Ideas for wedding themes for renewing vows

It's interesting:
"You'd think I'd know better than to be out drinking in the early hours of the morning the night before a big wedding - but Paul's a mate and he needed some ..."

Many couples choose to renew their vows after a hardship in their marriage or to celebrate a milestone anniversary, such as the 25th or 50th. No matter the reason, renewing your vows is a special occasion, and you should treat it as such. Choose a theme to help you during the planning process so that each aspect of your renewal flows together.

1. Retro

   • Consider a retro theme to recreate your wedding or celebrate the decade you were married in. If you were married in the '70s, wear a dress with a high collar and long sleeves with a long train, a tuxedo with big ruffles or another popular style during that time. Wear your original wedding dress or tux, if possible. Plan a disco-style reception. Ask guests to dress in clothes from that decade as well. If you're recreating your original wedding, use the same flowers, music, decorations and favors that you used the first time around.

   Fairytale

   • Plan a fairytale theme for your renewal to signify your happily ever after or if you're planning the large wedding you didn't get to have the first time around. Wear a ball gown and white tie tuxedo, rent out a castle or fancy hotel ballroom, serve an elegant five- or seven-course sit-down dinner and give out fairytale-related favors, such as glass slippers filled with candy.

   Location or Culture Specific

   • Celebrate a culture or location that's special to the two of you. Host a festive fiesta if you met on beach in Mexico or honeymooned there. Use a French theme if you're planning to go to Paris for your second honeymoon. Incorporate a Chinese theme if your first date was at a Chinese restaurant.

   It Takes Two

   • Concentrate on the number two, as in the second time around, it takes two to tango (or make a thing go right), twice as nice or any other variation. Use two interlinked hearts, doves, butterflies or any other symbol that you both like. Couple everything in the wedding to keep up with the "two" theme. Favors could include two heart-shaped candies or a pair of something, such as a salt and pepper shaker or a pair of sandals for a beach wedding.

   Your Celebration

   • Use the reason for your celebration as the theme. If you're renewing your vows for your 25th anniversary, use silver as the theme to signify your silver anniversary. Wear a silver gown or silver jewelry, incorporate silver decorations and give guests silver goodies as favors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: time around, first time, first time around, Ideas wedding, Ideas wedding themes

Black hair wedding styles

It's interesting:
"I am quite sure that Linda will want to improve Paul a little because that's what wives do. Above all else I hope she'll teach him to entertain in this style and continue this fine hosting tradition."

For many women, their wedding day is one of the most important days of their life. And of course, much of the preparation is based around the appearance of the bride. The dress is usually the highlight, and another key decision is how the bride will wear her hair. There are many options to consider for black hair wedding styles including traditional and ethnic hairdos.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Updos

   • Updos are a popular hairstyle for weddings. They are both elegant and sophisticated and look nice through a long wedding and reception. Some common options include simple buns or a french roll. These are also good to consider if you decide that you want to wear a tiara as they both provide a good foundation for that type of headwear.

   Braided Styles

   • If you are a black woman who wears your hair in braids, you can tie the braids back and decorate them with a beautiful pin or barrette. This is a simple option that doesn't require a lot of preparation but can still look dramatic. Another option for women who have longer braids is to wear them in a half-up, half-down style and adding a flower for an extra special touch.

   Natural/Curly Styles

   • If you are looking for a low-maintenance style, you should consider wearing your hair in a natural or curly on your wedding day. You can wear a natural, Afro style or in curly ringlets that look great under a veil. These can also be good options to consider if you have an outdoor or beach wedding as you don't have to be concerned about your updo getting messy or windswept.

Source: www.ehow.com
Tags: hair wedding, hair wedding styles, wedding styles, also good, Black hair, Black hair wedding, options consider

Affordable options for wedding centerpieces

It's interesting:
"It was 48 hours before the wedding and I had zero best man speech made. 2 hours ... You can find speech material to suit any style of wedding. It blends the ..."

Weddings are highly involved affairs. Planning takes time and money. Couples on a tight budget need to cut costs without cutting back on the atmosphere and beauty of the event. One place to save money and still produce beautiful accents is in creating wedding centerpieces. Wedding tables don't need exotic flower centerpieces to look great.

1. Floating Candles

   • Add a sense of the ethereal to the wedding with bowls and vases of floating candles for centerpieces. For an affordable option, take advantage of clear punch bowls, wine glasses and vases you already own for this project. If you don't have enough clear containers, recruit your friends and family to bring over their own containers before the wedding. Purchase a few packages of floating candles. Fill the containers with water. Set the candles in the water and light for a distinctive candlelit effect.

   Garden Flowers

   • Plant your own flowers for the bouquets and centerpieces. This works best when couples have a late summer wedding and know about it early enough to plant. Spade up dirt in your yard. Plant lots of seeds. Water, weed and fertilize. Pick plants which have a growth period long enough that they won't bloom and die before the wedding. Gather up the flowers and place in vases along the dinner table at the wedding. Extra flowers make boutonnieres, corsages and small bouquets.

   Sea Sand and Shells

   • A beach wedding theme is refreshing and fun. Add to it with sea sand centerpieces. Purchase clean play sand from the store. Fill up several vases, bowls and platters with the sand. Top with a mix of driftwood, shells, coral, sand dollars and candles. You can gather these pieces from the beach or purchase them cheaply from most stores. The candles, when lit, add playful light to the items and beauty to the table.

   Elaborate Candle Holders

   • Candles and candle holders make the simplest centerpieces. Purchase several long candlesticks and votives in the wedding theme color. Gather a mix of traditional candle holders, wine glasses, glass bowls and jars. Pick a few in colored glass to add extra visual interest to the centerpieces. Place them all in the centers of the tables. Mix and match tall with short, and wide with narrow for each table. Add candles and light for the wedding dinner.

   Cornucopia of Preserves

   • Fruit preserves and flavored oils are highly decorative. They can make lovely centerpieces when a mix of containers and preserves are gathered on the tables. To save money, rather than purchase pre-made preserves and oils, make your own. Pour a mix of olive oil and vinegar into clean, seal-able containers. Place whole sprigs inside of thyme, rosemary, oregano, peppercorns, and even olives and peppers. Mix up simple fruit salads and keep in short, sealed jars in the fridge. Take them out during the wedding to add to the table and serve the guests.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: before wedding, wedding centerpieces, Affordable options, Affordable options wedding, candle holders, centerpieces Purchase

Ugly cake ideas

It's interesting:
"Today we have all gathered together to celebrate Paul’s success. We lads are greatly fond of Paul, and now that he is departing from our bachelor midst we must try to comfort ourselves with the thought that we are not losing a friend, but gaining a Linda. Looking at it like that, what a bargain we’ve got."

Perhaps inspired by the award-winning film "Steel Magnolias," which featured a wedding cake that looked like an armadillo, people often get a kick out of creating ugly cakes. When Jen Yates' blog "Cake Wrecks" became so popular it was turned into a book, the term "cake wrecks" became common parlance, and the race was on to turn a cake into the most hideous thing ever.

1. Basic Ugly

   • A good-looking cake is symmetrical with an attractively textured exterior. An ugly cake, then, is asymmetrical with an unaesthetic exterior. Keep this principle in mind as you design for ugly. Asymmetry can be achieved by offsetting layers, using an atypical baking container, tilting the baking pan while it is in the oven or leaving the cake mix incompletely blended. Once the monstrosity emerges from the oven, you can slather on an icing. Remember that ugly can be achieve with a sickening color or a terrible excuse for consistent texture. Applying the icing while the cake is hot and allowing it to melt off onto the sides is one excellent method for a really bad exterior.

   The Art of Bad Taste

   • There are several categories of ugly. Offending a sense of propriety can enhance the ugliness of any cake. A one-year-old's birthday cake is iced in a urine-yellow and topped with a giant "1" candle that looks like a tombstone. Plastic can be both ugly and offensive with very little work. A wedding cake iced in pink and aquamarine is accented with a naked Ken and Barbie doll, each plunged thigh deep into the top of the cake with the icing barely covering their nether-parts. Toy soldiers and baby-bottle nipples can add particularly hideous accents to any cake, if you just use your creativity.

