A bride on the TV show Bridezillas using WedAlert to find a DJ for her wedding.

Photography Expert Shares Creative Tips & The Top National Destinations For Beautiful Fall Wedding Photos

With autumn starting on September 22nd, we are seeing the changing seasons bring about rich shades of scarlet, gold, and burnt orange. Fall is a stunning time for your wedding day, and with 35% of weddings taking place outdoors and 26.4 % of weddings taking place in the fall – many are gearing up for the big day during nature’s brilliant season!

“Fall weddings are some of the most memorable and colorful weddings that we see all year,” explains Dan Creviston of George Street Photo and Video. “There are so many natural elements in motion, photographers can get very creative with landscapes and backdrops and couples brighten their wedding with vibrant, foliage centerpieces, stunning seasonal dress colors, and bright floral arrangements,” he adds.

Dan can share some of the hottest fall wedding trends, provide expert tips for stunning fall wedding photography, and the top 10 national venues for breathtaking fall wedding shots.

DIY Tips for Stunning Fall Wedding Photography:

· Autumn foliage showcases its finest colors in the second week of October – shoot then!

· Photograph around sunrise and sunset for the best light and color.

· Photograph outdoors when your shadow is longer than you are, usually in the late afternoon.

· Don’t discount overcast days – colors are more saturated and shadows are softer.

· Get up close: A sweeping picture of a couple amongst the fall foliage is beautiful, but a close up of a couple under one tree works as well.

Top 10 National Venues for Picturesque Wedding Photos:

1. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Washington (for views of Capitol)

2. Beaver Chief Falls, Glacier National Park, Mont.

3. George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Va./W.Va./Ky.

4. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

5. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

6. Everett Road Covered Bridge, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

7. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Calif.

8. Freedom Trail, Boston National Historic Park, Mass.

9. Governors Island, N.Y. (for views of two forts)

10. El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.

George Street Photo & Video:
George Street Photo and Video continuously makes wedding days unforgettable for couples throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. They have locations in Chicago, Lisle, and Schaumburg.

The Portland Oregon Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a Portland Wedding, visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/oregon/portland.asp.

Whether you are local to the area, or planning a destination wedding, Portland Oregon is a great setting for your wedding ceremony and reception.

If you are a Portland wedding professional, be sure to add your listing.

Linda Martindell, of The Honeymoon Experts, a division of Totem Travel, provided the following article.

There are many wonderful destinations throughout the world but if an all inclusive resort is on your honeymoon list, your best choice may be a Sandals Resort. No kids are allowed, everything is included from meals to drinks to scuba diving, and romance abounds with beachfront locations, gourmet dining, private pools and luxurious spas. So how do you choose the best Sandals Resort for you?

Let’s start with location - Sandals has 12 all inclusive resorts on 4 Caribbean islands including the Bahamas, Jamaica, St Lucia and Antigua. Your choice of island should consider travel time and airfare, weather and what you’d like to see and do. All of the islands enjoy tropical weather year round but the northern Bahamas can be too cool for a bathing suit in December and more vulnerable to hurricanes in the fall. Jamaica stays in the 80’s year round as do the southerly islands of St Lucia and Antigua, and these islands are less troubled by storms.

The shortest flights and lowest fares are usually to Jamaica or the Bahamas. However, if time and distance aren’t a factor, St Lucia is rated one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are wonderful throughout the Caribbean. You can swim with the dolphins in Jamaica and the Bahamas, go zip lining or play a free round of golf in St Lucia and Jamaica, and hit the casino in Antigua and the Bahamas. Waterskiing and tubing is offered at Sandals Negril, Sandals Whitehouse and Sandals Grande St Lucian.

Every Sandals Resort includes complimentary watersports such as sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba, land sports like tennis and volleyball and a myriad of activities from beach parties to a work out at the fitness center or a day at the spa.

You can even get married at Sandals, and weddings are free at all 12 resorts. The basic wedding package includes all the essentials, but a more elaborate ceremony is easy too and Sandals is an outstanding choice for a destination wedding with many extras free of charge.

Once you’ve chosen a destination it’s time to think about which resort is best for you. Are you looking for a casual beach atmosphere with open air dining or a more formal setting under crystal chandeliers? Are you a pool person or a beach person? Is golf or waterskiing on your “to do” list? Would you enjoy resort hopping with dining, drinking and playing privileges at several locations? Do you want to do it all or nothing at all?

Last but not least, every Sandals Resort has about a million (slight exaggeration) room categories with prices starting under $3000 for a one week all inclusive vacation for two, to more than $10,000 for a once in a lifetime honeymoon in a fabulous suite with private pool and butler.

Whether you choose a garden view room, or beachfront villa, every Sandals guest will enjoy a couples only getaway with king beds, fine dining, name brand liquors, activities, entertainment and tips included.

