Truly, every bride dreams of being gorgeous on her wedding day. She wants that healthy glow that comes as much from the beauty of her body as it does from her thrill over the big gala of her wedding day. More, she wants those long lean lines that will allow her to look back at her wedding pictures with true pride.

Focus on the Positive – A positive, upbeat person is always a more attractive person. So if one wants to be a beautiful bride, they must flush all negative thoughts down the drain. So what if every last detail is not exactly how they envisioned them, the point of a wedding is to celebrate. So the bride must forget the negatives for the day and celebrate. What is going on inside always eventually manifests itself so a wise bride will only allow herself to think about the good things on her wedding day.

Food Choices – What we put into our bodies has a direct impact on how our body looks on our wedding day. During the final weeks prior to the wedding celebration, if we concentrate on eating lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables as the bulk of our diet and cut out all the junk, we give our bodies the chance to tone up as much as time permits.

Hydrate – We all should do this all the time anyway since more than half of the human body’s composition is water… during the last week before the wedding be sure to drink a full sixty four (64) ounces of water per day. That is just over three twenty ounce water bottles. Yes, that is a lot of water, but our bodies need that water to:
1. Give your skin that soft, healthy glow, and

2. Flush your bodies of excess salt and impurities. This ensures that the water composing our body is fresh and it enables them to work most efficiently and look their trimmest and healthiest.

Salt – Salt is essential for the survival of the human body. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing, and most of us get too much. More to the point, as we approach our wedding day and want to look as slender and healthy as possible, we are well advised to limit our total daily intake of salt by avoiding salty food entirely and only using the salt sparingly. Why? Because the more salt we have in our system, the more we will retain water instead of allowing the water to flush our system of impurities as it is designed to do.

Makeup – Makeup is possibly a bride’s greatest ally on her wedding day. It helps her look fresh… and it can also help to give her the appearance of having lost weight in time for her wedding regardless of whether she did or not. How? By the use of highlighting techniques in the area of the cheekbone. Put in the most basic terms this bridal beauty tip involves using a lighter shade on the top of the cheekbones and a darker shade underneath to create the illusion of sunken cheeks. To pull this off a bride should:
1. Play with it in advance,

2. Stop by a cosmetics counter for a little free advice on pulling it off, or

3. Hire a specialist to do their makeup on the day of their wedding.

Earrings – It might surprise some to hear that their choice of earrings can impact how thin they look. It is really only common sense, but it is not something we tend to think about. Simply put, a bride attempting to appear thinner on her wedding day should avoid dangly earrings because visually they fill in the space around the individual’s neck making the individual appear fuller in the face than they really are! Instead choose earrings that stay on the ear lobe that will really draw attention to the difference distinction between the head and the neck. This is usually accomplished with larger / bolder earrings.

Hairstyle – Just like the earrings, your choice of hairstyles can either accentuate the distinction between a bride’s head and neck or obliterate it. This is one reason that so many brides choose to wear their hair up on their wedding day. Choosing to wear hair down can look nice as well, but it tends to create the illusion that the bride has little or no neck – even though anyone who thinks about it can see otherwise!

Shoes – We have all heard the joke about not being over weight… just too short! Whether this problem is relevant in the case of any particular bride or not, it is true that by choosing to wear high heeled wedding shoes a bride will end up with a longer, leaner look.

Good choices are their own reward. Luckily, even last minute good choices reap some rewards. It only takes a couple of days, for example, to drink enough water to hydrate a bride’s skin and flush excess salt from a body to prevent excess water retention, thereby presenting a bride that is slimmer and healthier looking than she otherwise would be. Likewise, understanding how the choices we make in styles and accessories impact our overall look is a simple and cost effective way to creating a slimmer looking and more beautiful bride – all by following these last minute bridal beauty tips.

Author: Jeanette Shinn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital TV, HDTV, Satellite TV

First, it’s important to understand the two basic kinds of online wedding vendors with whom you may choose to do business with.

Wedding Vendor Type 1) An actual, physical storefront who opts to have a website to further broaden their customer base and supplement their offline business.

+ Possible benefits of this type of wedding vendor: This is a wonderful opportunity for you, as you may familiarize yourself with the wedding vendor’s offerings via their website and then choose to drop by their store to have a look around and complete your purchase in person. Or you may do this vice-versa – have a look around their store and then go online to make your purchase. This is a very flexible consumer environment for you, as there can be multiple sources of contact and convenient ways to browse! You can also get a personal feel for the type and level of service you may expect from the wedding vendor and their staff.

