Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Many brides begin dreaming about the perfect wedding dress long before they are even engaged. Choosing the perfect wedding dress is critical because it is the one day that all eyes will be on you.

A dress that is beautiful without being too ostentatious and is also flattering to your figure will ensure that you are looking your best on your wedding day.

With so many style, color and fabric option s available, choosing the perfect wedding dress can be a difficult task but fortunately most brides simply know when they have found the perfect wedding dress. From the moment they put on the dress, their gut instinct tells them that this is the perfect wedding dress for them.

The most important piece of advice for shopping for the perfect wedding dress is to begin shopping for your dress at least six months before your wedding date. Finding the perfect dress can take quite a bit of time and once you find the dress, it may take up to four months for the dress to be ordered and shipped to the store.

Then once the dress arrives in the store you may require several fittings to ensure that the dress fits you perfectly. You will want to take your time and enjoy shopping for your wedding dress so it is important to begin the process early so that you avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Another worthwhile piece of advice for finding the perfect wedding dress is to try on many different styles of dresses. Even though you may be convinced that you want a particular style you may find that the style that looks so appealing in magazines does not suit your body type. You may also find that a style that you would have never chosen can be flattering to your figure.

For this reason it is important to try on a wide variety of styles before ruling out any particular style. The old saying, you won’t know unless you try it, holds true for wedding dresses. There have been countless brides who have found that their perfect wedding dress turned out to be significantly different from the one that they had pictured in their mind.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, the color of the wedding dress is an important consideration in choosing the perfect wedding dress. Many people think that the only acceptable color for a wedding dress is a pure white but if you are open to other options, you may find yourself in a wedding dress that is far more flattering to your skin tone than a pure white dress.

Wedding dresses come in a multitude of colors including ivory, cream and even subtle beiges. If you are willing to consider these options it is important to try on dresses in these colors to see how they work with your complexion.

Choosing the perfect wedding dress sometimes requires reinforcements.

Having a few trusted friends or family members come dress shopping with you can help you find the dress of your dreams.

They can offer opinions on each dress that you try on and can also scour the countless racks of dresses available and choose dresses for you to try on. Many brides instantly know that they have chosen the perfect wedding dress the moment they put on the dress but having trusted friends and family members along can confirm this feeling.

The moment you step out of the dressing room and reveal the dress you are wearing you may see instant confirmation that this is the perfect dress. The reactions of your assistants will indicate that you have found the perfect dress.

The first impression is the best impression. We have written this article on wedding dress in such a way that the first impression you get will definitely make you want to read more about it!

When you have found the perfect wedding dress, you will know it so now is also the time to buy the dress.

Nothing is more important than your gut feeling and the reactions of your shopping partners so if you know you have the perfect dress in your hands, don’t risk losing the dress by opting to think about it for a few days before you make your purchase.

There is always the chance that the last available dress will be sold or that the company will discontinue the dress so do not allow yourself to miss out on buying the perfect wedding dress by not buying it the moment you realize it is the dress for you.

Choose Your Wedding Bouquet

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.

Prepare Your Year-Long Wedding Checklist

Your wedding should be coming up within the next 6 to 12 months. Do you know what to do and when exactly you need to do them? Here is a guided timeline that specifically gives you the approximate time tasks that should be completed within that time frame.

Use the following list as a guide to help you get the right things done, in the appropriate order. Print this guide out and “check off” all the items that you have completed to make things less stressful and more fun for you.


Six To Twelve (6 -12) Months Before The “Big Day”!

Announce your engagement

Decide on what kind of wedding and the time of day. Are you prepared to feed your guests dinner or do you want a simple ceremony with cake and punch only? The time of day that you choose will dictate the food choices.

Pick a date. Do this as soon as possible so that your bridal party and faraway family can begin making arrangements for hotels and scheduling time away from their workplace.

Choose a location. Remember to take into consideration what the weather could be like on your wedding day. So keep an open mind. Set a budget. This is so important. Discuss it carefully between the two of you and your respective families.

Start planning the reception. Secure a hall, hotel, lodge, or whatever suits you guys for your reception area.

Select the bridal party. It is important to do this as soon as possible so these special people can set aside some time away from work to fulfill their duties and roles in your wedding.

Secure the church and inquire about premarital counseling. Some churches require this for a marriage to be allowed.

Choose your colors. Your flowers, attire, linens, and cake will reflect your choice. Since you have to shop for these items fairly far in advance, it’s important that you are rock-solid on your color decision.

Choose and order the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ gowns and accessories. Choose wisely and stay within your budget.

Start planning the honeymoon. The groom often takes the lead on this, but it should be a spot you will both enjoy.

Begin your bridal registry. Visit your favorite stores and choose items that you will need to start your life together.

Select and order wedding invitations and announcements.

Select the caterer, photographer, florist, and musicians. Keep their phone numbers handy in case you need something.

Choose and order the wedding rings.


Three Months Before The “Big Day”!

Complete the guest list.

Plan to have both mothers select their dresses. The mother of the groom will often wait for the mother of the bride to select her dress.

Make reservations for the honeymoon. Remember to tell them that you will be newlyweds. You’ll be surprised at how many perks you will get!

Confirm the dates and times with the florist, caterer, photographer, musicians, and the church.

Discuss transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites.

Order the wedding cake.

Choose and order the tuxes

Schedule the bridesmaids’ dress fittings. It is also a good time to choose and dye the shoes if that is necessary.

Place engagement announcement in the local newspaper (optional).


Two Months Before The “Big Day”!

Prepare and mail the invitations.

Get the marriage license.

Finalize the honeymoon reservations.

Make transportation arrangements


One Month Before The “Big Day”!

Reserve accommodation for the guests.

Record gifts received and send thank-you letters to each person. Many couples think that they must wait to send those thank you notes. Get them done as soon as the gifts begin to arrive to avoid stressful times later on closer to your wedding.

Purchase the gifts for the bridal party. Brides often buy inexpensive earrings or necklaces that the bridesmaids can wear to the wedding. Popular choices for the groomsmen are money clips, key chains, or ball caps.

Schedule the final fittings for the bride and bridesmaids.

Get Wedding programs printed.

Schedule appointments at beauty saloons for attendants, if needed.

Host the bridesmaids luncheon.

Purchase a guest book and decide where it will go. Some couples place the book just inside the door of the church or wedding area. Some prefer to display it at their reception. In either case, have someone stand nearby to invite guests to sign the book.


Two Weeks Before The “Big Day”!

Arrange to have names changed on the driver’s license, social security, etc...

Finalize the number of guests with the caterer.


One Week Before The “Big Day”!

Start packing for the honeymoon. Be sure to choose clothing that you won’t need during this very big week for you.

Plan the seating arrangements for all guests.

Have a beautician practice fixing your hair. You may also want to practice your make-up or make an appointment at a department store so it can be done for you.

Make sure that the wedding rings are picked up and fit.


The “Big Day”!!!