Linda Martindell
The Honeymoon Experts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First or Second Marriage? For most newlyweds it is their first.

HACKENSACK, NJ (August 8, 2008)-WedAlert.com, one of the most popular and fastest growing interactive online wedding planning directories on the Internet, today announced the results of its poll on whether it was a bride or groom's first or second marriage.

The choices and results were as follows*:
First time for both of you.? 63%
Second time for either bride or groom: 22%
Second time for both bride and groom: 15%

*Poll Disclaimer: WedAlert.com polls reflect the views of those who choose to respond and are not scientifically valid surveys. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of Internet users in general, nor the public as a whole. WedAlert.com is not responsible for the content or opinions expressed in the polls.

About WedAlert.com Established in 1995, with headquarters in Hackensack, NJ, WedAlert.com is one of the most popular and fastest growing interactive online wedding planning directories on the Internet whose mission is to match the local bride and groom with wedding professionals in their geographic area, taking them from the engagement all the way through to the “I do” straight through to the honeymoon. By offering free access to the largest wedding song library on the Internet and other multimedia tools, such as virtual tours and streaming video, WedAlert.com saves couples both valuable time and money involved in planning their wedding. For more information, please visit www.WedAlert.com.

Blue Nile has a wonderful section on Education & Guidance for purchasing diamonds.

Everything you need to know about the 4C's Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight is explained in detail with great explanations and illustrations.

WedAlert also has numerous articles about engagement and wedding rings to help you with this important purchase.

Good luck, and please share your experiences with us here regarding your search for the perfect rings.

WedAlert offers the ability to see and hear local wedding bands and musicians on your computer. You can attend "virtual band showcases" to help you narrow down your prospective choices for live entertainment. Below are some California wedding bands to listen to.

Judy Chamberlain Entertainment Extraordinary live music. Jazz, swing, big band, Old Hollywood vintage, retro, pop and rock. "Eclectic & versatile...mesmerizing." LA Times
Rossi Music Lead jazz, classical and contemporary ensembles for parties large and small, working with the cream of the Los Angeles studio musicians, touring professionals and orchestra leaders.
The Lomatones The Lomatones are one of the most entertaining dance bands the San Diego area has to offer. We will work with your budget.
Bill Chico Jazz Quartet For all and any occasions BILL CHICO JAZZ QUARTET will perform for that special event
de Bois Productions Bands and Special Live Entertainment for Weddings, Corporate Events, Private parties and more.
Ivory Treasures Wedding Music Many of today’s most popular artists and music legends have been reinterpreted by Steve Siu into modern solo piano renditions.
Mitch Landy Harpist About Harpguy Mitch Landy of the San Francisco Bay Area Combining a classical music education (M.A. in musicology, U.C. Berkeley) with an eclectic musical taste, Mitch Landy brings a fresh approach to the harp.
The Music Connection Orchestra We'd love to help you make your wedding reception everything you want it to be.
Phil and Brenda Nicholas Phil and Brenda Nicholas have been motivating, inspiring and challenging audiences and congregations throughout the world.
Rebecca Kyler Downs and Rossi Music Rossi Music offers the cream of Los Angeles jazz, classical and contemporary bands.
AzzMazz Music Jean will sing at your function, whether it's a wedding, private party, or a self-defined event to be named later.
Su Buchignani Music My musicians have been delighting Northern California clients for over a quarter of a century.

Congratulations to Tinya Danberry of Phoenix Arizona. She and her Fiancé were the lucky winners of our Honeymoon Giveaway , drawn on July 1, 2008. The winners selected a 5 night All-Inclusive Honeymoon at the El Dorado Seaside Suites in Riviera Maya in Mexico.

They sent us this lovely note:

Hi,

Gary and I met while we were dancing on News Years Day on Maui Hawaii. He gave me his phone number and I lost it. Three weeks later I saw a personal ad he had placed online. I emailed him. We went out and have been together every since.Gary is a fantastic guy and the love of my life. I just know we are going to end up one of those old couples who have been married for 40 years or so.Thanks so much Wed Alert for all you have done for us. You have helped make the wedding planning so much easier.
Thanks a bunch,
Tinya Danberry and Gary Thomas

Remember, we are now offering our Honeymoon Giveaway 4 times a year!! That gives you and your Fiancé twice as many opportunities to win. WedAlert's next drawing for a Honeymoon Giveaway is on October 1, 2008. So Register now.

The Mississippi Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a Mississippi Wedding, visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/Mississippi/.

Whether you are local to the area, or planning a destination wedding, Mississippi is a great setting for your wedding ceremony and reception.

With rising gas costs and other expenses through the roof, Kelly Howell of
www.wedding-reception-food-ideas.com provides the following ideas to save money planning your wedding reception.

