What are great places for outdoor weddings in phoenix, az?

It's interesting:
"August is the month when many folk festivals take place, where the audience stares at a bloke with a microphone and one finger stuck in his ear. In contrast ..."

Take advantage of the natural sunshine in Phoenix by hosting your wedding outside. Phoenix offers many different outdoors locations to get married, host your reception and take stunning wedding pictures that you will enjoy for years to come. Because of its southwest location, Phoenix is typically dry and sunny all year long.

1. Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens

   • The Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens contains secret tropical gardens where you can host your ceremony or your ceremony and reception. There are four different packages for you to choose from, depending on your needs. Choose from the gazebo garden, Mexican cantina with water fountains and a lily pond, an indoor tropical garden with a 20-foot waterfall, and the Old English arbor.

     Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens
     

     16026 North 36th Street
     

     Phoenix, AZ 85032
     

     (602) 867-8975
     

     BoojumTree.com

   Desert Botanical Gardens

   • The Desert Botanical Gardens offers different packages for your wedding, depending on how many guests you're having and what you desire. Choose from the Boppart Courtyard and Dorrance Hall- an up-lit auditorium and patio- the Herb Garden, which features seven themed gardens- wildflower pavilion- amphitheater or a clearing at the highest point in the garden. Some of the areas have limited availability, such as Webster Auditorium, which is only available for five hours during the evening.

     Desert Botanical Gardens
     

     1201 N. Galvin Parkway
     

     Phoenix, AZ 85008
     

     (480) 941-1225
     

     DesertBotanical.org

   Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

   • The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a secluded resort that offers views of the valley. Hold your wedding in the intimate patio or on the lawn after relaxing at the spa. Packages are available, and there is valet parking, a bridal suite, fine dining and more.

     Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
     

     5700 East McDonald Drive
     

     Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
     

     (480) 948-2100
     

     SanctuaryOnCamelback.com

   Whirlwind Golf Club

   • The Whirlwind Golf Club boasts a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse on well-manicured greens. You can host your wedding inside the clubhouse or outside on the event green. The Whirlwind has an executive chef and event manager on-site to help you plan out all your wedding details. They also have professional banquet and catering staff to ensure your wedding goes according to plan.

     Whirlwind Golf Club
     

     5692 West North Loop Road
     

     Chandler, AZ 85226
     

     (480) 940-1500
     

     WhirlwindGolf.com

   Val Vista Lakes

   • The Val Vista Lakes Community Center has an outdoor area with a 20-foot waterfall that is available for ceremonies, if you book the banquet facility for your reception. Each area can accommodate up to 200 guests. Linens, decorations, a DJ and catering must be provided by you, so you are able to choose your own vendors.

     Val Vista Lakes
     

     1600 East Lakeside Drive
     

     Gilbert, AZ 85234
     

     (480) 926-9694
     

     ValVistaLakes.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, Boojum Tree, Boojum Tree Hidden, Botanical Gardens, Camelback Mountain, Desert Botanical, Desert Botanical Gardens

How to word response cards for a wedding reception hotel stay

word response cards for a wedding reception & hotel stay

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."

It is common wedding etiquette to include response and informational cards with your wedding invitation. The response card contains spaces for each guest to fill in to let the reception host know who will be attending and the meal selections if the event involves a sit-down dinner. Informational cards provide relevant information to guest such as local hotel accommodations for guests who will be traveling in from out of town. Place hotel information on a separate card from the response card.

Instructions

1. Response Cards

   • 1

     State &ldquo-The favour of a reply is requested on or before (requested return date)&rdquo- in the top center of your reply card. The requested return date should be spelled out in long hand, for example, May 30, 2011, rather than shorthand (05/30/11).

   • 2

     Skip two lines and place the &ldquo-name line&rdquo- in the following form: &ldquo-M______________&rdquo-. The name line should stretch the full length of the card with the exception of uniform margins on the right and left sides. The name line is where your invited guests will write in their names regardless of whether they will be accepting or declining your invitation.

   • 3

     Skip two lines, and create your first return option in the following format: &ldquo-_____Accepts with pleasure&rdquo-. Skip one line and create your second return option: &ldquo-_____Declines with regret&rdquo-. It is important to provide a lined space before each option so that your guests can respond by placing a simple check mark next to the option that they choose. An alternative option is to place both options on the same line in the following format: &ldquo- _____Accepts _____Regrets&rdquo-. Either option is acceptable- however, the first option is the more formal of the two.

   • 4

     Skip two lines, and state your meal options if you are having a sit-down dinner with alternative selections. Again, you can place your meal selections on separate single spaced lines or on the same line. Each meal selection should contain a &ldquo-marking line&rdquo- before the selection for your guests to write in the number of specific meal options requested.

   Hotel Information Cards

   • 5

     Place the title &ldquo-Accommodations&rdquo- at the top-center of your information card in bold, italicized font. Placing a descriptive title at the top of the card will help your guests identify the function of the card and the information that it contains without confusion.

   • 6

     Skip one line, and place a descriptive message directly below the card heading. For example, &ldquo-Blocks of rooms have been reserved at the following hotels&rdquo- or &ldquo-Accommodations are available at the following locations&rdquo- is an acceptable descriptive phrase for this purpose. If you have reserved a block of rooms at a particular hotel at a reduced rate, you should instruct your guests to reference a particular name, such as the &ldquo-Smith wedding&rdquo- or a reservation code provided by the hotel when making their reservation. If guests need to make reservations by a particular date in order to receive a discounted room rate, state the reservation deadline in this section as well.

   • 7

     List the name of the hotel in bold, italicized fonts. Skip one line, and state the address of the hotel in normal font. If there is a special room rate that your guests may qualify for, state the rate under the hotel's address. Skip one line, and provide the phone number for the hotel. Repeat this step for each hotel that you have reserved or that is convenient to the location of your wedding reception.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your guests, Skip line, Skip lines, wedding reception, bold italicized

Costume ideas for gilligan's island

It's interesting:
"Kick things off with a topical wedding-themed icebreaker, as this will show everybody that you've been thinking about the speech right up to the last minute."

Gilligan's Island costumes are a great idea for a group costume or costume party theme. The silly sitcom about seven castaways on a tropical island provides ample fodder for fun and games. If you need more than seven basic costume ideas, you can always add some absurd "native" costumes from assorted episodes.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Gilligan

   • The klutzy deckhand, Gilligan, is the clown of the castaway crew. His basic costume is easy to replicate. Gilligan has blue, bell-bottom pants and white canvas shoes. His red, long-sleeve shirt has a pointed white collar with three white buttons down the front. He wears his white sailor's hat with the brim down.

   Ginger

   • Ginger is the sexy movie-star castaway. Her costume is glamorous with a sparkling, gold evening gown and matching heels. She has teased, shoulder-length red hair that flips outward at the ends and a dark mole on her cheek. Her heavy eye shadow, sleek eyeliner, false eyelashes and red lipstick are always perfectly applied.

   Mary Ann

   • The farm girl, Mary Ann, is the sweet and nurturing castaway. Though she can wear a few different costumes, her short, brunette pigtails are her signature. The best Mary Ann costume has a red-and-white checked, sleeveless, button-down shirt tied in a knot below the bosom. Her short shorts are blue with a waist that ends just above the bellybutton. No shoes are required for Mary Ann, though a simple pair of sandals can be used if needed.

   Mr. Howell

   • Rich and arrogant, Mr. Howell is the haughty millionaire castaway. He wears a pair of white yachting pants and a blue, emblem-embroidered suit jacket. His tailored white shirt opens at the collar to reveal a fancy silk ascot. The costume can be paired with a pair of leather loafers or fancy canvas yachting shoes.

   Mrs. Howell

   • Mrs. Howell is the sweet, but clueless and spoiled, castaway. Called "Lovey" by her husband, she has short, platinum-blonde hair that is always perfectly styled. She wears pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, white gloves and white shoes with a low heel. Her main outfit can include any matching coat and skirt/pant combination, such as floral-patterned silk pants with a ruffled, pearl-buttoned, floral jacket and matching sunhat.

