How to Start a Home Based Wedding Invitation Business

The best way that you can start a home based wedding invitation business is to set up a website and become a reseller for one or two of the online wedding invitation suppliers. Internet Marketing is the wave of the future. More and more people shop online, from the comfort of their own home. And brides are no exception. With everything they have to do to plan an elaborate wedding, they save a lot of time, and often a lot of money, by buying their wedding stationery online.

If you're not familiar with computers and have no idea how to set up a website, there are people out there who will design a website for you. Some of your friends probably even have a website and they could help you set yours up. Or, if you're brave, you could always learn how to do it yourself. It's pretty easy actually and it's the perfect way to market your wedding invitation business because, even if you're sleeping, your website is "Open To The Public" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can be making money while you and your family are at the beach!

To set up a website, the first thing you'll need to do is buy yourself a domain name. This will be the internet "Address" for your business and it's how people will be able to find you on the web. You should choose this name carefully and it should be a name that tells people what your business is just by looking at it. For example, it could be something like "MichellesWeddingInvitations.com." After you've established your website, you'll need to find a wedding invitation supplier who deals with online resellers, or affiliates. There are several really good ones out there and you can take a look at them to see which one you'd like to deal with. Just go to Google and type in "Wedding Invitation Affiliate Program" and you'll get several companies back in your results.

To work as an affiliate with the suppliers, all you need to do is place their links on your website. When someone visits your website and clicks on that link, they go to that suppliers website where they can then buy their wedding invitations. And when they do, you'll be paid a commission. The more people who visit your website and buy something from that supplier, the more commission you'll make. Now that's a pretty simplistic explanation, and there's really more to it than that. You have to know a little bit about Internet Marketing in order to be able to attract people to your website so they'll click on that link. And you also have to give them a reason to click the link. But, once you learn the ropes, you can set up several wedding invitation websites and make even more money. And since all of these websites work for you whether you're at your computer or not, wouldn't it be worth it to start a home based wedding invitation business online?

Wedding Decorations - Ideas Made Easy

Gorgeous and stylish wedding decorations are often the centerpiece of the wedding ceremony and reception, and can change the mood in any setting. Themed wedding decorations set the stage for your wedding theme, and can be used in many areas of your ceremony and reception locations. Common places to decorate for your wedding in an indoor and outdoor environment are:

At the Ceremony:

The Entrance or doorway (includes arches for outdoor gazebos and garden weddings)
Pews, chairs and Altars
Inside walls, or the first adjoining rooms from the entrance.
The area around the Guest Registry
Pathways and important wedding party vehicles

The Reception:

Outer door entrance

First entrance room

Tables - head table, food tables (buffet)

Walls

Wedding Cake (cake topper)

Ceilings

Since wedding ceremonies and receptions can pretty much happen anywhere that the couple choose, wedding decorations can apply based upon the theme you may choose. Decorating for your traditional wedding may mean beautiful pure white candles, fresh flower arrangements, embroidered cloth napkins. Planning to decorate for a fall wedding? This might mean pumpkins, preserves, 'hanging harvests', grape vines strewn with gold and red colored leaves. Mood and setting will really influence where and how you decorate. See the room in the 'whole picture' and think of the theme or feelings conveyed - do these match the same traits in the bride and groom?

Always remember your timeline. Since the wedding party is usually the biggest part of the decorating (unless you are using a wedding planner /coordinator) they must have a set plan for placing wedding decorations and taking them down. Often (especially in the case of a formal wedding such as a church) the wedding decorations must go up shortly before the wedding and are taken down immediately after. Think about the following details which will help you complete your decoration:

Colors and wedding theme, time of day of the wedding ceremony, location of the event, temperament of the bride and groom, feasibility and cost of design of decorating (budget), space to decorate and the total number of people attending.

Scroll Wedding Invitations - Majestic Scroll Wedding Cards

Do you want your wedding card to look a royal invitation? Your wedding is a once in a lifetime celebration so make it special. Go royal with your wedding card and opt for the scroll wedding card design. There cannot be a better way to commence the festivity than with something as special and regal as the exquisite scroll wedding cards.

The Indian wedding scroll cards or the "Farman" depicts royal class invitation and style. The scroll wedding cards can be customized to make it a Hindu, Sikh or Muslim wedding card. These cards glorify the value of wedding in any religion or caste. Thus, there is something or the other for everyone.

Scroll wedding cards reflects a historic style and is very much in style these days. Some of the important things that you must look out for, while shopping for a scroll wedding card are:

• Quality of cloth used for making the card


• The color of the cloth


• A thread is generally used to wrap the cloth. It should also compliment the texture and color of the cloth


• You can make your scroll card as attractive as you wish by adding zari and laces to it

Types of scroll wedding cards:

There are many types available. You can make your choice according to your taste and preferences. The different types of scroll cards are:

• Aesthetically crafted royal scroll wedding cards


• Indian scroll wedding cards


• Designer scroll wedding cards


• Scroll cards made of handmade paper, vellum paper or velvet

There are many shops in the market that sell scroll wedding cards. You can choose from their collection and place your order. You can also tailor-make your own card to make it as special and unique as you can.

How to order scroll wedding cards online:

There are many websites that sell scroll wedding cards online. You can save your time by visiting any of these sites and shop for your card sitting cozily at home with just a click of the mouse. Here are the steps that you need to follow to order your cards online:

• Browse through the online gallery and select the card of your choice


• Get the price quote for the card that you want to order


• Add it to your shopping cart


• Place your order by filling up the forms


• Make your payments online/offline

Celebrity Weddings - Sustaining the Sanctity of Indian Culture

Actors, sports stars, businessmen, Writers, dancers, musicians, producers, directors, are the people which are the talk of the town, other than the daily dose of news events and happenings. We get to hear news about accidents, robbery, shoot- outs, almost daily, and we get affected by them for a minute or so, we morn about the incident and move on. But the happenings or incidents covering some celebrity suddenly acquires our entire interest quotient. We are just too eager to know the intricacies of the news, here the factor of prominence works, because in very less cases there is any chance of knowing them personally, or we can say the proximity element is hard to get implemented in this.

Every guy and girl always fantasizes about having a girlfriend or boyfriend matching their appearance. One of the most interesting and eye catching event in the life of celebrities is their marriage. Till the time a celebrity couple gets married, their relationship is always doubtful; we never get to believe the strength of their relationship, until they tie themselves with the knot of marriage. This is also because of the believe that Indians have in the sanctity of marriage. Though not all the Bollywood couples have not transformed their relation in to a married life, but a remarkable amount of celebrity love stories have witnessed a successful transformation to the second phase of their life, i.e. wedding. Some of the wed Bollywood couples, leading their life happily are:

Abhishek- Aishwarya:

The most recent and the happening celebrity marriage witnessed by the Indian masses is the wedding of the world's most beautiful lady, Aishwarya Rai with the most eligible bachelor of the country Abhishek Bachan. The grandness, with which the marriage was celebrated, would certainly be remembered for ages. The media coverage these marriages gets, credits to the interest of the common masses in the wedding details of their style icons. Also, when these couples tie knots, it increases the ceasing believe of youngsters in marriage.

Shahrukh- Gauri

They are said to be the most successful married bollywood couple. sharukh and gauri has been famous for their love stories and the fact that shahrukh being one of the very first actors, who became successful even after having a tag of married man. Sharukh's loyalty and faithfulness are given as examples to youngsters to lead a happy married life. With two children, forming a fantastic family, they still look very young and are inspiration for many youngsters.

Amitabh- Jaya

They are the oldest couple of the industry, leading a very contented lifestyle with a commendable work history in the Indian movies. The family stories being published about the couple, has always proved to be a motivation for the common man in the country. The love for the children and family, togetherness, integrity are few of the elements being practiced by them to lead a successful married life.

Amir khan- Kiran Rao

Though it was Amir Khan's second marriage, it is said, the couple was urged by Amir's first wife to get married. Amir Khan is said to be highly influenced by his wife, according to him, she works as an inspiration for him. Also, his career has been witnessed with high growth rate, after their marriage which credits to the happiness they both share in their married life.

All these celebrity weddings have helped in a great way to maintain the cultural values of the country. The longevity of the relations shared, the family bonding, trust and inter- dependence are the factors which helps in sustaining the tradition of India, and in a way these celebrity couples work as window to India's traditions and no doubt they have added to its values by maintaining the family culture in Indian marriages.

Avoid the Stress of Your Wedding

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life and you will possibly have spent months and even years making the plans. With all the planning etc that goes on it is very easy for what should be an enjoyable fun occasion to become very stressful.

Budget: It is important to have a rough idea of your budget in mind and work out what you expect to spend in each area.Often this will change significantly but it is a good starting point. There is no point is looking at wonderful exotic flower arrangements for the entire bridal party if it would blow 90% of your entire budget.

Planning your guest list At the initial planning stage try and work out a rough list of guests. This gives you an idea of approximate numbers attending the ceremony and the reception, this may be a deciding factor on where you have your reception. Visit your venues and meet with the hotel to discuss your menu options and approximate numbers also agree the costs for each menu to ensure you are remaining within the budget.

Decide on your bridal party bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls etc.. This can often be an area of some contention as you don't want to leave some out for fear of offending etc. However you must know who will be on your bridal party before you can start considering the outfits.