The cost for food and drinks for your wedding can easily climb to several thousand dollars, but it doesn't have to. Here are several tips that will save you money and still provide you with the classy wedding you've dreamed of:

1. The biggest cost saver, whether you are using a caterer or planning the food yourself, is to schedule the wedding and reception at a time of day when a full sit-down meal won't be expected by guests. An afternoon/evening cocktail or dessert reception can save you thousands of dollars when compared with an elaborate dinner.

2. Next, be smart when planning beverages for your reception. An open bar can break the bank. Consider a classy champagne punch or a wine instead (or even an alcohol-free punch). And remember that it is always less expensive to purchase and serve the drinks yourself than to pay a caterer or bartender to do so.

3. Second to alcohol, the biggest food and beverage expense is usually meat for the wedding reception or dinner. Keeping meat to a minimum is another easy way to trim your wedding food costs. Choosing a vegetarian entree, a dish whose main ingredient is not meat, or a less expensive cut of meat are all wise decisions that will positively impact your food budget.

4. Another easy place to save money is on the wedding cake. Bakers and caterers often charge anywhere from $2-6 per slice to make and/or serve the wedding cake. For about $1 per slice, you can purchase a nice cake at a bakery and have a friend cut and serve it at the reception.

5. If you are well-organized and have a good support system of friends and family willing to help, you may wish to consider planning and making your own food for your reception. You can save several thousand dollars by doing so. And it's not as difficult as you may think. Food for a dessert reception, for example, can be made ahead and served cold the day of the wedding with little effort on anyone's part. For many brides, the extra work is worth the savings if it means more money to spend on the honeymoon or being able to afford a designer wedding gown.

The food for your wedding is one of the easiest expenses to slash, while still allowing the smart bride and groom to host a very nice affair. Be creative, ask questions, don't be afraid to ask for cheaper menu items, and do as much yourselves as you can handle, and you will be able to trim hundreds (if not thousands) from your wedding food costs.

WedAlert tip: In certain locations some of the above suggestions are not feasible, but many catering halls/reception sites offer much cheaper price per plate (which include food and drinks) depending on the date and time of your reception. So while the reception hall may not permit you to bring in your own food, a Friday night or Sunday afternoon reception will be substantially less that a Saturday night.

Wedding invitations are one of the few pieces of mail that people enjoy receiving. It’s fun to open up that envelope knowing there’s a custom invitation inside. But amidst all of today’s junk mail, how can you make your envelope stand out to get your guests’ attention?

There are actually several ways you can make your mailing envelope as unique as your wedding invitation.

• Shape - With so many wedding invitation designs available today, you could easily select a uniquely shaped style such as square or tea length. The mailing envelope will then reflect that same distinctive size to fit the invitation.
  
  
• Style - Another option is to select a Seal and Send wedding invitation style. This all-in-one invitation is designed to be folded into a self-mailing piece eliminating the need for a mailing envelope. The response card is attached to the invitation so it can be easily detached by your wedding guest along the perforation. This also eliminates the response card return mailing envelope and saves on your postage cost as it only requires a postcard stamp.
  
  
• Color - How about using color for emphasis? Some wedding invitations now come with colored mailing envelopes. In particular, self-mailer invitations often include a colored envelopment. The envelopment holds your invitation card and has a built-in pocket for keeping any extra enclosures. It is then folded up wrapping around all your invitation pieces to become your mailing envelope.
  
  
• Decorative Seals - Adding a seal to your wedding invitation envelope could be that extra touch you’ve been looking for. Even though your envelope is sealed, you can choose to place a special seal on the back so it gives the illusion that the seal is actually holding the flap down. There are many seal design choices, from monograms to first names to specific themes. Their appearance can be clear, white, silver, gold, embossed, etc.
  
  
• Custom Wedding Stamps - There are now websites that offer you the option of creating your own personalized postage stamps using an uploaded photo or choosing from ready-to-use wedding designs. This is a great way to dress up your wedding invitation envelopes to reflect your personal style.

You want to be sure your wedding invitation gets the attention of your guests as soon as it arrives in their mail and that it doesn’t get lost in their sea of junk mail and bills. Using any of the above suggestions will surely accomplish this and will start building their excitement even before they see your actual invitation.

By Sara Haese
Printed Creations Wedding Store

Fall wedding dresses come in several styles to fit just about any type of bride. If you are having a fall wedding you will want to choose a dress that not only accents your body type but also accents the great season you have chosen for your wedding.

Good advice in any season is to be smart when shopping for your wedding dress. Use all resources available to you including bridal shops, bridal shows, department stores and of course the Internet.

