Hummingbird

Mayeb this one for "Unity"? When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfil. Oh, and maybe "Happiness" could be another one?

Here is another website with ceremony readings that you could take excerpts from... WEDDING CEREMONY READINGS

Don't know if these are repeats, but: Faith Hope Truth Unity/Union Marriage The Art of Marriage A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage the little things are the big things… It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once each day. It is never going to bed angry. It is having a mutual set of values and common objectives It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle that gathers in the whole family. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner, It is being the right partner. --Wilfred Peterson P.S. I know that's kinda long; you could use only part of it..

This is a completely different direction, but we named tables for places we had been while dating, and then included a little story about it. So, Table "One" was named for where we went on our first date (Compass Room) all the way around the room to the head table, which was named for where Andrew proposed. It's another idea, anyway. I'll think about your category of names, and see if I can come up with something.

I don't know if anyone here is doing this, but I love the engagement photo mat guestbook. For those who don't know, you enlarge an engagement photo to 11x14 or larger, and then frame it with an extra wide mat. You leave the glass off, and the guests sign around the photo on the mat. Note! If you leave the frame off for signing, make sure you put photo or painting tape around the edges where the frame will be, and write "Don't sign here". Otherwise, people end up signing on the edge and it gets covered up by the frame later on. Another idea that's great for destination weddings, (although people usually have a regular guest book in addition to this) is to buy postcards from your destination. At the reception, your guests leave well-wishes on them. Then, you have someone (coordinator, mother, friend) send the postcards to you throughout your first year of marriage.

I have a number of different wedding day timelines I could attach; this one is ridiculously detailed, but if you want an idea of how a full day flowed, this is it. I don't do them in Excel b/c I find that it's almost more confusing that way. (And for those wondering, no, the bridemaids and groomsmen don't have a timeline as detailed as this! I just basically write out where they need to be, and when.) For future reference, if anyone needs help with their timeline, I'd be glad to help! (Maybe I'll start a timeline thread...) Disclaimer: I changed and deleted some of the names in the Timeline, to protect the bride and groom. N and M WeddingDayTimeline attch.doc

Quote: Originally Posted by RAENJAY I say think of those odd things that you never buy for yourself and maybe give a few suggestions that way. I think that's a good idea. Yes, people should be able to think of gifts on their own, but for some people it can be hard to think of things that you would like. I'm sure they don't want you to have to return a bunch of gifts. I mean, it's hard enough for me to figure out what my whole family would like for Christmas - and they're my family! Maybe think of things around the house that could use replacing or upgrading. (New towels, luxury sheets, etc.) Or, just do a "personal" (ie lingerie, or bath products/perfumes/lotions, etc.) shower - if you are comfortable with that.

Ditto chiffon. I would stay away from satin or polyester.

I looked at the pic you posted - does it have sleeves at all, or is it completely sleeveless? Do you know what material it's made of? Silk, tulle, lace, etc. If I don't find it in my magazines, I can call a couple of couture bridal salons near me. I should wait until Monday, though - they get really crabby if you call them on a busy Saturday just to ask about a dress! I've found gowns for people, before, though. Don't worry, I'm sure between me and the other girls here, we can help you locate it!

Or, you could try this: The Knot Message Boards (Shh! Don't tell anyone I sent you to that website... ) Disclaimer: It's actually just a "bio" of Romona's gowns.

I can look in one of my many bride's magazines, too! What does the neckline look like? Does it have sleeves? Off-the-shoulder?

Sarah, that's funny, I feel the exact same way! And actually, I used to take my engagement ring off when we first got married, and then I misplaced it twice and freaked out, so I quit doing that. Our jeweler told me that it's better to just keep it on - you're way more likely to lose it if you are constantly taking it off. And, if you get it checked by a jeweler every six months or so, to make sure the setting is in good shape, you shouldn't have to worry about losing a stone. I actually got a platinum ring b/c it IS stronger than gold, and b/c I wanted to be able to wear mine out with the horses and stuff. Haven't had a problem yet...crossing fingers...and yes, mine is insured!

