Great Wedding Info

I’m sure you want to look stunning on your wedding day. Both the bride and groom will strive to look perfect from their hair to their toes. After all the effort put in, I’m sure you want the photographs to present you in the best light. They have to be natural, brilliant, sharp works of art, you will settle for nothing less.
If you want the best, look for the best. He has to be the man who can capture those special moments so that you can re-live those emotions when you see the pictures. He has to make you relax so that you not conscious of the lens staring and lights flashing at you.
How to choose a photographer? Here’s what you must look for in a photographer:
Review his work: See some of the photographs taken by the studio you are considering. Look at the wedding albums that are displayed as well as the proof book. Do the pictures match with the imagery in your mind? Are the stills captivated from vantage points with clarity and proper light? Will the photographer’s style reflect glimpses of your personality? Many places will have a team of photographers, some will be good and some novices. Make sure you have the experienced lensman at your wedding.
What kind of personality does he have: Your photographer must be congenial and confident. He must be a people’s person, with an ability to make everyone feel comfortable. A pleasant and humorous personality is what you are looking for. You don’t want to interact with an idiot or a rude and demanding guy on your wedding day. Try to meet the assistant photographer and see his work too. Get feedback on both of them from other clients.
His professional commitment: The photographer must be technically savvy and have good and modern equipment. Will he be able to take pictures in dim light? He must have with him a variety of lenses, powerful flash, soft box and a set of back-up equipment in case something goes wrong with the first set. Both of them must be well dressed and have the desire to make your day and memories wonderful.
Does he have foresight and vision: The photographer must be able to capture special moments by anticipating them. He has to be prepared for the first kiss, the flamboyant aunt or the best friend catching the bouquet. And what about technical mishaps? He must expect that anything can go wrong. The cable may be cut or the flash may stop flashing. That is why a back-up man and equipment is necessary.
Will you get value for money: Some photographers may quote only a basic rate but then they will charge you for location stops, CDs, albums and so on. Someone else will give you a comprehensive package which appears expensive but has no hidden costs. Besides the monetary aspect, see if you are getting the other soft skills you are seeking and then attach a value to the package.
Now that you have a fairly good idea of what to look for in a good photographer, you will be able to get the desired results. Go ahead and smile that radiant smile, steal those hearts and have a memorable wedding. Say Cheese!!!

White gowns are synonymous with brides. But in days of yore, brides did wear colored gowns. Some legends say that it was Anne of Brittany who first wore a white wedding dress in 1499. Others swear that Queen Victoria started the trend. To the Romans, white was a symbol of joyful celebration. It is the Christian church which has added the ‘purity’ tag to white. Brides must feel free to wear a color that gives them joy and confidence.
A popular phrase says the bride must wear ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, And a Silver Sixpence In Your Shoe’. ‘Old’ could be something that represents a link with the bride’s family. ‘Something New’ stands for food fortune. Usually the bride’s dress is new. The bride must also borrow something that another happy bride has already worn, say a strand of pearls or brooch. ‘Something Blue’ must be worn to represent fidelity. It could be a blue ribbon or even lingerie. Some brides carry blue flowers. Tradition demands that the bride wear a silver sixpence in her left shoe as a symbol of wealth.
Folk lore says that the length of the bride’s train is an indication of her rank or social status. The veil protects the bride from evil spirits floating around on her wedding day. Some cultures believe it is meant to hide the brides face from the groom who has never seen her before. Many claim it is a sign of the wife’s submission to her husband but this may not hold true today. A popular wedding favor for guests were gloves.
Indian brides wear red.  Korean brides wear red with yellow. In Holland cross-dressing is seen, perhaps to confuse the spirits. Present day brides will accept rings of nothing less than gold or diamonds. Earlier rings were made of grass or hemp.
A legend states that, earlier the bride and groom would walk to church together. To trick the evil wishers, the groom’s friends and the bridesmaids would wear clothes similar to those that the couple wore. The disguise would trick the evil wishers as they could not identify the real bride and groom.. These days the attendants dress alike to add to the charm and pageantry.
In yesteryears, in Rome, it was the bridal kiss that legally completed the wedding formality. When a couple wed in ancient Ireland, a drink was made from fermented honey, which the couple had to drink until one cycle of the moon. This would beget them a son within a year. That is why we have ‘honeymoons’ today.
In ancient days, if the bride was forced to marry, she had to be carried over the threshold against her wish. Yet another lore states that carrying her over the threshold protects her from the evil spirits waiting to harm her in her new home.
‘Tying the knot’ could have reference to the Hindu and Egyptian custom of tying the brides and grooms hand together to signify a bond or commitment. Also, in ancient Rome the bride wore a garter secured by a knot which the groom would untie after the wedding. It signifies that their lives are tied together
To bestow fertility on the wedded couple, we shower rice or confetti on them. Even the cake is a symbol of fertility. Its distribution means sharing happiness. Couples in Holland plant a tree outside the home to signify fertility.
You can incorporate many of these traditions into your wedding and have the old fashioned touch in a modern setting.

