Wedding Bells for the Webhead

As Spider-Man, Peter faced the death of his good friend Police Captain Jean DeWolff at the hands of the Sin-Eater. He watched Flash Thompson be taken for a criminal, and Ned Leeds killed, both for their involvement with the Hobgoblin. But things were different now - he had Mary Jane by his side. Peter proposed for a second time, and was accepted. As newlyweds, Peter and Mary Jane shared happiness, but faced many perils also. Mary Jane was menaced by both Kraven the Hunter, and by Venom, both of whom knew Peter's identity. Mary Jane loved Peter, and had deep respect for his sense of responsibility. But she was unprepared for the loneliness, the fear for his life, and the nagging doubt that perhaps Peter needed Spider-Man far more than he needed her. During this time, Spider-Man gained the cosmic powers of Captain Universe making him virtually indestructible, able to fly, shoot cosmic energy blasts, and possess unimaginable strength. This temporary augmentation allowed Spider-Man to defend himself against a new assortment of foes (including Graviton, Magneto, Titania, and Dragon Man), as villains attempted to aid each other by targeting each others' enemies. At the opposite extreme, Spider-Man temporarily lost all of his powers under the trickery of the Chameleon, but was aided by the Black Cat in restoring his abilities. Spider-Man, along with the Hulk, Ghost Rider, and Wolverine briefly formed an unofficial ad-hoc Fantastic Four team, while the real Fantastic Four were captured by Skrulls. The group quickly disbanded.

Amongst the daily battles with New York's villains, and the challenges of keeping his marriage alive, Peter soon faced the inexplicable return of his parents, Mary and Richard Parker. Long since believed dead, they claimed to have lost their memory of the intervening years. Aunt May was not ready to accept them, but Peter finally believed them to be what they claimed to be, even showing them his identity as Spider-Man. But Peter's heart had over-ridden his instincts. The pair were eventually revealed as robot agents of the Chameleon, part of a plan prompted by Harry Osborn, recently returned as the Green Goblin. Spider-Man was filled with anger at this deeply personal attack. It seemed to him that those he loved were fated to die, while the evil in his life would always return to haunt him.

Naruto Fanfic: Rain or Shine Chapter 3

It looks like it could be a picture of Naruto and Sakura on their wedding day. The costumes look formal/ceremonial. They look like they might be slightly older than they do in the current manga stories- perhaps 18. It's most noticeable with Sakura. Both Naruto and Sakura have sakura blossoms designs on their outfits.

Naruto's giant pipe also has sakura blossoms and is perhaps symbolic of him being Hokage? His brown jacket closely resembles the old Shogun Jinbaori, which might be another "teaser" hinting at him becoming Hokage as an adult.
Sasuke's outfit has his old colors, but strongly hints of his time jump experiences and costume. It also lacks his family crest (thus my conjecture he renounces his connection to the Uchiha clan name.)

Sakura's costume doesn't have her apparent family crest either but with the repeat of the sakura design on Naruto's outfit, and done in what looks like mon- family crest- style on his, I'd call that a crest on both of theirs. Sakura is clearly directly connected with Naruto in the picture. This is further reinforced by her posture, with her fingers touching his shoulder.

Sasuke's back is turned with his arms crossed but his old arrogant/superior expression is absent. He looks sort of penitent (with even a symbolic tear on his cheek) yet watchful. It was actually this drawing of Kishimoto's that inspired this fanfic.

Everyone Looks Great In Cinderella Wedding Gowns

The ultimate fantasy wedding gowns for many brides are the Cinderella ball gowns because these dresses are the ultimate in femininity and elaborate accents. Remember how Cinderella's waistline looked so tiny against her voluminous frothy skirt that could have housed her carriage? Her tiny cap sleeves set off arms so prettily and her tiara in her upswept hair was perfect.

Fairy Tale Magic For Your Wedding Day

That is the fairy tale look that many brides are trying to recreate on their special day. This fantasy look can be made spectacular with the use of different accessories such as gloves, diamond earrings, diamond pendants, jewel encrusted tiaras, huge veils and sparkling hair accessories. The fantasy look is rich and elaborate and is meant to look as though it took hours to be prepared.

Different Styling Details

The sleeves may be cap, off the shoulder, elbow length and sometimes long sleeved. The bodice is tight and fitted to the body, which is flattering to most body types against the full skirt. The neckline may be found with a portrait, sweetheart, scoop, jewel or V-neck styling. There are many styles of the sleeves, bodice and neckline that can be found on beautiful examples of Cinderella wedding gowns and it is possible to design and customize one of these gowns to match your design perfectly.

You can also find trains of varying lengths on the Cinderella wedding gowns including the long chapel or cathedral train and the detachable train. The Cinderella wedding gown is suitable for being made out of different fabrics including satin, silk, velvet, organza, tulle and other fine fabrics. Many of the Cinderella wedding dresses have elaborate accents made from crystals, beads, precious metallic threads and embroidery.

Hairstyles

The hair may be worn in an up-do although a romantic hairstyle is also appropriate with flowing curls and ribbons. Simple hairdos are a nice contrast to the more busy dress, although you can match many hairstyles with Cinderella wedding gowns. You could put your hair up in a romantic bun style that is accented with jewelled hair combs or hairpins. How you wear your hair with your Cinderella gown will be up to you and will work as long as it is flattering to your face.

You can fulfill your fantasy of Cinderella wedding gowns by choosing a gown in this design for your wedding day. This style is a classic because of its beautiful lines and feminine styling. It worked for Cinderella and it can work for you.

Jerry Hall To Auction Her Wedding Dress To Mick Jagger To Benefit The Homeless

Anne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer

London, England (CNS) - Former supermodel Jerry Hall is putting her own closet up for auction. She is handing over her stuff, including her wedding dress, to benefit the homeless.

The former partner of Rolling Stones lead Mick Jagger will put 430 of her stuff up for auction to benefit the Emmaus charity. The items would include 430 articles of clothing, accessories, textiles dating from 1700 to 2000, and couture creations by top designers Dior, Balmain, and Balenciaga.

The auction is set to take place at Sotheby's Olympia in London on June 10 after a two-day exhibition.

Perhaps, one of the most memorable pieces included is the wedding dress the 51-year-old wore for her nuptials to Jagger in 1990. The dress is estimated to fetch from $600 to $1,000.

Other stand out items include designs by British fashion designers Bruce Oldfield and Antony Price, her showgirl outfit in the film "Bus Stop," and a Thierry Mugler pink satin and cut velvet evening ensemble.

Hall has been quoted by fashionweekdaily.com as saying, "I have led a very glamorous life in many ways, but I know all too well how quickly lives can become derailed. I have been fortunate enough to have always had plenty of support, but not everyone is as lucky. It is easier than you might think to lose everything.

Hall was "married" to the rocker in an unofficial Balinese ceremony in 1990. They separated in 1999.

Sandra Bullock and Jesse James Wedding

After knowing one another for a couple years, Sandra Bullock and Jesse James have tied the knot. Here's information on how they met, their wedding, and more.

Birthdates:

Sandra Annette Bullock was born on July 26, 1964 at 3:15 in the morning in Arlington, Virginia.

Jesse Gregory James was born in Lynwood, California in 1969. His great-great grandfather was a cousin of the outlaw Jesse James.

Wedding:

Arriving in a red monster truck, Sandra Bullock and Jesse James were married on July 16, 2005, in a sunset ceremony under a white circus-style tent at the Folded Hills Ranch in the town of Gaviota in the Santa Ynez valley wine country north of Santa Barbara, California.

The music that played as Sandra walked down the aisle was a taped aria of her late mother singing Bellini's "Casta Diva."

Sandra's white lace wedding dress and veil were designed by Angel Sanchez. Her wedding ring is vintage French from jeweler Neil Lane. The platinum ring has two large intertwining diamonds. Jesse's wedding ring was made out of stainless steel by Sandra.

Country music was played at the wedding reception. The DJ was Tony Okungbowa. Guests also danced to the music of Cousin Lovers. Gesine Prado, Sandra's sister, provided the wedding cake.

The several hundred wedding guests were asked to wear casual attire and included William Shatner, James Hetfield, Jamie Lee Curtis, Constance Marie, Christopher Guest, Jason Biggs, Dolph Lundgren, and Regina King. Many guests thought they were attending a party to celebrate Sandra's upcoming 41st birthday. The guests arrived at the ranch in a fleet of buses.

On June 16, 2005, "US Weekly" reported that Sandra and Jesse would be married on July 16, 2005 in Santa Barbara, California. Sandra denied the report.

Education:

In 1982, Sandra Bullock graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia. She studied acting at North Carolina's East Carolina University in Greenville. Leaving during the spring semester to go to New York City, she only needed three credits to graduate. ECU later gave her an honorary degree.

Jesse attended the University of California at Riverside, California where he was a linebacker until he was injured.

Occupations:

Sandra is an actress, a producer, writer, director, and a philanthropist. She owns Fortis Films which is located in West Hollywood, California.

Previously a professional bodyguard, Jesse owns West Coast Choppers and is the star and host of Discovery Channel's Monster Garage. Through the Universal Life Church he became an ordained minister so he could perform the marriage ceremony on one of the Monster Garage episodes. He is also a community benefactor and philanthropist.

Interests:

Sandra enjoys bubble baths and dark chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Jessie likes guns, choppers, and cars he can fix up. He also enjoys being an artist and customizing motorcycles.

Previous Marriages/Relationships:

Sandra dated blues guitarist Guy Forsythe in 1999; actor Matthew McConaughey; and actor Ryan Gosling. She was engaged to actor Tate Donovan in 1994.

Jesse was married previously.

• Karla (aka Carla) James. Their marriage ended in divorce.

• Janine Marie Lindemulder, married on October 20, 2002. They divorced in 2004. Janine has worked in adult films as an actress. She was born on November 14, 1968 in La Mirada, California.

Children:

Sandra has no children.

Jessie has three children.

• Jesse James, Jr. who was born c.1999. Mother is Karla James.

• Chandler James who was born c.1997. Mother is Karla James.

• Sunny James who was born c.2004. Mother is Janine Lindemulder.

Residences:

Sandra has enjoyed purchasing and fixing up homes in New York, California, Tybee Island, Georgia, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Her $7.5 million dollar dream home was built on a lake near Austin, Texas. The house has been deemed unsafe to live in, and will be torn down.

Pets:

Sandra has several dogs, Kernie and Bob, and a Boston terrier dog named April.

Jessie is said to have kept both sharks and pit bulls as pets.

Quotes:

Sandra, on marriage: "I've always been very sceptical about marriage, because I only want to do it once; I want to do it the right way."
Source: Imdb.com

Sandra, on children: "If I did [have kids], my entire life would shift. I would no longer [act] or be in magazines."
Source: "People Magazine", April 4, 2005 Vol. 63 No. 13, Page: 82.

Sandra, on expectations: "People have their lists of what they want in their partner, and three-quarters of them are superficial. If life doesn't give you what you want, it'll present you with what you need and you don't realize it. That need is far greater and more profound than the little list thing."
Source: USA Today

Victoria Beckham: We're not invited to Coleen McLoughlin's wedding

Victoria Beckham has revealed she and husband David have been left off the guest list for Coleen McLoughlin's wedding to Wayne Rooney next month.

But Posh says she isn't bothered as she and Becks wouldn't have been able to make it.

'No invite has come through, to be honest,' she says.

'David obviously knows Wayne through England but they probably know David is playing all through the summer in LA. He will be working.'

But Victoria, 34, wishes Coleen and Wayne, both 22, all the best and believes it will be a tasteful affair.

'I am sure it will be great,' she tells The Sun. 'She has really good taste.

Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Marry!

It's official: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are now husband and wife. The couple exchanged vows Saturday in front of more than 150 guests at the Odescalchi Castle in Lake Bracciano, Italy, their rep, Arnold Robinson, confirms to PEOPLE.

