How to plan a wedding in a national park

plan a wedding in a national park

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

National parks are affordable settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. These family-friendly vacation spots feature not only venues for weddings, but camping opportunities, views of local foliage and cultural activities. National parks are sure to be appealing to the bride and groom, as well as local and out-of-town wedding guests. Plus, national parks provide scenic backgrounds for wedding photographs.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Visit the National Park Service website, to find a national park in which to host your wedding. At the website, select "Find a Park." Select a state from the map, and review national parks in that state.

     You may also enter the "weddings" in the search box, and a list of national parks that allow weddings will populate. Click the link for a national park of your choosing. The page that appears will list the fees, reservation requirements, amenities and marriage license requirements for the local venue.

   • 2

     Contact staff members at the national parks you are considering for your wedding. Inquire about local wedding planners, catering opportunities, minimum or maximum guest allowances, fees, noise restrictions, availability of wedding chapels and other details that are important to you.

   • 3

     Alert the national park staff of the space where you would like to hold your wedding. Some national parks will allow you to reserve this space exclusively, while others will not restrict the area for your wedding. If you select an unrestricted area, non wedding guests will be able to travel through the area where your wedding is held.

   • 4

     Speak to a representative at your chosen national park about restrictions for your wedding site. Ask if you are allowed to utilize party tents, heat lamps or other resources in the case of cold or inclement weather.

   • 5

     Compile a list of wedding details, including the date and time of your wedding, the anticipated number of guests and the name of your wedding officiant. You may need this information to apply for a permit to host your wedding at a national park.

   • 6

     Obtain a special use permit for the national park of your choosing. Apply for the wedding permit as soon as you are ready to do so, as there can be up to a month long delay until your permit is approved.

   • 7

     Book your wedding at the national park of your choosing. When you do this, inquire about wedding packages, such as hotel or camping discounts, catering packages and wedding planning services. Also, inquire about off-site amenities, such as day spas, restaurants for the rehearsal dinner and affordable lodging.

   • 8

     Obtain your marriage license in the state in which you will be married. Complete any necessary paperwork and blood tests. Be aware of any delays that may occur before your marriage license is issued.

   • 9

     Invite guests to your wedding. Ensure that when the final guest list is populated, you alert the staff of the national park, your catering team and your event planning staff to ensure that all guidelines are being met and your wedding can be properly coordinated.

   • 10

     Host your national park wedding. Ensure that your wedding guests comply with all local laws, such as limiting alcohol consumption and staying away from restricted park areas.

Tips &- Warnings

• There may be restrictions on how far in advance or how close to your wedding date you can book your wedding at a national park, so inquire about this to ensure you do not apply too early or late.

• Alcohol consumption is permitted at weddings held in national parks, but excessive drinking laws will be enforced.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, national park, national parks, wedding national park, national park your

How to make wedding invitations on the computer

make wedding invitations on the computer

It's interesting:
"It is said that a Fall wedding is a very special one, because at a time when so much of the life around us is changing colors and dying, we gather together for a celebration of life and a brand new beginning. Indeed, today we are very privileged to welcome a new married couple into the world. I hope that every time you celebrate your anniversary, you will always think back to this wonderful Autumn day and remember all the love and warmth that you feel in this room right now."

Invitations often serve as a large part of the wedding budget. Not only do you have to have the invitations made, but also spend the money on postage to mail them. Making the wedding invitations yourself by using your computer will allow you to save a portion of the invitation budget to use on additional expenses. This also serves as a DIY project that a bride can recruit her friends to help with.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing software

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open your word processing software and download an invitation template from the software's website. For example, Microsoft Office has many wedding invitation templates to choose from, or you can customize your own from a blank template.

   • 2

     Choose your font. A standard calligraphy font that comes with your word processing software works nice, or you can download free fonts from many websites if you should find a font that you like better. If you choose to download a free font, make sure to follow the installation instructions on the website to install your font into your word processing software.

   • 3

     Determine the invitation wording. Websites such as The Knot specialize in giving sample wording and etiquette. The site allows you to choose your situation, such as word the invitation if both sets of parents are hosting, and will give suggestions based upon your family circumstances.

   • 4

     Format your document. On your word processing software, format the margins. You can either create a centered invitation or one that is flush left or right if you have chosen a template with a particular design on it that you will want to print around.

   • 5

     Type your invitation message.

   • 6

     Print the desired number of invitations on the paper of your choosing.

Tips &- Warnings

• Print the invitations on vellum paper and attach it to a stiffer cardstock using ribbon.

• Purchase a kit to make your wedding invitations through your local craft store. This will allow you the freedom to still print them while giving you the paper and supplies needed to finish the invitation.

• Always print one copy to test so that you don't waste paper if your design isn't correct.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: processing software, wedding invitations, word processing, your word, your word processing, word processing software

How to tour stan hywet hall

tour stan hywet hall

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 ..."

Franklin Augustus Seiberling was the founder of the Goodyear Tire Company & Rubber Company. Seiberling loved to entertain, and between 1911 and 1915 commissioned the construction of a vast house, Stan Hywet, on a 3,000 acre estate near Akron, Ohio. Everything about the house was overwhelming. It consisted of 65 rooms spread over 65,400 square feet, 23 fireplaces, 273 doors and 469 windows. Over 300 feet long, it stretched from two to four stories in height and required 24 servants to run properly. After Seiberling died in 1955 at the age of 95, his heirs found Stan Hywet too large and costly to operate, so they gave the property to a non-profit foundation in 1957 so it could be opened to the public. Today, Stan Hywet is popular with enthusiasts of architecture, history and landscape gardening, and the grounds are frequently rented out for weddings, banquets and other events.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Find Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens at 714 North Portage Path in Akron, Ohio. Admission is charged. A variety of tour packages are available, with or without a guide, through different parts of the house and grounds. The estate is closed on Mondays.

   • 2

     Start your tour, after parking in the guest parking lot, by buying a ticket at the admissions office. You'll pass the Carriage House, which contains the gift shop, administrative offices and a café-, and go up the main drive past the Elliptical Gardens.

   • 3

     Go in through the main entry and work your way around clockwise. To the left of the entry is the reception room. Continue down the Linenfold Hall, named after the style of its paneling, past the Chinese-style solarium to the Music Room, which at the time of it's completion was one of the largest rooms in a private house in the United States and could seat 400. The Music Room was the location for many balls, parties and recitals. There is a stage at the far end of the room. Among those who performed here were Percy Grainger, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink and The Von Trapp Family Singers. The harpsichord in the room once belonged to George Frideric Handel.

   • 4

     Proceed to the left to an enclosed porch called the Fountain Room. Next up is the library, a paneled room where Seiberling would go to read the paper and smoke cigars. A secret door connects it to the Great Hall--a three-story space with a vast fireplace, mullioned windows and lofty vaulted ceiling. Take note of the little that looks down into the Great Hall from the second-floor master bedroom.

   • 5

     Walk to the right of the Great Hall and you'll see the dining room with the butler's pantry, kitchen, staff dining room and other service rooms beyond. Across the north corridor to the east is a breakfast room with French doors, where Seiberling took his meals towards the end of his life. To the right of this are the breakfast kitchen, a flower-arranging room, the stair tower with its stained-glass windows and the billiard room with study beyond. The upper floors include family, guest and servant's bedrooms and the Tower Room. The basement features a wine cellar, 40-foot-long indoor swimming pool, steam room and a bowling alley, which is now used as an auditorium.

   • 6

     Head outside to explore some of the 70 acres of grounds. The features include, in clockwise order starting at the front door, the Estate Drive, Elliptical Gardens, Great Meadow Lawn, Rhododendron Allé-e, the Dell, Walled English Garden, West Terrace and Overlook, North Lawn, Perennial Border, Japanese Garden, Pleasure Drive, Lagoon (located in the Old Quarry Area), Birch Allee, Tea Houses, Breakfast Room Garden, the Rose Garden, Cutting Gardens and Ornamental Shrub Garden. There are several vistas that were specifically designed when the grounds were laid out. Also on the grounds are the Gardener's Cottage with the Greenhouse and Corbin Conservatory. The Gate Lodge was occupied by Frank Seiberling's son, Fred, and his wife, Henrietta. She arranged a meeting at her home between Bill Wilson (aka "Bill W.") and Dr. Bob Smith, and their talks at the Gate House led to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Tips &- Warnings

• Special events, including a plant sale and car show, are held throughout the year.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: room with, Stan Hywet, Akron Ohio, dining room, Elliptical Gardens, Great Hall

How to put grapevine garland on an archway

put grapevine garland on an archway

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

An archway decorated with grapevine garland can serve as an eye-catching entryway for a wedding or as a decorative arch to stand under to exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony. Take the archway to the reception with you and set the cake under it, or just use the archway for photos. You will need to put the grapevine garland on the archway in such a fashion that it will not blow off or fall off during the wedding ceremony or reception. Placing the garland correctly will allow you to enjoy your wedding without having to worry about problems with the archway.

