Wedding Bouquet: Think Different

A simple and elegant wedding bouquet is the perfect accessory to compliment your gorgeous gown and smiling face. We say ‘simple' because you want your wedding bouquet to highlight your dress, not detract from it. If your bouquet is too ‘flashy,' your dress may not receive the attention it deserves.

Nevertheless, this is not to say that your bridal bouquet should be plain, white, and boring. That's not the case at all. Just keep the flashiness in check! As a matter of fact, it's become very popular for the modern bride to use pastel colors in their bridal bouquets. Soft pink's and blue's can add a magnificent touch to any wedding dress. The hue's are very uplifting and pleasant.

Believe it or not, not everyone prefers a bouquet of fresh flowers. Many women have allergies, which prevent them from enjoying the subtle scent a fresh flower can bring. To accommodate these brides, many florists make bouquets of silk flowers. Instead of frowning at this idea, consider the advantage of silk flowers: like your love, silk flowers will never wither. They're a keepsake that will last for years! In addition, silk flowers require less maintenance during the course of the evening, and they're usually less costly.

However, if you have your heart set on a bouquet of real wedding flowers, have you considered wild flowers? This is a wonderful idea if you're having a garden-style or country wedding in the outdoors. The colors and scents are spectacular and very pleasing to the senses. They will look magnificent with any dress in the spring or summer. Unfortunately, wildflowers do not really go with the ‘theme' of a winter wedding.

If you haven't decided what type of flowers to use for your wedding bouquet, mull these options over. Use your resources (such as the internet) to look at different varieties of silk flowers and real wild flowers. Several wildflowers that are suggested are: Queen Anne's lace, poppies, Canada Lily, European Columbine, New England Aster, true forget-me-not, Indian blanket, and Carolina Spring Beauty.

Don't be afraid to ask your local florist for quotes on bouquets of such flowers in comparison to other fresh flowers. You might discover that you'll save a bundle going the route of wildflowers as opposed to a bouquet of roses and another variety. While you're at the florist, ask to see pictures of different wildflower bouquets and silk bouquets (which they may have arranged). They say a picture says a thousand words! You might be blown away by a bouquet arrangement that you may not have considered before.

By : Jen Carter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Trend of Wedding Music

Music has been an integral part of every wedding ceremony since several decades. Originally just the church hymns and other religious music were the only part of wedding celebrations But with the trend of more destination marriages, music has become quite popular. Secular music is being chosen by most of the couples these days for their weddings as it suits their taste and personality. For a perfect religious touch and belief, the religious music is still preferred. A bit of contemporary touch in the wedding music works great for more interest and enjoyment of the guests.

The music plays a vital role in every marriage ceremony and helps the guests to make them comfortable in the environment. In order to avoid the guests getting bored, and shun away the irritating sounds of babbling allover the marriage venue, it becomes your duty and a necessity to entertain your guests with some music.

The wedding processional music is another form of music; it mainly depends upon the size of your wedding party. The music and the songs should be dedicated to the bride on receiving the news of her arrival.

Next is the mid ceremony music. You can either hire some professionals or your friends can participate in this musical service. This is carried out when the candle ceremony takes place or while signing the registry.

Then is the recessional music which mostly engages some upbeat or celebratory music for setting the mood of the guests for a dance. When the guests start bestowing blessings on the couple and begin congratulating both the families, then the atmosphere should be filled with either a soft jazz or some love songs. At this point of time, the couple can perceive a few solitary moments before marching to the reception hall.

The reception carried out at the last is traditionally the time for acknowledging your family members and friends. Music of different styles is usually woven with dance steps at this time. The soft romantic tones with various dance numbers get hold of the mood of the guests during the whole wedding ceremony.

By : Aakash Shah

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

15 Steps to Your Perfect Wedding

Congratulations! You're getting ready for the happiest day of your life. Unfortunately, the year or so leading up to that day might be filled with stress, confusion, and exhaustion. Don't worry. Planning the perfect wedding doesn't have to be that bad. I recently planned a wedding myself. The seemingly endless little details may drive you crazy, but I found that there are just 15 things you need to concentrate on in order to have a perfect wedding.

Step 1: Budget. Whether you are spending $30,000 or $3,000 you can have a beautiful, meaningful wedding. Decide what is most important to you and then be creative. When planning your budget you will need to decide which of these items you want to include in your wedding and how much money to spend on each:

Clothing:

Wedding dress
Undergarments-special bra, crinoline, garter
Veil/Hair Jewelry
Shoes
Tux

Church Rental/Fees

Reception Rental/Fees

Catering Fees

Alcohol, Drinks

Flowers:

Church
Bridal Bouquet
Bouquets for the Bridesmaids & Maid of Honor
Bouquets for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom
Boutonnieres for the Groom and Groomsmen
Reception Tables

Photographer

Videographer

Music:

Wedding
Cocktail Hour
Reception

Wedding Cake

Cake Topper

Wedding Favors

Gifts for Wedding Party Attendants

Gifts for the Parents of the Bride and Groom

Hair and Makeup

Stationary Items:

Save the Date
Invitations
Wedding Programs
Place Cards
Menu Cards
Thank you Cards

Other:

Serving Set
Toasting Flutes
Ring Bearer Pillow
Flower Girl Basket
Flower Petals or other item to toss on Bride and Groom

Tips:

Pastor
Maitre d'
Photographer
Limo Driver
Musicians

You do not need to include or buy every item. Wearing your mother's wedding dress or using your parents' cake topper will save money and add meaning to your day. There are also things that you can make; such as the ring pillow or wedding favors. Some items you can exclude all together. My husband and I decided to hire a photographer but no videographer.

