Places to have a baby shower in oklahoma

It's interesting:
"After all, this wedding has given me the opportunity to meet many of Paul's ... And I hope, when they look back years from now on this, their wedding day, they ..."

Successful baby showers require planning, patience and a great deal of creativity. Oklahoma is home to myriad venues that can accommodate baby showers. These facilities provide adequate space to avoid crowding and range from designated rooms to full-size banquet facilities. In addition to space rental, some facilities offer party-planning assistance, and supply rentals and catering.

1. South Lakes Event Center

   • Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, the South Lakes Event Center is a 3,500-square-foot facility that can accommodate up to 148 guests. The center has 18 tables and accompanying chairs. The event center also offers cooking facilities, a refrigerator, ceiling fans and lakeside views. South Lakes Event Center hosts an assortment of events each year, including baby showers. A three-hour minimum rental is required, and the facility can be rented for up to 12 hours at a time.

   Montgomery Event Center

   • Also in Oklahoma City, the Montgomery Event Center is available for private rental and offers party-planning and concierge services. Featuring a 9,000-square-foot ballroom, the facility can accommodating up to 550 guests and can be divided into sections to accommodate smaller groups. In addition to the facility, the Montgomery Event Center can provide party supplies such as dinnerware, flowers and linens, and catering is available upon request.

   Greenwood Cultural Center

   • Greenwood Cultural Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The facility can accommodate up to 500 guests and hosts an assortment of parties, wedding receptions and baby showers annually. In addition to the main hall, several smaller party rooms and meeting rooms are offered that each can accommodate up to 50 guests. Greenwood Cultural Center features an on-site gift shop, and supplies, such as table linens, plates and silverware, may be rented upon request.

   Hamilton Event Center

   • Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, the Hamilton Event Center offers facilities that can accommodate up to 250 guests. In addition to space rental, the Hamilton Event Center offers full-service party-planning services that will customize decorations, flowers and balloons to fit your baby shower's theme. Rental includes a two-hour use of the facility, and a hostess to serve your guests. If desired, the Hamilton Event Center will also provide punch and a three-tiered decorated cake that serves up to 50 guests.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Event Center, accommodate guests, baby showers, Event Center, Hamilton Event

Outdoor places to get married in erie, pennsylvania

It's interesting:
"You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned ... 26-Mar-201As an extra special wedding present, I've organized a ..."

Erie is in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, offering views and boating facilities along Lake Erie. Many of Erie's wedding venues are on the Lake Erie waterfront and have spaces for outdoor ceremonies. Catering and wedding coordination is available at many of Erie's wedding venues. Most Erie outdoor weddings occur in the late spring and summer, when temperatures are warm.

1. Sunset Inn

   • The Sunset Inn is in eastern Erie on a four-acre estate and the shores of Lake Erie. This wedding venue offers outdoor wedding spaces on Sunset Inn's garden area and large deck, both offering views of the lake. The garden area has a gazebo for the ceremony and wedding photos. Sunset Inn also has an indoor banquet room with sound system and dance floor. A buffet-style catering service is available. The venue has enough chairs for approximately 300 guests.

   Bayfront Convention Center

   • The Bayfront Convention Center is on Sassafras Pier in downtown Erie. This convention center features the Sunset Terrace, an outdoor space with views of Lake Erie. The Sunset Terrace is an 8,800-square-foot space with a sound system for ceremonies and receptions. The convention center supplies tables and chairs for events. Couples have access to indoor wedding receptions in the Bayfront Convention Center's Grand Ballroom and Great Hall.

   Watson-Kurtze Mansion

   • Situated in downtown Erie, the Watson-Kurtze Mansion is a historic landmark and was built in 1891. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the "Erie Times-News" newspaper, this mansion has an outdoor courtyard for wedding receptions and ceremonies. The courtyard also has an outdoor dance floor. The mansion is right off Sixth Street, less than five minutes from Gannon University and Warner Theater.

   The Avalon Hotel and Conference Center

   • The Avalon Hotel and Conference Center is right off State Street in downtown Erie. This hotel features the Niagara Courtyard, an outdoor space that is adjacent to the Niagara Ballroom. This space accommodates outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The hotel supplies tables and chairs for wedding events. A sound system is available for indoor and outdoor events. Avalon offers special deals for wedding parties with a minimum of 30 guests.

   Isabell's Painted Gardens

   • Erie is a 25-minute drive from Isabell's Painted Gardens, which is southern McKean, Pennsylvania. This venue offers outdoor weddings on Isabell's lawn- the space overlooks a small pond. Isabell's also has a pavilion for outdoor receptions. The site's manicured gardens are available for wedding photos. The venue does not offer catering or chair setup for the ceremony- however, Isabell's does have list of vendors it recommends to wedding parties.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Lake Erie, Bayfront Convention, Bayfront Convention Center, downtown Erie, Erie This, sound system

Places to have a wedding in fort worth, texas

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

Fort Worth,Texas is a large city that is part of the Dallas metroplex. It is located about a half-hour from Dallas and home to many wedding locations. Fort Worth is full of variety, including elegant nightlife options or nights at the rodeo. There is something for every type of bride and groom in this Texas city.

1. Fort Worth Botanic Garden

   • The Botanic Garden houses many areas that can suit many wedding needs. The grounds of the garden include gazebos, fish ponds, open grass and fountains. A separate Japanese Garden is a popular wedding choice. Your rental price includes two hours in your wedding site, unless you are renting the Japanese Garden, which you may have for six hours. A location for the reception inside the Garden Center can be booked separately. Chairs can be brought in but must be removed by the bridal party afterward.

   Stockyards Station

   • If you're a little bit country, then bring the best of Cowtown to your wedding by having it at Stockyards Station, in the heart of the western district in downtown Fort Worth. The Station has four rooms you can choose from to host your wedding, depending on the setup you need and how many guests you are having. Chairs and other supplies are included in the price of your event. Catering is available, as are music and bar facilities if you'd also like to hold your reception at Stockyards Station. The price of your event includes four hours of time, and additional time can be purchased per hour.

   The Stonegate Mansion

   • The Stonegate Mansion boasts marble, hardwoods, chandeliers and lots of windows to create an elegant atmosphere for your wedding. An indoor event room can hold up to 300 guests, but if you'd like an outdoor ceremony, choose the tree-lined courtyard, which can accommodate 175 guests. Rooms are available to hold your reception at The Stonegate Mansion.

   Fort Worth Museum Of Science And History

   • The huge museum space features a courtyard for outdoor weddings and an indoor venue for ceremonies as well. A beautiful, sweeping staircase rolls out to floor to ceiling windows and elegant hardwood floors. An events room and an atrium are available along with the courtyard option. Guests can have dinner under the stars in the planetarium. Several catering packages are available that depend on what you need as well as how many guests you will have. Reception space is also available. If you really want to go for it, rent the entire museum and let guests stroll around enjoying the exhibits.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Fort Worth, your wedding, Stockyards Station, Stonegate Mansion, Botanic Garden

Careers in wedding photography

It's interesting:
"Tradition decrees that the best man responds to the toast to the bridesmaids and I am happy to be asked to do so. Like everything else about this wedding they were perfection itself."

If doting over brides and creating fun group portraits of families is your favorite type of photography, a career in wedding photography might be a good option. Test your skills by practicing at weddings of friends and family members. Look through bridal catalogs for composition ideas, and practice!

1. Features

   • Wedding photography documents the entire wedding day, and sometimes the rehearsal. From individuals of the bride and groom to couples portraits, candid and family groupings and detailed photos of the elements of the wedding, this type of photography must be creative.

   Studio

   • Many brides and grooms opt for professional studio portraits of themselves and their bridal party. Working in a portrait studio that offers bridal portraiture and wedding party formals is a great option for a career in wedding photography.

   Agency

   • A new trend in wedding photography is to hire an agency that specializes exclusively in wedding photography. This type of career is only available in larger cities.

   Education

   • After attaining a two- or four-year degree in art photography, the best way to prepare for a career in wedding photography is to get an internship with a wedding photographer. A better understanding of the job duties before the wedding, during the wedding and the follow up service provided by a wedding photographer can be attained.

   Misconception

   • Wedding photographers work more than just Saturdays. From marketing to obtain clients, pre-consultation meetings, to post processing proofs and orders, wedding photographers usually work a full week, and then Saturday for the wedding itself.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding photography, career wedding, career wedding photography, Careers wedding, Careers wedding photography

Wheaton, illinois boutique hotels

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 ..."

