August 25, 2006

What's Your Newlywed Style?

Whether you're newly married or passionately engaged, you've each got your own unique style. But while you'll certainly still be individuals after the wedding, you'll soon be forever known as a couple – so now is the perfect time to figure out just what your couple style is (or what you'd like it to be).  Pick the style below that most closely matches your couple style, and we'll give you the lowdown on how to entertain in your style PLUS the best goods to register for to make your parties and events easy, memorable, and fun.

 You're A Casual Couple!
There is no pretense to your parties, as you prefer BBQ bashes in the backyard and bonfires on the beach. Your dress code focuses on flip-flops, shorts, sundresses, and hats to keep the sun at bay, and your friends dig your low-key vibe (and the grub they can actually pronounce). Test our tips for making the most of your laid-back shindigs.
· Stock up on fun outdoor plates, glasses and serveware in break-resistant melamine. Just because your party is casual doesn't mean you can get away with paper plates and cups every time.
· Consider lighting options like Tiki torches, lanterns, and candles if you're having a nighttime bash.
· Have plenty of outdoor seating available. If you can't round up a decent number of chairs, throw down some blankets, pillows, and cushions, and call it a picnic theme.
· Don't let bad weather deter your party-throwing ways: Host an indoor poker party or a game night – each guest can bring his/her favorite board game.
· Keep the libations flowing openly but responsibly. Make the party more fun and keep guests from getting too wild by having two signature drinks – one alcoholic and one virgin.Best Party Stuff To Register For
- BBQ tool sets
- Outdoor dinnerware and party platters (in break-resistant materials like melamine and plastic)
- Grills (both indoor and outdoor)
- BBQ accessories like umbrellas, aprons and cookbooks
- Patio furniture and seating (remember beach chairs and recliners, too)
- Coolers, ice buckets, and beverage tubs
- Blender
- Ice cream maker
- Cabanas and covered seating
- Throw pillows and cushions
- Outdoor rugs and welcome mats
- Vinyl placemats and tablecloths
- Napkins
- Lanterns and outdoor lighting
- Beach towels
- Kabob skewers
- Lemonade/margarita pitchers and glasses
- Deep fryer
- Oven mitts and potholders
- Fans
- Picnic baskets/backpacksYou’re a Hip Couple!
Always ahead of the trends, your friends admire your fashion and party savvy. Traditional, stuffy, and predictable are three things you avoid like the Avian Flu and your uncanny ability to keep your pals on their toes is what makes you a hip host – and king and queen of the cocktail party.
· Choose a theme to give your party focus.  A wine and cheese party, a martini hour, or an all-margarita bash is all fun and easy themes.
· Make sure you’ve got plenty of mixers on hand: juices, tonics, sodas, etc.
· Move furniture around and huddle groups of chairs next to each other, just like in a bar or lounge.
· Provide enough food to keep guests from getting too tipsy. Think finger foods and hors d’ oeuvres that are easy to eat in one or two bites and aren’t messy.
· Help guests keep track of their glasses by using fun drink charms.
· Make having plenty of ice a priority – there’s nothing worse at a cocktail party than a warm drink.
· Have different glass styles on hand (martini, wine, etc.) – paper and plastic cups are for college students.
· Play cool music – some Sinatra and jazzy tunes are ideal for a chic cocktail party.
· Give guests a parting treat, like small canisters of cocktail sugars tied with silver ribbon.Best Party Stuff To Register For
- Trendy barware and cocktail-shaker sets