Step 2: Size. The size of your guest list will depend on personal preference and budget. Some brides dream of a huge wedding with 300 guests, while others prefer an intimate ceremony with only close friends and family. We settled on 100 guests--large enough to invite who we really wanted to come and small enough that it still felt personal.

Step 3: Planning and Scheduling. Planning and follow-up are the most important factors in getting the wedding you want. That beautiful atrium in the park is probably booked years in advance as are many beautiful, old churches. Even if you are planning to get married in your own church and use its reception hall, you'll need to find out about fees and availability. Research reception locations by looking in local bridal magazines, newspaper bridal sections and online. If a friend or family member has a beautiful back yard, you may want to have your wedding there. It would make an excellent wedding present. Choosing the locations of your ceremony and reception should be the first thing you do after settling on a budget. You can not plan or schedule anything until you know when and where everything will happen.

Step 4: Food and Alcohol. The food you give your guests does not have to be expensive. They are there to witness your marriage and celebrate with you. If you serve Chicken Francaise instead of Filet Mignon they will not enjoy themselves less. For drinks, you have many options. You may decide not to serve alcohol. Or, you may serve one or two special drinks-you can even name one after yourself and your groom. You may also decide to offer an open bar. Remember that alcohol can eat up a large portion of your budget. Talk to the caterer about your options.

Step 5: Wedding Party. The size of your wedding party should match the size of your wedding. If you have 300 guests, 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen will fit right in. But, if you have 80 guests in a small church, it may look comical trying to fit those 20 attendants on the small church alter.

Step 6: Music. If you are having a church wedding, ask the priest or pastor if he can recommend someone to play the ceremony music. Or, you may know someone who could play at your wedding as a wedding gift. For your reception, should you choose a band or a DJ? Having a live band at your reception can be special, but expensive. We chose to have a DJ, not just for the savings but because he could play any song and it would sound great. Whatever you choose, go over what is required. Are there any songs you DO NOT want played? Do you want the DJ or musician to introduce the wedding party, start off the first dance, and announce when it is time to cut the cake? Often this is included, if not-speak to whoever is in charge of your reception location and find out if they offer this service.

Step 7: Traditions. Some couples disregard traditions. Other couples want to include them or even start their own. The biggest tradition is probably the bride carrying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." But, there are many other traditions you can incorporate. If you don't wear your mother's wedding dress, you may want to pin a piece of its lace onto your slip or tie it around your bouquet. You can wrap a family locket around your bouquet with pictures of you and your groom. I attached my mother's antique brooch, which had been handed down from my grandmother, to a chain and wore it as a necklace. It made me feel as if they were with me on my wedding day and it meant a lot.

Step 8: Invitations. Invitations are another item that can be surprisingly expensive. They don't have to be. I knew exactly what type of invitation I wanted, but at a stationer, it would have cost $800 to $1000. I did a lot of searching online and was able to order two less expensive sets of invitations, put them together how I wanted and ended up spending less than $400. Places like Staples and Michael's also have nice invitations that you can print yourself at home for less than $100.

Step 9: Photographer. This is where we spent a bigger portion of our budget (Only the reception location, with food included, cost more). Even if our wedding was the best wedding in the world, it would only last for a few hours. With good pictures, we could relive it over and over. When you look for a photographer, ask questions. Who will be the photographer? What if he is sick? If you hire a company that has several photographers you may be shown sample wedding photographs from the best photographer. You sign up. Then on your wedding day "your" photographer can't make it and someone else shows up-someone probably much less talented. Also, ask if the photographer will shoot in color, black and white, or both. Will he shoot traditional shots, photojournalism, or both? Will you be able to keep the proofs? Can you buy the negatives? How much time will the photographer spend at your wedding? Will he also take photos of the bride and groom preparing for the wedding?

Step 10: Dress. Some brides feel they need to spend a lot of money on "the dress." My husband thought my dress would be the biggest expense, but it was one of the smallest. The dress I fell in love with happened to be on sale because it was discontinued. It was just my size! I didn't even need alterations. How often does that happen?! Even if you are not that lucky, there are thousands of beautiful wedding dresses between $150 and $850. Check out the large bridal stores as well as your local bridal shops. If you like tradition, you can wear your mother's wedding dress and have it altered to fit your style. You want to love your wedding dress, but remember-you will only wear it one time for about 8 hours.