Located just west of Chicago, the city of Wheaton offers visitors a blend of comfort and charm. There is much to see and do, with plenty of outdoor activities, shopping and dining. In Wheaton and the surrounding communities, a number of boutique hotels are available for lodging while visitors enjoy everything the area has to offer.

1. Painted Giraffe

   • Sleek, modern design blended with comfort is what the Painted Giraffe offers travelers staying in Wheaton. Located near downtown Wheaton, it is withing walking distance to shopping and golfing. One of the theme rooms at the Painted Giraffe is the Harem Room, swathed in velvets, satins and furs. The Mantle Room is in a retro-modern design, and is all about sleek and simplicity. Relax in the hot tub or enjoy the pool. For dining, try Suzette's Creperie, Bank Restaurant and Bar, Domo 77 Steak House, or Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar.

   Harrison House

   • Located in nearby Naperville, the Harrison House has been a local fixture since 1904. Rooms are decorated Victorian-style and offer air conditioning, high speed Internet, private phones, private baths, and cable television. The innkeepers provide a hearty breakfast, which can be enjoyed in-room, in the dining room, or on the veranda, weather permitting. Dining nearby includes Rosebud, Blackfinn American Saloon, Catch 35, and Heaven on Seven. Local attractions include the Naperville Riverwalk, Naper Settlement, Graue Mill and Museum, and the Morton Arboretum.

   Oscar Swan Country Inn

   • A few miles west of Wheaton, the town of Geneva offers the Oscar Swan Country Inn. This inn is a historic mansion on 80 acres of land. Most rooms have a private bath, and all are decorated in the Victorian tradition. The inn hosts private parties and weddings. Breakfast can be enjoyed outside when weather permits, and a Sunday breakfast buffet is open to the public. The inn also offers Murder Mystery parties and Ghost Hunting excursions. Other nearby dining options include the Mill Race Inn, Niche Restaurant, and Wildwood.

   Lynfred Winery

   • Just north of Wheaton is the Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Illinois. This winery and B&B offers four suites, each with a private bath. All stays include a premium wine tasting or two bottles of wine, private tour, cheese and fruit platter, and a custom-made breakfast. Each suite is decorated in a different theme, and guests can choose from American, German, French, or Italian decor. All suites have fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, wireless Internet access, and a refrigerator. Visitors can enjoy downtown Roselle shopping, numerous forest preserves in the area, and the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: boutique hotels, Painted Giraffe, Harrison House, illinois boutique, illinois boutique hotels, Lynfred Winery, Oscar Swan

Engagement gifts for women

It's interesting:
"That said, nobody wants the wedding party to go straight from the reception to the divorce courts, so your humour will need to be pitched just right. You want ..."

Although not necessary, an engagement present is a thoughtful gesture that reflects your blessings and appreciation for the new couple. When selecting an appropriate gift for the soon-to-be bride, consider her tastes, personality and future role as a wife to give her the most suitable item. Give her something that she and her spouse can use once they embark on their journey together.

1. Household Items

   • Give the soon-to-be bride a household item she can use once she moves into her new home with her significant other. Ideas include a set of wine glasses, tea set, coasters, napkin rings, bathroom accessories, tableware, bed linen, candle holders, decorative centerpiece, wall hanging, decorative figurines, crockery or kitchen electronics. Although costly, select good-quality items that can last the couple many years. Consider pooling money collectively with other family or friends if the selected item falls out of your budget.

   Spa Certificate

   • Give the newly engaged woman a gift certificate to a fancy spa for treatments such as a massage, manicure and pedicure. A visit to the spa helps her relax and unwind from the stress of planning for a wedding. Request the management at the time of making the payment to treat her exclusively. You can also include a coupon to a couple's massage for both the soon-to-be bride and groom so they unwind together.

     Alternatively, you can give the engaged woman a gift certificate to bridal makeup at her favorite salon.

   Magazine Subscription

   • A soon-to-be bride will appreciate a subscription to a popular wedding magazine to help her make important decisions for her big day. She and her fiancé- can look through monthly editions together for ideas when planning their wedding.

   Personal Items

   • Give the newly engaged woman a gift that assists her in her marital chores. Consider her personality and preferences when making the selection. For instance, give the novice cook a step-by-step cookbook with recipes guaranteed to please a man so she can impress her fiancé-, or a couple's cookbook that combines the art of cooking with romance so the couple makes a savory dish together. You can also give the woman a book on marital advice from experts, or a book with tips to keep romance alive in a relationship.

   Pamper Hamper

   • Create a hamper filled with items exclusively for the soon-to-be bride, such as specialized face, hand, body and foot lotions and creams- hair accessories- aromatic candles and bath oils- essential makeup such as lip gloss, neutral shade of lipstick and matching nail polish, eye shadow, mascara, compact and other items she may like.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: soon-to-be bride, engaged woman, engaged woman gift, woman gift, Engagement gifts

Jewish wedding checklist

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."

Officially, a Jewish wedding requires only the bride, the groom and two witnesses to the ceremony. A rabbi or mesader kiddushin (the wedding official) presides over the proceedings only to ensure that proper Judaic law is followed. In practice, a Jewish wedding is a rite of passage wrought with ritual and tradition. The bride and groom move from their betrothal into life together in a ceremony designed to symbolize their relationship with God.

1. The Mikveh

   • The mikveh prepares the bride's spirit for marriage.

     A ritual bath, the mikveh is about more than just physical cleanliness. Performed by Jewish brides for centuries, it's a spiritual preparation for entrance into married life. It is a ritual she'll continue throughout her marriage to cleanse herself after her menstrual cycle, but "fundamentally, mikveh is not about 'uncleanliness' but about human encounters with the power of the holy," notes the website My Jewish Learning. Mikveh prepares the body and spirit for sexual intimacy.

   The Ketubah

   • The ketubah has ancient roots.

     Before they may live together, a couple must have a ketubah, or wedding contract, completed by the officiating rabbi or mesader kuddushin and signed by two witnesses, as required by Jewish law. A ketubah can be a plain document or an ornate work of art. It describes the groom's obligations in 10 areas mandated by the Torah or by rabbinical mandate. Historically this was done to require a husband to "pay a substantial imbursement" should he divorce his wife.

   The Chuppah

   • The chuppah symbolizes the bride entering into the groom's house.

     The chuppah, or huppah, is a canopy hung from four poles, under which the wedding ceremony takes place. Usually made from ornate material, the chuppah is a sacred place. The bride and groom remove any jewelry or valuables from their persons before approaching the chuppah. Traditionally, the chuppah is set outside and has 10 Jewish adult men in attendance. Some buildings have a skylight above the ceremony area to honor this tradition.

   The Kallah

   • The wedding dress and bouquet are standard at most any wedding.

     A kallah (bride) needs a veil for the badeken ceremony, where the groom covers his bride's face with her veil. If she is an Orthodox Jew, she will need a sheitel, or wig, because married women traditionally cover their hair. An Orthodox Jewish woman will also need seven outfits, one for each of the seven days of sheva brachot, the post-ceremony celebration. Immediately after the ceremony, the couple spends a short time alone together in a place called the yichud room. All brides will need a groom gift for this.

   The Chosson

   • The bride may give the groom a ring after the wedding.

     Though a chosson (Jewish groom) should wear a yarmulke, or skullcap, he has the option of wearing his kittel (a formal outfit used for burial) and a tallit (prayer shawl). Both are standard for Orthodox Jews- however, the most important thing he needs is a wedding band to present to his bride under the chuppah. It is inappropriate for the bride to give the groom a ring until after the wedding, notes the website My Jewish Learning. The groom should also have a yichud room gift for his bride.

   The Ceremony

   • The rabbi reads from the Torah.

     After the ketubah is read to the assembled guests, the couple speaks the seven blessings, or Sheva Berakhot, before the Torah is read. Aufruf, or being called up to the Torah, is traditionally the role of the groom, but modern weddings call up the bride as well. The honor of reciting the blessings is called aliya, which means going up and refers to a spiritual as well as physical ascent. The couple should learn the Sheva Berakhot before the ceremony.

   The Kippot

   • Males traditionally wear a kippah, or yarmulke.

     For the ceremony, the couple should provide additional kippot (yarmulkes), especially if they are expecting any non-Jewish male guests who would not be bringing their own. In some non-Orthodox communities, women also wear kippot (kippah is the singular), but Reform communities may frown on the use of these at all. The skullcap is traditionally worn during prayer and should be worn out of respect, regardless of religious affiliation, if the bride and groom request it.

