Budget-Friendly Design Invitation

To help in saving up for the big day, without jeopardizing the quality and true value, Sweetknottings continue in bringing out a new concept that will truly meet the economic demands whilst maintaining our products' unique beauty. We decided to fashion new line of our wedding invitations, our newest, "budget-friendly" designs.

This new pull-out type invitation, convey a fresh, stylish look from its previous classic characteristic. Typical 3-panel/layer inserts and an envelope with minimalist adornment, which preserves its exceptional elegance.

Weddings... are enormously expensive in its sense, but they don't have to be, if you can find a way to get the right money-saving tip that will definitely help you plan the perfect wedding without blowing your resources and that is to set your budget!

Nowadays, wedding trends truly evolve from the usual traditional union and now said to be as the most extravagant gathering for the couple's most awaited event in their life together. Couples tend to over spend their money just for a single day of "tying the know" because they only wanted the best of everything. And while most of the brides, like in fairy tales, have been waited for this tremendous dream to do come true, it is also said to be the most significant day of their life as a couple with the important people in their life to witness; their way of expressing, sharing their true happiness with their love ones as the new Mr. and Mrs.

But for many realistic couples, the events of the day are far less valuable than the end result being legally married to the love of their lives. While incredibly expensive weddings seem to be the norm, in reality, getting married on a reasonable budget is by no means impossible just know how far you want to invest for your one day of event so that you still can save up for your financial future.

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Diamond Ring

When choosing the diamond for your engagement or wedding ring, there are some few important factors that you should keep in mind.

These are the key characteristics of diamonds and the jewelers commonly called the 4C's, they are: Carat, Cut, Color and Clarity.

C-A-R-A-T

A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. One carat may also be referred to as '100 points'. The larger a diamond is the more costly it becomes. Since the larger diamonds are much rarer the cost will go up significantly with each increase in size. A one carat diamond will be more than just double the cost of a half carat, however, a ring with multiple diamonds that have a combined weight of one carat will be cheaper than single stone of that weight.

C-U-T

Bigger isn't necessarily better. A two-carat diamond that is cut poorly is not nearly as beautiful as a smaller diamond, cut by a skilled diamond artisan. Cut is perhaps the most important of the 4C's to consider. A well cut diamond - regardless of its shape, sparkles, has a more fire and offers the greatest brilliance. If a stone is cut poorly, it will appear less valuable because it will lack fire, scintillation, brilliance and, therefore, beauty.

People commonly refer to the shape of the diamond as the cut (round diamonds, princess cut diamonds, marquise cut diamonds, oval diamonds, pear-shaped diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, radian cut diamonds, hear-shaped and Asscher cut diamonds). But cut really is the craftmaship applied in cutting the facets of the stone.

C-O-L-O-R

Color is the natural body color visible in a diamond and is the one C determine completely by nature. As a rule, the closer a diamond is too colorless, the more valuable and beautiful it is. Diamond colors appear in a range. Color grades D, E and F are considered colorless, making them rare. However, even more rare than the colorless are the fancy colored diamonds. There are well defined colors that include pink, canary yellow, blue and green... highly priced, extremely rare.

C-L-A-R-I-T-Y

Clarity is an indication of a diamond's purity. When a rough stone is extracted from carbon, deep beneath the earth, tiny traces of natural elements are almost always trapped inside. These elements are called inclusions, though sometimes referred to as birthmarks, because they are formed naturally and are unique to each stone. A diamond without such characteristics is called flawless and is the rarest kind.

Reference: http://www.theleodiamond.com

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Bridal Shower Checklist

To Do Check List for BRIDAL SHOWERS:

3+ Months Before the Bridal Shower:

Talk to the Bride, even though you are planning the shower, her inputs is vital.

• What type of shower does she want?
• Does she want a theme shower?
• Does she want cocktails served at the shower?
• Does she want a formal or casual arranged shower?
• Where does she want the shower?
• Set the date! If it is to take place at a restaurant, hotel, resort, etc., make reservations now!
• Create the guest list.

2 Months Before the Bridal Shower:

• Call outof town guests to let them know of the date so they can start making reservations and plans now.
• Get your budget established.
• Purchase invitations.
• Get together with the other special people you are planning the shower with and brainstorm ideas for decorations, food, etc.
• Order any special items such as a cake, linens, or any rental items you may need.
• Get your address list together.
• Make a detailed list of who does what and assign tasks at this time.

1 Month Before the Bridal Shower:

• Address your invitations.
• Mail the invitations.
• Shop for decorations, paper goods and other items you will need.
• If guests should bring any food, call to confirm what they are bringing.

2+ Weeks Before the Bridal Shower:

• Place flower order if you are ordering flowers for the arrangements.
• Buy your shower gift for the bride.
• Make a shopping list of food and drinks-buy any hard to find ingredients at this time.
• Purchase alcohol if you are serving cocktails.
• Pick up any items such as punch bowls, coffee urns, etc., now.

1 Week Before the Bridal Shower:

• Confirm previous reservations.
• Confirm orders and delivery times.
• Confirm RSVPs.
• Buy groceries.
• Plan the shower games .

1 Day Before the Bridal Shower:

• Get ready any menu items that can be prepared ahead of time or do any prep work.
• Decorate; get your favors and games prepared.
• Call any of the other hostess-confirm what they are bringing and the times they will arrive.

The Day of the Bridal Shower:

• Prepare all food and refreshments.
• Arrange tables and set out favors and decorations.
• Don't get stressed too much.
• Remember to have fun and enjoy this day also.
• If something goes wrong - go with the flow.