The Internet has become a great source for all stages of selecting fall wedding dresses. Many online stores make shopping for the best price a snap, and you may even be able to locate hard to find styles and sizes.

As you probably already know, fall is a great time to get married. The bright foliage available in many parts of the country makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding.

Below are five tips for finding perfect fall wedding dresses.

The Weather -The location of your wedding may influence the type of dress you choose. Long sleeve gowns or gloves are an option however they are not for everyone.

Stoles or wraps are a good way to ensure you will not be cold on your wedding day. They can keep you warm if the temperature drops in the evening, and if it turns out to be a warm day you can just not wear it.

Unique Colors - Colors such as cream and ivory have become very popular for fall. These colors work well with the colors of the season, like gold, red and orange.

For a more edgy look, black wedding dresses allow you to make a statement. If all black isn't your style, a black sash or belt makes a great accent for a white wedding dress.

Tie in Your Wedding Theme - There are several wedding themes that work really well in the fall, and fall wedding dresses can be used to tie everything together. Fall theme ideas include Halloween, vineyard, apple, pear, princess and harvest.

Gothic, princess and renaissance style dresses can help finish off your theme.

Use Accent Pieces - Accent pieces can be a beautiful addition to an elegant gown, or they can help an average dress up a level. Crystal and silver brocade embellishments or gold beading and accents are a nice touch.

Be careful not to go overboard, however. Some dresses don't need any extra touches, and it is always best to stick to the adage that less is sometimes more.

Don’t Delay - Finding the right dress for you can definitely be challenging. Starting the process early helps to reduce stress, and it can also helps ensure you get your first choice of dress.

A rule of thumb is to start the process at least one year in advance. This ensures enough time for ordering and altering your dress.

By Stephen Badiali
Wedding Ideas Guide

Wedding invitations are one of the few pieces of mail that people enjoy receiving. It’s fun to open up that envelope knowing there’s a custom invitation inside. But amidst all of today’s junk mail, how can you make your envelope stand out to get your guests’ attention?

There are actually several ways you can make your mailing envelope as unique as your wedding invitation.

• Shape - With so many wedding invitation designs available today, you could easily select a uniquely shaped style such as square or tea length. The mailing envelope will then reflect that same distinctive size to fit the invitation.
  
  
• Style - Another option is to select a Seal and Send wedding invitation style. This all-in-one invitation is designed to be folded into a self-mailing piece eliminating the need for a mailing envelope. The response card is attached to the invitation so it can be easily detached by your wedding guest along the perforation. This also eliminates the response card return mailing envelope and saves on your postage cost as it only requires a postcard stamp.
  
  
• Color - How about using color for emphasis? Some wedding invitations now come with colored mailing envelopes. In particular, self-mailer invitations often include a colored envelopment. The envelopment holds your invitation card and has a built-in pocket for keeping any extra enclosures. It is then folded up wrapping around all your invitation pieces to become your mailing envelope.
  
  
• Decorative Seals - Adding a seal to your wedding invitation envelope could be that extra touch you’ve been looking for. Even though your envelope is sealed, you can choose to place a special seal on the back so it gives the illusion that the seal is actually holding the flap down. There are many seal design choices, from monograms to first names to specific themes. Their appearance can be clear, white, silver, gold, embossed, etc.
  
  
• Custom Wedding Stamps - There are now websites that offer you the option of creating your own personalized postage stamps using an uploaded photo or choosing from ready-to-use wedding designs. This is a great way to dress up your wedding invitation envelopes to reflect your personal style.
  

You want to be sure your wedding invitation gets the attention of your guests as soon as it arrives in their mail and that it doesn’t get lost in their sea of junk mail and bills. Using any of the above suggestions will surely accomplish this and will start building their excitement even before they see your actual invitation.

Sara Haese
http://www.PrintedCreationsWeddingStore.com
Visitors can also sign up to receive her FREE Wedding Invitation Guide.

Congratulations!!!

Clarissa Knight of Talbott Tennesee - You and your Fiancé are the lucky winners of our Honeymoon Giveaway to either St. lucia or the Domincan Republic, drawn on April 1, 2008.

We are now offering our Honeymoon Giveaway 4 times a year!! That gives you and your Fiancé twice as many opportunites to win.

WedAlert's next drawing for a Honeymoon Giveaway is on July 1, 2008. So Register now.

The Twin Cities Metro Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a wedding in the St. Paul - Minneapolis Metro area or the surrounding counties, visit http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/minnesota/St.Paul-Minneapolis_Twin_Cities.asp.

We all know the saying "You can't please everyone"! While that may be true, these types of guest criticisms are easily avoided by careful planning -- and addressing them now will make everyone's memories of your wedding day so much nicer.

1. The DJ was obnoxious or played lousy music. Find the best wedding DJ available using recommendations from other brides and the advice of wedding industry professionals.

