Weddings - that Special Day

Weddings - that Special Day
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie]Jeff Lakie

Standing in front of all her loved ones, donning an elegant white gown and a radiant smile, the bride smiles at her groom, tears in her eyes, and says, “I do.” The audience feels a rush of excitement, thrilled to be a part of this magic moment. Weddings are magical events.

Over the years, weddings have taken new twists. Veering away from tradition, many couples today choose alternative weddings that will create one-of-a-kind memories to last a lifetime. Numerous resources are available to help couples plan unique weddings, ranging from intimate at-home nuptials to destination ceremonies. Even destination weddings offer a broad range of options.

Today, beach weddings have become very popular. Wedding guests are able to join in the occasion while also enjoying a vacation of their own. Newlyweds stay on to honeymoon at the same spot where they tied the knot. Many resorts offer packages that give couples a more economical wedding option, as well as one that is unique, beautiful, and relaxing.

Other couples choose to plan their weddings in another country, to honor their heritage. A bride with an Irish background, for example, may choose to wed in her ancestors' homeland, complete with traditional bagpipers and Irish dancers. Weddings like this allow the couple to honor tradition while looking ahead to the future and adding a modern twist. Guests and couples alike can indulge in a return to their heritage, learning more about their culture and perhaps digging in to their families' roots.

Some still opt for weddings in Las Vegas. Kitschy as it may be, there is a certain attraction to the little wedding chapels and Elvis impersonators. Certainly these weddings create stories that are worth telling for years to come.

The most important part of any wedding is the vow shared by the bride and groom. Choosing to marry and sharing that moment with loved ones is the most important decision a couple can make. No matter what kind of celebration they choose, or where they decide to tie the knot, weddings are special occasions that are sure to touch the heart of everyone in attendance.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of [http://www.free-wedding-vows.info]Wedding Information a website providing information on [http://www.marriage-vows.info]Weddings

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Beach Weddings

Beach Weddings
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Mclaren] Lorna Mclaren

It is no surprise that more and more couples are choosing to have beach weddings. Most people would list a deserted tropical beach among their ideal locations and beach weddings are seen as the ultimate in romantic events. There have always been many destinations that offer beach weddings to their nationals but now most allow foreigners to enjoy them too.

The vision of those perfect beach weddings may be your choice for your marriage ceremony but it is important to plan every detail to prevent any nasty surprises ruining your big day.

Your first priority should be to ensure that you have the correct paperwork required by your chosen destination. There are many travel companies who specialise in offering tropical beach weddings and it is worth seeking their advice. Remember you need the valid visas too. This can often be overlooked in all the excitement that organising beach weddings can take.

It is also important to consult with your medical practitioner regarding immunisations that you should have before travelling. There would be nothing worse than becoming ill because you neglected to have the correct shots.
Beach weddings can be some of the most magical and memorable ones if you pay attention to the details.

The best advice is to use the services of a professional provider of beach weddings either through your regular travel agent, the country’s consulate or your intended hotel.

Find out more information at [http://www.a1-ourwedding.com] http://www.a1-ourwedding.com where all resources for your [http://www.a1-ourwedding.com] special day are under one roof!

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Wedding Planning Books - Helping You Plan A Great Wedding

Wedding Planning Books - Helping You Plan A Great Wedding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dee_Bovis] Dee Bovis

If you need help planning your wedding, consider buying a wedding planning book. Many couples have turned to wedding planning books because they want to lower their wedding planning stress.

Wedding planning books can you help organize a wedding filled with creative ideas. Even expensive wedding planning books can save you a lot of stress and money. You can avoid paying the big bucks for a wedding planner. With the help of a wedding planning book, you can plan your own wedding and make it a memorable experience for you, your special someone, and your guests.

So, where can you find these useful books? You can go to a bookstore or search the internet. You should find many different wedding planning books. These books can help you make good decisions about your wedding. Also, as you browse the planning books, you'll find ideas that will add flair and creativity to your wedding.

Wedding planning books can help you keep track of all the little wedding details. Let's face it, weddings can be incredibly detailed. With all the things to remember like wedding photography, reception food, invitations, or wedding favors, wedding planning can stress out even detail-oriented couples. Wedding planning books have sections for the different components of a wedding. This helps you stay organized and "in control" of your wedding planning process.

Finally, wedding planning books have ideas that help you save money. These books can guide you in finding an inexpensive wedding reception location. They can show you beautiful yet cheap wedding centerpieces and bouquets. And they can point to wedding flowers that won't break the bank.

Here is a great wedding planning book that is [http://wedplanning.info/] helping couples save 50% on their wedding expenses. Also, visit [http://wedguide.info] http://wedguide.info and learn how to keep your [http://wedguide.info/wedding-planning-on-a-budget-save-money-on-your-wedding-expenses_17/] wedding planning on a budget.

