Holiday Wedding Invitations - 5 Inspirational Ideas

From the festivities of the Christmas season, to the romance of Valentine's Day, there are many reasons brides plan weddings around popular holidays. Whatever the reason for your holiday-themed nuptials, you'll want to set just the right scene for your guests. Here are five super-easy ideas to help you create an invite as perfect as the rest of your event.

Pretty as a picture

There's no better way to customize holiday wedding invitations than by using personal photos. For a Christmas wedding, add a photo of you and your loved one smooching under the mistletoe. Is a Halloween wedding in the works? Use a picture of you and your honey nestled in a pumpkin patch.

Online printers make personalizing your photo invites as easy as clicking a mouse. After choosing the perfect invitations, simply upload a pic in a standard file format. Don't get jittery if you're not a computer expert. Most internet invite specialists have customer service teams that will help you with all of your questions.

Illustrate your point

Design your holiday wedding invitations using images. A Christmas-themed ceremony invite may feature Christmas trees, holiday ornaments, snowmen, wreaths or even mistletoe. If your nuptials will take place around Easter time, use designs that include tulips, bunnies, or other springtime themes.

If you or someone you know has an artistic flair, custom design an image for your holiday marriage stationery. No Picassos in your family? Invitation printers offer hundreds of designs for every conceivable holiday theme, from Thanksgiving ceremonies to Cinco de Mayo themed events.

Say it with color

Holidays are full of color--whether it's the oranges and browns of Halloween or the red, white, and blue of Independence Day. One of the easiest ways to create festive holiday wedding invitations is to incorporate color into the invite. Imagine soft pastels for an Easter time ceremony or green shades for St. Patrick's Day nuptials. You can add holiday colors to the paper, the font, or the envelope lining. Jazz up holiday wedding invitations with colorful ribbons and ties, too.

Shop like a champ

If you're a plan-ahead kind of girl you can save money by stocking up on holiday wedding invitations up to a year (or more) in advance. Scour online wedding invite printers after holidays for great deals on themed wedding stationery.

Give guests a heads-up

Holidays tend to packed with activities, from summer barbecues to Christmas parties. Send guests a save the date invitation four to six months before the ceremony. This gives guests the chance to set aside your special day and share it with you. What's more is that since airports, train terminals and hotels tend to fill up over holiday times, it gives guest ample time to set up travel arrangements and accommodations. Save the date invitations can be sent by email or in a conventional paper format.

So whether you're getting hitched on New Year's Eve or exchanging vows at a casual Fourth of July barbecue, get your guests into a festive mood by using holiday wedding invitations.

Free Wedding Invitation Wording

You probably have a very beautiful wedding invitation card design, but now you are trying to figure out how to write the wordings. You are probably saying to yourself, "I have no idea how to write wedding invitation wording." You are not alone because a lot of people do not know how to either. Before starting your own verse, you can go on the internet and type in "free wedding invitation wording" to find samples to give you an idea on what to write.

You can copy and paste the sample if you want, but make sure the names are changed because most likely the samples are using names such as John Doe.

Usually, the first thing your guests should see on the card are the names of the people who are hosting/paying for the wedding. After that, you write a request that you want your guest to attend. Third step is to write the bride's name and the groom's name (ex. Jane Smith to John Doe). The fourth step is the the date and time. Afterwards, you write the location of the place. Finally, let your guests know if there is going to be a dinner party or anything else you would like your guests to be aware of.

Never decide to write in the last minute because although this is a short writing, it might take you a while especially when you are not familiar with it. Put some thoughts into it so you can make it unique.

How to Discover Your Gold Value - Breaking Down the Formula

Gold Value Calculations - The Formula We Need to Break:

G'day again and welcome to my special three part submission on just how appraisers and Valuers arrive at an appraisal or Valuation Replacement price by using formulas and calculations to arrive at a final figure.

It is during this process that we can understand just what we have to do to arrive at a valuation or GOLD VALUE based on four parts of the appraisers puzzle.

The first thing you have to do is find out the price of Gold today. While this is NOT absolutely necessary nor does it need to be done to the very cent - we do need a benchmark figure to start with.

Generally this price can be found around the Internet such as Kitco or any of the finance sites like Yahoo etc. You may even hear it on the evening news or quoted in the paper. Either way, it's simply the starting point to our gold value calculations.

As we are going to use a wedding ring in this example, even though the same system applies to bracelets, chains, bangles and necklaces, earrings and brooches or mens jewelry like cuff-links or tie-bars, we are going to keep it very simple and basic.

In fact I am going to use my own wedding band in this case study because it 'fits the bill' as it were.

It has NO gemstones - remember we said that this system of valuation would only work on items which does NOT have diamonds or gemstones of any type. It also can be considered quite plain and without any handmade workmanship of any kind.

If you needed these things taken into the Gold Value Calculation then you would need an enhanced version of this formula - which is actually available - or you would need to complete an Online Jewelry Appraisal (available at the website) or see your local qualified and FRIENDLY jeweler-appraiser-gemologist.

• The Wedding ring is made from 9 carat (karat) gold and is in yellow gold and weighs 5 grams.

The ring, together with the price of gold is all we need to break this formula down. Please remember though, that gold fluctuates daily and that is why many appraisers and valuers use a kind of moving average price to 'Smooth Out' the hills and troughs in the price to avoid the spikes seen in gold.

After all - you wouldn't expect to see the price of gold jewelry change in the local Shopping Mall and High Street Jewelers on a day by day basis would you? Just because Gold went up (or down) last night doesn't mean the prices of wedding bands will be different tomorrow in the jewelers window.

So lets take a simple value based on today's price - which at the time of writing is approximately $883 US Dollars per ounce and is sometimes referred to as the 'Spot Gold Price'.

So lets use that figure in our example as we break the Gold Formula down...

The actual formula is this:  G/32/24xQxW  

That is: G divided by 32 divided by 24 multiplied by Q and multiplied by W   Phew!

Now remember the Golden Rule (hey another pun!) DON'T PANIC...

Let's take each part and Break it into something we can understand. This is supposed to be 'Simple' right?

• The G part at the beginning of the formula is just the price of gold today (833)


• The Q part near the end is the Quality of the gold you are evaluating (9)


• The W on the end is the weight of your jewelry (5)

Told you it was easy...

The 32 and the 24 I'll explain shortly. Stay with me here - you'll soon get the hang of this.

So - lets substitute the numbers into the formula for the Wedding Band example. If you are using your own jewelry item, then change the numbers for your item, although it might help to go through my explanation first.

The formula ( G/32/24xQxW ) becomes: G=883 the spot price of gold, with Q=9 the quality of the ring (9 carat) and W=5 which is the weight of the band.

This all comes out to... 883/32/24x9x5   Let's break it a little more.

The 32 is equal to the number of grams in one ounce and the 24 is equal to the number of carats in pure gold.

So that's it - that's how it works. Or to put it in one sentence...

$833 dollars for 1 ounce of pure gold is divided by 32 grams to find out what the value is of one gram of PURE gold and therefore is divided again by 24 to discover what 1gram of 1 carat (karat) of gold at today's price is worth.

Then all we have to do is MULTIPLY that figure by the quality in our jewelry (which was 9 carat) because that gives us 1 gram of 9 carat gold at today's price - and then multiply THAT by the weight - which was 5 grams.

ie: $51.738275 in basic gold value - Told you it was easy.

But we have NOT yet arrived at the retail or replacement price yet, because this is based on the 'Spot Price' of gold and NOT the price in the shop window.

For that we will have to look at the final part in this three part series to see how the jewelry trade all make money before you buy it.

There is also a far easier way if you use the Gold Value Calculator Tool available on the Website. But we'll keep that for the next lesson in this series on How To Discover Your Gold Value

Fix Reddish Slide Scans: If Your Slide Scans Are Turning Out Red, Then Try This

If you learn and use the tips I'm about to show you, you'll know how to fix scans that are turning out red.

And you don't understand why your scanner is turning your slides red, then you'll be wasting your time getting low quality scans.

Why Your Slide Scans Turn Red

This problem has nothing to do with your scanner or your software. This reddish tinge on your scans is a result from what's called Color Balance.

Now, I'm not going to go into technical stuff here. But I want to tell you about Color Balance because it's VERY important in fixing your red scans later.

Every digital image is made up of a mix of three colors: Red, Blue, Green (or RBG values).

In most cases red is the dominate color. So an example, say your slide has an image of somebody wearing red shorts, or there's a lot of red flowers. What happens is, since red is a dominate color, it will also mix in with the other two colors, blue and green. Now you have a red tinge because those red pixels are mixed in with the other colors.

How To Make Sure Your Scan Doesn't Have A Red Tinge

Now you know a little about Color Balance and RBG values. And you're going to use this to your advantage. Here's how...

When you load your slides onto your scanner, make sure to get a Preview Scan. A Preview Window will popup and you'll be able to see your slide images as thumbnails. If the thumbnail view is a bit too small, there should be an option to zoom in and make it bigger. That way you can check if your slide is a bit too red.

Next, look for Color Adjustments, Color Enhance, Color Balance, etc. Different scanners give this different names. But what you're looking is something that will have three slider bars. One slider bar will have Red and Cyan. The second slider will have Green and Magenta. The third slider will have Blue and Yellow.

3 Action Step To Fix Reddish Slide Scans Right Now

Did you find the RBG sliders I was talking about? Great. Now here's how to use the slider bars to fix reddish scans.

1. Move the Red slider TOWARD Cyan


2. Move the Green slider AWAY from Magenta


3. Don't move the sliders too far, only just a bit

And that's it! What you did was you balanced the RBG values so that red isn't the dominant colour. Again, don't move the sliders too far.

