Wedding March Music Box

You have a friend or loved one who is getting married or is a newlywed. You desire to give a special gift to show your love and support, but don't know what to give. If you are one who loves arts and crafts, and are creative, why not give a handmade wedding music box? It would make a creative and unique gift! If you are game, here are instructions for a beautiful, handmade, "Wedding March Music Box". This is taken from Sharon Ganske's book, "Making Marvelous Music Boxes."

Step One: Prepare chipboard boxes. Another name for them is chipwood boxes. Since the sides of the boxes are flimsy, you would need to reinforce them by applying hot glue around the inside of the box between the side and bottom. After the glue has hardened, apply a heavy layer of Tacky glue to the insides of the box and then allow to dry.

Step Two: Cut two strips: one 2" x16" and another 13/4" x 11 ¼", and two circles: one 5" and another 3/2", from white jacquard fabric. Using thin-bodied Tacky glue, laminate fabric strips to sides of boxes. Make sure bottom edges are even. Wrap ¼" of excess fabric circles to box bottoms.

Step Three: Drill a ¼ hole in center lid on large box. The small lid will not be used.

Step Four: Using a paintbrush, paint the outside of lid with white acrylic paint. Spray with matte sealer.

Step Five: Using industrial-strength glue, glue turntable to center of cake plate with the shaft sticking up. Glue musical movement to inside of lid, centering winding-key shaft in hole. Using Tacky glue, glue lid on box. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Step Six: Turn boxes over. Bottom of boxes will now be referred to as top of boxes. Using a glue gun, hot0glue scalloped flat pleated lace around the bottom, open end, of small box. Glue remaining lace around the bottom edge (lid) of large box. Glue pleated satin ruffle on top of scalloped flat pleated lace on large box only so it is on the bottom. Glue pleated icing satin ribbon around the side of lid at bottom of large box. Glue ½" scalloped wedding lace around sides of large box. Glue bottom open end of small box to the top center of large box.

Step Seven: Using industrial strength glue, glue plastic standing heart cake decoration and bride and groom figurines to top of cake. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Step Eight: Glue two flower sprays to the front of plastic heart and two to the back by placing large end of the flower spray at bottom of heart and curving it toward center of heart. Cascade remaining flower spray down left side of bride and groom.

Step Nine: Wind cake onto turntable. The turntable is the winding key.

Note: To wash cake plate, remove cake from turntable.

Music Box Variations

Instead of making this music box into a wedding cake, try a birthday cake. Two layers are not necessary, but can be used. To replicate frosting roses, use small porcelain or ceramic roses. To make candles, simply cut thin dowels into an appropriate length. Sand if necessary, and paint with acrylic paint. For the wick, glue a small piece of white string to the center top of painted dowels. Cut the stem from a "Happy Birthday" floral pick and glue it to the top of the birthday cake. If the cake is for a child, it can be decorated with pre-painted plastic or resin clowns and balloons. Use a bright-colored ribbon as the icing to go around the edges. Of course, simply using black jacquard fabric instead of white can make an "Over-the-Hill" cake. Using white puff paint, carefully print sentiments to the birthday honoree.

Wedding Bouquet That Is Interesting And Unusual

Have you ever noticed how most bouquets look the same? Sure, they look beautiful, but they don't really have much variety.

They usually contain flowers and some type of greenery.

But who ever said that bouquets only had to contain flowers and greenery?

Why can't they contain something a bit more exciting?

Like what? I can hear you asking.

Well you can try anything really, it is only limited by your imagination.

Most brides spend hours thinking about what flowers they want in their bouquets and then what flowers they want as accents to the focal flower.

I wonder what what would happen if they had something else to choose from, instead of just flowers?

Does the person you are making the bouquet for have a favourite thing that they would love to carry down the isle?

You should always ask your bride what they would like in their bouquet because it doesn't have to be flowers.

There are plenty of other things you can add, such as:

- toy cars
- toy trains
- toy aeroplanes
- miniature teddy bears
- small dolls
- plastic horses, cats, dogs, or birds

Some other things you could add include candy, chocolates, bubble gum, fruit, vegetables, cup cakes etc. For my own wedding, I am adding lollipops to my bouquet!

You probably think I've gone mad! But trust me, people liked to have choice and they like to feel that they are different and unusual!

And adding interesting objects to the bouquet can be a good way to get the groom more involved with the wedding. For example, if the groom is a pilot, or likes cars, how about adding some toy planes or toy cars to the bouquet? This is sure to get him more involved!

Not all brides will want to do this, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have more choice!

And just because you are adding a few different things doesn't mean you still can't have flowers. All you do is combine the two, for example, you could have seven teddy bears and nine roses. It's really up to the person getting married.

As you know, weddings can be very stressful and taxing. So why not lighten things up a little and give people something to talk about for years to come?

Wedding Speeches

Weddings can be fraught occasions. An inappropriate remark can ruin the day for the couple. That is why it is so important that those giving a speech on the wedding day should be very careful about what they say.

That is not to say, of course, that they should not be light-hearted or witty. It is just to remind you that what may seem hilarious at the bachelor party might not sound equally funny to the bride’s mother or grandmother. A good speaker always tailors his or her wedding speech to the audience.

Weddings are usually family affairs and there may even be children present. That is why a speaker should not tell a smutty joke for example. There are some things that are taboo and should never be mentioned. One is that no mention should be made of the wedding couples’ past love life. A wedding day is obviously not the time either to make racist or political remarks. Nor is it a time to refer to previous husbands or wives, unless, of course, with the couple’s agreement. You need to be careful too about mentioning a family death. Again you should consult the wedding couple because the bride or groom might want his or her mother or father remembered on his or her big day.

A wedding speech should, ideally be warm and positive. You should speak about the virtues of the wedding couple and their suitability for each other. It’s ideal to mention their hobbies and their wonderful personalities. You could show you have done your homework by mentioning some childhood incident or something that shows either the bride or groom in a good light.

Obviously it depends on why you are speaking. If you are the father of the bride your wedding speech should be about how proud you are of your daughter and how much she means to you. You should mention her growing years and pay a gracious compliment to her mother. You ought to welcome the groom and his family into yours and end by toasting the happy couple. If, of course, there is divorce or family disagreement you have to be very careful not to mention it but concentrate on your daughter and her future happiness.

You may be the bride’s uncle or a family friend rather than the bride. If so, you should mention her father if that is appropriate and say that you are honored to be speaking at his daughter’s wedding. If her father has disappeared or should not be mentioned for some reason then simply say how honored you are to speak at the wedding of someone who is close to you. Your speech should mention how happy you are for the wedding couple and how you know that the groom is an ideal choice for her. You should mention how lovely the bride looks on her special day. You should say that the groom and his family will make a lovely addition to hers. The wedding speech should be touching and personal. It should end with a toast to the couple.

If the bride chooses to speak she will usually thank her parents for their love over the years. She will say how happy she is to be marrying her groom. She may thank those who helped her organise the wedding and she will usually say how wonderful her in-laws are too. Her speech is not traditional so she can make it very short and sweet.

The groom will, of course say, how beautiful his bride is. He will speak of his parents and how much they mean to him. He will mention his best man and the experiences they have shared over the years. He should speak too of his new in-laws and how welcoming they have been. He should say how happy he is that his bride has married him and that he looks forward to their future together. He will end his wedding speech with a toast to the bridesmaids.