- Possible drawbacks to this type of wedding vendor: Though not true or hard to measure in many cases, the wedding vendor with a physical storefront does have the potential to be more expensive. And though the storefront exists, it may not be within reasonable driving distance for you to visit in person and explore.

Wedding Vendor Type 2) A virtual store who deals exclusively online.

+ Possible benefits of this type of wedding vendor: You’ll often find a reasonable value for your dollar here, as in many cases, online wedding vendors tend to have lower overhead. As well, take advantage of shopping anytime you feel like it…even if it’s the middle of the night!

- Possible drawbacks to this type of wedding vendor: In general, you will never actually meet the wedding vendor with whom you are entrusting a certain aspect of your wedding to. To some brides and grooms, this may be worry-some, for others, not a big deal. Do what feels right for you, as this issue may be dependant upon what item or area of your wedding you are shopping for.

What to Look for in an Online Wedding Vendor:

1. Quality and selection: Look around the website to gain a sense of the overall image of the wedding vendor or their company as a whole. What general impression do you get from the products or services offered? What about the tone, variety and general appearance of the website? As with offline wedding vendors, first impressions speak volumes online.

   If applicable, browse through photographs, screenshots, detailed spec lists, virtual tours and any other information provided. When dealing with products specifically, many websites display close-up versions of product pictures, which accurately showcase items from several different angles or viewing points.

2. Availability and delivery: Check into shipping rates and time frames for delivery, as well as possible limitations/restrictions of service in your area of residence. In regards to products, ensure that you are aware of shipping cost variations for items exceeding a certain weight, or oppositely, any shipping discount awarded for purchases in large quantities, such as wedding favors.
3. Physical address or mailing location: Many wedding vendors are eager to supply this information to give customers a sense of security that they’re a dependable and trustworthy “real” business.
4. Methods of contact: Wedding vendors want to communicate with you! Quality wedding professionals look forward to meeting your needs and usually provide several means of communication. Look for email addresses, online forms or phone numbers. Some wedding websites even provide a “Live Help” button with which you can carry out a real-time conversation with a staff member. In addition to giving you many options for contact, many online wedding vendors also have a “Frequently Asked Questions” page on their website that may be of some assistance to you. Often, common questions are outlined and explained for immediate answers.
5. Helpful suggestions or advice: Not to be confused with the above point! While a wedding vendor may offer open lines of communication with you, they must follow through on it! Keep an eye out for their attitude toward you. Was their response to your inquiry prompt? Enthusiastic? Informative? Look for a willingness from the wedding vendor to answer your questions, provide details and offer you suggestions. See if they have an overall positive attitude toward you and about your wedding, as well as toward their business in general.
6. Experience: Wedding vendors want to prove that they are trustworthy and reliable! Check out the wedding vendor’s “Testimonials” or “Reviews” web page. See what other brides and grooms have had to say about their experience with this wedding vendor’s product or service. If available, check out their “Press” section to see what media coverage they have experienced and for what reasons. Look for a wedding vendor who takes pride in what they do and in the level of service they provide to their clients.

   Take it a step further and type the appropriate business name or web address into your search engine of choice to spend at least a few minutes paging through the search results on a particular wedding vendor before buying. You may find articles and press releases about the wedding vendor. Even more helpful: you may come across forums or other valuable feedback from brides and grooms who have personally dealt with the wedding vendor.

7. Free sample or trial options: With wedding products, many online wedding vendors get your attention by offering a free sample of their wares. For example, a wedding stationery store may offer to mail a sample invitation kit mailed right to your door so you can see the quality of the cardstock and design in person. With wedding services, many online wedding vendors may offer a free trial option. For example, a guest list software company may offer a trial version or time period for you to check out their system and see how easy it is to use. Often, if a wedding service provider does not offer a free trial, they will provide screenshots or an online tour for you to experience a “sneak peek” of their services. If no sample or trial options are available, see what money-back guarantees or refund policies are in place.
8. Secure payment options: Many online wedding vendors accommodate with several payment options for your convenience. Some process credit cards directly on their website, or through a third party website. You may also have the option to mail in a personal check or money order. Please be advised that this could delay processing and shipping until payment is received by the company. It may require longer, more flexible timelines on your part, often by one week to 10 days.

Keep these general guidelines in mind while shopping online for your wedding, and you’ll be ready to make smart, conscientious decisions. When you choose to be informed and aware, you possess savvy online shopper skills that enable you to make the best wedding product or service purchases for you and your dream wedding!