Practical and Simple Game Prizes for Baby Shower

Are you expecting a new baby and planning to hold a baby shower? Are you having trouble searching for suitable prizes for the event? Worry no more because there are numerous items suitable as prizes for the occasion. Read on to gain insight and ideas.

Like your new baby, having baby shower party is an event that each member of the family looks forward to. It is when friends, relatives and family gather together to wish happiness for expectant parents.

History:

In the early part of 20th century, relatives, friends and other guests were not invited until the baby reached one month of age to avoid ailments and diseases because they believed that babies are susceptible to illnesses.

In the later part of the 18th century, Victorian women organized tea parties for mothers, but not until she gave birth, because they hide from the public.

During 1900, afternoon tea parties were altered into bridal showers, given to brides before their wedding day and became customary and popular during the baby boom period. Through time, people changed the way how baby showers were celebrated. Despite the changes on how the event was celebrated, one thing remained the same, giving gifts.

At present, baby showers are celebrated with games and prizes. No matter how varied different cultures celebrated baby showers, cakes, confectionery and candies are always present. Moreover, it is not considered a party without food and games. And along with games, there are always prizes associated with it.

The practice of giving baby shower gifts is nothing, but the manner of celebrating the event and types of gifts evolved along with time. Different culture and different strata of society celebrated the event in different ways and with different budget.

Irrespective of its history, the primary purpose of the event is to express happiness and to welcome the arrival of the baby, a new member of the family and society.

To keep the party lively and fun, hosts should make extra effort to organize exciting games where everyone is enticed to play and to participate.

Different baby shower games:

• Busy Mom


• Dress the Baby


• Basket of Socks


• Guess the Play-Dough Sculpture


• Sesame Street Crossword Puzzle


• Baby Item Game


• Add-on Alphabet Memory Game


• If I Were You


• Pick up the prize

Games are nothing without giving prizes, thus, organizers of baby showers, should find items suitable for prizes for the said event. No matter what type of baby shower games you have, winners should be given prizes. Regardless of what items you choose, it is done in the name of fun. Before you buy prizes, you have to consider your budget and the theme of the party.

Suggested prizes for baby shower games:

• Scented candles


• Stationary


• Gift certificates


• Designer candy bottle


• Gift basket


• Bath gels


• Baby shampoos


• Bath salts


• Manicure kit


• Scented oils


• Potpourri


• Hand lotions


• Baby wipes and diaper


• Picture frames


• note cards

Whatever prizes you select, be sure that it is within your budget and it rightfully fit the event and its theme.

Furniture Shopping Tips for Newlyweds

One of the exciting stages for newlywed is building their house and creating a beautiful home with good quality furniture out of the empty space. It's exciting to see how two different tastes in design and style will merge in the furniture that they will choose to put in their home. That includes choosing the bed, dining table set, sofa and chairs, coffee table, night stands, etc. After the wedding, the young couple will probably be busy and concerned with finding the right furniture pieces for their home. And depending on the budget, style and design preference, the newlyweds can check the many furniture shops in the market offering a variety of bedroom, living room, dining room and kitchen furniture, for starters.

While some newlyweds may be fortunate enough not to be restricted with budget for their furniture requirements, many young couples do not share the same luck. Their limited financial capability may also restrict their choices of furniture. If they seek furniture shopping tips from their families and friends, they will probably be advised to start with used or second-hand furniture. Used furniture definitely costs half of what can be spent in brand new furniture. Second-hand stores and estate sales are two places where quality yet affordable furniture may be bought. But newlyweds should have enough patience to look through many second-hand stores and estate or moving sales.

Home furnishing is a continuous process. Furniture pieces are replaced every now and then to suit both the functional and design needs of the young couple's home. If they started with used furniture, they may eventually upgrade to brand new pieces later on. The couple can also check some useful furniture shopping tips from online sites on how they can trade in their old furniture for new ones as a practical way to dispose of the old but still usable furniture. That way, they don't have to spend as much as they would if they don't trade in the old piece.

When newlyweds or young couples are financially ready to purchase their new elegant and modern furniture, some basic furniture shopping tips are in order to guide them in their buying expedition to make sure that they are buying the right furniture for their home from the right furniture shop at the right price. Canvassing and comparing the prices of furniture from 2 or 3 furniture stores will help in choosing the store with the best offer. Though price should not only be the consideration to take. Young couples should need to make due diligence to find out about the reputation of the furniture store they will be dealing with. Unless they want to end up with furniture claimed to be of quality but in reality are just pieces of cheap furniture, checking the integrity of the furniture is really important.

Shopping for furniture from store to store may be quite demanding for the newlyweds. They should try a good shopping alternative - through the internet. There are better choices of furniture available online and they are offered at significantly reduced prices. It's the convenient way of looking for the right piece from a vast selection of furniture. When the furniture piece is selected, the newlyweds can easily make the purchase transaction after ensuring that there are security measures in place on the website to protect the financial details provided and that the purchase terms and conditions are read and understood properly.

Five Gift Ideas to Bring to The Wedding Couple

There are a few things that every wedding couple wants. Here I list my five favorites.

1. Funds - Brides and grooms now expect people to give them money as wedding gifts than material gifts as this will let them buy the things they need more. The young generation today are more comfortable with choosing things on their own so with the money you will give them, it will be easier for them to adjust as a couple planning together. Cash is a bit impersonal for you, but the newly weds will see this as a blessing coming from you on their special day. For couples who would like to receive cash gifts instead on their wedding the line "a gift in an envelope" can be written on the invitation. You may hide the cash envelope inside a bouquet of flowers as you present it to the bride and groom.

2. Something that they always wanted - Once you find out what's on the registry list, you will be amazed at how expensive the items are. If they are too expensive for you, you may want to find an alternative of the same item from other stores.

3. Make a reservation for two at a grand hotel of their choice - If the couple has already planned to leave the country after their wedding, you can just give them an open dated voucher so they can use the reservation anytime of the year. Ask the help of other friends if they wish to share in the reservation especially if the room is a bit expensive.

4. A thoughtful gifts that they know you are thinking of them - Try to get the bride and the groom a gift which will definitely be with them throughout their relationship." Look for some cheap but quality looking items from antique shops in your place.

5. Turn the honeymoon into something even more special - Ask some of your closest friends to help you plan a romantic honeymoon for the couple by upgrading their hotel reservation to a suite where ever their booking may be. If you know the couple is leaving the state or the country after their wedding day, why not prepare an extra set of lingerie items for the two which they can use on their trip.

How to Make Vow Renewal Ceremonies Events to Remember

For many couples, vow renewal ceremonies are very personal, a way for the couple to express to each other that they are still so in love that they would marry each other all over again or that their love has deepened because of an event that they recently came through and in the process have realized a deeper appreciation for one another.

And what better way to express that love and appreciation than repeat and reaffirm your marriage vows.

Ideas for Vow Renewal Ceremonies that are Intimate and Romantic

Maybe you've never had a real honeymoon or the honeymoon of your dreams and your children have given you the anniversary gift of a lifetime, like a special cruise or a trip to Vegas, or any number of romantic get-aways for two. You can use your special getaway as a second honeymoon to renew your vows and maybe even exchange new rings as anniversary gifts to each other.

Some other romantic ideas for vow renewal ceremonies could include renting a secluded cabin or a room in at a quaint bed and breakfast and asking a local minister, mayor or district justice to officiate your intimate event.

Or you may want to have a small gathering at your home with your children and other family and renew your vows with your children standing with you to bless your continued union.

But what if this just described your wedding day?

What if you had to put off having your fairytale wedding due to any number of reasons - military deployment where you had a quick uneventful gig with the chaplain in a very unromantic office setting; or financial or even health reasons that kept you from having the wedding ceremony you always dreamed about.

Then you can create your vow renewal ceremony to be the wedding you never had!

Recreate Your Dream Wedding for your Vow Renewal Ceremony

There are some differences of opinion about what a "wedding" is. Some people believe that when you said 'I Do,' no matter how or where you did it or who was or wasn't there to share it, that was your wedding day and there are no do-overs, second chances to get it right.

But in reality, the dictionary definition of "wedding" is: (1) a marriage ceremony usually with its accompanying festivities; (2) an act, process, or instance of joining in close association; (3) a wedding anniversary or its celebration.

So in fact, while there are some etiquette considerations, vow renewal ceremonies or renewing your vows in an anniversary ceremony celebration, by definition certainly are weddings, and you certainly can celebrate it as a wedding if that's what you want to do.

Bridal Showers

As a rule and in keeping with proper etiquette, bridal showers and bachelor parties are reserved for the first-time newlyweds much the same as gift registries. Bridal showers or "hen parties," are parties to celebrate the last night of the bride-to-be as a single woman and congratulate her on her upcoming wedding. The gifts at a bridal shower can range from intimate apparel that she'll be wearing for her new husband to funny gifts like household cleaning items, to remind her that she's going to be moving out of her parents' house and will now have her own place to clean.

So no, you should not expect and shouldn't even ask for a bridal shower before your vow renewal wedding ceremony. It's actually rather tacky to even think of it.

The exception to the rule, again, quick, uneventful civil ceremonies prior to a military deployment, where you weren't able to be given a bridal shower and you're planning your real "wedding" for when your spouse comes home.

Invitations for Vow Renewals

Invitations for vow renewal ceremonies will depend on the formality of the celebration. For smaller, more intimate events, you can simply send an email to your friends and relatives or even book the event on Facebook.

For more formal vow renewal ceremonies, simply follow the same rules for any other wedding invitations, but in this case, you or possibly your children are hosting the event, not your parents. And instead of using words like "marriage" or "join together," you can substitute phrases like "renew our vows" or "reaffirm our commitment."