   Go Bizarre

   • The armadillo cake in "Steel Magnolias" was certainly tasteless and ugly, but it went beyond that. It achieved bizarre ugly, especially with its lifelike gray icing and finely colored facial features, followed by a blood-red interior that came to light as the cake was cut. In the bizarre category, you can place the divorce cake with the bride doll standing over a slaughtered groom, bloody butcher knife in hand. If that doesn't fit the bill, think about cakes that ooze. Colors should be selected at random, but the appearance of oozing is critical.

   Go for Disgusting

   • Halloween is an occasion for the really creepy cake. The thorax cake might be the best example, where a set of lifelike and bloodied ribs surround thoracic and abdominal organs, each organ filled with a fruit pudding of the appropriate color. Other disgusting themes include the dead-crow cake, the decapitated head cake, the rats-eating-a-severed-arm cake, and last but not least, the kitty-litter-box cake. When going for the digusting, always remember that chocolate has nearly infinite possibilities.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: cake iced, cake ideas, cake with, Steel Magnolias, Ugly cake ideas, wedding cake

Places to throw a birthday party in san diego

It's interesting:
"For those of you who are attending their first Jewish wedding, there may be some customs you're unfamiliar with. Like when Paul stepped on the glass at the end ..."

Whether you are planning a birthday celebration for your child, teen or an adult, there is a place in San Diego that will fit your theme and your budget. From rollicking outdoor activities to elegant sit-down dinners, San Diego offers abundant possibilities from almost free to lavishly extravagant.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Almost Free

   • The public parks, managed by the San Diego Parks & Rec Department, offer a diverse selection of venues you can book for a birthday party. Pick one of the many athletic fields available for as little as around $25 per hour, a gazebo with picnic tables and a view of the bay at Mission Bay Park, beaches at Ski Park, or any of the number of indoor or outdoor locations at Balboa Park. Museums such as the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, ballrooms, a puppet theater and gymnasiums are available through the San Diego Parks & Rec Department. Contact the department for requirements, fees and permits, and any discounts it may offer.

   Inexpensive

   • Depending on the number of guests you plan to invite to your birthday party, you can find a venue in San Diego for less than $500, and generally in the $200 to $300 range. These places offer birthday party packages that can include entertainment, food, decorations, prizes, and staff to help and supervise. Favorite kids birthday party places are Boomers, where there are batting cages, video arcades, mini-golf, mini-car racing and bumper boats, Gym Ventures, and even a hands-on culinary party package is offered at Captain Cook's Culinary Academy. Inexpensive adult and teen birthday party packages are offered at the Wave House for water activities, and Dave & Buster's will have your guests enjoying a video arcade for grown-ups, a pool and more. The museums, parks, restaurants, mansions, aquariums, and zoos in San Diego all have reasonable private room bookings that are ideal for grown-up birthday parties.

   Expensive

   • If money is no object and you want to throw a birthday party that is unique, memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, San Diego offers several venues that fit the bill. You can book a cruise or charter a boat to tour the bay while you have the party, or rent a three-tiered yacht and stay at the marina. Plan a private birthday golf tournament at one of the many beautiful golf courses, or rent a luxury home or mansion for a grand affair. Book one of several limo bus companies in San Diego to chauffeur you and your guests from club to club, or book a special limo bus tour to the races, wine tasting or other event.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: birthday party, throw birthday, throw birthday party, birthday party diego, birthday party packages, Diego offers, Diego Parks

Wedding table decor ideas using botanical plants

It's interesting:
"Ellen told Keith that by their wedding day she wanted him to have the body of an Olympic swimmer. She was thinking of Michael Phelps, but from ..."

Botanical plants can be used to create colorful centerpieces for wedding tables in place of floral arrangements. Create unique botanical plantings full of texture and interest for your guests to enjoy. Tropicals, succulents, herbs and flowering plants can be used to create a garden theme, whether your wedding is held indoors or out. Potted botanical plant arrangements can also be given to guests as favors after the big event.

1. Succulents

   • Create fun and unique table decorations using the various textures and colors of succulents. Plant hen-and-chicks in small decorative pots and group them in the center of the table. Tie a tulle or satin ribbon that matches your color scheme in a bow around the pot. Plant tight groupings of succulents such as ice plant, aloe, sedum and echeveria in wooden bowls or terracotta. Mix in small flowering cacti to add bright colors to your botanical table decoration.

   Gift Bag Flowers

   • Purchase potted flowering plants such as daisies, mums, tulips, lilies or crocosmia to display in the center of the tables. Line a gift bag or plain brown paper bag with colored tissue paper that matches your wedding decor. Place the potted plant into the center of the bag. Choose bags that are tall enough to cover the pot, but short enough to allow the majority of the flowers and stems to stick out the top of the bag. String a tag containing the couple's name and wedding date onto a piece of ribbon and tie it around the center of the bag. Place a single bag or group multiple bags in the center of a table. These centerpieces make attractive favors for the guests to take home.

   Mini Botanical Garden

   • Create a small botanical garden on each table top using tropical green-leafed botanical plants. Group potted plants such as dracaena, peace lily, caladium, ficus, dieffenbachia and anthurium in the center of each table. Add potted orchids, birds of paradise and pincushion protea to add splashes of color among the greenery. Your guests will enjoy looking at the small tropical gardens you have created.

   Herb Pots

   • Mixed herb varieties planted in decorative pots can add bit of fragrance and charm to any wedding table. A few months before the wedding, plant lemon verbena, rosemary, thyme, lavender, basil and cilantro starts into decorative pots. The herbs' textures will intertwine and mesh as they grow, creating a centerpiece full of freshness and beauty. These herb gardens will capture the guests attention with their subtle fragrance and simple design.

   Japanese Maple Branches

   • Make a statement with this wedding table decor idea. Cut or purchase branches from a red-leafed Japanese maple. Group branches together and place them in tall cylindrical vases full of water. Strip the leaves from the portions of the stems that will be inserted into the vase. Pick leaves from the branches to place next to name cards or scatter around the base of the vase.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: decorative pots, table decor, botanical plants, center table, Create unique, decor ideas

Singles bars in west palm beach

It's interesting:
"Wasn't the wedding ceremony beautiful? The highlight, of course, was Linda floating magically down the aisle. I'm sure we were all thinking exactly the same ..."

West Palm Beach, Fla., has long been known as a party city with its vibrant nightlife and glitzy nightclubs. With high-rise housing and a renovated downtown area, West Palm Beach is a popular tourist attraction and living destination that has been graced with many celebrity sightings. The biggest demographic for West Palm's nightclubs is young and single, and there are plenty of establishments that cater to it.

1. E.R. Bradley's Saloon

   • For a down-home experience, make your way to E.R. Bradley's Saloon for what erbradleys.com calls "a Palm Beach tradition." This Clematis Street downtown bar doubles as a restaurant and offers lunches and brunches, dinners, and spirits. It is a popular entertainment venue and a local watering hole. Wednesdays are trivia nights where participants can test their knowledge to win prizes. Relax on the outdoor patio, or boogie down on the large dance floor to the beats of a deejay. The musical selection is eclectic and live bands play almost every weekend. Dress is casual, and the bar embodies a laid back energy that makes meeting other singles a breeze. The bar stays pretty busy and operates Monday through Friday.

     E.R. Bradley's Saloon

     104 S. Clematis St.

     West Palm Beach, FL 33401

     561-833-3520

     erbradleys.com

   Monarchy

   • Monarchy offers up a big-city dance club feel for those seeking the red carpet treatment. With plush leather couches and Gothic romantic flair, the club is a hit with hip and trendy twenty-somethings. If you don't mind waiting behind the velvet rope, a night of high-energy house and dance music mixed by some of the world's most popular deejays awaits you. Dress is formal in this upscale dance club, which aims to create a sexy yet elegant backdrop for meeting other singles. Hours are Thursday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Attend Latin Rhythm Wednesdays or Friday Lady's Night for the best drink specials.

