Your Wedding Affair

Bridesmaid Guide

TechTravel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:40:07 +0200

For centuries, bridesmaids have been essential to the wedding, sharing this exhilarating and rewarding experience with the bride from the courtship to the reception. The maids are the ones she can count on to perform those timeless duties, from warding off evil spirits to keeping the groom on his toes!

The Dessy Group will keep you up to speed on modern bridesmaid trends. As your celebration approaches, they are your source for great bridesmaid dresses, destination wedding gowns and flower girl dresses, even online shopping for bridesmaid gifts and groomsmen's accessorie

The Financial Reality of a Dream Wedding

TechTravel — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:08:58 +0100

By Ivette Attaud-Jones

You’ve finally gotten engaged and everyone’s happy for you – now what? What’s the next step? What should you know before you start planning the wedding of your dreams?

For starters, how much money you have on hand to spend. Planning your dream wedding takes a lot of thought and communication between you and your fiancée. It’s a day that symbolizes your public display of love for one another and you want the special people in your lives to share in it. Although it’s traditional to have the bride’s family pay for the wedding, nowadays couples pay for it themselves, or enlist the help of their families. If you both know what you want for that special day, including how much you’re willing to spend, There’s a good chance you won’t overspend. You can’t say, “I have X amount of money to spend – I don’t know how much he/she has to spend.” Being able to discuss finances openly and honestly with each other is one of the first steps to being a married couple. Short of going to City Hall, you will have to spend money - no matter what type of wedding you have.

Bouquet Tossing Alternatives

TechTravel — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:01:17 +0100

Tossing of the bride's bouquet is a long honored tradition. It is believed that this practice came about as a self-defense technique. Getting married was considered to be one of the luckiest things that could ever happen to a woman. Because of this belief, wedding guests wanted to take home a piece of the bride with them to share in this "luck". Bridal gowns and the veil were ripped and shredded by the guests. Flowers from the bouquet were often grabbed. As a form of distraction, brides began to throw their bouquets and quickly run away.

Centuries passed and treatment of the bride became much more civil. However, it is still believed that whomever receives the bride's bouquet and garter, shall marry. Some brides prefer to follow tradition and have the tossing of the bouquet as part of their wedding reception. Other brides choose to keep their wedding bouquets or schedule one of the many alternatives to tossing a bouquet as part of their wedding reception.

Should you choose not to follow the traditional bouquet toss, these are some loving and creative ways to replace the ritual.

Did you get engaged over the holiday's?

TechTravel — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:36:20 +0100

Save the Dates are the best way to tell your family and friends about your upcoming wedding. Here are a few ideas to help you tell everyone! alt : http://www.youtube.com/v/oMFfV62EQjk
TIP: Remember that you can start sending out save the date's soon after you've announce your engagement.
For save-the-dates and invitations visit Invitations Affair.

Planning Tips: Selecting your Wedding Date

TechTravel — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:15:29 +0200

Dates to Avoid in 2007 and 2008

Congratulations! Now you’ve said "yes" and the calendar is wide open! Sort of. Below are some dates you that you might consider "wedding blackout" dates. Perhaps you will think twice before scheduling your wedding at these times.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekend wedding have pros and cons. You've got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!), plus it's easier to host the affair on Sunday, which is often less expensive than Saturday events. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. Also, having your wedding on a holiday weekend might adversely affect your guest list. Some families have standing holiday weekend plans or traditions that they'd prefer not to have disrupted.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (always a Monday)
January 15, 2007
January 21, 2008

President's Day (always a Monday)
February 19, 2007
February 18, 2008

Memorial Day (always a Monday)
May 28, 2007
May 26, 2008

Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Friday, July 4, 2008

Labor Day (always a Monday)
September 3, 2007
September 1, 2008

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
October 8, 2007
October 13, 2008

Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 22, 2007
November 27, 2008

Religious Holidays

Try to be mindful of religious holidays (yours and your guests') when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you're allowed to marry at these times.

Palm Sunday
April 1, 2007
March 16, 2008

Easter Sunday
April 8, 2007
March 23, 2008

Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Sunday, April 20, 2008

Rosh Hashanah
In 2007, begins at sunset on Wednesday, September 12 and last until nightfall on Friday, In 2008, begins at sunset on Monday, September 29, and lasts until nightfall on Wednesday, October 1

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Thursday, October 9, 2008

Hanukkah (starts)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 25, 2008

Kwanzaa
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 thru Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Begins Friday, December 26, 2008

Costly Holidays

If you're looking to marry around Valentine's Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you've got your heart set on red roses -- they're likely to be more costly than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year's Eve wedding, especially when it falls on a Saturday.

Notable Holidays

April Fool's Day
If you and your fiancé are jokesters at heart, this could be the perfect wedding day for you. If not, choose another day.

