Archive for February, 2010

Getting in shape is always a good idea, and your upcoming nuptials are as good of a reason as any to lose weight and gain energy. It’s never too late to start exercising  and eating right, but no matter what your goal is, it is a good idea to check with your general practitioner before you start a plan. Even if you want to shed a few pounds, your doctor can help you choose the right track. The closer to the day of your wedding, the harder it will be to start a plan that works, so try starting a goal at least 5 to 6 months before the big day. Here are some wise tips to will help you along the way.

1- Make Smart Food Choices
The easiest way to lose a little weight is to eat more healthfully. Switch carbs, like potatoes or rice, with steamed vegetables. Forget chocolate and snack on fresh fruit. Replace soda or other carbonated beverages with pure water. Another smart method is called portion control, which lets you eat what you want, only less of it. Eating more healthfully will become easier once you change the bad food habits.

2- Learn Something New
Have you always wanted to take a dance class or maybe learn a little karate? Sign up for a class and reap the benefits of a healthy activity. But don’t forget to add some cardio to your plan. Cardio exercises are generally good for you, as they keep your heart rate going and help you burn calories. Good sources of this exercise including walking, swimming, and cycling. Try to do some form of cardio fitness at least 3 to 4 times a week. Another benefit you’ll get from moderate exercise is the stress relief factor, which is something you definitely need at this time!

3- Monitor Your Progress
No matter matter what diet or fitness methods you partake in, you’ll want to note the progress. Purchase a small book or journal and use it exclusively to track your diet and fitness changes. Share this information with your doctor, so that she can monitor your progress and offer advice.

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Selecting the right wedding invitations and stationery is so important because that is what sets the tone for the wedding. You and your fiance should sit down and talk about both of your visions of the wedding and set a theme. If you haven’t already, then do so soon or at least before you start sending out the invitations. You will want the invitations to invoke the details of the wedding, which would include the theme and formality. When you purchase your invitations, you probably want to think about other stationery options like save-the-date cards, ceremony programs, and thank you cards. Lets take a look at all your options.

Save-The-Date Cards
Many engaged couples opt to send out save-the-date cards before the formal invitation to remind the guests of the upcoming nuptials. You send them out after you have the official date of the wedding but before the formal invitations are sent out. A save-the-date isn’t mandatory, but it is ideal for those who are planning a destination wedding. Be sure to send them at least 6 months before the wedding day or weekend.

Formal Invitations
After you’ve made the list, you can send out the formal invites about 6 to 8 weeks in advance. That should give invitees enough time to RSVP and let you know if they’ll be there. About three or two weeks before the big day, you should start to take the final count of how many people will attend.

Programs
Once you’ve got all the ceremony details, it’s time to start planning a program. The ceremony program usually outlines the important events in the order that will take place during the wedding. A proper program should include the full names of the couple, officiant, and wedding party.  Many couples also add song lyrics or hymns to give the program a personal touch, but it’s not mandatory.

Thank You Cards
You and your fiance will be showered with gifts, so it’s only fair to send thank you cards. Don’t wait until you receive all the gifts, instead send out a thank you card as each gift arrives-  send them within two weeks of receiving it. Don’t forget to take out the time to write a heartfelt message in the thank you card. Never send out a thank you card that lacks a personal, handwritten message from you or your fiance.

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Everyone has her own idea about how a mature bride (classified as a bride who is 40 years of age and older) should dress on her wedding day. Traditionally the long white flowing wedding dress that was characteristic for the young blushing bride and considered enchanting was out. As well, in days gone by, a mature bride did not wear a dress at all but instead wore a pant suit. She also did not wear white but instead wore off-white, beige or opted for another color.

Today the rules have changed and are not nearly as rigid. Mature brides do not have to feel as though they must stick with what was once considered conventional fare for a mature bride when she walked down the aisle.

It does not matter whether you just turned 40, are in your late 40s or are in your 50s, all brides want to look beautiful and sexy on the day they take their vows. You will be the center of attention after all, so do whatever you must to look as stunning as ever!

Whether you choose to wear a wedding dress or some other type of dress on your wedding day, the important thing is that you are pleased with the way you look and the choice you have made. You want to feel both confident and comfortable on your wedding day, not to mention excited. To do this play up your best physical features and choose an outfit that fits your own personal style and taste. Do not dress for other people- dress for yourself. If you feel you look beautiful, then you will portray that to all of the people gathered.

Practically any color is acceptable for a mature bride today. You do not have to wear off white or tan, if you would prefer to wear another color. Bright colors, such as red or purple, make a lovely statement and are very fitting for an autumn or winter wedding. Mature women often look very becoming in pastel shades, such as mint green, light blue or pink.

Dark colored dresses are elegant on some older brides but can look harsh on others. If this is the case with you, then what you might want to do is wear a white dress or a dress in a light shade and then add dark accents such as deep burgundy, emerald green or navy blue.

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The prospect of an upcoming wedding is a cause for joy and also a time of planning. Traditionally speaking, it was the bride’s family that paid for the wedding (or at least paid for most of it) but also did the majority of the wedding planning.

In modern times it would seem unfair to expect the bride’s family to handle all of the financial responsibilities for a wedding, which is why most couples choose to fund their own weddings today. This is also the case when it comes to the wedding planning stage.

It is common for the couple to draw up a list of which wedding tasks are assigned to which person. For example, the bride might be responsible for the flowers and the cake, while the groom might book the church and the hall for the reception.

Most brides do wish to have their family members play a role in the planning of the wedding. Suggestions and advice from family can be very beneficial to the bride, as she is probably feeling overwhelmed by all of the work ahead of her. Having her mother, sister, and/or grandmother help her pick out the right wedding dress and choose a color scheme is something that many brides welcome.

The bride’s family can enjoy close family ties and the bonding experience that wedding planning brings, as they do such things as make suggestions about the décor for the wedding and sample different types of cakes. Help from those who love the bride is generally greatly appreciated as the pre-wedding planning gets into full gear.

It is up to the bride how much involvement she wants her family members to have in the planning of her wedding. She and the groom can sit down and discuss this issue, if she is unsure what to do. Some brides want lots of input from their loved ones while others prefer to do most of the planning with their future spouse. This is also dependent upon the size of the family, how close they are and where they live. If you need help, ask for it, but do not let your family get carried away either! The important thing to remember is that this is your wedding and you should take the biggest role in the planning of it.

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