   Skipper

   • The robust and cheerful Skipper is the captain of the wrecked ship and the leader of the castaways. He wears white pants, white canvas shoes and a blue, short-sleeve shirt that hangs loosely over his big belly. He has a dark blue captain's cap with an embroidered emblem in front.

   The Professor

   • The professor is the brilliant castaway who can create a coconut radio, but cannot fix a hole in a wood ship. The professor wears a white, tailored, long-sleeve, button-down shirt tucked neatly into his beige slacks. A pair of simple leather loafers and a simple leather belt finishes his outfit.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wears white, always perfectly, basic costume, button-down shirt, canvas shoes, Costume ideas, hair that

Native american engagement ceremonies

It's interesting:
"Generally speaking, a good wedding speech should sound as if it has been prepared and rehearsed over a long period before the event but the seemingly ..."

A great many courtship and marriage traditions existed within the overall Native American culture. Informal arrangements were the rule for some courtships and engagements. Others were very formal, with specific rituals. Occasionally a young couple would elope, with no engagement ceremony at all. Only the families of the man and woman were involved in some cases, and in other cases, the entire tribe would celebrate the engagement and marriage with feasting, dancing and merrymaking.

1. Little or No Engagement Ceremony

   • For some Native American tribes, capturing a bride in warfare or outright buying of a bride was a common route to marriage. During a raid, young women and children would be carried off, the women to be married, the children to be adopted into families who had lost family members due to other warring raids. Among some tribes, such as the Omaha, a couple could elope, forestalling any engagement ceremony or talk with the parents. If the couple married, however, there usually was no recrimination from their families.

   Family Negotiations

   • For most American Indian tribes, parents were involved in marriage negotiations. In the Sioux, fathers managed arrangement of engagements and marriages, and a daughter had no say in the matter. Among the Cherokee, mothers had the final say, and a daughter had the right to refuse any particular suitor. In northern California tribes such as the Klamath, a young man could have a full-marriage or a half-marriage, depending on what he could afford for a bride price. If he had the wealth, he full married. If not, he half-married and lived with the bride's family.

   Formal Engagement

   • The Hopi practiced formal engagement, although the young men and women usually chose their own partners. Either a young woman or a young man could choose, the girl by making a sweet cornbread and offering it to the boy, or a boy by making fine doeskin clothing and offering it to the girl. If their choice was agreeable to both, the boy then asked her parents for their consent, and then asked his own. The couple was engaged at this point. The girl ground cornmeal, took it to her future in-laws and stayed with them for three days. While there, she obeyed her new mother-in-law, who in turn protected her when the groom's parental aunts "attacked" the bride. In about two weeks, the couple married.

   Tribal Involvement

   • Among the Algonquin tribes, including the Cree, Chippewa and Ottawa, once an engagement has begun, both the bride and the groom must find two sponsors each from the tribe. The sponsors must be older, respected people who can advise them throughout their married lives. This tribal involvement meant a more stable relationship for the couple. During the engagement, the couple prepares their regalia, their formal wedding clothing, and make or buy hundreds of gifts to give to tribe members. The entire tribe joins in the feast of fry breads, venison, fish, squash, beans, corn and many desserts after the wedding. The newlyweds then give the presents to the tribe.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: american engagement, american engagement ceremonies, couple married, engagement ceremonies, engagement ceremony, entire tribe, Native American

How to plan your wedding music

plan your wedding music

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 ..."

Choosing a wedding band or DJ is the first step in arranging the music for your wedding. The next step is to plan exactly what you would like to have played at your wedding ceremony and reception. Weighing a few important decisions will help ensure that your music is the perfect accompaniment to your special day.

Things You'll Need

• DJ or wedding band
• Knowledge of all wedding venues
• List of key moments you wish to underscore

Instructions

1. • 1

     Ask your DJ or the leader of your wedding band for advice on which songs to play. Wedding musicians often have years of experience and will be able to guide you through the process of picking the songs to be played during each special moment of your ceremony and reception. They should also be able to recommend songs that have been popular at other weddings they have accompanied and can suggest songs they commonly play for specific events, such as cutting the cake and the introduction of the wedding party.

   • 2

     Determine any special moments within the ceremony or reception during which you would like a specific song played. For example, you'll most likely want to plan music for the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, the first dance of the bride and groom and the father/daughter dance.

   • 3

     Make a list of the specific songs that you would like to have played during these key moments. Review this list with your DJ or wedding band leader to be sure that she knows each of the songs and will be able to play them. Provide as much preparation time as possible, as the band may need to learn the song.

   • 4

     Choose appropriate background music for the downtime before the ceremony and during the reception, when your guests will be eating or making conversation. For example, it's a nice touch to have music playing when your guests arrive at the ceremony and are taking their seats, and you might also want to select music to be played during your cocktail hour or your dinner.

   • 5

     Favor music that can be played softly, such as classical or acoustic music, when you are choosing this background music. This will keep the ambient music from overpowering the conversation between you and your guests.

   • 6

     Find out if your DJ or wedding band needs to provide any special equipment to play music at the venue where you are having your wedding. For example, if your wedding band incorporates piano, find out if the venue already has one available or if the band will need to bring a keyboard or another alternative. A DJ should be ready to provide his own speakers and other sound equipment, but be sure that the venue is equipped with the appropriate power sources and outlets to support any electronic equipment.

Tips &- Warnings

• You may be able to save money by having your DJ or band perform only at your reception and inviting the church organist, a friend or a soloist (such as a professional violinist) to play during the actual ceremony.

• If you are having your wedding at a church, check with the minister or other official performing the ceremony to make sure the music you plan to play is allowed within the church. Some churches have very strict rules about what can and can't be played.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, wedding band, your wedding band, ceremony reception, having your, played during, would like

Birthday party invitation ideas: dora

It's interesting:
"During my research - and yes, believe it or not, this was researched - I looked into the three key elements of a wedding day: first, the aisle, the longest walk ..."

If your little one loves watching "Dora the Explorer" on TV, chances are she'll enjoy a birthday party where Dora and her friends are the main theme. To give your little girl's friends an indication of how fun the party will be, you can put together some invitations that feature Dora, as well as the items and characters that are well-known from the animated series.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Themed Dora Invites

   • Send invitations that show Dora in various situations or scenery, to match the theme of the birthday party. Visit the Nick Jr. website to print invitations of Dora at the beach or in a castle. Or, create these types of backdrops yourself on the cover of the invitation by using items such as blue cellophane for water or bronze glitter to form the stones of the castle. Download and print an image of Dora, and glue the image onto the invitation in the position that you want. Include Spanish phrases on the invitation as well, such as "Es invitado" (You're invited) or "Feliz cumpleanos" (Happy birthday).

   Map Invitations

   • Create invitations that resemble The Map, a character on Dora the Explorer that helps her reach her destinations. Print the image of The Map (a piece of paper in the shape of a scroll with eyes and a mouth) in the corner of the invitations, and use bright colors that are common on "Dora the Explorer," such as yellow and green, to create the map to your home that will decorate the bottom of the invitation. Or, include all the invitation details on sturdy paper, and roll the paper into a scroll to resemble The Map. Add plastic googly eyes to the front of the map, as well as a piece of black felt in the shape of a mouth. Tie the map invitations together with a piece of yarn or string and hand them out to guests.

   Backpack Invitations

   • Backpack (or "mochilla") is another one of Dora's sidekicks that children love. Create backpack invitations by using purple stock paper. Cut purple straps for the backpack and glue them to the back of the paper. Use googly eyes and a piece of red felt for Backpack's mouth to create the character's face. Write the invitation details underneath Backpack's face or on the underside of the invitation in between the straps. Or, purchase mini purple backpacks from the local craft store. Hot glue the eyes and mouth onto the backpack, and place a small card inside with all of the details for the party, such as the date of the event, what time it will start and a small map to your home.

Source: www.ehow.com
Tags: Dora Explorer, invitations that, Birthday party, birthday party, Birthday party invitation

Gifts for scottish wedding guests

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!"

Scottish weddings are centered around tradition, superstition and fun. Good luck and good fortune, love, health and fertility are all aspects of a new marriage embraced by the Scottish wedding tradition. Giving your guests traditional Scottish wedding favors is a great way to send your guests off with fun favor while wishing them good luck and good fortune in their lives.

