Wedding Rings: What To Look For

Wedding rings have long been a part of the tradition of marriage. The highlight of every wedding ceremony, wedding rings represent a couple's promise of remaining faithful and loyal to each other all the time of their lives.

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The use of wedding rings date as far back as the time of ancient Egypt, when Egyptians create rings from reeds (and other plants that grow on the Nile River) for couples to exchange, symbolizing their never-ending love for each other.


Today, conventional forms of wedding rings are those that consist of precious metals that are usually worn on the ring finger (the 4th finger) of the left hand. This practice stemmed out from the belief of the "hand-heart connection" - that a vein of blood from the 4th finger of the left hand goes directly to the heart. Medical science, however, has already refuted this claim with their discovery of how the circulatory system works, and although the tradition of wearing the ring on the 4th finger of the left hand still prevails, some people now prefers to wear their wedding rings on their right hand.

Because wedding rings are the ultimate symbol of lifelong love and commitment, it is important that you choose rings of a high quality - one that will last for a long time (perhaps as enduring as your marriage!)


Below are some factors to consider when buying wedding rings:

1. Establish your budget. Going into a jewelry store with the idea of how much you are willing to spend (and how much you can actually spend) for your wedding rings will save you a lot of time.
2. Choose the material. There are numerous wedding ring materials for you to choose from. Some of them are the following:
• Gold - considered as the most traditional wedding ring material, gold comes in a variety of color (yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, green gold) and quality (14k, 18k, and 24k).
• Platinum - considered as one of the finest, purest, and rarest precious metals. One of the strongest, heaviest, and the most enduring of all metals, wedding rings made of platinum is ideal to wear everyday because it is hypoallergenic, it resists tarnish, and it shows little wear. It is, however, more expensive than gold.
• Diamonds - the hardest substance known to man, diamonds are considered as one of the most luxurious and sought-after gem and wedding ring material, with its beauty, purity and durability symbolizing long-lasting love. Note that the value of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight.
• Other materials that are used for wedding rings include metals such as titanium, tungsten carbide, and nickel silver; and precious gems such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and topaz.

     3.Choose the style. Wedding rings also come in different styles and designs, such as the following:

•  Celtic/Irish design wedding rings
• Antique and vintage rings
• Designer wedding rings
• Custom wedding bands
• Traditional plain bands
• Beaded edges
• Engraved rings
• Matching rings
• Tattoed wedding rings

Depending on your personal preference, your wedding ring should be in a design and style that is comfortable to wear and one that will reflect your personality.


    4. Browse stores. Find the best deals by looking around the different jewelry stores to compare the different styles and prices that they offer.
   5. Consult an expert. Seek advice from a jeweler with a good reputation who can help you find the perfect wedding ring.


Wedding rings are not merely pieces of jewelry. They are significant symbols of a couple's love and commitment for each other, so be sure to find a wedding ring that you can treasure forever.

Weddings: Some Odd Traditions

And for the rest of their lives, the man and woman shall be together….


Doesn’t it sound romantic? For the man and the woman to leave their families to be as one, to form a new family? It has been like this from time immemorial. And throughout the millennia, the concept of family and marriage have been so closely knotted together that it is sometimes impossible to separate one from the other.


Marriage is present in every culture in some form. Although the laws, norms, and cultures may differ, they all still recognize the union of man and woman under one roof.


Marriage has evolved in so many ways from the different cultures all throughout the world throughout the ages. For each culture, there are diverse ways of celebrating something like marriage. But in each culture, there has always been one thing that has remained the same – that in every culture, and every tribe, marriage has always been one to be celebrated with the utmost of festivities, with singing, eating, and celebrating.


Along with these festivities, man has also adopted a growing, and evolving number of traditions each filled with meaning and – believe it or not – shocking origins.


The Wedding Cake

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Today’s tall, elaborated, and delicately crafted wedding cakes evolved from the simple grooms-cakes made by family members for the bride. Before the wedding day, one of theses cakes was put under the pillow of the bride. The bride would then sleep and “dream” of the groom, and yes, squish that cake into oblivion.


The real wedding cake would be a pound cake that would be “pound up” and crumbled and tossed at the couple as a sign of fertility. That is where we get today’s custom of sprinkling the couple with rice after the wedding.