The Girls Dresses can be bought for very little or as much as you're willing to pay, there are also plenty of places to hire on a limited budget. Consider the style of the dress as it is important that it suits the bride in particular, however you should also what will look good on your bridesmaids etc. Not all styles and colours will suit everyone. In all cases the bridesmaid's dresses complement the brides dress but the brides dress is the most important.

Make-up I would suggest that you get a professional make up artist for the day, no matter how confident you are it is one less thing to worry about. A professional will be much more aware of what works and does not for wedding photographs and various skin tones. It is important that the makeup does not look shiny or this will show up in the photographs. Arrange for someone to carry a small portion of makeup to allow you to touch it up throughout the day

Hair Your hairdresser or stylist will be able to make recommendation on a suitable style for you hair for the wedding this way also be impacted by the dress you have chosen. It is worth having a couple of 'trial runs' to ensure you are comfortable with any style.

The Boys Clothing the men is not really that difficult. Normal the men hire the suits in a style agreed with the bride and groom. Sot it is just a case of ensuring that the correct sizes etc are got and that the colours are appropriate. If you have decided on special outfits e.g. Highland wear ask the outfitters to demonstrate how it should be worn etc unless you are confident in this area yourself.

Insurance I am often asked about my own professional insurance and can confirm that I am fully insured. However it is also worth you considering taking out wedding insurance, it is relatively inexpensive and will protect you in the case of any disasters, which may affect your wedding plans. Many people find it reassuring to have this insurance and there are many different providers who can arrange cover for you.

However a little bit of planning and common sense can help ensure everything runs smoothly and as stress free as possible. Bottom line is don't worry, the hotel, wedding photographer, florist, drivers etc are paid to do that for you.!!

The Quinceanera

Remember Cinderella's ball? The heavenly moment when Romeo and Juliet first met? And the ball, where Darsy, Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley first eyed each other? Those beautiful pages of romantic hang over sowed its seed in the notion of La Quinceañera's debutante balls. Sometimes our romantic couples met in other's La Quinceañera too. 'Quinceañera' or 'Quince Anos' represents XV Anos, what actually means "fifteen Years". In some Spanish-speaking regions of the Americas, a young woman's celebration of her fifteenth birthday, which is celebrated in a unique and different way from her other birthdays are called Quinceañera.

In some countries, such as Puerto Rico or Peru, the word 'Quinceañero' is used instead of 'Quinceañera' when referring to the celebration. The word is also used to refer to the young woman whose 15th birthday is being celebrated (analogous to the word cumpleañera for "birthday girl"). The closest equivalents to the Quinceañera in the English-speaking world are the sweet sixteen or, in more affluent communities, a debutante romantic ball at the age of eighteen. In some cases, the birthday girl has a choice of a quinceañera, a trip, or a car. A girl steps forward from the childhood to womanhood that is the point of acknowledgment of a young adolescent maiden has reached maturity: this is all about the celebration of La Quinceañera. The celebration fore mostly holds the fact that the girl is ready to get married and this special occasion, sometimes are regarded ideal to chose the husband among the courts. The celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music, and in most, a choreographed waltz or dance performed by the Quinceanera and her court.

The Quinceanera's court can be comprised of young girls (called a Dama), young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both - traditionally up to 14 persons in the court, which with the Quinceanera, would total 15 young people. The Quinceanera traditionally wears a ball gown, with her court usually dressed in gowns and tuxedos. Guests usually receive small tokens, cápias and cerámicas, to commemorate the celebration. It is customary for the Quinceanera to receive the following gifts for her ceremony:

tiara,

bracelet or ring,

earrings,

cross or medal or necklace, and

Bible or Prayer Book and Rosary.

Other accessories for this special occasion might be:

flower bouquet,

cake decoration,

engraved cake server set,

engraved champagne glasses,

Quinceanera doll,

scepter,

guest registry book,

remembrance photo album,

invitations/reception cards, and

kneeling pillow.

Some other traditions observed in the celebration include the giving and throwing of a quince doll. The display doll signifies the young lady's last doll as a child and the throwing doll, usually a Barbie type or any other is fine too, is thrown by the young lady to the other female children in attendance much as the garter is thrown in a wedding. The celebrant is wearing flats, or flat shoes for the celebration but after the inaugural dance the father of the young lady, who is sitting in a chair in the center of the dance floor, removes her flats (girls shoes) and puts her high heels on signifying her becoming a young lady. At the party the court does a waltz and a surprise dance. The girl also dances with her father but first changes from flats to heels to represent the first time she can wear them (the same with makeup). She could also get a doll with the exact same dress she has on to signify that this will be the last doll she ever will receive. In the past the party would show the girl is ready to be married, but now in today's culture it is so the girl can date.

Seasonal vs Non-Seasonal Sales

There are two ways to successfully market a window painting business. One is through seasonal advertising and the other is through marketing during non season times. Both avenues have merit and can prove to be financially rewarding especially if the focus combines both.

The easiest way to approach your business is to begin by focusing on the seasons. Retailers recognize the importance of taking advantage of the higher traffic produced by special occasions, and are willing to spend their marketing dollars to further expose themselves to potential customers. An entrepreneur owning a window painting business could do very well exposing their clients at this time. The major holiday season by far is Christmas. Traffic count is at an all time high, and selling this type of product is relatively simple as it adds to the already apparent excitement in the air. Other seasons to consider are Easter, Valentine's Day, Back to School and Halloween. Approaching your client with bright, colorful graphics would certainly entice them into creating the desire to be recognized by drive by traffic. Adding seasonal phrases with eye catching fonts is also a great graphic design idea that will produce results very quickly.

It is important to remember the clients need to stand out from its competition. This is a desire that stays with them through out the entire year. Focusing on in store promotions during non-seasonal times is a must. Clever marketers know that they must continually offer their customers something of value if they want them to come back and shop. Transforming their storefronts into billboards that sing loud and clear is a viable option that is offered by those with a serious home based business such as window painting. The challenge lies in design, in creating a visual experience that motivates people to enter the store being promoted. As a graphic art job, it is imperative to focus on getting the main portion of the promotion displayed properly and effectively and adding any necessary graphics to keep the display balanced.

Tips for Renting Limousine Services

We all have events in our lives that standout. We want to make these events special and memorable. One way to do this is to rent a Limousine. Arriving at a Prom, Birthday, Wedding or other special event in a luxurious Limousine would make those events even more special. When booking a Limousine service there are several useful tips you can follow that will save you money and ensure you hire a quality service.

Hire a Company that can Provide the Right Car

When hiring a Limousine service you want to hire one that has a large selection of different luxury vehicles. Depending on the event you are attending you may want different types of cars. For instance, you might prefer a luxury SUV for a bachelor's party, then a Rolls-Royce for the wedding day. If you are throwing a sweet sixteen party for your daughter you might prefer to rent a stretch Limo. You also need a company that can provide a wide selection of Limos to ensure they have one that will accommodate all of the people in your party.

Modern Cars

Cars, even Limos, have advanced a lot over the last few years. Make sure the company you hire has updated cars. Their cars should feature all of the most modern conveniences such as satellite radio, DVD players, and HD stereo systems to name a few things the cars should have. Another thing you need to do is ensure that you and your guests have control of all of the entertainment systems. Do not depend on the taste of the driver. With many Limo rentals only the driver can control the CD player, DVD player, and other entertainment devices. You do not want to listen to another person's music for an entire trip, make sure you can listen to the music you want to hear.

Pre-Plan your Rental

One of the key things you should do when renting a limousine for a special occasion is book your Limo as far ahead of schedule as possible. This will allow to get the best deal and ensure that you get the car you want for your event. Planning ahead will also give you more options when talking to the rental company. You can plan the route you want to take to your destination, the beverages you want served during the trip, and any stops you would like to make along the route. There will also be other plans you can make, renting your Limousine at the last minute could limit your choices.

Hire a Quality Service

Possibly the most important consideration when hiring a Limousine service is to hire a company with a good reputation. You have to consider that their driver will literally have your life, and the lives of your party members in their hands. Before you hire any company or sign any contracts ask the Limo company to show you proof of their licenses, insurance, and other paperwork. If any rental company declines to show you this proof you should walk out the door and find another rental company to work with.

The Cardinal Rule: Endurance

I've always loved cardinals. They are one of the few birds that stay north the winter time. When the landscape is gray and white, the bright red color of the male is stunning and exotic and always takes my breath away. At my home in the Catskill Mountains, we have had a gorgeous pair hanging around our home for a couple of years.

Last February, the male started to feel his mating mojo and began a very curious ritual. He would sit in the bushes by the kitchen window and fly into the window, over and over again, banging his beak into the glass. Amazed that he was not completely hurting himself, my husband told me Mr. Cardinal may be seeing his own reflection in the glass, and, thinking it was another male, was simply defending his woman and his little piece of the world. Every morning we would awaken to the thumping of his beak into the kitchen window. It was loud! As time went by his little ritual expanded to include flinging himself into the window by our bed and then, even more creatively, the rear view mirrors on not only my car, but our next door neighbors. This bird was crazy!

Well past mating season, and babies fledging, he is still engaged in his daily rounds. But now, when I hear the thumping on the window, I am oddly comforted. Somewhere over the last months, the bird morphed from being a symbol of crazy confrontation and destructive willfulness, to becoming a symbol of endurance, and therein the power of perseverance. Rather than seeing his bizarre behavior as a mad response to competition with attack, I began to see this ritual as Mr. Cardinal meeting himself, over and over again, with perseverance, determination and patience. He went from wacko warrior to Spiritual Warrior. Yes, the beat, beat, beat of his beak reminds me of the beat of my own Inner Amazon Warrior.

