Wedding Planning: Involve your Fiancé in 10 Easy Steps

He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now, you're swimming in a sea of euphoria with no horizons. Good thing, too, because there are literally a thousand things to arrange before the big day.

You do the research, buckle under and dive in. But you find your fiancé's ardor for the event itself seems to have cooled. It's not that he isn't mad about marrying you; after all, he is a great guy, even if he can't tell a Vera Wang from a Gunny Sack. It's that his preparation style is hands-off, to say the least. And planning a wedding isn't a job built for one.

So what to do? Here are ten ways to involve him without increasing both of your stress loads:

1) Delegate areas that have a prayer of interesting him.
The worst thing you can do is expect him to match your ten to twenty years of feminine wisdom on the relative merits of buttercream vs. fondant.

Here are some probable no areas when roping in a reluctant wedding planner:
- Selecting the cake frosting
- Choosing the favors or favor packaging
- Selecting the wedding colors or floral arrangements

Then there are the potential maybes, fraught with fewer hazards:
- Choosing the photographer
- Choosing the videographer
- Arranging the rehearsal dinner
- Arranging the all-inclusive honeymoon
- Renting big, tricky items like outdoor tents

These are probable yeses, well worth running by your guy:
- Selecting the DJ or the band
- Setting up and maintaining your wedding website
- Researching and selecting charities, if you choose to donate instead of giving out favors
- Setting up the carriage, limo or other transportation arrangements

2) If you ask him to help you choose vendors and styles, narrow down the choices first.
It's a jungle of options out there, enough to give the most natural-born party planner pause. So if you want his opinion on photographers, invites, flowers or cakes, narrow down the options to three or four. He's less likely to feel overwhelmed, and more likely to feel like an important part of the process.

At times, it'll feel so good to share the load that you'll be tempted to drag him into the buttercream debate despite your better instincts. At these times, take a deep breath, count to ten, and call your mother or your maid of honor.

3) Ask him directly for help.
Let him know how important his input is to you, and that you can't do it without him.
Guys like to be needed. Your frank request for help may be enough to pull him out of his comfort zone and onto your team.

4) Try the Art Director/Production Staff approach.
If you think your guy wants to help, but feels uncomfortable playing "art director," give him "production staff" tasks. Have him make the payments, pick up the food or decor, handle the rentals, do online comparison shopping, or reserve the hotels and reception halls. These are all jobs that will take a load off your shoulders, while freeing up time for the aesthetic stuff you probably enjoy and he doesn't.

5) Get a calendar and put all the planning in black and white.
Your fiancé probably doesn't have the first clue in what goes into a wedding.
Get your wedding planner, write it all down, and show him. Once he gets over the shock, you'll both probably be able to identify areas that interest him. Make lists of the things you've each agreed to do, and cross them off as they get done. At the very least, he'll be far more supportive when he sees what you're going through.

6) Weave his family heritage/ethnicity/traditions into the ceremony.
What did his parents do? He might be surprised at the question, but it could lead somewhere valuable. He might ask his parents about their wedding, and find your wedding consequently enriched. Look through their wedding album together. Are his ancestors German, Polish, Italian, Croatian, Asian? Incorporate some old-world traditions into your ceremony.

7) Don't bring him in too early.
Treat your fiance as a bit of a pinch hitter. Sure, you may be fully aware that you can shave 5K off your costs by starting your favor crafts and reservations 18 months ahead of time. But if he's like most guys, the wedding won't become real to him until it draws closer. Expect him to jump in about six months before the actual ceremony, and break into a (relative) frenzy of activity about one month in advance.

8) Talk about something besides the wedding.
Guys aren't the only ones who complain about brides-to-be talking of nothing but upcoming nuptials. Sometimes, even girlfriends get overwhelmed by all the wedding chatter.

Spend some time alone chatting about anything but the wedding. See a silly movie, split a hot fudge sundae, or watch a basketball game. Do something spontaneous that reminds you both of why you decided to marry in the first place.

9) Check your subtext for hidden meanings.
Tempting as it might be, make sure you're not using your fiance as a coin-toss tool (ever noticed how people flip coins to find out what they really want?). When you ask for his opinion, take it seriously. And when you give him ownership of a task, don't second-guess every step.

Imagine that your fiancé has told you he's going to draft a dream team in his fantasy football league, and it's going to cost him $20K to participate. Now imagine that he's told you your help is supremely important to him.

You'd be a little hesitant to give opinions, right? Some of your ideas might sound feeble, even to your own ears. Hopefully he'd welcome your thoughts, however odd it felt for you to venture them. Now imagine your fiancé feels kind of like that when it comes to the wedding.

10) Remember that men become wedding experts by having one.
Chances are, your sweetheart will open his eyes to the wonder of a wedding by the time the rose petals are tossed. Forever after, he'll be examining friend's receptions with a practiced eye, and anticipating the next excuse for a Really Big Shindig.

So keep him around, and count on throwing a first-rate anniversary celebration ten years down the road. In a way, that'll be the party that really matters, won't it?

Wedding Insurance – A Good Idea or a Waste of Money?

You insure your car, your home, your health, and your life. Now you can insure your wedding too. Insurance for your wedding is one of the newest products on the market. But do you really need it, or is it a waste of money?

Wedding insurance has been popular in Great Britain for a few years. Today, a number of companies in the U.S. are also offering wedding insurance. Most policies offer varying amounts of coverage for varying fees with the most expensive policy costing less than $400 for a wedding held in this country. If you are planning a destination wedding, coverage can be obtained at a slightly higher fee.