     Monarchy Night Club

     221 Clematis St.

     West Palm Beach, FL 33401

     561-835-6661

     facebook.com/MonarchyNightclub

   The Blue Martini

   • The Blue Martini is a classy lounge-style bar that serves up an array of specialty martinis. This bar strives to create great guest experiences, and acts as a laid back meeting place for those who still like to dress up. Every night is themed, and this bar stays open seven nights a week. Some theme nights include Martini Monday, which offers discount bottle prices, and True Blue Ladies Night (Wednesdays), when ladies drink for half off. Belly up to the bar, mingle with other singles, or dance your cares away to the sounds of the deejay. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.

     The Blue Martini

     550 S. Rosemary Ave. # 224

     West Palm Beach, FL 33401

     561-835-8601

     bluemartinilounge.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Palm Beach, Beach 33401, Blue Martini, Bradley Saloon, other singles, Palm Beach 33401, West Palm

How to create a color swatch for a wedding

create a color swatch for a wedding

It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

When planning a wedding, the first question asked by wedding planners, florists, reception hall managers and wedding dress sales associates is "what are your wedding colors." Knowing this information help to match colors, hues and shades perfectly for all parts of the wedding -- this includes matching swatches to your wedding dress since there are many shades of white. To keep everyone on the same page, create a wedding color swatch is essential.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Card stock
• Scissors
• Glue
• Hole puncher
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. • 1

     Ask for color samples from where you purchased your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. Many boutiques and wedding dress stores keep hundreds of extra color and fabric samples that they give to wedding planners to create a color swatch. If they do not have any fabric available, take a close-up picture of the dresses, in natural lighting and without the flash on to capture the color.

   • 2

     Snap a close-up picture of flowers in different colors that you like for your wedding. Again, take these photos in natural lighting and without the flash to get the best picture of the color as possible.

   • 3

     Continue to collect pictures of the colors already liked or wish to have for your wedding. For example, if you see lighting with the perfect shade of red for your wedding, take a picture of the lamp or lights, and keep it for your swatch. Other things like linens and place settings, if they are very inexpensive, purchase the linens and cut out a small section of the shade to use in your swatch. Also, flip through wedding magazines and books at a bookstore or library for other ideas on colors.

   • 4

     Cut your card stock so each piece is about 1-inch wide and 3- to 4- inches long.

   • 5

     Apply a few drops of glue to one piece of card stock. Press a color/fabric example or printed color example picture to the glue. Hold the color example there for a few seconds to ensure it glues properly.

   • 6

     Continue gluing all of your color examples to different piece of card stock. When finished, trim the edges of the color examples so they are the same size as the card stock. Allow the glue 1 hour to dry completely.

   • 7

     Punch a hold through the end of each card stock -- try to align each hole in the same spot. Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie in a bow. Now, when you go to look a more flowers, a different wedding dress or the reception hall, take your wedding color swatch with you to match colors perfectly.

   • 8

     Collect and make new swatches as you continue to plan the wedding. Simply untie the bow and slide the new swatch onto the ribbon to add to the wedding's swatch collection.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, card stock, color swatch, wedding dress, create color, create color swatch, close-up picture

Hotels in the greater banquet, cincinnati area

It's interesting:
"But fortunately Giles recovered from his stag do and made it to the wedding today … + Add to clipboard. 11-Feb-201It's been a great week for the groom."

Cincinnati, Ohio, is in the southwestern corner of the state, and it features hotels with banqueting facilities throughout the city. Many of Cincinnati's banquet room hotels are in the Downtown area, but they can be found in the Blue Ash and Mariemont neighborhoods as well. Before or after your banqueting event, you can check out Cincinnati attractions, including the 19th century architecture in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, which is five minutes north of the downtown area.

1. The Westin Cincinnati

   • Situated in Downtown Cincinnati, the Westin hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the 19th century architecture in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. This section of town that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel features 18 meeting rooms for seminars and banquets, including the 8,880 square-foot Presidential Ballroom. Catering services are available. Other amenities include an indoor swimming pool, 24-hour business center, valet parking and a fine dining restaurant, McCormick and Schmick's, that serves lunch and dinner. The guest rooms have refrigerators, 37-inch LCD televisions, access to high-speed Internet and complimentary bathrobes. Pets may stay in the guest rooms, and the hotel provides pet bedding upon request.

     The Westin Cincinnati

     21 E. Fifth St.

     Cincinnati, OH 45202

     513-621-7700

     starwoodhotels.com

   Crowne Plaza Hotel Cincinnati Blue Ash

   • The Crowne Plaza Hotel is in Northeast Cincinnati's Blue Ash neighborhood, and it features over a 12,000 square-foot meeting space for banquets, wedding receptions and seminars. The hotel's amenities include a concierge desk, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, rental car desk and an on-site restaurant, Towne Square at the Atrium, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lobby area has a lounge with a list of cocktail drinks and wines. Each guest room has a satellite television and work desk, while some of the rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.

     Crowne Plaza Hotel Cincinnati Blue Ash

     5901 Pfeiffer Rd.

     Cincinnati, OH 45242

     513-793-4500

     ichotelsgroup.com

   Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

   • The Hilton in Downtown Cincinnati is within 10 minutes of the boating marinas on the Ohio River, as well as Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals football team. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Aronoff Center for the Arts, which hosts theatrical and musical performances throughout the year. The hotel features 31 meeting rooms and over 40,000 square-feet of space for banquets, meetings and receptions. Among these rooms are the Hall of Mirrors and Continental Ballroom. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, gift shop, shoe shining service and an on-site restaurant, The Orchid at Palm Court, that serves dinner every night of the week. The guest rooms have king-sized or double-sized beds, work desks, coffee makers and access to high-speed Internet.

     Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

     35 W. Fifth St.

     Cincinnati, OH 45202

     513-421-9100

     hilton.com

   Best Western Mariemont Inn

   • The Best Western, located in the Mariemont neighborhood, features the Elizabethan Room, which can host banquets of up 125 people. The room has two fireplaces, and catering services are available upon request. This hotel was founded in 1926, and it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Hotel amenities include access to Wi-Fi Internet, concierge desk and an on-site restaurant, The National Exemplar, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The guest rooms have refrigerators, 42-inch LCD televisions, fireplaces and custom-designed furniture. The hotel is within walking distance of the specialty shops and restaurants in the Mariemont Village.

     Best Western Mariemont Inn

     6880 Wooster Pike

     Cincinnati, OH 45227

     877-271-2100

     mariemontinn.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: amenities include, guest rooms, rooms have, that serves, Best Western

Diy: wedding cake ideas

It's interesting:
"I wish anyone who thinks that ‘bigger is always better’ could be with us right now, because they would surely be amazed at the tremendous amount of happiness and joy that can flow from the right group of well wishers. We are all truly privileged to have been asked to be a part of such a warm and intimate ceremony as Paul and Linda’s wedding, I offer my love and appreciation to the bride and groom for inviting me to play a role in such a very personal gathering. I’m sure we all want to congratulate Paul and Linda on their very first day as husband and wife and thank them for giving us a day we will never forget."

Wedding cakes can make any wedding even more personal, and what could be more personal than actually making your own cake? Some may panic at the thought, but making your own cake is not only a viable option- it can be a great conversation starter for guests, and even be the beginning of your own business. Weddings are to be enjoyed, so make sure you start planning for your cake months in advance.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Classes

   • One way to start is by taking a cake-decorating class. Classes can be found at many craft and hobby retailers such as Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Garden Ridge, as well as community colleges and adult learning centers. By taking a class, you can get a feel for flavors, decorating choices as well as basic baking and decorating techniques that can enhance your creation. Cake decorating instructional booklets, DVDs and videos also are available if hands-on classes are not offered near you.