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A Bride's Basic Guide to Wedding Planning

A Bride's Basic Guide to Wedding Planning
By Jeffery Dodd

Every woman desires to have the wedding of her dreams. May it be a garden wedding or a church wedding, every woman dreams to have the most memorable and special wedding that she can have. And why not? It is the event that bonds her with the person she loves. Your wedding should therefore be well planned and necessitates some know how in wedding planning. Here is a basic guide for you in planning your wedding of a lifetime:

Get input from others. Asking the idea of other people is a great idea for a bride to be. Getting input means asking other people about their experiences on their wedding so you will have an idea what and where to look for things you need. Your mother might be able to give you input on where to buy the best and most affordable cake or an older brother might be able to introduce you to a very talented wedding singer. This also goes true with seeking help and assistance especially on your wedding day. You don’t want to stress up yourself on your special day by solving and looking after every thing. You can get the necessary help by assigning friends, relatives, groomsmen and bridesmaid particular tasks and assignments. You may, for example, ask your bridesmaid to see to it that everybody in the bridal entourage arrives on time.

Ask yourself how you would like to look like on your wedding day. This will help you determine the things that you need to look fabulous and beautiful on your wedding. This includes your wedding gown, jewelries, and shoes and make up. Preparing yourself to look beautiful does not only depend on the things that you will buy for yourself but also on how you will look like, say, in a particular design of a wedding gown. This also includes searching for the best jewelries that you can afford and looking for someone who can assist or help you with your make up on your wedding day.

Remember your friends and loved ones. Weddings are special events and it is also the best time where you can share your joys in life to your loved ones. Make a list of the people you want to come on your wedding day. You also have to consider who you want to be part of your bridal entourage. Give out invitation cards weeks in advance to allow your guests to plan or change their schedules. Remember to prepare wedding gifts for your family, and those who assist you on your wedding particularly the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Let these be your token of appreciation for their great help on your wedding.

Whether you wanted a simple or a fabulous wedding event, this guide will help you in preparing for a worry free and memorable wedding day. May your wedding be as special and memorable as you have wanted it to be. Best wishes!

Jeffery Dodd is an accomplished writer who specializes in weddings and celebrations. For more information on wedding band, just visit us at http://weddingband.recreationrally.com

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Create Your Own Wedding Website

Now - this is a new idea!

Has anyone else heard of this - creating a website for your wedding?

They do have some good points.

What do you think?

Wedding Tips Planner:

"Personal Wedding Websites are becoming a necessity for every wedding for many reasons. Including important information eliminates questions that accompanied weddings in the pre - internet era. The stress reducing effect is as beneficial for the guests as it is for the couple.

Take for example, the gift registry. It is considered inappropriate to tell guests where one is registered in the invitation. This results in many phone calls by guests attempting to discover where the couple's gift registry is located. If the guest is not close to the immediate family, they will not know who to call to find out what stores the couple has selected to receive their gifts. This results in another bowl or serving piece that the couple will have to return the day after the wedding.

To avoid this stressful situation for the couple and the guests, couples can include their wedding website address in the invitation (which is completely acceptable according to all wedding etiquette experts). When guests visit the website to see their story, pictures, details, and other important information, they can easily find direct links to their online registries.

Another example of making life easier on the couple and their guests is having the details and maps posted directly on the wedding website where guests can access them anytime worldwide. Without a website, the couple will receive many phone calls about where and when each event is, as well as, 'what's the best way to get there'. The couple can also avoid including extra notes in the invitation to tell out of town guests where hotel arrangements have been made, if they have a wedding website."

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know
By Yochention Saritoh

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither cruising nor they aware about the hidden costs in the cruise. So this cruising tip should help them to prepare about what they need to know before they go for cruising:

1. Book early or late

You will get better deal by booking well in advance of your sailing date or at the last minute. Booking early in advance can save you between 15 to 50 percent and also lock in the cabin category of your choice. If you rather wait to book at the last minute, you will even get a better discount on a ship’s unsold cabin. But of course you will not be able to choose the cabin that you like, whatever is left is available.

2. Drive rather than fly

You could save a lot if you just drive to the nearest port in the city rather than you fly. Nowadays there are more cruises than ever before departing from “close-to home” ports such as Boston, New York, Bayonne (New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.

3. Take a short cruise first

If you are a first-timer cruiser, it is better for you to take short-cruise 3 to 4 days on the weekend. In this case, you will be able to “test the water” before you jump-in to the real cruise. There is a good selection of ships sailing on short cruises to various destinations in the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Riviera and to New England/Canada.

4. Beware of added charges

You have to be prepared for added charges when you are on a cruise. Expenses such as playing in the casinos, alcoholic beverages to photos snapped by the ship’s ubiquitous are not included in your cruise fare. So, travel-smart by preparing your budget in advance when you are going on a cruise. If you must buy something, wait until the final day of the cruise—most of the stores will throw a sale then.