"The wedding was absolutely beautiful," says a guest.

With thousands of fans, photographers and TV cameras watching from afar, Cruise and Holmes were joined by family – Katie's dad Martin walked her down the aisle – and a slew of celeb pals, including Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy, among others.

The sunset ceremony was performed by a Scientology minister, according to a statement from their reps. The wedding party included Cruise's children, Isabella and Connor, the best man was Cruise's best friend, David Miscavige – the head of the Church of Scientology – and Katie's sister Nancy Blaylock served as the matron of honor.

Though initially there were questions about whether Cruise and Holmes's marriage on Saturday was official – the Mayor of Bracciano, Italy, said the couple needed to have a civil ceremony in town in order to make it legal – Cruise's reps say Tom and Katie took care of everything beforehand.

"As is customary for couples marrying outside of the United States, Cruise and Holmes officialized their marriage in Los Angeles prior to their departure for Italy," according to the statement.

Other details released Saturday by the newlyweds:

• The bride: Holmes wore an off-the-shoulder Armani gown with an ivory silk train adorned in Valenciennes lace and Swarovski beaded crystal embroidery. She accessorized her gown with an ivory tulle floor-length veil and ivory silk shoes. Armani, which outfitted the entire wedding, also supplied Katie's bouquet of calla lilies, as well as a champagne evening gown, which she wore at the reception. (For more details on who wore what, see PEOPLE's related story.)

• The groom: Armani outfitted Cruise with a navy blue tuxedo from the Giorgio Armani Hand Made to Measure collection. The jacket label read, "Giorgio Armani for Tom Cruise."

• The couple's rings: Their rings were white gold Cartier with diamonds.

• The meal: After cocktails, guests were served Italian hors d'oeuvres, followed by a multi-course meal.

• The cake: Five-tiered white chocolate, decorated with marzipan roses, and studded with white chocolate chips.

• The entertainment: Italian singer Andrea Bocelli.

Saturday's wedding started on a damp note, with scattered rain throughout the morning. Holmes and 7-month-old daughter Suri were escorted into the castle under a cluster of green umbrellas. A little over an hour later, the groom was escorted from the Hassler hotel in Rome to Lake Bracciano 18 miles away. With the sun going down, candles lit up the perimeter of the 15th-century castle as limousines carrying the guests drove through the gates.

Fans and media were kept at a safe distance from the castle: Police checkpoints prevented anyone unauthorized from getting too close, and journalists were stationed in the nearby town square.

Saturday's ceremony brought the couple's 19-month romance full circle: Cruise and Holmes first stepped out as a couple in Rome in April 2005, with Cruise already referring to Holmes as "amore mio" just a few weeks after their first date (sushi, a private plane ride and a motorcycle trip to the beach).

Holmes wasn't shy about her feelings either. "(I'm) totally in love. He's amazing, he's kind, he's generous. He made me laugh like I've never laughed," she gushed two months later. "I feel like he's made my life."

Life changed even more in mid-June 2005. During a late-night candlelit dinner at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Cruise proposed with a five-carat diamond ring. "I want to marry her as soon as possible," Cruise announced. "You have to do what you feel is right," he told PEOPLE at the time. "It's (about) your own integrity and how you want to live your life."

The pair had another reason to celebrate in October, when they announced they were expecting a baby. Holmes "almost seems born for motherhood," her pal and former Dawson's Creek costar Oliver Hudson told PEOPLE. "She's a nurturer."

The pair welcomed 7-lb., 7-oz. Suri on April 18. "The moment I looked in her eyes I felt like ... Mom," Holmes told the magazine of her new bundle of joy. "She's the miracle of our life."

Mariah Carey Wedding

When Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey made their first public appearance as newlyweds on Thursday, the pair simply dazzled – almost as much as their wedding jewelry.

Carey, who attended TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" gala with her new husband, showed off her impressive pink diamond sparkler from of Jacob & Co. jewelers. The ring, valued at a whopping $2.5 million, is 17 carats. The center stone alone is 10-carats – a little smaller than a dime.

"I wanted to do something extremely special, something that Mariah would really appreciate," Cannon told PEOPLE. "We got the pinkest stone we could find, surrounded by other diamonds."

Carey definitely approved. "It's so clear, you can see my finger through it," she said.

According to Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co., Cannon "was very involved," in picking the ring, which has an emerald-cut fancy light pink center stone surrounded by 58 intense pink diamonds, flanked by two half-moon diamonds.

"The way he came into the store, I knew this was very serious," Arabo told PEOPLE. "He said, 'Jacob, I’m in love. This is what I want to do.'"

Meanwhile, Cannon's ring would make Liberace proud. The elaborate, chunky diamond band made its debut Thursday as he was leaving his New York City hotel.

But while a diamond may be forever, the couple's new tattoos – his says "Mariah" across his shoulders, and hers reads "Mrs. Cannon" on the small of her back – will last a lifetime. "Rings and all that is special and exciting," said Cannon. "But to us, tattoos mean more than anything because it's something we never thought we'd do."

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt wedding will be intimate and small

"Instead, she says, 'When the time is right,'" a friend of the star, who is pregnant with twins, tells OK! for its cover story this week titled 'Wedding of the Year.'

"That is a huge step for Angelina. She says if it ensures the future happiness of her kids, then what difference does a piece of paper make?" the friend adds.

While no date has been set, Jolie is definitely ready to tie the knot, signaling that she has finally gotten over her two failed marriages.

"She doesn't want to rush into anything, but she has made it clear that Brad completes her and makes her want to be a better person."

When the wedding does take place, it will likely be a low key wedding with just immediate family members and close friends attending. The couple's children are likely to be involved.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Maddox was the ring bearer," says the friend.

Meanwhile the couple is currently in France, along with their four children, scouting for a house where they can stay till the babies are born.

According to E! Online, the family is staying in Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Villa Maryland in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera, till Brad Pitt finds a suitable house.

"They love France and will now be here until after the babies are born and Angie is looking at Marseille hospitals as a potential place to give birth," a source told E! Online.

Two of Jolie's films, Changeling and Kung Fu Panda, will premiere at the 61st Cannes Film Festival,May 14-25, next month where Jolie plans to walk the red carpet.

Australia Honeymoons: Feel the Spell of Romance

All couples who have just gone through their grand march in the aisle of matrimony and exchanged vows of "to love and to hold'til death do us part" needs that quality time to be together to affirm these words. Every couple in love would agree to their need of a blissful and memorable time alone with each other after the hectic wedding preparations and actual ceremony. Going away on a honeymoon is quite a significant stage for any married couple and there is a need to ensure that it becomes an affair to remember forever.

Of the options available Australia honeymoons are the most perfect mixture of romance and adventure that you can have. You just cannot go wrong when you take into account all the country has to offer from the wonderful culture to the beautiful beaches. Amazing natural wonders and friendly people add to the enjoyment of Australia honeymoons.

If you are great fans of nature, then Australia offers a lot of wondrous and breathtaking natural views for your great satisfaction. This country is known for its enormous mountains, vast planes and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Lovers must never miss this adventure of a lifetime that only Australia honeymoons could provide. If you are both animal lovers, then you should not miss an encounter with the high spirited and funny kangaroos. As you may know, among a lot of other things, Australia boasts of these adorable animals. You would have fun as a couple looking at the kangaroos' witty and jolly antics - an experience exclusive of Australia honeymoons.

It is a wonderful time for newlyweds to share in the experiences and enjoy the romance of it all. Enjoy a late afternoon walk on the Sydney Bridge, watch as the sunsets over the ocean and the stars begin to emerge in the midnight sky.

In addition to these romantic settings, Australia also has some of the best golf resorts that you and your new spouse can enjoy the sport together whether it's for the first time or if you are both seasoned players.

After tiring yourselves on the game, why not take a relaxing session on a spa or health club? Lots of them are available on Australia honeymoon packages. This is an additional luxury but it is definitely worth the price as it soothes you.

Are you apprehensive of accommodations? Not to worry, there are no shortage of high quality hotels for you to enjoy private moments together in excellently furnished rooms and outstanding services. Restaurants with first class amenities will also guarantee that your money will be well spent. Get your taste buds ready for Australian delicacies! If you prefer other delicacies, you should have no trouble finding them, too. Entertainments? Well, do not forget to visit the Sydney Opera House!

Australia honeymoons ensure that your lifetime together would be full of adventure, discovery, fun, and romance! What more can a happily married couple ask for?

Elton Wedding

Musician Elton John and David Furnish posing for photographers following their civil partnership ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall, where the couple got married. London.

Bond Themed Las Vegas Wedding Package...

Your mission, should you choose to accept it. MARRIAGE!
Because your love is as cool as a vodka martini-shaken, not stirred! All of Las Vegas is your Casino Royale with this outstanding package. The wedding mission will be delivered by "M" and the ceremony will be performed by 007 himself.Bond, James Bond (impersonator). This package comes complete with a spectacular sports car entrance, lasers and fog, dancing Bond Girls, and Tiffany Case to sing "Diamonds Are Forever" as you exchange your rings. Remind your friends that espionage is in the air, so they should tune in to our live internet spycam. Bond Themed Wedding includes:

Bond Impersonator as Minister Bond Girls to dance and sing spectacular sports car entrance Appropriate music and decor Theatrical lighting and fog Classic bouquet with five flowers Matching boutonniere 36 poses and proofs Video on VHS tape Live Internet webcast during ceremony Webcast archived on our website for 3 months CD-Rom of the webcast Courtesy limousine service from any hotel on the Strip or Downtown to the chapel and back Chapel fee and wedding coordinator This package does not include the Minister's fee of $60 cash. Also, we recommend a cash tip for your driver of $25 or more. These items are separate from the package rate. The cost of this Laser Shooting, Sports Car Girl Loving theme package is $1100.00 Book or reserve the Bond Themed Wedding Package. Remember all Theme wedding packages can be performed as renewal-of-vows ceremonies as well, with no license or minister's fee required. What a memorable and delightful anniversary present! All characters in our Bond Themed wedding our played by Impersonators. Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel offers many themed wedding packages and is always willing to accommodate your special requests. Need more facts? Click here. We also offer traditional Las Vegas weddings, for those of you who want a classic wedding experience. Click here to visit our Traditional Las Vegas wedding packages.

If batman got married that he knows that probably would not get an invatation?

If he got married as BATMAN, nobody outside the Superhero community would be invited. If he married as BRUCE WAYNE, the Superhero community would mostly lose out, except for (maybe, depending on how discrete he wanted to be in order to protect his alternate identity) Clark Kent (Superman), Lois Lane-Kent (not a Superhero, but still...), Wally West (the Flash--a longshot), and Princess Diana of Themyscira (Wonder Woman). Specifically, Leslie Thompkins (in the modern comics), as she has become a murderess. Jason Todd--the second Robin-- also would not be invited, as Batman has essentially disowned him because Jason has become a supervillain, first as the Red Hood, then as Nightwing III (Superman was NW 1, and Dick Grayson is NW 2), and, currently, the Red Robin (an identity used by Grayson in Kingdom Come, a non-canon story set in the future). James Gordon (and his daughter, former Batgirl and currently the Oracle, Barbara Gordon) would be invited to either reception. Alfred might appear incognito to a Batman-ID wedding. Tim Drake (Robin)and Dick Grayson (Robin 1 and the current Nightwing) would be at either reception, as would Selina Kyle (Catwoman). Cassandra Cain would only appear at the Batman wedding.

“Superman—The Wedding"

You know, I’d like to be able to travel back in time and meet the person who decided marriage was a wonderful experience and slap the stars from their eyes. These days, with divorce rates at an all-time high and many other couples imprisoned in loveless unions, it makes absolutely no sane sense why anyone would put themselves through the pomp and legal circumstance of conjoining their life with someone else’s. Of course, I’m speaking as a gay man here, and in my current country of citizenship, any sort of proper wedding I’d dare to undertake would, for the most part, go unrecognized or be scoffed at. But for the moment, let’s just pretend that—in a liberal fantasy world in which closed-minded conservatives have been killed off by some exotic disease—human beings are allowed to wed whomever they’re meant to wed, and let’s pretend that the two people doing the wedding are strong and selfless enough to make their union last forever. Would my jaded opinion be any different?

