Something Borrowed, Something Blue

By Paul Duxbury

It is a time-honoured tradition that is supposed to bring the bride good luck that she should carry or wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Each one of these items represents something different and can fairly easily be incorporated into the bride's clothing in several different and interesting ways. The tradition goes back centuries and is still honoured by many brides today who are want to ensure a little extra bit of luck for themselves or who want to honour a tradition that has been passed on in their family for years.

Wearing something old is said to express the desire to retain your connections with your family after you enter into your marriage and begin your own family. One lovely way in which to do this is to wear a locket with a picture of your grandmother on her wedding day inside, which will remind you of your family and keeps them close to your heart. Another charming way to wear something old is to have a handkerchief used by one of your ancestors sewn into the lining of the skirt of your wedding dress. Incorporating this item into your wedding dress as a permanent feature is a special way to ensure that you will always remember your family and that they will always be a part of the new family that you and your husband create and which carries on the family into the future.

The tradition of wearing a new item on your wedding day reflects the fact that you and your husband are creating a new union that will endure forever. There are countless ways to incorporate something new into your attire. If you decided to have a picture of your grandmother on her wedding day in a locket that you wear, you might want to think about putting a photo of you and your husband to be into the other side as your new item. Another new item to consider is a piece of jewellery, besides your engagement or wedding ring that was given to you by the groom such as a necklace or bracelet. This is a special way to wear something new because it expresses the love that you and the groom have for each other.

Wearing a borrowed item on your wedding day is used to symbolise your love and admiration for the person from whom you borrowed the item. Wanting to wear something that belongs to a loved one lets them know that you want to include them in your wedding in a very special way by wearing something that either is held very dear to them or is something that represents them symbolically. One way to include a borrowed item into your wedding is to ask to borrow a friend's signature piece of jewellery. If you have a close friend who has worn the same necklace for as long as you have known her, you might consider borrowing this particular necklace for your wedding day as a reminder of your friendship assuming of course that they don't want to wear it to attend your wedding!

Wearing something blue on your wedding day is a symbol of fidelity to one another. It may sound as though incorporating blue into your wedding attire is a difficult task but it really is much easier than it might sound. One easy way to do so is to wear a necklace with a blue stone which is a beautiful yet inconspicuous way to wear blue on your wedding day. Alternatively you could chose to include blue flower in your headdress. Some brides also opt to wear a blue garter under their wedding dress as their blue item.

Brides have been honouring the tradition of wearing an old, a new, a borrowed and a blue item during their wedding for many centuries. Although wearing these items is supposed to symbolize luck for the bride, they are also just a lovely tradition that gives the bride an opportunity to express her admiration for special people in her life.

Choose a Tiffany Blue Wedding Theme

By ling Tong

The Tiffany blue wedding theme has been growing in popularity since about 2000 and has been used by many celebrities during their weddings. For example, Toni Braxton was one of the first people to really use the Tiffany blue idea in her wedding. The Tiffany blue name for a wedding theme is used along with robin egg blue or a light pale blue colour theme. When people first think about a Tiffany blue wedding they think of the famous jewellery store that gives a feeling of elegance and extravagance.

If you want to have everything at your wedding to follow this theme then you yourself, as the bride, can have the colours of tiffany in your flowers or you can have tiffany colours pinned to your attire. If you do not want to add anything to your dress then you can use the tiffany colours as accent colours in your jewellery and shoes. This goes the same for the groom; a blue boutonniere can be added to go with the tiffany theme.

When decorating for your reception you can choose tiffany blue china patterns and serving ware. This theme can even be extended in your food as it can be tinted with tiffany blue food colouring and you can even ask the caterers to serve foods that go with the blue theme such as blue cheese. For wedding and party gifts you can give your guests a copy of the famous novel reakfast at Tiffany?or you may choose to give a box of candies with the box of course being blue.

To make the tiffany wedding theme go even further you can order the Tiffany stationary on which you will print your invitations and have them hand delivered. This can also be used for your thank you cards as well. Using light blue printer paper for addition notes and maps can finish the invitation. When going with this theme for a wedding it is possible to go over board and it is important that you keep your use of blues under control. For example when choosing your flowers it is nice to get some of them in the tiffany colour scheme but you should combine this with other colours that keep the blue from being overpowering. Choosing an outdoor location for your wedding is also a good idea to keep the use of blue under control. The natural colours in the environment will complement the blues that you are using.

When choosing your cake you must think of the theme that you are using. For example you will want to choose a square layer cake that will resemble gift boxes. Then to finish off the theme of the wedding the cake layers will be wrapped in the signature colour. You can surround your wedding cake with beautiful blue flowers as well.