   Practice

   • Be sure to practice several times. Butter-cream frosting decorations take time to master, as well as rolling smooth fondant to create a flawless cake. If you are making a tiered cake, make sure your layers are the proper density so your cake does not sink at the reception. You also may want to recreate the conditions of the reception, as in the case of an outdoor wedding, so that you're prepared in advance if the butter cream may melt or the fondant might slide in heat.

   Television Shows

   • Currently, there are several cake-decorating reality shows on TV that may provide ideas and decorating techniques. You can get pointers such as make your cake structurally sound or create that glossy finish with an airbrush. The Food Network offers cake challenges as well as "Ace of Cakes." "Cake Boss" and "Amazing Wedding Cakes" also are two reality shows about the cake- decorating business.

   Store-Bought Cakes

   • If you are not confident enough to make the entire cake yourself, but still want to be involved in the process, buy a plain cake from a bakery or grocery store. Then, you can decorate as you wish with flowers that match your bouquet, sugared or chocolate-covered fruits, ribbons or pearl stands. Cookies shaped and iced like wedding cakes, miniature champagne glasses, bells or other wedding symbols can make a plain cake beautiful and personal. Molding chocolates is a simple way to make a cake elegant and even more tasty.

   Alternatives to Cake

   • Some couple prefer desserts other than cake. For example, you can purchase a "cake" made from Krispy Kreme doughnuts instead. Another idea is to make cupcakes. You can purchase a cupcake stand and make individual cakes for each of your guests. These can be decorated with small, plastic decorations, flowers, candy-coated almonds or other candies such as shaped hard candies.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: your cake, cake ideas, decorating techniques, even more, make sure

Braided brunette hairstyles for weddings

It's interesting:
"This wedding takes place during a week when the web is all astir over ... 4-Feb-201There's nothing like a wedding around Valentine's Day."

When listing a brief history of hairstyles, the website UK Hairdressers acknowledges the ancient Egyptian culture of noblewomen cropping their hair short but wearing long, dark braided wigs at ceremonies. Perhaps the Egyptians chose braids for how they flattered their brunette hair, giving it natural texture. Since ancient times braiding hair has been both decorative and a practical way to manage thick, curly or ethnic hair. You can continue this tradition by sporting braids at an upcoming wedding.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Classic Braids for Weddings

   • French braids are classy, classic and a practical way to pull back brunette hair. You can wear a single braid, which starts at the top of the head and weaves in all of the hair, or you can part your hair down the middle for the double French braid. If you want to show off your long locks you can weave only halfway down the head, leaving the bottom half of your hair loose. Another classic wedding-appropriate style is the braided chignon, which can be created by looping a loose single braid into itself at the back of the head. Adding bangs, side bangs or pin curls to either of these styles creates a fresh new look.

   Thin Braids for Weddings

   • Thin braids can accent almost any wedding hairstyle without taking away from it or looking too overdone. For example, if you decide to wear your brunette hair down and straight, two or three thin braids around the face can decorate the hair, making it a more formal style. They can also be pinned into any updo, working well in simple styles such as the classic bun. If you want a bolder style you can try weaving all of your hair into a myriad of tiny braids.

   Braided Updos for Weddings

   • If you have very long hair or plan on using extensions, you can divide it into several thick braids and pin them in a beehive-type stack on the top of your head for an edgy updo. A more modest style involves braiding several thick sections of the hair and keeping the rest loose. All of the hair is then pinned into a bun. Another unique updo you could try involves brushing your brunette hair forward and creating a thick, loose braid along your face like a side bang. The rest of the hair is curled and pinned up.

   Ethnic Braids for Weddings

   • Braids can tame and smooth dark ethnic hair while looking chic and elegant. Weaving all of your hair into thin braids at an off-center and tying the ends up into a loose bun is a somewhat classic braided bun style. For edge, you could try curling the braided ends and pinning them strategically around the back of your head. You could also tightly braid hair from the scalp to about two or three inches outward. The rest of the hair can be smoothed and tied up, left natural or wrapped into a two-strand twist.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: brunette hair, your hair, Braids Weddings, Braided brunette, Braided brunette hairstyles, brunette hairstyles, brunette hairstyles weddings

Tropical wedding cake ideas

It's interesting:
"The best way to get a wedding reception crowd on side is too say something nice about the bride ... You could also add that it's been a wonderful wedding so far."

Whether you are holding a wedding in the tropics or having a tropical-themed wedding elsewhere, your cake can have a tropical flair. Wedding cakes may be simple or elaborate, but whatever your style or tastes, you can find a tropical wedding cake to complement your celebration.

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1. Flowers

   • Use flowers to decorate a simple, three-tiered cake that has been smoothly iced in white. Look for companies that offer tropical sugar flowers as part of their repertoire. Hibiscus and tiger lilies are wonderful choices for a tropical wedding. If you decide to do use real flowers, look for blooms that are edible and have not been sprayed with pesticides.

   Fruit

   • Tropical fruit can brighten up your cake. Sliced, peeled mangoes, orange papaya and golden pineapple can all give a wedding cake some vivid dashes of color, as can red strawberries and purple blueberries. Wedding cakes that are decorated with fruit are particularly appropriate for summer weddings, when fresh produce is readily available.

   Sea Shell

   • Seashells call to mind the beach and the ocean, and some wedding bakers specialize in putting realistic-looking shells made of fondant and icing on their creations. Sand dollars and whorled seashells are common- starfish can also be a stylish addition to your wedding cake.

   Rum

   • Rum can add a distinctly tropical, sweet flavor to your wedding cake, and you can incorporate it in different ways. Some bakers brush the cake with rum syrup- others will create a rum-based icing. Rum and vanilla is a terrific combination for icing, as well.

   Icing

   • Add tropical flavors to your cake is by using different flavors of frosting on different tiers. This allows your guests to choose their flavor: banana, mango, lemon, pineapple, coconut and guava are all reflect a tropical wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding cake, your cake, your wedding cake, cake ideas, that been

Soft feminine hair styles

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

After Kate Middleton decided to wear her hair long, flowing and natural for her royal walk down the aisle in 2011, throngs of brides have been letting their hair down. Her hairstylist Richard Ward quipped, "Every bride's hair on their wedding day should reflect their look throughout the year. Kate's such a natural girl, so no stuffy updos for her." Turns out soft, feminine hairstyles are popular both here and across the pond and there are a variety of ways to achieve this feminine bridal look.

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1. Long and Flowing

   • Kate's long glossy hair was styled into a demi-chignon by James Pryce of the Richard Ward Salon. In this hairstyle, most of the hair is left long and flowing, while a small section is pulled back and held away from the face. Use a styling cream, along with a blow dryer and curling iron, to achieve the soft, flowing curls.

   Soft Bridal Ponytail

   • At the 2011 New York bridal week fashion show, the Amsale models strutted down the runway sporting soft, playful and romantic ponytails. The ponytail, when swept up softly away from the face, can create a perfect style to showcase a ring of flowers or a short veil.

   Feminine Updo

   • Even though the classic bridal updo can seem very stylized, there are lots of ways to soften the look and make it more romantic. After sweeping the hair up, loosen some strands in the front to create soft wisps or gentle curls around the face. It will create a feminine romantic look and create a soft base for a veil.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: away from, away from face, create soft, feminine hair, feminine hair styles

How to make a cascading wedding cake with silk flowers

make a cascading wedding cake with silk flowers

It's interesting:
"On behalf of the bride and groom, I'd like to thank everyone for coming here today. Some of you have travelled considerable distances in order to be here and celebrate Paul and Linda’s happy day. Africa, Continental Europe, the Americas and Asia are not actually places where anyone has travelled from, but I hear that Uncle Jim and Auntie Morag had a 5 hour drive down from Glasgow."

A cascading wedding cake is made from a cake stand, composed of individual cake trays arranged like a staircase. If you want a wedding cake that is a bit different from a traditional cake, use separated tiers of square cakes, covered in smooth fondant and icing pearls and a trail of silk flowers trailing from tier to tier. Use silk flowers in colors that coordinate with the wedding’-s color scheme, or show off your love for color with a riotous rainbow floral display.

