When Russell Crowe tied the knot with Danielle Spencer, the wedding had the glitter you expect from well-known personalities.
It started with the groom’s gift of some $13 million dollars to his intended, and went on pretty well from there.
The ‘I dos’ were uttered in a chapel specifically designed and built for the occasion, and both the bride and the groom were adorned in designer clothes by well-recognised designers.
Somewhere along the way most people have become addicted to the idea that for a wedding to be a special event, it should be invested with all the ostentation that money can buy.
It takes a bit of a backbone to go against the grain of the expectations of others, especially when it comes to weddings.
Though one time actor, as well as Governor of California, Ronald Reagan had no qualms about going his own separate and different way.
Actually, his life consisted of differences. The oldest president, he also survived an assassination attempt and wore a hearing aid.
He was also the only president in the country’s history to have been married twice, first to actor Jane Wyman, then to his second wife actor Nancy Davis.
When it comes to their presidents, Americans like to think of them as celibate until the day they marry, and faithful once they tie the knot. So it is remarkable that Jane Wyman cast no shadow upon the President, though it is but too obvious, that no great effort is made to keep Ms Wyman in the spot light.
However both weddings have a similarity in that the choice of wedding venue was unexpected, yet extremely meaningful.
In the case of his marriage to Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan choose what, on the face of it, seems somewhat macabre. It was not a prestigious hotel, or a well-known church, or even a registry office. The marriage was in fact, solemnized at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, at Glendale, California.
Needless to say, it isn’t just a cemetery. This gigantic bit of real estate includes a museum, an art gallery, and, in the structures in which it abounds, it’s a positive architectural showcase. And as a cemetery, it is a place where some of the best-known actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Rudolph Valentino and Clark Gable were laid to rest.
The venue for the second ‘I do’ was a small, simple non-denominational chapel, Little Brown Church in Studio City, California. Although the chapel can hold up to 125 people, the only people who were invited to witness the wedding ceremony were friend and fellow actor William Holden and his wife, Ardis.
The marriage itself lasted more than half a century.
Vlady Peters is an Australian Civil Marriage Celebrant authorised to perform marriages in Australia. She also perform general ceremonies such as Baby Naming, Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies. To learn more about her as a celebrant and an author visit vlady at http://www.weddings-celebrant.com
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When reviewing wedding reception sites, it helps to come equipped with the questions you need answered before making your decision. Here is what you will need to find out from your reception site manager:
Costs Involved
First and foremostyou will need to determine the cost of holding your wedding reception at the site. Sounds like a given, right? You will discover that most reception sites break down their costs differently, and what may seem to be less expensive may wind up more costly once all of the figures are totaled. Avoid confusion by requesting an itemized list of feesor take this one with youand tally the costs of each fee and service you will most likely use for your event. (Have an idea of your guest count beforehandthis will influence the estimated costs) Then you can compare your lists to accurately determine which site is the most cost effective for your needs.
Already confused? Not to worrywe have compiled a complete list of typical costs and fees charged by wedding reception sites. If the facility does not provide one of these services, such as an onsite caterer, factor in the estimated cost of contracting the service from an outside vendor when tallying your total expenses.
Questions to ask:
• What is the facility rental fee?
• What is the costfor food? (sites typically offer more than one menu package; determine which menu package you will most likely utilize for your wedding receptionand use that amount in determining your estimate.)
• What is the costfor beverage? (save time by having an idea of what beverage package you would like to serve, whether a full bar, limited bar or non-alcoholic bar)
• If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the ceremony fee?
• What is the set-up/break-down fee? (some sites charge per chair, others charge a lump sum)
• What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)
• What is the overtime fee?
• Is there a fee for security personnel?
• Is there a fee for parking or valets?
Packages
Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the costs involved in renting a reception site, a facility offers a complete wedding package. Wedding packages can be both cost-effective and convenient, as long as you take care to inquire about exactly what is and what is not included in the package.
Also remember to inquire about the exact descriptions of the items included in the package. For instanceif you have your heart set on an elaborately adorned 5 tiered fondant cake and the package only offers your basic buttercreamthe package may not be for you - no matter what the potential savings.