Things You'll Need

• Wood wedding arch, 5feet by 8 feet
• 4 15-inch fresh grapevine garlands
• 6 fresh greenery garlands (ivy or hemlock)
• 6 fresh flower garlands (chrysanthemums or amaryllis)
• Lights (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. • 1

     Wrap two 15-inch fresh grapevine garlands around a 5-foot by 8-foot wood lattice wedding arch, beginning at the bottom and coming up the left side (one for each side of the frame on the left). Twist the garland as you drape it around the sides. If the arch has ladder-link rungs running up the side, take the garland across the rung and over to the other side and then bring it back, similar to lacing a shoe. Do not wrap the garland tight- wrap it loosely.

   • 2

     Go to the right side of the arch and lace two 15-inch grapevine garlands up the sides as you did in step 1. The left and right sides of grapevine garland should meet at the top.

   • 3

     Weave three fresh greenery garlands up the left sides of the archway next to each of the grapevine garlands in the same manner you placed the grapevines. Ivy or hemlock work especially well for a wedding arch.

   • 4

     Wrap the other three greenery garlands up the right sides of the archway as you did in step 3.

   • 5

     Place three fresh flower garlands around the greenery and grapevine, following them both up the left sides of the archway and placing the flowery garlands between or over the greenery and grapevine garlands. Chrysanthemums or amaryllis are popular choices for a wedding arch.

   • 6

     Lace the other three flower garlands up the right sides of the arch as you did in step 5.

Tips &- Warnings

• If you would like the archway to look more full, add more of each of the grapevine garland, greenery garlands and flower garlands on each side.

• If you are having your wedding outside at night, consider adding lights to the archway.

• For a fancier look, weave ribbon in with the garlands. Match the color of the ribbon to your wedding colors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: grapevine garland, grapevine garlands, flower garlands, greenery garlands, wedding arch, garland archway, grapevine garland archway

Non-traditional wedding themes

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

To the modern bride, traditional weddings might seem boring or too formal. While you still want the celebration, good food, plenty to drink, music and dancing, be creative on the venue or overall theme. Make your reception suit your dreams and your non-traditional wedding style.

1. Charity

   • If you are an animal lover, choose the Humane Society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to receive your guests' donations.

     Traditional wedding receptions typically involve overindulgent catering and guests bearing expensive gifts. Use your celebration of marriage as the vehicle for fundraising for charity. Inform your guests on the invitation enclosure cards with phrasing such as "In lieu of gifts, please send donations to The Humane Society." Incorporate donation jars instead of expensive centerpieces at the reception. Submit the donations directly to the charity anonymously or in honor of the new couple.

   Medieval

   • Be creative and make your own family crest to use as decoration.

     An outdoor venue or a garden is an ideal place to hold a medieval wedding reception. Encourage guests to dress for the time period and suggest costume shops on your wedding website or blog. A medieval-themed wedding invites all guest to participate and be creative. Continue the theme with the meal by choosing a caterer who can accommodate medieval dishes. Hire professional actors or musicians to entertain your guests.

   Beach

   • As favors at a beach-themed wedding, give guests a beach towel.

     Organize a beach party and invite guests to wear flips-flops and beachwear. Barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers for a casual meal and then set up a s'more station for guests to make their own dessert over the bonfire. This informal party is a perfect way for a beach-loving, casual couple to celebrate. Check with the local parks and beaches for regulations on bonfires and reserve them accordingly.

   Casual Celebration

   • Everyone likes pizza.

     Skip the formal clothes and expensive catering and host a casual reception. Encourage guests to wear jeans and T-shirts while they dine on pizza. Or make it a potluck and tell guests to bring side dishes instead of gifts. Throw this party in your backyard or a neighborhood park. Put together your own playlist of music. Celebrate your marriage at a fraction of the cost and avoid the stress.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your guests, Encourage guests, guests wear, Humane Society, reception Encourage

How to use coral and teal in a wedding color palette

use coral and teal in a wedding color palette

It's interesting:
"In researching this speech, I’ve tried to find some dirt on Linda, but neither her brother nor her best friends could give me anything. As I'm sure you noticed it wasn’t a problem that I had with Paul. Linda is well liked by everyone, and I have never met anyone who has had anything but good things to say about her – which is wonderful for Paul, but a bit inconvenient for me at this precise moment. It means that I have to continue to shower her with platitudes. But seriously, Linda, you have had a huge positive impact on Paul, and we now speak of Paul ‘BL’ and ‘WL’ - ‘before Linda’ and ‘with Linda’."

Many women will confess that they have known the colors they would use for their weddings since childhood. Others never gave it a second thought until the actual wedding planning began. Now that the day is arriving, you may be wondering tie together the colors you have chosen. Teal and coral complement one another and can be used in a number of ways at your wedding. From the food to the bridal party attire, incorporate these colors into your wedding effortlessly.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Accent teal bridesmaids dresses with coral sashes. Satin pumps can easily be dyed teal to match the dresses. Take a small swatch of dress material to most bridal stores and an employee will color the shoes for a small fee. Choose teal or coral stones in decorative combs for the ladies in your wedding party as well. Bow ties and cummerbunds can be rented or purchased in coral or teal to match the bridesmaids’- attire.

   • 2

     Select flowers that match the colors. Your choice of flowers is virtually endless when using teal and coral. For instance, Gerber daisies come in almost every color imaginable. Your bridesmaids can carry teal and coral daisies in their bouquets. The bridal bouquet can consist of coral roses accented with teal baby's breath. Another idea for the smaller bouquets is to allow small sprigs of curly ribbon to peek out between the flowers and to tie longer matching ribbon around the stems. Groomsmen can pin coral or teal carnations to their lapels.

   • 3

     Tie teal and white balloons together with coral ribbon and hang them in the corners of the room where the bride and groom are getting married or use them at the reception. Wrap chairs in teal organza bows, inserting a single coral flower on the back of the chair, in the center of the bow. Accent coral paper napkins with the happy couple's name and wedding date engraved in teal for guests to take home as mementos.

   • 4

     Place three white pillar candles on a silver charger to make centerpieces. Tie coral and teal ribbon around each candle. Use a large, clear vase to layer teal and coral sand in. This makes a beautiful display you or your wedding party can take home after the wedding.

   • 5

     Decorate your wedding cake with rows of teal-frosted ribbon, accenting the colored frosting with coral-frosted flowers. You can even use the color palette in the refreshments. Coral and teal punch can be achieved with peach and lime sherbet and ginger ale. Most wedding mints come in shades of these colors anyway, so set small bowls of them everywhere in the reception area.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, coral teal, teal coral, color palette, your wedding party, coral teal wedding

How to setup an italian food theme

setup an italian food theme

It's interesting:
"Wasn’t the wedding ceremony beautiful? The highlight, of course, was Linda floating magically down the aisle. I’m sure we were all thinking exactly the same thing: “How did HE get HER?”"

Your Italian food-themed dinner should include an appetizer, soup, two main entrees, wine and dessert. Traditional Italian cuisine is a delicious experience. Simple recipes using the freshest ingredients possible are key to a successful Italian meal. Foods are often enhanced with fresh herbs, spices, garlic and olive oil. An Italian meal is meant to be eaten and enjoyed slowly, course by course. Decorate your tables in the colors of the Italian flag, red, green and white. Add grapes and wine bottles to your table setting to enhance the Italian feel.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Start your meal with Italian wedding soup, a wonderful beginning to a traditional Italian dinner. Wedding soup is a beef or chicken broth-based soup with a mixture of carrots, celery, onions, greens and spices. Little meatballs and pastina (tiny pieces of pasta) are also added to the soup.

   • 2

     Serve an antipasta as an appetizer. Antipasta, which means "before the meal," is a combination of cured meats such as salami, pepperoni and prosciutto, and preserved vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms and artichokes. Arrange the meats and vegetables on a platter for your antipasta. Prepare a salad using an assortment of fresh salad greens such as iceberg, romaine and bib lettuce, and fresh tomatoes. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and a red wine vinegar.

