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Wedding Gurus Ask, Does Love At First Sight Really Exist?

October 11, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Eyes meet across a room. Music swells as internal temperatures raise. Perspiration beads above his upper lip as she begins to swoon. It must be low blood sugar on a balmy day. But then the music swells as their eyes connect deeper. She’s locked in his baby blues while he’s transported by her heavenly hazels. Oh, how Hollywood has ruined us for real life. Or has it? From the classics on the Silver Screen to modern day rom coms, the cliches remain consistent. And the world eats up the happily ever after phenomena. But does love at first sight really exist? And if not, what’s the point in making wedding plans at all?
Does Love at First Sight Really Exist?
The answer to that question has baffled poets, musicians, writers, psychologists, scientists, and married couples for centuries. You’d really think it was a simple yes or no answer, but as with so many other complex questions in life there are aspects that require deep discussion and exceptions. After all, what topic is more complex than love? Well, perhaps except divorce – which brings this topic full circle.
We all want that once-in-a-lifetime fit. That glass slipper if you will. Certainly love isn’t a fairy tale and it’s not meant to be. Those who expect never ending happiness without any type of challenge or resistance are bound to be miserable, especially in this day and age. Love is simply the beginning of commitment. And commitment is the embodiment of marriage.
But that spark. So many have felt it at the beginning of successful relationships that it can’t be ignored. And therein lies the catch-22. Like so many other things in life, the rules are there but living can’t really begin until those rules thoroughly broken. So then, we go back to the original question: Does love at first sight really exist? According to 58% of Americans, it definitely does… even though only 50% of them have actually experienced it personally. Science is split down the middle – for obvious reasons.
So Who Says What?
Considering Americans spend over $72 billion on weddings annually, online dating and hookup sites have no problem spending big bucks for research and cognitive findings on that first spark phenomena. According to most matchmaking sites, true love is absolutely real and nothing can be proven otherwise. Of course, psychologists claim it’s not quite that simple. While the brain is responsible for emotional behavior and beliefs, the organ is really the thought center of the body.
Psychology leans on the side of that first spark being lust over true love. After all, how can someone truly love another person after a simple glance or chance meeting? And while that makes perfect sense in logical form, thousands of couples still insist they knew their partner was the one from that first glance, hello, or touch. It was something internal unlike anything they ever felt with anyone else.
And those feelings – practically those words verbatim – are repeated time and time again. So then what makes love at first sight real love as opposed to lust? It all comes down to the people involved… how they define love, their belief systems, and what they need and expect out of life. But one thing is for sure. When those feelings are returned, that spark turns into fireworks. That’s what leads even the most solemnly sworn singles to give up their black books in exchange for making wedding plans.

How much is the appropriate gift amount for a wedding?

September 12, 2016 admin Leave a comment

The wedding invitation stares at you from the table with all its pastel colors, curly letters and embossments, supposedly unaware of the hours of sleep you will lose over it. Aside from Am I going to attend?’, the real quandary that the innocuous piece of stationery represents is a question of wedding etiquette: How much should I spend on the gift?’

Even with the increasingly popular option of a gift registry being a convenient option for both the couple and their guests in terms of what to get, it presents problems of its own.

Firstly, how will it come across if you select the cheapest few options?

This is rather easily solved – simply augment your choice from the registry with a complimentary addition. For example, if you have chosen the cookware set, a selection of herbs and spices and/or apron and mittens will be a nice touch, and take you over the threshold into what you think would be reasonable.

Of course, reasonable’ itself is the quandary.

One school of thought advocates giving cash or gifts to the near equivalent of what it would have cost the married couple to host you. The trend today is for couples to recoup the expenditure through a preference for cash gifts.

Others would say that the value or cost your choice of gift is best decided by how close you are to one or both of the newlyweds or their parents. In this case, restricting yourself to a price-per-plate calculation would not really be appropriate if the bride is your best friend.

The guide, very generally, is that you should not spend less than $50. An amount of between $50 and $75 would be suitable for a casual work colleague or distant relative. For other relatives and better friends, an amount closer to $100 is more appropriate, and for your inner circle of family and closest friends, between $100 and $150.

Location also plays a part – if the couple lives in a major urban center, it would be prudent to increase the value in the guide above by a factor of 1.5 or 2. As destination weddings become more popular, however, matters are just a tad more complicated. One common perspective is that you could give less if it cost you a significant amount to attend in the first place.

