First Dance Songs

There are so many wonderful love songs out there today that choosing a first dance song can be more stressful than fun. It is especially difficult when you and your intended like different kinds of music or don't see eye to eye when it comes to different artists. How can you get past an impasse? Compromise, compromise, compromise!

You are going to have to learn to do this a lot over the years, so you two might as well learn how to do it right now. Do your best to find something that has relevance to your relationship and try to pick one that you both agree upon. Maybe you can look back into your past to find the perfect first dance song -- did you ever dance on a date or go to a concert early on in your relationship? That can help you choose a song.

Here are some of the most popular first dance songs chosen by brides and grooms:

• "At Last" (Ella Fitzgerald)
• "God Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
• "Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton)
• "Inside Your Heaven" (Carrie Underwood)
• "The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra)
• "Amazing" (Aerosmith)
• "Thank God I Found You" (Mariah Carey)
• "Ain't No Other Man" (Christina Aguilera)
• "Always" (Shania Twain)
• "I Cross My Heart" (George Strait)
• "It's Your Love" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
• "I Need You" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
• "Lost in This Moment" (Big and Rich)
• "Just Like Heaven" (The Cure)
• "Don't Take The Girl" (Tim McGraw)
• "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing" (Aerosmith)
• "Angel" (Aerosmith)
• "When I'm With You" (Sheriff)
• "A Whole New World" (Peabo Bryson)
• "Angel Eyes" (Jeff Healy Band)
• "Breathe" (Faith Hill)
• "Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)
• "Amazed" (Lonestar)
• "Could Not Ask For More" (Edwin McCain)
• "Don't Know Much" (Aaron Neville)
• "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Elton John)
• "Endless Love" (Lionel Richie and Diana Ross)
• "Everything I Do" (Bryan Adams)
• "Faithfully" (Journey)
• "From This Moment" (Shania Twain)
• "How Do I Live Without You" (LeAnn Rimes)
• "I Swear" (All 4 One)
• "I'll Be" (Edwin McCain)
• "Love of a Lifetime" (Firehouse)
• "Unchained Melody" (Righteous Brothers)

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Fruit Bouquets

In the summertime, you can decorate your reception venue inexpensively and easily using in-season fruit. But have you ever considered that fresh fruit has other uses? Some brides-to-be -- especially those whose wedding themes incorporate fruit -- choose to include fruit in their bridal bouquets. You might be thinking that a fruit bouquet would be interesting, but that it might not be quite the look you want for your wedding.

Well, you'd be surprised how chic and beautiful a fruit bouquet can look! The best looking fruit bouquets are smaller than your average wedding bouquet and they have to be carefully prepared, but artfully designed fruit bouquets can become the centerpiece of your overall wedding day look.

The trick is to not overload the bouquet with too much fruit. If you add too much fruit, it will start to look tacky -- think fruit salad -- and you'll have trouble carrying the bouquet down the aisle. Remember, fruit is a lot heavier than flowers! The most beautiful bouquets include both fruit and flowers. Try a variety of small fruits like:

• Apricots
• Nectarines
• Mandarins
• Passion fruits
• Small apples
• Kiwi fruit
• Strawberries

One thing to be aware of when choosing your fruit is that some fruits (like strawberries) will stain if you are not careful. Just spray them with a clear fixative -- available at art supplies stores -- and you won't have to worry about everything getting stained. Just makes sure no one tries to nosh on your bouquet!

Once you've chosen your fruit, you need to wire the fruit into the bouquet. You will need to use heavy gauge wire, which you can get from your local flower shop. You can either put the wires straight through the fruit and then tape the wires, or you can wrap the fruit in cellophane first, and then wire and tape.

The next thing to do is add some leaves to the bouquet. I like to use big leaves, as they make it look like the fruit is hiding in the leaves. This make the fruit bouquet more subtle, and stops it from looking like a fruit basket.

You can also cut a bunch of leaves off a fruit tree and wire the fruit amongst the leaves. Make sure the branch is fairly straight. This will allow you to tape the branch, and will add a more bridal look to the bouquet. Finally, place some ribbon bows near the leaves, to soften the fruit bouquet, and to add some elegance.

Ta da! You have a beautiful fruit bouquet!


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Wedding Ceremony Music Tips

When people think of wedding music, their thoughts typically turn to reception music, as it is the reception music that keeps the party going. But when you're thinking about wedding music, don't forget the ceremony music! It is the processional and the recessional that set the mood. The music that is played before the ceremony even starts keeps guests amused as they wait for the big entrance. And, if your ceremony is a religious one, the music played during the ceremony itself can clue less religious guests into the solemnity of the ceremony.

