Wedding Guest Book Activities

Traditional brides don't have to have traditional guest books. Certainly you can purchase a standard guest book and ask your guests to sign it, but there are so many more guest book-like activities that are more unique.

Let's move from the popular to the less well known. One very popular option allows guests to sign a picture of the bride and groom. Simply take a picture of the bride and groom and have it matted in a mat several inches larger than the photo itself. Place a frame around this, but don't include the glass or Plexiglas frame. You'll add this later. Some people prefer to use "bulldog" clips to keep the mat together instead of putting the picture in the frame. The picture can be framed after the wedding.

Most couples choose a nice photo of themselves for this picture/guestbook option, although if there's a formal engagement photo, this is an excellent way to preserve that photo and show it off to friends and family. If photos are taken before the wedding with the bride and groom in their wedding attire, you can certainly use this photo. Many couples opt to either leave the mat empty or they place a temporary picture in the mat and add a wedding picture later.

Be sure to have a nice Sharpie marker handy and place the picture on either a sturdy easel or on a table where guests are sure to see it.

Another option is instead of providing a picture of the bride and groom to sign, the guests are provided with a picture of themselves! Simply provide a Polaroid camera and assign someone the job of taking pictures of the guests as they arrive at the reception. Once the picture is dry, provide a Sharpie and they can sign the picture, make a note to the bride and groom or hand draw a silly picture. It can be whatever the guest wants it to be. This is a unique, and personal, way for guests to "sign in" at the wedding.

Whoever handles the taking of the pictures should also handle putting them in an album of some sort. A scrap booker might provide a special memory book with the Polaroid pictures in it, or the pictures can simply be placed in a nice album and presented later to the bride and groom.

Many guests don't give a great deal of thought to the guest book. They whiz by the guest book table more concerned with getting their cocktail and hitting the dance floor. If this is a concern, provide a "traveling" guest book. Send each guest something either to sign or decorate before the wedding.

In this "traveling" guest book scenario, there are several options. One of the easiest is to send each guest a small piece of paper and ask them to write something meaningful or thoughtful for the bride and groom on it. The pieces of paper are returned prior to the wedding (to ensure a better response, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope with the paper) and can be compiled in some meaningful way for the bride and groom and presented to them on their wedding day.

If the guest list is a creative or particularly close group, there is one other option that is even more meaningful. Again, in a scrapbook fashion, send each guest a piece of paper to sign or decorate. The paper should be the size of a photo album, so it might be a 6 x 6 piece of paper, an 8 x 8 piece of paper, or even 12 x 12, if the guests are up to that larger size.

In a letter that arrives with the paper, the guests are instructed to create a memory page for the bride and groom. They might include photos, quotes, little anecdotal stories, or combine all of these with stickers or embellishments. It's thoughtful, meaningful and personal and it's an excellent way to include guests who might not be able to attend the wedding, but would still like to be a part of it.

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

When two people - destined for each other, come together, there is often an incredible amount of combustibility. Combustion occurs when two or more substances react chemically together, resulting in the giving off of heat and light; often called burning. In the same manner, two people joined together by God can spiritually set each other on fire.

However, after being married a while that sense of combustibility can easily be lost if the spiritual life of the marriage is not cultivated. But, a couple that intentionally, and actively engages in maintaining the spiritual life of the marriage continues to be a strength one to another, and ignites new sparks that blazes through every area of marriage and family. I believe that through personal devotion, mutual support, joint devotions, spiritual dialogue, and spiritual activities, a Christian couple can maintain spiritual intimacy in their marriage.

First, each spouse must keep their fire burning. Each partner keeps their fire burning by maintaining a growing and intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus, through personal prayer and Bible study. When we first got married, my wife and I mistakenly thought we could depend on each other''s spiritual life for our personal growth. I thought to myself "my wife is such a great Christian, she will be able to help me solve my spiritual struggles". The mistake we made was instead of pursuing the Lord for our personal growth, we began to depend on each other. Eventually instead of helping, we began to drain each other. What we learned is that we must maintain intimacy with the Lord in order to have true spiritual intimacy with each other.

