Tag: marriage

Brides Across America Helps Warrior Women Wed

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Free Wedding Dresses for Deserving Servicewomen

There are currently more than 200,000 women serving on active duty in the United States military. This accounts for nearly 15 percent of the troops. The branch that boasts the most women is the Army, with around 74,000. The branch with the smallest number of female recruits is the Marines, with 14,000.

One thing many of these women have in common is that they plan to marry after finishing their tour of duty. For some women overseas, the thought of coming home and starting a family with a loving fiance is one of the few things that sustains them when times get tough. The organization Brides Across America provides a valuable service for these brides to be in the form of free wedding dresses for all female veterans of the armed services.

What Is Brides Across America?

Brides Across America is an organization dedicated to matching the perfect gown to a deserving military bride. Many of the dresses the organization offers are designer pieces that might cost several thousand dollars if they were purchased new. This is out of the price range of many veterans, so Brides Across America allows them the experience of donning a luxurious designer wedding dress.

The organization puts on events twice a year in dress shops across the country, often favoring smaller towns or areas that are a little off the beaten path. Women attending the even do not have to be from the area in which it is being held, so Brides Across America often attracts women from across the country.

Where Do the Dresses Come From?

The wedding dresses the organization offers are donated by boutiques or purchased with funds from financial donors, so there is no cost to the women who want to take part in a Brides Across America event. Some of the financial sponsors boasted by the organization include Microsoft, Samuel Adams Breweries, and Allure Bridals which keeps Brides Across America supplied with a selection of gowns.

Who Is Eligible for a Dress?

Military veterans who served on active duty overseas in the last five years, and who are planning a wedding the next eighteen months can qualify for a gown. Navy veterans who were deployed in international waters also qualify. Brides to be are required to register in advance for the event that they want to attend. On the day of the event, they must present discharge papers or other proof of deployment.

Who Runs the Organization?

Brides Across America is the brainchild of Heidi Janson. Janson is the owner of Tulle Bridals, a massive wedding dress and formal gown shop in Massachusetts. She was inspired to start Brides Across America in 2008 as a way of giving back to military veterans. She furnished the 50 gowns that were given away at the first Brides Across America event from her own store’s stock.

Hundreds of veterans have already received wedding dresses at Brides Across America events around the country. The huge selection of gowns in all sizes an styles ensures that women are all bu guaranteed to find the perfect dress. According to one coordinator for an event, only one woman ever walked away from a Brides Across America event without the perfect dress for her big day.

Wedding for Kermit and Ms Piggy, and Many Others

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There is typically an element of uncertainty in any relationship as to whether a couple will ultimately end up together and get married. In some cases, the drama is more exhaustive than others; Kermit and Ms Piggy are one such example. Their relationship has been a work in progress since the 70’s and has persevered through TV shows, video games, theme park appearances and many movies, including the recently released “Muppets Most Wanted.” Here are some other Hollywood couples who have had their own turbulent relationships.

Carrie and Mr. Big

The relationship of “Sex and the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big held fans of the series captive for six seasons. Many hearts were broken along the way, including Carrie’s several times; most famously when they were supposed to get married and Big left her standing at the altar in a Cinderella wedding gown. At the series’ conclusion Mr. Big follows Carrie to Paris and convinces her to come back to New York so they can be together.

Carrie and Brody

Carrie and Brody from “Homeland” definitely have challenges in their relationship. In this popular Showtime series, she is a CIA officer with a bi-polar disorder and he is a Marine Corp sniper who was previously held captive by Al-Qaeda. There have certainly been cloak and dagger elements to Kermit and Ms Piggy’s relationship, but the Homeland characters may have more riding on the outcome.

Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant

Even though “Scandal’s” President Fitzgerald Grant is the most powerful man on the plant, he and Olivia Pope can’t seem to make their relationship to work, no matter how hard they try. When evaluating relationships with challenges, one that involves a married president trying to have an extramarital affair with a former employee and trying to run the country at the same time is in a class by itself.

Ross and Rachel

No list of “on again off again” relationships would be complete without Rachel and Ross of “Friends.” Their ups and downs were chronicled over 10 years of the hit TV show. In the last season, they finally get their happy ending; Rachel is on her way to Paris to start a new job and Ross convinces her he loves her and gets her to stay in New York.