1. Luckenbooth Brooch

   • During the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, heart-shaped Luckenbooth brooches were given at weddings and engagements as tokens of love. From the eighteenth century on, these brooches were worn to protect against evil spirits. Most of these brooches today come in the form of two intertwined hearts topped by a crown, are made of silver, and some even come decorated with garnets. Handing out small Luckenbooth brooches to your wedding guests is a great way to show Scottish tradition. You could also make an information card about the history of the Luckenbooth brooch so that those at your wedding unfamiliar with Scottish tradition will understand its meaning.

   Bag of Silver Coin Candies

   • In a traditional Scottish wedding, the groom throws a handful of silver coins out the window of the car as he and the bride drive away for nearby children to collect. This is known as the "wedding scramble". Instead of throwing coins, buy chocolate candies decorated to look like silver coins. Instead of tossing them from the car, you can bag them in decorative tartan plaid bags and place them at each wedding guest's spot at the reception dinner table.

   Whiskey

   • For an adult-only reception, place small bottles of Scottish whiskey at every guest's place setting. Scotsmen love to toast freely, and will appreciate a nice little bottle of their own scotch. These small bottles can also be used to make the first toast to the bride and groom.

   Sugared Almonds

   • A popular wedding tradition in and around Scotland is to give guests five sugared almonds. The almonds signify health, happiness, wealth, fertility and a long life. Traditionally, the sugared almonds are given to the bride by her mother. Some brides extend this tradition to female wedding guests and bridal party members, and you can even expand this Scottish wedding tradition to all the guests at your wedding. Place five sugared almonds in a decorative bag tied with a tartan plaid ribbon. You could also consider placing a small bowl of them on each table for guests to snack on while waiting for the festivities to begin.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding guests, wedding tradition, your wedding, brooches were, could also, five sugared, five sugared almonds

1940's pin-up girl hairstyles

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."

The allure of a 1940's pin-up girl hairstyle still endures, with many fashionable techniques finding their way back into modern times. Blunt bangs, loose waves and volume are all elements of hair fashion from yesteryear. You can easily recreate many of the popular pin-up girl hairstyles at home with basic tools, such as a blow-dryer, round brush and hairpins. Adding your own creative accessories can accentuate your new 'do.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Glamorous Bangs

   • Starlet-inspired side-swept bangs were popular with the 1940's pin-up girl set and are still just as appealing today. To create your own glamorous bangs, tuck hair behind ear on one side and comb nose-length or longer bangs over one eye. A straightening iron may be used to smooth and secure the bangs in a side-swept fashion, and a curling iron can add curls in varying intervals to create a cascading wave effect for the rest of the hair.

   Rockabilly

   • The rockabilly look was popularized by the 1940's pin-up girl Bettie Page. Shoulder length to mid-length hair is center-parted with blunt-cut bangs featured prominently across the middle of the forehead. Hair can then be pulled up in a high bun and secured with colorful barrettes, or left long and loose with soft waves. While brunette hair shades are typically associated with this style, variations of red hair are also trendy with this look.

   High Pompadours

   • Renowned for their gravity-defying hair feats, high pompadours were all the rage amongst 1940's fashionistas and pin-up girls alike. Backcombing, also known as teasing, creates instant fullness and a base for building up large hairstyles by combing strands of hair in a direction that is opposite to the hair's natural growth pattern. Using this technique is necessary to achieve a towering pompadour that can be decorated with accents like fake flowers and finger-curled ringlets.

   Victory Rolls

   • Victory rolls continue to find widespread appeal among modern day pin-up girls. This daring 1940's pin-up girl hairstyle uses large asymmetrical curls on the top of the head to create a V-shape with the wearer's face. Pins, a round brush and patience are required to recreate this look, which often also incorporates a carefully pinned up-do or cascading waves with the rest of the hair. To create volume with their victory rolls, some wearers opt to use faux hairpieces.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: pin-up girl, 1940 pin-up, 1940 pin-up girl, girl hairstyles, girl hairstyle

Traditional hawaiian wedding vows

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

Little is known about truly ancient Hawaiian wedding traditions. However, through the centuries, Hawaiian customs have been woven together into what is now recognized as a traditional Hawaiian wedding.

1. History

   • "Ho'ao pa'a" means "to stay until the dawn."

     There was no written language in old Hawaii, so few specifics are known about ancient marriage vows. The lasting relationship of marriage between a man and woman was called "ho'ao pa'a," literally meaning "to stay until the dawn."

   Nature

   • May love be as deep as the ocean.

     Hawaiian wedding vows often include references to nature. The ever-changing, deep ocean is compared to the couple's love- the circle of the rings is symbolic of the sun, the earth and the heavens.

   Aloha

   • Aloha isn't just a warm greeting- it also means love. The word features heavily in traditional Hawaiian wedding vows, as the bride and groom vow to expand their aloha through the rest of their lives together.

   Bride and Groom Lei Exchange

   • The gift of a lei signifies mutual love and respect.

     Before the vows are spoken, the bride and groom often exchange leis--Hawaiian necklaces made of flowers strung together. The couple vow to let the fragrance of the lei linger in their hearts as a reminder of the sweetness of true love.

   Family Lei Exchange

   • Because of the importance of extended family in Hawaiian culture, family members often exchange leis, vowing to honor the marriage and to welcome new relatives into the family.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding vows, bride groom, deep ocean, Hawaiian wedding, hawaiian wedding, Hawaiian wedding

Wineries in the suffolk, virginia area

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

Virginia, fast becoming a destination for wine enthusiasts, is home to 162 vineyards and wineries. Virginia wine makers specialize in producing high-quality, award-winning wines in small lots. Local residents and tourists in Suffolk, Virginia, a small city in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, visit vineyards and wineries to experience the beautiful scenery and to taste wines made from locally-grown grapes.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

1. New Kent Winery

   • New Kent Winery opened its doors to the public in 2008. Known for its inviting ambiance and breath-taking views of the Virginia countryside and adjacent polo grounds, the winery offers wine tasting and tours of its 17,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art production facility six days a week. In addition to producing and selling fine red and white wine, New Kent Winery boasts a beautiful bar and tasting room with an expansive porch for visitors to enjoy spectacular views of the vineyard. New Kent Winery specializes in the production of Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, Meritage and White Norton. Vineyard tours and the New Kent Winery gift shop are open Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors also receive a souvenir glass with which to taste any wines currently in production.

     New Kent Winery

     8400 Old Church Road

     New Kent, Virginia 23124

     804-932-8240

   Williamsburg Winery

   • Williamsburg Winery, Virginia's largest winery, produces 60,000 cases every year. The winery has produced so many award-winning wines that its wines are officially listed as "The Best Wines in the World" by the Decanter World Wine Awards. Williamsburg Winery's best-selling wines include "The Governor's White," Cabernet Savignon, Chardonnay, Merlot as well as reserve, specialty and dessert wines. The winery is located short distance from Virginia's most popular tourist attraction, Colonial Williamsburg, and attracts tourists from around the world. Williamsburg Winery is open for tours and tastings seven days a week (excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Vineyard tourists learn about grape-growing, wine making and wine tasting. Williamsburg Winery visitors can experience fine dining at the vineyard's Gabriel Archer Tavern and seek overnight accommodations the vineyard's hotel, Wedmore Place.

     Williamsburg Winery

     5800 Wessex Hundred

     Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

     757-229-0999 ext. 129

   White Fences Vineyard

   • White Fences Vineyard, a six-acre, family-owned vineyard and wine making facility in Irvington, Virginia, produces wines from Vinifera and French-American varieties of grapes. White Fences Vineyard's award-winning wines include Merlot, Chambourcin, various red wines and the popular Meteor White, which won gold at the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition. The vineyard invites wine enthusiasts to join its Friends of the Vineyard Wine Club which includes discounts on wine purchases and pairing events, free admission to wine festivals (see website for details) and passes to free wine tastings. Contact White Fences Vineyard for information about vineyard tours and about their booth at local wine festivals.