- Funky martini and cocktail glasses
- Champagne flutes
- Tumblers
- Serving trays and platters
- Coasters
- Carafes
- Cutting Boards
- Pitchers
- Wine cellar fridge
- Wine cooler/chiller
- Coolers and ice buckets
- Blender
- Cheese plates
- Cheese cutting board and knife
- Coffeemaker
- Wine preserver
- Wine glasses
- Fondue set
- Table linensYou're a Sporty Couple!
You're a sports-loving, ESPN-addicted couple and love inviting friends over to watch the game on your big-screen. Your party dress code is comprised of jeans and your favorite team's tee, sweatshirt, and hat, and you love bashing the competition as much as you love rooting for your own team – and your sports-themed shindigs reflect all of the above.
· Deck out your pad in your team's paraphernalia – streamers, posters, banners, the works. Astroturf is super inexpensive and can picked up at your local hardware store for fun "tablecloths" and coasters.
· Keep guests involved by playing a little game of your own. Place “bets” on the first player to fumble, what the score will be at the end of each quarter, etc., and give the winner a small prize at the end of each quarter.
· Have food and drinks within reach so no one has to miss an important play to nab some grub or grab a cold one.
· If you're not watching a game, but playing one outdoors (volleyball, basketball, etc.), have baskets of sunscreen and bug spray on hand.
· Stock up on beer mugs, and if you're going to be outdoors, use break-resistant melamine and plastic plates, cups, and accessories.Best Party Stuff To Register For
- Beer mugs
- Glasses
- Stainless Flatware
- Large serving bowls (for chips)
- Small serving bowls (for dips)
- Party platters and silverware
- Crock pot (for queso, chili, etc.)
- Indoor and outdoor grills
- Coolers, ice buckets and beverage tubs
- Mixer
- Whisks
- Welcome mats
- Oven mitts and potholders
- Deep Fryer
- BBQ tool sets
- Popcorn makerYou're an Elegant Couple!
You're all about posh, formal affairs that give Martha a run for her money. As a culinary whiz, you love throwing festive fetes for your foodie friends and get your kicks from mastering the latest recipes and sipping the best wines.  But you know that half of the fun is in the presentation, which is why you deck out your dining room with the most elegant China, glassware, and accessories.
· Choose a theme for your party and note it from the get-go on your invitations and carry it out through the event with your food and décor choices --  'A Taste of Tuscany' for example.
· Low lighting is the epitome of elegance, so make use of candles and beautiful candleholders.
· Centerpieces and flowers are a nice touch – just remember to keep them low in height and in fragrance so they don’t overpower.
· Limit the cocktail hour to no more than an hour and have a few passed hors d' oeuvres so that guests don't get too tipsy or too hungry.
· Hire serving help and/or a housekeeper to clean up afterwards if you can swing it.
· Cut the cooking required of a dinner party by ordering in appetizers and dessert.
· Choose a nice red and nice white wine so that your guests may choose which they prefer to pair with their meal (note: one bottle fills about four glasses; count on each guest having two or three glasses).Best Party Stuff To Register For
- Formal China
- Goblets
- Sterling silverware
- Flatware chest
- Wine cellar fridge
- Coffeemaker
- Coffee and tea set
- Teapot
- Wine preserver
- Candlesticks
- Fondue set
- Cookware set
- Crystal stemware and barware
- Table Linens
- Salt and pepper shakers/grinders
- Spice rack
- Candleholders
- Panini maker
- Carafe
- Tumblers
- Pitchers
- Wine cooler
- Napkin rings
- Utensil holder
- Cake platters
- Food processor
- Microwave
- Crock pot
- Cookbook stand