A best man on the other hand, is usually the MC for the day so he is expected to keep the ball rolling. In his wedding speech he should refer to his friendship or kinship to the groom. He is expected to be light-hearted and to introduce the speakers in turn. So if there is a clergyman or woman present he invites them to speak first. Then he invites the father of the bride or friend of the family to speak. The father of the groom and perhaps the bride herself or her maid of honor follows this. Then the groom should speak and it is the best man’s duty to respond to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids and, finally to read out any messages of congratulation. Before he does so, however, he will toast the wedding couple if the bride’s father has not done so already. If the bride’s father has toasted them the best man will simply offer them his best wishes for the future.

Weddings are traditional occasions and most couple follow the usual wedding etiquette.

However there may be discord amongst families or there may be no family members present. In such a case a friend of the wedding couple may speak and wish them well and toast them in a light-hearted or jocular way. However it is their special day and the remarks, however, light-hearted, should be sincere. Above all a wedding speech should be gracious no matter who or what the personalities involved. So if the father of the bride is divorced and bitter he should still be able to say one good thing about the bride’s mother such as she is a great mother. The bride or the groom should never be upset by family discord on such a day.

Nobody is giving marks out of ten for the speech etiquette. Nonetheless just as you would not go to a black tie in your jeans your speech should suit the occasion. That is it should speak of the bride’s beauty, how much the groom suits her and of the wonderful future that lies ahead. If you incorporate these things in your wedding speech you can’t go far wrong.

Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony

The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an ancient and beautiful ceremony, which has been celebrated in its current form for centuries. The wedding ceremony is full of symbolism and is a great experience if you have never attended one before, because it is likely to be quite different from other weddings you have attended in Western Europe. The service is also rather unique because the bride and groom do not make vows to each other – their presence together in the church is taken to mean that they are serious about getting married.

The Beginning of the Wedding

In most cases the wedding guests will wait with the groom outside the church until the bride arrives (a few sneaky wedding pros will go into the church early to secure a good seat). In the Summer, when most weddings take place, it is not unusual for ceremonies to be arranged back to back, so the guests attending a marriage will often stand around with those who have just attended the previous wedding as they prepare to leave. Wedding dress commentators among the crowd will get to consider and discuss at least two brides and maybe even a third as they leave the church – bargain! Meanwhile, the nervous groom waits for the bride at the entrance to the church, often holding her floral bouquet. He hands it to her as they meet and they then go inside together followed by the guests. There is no separation of the guests into guests of the bride and guests of the groom – everyone sits together and in the case of small churches, many people prefer to stand in a spot where they can get a good view of the proceedings.

Service of Betrothal

The wedding ceremony itself is in two parts: the Service of Betrothal and the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. The exchanging of rings is the focus of the Service of Betrothal. The priest blesses the rings by holding them in his right hand and making the sign of the cross over the heads of the bride and groom. The rings are then placed on the third fingers of their right hands. The “Koumbaro”, the couple’s religious sponsor, then swaps the rings over between the bride and groom’s fingers, three times. A number of rituals in the ceremony are repeated three times and this symbolises the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage

This Ceremony consists of several key parts. First, several prayers are said and then as they come to an end, the priest joins the right hands of the bride and groom. Their hands remain joined until the end of the wedding ceremony, which symbolises the couple’s union.

The Crowning

The bride and groom are crowned with thin crowns, or “stefana”, which are joined by a white ribbon and have been blessed by the priest. The crowns symbolise the glory and honour that is being bestowed on them by God, and the the ribbon symbolises their unity. The “Koumbaro” then exchanges the crowns between the heads of the couple, three times.

The Common Cup

The crowning is followed by a reading of the Gospel, which tells of the marriage of Cana at Galilee. It was at this wedding that Jesus performed his first miracle, changing water into wine, which was then given to the married couple. Wine is given to the couple and they each drink from it three times.

The Ceremonial Walk

The priest the leads the couple, who are still wearing their “stefana”, three times around the altar on their first steps as a married couple. The “Koumbaro” follows close behind the couple holding the “stefana” place. At this point the couple (and anyone standing nearby) is usually showered with rice, which was earlier handed out to the wedding guests. The priest will often make use of the bible he is holding to give himself some protection!

The Removal of the Crowns

When the Ceremonial Walk has ended, the priest blesses the couple, the crowns are removed and he then separates their previously joined hands with the bible, reminding them that only God can break the union which they have just entered into.

Wedding traditions

Much of the information available on Greek Orthodox wedding traditions is a little outdated and contains generalisations that give the impression that certain traditions are followed by everyone who gets married. Some of these traditions are set out below

- Rolling a baby on the marital bed to encourage fertility.

- The throwing of money onto the marital bed.

- The pinning of money onto the bride (and sometimes also the groom) at the wedding reception.

Although these rituals are seen as traditional, fewer and fewer young people marrying today are following them, because they are seen as old-fashioned. Many people do not wish to put their guests through the ordeal of other people being able to see how much money they pin on the bride, for example. Although money is still a very common, as well as practical, wedding present it is often given to the couple before the wedding day or to a third person at the wedding reception, for safe-keeping. Greeks living in the more remote parts of Greece and abroad, who will naturally feel more strongly about doing things the traditional way, are more likely to follow these traditions than those living in Athens, for example. Like weddings everywhere, Greek weddings are changing. At the time of writing, there is a growing fashion to go and get married on an island and I recently heard someone say that he was looking into getting married in a ski resort. He was wisely advised by a friend “You had better first ask the priest if he wants to perform a marriage up a mountain”!

Mobile Disco for your Wedding or Event

How to Choose a Mobile Disco for your Wedding or Event

This article is intended to give anybody looking to book a mobile disco, some ideas of what questions to ask, and what areas to look for, when choosing a Mobile Dj for their Wedding. Although written to advise a client looking to book a Mobile Disco for a Wedding Reception, the various points made within, may also be suitable for many other family functions where the services of a Mobile Disco may also be employed.

One of the first things you should look for when choosing a Mobile Disco, is the information which is given in the Brochure / Website. Has the Dj taken time to provide pictures of his / her roadshow, have they written in detail about the services that they provide and taken the time to publicise how long they have been in business, what music they play, and any testimonials or professional affiliations they have. What are your first impressions of the DJ and the business they run?. Even at this early stage you should trust your instincts.

Another area, you should look for is the availability of information, does the DJ clearly advertise their contact information. DJ's who conduct business purely through a hotmail or yahoo address, or those who choose only give a throw away mobile phone number as a sole point of contact, should perhaps be avoided.

The next is to contact the Mobile Disco by email or phone, to assess their suitability for your fuction. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions which you feel are important to you, and it is often a good idea to either email these, or have them written down when you make the call. The DJ is a service provider, and will have allowed plenty of time to address any questions or concerns which their clients may have. Look for descrepencies in areas where the information provided by the Dj doesn't quite match up with that given on the website!.

When considering booking a Mobile Disco, you should expect the DJ to play a mixed music selection suitable for all of the age groups attending. At most Wedding Receptions, with family present this usually means a wide and varied evening of music suitable for young and old tastes alike. Avoid booking any DJ who seems only interested in playing one type of music, or who will play music which may be unsuitable for the age groups in attendance. Ensure that the DJ has a comprehensive music collection, and seems knowledgable and confident on all eras of music. Again, any Dj who askes you to describe what Motown or 70's music sounds like, is not really experienced enough and should perhaps be best avoided for this type of function.

