5 Tips for Top Notch Wedding Pictures

by: Rachel Urbanak

Once a wedding date has been set, one of the first tasks of the future married couple is to line up a photographer to take what they hope will be priceless and cherished pictures - ones that you and others will look at for many years.

If the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" holds any truth, your wedding pictures will be especially important to you. Many couples mistakenly think of wedding pictures as the staged pictures of the bride, groom and the wedding party. Start thinking of your total set of wedding pictures as a memoribilia that tells a story of a bride and groom's special day - in preparation for, during and the final moments before the honeymoon.

Because your wedding will be in front of possibly hundreds of your closest family and friends, choosing a wedding photographer to visually document your special day should be taken very seriously. Forget about having your cousin's best friend who "takes great pictures". Your day must be put into the hands of a professional, perferably the best you can find for your budget.

Here some questions and factors to consider before making the commitment to hiring the services of a wedding photographer.

1. What will the style of your wedding be? Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? The answer to this simple question will play a key role in hiring the best photographer. For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, hire a wedding photographer that is traditional in their photographic style. Traditional photographers tend to notice and consider details when it comes to photography, angles of shots they take, balance, etc.

2. Photographers can vary greatly in price. That is why it is important to set a budget and adhere to it as closely as you can. Often you can apply the saying "you get what you pay for" but not always. Expensive photographers generally are high in quality but you may be able to find one that is just starting out with his/her business. In this case they may take terrific pictures and their prices are still in line with what you can afford.

3. Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be sure you always read the fine print of the contract so you know the services that you will be getting. Never leave it to chance and assume a photographer is going to perform his/her photographic duties the way you think they will. If you have extra requests or needs, be sure they are written in the contract. Once your day goes by it is too late to quibble over what should have been photographed. Better to have no surprises and that means a solid contract agreed upon by both parties.

4. Choose a photographer that is open to what you as a couple would like as far as your photographer's duties. Some wedding photographers have been doing weddings a long time and can get somewhat immune to the wishes of the couple, the wedding party and guests. Select a photographer that is easy going and can take a little direction if needed. On the other hand, don't try to tell the wedding photographer how to do his/her job. A happy medium is desireable.

5. Finally, (and this is an important one) be sure to ask to see a complete portfolio of the wedding photographers work. Be certain that is the style you would like. Sometimes photographers will "farm out" weddings and send another photographer that acts as a subcontractor for the photo studio. Be sure you ask exactly who will be the photographer on site that day and ask to see their portfolios as well. Remember, the best wedding photos are the ones where there are no surprises on the part of the bride and groom.

Proper thought and research when choosing your wedding photographer will result in some of the most memorable pictures of your lifetime. Good luck!

About The Author

Rachel Urbanak is a wedding coordinator and wedding photographer in the northeastern United States. For more articles, resources, news and specials on unique wedding favors and gifts, visit http://www.weddingplanningsuccess.com.

Wedding Tips

by: Gabby Love

With the high cost of living,gas,etc. rising one must be smart when spending on a wedding. Remember the cost of a wedding can amount to as high as $25,000. This is indeed a lot of money to spend for just one day and it is not a small wonder that many couples find themselves financially strapped for many years after their return from their honeymoon. Gabby Love offers many tips and techniques to save on a wedding.

One of the main thing to remember is that it's your wedding so keep control. When paying for items for the wedding like invitations, avoid anything that says wedding on it because it's cheaper. Get generic items like invitations rather than official wedding invitations. Get prom dresses at a department store instead of formal dresses for your bridesmaid. Hey, you may even find a nice white gown with beautiful lace to be used in a casual wedding. This will save considerable amount of money.

To really save money on your wedding take time during the early planning stages of your wedding plans and decide on the big ticket items of the wedding that will affect the overall cost of the wedding. If you really want to keep the cost down then exchange your vows and cut the cake in front of a few friends and family.

I have a friend who took this advice to heart and took the money that they initially were going to look at paying for a big wedding and placed a down payment on their new home and were married at their home. They were married in the Springtime in their own backyard which was colorfully decorated. The minister was actually a family member of the bride. Remember if you have a large family or friends you may be surprised to find a minister who could definitely cut down the cost. Even the wedding reception was held at their home which was beautifully decorated and food had been provided by both families. Overall everyone had a fun time and the couples saved considerable amount

The key point to remember is to be creative and not forget that even though a wedding is one day , the cost of the wedding could last for years. Why come back home from your honeymoon in debt for years to come?

