How to introduce a wedding party

introduce a wedding party

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

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and others who make up a wedding party often sacrifice time and money to play an essential role in a friend's wedding. Friends and family from childhood, high school, college or work often do not know one another and are thrust into the limelight to make the wedding day of their friend, the bride or groom, special. Proper introduction of your wedding party require someone who knows the wedding party and can pronounce their names. That someone also needs to also be able to stand up in front of a crowd and be able to speak well.

Things You'll Need

• Disc jockey, emcee or speaker

Instructions

1. Order of Introduction

   • 1

     Typically, launch the reception by introducing the ushers/groomsmen first along with the bridesmaids they walked with at the wedding ceremony.

   • 2

     Introduce children attendants next if they are old enough and want to participate in the introduction- if not, acknowledge them at the table where they are seated with their families.

   • 3

     Introduce the best man and the maid of honor next.

   • 4

     Last, but not least, introduce the newly married couple.

   Alternate Introduction

   • 5

     The bride and groom can also make introductions more personal and memorable by introducing the wedding party themselves.

   • 6

     In between food courses, the bride and groom could introduce each attendant and relate a short story about how their friendship came to be.

   • 7

     When introducing a brother, sister, or other relative, share a funny prank or other special moment.

Tips &- Warnings

• Have an idea of what events will take place and an approximate time each event will occur, even when the wedding reception is an informal, family-only affair.

• Set an agenda to help determine how the activities will flow. In order for your agenda to be carried out, you need someone to help move the events along. A bridal consultant or a take-charge friend or relative will make sure your agenda is carried out and that events move along.

• Work with the disc jockey, the band, the wedding planner or the emcee to announce the couple and the wedding party upon their arrival to the reception. Determine whether to introduce the entire wedding party or just the wedding couple.

• Each individual or couple needs to know where to move following the introduction.The type of food served at the reception determines where wedding attendants will go after they have been introduced. For instance, decide whether they should walk straight to the head table where they will be seated and dinner will be served to them or they serve themselves by going through the buffet line.

• The bride and groom must take ownership of their reception, and not allow others, no matter how well-meaning, to usurp their wishes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding party, bride groom, agenda carried, introduce wedding, introduce wedding party

Missippi river barge cruises

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

While river barge and paddlewheel cruises used to be a mainstay on the Mississippi river, rising costs and a slow economy have contributed to many a vessel's demise. Currently there are several paddle-wheel cruises offering overnights in hotels on land and in 2011 small ship cruise company USA River cruises will begin to offer sleep-on-the-boat excursions on the Mississippi once again.

1. Spirit of Peoria

   • An authentic paddlewheel boat, guests can imagine themselves in antebellum times on this boat as they enjoy the scenery, listen to storytellers and songs played on the banjo and piano and feast on hearty buffet-style meals. Lodging is on land, in a beautiful 1930s-era stone lodge or a log-cabin style lodge among the woods of Starved Rock State Park. The company currently offers trips from Peoria to Starved Rock State Park or Peoria to St. Louis as well as the charming town of Florence, Illinois.

   The Twilight Riverboat

   • Offering an overnight trip on the upper Mississippi river, the traditional "wedding cake" Twilight Riverboat makes its journey from Le Claire, Iowa, boyhood home of Buffalo Bill, to Dubuque, Iowa and back. The boat offers traditional dining salons, wide decks with lounge chairs for enjoying the news, and a musical entertainment program. Overnight accommodation is offered in the riverside Grand Harbor resort.

   USA River Cruises

   • Departing from either Memphis or New Orleans, USA River Cruises will begin offering small ship service in Spring 2011. The eight-day/seven-night cruise will traverse a Memphis to Nashville or a New Orleans to Memphis route. In 2012, the company will debut its beautiful new paddlewheels with spacious staterooms and luxury gathering spaces allowing travelers to once again sleep on the "floating palaces" Mark Twain wrote about in the late nineteenth century.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: river barge, barge cruises, Missippi river, Missippi river barge, Mississippi river

Easy updos for fine hair

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 ..."

These updos are designed specifically for fine hair types. To add more texture, you can work with second day hair or add in a texturizing product before styling.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Half Updo

   • Get a half updo hairstyle by sectioning hair in half, from ear to ear. Twist the hair on the top half until the ends of hair are pointing upward. Then secure this with a barrette or hair pins. Curl the ends or leave them spiky.

   Side Chignon

   • Style hair by brushing all hair into a side ponytail and secure with an elastic band. Split the ponytail hair into two parts. Wrap one part around the base of the ponytail, and do the same with the other section, but wrap it the opposite way, secure ends with bobby pins.

   Ponytail

   • Dress up any ponytail up by wrapping a section of hair around the hair band to conceal it and secure end strands with bobby pins.

   Simple Bun

   • You get this simple bun by starting with a ponytail at the crown of your head. Then twist the hair from the ponytail around the ponytail elastic in a clockwise motion. Pin the ends into place and spray with hairspray.

   Romantic Style

   • To get a romantic style, you need is a medium-sized curling iron, some bobby pins and super-hold finishing spray, according to HairResources.com. Curl all of your hair in half-inch sections. Then pull up one-inch sections of hair toward the crown and pin into place and repeat with all the hair. Finger style.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bobby pins, fine hair, Easy updos, Easy updos fine, hair half, hair into, into place

Restaurants & fine dining in charlotte, north carolina

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 ..."

Charlotte, N.C., features a series of cultural landmarks and attractions, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and more than 65,000 artistic performances throughout the year. Enjoy a fine dining experience while in Charlotte as well, complete with gourmet offerings, an upscale decor and live musical performances in some restaurants.

1. Sullivan's Steakhouse

   • Located in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood, Sullivan's Steakhouse features an old-fashioned decor, complete with a wooden bar, low lighting, high back booths and white linen table cloths. The restaurant features an outdoor patio as well. A piano player and bassist entertain diners every night. Additional jazz musicians join the duo on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Entrees include such items as lobster and filet mignon. Although meals include a salad, guests must order sides separately as the entrees come a la carte.

   Bonterra

   • Also located in Dilworth, Bonterra sits within a former gardening shop and one-time church, the latter of which dates back to 1895. The interior features a sprawling dining hall, outfitted with grand pillars, white linen table cloths, wood furnishings and a full bar. The wine cellar and choir loft-turned-balcony remain available for private parties. Wine selections include 200 wines by the glass and 300 bottle offerings. With an emphasis on steakhouse and seafood fare, the menu features such items as veal and scallops, as well as crè-me brulee and pumpkin soufflé- for dessert.

   Pewter Rose Bistro

   • The Pewter Rose Bistro features a host of seating options, including a main dining hall, lounge with bar and patio with views of the city. The four-person high table in the back patio section offers a bit of seclusion from other diners. The restaurant features a collection of rustic wooden furnishings, small white lights, exposed brick walls, high wood beam ceilings and lush greenery. The menu includes such samplings as seafood risotto, herb encrusted lamb and pan seared salmon, partnered with more than 200 different types of wine. However, steep entryway stairs and the lack of an elevator prove problematic for some visitors.

   The Capital Grille

   • The Capital Grille sits in downtown Charlotte, just half a block from the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and a host of major hotels. The Capital Grille adopts a business casual attire policy, already commonplace among the downtown workers who frequent the establishment for food and drinks. The extensive wine list includes more than 400 selections while the entree menu features such items as dry aged steaks, roasted chicken and filet mignon. Although a parking garage sits near the restaurant, valet parking remains free after 6 p.m.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Capital Grille, fine dining, more than, such items, charlotte north, charlotte north carolina, complete with

Do it yourself beach-themed bridal shower

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 ..."

A beach-themed bridal shower is perfect for a bride who loves the outdoors, the beach or is planning a tropical getaway for her honeymoon. Everything from the wedding games to decorations and food to shower gifts can be themed around the beach and a tropical oasis. Make a list of things to do when planning the bridal shower to ensure you do not forget anything.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Palm trees
• Flip-flops
• Beach towels
• Sunglasses
• Kiddie pool
• Sand
• Bucket and shovel
• Hula hoop
• Toilet paper

Instructions

1. • 1

     Select the venue. If you live near the ocean you may have multiple beach-side venues to choose from, including having it at the beach. However, if you do not live near the coast you may need to be more creative with your venue choice. Venues that work best for a beach-themed bridal shower include a resort with a pool, at a lake, a local park or a backyard.

   • 2

     Send out invitations. Shower invitations with a beach theme can be found at super centers or card and party stores. Possible invitations include those designed like flip-flops, shells, boats, lighthouses or a photo of the beach. If you are creative you can make the invitations out of a pair of sunglasses by writing the shower details on the lenses with silver marker. Attach a card with directions and additional information to the glasses. Send invitations to all women who will be invited to the wedding and are close friends and family of the bride and groom.

   • 3

     Encourage guests to stick to the beach theme. Let guests know that this will be a casual event and they are welcome to wear casual outfits such as sundresses, swimsuits and shorts outfits. Suggest guests bring beach-themed gifts for the bride that she can use in her new home or on her honeymoon. Some gift ideas include a beach bag filled with beach necessities, a beach chair and umbrella, or a picnic basket filled with accessories for going on a picnic.

   • 4

     Keep the menu tropical themed. Serve food that would be served at a tropical restaurant, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese platter and shrimp. Offer guests tropical drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, complete with fruit garnishes and umbrellas. Order or make a bridal cake with a beach theme, such as seashells, or with a bride in a bikini on top of the cake.

   • 5

     Set up decorations. If you are not able to have the bridal shower at the beach, bring the beach to the bridal shower. Set up your venue with real, or fake, palm trees with white twinkling lights and set up a kiddie pool filled with sand, beach pails and goodies for guests to dig for. Instead of chairs set up beach blankets on the floor for guests to sit on.

   • 6

     Plan some activities. Every bridal shower needs some wedding-inspired games for the guests and bride to enjoy. Some friendly competitions include a hula hoop contest, name the beach party tune, and bridal shower charades. Plan some quick crafts guests can do, such as painting flip-flops they can wear at the wedding when the high heels come off or sand art creations. A different twist to the toilet paper wedding dress game is the bridal bikini toilet paper game. Give teams a roll of toilet paper and they have five minutes to make a bikini out of it.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bridal shower, beach theme, beach-themed bridal, beach-themed bridal shower, filled with, toilet paper, with beach

Famous irish wedding toasts

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 ..."

Wedding toasts often are given by members of the wedding party, family members or friends. Thinking of the perfect toast can sometimes be challenging, but there are always famous Irish wedding toasts that can be given to the bride and groom on their special day, whether it is an Irish wedding or not.

1. Spiritual

   • If you are looking for a spiritual Irish wedding toast, the "Most Famous Irish Blessing" is used at most Irish weddings: "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand."

   Best Man to Bride and Groom

   • A best man is normally expected to give a toast to the bride and groom during the wedding reception. He can propose an Irish wedding toast to celebrate the couple's marriage. Here is a well-known one that would be fitting: "Here's to you both, a beautiful pair on the birthday of your love affair. Here's to the husband and here's to the wife. May yourselves be lovers for the rest of your life. If you lie, may you lie only to keep a friend. If you cheat, may you cheat only death. If you steal, may you steal your lover's heart. If you drink, may you drink deeply of the joy of your new life together."

   Groom to Bride

   • A toast from a groom to his bride can make the bride feel loved and special. The groom can use this famous Irish wedding toast by author George Moore: "The hours I spend with you I look upon as a sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee, and thou art enough."

   Wedding Conclusion Toast

   • It is a tradition in Ireland for the bride and groom to toast with the wedding party at the end of a wedding, according to the Celtic Attic's website. The bride and groom will start off by saying: "Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in your hour of need." After this, the guests will say: "On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, Irish wedding, Irish wedding toast, wedding toast, famous Irish wedding, have seen, Irish wedding

Places to have a wedding in connecticut

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 ..."

Whether you want a quiet outside wedding on the seaside or something glamorous and elegant, there is a wide variety of places in Connecticut for you to hold the wedding of your dreams. Take advantage of the state's gorgeous oceans, lush trees and quaint towns to pick the perfect backdrop for the most important moment of your life.

1. Amarante's Sea Cliff

   • Located in New Haven, this venue is set in a quiet cove along the shore. It is able to accommodate small ceremonies with 25 guests up to larger celebrations with 280. The facility is decorated to be both welcoming and stylish. The staff of Sea Cliff has more than 50 years of experience and can assist you in making your event memorable. The Sea Cliff promises dedicated service and superb food.

     62 Cove Street

     New Haven, CT 06512

     203-467-2531

     amarantes.com

   Avon Old Farms Hotel-Seasons

   • The Avon offers the charm of a country inn with all the amenities of a full-service facility. Located near Farmington Valley in the Greater Hartford area, the Avon offers a wide range of services and wedding packages. You can get married outside in the colorful gardens under the gazebo by a stream. The facility also offers a large indoor ballroom that can fit up to 160 guests. Smaller options include the Main Dining Room, Talcott Room and Private Dining Room that can fit between 30 and 50 people. Decorations include "brilliant chandeliers, a marble foyer, antique furnishings and a stunning three-story sweeping staircase leading to our Atrium Lobby," according to the hotel's website. You can also take advantage of the hotel's full selection of alcohols, wedding cake services and other food displays.

     279 Avon Mountain Road

     Avon, CT 06001

     860-677-1651

     avonoldfarmshotel.com

   Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort

   • This is a place that can offer you an elegant, modern wedding. Located in North Stonington, the resort promises first-class attention from staff, delicious food and beautiful views. In the Pequot Village Ballroom, you can see the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. The 4,500-square-foot ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests. The Lake Front Deck provides a wonderful place for a cocktail reception where you can enjoy hors d'oeurves and drinks as you look out onto the lake.

     1 Clubhouse Drive

     North Stonington, CT 06359

     888-475-3746

     lakeofisles.com

   The Gallery

   • The Gallery in Glastonbury offers two places for you to hold your wedding that can accommodate between 220 and 300 guests for either a sit-down dinner or cocktails and hors d'oeurves. The chefs at the Gallery will create a unique menu for your event. You also will receive your choice of table linen and napkin colors for the reception. The Gallery offers select days with special pricing.

     141 New London Turnpike

     Glastonbury, CT 06033

     860-659-2656

     thegallery141.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Avon offers, Dining Room, have wedding, have wedding connecticut, hors oeurves, North Stonington

Places for nature photography in san diego

It's interesting:
"I would like to say that I have a lot of admiration for Linda. She met Paul during his ‘colt’ years, and has dealt with most of his flaws. She’s a beautiful lady, and an even more gorgeous bride. I hope Paul realizes just how lucky he is. But I still don’t know how he got her to say yes because all she seems to say now is “No! Paul, no!”"

San Diego is home to more than 10 parks covering just less than 40,000 acres of land. Each site offers nature trails, natural landmarks and heritage sites for visitors to explore. Marine life can be photographed at the aquarium while panoramic ocean views and jutting rocks and cliff faces can be seen at the beach. A variety of plants and animals inhabit the Chula Vista nature center, and San Diego zoo has nine exhibits to explore showing lion-tailed monkeys, elephants and polar bears.

1. Parks & Nature Trails

   • Eucalyptus trees can be seen at Balboa Park.

     Balboa Park (balboapark.org/) features 19 gardens, including Palm Canyon which houses more than 450 palm trees. The Cactus Garden, which was developed in 1935, has Australian and African Protea alongside a variety of cactus specimens. The Australian Garden offers photographers the chance to capture an array of Australian plants, featuring: banksia, acacia and melaleuca. Five trails run through the park, leading walkers along tree-lined paths and through the Florida and Switzer Canyons.

     Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (http://www.torreypine.org/) provides photographs with an ocean view- overlooking rocks and a lagoon the reserve offers unspoilt views of abstract sandstone formations, wildflowers and potential glimpses of sea creatures such as leopard sharks. Situated in over 2,000 acres, the reserve is home to an array of plant species including: fresh water marsh, coastal scrub and riparian, to name a few. Guided nature walks and five hiking trails offer chances to take pictures of Torey Pine trees- gorges, beaches and badlands.