2. The music was TOO LOUD. Again, hire a great DJ who is experienced and focused on creating a fantastic overall experience for you and your guests. Other suggestions to avoid this common complaint: Move tables and chairs away from speakers and seat older guests further from the sound equipment.

3. Speeches were TOO LONG and we couldn't decipher the words. Keep speeches under five minutes. Ideally, they should last between two and five minutes. A good DJ will spend a few moments with each person making a toast or speech, teaching him or her how to correctly operate and speak into the microphone. He will also use a quality microphone!

4. We didn't know anyone at our table. Take the time to carefully plan your seating arrangement, placing guests at tables with others they know. They don’t have to be fast friends, just acquaintances or people with some kind of connection. Try to seat out-of-town guests, who aren't likely to know anyone, with others having similar interests.

5. I resented paying a dollar to dance with the bride. Unless it’s a long-standing family tradition, and you will offend someone if you break the ritual, the dollar dance is best forgotten.

6. We stood forever in the receiving line. The bride & groom, and their parents are the only required greeters. Better yet, couples should instead consider visiting individual tables during or immediately following dinner. (See #10 below)

7. We had too much time to "kill" between the ceremony and reception. Out-of-town guests are often at a loss for ways to fill the time between a two o'clock wedding and a six o'clock reception. Try to keep the down time to a minimum. When it isn't possible to hold the events within an hour or so of each other, ask the hall if it will open its doors early for your visiting guests (and ask them if there’s a charge). Other options include asking relatives or close friends to invite them to their home for a light snack, or arranging a hospitality suite for them at their hotel.

8. The centerpiece was so large that I couldn't see or talk to guests seated across the table. Smaller, shorter arrangements are best. Your centerpiece shouldn't be the center of attention (or main topic of conversation) at the table.

9. I was offended that I had to pay for drinks. Open bars are the accepted norm. If your budget is tight, offer wine and beer only -- or limit drink choices to “call” brands. You can also close the bar during the dinner hour to save on costs.

10. The bride and groom didn't stop by to say hello. Make the rounds of guest tables at your reception, but don’t spend too much time at each. A quick greeting, thank you or compliment will suffice.

11. I was never thanked for my gift! Share this task with your husband. Divide your list, write your notes at the same time, and make a pact to finish a certain number every night until they are finished. Dangle a carrot in front of your noses. When the last note is FINALLY written, reward yourselves with a special bottle of wine or dinner out. It is customary to mail thank-you notes within three months. You don’t want to wait that long for your carrot anyway, do you?


By Mike Staff
Mike Staff Productions
© Copyright 2007.

Your wedding day is a time of celebration with light-hearted, good times that create happy memories. Above all, the day is supposed to be fun.

The less stress you feel on your big day, the more fun you'll have. Great planning helps you avoid forgetting important details. Avoid these stumbling blocks that threaten to ruin your happy day:


1. Not prioritizing your budget on the important things. The banquet is over, and now the party begins. If the majority of your reception time will be spent listening to music and dancing, it makes sense to allocate a proportionate amount of your budget to the vendor responsible for your entertainment. Whether it’s a band or a DJ, the key idea here is quality.


2. Not communicating with your vendors. Have a thorough conversation with all of your vendors, and let them know EXACTLY what you expect. Don’t assume that, because they are professionals with years of experience, they automatically know what you want. Each bride’s vision is different. Vendors want to avoid disappointing you, so share the details of your dream with them from the beginning.


3. Not communicating your needs and expectations with your bridal party. Let each person in your bridal party know, prior to your wedding day, where they are supposed to be and when. Important moments at your reception can’t be rehearsed, so prepare a timetable for your bridal party that includes the Grand Entrance, speeches and toasts, bridal dances and any planned photo opportunities. They will be grateful for your organization.


4. Waiting until the last minute. Finish everything on your checklist at least two days before your wedding. You don’t want to be scribbling place cards at 2 a.m. on your wedding day. Give yourself and your groom a task-free day or two before the wedding to relax and rejuvenate.


5. Having too much to drink early in the day or the night before. Not only is it a good idea to avoid alcohol until the final party hours, it’s best to stay hydrated by drinking water or other non-alcoholic beverages. If you can’t resist a good nip, be sure to eat something.


6. Spending too much time taking pictures. There are the photographs of special moments you MUST have, pictures of spontaneous moments that are FUN to have, and staged photos that become a nuisance. Don’t be afraid to say NO to your photographer when you’ve had enough.


7. Losing your perspective. Keep your mind on what the day is about, and on the things and people that are really important to you. Don't get bogged down in so many details that you forget to have FUN! If something goes wrong, try your best to take deep breaths and think about the big picture. Don’t let the little things that might go wrong ruin your night. Above all, keep your sense of humor!