About The Author
Gabby Love offers in depth reviews and recommendations concerning relationships,sex,and entertainment. Visit some of the sites reviewed by Gabby Love at http://www.gabbylove.com, http://www.24hrsofdating.com ,and http://www.christmasplayland.com.

How To Deliver The Perfect Wedding Speech

by: Vicki Churchill

Hundreds of people, bright lights, microphones and uncomfortable clothing, not the ideal setting to stand up and start talking, particularly at the moment where you are probably nervous, sweating, dry mouthed and your stomach feels like its doing somersaults!

You will be pleased to know there are ways to combat your fears and settle your nerves.

The first thing to remember is who your audience is. They will be your friends and family not a jeering bunch of hecklers. They do not want to see you fall short but if you do they will be sympathetic.

Secondly remember to breathe, take deep and slow breathes. Do not rush your words.

Try stretching out your fingers and toes. Sounds silly but it really does work!.

Some people say eating a banana before the speech can help with anxiety and at the same time give you energy.

Do not drink! One alcoholic drink is fine to calm your nerves but then stick to water. There is nothing more cringe worthy than a wedding speech delivered by a slurring drunkard.

Be yourself, nobody is perfect and your audience will not expect you to be.

If you become emotional do not worry just take a moment to compose yourself and remember if you are getting choked you probably won't be the only one.

Imagine you are talking to someone at the end of the room and project your voice accordingly. Remember to make eye contact with your audience as they will soon tire and become distracted if you deliver your speech head down reading from a script.

The wedding speech order Bearing in mind cultural diversities there are three main speeches given at the reception. They are the father of the bride speech, the bridegrooms and the best mans. Occasionally the maid of honor or a good friend of the bride will also give a wedding speech.

By tradition the father of the bride would be called upon, firstly to toast the grooms parents and then raise a toast to the bride and groom. This is a good way to open because it is easy to remember and involves the audience from the outset. This allows them to acknowledge the bride and groom and at the same time give you a few precious seconds to overcome any early nerves or wobbly knees. The father of the bride would then welcome the groom to his family and finally end his wedding speech by saying a few loving words about his daughter.

The bridegroom would then respond by thanking his parents for his upbringing and the parents of the bride for raising such a beautiful daughter. He would then take the opportunity on behalf of his wife and himself to thank the guests for attending and for the gifts received.

The best mans wedding speech is probably the toughest to get right as this speech is expected to be light hearted and fun as well as sincere. A joke or two in good taste will keep the listeners captivated plus hearing your audience laugh will be a tonic for your nerves in addition to raising your confidence! Other duties include a toast to the bridesmaids and to present them with gifts on behalf of the bride and groom in appreciation. He should also read a few (not too many) of the guest wedding cards. To end his speech he should wish the bride and groom success, health and happiness in the years to come.

Above all enjoy giving your wedding speech, have fun and see it as an opportunity to tell your nearest and dearest your heartfelt feelings.

About The Author
Vicki Churchill is the owner of http://www.perfectweddingtableideas.com, a site that specializes in wedding table ideas and other special occasions.

A Possible Solution To Every Brides Wedding Hair Nightmare!

by: Andrew Regan


Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly popular for brides to opt for wedding hair accessories instead of the classic tiara. Some brides prefer the simplicity and versatility hair accessories offer, whereas others are thankful for an alternative to the tiara for fear of looking too ‘princess-y’. Whatever the reason, the sheer range of hair accessories available provide brides with variety to enhance their style and discover hair jewels to work with every hair type.

Wedding hair pins are one of the most popular hair accessories for brides and, indeed, bridesmaids. Many brides choose to wear their hair up particularly because a neatly styled up-do is guaranteed to remain chic and stylish throughout the day. Although hair styles such as a chignon or French pleat are classic, they often require dressing to soften and to avoid looking too harsh. Wedding hair pins are perfect for such hair styles, adding decadence and subtle sparkle for a timeless look. Popular designs range from butterflies, intricate floral and vintage inspired ornate design and are often set with crystals.

Possibly one of the most versatile of wedding hair accessories, jewelled hair combs suit most hair styles and work with practically all hair types. With such a diverse range of wedding hair combs available, most brides will find a suitable design. A large hair comb can look stunning worn to hold hair up on one side and, with a more informal style, can be particularly suited to beachside weddings whereas a medium sized hair comb is perfect to add sparkle to an up-do or pin up small sections of hair for brides wearing their hair loose. Wedding hair comb designs available include floral, vintage inspired styles, butterfly and petite hair combs. Classic designs are often adorned with crystals and hand-made styles are often beaded.