There are many great relationship sagas; some are personal and private and others play out on the big screen, like the one between Kermit and Ms Piggy. No matter your preferences, it can sometimes be hard to predict which couples will get married and which ones will not.

Crafty Wedding Ideas

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Valentine’s Day has come and gone, flowers are blooming, and the spring sunshine seems to be adding a bit of cheer to the day. With summer now on its way, many happily engaged couples are beginning to plan for their wedding ceremonies. If you are a bride, groom or an online minister, take a look at the following crafty wedding ideas for flowers, decorations, and party favors.

DIY Flowers

While fresh flowers and luscious bouquets can add elegance and beauty to your wedding, you may be able to save a lot of money by building your own flower decorations using silk or paper flowers. If you would like to try creating your own bouquets or decorations, you might want to start stocking up on the following materials:

  • Green floral tape
  • Crepe paper in a variety of colors
  • Floral stem wire
  • Flower and leaf templates
  • Craft glue

You can find a great number of ideas and templates for these flowers on the Internet or in magazines, as paper flowers are becoming very popular! You might find it helpful to start experimenting with different designs before you choose your style. Then you can have flower-making parties with your friends and family so you can make all your flower decorations in advance. By saving money on floral decorations, you may be able to splurge just a bit on the bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonnière.

Mason Jar Center Pieces

Mason jars have become inexpensive components of many crafty wedding ideas as well. You can find these at antique shops or local retailers for very affordable prices. You can tie ribbon around them and place small candles inside to create simple but lovely centerpieces. You can also paint them with glitter, cover them in lace, or place hand cut flowers inside them to create joyful and easy table decorations. You may even find it romantic to glue pieces of sheet music from your own wedding song onto the inside or outside of the jars and adorn them with vintage buttons or small silk flowers.

Party Favors

If you would like your guests to leave your wedding with small party favors of their own, why not send them home with one or two of the following:

  • A small jar of local honey tied up with ribbon and a personalized stamp
  • A small bag tied with ribbon containing the ingredients to make S’mores
  • A mixed CD of songs played at your wedding
  • A small bag of chocolates attached to a card that you and your fiance can sign and say thanks for coming

You do not have to spend much money to create personalized and fun party favors for your guests. Some couples even let their guests take home flowers and centerpieces in order to minimize clean up and storage of these materials.

These crafty wedding ideas offer just a small taste of the many affordable, delightful, and simple ways to decorate, celebrate, and remember your wedding.

Marriage Finances Guide

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Along with their other personality traits, newlyweds come pre-wired with views and behaviors toward money. Because of temperament, the way they were raised, and/or situations that may have occurred in the past, individuals end up with different financial personalities, including savers, spenders, risk takers, and avoiders. Each personality type interacts with the almighty dollar in unique ways. The more open that a couple can be about their marriage finances from the start, the happier their financial lives will probably be.

Savers

Savers don’t feel safe unless they have a large balance in their bank accounts. A couple’s comfort level regarding joint account balances should be discussed upfront. If one person can’t sleep at night without a healthy reserve and the other couldn’t care less about saving, problems are likely to occur. This is the time for compromise and open communication.

Spenders

Spenders love to buy things and often show their affection by bestowing pricey gifts on loved ones. The individuals in this category are often well acquainted with the term “burning a hole in one’s pocket.” These men and women often find comfort in shopping. If they’re not careful, spenders can wind up in debt.

Risk Takers

Risk taking personalities can make or break the bank on a regular basis. These partners might invest in crazy schemes, gamble, or play the stock market. On one hand, they might be quite wealthy, because they play the odds, and sometimes win. But, on the flip side of that coin, they can create havoc with their marriage finances, especially if they are married to savers.

Avoiders

Avoiders just don’t feel comfortable talking about or thinking about budgets, income, or outgo of funds. They may break into cold sweats, leave the room when the subject comes up, or simply clam up and go silent. If either partner falls into this category, he or she will need to loosen up a bit, or there could be some sticky situations ahead.

Marriage finances can be rosiest when each partner understands the other’s money personality. Open communication, trust, and acceptance will go a long way towards marital harmony for savers, spenders, risk takers, and avoiders.

Keep the Romance Alive While Planning Your Big Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

A lot of effort tends to go into planning a large event such as a wedding. From hiring an exceptional caterer to picking out floral arrangements, you may find your focus is entirely fixed on making your big day as perfect as can be. However, this means your attention might be taken away from your significant other. Since the whole reason you’re getting married is because you love and cherish your partner, it is important to find ways to strengthen your connection. Look over these ideas to find inspiration on how to keep the romance alive.