The wedding may be a well coordinated affair and the events of the day may go smoothly. The bride may look beautiful and all eyes will be on the bridal couple as the debonair groom leads the exuberant bride to the dance floor for the first dance. Every couple wishes to dance with grace and charm and wishes to avoid any faux pas on their big day. Well, this is possible only if the dance is well rehearsed. If not, the groom may keep stepping on the bride’s toes.

Just as you invest time and money on the wedding festivities, invest in a good dance class. Do not wait until the last week, plan it well in advance. Who knows, the groom may have two left feet and may need a few extra lessons. Start with basic waltzing. Learn to hold each other properly and take small steps at a time. The duo must learn to move in tandem and with grace. The song and steps may be simple but must be well coordinated. Rehearse until you feel confident of dancing in front of a crowd.

Once you are confident with the basic steps, move on to the complicated jive or cha cha cha . It is better to avoid raunchy and bolder dances with an audience observing your every move. Of course these days, couples who are sure of themselves may dance the Salsa sensuously and boldly, perhaps towards the end.

Learning to dance well with your loved one is always a pleasure. You will also get to know your partner better. Your dance may be the highlight of your wedding day. Grab the opportunity to sizzle on the dance floor. You can only do that if you not just learn the steps, but practice with each other and even more important, practice to the song that you have decided on. The first dance is also the beginning of your married life – so start off as you mean to go on – together, moving in harmony, in time to the music.

For all of us, our wedding day is a very special one. We all want to have the nicest possible wedding and try to make it one of a kind. It must be a unique, wonderful, fun-filled event. The trend these days is to have weddings at unusual places. Celebrities are getting married in airplanes, submarines, Indian palaces and casinos. But everyone can’t afford such fanfare and over-the-top celebration. If you want to have an unusual wedding at down-to-earth cost, plan a beach wedding. With the warmth of the sun and hair flying in the wind, you will make a picture perfect couple.
The Pros:
•    Weddings these days cost obnoxious sums of money. Hotels and reception halls charge not only for the food, but also rent, decoration, air conditioning, taxes, etc. On an average, a traditional wedding can cost $25,000 and that’s no mean sum. If you don’t want to reel from the burden of debt, a beach wedding is a good idea as it will be economical. Since it is a casual affair, even the guests can dress casually. It saves them the expense of formal clothing too.

•    Usually beach weddings don’t require a permit and you can just block a certain area of the beach.

•    A beach wedding can be very convenient if you have the wedding as well as reception at the beach. Everybody is saved the effort of running from one venue to another.

•    A beach wedding can be a fun event. Even the kids and teenagers can have a ball. You could even turn it into a very romantic setting. In fact you can flex your creative muscles and plan it in any way you want.
The Cons:
•    You can have a beach wedding only if the weather is fine. Inclement weather could play spoilsport. Since the entire event depends on the weather, you need to have an alternate venue .Breeze is welcome but too much of breeze can also be a bother. Pick a sheltered cove to avoid this problem. High tide timing should also be checked up. You can’t exchange vows in knee-deep water after all. You may have to keep sunscreen and insect repellant handy.

•    Some beaches do require a permit and you will have to check with the authorities about this. You will also have to check about the music, until what time can you play loud music. If you want a barbeque or wish to light candles on the beach, you will have to ask the authorities first.

