How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?

The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.
Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.
What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?

There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.

Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon/travel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.

Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.

A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.

Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.

Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.

June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.
If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.

Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.

Your honey moon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.

TIPS

Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day:
Trim your guest list
Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception
Budget your honeymoon well
Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford
Research: at least 6 months in advance
Book in advance: try the internet
Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare
Shorten your vacation stay
Travel and wed in the off season
Go on a Cruise: They are usually all inclusive

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that out of all the events for which you will gather your friends and family to celebrate your marriage, the wedding ceremony itself will be the most meaningful and, hopefully, memorable. In the United States, music plays many vital roles in the wedding ceremony, from providing flow and ambiance to highlighting the deeper emotional meaning. Many former brides and grooms remember the songs played at their weddings for the rest of their lives, and they can relive that romantic day when hearing those songs again.

Since music is so important to your wedding ceremony, I always advise hiring one or more live, experienced, professional musicians to handle it. Qualified, well-researched musicians will be able to tailor the music in real time to fit what is going on in your ceremony, which will help one part flow effortlessly into the next. Also, you'll find it truly ties together all of the visual and verbal elements, from the flowers to the vows, with timeless style and class.

For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements:

1. The prelude

2. The wedding party's processional

3. The bride's processional

4. The interlude

5. The recessional
6. The postlude

If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But picking out your own music can be more meaningful and satisfying. The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique. The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

The Prelude

The purpose of the prelude music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs. Because of this, it's best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion. Since the prelude sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, it's a good idea to base your genre choice on the type of music you will be using later in the ceremony. Popular genre choices include Classical, Love Songs, Jazz, and Broadway, and these genres can be mixed together within the prelude to suit your taste. Each of these genres has sub-categories (Baroque or Romantic Classical music, old or new love songs, etc.), but it's safe to leave those choices up to the musicians unless you have strong feelings one way or another.

The Wedding Party's Processional

The wedding party's processional marks the official beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. Perhaps the classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

The Bride's Processional

The bride's processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here. If you go with Classical music, the obvious traditional choice is Wagner's Bridal Chorus ("Here Comes the Bride"). But any Classical piece that strikes you as particularly beautiful or meaningful can be used here. If you're going with jazz, pop, or Broadway, use a song with beautiful music as well as lyrics that are meaningful to you. Even if you don't have a singer at your wedding, the lyrics to a popular song will still play in everyone's minds when they hear the melody.

The Interlude

The interlude can actually be many different moments in the ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the music you choose should encourage this mood. A popular and appropriate unity candle choice is The Wedding Song, partly because the lyrics mention the word "union." Sweet Classical favorites include Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, Ave Maria by Schubert, and Meditation from Thais by Massenet.

The Recessional

At last, time to celebrate! The wedding officiant's pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union. The top traditional choice for the recessional is Mendelssohn's Wedding March. A close second and third are Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary. But any song with a joyous feel that speaks to you will work well in this spot.

The Postlude

The postlude sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it's best to treat the postlude like the prelude and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony.

The best starting point for specific ceremony music ideas is the repertoire list on the website (or in paper form) of the musicians you are hiring. The songs listed there are usually ones that the musicians are requested to play frequently and that the musicians know very well. Talk with your musicians as far in advance of the ceremony as possible about your musical selections. This way, if you have a special request that is not in the musicians' repertoire, they may be able to accommodate it.

Lastly, have fun with the process of choosing your music! You can make listening to possible ceremony music a wonderful opportunity to slow down in the midst of your hectic planning and reflect on the love that you and your partner feel for each other. Music has the power to express this beautiful sentiment to all of your friends and family during your wedding ceremony, so take advantage of it!

Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and strategically located between Guatemala and the United States is a perfect destination for a romantic Mexico honeymoon vacation. This beautiful land of sunshine, clear blue seas, crystal-white beaches, high and impressive mountains and volcanoes and jungles of exotic wildlife provides honeymooners with lots to see and do. In fact, places like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco are amongst the most romantic resorts in Mexico for honeymooners. You will find a little bit of everything from the romantic to adventurous, as well as secluded moments of art and history in Mexico.

