How to word wedding programs in memory of someone

word wedding programs in memory of someone

It's interesting:
"I know it's Catherine and Stuart's wedding day, but all week I've only been thinking about what might have been … We were this close to a British ..."

Although hope and excitement for a new beginning usually fill a wedding day, when you have loved ones no longer living, there may be some bittersweet feelings of loss as well. A mention in the wedding program is an ideal way to ensure departed family members are an important part of your wedding ceremony. Determine the way you wish to word wedding programs in memory of someone to express your love for your family member.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Create a special place in the wedding program for a remembrance area. Immediately after the living family members' names is one suitable place.

   • 2

     Add the words "In Remembrance" or "In Loving Memory" as the heading for this section.

   • 3

     Place the full names of the departed family members and note their relationship to either the bride or the groom. Place each family member's name on a separate line.

   • 4

     Write a passage under the names, such as, "Although these loved ones are not here in person, we know they share this special day with us in spirit." Another suggestion is, "We had to say good-bye, but this day would not be complete without thinking about these loved ones."

   • 5

     Include information about any special dedications or memorials that are part of the ceremony. For example, if you have candles lit to honor departed loved ones, write, "The candles at the altar represent George Aimes (the bride's grandfather) and Vivian Porter (the groom's sister)."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: loved ones, family members, memory someone, programs memory, programs memory someone

Fairytale wedding theme ideas

It's interesting:
"At a time of the year when so much of the life around us is being born and renewed, how appropriate it is that we have gathered on this day to witness Paul and Linda begin their new journey as husband and wife. Spring truly is the season of hope and love, and a great symbol of new beginnings...and I could not imagine a better time to plan such a very special event. For the rest of our lives, I don't believe anyone here could ever think of Spring time without having great memories of today and thinking wonderful and loving thoughts about the two of you."

Many little girls dream of a fairytale wedding and carry this childhoold dream into adulthood. There is no shortage of fairytale-themed wedding options for all budgets, and from your gown to your invitations to your cake, you can inject a bit of magic into your own wedding.

1. Invitations and Programs

   • Invitations and wedding programs are available for a variety of fairytale-themed weddings. There are many options available, from a general fairytale theme featuring a castle on the front to specific Cinderella-themed invitations, complete with a picture of a pumpkin carriage. You can purchase invitations and programs and customize them through a local printer, order them online, or make your own. Invitation wording can include such fairytale classics as "They lived happily ever after..." and "Once upon a time."

   Centerpieces

   • Centerpieces add an instantly recognizable theme to your tablescape and set the tone for your wedding reception. For inexpensive, general fairytale-themed centerpieces, you can use a potted Manzanita tree and hang inexpensive crystals from the branches, creating a magical-looking mini-forest on your tables. You can surround the tree with tealight candles floating in small vases. There are many companies that make large castles as centerpieces for your wedding, and you can accessorize them with roses. In the case of a Cinderella-themed wedding, you can purchase a carriage centerpiece. For a fall wedding, you can surround it with pumpkins or small decorative shoes.

   Wedding Gowns

   • There is no shortage of perfect fairytale wedding gowns that will make you feel like a princess. The classic princess gown is a ballgown with fitted bodice, a full skirt and intricate detail work, such as beading and sequins. You can find many versions of this type of gown in most, if not all, wedding gown shops. For a Disney fairytale-themed wedding, Disney has a line of dresses inspired by their most popular princesses.

   Cakes

   • A wedding cake makes a big statement at your wedding, and there are many fairytale-inspired cake options. You can ask your wedding cake baker to design the cake to look like your fairytale wedding gown, or you can add a fairytale castle cake topper to your cake. A wedding cake with a line of simple flowers, a lacy look or ornate decorations works well for a fairytale-inspired cake.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, wedding cake, fairytale wedding, Fairytale wedding theme, fairytale-inspired cake, fairytale-themed wedding, theme ideas

Chicago western suburb events

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."

Thousands of people call the western suburbs of Chicago home because of their proximity to the city as well as community events. The western suburbs are made up of many different towns that have their own celebrations and events that cater to the people who live there. Some are much larger and attract not only residents of the area but also people from all over the Chicago area and beyond.

1. Ribfest

   • Naperville, Illinois, is one of the largest Chicago suburbs, located roughly 25 miles west of the city. Every year Naperville hosts Ribfest, which is held in Knoch Park and runs from July 1 through July 4. In the past, the fest has brought in well-known performers and musicians such as Blue Oyster Cult, Los Lonely Boys and Sammy Hagar. Other fest attractions include the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls training camp, and a variety of local radio stations broadcasting live. The festival features some of the best BBQ around including The Southern Living BBQ and KC BBQ. The festival is caped off with a long and exciting fireworks show that starts at dawn on the 4th of July.

     Naperville Ribfest

     Knoch Park

     700 South West St.

     Naperville, IL 60540

   Brookfield Zoo's Creatures of the Night

   • The Brookfield Zoo is in the town of Riverside, Illinois, located five miles west of Chicago. The zoo features one of the largest and rarest collections of different animals and species around. It also offers a variety of exhibits, educational programs and events. Creatures of the Night runs on weekends from mid October until Halloween. The event celebrates the Halloween season by completely transforming the entire zoo with spooky decorations and encouraging visitors to dress in costume. The event also features a Monster Mash Dance Party and scavenger hunt.

     Brookfield Zoo

     31st St. & S 1st Ave.

     Riverside, IL 60546

     708-688-8000

     brookfieldzoo.org&lrm-

   Lombard Cruise Nights

   • Lombard, Illinois, is situated roughly 15 miles west of Chicago and hosts Cruise Nights. Cruise Nights are located in downtown Lombard on the corner of St. Charles Road and Park Avenue. The event takes place every Saturday evening from June through August. Not only does the event feature some of the rarest and most admired cars in history but also a variety of events and activities. Each week the event offers either a DJ or live band including the Beatles Tribute Band, Vinyl Highway and The Neverly Brothers.

     Lombard Cruise Nights

     Corner of St. Charles Rd. and Park Ave.

     Lombard, IL 60148

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Cruise Nights, miles west, Chicago western, Chicago western suburb, Creatures Night, Knoch Park, Lombard Cruise

Summer wedding hairstyles for short hair

It's interesting:
"It seems that just a couple of days before the wedding, he chose a tall, striking blonde behind his fiances back. He voted for Boris Johnson on Thursday…"

For a summer wedding, a bride must choose her wedding hairstyle carefully to ensure that the style stays in place through the heat and that she will be comfortable throughout the day. Fortunately, there are a variety of hairstyles that can be used for brides with short hair.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Soft Curls

   • For a soft and romantic look, add soft curls or loose waves to your short hair. Use Velcro rollers or hot curlers to achieve the look. It should give your short hair volume, curl and bounce.

   Tight Curls

   • For a more formal summer wedding hairstyle, go with tight curls instead. Use a small-barreled curling iron to create spiral curls throughout your locks. Once the hair has cooled, gently comb your fingers through the curls to break them up slightly. The curls can either be left to fall naturally around your face, or pulled back loosely and pinned in the back.

   Chic and Sleek

   • To keep your wedding day style simple, consider staying with your everyday hairstyle. Use whichever products and styling tools work best for your hair texture, and arrange your hair into whichever casual style you feel most comfortable.

   Added Length

   • For something a little different, consider adding hair extensions or a long hairpiece to your short hair. It would be best to add a curly bun at the nape of the neck- this will give your hair length, without requiring it to lay on the neck or back during the warm summer day.

   Accessories

   • Hair accessories are an extremely easy way to add extra flair or elegance to short hair for a summer wedding. Whether you wear your hair straight, curly, pinned up or down, consider adding silk flowers, sparkly headbands, rhinestones or jeweled barrettes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: short hair, your hair, your short, your short hair, consider adding, give your

How to estimate the number of guests to expect at a wedding

estimate the number of guests to expect at a wedding

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 ..."

Failure to plan for enough guests at your wedding can turn your dream evening into a night of chaos. Your wedding vendors make preparations based on the estimated guest count- if your approximations are way off, so will be a bulk of the details. Use your guest list as a tool to determine the maximum number of people who will attend your wedding. Then, come to your estimation as you evaluate how likely it is that your guests will show, based on specific factors regarding your wedding and invitations.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Review your invitation list. Count the number of adults and children invited to the wedding, and arrive at a total number. Don't count the number of invitations that were mailed out, as one invitation can represent multiple people within a family.

