Wednesday, December 16, 2009

How to Choose a Wedding Dress

Selection of a wedding dress is very important for any bride as she wants to look the most beautiful lady that evening and the choice of wedding dress is not an easy task. You have to go through a detailed market survey with all available styles and select the style which will suit you best.

My suggestion is to start the selection of your dress by exploring the fashion magazines as it will help you to clear your mind set about the styles you may like. You need to be little bold and go for those styles as well which you have never tried before as this will help you to find the dress you desire.

Once you are done with the selection of your dress, then you should keep in mind following things:

1. Never buy a dress which is many times smaller than your size as it is more economical for you to take a dress with a perfect size and you will not have to spend extra money for alterations in the dress.

2. Another important thing which you must know is that wedding dresses come in smaller sizes than your actual size. If your size is 7, you must look for a wedding dress with size 9 or 11. So you do not need to panic; choose the dress with perfect size to look beautiful on your wedding day.

3. You must do every work related to the dress in written form as it will help you to avoid any misunderstandings. You must write each and every thing starting from the color, size, shipment date and arrival date to the boutique, length of the dress and the desired changes you want in the dress. This will help you to keep a record and you can ask for the right dress in case of any mishap.

4. The selection of the other accessories which should match with the dress is also very important while you are choosing your dress. Remember to choose the perfect matching accessories from shoes to the jewelry as they will enhance the grace and beauty of your dress but do not end up overdoing it.

5. The last important thing is to enjoy your day and smile as it will make you more gorgeous and beautiful. Be positive about the future and enjoy the day as you are going to wear this dress only once.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Do 100% Organic Skin Care Products Exist?

Organic Products - The Present Scenario

"Going Organic" seems to be the new buzzword. Whether its Hollywood celebrities or The National Geographic, everyone is talking about how to go green and switch to organic products. So, while you are browsing the endless brands of lotions and creams on the supermarket shelf, you choose only the ones that say 'organic' or 'natural.' You go home in peace thinking you did your job, you choose right and you have nothing to worry about. Right? Well, we suggest, think again. Hundreds of organic skin care products are flooding the global skin care market every day. The credibility definitely becomes questionable.

The Organic Catch

Many of us become the target to the shrewd marketing gimmicks of skincare products manufacturing companies that mislead consumers by claiming to be organic, while the truth is harshly far from it. Most skin care products that declare themselves as being Organic, in reality may merely have a few organic ingredients blended with preservatives and chemical agents. Unfortunately, the loophole is in the system, since there is no rule what so ever, restricting companies from labeling their products as 'Natural' or 'Organic.'

Organic Skin Care Products - The Concept

The basic difference between an ordinary skincare product and an organic skincare product is that the organic products are made with organically grown ingredients. Therefore, unlike conventionally cultivated materials, which are exposed to harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organically grown materials are toxin free.

Organic Skin Care Products - Some Facts

When a skin care product is certified as 'Organic,' it generally contains 95% organic ingredients and 5% of inorganic materials, which belong to an approved National List.

When a product is certified as 'Made from Organic Ingredients,' it means it contains only 70% of organic ingredients and the other 30% contains inorganic materials from the approved National List.

Organic Purchase - The Pre-requisites

Taking into consideration all the facts it can be said that 100% pure organic products may not really exist. Still, we can definitely find the next best things for us. A few things to keep in mind before buying any organic products:

Read the Ingredients Carefully - If you cannot even pronounce a chemical's name, it maybe that it should not be there. If you are unsure about the ingredients, browse through the internet to find more information on them. Fact sheets on most chemicals can be found easily, online.

No Additives - True organic products should not contain any artificial colors, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, or preservatives.

Check Certification - Check for USDA (United States Departments of Agriculture) seal or ACO (Australian Certified Organic) logo on the products.

Natures Organic Market offers flat rate shipping on More Milk Plus, Organic Iced Tea, and organic products.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

How to Lose Weight with Eating Fast Food

Gone are the days when fast food meant fat-filled food. As we, the consumers, have become more health conscious, fast food chains have responded by adding healthier alternatives to their menus. So you can add fast foods to your diet without necessarily running the risk of putting on lots of weight. If you don't feel like cooking sometimes or just don't have the time and need something quickly, you can go to a fast food restaurant without feeling guilty.

The movie "Super Size Me" might have put some people right off going to places like McDonalds. For those of you who aren't familiar with the movie, the guy in it ate nothing but three McDonalds' combo meals a day. This is about three times as many calories as the average person requires each day. Now, that's definitely overdoing it!

But you can eat fast food and still restrict your calorie intake. Even if you choose one of the less healthy burgers, you can keep the calories down by skipping the fries or drinking water instead of soda. Mayo in sandwiches is another big calorie adder that you can probably survive without.

While eating fast food on a daily basis is still not a good idea, it can be incorporated into a healthy eating plan. LIVE's Nutritional Plan can show you ways that you can add fast food to your diet and still increase your metabolism. The key to maintaining a good metabolism is to eat five small meals a day.

Below is a list of some of the fast food chains and a few of the more healthy choices they offer.

McDonalds

1. Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich (no mayo)
2. Plain Hamburger
3. Bacon Ranch Salad with Grilled Chicken
4. Side salad instead of fries

Wendy's

1. Jr. Hamburger (no mayo)
2. Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich (no mayo)
3. Plain baked potato with a small plain chili on top
4. Fresh fruit bowl
5. Low fat strawberry yogurt

KFC

1. Honey BBQ Snacker Sandwich
2. Honey BBQ Sandwich
3. Chicken breast without skin or breading
4. Sides of green beans, seasoned rice, or corn on the cob

Burger King

1. Chicken Whopper Sandwich (no mayo)
2. BK Veggie Burger (no mayo)
3. Fire Grilled Chicken Garden Salad

Baja Fresh

1. Baja Style Tacos: Charbroiled Chicken or Shrimp
2. Baja Ensalada: Charbroiled Chicken or Shrimp

Subway

1. 6" Ham
2. 6" Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
3. 6" Roast Beef
4. 6" Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
5. 6" Turkey Breast
6. 6" Veggie Delight

As you can see, there are lots of healthy fast food choices. Just take some time to look at the menu next time you go in and see exactly what's in each option.

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Friday, October 16, 2009

What is Organic Coffee and how is it Grown

Organic is a new word used in the context of coffee, tea, cocoa and other food materials in recent times around local shops and super markets. Every year the word is being used by buying public more than the previous year and its use is growing year after year resulting in higher sale proportion of tea or coffee marked as 100% organically grown.

What is organically grown?

To simply put it, organic farming methods leave least or no harmful impact on the surrounding environment. Organic agricultural production systems are mostly traditional methods evolved through learning from nature. In the organic farming methods no synthetic chemical fertilizer or pesticide is used. So that organic production means natural, pure and healthy.

How coffee grows in nature

The coffee plant does not need much direct sun light and so it grows under the shade of large trees. The ground is never sprayed with any chemical insecticide or fertilizer and so the ground water remains pure and uncontaminated. From the canopy of trees leaves fall steadily and the ground is covered by fallen leaves layer on layer. The layers of fallen leaves work as a blanket and protect the moisture of the ground. The moisture in turn help the process of compost to turn the bottom layers of leaves into natural manure to nourish the land.

The thick foliage of shade trees over the coffee bushes house many varieties of birds and also attracts the migratory birds. The birds live on small insects and pests. So they work as natural pest controllers and keep the coffee plants healthy.

The coffee that grows in the shade of other local trees become original and pure in taste and flavor Organic Coffee.

The proposed plantation site is selected carefully. And if the site was being used to grow some other crop using chemical fertilizer or chemical insecticides, then a minimum period of three years are given as conversion years for the proposed site to get over the effects of the harmful chemicals.