The enigma of Mexico honeymoon vacations will leave the newlyweds with unforgettable romantic memories. Dining to eye-opening and amazing moments of a Mexican trio's soulful and heartfelt love songs in garden restaurants and dancing under the romantic moonlight are just the prelude of romance in an exotic venue.

Additionally, shopping activities are not left out and it is easy and fun to spend quality time bargaining in Insurgentes Market of Zona Rosa for brilliant Mexican handcrafts - authentic pottery, jewelry and blankets. Go for a walk through the city which has been standing for centuries and go snorkeling or just enjoy the sun on Mexico's Riviera - renowned beach in Cancun and visit the Mayan ruins at southern Quintana Roo of Mexico on a horseback riding tour.

Couples who love privacy, relaxing and pampering will find these services offered by most of the Mexico honeymoon resorts. There is a variety of resorts to choose from located all over Mexico, such as the Celba del Mar Spa Resort and Hyatt Cancun Caribe Resorts and Villas in Cancun, Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Ensenada, El Cozulmeleo Beach Resort in Cozumel, and The Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In these resorts you will be sure of obtaining excellent facilities in spa treatments, sauna, steam baths, Jacuzzi and fitness centers with professional consultants. In fact, many of these resorts offer exclusive double massage areas for couples.

Mexico honeymoons are not complete without visits to exotic cities in Mexico, each of them bringing forth their own platter of unique attractions. For instance, Cabo San Lucas, attracts crowds with its mysterious natural hideaway and its romantic appeal. While Cancun offers both sophistication and history as well as beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea water.

Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, provides a romantic combination of the traditional Mexico and modern hideaways. The ever famous Acapulco rightfully referred to as the "Grand Dame" and the "Pearl of the Pacific", offers one of the most beautiful and romantic bays in the world combined with stunning beaches and wonderful natural surroundings.

Finally, for a taste of authentic Mexican culture, Guadalajara is the place to go which is complete with all the activities and modern comforts that only a large city provides. Ensenada proudly known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific", is a popular honeymoon destination which is easily accessible by land, air, and sea. Plus it is only a 90-minute drive from San Diego, California. This resort brings warm Mediterranean weather combined with a romantic past as well as exquisite cultural and dining activities.

With the myriad of romantic destinations that Mexico has to offer, it is no doubt one of the best choices for a romantic getaway. A Mexican honeymoon will definitely be an unforgettable romantic experience which will fill couples with delightful memories that will last them for a lifetime. Indeed, this is one destination that should not to be missed!

Why Hire A Wedding Designer?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused over how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. These worries often mount as quickly as the cost of the wedding. After the euphoria wears off and the reality settles in, it's shocking to discover how much preparation is involved. Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon. Couples often find they want experienced professional help.

Not long ago, a wedding designer was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a designer is an essential element of a well-planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage someone to handle the details. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the wedding designer saves you valuable time and money. The designer can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred and fifty hours to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and making sure all the details are in place.

Designers are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Our training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. We want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event with no worries. Remember you should enjoy your wedding and remember it always as one of the greatest events of your life.

2004, All Rights Reserved, Sasha Souza Events, Do not reproduce without permission from author.
Sasha Souza Events was first established in 1995 and specializes in full service wedding and event design. Today, Sasha Souza Events is an Master Bridal Consultant, distinguished member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

In 2004, Sasha Souza was honored by Modern Bride Magazine as one of the top 25 trendsetters in the wedding industry... being included with top industry pros such as Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Preston Bailey Event Design, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes & Jane Packard Flowers. She was also asked by Antonia van der Meer, the editor of Modern Bride Magazine, to take on a role in the prestigious Modern Bride Advisory Panel. Being considered among the top event design & coordination companies in the nation is a great honor and Sasha Souza always strives to create unique, fun and interesting events for the guests to experience.
In 2005, Sasha Souza will be the chair & host of the Special Event show wedding luncheon in Miami Beach, Florida which is sponsored by Special Events Magazine and Primedia Event Services.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies - Keeping Your Guest Comfortable

According to a survey conducted in 2003 by Bride's magazine, 15% of all couples choose an outdoor wedding, and that trend is growing. But with a all of the beauty and simplicity that an outdoor wedding brings, it also brings added anxiety from the force known as Mother Nature. Inevitably, the question on everyone's mind will be: What is the weather going to do?