Mother's Day
Make sure your mom is ok with sharing this weekend with your wedding -- but it could be the perfect opportunity to honor her. If you do choose it, at your day-after brunch make a toast to all the mothers in the room.
May 14, 2007
May 11, 2008

Father's Day
Ditto for dad.
June 17, 2007
June 15, 2008

Halloween
Avoid it if you're terrified that someone might actually show up in costume.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Friday, October 31, 2007

Days of Remembrance

Historically significant days may cause a conflict of interest for some guests.
September 11: In 2007, it falls on a Tuesday; Thursday in 2008. December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: In 2007, it falls on a Friday; Sunday in 2008.

Super Bowl

If you don't live in Miami or Glendale, and are marrying on the Saturday rather than the Sunday of Super Bowl weekend, then the big game shouldn't affect your wedding too much -- unless you and your hubby are diehard pigskin fans and can't bear to miss the big game for your honeymoon. If in doubt, steer clear of these dates:

February 4, 2007, Miami, FL
February 3, 2008, Glendale, AZ

Final Four/March Madness

Everyone loves the excitement of college b-ball (and betting on it!). Keep your sports fans at bay by avoiding these dates:

Saturday, March 31st and Monday, April 2nd, 2007, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, April 5th and Tuesday, April 7th, 2008 San Antonio, TX

Other Dates to Avoid

College reunions and/or homecoming, big conventions in your city (call your local chamber of commerce), and any annual charity events that involve your family or close friends.

Invitation Affair Trunk Show

TechTravel — Tue, 08 May 2007 21:17:41 +0200

For those of you, who have never heard of a trunk show, let me explain. A trunk show is a sale of all a vendor's merchandise, usually open to personnel and select customers only. Designers will also host trunk shows in which they bring out their entire collection, including designs that have not yet been released to the public.

Invitations Affair has decided to host its very first Invitation Trunk Show on May 18-19. We are showcasing invitations and accessories from several popular wedding brands, such as Carlson Craft, Elite, Chase and more! Since the event is by invitation only, be sure to register at www.invitationsaffair.com.

If you're looking for invitations or wedding accessories, you won't want to miss this exclusive sale. It's a great opportunity to see what different brands are offering and to take advantage of great sale prices! You can even shop on our website before the sale, since we offer you complete access to their products on our website. There's nothing wrong with being prepared, so browse as much as you like before the sale begins.

~ Hosted by Nidelka Mayers & Invitations Affair

Tell Your Wedding Story with Epson Storyteller

TechTravel — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:38:00 +0100

What do you do with all your digital photos? Now there’s the StoryTeller® Photo Book Creator from Epson—an all inclusive kit that contains everything you need to transform digital photos into a professional quality hardbound photo book that you print and assemble yourself.

Visit www.epson.com/storyteller.

Love Bytes

TechTravel — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:56:19 +0100

Spreading Valentine's love on the Web
by Armeen Youssefian
Birds do it. Bees do it. Apparently, even educated fleas do it. I've never quite understood what smart fleas have to do with falling in love. But I do understand that love is indeed what makes the world—and the World Wide Web—go 'round. So, this Valentine's Day, let's venture online to make the most out of this amorous holiday.

What's so adorable about February 14th?
Cupids. Hearts. Teddy bears. Some argue that Valentine's Day is just another commercial holiday. Maybe so. In fact, the Greeting Card Association states an estimated one billion Valentine cards are sent every year. For the romantics among us, however, Valentine's Day still conjures up warm, fuzzy memories of colorful punch-out cards and illegible candy conversation hearts. It's a day when it's okay to be deliciously sappy and bask in the glow of love, sweet love. But before you start reciting sonnets and cutting hearts out of paper doilies, find out just who this mysterious Saint Valentine was, how this all got started, and what it's become.

Charm 'em with the tried-and-true classics
With the convenience of online ordering and so much to choose from, it's easier than ever to make the ladies (and gents) swoon. It may seem like a cliché, but a delivery of fresh flowers and Godiva chocolates is always a welcomed Valentine surprise. Planning on wining and dining your dearest? Beat the Valentine's Day dinner rush by making your advanced restaurant reservation online. And to keep those hot embers burning, count on the Web for endless advice on matters of love.

DIY romance
Maybe you're no Esther Howland, but with a little inspiration you too can make a unique hand-made card your sweetheart is sure to treasure. Create a vintage Valentine with Victorian hearts, and include a classic love poem. I think even old Will would say it was okay for you to borrow some lines from one of his sonnets. And don't forget to include love coupons! Looking for something less "glue stick" and more, say, "color printer"? You can also personalize and print free, readymade Valentine cards online.

If you're feeling crafty, try your hand at this pretty heart wreath or keepsake rose heart decoration. And nothing says "I love you" like some great sox, er, socks. If you're a knitter, whip together these warm, woolly socks for your honey.

To find your way to a man's heart, heat it up in the kitchen with a romantic dinner. (Men, this works the other way around, too.) Want to tempt your sweetie with sweets? Try some fun and easy treats, or forget flowers with a tasty cookie bouquet instead!

For a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving, pull together some of your favorite love songs and make your own custom CD, label and all.

Fun (and free) ways to spread the love
Still recovering from all your holiday spending? Check out these free, silly virtual presents! Your honeybunch will know just how much you care when they receive a virtual musk ox in their inbox. For candy heart aficionados like me, create personalized conversation hearts and email the images to your pals. Or send everyone you love an eCard or an old-fashioned online love note. And when you just can't find the right words, just fill in the blanks and let someone else find them for you.

