Tenomania.com

Getting married? Congratulations! But you probably have a million things to do to prepare for the big day. If the list of to-do’s is stressing you out and making you wish you could afford your own personal wedding planner, let technology make the planning a little more easy and enjoyable.

1. A new kind of address book

Get rid of the handwritten address book you’ve been carrying around and enter the information for your invited guests, new family members, and vendors (such as your caterer or florist) in the Contacts folder of Microsoft Outlook® 2002. It not only makes it easy to change information without erasing or crossing out, it keeps the information in one central location. No more worries about accidentally leaving your address book somewhere with no recollection of where it could be.

Hint – You can create separate Contacts folders specific to your wedding to add a little organization to your address book. This will allow you to import and export that information for other uses, which you will learn as you read on.

2. A simple communication tool

As you enter information into Contacts, be sure to include e-mail addresses for your wedding party and vendors so you can use e-mail to easily keep everyone up to date on all wedding activities.

Hint – If appropriate for your taste, you can create a custom template for your e-mail so that when you send it out it has a wedding theme. Add a wedding bell for fun!

3. A to-do list that almost does the work for you

Of course you have a list of one hundred things to do. You could write them all down and try to keep track of them on paper, but instead, try using Tasks in Outlook 2002 to keep them in a central place. You can set due dates and/or identify the progress you have made on your tasks. And if you haven’t checked off an item by the assigned due date, you get a nice reminder that it needs to be done.

Hint – If you need to assign a task to your spouse-to-be, your maid of honor, or your best man, you can do so by checking the Assign Task option and it will send the task to them in e-mail. You will then either receive an e-mail message when it has been completed or a reminder if it hasn’t been completed.

4. A calendar that keeps you on task

As you schedule appointments for things such as clothing alterations and food tasting, use the Calendar in Outlook 2002 to enter your appointments. And be sure to set a reminder to prevent you from forgetting! If you have followed our first tip and entered your wedding party in your Contacts, you can pull up your attendants’ e-mail addresses and send them a meeting request with the time and date for an appointment, such as clothes shopping. If they accept, it automatically enters the appointment into their calendar with the reminder you have set.

Hint – Set reminders for important appointments a day ahead to prevent you from forgetting until the last minute.

5. Unique invitations that stand out

If you are having a tough time rationalizing paying a professional printer to make your invitations, you can stand out from the rest and create your own. Microsoft Word 2002 is great for adding photos, clip art images, and special formatting to make your invitations shine. Not only will your invitations look unique, but you can also keep a consistent theme by creating the rest of your wedding documents, such as engagement announcements and ceremony programs.

Hint – If this sounds like too much work, check out the

Templates site on Microsoft Office Online, where you will find wedding-themed templates already created. You can download these and edit to your taste.

6. Your own custom envelopes

If you decide to create your own invitations, why not go a step further and print matching envelopes as well? With the contacts you created in Outlook, you can use the Mail Merge option to import the information into Word and thus print your own envelopes with the invitees’ names and addresses as well as your return address.

Hint – To add a special touch, you can even add graphics to your envelopes.

7. An interactive budget

Ah, yes — everything costs money, and boy, does it add up fast. Get rid of the calculator and let Microsoft Excel 2002 track your expenses for you. By creating a budget in Excel, you can automatically calculate your total expenses as you go. It’s a good way to see how you are doing based on the budget you set forth, and it’s simple for you to know what you have left to spend.

Hint – If you would rather not take time to create your own budget spreadsheet, check out the Templates site for templates you can use.

8. A tracking system that works

Keeping track of your RSVP responses, all those presents, and the thank-you notes you need to send can be tough. Excel makes this simple. As you get responses or open presents, type in the person’s name and the response or gift associated. Once you’re done, you can sort the list by the "yes" or "no" response to determine how many people will attend or to whom you need to send thank-you letters.

Hint – If you created a Contacts folder of your invited guests, you can export their information into Excel 2002. That way, their names and addresses will already be in the spreadsheet for you to use.

9. A memory book to share

Add a little something different to your reception: Run a slideshow with pictures of you and your spouse during the reception. With Microsoft PowerPoint® 2002, you can take a basic presentation of photographs, add music and custom animation, and turn it into a continuously running slide show that seems almost like a home movie.

Hint – Create a similar presentation with pictures from your honeymoon to send to family and friends who live far away, so they can see what a great trip you had (and you won’t have to spend money on additional copies of pictures).