After the conversion years coffee bushes are planted along with local shade trees. Care is given equally to the coffee bushes and shade trees and effort is put in to leave bird population to grow undisturbed.

The fallen leaves are left undisturbed to convert into manure to nourish the land and keep it fertile. The bird population effectively controls the pests and harmful insect and protects the coffee bushes. And finally for decaffeinating, approved processes are employed including the Swiss Water process. The coffee thus produced is organic coffee.

Organic vs. commercial production

Organic production methods along with producing coffee intend to protect environment. In this process of growing coffee, more and more trees are grown due to that local biodiversity is achieved. In this method, soil fertility and nutrients are sustained. No chemical pollution is created to harm the human health.

In contrast in commercial profit oriented method of growing coffee, the trees are felled and the cumulative effect is deforestation. Deforestation leads to soil erosion and severe depletion. The commercial grower cuts trees to allow direct sun light which increases production. As there are no birds to control pests and due to the absence of trees and its natural manure, farmers are forced to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides severely harming the environment.

Organic coffee - lifeline of future

Organic production process is eco friendly and helps to repair the environment spoilt by the greedy profit oriented approach of commercial growers of coffee through growing more and more shade trees.

Protecting environment locally helps to enhance the eco system. Rejuvenation and eco system alone can help the planet from disaster and help to sustain life on this planet.

Organic coffee is our responsibility, almost a human duty and life line to healthy future of mankind.

Naturesorganicmarket.com offers low prices on organic coffee, organic baby clothes, and more.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Food and Diet for More Energy

Do you find that you get fatigued during the afternoon? There are better choices than reaching for that candy bar, soda, or the latest energy drink. Food and diet is essential to giving your body more energy during the day. With making some easy diet choices you can have more energy and feel alive during those once sluggish hours.

The fatigue and lack of energy you feel is associated with how you fuel your metabolism. Another way of looking at it is the food you eat or not eat is causing you have low energy and want to take a nap at work. If you are having any lack of energy throughout the day, now is a great time to start making better dietary choices.

The common diet programs that create this lack of energy are low calorie diets or eating 3 meals a day or less. Also, if your diet habits consist of fast food, candy, or soft drinks then your body is simply not getting the energy it needs and how it wants it was balanced energy levels. Another aspect that affects your energy with poor food choices is a lack of essential vitamins, minerals, complex carbs, and amino acids. All of these are building blocks for proper metabolism functioning.

The major issue with the ineffective diet programs of Americans is bad habits actually create more bad habits. Many people think that if they just had will power they won't succumb to food cravings that crush their diets. The reality is that poor choices create times when your body is in low blood sugar and that period is what causes your cravings. It is physiology that causes them not a lack of mental strength. Did you know that once you start eating 5 small meals during the day your cravings for sugar go away? Follow me on this person's day. We are starting with breakfast though they don't eat breakfast because they have noticed that if they skip breakfast they don't feel hungry till lunch. So at lunch they go out to dinner with their coworkers. Now, from a lack of energy they over eat more food than they should at any one meal. The problem is this doesn't feel or looks like too much food because this is what they are used to. How do I know this is too much food because at around 2 or 3 pm they are crashing. Their energy is low and they have become exceptionally irritable. Does this sound familiar?

So what are we supposed to eat? The goal is to eat 5 small meals throughout the day. For the average American this is cutting their normal meal in half and eating the other half as a snack. Breakfast starts the day either burning fat or storing fat. You know you had a proper breakfast because you are hungry 2-3 hours later, and it is time for another snack. You want to keep having small meals every two to three hours throughout the day. The reason this is good is because your body is burning calories and wants more fuel to keep burning. I know it seems logical if you don't eat you will lose weight. The problem is when you don't eat your body stores the food you eat as fat. When you fuel your body every 2-3 hours your body starts to burn more energy and will stop storing energy. This is the key to healthy losing weight.

Another key aspect to controlling your energy levels is the use of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that supports your body to release adrenaline into your system. Caffeine in moderation, as in one cup of coffee doesn't throw your body out of balance. Having a multiple cups or some of the energy drinks and your body is running on artificial energy and then you crash. Once you crash you want that good feeling again, and so you are off on another Starbucks run. I know people who go to Starbucks every 2-3 hours or after each time their body crashes. One thing on energy drinks, Red Bull has less caffeine than a cup of coffee though I can't guarantee what is in the rest of the energy drinks.

Do you need more protein or more carbs in your meals? If you find that your meals are made of mostly carbs or simple sugars than eating protein with your meals with balance you out. Most Americans are over eating protein. If you are not getting a small amount of complex carbs in each meal, this is another reason why you are low on energy. Carbs are you body's fuel. Protein is designed to rebuild your muscle tissue and your body doesn't want to use it as energy.

Adding proper supplementation can make easy healthy and throughout the day easier. For most people getting that mid morning or mid afternoon snack can be a challenge. Having a meal replacement bar or shake can give you the healthy fuel you need. Also, most meal replacement supplements are fortified with vitamins and minerals which is a far cry from the candy bar. Supplements allow you to get exactly the right amount of calories in your meal as well. Especially, if you are going after a weight loss goal you don't need to eat any extra calories. What should I eat for my 5 small meals? The first answer is the same things you are eating now only cut them in half. You will find that the sugar cravings go away so we automatically start eating less sugar. The goal is to go to the super market thinking about what you want to eat for your meals. If you buy it at the grocery store than you will have it ready when it is time to eat? Liveleantoday.com's diet program creates weekly menus that print out grocery lists to make this process easy. Start eating every 2-3 hours and turn your metabolism into a fat burning machine. I know you might be laughing, not your metabolism. Today if you start eating 5 small meals your body will start to turn over. You will know this is working because you will have more energy than you have ever had before.

Find personal trainer the fitness and nutrition information you are seaching for at LiveLeanToday.com. LiveLeanToday.com has a full library of diet, exercise, and supplement information.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Victorian Wedding Gowns

Today's Victorian wedding gowns are inspired by those of mid 80s. Although the wedding gown style kept changing through the Victorian Era, but it maintained a basic framework structure, such as long skirt, larger curve sleeves, and high necklaces that covered the bosoms well. Therefore, even now these fine 'touché of legacy' stay.

Victorian Wedding Gowns give a modest, yet a completely traditional, classical, and royal feel to a bride’s appearance. The bead work decoration all around imparts an exquisite look to the attire. Vintage styled bridal gowns hold full sleeves, cut sleeves, or are strapless, to suit the bride's taste. People in Victorian Era emphasized the use of white as the right color for marital union. Actually, Queen Victoria vastly influenced the choice of average women to opt for a white satin wedding gown, bordered with lace, as bridal attire.

Victorian Wedding Gowns Styles
• High-Collared Gown: Immensely popular among brides looking for a classic finish, this gown is designed in the form of a jacket, styled with a long skirt. The A-shape skirt has three quarter sleeves.
• Medieval-Inspired Gown: This unique and elegant pick is though hard to find, yet numerous online merchants boast of selling its extensive collection. Medieval inspired Victorian wedding gowns have cover up hoods and are found in different colors, including white and golden.
• Two Piece Wedding Gown: This gown poses a very modern appeal, with an upper and a lower segment. The two pieces are applied in different combination to give an attractive finish. Lace can be used as an outer cover to add to its grace.
• Flowing Long Sleeved Wedding Gown: The long curve sleeves in Victorian wedding gowns provide a dazzling trim look, with meticulous work. The silver color does justice to the costume’s appearance.
• Full-skirted Wedding Gown: This comprises of a band across the chest, with long flared skirts and thin bell sleeves strikingly accentuating the neckline. The bride is bound to look fabulous in the outfit.
• Renaissance Victorian Wedding Gown: This is the most different of the lot, with the basic characteristics of the sub-styles remaining the same. The under drape and the sleeves of the gown get tighter as they near the wrists, while the skirt tends to flow away from the body as the bride moves - the most likable phenomenon among the brides, giving them a simulated feel of a princess.

