Wal-mart supermarket employees Chet Eldridge and Danna Hornback held their wedding in the floral  surroundings of the supermarket’s flowers, shrubs and lawn chairs section.
Chet, aged 51, and Danna, aged 45, met during a store familiarisation session at the supermarket, and he asked her for their first date in the furniture section. The idea of getting married in the store was um, proposed, by a store manager, after the couple were engaged.
The wedding ceremony was transmitted live throughout the store on its sound system and customers cheered their congratulations when they heard it.

The bride alleged that the flowers were the wrong color and were wilted, that the orchids in the wedding bouquet and the roses in the floral arrangements were not of the quality that that he had promised to supply and that the roses had been placed in vases which were dusty and without water.
But her most serious complaint was that the florist had supplied green and pink hydrangea flowers rather than the rust and green colored flowers that she had ordered for her centerpiece.
She claimed that the colors which were substituted did not blend with the room where the centerpiece was displayed.
The bride, from New York City,  demanded a refund for the flowers.

Wedding invitation couple

Planning your wedding invitations

You have a date for your wedding – now it’s time to share the news with everyone.  But how do you do this? Obviously you can if you wish just call everyone. And hope that they have made a note of the date.
But it’s much more reliable and romantic to send wedding invitations to your guests.
And wedding invitations can be a wonderful reminder of your wedding day, both for you and your guests.

Themed wedding invitations

Why not set the tone for your day with unique stationery that gives a sense of your own special theme. All of your stationery – invitations, place cards, etc, can reflect this theme.
For instance, for an outdoor wedding you could imprint a flower that will be the highlight of your bridal bouquet.
You might use colors that coordinate with your bridesmaids’ gowns or cake. Or, to announce a destination wedding, imprint a map noting your location.

Non-themed wedding invitations

If your wedding is not theme-based, there are many printers and suppliers out there to accommodate all styles and budgets. Many couples choose the convenience of printed or engraved invitations. If you go down this route, make sure you check all spellings thoroughly to avoid costly or embarrassing mistakes.

Invitation to typefaces and types of ink

The stylish typeface helps to make the wedding invitation in the photo interesting and attractive.
You can discuss this with your wedding planner or printer, and look at some sample type faces.
Paper and ink is available in as many textures, shades and shapes as bridal wear. It’s possible to add bits of fabric or sparkle as well. Envelopes, reply cards and even thank-you stationery can all be printed with a similar look to give your wedding a signature style.

Timing

Plan to send your invitations out at least six weeks before the day (earlier if you’re marrying around Christmas), so order early.
Those planning a destination wedding generally send out a printed `please remember this date’ card immediately their destination is confirmed, so that guests can factor your wedding into their holiday or Christmas and New Year plans.

Wedding invitations etiquette

Traditionally, invitations are sent from whoever is acting as host, worded as follows if it is the bride’s parents: Mr. and Mrs. Someone request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Anyperson to Mr. Anyperson at anychurch, anytown or city, at any time,  any day, any date, and also at the wedding reception which is to be held at any wedding reception venue, which is located at any town or city. RSVP. Address of sender

Replying to the wedding invitation

Ask them about this by adding a short  hand-written note at the bottom of the wedding invitation. This can be something short and to the point such as ‘please reply’ or it can be a couple of lines long, and perhaps humorous.

Wedding invitation deadlines

Wedding  invitations are usually mailed about two months  before the date of the wedding, to allow people plenty of time to make arrangements for traveling to the wedding venue.
Obviously you will want to know whether they plan to attend the wedding and the celebrations at the wedding reception venue,  and it’s pretty essential to ask them about this.

Wedding planners obviously plan weddings (duh) but they can also advise the future bride and groom about selecting their wedding accessories, if requested. They can supply advice about wedding cakes, flowers, favors,  invitations, the photography, the wedding venue and much more.
Wedding planners can actually help you to save money, they can help you  to plan a `cheap’ wedding, if you are restricting your  budget.