10. The extra mile

If you want to make things easy not only for yourself but also for your guests, take some additional steps in your planning with these suggestions. Avoid annoying phone calls with questions about where to stay and what to do by creating a personal wedding Web site with Microsoft FrontPage® 2002. On the site, you could post pictures and information such as suggested hotels, fun activities to do in the area, and stores where you are registered. For guests without e-mail access, you can use Microsoft Publisher 2002 to create a beautiful, full-color wedding guide to drop in the mail instead.

Hint – For the ultimate "professional" look, use Publisher to create beautiful, full-color invitations, thank-you cards, or even your wedding program or dinner menu — all templates included!

Now that you’ve read all of these tips, get your wedding planning started. It should be a piece of cake!

Many times, brides and grooms experience different kinds of stress. Brides are usually more emotional about the wedding plans and grooms can be more concerned about, or "stressed out" about money. Whether you are a bride or a groom, it is a time where all kinds of stress can manifest itself. Here are a few tips:

1. Expect that there will be stress in planning your wedding

Why? There are a lot of decisions to be made, many details to be worked out, and others may want, or try to influence you. That is not bad or wrong, it just requires that you and your fiancé be aware of what is really happening. Try to respond to issues and avoid reacting to things.

2. One of the greatest challenges facing brides and grooms is their feelings of wanting to satisfy everyone

There are so many people involved – family, friends and relatives. Setting realistic expectations is very important. Don’t expect perfection. Expect a "terrific" day. Setting expectations that are too high will create stress and lead to frustration, and then more stress.

3. Feeling stressed about certain elements of the wedding such as, saying your wedding vows or your first dance?

Then, visualize the event. Spend some quiet time alone, relax and really visualize in your mind the events going smoothly. Do this exercise several times a day if you need to!

4. One of the best ways to combat stress is to exercise

When things start getting out of control – STOP. Take a break and go to the gym or go for a brisk walk.

5. There are always some people (relatives or friends) that know how to "push your buttons"

When you are feeling very stressed… be sure to stay away from or at least limit your time with these people.

6. Wedding planning can cause a great deal of stress between the bride and the groom

Individually, they should be aware of their thresholds for stress, and how much stress they can handle in a given time period. If you notice that one of you is nearing your "threshold", then take a short break from your wedding planning and do something fun together.

7. Parents can also experience wedding stress as their children get married and leave "the nest"

This is commonly referred to as "separation anxiety". It can be a time of great anxiety for the parents which can then create stress and highly emotional issues for the bride and groom. Being aware of what is happening, REALLY happening, is a big part of dealing and managing stress.

8. Time pressure can cause a great deal of stress

Don’t try and do everything yourself. Delegate as much as you can to others. Use the Internet.

9. Are you and your fiancé arguing more than normal?

Realize that this is normal because you are spending more time on wedding planning versus spending time on your relationship. That’s why it is so important to take time away from wedding planning and spend time with each other. A romantic dinner, a bike ride — whatever you both like to do together (just don’t discuss the wedding plans!)

10. Believe in your love and y our partner

It is the most important thing you should keep in your mind. If you love your partner with all your heart, then you can overcome anything. Wedding is just a part of it…a new beginning towards a beautiful  life full of love. Keep that in mind, keep your head cool and go for it.

If you were someone who spent half her life dreaming about her wedding, dressing up as a princess, or obsessing over bridal magazines pre-mate, stop reading right now. You’re not going to like what I have to say.

For everyone else, you feel my pain. I’ve always loved going to other people’s weddings, but I never thought very much about my own up until now. Now that I find myself getting married, I’m in a happily strange position. Suddenly I need to plan.

Curiously, I’ve become a planner in ways I hadn’t imagined. It’s beginning to scare me a little. I have started to notice the sparkle of rings. I see places as potential wedding venues and experience food in restaurants as menu ideas. I notice the line of a dress, the exact shape of a flower, and all music as potential reception songs. Poetry is no longer poetry for me; it’s a possible reading at the ceremony. My life has been taken over! Or has it?

No matter what fantasy the wedding industry presents you, it’s a five or eight-hour party—and it will end. (Okay, ours is a two-day affair, so it’s closer to ten hours, but it’s not very much time in the scheme of our life!)

Here are a few ways to avoid the whole wedding racket, or what I call “the wedding industrial complex.”