Physically, I understand endurance. The "no pain no gain" theory. But I'm talking about a much larger sense of endurance. The spiritual quality of endurance. When I stumble and disconnect from my own sense of endurance, I can become mighty impatient and confrontational, mostly with myself

If we view life as something to willfully confront, to control and manipulate, then we are like my Crazy Cardinal, banging into a perceived illusion of competition and attack. When we accept our life as it is, we awaken endurance, and begin to use this new found sense of determination to strengthen our self-respect and self-love. We become like my Warrior Cardinal, perpetually coming back to Self, meeting ourselves where we are, with perseverance and loving patience. It from this place of self honoring that we can begin to make the choices needed to change our lives. This is how we transcend our limitations.

Endurance is enhanced by a deep sense of gratitude for Life, for the gift of your Life and for the gift of being You. Yes, gratitude... and patience.

Silver Wedding Card For Your 25th Wedding Anniversary

To most couples, wedding anniversaries are very important because it's hard to make a relationship last especially now that there are lots of stressful things that may come your way. Life is full of uncertainties that are why overcoming them may mean struggling for a while. It's hard to withstand temptations and other hardships in life that is why couples really celebrate their anniversaries. Living together for 25 years means building your life together not just as a couple but more so as friends, your 25th wedding anniversary should be celebrated with excitement because it is a momentous event in a couple's life. Your 25th years together as a couple should be properly prepared. One thing to start is by sending wedding card to your family and friends that says they need to join you in this very significant milestone.

Throughout the past 25 years, it is likely that the 2 of you have gone a long way, you have shared joy, stress, triumph and mourning with life's uncertain things. It is very possible that you have raised your children well. You've most likely experienced personal tragedies together like sickness or loss of a love one or friends that are dear to both of you. You most likely shared different jobs and career with financial stresses. Through the years, you have withstood everything and now it is time for you to raise your glasses and give each other a toast because through the years you have accomplished a lot of things together. It is best to start of the celebration with a wedding card. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to wedding invitation cards. Silver is the choice of many people when it comes to silver anniversaries.

There are lot of designs that were made to incorporate your wedding card to match the distinctive taste of your wedding. One of the most popular options is the engraving or your invitation cards that states the initials of the couples, the year of marriage, and their wedding anniversary date. It should be engraved in a silver colour to make it uniformed with the occasion. There are lots of silver decorations available for you; all you need to do is to choose accordingly from a vast of options in the market. There is also proper etiquette that needs to be observed when it comes to invitation cards for a wedding anniversary; you need to follow them to be able to make your cards complete and nice to look at. Here are some useful tips regarding wedding card etiquette:

1. What to write - you should observe a wedding card etiquette in making a card. The place of the ceremony, map, date, time, and attire should all be indicated inside a card. It's up to you how you will incorporate all of them inside a card but make sure they are complete when you send them out to your guests.

When to send cards - ideally, invitation cards should be send out 6-8 weeks before the expected date of the wedding.

Photographing Groups - Tips to Improve Your Group Photography

Photographing groups is an excellent way to make a living with your camera, but it does take some skill.  This article will give you some tips to improve your skills in photographing a group.

Very large groups such as those you come across at weddings are probably the trickiest.  If the group is too big you will have problems identifying individuals in the image, that is they will be too small.  So first tip is to keep your groups to a manageable size.

You also need to remember to position the individuals in the group so that each of them can see the camera, and to allow you to fill the image as much as possible both from a vertical and a horizontal perspective.

Have you ever looked at a group photograph and thought, it's like a firing squad line up! 

The biggest mistake you must avoid is having all subjects facing square on to the camera.  Take a line through your eye down the centre of the group and have those on the left of that line facing inward and those on the right of that line also facing inward at an angle of approximately 40 degrees.

Sometimes I'm asked about smaller groups of say 4 to 5.  I prefer to shoot these as uprights or in portraiture format.  This allows you to get the whole group in and to be able to see the whole figure of each individual in the group photograph.  This is particularly important with small wedding groups.  The subjects will not want you to cut off their carefully chosen footwear!

When photographing a group larger than above I will usually shoot in landscape format.

As the group starts to grow you will need to think about staggering the heights in the group to suit.  By this I mean you could have young children kneeling on the ground some adults sitting behind them with another row standing behind them.  Just make sure as I said above that you can see everyone's face.

Stairs are an excellent prop for posing groups.  Make sure your most important individuals whoever they are, are posed at the front of any larger group.  You can use the stairs to tier the group upwards from there.  Pay attention also to the height of people, you wouldn't place very tall people at the front of any group if you can avoid it.

Another tip if you are shooting a very large group, for example both families at a wedding, would be for you to go to a nearby upstairs window and shoot downwards toward the group.

Be careful when lighting your group, make sure that your camera lens can cope with the angle that is dictated by the space you have behind you.  More important than that you must ensure that your flash will also cover this angle, otherwise you will get dark areas down each side of the shot.

What's Covered by Wedding Insurance Policy?

Having Insurance coverage for your wedding may be the single most important investment you could spend on your wedding day, with all insurances there are several different options available to cover your risks and unforeseen occurrences which could affect your wedding day. Policies can start as low as 160 pounds in the United Kingdom so its a wise decision to take out an wedding day insurance policy.

Here's a list of typical coverage if you take out an wedding insurance policy:

1. Lost wedding rings - repair or replacement cost if the rings are damaged or lost.

2. Severe Weather conditions - If natural disaster affects your wedding you will be covered.

3. Formal attire - repair or replacement if brides or grooms attire is damaged or lost.

4. Lost deposits -reimbursement for your deposit if a supplier goes out of business, declares bankruptcy before your wedding, or simply fails to show up on the wedding day.

5. Photos - If the photographers film is defective or negatives are damaged or lost, the cost to re-shoot the photos is covered.

6. Military Action - If the room or bride is called into action and misses the wedding, the cost to postponement is covered.

7. Damaged Wedding Gifts - If your gifts are damaged you will receive the repair cost o replacement cost.

8. Illness to bride and groom - If the wedding cancelled due to an illness you will get reimbursement.

9. Venue Insurance - Liability insurance will cover you if a guest gets injured or causes damage to property.

10. Additional Expenses - if a supplier last minute not available for your wedding, you are reimbursed for the difference in cost.

So there is a potential for a lot of things that could happen to your wedding plans, so taking out a wedding insurance would not be a bad idea. After purchasing the insurance policy you can rest at ease that you have covered yourself for any of the unforeseen circumstances that could happen.

Small Wedding Ideas For A Small Intimate Wedding

Why on earth would anyone want to throw a smaller wedding? In these days of over-the-top celebrity weddings and spending enough on a wedding to put you in debt for years to come, you don't hear much about small weddings. But they are making a comeback, particularly for those brides who prefer a more personal, intimate atmosphere. That's why I wanted to share some small wedding ideas with you in this article.

First, though, let me clarify a few things. A small wedding does not mean an informal wedding, or a simple wedding, or a cheap wedding (though obviously, because the guest list is dramatically reduced, there can be significant savings). It simply refers to the size of the guest list. Instead of inviting your best friend's great aunt from Pittsburgh, the guest list and wedding party are confined to a small circle of close relatives and friends. How small? Often as small as only ten to fifteen people.

Beyond sharing the most important day of your life with a small, intimate group of friends, a small wedding allows you the freedom to focus on those areas of the wedding that are most important to you and might otherwise have been out of your reach.

For instance, a smaller wedding makes a destination wedding far more practical than a large wedding. A destination wedding is exactly as it sounds ... the wedding is held out of town, at a setting that meets the interests of the bride and groom. Las Vegas is a destination wedding. A theme park, such as Disney World, is a destination wedding. There really are few limitations ... a mountain lodge, a beach house, a bed and breakfast, a ski trip, etc. When the wedding party and guest list are small, a destination wedding becomes much easier to achieve.

But what if you'd like to keep things simple?

The reception for a small wedding can be held in the intimate, comfortable setting of a family member's home. It can be held at the favorite restaurant of the bride and groom. It can be held out doors at a favorite park, or in the backyard of your best friend. With these more intimate weddings, your options are nearly unlimited.

You also have more leeway in your food choices. If this is an important area for the wedding of your dreams, then catering or dining out at a fine restaurant are far more likely to fit within your budget. But you may equally enjoy a potluck or a buffet or even an afternoon of hors d'ourves. A smaller wedding allows you the freedom to pursue the wedding you really want for yourself.

Small Wedding Ideas

Here are several unique small wedding ideas that can make your wedding day memorable for the rest of your life:

1. Since the whole idea behind an intimate wedding is to share the day with close family and friends, consider making your own wedding favors. For instance, a homemade goodie basket of cookies, breads, and candies. Or personalized CDs created with the music that you and your loved ones enjoy. The point here is to make your wedding favors as personal as possible.

2. How about having your guests sign and write a personal sentiment on a tablecloth? Then, at a later date, you can have the signatures and sentiments permanently embroidered into the tablecloth as a family keepsake.

3. Make your own wedding invitations, personalizing each one with a special sentiment. You can design them completely from scratch, choosing the paper you want, adding dried flowers or bows, or even adding your own background image if you're talented in this area (or know someone who's talented).