Blue is the central color of a Tiffany wedding, and it would be an elegant touch to have the bridesmaids dressed in blue. You can limit the favors and include some blue colors in your decorations, but if you overdo it, the colour will overshadow the wedding and you don’t want this to happen.

Hawaii Weddings

Can you imagine anything more romantic than Hawaii weddings? Just thinking about tying the knot in paradise makes many people rush out to make it happen. How should you go about doing this? If you are interested in having a wedding in Hawaii than this is the article you need to read. In this article we will cover how to plan the perfect Hawaii weddings, and how to get the most out of having a wedding in Hawaii. Make no mistake after reading this article you will know everything you need to know about Hawaii weddings.

The Internet will provide you with all of the resources you need when it come to Hawaii weddings. You should first start with a search for a local wedding planner. They will have experience in booking reservations and flights to the island. If you are feeling adventurous you can always book the flight yourself online as well as the hotel reservations. Make sure that the hotel will have openings when you want to go, Hawaiian hotels book up months in advance so you may want to start your search there.

If you are budget conscious than maybe planning your nuptials around air fare deals and off-tourist times would be the best solution for you. Mid-April through Mid-June is considered off-season for Hawaii and is the prime time for deals on hotels and flights to the island. The weather is also the most beautiful during this time in Hawaii most tourist don’t get to experience this because they visit during the high season from mid-December to March. You can find great deals all over the island if you plan ahead. Who wouldn’t want a June wedding in Hawaii?

If you are taking a group of people with you, try and find a hotel that will give you a discount for the volume of your party. During the off-season you should have no trouble finding a hotel that can accommodate the number of guests in your party. You may have to book between to hotels depending on how many people are in your party. Whatever you do make it a point to find out in advance and have all confirmation emails well in advance of your trip. It would also be in a good idea to call the hotel and double-check your reservations while you’re at the airport.

Most hotels will have a “wedding package” including a place to hold the ceremony. This is the best option for many people, as the hotel will provide all of the food, beverages and even staff to make the day incredible. If this isn’t a concern for you, then perhaps a simple beach ceremony with a local justice of the peace is in order. Call in advance to find a J.O.P. that is willing to accommodate your request.

Hawaii weddings are truly special. This article covered how to plan the perfect Hawaii weddings, and how to get the most out of having a wedding in Hawaii. Now that you have read this article you know everything you need to know about Hawaii weddings.

BY Elle Wood

wedding gown trends 2009

Finally! 2009's gowns bring brides some real choices, after several years of strapless uniformity. (Thank you, Vera Wang!) If you're the type of bride who wants a couture (or couture-inspired) gown to match the finer shades of your personality and wedding style, 2009 is the year with your name on it! Here are a few of the hottest trends going:

Crumb-Catcher Bodices.

This regal, old-world design twist came from that same lust for luxe that brought us Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, and its subsequent style explosion in the bridal world.

Greek Goddess Columns.

The ultimate look backward, the style takes us back to the lovely goddesses (and early supermodels) of Greece's Golden Age. With plenty of glorious examples to be seen from bridal magazines to the red carpet, this style's not going away soon. Happily, it lends itself to arm bling and the half up-half down style that's still so alluring to brides. Also note: bridesmaids look amazing in goddess gowns when the bride's wearing something more structured.

Asymmetrical / One-Shouldered Styles.

These gowns are sexy attention-getters. Another hot commodity on the red carpet, the asymmetrical top adds up to an exciting departure from same-old strapless, while exuding plenty of come-hither vibes.

Subued Color Plays.

Color's no longer the domain of a bold -- or even distracting -- burst of contrast in the train or cuffed bodice of an otherwise stark-white gown. Instead, next year's color inspiration flows from Vera Wang's gowns in warm toasts and charcoals, St. Pucchi's fabulous champagne and platinum combos, or gowns that ripple with multicolored gardens of embroidery (Claire Pettibone).

The Mini.

No longer the oddball in an otherwise full-length portfolio, minis have become serious business, with layers and ruches and ruffles aplenty. Increasing number of brides find them a brilliant choice for tent weddings on the shore or in the vineyard. And let's not forget those brides who want a gorgeous but mobile second gown to get down and boogie the night away.

PLANNING YOUR HONEYMOON

Copyright ©2001 Glenna Tooman
all rights reserved
Memory Makers Event Planning LLC
www.memorable-events.com

Planning your honeymoon can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding planning process as you dream of exotic locations, relaxing on the beach, or zipping down a snow-covered mountain on skis.
Planning should begin right after you become engaged, especially if a foreign trip is planned. First, you will need to choose a destination. Then, you should decide whether you want to plan the trip yourself or engage the services of a travel agent. If planning a foreign trip or a cruise, it is highly recommended that you use the services of a travel agent who is knowledgeable about travel to the area that you plan to visit. A travel agent will be able to make reservations at hotels or resorts, arrange for car rentals and other travel accommodations, and advise on foreign currency exchange, required vaccinations, local customs, and other important issues. Travel agents also may have travel packages that are less expensive than planning a trip yourself.