1. Never lose sight of why you’re planning a wedding

After a recent engagement party, I was so moved by all the love and support from family and friends; it was a complete and utter reminder to the both of us why we’re doing all this planning in the first place! We’ve chosen to spend our lives together—and that is a wonderful thing. I’ve seen brides and grooms experience amnesia during the planning. They forget why they’re getting married and let the stress overwhelm them. “Bridezilla” may be an exaggeration, but these women—and their crazy grooms—exist. The planning process is not always pretty. It can take over your life—if you let it.

2. Think of wedding planning as a joint effort

My mate and I work on things together. We do have designated tasks (I give him lists of things to do with due dates), but we also do a lot together. It makes the process fun.

3. Consider a budget ahead of time and stick to it

Don’t let anyone persuade you to do something you don’t want. Consider what you could buy or invest in post-wedding. If you skip on the expensive gown or caterer, the money can go toward education or a down payment on an apartment or house.

4. Wear what makes you feel good, not what the world thinks you should wear

You don’t have to wear a gown or a veil if you don’t want to. White, cream, and all versions of ivory are gorgeous, but not all of us want to wear it. Why not green, blue, silver, or gold? One friend of mine went to a recent wedding where the bride wore a short blue dress and tall go-go boots. She was happy—and it showed.

5. If in doubt, skip it

In the wedding industry, so much is about theater—and it’s optional. I had a caterer blather on about “lighting options.” My idea of good lighting? A $2-bag of tea lights from the hardware store! He also mentioned a wonderful “stylist.” Aren’t stylists for celebs? Am I not fabulous enough?

6. Observe people carefully before deciding to work with them

I try to avoid vendors who say things like “You really should …” or “You have to …” or “You need to …” No, I don’t. As soon as someone starts talking to me like I’m a child, I run away as fast as I can!

7. Keep the wedding an expression of you and your mate

We’re writing our own vows and have decided not to have a best man or bridesmaids. Some have reacted in horror. You’d think the world was coming to an end. We also decided on a small ceremony on a separate day from the reception. No matter the reaction, we plug ahead with our plans.

8. Shop around

Not all vendors are alike and never assume that a vendor is giving you the best possible price. I’ve found that higher prices do not always correlate with higher quality in the wedding industry. It’s hit or miss. And when a vendor hears the word “wedding,” it’s often code for (sshhhh!) “double the price.” Give yourself options and don’t feel rushed into doing anything.

9. Designate one night of the week when wedding discussions are off-limits

Banning wedding talk guarantees that there is one day when not a thought or trickle of conversation between you and your mate is given over to “the big day.” Hell, make it three days a week.

10. Ditch what you don’t like; take what works for you

There is so much advice out there: from books, newspapers, and magazines, to TV shows, Web sites, and blogs, it can easily become overwhelming. It doesn’t matter what the latest trend is. It’s your wedding to plan. Not Modern Bride’s or Martha Stewart’s. I’ve thrown out the magazines and returned to my novel. It’s much better for my soul than any bridal magazine will ever be. The plans will come along just fine. We’re happy to be getting married, period.

A destination wedding to an exotic locale offers a great opportunity to continue your healthy regimen of diet and exercise in the days preceding your wedding. We’ve come up with the top ten ways to look and feel your absolute best during the week-long wedding celebration with family and friends. Here is part one of our list of Hawaii’s fun and unique activities to stay in shape before the big day. By the way, before you hit the beach take a cue from the local girls who won’t wear anything except Pualani Hawaii.

1. Surf Lessons

Even if you’ve never attempted to ride a wave, surfing in paradise with your closest friends is a must-do during your trip. The stylish water sport with Hawaiian roots not only defines the laid-back lifestyle of the islands, but is also a total body sculpting workout. Surfer girls are strong and lean with incredibly flat stomachs, so get off that beach chair and dive right in!

Check out the Kelea Surf Spa on Oahu  (www.keleasurfspa.com) and the women’s-only Surf Diva in La Jolla, California (www.surfdiva.com).

2. Yoga

A wonderful stress reliever, yoga is a great way to relieve any pre-wedding jitters. A beginning yoga class can be just as relaxing as lying on the beach, so why not arrange for a group class at one of the many studios throughout Hawaii? The Studio Maui, a fully equipped yoga and dance facility on the north shore, is an excellent alternative to a traditional bachelorette party.

3. Horseback Ride

Horseback riding is a wonderful way to experience the spectacular views and varied terrain of Upcountry Maui while getting a moderate-impact, lower body workout. Equestrians work their glutes and inner thighs throughout the entire ride in the saddle. Did you know that riding at a gallop can burn up to 526 calories hourly!? Take in stunning mountain views or ride freely along the pristine, unspoiled beaches of Maui. Check out the Maui Horse Whisperer Experience for a full or half day riding adventure.