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Things You'll Need

• Packaged store-bought cake mixes (5)
• 12-inch cake pans (2)
• 10-inch cake pans (2)
• 8-inch cake pans (2)
• 6-inch cake pans (2)
• Wire racks
• Cake filling
• White or off-white butter cream icing
• Fondant (4 packages)
• Rolling pin
• Fondant smoother
• Pastry bag with round icing tip
• Clear icing gel
• 4-tier cascading cake stand
• Soft tape measure
• Floral wire
• Silk flowers

Instructions

1. • 1

     Prepare the cake batters for the cake pans, according to the cake mix directions. You will need 5 store-bought cake mixes. You can prepare and bake all of the cakes together or prepare one cake at a time and save the leftover batter in the refrigerator for up to 45 minutes.

   • 2

     Divide the batter between the pans to fill them about two-thirds full. Bake the cakes in a convection oven (or on a convection setting) for the time specified on the package. You can bake the cake in a regular oven, but switch the pans between the racks halfway through.

   • 3

     Let each of the cakes cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes and then take the cakes out of the pans and place them on wire racks to cool thoroughly.

   • 4

     Make the top of each cake smooth by cutting off any domed tops. Spread a layer of filling on top of one cake of each size and stack the corresponding cake on top. You now have 4 two-layer cakes.

   • 5

     Smooth a coating of butter cream icing over each cake.

   • 6

     Roll out 4 sheets of fondant. Make each about one-eighth inch thick. Lay 1 sheet of fondant on top of each cake. Hold the fondant smoother against the top center of one cake and smooth toward the edge. Repeat to smooth the other half of the top and then smooth down the sides of the cake. Repeat for each cake.

   • 7

     Open the end of a pastry bag. Squeeze clear icing gel around the sides of the bag. Spoon white or off-white buttercream icing into the center of the bag until it reaches about two-thirds full. Hold the tip against the bottom edge of one cake and squeeze gently to make a pearl. Move over and repeat all the way around the bottom edge of each cake.

   • 8

     Gently place each cake on top of one section of the cascading cake stand. Place the 12-inch cake on the bottom tier, the 10-inch cake on the second tier, the 8-inch cake on the third tier and the 6-inch cake on the fourth. The tiers of the cascading cake stand are arranged in a curved or zigzag pattern that looks like an odd staircase.

   • 9

     Measure the length of the cascading tiered cake, from the top center of the 6-inch cake to all the way over the 12-inch cake. Use a clean, soft tape measure so that it will follow the staircase arrangement down the tiers.

   • 10

     Cut a piece of thin-gauge floral wire to this length. Cut small 1 1/2- to 2-inch-long pieces of the wire. Cut at least 20. You may need more later.

   • 11

     Wrap one end of a short piece of wire around the underside of one silk flower. Hold the flower at one end of the long wire and coil the remainder of the short wire around the long wire. Repeat with each silk flower, working your way all the way down the long wire to make a long strand of silk flowers.

   • 12

     Lay the long wire on top of the cascading cakes, draped gently across the tiers. Insert the short stems of extra silk flowers on top of the cakes, around the strand of flowers, to make a more impressive silk flower display.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: each cake, cake pans, cake stand, long wire, silk flowers

40th wedding anniversary party ideas

It's interesting:
"Linda and I first met about 18 months ago, when it quickly became clear to me that here was a woman of many attributes - beauty, brains, wisdom and, fortunately for Paul, a disarming love for dumb animals."

Forty years of marriage is definitely something to celebrate. Gather your friends and relatives and throw a memorable party, whether it's for your own anniversary or for your parent's 40th. When planning the party, keep your budget and guest list in mind and make sure you only invite as many guests as you can afford without leaving out important people.

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1. Recreate the Wedding

   • Rent a catering hall similar to the place where you had your wedding all those years ago. If the original reception site is still around, try to rent that for the party. Decorate the banquet hall using the colors and flowers from your wedding. Hire a DJ to play the same songs you had at your wedding, and recreate your first wedding dance 40 years later. Keep things updated by playing a few new songs as well as the oldies.

     Invite a few people, such as the bridesmaids and groomsmen, from the wedding, if you have kept in touch with them throughout the years. You don't have to re-create the wedding guest list person for person at the expense of not inviting people who are near and dear to you today.

   A Memory-Filled Surprise

   • Give your parents or in-laws a surprise anniversary party. Hold the party at your house, if it is large enough, and tell the anniversary couple that you would like to have them over for a special dinner. Instead of a quiet dinner, invite family and friends to jump out and yell "Surprise!" when they arrive.

     Prior to the party, ask each guest to think of one memory of the couple to share with the group. If the couple has young children or grandchildren, fill them in on the couple's history and have each child present a silly tidbit or "did you know?" about the couple to the assembled guests.

     Gather up all of the photos of the couple through the years and make copies, either by scanning the pictures into a computer or on a copier. Make collages by gluing the copies to several pieces of posterboard. You can also set up a projector to run a slide show of memories throughout the party.

   Ruby-Filled Extravaganza

   • The gift associated with the 40th wedding anniversary is a ruby. Rubies are red and represent a healthy and happy union. Use the color red and ruby jewels as the theme for your 40th anniversary party. Use bouquets of red roses as the centerpieces on the food tables. Use vibrant red napkins and set a handful of fake rubies at each place setting. Serve a red wine, preferably one from the year you were married. Add a healthy dose of red to the food you serve as well. Pick red velvet for the cake, and add tomatoes and red peppers to the salad, especially if the party is in the summer, when those vegetables are at their peak.

     Make sure you don't go overboard with the ruby theme, though. If you have red napkins or red roses, use a white or other pale, neutral-colored tablecloth. Frost the red velvet cake with a white or cream cheese frosting.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: anniversary party, 40th wedding, 40th wedding anniversary, wedding anniversary, your wedding

2nd wedding newspaper announcement etiquette

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

Second weddings can be just as special as the first one. That includes how the pending wedding is announced in a newspaper. There are a few ways to announce a wedding that are acceptable for a second marriage. One rule of thumb is to not mention the previous marriage for the bride, groom or both.

1. General Things to Consider

   • Prior to announcing any marriage, there are a few things which should be considered when writing the newspaper announcement. These include who has been married before, who will be the host, does the bride still go by ex-husband's last name and will there be any children of the couple involved. Each of these items will affect how the announcement is written.

   Parents of the Bride Announcing Wedding

   • If it is a first marriage for the bride, the fact that this is a second marriage for the bridegroom could affect the formality of the wedding. If the parents are hosting the wedding, the announcement can be submitted to newspapers as if this is a first wedding for both parties.

     A sample wedding announcement: "Mr. & Mrs. Jon Doe of Chicago announce the engagement of their daughter, Jane Doe, to Jack Smith Jr., the son of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Smith of New York. The wedding will take place in July."

   Couple Announcing Their Own Wedding

   • Nowadays, couples often host their own weddings, especially if it is the second marriage for either party. The announcement will show that the bride and groom will be in charge of everything surrounding the wedding.

     A sample wedding announcement could read: "Ms. Jane Doe of Chicago and Mr. Jack Smith Jr. of New York announce their engagement. The wedding will take place in July."

     One thing to consider is the use of Ms. when referring to the bride. It can be left off if the bride is using her former husband's last name. This will avoid any confusing or negative feelings about the previous relationship.

   Couple Announcing Wedding Afterwards

   • Many couples getting married for the second time have private ceremonies and may announce the wedding after it has already taken place. This would be placed in the newspaper as a wedding announcement, rather than an engagement.

     Such an announcement might read: "Jane Doe and Jack Smith Jr. are pleased to announce their wedding in Chicago. The couple was married on June 5 on Lake Street."

   Have the Kids Announce the Wedding

   • A second wedding allows for a lot of creative freedom for couples. One fun idea would be to have their children announce the wedding.

