These weddings are benefiting from a heavy dose of style, influenced by the many images and ideas circulating around the blogosphere. This chic style will be the second biggest influence this year. Rather than huge weddings, where cost cutting means a lack of details or fun, the 2009 wedding trends are full of fabulous details meant for smaller, affordable weddings.

Here’s what I predict will be the top 2009 wedding trends:

• Farm Weddings No, I’m not talking about getting married amongst the combines, or having a cow for your bridesmaid. But farms can be an affordable place to get married with a lot of charm. Several of them allow your guests to interact with the animals, while others just provide idyllic pastoral settings. Add some additional down-home touches like gingham tablecloths, pitchers of jam or other country wedding style. Look for a farm that has a barn suitable for a reception. An opportunity to
• Small luxurious weddings Budgets might be tight, but that doesn’t mean that luxury and glamour are going away. Instead, couples are opting for intimate glamorous affairs. By having fewer guests, they can have more opulent details, like elaborate favors, beautiful wines and gourmet tasting menus. With such a backdrop, it then feels right to be in your tuxedos and gowns, surrounded only by your truest friends and loved ones.
• Macarons The delightful French cookies not only have a delicious almond flavor and light texture, but bakers have a tradition of making them in bright eye-catching colors, making them perfect for weddings. The newest trend is creating a tower of macarons instead of a wedding cake, but they’re also stunning as favors or as accompaniment to wedding cake.
• Gray For the past few years, chocolate brown has been the “It Color” popping up in weddings as a hip neutral, and combined with bright pink or cheery yellow. While chocolate brown isn’t going anywhere, the hippest new color for 2009 is gray. You may think of gray as too dreary a color for weddings, but on the contrary, it can serve as a sophisticated foil to brighter colors. It’s great paired with pink or yellow, but perhaps the hottest combination this year will be silver and royal purple.
• Affordable and Rewearable Bridesmaid Dresses Forget the peach tulle atrocities of yesteryear. 2009 brides are considerate, and mindful of the economy, so they’re looking for bridesmaid dresses that are truly rewearable, and don’t come with a sky-high price tag. For a beach wedding, consider telling your bridesmaids that they can wear a knee-length, spaghetti-strap dress in any shade of blue. They’ll not only be able to shop the department store sales, but your wedding reflect the beautiful colors of the ocean. If you still want a unified bridal party look, consider gathering your maids for a group shopping expedition.
• Vintage Fashion and Fascinators Having a vintage-inspired wedding is a great way to add some style without adding a lot of cost. 1920’s weddings will be especially hot this year. Especially look for brides wearing birdcage veils and fascinators. If you’re a Project Runway fan, you’ll definitely recall Kenley’s fascinators – the feathery charms that perch on your head. But many other designers also make a wide range of fascinators.They look both vintage and modern, whimsical and classic, all at the same time.

Wedding Websites Save Brides & Grooms Time and Money

Best of all, with so many new wedding web communities now online you don’t need to be a web developer to create your own wedding website. There are many web sites out there that can help you easily create and update your own wedding website or affordable wedding profile with the simple click of a mouse. Surveys have shown that 70 percent of today’s brides want to incorporate a wedding website into their wedding planning. Of those who wanted a wedding site, 80 percent were interested in using the website primarily for event details, about 70 percent were interested in publishing their gift registry information, and 25 percent showed an interest in an online RSVP system.

Here are some links to the most popular online resources for building your own wedding website: http://www.theknot.com, http://www.findmywedding.com, http://www.ewedding.com, and http://www.weddingwindow.com.

Whatever type of wedding website you choose, from a simple information site to a full narration of your entire wedding event process, a wedding website can save you time, money and valuable energy that you will be grateful to have once you step up to the altar.

Wedding Insurance – A Form of Protection

If you are opting for a destination wedding at a beach, you might be wary of what could be sudden adverse weather changes which might be an impediment to the conduct of your wedding.

Wedding insurance typically covers postponement or rescheduling of the wedding against adverse weather, no show of wedding vendors, no show of key personnel, damage to precious wedding photos and loss of special items such as jewelry or documents.

The premium is a one time fee and varies according to the depth of coverage needed.

