Wedding Expert - Wedding Planning Advice for the Modern Bride

As one of the most important decisions you will make concerning the big day, planning your wedding pictures should be considered with care. This article on wedding photography tips offers a list of points to get you started towards capturing these priceless memories. Below are the 4 crucial steps outlined in the article (you'll want to visit the article for more detail and advice):

1) Select Your Photography Style
How do you envision your wedding photographs? Wedding Photographers generally fall into three stylistic categories: traditional, photojournalist, or a combination of both.

2) Consider the Cost
Expect to allocate at least $1000 to your Wedding Photography Budget (the bottom line in metro areas will be even higher).

3) Hire Your Wedding Photographer
Compile a list of potentials and commence the "meet and greet."

4) Plan Your Wedding Pictures
Well before your wedding day, make sure you have considered the must-have photography shots and their execution.

Now that you know the basics - this complete wedding photography guide will walk you the rest of the way towards ensuring a memorable wedding album!

I found another wedding planning resource at WetPaint.com (a content sharing source where anyone can modify or update a site)

If you've grown tired of The Knot and Brides.com and looking for an additional online wedding resource - try the Wedding Planning Advice site at Wetpaint.

Traditional ceremony readings peppered with "thou shalts" and "whilst ye's" aren't for everybody. If you cannot bear another rendition of "love is patient, love is kind%u2026" at your wedding ceremony, you've come to the right place.

Consult this list of alternative wedding ceremony humorous readings inspired by modern literature, songs, and poetry that pack a slightly edgier punch than traditional wedding readings.

So you're ready to set the date and want to pick one when all your nearest and dearest will be available and enthused to share in your wedding day. This list of 2009 and 2010 blackout wedding dates will help you avoid booking a wedding date that may inconvenience you and your guests. We're not saying that any of these days are off-limits, (and if you've got your heart set on one of them - go for it!), but you may want to check around before setting your wedding around these types of days (get the full wedding dates list here, including actual dates for all of these holidays/occurances in 2009 and 2010)

1) Days of Religious/Cultural Observance - i.e. Christmas, Easter, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Kwanzaa
2) Holidays/Three Day Weekends - i.e. Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day Weekend
3) Other Major Holidays - i.e. Valentines Day, Mother's Day
4) Major Sporting Events - i.e. Super Bowl, World Series
5) Potentially Unlucky days - i.e. Friday the 13th, Ides of March
6) Days of Remembrance - i.e. September 11, Pearl Harbor Day

December is here, and not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, it's also the most popular time to pop the question. Almost one million couples will get engaged this holiday season. Need a creative proposal that will deck your sweetie's halls? This list of romantic proposal ideas inspired by favorite seasonal tunes help you pop the question in true holiday style. Here are some of my faves from the list:

Silent Night-
Ah, the first snowfall%u2026the sparkling white silence, the blanketed landscape catching the glow of the twinkling lights and stars above. The season's natural landscape sets the perfect ambiance for a romantic marriage proposal. Take a moonlit stroll through the new fallen snow, and ask her to be your wife.

Jingle Bell Rock-
Arrange for the two of you to put up the holiday decorations together. Carefully attach a sparkling rock to her favorite ornament, and give it to her once all the rest have been placed on the tree.

And a Happy New Year-
Ringing in the New Year goes hand in hand with a glass (or two) of the bubbly. Make hers extra sweet by dropping a dazzling diamond in her glass, and present it to her at the stroke of midnight.

Let it Snow-
Ask her in a winter wonderland; write "Will You Marry Me" in fresh snow.

All She Wants for Christmas-
If you suspect she may be on alert for a marriage proposal this holiday season, throw her off track during your gift exchange. Give her a typical present, and when she starts to think that it's not happening this time, suddenly remember another gift - and surprise her with the ring.

Now that you're ready to pop the question, you'll need a ring! This complete guide to engagement rings has all the information you need to choose the right ring for her finger.

Outdoor weddings are romantic and scenic, but there's a lot that can go wrong. Here's your guide to planning a flummox-free, al fresco wedding.

Outdoor Weddings - Things to Consider:

Who will officiate? Some officiants will only perform ceremonies within a house of worship, so you'll need to check with yours in advance before planning your ceremony outside.

Inform your guests - Guests need to know they're attending an outdoor wedding so they can dress appropriately. It's also a good idea to send weather information to out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the climate.