Some sample wordings are...

The honor of your presence
is requested at
the reaffirmation of the wedding vows of...

Please join us
as we renew our wedding vows
and celebrate (5, 10, 25...) years together...

The children of
(your names)
Request the honor of your presence...

Wedding Party Attendants-Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, etc.

One school of thought is that if you had a big wedding when you got married then you should not include your attendants again or have attendants at all. You and your spouse should walk down the aisle together or the "bride" should enter unescorted. Or if you have children, they can escort you down the aisle.

There are some exceptions to this, however, as there are usually exceptions to any "rule." What if you want to recreate your original wedding because you had so much fun and you're still the fun-loving, happy couple that you were when you got married? Well, if your original attendants agree to it, do it again. You may not want to refer to them as the Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man. You may simply refer to anyone in the wedding party as "attendants."

And instead of the elaborate bridesmaids gowns that they wore the first time, you may want them to wear something a little more informal - and affordable. And instead of tuxedos, your men can wear nice matching suits.

And if you never had the big formal affair for your wedding, for instance if you said your vows in a quick civil ceremony before a military deployment, then make your vow renewal ceremony the big affair that you weren't able to have the first time, complete with all the bells and whistles.

What about gift registries?

Vow renewal ceremonies are, for the most part, anniversary celebrations and since you are already married, you really should not be registering with gift registries. Wedding gift registries are really so your guests know what to give the newlyweds who are starting out on their own. Once you're already married and on your own, you should not be asking for any more gifts from your family and friends.

But what if you had a quick and very uneventful civil ceremony prior to a military deployment? It was just you, your fiance and the chaplain and maybe a clerk or a superior officer as a witness. No festivities. You said 'I Do' and your new spouse went running for the bus or plane and was shipped out of the country.

Maybe you're still living with your parents while your spouse is deployed or you're living on the base alone and you're not actually going to be starting your lives together as husband and wife until he returns.

This is a great example of an exception to every rule of vow renewal ceremonies. In this scenario, you really did not have anything resembling a Wedding. Even your parents weren't there to congratulate you. You really didn't even elope!

In this case, yes, you can register with a gift registry and plan your wedding day for when your spouse returns. Legally you're already married and your anniversary date won't change. But in every other respect, this will be Your Wedding Day.

What kind of wedding dress is appropriate?

That is really a personal choice. If you can still fit into your original wedding gown, feel free to wear it again. If you had a large traditional ceremony when you got married, you can wear a more casual dress for this ceremony. The choice is yours depending on how small and intimate or large and formal the reaffirmation ceremony is that you're planning.

What vows do we say?

For your vows, you can choose to repeat the exact vows you spoke on your wedding day, or write new ones that reflect the time you've been together and how you still feel.

Where should we have our ceremony?

And just like with planning any other wedding, you can choose to have your vow renewal ceremony anywhere you want-outside, at a fire banquet hall, anywhere that will accommodate the amount of people you will be inviting.

Who officiates a reaffirmation ceremony?

Your officiant can be anyone you want. If your first wedding was a civil ceremony and now you'd like something more religious, you can contact a minister to officiate. If you're friends with a local district justice or mayor, you may choose to have him, although it's not necessary because you're already legally married.

You can choose a close friend, relative or even one of your children to be your officiant. It's whatever or whomever you want!

How to Cancel Your Wedding - And Say the Wedding is Off

Yes, it is the terrible scenario that every bride dreads to think about. Even in their worse nightmares. The wedding is cancelled and all of your dreams, hard work, and planning have disappeared in a puff of confetti.  

Although most brides do not think it will happen to them, there are some good reasons why you should have a contingency plan in case the worse does happen. It may be that you or your fiancé decide against the marriage at the eleventh hour or it could be that one of your parents is ill.

Whatever the reason, you will be under a lot of emotional strain at that time, so it useful to have at least a passing glance at the proper procedure, just in case unforeseen circumstances should arise.      

Tell Your Family and Friends

Obviously the first thing to do is to tell your family and friends that the wedding is off. You will need their help and support, both emotionally, and with the practical side of things. If your parents are paying for the wedding, then they need to know as soon as possible, so they can contact the wedding suppliers and sort out the cancellation procedures.

Tell The Clergyman or Registrar

It goes without saying, that you must let your clergyman, registrar, or celebrant, know the wedding is cancelled as soon as possible. 

Tell Your Invited Guests

You should now tell your invited guests. Because you will be upset, it will probably be better to have someone else do this. A good way to handle it is to gather a little team of family and close friends together and get them to contact each of the guests by telephone first.

It is not necessary for them to explain the exact details of why the wedding is cancelled. Just that "Due to mutual agreement" or "Unforeseen circumstances", the wedding is off. Having done that, you should send a letter to each guest, which formally confirms that the wedding is officially cancelled.

Tell Your Wedding Suppliers

The next step must be to contact your wedding suppliers and inform them of the situation. The venue, the florist, the dress-maker, the cake-maker, the caterer, the band etc. You will need to go through your whole list of vendors. Before doing that, it may be a good idea to check your contracts and see what their cancellation terms are. Although some suppliers may transfer your deposit if the wedding is going be re-scheduled, they probably will not do it if it is cancelled completely.

Return Your Wedding Presents

Custom dictates that now you must return all the wedding presents that people have sent you. If they live locally, then you could have them delivered by your friends and family. If they live further away, then you will need to post them with letters of thanks and apologies.  

Return or Keep Your Engagement Ring

If you call off the wedding, then it is accepted practice for you to return the ring to your former fiancé. If, however, he calls off the wedding, then, unless the ring is a family heirloom, it is accepted practice that the bride may retain the ring. However, whether you would actually want to do that is a different matter. It will rather depend on your pride and whether he is going to contribute some money towards the wedding cancellation costs.

Finally

If you do not have wedding insurance, then do consider getting it now. Although most policies will not cover the bride or groom cancelling the wedding, they do offer cover for almost every other external factor that could cause you to cancel your wedding.

Wedding Insurance Statistics - Why Most Couples Miss 30% of the Picture

Wedding insurance aside, let's just think about the sums for a moment, in the cold harsh light of day and with all of the romance stripped away. All right, I know that you're probably oozing with romantic thoughts as you plan excitedly for your wedding and the blissful years of happiness that stretch out ahead of you all the way to the sunset, but sometimes it makes sense to be practical for a few moments.

According to the latest statistics the average wedding in the UK costs 瞿17,000. That word 'average' can often be misleading, because whilst it means that there may be many weddings which cost less than this, there are an equal number of weddings that cost considerably more.

It would be fair to say that the typical wedding in the UK costs in the region of 瞿17,000. So, now for the practical bit. You're effectively spending about the same as the average annual salary in the UK on a single day during which a few friends and family will come along to see you and your partner sign a little bit of paper.

Granted, there's a good deal more to it than this, such as your lifelong commitment together, but essentially this is what it boils down to. When else would you splash out 瞿500 on flowers, or spend 瞿1000 on a photographer? When else in your life does paying 瞿1,000 for someone to drive you half a mile seem like a good idea, and just how frequently do you intend on buying everyone you know a full five course meal with drinks?

Add everything up and it's an astonishing amount of money, and when you realise that there are at least a dozen different service providers involved in what amounts to something close to being a military operation, it's also a very great sum of money to risk. So many things can go wrong, and statistically something fairly significant will go wrong for one in every two weddings in the UK.

That's why taking out wedding insurance seems like such a sensible idea. Wedding insurance can protect you against so many things which can, and do go wrong, from the photographer accidentally deleting all your wedding pictures to the caterer failing to turn up, and from the venue double booking to the chauffeur unable to make it because a tree fell on the limousine in the night.

But whilst having a wedding insurance policy sounds like a very good idea, there's a warning here too, because the latest figures show some worrying news. According to data collected over the past twelve months the average wedding insurance policy costs around 瞿40, providing approximately 瞿12,000 worth of cover. That sounds good, but remember the average wedding costs 瞿17,000.

That means that, on average, couples in the UK are under insuring their weddings by 30%, or 瞿5,000. It often only takes one single problem to occur for the entire wedding to have to be postponed or cancelled, and this will inevitably result in the bulk of the 瞿17,000 being placed at stake.

If you're planning on taking out wedding insurance then make sure you add up your sums completely and correctly, leaving nothing to chance. An extra few pounds on your wedding insurance policy could well mean the difference between being able to afford to reschedule your wedding, and having to wait for several years before you can save up the shortfall.

Classy Ways to Ask For Cash on Your Big Day

We all know that cash and gift cards are by far the most anticipated gift for any new couple. This is usually because money is a huge concern for young couples who are just starting out and being given money as a gift helps to relieve worries and stress they may be experiencing. Money is also a practical gift for couples who have been together for a long time and who are already living together. Let's face it, if you've already "set-up house", then you don't really need another coffee pot or duvet. So all of these facts may have you thinking, "Well, then we'll just ask for money", but it is actually very improper etiquette to ask for cash or gift cards in your wedding or shower invitations, even if that is what you need the most. But, don't let this discourage you! There are actually some very creative ways to get the cash you want without being rude, and being guilty of poor etiquette.

1.) Spread the word. The best way to ensure cash and gift cards on your wedding day is to share your wishes with your family and friends. By letting them in on your dirty little secret, you can almost guarantee that they will share the information with another guest.

2.) Don't register. If your actually serious about not needing anything for your home, then the best way to encourage people to give you money as a gift is to not create a wedding registry or to create one that is very minimal.

3.) Sell raffle tickets. This really only works well for a shower, but if your reception is casual you could work it in on your wedding day. The trick is to purchase something nice, like a new grill, a weekend stay at a nearby bed and breakfast, or whatever. It can be something that represents you as a couple, and something they will truly cherish. Then you should set a price and sell raffle tickets to your guest and then have a drawing at your shower or reception. This is a great way to make some extra cash, and its something fun your guests can really get in on.

