Bouquets of flowers have always been one attraction at any wedding. Bouquets are already part of the wedding tradition on all races. A bouquet of flowers symbolizes a blossoming maiden and reflects her emotions. Therefore, wedding bouquets should be carefully selected and planned the same way you plan for your wedding gown. Here are just a few tips in choosing your wedding bouquet:

1. It is recommended that you choose a flower that is on season to save money and time. This will not give you hard time trying to order the flower as well.

2. You can choose other alternatives like silk flowers especially if the flower you would like to use is not in season.  Silk flowers are also suited in formal weddings; fresh picked flowers may not fit a very formal party.

3. Your bouquet should not drown you. Be sure that it will not cover your figure. If you are petite, the weight of the flower might be too heavy for your built and may affect your posture and how you carry your gown. Remember that your bouquet should not be too big so as not to cover your elegant gown and should be easy to carry.

4. The flowers you chose should last for the entire day. Make sure that your flowers still hold up even at the end of the day so that you will still look glamorous when taken pictures. Using a bouquet holder is suggested to keep the flowers fresh during the entire day. Also take the advice of your florist on which flowers easily wilt so that you can avoid choosing them.

5. Don’t let your florist imagine the flower design you like. You may take a picture or a printed copy of the bouquet style you prefer. Also bring a sample fabric of the gowns so that the florist can choose the correct shade of flower that will match the color of the gowns. Some bouquets may be decorated with ribbons, lace and silk materials. You can advise the florist on what specific designs would you like to add for your flowers.

6. Why not choose a flower that has special meaning? That will not be difficult since most flowers have their meanings. Stephanotis stands for happiness in marriage, Rose means love and being true, and Tulips stand for perfect love and declaration of love.

7. One of the first things to consider when opting for a bouquet is the style. Choose the bouquet style that will suit you and your personality. Bouquets are more personal nowadays and reflect the brides’ personalities. For Nosegays, where flowers are clustered in a round form, can vary in sophistication and will fit any personality. In Cascade bouquets, flowers are arranged in a descending form. These bouquets are voluptuous and can be the center of attention.

They are recommended for traditional weddings. There are flowers where stems are wrapped around in ribbons and they are called Hand-tied bouquets. These bouquets bring a casual aura and are recommended for garden weddings. There are also Contemporary bouquets where flowers are arranged in style but with no geometric form. These arrangements of flowers represent the individuality of a bride and are mostly used in sophisticated weddings.

8. The top wedding flowers are Rose, Lilly, Orchid, Hyacinth, Tulip, Stephanotis and Daisy. You may want to follow the trend and choose these flowers for your bouquet.

So you desire to seal the deal. She has accepted your proposal. You now want to take care of business and make it legitimate.

Apart from your vows, there will not be anything more genuine than the exchanging of wedding bands.  The bride and groom will be wearing these rings forever, ’til death do us part! So it is vital for the bride and groom to buy a wedding band that they both feel comfortable about.

One of the things you should think about when purchasing a wedding band, is the personal style of the future husband and wife. They both need to come together and have agreement on this decision.—– It is essential that both are comfortable with the rings that they choose, because they’d be wearing these rings for a lifetime.

There are a variety of wedding band to choose from, made from different materials. 14 karat white and yellow gold being still two of the most popular choices. A 14 karat gold wedding band is not entirely made of gold. It is mixed with an alloy of gold and other metals such as copper and silver.

Wedding bands also come in silver and platinum. Platinum is heavier than gold. It is considered to be  the most precious of all metals. It makes for a beautiful wedding ring because of its stunning white metal that shines after it has been polished.

Silver is not considered superior in quality. Silver metal tend to be very soft. Wedding bands made of silver are prone to discoloration. But they are very inexpensive. So those who are shopping on a budget might want to consider this as an option.

In choosing a wedding band,  the thickness of the band must be considered, and whether the bride and groom would want a wedding band with a design, or just a plain set of wedding bands.

Now, it is common for couples to choose the same wedding band. Except, that the woman’s wedding band is slightly smaller. It is advisable for couples who are shopping for rings to visit a number of jewelry stores. This way, they’d have a wide selection to choose from. They could also compare prices. If you have any questions regarding the rings, you can always ask a professional jeweler to assist you. He or she can also offer you an expert opinion when it comes to your selection.

If couples chose to have an engraving in their rings, they should already have a dedication in mind. Also, they should be careful in choosing the type of engraving they will put in their wedding bands, because these engravings are lasting.

Most couples chose to have their initials brandished inside their wedding rings. While others chose symbols, or dedications as a gesture, or profession of their love and devotion to each other. Engravings are a wonderful thing, because they make the rings more meaningful and special.