QUICK PARTY TIPS

1. Timing is everything. Shoot for a date that lands a month or two before the day of the wedding.
2. Breaking the ice. Games make excellent ice breakers when the guests don't all know each other.
3. Don't go overboard. Play two or three games at most. You need time for the bride to open her gifts.
4. Take a seat. Make sure all guests have a comfortable place to sit with a great view of the bride.
5. Serving cocktails? Remember, moderation is key and never drink and drive.

Enjoy the Bridal Shower!!!

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Coed Bridal Showers

"Coed Bridal Showers... A New Twist"

By tradition, the bridal shower was an exclusive women-only gathering, but this practice like so many others is being given a new spin by some bridal couples, or sometimes, very aptly called a "Jack and Jill" or "Couples Wedding Shower". This pre-wedding party includes the bride and groom's closest friends. With a coed shower, the guest list by extension would include men and women, friends and family from both the bride's and the groom's side. The host and or hostess for a couple's shower can be their attendants, coworkers and/or friends. If rules of etiquette were being followed closely, then "by law" members of the bride and/or groom's immediate family should not host the party. The concept is that the party should not look like an excuse by the family of the bride to ask for gifts.

A "his-and-hers" wedding shower can be twice the fun of a "girls only" get together.

A couple's shower is modern and increasingly popular -- the ideal way to celebrate Bride and Groom as a perfect pair. Having a coed shower may even cut the costs of traditional "girls only" shower because you can have simpler food and there are more people involved to absorb the costs of a coed wedding shower.

How to Host a Coed Wedding Shower

Instead of the traditional wedding shower with only women invited, shower both the bride and groom with gifts and good wishes. A fun alternative to the traditional shower with finger goods and dainty napkins, a couple's shower can feature hearty food and drink and loads of fun.

Simple Guide:

• Ask for the bride's and groom's input before planning their couples shower. Develop the guest list with their help, remembering that all shower guests should also be invited to the wedding.
• Select a date and time that will be convenient for couples. A Friday or Saturday evening affair or a Sunday afternoon coffee may be the best bet.
• Consider a location other than your home. Restaurants and public parks are good choices, especially if you cannot accommodate a lot of people in your home or backyard.
• Choose a theme. While an elegant tea is not our of the question, create an atmosphere in which men will feel comfortable and have fun.
• Decide whether you want formal or casual dress. Bear in mind that most people enjoy dressing down, especially on a weekend. Indicate "casual" or "dressy" on the invitation.
• Plan a menu. A party with wine and appetizers may be appropriate, or you can arrange for a catered dinner, deli sandwiches or a full-scale outdoor cookout. A potluck affair will be easiest for you and will allow everyone to contribute.
• Decide whether you want to play games or not. If so, try to come up with games that will involve the men without seeming too corny.
• Consider the gift-opening segment of the party. While men might be interested in the groom's gifts, they might also become bored. Provide alternatives such as a sports event on TV or an outdoor activity.
• Try to limit the shower to a couple of hours. To avoid people lingering far beyond your expectations, include both a starting and ending time on the invitations.

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Bridal Shower

Helpful Tips To Organize A Bridal Shower

Bridal shower is a pre-wedding party given for a bride before her wedding.

One of the most important parts of the bridal shower, and, in fact, its namesake, is 'showering' the bride with love, gifts and warm wishes for her wedding.

Most often these functions are organized as surprise parties.

Traditionally, bridal showers are hosted by the maid of honor, the bridesmaids or close friends of the bride. There is no rule on who is to host the shower. The party can be schedule during the times which are suitable for the bride and also hostess. Usually takes place several months or couple of weeks before the wedding day. A bridal shower should celebrate the bride's personality and style, so when considering a theme for the shower, make a list of all her loves.

A modern option to consider is a "coed shower". These non-gendered celebrations are the latest twist in new wedding traditions. If it's just for the bride, a coed shower includes both her female and male friends. Or, stay on top of the trends with a Couple's Shower in honor of the bride and groom.

Who's invited in the Bridal Party?

• Mothers of the bride and groom
  
• Grandmothers/great grandmothers of the bride and groom
  
• Aunts
  
• Female Cousins
  
• Bridesmaids/Female Attendants
  
• Close friends of the bride and her family
  
• Close female business associates of the bride

In order to ease the organization of bridal sower, here are some helpful tips:

• First and most important thing is to be imaginative and unique. Don't forget to include the bride's personality and style into the shower.

• Then select the shower type. You will have various types of showers to organize.

• Select the proper location to organize the party. The shower can be extremely official to casual. You will find various locations like, restaurant, beach, home, or a place to begin the bachelorette party.

• Select the right theme that represents the spirit of the event and captures the personality of the bride and also the guests.

• While planning for the bridal shower, the most important thing that you need to consider is date. The date you have chosen for bridal shower must be flexible for all the guests.

• Inform all the guests about the occasion and also where it is going to take place. Ensure that the date must not conflict with the holidays or any other special events that would restrict the guests from attending the party.

• Set your budget as early as possible while planning the bridal shower.

• Invite all the guests to the bridal shower who will also be invited for the wedding occasion. Everyone who are invited to the shower will definitely expect an invitation for the wedding also. So, don't make the mistakes while inviting the guests. It is better to ask the bride about the guest list.

• The guests who attend the party will bring the gifts for the bride-to-be. Make sure that these gifts are opened by the bride in the party only.

• In this occasion favors are very important factor to be considered. The most popular bridal showers favors include personalized chocolates, bath gels, well decorated candles, manicure sets, etc. For example, for a beach bridal shower the most popular shower favors include seashell candles, dolphin wine stoppers, etc.