4. Ocean Kayak & Snorkel

Even a novice will have fun kayaking on pristine Hawaiian waters. A guided adventure is safe and a not too strenuous workout. The trip includes the opportunity to swim among the Hawaiian sea turtles that live in the coral reefs abundant with tropical fish. And depending on the time of year, you can see dolphins, manta rays, and (a safe distance away!) whales. Whale season is April to December. Makena Kayaks is your best choice on Maui.

5. Hike into Maui Waterfalls

Hiking into the exotic valleys of Hawaii will give you a glimpse of the islands you will never forget: immense waterfalls from 10 to 40 feet high, crystal clear swimming pools under the falls, magical rain forests, and fresh-water streams. You’ll burn calories and have fun on this adventure–you can jump and rope-swing into several of the falls, plus you learn about the amazing tropical landscapes from Hike Maui’s naturalist guides.

6. Stand Up Paddle Surf

Stand up paddle surfing may look intimidating, but I’ve been told by a fellow non-surfer that it is a little less difficult than regular surfing, and stand up paddling will give you an amazing core workout. On Oahu you can take lessons from Paddle Core Fitness, at Ala Moana Beach. Instructor/owner Reid Inouye says, “It’s basically like walking on water. You’re looking down, you can see all the ocean life, but at the same time it’s a good workout that hits your upper body, core, sides, legs, cardio.” To learn more, check out Paddle Surf Hawaii.

7. Bike Down the Volcano

For the uninhibited, bike down Maui’s dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala, at sunrise with Maui Mountain Riders for the ride of your life! It’s not strenuous exercise, but you will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and clean mountain air as you coast along the roadway.

8. Diamond Head Trail, Oahu

Diamond Head is an extinct volcanic crater located in Honolulu a short distance from Waikiki. If you are fit, you can easily do the hike in under 30 minutes and the spectacular 360-degree views of the island are well worth the effort!

9. Molokai Mule Ride

This island is the least developed in the Hawaiian chain and the Molokai Mule Ride is an amazing experience. You’ll ride down 1,700 feet of spectacular sea cliffs through remote areas of this park that can only be seen via this tour.

10. Romantic Beach Walks

I saved this one for last because in all the frenetic activity of welcoming your guests, you may need to be reminded to escape each evening with your husband-to-be. The magical moments alone at sunset will be your most enduring memories of this lifetime trip.

For most people, their wedding day is one of the most important days in their lives. Unfortunately, it can also be a stepping stone to disaster if the couple involved don’t pay attention to what is going on and take steps to make sure there won’t be long term problems that result of their actions in the days leading up to their big day. Below are ten ways your wedding can ruin your life.  

1. Your marriage

Very often people become so consumed by the wedding event that they sort of forget about the marriage part that will come after. The problem is that in trying to plan and execute a wedding, people can become angry with one another. They can behave in ways that the other has not seen. Generally this is due to stress and the emotional toll of going through life-changing events. The sad consequences of this sort of stress though, can lead to marriages that begin on shaky ground and then have trouble regaining their footing.

2. Emotional wreckage

Another problem with focusing so much attention on a single event, is that it can lead the people involved into all sorts of emotional problems, which can linger into the future after the marriage has finally occurred. Some even go into major depression which can last for years.

3. Personal image

Sometimes people find that the act of getting married causes them to see themselves differently. Some may see this in a positive light, but others may not. The fact is, it’s almost impossible to not see yourself differently once you become a member of a permanent team, where everyone now sees you individually as only a half of something, rather than the whole you they used to see. Many find this very difficult to accept and wind up rebelling against the label, or worse resenting their spouse for being half the problem. 

4. Friendships

Whenever people get married, their friendships almost always undergo a transformation; sometimes in good ways, but more often in ways that leave the newly married people feeling guilty or angry. Add to this the fact that quite often when people are planning their wedding, due to all the stress involved, they wind up causing a lot of friction between themselves and their friends, which can lead to permanent changes.

5. Family relationships

As with friendships, relationships with family generally change when people get married too. And when you add to that, the friction that can arise during the planning of the wedding, the possibility arises that there may be permanent damage to family relationships.

6. Financial hardships

It’s easy to get in over your head when planning your wedding. Many couples find themselves under a mountain of debt when they return from their honeymoon. This is definitely not a recipe for marital success.