5. From ship to shore- savings on excursions

Perhaps the largest additional cost are escorted shore excursions offered in every port of call ranging in price from $25 per person for a tour by motor coach to as much as $300 for helicopter flight-seeing. For two couples, it is less expensive to hire a cab or rent a car for a day than for each person to join an organized excursion. Also there is no requirement to leave the ship when in port. Some passengers prefer to relax on board and lounge by the pool as the ship is much less crowded after most people have gone ashore. Shore excursions make the most sense when few attractions are within walking distance and local means of transportation are scarce.

Hope that this tip will be helpful for those first-timer cruiser. Bon Voyage!!

Yochention and his wife love to travel and they love to share their knowledge of travelling to couples. Visit their site at http://www.Romantic-Escape.com to get ideas for your next romantic getaways or visit their dating site for Indonesian at http://www.DatingKu.com

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The Castle Wedding Planner

Wouldn't it be fun to be a Princess Bride?

Have you ever thought of having your wedding in a castle?

Well, now there is The Castle Wedding Planner:

"Considering a castle wedding? To help brides, we've written The Castle Wedding Planner, a 225-page guide that covers everything you need to consider when planning a castle wedding. Whether the event involves a domestic or international castle wedding venue or even a Renaissance faire event, this workbook includes timelines, worksheets, questions you MUST ask, and more!"

Getting the Most Out of your Honeymoon

Getting the Most Out of your Honeymoon
By Yolanda Nash

First you will need to figure out your budget. After you have set a budget figure out how many weeks it is until your honeymoon and divide the total cost by the number of weeks and set that much back every week or two weeks whenever you get paid.

Once you have taken your budget into account figure out how much you would like to spend daily on your honeymoon.

Choose all inclusive when picking your destination. Most of the time you will not need any money at all and your meals are included

Hidden costs are everywhere. You need to figure in all the tips, cab rides and all the meals you will be eating.

Go on a picnic. Picnics are cheap and memorable.

The costs of meals can really add up. So set a budget and look for all the deals possible.

Consider mentioning to local restaurants that you have just got married and are on your honeymoon they might throw in a little something extra.

Eat where most tourist do not. Restaurants will charge more around the tourist areas.

Use your credit card whenever possible because most credit card companies will give you the currency exchange rate.

If your buying mementos shop at mom and pop stores they will usually bargain with you.

Most of all just remember some of the best things in life are free.

Yolanda is the owner of Yolandas wedding favors and wedding planner. She enjoys seeing all the different table decorations and wedding party favors that go along with the reception.

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Romantic Honeymoon Planning - Making Of A Perfect Honeymoon

Romantic Honeymoon Planning - Making Of A Perfect Honeymoon
By Michael Douglas

Marriages are made in heaven but honeymoons are planned on earth. Like a marriage is a significant part of life, the honeymoon is an important part of marriage. The honeymoon is to marriage what marriage is to life. One without the other is unnatural and unthinkable. The honeymoon is a very special aspect of newly-married life and holds a special place in one's heart even years later.

Days of labour and planning go into making the marriage ceremonies a success. Even the minutest of details are taken care of. There is planning for every element of the ceremonies.

The venue is planned, the trousseau, the caterer, the jewellery, the beautician, the gifts, the invites, the florist; nobody wants to settle for the second best while planning for the marriage function.

Why then settle for the second best for the honeymoon? A perfect honeymoon also needs proper planning. Many a time, the honeymoon is taken for granted and the couple makes a quick visit to a nearby hill station for a few days. This makes it a mere formality.

Even within one's budget the honeymoon can be made an unforgettable experience if there is proper planning. Here is what you need to do for enjoying a perfect honeymoon.

Decide on the budget:

One should be clear on the budget. There shouldn't be vagueness about it. It spoils the honeymoon. You should also keep a margin of five to 10 per cent extra on the budget, in case your stay extends by a day or two. The budget should include the travelling costs, board and lodging, sightseeing and shopping.

There are a number of destinations that can fall within your stipulated budget. Since the honeymoon is special to both partners, they can share the budget to make their honeymoon more luxurious.

Avoid Postponement:

Except because of unavoidable circumstances, the honeymoon should immediately follow the marriage as the partners crave for each other's company and want to escape the house full of guests. A delay can take away the fun and the spirit of escaping the crowd. So please go for the honeymoon as early as possible - but only after the marriage!

Check "honeymoon packages" with tour and travel agencies:

In case you are not able to arrange for the travel tickets and hotel bookings for any reason consult a good tour and travel agency. Such agencies have many packages available that can fit your taste and pocket.

Go for the destination that will suit the tastes of both the partners:

In a new marriage, both the partners try to please each other and give preference to each other's opinion. This seems sweet but is it all right when you are deciding on the destination for your honeymoon? What if one wants to go to a hill station, whereas the other secretly longs for the beaches? The honeymoon is a special and unique experience for both the partners and the destination should be the one that can offer something to both.

The couple should openly discuss the issue and settle on the programme that meets their taste.