Most insurance policies will insure you against:

• Unforeseen weather problems (are you planning a wedding in Florida or the Bahamas during hurricane season?). This must be a major problem that will prevent you from holding the wedding as scheduled or that will prevent a majority of your guests from attending, not an afternoon thunder storm.

• Cancellation or postponement of the wedding. If you or the groom is in the military and is called to active duty, you might need to postpone the wedding. One of you or a close family member could be injured in an accident, have a sudden illness, or even die, necessitating a change in wedding plans. Insurance would cover the lost deposits.

• Failure of merchants to perform their contracted services. This might include a caterer who goes bankrupt just before the wedding or an event center that closes just before your event. Or perhaps the florist takes your money, then skips the country (all of these things have actually happened to unsuspecting clients). If you have paid a deposit or the full fee to such merchants, you will be reimbursed. Some policies will also cover the cost of legal fees to collect from errant merchants.

• Damage to the wedding attire. If the bridal salon catches fire and your gown or your attendants' gowns are ruined, or the airline sends your gown to Timbuktu, you can be reimbursed.

• Photographs and video. If the photographer fails to show up or he neglects to put film in his camera, his equipment is defective, or the video camera doesn't work, you may be able to recreate the wedding photos at a later date and receive payment for the recreation.

• Theft of the wedding gifts or the wedding rings. If you leave your gifts in another room while your ceremony is occurring and they are stolen, or someone breaks into the car in which the gifts are being transported, you can be reimbursed. You can also be reimbursed for loss or theft of the wedding rings, but not the bride's engagement ring.

• Professional counseling. Some policies will pay a limited amount toward counseling if you are left standing at the altar and you need therapy to work through it.
Most policies will not cover the lost deposits if either the bride or groom changes their mind and breaks the engagement.

Before you purchase wedding insurance, check with the company that writes your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy and find out exactly what is covered under that policy. Also check the liability insurance policy at the venue where your wedding will be held. Depending on your coverage, you may not need a separate insurance policy, or your current insurer may be able to add a rider to your existing policy to cover the wedding.

Whether wedding insurance is right for you will depend on your circumstances, but it may be worth the cost, particularly if you are planning a destination wedding.

Wedding Day Transportation

Everyone rents a limo for their wedding, it seems. To add a unique touch to your day, consider using one of the following items instead:
• horse-drawn carriage
• trolley
• antique car
• hay wagon or other farm wagon
• motorcycle with a side-car
• hot air balloon
• golf cart
• helicopter
• speed boat

Incorporating a unique form of transportation into a wedding is limited only by the couple's imagination, their budget, what is available in your area, the location of the ceremony and reception, and the weather. Check with relatives and friends to see if someone has an antique car that they would let you borrow. Hiring a horse-drawn carriage sets a romantic tone for the ceremony that follows. Your guests will appreciate being transported to the ceremony or the reception by trolley. Farm wagons lend a nice touch to casual weddings.

When hiring any commercial vehicle, contact the company well in advance, since many book quickly at certain times of the year. Find out the cost per hour and be prepared to provide mileage from one location to another, since some companies charge for both mileage and time. Provide a simple map listing the address of the place where you are to be picked up and the destination address. If you are considering using a hot air balloon or a helicopter, be certain that adequate space free from power lines and other obstructions is available. A portion of the parking lot at the church or reception center might be blocked off for the landing.

Be sure to inspect all vehicles for cleanliness before signing a contract. Note any problems that you see and draw them to the attention of the owner. Don't get into a vehicle if you don't feel comfortable with the driver/operator, or their expertise.

As with any merchant, find out the amount of deposit required and the cancellation policy, then get everything in writing. If the vehicle is designed for open-air use, it will be particularly important to know what the company's policy is if it rains, is too windy, or the vehicle can¹'t be used for some other reason.

Adding special transportation to your wedding day can make the difference between creating a ho-hum event and a truly memorable wedding day.

Wedding Planning: Involve your Fiancé in 10 Easy Steps

He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now, you're swimming in a sea of euphoria with no horizons. Good thing, too, because there are literally a thousand things to arrange before the big day.

You do the research, buckle under and dive in. But you find your fiancé's ardor for the event itself seems to have cooled. It's not that he isn't mad about marrying you; after all, he is a great guy, even if he can't tell a Vera Wang from a Gunny Sack. It's that his preparation style is hands-off, to say the least. And planning a wedding isn't a job built for one.

So what to do? Here are ten ways to involve him without increasing both of your stress loads:

1) Delegate areas that have a prayer of interesting him.
The worst thing you can do is expect him to match your ten to twenty years of feminine wisdom on the relative merits of buttercream vs. fondant.

Here are some probable no areas when roping in a reluctant wedding planner:
- Selecting the cake frosting
- Choosing the favors or favor packaging
- Selecting the wedding colors or floral arrangements

Then there are the potential maybes, fraught with fewer hazards:
- Choosing the photographer
- Choosing the videographer
- Arranging the rehearsal dinner
- Arranging the all-inclusive honeymoon
- Renting big, tricky items like outdoor tents

These are probable yeses, well worth running by your guy:
- Selecting the DJ or the band
- Setting up and maintaining your wedding website
- Researching and selecting charities, if you choose to donate instead of giving out favors
- Setting up the carriage, limo or other transportation arrangements

2) If you ask him to help you choose vendors and styles, narrow down the choices first.
It's a jungle of options out there, enough to give the most natural-born party planner pause. So if you want his opinion on photographers, invites, flowers or cakes, narrow down the options to three or four. He's less likely to feel overwhelmed, and more likely to feel like an important part of the process.