Cakes during weddings are usually stacked up in large layers. The higher the stack, the more ‘glamorous’ the cake. People usually regard these arrangements are mere style. However, they were done so in the past as a symbol of fertility. Couples would stack these cakes to symbolize how many children the wished to have. So in the past, the higher the stack, the more the children.


Tying the Knot

Now the truth can be told. Tying the knot did not necessarily mean getting knotted together. During ancient tribal times, the bride would usually be wrapped in a sheep with a knot out in front. This was to symbolize virginity. ‘Untying the knot’ was the groom’s privilege after the wedding the night.


Best Man – Secret Agent

And startling enough, the best man used to play a different role in the early days. During tribal times, it was the best man’s duty to abduct potential brides from other tribes. He would usually do so by clubbing the poor damsel over the head and drag her back home – just like those comic skits about cavemen seem to suggest. It was also the best man’s job to ward off the angry relatives of the bride. So in the early days, it was the best man swinging his axe while the groom got hitched.


Today

Although we are a little less barbaric than earlier times, we still see an evolution of the wedding ceremony and its tradition. These traditions are filled with meaning and can only serve to make your wedding day more memorable.

Wedding Programs: What To Look For

A wedding ceremony marks the beginning of a marriage, and a couple's life together. Wedding ceremonies may be a civil or religious rite that can take place anywhere - at a church, in the gardens, at the beach, or at the city hall. Modern-day weddings can now also take place in the Internet (what is known as "Online Wedding).


From the bride's march down the aisle to the wedding reception, there are a number of wedding traditions and aspects that make a wedding ceremony special. It is important that the couple 'include' their guests and the people around them in the celebration by guiding and informing them of what is happening at any given time. This is made possible by wedding ceremony programs.

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A wedding program (also called church programs, ceremony programs, or "The Order of Woship") is a personalized guidebook for the guests in a wedding. Essentially similar to that of a program at a theater play, wedding programs serve the following purposes:

They serve as a record of the wedding ceremony, providing guests with the order and details of the events that will happen in the ceremony.

• · They help guests understand what is happening, making them feel included.
• · They introduce and honor the bridal party, the sponsors, and the other people who are participating in the ceremony.
• · They serve as a beautiful and sentimental souvenir for everyone, which can be included in the couple's scrapbook.

While a wedding program is not a strict requirement to have, but it certainly adds a unique and personal touch to any wedding ceremony. A wedding program can also be essential in the following cases:


· A wedding that is inter-cultural and no one understands the ceremony.
· A wedding with a number of guests from another faith or culture.
· A wedding so large that guests may not know the bridal party.
· A wedding that is particularly long and time-consuming.
· A wedding that involves so many people that the couple would like to thank and pay tribute to.


A wedding program is generally broken down into 3 sections, with the additional detailed information listed below:


1. Introduction

• · Names of the couple
• · Wedding date
• · Time and place of the service.

2. Event or Ceremony Order

• · Greetings
• · Poetry
• · Reading
• · Exchange of vows
• · Explanations of special religiuos rituals (such as the ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, and  pronouncement of marriage)
• · Titles of the ceremony music to be played (including the names of the musicians, soloists, or readers)

3. Acknowledgement or Wedding Party

• · Names of the members of the bridal party
• · Name of the priest or officiant who will perform the ceremony
• · Memorials, tributes or homages to someone who has passed away
• · Thank-you notes and dedications to the parents and to people who gave support to the couple (and to the wedding)
• · The couple's special message to their wedding guests
• · Directions to the reception

Wedding programs are usually ordered from the same printer who does the wedding invitations. Other couples, however, opt to do their wedding programs on their own - it gives a couple a chance to be more flexible and creative while saving money.


Wedding programs are one of the little details that make such a big day extra special. Ordered ready-made or done personally, a wedding program can be made unique by the expressive feelings of love and joy that it conveys.

How to Plan for a Wedding

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Planning for a wedding is not an easy task. It could be an extremely stressful, and trying time, especially as the big day approaches. When couples worry about coordinating all of the details of the wedding, just to make sure everything goes according to plan.


Probably, one of the most important details of the wedding that a couple has to decide on is the actual date of the wedding. This is usually the detail that is taken care of first. Factors in choosing a date include: the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place. Availability of friends and family on the assigned date.


Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also become a factor in the expense. For example, mornings, and afternoon receptions are somewhat more cheaper that receptions held at nighttime.


It is also advisable to set a budget, even before a couple start to make plans. This way they'd be able to organize the details according to the budget they could afford.