Pack bags before marriage:

Since the days after the marriage are hectic, it is better if the honeymoon bags are packed before the marriage. If the destination is predetermined, then it shouldn't be a problem, since you will know the kind of clothes needed. The boy can pack his bag at leisure and the girl can pack her bag at her parents' place and carry it to her new home.

Before packing, a list of things that you need to carry must be made. This way you will be able to pack all the things that will be required. Last-minute packing is both stressful and exhausting. Who would want to subject oneself to this anxiety just after marriage?

Travel light:

Avoid carrying the things that you will not be requiring. Forget those novels! They are unnecessary weight and, believe me, you will not be getting the time to have your cute nose in a book when you have a new spouse beside you. The more luggage you carry, the more cumbersome it will be for you.

Carry clothes that are both practical and comfortable. Saris, my dear, are not really practical. What if you decide to go horse riding? Well-fitting jeans and trousers look smart and are easy to re-use without washing or ironing. Don't forget to carry a small first-aid kit and the camera to capture those precious moments.

Carry plastic money:

Carrying too much cash is risky and worrisome. Since most of the good hotels and shops accept credit cards, it is smart to carry your credit card or an ATM Debit card. You can always withdraw the cash as and when you need it. Also, avoid carrying too much jewellery. It is an unnecessary risk.

Two's company three's a crowd:

Don't club your honeymoon with other honeymooners. Let it be your special and unique trip. With other couples around, you might not get as much privacy as you are looking for. Politely decline the suggestion and go for the honeymoon all by yourselves.

Don't forget dear friends and relatives:

Remember to buy some knick-knacks for the people dear to you. By doing so you will be remembering them and making them a part of your special time. Don't go for crazy shopping, just some souvenirs will do.

Be loving, don't be judgemental:

A honeymoon is the time when a couple gets some private moments. They will get to know each other from closer angles. There might be some revelations about each other, some opinions, mannerism or habits that might put one off the other.

Don't let this situation exist during the honeymoon. Diffuse the situation as early as possible and avoid bringing up subjects that might upset the other. Talk of the things that cheer up the mood.

Also, show appreciation of the other, be it the way one dresses or walks or behaves. Avoid being judgemental at this stage. An entire lifetime is lying ahead for judgements, opinions, suggestions and improvements.

Remember, good memories will last forever and blossom like a flower in your heart, bad memories will also last forever but will feel like thorns.

So, people, plan your honeymoon well in advance, and make it an astounding success.

Good luck!

Refer Love-Lectures.com for more love relationship tips, marriage advice, dating articles, romantic ideas to keep that spark alive in your love life and relationship.

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Wedding Planning Guide!

Wedding Planning Guide!: "Why do you need a Wedding Planning Guide?

#Looking for piles of practical tips to save you money, so that you aren't in debt to your eyeballs after your wedding?

#Hunting for a complete wedding timeline so that you can keep in control of the whole process?

#Want to avoid unnecessary stress and aggravation with your wedding planning?

#Have you got a busy life already and want to be as efficient with your time as you can possibly be while planning your wedding?

#Are you a wedding planner looking for inspiration and amazing new ideas?

#Or, perhaps you just want the best possible day that you and your groom could possibly have!

Whatever your reasons are, I've designed my cutting-edge Master Wedding Planning Guide with YOU in mind, so that you will get immensely satisfying results FAST..."

Something to Laugh About ...

Funny Weddings Quotes - Funny Quotes about Weddings

Saw a wedding in the church. It was strange to see what delight we married people have to see these poor fools decoyed into our condition, every man and wife gazing and smiling at them.
More funny Samuel Pepys quotes
*** I was the best man at the wedding. If I'm the best man, why is she marrying him?
More funny Jerry Seinfield quotes
*** If it were not for the presents, an elopement would be preferable.
More funny George Ade quotes

karaoke bachelorette party

Does the bride-to-be love watching American Idol?  Does she jump at any chance she gets to perform in local theater?  Is she a regular at the local karaoke bar?  If so, it may be perfect to plan a karaoke bachelorette party.

Bachelorette parties can be anything you want them to be, but above all they should suit the bride.  If she loves to sing, it may be a great option to rent a special Japanese style karaoke room, go to a crowded local karaoke bar, or rent a karaoke machine for an at home singing festival!
Find out more at Easy Bachelorette Parties

Picture-Perfect Cake Topper Ideas

Picture-Perfect Cake Topper Ideas
By Samantha Mitchell

Even if you're new to cake decorating or an engaged couple on a budget, all you need are some basic cake decorating skills or a little time to shop online. You'll soon have a cake that has everyone wanting to take a picture!

The quickest way to gather ideas for creating a cake topper or to find the perfect one to purchase is to window shop the Internet. Search with phrases such as "funny wedding cake topper," "wedding anniversary cake topper," etc. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few examples:

· Hand-blown and spun glass cake toppers. Gold highlighted and sparkly or smooth and sleek, many of these are incredibly beautiful. A cake topper depicting a bride and groom ice-skating on top of a snowflake wedding cake is one of our favorites!