Wedding head bands adorned with jewels have become a favoured wedding hair accessory for brides preferring a simple and elegant look. Often set with crystal flowers or butterflies, they offer simplistic contemporary style combined with a feminine feel. Particularly popular because of their suitability for all hair lengths, wedding head bands are the perfect answer for short haired brides who are often limited by the choice available. Wedding head bands are often adorned floral, butterfly or bow designs and are usually set with crystals or beads.

Whatever the brides’ style or hair type, it’s safe to say that with a little shopping around, the perfect wedding hair accessory (http://www.glitzysecrets.com/acatalog/glitzy-secrets-hair-accessories.html ) can be found. It’s important to firstly consider the suitability to hair type and length. This is where a hairdresser’s advice can be invaluable! Once the type of hair accessory is decided, the fun can begin. Remember to take in account the style of wedding dress, colour themes, flowers and time of year - as with every aspect of wedding planning, co-ordinating is the key to success and a beautiful wedding.

About The Author
Andrew Regan (http://www.buzzle.com/authors.asp?author=5195 ) was landed with the role of wedding planner in the run up to his own wedding in September 2005.

Make Your Wedding Favors for Cheap!

by: Ashley Beck

The question most brides-to-be or couples getting married have is “How do I make wedding favors for cheap?” Before I begin to answer this question, I want to establish one thing. When using the word cheap, it doesn’t mean that you’re not giving it all you have. You’ve already spent a lot of money to make this day perfect. Therefore, here are some cheap or inexpensive ways to make wedding favors. Save yourself a little money, you could even use it on the honeymoon!!

Here are some really cool ideas to save money and get two things done at once:

• Flower Arrangements

Make a small flower arrangement for each table setting. This can serve as both a favor for your guest and decorations for the table. You can normally find little glass containers at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store for pretty cheap. Add some of your favorite flower(s) or a flower of your favorite color. You can even make it seasonal depending on when your wedding is. Have fun! Be creative!

• Candles

I know, everybody suggests candles for wedding favors. But find your favorite shape or scent and give each of your guests a small candle. This will make it personal for your guest. It will tell your guest you wanted them there and make them feel special. Use tulle and/or ribbon to make it more festive!

• Small Frames – One of my favorites!

You can find small frames and make them place card holders. Each of your guest will have a frame to take home with them. If you don’t want to assign seating, put a special message or quote in each frame. Your guest will have a special way of remembering you!

• Wine Glass Markers

Make wine glass markers with some wire and beads. Then find a small box and wrap ribbon around it. You need one for each guest. It will also be helpful to keep each other’s wine glasses separate!

• Personalized CD of you and your fiancée’s favorite songs!

You can buy CD’s at Office Depot, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc… for cheap. Then decide on 10 or so songs to put on there. Burn them to the CD; attach a label or write on each one. You can buy “print-on” labels wherever you buy the CD’s. Then give each guest one! It’s a cool personal gift.

You can pull off your big day and save some money. Don’t make it look cheap either. Make and create your wedding favors for cheap!! You can do it!! Remember to have fun and be creative!!!

About The Author
Ashley Beck, President of AffordableWeddingSecrets, looks over all the resources on saving money on your wedding and shares the best with you! I want to give you a free report on How To Save Money on Wedding Favors at http://www.AffordableWeddingSecrets.com.

Why You Need Me and I Adore You: Getting the Wedding Planner You Love and Can Afford

by: Terrica Skaggs

When people ask me, “What do you do for a living?” and I tell them I am a wedding planner, you cannot imagine the look of elation and interest that immediately floods their faces. The next, almost patented inquiry from their behalf is, “Just like J. Lo, right? I love that movie!”

I do smile and agree that I loved the movie too. As much as I love Law and Order, you will not see me out making citizens’ arrests on the metropolitan streets. I know my boundaries. Watching a movie or a show doesn’t necessarily make you qualified to do what it is you saw—no matter how many times you’ve seen it or can quote from its leading actor. What most brides don’t understand is that this may be (hopefully!) the only wedding they will ever plan. I and my colleagues do this on a regular basis; so it is safe to say we’ve been around the block.