     White Fences Vineyard

     170 White Fences Drive

     Irvington, VA 22480

     804-438-5559

   Athena Vineyards & Winery

   • Athena Vineyards & Winery, founded by three retired nurses, practices sustainable agriculture which encompasses low impact landscaping, local water-source protection and hand harvesting. The vineyard, located in Heathsville, Virginia, overlooks the Great Wicomico River close to the Chesapeake Bay. Athena Vineyard wines, crafted by American Wine Society award-winner Jacques Recht, include Chardonnay, Cabernet Savignon, Meritage, Chambourcin, red and white wines. Seasonal tours are available to guests who arrive sometimes by car and sometimes by Chesapeake Bay day cruises. The wine tasting room features a relaxing ambiance, live music and free Wi-Fi.

     Athena Vineyards & Winery

     3138 Jesse Dupont Memorial Hwy

     Heathsville, VA 22473

     804-580-4944

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Kent Winery, White Fences, Williamsburg Winery, Fences Vineyard, White Fences Vineyard, Athena Vineyards

How to plan a wedding renewal

plan a wedding renewal

It's interesting:
"I know they have both put a tremendous amount of effort in to the planning of this wedding, and can only hope that, apart from this speech, everything has ..."

There are a wide variety of reasons why someone may want a "do-over" of their wedding day. Maybe your wedding didn't turn out the way you wanted it. Maybe something important was missing. Perhaps you just want to reaffirm your commitment. In a culture where divorce occurs much more frequently than silver wedding anniversaries, the renewal can be an especially meaningful event for you and your family. Renewals are a bit different than traditional weddings. The planning process is a bit different as are the rules of etiquette.

Things You'll Need

• Strong marriage

Instructions

1. • 1

     Make a list of anything that you would have liked to change about your wedding day. So, you eloped to Vegas the first time around and none of your family or friends got to celebrate your union. Maybe you and your fiance were broke youngsters and you never got the big party of your dreams. Perhaps religion has grown more important to you than it was when you first got married and you're yearning for a church ceremony. This is your chance to make your unfulfilled wedding day dreams come true. Maybe your wedding day was perfect but you want to celebrate a big anniversary with a reaffirmation of your love and commitment to one another. Whatever the reasons and circumstances, let your imagination wander and make your plans meaningful for you and your partner.

   • 2

     Talk to your partner about what he wants. Chances are, you've made it this far in your marriage because you communicate well with one another. Don't stop now. Many men are uninvolved in the wedding-planning process. This doesn't mean that they don't have any opinions or desires about their wedding day. Maybe your husband really wanted to get married in the church he grew up in but, for whatever reason, you got married in your church instead. Maybe you had a huge, traditional wedding but he would have preferred something more intimate and personal. Discuss the scope of the event, as well as how much money you will both be comfortable spending on it.

   • 3

     Talk to friends and family members if their input will influence your decisions. If the presence of one or more friends and family is one of the things you were missing the first time around, make sure they won't miss the encore. If your father couldn't walk you down the aisle the first time, don't plan the renewal for a day when he has to be out of town on a business trip. Some couples opt to do a renewal to coincide with the marriage or anniversary of another family member. While some people may view this as a nice tribute to them, others may feel that you are stealing their thunder. Talk to the couple whose day you are planning to share and get their honest feelings on the matter before you proceed.

   • 4

     Realize that a vow renewal is not the same thing as a wedding and act accordingly. There are two schools of thought on the matter of wedding-related etiquette. Some feel that it is important to follow the rules, while others think they should have whatever they want, no matter what others think. Regardless of your position, be aware of the proprieties of the wedding renewal. Renewal rules are much the same as those for second marriages. Don't wear a formal white dress or a veil. The renewal is much more of a casual event than a wedding. Most women opt for a nice suit or simple dress in a pastel color. Don't expect friends and family to throw you a shower or a bachelorette party. These events are reserved for first-time brides. Furthermore, registering for gifts is considered extremely tacky. It is assumed that your household is already well-equipped, so the established couple should not accept gifts for their renewal. Finally, plan to cover all of your expenses yourselves. Parents often cover all or most of the wedding-day expenses, but this is not a wedding. A married couple should never ask their families to foot the bill for their renewal.

   • 5

     Keep the focus on your love, commitment and the life that you have built as a mature couple. You may want to incorporate some meaningful items or traditions from your wedding day into the renewal celebration, but resist the urge to completely re-create it. You have grown as people and as a couple. Your renewal should be a reflection of how far you have come. Look to the present and future rather than the past. The renewal can be an inspiration to others and an especially meaningful lesson for younger guests. Include children and grandchildren in any way possible. You may also want to do something to honor your married guests such as a special toast, dance or prayer.

Tips &- Warnings

• Plan ahead as far in advance as possible to increase the chance that everyone on your guest list will be able to attend.

• The cost of a renewal can spiral out of control just as quickly as wedding expenses. Plan a budget early on and stick to it.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Maybe your, your wedding, first time, friends family, wedding renewal, couple should, especially meaningful

How to write a congratulations letter for a wedding shower

write a congratulations letter for a wedding shower

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 ..."

A congratulatory letter shares your joy with the bride-to-be and expresses how excited you are for her new marriage. If you cannot attend your friend's wedding shower, a short letter of congratulations shows her that she is still at the forefront of your thoughts as her special day approaches. You can send a congratulatory letter by itself, or you may want to include a small gift. The most important thing to remember about your letter is to be heartfelt and write with passion. Sending a card that says "Congrats" and includes nothing else but your signature demonstrates a careless approach.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Write to the bride-to-be as quickly as possible. Avoid waiting until the week before the wedding shower to send your letter. A quick response shows that you are attentive and demonstrates caring.

   • 2

     Choose a formal stationery, store-bought wedding card or make your own card. Choose something that matches the wedding colors or a design you know the bride will enjoy. If the bride is appreciates comedy, choose a humorous card. If the bride is the serious type, select a modest stationery without too much extravagant decoration.

   • 3

     Greet the bride-to-be at the beginning of the letter. Use a favorite nickname or, if she prefers, use her given name.

   • 4

     Congratulate the bride immediately. Don't save your excitement for the end of the letter. Using the term "congratulations" quickly establishes that this is a letter of joy and that you are thrilled for her new marriage.

   • 5

     Share a special memory of the couple or a memory you cherish of the bride. Keep this part short and lighthearted. For example, remind the bride of a camping trip you took together or of the first time you met her fiance.

   • 6

     Close with another round of congratulations and well wishes. Again, remind the bride how happy you are for her and express that you know her wedding day will be fantastic.

   • 7

     Sign your name.

Tips &- Warnings

• Avoid negativity or excuses- don't say anything that may upset the bride-to-be. Your letter should excite her and help her feel appreciated. It should never make her uncomfortable.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding shower, congratulations letter, congratulations letter wedding, congratulatory letter, letter wedding

Steps to plan a simple catholic wedding

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."

Creating a Catholic wedding, even a simple one, requires planning the ceremony months in advance.The Catholic Church outlines strict religious rites and regulations that you must take note of when planning a traditional Catholic wedding. Once you have become engaged, you should contact your local parish. A priest can guide you through a simple Catholic ceremony and help eliminate any setbacks that may occur before the big day.

1. Year Prior To The Wedding

   • Twelve months prior to your wedding start envisioning the kind of ceremony you want. For a simple Catholic wedding, you can skip a full traditional ceremony. You can choose to incorporate only necessary elements, such as a blessing that would be needed for an interfaith marriage. Select a date for the wedding. The time of year and the parish's own requirements may dictate the timing of the ceremony. If you want a smaller or shorter wedding, a mass before the ceremony is optional. Typically, a mass can last up to an hour and a ceremony without one may last only around 20 minutes.

   Nine Months Before

   • Meet with the officiant of your wedding to discuss details of the big day. You need to pick out blessings, music and readings for the ceremony. Choose your wedding party as well. Select a maid of honor and best man within the Catholic faith. For a simple wedding, you can skip having a full bridal party. Couples must attend premarital counseling, called Pre-Cana, that extends over several weeks to a month.

   Six Months Before

   • Design and order wedding invitations to be sent out to guests. Reserve pew markers for the wedding in advance for friends and family members. You can choose to keep your guest list small and arrange for communion prior to the wedding for those who wish to receive it. Start shopping for your wedding dress. Ask about wardrobe restrictions, as some churches require the bride to keep her shoulders covered for the wedding.