Step 11: Flowers. Choose flowers that match your wedding colors. Your local florist can make suggestions and tell which flowers will be in season (they will be less expensive). The flower arrangements were one thing I should have followed-up on with a second meeting. I told the florist exactly what I wanted for my bridal bouquet-deep red roses, no greenery, long matching ribbons (which I provided), and how I wanted the roses gathered. I even gave her a picture. We also discussed the attendants' bouquets and flowers for the reception tables. The day of the wedding, the attendants' flowers were more beautiful than I imagined and the table flowers were gorgeous. My bridal bouquet was almost nothing like what I had asked for. I had red roses, but also plenty of greenery, no ribbons, and an ugly plastic piece that held the flowers. The wedding was in an hour and there was nothing I could do. I tried to put it out of my mind and concentrated on everything else that was wonderful about that day. Remember-follow up is one of the most important factors in getting the wedding you want.

Step 12: Hair & Makeup. Many brides go to a salon and have their hair and makeup done. If you do, have a trial run so you know you will be happy with the results on your wedding day. Going to a salon is not a necessity. You may decide to do your own hair and makeup or have a friend do it. You can schedule practice sessions and try several hairstyles to get it perfect.

Step 13: Cake. Many reception halls provide the wedding cake. Mine did. However, I was not happy with my choices. They agreed to make the red velvet cake I requested, but not the decoration I wanted. I had seen exactly what I wanted in a wedding magazine so I called the bakery listed in the back. The baker was able to make the decoration (without the cake) and ship it to my reception hall. The nice people at the hall, accepted the shipment and put the decoration on the cake. It was perfect! If you plan to do something like this, make sure everyone involved is willing to do their part. Then follow through and make sure the shipment is sent, that it arrives, and that the cake maker knows how to arrange the decorations (give her a picture).

Step 14: Favors. These little mementos are small tokens of appreciation to your guests for sharing in your special day. There are many options to choose from. You can give something that matches the theme of your wedding, such as starfish wine stoppers if you are having a beach wedding. Or, you can give something that symbolizes the love you share with your new husband such as a scented candle with the monogram you share as a couple. You can give something edible such as the traditional chocolate covered almonds, or you can make your own favors. Just try to give something your guests will appreciate and use. A wine glass with your and your groom's name and wedding date may be pretty, but not very practical to a guest.

Step 15: Relax! You've done the research. You've done the planning. You've done the shopping and creating. And, you've done the follow-up. It's now time to relax and enjoy the day. Don't worry about the little things that go wrong-because something will go wrong (remember my wedding bouquet?). The important thing is that at the end of the day-after the ceremony that is witnessed by your friends and family, after the dancing and laughing and partying-you will be married. You and your groom are starting your new life together. That's the most important thing.

By : Diane Farley

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

How To Stay Cool While Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

Planning a wedding ceremony is a huge and nerve wracking task even for the most calm and collected bride-to-be. In order to maintain sanity while you try to plan every detail of what may just be the most memorable day of your life, you need to focus not just on the details of your wedding, but also on the state of your well-being.

You don't want to get to your perfectly planned wedding day and find out that you are a stressed out mess. So while you plan for your wedding ceremony, also keep the following suggestions in mind that just might help keep a bride calm and cool until the big day.

Wedding Ceremony Tip #1 - Hit the Gym

Keeping up a regular exercise program prior to your wedding ceremony will not only insure that you look stunning in your wedding dress, but will also give you amazing stress relief. A great cardio, Pilates or yoga workout is a terrific way to clear your mind and get those creative juices flowing as you work out every detail of the wedding ceremony; from flower arrangements to seating arrangements.

Wedding Ceremony Tip #2 - Relax With Your Favorite Music

A great way to relieve the stress of planning your wedding ceremony is to listen to music. A terrific way to settle down when you are feeling wedding pressure building up is to play some great music. You might even give yourself the energy to finish up the planning and paperwork regarding invitations if you listen to music that reminds you of those first few dates with your husband-to-be.

Wedding Ceremony Tip #3 - Spoil Yourself at the Spa

Stress does nasty things to the skin. Pamper yourself at the spa with a relaxing facial, and get those hands and feet primped for the big day. A facial will not only make your skin look terrific for your wedding ceremony, it is also an awesome way to relax.

Wedding Ceremony Tip #4 - Make Time for Your Friends

When it feels like wedding ceremony preparations are about to make you snap it is probably the perfect time to put a pause on the planning and spend a little time with your friends. Go for coffee, or a glass of wine, or even a chocolate sundae. Spending time catching up and laughing with good friends is an excellent way to relieve wedding ceremony stress.

Wedding Ceremony Tip # - Consider Canning the Wedding Ceremony and... Eloping!

