His And Hers Wedding Bands

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Teri

His And Hers Wedding Bands

His and hers wedding bands, when it comes time to choose, can be something of a challenge for couples. It has become a popular practice to wear matching wedding rings these days. Many brides and grooms decide to choose their bands as sets so that they compliment each other and in a lot of cases the brides engagement ring is also part of that set. You can choose either the two ring set or the three ring set.

It is a tradition that is perhaps thousands of years old and which has roots in many different and diverse cultures. A large number of newlyweds choose to have matching wedding bands which to present each other with at their wedding ceremony. The custom of having matching wedding bands is about as ancient as the idea of a wedding itself, and continues to this day in many parts of the world.

Many couples will purchase their matching wedding bands from a retail jewelry store. The selection will vary from retailer to retailer depending on where you shop. Generally speaking there will be a wide array of choices available limited only by the amount of money that one is willing to spend. The bands of choice can be anything from simple gold bands to elaborate designs encrusted with jewels. Most local retailers will have a good selection of matching wedding bands, shop around to get the best price.

If a couple decide to have matching wedding bands they may choose to design it themselves and have it custom made. This added touch will make the matching wedding bands as unique as their relation ship is. The soon to be married couple may contact and consult with an expert jeweler who does jewelry design. The designer will take their ideas and thoughts on the design of the rings and create a work of art to reflect the couples individual personality.

When a couple goes through the effort to hire an expert designer it is important to them that the finished rings reflect their desires and personality. In this situation the rings may not end up being exactly matching wedding bands. Generally even in matching wedding bands the men’s ring is usually wider than the woman’s. Often the brides ring may become more elaborate, with the addition of stones to the design.

It is possible that the design could include precious, or semi-precious stones, potentially anything from emeralds to zirconium, but most popular is the diamond. In the diamond selection alone there can be endless variation alone. There is also the choice of what metal to have the matching wedding bands made from. Choices include the popular gold, available in white and yellow, to platinum and silver.

Another way couples can purchase their matching wedding bands is from an online jewelry seller. It is important to check the reputation of the store before you make any purchases from any on line retailer. Be careful to minimize the risk of identity theft. Buying from an online jeweler can save you money. The online jewelers don’t have the overhead of a physical store and can sell for lower prices often. They may also provide a wider selection of matching wedding bands in one location.

Keep in mind whatever you decide you deserve to get the type of his and her wedding bands you want that will make a statement to last a lifetime. It’s your wedding, you and your groom get to choose what you want.

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US Virgin Islands Destination Wedding

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Teri

US Virgin Islands Destination Wedding

A US Virgin Island destination wedding is a great idea if you want to have your wedding in the islands. If you are looking to escape a winter wedding but you want the sun and sand then a simple romantic adventurous wedding getaway in the Virgin Islands will capture your heart! With the ocean breezes, radiating sunsets, delicate waves, sun-warmed sand and you, standing beside the man you want to build a life with. Ahhh paradise!

Getting married is another phase of every man and woman’s lives. Every tiny detail must be carefully planned out. With the help of a wedding planner, you will be spared from the tedious planning; they will certainly take care of all the arrangements of your wedding. Not to mention that they can make your wedding day perfect. All you have to do is coordinate with the wedding planners on the details of your dream wedding. There are plenty of wedding packages in the hotels of the US Virgin Islands that cater to your wedding needs.

A Virgin Islands destination wedding and honeymoon would be a perfect choice for a bride and groom who want to make their big day a memorable experience. The US Virgin Islands, with St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas all provide wedding services, from wedding planners to the wedding reception. If you want a ceremony at sunset on the beach, or in an outdoor gazebo, or in a lovely chapel, or right at the Territorial Court, simple or luxurious, the choice is yours to make.