   Three Months Before

   • Plan the ceremonial readings. Some churches may allow you to have family members participate in the readings. Decide during this time if you and your partner would like to receive a Papal blessing if you are planning on getting married within the Roman Catholic Church. An application must be completed and approved in Rome before the blessing can take place. Start planning the decorations for the church. Find out from the officiant what items you can bring in and what decor is excluded by the church.

   Two Months Before

   • Finalize the invitations, the ceremony details and your vows two months before the wedding. Publish a wedding announcement in your local newspaper and in your parish's newsletter or bulletin. Book a location for a rehearsal dinner.

   Week Of The Wedding

   • Meet with your priest one last time to go over last-minute details. As you finalize each step of the ceremony, ask questions you have regarding how the day is to play out. Have a rehearsal ceremony one day before the wedding. Invite your wedding party and priest to be present during the rehearsal.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, Months Before, before wedding, Catholic Church, catholic wedding, Catholic wedding

Floral design schools in and near delaware

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 ..."

Weddings, funerals, birthdays and anniversaries are just some occasions that flower arrangements help commemorate. Behind each bouquet is a floral designer who constructed the flowers, leaves and garnishings. Those who want to become a florist can seek formal training the in the trade through a floral design school. In Delaware, there is one floral design school, as well as another class located in nearby Pennsylvania.

1. About Floral Design Schools

   • For those wanting to become a professional florist, careers are often started without a formal education in the area. Instead, many florists learn the trade from on-the-job experience. However, those who do decide to seek a formal education in floral design can become a Certified Floral Designer through schools located throughout America, or via online courses. The American Institute of Floral Design is one organization that helps people obtain this certificate through its online program. Students must complete an application, pass an online test and finish an in-person evaluation at accredited locations, among other things, to receive the certificate.

   Delaware Floral Design

   • Delaware Floral Design, located in Newark, Delaware, offers a range of classes for those wanting to learn more about the floral trade. Full courses are offered for students wanting to start a career in floral design, or who wish to advance and become a certified Master Floral Designer. Additionally, individual classes and workshops are available for those without any floral design experience who might just want to learn a new hobby. Every class is run by professional florists, and using fresh flowers, teaches students create designs for many special events and occasions.

   Longwood Gardens, Floral Design Classes

   • Longwood Gardens--located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes north of Delaware--is a botanical garden set on more than 1,000 acres of land. At this garden and its facility, classes are offered for those wanting to learn more about floral design and flower preparation. Bridal Bouquets Reinterpreted and Advanced Floral Design are a couple of the classes offered. In the Basic Floral Design class, students will learn the fundamentals of floral design, including properly condition flowers, use floral foam, wire and tape, and identify a range of design styles from round to garland.

   Floral Design Organizations

   • There are a few organizations created for those in the floral design industry. The American Institute of Floral Design was created in 1965 to support florists and promote the trade, and does so through members' help with programs such as the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Academy Awards. The Society of American Florists is a national trade association, representing every segment of the country's floral industry including its retailers, growers, wholesalers and suppliers.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Floral Design, floral design, those wanting, American Institute, American Institute Floral, classes offered

How to make a canopy for radio flyer wagons

make a canopy for radio flyer wagons

It's interesting:
"Just as the happy couple wanted, this is a lovely, small, intimate gathering of close friends and family – so could someone please tell me why I’m here. Oh, that’s right, to make a speech, so here goes …"

Radio Flyer wagons are classic toys that have stood the test of time. Over the years, these wagons have been designed and built in both plastic and metal versions. Some have been built with wooden slats. If you plan to use a Radio Flyer Wagon to transport a pet or child in a sunny or wet area, building a canopy over the wagon will keep them protected from the elements. Canopies for Radio Flyer wagons can be purchased from the company, but you can also make on yourself at home with basic parts and tools.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• UV-resistant canopy material
• Sewing machine
• Flexible tent poles
• Hacksaw
• Four large battery clips
• Electric drill
• Hood pins or metal clips

Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the area of the wagon that you plan to cover and purchase UV-resistant canvas material at a fabric store or upholstery store based on your measurements.

   • 2

     Cut the fabric to the desired shape and size- fold the long edges over and sew the fabric down using a sewing machine to create a hem. Fold the short edges of the fabric over and allow enough room to insert tent poles through the fold. Sew the fold down to create pockets for tent poles to fit through.

   • 3

     Cut the tent poles down to the desired length using a hacksaw.

   • 4

     Drill holes in the ends of the tent poles and in the large battery clips that will allow hood pins or metal clips to be inserted through them.

   • 5

     Insert the tent poles through the end pockets that you sewed. Attach the ends of the poles to the large battery clips using hood pins or metal clips. Attach the canopy to the wagon with the large battery clips.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: tent poles, battery clips, large battery, large battery clips, metal clips, pins metal

How to write a newspaperready wedding announcement

write a newspaper-ready wedding announcement

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, ..."

Many newspapers social editors will allow you to run your wedding announcement the way you want it to appear and will be grateful if you write the wedding announcement yourself. Writing your own newspaper wedding announcement is easy if you know what you're doing.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Call the newspapers that you'd like to submit your announcement to and ask which email address you should send your announcement to. Also ask about the publication fee. Some newspapers prefer a picture of the bride- others want a photograph of the bride and groom. The newspaper may have size and color requirements, so ask about them.

   • 2

     Collect your thoughts and start writing the details including a description of the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses- the bouquet descriptions- first and last names of everyone in the wedding party and their hometowns- the name of the minister and any other information you'd like to include in your wedding announcement.

   • 3

     Write the first paragraph of the wedding announcement. It should include both the bride and your groom's names, along with the day, date, time, and location of the wedding as well as who officiated the ceremony. Be sure to check the officiant's exact title and the spelling of his name

   • 4

     Put together the second and third paragraphs. These should include the names of the bridal couple's parents and their hometown. This paragraph also may include the names of the grandparents. If the grandfather of the bride or groom is dead and the grandmother is alive, don't write, "The bride is the granddaughter of the late Joe Smith and Mary Smith of Hudson," because this implies that the grandmother is deceased as well. Instead write, "The bride is the granddaughter of Mary Smith of Hudson and the late Joe Smith."

   • 5

     Decide if you want to use the expression "given away." For some brides, the notion of being given away is offensive. The next paragraph should tell who escorted whom. Here's an example of how using both escorted and given away together would work. "The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, and given away by her parents."

   • 6

     Describe the dress and bouquet but keep things simple. The bride will be pictured in the dress in the same announcement, so don't waste space describing every detail. Be sure to hyphenate "chapel-length," "finger-tip" and "A-line." Ask the florist for the proper names and colors of the flowers. "Hand-tied" is commonly used to describe bouquets. It is hyphenated as well.

   • 7

     Announce the wedding party, which should include the maid of honor, matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, honorary attendants, ring bearer, flower girl, program attendants, guest register attendant and readers. Be sure to double check the spelling of their names and hometowns. If budget is a concern, just list those who stood up with the bride and groom. A sample paragraph would read: The bridesmaids were Joann Nightingale, friend of the bride, of Cornelius- Jasmine Smith, sister of the groom, of Larder- and Rayann Whitnel, cousin of the bride, of Jacobsville. Separate names, hometowns, and relationship with commas, and listings with semi-colons.

   • 8

     Use the next few paragraphs to include anyone else that you'd like to have listed in your announcements. This would include the wedding planner and musicians. Keep the sentences short and simple because you are being charged by the line.

   • 9

     Provide the details of receptions and any other parties in the next few paragraphs. This would include the time, date, and place of the reception, rehearsal dinner and perhaps the bridal showers. Be sure to mention who hosted the events.

   • 10

     Consider including some basic information about the bride and groom's education and occupation. A sample paragraph would be: "The bride is a 2002 graduate of Appalachian State University and is employed as a teacher at Baton Elementary School."

   • 11

     Write the last paragraph. This paragraph tells where the couple went on their honeymoon and what town the couple will reside in upon return. Don't include the exact address because this can make your empty home a target for theft.

