Today we are going to talk about ways to help with wedding vow wording by looking up wedding vows online.
Finding wedding vows online is easy. When searching for wedding vows, you will be able to find everything from funny to Christian wedding vows. However, finding the ones that are right for you should not be too hard. Most of the time, you and your soon to be wife or husband will be able to clearly pick out wedding vows that fit your theme.
Since you are looking for ways to write your own wedding vows, you are going to want to come up with ways to reword the wedding vows that you find online. Sometimes a lot of people like to take different lines from different sets of vows. Although you did not come up with the lines, you did take the time to find the words that clearly state your feelings. This is the main reason why the internet is able to help you with wedding vow wording.
Now, when people hear of funny wedding vows they normally do not know what to think. Before we get into some examples of funny wedding vows, you need to note that these kinds of vows are only fun when done in good taste. Saying things that are too mean or too “truthful” could end up hurting feelings, and that is not what you want on your wedding day. The best way to go about using funny wedding vows is to make sure that you use good taste and that you do not overdo it, meaning that after you put a few good punch lines in, it's time to stop. Doing too many makes it seem like you are not serious about getting married. Below are a few different ideas that you can use for funny wedding vows:
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my partner for the rest of my life. I promise to love and cherish her/him through sickness and in health, the good times and the bad, and for rich and poor, even if it was her/him that spent all the money.”
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my wife/husband for as long as we both shell live. I promise to love and to never obey.”
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my wife/husband and to love and honor them above all else, unless my favorite football team is playing on TV. In which case, they would be required to bring me snacks and cater to me.”
Another type of funny wedding vow that you can use is a rhyming wedding vow. Here is an example for a husband to say to his wife:
“I (your name here) take this lady to love daily. To love and to cherish until we both shall parish. To take in both sickness and in health, or when we can't pay the rent. And When she cries I promise to not leave her side. Even when she smells kind of bad, I promise it wont drive me mad.”
The rhyming wedding vows have become very popular among certain groups of people. Even if it does not sound like your cup of tea, you should note that it could be fun to use some of these wedding vow ideas as a way to start out.
Do keep in mind that funny wedding vows tend to go over better at certain wedding than others, meaning that you will need to know if the people who are at your wedding are going to understand the jokes that you are making. You also need to make sure that they do understand that they are just jokes and meant to be funny.
Making your own wedding vows is never an easy task, but it is something that you can do if you use the internet to help you. If you are having a hard time coming up with your own wedding vows, then you will be happy to note that the internet is there to help you. Overall, wedding vows do not have to be a stressful job. Use the internet to search for great wedding vows, and use them to help you with your wedding vow wording.
Finding wedding vows online is easy. When searching for wedding vows, you will be able to find everything from funny to Christian wedding vows. However, finding the ones that are right for you should not be too hard. Most of the time, you and your soon to be wife or husband will be able to clearly pick out wedding vows that fit your theme.
Since you are looking for ways to write your own wedding vows, you are going to want to come up with ways to reword the wedding vows that you find online. Sometimes a lot of people like to take different lines from different sets of vows. Although you did not come up with the lines, you did take the time to find the words that clearly state your feelings. This is the main reason why the internet is able to help you with wedding vow wording.
Now, when people hear of funny wedding vows they normally do not know what to think. Before we get into some examples of funny wedding vows, you need to note that these kinds of vows are only fun when done in good taste. Saying things that are too mean or too “truthful” could end up hurting feelings, and that is not what you want on your wedding day. The best way to go about using funny wedding vows is to make sure that you use good taste and that you do not overdo it, meaning that after you put a few good punch lines in, it's time to stop. Doing too many makes it seem like you are not serious about getting married. Below are a few different ideas that you can use for funny wedding vows:
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my partner for the rest of my life. I promise to love and cherish her/him through sickness and in health, the good times and the bad, and for rich and poor, even if it was her/him that spent all the money.”
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my wife/husband for as long as we both shell live. I promise to love and to never obey.”
“I (name here) take (partners name here) to be my wife/husband and to love and honor them above all else, unless my favorite football team is playing on TV. In which case, they would be required to bring me snacks and cater to me.”