Wedding planning and saving money

Naturally, you have to pay for this service, and the question you will want to know is, will it be `profitable’ to hire a wedding planner, will he save you that much money?
If you were planning a very simple wedding, it would not be profitable to hire a wedding planner. You have already made all the savings that it’s possible to make, no wedding planner can improve on this.
It only becomes profitable to hire a wedding planner at a certain point, at the point where you plan to employ various wedding services and spend quite a lot of money on your wedding.
If you plan to employ various wedding services, you will probably pay the full `market rate’ for this. There’s no reason why the business supplying your wedding should give you a discount, you will only be using their services once, hopefully.
A good wedding planner can obtain various discounts, because he employs these services all the time. He is a repeat customer. Because of this, he can pass on some of these discounts to you.

Finding time to marry

Wedding planning saves you valuable time both in the weeks leading up to your wedding and also during the wedding itself.
Many couples have full time jobs and careers and if they have  well-paid careers it can actually be more cost-effective to hire a wedding co-cordinator than to spend hours of their literally valuable time planning every last detail of the wedding themselves.

Personal relationships

Planning a wedding can be so stressful that it can sometimes begin to  affect personal relationships. If this happens, keep calm and discuss the things that are bothering you with your future husband or wife.
Try to remember that most weddings are happy and successful events and very few are disasters.

Golden wedding anniversary

Wedding anniversary tragedy

A widow whose husband tragically passsed away before they could celebrate their golden wedding anniversary organised a performance by a brass band on the day they would have celebrated it because he said before his death that he would like a band to be playing when they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Celebrated anniversary after death

Widow Mrs. Gloria Allen, whose husband Ken died a few years ago, said that they loved brass bands and regularly organised brass band performances in their home town, for their own pleasure and for other townfolks’ pleasure.
She said of her late husband: “I loved him so much, I wish he could be here today. But I’m sure that his spirit is here, listening to the band playing.”
In photo: Mrs. Gloria Allen with the conductor of the band (on left) and the band in the background.

Wedding rings on fingers

Wedding ring facts

There are many types of wedding rings and bands, including silver, gold, diamond, colored gold rings, titanium or tungsten carbide, platinum, and Celtic style.

Gold wedding rings – as popular as ever

Gold is still the precious metal that most people prefer for a wedding ring. It is easy to craft into the desired shape. Often, a lower grade of carat such as 9 carat tougher than a 24 carat ring. But although a 24 carat ring may be softer, it is easier to craft it into shape.
This means that it ‘moves’ rather than wears away. It is possible to buy colored gold wedding rings, they are made from real gold but are colored. Rose or red gold colored gold rings have a warm feel and are becoming increasing popular.

Carats

Gold wedding rings are graded  according to their `carat’,  the  higher the cara  the higher the proportion of gold the ring has. If you have a gold engagement ring  be sure to buy a wedding ring which has the same grade of carat,  if you plan to wear them next to each other.

Competition for diamond wedding rings

Diamond rings are as popular as ever but titanium and zirconium rings have also become popular. This is partly because of their hard wearing and hypoallergenic qualities but it is also  because the metals can be crafted into very  attractive jewellery.

Easily adapted silver jewelry

Silver jewelry is very popular, it is affordable and it  more easily adapted for a wider range of designs. It blends well with a wide variety of dress styles, both formal and informal.

Wedding rings inset with jewelry

Many different designs of wedding rings are set with diamonds and other precious stones. Color can be included in the design in the form of sapphires, rubies, amethyst, resins and enamels. Titanium or tungsten carbide rings have a slightly steely look and are extremely durable and lightweight, which makes them popular with men. But they are not considered to be  ‘precious metals’ in the way that gold and platinum are considered to be precious metals.

Comfortable wedding rings

It’s important for a wedding ring to fit the finger properly, a ring that doesn’t fit properly can cause  problems.
A `court-shaped’ ring, sometimes called a `comfort fit’,  means that the inside of the ring is rounded, giving a more  comfortable feel when you are wearing it. It also makes it easier to take the ring on and off and helps prevent ‘pinching’ when worn next to an engagement ring.

