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Things to Consider On Planning Your Wedding

By Celena | April 9, 2010

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Plan Ahead 

I can’t overemphasize how important, when it comes to weddings,  the planning stage is. It is, oh well I’ll say it, as important as choosing the right groom. So think it through long and hard. Do your homework: would you buy your next car without doing any research (did you know most people spend more on weddings than they do for shopping for a car?).  Be informed and read as much as you can before you begin and during your planning.  Patiently ask your married friends for any advise in all aspects of wedding and planning based on what they went through. All the resources you need are available online, your local library, magazines and again, those you know.

Get Organized

Put everything in writing. Buy organizers and any tool you feel comfortable with to get a sense of order not only for your wedding but for all the ongoing projects in your life. Go to youtube.com and enter the search term “GTD” or “Getting Things Done” for further revelations on how to get your life organized.  At the simplest level, a to-do list can start you off, but by all means Do Get Organized. There exist nowadays computer software programs, expandable file folders, or 3-ring binders that may fit the bill to get you organized.

Be Realistic

Plan based on reality, not fantasy.  Know your budget and act and think accordingly.  Think about the level of formality, the style and look you want and can afford and then, only then, commit to a plan.

Use Your I.Q.

Your biggest asset is your brain. Use it wisely to avoid falling prey to high-pressure sales pitches and “too-good-to-be-true” offers.  When con men and sales quacks get involved in your circle of trust, things can crumble rather quickly when they get involved in the craziness of wedding planning.  Use your intelligence. Be smart and listen to your instincts.

Be Dollar Wise

Prioritize first. Budget second. Think about what you and your fiance want and ask yourself if getting or doing something makes sense, or whether it makes sense to do without it.  Specially, know where the money is coming from, how much of it there is available, and budget accordingly!

Network

Your friends and family can offer more advise than you can imagine.  Seek advice and help of those in your life who have gone through the experience. Ask them what they did right and what they did wrong, and how they would do things if they were you.  For fun, watch the movie “The Wedding Planner”, with Jennifer Lopez. It will give you an entertaining idea of what a wedding requires in terms of preparation. For-hire wedding coordinators abound who charge on an hourly basis for minimal consultations. In case you can’t seem to find an answer to an organizational problem, they’re the ones to consult. Most importantly, select the members of your wedding party very carefully.

Put it in Writing

Contractual agreements are the ultimate source of trust. Unfortunately honor systems have never and will never work, as one’s words get blown away by the wind.  A written contract stands the test of time and will assure you get exactly what’s written on it.  Read any agreement you sign very carefully, because you will get what it says in it.  Do make sure the vendor signs it.

Ask, Ask, Ask

Be detail oriented and ask away, to the point of seeming obsessive, if necessary because you want to exhaust all the possibilities, all the scenarios.  Try to get to know everything  about every aspect of your wedding, and select only the vendors who patiently and intellegently are willing to answer every one of your questions.

Own the Wedding

Remember that this wedding is about YOU!  The best weddings have personal touches that make them memorable.  Set up a collage of age-progressed photo slides of  you and your fiance. Add your favorite song as background music while displaying it.  If you have talents, display them at your wedding.  Lay out a display of poems, art work or photos done by either of you.  Use your creativity.  If you’re not an artist but have hobbies, display your hobbies wares, or give the wedding a “theme”.  You can add personal touches to everything from the invitation cards, to the cake, to the first dance.  Be unique, and above all, enjoy yourself!

Rest

You’ve done all the hard work, and everything is ready.  Now just relax and enjoy the fruit of your hard labor. Take a break and regroup your energies.  Take a yoga class, learn to meditate and enjoy the planning stage.  Go with the flow, and let go.

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Topics: Weddings, Tying the Knot | No Comments »

Celebrate July 4th

By Lori | July 1, 2009

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With the 4th of July quickly approaching in just a few days, many people are busy preparing and planning for the holiday weekend. There are dozens of ways you can celebrate being an American this Independence Day.

Many people and their families will be heading to the beach to enjoy the holiday and the summer weather. Activities for the day may include swimming, surfing, playing Frisbee, or laying and relaxing on the sand soaking up the sun.

Some may choose to avoid the crowds at the beach and enjoy a barbeque at home with close friends and family. The menu will most likely include hot dogs and hamburgers.

At the end of the day, it will be time to enjoy the most traditional part of the 4th of July. When the sun goes down, the fireworks will begin. The faces of both kids and adults will light up as the sky becomes brighter with the glow of the fireworks and the Star Spangled Banner plays in the distance.

No matter how you will be celebrating this July 4th, you can remember your day with a and display one of your favorite photos. Display your patriotism and celebrate independence year round with a .

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Topics: Occasions, Gift Ideas, Gifts for the 4th of July | No Comments »

The beauty of spring….

By Darla | February 27, 2009

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Spring is a time of year filled with thoughts of renewal and rebirth. Plants come back to life and the world is awash in color. Rain fills the air with a fresh scent and makes everything sparkle. Easter arrives and hope blooms in the hearts of many. This is why spring has been enjoyed and revered by many throughout the ages. Since spring is such a special time of the year, you may have many things to celebrate – especially if you have a new baby,

Every birth is special but spring births and first babies often seem even more momentous. for as long as you can from your first precious moments together to all of the firsts that your little one will experience throughout the year.

You can’t get back your first minutes with your child but you can preserve them in the personalized which is perfect for any nursery.

You can also enjoy looking back at all of your with the My 1st series of frames:

, , , and . There is even a for when your little one is not so little anymore.

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Eat, Drink and be Irish….

By Darla | February 25, 2009

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Almost nothing is so ingrained in the Irish person as the love of a good brew (God, Country and family being excepted of course). Many feel that finding a pub that can draft the perfect pint makes you a lucky dog indeed. If you’re at home though, all you need is the perfect glass.

Whether you are searching for a timely gift for St. Patrick’s Day or something to give the groomsmen at your wedding, the is just what you need. Personalized with whatever you want, the 25 oz. mug is a great gift for any occasion and can be appreciated by one and all.  Slightly larger than the traditional British pint of 20 oz and larger than the standard American pint of 16 oz, this mug holds enough to quench your thirst on even the driest days.

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Topics: Artists and Entertainment, Occasions, Gift Ideas, Weddings, Tying the Knot | No Comments »


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