8. Getting stressed or overwhelmed. Eat! Talk! Dance! Have Fun! Keep things simple. After you’ve greeted your guests, let them find you if they wish to visit.


9. Not planning an exit strategy. Assign end-of-the-night tasks to others you trust, so you can leave unburdened. Final duties might include gathering gifts and transporting them “home,” paying the hall, and removing decorations -- including flowers, centerpieces and other wedding notions.


10. Immediately leaving on your honeymoon. Try not to plan a 6 a.m. departure the day after your wedding. Give yourselves a day to recuperate and get your things together. Better yet, go back to work for a week before leaving on your honeymoon.


By Mike Staff
Mike Staff Productions

Copyright: 2007

Freya Stark once said, "To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world." Even more pleasant? Waking up next to the person you love, your new spouse, in a strange town. You'll awake with the sun (or sleep in for hours), and everyday you'll embark on a new adventure. Maneuvering your way around an unfamiliar destination together will bring you even closer, while the sheer romance of the unknown will bring you back to that giddy time when you first met.
There's a reason that feeling is called the "honeymoon phase." Your honeymoon is a time to get away from it all and to feel closer to your partner than you ever have before.

But what if that feeling didn't have to end? When you return to the locale of your honeymoon, you'll remember the giddy way you felt and return to that newlywed phase. With timeshares, you can secure annual or biennial vacations in this beloved destination so you and your sweetie can return again and again, for a fraction of the cost of other long or short term lodging methods. That's because timeshares allow you to share the cost of owning a vacation property with other individuals.

Resorts generally sell timeshare in blocks of time. The most common share is seven days. You can purchase as many or as few of these shares as you'd like. Other owners also purchase time at the resort, and you each pay for only what you use. The cost is divided among all of you.

And because there are so many owners pitching in, timeshare units tend to be larger and better outfitted than do hotels or motels of similar pricing.

And if you're unable to use your week one year for whatever reason, you can rent timeshare to interested parties. Travelers look for timeshares for rent because they know that they can reap many of the benefits of ownership (like reduced rates and expanded space) even if they're not yet ready to purchase a timeshare of their own.

Finally, to save thousands on your purchase, consider buying timeshare resale. Resale simply means that you'll be purchasing from a previous owner, through a timeshare reseller, rather than directly from the resort. With resale you won't have to deal with any aggressive sales pitches, and you can often save more than 50% off the resort price.

Relive your honeymoon every year timeshares.

After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come.

Should I have my gown cleaned?
Whether you decide to keep your gown, donate it or sell it, it is important to consider having it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible to maintain its beauty and value. Caramelized sugar stains from cake icing, white wine, champagne or soft drinks will leave unsightly brown spots/stains if they are not thoroughly removed from the fabric in a timely manner. Perspiration, deodorant, hairspray, perfumes, body lotions and cosmetics can cause discoloration as well.

Most of these are not readily visible to the naked eye can also cause damage to the fabric of the gown. Left untreated they can be difficult to impossible to remove over time. As a result, it is highly recommended that you have your gown cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional as soon as possible after your wedding.

What is the difference between dry cleaning and preservation?
Dry cleaning provides a basic cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and ruin your precious gown.

It is important to find a highly reputable and experienced preservation service that will carefully examine each gown individually under special lighting and hand treat all stains with gentle yet effective chemicals. They should also treat the fabric with against yellowing and other discolorations with an anti-sugar treatment. Proper cleaning and preservation will permanently remove both visible and invisible stains, as well as protect the fabric from deterioration, so your gown will look just as beautiful as the day you first tried it on.

How much will it cost?
Top quality preservation by a highly reputable company does not have to be expensive. Although some companies will charge upwards of $800 for museum quality preservation, you can get the same high quality for around $150 - $250 if you do your homework. Most dry cleaners will charge as much, if not more, for just basic dry cleaning alone.

How long can I wait to have my dress cleaned and preserved?
Since stains can cause damage to a fabric over time, it is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon after the wedding as is practical. Generally, you can safely wait up to six months after the ceremony. Some brides have waited longer, but it is not recommended as it may start to yellow, the fabric may begin to deteriorate and some stains may not come out at all as they settle into the fabric.

Until you send in your gown to be cleaned and preserved, it is best to keep it in a dark (unexposed to sunlight), dry place, folded or rolled in a clean white sheet. Hanging your dress on a hanger is not recommended as it can cause stress to the fabric and create distortion. Do not store your gown in plastic such as a garment bag. Plastic can emit gases that will tend to yellow the fabric.