At times, it'll feel so good to share the load that you'll be tempted to drag him into the buttercream debate despite your better instincts. At these times, take a deep breath, count to ten, and call your mother or your maid of honor.

3) Ask him directly for help.
Let him know how important his input is to you, and that you can't do it without him.
Guys like to be needed. Your frank request for help may be enough to pull him out of his comfort zone and onto your team.

4) Try the Art Director/Production Staff approach.
If you think your guy wants to help, but feels uncomfortable playing "art director," give him "production staff" tasks. Have him make the payments, pick up the food or decor, handle the rentals, do online comparison shopping, or reserve the hotels and reception halls. These are all jobs that will take a load off your shoulders, while freeing up time for the aesthetic stuff you probably enjoy and he doesn't.

5) Get a calendar and put all the planning in black and white.
Your fiancé probably doesn't have the first clue in what goes into a wedding.
Get your wedding planner, write it all down, and show him. Once he gets over the shock, you'll both probably be able to identify areas that interest him. Make lists of the things you've each agreed to do, and cross them off as they get done. At the very least, he'll be far more supportive when he sees what you're going through.

6) Weave his family heritage/ethnicity/traditions into the ceremony.
What did his parents do? He might be surprised at the question, but it could lead somewhere valuable. He might ask his parents about their wedding, and find your wedding consequently enriched. Look through their wedding album together. Are his ancestors German, Polish, Italian, Croatian, Asian? Incorporate some old-world traditions into your ceremony.

7) Don't bring him in too early.
Treat your fiance as a bit of a pinch hitter. Sure, you may be fully aware that you can shave 5K off your costs by starting your favor crafts and reservations 18 months ahead of time. But if he's like most guys, the wedding won't become real to him until it draws closer. Expect him to jump in about six months before the actual ceremony, and break into a (relative) frenzy of activity about one month in advance.

8) Talk about something besides the wedding.
Guys aren't the only ones who complain about brides-to-be talking of nothing but upcoming nuptials. Sometimes, even girlfriends get overwhelmed by all the wedding chatter.

Spend some time alone chatting about anything but the wedding. See a silly movie, split a hot fudge sundae, or watch a basketball game. Do something spontaneous that reminds you both of why you decided to marry in the first place.

9) Check your subtext for hidden meanings.
Tempting as it might be, make sure you're not using your fiance as a coin-toss tool (ever noticed how people flip coins to find out what they really want?). When you ask for his opinion, take it seriously. And when you give him ownership of a task, don't second-guess every step.

Imagine that your fiancé has told you he's going to draft a dream team in his fantasy football league, and it's going to cost him $20K to participate. Now imagine that he's told you your help is supremely important to him.

You'd be a little hesitant to give opinions, right? Some of your ideas might sound feeble, even to your own ears. Hopefully he'd welcome your thoughts, however odd it felt for you to venture them. Now imagine your fiancé feels kind of like that when it comes to the wedding.

10) Remember that men become wedding experts by having one.
Chances are, your sweetheart will open his eyes to the wonder of a wedding by the time the rose petals are tossed. Forever after, he'll be examining friend's receptions with a practiced eye, and anticipating the next excuse for a Really Big Shindig.

So keep him around, and count on throwing a first-rate anniversary celebration ten years down the road. In a way, that'll be the party that really matters, won't it?

Wedding Insurance – A Good Idea or a Waste of Money?

You insure your car, your home, your health, and your life. Now you can insure your wedding too. Insurance for your wedding is one of the newest products on the market. But do you really need it, or is it a waste of money?

Wedding insurance has been popular in Great Britain for a few years. Today, a number of companies in the U.S. are also offering wedding insurance. Most policies offer varying amounts of coverage for varying fees with the most expensive policy costing less than $400 for a wedding held in this country. If you are planning a destination wedding, coverage can be obtained at a slightly higher fee.

Most insurance policies will insure you against:

• Unforeseen weather problems (are you planning a wedding in Florida or the Bahamas during hurricane season?). This must be a major problem that will prevent you from holding the wedding as scheduled or that will prevent a majority of your guests from attending, not an afternoon thunder storm.

• Cancellation or postponement of the wedding. If you or the groom is in the military and is called to active duty, you might need to postpone the wedding. One of you or a close family member could be injured in an accident, have a sudden illness, or even die, necessitating a change in wedding plans. Insurance would cover the lost deposits.

• Failure of merchants to perform their contracted services. This might include a caterer who goes bankrupt just before the wedding or an event center that closes just before your event. Or perhaps the florist takes your money, then skips the country (all of these things have actually happened to unsuspecting clients). If you have paid a deposit or the full fee to such merchants, you will be reimbursed. Some policies will also cover the cost of legal fees to collect from errant merchants.

• Damage to the wedding attire. If the bridal salon catches fire and your gown or your attendants' gowns are ruined, or the airline sends your gown to Timbuktu, you can be reimbursed.

• Photographs and video. If the photographer fails to show up or he neglects to put film in his camera, his equipment is defective, or the video camera doesn't work, you may be able to recreate the wedding photos at a later date and receive payment for the recreation.