If required, your DJ should be able to incorporate a playlist, containing your favourite requests into the evening disco. However don't make this list too long or specialised, since a lot of DJ's work by "reading" the dancefloor reaction and ensuring continuity of music depending on which types of music the audience are responiding to. Since all people and audiences are different, and all individuals have different musical tastes, it is impossible to create a playlist of music before the actual function with a guarantee that running order will work with your guests.

Most DJ's like to also invite and include the requests of the Wedding Guests too, as well as those requested in advance by the Bride and Groom. Remember, when booking a DJ, you are also paying for his / her experience as an enertainer, so please be prepared to allow a little flexibility and continuity in your personal music choices, and any request list which you may choose to provide your DJ with.

At most Weddings it is often a custom for the Bride and Groom to choose the first dance, and this signals the start of the actual Evening Function. At some Weddings the Bride and Groom may also choose a second track too, and this can be used to invite other guests onto the dancefloor to join the happy couple, or for the Bride and her Father to share a dance. Occasionally a third track for another key family member could also be incorporate as well, if required. Remember to ensure that this information and any request list is sent to the DJ, well ahead of the actual function date.

When choosing a Mobile Disco, don't just base your requirements and expectations on price alone. At many Wedding Receptions, large amounts of money have usually already been spent on the venue, the venue decor, flowers, food, and of course the Wedding Cake and other services such as a photographer, and some may think nothing of spending hundreds on extras such as a chocolate fountain whilst skimping on the entertainment!. Whilst these areas are important, many clients do make the mistake of booking a cheaper disco as a way of saving money and are then disappointed with the results.

Realistically, it is false economy to just book the Mobile Dj who comes in with the lowest quote. Don't forget that the evenings entertainment, will play a big role in the success of any Wedding Reception, and an inexperienced DJ, or one who doesn't turn up at all, may ruin an otherwise pefect day. Equally a Dj who plays too loudly or who plays unsuitable music may chase away your guests early and ruin the enjoyment of those who do remain until the end. When bookng a DJ, you are paying for the difference between a jukebox in the corner and a professional entertainer, and the latter will of course expect a professional fee for their services.

A Good Dj will be able to create a positive atmosphere and have the experience to make the function work. Remember that it is the Dj's experience you are paying for, and not just the flashing lights.

When booking a Mobile Disco also ask them if they have public liability insurance. This is important, should any accidents occur between the Disco Equipment and your guests, which is at the liability of the DJ you have the reassurance that they are covered. Just as importantly, a lot of venues and hotels will not allow a Mobile Disco to enter their premises unless this certificate can be produced. Therefore it is in your own interests to make sure that the DJ who you book, has this minimum requirement, otherwise you may see your disco being refused entry and be unable to carry out his obligations, leaving you without a dj, on the evening of your function. In the UK, Mobile DJ's are also required at some venues to produce PAT (Electrcal Safety) certificates and so, if you live in the UK or other countries which require this, then make sure that your mobile disco has the level of requirements expected by your hotel or Wedding venue.

Most DJ's will dress accordingly depending on the formality of the event, at Wedding Receptions the usual dress for a function would be a Tux or a suit. If you have any special requirements for attire, such as black tie or if the function has a theme or fancy dress, then any DJ worth their reputation will dress suitably for the function or theme if instructed.

This is YOUR function and YOUR special day, so any mobile disco should be flexible as to the arrangements and your music requirements, so it is important to discuss these requirements prior to making a confirmed booking. Most DJ's structure their fee according to how many hours they work, so give some serious considerations to the timescale of the event. Remember that the Evening Function and its start time is reliant not only on other earlier activites such as the ceremony and the wedding breakfast running to schedule, but also the arrival of any guests for the Evening function who may be running late. So don't book your disco to start too early in order to allow for some inevitable over running and late arriving guests.

When considering the finishing time for your disco, also consider how long most of the guests have been in attendance, will they have the energy to dance until 1AM, if they have been at the ceremony since 1PM?. Do you have a function with a lot of young children or elderly relations who may leave the venue early? have any relatives travelled a long distance to be there, and who may too need to leave early in order to return home?. All these are important considerations which decide whether your Wedding Disco finishes at Midnight or runs on well into the early hours!, and again the duration of the function will reflect in your DJ's fee.

Also remember to mention to the DJ any special requirements. Do you want the use of the Microphone and P,A system for the speeches?, Do you want background music during any meal or buffet breaks?, is the DJ sharing the reception with a band?. Is the Dj expected to set up in a marquee?, is there limited space at the venue or limited access to set up?

Above all, always trust your insticts when contacting Mobile Discos, consider how much interest the DJ showed in your function, did they ask any questions?, did they appear professional and courteous?, how long did it take them to respond to your enquiry?, did they answer your questions in detail?.

Remember that how long a Mobile Disco has been in business is an important factor, if in doubt you should always remember to ask the DJ if they can provide references from clients who have booked them for similar events. Please remember that is not always practical to see a Mobile DJ working, especially if that DJ only provides mobile discos for weddings, and of course in this situation it would not be ethical or professional for a working Dj to invite potential clients to other peoples private functions for viewing purposes

When you choose your Disco and book the event, then expect to pay a small deposit in order to secure the date of the function. It's also very important that your booking details and terms are sent to you in writing, and that you have some form of contract with the DJ.

I hope that this article has proved useful in giving some basic information on what questions to ask, what to look out for, and the various areas of planning which should be considered when booking a mobile disco for your event.

5 Tips for Top Notch Wedding Pictures

Once a wedding date has been set, one of the first tasks of the future married couple is to line up a photographer to take what they hope will be priceless and cherished pictures - ones that you and others will look at for many years.

If the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" holds any truth, your wedding pictures will be especially important to you. Many couples mistakenly think of wedding pictures as the staged pictures of the bride, groom and the wedding party. Start thinking of your total set of wedding pictures as a memoribilia that tells a story of a bride and groom's special day - in preparation for, during and the final moments before the honeymoon.

Because your wedding will be in front of possibly hundreds of your closest family and friends, choosing a wedding photographer to visually document your special day should be taken very seriously. Forget about having your cousin's best friend who "takes great pictures". Your day must be put into the hands of a professional, perferably the best you can find for your budget.

Here some questions and factors to consider before making the commitment to hiring the services of a wedding photographer.

1. What will the style of your wedding be? Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? The answer to this simple question will play a key role in hiring the best photographer. For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, hire a wedding photographer that is traditional in their photographic style. Traditional photographers tend to notice and consider details when it comes to photography, angles of shots they take, balance, etc.

2. Photographers can vary greatly in price. That is why it is important to set a budget and adhere to it as closely as you can. Often you can apply the saying "you get what you pay for" but not always. Expensive photographers generally are high in quality but you may be able to find one that is just starting out with his/her business. In this case they may take terrific pictures and their prices are still in line with what you can afford.

3. Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be sure you always read the fine print of the contract so you know the services that you will be getting. Never leave it to chance and assume a photographer is going to perform his/her photographic duties the way you think they will. If you have extra requests or needs, be sure they are written in the contract. Once your day goes by it is too late to quibble over what should have been photographed. Better to have no surprises and that means a solid contract agreed upon by both parties.

4. Choose a photographer that is open to what you as a couple would like as far as your photographer's duties. Some wedding photographers have been doing weddings a long time and can get somewhat immune to the wishes of the couple, the wedding party and guests. Select a photographer that is easy going and can take a little direction if needed. On the other hand, don't try to tell the wedding photographer how to do his/her job. A happy medium is desireable.