Honestly, I would hesitate to put them in the safe. I think your best bet is to just not let them out of your site. I don't know if your rings fit on the other hand, but you could always just wear them on your right hands until the ceremony. I know that might be weird, but it's better than losing them! I am paranoid about the rings on the wedding day when I do weddings, and I usually get them from the bride and groom and keep them with me until the ceremony time, and then either give them to the ringbearer (THAT wedding made me nervous!) or the best man. I just don't want them falling out of a pocket, etc. Better safe than sorry!

I've never heard of that one, but I have heard lots of great reviews about Pearl's Place. They do online business, too: Pearl's Place Also, be sure to check the Better Business Bureau for info on any bridal salon you are considering, whether online or not. There are a couple salons in Phoenix and Scottsdale with horrible reputations, but innocent brides get scammed all the time.

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM How long did it take your stylist to do your hair and Makeup? I had a separate makeup artist, and a hairstylist. (I had Nya do my hair and my friends' hair if they wanted it, and the makeup artist had 3 of us to do. If you have more than 2 or 3 people needing hair and makeup, I definitely recommend getting a second person!) I think it took about an hour for my makeup, and at least 1 1/2 hours for my hair - I have LOTS of hair, and she put it up in rollers before she even started styling it. Like Rebecca said, allow yourself more time than you think you will need for hair and makeup - it's not worth it to be stressed out and running around at the last minute. Also, although people probably know this - if you are doing an updo, don't wash your hair the morning of the wedding. It's much easier to style "dirty" hair (not literally dirty, but you know!) than it is to style freshly washed hair. The style also tends to stay better. Oh, and if you can, definitely do a trial. I knew exactly what I wanted, and I had photos, but it was still good that we did a trial, b/c I had her change a couple of things for the actual wedding hairstyle. Even if you have to go to your local hairstylist, do that - and just take lots of photos for whoever does your hair at your DW.

Quote: Originally Posted by mexico15 and I am unable to lift my arms more than half way w/o the strips digging in to my arm and feeling like they are going to pop! As long as my hands are down, i will be albe to dance...just not the swinging stuff Eric and I like to do. I do think the dress is gorgeous! I had a similar style dress on top, only the straps were slightly more "on" my shoulders. While dancing, I could raise my arms just fine. Maybe ask your seamstress if she can move them slightly, so they don't rest so much on your arms. Or, if they are a bit big and you have enough room, what about attaching some hidden elastic underneath, so that the straps have some "give" and don't feel like they will break when you raise your arms? I know you said you were thinking of a halter style top, but I think that dress looks very classic! But go ahead and go shopping and see if you find something else, either to wear at just the reception, or both reception and ceremony. Don't stress, it'll be ok!

I'm so sorry about your dress! Yeah, that does kinda suck that you don't like it. I'm going to be honest with you and say that if you really don't like it, get a new one. There were a couple of little wedding details that I didn't fix (not my dress) before our wedding, and while they were really insignificant compared to everything else, to this day I still wish we had gone back and gotten the items we really wanted. So IMHO, a dress is much more important, and if you don't like it, look for one that you really love. I also understand about the dancing; I had to get a dress that I could dance in, and if you can't raise your arms, that's a big deal! One thought - is there any way the current dress can be altered, or the lacey part changed so that you can raise your arms? Also, sometimes you can add beading to a dress. I did that with mine; it had absolutely none, but it did have beautiful embroidery, so I just added beads in the embroidery to add some sparkle. I dunno, it's a thought. Try Ebay (add a reserve, though) or there is also a site for selling upscale wedding dresses: Used wedding dresses. New, sample & used designer gowns. Buy & sell online. They have all kinds of dresses on there; sometimes that site is better than Ebay. You could even look there for your own dream dress! I think 3 months is enough time, personally, even if it has to be an off-the rack dress. Also, some shops CAN rush the dress order. They always tell brides that they must have 6 months to order, but sometimes they can rush things. I got a bridesmaid's dress from David's Bridal in a week one time, when I needed it right away. So, it never hurts to ask. (And I was only engaged for 4 months, found my dress off the rack and I loved it!) Oh, and I don't know if any girls on here have ever used this shop, but Pearl's Place has a good reputation, too: Pearl's Place Hope that helps! Don't worry, you'll find something!

