Wedding Layers

Wedding invitations are a time-honored tradition of announcing your upcoming nuptials. But like so many time-honored traditions, there are rules, and etiquette to follow. This article will help you answer some of those really critical questions around wedding invitations.

Q.Is it ever acceptable to send out handwritten wedding invitations?
A. Although handwritten invitations were the custom centuries ago, they are only appropriate today for very, very small weddings. Remember that this is one of the few times in your life when you will have the privilege of creating a beautifully printed invitation.

Q. How will I know when I’m ready to actually order my invitations?
A. If you’ve determined the specifics of where and when, discussed budget issues with both families and developed a guest list with input from both families, you are ready to begin!

Q. How do I determine the total number of invitations I should order?
A. First, you’ll need an estimated number of guests from both families. Encourage them to provide you with full names and addresses, too, to save research time later. Don’t forget that wedding party members and both sets of parents should receive their own invitations, and always order extra envelopes in case of errors in addressing. You’ll need extras of the complete invitation, too, for you and your mothers to treasure as keepsakes.

Q. Once we have a total number of invitations, how should they be divided between our two families?
A. The invitations are usually divided equally between the two families, but in
situations where one family is significantly larger or most relatives live too far away to travel, equal division is not necessary.

Q. Who pays for the wedding invitations?
A. It is customary for the bride’s family to cover the cost of the invitations, but if the groom and his family plan to send more than half the total number of invitations, they may contribute to the cost.

Q. My guest list won’t accommodate all of my co-workers. What can I do?
A. Above all, be discreet. Rather than inviting just a few and risking hurt feelings, limit the wedding to family and close friends and host an open house in your new home later to introduce your co-workers to your new husband. Beware of posting an invitation on the company bulletin board, which suggests an open invitation for anyone who reads it, unless that is your intention.

Q. I have heard of couples that make a “B List” of potential guests. Is that tacky?
A. Designating a separate list of invitees is acceptable, as long as their invitations do not arrive less than four weeks before the ceremony. No one likes to be second choice. But if you have an extensive guest list and several people decline right away, then move ahead to Plan B.

Q. Is it necessary to invite the spouse of every guest?
A. Yes, the spouses of your friends and family members should always be included on the invitations, whether you know them well or not.

Q. Is it ever acceptable to include “and guest” on a wedding invitation?
A. It is always best to research the name of the guest so that he or she can be extended a separate invitation. On a less formal invitation, however, the inner envelope can be addressed “Ms. Williams and guest.” If it reads simply “Ms. Williams,” your guest should know she is not expected to bring an escort. If this is the case and a guest pursues the issue, simply say that your wedding budget did not allow for extra people.

Q. Is it necessary to invite everyone to both the ceremony and reception?
A. Yes, all guests should be included at both events unless you plan a very
intimate ceremony with just immediate family. If that’s the case, you should send separate reception invitations to other family members and friends.

Q.We have decided not to include children at our wedding. What should Ido if someone adds a child’s name to the response card and it is obvious that they plan to bring them along?
A. If one of your guest feels compelled to add their child’s name to the response card even though the child’s name did not appear on the invitation envelope, close friend or relative explain the situation as tactfully as possible. Your reason for excluding children can be as simple as a limited budget.

Q.We are both marrying for the second time. Is it still acceptable to send out formal wedding invitations?
A. Yes, your second (or even third) wedding can be heralded in formal fashion, with a beautiful invitation. Every union deserves its own special announcement.

I hope that we cleared up some questions regarding wedding invitations. Regardless of size, budget (or frequency!) of a wedding, each special day deserves a special wedding invitation.

Tim Kilroy has only been married once, but he knows that all great weddings start with wedding invitations that are beautiful and expressive of who you are.

Author: Tim Kilroy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When you follow the latest trends and fashions while shopping for clothes and accessories, why compromise with the wedding ring? A brilliant piece can add the right dose of elegance to your wedding ceremony. Not only that, since this ring is worn always it becomes a part of your personal style statement for life. Follow the latest styles and trends while picking out your wedding ring and flaunt it with aplomb.

Rings made with platinum and white gold, are more in vogue than those in yellow gold. A hot new trend is of two-toned ring that is made with mixed metals. You can go for a platinum ring with specks of yellow gold or a yellow gold base with a designing in white gold. As gold and platinum become more and more expensive, people are also turning to newer & relatively more affordable metals such as titanium or tungsten carbide as a base for the rings.

Diamond continues to be the most sought after stone till date. However, the trend of incorporating gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and others in a wedding ring appears to have caught the fancy of today’s women. These alternative stones not only make a fashion statement, particular stones are also believed to be beneficial from an astrological point of view. These days, the bride and the groom prefer to buy matching rings for themselves, be it the metal used, the pattern or the engravings on it.