Platinum wedding rings

Platinum rings are the best choice if you want a white metal. It is expensive because of its rarity – most platinum jewellery is 95% pure. Platinum is very strong and will not wear away and, unlike white gold (which looks similar), platinum doesn’t need to be re-plated to maintain its color.

Celtic wedding rings

Celtic style rings are  popular as traditional  wedding rings and are available in 9ct or 18ct yellow or white gold as well as the increasingly popular titanium and precious metal platinum. Gothic rings are invariably black colored and they may be crafted from  zirconium. Designer rings are very stylish and they can range from  formal to funky.

Wedding videographer

How to communicate with a professional wedding photographer or videographer

Finding a wedding photographer and videographer that you trust is rather daunting, but it’s better to hire a professional photographer.
Well-meaning relatives may offer to photograph or video your day, but this isn’t an ideal scenario. Only a full-time professional understands how to be unobtrusive while getting all the important moments. They can anticipate the good shots, rather than wait to stage them.

How to stalk a wedding photographer

Start your search by word-of-mouth, seeking out recently married friends. Once you have names, check their online portfolios, call in references and arrange to meet them. Feeling comfortable with your photographer and videographer is as important as loving their style. Wedding videographers and wedding photographers create a complete  record of the wedding day.
A good idea is to find sample pictures to show your photographer or videographer what you are looking for. Ask to see a full set of pictures or a full-length tape from a recent wedding — a portfolio of wedding photos or a demo clip of their videotape footage is just an edited version of their best work.
It’s an added bonus if your photographer and videographer have worked together in the past. If so, chances are they’ll know how to work well around each other. If not, introduce them before the wedding.

Styles

Photographs and video come in many styles; the look of your keepsakes will depend on your taste and budget. Many brides are favoring natural, behind-the-scenes shots, known as ‘reportage’, rather than traditional wedding photography. The same spontaneity is popular for wedding videography.
The only thing you should pose for is the formal photos. Your photographer will direct you so you look your best. As for your guests, while they’re bound to look happy on your big day, a professional wedding photographer will get them in the right pose for the perfect shot.
To help things along, give both your photographer and videographer an idea of exactly what (and who) you want captured on camera before your wedding. This way, no photo opportunities will be lost.
Professional wedding photographers can cope with any situation. For example, many professional wedding photographers will carry in their car a portable studio, complete with lighting and backgrounds.
If the weather suddenly changes and they are unable to take the outdoor wedding photographs that they planned to take they can set up the studio in the church or other wedding venue. This way, they  are able to capture the atmosphere of the wedding despite the weather.

Is the wedding photo album included in the price?

Some wedding photographers automatically supply wedding photo albums but others don’t include this in their price. It’s essential to find out whether a photo album is included because this can have a major effect on the total price.
Although wedding photographers make a profit on the wedding photo albums they supply they won’t be at all concerned if you prefer to buy your own.

Wedding photography prices and talent

Wedding photography prices vary quite widely, a wedding photographer with a top reputation may be able to charge more than a lesser known photographer.
Remember, he\she has earned this reputation because of his or her original and unique photography style. Talent isn’t cheap, and we should not expect it to be cheap.
On the other hand there is nothing wrong with more affordable wedding photography, and in both instances it’s essential to see examples of the photographer’s work.

How many wedding photos do I get?

Discuss with your  wedding photographer the approximate number of photos you would like him to take and  explain to him who is to be in the photos. Alternatively, discuss this with your wedding planner and advise him or her who is to be in the photos.
Your wedding consultant will be in contact with the wedding photographer during the wedding, and between them they will organize the photos.

France wedding

Destination and non-destination wedding venues

It’s weird the way we call destination wedding venues by that name, all wedding venues are held at some kind of destination, it’s still a wedding destination venue even it’s held at a local church which is only half a mile away. Just a thought.
What destination wedding venues really means are wedding ceremonies and receptions which are held in a foreign country, usually in an exotic location. The exotic location is pretty essential, nobody gets married in the factory district of Beijing, even if it is in a foreign country, although they might get married in an exotic area of Beijing.