Be prepared - Combat potential outdoor issues by having the following items on hand:

Bug spray
Water bottles
Umbrellas
Paper fans
Sunscreen
Cell phone
Tissues/paper towels

Securing your Outdoor Wedding Location

For an outdoor wedding, the draw is the setting, so finding the right spot and coordinating the event around it is the most important task on your to-do list. Your setting options are as limitless as the great outdoors itself. But before getting your heart set on a specific spot, these are some key questions you'll need to ask:

Is There Privacy? - keep in mind that if your location is a public space - or even near a public place (like a street or sidewalk), you may have to contend with onlookers. Try to reserve your space in a secluded spot to prevent unwanted guests or distractions.

What's The Backup Plan? - obviously you'll need a plan in case of inclement weather. If your location doesn't have indoor facilities to accommodate your event should the skies open, you'll need to rent a tent.

Can You Hear? - will guests have to compete with roaring waves, gusting winds, honking cars, or screaming children to hear your vows? You may need to rent a sound system and lavalier mics for the officiant and yourselves. Your band or DJ should be able to provide this for you.

Get even more advice on finding unique and scenic settings for outdoor weddings.

Gone are the days when wedding etiquette mandated that the bride's parents, and the bride's parent's only, hosted the wedding. Today anyone can foot the bill, and with modern familial arrangements often anything but nuclear, there is no straightforward rule for wording invitations.

This list of wedding invitation wording examples sorts through the confusion to bring you wording samples nearly every scenario.

No bride-to-be feels like she's really getting married until that all important ring adorns her left finger. You know the one, swooned over at the office water cooler, eliciting looks of envy from all who witness its sparkle. The engagement ring may well be the only pre-wed accessory sweeter than an actual, adoring fiancé.

It's best to face every big purchase equipped with a little savvy. There's a lot to know, so you'll need to do some research before walking into the jewelry store.

To get you started, visit this complete and easy-to-follow guide to engagement rings. With tips on how to choose the right metal, setting, and diamond, it will walk you through the process of selecting and buying a diamond engagement ring.

While you're there, you can get advice on wedding rings and other bridal jewelry in this complete wedding rings, jewelry and accessories guide.

Looking for autumn-spiration? These tips and ideas for fall theme weddings will get you started towards planning a wedding with a fall twist.

Prepare for Variable Weather - Fall weather can be unpredictable: what starts as a sunny warm morning can turn into a brisk chilly evening. Be prepared for both extremes. Have portable heaters available (if your wedding will take place outside), and dress the wedding party in layers.

Celebrate the Outdoor Splendor - The season seems to call for an outdoor, rustic setting affording prime leaf peeping views. Some ideas: parks, orchards, vineyards, farms, ranches, barns, mills, or the grounds of an historic inn or mansion. If an outdoor setting isn't an option, find a venue boasting a clear view of the fall foliage or countryside.

Consider Your Guests - Fall means back to school, which also means Friday night football games and scores of other after-school activities - all which may affect the ability of some guests with kids to attend. Be sure to set your date and notify your guests as early as possible

If you're looking to tie together the days details with your fall theme, this article has tons of fall wedding ideas - including fall flowers, decor, favors, and menu ideas.

The wedding reception site is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle.

This ehow article, How to Find the Right Venue for your Wedding Reception breaks it down into 4 easy steps.

And if you're looking for even more reception advice, this complete guide to wedding receptions has all the informaiton you need to plan your reception.

As someone who has had extensive contact with wedding vendors - both personally and professionally - I can tell you that most of them are genuine, talented professionals who strive to perform a service to the best of their ability. For most vendors, the joy gained from performing an artistic craft that they love is the primary incentive. The money earned, well, that's extra. Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day, we all need to make a living and we all work for money. But some vendors seem to be less motivated by the craft and more motivated to squeeze every last dollar from the happy (or unhappy, depending how you look at it) couple. It's these vendors who propagate the myth it's impossible to exchange vows without simultaneously shelling out tens of thousands of dollars and going into debt.

Case in point:
Elegala.com has a number of articles offering money saving tips for every wedding detail - from flowers, to music, to photography. Believe it or not, we've had some pompous vendors complain that we offer these money saving tips, insisting, for instance, that we remove a tip about how you can save on photography by being wary of upsells like custom albums or save on your floral budget by sticking to in-season flowers. Apparently, we're releasing to the public blasphemous ideas that vendors have been dubiously safeguarding for decades. Oh no - don't enlighten the brides-to-be!

Sure - there are many lucky brides who have unlimited funds to plan their weddings, but for many - especially with the economy in the state that it's in - these budgeting tips are essential in making a wedding a reality. Let's face it - even some couples who have the money spend would prefer to spend it somewhere else. And that's OK. Really, it is. But some wedding vendors would prefer that everyone continue to keep up with the Joneses so long as it keeps their wallets fat. I say shame on you.