So you plan contingency plans for everything. If it may rain the day before, have flat shoes ready for yourself and all of your bridesmaids. If it may rain the day of, have emergency tents ready to put up. But how do you prepare for heat and possibly humidity?

Heat is a tricky issue to deal with. Bringing in electrical fans may not be an option (depending on the ceremony site electricity may not be available), and if it is, is it really a viable option. With fans comes an unwanted dcor element, not to mention loud noise that may cause background noise on your wedding video!
Now you're asking yourself, what am I going to do? The answer is simple, and very cost effective. Incorporate a heat relieving solution into your ceremony by making hand fans out of your ceremony programs.

Step 1: Design and print your programs so that your ceremony information and events are evenly distributed on 2 sheets of paper, or, in a pinch, use your already printed programs and do the cutting yourself.

Step 2: Go to your local craft store to find a craft stick. The craft stick will become the handle for your fan. Craft sticks usually come in a plain wood color, however, you can match the color of the stick to your wedding theme with a simple visit to your local hardware store to buy spray paint that is complementary to your ceremony.

Step 3: Place your program pages back to back, with the craft stick sticking out from the bottom, and glue everything together. We recommend using a glue stick so the glue does not damage the program paper or alter its appearance.

Step 4: Decorate! After the glue has dried decorate the fans with satin ribbon, glitter, stickers or pre made bows. To add an extra special touch, use personalized ribbon that has your names and wedding date printed on it.

Voila! Your guests will each have their own personal NOISELESS fans to beat the heat, and you, will not have to compromise the beauty of your dcor.

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one of the most difficult aspects of wedding planning. How can the bride find a gown for her maids that will display her own taste, look great on every girl and will fit into the financial picture?

There are so many colors and styles of dresses to choose from. The bridesmaids themselves may vary greatly in size and they want a flatteringly gown that makes them feel good. The bride and her bridesmaids may be in their mid-20's or older and want a more sophisticated look in the bridesmaids gown. The bride also has the task of choosing a dress that will look good with each girl's skin tone, hair color and figure.
Choosing the right gown can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. The bride should start the decision process early. It's ideal to actually place the order for the gowns about four months before the wedding. This will allow time for alterations, shopping for shoes and other accessories and leave time to dye the shoes to match the gown. The bride will find it most helpful to shop with the one bridesmaid whose fashion sense she shares. The ultimate decision about the perfect bridesmaid gown will be the bride's.

The first step to choosing a bridesmaid gown is to determine the formality, style and fabric of the wedding gown. The bridesmaid dresses shouldn't overpower or clash with the wedding gown. For today's more simple bridal styles, nice detailing in the maids gowns creates a good look for the group. Back accents like straps, halter tops and simple beading are important for ceremony photography. A quality gown of good fabric and construction is necessary for the active bridesmaids who will be walking, dancing or running errands. Who needs to worry about seams splitting apart or buttons falling off during the wedding?

The next step for most brides is choosing the gown color. This can be done by looking at bridesmaid swatches in the bridal shop. Most manufacturers make bridesmaids dresses in anywhere from a few colors to as many as fifty. Choosing the actual color will narrow the choice of gowns to a more manageable number.

The bride must then consider the size ranges and figure types of her maids. Most bridal parties have an average of two full-figured members. If this is the case, many times it's best to begin choosing a gown style with the larger maids in mind. Some larger girls feel comfortable in spaghetti straps or even strapless gowns, but many would rather have at least a short sleeve or perhaps a shawl. The smaller girls can usually wear any style. A-line styles look good on most everyone. A two-piece style with a longer top covering the hip bone is another good style. Almost 50% of wedding parties will include a pregnant bridesmaid. Extra fabric can be ordered to create a maternity side panel. A few designers are now creating maternity bridesmaids.

