The Unity Candle Ceremony

The Unity Candle Ceremony has become a very popular and symbolic aspect of weddings within the last 10 years. The lighting of the Unity Candle symbolizes the new union of a husband and wife, two individuals who are becoming one through marriage.
There is no standard way to perform the Unity Candle ceremony, nor is there a specific place where it will occur within the ceremony. It is very common to have the Unity Candle ceremony after the exchange of rings and before the pronouncement of husband and wife. But one very nice thing about this ceremony is that it can be customized and the individual details are completely up to you.
Here are some ideas to help you with the planning of your Unity Candle Ceremony:
Prior to the ceremony: The unity candle area is set up. It is often a good idea to light the wicks ahead of time then blow them out. A pre-burned wick is easier to light
Lighting the tapers:

• Some people have them already burning before the ceremony starts, to symbolize the bride and the groom as individuals.
• You can opt to have the mother of the bride and groom each light one candle with special music playing while this is going on.
• Lighting the center candle: The couple will move to the area where the Unity Candle is displayed. Each will take a taper, and together they will light the large center candle.

The Unity Candle Ceremony is non-denominational, which means it has no religious significance. This makes it a popular choice for both religious and non-religious ceremonies alike. One thing to keep in mind; many houses of worship may not allow this ceremony, so if you have your heart set on it, you may need to check with the appropriate people to see if this is allowed.

Why more people are saying 'I do' to a church wedding

The question of where to have your wedding used to be simple, but over 18 years it has resulted in a wide variety of answers. In 1994, theMarriage Act changed the wedding market forever, granting licences for civil marriages to venues as disparate as Manchester United's Old Trafford football stadium, Blenheim Palace and the London Eye. It opened up choice for couples who previously would have had to opt for either a church or register office ceremony.
Even those who may have preferred a church ceremony sometimes found it tricky. You could only be married in your own parish and, with so many couples already living together some distance from where they grew up, the chances of being allowed to go "home" to marry in the church where your parents or grandparents wed were slim to say the least. Regular church attendance was often carefully monitored, too – some vicars would stipulate that you had to attend services for two weeks out of every four – and for some couples it was simply all too complicated.
The result was that fewer and fewer couples decided to marry in church, choosing instead to exchange vows in a stately home, or a smart hotel. They could say "I do" and then smoothly move on to the reception in the next room. Over the years, more and more venues have become licensed, offering an often confusing choice for brides- and grooms-to-be. And the trend seemed set to continue, until now that is.
In difficult times – and this ongoing recession definitely qualifies – people often feel reassured by traditional institutions. It's comforting to know that the church is still there when you need it, even if you haven't always been there. Life's important landmarks – weddings, christenings and funerals – somehow seem much more significant when celebrated in church.

How to Indicate an Adult-only Reception?

It's completely legitimate to want an adults-only reception, especially for an evening affair. And most parents of young children will jump at the chance for a night out without the kids. Even so, this is a sensitive topic, and putting "adult reception" on invites is not the answer. It seems like the easiest way to deal, but it's a little too in-your-face, so you should take a more subtle tack. First, tell your parents, wedding party, and other close relatives and friends, so they can spread the word if any guests ask them.
Second, the people whose names are on your invitations are the only people invited to the wedding (i.e., "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe" means just the couple; "The Doe Family" means little Suzie can come too). Most guests will take note of this and RSVP for just themselves. Others are not so observant and will RSVP that three guests will attend, even though only two were invited. This is how you'll know if they think children (or random other people, for that matter) can come.
The next step is to call them and explain that because of "budget constraints" (always the best excuse, even if it's not true) you decided to invite only adults. If you meet with anger or exasperation -- and you might -- don't back down. It's your decision as to who's invited to the wedding. Whatever you do, don't make exceptions. Don't let Suzie tag along just to get off the phone with Jane Doe -- otherwise little Johnny's parents will notice.
This seems hard, but it's only awkward because many guests do not gracefully accept the fact that their kids aren't invited. Try to understand that some may be genuinely surprised or hurt, and be understanding, but don't give in. If it becomes a real problem with a lot of guests, look into hiring a babysitter or two to care for kids during the reception. They can have a pizza party -- way cheaper than having them at the reception, and everyone will be happy.

Weddings Good Things: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

The often unquoted last line of the traditional bridal saying gives a hint at its origin. The complete phrase is: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe."
A sixpence is a coin made of silver and worth six pennies that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967, indicating that the wedding tradition of the bride wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue is English. Many sources say that it began in the Victorian era.
-Wrap an old handkerchief that belonged to someone close to you, like a grandparent, around your bouquet as you walk down the aisle.
-Print an old family recipe on lovely note cards as a simple party favor for guests.
-Wear a locket containing old family photos around your neck on the big day.
-Borrow a charm from a close friend or family member, and hook it onto your bouquet as you walk down the aisle.
-Place party favors for your guests in a delicate blue thank-you bag.
-Select a blue guest book or place cards for your guests.