I love meeting new brides, and especially newly engaged couples—it is great to see how you interact with each other and what your conjoined vision is for your beautiful wedding day. I will admit, there are times where a couple and I have spent hours just talking during our initial consultation that we actually forget that it is “business as usual”. I try at this time to dispel the misconception that a wedding planner turns into a dictator that takes complete control of your wedding. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I’m going to share some things with you that may help you decide on if a wedding planner is for you. Trust me, I will be the first to tell you if it is not; but if it is, you should definitely consider interviewing a few during your planning process. If your planner does not share these philosophies, it doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is wrong, but you may want to consider what is important to you in the grand scheme of your event.

Ok, so let’s get started, shall we?

1. You should be treated like you are important. When I greet my potential and contracted clients, you would never know that I have other events or other things going on in my life. That is because when it comes to you—I don’t! Each client that walks through that door has on a sign that says, “Make me feel important”. It is very imperative that you feel very special and comfortable with your planner, and dare I say it, immediately. You should feel like you are meeting with an old friend to discuss the details of your upcoming wedding. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unsure, do speak up and ask questions. Gain as much clarity as possible.

2. You are always the boss. You are paying for a service—your planner should report to you in a courteous and professional manner. While your planner does have a level of expertise and savvy, if you feel like the reins are being yanked from your hand or you are made to feel inferior, thank them for their time and move on.

3. Your wedding is your wedding. There are so many variables that can be thrown into the dynamics of planning a wedding. Your planner should not try to make your special day “cookie-cutter”. Instead they should see and become intimately familiar with your vision for your wedding. As your personal liaison, your wedding planner will be the one to represent your needs and wants to other vendors, handle sticky situations with family and execute your plans during your event.

4. Trust is important. Your wedding is an investment—never again will you spend so much money at one time. You need to be able to entrust the details of your wedding to a consummate professional. Your wedding planner should explain everything to you at length and work with in your budget and vision.

5. Be accountable, organized and responsible. These are not only good character traits, but are required skills in this trade. All paperwork, dossiers, contracts, etc. pertaining to your account should be kept in an organized format and ready at all of your appointments. Any payments or decisions made on your behalf should be done under your watchful eye and with your approval. You should be able to trust all of the details of your wedding with your planner.

6. Creative Genius. You should be able to give some of your best ideas to your coordinator, and she can “sweeten the pot” with her creations and style. Also, your planner should have several types of resources and inspirations to pull from to create your ultimate wedding fantasy.

Remember these simple characteristics and you will be able to get the assistance you need for your wedding day. You will be stress-free at the wedding that has always been your dream, which means you can enjoy your family and friends more knowing it is in capable hands.

About The Author

Terrica Skaggs is the Senior Wedding Consultant for Once Upon Your Wedding, a event planning company in the Golden Isles of Georgia.
onceuponyourwedding.com
terrica@onceuponyourwedding.com

Planning For Wedding Showers And Bridal Showers

by: Angela Oliver

Weddings are a very exciting time. The bride and groom, as well as friends and family are waiting patiently for the big day. As a tradition, the bride and groom have gatherings with their closest friends before the wedding as a celebration before entering a new life in marriage. As the wedding industry booms, there are more and more ideas for pre-wedding showers.

A wedding shower or bridal shower should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom. Whatever interests the couple shares should be some how incorporated into the event. There are many places to include such personal touches. Including a personal element such as a favorite sport or outdoor hobby, will surely enhance the ambiance of the event.

There are many themes for wedding showers or bridal showers. Some are tried and true and are the perfect way to shower to bride and groom to be. A shower themed around household elements, such as a garden party or kitchen party, will prepare the couple for starting their new home together.

Depending on the theme of the wedding or bridal shower, there is a huge variety of shower accessories. Wedding shower or bridal shower invitations are available for any theme. Perhaps it is a lingerie shower for the bride to be, or a bar shower to stock a newlyweds wet bar, there are invitations for both of these. There are also many invitations available for more formal types of wedding or bridal showers.

Party favors are a great accent for any shower that can easily incorporate the theme or personal touches. Shower accessories are available to coordinate with any theme; they can include the name of the couple, the wedding date, a favorite flower, or any other favorite personal theme.

There are many different ways to throw a wedding shower. And all couples have a unique element about them that makes them stand out to friends and family. Wedding showers and bridal showers are a wonderful way to show this respect to the husband and wife to be.