   • 2

     Divide this total number by half if you are having a destination wedding. According to The Knot, destination weddings generally have a turnout of 50 percent because not everyone can travel to the destination. (Ref. 1)

   • 3

     Calculate 80 percent of your wedding guests. This is the approximation that you should stick with for local weddings. Typically 80 percent of the people that you invite will attend your wedding if they are in town (Ref. 2)

   • 4

     Make a list of the invitees that you know are coming to the wedding. Some people will be a given, such as parents, siblings, grandparents and your bridal party members. Use this number as your bare minimum so that you have a frame of reference. For instance, if you know for certain that 50 people are coming to your wedding out of the 60 people invited, you can let your vendors know to account for between 50 to 60 people.

   • 5

     Tally up the number of response cards that you get back with acceptances. Pay attention to the number of guests indicated on the response cards, because this number may be different than who the invitation was addressed to. For instance, if you sent one invitation to a family of four, but only the two parents RSVP to come to the wedding, it would be inaccurate to include the whole family of four in your guest count estimation.

   • 6

     Assume that your invitees will bring a guest with them if you make this an option on the invitation. For instance, if your invitation is addressed "To Ms. Kathy Pearson and Guest," plan on Kathy bringing a date or friend to the wedding in your estimations.

Tips &- Warnings

• Even if guests accept the invitation to your wedding, it doesn't mean they will show up. Unexpected things happen, such as illnesses, that could prevent confirmed guests from coming. However, it is safer to plan for confirmed guests than to be under prepared.

• Take into account whether you sent Save the Date cards or mailed your invitations out early. The more notice you give your invitees, the more time you give them to make arrangements to attend your wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, attend your, attend your wedding, number guests, your wedding, confirmed guests, estimate number

Celestial wedding decorations

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 ..."

The decor chosen for a wedding is important because it sets the tone for the entire event. The decorations are some of the first things seen and noticed by your guests, so whatever you choose is going to set an impression in each guest's mind. Celestial wedding decorations are ideal for an "-out of this world"- theme, well-suited to a wedding couple that enjoys outer space, stargazing, science fiction or model rocketry. Celestial decor can include stars, planets, comets and the Moon, and some specialty decor such as glow-in-the-dark stars or a mini planetarium star projector for the entry area.

1. Table Settings

   • Tables decorations, such as gold star wraps for the silverware and sprinkled gold stars and comets across the tables, create a celestial vibe. An indigo or navy blue tablecloth could serve as the night sky backdrop for the stars or you could splatter flecks of glow-in-the-dark paint atop the dark tablecloths -- beforehand, of course -- to create bands of stars within the Milky Way. Dark napkins with stars, the Sun or Moon on them round out the table decor.

   Disco Ball Planet

   • The disco ball over the dance floor could be made into a planet by adding a foam ring or two. Colored gels over the lights which shine on the ball/planet can tint it any color or color combination you'd like, giving it an otherworldly vibe.

   Entryway

   • The entry to your wedding area can be kept somewhat dark with a mini planetarium ball or night sky projector projecting constellations around the room. These are available at toy stores. The guestbook cover features celestial themes, such as the night sky or the moon and pages can be black or dark colored. Guests will write in the book with a silver gel pen.

   Glow Stars, Star Banners

   • Various rooms can be decorated with glow stars as well. The dance area will light up like the night sky when glow stars are on the walls, coupled with the lights from the disco ball planet. Restrooms can be given glow decor as well. Banners can feature shooting stars and strings of stars rather than traditional wedding bells.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Celestial wedding, Celestial wedding decorations, wedding decorations, ball planet, disco ball, glow stars, mini planetarium

Ideas for unity candles & wedding decorations

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, ..."

Details are what often personalize a couple's wedding ceremony and reception. Such details could be used to decorate a couple's unity candle, which is often purchased plain, and then repeated elsewhere in the couple's wedding dé-cor. Rhinestones, flowers, and ribbon can be used in various ways, for example, to decorate place cards, reception tables, bouquets, programs or wedding favors.

1. Rhinestones

   • Give a unity candle added sparkle by gluing rhinestones onto it. The small gems can spell out the bride and groom's initials or their monogram, which includes their first initials and the first letter of their new, shared last name. Or the rhinestones can be used to make a heart or the shape of intertwining wedding rings on the candle. For an easier unity candle decoration, glue rhinestones to the unity candle somewhat randomly, covering all sides of the candle. Add a single rhinestone in the center of each tall taper candle or evenly space several rhinestones along the entire length of each taper candle.

     Bring rhinestones into other wedding dé-cor by having some sewn into the bodice of the bride's dress, by decorating place cards with a rhinestone on either side of the guests' names, and by sprinkling rhinestones on each of the reception tables.

   Flowers

   • Use the bridal flowers as inspiration for a ring of fresh or silk flowers to decorate the base of the unity candle. Wildflowers, like daisies and lavender, might work well for this unity candle decoration. Stephanotis is another option. These small, white, star-shaped flowers are a popular choice for floral wedding dé-cor.

     Since flowers used to make a ring around a unity candle will likely be too small to be featured in table centerpieces at the reception, use clip art images of any unity candle ring flowers to decorate place cards, programs, and wedding favor tags.

   Ribbon

   • Simply tie a ribbon around the unity candle for an easy, elegant appearance. The ribbon can be one of the wedding colors, or a color that symbolizes something important to the couple. For example, pink symbolizes love and beauty, yellow symbolizes joy and happiness, green symbolizes nature and fertility, blue symbolizes truth and peace, white symbolizes purity, and purple symbolizes magic and mystery. Couples could choose any of these colors to adorn their unity candle and include a note in their wedding programs explaining the significance of the chosen color and how the couple hopes to incorporate what the color symbolizes into their married life.

     The same color ribbon could be used as part of the bride's dress, or to tie the bride or bridesmaids' bouquets, or to tie closed any wedding favor bags.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: unity candle, place cards, wedding xE9-cor, around unity, around unity candle, bride dress

Henna tattoo party ideas

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 ..."

Henna tattoos offer the sensuous, skin-emphasizing appeal of body art, without the pain or permanent commitment of tattoos applied by piercing the skin with an ink needle. You can gather a group of friends for a party to share the fun of seeing your arm, hands, leg or feet transformed by a decorative design. You can go the DIY route for creating tattoos, or hire a professional henna tattoo artist, . This type of temporary body art doesn't involve a parental battle for younger guests or alcohol-based courage for those with lower pain thresholds.

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1. Food

   • Serve foods representing one of the many cultures where henna tattooing is traditional. These include Morocco, India, Egypt, Tunisia and Arabia. You may wish to focus on one country or have a multicultural potluck feast. Since the henna application usually takes two to four hours to dry, you will want to serve the food before your guests' hands bear a coating of henna paste.

   Music and Dance

   • Play Indian ragas or Bollywood tunes, Tunisian malouf or Arabic songs. If your budget permits, hire a teacher to come instruct students in belly dancing or Bharatanatyam, Indian classical dancing. Since the henna paste takes a while to dry, it is best to schedule dancing before guests get their tattoos.

   Videos

   • During the post-henna application time, have some videos everyone can watch together. These might continue the cultural theme of the evening, perhaps a showing of Bride and Prejudice, an English language film that uses Bollywood-style musical numbers. You could also look for a documentary about body art, or watch a few episodes of the reality tv series, Miami Ink. Or simply choose a film that is a favorite with you and your friends, or a new release everyone wants to see.

   Henna Tattoo Care

   • To make sure their henna tattoos look their best and last long, offer your guests some tools and tips to protect their temporary body art. A higher body temperature helps deepen the henna stain, so offer something warm to drink after they receive their tattoos. You can also help them conserve body heat by giving them something to wrap lightly around the tattoo. Some henna tattoo artists recommend toilet paper held in place with elastic bandages. Remind guests as they depart that when the henna paste has dried completely and it flakes off, they should moisturize their skin to prevent exfoliation which can lighten the tattoo prematurely. Natural skin care products work best, as those with many chemicals may have a bleaching effect.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: henna paste, film that, Henna tattoo, henna tattoo, Henna tattoo party, party ideas

Motels near orange, massachusetts

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 ..."