   The Wine Glasses

   • Breaking the wine glass is symbolic gesture with many possible interpretations.

     The rabbi raises a wine glass while the couple recites the Sheva Berakhot. At the post-ceremony celebration, two wine glasses are raised, one for grace and one for a second recitation of the seven blessings. The wine from both cups is then mixed together in a third cup from which the couple drinks. Afterward, this or another glass is wrapped in a cloth and shattered under the groom's foot or under the feet of both the bride and groom.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, Jewish wedding, Sheva Berakhot, after wedding, Berakhot before, bride give

Heart healthy desserts for a crowd

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."

Heart-healthy eating means keeping fat intake under 30 percent of total calories, polyunsaturated fat below 10 percent, limiting cholesterol to 300 mg daily and staying below 3,000 mg of sodium according to the Franklin Institute. You also need to avoid excess calories. Most people think that no desserts are allowed. But there are heart-healthy desserts. And when preparing desserts for a crowd, think simplicity and minimal preparation and cook time.

1. Dessert Substitutions

   • When making heart healthy desserts, certain ingredients are key. Bananas, olive oil, cottage cheese, non or low-fat yogurt and milk, egg substitutes and cocoa or carb powder are often used.

     Bananas substitute for butter, margarine, and lard in recipes. Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil. Use fat-free or low-fat yogurt instead of heavy cream. Substitute fat-free milk for whole milk and cottage cheese for sour cream. You always have the option of using egg substitutes for eggs. Finally, try cocoa or carob powder instead of baking chocolate

   Dessert Types

   • Some desserts are lower in calories and fat to begin with like: sorbet, fruit salad, low-fat pudding or gelatin. So these are good alternatives to pastries, pies and fudge.

     Additionally, some dessert types are better suited for a crowd because they do not require as much preparation and cooking time. These include cookies, cakes, fruit desserts and puddings. All are more easily created in large quantities. Pastries, parfaits, petits fors are a hassle to prepare for large numbers of guests.

   Recipes

   • When choosing heart-healthy desserts for a crowd, you can use recipes that are already lower in calories and fat or you can take a favorite recipe and make it more heart healthy. For recipe suggestions, try the American Heart Association, Heart Healthy Living, FoodFit.com, Prevention.com and more.

     To makeover your own recipe, start by making substitutions for the highest calorie (butter, cream, chocolate bars) ingredients and experiment with these substitutions until you get great taste with low fat and calories.

   Suggestions

   • Smoothies can be great low-calorie crowd-pleasers if you prepare them yourself. Prevention.com offers a recipe for a watermelon smoothie with only 229 calories. You can double or triple the recipe and pour it easily for your guests.

     Bananas can be coated in fat-free yogurt, rolled in oats or toasted almonds, and frozen for a healthy treat. They can be mashed with a bit of cinnamon and low-fat milk to make a banana foster type dessert. At famousfrenchdesserts.com, there is a recipe for chocolate banana walnet flourless cake that only takes about 40 minutes total to prep and cook.

     Custards and puddings can be made in large quantities with reduced calories. Using ginger or pumpkin can make a flavorful dessert, but with fewer calories than a flan. Look for recipes at whatscookingamerica.com.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: desserts crowd, healthy desserts, cottage cheese, healthy desserts crowd, heart-healthy desserts

The top 10 wedding locations in north carolina

It's interesting:
"The best man at my own wedding told me that one and it worked - for 15 years anyway, before she left me for someone short, fat and balding, who happened to ..."

Known as the "Old North State" and the "Tar Heel State," North Carolina, which now boasts more than 8 million residents, has become a popular area for tourists. With attractions including the great Smoky Mountains, fun-filled beaches, historical architecture, museums, the Croatan National Forest and more, there is much to see and do. The popularity of many of these attractions and the state's beautiful surroundings has made North Carolina an ideal location for wedding ceremonies.

1. Villa Raffaldini

   • The Villa Raffaldini (raffaldini.com), an Italian-themed location, can accommodate up to 300 guests. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of farmland, the serenity of this location provides a great escape from the city. The 6,000 square feet of property allows an expansive view of the Yadkin River and Blue Ridge Mountains. Balconies and landscaped terraces add to the beauty of the surroundings. Smaller ceremonies for up to 32 people can be held in the Fattoria Rafaldini "farmhouse." Villa usage, lawn space, table set-up and five attendants to oversee the event are just a few amenities included with your wedding fee.

   Pelican's Landing

   • This oceanfront, privately owned home built in 1979 offers five bedrooms and 5,000 square feet of space. Pelican's Landing (PelicansLandingOBX.com), located in Corolla, provides a fully equipped kitchen, private gazebo and on-site catering service. A large open area behind the home can accommodate up to 150 guests and allows easy beach access. A second floor large deck area is ideal for a wedding rehearsal dinner and can accommodate up to 50 people. Parking is plentiful for guests.

   The White Doe Inn

   • The White Doe Inn (WhiteDoeInn.com) in the village of Manteo along the shores of Shallowbag Bay makes a romantic location for a wedding. Beaches at nearby Nag's Head add to the beauty of the surroundings. This historic home can accommodate up to 60 people and allows individuals to experience the Victorian era. Convenient access to tourist attractions such as the North Carolina Maritime museum, the Elizabeth Gardens, Fort Raleigh, shopping and ferries ensures there is something to entertain everyone. All-inclusive packages that include bicycles for guests, breakfast, and morning and afternoon treats are available.

   Palmer Pavilion

   • The Palmer Pavilion (Birkdale.com), located in the Birkdale Golf Club, offers 5,000 square feet of space for your wedding. Able to accommodate up to 250 guests, this large, open, indoor space has French doors, a high ceiling and a stone fireplace that create an elegant environment with an outdoors feel. Glassware, flatware and napkins are a few basic items included with this rental. Guests are welcome to bring their own wedding decorations. The 18th green at the golf club is another location at the facility ideal for those who prefer an outdoor wedding.

   All Saints Chapel

   • An 1875 chapel located in downtown Raleigh, the All Saints Chapel (AllSaints1875.com) can accommodate up to 160 guests. This picturesque facility is filled with stained glass windows, 18-foot ceilings, clerestory windows, a spacious floor plan and woodwork visible throughout the chapel. A tent-covered area outside can accommodate up to 200 people. An on-site kitchen area is available for food preparation, but you are welcome to bring your own caterer. The lower level provides space for those desiring to have a reception indoors.

   Magnolia Manor

   • The beautiful Magnolia Manor (Magnolia-Manor.com), which received a 5-star vote from the Brides Choice Awards for 2011, according to their website, provides elegance for those seeking a romantic wedding day. For an indoor wedding, the Ashley Ballroom can accommodate up to 275 guests and features an open area with marble flooring and arched and bronzed bar mirrors. A separate area can be established as a dance space. A list of vendors and caterers is available to serve custom meals for guests. A spacious area for those preferring an outdoor wedding is also available. The wedding platform area is surrounded by a large beech tree known as "the Sweetheart Tree." A koi pond, beautifully landscaped lawns and a guest seating area that embraces both sides of the wedding platform make Magnolia Manor in Colfax an elegant place for a wedding.

   The Grand Bohemian Hotel

   • Set in Biltmore Village with the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, the Grand Bohemian Hotel (BohemianAsheville.com) brings romance to the forefront. The Tudor-style ballroom, able to accommodate up to 200 guests, is a terrific setting for a formal gathering and dancing on your special day, or an afternoon brunch. A well-manicured garden provides a serene area for enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

   Cape Fear Riverboats

   • If you are looking for a unique experience, Cape Fear Riverboats (cfrboats.com) in Wilmington offers the Henrietta III for those wanting to bring their dream day to life on the water. Several packages are available. The Private Daytime Wedding Package features a one and a half hour wedding cruise and private reception. The Private Evening Wedding Package offers a three-hour evening cruise (Saturday) as well as a private reception. Private ceremonies during the daytime and evening with public receptions are available. The boat can accommodate between 32-120 guests, depending on your charter and deck selection.

   Timberwolf Creek Bed & Breakfast

   • Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and overlooking Maggie Valley, the Timberwolf Creek Bed & Breakfast (www.timberwolfcreek.com) is a place to consider for those seeking a private wedding location. This destination, situated on 8 acres, is a peaceful setting. Several wedding packages are available, including an elopement package for those desiring an intimate setting. For lovers of the great outdoors, an outdoor forest wedding chapel offers seating for 45 guests. The main building, known as the "Creek House," can be rented for up to a week for the wedding couple and up to six guests. Timberwolf Creek Bed & Breakfast also offers a convenient online wedding registry that allows guests to purchase a gift and have it delivered directly to the suite of the bride and groom.

   The Old Buggy Inn

   • A luxurious Victorian setting is what guests will experience at the Old Buggy Inn (oldbuggyinn.com) in Carthage. This destination allows you to travel back in time and experience a historical period as you celebrate your special day. The inn is designed for intimate weddings of under 50 guests and features a wrap-around porch, beautifully detailed trim and a finely manicured lawn with vibrant flowers. A carved mantle on the fireplace, tile hearth and gingerbread staircase add to the decor and beauty of the day.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: accommodate guests, accommodate people, Creek Breakfast, Magnolia Manor, square feet, Timberwolf Creek

Diy wedding church program

It's interesting:
"Charles Dickens said a measure of a woman’s love for her man was the lengths to which she was prepared to go to make him happy. If this holds true, then Linda, you have reached that goal, for Paul is the happiest I have ever seen him."

Incorporating do-it-yourself projects into your wedding planning is an effective way to save money and get what you want on your big day. One such project that won't require too much time is creating your own wedding programs. Rather than finding a designer to put together the program you'll distribute at the wedding ceremony, or paying a print shop to create fully assembled pamphlets, you can come up with your own wedding program design and assemble the printed materials yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding program paper
• Computer
• Ribbon (optional)
• Patterned card stock (optional)

Instructions

1. • 1

     Decide what text you need to include in the program. In addition to listing the location, date, and names of those in the wedding party, you can include text of readings to be used during the ceremony, tell the story of how you and your spouse-to-be met, and thank the people who helped make the wedding possible (everyone from parents and supportive relatives to the friend who introduced you to your future spouse).

   • 2

     Gather the images you want to use in the program. If you're getting married in a church, you may want to include an image of it on the front cover of your program. You can also use images that echo your wedding's theme and photos of you and your future spouse.

   • 3

     Sketch a program design. This is the point when you decide whether you want a traditional pamphlet-style program or a single-sheet handbill-style program and where you want to place your text and images. This sketch will guide you through the design process.

   • 4

     Lay out the wedding program using computer software. Although graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite is ideal for making wedding program layouts, it's not essential. You can use any word-processing program that will allow you to insert images and, for pamphlet-style programs, create landscape-oriented documents with two columns.

   • 5

     Print the wedding programs. If you're printing a large number of programs, take the job to a copy and print center, as it will take less time to print and you won't overtax your home printer with an overwhelming job.

   • 6

     Assemble the wedding programs. If you're using a single-page program, cut the programs down to size if necessary and add any embellishments, such as a ribbon or buttons. Consider mounting single-page programs on a slightly larger piece of patterned cardstock to add color and heft.

   • 7

     Collate and fold programs if you're making pamphlets, and punch two holes along the folded edge of the program. One hole should fall one-third of the way from the top of the program and the other should fall one-third of the way from the bottom. Cut a length of ribbon that corresponds with your wedding color, thread it through the two holes, and tie into a bow on the outside of the program.

Tips &- Warnings

• Have your future spouse and a few friends proofread your program design before printing. Having multiple people look over the design will prevent mistakes from making it onto the finished program.

• If you're not sure begin designing your own wedding program, find inspiration on the Martha Stewart Weddings website.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, wedding program, future spouse, program design, wedding programs

How to make creative and modern wedding invitations

make creative and modern wedding invitations

It's interesting:
"I hope you like these wedding suits. To make sure I would be able to fit into mine I 've been watching my weight. As you can see I've had it right out in front of me ..."

The traditional wedding invitation is a standard way of inviting your guests. However, the invitation is also a reflection of you and your partner's big day. Create a modern invitation that moves beyond the traditional. While you still need to provide the basics, such as location and date, you don't need to be constrained to engraved cream invitations. Create an invitation reflective of your style and approach to the day.

Things You'll Need

• Some Knowledge of Technology
• Creativity
• The Wording for Your Invite
• Postage Stamps

Instructions

1. • 1

     Put your invitation on a DVD. Use a software program, such as Windows Movie Maker, to set photos of you and your future spouse to music. Insert a slide with your wedding invitation, including all the location and timing details, at the end or the start of the DVD. Your guests place the DVD into a DVD player to watch your invitation come to life.

   • 2

     Create a wedding website. Many wedding sites allow you to create your own site for free. On the site, include pictures of you and your partner, music, reception information and details about events surrounding the wedding. This approach saves you postage since you don't have to mail a wedding packet. Use the site to collect RSVPs and create a virtual guest book. Either include the website with your wedding invitations or send out a link to your guests via email.

   • 3

     Use a printed invitation, but make it your own. Place bright and bold colors on your invitation, or use pictures instead of words. Include pictures as part of your design. Use ribbon and embellishment stickers to include color and stand out.

   • 4

     Use a different shape. Invitations don't have to be the traditional rectangle. Use an oval shape, a shape mimicking a flip flop for a beach wedding, or create an invitation that looks like a flower for an island theme. If you're having a Vegas wedding, make your invitation look like a playing card and include poker chips with your pictures.

Tips &- Warnings

• Have a friend help you.

• Hire a student or a freelance designer, they will not charge you as much as a major company.

• You can do all of these ideas yourself.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your invitation, wedding invitations, with your, creative modern, creative modern wedding, invitation that

California delta grand island hotel information

It's interesting:
"I would like to congratulate Paul on his impeccable taste in choosing such a beautiful wife. And Linda, well done on saying “I do” to my mate Paul, because, let’s face it - that must have been hard."

The California Delta is an area on the Sacramento River, a day or a night trip from San Francisco. It is a popular destination wedding spot, with area hotels that can accommodate the ceremony and overnight guests. Bicycling, kayaking and birding are popular activities.

1. Ryde Hotel and Event Center

   • The Ryde Hotel and Event Center has 42 newly refurbished rooms, some with shared baths. The rooms do not have TVs, telephones or air conditioners, though the lobby has Wi-Fi. Continental breakfast is included- there is also an elaborate Sunday brunch. Outdoor activities include a 9-hole golf course and a huge outdoor pool. A boat dock allows you to arrive by water.

   Walnut Grove Cottage

   • The Walnut Grove Cottage does not rent individual rooms- it sleeps up to 6 people, with a kitchen and a BBQ grill that guests can use, as well as a washer/dryer. The hotel offers a computer with Internet access and free bicycles so you can tour the area. There is a crib and highchair if you are traveling with a baby. The 1910 cottage has been meticulously restored with period details.

   Grand Island Mansion and Spa

   • The Grand Island Mansion and Spa is a 58-room mansion mostly used for weddings and corporate retreats. There is a luxurious Sunday champagne brunch, and the mansion is open for tours. Although "spa" is a part of the name, the spa is not yet operational.

   Delta Daze Inn

   • The Delta Daze Inn is a bed and breakfast with ten rooms, all with private baths. Breakfast is included, along with a snack basket.

   Rogelios

   • Rogelios is a bargain hotel, with dinner included in your stay. Free Wi-Fi and a small fitness area is provided by the hotel. The restaurant serves Mexican, Italian, Chinese and American food. A casino is on-site.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: California delta, California delta grand, Delta Daze, delta grand, delta grand island, Event Center, grand island hotel

How to make your own wedding reply cards diy rsvp postcards wording and examples

make your own wedding reply cards - diy rsvp postcards wording and examples

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 thing: “How did HE get HER?”"

A wedding can be both the most wonderful -- and most stressful -- day of your life. You can increase the former and reduce the latter, by being as organized as possible. Sending out wedding reply cards (RSVP cards) lets you better plan your big day. While you could simply use pre-made cards, you might want to personalize things a bit by making your own. The wording and design can vary in its specifics, but there are certain points it should cover.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Include a line making it clear that this is an RSVP card. You might write something like, "The favor of a reply is requested" or "A reply is requested."

   • 2

     Add a line below this that makes it clear there is a deadline for replying. For example, you might write, "Please respond by" and then give a date far enough in advance of the event that you can prepare.

   • 3

     Add a blank line where the recipient can add a name. Below this, have to two lines of text preceded by a blank space where the recipient can add a check mark. Next to the first blank line, write something like, "Will attend." Not to the other blank line write, "Will not attend."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: blank line, reply cards, wedding reply, wedding reply cards, blank line write, cards rsvp

Mystic seaport attractions

It's interesting:
"My first impression of Linda was that she was such a beautiful, witty, charming, clever, friendly and thoughtful person. And when she agreed to marry Paul, it totally proved to me that old adage – opposites really do attract."