If all of the planning for your wedding ceremony still has you stressed out and miserable, perhaps a traditional wedding ceremony is not your style. Consider the possibility of canning all of the pomp and circumstance and settling for a much simpler wedding. All that is really required for a wedding is a bride and groom, a couple of witnesses, and an officiator.

Although eloping takes away the formality of a wedding ceremony, it also eliminates the stress. But regardless of how lavish you decide to make your wedding ceremony, remember to spend time mentally preparing yourself for this commitment, and allowing yourself to fully enjoy your wedding day.

By : David Brewster

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Sleeping Together - A Guide To Newlywed Comfort In The Bedroom

The most common problem for newlyweds learning to live together comes with disagreements in the bedroom. No, this is not a reference to THAT sort of disagreement but rather has to do with comfort within the bedroom, both with the decorum and the sleeping arrangements. The latter tends to be difficult for many to adjust to, especially since many adults getting married are used to having an entire full sized bed to themselves. After tying the knot, it's necessary to share a bed - anything between a full size and a king size, none of the above offering as much personal space as the former arrangements. How can a newly married couple make the bed

and bedroom more comfortable to share?

There are a few ways to make sleeping together a little easier to manage for two people used to sleeping alone. First of all, agree to disagree. If you both like to steal the covers, don't worry about it; use two sets of covers so that each is properly accommodated. While it is essential to learn to share your king size platform beds, it is not necessary to deprive each other of sleep during the adjustment period.

Another important thing when adjusting is to allow yourselves enough room to be comfortable in your own spaces while also finding a happy medium where you can be intimate and snuggly. With king bedroom furniture, the former is easily resolved. With king captain beds and other king size monstrosities, you can practically sleep on opposite sides of the room. However, the latter may be lacking. Often, newlyweds find that intimacy drops off quickly when using king size accommodations. Merely downsizing to queen bedroom sets will not take away a lot of space but will force a bit more intimacy, literally keeping you closer together for a better relationship.

In regards to design issues and disagreements, whether you are arguing over brass beds or which headboards you like, just remember that this is much less important than the need to be comfortable with each other. The bedroom suite should only be a real problem if it is so displeasing to you that you can't possibly live in the room or concentrate on intimacy and privacy within the space. Don't be too picky about picking bedroom furniture, and settle for something you both agree on, even if it's not your favorite. Then, you'll have more time to enjoy the furniture at home.

Once you've incorporated these aspects into your new married life, you'll find that the adjustment process will be smooth, and you'll enjoy having a warm body next to you when you wake up every morning. It just takes a little time and discipline to stop being selfish and learn not to share your space. Even if you tend to be a "stretcher" that takes up the whole bed by sprawling out or a "tosser", turning over and over in your sleep, you'll find ways to adjust so that neither of you is annoyed and you both get a good night's sleep every night.

By : Ben Beissman

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Finding your Soulmate

I struggled for many years before I discovered a little known approach to success that turned my world upside down. I soon became one of the top book publicists in the nation with clients like Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Neale Donald Walsch, Dean Ornish, Jon Gordon, Gary Zukav, Louise Hay, Jack Canfield andMark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. Although my business career was a huge success, I soon realized that, my personal life was a disaster.

I was 40 years old, unmarried and all my dates turned out to be frogs. But then something very enlightening happened to me. I was standing in a bookstore looking over all the books on love and dating when I came upon a book on soulmates. I picked it up and started to read it. It explained how to know when you have met your soulmate and the wonderful feelings and vibrations you experience to tell you that you've indeed attracted the love of your life.

And then I thought, “What if I used that success secret I cherished and used for so many years-the one secret that led to my wonderful success in business and I used it to attract a soulmate"?

And that is what I did. The frogs stopped coming around, a dashingly handsome man appeared in a last-minute business meeting and in days I knew I had met my soulmate. We got married six months after we met. Ten years later, I am still in absolute heaven.

As someone who didn't meet and marry my soulmate until I was 44, I learned a lot along the way about what does and doesn't work in the world of love and romance.
Finding true love is possible for any one at any age if you're willing to prepare yourself, on all levels, to become a magnet for love.

This wonderful Universe of ours is set up to deliver the people and things we draw to us that are consistent with our personal belief system. If you don't believe you will ever find the ONE, then guess what? You get to be right …you probably won't. If, however, you learn to believe that the ONE is not only out there but is also looking for you, then true love can be yours.

Creating the Soulmate Kit was my way of documenting the process I used so I could share the secrets with others. It's also a way for me to provide hope for those who feel hopeless in the area of romance. You may be unconsciously blocking your soulmate from coming into your life. The Soulmate Kit has been created to help you remove these blocks and guide you to prepare to manifest your soulmate.

By : Arielle Ford

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Choosing your wedding ring is perhaps one of the most important pieces of jewelry that you will ever give your future spouse throughout your entire lifetime together. When choosing you will want to find a ring that will stay stylish over time and will become timeless. If you choose a ring that will never become outdated it adds value to the ring. With many different options available today for men and women shopping for the rings can be overwhelming.