Advantages of destination weddings

A destination wedding and wedding reception venue is pretty exciting and can be as exciting as the wedding itself. Really, a bride and groom that marry and hold their wedding reception at a foreign destination are combining their wedding with a holiday, both for themselves and their guests.

Destination weddings passport and visa requirements

You and your guests will need  passports, you may need a visa and there will be other formalities before the destination wedding can be held. But these are minor details compared with the thrill of marrying in a romantic and exciting location.

Wedding planners and destination wedding venues

A wedding planner who is experienced in planning destination weddings will be able to take care of the details, leaving you free to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure that he is experienced at this kind of wedding planning, and ask to see any proof that he might have such as travel or other documents from the destination weddings that he has organized.

Advantages of non-destination weddings

On the other hand it’s pretty guaranteed that there are also plenty of romantic and original wedding venues in your home country.
Another advantage of this  is that you will speak the language and will be be fairly familiar with the formalities of getting married, after a little basic research or after hiring a wedding consultant to do this for you.

Pretty girl cake

Chocolate wedding cakes

Don’t settle for the traditional white-iced, tiered fruitcakes if that’s not what you want. If you’re chocolate lovers, why not indulge your passion? And if you can’t decide on one single flavour, many cake makers will create different flavoured tiers.
Choose a cake that lets your personality shine through, in taste and design. Maybe you should really walk on the wild side and opt for individual fairy cakes. How far you have to travel is one consideration when choosing.
If you opt for a sponge cake, it has to be made just a couple of days before the wedding. It’s less durable than fruitcake, which can be made well in advance and stored for ages. If you do choose a tiered fruitcake, you may want to keep the top tier for the christening of your first child, or to eat on your first anniversary.
Show off your cake by placing it in a prominent position. Remember, it will generally be seen from a distance, so choose a design that will make an impact.

Wedding cakes for people with allergies

Cakes are topped with anything from traditional bride and groom figurines, ribbons, sweets or fresh flowers so let your imagination run free.
However, while it might sound un-imaginative to simply co-ordinate your cake with your wedding colour scheme and flowers, this still works well.
If you’re having a sit-down reception and are trying to keep an eye on the budget, you could always consider serving the cake as your dessert.
Another option is to cut the cake and place the pieces in individual cake boxes to give to your guests to take home. It’s a lovely way to make the experience last!

Anyone care for a melted chocolate wedding cake?

Chocolate covered wedding cakes won’t melt if they are displayed in a  cool  location, an air-conditoned room for example. But if the wedding reception venue is outdoors and if it is a hot day it should be stored in an icebox for as long as possible.
Many wedding receptions are held in marquees, which  invariably become quite hot on a summer day. If the marqee is some distance from the nearest home it’s a good idea to store the cake in a portable icebox which is  powered by a generator, or in a  vehicle which has an air-conditioned cargo area.

Wedding cakes and food allergies

Some of your wedding guests may suffer from food allergies and others may prefer wedding cakes which are `ethical.’ The problem is, wedding cakes which do not contain gluten, egg, dairy or sugar ingredients don’t taste quite the same as `traditional’ wedding cakes. There is no easy answer to this, unless your wedding cake supplier can supply a special smaller version of the wedding cake which is suitable for people who suffer from food allergies.

Unique wedding cakes

Unique wedding cakes are of course cakes which are of a unique design, which have been made especially for you.
Actually you can also be part of the design process, you can contribute ideas and suggestions as to how the cake should be designed. The nice thing about this is, the cake will then reflect your own good taste, as well as the good taste of your wedding cake designer.

Wedding cakes and tiers without tears

It’s a good idea to order your wedding cake as soon as possible, especially if it is a unique wedding cake or an  unusual design.
It adds interest to the wedding cake if each  tier has a different flavor; your guests will invariably  comment on the various flavors  and this often helps guests to `break the ice’ , or be drawn into conversation with each other.

Ethical wedding cakes

Some people prefer `ethical’ wedding cakes. These are cakes which may be vegetarian, organic, or where the basic ingredients have originated from the  poorer countries of the `third world’.

Wedding cake desserts

Wedding cake, especially chocolate wedding cake, makes a fine dessert, especially if it is served with fresh cream. Store the cream in a cold location and instruct your wedding planner to explain to your guests that it is available if required.