The Mystic Seaport, called the "Museum of America and the Sea," is located in the waterside town of Mystic, Connecticut. The museum is atypical in that it is not just one building, but rather a 17-acre complex of both indoor and outdoor attractions. The attractions are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 27 through October 31 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 through November 28. As of August 2010, general admission rates are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for children under 17. Admission grants visitors access to all Seaport attractions.

1. 19th Century Village

   • The 19th Century Village section of Mystic Seaport is made up of historic buildings from the 19th century. There are 30 shops and stores located along the street where visitors can shop for items that were popular during the 1800s. People working in the village pay homage to the era by dressing in fashions from that time period and wearing hoop skirts. Visitors can take a horse and carriage ride while visiting the village. Rides are available in season and run from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. They cost $5 per person, as of August 2010. Along the streets guests will find strolling musicians, historians and storytellers who help explain the era in greater detail. The attraction is historical and interactive.

   Playscapes

   • Playscapes is a children's attraction. It consists of a wooden boat that serves as a kids' playground. There are actually three wooden boats for kids to play on, as well as benches and picnic tables. There are three wooden boats to climb on including a lobster boat, fishing boat and a sailing ship. The area is part of the outdoor portion of the Seaport. The Playscapes area of the Seaport is located right outside of the Planetarium.

   Discovery Barn

   • Discovery Barn is geared toward children ages eight and above. Hands-on experiences at this attraction include knot tying, card games, learning about signal flags, and participating in unfurling a sail. Children are taught about seafaring ways and tasks through interactive experiences set up throughout the Discovery Barn.

   Children's Museum

   • The Children's Museum is a kid-friendly museum that is for children under the age of seven. Kids' activities include sleeping in ship bunks, cleaning the deck, and cooking in the ship's galley. The Children's Museum is a kid friendly version of the formal museum that houses the extensive artwork and document collection. In addition, at 11 a.m. daily between December and March, kids can participate in a storytelling hour and learn about life in the 1900s.

   Treworgy Planetarium

   • The Treworgy Planetarium is a portion of the Seaport that pays homage to the skies that helped guide sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries. Features of this attraction include lectures, presentations and an exhibit highlighting important elements of astronomy.

   Exhibits and Galleries

   • Located in the main museum area of the Seaport are galleries that house paintings, renderings, drawings and exhibits illustrating and chronicling the life and times of seafarers and ships during the 19th century.

   Preservation Shipyard

   • The Preservation Shipyard is an attraction of the Seaport that is designed to help educate and show guests how ships were built and how they are now preserved as historical landmarks. Visitors watch as skilled craftsmen work on the ships. The observation area provides a good view of all activity.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Children Museum, Discovery Barn, 19th century, 19th Century, 19th Century Village

All-inclusive girls getaways

It's interesting:
"Humorous wedding observations ... Traditional outfits * Scottish dress * Marquee * Wedding venue (golf club, castle, barn, posh) * Wedding location ..."

A girls-only getaway allows you and your girlfriends the opportunity to relax together, while enjoying deluxe accommodations and fine cuisine offered by all-inclusive packages and resorts. Build new memories during your vacation, as you escape from the everyday pressures of work and family. No matter what interests your group, expect to laugh and share good fun with the people who know you best.

1. Old Fashioned Sleepover

   • The Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello in Quebec hosts the Ultimate Girls Getaway annually the third weekend in April. The package includes a two-night stay, pajama party with entertainment and food stations, formal dinner party on Saturday, Sunday brunch, all related seminars, and any other meals. The event kicks off on Friday night with the signature pajama party where you mingle with other guests and belt out karaoke tunes in comfortable pajamas. On Saturday, speakers offer seminars about improving your life plan, highlighting the best fashion for your body shape, and cooking like a gourmet. Saturday night, dress in your cutest black dress as you savor the world-famous cuisine of the Le Chateau Montebello chefs before going dancing with the girls. As of 2011, this package starts at $559 CAD.

   Wine Country

   • For an adventurous vacation, travel to California to tour some of the prettiest vineyards in the nation. The Napa River Inn offers the Girls Gone Wine special, which features two nights accommodations, bottle of wine, in-room breakfast from Sweetie Pie's Bakery, discounts for Napa Premium Outlets and La Pelle Skin Spa, and VIP seating and tickets for SILO's Jazz Club. The package also features an all-day wine-tour from Platypus Tours, where you'll visit local, family-owned vineyards such as Baldacci Family Vineyards, which produces a full-bodied cherry and blackberry Cabernet Sauvignon. The tour lasts around six hours and includes a gourmet picnic lunch. As of 2011, this package cost $199 per person, based on four guests to a room.

   Spa Retreat

   • To experience a health and wellness retreat, grab your girlfriends and reserve your spot at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. This all-inclusive wellness resort offers complimentary use of its four swimming pools, yoga training center, weight training room, cardio classes, and walking classes, in addition to three meals consisting of nutritious spa cuisine. Canyon Ranch caters to guests and will tailor your activities based around your health goals. Schedule an Asian deep tissue massage like "Ashiatsu" to bring your muscles deep relaxation. Practice exercise techniques that enhance breathing and mind control, like yoga or tai chi. In addition to serving you healthy meals like pasta with marinara sauce or grilled fish, the resort teaches you which foods heal certain ailments. As of 2011, a double room costs $3,910 for four days.

   Southern Charm

   • If you want to visit some of the South's finest landmarks, book the Savannah's Style and Charleston's Charm Tour through the Gutsy Women Travel company. Your six-day package includes three nights' accommodations at the Mills House in Charleston and a two-night stay at the Mulberry Inn in Savannah. As part of your guided tour of the South, you'll visit America's only working tea plantation, the Charleston Tea Plantation, and eat lunch at Middleton Plantation, one of the oldest in the area. You and your girlfriends will also enjoy fine Southern cooking at Paula Deen's Lady & Son's Savannah Restaurant. As of 2011, this package costs $2,310 a person, and includes hotel accommodations, meals and activities on the itinerary.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: 2011 this, 2011 this package, this package, your girlfriends, Canyon Ranch, Chateau Montebello

Modern wedding gift etiquette

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."

With weddings becoming more of a blending of traditional and modern elements and customs, the currently acceptable etiquette of wedding gifts can become confusing. Overall, the biggest hint to how traditional or modern the taste and traditions of the couple's wedding will be is in the wedding itself. A formal and traditional invitation and ceremony will be a large clue that the couple is traditional in nature. Likewise, a more modern invitation and wedding ceremony plans will be a telltale sign that a modern approach to wedding gifts is appropriate.

1. Ceremony

   • Traditionally, the parents of the bride throw the wedding and the groom's family gives the couple the rehearsal dinner. This, as of late, has changed dramatically in many weddings. Often, the bride and groom throw the wedding themselves, or another family member, such as a grandparent or aunt, throws it for them. Portions of the wedding can be given to the couple as a gift. The bride's parents can provide to the couple an open bar for the wedding, or a dessert spread, as their wedding gift, to assist with the costs of the reception. An aunt may offer to give the couple a champagne toast. In a modern world of brides and grooms funding their own wedding, any assistance can be a welcomed gift.

   Gift Cards

   • While it is not the most romantic or nostalgic choice, gift cards can often be a very appreciated and functional gift to a wedding couple. Choose a gift card to a favorite restaurant, a home improvement store or to a salon for a couple's massage. This will be something useful to the couple that they can enjoy after their honeymoon for some quality time together, improvements to their home or for some much needed relaxation.

   Hotel

   • Often a much appreciated and new idea for a wedding gift is a hotel reservation at the same hotel they spent their wedding night, one year later. Being able to spend their first anniversary in the same hotel they spent their first night together as husband and wife is often an enjoyable idea that the couple will look forward to all year. While the thrill and excitement of many wedding gifts will wear off, this is something they can enjoy 12 months after the actual wedding.

   Wine Cooler

   • While traditionally a set of crystal glasses was a popular and appropriate wedding gift, a more modern spin on this idea would be to give a couple a wine cooler or refrigerator. Since fine crystal glasses are often not used frequently, a wine cooler is something they can use constantly for their own enjoyment or to entertain guests.

   Silver

   • Put a new spin on the traditional gift of sparkling silverware with a more useful and modern use of the material. Choose a silver and sleek vase, teapot or even a wine topper as a more modern and useful choice. Consider an artistic silver statue or sculpture for a modern accent or decoration in the couple's home.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding gift, more modern, their wedding, wedding gifts, crystal glasses

What is a pretty indoor venue for bridal portraits in dallas?