A new marketing trend for bridesmaids is the idea of separates. Most manufactures now feature at least some of their styles in separate tops and skirts. Separates offer some flexibility for the maids as they are able to choose different sizes for the top and skirt and can accommodate many different figures types. The bride can also choose the color and manufacturer of the separates while letting the maids have the freedom to create a style they will be comfortable in.

In these sensitive economic times, many gown manufacturers are adjusting their prices to meet everyone's financial needs. Many designers have lowered their prices with no reduction in the quality of the garments. This year's selection of gowns should meet the approval of everyone in the wedding party.

The bride may save time by doing her preliminary shopping online. She can narrow her choices and email styles she likes to her maids. Shopping on the internet may be the most logical choice for some brides when her maids live in different parts of the country. Online ordering entails the maids obtaining their own measurements and alterations which must be done correctly for the best fit. Be sure to order very early to allow extra time for shipping the gowns.

The bridesmaid look is not complete without shoes and accessories. Shoes are available in many styles in fabrics which can be custom dyed to match the gown. Also popular are the clear vinyl shoes in strappy sandals some with changeable colored ribbon straps. One shoe company is now producing 100% silk shoes with leather soles in colorfast fabrics available in 9 styles in 15 colors that can be special ordered for delivery in about one week. Matching wrist or elbow gloves offers a sophisticated look. A simple rhinestone or pearl necklace and earring set will enhance the look of your maids.

With all the choices in bridesmaid gowns available today, every member of the wedding party should be happy with the final results and will spend the wedding day celebrating with the bride and her groom.

How to Buy Dreamy Wedding Gowns Online

Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on every bride's wedding day. You can find perfect wedding gowns online, or simply brainstorm which style of wedding dresses to start looking for as you narrow down your search.

First you need to determine which types of wedding dresses are right for you.

Your wedding dress should tell the world exactly who you are. After all, this is YOUR day, and your wedding gown is the key way that you share yourself with your wedding guests - and, of course, your husband-to-be.

By now, you've likely given some thought as to what kind of wedding you would like to have: traditional, informal or a theme wedding, perhaps.

Here are some general guidelines:

In formal weddings, brides generally wear long white/cream-colored wedding dresses and a veil, perhaps a train and, of course, gloves.

In semi-formal weddings, brides generally wear long white/cream-colored wedding dresses, a veil and gloves if desired.

In informal weddings, brides have more flexibility. They can wear wedding gowns of any color - short or long - or even a suit.

What about theme weddings? Here you should decide first on the theme and then on the formality of the wedding you've always wanted to have. Only then is it time to shop for wedding dresses and wedding accessories to determine which ones match your theme!

As you can see, the most important aspect to consider when selecting wedding dresses is your own sense of style.

For specifics on what's appropriate to wear for each type of wedding, I recommend Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, which devotes an entire chapter to wedding dresses and other fashion dos and don'ts, or Vera Wang on Weddings, in which Wang shares her vast fashion expertise with you as you plan your wedding. Both can be purchased from any major online bookstore and have great tips on buying wedding dresses.

How can you purchase wedding dresses online?

The Internet can be a tremendous help when you're looking for wedding gowns and have a tight wedding budget. And let's face it - most of us do have to keep the bottom line in mind when we plan the most important day of our romantic lives.

After you have given some thought to the type of wedding you want to have, I recommend that you: 

• Look through bridal magazines and check out your options by flipping through the pages to see which wedding dresses are available in your area.


• Go to local bridal stores and try on wedding gowns.


• Look online to see what other wedding dresses are available to you. In case you're uncertain about buying wedding gowns from an online vendor, bear in mind that there really are online bridal shops that deliver the same level of service as regular stores.


• Compare the in-store price to the Internet dress stores to find out which is the better deal. Many online stores offer you discount wedding dresses because of their vastly reduced overhead costs!


• Narrow down your search to a handful of wedding dresses that make your final cut.

When you've gone through all these steps, you're certain to have accessed all the wedding dresses available to you -- and you will very likely save your hard-earned money if you end up finding discount wedding dresses available only from an Internet vendor.

Good luck with your search! Though it might seem daunting at first, if you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding a beautiful range of perfectly elegant wedding dresses.