The Victorian wedding gowns would fascinate many women around, owing to their beauty and smart designs. Reasonably enough, a bride is magnetized to any of the above styles, providing her 'the' desired look on the most special and the happiest day of her life.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Dancing Wedding Divorce Parody Video



JK Wedding Aisle Dancing Video Parody. This video shows them dancing into divorce proceedings.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wedding Cake Toppers

When it comes to a major event like wedding then the worth of wedding cakes is inevitable. Especially for the bride, they are very important. The importance of cake is not confined to its taste and design only. It should also match up with the wedding theme. It is believed that the design of the wedding cake is incomplete until and unless you have decorated it with an ideal cake topper.

There are various classic wedding cake toppers available. Customized cake toppers are also available in the market. The classic cake topper which is normally in trend for marriages is a bride and groom statuette. They are usually created with the help of porcelain. The bride is created in a white dress whereas the groom in a tuxedo. If your priority is a vintage style then you can look for an original cake topper that was common in 1940s & 50s. The current trends of bride & groom cake toppers include an all-white porcelain structure or a structure made in crystal.

You can even dress up your cake with fresh flowers. It will always look beautiful and mesmerize the people. If you wish to curtail the cost a little bit then you can also go for bouquet of roses. The color of roses is totally up to you.

To make the event memorable, if you are ready to loose your pocket a bit then there are many more options available for you. You can look for the hottest trend of modern times i.e. the monograms. The services of custom monograms are readily available in the market. One such monogram is designed with the initials of the bride and groom. The design of bridal jewelry over the cake topper is also a very good option. Here a fabulous rhinestone or crystal monogram is used.

You can also match up the cake topper with the theme of your marriage. For an Asian inspired event it is perfect to use a "double happiness" symbol in the form of a cake topper.

If you are fond of Disneyworld then you can also use Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as your cake topper. The statuette of Cinderella is also not bad at all!

It is always important to respect your tradition and also match up with your theme wedding party. The day of marriage is exclusively yours and the possibilities are almost endless. So go for it!

Filarski Hasselbeck wedding

If you are keen to know about Filarski Hasselbeck wedding then you are certainly at the right place. There are a lot many like you who are keen to know about this wedding. If you are willing to know about this interesting wedding then here you are!

Elizabeth Filarski is a student of arts at the Boston College, in the United States. She is also the captain of Division-1 softball team in the same college. She led her team in the two major events including the Big East championship. She met Tim Hasselbeck in the charismatic quarterback meet held at the college.

Their wedding took place on July 6, in the year 2002. The hometown of Elizabeth Filarski i.e. Cranston, RI witnessed this memorable event. Both of them were associated with the Boston College. Se was the former survivor contestant of the college whereas Tim was an ex-quarterback for Boston College.

The location where the marriage ceremony was held was also special in itself. The couple had chosen St. Mary’s Church for their marriage. The special thing about St. Mary’s Church is that it is located aside of the parish school where Ms. Filarski completed her schooling in her teenage. Both school and the church had witnessed two life changing events of Ms. Filarski’s life. It first witnessed her schooling and later her marriage.

The wedding gown that she wore at the time of marriage was also unique in itself. Elizabeth Filarski had designed her own wedding dress. The footwear worn by her were also exclusive in themselves. She wore sported shoes that were purchased from the Designer Shoe Warehouse. It cost her $49.50.

Several major events took place at the time of marriage. More than 200 people participated in Filarski Hasselbeck wedding. Many important personalities attended the ceremony from Elizabeth’s behalf. The guests who attended the wedding also included the survivor cast mates of Elizabeth, Rodger Bingham and Tina Wesson. After concluding the wedding ceremony the couple visited their Rhode Island State House and took some pictures over there to make the event remarkable.

After wedding the reception was held. The Federal Reserve restaurant was chosen by the couple for the event. It is one of the famous restaurants in the providence of Rhode Island (RI). Like their wedding, the reception was also quite striking! Presently, the couple has two children and the third one is on the way.

Friday, July 31, 2009

All my children wedding

It is totally up to the bride and groom whether they are inviting their children to the Wedding Ceremony or not. It is a fact that children are unpredictable. You cannot predict their behavior in advance. If you want to know how to handle the situation in the most effective way then this article is rightly meant for you.

It is absolutely right that parents always take part in their children’s marriage. They participate in the ceremony happily and pray that “all my children wedding should take place without any obstruction.”

But in some of the cases, children also get an opportunity to participate in their parents’ marriage. It is quite a genuine thing in the western nations. The reaction of the children to their parents wedding depends on their personal outlook. Some children respect the feelings of their parents and approve their marriage. They even participate in the event with full happiness. After all, their parents nurtured for their entire lifetime and they also have some duties and responsibilities towards their parents.

On the other hand, some children compare their parent’s decision with their own social standard. For them the remarriage of their parents is not acceptable under any of the circumstances. Sometimes they even try to obstruct the ceremony in one way or the other. This is not fair anyhow but it directly depends on one’s personal judgment.

If your children are happy with you decision then it is really a good thing. If not, then there are some alternatives available to tackle down the situation. If your personal relationship with your children is not up to the mark then you can invite them to the reception with a formal invitation. You can also invite them to a private dinner instead of the main ceremony.

If they respect the blood relationship then they would come. If they think they are right at their place then also it is your formal duty to send an invitation card. There are many reasons due to which a person decides to marry in the later stage of life. If unfortunately, you have lost your life partner (husband or wife) and feeling loneliness then there is nothing wrong to marry again. After divorce also you have the moral right to live your life up to your own will.

Sometimes the couple marries after having their children. They understand their responsibility and decide to live as a family. This is totally a different story but here also children get an opportunity to participate in their parents wedding (it doesn’t matter how old they are!!!!)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Which is the best website/store to find short wedding dresses?

Beach wedding dresses add a touch of playfulness to the romantic and elegant occasions of weddings. This style of wedding dress is cool enough to wear in the summer heat, can be worn in humid conditions. Moreover since the beach weddings are informal, dresses are informal.

The most popular designs used in beach weddings are short tea length halter dresses, strapless tops and sleeveless wedding dresses. These can be worn with pretty flip flops, strappy sandals or beach slippers.
Even though the beach weddings are informal, a bride would love to look and feel special, lovely and sexy. The right wedding dress helps her set the tone for the entire event.

If you are looking for a lovely tea length wedding dress, you can get one that is special at bridalonlinestore.com. Our beach wedding dresses are made of soft and long white cotton fabric, which falls well and can be washed. We even have wedding dresses that are hand-sewn and hand-embroidered

You will get simple wedding dresses, Hawaiian wedding dresses, even sarongs at our website store. Do visit bridalonlinestore.com to select the perfect informal wedding dress for your special event.
We assure you that you will find the latest designs in the fabric of your choice which will help you look stunning and elegant even on a hot summer beach.

If you would like a wedding veil with your dress, we can definitely provide you one that matches your entire ensemble. We even give you other accessories like matching wide brimmed sun-hats. In case you would like to get married without a veil or hat, you could browse our selection of flowers or barrettes and bands for your head gear.
You could prefer to be barefoot on your wedding or even wear some beach slippers. We have a range of casual footwear from which you could choose as your wedding shoes.

If you do not have much time to get a wedding dress made from scratch, we have several lovely wedding dresses that you could choose from. They are already made and this will reduce the time taken.