· Silver, gold or Swarovski crystal monograms (and numbers for birthdays and anniversaries)

· Sporty cake toppers can depict a bride and groom aboard a sailboat, riding horseback, roaring away in his and her race cars, and… well you get the picture.

· Humorous cake toppers include figures made in cartoonish likenesses of the betrothed and the popular resin figurines with bride and groom in formal wear acting out titles such as "The Tiff" and "Now I Have You."

· Vintage cake toppers can be quite lovely - and interesting! Check out the reviews of Penny Henderson's book, "Vintage Cake Toppers" at Amazon.com to get an idea of the possibilities.

· Character cake toppers are big hits with young children and brides and grooms. Mickey and Minnie at the altar, Winnie the Pooh and Friends on a child's honey pot, sculpted birthday cake are a couple of examples.

· Fresh fruit (grapes, kumquats, etc.) or sugar-crystallized fruit arranged in an extravagant display can make a pretty picture! (Use whole fruit so there's no danger of juice running into your icing).

· Castles – the sky's the limit here! Your castle cake topper can be the top of a sculpted castle cake or a glass, fairy castle. Castle cake toppers are often requested for wedding and birthday cakes, as well as special theme cakes such as renaissance.

· Here's a real attention grabber - a topsy-turvy cake with a cake topper that teeters over the edge. For example, a teapot with dormouse on a Mad Hatter cake or two figurines depicting mountain climbing bride and groom.

· Miniature toys. Here's another simple way to make an amazing cake topper. One idea is to place a rotating doll stand on top of a tiered or stacked birthday cake. Then add a cute toy train, such as Thomas, or a carousel with pretty white horses in pink halters, and your cake will be a big hit

· Polymer clay cake toppers can add a great deal of meaning, fun or both to a cake. You can find companies online that create them in realistic likenesses of the bride and groom sharing an activity (ballroom dancing, golfing, you name it!) You can also find generic but adorable ones, such as the hula bride and groom at in Rebecca Russell's "Round Head" collection at
http://www.rebeccarusselltoppers.com/brides_and_groom.htm

· Flowers - place a bouquet of white lilies, beautifully molded with gum paste or a bouquet of real orchids on top of the cake and then add a few around the cake (using flower spikes), some pretty borders, and you'll have an amazingly beautiful cake.

Here's a tip for using flowers as a cake topper. Take into consideration the size of the cake. Tiny flowers can be used on a large cake, but if used on their own, they’ll be lost. Conversely, large flowers like bird-of-paradise will dwarf a smaller cake. Also, as with any cake topper, consider the style and formality of the event. Daisies are more casual than roses, while stephanotis can swing either way.

Here are a few ideas for flower cake toppers:

· With a bouquet of flowers on top of the cake, arrange a few clusters of flowers here and there on the lower tiers as if a few blossoms have gracefully fallen from the bouquet.

· A gum paste plumeria or orchid lei encircling bride and groom figurines.

· Adorn your cake only with edible (non-poisonous) flowers, being sure that the flowers are also pesticide-free.

Many of these cake topper tips come from "Cake Decorating Made Easy!" Here's what one reader said about our Video Books:

"I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys baking, decorating and the feeling of accomplishment when everyone crowds around your cakes for a closer look."

Joanne Robitaille, Windsor, Ontario, Canad

If you've enjoyed learning about the visual and symbolic effects of cake toppers, check out our article on Decorated Cakes!

And here's one more cake topper tip: Be sure that your cake topper is positioned well on the cake. Use an ornament base or a plate underneath a cake topper so it won’t sink into the cake. Attach small decorations to the cake or plate with royal icing and/or flower spikes.

For more great cake decorating tips, along with free step by step videos (from the "Cake Decorating Made Easy!" Video Books), sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.CakeAnswers.com today!

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The Secret to a Great Marriage

The Secret to a Great Marriage
By Nily Glaser

You too can have a happy, fulfilling Marriage



The Secret to a Great Marriage,
Should not be a secret at all.





My husband and I were married in 1965, raised a family and still feel about each other as though we are newlyweds. Brides, grooms and married couples who know us, often ask us something akin to: "What is the secret to your relationship and happy marriage?"

Since I write for brides and grooms and married couples, I thought this is an important topic to write about.

When you first decide to marry, you are very much in love. It is this flame that you need to nurture so it does not dim. If you do, you too will enjoy the bliss of a happy fulfilling marriage. But how do you do it?

There are many aspects to married life and all are crucial. Some couples look at the movies for fairy tale marriages where all is always rosy and nice. Reality however dictates that you should never take your spouse for granted and that each of you needs to give MORE than 100 percent but expect less.

Of the highest priority is that you make your marriage the MOST important part of your life and your spouse the most important person. Never compromise the place of your spouse or marriage relating to anything else.

We often hear married people say that the kids come first. We say that the only exception is your spouse. After all, your children are invited guests in your marriage. Guests that eventually will leave you empty-nesters. Once more, you are a married couple without children at home. Is your flame still burning? It should be!