     This kind of announcement could be: "Tim Doe and Jackie Smith announce the wedding of their parents, Jane Doe and Jack Smith, Jr. The wedding will take place in Chicago this June."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Jack Smith, announce wedding, wedding announcement, Jane Jack, Jane Jack Smith, newspaper announcement

Do-it-yourself easy updos for a wedding

It's interesting:
"What about the bride then, ladies and gentlemen? How wonderful she looks today. And Paul has scrubbed up quite nicely too – it’s amazing what a flannel and a bar of soap can do. But it’s a bit rude of him to have copied my outfit eh!"

If you are planning a wedding on a budget -- or like to do your own hair for special occasions -- forget about a professional hair stylist. Learn create an easy updo yourself. The key is to practice the style several times before your big day, so that on the morning of your wedding, you know exactly what you are doing and won't get stressed about it all going wrong. An updo is ideal if you want to show off your dress since your hair will not cover your neck or shoulders.

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Things You'll Need

• Styling mousse
• Hair dryer
• Paddle brush
• Medium-sized curling iron
• Bobby pins
• Firm-hold hairspray
• Hair jewelry or large flower (optional)
• Self-grip rollers
• Hair clip
• Wide-tooth comb
• Natural-bristle brush

Instructions

1. Looped Bun

   • 1

     Apply a generous dollop of styling mousse to unwashed, wet hair.

   • 2

     Dry your hair with a hair dryer as normal. Brush your hair with a paddle brush until it lays smooth. If you have fine hair with a tendency to look flat, create loose curls all over your head with a medium-sized curling iron at this point. This adds volume.

   • 3

     Create a loose ponytail at the top of your crown, fastening it with a snag-free elastic band that matches your hair color. With your fingers, loosen some hair on either side of your face to soften the look.

   • 4

     Take a small section of hair at the very outside of the ponytail, approximately 1/2 inch thick, between two of your fingers. Pull the section upward. Midway between the bottom of the ponytail and the top of the length, create a small loop. Pin the loop into the hair's roots with a bobby pin. Take the loose hair below the loop, twist it a couple of times, form an open loop, and pin it down with another bobby pin. Repeat with more small sections all around the outside of the ponytail, working in a clockwise direction.

   • 5

     Loop and pin the center section of the ponytail after the outer perimeter is pinned down.

   • 6

     Wind the hair loose on either side of the face around a curling iron to create soft ringlets.

   • 7

     Spray the bun with a firm-hold styling spray to hold it in place. Add hair jewelry or a large flower to complete the look.

   Smooth Bun

   • 8

     Apply a medium-sized dollop of styling mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry hair, working on 2-inch sections until the hair is smooth.

   • 9

     Wrap each section in a self-grip roller, and leave them in for approximately 15 minutes.

   • 10

     Separate the hair at the front and sides of the face and clip it into place on the top of your head.

   • 11

     Gather a large section of hair at the crown and tease it with a wide-tooth comb to create plenty of volume. Pull it into a rough bun and pin in place.

   • 12

     Unclip the front and side sections of hair and split them into several smaller sections. Tease each one with the wide-tooth comb.

   • 13

     Smooth out each front section with a natural-bristle brush. Pull each one back and over the top of the bun and pin in place. Smooth out each teased front section, and pull it back and over the bun. Pin into place. Repeat until the bun is completely covered.

   • 14

     Smooth the rest of your hair with a brush, sweeping it over one shoulder. Spray with firm-hold hairspray to keep the look in place and add shine.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your hair, hair with, curling iron, your hair with, back over, dollop styling

How to wear a wedding day corset

wear a wedding day corset

It's interesting:
"Linda’s been the driving factor when it came to planning this wedding, and Linda, it was perfect! All your hard work paid off, and I must say I’m honoured to be part of the only 5 minutes that you didn’t get to plan!"

A corset can add to your gown by shaping your body in a sexy way--enhancing some portions of your body while hiding others. Choosing what corset to wear is as important as choosing which gown you are going to wear. In fact, the choice of the corset is dictated by the gown itself.

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Consider the gown you are going to wear for the wedding. Is the gown's fabric thin and easily seen through, so that the details of whatever will be worn beneath it will be easily visible? Is the gown strapless? What is the color: white or ivory, or something else altogether? Are portions of the gown lacy or sheer, and where do these areas fall (this can affect what sort of corset you buy)?

   • 2

     Buy a plain corset without much decoration if the gown's fabric is thin. A corset that is beige rather than a white corset would be better as beige is not visible through white or ivory fabric.

   • 3

     Go to a store well before the wedding to buy your corset. You should make sure that the corset fits you properly, and that you know get in and out of it so that fits properly and looks right on your wedding day.

   • 4

     Have your corset custom made. For some there is no better corset than one that's made specifically for your body. Custom corset makers can be found in the phone book or online, like such retailers as Chantal Mallett or Isabella Costumier.

   • 5

     Wear your corset before the wedding so you become familiar with the sensation of wearing such a garment. You don't want to be obsessed with the fit or the feel when you could be enjoying yourself or concentrating on your vows.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wear wedding, your body, your corset, before wedding, fabric thin

Wedding etiquette: addressing & stuffing envelopes

It's interesting:
"I remember the last wedding I went to. It was in the function room of the Tate Gallery. The groom got plastered and ended up with red wine, gravy ..."

As is the case with almost every aspect of your wedding event, etiquette provides guidelines for the wedding invitations. The invitations should reflect the style of your wedding ceremony and reception as they help set the tone for your big day. After you carefully stuff and address the envelopes, send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

1. Invitation Placement

   • Whether you use a single outer envelope or a combination of inner and outer envelopes, the basic procedure for stuffing the envelope is the same. The wedding invitation should be placed into the envelope with the folded part going in first. If the wedding invitation is on a single piece of paper and does not fold out, it should be stuffed into the envelope with the left side going into the envelope first. When you are using two envelopes, insert the stuffed inner envelope so that its flap faces away from you, toward the front of the outer envelope.

   Insertions

   • Insertions, such as notices about bridal registrations, directions, etc., should go into the envelope left side first. If you have a folded invitation, you can put the insertions inside the invitation. If your invitation is a single sheet of paper, the etiquette rule is to place the enclosures in front of the wedding invitation, nearer to the back (flap) side of the envelope. If you have a response card, it should be placed, not stuffed, inside its own envelope with the flap overlapping.

   Handwriting

   • According to etiquette, the addresses should be handwritten in black ink. Write out the full names of guests, and do not use nicknames. If you do not have elegant writing, enlist the help of a friend, or consider hiring a calligrapher to address your envelopes for you.

   Addressing

   • Inner and outer envelopes require slightly different forms of address. Street addresses only go on the outer envelopes. For a married couple, the outside of the invitation should read: "Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith," followed by the address. On the inside envelope it should read: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." If you are inviting an unmarried couple living together, the outside envelope should be addressed: "Mr. Andrew Smith and Ms. Cynthia Warren," and the inside: "Mr. Smith and Ms. Warren." If you are inviting a single guest who can bring a date, address it to: "Ms. Emily Smith" and inside: "Ms. Emily Smith and guest." Be specific in how you address your envelopes. Etiquette assumes that if a person's name is not on the card, then they are not invited.

   Inviting Children

   • There's a proper way to invite the whole family.

     If Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith had children under age 18 who were invited to the wedding, the outside of the card should read the same: "Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith." But the inside of the card should read: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Suzy and Andrew." Do not write something vague such as: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family." If you are uncertain about a specific name, it is perfectly acceptable to ask your guests before addressing the invitations.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: into envelope, should read, card should, envelope with, outer envelopes

Attractions within 300 miles of chicago

It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

Chicago is full of attractions and sights for the whole family, ranging from the interactive Crown Fountain in Millennium Park to the Shedd Aquarium. Whether your interests are in bringing the kids to the Lincoln Park Zoo or checking out an outdoor concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, you'll surely find it in the Windy City. However, there are also many spectacular attractions within driving distance from Chicago. Visiting nearby states such as Wisconsin or Indiana, or simply heading to another town in Illinois can be a fun way to explore other options, especially for residents or visitors to Chicago.