• Finally organize the event and have fun time together with your friends and family.
  

The bridal shower can be a relaxing and fun occasion for the bride-to-be prior to her wedding.

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Valentine's Day Wedding

A Romantic Theme Wedding

"You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without. "

Getting married on Valentine's Day? You must be a true romantic. Have your Valentine's Day Wedding reflect all the romance of your love story with special details. Even if you're not getting married on Valentine's Day, consider incorporating some of these touches for a truly inspiring day.

Attire: On Valentine's Day, an old-fashioned look is always romantic. You'll want to wear a classic style dress and tuxedo. Look to old movies, including Funny Face and legendary weddings including Grace Kelly's and Jackie Kennedy's. A second option is to go for a white dress with red accents. Wear your hair pulled back with red roses pinned into your chignon. Wrap a vibrant red shawl around your arms, and carry an overflowing bouquet of more red roses. Have your bridesmaids wear the same dress in varying shades of pink and red, and have groomsmen wear red ties with different red and pink boutonnières.

Setting: Make sure you book your location early, as Valentine's Day is a very popular day to tie the knot. Wed someplace that will allow you to light lots of candles to really set the mood for a late evening ceremony. Alternatively, look for a place warm enough in February to be in a secluded garden or a Victorian greenhouse filled with lush flowers. Decorate as you would for a romantic dinner- soft lighting, gauzy fabrics, flowers, candles, and plenty of atmospheres.

Ceremony: Ask married couples to stand during your wedding and reaffirm their love for each other.

Music: A string quartet or Italian opera singer will help set the mood. If you want to have a DJ, create a song list full of love songs.

Flowers: Flowers are by definition romantic, so use almost any flowers in abundance. While roses are the classic, roses in February are extremely expensive. So look to other pink and red flowers, including tulips, hydrangea, and freesia.

Menu: Why not fan the sparks between your guests by including some aphrodisiacs in the menu, including an oyster bar, asparagus, almonds, chicken with mole sauce (a Mexican chocolate sauce), and chocolate covered strawberries and bananas.

Invitations: Set the tone with your invitations by writing something like "Come celebrate love and romance on Valentine's Day at the wedding of..."

Favors: Give your guests tiny heart-shaped boxes of candy with a note attached saying "Thank you for being our Valentines. “Love, Alex and Malu."

Special Touches: Instead of table numbers, name your tables after famous romantic couples.

Source: About.com

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Barong Tagalog

Barong Tagalog (or simply barong, from the word baro) is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. Made from jusi or hand woven piña. It is very lightweight and worn untucked, over an undershirt. It is a common wedding and formal attire for Filipino men as well as women. The term "barong tagalog" literally means "a dress that is Tagalog", or "a Tagalog dress" in the Filipino Language.

The Barong Tagalog gained his real national prestige after president Quezon, the first Filipino president, declared the Barong Tagalog "the National dress". So, the Barong Tagalog evolved from the pre-Hispanic became officially a symbol of the Filipinos' resistance to colonization.

A Buyer's Guide to Barong

Most women have always dreamed about getting married in a church ceremony. While very charming, the only drawback to this is that it required a male presence in the church to get the party started.

Should you be the male, approach the event like you would your crowning moment – whether your definition of a crowning moment is an inauguration or a public execution. Either way, the barong tagalog is always the best choice for occasions like this.

Given the Philippines’ tempestuous climate, the barong tagalog will always be the formal outfit of choice, whether for a typical business day or attending a formal outdoor ceremony. Try wearing a coat and tie to work every day in the summer heat and you’ll see what I mean. Likewise, try waiting for your bride outdoors decked out in a three-piece suit.

Of course, appealing to plain nationalism won’t do the trick, as this is not a matter of picking one off the rack. To get married in a barong tagalog (or to bear witness at a wedding) means that you have taken the great responsibility of looking good, Filipino-style.

A Short History
According to many historians, the design of the barong tagalog and the choice of the material were considered a means of subjugation by Spain during the colonial era. The barong tagalog was an offshoot of a Spanish mandate that Filipino businessmen wear a formal suit but of a lesser degree in quality to theirs, and that the same should be made of transparent material to ensure that the Indios wouldn’t dream of hiding some weapons underneath. In addition, Filipinos of that era were allegedly instructed to keep their formal wear untucked to denote their lower status. Historically, keeping the shirt untucked is common sense for the warm Filipino weather. The designer of the barong, God bless his/her soul, wisely chose to consider this fact when he/she came up with the original design.

Of course, there is little evidence to back this particular theory, as we have yet to unearth an archive of dress codes from the Spanish era regarding the wearing of the barong tagalog. Besides, we can see old photos of our national heroes in western clothing—impeccably tucked and trousered.

Office or Occasion
Of course, when wearing barongs, there is a world of difference between the standard office barong and the formal event barong , so one should never wear one in lieu of the other. If you think wearing an office barong to a formal event is a fashion faux pas, think about your mates’ reaction when you show up for work in a piña-jusi ensemble.

Office barongs tend to be made from polyester and other synthetic fibers and tend to be totally opaque instead of transparent. Embroidery is more or less limited to the office logo and a few token designs. Popular among executives is the wearing of barong tagalogs made from the material called "gusot-mayaman." Composed of linen, "gusot-mayaman" is the easiest way to look like you’ve had a busy day.

Grooming for the Groom

For the formal barongs, only jusi and piña cloth will do. Jusi used to be made from abaca or banana fiber, but silk organza is now the preferred material. Mechanically woven, jusi is stronger and more durable. Piña, however, is the last word for ultra-formal barongs. Woven from pineapple leaves to create superfine fibers, piña cloth is thinner, softer, and much shinier than jusi. The embroidery of a piña barong is more impressive to look at.