Will my dress be vacuum sealed if I have it preserved?
Vacuum sealing is never recommended for preserving fabrics of any kind. Professional textile curators always recommend that a fabric be allowed to "breathe". Vacuum sealing traps moisture in the box, promoting mold and mildew growth, which will stain and weaken the fibers of your dress. If stored in plastic that is not acid free, as time passes it can accumulate gasses that will harm the fabric, causing it to yellow and deteriorate. A reputable preservation service will use special acid-free or PH balanced breathable cardboard and tissue, or museum quality muslin, to package your gown, as well as an acid free window (to see your gown) for these reasons.

How should I store my gown after I have it preserved?
Once your gown has been cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional it is also important that you continue to store your gown properly. Your gown should be stored in a room where the temperature and humidity levels are constant, such as a guest room or spare closet. Never store your dress in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity. The storage box should also lay flat if possible.

If you decide to remove your gown from the preservation box, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling the gown to protect the fabric from natural oils on your hands. Check on your gown once a year to make sure it is still in good condition. Most companies will provide a guarantee against yellowing and will restore your gown for free if you have stored it properly.

Other Options
Although most brides keep and treasure their wedding gowns for a lifetime, if should you decide to part with your precious gown, below are some resources for selling or donating your wedding dress that may help contribute to making someone else’s dream wedding come true.

Donations:
Making Memories – Brides Against Breast Cancer
I Do Foundation
Heavenly Angels

Sale of Used Gowns:
Sell Your Wedding Dress.com
Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.com
Consignment Shops
Craig’s List

Author: Madelaine Melberg, Affordable Preservation Company, www.affordablepreservation.com

Like many traditions, the bouquet and garter toss, are slowly being replaced by more all-inclusive wedding reception activities. In the last five years, wedding professionals have noted a decline in these long-standing traditions and estimate the frequency of bouquet and garter tosses during wedding receptions today to be approximately 50 percent.

Whether you choose to include these traditions or “toss” them is completely up to you. Singling out the singles with bouquet and garter rituals isn’t as relevant today, when many wait longer to marry and some choose to remain single. A Bride and Groom may prefer to spend their party moments visiting with beloved guests and dancing to the music, instead.

Whatever you decide, the a professional DJ can share their experiences and help you plan your party time activities. If you’re still undecided after reading these lists of Pros and Cons, your DJ can suggest updated versions of bouquet and garter toss traditions that will satisfy guests of all generations.

Where did the bouquet and garter toss originate?

In the 14th century, it was customary for the Groom to remove the Bride’s garter and throw it toward the single men in attendance. Legend said that whoever caught the garter would be the next to marry. At the often-rowdy party following the wedding, a few drunk and impatient men would occasionally try to remove the Bride’s garter before the Groom had his opportunity. At those times, we can only hope the Groom intervened and rescued his Bride from the boisterous crowd. In light of this, perhaps seeing who would marry next by having the Bride toss her bridal bouquet toward the single women was less troublesome!

Pros of hosting a bouquet and garter toss

1) It’s Tradition. Some in attendance are waiting for this moment during your reception. The bouquet toss and, to a lesser extent, the garter toss are benchmarks for the older generations. When a tradition is observed, their expectation is fulfilled and a certain comfort level borne of familiarity is reached.

2) Guests get involved. If plenty of singles are at your party, the event generates suspense for your wedding guests. If some of the singles are well-mannered but rowdy friends, you can expect great enjoyment and fun. Hosting the toss in the midst of your dance party is a great way to get singles to meet on the dance floor. All guests want to feel the thrill of the moment, and a great Master of Ceremonies will include married couples in the event, too. Professional DJs draw on their experience and follow simple techniques that engage your guests and elevate the excitement of your reception’s most memorable moments.

3) Great photo and video opportunities are made. You can expect great shots of your friends wearing spontaneous smiles and their Sunday best. The camera will capture their laughter and looks of surprise, embarrassment and goofiness, as they carry out the traditions of the bouquet and garter toss.

4) Bouquet and garter tosses can be fun. If the singles at your reception are in the spirit of the moment, then these rituals that bring people together will be fun and exciting for you and your guests.

Cons of hosting a bouquet and garter toss

1) Many guests may not want to participate. It’s customary for the Bride to help gather the singles in attendance and invite them to get involved in the bouquet and garter toss. If singles are reluctant to participate, but go along to be polite to the Bride, the events won’t be fun for them and may make them uncomfortable, a feeling which is sure to spread among the guests watching them.

2) There’s less party time. If your dance floor is rockin’, why screech the party to a halt? Even small traditions, like the garter and bouquet toss, take a little time to organize. You can expect to spend 10 to 12 minutes gathering the participants, and watching rowdier singles prolong their moments in the spotlight. While others are distracted, guests who aren’t caught up in the moment may take this opportunity to leave.

