WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS AND ANNIVERSARIES
ITEMS TO HELP YOU ENJOY THEM
WEDDING COUPLE SNOWGLOBE
A beautiful young couple atop an exquisite wedding cake are lost in each other's eyes as they dance together for the first time while glitter falls magically around them.
Glass dome with alabastrite base. 5 1/2" diameter.
BEADED GLASS GOBLETS
Gorgeous goblets laden with radiant beads, shimmering ribbons, and ornately crafted fabric flowers provide an extravagent accent to your special day.
For decorative purposes only. Glass. 2 1/2" diameter x 8 1/2" high. set of 2
$25.00
BEADED WEDDING FRAME
Luminescent beads underscores shimmering faux-pearls and flower accent that border a beautiful
3 1/2" x 5" photo for your special day
5 1/2" x 6 3/4"
$12.00
WEDDING COUPLE FIGURINE
This elegant figurine captures the intensity of a newly married couple's loving embrace as they join their lives forever.
Dolomite.
7 3/8" x 2" x 5 3/4" high.
$10.00
WEDDING COUPLE FRAME
A graceful couple flows into the beautiful roses that accent this lyrical heart-shaped 4" x 6" photo frame. Dolomite.
7 1/2" x 1" x 10" high
$20.00
WEDDING PHOTO FRAME A picture frame as sweet and beautiful as the icing on a wedding cake! Features oval windows for baby pictures of the couple (2 1/2" x 3 1/2"), and a large oval for a wedding portrait (4" x 6"). Porcelain. 9" square.
$18.00
First Ten Steps for
Brides and Grooms
Congratulations! You're about to embark on two amazing adventures - the first, of course, being your life as a wedded couple and the second being the exciting, yet often overwhelming process of planning a wedding. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.
1. Enjoy being engaged
Kiss each other a thousand times. Jump up and down saying "We're engaged!" Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring. Kiss each other a thousand more times.
2. Tell your parents
You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents know before the groom's do, but any order is really fine. Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.
3. Purchase a journal if you don't already have one
This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life. If you're internet savvy kinds of folks, you may also consider doing this journaling online at a site such as Livejournal.
4. Announce Your Engagement
Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. . Consider: Announcing your engagement in print publications Mailing announcements to your family and friends
Creating a wedding website.
5. Set the Date
One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date.
6.Set the Tone of Your Event
This is the time to decide if you're having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It's also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point. You should also check out wedding style pages and also decide if you should have a religious wedding.
7. Set the Budget
Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they'd like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they'd like to give you, or what specific things they'd like to pay for. Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. I strongly advise couples to avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It's a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month.
8. Choose Your Attendants
As your attendants do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any attendants at all, especially if they're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. You may also want to decide How many bridesmaids and groomsmen should you have? or How many bridesmaids and groomsmen is too many?
9. Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception
Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you've planned for.
10. Get Support
The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone - they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who've planned their own weddings.
Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.
Use online checklists - they're free, and especially helpful if you're planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important todos.
If you're like most couples, you'll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines - why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you'll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.
BY Nina Callaway
Nina Callaway is a writer and event planner who has guided many couples through the complicated, yet rewarding process of wedding planning. She's had the joy of being the weddings guide for About.com since 2003.
GO HERE FOR MORE HELPFUL ADVICE:
http://weddings.about.com/mbiopage.htm
A Special World
A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.
Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.
And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong.
By Sheelagh Lennon
Before You Shop For Your Wedding Dress
Tips and Tricks on Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress for You
One of the biggest decisions you will face as the big day approaches is choosing the perfect wedding dress. The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a fabulous adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming--particularly because a bride-to-be often starts shopping for her gown before many other details are determined. You might have had a clear mental picture of the perfect wedding dress ever since you were five years old. On the other hand, you may have no idea what you are going to wear or feel strange about the idea of wearing white. The important thing is to relax, and remember that there are as many different kinds of dresses out there as there are different kinds of brides.
Plan Ahead Take a few minutes to think about what you want. It will be helpful when you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential (i.e. must have a full skirt, or my arms must be covered), and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be. After all, if really a teal pantsuit would work best for you, it’s probably not worth your time to sort through racks of flouncy white gowns.
When to Start Shopping Give yourself ample time to plan- generally the rule of thumb is that you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. So you should ideally start shopping for your gown nine months or more before your wedding. (If you don't have this much time, its okay, just budget for some rush charges).
Be Comfortable! On your wedding day, you'll want to look great, but you'll also want to be comfortable- it will be hard to pose for all those pictures, dance, laugh and more if you're tugging your dress up or have boning jutting into your ribs. First- consider which wedding dress is most appropriate to your day – for example- consider a shorter tea-length or cocktail length dress for a beach wedding. If you're the kinda gal who likes to dance with her hands in the air, and anticipates doing the limbo, perhaps a strapless dress is not the one for you. Look for wedding dresses with removable sleeves or straps to give you the widest range of options.
A Dress that Fits Your Body Well Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. Take a look at what you regularly wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and then look for a wedding dress with similar lines. If a friend is making your wedding dress, ensure that you have agreed on a fitting schedule and chances to make adjustments. If you're looking for a bargain at a sample sale, or discount outlet, you should budget money for taking the dress to a good tailor. Many designers will ask for three fittings, and will closely tailor your wedding dress to fit you.