•    Unless you want to hold a picnic for the gulls, remember to cover the food. It will also protect the food from sand if the day is windy.

•    If you think it is necessary to lay out chairs, you will need to spread some kind of flooring or carpeting on the sand. If not, the chairs may keep sinking. You may need beach umbrellas too for shade.

With careful planning you can have a really cool and breezy beach wedding. Go ahead and tie the knot with sand between your toes and the gulls will celebrate with you.

Marriage is a solemn promise and the greatest joy of human existence. It is a coming together of two souls to be joined as one. It can give a deep sense of fulfillment to the bride and groom. Their love transcends all barriers. Couples are looking for unique and charming ways to express their love to each other. There are a lot of traditions which you can discover and make your own

The Meaning Of Marriage:

The word ‘wed’ is derived from the Greek word for “pledge” and that’s exactly what a marriage is. To wed is to pledge yourself to your spouse for ever.

 The Kiss:

Almost all over the world, the wedding ceremony ends with the bride and groom kissing each other. This tradition transcends all cultures and symbolizes the physical union of souls.

Tying The Knot:

The expression dates back to the Roman times. The bride wore a girdle which her mother tied up in a knot. On the wedding night, the groom had the honor of untying it and becoming one with his bride. Their lives were then tied together.

The Wedding Gown:

                        The first bride to wear white was Anne of Brittany for her marriage to Louis X11 of France in 1499. Since then, many brides wear white. In early Roman times, white signified joyful celebration. Today, white signifies purity and happiness.

The Ring:

Christians traditionally believed that the priest arrived at the third finger on the left hand when he touched his thumb to his fingers and prayed  ”in the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost”. Egyptians believe that the vein of the ring finger, vena amoris runs directly to the heart. The ring is a symbol of eternal love.

The Veil:

In earlier days, the bride stood underneath a canopy to signify that she was underneath the protection of her husband. In some cultures, the groom, who had never seen his bride before, would lift the veil only after the wedding and then see his bride’s face. A bride who lifted the veil on her own would be considered highly independent. These days the popular belief is that the veil protects the bride from evil spirits.

Loud Noises:

To ward off the evil spirits, guests used to make loud noises even during the ceremony. These days it is common for the wedding party to honk their car horns while leaving the venue. Some people tie noisy tin cans to the back of the bridal couple’s car to add to the noise.

Dressing Alike:

Legend says that earlier the bride and groom used to walk to church. On the way evil spirits would torment them. If the couple’s friends dressed in attire similar to the couple, the spirits would be confused about the identity of the bride and groom and would leave them alone.

Throwing Confetti:

This tradition originates from an ancient Pagan rite of throwing grains upon the couple to bestow the gift of fertility to the couple.

The Cake:

Cutting the wedding cake was once the responsibility of the bride. It symbolized the bride’s loss of virginity. Now the cake is regarded as a symbol of fertility and the couple cuts it together.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue:

            This dates back to the Victorian times. The complete rhyme goes ‘Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver sixpence in your shoe.’ Something old is something the bride wears which bears a link to her parent’s family. Wearing something new symbolizes success and good luck. The bride also wears something borrowed from another happy bride. Blue stands for fertility. A silver penny in the bride’s left shoe represents wealth.

The Wedding March:

When the bride walks down the aisle, the music from Richard Wagner’s opera ‘Lohengrin’ is played. Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’ sees the couple make a getaway. Victoria, eldest daughter of Britain’s Queen Victoria selected these pieces for her wedding and ever since, the tradition has continued.

So all you lovely couples, embrace these traditions, they’re charming.

Yes, it’s a high-tech world that we are living in. The computer has changed our lives like nothing else ever did and the mouse is no longer a pesky rodent. We are able to save time, money and energy with the help of this invention which can do practically all that we can do. We can buy shares. gizmos, airline tickets and almost anything available in the stores. We can seek information on every topic from medicines to adventure sports. Every celebrity has his own web site or blog. One can check the weather in New York while sitting at home in Shanghai. It would be in one’s best interest to become computer and internet savvy to make the most of the services available.

Getting married… great! There’s no need to panic. Help is just a laptop away. You can plan the entire wedding from venue to the bridal bouquet. The World Wide Web takes care of practically all details.

If you search on the internet, you will find that there are sites which will enable you to make almost all the arrangements, from buying the wedding gown to selecting the venue, DJ, catering, and invitations.

If you are a busy man or woman, you must access these portals from the comfort of your home or office. However you will have to visit the boutique for a trial of the wedding gown or tuxedo or you may wish to taste the food samples before you finalize the caterer.

There are some event managers that offer professional advice on the hows and wheres of a wedding. Don’t hesitate to go type in your search for anything you would like in this direction or in anything pertaining to your wedding.

Honeymoon planning is also a pleasure and not the occasion for a first quarrel if you surf the net together and decide your dream destination. You could look at exotic locales or maybe even a cruise.

You could even book limos and DJs on the Internet. Yes, now all this is as easy as a muse click away. Your best man need not be tongue tied. He can have a speech suitable for the occasion written for him online. It is his toast that sets the mood for the day after all.

Don’t be under the false impression that using the internet for wedding planning is terribly impersonal. You can add the personal touch by contacting the vendors via e-mail or speaking to them telephonically. All the finer aspects can be discussed verbally.

Many a bride chooses to register with an online wedding gifts site. Guest can go online and select a gift .This makes the gifting sensible and easy. The couple does not end up with twelve sets of wine glasses.

It’s fun to enter contests that give prizes to brides and grooms. Travel agents often sponsor honeymoons to lucky couples. But take care. You don’t want to spend your honeymoon clearing up the spam e-mails and bear in mind that only love and fresh air comes free.

Do not hesitate to use the internet, but use it wisely. Have the best wedding ever and march to a lifetime of everlasting happiness.

A rehearsal dinner is a great chance for the bride’s family to mingle with the groom’s family. Out station guests also love this opportunity to meet both the families and the exuberant couple. The hectic preparations for the big day are all done and the families relax and unwind before the great event. It isn’t necessary to hold this dinner, but most families do have it because the relatives and other guests for the wedding have to be ‘looked after’.

The groom’s family usually hosts the rehearsal dinner. But even the bride’s family or any close family member or friend could host the dinner. Often both families plan the venue, the guest list and menu together. Even if the brides family hosts the event, involving the groom’s family is considered polite and gracious.

Generally, the couple and their families and other close friends attend the dinner. Out-of-town guests who have come only for the wedding must be invited. Some people invite the clergyman who will play an important role in bringing the beautiful couple together. It is best to keep this a simple and quiet family affair as the wedding and reception will be bigger and expensive affairs.

Most people believe that a tinkle is sufficient to invite guests to a rehearsal dinner. Generally, it is not a very formal affair. However, some brides with a penchant for ceremony prefer a black tie dinner with formal invitations sent by mail. The invitation may be worded in this fashion:

Please Join us for a Rehearsal Dinner
in Honor of (Bride’s Name) and (Groom’s Name)
at (this location)
at (this time)

RSVP: (Host’s Name) at (phone number)

 A grandiose venue is not required for a rehearsal dinner. You could even host it at your home or club. There are a lot of people hosting these pre-wedding dinners at private rooms in restaurants or smaller banquet halls. A cozy barbeque would also suit the occasion. It isn’t a good idea to have the dinner at some farm or restaurant which is very far and inconvenient to reach. If the venue is far, a proper map with directions to reach there is a must so that no guest is going around in circles, especially the out-of-town guests. It would be better to arrange for somebody to pick up the out-of-town guests.

The host generally, raises a toast to the ecstatic couple. There is jovial bonhomie and everyone drinks to the health and happiness of the couple as well as others who deserve to be honored. The dinner can be casual or formal, depending on the couple and their families. The food is important but not as important as the exchange of banter. If the wedding is early the next day, it is better to wind up the rehearsal dinner in good time so that the bride catches up with her beauty sleep.

The rehearsal dinner is the right time to give out gifts to the guests. They could also use the opportunity to thank the guests for coming to their wedding. There could be a few emotional moments when the bride and groom thank their parents and others. Hugs, tears and kisses often make this dinner a sentimental occasion.