You may choose to go with matching bands which most think add a special symbolism to the rings when worn out, but its not required. Some men find rings uncomfortable so the shape that is chosen for the woman may not be something that the man might want to wear. With the variety that's available today it can be exhausting shopping but don't let it stress you out. If you had originally wanted matching bands but its not working out then as a bride choose your ring and allow your soon to be husband choose what he likes. If you are able to choose the rings together then it will also take pressure off as far as picking something that your spouse may not like.

The material used for the ring is also an important factor when choosing for both women's and men's rings. Common materials normally used for the rings include silver, gold, and platinum even though they can consist of any material that the couple may choose. Gold known as the most popular material for wedding rings can be karats of 14,18, and 24. Most recommend choosing 14 karat gold for wedding rings are durable but does not sacrifice luster. While 18 karat gold can be another option keep in mind its made of a softer metal it may be easier to scuff or scratch. 24 karat gold rings are not recommended on the fact that they are the softest metal of all and to avoid tarnishing or scratching is almost impossible. It can become discolored fairly fast as well but because its less costly people do choose it.

Once you have chosen the metal that you will use for your wedding ring, it will then be time to browse the styles of ring. With more options available for styles than metals this can also take a bit of time. The three most common styles are half-round bounds, flat bands, and comfit bands. The half-round is the most used for wedding rings, while the flat band is becoming more popular due to the fact that they can be decorated with engravings. You also have the choice of choosing a matching wedding band and engagement set.

With the metal and style chosen you now many decide whether or not you want your rings engraved. A good jeweler should have the capability to design your ring as you wish including any text, symbols, or numbers. While many choose to engrave their initials or words to each other some may opt to have nothing done to them.

Choosing your wedding rings can seem like a stressful event but by doing whatever works for you and your significant other will make things easier and more enjoyable. If you are unable to browse local shops for the perfect wedding ring you may also use the Internet.

By : James Nardel

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

The Top 10 Honeymoon Resorts

Are you looking to choose the perfect location for your honeymoon? With all the wonderful sounding options available, from Hawaii to the Caribbean to the South Pacific, it can be difficult to settle on one region, let alone one resort or hotel. How do you even begin to choose? It can be overwhelming.

In order to help you narrow down your options, I have compiled this list of the very best honeymoon resorts anywhere. These are resorts with top-notch service, incredible facilities, and some of the most incredibly romantic locations imaginable. Any one of these romantic hotels would provide you with an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

So let's jump right in to my picks for the top 10 honeymoon resorts worldwide.

10. Tahiti Inter-Continental Resort & Spa,

Formerly the legendary Beachcomber Hotel, this is known as the best hotel in all of Tahiti. Located on an incredibly beautiful and romantic lagoon, the best rooms are overwater bungalows.

9. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet is a small, unique resort set in one of the most incredibly beautiful locations anywhere, and perhaps the most romantic spot on St. Lucia. Overlooking the calm, turquoise waters and the famed Piton Mountains, this hotel, with its West Indian architecture and amazing location is a wonderful spot for a honeymoon.

8. Galley Bay, Antigua

This is actually an all-inclusive resort -- but don't think long buffet lines and hordes of tourists. Galley Bay is small, quaint, and incredibly intimate. The service is great, the staff wonderful, and it's beachfront location is absolutely gorgeous.

7. Princeville Hotel, Kauai, Hawaii

Set on breathtaking Hanalei Bay, the Princeville Hotel is truly naturally blessed. I really can't think of a more beautiful location for a hotel. The golf is incredible, and the island of Kauai is the most laid back and romantic of the Hawaiian isles. Princesville's world-class service and dining ensure your honeymoon here will be truly memorable.

6. Hotel Villa Del Sol, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

If you are looking for luxury accommodations in an out-of-the-way place, look no further. The Hotel Villa Del Sol is a small, excellent hotel set on the perfect bay in a wonderful, artsy little town. I really love this hotel - it has great service and beautiful facilities. It's also close to the art galleries, shops, and restaurants of Zihuatanejo. A world away from Cabo or Cancun, Zihuatanejo has a unique, authentic flavor all its own.

5. Little Dix Bay, St. John, B.V.I.

The best place to stay in the wonderful British Virgin Islands (unless you have the cash the rent out Sir Richard Branson's private island), Little Dix has everything you'd want in a perfect romantic resort - great service, stunning beaches, and that laid-back ambience that makes for the best honeymoons.

4. Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island of Hawaii

Possibly the perfect resort for honeymooners that love golf (and even those who don't), this Four Seasons hotel has an amazing location, world class golf courses, and, of course, the level of impeccable service you'd expect from a Four Seasons property. The Four Seasons Hualalai might well be the best hotel in all of Hawaii.

3. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This place is simply elegant. Set in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Cabo, Las Ventanas has world-class service, dining, and accommodations. It's the kind of place where you are likely to rub elbows with celebrities, and the level of service is bound to make you feel like a movie star yourself.