Once our personal lives are burning with spiritual fire, then we can conduct that heat to our partners. If you have ever touched a hot pot, then you understand what a conductor is. Metal pots are good conductors because they transmit the heat coming from the stove. The person whose spiritual life is hot and on fire can conduct that spiritual strength to their partner.

To be spiritual heat conductors we must intercede for our mates in prayer, and support them with our encouragement. An effective intercessor believes God for the success of their partner. Exercising faith in prayer for your partner is crucial. Why? Well, we know more than anyone else the strengths and weaknesses of our partners. We see their faults, joys, and sadness. Thus, not only do we have the opportunity to intimately intercede in faith for them, but also our encouragement means a lot to them. Essentially, we must be our partner''s own spiritual cheerleader ? fanning the flames.

In addition to the above, a Christian couple spreads the spiritual flames through joint spiritual habits. The most obvious of these is having scheduled devotions. In devotions couples pray and share biblical truths with each other in an open and transparent way. I recommend not only having a scheduled time of devotion, but also allowing that time to develop into a natural habit. In our experience, my wife and I, have found it best not to allow our scheduled time to become a rigid formality; instead, it serves as a training time for the natural flow of our spiritual connection. So that in times of difficulty praying and sharing together will be as simple as breathing.

A natural outflow of a joint spiritual life is spiritual dialogue. Although often neglected, spiritual dialogue is an important part of spreading the flames of spiritual intimacy. I define spiritual dialogue as qualitative and interactive conversation concerning our application, thoughts, feelings, and conclusions on spiritual matters as it relates to our life and society. Put simply, it is enjoyably talking about how spiritual things affect our life and the world around us.

Spiritual dialogue is qualitative and interactive. It is more than surface talk, such as "Pastor preached a good sermon today". It involves sharing our deep spiritual thoughts to each other, such as "this is how I''m going to apply the sermon to my daily life..", or "the Lord showed me weakness in that area". Remember to interact, and allow each other ample time to share insights and thoughts.

Going to spiritual events together provides opportunities for spiritual dialogue. Sometimes we can make religious activities such a duty that we drain all the joy out of it. Couples, however, can enjoy spiritual activities together. The spiritual activities couples can share together goes beyond the regular Sunday services, and weekly conferences. Volunteering to work side by side in a Christian ministry, and working together on Christian projects are good activities to share together. Along with that, today there are Christian movies and television programs that you can watch. Many Christian organizations today are making Christian videos more than ever. Perhaps you and your mate can buy a video, and watch it together, then discuss it afterwards. Simply enjoy your joint spiritual life; you are heirs together of God''s promise.

Omaudi Reid is the owner of HarvestersOnline, and author of Creating Unbreakable Bonds: Marital Intimacy on Three Levels He has a diploma in ministry from Harvest Army Bible Institute, and is currently pursuing a bachelor at Beulah Heights Bible College. He is an ordained minister of the gospel of Christ. Visit his website, Harvesters Online, for other marriage articles.', 178, 'Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

Essential Advice for Your Wedding Day

You''ve been engaged for months, you''ve made it through planning the ceremony, the attire, the reception, the honeymoon, and you haven''t killed each other yet. The worst is over. When you wake up on the morning of your wedding day, your only job is to go along for the ride, enjoy every moment and make some memories. Read on for essential advice for your wedding day.

Both of you have been waiting and planning for a long time in order to make this day go off without a hitch. Just be aware that things NEVER go as planned, so expect the unexpected and don''t get too worked up about it. It is the unexpected events that make the best stories for years to come. Relax, and have a good time. This is your day to celebrate your blissful union.

For her:

The day of the wedding is often more stressful for the bride than any of the planning process has been. Start your morning off with a relaxing bubble bath or a massage at the spa. You deserve to start this hectic day as cool and relaxed as you possibly can be. Do it alone if you need some private time (since you will be surrounded by people ogling and vying for your attention for the remainder of the day), or if you are nervous and need to chat, invite the bridesmaids along for some pre-wedding pampering.

Have all appointments made ahead of time, and allow plenty of time for hair-dos, make-up, manicures, etc. Have a close friend who is not part of the wedding party act as your gopher for the day. If you get a run in your pantyhose, they''ll be on call to run to the store. If your florist is running late, they are in charge of calling the company. This will keep you removed from most of the stressful situations, and keep you moving on schedule. Don''t forget to give your friend a gift for helping you through any wedding day glitches! Arrive at the church with plenty of time to spare. Remember, you MIGHT tear up a bit, so have plenty of tissues handy as to not smear that gorgeous make-up.

Spend the last few minutes before the wedding starts with your bridesmaids. Do some deep breathing if you''re nervous, and think about how long you have been awaiting this precious day.

For him:

It is perfectly normal for the groom to wake up a bit jittery on the morning of his wedding. The best way to handle the stress of this day is to make sure you have all your responsibilities completed ahead of time so you can spend this day in a stress-free zone. Things to double check the preceding week include travel plans for the honeymoon, transportation from church to reception and reception to airport, cost of anyone you will be paying on the actual wedding day (and remember to have plenty of extra cash for tipping- EVERYONE involved expects to be tipped at least 15%).

Sleep in. Having plenty of rest is important before the hours of socializing you''ll be doing today. When you get up, a long jog or a trip to the gym is often just what you''ll need to work off some of those anxious feelings. Allow plenty of time to get ready and arrive early at the church.

Spend some time horsing around with your groomsmen. Take some deep breaths, and wait for your beautiful bride

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who offers advice on cheap wedding stationery such as invitations, place cards, thank you cards and order of service booklets', 178, 'Essential Advice for Your Wedding Day, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'Essential Advice for Your Wedding Day plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding

Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic, clever, and a couple that are downright strange. Uncover here how to fill your wedding with all things Irish save the Blarney Stone.

Harvest Knots

According to history, Irish men declared their intentions of marriage by giving their fiancee harvest knots of straw decorated with flowers or bells to wear in their hair or around their neck. Make a harvest knot to wear on your wedding day, or place one in your bouquet to symbolize your Irish heritage.

Ceilidh

The steps of Irish folkdances are called ceilidh. Treat your attendants to an Irish dancing lesson, and then "perform" a jig to traditional Irish music at the reception.

Lace!

A way to incorporate Celtic pride into your wedding attire (besides hand-beading four leaf clovers all over your gown) is to adorn yourself with beautiful Irish lace. Known for its intricate patterns and zenith quality, wear a veil or carry a handkerchief made of this intricate Irish decoration.

Playin'' o'' the Pipes

Infuse your ceremony with the strains of the Irish pipes. Although bagpipes have Celtic roots, they are traditionally Scottish. For a truly Emerald Isle affair, locate an Irish uillean piper to lead the processional or recessional.

Irish Wedding Feast

The customary wedding feast in Ireland was a potluck hosted at the bride''s family''s home. Each guest brought traditional Irish dishes such as soda bread, coddle, and stew. Even if you''re having a more formal reception, you can still celebrate this Irish tradition by having a "feast" for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

The Wedding Cake

Old custom dictates that the Irish wedding cake (usually a dense fruit cake with white icing) was cut by one of the bride''s sisters or bridesmaids. Where would they cut it? Over her head, of course. The bride remained seated while the groomsmen held the cake over her head while her sister or best friend did the honors. Our only concern: this tradition works best and safest when the cake is NOT a four-tiered confectionary concoction. Eeeek!

Noise Makers

A noisy way to ring in your nuptials with the luck o'' the Irish is to have a recessional like those in Celtic history: instead of throwing rice upon exiting the church, men would fire rifles or other firearms into the air to signal that a couple is wed. Not your traditional exit (most churches would frown upon guns in the parking lot), if the men use blanks in their guns, and if you are getting married in an area without noise ordinances, then fire away, Irish style.

Giving the Claddagh

Two hands holding a heart underneath a crown is the Irish symbol for "Let Love and Friendship Reign". Share your Irish heritage with your attendants by giving them Celtic-inspired gifts marked with the claddagh. Give your maid of honor a candle gift engraved with the "faith ring", or jewelry made of claddagh. Buy claddagh wedding rings, or wear the Irish symbol around your neck on your wedding day as a reminder of your heritage.

Tokens of Hair

A more unusual Irish tradition is for the man to give the woman he loves a bracelet woven of human hair. Symbolic of acceptance, when the woman wears the circle of hair, she is linking herself to him for life. There''s no mention of exactly who''s hair it is, however, so if wearing hair jewelry gives you the heevies, see "Harvest Knots" for the same idea, using straw instead.

Lucky Dates

The traditionally superstitious Irish believed that the last day of the year is especially lucky, since the couple would wake up on the first day of their new life on the first day of the new year. Plan your wedding for December 31, the luckiest of Celtic days.

Jackie Duescher provides the customer service for Keepsake Favors as well as inspiration for many of the favor creations on the site. Jackie has a special knack for finding Irish themed favors for weddings other occasions, and she firmly believes that a favor doesn''t have to be expensive to impress your guests.', 178, 'Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make

"What in the world could they have been thinking?"

Definitely words you DON''T want to hear your guests uttering at your wedding. But despite your best intentions, sometimes things slip through the cracks. Sometimes you make a really silly mistake that, if you had just stopped and thought about it for a few minutes, never would have happened.

The problem is that many brides and grooms are so darn busy trying to manage everything else that''s going on ? from housing out-of-town guests to dealing with last-minute cancellations or additions to the guest list -- they simply overlook the obvious. That''s when smart people wind up making really stupid mistakes. Here are seven common slip-ups that can ruin an otherwise perfect ceremony.

1. Failing to Thank the Guests

They came to the wedding. They brought gifts. They stopped and congratulated you and took time out of their busy lives to help you celebrate the joining of you and your beloved in a new life together. Don''t leave the reception hall without saying thank you!

2. Speaking While Intoxicated

This one should be a new form of misdemeanor. If your wedding traditions include the bride or groom making a speech to the assembled guests, do it before you enjoy the free bar. You''ll be thankful later when you watch the wedding videos, and you won''t have to apologize to people you don''t remember insulting.

3. Beware the Infamous "Wardrobe Malfunction"

Black underwear, white dress. It was a bad idea in elementary school, and it''s still a bad idea today. Check in a mirror in various lighting situations to make sure that your dress isn''t sheer or invisible in certain conditions prior to the ceremony. If you are renting a tux, check it for rips and make sure you have it fitted before you bring it home. Also, black is the only acceptable color for a tuxedo.

4. Late to the Altar

Not only is this one inconsiderate to the guests and your soon-to-be spouse, but it also wreaks havoc on your vendors. Ice sculptures melt, food gets cold, and photographers lose needed time to pose people and get those still shots for memory albums. The only reason you should ever be late to your own wedding would be something completely beyond your control ? like a force of nature.

5. Running out of Food/Drinks

You made the guest list. You know how many people you expect to be there. Running out of food is a good way to make sure your guests feel unappreciated and is inexcusable. This is not the place to save money. Make sure you have enough dinner and drinks for all who are expected to attend; it''s better to throw some away than have hungry guests and nothing to feed them.

6. Know Where the Ring Is Before Walking Down the Aisle

It happens more than you might think. The best man is supposed to be holding the rings, and he leaves them in his other coat. The bride expects them to be brought on a pillow but the ring-bearer is only eight and thought they were golden Barbie doll crowns. Do one more spot check for the rings before you start down the aisle and you won''t have to worry about an awkward moment and a ruined ceremony.

7. Inviting Your "Ex" ? Without Telling Anyone

Unless there is an extremely good reason for inviting your ex-boyfriend or ex-wife, don''t do it. It makes everyone uncomfortable. A close corollary to this is not letting members of the wedding party know what your betrothed''s name is (yes, it sounds unbelievable but it DOES happen). If you have not been engaged for a long time, or you recently ended a long-standing relationship prior to your wedding and your wedding party isn''t familiar with your intended, make sure you introduce them. You don''t want to deal with a wedding toast to you and your ex-girlfriend because the best man didn''t know your bride''s name!

Chris Simeral is the creator of The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit, the wedding-coordinator-approved home-study course for couples personalizing or renewing their wedding vows. Couples from all over the United States, Great Britain, Canada and New Zealand have used the kit to create truly memorable and romantic wedding vows. Sign up for the free wedding vow mini-course at http://www.weddingvowtoolkit.com.', 178, '7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', '7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

To Stay Married, Keep Dating

One of my favorite memories from last year was not watching my young daughters rip into their Christmas presents, or seeing them perform in the school talent show. No, my happiest recollection was the date my husband and I went out on one stormy Tuesday night in November.

A few days before, we''d had our fill of running the girls to swimming lessons and fighting with them to do their homework. We could not endure the sight of one more PTA notice requesting money for this fundraiser or attendance at that meeting. We broke. We called a sitter and reserved a table at the most elegant restaurant in town.

And what a night it was. The sitter was late, of course, and the wind snapped off tree branches and hurled them at our car, but we made it. The food, the wine, and the service were fine. We put the children firmly out of our minds. By the time the salad came, we were sufficiently unwound.

We started having fun. We were laughing. The subjects of the weird charge on our cell phone bill or our dire need for a new refrigerator never entered the discussion. We were transformed into the couple we used to be before children, two cars, and a mortgage. We were footloose, fancy free, and out for a good time.

The happiness of that evening stayed with us for many days. We were attentive to one another. We remembered why we''d gotten married and were glad for it, proving my mother''s advice that happy couples continue to date each other forever.

"It''s important," she''d say.

But, in the early years of our marriage, I''d make excuses. Diaper and formula bills left little money for nights out on the town. It was impossible to find a good babysitter. It was selfish of us to take time away from the children.

"Make it a priority," my mother would respond. "Children are the result of the marriage, not the reason for it."

Like a lot of couples, my husband and I had forgotten that. We''d completely wrapped ourselves up in our children and their needs. We started losing sight of each other, but we knew that if we didn''t make time for our relationship, our children would grow up and we''d be left behind, looking at each other and wondering, "Who the heck is this person?"

So we decided to make it a goal to go out on a date once a month (once a week is better, according to my mother), and I heartily recommend you do the same. If you''re a woman and your husband is reluctant, don''t guilt trip him into "taking" you out. You''re not luggage. Instead, remind him that you love him, and tell him that you miss having him to yourself. That should convince him.

I''m not going to pretend it''s ever easy to squeeze a date onto a calendar of never-ending responsibilities. It isn''t. My husband and I had dinner plans tonight, but we had to cancel due to an event at our daughters'' school. It''s disappointing, but it won''t deter us. We''ll just reschedule our night out for next week.

We''ve made it a priority because, as my mother counseled, our happy marriage depends on it.

Terry Hernon MacDonald is the author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Visit her website at http://www.marrysmart.com .', 178, 'To Stay Married, Keep Dating, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'To Stay Married, Keep Dating plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Games

Wedding rehearsal dinners are a time to relax, calm down and enjoy a quiet evening before the big event the next day. But adding some fun and games into the rehearsal dinner isn't such a bad idea. It's a great way to help everyone let off some steam, calm down and enjoy each other.

