Wedding Layers

It’s become a little bit of a tradition between my friends and I to give the bride a special gift during their wedding reception to show her how much she means to us. The current bride is the last of three of us getting married and we’re stuck on what to do. I got a powerpoint from my friends, and we made a scrapbook for the second girl of the journey of our lives together but does anyone have any ideas as to what we can do for the third? we’ve run a little stuck with the creativity thing

Thanks!

I know they get dirty easily. What’s the best way to clean an engagement ring? regular soap and water? store bought jewelry cleaner? alcohol? or have it professionally cleaned? The ring I have my eye on is yellow gold…any special "rules" for that?

Choosing the perfect wedding ring means finding the ideal finish – rings are available in yellow gold, white gold, and even affordable silver. For those who dream of a high-end platinum finish for their special engagement ring or band, there may be questions about the availability of such designs.

If you’ve been looking for a platinum Celtic wedding ring, you’ll be pleased to know that many retailers can accommodate your wishes.

Platinum is special – it is extremely valuable, and it’s market value tends to fluctuate frequently. For this reason, special quotes for handmade platinum rings may be a necessity early on in the process. However, if you really want the sheen and timeless beauty of this precious metal, it can be worth your time to get a quote and have a ring made exactly to your preferred specifications.

Other variables also factor in with regard to the use of platinum. You will need to spend a lot more money on your ring that you would if you chose the more expected, traditional yellow or white gold finish.

Platinum is coveted and valuable. For a once-in-a-lifetime choice, such as wedding jewelry, spending more money at the outset can result in an heirloom quality piece that will also please the eye and warm the heart. If your budget permits, a platinum Celtic ring can be a wise choice.

Platinum has a heavier weight than gold or silver. It will feel more substantial on the hand. If you are looking for an airy, lightweight ring that you hardly notice while you have it on, this precious metal may not be right for you. However, many people enjoy the heft of platinum, and the way it feels on their finger. It’s really a matter of personal taste.

As you can see, you’ll need to do a little research when planning to buy a platinum Celtic ring. Getting in touch with retailers who create such pieces, and ordering a ring, whether custom-made or ready-to-buy, should be the first step in getting what you want.

You’ll find most reputable jewelers are more than happy to create a special piece for you, even if they normally work only with silver or gold.

Look for authenticity when you choose a retailer. For example, pieces crafted by hand in Ireland have real cachet, and they follow the time-honored traditions of exquisite Irish metal work, which have endured since the sixth century B.C.

Finding the perfect platinum wedding ring can be a joy when you learn to appreciate Celtic symbolism and culture. Take a little time to examine common symbols and learn about their meanings.

Celtic spirals, Claddagh (crowned heart held by two tiny hands) symbols, Trinity Knots, and Shamrocks are often featured on today’s most beautiful platinum ring designs.

Once you’ve found a design that suits you, send an email or call a retailer and request more information about ordering a ring made of this rare, highly prized metal. You’ll never regret purchasing a showpiece crafted of pure platinum.

Leigh O’Meachair writes content for Irish Celtic Jewels, a leading online Celtic jewelry store with more than 30 years experience in the jewelry trade. Click here for more information about Celtic wedding rings.

Author: Leigh O’Meachair
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In recent years we have seen resurgence in the popularity of the traditional wedding style. Most couples, however, are not holding to the rigid structure of the past but are incorporating the best of the contemporary styles to reflect their own lifestyles and personalities.

Like every bride, you have a familiarity with wedding planning and an idea of what you want your own to be like. But how do you translate your knowledge of weddings into a workable plan? How do you utilize your time effectively? These are the key questions you need to keep in mind when searching for wedding ideas that guide you in planning the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Planning

There is more to wedding planning than collecting something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue – although this wedding tradition could be a brides best first step in organization. Just keep in mind that articles that you read are meant to be resources for planning your wedding; and by getting some expert advice, you and your fiancée will succeed in accomplishing each detail. In order to help with any wedding ideas you may be considering right now, we suggest the following steps:

1.) Take a few minutes to write down what your goals are for the wedding.

2.) Try to follow a wedding planning checklist and make note of the items that are appropriate for your wedding. Then incorporate these items into your calendar.

3.) Use wedding planning forms that help you stay on track with organizing the important details.