How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Dress

Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out the perfect wedding gown. There are many questions you need to ask yourself before you ever step foot inside a bridal shop. Below are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before making this big decision.

How much are you willing to spend?

The truth of the matter is, your wedding dress is only a fraction of the total cost of a wedding. Before you go picking out a dress, you first need to decide how much out of your "whole" budge you are willing to spend on the dress. There are many great looking gowns out there for a very reasonable cost, as well as beautiful gowns which can cost as much as most peoples entire wedding. Depending on the designer and material the cost can vary greatly. You need to know your limit, and shop within it.

What will you be wearing with the gown?

The dress is only part of your total appearance on your wedding day. You need to decide what else you will be wearing. Accessories such as, vale, shoes, jewelry etc, are all contributing factors when choosing your perfect dress. Your gown and accessories should all flow together in a beautiful piece.

Style

There are many amazing styles out there right now. Some brides choose to go with classic looks that have stood the tests of time, while others want a more contempory style. Your gown should fit within the theme of your wedding. If you are going for a very traditional theme, you gown should be very conservative and fit within that theme. For some great ideas on picking the style that's right for you check out.

http://ipweddingdresses.com/

Once these key questions are answered you are ready to take the plunge into the extremely beautiful world of shopping for wedding dresses. One of the biggest mistakes new brides make is letting their mother-in-law, big brother, or sales clerk choose their dress for them. The bottom line is, "you" have to decide whether-or-not a particular dress is right for you. Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the greatest days of your life. Everything is supposed to be just perfect, so don't settle for just any dress. Choose one that is right for you in every way. Don't forget you need to get the right lingerie, shoes and jewelry, to go with your beautiful wedding dress, but that is for another time.

Wedding Bliss: Six Unique Places to Say “I Do”

When you close your eyes and think of where you might get married, what comes to mind? Is there a long red aisle inside an ornate, classic cathedral? Or maybe your toes are buried in white sand somewhere on the Caribbean coast, or you’re in front of a picturesque grassy knoll set against a mountain range. While these are certainly some of the more typical wedding-day settings that many of us dream about, not everyone has his or her heart set on tying the knot in a traditional way. It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to seek out locations that are a bit more unique and memorable. These six awe-inspiring places—from simple to simply over-the-top—are sure to leave you and your guests breathless.
1. Say “I Do” on a Choo-Choo

Harken back to yesteryear and exchange vows on a train. The California Western Railroads Skunk Train, which still chugs along the same Redwood Route that it traversed in 1885, was originally built and used as a logging train. You can catch it from either Fort Bragg or Willits and take it to one of two romantic reception locations: Camp Mendocino Dining Hall or Northspur Reception. You can also hold your reception right there on the train. Together with your loved one, you’ll journey up the coast, crossing thirty bridges and passing through two mountain tunnels. The locomotive comes complete with observation cars, so you won’t miss any of the scenic views along the way. It’s the perfect combination of exploration and romance.

2. Swing Your Partner ’Round and ’Round

If roasting s’mores and square-dancing till the cows come home sounds like one way you and your sweetie pie might like to spend an evening together, then look no further. Make hay while the sun still shines and look into holding your wedding in a barn. There’s a plethora of beautiful, historic barns across the United States to choose from, for a whole lotta charm and a little bit of country. Check out the Blue Dress Barn in Millburg, Michigan—it was featured in the fall 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

3. Light Up Your Love

Get in touch with your nautical side and let a lighthouse guide you to your perfect wedding day. What better place to tie the knot than one of these historic seaside structures? The East Coast harbors many of the country’s most incredible lighthouses; a particularly splendid one is the Montauk Point Lighthouse in Montauk, Long Island, New York. This was the first lighthouse in the state of New York, and it’s the fourth-oldest still in use in the United States.

4. Chill Out Your Nuptials

Pack your Uggs and your rabbit-fur muff and head to the Ice Church at IceHotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, for the ultimate white wedding. This far-flung destination is the oldest hotel made entirely of ice and snow, and year after year it remains a popular choice for lovebirds who are looking to truly chill out.