When choosing a honeymoon destination, remember that many places offer reduced rates during their off-season. Ski resorts are great places to visit in the late spring, summer, or fall. A visit to the coast can be planned for winter, spring, or fall if you don't plan to swim or surf. Not only will the rates be less, but hotels and resorts will be less crowded.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you may need to obtain a passport and possibly one or more visas. The U.S. State Department provides information about most countries and their requirements on the Department's Internet site. The site can be accessed at http://travel.state.gov/.

It is not necessary to have a passport to travel to Canada. However, you must carry proof of citizenship, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, your naturalization certificate, or green card. You must also carry at least one form of photo identification with you.

If traveling by air, reservations should be made well in advance in order to obtain the best rates. With the change to ticketless boarding procedures, you will be required to provide photo identification when checking in. Be certain to book your reservations in the same name as that on your ID. This is particularly important for the bride. Do not use your new married name on your airline tickets unless you carry your marriage license with you.

No matter where you travel, be sure to leave an itinerary with someone at home who can find it quickly if necessary. Include the names and phone numbers, if possible, of places you will be staying. If traveling outside the US, leave a photocopy of your passports, visas, and driver's licenses. Also list the numbers of all credit cards and travelers checks that you plan to take with you. That way, should a loss or theft occur, the information needed to report it can be quickly secured. Also, place your name and phone number inside each piece of luggage as well as on the outside. That way, if a luggage tag is lost, the airline can still locate you. Since you will be traveling, you may want to use the phone number and/or address of a parent, your office, or someone that you know will be at home, should a bag be lost and an airline needs to contact someone immediately.

Planning the honeymoon can be an exciting time to explore locations and ideas, limited only by your imagination and your budget. Whether you choose to take an exotic foreign trip or visit a nearby resort, you will want to begin planning early to be sure you get just the trip that you want. Bon Voyage!

5 Ways to Test Him Before Your Wedding Day

by Jhong Ren

Yesterday, I had a dinner gathering with my best of friends and one of my friends' sister will be getting married really soon.
It will be about 2 months before their big wedding day.
They have bought an apartment in the extreme west side of Singapore and the place is currently undergoing its renovation.

However, this is not the point.
My friend mentioned to me that his future brother-in-law had in fact told his future wife to quit her job.
And he didn't even say "Hi" to the family members who answered his call to my friend's house. He just bluntly asked for his wife and hanged up if she was not available.

Hmm, it is very interesting observation before their wedding. I know of how some people change their attitude towards the in-laws and their families only after their wedding day but not before.

The two issues that we could discuss here are about how some men behaves before their wedding days: 1. Asking his wife to quit the job 2. Being respectful to soon-to-be spouse's family members

I'm not sure how many women had sacrificed their jobs because their husbands said so. I will never ever request my wife to quit her job. If she doesn't like it, she can quit. However, if she really love it, I am going to support her all I can.

I know of some husbands who require their new homes to be near to their parents' homes. And this is one of the reason why my friend's sister have to move to the extreme west area.
My friend mentioned to me that his sister has been doing quite well in her current job and there is no way she is going to change her career.
In addition to that, the husband specifically chose their new home to be near where he is working. Oh, what a "gentleman"!!?

I think it is really hard to come to a compromise where to stay. It is not just the decision between the husband and wife. It includes the families from both sides, especially the parents.
Being Chinese, we don't really openly express our actual opinions. Likewise for our parents, they will use their children as messengers who will bring message to the family of the other side.

Secondly, for the fact that this man doesn't really make it an effort to say "Hi" to the family members, somehow tells me that he doesn't really respect them.
He could have just say "Hello" and perhaps, out of politeness, ask the family member how he or she is. The conversation may not necessary last for an hour or so but just a mere few minutes of friendly exchanges of words of concern.

I have heard of stories of men who pretended to be really "nice" to the in-laws to be just to win not their daughter's heart but the in-laws' hearts. It is really sad indeed!
I have been thinking for the whole day, "What if my future son-in-law can be like that?"
How should I test him?

These are my 5 Ways to Test Him Before Their Wedding Day: 1. Call him that I'm not well and see if he is willing to take me for my doctor's appointment 2. Watch him how he take care of my daughter when she is well 3. Watch him how he take care of my daughter when she is unwell 4. Watch him how he treats old people 5. Watch him how he treats children