The average amount spent on a wedding gift in 2015 was about $120. That is just right to maintain wedding etiquette and enough to give a unique gift that the couple will use, and remember you when they do.

What kind of unique gift? Well, that’s a whole different article altogether.

Yes, You Can Have an Ice Cream Cake at Your Wedding

May 7, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Everyone will have an opinion on what kind of food you should have at your wedding. Try to remember that it is your day. If you are looking for wedding menu ideas that will have people talking on your big day, you need to pick items that will stay in the hearts and minds of both you and your guests for many years to come. Many will tell you that you need to stay within the restraints of tradition, I say, you can have your cake and eat it too, especially ice cream cake. Speaking of pure indulgence, there are few things more delightful than a well planned wedding menu.

Afraid of breaking too far away from tradition? Remember that all brides have the right to what they want, especially when it comes to the food served at their event. Your caterer will have several items to choose from. It is important to plan your event properly in terms of food presentation and timing. For example, if you do decide to have an ice cream wedding cake, you will need to have a regular cake to display during the event. Be creative, there is no reason you cannot have a his and her cake. Why not? Whose day is it? Chances are your bridegroom will defer to your decision on most things for the day. Even the most conservative of person is likely to have no qualms telling you, “Yes, you can have ice cream cake at your wedding.” Or “What a fabulous idea!”. It is the perfect complement of your favorite cake flavor delicately layered with a select ice-cream flavor and is nothing short of a divine treat for the taste buds.

With a wide range of rich and delicious foods available and an almost endless array of appetizers, you will be overwhelmed with the task of choosing the ultimate menu for your guests and yourself. Choose wisely and make sure there are plenty of your favorites on the menu.

Remember that if you want a sweet ending that absolutely takes the cake for your big day, you now know that the your best bet is the ice cream cake.

Enjoy!

The Perfect Beach Wedding Can Be Planned!

April 6, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Beach weddings can be romantic for sure, but disastrous if mother nature decides to drop a cloudy, rain shower on your special day. Depending on which beach your ceremony is being held, the weather patterns can dictate what month has the most predictable sunny days and early evenings. If you monitor the weather reports from past years and then watch closely as your selected date draws dear, you can predict the weather! This is significant because you always have an alternate plan in mind, like an inside plan for the ceremony, to avoid being a victim of a bad weather wedding.

There are several wonderful locations for beach weddings. Look for a beach that has fine bleached white sand and where the weather is usually full of balmy, warm breezes. Check online with your favorite weather sites to look ahead at beach weather forecasts; they have daily, weekly and monthly predictions for the most areas. If you take care to plan using weather forecasts, and plan for a later afternoon wedding. Anyone who dreams up their beach wedding wants the perfect sunset as well as no rain, excessive heat, or the occasional sand storm! You can use weather forecasts to help plan the timing of your ceremony so that you capture the sunset after you exchange vows.

Some say that your wish for a happy life together will come true if you see the tiny green flash of light when the sun sets. This moment occurs for split second as the large, orange sun disappears into the ocean’s horizon. Picture seeing that shortly after you have both said, “I do”. This special moment can be arranged by checking weather forecasts, as they can tell us when the sun will set for the evening.

So by beginning your beach wedding plans with the very important step of checking the weather, your beach wedding day should be a great success for you and your guests. It will be beautiful with the calming ocean waves and sea salt smell drifting about in the breezy, balmy air. Moments like this last a lifetime in our hearts and minds so it is worth being prepared!

How to Plan the Ultimate Bridal Shower

March 6, 2016 admin Leave a comment

A bridal shower is without doubt one of the most interesting and fun of all wedding traditions. It is the time where people get to shower the couple, and more so the bride, with gifts and advice on how to navigate the harsh waters of marriage. Planning the perfect bridal shower is therefore just as important as planning the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon and even the wedding itself.

What makes planning the shower so tricky is that you don’t want to have a party that is so amazing that it will outshine the wedding, or one that is so boring that it starts the entire wedding season on a low note. So if you are a party planner or a bride or even a maid of honor who has been given the task of planning the ultimate bridal shower, below are five of the most popular bridal shower themes. The ideas should help you get started on the right foot.