About The Author

This article was written by Angela Oliver for www.dependableprinting.com, invitation and paper goods provider for all printing needs. Please visit the site for more information about bridal shower invitations, wedding shower invitations, and other wedding items at http://www.dependableprinting.com/bridal-shower-invitations.htm.

Planning Your Wedding Invitations

by: Leah Bacon

Wedding Invitations

Invitations: Complete Invitation Checklist

Planning a wedding can be a head-spinning experience. Below is an invitation checklist, which will help the couple stay on track and in control.

- Start the process 4 –5 months in advance of the wedding, by gathering information e.g. date of the wedding, time and place of ceremony, reception hall, time of dinner and reception. Maps of how to travel to these places (in case of ordering map cards.) Menu cards are optional.

- Tally up total number of guests invited to determine number of invitations required. It is usually one per family, one per couple. Add on a couple of extras in case some become damaged and one for scrapbook.

- Select a theme or colour for the invitations. Check invitation catalogues, paper shops, bridal magazines and websites for great ideas.

- Order your invitations and enclosures 3 to 4 months before the wedding.

- Obtain proof from the printer before invitations are actually produced. Proof it yourself. Give it to your fiancé, mother and a friend to ensure that all the information and spelling is correct.

- Arrange for a calligrapher or enlist a couple of friends e.g. bridesmaids, mother and future mother-in-law to help you hand address the envelopes.

- Make certain there is a stamp on the return envelope for the convenience of the guests.

- Mail invitations 6 –8 weeks in advance of the wedding.

- Compile a list of guest who sent their reply cards back and are attending the wedding and whether single guests are bringing a guest to the wedding.

Once this is done, you are ready to move onto the next step, letting the caterers know how many people will be attending the dinner. Being organized will ensure a smooth flow to this process and help the couple with stress-free planning.

Elements of an Invitation

Before you order your invitations learn about all of the components to include in your invitation ensemble.

ENVELOPES - The outer envelope is the mailing envelope. It is addressed with the full name of the recipients and their address. The inner envelope contains the invitation itself as well as any other enclosures and is placed unsealed into the mailing envelope. Many people now omit the inner envelope in an effort to save both on cost and the waste of paper.

INVITATION - The invitation contains all of the details surrounding the wedding itself. This includes when and where as well as what time it is taking place. If you are not including a separate Reception Card, you would include details about the reception on the invitation as well. See the section on Invitation Wording for specific details.

MAP CARD - This card provides guests with written directions as well as a visual map to identify the locations of both the ceremony and the reception. This is useful if you are inviting a lot of out-of-town guests.

RECEPTION CARD - This card provides guests with details about the reception if your invitation only includes details about the ceremony. This is also useful if you are inviting all guests to the ceremony but only certain ones to the reception.

RESPONSE CARD - This card is what your guests will return to you indicating whether or not they will be able to attending the wedding as well as the number of guests they may be bringing. This is helpful in determining your final guest count for food, favours, etc..

SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS - These cards are sent to guests six to eight months before the wedding. This is an effective way of not only announcing your engagement but also informing guests about the date, time and location of the wedding so they can mark it on their calendars. These are important to send if you are planning on having a destination wedding where guests may need to plan financially as well as take time off work.

THANK-YOU CARDS - These are sent to guests in appreciation for their wedding gifts. If you receive a gift in the months and weeks preceding the wedding, send out a thank you card at once. For gifts given the week or day of the wedding, send no later than one month from returning from your honeymoon.

QUOTE CARD – This card is optional and is generally in with the invitation ensemble and placed before the actual invitation. It has a quotation, which maybe used in the vows at the ceremony or a personal quote that pertains to the couple and their love for each other.

EVENT/PROGRAM CARD – Event/ Program cards are optional. If a program is chosen as part of the stationary ensemble, it serves the purpose of letting the guests know what the schedule is for the wedding day. Ceremony at a certain time, photos to be taken at a particular place and what time the dinner will be served, what time the speeches and toasts will begin and by who and finally the dancing.

SEATING CARDS – This card provides the guests with a table number, so they know what table they have been placed at. Sometimes they are at the door in an envelope with the guests name on it and the table number enclosed. Other times it can appear as an ornate sheet of paper with the table number and the names of the guests at the particular table, which is near the entrance door in the reception hall.

PLACE CARD – A tent folded card, which sits at the table with the guests name on it, so they know which seat is theirs. Sometimes they are placed above the plate or on the plate at the place setting.