4. Instead of the usual reception activities, try activities that you know your guests enjoy. For instance, if your family and friends enjoy board games, run a tournament with the winner taking home a gift basket of games. Or try a scavenger hunt, or a softball game, or a trip to a local movie theater.

The idea behind a smaller wedding is to share your special day with only a few special people. Since the size of the wedding party and guests is easily manageable, small weddings ideas often allow you to pursue the wedding of your dreams when otherwise it wouldn't be possible. Whether it's a fancy, elegant wedding or a few close friends sharing a common interest, the choice is yours. Make your intimate wedding a wedding that you'll never forget.

Do It Yourself Wedding Invitations

You've already shelled out a lump sum of money for the caterers, the ceremony, the receptions, and wedding attire. Now all the little things require your attention and finances! What's a couple to do? Have you ever considered do it yourself wedding invitations? They certainly have their advantages.

DIY wedding invitations do not have to be tacky. For those on a budget, a little creativity can go a long way. Nowadays, it's so easy to create your wedding invitations from the comfort of your very own home. There's a lot of software which provides opportunities to create custom cards, 'do it yourself' wedding invitations, and decorations-all with a few clicks of your mouse! Several websites even offer free templates for you to customize yourself. All you need to do is insert a photograph and the details of you wedding into the text fields and you're ready to roll!

If you're not impressed with the clipart and fonts that you find on your computer, you may opt to visit a stationery or arts and craft store. You and your spouse-to-be can browse the aisles and shop for items for you wedding invitation project. Don't make it seem like a task. Have fun shopping for your items!

After you've chosen the paper you wish to print your invitations on, decide how you'd like the wedding invitations to appear. Do you want them to be simplistic in nature, or vibrant and spectacular? Your invitations should convey what type of couple you are. If you're a simple, quiet couple -- you may decide to create simple invitations. If you're a wild and unpredictable couple, you may choose a wild and bold invitation. Use your imagination and you'll come up with all sorts of ideas on your own.

Once you have your wedding invitations together, you may decide to add something to it for an extra effect. A ribbon, dried flower, or small seashell, or even a shirt treasured poem can add just the touch you've been looking for. Add a photograph inside the invitation, as it adds a personalized touch and can be saved as a keepsake for years down the road.

If you put love into this project it surely will not disappoint you or your guests. Don't worry that your invitations didn't come from a fancy overpriced printer. As long as you provide your guests with good food, good music, and most importantly-good company; they'll have the time of their lives.

Creating Custom Wedding Invitations With Wedding Invitation Software

Planning and creating wedding invitations can take time if you are doing everything by hand. However, with the number of technological advancements today, there is an abundance of software so that you can create exactly what you want in no time. One of the main reasons to create computer software invitations is that if you need some ideas, these programs generally include wedding invitation templates that you can modify to create custom invitations. This is much less intimidating than starting with a blank page. Once you create your wedding invitations using the software, all that is left is printing the invitations using the templates.

Printing Custom Wedding Invitations

If you have a large guest list, printing your invitations using software can save you a significant amount of time. Once you decide how you want your invitations to look, you just need to place your paper in your printer's paper tray, and press the print button. To make sure you haven't overlooked something it's a good idea to print a test copy to make sure your computer software invitations are set up the way you want.

Addressing Your Envelopes

In addition to actually printing the information on your invitation, the software can help you print your envelopes in a snap. Handwriting the names and addresses on the envelopes can be a fun group project but typically takes a lot of time and when there are more than a couple of people performing the task, you run the risk of having varying levels of "quality." You basically generate a list of your guests, making sure to include their names and addresses, and then import this list into the wedding invitation software. That way, all the information is printed uniformly and looks professional.

How to Find Classy Cheap Wedding Invitations

Just because you choose to go with cheap wedding nvitations, that doesn't mean that you can't send out something nice that your guests will like. Cheap wedding invitations can still be classy and elegant.

The first--and most common--type of cheap wedding invitations that you may think of are the ones that you print yourself. This is very common for someone looking for cheap wedding invitations. Materials such as card stock, envelopes, and even ink will be cheaper. This is also a good idea if you want to really personalize your invitations and have total control over the look and feel. Anyone with a computer and a decent printer can create their own cheap wedding invitations. Brides who are holding a relatively small wedding often choose these cheap wedding invitations.

Cheap wedding invitations may also be offered by local printing shops. Sometimes, cheap wedding invitations can be ordered when the print shop has a cancelled order and has card stock that they will not be using. Other times print shops may have a lot of a certain type of card stock, and will sell those
for cheap wedding invitations. You can often get cheap wedding invitations when you buy invitations in bulk, too. You might even save money by buying more cheap wedding invitations than you need.

Online sites are a great place to look for cheap wedding invitations. Sometimes online sites have access to large amounts of materials, which allow them to sell cheap wedding invitations. Online printers also tend to have a greater amount of business. This allows them to buy materials in bulk, which
leads to reduced prices for you. Although you may be receiving cheap wedding invitations, they can still be of very high quality, and can be tailored to fit your needs. Not all online printers are equal, though. Be sure to check out sources of cheap wedding invitations by reading reviews of various sites. Also be sure to carefully check their return policy in case you encounter any problems with the end product.

Some bridal shops can also help you find sources of cheap wedding invitations. Generally speaking, most bridal shops will not sell cheap wedding invitations themselves. However, they can often direct you to businesses or individuals who will.

Sometimes you may find someone who has a computer and printer who will create your cheap wedding invitations for you. This is similar to doing it yourself, except that you will not be putting your time into it. Of course you will have to pay them a small fee if the person does not do it for you as a favor, but you will still be saving money on your cheap wedding invitations.

Regardless of where you get your cheap wedding invitations, be sure that they have a good return policy in case you are unsatisfied with the final product.

How to Drop a Hint That You Want a Ring on Your Finger

If you and your boyfriend have been together for a long time and you think that the time has come to start planning for the future. If there has been no talk of a proposal and you think maybe it's time to give him a little nudge or hint. Just to get him started thinking in the right direction. Here are some suggestions on ways to get him to come around to your way of thinking.
 
You shouldn't rush in to anything; it takes time to get to know each other. However, if you have been seriously dating for over a year you might want to start giving little hints about the future. You can casually bring it up in a conversation that indirectly involves the topic of marriage. 
 
For example, you can mention someone else who just got married or engaged recently. Or you could make a comment on a wedding gown in a window or a magazine or something similar. You don't want to rush in and set him down for a serious conversation, unless you have at least casually talked about it in passing. 
 
Don't be too concerned if he expresses a little shock. It could just mean that he really hadn't given it much thought before; because he was happy with the situation as it is. Now on the other hand, if he jumps out of his seat and says, "What are you talking about?" don't be too alarmed, it is probably just a gut reaction. Don't pressure him to talk about it, just change the subject. You can bring it up again later, after he has had time to think about it.
 
Then after the initial talk and he has had time to think about the idea of marriage you can bring it up to him again in a non-threatening way. You don't want to make him feel like he is being pushed in a corner. If you say something like, "Where's this relationship going?" That will just make him defensive and he might put up walls to protect himself.
 
Now that you have gotten past the awkward stage; and both of you are on the same page. You are sure that marriage is in your future. Then it might be time to start giving hints on what type of ring you would like. One way to give him ideas is to discuss your preferences with your friends and family. He will probably ask one of them for their help and also make sure to let them know your ring size.
 
You can make comments on other people's rings or you can point out diamonds in a magazine. Or the next time you're in the mall together, you can browse the jewelry stores for fun and comment on the different styles of rings. You can do things like this just to give him an idea of what type of style of ring you prefer.

One minute guide to wedding invitation wording

Writing a wedding invitation used to follow a very formal format, but now days it is more of a relaxed process. This having been said, there are still guidelines to follow for writing well received invites for your potential guests. The steps can be broken down into ten areas that will take you no more than a minute of your time to review and you will be on your way to organizing your invites with proper wedding invitation wording.

Step One : Addressing the invite

The people inviting the guests should always be the ones who are paying for the event. More traditionally it is the bride's parents, but now days it can be the bride and groom or the groom's parents. Either way, you will write "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "John Smith and Judy Hall" at the top of the page. If more than one couple is paying for the wedding, the correct wedding invitation wording would be:

Mr and Mrs James Smith

Together with

Mr and Mrs Malcolm Hall

Step Two: Requesting their presence

If the ceremony is going to be held in a church the wedding invitation wording should be "request the honor of your presence.." However if the ceremony is being held in another location the wedding invitation wording can be "would be delighted for you to attend.." or "would be delighted for you to join us.." You can then add "at / for the celebration of their children's marriage ceremony". If the couples themselves are the hosts the wording can be "at the celebration of our marriage". So a wedding where the bride's parents and the groom's parents are paying to hold it in a church would read:

Mr. and Mrs. James Smith

Together with

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Hall

Request the honor of your presence

At their children's marriage ceremony

Step Three: Who is Being Married?

Whichever way you choose to write the first two sections, just be sure the grammar is correct when all the parts come together. You should write next the name of the couple, and the brides name is traditionally the first on the list for wedding invitation wording. It would say "Judy Hall to John Smith", and the format is flexible.

Step Four: When?