 

Make Time for Other Activities

While there might be a lot of items on your to-do list, planning your wedding should not eat up all of your available time. To keep the fire burning in your relationship, you must consciously dedicate a part of your schedule to activities you can enjoy with your partner. For example, if you both like to play tennis, set aside some time each week when you can go and let off some steam on the court. If you’re avid readers, visit your local library or an independent bookstore to find some new stories.

Watch Movies Centered Around Love

Another easy way to spend time with your significant other is by watching a movie together. Instead of picking any old title from Netflix, look for content that has strong romantic themes. Watching movies centered around love can be a perfect activity for bringing you and your partner closer together. Whether you decide to check out a classic like “Casablanca” or something more modern like “Call Me by Your Name” or “The Notebook,” watching romance movies can easily invigorate the bond you share. 

Buy Cute Gifts for Each Other

It is no secret that putting together a wedding is an expensive endeavor. While you may feel like you don’t have money in the budget for extraneous purchases, it can be important to find some cash for buying each other little gifts of love. A great way to approach this idea is by grabbing presents that get you excited for the big day. Matching robes or hats are good examples of this, as you can have them monogrammed with your initials or a message like “Newlywed #1.”

A gift does not always have to be a physical item, either. Some people prefer experiences as presents. If you have the funds, consider taking a weekend trip to somewhere nearby. This is a lovely way to bond with each other and focus on your relationship instead of your wedding. 

Revisit Your Favorite Memories

If you’re worried about money, it is important to keep in mind that some activities don’t cost a thing. One of the absolute best ways to strengthen the connection you share is by sitting down together and reminiscing. Depending on how long you’ve been together, you likely have accrued many photos and videos from over the years. Now is an ideal time to take a walk back in time and look over all of these cherished moments. 

You can even turn an activity like this into something more substantial. Print out your favorite pictures and arrange them in a scrapbook. Not only will this make for a cherished memento of your relationship, but you can also bring the finished product to your wedding for guests to look over as they enjoy the reception. You may also wish to submit some of these pictures and video clips to your wedding photographer to have them displayed as a slideshow over the course of your event. 

Rediscover Your Love

The whole point of getting married is to share the rest of your life with a person you cannot imagine living without. Keep this in mind while planning your big day and be sure to set aside as much time as possible for strengthening and celebrating your connection.

Uniting Traditions: Wedding Rituals Involving Animals Around the World

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Weddings are not just a union of two people but also a celebration of culture, tradition, and often, the natural world. Among the diverse customs that highlight the global tapestry of wedding traditions, the use of animals in ceremonies stands out. These rituals, which often involve animals, underscore the deep connection between cultural practices and the animal kingdom, reflecting beliefs, bringing good luck, and sometimes even foretelling the newlyweds’ future. 

The White Wedding Horses of India

In India, particularly in Hindu weddings, the groom’s arrival on a white horse is a significant part of the ceremony known as the “Baraat”. The horse, beautifully adorned with vibrant fabrics and sometimes even jewels, symbolizes nobility, purity, and the historical significance of the groom’s journey to his bride. This majestic animal is not only a spectacle for guests but also a bearer of good fortune and prosperity for the couple’s future life together.

The Geese of a Korean Wedding

In traditional Korean weddings, a pair of geese or ducks plays a crucial role. These birds, usually carved from wood or sometimes real, are given by the groom to his mother-in-law in a ritual called “Jeonanrye”. Geese mate for life, so they symbolize fidelity and the commitment the couple is making to each other. This thoughtful gesture highlights the values of loyalty and unity, which are central to Korean family life.

The Black Neck Crane Dance of Bhutan

In Bhutan, the black neck crane is an enduring symbol of peace and longevity, which makes its dance an auspicious sign at weddings. During some ceremonies, dancers wearing crane costumes perform elegant and symbolic dances that are believed to bring blessings and eternal love to the newlyweds. This ritual reflects the deep respect and harmony the Bhutanese people hold for their natural environment and its sacred animals.

The Butterfly Release Ritual

Popular in various countries, including the United States, the release of butterflies at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony is a visually stunning tradition. Each butterfly’s flight symbolizes new beginnings and the hope for a joyful future. This practice not only adds a magical element to the celebration but also embodies the transformation the couple undergoes as they start their new life together.