   • 3

     Serve two entrees, one featuring pasta and the other, meat. Spaghetti, rigatoni or lasagna are excellent choices for your pasta entree. Prepare a light tomato sauce, using fresh ingredients to complement the pasta. For your meat entree, chicken or veal marsala are great, traditional Italian choices. The chicken or veal is lightly sauteed in a marsala wine and mushroom sauce. Select a dark red wine to complement your meal.

   • 4

     Serve a platter of biscotti, traditional Italian cookies, for dessert. These almond cookies, which have been twice baked to give them a wonderful flavor, are a mainstay on most Italian tables. Another great dessert option is cannoli, tubular cookies filled with a creme and often dipped in chocolate or powdered sugar.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: chicken veal, food theme, italian food, italian food theme, Italian meal, setup italian, setup italian food

How to make royal icing hydrangeas for a wedding cake

make royal icing hydrangeas for a wedding cake

It's interesting:
"Since meeting Linda, I've seen terrific changes in Paul. He seems much more confident these days. He's surer of what he wants. He's happier, and he's much more willing to bend these days, too. Although he’s still adamant that Arsenal will win the next seasons Champions League."

Few treats will impress guests as much as cakes and cupcakes decorated with edible icing flowers. Icing-based hydrangeas, in particular, with their seasonal pastel blue and purple hues, are ideal on cakes destined for a springtime garden party or brunch.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Electric stand mixer
• 1 cup shortening
• 4 cups powdered confectioners' sugar, plus 4 tbsp. as needed
• 3 tbsp. meringue powder
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup warm water, plus 1/4 cup as needed
• Cake-frosting spatula
• 2 mixing bowls, glass or plastic
• Toothpicks
• Purple gel paste food coloring
• Blue gel paste food coloring
• Plastic wrap
• Pastry bag
• Pastry bag tip coupler and coupler cap
• Pastry bag tip, size 2D (large closed star)
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Making the icing

   • 1

     Beat shortening in the bowl of the standing mixer on medium speed until softened and airy, about two minutes.

   • 2

     Turn off the mixer and add the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder to the shortening. Turn the mixer back on and beat on low speed until the ingredients blend together.

   • 3

     Add 1/2 cup of water to the shortening, sugar and meringue powder. Beat five to seven minutes, or until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.

   • 4

     Check the consistency of the icing by turning off the mixer and lifting the top of the machine out of the bowl. The icing should not be too soft or too firm, or it won't hold or create shapes well. To test the icing's consistency, dip the cake-frosting spatula into the mixer bowl and scoop up some icing. It should stick to the knife but look shiny, or slightly wet. If it's dull and stiff, add water in small portions, up to 1/4 cup, beating for one minute between each addition. If it's too soft, add powdered sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time as needed, up to 4 tbsp., beating for one minute after each addition.

   • 5

     Divide the finished icing in half with the cake-frosting spatula and place each half in a separate bowl.

   • 6

     Color your icing with the gel pastes. Squeeze a small dollop of the purple gel paste food coloring onto the tip of a toothpick. Stir the toothpick into one bowl of icing, repeating the process until you achieve the color depth you prefer. Color the second bowl of icing with the blue gel paste food coloring, using the same method, continuing until the icing reaches the depth of hue that you prefer. Stir each bowl of frosting once more with a clean cake-frosting spatula to completely distribute colors.

   • 7

     Cover both bowls of icing with plastic wrap until you're ready to use the frosting. Icing dries out quickly if it's exposed to air for more than a few minutes.

   Making the flowers

   • 8

     Assemble the pastry bag, coupler and tip. Unscrew the coupler's cap, and place the coupler inside the pastry bag, pushing the coupler down and through the narrow end of the bag until it protrudes slightly out of the bag. Place the 2D tip through the coupler's cap, so that the tip rests inside the cap. Screw the cap with the tip onto the coupler and bag and tighten so that the tip and coupler are securely attached to the pastry bag.

   • 9

     Scoop purple icing with the cake-frosting knife into one side of your pastry bag, and repeat the process on the other side with blue icing. The pastry bag should be only half full from top to bottom, so you may not use all of the icing at once. Keep unused icing covered.

   • 10

     Twist the empty top half of your pastry bag shut, and squeeze and push the icing down toward the tip. Continue squeezing until icing just begins to come out of the tip, to ensure that all of the air is out of your pastry bag. Clean tip off with the cake-frosting knife. The small amount of frosting that comes out of the tip during the air-removing process can be returned to either bowl.

   • 11

     Make several practice hydrangea blossoms on wax paper before decorating your cake. Hold the pastry bag with one hand at the top of the icing bulge and the other holding the tip. Squeeze down on the pastry bag at the top of the icing while guiding the tip. Pull up slightly and rotate the bag a quarter turn as you squeeze. When you see a hydrangea blossom shape, stop squeezing and quickly pull the bag upward and away.

   • 12

     Decorate your cake with icing hydrangeas once you're comfortable with the flower-making process. Place each hydrangea blossom right next to another, for the cluster effect that replicates the flower's natural appearance. Each hydrangea cluster should have eight to 10 separate flowers.

Tips &- Warnings

• Find supplies including meringue powder, gel paste food coloring and pastry-bag tips at your local hobbies and crafts store.

• You can also make hydrangeas using a single frosting color in your pastry bag, rather than mixing colors. Experiment with other colors, including pink.

• Give your hydrangeas a mounded or round look, if you prefer, by squeezing a dollop of frosting onto the cake and placing the hydrangea blooms around and on top of the frosting mound.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: food coloring, paste food, paste food coloring, icing with, meringue powder, your pastry, bowl icing

Ideas for birthdays in wichita, kansas

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

Every birthday deserves a special and fun celebration. The city of Wichita, Kansas has many unique venues to choose from when it comes to birthday ideas. Whether you're an animal lover, candy aficionado, or adventurer, Wichita has something to offer.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Sweet Tooth

   • For a really sweet birthday book a party at Cero's Candies (ceroscandy.com). For over 125 years Cero's has been a Wichita tradition in gourmet chocolates. The chocolate shops hosts birthday parties during the evening or on Saturdays. Packages are $80 for eight people. Participants will get the chance to make their own treat. There is also time allotted for cake and opening presents.

   Amuse Yourself

   • Whether you're a kid or just want to feel like a kid, All Star Adventures (allstarwichita.com) is fun for the whole family. The facility features miniature golf, a driving range, bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages and a variety of amusement rides. There are several birthday party packages to choose from with different food and activity options. Parties can conveniently be booked online where you can also access free printable invitations.

   Fly Away

   • The Kansas Aviation Museum (kansasaviationmuseum.org) is a unique and historic venue. Birthday parties include your own personal museum guide, a 30 minute tour, behind the scenes access to their custom restoration shop and a look at the historic control tower. The cost starts at $150 for 30 people, but the museum can accommodate up to 70 people for an additional cost.

   Party Like an Animal

   • The Sedgwick County Zoo (scz.org) is the perfect place to hold a party. Different party packages are offered and start at $160, with a discounted rate for members. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about animals and even get up close and personal with a special visitor. You don't need to worry about bringing anything, as packages include all the party necessities, such as beverages and cake.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: birthdays wichita, birthdays wichita kansas, choose from, Ideas birthdays, Ideas birthdays wichita, party packages

1918 wedding dress styles

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 ..."

The wedding dress styles of 1918, the end of the Edwardian era, reflected modesty and romance. The necklines were high and the hemlines were low. The stylish gowns featured long sleeves with gathering at the shoulders. The bodice was constructed of several layers of flowing silk chiffon revealing little of the bride's figure. Beading, lace and embroidery were freely used on the bodice and the headpiece, giving the bride a feminine and romantic look.

1. The Silhouette

   • In 1918, the impossibly narrow waist of the previous era was no longer in style. As a result, the waistlines of wedding gowns were rising, giving way to empire waistlines. The skirts of the gowns were less full, using less fabric. Hemlines were rising and you could now see the foot and ankle.

     Necklines were cut high and were modest, some rising just below the chin. Sleeves were no longer full and gathered at the wrist. Instead, they narrowed below the elbow and were fitted to the wrist. The train was less full and elaborate than in the prior Victorian period.

   The Bretelle

   • Definitive of the Edwardian-style wedding dress was the bretelle, which resembled a waistcoat applique atop the bodice. The fabric on the bodice formed a "V" in the front and sometimes in the back of the dress. This was gathered and tucked in at the waist. Often the bretelle was embellished with beading and embroidery. The bretelle would be added on top of other layers of fabric that formed the bodice.

   The Fabrics

   • Fabric of wedding dresses worn in 1918 tended to be light and flowing, not heavy and crisp. Many dresses were constructed primarily of silk chiffon. The dresses had several layers of fabric and the overlay fabric would be silk charmeuse. The layers were intricately embroidered and beaded.