We even have a great selection of bridesmaid dresses, wedding favors and other wedding goods. Do visit us at bridalonlinestore.com , we are available 24/7 and round the clock.

You can browse our catalogues, mail us and we shall get back to you. In case you want a wedding dress that is not in the traditional style or size, do let us know your special requirement. We shall do our best to satisfy you.
We assure you that our prices are reasonable. You could compare our prices with other designer boutiques. This is because we are online, so we save on costs of maintaining a showroom. Once you have picked the wedding dress you like, we will ship it to you in the size you want. Do contact us for your wedding dress and other things you require to make your wedding a memorable event at bridalonlinestore.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

Wedding Hairstyles for Brides

Have you already chosen your dream wedding dress? Good, if yes. Now is the time for you to decide upon that perfectly suitable wedding hairstyle to compliment your bridal get up. While choosing the appropriate hairstyle, consideration should be given to factors, such as your dress, headgear, veil, season of wedding, theme of the party, your facial structure, and so on. Following are some tips to guide you through:

• Research
First thing to do is a thorough research for hairstyles and stylist. You can use fashion magazines, advertisements, and internet to broad base your research. You can try so many ways that you will be spoilt for choice. From ancient cuts and ties to the most contemporary ones, everything can be looked for.

• Wedding dress
Wedding dresses have a lot of bearing on your hairdo. Their style (ball gown, A-line, mermaid style, or sheath style) and type (formal, semi-formal, or casual) have to be given due consideration. For instance, an up-do for a strapless, halter-neck, or spaghetti would accentuate the shoulder and neckline. Similarly, curled tresses suit the full sleeves with V-neck, or round neck, the best.

• Your hair and you
After considering the probable options according to your wedding gown, begin to shortlist them according to the shape of your face. Not every hairstyle suits every face structure. Therefore, it is essential to understand the face type and choose the best complementing wedding hairstyles. For example, long hair suit round faces and tied up hair on sleek ones.

• Other considerations
Wedding theme is one of the most significant factors influencing the choice of wedding gown and dresses. For instance, a Vintage, or a Fairytale wedding will require a traditional hairdo, whereas, a loose natural hair will be ideal for a beach wedding. The season, hot, humid, spring or winter also has to be taken into account from the point of view of the season specific look and comfort.

• Preparations and trial
Some wedding hairstyles may require some prior trimming, cutting, and shaping, example, curly step-cuts. In addition, it may take some extra preparation to bring your dry, damaged, fizzy, oily, or other types of problem hair in a healthy and shiny condition on the ‘big day.’ It is a good idea to consult your beautician for some trials with makeup and hairdos to get a better idea about the suitability of your choice. Try using your headpiece and veil for the trials to make a near to actual assessment. You can also experiment with colors, streaks, or contemporary styles, such as spikes and twists to mention a couple.

Hairstyle often defines your first look and you would not like to compromise on your glamour on that ‘special’ occasion. So, prepare your wedding hairstyle accordingly!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Would not recommend for wedding dresses

Women attach a lot of sentimental value to their wedding dresses. For them it is a symbol of love. They put in a lot of effort into finding the right one, perfect for the wedding ceremonies and would love to have it last for ever. But most of the time, once they come back from their honeymoons, they either hang the gown in the closet or store it away in a box or chest. This is extremely harmful for the gown.

The good news is that it is actually quite easy to preserve your wedding gown in its original pristine glory. If done properly, the gown will become an heirloom enjoyed by brides of the family for generations.

Get a Clean Start

It is important to take the gown to the cleaners as soon as you can. Make a visit to the best dry cleaner in town as soon as you can. Normally the good dry cleaners closely inspect the garment, bring stains, flaws and other minor details to your notice. They even have services that help repair the tiny stains and tears. Get those attended to. Once the gown is delivered to you, you can store it away.

Long-Term Storage

Do not hang your gown. It will then get stretched or even worn out due to the gravitational pull of the earth. Instead consider storing it rolled up or folded. If you have to hang it and do not have space to store it any other way, get yourself padding. Padding material can be obtained from quilting stores. These can be used to cover the hangers so that the delicate fabric of the gown does not suffer. If you are folding your gown, you need to bring the gown out at least twice a year, shake out the folds and re-fold along different lines. Delicate fabrics have been known to tear away at the folds if stored too long.


Regular Check-Ups

Air your gown often. Remember that it is your heirloom and requires a lot of care. Take it out of storage, shake it out, and check how well it is doing in storage. Freshen it up and restore it.

Temperature Matters

Do not subject your precious gown to the vagaries of the weather. Store it in the attic or the basement. These places are not heated or cooled. They are airy too. The temperature at which your gown will do best would be somewhere around 60 to 70 degree F. Avoid small closets.

Humidity Sensitivity

Extreme change in the moisture level can also harm your gown. So it is not recommended that you store the gown in a bathroom closet or the laundry room. If it is an extremely dry winter, do consider using a humidifier in the room where your gown is stored. Humidity should be around 40 to 50% for the fabric.


Avoid Ironing and Starching

Instruct the cleaners not to iron your gown or starch it. Starch can attract pests and encourage mildew growth, whereas ironing strains the fabric fibers.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Is it over the top to have two wedding dresses?

Over the top, may be, but hey, it’s a wedding and the bride is allowed to indulge herself a bit is she not? This is a growing trend for brides to have two wedding dresses these days. It is her special day, so why not?

Actually most girls do not plan to pick up two dresses for their wedding. What happens is that a bride chooses one that fits in with the style and the ambiance of the event. It is the perfect wedding dress, but perhaps a tad uncomfortable to spend the whole night in. So she picks up another which is just perfect for the ensuing festivities, for dancing at the reception and for going away in. She gets both of them!

The trend these days is to get an informal reception which is more like a disco event. If this is your reception then the formal gown you wore to church just won’t do. The same thing could happen to brides who get married at a beach. A tea length beach dress may be perfect for your outdoor wedding, but you always dream of a formal gown. But you will get exhausted if you continue wearing it for the rest of the festivities. You will need a shorter and lighter dress.

Normally the second wedding dress is light weight, casual but still in the same style and fashion as the wedding gown. However mostly it is a sexier and slinkier version that adds sensuality. A slinky sheath will definitely add oomph, if you could carry it off. A tea length wedding dress can be considered or even a sassy low cut gown. It will really add to your wedding glamor.

Of course you can go the whole hog and get yourself more accessories that go with the second gown. The shoes, the jewelery, the hat and the gloves specially coordinated with the second gown add more class to your wedding. It would be wonderful if the entire ensemble was easy to slip into. It would add to your fun to see the surprise on the face of your guests when you slip away for just a little while and come back dressed in your sexy dress.

Of course you do not have to stop at getting a second bridal dress. It is traditional for the bride and groom to change into their going-away clothes before they leave the reception. Which means that you get to have a third wedding dress if you so choose. Your going away dress needs to be trendy, comfortable and suitable for your long journey if you are exiting to a far away destination for your honeymoon. Of course it has to be pretty too. But it need not be a dress. Going away clothes could be trousers or a simple business suit in a pretty colour.
No, we do not think that this is over the top. It is your wedding and you can indulge yourself. Have fun shopping!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Best Online Wedding Dress Site

In today’s time Internet offers an easy and comprehensive way to choose the bridal dress that you have always dreamed of wearing. It is a nerve-racking experience for the bride to purchase a dream wedding dress within her budget.

With the brides getting adventurous and opting for outdoor weddings there is a huge demand for short wedding dresses which are not only trendy and elegant but also cost effective. The great looking short, mini or super short wedding dress can make you look stunning and it’s available on bridalonlinestore.com

Although there are millions of websites offering many options for the bride, bridalonlinestore.com is one of the best websites to shop for the bridal dress, accessories etc. It is a Ohio, U.S.A based warehouse which sells flower girl dresses, bride’s maid dresses, short wedding dresses, reception dresses, just to name a few.