Do note the fine prints on the limitations and exclusions of the policy. Make sure that you are well aware of the things that you might not be able to claim.

What are the things that might go wrong and might be covered under the policy?

- Cancellation or postponement of wedding due to bereavement or illness of the immediate family.

- Loss of wedding jewelry.

- No show of wedding vendors.

- Damage to the wedding photographs.

Being well prepared for the event is good and you could find yourself feeling a lot less frustrated when things do go wrong.

Of course there is something that cannot be covered under the wedding insurance policy, which is, the emotional disappointment.

Destination Wedding – The Guest Piece

Perhaps the initial thought would be to ponder if you have known the couple well enough and on close relations for you to pick up the phone and say that you are going? Or to decline the invitation politely?

You most probably would have an array of thoughts going through your mind. If you go, what are the considerations that you have to think about? If you are not going, will the couple be disappointed or angry?

Some guests would feel the pressure to go, if they are on really good terms with the couple. But what are the tabs they have to pick up to say yes?

One of the most expensive of all is the cost of the travel arrangements. The cost would vary on the destination and of course, the number of people going. If you are the relative of the couple, most probably you would bring the whole family along. This might add up to a huge strain on your wallet.

These costs do not include those you may have to bear while at the destination, such as the meals and transport. So the amount might become overwhelming.

Not forgetting, you most probably have to bring a wedding gift over, which might be another cost.

If you choose not to go, how should you tell the couple? They might have attended your wedding before. What would be their reaction? Should you tell them the reason?

This dissonance might be in your head. You have carefully considered and decided to say no and call the couple to decline the invitation.

You might get a mix of responses from the couple. But if they truly understand your concerns, they would be graceful to accept your decision. Of course, you might get angry or disappointing responses from them. Do not take it to heart. Perhaps the only thing you could do is to give a good wedding gift to them and your best wishes.

Alternatively, check with the couple if there is a second wedding reception for those who cannot attend. You could then go for the reception and send your best wishes and congrats to the couple.

It does seem a tricky issue to decide whether you are attending the wedding ceremony. But whatever decision you have made, do convey it to the couple. Do not leave them hanging in the air.

Planning Your Wedding Together

Who makes the decisions? Are they joint decisions or does one of you always have to have his or her way? Is one of you always right? (This implies that the other is always wrong). Does one of you usually have to agree just to get beyond the impasse and get on with it? Is one of you “The Boss” and the other the “Bossed?” Does that work for you?

Are your management styles compatible? Does one of you micro-manage and one of you use a broad brush approach and does that work for you? Sometimes this is highly effective because the broad brusher generates the creative ideas and the micro-manager can work out the details. It takes both. On the other hand a broad brusher can drive the micro-manager crazy and vice versa.

Are you willing to yield to the expertise of the other? Can you divide up the workload evenly and not second guess each other, but trust that it will be done correctly and on time? What do you do when you have a huge disagreement? Do you have a plan to work things out, to negotiate until you find a common ground of agreement? Does one of you hold a grudge if the decision doesn’t always go your way?

How do you handle money? Is one of you “tight-fisted” with money and the other an impulse spender? Can you agree on an amount you can spend independently without consulting the other? What happens if one of you doesn’t abide by the agreed upon amount? How do you resolve the issue?

Do you have similar likes and dislikes? Do you find that you almost always pick the same thing, even though you aren’t together at the time? Do you, for example, generally like the same colors, music, style? If not, do you know and appreciate what the other one likes? Is it o.k. to like different things? If not, does one of you always have to capitulate or do you find ways to work out who gives in now and who gives in later?

If, as you get closer to the wedding date, you find that you are at each others throats and are playing the “blame game” or the “poor me, the martyr” scenario, it’s time to stop and take a good hard look at your relationship. Marriage is made up of multitudinous compromises by each of you. It requires give and take, yes and no, me and you in equal proportions. If the problem is a matter of exhaustion or the “jitters” that’s one thing. But if you simply cannot work together, take some time to think it over, even if it means postponing the wedding. Some pre-nuptial counseling may be of help before you proceed.

Adding Pictures Breaths Life Into Your Family Tree

First the physical photograph is a clue. Was it made with the tin-type or older method, or a paper print? How heavy is the paper it is printed on? In the case of a portrait, are there any identification marks or labels from the photographer’s studio?

Next, if you enlarge the print either digitally or with a magnifying glass, what is in the background? A newspaper headline or better yet a date may be seen. An advertisement in a store window or the population count on a city limit sign can give the approximate age of the photo. Are there automobiles, or horses, on the street? Of course, if the family homestead is the backdrop, a definite assumption can be made.

The style of clothing is one of the best ways to date a picture. The style of women’s hats, the hairstyle, the sleeve style of a dress, the neckline, or the style of the collar, are all clues.

With men, hairstyle can be a hint. The width of the necktie, the cut of a suit, again, as with women, the collar of a shirt, maybe a military uniform.

Unfortunately, all babies in pictures look alike, unless they are of my adorable grandchildren, so you may have to rely on the other people in the picture or the background.

Comparing what you believe about the age of the photograph and the approximate age of the subject, with what you know about the person in your family tree, is not 100% accurate. But, you can be pretty sure you have matched the name to the face.

Other photographs, the homestead, the ship they arrived in America on, school yearbook pictures, wedding portraits all add realism and a touch of class to your family’s story.
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Wedding Gown Alternatives – made Fashionable Yet Affordable
	These deals are available on eBay, J.Crew, right down to the local dry cleaners. Since many brides are on a limited budget, it is places like Cherished a wedding gown consignment – specialty boutique in California that women can depend on for a fashionable and financially affordable gown to say, “I do.” For instance, at Cherish, the boutique showcases both sample and overstock bridal gowns – which means brides can score brand new gowns for a steal. Brides can save so much money from buying a discounted to secondhand wedding gown. Use these tips to save money: Check out eBay, AlertsForConsumers, an
online watchdog for consumers visited eBay to report findings. On June 23, 2006, some wedding gown bids opened at one dollar. Of course, these lovely gowns were in China and came with limited shipping details. However, eBay showed everything from tiaras, gowns to shoes. Hit the cleaners. The local dry cleaner is the best-kept secret for finding a beautiful gown. And because most cleaners want to make back the loss of service, a bartering bride can haggle down the price. Shop for plain quality. From Macy’s to Neiman Marcus, reasonably priced wedding gowns are the new alternative. Even JCrew has jumped on the online wedding bandwagon. AlertsForConsumers voted their Vivian Silk Satin Gown the ultimate bargain at J.Crew for $495. The A-Line number can be customized with a bride’s personal touches. Not to mention, J.Crew features so many size alternatives that it is impossible to miss a quality dress for less. by Holly Bentz – fruitionMedia.net

Posted in Trends ]]> http://1st1nwedding.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/wedding-gown-alternatives-made-fashionable-yet-affordable/feed/ 0 1st1nwedding http://1st1nwedding.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/be-courteous-for-a-happy-marriage-and-to-save-a-troubled-one/ http://1st1nwedding.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/be-courteous-for-a-happy-marriage-and-to-save-a-troubled-one/#comments Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:26:05 +0000 1st1nwedding http://1st1nwedding.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/be-courteous-for-a-happy-marriage-and-to-save-a-troubled-one/ ]]>

Be Courteous for a Happy Marriage – and to Save a Troubled One

To maintain harmony, each of the spouses must manifest respect to the other. Simply be courteous, both in words and in actions.

Most people associate courtesy with etiquette. That is why most people think it is very burdensome. Some people even claim that they want to be laidback in a serious relationship, that there is no need for pretenses or formalities.

However, courtesy is not all about table manners or social formalities. It is simply an active choice of doing the proper things at the proper time, like displaying gratitude when there is something to be thankful for or expressing sweet words of love.

Say the Magic Word

Do not let politeness be forgotten in the relationship. To be courteous to each other is not difficult. One only has to remember the magic words taught back in the kindergarten days. Here are some phrases that would definitely count.

1. “Please.” Requesting for something to be done will sound better if coupled with this simple word.

2. “Thank You.” These two words express gratitude for someone who went out of the way to do something special.

3. “You’re welcome.”