It is best to start planning your wedding at least two months ahead of time and even longer if you plan to have plenty of guests. To have a US Virgin Islands destination wedding, you have to request an application for marriage license from the Territorial Court of the US Virgin Islands. If the completed and notarized application is received through mail by the island courts, you will then be given an eight- day awaiting period. No blood test is required if you want to get married in the US Virgin Islands. If either party is divorced, a certified true copy of the divorce decree stamped with a seal to be filed along with the application for the examination by the court prior to issuance of the license. It is also required to have a certified documents proving widowed status if you are a widower. For couples below 18 years old, an affidavit with both parents’ signatures is required. If you are not a US citizen a passport or VISA is needed.

In the US Virgin Islands destination wedding, it is important to indicate whether your marriage will be performed by a Judge in the Court or by a clergy member. For weddings performed by the Court, an appointment must be arranged.

It’s not very hard to have a US Virgin Islands destination wedding, is it? Just imagine you and your better half-to-be getting married in a place where beauty is all you can see.

Like many places in the Caribbean the Virgin Islands has long been a wedding destination location for good reasons. The first is because there are few beaches in the world which rival that of those found here.

The beaches in the US Virgin Islands offer the best in romantic settings for those wanting to get married here. There is nothing which can compare to the saying you vows with the sounds of the ocean waves lapping in the background, the sweet oceans breezes that will flow by you and the man you love. This is one of the most perfect ways for any couple to say their ‘I Do’ to each other and to begin their lives together as a couple.

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Plan a Destination Wedding – Get Married in Jamaica

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Teri

Plan a Destination Wedding – Get Married in Jamaica

Do you have a wedding coming up why not plan a destination wedding? Are you sick of trying to plan a wedding and fighting for overbooked halls and churches and caterers? Plan a destination wedding. Wouldn’t you rather get married on the white sands of Jamaica surrounded by a turquoise ocean and your most beloved family friends? If so, you should plan a destination wedding in Jamaica.

Destination weddings are very trendy right now. Destination weddings might seem decadent but really they are very practical. The bride and groom can honeymoon without having to go anywhere and all the wedding guests get a nice vacation in addition to being able to see a loved one get married.

When you plan a destination wedding you don’t have to worry over what hall to choose and what church to hold the service at or anything like that either. Most of the time when you book a destination wedding all the arrangements are handled at the hotel and the event is held at the hotel or on the beach. Some resorts even have private beaches that are perfect for weddings. Think of how great it would be to just be able to relax and be excited about your wedding and let the hotel staff handle all the arrangements.

Often when you book a destination wedding there is a wedding planner assigned to help you that can tell you about different packages that the hotel offers. Many wedding packages are all inclusive so you don’t need to worry about silverware, linens, glasses, food, the bar, entertainment or anything else. You can just relax and enjoy the beautiful tropical sunshine.

Jamaica is the perfect location for a destination wedding. It’s warm and tropical and beautiful and yet it’s close and accessible too so that travel isn’t a huge hassle for friends and family who want to attend the wedding. There are several resorts in the larger tourist towns that cater to brides who are planning weddings but any hotel or resort will have staff on hand to help you plan a wedding. Plus you can usually get a substantial discount from a hotel or resort when you book rooms for all your family and friends and have your wedding and honeymoon at that resort.

Since the bride and groom are expected to pay for the accommodations and expenses of the entire bridal party and often the guests as well that discount from the hotels can really help out your bottom line. But a destination wedding isn’t as expensive as you might think; it’s really very close to the price of a traditional wedding in most cases even with the expense of paying for the accommodations of your family and friends. For the price of a traditional wedding you can have a lovely destination wedding and vacation combined in Jamaica.

Just picture what it would be like to be exchanging vows with your partner at sunset on a white Jamaican beach with all your loved ones there to wish you well. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to start your new life together? A destination wedding can be the perfect setting for the bride and groom as well as for guests. What a perfect way to celebrate your wedding with everyone you love.

