If a bride tells you that she’s not worried about fitting into her marriage celebrant or wedding dress, then she is probably lying. While the stress of planning a wedding ceremony can cause a lot of women to forget about eating, others find comfort in nibbling a little more or can’t find time to exercise.

The result is a wedding dress that needs to be taken out, rather than in at the final fitting. And every bride fears this.

Keeping your dress

When it comes to staying in shape, you need to think of a few things before weighing yourself constantly. First of all, your health is number one at this time. You are under a lot of pressure, so you need to make sure that your body is able to handle it well.

To do this, you will want to find some way to incorporate exercise into your life. Of course, you might laugh and wonder where you’ll ever find the time, but know that you should. Even if it’s just fifteen minutes a day, you need to walk, run, bike, whatever.

Exercise creates stress resistance. You’ve heard the expression of blowing off steam by going out for a run, well it works. Not only are you creating a great distraction for your body and mind, but you’re also strengthening your body for any added pressure.

Of course, burning calories is always nice.

Watching the nibbles

Mindlessly nibbling is the quickest way to gain weight. And even though you don’t have the time to prepare the healthiest of meals, you may want to consider healthier choices. Finding salads with low-fat dressing is good, but overall, they’re not very filling. You can actually go to the drive-thru and get a burger; it just shouldn’t be the biggest one on the menu. Choose the plain hamburger and a salad, it’s a quick and filling meal.

You will want to watch the sweets for a while. These can cause you to want to eat more and that’s the last thing that you want.

When you’re having your fittings for your wedding dress, you will want to be honest about what you can wear. Just because you want to wear a size six dress doesn’t mean that your size ten body is going to magically shrink to accommodate you. Be realistic about what you’re going to be able to wear and tell the person who is altering the dress if something is too tight.

You don’t want to be an uncomfortable bride now, do you?

There are some families that may have different members in them, some that marriage ceremony books and etiquette guides are struggling to keep up with. How can you include everyone in such a way that all are equally important?

Well, to a certain extent, you can not. There’s only so much room on an invitation to include everyone in your life, but for those that you must, there are ways to handle the step and passed on parents in an invitation.

A step up

When it comes to step parents, most couples feel as though they are no different from their biological parents. So, they want to incorporate them into the invitation as well. And while traditionally, the parents are included, how do you put in everyone’s name?

Many invitations start off with “Mr. and Mrs. So and So would like to announce the marriage of their daughter Blah Blah to John Doe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” In order to include both sets of parents, you can just add them in at the beginning and end, denoting it with son of Mrs. Smith and her husband Bill and of Mr. Whatever and his wife Something.

It may sound awkward, but it can be done. Other couples have chosen to just include the names of their biological parents, referencing their present last names. That works just as well.

If there is a parent that has been absent for the child’s life, then they do not have to be put into the invitation.

When someone has passed on

If one of the couple members would like to include their parent that has passed on, they can say something to the effect of ‘son of Mr. Smith and the late Mrs. Smith.’ That works just fine. If both parents are deceased, you may want to note that as ‘son of the late Mr. and Mrs.’

If someone has recently passed away, then you may want to include that as a separate note as a way to let your guests know and avoid any awkward moments. This is especially true if it was a recent event.

When in doubt about a tricky situation, do what feels right for you. A lot of the time, you can write and rewrite the wording to include everyone and still satisfy you. Read your words aloud—a lot of times you can see what something sounds like to a reader, and then judge your choice from there.

Think saying “I do” is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding ceremony? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.

Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s sure to affect how much you spend to “cover up” its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.

For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:

Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?

Some venues — high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition — require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of “approved” vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you’re stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides who have “been there, done that” and can give you their honest opinions.

Any restrictions on decorations?

Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.

Can we bring our own liquor, is there a “corkage” fee?

If the liquor’s to flow freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says “yes” to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” to serve it — which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.

Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don’t. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up — often at $1 per slice!

DIY Detective Work

These, of course, are only a few of the questions you’ll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you’re checking out the place:

- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?

• Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?
• Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available? 
• Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?

One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue’s cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you’ll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you’ve signed, take some time to sit back and relax … before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!

Incorporating ethnic traditions into your wedding ceremony can create a more intimate environment for you and your family.

While we most associate the color white with wedding in this country, the color red is the color of weddings in China. Red is the color of luck and joy, and it makes perfect sense that it is such an important color for weddings. You can incorporate the red color in a variety of ways such as the tablecloth, candles, napkins, and other decorations. You may change into a red dress during the wedding reception. You may choose red wedding flowers, or your bridesmaids may wear a red dress.

You can create a Chinese feel without red by dressing in a tradition Chinese dress. White is not a color used in Chinese traditional wedding celebrants. White is used at funerals, so avoid white on your invitations, decorations or bridal clothing. Do not use red ink on white paper, because white implies death and is used at funerals. Gold on reddish paper or cream color paper works well.

Chinese couples honor their ancestors with a tea ceremony. It is not only a beautiful ceremony, but it could be very educational and entertaining for your guests.

Another Asian tradition, from India, is having the brides and groom’s hands and feet painted with henna. The tradition is normally performed by a henna professional. The hand and foot henna stains the skin for up to a few weeks.

Japanese weddings include a sake ritual. It is also know as the sake sharing tradition. This ritual represents building a strong bond between the families. The sake ritual can be part of the wedding ceremony or the wedding reception. Sake cups can make great wedding favors for a Japanese wedding ceremony.

There is no law that you have to have an ethnic wedding, but it may add sentiment to your big day.

When faced with the once-a-life-time decision of choosing a wedding band ring, everyone should do their own research in order to make sure they get the piece that can symbolize the eternality of a marriage ceremony. For those who are seriously considering of buying the modern metals (titanium or tungsten) as wedding rings, here are some thoughts that are worth considering.

Will they be scratched? Although titanium wedding bands are very strong and durable, the surface of the rings can actually be scratched. It takes another extremely hard object such as diamond to cut into the metal; however, it does not get damaged during normal daily use. For titanium rings with gold, silver or platinum inlay, the inlay part of the ring is as vulnerable as a ring that is made of the precious metal itself. In the case of minor a blemish, a titanium ring can be re-polished or refinished to restore the original appearance. On the other hand, tungsten rings are totally resistant to abrasions. Since tungsten carbide, the most common grade of tungsten alloy offered in the market, is extremely hard, it will NEVER get scratched.

Will they be bent out of shape? Both titanium and tungsten have extremely high ductile strength. However, under extremely circumstances, titanium rings could bend out of round but a tungsten ring could not. If a high pressure is applied on a titanium ring, which could happen when being hit by a car door, the ring would bend when the force is strong enough. On the other hand, a tungsten ring stands a better chance of remaining intact, because tungsten in general is harder than titanium. However, once the force goes beyond the threshold, the tungsten ring will be fractured into several pieces instead of bend out of round. This characteristic, which we refer to as being brittle, is similar to that of diamonds whereas it is extremely hard but not ductile at all.

Will the color turn? Neither of the metals will turn color. Titanium and tungsten alloy are biological inert and do not turn color with normal usage such as being exposed to the sun, in contact with sea water or cosmetic products.

Can they be resized? The possibility of getting resized might be important since we gain or lose weight in the future. Due to the extraordinary high melting points of titanium and tungsten alloys, they cannot be cut and welded like traditional precious metals. Hence, resizing is more difficult, if not possible. Titanium wedding rings can be compressed or stretched up to one size, if there are no stones or inlay on the rings, with the help of special equipment. However, tungsten carbide wedding rings can not be resized at all. Therefore, one must measure the ring size carefully, possibility averaging the finger sizes at different times of the day, in order to avoid any sizing problem after the .

Where will you come up with the ideas to write your vows? You need to sit down with a sheet of paper or at your computer when you are feeling most loved, after making love, or after spending the day together with the person you will be marrying. This is when your feelings are fresh, and expressing them with words will seem easiest.