Author: Jennifer Benson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news

One of the biggest changes has been in what clothing is deemed suitable for the mother of the bride. Forget the polyester chiffon nightmare that your mom had to wear; today’s styles are chic and up-to-date. A great trend for mothers of the bride is that some of the better designers of bridesmaid dresses have turned their hands to creating equally stylish options for the other members of the bridal party.

Strapless dresses are one new idea for the mother of the bride. This will of course depend on your comfort level with revealing your arms, but many moms these days are as fitness-oriented as their daughters, with the toned arms to prove it! If you have triceps like Michelle Obama, then by all means, go ahead and show them off with a sleeveless or strapless dress for your daughter’s wedding. If propriety is an issue for a religious ceremony, it is simple enough to add a shrug, shawl, or bolero to wear for the service.

Another new trend for the bride’s mother is to wear accessories that are almost as stunning as what the bride herself has chosen. Of course you would not dream of wearing a tiara to your daughter’s wedding, but a sparkling brooch makes a wonderful accent for an updo or to sweep the hair back from your face. Mothers of the bride are also wearing really fabulous wedding jewelry these days. You do not have to limit yourself to a demure strand of pearls . If you have always loved pearl jewelry, treat yourself to a dramatic strand of black or peacock pearls to wear for the wedding. You can also turn to fabulous sparkling Swarovksi crystal jewelry in rich and sophisticated colors like amber or amethyst.

Traditionally the mother of the bride wore a floral corsage pinned to her dress. There is nothing wrong with this, but you also have other options to consider. One of the freshest ideas is for the mothers of the bride and groom to forgo the corsage and carry a small posey of flowers down the aisle instead. With the rising popularity of strapless dresses for the mother of the bride, wrist corsages have also seen a comeback. If your preference is to keep the mom’s flowers on her dress, a very pretty and modern look is to pin the corsage to a sash or belt around the waist of her dress.

Just as bridesmaids no longer have to wear hoop skirts, poufy sleeves, and pastel hats, the mothers of the bride and groom will find that their time to look stylish has come as well. The current trends in mother of the bride attire give each woman the chance to express her personal style. Not only will you look beautiful for your daughter’s wedding, you will actually be able to wear a dress that reflects your own unique taste (with the bride’s approval, naturally!).

Author: Laura Firenze
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Latest trends in mobile phone

The bride’s decisions in the wedding are as important as the groom’s. Usually, it is the bride’s vision of what the wedding will look like. It is the bride’s preference and attention to details that commonly makes her in control.

There are many details that surround the bride. Here are some details that are concern the bride:

Bridal gown

This gown is not an ordinary gown worn in social cocktails. This is the gown to be worn by the most important woman in the event. Many wedding gowns come in the most exquisite and most elegant designs. No bride would want to look mediocre in her big day. Becoming the most radiant and most beautiful woman in the event is the main goal. Every bride deserves to be beautiful on their wedding day.

Bridal make-up and hair

In relation to the bridal gown, it is the bridal make-up and hair that adds to that wanted bridal beauty. The make-up and hair must not cover-up the appearance of the bride and create a new person . Instead, it must enhance the natural beauty of the bride.

Bridesmaids and maid of honor

The bridesmaids and the maid of honor are usually girls and ladies closest to the bride. The bridesmaids can be the closest girlfriend or a sister. They are also important participants in the event. They are tasked to assist the bride not only on the wedding day itself but also during the preparations.

Bridal shower

The wedding bride deserves a last goodbye to the single life. A bridal shower is a party thrown by the maid of honor. This is where the bridesmaids and all other ladies who are closely related with the bride party like no tomorrow. This is the bride’s last chance to do all the things that she wants to do as there will be restrictions once she enters married life.

The wedding bride has a lot of details during preparation. Whether or not it is a big detail, each detail is important to the event. Making sure that each detail is looked at ensures the execution of the bride’s ultimate dream wedding.

To your beautiful wedding!

Author: Bobbie Hamilton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Information

Judy has created-produced-orchestrated special events in over 30 countries for up to
2,000 guests.

Good day Judy and thank you for agreeing to our interview.

Norm:

Judy, could you tell us something about yourself and how you became involved in wedding planning?

Judy:

I started out in travel and managing one of the highest producing offices for a national chain. As part of my offices growth, I developed corporate business, which evolved into handling all of their corporate events such as incentives, conferences, conventions, product launches and social corporate branding events.
Subsequently, I joined one of the leading incentive houses to design custom one- of- a kind events around the world for corporate clients.

Over ten years ago, I opened my own special events company. As a result, I have created-produced-orchestrated corporate and social special events around the world for over fifteen years, including the gala theatrical opening for Disneys Beauty and the Beast and the co-ordination of Oscar winning director Norman Jewisons 25th Anniversary Celebration of Fiddler on the Roof.