The site offers some very gracious looking short wedding dresses perfect for an outdoor, garden, destination or beach wedding in champagne, ivory and white colors.

The huge selections of dresses are displayed in original photographs on the site. What you see is what you get. The dresses are always available and are shipped anywhere in the world immediately. All the dresses are brand new and there is no off the rack stuff.

There are bridal consultant available 24/7 online to help the customers and there is money back guarantee, exchange and return facility also. The prices are not at all over the top as they manufacture their own dresses and do not have any overhead bridal shop. One can have a peaceful, hassle free, and completely secure shopping experience at bridalonlinestore.com

The site offers wedding dresses in all sizes and styles. One can go for a traditional, informal, casual, or destination wedding dress.

Bridalonlinestore.com has a complete wedding planner and a bride’s guide to help you. You can browse the catalogues, read satisfied customer testimonial and buy the best dress or wedding gown at reasonable prices, all from the comforts of your home. It also has a bridal forum.

The site has been featured in many magazines and their gowns used in many TV serials. A warning is posted on the site against some online sites which dupe the customers.

Bridalonlinestore.com is the finest website to purchase the ultimate short yet elegant wedding dress for a Cinderella like wedding.

Go for bridalonlinestore.com and choose your desired short wedding dress.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

What are the Different Types of Wedding Gowns?

There are no stereotypes when it comes to a decision about your dream wedding celebrations. The only thumb rule here is that there is no thumb rule. To make your most cherished event memorable for life, advance planning comes handy. It is not only the logistics of arrangements, but the wedding attires too set the tone of the function. The type, season, and the theme, if any, of the ceremony have a lot of say on the choice of dress for the bride.

Types of weddings gowns

Formal
Formal gowns, especially for the evening weddings, are customarily long flamboyant designs with dazzling tinges and trains. The veils are usually long, often floor-length. The fabrics used are also heavier ones, like satins or brocades. However, while the style of gown remains the same, the fabrics and colors vary in the case of a daytime wedding. Here, the emphasis is on lighter materials, such as taffeta, tulle, shantung etc., with shorter trains and veils.

Semi-formal
Comparatively less elaborate, these gowns focus on the use of plain fabrics like chiffon, with sleeker and less ornate designs. Veils are shorter, mostly fingertip length. There is generally no marked difference between day and evening semi-formal wear, except for your personal choice.

Informal
These are mostly knee length cocktail style outfits or suits. Unlike semi-formal plain style, informal wear can be somewhat adorned or beaded. Wearing a veil with an informal wedding dress is not in practice. If you choose colored attire, the colors are chosen based on the time of wedding.

Designs
There can be just as many designs for wedding gowns, as you may imagine. Nevertheless, the following are the basic types of designs in vogue:
- Empire Gown
It has less distinct waistline to suit the petite built. Empire cut also suits the ‘inverted-pear’ body.
- Ball Gown (Full Skirt)
For full-figures, ball gowns represent the best choice that hides away those extra calories!
- Princess Gown (A-Line)
This style suits most of the body types with its less defined waistline, yet elaborate design.
- Sheath Style
It is among the slender varieties, with a waistline designed to suit the ‘watch-glass’ figures.
- Mermaid Style
Mermaid style is a body hugging design for those blessed with a near-perfect figure.

Necklines & Sleeves
Necklines and sleeves are also dependent upon your body type, especially the structure of your shoulders and hands. The widely, used options include off-shoulder, over-the-shoulder straps, halter-necks, strapless, and asymmetric design. Sleeves can be quarter, half, or fill with plain or puffed designs.

With so many options available, just any bride would be spoilt for choice, but the idea should not be to choose what is most popular or suit others. The idea should be to find what gives you that distinguishing look, while being comfortable, which you deserve on you special day!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Pick a Beach Wedding Dress

You have decided to have a gorgeous wedding on the beach. Beach wedding dresses are usually made of lighter material. The more casual bridal gown still delivers images of class and style. Most often women looking for a beach wedding gown make sure that the hemline doesn't got all the way to the sand. Beach wedding dresses are not just for the skinny brides. Bigger brides can look just as beautiful in their beach wedding dress.

The key in picking your beach wedding gown is to pick a dress that matches your figure. It is important for everyone to look their best on their special day. Finding a dress that compliments your specific body type and figure is the key to looking gorgeous. A good plus size dress should flatten your curves instead of making them look bigger. Handling your curves is the key to plus size beach wedding gowns.

Look for a dress that fits well and doesn't dig into your skin. The high quality beach wedding gowns should be soft to the touch, with no itchiness. Beach wedding gowns should be made of breathable materials to keep your dress soaking up sweat. The breathable materials will keep your gown staying white all day long. This will keep your dress flowing and beautiful through the ceremony and reception.

A-line dresses make for the best plus size gowns. A full skirt dress should be avoided. Always look for a dress that will flatter your figure.

A high quality beach wedding dress is formed with lightweight, flowing materials. Stay away from heavy or cumbersome gowns. Popular materials are linen, silk, lace, gauze, rayon, or light cotton.

Sarongs are now becoming the rage for beach weddings. Wear a one piece, for a strapless mini gown style, or use as a skirt with matching halter top. Search online for the best prices for bridal dress shops.

The top styles for beach wedding dress are strapless or spaghetti strap gowns. It is typically hotter for beach weddings and this important to take into account when picking your dress. Remember to always pick a dress the matches your figure. Lacy sleeves are a great option for people who have larger arms.

Beach weddings are starting to become exceptionally popular. You now can have a high end and stylish wedding dress for your beach wedding. Search online for the latest styles to match your figure.


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Friday, June 5, 2009

Buying a Wedding Dress No Money Down

The elated moment comes when the man of your dreams asks you to marry him. The moment that many women dream about since they were little girls. After the romantic night sets in the reality of what lies ahead. You now have to pick a date, buy a wedding dress, pick who is going to be in your wedding party, and more details then one person could ever think of. Then comes the big question how do you pay for it.

Wedding in America are no small feats anymore. It seems every year the cost to get married just keeps skyrocketing. Yes, you could go with a small wedding with only a few people, but this is your big day that you want all your friends and family to see. The burden of paying for a wedding can be a real challenge for a new couple just starting their life together.

Online there are now some options that can help make the burden of paying for your wedding easier. Certain online wedding dress retailers offer 90 days same as cash credit. Which means you are able to get your wedding dress, tiara, veil, and more putting no money down. Then you have 90 days to pay the amount off with out accruing any interest. Just think of the relief knowing with every wedding bill ringing out that your most important item your wedding dress can be the easiest purchase.

The program is through a trusted partner Paypal. With planning your wedding, you don't need added stress about worrying about fraud online. That is why the top online bridal dress stores use Paypal to insure their customers that their purchase is secure and hassle free. If interested in purchasing a dress with no payments just select the option and it will take you to a secure page to enter to information. Paypal keeps your personal information secure online and away from hackers.

Pay me later feature is not the only reason to buy a wedding dress online. Bridal online stores offer a wide variety of the latest styles and fashions. Online retailers are able to sell direct to you the consumer which allows for much lower prices than in typical stores. Which means you can get the wedding dress of your dreams at a price you can afford. Low prices and no payments for 90 days sure makes buying a wedding dress the best part of planning your wedding.


Low prices on the hottest styles in wedding dresses and bridal gowns.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Summer Wedding Dress

A woman dreams about her wedding since her very childhood. It is her special day when she will walk up the aisle perfectly dressed and looking gorgeous to wed the love of her life. Therefore it is important to her to be dressed perfectly. Many girls spend more time discussing wedding gowns than any other dress. In fact along with the right choice of groom, the right choice of wedding dress can make or mar the wedding. The dress should be appropriate for the occasion, the weather and it should match the theme of the wedding venue.

