Guest Blogger: Wedding Etiquette: What do we do?

So many people think that THEIR wedding will be something toooootally different. One, like no other, one that no one can top but when they get right down to it, they always end up with wedding etiquette questions. How do we do our first kiss? What is the order of the processional and receiving line? These are just a few of the more popular questions that tend to come up in conversation.

The first kiss is meant to be the first time that you and your fiancé show the world and your wedding, that you are officially husband and wife. It is a cherished moment that you all don’t want tainted with a gratuitous open-mouthed, tongue quenched, make-out session. You definitely what to keep it nice, sensual and sophisticated.

The order of the processional depends, a lot of times, on the religious background of the couple. Most religions tend to go in this order: Grandparents of the groom, Grandparents of the bride, Mother of the bride, Officiant, groom, best man and groomsmen (if they are not walking down the aisle with the bridesmaids. Bridesmaids: starting with the one that is farthest from you in the line up, Maid of Honor/ Matron of Honor, Ring bearer and flower girl (they can come down separate or together). Last but not least, the bride and her father (or whom ever else is given this wonderful task).

Receiving lines have always been a much-debated addition to ceremonies, which can prove to be very useful. Whenever people come to your wedding you want to make sure that they feel important. Receiving lines give guests the pleasure of physically congratulating you and your family without feeling like they are intruding while you are trying to enjoy yourself at the reception.

The order of receiving lines is as follows:Mother of the Bride, Father of the Bride (optional) Bride, Groom, Mother of the Groom, Father of the Groom (optional), Bridesmaids and Groomsman (both are optional). There are numerous variations as to the order, including no men, along with no bridesmaids.


Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers

Making Your Event Special, LLC
http://www.makingyoureventspecial.com/

Single Monogram Candy Jars

Grandma used larger versions of these jars to hold candy, cookies and treats. Now available in a miniature version, these monogrammed vintage glass jars give you so many things in one. Serve as a cute container for your treats, they're personalized and guests can use them for so many different things long after your event has passed - storing candy, nuts, chocolate, spices, loose tea, etc. The re-usable glass container comes with a screw on metal lid.

Jars come personalized with your monogram initial.

CONTENTS NOT INCLUDED; you are free to fill them as you wish.

Jars arrive separate from the labels. Some assembly required (attaching the self-stick labels to the jars).

Due to the personalization for this product the minimum order is 24.
Size: 2.75" x 1.75".

LeRon

admin@toyouafavorweddingblog.com

www.toyouafavorweddingblog.com

Wedding Day Skin Beauty Tips

You bought the gown, scheduled the hairstylist, and picked outthe bridal accessories. But are you forgetting about one of the most important parts of looking beautiful on your wedding day: your face?

Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, but she probably doesn't want her skin to shine, too. Problems like oily, dry, or irritated skin plague a good portion of the population. But on your wedding day you don't want skin inconveniences to ruin your festivities.

"One of the best ways to put your best face forward is to know your skin type, what causes you to breakout, and to avoid any products or foods that may contribute to the problem - at least until the last wedding photo has been snapped," says Brooke Tilson, a Toronto makeup artist. If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may want to visit a dermatologist a few months before the wedding to talk about your concerns and to get recommendations for proper skin care.

In addition to professional skin advice, here are some other ways to maximize your beauty potential come your wedding day.

Cleansing and Toning

Healthy skin starts with clean skin. Be sure to remove makeup every night and wash your face with a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin type twice daily. Toners can refresh the skin, dry up any extra oil on the surface and clean out pores. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest and greatest products out there. You don't want to risk irritation to your skin before your wedding day.

Be Gentle

When cleansing, drying, or even applying makeup, treat your skin with a soft hand. Blot gently with cotton balls or swabs, and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Not only can this cause redness or irritation, it may also contribute to long-term wrinkling.

Not So 'Sun'sational

Many brides-to-be believe that suntanning will cure many of their skin ailments. This isn't the case. While sunbathing may temporarily alleviate acne or breakouts, it could actually compound the problem and make outbreaks worse over time. Other ladies think that tanned skin will make them look better against their white bridal gown. However, on your wedding day you should look like the best version of you, not a complete stranger. Fair-skinned individuals may look out of place with a deep tan. Err on the side of moderate whenever contemplating modifying your skin tone, as it will affect makeup choices and other things as well. And avoid tanning booths or sitting out in the sun. If you must be tan, look for artificial spray tans or bronzers that create natural-looking color.

Makeup

Conservative, natural-looking makeup should also be the rule. The photographs you take on your wedding day will be a testament to the era and moments you shared. But you don't want to look dated when you reminisce years later. Choose muted shades on eyes, lips and cheeks that enhance, rather than cover up your beauty. Select makeup that is smudge- and waterproof so it will stand up to tears of joy and kisses from well-wishers. Pressed or loose powder can also be your best friend. It will come in handy when you have to touch up spots on your face or combat shine.

Don't hide behind a veil your entire wedding day. Learn the way to healthy, vibrant skin.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connetion

Unveiling the Story of Bridal Veils

Bridal veils often signify a bride-to-be even more so than the wedding gown.

Who would've thought a thin piece of lace or tulle could truly make a bride look and feel like she is getting married.

Veils have remained an important part of wedding-day attire for centuries. Veils date back to ancient Greeks and Romans, who used them to fend off evil spirits and demons. The thinking was that the evil spirits would not be able to get to the person behind the veil, hence keeping her safe for her husband. In the late eighteenth century in America, veils became quite popular. Aides to George Washington saw his step granddaughter Nellie sitting by a lace-curtained window and remarked on her stunning beauty. Nellie recreated the scene at her wedding by making a veil of white lace.

Today's brides still take part in the tradition of the veil, but add their own spin on the accessory. Veils typically correspond to the color of the gown. White represents the ultimate purity of the bride. A veil can be whatever you want it to be, from simple and understated to extravagant and detailed. It can also be any length, from cascading beyond the wedding train to ending at the bride's elbow.

No matter what you choose in a veil, it's important that it complements your overall look and doesn't compete with your gown. A fancy veil will be too much for a detailed gown, but you can embellish a plain dress with a detailed veil.

When selecting veils, it helps if you have an image of your gown in mind. Some dress shops also specialize in veils, so you may be able to try on your gown and different veils to compare looks. It is also wise to style your hair and makeup similar to how you will wear it on your wedding day. This way you can experience the full effect.

When observing yourself in the veil, try it on in front of a full-length mirror, and view yourself from all angles. A veil may look flattering from the front, but may not complement the back of your gown.

Don't forget to walk around the house or dress shop in your veil, especially if you are choosing one of considerable length. This way you can grow accustomed to maneuvering with the veil on and avoid tripping on your big day.

While veils are very beautiful, they are entirely optional for the bride (unless your house of worship has rules regarding veils). Many other headpieces and accessories are available if you opt out of a veil. These include tiaras, barrettes, hats, and more.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

The Perfect Wedding Gift

I have been searching and reading looking for the perfect wedding gift. I think I have found a few. It fits all sizes, bride and groom, young couple or old. What are they you ask? It’s gift cards, gift certificates and money!

Most will have bridal registries and ask for specific items out of want or need. Since many couples have already been on their own living as singles or couples before they marry, most will have a lot of stuff already. By all means if the items are still available buy them. So giving gift cards, gift certificates or money may be the best way to go.

What if the gifts have all been bought or you just don’t want to buy those items. Gifts cards or gift certificates come into play real well here. Most stores or businesses have them. Try to fit the gift certificate to suit the couple for example, if the couple likes to cook, get them a gift certificate for a cooking class together.

If the couple has a favorite shopping spot that offers gift cards, purchase one in the amount that you were going to spend on their gift. My wife and I purchased a $100 gift card for a friend and her husband at Home Depot; they loved it. They are outdoorsy, home improvement people, so it worked for them.