Tips &- Warnings

• Check, double check and triple check all of the names and their spellings. Just because you've been best friends with a person all her life doesn't mean that her name is spelled correctly. It's easy to miss a key stroke. Make sure to spell-check and then recheck the spelling of the names.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding announcement, bride groom, given away, should include, because this

Motorcycle accessory gifts

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 ..."

Accessories can make useful gifts for motorcycle owners. Due to the poor 2010 economy and fluctuating gas prices, motorcycles have become increasingly popular as a mode of daily transportation. Although riding motorcycles has consistently been a widespread hobby, many individuals are using motorcycles instead of cars. As a result, motorcycle owners appreciate receiving accessories that enhance the appearance and usability of their bikes.

1. Motorcycle Luggage

   • Motorcycle luggage is a series of accessories that can be purchased singly or as a set. The Motorcycle Superstore website explains that motorcycle luggage consists of saddlebags, tank bags, tail bags, sissy bags, and fork bags. Each of the specific bags attaches to a different location on the bike. Motorcycle luggage can be purchased in leather or waterproof nylon material. Luggage is a useful accessory that protects the individual's possessions whether she is simply riding to work or setting off on a long road trip. Motorcycle luggage can be purchased in various combinations to meet specific storing needs.

   Custom Motorcycle Helmets

   • A distinctive and potentially invaluable motorcycle accessory that makes a thoughtful gift is a personalized motorcycle helmet. Even if the individual usually wears a helmet, a custom helmet can be designed to highlight his personal interests or style. Custom helmets can also inspire individuals to begin wearing a helmet. The Iron Horse Helmets website has examples of customized helmets for men, women, and children. Novelty helmets are available if you desire a more classic look. New model helmets can be airbrushed to include many different designs and color options. A customized motorcycle helmet is a gift that will represent the individual and keep him safe as well.

   Motorcycle Coffee Thermos and Holder

   • A less expensive accessory for an individual who uses her bike frequently is a specially designed coffee thermos that comes with a specific holder to be mounted onto the motorcycle's handlebar. The JP Cycle website has a coffee attachment that allows the rider to take a drink along on the way to work or on a road trip. The holder is designed for quick installation and removal. The stainless steel thermos can be used to store warm or cold drinks.

   Anti Monkey Butt Powder

   • A gift for any motorcycle owner that is practical, inexpensive, and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face is Anti Monkey Butt Powder. The product can be viewed on the Anti Monkey Butt Powder website. The powder is designed to reduce irritation and friction during long bike rides. The bright bottle and humorous monkey on the label will amuse even a serious motorcycle rider. Anti Monkey Butt Powder is a funny gift that was designed by a group of experienced motorcycle riders to make long rides more bearable.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Anti Monkey, Anti Monkey Butt, Butt Powder, Monkey Butt, Monkey Butt Powder, accessories that

Fancy ideas for costume dresses

It's interesting:
"It was 48 hours before the wedding and I had zero best man speech made. 2 hours after I found your site I had logged off with an excellent speech.' Luke Betts ..."

Dressing up in a costume is a way to turn an ordinary party into a party to remember. Choosing a theme such as literary figures, characters from the Bible or a period of history gives guests some idea what they should wear. If you're the guest, don't be satisfied with an off-the-rack costume. Augment your dress with additional lace, jewelry and accessories.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Hollywood

   • There's not much more glamorous than Hollywood in its heyday. Female movie stars wouldn't be caught dead without full makeup, their hair done and wearing a gorgeous ball gown, most of them slinky and sensuous. Raid the lingerie department for a nightgown that's body clinging, low-cut and lacy. Make it racier by wearing a flesh-colored leotard underneath. You won't be showing off anything you'd be embarrassed to, but you'll still turn heads.

   Historical

   • Pick a period of history where the dressing was luxurious and rich. You might try the era of Marie Antoinette. Choose a dress with a full skirt and low-cut bodice. Add a ruffled overskirt to the dress and draw up the ruffles to reveal the center of the dress underneath it. More is better for Marie- add more ruffles, bows, lace and draping to your outfit. Shoes were important in that era so embellish yours with rhinestones and ribbons. Another era is that of medieval times with knights in shining armor and princesses waiting to be rescued. Go even further back and choose to be a Roman goddess or Egyptian queen.

   Haunting

   • The paranormal and supernatural bring to mind ghosts, goblins and vampires. Contrary to the old idea of vampires being ugly, they're now in vogue and quite upscale. Black, of course, is the color of choice. Pair a black dress with lots of diamonds, or if that's not in your budget, rhinestone jewelry. A choker with matching earrings, a brooch and bracelets is not going over the top in this case. The key to the look is very red lips, smoky eyes and pale skin. If vampires aren't your thing, go for the ghostly look. Keep the rhinestones, but wear a floating gown of white chiffon, long platinum wig and pale makeup.

   Fantasy

   • Most cartoon characters aren't appropriate for a dress costume because while they're funny, they aren't fancy. Get out your cache of childhood fairytale movies and pick out one of the bad girls or witches for your characters. Cruella de Vil in "101 Dalmatians" is a good example, as is Maleficent in "Sleeping Beauty" or the Queen in "Snow White." Go for glamour as well as wickedness.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: dress with, costume dresses, Fancy ideas, Fancy ideas costume, ideas costume, ideas costume dresses, period history

Places to get married in moreno valley, california

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…"

Moreno Valley, California, located between the Box Spring mountains and Mount Russell -- in the Inland Empire about 13 miles from Riverside -- offers a myriad of places for getting married year round, both indoors and outdoors. Moreno Valley is home to about 100 houses of worship and numerous parks. Private wedding chapels are also available.

1. Church-Affiliated Marriages

   • If you are planning to get married in a church, religious requirements dictate where the marriage ceremony can take place. St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Moreno Valley requires the couple to follow diocesan requirements, which include no off-site locations, prenuptial counseling, a meeting with the director of marriage ministry and an affiliation with the parish, among other requirements. Not all religious denominations have such a lengthy process and conditions for getting married.

   Community Centers

   • Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center features a ballroom that accommodates 400 people and an outdoor reception patio for getting married in a state of the art facility. The Towngate Community Center features a banquet room and outdoor setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. You can check rates and availability by calling 951-413-3280. The Senior Center offers a 3500-square foot facility for getting married. Call 951-413-3430.

   Parks

   • If you are interested in an outdoor marriage ceremony, Moreno Valley has 33 parks including the 8,000-acre Lake Perris State Park. You will need to contact a wedding officiant to conduct the marriage ceremony. A number of ministers and other officiants are available to perform traditional or civil marriages wherever you want in Moreno Valley for set fees.

   Wedding Chapel

   • The I Do Chapels of Moreno Valley offer traditional and civil marriage services. They can provide a marriage license and will conduct nondenominational marriage services in your choice of three chapels. The cost of the marriage ceremony depends on the number of guests and services you request. Limousine, photography, guest books and decorations are available. Their nondenominational ministers will also perform marriage ceremonies at off-site locations in Moreno Valley for a set fee.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Moreno Valley, getting married, marriage ceremony, Moreno Valley, Center features

What do superstitious brides do?

It's interesting:
"Today, I think we have all learned that there are few things more marvellous than an Autumn wedding, and nothing more beautiful than a Fall bride. It is wonderful occasions like this that provide us all with great memories that we will never, ever forget, and I am incredibly honoured to have been of part of this special day. Also, I want to thank you for getting married at this time of the year, because now, whenever I see the leaves turning colour and falling off the trees, I’ll be reminded that it’s time to buy your anniversary gift."

The wedding day is the most exciting time for a bride. For some brides, all of the preparation and planning also entails upholding time-honored traditions and superstitions about the wedding. Everything from the dress to the ceremony may carry some sort of superstition with it.

1. Hide the Dress

   • A superstitious bride will never let her future husband see the dress she plans to marry him in because it is said to be bad luck. The superstition from ancient times was that if the groom saw the bride in her dress before the wedding, it was sneaking a glimpse at the future. Today, in Western Europe and Brazil, brides still heavily practice this superstition of hiding the dress. The dress should be a surprise to the groom that is only revealed when the bride walks down the aisle. For this reason, the bride may opt to keep the wedding dress at the house of a family member or bridesmaid.