Summer weddings have become very popular, and there are many designers who keep them already ready and you can buy one off the shelf. The fabric has to be soft and light, which means lighter varieties of silk and satin are a good option. You can also opt for chiffon, organza, organdy, georgette and even crepe. Some blends like cotton-rayon mix, or Chinese silk will be perfect for the wedding dress. Charmeuse is another wonderful fabric, very popular in summer wedding dresses. You should look for a fabric that is airy and can breathe so that it is comfortable.

Generally destination weddings have become popular in the summers such as beach weddings, or a wedding in a park or garden. Whatever might be the venue of the summer wedding; you can get a dress made which is suitable for the season and look very bridal too. The main difference is the fabric and the amount of embroidery and embellishment. For a summer wedding, a wedding dress in a light weight fabric, preferably in pastel or summery colors is an ideal choice. Rose, light blue, yellow and eggshell white are good colors for your gown. It is a lucky bride who gets married in the peak of summer i.e. May to August, since most of the dresses designed for a bride are without sleeves or backless. Halters, spaghetti straps and other such sexy gowns are specially designed for summer brides. It makes the hunt for the special dress so much easier.

Nowadays brides are showing a marked preference for informal or casual summer wedding dresses. This is mainly because they do not want to spend a huge amount of money on a dress that can only be worn once. A casual dress can be worn by the bride at an informal summer wedding. This is preferred because they do not want to spurge on something expensive which cannot be worn again, except for a very special occasion. Instead, a casual dress can be worn at other occasions.

A smart sundress can be worn by the bride in white or in a color that matches the venue or the wedding. It could be a short dress, just up to the knees. Some daring brides have also gone in for mini-skirts. These look very good, but you need to be tall and slim for the dashing effect.
If you do not have the height, you could wear a summer dress which is mid-length or a sarong with a flowery print. For a beach wedding you could wear it with an off shoulder top. If it is a beach wedding you could add a lei headband on the head for the summery natural look.
You could also opt for lightweight silk flowing gown that goes well with the casual ambience of your summer wedding.

In keeping with the summery theme of your wedding you could consider adding the bounty of nature to your wedding. You could pick up a pretty color like pink or lemon and get the bridesmaid dresses in line with the main theme. You must add a nice bouquet of flowers that match the dress or set it off nicely. The same floral arrangement can be placed on the tables to complete the effect.
It is important to realize that summer heat makes hair styles impossible to maintain. Limp hair gets more lifeless and lacks luster, frizzy hair gets frizzier. In such a scenario, it is smarter to keep the hair style casual. A simple hairstyle like keeping the hair loose and pinning in some flowers or keeping it in place with a headband can look very nice. Alternatively you can tie your hair into a pony tail and add some flowers for that natural and fresh look.

Team the entire ensemble with strappy footwear and you will look like a lovely fresh summer bride and captivate all your guests.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Remember the Small Moments

There are not enough flowers, candy boxes, or candlelit dinners to equal the sheer romantic power of one privately shared joke between a loving couple.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infection is the commonest in women and mostly affects the vagina. Normally, some amount of yeast and beneficial bacteria are always present in the vaginal area. In yeast infection, the proportion of yeast overtakes that of bacteria through multiplication or via some external source. The increased quantity of yeast (known as, Candida albicans) attacks the lining of the organ, causing swelling, irritation, and a thick discharge from vagina.

What causes yeast infections?

A host of combined or single factors account for yeast infections. Lets look:

Immunity

Like in other conditions, a weakened immune system enhances the possibility of developing yeast infection. Reduced immunity could be due to improper diet, excess physical strain, or external factors, such as the influence of certain medicines, e.g., prednisone.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Either adopted to reduce menopausal symptoms or as contraceptives, hormones taken as supplements can promote yeast infection.

Medication

Certain strong medicines, particularly the antibiotics, taken to fight lung & throat infections, urinary tract infection (UTI), some skin disorders, either wipe out, or greatly reduce the amount of useful bacteria from the vagina also. These bacteria regulate the pH balance by keeping the vaginal area mildly acidic, which is not conducive for the growth of yeast, Candida. As the antibiotics act towards reducing the bacteria, the safe pH balance of the vagina is disturbed too in the process. The yeast gets the opportunity to thrive and starts affecting the surrounding tissues. Although, antibiotics rank among the lead causes of yeast infection, their prolonged usage aggravates the infectious situation.

Diabetes

Diabetes considerably raises the blood sugar level, providing sustenance to Candida, which feeds on various forms of sugar.

Pregnancy

And associated hormonal changes are responsible for the yeast infection.

Hot and humid weather

Such conditions are ideal for the growth of yeast, especially when coupled with tight and closely woven fabric.

Injury

If the internal vaginal tissues are injured, for instance, in the case of chemotherapy, the possibility of developing yeast infection rises. If any other, external or internal, injury confines you to bed or wheelchair, be extra cautious, as yeast thrives in moist and warm atmosphere.

Toiletries and other products

Products such as certain perfumes, anti-bacterial soaps, bath salts, scented sanitary napkins, certain detergent bases, etc. may also prove instrumental in disturbing the vaginal yeast-bacteria balance. Certain spermicidal, such as, nonoxynol-9, can also create bacterial imbalance.

Personal hygiene

Carelessness in the terms of cleanliness and the upkeep of inner wear can cost dearly, as improperly washed fabric may retain the yeast.


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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

How to get a good tan?

Many people love to get their skin tanned but because of the side effects of tanning and lack of knowledge they fail to decide how to get a good tan. There is no doubt that a good tan makes the person look sexy and smart and in addition to it also imparts a thinner as well as healthier look to the person. Though there is no such thing as "safe tan" but people still go for it for one reason or another. It is very essential to follow the right rules and guidelines when you opt for tanning the skin.

Tanning can be done through exposure to the sun or through the use of tanning beds. If you want to get tan through the exposure to sun rays then you should follow some steps which will help you to get a good tan. One of the first things to be done is to exfoliate the skin with the help of a loofah and exfoliating wash. This will help to get rid of the dead skin and the new and fresh skin underneath will retain the tan in a better way. Then you should use a sun tan lotion which has SPF of around 8 or 10. Make sure that the sun tan lotion has a moisturizer in it. Macadamia nut oil or Aloe Vera is a good option as they keep the skin moist as well as prevent the sun burns.

The tanning through the sun will show best results if you choose that area which has maximum sunlight and where you are comfortable enough. The best place for tan is the beach. Do rotate your body and change the position so that the rays of the sun reach out to all the areas of the skin. Initially, you can go in for 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure and then 30 minutes after that. Washing the body with a good moisturizing soap after sitting in the sun rays will give you a good tan. Also use a good moisturizer to retain the tan for a longer period of time.

Sometimes because of the weather fluctuations it is very difficult to get a good tan from the sun. Therefore, people go in for tanning through the tanning beds. One of another reason for people going in for this technique of tanning is that the sun rays are very harmful and they have very harmful effect on the skin. In order to get a good tan and flaunt the tanned body in summer you should follow the following guidelines while using the tanning beds.

The first thing you need to do in this regard is to build a base tan and follow the tanning sessions in the tanning beds regularly. You may require about 6 to 8 sittings in the tanning beds however the number of sittings depends upon the skin tone. In order to enhance the effect of tanning you should go in for a tan accelerator which is specially designed for tanning through the tanning beds. This will also help to build as well as maintain the base. Do exfoliate the skin before sitting in the tanning bed this help you to achieve good tan.