Ask your friends and family who are blissfully married to recommend some names of places where you can acquire the wedding bands of your dream.

If you cannot find a ready made ring that suits your style, you can always have them custom made. A lot of jeweler specialize in making wedding bands. Having your wedding bands made, actually is less expensive than purchasing in store wedding bands. The great thing about this is it also adds a personal touch to the ring selection process.

But in the end, it’s not really just about the rings, so couples should not stress over the whole ring selection process. Rather they should enjoy and relish this special time, when they are about to be made future husband and wife, and bonded for all eternity.

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

Wedding accessories are important to complete your bridal look. Without wedding accessories, the wedding gown would look bare and incomplete. Below are some of the essential wedding accessories.

Wedding veils
Would a wedding be complete without a wedding veil? Of course you’ve probably seen weddings where brides where gowns without veils but it sure don’t look much like a wedding. A wedding veil, along with the ring and cord, is one wedding accessory that symbolizes the wedding itself. In picking out a wedding veil make sure that it will suit your wedding gown and the theme of your wedding. Traditional veils are very formal and usually measure around three and a half yards long. Veils nowadays come in various lengths. There is even a shoulder length flyaway type that is preferred by many modern brides.

Shoes & stockings
Shoes and stockings are a crucial element to your overall look on your wedding day. All girls know how difficult it is to find a shoe that will complement attire. What more if you are trying to look for a pair that would match your wedding gown. Try to look for shoes made of velvet, satin and silk as these materials provide a formal and delicate touch to any event. You can also choose shoes with embellishment like beads, sequins, pearls or crystals. Just make sure that the shoes you will buy is comfortable on your feet because you will ear them on probably the most important event of your life.

Jewelry
Aside from the wedding band and wedding ring, you should also take time to consider the other jewelry you will ear like necklace, earrings and bracelet. Jewelry should always compliment a dress and not be the star of the evening. So make sure that the jewelry you will wear would be noticeable enough to get attention but not too loud as to over shadow your wedding gown. Consider wearing family heirlooms because they are proven to be an ideal wedding accessory. Of course, diamonds and pearls would also be very nice.

Headpieces
Headpieces such as combs, headbands, back pieces and Juliet caps are generally used to hold the wedding veil in place. Often, headpieces are decorated with beads, pearls, crystals or flowers to make them look attractive. It seems like a small detail but a headpiece can spell the difference between a boring wedding attire and an exciting one. Actually, a beautiful headpiece can even replace a veil altogether.  Examples of headpieces that can stand alone are tiaras, crowns, half-crowns, wreaths and bun wraps.

Gloves
Gloves make great accessories especially if you are wearing a strapless or sleeveless gown. The general rule is that the shorter the sleeve the longer the glove should be. Gloves simply provide an air of sophistication to any outfit.

Handbags
Of course you shouldn’t be carrying a bag with you during the wedding ceremony or even during the reception. But still it would be nice to have a small purse where all the things you will need, particularly make up for touch ups, would be contained. It doesn’t have to be a big shoulder bag. Clutches will work just fine.

As they say, God is in the details. And in wedding the little details provided by wedding accessories can make all the difference. That’s is why it is very important to give as much attention to the wedding accessories you will wear or carry on your wedding day as you would to your wedding gown.

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
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Attending a wedding soon and you still don’t know what to give the couple-t be? Tired of the usually home appliances or home décor? Please, not another blender, vacuum cleaner or oven toaster. Money of course will be very much appreciated but it would deem to impersonal.

Giving gifts to the couple is part of the traditions on wedding. Your gift symbolizes your good will towards the couple. It represents your wish for them to have a happy life together.

Of course, your first consideration when buying wedding gift is durability. You would want to give a gift that would last a long time. But of course you would  also want a gift that is individual and would reflect your personality. A gift that the couple will remember is from you because of its uniqueness. This means the wedding gift you should give should make a lasting impression about you.

Below are several unique gift ideas that will surely make you unforgettable with the couple.

Jewelry
Jewelry is a very “safe” yet unique wedding gift especially for the bride. We all know that most women love jewelry and the bride would simply be happy upon seeing your gift of jewelry. The bride will be definitely be surprised and fascinated when she open your gift. Choose simple yet very elegant pieces like brooch pins, hairpins, earrings, pendants, chains, necklaces and bracelets. If you have the money and if the bride really matters to you (a sister, best friend, etc.) then of course you could give her diamonds. You could also include a\n elegant jewelry box along with your jewelry gift.

Bags
Again, this will be another hit with the bride. Next to jewelry, shoe and bags delight women You can give her a beautiful and exquisite evening bag or hand bag. If your want something smaller then give her a clutch bag. You could also put a small make up kit inside.