(Temperatures average around negative five degrees Celsius.) Visitors who arrive closer to the beginning of December may be able to witness the extensive construction process, which is a real labor of love, considering that the church and hotel inevitably melt and need to be rebuilt each season.

5. Take the Love Plunge

In underwater scuba ceremonies, couples get to share their nuptials not with Auntie Midge and Uncle Art by their side, but with tropical fish amidst a spectacular ocean coral reef. Some companies also provide live video streaming and topside receivers so the guests above can hear and see everything that’s happening below. After the ceremony is over, you and your other half can swim and sunbathe to your hearts’ content.

6. Make It a Gravity-Free Affair

Save for those in the know who run in celebrity circles, this aeronautical extravagance has been flying under the radar for some time. What’s it all about? A modified Boeing 727 G-Force One takes you up in the sky and performs special aerobatic maneuvers called parabolas, which enable guests (or, more likely, just you and your partner-to-be) to achieve total weightlessness. During repeated “pull-ups,” passengers feel the force of 1.8Gs. Different levels of parabolas are available, including lunar gravity (one-sixth your body weight) and Martian gravity (one-third your body weight). Before you book this weightless wedding, though, be forewarned that this experience does not come cheap: prices start at $4,950 per person.

Each one of these amazing places will undoubtedly make your day unique and unforgettable, but the most important thing is that you’ve already found that most special place in each other’s hearts. Discovering the right location will just be icing on the cake.

Classic White Color for Bridal Gown

Ever since Queen Victoria wed in 1840, however, white has remained the traditional color for wedding gowns and bouquets. A woman then used her dress for Court Presentation after marriage, usually with a different bodice. It has been accepted taditional color of the wedding dress, but wedding gowns were not always white. The marriage of Queen Victoria to her cousin Albert of Saxe- Coburg in 1840 has had more influence on weddings than any other. Queen Victoria put the wheels in motion by marrying in white.

Though brides continued to wed in gowns of different colors, white was now set as the color of choice for weddings and has continued ever since. In Godey's Lady's Book, 1849, this statement was printed: " Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material. It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one." There is an old poem about how the color of your wedding dress will influence your future: "Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey , you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you will wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you will live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink."

White is still the top favorite for wedding gowns.www.ipweddingdresses.com has an exclusive range of bridal gown in classic white color. Which have the''sublime''quality designed by couture designer Andy anand who believes that ''less is more'', these bridal gowns are made like a ''piece of art'' they are very light white and other shades of white color has been used to give it the classic touch yet they are modern.

Wedding gowns have not always been elaborate, as many are today. In the eighteenth century, poor brides dressed in simple robes. This symbolized to her future husband that she brought nothing with her into the marriage and would therefore not burden him with any debt. It wasn't until the mid nineteenth century that the all-white wedding dress became fashionable. Up until then a bride simply wore her best dress, regardless of its color. In 1840, Queen Victoria's pure white gown started the trend that many women follow today.

How to Choose Your Wedding Shoes

Wedding day is known as the most unforgettable day in human life. Most women wish that day could be perfect and hoping nothing would go wrong. Well?sometimes not all wish are fulfilled. There are some who get panic due of wedding shoes.

Getting panic to find perfect wedding shoes at the last minutes seem common as some brides feel the shoes are the least important of the wedding day attire. They might not know that choosing the right shoes to match their other wedding attire is not as easy as to buy other type of shoes.

Don't ever think that people will not look at bride's shoes. Currently it's no longer do a bride's shoes remain hidden under traditional hopped skirts, tulle and meters of train. The simplicity of wedding dresses today has prompted renewed interest in bridal footwear. People will of course see what shoes the bride is wearing.

If you're the bride-to-be and wanting to buy shoes, be wise! Don't just consider the look. Just because they are the most gorgeous wedding shoes you've ever seen, maybe even the most expensive - doesn't make them the most suitable shoes to wear for up to twelve hours on your special day. Find wedding shoes that comfortable on your foot.