 

Posted by TechTravel at 15:18:45 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

July 29, 2006

The Marriage License

Getting Married in New York State

Where do you get one?
A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and groom in the presence of the town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the bride or groom. This applies even if the representative has been given the Power of Attorney. Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by the bride or groom cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.

Is there a waiting period?
Yes. Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. When both applicants are 16 years of age or older, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court of the county in which either the bride or groom resides. If either person is under 16 years of age, the order must be from the Family Court judge of the county in which the person under 16 years of age resides.

How long is the license valid?
A marriage license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.

How much does it cost?
If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $25. If it is issued by the City Clerk of the City of New York, it costs $30. The fee in either case includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent by the issuing clerk to the applicants within 15 days after the completed license is returned by the officiant (person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file. Couples who do not receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration within four weeks of the wedding should contact the town or city clerk who issued the license.

Is a premarital physical exam required?
No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage license in New York State.

What are the age and consent requirements for minors?

  • If either applicant is under 14 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.
  • If either applicant is 14 or 15 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court having jurisdiction over the town or city in which the application is made.
  • If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents.
  • If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.
  • One parent alone may consent to a minor's marriage if:
    • The other parent has been missing for one year preceding the application;
    • The parents are divorced and the consenting parent was given sole custody of the child when the divorce decree was awarded;
    • The other parent has been judged incompetent; or the other parent is deceased.
  • Parents, guardians or other people consenting to the marriage of a minor must personally appear and acknowledge or execute their consent before the town or city clerk or some other authorized official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an official outside of the State of New York, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authentication when the consent is filed in New York State.

Proof of Age
A person may be required to submit documentary proof of age in the form of a birth certificate, baptismal record, passport, driver's license, life insurance policy, employment certificate, school record, immigration record, naturalization record or court record. No other type of proof, such as a statement by parents, may be accepted.

Familial Restrictions
A marriage may not take place in New York State between an ancestor and descendant, a brother and sister (full or half blood), an uncle and niece or an aunt and nephew, regardless of whether or not these persons are legitimate or illegitimate offspring.

Previous Marriages
Information regarding previous marriages must be furnished in the application for a marriage license. This includes whether the former spouse or spouses are living, and whether the applicants are divorced and, if so, when, where and against whom the divorce or divorces were granted. A certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be required by the clerk issuing the marriage license.

Surname Options
Every person has the right to adopt any name by which he or she wishes to be known simply by using that name consistently and without intent to defraud. A person's last name (surname) does not automatically change upon marriage, and neither party to the marriage is required to change his or her last name. The bride and groom need not take the same last name.

One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which he or she wishes to be known after the marriage by entering the new name in the appropriate space provided on the marriage license. The new name must consist of one of the following options:

  • the surname of the other spouse;
  • any former surname of either spouse;
  • a name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of each spouse;
  • a combination name separated by a hyphen, provided that each part of such combination surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses.

The use of this option will provide a record of your change of name. The marriage certificate, containing the new name, if any, is proof that the use of the new name, or the retention of the former name, is lawful. The local Social Security Administration office should be contacted so that its records and your social security identification card reflect the name change. There is no charge for this service.

Whether you decide to use or not use this option at the time of your marriage license application, you still have the right to adopt a different name through usage at some future date. However, your marriage license cannot be changed to record a surname you decide to use after your marriage.

Where can a marriage take place?
A New York State marriage license may be used within New York State only. Please note that if you go out of New York State to be married, your New York State marriage license will not be filed in New York State.

What about the ceremony?
There is no particular form or ceremony required except that the parties must state in the presence of an authorized member of the clergy or public official and at least one other witness that they take each other as husband and wife. There is no minimum age for a witness. However, in selecting a witness, choose at least one person who you feel would be competent to testify in a court proceeding as to what he or she witnessed.

Who can perform a marriage ceremony?
To be valid, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the individuals specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These include:

  • the mayor of a city or village;
  • the city clerk or one of the deputy city clerks of a city of more than one million inhabitants;
  • a marriage officer appointed by the town or village board or the city common council;
  • a justice or judge of the following courts: the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern or Western Districts of New York, the NYS Court of Appeals, the Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court, the NYS Supreme Court, the Court of Claims, the Family Court, a Surrogates Court, the Civil and Criminal Courts of New York City (including Housing Judges of the Civil Court) and other courts of record;
  • a village, town or county justice;
  • a member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted authority to perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body;
  • a member of the clergy or minister who is not authorized by a governing church body but who has been chosen by a spiritual group to preside over their spiritual affairs;
  • other officiants as specified by Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law.