Type of Cloth Used

• White Jusi fabric - has been developed in response to the demand for pure white, elegant fabric for the modern groom's wedding Barong.
• Piña fabric - is hand-loomed from pineapple leaf fibers. And because Piña weavers in the Philippines are dwindling, it's scarcity makes the delicate Piña cloth expensive and is thus used for very formal events.
• Jusi fabric - is mechanically woven and was once made from abacca or banana silk.
• Banana fabric - is another sheer fabric used in formal occasions. Made and hand woven from banana fiber, it usually comes with geometric design details. This fabric hails from the Visayas island of Negros.
• Piña-Jusi fabric - is the latest barong fabric that just came out of the market and is gaining much popularity. With the sheerness of pineapple fibers and the strength of the jusi fiber, this "new" fabric blend offers the market the same formality needed on special occasions at a more reasonable price range.

Barong Decorative Details

• Hand embroidery
• Machine embroidery
• Computerized embroidery
• Hand painting
• Pintucks (alforza)
• Lace-inserts/appliques

Here is some advice for choosing a barong for your wedding:

• Always go for a custom-fitted barong. A ready-to-wear (RTW) version is the last resort of the hopeless. Men’s bodies are an assorted lot, and it would be an extremely long shot for you to hope that you can get a barong tagalog that fits exactly right. Always look at the fit at the shoulders and the cuffs; these should be perfectly snug. Any difference, however slight, will be obvious and ugly.

• When deciding between piña and jusi, have the male entourage (never mind the godfathers—at their age, they’re entitled to wear what they want) wear jusi, and reserve the piña version for the groom. This not only saves money, but creates a distinction for the groom. Since it’s his day, it’s only fitting - he deserves a spot above the rest. (After that, he’ll have to learn to defer to the wife the rest of his married life).

• When selecting the type of embroidery for your barong, try and restrain yourself from selecting overly intricate patterns. Apart from the conventional wisdom that anything in excess is bad, I have witnessed one too many scenes when the delicate piña barong ripped prior to the ceremony due to the undulations of the anxious wearer. Too much needlework can speed up the half-life of this delicate clothing.

• Put on the barong only at the last moment, prior to getting married. Seat belts, automatic doors, and drinks can invariably reduce the delicate barong to a mess, so covering it and placing it on a hanger in your car on the way to the church makes sense.
  

Cost Centers
Plenty of haberdasheries and tailoring shops can be found all over the country, and the tailors will be more than happy to show you their cloth selection and take your measurements on the spot. In some cases, their services may be cheaper than buying an RTW barong.

Those abroad, while limited with their choices, almost always get their clothes from the Internet. Sites like mybarong.com offer a plethora of choices and can deliver barongs for both infants and giants. Smart Pinoys can always ask their friends or relatives to ship them the cloth instead, or shop around during their next visit home. Surely a little piña or jusi hunting will be worth the trip, and any professional tailor back home can create a masterpiece custom-fitted to their liking.

Weddings come once in a lifetime (in most cases), and since everybody has to defer the title of "most handsome guy" to you for a day, get a barong and make the most out of this privilege.

***Source: Manila Bulletin Online

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Wedding Dress In Color

White has remain an all time favorites for brides since Queen Victoria of England marriage to Albert in year 1840, interesting to note too that prior to her historic wedding gown choice, there weren´t any wedding gown preferred color.

Not all brides prefer to marry in a white or pale princess ball gown, Brides from all over the world, originating each from their strong rich cultures opt to marry in vibrant, colorful dresses that also signifies well meaning, blessings and wishes on their wedding day, sort of like a silent prayer for blessed unions.

Here are the meanings behind their choice of colors to wear on their wedding day and who knows, your designer may be inspire to create something for you.

Chinese Brides
Chinese brides opt for red for good luck and joy and details of gold for fortunes and prosperities.

Malay Brides
Any vibrant colors depending on the brides taste and favorites, they may opt to wear different colors for different celebrations throughout their wedding process. White, Black and Red is generally frown upon.

Indian Brides
Bright yellow and gold is mostly preferred by young Indian brides that symbolizes wealth and blessings to herself, her husband and his families. Yellow and gold too bring out their wedding well - ¬known for their rich celebrations.

Morrocan Brides
Like Indian Brides, the Moroccan brides choose bright yellow but they mean to ward of evil and green is another of their favorites because it brings good lucks and symbolizes greens and plants.

Israelis or Jewish Brides
Jewish brides prefer to wear a white wedding gown to symbolise purity and clarity. Blues represents mystical and spiritual powers.

Japanese Brides
A lavish white Kimono detail or lined with red symbolises happiness and a new beginning.

Spanish Brides
To represent and display their love and devotion to their husband until death, Spanish brides wears lacy mantillas gown.

Korean Brides
Lime green wonsam is worn over the traditional wedding dress, the hanbok. Wonsam is embroided with flowers and butterflies with the colour red representing heaven, indigo for earth and yellow colour for humanity. For respect to the elders and her husband, her hands are covered in white.

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Right Gown for the Right Body Shape

If you have purchased your wedding gown some months before the wedding, store them elsewhere as staring at them continuously can make you far less excited.

Guides in choosing the right gown for the right body shape:

TALL AND THIN
You can make the most of your figure as you can go for any style you want. Go for soft, flowy matrials, lots of detailing from the waistline down, or with a satin sash tied elegantly around your waist to enhance your curves.

SLIM AND PETITE
An A - line gown would be perfect for you. To look taller, opt for a higher waist cut or a V - cut bodice to accentuate your waistline. Look captivating with an empire - cut gown complemented with flowy, chiffon materials from your bust line.

FULL FIGURE
A V - cut neckline is most flattering. Go for detailing in the bust and neck line while keeping details and cut simple. Know your body and flaunt your best features while cleverly hiding others. A bodice will accentuate yur waist and the staight cut hides the tummy. And instead of silky, shiny fabrics, choose soft, matte - colored ones.

Source: weddingsbyeternal


BRIDAL GOWN PATTERN:

You will want your wedding dress to show off your figure to its best advantage. Here are the 4 basic body types and the goals that you want to keep in mind for yourself based on your body type when choosing your pattern:

Triangle - your hips are wider than your bust and shoulders. Your goal will be to minimize your lower body and create the illusion of additional upper body width.

Reverse Triangle - your upper body is wider than your lower body. Your goal will be to emphasize lower body width.

Hourglass - your bust and hips are larger thatn your small waist. Your goal will be to create balance.

Rectangle - your body is long and narrow without a strongly defined waistline. Your goal will be to emphasize width and avoid long vertical lines.

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Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her big day and choosing the right dress is extremely one of the most exciting and essential part of the wedding planning process.

TIPS IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING DRESS

Your gown will take about 4 - 6 months to finish after you've ordered it. Therefore, start looking for the perfect gown early so you can have ample time for fittings and alterations. Order your gown at least 6 - 8 months in advance (up to 12 months) and schedule a fitting 2 weeks to a month before your big day.

In choosing your wedding gown take into consideration the style and theme of your wedding, there are many styles to choose from with different bodices and skirts so don't leave it to the last minute before beginning to look.

Traditionally the bride always wore white for their wedding day but these days white isn't compulsory and some people especially if they have very pale skin should avaoid white and go for ivory or cream instead. The fabric of the dress is more a matter of personal taste with lace, fine cotton being more suited to summer weddings while heavy satin, brocade and velvet are suited for winter weddings.

Be realistic and know your budget. Have a good understanding of what price range you set and do not go over this price range. Your wedding gown will definitely be one of the major purchases you will invest in since bridal dresses are more elaborate and more intricate in details, often with yards of fabric, and can include a considerable amount of handiwork and embellishment - all these extras add up to the cost.

There are many bridal magazines and websites with ideas of dresses and this is an excellent way to start, but always go with what you feel is comfortable and not what magazines or web sites say are in fashion. Know yourself and look for a dress that is the most flattering for your body. Be flexible - it may not be the dress you envision.

Once you have an idea in mind then find a bridal specialist you trust and they will work with you to find the right dress for you. Take someone with you who you can trust to give you an honest opinion about how you look while fitting some available designs. This could really help when deciding on the perfect dress.

Your dress will be very expensive so don't go rushing into something that you might regret, make sure that you do like the dress and above all others and feel comfortable while looking stunning. Another point to remember is that you will be buying the dress months beforehand and during this time you could gain or lose weight, a couple of pounds is ok but be careful of going to the extreme. So we suggest to order a dress that is 1 size bigger than your actual size.

A specialist shop will give you several fittings in between ordering and the big day with the final fitting being around two weeks before your wedding day. Another big advantage to choosing a dress from a shop specializing in bridal wear is that you will be able to get the entire outfit including headdress, accessories and even the whole set of entourage dresses.


QUICK KIT FOR YOUR BIG DAY:

1. An extra pair of shoes that is low and comfortable
2. Utility kit, with everything from nail file to scissors
3. Double - sided tape for emergency hems
4. Safety pins for zippers that go awry
5. Mini make - up kit

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Monetary Gifts

If you were thinking of giving a gift to help us on our way; A gift of cash towards our house, would really make our day. However, if you prefer to purchase a gift, feel free to surprise us in your own way.

Gifts are good, CASH is better.

One of the most challenging etiquette issues facing engaged couples is how to politely ask for cash instead of gifts on their wedding day. It's easier than you think: The key is to add a bit of sugar and a lot of honesty. Skip the stress and read up for eight ways to get the moolah. (P.S. Having your guests partake in your special day is still the best gift you could ask for.)

1. Rely on family members. If you have limited time, the easiest option is to let your family members relay the message that cash is better. Chances are, news will travel fast among your guests.

2. Don't register. When guests ask you where you're registered, the best reply is "We've got the necessities already." Hopefully, they will get the hint. The risk: They still insist on buying you something, and you end up with ten toasters.

3. Specify. There's nothing as tactless as writing "No boxed gifts, please." on the invite, so if you're going to place a request, you might as well say it right! Guests feel more comfortable giving cash if they know where it's going. Here are some suggestions:

• "We're saving up for our dream home; any contribution would be greatly appreciated."

• "We're flying to Hawaii for our honeymoon! We'd love it if you could lighted our finances and give us a treat!"

• "We'd love to start a family soon, so any donation for our baby budget would be great!"

• "Our worldly possessions are plentiful as such, on our wedding present list there really isn't much, a gift of currency is all we ask, to help us on our life long task."

4. Divert calls. People are bound to have questions when they receive wedding invites. Modify your voice mail greetig to something light and suggestive, like:

• "We can't wait to see you on our wedding day! We just finished furnishing our new home, so now we're broke from all the expenses! Ha ha! Wanna help us save (hint, hint)".
  

The funnier, the better. Guests will get a kick out of it, and cash will come in.

5. Auction. Auction off your designer reception dress, the groom's tie, the dove's or anything that you can live without after your wedding.