The important thing to find comfortable wedding shoes is to consider it heel! The higher the heel, the more stress you put on your lower back and also making your back muscles contract. Sure you don't want to pain yourself on your first day honeymoon!

There is several of wedding shoes styles. Some wedding shoes styles are made from leather, which is combined with cotton for strength and silk satin for richness. There is also wedding shoes that are made from other material, which is also beautiful.

If you want to check what style is match with your wedding dress, just click the website which purchases wedding shoes. You can order easily and without waiting very long, your wedding shoes will be on your hand. Try it on and see how it is on your foot. If not comfortable enough, you can return and change it with the one that is more comfortable.

It's recommend that once you've found your dress, you start looking for the perfect shoes immediately for your wedding. You should have your shoes by the time your gown is delivered and ready to be altered. You will need to bring your shoes to every fitting so that the hemline remains the same.

At least two weeks before the wedding start wearing your shoes around the house. An hour at first, then slowly increase the time at three day intervals leading up to the day. That is to break them in, so you get familiar with your shoes. You do want to have gorgeous wedding shoes with beautiful attire feeling uneasy, don't you!

Now, walk to the altar and make yourself the most charming bride in the world with your perfect gorgeous wedding shoes!

Diana Claire lifelong for shoes led her became shoes reviewer. She has tried different kind of shoes, and she put her review at MyShoesGuide.com. Her experiences on shoes can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of shoes.

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

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://www.ipweddingdresses.com/

The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27 July 2012.
Titled 'Isles of Wonder', the Ceremony welcomed the finest athletes from more than 200 nations for the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking an historic third time the capital has hosted the world’s biggest and most important sporting event.
The Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was a Ceremony 'for everyone' and celebrated contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people.
The spectacular finale of the event saw the Olympic Cauldron, formed of 205 copper petals representing the competing nations coming together in London for the Games, ignited by seven young Torchbearers nominated by Britain’s past and present Olympic and sporting greats.

3 Surprising Facts About Women, Love, and Sex

Science writer Patricia Barnes-Svarney is used to getting a lot of questions. Questions like “why do women crave more sex in the summer?” and “why is a guy with good dance moves so appealing?” and “are my friends bad for my love life?”

In her book published last month, Why Do Women Crave More Sex in the Summer? 112 Questions That Women Keep Asking — and That Keep Everyone Else Guessing, Patricia Barnes-Svarney answers all those and more, tackling 112 questions about women (and women and men) and the science behind the answers. Her timing was great: “Until just a couple decades ago, there were very few studies about women’s science—most of the research was conducted with men or a combination of men and women,” Barnes-Svarney explains. “Now (finally!) there are many studies that include more, or only concentrate on, women—from youth to maturity.”

We couldn’t include all 112, but here are our top three most intriguing insights from the book:

1. Women really do crave more sex during the summer.

Okay, so you may have guessed that from the title of the book. But did you know that part of the reason we get all hot and bothered during the summer is school? We’re conditioned to respond to the “bell”—when school’s out, we’re ready to play, and we feel that urge even as adults. Add to that the tighter, skin-baring clothes and the mood-boosting effects of the sun, and you’ve got a recipe for feeling frisky.

2. Falling in love comes at a cost.

The cost: two friends, to be exact. Researchers found that when new romance comes into a person’s life, their circle of close friends loses two people on average. One explanation is the need for emotional contact, which fuels the maintenance of your friendships—and which you need less of when you have a new love interest.

3. Pregnancy makes your brain smaller.

“Pregnancy brain” is no myth—there’s a reason you feel so foggy when you’ve got a bun in the oven. According to a study in the American Journal of Neuroradiology, a woman’s brain volume decreases by about four percent during pregnancy (one study specified that this occurred during the third trimester), as the brain restructures itself. But don’t worry—it returns to normal size within six months after the baby is born. And the coolest thing? Even though the brain shrinks in some areas, the forebrain that’s responsible for problem-solving and higher reasoning actually gets bigger and better!

Life throws a brick at your head

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street， going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, one child appeared, and a brick smashed into the Jag's side door. He slammed on the brakes and spun the Jag back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown.