In addition, I am also the author of five best-selling professional books on event planning that are being used around the world by industry and business professionals, and as teaching tools by Universities and Colleges.

The foreign rights for my second book, The Business of Event Planning, have been sold to China and Russia, and Harvard has deemed my third book, Event Planning Ethics and Etiquette, a must read for event planning and small business professionals.

The event planning series of books came about as a result of my being called to run and rescue non-profit gala events days before an event was scheduled to take place.

I noticed that many charitable organisations were clueless as to what to be aware of and wary of when planning events. I found this most disturbing.

The same situation occurred with wedding planning. Clients or their friends began to consult with me regarding their personal wedding plan needs. I kept hearing from them as to how stressful they found the process to be- the hidden costs and surprises they kept encountering along the way. Because of the direction I am taking my company, I do limit the number of weddings that I personally become involved in.

I wrote Your Stress Free Wedding Planner as a means to provide couples with what they need to know from a design, budget, implementation (logistics) and orchestration perspective not etiquette when they go to plan their wedding. I wanted to give them a wedding planning tool that would held them enjoy the process, lessen the stress and show them how to create a wedding day that is meaningful, memorable and magical.

Norm:

Could you tell us something about your book Your Stress Free Wedding Planner?

Judy:

I have shared with readers the ten key planning steps, that when followed in sequential order, will allow the bride and groom-to-be to create and co-ordinate a wedding that will exceed their expectations and stay within their wedding budget guidelines. It does not matter if a couple has six weeks to plan their wedding or a year or more, the event planning principles I have designed and the order of the steps which be followed for optimum results, remain the same.

Your Stress Free Wedding Planner simplifies the wedding planning process and allows everyone involved to relax, and enjoy the festivities that lead up to this very special day, secure in the knowledge that everything has been attended to.

What is unique about Your Stress Free Wedding Planner is the wedding design questionnaire that will show the bride and the groom how to combine their individual wedding visions and take them their personal idea of a dream wedding to one that will become our dream wedding. I also show couples contract red flag areas that can cost them thousands of dollars more than they expected that they need to be aware of before they sign on the dotted line as well as areas of negotiation and terms and conditions that they need to have amended on their contracts.

Norm:

If you had to choose 5 of the most romantic wedding destinations in the world, which ones would you choose and why?

Judy:

For me 5 of the most romantic wedding destinations in the world would be

Greece/Greek Islands for their beauty, ambience and history you can relax, sightsee, and have fun exploring as a couple:

South Pacific (Bora Bora) getting married on the beach and honeymooning in an over the water thatched bungalow with glass bottom floors perfect setting in a romantic paradise

Bali staying at the Four Seasons that come with private plunge pools and secluded outdoor showers a romantic hideaway from the world:

Egypt (getting married with Pyramids as the backdrop) then on to the Valley of the Kings/cruising the Nile (honeymoon) exotic and a trip of a lifetime:

Italy Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Capri, Florence so many romantic choices to choose from. You can hold your wedding reception in a castle, rent a private villa in Tuscany, hold the wedding and reception there (and honeymoon for the rest of your stay), take-over a medieval hamlet or be married or hold your wedding reception in a winery. Italy just has the air of romance.

Norm:

You have indicated that you have sailed on all types of yachts/ships. Which yacht or ship did you find to be the most romantic?

Judy:

Failing to afford chartering your own private yacht and set your own course, I personally found Windstar Cruises to be more romantic than larger cruiselines. I liked the more intimate feeling aboard ship.

Their guest count ranges in the low hundreds (148 to 308) as opposed to the in the thousands and they are not geared to having children onboard. I also like that you have the luxury of eating meals at your leisure and not at set times, summoned by a bell.

There are no formal seating table assignments you can dine or your own or with couples you have met, there are no jacket and tie requirements and should you chose dinner can be served to your cabin. I also like the tucked away ports of calls available to you due to being on a smaller sailing vessel — and the easy on and off of the ship. And sitting out on deck, under the stars when the sails are unfurled is extremely romantic.

Norm:

What is a wedding planner and how do you separate the good ones from the incompetent?

Judy:

What is a wedding planner and how do you separate the good ones from the incompetent?

In the planning industry there are two types of planners: Event Planners and Wedding Planners.

Generally, event planners handle designing and producing corporate, social and non-profit events. The types of events they are involved in can be quite diverse — from complex one-day entertaining events strategically planned to meet business objectives to corporate learning, performance, motivational events and elaborate arrangements of incentive or product launch theme productions that take place over the course of a week around the world. Some event planners handle not only event design, but also education and entertaining components (transportation, accommodation, food, beverage, decor, entertainment, themes) but also multimedia stage production. This is the type of event planning that I have been primarily involved in.