1. Indiana Dunes

   • The Indiana Dunes offer many fun outdoor activities for any season.

     A short drive from Chicago will bring you to this 15-mile stretch of beach along Lake Michigan. During the summer, pack a swimsuit for some swimming and lounging in the sun on the sandy beaches. The Indiana Dunes are great for a day trip, and you can camp overnight between April and October. During the winter, the dunes provide a good area for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Other activities include fishing, boating, hiking and horseback riding.

   Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

   • One of the many ways to enjoy a day at Lake Geneva includes boating.

     Lake Geneva is located just across the Illinois state line in southeastern Wisconsin, about 90 minutes' drive from Chicago. Boating or fishing on the lake are options, or you can head to a spa resort for some pampering. Lake Geneva can also make a romantic destination for weddings or honeymoons.

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin

   • Head to some of the famous breweries in Milwaukee to sample their beers.

     In around an hour and a half, you can travel from Chicago to Milwaukee, Wis., to visit a few of its breweries. Milwaukee is home to Pabst Brewery, Sprecher Brewery, MillerCoors and Milwaukee Brewing Co., among others. Sample the beer, check out the brewing process and learn more about the breweries' histories. While you're in town, you can also stop by Harley-Davidson to learn more about the motorcycle company that was founded in Milwaukee, or check out one of the museums or art institutes.

   Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

   • At Starved Rock State Park, you may spot a bald eagle or two.

     Located in north central Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a prime getaway spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. There are 13 miles of trails for hiking and 18 canyons at the park, most of which have waterfalls during the rainy season. In the winter, you can look at the ice falls, go cross-country skiing or go ice climbing. Starved Rock is also a popular fishing area for both people and bald eagles. With binoculars, you may be able to see a few of these magnificent birds, especially during the winter.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: from Chicago, Lake Geneva, Starved Rock, Indiana Dunes, Rock State

Ideas to decorate cupcakes in place of wedding cake

It's interesting:
"A wedding is a time for joy and fun, with friends and family gathered to see the happy couple off as they start their new life. But it is a time, too, when our ..."

Some couples opt for serving cupcakes at their wedding rather than a traditional tiered wedding cake. But these cupcakes should be more special than the cupcakes that are served at a birthday party or another event. Decorate your cupcakes in a fashion that is complementary to the rest of your wedding and place them on a tiered platter that resembles the shape of a traditional wedding cake.

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1. Tiffany's Inspired Cupcakes

   • Some people choose Tiffany's as a theme for their weddings. The teal blue color that is associated with the jewelry store, along with the white bows that top the jewelry boxes, is easily drawn on for a wedding cupcake design. Have your cupcakes made in your favorite flavor, or a variety of flavors. Then, top the cupcakes with Tiffany blue fondant and a white fondant bow for a classy wedding cupcake.

   Fresh Flowers

   • Fresh flowers are often used as an accompaniment to wedding cakes. Just because you are having wedding cupcakes rather than cakes does not mean you can't use fresh flowers as a decoration. Frost the cupcakes with frosting in a color that works with the rest of your wedding decor. Then, have small flowers placed on the top of each cupcake. Miniature tea roses are a good idea for small cupcakes. If using fresh flowers is too costly for you, ask your baker to make flowers out of fondant or pulled sugar and place those on top of each cupcake.

   Monogram

   • Decorate the cupcakes for your wedding with your new monogram. Frost the cupcakes with one of your wedding colors. Then, ask your baker to create an attractive monogram on each cupcake using frosting or fondant. The monogram should be the first initial of the couples' last name flanked by the first initial of each of their first names.

   Hobby

   • Use a hobby enjoyed by the couple as the inspiration for the decoration for their wedding cupcakes. For example, if they enjoy music, embellish each cupcake with a musical note made out of fondant. For a couple who enjoys spending time at the beach, place a fondant sea shell on the top of each cupcake.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: each cupcake, wedding cake, your wedding, cupcakes with, color that, cupcakes place

Marriage customs in medieval times

It's interesting:
"Linda and I first met about 18 months ago, when it quickly became clear to me that here was a woman of many attributes - beauty, brains, wisdom and, fortunately for Paul, a disarming love for dumb animals."

Marriage in medieval times was characterized by arranged courtship, in most cases with fathers and royalty making the decisions. Similar to today, medieval marriages took place in churches and used rings to symbolize the relationship between the man and the woman. There are some notable differences, though, including special blessings and celebratory traditions that don't exist today.

1. Blessing of the Bed

   • The bed is still recognized today as an important symbol in marriage -- typically embodied in the idea of the honeymoon.

     The modern tradition of garter throwing evolved from the communal "blessing of the bed" of medieval times. Both as a sign of relinquishment of virginity and as a community acceptance of the marriage, the family and friends would accompany the bride and groom to their sleeping chambers in order to bless the bed in which the marriage was to be consummated. This ceremony became so intense over time that garters were thrown to the crowd in order to stall and distract them from prematurely and embarrassingly forcing a consummation.

   Dress

   • White is an important color in marriage today -- blue was the important color of marriage in medieval times.

     As opposed to the white dresses of today, blue dresses in medieval times stood for purity and various other qualities intrinsic to a "good" bride. Bride's maids wore similar dresses to represent the celebration and joy of the ceremony, and grooms sometimes wore blue bands to symbolize the same virtues as the brides. Depending on the region and the social class of those involved, the dress ranged from plain to opulent, but always symbolized some desirable virtue of the bride and groom.

   Ceremony

   • Many ceremonial traditions, including the exchanging of rings, were relatively the same in medieval times as they are now.

     Before entrance into the church, the groom stood on the right side of the door, and the bride on the left, in order to celebrate the Christian creation story of Adam and Eve. During the actual ceremony, the priest read the vows out loud, asking both the bride and groom to take each other in the everlasting covenant, at which point the bride's father handed his daughter over to the groom. The rings were then exchanged, the newlywed husband and wife knelt at the altar and the priest gave a final blessing and prayer.

   Arrangement

   • Like the pieces in a chess game, marriages were arranged for economic and relational strategy between regions.

     Arrangement of marriages was usually done by fathers and members of royalty for economic and diplomatic reasons. In some cases, the brides and grooms didn't even know each other before knowing that they were to be married. Divorce and separation were extremely rare, if not non-existent. The arrangement was symbolized through the custom of betrothal, which sometimes included a pre-exchange of rings and a ceremonial kiss from groom to bride in order to make official the upcoming marriage.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: medieval times, bride groom, color marriage, customs medieval, customs medieval times

Wedding locations in topeka, kansas

It's interesting:
"The happy couple have picked a beautiful sunny day to get married. It’s perhaps a little too hot for me in this suit though, but at least I now know how Chewbacca felt filming those desert scenes."

Topeka is the capital of Kansas and has a population of more than 120,000, giving wedding couples plenty of options for determining a wedding location. Topeka offers a variety of indoor and outdoor settings at hotels, historic buildings and parks. In some locations, couples can book both the wedding ceremony and reception in one spot.

1. The Vinewood

   • The Vinewood is just north of the Lake Shawnee dam in Topeka. The historic building was remodeled in 2002 and can welcome up to 499 guests for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Vinewood offers full-service event rentals for prospective couples and will handle ordering tents, lighting and sound equipment as well as linens and china. The facility also will cater the event as no outside food or beverage can be brought into the venue.

   Forest Park

   • Couples looking for an outdoor wedding space can check out the Forest Park Conference and Retreat Center. Located near downtown Topeka, Forest Park can accommodate small weddings in its gazebo or outdoor chapel, and up to 1,000 in the Tabernacle Hall. Receptions also can be scheduled in the park's additional halls. Forest Park is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and does not allow any alcohol to be served or brought into the venue. A commercial-size kitchen is available.