If all else fails, give the couple money. What newly married couple couldn’t use extra money. Now the gift is wide open. When paired with multiple money gifts, the couple can do what they want when they want.

LeRon
admin@toyouafavorweddingblog.com
www.toyouafavorweddingblog.com

Don't Let Money Matters Mar Your Wedding Plans

(ARA) – You’ve seen it on TV, read it in the news and maybe even heard it from your mother: money is one of the top things married couples fight about. Finances can be a source of strife for engaged couples as well, especially as wedding day bills loom and they face the prospect of merging their money after marriage.

“Study after study has shown that disagreements over how to manage money can cause significant stress in a marriage,” says Maxine Sweet, vice president of education for Experian. “With all the other stresses associated with planning a wedding, engaged couples would be wise to act preemptively to minimize conflict over money.”

So how can you ensure money woes won’t cast a shadow over the biggest day of your life – and your wedded bliss afterward? Consider the following tips:

First, establish a budget for your wedding. While planning your wedding is a time for joy and giddy excitement, budgeting is a necessary down-to-earth reality. “Plan without a budget and you may find yourself without enough money for flowers or music a week before the ceremony,” Sweet cautions. “Or worse, you could overspend and start your married life together with unpaid – and unpayable – wedding bills.” Unpaid bills could damage your credit standing, so consider checking your credit report to help you understand your finances at http://www.freecreditreport.com/.

To create a budget, evaluate all possible sources of funding for your wedding. In the old days, the bride’s family bore the brunt of wedding day expenses. Many couples now foot the entire bill for their weddings. Luckier ones may draw some financial support from either or both sets of parents. A rare few will have the entire wedding paid for through parental support. Find out up front what, if anything, your parents and your fiancé’s parents can afford to contribute, and how much you will need to put into the budget.

Second, research what you can get for your money. Decide what you can and cannot live without. Are you willing to buy a bargain dress (or use your mother’s heirloom gown) in order to spend more on food? Can you make do with a disc jockey, rather than a band, in order to have extra money to put towards the honeymoon? Is having a chocolate fountain really critical to the wonderful memories you’ll have of your reception?

If your dreams simply outstrip your budget, you may consider financing part of the cost of your wedding. “Couples considering this route would do well to be sure there is total transparency over each other’s pre-marriage finances,” Sweet says.

That means total truthfulness over what each partner earns, spends and owes. If one person already has $30,000 in credit card debt, the couple may rethink their plans to finance another $20,000 for their wedding. Or, if both have excellent credit and little debt, financing can help them fund the wedding of their dreams and establish their credit together as a couple. “Just as couples exchange rings, they should think about sharing their credit reports,” Sweet says.

Finally, remember to check your credit reports. It is easy to do. Web sites like www.FreeCreditReport.com allow you to get your credit report and credit score. Couples can learn things about their credit scores and total debt that may affect not only their wedding plans, but their life together after marriage.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hot Coffee Favor's

Mugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs. - Ceramic Coffee Mug Candles (Set of Four)

Are you a couple of coffee enthusiasts? Now you can "pour" yourself the perfect wedding favor with "Mugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs." Ceramic Coffee Mug Candles. Kate Aspen has brewed up the perfect gift for your guests a perk-y pair of ceramic mugs steeped in memories and fun! Two, white mini-mugs are filled with coffee-colored candles and cozy up to each other in a clear, display gift box. The pink-and-brown gift box is sprinkled with tiny, pink hearts, and on the front are a happy couple of mugs along with the words "Mugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs." The mugs measure 1 1/4" h x 1 1/4" in diameter, and the gift box, which measures 1 1/4" h x 3" w x 1 1/4" d, is accented with a sheer, white organza ribbon and bow and a matching "For You" tag.