The Camel Processions of Rajasthan

In the desert landscapes of Rajasthan, India, camels are integral to local weddings. Decorated in colorful attire and sometimes painted, camels feature in large processions that celebrate the journey of the groom to the wedding venue. These animals are not only practical in the sandy terrains but are also considered symbols of love and endurance, reflecting the long-lasting nature of the marriage being celebrated.

Sheep at Scottish Weddings

In some rural parts of Scotland, it’s considered good luck for the wedding procession to cross paths with a sheep. Sheep are symbols of innocence and abundance, and encountering one on the wedding day is believed to ensure a fruitful and prosperous marriage. In these communities, the presence of a sheep is a welcome sight at any wedding procession, embodying hopes for both wealth and a growing family.

The Role of Elephants in Thai Ceremonies

In Thailand, elephants are often part of the wedding day, especially in traditional ceremonies in regions where these majestic creatures are revered. The elephant is considered a symbol of strength, good luck, and prosperity. Having an elephant at a wedding is believed to bless the union with these qualities, especially if the couple gets an opportunity to feed and interact with the animal during the ceremony.

These wedding rituals featuring animals highlight the richness of cultural diversity and the various ways in which societies value and respect the natural world. They remind us that animals are not only vital to our ecosystems but are deeply ingrained in our cultural expressions and celebrations of life’s significant moments. Each tradition, with its unique symbolism and significance, adds to the depth and beauty of the matrimonial union, making the ceremony memorable not just for the couple but for all who participate.

Post-Wedding Rites in Different Cultures

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Weddings are a union of two individuals and a fusion of traditions, customs, and cultures. While the wedding ceremony often garners the most attention, post-wedding rites can be equally fascinating and significant. These rites, which vary widely across different cultures, integrate the couple into their new roles and families and often carry deep symbolic meanings. Let’s explore some of the unique and diverse post-wedding rites from around the world.

Hindu Post-Wedding Rites

Vidaai (Farewell Ceremony)

In Hindu weddings, the Vidaai marks the bride’s departure from her parental home. This emotionally charged rite signifies the bride’s transition to her new family. The bride’s family blesses her, and she often throws rice over her shoulder as she leaves, symbolizing prosperity for her parents’ home.

Griha Pravesh (Entering the New Home)

Once the bride arrives at the groom’s house, a Griha Pravesh ceremony is performed. The bride is welcomed by her new family, often with an Aarti (a ritual of worship) and a traditional game where she kicks over a pot of rice at the entrance, symbolizing the ushering in of prosperity and abundance into her new home.

Chinese Post-Wedding Rites

Tea Ceremony

In Chinese culture, the tea ceremony is an integral post-wedding ritual. The newlyweds serve tea to the groom’s family as a gesture of respect and gratitude. This rite also signifies the bride’s acceptance into the groom’s family. The family members, in return, give gifts or red envelopes filled with money to the couple as blessings.

Three-Day Return

Three days after the wedding, the bride returns to her parental home with her husband. This visit, known as “hui men,” is a formal recognition of the bride’s new status as a married woman and allows her to introduce her husband to her family.

Jewish Post-Wedding Rites

Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)

In Jewish tradition, the Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings, continue for seven days after the wedding. Each night, friends and family gather for festive meals, and the Seven Blessings are recited over wine. This period of joy and celebration reinforces the community’s role in the couple’s life.

Yichud (Seclusion)

Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom retreat to a private room for Yichud. This seclusion allows the couple to share their first moments alone together as husband and wife, symbolizing their new private life.

African Post-Wedding Rites

Libation Ceremony

In many African cultures, post-wedding rites include a libation ceremony, where elders pour a drink, often water or alcohol, onto the ground to honor ancestors and seek their blessings for the newlyweds. This ritual underscores the importance of ancestral approval and guidance in the couple’s new journey.

Knocking Ceremony

Among the Akan people of Ghana, the post-wedding “knocking” ceremony is a time for the groom’s family to formally introduce the groom to the bride’s extended family. This event is marked by speeches, gift exchanges, and shared meals, solidifying the union between the two families.