   Capital Plaza Hotel

   • The Capital Plaza Hotel near downtown Topeka can accommodate wedding ceremonies, receptions and provide lodging for wedding guests. The hotel includes a ballroom and smaller rooms for weddings of various sizes. Catering and banquet support are provided by hotel staff. Couples can choose among plated dinners, buffets and theme stations. Reception displays, dessert bars, carving station and appetizer service are also available. For wedding guests staying at the hotel, the Topeka Zoo is just a short drive away and plenty of dining and shopping options are a mile-and-a-half away in the downtown area.

   Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade

   • Old Prairie Town at the Ward-Meade Historic Site offers multiple wedding packages. Couples can choose among a wedding and/or reception at Everest Church, an outdoor ceremony at Anna's Place Victorian garden with reception or a courtyard wedding with or without a reception. Pricing starts at $250 and services like the bride's dressing facilities vary from package to package. The Topeka Parks and Recreation Department manages Old Prairie Town. The site includes more than two acres of botanical gardens, a street of 19th century buildings and an old-fashioned drug store with soda fountain.

   Great Overland Station

   • The Great Overland Station is a restored Union Pacific railroad station that serves as an educational museum for visitors. The facility's Main Waiting Room and Balcony, and Easy Gallery can also be rented for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Pricing for each space is dependent on the number of hours and guests. Great Overland Station can supply tables, chairs and access to the kitchen for a caterer. The facility does not supply linens, has strict guidelines on the use of decorations and also prohibits any dark-colored drinks like red wine or punch.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Forest Park, ceremonies receptions, Great Overland, Great Overland Station, Overland Station, Prairie Town, wedding ceremonies

1776 dress-up ideas

It's interesting:
"Now, I appreciate that you're all missing the Wimbledon final to be here today, but let this wedding be a reminder that there's more to life than single events ..."

1776 was a time of turmoil for many countries. While the Revolutionary War was raging in the newly- formed United States, France was a leading superpower in Europe and suffering growing pains of its own. From simple colonial folks, to the elaborate fashions of Marie Antoinette and the French aristocracy, this tumultuous time offers plenty of inspiration for costumes.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Colonial Woman

   • Colonial women wore elaborate dresses by modern day standards, but compared to the European fashion trendsetters, they dressed quite simply. All women wore corsets in 1776, as well as layers of petticoats. Wealthier women wore wire hoops beneath their skirts. A typical dress for a colonial woman had a fitted bodice with a square neckline that was open but not too low. Sleeves came just below the elbows. Floor-length skirts sometimes had gathered, draped material on the hips. Hair was worn in a simple bun or could be covered by a muslin cap.

   Colonial Men

   • Colonial men, like their female counterparts, dressed less flashily than their European contemporaries. Outfits had fewer embellishments, and colonial men and women often wore more modest materials such as wool and cotton, as opposed to sumptuous silks and satins. Colonial men wore knee-length breeches with a white shirt, a sleeveless vest, known as a waistcoat, and a long overcoat. They also wore wigs tied into a ponytail with a ribbon. Some younger men wore darker wigs, but many were powdered white.

   Revolutionary War Soldier

   • Soldiers fighting in the American Revolutionary War dressed in similar fashion to average Colonial men, but decorative and practical aspects were added to the fashions of the day. Soldiers' breeches, shirts and waistcoats were cut like civilian styles and were often all white. A colonial soldier's long overcoat was navy blue, with a white tab collar, white lapels and metal buttons. The overcoats came to mid-thigh. Soldiers often wore ponytail wigs and tri-corner hats. Soldiers representing the British empire dressed the same way, with the exception of red overcoats, giving them the nickname of redcoats.

   French Aristocrat

   • People looking for a dress up idea beyond colonials can dress as members of the French aristocracy. King Louis XVI of France and his extravagant bride, Marie Antoinette, were in the heyday of their frivolous reign in 1776. Marie and her court were fashion leaders throughout Europe. Women's gowns were made from rich materials, were low-cut and had ribbons and lace hanging from the sleeves. They wore panniers, wire baskets which tied around their waists and made their dresses stick out extremely wide at the hips. They also wore white wigs that were tall updos with tendrils of curls.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: women wore, also wore, French aristocracy, long overcoat, Marie Antoinette, often wore

Couples clubs in kansas city

It's interesting:
"It was a stipulation for the wedding that the groomsmen weren't allowed to look better than the Best Man today and I'm pleased to say they have accomplished ..."

Kansas City, Missouri, offers all sorts of traditional couples outings, from bars and nightclubs to art galleries to a plentiful selection of movie theaters. Likewise, this burgeoning metropolitan location hosts more than its fair share of social clubs, many of which focus living with a significant other. From marriage support groups to alternative lifestyle clubs, couples in KC will surely find a group suited to their tastes.

1. KC No Kidding

   • KC No Kidding is the local chapter of a international group of all-volunteer, member-run clubs. According to the club's official website, No Kidding is a social club for adult couples without children. This club focuses on online interaction, offering its members customized pages, photo-sharing opportunities, polls and forums for communication. While parents have a built-in social network via the activities of their children, KC No Kidding provides a social network for childless adults. This club organizes events including wine tastings, dinners, bowling, baseball games, charity fundraisers and a monthly happy hour. Any resident of the Kansas City metropolitan area who has chosen to live or is considering choosing to live a child-free life is welcome to join. KC No Kidding is a free club and does not collect dues or fees from its members. Child-free singles are welcome as well.

   Kansas City Chapter of Marriage Enrichment

   • This club focuses on enriching the lives of married couples.

     According to its official website, the Kansas city chapter of the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment focuses on "educating couples for vibrant, lifelong relationship." The Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment---or A.C.M.E.--is an international, educational, non-profit and nonsectarian organization that strives to keep marriages healthy. The club provides resources for married couples, including group exercises, leader forums and events. Events include couples communication courses, relationship classes, weekend retreats, clergy retreats and mentor training while exercises focus on improving anger management, growth, intimacy, finances and values within couples. Some retreats and activities at the KC chapter of Marriage Enrichment come with a nominal fee.

   Club Eden

   • Club Eden hosts sensual dancing for couples.

     On the opposite end of the couples' club spectrum, Club Eden provides a private event for couples practicing an alternative lifestyle. This private nighttime couples' club meets irregularly at upscale hotels in the Kansas City area, hosting socializing, drinking and dancing in what their official website dubs a "sensually-charged atmosphere." Music encompasses popular dance styles as well as romantic slow songs. Meetings involve between 200 and 350 members, generally in their 20s through 40s. The club is not a swingers club- Club Eden enforces a policy of no nudity and no sexual activity within the club. Club Eden is for couples and single females only. Interested couples must RSVP at the club's official website, where they can also keep track of Eden's schedule.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Club Eden, official website, Kansas City, Marriage Enrichment, This club, alternative lifestyle

How to get a wedding ring tattoo

get a wedding ring tattoo

It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

Wedding ring tattoos are a popular trend for couples getting married. This gesture is a powerful statement made to each other and the world because it is a permanent symbol of your love and dedication to your spouse. There are perks to getting wedding ring tattoos. You can never lose your wedding ring because it can't come off--and it may be a lot cheaper than a traditional gold or platinum wedding ring.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Decide what type of design that you want for your wedding ring tattoo. A few examples include the date of your wedding, the name of your spouse or an actual wedding band design.

   • 2

     Locate a tattoo artist who has experience doing this type of tattoos. Some artists do not do small designs well. They need to be able to ink small patterns in a straight line all around the finger. Search your local phone book or the internet for tattoo studios in your area.

   • 3

     Schedule a consultation or drop by the studio to discuss your design ideas and to see pictures of the actual wedding ring tattoos the artist has done. Ask about their sterilization process. Tattoo artists should always use sterilized needles or new disposable needles for each person, and disposable surgical gloves. They should never reuse the ink.

   • 4

     Set an appointment if you're happy with your meeting and agree upon a price.

   • 5

     Follow the after care instructions given by the tattoo artist. Keep the tattoo lubricated with a lubricant such as Vaseline or Neosporin. Tattoos take a while to heal and need to go through the healing process with the least amount of irritation.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ring, ring tattoo, ring tattoos, wedding ring tattoo, your wedding, your wedding ring