Gift ideas for the groom
Of course you shouldn’t forget the groom. They say that it is easier to give gifts to men because and it could be true. Some ideal gifts for grooms include writ and pocket watches, ties and tiepins, gold, silver or diamond studded cufflinks. You could also give the groom formal suits and shirts. You could also consider his hobby. Give him a musical instrument like a guitar or drums if he is into music or a set of golf clubs, basketball or baseball set if he is into sports.

Naughty items
Naughty items found in most novelty shops like naughty t-shirts, hast, caps, wedding night kits, underwear are always a hit with couples. However, be sure hat you know the bride and groom very well before considering buying such items for them. Naughty items may seem impolite and offensive to some individuals.

Artwork
Paintings and sculptures are very ideal as wedding gifts. They are also very practical since the couple can use them to beautify their future home. Just be sure that you know the preference of the couple when it comes to art or else your gift would simply lie around in the garage of attic.

Personalized items
You could give the couple personal items like photo albums, pillows and pillow cases, photo frames, wedding plates, etc. There are many companies specializing in personalizing different things so for sure you wouldn’t have a hard time looking.

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

The first recorded wedding in Vegas was in 1900s when California banned gin from being part of the ceremony, young lovers who were drunk and in love were able to get hitched in Las Vegas.  Their unity certificate took only hours to get stamped and outside the chapel was a city of lights for their marriage celebration.  Clark Gable was said to have been the first celebrity to get married in Vegas, and from then on it became the top wedding destination for celebrities and commoners alike.  Here are five reasons why you should consider getting hitched in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

1. Last Days of Singleton

Days before THE big day, arrive at Las Vegas and plan to spend the last hours of your singleton in the Sin City!  Experience life and the company of friends on a night out on the strip. 

Want girl-bonding time?  You can do that, too! Try a day at the spa for relaxing massage and body pampering while indulging in interesting girl talk on the man you are about to marry.

2. Marry, Quick and Easy

Ready to get married? A valid ID, your social security number and $55 is all you need to get married in Vegas, oh and yes … Love! It is that easy to get hitched: no wedding planner, no in-laws, and no wedding singer.  Just you and your loved one and, of course, the one to marry the two of you:  Elvis, a priest or the Commissioner, it’s entirely to your liking. Just don’t forget to get a marriage license before hand for a smooth flow of the ceremonies. 

3. Marry in Your Own Style

Wedding for a party of 2 or a party of 200?  Vegas has the place and style for you.  Most wedding chapels offer an assortment of packages, from very simple to very grandiose. Rings, flowers, witnesses, everyone and everything are readily available.  And don’t worry about your guest of 200… they have a whole city to entertain themselves, so you can forget about them concentrate on your first night of marital bliss. 

4. Stroll To Your Honeymoon

Some marriages break up before they start their honeymoon.  A long plane ride can be a very tough test for newlyweds.  But that is not a worry in a Las Vegas wedding.  As soon as you step out the chapel (or the garden, or the Commissioner’s office), the honeymoon begins.  Stroll along the strip and be amazed with lights and water fountains that are brighter and larger than life.  Or stay at any of the luxurious hotels to make your wedding night truly memorable! 

5. Settle in Las Vegas

Close to 2,000,000 Americans can’t be wrong: living in Las Vegas is a serious consideration for any couple starting their life.  The city has made very good infrastructure to combat extreme weather conditions.  As the Entertainment Capital, it has 24×7 availability for basic need: food!

Tired of the blinking lights?  There’s more nature to see at Las Vegas: try Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead are among the few that will surely take your breath away. 

Ready to raise a family?  Nevada is home to some of the finest schools in the US, take Clark County’s Green Valley High school, one of the top 10 high schools in the US. 

Don’t just get married in Las Vegas, start your new life.  After all, once you set foot in Vegas, you’ll never want to leave ever again.  Viva, Las Vegas!

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

You’re sitting in your couch watching TV on a Saturday night, minding your own business and then your Best friend calls you up, tells you he’s getting hitched and wants you to be his best man. You sweat, but can’t decline, so you end up agreeing on a toast at the wedding. After you hang up the phone, you go straight to the net and search for Free Wedding speeches.

Get the picture? Statistics have shown that more people are afraid of public speaking then they are of more common fears, and it is indeed a very fearful act, speaking in public, anything you say cannot be taken back, and if you say something bad, you’ll get foot “in” mouth disease.

But does looking for free speeches on the net really help? Most of the time you’ll find some cheap tips on how to make the perfect, speech or how to say it. Or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find one that is already made, and you’ll just have to print it. But these speeches tend to be rather, impersonal and very general, and if you’re the best man, you’ll probably just end up boring your friends and family.

When making speeches, the simpler the better, you won’t have to depend on free wedding speeches off the net if you have memories of your friends.

What you are asked to do on a wedding toast is to tell the people something about your friends, the ones getting married, how they were meant for each other and how you wish them happiness for the rest of their lives. You don’t need a factory made, winding speech, all you need is memories, and your genuine care for your loved ones.

If you’re still having the jiggly stomach about giving your speech you can follow these free wedding speech tips, they may not be ready made but they’ll surely help.

- Forget the preaching go on with the memories

Most people give winding speeches because they tend to give “unasked advice” leave that to the marriage counselor or the pastor, just give ‘em memories. Most couples appreciate the nostalgia of a few well chosen memories. Find a funny or a touching memory you have of the couple and share it with the room, plus a few well wishes and you’re done.

- go for short but effective, rather than long and winding

Many of us know that a long speech is very boring; you don’t want to dull the night with your talks of your childhood, and your games, with your friend. A biography is for a book, one or two memories are for a wedding.

- Write a Poem

You may say that poems are for sissies but that depends on every person point of view. But a Wedding Is a very emotional moment and it’s sure that everyone is in the mood for a little emotion and tears and what more to provoke those dams to flow than a few well said lines in the form of a poem?

- Don’t forget to introduce yourself

A simple “Jade has been my friend since high school and I’ve never seen her gaga over any guy other than Andrew” Make a basis for what you’re saying, especially if you’re talking about moments in the newlywed’s life. If it was a trial, you’re the witness, and you’ll need credibility. Just imagine would people “feel” your speech if they’re don’t know who the heck you are?

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

Living in the US makes one feel free – free to do anything, free to live, free to love, free from traditions.  While this is true, there are still many practices done during wedding that renders this memorable event with a distinct American touch.  Here are some:

Starting from the engagement, Americans can think of unique ways to personalize their wedding.  As there really isn’t any engagement tradition, the more unique the marriage proposal is done, the better.

For most wedding preparations, the engaged couple visits their parents to inform them of their recent engagement.

At times, the engaged couple hosts an engagement party.  The engagement party costs less than a wedding reception since most of the time, the menu will only include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Therefore, if the couple is on a tight budget, they can just invite more guests to the engagement party if they plan to limit the number of guests during the wedding.

Most wedding preparations have a bridal shower given by the maid of honor and the bridesmaids.  The groom may also have a bachelor party the night before the wedding but he has to be careful not to drink too much.

Wedding invitations should include response cards to quickly inform the couple whether the person has accepted or declined the invitation.  The wedding invitations should also be sent within four to six weeks before the event.

Usually, there is a rehearsal dinner in which the wedding party and guests came from far places to be present at the wedding attend.  It was practiced that the groom’s parents pay for this dinner.

A bridal luncheon may be hosted for the bride’s attendants during the wedding day.  However, time constraints may not permit this to be part of the schedule for the wedding day.  Likewise, the groom may also host a groom’s dinner for his groomsmen.

Interestingly, even if the couple is not very religious, they still prefer a religious ceremony.  However, this may pose a problem since in America people of different faiths and religious backgrounds get married.

Even if there are few people who believe in bad luck, some couples still make sure that the groom does not see his bride until she starts waking on the aisle.

It is still practiced that the groom and his groomsmen enter the church through a side door.  The bride will then walk down the aisle with her father.  In some cases when both her father and stepfather brought up the bride, she may ask them both to escort her.

During a formal reception, there is usually a bridal table where the couple and the attendants sit.  Also, food and drinks should be served as the guests appear at the reception.

Before, gift giving used to depend on what the guest will feel useful for the couple.  Now, it is better to register for gifts so the guests will know what to bring that the couple will need.

Upon receiving an engagement or wedding gift, it is better to send a thank you note apart from saying “thank you” to the giver.  This should be sent within two weeks upon receipt of the gift.  Make a personalized thank you note, instead of using an impersonal generic thank you note.

These are just some American practices during weddings.  Whether one chooses to this or prefers to have a very different wedding, what’s more important is that American’s still believe in the wedding vow, “For better or worse, ’til death do us part.”

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

Your wedding is your own.  And in today’s society, people have been constantly scouring every book for any way to make their wedding as personal and as unique as possible.  One way to do this is to whip up your own wedding vows.

Traditionally, couples to be wed do not have much of a say in what goes into many of the words spoken during the wedding ceremony.  Today, it is increasingly getting easier to personalize and influence what is said during the ceremony – within reasonable bounds, though.