After the tanning sessions go in for moisturizing the skin but avoid a moisturizer with a mineral oil as this will prevent you from getting a good tan. After the formation of base tan go in for tanning session 2 or 3 times per week. Switching between the low and high intensity bed is a good option. Even right diet can result in a good tan. Therefore, eat foodstuff rich in beta carotene and include foods like carrot, tomatoes, radish, and broccoli etc in your diet. This will enhance the tanned effect and give the sun kissed glow to your skin. Also take care of your skin while tanning and never let it dry and you really need to take extra care of your face Another thing which will result in good tan is the right clothes. Wear minimum and comfortable clothes while getting your body tanned. Remember that only those areas will get tanned which will receive light. You can even go nude in a tanning bed as tanning in these beds is carried out in a private area.

Just follow the above rules and suggestions and you will surely get a good tan.


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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

What to Do About Your Wedding Vows

Wedding vows are more than just a declaration of love and devotion; they are a promise between the couple to honor at all times their commitment to one another. Whether a religious wedding ceremony or a non-religious wedding ceremony, that pledge is expressed through the wedding vows. There was a time when the wedding vows were more or less set in stone. Those days, however, are gone.

Traditional Vows

Traditional wedding vows provide a time honored and revered way to exchange vows. These are likely the same wedding vows used by your parents, grandparents and other ancestors throughout the generations. There's a special sense of continuity and connectedness in knowing you're using those same words and that some day, so too may your children.

Religious weddings vary according to the specific religion. However, in general, vows are exchanged in one of two ways. The officiant can pose the vows as a question, to which the bride and groom answer "I do"

"Do you (name) take (partner's name) for your lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do you part?"

Should the couple choose this option they may wish to express their commitment during the exchange of the wedding rings.

Or the couple can state the vows for themselves or repeat them after the officiant:

"I (name) take you (partner's name) for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part."

There are many variations of these words. However the underlying theme of commitment to one another throughout good times and bad times remains constant. The examples listed below are the most common for their respective religions. You can use the Wedding Vows Worksheet to record the exact wording that will be used.

Catholic

"I, _____, take you, _____, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

Episcopal

"In the name of God, I, _____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

Presbyterian

"I, _____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband, and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband/wife in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."

Protestant

"I, _____, take thee, _____, to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith."

Quaker

"In the presence of God and these our Friends, I take thee to be my wife/husband, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live."

Unitarian/Universalist

"I, _____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always."

Interfaith

"I,_____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

Nondenominational

"_____, I now take you to be my wedded wife/husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone as long as we both shall live."

Ring Vows

At most wedding ceremonies, the exchange of rings immediately follows the recitation of vows and serves to seal those promises. The ring symbolizes the unbroken circle of love, and at many ceremonies, more vows are spoken as rings are exchanged. In some cases, the bride receives a ring during the ceremony but the groom does not, as at Orthodox and some Conservative Jewish weddings. For many weddings, couples choose the double-ring ceremony, wherein both the bride and groom give and receive rings.

The following customs are the most common for their respective religions.

Catholic - After the priest blesses the bride's ring, the groom places it on her finger. After the priest blesses the groom's ring, the bride places it on his finger. Each says: "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness."

Episcopal - The groom places the ring on the bride's finger and says: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." If the wedding is a double-ring ceremony, the bride does the same.

Jewish - The groom says: "Harey at mekuddeshet li B'taba'at zo k'dat Moshe V'israel," which means, "Behold, thou are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the law of Moses and of Israel." Then the groom places the ring on the bride's finger. If the wedding is a double-ring ceremony, the bride recites the same words (with changes for gender) and places the ring on the groom's finger.

If you are having a religious ceremony with traditional vows, there is still room for input. Read through the customary vows to make sure you find nothing contradictory with your beliefs, such as things that you think are outdated or sexist. Consider inserting special readings or poems. Sometimes family and friends are invited to read scriptures or poetry.

Self-Written Vows

Many brides and grooms write their own vows. Writing your own wedding vows allows you to express your commitment and love for your partner in your own words. While traditional vows given at a religious wedding ceremony are great for some couples, they aren't personal enough for others. Writing your own wedding vows is also an ideal choice for couples having a non-religious wedding ceremony.

Writing and saying your own wedding vows is a very moving and intimate way to express your feelings for one another. It gives your wedding ceremony a special uniqueness not common to every wedding. However before you can express your feelings you must identify them. Talk to your partner about your marriage, beliefs, hopes and dreams. Use this conversation as the basis of your wedding vows (take notes).

Here are some questions to get you started:

*What are the strengths or special qualities of your relationship?
*What hopes, dreams and goals do you share?
*When did you realize he/she was the one?
*What have you learned from one another?
*What traits about your partner inspire you? Why?
*What are the special moments of your relationship thus far?
*What aspects of married life do you look forward to with your partner?

Once you have a foundation, start writing your wedding vows. Keep in that mind during your vows you must state your promise to remain committed to your partner and that you take them as your spouse. A line of this type is required to ensure your wedding vows are legally binding.

There are other points to consider when writing your wedding vows:

*Your wedding vows should be no longer than 3 minutes.
*The words should come from the heart - be open and sincere.
*Decide whether each of you will recite the same or different vows.
*Include your guests by having them respond with their blessings and support.
*Include proverbs, quotes or poetry if you feel it adds to your vows.
*Read the vows aloud to catch any errors.
*Re-write as necessary, but not too much - the vows don't need to be perfect, just personal.
*Discuss your wedding vows with your officiant - they can check that the vows are legal or offer suggestions if you need help.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

How to Pick the Right Wedding Theme for You

Do you know what style of wedding that you want to have? You may not have thought about this before though understanding your personal wedding style which support you in making better choices as you plan your wedding.

There are 4 standard ceremony styles, though keep in mind there is always room to make your wedding personal to you.

Traditional: traditional weddings are performed in a church, synagogue, or temple by the certified member of your church.

Contemporary: contemporary wedding ceremony will be in a beautiful location like a garden or beach, historical building, or private residence that has a lot of space. R Contemporary wedding are still performed by a religious leader just not in a church or other similar religious building.

Unique: unique wedding ceremonies are those that are completely different. For instance people have gotten married underwater, on mountains, or in a plane. The only thing that hinders a unique wedding is your imagination.

Private: private weddings are weddings with intimate number of people or a wedding performed at city hall. Often private weddings are chosen when people are farther away from their family and will host a wedding party at a later date.

Once you know your ceremony style, you can chose from different overall wedding styles.

Formal wedding: formal wedding is what you think of when you see a fairy take wedding in a movie. A formal wedding is the traditional wedding in a church, tons of flowers and decorations, wedding reception with the triple layered cake, dance to embarrass the family and so on. The attire is formal for the guests and the bridal party with your traditional wedding dresses and tuxedos for the men.

Casual wedding: a casual wedding typically has less people invited and the attire is more causal. Causal weddings are often in gardens, the beach, or some other intimate location. Typically the wedding party afterwords is in a lower key atmosphere like drinks on a dinner cruise.

Themed wedding: themed weddings are easier when the wedding is also causal and has fewer guests than your traditional wedding. There are many different possible themes and can be a challenge to get every guest in the appropriate theme.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Plan Wedding Online for Cheap

With today's economy people can not afford the weddings that they could just a few years ago. The national average cost of a wedding was $21,814 last year, down 24% compared with 2007, when a wedding averaged $28,704, according to data from The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks the industry. In 2009, the cost of the average wedding is expected to be down another 10%.

People who need to find a way to get married for less are finding the web as a valuable resource for finding a wedding of their dreams that still fits within their budget.

Sara Cotner used the Internet extensively while planning her wedding last year, a celebration that had a budget of $2,000 so that she and her husband could close on a new home shortly after getting married. Their planning process was chronicled on her blog, 2000 Dollar Wedding.

