A growing trend in the wedding industry is the addition of engagement parties.  Add that to the number of showers and parties and it can be a whirlwind of excitement for the bride and groom.  An engagement party is a great way to share in the celebration with the groom.  Traditionally most parties are more bride focused.  An engagement party is a party for both the bride and the groom.

Engagement parties can be simple or extravagant.  The party is typically hosted by a family member or close friend.  One of the best parts of the engagement party is that guests usually bring gifts!  So, register early and don’t forget the thank you notes.

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All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

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The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Photo by Brenda Upton Photography

In describing Shayla Watson and Justin Morrow’s wedding, Senior Wedding Director Denise Myers had only this to say, “Tonight was as close to perfect as they come!”

 

From the instant the bubbly bride arrived at Carl House Friday morning, an endearing smile covered her face. With her hair pinned and twisted perfectly in a bun, Shayla was stunning; even when wearing the long sleeve pink polo and matching pattern shorts she arrived in. Shayla’s cheerful demeanor continued into the bridal suite as her bridesmaids helped her slip into her strapless dress, which was delicately accented with crystals and a diamond broach, all the while showing no signs of nerves or apprehension. At the beginning of the ceremony, a confident Shayla gracefully slipped her father’s arm into her own and began to take the first few steps toward her beaming groom.

 

 

Photo by Brenda Upton Photography

The weather for the outdoor ceremony paralleled beautifully the mood of the evening; the sun exuded warmth and light while the gentle wind blew with an electricity that was both calming and revitalizing. Family and friends took in the weather and the moment as they watched Shayla and Justin stand hand-in-hand professing their love and commitment to one another. As bride and groom took their first kiss as husband and wife, the audience laughed and clapped in excitement and the breeze picked-up, not skipping a beat, to enjoy in the celebration as well.

Photo by Brenda Upton Photography

 

 

The excitement continued throughout the reception as guests enjoyed wonderful food and music all while dancing the night away. After an eventful bouquet and garter toss, the couple quickly said their goodbyes before hopping in a white convertible, making sure to steal one last kiss before speeding away into the night.

 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Well, you have the ring, the date, venue and flowers…what else do you need? The license and someone to marry you!

These days there are laws governing who can perform a ceremony, what credentials they need, and where they are allowed to perform the ceremony. These are all questions that can and should be asked of anyone you are considering to officiate your wedding. In some states you can check with the state attorney general for a list of licensed professionals. County probate courts usually also have that information.

So how to choose the right person for your day? Ask yourself these questions; Is getting married in the church or by an ordained minister important? Do you just what a quick civil (non-religious) ceremony by a justice of the peace or judge? Is a custom ceremony with meaning and all the trimmings make your heart beat faster? Do you and your fiance’ what a unique, edgy wedding on the back of a Harley or a costumed event?

Besides the usual question of pricing for ceremony with or without rehearsal there are many more questions to ask when you interview prospective professionals. How many weddings do they book on any given day? Will you be a number or a name to this person? Are they licensed by the state and can they provide proof of their legal status to perform your wedding ceremony? Is the person you are speaking with a booking agent or the actual officiant? Booking agents (not wedding planners) can add hundreds of dollars to the fee and not even know the quality of the person they book for you. There are also national organizations for officiants that provide referrals without a fee.

In these days of recession and budget concerns there are a lot of people thinking about making a quick buck or worse saving a buck and getting a “friend” to perform your ceremony. Either way usually doesn’t work well, especially for the couple marring.

Untrained or inexperienced “officiants” often end up with stage fright, someone else’s downloaded wedding vows, or failing to get the proper credentials. At best you save a few dollars, at worst, you aren’t legally married. No paperwork was recorded in the court. and now have to get married “for real” after the problems rear their ugly heads.

Save yourself a lot of headaches and hire someone with a great reputation, credentials that are readily available, and someone who looks at you and your fiance’ as a couple not a number! You want to be able to have a great working relationship with them. Are they truly interested in making your day the best it can be? Do they seem genuinely interested in your wedding or do they pull out two fill in the blank sheets of paper and ask civil or religious?