He jumped out of the car, grabbed some kid and pushed him up against a parked car, shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?" Building up a head of steam， he went on "That's a new car and that brick you threw is gonna cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"

“Please, mister, please, I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do!” pleaded the youngster." It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.

Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be okay.

"Thank you, sir. And God bless you," the grateful child said to him. The man then watched the little boy push his brother to the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long walk backs to his Jaguar... a long, slow walk. He never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.

Life whispers in your soul and speaks to your heart. Sometimes, when you don't have the time to listen, it's your choice: Listen to the whispers of your soul or wait for the brick!

Do you sometimes ignore loved ones because your life is too fast and busy leaving them to wonder whether you really love them?

The story of life

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people maybe (possibly your roommate, neighbor, coworker, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger),but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way .

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful. and unfair at first , but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart..

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart.  If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

Most importantly, if you LOVE someone, tell him or her ,for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. And learn a lesson in life each day that you live.

That’s the story of life.

My Very First Love

Yes this may be surprising, I was only 13 years old that time. But, don't know how or why it happened to me so early. I fell deeply in love with a guy, who I used to think was annoying 2 months ago.

    It was 1997, in Chittagong, Bang- ladesh, me and my family have just moved to a new apartment in a new area. So, after few weeks have passed, I started going back to school, since it was during Ramadan we moved. Well, I made some new friends in the neighborhood. This girl who was always hanging out with, her name was Ivy.

    One day when I was going to school, I bumped into Ivy on the way out of my building, and she was standing next to this guy, he lived in the building right beside mine. He said “Hi” to me, and we just asked each other “how are you” and blah blah, then I had to leave. But I noticed that guy was looking at me. It was a different kind of look, look with love in his eyes. Few days later, I noticed whenever I go to school and come back from school, he is standing in his balcony, and smiling at me. If he is not around, and one of his friends see me, they start to yell out his name. Oh yeah, by the way, his name was Mamun.

    So, I was very annoyed by those things. And I even told Ivy to tell Mamun to stop these foolishness. After my exams were over, I had a break. So I used to go to the roof and read books to spend my time. Mamun used to come to their roof also and both roofs where so close to each other that you can just jump from one to another.

    Once I was reading a book, and I noticed Mamun come to their roof and he looked at me, and smiled. OH MY GOD! I don't know what happened to me. That sweet smile just took me away. I smiled back at him, for the first time. I could never forget that moment. We used to smile at each other whenever we saw each other, but never had a chat. I was sure that he liked me a lot, because, anytime he would see me on the roof from his balcony, he came up to the roof right away. I fell in love with him very deeply. I was surprised that I did. The feelings I had was so beautiful and made me so happy.

    Mamun did come to my roof one day to talk to me but I wanted him to go away. I didn't want any one to see us talking. As you know, in Bangladesh rumors go around so fast. When we talked, I saw deep love in his eyes. I always smiled at him; I didn't talk to him much. Still, life was going on so wonderfully. Mamun never told me he loved me. I thought that was because, I was 5/6 years younger than him.

    Very soon, I found out that me and my family are leaving Bang- ladesh and coming to Canada. I was devas- tated. I cried all night but there was nothing to do. When Mamun found out, he asked me on the roof, if it was true. When I said yes, he asked how long will I be in Canada. The answer was maybe forever, we were going to settle in Canada. He looked depressed, all he said was “Oh”, then I told him out flight date.

    The next month, it was Ramadan again. Mamun came to say good bye to me on the roof, he was leaving to spend his Eid with his family. That day, I was so sad, I felt like I lost something very important in my life. We said goodbye to each other, he said he thinks I am such a sweet girl, he hopes I have a great life in Canada. Oh my god, I couldn't hold myself, I think my eyes became watery. I didn't want him to see that I was crying. I said “you too” and tried to smile and left the roof right away.

    That was the last day I ever saw my first love. Now 4 years later, here I am in CANADA. I have guy in my life now, whom I am deeply love with after Mamun. I never lose him.

    I am over Mamun now. Everytime I remember those days, looking at each other on the roof, talking, I feel really down. I wonder where he is now, if we will even meet again I can never forget my first love.