2 Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Located in perhaps the most beautiful spot in the Caribbean, Caneel Bay is my version of paradise. The waters here are the most stunningly beautiful anywhere in the world, and the hotel itself is amazing too. Surrounded by a U.S. national Park, Caneel Bay has an out-of-the-way feel, yet it is a ferry ride away from the excitement of St. Thomas. Caneel Bay really has the best of both worlds. It's a wonderfully romantic resort and the perfect place for a honeymoon.

1. Four Seasons Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This resort tops my list due to its excellent service -- perhaps the best anywhere. The location is amazing, the grounds are impeccable, the dining is world-class, the beach is great, and the views are beyond description. But it is the service that truly makes this hotel my choice for #1 romantic resort. Here, the wonderful staff will cater to your every need and ensure that you have the most amazing, memorable, and romantic honeymoon of all.

By : Scott Russell

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Concepts for Wedding Invitation Design: Some Tips

Nowadays couples tend to search for really unique wedding invitations. There are also a number of wedding invitation designers who provide this service. Yet a couple may want to have their own idea and concept for designing the wedding invitation. A question follows this notion will be “Is there any formula to generate these ideas?” The answer is yes and no. There is no such formula in the view of design. However, there are some methodologies that we can follow to make a beautiful and unique wedding invitation. These methodologies are namely “Make it Grand”, “Ready made Concepts” and “Do it abstract”.

Make it Grand
This is the most common way to design a wedding invitation. Every detail has to be very nice looking. And it mainly connects with the elements and printing processes adopted in the wedding invitation card. Some common elements that will be used are vine patterns in Victorian style, Monograms or even the word double happiness in the context of Chinese wedding invitation. These elements are used to create a sense of nobleness. To facilitate this sense of nobleness, process such as hot stamping, embossing, engraving and die-cutting will be adopted. The material used will be paper with sparkling effect. The key of making this wedding invitation look nice will be the way of composing the patterns and the combination of different printing process described. Indeed this kind of design is material and process oriented. One may even feel that the more processes / material is involved, the better the design. Of course the cost of the card will be higher in this case. To make a wedding invitation under the concept of “Make it Grand”, a couple has to research on different monograms and patterns to fit their needs. There are plenty of books about this patterns and one good thing is that most patterns in these books are royalty free. Couples can apply these patterns directly to their wedding invitation card design. If they have knowledge in image processing software, they can even make the design themselves and have a print shop to print them out.

Ready made Concepts
The notion of Ready made Concepts does not necessarily mean it is not unique. The true meaning of “Ready made Concepts” here is “picking some ideas / items we see everyday and transform them to wedding invitations”. In Hong Kong, there has been wedding invitation design trying to imitate a passport. This is an interesting and creative concept indeed. The couple can put their photos in this “passport”. They can even put their story, such as how they met, when they became boy and girl friends in this passport. The wedding invitation is not only an invitation, but also a story book which tells the story of the couple. Another idea is an air ticket, an air ticket may not be as romantic as the passport since there may not be enough space for telling the stories. However, it is very interesting in sense that a guest gets a “ticket”, and with this ticket he/she can attend the wedding ceremony. At this point, it will not be surprising to think of a wedding invitation in the form of a sculpture, or to be more exact, a 3-dimensional piece of wedding invitation. Some wedding invitation providers provide glass bottles as wedding invitations. The only concern for this kind of wedding invitation may cost a couple a lot when they try to mail them out. There are tremendous amount of “Ready made Concepts”. Couples can just observe and make their own unique wedding invitation.

Do it Abstract
This is the most difficult concept for wedding invitation design. The concept of the wedding invitation is more abstract but there will be much more meaning in this kind of wedding invitation. A couple, say, Angela and Peter, can make two wedding invitations, one with the initial A and one with P on the covers. Angela’s friend will receive invitations with a P and Peter’s friend will receive that with an A. In the wedding banquet, the couple will be pulled together. Every item will be printing with both A and P. This design is based on the following concept. Conceptually Angela and Peter are two different units before marriage, and this is the reason for two wedding invitations. However, starting from the day of marriage, they become one unit and everything is united together as “ONE”. All the items such as table cards, Order of Services and Thank You Cards will be printed with both A and P. This kind of wedding invitation may be the most interesting among the three. However, it requires more thought in order to generate the design concept.

By :Jerry Leung

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Wedding Cake Tips

A wedding coming up anytime soon, can be a period of stress. For a wedding, a best wedding cake is all too important a part of the wedding. Buying a best wedding cake is not as simple as simply picking a cake from a grocery store!

The important part of getting the best wedding cake for a wedding is to know where to find a good best wedding cake. There are a lot of cake shops to choose from, and picking the right one must be done right in the beginning.

This means that we must do our research and not just stick to the one we found first. I remember a wedding several years ago where the cake was bad, needless to say the wedding though it went well, was ruined. Very unfortunate, I hope this article will serve you well in finding the wedding cakes for the wedding.