The following tips can help ensure that your wedding music is the perfect backdrop to your ceremony, from start to finish.

• If you're not going to ask your wedding DJ to provide the music, try to book your musicians at least one year in advance. Think about whether you would prefer an ensemble or a soloist. Don't forget to factor in cost!
• Make sure your wedding ceremony location has room for your wedding musicians and their equipment. If your wedding will take place in a house of worship, ask your officiant whether there are rules regarding music and musicians.
• Ask if there are any acoustical considerations at your ceremony venue. Your wedding musicians may need to adjust their volume or use specific equipment.
• If you're not sure what musical selections to choose, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from your musician. Aside from the wedding standards, she should be able to suggest several options. Don't be afraid to go against the grain and choose music that is meaningful to you.
• Don't be afraid to mix music styles. Whether you're trendy or traditional, a mixture of classical and soft contemporary has wide appeal.
• To avoid your first few guests sitting in silence, have your wedding musicians start at least a half hour before the ceremony, preferably as the first guests begin arriving. You can choose the music that is played at this point or let your musician choose popular standards.
• While it's not necessary to have a special wedding song during the ceremony, it can lend a poignant and moving moment for guests, family, and the couple. You may choose to have a musical number during the exchange of rings or lighting of the unity candle.
• Pay attention to song lengths. If the bride will be walking down the aisle, prelude music length should coincide with song length. It's best for prelude music to fade out, not stop abruptly or play too long. If you having music mid-ceremony during the ring exchange or unity candle, the times should coincide as well.

Rememberthat carefully chosen ceremony musicians will leave a lasting impression for your guests and a precious memory for you and your partner.

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Breaking Off the Engagement

Romance isn't always enough to keep two people together, and it occasionally happens that one person in a couple decides that marriage is not right for them. Some of these individuals go through with the wedding anyway because they simply cannot figure out a way to break off an engagement gracefully and tactfully. No, it isn't easy -- there are always going to be hurt feelings to contend with -- but you can take steps to cushion the blow if you are the party who wants out.

A broken engagement is always embarrassing for both the man and the woman involved, no matter who called off the wedding. Friends and relatives, if they are truly well-bred, will not ask questions or demand explanations. Unfortunately, few people are actually that well-bred. If you have broken off your engagement and you are still on speaking terms with your ex-intended, decide together what you will tell people before you announce your split to the world.

Now, what about vendors and guests? It's the MOB's job (if the former bride's parents were hosting the event) to send cards to each guest informing them that the engagement has been broken. These cards might read thusly:

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bettencourt beg to recall the
invitations issued for the marriage of their
daughter, Aimee Lynn, and Mr. Jack Bauer,
on Sunday, March the third.

If you have already paid vendors a deposit or signed a contract, you may be obligated to pay for some or even all of the canceled services. Most deposits are listed as non-refundable, though if the wedding was to be in a year or mores time, you might be able to negotiate a smaller sum. Don't be afraid to ask -- the worst a vendor can say is no, and then you're no worse off than before.

If your ex-intended gave you an engagement ring or engagement gift, you must return it unless they insist yo keep it. If you have already received shower gifts or wedding gifts, you are obligated to return them along with a brief note explaining that the wedding is not to take place. It is still necessary to thank the donor warmly as if nothing had happened.

Remember that breaking off an engagement will never be pleasant, but it is infinitely better to go through the ordeal than to face a marriage which is certain to end in disaster. It takes a great deal of courage to face the situation bravely and to go through it without a sacrifice of dignity. One thing we must remember: Don't be afraid of what people will say. It is not their happiness which is at stake.


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Rehearsal Dinner Basics

The rehearsal dinner serves multiple functions. Often, it serves as a pre-wedding party for those guests who have traveled to the even from out of town. A laid-back atmosphere gives friends and relatives on both sides a chance to meet one another or renew acquaintances. And the bride- and groom-to-be can chat with loved ones without the pressure to circulate from table to table.

The groom's parents usually host the dinner, but this is no longer a strict rule. Sometimes the bride and groom will host the dinner, or it might be hosted together by several people. Rehearsal dinners don't have to be fancy, even if the wedding is going to be quite formal. Beer and pizza served at the MOB and FOB's house will suffice, though most people do go above and beyond bar food.

If you're planning your own rehearsal dinner, here are some basic guidelines that will help you ensure it is enjoyable and memorable:

• Many hosts have lots of fun with the rehearsal dinner by incorporating a particular theme, such as a Mexican Fiesta, a Western Barbecue, a Hawaiian Luau. Think about a nautical theme and chartering a boat and having a dinner buffet on board! You can plan a clam bake at a restaurant or on a beach. You can even barbecue in the backyard!