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Weddings In Jamaica – The Legal Formalities

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Teri

Weddings In Jamaica – The Legal Formalities

Thinking about holding your wedding in Jamaica? There are many reasons why getting married abroad is popular, and when it comes to getting married in Jamaica, one of the main reasons is the location! What could be more romantic than being married on a beautiful beach, or in an air conditional hotel reception room overlooking the ocean?

At one time this was no more than a fleeting dream many brides-to-be would have as they stressed their way through the seemingly endless decisions associated with a traditional wedding at home. These days, more and more couples are opting for a Jamaican wedding in paradise where the emphasis is on them and not the “details”. But how legal is it?

If your intention of going to Jamaica is to get married, then there are some things you need to make sure that you have in order beforehand.

First of all, you must be over the age of 18. If one or both of you are under 18 then written parental consent must be supplied for whoever is underage.

Both the bride and groom must also supply a birth certificate which shows their nationality, and father’s name.

If either the bride or the groom (or both) has been married before then additional paperwork that proves they are now free to remarry must be shown, such as a death certificate, or a certificate of divorce.

There are other restrictions as regards place, and time of marriages but the legal paperwork is pretty much straightforward. If you are staying at a hotel, it would be advisable to put your arrangements in the hands of their wedding planner. They will ensure that all the formalities are completed, that you obtain your license on time, and can be married when you want. They can also advise on such things as venue, and if necessary even secure you the services of a photographer or someone to video the marriage.

As long as you comply with all the local necessities, and obtain your license, you can find yourself married in less than 48 hours! Remember, if you get married in Jamaica, you’re legally married! Any marriage which is valid and legal in the jurisdiction where the marriage was performed is legal and valid in other countries/jurisdictions. Also most countries consider bigamous/polygamous marriages and homosexual/same sex marriages as invalid, they are not recognized.

Remember to do your research and find out what you need in order to have your marriage outside the country you live in. Also remember to check, just in case, to see if you are still legally married in the country you live in. Laws do change so always check to make sure what your legal status is if you are planning a wedding in Jamaica.

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Wedding Shower Favors

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Teri

Wedding Shower Favors
Helping You Celebrate That Last Night of Freedom!

Wedding shower favors should be chosen carefully – they represent the bride’s last chance to have some fun! Unlike wedding day favors, which may have to embrace a whole range of guests, from grandparents to your sister’s kids, wedding shower favors are just for the girls! And after a long period of dedicated planning and proffering support, don’t your shower guests deserve all the fun of frivolous wedding shower favors?

And let’s not forget the bride – wedding shower party favors should reflect her last foray into single female life! Wedding shower favors should be chosen to reflect the loves of the bride – after all, with all the hard work her new husband is going to require, who knows when she’ll get the relive the fun represented by her wedding shower favors!

So who chooses the wedding shower party favors? Just like the planning of the shower itself, there are no hard and fast rules. Just as wedding traditions are adapting to fit the wide range of couples getting married today, wedding shower favors are available to suit the interests of any bride.

Regardless of who is planning the occasion, the wedding shower party favors should embody the theme of the shower itself, and this will depend on the personality of the bride. A good bridesmaid will know exactly what her bride needs! Whether she is a serious type, or a dedicated partygoer, there are wedding shower favors available to suit every type of shower.

Whether you are bride or bridesmaid, remember that the shower is hopefully a one off occasion – so use your wedding shower favors to make it as memorable as possible! These are also the items that will remind your closest girlfriends of celebrating their last big night of singledom with you, so consider choosing wedding shower favors that can double up as keepsakes. Hopefully, your wedding shower favors will help you have a night to remember!

Wedding shower favors work well when they follow your shower theme.

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Crystal Or Diamond Jewelry Are Perfect For Weddings

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Teri

Crystal Or Diamond Jewelry Are Perfect For Weddings

Weddings are definitely joyous but exhausting event. One of the major considerations of countless couples who are planning to tie the knot is whether it’s going to be crystal or diamond jewelry for the wedding ring. Aside from the rush of trying to find the right wedding rings for you and your fiancé there are the basics like searching for a venue, the wedding dress, the reception and the like.