Wedding Ideas

Planning a Michigan wedding is often the first opportunity a bridal couple has to work together on a project. It offers an invaluable learning experience, one that will help in the adjustment process once you are married. You may enlist family members and friends to help in the planning process. People usually feel honored when asked for assistance. For those who may be low on funds, it offers them an opportunity to give a gift of time and service.

Above all, remember not to allow any wedding ideas to overshadow you and your fiancés relationship. Nurturing this relationship now is vitally important to your future happiness. We highly recommend that you, as a couple, either participate in premarital counseling or attend a marriage preparation class (many churches, synagogues, and family counseling centers provide these services). No one wants to think their marriage will end in divorce, and by preparing in this way, you will lessen the probability of it happening to you.

If you feel divorce can be a “way out,” then maybe you are not ready for marriage. More than anything else, a high level of commitment is the necessary ingredient in a successful marriage – and that commitment is to endure the bad times as well as the good.

Remember to set aside time before the wedding to become better acquainted with the parents of the one you love; without them, this wouldn’t be happening!

Finally, do not take yourself of the wedding planning to seriously. Instead, take plenty of time to relax, to enjoy each other, and to grow in love!

Robert Reno works for Encore Event Group. His team provides modern DJs, lighting design, and photo booths for Michigan events. Visit the following links for more info about their Michigan Photo Booth or Encore Event Group website.

Author: Robert Reno
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Tipping has become a common occurrence in the disc jockey industry in many regions. Although tipping is always optional, many brides and grooms question whether it is the right thing to tip their DJ after an exceptional night. This article is meant to guide these brides and grooms to help reach a final decision about tipping.

First and foremost, tipping should be something you do if you feel your disc jockey went above and beyond the call of duty and provided you with an exceptional evening. If you do not feel that the DJ went out of his way to assist you, then it is certainly not necessary to even consider tipping him. If the DJ did provide exceptional service, then throwing him a few bucks may be a nice thing to do.

If the DJ works for a larger company, then providing a tip may actually provide him with the salary he truly deserves. Oftentimes, DJs in more urban areas work for a “mega DJ company” that hires loads of inexperienced DJs and allows them the opportunity to work events without having to invest in their own equipment. This means that they don’t have to make investments out of pocket, but it also means that they get paid significantly less than private DJ company owners. In most cases, they receive no more than 10-20% of the entire DJ fee. If you feel that one of these DJs provided exceptional service that deserves being recognized, providing him or her with a tip will help them invest in their own equipment and earn the paycheck that they truly deserve.

Most DJs do not expect to be tipped. In some regions, such as New York City, it has become very common for guests to tip their DJs just as they tip their waiters and waitresses. Although the origin of this tipping is not known, there is a strong inclination for guests to even open their wallets and thrown down a few bucks on the DJ’s table. If your region does not fall under any sort of tipping guideline, you don’t need to worry about getting dirty looks from the DJ or your guests at the end of the event. DJs are paid very well for their services and unlike waitresses, none of their salary is based off of tips. If it comes down to peer pressure whether you’re going to tip your DJ or not, then do what you feel is right in the situation.

In the end, it is your decision whether to tip the DJ or not. It isn’t required that you tip your DJ and in many cases it is unnecessary. DJs include a decent markup fee in their costs that allow them to make a significant profit. Although DJs who use their business as they’re sole source of income don’t usually live a life of luxury, you must keep in prospective the amount of work they do in the time they work. They are paid well enough in most cases. Even though they put a great deal of work in before and after the event, the overall event fee, if divided into the hours worked in total, still amounts to a reasonable hourly salary for any employee. The tip you provide is simply a gesture of extra appreciate for the DJs service, but unlike other occupations within the service industry, not leaving a tip doesn’t mean that you don’t appreciate the disc jockey. A heartfelt thank you is usually enough for the DJ to feel truly appreciated.

Craig Fowler

http://weddingreceptiondj.org

Craig is a DJ with over 20 years experience as a DJ in the wedding reception industry. He is keen and passionate about sharing his insights into the wedding industry with brides and grooms to help them make informed decisions when choosing the right wedding entertainment option for their wedding.

Author: Craig Fowler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Here are 10 tips to help you evaluate and choose a wedding photographer.

1.Style. You will need to be familiar with the photographer’s work to see if it matches your expectations. Some shoot in a photojournalistic style, where they do not stage a lot of action and try to capture the day as a series of images. Some are more forward and direct and organize the shots. Some have very traditional framing, while others utilize interesting camera angles and perspectives. Some stick to traditional color editing while others lean toward more effects, black/white or sepia. You can get a certain amount of flexibility from a photographer, but do not expect a photographer whose style does not match your needs to be able to change drastically.

