Tag: wedding planning

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.

Weird Weddings

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Saying, “I Do” to Weird Weddings

When most people dream of their wedding day, they imagine a white dress, a picturesque location, and a delicious cake. For some, this means living out one of the happiest days of their lives in an incredibly unique, and sometimes downright wacky ways. Here are a few weird weddings from some of the most imaginative brides and grooms out there.

You May Now Bite the Bride

With the rise of Twilight, so came the romantic notions of the vampire themed wedding. While some couples pay homage to the series with a Halloween ceremony date and a set of fangs, a few couples take the term “’til death do us part” seriously with a completely ghoulish extravaganza. From being driven up to the ceremony site in a hearse to sporting pale-faced make-up and bloodstains, these couples take weird weddings to the dark side.

I Need a Hero

While a few individuals can never get enough of their favorite comic book heroes, some couples take it to the extreme with a superhero themed wedding. One couple from Devon, England, brought this theme to the next level as they dressed up as Batman and Wonder Woman to recite their vows in front of friends and family. Of course, their guests were also dressed to impress as they donned the recognizable costumes of characters such as the Joker, Yoda, and the entire cast of The Incredibles.

Level Up

Video game themed weddings continue to gain popularity as the gaming industry thrives. Some couples are content to say “I Do” with small hints of their favorite games littered about their ceremony and reception site. Others take the theme very seriously and focus their entire day on recreating their beloved digital world. Ranging from Mario and Princess Peach ceremonies, to Halo themed weddings full of patrons sporting full body armor, some imaginative gamers have very unique ways of celebrating their special day.

When commemorating their union, some couples choose to start their lives together in the most unique and unusual ways. While these weird weddings are not for everyone, they certainly create a memorable day for couples and patrons alike.

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.

Wedding Gift Ideas All Couples Will Adore

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While being invited to a wedding can be an honor, it does come with a handful of responsibilities. Above all else, you will be expected to bring a gift to the event. Though it can seem like a simple task, some couples are harder to buy for than others. Thankfully, there are plenty of fantastic ideas out there to get your wheels turning. When there is no registry, and you want to provide more than a simple cash present, these gift options will be sure to please even the most discerning of couples. 

Start With the Kitchen

According to experts, the kitchen tends to be the room that sees the most use in any home. If you’re looking for a practical present that the couple will actually try out, kitchen gadgets are the way to go. Consider something classic like a cutting-edge toaster that offers a variety of finishes for warmed bread. If you want your present to stand out, then an idea like a home pizza oven might be the perfect fit. From measuring cups to a French press, there are countless kitchen appliances and gadgets that make for excellent wedding presents. 

Think Outside the Box

Items that can be used around the house tend to make for the best wedding gifts. However, sometimes you need to think outside the box in order to find the perfect fit. For example, you can help the married couple feel safe and sound in a new space by gifting them a smart video doorbell from a trusted brand like Ring, Google, or Arlo. Similarly, a digital photo frame is a perfect present for a couple with a lot of images to share and limited wall space to hang pictures on. 

Offer a Touch of Luxury

A present does not always need to be practical in order for it to be a perfect fit. In fact, some of the best gifts you can offer a married couple are those that provide a touch of luxury to their lives. A towel warmer is a great example of this, helping couples to stay nice and warm after a shower by delivering toasty towels. Another great choice is a new set of sheets for their bed. New linens can completely transform the way a bed feels, which can be perfectly symbolic after a couple ties the knot. 

Improve the Honeymoon Experience

To really help your gift stand out, consider providing the couple with an item that they can put to immediate use while traveling for their honeymoon. Bluetooth speakers are ideal for this arrangement, allowing couples the chance to play their favorite tunes while soaking up some sun on a tropical beach. A GoPro camera can be a wonderful item to give adventurous couples. These durable digital cameras are made for people who love to live on the edge and are a perfect fit for anyone who wants to document their wild and exciting excursions. 