Established in 1746, Orange, Massachusetts, is named after the monarch William, Prince of Orange, who ruled over Holland, England, Ireland and other parts of Europe during the late 1600s. Known for its natural scenery, Orange is a small town of fewer than 10,000 people. The Miller River runs through the middle of Orange, and the city has many ponds and brooks. The area is also home to Warwick State Forest, Temple Hill, Tully Mountain, Orange State Forest and Chestnut Hill. Orange and the surrounding area has several inexpensive motels and hotels for visitors.

1. Executive Inn

   • Executive Inn has 28 guest rooms, including both smoking and non-smoking. The former Bald Eagle Motel has been newly renovated as of 2010 and approved by AAA. Guests at the motel receive a free continental breakfast daily. Executive Inn is also close to area restaurants and the Orange Municipal Airport.

     Executive Inn

     110 Daniel Shays Highway

     Orange, MA 01364

     978-544-8864

   Travel Inn

   • Travel Inn is a small motel with 17 guest rooms. Non-smoking rooms are available by request. Accommodations come with cable TV and a free daily breakfast. Travel Inn is close to Orange Wildlife Management Area, where visitors can camp, hike and attempt to spot deer, raccoons, turkeys, beaver and coyote.

     Travel Inn

     180 Daniel Shays Highway

     Orange, MA 01364

     978-544-2986

   King Phillip Motor Inn

   • King Phillip Motor Inn is 10 miles away from Orange in the town of Phillipston. The motel is adjacent to the King Phillip Restaurant, which offers Italian and American dishes. The King Phillip Motor Inn has 12 single and double rooms. All rooms are non-smoking and include cable TV, wireless Internet and air-conditioning. Twohey's Tavern has a full bar with cocktails, mixed drinks and your choice of 12 microbrews on tap. The tavern features a full dinner menu, appetizers, desserts, coffees and specials as well. King Phillip has banquet facilities and can provide rooms and catering for weddings and parties.

     King Phillip Motor Inn

     35 State Road

     Phillipston, MA 01331

     978-249-6300

     kingphillip.com

   Super 8 Gardner

   • Super 8 Gardner is about 29 miles from the city of Orange. The motel allows pets, offers free wireless Internet service and provides a daily Super Start breakfast. Accommodations include micro-refrigerators, free extended cable and free local calls up to 15 minutes. Seafood, steaks, fast food and ice cream are all within walking distance of the motel, and the Wachusset Mounting Ski Area is 10 miles away.

     Super 8 Gardner

     22 N. Pearson Blvd.

     Gardner, MA 01440

     978-630-2888

     super8.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: King Phillip, King Phillip Motor, Phillip Motor, Super Gardner, cable free, Daniel Shays, Daniel Shays Highway

How to dress like a redneck

dress like a redneck

It's interesting:
"Extended anecdotes at a wedding are like a porn star's professional pride and joy; long, hard and difficult to swallow. There are, of course, exceptions; tales so ..."

Whether you want to dress like a redneck for Halloween or aim to fit in as a tourist in a backwards town, you should know that the style is difficult to pull off without the right attitude. This guide can help you dress like a redneck convincingly enough to fool Jeff Foxworthy.

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Things You'll Need

• Ball cap\nFlannel shirt\nWork boots or tennis shoes\nWorn out baggy jeans\nWhite socks\nT-shirt\nSpinach\nBlack makeup

Instructions

1. Dress Like a Redneck for Halloween or Year-round

   • 1

     Wear a ball cap. But know that just any cap will not do. Rednecks prefer red or black and the ball cap must sport a logo or saying related to beer, tools, fishing, hunting or women.

   • 2

     Dress like a redneck with a proper T-shirt. This favored garment shows pride in your favorite farming equipment company, truck parts store or compliments your cap motif: Think beer, tools, fishing, hunting or women, usually in that order.

   • 3

     Wear a flannel shirt regardless of the weather. The thinner and more worn looking the better. If it is summer time, simply cut the sleeves off. Leave all of the buttons undone for casual wear. For a formal event, rednecks button the bottom two eyes.

   • 4

     Select a pair of jeans that have seen better days. An improper fit is essential too. This garment should not compliment one's backside. The brand should be Wrangler, Levis or blue light special du jour, depending on one's social status.

   • 5

     Pick shoes that are functional for rough terrain. Work boots are a year-round favorite as are tennis shoes that would never grace the pages of a sports magazine. Fashion conscious rednecks dress in black leather boots broken in at least a decade prior.

   • 6

     Buy some black makeup or eyeliner and apply sparingly to the face and hands. Smudge with a damp sponge. This emulates motor oil which no righteous redneck lacks chronic exposure to, even when though mechanical skills are lacking.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: like redneck, dress like, dress like redneck, beer tools, beer tools fishing, fishing hunting

Fall wedding ideas

It's interesting:
"It seems that just a couple of days before the wedding, he chose a tall, striking blonde behind his fiances back. He voted for Boris Johnson on Thursday…"

Planning a fall wedding? Any wedding taking place between September 1 and November 1 qualifies as a fall wedding. Harvest themes, Halloween weddings and a profusion of orange, red and yellow are familiar sights at a fall wedding. The great thing about a fall wedding is incorporating the flavor of the season with the rich traditions of wedded bliss.

1. Fall Wedding Favors

   • While wedding favors are not usually the top of a wedding planner's list, fall wedding favors add to the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Pick the right wedding favors and they can double as reception table decorations and gifts. Popular fall wedding favors include soy candles, maple syrup bottles or jars of apple butter, sunflower seeds and caramel apples. These wedding favor classics celebrate the harvest and autumn colors while adding a something homey and cozy. Soy candles are ideal because they can be scented or unscented, and can match your wedding colors.

   Fall Wedding Flowers

   • Fall wedding flowers will affect more than the bouquet choice. For the frugal bride, check with the florist for flowers in season, but focus on the rich texture and deeper colors. White hydrangeas, red and yellow roses, yellow, red or brown dahlias, yellow sunflowers, orange amaranthus and gold chrysanthemum are just a few examples of textured flowers with deep colors. In the Southwest, fall wedding flowers may incorporate succulent plants.

   Fall Wedding Themes

   • Themes are a big part of fall weddings. Halloween weddings are a highlight with costumed brides and grooms exchanging vows. Harvest themes celebrating the wedding as a harvest of love are also popular. Sheaves of wheat can decorate the aisles along with pumpkins, horns of plenty and baskets of faux apples (or go the extra mile with the real thing). Outdoor weddings can be tricky because autumn weather is not always predictable, but wedding photos against a backdrop of fall foliage will amplify the seasonal feeling.

   Fall Wedding Dresses

   • Fall wedding dresses will likely take their lead from the wedding theme. A Halloween wedding theme may incorporate costumes for the bride and groom. If the bride has chosen traditional white, the time of the wedding will determine the shape of the gown. Fall weddings tend to suggest a simpler look, with fewer ruffles and pearling. Bridesmaid dresses are usually cocktail dress length in colors that match the floral decorations, in orange, yellow or red. Avoid color clashes with hair or skin tone.

   Fall Wedding Tips

   • When planning a fall wedding, keep the local weather in mind. The farther north a state is, the earlier in the fall an outdoor wedding should be planned. While outdoor weddings in the South and Southwest can take place through November (typically), a fall wedding in Maine is probably better held in early September if the bride and groom want to have the wedding outside. A fall wedding doesn't require an autumn theme, despite the seasonal time of year. Finally, when planning for a fall wedding, go with what feels right.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: fall wedding, wedding favors, Fall Wedding, bride groom, fall wedding

Do it yourself: three-tiered wedding cakes

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."

Three tiered wedding cakes are a great way of producing a cake big enough to feed an army of guests, and look spectacular as well. If you make (or at least assemble) your own version, it will be far cheaper than a store bought cake. You can choose from three different methods of displaying your cake. The easiest way is to use a tiered cake stand, which displays the three cakes in three floating tiers. This requires no practice and looks attractive. Another approach is to stack the three cakes directly on top of each other, which looks effective and makes decoration simple. The most impressive method is to use cake pillars, so that the cakes are raised in three individual tiers. This is relatively straightforward, but a little more fiddly. It works best with solid cakes such as fruit cakes. With these last two methods, the cake is supported on plastic dowels to make it more secure.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• 16" cake
• 12" cake
• 8" cake
• Palette knife
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Ruler
• Set of 12 plastic cake dowels
• Craft knife
• 14 to 16 cups white frosting, or
• Almond paste, white sugar paste, powdered sugar, apricot jam, pastry brush and rolling pin
• Cake board
• 8 wedding cake pillars or
• Three tier cake stand
• Decorations, e.g. ribbons- sugar paste, dried, silk or real flowers

Instructions

1. Simple Three Tiered Cake

   • 1

     Place the the first cake on a cutting board and trim any irregular edges. The bottom of the cake should be perfectly flat. Trim the other two cakes.