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 thing: “How did HE get HER?”"

Choosing the location for the bridal portraits can be as important as the ceremony and reception venues. Dallas, Texas, has numerous indoor venues that can be rented for photography use. However, many venues require your wedding ceremony or reception be held on their site in order to use the space for bridal portraits. Additional fees and area restrictions apply at many venues if you have only booked them for photography use.

1. Hotel ZaZa Dallas

   • Dallas is home to a variety of hotels that can be booked for photographer use. Many of the hotels have elegant lobbies that can be booked for bridal photos. If you want a more private setting, hotel rooms can also be reserved for wedding photos. The Hotel ZaZa Dallas has Southern charm accented with warm neutrals and unique light fixtures. The hotel charges a fee if you only want to use the space for photos.

   Dallas Arboretum

   • The Dallas Arboretum is well known for its stunning outdoor wedding venues and photography locations. Rosine Hall is an indoor arboretum reception venue that can also be used as a location to shoot bridal portraits. Rosine Hall is a contemporary location with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a view of the terrace and plaza. The hall has a rustic charm with exposed beams and easy access to the grounds.

   Meyerson Symphony Center

   • The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Dallas' Arts District. The Meyerson Symphony Center opened in 1989 and features stunning architecture. Whether you want to book the space for your wedding ceremony, reception or bridal portraits, you can rent the facility to suit your needs. The large, open lobby features stone pillars, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass and metal banisters and elegant staircases. You can also choose to shoot your portraits in the concert hall, which is warm with rich wood and gold tones.

   The Alexander Mansion

   • The Alexander Mansion is a popular wedding venue in Dallas. Book the grounds for the ceremony, reception or photography location. The classic white mansion is located on a sprawling green landscape. The Alexander Mansion is best suited for traditional bridal photography. Shoot your portraits in one of the large banquet rooms, which feature white walls, high ceilings and glistening hardwood floors. Photos can also be taken on the white and hardwood staircase. Feature the elaborate glass chandeliers, fireplace or large windows in the background.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal portraits, ceremony reception, Alexander Mansion, Meyerson Symphony, Meyerson Symphony Center, Symphony Center, wedding ceremony

How to word a wedding reception invitation

word a wedding reception invitation

It's interesting:
"Best man speech writing put this challenge into sharp relief: You are not a professional comedian (at least we don't think you are), but everyone at that wedding ..."

While weddings are steeped in tradition that does not mean that there is only one right way to word a wedding reception invitation. That said, there are some tried and true ways of wording a wedding reception invitation that have been popular over the years. Whether you choose a traditional wording or you are more creative, it doesn't hurt to know what has worked in the past.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding reception invitations

Instructions

1. • 1

     Start with the word "Reception." The word is often italicized and in slightly larger type than the rest of the invitation, especially on a traditional wedding reception invitation.

   • 2

     State the time. The time could be "Immediately Following the Ceremony," or the time could be a specific time.

   • 3

     Tell everyone where the reception will be held, such as The Bay View Country Club, 25 Seaview Drive, Long Beach, CA, or The Banquet Hall at the Red Lion Restaurant, 2437 Main Street, Patterson, NJ.

   • 4

     Skip a space and then in a smaller type style give detailed street directions to the reception for anyone who may not be familiar with the area.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: reception invitation, wedding reception, wedding reception invitation, word wedding, word wedding reception, time could

How to play wedding march on the xylophone

play wedding march on the xylophone

It's interesting:
"Our members' speeches are wedding-day highlights, so whether you're planning ... We have the largest collection of original, never-canned wedding speech ..."

Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" has become a recognizable staple of weddings as the recessional piece. Many couples wish to have friends and family provide the music for their wedding ceremony, and a good way to get someone involved is to have them play the "Wedding March" on xylophone. It is not incredibly difficult, but it does require some concentration and plenty of practice.

Things You'll Need

• Xylophone
• Three xylophone mallets

Instructions

1. • 1

     Get sheet music. Sheet music arrangement for this purpose can be found as a free download. "Wedding March" is in the public domain, meaning that it is free to distribute and download as you see fit. Although the sheet music may be labeled as piano music, it will work for the xylophone as well.

   • 2

     Grip one mallet in your left hand and two in your right.

   • 3

     Grip the mallet in your left hand correctly. Hold the mallet primarily with your thumb and forefinger, holding only loosely with the other three fingers.

   • 4

     Hold two mallets at once in the right hand in what is called the "Stevens Grip." With your hand in a sort of handshake position, curl your fingers in. Hold the first mallet toward at the end of the handle between your thumb and forefinger. The second mallet should be inserted between your ring and middle fingers and should be held primarily by your ring and pinky fingers. Using this grip, you create mallet movement by wrist action, and change the width of the mallets' reach with your fingers.

   • 5

     Play the notes on the sheet music. The music is divided into the treble clef, the upper line, and the bass clef, the lower line. As a general rule you will play the bass clef with the left hand and the treble clef with your right. In the measures where there are two notes in the bass clef and one in the treble, play the lowest note with your left hand and the others with your right. They look far apart because of the clef divisions, but on the keyboard they are in close proximity.

   • 6

     Practice. You will most likely not get it right on the first try. As with any musical instrument, practice is required to make the piece sound good.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: with your, left hand, bass clef, sheet music, your left, your left hand, your right

How much money do bridal salons make a year?

It's interesting:
"Henry told me he's had a little upgrade in time for his wedding night. ... Gillian Simon's wedding has been better attended than this year's Liberal ..."

Everything has its price. Even the pivotal “-here comes the bride”- moment. Ensure head-to-toe perfection on a girl’-s big day and you’-re bound to see rewards. A bridal salon may be a nationally-known boutique with stores spread across the U.S. or it may be a local go-to spot for the newly engaged. Maximizing on a one-day event anticipated for years in advance, bridal salons sell more than a dress.

1. National Salons

   • Forty-seven billion dollars is what one nationally-known bridal superstore profits in a year. Just 2.1 billion of this amount can be attributed to wedding dresses and accessories, showing the amount of opportunity in this industry. From wedding planning to honeymoon packages a national bridal boutique can be a one-stop shop for the happy couple.

   Local Salons

   • According to Alacra Store, a business information source, 95 percent of bridal salons are independent retailers. Meaning, if you opened up a bridal salon in your hometown, you would less likely find yourself in competition with a national bridal superstore. Annual sales revenue for a local bridal salon may range anywhere from $174,000 to $50 million.

   Bridal Salon Prices and Services

   • A bridal salon dresses a bride from her tiara to her heels. Everything in between includes the veil, jewelry, dress, slip and garter. The dress is the biggest ticket item and may range from the $199 to $1400 and beyond. Once the bride has picked her attire for the big day, it’-s time to dress the wedding party. A bridal party dress may range from $50 to $200 and beyond. A bridal salon may stay within the limits of dressing the bride and bridal party or a salon may diversify and offer tuxedos, tailoring services, wedding planning, or any other services dealing directly with the wedding industry.

   Salaries

   • Should you open a bridal salon, it is important to consider how much to pay your employees. Simply Hired reported 2011 statistics showing the average salary at a bridal salon is $42,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, in 2008, employees working in clothing, accessories and general merchandise, could expect to earn $18.08 an hour. Employees working as general and operations managers could expect an hourly wage of $30.25. Salaries may increase or decrease due to the size of the salon, as well as its location. Employees at a bridal salon may work on a commission or salary basis.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal salon, bridal salons, bridal party, bridal salons make, bridal superstore

How to address informal wedding invitations

address informal wedding invitations

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

Many engaged couples today are choosing an informal wedding. The reasons are varied, from saving money to looking to create a unique event that reflects the couple's personality. A casual style can extend to the invitations and how they are addressed. Couples can opt out of the traditional style of addressing invitations to friends and family with Mr. and Mrs., especially if they are planning a small or casual affair. There are ways of addressing the envelope to reflect the couple's informal style.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Forgo the Mr. and Mrs. and just address the envelope Susan and Peter Jones, or Peter Jones and Susan White. Follow the etiquette rule of not separating the man's first name from his last.

   • 2

     Use first names only on the inside envelope, such as Peter and Susan, or Susan and Peter.

   • 3

     Address the invitation to "The Smith Family," if adults and children of one family are all invited to the wedding. Address the invitation this way if the children are under 18. Once a family member reaches 18, she should get her own invitation.