   The Headpiece

   • The bridal veil in 1918 was no longer constructed of heavy lace that simply fastened to the head. The 1918 style lace was sewn on top of a cloche or cap. The cap would then be elaborately decorated with pearls and it fit tightly to the head. Another style was a brimmed hat with tulle sewn onto it instead of lace. Fabric flowers were used to decorate both styles of headpieces,

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding dress, dress styles, wedding dress styles, 1918 wedding, 1918 wedding dress, gowns were

How to make a carmen miranda costume

make a carmen miranda costume

It's interesting:
"I want to welcome each of you to the wedding today. It is a true testament to the bride and groom that you have taken time from your busy schedule to come and witness their marriage. I have never seen a more beautiful bride than Linda, and Paul looks just plain proud, doesn’t he?"

Carmen Miranda was a popular film star, Broadway actress and samba singer of the 1940s and 1950s. Her salacious outfits and fruity hats made her an icon of tropical music and dancing. Even though many people today don't know who Carmen Miranda was, the Carmen Miranda costumes with their frilly dresses and fruit-heavy hats are still popular at fancy dress and Halloween parties. Incidentally, Carmen Miranda wore the fruit-festooned hat she is so famous for in the movie The Gang's All Here. Of course, you can buy a Carmen Miranda costume at many costume shops, but if you want to save money or simply have some extra fun before the party, you can make your own.

Things You'll Need

• Tropical print material
• Sewing machine
• Fruit
• Wid- brimmed hat
• Feathers
• Hot glue
• Earrings
• Bracelets

Instructions

1. • 1

     Buy fabric with a tropical theme print. You can also deconstruct an old dress or sew together pieces of brightly colored fabric to make your own tropical style. Allow for enough fabric for a wrap-around top, a flowing skirt and a headdress.

   • 2

     Cut your tropical print fabric to the length you want and attach it to the waist of an old short skit to save time. Don't be afraid to combine colors and fabrics because there is no official Carmen Miranda costume. In any case, she was famous for breaking rules and conventions and blending styles and genres.

   • 3

     Wrap a section of tropical fabric around your chest and torso and tie it into a front-flowing bow. Cut two smaller pieces and sew them into two puffy arm bands.

   • 4

     Glue pieces of fruit to a wide-brimmed hat along with as many feathers as you want. Wrap the headdress around your head and fix it all in place with your fruity hat. Carmen Miranda started out as a hatmaker, so give this feature of your costume some special time and attention.

   • 5

     Choose a pair of brightly-colored, high-heeled shoes. Add generous amounts of jewelery, bracelets and earrings to finish off the tropical look.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Carmen Miranda, around your, Carmen Miranda, carmen miranda, carmen miranda costume, Carmen Miranda costume, make carmen

Wedding reception ideas for a southern belle

It's interesting:
"Even world class comics know what it's like to die on stage, and a wedding ... Nobody wants the soundtrack of their wedding night to be a chorus of loud groans."

"Southern belle" is a term used to describe women from the upper class in the southern United States. Depending on which part of the South you live in, you might select Cajun food and favors or traditional southern fare. Honor your family's heritage in your reception, or have a large wedding with decorations of your choice to create an elegant feel.

1. Food

   • Ask a caterer about region-specific foods. If you live in Louisiana, Cajun food may be a more popular choice for weddings. Southern foods such as crab cakes, grilled salmon, fried okra, jambalaya, deviled eggs and collard greens are often features of southern cuisine and, by extension, appear in Southern weddings. Incorporate foods like peaches and pecans into desserts or appetizers. Select lemonade, iced tea and alcoholic drinks like Bourbon for beverages.

   Decorations

   • Create favors, centerpieces and other decorations that reflect your Southern heritage. A floral centerpiece in a vase fitted with a miniature parasol demonstrates your wedding's southern-belle theme. Decorate the venue for the reception with traditional southern plants and flowers, like ivy, Spanish moss, magnolias and camellias. You may also want to incorporate some of these flowers into the bridal bouquet. Provide fans to guests as favors.

   Entertainment

   • Hire a musician, band or another performer to play jazz music during the reception. Dixieland jazz arose from Louisiana in the early 1900s, which makes it a choice for a southern-belle wedding.

     Watch movies set in the South. These films could give you more ideas about dress, decorations, food, music and tradition. Scarlett O'Hara, the protagonist of the Civil War-era film "Gone with the Wind," is among the famous Southern Belles of fiction.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Cajun food, ideas southern, ideas southern belle, reception ideas, reception ideas southern

How to host wedding renewal ceremonies and receptions

host wedding renewal ceremonies and receptions

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. ... 'Chaps, just got to say a huge thanks for the help your site gave me preparing for my brother's wedding. As best ..."

Wedding renewal ceremonies are held by married couples who want to publicly reaffirm their love and commitment. Couples can renew their wedding vows at any point in their marriage, though many wait until they hit a milestone, such as 10 or 25 years. A reception is also commonly held following a vow renewal ceremony during which food, music and dancing is offered. The size, cost and ambiance is ultimately up to those hosting the wedding renewal ceremony and reception.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Paper invitations
• Formalwear
• Flowers
• Commitment rings
• Written vows
• Officiant (optional)
• Food and drink
• Band or DJ

Instructions

1. Vow Renewal Ceremony

   • 1

     Send out invitations approximately six to eight weeks before the renewal ceremony. Invite only those closest to the couple such as family, parents and close friends. It's up to you if you want to invite nieces and nephews or co-workers. Express on the invitations when and where the renewal ceremony and reception will take place and that no gifts are to be given to the couple.

   • 2

     Dress semi-formally for the occasion. The wife can wear anything from a formal gown to a cocktail dress to a dressy pantsuit. She can also wear her original wedding gown, but if the dress is outdated it may seem out of place. The husband should wear a three-piece suit or a tuxedo.

   • 3

     Find a place to host the renewal ceremony and reception. The ceremony can occur anywhere you please, such as a church, community park or your own backyard. The reception can also be held at a restaurant, rented hall or at your home. Choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception should depend on how many people you are inviting and how elaborate of an affair you want to make the vow renewal.

   • 4

     Break tradition during the ceremony. Since a vow renewal ceremony is not the same as a wedding ceremony, you have more free rein to do what you want. The couple can choose to walk down the aisle together or to meet at the front of the altar. You can choose to exchange old wedding rings or can get new rings for the occasion.

   • 5

     Write your own vows. Since you are gathering friends and family to watch, the vows should take center stage. Think about the person you are married to and what that person means to you. Declare what he adds to your life and how much better your life is with him in it. Choose someone to officiate over the vow renewal such as a minister, your children or a close friend.

   • 6

     Keep things simple overall. There is generally no need for elaborate decorations and music at a vow renewal. Instead, accent the altar with a few bouquets of flowers or white lights. The main focus of the event should be the couple and their love and nothing else.

   Vow Renewal Reception

   • 7

     Form a receiving line and greet every guest that attends the reception. Thank everyone for coming and for being a part of this special day. Propose a toast after all the guests arrive and then again for coming. Explain what the vow renewal means for the anniversary couple's relationship and marriage. Allow guests to give toasts if they desire.

   • 8

     Offer food and beverages of some kind. Depending on how many guests you invited and how much money you want to spend, you can have a catered sit-down dinner, an informal family barbecue or put out simple finger foods, desserts and drinks. Since there's no set precedence or tradition of what a vow renewal reception includes, you can do whatever makes you most comfortable.

   • 9

     Hire a DJ or band and provide dancing. You can have a traditional first dance between the anniversary couple, but leave out such dances as a father/daughter and mother/son dance. The reception and dancing can also be shorter than it is for a wedding reception, such as from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ceremony reception, renewal ceremony, renewal ceremonies, renewal ceremony reception, anniversary couple, ceremonies receptions

How to plan a wedding renewal of vows ceremony

plan a wedding renewal of vows ceremony

It's interesting:
"To both sets of parents * To the bride groom * For being chosen as best man. Congratulatory remarks about the wedding. Beautiful bride * Wonderful occasion ..."

Some couples choose to renew their vows to commemorate a milestone anniversary, reaffirm their vows after a rough patch in their marriage or to have their dream wedding if they couldn't the first time around. Planning a renewal of vows wedding ceremony is similar to planning a wedding. There are differences, of course, since you are actually legally married already. Plan the ceremony with all of the details that are important to you and your partner.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Set a date for your renewal ceremony. This is typically your anniversary date or another meaningful date to you, such as the date of your first date or the date you met. If you eloped or got married away from home, the renewal ceremony could be as soon as you return home.