::: Tips for finding the best best wedding cake for a wedding :::
Remember, you have a lot of options on where to go, to get a best wedding cake. Some tips I can offer you from experience is:

* Look back at previous weddings you have been to, and contact the couple to find out where the cake came from
* Ask friends and family for recommendations
* Look at a best wedding cake shop which has been running for several years successfully
* You get what you pay for, if budgeting don't go for the lowest price
* Remember the key is a good best wedding cake delivered before the wedding event

There is truly a multitude of options in regards to where you can go to find best wedding cake for an upcoming wedding, and so really what you should do first here is simply find out where the closest location is to you that offers cakes for weddings, so that you don't have to worry about going completely out of your way every time you have to go in there. There are many more aspects to consider when buying a best wedding cake. Use common sense and you will find a spectacular best wedding cake for the upcoming wedding.

::: About best wedding cakes :::
Wedding cakes come in all different best wedding cake types, best wedding cake designs, and also best wedding cake prices. If effect, you have a number of options when choosing a best wedding cake for a wedding.

Wedding cakes can be truly beautiful if you put some time and effort into them, and even if you are not actually making the best wedding cake yourself, you still are going to want to have an idea as to what you want the best wedding cake to turn out like, so that they are personalized and thus so that the wedding overall will go over much better.

Remember whether you are making the best wedding cake yourself or are choosing to go with a wedding planner to organise the cake, there are many people out their who know about best wedding cake and finding the best best wedding cake maker to make the cake. They can help you with all aspects of the best wedding cake making and delivering process.

There are so many different best wedding cake styles and best wedding cake flavours that you can choose from when it comes to the perfect best wedding cake, and so really the options are endless, it all just basically depends on how creative you are and how much time, effort, and money you want to spend on the best wedding cake.

A wedding can be a challenging time, but it does not have to be. Getting the best best wedding cake for an upcoming wedding is truly possible for you. All that you need to do with getting the best best wedding cake for a wedding is to look at successful weddings and use that as a basis to create your own successful wedding. The best wedding cake is a important part, and you need to get it right the first time, with the help of the people who have been part of the making wealth of a wedding, will help your wedding be successful as well.

By : Kozsun Huseyin

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost

Most people will say that wedding photography is both an art and a science. You need to capture the right emotions during key times that can not be recreated. So how much does a wedding photographer cost? I will tell you this much, you will usually get what you pay for. This includes the creativity and time spent to create something unique. A professional wedding photographer in Michigan works very hard for the fee they request.

You want your wedding to be perfect, and nothing is more important than the images from your once in a lifetime special event. You will look back on these photos ten or twenty years from now reflecting on these precious memories. What do you expect from your wedding photographer? Do you want something simple, or something truly customized to your needs? This is a question you will have to ask yourself before finding out how much a wedding photographer will cost.

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost

Well have you decided on what you’re looking for yet? Before you do, you will need to understand the difference between cheap and good. I am sure you heard the slogan, 'Cheap is not good and good is not cheap'. You will usually get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier this will be reflected in the time and energy put into your wedding day.

Knowing that your memories are on the line, you will have to feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you hire for your special occasion. Do you get the vibe that they will be able to deliver on your wedding day? Can they handle the expectations you have set for them? The best advice is to look over their portfolio and see if you notice any trends. If you do, then you are probably dealing with a cookie cutter service that does not step outside the sphere of influence often. Another Biggie is recent references from brides within the last six months. These people will be able to tell you how they felt about their decision and the wedding photographer you are considering.

Cheap Wedding Photographers in Michigan

Buyer beware, there are many part time hobbyist out there that claim the title as a full time devoted wedding specialist. When looking over their portfolios do you notice color and emotion? Do their pictures tell a story about the day as it unfolds? Some different poses and indoor outdoor shots will give you an idea of the imagination of the vendor you are working with. This has to be one of the most important aspects of the choice you make. For example, many cheap wedding photographers in Michigan might not carry this trait. If they do, then their prices may be set low to acquire business because of a lack of referrals. You will have to do the investigating to figure out how their prices compare and what is the reasoning behind their pricing structure.

Average Wedding Photographer Prices

It never ceases to amaze me that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone. This is a big no no when it comes to hiring the company that can make or break the entire evening let alone day. Going back to what we said earlier price should be the least important factor. Now I would like you to think really hard for one moment.

Do you want your wedding reception and wedding ceremony pictures to be average

Honestly, no bride does. Your wedding is different from all the others being planned. So how does your photographer set him/herself apart from the competition? Do they bring additional assistants to get more than one perspective? What is the turn around time on the proofs? To help you distinguish between the average and the exceptional, I have laid out a couple of helpful tips on how to choose a wedding photographer below.