Valentines and the kiddies
If your kids are the loves of your life, treat them to some quality time making easy Valentine cards and crafts together. Check out these great ideas:

Printable (and adorable) kids' Valentine cards
Simple calico cards—all you need is scissors, glue, and printer paper!
Cute Beanie Baby clip art
Printable coloring pages for your budding artists
Conversation heart pencil topper craft project
Easy (and quite pretty) hand-made flowers
Sweetheart necklaces made out of baker's clay

Keep lookin' for love in all the right places
Finally, if you're still searching for Mr. or Ms. Right, you're not alone (for long). Many quality people like you and me are turning to finding that Valentine's Day date. And for the ultra-bashful, behold this marvel of modern love: secretadmirer.com. Email your secret crush a free message, and (secretly) find out if they're interested in you, too. Cupid is a genius!

When all else fails: Some people turn to faith. Others, a love potion! However you celebrate this day of love, remember we'll always love you. Happy Valentine's Day from your friends at Your Wedding Affair! Sponsored by Earthlink.

You know your marketing plan is working when ... you find posting like this!

TechTravel — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 05:55:14 +0100

Harlem Weddings

Posted by D. Bell under Events at Harlem Flavor Blog

So, your long time beau has finally popped the question! He bent down on one knee (creaking joints and all), in front of the family to present you with a small token of his eternal love — a diamond engagement ring! You’ve dreamed of this moment since you were a little girl. Poof! That is where the beautiful fantasy ends because reality sets in that you must now plan and pay for the biggest event of your life. There are linens, floral arrangements, dresses and shoes to think about.

One solution for preventing Bridezilla syndrome is to go to the one stop event sponsored by Harlem Weddings in association with Harlem World Magazine.

The Bridal Show will offer free gifts, panel discussions with experts, and a fashion show featuring the designs of Cassandra Bromfield, Elon Michelle and Heaven Hats. Brides will receive a free copy of Harlem World Magazine’s Essential Weddings winter edition photographed at the beautiful and elegant River Room.

WHERE: Nubian Heritage – Boma Café 2037 5th Ave (between 125th – 126th St), New York, NY 10026

WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

PRICE: FREE Admission to the public. For more information visit www.harlemweddingsonline.com or call toll-free at 866.711.5425.

Related: Harlem Bridal Show :: Essence: “Will You Marry Me“

HARLEM WEDDINGS BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA

TechTravel — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:32:45 +0100

INVITES BRIDES TO “TALK WITH THE EXPERTS”New York, NY January 2007 - Brides want information, and wedding editor of "Harlem Weddings" magazine, Nidelka Mayers does it again with the production of Harlem Weddings Bridal Show and the new Harlem World Magazine Essential Wedding issue. In 2006, she put Harlem Weddings on the map, this year Ms. Mayers has put together a team of professionals that will be on hand all day Sunday, February 25^th, to show and tell prospective brides, grooms and guests how to make their wedding-day fantasies come true.

Attending brides and guests will receive a copy of the beautiful new Harlem World Magazine Essential Weddings Winter issue shot at the River Room. Every bride needs tips on Love, “Weddings and Renewal” to keep the spark going.

TALK WITH THE EXPERTS New York’s premier wedding experts… talk about wedding trends and answer your wedding questions from love to Renewal. Panel discussion will feature Ivette Jones of LIAJ Bridal & Floral Design. BRIDAL FASHIONS
With an elegant fashion show orchestrated where brides-to-be will be able to find unique looks for themselves and their bridal party. Beautiful models will be on the runway wearing designs from Cassandra Bromfield, Elon Michelle and Heaven’s Hats showcase gowns and accessories to suit every bride’s sense of style.

FLORAL IDEAS
Two of Harlem’s premiere wedding and event floral designers, Ivette Jones of LIAJ Bridal & Floral Design and Julie Dawkins of JE Florist Corporation have planned to create the perfect ambiance for their display with the elegant elements of linens, flowers and more.

RESOURCES
Exhibitors include Devine Design; Annie Mae’s Cheesecakes; Gifts Affair; and many more. The complete list of vendors and sponsors can be found at www.HarlemWeddingsOnline.com.

WHERE
Nubian Heritage – Boma Café2037 5^th Ave (between 125^th – 126^th St), New York, NY 10026 WHEN
Sunday, February 25, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

TICKETS
FREE Admission to the public. For more information visit www.HarlemWeddingsOnline.com or call toll-free at 866.711.5425. ABOUTHarlem Weddings, the first luxury wedding showcase in Harlem featuring must-have products and services for the bride and groom; Brides-to-be and attending guests will be treated to live entertainment, every imaginable service and products to assist in the planning of their wedding. Brides will be acquainted with some of New York's and Harlem's most amazing businesses that cater to fashionable weddings. The vision extends well beyond the basic bridal show; Harlem Weddings will offer a new experience with every show. Each event portrays a different theme filled with charm. ###