Not so long ago, there was a time I sincerely believed in everlasting love. Before all of my straight friends who I felt would be together forever succumbed to the demons of divorce, before I bitterly threw myself into the solitary arms of a hermitic existence, my eyes were bright with the stars of true romance. I had yet to appreciate the work and pain that goes into maintaining a solid relationship. I actually fell for the happily-ever-after crap that rampaged through all those candy-coated Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant movies, and it was toward this very end I set my own romantic aspirations. I even managed to find wistful inspiration in my beloved comic books, and one book in particular came out at just the right time to add four-colored fuel to the fire. That book was Superman: The Wedding Album.

While the title says it all, this album hardly features your typical friends-and-family-posing-like-dorks photo spread. There’s actually an 84-page story stuffed inside, replete with all the frenetic finagling leading up to the big day. Even still, this wedding is not an average catered affair. This is Clark Kent’s wedding—Superman’s wedding—to the love of his life, Lois Lane, so it’s a safe bet there’s gonna be a lot more to it than the happy couple trotting down the aisle. There’s action aplenty—from a prologue where the future Mrs. Kal-El takes down a drug lord while wearing a wedding dress, straight through to a last-minute pop-in from Mr. Mxyzptlk. However, the focus of the story never steers too far from the steely bond between Lois and Clark, and for once the action takes a refreshing backseat to romance.

Bear in mind, though, DC’s decision to run with the Super-wedding had more to do with the fact that the titular characters on the Lois and Clark television show were about to take their own walk down the aisle of doom. (Such is always the case with DC—instead of allowing the comics to stand on their own, they always feel the need to tweak them in order to mirror the latest Hollywood interpretation of the character. That’s why the Hellblazer comic added “Constantine” to its title, and it’s also why Huntress initially became a featured member of the Birds of Prey. Thank the Goddess Halle Berry’s Catwoman was such a dud, or else our feisty Selina would be running around in a leather harness and licking herself.)

Even without TV’s bad influence, comics readers have always known that Clark Kent and Lois Lane were meant to be together forever. (There’s only so long a couple can tease and banter before we toss them a motel key and say, “Just DO IT already!”) DC Comics must’ve felt the same way, because by publishing Superman: The Wedding Album, they gave their blessing for their number-one super-couple to consummate their 50-year passion. And we as funny-book voyeurs are given a clear peek at every tiny detail: we get to see Clark’s aw-shucks proposal (complete with Super-mullet ponytail, as this story takes place not long after Superman came back from the dead with a meaner attitude and even meaner hair—“mild-mannered reporter business in the front, super-villain butt-kickin’ party in the back!”); we’re invited to Lois’s bridal shower (along with the androgynously drawn Metropolis Special Crimes Unit Sergeant Maggie Sawyer and her androgynously named girlfriend, Toby—who by sheer pathetic coincidence bring a fruit salad to the party); and we also get to tag along as the couple rushes through endless panels of tuxedo and dress fittings and apartment hunting.

In fact, Superman himself hardly shows up at all. He’s there for only a few brief pages, mainly to help put out a fire at Bibbo’s bar and to corral a jewel thief with an assist from Maxima, who can’t get over the fact that a godly stud like the Man of Steel is actually lowering himself to marry a mere mortal. (Actually, this chick sounds like the majority of gay men I’ve come across…y’know, the kind who refuse to even talk to a guy who’s less than Adonis-like in appearance, even though the guy may have a heart brighter than gold.) Supes even receives a bit of grim marriage advice from a certain Dark Knight, who nevertheless in his own bitter way offers the Man of Steel his congratulations, as well as a free pad in a building owned by Bruce Wayne.

Eventually, the big day arrives, and Clark and Lois’s betrothal goes off utterly hitch-less. They exchange sugary vows in a church loaded with friends, family, and DC Comics staffers (whom the artists conveniently drew into the panels). And so Superman: The Wedding Album ends on the most positive note it can: the affirmation that comic-dom’s Number One Super-couple are in it for the long haul…and by that I mean eternity.

Jump ahead ten years later: Clark and Lois are still married, they still look at each other with the same starry-eyes as when they first admitted their feelings for each other, and they still believe love conquers all (at least for now…who knows what’ll happen to their love once Infinite Crisis spreads its ret-con swath across the DC universe). Really, the only thing that’s changed in the past decade is me. So does the man I am today really believe marriage is impossible? Yes and no. I’m far more love-wise now, and that means I understand there’s a heck of a lot more to marriage than fairytales and flowers. A person who goes out looking for an everlasting commitment—be that person man or woman, gay or straight—must make sure he has enough self-confidence and enough self-awareness before he can give himself to someone else. He has to know how to give and take in equal amounts, and he must be open enough to always—without question—share his true feelings. And above all, he must be mature enough not to take life so seriously. When it comes down to it, what matters most when we’re gone from this life is how we’re remembered. As long as we try our best to be the greatest hero in our partner’s life, our legacy will remain immortal.

Bed Bath and Beyond Bridal Registry

Your wedding should be perfect and with all of the places that something can go wrong all of the help that you can get is greatly appreciated. Bed Bath and Beyond Bridal Registry not only allows you to sign up so that your friends can purchase the gifts you would prefer; they have an electronic assistant in their Bridal Toolkit to help you along the way. With the great selection, ability to make returns easily and friendly service that you receive when in the store, Bed Bath and Beyond is an obvious selection for a bridal registry.

Ease of Use

Your friends and family can choose to shop online or in their local Bed Bath and Beyond store for your gifts. Products are listed with their prices, weights, shipping costs and other fees available so your guesswork. A few clicks and you are on your way to set up your account or to purchase a gift for your loved one. Keepsakes as well as necessities can be given. You can browse the site by category or by brand. The site is made for your ease of use and the stores themselves have a friendly staff available to assist you to have a fairly problem free experience as well.

Selection

The selection is so vast there are few things that might not be available. Not only do they have just about every category that you might need for your household including bedding, kitchen appliances, tableware, flatware, cutlery, bedroom furnishings, household furnishings and such; but they also have categories such as infants, children, keepsakes, window treatments, rugs, electronics, seasonal, and many more categories. Sections with suggestions for both the couple and the guests are available.

Perks

The bridal registry includes a bridal toolkit with several organizers and planning guides for the bride. These tools include a timeline, a task manager, a personal wedding site, seating arranger and guest list manager. The task lists include over 200 tasks for the 12 month engagement period. With that many things to do it is nice to have someone help you stay organized.

Tips

If you have friends and family who are going to show up at the store just days before your big event and pick up some pieces to complete your China set, they might not like what they find. These pieces are easily purchased online but the stores do not keep these pieces in stock. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for delivery for these pieces. A little preplanning can keep this from being a problem. Spending a little time getting to know the system once you sign up can be beneficial in the long run.

Romance for Hire - Do Wedding Planners Work?

Before we get into this topic, let me say that I do think some wedding planners are worth every penny they charge. If a bride and groom have the extra cash, hiring a wedding planner can make the ceremony and reception easier, less time consuming, and add more romance. But just because a good wedding planner can help put together an amazing wedding doesn't mean that you necessarily need one for your marriage day to be full of romance.

So, do wedding planners really create more romance in your ceremony? As I said, they can be worth what they charge if you or your family have the budget to pay for them, but you shouldn't waste your money on a wedding planner if things are tight. Much of the romance stuff a wedding planner does can be accomplished by the bride and groom, and if you have friends and family members who are willing to help, you can make your wedding ceremony, and the reception afterwards, a resounding success.

What the wedding planer really does for you is free up time and help you concentrate on the more important things to put romance into the mix. A good wedding planner is also able to help you decide on small things such as wedding color schemes, your wedding cake design, and even what wedding dress to pick. This may make a wedding planner worth their salary for some brides and grooms, but many of these tasks are things you and your family can do yourself with a little extra work and an eye for romance.

If you do decide that a wedding planner is not worth the salary that they charge, and decide to do the planning yourself, make sure you don't cut corners and include romance the fast and easy way. You can put together a ceremony and reception just as well as a wedding planner can, but remember that it will take you much more time to do it than the seasoned wedding romance professionals.

So yes, a wedding planner can be worth the price they charge, but no, you don't have to hire a wedding planer to make your special day full of romance. Just be prepared to put in a lot of extra hours.

Wedding Dress Shops in Massachusetts

There are some great bridal shops in Massachusetts and if you are living I want to give you a great selection of some of the top stores in the state.

Vows Bridal is a designer outlet that is one of the top shops not only in the state but in the country as well. It was voted Best in Boston 6 years in a row. Working with designer from Reem Acra to Vera Wang you will be able to find the perfect dress for you.

Confetti and Lace is another top wedding dress store in Massachusetts. Confetti and Lace covers everything from wedding gowns, bride's maid dress to even tuxedos for the guys. Buying a dress here you will get some of the best customer service out there. From free dress storage to complement pressing of your gown to make sure that it is perfect on your wedding day.

Amari Bridal has a 5,000 square foot show room offering an "ultimate shopping experience". Currently Amari Bridal is having an inventory sale and if you make an appointment right now you will save $50 to $200 off! Now this may not be much, but considering the cost of weddings these days every dollar counts.

Terry's Bridal is another great shop in the Massachusetts area. This is a small shop selling only a select few of their top picked designers. You are sure to get excellent service. Located in Norwood Terry's bridal you are sure to get an authentic wedding dress designed and stitched by some of today's top makers.

These are just a few of the top shops in Massachusetts. You will be able to find many more. I thought that on the best day of your life you will be able to have some ease.

Wedding Notebook - Your Most Important Tool

There are those who say that I'm obsessive about notebooks. (You may soon be one of them.)

But I want you to hear me now when I say that the presence of a notebook in your wedding plans (I would say in any plans you have for your life-but that might sound obsessive) will be the difference between success and failure. You must have a Wedding Notebook.

In your Wedding Notebook, you'll either write down (or print out, if you write things down on the computer) the things that are essential to planning the wedding you really want, the things you feel are most important to the wedding of YOUR dreams.

Later, you'll write down everything from the names on your guest list (that will require several drafts) to exactly what you want your florist to do in the hours prior to your ceremony.

Your Wedding Notebook will contain very personal information, but it will not be private. In fact, for you to plan the wedding that you really want, it's essential that the notebook not be private.

Example Uses of Wedding Notebook.

• Use the notebook to provide your bridesmaids and other delegates with lists of their responsibilities.

• Keep lists of important addresses and phone numbers.

• Use the statements you've written in the notebook to communicate your wedding vision to your vendors (in fact, it doesn't hurt to make copies of your vision description and hand them out to your vendors).

• Compare different vendors of the same product, to choose the vendor (florist, caterer, etc.) who will be best for you.

• Clip pictures from magazines that represent the effect that you want to achieve with your flowers or your dress.

• Depending on the type of notebook you choose, you may file incoming information such as vendor contracts with your notebook

Type of Wedding Notebook.

Keep a couple options in mind when selecting your Wedding Notebook.

(1) When you're removing pages and passing them out, it's nice to have a small, wire-bound notebook with smooth perfora

Choosing The Best Location For Your Wedding

For many of use the single most important day that we will ever have in our life is going to be our wedding day, with so many things to plan and make sure that you get right it can also be the most stressful. One of the biggest decisions we have to make about the wedding is where the event will take place, and today we have more options open to us than ever before.

Stately homes and venues all over the world have been opened up by law to be able to hold wedding ceremonies and for many of us where the option used to be where we got married in our home town was the hardest decision to make now we can get married in any one of about three hundred different countries all over the world with relative ease.