Why hire a professional wedding photographer

First of all you will have piece of mind knowing that you are in good hands. The last thing you need to be is stressed on your wedding day wondering if the photographer is going to show up. Now you many save hundreds by cutting corners and going with a lower priced service, but it may cost you thousands later down the road. Looking back on those precious images will they hold up to the standards and quality that you were expecting? Also a professional wedding photographer has to be able to finesse themselves into intimate situations to get the shot. This means having the courtesy not to compromise that special moment just to get the shot.

How do I search for a professional wedding photographer

If you stumbled upon this article, then you are searching over the web. This is a good place to start to get a general idea of what is expected. From there I would setup up several consultations to see their work and discuss their packages. Something to pay close attention to is the way they handle their consultation. Are you just another bride, or do they work extra hard to make sure you completely understand the options and how they will personalize your day? If you are hung up on the pricing, then you may ignore their reasoning and justifications until you get a price and that can cloud your decision.

Another good place to start the hunt for the photographer is through friends and family. They will also be able to tell you of their experiences and results. Make sure to get references and check with at least three of them. Most wedding photographers in Michigan will travel. Find out what their coverage area is if you are planning a destination wedding.

Narrow down the list of photographers for your wedding

Now that you are a pro at interviewing and knowing what to expect, you may be on the fence with several companies. Do not get me wrong, price is important but going back to the main question you will have to find out what you want. Not all photographers are created equally so you will have to find the one that suits your particular style. Several different styles are traditional, classic, and casual candid. You may also what to check with the cinematic or photojournalistic approaches. A professional wedding photographer will be able to distinguish and explain the different approaches better.

When do I speak with my wedding photographer company

Everyone is different on this issue. Personally a reputable company will want to maintain a close relation and constant communication with their client to ensure a mutual understanding. However, some may have a few conversations over the phone or in their studio to finalize the details. Either way, it is important that you express exactly what you want so that the two of you are on the same page.

The photographer you are speaking with, will they be the one shooting on your big day? Make sure to see the portfolio shots of the actual photographer that will be shooting on your wedding day.

How much does a wedding photographer cost

The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value. This price range can vary between $1,000 to $10,000. You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a small Sunday wedding and a minimum of $2,500 for a small Saturday wedding. If you are offered a package for less than $1,000 then you are probably dealing with a cheap wedding photographer that does not have the experience. Most couples under estimate the cost of their photographer by as much as 50%! A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay twice as much as you are considering. A typical wedding photographer is usually 15-25% of the total wedding cost.

How Much Time Does a Professional Wedding Photographer require in order to give me what I need

The time your photographer spends on your wedding, will depend on what type of events you will have. No two weddings are the same, and your options vary. This includes:

Rehearsal dinners and services

Brides preparation

Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding

Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding

Wedding ceremony

Leaving the church (post ceremony)

Formal group photographs

Reception photography, including grand entrance, speeches, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, bouquet

and garter, and final departure from the reception

How many wedding photographs should I get

Many professional wedding photographers include the cost of proofs in their packages. These proofs are typically 4x6" prints. The amount of proofs will depend on how much film is shooting. The minimum is roughly 120-150 shots. This is a typical number to work from, because from there you can select the best shots for your album or to be enlarged.

About those wedding photography negatives, who keeps them

Some Michigan wedding photographers will keep the negatives and have their brides order reprints after the wedding reception. These photographers make a portion of their income from these orders and enlargements. These photographers will usually keep the negatives on file for 2 years giving you the option to order if necessary. Other wedding photographers in Michigan will give back the negatives for you to use. Keep in mind that this option may be more costly since you will only have to use their services once. Make sure to ask this question to find out what exactly happens to the negatives after the wedding.

Wedding Photography packages in Michigan

Many photographers in Michigan offer packages with their services that cover a variety of options. This way you can select the one that best fits with what you are looking for. It is sometimes more effective to have the wedding photographer arrange the album (if it is included in your package), because they will have the creativity of arranging the images in a way that tells a story. Not only will this save you time, but this cost is usually a small percentage of the total price. However the cost will depend on a couple of different things:

Time allowed to photograph the wedding ceremony and reception

The amount of wedding proofs/photos

The number of enlargements requested

The overall layout and type of photo albums. You can have them for your parents or just different themes. As mentioned earlier the cost is usually not that significant however the more expensive albums will have a better quality and longer life span.

Is black and white wedding photography still in style

A more traditional approach to wedding photos

is black and white instead of color. This will give a timeless feel with a touch of elegance. Your wedding photographer should offer B&W along with color photos. You can always change a color picture into B&W, but a pro will shoot the negative in black and white. The impression that black and white photos will give is amazing, and usually these pictures are more costly. Any reputable wedding photographer should have a printer dedicated solely to printing these images.

Final considerations for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan

So we laid out 10 points above on how to narrow down the gap between the wedding photographers you are looking at. A couple of final considerations are the type of lighting your photographer will be using, the equipment/filters, how many assistants, and photo copyrights. Now that you have been given some great advice on how to choose a wedding photographer, it is up to you to make the final decision.

By : Robert Reno

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/how-much-does-a-wedding-photographer-cost-446217.html