Ask the site manager:
• What is included in the wedding package? Make sure all the basics are included:
• Facility Rental?
• Food and Beverage?
• Ceremony on site?
• Set up and Break down?
• Staffing?
Other items that may or may not be included:
• Cake? (if so, how many does it serve? Can you customize the design?)
• Flowers? (does the package include all floral, or just buffet arrangements or bouquets? Can you customize the arrangements or do they only come in standard varieties?)
• Linens? (what do they look like? How many?)
• Is purchasing the wedding package a requirement? (Many facilities allow brides the option of purchasing the entire package, purchasing a partial package and eliminating specific items or foregoing the wedding package altogether.)
Services
Determine what essential services the reception site provides and what you must contract from an outside vendor:
• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own?
• Are there on-site kitchen facilities? (off-site caterers will charge extra if they have to bring their own stoves and refrigerators)
• Does the reception site have a list of recommended vendors?
• Can you hold your ceremony on site? If not, are there suitable locations nearby?
• Does the reception site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator, waiters and bartenders?
• Does the reception site provide items such as tables, chairs, plates and glasses? (remember, renting these things yourself can drive up costs)
• Does the reception site provide adequate parking space or valets? What are the costs involved?
• Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved?
Amenities
Some important extras that may help you determine the perfect venue for your wedding reception:
• Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?
• Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby?
• Is there a bar area or can one be set up?
• Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out?
• Is there a dance floor?
• Are there sufficient restroom facilities?
• Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?
• Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? (keep your guests entertained for the entire weekend!)
Terms
Don’t forget the conditions of the contract! Make sure it meets your needs.
• What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer?
• Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not - what areas can your party use?
• What is the deposit and when is the remainder due?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?
• Are there any decorating restrictions?
• Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?
For a printable checklist you can take with you when reviewing reception sites, please visit http://www.elegala.com/reception-questions.html, and download the reception site questions pdf.
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com/ and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today’s wedding trends and styles.
For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com/ , your ultimate wedding planning resource.
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Ah, the hustle and bustle of life. Going to and fro in search of knowledge and things…routines that never miss a beat, the constant exhaustion at the end of a long day. The waking up to a Monday morning wishing for an extra hour of sleep. Sound familiar?
You go to bed on one side of the bed and your spouse the other. A quick goodnight (unless there is a good show on T.V.), a peck on the check, and off to Neverland. Every night only to greet the routine of the next day. Sadly enough, most couples land in this all-too familiar category unintentionally. Yes, unintentionally. In the hustle and bustle of busy days, we forget the longing looks to our mate, the knowing smile, the warmth of a touch that lets each other know that their union is one of desire and will. We are caught in the most chaotic time that I know of; trapped in a go and must-do attitude, forgetting to live life to the fullest. Forgetting passion, desire, need, craving and yes, expression of love.
As people who feel every feeling imaginable, we need to express and feel love to be alive. And whom more to express that ultimate feeling with than your spouse whom you committed yourself to before God? I remember watching a movie once that starred Michael J. Fox where he and his co-star were sitting in a restaurant and the waitress said express, don’t repress. Expressing feelings of love with your spouse brings to life the very heart and soul of living.
And while I could easily expound on living life to the fullest and loving in the most general of terms, I want to address the love to your spouse. Sometimes, as life moves with your spouse from month to month and year-to-year, the daily life cycle and roles that are played cloud over all the very reasons why your heart was lost within the person you are next to every night. Age does not matter. I know, for just a moment, you may pause to think that you are perhaps just a little too old to show a romantic gesture to your spouse? But does romance stop at a particular age? In short, no.
Romance is the art of expression. And while we could go further to discuss a physical connection, romance is the forefront of an ignition of feelings that carries across time itself; that leads the heart to feel and be in the most exquisite of ways. To express romance is to feel the warmth of your heart for the other; it is memories of the silly times, the hard times, the passionate times. Romance is in the touch of the other’s skin, the caress of the face, the soft kiss on the lips for those memories you shared. Romance is in the rose you buy for no other reason than to see a smile on her face and the surprise of your expression of love. It is in the coffee you bring to him while he sits in his all-too familiar chair because of a wanting to please him.