5. Finally, (and this is an important one) be sure to ask to see a complete portfolio of the wedding photographers work. Be certain that is the style you would like. Sometimes photographers will "farm out" weddings and send another photographer that acts as a subcontractor for the photo studio. Be sure you ask exactly who will be the photographer on site that day and ask to see their portfolios as well. Remember, the best wedding photos are the ones where there are no surprises on the part of the bride and groom.

Proper thought and research when choosing your wedding photographer will result in some of the most memorable pictures of your lifetime. Good luck!

Tips for Planning the Perfect Military Wedding

The day has finally arrived. After all these years waiting for the right one, you finally find that special someone. Soon a marriage proposal comes your way, one that will surely change life forever. You finally get the opportunity to plan the wedding you’ve dreamed about since childhood. All the plans begin falling in place, when suddenly things change dramatically. Your soon-to-be spouse learns that they are being deployed oversees. All the hopes and dreams for happiness appear lost, at least for the moment. You still long to get married, but there is so much to do, and so many unique circumstances that other couples don’t face. From finding a chaplain to the financial costs of planning a rush wedding, the task can seem daunting.

There are others too who have lived the military life from day one and are now proud to be a part of it themselves having enlisted. Having grown up with parents in the military, changing from base to base, and city to city, the couple longs for a military wedding that brings with it the traditions and pride lived their entire life. Yet, as everyone in the military knows, there are many tried and trued rules and regulations on doing things right. Planning a wedding and making sure to stay within all the guidelines can be overwhelming. The bride needs answers on how to do it and these answers aren’t found in the pages of the numerous bridal magazines or bridal books out there. But hope is not lost.

As everyone knows, there are vast differences from a civilian wedding and a military wedding. The ceremony may be held at the base/post chapel. The officiant would be a military chaplain. The Arch of Sabers or Swords (dependent on the branch of service) is used. And special attention needs to be placed on the formalities of the invitations and seating arrangements.

To help plan a military wedding, here are some tips:

#1 - Buy Wedding Insurance. Even if the couple does not choose to have the traditional Military Wedding, insurance (unless they are having a quick small civil ceremony at the courthouse) will save headaches and cover the loss of deposits or money due to changes or cancellations. When marrying into the military, the never-ending changes of deployment dates – quick deployments, delayed deployments, and extended deployments are common. It’s best to plan ahead and be safe. Take this example: The date has been set for a year out. The deposits have been paid and invitations prepared. Then a set of orders arrives for the bride or groom that reads, “Report to your duty station 19 May 2007. Unfortunately, the wedding date has been set for 25 May 2007.” You now have to change everything and re-order invitations. Unless working with very military friendly vendors, there is a real risk of losing deposits. Insurance is a way to safeguard against this.

# 2 - Learn the language. For a new bride that is marrying into the service, there is a whole new set of lingo to learn. Among the most common would be the formalities of the Arch-is it Swords or Sabers? The answer - Sabers are used for Air Force and Army. Swords are used for Coast Guard, Marine Corps and the Navy. National Guard and Reserve go by the same etiquette and regulations of their service branch (i.e. Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Reserve, etc). Also, the majority of military personnel do not own a Sword or Saber. However, they can contact the Chaplain, normally he/she will have these for this use or his/her Commander will. There are also so many other terms you want to become familiar with to be knowledgeable.

#3 - Question often asked -- Can the bride’s “swat” with the sword be omitted from the ceremony? Answer – For traditions sake, it is better left in the ceremony. When the Arch has been formed, the bride and groom will then pass through the Arch of Saber or Swords (this symbolizes the welcome and safe transition into a new life together as a couple). The couple pauses as the last two men lower their sabers or swords in front of the bride and groom and then at that time the man to the right will then lightly “swat” the bride of on the rear and say “Welcome to the Army,” or the appropriate branch of service. This step should only be omitted if the bride is the service member.

#4 – It’s important to know the proper seating arrangements for guests and also where the bride and groom should stand, including who stands on which side. The standing arrangement is determined by whether the service member being an officer or being enlisted. A guest list will have Commanders, other Officers within the unit, and peers. It’s important to know the proper seating for guests and also for the receiving line. All persons that are associated with a service member (i.e. their Commanders, Officers and peers within the unit or office) should be invited to the wedding. When seating the groom or bride’s Commander and his/her spouse, they are to be seated with the family of the bride or groom, whichever group they represent. Commanders are usually seated in the front row when the bride or groom’s parents cannot be in attendance. All other higher-ranking Officers are to be seated directly behind the family of either the bride or groom.

Sounds overwhelming doesn’t it? Well now with the help of an innovative website, Military Weddings at http://www.Military-Weddings.com, you can get all the answers you need. MilitaryWeddings.com is a complete wedding planning site solely for the Military community. It provides everything to plan a Military wedding from engagement to honeymoon including who to contact in the Military installation; protocol and etiquette in seating arrangements; writing announcements; sending out invitations (the correct way of addressing an envelope to commanding officer); the ceremony itself; Military chaplain services and whether to use the base or post chapel. Plus, a complete shopping center for your entire wedding needs including stationery, gifts, bride and groom basics, and everything needed for that special day.

Planning your wedding can be fun and exciting with the right tools. Stop by today and enjoy a wedding that you can remember for years to come.

The Top 10 Mistakes Single Women Make at Weddings

You might want to say to the bride, “Congratulations on Your Wedding. I Hate You!” Good news for single women who are invited to the friend’s or relative’s wedding on the “lucky" date of 7-7-07! If you think the wedding is all about the bride, then you are wrong! The wedding and reception are all about you meeting men in a “marriage” type of situation.

The very biggest mistake that a single woman makes about going to a wedding and reception is that she does not realize that this is the best possible high-quality singles event in the entire world!”

If you want to meet a Good Man and get married, there is no better place to start than at the wedding, particularly at the wedding reception. You should plan accordingly for the wedding. Don’t forget that you are in a marriage event surrounded by lots of appropriate single men who have come alone and who are in a relaxed and party mood by the time the band starts playing at the reception.

According to theknot.com, about 38,000 couples are planning to get married on that date. This number is triple the usual number of July 4th weekend weddings. As much as couples getting married on 7-7-07 are looking for extra luck for their "jackpot" marriage, just as that triple number "7" lining up on a Las Vegas slot machine gets the couples a jackpot payoff, you as a single woman will also win a jackpot if you avoid the top 10 mistakes single women make at weddings. You may have a chance to meet a Good Man you can marry to on 8-8-08, which is the luckiest date for a wedding in Asia.

Here are Top 10 mistakes you make that will leave you alone and single if you don’t change your ways:

1. You can’t beat the singles blues so you are a bit depressed. Why a mistake? You should be happy and optimistic to have such a great opportunity to meet men.

2. You don’t come alone to the wedding and you talk to other girls at the wedding and reception. Why a mistake? Single guys can’t approach you. Guys can approach you more easily if you are alone, so talk to men or be alone.

3. You wear a bra. You don’t dress sexy. Why a mistake? Guys are sexual so you should be sexy to attract attention. Men love to look at and are attracted to nipples and jiggling breasts (also; it’s sexy).

4. When guests have a chance to say something to the couple at the reception, you pass. Why a mistake? Speak and show how funny and beautiful you are.

5. You don’t drink at the reception. Why a mistake? It’s okay to be a bit tipsy at the reception (be careful: just a “bit”), then to be a little flamboyant while dancing.

6. You drink too much, get drunk, and start a striptease on the dance floor. Why a mistake? You don’t act with a sense of class and femininity. You attract plenty of men, but no Good Men. Good Men are attracted to classy and feminine women.

7. You eat like a pig at the reception (wrong animal). Why a mistake? Always eat like a bird (right animal) when you want men to notice you.

8. You sit at a table at the reception and you dance infrequently at the reception. Why a mistake? Men can get to you more easily and you re more visible if you stand, preferably near the dance floor. Dance with anyone who asks you, so that all the men see you out on the dance floor, laughing, having fun, and being happy with all of the men you dance with.

9. You drive your car to the wedding, instead of getting a ride. Why a mistake? You can’t accept a ride home with some hot-looking Good Man.

10. You get in an argument with your boyfriend who hasn’t proposed yet, asking him when he will be ready to commit. Why a mistake? You should have come alone to the wedding. Your boyfriend you think is the love of your life is not in love with you enough to marry you.

Pros & Cons Of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".

Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

The "Pros"

* A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

* A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

* The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

* A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

* Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

* A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

* There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

* Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them.

Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

Outdoor, Off Strip And Theme Weddings In Las Vegas

A Las Vegas wedding is not limited to indoors, there are several outdoor, off strip and even themed weddings for just about every couple who plan to get married in style.

You can hold your dream wedding anywhere in the great outdoors of Southern Nevada. Take your pick from any of the rugged or elegant outdoor wedding venues. You can have a mountain wedding without moving mountains. Desert or Mountain weddings such as Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston are possible with little effort on your part.

If you are the romantic and serene type then you can choose from any of the various wedding locations in Las Vegas. A Gazebo wedding with flowers everywhere would be refreshing especially during summer. Lake Meade or Lake Las Vegas offer beautiful lakeside ceremonies as well as ceremonies on the water in Gondolas or luxurious yachts.

There are countless wedding options available to you. Choose from several themed weddings, from the sweet ones to the wildest.

If you are the fun-loving and adventurous type you can opt for the Harley wedding theme where you and your better half come cruising down the aisle in individual Harleys with matching rock and roll music..

Or if you want something eerie then book a gothic-themed wedding complete with a spooky music coming from a hollow organ, a cemetery gate and you can even have Dracula as your officiating officer. Vampire lovers will have the time of their lives with this theme wedding.

Want something literally out of this world? Choose the space-themed wedding with your favorite Star Wars or Star Trek characters as guests. Or how about saying your wedding vows as the Queen of the Nile with matching sarcophagus and pyramid settings? No less than King Tut can officiate the wedding for you.

If you have ever dreamed of becoming a true blue Royal blood then walk down the aisle as a princess with your court watching you every step of the way,. Or if you’re star-struck, get married with celebrity impersonators around you.

There are a lot of Las Vegas wedding themes and you can be as coy or as adventurous as you want to be. The only limit, aside from your imagination of course, is your budget.

Go Wrong At Weddings

Usually at most weddings, something in the plans goes wrong. At our wedding, the limousine didn’t show up.

My wife insisted that she go to our house to get dressed for the wedding. This is a Russian custom. During that time, all of her relatives called the house and offered congratulations.

Her Maid of Honor drove her thirty miles from the hairdresser to our house to get dressed. The limo driver was supposed to pick her up at the house and bring her to the church, forty miles away. He never showed up.

Luckily the photographer was at the house taking pictures of her getting dressed. The photographer, his son, the Maid of Honor, and my wife squeezed into his small Japanese car and headed to the church.

Her wedding dress got crushed squeezing into his compact car. Her Maid of Honor talked her into coming to the wedding. My wife cried all the way to the church.

At the end of the reception, we drove home together. My wife grabbed a bottle of champagne before our drive home.

The disappointments starting pouring out of her. She drank the entire bottle during the one-hour trip home and proceeded to dress me down about what a lousy job I did planning the wedding and the reception.

This went on for the next several hours, during which time, she called her parents, her friends, and even her old boyfriend to tell them what a bum I was. I don’t know exactly what she said in Russian, but the tone of her voice was such that the subject matter was unmistakable.

Pros & Cons Of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".

Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

The "Pros"

* A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

* A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

* The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

* A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

* Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

* A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

* There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

* Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them.

Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

Country Western Themed Weddings

Western-themed weddings are getting more and more popular. With invitations in the shape of cowboy boots, cowboy wedding favors, and fun costumers for all, a western wedding offers you the chance to enjoy your special day without having to take it too seriously. Brides might appear in Old West style gowns, with the groom dressed as a cowboy or sheriff.

Many people like to decorate their western style wedding appropriately. This might mean decorating a pickup truck with Just Married signs, instead of a new car, using gingham or calico tablecloths, and serving appetizers on tables made from bales of hay. Raffia wraps can give a rustic air to anything that might need a ribbon ordinarily. Have the bride and bridesmaids carry wildflowers instead of roses. Some people even have the happy couple arrive at the ceremony on horseback!

Catering your western wedding with a family style meal will add to the atmosphere. Encourage the attendees to dress in costume to complete the feeling of getting married in the Old West. You can even really get into the spirit by having a square dance caller and appropriate dancing at the reception. Consider holding the ceremony some place unusual as well. An old adobe church or other interestingly western building can be the finishing detail in your wedding. If that's not possible, be sure to choose the right place to hold the reception!

Consider themed favors too. Popular options include little potted cacti, candles, charms, and soaps shaped like cowboy hats or boots, and shaped containers, like tin pails, fulled with candy or food. Hot sauce with custom labels, miniature horseshoes, and bandannas also all make great favors. Some couples give out engraved belt buckles. There are limitless options for favors when it comes to a western style wedding.

There's no end to the interesting and creative options you can explore with a western style wedding. Enjoy the opportunity to cut loose and express yourself with a unique themed wedding that reflects your personal style and allows everyone to have a lot of fun. It's no wonder that western themed weddings are becoming so popular.

Real Men Don't Plan Weddings

Most of you know that my podcast co-host, best friend and overall "main squeeze" Emily and I are getting married in December. I couldn't be a happier guy about that. After all, she's a fantastic woman. This means, of course, we've spent much of the last month since our engagement (which happened during "X & Y On The Fly" podcast episode 11) planning our wedding and everything associated with it. Over the course of that relatively brief period of time, I've already come to a profound conclusion.

Real men don't plan weddings.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that real men don't get married. Quite the contrary. Most good men seek to find genuine love with one great woman sooner than later, and look forward to coming home to her every night. And that's a great thing.

That said, however, I believe I've come up with a previously undetected reason why men seem to have trouble taking that step towards the "lifetime commitment" of marriage. Thousands (if not millions) of women everywhere have long wondered how a man can be so eager to have her around month after month without "popping the question". Months can turn into years, and still no ring and no date.

Is it really that all of these men are "commitment phobes" who are looking for "better options"?

Possibly. But if that were the case, why would those same guys be spending so much time sitting around watching the tube and drinking beer instead of searching out "options"? It all just doesn't add up, does it?

Well, ladies (and gentlemen), the sensible explanation for all of this is disarmingly simple, although most likely subliminal in the mind of every guy it affects.

It's not that we're afraid of marriage or commitment. It's that we are utterly terrified of planning the wedding.

I first presented this groundbreaking hypothesis to Emily, and was met with skepticism. "Oh, c'mon. How can that be? Putting all of this together is exciting. Don't you think it is fun?"

I responded simply. "I'd rather do sudoku puzzles."

She looked at me in shock. After all, I'd famously rather do my taxes and / or watch paint dry than touch any blasted sudoku puzzle with a ten-foot pencil. At least tax returns involve number crunching that is actually necessary and may result in a refund check.

"Seriously...", I elaborated, "...name one guy you've ever known who was excited about planning his wedding."

She named a few. After brief consideration, I countered that those guys had to have been merely demonstrating "sympathy excitement", which doesn't count.

I therefore revised my challenge. "OK...well...short of anyone who is a clinically-problematic 'control freak', name one guy who ended up arranging all the details himself, according to his own thoughts and wishes."

"Yeah, well...you've got me there.", Emily retorted, punctuated with a snicker.

Really now. It's a downright silly thought. What guy feels that passionately towards flowers, table settings, elaborate dresses and throwing social parties? Even if he did, there's no way he could wrestle control of such from the bride while remaining engaged.

Exactly! Wedding ceremonies and receptions are all about the bride. I mean, the guy involved doesn't even have a real title--he's just there to "groom" the bride! Therefore, everything involved with planning such things is utterly feminine.

Us guys really find it all rather tedious. To us wedding planning is like one big, protracted trek to the mall for shoe shopping.

Oh sure. We go along when absolutely necessary to "show support" and to make sure "we approve". But heaven help us if we didn't "approve" of something along the way. It would mean being dragged to more prospective "settings" festooned with Gazebos and year-round Christmas lights. So the women...Emily included...typically get the rubber stamp from the "Groom".

Guys like me would have been happy just to go to the JP and get on with it, maybe draining a few "cold ones" afterwards. Even when wrapped up in a more "formal" wedding, we all don't want or need any elaborate consideration. Just rent me the same tux the other guys are wearing. No biggee.

Despite my ranting, all of this deep thought really has helped me put things into perspective and I accept my short-term lot in life gladly. I won't begrudge the bride her wedding planning bliss one bit.

Here's why.

For a woman, this really is her one chance (hopefully) to live out all of her fantasies associated with being a "Disney Princess" and throwing the big party to back it up.

Obviously, every business owner who ever touches a wedding already knows this. I've dealt with ten years' worth of obnoxious, abrasive people in the last few weeks, all of whom clearly on the immediate defensive vis-Ã -vis a steady parade of highly-demanding "bridezillas" who demanded perfection. This, of course, only contributed to how much more loathsome the entire process became for me. And this was before my realization that uttering the very word "wedding" triggers a "surcharge mechanism"'. Painful.

"So..." Emily later said, "...your demeanor has changed about all this wedding stuff. What's up with that?"

My reply was thought out ahead of time and therefore clearly stated, "Lookit. I'm fortunate to be a guy. I theoretically get several chances at making certain lifetime dreams go off perfectly. If, however, I only had one chance on one particular day to get one car that I wanted--and was committed to it for life--I would take a lot of time in getting ready for that."

"And I'd support you through that process 100%.", she said. "But I would be bored to tears every minute of it."

Wine and Weddings

From those of us who have a hundred matrimonial relatives, to those of us who have, ourselves, been married more times than Henry the VIII, chances are we've all attended our fair share of weddings. As we sit through the ceremony, watching two people we care about exchange vows of love, forgiveness, and faithfulness, it's easy to ponder certain questions: Will these newlyweds live happily ever after? Will they have children? Will they stay with each other in sickness and in health? And, most importantly, will the reception have an open bar?

The bride and the groom, though they have enough on their plate, also must deal with putting something in the glasses of their guests. While some receptions do away with alcohol completely, for those driven by certain religions or, perhaps, insanity, most either have a cash bar, an open bar, or a bit of both.

Because of this, choosing what alcohol to serve at a wedding is an important factor in the ceremonious occasion. It is a factor that teeters between wanting guests to enjoy themselves, but not wanting to form more of a union with credit card debt than with a new spouse. However, there is a way for those throwing the reception to have their alcohol and drink it too. In a nutshell (and a glass), serve wine.

Make it Convenient

Wine is cheaper than other types of alcohol, particularly hard alcohol. Because of this, making it available - and readily available - can save a ton of money. While you don't need to shove wine down your guests' throats, or hire a used car salesman to get rid of older vintages, there are a few things you can do to encourage wine drinking in a tactful manner.

One trick of the trade is to have hired caterers walk around with wine, offering it to guests. Not only does this make the guests feel as though they are being waited on hand and foot, but it also decreases the line at the bar, increasing the probability that guests will drink moderately priced wine rather than expensive liquor. If it's convenient, chances are guests will drift away from a Jack and Coke, and instead, fall into the comforting arms of a Merlot.

Watch Out For Tricky Business

When ordering wine for a wedding, caterers will often charge one of two ways: by the number of guests, or by the amount of alcohol consumed. It may appear more financially frugal to pay by the amount of wine consumed; chances are not everyone at your reception - your old Aunt Molly with anti-alcohol beliefs, your Uncle John who's recently back on the wagon, your underage cousin with a bad fake I.D. - will drink. However, be forewarned that caterers, when charging you by the amount of wine consumed, may get a little bit tricky, certain you are more concerned with keeping red wine away from the white wedding dress than you are with what the wait staff is doing.

Some caterers attempt to make it appear as if the guest list consumed more wine than they actually did, concerning both the people paying for the wedding and Alcoholics Anonymous. One way they do this is by removing glasses from tables, even when the glasses are filled to the brim with wine. For example, if a guest gets a fresh glass of wine and then decides she wants to go out on the dance floor, leaving the wine to greet her upon her return, she will more likely come back to an empty table. This is because, while she was out dancing, the wait staff, circling like vultures, came over and threw out her full glass, forcing her to eventually fetch another new glass, and ultimately adding cost to the reception.

Know How Much to Buy

Running out of alcohol at a wedding reception ranks up near divorce on the spectrum of marriage, causing people, with opened mouths and clenched fists, to ponder why. Because of this, it's essential that you know how much wine to buy if the caterers aren't providing it for you. Obviously, the best way to figure this is by the amount of people attending, and the drinking habits of your guests. For a wedding with a guest list that is made of the-run-of-the-mill drinking crowd - the partiers, the socialites, the intellectuals - more wine should be purchased than if the guest list is made up of people - the oblivious, the unaware, the masochists - who don't generally engage in wine drinking.

When deciding to buy red wine or white wine, making things pretty even is usually the best way to go. Typically, half of the people drinking wine will drink white and half will drink red. Chardonnay and Cabernet are usually the most popular types, with White Zinfandel getting an honorable mention. Men, sticking to their blood thirsty carnivorous ways, routinely drink more red wine while women routinely drink more white wine.

The demographics of your guest list, however, aren't the only things to consider when purchasing wine. You should also consider what you are serving as the main course of dinner. For instance, if serving seafood, chicken, or pork, you may want to stock up on a nice white wine. If serving pastas, red meat, or anything drenched in red sauces, a cellar of nice red wine may need to be invaded.

Shop Around

It may seem like the wine purchased for a wedding reception needs to be expensive, as if serving cheap wine is an ominous sign of marital failure. However, this isn't the case at all. Several expensive tasting wines can be purchased for a reasonable price, keeping guests happy and the married couple free of the burden of an outrageous wedding bill.