I think the design just needs to be lower, so it's easier to see in the candlelight. Also, I have seen luminaries where they "roll" the top of the bag down a couple of inches, so it looks shorter. You could do that instead of cutting it. Other than that, I think it looks great - cute design!

We had a plated dinner for our wedding, and we really liked it. We had 3 choices for entrees: salmon, prime rib, or chicken. Almost all weddings I had been to had been buffet, and we wanted something different. I think both are nice, but I also think that it can take way too long for a buffet if you have too many guests. I went to a wedding last year with 250 guests, and they only had ONE line for the buffet, so it literally took 2 1/2 hours for everyone to get dinner. It was ridiculous, and those of us in the far tables were starving by the time we finally got food. So, if you are having a big wedding, be careful with how they set up the buffet. As far as if it looks elegant, yes, I think a buffet can look elegant. I agree with Janet about the white linens - if they set it up that way, with different levels, and votive candles and rose petals, it can look quite classy. Also, some places have really nice chafing dishes - the polished silver kind look more elegant than the stainless steel. Just ask your caterer for pics of what they use.

Y'know, I kinda like the arch! I think it gives you a nice "frame" for pictures, makes it look like a wedding, etc. I have seen ones that have more greenery, and less tulle, though, and I like those better. If you can add more tropical greenery and a few flowers, I think it ties in nicely with a tropical/island beach wedding. JMHO!

Quote: Originally Posted by weez Ok so heres another one for you guys! Not sure if someone asked already so sorry if you did, but, as far as the actual marriage goes, do any of you feel that there is a difference in your relationships now that you are hubby and wife? Have heard that no matter how much you think it wont, the day to day dynamics change? True? Thanks guys! Oh yeah, things changed for us! It was definitely in a good way, though. There is so much more security and trust in our relationship - not that there wasn't before, but it just gets deeper once you are married and have that commitment. Personally, I think things should change a bit - marriage is about connecting two people, on every level. I will say, also, that we didn't live together before we were married, so things were quite different from that perspective, too. We had tons of fun coming back from the honeymoon and setting up my house together, unpacking his things, using new wedding gifts, etc. I think it just adds an extra dimension if the living together part is new, too. (Don't worry, I'm not flaming anybody for living together first! I know tons of people do that, I'm just saying it worked well for us...)

I love gerbera daisies! I think it would look fine if you wanted to do gerberas for the bouquets, and roses for the bouts. Gerberas are just so much more fragile than roses, as far as using them for the guys. It does look nice, though! Anyway, I'm going to try to post my bouquet. Please don't laugh, though! I wanted a "traditional" cascade bouquet, but I neglected to tell the florist just how big I wanted it. I was picturing this nice, petite cascade with a few lillies and roses, but when I saw it on the wedding day, it was HUGE, lol! It was beautiful, though, so I was fine with it, but a word of advice - let your florist know what size you want, if you are doing something out of the ordinary, or different from a simple, hand tied 1-2 dozen rose bouquet.

No, no, no! Stop replying to this thread! It keeps popping up that way! Is there any way to suppress a thread? lol...

A friend recently hired a string quartet; they played as the guests were arriving, for the processional, candle ceremony, and recessional, and then they played during the cocktail hour. And yes, I think you have to pay them for the entire time they are there, regardless of how much they play during the ceremony. Personally, I think you should definitely have music as the guests are arriving, and during the cocktail hour. I loved her string quartet, but I'm partial to that kind of music. We had a DJ for our ceremony (way cheaper!), and had him play specific songs from CDs. From your list, I like the idea of the Caribbean trio or the guitarist.

Ok, I had to finally click on this so the stupid thing would stop showing up in my "unread meassages", reminding me that I haven't exercised in 3 days. Ok, ok! I get it already! I'll go walking in the morning...