MENU CARD – These cards are often placed in the center of the plate at the guest’s seat or there is one menu card per the table. This informs the guests of what is being served for dinner or the guests have a choice of two entrees from the menu card.

Sometimes a combo menu and place card will serve one purpose, which is a card with the guest name, letting them know where they will sit and underneath the dinner menu.

For more information on planning a wedding go to http://www.getmarriedcanada.com

About The Author

Leah Bacon –
Upon her engagement, Leah was faced with the task of planning her London wedding while living in British Columbia. As she began preparations, Leah discovered a lack of contemporary wedding resources to provide her with ideas, information and advice, as well as local businesses to help plan her day. Hence http://www.getmarriedcanada.com

Tips for Planning the Perfect Military Wedding

by: GiGi Rena Rogers

The day has finally arrived. After all these years waiting for the right one, you finally find that special someone. Soon a marriage proposal comes your way, one that will surely change life forever. You finally get the opportunity to plan the wedding you’ve dreamed about since childhood. All the plans begin falling in place, when suddenly things change dramatically. Your soon-to-be spouse learns that they are being deployed oversees. All the hopes and dreams for happiness appear lost, at least for the moment. You still long to get married, but there is so much to do, and so many unique circumstances that other couples don’t face. From finding a chaplain to the financial costs of planning a rush wedding, the task can seem daunting.

There are others too who have lived the military life from day one and are now proud to be a part of it themselves having enlisted. Having grown up with parents in the military, changing from base to base, and city to city, the couple longs for a military wedding that brings with it the traditions and pride lived their entire life. Yet, as everyone in the military knows, there are many tried and trued rules and regulations on doing things right. Planning a wedding and making sure to stay within all the guidelines can be overwhelming. The bride needs answers on how to do it and these answers aren’t found in the pages of the numerous bridal magazines or bridal books out there. But hope is not lost.

As everyone knows, there are vast differences from a civilian wedding and a military wedding. The ceremony may be held at the base/post chapel. The officiant would be a military chaplain. The Arch of Sabers or Swords (dependent on the branch of service) is used. And special attention needs to be placed on the formalities of the invitations and seating arrangements.

To help plan a military wedding, here are some tips:

#1 - Buy Wedding Insurance. Even if the couple does not choose to have the traditional Military Wedding, insurance (unless they are having a quick small civil ceremony at the courthouse) will save headaches and cover the loss of deposits or money due to changes or cancellations. When marrying into the military, the never-ending changes of deployment dates – quick deployments, delayed deployments, and extended deployments are common. It’s best to plan ahead and be safe. Take this example: The date has been set for a year out. The deposits have been paid and invitations prepared. Then a set of orders arrives for the bride or groom that reads, “Report to your duty station 19 May 2007. Unfortunately, the wedding date has been set for 25 May 2007.” You now have to change everything and re-order invitations. Unless working with very military friendly vendors, there is a real risk of losing deposits. Insurance is a way to safeguard against this.

# 2 - Learn the language. For a new bride that is marrying into the service, there is a whole new set of lingo to learn. Among the most common would be the formalities of the Arch-is it Swords or Sabers? The answer - Sabers are used for Air Force and Army. Swords are used for Coast Guard, Marine Corps and the Navy. National Guard and Reserve go by the same etiquette and regulations of their service branch (i.e. Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Naval Reserve, etc). Also, the majority of military personnel do not own a Sword or Saber. However, they can contact the Chaplain, normally he/she will have these for this use or his/her Commander will. There are also so many other terms you want to become familiar with to be knowledgeable.

#3 - Question often asked -- Can the bride’s “swat” with the sword be omitted from the ceremony? Answer – For traditions sake, it is better left in the ceremony. When the Arch has been formed, the bride and groom will then pass through the Arch of Saber or Swords (this symbolizes the welcome and safe transition into a new life together as a couple). The couple pauses as the last two men lower their sabers or swords in front of the bride and groom and then at that time the man to the right will then lightly “swat” the bride of on the rear and say “Welcome to the Army,” or the appropriate branch of service. This step should only be omitted if the bride is the service member.

#4 – It’s important to know the proper seating arrangements for guests and also where the bride and groom should stand, including who stands on which side. The standing arrangement is determined by whether the service member being an officer or being enlisted. A guest list will have Commanders, other Officers within the unit, and peers. It’s important to know the proper seating for guests and also for the receiving line. All persons that are associated with a service member (i.e. their Commanders, Officers and peers within the unit or office) should be invited to the wedding. When seating the groom or bride’s Commander and his/her spouse, they are to be seated with the family of the bride or groom, whichever group they represent. Commanders are usually seated in the front row when the bride or groom’s parents cannot be in attendance. All other higher-ranking Officers are to be seated directly behind the family of either the bride or groom.