Your ceremony should be the centerpiece of your day. The words you say and the vows you make are meant to last a lifetime. Make sure that your ceremony is everything you have ever dreamt of. When you look back in thirty years, you might not remember the DJ, or the cousin who fell on the dance floor, but the vows should stand out as the heartfelt memory of a truly special day.

So how do you find the right person? Ask! Ask your recently married friends, look online at the top notch sites to see who has the best feedback. Ask a wedding planner or your venue. They work with many different ministers and officiants and can help point you in the right direction. Then interview by phone or in person. If you get a bad feeling, leave. You should never feel pressured. Only sign a contract with the person who fulfills all your needs and makes your dreams a reality. It is your day, make it a great one!

Best wishes for your future happiness,

Rev. Judy R. M. Burroughs

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

The current statistics for wedding budgets has declined for the first time in years. As the recession sets in you might be rethinking your wedding plans. There is good news though. There are many easy ways to save money on your wedding without missing out on your dream.

First off, consider your day and time. Sunday through Thursday weddings are generally less expensive for many elements of your wedding.  Everything from venues to ministers offer less expensive options if you avoid the prime Saturday evening spot. Consider a ceremony before 3pm. Even on Saturday they are a less expensive option.

Another cost saver is finding a group of wedding vendors who work together and know who to refer you to for great service within your budget range. Be honest with your planner and realistic about what matters most to you. Splurge on great photography or rings but cut out the things that have little appeal to you or your guests. 

Remember that many items can be borrowed or rented for the day rather than making a purchase that you will store in a closet for years. I have seen more than a few favors left on tables. Put some thought into what you really would like to receive as a guest before you make a purchase.

Make it your day, but remember when it’s over you shouldn’t have to spend the next ten years paying it off. Unique and different doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are many vendors trying to provide options for you at a variety of price points. Go in with a realistic budget and stick to it. Whether you choose a different day, unique location, or scale back from seated dinner to buffet, be open to suggestion.

Finally, never underestimate using a planner. They are a small part of a budget, but a great planner can actually save you much more than you spend on them. They know the other vendors and pricing and can guide you to acheive your dream without breaking the bank!

Spend wisely and live in a nice house or apartment. Out of control spending can leave you living for years paying a debt rather than enjoying married life in nice surroundings.

Best wishes for your fiscal future,

Rev. Judy R. M. Burroughs 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Great opportunity for first time home buyer’s to purchase their Dream Home with the stimulus package and low interest rates.  There are some great neighborhoods offering new construction with Builder incentives where you can get into a new home with built in equity. If you need any additional information give me a call and I would be happy to assist you.

                                                                                               Cathy Fields

                                                                                               Sibcy Cline Realtors

                                                                                               513-315-3394

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

The word “calligraphy” literally means “beautiful writing” and is commonly known as “the art of the written word.” It traditionally has been used in the holy scriptures, royal correspondence, works of art and many other significant events. It only makes sense for the discerning bride to consider using a calligrapher to help with her overall wedding scheme and design.

“Why choose a calligrapher?” you might ask. Your wedding invitation is the first thing your guests will see about your wedding. It sets the tone for your whole day. Many calligraphers can help you achieve the impressive look you desire by writing in a style that can fit in with any theme, from modern to traditional. As the bride, you decide what is the impression you want to make and then you go from there. The calligraphy on the envelope helps set the mood for your wedding. A beautifully addressed envelope or handwritten calligraphy placecards tells your guests “I thought about you today”. They know the extra work went into making a special impression and many keep the artwork as a souvenir of the time they had at your wedding.

When choosing a calligrapher, it is important to keep in mind several things. The first of these is cost. It may be more economical to hire a calligrapher to design one copy of your invitation or menus to be printed rather than having each handwritten. Or you may choose a calligrapher to do just your placecards while you handwrite the addresses on your invitations yourself (or have a friend help out!). Your budget will dictate how much you are able to do. The cost is only the first thing to take into consideration.

