Archive for June, 2009

Personalize Your Favors And Turn Your Reception Into a “Wow”ception

by Aaron Hu

Personalized wedding favors are a wonderful way to specialize your wedding. As a guest, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of having something special to remember your wedding by. As the bride or groom, there’s nothing like knowing you’ve given a guest yet another item to talk about when they leave your party. These favors make your wedding special; here’s how to make sure you do it right.

First of all, make sure that you’ve figured out how to personalize your favor. Do you want to have your names on it? That would make your favor a reminder of your special day. How about a symbol of the two of you? Maybe the theme of the wedding can be used. Whatever you choose, make it special and unique. Give your guests a reason to keep your favor, instead of letting it collect dust with others that they’ve received over the years. Another way to personalize a favor is to put your guests’ individual names on them. A guest always feels special when they realize that their favor is designed especially for them. It shows that they were thought about during the process of planning for the wedding, and who wouldn’t love to know that they are appreciated?

Personalized favor boxes are also an excellent idea. They are just large enough to hold a treat, but instead of dropping in a kiss or a chocolate candy, why not include a short personal note? You don’t have to write a letter, but a simple heartfelt “Thanks for coming!” will make your guests feel loved and wanted, and make your favor even more special. As a result, your favor will not only be attractive, but practical too.

Now you should decide how to distribute your favors. The ushers could give them away to the guests just before the wedding. Or how about another twist and have the flower girl or ring bearer pass them out as they walk down the aisle? You could still be traditional and have them placed on tables as guests enter the reception hall, of course. However you do it, make sure that they get to your guests.

You can also distribute your favors by guest. Give a certain kind of favor to the bride’s family, another to the groom’s, and another to the wedding party. Perhaps a special favor could be given to the children in the group. Often, they tend to be overlooked when it comes to gifts; they deserve their own present to let them know that their presence is also appreciated.

Last but not least, remember to make your favors classy and elegant. Your friends and family should have something to talk about when they leave your party, but in a good way. They shouldn’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable over your choice of gifts. A favor should be something pretty and special, not something that guests will want to forget about or leave behind.

Personalized favors and favor boxes are a really great way to give your reception or wedding that special touch. It can make your party something to remember, which is what any bride or groom would want. Your guests, in turn, will cherish their favor as a reminder of your day. Whether you use your name or your guests’ names on them, you’ll create memories that will last forever.

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How About A Nice Little Beach Wedding?” Favors To Remember Your Special Day

by Aaron Hu

Most brides dream of having a wedding on the beach, or in the summer. And it makes a lot of sense-there’s no rain, the locations are beautiful, and you can have it outside. But how do you use this information to make your wedding the best it can be? This article will explain how to do just that.

First of all, consider your dress. If you’re having a beach wedding, don’t choose a heavy embroidered number with long sleeves. Your train shouldn’t leave a trail in the sand. Besides, if you get too close to the water and your dress gets wet, you’ll have a bona fide mess on your hands. Pick something beach friendly, like a shorter dress. Or wear a dress that is made of a lighter material, like chiffon. You might worry that your dress may not be ornate enough if you do this, but never fear-there are so many different designers out there that finding a dress with decorations that will work for you will be easier than you thought.

Next, think about the location in terms of your guests. A beach wedding can be tricky, especially if you’re literally on the beach-no tables, no grass, nothing. Scout out your location first, and decide what type of equipment you’ll need to bring in order to make it work. Chairs, of course, will be mandatory. Is the sand strong enough to keep them stable, or will your great aunt Myrtle-you know, the one with the bad knee and sore back-have a heck of a time getting up after the ceremony? And where will the ceremony itself take place? Make sure you know where you’ll be in relation to the water line, and when high and low tide are. You don’t want to set up a wedding on the beach, picturing the waves quietly lapping the shore in the background, and end up having your soaking wet guests hurriedly running away from the incoming tide.

The time of day might also be something to consider. If you plan your wedding for too early, you may have issues with the weather. If you plan your wedding too late, you may still have issues with the weather. And remember, time will also determine the tide. Again, double check the tidal patterns for your area and make sure you won’t have any problems.

Pick something clever for the children to do at the wedding, if for no other reason than to keep them occupied. Wby not have them build you a sand castle? Or draw a large heart in the sand(well away from the water, of course) with your name and your spouse’s? Don’t forget to take pictures of the sand art-and the artists! When you write your thank you notes, be sure to include a copy for the parents. They’ll be extremely proud, the children will feel like they did something important, and you’ll have a really cute memorial for your day.