Wedding planners work with newly engaged couples to help them create the wedding of their dreams. They take over all the wedding planning and operation requirements, consulting closely with their clients along the way. They are compassionate, caring and adept at handling the emotional elements that are tied to planning a wedding when nerves are frayed, couples get jittery and help find areas of compromise between couples and their families when there are opposing ideas on how the wedding day should unfold. Wedding planners co-ordinate the weddings from beginning to end and are on hand on the wedding day to oversee that all goes as planned. Some wedding planners also handle social events as the two event planning styles are closely aligned whereas event planners who mainly work with corporate and business related social events generally do not cross over into wedding planning as juggling the needs of these two very different clients does not tend to mesh.

If couples are considering hiring a wedding planner, I suggest they first read Your Stress Free Wedding Planner.
With this in mind, they will immediately be able to spot the level of competency of a wedding planner, and they will be able to discern if the wedding planner is experienced or not.

Experienced wedding planners are able to fully answer questions pertaining to the budget, contract and logistical problems.

Check references- not only other wedding couples that have hired them. Also check the venues in which they have held their events.

Find out their level of ability e.g. if the wedding planner has only done events for 50 guests or less and your wedding is for 500 or more, there will be a learning curve for the wedding planner dont let it be at your expense.

Norm:

Have you ever planned weddings for any celebrities?

Judy:

No, not weddings, but social events with Oscar winning guests and celebrities in attendance, such as the theatrical gala premiere of Beauty and the Beast and the co-ordination of Oscar winning directors Norman Jewisons 25th Anniversary Celebration for Fiddler on the Roof.

Norm:

Could you tell us which wedding celebration you had planned that was the most memorable and why?

Judy:

They are all memorable each is different and unique.
However, the one that was most memorable was one where I was a guest but got involved when there was a slight glitch.

It was an outdoor reception and the staff carrying the wedding cake out to garden for the cake cutting ceremony, tripped over one of the small children that was attending the event.

The child was okay as was the wait staff but the wedding cake landed upside down. Luckily a cloth had been placed over the cake for the reveal and guests were not aware of exactly what had taken place.

The cake was carefully righted and I went into the kitchen to meet with the chef to see what the damage had done. The top of the cake was totally smashed. I quickly gathered the bridesmaids bouquets that matched the flowers the bride was carrying and with the chefs help, some plastic wrap (to protect the cake from flowers as flowers were not edible etc.) and icing.

The flowers were artfully arranged on top and fresh icing was skilfully applied to mask the dents and damage. The cake was made picture perfect without guests being any the wiser and raves were given to the floral topping on the cake. The bride and groom had been advised of what happened and were trilled with the results.

Norm:

What is your idea of a unique romantic destination?

Judy:

The amount of time it takes to get to the Seychelles can be quite daunting with airline connections and layovers (depending where you are travelling) but after arrival, there was never one moment that I regretted the travel time. What is a wonderful romantic combination is doing an African safari first and then flying to the Seychelles for the rest of your stay.

Norm:

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about wedding planning, romantic getaways or wedding destinations?

Judy:

Should you decide to combine your wedding with your honeymoon, there are now bridal registries that handle weddings and honeymoons at upscale hotel properties around the world.

Instead of giving a toaster as a wedding gift, family and friends celebrating your nuptials can contribute to your destination wedding. As an example: the activities on your honeymoon stay, or a couples massage or a private romantic dinner for two after the wedding.

These individuals work with wedding specialists at the location to pre-arrange all the wedding and personalized honeymoon details.

They also advise couples on the legal issues that being married in a specific location will entail.
If couples are planning a destination wedding they need to make sure that all is in order for them to get married and to file their marriage papers after their wedding.

One couple that flew to the Caribbean for their wedding did not check into residency requirements for weddings. They did not allow sufficient time and were unable to extend their time on the island, as they had to return to work. Unfortunately, they ended up posing for wedding photographs on the beach and then getting married at home.

One last comment, I have a second wedding planner coming out in 2006 called Engaged to Married in Three Months or Less (Sourcebooks, Inc.) and I will be covering destination weddings in the book. Stay tuned!

Thanks Judy and good luck with all of your future projects.

Author: Norm Goldman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera News

Bride speeches are likely to be sentimental because, after all, a wedding day is a particularly sentimental day. It’s a day when people express their innermost thoughts and feelings. The father of the bride speeches will undoubtedly, for instance, welcome family members and guests to share the special day. He will probably reflect on his own wedding day and perhaps on the speeches that were made on that long ago day. The father of the bride’s speeches will undoubtedly make reference to her mother and perhaps to all the organising that went into the wedding, which he may refer to as women’s work or definitely as something at which women excel. He may jokingly refer to all those lists that are part of the wedding extravaganza.

The bride’s speeches on the other hand should express her happiness on her wedding day. She will undoubtedly give thanks to all who helped her prepare in any way. She may make a special point of referring to the lifetime love and devotion her parents have given her. We don’t often say “We love you” out loud but bride speeches give the ideal opportunity to express gratitude for all that caring. Parents are likely to treasure such remarks for years to come. After all they make all those nights of teething and teenage angst worthwhile.

Bride speeches may end with a toast from the bride to the groom. The father of the bride speeches traditionally end with a toast to the happy couple. He can, of course simply ask those present to lift their glasses in such a toast. That, though, would be taking the easy way out. Father of the bride speeches are so much better if he ends with a prayer, a blessing or a saying that is particularly relevant to the happy couple.

Author: Niamh Crowe
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times

Ensuring the sister of the bride wedding speech is heartfelt is important because the deliverer has a personal connection to the bride. Thus, as much as humor is to be used to engage the guests, the speech should be kind and sweet to pronounce the speech as a sister of the bride wedding speech. This speech is used to describe the bride from a sibling’s point of view. It is for this reason that the entire deliver should be portrayed in an emotional manner. This helps to show the emotional connection between the deliverer and the bride, thus making certain that the guests are able to connect and relate to the bride. This connection is further emphasized by a brief narration of a childhood occurrence that further depicts the bride in a positive light. The sister of the bride wedding speech should sound personal, hence if it were to be delivered by someone else; it would lose this personal touch. Therefore, delivering a personalized speech that is straight from one’s heart gives a sister of the bride wedding speech its character. This coupled with the fact that the content contains details shared by the deliverer of the speech and the bride guarantees its personal nature.

An excerpt from a sister of the bride wedding speech could sound like this:

“…we’ve shared everything since we were young. Yeah! We have had our share arguments, but I guess that is just sibling rivalry. We might have argued, bickered or even fought as kids, but we always found a way to make up. I think the love we had for each other and the love we still have for each other has taught us a lot on forgiveness and the utter need for each other. Its funny, the older we get the stronger our bond grows, both as friends and as sisters, and I know now that though she is married we will always have that special connection with her. I am so happy to be part of this special day and I know she has found her soul mate…”

Wedding ceremony speeches and in particular the sister of the bride wedding speech is aimed at portraying the bride from a sister’s point of view. This gives the invited guests an idea on the brief history of the bride and her overall relation to the people she loves most. Thus, it is important since it vocalizes the emotional and personal ties the bride has maintained with her sister.

Author: Rafi Michael
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Beading Necklace

Now, get creative and examine your options.

SEARCH THE INTERNET

Search the Internet thoroughly and you can save time and money. The World Wide Web Provides you with information and resources for making purchases on-line. Many wedding web sites provide links to wedding related businesses that could be your answer to quality products and services. A-wedding Day offers you a series of wedding planning articles that concentrate on how to choose and work with wedding vendors, professionals and service providers, a wedding resource directory, a wedding planning checklist and a discount bridal mall where you save on wedding gifts and accessories.

SET YOUR PRIORITIES AND YOUR BUDGET

As you plan your wedding create three categories:

Base your decisions on availability, on your budget and on your ingenuity. Once you decide what your priorities are, use your ingenuity and creativity. Involve yourselves, your friends and your families in at least some of the preparations. Loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your happy day, have fun and save you money. Choose vendors and service providers who can assure that your priorities will be met and that yours will be the wedding you dreamed of. Before you do, read the series of wedding planning articles devoted to choosing and working with wedding vendors, professionals and service providers.

When you negotiate with vendors and service providers, be firm. Stick to what you decided you want and to what you budgeted for. Do not let them talk you into anything you neither budgeted for, nor want. But by the same token, be flexible enough to spend more or substitute, if you cannot find exactly what you considered a priority, within your budget. Be sure you are familiar with all changes, return and / or cancellation policies before you sign any contract or finalize any arrangement. Having to buy something twice, or having to pay additional fees for changes can and does add up. Always keep documentation of every contract and receipt in a safe place and pay special attention to deadlines for returning items. Whether you are looking for a service provider, wedding accessories or wedding supplies, always comparison shop. Interview at lease 3 service providers before you select the one who will accommodate you best.Look for discount malls on and off the Internet. Shop for bargains and clearance sales. If you are careful, you can save a lot of money. Do not get confused between inexpensive and cheap. If you purchase at a discount mall, you’ll generally receive the same merchandise you would at a more expensive shop and be able to return or exchange items. However, when shopping for reduced priced and clearance items, check to make sure that they are not of inferior quality since most closeout or special sale items indicate Final Sale and can not be returned or exchanged.

WEDDING CONSULTANTS AND WEDDING PROFESSIONALS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Here too, base your decision on your budget. If your budget permits, engage a wedding consultant to help you with tasks as small as locating trusted vendors and service providers, to tasks as large as organizing your entire wedding event from A-Z. Wedding consultants work with local vendors and service providers, who like the referrals generated by them. As a fair trade, they often have special arrangements for reduced rates which when added up will save you money. Yet, the least you engage outsiders and the more you enlist friends and family and do yourself, the more money you save. It is not only a wonderful feeling of great satisfaction to plan your own wedding, it is also a lot of fun.

WEDDING STATIONERY

You’ll probably want to send engagement announcements, save the day, invitations etc… If you are willing to depart from the traditional printed invitations you can save not only money but time and anxiety. Create your own wedding stationery and invitation right on your computer and print it on blanks. You can purchase all your wedding stationery needs including papers used by professional printers, and print your own wedding invitations and stationery. If you have a good printer, your stationery and invitation will look just as professional as the expensive ones ordered from printers. So, get creative and design your own invitation and stationery. Do you have a wedding theme? Do you want to insert a photo? Go ahead, incorporate them.

WEDDING ACCESSORIES FOR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Following are the basic wedding accessories: ring pillow, champagne flutes, cake serving set, guest book, pen, garter, a unity candle set. Additional accessories most brides add are a flower girl basket, a bridal purse, a keep sake cake top and a photo album. As most brides opt for coordinating accessories, complete collections are available. You can purchase your collections in an online discount mall and save anywhere from 10 to 25 percent, or you can have others purchase your desired accessories as gifts. Your friends and family will most probably celebrate your engagement and up-coming wedding with engagement parties and bridal showers and of course gift giving holidays. Most guests need some guidance regarding appropriate gifts but few consider items for the wedding. This is why bridal registries are so helpful. So if you let the hosts of your wedding celebrations know what you want, not only will they be able to coordinate it but they will assure the guests that their gifts are wanted and will be highly appreciated. A win win.

CEREMONY SITE

The only decorations expected in the ceremony site or sanctuary, are 2 standing flower bouquets. Use flowers that are plentiful and inexpensive. Today, many supermarkets, even Costco and Sams Club sell wonderful fresh and silk flowers and bouquets at a very reasonable price. You may wish to add pew bows. If you make your own you’ll save a lot of money. Making the bows is easy and fun and all you need is wide ribbon, scissors and a little time. You can make your ceremony special by lighting a unity candle and if you have children, involving them in the ceremony. You can buy unity candles in stores, you can order custom designed candles from artisans who will create personalized candles just for you, or you can create your own.

ATTIRE

Wedding gown

Wedding gowns are very expensive but there are many options you may exercise to get what you want and save money. Do you have a friend or a family member who sews? Engage them and in return give them the honor of serving as an attendant at your wedding party. If you shop for a gown, before you decide to have it custom made, go to department stores and check their sale corner. Occasionally, Department stores have wedding gowns on clearance and you can buy a gown at a fraction of its original price and save a “ton” of money. Another option is buying a sample gown which was used for a fashion show or a display. If you still can not find just that special gown, and you need to purchase one, consider a simple gown off the rack. Or comb the wedding ads and auction sites on and off the web. You’ll probably be able to buy a gown that was used only once or even a brand new one for peanuts. To save even more, you may considered a white “prom” or a bridesmaid dress.

Bridesmaids dresses

Today it is customary for the bridesmaids to purchase their own dresses shoes and accessories. Since they intend to gift their maid of honor and bridesmaids, most brides provide the bridesmaids with custom jewelry that coordinate well with their gowns or dresses. The jewelry does not have to be expensive but does need to be of good quality and look good.

Groom and grooms men

Depending on your wedding motif, the groom and grooms men can wear a dark suit and white shirt they probably own. Gift them with matching ties for uniformity. If your wedding calls for tuxedos, have the men in the wedding party rent the tuxedos, shoes and accessories. Here too it is customary for the groomsmen to pay for the rental of their attire. Many rental places will furnish the groom’s attire for free if all the men from the wedding party rent at the same time as one package. A saving for you.

FLOWERS

You can save money on your flower arrangements if you are willing to be ‘original’ and creative. If any of your guests create flower arrangements even as a hobby, ask them to do the flower arrangements. If you can not find a capable guest, you’ll need to purchase the bridal bouquet and the flowers for the altar at a reputable florist. But, consider giving the bridesmaids mixed seasonal flowers. They are available in supermarkets and Even at Costco and Sams Club, at a fraction of the price charged by a florist. Ask your bridesmaids to insert their bouquets in vases to serve as centerpieces for the reception tables. Your bridesmaids will oblige with pleasure knowing that after the reception they will take home not only their flowers but the vases as well. The flowers will not keep forever, but the vases will become keepsake mementos of your wedding and, you’ll save money.

WEDDING RECEPTION SITE

The reception is the most expensive part of your wedding. But, you can plan it within your budget and have a memorable event. You must be very particular when choosing the site. It must be appropriate and fit in with your reception plan. It does not have to be a traditional hall. How about having your wedding in a historical home, a park, a museum, fair grounds, public gardens, on the beach, etc… You also need to know if it supplies you with all your furniture and dining needs. If not, you must calculate rental fees. When choosing a wedding site, choose slow period and either a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon and you’ll be able to negotiate the best deals.

FOOD

If you invite some good cooks to your wedding, you may ask them to prepare their favorite recipes for your wedding reception. Also, if you invite some good bakers, ask if they could prepare sweets and desserts or maybe even your wedding cake. You’ll save money and they will feel honored for being asked. In fact they’ll be delighted to serve too. If you have your reception catered, you must consider the number of guests, the time of day and the manner in which food will be served. Will it be refreshments only? dessert only? light snack? a sit-down? a buffet? will you serve alcohol? If bar tenders will serve alcohol will it be an open bar? will you or the guests pay for the drinks? There is an enormous difference in price between a light brunch, for example, and a five course sit-down catered dinner. Following are some suggestions you may check out to fit your budget. Have a brunch or an early lunch and you need to serve fruit and vegetables, salads, eggs, cheeses, pastries, coffee, tea and cold drinks buffet style. Have a late lunch and you’ll need to add some meats and poultry. You may still serve it buffet style, or as a sit-down meal. A sit-down dinner is by far your most expensive choice.

DRINKS

Purchase the drinks yourself, at a location that will accept the return of un-opened cans and bottles.

MUSIC

When it comes to music, you’ll need to decide what fits in with your personalities when choosing whether to use instrumental music, a band or a disc jockey. Check out the local colleges and universities and find out if they have a music department. If so, inquire if there are students in the music program who will be able to perform at your wedding. We thank Meredith from Phoenix, AZ who sent us the following information about how she is saving money on wedding music while helping the local high school band in their fund raising efforts. She writes:I am getting married and paying for it myself. So, I have had to cut costs like you wouldn’t imaging! One thing that was very important to me and my fiance is music. We both were in band and choir in high school and love music to this day. Unfortunately, having a string quartet was entirely too expensive and forget the live band or even a DJ at our reception, so i had an idea. I was in jazz band in high school and we were very good, winning all kinds of awards and stuff. High school bands are always looking for fund raisers and so we approached my old high school jazz band about playing at our reception. We worked out a great deal for paying them but significantly lower than getting a professional band. AND, the school usually has uniforms already – just request that as part of the package. Thank you for you web site it has been very helpful. Meredith from Phoenix, AZ. Do not overlook your guests. If you invited singers, let them sing. Have them sing a solo or as a group during the ceremony And / or at the reception.

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

When it comes to photographers and videographers, choose your professionals very carefully. Your wedding day will come and go and the photos and video will serve as mementos and memories of your big day. Viewing them you shall re-live it and be able to share it with your kids and theirs building a family history. Before hiring a photographer or a videographer compare prices and references. Choose the very best that are within your budget. Even if you need to choose a smaller package. Here is where you want the very best. Go for it. Just like personalized wedding gifts and accessories, photos and videos will become treasured keep sakes to share with and hand down your children. However, consider placing disposable cameras on each table at your reception so your guest will take pictures too. These pictures will usually be real and spontaneous and reflect your wedding as seen by your guests.

MISC. Ask friends to serve as your drivers and save. Instead of a limo, rent a luxury car and have a friend drive. Ask friends to

• help decorate the reception room,

• be the disc jockey,
• help with the seating, etc… Good friends and family will be honored and you’ll save money and know that your wedding needs were fulfilled with love and care.

Author: Nily Glaser
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates