Brazilian wedding gifts

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 ..."

Wedding gifts for a Brazilian couple vary little from wedding gifts for couples in other countries, such as the United States. It is difficult to generalize Brazilian wedding gifts as the country is impossible to generalize as a whole, gifts vary completely depending on economic conditions. In Brazil there is a great disparity of wealth, the very rich live alongside the very poor with the modest middle-class in between. No matter what the economic status, weddings are momentous causes for celebration, and any and all wedding gifts will be directed to helping the couple begin a new life together.

1. Appliances

   • In Brazil, men and women generally live in their parent's home until they get married (excluding the years spent at university). Therefore marriage in Brazil is usually accompanied by the couple moving out and into their own home or apartment for the first time. As such, everything for a new home will be required. Common gifts for family members to give (most Brazilian families are quite large) include microwaves, blenders and grills. Closer friends and family members often give larger items such as refrigerators and washing machines, or take a share with others in helping to pay for them.

   Housewares

   • As with appliances, housewares are also common gifts to help get the couple on their way. The majority of Brazilian homes are covered floor and walls with ceramic tiles, therefore small carpets or rugs are needed in the bathroom and kitchen areas. Purchased rugs or even handmade ones may be given to the couple. As with wedding gifting in America, linens and towels are commonly bestowed upon the couple in Brazil as well.

   Embroidery

   • The one unmistakably unique difference in Brazilian wedding gifts from American gifts is the gifting of hand-embroidered items. Embroidery is a common occupation in the Brazilian Northeast, and hand embroidered tea towels, table clothes, place mats, window treatments and tray liners are traditional gifts from family members.

   Kitchen Supplies

   • The bride and groom usually receive at least a few items for the kitchen including pots and pans, flatware, table clothes, glasses and tea sets, plates and bowls, knives and plastic storage containers. Among the pots and pans are always specific pots for rice and beans- the beloved staple food of Brazil. Stove-top pressure cookers are also common items, though less used in the U.S..

   Alcohol

   • When unsure of what to get the bride and groom, alcohol such as high quality bottles of wine, cachaç-a or beer are appropriate gifts to give.

   Gift Registry

   • As with in the U.S., couples can choose to register themselves on bridal registry lists at the stores of their choice, which are usually home and decoration retailers, to ensure that they receive the gifts they either need or want.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Brazilian wedding, Brazilian wedding gifts, wedding gifts, family members, also common, bride groom, gifts from

Simple wedding hairstyles

It's interesting:
"There's something special about a church wedding, but most of us here have to admit that we rarely set foot inside a church these days. In fact ..."

Whether you are a bride, bridesmaid or simply attending a wedding, you can choose from many hairstyles that are both elegant and simple to create. Keeping your hairstyle simple means you can save money by styling it yourself. When it comes to photos, simple and elegant styles also stand the test of time better than more overworked looks.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Ballerina Bun

   • A classic bun is an elegant and simple style that works for any formal occasion. Smooth dry hair back into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Add a few drops of shine serum throughout hair to prevent any fly-aways. Wrap the ponytail around itself into a bun shape. Tuck the ends underneath the bun and secure with bobby pins. Spray with hairspray to hold in place.

   Headband

   • A decorative headband adds instant elegance to your everyday look and is so simple to wear. Whether your hair is straight or wavy, long or shoulder-length, simply style as usual and place the headband at the center of your head. Let bangs or small tendrils of hair sit in front of the headband to frame your face. If you're a bride, visit bridal or jewelry stores for headbands featuring rhinestones and crystals for added sparkle, made specifically for your big day.

   Side Ponytail

   • A side ponytail is a fun update on the classic ponytail that elegantly frames your face. Add volumizing mousse to wet hair and dry lift hair at the roots with a round brush. Wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a large-barreled curling iron to create soft waves. Part hair off-center to one side, letting pieces fall across your head to frame your face. Using a hair-colored elastic, secure a low side ponytail on the opposite side from your part about an inch below your ear. Spray with a light mist of hairspray to hold in place.

   Decorative Comb

   • To achieve another simple dressy look, add sparkle to hair with a decorative comb or barrette. This style works well with shoulder-length cuts or longer. Add volumizing mousse or gel to wet hair and blow dry by wrapping hair around a round barreled brush for curl and volume. Part hair with a deep side part. If you have bangs, sweep them across the forehead away from the part. If you want to add more curl, wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a curling iron. Tuck one side of hair behind your ear and secure with a decorative comb or barrette.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: hair around, secure with, your face, 1-inch sections, 1-inch sections hair

Ideas for daughters in a wedding ceremony

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 ..."

If you have a daughter with the person you are marrying or you have a daughter from a previous relationship, you may be looking for ways to include your daughter in the wedding ceremony. How involved or what the role your daughter can play in the wedding ceremony depends largely on her age, but there are many ways you can include your daughter in your nuptials.

1. Lighting the Unity Candle

   • If your wedding ceremony has a unity candle, you can include your daughter in this part of the ceremony. Have the wedding officiant call your daughter up to the altar when it is time to light the unity candle. Place her hands on the candle first and then your hands over the top of her hands to guide in the lighting the unity candle with the taper candles.

   Recite a Poem or Read a Passage

   • If your child is old enough to read, have her read a poem about love or recite a passage from your faith. Readers at wedding ceremonies are chosen because they are special to the couple. Your daughter is most likely one of the most special people you have in life and your wedding guests will enjoy listening to her read a poem or passage.

   Distributing Wedding Programs

   • Place your daughter at the entrance of the church or wedding ceremony location to greet guests and hand them a wedding program. This allows your daughter to greet the guests she knows and to meet the guests she does not know. It simultaneously provides your wedding guests with the wedding ceremony agenda so they can follow along as the ceremony unfolds.

   Push in a Carriage or Pull in a Wagon

   • If your daughter is a baby, then consider incorporating her as part of the processional. Place her in a decorated baby carriage or wagon and push or pull her down the aisle. You can either send her down the aisle with the maid of honor, one of the bridesmaids or the bride herself.

   Junior Bridesmaid

   • Daughters up to the age of 15 or so can be a junior bridesmaid. She can dress in the same style dress as the bridesmaids, or a girl version of the bridesmaids' dresses and walk down the aisle with the rest of your bridesmaids.

   Flower Girl

   • A daughter that is up to age 5 or so can also go down the aisle as a flower girl. She can drop flowers petals right before you go down the aisle or simply carry a basket full of flowers, a bouquet of flowers or a flower ball.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, your daughter, down aisle, include your, include your daughter, unity candle

Moroccan themed party ideas

It's interesting:
"Humorous wedding observations ... Traditional outfits * Scottish dress * Marquee * Wedding venue (golf club, castle, barn, posh) * Wedding location ..."

Moroccan themed parties offer an exotic mix of colors, sounds and smells. Decorate your party with layers of jewel-toned fabrics, pillows and candles. Transport your guests to Casablanca through your choice of activities, food and music. Provide finger cymbals, babouche slippers or toe rings as party favors. This is an appropriate theme for a small girls-only gathering or a larger celebration.

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1. Hookah

   • Use a hookah as a centerpiece. Since it emits a lot of smoke, reserve it for use at an outdoor gathering, on a deck or in an open garage. Purchase exotic flavored tobacco such as apricot, mint, cola, jasmine, caramel or a cocktail flavor. Play soft, soothing music to create a hypnotic effect.

   Belly Dancing

   • Hire a belly dancer. She can provide entertainment during the party, or you can ask her to show the party guests a few moves. Ask for a referral from your local Middle Eastern restaurant, or check the community center for a belly dance instructor who would be willing to attend a private party. If this isn't a viable option, rent a belly dancing instructional DVD and see who is brave enough to try it out at the party.

   Food Samplers

   • Use a Moroccan themed party to try out several new dishes. Cover low tables with layers of jewel-toned fabric. Intersperse candles and beaded costume jewelry among colorful platters of exotic finger food. Cut chunks of pomegranate, mango and figs. Place bowls of walnuts, almonds and dates on the tables. Set out a bowl of honey to use as a dip, or make a honey flavored meringue. Serve shrimp or lamb kabobs with traditional Moroccan spices such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Mint tea should be served alongside the meal.

   Henna

   • Hire a henna artist to come to your party. Guests can get their hands or feet painted with traditional henna designs. Traditionally this is done the night before a wedding ceremony. The red patterns symbolize happiness and satisfaction in the future. Determine how many people will be interested in having themselves painted before the party. You may want to hire more than one artist. If you are more the do-it-yourself type person, or have limited funds, you can learn to apply henna yourself. Visit the link in resource section for information on use henna.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Moroccan themed, Moroccan themed party, themed party, layers jewel-toned, party ideas

Travel ideas for the christmas season

It's interesting:
"They say that a wedding is a sapling that grows into a mighty tree called marriage . Well ... In a way, the jubilation of today's wedding reminds me of the recent ...""

Each year, Christmas travel grows in popularity. Cruise lines, resorts and tour companies offer specials to those looking to get away for the holidays. Many Christmas travelers and their families prefer the beaches and warmth of the tropics or U.S. cities with milder climates to the snow- and ice-covered ski slopes and their home cities. Aruba, Antigua, Palm Beach, and San Francisco offer plenty of attractions and activities. All four are Christmas travel spots worth looking into.

1. Aruba

   • Spend Christmas in Aruba and enjoy beaches, seaside resorts and casinos on one of the Caribbean's most popular islands. Aruba's balmy weather and blue-green seawater is the perfect combination for a family or romantic couples' Christmas vacation. Picturesque palms dot Eagle Beach and lean in the direction of the trade winds. Arashi Beach is the spot for snorkeling, kite surfing, parasailing or windsurfing.

     If something less strenuous is more to your liking, shop until you drop in the capital city of Oranjestad. Other activities include exploring underground caves or taking a safari into the interior. Dance the nights away at a salsa dance club and dine in intimate restaurants.

   Costa Rica

   • Christmastime is perfect for travel to Costa Rica. December starts the dry season, when the days stay warm and sunny until April. Costa Rica's 1,300 miles of Pacific and Caribbean beaches offer plenty of water activities. Hike the lower slopes of active Arenal Volcano or bathe in the Tabacon Hot Springs at the foot of the volcano. Take a guided tour through the rain forest. Relax on a boat tour through Corovado National Park, where you'll see macaws and howler monkeys. Christmas Festivities in Costa Rica include the National Horse Parade. The annual December 26 parade of show horses and their riders pass through the streets of San Jose.

   Palm Beach

   • Palm Beach's great weather, 47 miles of sandy Atlantic beaches and lavish shopping make it the ideal Christmas season vacation spot. Have cocktails at the Breakers, one of many luxurious hotels. Admire the historical Christmas decorations in the 1902 Flagler museum or drive through the Lion Country Safari zoo. Santa takes gifts to the chimps on December 22. Hike along a ½--mile-long boardwalk through the cypress swamp in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

     Glide through the Everglades on an airboat. Stroll the 6-mile lane running along Lake Worth and peek into the backyards of some of the world's wealthiest families. On December 22, take the free Historic Walking Tour along Worth Avenue.

   San Francisco

   • The city by the bay is a magical place to spend Christmas vacation. San Francisco has amazing natural beauty and special holiday attractions. During the Christmas season, Union Square, in the middle of the top shopping and theater districts, presents a Rockefeller Center-inspired decorated tree and ice rink.

     Visit the Embarcadero Center to see the 45-foot atrium tree, light displays and three daily "snowfalls." Fisherman's Wharf shops and boats glow with lights and decorations. Ghirardelli Square decorates its towering tree with enormous chocolate bars. Grace Cathedral, the Golden Gate Bridge, the aquarium at the California Academy of Arts and Sciences are among the many attractions in San Francisco that will make your Christmas stay special.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Costa Rica, Palm Beach, Christmas season, Christmas travel, Christmas vacation, ideas christmas, ideas christmas season

How to plan a hawaiian beach wedding

plan a hawaiian beach wedding

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

Hawaii is known to be a natural setting for love and romance amidst the clear turquoise ocean water and tropical gardens. It has become a popular place for destination weddings. One of the toughest choices of planning a Hawaiian beach wedding is which beach to perform the ceremony on, as all the beaches are public. Couples have their choice of miles of beaches, lagoons and secluded coves. The natural backdrops of beaches include volcanoes, black lava rock, waterfalls and coconut or palm trees.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Make a budget. Set a maximum limit that will be spent on each item. Include costs for traveling to Hawaii and any fees associated with the beach wedding.

   • 2

     Hire a wedding coordinator. Ask for references. Contact the Chamber of Commerce on the island you are considering getting married on to find reputable wedding coordinators in Hawaii.

   • 3

     Choose the venue. Every island has numerous locations for a Hawaiian beach wedding. Ask your wedding coordinator to send you pictures and links of various venues within your budget. Venues include secluded private beaches that may only require a $20 fee and beaches that are on the property of a plantation or resort that also offers facilities for a reception.

   • 4

     Pick a date, and send out "Save-the-date" cards to guests. Let them know that you are planning a destination wedding so they can plan accordingly.

   • 5

     Hire wedding vendors, such as the photographer, videographer, florist, bakery and caterer. Your wedding coordinator should have contacts with local wedding vendors within your budget, but you should review each contract independently to avoid any hidden and unexpected costs.

   • 6

     Contact hotels to find special rates for wedding guests. You might get better deals if you are having your reception or ceremony on their property.

   • 7

     Choose wedding attire, and decide if you and your groom will wear traditional Hawaiian maile leaf leis. Brides may consider wearing a white holoku (a Hawaiian wedding dress), and grooms could wear a white shirt and pants. Pick simple wedding attire for the bridal party, such as sundresses and sandals for the bridesmaids and khakis and Hawaiian shirts for the groomsmen.

   • 8

     Arrive to the island a couple of days before the wedding to take care of any last-minute details and to obtain a wedding license. The license must be issued from the Department of Health on the island where you are getting married and is good for 30 days. The bride and groom must apply together and provide photo identification and birth certificates- if either party was married before, he or she will also need to provide a divorce or death certificate for the previous spouse.

Tips &- Warnings

• Consider traditional Hawaiian cuisine for the wedding.

• Have a backup plan in case of rain or high winds.

• Save money by purchasing a wedding package.

• Plan your honeymoon in Hawaii on a different island.

• Costs vary depending on the island and the time of year. However, weddings are typically more expensive on Maui.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: beach wedding, wedding coordinator, beaches that, getting married, hawaiian beach, Hawaiian beach

Simple outdoor wedding ideas

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

The great outdoors can be the perfect location for a wedding. If you decide to get married during the late spring, early summer or early fall, you will probably have the weather on your side. You most likely won't have to worry too much about decorating the area if your wedding is outdoors, as trees, sandy beaches or a lovely garden serve as natural and permanent decor.

1. Picnic Wedding

   • If you and your soon-to-be spouse do not want an elaborate, overly formal wedding, consider throwing a picnic. A picnic wedding can take place in your backyard or at a local park. Make sure you get the proper permits and permission before holding your wedding in a public area, though.

     Have the bridal party carry small baskets full of flowers instead of bouquets down the aisle. The guests can sit on picnic benches during the ceremony. Rent enough picnic tables to seat all your guests at the reception, as well as a few tables for serving or buffet tables. Fill small picnic baskets with locally picked flowers or seasonal fruits and set them on the tables as centerpieces. Serve the type of food you would normally eat at a picnic, such as hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. Consider renting a large tent in case it rains on the day of your wedding.

   Wedding on the Beach

   • A quiet beach is a romantic spot for a wedding. Get married right on the shoreline while the waves lap against your feet for an interesting twist. If your wedding takes place in the middle of summer, you may want to hold the wedding first thing in the morning, just as the sun rises, or later in the afternoon, as the sun sets and temperatures cool down.

     You may want to make your wedding a more casual affair if you have it on the beach. Skip the long train on the bride's dress, since it will just drag in the sand. High heeled shoes will make walking on the sand difficult. If a large number of your guests are older or have trouble getting around, consider renting a floor to place over the sand. Distribute small paper fans or sun umbrellas to guests as they arrive for the ceremony in case the temperature stays hot.

   Wedding in a Garden

   • A garden in full bloom is a beautiful spot to hold your wedding ceremony. You may have a friend or family member who has a beautiful backyard garden that would be ideal for your wedding. If not, see if you can rent space at a public botanic garden for the afternoon. Some gardens, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, allow you to choose the type of garden you wish to have your wedding in, such as a rose garden or Japanese garden. Weddings in a public garden are usually simple, since the gardens can have strict rules. You may only be allowed to have a small number of guests and the guests may have to stand during the ceremony. If you do not want to have your ceremony outdoors in inclement weather, check if the garden has an indoor area available.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your wedding, during ceremony, have your, outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding ideas

Nonpoisonous flowers to use for cake decorating

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. I dropped in lots of clever one- liners and it was a great success. This site gave me everything I needed and more.' ..."

Nothing would be more embarrassing than finding out your guests got sick from a cake you have carefully prepared and artfully decorated. Save yourself from embarrassment and your guests from stomach pain by choosing only edible, nonpoisonous flowers to embellish your cake. While some flowers should be avoided, a variety of edible blooms in a rainbow of hues will provide the finishing touch you need to make your cake look perfect. Edible blooms should be grown for the purpose of consumption- flowers grown for decoration may contain pesticides or chemicals that can make you severely ill.

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1. Small Blooms

   • For delicate sprays of tiny flowers to accentuate the curve of a fondant ribbon or enhance the design of a buttercream sculpted wedding cake, use lilacs, violets, St. John's Wort or Evening Primrose. The entire blooms of these flowers are edible and pose no health risk to the consumer. Rosemary and sage provide clusters of small blooms while enticing the nostrils with their savory scent. Scatter a few on top of a cupcake for a contrasting flavor, or tuck a sprig into a bouquet of other edible flowers to grace the top of a cake.

   Large Blooms

   • In a rainbow of hues from creamy white to dusky violet, gladiolus offer show-stopping color with their large, trumpet-like blooms. Surround several solid colored flowers with a few variegated versions of the gladiolus to increase the variety of the cake's decor. If you are looking for a deep blue to accentuate your cake's design, choose the radiant cornflower mixed in with some contrasting yellow Bachelor Buttons. The sunflower, yucca and gardenia also provide beautiful colors and textures in a large bloom form.

   Common Flowers

   • Several everyday, easily acquired garden flowers can work to decorate a cake. Roses, marigolds, day lilies, pansies, snapdragons and carnations are all flowers commonly seen at a supermarket, in a garden or displayed in a vase. A single bloom or a rose or lily in the center of a cake makes a powerful statement. Ask your grocer or florist if they supply blooms that are safe for consumption. Choose a cluster of three or four yellow variegated marigolds together around a red carnation on a chocolate cake for an effective look, or place a couple sprays of colorful snapdragons to offset a bright white iced cake. Make sure all flowers are naturally grown and have no chemicals or pesticides that can harm humans.

   Exotic Flowers

   • A single hibiscus flower, with its ruffled petals and large size, can turn an ordinary cake into a tropical paradise. Other edible exotic flowers such as nasturtiums, honeysuckle and the starflower bestow novel flower shapes to dress up any cake's decor. Nasturtiums commonly come in various red, gold and orange shades. The honeysuckle has a sweet fragrance with light colored blooms in shades of white, pink and orange. The starflower, which originates in Syria, has furry purple bugs that bloom into periwinkle flowers.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your cake, cake decor, cake decorating, flowers cake, flowers cake decorating, Nonpoisonous flowers cake

How to sell used wedding dresses

sell used wedding dresses

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."

For most brides, the wedding dress is a treasured heirloom to be saved and passed on to future generations. For others, it's simply an expensive dress that the bride wore once. Whether the marriage didn't work out, the dress wasn't the one that the bride actually wore or the bride just wants to recoup some of her investment, reselling the dress is the next step.

Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Phone book
• digital camera

Instructions

1. • 1

     Clean the dress thoroughly. A clean dress could be the deciding factor on whether a resale customer buys your dress or not. Pay special attention to any stains around the hem of the dress and the train where it may have touched the ground. Many dry cleaners specialize in cleaning wedding dresses.

   • 2

     Let your fingers do the walking. Local consignment stores are a good place to resell wedding dresses. However, some of them have rules on conditions under which they will take consignment clothing. A quick phone call should help you determine what time of year the shop takes wedding dresses and how much of a percentage of the sale that they may want to keep.

   • 3

     Consider online resale. Websites such as eBay, craigslist or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com are good places to sell used wedding dresses. Use a digital camera to photograph your dress, making up-close photos of any dress damage so that the potential brides can look over your gown.

   • 4

     Try the classifieds. Your local newspaper is a good source for local brides who may be interested in purchasing a dress without paying shipping. You may also check with your local wedding planners, photographers or other vendors about posting fliers at their places of business.

Tips &- Warnings

• Instead of selling your dress, you could let Uncle Sam help you by donating your dress to a charity and writing off the expense on your taxes. If you itemize, this is a good way to get back the actual value of the dress.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding dresses, your dress, sell used, sell used wedding, used wedding

How to hire a nonreligious wedding officiant

hire a non-religious wedding officiant

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 ..."

A non-religious wedding is the preference of many who are not interested in the traditional religious ceremony. For those individuals without a connection to any religious affiliation, church or synagogue, there is an option that is legal without a priest, minister or rabbi present.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Discuss the option of a non-religious wedding with your significant other. Both of you should be of the same conviction that a religious ceremony in a church setting is not in your interest.

   • 2

     Hire a justice of the peace to be your non-religious wedding officiant. The county clerk's office, where you will get your marriage license, will have all of the contact information for local justices.

   • 3

     Set up an appointment with city hall for a quick and easy non-religious wedding. Determine if you want to use the county clerk, mayor or a notary to perform your ceremony. Keep in mind that there are time constraints between when you get your marriage license at city hall and the actual ceremony.

   • 4

     Choose to have an outdoor ceremony and have a close friend or family member do the honors. In some states, it is legal for a non-clergy person to be deputized for a one-time only role as a wedding officiant. A special license is required, and the officiant must follow the requirements in filing the marriage license according to county standards.

   • 5

     Plan a destination wedding. Many resort areas and travel agencies provide special arrangements for a beach wedding or a ceremony designed around a specific locale. The officiants in destination weddings are accustomed to providing non-religious ceremonies.

   • 6

     Take a cruise and tie the knot with the ship's captain as the non religious officiant. Make plans well in advance with the cruise agency to have time to review the policies and incorporate your preferences into the ceremony.

   • 7

     Hire a local member of the clergy to perform a non-religious wedding ceremony. Some members of the clergy are able and willing to officiate at weddings that are not held in a traditional church or synagogue setting.

   • 8

     Hire a non religious officiant who allows you to write your own vows, if you so choose. Ask about personalization options before making a commitment to any wedding officiant.

Tips &- Warnings

• If you're planning a wedding at city hall, double check the number of guests you're allowed to bring.

• Keep your wedding ceremony simple and short, but plan for a big celebration after the ceremony to share your joy with friends and family.

• Plan your wedding far enough in advance that you have adequate time to complete all the requirements, such as blood tests and marriage license time constraints.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: non-religious wedding, wedding officiant, marriage license, city hall, wedding ceremony, church synagogue, county clerk

Savannah, georgia historic area hotels

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 ..."

Away from the bustling metropolis of Atlanta in the State of Georgia, four hours travel time from Atlanta to be exact, is a charming and historical jewel of a town called Savannah, Georgia. The town's quality conjures up thoughts of bygone days when people strolled around, hand in hand, and you can still get that feeling while enjoying its historical sites and tasty cuisine. Residents of the city are clearly proud of their hotels, where southern charm and graciousness is a way of life, which makes them proud to have you visit and enjoy the flavor of old-world manners and fine cuisine.

1. Holiday Inn Express on Bay Street

   • You can relax at the Holiday Inn Express in the center of Savannah's historical district and mingle in the middle of the hub of activities when you choose to. The hotel's website states that its amenities include a full service fireside lobby bar and also a rooftop pool and gazebo that overlooks the Savannah River, while luxury services such as a business center, Internet availability, health and fitness center, activities for the family, housekeeping and laundry service await you.

     Holiday Inn Express

     199 East Bay Street

     Savannah, GA 31401 (US)

     Hotel Front Desk: 1-912-231-9000

     1-888-465-4329

     hiexpress.com

   Staybridge Suites Hotel

   • The Staybridge Suites Hotel is located at Bay and Lincoln Streets in the middle of the Savannah Historical District, and it is only one block away from City Market, from which a short hop away are River Street, Factor's Walk and Old Savannah Tours, with other tour sites nearby for your convenience as well, and you can enjoy a full tour without driving your car, the hotel website advises, since the sites are within walking distance of the hotel. Staybridge Hotel also offers suites with kitchens, and other amenities include free wired and wireless Internet, free laundry facilities and free breakfast buffet.

     Staybridge Suites Hotel

     301 East Bay Street

     Savannah, Georgia 31401

     Hotel Front Desk: 1-912-721-9000

     1-877-238-8889

     staybridge.com

   Savannah DeSoto Luxury Hotel

   • Overlooking Madison Square in Savannah's historical territory is the Hilton Savannah DeSoto luxury hotel. Impressive oak trees, from which thick lacy Spanish Moss hangs lazily, present a scenery you will enjoy from your hotel windows. The Hilton website gushes about its amenities and its location in the heart of Savannah's historic district and of its closeness to River Street and City Market. Amenities include a Business Center with meeting rooms and photocopying service, family features such as children's menu, high chairs and cribs. There is also a gift shop and a guest activity/recreation desk, room service, and multilingual staff members who will also enhance your experience at their facility, the website states.

     Hilton Savannah DeSoto

     15 East Liberty Street

     Savannah, GA 31401-3979 (US)

     1-912-232-9000

     www1.hilton.com

   Bed and Breakfasts of Savannah

   • The Hamilton-Turner Inn is a Bed and Breakfast facility, which boasts an array of magnolias and great oaks at its site. Located in the historical district, its proximity to all of the historical sites is a convenience for you. The Inn's website says you can "wrap yourself into the adventures of old Savannah Georgia with the accompanying relaxation that only a fine small boutique hotel can provide," while adding that its many amenities include whirlpool spa bath or claw foot soaking tubs availability in many rooms, monogrammed robe, Gilchrist and Soames Spa Therapy line amenities, and there are fireplaces in many rooms.

     Hamilton-Turner Inn

     330 Abercorn Street

     Savannah, GA 31401

     1-9l2-233-1833

     Reservations: 1-888-448-8849

     hamilton-turnerinn.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Street Savannah, amenities include, Holiday Express, Savannah DeSoto, Staybridge Suites

List of animals that live in hollow logs or stumps

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

Animals throughout the world take advantage of the shelter offered by hollow logs and stumps. They are easily found, take little energy to turn in to a home and offer shelter from the elements, but do not offer as much protection from predators as other types of animal homes. When looking for firewood in the forest, remember that there may be an animal in that hollow stump, or it may be an animal's home.

1. Long-Tailed Weasel

   • Long-tailed weasels make their homes in hollow logs and stumps, as well as burrows they have taken over from animals they have killed. Weasels have long, slender bodies and tails, with short legs. Their fur is brown in the summer and completely white in the winter. They are found throughout much of the United States, southwestern Canada and as far as northern South America. They are aggressive carnivores, notorious for killing entire coops of chickens.

   Raccoons

   • Raccoons are adaptable animals that live in forests, farming areas and in cities stretching from southern Canada down to northern South America. In the wild ,they live in hollowed-out stumps and logs, as well as in trees. Raccoons have a characteristic black mask across the face and a bushy, black-and-white, ringed tail. Raccoons are nocturnal animals that eat almost anything, ranging from vegetation, to nuts and fruits, as well as crayfish and roadkill.

   Mink

   • Minks live in burrows as well as hollow stumps and logs. They are long, slender animals, with short legs, flattened heads and mostly chocolate-brown fur. Their habitat stretches from Alaska, down throughout Canada and most of the U.S. They are carnivorous, live mostly around water and eat mainly fish, crayfish, frogs and small mammals. Humans are the main predator of minks, trapping them for their valuable fur.

   Gray Fox

   • Gray foxes are reddish gray and are easily mistaken for red foxes. Gray foxes make their dens in hollow logs and trees, as well as in caves. Gray foxes are found from southern Canada, down through most of the U.S. to northern South America. They are solitary hunters and opportunistic eaters, with a diet consisting of fruits, berries, rodents and rabbits. They are the only member of the dog family that can climb trees.

   Porcupine

   • Porcupines are found throughout most of Canada, as well as the western and eastern United States. They make their dens in hollow, decaying logs and trees. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines cannot shoot their quills, but they can embed them into predators through contact. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers. Their roughly 30,000 quills have hollow shafts, which help them float. Porcupines are mostly nocturnal herbivores, with a diet of leaves, twigs and plants.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: hollow logs, animals that, hollow logs stumps, logs stumps, animals that live

How to decorate a wedding cake with fresh fruit

decorate a wedding cake with fresh fruit

It's interesting:
"My first impression of Linda was that she was such a beautiful, witty, charming, clever, friendly and thoughtful person. And when she agreed to marry Paul, it totally proved to me that old adage – opposites really do attract."

There are limitless ways to decorate the wedding cake for that big day. This article illustrates decorate a wedding cake with fresh fruit, making it more healthful, beautiful and delicious all in one.

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Things You'll Need

• Cake (any number of layers)

  Assorted fruit

  White frosting

  Frosting utensil

Instructions

1. • 1

     Frost the whole cake with a base coat of white frosting.

   • 2

     Make your fruit selection. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries (pitted) and blackberries are the most common.

   • 3

     Halve any of the larger fruits, such as the strawberries and some raspberries.

   • 4

     Arrange the mixed fruit on the bottom ledge of each cake layer. Press this layer gently into the frosting to ensure a stable base, keeping all the fruit put on top of this layer from rolling off.

   • 5

     Scatter the fruit along the ledges on top of the base layers, maintaining the mixture. Be careful not to rupture any of the berries. Their juice could seep into the frosting and sour both the frosting and the cake.

   • 6

     If no cake topper is being added, make a bottom layer of fruit on the top of the cake, pressing each piece gently into the frosting to ensure stability.

   • 7

     Pile the remaining mixed fruit on the top of the cake, staggering the fruit more toward the center axis to reduce the risk of the fruit rolling off. It is advisable not to make the pile higher than 5 inches.

Tips &- Warnings

• Draping strings of cherries over the edges of each layer can be a pleasing aesthetic touch.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: cake with, decorate wedding, decorate wedding cake, wedding cake, cake with fresh, fresh fruit

Should the maid of honor make a speech?

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

If a close friend or relative is getting married, and you've been asked to be the Maid of Honor, chances are you're honored to take on the role. However, you'll have a lot of responsibilities and the bride will be depending on you to get several details in order. One of your tasks will be to write a Maid of Honor speech that you'll give during the reception.

1. Focus

   • While you can definitely mention the groom, your Maid of Honor speech should focus on the bride, since you are in her wedding party and not the groom's.

   Basics

   • Mention how you met the bride and how long you've known her. You should also say that she looks beautiful or that she and her new husband make a great couple. The end of the speech usually has well wishes for the bride and groom in their marriage. Keep in mind that you may also be expected to give a toast during the rehearsal dinner, at the bridal shower and during the bachelorette party.

   Ideas

   • Talk about what the bride said about her groom at the beginning of their relationship. If you've known the bride for several years, you can tell a cute, funny story from your childhood or crazy college days. If you think you can get away with it, mention an embarrassing moment or habit of the bride that won't make her blush too much --- you want her to laugh, not be angry with you during the reception.

   Tips

   • Be prepared to give the speech shortly after the reception begins. Traditionally, toasts are made within the first half of the wedding reception. Memorize your speech and practice several times before the wedding day. You can, of course, have note cards with the entire speech written out, but if it's memorized as well, you won't have to worry if you lose your place for a second while reading. Also, your speech will sound more natural if you're not reading every word. If you're having a very difficult time writing the speech, consider filling in a Maid of Honor speech template. You can fill in the blanks and create a great speech. You can also use it as a starting point and eventually turn it into a personal speech.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Maid Honor, Honor speech, Maid Honor speech, before wedding, during reception

Short wedding hairstyles for a bride

It's interesting:
"Humorous wedding observations ... Traditional outfits * Scottish dress * Marquee * Wedding venue (golf club, castle, barn, posh) * Wedding location ..."

A bride with short hair has an array of style options to choose from for her wedding day. Short wedding hairdos can be styled to complement the gown, personality and features of a bride, completing her look. A bride may consider preparing her look for the big day through at-home or salon deep-conditioning treatments, trims and stylist consultations beginning six months prior to her wedding day. A veil, headpiece, flowers or hairpins may influence the type of short hairdo that a bride chooses to wear.

1. Bob

   • Short wedding hairstyles can help bring out and define a bride's facial features. A bob style shapes a bride's jaw line and can be worn straight, wavy or curly. The length of a bob can be cut to complement various face shapes and can be angled, layered or worn with bangs. Bobs can be parted in the middle or to the side and can be worn feathered, tousled or sleek to go with the headpiece and gown style. Side bangs can be swept back with bobby pins and adorned with flowers or hairpins. A short bob may be manipulated to look like a partial up-do by combing the front away from the face and clipping in a headpiece to hold it in place.

   Pixie/Pageboy

   • A pixie cut is a face-framing hairstyle that is typically no longer than 1 inch. Pixie dos can be cropped and fringed to add texture and an alternative look or smoothed with a flatiron for a sleeker, vintage look. The pageboy hairstyle is a longer version of the pixie do, ending below the ear. A bride may style her pageboy with spiral curls, romantic waves or straight styles. Headbands, tiaras shoulder-length veils, blusher veils, jeweled hairpins and baby’-s breath flowers are options that may add to the delicate style of a pixie or pageboy wedding hairstyle.

   Up-dos

   • Short hairstyles can be manipulated into up-dos with the use of styling products, hairpins and hairpieces. Hair can be partially pinned back and accessorized to create a half-up, half-down look or can be fully pulled back into a twist, bun or chignon. A French twist is a formal style that works best on medium-length hair, with half-twist styles available for short hair that rests above shoulder. Short hair can be pinned into a chignon or loose bun that rests at the nape of the neck, using bobby pins and hairspray to hold it back. Brides may consider implementing a hairpiece with up-dos to gain volume, texture and the appearance of length. Up-dos can be worn under a veil or adorned with accessories.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Short wedding, Short wedding hairstyles, wedding hairstyles, adorned with, bobby pins

Cheesecake ideas for wedding receptions

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 ..."

The wedding cake is the centerpiece of the wedding. Every guest will make it a point to walk by the cake at some point during the reception. Hundreds of dollars are sometimes spent to render a work of art that will be admired, photographed and then memorialized in photos and the wedding album. While traditional cakes are attention-grabbing, a multi-tiered cheesecake decorated with fresh fruit is a smash hit at any wedding.

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1. Creative Cheesecake

   • Cheesecakes can be baked into any shape for which there is pan to fit it. A wedding cake formed in the shapes of presents and stacked in a multi-tiered presentation is unusual and appropriate. Each layer can be decorated differently. The bottom layer can be drizzled with rich chocolate, with dark chocolate flowers and a long stem cherry in the middle of each flower. The next layer can decorated to look like a wrapped present complete with edible ribbons and bows while the top layer can be covered with richly glazed strawberries.

   Mix It Up

   • Being offbeat and unorthodox excites guests and creates interest, conversation and memories. A rich, round chocolate cheesecake can be the bottom of a tiered wedding cake. Use a square, traditional and intricately decorated vanilla cake as the middle layer. Finish the wedding cake with a light, fluffy angel food cake that is iced and decorated to perfection. It is essential to maintain the dignity of the event by offering a finished cake that has the traditional presentation of a wedding cake while exhibiting the creative quirkiness of youth.

   Personalized, Individual Cakes

   • A silver, tiered wedding cake can stand of four or five levels. Have each level decorated with individually sized cakes placed side by side, so each guest can receive their own cheesecake. Each layer can have the same style of cake and decoration while each level is different from the others. Personal cheesecakes can be decorated with chocolate, strawberries or other varieties until the perfect assortment and presentation is achieved.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding cake, decorated with, cake that, Cheesecake ideas, Cheesecake ideas wedding, Each layer

Short wedding gowns of the sixties

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 ..."

In wedding gown fashion, there some styles that remain constant, while others follow the trends of the era. In 1961, John F. Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States and women turned to First Lady Jackie Kennedy for fashion inspiration. Sixties wedding gowns also saw an influence from the mini dresses. These dresses were closely related to the miniskirts of the era, where the skirt ended at the middle thigh. The silhouettes of mini dress came in a wide variety, with some of the dresses snug against the woman's figure while others had a flared skirt.

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1. Empire Waistline

   • The empire waist dress makes regular appearances in fashion history and in the 1960s, it merged with the mini-dress of the era. The empire silhouette fits just below the bust and flows to the sides from its central gathering point. Traditionally, empire waist dresses saw the fabric flow to the floor, but in the 1960s designers modified this by shortening the skirts in keeping with fashion trends.

   Sheath Dress

   • The sheath dress was simple and comfortable and were made to skim the body instead of clinging tightly to it. The lightweight fabric that sheath dresses were typically made from flowed easily to compliment the body. Some sheath dresses were cut in a rectangular shape, while others were gathered at the neck and flowed down the torso. Some sheath dresses had floor-length skirts, but in the 1960s, the hem lines were shortened above the knee.

   Sundress

   • The hippie movement inspired gypsy sleeves, peasant dresses, head wreaths and cotton sundresses. Some brides of the era decided to go against the traditional style wedding attire, donning sundresses as wedding gowns. Often coupled with a floral wreath and bare feet, the cotton sundress was a rebellious choice after the traditional weddings of the 1950s.

   A-Line Dress

   • The A-Line dress featured a fitted bodice and waist and a full skirt that widened to the hem to form the shape of a capital letter A. The skirt could extend from the bodice to the floor, or stop at the knee. Typically, 1960's A-line wedding dresses were free of embellishments on the shirt, but some had minimal detail on the bodice.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: dresses were, wedding gowns, sheath dresses, while others, empire waist, gowns sixties, sheath dresses were

How to address sympathy cards etiquette

address sympathy cards - etiquette

It's interesting:
"There's something special about a church wedding, but most of us here have to admit that we rarely set foot inside a church these days. In fact ..."

Sending a sympathy card to a person who's mourning the loss of a loved one is a thoughtful way of letting that person know that he is in your thoughts as he goes through the painful grieving process. Many people find themselves at a loss for words when composing a bereavement message because they're not sure what to say, and are uncertain about sympathy card etiquette in general. Typically, a bereavement card message should be short and simply stated while expressing your heartfelt concern for the card's recipient.

Things You'll Need

• Sympathy card
• Envelope
• Stamp
• Pen

Instructions

1. • 1

     Sign the card with not just your name but also a simple, personalized message or anecdote about the deceased person, if you knew the deceased well. If you did not know the deceased well, keep the card simple and brief.

   • 2

     Include your last name when signing the card because the recipient may have friends, relatives or business associates with the same first name as yours. Even if the recipient knows you well, include your last name, just to be on the safe side.

   • 3

     Get each family member to sign the card before you mail it, if you're sending a card on behalf of your family.

   • 4

     Address the card to the closest relative of the deceased. If you didn't know the family of the deceased person, address the card to the spouse or the oldest adult child. If you're sending the card to a friend who has experienced the loss of a relative or friend, send the card directly to your friend.

   • 5

     Use blue or black ink when addressing the card. Include the proper title for the recipient, such as Mr. or Mrs., and the person's full name.

   • 6

     Print your return address on the card in the upper left-hand corner, so that the recipient will have it on hand when he or she mails thank you cards.

Tips &- Warnings

• Proper etiquette is to mail a sympathy card within two weeks after a death.

• Refrain from writing a phrase such as "It was his/her time to go" or any similar sentiments, which may not be at all comforting to the recipient.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: sympathy card, address card, address sympathy, address sympathy cards, cards etiquette, deceased person

Family reunion ideas in lehigh valley, pennsylvania

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."

The key to a successful family reunion in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania is to know your family. Are they outdoorsy, potluck types who won't mind a few bugs? Or perhaps they'd rather pay for a place where everyone can be comfortable, no matter what the weather is like. Will they want activity choices or command participation? No matter the type of family reunion, it will take a lot of work to organize. The Lehigh Valley has a multitude of activities and places to stay, so most everyone should be able to create a successful family reunion.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Lodging

   • Family fun at a reunion

     There are many hotels, motels and campgrounds to choose from in the Lehigh Valley area, with a wide range of prices.

     The Blue Rocks Campground has charming rural campsites for both tents and RVs, as well as cabins to rent. The campground has trails leading to the Appalachian Trail and nearby Hawk Mountain. It also has a pool, playground and fishing pond.

     The Hotel Bethlehem is a beautifully restored and updated hotel in center of the charming city of Bethlehem. It offers package prices for groups. The pet-friendly hotel even has its own gaggle of ghosts haunting the historic premises.

     Blue Rocks Campground
     

     341 Sousley Rd.
     

     Lenhartsville, PA 19534
     

     610-756-6366
     

     bluerockscampground.com

     Hotel Bethlehem
     

     437 Main St.
     

     Bethlehem, PA 18018
     

     800-607-2384
     

     hotelbethlehem.com

   Activities

   • Going places together serves as an excellent icebreaker for family members. The Allentown Art Museum, American on Wheels Museum and the DaVinci Science Center are all located in the Allentown area. They offer changing and permanent exhibitions, with special group rates and tours. Plan a road-rally-style contest so family members will get around to all the sites.

     End your road rally at the Lehigh Valley Zoo near Allentown. During operating hours, the zoo rents pavilions at reasonable prices. Use this central location as a gathering as a place for family member to relax together and regain their stamina.

     Allentown Art Museum
     

     31 N. Fifth St.
     

     Allentown, PA 18101
     

     610-432-4333
     

     allentownartmuseum.org

     America On Wheels Museum
     

     5 N. Front St.
     

     Allentown, PA 18102
     

     610-432-4200
     

     americaonwheels.org

     DaVinci Science Center
     

     3145 Hamilton Blvd.
     

     Allentown, PA 18103
     

     484-664-1002
     

     davinci-center.org

     Lehigh Valley Zoo
     

     5150 Game Preserve Rd.
     

     Schnecksville, PA 18078
     

     610-799-4171
     

     lvzoo.org

   Unusual Possibilites

   • The Velodrome affords a unique experience for all ages. It is one of the few bicycle-racing arenas still in operation, and is located in a fitness park. The scope of activities available takes into account the different levels of activity among family members.

     For a more active "wheels" experience, try a Segway tour for those 14 years and older. After a brief lesson in the use of this unusual conveyance, a friendly guide leads the group up and down the rolling streets of Bethlehem.

     After the excitement of a Segway tour, visit the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Tucked away in, yes, a quiet valley, this 1760s farm offers group tours and hands-on experience led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. It might provide a jumping off place for some older family members' memories.

     Valley Preferred Cycling Center
     

     1151 Mosser Rd.
     

     Breinigsville, PA 18031
     

     610-395-7000
     

     thevelodrome.com

     Segway of the Lehigh Valley
     

     18 E. 3rd St.
     

     Bethlehem, PA 18013
     

     800-607-2384

     Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
     

     1000 Turkey Hill Rd.
     

     Stroudsburg, PA 18360
     

     570-992-6161
     

     quietvalley.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: family members, Allentown Museum, Blue Rocks, Blue Rocks Campground, DaVinci Science, DaVinci Science Center, family reunion

Can i make my own bridal bouquet with peonies?

It's interesting:
"Charles Dickens said a measure of a woman’s love for her man was the lengths to which she was prepared to go to make him happy. If this holds true, then Linda, you have reached that goal, for Paul is the happiest I have ever seen him."

Using peonies in a wedding bouquet gives a bold yet elegant twist to typical bridal arrangements. With lush, fragrant blooms and layers of petals, peonies can create a dramatic wedding bouquet. Blooming in spring, the flowers come in white, peach, red and shades of pink, and can last up to a week when placed in water. A popular choice for mid-year weddings, many brides choose the flowers for their arrangement design as the colors are complementary to many dress styles.

1. About Peonies

   • Reported to be named after the Greek healer Paeon, the peony has long held position as a popular flower for use in wedding celebrations. In the Chinese culture, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor, with symbolism associated with a happy marriage that is full of good fortune. The flowers are native to Asia, Europe and North America, giving the flower universal appeal.

   Selecting the Flowers

   • Visit your local floral shop or a floral wholesaler, if one is available, several days before the wedding to purchase the flowers. While using all one color is a popular choice, selecting a variety of shades, for example pink and peach, can add a dynamic element to the bouquet design. When selecting flowers for the arrangement, choose a combination of fully opened peony blooms and buds that are soft to the touch and just beginning to open. Peony bouquets can be made with as few as three large blooms or as many as a dozen for a more extravagant display

   Preparing the Stems

   • Condition the stems of the peonies, bending the stem approximately an inch up from the bottom until it splits, then scrape the bent area with a sharp knife. This process removes the bark, allowing more water to enter the inner stem. After exposing the inner stem, fill a container with approximately 2 inches of boiling water. Place the stems in the boiling water for three minutes, then empty and fill the container with cold water, allowing the peonies to soak in the cold water for at least two hours. Once conditioned, the flowers will remain fresh for approximately five days when kept in fresh water and refrigerated. When storing the flowers, it is important to remove all fruits and vegetables from the refrigerator as they emit a chemical that may harm the peony blooms.

   Creating the Bouquet

   • Remove the flowers from the water and use flower clippers to trim the stems so they extend two inches beyond where you will grasp the arrangement. Although a simple bouquet can be made with as few as three peonies, using eight to 12 flowers will create a dramatic design that is still light and comfortable to hold. To create the bouquet, hold two peonies in one hand and add two additional stems as you rotate the bouquet counterclockwise. Continue until a full circle of blossoms is created, taking care to avoid overcrowding or crushing of the petals. Use a rubber band to bind the flowers together and cut the bottom of the stems as necessary to ensure a uniform length. Use a piece of ribbon to wrap the stems fully, using a crisscross pattern that begins just below the blossom heads and ends approximately two inches from the bottom of the stem. After tying, allow the ribbon ends to hang freely, adding a vertical line of pearl-topped straight pins to secure. Make the bouquet the day before the wedding, placing the arrangement back into a vase in the refrigerator until ready for use.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: approximately inches, before wedding, boiling water, bouquet with, bouquet with peonies, bridal bouquet, bridal bouquet with

How to plan a museum wedding

plan a museum wedding

It's interesting:
"I would like to congratulate Paul on his impeccable taste in choosing such a beautiful wife. And Linda, well done on saying “I do” to my mate Paul, because, let’s face it - that must have been hard."

Although it is tradition to hold a wedding in a church, many brides choose to be creative and venture out from the norm. But how many times does one really think of having a wedding at a museum? In actuality, a museum is a fairly popular place to host a wedding. The following tips will give any bride and groom the knowledge and know-plan a museum wedding.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Consult the website of the museum at which you wish to get married. Many times there will be very useful information on these sites regarding pricing, room seating and availability of rooms.

   • 2

     Find a phone number or email address for an events coordinator at the museum. Make this person your best friend. Contact the person with any concerns or questions, he or she is there to help.

   • 3

     Decide if you'd like to have your ceremony and reception both at this museum. Many times you can even have them in the same room.

   • 4

     Visit the museum a few times before the wedding, to get an idea of the layout and how you'd like to set up the room.

Tips &- Warnings

• If you have to be a member of the museum in order to host an event there, remember you can write any membership donation off on your taxes.

• If you hope to have a ceremony and reception at the museum, check to see if they have a restaurant in-house that takes care of catering or a preferred local caterer. This could save you money in the long run on linens and other items

• An easy way to have a ceremony and reception in the same room is to have your pictures taken or have a separate cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception. This will allow time for the staff to flip the room. The events coordinator can help with this as well.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ceremony reception, museum wedding, events coordinator, have ceremony, have ceremony reception

Wedding vow renewal checklist

It's interesting:
"Henry told me he's had a little upgrade in time for his wedding night. ... Gillian Simon's wedding has been better attended than this year's Liberal ..."

Renewing your wedding vows is a way to reaffirm your love and commitment to each other -- whether it be 10, 25 or even 50 years from your original wedding day -- and let the world know you say "I do" to your spouse all over again. Celebrate your marriage and renew your love with an intimate family gathering or go all out with a huge party with all your family and friends.

1. Guest List and Invitations

   • Create a guest list based on the size and type of vow renewal celebration you are planning -- whether a small, intimate ceremony with just close family- a large, elaborate party with all your family and friends or something in between. Mail out invitations around six weeks ahead of time and note the formality of the occasion so guests know dress.

   Ceremony and Reception Location

   • Select a location for the ceremony and reception that has special meaning to both you and your spouse. For a sentimental option, choose to renew your vows at the same venue as your original wedding. If you could not afford your dream wedding the first time, use this opportunity to create your ideal day and go with a luxury location such as a tropical destination or a five-star hotel ballroom.

   Officiant

   • There is more flexibility when selecting someone to officiate the vow renewal ceremony since you were already officially married by a person licensed to perform wedding ceremonies during the original wedding. So choose a person that has a special place in your life, from the individual who performed the first ceremony, to a close friend or even a grown child.

   Flowers and Decorations

   • Reuse the same color theme from your wedding day and recreate your bouquet or choose a completely new look to symbolize a new time in your life with your spouse. Decorations for a small affair can be as simple as flowers and candles or for a larger reception, add centerpieces, linens and lighting to complete the look. Showcase your married life for your guests by displaying framed pictures of your wedding day and other favorite photos of your time spent together throughout the years.

   Attire

   • There are a variety of choices when selecting attire for the vow renewal ceremony. The bride can choose to wear her original wedding dress or opt for a new formal gown or cocktail dress, depending on the formality of the event. The groom can wear a tuxedo, suit or if applicable, his military dress uniform.

   Photographer

   • Hire a professional photographer to capture all the special moments on your renewal day and even recreate some of your favorite poses and shots from your original wedding. For a less expensive option, have a trusted family member or friend use a video camera to tape the ceremony and record guest commentary at the reception.

   Reception Food and Drinks

   • Plan a reception following the ceremony so you and your spouse can celebrate and enjoy the company of your family and friends who attended the vow renewal. For a small gathering, plan an intimate family dinner or a cocktail party with appetizers and drinks . For a large guest list, plan a big blowout reception complete with dinner, dancing and cake.

   Second Honeymoon

   • Plan a second honeymoon to celebrate the renewing of your vows. Return to your original honeymoon destination and relive the trip or choose an elaborate luxurious getaway that you have always dreamed of to commemorate the occasion. A less expensive choice would be to stay close to home and spend a few days at a local bed and breakfast or rent a large suite at an upscale hotel.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: original wedding, your original, your spouse, family friends, from your

Family slideshow music ideas

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."

Slide shows are wonderful ways to display family photos for a special event or get-together, and adding music to the visuals turns a photo album into a multimedia experience. Selecting the right music can be a challenge, but having the perfect tunes for the pictures makes for a memorable presentation.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Match the Occasion

   • Select music to match the occasion. For a wedding, romantic songs and duets are appropriate, whereas for a birthday, songs that were popular the year the birthday boy or girl was born would be good accompaniment. Anniversary celebrations also call for favorite music from the year of the couple's wedding and perhaps from years that were milestones in their life together: first home, the births or adoptions of children, new jobs, retirement and similar events. Memorial slide shows can be accompanied by favorite songs of the deceased.

   Weddings and Anniversaries

   • For weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations of romance, popular songs include The Beatles' "All You Need is Love," Jack Johnson's "Better Together," Lionel Richie and Diana Ross' "Endless Love," Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Grow Old with Me," James Taylor's "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," Frank Sinatra's "It Had to Be You," Savage Garden's "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." To include songs written in specific years, look up the top hits of each year at Alaska Jim's Music Charts (see Resources).

   Birthdays

   • Songs for slide shows at birthdays might include Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful," Elton John's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," Kool and the Gang's "Celebration," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," Frank Sinatra's "Thanks for the Memories" and "The Best is Yet to Come," Natalie Merchant's "These are the Days" and, of course, any number of recordings of "Happy Birthday."

   Reunions

   • Family reunions can be accompanied by music that the whole family knows or has grown up with, childhood favorites and songs that celebrate togetherness. These might include Billy Joel's "This is the Time," The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You," Sister Sledge's "We Are Family," Point of Grace's "Circle of Friends," Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" and Whitney Houston's "You'll Never Stand Alone."

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Family slideshow, Family slideshow music, Frank Sinatra, might include, music ideas, slide shows

Cheap places to get married in sacramento, california

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 ..."

Sacramento, California, features wedding venues where engaged couples do not have to spend their entire life savings. These wedding venues offer packages which cover the rental fee for ceremony sites, costs for wedding official and coordinator, event setup and inexpensive buffet plate-per-person prices for the reception. Some venues separate ceremony and reception rates. Saving on wedding costs allows couples to have more money for their honeymoon or a down payment on their first house.

1. Amber House Bed and Breakfast

   • Located in Midtown Sacramento, the Amber House Bed and Breakfast (amberhouse.com) is an AAA four-diamond lodging. This bed and breakfast hosts indoor ceremonies in the main house, while the manor garden facilitates outdoor ceremonies in garden setting. The main house fee is $250 for two hours as of 2011. Couples must pay $500 for two hours in the garden. The fees for both venues include table setup and assistance from Amber House's on-staff event coordinator. The Wedding and Commitment Ceremony Package offers the choice of an indoor or outdoor ceremony, wedding official, wedding bouquet and a reception with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The fee for this package is $1,400. The maximum seating capacity at Amber House is 25 guests.

   Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

   • Downtown Sacramento is home to the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria (librarygalleria.com), located across the street from Cesar Chavez Plaza Park. This building hosts indoor weddings in the Galleria's Main Floor- this venue has an atrium-style setting. On Mondays through Thursdays, the fee for ceremonies in the main floor is $950 for five hours- after five hours, the Galleria charges $175 for each additional hour as of 2011. The main floor's seating capacity is 450 guests. The Galleria balcony is available for receptions. Galleria balcony costs $300 for five hours and seats 130 for banquets and 150 for cocktail receptions.

   Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course

   • Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course (bartleycavanaugh.com) is right off the West Side Freeway in southern Sacramento. This golf course offers lakefront outdoor ceremony spaces- the ceremonies also have views of the course's fairways. On Fridays and Sundays, Bartley Cavanaugh hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions for a flat fee of $1,795 for six hours. This fee covers event setup, a wedding coordinator and reception table dé-cor. This golf course has on-site catering and charges $27 per plate as of 2011- the catering staff serves the guests buffet-style.

   Sacramento Garden Pavilion

   • The Sacramento Garden Pavilion is in northern Sacramento, within five minutes of McClellan Air Force Base. As of 2011, Garden Pavilion charges $1,900 for nine hours. This package is for a ceremony and reception on Fridays and Sundays. For ceremonies, this venue offers an outdoor courtyard area with a fountain centerpiece. Receptions occur in the Garden Pavilion's ballroom, which seats 250 guests. Garden Pavilion's wedding packages includes buffet or sit-down catering, wedding rehearsal and a complimentary one-night stay for the bride and groom at Sacramento's Red Lion Hotel. For buffet receptions, the fee is $4.95 per person.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Garden Pavilion, Amber House, Bartley Cavanaugh, Amber House Breakfast, Bartley Cavanaugh Golf

Do you tip a wedding dress assistant?

It's interesting:
"I have been for months trying to write a wedding speech, I wish I'd found this site sooner. It's going to ... You can find speech material to suit any style of wedding."

Aside from paying a base rate, some wedding vendors expect a gratuity on top of their services. However, with so many different vendors involved in your special day, it's hard to keep track of who you're supposed to tip. For example, should you tip a wedding dress assistant who provides great service while you're shopping for a dress? The answer is probably not.

1. Store Policies

   • Some bridal dress stores institute policies that strictly forbid their employees from accepting tips from customers. Therefore, refrain from giving someone a tip if such a policy exists. This avoids placing the worker in the awkward situation of being forced to refuse your generous offer. However, one way to recognize the assistant is to speak with the owner or manager, singing the praises of the person who provided you with excellent service.

   Commission

   • Depending on the payment structure of the store, the wedding dress assistant may receive commission for selling you the dress. Therefore, by simply purchasing you're putting extra money into the pocket of the salespeople who helped you try on various dresses. Typically the owner of the store does not take a commission payment, so if an assistant is helping the owner, it is likely she'll receive the commission and it won't be split. Additionally, recommend the bridal store to family and friends as a way of bringing the store, and ultimately that assistant, more business.

   Seamstress

   • According to Martha Stewart Weddings, a seamstress does not expect a tip from you for working on your dress. However, a small gift such as a picture of you in the wedding gift is a nice gesture. The picture also demonstrates the quality of her work and is something she may decide to use as a marketing tool for her seamstress business.

   Small Gift

   • While it may be against store policy to give someone a cash gift, if you feel the wedding dress assistant went above and beyond her job and you'd like to recognize her, send a small gift such as a bouquet of flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine. If a gift is out of your budget range, a hand-written note or email is a very nice gesture of thanks.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: dress assistant, wedding dress, wedding dress assistant, gift such, nice gesture, receive commission

How to package wedding invitations

package wedding invitations

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 ..."

If you thought the rules of etiquette applied only to the wording on your wedding invitations and envelopes, you are mistaken. However, weddings have been conducted for long enough that a specific set of rules is available to guide brides and grooms on the order and packaging of wedding invitations. Following the etiquette for wedding invitation packaging will make it easier for your guests to learn about your wedding details and inform you of their decision to attend in a timely and organized manner.

Things You'll Need

• Large outer envelopes
• Wedding invitations
• Smaller inner reply envelopes
• Attendance reply cards
• Stamps
• Small sponge

Instructions

1. • 1

     Lay your large outer envelopes in a stack with the open, back side facing up. Lay your wedding invitations in another stack face up on a table or desk. Make a third stack to the right of the first two of your reception invitations.

   • 2

     Address and stamp your response envelopes by hand or with labels. Choose a postage stamp that coordinates with your wedding theme or is love-themed, which are available by request at your local post office.

   • 3

     Make a fourth stack of response cards and their accompanying envelopes by placing one response card beneath the outer flap of each addressed, stamped response envelope.

   • 4

     Create one complete wedding invitation package at a time by first Inserting an invitation with its protective piece of tissue paper on top of the wording, face up inside of the large outer envelope. Then, insert the reception invitation, also face up, with its protective sheet of tissue paper on top.

   • 5

     Insert the response card and envelope package into the larger outer envelope on top of the reception invitation. Any directions, registry information or additional information may go in last, on top of the response card and envelope combination.

   • 6

     Seal the outer envelopes with a damp sponge and begin addressing them. If you are not using labels, use formal handwriting and write clearly. Affix a matching postage stamp to the ones placed on response envelopes on the outside front upper right-hand corner of the large outer envelope.

Tips &- Warnings

• Drop your invitations off at the post office in person and request that they be hand-canceled to avoid damage that can be caused by machine canceling.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding invitations, your wedding, outer envelope, outer envelopes, response card, card envelope, large outer

Science activities about the earth

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 ..."

There are many engaging and informative science activities for kids that can be done both in the classroom and at home. By using objects found around the house or that can be easily purchased, you can help your students or kids learn about different facets of the Earth such as earthquakes, solar eclipses and the importance of recycling.

1. The Andes Mountains with Chocolate

   • When you begin teaching about The Andes Mountains in South America during your geography class, you can use chocolates to help describe differences in elevations. This gives the students a visual demonstration as well as a treat to enjoy once the activity is to complete. Buy a bag of Andes chocolate mints and begin stacking them. As you continue to stack more and more mints on top of each other, explain the differences in elevation of the Andes Mountains.

   Beach Ball Toss

   • You can use beach balls to teach about how much land and water are found on Earth. Purchase a beach ball or other lightweight ball that is decorated like the Earth. Toss it from student to student. When each student catches it, he must announce whether his hand landed on water or land and write that on the board. Continue this with every student. At the end of the activity, compare how many times a hand touched on water and how many ended on land. This activity gives students an idea of the proportion of land versus water on Earth.

   Recycling Poem

   • Use poetry to each your students about the importance of recycling and it's effect on our planet. First, as a group, read Shel Silverstein's poem "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout," about a girl who refused to take the trash out. Then have a group discussion about the negative effects of not taking the trash out. Use this as a chance to explain not only the importance of properly disposing of trash but also organizing your recyclables. This activity can extend to students' homework by having them bring in five different items that can be recycled.

   Make a Solar Eclipse

   • This is an activity that can be done at home with just a quarter coin and a flashlight. When your child is learning about astronomy in school, you might want to teach her about how a solar eclipse works. Hold a flashlight in front of your child at eye level, and aim it at the right side of her face. Have her hold out the quarter in front of her face and then turn on the flashlight. Position your child so that the coin is evenly spaced between the flashlight and her face. Explain that the quarter is the moon, and demonstrate full and partial solar eclipses in the way the coin blocks out light.

   Make an Earthquake

   • Show the dangers of an earthquake and it's impact on the earth by making an earthquake with a slinky and piece of sandpaper. Place the sandpaper down on a table or desk, and place the slinky on it's end on top of the sandpaper. Instruct your child to grab the sandpaper and pull it toward him a few inches. When the child notices the bottom of the slinky stayed still, while the top moved back and forth, have him shake the sandpaper a few more times, increasing the force. When the slinky still does not topple over, explain what you are demonstrating. During an earthquake, this type of shaking can happen more than 100 times within just a few seconds- eventually with enough force, a building can collapse.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your child, Andes Mountains, This activity, about earth, activities about, activities about earth, gives students

Schools of floral design in new york

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

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that floral design is the only design specialty that does not require formal training at the postsecondary level. However, aspiring florists who wish to advance to senior positions or own a business can benefit from completing a formal floral design program. New York's extensive floral district serves as a prime training ground for students of floral design, where they learn the basics of wholesale flower sales and flower origins.

1. New York School of Flower Design

   • The four-week course at the New York School of Flower Design consists of twice-weekly classes and a field trip each week. Students design and cut a variety of fresh flowers including orchids, tulips, roses and daisies. At flower markets, students learn what countries the various flowers are imported from and learn how wholesale flower markets are operated. The New York School of Flower Design trains students in floral design principles of balance, proportion, rhythm, unity and emphasis. The curriculum includes courses in European, bridal and architectural design styles, as well as tabletop design.

     New York School of Flower Design

     131 West 28th Street

     New York, NY 10001

     877-32-BLOOM

     newyorkflowerdesign.com

   Flower School New York

   • Students who wish to gain an introduction to floral design can take intensive classes for beginners at Flower School New York. The introduction course teaches students choose, clean and condition roses and use and maintain florist's equipment. Subsequent beginners classes teach students graphic design with tulips, creating composition bouquets for different seasons and occasions, and preparing flowers for a bridal party, including the bride's bouquet. Intermediate and advanced classes train students in such skills as making tall arrangements with branches and working with flower varieties such as orchids and peonies. An optional field trip takes students to a New York City flower market and includes a lesson in hand-tie a bouquet.

     Flower School New York

     5 Tudor City Place

     New York, NY 10017

     212-661-8074

     flowerschoolny.com

   The New York Studio of Floral Arts

   • The New York Studio of Floral Arts offers courses in introductory and intermediate floral design that teach students select and condition flowers and create arrangements. Students can take their designs home and receive discounts on tools and supplies. Completion of the introductory courses is a prerequisite for taking the Floral Design II course, which introduces students to contemporary and European floral design. Additional courses train students in wedding design, silk flower design and designing sympathy arrangements.

     The New York Studio of Floral Arts

     151 West 28th Street

     New York, NY 10001

     347-693-4556

     nyfloralstudio.com

   Brooklyn Botanic Garden

   • Hobbyists and aspiring florists can earn a Certificate in Floral Design at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden upon completing eight courses. Basic and intermediate floral arranging courses must be taken first, followed by courses in topics such as wedding and sympathy arrangements, foliage design, plant care, and business essentials. Students learn through lectures and workshops and classes are taught by professional floral designers.

     Brooklyn Botanic Garden

     900 Washington Avenue

     Brooklyn, NY 11225

     718-623-7200

     bbg.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: floral design, Flower Design, School Flower, School Flower Design, York School, York School Flower, Botanic Garden