Congratulations! You made it to your big day! The last thing to do is to just relax. You’ve earned it and should enjoy your entire day!

Easy Tips to Throw the Wedding of Your Dreams

Even for the millions of brides who came before you, planning the perfect wedding has been an extraordinary affair and without a doubt an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve prepared the following special wedding tips to get you thinking in the right direction. We’re certain you’ll be able to use our helpful wedding tips to plan the perfect day!

Selecting the Date:

Selecting the date of your wedding will help you immensely in your planning. Only when the date is chosen can you proceed to book your wedding and reception location, the person who will perform your wedding, and ensure that the people you would like for your bridal party reserve that day.

In choosing the best wedding day that’s right for you and your fiancé, be sure to check the yearly calendar for special three-day holidays – that way if you choose to have your wedding on a 3-day weekend, your out-of-town guests will have some extra travel time to work with and perhaps plan a mini-vacation.

If you plan to have a traditional, religious ceremony for your nuptials, also be sure to plan your special day separate and apart from major religious holidays. Of course you’ll want a date that holds good weather potential too, so we recommend using the Farmer’s Almanac or reviewing previously recorded weather averages to pick the best day for your dream wedding.

But please do keep in mind that these studies are not 100% reliable in predicting the actual weather on your wedding day! It’s also a good idea to stay away from certain dates such as September 11, the Ides of March, weekends with Friday the 13th, any daylight savings dates which can disrupt your guests’ arrival at your own wedding and Superbowl Sunday! Also, try not to plan your wedding date around the holidays when your guests are expected to celebrate with their own family and friends!

Wedding Party, Speeches, Ushers & Others

If you plan to have a wedding party, selecting from your friends and family can be a difficult task.

Remember that in addition to the best man, maid of honor, groomsmen and bridesmaids, you also can ask people to be readers during the ceremony, or to give speeches during the reception or the rehearsal dinner, to be an usher or to be in charge of the guestbook and making sure people sign it as they arrive. Some people opt to keep it simple and just have a maid of honor and a best man.

It is appropriate at the time of the wedding to give a gift to the wedding party as a thank you for all the effort that they have put into helping you plan your perfect day. Gifts range from small personal gifts, like a framed picture of you with your wedding party, to more extravagant gifts like pieces of jewelry.

The wedding party gift provides a very good opportunity to coordinate your bridal party, such as by gifting each a necklace or shoes to wear as part of their bridesmaid attire.

Ceremony & Reception Locations:

The location of your wedding ceremony and reception is all about you and your fiancé’s preferences and any financial limitations you may have. But you certainly will have an array of options to choose from.

For example, you can opt for the traditional wedding ceremony in a church, synagogue, or other religious site or you could enjoy reciting your vows on a beach somewhere overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Likewise your wedding reception can be located in your home, under a big white tent overlooking the beach, or in a grand hall or ballroom. You must also choose whether your wedding will be held at a location close to where most of your friends and family live, or whether you will have a destination wedding. Again, this will depend on your tastes and of course, your wedding budget!

Wherever you choose to have it, you will need to thoroughly research your reception location to collect the following information:

(1) Will the facility provide you with the wedding vendors you will need (i.e., caterer, baker, etc.) or will you need to hire independent vendors to set up at the facility?

(2) What are the facility’s rules about delivery by outside vendors? (i.e. when can the florist set up?)

(3) What sort of supplies (i.e., tablecloths, dishware, silverware, wine glasses, etc) will be provided by the facility and what remaining supplies will you need to independently rent?

(4) Does the place have a storage facility to store wedding supplies (chairs, tables, etc.) if their delivered too early?

(5) Does the place provide food catering and what type of food menu can they prepare?

(6) Do they offer a variety of alcoholic drinks and what does their menu of drinks look like?

(7)Is there enough parking, bathrooms, and electrical outlets available to comfortably handle the demands of your special event?

(8) Can the place supply a dance floor or will you need to rent one?

(9) Are there coolers at the facility to store flower centerpieces and also the wedding cake?

One of the single most expensive items at reception is the cost of drinks. You need to determine whether you will host a bar, or have a cash bar where your guests can buy their drinks. Also, decide ahead of time what drinks you will serve with meals or for toasts. As you can imagine, there are an endless number of factors to consider in choosing your reception site so when researching various locations, we recommend writing your questions down ahead of time before meeting with the reception coordinator that way you’ll be sure to hit all the right points at your meeting together.

Your Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Attire

Searching for your perfect wedding dress can be fun and overwhelming. Make sure to start the process at least 4 months before the special day. Some designers need at least 6 months to get you your dress.

Look through magazines, visit bridal shows, surf the net. Try to decide first what style dress you prefer.

Also, most dresses come in varying colors of white, and some are multicolored. Think about how your dress will look like next to your bridesmaids in pictures. Don’t forget your accessories your jewelry, purse, bra and underwear, shoes and a veil and crown.

With respect to your bridesmaid dresses, first determine what color you would like for your bridesmaids. Then determine what kind of dress style would look best on your bridesmaids – bearing in mind if certain women are heavy set, their coloring and other physical attributes. At that point you need to decide whether all the bridesmaids will wear the same dress or whether they can wear different styles in the same color. You also need to determine whether your maid of honor will wear the same dress or whether her style of dress will be different in any manner.

Whether it’s your wedding dress or the dresses of your bridal party - remember to ask how long it takes to get the dresses in, and make sure you have 3 weeks to a month available for fittings and alterations.

Finally, don’t forget to tell your bridal party any preferences you may have as to the

Entertainment & Music:

Choosing the right entertainment and music for your special night can be a very challenging task! After all, the right music and entertainment can simultaneously put a smile on your guests’ faces as well as ensure some memorable moments at the party. You can hire a live band to belt out your favorite tunes or hire a one-man DJ, which will leave more room for a dance floor. Having a live band can be much more expensive than a DJ, so make sure to evaluate this against your budget.

In either case, make sure to prepare a list of the songs you want to hear at the reception. Also, make sure to let your band or DJ know what songs you have chosen for your entrance into the reception, your first dance, and any dances with parents or special relatives. Also, don’t be afraid to add some ethnic music at the reception. For example, consider adding some up-beat middle-eastern music to your wedding so you and your guests can practice belly dancing! Your guests will appreciate your unique style and diverse music choices and they’ll be happy to belly dance the night away!

In the event that you cannot get the floral arrangements you want on your budget, try decorating with candles. They are far less expensive, but can also achieve a very elegant setting. If you are worried about candles going out try using flameless candles – even your guests won’t know the difference.

Make sure to handle candles carefully as there is risk of fire. Also, make sure that your location permits the use of candles; some may not permit this due to insurance limitations.

Flowers:

Choosing the right flowers will depend on a number of factors such as the bride’s tastes and her personality. Ultimately, your flowers should compliment the overall theme of your wedding, as well as be a nicely added accessory to your wedding dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses. Of course, your wedding budget will also be a determinative factor in choosing the right florist!

We recommend asking any potential florist to show you live sample bouquets and centerpieces that you can view, not just photo booklets of their latest work. After all, seeing live samples will give you the opportunity to clearly judge the florist’s work and talent at making the perfect flower piece. Also, after you’ve decided on the right flower type, colors and style, be sure to ask your florist to prepare a sample of what your flower pieces will actually look like before she mass produces them for your special occasion. That way, you won’t be surprised or disappointed by the look of your flowers on your wedding day as you would have already seen a real live sample ahead of time! Seeing the real thing can also ensure that you and your florist are on the same page when it comes to creating the perfect flowers for your perfect day!

In the event that you cannot get the floral arrangements you want on your budget, try decorating with candles. They are far less expensive, but can also achieve a very elegant setting. If you are worried about candles going out try using flameless candles – even your guests won’t know the difference. Make sure to handle candles carefully as there is risk of fire. Also, make sure that your location permits the use of candles; some may not due to insurance limitations.

Photographers and Videographers

Usually you will have a lot of choices among photographers and videographers. Make sure to see samples of their work. Ask photographers if they will also shoot your engagement portrait. Look at what type of albums they have for you to choose from. Decide if you also want to purchase an album for any parents – they are usually less formal than your wedding album but may be available in packages.

Make sure to give the photographer a list of pictures that he or she must shoot – such as you with your in-laws or a family portrait with your grandparents, or anything else you would like. Let the photographer know f you want natural pictures taken, or whether you prefer people to pose for pictures, or whether you want a combination.

Videographers also need direction from you – like whether you want the Videographer to film messages from each of your guests or not. Also, you will have to choose music that will ultimately play in the background of all or part of the video. You also need to decide whether the Videographer will film the wedding, the reception or both, and whether he/she will film the period leading up to the wedding.

Make sure to ask how many copies of the DVD you get, and decide if you need to order more for family or friends that you think would appreciate a copy.

Although these wedding tips are a helpful preliminary guide to planning the perfect wedding, we understand that there’s a still lot to do before the big day. The important thing is to pace yourself and to create and organize the special day according to a detailed schedule you’ve prepared. Also where appropriate, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help when you need it!

Wedding Etiquette: - Summarized

Unique Wedding Program Etiquette and Wedding Announcement Etiquette

Looking for solutions for your specialized wedding needs? Whether you are planning a traditional or contemporary wedding, we have unique wedding program etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette suggestions for you here!

Other Wedding Stationery Etiquette

So you have selected your wedding invitations, and you feel like you are done with the wedding stationery. Think again! There is also wedding program etiquette, wedding place card etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette to attend to. If you want your programs, place cards and announcements to all reflect the theme of your wedding and have a design and style to complement your wedding invitations, you should consider having them designed together.

Wedding Programs Etiquette

If you are having a ceremony that not all of your guests will be familiar with, such as a religious ceremony or a unique ceremony that incorporates cultural rites, you may want to consider putting together a wedding program. Even unique fairy-tale-type nuptials require some sort of wedding program so guests can follow along and know where they are in the time line of the entire ceremony.

Any program should include the processional, service components and explanations of any ceremonial elements that may be unfamiliar.

Wedding Place Card Etiquette

Seated dinners of more than 20 guests typically require place cards to help them find the right seats. Typically designed to match the rest of your wedding stationery, these place cards can be pre-printed or hand written. The most common way to introduce place cards to guests is by placing them on a table at the entrance. All names will be in alphabetical order with a table number so the guests can guide themselves to their tables in an organized fashion.

More upscale weddings often employ a host of ushers that guide guests to their tables according to a guest list and seating chart. Once there, the guests will find that their place cards are already in place.

Wedding Announcements Etiquette

As a good rule of thumb, wedding announcements, while not required, should be sent to acquaintances, friends and relatives who were not invited to the wedding, but may show an interest in your marriage. A good audience would be your co-workers or distant relatives. A common mistake is sending these announcements to guests who were invited to the wedding.

Wedding announcements should be sent within a few weeks after the wedding. In a perfect world, they'll all be sent within the first few days following.

The wording and design of the announcement will be similar to what you used on the invitation. If you chose a more traditional invitation where the parents did the "inviting" then that's the way it should be on the announcement. However, more modern couples choose to have the invitation-and announcement-come from them rather than their parents.

Thank You Cards Etiquette

Thank you cards are perhaps the most forgotten part of the wedding. Couples concentrate so heavily on the ceremony and reception and all of their collective elements that they forget post-wedding courtesy.

Many couples choose to have their thank you cards printed to match the rest of their wedding stationery. While not required as a matter of etiquette, this is often a good idea.

Everyone who attended the wedding should get a thank you card-whether they brought you a gift or not. If they did bring a gift, it's okay to mention the gift specifically in the thank-you card. If they didn't bring a gift, then thank them for attending.

Couples or families who received one invitation should get one thank you card rather than sending one thank you card per individual.

Whether you are ordering announcements, thank you cards, programs, invitations or other stationery, it is a good idea to order everything together in order to save money and assure the designs are consistent.

3 Food Based Theme Wedding Favors

Chocolate Theme Wedding Favors - Should you have white chocolate or dark chocolate wedding favors? Maybe a combination of both milk and dark chocolate almond would be a good idea? Or maybe choose a combination of white chocolate and dark chocolate in one wedding favor. The best idea is to have one flavor of chocolate for the wedding favors. The more flavors you have, the more costly the favors will become. You will probably already have a chocolate fountain, so you can than choose a different flavor of chocolate for the fountain

Next you must decide on the design and style of the chocolate wedding favor. You could choose chocolate cookies on a stick, covered chocolate hearts, chocolate m&m's, chocolate mints, plain chocolate bars or get very extravagant and have little chocolate swans or chocolate basket wedding favors. Actually, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing the design and style of your chocolate wedding favor. But what is absolutely necessary to complete your chocolate wedding favors is the personalization on them.

You must have the bride and groom's name and date of the wedding on the item, a sweet saying or at least a thank you on the chocolate wedding favor. These are very tasteful when written in an alternating chocolate on the wedding favor itself. However, this type of personalization can be more costly than a packaging on the outside which says "thank you for joining us on our special day." Either way you choose, a chocolate wedding favor is a hit at anyone's wedding.

Cookie Theme Wedding Favor - Cookie theme wedding favor is the second option available for a bridal couple to look for their guests. Most couples want something that represents their wedding day and at the same, used as a nice token of their appreciation for the love and support of their wedding guests. Opting custom wedding cookie favors is a good choice for the wedding couple.

The cookies can add nice décor to the wedding reception and the delicious treat well be appreciated by the wedding guests. Custom wedding cookie favors is a geometric cookie such as a rectangle, diamond, or heart shape to be frosted and decorated with the monogram or bridal couples' names is a very popular choice among couples. The cookie can be frosted with the colors of the wedding and can have other decorations such as hearts and bells or the cookie can be stylishly designed with the monogram.

The cookies are often come from a butter cookie recipe but can be modified into various flavorings. Each cookie is wrapped in plastic wrappings and tied with a decorative ribbon. This tasty treat will be a nice finish to the wedding day. Wedding cake cookies are another nice design for wedding cookie favors. The cake cookie can be frosted to look like the wedding cake. It will give the guest the chance to take a piece of the wedding cake home with them.

These cookies are wonderful for the wedding favors and also will be good to freeze for the first anniversary celebration along with the wedding cake top. It will help to bring back nice memories of the wedding day when the cookies are brought out a year later.

Another nice cookie design for wedding cookie favors are tuxedo and bridal gown cookies. These cookies are cut in the shape of a wedding tuxedo or a bridal dress and are decorated respectively. This is an adorable design that will be well liked by all the guests. A good addition to these cookies would be to put a tux and gown together and have a label with the couple's new married name of Mr. and Mrs. to imply their wedding union.

Fortune cookies will be a great choice for wedding cookie favors. These cookies can be decorated with toppings of frosting and wrapped with the rest of the cookies. The fortunes in the cookies can be suitable fortunes for a wedding reception and will bring a lot of fun and conversation to the party. Whether the couple opts the fortune cookie or another design wedding cookie favors, it will be a great treat for everyone.

Edible Theme Wedding Favor - Wedding favors are a pleasant way of giving a small thank you to wedding guests and providing a small memento of the special occasion. One great idea is choosing an edible wedding favors.

Edible wedding favors gives you the chance to provide the traditional wedding favor and also giving a little treat to end the day. It is also a fun way to express something from the couple or a cute way to say something about their feelings for one another. Homemade candy and mints for wedding favors are widely reminiscent and this traditional idea is still a great edible wedding favor idea to date. Several companies come out with specially designed or customized candies and mints suited for edible wedding favors.

Bite sized candy or mints are available in cute pocket size tins with the bride and grooms name and wedding date on the tin. This idea can be practical as once the treat is eaten, the tin can be used for storing other small items. A cheap but fun idea is to have conversational hearts as the candy favor. These fun candies have cute wedding statements that are entertaining for the guests to read and share with each other.

Other candy and mint edible wedding favors can include small boxes of truffles, monogrammed petit fours, personalized life savers, or personalized chocolate candy bars. A wide variety of unique candy and mint ideas are available for wedding favors and it suitable for a wedding couple that has a certain kind of candy that they specially flavor. It also served as a way to incorporate that treat into an edible wedding favor. Some companies offer edible wedding favors in the form of coffee or tea.

Special concoctions of coffee or a favorite tea can be packaged in special wedding logo that tells the bridal couple's came and the wedding date. For a unique blend, the option of having a special cappuccino or hot chocolate blend can be incorporated into the wedding theme. These edible wedding favors will definite bring smiles to all the wedding guests.

Etiquette for Mother’s Attire

1. Tradition holds that the mother of the bride chooses a dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. Their dresses should complement each other, as well as the bridal party. For instance, having one mother in a floor length dress and another in a mini-skirt is a major no-no. Likewise, your mother wearing an orange dress next to your bridesmaid’s light green ensembles are bound to make your wedding pictures look tacky. While your mothers shouldn’t be wearing the same style and color, their dresses should coordinate.

2. Generally, at formal weddings, your mother and mother-in-law should be in floor or tea- length dresses. Semi-formal or informal weddings allow them to get more creative with the length, but they still need to make sure they are complementing one another.

3. Unless your bridesmaids will be wearing black, a mother of the bride or groom should avoid this color. Until recently, black at weddings was considered a social blunder and many guests will still look at the color choice with suspicion. Steer them away from choosing a color that will raise eyebrows as to whether or not they approve of the marriage.

4. Don’t forget to finish the look with a matching corsage or a small bouquet.

Responsibilities of the Wedding Party

Maid of Honor/Personal Attendant: (Usually special friend or sister of the bride.)

• Helps bride with shopping, invitations and other details as requested. Attends all pre-wedding events
• Pays for own wedding attire
• Takes charge of groom's ring during ceremony
• Witnesses, signs wedding certificate
• Helps bride in arranging veil and dress at ceremony and reception
• Returns bride's gown to designated place after wedding.

Bridesmaids:

• Purchases and completes fittings of gowns
• Performs tasks as assigned by bride
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Best Man: (Assists groom with all details of the wedding day.)

• Pays for own attire
• Transports groom to the church.
• Supervises the groomsmen, regarding their dress and duties at ceremony
• Takes care of bride's ring until ceremony.
• Presents the clergy person with fee.
• Signs and witnesses the marriage certificate
• Offers the first toast to the bride and groom.
• Dances with the bride after the groom and both fathers have danced with her
• Prepares the honeymoon car, packs suitcases in car.
• Holds for safekeeping, any tickets, keys, etc. for the groom.
• Returns groom's tuxedo to rental shop.

Groomsmen:

• Pays for their own wedding attire
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Attends bachelor dinner if there is one
• Escorts bridesmaids during the ceremony

Ushers:

• Pay for own wedding attire
• Make sure principles have flowers before being seated. (Unless this task is assigned to another)
• Distribute wedding programs. (Unless this task is assigned to another)
• Seat guests on appropriate side of church.
• Assist elderly guests to seats.
• After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet.
• Check church or synagogue for any items left behind.

Ring bearer and Trainbearer Responsibilities

Neither of these is required positions and may be boys or girls. Usually only one ring bearer is used, but two with one ring per pillow will work if you have an abundance of four or five year children that you would like to have involved in the ceremony. Although the rings on the pillows are usually not the actual wedding rings, you could have two ring bearers if you are having a double ring ceremony, one for the bride and one for the groom. Trainbearer or pages usually walk in pairs but a single trainbearer can be used.

Advance Help

If ring bearers and trainbearer are little boys they are not likely to be interested in any pre- wedding parties. If they are girls, they might want to attend the shower and some other parties. They attend the rehearsal and may attend the rehearsal dinner with their families.

At the Wedding

The ring bearer(s) carries a pillow with a ring or rings sewn to it. (These are usually not the real wedding rings but symbolic ones for show only.) They walk either directly in front of or beside the flower girl(s) in the processional and the recessional. If real rings are tied to the pillow, the ring bearer takes the pillow directly to the maid of honor and the best man who will remove the rings. The trainbearers follow the bride in the processional and recessional, and carry the bridal train. During the ceremony, the ring and trainbearers may stand near the groomsmen or sit with their families. They are in the formal photographs of the bridal party.

At the Reception

Ring and train Bearers do not usually stand in the reception line. They usually sit at a table of honor with their families.

Expenses

Families of ring and trainbearers are expected to pay for attire. If travel expenses are involved, the children's families pick up these costs. Ring and train bearers are not expected to bring gifts to any pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend, gifts expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one party, only one shower gift is expected.