7. Your Reputation

Depending on how you behave during the days you’re planning and working on getting your wedding together, you could find your reputation tarnished. People under stress quite often behave badly when things are tight, and these tight situations might stick in the heads of those who are around to bear witness.

8. Hard feelings

Also, due to stress and anxiety, people involved in planning their wedding quite often hurt the feelings of others. It might be friends, family, co-workers, or complete strangers. This may lead to hard feelings that may not dissipate simply because the wedding day has come and gone.

9. Your honeymoon

One very common thing among newly married couples is a feeling of let-down. After the wedding is over, or sometimes after the honeymoon, one or both parties to the wedding feel a very serious sense of letdown. This is because of all the hoopla and buildup to the wedding. After it’s over, and there is no more planning, or stress over what will be after, there is just you and this other person you married, suddenly living very ordinary lives. Sometimes it can cause couples to think they’ve made a mistake. Sometimes, they might be right.

10. Repercussions

Finally, many weddings are fraught with things that can go wrong that can permanently damage a marriage, which can ruin your life of course, at least for awhile. One of these is of course the bachelor party and the things that can go on. Another is the reception where people are drinking and quite often get into a lot of trouble. 

These ten ways that your wedding can ruin your life are presented as warning signs to anyone who is engaged and is in the process of planning their wedding. Being aware of these potential traps and taking action to avert them can save you and your future spouse a lot of heartache and grief. If you are someone in such a position, I hope these tips help. Good luck.

Original article source – Associatedcontent.com

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It’s a wonderful time, but planning a wedding can often seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you through those anxious moments:

1. When people are nervous their breathing becomes shallow and rapid

One quick way to help you relax is to simply change your breathing pattern. This method only takes a few minutes and can even be practiced at a wedding rehearsal: Shut your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. Try to allow slow breaths to gently come from your abdomen, but don’t strain. Simultaneously, you might want to think of your inhalations as breathing in fresh, calming energy and your exhalation breaths as breathing out tension.

2. Another popular technique

Sit or lie down, shut your eyes and, after breathing gently for a few minutes, picture yourself in a peaceful, nurturing setting. Many people like to imagine themselves at a beach, in a meadow, or walking through the woods. You can visualize birds singing or waves lapping against the shore. You can be alone, with your fiancé, or whatever appeals to you at the moment. Then, when you’re fully relaxed, open your eyes and bring this peaceful feeling back with you into your present environment. (You can do this because you have shifted your perception from stressful thoughts to calming ones). For some people, playing soothing music enhances the effect.

3. Actually spend some time in nature, which is inherently relaxing

Or, spend a day doing something exciting which has nothing to do with planning your wedding. Changing your focus reduces your anxiety level.

4. Physical exercise (even a brisk walk) combats stress

as does time out in a nurturing activity such as an unhurried, luxurious bath. (The scent of Lavender in the bath water can act as a further relaxant). Yoga and Chi Gung are also great stress-busters.

5. Write down what is really important to you about your wedding and what are simply details

If some things seem to overlap, imagine that you have been married for l0 years and are looking back on your wedding. Did it really matter whether the invitations were exactly the right shade of ivory or whether they sent you white ones by mistake? What would you most like to remember about your wedding? What is the heart of it?

6. Be kind to yourself

If you are totally stressed out, you may be holding yourself to a higher standard than anyone else is. Most of the people you’ve invited to your wedding simply want to support you and share in your joy. Remember, everyone loves a wedding and, somehow, almost all weddings seem to turn out well despite the obstacles along the way.

7. Encourage yourself with logical, coping statements

when you confront stressful situations. Examples are:

• "I can handle this by taking it one step at a time. I don’t have to make all my decisions at once."
• "It’s all right to change my mind or even make a mistake."
• "I can ask my wedding coordinator or people in the chat room for opinions. I don’t have to know all the answers."
• "I was able to cope with ——, I can certainly cope with this."
• "I’m going to enjoy myself no matter what."
• "The thing that counts most is that I’m marrying the man I love."

Come up with your own statements. Try to remember what coping thoughts helped you in past situations.

8. Get enough sleep

If you find yourself tossing and turning or waking up in the middle of the night with the guest list on your mind, try drinking a warm glass of scalded milk before bedtime. (It’s an old remedy that still works!). You might also want to eliminate caffeine (including sodas) and chocolate from your diet as well as late evening snacks. These things tend to keep you awake.

9. Ask for help if you need it

You don’t have to do everything yourself.

10. Have fun with your wedding!

One couple I know had the whole wedding party dressed in costumes from the Renaissance period. Did they worry that others might find it odd? Maybe for about five minutes. Did everyone have a good time? Absolutely! Remember, in the final analysis, your wedding is a celebration of your love for each other. Why stress over a happy occasion?

About the author - Bobbi Lawrence, the author of this article, has a masters degree in psychology from the Western Institute for Social Research, specializing in marriage and family therapy, and is certified at the highest level in creative visualization, guided imagery, and hypnosis by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. She is the co-author of two books and has produced a guided relaxation tape for brides.

"There is no sincerer love than the love of food," said George Bernard Shaw. While you and your sweetie may disagree, your wedding guests will most likely be eager to fill their bellies with tasty treats. A little menu planning can easily woo the crowd. Here are ten tantalizing tips to make your wedding meal memorable — and have your guests licking their lips:

1. Dream Up a Theme

One of the most fun (and often easiest) parts of developing a theme wedding is deciding the menu. From a traditional New England clambake to a spicy Southern barbecue, theme-wedding menus create a fun, exciting, and memorable event. It might even be the way you eat the food that stays in your guests’ minds — cracking crabs at a Maryland riverside wedding, nibbling satay at a Thai-inspired city garden reception, or roasting marshmallows over the flaming bonfire at a wedding "campsite."

2. Go Regional

There are many people who take culinary vacations, traveling through countries in search of the local fare. Turn your wedding reception into its own culinary vacation by creating a menu featuring regional specialties. It may be foie gras from the Hudson Valley, spicy chicken wings in Buffalo, or even the largest cheese spread ever seen in Wisconsin.

3. That’s Entertainment

Who said that food only pleases the palate? You can devise a wedding menu where the food preparation is as flavorful as the food itself. Consider a sushi bar complete with professional sushi chef — the performance of slicing and rolling turns simple ingredients into works of art right before your guests’ eyes. Or perhaps French chefs donned in aprons and hats will create flaming crepes tableside. Find a wedding caterer who can pull it off!

4. All in the Family

Something in between a sit-down meal and a buffet, family style offers a natural way to get tables of guests talking while creating a very festive and homey atmosphere. Each dish is delivered to the center of the table and guests pass them politely (or grab and hoard, depending on your family). Italian food might be an obvious choice, but Asian, Mexican, and Indian cuisines work well here too.

5. That’s So You!

The wedding day is all about the bride and the groom, so why not plan a menu that has special meaning to the two of you? Perhaps your first date was at a baseball game — why not serve hot dogs? Or maybe the two of you love to fly fish — highlight freshwater fish on the menu. Or he proposed over a romantic picnic lunch — recreate the magic by recreating the meal. When your guests think about what they ate, they will automatically think about the couple of honor.

6. Presenting…

The eyes have it — when it comes to remembering things, that is. Your guests will very likely recall a fabulous-looking buffet table before they remember what foods it featured. Be creative — instead of serving soup in a bowl, have it ladled into a hollowed-out acorn squash. Or have asparagus tied up like a present with leek leaves. You could even serve coconut shrimp inside a coconut and garnish with a tropical flower.

7. Less is More

Sometimes the simplest foods presented in an elegant, bountiful manner have a more memorable effect than a wide variety of offerings. Colin Cowie offers this advice in his book For The Bride: "You can make a statement of style with one or two spectacular dishes. For example, instead of having ten different tray-passed appetizers during the cocktail hour, serve mountains of jumbo shrimp or sliced smoked salmon." Remember, KISS — keep it simple, sweetie.

8. Ride with a Trend

Trends come and go and if you can jump on one before it’s passé, all the more power to you. Ask your caterer what’s up and coming. Perhaps she’s got some unusual idea that will make the kind of memorable statement you’re looking for. It might be something as homey/funky as a mashed potato bar, complete with your choice of spuds and toppings, presented in a martini glass. Or maybe a true Belgian treat — pommel fritters served with the traditional mayonnaise in paper cones. Just remember — they’re trends, so plan accordingly if you’re setting up your wedding menu a year in advance.

9. A Honeymoon Preview

Don’t worry-we’re not suggesting anything X-rated here! Just that you consider planning a menu based on your honeymoon spot. If you’re off to Venice, serve a spread one could imagine eating in a gondola. Or if Hawaii’s your destination, feature luau fare (without the flame-eaters) — perhaps even the spit-roasted pig. Maybe it’s Japan where you’ll be spending the week — how about a Tepanyaki station (Japanese barbecue), where guests choose raw meats, shrimp, veggies, noodles, and sauces and watch it get stir-fried. Get honeymoon ideas, if you’re not sure where you’re off to.