Deliver a Chance To Make Memories

When a couple already has everything they need, it can be difficult to figure out what kind of wedding gift to buy them. Instead of looking at physical items, it can be a better idea to offer a unique experience. For food lovers, grab a gift certificate to a local restaurant you think the couple will enjoy and provide them with a chance to have an intimate date night after the excitement from the wedding has worn off. Consider the interests of the couple, and you’ll easily find an experience-based present that will make them smile. 

Discover the Perfect Present

Finding a gift for a couple you care about can often prove challenging. As long as you take time to research your options, you should have no trouble discovering a perfect present the couple will be sure to adore.

Pros and Cons of Eloping

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Are you overwhelmed by the idea of hosting hundreds of people at a grand wedding? Eloping is a romantic alternative that can save you time and lower your stress. Of course, there are still pros and cons to consider before making your final decision about how you want to get married. As a couple contemplating elopement, you’ll find this guide invaluable in navigating the complexities of such a choice.

Pro # 1: Intimacy and Romance

Eloping offers a level of intimacy and romance that is hard to replicate in a traditional wedding setting. There’s a unique sense of closeness when it’s just the two of you exchanging vows in a secluded spot far from the crowd. 

When you’re away from everyone else, you can create a ceremony that is personal and meaningful. You can choose whether or not to include religious and spiritual elements or simply honor your love by reading each other a letter.

Pro #2: Reduced Stress and Costs

Planning a traditional wedding can be a logistical nightmare and a financial strain. Eloping eliminates much of this stress. There are no guest lists to manage, no seating charts to agonize over, and no need to break the bank on a lavish reception. The money saved can be used for other important life goals, such as buying a home or embarking on a dream honeymoon.

Pro #3: Flexibility and Freedom

If you plan to elope, you will enjoy far more flexibility and freedom than you would planning a large wedding. You won’t have to worry about choosing a venue or church that can hold your guests, which will give you many location options.

The same freedom applies to your choice for the time of day and time of year. There are no rules to follow except those you set for yourselves. You could get married at sunrise on a tiny beach in Thailand or exchange vows on the Cliffs of Dover in early spring. The options are endless.

Con #1: Missing Family and Friends

A significant downside of eloping is that you may miss having your friends and family by your side. Getting married is a big deal, and sharing that milestone with those you love makes it more special.

You always have the option of inviting a few people to your elopement. You could include your parents, a mentor, or a handful of close friends. Just because you want to elope doesn’t mean you can’t have a couple of your loved ones with you.

Con #2: Lack of Wedding Traditions

Most elopements lack many of the wedding traditions you might be used to. If you have always dreamed of making a grand entrance, walking down the aisle, having a first dance, cutting a cake, and more, then you might feel disappointed when you elope. This is even more true if you want to honor your religious, spiritual, or cultural background.

Con #3: Working Through Legal Issues

You might have to work through challenging legal issues and other logistical concerns to elope.  If you want to elope outside of your home country, research the marriage laws and regulations of your ideal destination. Many countries still don’t allow legal same-sex marriages, so that may limit your options if you’re a queer couple.

Finding Your Path to Happily Ever After

The decision to elope or have a traditional wedding is deeply personal. It doesn’t mean you have to exclude your loved ones or forgo your favorite wedding traditions. What matters most is that your wedding day reflects your love story and creates lasting memories that you both cherish.

Whether you choose to elope or not, make sure it’s a decision that resonates with you and your partner because it will set the stage for your new life together.

A Guide for Planning an Intimate Wedding

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Grand, extravagant weddings get a lot of attention on social media, but there are so many other ways to get married. Intimate weddings have become a popular choice for couples seeking a more personal and meaningful celebration. If you choose an intimate or small wedding, you will have the chance to get creative while focusing on your love and those who are closest to you. This guide has all the info you need to plan the perfect intimate wedding.

Crafting Your Vision

Because you don’t have to follow any prescribed big-wedding traditions, your vision will mean everything when planning a small wedding event. You’ll have to start with big-picture concepts that both you and your partner agree on. Do you want a rustic outdoor celebration, an elegant indoor affair, or something entirely different? Consider the season, location, and overall atmosphere that resonates with both of you. Your vision will serve as the foundation for all your wedding decisions.