Another type of funny wedding vow that you can use is a rhyming wedding vow. Here is an example for a husband to say to his wife:
“I (your name here) take this lady to love daily. To love and to cherish until we both shall parish. To take in both sickness and in health, or when we can't pay the rent. And When she cries I promise to not leave her side. Even when she smells kind of bad, I promise it wont drive me mad.”
The rhyming wedding vows have become very popular among certain groups of people. Even if it does not sound like your cup of tea, you should note that it could be fun to use some of these wedding vow ideas as a way to start out.
Do keep in mind that funny wedding vows tend to go over better at certain wedding than others, meaning that you will need to know if the people who are at your wedding are going to understand the jokes that you are making. You also need to make sure that they do understand that they are just jokes and meant to be funny.
Making your own wedding vows is never an easy task, but it is something that you can do if you use the internet to help you. If you are having a hard time coming up with your own wedding vows, then you will be happy to note that the internet is there to help you. Overall, wedding vows do not have to be a stressful job. Use the internet to search for great wedding vows, and use them to help you with your wedding vow wording.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Far too often brides decide they want a particular wedding theme and they stop there. Unfortunately, there, wherever that is, is rarely a good stopping place because the first ideas we have in just about anything is invariably too general. It's like trying to scoop sand with a sieve. This is especially true when we are talking about choosing a theme to design an event around.
The trick to planning any kind of themed wedding is to narrow your focus.
As a result, a bride should ask herself which specific aspects of their initial theme idea they like. There are so many possibilities.
· Butterflies
· Doves
· Roses
· Calla Lilies
· Daisies
· English Gardens
· Victorian Gardens
· Forrest Meadows
· Etc.
The possibilities are nearly endless. And even within the theme options I listed above you could, and might want to, get more specific to weave a specific visual or olfactory theme into your wedding preparations.
Why take the time?
The natural inclination is to ask if it is useful to hone the theme down to a specific wedding theme. The answer is yes. How are you going to know if the decorations you find will work with the rest of your wedding décor and accessories else unless you have a very specific idea of just what you want.
The same is true for your wedding favors by choosing favors that tie directly to your theme you have
easier internet searches,
keepsakes that will be tied to your wedding in your guest minds, and
favors that double as a part of your decor.
And the good news is that you might, depending on the specific theme you chose, be able to choose a less expensive location than you would otherwise - because the less expensive one fits your theme better!
The point is that the key to building a theme wedding is focus. Generally, your first wedding theme idea is entirely too broad. But by zeroing in on a specific aspect of your idea you can create a wedding theme that will be remembered for years to come.
The trick to planning any kind of themed wedding is to narrow your focus.
As a result, a bride should ask herself which specific aspects of their initial theme idea they like. There are so many possibilities.
· Butterflies
· Doves
· Roses
· Calla Lilies
· Daisies
· English Gardens
· Victorian Gardens
· Forrest Meadows
· Etc.
The possibilities are nearly endless. And even within the theme options I listed above you could, and might want to, get more specific to weave a specific visual or olfactory theme into your wedding preparations.
Why take the time?
The natural inclination is to ask if it is useful to hone the theme down to a specific wedding theme. The answer is yes. How are you going to know if the decorations you find will work with the rest of your wedding décor and accessories else unless you have a very specific idea of just what you want.
The same is true for your wedding favors by choosing favors that tie directly to your theme you have
easier internet searches,
keepsakes that will be tied to your wedding in your guest minds, and
favors that double as a part of your decor.
And the good news is that you might, depending on the specific theme you chose, be able to choose a less expensive location than you would otherwise - because the less expensive one fits your theme better!
The point is that the key to building a theme wedding is focus. Generally, your first wedding theme idea is entirely too broad. But by zeroing in on a specific aspect of your idea you can create a wedding theme that will be remembered for years to come.