All in all, it’s a great idea to have a rehearsal dinner. The wedding party relaxes and mingles. The bride gets a chance to unwind and get over her pre-wedding blues. It’s a happy event indeed!

Dazzle ’em, knock them out with your drop dead looks, it’s your day after all. You will be the centre of attraction on your wedding day. Of course, you’ll need to use some make-up on your wedding day. Make-up can conceal blemishes, dark circles and any other flaws and enhance your natural beauty. There is no reason to be conservative and simple, you want everyone to remember how pretty you looked on your big day and have the photographs confirm it.

Select a good beautician who knows how to highlight your strong features and draw attention away from the not so positive features. The make-up must also last for a few hours without melting away or looking cakey. Remember, the dancing, kissing and camera lights can mess it up. Insist on a trial a month before the wedding to ensure perfection on the actual day

Skin

Water is essential to hydrate your skin. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water at least for a month before the wedding.

Avoid the sun as far as possible to have minimum tanning, blemishes and freckles.

Get your beauty sleep. The wild partying can be saved for after the wedding. An exhausted bride with dark circles doesn’t make a pretty picture.

Chapped and dry lips are not very becoming. To have soft and moist lips use a lip balm or moisturizer regularly. Your lipstick application will also look neater and smoother. The groom must be eager to kiss the bride so lips need attention. Go ahead and get that lovely pout.

Do not experiment with any harsh products particularly if your skin is oily. You might have a break out of acne. Do not forget your cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine and use products suitable for your skin type.

Try out all the products, brands and colors that you wish to, well in advance. Unless you try it you will not know if it suits you. Maybe a peach blush-on will look charming with your off-white wedding gown instead of the usual pink.

If you have been having facials regularly, have the last one a week before the big day. If you haven’t been having them, don’t have one in the last month.

Smart women have been known to hide a handkerchief in the bouquet to wipe lipstick off the groom’s mouth or better still, use kiss proof lipstick.

Base

Now that you have healthy and clear skin, try to have a flawless look. Wash your face with a good face wash and moisturize as usual. Use it at least half an hour before you start applying make-up. The foundation layer will be smooth on moist skin. Apply a dark circles’ concealer under your eyes. You get oil based ones as well which will last even if you shed a few tears. Dot your face with foundation and spread it with a slightly damp sponge. A good quality foundation is usually oil based and will not wear away soon. Coat it with face powder.

Cheeks

For blushers, stick to the powder based ones for lasting effect. The bashful bride has to blush for effect.

Eyes

It’s your eye make-up that can bring about the look you desire. You can try the wide-eyed innocent look or sexy look with kohl liner. 

Eye brows should never be plucked on the wedding day. You could have a rash and spoil the entire look.

Eye shadow should be applied over a base of eye shadow primer. Use a lighter shadow as a highlighter on the outer edges of the eyes, slightly higher. One of the tricks to have bright eyes is to line the inside of the lower rims with off-white eye pencil. Eye liners with a glittery look may be used for the reception.

Mascara must be waterproof so that it does not smudge with a few tears. You can use it only on the upper lashes if you think you might cry.

An eyelash curler gives you curly lashes. Some brides even perm their lashes for a come hither look.

Lips

When the minister says “you may now kiss the bride”, the groom will reach for your lips. But you don’t want to leave lipstick smears all over him, do you? Use kiss-proof lipstick or at least the long lasting variety. Also remember, brush your teeth well. Use a mouthwash and make sure your breath is sweet smelling.

Choose a color that goes well with the color of your hair, eyes and attire. Use a lip liner and first outline your lips. Then fill in with long wearing lip color using a lip brush, blot with tissue paper and reapply the second coat. You may slightly dust with powder between two layers. Use a lip lacquer as a final coat to seal the lipstick. Have a make-up remover handy to wipe off lipstick if it leaks outside the liner or if the color is not right. Removing lipstick stains off fabric is also a tough job.

Perfume

When you are ready from head to toe, don’t forget to spray on some perfume. Use a light floral fragrance for the day and the headier fragrances at night. Spray it on your pulse points.

Test Your Make-up

Have a trial make-up session a few weeks prior to the wedding. Leave it on for a few hours to see how well it stays. You could even have a meal and spray some water as mock tears to test the make-up. If it lasts you are ready for the big day. Now the only thing you need to wear is a brilliant smile.