See original post on my wedding advice blog.

It's hard to imagine spending another dime after the nightmare of expenses involved in planning the wedding of your dreams, let alone forking over thousands for a luxury honeymoon vacation. But after months of tireless planning, you will need to get away and spend some alone-time with your new hubby. A honeymoon can be as costly as a month-long excursion across Europe or as cost-efficient as a weekend away at your local B&B. With this list of ways to save on honeymoon travel, you can escape without sacrificing your ultimate goal: relaxation and reconnection.

If your looking for even more tips and advice on planning your post-wedding vaca, this complete honeymoon travel guide will help you plan your trip.

So you're planning your best friend's shower, and you want it be be the best shower ever (OK, you'll settle for one that's fun and goes off without a hitch). Or you're the bride-to-be, and even though you won't be planning your own shower, it helps to have an idea of what to expect (especially if your maid-of-honor is show on the draw).

This complete bridal shower has everything you need to know. The most informative part of the article is the section on what happens during the shower (since most of us find ourselves at a loss for fun shower ideas - we can only play "pin the tail on the groom" so many times). This categorized list of bridal shower games has tons of options. And if you're looking for something a little different, consult these unique bridal shower ideas if girly tea parties aren't quite your thing.

What better way to express your love for your spouse than to do it all over again. Maybe you want to celebrate a milestone such as 25 years together or to mark a new beginning after a rough patch in your relationship. Maybe you eloped or had a destination wedding when you first exchanged vows and now want to celebrate with everyone you know. Or maybe you just want to let the world know that you'd do it all over again in a heartbeat if you had the chance. There is no wrong reason for wanting to celebrate your love for each other.

This informative ehow article walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your wedding vows.

Alltop.com has added Unveiled to its list of top wedding blogs. For those of you unfamiliar with the site, Alltop collects stories from "all the top" sites on the web and groups them by topic. Inclusion in the list is purely subjective, so we're honored that their editors have deemed Unveiled worthy to be listed as one of the web's best wedding blogs.

Take Back Your Wedding!

There's nothing wrong with the traditional white wedding, but sometimes it's nice to make yours stand apart from the rest.

Here is a list of unique wedding ideas to incoroporate into every detail of your day.

My personal fave? The idea of making your grand entrance escorted by your dog. Seriously.

I promise not all the ideas are that weird!

And if you're looking for even more advice on alternative wedding style and settings, you can consult this guide at Elegala.com

No doubt about it, theme weddings are all the rage. Tired of wedding clichés, more and more brides and grooms are setting out to craft events with a little more personality by incorporating a design element throughout the day's details.

Of course, coming up with those creative design elements can prove a challenge. To help get your creative juices flowing, this complete guide to theme weddings suggests ideas for every wedding detail that will tie together the day's theme, whether an outdoor wedding, spring wedding, winter wedding, summer wedding, fall wedding, or green wedding.

In an industry notorious for recycling tired advice and information, unearthing something fresh in the world of weddings can prove as difficult as predicting the weather for an outdoor spring ceremony.

That's where Unveiled - the new wedding blog from Elegala.com - comes in. Like a clever, in-the-know friend, Unveiled editors scour the web to bring you weekly ideas, products, and tools that are guaranteed to set your wedding apart from the rest.

See it first - then decide if you want to share the scoop with your friends.

So he popped the question - now what?

Unfortunately, for most newly engaged women - the excitement of finally finding "the one" is dampened by a hard dose of stress and anxiety. Sure, you'll find about a gazillion wedding planning checklists out there, but they all tend to overwhelm more than they help, and all essentially fail to address the fundamental question: "Where do I begin?"

This article on the first three steps of wedding planning is here to help. After you've announced the exciting news and taken some time to bask in your newly engaged glow, it's time to get cracking. Here are the first three wedding planning tasks you absolutely must accomplish before anything else. Cross these items off your wedding checklist - and you're on your way.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Every decision stems from the wedding budget. Before you can plan anything, you must know how much you can spend and who plans to contribute. Your budget will determine the type of wedding you can have - from how many guests you invite, to where and when you host your wedding, right down to the specific blooms in your bouquet.

Step 2: Tackle the Guest List
Some "checklists" suggest setting a date and commencing other wedding plans before this step, but Elegala.com considers the guest count is the most vital decision after the budget. Here's why: Capacity is one of the most important criteria in finding a suitable wedding venue - more so even than style and vision - and you must secure your location before you can successfully plan anything else.

Step 3: Set on a Site and Date
Only once you have an estimated budget and guest count can you begin searching for a place to hold your event with any accuracy. Remember - many reception sites book over a year in advance, so you really can't decide on a wedding date until you have officially booked your venue with a signed contract.