   • 2

     Spread a little frosting in the center of the cake board, and place the first cake square in the middle. Insert five of the plastic dowels through the cake, and cut them off flush with the surface so that they don't show. Spread more frosting over the top of the cake. Insert four plastic dowels in the second cake as above, and position it exactly on top of the first. Spread frosting over the top, and follow with the third cake and the remaining dowels.

   • 3

     Spread the frosting evenly over the cakes. Use a palette knife to smooth the sides, and drag a clean ruler over the top for an even finish. Add decorations, such as artificial or real flowers and ribbons.

   Three Tiered Cake With a Cake Stand

   • 4

     Trim each cake so that it is a regular shape. Brush the sides and top of the first cake with apricot jam. There is no need to use plastic dowels with this cake, as each layer is supported individually. Roll out a sufficient quantity of almond paste to cover the top and sides of the first cake. Roll the paste onto the rolling pin, transfer it to the cake, and unroll it over the cake. Smooth it with your fingers, and trim any over-hanging edges.

   • 5

     Brush apricot jam over the almond paste. Roll out a sufficient quantity of sugar paste to cover the cake. Unroll it over the cake as before, and smooth it out carefully. Tuck any loose edges under the cake and press them down with your fingers. Repeat for the other two cakes.

   • 6

     Decorate each cake with flowers, etc., and place each one on a tier of the stand. Tie a ribbon around each cake and leave the ends trailing. As an alternative to ribbon, try silk ivy or a garland of silk flowers.

   Three Tiered Cake With Cake Pillars

   • 7

     Trim the cakes so that they are a regular shape. Cover each cake with almond paste and sugar paste, as above. Mark the position of each cake pillar with the point of a knife. Measure the distance between each mark and adjust if necessary, as the pillars must be set evenly or the cake will be unstable.

   • 8

     Place the first cake on the cake board. In the place where you want the first pillar, push a plastic dowel right through the cake until it hits the board. Trim it off flush with the surface of the cake. Repeat with the other three dowels. Position a pillar on top of each dowel, and use a ruler to check that the tops of all the pillars are level. If one pillar is standing too tall, the cake may collapse over it. If necessary, trim a little more off the dowel until the pillars are equal.

   • 9

     Add a dab of frosting to the tops of the pillars, and position the second cake on top of the first. Repeat the process to add the third layer. Decorate the cake as desired.

Tips &- Warnings

• To make a tiered cake from a soft cake such as sponge, you can use a tier cake separator. These are plastic plates that plug into the base cake and offer more support to soft cakes .

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: each cake, first cake, plastic dowels, sugar paste, cake cake, over cake

The top 10 unusual hotels

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 ..."

Forget the idea of sleeping in a hotel because you need a place to stay while visiting your intended destination---sometimes, the hotel is the destination. There are unique and unusual places to sleep all over the world, from a research laboratory at the bottom of the sea to an ice building that melts every spring.

1. Jules' Undersea Lodge

   • Jules' Undersea Lodge was originally an underwater habitat and research laboratory by the name of La Chalupa. Located at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in Key Largo Undersea Park, Florida, the Lodge can only be reached by scuba-diving. You can spend several days at the Lodge without surfacing- overnight stays include all dive gear, unlimited dives for certified divers, a gourmet dinner prepared by a "mer-chef" and breakfast in the morning.

     Jules' Undersea Lodge

     at Key Largo Undersea Park

     51 Shoreland Drive

     Key Largo, Florida 33037

     305-451-2353

     jul.com

   Hô-tel de Glace

   • Every year, the Hô-tel de Glace is redesigned and rebuilt in its entirety: it takes five weeks, 15000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. The hotel is open for business from early January through the end of March, although exact dates vary depending on weather and temperatures. It usually offers 36 rooms and themed suites, an ice bar and café-, and even an ice chapel for weddings. Even all the furniture is made from ice- beds are made from a solid ice base topped with a wooden box spring and an arctic sleeping bag. Warm clothes recommended!

     Hô-tel de Glace

     9300, rue de la Faune

     Qué-bec

     Qué-bec Canada G1G 4G4

     418-875-4522

     icehotel-canada.com

   Canopy Tower

   • Located in Panama's Soberaní-a National Park, Canopy Tower was built in 1965 by the United States Air Force to house a radar used in the defense of the Panama Canal. Now repurposed as a hotel, the tower offers five single rooms, five double rooms and two suites, as well as a library containing books on birdwatching, the area's history and other related subjects- from the observation deck, 50 feet above the ground, you have a 360 degree view of the neotropical rainforest surrounding it, as well as Panama City, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean.

     Canopy Tower

     Semaphore Hill Road

     Soberania National Park, Panama City 0832-2701

     Panama

     1-800-930-3397

     canopytower.com

   Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso

   • Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Albergo Diffuso offers eighteen guest rooms in a 2,500-year-old series of Neolithic caves, with a common area in a rock-hewn church. Once housing shepherds and the poor of the area, the rooms have been completely restored and upgraded using locally-created furniture and furnishings.

     Albergo Diffuso Sextantio

     via Civita, 28 - (Sasso Baribano)

     75100 Matera

     Italy

     +39-835-332744

     sassidimatera.com

   Taprobane Island

   • Originally built in the 1920s by the self-styled Count de Mauny-Talvande, Taprobane is a private island with only one choice of accommodation: a 5-bedroom Palladian-style villa with a pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, 2-acre tropical garden and a staff of five to look after your every need. The island is just 200 yards off the Southern Coast in the center of Weligama Bay, it can be easily accessed by wading through the surf---or even by riding in on an elephant!

     Taprobane Island

     Weligama Bay, Weligama

     Sri Lanka

     +94-91-4380275

     taprobaneisland.com

   Woodlyn Park

   • Woodlyn Park, located in New Zealand, offers four different types of accomodation, all unique. You can choose to spend the night in a 1950s Bristol Freighter airplane, reportedly one of the last allied planes to live Vietnam- in the "Waitomo Express," a refurbished 1950s rail car- in a converted WWII patrol boat, built in 1942 in Auckland and now housing 4 separate suites- or in the "Hobbit Motel," a series of units inspired by the Hobbit village in the "Lord of the Rings" movie.

     Woodlyn Park

     1177 Waitomo Valley Road

     RD7, Otorohanga, New Zealand

     +64-7-878-6666

     woodlynpark.co.nz

   Palacio de Sal

   • Built entirely out of salt, the Palacio de Sal hotel is located in Bolivia, at the edge of the Salar de Uyuni---the world's largest salt flat. The hotel offers 16 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa and even a 9-hole designer golf course. Don't lick the walls!

     Palacio de Sal

     Salar de Uyuni

     Potosí-, Bolivia

     +591-2-622-5186

     palaciodesal.com

   The Lighthouse

   • There are many lighthouses that have been converted into tourist accommodation, but how many of them look like a fortress? Built in 1862 by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, the Lighthouse is situated in the Great Orme Country Park and was constructed entirely out of limestone and Canadian pitch pine. It offers three suites, one of which is located in the glass-paneled room which originally housed the optic, all offering panoramic sea views.

     Marine Drive, Great Orme's Head

     Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2XD

     United Kingdom

     +44-1492-876819

     lighthouse-llandudno.co.uk

   Kokopelli's Cave

   • Originally built to be a geologist's office, Kokopelli's cave is a large, one-bedroom cave home carved out of sandstone rock 280 feet above the La Plata River. Fully furnished with modern appliances, a waterfall shower and a flagstone hot tub, the cave is located 70 feet below the surface and can only be reached by walking down a sloping path cut into the sandstone. Pack light, as there are no elevators.

     3204 Crestridge Drive

     Farmington, New Mexico 87401

     505-326-2461

     bbonline.com/nm/kokopelli/

   Airplane Suite

   • Located in the Teuge airport, the Airplane Suite is an Ilyushin 18 airplane built in 1960 which has been converted into a single luxury suite for two. The airplane offers a shower, jacuzzi, flat screen television, free wireless internet and air conditioning- the cockpit area has been left untouched and is fully equipped, although non-functional.