4.) Have a money tree. A lot of couples have a "money tree" at their shower or reception or both. Basically, you can purchase a potted tree, usually a small one with few leaves, and then you attach colorful ribbons to the tree. At your shower or reception, guests can give you a gift of money by attaching it to the tree with the ribbons.

5.) The Dollar Dance. This is a very popular way to grab some extra cash, and usually ever guest has fun doing it. At your reception, the bride and groom take the dance floor. The DJ then announces that the bride and groom would like to invite all their guests to join them for the dollar dance. As the music plays, male guests make a line to dance with the bride and female guests make a line to dance with the groom. Each participant must pay at least a dollar for their dance, and then dances with the bride/groom for a few moments and then turn them over to the next person in line. This continues until everyone has had a chance.

These are all creative ways to score some extra cash at your wedding without offending anyone, and there has to be other great ideas out there, if you would just take time to think about it, get creative, and do your research. Remember only you, as couple, know what your greatest need is and so you shouldn't be embarrassed to get creative without outright asking for it.

Wedding Makeup - Secret Stay-Put Tricks For a Look That Lasts

Whether you are a bride or a pro makeup artist, your greatest challenge will be turning the moment at the mirror into a lasting affair. Let's uncover what makes eye-shadow, lipstick and foundation stand up to the beating from summer heat, kisses, hugs, tears and the dance floor frenzy.

Face First: When home decorating, you never paint over wallpaper, because when it peels off, so will your new color-the same is true for skin. Before makeup, the skin should be freshly washed, moisturized and free from dry flakes that could shed later along with your makeup. A smooth surface also invites products to blend on evenly. Pop open your kitchen cupboard and snag your oatmeal to mix it with a little water in your hand. Then gently massage the paste over the face and lips to leave your skin silky and free from traces of pesky dry skin. Most people who complain of cakey foundation, missed out on this crucial prep-step. Product pals: for normal to oily skin, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream. For dry skin, Cetaphil Ultra Hydrating Lotion (let moisturizers soak in for 20 minutes before you begin applying makeup)

Prime Time: All you satin-lovers listen up! Despite their popularity, the silicone-based primers aren't the best friend of lasting wedding makeup. The texture of these products is unquestionably silky but they often create a barrier between the skin and the foundation, keeping makeup from clinging to the skin. Some airbrush foundations, which are a top choice among brides, won't apply at all with the silicone primers backing them up.

Product pals: for dry to normal skin, try silicone-free Korres Face Primer. For oily skin, use Smashbox Anti-Shine or a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia (yes you heard me right-both products pack a power punch for oil control with the ingredient magnesium silicate) Apply after moisturizer and before foundation.

Eyes for You: How do we get that budge-proof eye-shadow? After your cleansing routine, apply moisturizer only to the area below the lower lash line to prepare for your concealer, not on your upper lid where the shadow goes. Also avoid the age-old habit of using foundation or concealer on the upper lids as a base for shadow; they are also too emollient. What to use then? The market is flooded with hundreds of eye-shadow primers but most are too creamy or slippery with silicone. But you can usually count on camouflage products or primers that are truly formulated as waterproof. Product pals: Makeup Forever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage cream or an all-time favorite, Laura Mercier Eye Basics.

Ace your Base: Oil means slide. So even if you have dry skin, go for oil-free foundations. Just moisturize as needed before the foundation. You can even powder the skin before you apply foundation, and after primer, to be sure take charge of your oils. Product pals: Kett Hydro Airbrush Foundation (for medium to full coverage), MAC Face and Body Foundation (for sheer coverage). Steer clear of foundations with SPF; their active ingredient provokes a flash attack in photography, turning the face white and ashy compared to the rest of the body.

Conceal Deal: But what if I cry? This is a bride's first response when the under-eye concealer comes out. Some hold up to the tears, while others wash away. The liquid wand ones are less of a fighter against watershed so grab the cream/camouflage formulas or the liquid ones in tubes that are known to be waterproof. Product pals: Makeup Forever Full Cover Exreme Camouflage (not marketing for under eyes but it's a favourite), Kett Fixx Crème.

Place Setting: For most pro makeup artists, the step of using a blot powder to set or seal any wet products is second nature. But the average woman can be new to this notion. Just know that any place you've applied creamy or liquid makeup products should be finished with a sheer blot powder to keep the product from moving and let the colors glide on more smoothly. Whisk blot powder over the eyelid base and foundation. Product pal: MAC Blot Powder (compact)

Colour Power: High pigment are words that define the finest of products that truly offer colour intensity strong enough to show up and last on the face. A bride doesn't want a clown effect but when you want a subtle wash of color, it needs to stay. Only the best pigmented products will past the test. Powder eye-shadows and blushes will last longer than cream formulas. When you choose colors, pay attention to how many times you have to run the testers over the backside of your hand before shades stand out. More than once means weak pigments that will wear off quickly. If you use a cream eye-shadow or blush, set it with a layer of powder in the same color for extra color strength. Product pals: eyeshadows by MAC, Makeup Forever and blushes by Annabelle, MAC and Nars.

Pencil Pushing: Why does eyeliner smudge? Most women are surprised to discover that stroking on eyeliner pencil doesn't offer insurance that the line will be there a few hours later. Pencils are waxy, creamy products; left on their own, they'll smudge off. To lock in their pigment, trace over them with eye-shadow in the same color. Also use only waterproof pencils. Non-pencil fans who like a sharper line, should skip the watery liquid liners and go for the easy-to-blend gel liners. Set those too with shadow. Product pals: Annabelle Smoothliners, Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes pencils, Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel liners.

Lash Blast: Give the eyelashes a long term flip up with a double dose of curling. Curl before mascara, then at the end of your makeup session when the first coat is dry, re-curl, then apply another mascara coat. For courses lashes that refuse to bend, heat your curler with a blow dryer-test it first to be sure it's cooled a little. To keep the metal curler from sticking to the lashes, dust it with some powder. You can even leave your lower lashes free of mascara if you expect Niagara style tears. Product pals: Shu Uemura eyelash curler (the Cadillac of curlers), Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara (one of a few waterproof formulas that isn't too watery)

Lip Lock: Many brides swear that they only wear lip gloss. This can be a fine plan if you have it ready every 10 minutes to top up your look, but it's not a practical choice on a wedding day. Lipsticks are a favorite because they have strong pigment and, unlike the long-wear stains, they won't dry out your lips. Start your lip coverage with foundation to block out the natural lip color, leaving way for the lipstick's true color. Set that with blot powder. Color in the lips with a pencil base, followed by a lipstick in the same shade. Blot lips with a tissue to lift the extra oils, leaving only pigment behind. Follow with a second lipstick coat, a lighter blotting, then finish with a dab of gloss only in the center of the lip for highlight. Note: Before your gloss you could apply a lip sealant that is alcohol based but they can take the nice sheen out of your lipstick, leaving a matte finish. Product pals: lip pencils by MAC, Maybelline, Rimmel, Annabelle. Lipsticks by MAC. Lip Sealant by NYC.

Brow Freeze: Brows sometimes barely get a glance during many makeovers, but they beg as much attention as any other feature. Fill them in with powder, not pencil, so their look is natural. Keep the shadow from running by combing them with clear waterproof mascara. Product pal: any brand of waterproof clear mascara. (Caboodles was a favorite if you can still get it.)

Some brides believe the products you use are what draws gasps in front of the mirror at 2:00 am when they discover how remarkably in-place their face remains. Others will insist it's the technique you use to apply it. And still another group will sing the praises of order and how the art has to follow some path of logic in a step-by-step routine to reach the ranks of high endurance. The answer is all of the above. Whether you are a pro or a bride styling your own look, you'll not want to miss any of these stages that wedding makeup artists have come to rely on for lasting bridal beauty.

Colette is not sponsored or paid by any cosmetics company. Any product endorsements are based on her expert opinion of their performance in pro applications.

The Claimed Effect of Not Eating Carbohydrates

With the rise of popular diets such as the Akins diet, carbohydrates have taken a bad rap. They are the evil food group that anyone trying to lose weight will avoid. While certain carbs are bad for you (such as simple carbohydrates) not all are bad for you.

The effect of not getting enough carbohydrates is similar to the effects of not eating for a while-essentially what you do when you fast. At the beginning of these diets you will lose a lot of weight and that is why they have gained popularity in the media recently. You lose weight by forcing your body into ketosis.

Many of the claims by these types of diets will tell you that you will lose weight quickly and that you won't be as hungry. This is true but in reality they are only half truths. They do not tell you the whole story.

When you go on any low calorie diet you will automatically lose some of your appetite. The not eating combined with the ketosis will mean that you will be losing lean tissue(from your muscles) and water from your body. What does this mean to you? It means that when you start to eat normally again you will gain back the weight. As soon as you drink back the water your body will absorb it.

People that have lost significant weight (30 lbs or more) and have kept it off have done so by eating more carbs not less carbs, according to the national registry. In addition they also ate less fat. Avoiding simple carbohydrates such as donuts, muffins and candy bars are very important for making sure that you are eating the right carbs.

The long and the short of it is that the weight loss is not coming from skipping out on carbohydrates as the media would have you believe. It is because you are eating less. Any time that you go on a diet where you eat less calories than you take in, you will lose weight. These diets will have you take your favorite meals and get rid of most of the carbs in it. So a spaghetti dinner with ground beef and vegetables becomes just ground beef and vegetables. Again, the weight loss comes from the fact you are eating less. The weight loss formula really is simple.