Bridal Shower
The shower can be hosted by a close friend of the bride. It is considered improper for a family member of the bride to host because bridal showers are primarily a gift-giving event. However, family members can certainly help. Traditionally, the maid of honor hosts the shower, so if you want to help in planning, be sure to check with the maid of honor first. Commonly the maid of honor is a sister of the bride. In these cases, it has become acceptable in most regions for a family member to host the shower.
A good time for the shower would be 1-2 months before the wedding. This may be a very busy time for the bride, so be sure to consult the bride when setting the date. It can be held earlier, but it can be more exciting if held closer to the wedding date because everyone has marriage on their mind. If at all possible, avoid holding the shower too close to the wedding. It's a stressful time and the bride's schedule is likely to be jam-packed
The bride will want to be able to choose who is invited and you will need to consult her schedule to find a date. Many brides may assume they will have a shower and may approach you with the idea. If you do decide to host a surprise shower, be sure to contact the bride & groom's mother to find out what family members to invite. You may choose to surprise the bride with a second shower with only her closest of friends. Perhaps the wedding party and family.
There are many variations on showers, but here is a general schedule of a traditional shower.
Greet Guests - serve light appetizers
After all or almost all guests have arrived, go around the room and have each guest introduce themselves and identify how they know the bride.
Play 2-4 Shower Games. It is good to play games at the beginning as ice-breakers. Remember some guests may not know *anyone* but the bride.
Let everyone go get whatever food may be available and then once everyone has been served, the bride can begin to open her gifts. Be sure to have someone write down each gift and who it is from. It will make sending thank-you notes a lot easier.
People chat and usually leave a few at a time. Make sure the bride gets to say goodbye to everyone and the hostess thanks the person for attending. If the hostess has shower favors, they should give this to the guest now
Shower favors are not a tradition in all areas. In some regions, it is unheard of give favors (they came to shower the bride, not vice-versa). Yet in other regions, it is a must (it is rude not to acknowledge their presence with a favor). It's best to base your decision on what you have experienced at showers you have attended locally or ask close friends and find out what they think. If you do have favors, some ideas are potpourri satchel, scented candles, or candies wrapped in tulle.
A good time for the shower would be 1-2 months before the wedding. This may be a very busy time for the bride, so be sure to consult the bride when setting the date. It can be held earlier, but it can be more exciting if held closer to the wedding date because everyone has marriage on their mind. If at all possible, avoid holding the shower too close to the wedding. It's a stressful time and the bride's schedule is likely to be jam-packed
The bride will want to be able to choose who is invited and you will need to consult her schedule to find a date. Many brides may assume they will have a shower and may approach you with the idea. If you do decide to host a surprise shower, be sure to contact the bride & groom's mother to find out what family members to invite. You may choose to surprise the bride with a second shower with only her closest of friends. Perhaps the wedding party and family.
There are many variations on showers, but here is a general schedule of a traditional shower.
Greet Guests - serve light appetizers
After all or almost all guests have arrived, go around the room and have each guest introduce themselves and identify how they know the bride.
Play 2-4 Shower Games. It is good to play games at the beginning as ice-breakers. Remember some guests may not know *anyone* but the bride.
Let everyone go get whatever food may be available and then once everyone has been served, the bride can begin to open her gifts. Be sure to have someone write down each gift and who it is from. It will make sending thank-you notes a lot easier.
People chat and usually leave a few at a time. Make sure the bride gets to say goodbye to everyone and the hostess thanks the person for attending. If the hostess has shower favors, they should give this to the guest now
Shower favors are not a tradition in all areas. In some regions, it is unheard of give favors (they came to shower the bride, not vice-versa). Yet in other regions, it is a must (it is rude not to acknowledge their presence with a favor). It's best to base your decision on what you have experienced at showers you have attended locally or ask close friends and find out what they think. If you do have favors, some ideas are potpourri satchel, scented candles, or candies wrapped in tulle.
Beach Party
If you are holding a beach themed wedding, keeping the theme universal makes the planning and preparations much easier. When you begin planning the bridesmaid luncheon, why not consider combining the male and female attendants “thank you” party into one competitive and fun event. Planning the wedding attendant luncheon for your entire bridal party can be a great deal of fun and take very little effort as long as you identify your main goal of the event and create an entire afternoon around that activity. Since you are hosting a luncheon, a beach barbecue would be a thematic and fun.