     Airplane Suite

     De Zanden 61b

     7395PA Teuge

     The Netherlands

     +31-6-19388603

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Airplane Suite, Albergo Diffuso, Canopy Tower, Jules Undersea, Jules Undersea Lodge, ocirc-tel Glace

Cheap weddings in kansas city

It's interesting:
"I know it's Catherine and Stuart's wedding day, but all week I've only been thinking about what might have been … We were this close to a British ..."

A bustling city, with plenty of competition in the bridal service market, ensures that it is possible to find a real bargain when looking for venues, catering and wedding day extras in Kansas City. Couples won't have to scrimp when it comes to celebrating their big day, but they may want to think out of the traditional wedding box package if they want to cut down on costs.

1. Venue

   • Historic buildings in Kansas can provide plenty of atmosphere without needing to be expensively decorated

     One of the biggest expenses when organizing a wedding is the venue. To reduce costs try booking well in advance as it can be easier to negotiate a better deal with a larger time frame. Consider getting married on a Friday or a Sunday as many venues in Kansas city will be cheaper on these less traditional days to get married. In the long run it may be cheaper to book a venue that comes with its own style and atmosphere, somewhere that you don't need to spend money on to decorate and personalize. There are some great choices in Kansas City that don't need decking with candles, flowers and ribbons: The Uptown theatre, an old theatre, once graced by famous actors, could provide a glamorous thespian style wedding venue or Union Station, a restored station, where couples can get married under the six-foot wide clock that hangs in an archway could provide a historical setting.

     The Uptown Theater

     3700 Broadway St. Suite 210

     Kansas City, MO 64111

     (816) 753-8665

     uptowntheater.com

     Union Station

     30 W Pershing Road

     Suite 850

     Kansas City, MO 64108

     (816) 460-2078

     unionstation.org

   Wedding Dress

   • Renting a wedding dress can be an economical choice.

     Leave plenty of time to look for the perfect wedding dress, don't make hasty and expensive decisions just because time is running out. Many bridal shops in Kansas City offer a large selection of gowns. Explaining to the assistants your budget and desired style before trying on dresses will prevent them from fitting you out in something you cannot afford. Wedding dresses are only worn once, so consider renting a dress, this will save money and ease storage problems after the big day. Tomorrow's Memories is a bridal boutique local to Kansas City that can kit out the whole bridal party in rented clothing and has an interest free payment plan.

     Tomorrow's Memories

     301 W. Central

     P.O. Box 794

     Andover, KS 67002

     (316) 733-0860

     tomorrowsmemoriesbridal.com

   Food

   • Some wedding venues will allow couples to hire private caterers for their big day. Feeding guests with a buffet or hog roast style meal can be cheaper, not to mention more sociable than a sit down three course meal. Sugar and Spice catering provide a range of catering options. Brides and grooms with a budget may choose an unstaffed buffet to cut down on staffing costs.

     Sugar and Spice Catering

     301 Main Street

     Parkville, MO 64152

     (816) 587-9527

     sugarandspicecatering.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Kansas City, Cheap weddings, Cheap weddings kansas, City that, could provide

Tips for writing bridal shower cards

It's interesting:
"Click on a category below. Links to your chosen speeches will appear in the viewer on the right. Speech 6 in the category 'Childhood friend' under the heading ..."

A bridal shower card is often used to express a special sentiment to the bride-to-be in anticipation of the upcoming nuptials. Depending on your relationship with her, knowing what words to use can be difficult. These simple etiquette tips can help you select the right phrasing to write in a bridal shower card.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Close Family and Friends

   • The bridal shower is the time to share beautiful memories of the bride-to-be you hold dear. It's an opportunity to make her feel special. It's perfectly fine to address the card just to the bride-to-be or to include the groom's name if you desire. There is no set rule. Use the card as an opportunity to recall a memory from her childhood or convey the moment when you first realized she fell in love with her husband-to-be. Share thoughtful words of wisdom about love and marriage that are meaningful to you. A few examples include:

     &bull- "A successful marriage is one in which each person names the other a guardian of his solitude."

     &bull- "A good marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

   Family or Friend of the Groom or Distant Friends and Relatives of the Bride

   • Cater the message based on how well you know the bride-to-be or the couple. For family and friends of the groom, include a simple statement about the couple uniting as one. Feel free to include the groom's name and include a message such as:

     &bull- "Cheers to you and the (groom's name), may your love stand the test of time."

     &bull- "I have never seen (groom's name) happier than when he talks about you. We welcome you with open arms to our family."

     A short statement that reflects your personal experience with the groom is fine to include in the card.

     A distant friend or relative may write:

     &bull- "Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special day."

     &bull- "I am blessed to share in these memorable moments with you."

   Co-Workers, Neighbors and Acquaintances

   • Co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances of the bride invited to attend a bridal shower should not feel obligated to include a special statement in the bridal shower card. However, for individuals who want to include more than just their name, basic and common phrasing is appropriate. For example, consider using,

     &bull- "Best wishes to the bride-to-be on this special day."

     &bull- "Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials."

     &bull- "All the happiness to you and (the groom's name)."

     Feel free to keep it short and simple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal shower, groom name, bridal shower card, shower card, bridal shower cards

What color bouquet for a pink bridesmaid dress?

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. ..."

Pink is a universally flattering color, so it's no wonder it is perpetually popular for bridesmaids. These days, even blushing brides are getting into the act, wearing pale rose colored gowns instead of white -- for example, Reese Witherspoon's tulle confection by Monique Lhuillier. If you want your bridal party to be pretty in pink, you can choose from plenty of colors in the palette, from icy pale rose to coral to bright raspberry. Choose your bouquet -- and your bridesmaids' -- to suit the gowns and the time of year.

1. Spring

   • Pink roses, tulips or peonies are traditional choices. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests a palette of sheer citrus and pink for a watercolor effect. Alternately, consider peaches and cream, with pale Majolica roses, phalaenopsis orchids and amaryllis. TheKnot.com shows a simple all-white bouquet of roses, hydrangeas and calla lilies with a pale-pink bridesmaid dress- in another option, bridesmaids in coral-hued dresses carry flowers of orange, peach, pink and green.

   Summer

   • Bridesmaids wearing flower-bright fuschia carried light pink roses tied with ivory ribbon in TheKnot.com. For even more color, include roses of fuschia, white and red in the mix. Bright pinks with lots of greenery are another good seasonal bouquet. For coral, light pink and soft pink are good complements.

   Fall

   • Weddings with an autumn theme often have more muted colors. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests pairing shell pink or rose with gold, or a romantic, vintage soft pink and peach arrangement tied with pink and brown ribbon. Or try a rustic look. Both Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides suggest arrangements including blush, browns, beige and green. If it complements the gowns, include yellow or even gray in the mix.

   Winter

   • Snowball white bouquets and ice-white arrangements are perpetually popular. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests nosegays of fir, pine, cedar and berries, tied in brown and pink houndstooth wool. Or carry traditional white flowers with pine cones. Another season-bright favorite is back: Martha Stewart Weddings suggests a pink and poppy pairing.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart Weddings, Stewart Weddings, Stewart Weddings suggests, Weddings suggests, bouquet pink

Black-tie etiquette for women

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 ..."

Deciding what to wear seems to be a perpetual challenge for women. This challenge is complicated by the ever-changing concept of appropriate attire. This applies particularly to formal functions where expectations of dress are specific for both women and men, and a failure to adhere to those standards of dress can lead to awkward situations.

1. Dresses

   • According to The Emily Post Institute website, black-tie etiquette for women requires either a semiformal- or formal-length dress. A semiformal-length dress can include a short, knee-length cocktail dress or other tea-length (shin-length) dress. A formal-length dress usually includes floor-length gowns.

     The length of your dress is not the only consideration- you should be cognizant of the style and design of the dress as well. A dress that is too revealing or is too ostentatious in design may not be appropriate for specific formal occasions. In many cases, you must analyze the purpose of the black-tie event and then decide what to wear. If the black-tie occasion is for a sedate or dignified reason, dress should reflect that. Conversely, if the black-tie event is for an enjoyable and happy reason, dress can reflect that mood.

   Pants

   • Although Emily Post believes that a dress is required for black-tie occasions, The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette advises that pants are also an appropriate clothing choice for women. An evening suit, which is more formal than the average business suit, or other formal pants outfit is also appropriate for black-tie occasions.