Burn more calories than you take in and you will lose weight.

Carbohydrates are not your enemy. They are your friend, but like any friend you have to make sure that you are hanging around the right ones.

Marital Status and Health Care - Why Married Couples Should Demand a Public Option

You're about to tie the knot. Congratulations to you and your intended, and may you have many happy years together.

There are a number of considerations prior to the big day, and one of the more important ones is what to do about health care. Especially now that the American system of providing health care is on life support, it's critical that we all get it right. Those about to marry have a unique opportunity to choose the correct option for themselves and their spouse to be, and, with any luck, and the support of legislators across the aisle, a so-called public option will be one of their choices. By the way, among the various federal HIPAA regulations is the requirement for insurance companies to allow access to a spouse's insurance policy. If you're wondering about being able to join their policy, there's your answer. The only catch? You may have to submit the request in writing, and do it within a certain time period of your marriage, usually 30 days. If you try to enroll after the time period expires, you may have to wait for an open enrollment period.

First some simple business realities of getting married when it comes to health care. If you both have an employer provided plan, should you both keep them? Should you instead drop one? Should you drop both of them, opting instead for a family plan? There are a number of questions not easily answered without benefit of a crystal ball, but here are some things to consider.

Let's say one of you is self-employed, or own a small business. You might decide to buy an individual health insurance plan through an agent, a company, or a broker. You can even buy a plan online. As you might imagine there are a number of them out there. If you don't currently have employer provided coverage, of course, you could exercise the same options. In this case the easiest thing may well be to sign onto your new spouse's policy. There may be a waiting period for coverage. Check the fine print. It may even make sense that both of you keep your current plan, depending on provisions, co-pays, deductibles etc. Not to be Scrooge-like, but do you really mean to stay together? There are such things as pre-nups; perhaps keeping a health plan may be wise until, well... Love is blind, after all; make sure you have vision coverage.

One thing to consider, especially if you're planning to start a family right away, or if you're becoming a blended family, is buying a family insurance plan. If it will be just the two of you, but you plan a child right away, family plans have the costs of prenatal care, pregnancy and delivery built in. They generally also provide adequate coverage for kid stuff like immunizations, and well child doctor visits.

But what about the public option? Simply put, and the plan is still being fleshed out at this writing, a public option may well be the best kind of coverage for newlyweds. Why? Given that most newly married people are young, have no dependents, and are just starting out, they share something else: they're watching every penny, unable to afford expensive fee for service, or other elite type insurance coverage. Rather than go without coverage, which many young people do only to end up in an emergency room for treatment, they need a low-cost, high-value option. Particularly since most young newly married people tend to be healthy anyway, their biggest economic exposure is a catastrophic event, trauma, sudden onset illness or work-related injury. Any of these items would be devastating to an uninsured person, and could well bankrupt a newly married couple, setting their lives back many years. A public option for health insurance makes sense for everyone, but especially for the newly married. If you're planning your nuptials, you may want to pester your legislators to let them know that a public option health care plan would be a fine wedding present.

Again, congratulations.

Who Should Choose a Sheath Wedding Dress?

There are many different styles of wedding dresses from which to choose? How do you know if one is preferred over another without trying on hundreds of various styles? Many times the dress has a totally different look when hung in the display window. Who should consider sheath wedding dresses; and who should avoid them?

The sheath design may also be called a column style wedding dress. It is cut to hang straight down across the bride's body. It is a versatile style dress that fits closely to the body's curves. It is appropriate for formal or informal weddings.

The sheath style is especially complimentary to the slender physique. It is constructed of one piece of material and does not help to hide any problem areas such as wide hips. It is most flattering to the body which is lean. It can be unflattering if you have a body that is pear shaped or a significantly curved body. But for the slender build it can be the ultimate choice for the sleek and elegant wedding.

There are some materials that will help the dress hold its column shape. These are full bodied fabrics to help hold the form. Brocade, moire, and damask all are very good choices. Duchess satin and taffeta also works well for the sheath wedding dress.

The column style dress can be made of different lengths. In general, the shorter the hemline, the less formal the dress. Knee length is more casual than the traditional floor length.

The basic design of the dress is the sheath. The whole look and feel can be changed by simply altering the neckline and sleeve length. This style works well for the strapless top; but can be equally flattering with long or short sleeves. Its basic one piece design allows for much versatility in the bodice portion of the dress. The possibilities are endless.

It will ultimately be up to the bride as to whether or not this style will work. If she can wear it and feel comfortable it is a great choice. The simple design makes adding accessories a very simple process. A nice shawl or pearl necklace can be all that is needed for the final touch. But the design is stunning enough that just lacy sleeves can add the perfect touch without the added expense.

This design is a very good choice for the slender bride.

Wedding Theme Ideas: How to Pick the Right Theme For Your Wedding

Coming up with a wedding theme is one of the first steps in planning a successful wedding. There are already so many wedding theme ideas that are available for a couple to choose from that finding the right one should not be difficult. When selecting a theme, it's important to consider the location, how many people are going to be in attendance and budget.

Wedding theme ideas should reflect the interests and personalities of both the bride and the groom. Themes are great, because it makes the planning process easier and more enjoyable. Making decisions become simple, because you when you focus on a theme you know exactly what you want for things like wedding invitations, wedding cake and the decorations. Your guests also get to experience a wedding that is a little out of the ordinary.

There are wedding theme ideas that revolve around different colors. These types of weddings are relatively easy to plan, all you need to do is make sure the color of your choice is prominently displayed at both the ceremony and reception. Pick out flowers, use table settings, and find other decorations in that specific color. There are plenty of ways to incorporate that color in almost every aspect of your wedding.

Other popular wedding themes are based on the different seasons of the year. Spring, summer, fall and winter, there is something special about each season. The key to properly encompassing the season as your theme is to use the appropriate colors to represent the season as well as serve foods that are fresh during that time of year.

Other great wedding theme ideas include specific destinations. You can either arrange to have the wedding at a garden, a beach or resort, or bring the destination to you by using props and other creative decorations. Let's say you want to capture the magnificence of Paris for your wedding, but you are unable to actually have the wedding there. All you need to do is add some signature Parisian elements to the decor, use well-known flowers from France and give out cute French inspired wedding favors.

Set your wedding to a certain time in history, that's another idea that has been popular. There have been plenty of wedding themes that try to recreate different time periods. If you are interested in having a medieval wedding, try booking the venue at a castle. If you want your wedding to have an old Victorian feel, make sure there is plenty of lace on your wedding dress and serve your guests tea from fancy tea sets.

There are countless other wedding themes for you to choose from. Cultural themes are great if one or both of you have a strong cultural background with its own wedding traditions. You can have a modern wedding, but still add some of those traditions to the ceremony. There are fairy tale themes which are no doubt on the top of many brides' lists. For the environmentally conscious couple, an eco-friendly theme would be perfect. Just remember to pick a theme that is a good representation of you and is one that your guests will enjoy.

How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Invitation Templates

Sometimes the hardest part of the process of getting married isn't planning the reception or the wedding. Sometimes it just so happens to be the process of picking out or designing wedding invitation templates. This is because there are so many options out there for people to choose from. It can be really tough to pick one out and to have one that is truly the best one and the right one. However, this article will try to help those who are having troubles with this issue by discussing what to really look for when trying to put together or pick out a greatly designed wedding invitation.

It's important to first realize the correlation that needs to exist between the wedding invitation templates and the envelope that the invitations will be sent out in. It's important to have them mesh well together, so they should be sort of picked out or designed at the same time. It's mainly all about making sure that the colors and any key designs are the same in the invitations as well as over the envelope. Other than that, it should be a pretty easy process to matching them up.

The font being used is a really big part of all wedding invitation templates. This can be one of the hardest decisions, too, because there are many different fonts out there. It's most important to make sure that the font is one that can be easily read because if a font can't be read, it's pretty much worthless. So, try to pick out a font that is stylish and is unique but is also easy to read. If it's not, maybe increasing the size of the font can change that, so keep that in mind.

The last part to picking out or designing wedding invitation templates is figuring out what designs will be included in the invitations. For example, some templates have ribbons, vertical and horizontal bars with designs in them, or just general pictures of a variety of things, such as flowers. This is where it is really up to the bride and the groom to figure out what they want. However, any design should work well with the colors being used in the template and should also mesh well with the font style being used. In the end, it's just important to keep every little detail in mind before making any decision to make sure it all meshes well in the end.

The UK Classic Car Zero Tax Rate

For most cars on the roads of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Vehicle Excise Duty, better known as road tax is due. This is the tax for which you receive a tax disc that is placed in the front windscreen and it is due every year, or six months.

Certain classic cars are exempt from paying this tax, and can obtain a tax disc without paying. This is a date based exemption, and the cut off date is 1st January 1973. If your car was manufactured before this date you are entitled to the tax disc without charge. This is due to the legislation presuming that you will do limited mileage in the vehicle. When the classic car legislation was initially implemented this was a rolling exemption for any vehicle over 25 years of age. However, this was changed by the government in 1997 and it was frozen at the 1973 date. This zero road tax class is known as the "Exemption from vehicle excise duty for historic vehicles".

Not all vehicles built before 1st January 1973 count as historic vehicles, but anything that you might consider a classic car is included under the "private or light goods vehicles" category. Most of the exclusions are for vehicles still used for commercial purposes.

When you tax a classic car for the first time, you need to take or post the documents to your local DVLA office. The documents include the vehicle registration certificate (V5C), the MOT certificate, valid insurance documents and the application form from the DVLA. For future years you will receive a reminder through the post in the same way as you do for a paid renewal. You still have to prove that the car has an MOT and is insured in order to get the zero rate of vehicle excise duty. For many classic cars, you will be able to get special insurance that caters for the specific needs of vintage vehicles. This will be dependent on the needs of the owner, but typically might include limited mileage, agreed value, historic rally cover and is often discounted if you have membership of a car enthusiasts club.