• Theft of the wedding gifts or the wedding rings. If you leave your gifts in another room while your ceremony is occurring and they are stolen, or someone breaks into the car in which the gifts are being transported, you can be reimbursed. You can also be reimbursed for loss or theft of the wedding rings, but not the bride's engagement ring.

• Professional counseling. Some policies will pay a limited amount toward counseling if you are left standing at the altar and you need therapy to work through it.
Most policies will not cover the lost deposits if either the bride or groom changes their mind and breaks the engagement.

Before you purchase wedding insurance, check with the company that writes your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy and find out exactly what is covered under that policy. Also check the liability insurance policy at the venue where your wedding will be held. Depending on your coverage, you may not need a separate insurance policy, or your current insurer may be able to add a rider to your existing policy to cover the wedding.

Whether wedding insurance is right for you will depend on your circumstances, but it may be worth the cost, particularly if you are planning a destination wedding.

Wedding Day Transportation

Everyone rents a limo for their wedding, it seems. To add a unique touch to your day, consider using one of the following items instead:
• horse-drawn carriage
• trolley
• antique car
• hay wagon or other farm wagon
• motorcycle with a side-car
• hot air balloon
• golf cart
• helicopter
• speed boat

Incorporating a unique form of transportation into a wedding is limited only by the couple's imagination, their budget, what is available in your area, the location of the ceremony and reception, and the weather. Check with relatives and friends to see if someone has an antique car that they would let you borrow. Hiring a horse-drawn carriage sets a romantic tone for the ceremony that follows. Your guests will appreciate being transported to the ceremony or the reception by trolley. Farm wagons lend a nice touch to casual weddings.

When hiring any commercial vehicle, contact the company well in advance, since many book quickly at certain times of the year. Find out the cost per hour and be prepared to provide mileage from one location to another, since some companies charge for both mileage and time. Provide a simple map listing the address of the place where you are to be picked up and the destination address. If you are considering using a hot air balloon or a helicopter, be certain that adequate space free from power lines and other obstructions is available. A portion of the parking lot at the church or reception center might be blocked off for the landing.

Be sure to inspect all vehicles for cleanliness before signing a contract. Note any problems that you see and draw them to the attention of the owner. Don't get into a vehicle if you don't feel comfortable with the driver/operator, or their expertise.

As with any merchant, find out the amount of deposit required and the cancellation policy, then get everything in writing. If the vehicle is designed for open-air use, it will be particularly important to know what the company's policy is if it rains, is too windy, or the vehicle can¹'t be used for some other reason.

Adding special transportation to your wedding day can make the difference between creating a ho-hum event and a truly memorable wedding day.

Wedding Planning with Less Stress

Many couples would like to plan their own wedding but are hesitant being afraid of the stress involved. Planning your wedding can be less stressful than what you expect and you can actually have fun during the process. There are some key factors that will significantly help you to reduce the overall stress. These are having the right attitude, starting your planning as early as possible, working with a budget, sharing your tasks with others, finding good service providers and suppliers, and exercising daily.

First of all, you must have the right attitude. After all a wedding is a very happy occasion. Therefore, planning the wedding should be equally fun. You should be convinced of this before taking on the responsibility. Wedding planning will allow you to be exposed to beautiful attire & accessories, visit beautiful venues, and enable you to taste delicious foods and cakes. Also, it will become one of those memorable occasions you will talk and laugh about for years to come.

Second, you should start your planning as early as possible. Once he has popped the question and you have said "yes", you can begin the first stages. You can start gathering ideas by attending local bridal shows, purchasing bridal magazines, talking over experiences with married friends, shopping around, and surfing the internet. Starting early will allow you to be better organized, explore more possibilities, go over decisions more thoroughly, and best of all, leave you some time to relax the days before your wedding.

Third, you and your fiancé should sit down and set up a budget. You must estimate how much total available money you will have to spend on your wedding. This includes your own as well as any money others will contribute. Later you should design a worksheet and allocate the total amount among the different items you intend to spend on. The more detailed the budget, the better. You should not spend more than what you have allocated for each category. At first, this will seem like more work, but later sticking to the budget will help greatly reduce your stress and save you much needed money.

Fourth, is to find other people who can help you. There are many tasks involved in planning a wedding and many times it can be overwhelming. Finding others to share the tasks can offer great reassurance, if you choose wisely. Remember, the idea is to reduce stress, not to increase it. Choose people that make you feel comfortable, are not domineering, and won’t trigger conflict. Also, always keep in mind that it is your wedding and you do not want others deciding for you. Choose a close family member or best friend. I personally chose my mother and sister to help me with the planning.

Fifth, shop around for good service providers and suppliers. Look for quality as well as price. Also, look for good service and the willingness to work with you. There are many out there. Some can be excellent and others terrible. I personally had a very bad experience with our caterers. Many of the people attending my reception got sick after the party. Luckily, other factors in my wedding made my party a success. Many times, service providers can make or break your wedding. For service providers, ask for references and/or ask to see them at work. If you attend any weddings or special occasions, remember to ask the names of the providers if you were satisfied with their services. This hand on experience is the best way of knowing. Regarding suppliers, purchase samples of wedding items first. If you are happy with the quality and service provided, then go ahead and purchase the rest of the items.

Finally, remember to include exercise in your daily routine. After a day filled with tasks and decisions you deserve a little time to yourself. Set aside at least half an hour to do an activity that best suits you. This can involve going to the local gym, swimming, sports, yoga or even walking around your neighborhood. This will help relieve much stress and help you feeling fit, trim, and beautiful.