The person performing the ceremony must be registered with the City of New York in order to perform a ceremony within the New York City limits. The officiant does not have to be a resident of New York State. Ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in New York State.

Where can I get copies of my records?
For copies of marriage licenses issued anywhere in New York State except New York City, a certified copy of the marriage record may be obtained from the office of the town or city clerk who issued the license, or from the New York State Department of Health. The fee is $10 if you obtain a certified copy from the town or city clerk who issued the license. If applying to the New York State Department of Health, the fee is $5. For a certified copy, write to:

Vital Records Section
New York State Department of Health
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12237-0023

For marriage licenses issued in New York City, do not apply to the New York State Department of Health. You must apply to the borough office of the City Clerk of New York in the borough where the license was issued. The fee is $15 per copy. Write to the City Clerk of New York:

MANHATTAN:
Municipal Building, New York, New York 10007
BRONX:
780 Grand Concourse, New York, New York 10457

BROOKLYN:
Municipal Building, Brooklyn, New York 11202

QUEENS:
20-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, Jamaica,
New York 11424

RICHMOND:
Borough Hall, St. George, Staten Island, New York 10301

If you plan to use your married name at work, be sure to have your name changed in Social Security records. This way, you will get credit for all your earnings. It's easy and it's absolutely free. Contact any Social Security office. Look in the telephone book for the address and phone number. You will need documentary evidence showing both your old name and your new name.

As with any other laws, marriage laws can change so we advise you to check with the county, city, or town clerk.

Posted by TechTravel at 02:52:01 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

March 03, 2006

Financial Fitness for Newlyweds

Let's see, you've got the wedding chapel and the caterer booked, the dress selected, the cake designed, the wedding invitations mailed, vows written, finances talked about-oops, didn't do the last item? Money conflicts are a leading cause of marital strife and divorce. A frank discussion of finances before you say "I do" will go a long way in helping you stay "I do forever." And harmony and understanding probably won't happen by themselves. So couples should set aside some time to discuss their philosophies and goals about money -- how much you want, how you want to use it and how to make it part of your happy marriage. While many of you would love to have the problem of too much money, most newlyweds, will feel that there's never enough money. That's why it's so important to understand your partner's approach to money and to manage it well.

Spender vs. Saver

Which of you likes to spend money and which likes to save it? Often in a couple, one person has a more liberal approach to money and the other has a more conservative approach. It is important to understand that neither of you is "right!" Instead, you will need to come to a spending agreement that works for you both! You might agree on some spending strategies that include maintaining a joint household checking account for household bills, but keep separate accounts for spending as you wish. This will surely involve some compromises as well as give and take.

Who does what?

Set up a weekly family meeting. My husband and I sit down for 30 minutes every Saturday morning and discuss the upcoming events of the week as well as other concerns. Be sure to also talk about finances, marital roles, and existing obligations to friends and family members. Who is going to be paying the bills? Who is going to monitor the investments? These are just a few of the questions you need to agree upon. What you decide about rights and duties in your marriage is not important; whether or not you agree is. Make sure you talk about your life goals together to make sure you both are on the same financial page. Do you want to have kids, travel, purchase a home or retire rich at age 40? You will have a much higher likely of achieving your dreams if you are both working together to achieve the prosperous life you deserve!

Contrary to common opinion, talking over one's financial circumstances, and perhaps financial differences, usually doesn't doom the wedding. Talking about your future finances will actually deepen, not divide, your relationship.

Stacy Francis
www.SavvyLadies.com

 

Posted by TechTravel at 21:35:23 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

February 28, 2006

Your Photo, Your Stamp!