Beach weddings are very popular in the warmer countries, these enable the couple getting married to have the honeymoon and wedding all in the same package as well as giving some wonderful venues and countries to choose from. Beach weddings are, in many cases, a lot easier to plan and carry through than a wedding at home as all of the logistics of arranging the venue, ceremony as many more other little details is taken away from you and arranged by your venue wedding co-ordinator. The only thing you may be required to do if getting married abroad is go to a local government office to obtain a wedding permit. After the wedding all of the wedding certificate details should also be carried out by wedding

Tips For An Extraordinary Wedding Theme

You will probably try to decide a wedding theme for your big day. In fact, it is good to have a theme since it can be used as a guide for all the decisions you are going to make for your wedding.

You may think that it is very difficult to create a wedding theme. However, the fact is that it can be just as easy as selecting a theme color and incorporate this color to all the items for your bid day. Of course you will also need to think about your budget. The followings are some tips for your theme.

In most cases you would like to make your wedding special. To this end you may need to go for some non traditional wedding theme. In fact, a lot of couples will choose to combine some traditional ideas with their own concepts so that the theme can fit their needs and personalities well.

For example, butterfly release is a tradition and many couples will still use butterflies as their main theme. Of course you can transform this notion of butterfly to fit your own needs and tastes. You can design a butterfly logo which incorporates the initials of the names of you and your partner. Then you will apply this logo to all other items such as the wedding invitations, favors, decorations and so on.

You may also find a lot of ideas from various bridal magazines. In some cases you may only need to do very little in order to make your wedding special. For instance, you can wear a vintage gown. If you really go for the idea of vintage theme, you can also ask your guests to dress according to your wedding theme.

When it comes to your wedding favor, some couples will find that it is difficult to get a good idea for it. If you encounter this situation, you can try to think of the relationship between your wedding theme and the favor.

If you are going to host an Asian wedding, you can also make your favor to follow this idea. A lucky bamboo design can be perfect to this end. You may even try to visit some party favor shops for various Asian wedding favors.

To summarize, you can make your wedding extraordinary by creating a wedding theme. If you can do it well, your guests will certainly remember your big day for years!

Wedding Hairdos

The day a woman gets engaged she enters a new world of dreams. She starts dreaming of her wedding ceremony, wedding attire, and wedding hairdos. To fulfill the dream of looking beautiful and unique on the wedding day various factors should be taken into consideration.

First most important thin is which stylist to choose. Brides should discus their likes and dislikes with all the possible stylists or hairdressers. After discussing with all the stylists select the best stylist for the wedding day. She can browse the bridal magazines, catalogues, Internet, etc. for various hairstyles for brides.

There are many cute hairstyles that may look elegant on some but not on all. It's always advisable to try the hairstyles in advance and see to it that it suits the bride's facial shape. Other factors that are taken into consideration are the length and texture of the hairs, wedding dress, and wedding accessories like footwear's, jewellery, etc. Look around for antique stores for various other accessories as well. Many brides also try to compliment the groom's outfit. There are so many options with her and she has to choose a style that appeals her, complements her face and make her appearance light up on her special day. Her style should also complement the mood of the wedding.

From simple updos to elegant and romantic curls there is a range of hairstyles for long hairs, short hairs and medium length hairs. There are basically five popular hairstyles for wedding day.

The first popular hairstyle is the classic and sophisticated updos. Updos is simply curving the hair upwards towards the crown of the head and arranging in a mass. This style can be highlighted using a tiara or a floral headband.

Another style is to leave the hair lose with curly tresses or waves. Veil or beads can be used to add elegance to the curls.

Not only long hairs but also short hairs can also be beautifully styles up. One of the most common bridal hairstyles for short hair is a soft bob. It can be accentuated with a tiara or jeweled barrette. For short hairs small strands of hairpieces can also be added to bring graceful curls.

Many brides with shoulder length hair are seen with spiral curls. These curls are obtained using tools-curling irons, hot rollers, rag rollers, and Velcro rollers.

An intricate yet simple style is the crown design that is a unique choice for curly hairs. Arrange few strands of the hair on the crown of the head and let the other strands fall down gracefully to the shoulder. Clip sets and beads add to the elegance.

"Firsts" Only Happen Once

It's ironic how preparing for something is so time-consuming, but the actual event flies by. It hardly seems fair.

Videos & photos help you see what actually happened as you were busy playing your very crucial role in the shower. Fortunately, there have been such technological advances that even a novice can create a massive digital library to look back on for decades to come.

Your entire wedding day, the ceremony, the reception & the after-party will feel like they lasted a combined 27 ½ seconds! The labor & delivery of your baby will likely seem a bit longer, but once he's born, every day will seem to slip through your fingers. You'll probably find yourself wondering where the weeks & months have gone. Honestly, I don't know of a single newlywed or mother who hasn't said the same things.

That makes this article for shower hostesses & honorees alike.

If you are throwing a shower for a friend, she will thank you later for providing thorough coverage of such a special day. (Remember, you'll be running around being the Hostess With The Mostest, so looking at the pictures might be the first time you get a glimpse at what a success the shower actually was!).

If you are the bride-to-be or mom-to-be, don't hesitate to ask a hostess, friend, cousin or neighbor to help capture every moment. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. Also, you'll probably find several eager volunteers because photography & videography will get them out of doing shower dishes with the rest of the hostesses!

Make sure you request the services of 2 specific people right now.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Most brides-to-be hire wedding photographers, but what about her shower? You will undoubtedly host an affair-to-remember, so it should certainly be documented.

Your photographer can be anyone who has a decent eye & they can use anyone's digital camera. Digital is the best option for a multitude of reasons. You can proof each picture as it's taken (did I blink?), you don't

Plus Size Wedding Dresses

Where and how does one shop for plus size wedding dresses? Every bride wants to wear a beautiful wedding dress and full figured women are no exception. Just because one is not slim doesn't mean one shouldn't have the whole fairytale.

So what choices do you have?

The Bridal Boutique

If you are intending to visit your local bridal boutique, we would advise you to call ahead to find out if they do, indeed, sell plus size wedding dresses. In many cases, they stop at size 14 or 16 and don't carry larger. If they have a selection of wedding dresses in your size, go ahead and make an appointment. If they don't, move on to another venue.

The Plus Size Clothing Store

Many shops specialising in plus size merchandise do sell wedding dresses. Since they also sell clothes for business and every day, the selection might not be too impressive. Still it's worth a look as there may be a selection that flatters your body type.

The Internet

Believe it or not, the Internet is an excellent source of plus size wedding dresses and wedding accessories. A quick Google search will yield hundreds of websites for shops and designers specializing in wedding dresses for the full figured woman. If you don't find your dream wedding dress at one of the other venues, you'll definitely find one online.

There's just one problem.

When you purchase wedding dresses over the Internet, in most cases you can't try it on. Wedding dress sizes are funny, plus size wedding dresses are no exception. So when ordering from the Internet, it is important that you measure yourself carefully and order the right size dress. Even if you are on a diet, we suggest that you order your wedding dress at the size you are now, rather than ordering a smaller size wedding dress in the hope that it will fit, come the big day.

Be thorough and check your measurements with those on the Size Chart at the website. If you're unsure, add a half inch to an inch. You can always take the dress in but it is a lot more difficult to let the dress out.

Every bride should look her very best on her wedding day. The full figured woman is no exception. Don't settle for any dress just because it comes in your size. Take your time. Look for wedding dresses online and in the real world. When you find the right wedding dress, you'll look stunning!

Vera Wang Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang wedding dresses are notably worn by the 'stars'. From Jennifer Lopez to Uma Thurman, Sharon Stone to Mariah Carey - Vera Wang wedding dresses are the ultimate in opulent and stylish wedding wear, and because of the variety of styles, colors and materials available; Vera Wang represents exactly what most women want on their wedding day, so has become one of the uppermost in our thoughts when we are asked who our favorite wedding dress designers are.

After a number of positions at prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Ralph Lauren where she made her name as the youngest fashion editor ever - just aged 23, Vera Wang started her first bridal line in 1990. With the aim of providing a line of dresses which were traditional, yet sophisticated; Vera established her line of wedding gowns unsure quite what to expect from the public. In 1994 her big break came when she designed a simple white outfit for ice-skater Nancy Kerrigan rendering her a household name practically overnight. Vera had skated competitively before joining the fashion design world, so designing the outfit came naturally.

Vera's affinity and love for fashion obviously originated from when she was much younger and her mother would regularly take her to the Sorbonne fashion shows in Paris; this has resulted in opulent, chic creations made from only the finest silks and other rich fabrics which are the dreams of most women when looking for their ultimate wedding dress. The A-line style cut, tulle and other ruche fabrics are particularly 'In fashion' at the moment and Vera's fall/autumn collection makes this blindingly obvious, with concentration to how a wedding gown can look spectacularly simple given the amount of work that goes into one of her creations.

Initially concentrating on a more traditional dress, Vera's emergence into the Wedding gown world was seamless and hitch-free. Immediately consumers saw her flair for fashion and began to look to her dresses for ideas and a lot of weddings have been plann

Nautical Wedding Centerpieces

Whether you have decided on a tropical wedding location or just want your wedding to have a beach theme,you will need some ideas for centerpieces that will create the right atmosphere. Here are some thoughts.

Retro Sailor

Like it a little on the wild side? Have you considered going neon? You can purchase neon sailor hats for a center piece and decorate around it with mini neon beach balls. A glowing neon luau also compliments such a setting. There are all sorts of things that you can do with neon. Go with bright neon flowers for bouquets and bold neon bright ties and bridesmaid's dresses.

Hawaiian Fun

Bright tropical flowers inside of large seashells, surrounded by sand is another wonderful idea for a beach wedding. Imagine the cool beach nestled right there in the middle of the table. This idea would be perfect for an outdoor beach setting reception. Small tropical flowers come in mind when I think of this setting. Luaus also come in mind for the reception. Perhaps place one at each setting along with fun party favors.

Tropical Paradise

Imagine a beautiful Hawaiian sunset with bold orange, purple and reds in the midst of a beautiful bouquet of birds of paradise centerpieces. Now this reception would take place in the early evening as the sun is going down. The lights would be dim and the centerpieces would definitely be the highlight. Trimmed up with gold laced dinnerware and tall golden champagne chutes. Your new husband wouldn't be able to wait for all the guests to leave as this will truly be the romantic sunset evening.

Oceanside View

Perhaps beautiful dolphins and water is what you have in mind? You can get those water globes and make them a beautiful ocean view centerpiece. They would be laid out on a blue table clothe with an ocean-like surrounding. Purchase some fish graffiti and sprinkle it on the tables to compliment the centerpiece globes. You may even want to hang long blue waving flags to bring even more of an ocean feeling to the atmosphere.

Cool Pina Coladas on the Hot Beach

Maybe you would like to set the scene to look like a walk on the beach. Think of things that you would see on the beach. Perhaps crabs and sea shells. Purchase small items that would belong on the beach. For instance, small shells, crabs, beach balls, umbrellas and sand. Then buy a pina colada replica glass and decorate around it as the centerpiece. You may want to add some replica fruits, like pineapple and coconut to put inside the glass. Then another suggestion is to serve pina coladas as a drink.

A "Tasteful" Wedding Event

The place you hold your wedding breakfast, dinner or reception will depend on a number of factors, from what kind of event it is, to how many people you want to invite, to how much money you want to spend. You should consider all your options and pick a setting and a scale for your event that is most appropriate for you. Some people choose to have fewer guests and a more expensive offering; others want to share their celebration with everyone and a slice of cake will do.

Where you decide to hold your event will have an impact on the food you decide to serve. Will it be indoors or out? Will you be eating at a reception center, church, or historic building, at a poolside, golf course, or mountain retreat? Does your setting lend itself to cold or hot food, to food that can be prepared in advance, to catered food, to a buffet or sit-down meal?