• Some restaurants have private rooms that are great for a larger rehearsal dinner. If you do rent a private room, ask the restaurant to set up a table of hors d'oeuvres. Make the first hour of the rehearsal dinner a cocktail hour, giving guests who live at a slower pace plenty of time to get to the venue and get settled in.

• The rehearsal dinner invitation tells people exactly where and when the rehearsal will be held (sometimes it's not held at the church or ceremony location) and where and when the dinner will take place. You should include directions to the restaurant even if you think your guests are familiar with the area.

• You should invite all those who will take part in the wedding ceremony to the rehearsal dinner. Spouses or dates of all adult attendants should also be invited. Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom are always on the guest list. It's up to you whether you will invite out of town guests or best friends.

• You should make sure that everyone is introduced to each other, either through formal introductions ("going around the table") or informally ("mixing and mingling"). Here's a nice idea: Once everyone is seated, the bride- or groom-to-be introduces everyone and says something personal about each one.

Other than these rules, anything goes! The food and the venue are up to you or the host planning the event, and can be as simple or as fancy as you like. There's also no one dress code -- what you and others will wear to the rehearsal dinner will depend on the event itself, though many brides-to-be pick a special outfit to wear...remember, people WILL be taking photos!


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Planning a Memorable Wedding

Now that the U.S.'s presidential race is over -- at least for a few years -- brides- and grooms-to-be can start thinking about an entirely different sort of leadership. Confused? Don't be. The fact is that memorable wedding receptions depend on good leadership. After all, you're going to have a lot of people working on your behalf to make your wedding great.

So what makes a good leader? First, know that the leader can be a day-of wedding coordinator, a wedding planner, your mom or dad, or even you. If you plan on conducting the show, know that you're primary job will be to delegate but you will still have to spend time supervising. When the leader is someone working on your behalf, you can sit back and relax.

We've assembled a short list of tips that will help you plan and host the best wedding ceremony and wedding reception ever.

Hire the Best
Select the finest wedding professionals you can afford, because they will need the least supervision. Their expertise will also give you the best results and save you lots of worry and, in the long run, money. Hire only those vendors you like and trust -- don't try to save money by hiring someone who is less than professional in how they handle themselves. When you have the best working for you, they will listen to what you want.

Inspire Teamwork
Choose vendors and helpers who are easy to work with. Stay away from egomaniacs, lazy people, and individuals with bad attitudes when deciding who will be responsible for making your wedding beautiful. If your best friends aren't reliable, ask your relatives (rather than your bridesmaids) to give you a hand with favors, food, and day-of details. Remember to always be gracious, however, as a smile goes a long way when you need a favor.

Be Prepared
The more prepared you are, the less stress you'll experience. Make sure that those people who are playing a part in your wedding know what they have to do and when they have to do it. Don't leave anything to chance. Supply you emcee with names and pronunciations of your bridal party, and the people giving toasts and blessing. Tell your caterer when you want food served. Remind your niece that she is lighting candles in the church. Etc.

Stay Positive
Something will go wrong -- there's no getting around that. Let it roll off your back like water off a duck's back instead of freaking out. If you keep your cool, everyone around you will mimic your good example and be more likely to step up to the plate when you need help. Maybe your wedding gown splits. Maybe the bottom tier of your cake cracks. Maybe your officiant is late. It's not the end of the world, so don't treat it that way.

Good luck! We guarantee you'll do great!


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The Morning Banana Diet

When it comes to bridal beauty, moderation is key whether you're talking about cosmetics, skin care, or...yup, fitness and weight loss. Yes, some brides buy a wedding gown that's two sizes too small or go on crash diets runway models might admire, hoping they'll lose weight before the big day, but that's not a healthy attitude. Remember, your intended asked you to marry him/her -- or said yes when you proposed -- at the size you are now. If you want to buff up before the big day, that's one thing, but your wedding shouldn't be an excuse to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors.

One diet that brides-to-be have recently gotten excited about is the Morning Banana Diet.

The main feature of the Morning Banana Diet is the recommendation of eating two bananas, with room temperature water, for breakfast. While the dramatic popularity of the Morning Banana Diet has been fueled by anecdotal evidence of many Japanese who've lost weight by following the regimen, decades of nutrition research validate the idea that increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables in general, and bananas in particular, can help support healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Sounds faddy, right? I'd be inclined to agree if it were not for the fact that the point of the diet is to get calories into those people who would otherwise skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast, as you may know, is a real metabolism killer, while having even a small snack in the morning helps you burn calories all day long.