Native American Post-Wedding Rites

Blanket Ceremony

In some Native American traditions, a blanket ceremony is performed after the wedding. The couple is wrapped in a single blanket, symbolizing their unity and the warmth of their new life together. This rite represents the couple’s commitment to support and protect each other.

The Stomp Dance

For tribes like the Cherokee, the Stomp Dance is a communal event that often follows the wedding. This dance is a celebration of community and harmony, with the newlyweds participating alongside their family and friends, reinforcing their place within the tribe.

Post-wedding rites across different cultures reflect the rich tapestry of human traditions and the universal significance of marriage. These rituals, whether they involve ceremonial tea, ancestral blessings, or communal dances, highlight the importance of family, community, and tradition in the lives of newlyweds. By understanding and appreciating these diverse practices, we gain insight into the myriad ways love and commitment are honored around the world.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selecting Your Wedding Favors

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While it is not a required part of your wedding, many couples find that giving out favors to guests is a wonderful way to make their special days even more memorable. Naturally, selecting the right favors is far from a simple or straightforward task. If you’re struggling to find the right presents for your family and friends, take a moment to look at these tips. By avoiding some common favor mistakes, you will have an easier time picking out favors that will impress guests and make you feel content. 

Go for Something Special

If you Google “wedding favor ideas,” you will undoubtedly come across list after list of the same ideas. While there is nothing wrong with giving something commonplace to your guests, you may want to stand out. The whole concept of the favor is to give out gifts that thank them for taking part in this important milestone in your lives. By handing out something generic, you are letting go of an opportunity to really shine. 

Try not to gravitate towards basic items that have been personalized with your names. While it might be cute, your guests likely aren’t going to be impressed by custom pens, koozies, shot glasses, or other items that can be found at a job fair.

Make It Practical for Travel

Next, you must consider the size of the favor itself. While it might be a cute idea to give your guests custom throw pillows, these might be too cumbersome for your friends and family to travel with. Since plenty of your guests will be coming from places near and far, you need to think about items that are easy to toss in the car or take on public transportation. Anything too bulky should be avoided for the convenience of your loved ones. 

It is also important to avoid anything fragile. Materials like glass are not great for travel and greatly increase the odds of the items breaking while in transit. 

Consider the Level of Work

In the last decade or so, DIY favors have grown in popularity. While this can be a fantastic way to save money, many people forget how much work is involved when it comes to making favors by hand. If you are scouring Pinterest for ideas and seeing some DIY gifts that you think would be perfect, be sure to sit down and look at how much work will be involved before you settle on your final option. 

When considering this option, be sure to think over the amount of effort you will need to put in. Take to heart factors like how much the materials will cost, how much time is involved in assembly, and how many guests you will need to make favors for. 

Make It Accessible

A lot of couples assume that their favors need to be customized with details about the wedding. While this is cute, it actually is much less practical than many people realize. If you give your guests monogrammed handkerchiefs with your initials, it makes it less likely that the person will use the item. Having someone else’s name or wedding date printed on an item makes it feel more like a “collectible,” meaning it will be tossed on a shelf, in a box, or in the trash.

If you want guests to use the gifts you give them, then you need to make them appealing. Keep the designs simple and avoid too much customization and it can go a long way.

Select What Works Best

There are several ways you can go about selecting appropriate favors for your wedding. As long as the gifts capture your gratitude, you will be able to impress your family and friends while simultaneously adding to the overall aesthetic of your big day.

A Quick Guide To Selecting the Right Wedding Music

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According to William Shakespeare, music is the food of love. It seems these sentiments are as true today as they were in 1601, as it is hard to envision a romantic setting without the presence of some kind of soundtrack. If you’re planning your wedding, then you likely are spending a lot of time deciding what music should be used throughout the event. From the tune you walk down the aisle to, the first dance song, to the jams played by the DJ, each choice will help to set the right mood. Pick the right music with these tips.

Selecting Your Entertainment

Before deciding on the exact songs that will be played throughout the event, you must have your entertainment set in stone. Specifically, it is important to know whether you will be using a DJ or a live band. While both options should be able to meet your needs, a band might need advance notice on specific songs you would like played. A DJ, conversely, should be able to use the internet to pull up any obscure tune you’d like at a moment’s notice. Once you’ve got your choice booked, it is time to look at song options.