Costume party theme- If you are and your guest are the type to enjoy dressing up then a costume party is a great idea. It is not a very common theme but it is definitely a super fun and memorable for everyone.
Garden party theme- You can never go wrong with an outdoor bridal shower. This theme allows guests to interact freely in open fresh air which makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
Tea party theme– This is one of the easiest to pull off. Not only is it simple and elegant but also affordable and quite easy to set up.
Wine tasting bridal showers- There is probably nothing better than bonding over good wine. This makes the wine tasting theme one of the best for bridal showers.
Jack and Jill shower– what makes this bridal shower theme so amazing is the fact that it is centered on the couples shared interests. Be it swimming, bowling, rock climbing or even singing karaoke, the party will be organized in such a way that everyone gets to participate in the chosen activity.

No matter what you decide on, it will be a day that you will always remember for years to come!

Bridal Shows are Valuable Resources for a Bride-to-Be

February 2, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life, but thinking about wedding planning can be one of the most stressful. How do you choose flowers? A venue? A dress? Decorations? And which of these decisions do you make first? One of the most convenient and smart ways that a bride-to-be can take stock of all her options is to attend a bridal show.

Some brides are eager to attend bridal shows, and others are afraid to set foot in one. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you have to understand two things. The first is that bridal shows can expose you to more companies than it’s possible to see in months, all in the same place – so it’s almost always worth it to go! The second is that you have to be savvy and know how to get the most out of your time.

Start of by thinking like an expert party planner and drawing up your to-do and to-find lists before you go. If you’re starting from scratch, this can be overwhelming, but first think about venues for the ceremony and reception. If you’ve already made some choices, think of everything you have left to decide and rank these items according to importance. If you have a dress, bring a swatch or a good photo along so you can look at jewelry, veils, and bouquets. Prioritize. Getting music for the reception should come before you look at cake toppers, no matter how adorable they are.

Also, make sure you don’t take on a bridal show alone. A good friend can help you sort through your variety of options, and they can help you avoid impulsive decisions. Once you’re at the show, make sure you get contact information for every florist, caterer, and photographer you meet. Remember to ask if they oversee the wedding themselves or if you’ll end up working with a colleague or assistant. Asking for references is always acceptable. Best of all, many of them offer discounts to brides who book through a bridal show.

In the end, you’ll come home with business cards and brochures, and you’ll have a much better idea of all your exciting wedding choices. Instead of grasping in the dark, every future bride should attend a bridal show. You’re guaranteed to walk away with more than free samples of cake.

Creative “Something Blue” Ideas for Your Wedding

May 28, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Everyone knows the age old saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Not only does your wedding dress and reception décor style speak volumes about your personality, but what you choose for “something blue” can be a fun way to show your creativity as well.

We’ve rounded up our favorite creative “something blue” ideas for your wedding to help light your spark for creativity:

A ribbon around your bouquet.

Sew your wedding date on the inside of your wedding dress.

Sew a heart on the inside of your wedding dress.

Sew your initials on the inside of your wedding dress or on the groom’s cuff.

Blue “I do” on your wedding shoes.

Or on both of your wedding shoes.

Better yet, why don’t you just make your wedding shoes blue.

Blue nail polish.

Or just blue nail designs.

Blue Garter.

Blue intimates.

Blue Necklace.

Blue charm bracelet.

Pins.

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

April 22, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Your engagement ring is one of your most prized possessions. You’ve been dreaming about getting one for as long as you can remember and – let’s be serious – there’s nothing more mesmerizing than watching it sparkle in the light.

When you finally get your dream engagement ring you want it to look as clean and shiny as possible at all times. It’s extremely important to schedule regular maintenance appointments with your jeweler (at least once a year) to make sure all prongs and stones are tightly in place and to get your ring cleaned. However, you can polish up your ring at home in between appointments to remove built up makeup, lotion and hair spray and keep your rock looking ever-so-sparkly.

Here are some tips on how to clean your engagement ring at home:

What to do:

Make a solution with warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Soak your ring in it for about 20-40 minutes. GENTLY brush the stone with a very soft toothbrush and then rinse under warm running water. Repeat if needed.
Jewelry stores offer jewelry cleaner that is also safe for cleaning your rings at home.

What not to do:

Never use household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine or acetone. These harsh chemicals break down some of the base metals in your ring.
Never use abrasive products like toothpaste, baking soda or any powdered cleaners because they can scratch metals.

DIY
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How To Look Effortlessly Pretty On Your Wedding Day

April 8, 2015 admin Leave a comment

makeup ideas to look effortlessly pretty on your wedding day

Looking perfect on your big day is one of the biggest goals any bride-to-be strives to achieve. With so many new hair and makeup trends coming out, it can be difficult to decide on a single look to wear on your wedding day. One of the best pieces of advice about bridal hair and makeup is that it’s always best to go with timeless classics. The minimalist look is always a great look to go for if you want something that will always look good, be it on your wedding day or in the coming years when you look back at the photos. Here are some tips on how to look effortlessly pretty on your wedding day:

PICK YOUR MATCH – Picking out a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly is vital if you want to achieve a gorgeous bridal look on your wedding day. Ask for the help of a friend who is knowledgeable about makeup or get the help of store assistants if you don’t know where to start. Mix foundation shades if you must. Starting off with a great canvass that is your face is key to achieving a stunning minimalist look.

ONE PART NEUTRAL, ONE PART BOLD – Just because you’re doing a minimalist look doesn’t mean you have to stick with a plain, dull and boring look. There are two main things to focus on when doing any kind of makeup and that is the eyes and the lips. Choose which one you would like to do in neutral and then make the other one bold. A neutral eye makeup look, for example, can be paired up with a really bold lip and vice versa.

AVOID EXCESSIVE USE OF BRIGHT AND LOUD COLORS – Having a hint or a pop of one bright / loud color throughout your look is fine but making it the dominant hue is not. Make sure to avoid using too many bright colors for your bridal look and opt for soft and subtle shades.

GO FOR THE DEWY LOOK – How do you pull off the minimalistic look without it falling flat? Simple. Just add a little sheen and a lot of that healthy glowing look by using a great highlighter. The dewy finish on your bridal makeup will help keep you looking fresh all day long. It will also give you that radiant glow every bride covets.

STEER CLEAR OF COMPLEX ‘DOs – The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have to redo your whole hairstyle just because you accidentally pull on one strand by mistake. Make sure to steer clear of any hairstyles and hairdos that are too complex. Braids, curls and waves are all really simple and easy to do and they’re perfect for achieving that romantic look as well.

Not sure what kind of makeup look is perfect for your big day? Check out these 77 gorgeous makeup looks you can recreate!

Talking To Mom & Dad About Contributing Towards Your Wedding

March 24, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Money is an incredibly tough subject these days, especially when dealing with an expensive event like a wedding. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help lay out the rules of etiquette when it comes to talking to Mom and Dad about contributing towards your wedding. .

Talk to Your Fiance
Before saying anything to Mom and Dad, sit down with your fiancé and discuss your expectations. Make sure you get to a point where you both agree on your vision and how much it will cost. Be honest with each other about both families’ financial situations; you may find that you have to scale back on your original idea.

Be Polite

Whether you speak to Mom and Dad by phone or in person, you need to be very polite when asking for money. “Ask, ‘Do you feel comfortable making a contribution to the wedding?’ Then let them suggest what’s best for them.

Spell Out the Details
Once money is offered and accepted, other issues arise. Will your parents assume that they’ll have more control than you’d like? You’ll have to be clear that the buck stops with you and your fiancé. At the same time, be aware that their contribution does mean that they’re involved. Also, make sure they know that you’re asking for a gift, not a loan. Don’t borrow money. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt.

Avoid Hurt Feelings
Remember that there are two sides of the family now: yours and his. If your own mom and dad offer to pay for half the wedding, you should run it by your future in-laws before you agree. Bruised feelings may result whenever people are put in a position to pay more or less than other people. This isn’t always about wedding etiquette, make sure you’re comfortable with who pays for what at the wedding. The same goes for divorced parents—discuss asking for money with both separately in order to see what each is comfortable with.

Budget Wisely
Once you’ve accepted family contributions, create your wedding budget. Your job as a couple is to stay on track. It wouldn’t be proper wedding etiquette asking for money from your parents and then go over budget. If you’re planning to save up money yourselves during your engagement, decide how much you can set aside each month and keep a running total as you go; for each couple this will be different. For extra motivation, keep your tally displayed on your fridge. We suggest using a debit card for wedding-related purchases, so that these costs are immediately deducted from your account, making it easier for you to stay on top of what you have left.

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