Find the Right Cruise for Your Honeymoon

A cruise honeymoon is a great choice for couples who want to visit different islands or cities in a relatively short period of time. But with so many options to choose from, how does one decide which cruise to take? Here are some things to think about before selecting a honeymoon cruise.
Time
Before you start thinking about a location, it’s a good idea to plot out how much time you will have for your honeymoon. If you only have a few days to spare, you can rule out cruises that require a day’s flight to get to the ship’s departure point. Also, take into account the time of year you plan to travel. Certain cruises may only be offered seasonally.
Budget
A cruise experience can range from a few hundred dollars to into the thousands per person. While you’re looking at cruise lines, take into account what’s included in the prices – you’re often not comparing apples to apples. Most cruises include lodging, meals, and entertainment in their per person cost, but often not alcohol, off-boat excursions, or other activities. Read the fine print whenever researching cruise lines.
Destination
Once you have your time frame and budget, start thinking about where you’d like to travel! Of course, Caribbean cruises are very popular, but consider locations like the Mediterranean, Alaska, even the Galapagos Islands or Vietnam. Research cruise lines on their websites, and read plenty of reviews to get a sense of each cruise’s offerings.
Experience
Take a look at the off-shore excursions that your cruise line offers. Are these activities you’d be interested in? Make sure the adventure level matches what you’re comfortable with.
Atmosphere
Do you want pure relaxation romance, lots of activity and adventure, or a 24-hour party? Again, it’s important to read reviews of cruise lines to get a sense of what each ship is like. Some cruises are super family-friendly, but do you really want lots of kids running around during your honeymoon? Other cruises may seem quiet and upscale, but this might mean that there’s a strict dress code. Make sure the cruise line you choose has the amenities you want – restaurants you’ll enjoy, a spa, shows, nightclubs, etc.

The Song and Dance of it All!

Music can gracefully and beautifully guide your ceremony.  It sets the mood and signals changes without announcements. From the walk down the aisle to the last dance, music naturally navigates all these transitions. Take time to plan what should be played when!
Ceremony
The ceremony music can be divided into four distinct sections:
Prelude - Entering the ceremony venue
As guests enter have gentle, ambient music playing while they are guided by ushers or find their own way to their seats. You will need at least 30 to 40 minutes of music and it is a good idea to have a few extra songs just in case things run late.
Processional - The wedding party takes their places
Mark the beginning of your ceremony with a change of music, guests will immediately know to take their seats. Processional music is typically characterized as joyful but expectant. Musically you are building towards that moment when the bride enters. Don’t have your music peak in volume, tempo, or energy before then.
The larger your wedding party the more music you will need, but in general plan for four or more songs to play while families take their seats and the wedding party takes their places.
Once the wedding party is in place, the big moment has arrived! The bride’s entrance should be marked by a change in song and people standing up. In a well-orchestrated ceremony, the music will have built a steady arc towards this moment, and then the music should make a fairly dramatic change. In traditional American ceremonies, the music often feels like a triumphant entry, grand but classy.
As with your entire wedding, you should do what is right for you and your family. If you have songs that will be deeply meaningful and personalize the ceremony in a way that a classical choice won’t, certainly choose it!
Interlude - music during the ceremony
Interlude music is specifically used for times of reflection, ritual, or transition. It is also used as a great moderator for setting the pace of the ceremony. Interludes keep things from moving too fast, but also enhance the importance of what is taking place. Great examples are playing an interlude piece after the vows or during the lighting of a unity candle. Your music choices should be conducive to playing these roles. Reflection time? Softer pieces with slower tempos, often without words, are commonly chosen. Ritual time? Choose music that reflects the ritual, there may be an obvious choice.
A common mistake for interlude music is to choose pieces that are too long. If the ritual you are performing takes 2 minutes but you have chosen a 4 or 5 minute piece of music, everyone just stares at each other for while, awkwardly.  It’s certainly not the end of the world, but something to be mindful of.
Postlude - You are now married!
You say I Do, give each other a big kiss, and then turn around to face friends and family as married couple for the first time! Mark the moment with a celebratory song as you walk back down the aisle. Plan for 1-2 songs to be played as you leave the ceremony venue, depending on how large your wedding party is. Go ahead and choose something loud, upbeat, and fun. Think about it like the ending song after a great movie. Look up the soundtracks from some of your favorite movies or some of the great epic movies to see what they play at the end.
Music Style
Consider what style of music you want for the ceremony. Popular choices are string quartets, soloists, Latin guitar duos, string trios, flute trios, or recorded music played over a sound system. Also, take note of any venue restrictions; many churches or synagogues will have limitations. They might also provide music such an organist, choir, or pianist. If staff is on hand to play music, see if they will work with you on song selection or if they have a list of songs they play.
The ceremony is also a great time to include musically talented friends or family into the ceremony.

Save The Date!