BridalOnlineStore.com supports weddings on a budget with high quality and modern styled wedding dresses that people can afford.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Etiquette for Second Time Brides

With encore weddings (where one member of the couple has been married before) representing approximately 40 percent of all weddings today, it is time we reconsider tired, old etiquette rules, because most just don't apply to the way we live today.

According to a popular online second wedding guide, aptly named I Do Take Two, the first consideration should be the children, if there are any, and their comfort level and concerns. If there are children involved, they should be informed before others about the wedding and considered in the planning process. Inviting children to play a part in the ceremony is not only appropriate, but can also be a bonding experience. After all, this ceremony joins two families. Lighting a family unity candle is a wonderful idea to emphasize this.

Appropriate Roles for Children

a. Pass out wedding programs
b. Guest book guardians
c. Escorts for the bride Bridesmaids and groomsmen (adult children)
d. Jr. Bridesmaids, ushers and candle lighters (ages 9-15)
e. Flower girls, ring bearers and pages (ages 4-8)

Note: Please discuss these roles privately with your children and allow them to decide if they want to be involved.

Note: One usher per fifty guests.

So, what are the rules? The number one rule for all couples is to plan together. Perhaps former weddings were based on other's ideas of the perfect wedding. Well, today it is all yours. Your wedding can be formal or informal, large or small, and include any element of a first wedding you wish.

The bride can wear any color and any style that suits her age and figure. Veils and trains are now appropriate if part of the gown - but, no blusher veils. The couple may include multiple attendants. (See note above) Showers are fine, but should be small and intimate. Don't expect gifts from guests who attended the first wedding, though they may want to bring a small gift. Do not host the event in the same location as the first. Do not wear rings from former relationships. No former spouses unless agreed upon definitely by both bride and groom. It is confusing and puts others in an uncomfortable position. Are gifts appropriate? Yes! Gifts are appropriate for encore couples, so it's perfectly acceptable to register. However, those who attended former weddings and showers are not obligated to give a gift. Gifts should never be mentioned on wedding invitations. Register for gifts in a variety of price ranges.

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Learn more about second weddings and vow renewals at http://www.idotaketwo.com

Monday, January 5, 2009

Finding the Wedding Dresses Used in Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway

Bride Wars' costume designer chats about choosing the perfect wedding dresses for Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

Natalie Broulette, Jan 05, 2009

Finding a wedding gown can be the most challenging shopping experience of a woman's life, so just imagine choosing two gowns for two A-list actresses. Costume designer Karen Patch was faced with that difficult task on the set of Bride Wars. We chatted with Karen to learn more about choosing those bridal gowns, the look of Bride Wars and dressing Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.

Natalie Broulette: Can you tell me about working with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway? How are their characters different, and does that come through in their wardrobes?

Karen Patch: When I began my research into Kate and Anne's characters, I kept in mind something the director Gary Winnick said to me: "Although both girls were lifelong best friends, they were really quite different from one another." I wanted Kate's character, Liv, to look tailored but with a feminine approach -- soft, pretty blouses; pencil skirts; suits that are body-conscious. She plays a young lawyer but she is not in a courtroom. Her look was professional and fashionable, not too serious -- someone who likes clothes. I think her character is confident, doesn't procrastinate and likes being in charge. Anne as Emma on the other hand likes color, patterns, florals and is a bit more experimental and creative. She puts pieces together in her own way and mixes old and new, inexpensive with expensive (gifts from Liv). She wears vintage slips at home with cardigans. There is a reversal over the course of time where Anne's character becomes more assertive and Kate's more vulnerable.

NB: What inspired your costume choices for Anne and Kate?

KP: It always begins with the research and character development. I looked at bridal magazines and spent time in bridal stores watching brides come in with their mothers and try on gowns. Conversations with the director, the actors, production designer, cinematographer regarding color -- all these elements factor into what shapes the final result. I put together inspiration boards and notebooks of color palettes, fabric swatches, sketches and any artwork or books that inspire.

NB: What designers and stores did you use?

KP: For Anne I chose Marc Jacobs, Lavendar Label Vera Wang, Theory, Coach, J.Crew, Prada, Calypso. Jewelry: Helen Ficalora, Wendy Culpepper and Ice. Kate wore Chanel, D&G, Hugo Boss, Tods, Marchesa, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Club Monaco. Jewelry: Tiffany. Many jean and t-shirt lines including Seven, Hudson, William Rast and Rag and Bone.

NB: What were some of the challenges you faced during filming?

KP: Before choosing the wedding gowns, I had to begin at the end. That is, what could I do to distress the gowns over and over? I needed many gowns for the stunts and we were faced with time constraints. Each gown takes weeks to make. They were being made and shipped right up until the last minute.

NB: Tell me about the bridal gowns used in the film. How were those chosen and what designers are they by?

KP: I wanted Kate's character to look like the bride on top of the wedding cake ... all confection, Vera Wang and Tiffany -- every little girl's dream wedding. I wanted Anne's character to be more nostalgic. Her dress was supposed to be her mother's and held sentimental value. Both dresses were made by Vera Wang. Kate's was based on a dress Vera had in the collection for 2009, but I asked for some changes and they were kind enough to accommodate -- different fabric and more layers of bobbinette. It was so big she could barely fit going down the aisle.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Picking the Right Wedding Gown

The wedding gown is usually one of the first purchases made for a wedding. Before choosing a gown though, you should decide the kind of a wedding you are having. You should also determine a budget. These things will affect the type of dress that you select.

The dress should complement the other decisions that have been made. In other words, if the wedding will be small and intimate with only a few guests, an elaborate gown with flowing train will be out of place. If you will be kneeling during your wedding ceremony, you may want to avoid a sheath gown, since the skirt may be too tight to allow you to bend your knees.

When you go shopping for the gown, take only one or two people with you and be sure to dress appropriately. You should wear or take along nylons, a strapless bra, and appropriate shoes. Be careful about wearing make-up, particularly lipstick or lip gloss, when trying on dresses, since they stain easily.

Most bridal shops carry each style of gown in only one size. Therefore, if you find a dress that you like, but it doesn't fit, it will need to be ordered, and that can take as long as 4 months. Also, be sure that the shop does alterations. The alterations should be done about two weeks before the wedding. Some shops charge for alterations, so be sure to ask. When attending an appointment for alterations, be sure to wear the shoes and the undergarments that you will wear with the gown so that it can be altered correctly.

It may be helpful to take a camera along when trying on gowns. You can take pictures of your favorite gowns at each shop, and then compare the pictures to help remember the details of each dress and decide which one is right for you. Some shops do not allow their gowns to be photographed, so you should ask before taking any pictures. You may have to assure them that you will not use the photo to have a seamstress make a similar gown.

If you have a tight budget, you might choose to rent rather than buy the gown, or purchase a used gown. Some bridal shops have an option to rent gowns. If you can find the right dress, this maybe a good way to go. You will, however, need to reserve the dress well in advance, particularly if it is a popular style.

A used gown may be a better choice than a rented one, especially if the rented dress has been worn numerous times and the used one worn only once. Former brides who broke their engagement often sale their dresses to resale shops and classified ads. You can find a new, never-worn dress for a fraction of the original price.

If your mother, grandmother, or a friend has a gown that you particularly like, you might ask to borrow it. If you enjoy antiques or old clothing, vintage gowns dating back as far as the Victorian era can be purchased in retro clothing shops and on the Internet. Also, if your family has close ties to its national origins, a gown from that culture can be very striking and unusual. Some brides choose to wear a traditional western-style gown for the ceremony, then change to a national dress for the reception. Likewise, some men choose to wear kilts or other ethnic dress for either the ceremony, the reception, or both.