   • 2

     Secure a location for the ceremony. Your backyard, the beach, your house of worship or any other place you want to host your renewal ceremony is OK. Choose a place that is meaningful to you.

   • 3

     Determine the formality of the event and your guest list. Renewal ceremonies are usually reserved for really close family and friends- although inviting everyone you both know is acceptable if you had a small wedding the first time. Completely reenacting the first wedding is also acceptable, with the same attendants and everything. The renewal ceremony can be an intimate, casual event or a formal gala.

   • 4

     Send invitations to your guests. The wording is similar to wedding invitations, except the hosts are not typically named since the couple are usually the hosts. For example:
     

     "The honor of your presence
     

     is requested at the renewal
     

     of the wedding vows of
     

     Sarah and James Jackson"
     

     Follow that with the location, date and time.

   • 5

     Ask family or friends that are important to you if they'd read a poem or verse, play a song or sing during your ceremony. Involve your children or grandchildren with a candle or sand ceremony or have them walk or stand with you. If you're recreating your original wedding, ask your original attendants to stand with you. Involve the people that you want involved as the purpose of the vow renewal ceremony is to celebrate your love.

   • 6

     Acquire an officiant. The officiant doesn't have to hold any legal authority because the renewal ceremony is not a legal act, which means your mom, best friend, sister or cousin can officiate. It's OK to have a religious officiant if you want to.

   • 7

     Purchase your wedding attire, or have your original wedding apparel cleaned. If you want to wear the clothes from your original wedding, that's okay. Otherwise, purchase a nice outfit that matches the location and formality of your renewal ceremony.

   • 8

     Write your wedding vows. Repeat your original vows or write new ones that include a story or memory that truly conveys your feelings. For example, explain why you are happy to marry your spouse, again.

   • 9

     Pick out new rings for the vow renewal ceremony, or have your original rings engraved with something new, such as the date of the renewal or "I love you Take two."

   • 10

     Plan the decorations and food for your reception. The celebration can be as simple as a backyard barbecue or as elaborate as a seven-course sit-down meal served at the finest restaurant in town.

Tips &- Warnings

• Include all of the elements that are important to the two of you, even if someone else advises against them.

• Avoid registering for gifts or asking for gifts. A vow renewal ceremony is meant to be a celebration that's all about the two of you and your love for one another, not what you can get. It shows poor etiquette and poor taste to ask for or solicit gifts for a wedding vow renewal.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: renewal ceremony, your original, original wedding, renewal vows, that important, wedding renewal

Military hotels in oahu

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 ..."

Known as the nerve center of the Pacific defense, Hawaii holds a strategic position in the defense system of the United States. The headquarters of the Commander in Chief, Pacific, and of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, are at Camp H.M. Smith near Pearl Harbor in Oahu. Pearl Harbor is a main base for U.S. naval ships. Oahu is a top destination for military personnel and their families.

1. Aqua Island Colony Hotel

   • The Aqua Island Colony Hotel, the tallest hotel in Waikiki, offers expansive views over the Pacific Ocean and into the Koolau Mountains. The hotel is a two-block walk to the beach and a short stroll to the International Marketplace. The hotel offers military discounts to military personnel and their families.

     The hotel has 740 guestrooms on 44 floors. Guestrooms are single, double or family-sized. Larger rooms include two double beds, a kitchenette, a balcony, air conditioning and a daily paper. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and immediate access to the surf.

     Aqua Island Colony Hotel
     

     445 Seaside Avenue
     

     Honolulu, HI US 96815
     

     808-923-2345
     

     aquaresorts.com

   Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel

   • Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel, a few steps from Waikiki Beach and less than a 1/2-mile from downtown Honolulu, offers military discounted rates. This Hilton offers 601 guestrooms, all smoke-free. Rooms include 42-inch plasma HDTV, double, queen or king beds and a private balcony–-a lanai in Hawaiian–-with an ocean, mountain or city view.

     The Hilton Waikiki allows up to two pets, no more than 60 lbs each. You should notify the hotel in advance if you are traveling with pets.

     Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio
     

     2500 Kuhio Ave.
     

     Honolulu, HI 96815
     

     800-333-3333
     

     808-922-0811
     

     hilton.com

   The Hale Koa Hotel

   • The Hale Koa Hotel on Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center is a resort exclusively serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Built and financed by service men and women from their own funds, the hotel now operates on a self-sustaining, donation and voluntary basis.

     All of the Hale Koa Hotel’-s 817 guestrooms offer basic amenities and varying balcony views. The hotel also provides ground floor rooms with easier access for older guests and those using wheelchairs.

     The Hale Koa hotel bases room rates on military rank or civilian grade at the time of check-in. Retired military members received rates based on the rank achieved at the time of retirement- retired civilian members of the military community pay a Category III rate- others associated with the military, such as disabled veterans and widows, receive other discount rates.

     The Hale Koa Hotel
     

     For DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center
     

     2055 Kalla Road
     

     Honolulu, HI 96815-1998
     

     808-955-0555
     

     halekoa.com

   Sheraton Waikiki

   • The Sheraton Waikiki features 1,695 rooms on 31 floors. Rooms include city or ocean views and a private balcony. Amenities include a fitness center, business center, swimming pool and onsite restaurant.

     The Waikiki area is near the Hickam Air Force Base, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Air Force Base, Lualualei Naval Reservation, Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Camp Smith, Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station and Fort Shafter. The hotel is nine miles from Honolulu International Airport.

     The Sheraton offers competitive military and government rates when guests show a valid military ID.

     Sheraton Waikiki
     

     2255 Kalakaua Avenue
     

     Honolulu, HI 96815
     

     808-922-4422
     

     sheraton-waikiki.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Hilton Waikiki, Aqua Island, Aqua Island Colony, Armed Forces, Colony Hotel

Hotels with outdoor showers in napa, california

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

Napa Valley is a county located just north of the San Francisco Bay Area in California in the upper mid-western part of the state. Napa Valley today is known primarily for their wine industry, which ranks in the top division of wine regions along with France, Italy and Spain. With hundreds of vineyards and beautiful accommodations, Napa has become one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

1. The Carneros Inn

   • The Carneros Inn is one of the most popular accommodations in California's Napa Valley. In addition to comfortable room amenities, the hotel also offers services to make your stay as comfortable as possible. There are three full service restaurants on the property, an infinity edged hot tub, swimming pool, lap pool and children's pool, a full service spa, post office, local market, fitness classes, yoga classes, full concierge and complimentary bicycles for guest use. The Carneros Inn offers 86 guest cottages and 10 suites for guest accommodations. All rooms and cottages boast Italian bedding, wood burning fireplaces, flat screen televisions, high-speed wireless Internet access, a full marble bathroom and outdoor showers.

   Poetry Inn

   • The Poetry Inn, located in Napa Valley is one of the most romantic hotels in the area. A room reservation comes with a complimentary three-course gourmet breakfast served each day of your stay. Every room in the Inn is large in size, averaging 850 square feet at minimum, and is stocked with king beds with feather duvets, Italian linens, towels and bathrobes, large private balconies with outdoor showers, marble bathrooms with a soaking tub, wood burning fireplaces, fresh flowers, twice-daily housekeeping service and complimentary wireless Internet access. Also on the property is a full service spa with a range of body, skin and nail treatments.

   The Calistoga Ranch

   • The Calistoga Ranch is made up of 48 deluxe, one bedroom, two bedroom and estate lodges. Each lodge is built with large outdoor decks, floor to ceiling widows, and contemporarily designed interiors. Every lodge boasts a fireplace, original wall art, Italian linens, natural botanical bath products and an outdoor shower in the private gardens. The resort itself offers a heated pool, valet service, a private lake and stream, a private wine cave, wine classes and dining in-lodge, poolside or lakeside.

   Bardessono Hotel, Restaurant and Spa

   • The Bardessono Hotel, Restaurant and Spa features 62 guest rooms, a restaurant serving locally grown farm fresh ingredients, a rooftop pool with poolside dining, bicycles for guest use and on-site gardens. Each room is furnished with all sustainable and recycled materials working toward Bardessono's goal of an earth friendly establishment. In addition to the guest rooms, the hotel also has three deluxe suites featuring a king bed, open living space, a gas fireplace and a private courtyard. The deluxe bathroom includes a steam room and an outdoor shower, also designed to accommodate in-room spa services.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Napa Valley, outdoor showers, full service, with outdoor, with outdoor showers, Bardessono Hotel, Bardessono Hotel Restaurant

Checklist for a catholic wedding

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 ..."