   • 4

     Send each adult--anyone over 18 years of age--in a household a separate invitation, addressing it with the person's full name, and eliminating the Mr. or Mrs.

Tips &- Warnings

• Make sure you have the correct spelling of all the names.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: informal wedding, address informal, address informal wedding, Address invitation, informal wedding invitations

Places to have a wedding in tennessee

It's interesting:
"Your opportunity to wow the audience and create a moment at the wedding people will be ... The Internet's largest collection of original wedding speech material, ..."

Tennessee offers a variety of beautiful wedding venues, from historic Southern plantations and awe-inspiring state parks, to elegant mansions and art galleries. All are charming choices for your special day and offer a variety of packages that promise your Tennessee wedding will be a beautiful affair your guests will remember forever.

1. Spring Haven Mansion

   • Spring Haven is a beautiful property located just north of Nashville, TN, that was built prior to the Civil War. With its formal dining and parlor rooms, you can have a seated dinner for more than 100 guests. Additional space is available with the charming screened-in porches and the front and back lawns. Spring Haven offers several wedding packages, including a very reasonably priced package for a small, intimate weekday wedding and cake reception for $1800. This package includes 5 hours of rental time, music, bride's bouquet, tables, chairs, linens, and a photographer who gives you unlimited reproduction of the photos. If you would like all of your wedding details handled, you can opt for the "What a Wonderful World" package. This package, at $12,750, includes catering, bar, an overnight stay in the cabin, floral package, wedding day coordinator, rehearsal dinner, cake, access to the music system, and seating for 150 guests.

     Spring Haven

     545 East Main St.

     Hendersonville, TN 37075

     (615) 826-9702

     springhavenmansion.com

   Chapel at the Park

   • Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountain State Park in Gatlinburg, TN, with its seven foot fountains, a waterfall, and gazebo, Chapel at the Park is the perfect place for a romantic wedding in a natural setting. Ceremonies start at $499 for an indoor wedding with minister, unity ceremony, videotaping, and 17 pictures in a photo album. Wedding packages go up to $15,455 for a ceremony and reception that includes limousine service, bridal attire for the wedding party, floral package, dove release, honeymoon accommodations, 60 pictures, parents' albums, dj, rehearsal dinner, cake, and buffet dinner at your reception. Other packages can be added for $25 per person for a full dinner.

     Chapel at the Park

     1844 E. Parkway

     Gatlinburg, TN 37738

     (865) 430-3382

     chapelatthepark.com

   Belle Meade Plantation

   • Built in 1853, the historic Belle Meade Plantation expands over 30 acres and is 6 miles west of Nashville, TN. With your wedding package you will receive 8 hours of rental time for your choice of gardens, indoor, and outdoor sites. Your package includes tables, chairs, and setup. Belle Meade allows you to decrease your reception costs by offering you the choice to hire your own caterer, bartender, and bring in your own drinks. Many established venues will not give you this freedom and will increase your overall costs or charge you corkage fees or cake cutting fees. Facility rentals begin at $5,000.

     Belle Meade Plantation

     5025 Harding Pike

     Nashville, TN 37205

     (615) 356-0501

     bellemeadeplantation.com

     womangettingmarried.com

   Dixon Gallery and Gardens

   • The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is perfect for your Memphis, TN, wedding if you are a cultural buff or you just want to add a bit of class to your wedding day. This site offers great views of nature and art with over 2,000 paintings, sculptured lawns, French and Italian influenced formal gardens, woodland gardens, and artistic stone sculptures throughout the property. You can rent the pavilion at the Dixon Gallery for about $1,000, plus the cost of membership. You will need to provide your own caterer, wedding coordinator, and music as the package only includes the facility and seating costs.

     The Dixon Gallery and Gardens

     4339 Park Ave.

     Memphis, TN 38117

     (901) 761-5250

     dixon.org

   Riverwood Mansion

   • Just north of downtown Nashville, TN, The Riverwood Mansion is an expansive venue with an antebellum mansion, 8 acres of lush gardens, and a tented pavilion. It can accommodate up to 300 guests. With the Grande Celebration Package, you and your guests can have free reign over all 8 acres of the beautiful grounds, the grand mansion, and includes over 3 acres of attended parking. The mansion will offer you a wedding coordinator and a full staff. Additionally, you will have a tented pavilion, lighted gardens, a catered meal, china table service, live ceremony music, fresh flowers for your entire bridal party, candlelit decorations throughout the mansion, and Bath and Body Works soaps and lotions in all powder rooms. This package runs $19,625 for 150 guests.

     Riverwood Mansion

     1833 Welcome Ln.

     Nashville, TN 37216

     (615) 228-8892

     riverwoodmansion.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Belle Meade, Dixon Gallery, Spring Haven, Belle Meade Plantation, Chapel Park, Dixon Gallery Gardens, Gallery Gardens

How to read weather arrows

read weather arrows

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 ..."

A weather vane, which is also sometimes referred to as a weather arrow because they are often made in the shape of an arrow, are useful tools for determining the direction of wind. Weather vanes are most often mounted on a tall point of a building, so they are buffeted by wind that is unobstructed by neighboring buildings and land forms. Most weather vanes also have a four-point direction indicator mounted below the arrow, which is to aid in determining wind direction.

Things You'll Need

• Weather vane

Instructions

1. • 1

     Look at which direction the arrow of the weather vane is pointing. Wait for several seconds to determine what the average direction is.

   • 2

     Compare the direction of the arrow to the four compass points mounted on the weather vane. These compass points are stationary and should aligne with the the directions north, south, east and west.

   • 3

     The direction indicated by the arrow of the weather vane is the direction which the wind is coming from. Weather vanes are designed to be equally weighted on either side, but the side with the arrow tail will have more surface area, which causes it to be pushed by the wind. The arrow point, then, indicates the direction which the wind is coming from.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: weather vane, arrow weather, arrow weather vane, coming from, compass points, direction arrow, direction which

How to anchor wooden garden arches

anchor wooden garden arches

It's interesting:
"It gives me enormous pleasure and pride to be here today, although I am slightly unprepared for this heat; when Paul told me the wedding was to be held in his ..."

Wooden garden arches are lovely additions to your country backyard. Tucked amid banks of colorful flowers, these arches or free-standing gateways invite visitors to step through and explore more of your landscaping design. The only problem with these wooden garden arches is their propensity for falling over if they are bumped or when the wind is high.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Anchor kit
• Hardware
• U-bend rebar
• Rocks

Instructions

1. • 1

     Purchase prefabricated garden arch or gate supports from any home and garden store. These support kits consist of a metal spike with one end that is bent into a square or rectangular cup shape that can be screwed onto the bottom of the posts making up your garden arch. Hardware is often included in the kit.

   • 2

     To use these, simply use a rubber mallet to pound the spikes deep into the ground where you want the arch to be and then slip the feet of the arch into the caps at the top. Use screws to attach it tightly together.

   • 3

     For wooden garden arches with cross bars at the bottom, it is easy to anchor them with simple U-bend rebar pieces. These metal stakes are bent into either rounded or squared off U-shaped pieces. The straight ends are usually eighteen inches or more in length.

   • 4

     To use them to anchor your wooden garden arch, simply slip them over the wood at the bottom of the arch and pound them tightly into the ground. One at each corner is ideal for maximum stability.

   • 5

     For a more casual, and not as sturdy, method to anchor wooden garden arches, use the landscape accents that you already have in your garden. Pieces of wood, wooden or metal benches, existing fences, and even large rocks can be used to help anchor garden arches and gates. Anything heavy that can be placed at the base will help keep your garden safe from windblown arches.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: garden arches, wooden garden, anchor wooden, anchor wooden garden, garden arch, wooden garden arches, your garden

Greek 25th anniversary gifts

It's interesting:
"Normally, an outdoor spring wedding is a risk. Will there be snow? Will it be cold? Will it be hot? Will it rain? Thankfully, today the risk paid off with no precipitation, perfect weather, and a beautiful backdrop to see the union of Paul and Linda."

The traditional gift for a 25th wedding anniversary is made of silver. When you are shopping for an anniversary gift for a couple whose Greek heritage is important to them, take into consideration the important aspects that were instrumental in their marriage ceremony while incorporating the customary silver anniversary gift ideas.

1. Silver Platter

   • A timeless 25th anniversary gift is a silver platter. Engrave the platter with the couple's names and the date of this anniversary milestone. The Greek flag engraved on this gift honors the couple's Greek heritage. Blue and white are the colors of the flag. Have your engraver color the flag accordingly, highlighting the endurance of their marriage and Greek legacy.