The second thing to keep in mind if you are interested in using a calligrapher is the time involved in completing your project whether it be invitations, placecards, menus or everything for your wedding day; as with any art form, calligraphy takes time so it is important to take that into consideration when choosing your invitations or even earlier. Wedding invitations should be mailed at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding and the calligraphy itself may take anywhere from 1 week per 100 invitations or more (especially from January to May and again from July to September, in particular) depending on the calligrapher. Many calligraphers may be booked up and unable to accommodate you if you wait until the last minute to book them (or charge rush fees that will increase all of your overall costs!). The best advice is to start to look for a calligrapher at least as early as you start to look at invitations (not waiting until you actually order them!).

The third thing to keep in mind when choosing a calligrapher is to know what you want and be sure to ask for samples from everyone. It is tragic when you hire someone to address the envelopes that you so carefully chose to set the tone for your whole day only to realize once they were complete that they were not anything at all like you expected! This, in part, goes back to the cost. A cheaper calligrapher who is does not have pretty handwriting or uses pens other that what you expected may end up costing you more in the long run if you have to re-order all new envelopes because the writing was not at all what you expected! Look at their portfolio, ask how they got started in the business, how long they have been doing calligraphy and discuss your vision and be sure the person is on the same page as you. Some calligraphers may only be proficient in a few styles, none of which fit your specific needs while others may be able to scribe in a wide enough variety of styles to design a custom style for your whole wedding.

How do you find this calligrapher that is right for you? Ask from referrals from your wedding consultant, paper and invitation retailers, or from other brides who have used calligraphers. In addition to this, many bridal websites have links pages which will take you directly to calligrapher websites. It is important to make informed decisions and get the calligrapher that is right for you. When talking about adding the special touches that make your day memorable, not only to you but to all of your guests, the calligrapher you choose is someone you want to be able to trust to make your dream day a dream come true!

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Adults Only All Inclusive Resorts create the perfect ambiance for adults looking to enjoy each other in a child-free environment. We highly recommend these resorts for our All Inclusive Honeymoon and anniversary couples.

Also see our Couples Only Resorts page, where we include our resorts that are not only adults only, but also couples only. If you want to see just the couples only resorts, this page has a much smaller list.

At an adults only resort, you won’t have children screaming past your hammock for two. You won’t have babies crying during your candlelit dinner. Why not make your vacation special? Hey, we all love children, but this your vacation. Chose an Adults Only All Inclusive Vacation. Relax and enjoy a little more.

Most adults-only all inclusive resorts were created to provide a unique child free atmosphere. A normal resort pool may have diving - splashing- rowdy teenagers and or a water wing parade. Adult only resort pools have swim-up pool bars and nice areas for sunning and reading. The total ambiance is really hard to describe, until you have experienced it. We can tell you that the adult only vacation is growing more popular by the day.

The adults only all inclusive resorts we feature are more romantic than a normal all-inclusive resort. Some adult only resorts (Hedonism II is the perfect example) were created for adults that want to be wicked and wild for a week or maybe just let their hair down a little bit. Although our site will give you information on these resorts, this type of adults-only all inclusive resort is not our focus.

Adults Only All Inclusive Resort Specials

Specials at Sandals Resorts, St Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas and Jamaica
Specials at Couples Resorts, Jamaica
Specials at Secrets Resorts, Riviera Maya
Specials at Palace Resorts, Cancun, Riviera Maya
Specials at Excellence Resorts, Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana
Specials at El Dorado Resorts, Riviera Maya
Specials at Rendezvous Resort, St Lucia
Specials at Galley Bay Antigua, Antigua
Specials at Royal Resorts, Cancun and Playa del Carmen

The resort companies below manage over 90% of the adults only resorts. If you have a favorite company or are looking for a specific adults only all inclusive resort, see one of the pages below.

Sandals Resorts, Couples Resorts, Secrets Resorts, Excellence Resorts, Palace Resorts, El Dorado Resorts, Royal Resorts

Six resort destinations also account for over 90% of the adult only resorts. If you would like more information on resorts and activities available at the different destinations, please see one of the pages below.