6. Place a "box of dreams" or "wishing well" at the reception. Beside it, put small envelopes to be dropped inside with labels like "A candlelit dinner," "Spa for two," or anything you'd want to do as a couple. Guests would be amused by the novelty of fulfilling your requests.

7. Create a web site. With community sites like Friendster, Blogger and Multiply, you can create a "wedding countdown" of sorts. Use the multimedia features to share your journey together, as well as your wish list. People visiting the site would not only be informed, but be familiarized with your love story.

8. Be poetic. Write a poem on the invitation.

Reference: The Wedding Digest

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Honeymoon

...the honeymoon does not always have to take place the night of the wedding. Although surely a joyous occasion, the wedding day will most likely also be tiring. A short break after the wedding could be a good idea.

Planning your honeymoon gives you and your future spouse the freedom for more personal and intimate decisions. While the wedding preparations include having to consider the needs of your guests, the honeymoon is strictly only about the two of you. However, that doesn't mean that is requires less attention.

WHERE?
The first step is to decide where you both want to go. The key word here is both. You have to be open to the possibility that maybe your ideal vacation by the sea sounds horribly boring to your future spouse. Or maybe one wants to spend a weekend in a favorite vacation spot, while the other would rather spend a week in a new, exotic place. The best way to settle this is to find a place where both of you interests are met. Try listing down the characteristics of your perfect vacation destinations. Find a place that fits as many of these as possible. Another thing to consider is your budget. Naturally, you have to fit your honeymoon plans into your set budget. Whether you choose to spend your honeymoon in a cruise, in a big city, or in a cozy inn, what matters most is that you go where you both will be happy.

WHEN?
The next thing to do is to set when you will go on your honeymoon. Contrary to popular belief, the honeymoon does not always have to take place the night of the wedding. Although surely a joyous occasion, the wedding day will most likely also be tiring. A short break after the wedding could be a good idea. Lots of newlyweds take a few days off before going on their honeymoon. This gives time for taking care of other affairs, like opening wedding presents and sending thank you cards. Other couples have their work schedule to consider. If you cannot have your ideal honeymoon for the meantime. Also, especially for popular tourist spots, check for the peak season. You wouldn't want to ruin your romantic trip by having a deal with hordes of tourists. It would be best to consult travel agencies, or search the internet for information.

After deciding on the place and the date, the next step is to se the duration. Work and money constraints might dictate this. Do try to set a time frame that will allow for a fun and relaxing vacation, one that isn't crammed or hurried.

OTHER CONCERNS
It is advisable to start planning the trip as early as possible. Booking tickets and making reservations months in advance could allow for discounted prices. Also, starting early would enable you to compare what the different destinations have to offer. A lot of hotels and vacation spots have set packages that include tours, transportation, and dining.

Determine how much money you are both willing to spend. When coming up with the amount, consider the different expenses your will have: food, activities, shopping, and incidental expenses. Make a chart of how many days you will be on the honeymoon and set a budget for each day.

Once you've made reservations and purchased your plane tickets,go over the list again and prepare for other small expenses that you may have overlooked. If your hotel doesn't offer free shuttle services, you might need to pay for transportation to and from the hotel. You should also consider setting aside a small amount for tips, which is required in some countries. In case of emergencies, make sure you have travel insurance, and a way to contact family and friends back home. Make sure your passport and visa are still valid. Have the tickets, reservations, confirmation letters and travel documents ready.

Now that you've done all these things, remember that this trip is about the two of you. What's important is to have fun and enjoy each other's company. Planning early and preparing well will ensure this trip will be one that you both will always treasure.

Reference: Wedding Directory

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Wedding Colors: It's Meanings

The wedding colors convey emotion, mood and tone. We tend to use our favorite wedding color combination without knowing the real meaning of wedding colors. Each wedding colors has a good and bad image. In choosing the wedding colors it is important to highlight the good image of the wedding color.

The cool colors convey calming effect, while the warm colors create excitement. The neutral colors convey unification or unity. The cool colors of wedding are blue, green, turquoise and silver. The warm colors are red, pink, yellow, gold and orange. The neutral colors are brown, beige, ivory, gray, black and white.

BLACK depicts formal, modern, sexy, and sophisticated. It is a color that is always in fashion. It never goes out of style. Black is usually paired with white. With black, you feel elegant, powerful, and sophisticated. Black works well with lighter colors such as yellow, white, red, blue, and green. Black will stand out in photographs. On the contrary, black is also a symbol of evil, darkness, and death.

BLUE calls for calmness, tranquility, truthfulness, nobleness, and faithfulness. In all the culture, blue has the lowest amount of bad images. Blue is often use in ribbons to symbolize winners. Blue is recommended and versatile. Anyone can not go wrong. We often see blue in wedding flowers, and dress. The only bad image of blue is depression, loneliness, and sadness.

BROWN makes you feel comfortable, warm, and cozy. It is a color of the wood, earth, and stone. The guests will be obliged to stay longer. Brown also stimulates appetite. The only bad image is that it is sometimes dull. However, the brown brings character to the location.

GREEN represents wealth, money, nature, environment, fertility, growth, re-birth, victory, healing, abundant, and renewable. The green tells of new life and beginning after the wedding. Oftentimes, we use green to show the awareness to be eco-friendly, or environment friendly. The bad image of green is greed, jealousy, and envy.

ORANGE stands for energy, sun, warmth and comfortable. It is often used in fall wedding ideas. The guests will feel at ease. Think of fall leaves, pumpkin, sun, sunset as wedding themes.

PINK symbolizes the femininity, admiration, love, pretty, spring, gentleness, harmony, fidelity, and sensuality. It is an innocent, sweet, and soft color. Pink is usually use in wedding dress, wedding invitations, and wedding flowers. The only bad image is breast cancer awareness in which most people will not consider as bad image.