If, for example you choose a traditional wedding at a reception center, you might serve tiny ham sandwiches with fresh vegetables and dip. For the most formal occasion, a large-scale buffet with several meats, breads, vegetable dishes, salads, and a variety of desserts might be served. An outdoor reception might lend itself to fruit kabobs, cookies, and clever sandwich wraps.

The style of your wedding will also determine in large part what you serve. For example, your food choices will be much different if you have an elegant black-tie affair than if you choose a backyard reception or a gathering at the beach. A Hawaiian-themed wedding has obvious menu choice, as does your family barbeque. If you want dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant you will be inviting fewer people than if you rent a reception center. If you decide you want a formal dinner the night before the wedding, you should do that instead of a wedding brunch after the ceremony - don't do both. Think through your options and choose the setting, scale, and style for your wedding celebration that appeals to you.

If you are having your wedding at a reception center, their staff will assist you in deciding on the menu you will serve, whether it is for a breakfast, luncheon, dinner, or reception. Check with your reception center regarding the food at the time of booking. You will need to discuss prices, menus, and the number of guests you will be serving. Most often reception centers will provide the food themselves (usually at an additional cost to renting the facility) or have a list of preferred caterers. Most reception centers will not allow you to bring in your own food.

There are few people who have an unlimited amount of money to spend on their wedding. Recognizing the realities of your budget is important as you plan your events. But remember that you need not have a great deal of money to have good taste. You can make wise choices for your food on both a large and a small budget. French vanilla ice cream with a few fresh boysenberries can fit the mood of your wedding as nicely as a grand buffet with shrimp and prime rib. After deciding on the style of wedding you want and the guest list, you can make a tasteful menu on almost any budget.

Popular Wedding Colors

The modern bride has many things to consider from the flowers to the invitations but perhaps the most daunting task is deciding the wedding colors. In the traditional colors, the bride wears white and the groom wears a black tux. But what if you don't want the typical colors? Well, don't worry, a bride can wear whatever color she wants - it is her wedding after all.

Each year, different colors become the norm for a wedding, some range from purples to greens, some have shimmer and some have just plain pastels. So the choices you have to choose from are limited only by what you want and what you will accept. There are many variations in colors that have become popular choices for modern brides choose among.

Yellow and Orange have been popular as both have a bright disposition and can be used easily with many different floral arrangements. Yellow, on one hand, offers bright and sunny features that show a positive attitude and happiness whereas orange, offering a great backing or complimentary scheme to the yellow primary, is good for a very bright and cheerful setting. These work best in the outdoor setting but also can be used inside.

Many variations of yellows are available. Brown also contrasts well with the yellow scheme and can be used very easily with any tone of yellow. This is another color combination that looks really great in an outdoor setting.

A pink wedding may be for you, this shows innocence as well as a loving nature. For the men, you might want to consider a Purple tone because these contrast well together. If you want the darker colors, that is ok. Purple goes well with other colors and so does pink. These will be perfect for a night wedding or even a chapel or church setting. Many flowers and wedding favors can easily be found that will match this type of color scheme.

Blue and Red contrasts work well because they denote a good match as well as the more royal appearance. This can be a good choice and provide a distinctive touch because it is not being used that often . You can match most colors to have a crete good scheme . And you can always have underlying tones of a third color if you want. But speaking of a two-tone wedding, you will want to consider carefully what the pictures will look like when the bridesmaids and groomsmen are in lined up together.

Black has been popular for men's clothing, but if you are a gothic kind of bride, anything goes with black and there are plenty of ways to mix and match. Although the guests may or may not be in black, this color has been in wedding traditions for a long time, just not as much for the bride as the groom. But this is the 2000's, you can have the color of your choice.

25 Things Every Bride Should Do To Stay Healthy Before the Big Day

Despite what most well-meaning bridal advisors will tell you, pre-wedding health is not all about weight loss and psuedo-medical spa treatments. More importantly, brides-to-be should focus on staying healthy with smart choices and good habits. Here we've covered a number of ways to keep your health in tip-top shape before you walk down the aisle.

1. Eat well

An impending wedding is sure to mean lots of celebratory eating and food on the go. Don't let nutrition fly out the window during this important time. Make healthy choices, like opting to drink water instead of soda, and exercising portion control.

2. Take a walk

This low-impact exercise is great for many reasons. It not only helps you clear your mind and relieve stress, but also burns more calories than you'd think. An average bride can expect to burn around 70 calories per mile, an amount that will at least work off a few cake-tasting bites.

3. Practice good posture

For good health in your wedding and beyond, stand up straight. This will not only make you look more attractive and for your walk down the aisle, it will also help prevent injury and promote better back health.

4. Eat some chocolate

By now, you've certainly heard about the health benefits of chocolate. Dark chocolate is good for blood pressure, zapping of free radicals, and a host of other benefits. But don't forget that chocolate also stimulates production of feel-good serotonin, a hormone that can help with stress and ease your moods.

5. Get a head massage

Getting your scalp massaged is a relaxing way to take a break from wedding planning. It also stimulate hair follicl

Wedding expo tailored to same-sex couples

The word for it is lucky. That's how 24-year-old Rosemary Tran felt, wandering around this brand-new wedding world, with event planners and tuxedo rentals and freeze-dried flowers on display.

All those vendors coming together to sell their wares to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Right there, at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. What a wonder, she said, that this kind of thing even exists.

"That it doesn't have to be hidden," she said.

Something new came to town on Sunday for the couple planning a commitment ceremony: a same-sex wedding trade show. The event drew dozens of LGBT couples into a shopping experience commonly designed for the man-woman marriage. It was a first for RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, which has organized wedding expos in other cities, from Boston to San Francisco, for several years.

The landscape of services was similar to other wedding trade shows, with florists and travel experts and credit unions and stationers. But the mood was decidedly more open, with women requesting information on tuxedos, and men asking detailed questions about dinnerware.

"It feels like history being made," said Chad Schafer, 26, a salesman with The Tux Shop.

Schafer made a different kind of history in 2004, when he and his partner were among the thousands of same-sex couples to legally marry in Portland before a ban took effect. In the end, Schafer said, he got a refund check for $60, along with a paragraph-long apology.

"It was crushing," he said.

He had married Matt Huber, 24, a man he met doing charity work, a man who knew him well enough to finish his sentences.

"Like getting so far, and taking a giant step back," said Huber.

Washington state does not legally recognize same-sex marriages, but the couples at Sunday's trade show said they could not, would not wait for the state's seal of approval. Pat and Helena Nagle, of Olympia Floral Preservation, couldn't think of one reason they should.

Pat Nagle, 65, of Olympia, looked at one of his wife's creations, a framed piece with freeze-dried flowers and a photograph inside: two men in tuxedos, with twin turquoise vests, cutting a wedding cake together.
"Those guys aren't any less in love than we are," said Nagle.

Back in 2000, when the founders of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com handed out fliers at LGBT festivals, couples laughed at the idea. It seemed so out of reach. Even now, Massachusetts is the only state to allow gays and lesbians to marry. But other states, including Washington, have fought over the issue in court, bringing it more into the mainstream.

Now the company's expos attract an average of 200 people, officials said. Among those at the Seattle event were Michael and Louis, who declined to give their last names because Michael is in the military, which has a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Complete opposites, they said of each other -- a soldier with a love of order, an artist with a love of the mess. They described Sunday's event as the kickoff to the wedding-planning process, which looked, from the outside, like a long row to hoe.

Late in the afternoon, Louis was absorbed in one event planner's booth, pulled in by a photograph of a candlelit room. He wanted to hire that planner right away and give some bold, simple direction.

"Just replicate that," he said.

But Michael was busy at another booth, across the room, digging into the details.

At the end of the day, when all the wandering was done, they would move on, in time-honored fashion, to the next step: negotiation.

Make Your Wedding With Happy: Online Wedding Dress Shopping!

Make Your Wedding With Happy: Online Wedding Dress Shopping!

Your Wedding Budget : Setting And Sticking To It

Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the chapel? Then set a realistic wedding budget - and stick to it.

In the process of planning a wedding, budget concerns often is a source of disagreement for a couple. They may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford. To make the wedding a truly happy occasion, it is important that the couple discusses financial constraints early.

Set A Budget And save For It

The first tip is - discuss finances before the wedding plans begin. Everyone involved in decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available for the wedding.

To maximize the budget, you should start saving early for your wedding. Advance planning and saving will allow you to maintain or even exceed your budget, comfortably. And that will make wedding planning easier and more fun.

Get Everyone On-Board

Once your wedding budget has been established. Set aside for a few days and then review it again. This gives everyone a chance to let the information sink in. The bbudget review after this waiting period gives the participants a chance to verify that they understand and agree to the budget. This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in 1 area, leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy.

Budget ine Items

When you've decided exactly how nuch money is available for your wedding, the next step is to devide the total into budget categories, such as the avenue, food and drink, bride's attire, groom's attire, tranportation, entertainment, photography, favors,centerpieces, and gifts. It is also advisable to set aside money for unforeseen expenses.

Who Pays

Part of establishing a budget is to be clear on who will pay for what.

Shopping And Negotiating

You will need to negotiate contracts for sevices, and so you must know the budget for each area of the wedding. If you have allotted $250 for entertainment, look for a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, then negotiate to ensure that you remain under budget.

It's wise to shop around and compire prices for services. A company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range. Let them know why you are going to have to choose another company. You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.

Substitute Creativity For Cash

Doing things on your own is another way to stay under budget. Homemade invitations or making your own favors or centerpieces can greatly reduce the wedding cost. Freeing up funds for other areas of the wedding.

Do not fall into the trap o viewing your budget as restrictive. Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focis on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique. You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints.

Anticipate The Unforeseen

Realize that there ara bound to be snags along the way. If you go over budget in 1 area, you will need to cut the budget in another area. As long as you stay aware of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you can roll with the punches and alter your plans to accommodate any needed changes.

Make It A wonderful Memory

A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship. It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans. Doing this early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding. It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on positive note.

After all, working together is what a marriage is all about.

Wedding Video Tips

Some of the same considerations involved in selecting a photographer for your wedding photos also apply to choosing the right videographer. Wedding video, however, is a newer art than wedding photography, and the two forms of preserving your memories canot really be lumped together when shopping for these professional services.

Nowadays, nearly has a home video camera, and the quality of pictures theey produce is quite good; better, in fact, than professional equipment could turn out just a few years ago. This has led many people to neglect the importance of using a professional videographer to record one-in-lifetime events. Yes, your friend Bob's nifty new handy-dandy super camcorder can turn out some pretty good-looking stuff, but if you depend on friend Bob to provide your wedding video, you are setting yourself up to be sdly disappointed.

First of all, Bob's new camera, while quite snazzy, still will not be up to the level of equipment the serious professional videographer will bring to your wedding. When shopping for video, ask the videographr to explain to you what a 3-chip camera is, and why it makes better video than a home camcorder. Also ask him about the various tape formats used by the pros…SVHS, HI8, Betacam, and get him to explain the advantages of these over standard home formats. Oh, and wouldn't it be nice to have great sound quality on your video, so you can actually hear your wedding vows, and your music? Chances are pretty good that friend Bob won't own the sophisticated wireless microphones the professional uses to record even a whisper.

Ever sat and watched Bob's 6-hour production of Little Boby's Birthday Party? This brings us to one of the areas where the pros really excel, editing. No, editing is NOT "cutting out" or throwing away any of your wedding video. Editing is an almost magical process whereby the professional videographer refines and assembles the pictures he carefully gathered at your wedding into a polished, pleasing record of your wedding day. Every videographer has his own style, and there are as many types of wedding videos available as there are videographers. Look at lots of sample videos, find the videographer with a style that pleases you, and with a personality you can be confortable with for six or eight hours on your wedding day.

After your wedding is over, all you will have to help you remember a very important day will be you wedding photos and your wedding video. Select these professionals with care and you'll never be sorry!