LeRon
admin@toyouafavorweddingblog.com
www.toyouafavorweddingblog.com

Wedding Savings Tip: Rent the Best and Save

There are a million things to think about when you begin planning a wedding. There are the big things like booking the reception site, the church, the DJ, and, of course, finding the dress. But once those are out of the way, there are little details to think about, such as a theme, the flowers, the centerpieces, linens, invitations, champagne glasses and countless other things.

With all the elements that go into planning a dream wedding, it doesn’t take long to realize that details can add up -- not only when it comes to spending, but also when it comes to storage space. After all, who wants to end up with 250 pink linen napkins once the big day has passed?

Renting materials for your wedding from an American Rental Association (ARA) member rental store is one way to solve this problem. Not only is renting often a more economical solution, it also eliminates the storage issue.

“Renting will not only cut down on storage, but you can lower the cost of your wedding too,” says Becky Baumgartner, owner of Aero Rental and Party Shoppe, in Iowa City, Ia. “People often come in to look for materials to buy for their wedding, and I’ll say to them ‘How important is this to you, because it's more affordable to rent.’ ”

Renting materials for your wedding also gives you access to the latest styles in decor, table settings, linens, chair covers and other things. According to Baumgartner, people often don’t really realize the vast variety of items you can rent for weddings.

In her many years helping couples plan weddings, Baumgartner has learned plenty of lessons. Here are some of her most helpful tips to keep in mind when renting materials for your wedding:

* It’s much more affordable to rent the equipment than to buy it. Chances are you will never use half the things at your wedding again so why would you waste storage space and money?

* You can rent anything you need for your wedding, from a backdrop to hide the wall color at the hall to champagne fountains to holders for the unity candle. Check with your local rental store; they may even sell invitations.

* Rental store employees can help you think of things you might have forgotten. Let them help you in the planning process to make sure that you have everything you need for your big day.

* Unlike halls and churches that need to be booked at least a year in advance, generally you only need to reserve the rental equipment six to seven months in advance.

* Some rental stores allow you to pick up the rental materials on Thursday evening and drop them off on Monday morning for no additional charge. That way, you don’t have to worry about pick-up and drop off on your wedding day.

* A rental store will provide you with more options, in terms of color and design, than a reception hall will.

When it comes to planning your wedding, don’t let the cost wipe out your entire savings account -- rent your wedding materials. To find your local ARA member rental business, visit http://www.rentalhq.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Happy 4th of July!

I just wanted to wish all my readers a happy and safe holiday weekend!

LeRon
admin@toyouafavorweddingblog.com

Guest Blogger: Personalizing Your wedding

Every bride wants THEIR wedding to have their personal stamp marked on their special day.There are so many ways to do this but the most popular and easy is MONOGRAMING. This is the newest trend in weddings and wedding planning.

A monogram is a combining of initials in an ornate fashion. Monograms are a key way to implement your personal touch. There are several areas that you can add your monogram that can really make an elegant effect.

Monogrammed aisle runners are a great way to incorporate your monograms into your special day. These can be as ornate and bedazzled as you want. If you get the urge you make these on your own.

Mongrammed table cloths. I love this idea, especially for the bride and groom table or head table. You can position the monogram on the table cloth as to it can be seen by all of your guests during your wedding reception.

You can also do Monogrammed Dance floors so that when you are doing your first dance people can see your specially made initials. You can also do lights on walls so that your monogramms shine on the wall behind your head table or sweetheart table.

Monogrammed stationary, is also a great idea. You can tie the monogram into the whole planning process, from start to finish, including the invitiations, save the dates, thank you cards, response and place cards. This would really be a great idea for a complete infusion of your monogram.

Pictures can also be used to personalize your wedding. You can incorporate pictures throughout your whole wedding. The same way as mongrams; invititations, save the dates, thank you cards, etc. People love to see pictures of the bride and groom. You can use pictures on each table for table numbers or for place cards, with frames.

When you personalize your weddings, you are allowing your guests to not just come to a wedding but to come to YOUR wedding.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
http://www.makingyoureventspecial.com/