Deciding on Your Guest List

Unlike larger weddings, you will need to limit your guest list if you want to achieve the perfect intimate wedding. If you have a large family with many extended branches, you’ll have to pick and choose who to invite. Alternatively, you could keep one aspect of your wedding intimate, such as the ceremony, but still hold a large-scale reception for all the other family members.

If your dream is to have a small wedding, you will need to communicate your vision and desires to the people you care about. You might find that the people who love you are a lot more understanding than you expected.

Choosing a Location

Choosing a location can help you curate your vision for an intimate wedding. If you go for a destination wedding that is far from home, you will find that fewer people choose to attend, which will automatically limit your guest list. On the other hand, you can opt for venues closer to home such as a local beach, park, or your own backyard. The venue needs to align with your vision and accommodate you and your guests comfortably. Intimate weddings often take place in smaller, more unique locations, such as a charming garden, a cozy barn, or a historic inn.

Personalizing Your Ceremony and Reception

Intimate weddings offer the perfect opportunity to infuse your personality into every aspect of the celebration. Consider having a friend or family member officiate your wedding or invite a non-denominational minister. During the ceremony, you can read your own vows and involve close friends and family in special roles. This gives you an opportunity to share your unique love story and highlight what makes your relationship special.

For the reception, you can get as involved or be as hands-off as you want. It’s not uncommon for intimate receptions to take place at a restaurant or family member’s home. These options often relieve financial and logistical stress but might feel too disconnected from your vision. In that case, exploring catering options for small groups might be the way to go.

Capturing the Moments

Every wedding is a collection of moments that tell the story of your love. With an intimate wedding, you have the advantage of spending quality time with your guests, which creates more opportunities for candid and meaningful moments. Hire a photographer and videographer who specialize in capturing the essence of small, intimate gatherings, or ask friends and family members to step in with their own devices and share the photos and videos with you online.

Organizing an intimate wedding allows you to prioritize what truly matters: your love and the people you hold dear. Embrace the intimacy of the occasion and savor each memory. Remember that your wedding day can be as unique as your love story, and it can be whatever you want it to be.

Make Sustainability Your Wedding Theme With These Ideas

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It is hard to deny the impact that climate change is having on the planet. While big corporations and organizations are causing the most damage to the planet through large-scale disasters that are never actually remedied, consumers tend to take on the responsibility of correcting the scales. One way average people do this is by focusing on sustainability. If you’re someone who cares about the environment, you may want to find ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your big day. Review these ideas and see how you can cultivate an eco-friendly event. 

The Invitations

The journey to a green wedding begins long before the special day arrives. You have several alternatives available to you when it comes to traditional paper invitations, for example. If you want to ditch paper altogether, consider switching to a digital method of delivery. It might seem less “polished” to send your wedding invites through email, but it is a fantastic way to reduce your wedding’s overall carbon footprint. Plus, you’re likely to receive faster and more reliable responses when you use an online portal to keep track of guests. 

If you’re beholden to the idea of traditional invitations, consider using paper alternatives. “Seed paper” is great for this. Basically, this is paper that is made with plant seeds woven throughout. After a guest receives the invite, he or she can plant it in the ground or a pot and watch as a lovely bit of greenery blooms in their space. 

The Venue

Where you host your event can also have a big impact on how eco-friendly your nuptials turn out. You should aim to use a venue that follows practices that align with your views on sustainability. For example, recycling might be very important for you. While it is a legal requirement for businesses in some areas, not all counties require companies to recycle. This means you should speak with the venue coordinator in advance and ask any questions that pertain to your core beliefs surrounding eco-friendly solutions. 

There are a number of great resources online to help you find businesses that care about the environment. One of the biggest databases can be found through the United States Government’s Library of Congress website. Their list of “Green Businesses” includes a plethora of profiles, articles, and news sources about sustainable businesses around the country.