Last but not least, don’t forget about the favors. Beach wedding favors can be easy; use shells, beach animals or a little sandbag. You can personalize them any way you like. Your guests will love these, and remember where they were every time they look at them.

Beach weddings can be simple and easy to plan. All it takes is a little bit of time and energy, and you can have your dream wedding with no problems. In the end, you’ll make it special for not just you, but everyone.

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Space Aged Mens Titanium Bracelet?

by Edward Jacobsen

As a metal there is no match literally to titanium. This space aged material is used extensively in the aerospace industry and will be the dominate metal as we venture to the edges of our solar system. Incredibly strong and ultimately corrosion resistant are but some of the virtues of titanium.

So it makes sense that titanium is becoming one of the most saught after forms of jewelry in the world today. It’s phenomenal strength and resistance to corrosion and tarnishing are vaulting this space metal into the stratosphere of the jewelry industry. Scratching, marring and blemishing are almost non existent when you wear this new form of modern jewelry.

These traits make titanium a natural and wise choice for men and women. I have a mens titanium bracelet that I wear on a daily basis and I can testify that it is nearly bullet proof and requires almost no extra care.

So it should not come as a shock that titanium is becoming wildly popular with the younger demographic. Young men are especially fond of titanium and are buying it in astonishing quantities. Many young men are having titanium wedding bands placed on their fingers right after their nuptials.

So if you haven’t seen or been shopping for titanium and the other “new” metals then you may have been missing a lot of really awesome and trendy artisan crafting. Just because they are not gold or silver doesn’t mean that they aren’t precious.

The best and most artistic titanium jewelry is usually found at online retailers. Take a search around the internet and I think you will be surprised at the styles and sheer abundance on this jewelry.

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Shine! Crystal and Glass Wedding Favors

by Aaron Hu

Keyrings, ribbons, even measuring tapes–all of these are perfect examples of favors that you can give to your guests. There are so many different types of favors to choose from that the array can be almost dizzying. The most attractive and impressive favors, however, are from crystal and glass. Your guests will really love the elegance of these gifts and appreciate your thoughtfulness. But how to use them? Read on!

Think about your budget , first and foremost. How much have you set aside for favors for guests? There is a wide range of prices, from budget friendly to very expensive. And cheaper favors may mean shoddy workmanship. If that’s the case, the appearance may put off your guests. Why buy junk for your guests and run the risk of having them leave it behind? Think before you buy.

A theme is the most effective way to show these favors off for best results. A spring wedding might have tiny trees as gifts. A fall wedding could use large glass oak leaves. And a cowboy wedding could have hats and horses. Any of these can be colored to suit the occasion. You could go with a standard coloring, or match them to the wedding colors. Your guests will be amazed by what can be done with simple glass and crystal!

If you feel you can’t afford glass or crystal ornaments, feel free to use acrylic instead. This material is sturdy and inexpensive, but has the same beauty and can be cut in the same manner as glass or crystal. Acrylic scratches, however, are difficult to polish out. On the other hand, it is very difficult to shatter an acrylic favor than the other two. Searching the web can result in many options, but you may not necessarily find exactly what you’re looking for. If that happens to be the case, you can ask for custom favors to be made by a local shop. The more information you provide them, the more likely it is that you will get exactly what you desire. The unique nature of your favors will impress your guests and give your reception a personal touch.

You may, however, prefer to use glass or crystal instead of acrylic. Bear in mind that each one has benefits and flaws. Glass is more fragile. Crystal is heavier. Glass has less variety; crystal has more. Glass can be bent and shaped into any form. Crystal must be carved or laser cut. Both can be dyed to any color you like. You may even choose to use both in order to maximize your impact on your guests.

There are many different ways to distribute the favors. You could have them already on the table for the guests so they can find their seats easily. A simple name tag would take care of placement. You could have someone else pass them out, like the person in charge of the guest book or the ring bearer. There’s nothing like having someone hand a favor to each guest with a cheery smile and a friendly, “Welcome to the reception! Your seat is right there.” This personal touch is something that everyone will love, and no one will forget.

Glass and crystal favors can reflect on your wedding (pardon the pun) in a very positive way. They lend a classy, elegant air to your reception, often without you spending a lot of money. Your guests will adore these favors, and they will admire your taste. A wedding only comes once, so make it special!