2.Personality. You will be spending a lot of time with this person, so you will need to be very comfortable with him or her. Make sure that your family and the photographer will be compatible. Do you develop a rapport with the photographer on the first call or meeting, and feel good when you hang up the phone?

3.References. The best references come from people who have used the photographer. If you heard about them through friends, they come highly regarded. If you found them through a search, ask to see sample images and talk to brides or others for whom they have worked in the past.

4.Coverage. Be clear about how much time you will need for coverage. Include your morning “getting ready” time, preparation at the ceremony location, formals and other bridal images and reception time. Share your time line so the photographer knows how match their services with your expectations.

5.Offerings. Some photographers only offer “shoot and burn”, meaning you are left to weed through hundreds of raw images and decide what to do with them. Others offer only printed products, and often produce excellent quality prints and albums. Still others may offer both prints/albums and digital files. Think about what you would like, and be honest about whether you will actually produce a good representation of your wedding with just the digital files. Take caution in thinking that a local digital lab will make images with the same quality as a professional photography lab, which color balances the images and uses high quality non-glossy printing processes. A few dollars saved may cost you a lot of satisfaction in the long run.

6.Pricing. It is hard to compare photographers’ offerings to each other. In order to do so, you may want to define a couple of scenarios and ask the photographers to price them to the best of their ability. Be cautious here as well: The cheapest photographer may not be the best. You will want to find your mix of value, quality and product offering.

7.Product Choices. Look for a range of products from prints to canvas products to a large selection of books and albums. Even if you are interested mostly in digital prints, it is highly recommended to choose a photographer who can produce good large prints and albums, because their experience in making these images indicates they have the skills and resources to produce good products, whether they are electronic or printed. Plus, you may change your mind later and want a professional album.

8.Digital Files. Many brides today are looking for access to the images. Many photographers offer this service. Ask whether the images will be edited or raw, and what degree of editing will be performed. What size or resolution will be offered. Will a release be granted to let you print them at a lab? Are there any restrictions on your use of the images? Most photographers will retain the copyright and ownership and grant you a license for private use. That is normal.

9.Credentials. Does the photographer belong to any professional associations? Are they insured with liability coverage? Do they have a particular education or certification that you are looking for? Credentials are not everything, but they do indicate whether the photographer is actively growing and experimenting with new techniques.

10.Lifetime Relationship. You may not think of this now, but the photographer you choose may be the same one who takes you maternity and baby pictures, family portraits and perhaps even your children’s senior portraits in 20 years! Choose your photographer carefully!

Best of luck in your wedding!

John Huegel is a photographer in the Erie, Pennsylvania area who specializes in Seniors, Dance Studio, Families and other groups. He is active in many charitable and volunteer activities in the Erie area. His work can be seen at http://jhphotomusic.com

Author: John Huegel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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We all know that the wedding dress is of prime importance for a bride. First you decide upon the wedding dress and then decide other accessories like veil, shoes, hairstyle, headpiece, bouquet etc accordingly. Not all wedding gowns are suitable for everyone. There are a few standard types of wedding gowns which are popular and usually brides pick on these and customize it as per their imagination. Lets take a look at the various types of gowns and which dress goes which which type of body shape. This will help you shortlist the dress.

A-Line/Princess Wedding Gowns
An A-line dress is a very classic silhouette. This type of dress, as implied by the name, resembles the letter “A.” An A-line dress typically has a tapered top, sloped waist and flared skirt. These gowns tend to flatter women who have figures that are heavier in the hips and waist. A-line wedding dresses come in a variety of styles many with delicate lace trim and intricate beading and embroidery designs. A-line gowns are recommended for the most body types except for women who do not have a defined waistline. While neither the A-line nor Princess has a defined waistline, the Princess style does have noticeable vertical panels.

Ball Bridal Gowns or Full Skirt Gowns:
Bridal gown has a classic and elegant style with fitted bodice and a traditional full skirt. The bodice is often embellished with beaded lace motifs and the skirt is usually layered with airy fabrics. These type of dresses are recommended for the full figured, pear shaped, and thin shaped bodies. This style may also be considered for some people who are petite or have a hour glass figure.