Saving Money on Your Wedding Dress If money is an issue, remember that the most expensive kind of dress is not necessarily the best kind. Many brides find a bridesmaids dress in white or off-white that works perfectly, and is hundreds of dollars cheaper. There are thousands of dresses to be had at sample sales, thrift stores, and ebay. Consider taking pictures from magazines to a friend who sews or seamstress and getting a price quote. If you choose to make your own dress, don't delay. The sooner you finish it, the sooner you'll be able to attend to the many other details of your wedding.
Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. And have fun shopping for your dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Now you're ready to start checking out dresses on the web!
GO TO:
http://weddings.about.com/od/styleandattire
Samples of
Wedding Vow Wording
Looking for those special words that will marry you? Here is an assortment of traditional and non-traditional, religious and secular vows to get you started. If you are getting married in a religious setting, check with your officiant as she/he may have specific words that you cannot deviate from. Otherwise, feel free to add your own embellishments, loving words, funny promises (I promise to take the trash out!) and inside jokes.
I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my husband/wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.
I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.
After both have said individual vows, they may wish to say something in unison such as:
Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me
BY Nina Callaway
WEDDING ALBUM W/PHOTO FRAME
5" x 7 1/4" Personalized Wedding Album with Photo Frame. Holds 100 photos up to 4" x 6".
$25.00
WEDDING
PHOTO BOOK
5" x 7 1/4" Capture the highlights of the wedding in these embellished photo albums. Each album includes a cover photo space and 10 protective vinyl sleeves to hold up to twenty 4" x 6" photos. 7 3/4" x 5 1/2
$30.00
Cinderella's Carriage
A lavish heart shaped spun-glass carriage is driven forth by magnificent "crystal" steeds guided by golden reigns.
8 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 4"
$30.00
PEWTER MARRIED
CARRIAGE FRAME
For a fairytale marriage, there's nothing better than a fairytale photo frame for your wedding picture.
9 1/2" x 4 1/2" high.
Hand with Ring Statue
The holy bond of matrimony is touchingly depicted in this timeless wedding-ceremony scene, as a groom’s hand tenderly slips a ring upon the finger of his beloved bride. Presented in iridescent pearl-white with glittering rhinestones, this artful statue will serve as an enduring reminder of this very special day. Polyresin with wood base. 5 3/4" x 3 3/8" x 7 1/8"
PERSONALIZED
WEDDING THROW
Personalized Wedding Throw. Perfect for the bride and groom! Remember your special day with this 100% virgin acrylic wedding throw. This blanket offers enhanced pattern clarity and vivid colors. Personalize this throw with 2 lines of 20 characters/spaces per line. 50" x 5 ft. Machine washable. Imported
$55.00
Items will be personalized exactly as entered including capitalization and punctuation. No International characters.
Line 1 (Max 20 Characters)
Line 2 (Max 20 Characters)
E-mail to joannagamble@cox.net with
name ,address,phone#
PERSONALIZED RELIGIOUS
WEDDING THROW
Personalized Religious Wedding Throw. Perfect for the bride and groom! We will custom embroider this wedding throw with 2 lines of 18 characters/spaces per line. Each 100% virgin acrylic blanket offers enhanced pattern clarity and vivid colors. Remember your special day each time you wrap yourself in the warmth of this throw. 50" x 5 ft. Machine washable. Imported.
$55.00
Items will be personalized exactly as entered including capitalization and punctuation. No International characters.
Line 1 (Max 20 Characters)
Line 2 (Max 20 Characters)
E-mail to joannagamble@cox.net with
name ,address,phone#
DOUBLE HEART WEDDING GUEST BOOK AND PEN SET
Double Heart Wedding Guest Book And Pen Set. Capture all the names of your wedding guests by having them sign in when they arrive. You'll be glad to have such a personal memento from your special day! Each 60-pg. satin guest book includes a matching pen holder with a silvertone pen.
(3 pcs. per set) 8 1/2".
$30.00 per Set
KNIFE AND CAKE SERVER.
This silver-plated knife and cake server are a beautiful choice for your wedding! It's your special day and your serving pieces should be special too! Knife measures 14" long and server measures 11 1/2"
$30.00 per Set
Personalize the server with 2 lines of 25 characters/spaces per line. (2 pcs. per set). Knife cannot be personalized.
E-mail to joannagamble@cox.net with
name ,address,phone#
Pumpkin Coach Glass Figurine
In a scene right from the treasured fairy tale, a glittering pumpkin coach and noble steed stand at the ready, just waiting to whisk some lucky princess away. Enchantingly fashioned from blown-glass with lustrous gold accents; mirrored base.
4 1/2" x 2 3/4" x 3" high
$15.00
Wedding Bears Glass Figurine
A pair of bears in their wedding finery are absolutely "awwww"-dorable, tucked inside this tiny brocade treasure box. A fabulous favor for any happy couple!
Fabric-covered box with glass figurines. 3" x 2 1/2" x 3" high.
$10.00
STERLING SILVER CZ THREE-STONE RING
Three CZ's (1 1/4 carat total diamond weight equivalent) set in engraved band..
$35.00
STERLING SILVER
CZ BAND RING
CZ pavé with engraved detail.
$35.00
Wedding Treasure Box with Rings
Bridal-white satin bedecks a tiny chest with a treasure tucked inside! A pair of gleaming golden rings and a duo of doves symbolize eternal love; a verse inside the lid bestows blessings on the happy couple. An ideal wedding favor or thoughtful gift! Glass ornament; polyester box. 2 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
$30.00 per Set
Joanna Gamble of Virginia
Boutique and Gift Shop
This page was last updated on: March 4, 2009