The Morning Banana Diet recommends that bananas be eaten for breakfast, which could provide a metabolic boost for chronic breakfast-skippers. Research shows that breakfast-eaters burn an extra 200 to 300 calories a day. A healthy morning start may also cut down on total daily calorie intake: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who ate breakfast consumed about 100 fewer calories a day.

If you feel the need to diet before you tie the knot, do it sensibly. Stay away from things like the ever-popular cabbage soup diet and those nasty shakes, and exercise in moderation. You could do worse than to have a few pieces of fruit in the morning, along with a sensible lunch and dinner.


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DIY Wedding Hair

DIY is here to stay when it comes to wedding planning. With the economy in the tank and couples paying for more of their own weddings, brides- and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to economize. Sometimes that means cutting your guest list, sometimes that means choosing simpler wedding favors, and sometimes it means doing whatever you can yourself.

I am not good with hair -- after 29 years on this earth, I am only just now learning to style my hair. Doing my own wedding hair? There wasn't a chance in heck I was going to risk it. Some ladies, however, are born with the beauty gene, and they are the ones who should consider doing their own wedding hair. Not sure if that's you? We've put together a handy guide that will help you decide whether DIY wedding hair is right for you and then help you stay sane when doing it.

• Practice, practice, practice. Do not wing it. No matter how skilled you are, there is always room for improvement. Schedule plenty of test runs.
  
• Be prepared. Time your practice session, and make a list of all of the tools and products you will need. Buy everything ahead of time so you can be sure you won't run out.
  
• Put everything you will need in a basket, and hide it away to bring out fresh and ready for your special day. If you have roommates, tell them your basket is off limits.
  
• Schedule time for a shower, and give yourself enough time to dry your hair. Rushing leads to mistakes and STRESS.
  
• Make sure there is a mirror and a counter or table to work from where you'll be getting ready. If you don't think you'll have enough light, bring a plug-in makeup mirror.
  
• Make sure there are proper outlets -- if not bring a power bar and extension cord.
  
• Don't be ashamed to ask for help, especially if your hair style is elaborate. Even having an extra set of hands to hold pieces while you work can be helpful.
• If you don't want to do your bridesmaids' hair, let them know ahead of time.
  
• Put on all of your pretty under things, and cover up with a button down shirt or robe. When you're done, you can just slip right into your gown without mussing up your 'do.
  

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Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

I'm going to guess that unless you're just a wedding enthusiast like me, you've already decided you're going to get married. Congratulations! If you're well into the wedding planning process, you've probably already thought a lot about married life. If you've only just gotten engaged, you may be wondering just what being married will be like. The short answer is that it will more than likely be a lot like partnered life...just a bit more intense.

Why? Because your spouse's joys are your joys, their problems are your problems, and you have no choice but to face the world together. No ifs, ands, or buts! Being that this is the case, you should definitely prepare yourself for married life before tying the knot. Here are just some of the factors you need to consider:

Your attitudes about compromise
You must have the ability to compromise with your spouse because you're not always going to agree on everything. Compromising with each other is essential, as those who are unwilling to compromise will create serious issues.

Your attitudes about money
Money is vital to gratify all your family needs. Make sure you and your spouse have similar ideas about spending and saving. Before getting hitched, consider the costs of the wedding that you wish to have and how you will be able to afford to have it. This does not mean that you shouldn't get married if you don't have the average $30,000 -- it just means that you may need to have a smaller wedding. Make sure that you are emotionally and financially prepared to meet the financial demands that you may incur after you get married, e.g., buying a house, raising children, medical emergencies, etc.

Your attitudes about decorum
From here on in, you have to consider your spouse when making decisions, whether you're choosing between drapes or considering changing careers. Respect your spouse enough to never force them to do anything that goes against their moral, personal, or professional values. While you are a couple, your spouse is an autonomous human being.

Your attitudes about religion
If you are very religious, you shouldn't feel the need to give that up for your spouse. Conversely, if you are not religious, you shouldn't feel obligated to adopt their faith. However, you should respect that your spouse is or is not religious, and encourage them in their religious endeavors.

Good communication
This is absolutely essential! Be gentle with your spouse even when you disagree and always be willing to listen to their side of things. You may be surprised to find that they are often right. Remember that there are ups and downs in every relationship. You just have to be able to talk things out sanely and overcome the hurdles that are thrown at you.


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Daily Wedding Tips

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