Romance is an expression of life, love, and memories. A need and feeling that can not be described to another because it is unique to you. It is shopping for groceries together and laughing over the selection of ice cream. It is the embrace at night as your arms slide over your spouse like the most precious treasure you own. It is in the candle-lit dinner that you share after the children have gone off to bed. Or the warmth of a glance across the family dinner table as you celebrate being with your children whom you created together.
In the hustle and bustle of our days, we forget the celebration of life and love and the deepest appreciation for what you share with the person whom you stood with on the alter before God, your families and community. Romance is celebration; passion and recollection of the past and dreams of the future that has yet to exist. It is in the possibilities that you can share with your spouse and the comfort of knowing this person will be there come rain or shine, through highs and lows…your most precious of gifts that God could ever bestow on you.
True, there are times when romance is tested. Tension abounds from time-to-time most commonly over finances or children. But such times are moments and moments come and go and still the one you love is there before you. It is so easy to sum up the wholeness of your relationship with another because of tense times, times that can build and build like a mountain of troubles that are held for recollection. Nothing comes from such feelings and rather holds your life back from experiencing the wonders that life has to offer. When storms shake your marriage, it is the sweet memories that have been exchanged that must be recalled, letting go of this heavy mountain, so you may embrace the one you love truly, completely, and passionately.
Romance is easy because to give is the easiest thing that a person can do. Give of our time because we desire to do so for the one we love. In giving to our spouse, we receive so much in return. We know that we have brought pleasure to the one who has given so much back in return. We give of ourselves knowingly and completely. With saying good morning, goodnight, how much love you feel for them, how much you care for them, it is in the expression of your heart that romance is lit.
Express, don’t repress. Show your children that romance burns for the one you love. Shower your family with the joy of the love you feel for your spouse. Enjoy a slow dance in front of the fireplace or a glass of wine outside on the porch at night, looking at the stars and holding hands with fine appreciation at the beauty around you. And let me also say, on that note, that expressing as a form of communicating does wonders not only for your spouse, but for you as well. You don’t need to hear “I love you” from your spouse before you respond you love them. Celebrate your love with words. From romantic to exotic, words are a wonderful expression of who you are. Words are very powerful. “I love you” or the famous “You complete me” means so much when you say it with feeling because you want to and not because you have to.
My husband remarked to me recently how wonderful it was when I used the word “honey”. In my expression of love for him, I use it often. It is endearing for me to say it and let’s the world know and indeed, my husband know, that he is special and precious and that he is the only person whom I use the term with. We cuddle at night and laugh over silly shows; I buy him Hostess snacks and hide them in his dressing room drawers so he can grab a snack at night. I can smile as I think of all the things I do and say. Back massages at night as he stands often during the day and his muscles become sore. The shirt I buy for no reason than I feel it will please him. Isn’t it remarkable that just such a small token of affection can bring so much joy? How powerful are words that say I care can be? No my friends, romance is not about age or length of time you have been together. It is about past memories, your commitment, your love for your spouse and your expression of that love that is the very heart of romance. Live each day with romance! Live with passion!
In dedication to my husband, Frank Kovacs who is my inspiration of life, love, and destiny.
If you are looking to reignite romance in your marriage or are looking for ways to rediscover the sweetest of memories with the one you love, please feel free to contact Gina Kovacs, owner of Living by Design~Life Coaching and Wellness Solutions at www.livingalifebydesign.com or you may phone Gina @ 518-373-2815 or contact by e-mail @ gina@livingalifebydesign.com.
Gina Kovacs is a Life Coach, certified through the Coaching Academy of North America, Inc., specializing in the fields of personal, relationship, spiritual, and weight loss coaching. Gina holds a BA in Philosophy from Siena College and is an author and motivational speaker in the field of personal and life coaching. Please logon to http://www.livingalifebydesign.com for more information on how Living by Design can help you.
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You’ve had friends to your home for dinner. Maybe you’ve hosted a Super Bowl party or two. But have you ever planned and coordinated an event for 50-300 guests?
If you haven’t, then welcome to the world of wedding planning.