If you shop around, you may find that good wines for reasonable amounts are actually in abundance. From the Korbel Sparkling Natural Chardonnay to the Gruet Brut Blanc de Blancs, good wine doesn't need to make the bride and groom consider charging a general admission fee to get into their ceremony.

Wine and weddings is as natural a union as husband and wife, particularly for those who are attempting to save a little money on their bar tab. Serving wine at your wedding will be cheaper than providing your guests with hard alcohol or expensive beer. It will also keep guests happy, allowing everyone to eat, drink, and be merry…or be married.

Weddings Rings Shapes and Insurance

What you need to know for wedding rings.

Diamonds: A Guide to Diamond Shapes

EMERALD - This rectangular shaped stone is a very elegant and sophisticated look for a bride.

HEART - A truly romantic statement on any bride’s finger this stone’s shape resembles a heart.

MARQUISE - Beautiful as a solitaire, this diamond too is elongated diamond but has pointed ends.

OVAL - This perfectly symmetrical elongated shaped diamond adds length to fingers and is very popular among three stone rings.

PEAR - This shape is derived from combining both the marquise and the oval shaped diamonds. One end is beautifully rounded while the other leads to a point.

PRINCESS - This is a perfectly square shaped stone which has become increasingly more popular among brides today.

ROUND - A circular shaped diamond which has always been a popular and traditional choice for many brides.

TRILLIANT - Shaped like a triangle, the trilliant may have rounded corners or pointed ones and provides a perfect accent to a princess or round shaped diamond.

Appraisals and Insurance

Once the question has been popped, the marriage proposal accepted and the stunning diamond ring is on the finger, now is the time to think about taking care of the engagement ring.

Diamond rings are an investment. It shows the love and commitment to the relationship. It is an investment that will be a reminder years later, of how much time, energy and love was poured into the marriage. Like a relationship, a diamond ring needs care too. According to Colin Nash of Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, the first step is to get the diamond ring checked and cleaned every three to six months. In doing so, this is a small part of the insurance that the ring is in tip-top shape. The claws are holding the stone properly, which will prevent the loss of the diamond. The mounting secure and the band is not thinning, which could cause breakage and at worst, loss of the ring itself. If weight loss has occurred and the ring is loose, make sure to have the ring sized, this is one way to guarantee against the loss of a valuable piece of jewellery, not only in monetary value but sentiment too.

The second step according to Colin Nash is to get the ring insured. Again, the investment of months of hard saving for the ring, the purchase and the memories would all be lost if the ring were to go missing or worse, stolen. Break-ins in Canada do happen and the targets besides small appliances and technological items are - jewellery! Jewellery is small and easy to hide on the burglar’s body and in pockets of clothing.

When the decision has been made to insure the ring, the next step is to have the ring appraised. Get in touch with a Jeweler, who has a Certified Gemologist Appraiser on staff. There are only 14 Certified Gemologist Appraisers in Canada. A Certified Gemologist Appraiser will give an accurate description of the diamond’s quality. They will look for stone damage, chips or marks or if claw damage has occurred and will disclose all information to the customer. The piece of jewellery is job-tagged with contact information and cleaned. Once the cleaning is done, they will record the 4 C’s, which are colour, clarity, cut and carat-weight. Measurements are taken and the gold is tested, to record what kind of gold it is, along with the price per carat of the diamond at the time because diamond markets do fluctuate. The Appraiser compiles all this information into a report for the customer. Nash Jewellers also takes a digital photo of the ring up to 10X for a clear and concise image, which they keep on file in their computer system along with a copy for the customer’s file. This is all done in order to give the insurance company a proper and modern retail replacement value, whether it was lost, stolen or damaged. It also is proof of what the actual piece looks like for insurance and police purposes.

The cost of an appraisal varies from company to company. It could start from $50.00 for the first piece and $40.00 for any additional pieces brought in at the time or could cost more or less.

Most Canadians purchase higher quality diamonds and spends approximately $2500.00 to $3500.00 on an engagement ring, which is a ring with a ½ (0.50) carat diamond to a 1.0-carat depending on wage and financial situation. Insure a ring that is over a thousand dollars. If the ring is less in value, make sure it is listed in the home insurance under Special Items or Personal. Even better, take a digital photo with a optical zoom of the ring and keep this photo and any other information (receipt of purchase) about the engagement ring in a safety deposit box at the bank.

If an appraisal file has been done, call an insurance agent and make sure to insure it for the full amount paid at the time of purchase or the amount appraised. Once insurance on the ring has been put into place, keep all these important papers in a safety deposit box. Any unworn and expensive jewellery would be best kept in the safety deposit box too. Safety deposit boxes are not expensive to keep. They are tax deductible and an investment towards piece of mind, same as the insurance on the ring itself.

The engagement ring is an investment towards a future life together, take care of that investment by following a few simple, precautionary steps towards guaranteeing that the ring will last for years to come and will be passed down to offspring and future generations.

Las Vegas Weddings

Las Vegas Weddings - Las Vegas Wedding Invitations are Scarce

Couples getting married at a destination location often want a wedding invitation to match. Couples getting married in Las Vegas are no different. However, vendors for Las Vegas themed invitations are scarce despite Las Vegas being the wedding capital of the world.

Google reports that the search terms like “Las Vegas Wedding Invitations” and “Las Vegas Wedding Announcements” receives over 2,000 clicks a month. Vendors are still scarce despite this. Wholesale invitation companies have included a couple of Las Vegas themed wedding invitations in their collections, but the Las Vegas wedding invitation choices available are slim compared to the other destination themed invitations online. Beach invitations are one example of a destination themed wedding invitation with a lot of options and invitations. Wedding invitation wholesalers often have an entire collection devoted to the beach. A tropical themed invitation is also easy to find among the destination wedding invitations.

Many brides report searching over three months for their perfect Las Vegas wedding invitation, and many of those brides are forced to give up and go to their local retailer for a common invitation with no theme. Unfortunately, Las Vegas wedding invitation vendors do exist, but many couples getting married in Las Vegas don’t know where to find them. These Las Vegas wedding invitation vendors haven’t been around for very long. In fact, most of the Las Vegas wedding invitation companies have been around for less than a year. This is why they are so hard to find.

Oftentimes, Google uses time as a trustworthy aspect. A site that has been number one for the search term “Las Vegas wedding invitations” for ten years, isn’t going to be replaced by a new Las Vegas wedding invitation vendor within a few months. Thus, the search engine optimization and search engine marketing continue for these Las Vegas wedding invitation companies.

Currently on the top of the search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN, the top listings for searches like “Las Vegas wedding invitations” and “Las Vegas wedding announcements” go to directory listings for actual brick and mortar shops located in Las Vegas, but have nothing to do with and do not sell Las Vegas themed wedding invitations like many of the couples getting married in Las Vegas are looking for.

Even so, couples getting married in Las Vegas who are looking for Las Vegas themed wedding invitations should not lose hope. Las Vegas wedding invitation Web sites are still chugging along to get number one for the several search terms on the major search engines. They plan on achieving their goal within the next 12 months.

Selecting Candles For Dinners, Weddings, And Restaurants

Why Use Candles?

Candles enhance the mood of any dining experience. Although candles can set a romantic mood, the appeal of a burning candle goes well beyond that. The beauty of a flame fascinates and touches humans on an almost primal level. My theory is that this love of watching flames while dining is ingrained into the human psyche.