   Furs

   • Depending upon your choice of dress for black-tie events, a fur can be worn as an accessory or as outerwear. The fur can either be genuine or faux- however, be aware of the possible ramifications that wearing a fur to an event can have. For example, it would be inappropriate to wear a fur coat or fur accessory to a formal event sponsored by an animal-rights organization.

   Accessories

   • Accessories are an acceptable way to supplement black-tie dress for women. Hats, gloves and jewelry are all useful ways to embellish a dress, gown or evening suit. Hats are not commonly worn to formal occasions today in the United States- however, they may be appropriate at some formal events in Europe. Gloves are also acceptable in accompaniment with a formal dress or gown, though they are generally not worn with pants outfits. Jewelry is always acceptable for women as well. It should complement the dress or suit worn and not be too garish or outlandish for the nature of the event. All accessories should be worn in moderation.

   Miscellaneous

   • Black-tie etiquette is not the highest level of event formality. White-tie occasions, where men are required to wear jackets with tails and floor-length gowns are a must for women, are the highest level of formality. Also, the level below black-tie is black-tie-optional, where formal dress is encouraged but not required for either men or women.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: etiquette women, also appropriate, Black-tie etiquette, black-tie event, black-tie occasions

Sand ceremony for a catholic wedding

It's interesting:
"Extended anecdotes at a wedding are like a porn star's professional pride and joy; long, hard and difficult to swallow. There are, of course, exceptions; tales so ..."

In any tradition, a wedding is the binding of two lives together. The Catholic rite of marriage includes the theme of unity of the couple extensively, through liturgy, prayer and the administration of a sacrament. Some couples wish to incorporate other ideas into their ceremony to really crystallize the point that two are becoming one. One such idea is the sand ceremony.

1. About

   • The unity candle started the current trend of non-standard rituals in weddings.

     The sand ceremony is a ritual that allows a very physical manifestation of the combining of two lives. The bride and groom will each take their own vial of sand and mix them together, showing that their lives apart are now over, as their new life together begins. Different readings can take place at different points within this ceremony in order to make it that much more poignant. The sand ceremony is a visual way for a couple to affirm their love. Unity ceremonies first started to gain popularity in the 1960s, with the unity candle being the most prevalent today. Since this ceremony is not an actual part of the rite of marriage, not all priests will agree to include it in your ceremony.

   How It Works

   • In a sand ceremony, the bride and groom each start with their own vial of sand. Many times, these vials have different colors of sand. After the first reading, which explains the individuality of the two parties, the groom will pour a small amount of his sand into a larger vessel. This layer of sand represents the foundation of the marriage that he is providing. The bride will then add a layer of her sand to signify the support that she will provide. The two then empty their vials simultaneously, forming a beautiful mixture of the different sands. The result is a visually stunning piece of art that the couple can later display in their home.

   Significance

   • The meaning behind this ceremony is to show how marriage links the two spouses. A popular saying is that they shall be together for as long as it takes to separate the individual grains of sand back into their original containers. Parts of this ceremony are came from Hawaii, where it is customary for the bride and groom to be married on the beach and to take sand from their feet to combine. In this case, the sand would be of the same color and therefore impossible to separate.

   Variations

   • With the increase in second marriages and subsequent blended families, there is a rise in the popularity of adding additional vials of sand for each child involved. By the children adding their personal sand into the mix, the resulting sand sculpture is representative of the new family that the marriage creates. Another variation on this theme is for the priest to add a third vial of sand to represent the Holy Spirit's omnipresence in the couple's lives.

   Warnings

   • Not all priests will perform a sand ceremony.

     The Catholic rite of marriage has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Although the sand ceremony does not contradict anything in the rite, many priests believe that it is superfluous, as the rite itself focuses on unity. If you want to include this ceremony, discuss it with your priest and see what the rules are in your parish.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: this ceremony, bride groom, rite marriage, sand ceremony, vial sand, Catholic rite, Catholic rite marriage

Why do brides wear white dresses?

It's interesting:
"I think you'll all agree that it's been a wonderful wedding so far. ... But I never received a formal invitation to the wedding, so I just hope I haven't eaten a meal ..."

If you think about the word "bride," most people will conjure the image of a woman wearing a flowing white gown. While there are many attire possibilities for a lady who is to be married, the white (or ivory, off-white or eggshell, among other variations) wedding dress is the one we most often think of in Western cultures. However, brides did not always wear white.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Fit for a Queen

   • The first notable modern woman to wear white on her wedding day was Queen Victoria. In 1840 she married Albert of Saxe in an ostentatious white gown. This was unusual at the time because most women sought to wear a dress that would symbolize their innocence for their new husbands. The color of purity was blue and this is what was traditionally worn.

   The Meaning of Colors

   • When a woman got married, she would choose the best materials she and her family could afford for her wedding dress. The richest brides had dresses containing the most material, and this indicated their social status. Blue was a popular choice for both its symbolic meaning and also the fact that it was dark, which is helpful for hiding stains and other imperfections. A white dress indicated wealth and the appearance of the Queen in a white wedding dress only made the color a more fashionable choice. It became stylish for those brides who could afford it to wear a white gown, which showed that they could afford a dress that they would never wear again. Those who could not afford it or did not care about following trends continued to wear different colors for their weddings.

   The Depression

   • During the years immediately following World War I, most women thought it would be inappropriate to have an extravagant dress. Some could no longer afford to have one anyway. It was rare to find white wedding dresses during the Depression and World War II for these economic and social reasons. This resulted in a throwback to the tradition of wearing your best dress on your wedding day. Most women's best dresses were not white.

   Popular Again

   • Coco Chanel launched a knee-length white wedding dress in the 1920s. Her style influence reinforced the popular notion that wedding dresses should be white. Grace Kelly wore an elaborate silk and white lace wedding gown for her marriage to Prince Rainier III. The image of a fairy tale wedding came to include a bride in a lavish white dress.

   Bridal Gowns Today

   • Fashions shift and change with the times, and today's brides can acceptably wear anything they want on their wedding day. The variety of colors, styles and fabrics available for a wedding gown are as varied as the brides themselves. However, white and light-colored wedding dresses are still the most popular. White is considered the traditional symbol of purity, virtue, happiness and joy.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wear white, could afford, wedding dress, white wedding, wedding dresses, white gown

Japanese buddhist matrimonial ceremonies

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 ..."

When attending a Japanese Buddhist wedding, there are a variety of traditions and customs to be aware of as a guest. From the attire to the expected gifts for the couple to understanding the spiritual ceremony, educating yourself on the Buddhist Japanese customs will help ensure you enjoy the wedding to the fullest.

1. Wedding Venue and Date

   • A Japanese Buddhist wedding, which take place in a temple, typically begins with a vow offered to Buddha, starting of the ceremony. The vow is followed by the procession of the wedding participants. The bridal couple then makes an offering of incense to Buddha. Japanese weddings usually take place in the spring or fall seasons. It is not uncommon for one couple's wedding to be combined with the weddings of several others.

   Attire

   • The traditional Japanese bride wears a multi-colored silk kimono, paints her face pure white, her lips red and wears a wig with decorative combs. For the reception the bride changes to a red kimono that typically displays a decorative crane. After the kimono, the bride wears a furisode, which is a kimono normally designated for single women. The new bride wears this to mark the last time she is single. Men wear a kimono called an aoiri-hakama for the ceremony.

   Sharing of Sake

   • The sharing of the sake is a crucial part of the wedding process done during the wedding ceremony. Sake is rice wine, a common drink in Japan. Three cups are filled with sake and the bride and groom drink from each cup. The number three is sacred and done to honor the three treasures of Buddha. The sake is then offered to the parents of the bride and groom, symbolically linking the two families together.

   Reception

   • The wedding reception follows the wedding ceremony and is typically held in a hotel, banquet hall, club or private home. Guests wear formal attire and women often wear kimonos for the occasion. The bride and groom make a grand entrance once their wedding guests are seated. Samisen, which are strong instruments, and Japanese drums provide the musical entertainment for the party. Wedding guests traditionally bring cash gifts and the guests in turn receive pricey favors or gifts from the bridal couple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, bride wears, bridal couple, buddhist matrimonial, buddhist matrimonial ceremonies, Buddhist wedding, Japanese Buddhist

How to visit the scoville zoo in decatur illinois

visit the scoville zoo in decatur, illinois

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. ..."