If you're planning a sit-down formal dinner, fun games and activities can still be on the menu. In fact, if a formal dinner is part of the plans, having some interesting activities on the agenda is not only a good idea, but also an excellent one. There's been a lot of planning, and a lot of stress and the wedding party and close friends and family will welcome the opportunity to have a little fun.

The success or failure of any games or activities largely depends not just on the planning but your venue. If you're having a sit-down dinner in a restaurant, try to get a private room. Then a myriad of fun activities can be planned, such as "pin the veil on the bride", in which blindfolded guests spin around a few times, then try to pin the veil on a picture of the bride. Silly, yes, but also fun.

One fun activity sure to help everyone blow off some steam is charades. Whoever is up will act out a scene from the bride or groom's life, so it might be when graduating from college, or getting a huge promotion at work. The "it" person might choose to act out when the bride tripped and fell at another person's wedding or when the groom saved a dog from getting hit by a car. This is a little twist on charades that helps people get to know the bride and groom better, and adds intimacy to what is already an intimate event.

If the wedding rehearsal dinner is a bit less formal and held in someone's home, there are many more activities that can take place. For example, how about a night of playing board games? Who needs formal food? You can have that the next day at the formal wedding. At this rehearsal dinner party, the games are center stage.

Bring in some sandwiches and tell everyone to wear their comfortable clothes and settle in for a night of board games. You can set up games on different tables, divide people into groups of 4 or 5 and have everyone rotate tables at designated times. You can even instruct game players that when they move to another table, the game stays out the way it is.  So, for example, dad might begin playing Monopoly where the bride was and he's stuck with only a little money in the bank and no houses on Boardwalk.

So, let's say the bride and groom are big into sports. If the wedding is to be held in the summer and the days are long, how about a game of touch football or baseball? You can play bride's family against groom's family, men against women, or for a twist, the bride plays with the groom's family and the groom with the bride's family. Any combination works. The idea here is to have some fun, relax and enjoy each other's company.

Other outdoor activities can include anything that is physical and might help people blow off steam. Has the bride been more a "bridezilla" than anything? How about a game of tag where she's it? Or you can create two bridesmaid's dress-up trunks. Go to a thrift store, fill the trunks with old prom dresses and large-size shoes, and costume jewelry. Divide the guests into two different teams and have someone sit with a timer. The team who dresses one of the men (ideally, the groom and best man or perhaps the two dads) first wins. Be sure to have a camera at the rehearsal dinner/event, because this is one activity you'll want to have pictures of!

Lighting The Way When Two Become One

Whether you want to add a little extra romance to an evening reception or a little glow to your house of worship, candles are a natural, effortless addition to your wedding theme. You''ll have no trouble finding a role for candles at the wedding ceremony, at the reception, and even as part of the floral displays.

Unity Candles

Join the growing number of couples who include a unity candle as part of the wedding ceremony. Perhaps you think that unity candles are steeped in a rich history of religious tradition, or perhaps you think that unity candles are the invention of the candle makers to sell an extra candle or 10,000. Neither is the case. The exact evolution of the unity candle is uncertain, but since it began 30-40 years ago, it seems that we have that ever-lively 60s generation to thank for yet another custom that has wormed its way into modern life.

I''d like to propose my own idea of the unity candle''s origin-an unlikely science experiment. You can perform this experiment yourself. Light two tapered candles, or use whatever candles you have handy. Note the height and brilliance of each flame. Now, join the two flames together and look at the single flame. The united flame is taller, stronger and brighter than the sum of the two individual flames. Isn''t that what marriage is supposed to be-a single unit stronger than the sum of its parts?

The most traditional of the variations on the theme is the tall, thick white candle in the center of a candleholder surrounded on each side by a white taper. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom light the center unity candle with the two tapers, creating the stronger flame as a symbol of the stronger unity gained through marriage.