Following are suggestions that are the results of our experiences as husband and wife.

SET ASIDE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

We are all very busy. Our days, weeks months and years are filled with many obligations and responsibilities that are demanding of our time and energy. From work, house keeping, child rearing and volunteering even to socializing, our calendar is full. Yet we make sure to devote special time for each other. It does not have to be a large block of time. A phone call during the day just to say "“I love you", "I miss you" or "I was thinking about you"” or placing a love note in your spouse’s car does not take much time yet warms the heart.

PRAISE, COMPLIMENT AND ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

It does not take but a moment to share kind words, compliments praise and encouragement. Yet they are very important to a great relationship. Both my husband and I have and will continue to tell each other how grateful, how fortunate, how lucky and how fulfilled we feel for having the other as our partner in life. Yes! Marrying my husband is the best thing that ever happened to me.

We find opportunities for sentiments such as:
“you look great.
I really like your…,
I am proud of you for…,
Your idea is terrific. You should pursue it.
Thanks for your input it really helps.
I am glad I asked for your opinion.
You make my life complete.
What would I do without you?
etc…

DO THINGS TOGETHER

It is always fun to be together. So find things that both of you can participate in and do them together. Whether it is entertainment or household chores, visiting or going on vacation nothing can bring you closer than sharing and being with one another, showing interest and participating in what is important to your mate.
Take Chiho for example. She does not particularly enjoy going to the movies. Yet, she surprised Dan when she took him to a movie he mentioned he would like to see.
Just as doing things together is crucial to a great marriage, it is also crucial to remember that occasionally we all need our own space. Do not always hang around. Allow your spouse his or her own space.

DO FOR EACH OTHER

It is expected that married couples will remember and celebrate each other on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. Ours happens to be easy to remember as we got married on the 4th of July.But the beauty and warmth of a surprise exceeds them all. Small and large gestures done without fanfare say, "I love you and think of you." And "“you are important to me".

Here again, you do not have to be rich to surprise each other as acts of kindness go a long way. Neither my husband nor I ever surprised the other with a diamond ring or a new car sitting in the driveway. We just do little things for each other, sometimes serious sometimes humorous, but always with love. In fact, just yesterday my husband walked in with a lovely bonsai tree in a planter and said: "When I saw this beautiful little tree I thought of you and how much you’ll enjoy it."
Put on your thinking cap and come up with ideas that will please your mate and reflect your love.
Take your mate on a surprise day outing just for enjoyment.
Set a special dinner table and if you have no children light candles for a romantic atmosphere.
Bring home a box of candies, a bottle of wine or champagne, a dessert your spouse likes a book he or she will enjoy, a movie to watch together.Or how about a bonsai tree?.
Bring your spouse a stuffed animal, a piggy bank for the laundry room for loose change that falls out of pockets, a flower or even just a card.
Surprise your spouse with a new outfit or sexy lingerie and he will cherish the moment.
Prepare a bubble bath for your un-suspecting wife complete with romantic candles and she will thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Warm your spouse’s car on a cold morning.
Share in doing the chores.
You know what your spouse will enjoy and appreciate. Use your imagination and surprise him or her.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

We are all human and no one is perfect. Every marriage includes two individuals with their unique personality traits, some wonderful and some faulty. Yes! We all have our faults. So how do we handle the faulty traits yet love, respect and be thankful for having our spouse?
Rather than criticize, we do our utmost to understand each other and turn the faults into positives.
Let us say that others think of your spouse as touchy. Why not describe him or her as sensitive?
How about turning the tables from a manipulative person to a person who is very resourceful with many creative ideas?
Have you got a fussy spouse? Or is he or she simply very organized and efficient?
Your spouse is not messy. He or she simple is very creative and creative people work best when they are not restricted.
Here again, you know your spouse better than anyone else. Get creative.

Talking about personality traits raises the question of disagreements. Since each of us is an individual, we each have our points of view and ideas that may differ and even contradict our spouse’s. This may cause disagreements and even fights. Anger and resentment may build and affect the relationship. Should you allow it? Absolutely not!
Act maturely about disagreements and do not let them escalate and become actual fights.

Ask our sons who are in their thirties, and they will tell you that they can not recall us ever fighting exchanging harsh words or raising our voices. This is because we never allowed a disagreement to become more than an argument. And we settled our arguments over a cup of coffee.

It is crucial that you resolve your misunderstandings and arguments and kiss and make up before you go to bed.
NEVER go to sleep angry at one another.
ALWAYS kiss and say “I love you” before you go to sleep.

SHOW AFFECTION

Some individuals do not mind showing affection in public, while others are reserved. Yet we all like and need to be reassured that we are loved.

Small gestures of love even as small as an unexpected touch, kiss or even a pat on the head can make us tingle and give us butterflies. Think about how you’d feel when you are watching TV or are at your computer and your spouse plants a kiss on the back of your neck or passes a loving hand on your head or back and leaves the room. That is right! He or she came into the room just to touch you with love. So, how do you feel about it?