Even in married life, each of the spouses still deserves such sweet and comforting phrases. Their lasting effects are not to be underestimated. These words never go out of style.

Be Courteous in Your Actions

Courtesy can also be extended on many other occasions.

It would be a good thought to return phone calls. Leaving a note behind to simply inform the itinerary or destination for the day will also assure the husband or the wife. Remembering and celebrating anniversaries and birthdays are definitely plus points.

Do not fall out of these habits. Common courtesy is deserved by others. Coupled with the thought of doing such things will definitely make the spouse worthy of respect.

The simplest and most ordinary things done everyday are actually the best things to take note of when trying to improve the marriage. If one aims for more intimacy and openness in the marriage, such simple and intimate ways of communication must be encouraged.

4 Ideas for Unique Wedding Favors

Display Tip: Package these unique wedding favors with an elegant martini glass ornamented with a sheer fabric bow.

Personalized Chocolate Candy Bars It’s rare to find anyone who doesn’t savor the taste of a smooth, milky chocolate bar. For a unique wedding favor that is sure to please everyone and be truly unique, a chocolate candy bar with a personalized wrapper is great solution. Choose either mini candy bars or full sized candy bars then pick an image and font that fits your style. Full size chocolate bars offer lots of room for customization. Add your names, wedding date, event time, city and state for a highly personalized and beautiful memento.

Display Tip: Arrange full size chocolate favors on the guest’s plate or fill glass bowls with mini chocolate bars for guests to help themselves.

Personalized Tea Favors Invigorate your guests with the promise of a cup of aromatic tea, representative of the warmth and comfort of your new marriage. Each tea bag comes sealed in a gorgeous white foil pouch that can be customized with your names, wedding date, and choice of message. With a vast selection of beautiful fonts and images, this inexpensive wedding favor is a smart and delicious choice.

Display Tip: Place one or more personalized tea bags into an elegant teacup and embellish with an ornate ribbon.

Personalized Coffee Favors Coffee packets are a gift that everyone can enjoy. These unique wedding favors are packaged in attractive glossy foil and can be customized with your names, wedding date, and choice of wedding message. Choose an image and font that represents your style and you’ve got a fantastic wedding favor that looks and tastes great. Once your guests enjoy the hot cup of delicious coffee, they can hold onto the beautiful packaging as a memento fit for a scrapbook or photo album.

Display Tip: Insert the personalized coffee favor packet into a personalized coffee mug or packaged in a basket with raffia, hot chocolate, and personalized tea packets.

It is the company of friends and family that make a wedding memorable. Rewarding those who come to share your special day with a thoughtful favor gift is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Choosing wedding favors that excite the senses give your guests a chance to relive the pleasure of your wedding day.

Beach Wedding Favor Ideas

So now that you know when to order your beach or destination wedding favors, the question is what should you select for your guests? Chances are you’ll want you’re guests to remember your fun filled, romantic sea side event. Choosing a favor which reflects your own personal style and taste while preserving the unique tropical flair of your event is of utmost importance.

Some popular beach theme wedding favor ideas are:

* Beach Themed Candles

* Adirondack Chairs

* Flip Flop Candles or Place Card Frames

* Shell Themed Cookie Cutters, Coasters, or Bookmarks

* Palm Tree Candles or Place Card Holders

* Dolphin Bottle Openers or Stoppers

* Tropical Themed Cocktail Mixes

* Luggage Tags

* Mini Beach Pails / Buckets filled with Candy

Some unique beach wedding favor ideas are:

* Flip Flops in beachy – tropical colors for each guest

* Personalized beach towels

* Personalized umbrellas

* A beach tote filled with sunscreen, bug repellant, lip block, and after sun lotion

* Rum cakes or Mini Rum Bottles

* Starfish cookies or chocolates

* Caribbean Hot Sauces – some can be personalized

* A bath bucket filled with a natural sponge, soaps, and sea salts

* Saltwater taffy

* CD of island inspired music

* Jordan almonds wrapped in a half shell

* Beach Balls / Frisbees / Kites in your wedding colors

* Goldfish in tiny bowls

* Floral leis

Wherever your wedding is being held, no matter what your budget or style, there are so many beach wedding favors and ideas to select from. Your only limit is your imagination!