In terms of design, both contemporary and antique style rings are in vogue. Of course, a plain wedding band in gold is a classic and timeless piece that never goes out of style. But for those who love a vintage look, a hand-carved or engraved ring would be an ideal choice. The popular choices are rings with floral motifs, Celtic knots and Greek style patterns on them. For the modern man or woman, there are contemporary wedding ring options with clean lines and simple cuts. Here, an ordinary wedding band can be transformed into a classy ring with broad detailing, engraving of abstract shapes or multiple bands in gold.

If you are looking for more info about wedding ring consider choosing a classic wedding band.

Author: Steven Andrews
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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When setting up a budget for a wedding, many couples forget to include a line item for tips and gratuities. Sure, you could bypass this area completely, but that really wouldn’t be very nice, now would it? It would also go against accepted wedding etiquette.

Maybe you think a quick $100 will cover tips to everyone? Well, it may have 50 years ago, but in current times, it’s not uncommon for this area to run into the hundreds of dollars. This is why it’s important to include them in the budget. Tips & Gratuities are known for being budget busters of many a wedding.

You will want to be sure to check contracts out because some have a gratuity included. In these cases, there is no need to tip those associated with these particular contracts, unless of course you feel that one of the staff goes way above and beyond. If that’s the case, you may want to slip that person an extra tips.

Now, as far as wedding etiquette goes, the following people should be (and expect to be) tipped:

Altar boys / girls – $10 to $15 a piece

Bartenders – 10% of the total bill (unless a cash bar)

Chauffeurs – 10 to 15% of the total bill

Coat Check / Restroom Attendants – 50 cents to $1 per guest

DJ – $50 to $100

Hair Stylist / Makeup Artist – 10 to 15% of the total bill

Valet Parking Attendants – 50 cents to $1.00 per car (on top of what guests give them)

Waitstaff – 15% of the catering bill

There are also some optional folks you may want to tip as well. You’ll need to know about how these type of folks operate and make the call from there. For example, if you are doing business with the business owner directly for a particular service – say a florist – they may be doing the work themselves and have been compensated fairly in the contract you have with them. In this case, a nice thank you note may suffice and would be most appreciated. However, if you are dealing with an employee of the florist, a tip would likely be appropriate.

Here are the folks that tipping is optional with:

Baker / Cake Designer – $10 or $20

Catering / Reception Manager – $50 to $100

Musicians – $5 to $10 per hour, per musician

Florist – $10 to $20 per staff member

Officiant: $75 to $200 – This can also be paid as a donation to the church

Photographer / Videographer – $50 to $100

On site Wedding Coordinator – $50

Wedding Planner – 10% of their total bill

Tips should be paid in cash and should be placed in envelopes. Plan on them being paid just as the vendor and staff are leaving. By doing this in this fashion, you’ll be able to judge how much of a tip they have actually earned. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments on the fly if necessary. The best man – or trusted person – will generally be in charge of taking care of this for you.

You may not have considered tips and gratuities to be an item worthy of being in your wedding budget. Hopefully, this article has shown you otherwise. You may want to set up a second account for expenses that may be overlooked so that you aren’t shocked by them. Consider funding this account to the tune of 10 to 15% of your total wedding budget. This is something that could save you from pulling your hair out trying to redo your budget so that it comes in where you need it to.

Be sure to keep these extra funds separate from your main wedding account. Don’t use these funds unless you run into unexpected expenses. This extra fund could go a long way to ensuring your wedding comes in at or under budget.

Becky has been writing about several topics that have touched her life in the last decade. When she was engaged to be married back in 2002, both she and her fiance knew that in order to have the wedding she’d always dreamed of, they were going to have to get creative. She has taken to writing about her wedding on a budget experiences so that others can experience a first class wedding without having to pay for it the rest of their lives. Becky also maintains a number of web sites on a wide range of topics. You can check out her latest site here: Backyard Birdwatching which features the Equipment For Birdwatching

Author: Becky McLaurin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Wedding bands are a special type of rings that every couple who starts their life together wants to have. Although love has some common characteristics to every human being in the form of common feelings and emotions, each couple’s relationship is unique and carries its own experiences and memories. Some couples want to put their own mark on the wedding rings that they exchange on that special day. They want their wedding bands to be unique and like no other in the world.

What makes the bands unique depends mostly on the feeling of the couple for it. The uniqueness might be done by adding simple distinctive details or by using a completely rare design or materials.