Caterers, florists, and other wedding-related companies will be banging down your door to get your business. Friends and relatives will offer advice, phone numbers, and web sites for you to check out. How will you juggle the multitudes of research and information from those who want your day to be special? The key to smooth and stress-reducing wedding planning is…
Being Organized
Being organized is the art of having the things you need when you need them whether it is a brochure, a phone number, or a picture of your ultimate bridal bouquet. And no one recognizes the need to be organized more than someone who is planning a wedding. A few organizing techniques you can use to help you plan your wedding are the consistent use of a calendar/PDA and making ‘to-do lists.’ But what about all of those wedding-related papers you’ve accumulated? Estimates from caterers, song sheets from bands, and all of those pictures you tore out of magazines–how are you supposed to keep them all organized?
The Wedding Binder
The top tool for organized wedding planning is a ‘Wedding Binder.’ Besides your future spouse, your ‘Wedding Binder’ will be the closest thing to a best friend you’ll have during your engagement period. The wedding binder is essentially a ‘home’ for all wedding-related information. Each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing for quick referencing and retrieval.
How should you build your wedding binder to work best for you?
The size of your wedding and how many ‘extras’ you incorporate into your wedding day (ex. ice sculptures, doves) will determine the size of your binder. If you are having a small, simple gathering or you’re not doing much research, you may not need more than a 1″ spine. Large gatherings with many ‘extras’ will probably require a binder with upwards of a 3″ spine.
Besides the binder itself, you will need:
- three hole punched, two-sided pocket folders
- extra wide dividers or self adhesive divider tabs for the pocket folders
- three hole punched, zippered pocket for pen/pencils/paper clips (optional)
One, two-sided pocket folder is usually enough room for the paperwork of one vendor. One side of the pocket folder is for ideas and research and the other side is for estimates and contracts. Keeping these different types of information separate will allow you to locate them and retrieve at a moment’s notice.
Examples of some categories for your pocket folders are…
- Catering
- Photography
- Bridal Gown
- Transportation
- Ceremony/Officiant(s)
- Honeymoon
Assemble the pocket folders in order of importance to you. If you are constantly making calls to your caterer, place that folder towards the front of the binder. Already know what favors you want to give out? Place that folder towards the back.
What other information can be stored in your wedding binder?
- Guest lists/gift lists
- E-mail/phone list of bridal party members
- Seating charts
- A print-out of your registry
Benefits to using a wedding binder
- Money-saving benefit: You’re always prepared when a vendor wants to talk about price. If someone quotes you a price in writing and you can’t produce the paper it’s written on, they could try to charge you more money for their services.
- Time-saving benefit: Since all of your information has a ‘home,’ you won’t be wasting your time printing duplicate information off the internet or repeatedly asking for the addresses of your guests.
- Sanity-saving benefit: All of your wedding information is in one place. No need to take apart your living room looking for what you need.
Tips for keeping an organized wedding binder:
- Label the pocket folders clearly
- Place new papers/information in the correct pocket of your binder as soon as you receive them.
- Sort and purge your binder once a month. Toss any information that is no longer relevant in the trash or in a folder for a friend or relative who may need it in the future.
Always bring your wedding binder with you when meeting with your vendors. You’ll have all the information you need to compare prices and make educated decisions. You will be organized, prepared and in control of your special day.
About The Author
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms mess into masterpiece with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For a free e-list of ‘Top Ten Tips for Organized Living,’ or to order your copy of ‘7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note’ visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.
stacey@organizedartistry.com
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For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they walk down the
aisle to stand beside their groom at the alter. For many, it is the preparation
that they have dreamed about for so long. The spa day with the brides maids,
the hair, the make up, fitting of the dress, putting the final touches on the
flowers… these are all taken care of ceremoniously by the bride, and her brides
maids. It is a time of pampering and luxury, that we seldom have an excuse
for, except on the fabulous occasion of the wedding day.
Unfortunately, it is part of the day that can make or break the flow of the hours
to follow. Careful planning and consideration must take place well in advance
of your wedding day to ensure a schedule that can be maintained and adhered
to. Nothing can create tension quite like the scene of a groom left waiting at
the alter, as the bride call from the salon to announce that they are running a
little late.