Usually, most couples prefer a diamond wedding ring set because it is large enough to be worn by itself. For those who are much into rings, a diamond wedding set is perfect for you because it can serve as an engagement ring and the wedding ring all at the same.

The search is on!

Searching for that perfect diamond wedding ring can be stressful and strenuous because there are so many things to consider such as the beauty, shape, size, and cost. The best thing you can do is to trim down these options based on your personal preference and taste.

If you are one of those couples who are planning to buy a crystal jewelry set for the wedding, it would be best if you find time to research on what is available. If you are looking for the fastest and easiest way to get information on crystal jewelry set, you can browse in the Internet that would lead you to different sites. There are so many information here but you can never be sure if these are reliable or not. If you want to make sure that you are getting reliable information on crystal jewelry, visit jewelry stores yourself or ask from people who are knowledgeable on this. Here are some tips that can help you get by in searching for that dream diamond wedding ring set.

First, you have to choose a diamond wedding ring set that suits your taste and of your fiancé as well. There are actually many settings of diamond wedding ring sets available in most jewelry stores today. If you prefer simple ones, you can opt for a diamond wedding ring set that has contemporary or modern look like those rings with one main diamond surrounded by smaller stones. But if you want a grander one, you might want to look for diamond wedding ring sets that have intricate designs or have traditional and antique look.

Next, know what kind of metal you prefer and also determine its weight based on your budget. The most common setting of any diamond wedding ring set is gold—it can be white gold or yellow gold. Based on standards, fine gold jewelry should be mounted in either a 18-karat (K) which, consists of 18 parts pure gold with 6 parts other metals or a 14-karat (K) that has 14 parts pure gold combined with 10 parts of other metals.

Other common option is platinum because it has remarkable appeal and could last longer. Since it’s more durable compared to gold, a diamond wedding ring set made of platinum can resist breakage, chipping, and cracking over time and most of all, it doesn’t cause any discoloration of the skin.

Lastly, consider the shape of the crystal jewelry. The popular diamond shape for wedding rings is round or brilliant because they tend to sparkle more than other shapes. Other popular cuts for diamond wedding rings include baguette, emerald shape, heart shape, oval shape, pear shape, princess cut, marquise, and trillion wedding rings.

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Bridesmaid Dresses Tips

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Teri

Bridesmaid Dresses Tips

If you’re planning a wedding, one thing you’ll need to factor in is what the bridesmaids are going to wear. We’ve all heard horror stories about brides who choose hideous gowns that just don’t suit the women wearing them. No one wants to be Bridezilla! Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to pick bridesmaid dresses that look great, don’t cost too much, and don’t compete with the bridal gown. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids.

The number 1 rule is to control as little as you have to. Lots of brides get caught up in the idea that they have to be in control of everything. But the less you actually have to be in charge of, the lower your stress level will be. Ask your wedding party what their favorite styles are, whether they have any concerns about modesty, and what their measurements are. Then, think about what you want out of your wedding.

If you just want the bridal party to look similar, choose a color and a rough style (such as skirt length and shape) and let the bridesmaids pick their own gown. That way, they control fit, dress type, and cost, and can keep all of them within their personal preferences. If you don’t want certain elements in your wedding, be sure to specify. This type of bridesmaid gown selection process is the easiest on everyone. Of course, it won’t work for every wedding – truly formal weddings may require all bridesmaids to match. In this case, try to reach a compromise that will work well on all your bridesmaids, without making anyone feel like “the ugly one” or exceeding the amount they can pay.

Take into consideration the body shapes of your bridesmaids. If they all have similar figures, it’s much easier to find a style that flatters that figure. If you have an assortment of body shapes, which is probably likely, pick the style that looks the best on most of them while not looking a complete disaster on the others.