I am sure that these six suggestions will greatly help in reducing the stress and set you on your way to happy planning.

Wedding Planning 101: Keep It Simple With A Wedding Timeline For Brides and Grooms

You're Engaged!
You certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!

The 12-Month Countdown

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6-12 Months Before Your Wedding…
The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it’s a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.

The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How
• Decide who will pay for what, where you’ll get married and how expenses will be shared
• Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system
• For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day’s cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.

The Details
Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:
• Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate
• Explore pre-marriage counseling
• Decide on what size wedding you want
• Consider and decide on wedding attendants
• Start a guest list for the wedding
• Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception
• Select a reception location and a caterer if need be
• Consider reception entertainment
• Select a florist
• Together, shop for wedding rings
• Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings
• Decide on the bridesmaids’ dresses

---

4 – 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date…
As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won’t miss a one!
• Check details and requirements for marriage license
• Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator
• Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections
• Order your invitations and other wedding stationery
• Shop for the groom’s attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear
• Select wedding ceremony readings
• Select wedding ceremony music
• Decide and order wedding favors
• Select a bakery for the cake
• Arrange and plan honeymoon
• Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you haven’t forgotten any details

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2-Months… and Counting
• Mail out invitations
• Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
• Select and purchase your wedding day accessories
• Arrange attendant’s parties
• Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments
• Finalize those honeymoon plans

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1-Month To Go!
ï Last wedding dress fitting
ï Final fitting for bridesmaids’ dresses
ï Final fitting for men attendants
ï Get marriage license
ï Have your wedding attendant’s parties
ï Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception
ï Organize the final check list of wedding day events
ï Confirm all the wedding day “accessories” are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.

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2-Weeks Remaining!
• Finalize entertainment arrangements
• Go over and finalize music lists
• Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.
• Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings

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1-Week Before Your Big Day!
• Review your marriage license to make sure it’s in order
• Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony
• Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
ï Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler’s checks, etc.
ï Prepare and pack for honeymoon
ï Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation
ï Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up
ï Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day
ï Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!

Your Wedding Day!
• Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments
• Allow at least 2 hours for dressing
• Bring the rings and marriage license
• And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!

Wedding Planning 101 - Get Ready, Get Set... Get Organized!

So you've been to your local bookstore, surveyed the rather large collection of wedding books and wondered how anyone even gets through this whole planning process... and why all those wedding planning books are so thick!

This is completely understandable - it is a bit on the daunting side. Planning a wedding is definitely not something you can throw together in a matter of days, and there will certainly be quite a few projects along the way to keep you busy.

But these 'projects' can actually be fun - a lot of fun! And with a plan, you may even find yourself looking forward to them...

1. Most importantly, keep things SIMPLE.
There will always be another photographer to interview, another centerpiece idea, another wedding favor website. When you find something that "clicks" with you, go with it! You've just crossed off one more thing on your wedding checklist.

2. Decide on a good filing system before you begin.
Order a box of file folders or an accordion file with multiple sections to hold all of your contracts, notes, etc. If you're really ambitious, consider investing $20-30 in a labeler at an office supply store - it keeps things especially neat and organized. As you go along, designate one folder for each aspect of your planning -- caterer, rehearsal dinner, guest list, etc.

3. Get started! Begin tackling items on your wedding checklist.
Look at the first group of to-do's on the list. Don't try to do all of these at once - take one at a time and consider putting the others on your calendar so that you know they'll get taken care of, just not all today.

4. Don't be afraid to delegate.
Family members and attendants will more than likely be willing to help take on some of the planning tasks - if they offer, take them up on it! If there are parts of the planning that you know you don't need to be (or care to be) directly involved in, ask for help.

5. Have FUN.
While some tasks will take longer than others, there will be others that will balance out all of the hard work - treating yourself to a day at the spa for example. Also, consider subscribing to one or more bridal magazines - when you think you've run out of wedding ideas, these glossy guides are a great pick-me up.

6. And lastly, don't worry that you won't possibly be able to do all of these things...
Everything will get done, in due time, and you'll see all of your hard work pay off when things really start to come together. So start planning, and have fun!

Wedding Planning with Less Stress

Many couples would like to plan their own wedding but are hesitant being afraid of the stress involved. Planning your wedding can be less stressful than what you expect and you can actually have fun during the process. There are some key factors that will significantly help you to reduce the overall stress. These are having the right attitude, starting your planning as early as possible, working with a budget, sharing your tasks with others, finding good service providers and suppliers, and exercising daily.

First of all, you must have the right attitude. After all a wedding is a very happy occasion. Therefore, planning the wedding should be equally fun. You should be convinced of this before taking on the responsibility. Wedding planning will allow you to be exposed to beautiful attire & accessories, visit beautiful venues, and enable you to taste delicious foods and cakes. Also, it will become one of those memorable occasions you will talk and laugh about for years to come.

Second, you should start your planning as early as possible. Once he has popped the question and you have said "yes", you can begin the first stages. You can start gathering ideas by attending local bridal shows, purchasing bridal magazines, talking over experiences with married friends, shopping around, and surfing the internet. Starting early will allow you to be better organized, explore more possibilities, go over decisions more thoroughly, and best of all, leave you some time to relax the days before your wedding.