Planning a traditional Catholic ceremony requires detailed preparation months in advance. It is important to take note of any parish regulations, rites that must be observed and any other religious considerations as outlined by the church. Once you get engaged, it is important to contact your home parish and ask your priest any questions regarding a Catholic ceremony to eliminate any surprises in your planning process.

1. 12 Months Prior to Ceremony

   • One year before your big day it is important to start envisioning the type of wedding you want. Do you want to include all of the rites in a traditional ceremony or only the necessary ones? Are you marrying within your faith or do you need to speak to your priest about interfaith marriage rites? You also need to decide on a date for the wedding. The time of the Mass may be predetermined depending on the parish and time of year.

   Nine Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Schedule an appointment with your officiant to discuss the details of the wedding. You may need to choose readings, music and rites (blessings) for the ceremony. It is important to choose your wedding party at this point with either your best man or maid of honor within the Catholic faith. Make sure to ask about any wardrobe restrictions as some churches require shoulders to be covered. At this point you will also need to begin your Pre-Cana which is a marriage preparation course required by parishes to be married. Engaged Encounter, Natural Family Planning course and online coursework may also be required.

   Six Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Order and design invitations to be sent to invitees. Pew markers may be a good idea to reserve seating for family members in the church. Contact the church to arrange for you and wedding party members wishing to receive communion prior to the ceremony.

   Three Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Plan the readings for your ceremony. Typically, the church will allow you to use a couple family members to take part. You will also need to decide if you wish to receive a Papal blessing. This is only available if you are getting married within a Roman Catholic church. An official application form will need to be filled out and sent to Rome for approval. You will also need to speak to the officiant regarding decorations for the church.

   One to Two Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Finalize your vows, the program for the ceremony and your invitations. Make sure to include pew markers with the invitations for family members you want to have priority seating at the ceremony. Banns may also need to be published in your parish's bulletin. This is an announcement of your intention to wed. Plan the rehearsal time for the day prior to the wedding and book a location for the rehearsal dinner.

   Final Days Prior to Ceremony

   • Be sure to schedule one last meeting with your priest to finalize any last-minute details. Go over the ceremony in detail and ask any final questions you may have regarding the wedding. Rehearse the ceremony with your family and wedding party the day before the main event.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: also need, Months Prior, Months Prior Ceremony, Prior Ceremony, family members, wedding party, will also

Resorts near starved rock in illinois

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

Known as one of the "Seven Wonders of Illinois," Starved Rock State Park received over two million visitors in 2009. Starved Rock is easily accessible from the Illinois town of Utica and is only two hours south of the state capital, Chicago. Highlights include 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater, waterfalls, rock formations and views over the Illinois River.

1. Starved Rock Lodge

   • The only resort inside the state park, the Starved Rock Lodge is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Guests can stay in one of the hotel's 70 guest rooms and suites or rent one of its13 pioneer cabins. On-site amenities include wireless Internet, pool, nature art exhibit, cafe, restaurant, parking and gift shop. The Lodge is steps away from 13 miles of hiking trails and offers trolley tours of the Starved Rock area every Sunday or canal boat tours every Friday. Don't miss the wide array of nearby flora and fauna, including beavers, foxes, white-tailed deers and bald eagles. Rates start at $95 per night for a room or cabin, as of October 2010.

   Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort

   • Only 88 minutes from Chicago and next to Starved Rock State Park, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is a family-friendly lodge with 92 guest rooms and suites, 2-story villas and 3-story cabins. All are equipped with wireless Internet and cable television, and can accommodate a minimum of four people. The villas and cabins include full kitchens with dinnerware and utensils and DVD library. Amenities at Grizzly Jack's include a pizzeria, sports bar, cafe, sweet shop, convenience store and fitness facility. To make your stay even more enjoyable, there's a 24,000 square foot indoor water park and the Enchanted Forest, a 36,000 square foot indoor play house. Tickets are included in the accommodation costs. Rates start at $119.95 per night for a family suite or $49.95 for a luxury cabin, as of October 2010.

   Kishauwau on the Vermillion

   • Formerly a boy scout camp, Kishauwau on the Vermillion is a year-round country resort offering cottages to rent. These pet-friendly cabins come with fully-equipped kitchens and linen, and there is local shopping and dining nearby in Utica and La Salle. Horse-riding, canoeing, golfing and swimming facilities are within a short distance of the retreat. Visitors are not just close to Starved Rock State Parks and its choice of outdoor activities, but to several other state parks as well, including Buffalo Rock and Mathiessen. Nearby attractions include the Bureau County Historical Museum, built in 1900, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Wild Bill Hicock State Memorial. Rates start at $100 per night in a small family cottage (two adults, two children) during the weeknight or $250 for a two night weekend stay, as of October 2010.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Starved Rock, Grizzly Jack, October 2010, Rates start, Rates start night

Free instructions on cake decorating

It's interesting:
"Now everyone, I'm aware that it's a particularly cold winter's day for a wedding, but don't worry... if anyone is feeling a chill running down their spine it's ..."

Cake decorating is becoming an increasingly popular hobby, due in part to such television shows as TLC's Cake Boss, Food Network's Ace of Cakes, and TLC's Ultimate Cake-Off. Although many craft and cake decorating supply shops offer classes in cake decorating design, many basic decorating instructions can be learned online for free, and allow users to work from the privacy of their own home when their schedule permits.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

1. Use A Specialized Pan

   • One of the best tips to a professional-looking cake is to use a specialized pan, sold in any craft or cake decorating shop. These pans are often shaped like famous cartoons, such as Elmo, Spiderman, Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse, or recognizable symbols and icons, such as a sand castle, building blocks, a tiara or a baby rattle. These pans include varying levels, details and imprints, so that the batter baked inside them is shaped to resemble the intricate pan.

   Frost Your Cake Smoothly

   • To ensure that your frosting goes on smoothly and evenly, it's essential that your utensils be at the right temperature. Dip a straight-edge spatula into warm water for three seconds, then remove and wipe with a towel to collect any residual moisture. Place the first layer of your cake on a cake plate, preferably a rotating one, for easy access. Next, scoop 1 tbsp. of cake frosting into the center of the first layer and slowly smooth the frosting outwards, to the edges of the cake. Do not allow the spatula to touch the cake itself, as this will cause the cake to crumble. Next, sweep the frosting from the edges of the cake layer back to the middle of the cake. Add more frosting as necessary. Continue until cake is frosted. Next, place second layer of cake on top and repeat. Once frosted, frost the sides of the cake by holding the warmed spatula upright, with its edge against the icing, and rotating the cake slowly. Spin the cake, taking care not to remove the spatula from the cake so as not to disrupt any crumbs. Repeat and remove excess icing until smooth.

   Use Pastry Bags

   • Pastry bags are the simplest way to create a professional-looking cake. To begin, place buttercream frosting (made by combining 6 cups of confectioner's sugar, 2 sticks of softened butter, 1 tsp. of vanilla, and 2 tbsp. of milk) in a pastry bag. Pastry bags may be purchased in craft or cake decorating shops, or can be made using a plastic bag with a snipped corner. Place a star cake decorating tip, such as tip #16 or #23, on the pastry bag at the opening. Next, apply firm and even pressure until pastry bag exerts a small star of frosting. Pull pastry bag away from cake and then begin again. Repeat until cake is covered in stars, and use different pastry bags with different colors if cake requires multiple colors.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: cake decorating, craft cake, craft cake decorating, cake decorating, edges cake

How to get a discount on a vegas wedding

get a discount on a vegas wedding

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

Las Vegas weddings can range anywhere from a 10-minute visit to a chapel on the main city strip to a lavish destination wedding affair. When attempting to get wedding discounts, it's important to search around for a place that will not only suit your needs, but genuinely appreciates your business. Because Las Vegas is such a popular wedding destination, it's likely to be more difficult to persuade businesses to offer you large discounts. When attempting to get discounts, consider the pre- planned packages and negotiate free or discounted extras.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Decide if you'd rather have a more traditional wedding or a traditional Las Vegas speed wedding. When it comes to traditional weddings, it's best to plan far in advance when attempting to book one in Las Vegas. There's a large selection of both indoor and outdoor venues that rival many exotic destination weddings. The Always & Forever Wedding Chapel and Outdoor Wedding company offers beautifully landscaped outdoor wedding locations such as a botanical garden, a lakeside location, an intimate garden lakeside combination, and a desert location deemed The Valley of Fire. This company offers packages at discount rates year-round, including a special military discount.