Groomsmen & Usher Responsibilities

The number of groomsmen/ushers is usually determined by the size of the wedding. One usher can comfortably seat about fifty guests. Groomsmen and ushers are usually brothers, relatives or best friends of the groom. In inviting people to serve as groomsmen/ushers, make sure that they are aware of the expenses involved.

While it is not necessary to have an equal number if groomsmen and bridesmaids, it does balance nicely if they walk in pairs in either the processional or recessional.

Advance Help

Groomsmen usually help the best man plan the bachelor party for the groom. They attend pre-wedding parties, the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.

At the Wedding

Groomsmen

The Groomsmen may be part of the processional or they may take positions in the front with the best man or groom. They stand near the groom during the ceremony. They are in formal photographs of the bridal party. They escort the bridesmaids from the ceremony in the recessional.

Ushers

The main job of the usher is to seat guests. They should arrive at the ceremony site at least one hour in advance and should have clear instructions on the seating plan. In Christian Ceremonies, the bride's family and guest sit on the left and the groom's on the right. In Jewish services, the seating is opposite, with the bride's family on the right.

Female guests are escorted by having the usher offer his right arm to her. Her date or spouse walks behind. Male guests are lead to their seats. If there are pew cards being used or a special reserved section, ushers should pay special attention as they escort these guests to their seats.

They distribute any programs or ceremony handouts at the ceremony. Ushers direct those bringing gifts to the ceremony to a gift table. If there is a guest book at the ceremony, ushers direct guests to sign it.

After all guests are seated, the ushers escort the groom's parents to the front row on the groom's side (Unless they are part of the processional.) Lastly, they escort the bride's mother to her seat, unless she is a accompanying her husband in the processional. Once everyone is seated, the ushers unroll the aisle runner in readiness for the processional.

One of the ushers should be responsible to roll the aisle runner back up after the ceremony and have it cleaned and returned. One of the ushers should collect any leftover handouts or programs and see that they get returned to the couple who may want to send them to family or friends who were unable to attend.

At the Reception

Groomsmen may be part of the receiving lines in formal weddings. They may be seated at the head table or a table of honor at the reception. During the reception, groomsmen mingle with the guests. They can dance with the bridesmaids at the reception. They assist by encouraging single young men to participate in catching the garter.

Expenses

Groomsmen or ushers pay for their own formalwear and accessories. If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own costs involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration. Although groomsmen may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. Groomsmen may share the cost of the bachelor party with the best man.

Flower Girl Responsibilities

You may choose one or two little girls to be flower girls. The best age range is between four and eight. Although younger ones are cute, they can create some real challenges during a processional or ceremony. If you choose two girls, it looks nice if they are about the same size, but that may not be possible. It can be a special honor for a child to be chosen as part of you wedding.

Advance Help

Flower girls attend the shower and some pre-wedding parties. They also attend the rehearsal and may attend the rehearsal dinner with their families.

At the Wedding

Flower girls walk directly in front of the bride in the processional and in front of the maid of honor in the recessional. As flower girls walk down the aisle, they may scatter flower or rose petals. If petals are not permitted, sometimes flower girls will hand out single flowers to guests as they walk, or they may just carry a bouquet, a ring of flowers or a pomander ball. During the ceremony, flower girls may stand near the bridesmaids or younger ones may sit with their families. They are in the formal photographs of the bridal parties.

At the Reception

Flower girls do not usually stand in the reception line. They usually sit at a table of honor with their families rather than at the head table. They may dance with family members, friends or other members of the wedding party if they choose to do so.

Expenses

Families of flower girls are expected to pay for dresses and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, the girls’ family picks up these costs. Flower girls are not expected to bring a gift to pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend, gift expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one shower or party, only one shower gift is expected. Flower girls are not responsible for helping financially with bridal showers.

Bridesmaid Responsibilities

Bridesmaids are usually close friends or family members. The number of bridesmaids usually depends on the formality of your wedding, with a dozen being the maximum for any wedding. Make friends feel special when you invite them to be part of your wedding, but make them aware that there are costs involved, as well as a time commitment. It is an honor to be asked, but may also be a financial burden.

Bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, they pay their own cost involved in getting to the wedding and staying in town during the celebration. Although bridesmaids may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. Bridesmaids share the cost of the bridal shower with the maid of honor. Girls between 8 and 16 are considered to be junior bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids are not expected to help with details as much as bridesmaids.

Advance Help

Bridesmaids help take care of details for the bride such as running errands, and making table decorations or favors. They usually join the maid of honor in hosting a bridal shower. Bridesmaids attend pre-wedding parties, the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.

At the Wedding

Bridesmaids walk in the processional and recessional, either single file, two together or with an usher. They stand near the bride during the ceremony. They are in formal photographs of the bridal party.

Essential Responsibilities of Maid of Honor

The maid of honor is usually a sister or very close friend. Choose someone dependable. If you choose, you may have both a maid (single) and a matron (married) of honor, who takes precedence at the ceremony, signs as your legal witness and carries the groom's ring.

Advance Help

The maid of honor may plan your wedding and take care of details for you. If she lives nearby she might help address invitations, plan pre-wedding parties, make favors or table decorations, and keep track of gifts received and thank you cards sent. The maid of honor usually hosts a bridal shower. The bride can delegate care of bridesmaid's fittings and details. She attends pre-wedding parties. She attends the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.


At the Wedding

The maid of honor helps the bride with dressing and assists with the, train, veil and holding the brides bouquet during the ceremony. The maid of honor wears the groom’s ring on her thumb or carries it in some other safe manner until it is time for the blessing and exchange of rings in the ceremony. She is responsible for having an emergency kit with miscellaneous items such as a needle and thread, extra nylons, a roll of tape etc.

The maid of honor holds on to a duplicate list of desired shots for the photographer and Videographer as well as a song list for ceremony musicians and a copy of any special prayers or readings to be used during the ceremony. She walks in front of the bride in the processional and with the best man in the recessional and stands near the bride at the altar. She makes sure that all of the bride's clothing, make-up and personal belongings are removed from the changing room at the ceremony site and taken back to the bride's home. She helps to line up bridesmaids for formal photographs.

At the Reception

The maid of honor stands next to the groom in very formal receiving lines. The maid of honor is seated at the head table or table of honor. During the reception, she mingles with guests.
She dances with the best man at the reception. She helps the bride with her train, fastening it to floor length so it is out of the way for dancing, if necessary.

The maid of honor keeps a duplicate copy of the list of names and pronunciations for the bridal party announcements. She also keeps a duplicate song list for the reception musicians or disc jockey. If the bride needs assistance in tossing her bouquet or in gathering single women to catch it, the maid of honor can help out.

If requested, she helps the bride dress for the honeymoon and makes sure the bridal gown and other personal clothing items are returned to the bride's home after the reception. She takes the bridal bouquet for preserving and may take the gown for heir looming while the bride is on her honeymoon.