10. Five-Star Elegance

If dining out in the fanciest of restaurants is your idea of luxury and you happen to have a lot of dough, treat you and your guests to gourmet, white-glove-service dinner. Plan a multi-course meal, complete with a refreshing intermezzo (with hot lemon-scented towels after the fish course, of course). You can choose from French or Russian service: With French, the waiters prepare food on stands set up next to the table and then serve individual plates; Russian service features white-gloved waiters who carry each course on a large tray and serve guests directly from it. For that added touch, offer a different complementary wine with each course.

Original artical source – TheKnot.com

Think having a green wedding has to be complicated? It doesn’t. Here are ten easy ways you can green your big day.

1. Choose a green location to have your wedding and/or reception

This could be a park, a museum, or a local charity venue. You could also look for hotels or restaurants that are green, either by serving organic menus or adopting a code of green business ethics such as recycling, buying local and donating part of their proceeds to charity. Check listings such as Green America’s (formerly Co-op America) National Green Pages.

2. Serve an organic and local menu

Supporting local farms and businesses is important and your food will be fresher. Try to find a caterer that uses local and organic ingredients to make dishes. Everything from your cake to your appetizers, even your drinks can be organic but even just a little bit counts.

3. Send out invitations printed on recycled or tree free paper

Companies like Twisted Limb offer beautiful wedding invitations made of recycled, handmade paper.

4. Wear a gorgeously green gown

Your eco-friendly wedding gown may be something borrowed, a family heirloom, a gently used dress, or a vintage beauty. It could also be made from sustainable eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, hemp, organic cotton or peace silk. The options keep growing everyday as new eco-designers appear or traditional designers add eco-friendly selections to their lines of wedding gowns.

5. Less is more

Opt to cut out all the unnecessary extras like favors, menus, place cards and things that are not needed. This saves resources and money.

6. Get creative with your décor

Nature is full of beautiful items that can be sued to decorate then be returned to nature after the wedding; rocks, twigs, flowers, potted plants, trees, leaves…Use the bountiful options nature offers to create stunning decorations, centerpieces and more. Once the wedding is over these pieces of nature can be placed in your yard or garden.

7. Ditch the disposables

Forget about disposable plates, napkins, silverware and all that. Opt for rented items that can be washed and reused over and over again. If you are having a small intimate wedding you would even consider purchasing tablecloths, plates and tableware that you could reuse in your home after the wedding.

8. Candle light is extremely romantic

make it eco-friendly as well by using natural soy wax or beeswax candles. Regular candles are made with paraffin, a petroleum based product. Not a green choice.

9. Green your transportation

Arrive to your destinations in eco-style with hybrid or electric vehicles. You could even provide transportation for your guests with buses that run on biofuels.

10. Have a great green honeymoon

After your wedding plan to stay close to home or travel to an eco-resort or hotel to keep the green going after the big day.

Wedding cake is definitely the most special attraction of a wedding (after the bride off course!!!) Keep these tips in mind and avoid making a mistake when it comes to the most special cake you will ever have!!! 

1. Too Big

Your cake should be proportionate to the number of people you’re serving. A five-tier cake is not appropriate for a wedding with 100 guests. Sometimes, the larger the cake, the more that can go wrong.

2. Too Small

Again, make sure your cake is in proportion to your wedding. Your baker will know how big your cake should be based on the number of guests. 

And don’t assume some of your guests will pass up the cake. It’s better to have extra cake than to run out.

3. Ask Questions

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions. It’s your wedding and your money. Asking how long before the wedding the cake is baked, whether the cake is ever frozen, and who delivers the cake are all valid questions and your baker should be happy to answer them. There are many resources available on the web with suggested questions to ask your baker.

4. Rethink the Top Tier

After a year in the freezer, your cake will taste like just that: a cake that’s spent a year in the freezer. It’s fine if your baker includes the top tier with the cost of the cake, but don’t pay extra for it. Instead, consider buying a nice bottle of wine on your honeymoon and drinking it on your fist anniversary.

5. Whatever You Do, Don’t Make Your Cake!

And don’t allow your mother, sister, or best friend to make it. You (and your mother, sister, and best friend) will have enough to do the day of your wedding. Leave the cake to a professional.