ALWAYS STAND BY YOUR MAN – WOMAN

If not for my husband’s encouragement, patience, understanding and support, I would never have written this article because I would not have become involved with weddings.

The books I have written and published, Candles By Nily and A-wedding Day would not have been born if not for his love and caring, interest and actual devotion to seeing me happy.

Though my husband may not see it this way, he made many sacrifices to allow me to pursue my dreams. I am and always will be grateful to him.

Many couples do and will, and we too encountered rough spots throughout our marriage. Some such as a lengthy period of unemployment could have caused us to separate yet, because of our deep love and devotion to one another, brought us closer together. We stood by each other just as we vowed "for better and for worse" and nurtured each other knowing that "“this too shall pass" and that we shall stay together and thrive.

We are not angels and each of us made some mistakes along the way. We could have gotten upset and angry with the other. However, we took the route of rationalization. Our usual reaction has been that we learned an important lesson, it cost us less than college tuition and we can chuck it to experience and go on with life.

As the author of this article, I concentrated on my husband and what he did to strengthen our marriage, as I did not find it appropriate to toot my own horn.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved to Nily Glaser 2007

Nily Glaser, the CEO of A-wedding Day at: http://www.a-weddingday.com
She writes important articles, and has presented workshops for wedding professionals all over the USA.
To read more of her articles CLICK HERE Her web site is very popular for its discount wedding gifts, bridal accessories, print your own invitations, favors and the very unique items offered including the exclusive line of wedding Accessories By Nily.

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Creative Date Ideas

Remember to take time out from all that wedding planning to enjoy your groom or bride to be!

Creative Date Ideas:

"Like most couples, we had gotten stuck in a rut. It seems like we used to do lots of fun and creative things together but recently just ended up going to movies (I don't know if that can even be considered a date since we don't communicate for 2 hours).

Since I got this book, our date nights have been incredible. The ideas in the book not only are creative, they are cheaper than dinner and a movie. We have tried out about 20 of them so far and all have been super successful.

Very highly recommended. Better than all the others I have seen. - Trish"

Try it out tonight: Creative Date Ideas

Destination Weddings - How to Choose the Perfect Location

Destination Weddings - How to Choose the Perfect Location
By L Hayes

One of the biggest trends in weddings today is the destination wedding. This means the bride and groom travel to some romantic getaway where vows are exchanged. Depending on the couple, and their wedding budget, a destination wedding may also include flying in close family members and friends, or keeping the wedding open if people want to pay their own way. As you will discover, destination weddings have a number of advantages.

For starters, combining the wedding and honeymoon into one location is a great way of saving money. In addition to the happy couple flying off to their desired destination, family and friends have the chance to enjoy a mini, or extended vacation. Keep in mind, the majority of destination weddings are intimate, including just a few people. In fact, some couples enjoying a destination wedding held on the beach may discover that a number of the guests are unknown, making the event even more memorable.

If you believe a destination wedding sounds like something of interest, the first decision would be whether becoming married in an warm climate or somewhere picturesque, like on a snow-covered mountain. One of the favorite destinations is the beautiful and exotic Caribbean Islands. There, a bride and groom could choose a quaint church wedding or don bathing suits to exchange the “I Do’s” underneath a palm tree swaying gently in the breeze.

For a colder climate, couples could still go with a small, traditional church wedding or dress in ski wear, hit the slopes, and exchange vows at the top of a run. Obviously, your choice of wedding destination depends largely on the time of year you plan to wed, as well as the type of honeymoon you want to experience. However, because you have literally thousands of destinations from which to choose, you could become husband and wife anytime of the year, and on any continent of choice.

Once you have settled on a general area, the fun part of planning begins. Now, since travel would be involved, we recommend you begin planning a minimum of six months in advance. This way, you would have the opportunity to book great flight, hotel, and car deals. One of the best ways to enjoy a destination wedding is by going somewhere off-season. For instance, if you wanted to head to the Ozarks of Missouri, a place that is typically enjoyed during the summer due to the vast lake, this part of the country is also gorgeous in the fall when the leaves are changing. Since the fall is considered off-peak, prices go down!

If you have decided to plan a Caribbean wedding, be sure you factor in travel costs, as well as exchange rates. In addition, trying to plan a wedding in another country could be challenging. Therefore, instead of trying to locate a minister, church, cake maker, photographer, musician, and so on, check the local resorts, which often provide great wedding packages. Typically, a local wedding planner works for the resort, doing the majority, if not all of the legwork for you. With this, you set the date, show up, and simply enjoy the festivities. Another huge advantage of using a wedding planner through a resort is that any language barrier is eliminated.

In summary, destination weddings can be a beautiful start to a lifetime of joy with your future spouse. If planned properly, they can even be stress-free, or close to it! With the many advantages that destination weddings offer, it's little wonder they have become such a hot trend in weddings today!