Don't stop now - this complete ideas and advice guide will walk you every step of the wedding planning process, from setting the theme and style to managing every wedding detail.

Looking for ways to personalize your wedding ceremony? Consider incorporating your own carefully chosen words into the occasion. Writing your own vows is can be an ambitious undertaking - not only must you determine the perfect words to say, but those words must be rehearsed and recited in front of your closest family and friends on a day that will be one of the most important of your life.

It may be intimadating, but being able to recite personal promises from the heart - rather than the same tired words uttered by every other couple - makes the effort worthwhile.

To help you get started, this guide to writing your wedding vows has some useful tips to make the task a little less laborious.

Throughout history, the guys had pretty much been relegated to the sidelines of wedding planning. But as more couples get married at an older age and fund their own weddings, the guys are starting to take a more active role in wedding plans. But traditional planning resources like bridal mangazines still seem to be lagging behind the times, targeting the majority of their advice and tips to the brides. So where's a guy to turn when he wants some advice on executing his share of the wedding plans?

This groom's wedding planning guide is a good place for guys to start, answering questions on everything from buying the ring and popping the question, to choosing groomsmen and making his wedding toast.

There's nothing like a great toast. And nothing worse than an absolutely torturous one. Here's how to handle the speeches whether you're the bride, groom, best man or really any wedding guest...

What to Say (and not to say)
- Always thank the bride's parents. And both families for that matter.
- Thank the guests too since they make the day what it truly is.
- Look for a particular anecdote that quickly emphasizes a point you're trying to make. For the best man: a moment when the groom's personality truly shined.
- Funny is always good, but dirty or too risqué almost always falls flat.
- Inside jokes in front of hundreds of family and friends are pointless too.

Speaking Tips
Think back to the last time you gave a speech or presentation in front of lots of people. How nervous were you? Did you get on a roll when you had cues to rely on or was it better when you were speaking off the top of your head? This should be your guide as to how much time, thought, and effort you need to put into preparing for the speech. Beyond that, here are some tips:

- Even if you're a veritable John Stewart, think of what you want to say at least a day or two before the wedding.
- The good news is that your subject is something (or rather, someone) dear to your heart. Let that guide you.
- Try to avoid needing to memorize or type out the entire speech. Instead, use a few note cards and practice it a few times to get your rhythm.
- Perhaps the most important thing about a toast though, beyond its pithy stories and emotional moments, is its brevity. Keep it to 2-3 minutes max. Whether you're the bride, groom, best man, father of the bride, or maid of honor, this day obviously means a lot to you. And while it means something to all of the guests, it's not as big of a deal for them. So get to the heart of the matter quickly, and get out.

Looking for more advice on making a wedding toast? This complete guide to wedding toasts and wedding speeches will walk you through it.

Sometimes we brides just need a little inspiration when it comes to choosing our wedding day 'do. Thankfully, with this gallery of wedding hairstyles, you can while away the hours gazing at chic bridal coifs to find the one that suits your style.

Print the images you like and bring them to your stylist to recreate. It doesn't get any easier than that!

This useful wedding favors overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding favors and gifts will take you the rest of the way towards tying together this fun little detail.

And if you're looking for ideas for wedding favors, this interactive favor search has all the information you need!

Sigh..after all the planning and anticipation, it's hard to believe the big day is already over. Want to see how it all panned out? You can view my real wedding story and pictures at Elegala.com.

If you're looking for even more inspiration from real weddings across the country, you can view wedding pictures from all types of events at this catelog of real weddings stories and photos.

Ever wish for that clever, in-the-know best friend who always makes sure you're the first to get the latest? The Elegala.com weekly bridal newsletter is kind of like that, delivering the hottest wedding trends and tips right to your inbox.

The topics vary and pretty much cover anything and everything, so you're bound to receive something useful that pertains to your wedding. Last week, they sent me tips on choosing your wedding colors, and yesterday I received advice on planning a summer themed wedding.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can sign up here to receive weekly wedding planning tips.

This useful wedding cakes overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding cakes will take you the rest of the way towards planning the perfect wedding day confection.

And if you're looking for pictures of wedding cakes, this wedding cake gallery has all the inspiration you need!

Warm sunshine...vibrant colors...three day weekends...sounds like you've got a summer wedding in mind! Better yet, weave a little patriotic ferver into your summer nuptial bliss and plan your wedding around the Fourth of July holiday.