You already have the basic ideas of what needs to take place in the morning of
your wedding day, such as hair and make up; but did you consider, also, that
every brides maid in you wedding party needs to do the same? Did you
consider how you would all get to the salon, and when? Where is everyone
getting dressed, and when are we possibly going to have time to take pictures?
The brides home is one location that often torments photographers, as it is
often the most hectic time of the day. The following is a list of things the a
bride and brides maids should consider when planning the morning event on
the wedding day.
- Set your alarm - sounds silly doesn’t it, but it has saved many a marriage
before they even wed
- Eat breakfast - trust me, it is a very long day and you’ll need the energy
li>
- Shower - it is something you do every day, but you’ll forget to schedule
time for it in a panic
- Round up the brides maids - if they spent the night, you won’t have any
difficulty there
- Head to the spa / salon - you’ll have booked the earliest appointments
months in advance, and keep in mind that the bride should have all of her
treatments done first
- Head back to the brides home - as soon as the bride has her hair and
make up done, she should head back home to get dressed and photographed;
the photographer will need an hour or two to get all the shots that you
require
- Have the flowers arrived yet?
- Eat lunch - once you (the bride) has had her pictures taken, grab a quick
bite while the photographer works with the rest of the bridal party
- It’s time to go the the church
The morning of your Wedding day will fly by quicker that you ever imagined, so
be sure to schedule enough time for everything that must take place. A well
planned morning will keep tempers down, faces smiling, and allow of to have
more fun. The rest of your Wedding day will benefit immensely for it.
Adam Merrifield is owner/operator of Merrifield Photography (http://www.merrifield-photography.com/index.html, http://www.merrifield-photography.com), and chief editor of The Ontario
Photographers Directory (http://www.onphodi.com). Adam also contributes
regularly to the Footprints Newspaper, both as the staff photographer/
photojournalist and as a columnist.
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This day and age it has become normal for both husband and wife to work full time jobs. With the additions of taking care of the family and hectic schedule it is no wonder why many couples with relationship problems are caught saying that they are just too busy for sex. The more and more hectic a schedule becomes, the further and further down the list intimacy gets pushed. But is this completely necessary? Can a lack of intimacy be fully blamed on the word “busy”?
After talking with hundreds of men and women, no matter how busy their schedules had become there are certain events that inhabit their schedules that could be easily interchanged for times of intimacy. Often there becomes a strict division of time. Each member of the relationship will divide their schedule and consider it almost as an individual burden or something simply not shareable. Because of this, some couples still manage to schedule intimacy but find the intimacy lacking due to the division of the task.
Using the words “too busy” often becomes a cover. It becomes an excuse for things that we don’t want to do in every day life, but can’t stand to be honest about. There are usually underlying relationship problems that cause the lack of intimacy. It becomes so easy to blame these problems on errands, meetings, or daily imperfections. Living day-to-day and suppressing anxieties and resentments become unhealthily normal.
It is most important to learn that this situation is not about blaming anyone. Intimacy by definition involves more than one person. Say you haven’t had sex in 10 weeks, and this breaks you down so much that you conclude because of your breakdown that it could not possibly be your fault. You then put the blame on your partner that is “too busy”. But just sit back and think. What is it in your day you could trade to create time? Be the first to make time. Your partner will follow, discard all insecurities and feel confident. Remember your partner loves you mind, body and soul.
There is always time for intimacy. Intimacy comes hand in hand with honesty. The quicker you become honest with yourself, the quicker the time will become available on your schedule. And with a newfound confidence and passion, your partner’s schedule will become free as well.
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The wedding day is the day that most women wait their whole lives for and it is such a special time. Because of the advancement of technology, it is now easy to always remember that day using video and photography. Choosing a wedding photographer is important to take pictures of the bride and groom, and pictures of the bridesmaid dresses the bride has chosen. This is especially important to if you want to give pictures of the bridesmaid dresses as gifts to the bridesmaids.