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BFFs Forever: Gifts For Your Bridesmaids and Maids of Honor

by Aaron Hu

Your bridesmaids and maids of honor are your best friends, the people who have been there though very important times in your life. And here they are now, standing beside you at your wedding–another important moment. As a faithful friend yourself, you will want to reward them for their friendship and dedication to you. A perfect way to do this is with bridesmaid gifts.

First, think about the personality of your bridesmaids. Each one will be different; you may have the crazy friend who likes to have daring adventures, or the conservative one who can always offer good advice when you need it. Or perhaps you have one who hasn’t been around that long, but knows you just as well as the others, if not better. Perhaps you have all three! Remember that you need to find a gift that will suit all of them, and that might be a tricky thing to do.

If you can’t find a gift that would be perfect for all of your bridesmaids, consider buying them all separate gifts. The conservative friend could get a book of proverbs, the “new” friend can get an “About Me” book, and the daring friend can get a gift card to a club. There is nothing wrong with having a special token for each one, and your bridesmaids will appreciate the individual nature of the present. They may be wearing the same dresses, but they certainly aren’t the same person.

On the other hand, you could give your bridesmaids a gift that all of them could appreciate. Why not create a trivia game that’s all about you? You may be surprised at what your friends know (and don’t know) about you, and they may find themselves shocked at certain things they didn’t know themselves! In addition, realizing who knows certain information may give you new insight on your best buddies. Everyone wins in this scenario. If you’re not feeling quite that creative, a simple picture of all of you together, with the date and everyone’s names on the frame, will work beautifully and build a sense of camaraderie that will help your wedding go smoothly.

Don’t forget to wrap your gift in something special once you’ve chosen it. You could do a standard gift wrap or bag, but why not make the wrapping as unique as your friends? Use anything that might be suitable–comic strips, tissue paper, paper bags, whatever might work. Tie it with strings or ribbons that will complement the wrapping. Twine will work with the paper bags, and a red ribbon might do well on the comic strips. Your friends will love the wrappings’ original quality and love you even more.

If you really have no idea what to give your bridesmaids, ask! It’s perfectly appropriate to find out what they might like from you; as your friends, they will respect the fact that you have a budget, and that you are trying to make them happy as well. With all of you putting your heads together, you will be able to select something perfect for your friends.

Your bridesmaids have been there for you from the beginning, and are here for your special time. Don’t disappoint them by giving them a silly token for a gift; take the time to find something special that will commemorate your friendship. Your special day will be all the more special if you do.

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Walking In A Winter Wonderland: A Wedding You Can Be Proud Of

by Aaron Hu

Wintertime is a perfect time for a wedding. Peace on earth and good will toward men reigns, and it’s the best time to get cozy with your loved one. If you plan poorly, however, you could end up with a wedding right out of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This article will help you plan a winter wedding that won’t have your guests asking, “What’s this?”

First of all, let’s talk about favors. Winter has so many symbols that it’s easy to find some that are right for you. Silver snowflakes add a charming touch, as do tiny tealights–the light within the darkness.You could do your own take on the tradition of having the guests ring a bell for the couple to kiss, and put strings of jingle bells on the table instead. Wedding guests always love this activity, and the jingle bells will provide a personal touch that they will love even more.

Music is an important part of the wedding, but even more so for the reception. Along with regular music for your dancing pleasure, slip in a few holiday tunes. “Let it Snow” is a classic, as is “Jingle Bell Rock”. Perhaps your first dance can be a slow dance to something like “Baby It’s Cold outside”. Your guests will dance the night away, inspired by the Christmas spirit.

For the wedding itself, you can start the theme off with the bride’s dress. There are very beautiful wedding dresses available with a winter theme; some are adorned with faux fur or include a tasteful stole. Or you could have the bridesmaids wear dresses that reflect the theme; perhaps a snowflake pattern or even snowman hair ornaments would work. These ideas would be subtle yet stylish enough to make the theme functional.

The bride could make a grand entrance in a horse drawn sleigh, with her bridesmaids and family riding with her. The groom could ride in on a single horse for his debut. After the ceremony, the reception could be held in an ice hotel (it’s warmer than you think!) or at an ice skating rink. Invite the guests to dress up in Victorian costume–there’s nothing like having a large group reenacting a scene straight out of a Victorian postcard!