An afternoon activity that would provide lighthearted fun and competitiveness between the two sides of the bridal party could include a “sand castle building” competition at your local beach. This unique and exciting activity would provide a great opportunity for everyone to meet and get to know one another and express their creative side along the way. Additional activities that could be included in the day’s itinerary could include a game of beach volleyball and a bonfire. However, if you intend to build a fire on a public beach it is often a good idea to check with your city council to discover if any special permits are necessary prior to hosting your event.
Taking time to locate beach themed wedding attendant gifts for each member of your wedding party is actually easier than you might think; many online and retail wedding planning outlets have unique and creative wedding party favors to give to your friends and family on this special day
If you are holding a beach themed wedding, keeping the theme universal makes the planning and preparations much easier. When you begin planning the bridesmaid luncheon, why not consider combining the male and female attendants “thank you” party into one competitive and fun event. Planning the wedding attendant luncheon for your entire bridal party can be a great deal of fun and take very little effort as long as you identify your main goal of the event and create an entire afternoon around that activity. Since you are hosting a luncheon, a beach barbecue would be a thematic and fun.
An afternoon activity that would provide lighthearted fun and competitiveness between the two sides of the bridal party could include a “sand castle building” competition at your local beach. This unique and exciting activity would provide a great opportunity for everyone to meet and get to know one another and express their creative side along the way. Additional activities that could be included in the day’s itinerary could include a game of beach volleyball and a bonfire. However, if you intend to build a fire on a public beach it is often a good idea to check with your city council to discover if any special permits are necessary prior to hosting your event.
Taking time to locate beach themed wedding attendant gifts for each member of your wedding party is actually easier than you might think; many online and retail wedding planning outlets have unique and creative wedding party favors to give to your friends and family on this special day
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Love is in the air… We'll Maybe Not At First !
Love is in the air…
To westerners who put a lot of emphasis on love and marriage or shall we say – love before marriage – love is the only thing you need to be happy. But for societies who believe that arranged marriages will flourish and endure forever, love, at least for the time being, can take the back seat.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 1
Arranged marriages are viewed as a social and economic necessity, the terms of which are agreed upon by the families of the future groom and bride. The question of whether the bride and groom are in love is not a priority; what’s important is that the marriage is stable with staying power.
Point of clarification: indeed, love makes the world go round. We all want to be madly and passionately in love. But just because arranged marriages are not premised exclusively on love, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist in the relationship. It may be born on day 1 of the marriage or can grow after a few years. We should not be misled by the notion that spouses in arranged marriages have no say about their partners. In some countries the man or woman can refuse a selected spouse. Because consent by both is imperative, who is to say that love does not or cannot exist?
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 2
Arranged marriages are an accepted practice in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan and India, Bangladesh and some Muslim/Islam countries. Arranged marriages have another name: Sheri and Bob Tritof also call them pragmatic marriages. They are successful traditions in many cultures. Although no statistics are available to prove it, about 60 to 80 percent of arranged marriages in Afghanistan are of the forced kind. This means that the consent of the marrying parties does not carry any weight. Of that percentage, many succeed.
Point of clarification: it is unfortunate that arranged marriages are taken in a negative light by western societies. This is attributed to a lack of knowledge about the whole concept of arranged marriages. Not all these marriages are forced. Parents ensure that their sons and daughters are satisfied with their parents’ choices. The children’s consent is vital, and should a prospective partner be refused, parents will simply have to find another suitable choice. A courtship period is also allowed by certain cultures, and in more modern societies like India, the couple is encouraged to go out on dates so they can get to know each other better.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 3
Sadly, it is a fact that despite the few and isolated stories covered by the media of young women being forced into marriages, there are equally, if not more, successful arranged marriages. The argument is that because parents know their children best and have the wisdom and wherewithal to select the best candidate, the marriage will benefit from the support and encouragement of their elders and hence will be durable and permanently. There are significantly fewer divorces or separations between people of arranged marriages.
Point of clarification: we need to be careful about taking arranged marriages from the perspective of the divorce rate. It is true that only a few arranged marriages end in divorce, but is the reason really the arranged marriage itself or the fact that in more traditional and conservative societies, people usually don’t get divorced anyway and stay within the marriage hoping to work things out.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 4
The general belief is that arranged marriages in Muslim religions are very restrictive and encroach on the personal freedoms of women. This belief is a little erroneous because in many Muslim countries, the consent of both parties is required and couples must “see each other” before marriage but must never be left alone, unsupervised. There is a dowry involved (like in India) and four witnesses are needed (two males and two females).
Point of clarification: Muslim religions believe consent is important; however, it discourages modern western practices such as dating, living-in and long courtships.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 5
Arranged marriages also exist in China and Indonesia and in cultures where Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism are the predominant religions. Again, couples do not date. They may spend 15 minutes meeting each other and then wed in a few months, as reported by Del Jones in a USA Today article dated February 2006.
Point of clarification: Keo Mony wrote that the Buddhist culture in Cambodia dictates that it is the sacred duty of parents to marry off their children to good families. Arranged marriages have survived to this day, thanks to the pervasive influence of religion and tradition. In Cambodia, children are expected to repay their gratitude to their parents for finding them suitable partners. Fulfilling one’s marital obligations is one of way repaying that gratitude. The rituals and protocol of arranged marriages may vary from one country to another and from one religion to the next.
In rural parts of China, arranged and semi-arranged marriages are still common, although the Chinese government introduced a new Marriage Law in 1980 setting the legal for women (20) and men (22) to marry. The law confirmed the government’s approval for free-choice marriage, right to divorce, and the abolition of child marriages. The free-choice marriage is limited to urban centers.
Arranged Marriages: Facts
No one will argue that there are more than five facts regarding arranged marriages but we have mentioned the more common ones. These facts could be skewed depending on the country and the religion so that what may be true in say Sri Lanka may not necessarily apply to Bangladesh.
Remember too that arranged marriages are also practiced in western societies, especially among royalty and the aristocratic classes. You may be aware that the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer was in a way arranged, since Queen Elizabeth had no doubt screened several women and assessed their potential to be the wife of Prince Charles. Decades before that, King Edward had to abdicate his throne because he married a divorced American commoner
To westerners who put a lot of emphasis on love and marriage or shall we say – love before marriage – love is the only thing you need to be happy. But for societies who believe that arranged marriages will flourish and endure forever, love, at least for the time being, can take the back seat.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 1
Arranged marriages are viewed as a social and economic necessity, the terms of which are agreed upon by the families of the future groom and bride. The question of whether the bride and groom are in love is not a priority; what’s important is that the marriage is stable with staying power.
Point of clarification: indeed, love makes the world go round. We all want to be madly and passionately in love. But just because arranged marriages are not premised exclusively on love, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist in the relationship. It may be born on day 1 of the marriage or can grow after a few years. We should not be misled by the notion that spouses in arranged marriages have no say about their partners. In some countries the man or woman can refuse a selected spouse. Because consent by both is imperative, who is to say that love does not or cannot exist?
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 2
Arranged marriages are an accepted practice in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan and India, Bangladesh and some Muslim/Islam countries. Arranged marriages have another name: Sheri and Bob Tritof also call them pragmatic marriages. They are successful traditions in many cultures. Although no statistics are available to prove it, about 60 to 80 percent of arranged marriages in Afghanistan are of the forced kind. This means that the consent of the marrying parties does not carry any weight. Of that percentage, many succeed.
Point of clarification: it is unfortunate that arranged marriages are taken in a negative light by western societies. This is attributed to a lack of knowledge about the whole concept of arranged marriages. Not all these marriages are forced. Parents ensure that their sons and daughters are satisfied with their parents’ choices. The children’s consent is vital, and should a prospective partner be refused, parents will simply have to find another suitable choice. A courtship period is also allowed by certain cultures, and in more modern societies like India, the couple is encouraged to go out on dates so they can get to know each other better.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 3
Sadly, it is a fact that despite the few and isolated stories covered by the media of young women being forced into marriages, there are equally, if not more, successful arranged marriages. The argument is that because parents know their children best and have the wisdom and wherewithal to select the best candidate, the marriage will benefit from the support and encouragement of their elders and hence will be durable and permanently. There are significantly fewer divorces or separations between people of arranged marriages.
Point of clarification: we need to be careful about taking arranged marriages from the perspective of the divorce rate. It is true that only a few arranged marriages end in divorce, but is the reason really the arranged marriage itself or the fact that in more traditional and conservative societies, people usually don’t get divorced anyway and stay within the marriage hoping to work things out.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 4
The general belief is that arranged marriages in Muslim religions are very restrictive and encroach on the personal freedoms of women. This belief is a little erroneous because in many Muslim countries, the consent of both parties is required and couples must “see each other” before marriage but must never be left alone, unsupervised. There is a dowry involved (like in India) and four witnesses are needed (two males and two females).
Point of clarification: Muslim religions believe consent is important; however, it discourages modern western practices such as dating, living-in and long courtships.
Arranged Marriages: Fact # 5
Arranged marriages also exist in China and Indonesia and in cultures where Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism are the predominant religions. Again, couples do not date. They may spend 15 minutes meeting each other and then wed in a few months, as reported by Del Jones in a USA Today article dated February 2006.
Point of clarification: Keo Mony wrote that the Buddhist culture in Cambodia dictates that it is the sacred duty of parents to marry off their children to good families. Arranged marriages have survived to this day, thanks to the pervasive influence of religion and tradition. In Cambodia, children are expected to repay their gratitude to their parents for finding them suitable partners. Fulfilling one’s marital obligations is one of way repaying that gratitude. The rituals and protocol of arranged marriages may vary from one country to another and from one religion to the next.
In rural parts of China, arranged and semi-arranged marriages are still common, although the Chinese government introduced a new Marriage Law in 1980 setting the legal for women (20) and men (22) to marry. The law confirmed the government’s approval for free-choice marriage, right to divorce, and the abolition of child marriages. The free-choice marriage is limited to urban centers.
Arranged Marriages: Facts
No one will argue that there are more than five facts regarding arranged marriages but we have mentioned the more common ones. These facts could be skewed depending on the country and the religion so that what may be true in say Sri Lanka may not necessarily apply to Bangladesh.
Remember too that arranged marriages are also practiced in western societies, especially among royalty and the aristocratic classes. You may be aware that the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer was in a way arranged, since Queen Elizabeth had no doubt screened several women and assessed their potential to be the wife of Prince Charles. Decades before that, King Edward had to abdicate his throne because he married a divorced American commoner
Did You Know ?
The Greeks believed that placing a sugar cube inside the bride’s glove would “sweeten” the marriage. Ancient Romans used to believe that they could determine the best time to marry by studying pig innards. Yuck! In the olden days of Finnish culture it was customary for an older married man to escort the bride around town to collect gifts from friends—which would be put in a pillowcase! The Japanese were the first to make a white wedding dress the traditional attire for brides.
Did You Know These Wedding Fact's ?
Wedding Bouquet
For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride's bouquet kept her temper sweet.
Wedding Cake
The wedding cake has always played an important part in the wedding. Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility or abundance. Many other cultures dropped wheat, flour or cake on the bride's head, and then ate the crumbs for good luck. The early British baked baskets of dry crackers, and every guest took one home after the wedding. In medieval times, guests brought small cakes and piled them on a table. The bride and groom then attempted to kiss over the cakes. Eventually, a young baker decided to put all the cakes together and cover them with frosting, thus the tiered wedding cake was born.
Wedding Dress
Traditionally, brides did not wear white wedding gowns. Through the 18th century, most brides just wore their Sunday best to their wedding. Red was a favorite during the Middle Ages in Europe. Other colors were worn for symbolic reasons: blue meant constancy and green meant youth. As years passed, white was worn as a symbol of purity. Today, white merely symbolizes the wedding and is worn by any bride, no matter if it is their second marriage.
The Honeymoon
The first weddings comprised of a groom taking his bride by capture. He would take her somewhere hidden away so her
relatives and villagers couldn't find them. There they stayed for one moon phase and drank mead, a wine make from honey, to make them more amorous. Thus, the word "honeymoon" was born. Today, the honeymoon is the time when the couple can get away for awhile.
The Kiss
The first kiss a bride and groom share at the close of the ceremony has carried special significance through the centuries.
Many cultures believed that the couple exchanged spirits with their breath and part of their souls were exchanged as well.
The Ring
The wedding ring has traditionally been worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein in this finger ran directly to the heart. The third finger of the left hand has become the customary wedding-ring finger for all
English-speaking cultures.
Throwing Rice
One of the oldest wedding traditions, the custom of throwing rice, originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese. In these cultures, rice is the symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity. Tossing it after the ceremony was believed to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom. Eating rice and other grains was thought to guarantee health, wealth and happiness for the newlyweds. Today, rice tossing is being replaced by the more ecologically friendly birdseed tossing, because uncooked rice is damaging to birds who eat it off the church lawn.
The Veil
Mystique and romance has surrounded the veil for more than one thousand years. Originally, the veil is thought to have been used to hide the bride from abductors, just as the similar dress of her bridesmaids was meant to do. But a more romantic interpretation evolved later which believed that concealment (as the bride's face beneath a veil) rendered what was hidden more valuable. Another early interpretation of the veil was that it symbolized youth and virginity.
For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride's bouquet kept her temper sweet.
Wedding Cake
The wedding cake has always played an important part in the wedding. Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility or abundance. Many other cultures dropped wheat, flour or cake on the bride's head, and then ate the crumbs for good luck. The early British baked baskets of dry crackers, and every guest took one home after the wedding. In medieval times, guests brought small cakes and piled them on a table. The bride and groom then attempted to kiss over the cakes. Eventually, a young baker decided to put all the cakes together and cover them with frosting, thus the tiered wedding cake was born.
Wedding Dress
Traditionally, brides did not wear white wedding gowns. Through the 18th century, most brides just wore their Sunday best to their wedding. Red was a favorite during the Middle Ages in Europe. Other colors were worn for symbolic reasons: blue meant constancy and green meant youth. As years passed, white was worn as a symbol of purity. Today, white merely symbolizes the wedding and is worn by any bride, no matter if it is their second marriage.
The Honeymoon
The first weddings comprised of a groom taking his bride by capture. He would take her somewhere hidden away so her
relatives and villagers couldn't find them. There they stayed for one moon phase and drank mead, a wine make from honey, to make them more amorous. Thus, the word "honeymoon" was born. Today, the honeymoon is the time when the couple can get away for awhile.
The Kiss
The first kiss a bride and groom share at the close of the ceremony has carried special significance through the centuries.
Many cultures believed that the couple exchanged spirits with their breath and part of their souls were exchanged as well.
The Ring
The wedding ring has traditionally been worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein in this finger ran directly to the heart. The third finger of the left hand has become the customary wedding-ring finger for all
English-speaking cultures.
Throwing Rice
One of the oldest wedding traditions, the custom of throwing rice, originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese. In these cultures, rice is the symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity. Tossing it after the ceremony was believed to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom. Eating rice and other grains was thought to guarantee health, wealth and happiness for the newlyweds. Today, rice tossing is being replaced by the more ecologically friendly birdseed tossing, because uncooked rice is damaging to birds who eat it off the church lawn.
The Veil
Mystique and romance has surrounded the veil for more than one thousand years. Originally, the veil is thought to have been used to hide the bride from abductors, just as the similar dress of her bridesmaids was meant to do. But a more romantic interpretation evolved later which believed that concealment (as the bride's face beneath a veil) rendered what was hidden more valuable. Another early interpretation of the veil was that it symbolized youth and virginity.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Discount Brides & All Ocassion Party Themes
Will fit size 7 to 8
Black and White Wedding Dress $375.00
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