Once you've done this, you can now choose a venue for the wedding. Some places offer discounts, depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays, would be a good time to hold a wedding, if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a 'peak time', therefore the price tend to be less expensive.


For couples who are about to get married, it is important to talk about the size of wedding they both have in mind. The dream wedding of one person might not be that of the other. So it is necessary for couples to discuss details regarding the arrangement of the wedding, such as: the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding reception, and the choice of entertainment.

It is important to reach an agreement pertaining to the guest list and the entourage. Whether you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, in which case the bride and groom will just invite their family and friends; or maybe, they'd want to make this affair, into the wedding of the century. In which case, the bride and groom get to invite the whole neighborhood, long lost relatives, high school buddies, etc., in addition to their friends and family. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.

Hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure you friends can take good pictures, and most of them own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. So you'd have something to remember this occasion by. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.


Don't forget the cake! It's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends, for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!


Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.


Don't forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding. This way, the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. Also, the groom should make arrangement to rent or buy a tuxedo, preferably in advance also. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you'd have some time to make other arrangements.


Couples who don't have enough time on their hands, or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming, can always just hire a wedding planner! This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them.

5 Must-know Wedding Pictures Tips

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As the old adage goes, “Pictures are worth a thousand words.” This is especially true and applicable to wedding pictures.


Normally, wedding pictures are photographs of the scenes from the wedding. Most of them are focused on the bride and the group.


However, what people do not know is that wedding pictures are not just mere solid representation of what had transpired during the event. Wedding pictures are more of a memorabilia of the wonderful moments that the couple had long been wanting to have.


And with wedding pictures always available for their perusal, it brings them back to the time they have once shared their union as husband and wife in front of the public.


For this reason, choosing the wedding photographer should never be taken for granted. This is because the angles and kinds of shots that must be incorporated therein should only be done by a professional.


Therefore, to have the best wedding pictures, it is best to hire a professional wedding photographer who can handle the shots perfectly.


However, there are some factors to be considered first before hiring the services of a wedding photographer. Here is a list of the factors that you need to know:


1. The style of your wedding


It is important to decide first the style of your wedding. Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? Whatever style you have chosen, this will definitely determine the kind of wedding photographer you should choose.


For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, it is best to hire wedding photographers that are traditional in styles. This is because traditional photographers consider all the details when it comes to photography and establishing good angle shots.


2. Your budget


Keep in mind that not all wedding photographers are created equal. Hence, it is important to stick to your budget to know which type of wedding photographer you will hire.

Of course, it will do you no good if you will extend or go beyond your budget just because you want to hire the best wedding photographer there is. So, better stick to your budget.


3. Know what you are paying for


Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be keen on the details of the agreement and that you should know the items or services that you will be paying for. Other wise, there might be some discrepancies regarding to what has been agreed upon and yet, you can no longer make any claims or complaints against the photographer because you have already affixed your signature.


4. Know your rights as a client


There are instances wherein wedding photographers are so engrossed with their jobs that they no longer take some suggestions from their clients. This should not be the case because the client has still the final discretion. The wedding photographer should only assist the couple on their decisions.


5. The photographer’s complete profile


You wouldn’t want spoiled films or pictures, right? So, it would be better if you will check on the profile and background of the photographer.


In this sense, it will give you some insight on the capabilities of the photographer and his reputation in the industry.


Boiled down, wedding pictures can be good, bad, or perfect. It all depends on the wedding photographer, so, it is best to hire the best.

The Advantages of a Wedding Planner

Have you ever wondered why Jennifer Lopez had made such a great impact on her movie, “The Wedding Planner?” This is because most people, after watching the film, had finally realized the importance of hiring a wedding planner.


Long before, most couples are having second thoughts on the idea of hiring a wedding planner. They have doubts if hiring the services of a wedding planner is really worth their money, especially those who are in a tight budget.

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Basically, hiring the services of a wedding planner is actually a matter of choice and personal preference. If you think that you and your fiancé can handle most of the wedding planning without any burden, then, go on with your plans.


But if you think that doing all the planning from the very beginning is already tedious, then, it is time for you to hire the services of a wedding planner.


Basically, a wedding planner is someone who is adept and knowledgeable when it comes to wedding plans. Wedding planners have already established their contacts with many businesses that are important in the wedding such as flower arrangers, caterers, venues, etc.


So, for most people who are not yet aware the benefits they can derive from hiring a wedding planner, here are some facts that you need to know:


1. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. It can even be more tedious if the person who plans the wedding is a participant also like the bride or the groom. It can be really difficult to have an open mind especially with all the jitters and everything.

Moreover, planning a wedding does not happen overnight. Usually, it would take you 200 to 300 hours of planning, thinking, and brainstorming. Hence, to save you time and effort, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.

2. More savings

Many people contend that the reason why they do not hire a wedding planner is that it will be an additional cost on their part.

What they do not know is that hiring the services of a wedding planner can actually save you more money because most of the wedding planners have already established solid contacts with some of the common wedding businesses like flower arrangers, venues, and the like. Therefore, discounts are more likely to happen because they have their own connections already.


3. Organized planning


With wedding planners, weddings can be more organized because most wedding planners are very particular from the biggest down to the last details of the wedding.


After all, it is their job so they know what should be done best.


Moreover, wedding planners have actual timeline that they follow in order to have all the details be ready on time or even way ahead of time, leaving all the last-minute changes behind.


4. The decisions are still yours


With wedding planners, the decisions are still with the couple. The wedding planner will just guide, render some suggestions, and assist the couple in making the decision.


Hence, the couple will be able to, still, have their own style and preference with regards to the planning of their wedding.


5. Confidence boosters


One of the best things about wedding planners is that they act as confidence boosters for the bride and the groom.


We all know how jittery and edgy wedding couples can be especially if they are in a rush or having trouble finding the perfect item for their wedding. But wedding planner, they will be more at ease and more confident that their wedding will be perfect because they know that they have laid the details of their wedding upon the hands of a professional.


Indeed, there could be no better person who really knows the ins and outs of wedding planning more than what the wedding planner can do.


So, for great weddings, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.

Wedding photos - Memories in print

Wedding photos are a vivid reminder of a couple's wedding day. In essence, wedding photos capture the spirit and joy of that blessed day when the couple exchanged 'I dos'. Wedding photos commemorate the memorable events that took place on the couple's wedding day.

Getting quality wedding photos is important for every couple in order to preserve the joyous events of their wedding day. A substantial portion of a couple's wedding expenses goes into the preparation and production of the wedding photos. Depending on a couple's style and budget, there are a number of ways they can get the best wedding photos they want at the price they can afford.
 
Professional services for wedding photos


Hiring a professional wedding photographer is always a good idea for couples that want to have the best wedding photos from their wedding day. But many couples shy away from hiring professional photographers for their wedding photos because of the high costs associated with their services.


Fortunately, there are a number of professional wedding photographers that offer a variety of photography packages for wedding photos at reasonable prices. In addition, many of these professional photographers may also be open to arranging a customized package to help out couples that are on a limited budget.


At the same time, couples should also be cautious about getting the least expensive package for their wedding photos. Most of the time, a couple may end up spending more to get additional shots included in the package they initially ordered. It is better to get a slightly more expensive package that covers a lot more than to spend extra cash at the last minute.


When working with a professional wedding photographer, be sure to get a signed agreement that outlines the terms of service to be provided. The contract would include matters concerning payments, cancellations as well as the delivery of wedding photos after development.


Digital Photography - digital wedding photos


Technology has brought about a marked increased in the development of highly sophisticated digital cameras. Many professional wedding photographers now make use of these digital cameras to produce high quality digital wedding photos. Even amateurs are using the latest digital cameras to produce professional looking wedding photos.



But keep in mind that many amateurs may not have the artistic skill to create beautiful wedding photos. Unlike professional wedding photographers, most amateur photographers have no concept of light and composition, which are essential factors in taking professional wedding photos. Keep in mind that no amount of computer enhancement can fix poorly shot wedding photos.


How to save on wedding photos


Weddings can be quite expensive considering all the costs associated with the occasion. In particular, wedding photos can eat up a big chunk of the wedding funds because of all the photos that need to be taken. Formal, informal and group wedding photos with family and friends can be quite costly especially for a big wedding. A good way to limit costs is to employ the help of family and friends in taking additional wedding photos.

The couple can hire a professional photographer to cover the ceremony. The photographer would only take the formal wedding photos before and during the ceremony. Family and friends can help take candid wedding photos during the reception. Candid wedding photos are a great way to remember the fun and merriment of the day.