A simple way to distinguish your bands from the ones of the other couples is to put your own words, sentences, initials or other special marks for you that uniquely identify your rings. Using some special types of fonts or unusual engraving styles can also make your wedding band exceptional and unique.

Other techniques for making your bands to stand out are to use different materials for the making of them. The most common materials are gold and silver but one can also use titanium, platinum, steel or even wood. These materials are not so common yet and by choosing any of them the couple might rest assured that their rings are quite unique. The couple might also choose a combination of different materials, which will surely make their bands original and stunning.

The traditional materials are, however, chosen in the most cases because they provide hardness to the rings. As wedding are rings that are supposed to be worn everyday a couple choosing a rare material such as wood, has to be aware of the fact that wood is not a very long-lasting material.

Apart from the different material, one might choose their unique wedding bands based on uniqueness of the design and craftsmanship. Particularly the hand-made wedding bands are unique in their own way as every pair of them is made especially for the couple that orders it. Although sometimes the rings might look like the ones of a different couple, the clients may be sure that their wedding bands were made especially for them. Add to this your special commitments or love sentence and you have a band that are one of a kind.

A special branch of bands that are becoming increasingly popular today are Celtic wedding bands, which are all hand made and could provide a vast variety of designs. They stand out with their symbols of eternal love and commitment like the ones in the famous Claddagh ring or the Celtic Knot which symbolizes the unbreakable connection. These symbols could be used in a variety of sizes and engraving styles.

Sometimes the visual distinctiveness of a set of bands makes it uncomfortable for everyday use. In such cases a compromise to make two sets of wedding bands is often chosen – one with the totally unique design and another one for the everyday use.

The author gives tips on choosing and selecting women’s wedding bands. To learn more, visit http://buywomensweddingbands.com.

Author: David W Bester
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Music has always been an integral part of every wedding. Originally it was just the church hymns and other religious music the part of wedding celebrations however, now wedding music has a much large variation.

Wedding music is chosen by the couple to suit their taste and personality. Choosing that special song for the wedding waltz, as opposed to the traditional bridal waltz, always holds a special meaning for the couple.

Music plays a very important part in the entire wedding ceremony. Firstly the music plays a role in setting the mood for the marriage ceremony while the guests take their seats.

Next is the wedding processional music. The wedding march, or the song chosen as the wedding march, announces the arrival of the Bride and sets the stage for the marriage ceremony to begin

Music is also played mid ceremony, typically during the candle ceremony or whilst signing the register. In these cases, many couples asks their friends to provide the musical services.

Then there is the recessional music which is used to set the mood for the family and guests as congratulate the families of both parties. Typically this is a soft jazz style or love songs played in the background.

The reception music is very important and is acknowledged as being particularly special for family and friends. Different styles of music are usually woven into dance sets during the to cater to the varying age groups and tastes represented at the wedding reception.

Choosing the right style of music with the appropriate soft romantic tones and various dance numbers is paramount to the success of the whole wedding ceremony.

If you choose to use a Wedding Celebrant to assist with your wedding, they will be able to help you select the music for your wedding ceremony.

I am a civil wedding celebrant located in Mackay, Queensland Australia. I have helped bring a fresh, new approach to wedding ceremonies, renewal of vow celebrations and commitment ceremonies to many couples.

I work with happy couples to design a marriage ceremony that is delivered with warmth, sincerity and respect.

My aim is always to ensure your wedding ceremony is a celebration of your love, shared with family and friends, and I will assist in whatever way I can to make this a memorable occasion for all concerned…. And I think it’s important to make sure we have some fun along the way.

To ensure your marriage ceremony is all you’ve ever dreamt it can be and more, if you are looking for a marriage celebrant in Mackay Queensland Australia or simply looking for a Mackay Celebrant, visit my website for more information:

Mackay Wedding Celebrant

Author: Shar Logan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Every bride will have a dream wedding in her mind. All brides would like to plan a wedding that she, as well as all the guests, will remember forever. Yes it is true that everyone would like to make their wedding unique and special.

So, what can you do in order to make sure that you can have your dream wedding come true when you are planning for it? That is the question. In fact, there some simple issues you can consider in order to select the most perfect venue and location for your big day.

Without any surprise, you have to choose a site for your wedding ceremony. Are you going to have it in a church? Or would you like to have it in a beautiful beach under the sunshine? If you are going to plan for an outdoor wedding, the site will become a crucial decision. You will need to ask yourself a series of questions in order to make the most suitable decision.

First of all you will need to know if there is any restriction for the place you are going to choose. Do they allow a large party in the site? Some sites may require you to get some kind of permit in order to host a party. You should also need to know if there is any other restriction on issues such as decorations.