Of course if you are not lucky enough to own your own classic car, then taxing it won't be a necessary step. There are other routes if you want to drive a classic car, perhaps for a special occasion such as a wedding, a prom or a birthday, in which case you can hire out a number of classic cars for self-drive hire. Available by the day or week this is a popular way to experience the beauty, excitement and ride of a vintage car, without any of the complications of ownership.

Wedding Invitation Emergency

When you are preparing for a wedding, all of the possible problems seem to come out. Especially when your big day is already coming near, the time when you could already feel the pressure killing you and you are all worried that things might not turn out the way you planned it to be. You are all paranoid that something might came up, it might rain or something unexpected might happen that could just ruin everything.

One of the usual problems encountered in weddings are the need for wedding invitations. Let's face it, no matter how hard we try to come up with a comprehensive guest list there is always a chance that we'll miss someone. We would remember that someone at a very unlikely hour, just like when we already ordered our invitations and additional orders would really cost us a lot especially if that does not reach their required number.

It was all stressful and tedious. In as much that we do not want anyone to feel left out or forgotten, things like that happen and it is all way too frustrating. We are sad and we blame it on ourselves that we tend to forgot to include this person. So, again we run over the guest list to check if we are missing someone, yet again and place our orders for the invitation. Never mind the cost, as long as we could have everyone and there would be no ill feelings that could harbor against us.

But then again, anything could really happen before the big day. We could come across someone whom we are not aware to be in town and again we have another name in the guest list. There are a hundred and more possibilities that could pop up before your wedding day and the problem usually involves the wedding invitation. The best way to deal with this problem is to forget about getting the services of a professional wedding invitation maker and just make the wedding invitation yourself.

This may sound stressful, but in reality, it is not really that hard to do. All you have to take care of is the original design of the invitation and the high quality paper where we could print the invitation. You see, it is a lot cheaper that way. All you have to buy in bulk is the specialized paper for your invitation and the rest is history. You could produce your own wedding invitation in minutes. With this kind of setup, you would not be worried as well if you would have some additional people in your guest list since you can print an invitation for them without any problem.

An Appropriate Gift When an Older Couple Gets Married

Have you ever known a couple of older people who had a wedding and got married? Maybe you know someone now who is getting ready to tie the knot. All's well and good until you try to think of a gift for the happy couple. The thing with older couples is that they usually have everything they need to set up housekeeping, and they well may have his and her sets of the necessary items. Obviously you don't want to give them a gift they already have one or two of, and you want to find something unique but useful. What kind of a wedding gift is appropriate for an older couple?

You might want to consider buying them a service they need, such as housecleaning for a period of time. They will appreciate the help no matter if you send them someone for a one-time gig, a month, or a year. You just need to make sure you hire a reputable cleaning service which has a reputation for doing a great job, even when the homeowners aren't home. The cost of these services will vary depending on the number of children that the couple is bringing into their union, the size of the house, the existence of house pets, and the types of surfaces being cleaned. This is a gift that will delight the couple each time they return to their beautiful, clean home.

Are the soon-to-be-newlyweds avid sports fans? What about buying them a season ticket to their favorite venue so they can cheer on their team? Maybe they're aficionados of the arts, such as the symphony, the ballet, or stage productions. Once again, buy them a season ticket to something they adore. This is a gift that they can enjoy again and again throughout the season as they spend romantic time together while engaging in an activity by which they are mutually entertained.

Lots of different online stores offer monthly plans whereby you can contract to have chosen items sent to the couple each month. You can send luscious fruit, gourmet chocolates, flowers of the month, or a variety of beers. You can choose to send a three-month, six-month, nine-month, or one year subscription to the offering of your choice. A different product will be delivered to the couple's door every month for as long as you keep sending it to them.

As you can see there are a lot of ideas available to give to a couple who already has everything. By doing a little research on the Internet, you can probably come up with comparable ideas that will meet the tastes and needs of your wedding duo.

Have Peace of Mind With Wedding Insurance

We all take insurance out for many reason whether it is for a house, car or personal insurance. Wedding insurance is like any other form of insurance, and do not pay unless something goes wrong. Nobody wants things go wrong and maybe people consider this form of insurance as bad luck, but we do want to cover ourselves against unknown circumstances.

Insurance is there to cover us when the worse case scenario arise. For example if a vital member of the wedding is taken ill and the wedding is unable to continue the wedding insurance will cover for this. If your caterer does not turn up and you have paid your deposit the insurance will cover and pay you back. If the photographer drops his camera and the pictures are ruined then your wedding insurance will cover for getting the group back together again.

Nobody hope that you will ever have to use the insurance, but if the worse case does happen it is nice to know you are covered. But if you consider the cost of insurance compared to the emotional cost of a disaster in your wedding then the cost is not much.

If you and your future spouse take insurance you will have the peace of mind on your special day, you have done every thing to ensure your day goes smooth, and now you have some financial coverage in case anything happens. Your insurance can not guarantee you prefect weather but if the weather postpones your wedding you will be covered financially.

Insurance is a one off policy that expires after the wedding, and you can congratulate yourself for a smooth and faultless wedding, but if something does go wrong you will congratulate yourself for taking out wedding insurance.

Insurance for Those Who Run Bed and Breakfast Properties

A Bed and Breakfast, often referred to as a B&B, is a private residence with several rooms of which are set aside for overnight guests whose paid accommodations include breakfast. Modern Bed and Breakfast often consciously tries to recall earlier days - they are generally established in charming older houses which have been refurbished and adorned with antique furniture.

Hence insuring one's bed and breakfast property is a better idea to recover any loss caused accidentally. Also, if a guest is injured while staying in the bed and breakfast, and if the adequate liability cover is not in place, the owner has to face the loss. Another important reason to insure one's property is incase one has to close its doors for a while, especially during peak season, due to any number of problems such as fire and storm or a violent or accidental event at the premises. Hence insuring your property at the right time and right insurer will help a prospective owner to compensate the loss.

Most of the bed and breakfast insurance policies cover one's personal property, liability exposures, and optional coverage such as those incurred through business. Property coverage include special cause of loss, actual cash value or optional replacement cost, business income and extra expense, newly acquired or constructed property and business personal property.

The policies available could also cover bodily injury and property damage, contractual coverage, personal injury, advertising injury and host liquor liability. Optional coverage includes crime, food spoilage, guest inconvenience coverage, employee benefits administration liability and ordinance and law coverage.

Generally most insurance policies cover all the bed and breakfast activities including the supply of food and drink. The coverage can be extended to weddings, garden parties, visits by day trippers to historical homes, in-house gymnasiums, fishing and bicycle use, limited horse riding activities and even legal liability cover on stolen credit cards.

Most insurance companies prefer to be informed about changing circumstances within a bed and breakfast property. The management companies should be aware of this responsibility - existing building policies may be affected if there is an increase in the number of bed rooms from that shown in the schedule, and the change not conveyed to the insurers in time for their consideration.

Hence before getting in to any insurance package, it is advisable that the prospective customer rationally selects the package that suits him the best by shopping around and comparing terms, conditions and premiums on a like for like basis.

Book Review - East of Desolation by Jack Higgins

Jack Higgins book titled East of Desolation is a thriller with a complex plot that will keep you wanting to read more. The book is fairly short at only 244 pages with chapters of about ten to fifteen pages in length on average. The story is based on the lives of several aviators and mischievous insurance people who meet by chance and end up tangled in a murderous plot.

Joe Martin is the main character in East of Desolation. He is a level-headed, tough pilot who gives charter flights to people visiting Greenland for business or pleasure. His daily duties include flying people to local fishing spots and flying supplies to various businesses in his vicinity. One of Joe's best friends is named Arnie Fassberg, and he and Joe are the only two people on the island who have planes outfitted with skis and floats, allowing them to take passengers to desolate areas of the country.

While at a bar one night, Joe and Arnie meet a world-renowned movie star named Jack Desforge. Jack is a John Wayne type of man. He is rough, rugged, good-looking, and attracts females wherever he goes. The three men also happen to meet a group of men and a widow named Sarah Kelso who are in town on business. The leader of the group is a man named Vogel who claims to work in the insurance industry. He approaches Joe one night asking for him to fly the group to a local plane wreckage that is only accessible through the air.

From the start, Joe can sense something very strange about Vogel and his associates. Vogel tells Joe that the wreckage is very important for his business because he has to pay insurance claims to the widows of the men who died at the wreckage. However, Vogel's story is not consistent, and one of the deceased men's widows, Sarah Kelso, is not showing any type of sadness. Joe agrees to fly the mission regardless due to the large sum of money Vogel will pay and to do a favor for the supposedly grieving widow.

Joe soon flies over the wreckage and notices that it will be extremely hard to land on the icy surface surrounding the plane. Even if a landing occurred, it would take approximately three hours to ski to the wreckage. Martin still flies the group and skis with them to the wreckage only to find out that the story keeps getting more suspicious. Sarah Kelso's widow is buried in a shallow ice grave wearing his wedding ring but with a false identity on him. Also, there is a fresh pair of snow tracks in the vicinity with oil stains on the snow. Obviously someone had been to the wreckage in the past day and Joe Martin was missing something important.

Vogel and Martin and company return to Martin's hometown and all meet at a local establishment for drinks. Some drunken sailors enter the bar led by a man named DaGama, a dirty man with the strength of a giant. They quickly start a fight with Desforge and Arnie, only to be broken up by the local law enforcement just before someone gets killed. Everyone involved gets bruised and bloodied, but DaGama leaves extremely angry after having a chair broken over his head.