Antigua Honeymoon, Cancun Honeymoon, Cozumel Honeymoon, Jamaica Honeymoon,
Punta Cana Honeymoon, St Lucia Honeymoon

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

            The excitement you experienced over your wedding doesn’t have to end with the special day. After saying “I do” and settling in from your honeymoon, one of the first to-do items a new couple faces is the blending of households, and decorating the home together.

For many of today’s couples, bedrooms are turning into relaxing getaways — a place to unwind from life’s stresses.

            “Outside of work, we spend the most time at home — so why not make home the escape you look for when you go on vacation,” says Corinne Matthews, owner of and principle designer for Dream Room Designs, LLC. “Your bedroom can be a place where you go on a daily basis to get away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle,” explains Matthews.

“When you close your bedroom door you should feel you are in another place,” adds Meddy Mills, CEO and creative director of Visualizing Change, LLC Events & Décor. “When we redecorate the bedroom, we enliven our rooms and our relationships.”

An easy way to give your bedroom a new look is by painting the walls, suggests Matthews. Following paint, she suggests you consider replacing your window treatments.          

Beyond that, you may change bedding, furniture, lighting and flooring.

Just keep in mind a few dos and don’ts as you go along.           

Do:

• Consider the feel of both parties in the room.
• Select things for the room that give the individual a sense of romance. “Think about a place that you’ve gone that felt romantic.  Was it the hotel you stayed in on your honeymoon? Was it going on vacation at the beach together? Was it a weekend getaway to a spa?  What were the things about these places that you would like to recreate in your bedroom?”
• Pick paint colors that also give you a sense of relaxation. 
• Make a main focal point in the room.  This could be the wall where the bed will be located, a seating area or a fireplace wall. 

Tips provided by Corinne Matthews

www.dreamroomdesignsinc.com    

Don’t:

• Neglect to minimize the clutter in your retreat.  “Nothing derails romance more than clutter. Clear the clutter from the floor, the bed, the chairs — wherever it exists in the room.”
• Be afraid to use large-scale furniture to help make the room appear bigger.
• Use too many colors. Choose colors carefully and try to stay within no more than four colors.
• Go monochromatic crazy. A contrasting or darker value can add drama to the room.

 Tips provided by Meddy Mills

 www.visualizingchange.com

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

In the 1960’s, Fair Issac Corporation started working on a system lenders could use to evaluate the likelihood of receiving repayment on loans. Prior to that, it was really a matter of trusting an individual to be a “man of his word,” so to speak. Fair Isaac sought to take human error out of the equation with a reliable system that could dtermine whether or not consumers were truly worthy of credit, and thus FICO was born. This evelved to become the standard for lenders by the 1980s.

Credit scoring has an enormous impact on a borrower’s ability to purchase a home. It can mean the difference between getting a good interest rate and the home fo their dreams, or whether they even qualify at all. For this reason, it is important for borrowers to understand the credit scoring process, and to know what their credit score is when they look to obtain mortgage financing.

What the credit scoring model seeks to quantify is how likely the consumer is to pay off their debt without being more than 90 days late on a payment at any time in the future. Credit scores can range between a low score of 350 and a high of 850. The higher the clients score is, the less likely they are to default on their loan. Only a rare one out of approximately 1300 people in the United States have a credit score above 800. These are the slam-dunk clients that walk away with the best interest rates. On the other hand, one out ofeight prospective home buyers are faced with the possibility that they may not qualify for the loan they want because they have a score between 500 and 600.

Stay tuned for Credit Scoring, Part II: The Five Factors of Credit Scoring

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

As you plan your wedding, you will probably notice all too quickly how much everything ads up.  A major wedding cost can be your flowers.  Flowers help create a beautiful atmosphere that is fundamental to a wedding.  If you have extravagant tastes, but a limited budget, consider placing floral centerpieces on every other table.  Place candles or smaller centerpiece flowers on the remaining tables.  This way, you still can have the amazing centerpiece of your dreams without busting the budget. 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com