Third, you and your fiancé should sit down and set up a budget. You must estimate how much total available money you will have to spend on your wedding. This includes your own as well as any money others will contribute. Later you should design a worksheet and allocate the total amount among the different items you intend to spend on. The more detailed the budget, the better. You should not spend more than what you have allocated for each category. At first, this will seem like more work, but later sticking to the budget will help greatly reduce your stress and save you much needed money.

Fourth, is to find other people who can help you. There are many tasks involved in planning a wedding and many times it can be overwhelming. Finding others to share the tasks can offer great reassurance, if you choose wisely. Remember, the idea is to reduce stress, not to increase it. Choose people that make you feel comfortable, are not domineering, and won’t trigger conflict. Also, always keep in mind that it is your wedding and you do not want others deciding for you. Choose a close family member or best friend. I personally chose my mother and sister to help me with the planning.

Fifth, shop around for good service providers and suppliers. Look for quality as well as price. Also, look for good service and the willingness to work with you. There are many out there. Some can be excellent and others terrible. I personally had a very bad experience with our caterers. Many of the people attending my reception got sick after the party. Luckily, other factors in my wedding made my party a success. Many times, service providers can make or break your wedding. For service providers, ask for references and/or ask to see them at work. If you attend any weddings or special occasions, remember to ask the names of the providers if you were satisfied with their services. This hand on experience is the best way of knowing. Regarding suppliers, purchase samples of wedding items first. If you are happy with the quality and service provided, then go ahead and purchase the rest of the items.

Finally, remember to include exercise in your daily routine. After a day filled with tasks and decisions you deserve a little time to yourself. Set aside at least half an hour to do an activity that best suits you. This can involve going to the local gym, swimming, sports, yoga or even walking around your neighborhood. This will help relieve much stress and help you feeling fit, trim, and beautiful.

I am sure that these six suggestions will greatly help in reducing the stress and set you on your way to happy planning.

Wedding Planning 101: Keep It Simple With A Wedding Timeline For Brides and Grooms

You're Engaged!
You certainly want to enjoy this wonderful and magical time in your life but you know that planning your own wedding is going to be a big job! The following checklists might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple, keep it organized and keep you sane!

The 12-Month Countdown

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6-12 Months Before Your Wedding…
The wedding date has been set and now like any large project, it’s a good idea to step back and take a look at the big picture first, then break it down to the finer details later.

The Big Picture: Who, What, Where and How
• Decide who will pay for what, where you’ll get married and how expenses will be shared
• Talk to friends, family, bridal consultants or wedding coordinators to get the direction you need for starting an organization system
• For most couples, the wedding day can be a blur, so decide early on the best way to capture your special day’s cherished memories - like with an Adesso Photo Guest Book.

The Details
Once you have your organization system in place, start going down your to-do detail list. Here are a few of the critical ones:
• Call your church or synagogue for an appointment with the Officiate
• Explore pre-marriage counseling
• Decide on what size wedding you want
• Consider and decide on wedding attendants
• Start a guest list for the wedding
• Begin determining ideas/themes/color schemes for your wedding and reception
• Select a reception location and a caterer if need be
• Consider reception entertainment
• Select a florist
• Together, shop for wedding rings
• Select a wedding dress, headpiece and schedule fittings
• Decide on the bridesmaids’ dresses

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4 – 6 Months Prior To Wedding Date…
As the wedding date gets closer, the to-do list will consist of finer and finer details. And because you put an organization system in place months ago, you won’t miss a one!
• Check details and requirements for marriage license
• Coordinate theme and color schemes with florist and decorator
• Decide on a gift registry and register your gift selections
• Order your invitations and other wedding stationery
• Shop for the groom’s attire and select what the men in the wedding will wear
• Select wedding ceremony readings
• Select wedding ceremony music
• Decide and order wedding favors
• Select a bakery for the cake
• Arrange and plan honeymoon
• Review your agreements with all your vendors and service providers to insure you haven’t forgotten any details

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2-Months… and Counting
• Mail out invitations
• Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner
• Select and purchase your wedding day accessories
• Arrange attendant’s parties
• Coordinate and prepare accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Select a hairdresser and makeup artist and schedule those appointments
• Finalize those honeymoon plans

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1-Month To Go!
ï Last wedding dress fitting
ï Final fitting for bridesmaids’ dresses
ï Final fitting for men attendants
ï Get marriage license
ï Have your wedding attendant’s parties
ï Shop and purchase your outfit to wear when you leave the reception
ï Organize the final check list of wedding day events
ï Confirm all the wedding day “accessories” are in order, i.e. rings, pillows, garter, etc.

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2-Weeks Remaining!
• Finalize entertainment arrangements
• Go over and finalize music lists
• Go over and finalize the special music events, i.e. first dance, dance with parents, etc.
• Pick up wedding rings, make sure they fit and review any engravings

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1-Week Before Your Big Day!
• Review your marriage license to make sure it’s in order
• Prepare seating arrangements for ceremony
• Prepare payment envelopes for Officiate, entertainment and vendors and give to the person who will handle that
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
ï Make necessary honeymoon preparations, i.e. bank, traveler’s checks, etc.
ï Prepare and pack for honeymoon
ï Confirm out-of-town guest accommodations and transportation
ï Check in with the florist to confirm arrival time set up
ï Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal letting everyone know what they will do on the wedding day
ï Have and ENJOY your rehearsal dinner!

Your Wedding Day!
• Allow plenty of time for your scheduled hair and makeup appointments
• Allow at least 2 hours for dressing
• Bring the rings and marriage license
• And MOST IMPORTANTLY, take a long deep breath and relax and enjoy your day!