Again, if you are planning to have your ceremony in an outdoor site, you will need to consider issues such as the weather. You need to know what you can do in case it rains. You will certainly need a contingency plan so that you can have your ceremony going smoothly even if it rains. There can also be problems in a sunny day. You do not want your guests to be all sun burnt after attending to your ceremony right? To this end a shelter will be very important. You can consider renting some kinds of tents or marquee in order to protect your guests form excessive sunshine.

An outdoor wedding is a very interesting one. You guests will certainly remember your ceremony for years if you can plan it well. However, before you make the final decision, it is better for you to seek for some advices from the local wedding experts. They should be experienced on the matter and will be able to help you to plan your perfect wedding.

Jerry Leung designs Double Happiness Wedding Invitations with Dragon and Phoenix Art. He runs a website on Costa Rica Wedding Customs. Be sure to check Asian Favors such as Lucky Bamboo Wedding Favor.

Author: Jerry Leung
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One of the most exciting days in the life of a woman is her wedding day. A wedding day can be planned in different ways. While some people go for ostentatious, elaborate weddings, others like it to be a simple affair. They prefer low-key beach or backyard type wedding. In the latter kind of wedding, the brides like wedding dresses, which match up, to the simplicity of the occasion. Then there are those who are getting married for the second time and prefer their dress to be less elaborate. To cater to the needs of such clients, designers have come up with little different kind of wedding gowns called informal wedding gowns.

Informal wedding gowns are easily available and are less expensive than very fancy gowns. They are preferred because brides consider them more practical given the fact that the wedding gowns are worn once in a lifetime and for that reason, don’t need to be as expensive as they sometimes are.

Some brides prefer informal wedding gown for a simple reason of looking different. They find gowns without flowing lace and silk and elaborate veil, unique and eye catching.

Informal wedding gowns are designed keeping in mind the outdoor and the indoor factors such as climate, fashion, theme and invitees. Unlike formal gowns, arrangements have to be made for wedding gloves, headpieces ad ornaments in case of informal wedding gowns.

The designing of the informal bridal gown is different from the formal ones in the sense that the formal do not have cathedral length, have detachable train that can be removed at will to allow for ease and comfort. They can have short cap sleeve or long sleeve to allow bride to show or hide her arm.

Instead of silk used in traditional formal gowns, informal gowns are usually made of affordable, man-made fabric. They have detachable straps and are available in many colors, without rich embellishments. Informal wedding gowns are intended to be sleek and simple. The whole idea behind the informal wedding gown is to give a bride ease and comfort and make her look special, sophisticated and different on her special day.

Bridal Gowns provides detailed information on Bridal Gowns, Designer Bridal Gowns, Discount Bridal Gowns, Plus Size Bridal Gowns and more. Bridal Gowns is affiliated with Bridal Bouquets.

Author: Ross Bainbridge
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You know how women can be really picky and choosy about each piece of their jewelery. Of course when it comes to her wedding ring, her fetishism increases ten times. So in case you are picking up a ring for your bride to be, be very cautious to make the right choice. The best move for you would be to take her along. Not only will it be a great experience to shop for the ring together but you will also be simultaneously making sure that you do not make a major mistake.

The first thing to be considered in the ring is which metal to be used. If your girl has a conventional taste she would prefer a gold ring. Nothing can capture the essence of the wedding as well as the traditional gold band. However there are a couple of women who prefer white metal. In that case platinum is a good choice. It is quite precious and conveys the message of how much you value your woman. If you are looking for a less expensive option then white gold is also an excellent choice.

The second important consideration is whether you would like the ring to be set with stone or not. Traditional bands are not set with the stones. However many women prefer stones on their rings as it adds a definite aesthetic value to the ring. Now choosing the type and size of stone also becomes important. The most popular choice when it comes to wedding ring stones is the diamond. Nothing conveys eternity and purity of the marital bond as well as a diamond. Not to mention they are considered to be a woman’s best friend.

However there are other stones that are also popular choices like sapphire and ruby. Sapphires are believed to be the symbols of companionship, friendship and fidelity. Rubies on the other hand are seen as symbols of love and passion. Some women prefer to have their birth stones set in their ring. Ascertain what your woman would like. In fact depending upon her taste you could also ascertain whether she would like one big stone set on her ring or a number of smaller stones set.

These days’ wedding rings come in different shapes and designs. See which design your girl would prefer. She might like a simple ring or an ornate one. In case she prefers something ornate she might like the Celtic design or the Claddagh design. The most important point is that it suits her style. When you go to shop with her do not look lost or disinterested. Get involved with her while she is picking her ring.

If you are looking for the best wedding ring consider choosing a classic wedding bands.

Author: Isiah Giblert
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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