PURPLE shows nobility, royalty, luxury, authority, creativity, inspiration, and spirituality. It is a mysterious and intriguing color. The darker shades of purple represent sensuality, while the lighter shades of purple represent romance and delicate. The bad image of purple is a symbol of mourning widow in Thailand.

RED creates excitement as red raises blood pressure. Red also symbolizes love, passion, sex, and power. Hence, we like to give red roses to show a strong affection of love. Red means good luck in China, while red means purity in India. Life, vitality, celebrations, and gifts are associated with red. The negative images about red are blood, war, danger, fire, and anger.

WHITE is one of the neutral colors which are common in wedding dress, flowers, and attire. White is also associated with purity, innocence, cleanliness, and virtue. Think of snow, winter, and peace as wedding themes. Today, it symbolizes crisp, clean, and luxurious. On the other hand, the white is a symbol of death for eastern countries and ghost for western countries. The caskets are usually covered in white, while the ghosts are usually visualized in floating white sheet.

YELLOW is a happy, joyful, cheerful, and hopeful color. Because it is close to the color gold, it is sometimes a symbol of wealth. Think of sunshine and summer as wedding themes. The yellow in wedding dress, wedding candles, and wedding flowers indicate a happy moment. For Japanese, it is a symbol of royalty and courage. The bad image of yellow is emergency, cowardice, deceit, and hazard. In Egypt, the yellow means death, grief, and mourning.

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Wedding Flowers: Symbolic Meaning

So roses mean love, tulips mean passion... Magnolia means love of nature and stephanotis signifies marital happines.

During the Victorian era, The Language of Flowers created an ultra-romantic language for lovers' correspondence in which flowers replaced words. If you want to suffuse your wedding flowers with symbolism, here is a guide to the most popular wedding flowers and its symbolic meanings.

Anemone
Meaning: Expectation
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: None
In Season: Fall (Japanese) to spring (Wood or De Caen)
Floral Fact: Anemones bloom in either single or double blossoms.

Baby's Breath
Meaning: Innocence
Best For: Filler in bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres
Scent: None
In Season: Year-round

Calla Lily
Meaning: Magnificent beauty
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: Lightly fragrant
In Season: Spring and summer
Floral Fact: This large tropical flower is very popular in weddings.

Carnation
Meaning: Pink represents boldness, red symbolizes love, and white indicates talent. Some other colors have negative connotations (see below).
Best For: Bouquets, boutonnieres, and arrangements
Scent: Very light fragrance or none at all, depending on variety
In Season: Year-round

Chrysanthemum (or mum)
Meaning: Wealth, abundance, truth
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: None
In Season: Year-round
Floral Fact: Mums come in several varieties, which determine their size and color. The name literally means "golden flower."

Daffodil
Meaning: Regard
Best For: Garden settings, in pots
Scent: None
In Season: Spring

Daisy
Meaning: Share your feelings
Best For: Bouquets
Scent: None
In Season: Year-round

Delphinium
Meaning: Swiftness, lightness
Best For: Arrangements
Scent: Lightly fragrant
In Season: Summer

Freesia
Meaning: Innocence
Best For: Bouquets
Scent: Very fragrant
In Season: Spring and summer

Gardenia
Meaning: Purity, joy
Best For: Bouquets and boutonnieres
Scent: Very fragrant
In Season: Year-round

Hydrangea
Meaning: Understanding
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: None
In Season: Spring and fall

Iris
Meaning: A message of faith, wisdom
Best For: In arrangements or potted
Scent: Fragrant
In Season: Spring
Floral Fact: Irises come in several sizes; they are usually blue or white, but you may find exotic varieties (including purple ones).

Lilac
Meaning: Love's first emotions
Best For: Filler in arrangements or as part of bouquets, depending on variety
Scent: Very fragrant
In Season: Local lilacs are available in the spring; imported French lilacs are available year-round
Floral Fact: The local lilac is grown like a bush, and is used as filler because of its greenery. The French lilac is more flower-like and can be used as such in bouquets and arrangements.

Lily
Meaning: Majesty, truth, honor
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: Fragrant
In Season: Summer, but often imported during other seasons

Lily of the Valley
Meaning: Happiness
Best For: Bouquets, in combination with other flowers
Scent: Fragrant
In Season: Spring and summer
Floral Fact: These small, fragile, bell-shaped flowers are considered traditional marriage flowers.

Magnolia
Meaning: Love of nature
Best For: Arrangements
Scent: Depends on variety
In Season: Spring and summer
Floral Fact: Magnolias are more common in Southern-style weddings, as most magnolia trees grow in the South.

Orchid
Meaning: Love, beauty
Best For: Bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres
Scent: None
In Season: Year-round -- almost always imported
Floral Fact: This exotic flower comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

Peony
Meaning: Bashfulness, the American spirit of ambition and determination
Best For: Arrangements
Scent: Lightly fragrant
In Season: Late spring

Rose
Meaning: Love, joy, beauty
Best For: Bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and arrangements
Scent: Lightly fragrant to very fragrant, depending on variety
In Season: Year-round
Floral Fact: Roses are the most popular wedding flowers.

Stephanotis
Meaning: Marital happiness
Best For: Bouquets and arrangements
Scent: Very fragrant
In Season: Year-round
Floral Fact: These trumpet-shape blossoms are traditional bridal flowers, no doubt due to their meaning.

Stock
Meaning: Lasting beauty
Best For: Filler in arrangements
Scent: Very fragrant
In Season: Year-round
Floral Fact: Stock can be found in many colors to complement and fill out arrangements.