Wedding - Wedding Plan - Wedding Planner Tools - Ten Essential Tips

Getting married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day. Image…It is your wedding day. Your very own wedding day! It will be fun.

Here are ten essential steps that will make the preparation fun too.

1. Keep within your financial limits. Bugt your wedding. You do not want to start your wedding married life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a "wedding to remember" will be yours.

2. Now Visualize. That's right, visualize. Close your eyes and look at tasks at hand. The list may SEEM overwhelming but it isn't.

3. Don't try do everythin all at once. Start by gathering information, Use the Net to gather ideas from around the world. Make anextensive list of "things you LIKE", "things you WANT" and "things you MUST HAVE" (see the difference?)

4. Now you are ready to make a Top Ten (or top eleven or twelve) list.

5. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish. Use categories like…Before the wedding - During the wedding - After the wedding.

6. Now use sub categories. Include ideas for related events such as, showers, receptions, and honeymoon.

7. It is YOUR wedding. It reflects YOU. No one should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. You may seek advice, ideas and wisdom but in the end each final decision is yours.

8. What this means is don't be shy! Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement, help and ideas from those you believe will be an asset.

9. Add your personal touches. For example; if you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.

10. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. A personal touch makes a wedding meaningful to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.

In summary, your wedding is a serious moment for declaring your love and commitment to each other. Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Fill it will cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the journey. Perhaps, the memories and keepsakes may stay with you forever. Treasure them! And may you have a Happy, Happy day!

Unercover Las Vegas Wedding Invitations Operation Unveiled

VegasWdlock is an online magazine dedicated to Las Vegas brides that provides Las Vegas wedding tips and trick, but recently, they have revealed a secret kept undercover for months.

VegaWedlock recently unveiled an additional Web site to sell massive amounts of Las Vegas themed wedding invitations designed exlusively bt professional graphic designers for the Las Vegas bride.

The web site will now be the largest retailer of Las Vegas themed wedding invitations in the world.

The invitations were secretly designed by professional graphic designers who were told not to leak the information about the new Las Vegas invitations to anyone.

The new site, www.VegasWedlock.com, is easy to navigate and a user can quickly see the wide variety that Las VegasWedlock has available. With over 50 exclusive Las Vegas wedding invitations designed already, VegasWedlock's designers are creating more each month and wil continue until they reach will over a thousand.

Within the Las Vegas wedding invitations already designed, VegasWedlock has styles to satisfy any bride and groom's state. They have informal, formal and contemporary invitations along with new collections that they call "holiday" and "location"

The "location" collection includes places that couples often get married in Las Vegas like the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and more. The "holiday" collection has holiday dressed invitations with a Las Vegas touch as well.

While VegasWedlock is the only organization in the world to sell rhese Las Vegas wedding invitations, they are willing to work with affiliates and hel spread the Las Vegas themed wedding invitations to other sites as well.

"We have seen a high demand for Las Vegas themed wedding invitations and want the brides and grooms getting married in Las Vegas to find these invitations easily, without a lot of hassle, "the publisher of VegasWedlock said.

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Symbols

Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as 40th and 60th are linked to precious stones, in these cases ruby and diamond; and that the 25th and 50th anniversaries are linked to precious metals; silver and gold. However, it is less well known that all anniversaries up to and including the 15th, and they every 5th anniversary, have their own particular symbol. So, if you are looking fo a present for your spouse to commemorate your wedding anniversary, you can now buy something appropriate. However, if it your sixth anniversary, I doubt wheather a bag of sugar or a candy bar will be quite enough! The list below shows the symbol traditionally associated with each anniversary.

ANNIVERSARY

1st - Paper
2nd - Cotton
3rd - Leather
4th - Books
5th - Wood
6th - Sugar, candy
7th - Wool, cooper
8th - Bronze, pottery
9th - Pottery, willow
10th - Tin, aluminium
11th - Steel
12th - Silk, linen
13th - Lace
14th - Ivory
15th - Crystal
20th - China
25th - Silver
30th - Pearl
35th - Coral
40th - Ruby
45th - Sapphire
50th - Gold
60th - Diamond
75th - Diamond

The silver (25th) and Golden (50th) Anniversaries appear to be the most traditional. In Central Europe going back hundreds of years a man would present his wife with a silver or golden garland to mark the occasion of their anniversary.

The other materials have been added to the list more rencently, and there is now more modern list which incorporates the missing years 16 - 19. Amazingly, a ten carat diamond has been added for a 100th Wedding Anniversary! How many couples will get that far?

The traditional version is still preffered by most people.

Top 5 Wedding Favors and Why

What are the top five wedding favors and why ?

At most weddings, the bride and groom will offer some type of small memento as a note of appreciation to family and friends, more commonly known as wedding favors. As you will discover in this article, the type of favors are widely varied but there are some that are considered better choices than others. Remember, wedding favors do not have to be expensive. In fact, this type of gift can be something homemade. If you want to go all out, that is certainly fine, bt it is also not necessary. The focus of the wedding favors is to let people know you are greatful for their assistance with your wedding and/or reception or that you are just honored they showed up. To help you get started, we have provided you with the top five wedding favors.

Food

One of the most popular types of wedding favor is food, simply because most people love to eat. A wonderful option that is easy and inexpensive to make would be purchase small black favor boxes and then line them with white tissue paper. Place Oreo cookies or dark chocolate coverd peanuts inside and then tie the box off with white and red ribbon. Watch everyone enjoy the beautiful box but even more, the delicious goodies inside. This is a every nice choice for both informal and formal weddings.

Flower Plant

The second of the top five wedding favors is a fresh plant or flower seeds. With this, you can get as creative as you want. Acouple of ideas that work very nice is placing a miniature plant or cacti in sa small terra cotta planter. To make this more personalized, the women (and men) in the wedding party could get together for lunch to embellish the pots with ribbon, craft paint, lace, and so on. You could also choose a simple glass container, add three different seed packages, and punch a hole through the upper corner of all three to tie together with ribbon. These are appreciated because once planted, they are a constant reminder of your cherished event.

Fragrant Soap

For the third of the top five wedding favors, you might also consider fragrant soap or vitive candles. For soap, this is a lovely wedding favor to place in hotel rooms of out-of-town guests. You can purchase all of the supplies at local hobby or craft stores and then purchase your fragrant of choice such as lemon grass, watermelon, sandalwood, white ginger, etc. If you prefer, you can purchase pre-made soap or buy glycerin and molds to make your own. As an extra romantic touch, look at mold designs such as wedding bells, hearts, bubble designs.

Candles

Now for fourth of the top five wedding favors, you can never go wrong with votive candles, enjoyed by both men and women. This type of wedding favor can again be purchase through a hobby or craft store or on the internet. If you prefer, you can crate your own candles, which involves melting wax, adding color and fragrance, and then pouring ito approved glass jars. Choose several coordinating colors if you like and for the simple yet elegant glass jars, add decorative touches such as flowers, ribbon, or trinkets attached with hot glue.

Pewter

Finaly, the last of the five top wedding favors would be pewter or silver. You will find many wonderful choices such as picture frames, paperweights, and bottle openers. With this type of gift, you will probably pay a little more but this is a nice gift for a more formal wedding, affluent group list, or members of the bridal party. Remember, you can choose from hundreds of wedding favors to include miniature bottles of wine, stationary with last name and wedding date, golf balls and tees for the sports enthusiasts, and the list goes on and on. Whether you go with bubbles to be blown as you and your new spouse leave the church to creative miniature baskets filled with candles, candy or Jordon's almonds and everything in between, the key is to choose wedding favors that coordinate with your wedding but that are also special for your type of guest list.

Planning Wedding

One of the most jouous occasions in life is a wedding, a time when two people in love exchange an exciting time of lif, planning a wedding is also a very stressful time. For that reason, many people have discovered the benefits of hiring a professional coordinator to ensure everything comes together as it should. In this article, we are providing you with the top five reasons for hiring a wedding planner so you can enjoy your wedding with much less stress.

Stress-Free

The number one reason for hiring a wedding planner is to dramatically reduce the level of stress. Every wedding, even the best planned will have challenges. Unfortunately, when the bride and/or groom are the ones trying to handle all the obstacles along with everything else, they feel completely overwhelmed and suddenly, the enjoyment of wedding planning is out the dor. With a professional planner, they supervise all of the events associated with your wedding so you no longer have to sweat the small (or big) stuff. That means everything from the delivery of the flowers, to the set up of the cake, the limos arriving on time is taken care of for you.

Creativity

A good wedding planner will have been in the business for years. Because of this, they have coordinated hundreds of weddings and can take ideas to share with you for your upcoming wedding. That’s means instead of a wedding cake that is three layers of chocolate, you could end up with something tropical, one layer pina colada cake, one of red raspberry, and a third of coconut cream. The point is that by hiring a wedding planner, your ideas can be expouned on, enhancing your wedding.

Precise Detailing

For all weddings, there are so many small details than often, thigs get overlooked. One of the frustrations for the bride and groom is trying to maintain all of those details so the wedding goes off without a hitch. An experienced wedding planner knows all about the small details and has an outstanding ability of keeping track of them. He or she would sit down with the bride and/or groom and go over each aspect of the wedding, covering every possible angle so nothing is missed.

Insider Information

A huge benefit in hiring a wedding planner is that they know who the best of the best is. If you want a DJ, they can provide you with several top choice. If you want a catered meal, they can tell you exactly which caterer serves fabulous food at an affordable price, or if you want a horse drawn carriage to take you to the reception, they know who to call. For you, that means no time is wasted making phone call after phone call, only to walk away frustrated and empty handed.

Discounts

Finally, hiring a wedding planner is an excellent idea I you want to save money. Because these professionals have connections with all types of people in the wedding industry, they can typically pass on excellent discounts to you. Keep in mind that does not effect the quality of the service, just the price.

The Wedding Planning Timeline

The first thing that needs to be considered when planning the ultimate wedding is how much time you will give yourself for the planning. In essence; this means what day that you will set the date of the wedding.

This may sound like a trivial matter, but it really is important because it willl let you know what the time limit is for making your wedding preparations.

Some weddings can take up to 3-4 months to prepare for and plan. This is pretty typical; depending on how big you are planning for your wedding to be and how fancy etc.

If you are not giving yourself more than a month, then planning is naturally different. Because of the differences in the time that you are giving yourself to planning the wedding, it is best to give the best planning methods and you may use them or not use them as they apply to your case.

One of the most important factors that go with planning a wedding is determining who you will be delegating specific duties to. For example, if you are terrible at choosing flowers, who will you assign to do it for you?

It is always best to try to give different duties to others so that you will not be overwhelmed by them yourself. Let's take a look at some of the various duties that you can hand out:

Catering: Who do you believe would be the best person to handle all of the arrangements for the food and drink at your wedding?
Invitations and seating arrangements: This person will be addressing and mailing out invitations and making sure that people are seated in a fashion that ensure everyone's mutual confort and enjoyment
Decorations for wedding and reception includes center pieces
Rehearsal dinners etc
Music and/or DJ
Brides maid and groomsmen gifts and favors
Gowns, and tuxedos
Bridal showers/bachelor parties etc

All of these things are usual haves when it comes to a wedding, unless of course, you opt not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen in the wedding. All of these things can be murder to try to do on your own as well.

That’s is why you have to get in touch with people who are capable of taking over some of the menial jobs for you. All of these things seem small at first, but they can quickly add up to quite a bit of money when they are all combined together.

After you have delegated the responsibilities, you should next set a specific time period to have all of the tasks completed. Creating a to-do list and time sheet is a great way to do this. That way, when all of the tasks are finished you can easily check them off.

You should set up specific times and days to discuss the progress of things as well, just in case things are not going so well. In doing this you will be able to help make sure that all things are running smoothly.

You might be wondering what happens when you have done all this and are ready to get starte. First of all, you have to be willing to follow the general wishes of the couple to be wed; that is unless you are the couple and are planning your own wedding.

When planning a wedding on budget you have to lower your requirements just a bit. For example, you can't try to have to filet mignon if you are throwing the wedding on a fish stick budget. I have broken down the various aspects of the wedding planning to the last details so that you will get a beter idea of what I mean.

Ideally, you would want to have at least a year to plan the wedding, but that is not always possible or desired. For the purposes of this guide, I have set up a 12 month wedding timeline that will certainly make it a little bit easier to host your wedding.

12 months before your wedding day :

Announce the engagement
Set your wedding date
Create a budget
Hire a Wedding Coordinatior (optional)
Create your guest list
Start brainstorming ideas and themes
Reserve your ceremony spot
Book an Officiate
Make reservations for your Reception area
Boook a Photographer and Videographer
Book Caterer, Florist and Music (Band, DJ, etc)
Look for a Wedding gown and Tux, allowing time for alterations and fittings
Register for gifts
Select and call the bridesmaids and groomsmen
Agree on a date to order bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmens' tuxes
Choose a destination for your Honeymoon
Apply for passports, if required

6 months before your wedding day :

Finalize youe guest list
Decide on timeline and details of Ceremony and Reception
Order/make invitations, and thank you notes
Make airline and hotel reservations for the Honeymoon
Choose a caterer, a florist and place an order for the wedding cake
Book Transportation (Limo, Antique Car, etc) for wedding day
Shop for any Party rentals

3-4 months before your wedding day :

Mail out/hand deliver invitations
Confirm wedding details and contracts will all wedding vendors
Choose gifts for our attendants
Set a date and time for the rehearsal dinner
Help make travel arrangements for any out-of-town guests
Make final alterations and fittings for the Wedding Gown and Tux
Set time with your Photographer for the Bridal Portrait or Engagement shoot

1 month before your wedding day:

Apply for the marriage licence
Buy your wedding bands
Finalize music list and no-play list with band or DJ
Attend showers
Make insurance arrangements

1-2 weeks before your wedding day :

Schedule the rehearsal a day or two before your wedding day
Make an appointment with a Beauty Salon for day of wedding
Send a wedding announcement to the local newspapers (optional)
Make necessary arrangements for name & address change, if any
Discuss final details with the reception Site and the Caterer
Pack for Honeymoon
Write out all check needed for wedding day
Send reminders to the rehearsal dinner attendess about the location & time
Discuss final details of the ceremony and reception with family and bridal party

Wedding day or day before :

Visit your Beauty Salon for manicure and pedicure
Host the rehearsal and dinner
Make sure the ushers have the final guest list

Some Advice for Buying Cheap Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a must have for many brides. Ideas for wedding favors that are not too expensive can run a bit short at times.

Some people find that items like personalized magnets are a good at $1-$2.50 each. That is a pretty good deal. When you shop for them online, sometimes you can find them for as cheap as 50 cents each. Personally decorated candles are a great idea. You can even carve you candles and then paint the carved area to match yor theme.

Here are some more wedding favors ideas :

 Bookmarks are cheap to make and easy to print on your own home computer.
 Personalized shot glasses with Hershey's kisses in them from Mr. And Mrs. Are fun and can run as cheap as $2.15 each for 150 of them
 Wrapping white spruce trees are a great and unique idea that will cost approximately 50 cent each
 Personalized mint tins are a great idea cost about $1.50 per person
 You can get heart shaped wine stoppers in various colors with personal engravings on them for about 75 cents each

The fact of the matter is that no matter what you hoping to use as a wedding favor, the choices that you have are really only as limited as your creativity.

It is really important that when you are looking into your wedding favors that you realize that they are not the same as centerpieces or bridal party gifts.

Wedding favors are generally given to the entire guest list at a wedding; whereas bridal party gifts are only given to those who are attendants in the ceremony.

Really fun wedding favors are those that are created from your favorite treats. For example, Hershey's kissed bouquets or chocolate heart bouquets are great as well. The wedding favors are simply meant to say thanks to your guests.

They do not have to be expensive and can run as little as 50 cents per person when you shop around. Buying your wedding favors online can help you find the best deals out there.

Save Money On Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of your life and you've probably been dreaming about it since you were about 12 years old. The dress you choose is ultimately going to be what people look at and remember about your wedding. That being said, you want to find the perfect dress that will make your guest's and husband's jaws hit the floor when you walk down the aisle. Are you thinking that may be unrealistic with your wedding budget? Think again! We have some of the best shopping tips in order to help you save money on your wedding dress. This way you can enjoy your wedding while maintaining a reasonable wedding budget.

1. Shop Around - Don't assume the first dress you try on is going to be the best deal or look the best on you. There arre many dresses to try.

2. Discount Bridal Salons- Discount bridal salons often have sales of up to 75% off (especially on last year's merchandise) which can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you hear of a discount sale, make sure you know what you are ooking for since many women go crazy at these events and dresses are often gone in a matter of minutes.

3. Have Someone Make Your Dress - If you have a talented friend or family member who you trust to make your wedding dress for you, you can save an enormous amount of money and still have a great dress for your big day.

4. Look on the Internet - the Internet is a great place to search and explore the many options of styles for your dress and you are guaranteed to find dresses which do not cost a fortune.

5. Bridal Salons - normal bridal salons (as opposed to discount) sometimes have sales which offer around 30% off last years menrchandise. The salons near where you live are definitely worth looking into.

6. Borrow or Rent - Some women cringe at the thought of borrowing or renting a wedding gown, but others may not take it as seriously. Wedidng dresses are really only worn for one day and renting or borrowing can really save you a lot of money.

7. Seamstresses - Contact a seamstress and ask for quote. It's unlikely that a seamstress is going to charge you as much as a bridal salon. If you do this, make sure to ask about their experience in this area or past brides who can contact. This willl ensure they are reputable and there won't be any "mishaps" with your dress.

Finding the perfect wedding dress is important, but paying a ridiculous amount for one dress can be a waste of your money. Finding the perfect wedding dress for the perfect price, now that's a wedding dream come true!

Planning a Successful Wedding

I you decided to have traditional church wedding then your order of wedding service will normaly run something like this.
Firstly you will usually meet with your local church minister and discuss the different options for your order of wedding service. An order of wedding service might include just the words of the hymns, or just the major parts of the service. This helps your guests to follow the order of wedding service proceedings so they know what is happening and save them from having to refer to hymn books (particularly if they are not religious people) during the service.

On your wedding Day the ushers should generally be the first to arrive so that they can give out orders of service to arriving guests and then show people to their seats.

The groom and his best man should also arrive early to ensure they arrive in plenty of time to allow for their photos to be taken before the service. The bridesmaids will then arrive and should wait outside for the bride. If in a church, the bells start to ring and the bride and her father generally arrive a few minutes before the service to allow for photographs taken and for the chief bridesmaid to have a chance to arrange the dress and train and organise the other bridesmaids for entry into the wedding sevice.

When the bride reaches the front the groom and best man should take their places on the bride's right. The bride then hands her bouquet to her chief bridesmaid to her left. After the entrance of the bride, there is usually a hymn, followed by readings and an address from the minister. The vows are taken and then the best man passes the rings to the groom or he can give them to the minister on the face of the prayer book and he will offer them to the bride and groom.

The minister may then say a prayer and the congregation may sing a hymn, followed by a final blessing. The bride and groom follow the minister to go and sign the register, usually followed by their parents and the bridesmaids and best man. While the register is being signed and witnessed by two adults, a choir may sing or the organist may play some music. When the formalities are finished, the bridal proccesion leaves the church as follows: bride and groom , small attendants, chief bridesmaid and best man, bride's mother with groom's father and then groom's mother with bride's father.

The order of sevice will run quickly and usually runs far smoother than anyone expects when they are first putting the order of service together.

It's the Heart (and heat) of the Wedding Season - Sun & Heat Protection during an Outdoor Wedding

So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under the sun amidst the lake, ocean or beach. Are you sure have considered all the aspects of an outdoor wedding? Did you consider the fact that you and your guesta are going to be outside for many hours throughout the day in the beating hot sun? Some people worry so much that it's going to rain or be cold that they completely forget to prepare themselves for the sun and the heat. The last thing you want is for you or your guests to be burnt for pictures and leave the wedding early because they are sun-fried. So here are some sun protection tips to keep in mind whether you're the bride, groom or guest at an outdoor wedding :

1. Do not tan in a salon or outdoor prior to the wedding. Tanning of any sort is bad for your skin and can cause peeling right before the wedding.

2. If you want to get the outdoor tanned look, opt for self-tanning products that will give you the same effect without harming your skin. There are many lotions and foams that work wonders on the skin.

3. Make sure you apply sunscreen numerous times throuhhout the day. Encourage your guests to do so as well. Indicate on the invitation that the wedding is outdoor and remind them to bring sunscreen. Here's an idea-hand out small decorative bottles of sunscreen as an early wedding favor for your guests.

4. Try and avoid the sun as much as possible between the hours of 10am and 4pm. The sun's rays are strongest at these times. Perhaps it's a good idea to get pictures closer to the morning or early afternoon, before anyone is too tired (or burnt) from the sun.

5. Pack (and tell your guests to pack) cover-ups, shawls, wraps and hats for protection against the heat of the sun. Shawls are perfect for covering up your shoulders since they are a prime area for burns.

6. The coordinatior of the wedding should ensure there are tents and umbrellas for shade. This is very important because spending the entire day in the sun with no shade can cause heat exhaustion and be harmful to your health.

7. Finally, make sure there is plenty of water for you and your guests. There's nothing worse than being hot and thirsty. Lack of water can cause dehydration which can be very dangerous for you and your guests. Have water coolers setup in different areas so they are easily accessible for everyone.

Keep in mind the precautions listed above. It will ensure that your wedding goes smoothly fo you and your guests. After all, it is the most important day of your life and you don't want to take any chances of something ruining your special day!

How To Have A Fairytale Wedding On A Sensible Budget

Congratulations! So now that you both have agreed to take the big step and get married - the excitement of a long and happy life together lays ahead for your both.

So now comes the fun of planning the wedding, the big day, the main event! The most important part of the planning is setting the budget. Did you know the average wedding costs $19,000? So you need to set your budget carefully and stuck to it. If you over run, ven a little it could cost you thousands of dollars.

Set your budget very carefully - nobody wants to spend every last nickel they have on their wedding yet every couple dreams of the perfect wedding. Gone are the days of parents footing the bill for the wedding, in fact 4 out of 5 couples today pay for their own weddings. So that probably means you are.

Fortunately there are many things you can do to have your dream wedding without breaking the bank. But be prepared for the hard sell! Every vendor out there just loves it when a newly engaged girl walks into their store - they start seeing the dollar signs! Make sure you shop around and get at least 3quotes for each service - you will be surprised how much they vary.

Also do not be afraid to negotiate with the vendors. If you find a florist you just love but they are $1000 more expensive - then talk them. Maybe tell them you just adore their work but thet are a little too expensive - ask them what they could do to make the price fit within your budget.

Additionally be very careful when telling any vendor the budget your have for their service. Somehow all the photographers will quote you $1500 when you tell them you budget is $1500! Ask them their price first. If they try to tell you they have many packages ask them what their most popular price point is. It also doesn't hurt to let it slip that you will be visiting some of their competitors as well!

Finally don't forget this is supposed to be FUN! Your wedding day WILL be wonderful, sure there will be some hiccups, but trust me, in the end it will go off wonderfully if you just apply a little planning and commonsense.

Enjoy your life together!

Getting Your Wedding Invitatons Sent

It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have a large or a small wedding; you still have to send out invitations. For larger wedding parties, you should buy your invitations at bulk party stores, or wedding warehouses in order to get the best buy for your money.

Of course, you can always choose to make your own invitations which is also nice and unique.

Common homemade invitations are often made up of tissue paper over white regular paper, and decorated colore paper. When it comes to wedding invitations, some people even use calligraphy to hand craft their invitations and it adds a nice elegant touch to your invitations.