Soon, the real motivation for Vogel's trip to Greenland becomes clear; there is a large fortune of emeralds located at the plane wreckage. Not only is there a large fortune, but Vogel, DaGama, and other hired hands are working together to obtain the jewels and destroy anyone who gets in their path. The jewels come into the wrong hands and end up going to Desforge, Arnie, and a woman named Gudrid who is trying to land a role in one of Jack Desforge's upcoming movies. Vogel does not like having his emeralds with a stranger, so he has DaGama and his drunken sailor friends follow Joe, Jack, and Gurdrid and punish them in any way possible.

Several times in the story, Joe and his friends find themselves on the wrong end of violence and greed. For example, Joe is walking near the pier late one night and is struck on the back of the head by a lone assailant. He wakes up several hours later in the storage compartment of a smelly, rotten fishing boat. Joe soon realizes he is in DaGama's ship and is facing certain death. However, fight his way overboard and swim to shore in the icy Greenland water. Joe is not the only person injured and tortured in the book, however. Arnie is also shot and killed late one night and everyone expects DaGama has struck again. Later in the book, we find out that is was actually Jack Desforge who killed Arnie with his own gun. Jack was not receiving any movie roles and decided that the easiest way for him to gain money and continue his easy way of life was to steal the jewels himself. However, Arnie resisted and Jack killed him with a shotgun fired at close range.

Joe does not know at this point that Jack is now a third party fighting for possession of the jewels. The two of them continue to run from Vogel and his hired hands and to simply stay alive. Eventually, Joe arrives at a home where there are guns firing repeatedly to find DaGama holding a young woman named Ilana hostage. Joe is now a hostage as well since he is unarmed and was shot in the wrist area before entering the home. DaGama demands Joe go outside and tell Jack to stop firing at DeGama and the house or Ilana will be killed. Joe obeys DaGama's commands, realizing he has no other options, and convinces Jack to come into the open.

While the men are standing out in the open and trying to negotiate the best possible scenario where everyone can live, everyone stays out of jail, and Vogel can have his jewels, Jack comes up with a plan. Since the guilty men in the party were Vogel, DaGama, and Jack Desforge, the three of them would split the jewels evenly and leave the country together. Desforge and Vogel would split the jewels fifty-fifty while Joe and Ilana can live peacefully and out of harms way. Jack seems to have a strange look on his face however and when they take off on Joe's plane to leave the country, Ilana and Joe realize just what Jack has done.

Jack knew he would be killed in the near future no matter what he did. Vogel and DeGama would never be fine with splitting the fortune and they would simply put a bullet in Jack to get rid of him. Therefore, he flew himself, Vogel, and DeGama into the air for only a minute before voluntarily crashing the plane into a mountain. This way, all three guilty parties would be taken care of and Joe and Ilana could truly live without concern. Before leaving, Jack gave Ilana his belt containing several pouches. No one realized it at the time, but this was supposed to be the bag of jewels. She opened the pouches to find pebbles; the jewels were missing. However, Joe returns to an area nearby where he was running from DaGama and Vogel earlier in the day to find his stash of jewels in a small pile. Joe smartly replaced the emeralds with pebbles earlier in the evening to make sure they were out of the wrong hands.

Jack Higgins' book East of Desolation is a thrilling, murderous story with a happy ending. Although Joe Martin is shot in the arm, beaten, loses his friend to DeGama, and does not have much luck in business, he ends up with a fortune of emeralds. The author does not say what happens to Joe and his jewels, but the reader can assume that Joe and Ilana live happily ever after with their newfound fortune. Overall, this story is captivating and will keep you reading for hours. I rate this book a 4 out of 5.

How to Start a Catering Business

With a passion to cook delicious foods and the goal to make an unlimited amount of money, the best option for someone with those two goals is to combine them and start a catering business. From catering dinner for a busy family during a weeknight to creating an elegant menu for a large wedding on the weekend, the catering business is one that is in high demand. Let's take a look at some of the basic steps you must take to get your own catering business off of the ground.

Preparation

Before starting any business, it is always recommended that you take some time and write down your ideas. This is known as a business plan and can be used to show banks or other investors, if needed. The business plan should cover everything from where you will obtain the startup money to what hours you will work and how you will advertise. Every single part of your plan on how to run the catering business should be included. It is also important to include goals and time frames to which you would like to achieve those goals. For instance, you may set a goal to have at least one party a weekend and give yourself a year to obtain that goal.

Legal Matters

With any business, including one that revolves around catering, you must take the necessary legal measures needed to ensure that your business is following local, state and federal rules. The first item that you would need is insurance. This would protect your business in case the unforeseeable would happen and someone got sick from the food you served. In today's world, people are lawsuit-happy and will sue anyone for anything if that means they will get a quick dollar to two. Insurance is your best way to remain protected in case you run across someone like that.

Another item you will need is a business license. This is obtained through your local courthouse and allows you to operate as a business within your district. There is usually a fee associated with this license; however the amount will vary based on your location.

Since the catering business requires you to handle and distribute food, you will be required to obtain a food permit. This permit is granted via the health department in your area. There are certain regulations that must be met before you will be granted a food permit. Some of these include having a certified kitchen that is used solely for commercial purposes, a three-compartment sink and proper packaging to take the food to and from a location. You can find out what is needed by talking to your local health department, as they are the ones that will issue the permit.

Advertising

Once you are setup and ready to book your first catering event, you will need to start focusing on advertising. There are a variety of ways to advertise your services including using your local newspaper to going online and advertising through the various social networks. You can also hire someone - or do it yourself - to build a website for your catering business. No matter how you advertise your company, always be sure to supply a way for the potential clients to contact you, such as a phone number or email address.

Uncommon Home Remedies

Have you seen that movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? The Greek father in it has an amusing compulsion to treat every human malady with a spray of Windex! That's right, the window cleaner. I'd never heard of using Windex for anything other than cleaning windows, but if it does work, I guess it would be due to the alcohol in it that did the trick as alcohol is an antiseptic.

Now, don't go spraying Windex on yourself, especially not internally! I wouldn't want you to wind up in the emergency room having to tell the staff there that you tried to Windex your sore throat. They may keep you longer than you had hoped in a more secure wing of the hospital.

As goofy as that whole scenario sounds, as long as there have been cuts, bruises, insect bites, fungal nails, bad breath, and a whole host of other minor human ailments, there have been some off-the wall remedies for them.

So, in a lighter departure from my usual advice to you, I'd like to share some of these uncommon home remedies with you here that you may find work for you.

Toenail fungus: How about Vick's Vaporub? Yep, reported to remove toenail fungus is old-time Vick's Vaporub. After you clean your feet and affected toenail/s completely, rub some Vicks Vaporub into the nail/s. Do this everyday for 2 weeks and watch the improvement. The menthol in Vicks suffocates the fungus and kills it off.

Warts: Have warts? Got duct tape? Yes, duct tape. It really works to remove them. In a study published in the Archives of Adolescent Medicine, duct-taping warts removed 85% of them, compared to 60% with freezing method. Cut a small piece of tape, adhere it over the wart, remove in 3 days and use emery board or pumice to remove the dead skin. Repeat if necessary.

Toothache: Until you can get to your dentist, soak a cotton ball, or Q-tip, in vanilla extract and apply directly to the tooth to immediately relieve pain. Rinsing your mouth with some hydrogen peroxide in water (don't swallow!) will kill bacteria in infected tooth tissues.

Hiccups: Swallow 1 tsp of plain table sugar to relieve hiccups quickly.

Foot odor: Bathe your feet in Vodka or Gin. The alcohol kills bacteria as well as dehydrates skin moisture that allows fungus to grow.

Joint pain: Gin soaked raisins is said to ease arthritic joint pain. 2 cups golden raisins, 1-cup gin made from juniper berries. Place raisins in a glass bowl; pour gin over them completely covering them. Let soak for 10 days at room temperature. Eat 10 gin-soaked raisins per day.

Tension headache: When you're stressed out, you tend to clench your jaw and create a lot of tension in your temporal muscles. This can create a tension headache. Place a pencil between your back teeth but do not bite down. This forces the jaw muscle to relax and the headache to abate.

Aching feet/heel spurs: Get a 16 oz soda bottle and fill it with water and freeze it. When frozen, place the frozen bottle beneath your sore feet, one at a time, and roll the bottle back and forth beneath it. This helps cool the inflammation of the heel spur and relaxes the foot muscles.

Rough, dry foot calluses: Get some coarse kosher salt, or a little sea salt; add a tablespoon or 2 of olive oil to it. Rub the mixture into the dry callused area of your foot. The salt abrades the dry skin and removes it and the olive oil adds moisture to the area making it smooth and soft.

Under eye bags: We've all had mornings when we didn't sleep enough the night before and woke up with puffy bags under our eyes. A home remedy that models and actors use to get rid of them is to apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream to the under eye area. The same ingredients that decrease hemorrhoid swelling also decrease the under eye bags.

Urinary tract infections: If you're prone to frequent urinary tract infections, try drinking 8 oz of cranberry juice with 1/4 tsp of baking soda in it. Reduces bacteria and alkalizes the urine. If infections persist, see a doctor.

Blisters: Stop pain by drying them out quickly with Listerine mouthwash. Apply to affected areas 3 times a day with a cotton ball until dried out.

Sore throat: My grandmother never let us forget this old world remedy - 1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle. Repeat several times a day until the sore throat is gone. The salt dries out and kills the bacteria in the back of your throat that is making it sore.

Excessive armpit sweating: Apple cider vinegar, or limejuice, applied to clean armpits before bed, and let air-dry, then wash off in the morning. Both are acidic agents and may balance the acid/alkali environment of the sweat glands.