Personalize your Wedding

Our RSVP Service

  • Includes preparation of your mailing list
     

  • Assembling and mailing invitations

  • Personalize PhotoStamps (postage extra)
     

  • Keeping track of response
     

  • Enabling an accurate guest count
     

  • Table seating layouts
     

  • 10% off cost of invitations purchased through us

PhotoStamps
Put yourself on a stamp! We will use your photos to make official U.S. postal service stamps! It's a little spendy for everyday stamps, but might be fun for your wedding invites, for instance. With shipping, a book of 20 custom stamps is about $20. Find out more details and volume pricing by contacting Your Wedding Affair 866.711.5425
Posted by TechTravel at 03:20:04 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

August 15, 2005

Dstination Weddings

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

The "Pros"
  • A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!
  • Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!
  • A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.
  • The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!
  • A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!
  • Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!
  • A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.
  • There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!
The "Cons"
  • The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!
  • The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.
  • Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.
  • Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?
  • Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.
  • Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!
  • On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.
  • Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them. Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

by: Cindy English / Bridal Association of America 

Posted by TechTravel at 17:46:36 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

June 30, 2005

Your Wedding fairy godmother has just arrived!

Every bride needs a fairy goodmother ....

Yours has just arrive!

 

Package includes the following services.

 

Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

Rehearsal Dinner Attendees Checklist

Wedding Party Responsibilities

Assist with the wedding planning formation

Assist with the planning

Assist with the Ceremony Seating Plans

Confirm attendance to the Rehearsal Dinner

Assist with Marriage License

Coordinate Rehearsal Dinner (food, music, venue, etc)

 

Wedding Day

Confirm Transportation Arrangements

Confirm arrival of visiting guest (out of town)

Confirm attendees (includes: track RSVP, call to confirm attendant. Etc.)

Confirm parking for bridal party

Coordinate schedule with photographer

Coordinate schedule with video taper

Confirm reserve seating (extended bridal party)

Confirm boutonnieres and bouquets

Coordinate the receiving line

Assist in the coordination of seating plans

Brides Check list

Groom Check list

Brides Emergency Kit

Ceremony Checklist

Reception Checklist

Wedding Party Timeline

Service Provide Timeline

Coordinate ceremony and reception

 

 Don’t spend another minute on the phone with florist, caterers, stressing. Call 866.711.5425 today to arrange a convenient consultation.

Posted by TechTravel at 00:09:04 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

June 11, 2005

Wedding Planning at your Fingertips!

Other Bridal Shows 

Upcoming Events

 Creative Bridal Center Bridal Show

June 22th, 2005

 6:30PM - 9:30PM
New Hyde Park Inn
214 Jericho Turnpike
NY, New York

Call  for Additional Information 718.343.8161

 

Plan It Expo Bridal Show

June 29th, 2005

 6:30PM - 9:00PM
Gran Centurions
440 Madison Hill Road
Clark, NJ 07066

Call us for Additional Information 866.544.0258

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Be sure to visit the Honeymoon Affair  boot for FREE Gift bags,

Register to win a Free Honeymoon Getaway,

Honeymoon Registry program, and much more!

Sponored by Wedding Affair & Honeymoon Affair

Posted by TechTravel at 19:30:31 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

We Recommend: iDo Planning Assistance

 iDo 2005
Plan the perfect wedding
Planning a wedding is a LOT of work. Luckily, iDo can help you organize and manage just about everything. Set up invitees, put a budget together, track gifts, vendors, and more! Take advantage of the free 30-day trial and explore it for yourself! (Windows) Learn more and download today!

 

 

Software Description

iDo 2005 Wedding Couple Edition makes wedding planning easy for today's bride and groom. The web-like interface provides quick navigation to any of the 10 main sections: Contacts, Invitations, RSVPs, Attendees, Gifts, Checklist, Budget, Vendors, Events, and Timelines. Build your contact list by entering manually or importing from Microsoft Outlook or comma delimited file; track invitations, RSVPs, meal selections and gifts; design a seating chart for your reception by dragging-and-dropping tables and guests; set your own pace using the task checklist; monitor your wedding budget expenses; plan detailed itineraries for events surrounding your wedding day; create a bridal shower invite list for your shower hostess; preview suggested invitation wording; save your wedding vows; produce 100+ reports, readable and updateable by all word processors; print labels for your stationery needs. After the wedding, export your up-to-date contact list into your favorite address book. Version 7.0 added Timelines, Budget Categories, Widgets (Invitation Wording Builder, Wedding Vows, Quick Invitation Lists), Titles now customizable, added Contact Out of towner field, Invitation form redesigned, Custom Font/Size for Reports and new Label utility form.
Posted by TechTravel at 18:51:35 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