Writing words to express your feelings will be original additions for your wedding day. In using vows that you write yourself, you are telling the other person just how special they are, because you took the time to write down exactly what your hopes, dreams, and feelings are when talking about your lives together.

Your true emotions will be expressed in words you want to say to the other person. Don’t try to impress those who are in the church or those who are watching the ceremony but only think about talking to your spouse and the entire process will be easier for you.

How should you get started in writing your own wedding vows? Original words of love are points you want to include in what you will be saying. Remember whispering sweet things in your love’s ear about how you want to hold him/her all night long? Take that feeling and express it in ways that tell your spouse this. Write words that are not taken from other weddings. Using words that are every thing, you have ever wanted to tell him/her but you have never found the time to say aloud.

Write original words that are letters from your heart. I love you, I need you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want to share everything in my life with you. I will be there in the good times and in the bad times, I want to be your crutch through life just as I need you to be the shoulder I cry on at the end of the day.

Make your vows words that express just how you hurt when you aren’t near the one you love, but that you hurt because you love this person that much. Original wedding vows are expressions of yourself and you can say it plainly in words that you have said time and again, or you can surprise your loved one by creating stories about how much you love them, and how you are going to spend the rest of your life showing them how much you love them.

To find a marriage celebrant melbourne then make sure to contact us today to find out how we can assist with your big day!

But on the other hand, planning the wedding can be a
stressful experience because there are a lot of things that
the couple needs to consider.

For one, there’s the date of the wedding. Unless they have
already decided on it, it is something that needs careful
consideration. Aside from that, other things like the
venue, number of guests and even the handing out the
invitations should also be taken into the equation.

Mind blowing isn’t it? Good thing there are wedding
planners. They are the ones who offer their services to
couples who simply want to focus on the ceremony and leave
everything to somebody else who can do the job.

But why get a wedding planner? It’s because they have the
right connections to turn the couple’s plans into a
reality. For one, they have connections with suppliers who
can give huge discounts which spells a lot of savings for
the couple.

But more than the connections, they also have the
experience to turn a dull wedding into a memorable one.
They already know what will and will not work so insights
from an experienced wedding planner would be very valuable.

So for couples who want a smooth sailing wedding, getting
wedding planner is indeed a must.

To find a civil celebrant melbourne then make sure to contact us today to find out how we can assist with your big day!

Centrepieces do not have to be the centre of attention on the day but if displayed with perfection in mind then expect surrounding areas to send out volumes of high tone attractiveness especially if the centrepiece is flowers.

Classical yet simple wedding centrepieces intend to evolve round flowers and ornaments. Flowers without doubt are a hot favourite for couples tying the knot because of the way the nature blooms add colour and project a lingering natural fragranced aroma. Check availability on flowers because they are seasonal and therefore your choice may have to be shipped in from another country.

Have an organiser come in early to arrange all flower displays; this will give you time to satisfy your curiosity of how they will look. Remember wrong blossoms can do more harm taking away beauty instead of enhancing it. Other ideal options for a wedding centrepiece are silver candelabras. If you are considering floating candles in a glass bowl then you have a guarantee of a pretty enough sight to take the limelight

Depending on where you marry centrepieces will differ, if the wedding ceremony is to be held in the garden then consider nature for your theme. Miniature birdhouses and flower baskets are fabulous items that can be used.

If after all those months of scrimping and scraping and you find your self still counting the pennies then budget wisely but do not fret. Have fresh fruit, just as sweet smelling as flowers but this way you get the best of both worlds where you have a centre piece juicy enough to eat.

To find a marriage celebrant melbourne then make sure to contact us today to find out how we can assist with your big day!

Gone to the Dogs?

What fuels the trend to add Fido to the ceremony? Opinions differ, but one is the way that weddings are changing: once they were a purely formal affair, with formal language and dress that hardly seemed to relate to our real lives at all. But many of today’s couples are trying to bring more of the things we really say into the ceremony — sometimes by writing our own vows — and more of how we really look, which sometimes means bypassing the traditional white dress. And for many of us, our patient pooch is a lot like a child or a two-footed companion. He might have his own furniture, his own shelf full of tasty organic treats, his own set of smart fashion accessories. And whither we go, he goes … just like any other family member. No wonder many couples don’t think twice about bringing him to the altar.

But not every dog makes the perfect bridal party member. No matter how much you might love the mischievous antics of your wayward canine at home, it’s only the well-trained, responsive dog that should share your big day. If your dog comes, sits, is good with groups, and can be relied on to hold a “down-stay,” he’s a candidate. If not, leave him home, or invest in some obedience classes straight away.

You’ll also want to clear your pup’s presence with the powers-that-be well ahead of time. Yes, it’s a little surprising, but with the rising popularity of dogs in weddings, it’s a fair bet that your officiant will give you the green light. Many banquet halls at hotels will also say “yes” to a well-behaved pet on your big day, provided you have a handler.

Dressed for Success

Once you’ve got the go-ahead, the greatest fun in including your dog is dressing him up. Popular choices for pint-sized wedding apparel include adorable jeweled collars, miniature tuxes or bridal gown, and crystal-encrusted combs and barrettes. Diane Meier Delaney of “The New American Wedding” draped her pooch in an ornate floral arrangement that literally took her guests’ breath away (but discuss this option thoughtfully with your florist — avoid poisonous flowers and steer clear of scratchy wires).

Now that you’ve ordered his attire and your dog’s all set to work hard at your wedding, why not plan to treat him? You can purchase adorable cakes and cupcakes designed for occasions that are perfectly safe for your dog: delicious-looking confections made with wheat flour or oatmeal and bananas or honey, dripping with carob and studded with candy dog bones. Or you can make your own — just search the net for some tested, dog-safe recipes that avoid excess fat and sugar, and pass on canine no-nos like chocolate, grapes, avocados, coffee and certain nuts.

To find a wedding celebrant melbourne then make sure to contact us today to find out how we can assist with your big day!

On one side of the fence there are inedible favours that vary hugely from photo album favours to wedding favour coasters and seed packet favours to candle wedding favours. The selection is quite vast so it is really a case of choosing which ones best suit your wedding theme. On the positive side, inedible wedding favours can be kept forever and therefore provide a life-long lasting memory of your special day.

In addition, after a delicious wedding banquet, 3 glasses of champagne and a piece of wedding cake many guests are turned off by the thought of having to eat more!

Research has shown that not all edible wedding favours are actually eaten anyway as many guests wish to have them as a keepsake. So perhaps you may want to seriously consider favours that are not edible. There is nothing more special than lighting a wedding candle favour some months after the happy event is over. As the wick is burning, the happy couple and their future happiness together is foremost in your thoughts!

Alternatively, edible wedding favours are really rather tasty – especially for the younger guests. It is hard enough for little ones to sit through the whole event without having a tantrum only to realise that there are no candy wedding favours on their arrival at the reception. The promise of candy wedding favours is a real incentive for mums who are struggling with their little terrors during a lengthy church ceremony! As far as more traditional guests are concerned [your Great-Grandmother and old Auntie Doris], a wedding just wouldn’t be a wedding without edible wedding favours such as sugared almonds or delicious dragees! Of course, the 5 candy wedding favours inside the net, bag, pouch or box date back some centuries and represent: fertility, health, happiness, longevity and wealth.

There are many wedding guests who may feel offended not to receive a traditional edible wedding favour as the consumption of said favour is intended to bring about these 5 qualities wished for the happy couple.

Candy wedding favour or candle wedding favour – the choice is yours. But, it is also important to realise that you cannot please all of your guests all of the time, unless… you decide to offer candy wedding favours to your younger and older wedding guests and offer candle wedding favours for your modern guests.

To find a wedding celebrant melbourne then make sure to contact us today to find out how we can assist with your big day!