Sunflower
Meaning: Short-stemmed sunflowers mean adoration; long-stemmed sunflowers symbolize haughtiness
Best For: Carrying a single stem down the aisle; potted arrangements
Scent: None
In Season: Fall

Sweet Pea
Meaning: Pleasure
Best For: Garden setting, in vases
Scent: Fragrant
In Season: Late spring and early summer

Tulip
Meaning: Love, passion
Best For: Arrangements and bouquets
Scent: None
In Season: Late spring
Floral Fact: These sweet and stately flowers can be found in a myriad of colors, but they are very fragile.

Unfavorable Flowers
It's sad but true: You might want to avoid certain flowers (if you're superstitious, that is). On the other hand, you can always thumb your nose at history and ascribe your own meaning to these "questionable" blooms. Here are the so-called negative indicators:

• Christmas Rose: Scandal
• Fig: Idleness
• Foxglove: Insincerity
• Larkspur: Infidelity
• Lavender: Distrust
• Marigold: Grief
• Mulberry: I shall not survive you
• Raspberry: Remorse
• Red Carnation: Alas for my poor heart
• Red Poppy: Consolation
• Rhododendron: Danger
• Striped Carnation: Refusal
• White Poppy: Sleep
• Yellow Carnation: Disdain
• Yellow Chrysanthemum: Slighted Love
• Yellow Lily: Falsehood
• Yellow Rose: Jealousy

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Invitation: Symbols & Their Meanings

WEDDING INVITATION SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS

When you browse through invitations or wedding paper, you're likely to run across a wide variety of images. Most of these images are important symbols of marriage and love. Below is an explanation for some of the most common symbols you'll find:

Bride and Groom: When a bride and groom are pictured on a wedding invitation, they are meant to symbolize the couple getting married.

Double Rings: Double rings symbolize the joining of two lives and two people. The rings are usually made of a strong metal, such as gold or platinum, to show the strength of the bond between the couple.

Double Hearts: Double hearts, like double rings, represent the joining of two people. Because we associate the heart with love, this symbolizes that the two people are connected through love.

Gold Color: Gold usually symbolizes the 50th wedding anniversary. Part of the reason for this is that gold is an unusual metal. Not only is it the most malleable, but it is the only metal that will not tarnish or rust. For this reason, gold came to stand for a marriage that retained its beauty for a long time.

Silver Color: Silver usually symbolizes the 25th wedding anniversary. Like gold, silver is highly malleable (one reason it can easily be used in jewelry). However, it also resists corrosion and is only affected by one chemical – sulfur. As a result, silver has come to represent something precious that lasts a long time.

Clock: The clock is usually used on save-the-date cards. However, clocks can also be used on invitations for around the clock wedding showers (each guest is assigned a time of day and must purchase a wedding gift appropriate for that time).

Gown and Tuxedo: When a gown and tuxedo are pictured on the invitation, these represent the bride and groom. The gown stands for the bride. The tuxedo stands for the groom.

Horse and Carriage: The horse and carriage symbolizes two things--romance and tradition. Today, the idea of a horse and carriage ride is the epitome of classic romance. Plus, using the horse and carriage as transportation symbolizes the Victorian era when many of our most beloved wedding traditions were started.

Butterfly: The butterfly has a long history of symbolic meaning. Early Christians believed the butterfly represented the human soul. In China, it stands for marital happiness while some Native American tribes looked to the butterfly for guidance when their lives were going through changes. Most commonly, the butterfly stands for pleasant change because of its metamorphosis from a less attractive, crawling caterpillar to a beautiful, soaring butterfly.

Birds: Birds are a common symbol, but their meaning varies depending on which birds are being shown. For example, doves (probably the most common on wedding invitations) represent enduring love and peace. Here are other examples: storks represent good luck, cuckoos suggest a happy marriage, and swans symbolize beauty.

Toasting Flutes: Toasting flutes symbolize celebration and happiness.

Cake: The cake has now become a standard symbol of weddings. In fact, cakes or similar food items have been a part of wedding traditions since the days of the Roman Empire when a loaf of bread would be eaten by the groom then broken over the bride's head to symbolize his dominance over her. In Victorian times, the white wedding cake was known as the bride cake and symbolized her purity.

Unity Candle: The unity candle symbolizes the joining of two lives in marriage. Although not a traditional part of any one religion's ceremony, the use of the unity candle started becoming popular with couples in the 1990's. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom each light a single tapered candle to represent their daughter and son. Then the bride and groom use these candles to light the larger unity candle. The flame on the unity candle symbolizes their new life as man and wife.

Blush Roses: Blush roses mean that only one person understands the holder's heart. When used in the bridal bouquet, therefore, blush roses would signify that only the groom really knows how the bride's feeling.

Calla Lilies: The calla lily symbolizes magnificent beauty. This particular flower is sometimes also a floral symbol for the sixth wedding anniversary.

Hydrangea: The hydrangea stand for understanding, an important component of any successful marriage.

Rose: The red rose symbolizes love and passion. It is also the flower of June which is considered the traditional wedding month and stands for the 15th wedding anniversary. Other rose colors have different meanings, including the following: pink roses mean happiness, white roses mean innocence, and yellow roses mean joy and friendship. Additionally, the combination of red and white roses in one bouquet symbolizes unity.

Tulips: In general, the tulip symbolizes the perfect lover. Different colored tulips have different meanings. For example, red tulips symbolize one's declaration of love while yellow tulips signify hopeless love.

Daisies: The daisy symbolizes innocence and a love that is loyal.

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