Sounds overwhelming doesn’t it? Well now with the help of an innovative website, Military Weddings at http://www.Military-Weddings.com, you can get all the answers you need. MilitaryWeddings.com is a complete wedding planning site solely for the Military community. It provides everything to plan a Military wedding from engagement to honeymoon including who to contact in the Military installation; protocol and etiquette in seating arrangements; writing announcements; sending out invitations (the correct way of addressing an envelope to commanding officer); the ceremony itself; Military chaplain services and whether to use the base or post chapel. Plus, a complete shopping center for your entire wedding needs including stationery, gifts, bride and groom basics, and everything needed for that special day.

Planning your wedding can be fun and exciting with the right tools. Stop by today and enjoy a wedding that you can remember for years to come.

About The Author

GiGi Rena Rogers is an Army Wife of 11 ½ years, the Founder of Military-Weddings.com and CEO of CT Publishing. For assistance and resources to plan you Military Wedding you can contact her by visiting http://www.Military-Weddings.com or by emailing romantic@cableone.net. Article is free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

Wedding Plans: Pick A Theme!

by: Luca Salamone

Trying something different!? Now this doesn’t have mean reciting your vows whilst free-falling at 120 mph.

The little touches can really make a difference. You don’t have to step to far from tradition to introduce some new exciting ideas. There are various themes available to suit all tastes, more than you think actually.

I’ve been to quite a few weddings and I must admit I breathe a sigh of relief whenever I see that the bride and groom have changed something and thought outside of the box.

Outlined are just a few of the themes you may want to consider for your wedding day. Just remember, you don’t have to subscribe religiously to every last detail. On the other hand you may come up with some of your own unique ideas.

MEDIEVAL WEDDING:

Knights, castles, cathedrals, Jousting and chivalry!

This theme can be as extreme as you like-well!?... It depends on the venue I suppose. It can be applied throughout the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.

Here are a few suggestions to help you in creating a medieval theme for your wedding day.

•Search for the right sort of venue. Places that have stained glass windows, suits of armour and medieval banqueting halls are your best choices. Some venues will completely cater for this style of wedding.

• Consider using lots of candles to light the venue. This would be especially nice during the ceremony – very romantic!

• If you are feeling adventurous try arriving on horseback, though you may want to skip this one if you’re accident prone.

• Send scrolled invitations to all your guests, sealed with wax and tied with ribbon.

• Have a medieval banquet. As long as your family and friends don’t mind eating with their hands and a dagger!

• If you want to go all out, hire a collection of medieval costumes-though you’ll have some explaining to do in years to come when showing your grandchildren the family photos.

• Hire a harpist for the ceremony and medieval banquet. Some venues will supply Jesters and singing wenches when you book their medieval banquet.

LAS VEGAS WEDDING:

Do you want the lights but not the 15 hour flight? Try this on for size! Turn your wedding reception into an all dancing, all singing city that never sleeps (Well not until the venues licence runs out anyway).

This is one theme to get excited about, especially if you like glitter and gambling!

Here are a few suggestions.

• Hire a fun casino. Ask them to set up a few tables for the evening reception. You can give your guests fun money to gamble with, and then award a prize to whoever wins the most at the end of the night.

• Use poker theme place card holders for the tables.

• Arrive in style! Pull up in a glitzy white limousine.

• Hire a singer to schmooze around and entertain your guests.

• Experiment with lighting, glitter, confetti and favours. There are a few websites out there that provide for the whole Las Vegas theme.

• Hire a cocktail waitress to serve snacks and large OTT cocktails.

WILD WEST WEDDING:

If you’d really like for your wedding to off with a bang, the Wild West theme is sure to do the trick. Planning a wedding can never be more fun when planning something such as this. It gives the blokes an excuse to carry around plastic guns, plus the dance floor is guaranteed to be packed all night long.

Here are a few suggestions –

• Firstly you must bring the West into your wedding. Think about marquees, barns, back gardens or any dry areas.

• Use hay bales for seating.

• Arrive by horse and carriage.

• Try incorporating western quotes into the ceremony.

• Experiment with old horse shoes.