Sticking with tradition, wedding invitations usually spell numbers and time out in full, so 2pm become Two o'clock in the afternoon. Of course, no one worries about such detail now days so it is up to you if you comply.

Step Five: Where?

When the ceremony is somewhere everyone knows about it is not necessary to write the exact address. Otherwise write the name of the location, followed by the address in the same way you would on an envelope.

Step Six: Will there be a Reception?

Don't presume everyone knows there is a reception afterwards and instead clearly state it at this point on the wedding invitation wording. Explain what will be happening such as "Dinner and dancing at The Bar on The Hill from ten o'clock" or "High Tea at The Fragrant Gardens from 11am".

Step Seven: Know Who is Attending

Be clear with your RSVP date so you don't over cater or have higher expectations for more guests. The best idea is to include a section or card they can fill out and mail back to you, but also include a phone number for those who prefer to call. It can be disappointing forking out money for people who don't show up, and empty seats don't look great in photos either, so if you have to ring around to follow up on some people it is probably a good idea.

Step Eight: Provide Directions

Along with the RSVP cards you should also include clear directions or a small map for people to follow. This will prevent people being late because they have trouble finding the venue.

Step Nine: Dress Code

Let people know how you are expecting them to dress to avoid any discomfort. If your beach is at the wedding but you still want black tie, say so. The wedding invitation wording could be "Formal Dress" or "Cocktail Dress".

Step Ten: The Envelope

It is a nice touch to include the names of every guest in the household on the envelope and RSVP card. That way everyone will feel included and know they rightfully have a place their as someone you care about.

Follow these simple steps, but remember no one is overly particular about wedding invitation wording now days, so you do have some room for creativity or a personal touch. More important than formalities is for you to be happy and proud of the first notification guests receive of your wedding.

Transporting Items to Your Wedding Abroad

Regardless of where you're planning to get married, there is a great deal of stress associated with holding a wedding. Getting married abroad is no more or less stressful than marrying at home, but there are different things that the bride and groom need to consider. One of these considerations will be how on earth you're going to get all the details who want featured in your wedding, to your destination venue.

Of course some destination weddings are further afield than others. If yours is going to be held in a foreign country, but you're able to drive to it, then you probably have the easier end of the deal. Packing a car or two full of wedding attire, cakes and table decorations will be a simple solution to your problem.

However, if your overseas wedding involves taking a plane, then you'll have to consider baggage allowance restrictions, which will be set by your airline. You will usually have the option to buy additional space, but it's often outrageously pricey.

Most brides are concerned about the transportation of their dream wedding dress to their overseas wedding. You should have this in mind from the beginning of your dress-picking stages. Make sure you mention to the bridal shop assistant that you're planning to get married overseas so that you can find out if they're able to assist you in any way. Many bridal shops are able to professionally pack your dress into a small hand-luggage bag that you've supplied. Alternatively you could buy a wedding dress travel box. There are many companies that offer these specialist boxes, so take a look around and be sure to purchase one that will fit the baggage dimensions set by your airline.

Depending on how brave you are, you may consider putting your dress in the hold of the aircraft. This is usually an unwise decision, as your overseas wedding insurance is unlikely to cover you if your dress was not in your possession when it became lost. Also, you need to visualise what you would do if you lost your wedding dress a few days before the nuptials are due to take place. Therefore, it's usually a better idea to carry your wedding dress onto the plane as hand luggage.

When you arrive at your wedding destination, your dress will most likely be a little creased. It's a good idea to take a steam brush with you or to have organised a trip to the local dry-cleaner in advance.

Similarly, suits for the groom and other members of the wedding party, should ideally be carried onto aircraft in specialist garment-carriers. Again, they will need to be steamed upon arrival at your hotel. One trick is to hang the suits up in the bathroom whilst you're taking a shower. This allows the creases to fall out naturally.

It's normally difficult or impossible to bring your wedding flowers and wedding cake to your destination wedding. Instead, it's typical to have a wedding planner or wedding co-ordinator at your wedding destination who can source local providers for you. You can then liaise with these suppliers in advance by sending emails with pictures and narrative detailing exactly what you have in mind for your special day.

If you have details such as wedding favours, gifts or table decorations that you're having a hard time fitting into your luggage, then consider splitting these up into manageable portions and give them to your bridesmaids, family members and close friends to bring with them instead. Make sure you choose your most trustworthy guests though, you don't want anything being left at home by forgetful Aunt Hilda.

Finally, if you're really desperate then you could consider shipping a few items to your overseas wedding in advance. There are plenty of companies that will ship to any country around the world, but be sure to get a few quotes so you can choose the most competitive one.

Envelopes: Envelope Sizes and Types

Envelopes

Whether you have a special occasion that requires sending out invitations or run a business that regularly uses various office supplies, there are a variety of envelopes available for purchase to get you the results you're looking for. While seen as a simple product, it is helpful to know how to shop for this item. The following tips can help anyone purchase the perfect envelope type for their needs.

Envelope Sizes

Perhaps one of the most crucial elements to consider when shopping for envelopes is the size. Depending on what you need to send, it is important to choose the proper envelope sizes that will not only get the contents delivered on time, but also prevent any damage to the contents. To help determine the right size, it helps to think about what you're going to send. For example, basic letters would do fine using a traditional size, such as DL. This size is ideal for documents that can be folded multiple times. However, significant documents, such as contracts, certificates and other related paperwork should never be folded or bent in any way. In this instance, it is best to choose from larger envelope sizes. C4 in particular, is ideal for holding standard A4 paperwork, and is slightly larger than A4 to accommodate A4 size products. This works for all the standard envelope sizes, their sizes designed around fitting the standard paper sizes in - with just enough room to make it a simple task to put in and take the contents of the envelope. Below give s a quick snapshot of the 3 most common sized envelopes C4, C5 & DL, and their equivalent paper sizes.

C4 Size: 324 x 229mm - C5 Size: 229 x 162mm - DL Size: 220 x 110mm

A4 Size: 297 x 210mm - A5 Size: 210 x 148mm - 1/3 A4: 210 x 99mm

Style

These days there are more options for people to choose from when it comes to envelopes and style. You no longer have to stick to stark white, plain designs. Many envelopes are now available in special stationary designs, colors and even textures. Want your wedding invitations to stand out when you send them through the mail? Why not choose a wedding envelope style that has been custom made with you and your spouse-to-be's initials embroidered onto the front or back? Textured envelopes are becoming the latest trend that not only showcases the sender's personality, but is also great for creating a great first impression. You can purchase an envelope that looks like it's been made from a rustic scroll, vintage fabric or in the texture of business stationery with your company name and logo embossed on it.

Purpose

Regardless of the size, colour and style, it is vital to figure out what type of impression you want to make with the envelope you end up purchasing. Business letters and related correspondence will more than likely want to stick to envelopes designed for these purposes. There are regular styles, open end, booklet and window styles available. Social and invitation envelopes come in square, contour, inner/outer and pointed flap styles, which distinctly mark it as being for special occasions. Do you need to send an important document that is fragile? Then you'll have the following options to choose from: plastic mailers, paperboard mailers and bubble lined. Taking the envelope sizes, style and purpose into consideration is the best way to find the ideal envelope for your project(s), regardless of what you need it for.

Envelope Types

Window

This refers to an envelope that has a window in it, normally to show the delivery address. The delivery address is printed in a specific area on the enclosed document and when, or if, it is folded the clear acetate of the envelope shows the address through.

Non-Window or Plain

Non-window envelopes are sometimes referred to as 'Plain' envelopes, this type of envelope is used to conceal the contents fully, and the address needs to be applied on the envelope directly. This can be written on, or printed but can also be applied via a label. This sometimes is the best option if you are mailing a number of generic letters, as the only differing information is the delivery address, which can be printed onto labels and applied.

Opaque

When mentioning Opaque in envelope terms, it refers to the inside of the envelopes printed pattern. The idea behind the opaque is simply to disguise the content of the envelope. As the majority of things put in envelopes are letters, bills, invoices, bank statements etc - it eliminates the possibility of seeing the content through the envelope. Many companies recently have taken to using this opportunity reinforce their brand, by using logo's repeatedly over the inside. Opaque is used in both Window and Non - Window.

Envelope Closures

Self-Seal

Self-Seal is the type of envelope that does not need licking, the more modern types (especially on DL's) have a flap that you need to lift up that exposes the adhesive, and you close the main flap onto it. When the 2 adhesives meet they bond and hey presto.

Gummed

This is the traditional envelope that needs to be licked in order to activate the adhesive and then press the flap shut. These were found to be less secure, and the shelf life of the adhesive wasn't very long - meaning if your Stationery Supplies company had them on the shelf for a while, they could be useless.

Peel & Seal

Really easy to use, and probably one of the most secure closures - similar to the gummed option above, but no licking is required and the adhesive is stronger, and as it is not exposed to the air it lasts longer too. The flap has the adhesive along the length and this adhesive is covered by a thin strip of paper. When you want to seal the envelope, you simply peel off the strip exposing the adhesive, and press firmly to close.

How to Plan a Barn Dance

Barn dances have become very popular for all kinds of events from wedding receptions through to corporate events, birthday parties and village fetes - even prom nights!. I believe their popularity is due to the fact that people of all ages enjoy these events equally. Here is my guide to planning and running a successful event.