Remember that formal weddings call for longer gowns, and that you’ll want to stick to a relatively limited color palette. The bridesmaids should look good, but they should also blend in and not take attention away from you. After all, it’s your big day to shine. Get everyone fitted wearing the correct shoes and undergarments, and remind your bridesmaids not to lose a lot of weight right before the wedding. Otherwise, their dresses might not fit. At minimum, the bridesmaids shouldn’t make any major physical changes after the last fitting.

Shop around for the best prices on gowns for your bridesmaids, too. Whether they’re buying them for themselves, or you’re helping with the cost, no one wants to pay more than they have to. Discount shops and online retailers can often offer a good price. Just remember that a gown needs to be available in a wide range of sizes – the last one on the rack isn’t an option when you’re dressing several people. Take the time to think about what works best on your bridesmaids. Remember that you don’t have to be a micromanager, and you’ll have no problem getting a great looking wedding party without much stress.
 

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Active Wedding Reception Games

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Teri

Active Wedding Reception Games

We’ve all been to receptions that are standard – we welcome and celebrate the new married couple, watch them dance, and enjoy cake with them. But creative couples often enjoy coming up with fun games that include the entire guest list.

Including the guests is an excellent way to get people out of their chairs, meeting people they might not otherwise know and feeling like they are truly a part of the celebration, not just observers.

One fun and active game that can be played by all your guests, including grandma as well as the young children, is “want it now”.

In this game, you designate a master of ceremonies (if you have a DJ for your wedding reception, this person can serve as the DJ). The MC will have a list of “wants” prepared before the reception. Everyone sits at their tables, and waits to hear the command. The MC says he wants a person with painted toenails. All the women with painted toenails run to the front of the room, toward the MC. Each time a table sends someone to the front first, they get a point.

Points should be tallied during the course of this game and prizes awarded at the end of the game. Be sure to have some obvious “wants”, as is the painted toenails, or a man with a mustache or a child with a pink dress. But also include some surprises, like “a man with a brown purse” which will require a man to find a woman at his table with the brown purse and run up to the front of the room with that.

Another fun wedding reception game that includes all your guests is musical chairs using men as the chairs. All the men line up and kneel on one knee. The women begin playing the game of musical chairs, but when the music stops, they must find a knee to sit on. No “chairs” are removed during the version of the game, but instead people are eliminated when either the man falls down when the woman finds his knee or when the woman falls down. Both are out either way, and if both fall down, they are also both out then (as well as perhaps a bit bruised). This is a fun game that often brings on gales of laughter and adds to a relaxed reception atmosphere.

If many guests are traveling a good distance to the wedding or don’t know many other guests, it’s always fun to include a game that will allow them to now only get to know each other but the bride and groom as well. For this game, you’ll need a MC again, which can be a very outgoing member of the wedding party or the DJ. The reception guests are broken into two groups, which can be as simple as having people count off “1, 2, 1, 2″ and so on until the entire guest list is either a “1″ or a “2″. Then the two groups band together for the duration of the game.

The DJ, or MC, offers a series of questions relating to the bride and groom. The teams should work together to answer the questions, then as quickly as possible provide the answer. The bride and groom will confirm if the answer is correct or not. This is an excellent way for otherwise “stranger” guests to get to know one another and have some fun in the process. It’s also an excellent way to get to know the bride and groom!

Organizing games at a wedding reception is a great way to get people involved and make them feel they are truly a part of the celebration. It’s also a way to fill time, if the wedding planners know this isn’t a “dancing” group or if you want to loosen people up for a long night of celebrating. Whether a small or large wedding, reception games work for just about any group.

In addition, don’t assume wedding reception guests will be offended or annoyed by these active games. Most people report to wedding planners they truly enjoy being more active and having fun games to play during a wedding reception.

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Choose A Cheesecake Wedding Cake

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Teri

Choose A Cheesecake Wedding Cake

If you are considering a cheesecake wedding cake for your special day, you are probably already a cheesecake lover! Many people do not like the traditional white wedding cake and want to break away with something more tasty and versatile. A cheesecake wedding cake is a very popular choice.