• Be creative with the invitations. You may want to invite half as cowboys and half as Indians!?!

• Use named Sherriff’s badges instead of name place cards.

Here are just a few of the possible themes you can use for your wedding day, not including the:

• Romeo & Juliet wedding
• Scottish wedding
• Jungle wedding
• Hollywood wedding
• Biker wedding

..The list can go on and on. There are no rules so just have fun.

About The Author
Luca Salamone Website: http://www.vocalshow.co.uk Biography: Luca is a professional trained vocalist performing for a variety of events including wedding receptions. UK Wedding Singer.

A Wedding Planning Checklist Can Be Incredibly Helpful

by: Morgan Hamilton

Planning a wedding can be very stressful, and everyone needs to be organized properly. The first thing to do is to plan well in advance. They may put together a wedding in one week on the TV soaps but it's not a good idea. Give yourself plenty of time and try to relax. There is a lot to remember, so make a wedding planning checklist and a budget plan. One will work with the other, hopefully in harmony.

Whilst the bride and groom usually decide on the basic thrust of the wedding, it's usually left to the bride's parents to work out the details. Firstly, decide on where you want the ceremony to take place. You may want a traditional church wedding or a civic one. Couples get married in all sorts of wacky places these days, in sports stadiums and on roller coasters. Up mountains and on the beach. Draw up a short list of possibles on your wedding planning checklist, and remember that these places are sometimes booked years in advance.

The venue for the reception will also have to be decided early, although you may decide to have it in a private home. If that's the case, you could hire a marquee or two for the garden. You may want some live music on the day. Try to choose a singer or group that are versatile, then all the guests will be happy. This brings us to the guests, who are a vital component of any wedding planning checklist. Decide on who is to be invited, send out the invitations and organize a seating plan. It's not as easy as it sounds, seating plans can cause friction for years to come. Do the best you can, you can't please all of the people all of the time.

Other considerations are the flowers, for the arrangements at the venue and the bridal bouquets. Cars need to be booked to take the various parties to the ceremony. The food for the reception must be decided on, as well as the wedding cake. Exhausted yet? The men need their morning suits, the ladies need their hats and the bride needs her wedding dress, (oh yes, the bridesmaids need their dresses too) It's a satisfying feeling when you start to tick things off your wedding planning checklist, isn't it?

We haven't finished yet! The bride and bridesmaids will want hair appointments at the hair salon and don't forget to arrange the rehearsal dinner. There are just a few things left now on the wedding planning checklist. Presents for the bridesmaids, buckets of confetti, and table center pieces. The couple need to distribute their gift list. After it's all over, it won't just be the bride and groom that need a honeymoon. Of course, you could just hand over the wedding planning checklist to a professional wedding planner. They get paid to stress.

About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning wedding. Get more information by visiting http://www.weddingsparks.com/weddings/weddings/a-wedding-planning-checklist-can-be-incredibly-helpful.html

Wedding Planning Checklist Tips

by: Richard Davies

So the lucky couple have finally decided to do the ‘decent thing’ and get married. To make their relationship a permanent matrimonial fixture and start planning for the big day. These days weddings aren’t exactly a cheap affair, so budgeting and planning are high on the priority list. Unless you’ve won the lottery or the latest poker championship, the chances are money is something that is finite even if you do want to throw caution to the wind. Then there is the cost of the honeymoon to consider. If you want everything to run as smoothly as possible, there is no better place to start than with a wedding planning checklist. You need it fully written up well in advance of the big day.

You may be wondering what types of things you would write in a wedding planning checklist. Well, once you sit down, it soon becomes clear that there is a ton of stuff. Firstly you need basic things such as the date you are going to get married on, the location of the wedding and even the exact time. Then you need to decide on the type of ceremony you are going to be having. Is it going to be a small affair or is it going to be filled to the rafters with people that you’ve invited. Once you know this, you can then think about what accommodation and food will be provided and served. The further ahead you plan all these details and write them down on your wedding planning checklist, the better. With a comprehensive planning checklist things should run without a hitch as you’ve covered all the bases well before.

You will also need to decide upon who is going to marry the couple, the all important wedding cake, the flowers and special rings that no bride and groom can be without on their wedding day. So, as you can see, a wedding planning checklist will need a lot on it and it’s something very important to utilize in preparation for the big day.

About The Author
Article by Richard Davies at http://www.weddingplanningchecklist.us. Dedicated to help you plan for the big wedding day.