Beyond the traditional unity ceremony, today''s weddings provide the opportunity for many variations, particularly second weddings that include children. If each partner has children, the children may light the unity candles. Sometimes, parents from each family light the unity candle. You''ll want to preserve the moment in a picture, because it''s unlikely you''ll find this level of cooperation again.

If you carry a hand-tied bouquet, incorporate a white taper into the bouquet, and carry the taper up the aisle. The groom can hold his taper until you reach the altar, when you each place your taper into the unity candleholder to accentuate the unity theme.

If your house of worship doesn''t allow unity ceremonies, conduct the ceremony at the reception right before the toast.

Candles for Your Wedding Decor

Consider candles an integral part of your floral displays to add warmth to a sterile reception hall environment. Select your candles first, and then select flowers to complement the candles. If you maintain the candle as the focal point, you''ll spend a lot less money on bridal flowers.

Place a single sculptured candle by the guest book, for example. Incorporate candles into your table displays at the reception. You can actually use candle displays in place of floral displays. Consider the idea of floating candle displays at the center of each table. They''re low enough to allow conversation without talking through flowers.

You''re not limited to white candles. Work the candles into your color scheme: silver and gold for holiday weddings. Nor do you have to limit yourself to unadorned candles. Ribbons add a nice accent to simple candles. Select elegant candles for a formal wedding and less formal sculpted, marbled, or otherwise embellished candles for less formal weddings.

Candles as Wedding Favors

Candles always make nice gifts, and you can capitalize on this by selecting a candle for your wedding favor. A small, beautifully wrapped candle makes a wedding favor that your guests will appreciate and display at home-something to remember your special day.

However you choose to add candles to your wedding, their warm flame will add to the ambiance of an already glowing moment.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for unity & wedding candles and candles in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.', 178, 'Lighting The Way When Two Become One, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'Lighting The Way When Two Become One plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding

Butterfly Releases

Butterfly Releases offer the viewer the chance to see beauty in flight. The viewers have the opportunity to experience the beauty of one of nature''s most symbolic and beautiful creations.

The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings and rebirths. What better way to celebrate the beginning of a new life together than with the releasing of butterflies at your wedding. There is an old Indian legend that tells the story of why the butterfly was created. It is often read at butterfly releases as the guests make a wish and release their butterflies. Butterfly Releases are both magical and momentous. Every release is unique and special just as every wedding, every anniversary, every birthday, and every moment of our life is unique and special. Each of us has been given a beautiful gift of life that we must take the opportunity to experience and enjoy.

Butterflies can be released from the shipping envelopes they arrive in, with every guest having their own butterfly or with only the wedding party having their own release envelope. You may also choose to have a mass release with all of the butterflies placed in one container. Either option is special depending on the effect you are trying to achieve.

Butterflies should only be released outside during daylight hours on a sunny or overcast (not rainy) day with a temperature above 60 degrees. The butterflies should be set free no later than two hours before sunset. This allows the butterflies time to eat and find a hiding place for the night. Releases should be held in areas protected from the wind or the butterflies will quickly disappear. A warm, sunny flower filled area or garden is best. No matter how you choose to release your butterflies, a butterfly release is a beautiful, unusual, and exciting way to celebrate your new life together.

At Butterflies Abound, we offer you the opportunity to experience Beauty in Flight. We offer Wedding Butterflies and Butterfly Releases for Weddings, Anniversaries, Graduations, Memorials, and All of Life''s Memorable Moments. Remember Your Moments and Watch Your Dreams Take Flight.

WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE IBBA AND TAKE PRIDE IN OFFERING ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF BUTTERFLIES FOR YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENTS.

Butterflies Abound spyvcom@atlantic.net http://www.butterfliesabound.com "Watch Your Dreams Take Flight"', 178, 'Butterfly Releases, Marriage-Wedding, Marriage-Wedding articles, Marriage-Wedding information, about Marriage-Wedding, what is Marriage-Wedding, Marriage & Wedding Information', 'Butterfly Releases plus articles and information on Marriage-Wedding