The Venue

Barn dances rarely take place in barns, so there is no overpowering need to go and find a friendly farmer and get him to lend you his barn. In fact barns can make very poor venues (unless specifically prepared or designed for such events) as there are often no amenities such as toilets etc. They can also have a tenancy to get a little cold and they can be quite dusty when the dancers start to kick up the dust from the floor unless the barn has been meticulously swept and cleaned beforehand. It is sometimes better to pick a venue such as a village hall, school hall or a large hotel. If the barn dance is for a wedding then a room in the hotel where the wedding reception is being held is usually the norm. The band will also need room to set up their equipment. Ask them how much equipment they have and how much room they will need. You wouldn't be able to get say a five piece band with a drum-kit onto a stage that is only designed for a duo. Always make sure that there is ample room for the dancers to dance. A barn dance will need a bigger dance floor than a disco. Ask the venue how large the dancing area is.

Choosing a band

Most barn dance bands have a website these days where you can hear snippets of their music or see videos of their live performances. Choose your band to suit the occasion and the likely taste of your guests. Remember that a barn dance band also has to be listened to as well as danced to.

Barn dance bands come in an array of different forms from the traditional accordion, guitar and fiddle arrangement to the more rock and roll type electric barn dance bands. Most bands will sing a song between the dances so that there is always some entertainment throughout the dance. The more rock and roll end of the bands will usually have a few rock and roll numbers for the end of the night and be able to "mix things up" a little to suit everyone.

When choosing a band it is true to say that you get what you pay for. Do not choose on cost alone. It may be better to pay more than you expected to get an evening that everyone remembers for all the right reasons and not the wrong ones. Nearly all barn dance bands come complete with a caller, but always remember to ask if this is the case. Make sure your bands equipment is PAT tested and the band has Public Liability Insurance. This is becoming obligatory in many venues and all barn dance bands should carry such insurance.

Catering

Most dances have some form of food for the guests. It can be a simple buffet, a hotpot or even a hog-roast at a larger event. The food break is usually planned to be about halfway in the proceedings. So if the dance started at 8pm then the buffet would start to be served around 9.30pm. Some venues insist you use their own caterers. Check on this beforehand.

You will also need a bar at your event. There are exceptions such as church socials etc where this is deemed inappropriate. Ask if the venue has a bar or whether you will have to bring one in to cover your event.

What happens during a barn dance?

The band will arrive in ample time to set up their equipment for the barn dance and do a preliminary sound check to make sure all is well. Although the dance may have been designated to commence at a certain time a band cannot perform if not enough people are there on time. This is something that always needs to be taken into consideration.

Before the evenings entertainment commences, the Caller will contact the organiser to do a final check on the start time, and the timing of any breaks etc. It is usual for the band to perform two separate period with a break in the middle.

During the dance your guests will be requiring a few rests between the dances.Most bands entertain with songs between the dance numbers to ensure that there are never any awkward silences. During the interval, between their first time of performance and the next, the band usually provides background music on their sound system. If not, then the venue can usually provide this for you.

If a buffet or hot food is to be served during the night, the interval is usually the best time for the refreshments. This is also often the time organisers to make any speeches or give any gifts or prizes.

Make sure your bands equipment is PAT tested and the band has Public Liability Insurance. This is becoming obligatory in many venues and all barn dance bands should carry such insurance.

When the performance commences, the Caller will invite the guests on to the dance floor and will "walk through" all the barn dance moves before the actual dance begins. Following commencement of the dance, the Caller will continue to call out the moves throughout the dance (so no one needs to have a good memory). And remember, mistakes only add to the fun and jollity!

Barn dances can be great fun for all ages. Enjoy planning your event!

Important Things To Consider When Making Cheap But Good-Looking Wedding Invitations

Coming up with a great wedding invitation doesn't have to cost a fortune. Many brides these days opt to send out good-looking invites to their friends and loved ones, but don't want to spend a lot of money. Who wants it anyway? If you are a bride on a budget, it is possible for you to send out beautiful invites without spending a dime.

There are some important things to consider when making cheap but good-looking wedding invitations. These things will help you create something beautiful and joyful to receive, which your guests will truly be impressed about.

Stationery

Cheap wedding stationery is available in many online stores, craft stores, and bookstores. You can find dozens to hundreds of stationery in many different colors, textures, shapes, and styles. If you are shopping in a local shop can't find a good variety of stationery that you want to use, go online and visit craft and scrap-booking websites. You can also get some options from an online invitation specialist if you don't have any idea about the right invites for your wedding. Whether you have a specific wedding theme or you don't, you can have your chosen printable invite printed on a stationery of any weight, texture, or style.

Design

Designs are very important in making cheap invitations look great. However, you don't want to over do the designs as well, as your invites will look too much if decorated overly. Keep it simple, yet elegant. If you have a theme for your wedding, choose designs that fit with that theme. You can find lots of clip arts and images that you can copy and paste on your invitations. Even if you are not a net-savvy, with a bit of effort and creativity, you can design your own wedding invitations as beautiful as professionally-made ones.

Layer

If you want to create an elegant effect to your cheap wedding invites, another way you can do it is by adding layers on it. Usually, layered invites are composed of a lightweight paper and a larger or heavier paper. Choose light and heavier paper in a coordinated color. If made correctly, the result would be layered invitations that look more costly than their original price.

Decorations

Using decorations such as charms, gems, and coordinated ribbon, you can make the invites even more attractive. Of course, when you choose embellishments to use on your invitations, you have to consider your wedding theme as well. Charms, gems, and ribbon come in a wide variety to choose from. You can find them at local craft stores or online stores.

Cheap wedding invitations can be as simple or as unique as you want them to be. Regardless of your budget, it is possible to create such beautiful items to get your friends and loved ones closer to you, especially those who live far from you. When looking for some more cheap ideas for your wedding supplies and bridal accessories, go online and take time to browse various websites that offer lots of options that save money on your wedding.

The Secret to Finding the Best Wedding Insurance

How important is a wedding insurance? Well, you will truly appreciate having a wedding insurance when you finally need it. Depending on the insurance you purchase, expenses entailed in a postponed wedding could be reimbursed. Your expenses on flowers, reception venue reservations, limo service and many others could be reimbursed so you will still have money to push through with the wedding of your dreams. To get more coverage though, you have to be prepared to pay a higher amount. And to get the best wedding insurance, you have to do your research before buying.

Compare and Contrast Wedding Insurance

It is always best to look at not just the first one you find but the others too. If you really want the best wedding insurance, you have to compare more than one insurance packages and check which one offers the best coverage. This is only right if you want to get the best deal for your money.

Take note that not all insurance are the same. Some cover more than the others but some of the standard insurance coverage includes the cost of the flowers, catering, wedding ring, wedding dress and limo services. Of course, you could prioritize coverage on some items depending on the amount of your investment. This should be your guide when searching for the best insurance for your wedding.

Find the Price That Suits You

The best wedding insurance definitely depends on your budget. You have only found the best when you find the one that you can afford. With a budget in mind, you have to search for the best insurance that fits your budget. Nevertheless, the price is not really the only criterion to be considered when buying the best insurance. So even if you find the cheapest insurance you must not buy it based only on that reason. The coverage it provides is always as important as the price.

Look for Wedding Insurance Provider You Can Trust

If you want to be truly protected, you have to buy from a trustworthy insurance provider. If you don't you could even find yourself uninsured even if you have paid the price. This would be the case if you choose the unstable insurance. If the company folds up your investment would be useless. If you want to buy only from a trusted company you could buy best wedding insurance from established insurance companies. If you want some trustworthy suggestions, you could also ask advice from your wedding planner.

Since comparing as many insurance is important, you should go online and search for them there. It is easier and quicker to do this on the Internet since terms and conditions are posted there already. By reading the coverage given by various insurance providers you will be able to find out if they provide the same coverage that you want and need. In turn, you would also be able to find the best insurance. You can even customize your insurance online and get the calculation of your fees right then and there. Best of all, great discounts may be offered online too.

Again, you need to allot ample time to search for the best wedding insurance. Even if you have to put some effort, time and money, it's worth it with the peace of mind and the protection it provides.

Elegant Wedding Invitations Using a Monogram

For elegant wedding invitations you can transform an ordinary invitation into something that exudes class and formality simply by choosing to add a monogram to your stationary. A monogram is basically a design composed of one or more letters, usually the initials of a name are used to be an identifying mark. For example if your name is John William Smith, you would usually choose either the "S" by itself as the monogram, or you could choose to include the first and last initials, or all three initials. The most common way is either just one initial, or all three initials. For your wedding invitations you could also choose to use the last initial of the groom and the last initial of the bride, separated only by an ampersand (&).

The monogram has been used widely by monarchs, artists, and socialites to draw attention to the formality that is to be associated with the name, or monogram. This tells you right from the get go by the class of individuals that typically use it that this choice will be beautiful and high class. Of course any one can use this method to dress up any stationary they might want, it is not just exclusive to upper class individuals though it does give that feel, and it will certainly dress up your stationary as elegant wedding invitations.

One of the keys to dressing up the monogram even further to truly portray the elegant feel is choosing the right font of text for the monogrammed initials. Typically a script font is the best choice for this, but many others are also just as good. The script just has a presence about it because of the curvy nature of the letters themselves, and when they are capitalized letters as initials are the curves and swoops are usually dramatic giving off a bigger presence. Though the script is typical, don't discount the bold block choice for certain capital letters, these can be just as dramatic. Test different fonts to see what you like.