6. Don’t Expect a High-End Cake on a Low-End Budget

Generally speaking, when it comes to wedding cakes, you get what you pay for. A cake that costs $7 per serving should be made with better quality ingredients by a more highly skilled cake artisan than a cake that costs $2 per serving. Be realistic about your budget and what you can afford, and adjust your expectations accordingly. Hoping that a $250 cake will taste and look the same as a $1200 cake is a set-up for disappointment.

7. Bring Design Ideas

It’s best to meet with your cake designer after you have a few things in place, such as the venue, flowers, and invitations. That way, she will have a good idea of the look and feel of your wedding, and can work with you on the design concept. Coming to the table with nothing, or leaving it all up to the designer, can prove very frustrating for both of you. It’s best to bring a few photos of cakes that appeal to you. Some designers will replicate a cake exactly while others prefer to create original designs.

8. Plan Ahead

A reputable cake designer will only accept a limited number of commissions per weekend so he can spend a lot of time with each cake. Many wedding cake bakers book up early, especially during the wedding season, so plan to secure your baker at least six months in advance. Be wary of a baker that accepts a last minute order, and always insist on a tasting.

9. Color

If you want a specific color on your cake, don’t leave it to chance. "Tiffany blue" can mean many things to many people, and color on computer monitors can vary greatly. Instead, get paint chips from your local hardware store to give to your baker. Be sure to look at them in all kinds of lighting—daylight, fluorescent light, evening—to be sure it’s the color you want. A good cake artist should be able to match it exactly.

10. Stay Calm

Know that if something goes wrong — whether with your cake or any other aspect of your wedding — chances are you’re the only one who’ll notice. Instead of getting upset and letting it ruin your day, have a drink, laugh it off, and enjoy yourself.

Do you have champagne taste and caviar dreams, on a white bread and soda pop budget? Don’t worry; you can still have a beautiful but cheap wedding. Check out these great ways to cut costs and save money.

1. Trim Your Wedding Guest List

Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you’re increasing your budget significantly. It’s not just the catering costs, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, rentals, etc. Don’t invite anyone you haven’t talked to in five years. Don’t feel obligated to let single people bring a date. Avoid feeling pressured to invite all your work colleagues. And don’t let your friends bring their children. You can also decide to eliminate categories like "relatives more distant than first cousins" or "friends from volunteer work." By not inviting anyone from that group, you’ll help avoid hurt feelings.

2. Save Postage on Your Wedding Invitations

Forgo the inner envelope and blotter paper, which are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry, and people wanted a pristine envelope. Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.

3. Shop Sample Sales and the Internet for Cheap Wedding Dresses

If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which generally happen once a year. It’s a great opportunity to get a designer dress at rock-bottom prices. You can also look on eBay, Craigslist and other websites for deals on used wedding dresses. Remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $250, so avoid the cheap dress with the filthy hem. And many towns have a shop where you can rent a wedding dress, saving you hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

4. Change the Day of the Week

Have your wedding on a weeknight or a Sunday. There is less demand for these dates, so vendors will often be willing to give you a better rate.

5. Save Money on Church Decorations

For religious weddings, consider having your wedding near a major holiday. The church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers. On other days, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.

6. Learn to Ask for Help to Save Money

If you want to have a cheap wedding, pool your friends’ and family’s resources. Think of musicians you know, well-spoken friends who could be your officiate, and crafty people who can help you assemble things. They will generally be honored to be a special part of your big day. Also look for money-saving tips everywhere. Check websites such as wedfrugal.com and frugalbride.com, and ask friends and family members for what they did to save money on their big day.

7. Get Crafty – Do It Yourself

Throw a "pitch-in party," where you ask your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors and make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the stereo, so that your friends feel like they’re at a party, not just part of an assembly line. Click the link below for DIY wedding projects.

8. Look for Cheap Wedding Food and Drink

Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money. Ask them which are the least expensive entrees and whether a buffet is cheaper than a seated dinner. See if they’ll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar. Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner. Especially if you and your fiancée don’t drink, consider having a dry wedding.

9. Make the Most of eBay

eBay, eBay, eBay. It’s a great source for everything from second-hand dresses to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping. Look for trusted sellers whose feedback indicates they have accurately represented what they have sold.

10. Consider Cheap Wedding Invitations

Don’t go for engraving – regular printed invites work just as well. There are a variety of cheap wedding invitations available on the internet. For a casual wedding, consider printing your own invites from your home computer. Stationery stores now sell printed paper meant to use in a home printer as cheap wedding invitations.