Wedding flowers

Choosing the flowers for your wedding

Which flowers are right for your wedding? Those you choose for your reception will be influenced by three things: the theme (colour or otherwise) of your wedding, the shape of your dress and how durable the flowers are.
For instance, flowers that look great at a minimalist city event probably won’t work at a country wedding, just as a full-skirted, elaborate dress needs to be complemented with a different bouquet from a slimline gown.
The last thing you want is for your flowers to wilt, so an all-day affair needs different blooms from a bridal breakfast. Another tip is to choose flowers that are in season – or simply let your instinct guide you!

Types of bouquets

A structured bouquet is ideal for trendy urban types; the crisp, neat outline is the perfect match for a slim-fitting dress.  Arum lilies have a lovely, strong shape and look striking with leaves such as Ligularia tussilaginea. Orchids and greenery also make a lovely choice. Hand-tied bouquets are simple and elegant, popular for country or informal weddings. If you want to modernise the look, ask your florist fora bouquet using only one kind of flower in a tightly packed dome shape.

Shower bouquet

The shower bouquet is also known as a trailing or cascade bouquet, and always makes an impact. The formal shape suits most dresses and small, light blooms work better than a mass of big blooms, which tend to overpower the bouquet. The ‘posy’ is simple and chic.
This compact, traditional bouquet is often carried by bridesmaids or flower girls. Most posies are hand-tied and made with small flowers, such as rosebuds, sweet peas or anemones.

Seasonal wedding flowers

Choose seasonal flowers for better value. Here’s a guide to what blooms are available when, depending on your region and geographics. Spring: cornflowers, cow parsley, daffodils, forget-me-nots, lilac, ranunculus, stocks, snowdrops, tulips SUMMER Agapanthus, alchemilla, campanula, cornflowers, garden roses, honeysuckle, hydrangeas, jasmine, lavender, marguerites, peonies, phlox, poppies, scabious, sweet peas AUTUMN Amaranthus, dahlias, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, michaelmas daisies, scabious, euphorbia, heather, hellebores, irises, jasmine, asmine, laurustinus, primulas, skimmea Winter:  Jasmine All year around:  alstroemeria, carnations, freesias, gerberas, gypsophila, lilies, orchids, roses, sunflowers

Wedding flower arrangements

The wedding flower arrangements  will be most impressive if they reflect the theme of the wedding.
The theme might be ultra modern, romantic, classical, dramatic or  exotic. The theme of the wedding flower arrangements can be maintained with the flowers worn or carried by the wedding  party, the floral arrangements  at the church and through  to the wedding reception venue.
This continual theme will help create a sense of oneness on the wedding day. The pews can be decorated with wide ribbon or tulle. These can be made into bows with long streamers and accented with sprays of flowers. It’s essential to ask the preacher or priest if there is a policy regarding wedding flower arrangements.
Flowers at the church or entrance to the wedding venue create a spectacular first impression.Decorate focal points such as the church altar, pulpit and the cake table at the reception venue. A floral arrangement placed at the door of the church  welcomes guests, and other arrangements can be be placed on either side of the altar.

Types of wedding bouquets

There are several different kinds of wedding bouquets, including round, victorian posy, trailer, sheaf, crescent, line and cascade bouquets.
Large trailing bouquets are especially suitable for  romantic wedding gowns, while an elegant line bouquet is a suitable for a slim fitting gown, and a  modern style bouquet might suit the young modern  bride.
The bridal bouquet should be the most impressive.The bridesmaid’s bouquets and the flower girl’s bouquets should be in another  style or perhaps a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet. Alternatively they can be another variety of flowers, or a different color of flowers.

Wedding dress problem

How to find the right wedding dress

Keep an open mind when you start looking for your wedding dress. You might think you know what style you want, only to fall in love with something completely different when you enter the boutique.
The venue and time of your wedding will determine the formality, but otherwise it’s whatever moves you.
Try on dresses to see what suits you, but keep in mind some religious ceremonies prefer modest dress or covered shoulders – so check first. Also, take along someone whose opinion you trust so you don’t make a bad decision in the excitement of the moment.
Start by trying on different styles, and use the surround mirrors to see the dress from all sides to pick a shape most flattering to you.
Remember, your guests will spend most of the ceremony staring at your back. Consider the fabrics you like – go for floaty, soft material if wearing a figure-hugging dress, or heavier fabric like duchess satin, if you have bumps and curves you’d prefer to cover up.
Think about movement, too – you want ease and comfort when getting in and out of cars, and a dress that won’t trip you up during your first dance.

Where to find the perfect wedding dress

Try a bridal designer’s showroom or a boutique, where they stock a number of different designers. Most high streets have a bridal retailer, or you could even pop into your local department store’s bridal section.
Many brides have their dress made especially by a dressmaker.

The color of your wedding dress

The traditional wedding dress colour is white, but it can be harsh against some complexions. If white doesn’t suit your looks, try other shades in the white family, such as cream or ivory. Even very pale shades of gold, coffee, blue or pink can give a nod to tradition.
For a unique look, incorporate several colors into your dress, or have colored beading or embroidery on a white dress. You may even wish to tie in the shade of your wedding dress with the colour theme of your wedding – choose an accent shade for details such as your groom’s waistcoat or the flowers.

Informal, designer, cheap and discount wedding dresses

If you prefer an informal wedding dress rather than a formal dress there are plenty of dresses to choose from, whether it is a  designer wedding dress, unique  wedding dress, cheap or discount wedding dress.
The advantages of a designer wedding dress are that it will be unique, and by wearing it you will be making the statement that you too are unique.
It will also be a dress to treasure, a dress to be carefully stored during the years of your marriage and perhaps worn by your daughter on  her wedding day. In effect it will be a family heirloom,  a dress that your daughter  might wear and a dress that her daughter might wear on their weddings.

Plus size wedding dress

Plus size wedding gowns are very comfortable to wear. A bride in a plus size wedding gown that has been especially tailored to her figure will find it easy to wear on her wedding day and during the celebrations at the wedding reception venue.

Rehearsing for the wedding

Once you’ve found the perfect dress, you can then decide on accessories. Be creative with ’something blue’ – pin a sapphire inside your dress, have blue jewels on a hair accessory or headdress, put matching blue ribbon bows on your bodice and posy, or even include a touch of blue on your shoes.
Take your chosen lingerie along with you to your fittings to avoid unsightly seams showing through on your wedding day, along with your shoes. Play at dressing-up at least once before the day with a friend or bridesmaid.

Wedding favors are available in a variety of `flavors’ and it can be quite difficult to decide which are the most suitable for your wedding guests so here’s a check list:
Decide how much you want to spend on your wedding gifts.
Decide whether you prefer  ready to order  wedding favors or whether you prefer  them to be home  made and more personalized.
Consider how long the  wedding favor will last;  wedding favors which contain candy won’t last too   long.
Decide whether you want the wedding gifts  to reflect the theme of your wedding
Decide whether you want to include a photo on your wedding favors
Do you want the wedding gift to be practical rather than decorative – possibly useful for your guests
Do you want the favor  to be useful for recreational purposes?

Discount and cheap wedding favors

Do you want discount or cheap wedding favors? They are a great alternative to unique and personalized wedding favors. If selected carefully they can be as memorable as any other kind of wedding favor.

Personalized wedding favors

Personalized wedding favors often  include  personalized pens, wedding flowers, trinket boxes, goblets, candles, vases, and even disposable  cameras.
For an even greater `personalized  wedding favor’ effect you may want to write the name of the guest on the wedding favor, perhaps on a  place card frame or a photo frame.
Another personalized wedding favor `special effect’ is to include an extract from your wedding vows on the favor. Alternatively, why not consider including a message from yourself and your husband on it.

Unique and personalized wedding favors

The nice thing about unique wedding favors is that your guests will be surprised and delighted by them. They will also be rather impressed by you,  by your good taste. They will also probably  be rather flattered, flattered by the fact that you took the trouble to select a gift that is so different.
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