L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors as well as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bridal shower gifts. For more information about wedding planning and wedding reception ideas, visit their website at: Wedding Favors Emporium.com

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Planning a Simple Stunning Wedding

Planning a Simple Stunning Wedding
By Helen Richardson

A wedding is a time when your family and friends are joined together to witness two become one. Many couples today are leaning away from extravagant, over the top weddings and are planning for simple weddings. Well, it is possible to have a simple wedding and still have it be incredible. Here are two small tips to follow if you are looking for a simple stunning wedding day.

Simple Centerpieces

At many wedding receptions, you may be surprised to see so too many items on the guests tables. Some tables may include multiple wedding favors from the married couple, some sort of memento that expresses their thanks, as well as disposable cameras in order to capture moments at the table that the bride and the groom will not be able to witness. Well, when it comes to the guests tables, less may equal more.

Guests enjoy being comfortable at the table so it is best not to crowd the guests with too many items. The table settings will do just fine along with a simple yet classy wedding table centerpiece. If you are looking for a simple centerpiece idea, a tall vase (the taller, the better) filled with glass beads will work well in most situations. A long flower such as the Calla Lilly will set the centerpiece off just right and add to your simple stunning wedding.

Wedding Setting

Traditionally, weddings are held in religious places but if you want your wedding to be fabulous then you are probably looking to be a bit unique. There are tons of wonderful places out there in which to hold your wedding ceremony and you may be surprised that some of them are really not that expensive. Here are a few places in which to hold your simple stunning wedding:

- Private Lake

- Island (destination weddings)

- Yacht Rental

- And many more

Make sure that you do your due diligence and compare and contrast the prices. You may find a great deal that may make your wedding simple, yet stunning!

Many people today may be looking to do a bit too much with their weddings. One example of this would be overcrowding the reception tables with too many items. In order to keep your wedding simple yet elegant, you want to minimize the number of items on the reception tables when possible. And as always, in order to have a simple stunning wedding, you want to choose a beautiful venue. Keep these steps in mind and your wedding day will be something that you and your guests will never forget.

For more simple stunning wedding tips visit Wedding Tips

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The Wedding Video of Your Dreams

The Wedding Video of Your Dreams

Custom Wedding Video Production Guide:

"Your wedding is the event of a lifetime. Families come together to witness the public expression of your love and commitment amidst the beauty and pageantry of your carefully planned ceremony.

As you are well aware, planning this 'event of a lifetime' is no small task. You only get one chance to get it right and you've spent months going over every tiny detail.

You've struggled with the guest list; trying to book just the right date; ordering wedding invitations; selecting your bridesmaids and groomsmen...and the list goes on and on. Just choosing a wedding dress was a monumental task, but it was worth it because you've found a gown that surpasses all your dreams...

The stress can be overwhelming but you don't mind because you want your big day to be perfect!

But making all these arrangements is very expensive.

And if you're on a budget, like many couples today are, you may find yourself coming up short for some things you were counting on having...such as a professional wedding video."

Learn How You Can Have The Wedding Video Of Your Dreams At Half the Cost"

What Everybody Ought To Know About Writing Romantic Wedding Vows

What Everybody Ought To Know About Writing Romantic Wedding Vows
By Dee Bovis

While "I love you" is always the best thing you can say to your special someone, writing romantic wedding vows can add more romance to your relationship. The key to romantic wedding vows is preparing them in advance. Here's tips that can help you write vows that capture your partner's heart.

Talk with your significant other beforehand. Ask them what they're expecting from the wedding vows. For example, you may want the vows to be approximately the same length. Also, this is a chance for you and your fiance to encourage each other. Also, both of you can suggest certain meaningful phrases to each other like "You're my best friend" or "I'll always be there for you".

Romantic wedding vows are like poems - they come from the heart and soul. However, you don't need to be a professional poet to write great vows. You just place yourself into an emotional state where you focus on your love for your significant other. What would you say to them now to express how you feel about them? What would you promise to do to keep them with you forever? Think about the first time you met. Remember the time when you realized you wanted to get married with your loved one. As you consider romantic things like these, you will likely think of some romantic thoughts that you can put in your vows. Write them down as they come to you without stopping to filter the good ones from the bad.

By now, you'll have a written down many romantic ideas. The next step is to filter your ideas and rewrite your vows. Organize your romantic ideas. Make sure your vows are the appropriate length.

Once you have your vows written down, you should read them out loud. This will give you practice for the actual wedding ceremony. Also, you'll know if your vows flow well and sound nice. Read them out loud a few times and fix any phrases that don't sound quite right.

Finally, during your wedding ceremony, just relax, take a deep breath, and read your vows from your heart. Your significant other will definitely appreciate your romance, thoughtfulness, and creativity.

Congrats on writing a your own romantic wedding vows!

My website: Easy Wedding Planning

Did you know that the wedding industry is a big money making business? In fact, most wedding products and services are priced higher than similar products and services. Here is a wedding planning guide that is helping brides save 50% on their wedding expenses.

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