Your family and friends can provide a recommendation on whom you should choose for your wedding photography. This is the greatest way for you to choose someone for you wedding photos is to ask you family and friends who they would recommend. It is important for you to finds a photographer that you can trust, especially if you have no idea about wedding photography or any photography for that matter. If your family and friends can recommend someone to you, it is necessary to make an appointment to meet with the potential photographer.
If you have made an appointment with a potential wedding photographer, you should attend it as this appointment will determine who you will hire to take pictures of you and your pictures of the bridesmaids in their dresses. It is advised that you choose a wedding photographer that complements the personality of both the bride and the groom. Your wedding photographer should be someone who listens to you and is able to meet your needs. It is important during your appointment to look at the wedding photographer’s portfolio of other weddings that he has done. Pay special attention to see if the pictures are the most flattering.
After you have viewed the portfolio of several wedding photographers and decided on one, it is important to discuss the price of the wedding photography. Any established wedding photography will have packages available for you to choose from. It is important to find out all costs associated with having these photos taken along with the expected delivery or pickup date of the wedding pictures.
Prices will vary between photographers so it is a good idea to ask for itemized billing. Also when it is time to sign the contract, be sure to read it thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.
With this advice in mind you will be sure to find the best person to take the pictures of the bride and groom and pictures of the bridesmaids in their dresses.
Lashan Clarke has been has been a freelance writer for a number of years. She specializes in copywriting and is currently working on her Masters degree in her spare time. She is a new contributor to http://bridesmaid-dresses-n-flower-girl-dresses.com
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When it comes to marriage, there are things that you are responsible for doing that are so important to the marriage’s success. But, we could list an endless list of these things. Instead, though, let’s talk about those things that are most important in marriage.
The most important aspect of marriage is communication. If you can not talk to your spouse, your marriage will have no room for growth. Communication builds trust as well. It is important to maintain a good trusting, marriage. Communicating your feelings and needs will keep your marriage pumping forward!
Another important thing in marriage is having a firm foundation. Like a building the foundation of a marriage is what keeps it from falling apart. The most important aspect really is what your marriage is built on. Your values, morals, and beliefs are the foundation for your marriage. If you and your spouse can’t agree here, well, things are going to be shaking in your marriage.
Other things that are important in marriage include being understanding, honesty, and forgiveness. Without these things, your marriage will not survive long. Instead, you will constantly question your marriage foundations.
It is important to take into consideration all of these things. Marriage is built on trust, love, and friendship. How many of these things are in your marriage? How many of these things do you need to work on to have a successful relationship? Marriage is always the first priority. For more on this topic, visit http://www.getdatingtips.com.
S A Baker is staff writer at http://www.getdatingtips.com
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It really doesn’t matter if you are planning to have a large or a small wedding; you still have to send out invitations. For larger wedding parties, you should buy your invitations at bulk party stores, or wedding warehouses in order to get the best buy for your money. Of course, you can always choose to make your own invitations which is also nice and unique.
Common homemade invitations are often made up of tissue paper over white regular paper, and decorated colored paper. When it comes to wedding invitations, some people even use calligraphy to hand craft their invitations and it adds a nice elegant touch to your invitations.
When you make your invitations by hand, you can address each one individually so that you can add unique invitations to your guests that are addressed specifically to them.
When you hand make your invitations, there are no limits to what you can do to them or what add-ons that you can use. The most popular additions to hand made invitations are:
• Photos of the happy couple
• Artful calligraphy accents
• Paper flowers
• Poems, verse and prose
• Rhinestones and/or sequins
• Gold or silver model car paint for accents
Not everyone has the know how to create hand made specialty invitations, and if you would prefer to buy yours, you can easily find good bargains on them if you go to a wedding warehouse or a party warehouse.
Most places offer discounts when you buy items in bulk and this is great if you are planning to have a larger wedding of 50 or more guests. Invitations do not have to break your bank account, but they do have to be there.
You can also save money on invitations if you personally deliver as many of them as possible rather than sending them through the mail.
You can also hand certain invitations to friends and family members to pass along for you to those who they see more often than you do.
You can also post your wedding date and guest list on your family website if you have one or in the newspaper and only send invitations to those who do not have access to the internet.