Start With What You Know

Just as it is best to start a to-do list by writing down a task you’ve already completed and checking it off, you should start picking wedding songs by focusing on what you already know you want. If you and your partner have a song that you absolutely want played for your first dance, write it down and move on to the next. This will make you feel like you’re making progress, even if you’re struggling to select music for certain parts of the celebration. 

It can also be useful to start by picking the songs for the “big” moments of the event. Think about what songs you’d like played when the wedding party enters the venue or what tunes would make the most sense when you cut the cake. 

Please the Crowd

While you should absolutely go with songs that align with your tastes, you must also be mindful of the crowd. Group dances at weddings might seem cheesy or cliche, but songs like “The Electric Slide” and “Cha-Cha Shuffle” get people out of their seats and on the dance floor. In fact, you’re most likely to get people of all ages dancing when you play these songs. While it might not be “cool,” be sure to play a mix of these songs throughout the event to keep all of your guests in good spirits. 

Additionally, be mindful of how obscure your music selection gets. Even though it is your big day, try to include a mix of popular tracks and songs that align with your tastes. This will keep the energy levels high and encourage people to dance.

Allow Requests

Finally, it is usually a wise idea to allow guests to make requests throughout the event. If a friend or family member thinks that a certain song will improve the vibe of the reception or get more people dancing, then provide the ability to get that tune played. Most entertainers will have no problem with requests, but you should still discuss it with the vendor in advance. Too many requests can throw off the DJ’s own playlists, so giving a bit of advance notice can help with timing out the music. 

Get Up and Dance

Picking the right songs for your wedding might take a bit of time, but there are plenty of ways to discover tunes that bring your event to life. As long as the music you choose gets everyone on the dance floor, you’ve made the right choice.

Keep the Romance Alive While Planning Your Big Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

A lot of effort tends to go into planning a large event such as a wedding. From hiring an exceptional caterer to picking out floral arrangements, you may find your focus is entirely fixed on making your big day as perfect as can be. However, this means your attention might be taken away from your significant other. Since the whole reason you’re getting married is because you love and cherish your partner, it is important to find ways to strengthen your connection. Look over these ideas to find inspiration on how to keep the romance alive.

 

Make Time for Other Activities

While there might be a lot of items on your to-do list, planning your wedding should not eat up all of your available time. To keep the fire burning in your relationship, you must consciously dedicate a part of your schedule to activities you can enjoy with your partner. For example, if you both like to play tennis, set aside some time each week when you can go and let off some steam on the court. If you’re an avid reader, visit your local library or an independent bookstore to find some new stories.

Watch Movies Centered Around Love

Another easy way to spend time with your significant other is by watching a movie together. Instead of picking any old title from Netflix, look for content that has strong romantic themes. Watching movies centered around love can be a perfect activity for bringing you and your partner closer together. Whether you decide to check out a classic like “Casablanca” or something more modern like “Call Me by Your Name” or “The Notebook,” watching romance movies can easily invigorate the bond you share. 

Buy Cute Gifts for Each Other

It is no secret that putting together a wedding is an expensive endeavor. While you may feel like you don’t have money in the budget for extraneous purchases, it can be important to find some cash for buying each other little gifts of love. A great way to approach this idea is by grabbing presents that get you excited for the big day. Matching robes or hats are good examples of this, as you can have them monogrammed with your initials or a message like “Newlywed #1.”

A gift does not always have to be a physical item, either. Some people prefer experiences as presents. If you have the funds, consider taking a weekend trip to somewhere nearby. This is a lovely way to bond with each other and focus on your relationship instead of your wedding. 

Revisit Your Favorite Memories

If you’re worried about money, it is important to keep in mind that some activities don’t cost a thing. One of the absolute best ways to strengthen the connection you share is by sitting down together and reminiscing. Depending on how long you’ve been together, you likely have accrued many photos and videos from over the years. Now is an ideal time to take a walk back in time and look over all of these cherished moments. 

You can even turn an activity like this into something more substantial. Print out your favorite pictures and arrange them in a scrapbook. Not only will this make for a cherished memento of your relationship, but you can also bring the finished product to your wedding for guests to look over as they enjoy the reception. You may also wish to submit some of these pictures and video clips to your wedding photographer to have them displayed as a slideshow throughout your event. 

Rediscover Your Love

The whole point of getting married is to share the rest of your life with a person you cannot imagine living without. Keep this in mind while planning your big day and be sure to set aside as much time as possible for strengthening and celebrating your connection.