Decorations for this type of event are easy. Twinkling lights would be beautiful along the walls, with silver streamers to reflect the light. The tables can be covered with tablecloths that have holly or ivy on them. Fake snow can be sprinkled on the table, and gifts can be put into a large sled. Your guests will be thrilled with the decor! Make it a party for them. Hire someone to play Santa and ask them what they want for Christmas. This will keep the kids happy, make the parents grateful, and give your day a little less stress. You can also get carolers to regale your guests with holiday songs, either during the wedding or during the reception. Imagine the looks on your guests’ faces when you walk in to a sung version of “Here Comes the Bride”, done, perhaps, by a local children’s choir.

Last but not least,the food can reflect your theme. Serve winter favorites like Irish coffee and mulled wine to your guests. Have something for the kids too, like mulled cider and hot chocolate. As far as food, anything goes. A roast turkey would be great; a roast goose would be even better. And for dessert, try a lovely flaming plum pudding.

A winter wedding is an opportunity to show your style and individuality. Make sure you plan and communicate with each other in order to make it work. With this type of foresight, you can have a wedding that will be unforgettable.

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Titanium From Space To Your Body And Beyond

by Edward Jacobsen

Because of it’s incredible strength to weight ratio Titanium is definitely considered a space age material. Airplanes, the space shuttle and future space craft will all use large amounts of titanium in their construction. Add it’s incredible resistance to corrosion and you can begin to understand the massive appeal this metal has in these applications.

Titanium’s new role is that of an ultimately beautiful and super easy to care for jewelry. Add that corrosion resistance we were talking about and you can see the awesome potential here. Virtually no marring or tarnishing makes titanium a great choice for fine jewelry. You just can’t find a better and more infallible metal to wear day in and day out.

These traits make titanium a natural and wise choice for men and women. I have a mens titanium bracelet that I wear on a daily basis and I can testify that it is nearly bullet proof and requires almost no extra care.

Titanium is quickly becoming the go to metal for the younger generation. Young men are really making an impact on the sale of titanium jewelry. Women are seeing the value and life span in titanium and are making it their choice in wedding bands for the man they love.

The artisan craft work that is seen in titanium jewelry is truly masterful. Precious metal has a new medium in titanium. Gold and silver may actually become passe. If you have not had the chance to look at this new type of jewelry I suggest you check it out.

Be sure to look at online jewelers that feature titanium jewelry. These websites are full of the newest and most exquisite collections that you can find anywhere. Browse around and you will definitely find some very hip jewelry for the modern person.

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Cubic Zirconia – The Diamond Look-alike

by Vicky Post

However, diamonds come with a significant price tag and are therefore out of reach for some of us. With the financial situation the way it is at the moment, money is tight in many homes and diamonds may not be your top priority.

Does this mean that miss out on being noticed until the tough times pass? Absolutely not! There is an alternative to diamonds and they are just as sparkly and pretty. In fact, most people cannot tell the difference with the naked eye.

The secret I am talking about is cubic zirconia. It is a mineral rarely found in nature and is synthesized to look just like a diamond, even a qualified gemologist can find it hard to distinguish. This naturally occurring crystal structure is also known as a diamond simulant.

People will notice if the zirconia stones are of a carat that only few people in the world would be able to afford, were they real diamonds. Zirconia jewelry costs a fraction of diamond jewelry and the difference is barely noticeable.

To avoid being caught out, make sure to choose pieces with small or moderate stones. Most of the zirconia jewelry is made with Sterling silver, and is often rhodium plated giving it that white-gold finish. These pieces are a stunning addition to any outfit and if you do want to catch somebody’s eye.

You can make your loved one sparkle without breaking the bank and without having to save for several months to buy a diamond. If you are getting engaged, choose from the outstanding selection of Sterling silver and zirconia rings.

Silver zirconia jewelry is made in as many varieties as gold and diamonds. Sparkling pendants on chains, earrings in all shapes and sizes and offcourse rings. They are made with white stones to look like common diamonds but also in pink, blue, yellow and green stones. Some designers even mix in other semi-precious stones, like citrine.

Remember, if you feel like treating yourself or you need a pendant or earrings to brighten up an older outfit, look at silver zirconia jewelry. You’ll be surprised at the range and the quality.

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Tea For Two: Coffee and Tea Wedding Favors (with a little chocolate)

by Aaron Hu

Coffee and tea are usually thought of as early morning beverages or an after dinner treat. But did you realize that you could make these beverages part of your wedding? All it takes is a little creativity.