When you hand ake your invitations, there are no limits to what you can to do to them or what add-ons that you can use. The most popular additions to hand made invitations are :

 Photos of the happy couple
 Artful calligraphy accents
 Paper flowers
 Poems, verse and prose
 Rhinestones and/or sequins
 Gold or silver model car paint for accent

Not everyone has the know how to create hand made specially invitations, and if you would prefer to buy yours, you can easily find good bargains on them if you go to a wedding warehouse or a party warehouse.

Most places offer discounts when you buy items in bulk and this is great if you are planning to have a larger wedding of 50 or more guests. Invitations do not have to break your bank account, but they do have to be there.

You can also save money on invitations if you personally deliver as many of them as possible rather than sending them trough them mail.

You can also hand certaion invitations to friends and family members to pass along for you to those who they see more often than you do.

You can also hand cetain invitations to friends and family websites if you have one or in the newspaper and only send invitations to those who do not have access to the internet.

Don't Forget To Plan For Wedding Favors In Your Budget

Wedding favors are small, inexpensive gifts or souvenirs that you present to your guests as a way of saying "thank-you for attending our wedding celebration". It has become customary to give something in return to your guests that they can keep as a memory of your special day.

Favors don't have to be large or expensive. Some are elegant, some are practical and some are just plain fun. Choose a favor that reflect your wedding theme in some way. Many favor ideas can easily be interchanged with various themes just bt substituting a decoration or color on the favor.

Budget For The Cost of Wedding Favors

When planning out your wedding budget, be sure to allot about 3% of your money toward favors. Make sure you know the approxmate number of guests that will be attending your reception, then you will be better able to estimate the maximum amount of how much each favor can cost. The fewer guests that you have, the more expensive your favors can be, if you so choose.

When making or buying any favors, keep in mind the color scheme of your wedding and use ribbons, tulle, flowers, et. Decorations that reflect your wedding colors.

Once the favors are completed, attach personalized favor tags that have your names and wedding date printed on them. You can use paper tags or monogrammed ribbons that you either.

Create yourself or purchase from a vendor. Some couples also add a small saying to their tags as well.

Delight Your Guests With Unique and Creative Favors.

Wedding party favors are only limited by your imagination, so mix and math, and have fun creating youe own unique bridal favors.

Destination Weddings

Every bride wants her wedding to be one-of-a-kind> Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.

A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out a cross the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin woth, why not choose an exotic location an turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone?

Location, Location, Location…
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your "to do" list. This day should be perfect from start to finish-that is why finding the right place should be first on your "to do" list. The place where you and your fiancée will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Weather you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.

One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.

Helpful Tip - send invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans.

Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. Amercan Airlines has a special wedding desk (1-800-545-8193) and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.

Helpful Tip - Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.

According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20% of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combinig your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.

If possible, hire a wedding coordinatior at your location (check references) and visit if possiblr beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test-drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and "try them out." If couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.

Before you go be sure to check on local marriage licience laws and any paperwork you will need to bring - visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back-up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season.

Most bride choose an informal style wedding dress for destination weddings because they are easier to pack and wear. Many designers are offering bridal gowns made from light, easy to wear fabric like chiffon and silk crepe that are perfect for an island wedding. Ask your local bridal salon for additional ideas and on how to pack your gown for travel. Many of the resorts may have ironing services or they may be able to recommend a pressing service. If traveling to Europe, ask for a local tailor shop.

The Groom's Attire

For the groom, a popular option is the all-ivory or all-white tuxedo. Some of today's hottest tuxedo styles are designed in non-traditional styles and shades.

Whatever location you choose for your wedding, remember to take time to enjoy the day!

Choosing the best sites for your wedding and reception

The perfect wedding day has been pictured in your mind and dreams almost entire lifetime. If you're like most, you may already have a vivid picture of how you want your wedding and reception to look even down to the last detail such as wich flowers are going to be included in your flower arrangements and décor. But did your daydreams and imaginings include where you want to the sacred events to take place where you are going to celebrate your union with family and friends?

If not, there ara few things to keep in mind selecting the perfect spot to hold your wedding and reception: budget, amount of guests, theme and type of wedding, and whether or not you want your ceremony and reception at the same location.

Let's start with the budget first. By keeping in mind your budget throughout the whole decision making process, you can prevent heartache in the end. Suppose you found the perfect dream wedding spot only to learn that you could not possibly afford to hold your wedding there? Likely if you chose to have youe ceremony in any other spot it would pale in comparison and be a disappointment when compared with the one you couldn't swing.

On the other hand, what if you threw caution to the wind and indulged in the more expenxive site? In thiscase, you might become bitter about your wedding day then the bills start to pile up or when you have to for go your honeymoon to cover the costs. These two scenarios illustrate why is very important to evaluate the cost before investigationg any particular wedding or reception site. If it's over your budget, don't even look at it.

Your theme and type of wedding are also very important when choosing the perfect spot for your wedding nuptials. If you are having an informal country wedding, it would not make much sense to book an elaborate reception hall. A better choice may be to have an outdoor reception on a farm complete with a bonfire, country band, and wagon rides for the little ones.

If you're just looking for a little inspiraton and a list of great wedding sites to investgate, your local chamber of commerce can supply you with sites, historical and modern, that can be rented for functions such as weddings. This may be a great help when you're trying to find a spot for your wedding that is unique and truly reflects your personality.

Remember, it's your wedding and your dreams. Do not give ain to family pressure or be tempten to take the first place that comes along. Do your homework and you will be guaranteed to realize the wedding of your dreams.

Cheap Wedding Party Gift Ideas

Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored tradition. Depending on the size of your wedding party it can be an expensive one as well. With so much money spent on the wedding ceremony and the reception, this can often be an aspect of the ceremony that you can have hard time in deciding upon because it can be difficult to find inexpensive, original and thoughtful items that will be good enough to express your appreciation to your wedding party.

Here are some great and unique gift ideas that are not expensive:

o Personalized shot glasses
o Personalized candles
o Personally engraved items such as ornaments, plaques etc.
o Personalized musical CD recording commemorating the ceremony and reception music such as bride and groom's songs etc.
o Specially labeled wine bottles commemontaring your special day
o A personalized picture frame of the wedding of the wedding party
o Make your own wine and give a bottle to each gueat
o Make beaded bracelets with you and your couples initials on them and the date of your wedding

These are just some ideas, but you get the general thought on this matter. Of course, there are literally millions of gift ideas that could choose from or create with your own hands.

All you have to do is think about how you would like to say thanks, and what you can afford to do. Here are some other suggestions to help your creative ideas.

Personalized bottle stopper
Personalized magnets
Personalized mini chocolates

A Financial "To DO" List for Engaged Couples

Engagement can be a hectic and overwhelming time for all parties involved. However, by setting a wedding budget and by creating a long-term money-management plan, you can ensure that you will start off on the right foot. Follow these steps for a good marriage preparation :

1. Prepare to merge finances
Discuss your spending and saving habits, your debts and assets and your respective salaries. Be sure that you have a realistic idea of how marriage will affect you both as a couple and as individuals

2. Plan your wedding
Make a realistic assessment of how much you can spend. While the average wedding cost is $15.000, with careful planning you may be able to go lower than that and create memories that will last forever

3. Decide on wheather to have a prenuptial agreement
Prenuptial agreements aren't always necessary. However, if there is a considerable difference in your net assets, it would be foolish not to have one drafted by a lawyer and signed by the necessary parties

4. Merge your money
In the eyes of the law (and creditors), a married couple is sibgle financial unit. This holds true, even for those couples who decide to open joint bank accounts.

5. Go over your taxes
A good accountant may help out in this area. Generally speaking, dual-income families get penalized by tax laws. Evaluate your tax situation and decide if it worth it for both of you to work.

7 Ways To Celebrate Your Wedding Anniversary

Your wedding anniversary is a major event. Prepare for your wedding anniversary celebration in advance so that everythin goes smoothly.

1. start off right. Get up before she does to prepare a quick breakfast. Serve her breakfast in bed. You might want to plan out the menu and buy the necessary things you need to cook a great breakfast the day before your anniversary. Take a shower after that and return to her side. On the other hand, if you are the sort who makes a major mess of the kitchen whenever you cook anything or even when you make a cup of tea, then skip the breakfast in bed part. She might have a fit when she sees the kirchen after that.

2. Present her with a bouquet of roses. Order the roses a day or more in advance and have them delivered right to the door step. She might chide you for wasting money, but she would be secretly very pleased with that romantic gesture.

3. If your kids are still young, book a babysitter in advance. You don't want your night to be ruined by crying babies at your table in the restaurant when you are trying to have a romantic candle lit dinner for two. Do go for a candle light dinner. Just the 2 of you in a favourite restaurant.

4. relax together and take a break from your regular routine. If you both can, take a day's leave from work. Make your arrangements in the office in advance. If you can't try to go home early for a change, so you can spend more time together.

5. Don't forget the anniversary gifts. There is a different gift for each year or marrieage. You might want to go with the traditional or modern gift this anniversary. Check that out at http://www.anniversary-rings.net./wedding-anniversary-gifts.htm

6. Each year, give your loved one a wedding anniversary ring to signify that year of marriage you have just shared together. You can find that perfect anniversary ring at http://www.anniversary-rings.net

7. On your 10th wedding anniversary, have a party. Invite those who are dear to both of you to attend. In the presence of everyone, renew your wedding vows and exchance a pair of wedding anniversary rings, to connemorate the event. Here is more information about the 10th wedding anniversary. http://www.anniversary-rings.net/10th-wedding-anniversary.htm

Bridal Accessories To Complete Your Wedding Look

Bridal accessories are as necessary to complete the bridal look, as packaging is to a wedding gift. The wedding gown would be incomplete without matching wedding accessories.

Here’s a quick rundown of the bridal accessories you want to pay attention to.

* Wedding veils: Other than the wedding gown, the veil is another piece of wedding accessories that shouts – “Here comes the bride!” If you choose to wear a wedding veil, make sure you pick one that suits you and your wedding gown. Veils come in varying lengths. The shoulder length flyaway style is very popular with modern brides. However, the traditional cathedral veil is ultraformal and three and one-half yards long. That is one bridal accessory that makes a statement!

* Headpieces: Generally, headpieces are used to attach the veil in place. Combs, headbands, backpieces and Juliet caps are all popular bridal accessories. These wedding accessories look very beautiful and are decorated with pearls, crystals, beads, lace or even flowers! You can also choose to skip the veil altogether and just wear a headpiece. Tiaras, crowns, half-crowns, wreaths and bunwraps are bridal accessories that don’t need a veil to complete the look.

* Jewelry: The wedding jewelry you wear adds a finishing touch to your bridal outfit. Your engagement ring and wedding band is a given. However, don’t forget about the necklace, earrings and possibly a bracelet. Jewelry is a great way to take care of the something old, new, borrowed and blue. Family heirlooms work really well as bridal jewelry. Also, pearls are classic but diamonds are ever popular too.

* Shoes & stockings: Finding the right shoes to complement your bridal gown can be almost as difficult as finding the gown itself! Comfort should be your top priority when shopping for this bridal accessory since you will be on your feet most of the time. Fabrics like velvet, satin and silk lend a delicate and formal touch to your wedding shoes. Add a bit of embellishment like beads, sequins, pearls or crystals and you’ll feel as special as Cinderella!

* Gloves: Gloves are making a comeback as a bridal accessory, assisted by the increasing preference for strapless and sleeveless gowns. In general the trend is that the shorter the sleeve the longer the glove.

* Handbags: You won’t be carrying this bridal accessory with you all the time. However, it is a good idea to have a small purse on hand to hold small items for touch-ups. Clutches work well.

In general, bridal accessories help complete the wedding look. While your gown makes up eighty percent of your bridal look, it would be left incomplete without complementing bridal accessories. So take the time to accessorize your wedding day outfit, the simple details make will make you all the more stunning.