How to plan a budget with excel

plan a budget with excel

It's interesting:
"All the material you need to win laughs and touch hearts. Our interactive page will guide you step-by-step as you create an extraordinary speech that uniquely ..."

Planning and creating a budget can be tiresome, especially if you don't know where to begin. Microsoft Excel can help you plan a budget for any occasion. Whether you're planning your monthly expenses or preparing for an upcoming wedding or vacation, you'll find tools that will save you time and money, so you can get closer to your financial goals. Excel's calculator automatically figures your monthly costs to help you track your expenses.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Office Excel
• Internet Connection

Instructions

1. Getting Started

   • 1

     Open Microsoft Excel and select "File>-New" from the toolbar.

   • 2

     Go to the "New Workbook" pane on the right and type "budget" under Templates.

   • 3

     Click on "Go" and scroll through the list to find the budget template you want to use.

   Plan a Monthly Expense Budget

   • 4

     Click on the "Personal Monthly Budget Planning" template and download it. The budget template will load in Microsoft Excel.

   • 5

     Use the listed expenses as a guide to plan your monthly expense budget.

   • 6

     Calculate your average monthly income and enter it in the "Projected Monthly Income" box. Enter your exact income in the "Actual Monthly Income" box.

   • 7

     Check your receipts for accuracy and add in your household bills (rent, water, cable, phone, car insurance), transportation costs, health/life insurance, entertainment, loans and taxes in the "Projected Cost" column. Leave out any expenses that don't apply.

   • 8

     Add in your actual costs for each bill in the "Actual Cost" column. Excel will calculate the subtotals, difference and totals for you.

   • 9

     Plan to spend less for non-essentials if you're over budget. Save any monies you have in surplus.

   Plan a Budget for a Wedding

   • 10

     Click on the "Wedding Budget" template and download it.

   • 11

     Plug in your estimated costs for apparel (rings, gown/veil, tuxedo, shoes, jewelry), decorations (such as bows, candles, lighting, balloons), gifts, flowers, music, photography, reception, invitations/printing and transportation. Excel will calculate the total expenses for you.

   • 12

     Check that you're within budget. If you're not, change your estimates to make sure you're within budget.

   • 13

     Print out a copy of your budget as you plan for your wedding.

   • 14

     Jot down everything you buy and keep your receipts. Add the cost of each item in Excel in the "Actual" column.

   Plan a Budget for a Business Trip

   • 15

     Click on the "Business Trip Budget" template and download it.

   • 16

     Enter your projected budget by the "Target trip budget" box.

   • 17

     Add in your airfare, hotel, food, car rental, gas, entertainment and miscellaneous costs.

   • 18

     Include the number of people and days the budget is for. Excel will calculate the total cost for your trip.

   • 19

     Plan to add more funds to your business trip or eliminate activities you can't afford (if you're under budget.)

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Excel will, Excel will calculate, Microsoft Excel, template download, will calculate

Australian country wedding ideas

It's interesting:
"All the material you need to win laughs and touch hearts. Our interactive page will guide you step-by-step as you create an extraordinary speech that uniquely ..."

When deciding what type of wedding theme they should choose, couples have many options. One of the most popular wedding themes in Australia is one that has a country flair to it. This style includes rustic centerpieces and decor to give the wedding and reception a comfortable and purposefully unpolished look. This shabby chic look from down under has caught on globally and is commonly seen in weddings from the US to the UK.

1. Centerpiece Ideas

   • With the exception of the bride and groom, table centerpieces are one of the items in a wedding that are noticed the most. Most tables have at least one centerpiece and they are constantly in view whether your guests are eating, talking or socializing from table to table. When selecting a centerpiece for a wedding with a country theme, less is better. Something that looks simple and pretty, but without a lot of glitz or flashiness, will keep the centerpieces in line with your country inspired decor. Fresh cut daisies or Australian wildflowers held in an empty wine bottle or even heart shaped floating candles placed in water filled peeled soup cans that have been painted with your wedding colors can make excellent and inexpensive country style centerpieces. This look is perfect for use in Australian weddings or for receptions from around the globe.

   Flower Ideas

   • Like with the centerpieces, simple is best when it comes to flowers for an Australian style country wedding. Big, formal flower arrangements will not fit with the flow of the minimalistic style of country decor. Fresh cut flowers placed in simple vases and bundled, tied with white ribbon and placed on the ends of church pews are frequently used in country themed weddings due to their rustic, yet beautiful, look. Many Australian brides also choose to forgo the traditional full wedding bouquet for simple Australian wild flowers or daisy bunches, tied with simple white ribbon to keep in line with the theme of country elegance.

   Romantic Country Lighting

   • Nothing says romance like candlelight. Many Australian brides, as do brides around the globe, love the softness of candlelit ceremonies and the simplicity of candlelight flows nicely with the theme of country weddings. Instead of harsh, heavy lighting for your reception, an alternative option is to light your entire reception with the use of candlelight. This lends an elegant touch to your reception, yet stays true to the shabby chic decor. A broad range of candle sizes should be used to ensure that there is sufficient light. Large, pillar sized candles will also last longer, usually burning for several hours, leading to less expense. Candles placed in Mason jars can also double as a lighting source and as wedding favors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: country wedding, around globe, Australian brides, Australian country, Australian country wedding, country wedding ideas, decor Fresh

Celtic wedding decoration ideas

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 ..."

Many people, whether they have Celtic heritage or are simply enamored of the culture, are struck by the idea of a Celtic-themed wedding.

There is no shortage of Celtic wedding decorations. Some come from old Celtic wedding traditions, while others are simply symbols of the Celtic or Irish people, but they can all be showcased with as much class or funk as the bride and groom see fit.

1. The Claddagh

   • The claddagh is an ancient Celtic symbol consisting of a heart held by two hands and adorned with a crown.
     

     The heart symbolizes love, while the hands symbolize friendship, and the crown symbolizes loyalty.
     

     While the symbol's ancient use was as an engagement ring, a number of decorations can be found with this symbol.
     

     Napkin rings are a good choice for the claddagh because they take the circular shape the symbol was designed for.
     

     Inexpensive claddagh charms can also be placed onto ribbons used throughout the ceremony, in everything from floral arrangements to centerpieces.

   Celtic Love Knot

   • Also referred to as the "endless knot" or the "mystic knot," the Celtic love knot is a popular symbol that is easy to find on a variety of wedding decor, ranging from napkins to the bride's gown itself.
     

     Because the knot has no visible beginning or end, it has come to symbolize never-ending love.
     

     While you will be able to find this symbol already embossed on many wedding decorations that can be purchased on the Internet, you can also add it to plain items yourself if you have a small amount of artistic ability.
     

     You can use paint, beads and even embroidery to add this symbol to your wedding decor.
     

     A decent cake decorator would also be able to incorporate this design into a wedding cake.

   Shamrocks and Four-Leaf Clovers

   • If you want to be less subtle, you can always elect to splatter your ceremony and reception with more well-known and cliched Irish paraphernalia.
     

     The color green and the shamrock are, of course, the first things that comes to mind.
     

     If you want to incorporate four-leaf clovers in a more subdued or classy way, try ordering some from a grower. Alternately, if you have the time, you can grow your own four-leaf clovers for a very low cost.
     

     Sprinkle them about on the guest-book table at the ceremony or on reception tables. Also, add them to the flower girl's petals, or talk to your florist about other ideas to include them in floral arrangements.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Celtic wedding, this symbol, Celtic wedding decoration, ceremony reception, decoration ideas, floral arrangements, they have

Etiquette at buddhist weddings

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 ..."

Buddhists hold very liberal views of marriage and the ceremony itself is not considered a religious affair. The bride and groom, along with their families, decide on a ceremony that best suits their culture and traditions, rather than relying on standardized etiquette and tradition. A Thai Buddhist wedding differs from a Japanese Buddhist wedding.

1. Location

   • Buddhist shrine

     The legal part of the Buddhist ceremony takes place at home, in the back yard, or a place where civil registration can be completed. After the civil formalities have been dealt with, couples will often receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk in a temple--which involves prayers and giving gifts to the monk--although if the bride and groom are in the Western world, this is not always possible. If not, the ceremony takes place in front of a shrine, bedecked with flowers, candles, and of course, a statue of Buddha.

   What to Wear

   • The bride and groom usually wear embroidered meditation robes. Again, the country and location of the couple determines what is worn. Eastern Buddhists wear outfits reflecting their culture, and the bride and groom in the West may also wear attire typical of their home country. Guests at Buddhist weddings wear anything considered tasteful. Special attention is given to footwear, which must be removed when entering a Buddhist temple. Guests must also remember that, when kneeling or sitting on the floor, showing the soles of your feet to the statue of Buddha is impolite.

   The Ceremony

   • Nuances exist in Buddhist wedding etiquette depending on where in the world you happen to be. Usually, the bride, groom and guests recite Tisarana, Pancasila and the Vandana in either English or Pali, after which lighting incense sticks and offering flowers to the image of Buddha forms the next part of the ceremony. However, all Buddhists use the Sigilovada Sutta as a guide for marriage. "Our Wedding Day: Buddhist Wedding Planning" cites these customary vows: the groom says, &ldquo-Towards my wife I undertake to love and respect her, be kind and considerate, be faithful, delegate domestic management, present gifts to please her.&rdquo- In reply, the bride says, &ldquo-Towards my husband I undertake to perform my household duties efficiently, be hospitable to my in-laws and friends of my husband, be faithful, protect and invest our earnings, discharge my responsibilities lovingly and fastidiously.&rdquo-

   Wedding Feast

   • Typically, an Indian Buddhist wedding serves vegetarian or vegan food. Generally, anything goes--Buddhist wedding etiquette has no hard and fast rules for food, music or dance. The bride and groom choose something that is pertinent to their culture, locale and personal preferences.

   Unusual Customs

   • Buddhist marriage is a lively affair. Traditional etiquette insists that the groom's family arrive with six or nine trays of gifts (seven and eight are unlucky numbers in Buddhism), such as cake, tea, candles and jewelry that the bride wears during the ceremony as a symbol of purity. One of the trays contains two candles ready for lighting at the ceremony by either the couple or their parents as a symbol of the unification of the two families. The groom's family arrive and walk through an entrance adorned with bamboo sticks and flowers, bringing good luck to the couple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, Buddhist wedding, their culture, ceremony takes, ceremony takes place, Etiquette buddhist

Wedding traditions of the pennsylvania dutch amish mennonites

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

The Amish, also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch or the Amish Mennonites, are a closely knit cultural and religious group with small communities located mainly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and New York. They are known for their aversion to modern technology, customs that include the anachronistic use of plain 19th-century dress and horses and buggies, and simple community-oriented living. Even their wedding traditions reflect their unique cultural and religious outlook.

1. Conditions for an Amish Wedding

   • Amish weddings take place during specific times of the year and specific days on the week: from the end of October until the end of December, and on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Amish weddings are between a baptized Amish man and a baptized Amish woman, and their respective families must approve of the union. The bride's family then plants celery, which is to be eaten at the wedding meal. Engagements are kept secret for as long as possible and then announced before the congregation a short period before the wedding.

   Wedding Preparations

   • Amish brides do not usually wear white. The bride chooses a dress color that is acceptable in the community, and both she and her female attendants create Amish plain dresses in this color. Baskets of candy to be used as wedding favors might be procured. A couple of days before the wedding, the women in the community begin preparing and cooking the meal to be served after the wedding service.

   Wedding Ceremony

   • Amish wedding ceremonies are held at a regular church service presided over by a minister with a sermon and reading of passages from the Bible. It takes place in the home of the bride or another community member. After the regular church service, the bride and groom step forward for their vows. They promise to care for one another until death, which is taken very seriously, as the Amish do not recognize divorce. The minister then pronounces them man and wife. Younger congregation members then sing a number of hymns.

   Wedding Reception

   • The wedding meal follows the ceremony and is attended by the whole community, numbering hundreds of guests, and sometimes by some non-Amish who have been invited. Wooden tables and benches are decorated with celery stalks in jars. A meal of chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed celery and other vegetables are served. Then wedding cakes, as well as fruit and pies, are eaten. The bride and groom hand candy out to the guests. Due to the number of guests, the wedding meal may be served in several seatings. Hymns are sung again after the wedding meal as well.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding meal, after wedding, Amish weddings, baptized Amish, before wedding, bride groom, church service

How to decorate a mason jar for a wedding

decorate a mason jar for a wedding

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

Mason jars not only serve as useful drinking containers, but they can be decorated and presented as gifts for a wide range of occasions. For example, a mason jar can be transformed into a sentimental and useful gift for wedding guests. Decorating mason jars for weddings isn't a difficult craft project, and it is one that allows you to showcase your creative talents freely.

Things You'll Need

• Mason jar
• Optional filling
• Hot glue gun
• Assorted pearl beads
• Label card
• Assorted art media
• Silk ribbon roll

Instructions

1. • 1

     Select an 8 oz mason jar with a lid. Other sizes are available, both smaller and larger, but 8-oz. is suitable for a wedding decoration piece.

   • 2

     Select a filling for the mason jar and fill it. Filling ideas include hot cocoa powder with dehydrated marshmallows, glitter, confetti and even homemade bean and rice soup mixes of varying colors. These fillings not only decorate the mason jars, but provide guests of the wedding with gifts to take home and enjoy.

   • 3

     Affix a blank label to the front of the jar. Inscribe the wedding date on the label with a description of the filling--if you are filling with an edible gift. If you are making multiple jars for guests, you can inscribe the guest's name on each mason jar you decorate. Do this with your choice of artistic media.

   • 4

     Squeeze a small amount of hot glue onto the back of a flat-backed pearl gem. Press the glued side of the gem at one corner of the label. Repeat this step until the pearls surround the label as a border.

   • 5

     Screw the lid onto the mason jar securely. Tie a 12 inch length of silk ribbon around the top of the mason jar into a simple bow.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: decorate mason, decorate mason wedding, mason jars, mason wedding

Hotels in chester county, pennsylvania

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 ..."

Located in lower southeastern Pennsylvania, Chester County borders the state of Delaware and is part of the Brandywine Valley. With West Chester as the county seat, Chester County is home to two state parks as well as the Valley Forge Historical Park. Over 20 lakes provide the outdoor enthusiast with numerous opportunities for fishing, hiking and boating, and the White Clay Park Preserve allows hunting. If you plan to stay overnight to enjoy these attractions, Chester County has a good supply of quality hotel rooms.

1. The Waynebrook Inn

   • Just 20 miles north of West Chester in Honey Brook, the Waynebrook Inn offers guests deluxe rooms and suites. Deluxe rooms have queen beds and suites have king or queen beds, and some suites have Jacuzzi tubs. All rooms have flat screen televisions with cable, high-speed Internet, air conditioning and individually controlled heat. There is a clubroom, sports bar, bistro restaurant and glass-enclosed terrace on the premises often used for weddings, large dinner groups or rehearsal dinners. The sports bar has nightly drink and food specials and entertainment by DJs and bands. The restaurant has a contemporary cuisine that serves everything from pizza to filet mignon to a number of pasta dishes. The nearby Choo Choo Barn is great for family activity, while the Honeybrook Golf Club has a course layout suitable for all skill levels.

     The Waynebrook Inn
     

     4690 Horseshoe Pike
     

     Route 10 & Route 322
     

     Honey Brook, PA 19344
     

     610-273-2444
     

     waynebrookinn.com

   Holiday Inn Hotel West Chester

   • The Holiday Inn West Chester is 37 miles to the west of Philadelphia and less than five miles from the Brandywine airport. There are 141 guest rooms and all have free local telephone calls, voice mail, free high-speed Internet access, coffeemaker, hairdryer, satellite/cable television, individual climate controls, iron and ironing board, refrigerator and desks with lamps. The hotel has an ATM, guest laundry, safe-deposit box, photocopy service, an outdoor pool and its own restaurant. Local attractions include the Northbrook Canoe company for canoeing, tubing, kayaking and boat trips down the Brandywine River. For the avid shoppers, QVC, the home-shopping network, has a studio park that offers tours of the studio and features live broadcasts. The West Chester Railroad Museum, the American Helicopter Museum and the William Brinton 1704 House are all historical sites that are sure to please history devotees.

     Holiday Inn West Chester Hotel
     

     943 S High St.
     

     West Chester, PA 19382
     

     877-786-9480
     

     holidayinn.com

   Brandywine River Hotel

   • The Brandywine River Hotel is 10 miles south of West Chester and a short distance from the Delaware border. There are 40 guestrooms and Jacuzzi suites, all supplied with hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, satellite television, dining table and desk. The Jacuzzi suites also have a fireplace and a sitting area. The hotel serves a complimentary European breakfast featuring coffee, juices, hot and cold cereals, fresh baked goods, fresh fruits and a complimentary afternoon tea. The hotel also offers wellness services of two types of massages, energy balancing and yoga and has a fitness room, as well as a business center. Local attractions include the Chaddsford Winery, the Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Museum and the Kennet Square Golf Club. For the outdoor enthusiasts there are canoe trips down the Brandywine River and horseback riding at the Gateway Stables.

     Brandywine River Hotel
     

     1609 Baltimore Pike
     

     Chadds Ford, PA 19317
     

     610-388-1200
     

     brandywineriverhotel.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: West Chester, Brandywine River, Brandywine River Hotel, high-speed Internet, River Hotel, rooms have

Ideas for a wedding winter theme

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

Winter weddings can convey the beauty of the season, as well as feelings of warmth and shelter from the snow. When planning for a winter-themed wedding, there are many ideas that can make a couple's special day a memorable event for everyone who attends.

1. Color Scheme

   • Selecting a color scheme is one of the first steps for couples when planning their wedding. White is an obvious color choice for a winter wedding. With white as a base, many couples may use a variety of off-whites, creams, beige, or ivory for a rich, classic look. To illustrate the feeling of cold winter air, pale blues are another choice for a winter wedding's color scheme. For couples who want a more dramatic look, red can be used to add bursts of color to wedding decor.

   Table Settings and Centerpieces

   • A simple white set up is well suited for a winter themed wedding.

     For couples determined to include flowers at their wedding, a simple white arrangement will complement the whites that flow throughout the winter-themed affair. Those willing to stray from the norm can skip flowers in favor of a truly winter-inspired centerpiece. Clean, bare branches can be collected in a clear glass container. Pine cones, left natural or spray painted in a metallic tone, can be added to the table, and also to glass containers filled with water and topped with white floating candles.

   Venue Decor

   • Candles lend a warm glow to the room.

     Even with an ice-inspired theme, a winter wedding can still be a warm, intimate event. The wedding aisle or reception venue can be lined in trees or branches adorned with strings of white lights for an icy look with a warm glow. Crystals will make the trees glitter like they are sprinkled in snow. To lighten things up, white paper lanterns and glistening candles stay true to the winter theme and illuminate the room.

   Food and Beverages

   • Blue, silver and white are winter-inspired colors for a wedding cake.

     The food and drinks for a winter wedding can reflect traditional seasonal fare. Hearty, home-style favorites, like chicken pot pie or roast rack of lamb, with a side of harvest vegetables, like squash, are sure to warm up guests. Special cocktails, like spiced eggnog or Irish coffee, also go well with a winter theme. As for the wedding cake, a traditional cake with white frosting can be left alone or decorated with snow flakes, faux pearls, or other silvery decorations. Couples who want their cake to be more distinctive can have their cake frosted in pale blue fondant, and decorated in a wintry way.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: winter theme, winter wedding, their wedding, choice winter, choice winter wedding, color scheme

How to make a calendar online free printable andor personalized

make a calendar online (free, printable and/or personalized)

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

A personalized calendar gives you the ability to remember important dates and show your creativity. You don't have to be a graphic artist wizard to create a professional-looking calendar that you can hang on your wall. Several websites make it easy for you to upload your own photos, click a few buttons and generate a personalized calendar that shows dates you specify. Because the calendars are images, you can print them, email them to friends or use them as your computer's desktop wallpaper.

Instructions

1. Calendar Labs

   • 1

     Navigate to the Calendar Labs website and review the drop-down menus, text boxes and other controls on the page. These allow you to create a calendar.

   • 2

     Paste the URL of an image in the "-Use Photo URL"- text box if you would like your calendar to display an image from the Web. Otherwise, click "-Browse"- and double-click an image file that appears in the File Upload window. This window displays your computer's folders and files.

   • 3

     Click the "-Month"- drop-down menu and select a month, then type a year in the "-Year"- text box. Click the "-Week Starts From"- drop-down menu and select the date you would like your calendar to start.

   • 4

     Put a check mark next to "-Include Week No."- if you’-d like the calendar to display week numbers. Put a check mark next to "-Include Holidays"- if you want to include holidays in the calendar.

   • 5

     Click "-Create Photo Calendar"- to view the calendar the site creates. Right-click the calendar and select "-Save Image."- Click “-Save”- to save the image to your hard drive.

   Big Huge Labs

   • 6

     Visit the Big Huge Labs website and click "-Browse”- to view a window that shows the folders and files that exist on your hard drive. Double-click an image file you'd like to use as your calendar image to select that image.

   • 7

     View the radio buttons in the section named “-Keep this part of my photo visible if it must be cropped”- section. Radio button choices are “-Center,”- “-Top/Left”- and “-Bottom/Right.”-

   • 8

     Move to the “-What size calendar would you like”- section and click one of the calendar sizes in that section.

   • 9

     Click "-Month"- to select a month and then click "-Year”- and select the year you'd like the calendar to show.

   • 10

     Place a check mark next to “-Start Weeks on Monday”- to make Monday the calendar's start day. Click "-Add Credit to Image"- if you want to add a credit to the image. Click "-Create"- to view your calendar. Click "-Save”- and then click "-Save File”- save the calendar to your hard drive.

   Free Printable Calendar

   • 11

     Go to the Free Printable Calendar website, click "-Choose Your Culture”- and select your country.

   • 12

     Move to the Monthly Calendars box and click one of the months if you want to create a monthly calendar. If you'd rather create a yearly calendar, click one of the years in the "-Yearly Calendar"- section. After you click the desired calendar, the site displays it on another page and shows your choices in the Customize Calendar section.

   • 13

     Put a check mark next to "-Show Holidays”- if you want the calendar to show holidays and then click "-Browse.”- A File Upload window opens and shows your computer's folders and files.

   • 14

     Double-click an image file you would like to use on the calendar and then click "-Upload Image"- to view the calendar. Right-click your calendar, select "-Save Image"- and then click “-Save”- to save the image to your hard drive.

Tips &- Warnings

• After you save a calendar image, print it the way you normally print images and documents. You can also attach it to emails and send it to others.

• Different browsers use different terminology in their right-click menus. Firefox, for example, has a menu option named "-Save Image As."- Other browsers may call that "-Save Image,"- "-Save Picture"- or some other word or phrase that indicates that you can save an image to your hard drive. When right-clicking an image on the Web, look for one of these menu options.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Image quot-, hard drive, then click, your calendar, your hard, your hard drive

The best adventist youth songs

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

It's a fact not well known to those outside the Seventh-Day Adventist community that Adventists have always loved to sing--the first Seventh-Day Adventist hymnal was published in 1849, a full 14 years before the church was officially organized. So when a group of young Adventists gathers, there is bound to be music in the air.

1. "Total Praise"

   • "Total Praise," an uplifting contemporary song by composer Richard Smallwood, is a heartfelt expression of trust in God during times of trouble. Its simple harmony gradually builds to a crescendo, as the words proclaim that God alone is the source of comfort and strength.

   "The Adventist Youth Song"

   • A lilting, summer-camp style song, "The Adventist Youth Song" is perfect for guitar accompaniment around the campfire. It captures the spirit of Adventism, embodying the unity and sense of purpose which characterizes Adventist youth all around the world. The lyrics state: "Together we work and pray and play / In perfect harmony. / We have a song to share / with others everywhere / a message of love / from God above / to show the world we care."

   "You Are My Hiding Place"

   • Originally composed by Michael Ledner, "You Are My Hiding Place" is a favorite in Adventist congregations, especially popular among young people. The lyrics are intimate and personal, confessing the Christian desire for nurturing protection and stating the hope that God will transform weakness into a strength.

   "God Will Make a Way"

   • Based on verses from Isaiah and composed by Don Moen, "God Will Make a Way" confidently and movingly articulates the Christian virtue of hope. The words convey the sense of a difficult journey in which the traveler, facing doubt and uncertainty, finds the strength to look towards the future: "God will make a way / where there seems to be no way / He works in ways we cannot see / he will make a way for me."

   "God Understands"

   • Adventism emphasizes the personal dimension of Christian faith, and "God Understands," by composer Marty Robbins, fits in that tradition. The situation communicated by the words is that of a spiritual friend or pastor encouraging someone who has endured suffering, temptation and loss. The lyrics offer consolation by testifying to a God who is all-knowing, all-loving and all-present.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Adventist Youth Song, adventist youth songs, best adventist, best adventist youth, Hiding Place

How to create a wedding checklist

create a wedding checklist

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

Planning a wedding involves time, preparation and organization. A wedding checklist will help you stay organized while preparing for your wedding. Creating a list of jobs and keeping all necessary tasks together will keep every aspect of planning orderly. No matter what timeline you're working with--whether you're getting married in two years or one month--a checklist will relieve wedding anxiety and help you enjoy the planning process.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Allocate a notebook or binder as your wedding planning guide. Keep all planning materials here, including your checklist.

   • 2

     Determine your timeline and decide whether you would like to create a monthly or weekly checklist. If your wedding is close (1 to 3 months away), a weekly checklist is better, whereas if you have plenty of time (3 months or more), schedule tasks on a monthly basis. Switch from a monthly to weekly checklist two months before your wedding.

   • 3

     Divide the checklist into categories to ease the organization process. Possible categories include ceremony, reception, food, honeymoon and miscellaneous.

   • 4

     Create a budget. This will determine all aspects of planning. Decide what percentage of your total budget you'd like to spend on each category.

   • 5

     Add tasks to the checklist in the appropriate category. Keep in mind that many tasks will require multiple steps before completed- choosing the florist, photographer, venues, caterer, officiant, invitations and the bride and bridesmaid dresses will likely require multiple appointments and will need to be added to the checklist at least six months prior to the wedding.

   • 6

     Nine to 16 months before your wedding, reserve your date, ceremony and reception sites. After you book these, research caterers, photographers, music vendors, officiants and florists.

   • 7

     Six to 8 months before your wedding, purchase invitations, register for gifts, send save-the-date cards and purchase the bride and bridesmaids dresses.

   • 8

     Three to 5 months before your wedding, choose the music, begin dress fittings, discuss photos with your photographer, order favors, purchase wedding rings and finalize the menu with the caterers.

   • 9

     Eight weeks before the wedding, check in with all of the vendors you hired and send out invitations.

   • 10

     Two to 6 weeks before the wedding, compile the RSVP list, obtain the marriage license, confirm times for all of the vendors you hired, create the reception seating chart and create welcome packages for out of town guests.

   • 11

     The week of wedding, give the final guest list to the caterers, make a spa appointment and pack for your honeymoon.

Tips &- Warnings

• Consult online planning resources if you need help making your checklist.

• It is better to complete tasks early. Check tasks off early so you don't have to worry about them later. It's no fun stressing out over something that could have been completed well in advance.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, before your, before your wedding, months before, months before your, wedding checklist, weekly checklist

How to plan a wedding for older adults

plan a wedding for older adults

It's interesting:
"You know, I’ve been to lots of great weddings, but today may have been the best. The small, ornate chapel – the beautiful music – the sincere words that Paul and Linda wrote themselves. Ladies and gentlemen, we all witnessed something very special."

Older adults who are planning to marry often have to sift through a barrage of wedding-planning tips and marketing geared toward starry-eyed, twenty-something brides and grooms who want a fairy-tale wedding. Most older adults are past that stage, and while they may love each other no less than younger couples, their ideas of what constitutes a perfect wedding day are usually quite different. Simplicity and sophistication will likely trump silly and frilly. Some older adults have put off marrying while they concentrated on a career, and some simply waited to say "I do" to the right person. Other couples have been though a divorce or experienced the death of a spouse. Regardless of the reason you are marrying at an older age, your wedding day should be beautiful and memorable and, above all else, make you happy.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Avoid any invitation wording that refers to your parents announcing the union. You and your partner are adults who likely have been on your own for many years. Opt for something such as "John Doe and Jane Smith cordially invite you..."

   • 2

     Tell friends and family to skip the bridal shower. You and your partner will either be incorporating your two homes into one, or you have been living together and accumulating household things over the years. Friends and family will have the opportunity to wish you well with gifts at the wedding.

   • 3

     Tone down decorations if you are marrying in a church. A church wedding is appropriate for adults of any age, but the decorations should reflect the sophisticated style that comes with age. If you've already had a first wedding in a church, consider holding the ceremony in your home, a park, the beach or a lovely historic location in your town.

   • 4

     Choose apparel that is appropriate for the place you will hold the ceremony. If you choose to marry in a church, do not wear a Cinderella-style white dress. You will look like an older woman trying to pass yourself off as a young girl. A man looks elegant in a tuxedo at any age, but an older woman's dress should have simple, classic lines and be appropriate for her age.

   • 5

     Incorporate your children, whether they are kids or adults, into the ceremony. You will be blending two families into one, and you should make all family members feel that they are a part of this union, too. Although you might not be having a flower girl or ring bearer, consider having immediate family members stand around you when you say your vows to help them feel that they are involved in this important step in your life.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: have been, older adults, family members, feel that, feel that they, older woman

Casinos in king county, washington

It's interesting:
"I can’t imagine a happier way to start married life than in this wonderful venue with all their family and friends around them. Ok, so I can – but it would have to be an exceptionally big Jacuzzi."

Casinos in King County, Washington, run the gamut from full-scale Vegas-style casinos with slots, tables, dining and a plethora of activities to smaller casinos limited to a few gaming tables and an on-site restaurant. Try your luck south of Seattle at the Muckleshoot Casino, one of the Northwest's largest, or head east of the city to Snoqualmie Casino, the county's newest full-scale casino. In town, spend your evening with friends at a neighborhood casino and lounge.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Muckleshoot Casino

   • One of the largest in King County, Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington, is a full-service casino run by the Muckleshoot tribe. The casino is open 24 hours a day and offers more than 3,000 slot machines and 100 game tables, including blackjack, poker and roulette. Visitors can join the Player's Club to get involved with a regular rotation of promotions and contests.

     In addition to the gaming, Muckleshoot Casino has several restaurants, from sit-down Asian cuisne at "8" to buffet, take-out and quick service. You can also dance the night away during one of Club Galaxy's theme nights or secure tickets to one of the casino's many concerts or sporting events.

     Muckelshoot Casino

     2402 Auburn Way South

     Auburn, WA 98002

     800-804-4944

     muckleshootcasino.com

   Snoqualmie Casino

   • Located east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Casino is 170,000 square feet of upscale gaming experiences. The casino is open 24 hours a day and features nearly 2,000 slot machines and a wide range of gaming tables, including baccarat, craps and fortune pai gow. Frequent player perks can include cash bonuses and casino discounts.

     Visitors can dine at one of five restaurants, including sushi, buffet and deli-style eating. The Sno Club nightclub continues the fast-paced excitement, while Lit Cigar Lounge and Mist Bar offer places to get away from the gaming for a respite. The casino also hosts national musical acts, high-profile sporting events and comedians in the Ballroom or Mountain View Plaza.

     Snoqualmie Casino

     37500 Southeast North Bend Way

     Snoqualmie, WA 98065

     425-888-1234

     snocasino.com

   Drift On Inn Casino

   • A smaller casino located just north of Seattle, Drift On Inn Casino is open 24 hours a day for gaming table, pull tab and nightclub activities. The casino hosts poker tournaments and betting. Debby's Roadside Cafe offers a full menu, as well as food and drink specials.

     Drift On Inn Casino

     16708 Aurora Avenue North

     Shoreline, WA 98133

     206-546-4144

     driftoninn.com

   Caribbean Casino

   • Get your tropical fix east of Lake Washington at Caribbean Casino in Kirkland. The card room opens at 10:30 a.m. seven days a week for fun poker and blackjack variations and daily poker tournaments. The casino offers regular promotions and events, plus major sporting events on the big screen. The on-site restaurant offers classic American fare.

     Caribbean Casino

     12526 Northeast 144th Street

     Kirkland, WA 98034

     425-821-2222

     casino-caribbean.net

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Muckleshoot Casino, Snoqualmie Casino, Caribbean Casino, Drift Casino, open hours

How to organize a 50th wedding anniversary ceremony

organize a 50th wedding anniversary ceremony

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

Celebrate your parents' or grandparents' golden anniversary by organizing a 50th wedding anniversary ceremony in their honor. At the ceremony, the couple reaffirms the vows spoken at their wedding. A renewal of vows allows the couple to look over their years together and verify, before family and friends, their determination to continue loving one another over the years to come. Whether you plan a small, intimate ceremony to take place in front of family, or a large production, you are honoring the couple's love and commitment.

Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. • 1

     Inform the anniversary couple you want to organize their 50th wedding anniversary ceremony. Tell them, instead of buying a gift, you would enjoy watching them renew their vows.

   • 2

     Create a guest list with the help of the anniversary couple. The guest list is vital to setting an accurate budget and selecting a location for the event. Once the guest list is created, select a date for the ceremony.

   • 3

     Select a location for the ceremony and hire a judge or reverend to lead the ceremony. If the couple is religious, ask their pastor if the ceremony can be held at the church. Nature loving couples may prefer to renew their vows in an outdoor ceremony. Decide if an anniversary party will follow the ceremony at the same location, or relocate to a different venue.

   • 4

     Mail invitations at least four weeks prior to the ceremony. Include the time, date and location of the event, as well as a phone number or email address where would-be guests can verify or decline attendance on the invitation.

   • 5

     Arrange for a photographer or videographer to memorialize the ceremony.

   • 6

     Buy decorations. Traditionally, 50th wedding anniversaries are represented by the color gold. Pair the gold with glass or crystal for a sophisticated appearance. Use the "bride's" favorite flowers and colors to make flower bouquets and table centerpieces.

   • 7

     Choose food and beverages for the anniversary reception. Hire a catering company to prepare and serve a sit-down meal, or set up a buffet table filled with appetizers and finger foods to allow guests to mingle. Place diet and regular sodas, tea, coffee, bottles of water in buckets of ice. Discuss serving alcoholic beverages with the couple. They may be satisfied with having wine or champagne, and adverse to serving beer and hard liquor.

   • 8

     Plan the entertainment. Make a slideshow of the couple's life to project on a big screen while the couple dances the first dance of the night. Play the couple's favorite music. Invite married couples to answer questions posed in a re-creation of the Newlywed game.

   • 9

     Ensure the "bride" has a dress and the "groom" has a suit to wear to the ceremony. Ask if they want to write their own vows or if they want to exchange new rings. A 50th wedding anniversary ceremony must be personalized to the couple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: 50th wedding, 50th wedding anniversary, anniversary ceremony, wedding anniversary, wedding anniversary ceremony, guest list, their vows

How to plan a wedding in savannah georgia

plan a wedding in savannah, georgia

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 ..."

Wedding planning is always an exciting and challenging affair. It is difficult to ensure all of the details come together, but the process is fun and the results are very rewarding. Savannah, Georgia is a great location for a wedding. It has beautiful, old architecture and Southern charm that makes it the ideal wedding location for those that want a hometown feeling with an elegant twist.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Determine the wedding theme. The theme of the wedding will make it easier to decide on which services are ideal for the wedding. For example, a theme of historic elegance might have the wedding and reception in one of Savannah's historic museums or mansions like the Davenport House Museum.

   • 2

     Find the ideal location. Weddings will often have two locations: one for the service and one for the reception. Some locations can serve for both purposes while others, like churches, work for only one part of the event. There are several locations around Savannah that range from inns and hotels like the Foley House Inn to outdoor gardens and museums like Azalea Inn and Gardens. Savannah's historic district is a good location for various wedding themes. The location should embody the wedding theme and feelings of the bride and groom.

   • 3

     Find a good caterer. Weddings that are taking place in a hotel or inn might not need catering service, as the hotel or inn might provide these services. Locations outdoors will need catering services that travels to the location such as Creekside Catering or Creative Catering. Restaurants will often have catering services available for events like weddings.

   • 4

     Hire a bakery to bake and design the wedding cake. Most bakeries, like Baker's Pride Bakery or Savannah Rum Runner, will have wedding cakes available. The exact wedding cake will dictate the best bakery available, but make sure the bakery regularly makes wedding cakes.

   • 5

     Hire an event photographer. Though Savannah has several photography services available, it is important to hire a photographer that deals with special events like Wedding Media Group of Savannah or Savannah Event Photography.

   • 6

     Hire a florist. Florists create, at a minimum of, the bridal bouquet, though the bride and groom will determine the exact flower needs. Florist shops like Colony Bay Florist or Pink House Florist will be comfortable working with any bride or groom's needs. Some brides and grooms might prefer few flowers due to allergies or personal preferences, while others will want numerous bouquets and flowers.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, catering services, events like, have wedding, hotel might, ideal wedding, need catering

Quaint and unique places to get married in central illinois

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!"

Searching for the perfect place to get married can be a trial, especially if you are looking for somewhere special. Brides and grooms who are searching for quaint and unique places to get married in Central Illinois will find that the region offers many different locations and venues. Couples can choose from indoor and outdoor spaces, ranging from vineyards to old-fashioned mansion homes.

1. Hill Prairie Winery

   • The rolling hills of Italy are not the only place where you can get married in a vineyard. In Oakford, Illinois, wedding celebrations can happen inside or outside at the Hill Prairie Winery. Outdoors, couples can choose from locations next to the onsite windmill, vineyard or pond. The winery also boasts a 100-year-old for those who choose to be married indoors. The venue can host up to 400 guests and offers catering and, of course, wine.

     Hill Prairie Winery

     23753 Lounsberry Road

     Oakford, IL 62673

     217-635-990

     hillprairiewinery.com

   The Allerton Mansion

   • The Allerton Mansion was once the private home of Robert Allerton. Now the mansion, located on a 1500-acre estate, is a beautiful historical space where couples can marry surrounded by the elegance of a by-gone era. Couples can be married indoors in the Georgian-style mansion or outdoors in any number of the estate's well-maintained gardens. The mansion offers full-service catering and overnight accommodations. An onsite coordinating supervisor works as a liaison between couples and the staff at Allerton.

     Allerton Park and Retreat Center

     515 Old Timber Road

     Monticello, IL 61855

     217-333-3287 x 133

     allerton.illinois.edu

   Shallowbrook Farm Retreat and Conference Center

   • Couples who long for a traditional rural feel will be pleased with the options available at Shallowbrook Farm. Shallowbrook Farm provides exclusive rentals, meaning that your group will be the only wedding party on site on your special day. Brides and grooms can choose to get married indoors in the main house or outdoors on the picturesque property. Shallowbrook offers inclusive packages including rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. There are accommodations available for out-of-town guests.

     Shallowbrook Farm Retreat and Conference Center

     P.O. Box 277

     Rural Route 2

     Bradford, IL 61421

     309-897-8437

     illinois-conference-center.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Shallowbrook Farm, Hill Prairie, Hill Prairie Winery, married indoors, places married

The best beach wedding dresses

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 ..."

Every bride wants to wear a wedding dress that will make her look stunning and beautiful and reflect the theme of her wedding. For beach weddings, a formal bridal satin gown or many other traditional styles will seem out of place. Beach wedding dresses are usually designed to exude a casual and fun but flowing and fashionable feel with a hint of romance and sexiness that all match the ambiance of the location. When selecting a beach wedding dress that embodies all of these characteristics, there are a number of aspects that must be considered.

1. Dress Styles

   • Most beach wedding dresses are either strapless or haltered pieces. In some cases, the dress may even sport a spaghetti-strap design. All of these styles can make a beach wedding dress exude elegance with a touch of summertime fun. For instance, sarong wedding dresses are a favored gown style for beach weddings because their strapless design and free-flowing structure reflect the serenity of calm, gentle waves.

     Of course, this style is not for everyone. Some brides may even prefer a one-piece, off-shoulder, tube-top white or ivory dress with an A-line cut at the bottom, just slightly below the knees, resulting in a flattering fit. Another common option is the Sunday-dress style which features spaghetti straps and a floral theme. A dress in this style usually plays comes down to about the ankles for a more conservative, formal look. These styles are examples a bride can play with to choose the dress for her beach wedding.

   Fabric

   • The type of fabric used for a beach wedding dress should not be as heavy as those for traditional wedding dresses. Flowing materials that are not prone to wrinkling and drape nicely around the body are the best options. Some of the better materials are crepe, chiffon, lightweight cotton and organza. Silk and satin are too warm, and the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day is to sweat.

   The Right Length

   • The most popular length for beach wedding dresses is ankle length or slightly above the ankles. Short dresses, where the length is slightly below or above the knees, are options- the dress style should mirror this casual feel of this length. Slits on the sides of a long, flowing dress are highly recommended as a way to show some skin. The wedding is on the beach after all.

   The Right Colors and Accessories

   • With a wedding at the beach, more colors, other than ivory and white, are very acceptable. Wedding dresses can have big floral prints in reds, oranges and yellows. Blues, yellows and greens are other colors that go very well with beach settings.

     When it comes to accessories, avoid heavy types of jewelry that could overpower the beach wedding dress. Fresh flowers in the hair can add just the right touch, giving the whole ensemble look a simple yet classy touch. The bride can carry a bouquet of daisies, lilies or roses wrapped up in a ribbon or in a basket, instead of a more ornate bouquet.

   Go Barefoot in the Sand

   • There is simply no way anyone can walk comfortably with high-heeled shoes on the beach. Going barefoot is still the best way to go. For a more formal option, stylish flat sandals can still provide comfort, keep your feet from getting all sandy. They also look pretty with freshly painted toenails.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: beach wedding, wedding dress, wedding dresses, beach wedding dress, wedding beach, beach wedding dresses

Ideas for a non-flower centerpiece

It's interesting:
"There are those who accuse Paul of being unromantic. Well, all I can say, Linda, is that he'll prove them wrong on February 14 when he celebrates Valentine's ..."

Create a professional look to your table settings without spending a ton of money on pricey floral arrangements. Depending on the overall look you wish to achieve, creating a centerpiece from non-floral items is a cinch. From candles to vases to wedding favors, the possibilities are endless!

1. Candles

   • Floating candles create an attractive display when placed in a shallow decorative bowl.

     Candles are a simple and in most cases inexpensive way to romanticize your tables. There are so many options to choose from- picking a style that you like should be a relatively effortless thing to do. A simple three tier design is all that's needed to create an alluring centerpiece.

   Vase

   • A candle in a cylinder vase with some stones or gems as the base, will create an elegant display.

     Along with candles, the possibilities for utilizing a vase as your centerpiece are endless. It's all in picking out what you would like in the vase. For a more inexpensive idea, a tall skinny vase with a few tree branches coming out the top will add simple, rustic elegance to your tables.

     A more vibrant look can be obtained by using a balloon like vase and place some fake fruit inside. Your local dollar store or craft store should have a plentiful selection to choose from, at a low cost as well. You could also use materials like seashells, stones, coffee beans, or berries to name a few.

   Seasonal

   • Pine cones are very decorative and quite inexpensive. Spray them with a bit of colored glitter or fake snow.

     No matter what time of the year you are having an event you can always incorporate a season. If you are having a spring time event, use a simple plant (such as a garden herb) as your centerpiece in a nice Terra cotta pot. For a summer event, a tall vase topped off with colorful feathers will give the appearance of a palm tree. A simple idea for fall can be achieved by piling a couple of ornamental pumpkins or gourds. For a winter display using garland or placing a few pieces of eucalyptus or pine tree branches in a vase will do just fine.

   Nontraditional/Personal

   • For a nontraditional centerpiece, use lanterns to create a warm, rustic effect. For something a little more personal, a photo cube is a cute way of developing closeness with your guests.

     Your wedding favors will also work very well as your centerpiece. Your guests will enjoy it and you will be able to save money in only having to purchase one of out the two wedding items!

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your centerpiece, like vase, tree branches, vase with, wedding favors, your tables

Destination wedding packages & pricing in hawaii

It's interesting:
"The bride and groom have asked me to make special mention of the bridesmaids who have done so much to help the day run so smoothly. They were charming and decorative and I know gave Linda all the support she needed. In fact you could say they added the finishing touch to a fairy tale wedding."

Destination weddings are becoming more popular as they allow couples to get married in their ideal location and often cost less than a large, traditional wedding "at home". You can choose to invite everyone you would invite to a local wedding, only your closest friends and relatives, or just the two of you in your own little paradise. Hawaii is a common choice for destination weddings as the weather is good year round, there is an abundance of natural, beautiful landscape and the location doubles as an excellent honeymoon location.

1. Types

   • Hawaii weddings can be as simple and small as you'd like, as formal or casual as you wish, or you may even have a traditional Hawaiian wedding.

     Packages begin at less than $200 for an officiant, witness, a few digital photographs on CDs and a keepsake certificate. You can add flowers, leis, seating for guests, a cake, wedding toast and a video of the ceremony for an increased price.

     Traditional Hawaiian weddings including a conch shell blower, singer/guitarist, hula dancer and exotic leis start at about $2,500.

   Geography

   • Hawaii offers many different geographical locations to host your wedding ceremony. Prices will depend on where you choose to get married. Many of the larger hotels and resorts offer large ballrooms for your wedding as well as the use of other areas of the resort. Beaches, gardens, volcanoes, chapels and private residences are all available for a nominal fee. The least expensive option is a public beach, which requires a $20 permit. Purchasing a package from a wedding planner or coordinator will typically include help in obtaining any legal permits needed.

   Size

   • The size of your wedding will impact the price of your package. For example, some packages, such as the $200 and $300 packages include nothing for your guests. Other packages are available for less than ten guests and add additional fees for more guests.

     Private ceremonies will typically cost much less as you don't have to worry about food, drinks, favors or cake for guests. However, your package will increase in price when you add limousine services, hair accommodations, extra time for photography or videography, or any other extras you wish to add.

     Extravagant ceremony and receptions can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars if you opt for a large event including a seven course meal, ball room, DJ, large wedding cake and everything else that goes into a large, elegant event.

   Time Frame

   • Just as with any other popular destination, Hawaii has its "on" and "off" seasons. If you opt to get married during its tourist season, chances are your package may cost more or you may not be able to include everything exactly as you wish.

     The time of day may also play a role in the cost of your package. Many couples opt to exchange vows on the beach at sunset. Some wedding coordinators charge more for sunset ceremonies because they are in higher demand.

     When using a public beach, there may be other people around which can affect your photos and possibly your ceremony.

   Features

   • Any additional features you wish to incorporate into your Hawaiian wedding will add additional costs to your wedding package. Most coordinators offer base packages and allow you to add a la carte options for additional fees.

     It's best to figure out what exactly is important for you to include in your ceremony and find a package that offers what you want, or add it a la carte. Don't compromise on anything that is important to you because it's not included in a particular package.

   History and Legal Requirements

   • Hawaii became a state in 1959, therefore it is legally easier for Americans to get married in Hawaii. Passports and other special paperwork are not required since it is a part of the U.S.

     Couples must apply for a marriage license in person. There are no blood test requirements and the marriage license is good for thirty days from the date issues. Applicants must show proof of identity and age, such a drivers license and birth certificate. As of July, 2009 marriage license fees are $60.

   Benefits

   • The benefits of choosing to get married in Hawaii include the vast number of options available to you. You can get married for as little as a couple hundred dollars or spend thousands to incorporate special details or host hundreds of guests.

     Other benefits include the natural beauty of the islands including the beaches and ocean front views. Hawaii is also rich with cultural history that you can explore or incorporate into your wedding.

     There is no simple way to list Hawaii wedding packages and prices since there are so many options. Being married on a beach or in a chapel will have different costs and packages available.

     Decide on your budget, then choose which island and location you wish to marry, then find a package that fits your needs as well as your wallet. There is a package for everyone and every budget in Hawaii.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, your package, less than, marriage license, wedding packages, additional fees, Destination wedding

The correct way to do wedding invitations

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 ..."

In today's society the rules of etiquette have become blurred, especially when it comes to planning weddings. How one should address wedding invitations provides a unique dilemma in an age when couples are taking the initiative to plan their weddings without parental assistance. When parents are involved, addressing invitations for blended families often has to be considered.

1. Things to Know

   • Follow a few rules of thumb. For instance, if you don't want children present, address the invitation only to the adults or parents. Omitting their names is a clear indicator that they are not welcome. Anyone over 18 should receive a separate invitation.

     If a person has an occupational title, that name is listed first. It doesn't matter if it is the husband or wife, the title comes first, then the other spouse. If you're inviting an unmarried couple, it is customary to address the invitation to the person you've known the longest and add "and guest".

   Parents vs. Couple

   • Addressing the invitations takes a different angle depending upon who is hosting the wedding. If it is a traditional wedding invitation in which the parents of the bride are sending the invitations, some general rules apply. For example:

     Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Miller
     

     request the honour of your presence
     

     at the marriage of their daughter
     

     Mary Jane
     

     and
     

     Mr. Joel Stephen Riggs
     

     on Saturday, the 29th of April
     

     two thousand and ten
     

     at four O'clock
     

     Oasis Fellowship
     

     152 Bittersweet Rd
     

     Granger, Indiana

     A more formal version of the invitation above is to insert, after the groom's name, "Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Riggs."

     If the couple is extending the invitations to their weddings, the following changes should be made in place of the bride's parents:

     Mary Jane Miller
     

     and
     

     Joel Stephen Riggs
     

     request the honour...

   Helpful Hints

   • Sometimes it is hard to keep track of RSVP's, especially when some guests forget to return them. To avoid confusion, put a tracking number on the back of the invitation in the lower right corner. As the RSVP's are received, simply mark them off your list.

     Avoid abbreviations. Cities and states should be spelled out completely. Also stick to full names as opposed to nicknames when addressing your invitations. Last, don't forget to send your wedding party invitations. Sure, people know they are invited, but the invitations are a nice keepsake.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding invitations, address invitation, correct wedding, correct wedding invitations, especially when

What are eight-line couplet poems?

It's interesting:
"The bride and groom have asked me to make special mention of the bridesmaids who have done so much to help the day run so smoothly. They were charming and decorative and I know gave Linda all the support she needed. In fact you could say they added the finishing touch to a fairy tale wedding."

While free-verse poems -- poems that do not follow any particular structure -- are popular today, writing structured poems is a true exercise in word craft. Most of the poetic greats over the centuries, dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks, tinkered with poetic structure, including couplets. One couplet is two lines, so an eight-line couplet poem contains four couplets, for eight lines total.

1. Couplets

   • A couplet is one of the simplest poetic structures. One couplet contains two lines that usually rhyme. A couplet can belong to a larger stanza or constitute a stanza on its own. The lines in a couplet can take any length- they do not even have to share the same number of syllables. The only distinguishable features of a couplet are two lines and a possible rhyme scheme. Normally a couplet within a larger stanza rhymes- otherwise, differentiating it from the rest of the stanza is difficult.

   Rhyme Scheme

   • The last word in the lines of a rhyming couplet rhyme. Rhymes can take many forms. They can rhyme exactly, as "perfect" rhymes do, such as "lake" and "rake," or be "imperfect" rhymes, words that almost rhyme, such as "lap" and "shape." Assonant rhymes share similar vowel sounds but have different consonants, such as "won" and "come." An eight-line couplet poem contains four couplets and therefore four rhymes. All of these rhymes can be the same, such as "aa aa aa aa," or they can take a different rhyme every time, such as "aa bb cc dd" or any other variation of couplet rhyming a writer desires, even "aa bb aa bb."

   Examples

   • Sonnets, one of the more well-known poetic forms, typically end with a rhyming couplet: "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee," ends Shakespeare's famous "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?" sonnet. William Carlos Williams poem "XXII" is an eight-line couplet, although it does not rhyme:

     "so much depends

     upon

     a red wheel

     barrow

     glazed with rain

     water

     beside the white

     chickens"

   Topics and Tips

   • As evident in Williams' brief poem, couplets lend themselves to minimalist subjects. An eight-line couplet poem is fairly short. Writers desiring to capture a brief event or emotion or a series of images or sensations might find an eight-line couplet poem helpful. Poets who struggle with rhyming can consult a rhyming dictionary for help.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: eight-line couplet, couplet poem, eight-line couplet poem, contains four, contains four couplets

How to explore new yorks central park

explore new york's central park

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

New York's Central Park offers so many sights and activities that it's nearly impossible to see it all in one visit, but visiting the park's better-known spots or taking a tour will provide you with a thorough introduction. Keep in mind that Central Park covers 843 acres of land and has 58 miles of walking paths, 21 playgrounds, almost 9,000 park benches, two skating rinks, a swimming pool, an outdoor theater and a zoo.

Things You'll Need

• Good walking shoes
• Map of Central Park

Instructions

1. Tour the Park

   • 1

     If your time is limited, take a free guided walking tour of the park conducted by the Central Park Conservancy. Some 10 tours are available year-round except in "-extreme weather conditions,"- which means heavy rainstorms, snowstorms or in temperatures below 25 or above 95 degrees. Tours take between an hour and an hour and a half. No reservations are required, as long as you're in a group of six or fewer people.

   • 2

     With the help of technology, you can now conduct a self-guided tour of Central Park if you own an MP3 player. Centralpark.com offers a combination of podcasts, maps and interactive guides for park visitors who want a do-it-yourself tour. Download interactive tour maps from any location, printable PDF maps and MP3 files, which can be uploaded onto your MP3 player to provide an audio excursion that can keep you company in the park.

   • 3

     Many tour companies in New York offer tours of Central Park, and a quick search will produce dozens of options. Bite of the Apple Tours offers a Central Park Bike Tour that combines exercise and sightseeing, with one price covering bike rental and a tour guide. At the time of this article's publication, the company offered three tours daily, seven days a week.

   • 4

     Have a little fun with On Location Tours' walking tour of famous movie sites filmed in Central Park. You'll see the Boathouse Cafe from "-When Harry Met Sally,"- the bandshell where scenes from "-Breakfast at Tiffany's"- and "-Kramer vs. Kramer"- were filmed, the place where Macaulay Culkin fed pigeons in "-Home Alone 2,"- Bethesda Fountain from "-Gossip Girl"- and the Wollman Rink of "-Love Story"- fame. Some 40 sites are included on this two-hour tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Purchase tickets online at Zerve.com.

   • 5

     If you prefer to experience the park at your own pace, rent a bike from Bite of the Apple Tours. You can rent for two hours, three hours or all day. The cost includes a helmet and park map.

   Venture Forth on Your Own

   • 6

     Visit Central Park on your own, but do your homework first. Your best authority on the park is the Central Park Conservancy, so visit the group's website and download a good map of the park, which the Conversancy divides into quadrants -- the North End, the Reservoir, the Great Lawn or the South End -- to make it easier to navigate the park.

   • 7

     Check on the sites situated in each of the Park's quadrants, then decide what you'd like to see the most -- perhaps the Wollman Rink, Strawberry Fields, the Zoo, the Carousel or Tavern on the Green. It's important to know where each of these sites is before you head out, or you'll certainly be walking in circles.

   • 8

     Highlights of the park include the Obelisk, also known as Cleopatra's Needle, a 71-foot-high landmark situated behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was originally constructed in Heliopolis around 1500 B.C. and then moved to Alexandria by Augustus Caesar in 12 B.C. It was shipped to the United States in 1897.

   • 9

     Visit Belvedere Castle, which is near the Great Lawn- the castle is another famous Central Park landmark. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux as a fantasy building. It houses the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, which features simple nature displays. Kids can borrow binoculars and maps here to explore the nearby Ramble or Turtle Pond.

   • 10

     Go around to the front of the castle and you'll be at the Great Lawn, a favorite place for New Yorkers to spend time outdoors on its softball fields, basketball courts and the Great Lawn itself for passive recreation, suntanning, Frisbee games and people-watching.

   • 11

     Look for the Delacorte Theater, summer home of the Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival and site of the free Shakespeare in the Park program. If you're visiting New York in the summer, wait in line for a ticket at the Delacorte Theater, which distributes them on the day of the performance.

   • 12

     Visit Strawberry Fields, the 2.5-acre area of Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon and named after his famous song "-Strawberry Fields Forever."- The site was officially dedicated by Mayor Ed Koch in 1981. The teardrop-shaped area includes an unforgettable mosaic medallion inscribed with the word "-Imagine"- in the center. The entrance to Strawberry Fields is on the West Side south of 72nd Street, close to where Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in The Dakota.

   Bring the Kids

   • 13

     Bring the kids to Central Park, a wonderland for little ones in all four seasons. The park has 21 playgrounds that are situated all over the park. In the vicinity of the Great Lawn, you can find seven playgrounds, and at the South End of the park, from 59th to 72nd streets, kids can play on five more playgrounds.

   • 14

     Go skating at the Wollman Rink, which is open to the public from November 1 through April 1. You won't have to wait in long lines, which you often run into at the Rockefeller Center rink. Life is a bit more mellow at Wollman, and you can skate under the stars. You can rent skates if you don't have your own.

   • 15

     Take the kids wall-climbing on Sundays at the North Meadow Recreation Center, situated in the middle of the park near 97th Street. The indoor climbing wall is available for use by kids ages 8 to 17.

   • 16

     Visit some of the park's most beloved sculptures for photo ops with the kids. Two of these sculptures, Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen, are near the Great Lawn. Both are meant to be climbed on, and the park sponsors popular children's story times at the Hans Christian Andersen statue during the summer.

   • 17

     Take the whole family to the Central Park Zoo and to the Tisch Children's Zoo. The zoo is just a short walk from the Fifth Avenue entrance to Central Park and features more than 130 different species on five acres of land. In the Polar Zone, you'll see polar bears, harbor seals and adorable penguins. In the Temperate Territory, you can see sea lions and a popular family of red pandas, and the Tropic Zone houses reptiles, amphibians and monkeys. Admission includes the children's zoo.

Tips &- Warnings

• Never walk in Central Park at night, unless you're attending a Shakespeare in the Park event. You will be in lots of company both entering and exiting the park after seeing a show.

• Keep a close eye on your kids in Central Park, which is usually swarming with people, particularly in the warmer months.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Central Park, Great Lawn, Central Park, Central Park, Strawberry Fields, Wollman Rink, acres land

The best comic illustrators

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As a visual medium, comic books have been the inspiration for movies, television series, books and radio programs. It is a collaborative medium- a marriage of narrative and sequential storytelling driven by the artist's use of dynamic angles, captivating coloring and inventive framing devices within the comic panels. Generations of readers have been entertained by the medium's best and most daring illustrators.

1. Will Eisner

   • Often credited with inventing the graphic novel, Eisner wasn't the first to do it, but he is probably the medium's most influential artist. Born on March 6, 1917 in New York, Eisner is best known for creating "The Spirit," "John Law," "Lady Luck," "Mr. Mystic," "Uncle Sam," "Blackhawk" and "Sheena." Early in his career, he formed the Eisner-Iger Studio with his friend, Jerry Iger. This company employed legendary artists Bob Kane (creator of "Batman"), Jack Kirby, Lou Fine and Mort Meskin. His "Contract with God," published in 1978, ushered in a new age of graphic novels. He wrote several authoritative texts on sequential storytelling: "Comics and Sequential Art," "Graphic Storytelling" and "Expressive Anatomy." The comic book industry's most prestigious award is named for Eisner (established in 1988). He received an Eisner Award in 1995 for Best Archival Collection for "The Christmas Spirit." Eisner died in 2005.

   Jack Kirby

   • Kirby was born Aug. 28, 1917 as Jacob Kurtzberg, in New York City. He started his career in animation with the Max Fleischer Studios (known for the early "Popeye" cartoons and "Superman"). He later worked for Eisner-Iger Studio and eventually landed a job at Timely Comics Company (later renamed Marvel Comics). There he helped to create the character Captain America with writer Joe Simon. Kirby's most famous work is with Marvel Comics icon, Stan Lee. Together they co-created the "X-Men," "Thor," "The Incredible Hulk," "The Silver Surfer" and "The Fantastic Four." His "New Gods" universe still provides fertile ground for many comic book writers and artists. He was inducted in the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 1987 and died in 1994.

   Harvey Kurtzman

   • Born 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, Kurtzman influenced a generation of comic book artists, and was the founding editor of the humor magazine, Mad. Five years later (in 1957), he launched the magazine Trump for Hugh Hefner. With collaborator Will Elder, he created the "Little Annie Fanny" comic for Playboy magazine. Notable artists that were discovered by Kurtzman include Terry Gilliam (director of "Brazil"), Gloria Steinem, Gilbert Shelton and R. Crumb. Named for Kurtzman, the annual Harvey Awards are voted on and selected by comic book professionals. He died in 1993.

   Frank Miller

   • Miller has guided numerous creative projects outside of comics, which include the film adaptation of Will Eisner's "The Spirit"- co-directing the movie "Sin City"- and the two "Robocop" sequels. But it is as an artist and writer that Miller made his fame. Perhaps his most influential work is the seminal "Dark Knight Returns" (1986), which signaled the beginning of morally ambiguous superheroes. His most revered work to date is the "Sin City" series of graphic novels. Miller was one of the first film directors brought to Hollywood on the strength of his illustrating and storytelling mastery. He has received multiple Eisner Awards for "Sin City" (best penciller/inker- best writer/artist), "Elektra Lives Again" and "300." Miller is the recipient of two Harvey Awards.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: comic book, Will Eisner, best comic, best comic illustrators, comic illustrators

Cheap places to get married in st. mary's county, md

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St. Mary's County is located in the Chesapeake Bay portion of the state of Maryland. It's about two hours southeast of Washington, DC and a little under two hours west of Fredricksburg, Va. The county is a popular summer destination for those who seek a vacation getaway on or near the water. St. Mary's also hosts a large number of weddings, since it has a number of affordable venues.

1. The Sotterley Plantation

   • The Sotterley Plantation (http://www.sotterley.org/wedding_sotterley.htm) is a national landmark located in Hollywood that rents out its space for weddings of all sizes. The plantation has six sites from which to choose and three wedding packages: the Silver Package, which is $750 and includes the ceremony only- the Gold Package, priced at $1,500 and includes the reception only- and the Platinum Package, which includes the ceremony and reception together and costs $2,000.

   Greenwell State Park/Greenwell Founation

   • The Greenwell State Park (http://www.greenwellfoundation.org/index.cfm?Content=72&menu=39) offers space to hold weddings on its property. The actual wedding space is located in the Manor House, which has room for up to 50 guests. The non-profit Greenwell Foundation operates the events portion of the park. Weekends are reserved for weddings, so there are a finite number of openings available. High season (May-October) wedding fees are $950, while off-season rates go down to $700.

   Historic St. Mary's City

   • Historic St. Mary's City (http://www.stmaryscity.org/Visit.html) is a museum that offers tours and sightseeing, and an outdoor wedding venue. The museum has five different areas available for weddings, which can be held outside the normal museum hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wedding costs include tent, table and chair rentals. Small tents of 20 x 40 are $250, larger tents run from $1,000-$1,800, tables are $9 each, and chairs are $3.

   Mary's Hope on Church Cove

   • Located in Saint Inigoes, Mary's Hope on Church Cove (http://www.marys-hope.com/index.php?) is a waterfront location that offers indoor and outdoor weddings. Mary's Hope has a list of suggested vendors to help guide your decision of who to use. Wedding prices are quoted on a per-event basis. The facility also rents tables, chairs and place settings needed for the reception.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Mary Hope, Cheap places, Cheap places married, Church Cove, Greenwell State, Greenwell State Park

The most unique wedding themes

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Traditional weddings are exactly what some brides dream of their whole lives. White flowing dress and pretty bridesmaids all in a row is a vision of beauty for the more traditional bride-to-be. However, some brides do not embrace tradition and are looking for an exotic and unique theme for their upcoming nuptials.

1. Mardi Gras Theme

   • Bridesmaids in purple or emerald green dresses wearing beads and carrying a bouquet of feathers will set the stage for a Mardi Gras wedding. A bride in glittering gold is sure to stand-out and sparkle as she dashes down the aisle to jazz music. Have guests kicking-up their heels with a jazz or Zydeco band at the reception. Serve some Cajun favorites such as gumbo, crawfish etouffee and jambalaya. Mardi Gras beads serve well as wedding favors.

   1950's Theme

   • Bridesmaids in poodle skirts and a bride in a vintage wedding gown will sure to please the bride who loves the 1950's era. Instead of walking down the aisle to the traditional wedding march, the bride can enter to "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis. Play music from the 1950s, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tunes, at the reception and serve malts and milkshakes along with the wedding cake. Rent a 1950's vehicle to depart the reception in order to make a truly memorable exit.

   Motorcycle Theme

   • Throw aside the traditional bridal gown and don a white leather dress for a motorcycle theme wedding. Leather dresses on the bridesmaids will compliment the theme and look appropriate next to leather-vested groomsmen. A black-and-white wedding cake will take center stage at the reception. Guests will love receiving key chains as a wedding favor. And of course, the bride and groom must roll away on a motorcycle at the end of the night.

   Western Theme

   • A western-themed wedding would not be authentic without the bride, groom and the rest of the bridal party wearing cowboy hats and boots. You can vary the color depending on wedding color scheme or just have the females in white and men in black. Consider a bridal bouquet of wildflowers. A square dance for a reception will not only reinforce the theme, but be entertaining for guests. At the end of the reception, the bride and groom can ride off into the sunset on a horse.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, Mardi Gras, down aisle, most unique, most unique wedding