A fun thing to do would be to provide guests with sample size packets of coffee or tea, either before the wedding or at the reception. Ideally, they might be flavored coffee, just for a break in monotony. You could even put a tag on each packet that says something like, “The best part of waking up is a loved one sharing your cup!” or “Rob and Alice are waking up to a new day!” Your guests will enjoy the unique nature of their gifts, and no doubt the taste as well.

Just as there are places that allow couples to create their own special blend of wine for their day, there are teahouses that will allow you to do the same for tea. Maybe you can blend an English Breakfast tea with something a little more fruity. Or an Earl Grey with something more earthy. Be creative. A wedding comes only once in a lifetime.

Can’t find a place that will let you blend a special type of tea? Then take matters into your own hands. There are specialty shops that have their own unique types of tea–everything from a sedate dark mocha to a lemon lime soda. You can choose one of their teas or pick up a few pounds of varying flavors and make your own. Not only will you have a tea unlike any other, but your favors will be handmade. Who wouldn’t appreciate that kind of attention?

Not only can you do this with tea, but with coffee beans as well. Go to your local coffeehouse (independent or chain). Often, these places will have samples of their featured brew. Over the course of a couple of months, drop by and taste their offerings.You may find one you like, or you may find a few that you want to blend together. Above all, don’t think that mixing and matching flavors is odd or out of place. If the beverage companies can do it, so can you–and you’re much more likely to get something you like if you do it yourself.

Chocolate can be treated in much the same way as tea and coffee. Maybe you could have a chocolate tasting party instead of a bachelor/bachelorette party– get an idea of what people might like and use it to create a sampler packet for your guests. For anyone who might be allergic, a different type of treat might be chosen, like white chocolate, peppermint or jellybeans.

Last but certainly not least, think about the packaging of your favors. Small muslin bags, similar to the ones used with commercially sold teas, are available. Coffee might be easier, since you can pack it into a small tin. For the latter, use whole beans to keep it fresh for your guests. A pretty ribbon or a nice tag will put the finishing touch on your gift.

Coffee, tea and chocolate are a special, thoughtful treat that every guest can appreciate. With a little creativity, you can turn this simple snack and beverage into a gift that everyone will love.

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Seven Spending Disasters on Your Wedding Day

by Samuel Abdullah

A brand-new home can cost you a fortune, but a new life doesnt have to. A number of couples go broke the day after their marriage because they splurged on a wedding they couldnt afford. Avoid running into the same disaster. Covered in this guide are seven valuable lessons on wedding expenses that you need to master.

No Budget

First of all, setting a budget for your wedding is imperative. This includes finding out who is going to pay for what. Calculate the amount of money that you have from family members towards the wedding and then the money that you can spend as well. Then you’ll have an estimate of your budget. Sticking to the budget is important.

Letting Credit Cards Move Things for You

You have several options for payment when you are purchasing items and services for your wedding. However, it is often best to pay with your credit card. Sometimes you’ll find that paying in cash can get you in trouble, especially if the company goes under before you receive your goods. Most credit cards have policies that will ensure you get your money back.

You Must Prioritize Spending

There are many things that you will need to spend money on for your wedding. It’s a good idea to come up with a list. However, you are going to have to prioritize your spending. Decide what is important to you and focus on those things. You probably won’t be able to afford every little thing, so make sure you get the important things. After all, it’s not the things that make a wedding day special.

Always Get Estimates in Writing

If you intend to get the shock of your life, just hire a few professionals to your wedding day, and ask for a quote on their professional fees right after the event. The problem with oral agreements is that they cant let you keep track of your budget. Some professionals might take advantage of your generosity and overcharge you because you failed to get the estimates in writing. Stay safe with documented and written agreements.

Avoiding Debt

Today there are actually special wedding loans out there that you can get and it’s very easy to rack up a lot of credit card debt for your wedding as well. However, why would you want to start off your married life deep in debt? So, stick with the money you have and cut down the size of the wedding if you have to, but avoid wedding debt.

Whole-Town Invites

Remember, every single guest you invite is going to cost you. You’ll pay for food, drinks, favors, cutlery, and more for every single person. In this case, narrowing down your guest list can be important and a great way to save money when you’re paying for the wedding.

Enjoying Financial Independence

Mom and dad want their grown-up baby to enjoy an extravagant wedding celebration. Although these free offers are enticing, dont count on dole-outs to liberate you from debt. You will feel so indebted, in fact, that you will soon find yourself losing your authority over the preparations. A wedding that you cant even decide on your own is such a bummer, isnt it? Appreciate the offer, but strive to pay for your wedding without any strings attached.

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