Mia LaCron is the founder of Cut-Wedding-Costs.info - http://www.cut-wedding-costs.info - devoted to helping individuals live out the wedding of their dreams on a realistic budget they can afford.
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Forget the mass marketed, red hearted Valentine Day pressure that starts heating up about now. Steer clear of high priced flowers, tasteless candy hearts and stuffed bears. Follow these tips to make the woman you love feel cherished.
Tell her Valentine’s Day means more than romance and gifts. It means she’ll be the focus of your caring attention, dutiful doting and loving affection.
Here are 9 quick tips to escape the Valentine’s Day commercialism and still snuggle with your hunny!
1. Concentration is the Name of the Game. Guys, you have an amazing ability to focus and solve problems! Focus on how special she is to you. Instead of stressing about the perfect Valentine’s gift, think about all the fun, silly, spunky, sexy, serious and loving things that she does for you. Chances are she’s doing exactly what she wants you to do in return. Think about who she is. What makes her smile? What she is truly passionate about? What small little things could you do at home every day that would make her feel more loved? Get out your love tools!
2. Under Promise and Over Deliver. Make promises early and make them often…just keep them. No emergency is more important than her love. Show your love and respect for her by honoring your time together and your commitments. Leave work early and call her on the way home and tell her you just couldn’t wait to see her. Ask her if she’d like you to pick up something special before you get there.
3. Be a Mirror. We reflect the world around us… the good, the bad and the ugly. Be mindful of her moods. When she approaches you with love and joy, mirror it back to her and she’ll feel especially loved and close to you. Or, if she’s had an especially bad day, initiate her cheerful reflection by filling up the bathtub with floating candles and tell her to soak in the flickering flames of reflective delight.
4. Note It. Love notes are a sure way to inspire a loving connection everyday of the year. They don’t all have to be sappy poems. Buy a calendar, keep it in the bathroom and write a reason a day that you appreciate and admire her. Follow her to the store or the dry cleaners and leave a note on her car in the parking lot. Drop them in her purse or write them on the bathroom mirror with a dry erase pen for her to wake up to. If you were thinking more along the lines of tagging the freeway overpass try 24 hour disappearing ink.
5. Dream Date. Take her on a dream date that won’t cost you a dime. Tell her the only topic of conversation is to hear about her dreams. What she loves. What she wants to do before she leaves the planet. What she’d like to learn. Where she’d like to travel. Who she most admires. Let her talk freely without stopping then write a few down later and help her create her dreams.
6. Use Actions and Words. Show her how much you love her by going out of your way to do little things and then reinforce it by telling her. “I’d be happy to _____ because I want to show you how much I appreciate you” or… “I knew you’d feel special coming home to _____.” or… “I wanted to show you how much I love by _____.” If this seems like too much work you can get a list of Valentine’s Day heartfelt expressions at www.shesite.com. You won’t have to depend on your own creative loving juices and she’ll still hear how much you care. 7. Hugs for Health. 4 hugs for survival. 8 hugs for maintenance. 12 hugs for growth. Each and everyday.
8. Bon Appetite. Cook her favorite food. Pick up restaurant delivery and the biggest chocolate dessert you can find on the way home; or have one of the online gourmet delivery options deliver a 5 course meal to your doorstep. Dim the lights. Start with the chocolate first. Put on an old Sinatra CD and tell her you fully expect that she may not even have an ounce of room in her belly for the Pecan Crusted Salmon main course. Get an easy recipe for an intensely chocolate experience with a rich decadent fudgey center at www.shesite.com. This alone will buy you blissful hours of love!
9. Sleep Tight Wishes and Bedtime Kisses. Make the very last moment of her day special by kissing her softly, accommodating a simple request like water or Kleenex, pull the covers up to her chin, touch her forehead and tell her you love her. Give her a kiss on the shoulder first thing in the morning too.
And if that doesn’t free you up from the Valentine’s Day trap, forget the diamonds and make her a handmade sweetheart style, metal shop charm that she can keep close to her heart. There’s nothing more heartwarming than your thoughtfulness, love and handy attention!
WARNING:
DON’T be a complete knuckle head, buy her a card!
For more simple happy fun essentials for every other day of the year, take a peek at www.shesite.com.
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