If you still want a tiered cake, it is fine to have tiered cheesecakes. Of course, they can be heavy, but so can a traditional fruit cake. Just be sure that you have the tiers and supports set up firmly so that all of the tiers of your cake will stay in place until you are ready to eat!

You can put frosting on a cheesecake wedding cake if you want to. You can also add the traditional bride and groom figures, rose petals, ribbons and anything else you want.

If you are making the cake yourself, you will need to think about storage. Unlike regular cakes, a cheesecake wedding cake will usually need to be kept in the refrigerator. Unless you have a very large refrigerator you may want to store the tiers separately and assemble them at the location of the wedding meal. This also prevents them sliding around while you are transporting them.

Another possibility is to serve individual cupcake sized cheesecakes or small slices, presented on a tiered cake stand. This makes cutting and serving the cake very easy. Be careful not to make individual cheesecakes too big. Remember that guests have usually eaten enough before they reach the cake, and many people will only want a couple of bites.

Even if you have individual cheesecakes, you can still have the bride and groom cut one. They can take one serving, cut it in half in the traditional way with both of their hands on the knife, and then feed each other with the two halves. This can be a lot of fun to watch!

While cheesecake can be a good choice for a small wedding, it is often not so convenient if you have a large number of guests. Cheesecake is flatter so you need more cakes or layers, and that can be difficult to set up in tiers and support. However, you can get around this by having one small cheesecake wedding cake on view, and more in the refrigerator to cut and serve later.

Cheesecake offers a huge variety of possible flavors and colors. This means you have a lot of choice about how your cake will look. You can color it to suit the theme of your wedding, or offer different flavors on different tiers. You can even have a cheesecake wedding cake made in a particular shape, such as a golf course for a golf themed wedding.

You can also choose between different crusts. You may want to use crackers, cookies, chocolate chips, or have a delicious nut crust. For total decadence, try a white chocolate cheesecake wedding cake over macadamia nut crust.

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Black Wedding Dresses

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Teri

Black Wedding Dresses:
Gothic Shock Or The Ultimate In Sophistication?

Black wedding dresses can give a very formal look without being traditional. Most brides would not choose a black dress for a church wedding, for example. But they can look great in any gothic setting such as a castle or gothic wedding chapel. You can also decorate your wedding venue in gothic style to suit your dress.

While black may be the most prominent color, it does not have to be the only color of your dress. A combination of black and silver can look stunning. Red flounces under the skirt can give a hint of blood at a gothic themed wedding. Black with pink or rose can look extra sophisticated. Or you may just have a few features picked out in black on a mainly white dress, such as beads or embroidery.

Choosing a black dress for a wedding may give you more opportunities to wear the dress again. It is difficult to think of an occasion where you could where a huge white wedding dress except for at your own wedding, but black or almost any other color could be worn again. Many women love classic black evening dresses and to wear one to your wedding seems a natural choice.

It would not be correct to assume that a white wedding is traditional in all cultures. In fact, it is a relatively recent trend, started by Queen Victoria who married in a lacy white ballgown style dress in 1840. Before that, brides would wear any color of dress or costume.

In Spain many brides would traditionally be married in black wedding dresses. Choosing this color is said to mean that the bride will remain faithful to her husband all of her life.

Be aware that some people still find black wedding dresses shocking. You may meet with some resistance from older relatives or those who associate black and gothic themes with witchcraft and consider them anti Christian.

They might also quote you the saying, ‘Married in black, you will wish yourself back,’ implying that you will regret the marriage. You can tell them sure, you will wish yourself back to your wedding day because it will be such a great day and the start of your happy life together!

Some brides like to shock but for the sake of future relationships with your family and older friends you might want to give them a little warning. Explain what you are doing and that there is nothing evil in it. Point out that it will be a wedding to remember. This can go a long way to beating down any resistance in the family to black wedding dresses.

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