Expenses

The maid of honor pays for her own dress and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, she pays for her own dress and other attire. Although she may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. She may share the cost of bridal shower.

Wedding Etiquette - Who Pays For What?

Cultural backgrounds and individual convictions heavily influence the decision-making in Wedding Etiquette. Nevertheless, the following is a general guide that should be construed as such and adopted as you deem fit:

Who Pays For What?

The Bride typically pays for:

• The wedding ring for the groom
• Gifts for the attendants
• Accommodation for out-of-town attendants
• The wedding gift for the groom

The Groom typically pays for:

• The bride's rings including the engagement ring
• The honeymoon
• Wedding gift for the bride
• The marriage license
• The groom's men gifts
• Accommodation for out-of-town groom's men
• Flowers for the bride
• The going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, special ladies;
• The boutonnieres for men in wedding party
• The gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• Fee for clergy person or judge

The Groom's Family typically pays for

• Clothing for the wedding
• Travel and lodging expenses
• Rehearsal dinner
• The wedding gift for the newlyweds

The Bride's Family typically pays for:

• The cost of the reception.
• The bride's wedding attire/trousseau
• Invitations, announcements, thank you notes
• The seating assignment chart, napkins and mailing costs
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Ceremony costs
• Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories
• Transportation for bridal party on wedding day from ceremony to reception.
• All gratuities for all services: parking, security
• Bridesmaid luncheon

The Attendants typically pay for:

• Their wedding clothes
• Travel expenses
• Wedding gift for newlyweds

Important FAQs on Wedding Decorum

Q: Should guests have a say on the menu?

While it is not mandatory, it is still a thoughtful gesture to allow them to share their ideas or inputs on food. After all, you want them to enjoy and feel comfortable during the wedding. You really don’t have to conduct a 100% guest survey, but just keep in mind that there may be vegetarians present during the celebration too.

Q: Are wedding favors necessary?

The wedding favors can be your sincerest expression of gratitude to your guests for being a part of the occasion. Moreover, these will serve as great keepsakes for your big day.

Q: Should the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and accessories?

It has always been an accepted custom that the bridesmaids are responsible for their own wedding attire and accessories. That is why it is appropriate to give each of them a gift as a token of your gratitude.

Q: What is the most appropriate number of bridesmaids?

It is actually your choice. But you don’t want your wedding to look like one giant parade. Six bridesmaids is considered by some as plenty. But at least, if one or two won’t be there for some reasons, no one will notice you’re one bridesmaid short.

Q: Is it ok not to invite co-workers?

Of course, it is. Especially if they’re not the people you maintain close friendships with, then there is no reason why you should stretch the budget for them. Just tell them politely that the wedding is going to be attended only by your family and that your budget does not allow you to hold a big one.

Q: When should thank you notes be sent out?

Sending these out about three to four weeks after the occasion is appropriate. Remember though that these should never be typed, but should be handwritten. Make sure that you include the guests’ names and your very own thank you notes to them.

Q: Should my RSVP state my bridal registry?

No. this is not appropriate. This will look like you are soliciting gifts from your guests. Instead, have your own wedding website. This will allow you to provide all the details of your wedding, with links to the bridal registry.

Q: Is it proper to dance with both fathers in my life?

This is your wedding. And even if there are certain traditions to live by, you can still get away with your own rules. If you are close to both fathers, then by all means dance with both of them. However, if you feel that you will be creating a tension by doing so, then refrain from doing it.

Q: Should I use the gifts I received even if I call off the wedding?

Your wedding gifts and those that were given during your shower should be returned in case a couple’s wedding is canceled or is annulled prior to their living together.

Weddings entail so many preparations that some people do not have the time to check if they have everything under decorum. Since wedding celebrations have vastly evolved throughout the years, there really is no definite standard for them.

During the preparations, what you have or how much you spent on them is not really important. You may have the best and the most expensive wedding essentials the world can conceive, but they don’t really serve that much purpose any way you look at it. The important thing is you have found someone whom you love to have close for the rest of your life.

And what better way to celebrate this magic than by having the people who matter most witness it? You don’t have to go over etiquette book to do things right. So before you make or alter any wedding plans, see everything from your guests’ point of view. What you don’t like seeing or hearing, won’t be pleasing to them as well.

Anyway, granting that you only have your closest family and friends on your wedding, you can ease up on decorum. Because no matter how you planned your wedding to be, they’ll surely let you get away with it. After all, you don’t get to celebrate your big day often.

Planning to tie the knot, follow these tips and it will become a lifetime experience which you ad your beloved one will never forget And Have a good luck

The Do's and Don'ts of Weddings

Your wedding allows you to be a celebrity for a day. But just because you’re the star doesn’t mean that you can make your own rules. Sure, you can have most things according to your personal choices, but then everyone is as part of the occasion as the couples are. So regardless if you have the urge (and the right) to do something totally unorthodox, it’s best to stay slightly grounded to tradition as well.

A wedding is one of the most potentially taxing occasions of a person’s existence. From the time of the engagement until the wedding planning stage, the couple goes through the most stressful days of their lives. What’s with the flood of questions, and preparations? And since times have changed and wedding celebrations have greatly evolved, traditional norms of etiquette went through changes, complicating things further.

In order to simplify things a bit, we must first accept the fact that etiquette is only meant to show respect for other people. Adhering to its rules does not mean losing one’s individuality. Thus, when faced with an issue that concerns etiquette, just think of its impact on other people. Because even if the wedding is your life’s most memorable moment, it is probably theirs’ too.

Meet the Parents

You and your fiance may have come to an agreement, but that doesn’t mean you leave your parents out of it. Tradition insists that the parents of the groom and bride meet prior the wedding date. Customarily, the groom’s parents initiate the introduction. However, nowadays, it is irrelevant who makes the first move. If it is hard for both parents to meet personally, a phone call or a letter can be an alternative.

In the event that the groom’s parents and/or the bride’s parents are divorced, the parent who maintains the closest relationship with the groom should be the one to arrange the meeting with the bride’s parents. If in case none of the parents make a move, it is the couple’s responsibility to make sure that both sets of parents meet in order to avoid awkward situations later on.

Since most weddings are a bride’s thing, the parents of the groom are usually left out in the dark with regards to the preparations. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to inform them about your plans especially about the date, location, style, and the size of your wedding. They may want to get involved in some way such as in helping with the preparation or finances.

The Bill Please

Who takes the responsibility of paying the bill? Traditionally, the parents or the family of the bride is responsible for it. However, this is mostly rare nowadays. Majority of marriages has the couple splitting expenses between themselves or their families.

Invitation Guidelines

When you’re going to invite a person who you know is engaged, married, or is living with his better half, the partner should also be invited as well. A single invitation bearing both persons’ names are sent to couples who are living together. Separate invites should be sent person who are engaged or have a long term relationship but are not living together.

When inviting single persons, it is a thoughtful gesture to let them bring a date. However, this is not necessary. If your budget will allow them to bring their dates, you can find out the names of each of their dates and put their names on the invites as well. If you haven’t found out who they’re bringing to the wedding and you need to send the invites, the inner envelopes may simply include “and guest” as an indication that they are each allowed an escort to the wedding.

Kids in attendance sometimes spell disaster in weddings. Thus, if you want it to be a strictly-for-adults-only affair, ensure that you have made that clear to your guests. Guests who are under 18 years old may not be given their own invites but may have their names included in their parents’ invite. Thus, if you’re not inviting a couple’s children, their invite should only bear the couple’s names.

Children who are beyond 18 years old and are invited should be given their own invites, whether or not they are still living in the same house with their parents. That means, if you did not send them invites, then they are not invited to the occasion.

If you think that some guests may insist on adding their children’s names on the reply cards, you may print the names of the persons you have invited on their reply cards too. This will give them a clear understanding that they are the only ones you invited to the occasion.

Guests who bring other people along should know that it is not appropriate to do so unless their invites suggest that they may bring along a date. But if your wedding doesn’t allow guests to bring in their escorts, you have every right to say no to their request.

If you are not sure whether you should invite people who are quite far from the location of the wedding, think about the kind of relationship that you maintained with them. If they haven’t seen you or spoken with you for years, wouldn’t it be awkward to finally be hearing from you again? If you don’t want your invite to sound like you are soliciting gifts, skip those people. But if you feel that they need to know anyway, send them wedding announcements since these won’t obligate them to give anything.

When sending invites, make sure that they are sent around 6-8 weeks prior the date of the wedding. Thus, it is advisable to have them printed at least 3-4
months before the occasion. If you feel that some guests would need to be informed earlier, send them save-the-date cards in advance. This way, they won’t miss the wedding.

Whether you’re having the invites printed or you are printing them out yourself, check that you have around 25% more than the actual number of invited guests. You’ll never know how many errors you are going to make and just how many more people you will try to squeeze in later on.

Etiquette on Gifts

Even if it is customary to receive plenty of gifts on your wedding, make sure you realize that this is a privilege. Don’t ever think that you are entitled to receive one from your guests.

Gifts should not have a place on the invites. Keep in mind that there is no polite way to solicit for monetary gifts. However, you may inform your guests about your preference through word-of-mouth.

There are no specific guidelines as to how much guests should spend on their gifts. In short, gifts are not mandatory, but are simply charming gestures.

Furthermore, gifts received before the wedding date should only be used after the occasion.

The Controversial Dress Codes

The guidelines on the proper wedding attire have changed over the years. However, tradition has set some standards on styles, lengths, and fabrics that have served as very effective basis for most people.

The dresses of your bridesmaids and other members of the entourage should be as formal as that of the bride’s wedding dress. In the past, the length of the dresses should be about the same as the bride’s gown. But nowadays, as long as the style and fabric of the dresses match that of the bride’s wedding gown, shorter lengths have become totally acceptable.

Guests who are attending evening weddings are almost always required to wear formal attire. That is, men wear suits, or in some occasions, black tie. The lengths of the women’s dresses should be according to the style of the wedding and its location.

Some people’s greatest worry when attending a wedding is that they might stand out in the crowd by being either underdressed or too dressed-up for it. Bottom line, it is always a must to adhere to what the invite says. If it says black tie, there’s no way that the couple meant it some other way.

Shall We Dance?

Who gets to dance with the bride first? It has been customary that the groom dances with the bride first. The groom’s father then gets his turn just as the groom is dancing with his mother. The bride’s parents are then given their chance to dance with the couple. After both parents had their turns, the reception then opens the dance floor to all the guests.

Those mentioned do not entirely cover every aspect of a wedding. Thus, to give a more comprehensive guide on the soon-to-be-wed couples, here are some of the most frequently asked issues about weddings

Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech Two

This is the speech I gave when my eldest daughter, Marie got married last year

I am sure you could modify this one with your own daughter's and son-in-law's names plus any relevant jokes that fit their situation.

This one also takes about 3 minutes or so when you're sober, but add one minute for every glass of wine you've consumed before giving your weeding speech.

Wedding Speech Starts:

Good afternoon, my name is Ricky, and I am Marie's Dad. As Father of the Bride, it is an honor and my pleasure to be first to speak today and propose the toast to our bride & groom.

On behalf of me and my wife Janette as well as Pat & Fred, Paul's mum & dad I'd like to welcome all the relatives and friends of both families to this very happy occasion as we celebrate the marriage of Marie and Paul.

I've been advised not to speak for too long because of my throat; what Janette actually said was she'll cut it if I go on for too long!

The first wedding speech I ever made was at our wedding 34 years ago and my speech that day started badly, and finished worse. I've had some practice since so I hope this one turns out a bit better.

First of all I want to thank Janette for not only being chief worrier for this event, but more importantly for being an outstanding mother and the guiding influence in the upbringing of Marie.

I'd also like to say thanks to the hotel catering staff for a superb meal.

As you know it is traditional for the Brides father to offer some worldly thoughts and advice about marriage, and during the last 34 years I've learned a few things.

Paul, we're delighted to welcome you into the family, and you're probably wondering what on earth you let yourself in for. I want you to know that Janette and I took to you instantly. You are a kind, considerate, man who deserves a good wife. And you chose Marie.

Marriage is a great institution - and while some say Paul belongs in one, I'd like you to know he's already become like a son to me - cocky, impudent and cheeky!

When you buy flowers...it proves your guilt. But it's even more serious if you don't and the only time you'll have the last word is when you say "Yes Darling"

Janette and I are very proud of all three of our children, but especially proud today to see Marie looking so beautiful on her wedding day. It seems only five minutes since she was toddling round the garden in nappies chewing slugs. Her artistic side somehow always involved orange wool, and when she was a little girl she would pose as soon as she saw anyone with a camera. These days she would rather be on the other side of the lens and her diet is rather better too.

Marie, be magnanimous when you let Paul have your way; in your marriage you'll find that you make all the minor decisions whilst Paul will make all the major decisions. And Paul, in future all decisions will be minor.

Marie and Paul are extremely well suited, aren't they? They're happy and love each other. That should be enough. It's been said that marriage is a 50/50 partnership. Whoever said that knew nothing about women and even less about fractions.

Anyway, I can see Janette is eyeing up the cutlery so I think it's probably time for me to sit down.

Before I go some words for both of you: in any marriage there is no challenge that can't be overcome by just three simple, three word sentences: I was wrong. You were right. I love you.

• Marie and Paul Here's to the past for all that it's taught you
• Here's to the present for all that you share
• And here's to the future for everything you look forward to

Ladies & gentlemen please stand and raise your glasses with me in a toast to the health and happiness of our Bride and Groom, Marie & Paul.

I will now hand you over, to my son in law, Paul to say a few words.”

New Here , want to read the first part then please go to:

Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech One

Related Articles:

Four Steps To A Great Wedding Speech

Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech One

This is the speech I gave when my youngest daughter, Jane got married

I am sure you could modify this one with your own daughter's and son-in-law's names plus any relevant jokes that fit their situation.

This wedding speech takes about 3 minutes or so when you're sober, but add one minute for every glass of wine you've consumed before giving your weeding speech.

Wedding Speech One Starts:

Good afternoon, for those who don't know me I am Ricky, Jane's Dad.

As Father of the Bride, it is an honor and my pleasure to be first to speak today.

On behalf of myself and my wife Janette as well as Margaret & Adams, Mike's parents I would like to welcome all the relatives and friends of both families, to this very happy occasion celebrating the marriage of Jane & Mike.

I spent hours preparing a long speech for you today because I knew that's what you would be looking forward to, but I'm only going to speak for a couple of minutes because of my throat . If I go on too long Janette has threatened to cut it.

It seems only five minutes ago, this little girl was toddling around our first home chattering away non-stop. You couldn't shut her up and some things never change

Where has the time gone? Mind you it's nearly two years since they both set up home together and we've only just rediscovered the "Lost Bathroom"

We are really proud today, to see Jane looking so beautiful & married to Mike. During the time we've known him, we've really come to like him and realize how special he is to her; and anyone can see that they're made for each other! Mike you've always been welcome in our house, but it's now too late for refunds or returns. With or without a receipt.

We are also very proud that Mike's parents feel the same about Jane. They've clearly taken her to their hearts, and I believe that she is now their daughter, in fact as well as in law!

Apparently it's traditional for the bride's father to offer some worldly thoughts and advice about marriage. I've learned a few things about it during the last 32 years our anniversary is later this month, so perhaps I'm at least part-qualified...

A marriage certificate is like a lottery ticket. You pin all your hopes and dreams on it, but you don't really know how it'll turn out. I hit the jackpot with mine and I'm sure you two are both winners.

To Jane, the definition of a perfect wife is one who helps her husband with the dishes....

And to Mike, remember, man is unfinished until he finds a wife then he's completely finished!

• To both of you: I wish you fun and excitement for today.
• Hopes and dreams for tomorrow.
• and love and happiness forever.

Finally before I ask you all to join me in a toast and this couple fly off for their honeymoon, I should just remind Mike that the honeymoon is the period between "I do" and "you will"

Ladies and gentlemen please stand, raise your glasses and drink a toast with me to the health and happiness of our bride & groom Jane & Mike

Ladies and gentlemen, I would now like to hand you over, to my son in law, Mike who is dying to say a few words - as few as possible I think.”

Four Steps To A Great Wedding Speech

Introduction:

I've been fortunate just recently in seeing both my daughters get married to good men.

The only thing was it raised two is janette’s: does this mean I'll become a grandfather (heck at 56 I'm too young - grandfathers are old aren't they?) and I would have to give two wedding speeches!

So here's my formula for a great wedding speech:


1. You must want to do it;

2. You must prepare your wedding speech very well;

3. You must prepare yourself very well and

4. You must make sure you enjoy it.

So it's quite straightforward really; just 4 easy steps that anyone can follow.

Read On...

1. I really did want to do it; I relished the challenge of preparing something from the heart that would be memorable for my daughters and entertaining for the gathered family and friends.

2. Preparing the wedding speech well is key to your whole success as a wedding speaker.

As I was father of the Bride it would fall to me to speak first after which I could relax and see how well the other speakers would get on. There is a formula for a great wedding speech which if followed makes everything so much easier.

• Introduce yourself and the other parents and welcome family and friends of both sides.

• A couple of mild humorous references to your daughter's childhood and teenage years.

• Say how proud you are of her and her choice of husband.

• Make a joke or two at his expense.

• Offer some worldly advice about marriage, being experienced in these matters.

• Give some serious thoughts or a prayer for their future together.

• Propose the toast to the happy couple then hand on quickly to the next speaker.

3. Prepare yourself well by writing out your speech and practicing often. The best way to practice a wedding speech is to read it aloud in front of the mirror until you feel comfortable with the words. When you feel a need to change a word or two - do so! You'll soon feel it becoming a natural flow and you will be able to memorize it easily. But take a copy with you!

4. Enjoy it - it's your daughters big day, something to be proud of so savor the day and lock it in your memory.

Follow the 4 easy steps and you have the formula for a great weeding speech.

Wedding Favor Creator Unique Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to include in your wedding preparations. Unfortunately, there are too many "cookie-cutter" type favors out there, which portray the couple's lack of interest in providing something unique.

Here is a Wedding Favor Creator for you to use for your upcoming wedding or one that you're planning for your best friend. You can mix and match to your heart's content and according to the budget you have.

Small containers to use for candies, chocolates, small floating candles, decorative soaps, etc. (many of them can be purchased at your local dollar store)

• tiny wicker baskets or straw hats
• egg cups
• candle holders
• flat shells (scallops)
• small filigree metal boxes
• decorated wooden boxes
• coffee mugs
• wine glasses
• small decorative dish
• tiny flower pots
• little tin watering cans
• small jars
• ceramic spoon rest

Fillings to add to your favor containers

• heart-shaped candies or chocolates
• Hershey's kisses and hugs
• small floating candles
• gourmet or flavored coffee - enough for one pot
• little decorative soaps
• wild flower seed packets or small quantity of seeds with planting instructions, wrapped in colored cellophane
• flower bulbs
• bath oil beads
• bath salts
• small bag of mixed spice (cinnamon/nutmeg) and your
favorite
• apple pie recipe
• packets of specialty tea
• hot chocolate and cinnamon mix - enough for one mug
Sample sayings and poems to write or print onto a small note card along with your names and wedding date (punch a hole in the card and attach a ribbon to tie to your favors)


• Please plant these to celebrate our growing love (for bulbs, seeds)

• All things grow with love (for bulbs , seeds)

• Our flame of love will always be bright (for candles)

• Hugs and Kisses from the new Mr. And Mrs! (for Hershey's kisses and/or hugs)

• Heart-felt wishes from the new Mr. And Mrs. (for anything heart-shaped)

• Love lives in happy hearts (anything heart-shaped)

• The best gifts are tied with heartstrings (anything heart-shaped)

• May there always be spice in your life! (for apple pie recipe and spice; for hot chocolate/cinnamon mix)

• We're suited to a 'T' (for specialty teas)

• Nothing can wash away the love we feel! (bath oil, bath salts, soaps)

• Thanks for sharing this special day with us

• Thank you for sharing in the celebration of our love (or union, etc.)

• Thanks for joining us on our wedding day

• Thanks for sharing in our special day


Other Unique Ideas

• Personalized coasters made from CD's

• Personalized CD mix of your favorite music - print out a liner for the CD case with your names, wedding date and a nice background or a photo of the happy bride and groom-to-be!

• Fortune cookies with printed fortunes that you create on your computer - or add your names and wedding date

• Small picture frames that can double as place cards