The Decor

Another area to focus on when you’re thinking about sustainable wedding practices is decor. The flowers you pick for your wedding can play a big part in how much of an impact your event has on the planet. If you select flowers that are grown in another part of the world, then you’re putting more strain on the environment by picking plants that need to be shipped via various methods from one location to another. Instead, try to focus on flowers that are sourced locally. 

Another smart option with your flowers is to pick plants that are currently in season. Not only is this a green practice, it can save you a good chunk of change. Flowers that are in bloom are easier to source, meaning they don’t usually cost as much as flowers that grow during different times of the year. 

The Food

Think about food in the same way you think about your floral arrangements. Opt for caterers that use meat and ingredients that are sourced locally. This will reduce your carbon footprint and also help you support businesses in your area. What’s more, you tend to get more delicious and fresh meals when you follow this concept. 

The Future

There are plenty of ways to make your wedding align with your personal views about the environment. As long as you think about all of the ideas available to you, you’ll have no trouble reducing your event’s impact on the planet.

How To Use Perfume To Make Your Wedding Day Memorable

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On your wedding day, every detail, from the dress to the decorations, will stick in your memory for years to come. One often-overlooked aspect that can significantly enhance your wedding experience is perfume. The right scent can evoke emotions, create lasting memories, and add a personal touch to your special day. Here’s how you can use perfume to make your wedding day more memorable.

Embrace the Power of Perfume

The mind has a unique connection to scent, and certain smells can even trigger memories and evoke emotions. Choosing a perfume for your wedding day is one way to add another layer of memory. Whether it’s the delicate fragrance of gardenias or the warm embrace of vanilla, the right perfume can transport you to the joyous moments of your wedding day. That’s the power of perfume.

Match Your Perfume to the Season

Perfumers use thousands of ingredients to create bottled fragrances, and each one can smell different depending on the season and the weather. If you love light floral fragrances with freesia and lily-of-the-valley, you might be disappointed by how they smell in the winter. Here are the types of fragrances that work best for each season:

  • Spring: Opt for light and fresh floral fragrances with notes such as jasmine, peony, grapefruit, tuberose, lotus, and gardenia.
  • Summer: Embrace uplifting and fruity fragrances with notes such as lemon, coconut, seawater, pineapple, tiare flower, bergamot, and pink pepper.
  • Fall: Look for rich and cozy amber and spicy fragrances with notes of vanilla, apple, cinnamon, tobacco, tuberose, rose, incense, and spices.
  • Winter: Choose elegant and intense woody, musky, and amber fragrances with notes of cedarwood, patchouli, honey, musk, warm spices, oud, amber, frankincense, benzoin, and sandalwood.

When you take the weather and climate into account, you will get better performance from your perfume. Not to mention that your future spouse and guests will be very impressed by your savvy choices. 

Find Your Signature Scent

Before your wedding day, take the time to find a perfume that resonates with you. Visit fragrance counters to sample different perfumes and find one that complements your personality and style. Remember that fragrances change throughout the day, so it’s important to try before you buy. You may love the initial blast of scent but feel turned off by the aroma at the end of the day.

Be bold when you pick a scent for your big day. Whether you prefer floral, fruity, or woody notes, choose one that makes you feel confident and beautiful, even if it isn’t what someone else would wear.

Layer for Longevity

To ensure your perfume lasts throughout the day, use a layering technique. Start by applying a scented or unscented body lotion or oil to hydrate your skin and create a base for the fragrance. Follow up with your chosen perfume applied to pulse points such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears. By layering your scent, you’ll enhance its longevity and leave a lasting impression.

Enhance the Atmosphere

Incorporate scented details into your wedding decor to create a cohesive sensory experience. Use scented candles or diffusers in your venue to set the mood and create a welcoming atmosphere. Floral arrangements with fragrant blooms of roses or lavender can infuse the air with a subtle scent that compliments what you’re wearing.

Long after your wedding day has passed, the scent you wore will continue to evoke memories of your experience. Consider wearing the same perfume on your anniversary every year or when you go on a romantic trip with your spouse. You can also preserve the scent by spritzing it on fabric items like your wedding dress or veil, creating a tangible reminder of the love and happiness you felt that day.