You’ve been putting in your best effort in organizing the wedding. Finally, you’re just a month away from the big day. Now is the time to condense all the scattered details into a capsule. This is the final leg but you’re just not there yet. In fact, you have to work at a faster pace and in a more organized fashion. The basic decisions regarding venue, clothes and invitations may be taken but it’s the finer details now which require attention.

There is no excuse anymore for procrastination. If you don’t do it now it may never get done because somehow, the work tends to expand and fill the time available for its completion. But we don’t want to leave anything for the last week. So rapid fire action is what you need. Eat right and work out regularly so that you can cope with the hectic pace.

There’s no need to be flustered or agitated. We have a checklist here which may be helpful to you. This is what you should be doing a month or two before the wedding:

Cards

Send the wedding invitations

Make the guest list for the rehearsal dinner and send cards or make phone calls

Make the guest list for the bachelor or hen party and send cards or make phone calls

Arrangements

      Track guest responses and coordinate seating arrangements at the venue

      Arrange transportation for guests

      Finalize the schedule of events on the wedding day

      Assign duties to responsible persons

Attire

     Arrange fittings for bride’s clothes and for other members of the family

     Finalize shoes and accessories.

     Schedule pick up for the clothes

     Finalize the beautician for bride’s hair and make-up

     Make wedding day dressing arrangements

Flowers

      Order the flowers for the bride, bridesmaid and any other required

      Finalize the floral decorations

Ring

       The wedding ring without which a wedding is incomplete has to be bought

Gifts

     Buy suitable gifts for the wedding party

     Keep a record of gifts received to send out thank you notes

     Attend showers and thank the hosts

Legal         

      Procure the marriage license

      Announce the wedding in newspapers

This check list should help you to be ready for the big day. It is important to relax and enjoy all the planning .A little effort and your wedding day should be like a dream so that you have only happy memories of the most important day of your life.

You sat and talked and finally after a lot of weighing the pros and cons you have decided to go ahead and get married and you waste no time in announcing the fact. Congratulations, you have just crossed the first hurdle. The next is to accept that you are going to spend the rest of your life with this person so you have to accept their inadequacies just as they have to accept yours. Keep in mind that no marriage is a life long honeymoon. So then you ask, what next after the announcement – well, now starts the fun part – the planning of the wedding.

Unlike the olden days where the bride would be doing most of the work and all that she wanted the groom to do all listed out and ready to act on, nowadays the wedding is planned by both contributing equally and sometimes the couple even pay for their own wedding.  Now you don’t have pouting brides waiting for prince charming to propose on bended knee. Today, you usually have a couple planning their wedding together. So start with setting the date and finding a venue that both of you like, easily accessible by all the invitees and within your budget.

Get your families together and start with the venue, the date, the church booking is any, the guest list and the invitation design and mailing list. All invitees must be informed well in advance so they have time to prepare too. Your daydreaming days are over now – it’s time to get started on the hundred little details that go into making a wedding successful without blowing a hole in your pocket. 

So with the date all set and the venue all set, the next on the agenda is the dress. Brides have to look their very best and they must be the belle of the ball so to speak. Grooms must be at their elegant best to compliment their very beautiful partner.  A good idea would be to call your married friends and get their advice. All those little handy hints that they found worked well will work well for you too. For your dress, see how much time you have and get into shape so you can get that gorgeous dress in the shop window. Ask for designs which make the most of you.

Grooms need to get all their haircuts, waxes and shaves done on D-day so you look the best. Have you got the ring?  Go together and buy something that suits your budget and you style. Plan your honeymoon and don’t feel shy or awkward about it. Get information from friends so you know where to get good deals.

The important decisions should be yours but if you let relatives and friends handle the rest, then you won’t be tensed and worried all the time about the little things. Give them your choice or preference but for most of the part you are the star of the show so sit back and relax. There’s time and opportunity aplenty after you get married to do everything all by yourself. So be confident and smile even as the camera flashes in your eyes and even if you do trip up, don’t fret – no one remembers unless they got you on camera just when you slipped and took a fall !