Primitive humans huddled around open fires for cooking, heat, and protection from wild animals. This evolved into indoor fireplaces used for cooking, heating, and light. Eventually this was replaced by fireplaces used solely for light and heat (cooking being done on stoves in an era when fireplaces were the only source of heat for a room). In modern times the fireplace is still used, but more commonly for ambiance and this desire for a flame while dining is most often attained with candles.I feel that this desire for open flame when dining is in large part an instinctual association that equates fire with warmth and safety. In a time when alternate sources of light and heat are much more efficient, humans still gravitate towards fire. Candles, fireplaces, and even camp fires are still in common use and the one thing they all have in common is an open flame.

There are several advantages to using candles to supply this flame:

Candles are portable (fireplaces are not).
Candles require no maintenance to stay lit (fireplaces require regular attention).
Candles are more compact and can be placed on the table.
Candles can be obtained in many sizes, shapes, and colors for additional ambiance.
Candles are easily extinguished when the dinner is over.

Scented Or Unscented?

If you are selecting candles to burn while dining, always use unscented candles. The accepted practice is to never use scented candles when serving food. The larger the gathering, the more important this becomes.Some people will not like the scent you have chosen, and some may even find it offensive. Different people perceive scents differently.Some people lose their appetite in the presence of scented candles.In larger gatherings there is a very good chance that one or more guests may be allergic to the scent. There is virtually nothing on earth that someone is not allergic to.

Burn Time

Aside from being unscented there is one other important property - burn time. A candle that burns out before the dinner ends will not prove satisfactory. In most cases a well made candle will have no trouble burning for 5 or more hours. The key point here is well made - the burn time of some cheap import candles can often be more easily measured in minutes than in hours.Most quality candle suppliers can tell you the average burn time of their products. Note that this is generally the average burn time under optimum conditions so always select a candle with an average burn time longer than you need. If for some reason you need to purchase from a supplier that can't supply the average burn time, purchase a few and burn them yourself before committing to large quantities.

Candle Types

There are four main types of candles commonly used when dining, at affairs, or in restaurants.

Taper Candles
Dinner tapers are most commonly associated with small romantic dinners at home although they are sometimes used for larger gatherings. Tapers work well and have an elegant refined look. A well made 12 inch long taper candle may burn as long as 7 hours. The main drawback to tapers is they require a holder or candelabra, which may strain the budget when planning an affair.

Floating Candles
Floating candles or floaters as they are commonly called make great additions to your centerpieces. As the name implies, they are designed to float upright in water. These are most popular at weddings and other banquets, however some restaurants use them as well. A common practice is to float several in a large bowl along with some flower petals. Since the candle is surrounded by water, there is a reduced risk of fire should some guests get rowdy. They are available in a wide variety and very large floaters are sometimes used in swimming pools and ponds for outdoor weddings. If using them in ponds, they should be anchored away from shore to avoid setting vegetation on fire. In some areas these are the only type of candles allowed at banquets by law.

Pillar Candles
Most often used in groupings of three or more in varying heights, but sometimes incorporated into floral designs. Pillar candles will burn right to the bottom so it is essential that they be placed on a fire resistant bas such as glass or mirror. Pillars are timeless and a popular wedding decoration.

Votive Candles
Votives are a long burning, inexpensive candle most popular in restaurants. It is important to note that they are not just small pillar candles. Votives require a snug fitting glass holder for optimum burn time, and without it that 15 hour votive may last as little as 1 hour. The more snug the holder the better it will burn, and using an oversize holder will reduce the total burn time. Commonly available in 8, 10, and 15 hour sizes.

Wedding For Jennifer Anniston And Vince Vaughn

After more than a year of neither publicly affirming nor denying their romantic relationship, Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn are finally engaged. On June 27th Vaughn proposed to Anniston miles above the earth in a plane flight home from their nine-day vacation in Mexico. Although we florists recommend a proposal complete with a beautiful bouquet of roses, happily the outcome was a good one for Vaughn, even without roses-Anniston said yes. The question now is whether or not the couple will draw out their engagement without details leaking to the press, or will they move quickly and throw a fall wedding?

Summer is still the most common season for weddings, but the number of fall and winter weddings is on the rise. As reported by the Society of American Florists, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, June is still the most common month for weddings, followed by July, August, and September. However, October is running very closely behind September as a popular wedding month. September's statistics show 8.9 weddings per 1000 people while October is at a very close 8.5 weddings.

If Vaughn and Anniston should decide to get married in the fall, they'll have lots of gorgeous flowers and floral accessories to choose from. The fall color palate includes rich reds, robust oranges, warm golds, and deep burgundies, wines, and hunter greens. Such gorgeous colors are the perfect compliment to the colorful show nature puts on in the fall. Flowers and accents that are often used in fall weddings are orange gerberas, hydrangeas in rust or burgundy, apricot-colored lilies, vines, and hypericum berries.

Of course, traditional roses are also an excellent option, but those within the fall color palate are preferable for an autumn wedding. Some good fall-colored rose choices include:

* Leonidas: A dark, bi-colored chocolaty brown rose. * Black Magic: The darkest of the burgundy roses. * Terra Cotta: The rich orange color of a flowerpot. * Hocus Pocus: Small burgundy roses with playful yellow spots. * Star 2000: A dark coral-orange rose. * Red Berlin: A bright, tomato red rose. * Konfetti: A yellow rose with a reddish-orange tint on the edges. * Sari: A rose with a golden-orange color. * Mambo: A bright tangerine colored rose.

Regardless of the season Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn choose to be married in, there's no doubt that with the help of a professional and skilled florist, their wedding flowers will be as beautiful as the bride.

Weddings - That Special Day

Standing in front of all her loved ones, donning an elegant white gown and a radiant smile, the bride smiles at her groom, tears in her eyes, and says, “I do.” The audience feels a rush of excitement, thrilled to be a part of this magic moment. Weddings are magical events.

Over the years, weddings have taken new twists. Veering away from tradition, many couples today choose alternative weddings that will create one-of-a-kind memories to last a lifetime. Numerous resources are available to help couples plan unique weddings, ranging from intimate at-home nuptials to destination ceremonies. Even destination weddings offer a broad range of options.

Today, beach weddings have become very popular. Wedding guests are able to join in the occasion while also enjoying a vacation of their own. Newlyweds stay on to honeymoon at the same spot where they tied the knot. Many resorts offer packages that give couples a more economical wedding option, as well as one that is unique, beautiful, and relaxing.

Other couples choose to plan their weddings in another country, to honor their heritage. A bride with an Irish background, for example, may choose to wed in her ancestors' homeland, complete with traditional bagpipers and Irish dancers. Weddings like this allow the couple to honor tradition while looking ahead to the future and adding a modern twist. Guests and couples alike can indulge in a return to their heritage, learning more about their culture and perhaps digging in to their families' roots.

Some still opt for weddings in Las Vegas. Kitschy as it may be, there is a certain attraction to the little wedding chapels and Elvis impersonators. Certainly these weddings create stories that are worth telling for years to come.

The most important part of any wedding is the vow shared by the bride and groom. Choosing to marry and sharing that moment with loved ones is the most important decision a couple can make. No matter what kind of celebration they choose, or where they decide to tie the knot, weddings are special occasions that are sure to touch the heart of everyone in attendance.