   Greek Worry Beads

   • As a symbol of prayer, worry beads have a long history in Greek religious customs. They are given as wedding gifts in traditional Greek ceremonies. Greek worry beads, or komboloi, are widely used today as a form of fun by flipping the beads around and by rubbing them between your fingers as a way of meditating. Give her sterling silver worry beads to symbolize her Greek heritage while adhering to the traditions of this important anniversary.

   Greek Key

   • The symbol of the Greek key is thousands of years old. According to Culture Taste, in Ancient Greece the key meant infinity and the endless flow of things. The key represents friendship, love and devotion -- the key aspects of the long-lasting marriage of 25 years. A sterling silver pendant in this design makes a meaningful and stunning anniversary gift. This symbol fashioned into silver cuff links makes an ideal gift for him.

   Greek Cross

   • Religious symbolism is an integral part of the Greek faith. The Greek cross is made of four equal members in shape and form, and is a recognized symbol of the Christian church. A silver cross pendant is a beautiful Greek 25th anniversary gift. Or give a silver wall cross engraved with the date of the silver anniversary.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: anniversary gift, 25th anniversary, Greek 25th, Greek 25th anniversary, Greek heritage, 25th anniversary gift

How to sew a wedding garter

sew a wedding garter

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 ..."

The garter toss remains a wedding day tradition. Typically, the bride wears two garters on her leg: one for the groom to remove and toss to eligible bachelors and the other to be removed on the wedding night and saved as a keepsake. Sewing your own garter can be a way to make a personalized memento for your husband while allowing you to show off your own style. By making your own, you have unlimited possibilities to create the garter you desire.

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Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Elastic
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Trim fabric, lace or satin
• Embellishment(s)

Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure your ribbon with the tape measure to 28 inches long and cut the ribbon using your scissors.

   • 2

     Measure and cut your trim to 28 inches long, also.

   • 3

     Place the ribbon in the middle of your trim and use your sewing machine and thread to sew both the left and right side of the ribbon to the trim. Do not sew the ends as this is where you will insert your elastic.

   • 4

     Measure and cut the elastic to 17 inches long.

   • 5

     Run the elastic through the open hole in the garter.

   • 6

     Fold the ends of the garter together, right sides facing, and sew the right and left side together, making a circle.

   • 7

     Turn the garter right side out and use ribbon or glue to attach any embellishments, such as bows, charms or buttons, you want on the front.

Tips &- Warnings

• Be sure to get an exact measurement around your leg so your garter fits you correctly and comfortably.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: inches long, Measure your, right side, right side ribbon, side ribbon, wedding garter

Florida destination wedding packages

It's interesting:
"The best man at my own wedding told me that one and it worked - for 15 years anyway, before she left me for someone short, fat and balding, who happened to ..."

Florida is a popular wedding destination for couples from all over the world. The bride and groom can choose venues ranging from the white sandy beaches to lighthouses, golf courses, parks, gardens, motels, resorts and even Walt Disney World. Florida's sunny weather makes it a good choice for outdoor weddings. Couples looking to have their destination wedding in Florida have the option of many different wedding packages.

1. Barefoot Weddings

   • Barefoot Weddings specializes in beach weddings and services Florida's Emerald Coast beaches, including Okaloosa Island, Navarre and Fort Walton Beach. The beaches can not be roped off as all beaches in Florida are public. The Unity Heart of Sand ceremony and the Blessing Stones are distinctive to Barefoot Weddings. During the Unity Heart of Sand ceremony, the bride and groom each take a handful of sand from beneath them and place the sand into a glass heart while repeating a verse in unison. In Blessing Stones, the bride and groom each take a blessing stone out of a basket and repeat a verse during the ceremony. The guests pick a stone after the ceremony and then the guests and the wedding party throw the stones into the water while making a wish or blessing for the couple.

     All wedding packages include shell leis for the bride and groom, the officiate, a photographer and photo CD. The ceremony is customized to the couples' specific needs. Choices include a heart-shaped alter area covered with red rose petals, tropical bamboo tripods, seashell covered topiaries, fern columns, tiki torches and an arch covered with white lilies or red roses. Barefoot weddings can assist the couple in finding a venue for the reception, florists, musicians and DJs for a Florida destination wedding.

   Florida Weddings

   • Florida Weddings specializes in romantic destination wedding packages. Couples can choose from a variety of beautiful locations in Florida for their wedding, including Naples, Orlando, Florida Keys, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Walton, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Cocoa Beach, and the islands of Sanibel, Capitiva and Marco. Venues include beaches, forts, parks, yachts and resorts. They can also help couples plan an underwater wedding.

     Wedding packages include chartered yachts for a three hour cruise with a buffet dinner and wedding cake. Live or recorded music is provided. Other items that may be included in the wedding package are a photographer, videographer, flowers, limousine transportation, wedding consultant, wedding cake, decorations and music. Florida Weddings can also assist couples in reserving a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for a reduced cost.

   Orlando Wedding Locations

   • Orlando Wedding Locations can arrange and coordinate the entire destination wedding in Central Florida for the happy couple. All traditions and cultures are honored. Reverend Tim Herring will be the officiate at the wedding and is available for religious and civil services. Assistance is available to couples for finding wedding professionals, such as photographers, videographers and florists in the same area as the destination wedding.

     Wedding package venues are available at Walt Disney World, golf courses, Cypress Grove Park, Kraft Azalea Gardens, Leu Gardens, Vistana Resort, Paradise Cove or aboard a replica turn-of-the century riverboat. Packages may include photographers, a stretch limousine to take the couple to destination of choice after the ceremony, horse and carriage, white bird release, videographer, flowers, wedding cake, sit-down meal and champagne. The couple has a choice of violin, bagpipe, classical guitar, flute or harp music.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: destination wedding, wedding packages, bride groom, Barefoot Weddings, destination wedding packages, Florida destination, Florida destination wedding

Bridal shower games for second marriages

It's interesting:
"My first impression of Linda was that she was such a beautiful, witty, charming, clever, friendly and thoughtful person. And when she agreed to marry Paul, it totally proved to me that old adage – opposites really do attract."

Bridal showers tend to be a more grown-up, demure event for a second-time bride, but that doesn't mean they aren't just as fun. Ditch the dress-up costumes and sometimes silly games. If you throw a shower in advance of a second marriage, plan games that are sassy and sophisticated, just like your bride-to-be.

1. My Name Is...

   • Start off with the bride saying her first name, followed by something she loves that also starts with the first letter of her name. For example: "-My name is Carrie and I love chocolate."- The next guest stands up and says, "-My name is Lauren and I love lipstick, and her name is Carrie and she loves chocolate."- Each guest takes a turn with the list of names increasing each time. Once you get back to the bride, she adds another "-love"- beginning with the first letter of her name. Everyone will meet each other this way.

   Pass the Package

   • Buy a selection of small treats. Wrap the best treat in the middle. Add another gift on the outside, and wrap that gift and the inner gift in paper. Repeat with several small gifts until you have 10 or so wrapped in between layers of paper. Sit in a circle and turn on some music, then pass the package from person-to-person until the music stops- enlist a volunteer to stop and start the music. Each time the music stops, the person holding the package removes a layer of paper and gets to keep the treat she finds. Include pretty pieces of candy, small items of make-up, gift cards, key rings or fun costume jewelry.

   Complete the Sentence

   • Hand each guest a pen and a game card with up to 20 unfinished phrases on it. These should be well-known sayings that guests know. Each guest races to finish the phrases first. If no one has finished the game by the time five minutes pass, the guest with the most right answers wins. Try well-known sayings such as: "-A woman's work"- (is never done)- "-Variety is"- (the spice of life)- or "-True love"- (conquers all).

   I Went to a Wedding

   • Start with the bride and have her state, “-I went to a wedding and I wore…-,”- and then name an item of clothing like a veil. The next person says, “-I went to a wedding and wore a veil and…-,”- and adds another items of clothing. Each person takes a turn listing all the items said so far and adding one of her own. The person who remembers the longest list wins.

   Wedding Word Scramble

   • Give each guest a pen and a card with 10 to 15 mixed-up wedding-related words. Each guest must then unscramble as many words as possible in a set time. The first person to unscramble all the words correctly wins, or if no one manages the whole lot, the guest with the most right answers wins.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Each guest, 8220-I went, 8220-I went wedding, 8230- 8221-, adds another, answers wins