Mermaid Wedding Dresses
As the name suggests, mermaid dresses are dresses that mimic the shape of a mermaid. They are typically very fitted on top and then widen out at the knees. Fishtail dresses are the same shape but often have a trailing train. This type of dress is a good idea if you have a small bust and small waist. This curvaceous bridal gown style exudes grace and elegance with it’s fitted waist and hips and a gentle flaring at the knees. Mermaid style gowns are recommended for woman with a figure that they want to show off. This style is not recommended for women who are petite, thick or having short waist, or have an inverted pear shaped body type.

Sheath Bridal Dresses
Sheath dresses are generally closely fitted dresses with hems that traditionally end just above the knee. These gowns are usually made of very simple materials. The shape is intended to show off the figure without extraneous detail. These gowns are almost tube-like in appearance. These dresses are recommended for thin figured or petite framed women. They may also be considered for some women with a hour glass figure shaped body. This style is definitely not recommended for women who are thick or having short waist, full figured, or have a pear shaped body type.

Empire Waist
An empire-waist dress is a dress tightly fitted around the bust line. The rest of the bodice falls straight. These dresses have been a popular choice for centuries. The empire waist dress is a good choice for a bride with a smaller bust since the dividing line in the fabric creates the illusion of a larger chest. These dresses are also fine choices for brides with less than perfect hips. The straight line makes figure of the bride appear thinner. Empire waist gowns are recommended for women who are petite or do not have a defined waistline. They may also be considered for women with an inverted pear shaped body. This style is not recommended for women with hour glass figures

Hope this would give you some idea about various types and styles of wedding dresses/gowns.

The notified wedding dress designer gives tips on wedding dresses and also has a wedding dresses website.

Author: Craig Lipper
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Good music can be the difference between a good wedding reception and a great wedding reception. While a lot of brides have higher priorities than picking music, be sure to spend an ample amount of time planning this detail. Come your wedding day, the music may be one of the things your guests remember most.

If you have a large budget, live music is always the way to go. To book a musician, you should plan well in advance. Some musicians and bands book up to a year in advance for weekend dates. While live music can be expensive, it is almost always well worth the investment. When selecting any musician, try to hear them play for yourself in person. If that’s not possible, at the very least, listen to their demo tape. Be sure to ask for references and check them before signing a contract or handing over any money.

If you don’t have a large budget, using a DJ is another terrific option. Make sure the DJ you select is experienced in working weddings. It’s also best if the DJ has worked the same venue. The more experienced the DJ, the better.

What type of music should you play at your wedding? You need to take into account a lot of variables. First, you should consider the type of music both you and the groom like. You should also then consider what type of music your guests will enjoy. If the guest list is primarily older people, then pop music is probably not the way to go for your reception. Provide your DJ, band or musician with a “must-play” list of songs you want included at your reception. But maybe even more important is a “do not play” list. This should be a list of the songs that you absolutely do not want played at your wedding.

Finally, if you are having a theme wedding, be sure to connect the music with the theme. Theme weddings for different decades are very popular – particularly the 50′s and the 70′s. Both of these decades have fun music selections to choose from.

The bottom line is you should remember that this day is about you and your husband-to-be. For example, if you both enjoy hip hop music, you should include hip hop music on your play list, even if it doesn’t exactly match the feel of your wedding. Don’t be afraid to stretch the boundaries because with your wedding reception music, you can put a unique stamp on your most cherished of days.

Learn more about planning your wedding on a budget by reading the Truly Wedding Blog. This and other helpful articles are sponsored by Truly Wedding Favors.

Author: Melissa Ingram
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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It is very expensive to have your wedding at some of the more popular wedding locations. If you are on a tight budget, you can still have a wonderful wedding full of great memories. Some of the awesome choices available to you are:

1. Restaurants- Think about your favorite restaurant, and ask if there is a private room that can be rented, or maybe even the entire restaurant. If you can find a restaurant with a garden in the back, this could be perfect for the reception. This would probably need to be done on a weeknight, when the restaurant is least busy.
2. Parks- Many parks will allow you to have your wedding at the park for a small fee. Make sure there are covered areas, and nice fountains for atmosphere.
3. Performance halls and Theaters- There are many theaters and performance halls that all you to rent the place out, usually inexpensively. This can give you all of the room you might need, and allow you to save money as well. You can be married right on stage, and build a lasting wedding memory.
4. College- You can save a great deal of money by getting married at your old college. Often alumni can take their vows on campus for a nominal fee, and this will be wonderful if the location is beautiful.
5. Use your imagination and come up with odd and creative places to get married. This could be at the top of a lighthouse, on a roller coaster, or the place you two met. Getting married in a place of significance makes the wedding even more special.
6. Get married at home- If you don’t yet have you own house, ask your parents if it would be ok to have the wedding and reception there. This would cut out any rental fees, and give you more money for your honeymoon!
7. To save money, ask your caterer which foods are the least expensive. It might be cheaper to have a buffet than a seated dinner. It is often costly to serve wine and liquor, so ask if just swerving beer and wine is less costly. Also, if you and your fiance aren’t drinkers, consider having a wedding without alcohol. Just be sure to let everyone know ahead of time.
8. If you and your fiance love the water, consider getting married on a cruise. Many people do this, and while it isn’t cheap, it is sure to give you lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

There are tons of places to get married that aren’t overly pricey. With money being so tight, it can make it hard to have a wonderful wedding and have it at a place that will be cherished for years to come. When you can save money on your wedding, you can still have a grand affair and have some money left over to have that important honeymoon that every new couple needs.

Amanda J. Peters is a writer for Wedding Favours Kingdom.
This article was brought to you by Wedding Favors Kingdom, a wedding favor store located online, specializing in beach wedding favors, unique wedding favors, wedding shower favors, bridesmaids gifts, groomsmen gifts and wedding accessories to help celebrate your special day.”

Author: Amanda J. Peters
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If it seems like most of the “hot” wedding gown styles these days are loaded with details, you are right! From heavy beading to lots of draping to artfully shredded tulle skirts, more is definitely more. Yet not every bride wants to wear a wedding gown that screams “look at me!” as she walks down the aisle (after all, everyone will be looking at you anyway – you are the bride). Let this guide help you select the perfect simple but elegant wedding gown.

We are in a period where the trends in wedding gown are fashion forward and very embellished. Fabric is wrapped, ruched, pleated, or gathered, and gowns are often topped with all sorts of ornamentation. Even the silhouettes are very dramatic, what with the penchant for either sexy trumpet gowns or massive skirts a la Pnina Tornai. Bridal fashion goes in cycles; if you look back seven years, styles were much simpler and more classic, and in a few years we may see the return of less adorned gowns. Since that does not help you in the here and now, you will have to be persistent and clear when shopping for your wedding gown.

To make a gown without embellishments truly beautiful, the keys are cut, fabric, and fit. When there is no lace or beading, the fabric must be of a fine quality. Pure silk satin, taffeta, mikado, and dupioni are among some of the most fabulous options. Sometimes brides are surprised that a “plain” designer gown can cost as much as a heavily beaded one from a less exclusive manufacturer, and it is the quality of the material and attention to detail in construction that accounts for this.

A flattering neckline is a must for a simple but elegant wedding gown. Particularly popular right now are tip of the shoulder v-neck styles. A portrait neckline, which sits even a pinch wider would also be stunning. Halter necklines are another great way to make a statement with a simple bridal gown. Or channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a gracious Sabrina neckline. The Sabrina is a bateau neckline which comes to very delicate points where the front and back meet at the shoulders. Classic pearl bridal jewelry and a waist length veil with a silk ribbon border would be the perfect accompaniments.

Of course strapless gowns are still very popular, and you will definitely find some lovely options for unadorned strapless dresses. The sweetheart strapless neckline is especially in style, and is often seen on gowns with natural (not dropped) waistlines. This is in keeping with the nostalgia for the 1950s which we see in bridal fashion these days. The sweetheart strapless is generally very flattering, with a softer more feminine look than a straight across strapless neckline. Embrace the 1950s inspiration with graceful pearl bridal jewelry and maybe even a pair of gloves for your ceremony.

If you cannot seem to find a perfectly unadorned bridal gown in your area, keep in mind that it may be possible to special order a designer gown without the lace appliques or beading. If everything else about a gown, such as the fabric and fit, are exactly what you want, it is definitely worth asking. (This will only work if the gowns are made to order, rather than pre-made, because removing embellishments will damage the fabric.) In the end, the most wonderful thing about a simple wedding gown is that it allows the special beauty of the bride to shine.

Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including pearl bridal jewelry, receptions and gifts. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/ we carry a complete line of wedding jewelry for the entire bridal party. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.

Author: Laura Firenze
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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