   Aquariums & Beaches

   • Birch Aquarium at Scripps Oceanography (aquarium.ucsd.edu/) has eight exhibits featuring more than 60 habitats of marine life. The Halls of Fishes exhibit takes visitors through a reef with native Californian, Caribbean and Mexican fishes. Live coral housing giant clams and chambered nautilus can be seen in the coral displays, and seahorses can be viewed in the "There's Something About Seahorses" exhibit.

     There are 19 beaches to explore in San Diego, all providing opportunities to photograph rock, alcoves and ocean views. Solana Beach is surrounded by cliffs and has staircases allowing visitors to explore reefs, coves and other beaches. South Mission Beach is home to fisherman and Harbour Channel where boats frequent the shores. Half a mile down the beach photographers have the opportunity to take pictures of shipwrecks and go diving to see some marine life.

   Zoo & Nature Park

   • Manta rays can be photographer at the Chula Vista Nature Center.

     Zoos and nature centers offer visitors close encounters with animals from around the globe alongside local and national wildlife. San Diego Zoo and Nature Park (sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php) has a botanical garden which houses more than seven million plants. Rare and endangered plants are also featured at the park, providing photographers with a chance to take potentially invaluable pictures.

     Chula Vista Nature Center (chulavistanaturecenter.org/) in San Diego is home to an array of wildlife that is native to Southern California. Visitors can immerse themselves in exhibits which showcase aviary birds- sharks and manta rays, and a nature garden featuring over 20,000 species of plant- all opportunities to take nature photographs.

   Botanical Garden

   • A trip to a botanical garden can provide an array of photo opportunities with numerous plants and a selection of local wildlife inhabiting the area. San Diego Botanical Garden (sdbgarden.org/) has four miles of trails showcasing California native plants, bamboo grooves, herb gardens and plants from all around the globe. Situated in 37 acres, visitors can see endangered plants, such as the California Goldenbush, and catch a glimpse of a variety of birds.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: more than, Chula Vista, around globe, Balboa Park, botanical garden

How to choose a wedding color scheme

choose a wedding color scheme

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 ..."

Choosing a wedding color scheme is one of the first wedding decisions a bride makes. Planning and decorating follow the selected wedding color scheme. The colors can be used in decorations, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, cakes, table linens and wedding stationery. The chosen color scheme sets the mood and style for your entire wedding and reception. Think about what you want your wedding to say and select colors to match the message.

Things You'll Need

• Color swatches
• Color wheel

Instructions

1. • 1

     Choose a wedding color scheme matching the season in which your wedding is planned. Think about pastels and light colors for spring weddings and dark colors like burgundy, navy and hunter green for weddings in the autumn.

   • 2

     Match your wedding color scheme to the wedding theme. Planning your wedding around a theme lends itself to several complementary colors. Hosting a Christmas wedding in December provides brides with the opportunity to use wedding color schemes like green and red, red and gold or silver and blue. Choosing an Asian-inspired wedding theme lends itself to green and brown or red and gold.

   • 3

     Utilize color swatches or a color wheel to select wedding color schemes. Visit your local paint store to collect swatches or paint chips of possible wedding color schemes. Put various colors side-by-side to see how well they go together. Find a color wheel to use for selecting wedding color schemes. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Analogous colors lie next to each other, such as red and orange. Monochromatic colors are variations in tone of the same color. Use one of these strategies to select a wedding color scheme.

   • 4

     Consider the color scheme in the venue. Select colors complementing the reception space. Consider the flooring, drapery, dé-cor and lighting. Hosting your reception in a ballroom with red and gold carpets featuring antique fixtures doesn't match a spring wedding with a green and pink color scheme. Use nature's beauty to complement wedding color schemes for outdoor weddings.

   • 5

     Use your favorite color. Highlight your wedding color scheme with your favorite color. Pair it with a matching color and start decorating. Remember soft colors set a romantic atmosphere, while bright and vibrant colors add drama.

Tips &- Warnings

• Limit your main wedding color scheme to two or three colors for consistency sake. Highlight these colors throughout the wedding site.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding color, color scheme, wedding color scheme, color schemes, wedding color schemes, your wedding

How to enjoy san antonios la villita

enjoy san antonio's la villita

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

San Antonio, Texas, is one of the top convention cities in the United States. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that the city's planner were clever enough to turn downtown problems into downtown attractions. The smelly, flood-prone San Antonio River was dammed and its banks converted into the popular Riverwalk. Just south of the river, an eyesore of a slum was cleaned up and renovated. Today it's known as La Villita or the Little Village and it has become a site for music and cultural festivals, dining and galleries of arts and crafts.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Enter at King Philip V Street and East Nueva. Off to the right is Artistic Endeavors art gallery, and beyond it, Maverick Plaza, which is usually the main site for special events. To the left is Found, which specializes in southwestern-themed art and antiques. An art space called Nueva Street Gallery is further down, with an entrance on Nueva Street. Little Studio Gallery, which sells art and jewelry, is north of Found, while to the west is Nacional Plaza, with Galleria II, an arts and crafts gallery and Scentchips, USA, a home fragrance store.

   • 2

     Return to Philip V and turn left on Nacional Street to go to the Bolivar Café-, which has a basic American and Tex-Mex fastfood menu. West of that is Village Weavers rug and clothing shop and Originals Beads, Jewelry & Gifts.

   • 3

     Cross over to the north side of Nacional and work your way east. First up is Angelita's, which sells clothing and accessories. The Casa Clasal Copper Gallery offers copperware, while Bonsai Arbor has everything you need to grow and maintain a bonsai tree. Turn north up Philip V and on the left side you'll find Casa Manos Alegres, which specializes in Latin American arts and crafts. On the east side of the street is the Starving Artist Gallery, which features mostly handcrafted items.

   • 4

     Continue north up Philip V and hang a left at Villita Street. On the south side of the street is Lone Star Mercantile, which sells Texas-themed gifts and Villita Stained Glass. Turn back to the east and you'll see the Village Gallery gift shop and Chamade Jewelers. The Little Church of La Villita is frequently rented out as a wedding chapel. Next up are River Art Group/Susan Carlin Art and Monte Wade Fine Arts, where you can buy original artwork. On the corner is Guadalajara Grill Tex-Mex restaurant and Mustang Grey's western wear shop. Behind Guadalajara Grill, on South Alamo, is Alice Knight arts and crafts studio.

   • 5

     Turn around and go back north up South Alamo and turn west at Villita Street. On the north side of the street is the Little Rhein Steak House and Fig Tree Restaurant, two upscale restaurants that have been around for decades. Next to those is the former home of General Martin Perfecto Cos, which is a rental space. Make a right and head north through the archway to the Arneson River Theatre, an open-air space that hosts the performing arts, especially the annual Fiesta Noche del Rio Latin American musical showcase.

   • 6

     Finish by taking a stroll along the Riverwalk and getting a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants there. The oldest is Casa Rio, a Tex-Mex place between Commerce and Market. If you have a large party, reserve a dining barge here and cruise up and down the San Antonio River while you eat.

Tips &- Warnings

• Park in the lot just south of East Nueva Street and go into the main entrance onto King Philip V Street. If there's a special event going on you might have to buy a ticket here, but usually La Villita is free and open. The village is bordered by South Alamo to the east, South Presa to the west, East Nueva to the south and the San Antonio River to the north. The Hilton Palacio Del Rio is just to the northeast and the old Hemisfair grounds are directly to the east across South Alamo.

• Traffic along South Alamo moves pretty fast, and it's very easy to miss the East Nueva turn-in. You may have to drive around a few blocks before you can make the turn successfully.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: South Alamo, arts crafts, East Nueva, Antonio River, Nueva Street, side street, which sells

Places for a wedding reception in new jersey

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 ..."

Couples who plan on tying the knot in New Jersey, the Garden State, have many traditional and non-traditional wedding reception venues from which to choose. A number of these establishments can accommodate parties of various sizes and some even offer the convenience of an on-site caterer. In many cases, it is possible to host the ceremony and the reception in one place.

1. Hotels

   • Some couples find hotel receptions to be the most convenient, especially for out-of-town guests. The Hamilton Park Hotel in Florham Park hosts receptions, including Indian and kosher weddings, in its ballroom, courtyard patio, outdoor gardens and the Vanderbilt's Bar & Lounge. Another option is Congress Hall, a seaside resort in Cape May, which can accommodate up to 250 guests in its Grand Ballroom.

     Many of the hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey's famous gaming and resort city, have spaces for weddings. The Sheraton Atlantic City Hotel has several rooms for receptions of various sizes, including the Grand Ballroom, which fits up to 1,000 guests.

   Museums

   • Several museums in New Jersey have event spaces available for rent, including the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville, which is adjacent to a wildlife refuge, a great setting for wedding photos. Alternatively, you can host your reception in the Currents Ballroom at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, which boasts stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline and three windows into the aquarium's 550,000-gallon shark exhibit.

   Golf and Country Clubs

   • If you wish to celebrate your wedding at a golf and country club, there are plenty of options throughout New Jersey. Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood has two event spaces, the Augusta Ballroom, which offers views of the golf course, and the Club Room, which encompasses a private patio. The Ramsey Golf and Country Club offers a 19th-century stone castle surrounded by gardens, a golf course and two lakes.

   Catering Halls

   • Many banquet and catering halls in New Jersey exude European elegance. One option is Bello Giorno Catering in Belvidere, which resembles an Italian villa and offers Italian-inspired catering menus. The Palace at Somerset Park has East and West ballrooms that are reminiscent of a 17th-century French ballroom and a 17th-century Venetian palazzo, respectively.

     Another option is Harborside Creative Catering, which can accommodate 50 to 600 guests in its Jersey City facility.

   Historic Places

   • A number of historic sites in New Jersey can be rented for private events, including the Natirar estate, which was built in 1912 and once belonged to the royal family of Morocco. Another option is the eco-friendly Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, the former home of an early 20th-century industrial leader. It is surrounded by 40 acres of woodlands, ponds, fields and European gardens.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Another option, wedding reception, accommodate guests, Atlantic City, Ballroom which, event spaces, Golf Country

Cocktail wedding theme ideas

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!"

Cocktail wedding receptions are different from traditional affairs. They are more intimate events where guests mix and mingle with each other in a type of "cocktail hour" rather than sit down to a four or five-course dinner. Keep your guests happy and enjoy a memorable wedding day with signature drinks, bite-sized appetizers and entertainment. This will keep both the young and old engaged during the event.

1. Signature Drinks

   • Hire a bar tender to create signature drinks for the wedding reception. Name cocktails after the bride and groom, where they first met and even have drinks named after members of the wedding party. You can choose from classic champagne cocktails to more adventurous drinks like cucumber-mint gimlets and cranberry cider, made from the bride and groom's favorite liquors. For those who don't drink alcohol, consider frappes or homemade sodas to serve as signature drinks.

   Food

   • Serve finger-food at the reception to fit in with the cocktail theme. Guests can enjoy hors d'oeuvres such as seafood cocktails, tapas plates, small pastries, dumplings and caviar, if you are planning an elaborate spread. Plates of assorted cheeses, skewers and even fruit platters are bite-sized treats that guests can nibble on. Cocktail food can be gourmet or simple and rustic. Always make sure you have enough of a food selection to keep your guests happy- the website I Do suggests 10 hot and 10 cold hors d'oeuvres for a three-hour cocktail reception.

   Music

   • To give the venue an elegant ambiance, consider hiring a string quartet to play during the cocktail wedding reception. A pianist or solo classical guitar player can also do the trick, bringing a sophisticated feel to the event. If you're planning a more casual affair, a mariachi band might be an option, with romantic ballads dedicated to the bride and groom. If space is tight and there is no room for a band, play songs the newlyweds enjoy on a small stereo.

   Entertainment

   • Try entertaining your guests throughout the reception with a slide show of the married couple. Set photographs to favorite songs so guests can enjoy images the newlyweds on a large screen in a corner of the reception venue. If children are invited to the reception, hire a performer--such as a clown or magician--who can keep the little ones entertained for a couple of hours while the adults mingle with one another.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, signature drinks, your guests, Cocktail wedding, Cocktail wedding theme

The etiquette for thank-you cards for wedding shower gifts

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

Wedding showers are a fun time for brides-to-be as they prepare to enter their new life. Shower guests spend their time and money choosing a thoughtful gift for the happy couple, so brides should take the time to properly thank each one with a hand-written, well-worded note.

1. Timing

   • According to Cindy Hobson from The Knot, wedding shower thank-you notes should be written within two weeks of the receipt of the gift, which means two weeks after the date of the shower, not the wedding. For wedding gifts, thank-you notes should be sent within three months. Between showers and the wedding, gifts can pile up, so it's better to get the shower thank-you notes out of the way before the wedding. But if you are running behind, a late note is better than no note at all.

   What to Send

   • Etiquette expert Peggy Post writes that only stationery is appropriate for thank-you sentiments. Choose hand-written notes, not fill-in-the-blank or printed ones. Phone calls, emails and posts on your website or Facebook page also aren't appropriate for wedding gifts. Email and text messages are great for many things, but only old-fashioned snail mail will do for thank-you notes. According to Hobson, you shouldn't use stationery with your married name or initials until after the wedding.

   Who to Thank

   • Anyone who gives you a shower gift should receive a thank-you note, even if you thanked them in person. Write a separate note to each person who contributed to a group gift. Those who hosted the shower should also receive a thank-you note and gift, ideally within two days of the event, according to Post. Those who gave shower and wedding gifts should receive separate notes for each gift.

   What to Say

   • Make the notes personal. Rather than a generic note about a "wedding gift," refer to the specific item received and how you will use it. For example, "Thank you so much for the beautiful pitcher. We can't wait to use it at our first dinner party." For anyone who gives a gift of money, mention what you plan to do with it. If possible, make reference to the person as well as the gift. For example, "I really enjoyed catching up with you at the shower and hearing all about your new job and the kids' latest adventures." Keep track of who gave what gift, to make sure that you refer to the correct gift and gift giver in your thank you notes. You don't want to thank Aunt Sally for a crystal bowl when she actually gave you bedding. Never let the gift giver know that you plan to exchange or return their gift. Make sure your thank-you notes are neat and tidy, no scrawled handwriting or scratched-out mistakes. Same goes for the envelopes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: thank-you notes, wedding gifts, wedding shower, cards wedding, cards wedding shower, gift giver, notes should

Ideas for places for a girls night out in minnesota

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 ..."

Gather your girlfriends and enjoy a memorable Minnesota night out, or plan day trips to different venues across the state. Build memories together, take numerous pictures to commemorate the events and enjoy reflecting on youthful times later in life. Send out a group email prior to the big day requesting ideas regarding wardrobe. Post photos on a communal website like Snapfish immediately following the activities.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Minneapolis

   • Head out for an exciting night at Gay 90's theatre and cafe. Guests enjoy live drag shows complete with dancing, singing and lots of light-hearted joking. Venture into this lively establishment for entertainment and stay for dinner. The large menu ranges from appetizers and salads to entrees, sandwiches and burgers. A full bar is available, special events parties such as "Foam Party" and themed nights apply. Dress in casual or semi-formal attire and feel free to wear decorative boas, gloves and hats.

   Anoka

   • Pick up the girls and head to downtown Anoka. A variety of shops and boutiques are available to please your shopping urges and eateries and lounges are within a mile to satiate hungry appetites. Once a month the town features special events, discounts, fun and giveaways simultaneously in numerous participating locations. Start with a cup of tea at one of the tea rooms and stay for dinner. Take time to relax and listen to live music.

   St. Paul

   • Dress casual in your jeans and head to the Minnesota Music Cafe for drinks and live music with your friends. This establishment boasts a lively atmosphere and gets crowded on weekends. Musical acts vary and range from rock to soul. Blues and R&B is considered their specialty. Honor your adventurous spirit by signing up a karaoke tune or two. Wear comfortable shoes and burn off dinner on the dance floor. A billards room is also available.

   Rochester

   • Catch up on the latest news and share important details of recent life activities with the your friends. 300 First restaurant boasts a cozy lounge area complete with fireplace and oversized leather couches. Enjoy a bottle of wine or one of a dozen martinis. Stay for dinner and have your choice of numerous steak, fish and burger dishes. This establishment offers dim lighting, a lively atmosphere and seasonal outdoor seating. Start you night here or stay the entire evening.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: complete with, Dress casual, girls night, girls night minnesota, Ideas places, Ideas places girls

How to play guitar with a saxophone player

play guitar with a saxophone player

It's interesting:
"Congratulatory remarks about the wedding ... Wasn't the wedding ceremony beautiful? That row of handsome men and a parade of gorgeous attendants. And ..."

Playing with other musicians is perhaps one of the best ways to increase skill levels on your own instrument and learn about others. Guitar and saxophone players come together in many forms of music from classic rock and ska all the way down the genre list to jazz. Aside from being a good practice experience, playing guitar with a saxophonist -- or any other musician for that matter -- is a delightful experience. Playing with a saxophonist can be simple and yield fantastic auditory results.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar
• Saxophone

Instructions

1. • 1

     Plug in and adjust volume to the saxophone player's acoustic volume. If either the guitar or sax is off, someone will be dominated and feel left out.

   • 2

     Pick something to play on. You can either pick a song you both know play, play on a certain chord progression or play within a certain key. Songs with both guitar and sax can be found in rock, ska and jazz genres especially. Simple chord progressions to play on are blues progressions. Playing in a key only requires that you pick a letter from A to G and keep within the key.

   • 3

     Take turns soloing or backing one another. To solo over the sax, signal to the player that you are going to take a solo and he will play a simple progression or melody. When the saxophonist wants to take his solo you should play simple chords to back him up.

   • 4

     Enjoy the experience. Emotion is as big a part of music as skill. If you do not enjoy yourself and play with feeling nothing productive will happen.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: guitar with, saxophone player, guitar with saxophone, play guitar, play guitar with

Mason jar centerpiece ideas

It's interesting:
"I'd like to talk about Paul's greatest achievement, which happened today, and that was keeping his suit jacket on throughout the ceremony and resisting what must have been an intense desire to turn up in shorts today. But despite the heat and discomfort, it’s been well worth the effort, for amongst other things, the wet patch down the length of his left leg can be passed off as sweat."

Mason jars are a versatile and economic way to create a centerpiece for a table. Style variations are endless, and mason jar centerpieces can be created for parties, casual table settings, games and everyday decorating. For those who live a green lifestyle, items from thrift stores or from around the house can be placed into a mason jar for a new look. The great thing about mason jar centerpieces is that each centerpiece can be different---adding a new style dimension.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Green Get-Together

   • For those who are planning an upcoming cocktail party or casual get-together, creating a green mason jar centerpiece will impress guests and Mother Nature. Start off with recycled mason jars that are clean and dry. The jars should be placed on a work space for filling. The best way to get materials for this mason jar project is to go for a walk outside. Gather round stones, dirt, leaves, fresh flowers and herbs, twigs, vegetables, berries and pine cones. Anything that's natural and size appropriate and that can be bought indoors. Begin to fill the jars. Try to make each jar different. One could be layered with a bottom layer of dark dirt, a layer of bright red berries, some green grass and a topper of small acorns. A jar could also be filled with just stones. Another could be full of fresh herbs or colorful leaves. Reuse the metal lids too- fill with aromatic herbs and flower heads. Place jars strategically along the table center. Fill in with fresh vegetables, branches and other outdoor finds.

   Christmas Table

   • Creating a centerpiece for a Christmas table is easy with mason jars. The jars allow small, sparkly objects to be showcased in the center of the table. Fill the jars with a spool of Christmas ribbon or tinsel, battery-operated Christmas tree lights in different colors, tiny mismatched ornaments, gold or silver stars, rosehips, cinnamon sticks and holly berries. Give the jars a finishing touch by wrapping a strand of ribbon or tinsel around the middle and the top. The jars can be sealed with lids or left open.

   Kids' Party

   • Kids of all ages love visuals. Creating mason jar centerpieces that are kid-themed makes for an inexpensive party decoration. Smaller half-pint mason jars can be used for each table setting. The jars can be filled with party favors such as packaged candy, play money, small toys, bouncy balls and mini-Slinkys. The small jars can be wrapped in colorful fabric, secured at the top with elastic or rubber bands. This prevents glass from causing injury should the jar break. Larger quart-size jars can be placed in the middle of the table and filled to the brim with candy and small plastic toys or Matchbox cars. Guests can guess how many items are in the center jars to win the jar to take home after the party is over. Seal all jars with lids. Keep in mind that this idea includes small items that can be a choking hazard to small children. All glass should also be handled with care and under adult supervision.

   Beach Theme

   • Mason jars are perfect for beach-theme centerpieces. The best kind of mason jar for this theme is the light-blue-tinted glass type. These are vintage jars that can be found at thrift stores, auctions and antique shops. The jars can be filled halfway with white sand with colored coral pieces placed on top of the sand. Some can also be filled with sand and tea lights for illumination. Clear mason jars can also be scattered along the center of the table and filled with shells, starfish, polished rock, faux sea creatures, sea glass and scented potpourri. These jars can be left with no lids, if desired.

   Friendly Favors

   • One way to create centerpieces that guests will enjoy is to turn them into party favors that the guests can take home. One popular favor is to create a dry mix recipe and layer it inside the jar. This can be ingredients for cookies, breads, cakes or muffins. Secure with a lid, and use raffia to tie on a card that has the recipe and instructions on it. Jars full of wrapped or homemade candies are also nice favors---wrap with a ribbon and a personalized thank you card.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: filled with, mason jars, centerpieces that, mason centerpieces, with lids

How to lay a wedding table

lay a wedding table

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 ..."

It's the most important day of your life: Your wedding. You've chosen the perfect dress and the wedding party will look unforgettable. Now it's time to make sure your reception will leave people talking for months. The wedding table will, undoubtedly, be a focal point and the place your guests spend most of their time conversing at the reception. Here you will learn lay a perfect wedding table.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Pick a color. The first place to start is the color of your wedding table especially if you are have a theme wedding. You will want to make sure it fits in with your bridesmaids' attire. If you use clashing colors on the table, it will be noticed. While white linens are failproof, if you choose to use colored linens at your wedding table be sure that the maroon table cloth doesn't leave your bridesmaids looking like an eyesore in their bright red taffeta.

   • 2

     Decide if you're going to do formal or informal.You must ask yourself that question before setting the dinnerware at your wedding table. A more formal occasion with more than one course will require separate placing of dinnerware. For instance, cups and saucers will be brought out when it is actually time for coffee as opposed to a more informal setting in which the cup and saucer will already be present.

   • 3

     Setting the table. Properly laying your wedding table is essential. Center the dinner plate about 1 inch from the edge of the table. To the left of the dinner plate is first the salad fork, then the dinner fork. On the right of the plate the knife should face the plate. To the right of the knife is, first, your dessert spoon and then the soup spoon. The coffee cup and saucer are placed just above the edge of the outer spoon. You should lay the salad plate to the left of the salad fork. Center the bread plate just above the two forks. It is permissible to lay the butter knife across this plate. Finally, set your stemware "above" the coffee cup and saucer in the following order from left to right: Water goblet, red wine glass (the larger wine glass) and then the white wine glass.

   • 4

     Use flowers. If you are having a winter wedding it is probably not a good idea to set your wedding table with summer bouquets. Make sure that your flowers are suited for the season. Don't be afraid to use silk flowers if your budget is stretched. While everyone loves the fragrance of fresh flowers, today's silk flowers are tasteful and can be used to decorate with later on.

   • 5

     Give out favors.The final touch. Wedding favors. These are always a hit with guests and a great way to top off your wedding table. Whether you choose something as simple as chocolate (not that chocolate has to be simple) or as grand as Waterford place card holders, your guests will be delighted by your thoughtfulness. Wedding favors are a great way to remember your special occasion.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding table, your wedding, your wedding table, wine glass, coffee saucer

What is the benediction in a wedding ceremony?

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 ..."

Each aspect of the traditional religious wedding ceremony exists to unite the marrying couple in holy matrimony. From the sacred vows to the lighting of the unity candle, these holy traditions are a spiritual representation of the act of two people becoming one. In that spirit, the benediction, when used in a wedding ceremony, asks God's blessing upon the union and wedded couple. Secular variations of benedictions are often used in secular weddings.

1. The Benediction in Religion

   • The Holy Bible is full of benedictions, or pronouncements or requests for the Lord's divine blessing upon his followers. Benedictions often take the form of prayers, and are performed throughout religious worship services as a concise, usually joyful, reminder of God's love and blessings. Often, a religious worship service will end with a benediction as a final call to faith and continued prayer and worship for those present.

   The Benediction in the Wedding Ceremony

   • As part of a wedding ceremony, the benediction is often used to assert the faith of the marrying couple and their family and friends. Benedictions may be used as prayers at the beginning of the ceremony to set a reverent tone for the vows and invoke the Lord's presence during the ceremony. Additionally, a benediction may be used as a closing prayer that reminds the married couple and their loved ones of the blessing of marriage while exhorting the virtues of continued faith.

   Wedding Benedictions in the Bible

   • While few of the benedictions found in the Holy Bible are specific to marriage, many of these benedictions call to mind the holy bonds of matrimony, and are used in the wedding ceremony. Examples of benedictions from the Bible that are suitable for wedding ceremonies include:

     "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6)

     "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

     "God is able to make all grace abound toward you- that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

   Secular Benedictions

   • The benediction also has its place in secular wedding ceremonies. In a secular ceremony, the benediction is not a prayer, bur rather is a blessing upon the couple from the official who is performing the marriage, such as a justice of the peace, or even a family member or loved one of the marrying couple.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, blessing upon, marrying couple, benediction wedding, benediction wedding ceremony

How to make your own itinerary template

make your own itinerary template

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

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a business trip, travel itineraries can help you organize your trip details. Before you make an itinerary, it can be helpful if you already have an itinerary template prepared. Do so in a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open the word processing program you wish to use to make the itinerary template. Create a new document and, when prompted, name the document "Itinerary Template."

   • 2

     Double-click the document's header to place the cursor in the header type space. Click the "Align Text Right" button to align the text to the right side of the header. Type "[Name of Traveler]" and press the "Enter" key. Type "[Name of Trip]" and press the "Enter" key. Type "[Trip Dates]" and press the "Enter" key. These and other phrases surrounded by brackets are placeholders for your itinerary- when you create a real itinerary, they will be replaced with the real details for your trip.

   • 3

     Double-click the body of the document to remove the cursor from the header. Click the "Bold" button to make following text bold. Type "Destination:" and press the "Enter" key three times. Type "Transportation:" and press the "Enter" key three times. Type "Accommodations:" and press the "Enter" key three times. Beneath these subheadings, place the name, address and contact information, as well as any important information--such as flight times, flight numbers and hotel room numbers for the airlines, car companies, hotels and destinations--for each specific trip when you prepare its itinerary.

   • 4

     Type "Day 1 [dd/mm/yy]" and press the "Enter" key. Click the "Insert" tab and select the "Table" option. Set the number of columns for your table to "2" and the number of rows to "16." Set the initial column width to "1 inch" and click the "OK" button to create the table (if your word processor does not allow you to set the initial column, leave the column width at its default setting). Click the right edge of the table and drag the table to the document's right margin.

   • 5

     Place your cursor in the first cell of the table (first column, first row). Type "6:00 AM" in the cell. Place your cursor in the third cell of the table (first column, second row) and type "7:00 AM." Continue to fill the cells in the first column with times until the first column is filled (the last row should have "9:00 PM" in it). Since this is a template, it is prepared for a 16-hour day lasting from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Add or remove rows to the table or adjust the times represented in the table as necessary for your specific needs. The second column of the table will be used to provide information about the activities, destinations and general plans for the trip at the time designated by the first column.

   • 6

     Place the cursor beneath the table and repeat Steps 4 and 5, replacing "Day 1 [dd/mm/yy]" with "Day 2 [dd/mm/yy]." Then repeat the steps, replacing "Day 2 [dd/mm/yy]" with "Day 3 [dd/mm/yy]." Continue to create tables until you have seven. For an itinerary template, one week's worth of time tables will suffice. When you create your actual itinerary, add or delete tables to fit the trip's specific needs.

   • 7

     Click the "File" tab and select the "Save" option to save the itinerary template.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: press Enter, first column, Enter three, Enter three times, itinerary template, itinerary template

Easy to make metal arbors

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 ..."

Making a metal garden arbor is easy if you use copper pipe and the right type of copper fittings. Cutting copper pipe is also easy, even for beginners, when you use a pipe cutter. Soldering is not necessary. You can glue the pipes together to make the arbor structure using special construction adhesive. Copper ages into a decorative patina naturally, but you can also paint the metal arbor to fit in with your outdoor decor. Metal spray-paints are available in a range of colors and finishes to suit any style.

Things You'll Need

• Copper pipe, 1-inch diameter
• Measuring tape
• Pipe cutters
• 4 Copper slip "T" fittings, 1-inch diameter
• Waterproof construction adhesive, fast-drying
• 4 Rebar poles, 1/2-inch diameter
• 4 Copper elbow fittings, 1-inch diameter

Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure and cut four 1-inch diameter copper pipes to the desired height of the arbor. Cut the pipes with a copper pipe cutter or with a hacksaw.

   • 2

     Measure and cut two 1-inch diameter copper pipes to the desired width of the arbor. Measure and cut two 1-inch diameter copper pipes to the desired depth of the arbor.

   • 3

     Slide a 1-inch diameter copper slip "T" fitting to the center of each copper pipe cut for the height of the arbor. The fittings must line up when the pipes are side by side. Glue the fitting in place on the pipe with fast-drying, waterproof construction adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fast-drying adhesives may bond instantly or they may need up to 15 minutes of drying time.

   • 4

     Place two of the pipes cut for height side by side. Position the pipes so that the slip "T" openings are facing each other. Spread the construction adhesive inside the slip "T" openings. Quickly insert one of the copper pipes cut for depth into the opening to join the pair of pipes together. Follow the same process to join the remaining two copper pipes cut for height. These two joined sections are the two sides of the arbor.

   • 5

     Insert the four 3-foot long rebar poles into the ground in the desired location of the arbor. Leave at least 15 inches of rebar extended above the ground. Space the rebar poles to fit the four copper pipes of the arbor. Fit the two pair of joined pipes over the rebar poles.

   • 6

     Glue a copper elbow fitting to each end of the two copper pipes cut for the width. The openings on the elbows should face the same direction on both ends of both pipes.

   • 7

     Glue the open ends of the elbows attached to one of the width pipes to the top of two facing height pipes. Follow the same process to glue the remaining width pipe between the two remaining height pipes.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: 1-inch diameter, copper pipes, 1-inch diameter copper, construction adhesive, copper pipe, copper pipes desired, diameter copper

How to choose the wording for a medieval wedding announcement

choose the wording for a medieval wedding announcement

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

The medieval wedding, one of the most romantic of wedding themes, is growing in popularity. If the wedding is a small or exclusive affair, wedding announcements are a useful way to announce the marriage to family and friend who did not attend. A wedding announcement should be sent directly following the wedding. It is not the same as an invitation, although medieval wedding invitations may be worded using the same type of language as the announcement. Medieval weddings were often announced by the town crier, but in lieu of a town crier, announcements will work just fine.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Write the announcement using present-day language. Be sure to include all important information, such as the people announcing the wedding (the parents or couple), the date and the place of the wedding.

   • 2

     Decide on a medieval wedding focus before writing the announcement. If the wedding theme is centered around a royal perspective of medieval times, the announcement will use different wording than if the wedding focus is on more of a "Robin Hood" or common-folk perspective of medieval living.

   • 3

     Incorporate medieval wording into the basic language of the announcement. At the top, "Hear ye, Hear ye" calls attention to the announcement. Use words like "Sir," "Lady," "Governess," and "Knight." Refer to the church as a cathedral and the reception hall as a castle, if desired. After the date is listed, state "in the year of our Lord" for a medieval flair. For informal medieval announcements, try language like "son of John of Hampshire" following the groom's first name. "Gentleman at arms" or "gentleman-in-waiting" was used to denote a common son of a nobleman. Use the profession to showcase medieval-like names, such as "Jack the Baker" or "Jim the Hunter."

   • 4

     Write a rough draft of the medieval announcement. Read the announcement, making sure that the wording sounds authentic, yet conveys the idea in a way that a reader can easily follow. The reader should not have trouble understanding any of the facts listed on the announcement.

   • 5

     Make necessary changes to the announcement. Change wording if necessary so that the announcement has a medieval sound conveyed in a clear fashion. Complete the final draft of the announcement.

Tips &- Warnings

• Print the announcements on heavy parchment paper. Use muted, burnished colors that appear old.

• Roll up the announcements and tie with twine for a medieval look.

• Use handwritten professional calligraphy for an even more authentic look.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: medieval wedding, wedding announcement, choose wording, choose wording medieval, language announcement, medieval wedding announcement, perspective medieval

How to create your wedding vows

create your wedding vows

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."

The practice of exchanging vows began with ancient Romans who plainly spoke their pledges to one another- modern couples prefer to make their vows more personal and meaningful. In most states a marriage isn't legal unless you make a verbal contract to one another. You may choose to exchange the traditional I dos in addition to your personal vows, or you can state your commitment in your personal vows. Ask your officiant to explain to you the exact requirements in your state.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Discuss your vows with your fiance. You should come up with an ideal length for each of your vows. You may also agree to use a similar tone in your vows, such as making them funny, religious or very serious.

   • 2

     Create an outline. This helps you be sure that you're getting your point across, and it also helps you make your vows the right length. You may decide to start with something you love about your fiance, then speak about what you're promising to him and end with how much you love him. Include any quotes, lyrics or religious passages that you want to use in your vows when you're writing your outline.

   • 3

     Write out exactly what you want to say. Using the outline as your guide, try to write in a stream-of-consciousness fashion. This makes your vows seem more natural and personal. You can also edit out anything later on that doesn't fit.

   • 4

     Read your vows out loud to yourself to hear how they sound. Time yourself reading them at the speed you will use at the altar.

   • 5

     Exchange vows with your fiance, if you've decided to read your vows to each other in advance. Skip this step if you've decided to surprise one another.

   • 6

     Read the vows out loud to a trusted friend. You'll get more practice delivering them, and your friend can point out if your words don't sound like you.

   • 7

     Write out the vows on a small card. While the groom can carry his vows in his pocket, the bride can give this card to the officiant to hold onto. He can then pass it to her at the appropriate point in the ceremony.

Tips &- Warnings

• Not all officiants will allow you to write your own vows. For instance, if you're getting married in a Catholic ceremony you may be required to recite the traditional vows. Get permission from your ceremony site and officiant before writing your own vows.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your vows, your fiance, create your, create your wedding, personal vows, vows loud, vows with

Christmas wedding cake themes

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 ..."

Add romance to the magic of Christmas by having your wedding over the holiday. Whether you're using a traditional red and green color scheme or a modern interpretation like fuchsia and lime, carry the Christmas theme beyond the decor to the cake and topper for a complete look. Tint the cake batter, frosting and fondant in holiday colors, and use edible glitter or edible gold and silver decorations for extra dazzle.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Holiday Colors

   • Colors such as classic red and green, sophisticated burgundy and hunter green, or shades of wintry blue can be used to create a sparkling cake that captures the spirit of Christmas. Accent various cakes with gold and silver fondant, silver dragees, spun sugar or edible gold and silver leaf to mimic the shine of Christmas lights, ornaments or tinsel.

     Add a modern twist to holiday colors with fuchsia and lime. Paint fuchsia filigree onto a lime-colored frosting base and accent with cake balls frosted in silver or lime.

   Themed Shapes

   • Round-shaped cakes topped with a spherical layer parallel Christmas ornaments, especially when they are decorated with spun sugar or designed to look like stained glass. For angular cakes, garnish individual layers with fondant or sugar figures and edible flowers to style the cake like a Christmas tree. Use a star-shaped cake topper featuring your monogram to round out the design.

     For a deconstructed look, stack individual cakes at varying layers on pedestals or upturned vases filled with ornaments in your wedding colors. As added decor, hang miniature ball ornaments around the cake table or the different layers.

   Presentation Ideas

   • Style square tiers like gift boxes with textured frosting, sculpted fondant and fun colors. Alternate stripes and solid colors, or mingle patterns for a whimsical look. Garnish with fondant and sugar ribbons to complete the design.

     Cut snowflakes, trees, candles and holly from colored fondant and layer them over a white or red-colored cake for a multi-textured appearance. Sculpt fondant into three-dimensional trees and accent them with spun sugar garland and dragee ornaments.

   Holiday Flowers

   • A cake bedecked in poinsettias -- the flower most associated with Christmas -- becomes a classic symbol of holiday cheer and works beautifully with Christmas wedding decor. While poinsettia plants are not poisonous (despite popular myths), avoid the risk of contact rashes or stomach upset by using sugar or fondant poinsettia blossoms. Artificial poinsettias edged in glitter and arranged to cascade down a tiered cake create a stunning focal point, especially when surrounded by curlicues of ribbon in silver or gold.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Christmas wedding, gold silver, spun sugar, cake themes, cake topper

How to word save the dates for a scottish wedding

word save the dates for a scottish wedding

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 ..."

Save the Dates are a way to let your guests know that you are getting married and to not plan anything on the same day. You want people to come celebrate with you. When people plan vacations, it is often a few months in advance. The proper time frame to send out your Save the Dates is at least six months in advance. For Scottish weddings, there are several ways you can make your Save the DatesPlan them out with pen and paper before drawing up the final draft at the printer's or on your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. • 1

     Design you Save the Dates based on whether it is a formal or informal wedding. Formal weddings should have certain things that make it appear formal, such as cursive writing and spelling out the date.

   • 2

     Write the introduction by introducing the couple. For example, &ldquo-Please mark your calendars with the date of the marriage of John Alexander Smith (informal: John A. Smith) and Susan Elizabeth Brady (informal: Susan E. Brady).&rdquo-

   • 3

     Write out the date. For instance, for an informal wedding, write: June 28th, 2010, spell out the date for formal weddings: June Twenty-Eighth, the year Two Thousand and Ten.

   • 4

     Write out the location and time of the wedding, again in cursive for a formal wedding, and numerical values for an informal wedding. Example: Formal: Twelve O'Clock at Three Hundred Eleven Pinebrook Road, Anytown, Alabama- Informal: 12:00 p.m. at 3011 Pinebrook Rd., Anytown, Ala.

   • 5

     Add a Scottish quote, an excerpt from a Scottish prayer, and excerpt from a traditional Scottish Wedding Vow or Scottish Clan mottos to personalize the Save the Dates. Ideally the excerpt should be one to two lines long, and again, written in cursive for formal weddings, and print for informal wedding.

Tips &- Warnings

• Scottish weddings are full of symbolism, such as the never-ending knot, Scottish clan tartans, bagpipes, and festive colors. Scottish weddings are very similar to Celtic weddings, so unless you want to be very specific, you can also incorporate some Celtic symbolism into the Save the Dates.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: informal wedding, Save Dates, Scottish weddings, cursive formal, dates scottish, dates scottish wedding

Old irish wedding traditions

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?”"

Modern wedding rites may abound, but couples looking to draw on their cultural heritage look for classic customs to incorporate into their ceremonies. Those looking for old Irish wedding traditions will not be disappointed with Ireland's rich, traditional wedding customs.

1. Folklore

   • Irish folklore says marry in May, rue (regret) the day, but marrying in April brings joy for maiden and man. November is also appropriate because the Irish believe that marrying during harvest season brings fruitful lives.

   Omens

   • Traditional Irish signs of bad luck regarding the big day include meeting a funeral procession on the road- or the failure of the man being the first to wish the bride wedded bliss. It is also considered unlucky to break a glass or cup on the day of the wedding.

   Handfasting

   • Handfasting is the old Celtic tradition of binding the couple for a year and a day. At the end of the handfasting period, if the couple wasn't a good match, they would go their separate ways.

   Claddagh

   • The traditional Irish engagement and wedding ring, the Claddagh's design is composed of two hands grasping a crowned heart. The Claddagh represents true love, friendship and lasting loyalty between lovers.

   Horseshoes

   • Carried by Irish brides and given as wedding gifts, the horseshoe symbolizes good luck. The horseshoe must always be turned up so none of the good luck spills out.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding traditions, good luck, irish wedding traditions

Peru indian crafts

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."

The modern inhabitants of Peru are largely the decedents of the Inca and that influence can be seen in the art and crafts of Peru. Peru is well known for its textiles, especially those made from alpaca wool, as well as its wood, silver, pottery, stuffed animals, dolls and carved gourds.

1. Textiles

   • Peruvian alpaca wool textiles are easily recognizable by their intricate designs and vibrant colors. Although Peru's craftspeople now create many modern-looking western style designs from wool, the Incan inspired hats, sweaters, scarves, ponchos and shawls remain extremely popular and easily recognizable. Peruvian dolls and stuffed animals are also frequently made from these textiles.

   Wood and Silver

   • Peruvian wood and silver work is considered among the finest in the world. From jewelry to figurines, much of it is still handmade and carved with great attention to detail. Peru's wood craftspeople are especially known for their re-creations of people and animals, both modern and historical. Dancers, religious figures and the ancient Inca are popular subjects.

   Pottery

   • Peruvian pottery largely pays tribute to the traditions and designs of the Inca. Because metal and glass have largely replaced pottery for daily functional purposes, modern Peruvian pottery is frequently much more decorative than that of ancient civilizations. A recent exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. paid tribute to Peru's master craftspeople.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: alpaca wool, easily recognizable, indian crafts, made from, Peru indian

Wedding officiants in chicago

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."

Choosing a wedding officiant is an important decision for any couple. They may choose to hire an officiant if they don't have a home church, or if they just want help creating their ceremony. When choosing an officiant in Chicago, meet with at least two to three different people to understand their services and ideas about your ceremony.

1. Ceremonies Chicago

   • At Ceremonies Chicago (http://www.ceremonieschicago.com), Rev. Rebecca Armstrong has more than 19 years of experience and has performed more than 700 weddings. Her specialties include interfaith, humanistic, ethnic, Celtic and "eco" weddings. The standard package without a formal rehearsal costs $600 plus the cost of travel. This includes planning sessions, creating the ceremony, officiating the ceremony and post-wedding paperwork. The deluxe package is $1,000 plus travel costs and includes everything in the basic package, plus a rehearsal and counseling session.

   First Step Ministries

   • Chicago's First Step Ministries (ministerforrent.com) offers professional wedding services by Rev. Brandyn Simmons. Known as Pastor B, he has officiated more than 800 weddings in the area. First Step Ministries offers wedding officiating and wedding planning. For wedding officiating, Pastor B works with each couple to create a ceremony tailored to their needs. Services include help with finding readings, as well as an outline to help design the ceremony. Pastor B offers free officiating services with the officiating or planning option, saving couples between $600-800 according to the First Step Ministries website.

   All Ceremonies Beautifully Done

   • Rev. Marian Hale of All Ceremonies Beautifully Done (revmarian.com) has been officiating ceremonies in Chicago since she was ordained in 1997. She provides services as a minister, officiant, clergy, celebrant or reverend. Rev. Marian performs non-denominational or non-religious ceremonies, civil unions, and interfaith ceremonies. According to her website, Rev. Marian will meet for free with couples to discuss the vision for their ceremony before asking for a commitment.

   Weddings That Inspire

   • Weddings That Inspire (weddingsthatinspire.com) is home to Rev. Marsha Thomas, an officiant, minister, clergy and celebrant who's been officiating weddings more than 20 years in a variety of settings. She has experience with non-denominational, multicultural, interfaith, spiritual, civil, religious, traditional or casual ceremonies. A Silver Ceremony is a small, 5-10 minute ceremony that includes a telephone consultation and a brief pre-ceremony meeting on the day of the event for $300. A Gold Ceremony is 10-20 minutes, costs $450 and consists of readings, music or prayers. A Platinum Ceremony is 20-30 minutes long, $650 and includes two in-person meetings, a rehearsal, and many vow options.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: First Step, First Step Ministries, more than, Step Ministries, Beautifully Done, been officiating, Ceremonies Beautifully

How to apply for walt disney world holiday services

apply for walt disney world holiday services

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

Walt Disney World Holiday Services is a department of Walt Disney World specializing in holiday decorating and event preparation. You cannot apply for these services directly, but Walt Disney World Holiday Services prepares exclusive holiday events set aside for Walt Disney fan club members. The fan club is named "D23." If you'd like to have exclusive access to holiday special events, promotional codes for Disney merchandise and special offers, apply for a D23 membership. Two membership levels are available, Gold and Silver, and both entitle members to exclusive or special events at Walt Disney Theme Park locations.

Things You'll Need

• Annual membership fee

Instructions

1. • 1

     Select a membership level. Both Gold and Silver members receive offers for exclusive special events and merchandise as well as promotional offers and discounts. In addition, Gold members receive a subscription (four issues) to "Disney twenty-three", a collectible fan club magazine, and a special gift.

   • 2

     Register for D23 membership online at www.Disney.com/D23 or www.Disneystore.com. Fill out all information and pay the annual fee. A confirmation e-mail of your order will be sent to the email address entered and it will contain your membership number.

   • 3

     Mark your calendar and check the mail. Your membership card will arrive after seven to ten business days after the end of the month. The complete membership packet will arrive three to four weeks after the end of the month.

   • 4

     Read the emails and newsletter so you don't miss out on promotional offers and exclusive events for D23 members at all participating Disney theme parks and stores.

   • 5

     Write to guest.services@disneystore.com if you need to make changes to your address or contact information.

Tips &- Warnings

• Membership is not automatically renewed, but you will be notified before your membership expires.

• You may apply to be a member if you live outside the United States, but international shipping charges will apply.

• D23 memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Disney World, special events, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, after month, apply walt

Restaurant & dinner cruises in nyc

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

New York City is home to one of the world's most prominent skylines. The city is surrounded by water, making any city cruise a spectacular delight. Dinner cruises are available to the general public and also exist for large private gatherings, such as weddings and corporate events. These yachts have gourmet restaurants on board to serve quality meals, while guests enjoy the impressive scenery. Due to limited seating, reservations are highly recommended for all New York City dinner cruises.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Skyline Princess

   • The Skyline Princess offers Sunday brunch and nightly dinners from an elegant yacht that circles the city on New York Harbor. The boat leaves from Pier One in Flushing Meadows at 1 World's Fair Marina. Group discounts are available for those entertaining large parties. The Skyline Princess has been operating since 1993. The yacht is three levels, all of which are accessible year round despite weather conditions. Up to 450 passengers may ride the Skyline Princess, which is among the largest of New York City dinner boats. The dinner buffet offers prime rib, chicken and lemon sole and an assortment of side dishes. The brunch buffet menu serves bacon, sausage, roasted turkey, London broil and pasta.

     Skyline Princess
     

     80 Audrey Zapp Dr
     

     Jersey City, NJ
     

     (212) 757-7567
     

     skylinecruises.com

   World Yacht

   • Founded in 1984, the World Yacht is a fleet of three yachts all decorated with attention to elegance. The dinner menu consists of a choice of seven appetizers followed by prime filet mignon, chicken, salmon, fresh fish, ravioli and lobster. The cruise lasts 3 hours and covers many major New York landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and all the major bridges. Large panoramic windows provide a view for the dining guests. The outdoor observation decks are large and provide opportunity to enjoy the scenery when the weather is nice.

     World Yacht Marina
     

     Pier 81
     

     West 41st Street
     

     New York, NY 10036
     

     (212) 630-8100
     

     worldyacht.com

   The Atlantis

   • The Atlantis is a charter yacht available for private dinners. It includes a jacuzzi on the boat's upper deck and a private VIP room. A staircase connects the floor indoors. The tall ceilings and custom woodwork accent the luxury of the Atlantis. Plasma television screens and an aquarium complete the decor. The Atlantis is available for any private function, including weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries and school dances. The dinner menu includes chicken Francaise, salmon, prime rib, filet mignon, pan-seared tuna, duck spring rolls, shrimp skewers, lamb chops and more.

     The Atlantis
     

     New York Cruises
     

     5 Gotham Ave
     

     Brooklyn, NY 11229
     

     (718) 646-8083
     

     newyorkcruises.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Skyline Princess, dinner cruises, World Yacht, York City, available private