Scoville Zoo is a fun community zoo located in the central Illinois area. It has plenty of excitement and adventure to offer to children and the entire family. There's a tour you can take to see all of the animals and learn all kinds of new facts about them. The zoo offers a train, carousel, picnic area, giftshop and more. It's a perfect way to spend the day.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Take the Z & O Express Train around the Scoville Zoo. The train is a one mile trip that gives you a narrated tour of the zoo. The train also takes you through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur. Riders can get an inside look of the animals and go "behind the scenes." The train is a replica of a 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train.

   • 2

     Let the children have some fun and spin around on the Endangered Species Carousel. The Carousel is one of the only ones in the central Illinois area. The carousel has 30 hand-painted endangered animals- plenty for children to ride upon.

   • 3

     Bring your students if you are a teacher or an instructor of a special class. Scoville Zoo offers education programs that are great for learning children of all ages. Groups can take the guided tours or the self guided tours as well. For an even bigger adventure, children can get a chance to spend the night at the zoo with the animals for a night "in the wild."

   • 4

     Walk through the zoo and view all of the animals that zoo has to offer. You can stop to learn about each animal, take photos at some and get a glimpse into the secret of wild life. Check out a box turtle, African clawed frog, Chilean flamingo, cheetahs, meerkats, spider monkey, zebra, and many more exotic animals.

   • 5

     Stop for a picnic at the zoo's picnic area for a rest and to eat. If you haven't packed your own lunch, the zoo also offers a "Zoopermarket" for snacks and refreshments. After some eating, let the children have some fun at the playground while you rest your tired feet from all the walking. Before you leave, visit the gift shop to buy a T-shirt, a stuffed animal, games and more.

Tips &- Warnings

• Watch out for the peacock that wanders freely around the zoo. Don't ever get in his path, or he may have something to say about it.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: central Illinois, central Illinois area, children have, children have some, decatur illinois, guided tours, have some

Wedding invitation etiquette for three sets of parents

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 ..."

Exhibiting the proper etiquette and wording in your wedding invitations when there are three sets of parents hosting your wedding prevents complications such as hurt feelings or leaving someone out. Determine the best invitation wording based on the formality of your wedding, who is paying for--or hosting--the wedding and the relationships you and your betrothed have with everyone involved.

1. From the Parents

   • List each set of parents on the invitation if all of them are paying for the wedding or if it's important to you and your fiance. Formal weddings typically include at least the bride's parents' names. If the bride's parents are divorced and remarried and all of the parents are helping host, invitations could be worded like:

     "Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jenkins
     

     and
     

     Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at the marriage of their children..."

     The bride's mother is listed first, then her father, followed by the groom's parents. If the bride's divorced parents are co-hosting but you'd still like to include the groom's parents as well, you could use the following wording:

     "Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jenkins
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at the marriage of their daughter
     

     Jennifer Marie Jenkins
     

     and
     

     Raymond Earl Jackson
     

     son of
     

     Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson..."

     If the groom's parents are divorced and remarried, the groom's mother would be listed first, followed by his father, using the same format. If the bride's mother is unmarried, drop all of the titles and use her first, maiden and married name unless she has gone back to her maiden name, in which case you'd list her first and maiden name.

     For a less formal wedding, or if you'd like to name each parent, list them as "Joe and Jacki Smith and Steven and Sarah Jenkins."

   From the Couple

   • Using invitations that list only the bride and groom's names is another option if you are hosting your own wedding, don't want to exclude or include certain parents or stepparents or just want to cut down on too many names being mentioned to avoid confusing or overwhelming your guests.

     If everyone is contributing to the cost of the wedding, you could use:

     "Together with their parents,
     

     Jennifer Marie Jenkins
     

     and
     

     Raymond Earl Jackson
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at their marriage..."

     Or, simply issue the invitations from both of you:

     "Jennifer Marie Jenkins
     

     and
     

     Raymond Earl Jackson
     

     request the honour of your presence..."

   Things to Consider

   • Marrying your fiance is supposed to bring your families together and create or strengthen relationships and bonds you both have with your families. If one of you has a new stepparent that you don't wish to include on the actual invitation, or worse, the other parent would be hurt by it, consider not mentioning any names on the invitations, but include the parents' names on your wedding program. Before ordering any of your wedding stationery, particularly your invitations, give each parent a copy of your plans to address any complaints or concerns. This way no one is surprised and you can adjust the wording if necessary.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, honour your, honour your presence, request honour, request honour your

Country wedding cake ideas

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."

Wedding cakes should complement and accent the entire wedding theme, and it's no different with a country wedding. Cakes can be as detailed and elaborate or simple as you wish. The type of country wedding you're having determines the kind of country wedding cake you should serve.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Hoe Down County Fair Country Weddings

   • Weddings with a county fair or hoe down theme can result in a fun and light-hearted wedding cake. Rectangle cakes can be stacked diagonally on top of each other and decorated to resemble bales of hay with a simple cowboy hat or bride and groom in western wear on top. The cake can also be decorated to resemble a wheat field with a little bride and groom "walking" through it on top. Another idea is to fashion the cake like a horse corral with the topper being a bride that has lassoed the groom. Cow designs or other animals work well for humorous country weddings, too. Horseshoes are another superb idea which can be dressed up or down, depending on how casual the wedding is. There are also cake toppers which feature a cowboy hat atop bales of hay, with a lasso at a hitching post with a "Gettin' Hitched" sign.

   Country Garden Weddings

   • Although many people think of cowboys and western themes when hearing of a country wedding, there are also country weddings themed after country gardens. The country offers many beautiful wildflowers that can be used for inspiration for a multi-colored, soft and romantic wedding theme. Decorate the cake with silk or sugar paste sunflowers. Ivy and other greenery can drape down the tiers of a multi-layered cake with wild flowers or roses tucked in. Use a pretty light green earthy tone to cover a three-tiered cake, then decorate the bottom layer with thin brown "twigs" of different heights and add light pink sugar paste flowers and butterflies. The cake can be topped with an elegant bride and groom sitting on a park bench, or the groom presenting flowers to the bride.

   Formal Country Western Weddings

   • Country western wedding cakes can include the use of cowboy boots, cowboy hats or big western belt buckles created in a fancy manner. A multi-tiered cake can be iced in a leather-like brown color with elaborate details around the cake, like a good leather belt including the buckle. Top the cake off with a bride and groom wearing cowboy hats. The bride and groom can also be placed in front of a heart-shaped lasso or horseshoe. Another idea is a classic, formal cake topped with flowers and a bride and groom in an open horse-drawn carriage.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, wedding cake, cake with, Another idea, bales with, cake ideas

How to order wedding ceremony programs

order wedding ceremony programs

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 ..."

Ordering wedding ceremony programs can be overwhelming. After all, common knowledge dictates the ordering of wedding invitations. A wedding ceremony program, however, comes with a whole set of choices. There is more information to include and more options of what to say and say it. Fortunately, if you know what you want and if you have a solid plan, the whole can come together just as easily as ordering a wedding invitation.

Instructions

1. • 1

     The style of your program should match your ceremony.

     Look online for samples to determine what type and style of wedding ceremony program you'd like to buy. Choose themes or styles that have to do with your wedding.

   • 2

     The program should have all the information about the wedding.

     Write out what you'd like your program to say. Be sure to include all important information about the ceremony, the order of events and the names of those involved.

   • 3

     It is always good to get recommendations for printers from friends.

     Find a printer who will print the programs for the price you want and in the desired time. You can find a printer by recommendation or by looking online. Consider using someone who can also print your invitations and other paper goods.

   • 4

     Proofread your program before you have the final printing done.

     Proofread the program sample the printer gives you. Make sure there are no typos or spelling errors.

Tips &- Warnings

• Some people find that it is easier and cheaper to make their wedding programs themselves on their personal computers.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, ceremony programs, wedding ceremony programs, your program, ceremony program

How to use the tie the knot website

use the tie the knot website

It's interesting:
"Linda is beautiful. She’s intelligent. She’s funny. She can cook like Nigella Lawson and she’s got the patience of a saint. Paul, I can say with my hand on my heart that you’re one of the luckiest men alive. And she writes a cracking Best Man speech as well."

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting and fun times of your life. It will also be the most stressful event you've ever had to plan. Trying to keep track of everything yourself may not be the wisest move. After all, with all the hustle and bustle, you may forget something or simply lose track of what you've already taken care of. The Knot is a great website that helps you in planning the wedding, keeps a list of items you've taken care of and even gives great pointers. Here is use The Knot to plan your wedding.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Log onto The Knot (see Resources).