Wedding Planning 101 - Get Ready, Get Set... Get Organized!

So you've been to your local bookstore, surveyed the rather large collection of wedding books and wondered how anyone even gets through this whole planning process... and why all those wedding planning books are so thick!

This is completely understandable - it is a bit on the daunting side. Planning a wedding is definitely not something you can throw together in a matter of days, and there will certainly be quite a few projects along the way to keep you busy.

But these 'projects' can actually be fun - a lot of fun! And with a plan, you may even find yourself looking forward to them...

1. Most importantly, keep things SIMPLE.
There will always be another photographer to interview, another centerpiece idea, another wedding favor website. When you find something that "clicks" with you, go with it! You've just crossed off one more thing on your wedding checklist.

2. Decide on a good filing system before you begin.
Order a box of file folders or an accordion file with multiple sections to hold all of your contracts, notes, etc. If you're really ambitious, consider investing $20-30 in a labeler at an office supply store - it keeps things especially neat and organized. As you go along, designate one folder for each aspect of your planning -- caterer, rehearsal dinner, guest list, etc.

3. Get started! Begin tackling items on your wedding checklist.
Look at the first group of to-do's on the list. Don't try to do all of these at once - take one at a time and consider putting the others on your calendar so that you know they'll get taken care of, just not all today.

4. Don't be afraid to delegate.
Family members and attendants will more than likely be willing to help take on some of the planning tasks - if they offer, take them up on it! If there are parts of the planning that you know you don't need to be (or care to be) directly involved in, ask for help.

5. Have FUN.
While some tasks will take longer than others, there will be others that will balance out all of the hard work - treating yourself to a day at the spa for example. Also, consider subscribing to one or more bridal magazines - when you think you've run out of wedding ideas, these glossy guides are a great pick-me up.

6. And lastly, don't worry that you won't possibly be able to do all of these things...
Everything will get done, in due time, and you'll see all of your hard work pay off when things really start to come together. So start planning, and have fun!

What Makes a Marriage Work?

Article courtesy of Rose Smith (owner of Wedding Themes and More), a website designed to help you discover your perfect wedding theme. Find more great ideas, resources and articles at her web site.

Yes, opposites do attract, however the marriages that work the best are with couples who have similar values, beliefs and interests. That's not to say you should marry a carbon copy of yourself - that would get boring and tedious very fast - (truly, how many of us want to marry ourselves?), but having a mate that we know will work toward the same goals and has the same values, will go a long way in keeping your marriage intact.

Having separate interests is also a big plus. While is wonderful to spend a lot of time together, it's the quality that counts, not the quantity. True, there are many couples who enjoy being together day and night - in fact, my own marriage is much like that. We love to be and do many things together, however we also have our own separate interests as well. Some time apart is good for the majority of couples. It gives you new and fresh outlooks on your lives, not to mention giving you both something to talk about that's apart from your daily lives and interests.

Of course, it goes without saying that communication is probably at the top of the list. Begin able to discuss dreams, goals and what's in your heart if very important, as well as having someone who will listen closely to what you say and having some empathy as to how your feel. That's not to say that your partner wants to hear constant complaints about one thing or another. Yes, we all need "a shoulder to cry on" occasionally, just don't make a habit of it.

Intimacy is also a very important part of keeping a marriage alive and happy. And intimacy doesn't mean just sex. Being close, holding hands, relaxing in each other's arms, speaking of your hopes and dreams of the future, helps to build a close relationship and trust of your partner.

And don't think sex has to become boring. Spice it up by greeting your mate wearing just a raincoat, or kidnap your partner and take them to a hotel overnight. Plan dates and dress sexy...find ways to add excitement to your love life. And remember, sex doesn't just start in the bedroom. Gazing at your lover across a crowded room with a "come hither" look or whispering in his or her ear of what you'd like to do later can go a long way in keeping the fire roaring in the bedroom.

What Makes a Marriage Work?

Article courtesy of Rose Smith (owner of Wedding Themes and More), a website designed to help you discover your perfect wedding theme. Find more great ideas, resources and articles at her web site.

Yes, opposites do attract, however the marriages that work the best are with couples who have similar values, beliefs and interests. That's not to say you should marry a carbon copy of yourself - that would get boring and tedious very fast - (truly, how many of us want to marry ourselves?), but having a mate that we know will work toward the same goals and has the same values, will go a long way in keeping your marriage intact.

Having separate interests is also a big plus. While is wonderful to spend a lot of time together, it's the quality that counts, not the quantity. True, there are many couples who enjoy being together day and night - in fact, my own marriage is much like that. We love to be and do many things together, however we also have our own separate interests as well. Some time apart is good for the majority of couples. It gives you new and fresh outlooks on your lives, not to mention giving you both something to talk about that's apart from your daily lives and interests.

Of course, it goes without saying that communication is probably at the top of the list. Begin able to discuss dreams, goals and what's in your heart if very important, as well as having someone who will listen closely to what you say and having some empathy as to how your feel. That's not to say that your partner wants to hear constant complaints about one thing or another. Yes, we all need "a shoulder to cry on" occasionally, just don't make a habit of it.

Intimacy is also a very important part of keeping a marriage alive and happy. And intimacy doesn't mean just sex. Being close, holding hands, relaxing in each other's arms, speaking of your hopes and dreams of the future, helps to build a close relationship and trust of your partner.