Some typical fonts that are used when making elegant wedding invitations using a monogram are: calligraphy, gothic font, and zapfino just to name a few. These fonts will generally give the feel that you are trying to achieve.

Along with the font is the style of the monogram. If you decide to use more than one initial for the monogram, you have a few more choices on how they will show. You could choose to have the initials side by side, you could have them interlocking, they could be in the form of a circle as well as a few variations on these methods. Typically if all three initials are used, the middle initial will be the largest and will also be the last initial. For your elegant wedding invitations you could make your own variation on this method by using the last initial of the groom (your new last name as well), and have the first initial for each of you on either side. If you interlock these initials it will show off your new marriage bond as well.

From this one simple method you can easily make the elegant wedding invitations that you want, and this is also a way to keep things from getting expensive. The options are available; it's just a matter of you playing with the details to see which final monogram looks best for your initials.

Financial Tips For Newlyweds

What a wonderful day, despite the impatience and in-law worries,
your wedding went off without a hitch and the honeymoon time was
incredible. You and your newly wed spouse are back in your shared
home, the gifts are opened and put away, bills are looming and it's
back to work tomorrow.

So what do you do to merge two single finances into one married
package?

Arguing with a spouse about money is one of the top three things to
worry Americans the most when it comes to personal finances, so says
a survey by NFO Research. Another survey brings out that nearly 70%
of all recently divorced couples blame arguments starting over money
as the largest single contributing factor to their divorce.

With a statistic like that hanging over their head, it is no wonder
many newlyweds are nervous to talk about finances. Merging their
individual finances into a single unit is critical for long-term
success of their marriage. What are newlywed, or nearly wed, couples
to do?

1. Know where you are going. As soon as you set a date to start your
life together, begin sharing intimate details about each others
financial life. If you find both of you hate financial planning you
can decide who will do what now. It will not be any easier now than
it would after your marriage, but there is less pressure to "just do
it" and get it over with.

2. Share the news with the Government. Visit the Social Security
website at http://www.ssa.gov for information on replacing your old Social
Security card if you are changing your name. Also don't forget the
Department of Motor Vehicles to change your driver's license. If you
have other dealings with state or federal agencies, you will want to
change their information about you as soon as possible to avoid any
problems later.

3. Hang onto your marriage certificate. Before you put this little
piece of paper away somewhere you "won't forget it", keep it handy
the first year to show as proof of your nuptials. Financial
representatives can not accept a picture of you cutting cake at the
reception, and some airline frequent flier miles programs won't
update your information unless you have a legal document as proof.

4. Consolidate to save money and arguments. The two of you are
married now, act like it financially. You do not need separate
checking accounts for separate paychecks to pay for merged bills. By
having one checking account you may save on bank fees. To overcome
the risk of checks not being recorded, use checks with the duplicate
feature and put both of you on a cash allowance. This will help
prevent over-use of the check book and arguments about where the
money went.

5. Make a financial date night. Choose a night early in the month
after all the bills have arrived and spend some time paying the bills
together. One writes out the check, the other records the payment and
stuffs the envelope. Use this time to discuss finances, goals and
clear the air about concerns you may have. These date nights may lead
to deep discussions about personal goals, household responsibilities,
or even career plans, so listening is critical.

6. Re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Changing your marital status
may lower your auto insurance premiums. Employer provided health
plans may be consolidated under a family plan, or is it more
advantages to maintain individual plans? Do some looking around and
get quotes on your health and auto insurance needs from multiple
sources.

7. Other insurance considerations. Now that you have a family, do
you need more life insurance? Nobody likes to think about it, but
disability income and life insurance policies can greatly reduce
worry and stress on a family in the event an accident or premature
death occurs. The advantage to buying life insurance while you are
young is the lower cost. Buying 20-year level term insurance can be a
more inexpensive method of buying protection during the time your
children are still living at home.

8. Will you, or will you not? If you die without a will, the passing
of your assets to your heirs is determined by a judge who determines
how much of your assets go to your children, your wife, your father,
your uncle, and every other relative who thinks they have a claim to
your estate. A quick trip to a lawyer for a small fee, or an hour
with a good computer program should put your mind at ease that your
family will be taken care of the way you want. Planning on estate
division can raise difficult issues, but this is a vitally important
thing to do for your loved ones.

9. Promises, promises. You promised love at your marriage ceremony,
no make some further promises. Promise to consult each other before
making major purchases, setting a price as to determine when
discussion needs to occur before the purchase. It doesn't matter if
the sports car you have always dreamed about is being sold right now,
if you cannot talk to your spouse about it, don't buy it.

10. Respect each other. It is normal for you to not always agree
with your spouse about money. This doesn't mean someone has to be
wrong and have their resistance worn down. Listen to their opinion
and respect their right to have it. You never know, their idea may be
better for your family.

Wedding Invitation Envelopes - Your Quick Start Guide

An envelope is just an envelope, right? Wrong. When it comes to wedding invitation envelopes, even the most excited bride-to-be can find herself scratching her head when it comes to assembling the invites. What goes where, and why? This guide will help you figure it all out and give you time-saving tips for assembling wedding invitation envelopes.

Outer envelope

This is the workhorse of the wedding invitation envelopes. Used as the outermost piece of the invite, it gets the stamp, the guest address and the return address. Since it's protecting everything, it doesn't matter if the post office bangs it up a bit. For a classy touch, these envelopes can also be closed with a seal, which can feature a simple motif that reflects the ceremony theme, such as a seashell for a beach wedding. Seals can also be customized with the initials of you and your future spouse. Find seals through an online marriage invitation specialist.

When it's time for mailing, some brides take them to the post office and request they be hand stamped rather than run through the postage machine. This not only gives a more vintage feel to the outer envelope, it also helps protects it from the smears and snags of a machined postmark.

While the outer envelope might seem like a lot of work, it actually has its roots in etiquette. According to Emily Post experts, this tradition likely goes back to a time when invitations were hand delivered to guests. The envelopes were left unsealed to make it easy for invitees to open the package. When brides started to use the mail service for delivery, the envelopes were simply inserted into a larger envelope that was able to withstand the rigors of bulk postal service.

Inner envelope

This part of the wedding invitation envelopes package is not sealed and holds the invitation as well as additional material, such as the response card and envelope and the map card. The name of each guest is placed on the outside and then it's put inside the outer envelope.

Trendy brides are substituting the inner envelope with a pocketfold-style envelope. This style is quite like a folder. When opened, it reveals the invitation and a pocket that holds the enclosure cards.

Time-saving tips for wedding invitation envelopes

Typically the bride--with a little help from family or bridesmaids--addresses the wedding invitation envelopes herself. If your handwriting has the quality of low-grade chicken scratch, however, consider hiring professional calligrapher to do the work for you. Online wedding printers also offer address printing services for a fee.

Want to avoid a nasty paper cut on your tongue? Perhaps the taste of envelope glue makes you retch? Maybe you just don't have time to add an extra step? Whatever the reason, you might want to order wedding invite envelopes that have an adhesive flap. Simply take off the removable strip and close the envelope. It's so easy you could ask your preschool cousin to help.

So as you start to order your invitations, don't feel overwhelmed by all the parts of wedding invitation envelopes. After assembling the first few pieces, you'll be an envelope expert.

Cheap Wedding Planning - Tips to Save Yourself Some Money

With the average wedding in the United States costing approximately $20,000, it's easy to see why many people have to take out loans or borrow money from family when planning their special day. Of course, it doesn't have to cost this much. Cheap wedding planning is easily attainable, if you know the ways to save money and still have the wedding of your dreams. Below, this article will discuss tips to lower your wedding budget, and still have a beautiful ceremony!

• Go with a Second Hand Dress - Yes, it is possible to find gorgeous wedding gowns at a fraction of the cost. You may have a married family member or friend who has a wedding dress that's your size, or one that can be altered for you. You can pay a seamstress to add a bit of flair to the dress so it's not obvious you are wearing your cousin's wedding attire. Also, there are many bridal shops that rent their dresses out. Hey, your hubby-to-be is renting his outfit, why not do the same and save some cash??


• Print your Own Wedding Invitations - Wedding invitation kits can be purchased for less than half the price of getting them done by a printing company. They don't take that long to make, plus you will have more control over the wording and design. You can do the same with thank you cards and table place settings for the reception. Printers have come a long way, so you can rest assured that yours will provide professional looking invites at a fraction of the price.


• Opt for Silk Flowers - Live arrangements may smell better and be more vibrant in color, but they are also more costly and can only be purchased a couple of days before the wedding. For more flexibility and less cost, visit a floral wholesaler and get your flowers in bulk. These can also be saved after the wedding and used to decorate your home, an added bonus that is impossible if you are using live flowers.

Cheap wedding planning should be practiced for those who are having a wedding on a budget. Don't ever feel like you are having to settle or "make do" with mediocre wedding accessories. Just learn how to bargain shop for your special day, and you will save tons of money in the long run!

Wedding Planning For the Older Bride

You have been alone for several years; now you have found that special someone with whom to share your life. As you begin your wedding planning, you will find that you have many more decisions to make than younger brides. Your body has changed and the gown that looks great on a 25 year-old will not look the same on a 50 year-old. You may have children and possibly grandchildren to consider. You may have a home and/or investments that you want to leave to your family. You or your groom may have health issues. All of these things and more need to be considered before you say "I Do."