   • 2

     Rent wedding attire. By renting instead of purchasing, you can save money for your entire bridal party, whether it consists solely of the bride and groom or includes bridesmaids and groomsmen. Most Las Vegas wedding chapels offer rentals at discount rates, as they're included in the chapel wedding package.

   • 3

     Compare chapels and negotiate prices. By doing research before you attempt to book a wedding, it's more likely that you can coerce the wedding chapel employees to provide discounts by knowing the rates of all the competition. If the employees are unable to give you a discount on the ceremony itself, try to make a deal that includes extra photography time or souvenir discounts.

   • 4

     Avoid planning a Las Vegas wedding during the holidays. Since Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, the holidays are an exceptionally busy time for weddings in SIn City. You're more likely to come across wedding and hotel discounts if you visit the city and plan your wedding during a less popular time of the year, such as late fall or winter.

   • 5

     Purchase a wedding package. Many Las Vegas wedding packages are nearly all-inclusive and most locations offer a wide variety of options. By purchasing a package, you're certain to pay less than if you choose to purchase everything separately, plus you'll save yourself the aggravation of having to find and deal with multiple vendors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: company offers, discount rates, discount vegas, discount vegas wedding, garden lakeside, more likely

How to prepare a maid of honor speech

prepare a maid of honor speech

It's interesting:
"This wedding really couldn't come at a better time for anyone. Gary will probably be bald by this time next year. And Annabelle's just found out that ..."

The maid of honor speech is a very important part of the role, because this is your chance to honor the bride. It usually comes after the best man's speech during the wedding reception, when most of the guests are still present. So take your role seriously, prepare well and be sincere in your speech. Whether you're a born crowd-pleaser or the more reserved type, speaking from the heart is always the best way to go.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Start by making an outline of your speech. Write it down and review it to make sure it contains the essential things you want to say about the bride.

   • 2

     Begin by talking about how you and the bride met, how you became friends, and how you became best friends. Relate a brief anecdote about growing up together or memorable moments you've shared through the years. This shows how well you know her and how you truly share a history as friends. Make sure you only narrate appropriate stories though that truly honor the bride.

   • 3

     Think about which personality traits of the bride you admire most or what makes you love her. Choose one or two characteristics and honor her for these.

   • 4

     Make the guests laugh but avoid inappropriate jokes and language. Always use wholesome humor and appropriate language. Remember that senior members of the bride and groom's families are present in the celebration. Share funny experiences you've had together, but make sure everyone laughs at the story and not at the bride.

   • 5

     Give a short sharing as well about how you admire the bride and groom for their love for each other. Dedicate a Bible verse, poem or song and conclude your speech by wishing them well.

   • 6

     Read your speech to someone close to the bride, preferably her mother, sister or another bridesmaid before the wedding day. Ask them if it is appropriate enough for the occasion or if it gives due honor to the bride.

   • 7

     Practice your speech in front of a mirror or a friend, so you are confident enough when the actual time comes. Rehearse the pauses, jokes and particular points you wish to emphasize.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your speech, honor bride, honor speech, maid honor, maid honor speech

Simple fall wedding flowers

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 ..."

To enhance your fall wedding, incorporate the autumn scene into the decor and the flower selection. The flowers can relay the seasonal theme through their style or simply their colors. Even the items used to present the flowers, such as the vases or other holding devices, can reflect the fall theme.

1. Dahlia

   • The fall dahlia flower works well with an autumn wedding as it is available in a variety of colors, such as the fall foliage colors of yellow, orange and red. The dahlia is a robust and full flower that will add bulk to a floral arrangement. Complement the bright hue of a yellow or orange dahlia with a deeper colored fall flower, such as the purple hued iris.

   Marigolds

   • Marigolds, commonly seen in yellow and orange, are another flower option well suited to a fall wedding. Marigolds are by nature cheerful and vibrant blooms, making them appropriate for an occasion as joyous as a wedding. Make the marigolds pop by working in other autumn foliage and colors into the bouquets. For example, mix in red spray roses accented with dried oak leaves or even rich, burgundy colored peonies.

   Dyed Flowers

   • Classic and traditional flowers that may not be typically associated with the fall season can be made to coordinate with the autumn wedding. Dying the flowers allows you to give them an autumn feel. Choose colors that are commonly seen in fall foliage, such as orange, red and yellow. Roses are a classic flower choice common at weddings that can be easily dyed a rainbow of colors.

   Imported Flowers

   • Since most local flowers are not in season in the cooler autumn months, utilize flowers that are available throughout the year. Flowers such as orchids, lilies and Gerber daisies can be imported all year round, making them easily accessible for a fall wedding. Choose flowers in colors that will tie them in with the autumn season, such as in shades of red, yellow, burgundy and orange.

   Gourds

   • Gourds can give any floral arrangement an autumn feel. Incorporate them into a centerpiece to give it a seasonal touch. Hollow out a larger gourd, such as a pumpkin, and utilize it as a holding device for a flower arrangement. This will make the arrangements eye catching and unconventional. Use flowers in autumn colors to complement the color of the gourds and give the arrangements a clear autumn undertone.

   Unconventional Choices

   • Incorporate unconventional fillers and plants into flower arrangements to give them an autumn touch. For example, add in stalks of wheat or cotton plants, according to The Knot website, to make the arrangements coordinate with the season. Integrating fall plants and even fruits into the floral arrangements, such as crab apples, can give the bouquets a seasonal touch that marks them as clearly autumn themed.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: fall wedding, with autumn, yellow orange, autumn feel, autumn wedding, colors that

How to sign a reply card for a wedding

sign a reply card for a wedding

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 ..."

Couples need a final head count before their wedding, especially if food and alcohol are being made available at the reception. For this reason, many wedding invitations include a reply card for guests to fill out and mail back in. It is important for guests to fill out reply cards correctly and to send them back in a timely manner.

Things You'll Need

• Pen

Instructions

1. • 1

     Look at the date of the wedding listed on the invitation. Check your schedule as soon as possible to see if you are available.

   • 2

     Write in blue or black pen ink when filling out your reply card.

   • 3

     Locate the "M" that is followed by a blank space on the reply card. If you are a man, write "r" and a period, followed by your full name. If you are a woman, follow it with an "iss" or an "s" period or "rs" period, followed by your full name. Follow this by writing "and" and then the name of the other person invited on the inside envelope. If it says "and guest," write "and guest" after your name.

   • 4

     Check off whether you are attending or not. If the reply card says "number of guests attending," write a number instead of a check mark.

   • 5

     Place the card back into its envelope if it has one. Some reply cards are made like postcards and do not have an envelope.

   • 6

     Make sure there is already a stamp and address listed on the reply card envelope or on the back of the reply card. Place the reply card in the outgoing mail.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: reply card, card wedding, followed your, followed your full, full name, guests fill, period followed

Information on having a cinderella wedding reception

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."

Fairy tales can shape a child's expectations and ideas about important events. After hearing a modern version of the Jacob and Wilhelm Grimms' legend "Cinderella" or seeing an animated adaption, a young girl may dream of the day she will marry her own "Prince Charming." As an adult, she may want to have her own Cinderella reception to capture the romance she remembers from that childhood fairy tale.

1. Timing

   • A Cinderella wedding reception can take place at any time of year. A winter wedding, however, is an ideal backdrop for romantic details such as flickering candlelight and sparkly or whimsical decorations. A springtime wedding, on the other hand, guarantees a wide and plentiful variety of flowers and lush greenery.

   Venue

   • A castle provides a romantic setting for a fairy tale wedding reception.

     In any season, a castle or a stately mansion is the perfect setting for a fairy tale wedding. According to The Knot, the best castles for weddings in the United States include the Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island, the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina, the Falkenstein Castle in Burnet, Texas, Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii, the OHEKA Castle in Huntington, New York, and the Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri. These venues offer details fitting a fairy tale reception, such as grand spiral staircases and stained-glass windows, spacious ballrooms, views of mountains and forests or gardens and ponds and carriage rides. couples looking to wed abroad, France offers both castles and romantic chateaus.

     A hotel with a grand ballroom---including regal decor and majestic chandeliers---is also a suitable venue for a Cinderella wedding reception. A lavish garden or vineyard---complete with plenty of flowers and foliage---can also provide a romantic, fairy tale setting.

   Ambiance and Decor

   • Romantic details at the wedding reception will complement the venue and enhance the fairy tale setting. Candles and candelabras, for example, offer instant romantic ambiance. The Knot suggests arranging candles in clusters on tables at the reception, on mantles at varying heights and in hurricane vases in walkways. Flowing, translucent fabrics, such as viole or organza, also add a romantic vibe to tabletops. Pink is a common and romantic accent color for a Cinderella wedding reception.

     Plentiful flowers and towering, dramatic centerpieces are critical details for a fairy tale wedding reception. According to The Knot, roses---in red, white or lavender---are the "obvious choice" for floral arrangements. Gardenias are a fragrant alternative, but orchids---which are often associated with love---are also appropriate. Crystal or pearl adornments can give a romantic flourish to floral arrangements and centerpieces.

   Food and Music

   • Although the original fairy tale did not focus on Cinderella eating at the ball, food is an essential component of a wedding reception. Romantic details, such as using intricate or silver serving pieces and adding floral garnishes, can make most any type of cuisine work for this reception style. YourWedding101.com suggests a fairy tale reception include a formal, three-course early evening dinner, capped with cutting a multi-tier wedding cake.

     Live music, such as a harp or violin during dinner and a band during dancing, imparts a romantic charm to the reception. YourWedding101.com suggests a trumpeter announce the arrival of the bride and groom at the reception and that the bride and groom select a waltz for a dramatic and romantic first dance.

   Disney Weddings

   • For the ultimate Cinderella wedding reception, Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California both offer "Fairy Tale Weddings." With these wedding packages, the bride and groom can make their fairy tale fantasy a reality with details such as celebrating at Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom or traveling to the festivities in a horse-drawn coach.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: fairy tale, wedding reception, bride groom, details such, fairy tale wedding

How to predict the sex of your baby

predict the sex of your baby

It's interesting:
"'It was two days before the wedding and I finally sat down to write my toast. Low and ... Everyone at the wedding said it was the best toast they had ever heard.' ..."

One of the big questions on parents' minds during pregnancy is whether they are having a boy or a girl. While some parents decide to find out via ultrasound, others may want to wait and be surprised. While there is no proven way to predict the sex of your baby, there is certainly an abundance of old wives' tales to help you guess. The pendulum method is known to be especially accurate.

Things You'll Need

• Ring or pin
• String

Instructions

1. The Pendulum Method

   • 1

     Slide your wedding ring onto an 8- to 10-inch piece of string until it rests in the middle. You can also use a different ring or a needle, but the wedding ring is most effective.

   • 2

     Lie down in a quiet place and relax. Lift up your shirt to expose the belly.

   • 3

     Hold the string with the pin/ring over your belly. Make sure to hold it very still.

   • 4

     Observe the movements. If the ring goes in a circular motion, you are having a girl. If it swings from side to side or back and forth in a line, you are having a boy.

Tips &- Warnings

• There are many other ways to predict the sex of your baby that do not involve a step-by-step process. For example, are you carrying the baby low or high? If you are carrying high, you are having a girl, and if you carry low, it's probably a boy. Also consider your cravings. Craving sweets is said to indicate a girl, whereas boys cause salt cravings. The level of activity can also give you a hint. Active babies are usually boys, whereas inactive babies tend to be girls.

• All of these factors, combined with the pendulum test, will help you to successfully predict the sex of your baby.

• The above-mentioned tests are not foolproof, and no large purchases should be made based on their results.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: predict your, predict your baby, your baby, having girl, wedding ring

One-night romantic getaways in orlando

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 ..."

Often all it takes to rekindle a relationship is a romantic night. A single night away in a memorable hotel, an afternoon taking in the sights and a few hours enjoying a fabulous dinner are the elements of a romantic getaway. Orlando is a great destination for a one-night romantic getaway, offering endless hotels, attractions and dining options to cater to the romantic experience you seek.

1. Luxury Romance

   • Get away from the jammed highways and hectic theme parks and escape to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Situated on nearly 500 acres in Bonnet Creek, the Waldorf Astoria is Orlando's premiere luxury address. After check-in, there is no reason to leave the property, although the resort does offer complimentary shuttle service to Disney World. A romantic spa treatment followed by a swim in the hotel's pool is a must during the afternoon. The hotel's six restaurants are sure to please any palate, but chose room service for an intimate experience.

   Disney Romance

   • The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney World's most luxurious destination with views of Cinderella's Castle and Seven Seas Lagoon. Recreating a bygone era of refinement, the Victorian-inspired architecture, prime setting and comforting amenities exude a romantic ambiance. The moment you enter the five-story high lobby, you realize this is not typical Disney. Romantic interludes should include a few hours indulging at the spa or ordering an in-room massage. For dinner book the Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's, a three-hour, seven-course meal where diners interact with the chef during preparation -- be sure to reserve this far in advance. Set aside 30 minutes to take in Disney's nightly firework show.

   Bed and Breakfast Romance

   • What better way to spend a one-night of romance in Orlando than at the Thurston House, a serene Victorian bed and breakfast set amid citrus trees. Relax on the house's wrap-around porch, and awake in the morning to a full breakfast prepared by your host. Guests should take a trip to Leu Gardens where 50 acres of flowers await and wedding ceremonies are held almost every day. For a twist schedule your getaway on an evening when the Leu Gardens has its date night, where guest can watch a movie -- be sure to bring a blankets and snacks.

   Downtown Romance

   • Sonesta Hotel, situated on Lake Invanhoe in downtown Orlando, offers a romance package that includes a welcome gift and $50 room service credit -- think breakfast in bed. The hotel's rooftop pool and hot tub provide uninterrupted views of downtown Orlando. In the evening take the hotel's shuttle to HUE Restaurant, one of downtown's most lauded restaurants. It is advisable to make reservations at HUE -- available through the restaurant's website -- before arriving on your one-night getaway. HUE serves mostly traditional American cuisine in a contemporary setting.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Astoria Orlando, Disney World, downtown Orlando, getaways orlando, romantic getaway

The traditional chinese marriage ceremony

It's interesting:
"It's a shame, given this is a winter wedding, that the minister wouldn't let Paul and Linda have the pantomime theme wedding they originally wanted. Looking at Paul, I think ‘Puss in Boots’ would have been very appropriate."

A Chinese wedding, like many Chinese celebrations, is full of traditions that are rich in heritage and symbolism. These traditions center around bringing good luck, good fortune and many children to the happy couple as well as a chance for the families to show the community that they are good and generous hosts. It is also for all involved to avoid taboos that might keep good fortune away from the wedding couple.

1. Proposal and Betrothal

   • A Chinese wedding begins well before the wedding day. It is not just the couple who will be joined but also the families as well. Both families meet on an auspicious betrothal day where they will exchange gifts and agree to the marriage. They will also consult a fortune teller to plan the wedding date.

   Wedding Ceremony

   • The wedding day begins with firecrackers, gongs and drums leading the bride and groom to the wedding site. During the actual wedding ceremony itself, there are no spoken vows, but the couple bow three times to their ancestors, their parents and to heaven and earth. Then the couple serves tea to the elder members of the families. The couple might drink wine from cups tied together with a symbolic red thread. This ceremony is usually attended only by the couple's immediate family.

   Wedding Banquet

   • The wedding banquet is usually a lavish affair paid for by the groom and his family. Members of the extended family, friends and co-workers are invited to share in both family's happiness. Guests are seated at large round tables and served anywhere from 9 to 13 food courses of roasted pig, soups, fish, abalone, noodles and shark fin soup. Food is very important in Chinese celebrations and many delicacies are often served. Drinks include wine, beer, juices and soft drinks. During the wedding banquet, the wedding couple go to every table to offer cigarettes and candy for the guests as well as share a toast with each table. Guests give the couple red envelopes filled with money as wedding gifts at the same time. The final event is when the couple and their families stand by the door to thank their guests and wish them well as they leave.

   Bridal Dresses

   • Chinese brides can change into as many as 4 or 5 dresses on their wedding day. Many choose to wear a white wedding dress similar to western cultures while registering their marriage with the local authorities. A traditional red cheongsam dress is worn for the private wedding ceremony with only the immediate families. Finally, the bride changes into a cocktail style dress, usually pink, since white is the color of mourning in China, for the wedding banquet.

   Wedding Taboos

   • Brides and grooms are supposed to protect their luck for their wedding day beginning three months before the wedding. They are not allowed to visit heavily pregnant women or go to another wedding or a funeral during this time, as they are considered inauspicious. If a parent passes away, the wedding would be rescheduled, but no more than 100 days after the death. If a bride meets another bride on her wedding day, they must exchange red money envelopes to neutralize the bad luck. If a guest is born under a sign that clashed with the wedding date, they would be expected to stay home from the wedding to protect the wedding couple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding couple, before wedding, Chinese celebrations, chinese marriage, chinese marriage ceremony, Chinese wedding