Oooh la la! You picked a wedding date and you booked your venue! Now you need to start lining up those wedding guests. The first step is sending out save-the-date cards to make sure all your friends and family are in the know.
What is the Save-The-Date card? It’s simple really, a small note telling guests they will be invited to your big day and when and where the event is taking place. Save-the-dates should only be sent to people you’re sure you are going to invite to the wedding. For anyone who could get cut from the final invite list, forgo the save-the-date to avoid hurt feelings.
Standard information includes…
-Your names
-The date of the wedding
-City or town where the wedding will take place
-A small line which reads, “Invitation and details to follow,” because save-the-dates are a new trend and some might confuse them with the actual wedding invitation.
-If you already have a wedsite include the url
Why bother, aren’t invitations enough? Not in the busy go-go-go world we live in today! You need to give guests time to plan, take off work, and arrange for travel. A good rule is the farther your guests are traveling the further in advance they need the save-the-date. For most weddings four-to-six months before the wedding is perfect. Destination weddings require 9-12 months warning and should include more information about the destination, lodging, and travel requirements. If your destination wedding takes place during a busy season or in a crowded tourist area make sure you include hotel names, phones numbers, rates, and information about blocked rooms.
Save-the-date cards are usually simple (very DIY-friendly), low-cost, done with offset printing, and informal. But, since it’s a new wedding trend the rules are still being written and you can do nearly anything you like! Feel free to stray from your wedding’s style and do something totally different, like a save-the-date video you can treasure forever. Popular Save-The-Date styles are postcards, magnets, booklets, or traditional note cards. Remember, you only need to send one to each household, not each guest; forget and you will over spend on printing and postage

Why You Need a Bridesguard

There you are, on your wedding day, getting your hurrs and face all dolled up. You're sippin' on some bubbly with your fine ladies (and gents?) when Aunt Mildred comes storming in and assaults you with an endless barrage of questions:
"Do you have your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?"
"Uncle Milty needs to sit close to the back so he can go to the bathroom when needed. You saved a spot for him, right?"
"Are the favors all set up?"
"Is the wedding cake here yet?"
"How aaaarrreeee you?"
"Are you nervous?"
"Have you written your vows?"
"Is that REALLY what the bridesmaids are wearing?"
And so on. All of a sudden, all the pre-wedding serenity is wiped out and an endless storm of nerves take over. You need to get that woman outta your face so you can go back to being the cool, collected, 'bout-to-be-hitched lady you are. But you can't. She's just made you a nervous wreck and you're in the middle of getting eyeliner all 'round them baby blues.
ENTER: Your Bridesguard. This person, designated beforehand (bridesmaid, maid of honor, badass cousin who doesn't let anyone boss her around) tells Auntie Mildred it's time to leave so you can finish getting ready, then stands at attention at the entrance to ward off any other constant questioners. She (or he) has your cellphone to field calls and ensures no one can let those pretty little bridal nerves get frazzled.
Give your Bridesguard a pre-determined list of who can and cannot talk to you while you're getting ready. Prepare your Bridesguard to field any questions that may come her way, either with vendors or family. Make sure your Bridesguard is someone nice but strong, vocally, who can command respect and who people will listen to. And make sure you ply your Bridesguard with plenty of compliments/booze/food/dancing partners (if they're on the hunt). They will be saving you oodles of stress on your wedding day, so thank them accordingly.
Your Bridesguard will not only covet your sanity like it's going out of style, but they'll save you from any unwanted stress or anxiety on the day of. The best way to make sure this is done and done right? Give your homedizz your phone at the rehearsal dinner ... or even the bachelorette party (drunk dials to your hubz-to-be? Not an option) and let her take it from there. She'll guard your mental state like it's her job, because it is.
This is an especially great way to honor a friend that is super important and make them feel like a badass. Because who wouldn't want to be in charge of keeping the bride's mental state intact?

Who Will Walk You Down the Aisle?

The question of who gets to walk you down the aisle is a simple one for many brides to answer, but in this day and age family dynamics can definitely make it difficult to decide.  If you’re a traditional bride and want your biological father to walk you down the aisle (or biological father and mother if you’re Jewish), do it!  There’s something about the time-honored tradition of watching a proud father walk his beautiful daughter down the aisle to give her away.  But if having your bio father walk you sounds less than ideal, know that there are many alternative options for you.
First off, look at what it means to have someone walk you down the aisle.  It was once symbolic of a father giving his daughter to another man, another family, and a life further removed from the home she grew up in; dad was the one to accompany her during her transition from childhood to adulthood.  Most couples are marrying later in life and moving from parents’ to groom’s home isn’t as common as it once was, but the symbolism is still there.  Lets look at alternatives to the norm.  Maybe you want to stray from the tradition because you want to honor your mother.  Maybe your father is deceased; perhaps he hasn’t been a significant part of your life; it could be that your relationship is strained; or possibly there is another male figure in your life that has been more of a father to you than your bio dad.  You have your reasons, and you should listen to what your heart tells you.  We love the idea of having your mom AND dad do the honors; they both raised you, cared for you and supported you, and it’s a great gesture to let them both give you away.
Other options?  If your step dad or adopted father raised you or has had a significant presence in your life, you may want to ask him to escort you.  Perhaps there’s an uncle in your life who has always been there for you that you’d like to honor by having him walk you.  I’ve seen weddings where the bride walks down the aisle with her brother, which is a great and personal alternative.  Mothers walking their daughters down the aisle is becoming a much more popular option as well.  I was at a wedding where this happened because the bride’s father had passed, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the whole house; it was incredibly touching.  If you have a son, having him give you away is a great gesture as well; after all, you’re not the only one whose family is growing to include your groom!  Having your son (or sons, or even daughter) escort you down the aisle is a great way to show their involvement and support of your relationship.  Still set on having a man walk you down the aisle but don’t have any male relatives you want to ask?  Consider asking a close male friend, a close family friend, or even the father of the groom; after all, he’s about to be your dad too!  Maybe you have more than one male figure in your life and you’re having troubles choosing between them?  If the relationship between them is amicable, you can have both of them walk you down the aisle; if that would be awkward or uncomfortable, you can have one person walk you halfway and another person walk you the down the second half.  And lastly, you CAN walk down the aisle by yourself.  A word of caution regarding this option; if you’re a shy person, you may struggle with all eyes being on you.  Alternately if you’re getting married on grass and plan on wearing heels, make sure that you can walk smoothly and comfortably without tripping!

Finding your perfect hairstyle

Chances are you’ve seen tons of hairstyles in blogs you’ve perused and bridal magazines that you’ve purchased.  You might even have an idea of what you’d like  done with your hair for the wedding day, but before you get your heart completely set on it, we encourage you to take a few things into consideration; mostly what you have to work with, and the image that you’re trying to achieve.

First off, take a look at what you have to work with.  You need to make sure the hairstyle you choose matches your facial shape and structure, and that your hair texture will allow for the style you want.  I’ve always dreamed of having soft-flowing curls for my big day, but with my hair being super thin and refusing to hold a curl for more than 10 minutes, I know it’s never going to happen.
If you have a long face…
Wearing your hair long and down will just make your face look longer.  Piling your hair on top of your head will also elongate your whole head, and draw all attention to the enormous oval atop your neck rather than to the entire gorgeous ensemble.
Try to add fullness around your ears and cheekbones to make your face rounder rather than longer, or a bit below your ears if you have a long neck and want to wear your hair up.  A wispy, flowing style can also help, and if you have a pointy nose like me, consider adding bangs or a side part with an illusion of bangs; it will draw attention away from your nose.
If you have a round face…
Body and curls surrounding your face will just make it look that much rounder.  Try adding fullness either on top of your head or below your chin line to help elongate your face.  Also try to avoid styles that are too tight and slicked back, as this can also draw attention to the roundness of your face.
If your face is more square…
Try not to draw attention to your chin line.  If your hair is in a bob cut, you’ll want to find a way to pull your hair away from your face to help smooth out your features.  You can also add width around the ears or atop your head.  Soft and wispy styles can also add a nice balance to your strong features; unless you want to call them out!  Short, sleek pixie styles can be quite striking if you have a strong jaw and cheekbones!

Bridesmaid Dresses Do’s and Don’ts

Let’s get one thing clear, you picked your bridesmaids because you like them and they are important women in your life.To help you avoid pissing off your bridesmaids, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when selecting your bridesmaids’ dresses.
Don’t
Ask your bridesmaids to foot the bill for a pricey gown. The argument “You will definitely wear this more than once!” does not give you leeway to ask your ladies to spend a fortune.
Make your bridesmaids look bad to make you look better. We completely understand not wanting your gals to steal the show, but purposely putting them in hideous dresses will only make you look shallow. Plus, think of your wedding photos; they will look much better if your bridesmaids feel pretty and comfortable.
Demand and require they wear costly and complicated accessories. Feathered headdresses, Swarovski crystal earrings, and six-inch stilettos may sound like wonderful ideas straight out of the pages of Vogue. But your bridesmaids are people, not runway models! Not everyone can walk, or dance, in crazy high heels, and while elaborate accessories are fun for photos, they are not fun for the pocket book. Pick affordable and comfortable accessories; better yet, make them your bridesmaids' gifts!
Choose a color no one looks good in. There are a few colors that are pretty much unflattering to all. Safety cone orange and sea foam green are two great examples.  Consider the coloring of your girls and pick a hue that will look good, if not absolutely amazing, on all of them.  Or give them a palette to work within, and let each ‘maid choose her own hue!
Do
Pick an affordable bridesmaid dress or help with costs. If you are stuck on one perfect dress for your bridesmaids and know that none of them can afford it, help shoulder a portion of the cost if you can. Or subsidize the expense in another way by treating to the shoes, accessories, and/or helping with hair and makeup costs.
Select a dress that is easy to find. Stuck on one dress you absolutely love but your bridesmaids live in different cities? While we don’t love the idea of bridesmaids in uniform, it’s important that the dress you choose can be easily found online, at a department store, or at a chain store close by.
Set style guidelines, not rigid rules. For items like shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories, give your b-maids general guidelines for what you would like. For example, saying something like—a strappy nude sandal, hair half up, or natural makeup—to your maids will go a long way in making their lives easier. And dictating the exact pair of heels, shade of lipstick and hairstyle that each bridesmaid wears may make you seem like, dare we say, a bridezilla!
Provide help with hair and makeup. Never underestimate how much fun you will have getting primped with your bridesmaids. Providing a hair stylist and makeup artist for everyone makes the whole process more enjoyable, and a mani/pedi day at the spa is perfect for your bachelorette party. Plus, the photos of everyone getting ready are definitely on the list of Must Have Wedding Photos!
Get into 2012’s dress trends. Mixing n’ Matching, sophisticated black, and straight upchic are all hot trends for 2012 bridesmaids, and we don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.
Consider body types and comfort levels. Different bodies require different dresses, plain and simple.  This is why we are in love with the trend of b-maids wearing different styles (neckline, silhouette, length) of the same dress in the same hue.

The City Bride

Hope to get all you urban-inspired brides fired up! For me the backdrop of a cityscape conjures weekday weddings and alternatives to the big white traditional gown.
City Hall nuptials usually happen quickly with an after celebration close by--a restaurant, club maybe a private home. This means a bride has all those chic touches that say 'wedding' only abbreviated. Hems are usually ankle or tea length, veils either short or some hybrid of hat/veil combo.
Here's by far some of the finest citified chic from a design house that specializes in vintage, Fancy, New York. I especially love designer Gregory Nato's use of just the right fabrics and styling to get that beautiful mid-century look....

Stunning Wedding Dresses in Beige and Blush

On the hunt for a romantic wedding dress that effortlessly fuses modern with traditional? Then look no further than Samuelle Couture!
Sam Walls Beasley (the designer behind Samuelle Couture) has dressed all the top celebrities, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Michelle Obama to Anne Hathaway. And it's easy to see why once you take in all the lovely her white aisle stunners have to offer.
You won't find wedding white in Sam's swoon-worthy bridal collection, but you won't miss it! Because feather-light fabrics (silk organza, tulle, chiffon, vintage lace) are hand dyed, and transformed into gorgeous shades of blush, creamy beige, and shimmery champagne.

Guest List 101

There may only be two of you getting married, but a wedding is never just about the bride and the groom. Your wedding guests play a major role, and we urge you to consider them in every decision you make. The very first, and most important, step is deciding who makes the list.
But you’re in good hands! Read on to learn a simple ways to tackle the wedding guest list.
Priorities are key
The first step is making sure you and your soon-to-be are on the same page with the size of wedding you want. Include your families in the discussion, especially if they’re contributing financially.
Next, have each person write down a list with ideal guests divided into three tiers: essential family, close friends and extended family, and colleagues and friends. You can further divide friends by how you know them, like college, book group, soccer league, etc.
From this point, there are a few methods with which to whittle down your lists:
1. Percentage
Groom’s family, bride’s family, and angaed couple get a specified percentage of the total guest list spots.
Upsides: Everyone feels equal and included.
Downsides: Doesn’t account for one side of the family having more obligatory guests to invite or more guests to invite overall.
2. Have I seen them recently?
It’s a pretty simple question really—have you seen everyone on the guest list in the past year? If not, cut them!
Upsides: Extremely quick and effective way to reduce the guest count in a major way.
Downsides: Ignores those very special people you rarely see.
3. “Would I invite this person to dinner?”
While not as easy of a question to answer as the above, thinking about who you would really like to sit down at a table with gets to the heart of a wedding.
Upsides: Gets straight to the heart of the matter and forces you to think of your wedding as an intimate affair, not just as another party.
Downsides: Ignores obligatory invites.
4. Divide then cut
Categorize your friends and family by how you know them or how they are related to you. Cut entire segments such as second cousins, work friends, or intramural sports friends.
Upside: Telling non-invitees is much easier—well, we just didn’t invite anyone from work, which keeps resentment low.
Downsides: Doesn’t allow for levels of closeness within a cut category, and can be unequal especially if a bride or groom is new to an area and finds most of their friends fall into one cut category.
Financial factors
No matter what method you choose to craft the ideal guest list, the first draft is always too large, regardless of your budget. So the next step is to get an exact, budget-appropriate number down on paper.

Imagining Your Ideal Ceremony

Arguably the most important part of a wedding is when you exchange marriage vows at the wedding ceremony. Yet, sometimes vows get written at the last minute, a quick I Do is spoken, and before you know it… the actual ceremony can feel like an afterthought.
The best way to make sure you have the ceremony you want is to start thinking about what you actually want! In fact, start considering yourself a student of weddings. Like all students you have to do your homework. Observe other weddings you attend or watch on TV.  Yes, this is an excuse to watch every wedding movie you have ever wanted to watch. Make sure you take notes!  Start keeping a journal of meaningful moments shared between you and your soon-to-be. Add in thoughts about your soon-to-be; how does he or she make you feel, what did you think when you first met, when did you realize you were in love, and how do they enhance your life? Give yourself time to think of the sentimental moments, don't try to cram them all down on paper the night before!
Consider the following when imagining your ideal ceremony:
1. Will your ceremony be religious?
2. Who will be conducting the ceremony? A religious leader, judge, or certified friend?
3. Are you a mixed faith couple? How will both faiths be honored and represented?
4. What cultural aspects would you like to include?
5. What family members, children from a previous marriage, honored guests, or close friends do you want to involve?
6. Is this a second wedding for you or your soon-to-be? If yes, you might want to remove traditional references to virginity from vows.
7. What sort of ceremony music would you like while guests are taking their seats, for the walk down the aisle, and for your exit? Will it be live or recorded? Are their site restrictions you need to consider?

15 Beautiful, Budget-Friendly 2013 Bridal Gowns by Monique Lhuillier

Most brides know and love Monique Lhuillier, but don't anticipate walking the white aisle in one of her drool-worthy custom creations. Why? Because those babies cost a pretty penny!
But Monique's Bliss bridal collection, introduced in 2011, delivers all the lovely we've come to expect from this designer, without the hefty price tag (just like Vera's White by Vera Wang collection). And since planning on a budget is the name of the game these days, we know you'll fall hard for the 2013 wedding dresses in the latest Bliss by Monique Lhuillier collection.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement or premarital agreement, is a legally binding written contract entered into prior to a marriage, civil union or other arrangements by a couple intending to marry. Prenups are commonly used to spell out exactly what happens in the event of divorce, death, or dissolution of a marriage.
Common Reasons for Creating a Prenup
1. Those with children from a previous marriage or relationship. Prenups create a definitive inheritance plan for his or her biological children, both in cases of divorce or death.
2. Business owners. Shares of a business can and do become marital property. That’s true whether the spouse started the business or it is a family business.
3. Those with large amounts of debt. Debt becomes marital property just like wealth. Prenups can be used to isolate the debt to the partner bringing it into the marriage.
4.  Second or later in life marriages. A prenup is often used in case one or both spouses have developed substantial assets and retirement funds.
No matter your reasons for wanting a prenup there is a wrong way to approach the matter and a right way.
The Right Way
1. Give your spouse notice you want them to sign a prenup. Never spring a contract on your soon-to-be days, weeks or even a several months before the wedding. Not having conversation prior to meeting with lawyers invites suspicion.
2. Full disclosure on the part of each person entering into the marriage. Know what you are getting into, make sure all assets are legally disclosed, and know what your partner is bringing to the table.
3. Don’t use force. You, your lawyers, or your family putting undue pressure on your-soon-to-be is the wrong way to start a marriage, plain and simple.
4. Be equal. If you lawyer up and leave your soon-to-be scrambling for legal representation, you are putting the person you love at a disadvantage from the start of your union.

Pre-Marital Counseling

Pre-Marital counseling is not couples therapy, and is not designed to dive into all of your deep issues.  Instead, the goal is to give you the tools to build a really fantastic marriage.  The average married couple waits six long years before they seek professional help for marital problems, and by then the problems can be severe. Most divorces happen by the 7th year, so don’t be part of the statistic!
Pre-Marital counseling, like all therapeutic treatments, will vary greatly upon the couple being counseled, but there are a few common traits.Begin your marriage with tools for success. Two lives coming together is no small feat, no matter how well you know each other.
Here are some of the awesome things you learn in pre-marital counseling:
Successful communication
Listening effectively and communicating are not innate skills for most people. Learning how to communicate well with your partner is invaluable.
Discuss role expectations
Who will do what?  You’d be surprised what you haven’t talked about: jobs, finances, chores, sexual intimacy, children, where you spend important holidays…
Effective conflict resolution
Conflict arises over little things like walking the dog to more serious issues like money. There are effective ways to de-escalate problems and to know and love each other so well that you change behaviors to prevent conflict.

Conquer Your Wedding Budget in 5 Simple Steps

1. Focus on the Marriage: Your wedding is about your marriage, not how much money you spend on your wedding. Take a deep breath and remember that you can plan a deeply meaningful wedding on your budget.
2. THE BIGGEST SECRET - PRIORITIZE: Make a list of the 3 most important [budget related] elements of your wedding, and have your fiancé do the same. Talk through each must-have element and come to a consensus on what's most important to both of you. Then allocate funds accordingly!
3. Set a Maximum Spend, Then Take it Down a Notch: With your fiance, determine the maximum dollar amount you want to spend, then set your wedding budget 20% below that max. Be absolutely disciplined to sticking to that 20% lower number, since a few incidentals and surprises will make that 20% disappear in no time.
4. Use a Priority-Based Budget Planner Tool: Check out the priority-based budget planner spreadsheet I created just for you! It’s a fantastic tool you can access from any computer or smartphone, and it's totally customizable to fit your wedding needs and budget.
5. Once You've Prioritized, Allocate the Budget: AFTER prioritizing items and BEFORE shopping, allocate chunks of your total budget to individual items.
Follow these five principles and budgeting won’t be your  wedding planning stressor!

Dresses for Your Body Style

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, there's a lot to consider... the price, designer, current bridal trends, the style and season of your wedding, not to mention what you’ll think of it 20 years down the road…! To ensure that you look gorgeous on your wedding day, you need to consider what body shape you have and select a dress that will flatter you.  Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for based on body type:
Large Bust: If you have a large chest, you’ll want to go with a dress that has one or more of the following features:
• Scoop neck
• Full coverage V-neck (you don’t want it dropping too low)
• Halter-top neckline
• Off-the-shoulder neckline
• Have your heart set on strapless? Go for sweetheart rather than a straight cut strapless
Avoid
• Bodice fabrics with sheen (organza, satin, silk), as they’ll add volume and call attention to your chest.
• Ruched fabric on the bodice; this has the same affect as fabrics with sheen.
• Straight-cut strapless; these’ll make your chest look like a shelf, not exactly the look you wan ton your wedding day!
Small Bust: Are you a bit smaller on top?  Go for one of these style dresses:
• Strapless with ruched bodice (to add volume)
• Halter-top
• Bateau necklines
• One shoulder necklines
• Empire silhouette dresses
Pear-shape: If you’ve got a pear-shaped body, you’ll want to de-emphasize your hips, and turn the focus onto the narrowest part of your midsection or toward your neckline.  The following styles will help with that:
• Strapless dresses
• V-neck
• Scoop necklines
• Spaghetti straps
• Off the shoulder dresses
• Full A-line gowns
• Ball gown
• Diagonal draping (does a fantastic job of accentuating your curves!)
• Bateau neckline
• Basque waists
• Empire silhouettes
• Go for a fabric that is a bit sturdier in its construction
Avoid
• Sheath silhouettes
• Trumpet and Mermaid gowns
• Fabric that is clingy or too flowing
Apple-Shaped: For an apple-shaped body, you’ll want to go for a dress that will draw the eye upwards toward the bodice or neckline.  Try these:
• Asymmetric neckline
• Deep v-neck – any plunging neckline, really
• Scoop neck
• Strapless empire silhouettes
• A-line silhouettes
• Princess silhouettes
• Empire waists
Avoid
• Ball gowns
• Sheath silhouettes

Flower Girl

   
 A flower girl is a participant in a wedding procession. Like ring bearers and page boys, flower girls are usually members of the bride's or bridegroom's extended family, but may also be friends.
     Her male equivalent is the ring bearer or page boy. Often the ring bearer and the flower girl are dressed to look like a couple, and they may be dressed in miniature versions of the bride's and bridegroom's clothes.Something to keep in mind when choosing the perfect flower girl dress is formality. The formality of her dress will depend on the formality of the wedding. If you are having your wedding on the beach, then your flower girl’s dress should be something in light and airy colors, such as pastels (light pinks, blues, yellows, etc.) and simple designs. If you are having your wedding in a ballroom setting, then you want to pick a fancy dress for your flower girl. Just keep in mind that no matter how formal or informal your wedding is, you want to keep your flower girl very comfortable so everything goes smoothly on your day.

Every Bride Shoud be Beautiful

All women must look for attractive, stylish and well-fitting weddingdresses, including plus size women. With size 16 or larger, it is quite difficult for women to find wedding dresses with sizes fit their measurements.
  
Every woman has the right to be beautiful on their big day,even they are not

How to Choose Bridesmaids Dresses

  Bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes and therein lies a lot of the difficulties of getting each bridesmaid fitted out to her happiness and comfort. It isn't impossible but it will take some planning and consideration for each bridesmaid involved.

1.Consider the preferences of your bridesmaids as much as your own. While you probably have fairly fixed ideas in mind about the ideal dress for your bridesmaids, and while it is your prerogative to choose the dresses, it's a good idea to ask your bridesmaids individually how they feel about your choice and to find out if there are elements that they'd like to contribute.
2.Seek to complement the bridal outfit. The bridesmaid dresses work best if they support and reflect the bridal outfit without deflecting from it. Keep the bridesmaids' dresses simpler in design but clearly in line with the bridal gown by having some elements similar, such as embellishments, buttons, bows, lace, etc.
3.Be considerate of your bridesmaids' individual concerns. Some of the things your bridesmaids may be uncomfortable about include plunging necklines, bare shoulders, being too hot or cold, wearing a color that doesn't suit them, too much length or not enough, transparency, and tightness of fabric.
4.Be thoughtful about future usefulness of the bridesmaids' dresses. It is a good idea to allow variations in style between the bridesmaids' dresses that reflect their physique and their wish to be able to wear the dress again for other formal occasions. Slight style variations are not such a big issue if continuity is maintained with color and some linking embellishments.

Circumstances Need to Be Considered in Choosing Wedding Dresses

 A wide variety of factors can affect what makes a particular dress appropriate to the occasion.
   

• Formal ceremonies usually call for long prom dresses and long trains, while informal ceremonies (especially destination weddings) are a terrific place to wear a short wedding dresses without a train at all (or a "sweep" train, which just barely brushes the floor). Another example: in some cases, strapless wedding dresses are considered inappropriate for very formal ceremonies.
   
• If you're getting married in the winter, you may not want to be a very light, thin fabric unless you plan to be inside the entire time. If you're having a beach wedding in the middle of July, you may not want to wear a heavy fabric like duchess satin.
   
• While the most traditional ceremonies will call for a white gown, in many cases, wedding dresses don't have to be pure white anymore! Many women choose dress colors that best complement their skin tones, ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors (pink, blue, red). Pick the color you feel most beautiful in.

Which Silhouette is Right for You?

Wedding dresses are made in several different silhouettes. Before considering anything else, know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. Look at photos of each type. You can browse wedding website message boards and member profiles for photos of real women wearing gowns, rather than relying on professional photos of models wearing them.
   
1.Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame.
2.A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.
3.Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate.
4.Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress.

Cocktail Dresses

  Cocktail dresses or cocktail gown is a woman's dress worn at cocktail parties, and semi-formal, or "black tie" occasions.
   
   The length of a cocktail dress varies depending on fashion and local custom. The length ranges from just above the knee to touching the ankle. When it is about 5 cm (2 inches) above the ankle it is called tea length and when it is almost touching the ankle it is called ballerina length, although ballerina length dresses usually fall into the evening gown category.
   In the mid-20th century, some couturiers began describing full-skirted cocktail gowns as "dancing costumes". These are suitable for formal dances but not for balls, or other white tie affairs, where ball gowns are worn.
   Christian Dior was the first to use the term "cocktail dress" to refer to early evening wear, in the late 1940s.

Maternity Wedding Dresses

 For the modern woman married while pregnant is not new news anymore. Another case in the past who considered it taboo. There are various styles of maternity wedding dresses to choose from. Every woman wants to look perfect on her wedding day. No matter virgin or had been pregnant, they must look perfect. For that produced many maternity wedding dresses at the mall, and even some in the special wedding dresses boutique.

    Brides with buns in the oven want beautiful wedding dresses, too. Maternity wedding dresses, however, aren’t always as lovely as they ought to be. To that I say “Whatever, fool.” Maternity wedding dresses should be as lovely and as flattering as standard wedding dresses.

Fall in Love With Zuhair Murad

 Zuhair Murad’s creations for Rosa Clará are unique and inspired by the age of beauty. Voluminous, with incredible lace and embroidery, they are sophistication made real in  wedding dresses.

 The collection was packed with romantic details flowy gowns that could pass as a second dress or for bridesmaid dresses in fabulous colours of choice are natural white, ivory and nude. Tulle, chiffon, real satin and lace are the fabrics of choice for this new season when, once again, Rosa Clara will succeed in setting trends in the bridal world. With ethereal figures, feathers, tulle and candy colours, Rosa Clará has created a delicate collection that has turned to pastels for inspiration. Very feminine and modern dresses for modern bride, which do not sacrifice style and fashionable touches when dealing with bridal looks

Quinceanera Dresses

 Quinceañera is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America. Many young latinas in the U.S. grow up with romantic dreams of their Quinceanera, fantasizing about making the transformation from girl to woman and being the centre of attention to their adoring family.Quinceanera dresses are notoriously glamorous, despite the fact that they are for fifteen-year-old girls.
    The most popular color of quinceanera dresses is pink quinceanera dresses ? No, it's blue, blue quinceanera dresses come in dozens of different shades. Aqua, royal, navy, teal, turquoise, and azure are just a few of the different shades of blue that quinceanera dresses are made from. And the beauty of blue is that, depending on the shade, it can go with almost any shade of skin tone. If it's summertime and your skin is darker, a lighter blue like aqua will probably work better. But if you have lighter skin, a darker blue like royal blue is ideal.
    Always remember that darker shades of any 15 dress color are better for lighter skin types. Darker skin types are luckier because they can get away with wearing more colorful colors.

The History of White Wedding Dress

A wedding dress or wedding gown is the clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony. Color, style and ceremonial importance of the gown can depend on the religion and culture of the wedding participants.
    There is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey , you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”

    In Western cultures, brides often choose a white wedding dress, which was made popular by Queen Victoria in the 19th century.Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe in 1840, and wore what would then have been considered a flamboyant white gown.Of course, this did not start the tradition immediately; however, many women saw this as a statement of class and style, and copied the Queen by also getting married in white.The white wedding dress has been used to symbolize innocence, purity and the devotion of the wife to her husband.Over the centuries, the pattern of wedding dress is changing,mermaid wedding dress or short wedding dress,the most popular color of the wedding dress is white.

Colored Wedding dresses :What do They Mean

Colored wedding dresses are everywhere these days.Brides are breaking from tradition and going for a unique look that can reflect their personalities. However, what do these colors represent?
Red: Wearing a red wedding dress can signify many things. Red is a sign of warmth and love. It is also shows boldness—a great choice for the bride who really wants to make a statement.
Black: Black is becoming hugely popular, thanks to Vera Wang. Wearing a black wedding gown conveys an air of elegance and sophistication.
 
Pink: Pink is the true color of universal love and compassion. No matter what shade you choose, it shows your acceptance, worth, and love of love.
Green: There are several shades of green wedding dresses out there. You will mostly find pastels or lime greens. The color green conveys optimism and harmony—perfect for a wedding day! It also stands for nature and relaxation.
Blue: Blue wedding dresses have recently made their way onto the scene, particularly baby blue. Wearing a blue gown exudes peace and trust. Blue is the signature color for loyalty… something every bride wants to convey about her marriage.