Wedding Gown: Many older women find choosing a wedding gown to be the most difficult part of planning their wedding. Unless you work out regularly, you may not want a revealing gown like those found in most bridal salons. Instead, look for gowns designed for cruises and for party dresses or consider having a dress made.

Children: If you have children, either still at home or grown, you will want to provide for their futures. If you have young children, you should have a will that includes guardianship provisions if something should happen to you. You may or may not want your new spouse to assume guardianship. Perhaps a sibling or your parents would be a better choice.

Assets: You may want your personal assets, including investments and property, to go to your children in case of your death rather than to your new spouse and his children. If so, you should talk with an attorney and draw up both a will and a pre-marital agreement to assure that your wishes are fulfilled.

Home/business: You and/or your future husband may own a home or a business. If one or both of you have homes, you will need to decide where you will live and what you will do with the other property. You might choose to live in one of the homes and either sell or rent the other. Or, you may decide to sell both homes and purchase one together. This is sometimes a better option if one or both of you lived in the home with a previous spouse.

If one or both of you owns a business, you may need to contact an attorney to draw up a succession plan if you have not yet done so. The plan will include instructions about the future of the business, including future ownership and how the assets of the business will be handled. If the business is a sole proprietorship or a partnership, the business will automatically dissolve upon the death of the owner, so you will want to be prepared.

Health: If one or both of you suffer from a long term health problem, you may need to determine how the expenses of the illness, as well as any future care needs, will be handled. If one of you has health insurance through a former spouse's employer, you may lose it when you remarry.

Debts: One or both of you may bring debts into the marriage. If the debts are significant, you may need to maintain separate bank accounts and keep your assets separate until the debts have been satisfied. If one of you has a poor credit record or a past bankruptcy that could adversely affect both of you if you commingle your finances.

Pension Payments/Survivor Benefits Payments: If you or your fiancé receive survivor benefit payments or pension payments related to the retirement of a deceased spouse, you may lose those payments when your remarry, so be sure to find out. This is also true for military retirement and survivor benefit payments.

Social Security: If you are receiving Social Security survivor benefit payments on your deceased spouse's earning record and you are under age 60, you may lose those benefits if you remarry. If you remarry after age 60 (50 if you are disabled), you will continue to collect benefits.

Sharing your older years with a new spouse can bring great happiness but getting to the altar successfully will take some careful planning to be certain that you are not unpleasantly surprised by the loss of income, insurance, or other issues. Therefore, take some time to visit with your attorney and an accountant to make sure that you are fully prepared to enter the next phase of your new life.

Copyright © 2007; Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

Engagement Gifts: Getting It Right

Let's face it. Most folks know the drill for giving wedding gifts. In our cyberspace world, it's all too easy to buy prezzies online at the drop of a hat. But when it comes to giving engagement gifts, that's a different story...

Engagement Gift Etiquette

Usually, after an engagement, it's appropriate to send a congratulatory card to the happy couple, but presents for engagement can also be a thoughtful, sentimental gesture.

That said, the bride and groom-to-be should not expect engagement presents from friends and family. This special occasion's all about people coming together to celebrate the news before the wedding madness commences.

Marriage symbolizes two individuals coming together to become one. However, during the engagement period, they're still two separate persons. Therefore, it stands to reason you should give gifts that reflect that. For instance, giving engagement presents that can be shared - such as towels, dishes and so on - are a no-go. Instead, give gifts that can be enjoyed individually.

Unlike the wedding where the couple has planned a gift registry, engagement presents for couples can be anything you like, within reason, of course! There are a few engagement present ideas you should steer clear of...

If you were thinking of getting PlayStation games for "both" of them... don't. Let's face it, she wouldn't play, it'd just be him!

And before you impose your own (wacky) taste, just be sure you know the couple really well otherwise you might be met with bewildered stares. If you're unsure of their taste, it's best to go for simple, practical engagement gifts ideas you know they'll use like a (returnable) home item or a gift voucher to a local restaurant.

Perhaps one of the worst engagement gift ideas is something re-gifted, i.e. giving something you got as a gift, but don't want. Even if your gift is brand-spanking-new and unused, it's tacky to pass it off as something you bought for your newly engaged friends.

Here's how to help the couple start their marriage off on the right track. The keyword here is personalization...

Personalized Engagement Gifts

First and foremost, the gift doesn't need to be extravagant. No siree. It can be a small token of appreciation, a way to congratulate and convey your good wishes.

If you're seeking unusual engagement gifts, happily, there's a solution. These days, ladies and gents, there are such things as personalized engagement presents. These come in the form of photo frames, candles, soaps, jewelry, engraved gifts, monogrammed gifts, glassware, cufflinks, wedding planners and more.

With these gifts, you can personalize them individually with each of their names, or even add both couples' names on to your gift turning it into a thoughtful, useful keepsake they'll treasure long after the party.

Instead of opting for gifts that lack that personal touch, choose personalized gifts instead. These presents will get your message of love across to the said couple and also ensure they cherish your gift forever and ever and ever. Amen.

Non Alcoholic Drink Recipes for a Baby Shower

In special occasions like weddings, birthdays and baby showers where you have invited your closest friends and relatives to come over and celebrate the moment with you, serving drinks is a basic rule. Since food and other treats are expected to be present, drinks should never be left out. And since it is a family occasion, non-alcoholic drinks are usually more appropriate.

Drinks are as important as the dishes you want to be served on special occasions such as a baby shower. Hence, it is vital to have at least a few non alcoholic drink recipes at hand for you to use for the event. Listed below are just some of the many options you may want to use for your baby shower:

Lime Rickey:
1 large lime juice
Sugar
Club soda

For this recipe, mix lime juice with a teaspoonful of sugar in a glass and stir well. Add at least two ice cubes and club soda then stir again. An optional garnish of lime slices will make the drink look attractive.

Pineapple Daisy:
8 parts pineapple juice
1 part grenadine
2 parts lemon juice

Mix the ingredients altogether. You can either stir it or shake it. After mixing, pour into the glass and add fresh pineapple and strawberries as decorations.

Spicy Coffee Cooler:
Cinnamon
1 cup heavy whipped cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Ground coffee
15 whole cloves
7 cups cold water

Mix the cloves, cinnamon and coffee with water and then brew. Add powdered sugar to the brewed mixture after straining. Fill half of the glass with crushed ice and then pour the brewed mixture. Add a touch of sweetened cream on the top.

Raspberry Mint Crush:
2 cups lime juice
1 cup red raspberries
2 cups sugar
A bunch of mint
2 cups boiling water

Mix the sugar into the water and let it chill. After a while, add crushed mint and lime juice into the mixture and let it chill again in the refrigerator for another 2 to 3 hours. Strain the mixture and pour it over a glass with cracked ice and garnish it with mint leaves.

Planters Punch:
3 quarts ginger ale
2 cups grenadine
2 cups lemon juice
2 cups orange juice
Sliced strawberries and pineapple
Mint leaves

Mix all the juices along with grenadine and let it chill for about 12 hours or overnight. Add ginger ale over the chilled mixture before serving. Garnish the drink with slices of strawberry and pineapple.

The recipes mentioned above can still be added with other ingredients to add more taste and flavoring. The secret also comes on how you present these drinks to your guests by way of the garnishes that you use. You should also know how to make further experiments on the drinks to be able to come up with a revised version of the drink recipes mentioned above. To do this, the testing phase should be done at least a few days before the exact day of the baby shower to allow certain adjustments if there are any.

Islamic Wedding Invitations: Important Tips for Choosing the Right One

Often referred to as "Shaadi cards", Islamic wedding invitations consist of a mix of elegantly simple, bright and colorful varieties, crafted from handmade and texture rich papers. Also known as "Valima" cards or "Nikah" cards these wedding invitations are perhaps the best way to let your loved ones and friends know about your special day. Traditional scrolls known as farman are also a great option when it comes to Islamic marriage invitations. However, with so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one. Here in this article, we are going to take a look at the various things you need to give thought to when deciding on that special Islamic wedding invitation.

Islamic Wedding Invitations: Things to Consider

Listed below are the various important things you need to take into consideration when looking for Islamic marriage cards:

• Style - As you start a new journey as a couple, it must also reflect on your wedding invitation. Scroll wedding cards are quite in demand these days with their striking patterns and vibrant colors. Mix and match designs and colors until you find one that suits your aesthetic tastes. You could also consider Islamic wedding invitations that are hand crafted and minutely detailed for that elegant feel. You could even opt for embellishments like Kundan stones and sequins to add a touch of traditional style.

• Textures - Textures are to be kept in mind and should be chosen in coordination with the background. There are a lot of attractive textures available and you could end up in a fix when it comes to selecting the best one. However, remember this, glossy textures work well with a dull colored background, while matte looks good on a bright background.

• Color - A reflection of your theme should be the highlight while selecting the color. Keep the time of the year in mind and choose the color accordingly. For summers comparatively cooler and brighter colors work well, while warmer colors are great for autumn and winters. Pastels are the most appropriate for spring.

• Theme - Theme based Islamic wedding cards are very popular in the market. If you select a theme based card make sure that it complements the theme of the wedding decorations. Also ensure that the theme is incorporated appropriately throughout all wedding stationery.

If your wedding invitations don't look that traditional, you could consider adding some ribbons in traditional colors. Finally, remember that your Islamic wedding cards and the wedding stationery should complement each other.