3) Do you really want a picture of this, anyway? Since the bouquet and garter toss are mostly staged events, we all know what to expect, with certain variations on the old theme.

4) Some guests may act inappropriately. Why take the chance of subjecting your guests to potentially ill-advised and outlandish actions?

Putting a new spin on the bouquet and garter toss

Enjoy an Anniversary Dance. This fun variation on the usual theme is a suspenseful event that invites married couples of all ages to be part of an “elimination” dance that ends with a nice surprise.

All married couples are invited to the dance floor for the first song. Those married less than 6 months are asked to step down for the next dance. Those married less than a year are asked to bow out, followed by those married 3 years, 5 years, and so on, until the last couple on the dance floor is the one that has been married the longest – which is sometimes 50 or 60 years! The Master of Ceremonies steps onto the floor to congratulate them and to ask for their sage advice on behalf of the new Bride and Groom. In return for their words of wisdom, the Bride and Groom offer the older couple the Bride’s bouquet.

It’s Your Party. Do What You Want.

Depending on your guests, the bouquet and garter toss can be a fun event. However, you will find that hardly anyone will miss it if you choose to skip them. It’s totally up to you, it is YOUR wedding reception!

© Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions (www.mikestaff.com), an award winning Wedding DJ, Entertainment and Videography Company located in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Mike is also a well known Detroit radio personality, having spent over 14 years on-the-air at one of Detroit's most popular music stations, 101-FM WRIF.

Bouquet Jewelry is a hot new bridal accessory that is being used to accentuate and personalize bridal bouquets. They are also turning up in bridesmaid’s flowers, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and even customizing the wedding cake. The jewelry is usually inserted into the bouquet by a six inch post, but may also be attached to stems and hand-tied ribbons.

A popular choice is Swarovski crystal monograms using the bride and groom’s initials. They may choose to use the initial for each of their first names as well as the initial for the groom’s last name. Six mm faux diamonds can also be inserted into the center of each flower to give the bouquet a dazzling new look.

Besides monograms, most online companies have the same selection of jewels: pearl clusters, bows, snowflake, bee, frog, dragonfly, starfish, flip flop sandal, palm tree, butterfly and crucifix. The bee only comes in clear crystal and the frog and palm tree come only in peridot crystals. The flip flop sandal comes in blue or pink. Pearls come in pink, yellow, white, blue, green, lavendar, peach, champagne and platinum. The bows come in a wide range of colors with gold or silver plating.

The prices range from $12.00 (snowflake) to $20.00 (dragonfly) each. Some are sold individually while others have a discount if you purchase in groups of ten. The crystal bee sells for $18.00 each and $153.00 for ten. That would be a savings of $27.00. The starfish sells for $13.00 each and $110.00 for ten. That would be a $20.00 discount.

The bouquet jewelry should be chosen to reflect the bride’s personal taste or reflect the theme of the wedding. Starfish, flip flop sandals and palm trees would be perfect for a beach theme wedding. The crystal crucifix would reflect a more solemn and spiritual wedding and could also be used around the holidays.

The bride and groom can continue to use the jewelry long after the wedding for holiday centerpieces and floral arrangements. They should choose the colors carefully, because many online companies advise they are non returnable and non refundable.

Submitted by Kathleen Terrana, the owner of Beautiful Bridal at www.beautiful-bridal.com

Typically horse drawn carriages are used to bring the bride and groom to the ceremony, and then away to the reception. In order to keep travel time reasonable, most companies suggest a destination no more than four miles. The carriages travel at a relaxed pace of four miles per hour.

Most Vis a Vis (face to face) carriages hold four passengers comfortably. But a Surrey with the Fringe on Top is pulled by 2 horses and is perfect for the whole wedding party. There is a wide variety of carriage types and designs: white majestic, old fashioned black, open-air or glass enclosed. In winter and ski resort areas, horse drawn sleighs are very popular for weddings.

The couple may want to find a reputable horse and carriage rental company by asking friends, checking WedAlert, other online sites, or in the Yellow Pages. If the bride and groom have their wedding on a Saturday between May and September, they will need to call early for reservations. Other high demand times for carriage companies are Fridays in the fall months, on Valentine’s Day, holiday weekends, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s and Mother’s Day.

Some companies allow you to rent the horse and carriage for wedding pictures only. There may be a fee (one online company charges $250.00), which includes the carriage, a coachman and a l5 minute ride. Other fees cover preparation, set up (decorations) and travel time. Date, time, location and the number of horses and carriages that are needed determine prices. The coachman and footman will be formally attired, some with Olde English or romantic Victorian costumes. What better or more romantic way to arrive at the wedding ceremony, than in a resplendent coach with loving family and friends waiting in anticipation.

Submitted by Kathleen Terrana, the owner of Beautiful Bridal at www.beautiful-bridal.com