   Spend the Night Apart

   • After the rehearsal dinner and other activities have finished, a superstitious bride will say goodnight to her groom and part ways for the night. The thought behind this is that it is bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. Due to beliefs in Roman times, couples that were to marry did not see each other until the day of the ceremony- in some cases, they did not even know each other. Since arranged marriages are not common, today, superstitious couples spend the night before the wedding apart. The couple should not meet again until they are both dressed and ready to become man and wife.

   Something Old, New . . . And a Sixpence in Her Shoe

   • This time-honored tradition and superstition comes from England and an Old Victorian rhyme. By wearing all of these things, brides in Roman and Anglo Saxon times believed good luck and prosperity would befall them. The old represents friend's staying in your lives, the borrowed item is given by a happily married family member, the new represents success and the blue signifies prosperity. Brides also began to stick sixpence in their shoe because it was thought to bring wealth to the marriage. Superstitious brides still follow this rhyme- however, they place a penny in their shoe in place of a sixpence.

   Certain Month or Certain Day

   • Among the many Victorian ideas and rhymes about marriage, there are poems about which day and month to be married in. Superstitious brides may use this as a guide by not marrying in May because one rhyme says, "Marry in May, you'll rue the day." Some brides may opt for a Friday or Sunday wedding instead of Saturday because one rhyme states, "Saturday for no luck at all." June was often considered a lucky month because it was named for Juno, the goddess of marriage.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: because rhyme, before wedding, bride will, brides still, each other, family member, superstitious bride

Ideas for 50s dance party theme

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

Following the conclusion of World War II, people had the money and the inclination to enjoy themselves. Fashion, dining and entertainment became fun in a whole new way. The 1950s provide the perfect elements for a fabulous theme party: unforgettable music, distinctive fashion and original dances.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Fashion

   • Pull out the acrylic sweaters and polyester apparel from the closets. Women wore bright costume jewelry and billowing skirts with cinched waists. Find the famed sack dress (known today as the chemise or shift dress) in which the waistline is forgotten. Slip on tasteful gloves, a pillbox hat and thin stiletto heels for the perfect middle-class ensemble. Don’-t forget the essential party attire of a poodle skirt and saddle shoes.

     Men often dressed for parties as they did for the office. Don a dark three-button suit with a white button-down shirt and narrow tie. Finish the suit off with a fedora or snap-brim hat. Or, go casual in plain-front trousers with a straight, slim fit. Rock the classic rebel style in a leather jacket and denim jeans.

   Music

   • The revolution of the 1950s culture exploded in the form of rock ‘-n’- roll. White musicians and singers transformed rhythm and blues into a sound with mass appeal starting with Bill Haley’-s take on Big Joe Turner’-s “-Crazy Man Crazy.”- Color no longer was an obstacle to the music as Chuck Berry was as popular as Jerry Lee Lewis.

     Get the party rocking with your favorites from Elvis Presley, who rose to stardom during the 50s. For slow dances, toss on pop top 40 songs infused with sentimentality like Johnnie Ray’-s “-Cry”- or Teresa Brewer’-s “-Let Me Go, Lover.”- Warm up the crowd with the clean-cut counterpart to Elvis--Pat Boone and his ballad, “-Love Letters in the Sand.”- Drop a few doo-wop diamonds such as “-Only You”- by the Platters. Create a romantic mood in the background with Frank Chacksfield and His Orchestra. Relax the room with the West Coast and cool sound of jazz.

   Dances

   • The driving, infectious rhythm of rock ‘-n’- roll in the 1950s demanded young listeners to dance. The music made kids hop, which inspired the popular sock hop. Ask your guests to kick off their shoes at the door.

     Get the vintage group dances going by forming two lines with the dancers facing each other. Throw on “-The Stroll”- by the Diamonds and guide your guests to proceed between the two rows showing their favorite moves.

     The Hand Jive shows how much fun people can have just dancing with their arms and hands. Invite a guest to call out a series of dances with the Madison. Introduce some Latin-inspired dances to the party with the mambo and the cha-cha. Jumpstart the swing dancing with the Jitterbug. Keep the swing theme going with the Lindy Hop and the Shag. The Bunny Hop, Walkin’- the Dog and the Hokey Pokey will even make people with two left feet enjoy themselves on the dance floor.

   Food and Drinks

   • During the 1950s fast-food became a staple as women worked more outside of the home. The gas grill hit the market, and barbecue dishes took their place at the dining table. For some classic 50s fare, fire up the grill and serve burgers, French fries and Coca-Cola.

     Have fun with prepared foods, canned goods and frozen dinners, which thrived during the 50s. Satisfy the sweet tooth in the crowd with the sugarcoated cereals that surged following the end of sugar rationing after World War II.

     Your diet-conscious guests will be happy to know sugarless products were also introduced during the decade, so offer some sugar-free soda as well. Try working the popular 1950s powdered beverages into the mix such as Lipton Instant Tea and Tang.

     Cocktails filled the glasses of social gatherings during the 50s more than beer. The martini reigned as the status drink, while Manhattans, gimlets and old-fashioneds satisfied the rest of the cocktail hour.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: 8216-n 8217-, 8216-n 8217- roll, 8217- roll, crowd with, dance party, dance party theme

Grinch party ideas

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

Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a classic tale of the power of holiday cheer to heal even the grumpiest hearts. A Grinch-themed Christmas party provides ample opportunity to stretch the imagination in re-creating the town of Who-ville while sharing the heart-warming tale of the Grinch's holiday transformation. Turn your home into a Seuss-inspired fantasy and draw your guests in to an interactive version of the story with this whimsical party theme.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Costumes

   • Invite your guests to sport "Who"-inspired costumes as they visit your Who-ville Christmas celebration. Classic storybook Whos sport tall, flower-adorned hair, big floppy bows, ruffled collars and boldly striped or polka dotted outfits. Encourage guests to dress as outrageously as possible and use their imagination. If you want to reenact parts of the story, you'll also need to enlist a Grinch. Go all out with a head-to-toe green furry costume if you have a dedicated Grinch. Check local party stores for costumes year-round or grab a Grinch costume at a Halloween store around the holiday if you're planning far enough ahead. For a more subdued representation, have your Grinch dress in an all-green outfit and a bit of sinister green face paint.

   Decorations

   • Who-ville goes all out for the holidays. Use lots of brightly colored garlands, ribbons, Christmas lights, wreaths and wrapped presents throughout the house. The gaudier and more outlandish the better. A decorated Christmas tree should be the centerpiece of the party decor. Hang a miniature stocking over the mantle as a goody bag for each guest. You'll also need to set the table for a Who feast. Lay out a festive red tablecloth and place cards for each guest.

   Activities

   • For a Grinch-themed party, find an entertaining way to share the classic story with your guests and give them a bit of a refresher as to the whole theme of the party. Read the story aloud, show the television version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" or host a screening of the Jim Carrey film. For a more interactive rendition, print out simple scripts and enlist guests in re-enacting the tale. Other activities may include a "Yankee" gift swap where guests must do their best Grinch impression as they snatch gifts away from others, or a "Who-Christmas-Sing." Children can play pin-the-antlers-on-Max with a poster of the Grinch's canine side kick. Print out a screen shot from the movie or photocopy a page from the book and take your image to a local print shop for enlargement. If you're an artistic host, sketch the Grinch's dog sidekick yourself onto poster board.

   Food

   • The Who feast is a major part of the Christmas festivities in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Whos celebrate with "Who-pudding" and" Who-roast-beast." At the end of the tale, after the Grinch's heart is warmed by the Whos' unbreakable holiday spirit, he himself carves the roast beast. If you have a Grinch character in your party events, make sure he gamely carves the meat for the guests. Make your own Who-roast-beast with a fryer chicken, turkey or ham for the occasion. Among your side dishes, be sure to include at least two fruit-studded Who-puddings.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Grinch Stole, Grinch Stole Christmas, Stole Christmas, your guests, also need, each guest, Grinch party

Alternatives to a wedding minister

It's interesting:
"Wedding days are meant to be unforgettable occasions, and this one certainly will be. The weather held out, the ceremony went without a hitch, and now a ..."