   • 2

     Click the “-Join Free”- link at the top of the home page. From there you will taken to a new web page with plenty of information for you to fill out. Name, address, wedding date and whether you are the bride or groom are just a few of the items listed. If you don't have an actual wedding date, you can just put in an approximate date as the date can be changed later. Once you've filled out the page, click the “-Submit”- form at the bottom to register.

   • 3

     Head back to The Knot web page. Depending on your browser settings, you may find that you're already logged in on The Knot. If not, click the “-Log In”- link and enter your email and password. Click the “-My Knot”- tab to access your personal account.

   • 4

     Begin by clicking on the “-Update”- link found in the “-My Budget”- box. This is the most useful tool found on The Knot. You can use this portion of the website to plan your budget accordingly, including any and all costs you will encounter when planning the wedding. Begin by adding a number in the text box next to the “-My Budget”- box. Beneath this, you can enter the guests and the amount of people in your wedding party. Once you have done this, you will find that there will be values in the budget columns underneath for items such as “-Food and Service,”- “-Ceremony Location Fee”- and “-Reception Music.”- This will let you know the maximum amount you can spend on these things in order to stay on budget. If you go over budget on any item, your budget will recalculate itself to let you know how much you can spend on your remaining items and stay on budget. You can also change the total amount of your budget at the top of the screen at any time if your overall budget changes while planning the wedding.

   • 5

     Click on the “-My Guest List”- box back on the “-My Knot”- page to keep track of wedding guests. This is a much better system than doing so by hand. You can list the names of all you are inviting to the wedding, mark whether or not they have accepted or declined an invitation and if they're bringing a guest, list any gifts you may have received and even arrange seating charts for the ceremony.

   • 6

     Create a wedding web page by clicking on the “-My Web Page”- link found on the “-My Knot”- page. This is the place where wedding guests can find information regarding your special day. You can update the web page to tell the story of how you two met, the engagement, the day of the wedding and details about your reception. Guests can also RSVP right on your wedding web page and also sign a guest book.

   • 7

     Use the other items on the “-My Knot”- web page as you see fit. Chances are that you'll have enough information about the location of your wedding that you won't need to use The Knot to find a wedding dress, tuxedos or place for the reception. However, if you're getting married in a town or city that's new to you, The Knot is a great launching tool for finding this information. Use these parts of My Knot as a phone book or search engine of sorts. The Knot is a completely free service so you might as well take advantage of all that it offers you.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Knot x201D-, x201C-My Knot, x201C-My Knot x201D-, x201D- link, your wedding, Knot x201D- page, x201D- page

18th century english dresses

It's interesting:
"At the wedding rehearsal yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of talking with Linda’s close friends. They talked about how she’s the friend they turn to when they need to vent over a foolish boyfriend or for advice on land the job of their dreams. They also said she has some pretty sweet moves on the dance floor. So let’s see them!"

The fashions of England in the 18th century were largely influenced by the royal court's tendencies. Women's dress styles changed dramatically from 1700 to 1800, evolving from somber and reserved to simple, seductive elegance by the end of the century. The British ruled the seas during the 18th century, bringing exotic fabrics like Indian muslin and Oriental patterns to England, while neighboring France continued to influence English dress. Country fashion sometimes lagged up to 20 years behind town fashion.

1. 1700 to 1735

   • For much of the 18th century, the petticoat was one of the main distinguishing features of women's dress. The solid-colored overskirt was drawn up in folds or bunches to show the rich cloth and pattern of the whalebone-stiffened underskirt. Laced aprons were worn over the skirt, even for formal occasions. The bodice of the dress was cut low, and was very stiff, designed to perfectly fit the tightly laced corset beneath it. Sleeves reached the elbow. A wide lace ruffle hung from the sleeve, which was sometimes a part of the chemise underneath, rather than a part of the dress itself. A smaller lace ruffle accented the neckline of the bodice.

   1730 to 1750

   • The arrival of Queen Caroline in England brought the more casual and elegant Rococo style to English fashion and influenced ladies' dress to become more elaborate, making use of finer fabrics like silk, satin and damask embroidered with gold, silver and other colors. The hoop skirt became popular, and skirts acquired a more oval shape, making the gown easier to manage. Quilting on dresses appeared and provided practicality by making dresses warmer for winter wear. The saque gown was introduced, inspired by women's negligees. The gown fell loosely from the shoulders and gathered in folds, with a long piece of fabric gathered at the back of the shoulders, like a cape. Hoops became smaller and side panniers were introduced, designed to hold the skirt out far beyond the hip, which led to the development of lighter fabrics, such as lawn cloth and muslin, for women's dresses.

   1750 to 1780

   • Waistlines remained tight in this period, becoming long and pointed. Bodices were cut ever lower and showed a striking expanse of decolletage, even with a cloth of lace and ribbons tucked into the top, called a breast-front. The pannier skirt was introduced and worn short, showing the shoes and ankles, with the diagonal lines of the overskirt trimmed with the same lace as the sleeves. Underskirts became even more elaborate, trimmed with strips of lace, ribbon or fur. Overskirts and underskirts were often worn in contrasting colors for dramatic effect.

   1780 to 1800

   • By 1780, the hoop skirt had all but disappeared, replaced by pads at the hips and in back, creating a full skirt with a flat front. The influence of Marie Antoinette's personal preference in style was echoed throughout England, evoking a simple and somewhat pastoral, though no less costly, style in women's dress. Skirts were simple, flowing and without adornment. Women's bodices echoed men's suit coats, buttoned up with overlapping revers. In 1783, a short-lived fad for decorating dresses with straw appeared. The empire waist became popular in England in the mid-1790s, and dresses became lighter, thinner and quite simple, worn without petticoats or corsets. Cashmere shawls were introduced, and women began to wear wraps to disguise the revealing flimsiness of their gowns at will. This simple style remained in fashion for the next 20 years.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: 18th century, 18th century english, became popular, century english, century english dresses

How to decorate with cloches

decorate with cloches

It's interesting:
"Sometimes people get upset when their friend gets married, especially if they don’t know the bride too well. Well, the way I see it – today I’m not losing one friend to marriage, but gaining one instead. And, if you look over at our college friends sitting at table 9, it’ll highlight how nice it will be for us to gain a new member of the crew, a new best friend, especially one who clearly bathes regularly."

Cloches are transparent, bell-shaped coverings originally used in covering plants during the cold winters or harsh weather. Often the cloches are made of glass. Another name for them is a bell jar. Whether you have an antique cloche or a reproduction, they are useful in decorating your home. Setting the open end of the cloche over a fragile item is an effective way to protect it from dust or breaking. Cloches add an old-fashioned charm to any decorative feature by displaying the item underneath. The shape and design of the cloche draws the eye visually to the decor.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Faux bird's nest
• Faux bird
• Pedestal
• Faux fruit
• Christmas village
• Cotton batting
• Pillar candle
• Plate
• Small potted plant
• Framed picture
• Silk or dried flower arrangement
• Sculpture (optional)

Instructions

1. • 1

     Set a cloche on top of a faux bird's nest with a fake bird inside it. This is a perfect way to add a touch of nature to a country or rustic style home.

   • 2

     Place a cloche on top of a decorative cake pedestal. Set faux fruit inside it to add a touch of color to your kitchen counter top, or use it as a centerpiece on your dining room table.

   • 3

     Surround a tiny Christmas village on top of cotton batting with the cloche. This gives it the look of a snow globe.

   • 4

     Place the cloche on top of a pillar candle that coordinates with the other decor in the room. This draws the eye to the candle and color, providing added interest.

   • 5

     Lay a plate on your table top or other surface and add a potted plant in the center. Select one that thrives well in humid conditions, such as an African violet or purple passion plant. This creates a mini-terrarium out of your cloche. Using the plate protects the surface from moisture.

   • 6

     Draw attention to a framed picture by placing the cloche over it. The added size draws the eye visually to whatever is underneath the cloche.

   • 7

     Set the cloche over a silk or dried flower arrangement or other item that tends to get dusty. This reduces the dust particles and is an effective way to display a silk wedding bouquet, a corsage or other sentimental treasure.

Tips &- Warnings

• Adding a cloche over an expensive sculpture helps protect it from dust and breakage. Cloches come in a wide variety of sizes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: cloche over, bird nest, Christmas village, decorate with, decorate with cloches, draws visually