And don't think sex has to become boring. Spice it up by greeting your mate wearing just a raincoat, or kidnap your partner and take them to a hotel overnight. Plan dates and dress sexy...find ways to add excitement to your love life. And remember, sex doesn't just start in the bedroom. Gazing at your lover across a crowded room with a "come hither" look or whispering in his or her ear of what you'd like to do later can go a long way in keeping the fire roaring in the bedroom.

Flat stomach food guide

Flat stomach food guide (Getty Images)

Tired of not knowing what kinds of foods to eat? Not sure how much fat, calories and sodium you should be consuming everyday? All the tips you need are here....

In addition to regular exercise, you'll also want to add some fat burning foods to your diet to help trim your waistline.

Foods that are high in protein and fibre are the best kinds of food to eat if you want to burn fat around your middle.

Did you know that it takes more energy to digest protein than it does to digest fat? So the more protein you eat, the more calories your body burns.

Eggs
Eggs are super high in protein and can help you burn that unwanted belly fat. They contain the vitamin B12 – a great supplement for breaking down fat cells.

You may have heard all the warnings about eggs and your health. That's because a couple of eggs will put you over the recommended daily amount of cholesterol.

Well, more recent studies have shown that dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol. Dietary fat is the real culprit. It's what raises your bad cholesterol levels.

However, if you're still worried about your overall cholesterol intake from eating too many eggs, you can remove the yolk and still benefit from the high protein contained in eggs.

Low fat dairy products
According to an article in Obesity Research, women who ate low-fat dairy products, such as nonfat yogurt and low-fat milk, three to four times a day, lost 70 per cent more fat than low-dairy dieters.

In another study done at Purdue University those who consumed 3 cups of fat-free milk gained less weight over the course of 2 years than those on low calcium diets.

So, not only do dairy products help you strengthen your bones, they can also play an essential role in burning that unwanted body fat.

If you are a regular consumer of milk and other dairy products, that's great, just watch your proportions and perhaps switch over to the low or no fat varieties.

Beans
While beans are often associated with the gastrointestinal disturbances they may cause, they are also very good sources of protein, fibre and iron.

Some of the best kinds of beans to eat are:
- Navy beans
- White beans
- Kidney beans
- Lima beans

And as always, limit baked and refried beans in your diet as refried beans contain tons of saturated fat, while baked beans are usually loaded in sugar. Sure, you'll be getting your protein but you'll also be consuming a lot of fat and sugar that you don't need.

Here's something else to remember. Be sure to cook your beans thoroughly because our digestive tracks are not adapted to breaking down some proteins that are contained in certain beans.

Tip: A vegetable called Edamame (pronounced ed-uh-ma-may) – an organic soybean in a pod often served at Japanese restaurants.

All you do is boil them for three minutes, add a pinch of salt and eat the soybeans out of the pods. They are surprisingly tasty and very good for you. One serving contains 10 grams of soy protein. The best place to find them is at a store that sells organic foods.

Oatmeal
While it may not be the tastiest thing you can eat, oatmeal definitely has some great nutritional qualities.

You may have noticed that many of the oatmeal brands are now boasting that eating more oatmeal will help lower your cholesterol level. That's because oatmeal is loaded with soluble fibre which helps reduce blood cholesterol by flushing those bad digestive acids out of your system.

The best kind of oatmeal to eat is unsweetened and unflavoured. While it's tempting to select the apples and cinnamon flavour and load it with butter and sugar – you really lose out on all the health benefits. If you must sweeten your bowl of oatmeal, do so by adding fruit.

Or add a spoonful of honey (much better for you than sugar) and a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.

Oatmeal is also beneficial in fighting colon cancer and heart disease.

Olive oil
Certain fats are good for you and your body needs them. Olive oil is one of those 'good fats'. In fact, it's so good that it helps you burn fat and keeps your cholesterol down.

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that researchers are finding provide outstanding health benefits. One ounce of extra virgin olive oil contains about 85 per cent of the daily value for monounsaturated fat.

So instead of taking a swig of orange juice in the morning, many dieters are picking up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

Whole grains
These days everyone seems to be screaming "No carbs!" It's as if the world has gone no-carb crazy and everyone is running from sliced breads and pastas.

Well the truth is, your body needs carbohydrates. If you go without them completely your body will start to crave them. So it's not a good idea to exclude all carbs because the right kinds are actually good for you.

It's the processed carbohydrates that are bad for you – the white breads, bagels, pastas, and white rice to name a few.

The above foods have all been processed, thus stripping out all the nutrients leaving you with loads of starch.

The key is to eat 'whole grain' foods because they haven't been processed and contain the fiber and minerals your body needs.

So don't be fooled by a loaf of bread labeled 'wheat'. Regular wheat bread is still lacking in vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers add molasses to it so it turns brown.

Don't let them trick you. The only kind of bread that's good for you is the kind that's labeled 'whole grain'.

Meat and fish
Turkey and beef are great for building muscle and boosting the immune system, but as always you have to be careful as:

Basted turkeys are usually injected with fatty substances while beef contains saturated fat. If you are going to eat beef, be sure to consume the leanest cuts you can find by looking for 'loin' or 'round' on the labels.

Salmon and tuna are also good sources of protein. They both contain omega-3 fatty acids which may sound bad, but are actually healthy fats. These two foods are also good for giving your immune system a nice boost and should be consumed at least thrice a week.