For religious wedding ceremonies, most couples opt for a wedding minister or the appropriate religious figure from their religion to perform the wedding ceremony. For non-religious and romantic wedding ceremonies and commitment ceremonies, you may be looking for your alternatives to a wedding minister. Even if you want a religious figure to perform the ceremony, many religious figures will not perform a wedding ceremony outside of the church. Thus, if you're having a wedding ceremony at the beach, a hotel or other venue, you need someone to perform the ceremony that is willing to do it at a non-religious location.

1. Judges

   • Judges conduct civil wedding ceremonies. Judges typically perform non-religious wedding ceremonies in the courtroom or in the judge chambers. Many couples that are getting married for the second time or looking for a wedding ceremony devoid of religion use judges to perform the wedding ceremony. Some judges do perform wedding ceremonies at your chosen location, but this is rare, so if you're planning to use a judge to perform the ceremony, then you'll probably have to do it on the judge's turf.

   Notary

   • Another option for a more romantic ceremony that leaves religion out of it is to have your ceremony performed by a public notary. States license notaries and permit them to perform wedding ceremonies. Couples that wish to have a ceremony performed by a family member or friend that is not a religious figure often opt for this option. Since the notary typically charges less of a fee than most religious figures, judges or other wedding officiants, a notary can also be a budget-conscious choice for a wedding ceremony conductor.

   Non-Denominational Ordained Officiant

   • Thanks to the Internet, almost anyone can become an ordained wedding officiant online. Ordained wedding officiants perform non-denominational wedding ceremonies and have no affiliation with any particular church. Since they do not have a religious affiliation, non-denominational-ordained officiants are typically willing to perform religious or non-religious ceremonies and tend to work with the couple to find a ceremony and vow selection that is most comfortable for them.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremonies, wedding ceremony, perform wedding, wedding minister, perform ceremony, perform wedding ceremony

Etiquette for bridal shower thank-you notes

It's interesting:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I shall try to be brief. I do have a habit of rambling with my speeches, so you might feel like you've walked into the Oscar ceremony by ..."

If you've recently had your bridal shower, it's proper etiquette to extend special thanks to your loved ones and family members who attended by sending a note. Following appropriate bridal shower thank-you-note etiquette will keep you in good graces with your shower guests, and will let all your attendees know how much you enjoy your gifts.

1. Thank-You Notes and Verbal Thanks

   • It is proper etiquette to send a thank-you note to all guests who attended the shower, even if you have extended your thanks in person. Thank-you notes should be addressed by hand--blue or black ink is acceptable. It is not appropriate to ask guests to address their own thank-you notes- this task should be completed after the shower is over, so that each attendant can be thanked after you've seen each of the gifts--this makes for a personalized thank-you note.

   Thank-You Notes and Gifts

   • While all attendees should get a thank-you note from the bride, proper etiquette also suggests sending a note to those who were not able to attend the shower, but sent a gift. As a gesture of sincere appreciation, the bride should also send a thank-you note along with a gift to all of the individuals who hosted the bridal shower for her.

   What to Say Thank You For

   • When preparing a bridal shower thank-you note, the sender of the note should thank attendees for their attendance, as well as the gift. If sending a thank-you note to a close friend or relative, this is also a good time to thank the loved one for their assistance in helping to plan the shower, or for selecting a shower location or decorations that are especially attractive or sentimental. Since it is not proper etiquette to invite individuals to the shower who will not be attending the wedding, it is fitting for the bride to express her anticipation of seeing these guests at her wedding.

   Describing the Gift

   • Bridal shower thank-you notes should include brief descriptions of each gift that was received, as well as the bride's intentions for the gifts. For instance, it is ideal to include phrases like 'I'll think of you each time I decorate my bathroom with the monogrammed towels you purchased for me." Describing the gift in a positive way is also a wonderful way to let guests know that their present selection was appreciated. Using words like "elegant," "stylish" or "beautiful" to elaborate on gifts is usually fitting.

   Sending the Note

   • It is always best to send bridal shower thank-you notes a few days after the event, so that guests will receive the note before the wedding ceremony. If the shower was not co-ed, the bride should send the notes using stationery that includes her maiden name--mailing materials that showcase the bride's married name should be reserved until after the wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal shower, thank-you note, shower thank-you, proper etiquette, shower thank-you notes, bridal shower thank-you

How to perform a wedding sand ceremony

perform a wedding sand ceremony

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 ..."

The wedding sand ceremony, or unity sand ceremony, is becoming ever more popular. It can replace the unity candle or be used after it in the wedding ceremony. In original sand ceremonies, the bride and groom would toss handfuls of sand together into the wind. The grains were combined and unable to be separated, symbolizing unity and eternity. The sand ceremonies of today can be performed in a way that honors both of the families and then kept always as a treasured keepsake.

Things You'll Need

• Small table
• Small- to medium-sized glass vase with narrow mouth
• Smaller vase for each color of sand you will use
• Sand in 3 or 4 different colors (white and your wedding colors)
• Rose petals (optional)
• Tealight candles (optional)
• Clear wax or candle gel
• Double boiler or microwave
• Small circle of cloth
• Rubber band
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. • 1

     Set a small table near the alter before the ceremony. Place the main sand vase in the center. These vases may be ordered with a wedding monogram and date engraved in silver, black or gold script. Place the smaller vases, each containing a different color of sand, around the main vase. You can also use rose petals and small tealight candles for more decoration.

   • 2

     Choose a version of the sand ceremony. The sand ceremony may be modified in any way you wish. One version is to have a base of neutral or white sand already in the main vase. It should fill about one-third of the main vase and be ready before the wedding ceremony begins. This sand is used to represent God as the foundation for the marriage.

   • 3

     Include parents in the ceremony. As in a unity candle ceremony, assign each family a color of sand or both families the same color. For a simpler color scheme, the parents can also use the neutral or white sand. The parents will go first, as two couples, and pour a small amount of colored sand from their small vases into the large vase. Instruct them to move their small vases around as they pour to create a layered design. It is simpler if the parents can pour one vase together as a couple.

   • 4

     Approach the sand ceremony table. The bride and groom may pour identical colors of sand or two separate ones (depending on how many total colors you want incorporated into the final vase). The bride and groom should each have their own separate small vase, but pour their sand into the main vase at the same time. This way their sand mixes together, symbolizing unity and eternity since these sand grains can never be separated.

   • 5

     Complete the rest of the wedding ceremony and reception. After the festivities, fill the main sand ceremony vase with the remaining sand, layering colors to create a design. Leave half an inch at the top of the vase.

   • 6

     Melt clear wax or candle gel using a double boiler or microwave. Gently pour the wax or gel onto the sand until it is level with the top of the vase.

   • 7

     Leave the sand ceremony vase as it is for a keepsake once the wax dries. If you wish to hide the wax, place a circle of coordinating cloth around the top of the vase and secure it with a rubber band. Then place a ribbon over the rubber band. Use a scrap of netting from the wedding veil, cloth from the bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen handkerchiefs, or ribbons from the bridal bouquet for an extra special touch.

Tips &- Warnings

• If you are having a beach wedding, couples can simply pick up a handful of sand from the beach.

• If you still want the colors, use the beach sand as the family or spiritual "base" and colored sand for the bride and groom. This way you still have sand from the beach where you were married, but also a bit of color.

• The simplest ceremony eliminates the parents and religious foundation, and simply has the bride and groom pour sand into the container at the same time.

• Order extra sand and experiment with layering it in the vase before the wedding. Let everyone practice so the actual keepsake vase will have a nice design.

• You can order more sand in the two wedding colors you use to represent the bride and groom. Layer this extra colored sand in candle holders and position white votive candles in the center. Place them on each table at the reception.

• Another option is to layer the bride and groom sand in tiny bottles with corks and seal them. Hand paint your wedding monogram and the date on each bottle for a wedding favor.

• Even when sealed with wax, the sand ceremony vase needs to be handled very carefully. Moving and shaking it will cause the sand to mix and you will lose the color distinctions and patterns. Pick a place to set it and try not to move it often.

• Avoid using too many colors in the vase. The most appealing use the neutral foundation (which can be altered to represent the families instead of God) and two wedding colors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: sand ceremony, bride groom, main vase, ceremony vase, color sand, colored sand