Before you get started, however, here are some things to consider when planning a summer - or more specifically a fourth of july - themed wedding:

Beat the Heat - Seriously consider renting fans or portable AC units for an outdoor wedding (even northern climates can hit 90 this time of year), and try to find a location with ample shade so guests can escape blazing sun and heat. Even if your wedding is inside, you'll need to check the comfort level beforehand - some older venues lack good ventilation or aren't air conditioned.

Brave the Elements - Outdoor settings are popular during the summer, but high temperatures aren't the only discomfort you'll have to contend with. Damaging UV rays, killer mosquitoes and pop-up showers are just some of the elements you may have to endure. Have bug spray, sunscreen and umbrellas on hand just in case.

Work Around Summer Travel - Remember that summer is prime time for family vacations, holiday weekends, oh yeah - and other weddings. Try to book your date and notify your guests as early as possible.

Now read on for a complete list of ideas forsummer theme weddings.

Let's face it-planning a wedding takes a lot of time and organization. It's easy to see why tasks from setting the budget, to creating the guest list, finding a reception hall, and planning your wedding day ensemble may overwhelm even the most "together" bride-to-be.

This free printable wedding planner from Elegala.com can get you through it all unscathed. The handy guide contains all the worksheets and checklists you need to make planning simple. Read it, Print it, put it in your binder or folder - it's yours to keep.

After you download your complimentary copy, you'll receive a step-by-step guide walking you through the entire planning process. There isn't any need for you to spend the next few months fretting about your wedding plans - just follow the easy instructions, use our checklists to ensure you've got it all organized, then sit back, RELAX and enjoy this time...

This useful wedding dress overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding dresses will take you the rest of the way towards finding the gown you'll don for your walk down the aisle!

And if you're looking for designer wedding dresses, this interactive gown search has all the inspiration you need!

No bride wants a bland cookie cutter wedding, some just erroniously believe that their budget contraints won't allow for anything better. There are some easy ways to create the wedding of your dreams without breaking your wedding budget. You can still wow your guests. Here's how:

1) Cut the list, cut the list, cut the list!
The easiest way to drastically slice your costs is to shrink your guest list. Food and beverage costs are charged per person, and whether you serve filet and caviar or vegetable pasta and chicken wings, the cost will multiply by the number you are feeding. The cost of other items such as table linens, centerpieces, chair set up fees, cake cutting fees etc. is also based on the number of guests at your wedding. Fewer guests mean less spent on these wedding standards and more money available for those luxurious extras your guests will remember - the decadent chocolate fountain... the Rolls Royce getaway car...the sassy martini station...

2) Not ALL your best friends
In going with the "less is more" theme, reducing the number of attendants in your wedding party will also save money. Fewer attendants mean fewer bouquets, boutonnières, gifts, mouths to feed at your rehearsal dinner...and more cash in your pocket.

3) Lose the formality
A truly awe-inspiring wedding does not have to be black tie. A simple yet elegant beach wedding can be equally chic, and it lends itself to steel drums instead of a 10 piece orchestra, a casual buffet or barbeque instead of a 5 course meal, and simpler wedding attire - all of which can save some serious cash in your wedding budget.

4) Do it yourself
Lose the wedding coordinator, calligrapher, hair and makeup artists, made-to-order favors and welcome baskets, and create your own! You can save a lot of money on these services and use it towards something else.

5) Be an Off-Peak Bride
Avoid Saturday nights in June. It's cliché anyway. A wedding does not necessarily have to take place on a Saturday night in the spring or summer, and if you're willing to be flexible with your date and time, you can drastically cut your wedding budget.

For more budgeting tips and ways to save on all your wedding services, visit my Wedding Budget and Advice Blog

Sure, green weddings are all the rage, but the key is to make yours more than a trendy buzzword. It's easy enough to find recycled wedding invitations and serve organic cuisine, but you'll need to go the extra mile to make your wedding stand apart from the rest of the band wagon green weddings. Here are some tips to get you started:

Getting Started - Things To Consider:
Simplify - the overarching theme should be simplification. There are eco-friendly versions of most wedding products, but the best option is to forego the items altogether. Reuse wherever possible -and save not only resources, but cash too.

Weigh the expenses - that said, some items you just can't live without, and usually the natural, organic, or green version is more expensive than the original. You'll need to factor this into your wedding budget.

Patronize - many new companies have entered the growing green weddings market. Before booking your vendors, check out businesses that claim to provide green services and see if they really do.

Inform - one green turn deserves another. Let your guests know the steps you've taken to plan your green wedding, and show them that an elegant event doesn't have to be harmful to the environment.

All In The Details - Ideas:

Stationery & Invitations
Recycle - use recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber - such as hemp or bamboo. Check out these resources for an array of custom, recycled papers: Custompaper.com or JamPaper.com

Splurge on calligraphy - calligraphy may cost more, but it saves inks, toners, solvents and chemicals involved in printing.

Condense - save trees by minimizing inserts and other paper products. Always print on front and back and try to fit it all on one sheet.

Go completely green - send all correspondence via email. The etiquette gods may swoon - but electronic mailings are the most earth friendly way to go.

The Location
Rent for a cause - find a venue that will benefit from your site rental fee - such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization.

Go outside - a beach, the woods, gardens - they all make an ideal setting for a green wedding (just be sure to leave it as you found it).

Find a green venue - some venues are demonstrating a commitment to saving water and energy, reducing waste, and serving locally grown/organic menus. Check out these resources for green minded venues: Green Hotels Association or Green Seal

Get many more Tips on Planning a Green Wedding at Elegala.com

This useful wedding music overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding music will take you the rest of the way towards elegant ceremony entertainment followed up by a foot stomping reception with guests dancing until dawn.

And if you're looking for categorized lists of popular wedding songs, this list has it all - from popular processional songs to tunes for the last dance!

If you're writing your wedding vows or personalizing your wedding ceremony with meaningful readings, delve into the world of literature, poetry, quotes and lyrics for inspiration. Here are some sample passages to get you started...

Note: You can get even more weddings readings information at this complete readings, speeches, and toasts guide.

Poetry

William Shakespeare - "Romeo and Juliet"

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite. William Shakespeare - "Sonnet 116"

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Wilferd Peterson - The Art of Marriage

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other,
not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation,
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere
in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the Spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which
the independence is equal, dependence is mutual,
and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is BEING the right partner.
This is "The Art of Marriage"

Cultural Heritage

Irish Wedding Blessing

May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children's children
May you be poor in misfortunes,
Rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward

Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to each other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you,
For each of you will be comfort to the other.
Though you are two bodies,
There is but one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And, may the days of your life
Be good and long upon the earth.

Hollywood

When Harry Met Sally

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

To Love and Be Loved

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Moulin Rouge

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

The Notebook

The best love is the kind that weakens the soul, that makes us reach for more, that plants fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever.

The Notebook

Poets often describe love as an emotion that we can't control, one that overwhelms logic and common sense. That's what it's like for me. I didn't plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt that you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us. We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me love like that has happened only once, and that's why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I'll never forget a single moment of it.

Your wedding location is one of the most important decisions you'll make in planning your wedding - AND it's the highest cost you'll endure, so choose wisely. Expect to spend about 50% of your total budget on hosting, wining and dining your guests. So when scouting potential reception sites - you will first need to determine the cost of holding your wedding reception at each location. Sounds like a given, right? Not exactly. You will soon discover that most reception sites break down their costs differently, and what may seem to be less expensive may wind up more costly once all of the figures are totaled.

Avoid confusion, and keep costs down -
Request an itemized list of fees from each venue, and tally the costs of each fee and service you will most likely use for your event. Many fees are determined by head count, so have an idea of your guest count beforehand to get an accurate estimate. Then compare your itemized cost lists to determine which site is the most cost effective for your needs.

Already confused? Not to worry-I have compiled a complete list of typical costs and fees charged by wedding reception sites. If a facility does not provide one of these services, such as an onsite caterer, factor in the estimated cost of contracting the service from an outside vendor when tallying your total expenses.

Compare These Fees for Each Potential Reception Site:
1. What is the facility rental fee? (this is huge because rental fees can vary greatly. Some sites don't charge anything - while others can charge upwards of $10,000 and beyond just to hold your event there - on top of food and beverage costs!)

2. What is the cost-for food? (sites typically offer more than one menu package; determine which menu package you will most likely utilize for your wedding reception-and use that amount in determining your estimate.)

3. What is the cost-for beverage? (save time by having an idea of what beverage package you would like to serve beforehand, whether a full bar, limited bar or non-alcoholic bar)

4. If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the ceremony fee? (obviously if you plan on holding your ceremony at another location - this fee is irrelevant)

5. What is the set-up/break-down fee? (some sites charge per chair or table, others charge a lump sum)

6. What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)

7. What is the overtime fee?

8. Is there a fee for security personnel?

9. Is there a fee for parking or valets?

10. Is there a cake cutting fee? (some sites charge a cutting fee only if you bring in your wedding cake from an outside vendor. this may be a lump sum or a per slice fee)

For more ideas and advice for planning your reception, visit my complete wedding reception guide at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple.

The long weekend and typically mild temperatures make Labor Day a popular time for parties or weddings. Labor Day Theme Weddings are made simple with these tips to help you full it off in style...

Sometimes we need a little motivation to transform a bootylicious bod into a bride-a-licious bod. So you're not a gym bunny? Enlist in boot camp! Many boot camps are owned and taught by women and offer specific training sessions geared towards brides. These pre-nuptial programs can range from intensive weekend or week-long regimens to long-term fitness plans. So report to duty, and shape up for your wedding.

Where to find: These bridal boot camps are popping up all over the country. Here are some local suggestions around the US to get you started. As with all fitness programs, please consult your physician before starting a new exercise regimen:

1) Adventure Boot Camp for Women - Locations throughout the US - Offers four week programs that include one hour sessions Monday through Friday. Cost is $299 for a regular 4-week camp or $199 for a three-day-per-week program. AdventureBootCamp.com

2) FitBoot - Boston, MA - This program has a realistic military approach, but a supportive environment for women of all fitness levels. The course ($375) consists of 45 minute sessions every weekday for six weeks, and recruits must pass a physical fitness test at the end of camp. FitBoot.com

3) Fit to Be Wed Live - West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, CA - Camp features 60-70 minute workouts 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Geared towards brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom, workouts include lots of shaping and toning in those "key wedding gown areas" -- the arms, back, and shoulders. FitToBeWedLive.com

4) The American Boot Camp Company - Atlanta, GA - The 30-Day boot camp program includes 16 group workouts - each about 45 minutes. In addition, instructors monitor your daily food intake, helping you learn how to incorporate nutrition into an overall healthy lifestyle. (I'm currently enlisted in this - my first boot camp! I'll let you know how it goes). TheBootCampCompany.com

For more tips and advice to help you physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare for your wedding, visit the Elegala.com Emotionally Engaged Guide

This useful wedding invitations and stationery overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding invitations will take you the rest of the way towards planning your invites, and it includes tons of wedding invitation wording examples.

And if you're looking for pictures of wedding invitations, this interactive search has all the inspiration you need!

This useful wedding decor overview has all the information you need to get started, while this complete guide to wedding flowers and wedding decorations will take you the rest of the way towards planning a stylish floral motif.

And if you're looking for ideas for bridal bouquets and wedding centerpieces this interactive image search has all the inspiration you need!

Even though you've planned for everything to go perfectly, you never know what unforeseen glitches may threaten your day. That's why packing a bag full of fast-fix tools will ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch.

Every bride should come prepped with these basic items in her wedding day emergency beauty kit!

They have done so much for you, not only as a part of your wedding party but also as a friend and confidant over the years. How to even begin to say thanks to your bridesmaids? Start by presenting your wedding attendants with heartfelt gifts to express your gratitude.

Looking for an inspiring bridesmaids gift idea? Look no further than through this convenient, interactive gallery of Bridesmaids Gifts ideas. Here, you can sort by theme, style or price to view tons of gift ideas that meet your criteria. Best of all - each gift is linked to the online retailer where you can order them in time for your wedding.

Happy Shopping!

So you've got that sparkling engagement ring on your finger - now you just need a gorgeous wedding band to match. No doubt about it, adding some additional bling to your left hand is one of the more enjoyable tasks on your wedding day to-do list.

Here is a simple (and slightly addictive) tool to help you do just that: Visit this interactive Wedding Rings search. There you can browse tons of styles by price, metal, stone and stone shape. While you're there, you can also search hundreds of pieces to find an Engagement Ring (in case he hasn't popped the question yet), Wedding Band or other Bridal Jewelry and accessories.

Best of all - each product image comes with a complete description AND a link to the retailer where you can purchase your new baubles. Happy shopping!

In theory, your wedding video is a priceless memento; in reality, it can cost anywhere from $500-$10,000 and beyond. With these simple tips, you can have memorable wedding footage without breaking your wedding budget.

Learn the Lingo
There is a lot more to videography than just "record," "fast-forward," and "rewind." A number of fancy editing techniques exist, such as animated titles, still shots, slow motion and dissolves. These techniques can be appealing, but will likely increase the price tag. Educate yourself and decide which editing techniques you want included in your videography package before getting carried away with all the belles and whistles. If you're on an extremely tight budget, select a straight shot package, which covers the event in its entirety with little or no editing.

Sound Check
Quality sound is a must - so know the different microphone options and their costs. Digital sound recorders attached directly to the bride and groom provide the best up-close sound, but because it is recorded onto a separate disk that must be synched with the footage, it will cost you more during the editing process. A professional videographer should have state-of-the-art equipment, in which case sticking with the single mic that is built into the recorder should suffice.

Be a One-Man Woman
If necessary, stick to one camera operator. Extra cameras will tack on $400 to $1000 a piece, which may not be the most efficient use of your budget. Most weddings are actually shot with one camera, so rest assured that a single operator will be able to capture the important moments.

Read more ways to save on your Wedding Videography at Elegala.com

To help all you Atlanta-area brides (like myself), here is a complete list of recommended Atlanta Caterers.

What's great about this list is that every caterer on it has been personally recommended by an Atlanta-area wedding venue.
So no, these aren't just caterers who paid to be listed on the site (like so many other online lists of wedding services). Here, you can rest assured that every caterer on this list comes with a local reference. It's kind of like having a personal wedding coordinator to pre-weed out the hacks.

I only wish I had a resource like this when I was planning my own wedding.

If you're among the nearly one million brides-to-be who received an engagement ring over the holidays, it's time to ring in the new year by scratching the first few items off your wedding day "to do" countdown. Kick start your 2009 wedding plans now!

Unfortunately, for most newly engaged women - the excitement of finally finding "the one" is dampened by a hard dose of stress and anxiety. Sure, you'll find about a gazillion wedding planning checklists out there, but they all tend to overwhelm more than they help, and all essentially fail to address the fundamental question: "Where do I begin?"

After you've announced the exciting news and taken some time to bask in your newly engaged glow, it's time to get cracking. Here are the first three wedding planning tasks you absolutely must accomplish before anything else. Cross these items off your wedding checklist - and you're on your way.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that the wedding ceremony is the reason behind the big party. In reality, the ceremony is one of the few true essentials on the wedding planning checklist, so you'll need to allot space for it in your wedding budget. Thankfully, vows that wow need not be a budget buster - with these 7 ways to save on your wedding ceremony.

Once you're equipped with this money saving advice, this complete wedding ceremony guide will walk you through the rest of the planning process.

Alas, saying farewell to singledom no longer requires donning a dime-store tiara while a lubed-up dancer named Duke invades your personal space. Wild bachelorette party send-offs have a new G-rated cousin: extreme weekends of sky-diving, rock climbing, and white water rafting to name a few. How to Plan an Extreme Bachelorette Party:

Adventure Bachelorette Party (hitzadventures.com) organizes everything from the lodging to the activity with trusted outfitters around the U.S. Packages start at $349 per person, depending on location and activity, and cost includes just about everything but airfare. Good news ladies - they plan stripper-free adventure bachelor parties for the guys too.

Learn more about planning an an Extreme Bachelorette Party at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Want to ensure your wedding day style is a hair "do," and not a hair "don´t". Then read on!

1. Do your research -
This is the fun part. Take some time to explore your options before settling on one hairstyle. Browse wedding and other style magazines, and visit the Elegala.com wedding hairstyles gallery to get inspired.

2. Complement Your Look -
Your wedding hairstyle should flatter your dress and overall look - not complete with it. Use your dress style and the formality of the event as your guide. Dresses with halter necklines, ballgown silhouettes, or plunging backs practically scream for an updo. An unbuttoned beachside affair calls for long loose waves. You get the idea.

3. Know Yourself -
Your face greets you in the mirror every morning, and you and your hair go way back, so chances are you already know which hairstyles flatter your face and which fall flat. Even if you don´t, here are some pointers: A long, thin face will look more so with a long, straight ´do, and ears that stick out a tad too far will be accentuated by a pulled back ´do. Along those lines, don´t attempt a look that isn´t you just because it´s your wedding. Remember - your goal should be to look like your best version of you, not someone else.

4. Heed the Weather -
Make sure your wedding hairstyle will work with the day´s weather conditions. This tip is especially crucial for weddings in humid climates. Do yourself - and your hair - a favor; don´t force a curly mane into a sleek straight ´do for an outdoor New Orleans wedding in July.

5. Get the Right Length -
Remember that many of the wedding hairstyles shown in magazines require long hair. The good news is that longer tresses can be achieved both naturally and artificially. You can either start growing it early or use clip-on extensions for added volume and length on the big day.

Get even more tips for wedding hairstyles in the complete Elegala.com bridal health and beauty tips guide.

Still not sure whether you're even ready to get married?

Remember, getting engaged involves much more than a diamond ring and a romantic proposal idea; it's also the trial run for your marriage and future life together. The bottom line? Discuss potential challenges and disagreements now, not after you've cut the wedding cake.

So take the marriage compatibility test to see if you're really meant to be. The guide walks you through a list of the top pre-wedding discussions to have before you say "I do."