Natural toothbrush: Forgot your toothbrush? Eat an apple, preferably a green Granny Smith type that is full of malic acid. Not only will the apple clean way debris from your teeth, the malic acid helps get rid of stains.

Mosquito bites: Summer is not far away and either are mosquito bites! If you hate them as much as I do, get yourself some bottled limejuice and apply with cotton balls to take the itch out of them. A paste of salt and water applied to the bite will do the same. Both dry out the fluid that swells around the bite that causes the itch.

Well, there you have it, some uncommon home remedies for some everyday ailments. All of these have been proven to work not only anecdotally by people who have used them but also by researchers who have studied peculiar home remedies. Give one or a few a try. However, if you see that your problem ailment is not going away, do consult your doctor.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

Diamond Insurance - Knowing Your Options

Are you considering to give a diamond engagement ring to the woman you are about to marry? Does your family possess treasured diamond pieces, which are being passed on from generation to generation as traditional family heirlooms? At present, diamonds are considered extremely valuable. However, these stones were not as precious as this several decades ago. In fact, the hype surrounding diamonds all started in 1947 when De Beers released their famous advertisement, which took the world by storm. Who hasn't heard of the famous slogan "A Diamond Is Forever"? This single line changed the way the world looks at diamonds forever!

Diamonds are now among the world's most expensive stones and as such, they are also considered as good investment pieces. Given this reality, it would be wise to insure your diamonds at the soonest time possible to protect your investment from theft or any untoward physical damage that may reduce its value considerably. However, insuring your diamonds may require a little extra effort. It needs some thoughtful planning and may require you to shop around a little to find the best options available.

Generally, there are three types of diamond insurance policy available for you to consider. These are the Replacement Value Policy, the Agreed Value Policy and the Actual Cash Value Policy. We will take a look at each one of these policies for you to determine which one suits you best.

The Replacement Value Policy - This is the most common type of diamond insurance policy available. Under this policy, the insurance company will only be liable to pay up to a certain fixed amount to replace the lost or damaged diamond. However, in most cases, the diamonds are replaced at a much lower value.

The Agreed Value Policy - This is by far the best diamond insurance policy there is but unfortunately, such policies are rarely offered. Under this type of coverage, the insurance company will simply pay you the amount that you and the company have agreed upon. Now, isn't that neat?

The Actual Cash Value Policy - In the event that the Agreed Value Policy is not available, the next best thing for you to look for is the Actual Cash Value Policy. In the unfortunate event that your diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company will be responsible in replacing your diamond at today's market value. However, this type of policy is also not very common.

There are a number of factors that may determine just how much you need to pay for your diamond insurance policy. Your rates will greatly be dependent on the value of your diamond, the type of insurance policy that you choose and the area that you live in. For example, let's say that you live in a high-crime area. You can therefore expect to pay more for your policy to cover the additional risks involved.

Another thing in insuring your diamonds - be sure to have them certified by a reputable gemological laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). Be wary of other laboratories that may not be as credible as these two. Acquire a certificate (also called diamond grading report) for your diamond and use it as a solid proof of its value when applying for an insurance policy. This way, you save yourself from lengthy unwanted arguments with the insurance company if the diamond gets lost or damaged beyond repair in some future time!

Kick Start Your Wedding With Stylish Wedding Invitation Designs

So the dates are fixed? Finally the grand day is decided. Are we forgetting something? A good starting marks a greater end.How do you plan to send out the wedding invitations? Do you plan to choose simple marriage invitation design or something extravagant? With a wide range of designs and styles available for wedding invitation cards, choosing the right one can be a bit difficult. There are a number of things you need to think about, as wedding invitations leave a lasting impression on the guest. Your marriage invitation is more than just a card - it is like a brochure specifying the wedding events, setting a background to what the wedding will be like. Here in this article we will take a look at some of the most popular wedding invitation designs so you can make a more informed choice based on your preferences.

Wedding Invitation Design: Your Options

A memorable wedding should be triggered with a memorable wedding invitation design. Let's take a look at some of the popular design options:

• Designer Wedding Cards - If you want something that compliments your lifestyle, designer wedding cards would seem to be a good option. What make them stand out as compared to other simple invitations are their exquisite craftsmanship and their use of unique paper and raw materials. These designer cards include all possible categories of invitations that pop up in your mind.

• Scroll Wedding Cards - If you are looking for wedding invitation designs that are a mix of the traditional and the exclusive, scroll wedding cards could prove to be the right option. Scroll wedding cards are rich in looks and commonly use tissue or handmade paper, and are often encased in a box.

• Jeweled Wedding Cards - If extraordinary is your style and you have no problem splurging, jeweled wedding cards would perhaps be the best choice for you. Studded with real gems, these marriage invitations are pieces of exquisite craftsmanship. Also, there are a number of innovative and magnificent patterns to choose from.

• Handmade Wedding Invitations - Widely asked for, handmade wedding designs give a personalized touch to the invitation. These marriage invitation designs have the maximum scope for customization and personalization. If you are particular about the style and taste, these invitation designs are probably the most suitable for you.

However, before you finalize your marriage invitation design the following thing must also be taken into consideration;

• The font should be easily readable.
• All the important details such as the names, venue, date and time should be properly mentioned.
• An overleaf map is a must add-on to the card.

Now you can make a more informed decision when selecting wedding card designs.

What Dress Code Should I Put on My Wedding Invitations?

I often get asked by brides and grooms about what dress codes they should put on their wedding invitations. Here is quick guide to the main dress codes and what they mean.

Black Tie

A black tie dress code is appropriate for a formal event (and would usually indicate an evening affair), where men wear a tuxedo and women wear a stylish evening gown or cocktail style dress.

White Tie

A white tie dress code is for an ultra formal event. It is more formal than black tie and calls for the most glamorous attire. This might include a ball-gown for ladies, gloves,stole, a clutch or evening bag and glamorous hair and make-up. For the men, it might include an evening tail coat, white shirt, white waistcoat and white bow-tie. Ultra-glam indeed! This is a chance to go all out!

Semi-Formal

A semi-formal dress code calls for well...semi-formal attire as the name suggests. It is somewhere between casual and formal. This dress code would allow men to wear a dark suit, and ladies a cocktail dress (tuxedos and long dresses are not necessary). Sometimes this dress code can be a little ambiguous when written on an invitation, and can be interpreted differently from person to person.

Lounge Suit

The lounge suit dress code indicates an event which is not as formal as some of the other dress codes, yet it is still expected that guests dress stylishly. Men can get away with a coloured business suit and shirt while women can don a cocktail style dress or fitted dress.

Cocktail

A cocktail dress code has typically been interpreted as being a dark suit for men and an elegant dress for ladies-brighter colours would also be suitable here. Currently, shorter knee-length cocktail dresses are quite the trend.

Smart Casual

A Smart casual dress code does not necessarily mean jeans and a t-shirt. For the women, smart casual calls for a pretty dress (cocktail or other), tailored pants or a skirt with a stylish top. For the men- a suit and shirt- which can be both dark or light. A tie is optional at this style of wedding.

Casual

A casual dress code really says that anything goes. Feel free to frock up in a dress (for ladies) or casual shirt and pants for the men. But do be aware that even though the dress code states "Casual", do not forget that you are attending a wedding no less, so do dress casual but appropriately.

How to Make Cheap Homemade Baptism Invitations

Baptism is a religious ritual or sacrament whereby a person becomes a member of a Christian religion. There are differences among denominations about whether a person should be baptized as an infant or an adult. Some baptize by immersion and others by pouring water over the head.

Whatever the age or method, it is an occasion of great joy and is often celebrated with a party afterward and of course where there is a party there will be invitations.

You may be worried that you don't have the talent, never mind the time to do something like this. It is easy, inexpensive and shouldn't take more than an hour or so to complete.

Let me take you briefly through the process and you will see how fulfilling and easy it can be.

- Surf the web for free information templates preferably blank ones. If you can't find one you can create your own in MS word by setting all four margins to get a template the size of the paper or cardstock you plan to use.

- Once you have a template, decide on the graphic design you want to use. For infants or young child baptisms a picture (photo or clip art) of a Christening dress or suit is often used. A sea shell, cross, baptismal font or tank are all symbols of baptism that can be used on invitations. Many people use pictures of their babies on the invitations.

- Next you need to choose the text. It can be as simple as the who, what, when, where and why information. you can also use biblical quotes or even create your own unique wording.

- You will want to choose a font that fit's the design elements and the solemnity of the event. If there is going to be a party after the ceremony, mention that on the invitation.

- When you purchase your blank cards, get a few extra in case of a paper jam, ink smear or other mishap.

- Have extra ink cartridges on hand, you wouldn't want to run out in the middle of printing your invites.

- Before you print your project, run one copy on a plain piece of paper the size of your cards to be sure that there are no typographical errors and that everything is lined up properly.

You can make your invitations a bit whimsical but avoid outright humor sine this is a joyous but solemn occasion, an event that many people believe is vital to their eternal salvation.

I know of one family that priced high end baptism invitations and then made their own and gave the difference in cost to a church run children's home in South America.

If you don't want gifts you can request that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to the church or a children's charity. Such an invitation might read:

Please join us
as witnesses to the baptism
of our son
Bernard Joseph
on
Sunday, date
immediately following
the 11:00am mass
at St. Stephen's Church
address
and a celebration at
our home
address
In lieu o gifts - feel free
to make a donation to
St. Jude's Children's Hospital
or
Catholic Charities

If you are making invitations or an adult baptism, your designs could be a bible, sea shell, candle, cross and/or a dove.

Your friends and family will soon be asking you how to make cheap homemade baptism invitations.