If you desire to make your wedding vows unique and personal, you are not alone.  Many other couples incorporate feelings, and intimate messages into their wedding vows.  It has an added effect of making your wedding more touching, dramatic, and memorable.

Talk with the Officiant Ahead of Time
If you would like to personalize your wedding vows, first notify your Officiant to find out the legalities, guidelines and rules in drafting your own wedding vows.  He or she will typically give pointers and examples to help you draw up your own vows.  Furthermore, the Officiant will inform you of the parts of the vow that are expected to be said. 

The Topic
It may include promises, such as “I will swear upon my life to do …” or it may be heartfelt messages for each other, or even hopes for each other plans for the future and such.  You may also opt to create a mixture of each to spice up your wedding vows.  Although norms vary from culture to culture, as a general rule, the wedding vow should not take too long to recite.  Keep it concise yet meaningful.  Remember, you will have to recite this, and long recitations tend to make the memory suffer. 

Make it Official
After creating a draft of the vows you wish to exchange, it would do well to meet up with the Officiant again and show him a draft of your vows.  Although in the end, it is ultimately your decision that is followed, do take heed of the Officiant’s advice, as it is usually sound and has been honed by experience.

Practice<br>
It is a good idea to practice your vows before the wedding.  Although there is no rule against reading vows, a thoroughly practiced, heartfelt rendition of the vow will definitely make a lasting impact on your partner and the people witnessing the ceremony.  As mentioned earlier, avoid overly long vows as they tend to be less remembered and are harder to memorize, not to mention quite inconvenient to others.  You may do so, however, if you feel the need is justified.

The Performance
When reciting your vows during the wedding, always keep calm. People who are tense tend to speak to fast, and since the wedding vow is a very important part of the wedding, you will want to take your time in the spotlight.  Loosen up, so that in case you forget a line or two during the exchange of vows, you will at least be able to bounce back with something from your heart.  If you desire so, you may also keep a written version of you vows with you.  You might want to read it surreptitiously though.

Good luck on your wedding, and may the sweet words you utter during the exchange of vows never lose their meaning for rest of your days!

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
www.MyWeddingPlans.net

Looking your best on your wedding day is of utmost importance. Your wedding day is one of the most important and photographed days of your life. On this special day you will let your friends and family share in the love you and your groom have for each other. Even the most attractive woman wants to look her best or maybe even different on her wedding day.

You should plan ahead with a professional to try different looks. If you decide to try something new on your special day you may live to regret it. However when planned ahead trying new make up and hairstyles can be beneficial if you find something you like.

So, when planning your wedding,  keep in mind that a professional can be costly so add it to your budget.

Here are some tips to help choose what look you want to achieve on your wedding day.

1. When deciding on what makeup to wear it is safe to choose a more natural look. You don’t want to look fake or heavily painted in your pictures and when meeting and greeting your guests. Remember natural looking makeup looks great in pictures.
2. You will have additional stress from all of your wedding planning so the best thing for your skin would be to get a facial to help eliminate the sress and to cleanse and hydrate your skin.   
3. You should plan enough time to prepare your hair. You may need atleast 6 weeks before your wedding day to make changes to your hair. If changing your hair color or hair style you may need up tp six months.  
4. If you don’t have a hairdresser that you already use be sure to find one that is recommended by your friends and family. For your appointment bring pictures of your wedding dress, headpiece and hairstyles you may want to try. Be sure to share with your hairdresser that you might want to try a new hair color or style.
5. I can not express how important time is when choosing to have your hair permed or relaxed. If there is a chance that your hair can be damaged by what you choose to do be sure to discuss it with your hairdresser. Damaged hair does not look good in pictures and can be difficult to style. Just remember to must have enough time to undo something you don’t like.
6. Before coloring your hair make sure the color will compliment your skin tone and your eye color. You might choose to your a temporary color before going with a permanent color. Your hairdresser can give you the best guidance.
7.When deciding on a new hairstyle take the cut of your gown into consideration. If your gown tends to be more casual be sure to choose a hair style that is simple and not to busy. You should think about being comfortable .Having to fuss over your hair is the last thing you need to woory about on your special day.
 

8. Adding highlights to short hair will give you a more enhanced look. Deep conditioning your hair can help add shine.There are also many products that can help add shine. For that special touch you may choose to add a flower to your hair.
9. If the length of your hair is longer you may want to wear an updo for a more elegant look. You will have many things to think about and having your hair up is easier to mantian.
I hope this information will help you make your final decision when visiting with your hairdresser.

To find more great Wedding planning tips please visit:
http://www.MyWeddingPlans.net