January 26, 2005

Tips on how to be creative with your wedding

       Every couple is unique. Why not make your wedding unique. Some people believe that there is a specific structure that a wedding must follow. That is not true. Each couple can add in their creativity in certain areas or can run their creativity through the whole wedding. In order to start planning your unique wedding, you have to ask yourself how creative you want to be. Are you willing to work outside the box and break tradition.
       You can write your own wedding vows or incorporate a theme to your wedding. For example; if you're getting married in October, have a Halloween bash. Have your guest come in costumes of their choice, incorporate Halloween decorations, and games for the children. No matter how you achieve your creativity, just remember to always think about your guest.
       There is no rule against creativity, but if you still want a traditional wedding keep the creativity to a minimum. Here are a few ideas to help you get started;

1. Create your own invitations. Just realize that if you pick a specific theme for your invitations, you should stick to the theme throughout your wedding. If you want a simple, traditional wedding do not go extravagant on the invitations.

2. Pick a date that means something. It can either be your anniversary of when you first met, the date of your grandparents anniversary or a date that is significant to you for a reason that is unknown to your guest, but make it known in the program. It will make the guest feel more knowledgeable about the two of you as a couple.

3. Make your won party favors. It might come out cheaper in the end and it is more sentimental to you than just something you can buy.

However you plan your wedding, keep in mind that it is not a day to impress your guest, it is a day for the both of you to celebrate your love.

Jenny-Anne Kennedy

Posted by TechTravel at 04:07:33 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

January 02, 2005

10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Wedding

 1- Start by deciding what type of wedding you'll like.  A traditional or civil service ceremony.  Will it be a Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter wedding?  The number of attendees will help you determine the size of your wedding, 20-25 people is small and intimate event, or large and extravagant 150-200 people affair. The type and size of wedding will help play a role in your incurred expenses.

2- Setting realistic expectations - your Budget. Once you have selected the type and estimated your budget, the use of worksheets will help you maximize and manage the spending on each aspect of your wedding.

3- Setting timelines. Give your self enough time for planning 12-18 months in advance is ideal. Most wedding venues and suppliers are book  a year in advance, last minute availabilities will be hard to secure.

4- Get help! - Hire an Event/Wedding Planner.  Not only do they offer an invaluable services they are able to negotiate contracts, manage your budget, insure that everything is running smoothly.  They will save you time and money in the long run.

5- Get the most for your money, use company that specialize in wedding planning and offer more that one service.  The offer of great packages with specials and discounts.  Make sure to review the information and ask plenty of questions. Don't sign contract unless you clearly understand the stipulations. 

6- Price estimates and comparisons are a must. Take notes, make inquires, the last  thing you want to do is make a purchase on impulse. Going shopping with more that 2 people usually contribute to impulse purchases. 

7- Use Plastic! It's easier to keep track purchases made with a credit or debit card.  Many business will not honor personal checks or have various stipulations affection your purchase.  Cash or Money Order should be your last resort.

8- Get it in writing.  You should have written proof to keep you safe.  Most establishments, vendors or business owners will not honor changes or claims with out proof.

 9- Consider not serving alcohol. You may be held liable if the establishment does not have the appropriate insurance and/or licensure. Serving wine instead of champagne can be a safety major.

 10- Finds ways to save. Consider making your own flower basket, ring pillow, bridal party gifts, flower girl headpiece, table center piece, etc.  Enlist the   assistance of brides mates and family member instead of paying for these services.

Posted by TechTravel at 23:53:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |