Colorful Mother of the Bride Dresses That Will Turn Heads

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One of the most exciting things for a bride while planning her wedding is picking out the dress. And while it is important to find a dress that she and she alone is crazy about, it is also nice to have some outside input.

This is where the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride come in. It can be a joy for the bride to go out with the most important women in her life in search of that perfect dress. Aside from all the laughter and fun, their insight and opinions could turn out to be invaluable.

In fact, the work that the mother of the bride puts in during the months leading up to her daughter's wedding day is oftentimes unparalleled. So when the big wedding day comes around, it is only right that she looks her best as well. Here are a few ideas for colorful mother of the bride dresses that will let mom shine just as brightly as her daughter.

Short Iridescent Taffeta Jacket Dress

This ink-colored jacket and dress combo is a gorgeous shade of bright blue. It is perfect for a contemporary and fashion-forward mother of the bride.

The jacket has a lovely brooch detail and sensibly capped sleeves. That way, it offers a little bit of extra coverage but still looks dashing and stylish.

The dress itself has a subtle side ruching, which is designed specifically to disguise any flaws in your figure. It hangs to just above the knees, giving it a sense of allure without going too overboard. This dress and jacket set is also available in both mink and grey color options.

Hi-Low Mesh Dress with Rhinestone Brooches

For something really wild, you can't go wrong with this gorgeous dress in a deep shade of red. It is perfect for getting out on the dance floor and shaking a leg. The front of the hemline hangs to right below the knees while the back reaches down slightly farther. This effect is at its very best when the wearer is twirling around on the dance floor!

The top part of this gorgeous gown has rhinestone brooches sparkling at either shoulder strap. The bodice criss-crosses the chest and then hugs the waist before spreading out again at the hips. This dynamic dress is truly only for moms who are willing to make an impression.

Stretch Satin Cap Sleeve Dress

There is an old saying that goes "When I am an old lady, I will wear purple." But this beautiful orchid-colored gown is truly for the young at heart. It would look just as natural being worn on the red carpet at the Academy Awards as it will at the wedding ceremony of a proud mother's daughter.

The dress has cap sleeves at the top that provide a little bit of extra warmth and coverage. From there, the dress sweeps down, hugging the waist and the hips. This slim cut creates a dazzling and very flattering silhouette. It also hangs to right about the knees and looks its best when paired with a pair of tall silver high heels.

Off the Shoulder Ruched Stretch Tafetta Dress

This plumberry-colored number is another dazzling option that will have mom looking great and showing off her colorful side. The dress is a stunning revolution of flattering ruching and modern pizzazz.

At the top of the dress, the straps hang off of the shoulders and meet in the center with a sparkling brooch. Because of the intense shine of the brooch, this dress doesn't necessarily pair well with most necklaces. The open neckline might make the wearer feel obligated to put something there, but the presence of the brooch will only make the look feel complicated and cluttered. Instead, it is best to pair this dress with a big, impressive pair of hanging earrings.

As mentioned, the ruching appears all over the dress and will make mom's figure look fantastic. What's more is that the stretch taffeta fabric also feels surprisingly comfortable. Get out there and impress the crowd with this dynamic mother of the bride dress.

Flutter Sleeve Iridescent Chiffon Tiered Dress

For an inspiring springtime wedding, you just can't beat this adorable violet-colored dress. The flutter sleeves and tiered chiffon on the full-length skirt look even more impressive when they are out blowing in an evening breeze.

The dress has a v-neck bodice and a fashionable sash at the waist that really brings it all together. In fact, this dress is so stylish that it is fit to be worn again and again to any cocktail parties or other special occasions that may come up.

Moms work hard all their lives to raise a daughter. When that daughter's wedding day comes around, it is time for her to relax and enjoy all of the effort that she put in. With one of these bright and colorful dresses, she can look just as good as she feels.

Ross Johnson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as mother of the bride dresses.

Why Women Agree To Being a Mail Order Bride

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Some women cringe at the thought of other women becoming mail order brides. In fact, most women have no idea why a single woman would ever put herself on the market in such a way. However, there are good reasons many women choose to become mail order brides. In fact, they often do so to better themselves and not embarrass or put themselves into a negative situation.

The fact is that there are thousands of women around the world that are not in great living conditions. They could be living in countries where their lives are at risk each day. Many of them have no freedom and are under lock and key of their government. With the mail order bride programs, they have a chance to escape their culture that treats them so poorly. So, being a part of a mail order bride program is their ultimate dream.

If they can find a man who will marry them, they will be able to get away from their oppression. They may even be able to get a great education and a job. They will be able to raise their children in a place where they will not be abused or oppressed. These are the main reasons women choose to become a part of mail order bride services. So, instead of looking down on these women for being a mail order bride, applaud them for doing whatever it takes to end their own personal oppression. After all it is a brave move that many of them would be punished for if found out.

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Father of the Bride Speeches - Dad's Very Own Manual in Delivering a Wedding Speech

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The thought of giving a speech is scary, how much more if it's your own daughter's wedding day? Anxiousness is doubled perhaps and fathers like you will sure have no time wasted to get out of the picture and have someone do your speech. Honestly, it would be unpleasant to have someone do your speech, as a father, you have to be the first person to say your piece standing on behalf of the rest of the family.

Father of the bride speeches need not be a horror experience. Remember, it is totally different from giving presentations in your corporate career. Whether you slip or stumble, fathers can simply get away with it especially on wedding speeches weigh against the formal corporate presentation. So, if you're all geared up and packed a great deal of self confidence in your backpack, here are further tips to guide you more.

- Remember to keep it memorable but short. You don't want to bore your audience and put them to sleep as you deliver a long speech. Therefore, you have to ensure that you keep it short yet filled with all the things you want to say. Father of the bride speeches are normally delivered in a span of 6 to 10 minutes so make certain that you stay within this time duration. Wedding speeches like this need to be time sensitive for the reason that: First, there are still a lot of other speakers to hit the floor. Second, your audience doesn't need a litany for a speech, they already know the gist of your message and all you need to do is deliver it. Lastly, guests are in for some celebration and partying and providing a long speech will be a cause of delay.

- Look straight into your daughter's eyes. Fathers, when they come in front of a huge crowd to deliver their speech would normally panic specifically if one is not used to public speaking. However, the key to this is to look at your daughter while you deliver your piece. This will help you remember all the things you want to say and state your message in a more personal manner. So, instead of looking at a great sea of faces in the crowd, try to focus on the fairest of them all - your daughter.

- Father of the bride speeches has no perfect format. You as a father have to understand that there is no right and wrong when it comes to composing your wedding speech. You can say anything you want provided that it will not embarrass your daughter and the family unintentionally. So if you stumble in between words or experience mental block, it's definitely fine. Fathers are not perfect and so as wedding speeches!

- Always be organized and prepared - Have your notes handy. This is one of the rules of thumb in father of the bride speeches. Always have small notes with you, just in case the inevitable happens.

Father of the bride speeches most of the time is the most moving and emotional part of almost all wedding speeches. It signals a father giving up his daughter to the man whom will fill her with love and joy.

For more tips, techniques and general advice on Father Of The Bride Speeches, go to the Father Of The Bride Speech site.

Choosing the Best Grandmother of the Bride Dresses and Outfits

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Grandmother of the bride dresses are an important consideration when planning a wedding. Grandmothers hold a special place in their granddaughter's hearts and lives and it is important they look and feel beautiful on their granddaughter's big day. Considerations for her comfort, ease of wear and her fashion sense should be paid when you consult any mother of the bride outfits guide for shopping tips, locations and ideas when selecting a grandmother of the bride dress. Keeping those things in mind will help you focus your shopping so you do not waste valuable time and energy.

Grandmother of the bride dresses are available in many different styles, silhouettes, colors, patterns, fabrics, and lengths. Whether the wedding is a formal evening event complete with black tie dress attire or a casual elegant beach side gathering, there is a dress simply perfect for the grandmother of the bride in today's bridal attire offerings. Whether you decide to shop in your favorite local dress boutique, in a national department store or online, you will be pleased with the wide selection of mother of the bride dresses and options available for all the women in the bridal party. Gone are the days of limited, dated wedding attire selections. Today's designers know brides are fashion savvy and they cater their entire collections to reflect the tastes of the modern bride, resulting in beautiful grandmother and mother of the bride dresses.

Thank your grandmother for all she's done for you and treat her to a beautiful grandmother of the bride dress. Complete her look with shoes, accessories and a hand bag and be sure to include her in the hair and make up appointments. Sharing your big day with your grandmother will be a treasured memory for years to come, make sure she feels and looks her best for it.

Ryan has been a coffee lover and drinker for many years and enjoys writing about his experiences with Grandmother Bride Dresses. He also likes to pass on useful information of how to get the best out your coffee machine and new brewing techniques to his friends and readers on his website Mighty Bean Coffee.

Purple Wedding Flowers For the Bride

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If you've never considered purple wedding flowers for your wedding, now is the time! Purple is a wonderful color for your wedding, whether you prefer pale lavenders, brilliant violets, eggplant, plum, or dusky grays with just a hint of purple. There are all kinds of flowers available to suit any preference, and they can be used in almost any bouquet.

Here's a look at some of the best purple flower choices around:

Purple Roses

When you talk about romantic flowers, most peoples' thoughts go to roses. They're among the most popular wedding flowers, and can be found in shades of purple from cool lilac to brilliant purple. These purple roses are also among the best smelling roses available. Mix and match roses to create attractive centerpieces and bouquets. These purple wedding flowers really make you feel like you're getting the royal treatment.

Purple Lilies

Calla lilies are another popular romantic flower, and they also come in purple. Choose miniature calla lilies in a shade of purple for mixed flower arrangements, such as bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations. Lilies are a truly elegant addition to your wedding flowers.

Purple Tulips

Roses and lilies aren't the only option, however - tulips are an excellent type of wedding flower that's available in all different purple shades, including plum and a dark, nearly black shade that's extremely sophisticated. Add it to mostly white wedding decor for a look that really stands out from the rest.

Sweetpeas

Ruffly and old fashioned, purple sweetpeas are the ideal addition to a vintage-styled wedding. They're cute, and make a great bouquet on their own. For spring weddings, or any other ceremony that needs a touch of sweetness, you can't go wrong with sweetpeas.

Grape Hyacinth

Also called muscari, these flowers look a lot like a flowing bunch of grapes, and are a great choice for adding variety and texture to mixed flower arrangements, or for making wreaths for the flower girl. Like sweetpeas, these flowers have a sweet, old fashioned charm that's perfect for spring ceremonies.

Orchids

There are several very dramatic purple orchids, such as medium purple phalaenopsis orchids, and dark vanda orchids, which feature white accents. Both do very well in centerpieces, and as part of a large, dramatic bouquet, but may not be appropriate for male members of the party or for smaller arrangements.

Pansies

Pansies are among the most famous of the purple flowers, and come in a range of attractive colors. They're a great casual wedding flower for the spring, and can be used in all sorts of arrangements.

Lilacs

A sprig of lilac carries a wonderful scent, and a beautiful color. Despite their name, lilacs actually cover a range of purple shades, from the light, grayish tone that takes its name from the flower, to blue-purple tones and even reddish-plum colors. You might be surprised by the range of options in lilacs as purple wedding flowers.

Choosing purple wedding flowers is only one of the many choices you have to make when planning your wedding. For many more tips on planning your wedding, click on this link, PlanMyWeddingTips.com

For the Non-Traditional Bride - Putting the Funky in Your Wedding Invitations

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Let's ask a few questions to see if funky wedding invitations are the right kind for you.

1. Would you use words like outgoing, exuberant, thrilling or extraordinary to describe yourself?


2. How would you describe your fiancée?


3. If you both see yourselves as extraordinary people, then why would you choose traditional for your wedding?

You've answered all 3 questions and you're thinking, hmmm, traditional might not be for you. Now let's look at one alternative - funky wedding invitations. "Maybe 'funky' is a little extreme," you say. Maybe it is, but why not explore all your options? You never know, you may be pleasantly surprised. First of all, what exactly are funky wedding invitations? In your searches you will find contempo-funky invitations featuring things like:

• bright colors and huge graphics


• bold patterns like stripes or polka dots


• unusual textures like dried banana leaves, engraved wood or fabric instead of paper


• unusual color combinations like fuchsia with forest green and teal blue


• unusual construction using elements like rivets or frame corners (elements I use in my THM Signature collection)

You'll also find extreme-funky invitations featuring:

• gothic motifs like skeletons and grave stones


• themed invitations like wild west and pirate ships


• invitations including taffeta, velvet, glitter, fluff and every other add on you can think of

Next, where do you find these wonderful and exotic things? As usual, the web will give you the widest selection of what you'll be looking for. Of course I'll want you to start at my site where the selection is not-so-extreme, but at the end of the day, you can go as toned-down or as wild as you want as your spirit tells you to be. Get started on your search engine of choice looking at all the options for the new age, diva-licious, statement-making, stand-out kind of bride that you are. If you find images you like but nothing exactly like you want, I'd encourage you to work with an invitation designer, especially if your budget isn't too tight or if you can stretch it because your wedding is small enough. Consider funky wedding invitations for your modern couple's nuptials. Let your voice be heard and let your colors be seen!

C. Aisha Thompson has designed wedding and event invitations and corporate greeting cards for clients throughout Miami and the Caribbean. View samples of funky hand made wedding invitations at http://www.TheseHandmadeMemories.com

Preppy Bride Alert: New Lilly Pulitzer Wedding Gowns

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Preppy brides, your dreams have finally come true! Every preppy gal's favorite designer, Lilly Pulitzer, has created her very own line of wedding gowns. Get inspired for a pink and green wedding with the most perfect preppy bridal gowns ever created.

The debut collection of Lilly Pulitzer bridal gowns is being created by a company called Designer Bride, which also makes gowns for Angel Sanchez and Carmen Marc Valvo. The fresh and fun Lilly wedding dresses are set to arrive in select bridal salons in early 2011. Like other designer wedding gowns, Lilly's dresses will not be available online, nor will they be sold in Lilly Pulitzer boutiques. The bride seeking a perfectly preppy Lilly for her wedding can search the Designer Bride website for a boutique in her area which will carry the fabulous frocks.

Like all Lilly dresses, the new bridal collection has an informal and lighthearted spirit. It is not a collection of princess ball gowns with heavy beading, but rather a group of gowns which are perfect for all the places one would usually wear their Lilly, like Nantucket, Palm Beach, or a seaside resort. The silhouettes are primarily slender A-lines; there is nothing extremely poufy nor anything skin-tight. In short, the gowns are ideal for a preppy bride who loves simple elegance. Kind of like a Lilly party dress, only full length and just a tad dressier.

The standout feature of Lilly's new bridal gowns is the use of lace. All Lilly lovers know how beautifully her collection has always used a heavy 1960s inspired lace, and the collection makes good use of it. Many of the bridal gowns are created using Lilly's signature lace. Paired with the simple strapless or cap sleeve silhouettes, it is a gorgeous look for a bride who wants a perfect afternoon wedding gown. The wedding gown which is destined to become an instant classic is a strapless gown with a slim A-line skirt and a natural waist; the gown is created from the signature Lilly lace in white over a soft pink satin lining. Finished off with a pink sash at the waist, it is quite possibly the most perfect preppy wedding gown ever made! Add a classic pearl necklace and a bouquet of pink peonies and you will be good to go.

Short wedding gowns have become a popular trend in recent years, and Lilly has taken care to include a couple of short and sassy options in her bridal collection. A knee length lace dress with a full A-line skirt and cap sleeves is accented with a pink grosgrain ribbon at the waist. It would be darling for an informal wedding, or as a second reception dress. A more sophisticated short dress features a sleeveless tank bodice with lace, a knee length satin tulip skirt and a big bow at the waist. It is something you could picture a lady from the early 1960s wearing to a summer cocktail party, and it is absolutely charming.

What to pair with all this Lilly fabulousness for bridesmaid dresses? More Lilly, of course! The natural companion to a Lilly Pulitzer wedding gown is pink and green bridesmaid dresses in one of her exuberant patterns. They suit the relatively informal style of the Lilly bridal gowns, and of course you can be sure that these will be the bridesmaid dresses that will definitely be worn time and time again. Give each bridesmaid a pearl necklace for her bridesmaid gift, and let her wear her favorite pair of pink or metallic sandals to complete the outfit. Pick up some matching Lilly ties for the men and a mini Lilly dress for the flower girl, and your wedding will be nothing short of preppy perfection!

Let us know if you need assistance in any area of planning your wedding.Take advantage of Bridget's experience helping clients select jewelry and accessories. A classic pearl necklace from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ is the perfect jewelry for a preppy bride. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping, leaving you more money for life's little necessities like monogrammed sandals for your honeymoon!

Stunning Mother of the Bride Dresses - How to Look the Part of the Proud, Elegant Mother

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Mother of the bride dresses have their own style compared to the outfits of the rest of the bridal entourage. As the person responsible for bringing the bride into this world, it is only fitting that the mom be dressed just as elegantly as her daughter and the principal participants of the event.

Mother of the bride gowns should exude an air of regality and ageless grace. For those who have no qualms at baring a little skin, a strapless or sleeveless full length gown with a plunging V neck or dipped neckline can make the wearer look gorgeous without upstaging the bride or any of the younger ladies. If the doting mom would rather keep herself covered up, she can do so in style with a matching bolero jacket. Short sleeved and long sleeved gowns are also excellent conservative options.

For cuts, it would be best to stick to the sleek A line or column dress. Ballooning ball gown skirts are not exactly age appropriate and are best reserved for the bride to be. Empire line cuts make for great mother of the bride dresses for moms on the heavy end as it effectively draws attention away from the stomach area and highlights the area from the bust up, making the wearer look slimmer and more beautiful.

One can shop for mother of the bride gowns through the Internet. This can save the bride and her mother a lot of time and effort as they search for the perfect wedding outfit. They may also decide to head to the nearest store that sells the dresses they find on the Internet. Online boutiques that direct you to affiliated retail shops are the best resources for ready made mother of the bride gowns.

Resource Box:

Mon Cheri Bridals carries an extensive selection of beautifully designed wedding dresses and outfits for the bridal entourage. Montage contains its line of mother-of-the-bride dresses, designed by Ivonne Dome. The mother-of-the-bride gowns come in a wide variety of colors and sophisticated designs. To look through Mon Cheri Bridals' entire collection of wedding outfits, visit MonCheriBridals.com.

How to Make Your Father of the Bride Speech Funny and Memorable With These Great Speech Jokes

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You can easily work a little bit of humor into your Father of the Bride Speech by using a few clean and tasteful Father of the Bride Speech Jokes. This is the perfect opportunity for you as the father of the bride to add to the magic of this special day in your daughter's life. How do you manage to blend emotion, sincerity and a bit of humor into your father of the bride speech? Let's have a look at how you can use father of the bride speech jokes and add a bit of sentiment in your speech.

Who To Include In Your Father of the Bride Speech and Jokes

Your Family: You can easily include jokes about your family relating to the wedding in your speech. I'm sure they'll have no problem with that.

The Bride: No father of the bride speech would be complete without mentioning a few funny incidents from her childhood or later in her life. This always adds a little extra sentiment and meaning to your speech!

The Groom: Include the groom and weave in a joke or two about how he met your daughter of how he proposed to her. This will make him feel part of your family and appreciated! Drop a few pearls of wisdom and you've got the right mixture of sentiment and humor.

The Wedding: No wedding ever goes without a mishap or two. Put a little extra twist on these little small mishaps and use them in your speech. There is always a little nugget or two that maybe caught your eye. You can use this in your speech to add a more personal touch to your father of the bride speech.

3 Savvy and Exciting Ways To Include Humor In Your Father of the Bride Speech

1) Use Funny Wedding Anecdotes - A Wedding Anecdote is a short story with a humorous ending. You can either make up your own anecdote or use a well-known one like the following

The Promise of Marriage

"Molly and Peter have been married for almost 48 years and have raised a brood of 12 children and are blessed with 23 grandchildren. When asked the secret for staying together for such a long time, Molly replies: Many years ago we made a promise to each other: The first one to pack up and leave must take all the kids."

2) Use Wedding Limericks - A limerick is a light or humorous small verse. It is very easy to write a limerick and you can even try to make your own limerick for the wedding. Here is an example of a wedding limerick by Graeme King.

"The bride threw her floral bouquet
but somehow it went the wrong way
it fell in the lap
of a very nice chap
who received three proposals that day!"

3) Use Wedding One-liners - There is numerous wedding one-liners available for you to use in your speech. It is best to start off your speech with a punchy one-liner to grab the attention of the guests and to act as an ice-breaker. Here is examples of a few wedding one-liners you can use:

• A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished
  


• Words to live by - do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute
  


• If a man opens the door of his car, you know either the car is new or the wife is new

These are only a few ways for you to bring a bit of humor into your speech and add a blend of sentiment as well. Make sure you deliver memorable father of the bride speeches and entertain the guests by looking at more funny father of the bride jokes from http://www.weddingspeechesandtoasts.net and get free tips and help to deliver an outstanding speech with comfort and ease!

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Bride and Groom!

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Our forefathers (and mothers) were a fearful bunch. They worried that when it started to rain, it might never stop. And worried again that when the rain stopped, it might not start again. Similarly, while they lived in daily fear that they might become a snack for some marauding animal, they worried even more if the animal decamped and they lost their own supply of food.

In such a world of fear and worry, it's no wonder that people were very much on the lookout for ways to avert disaster or promote good luck through all sorts of rituals. In particular, the wedding is full of them.

One of the stranger of these customs of good luck, is that surrounding the story of the Lucky Chimney Sweep. In themselves, chimney sweeps weren't particularly lucky. Some of them never survived their apprenticeship as six year old chimney sweeps. And as older chimney sweeps, so full of dust and grime that no amount of washing was ever likely to eradicate it, it is not to be supposed that they were society's darlings.

Ladies in their silks and satins weren't likely to say to themselves, 'I really must get an introduction to that irresistible chimney sweep. I'm sure that underneath all that soot lives a veritable prince'.

The more likely scenario was that the lady would pick up her voluminous skirts and run for her life, knowing just how expensive those skirts were, and how onerous the washing would be if they ever came in contact with that walking duster.

So why the Lucky Chimney Sweep?

Well, the stories are many and varied. But the bottom line is that a chimney sweep, sometime in the past, was lucky enough to save a prince from some severe physical distress. In his gratitude the prince rewarded the chimney sweep with enough gold pieces to make it possible for him to realise his dream. His dream was to make his sweet heart his bride. At this stage she was vacillating between a poor chimney sweep with personality, and a tradesman without personality but with a respectable bank account.

From then on it was circulated that a bride who glimpsed a chimney sweep on her way to the church, was bound to be lucky in love and in life.

Incidentally, the kissing of a chimney sweep in very much a twentieth century thing. No self-respecting female could have ever wished to get any closer to a chimney sweep then waving at him from across the opposite side of the street.

Julie Andrews and Mr. Disney have a lot to answer for.

Vlady Peters is an Australian Civil Marriage Celebrant authorised to perform marriages in Australia. She also perform general ceremonies such as Baby Naming, Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies. To learn more about her as a celebrant and an author visit vlady at http://www.weddings-celebrant.com

The Beautiful Bride of God of Israel

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A: lways The Beautiful Bride of God of Israel

M: iracles occurs in this Sweet Land of Liberty from the arrival of Pilgrims in 1607

E: xperiencing the glory of Jesus

R: isking everything for the sake of the Evelasting Kingdom of God

I: nspired by the Holy Spirit that one day, Puritans will be living in a society praying without

C: easing because they know that they have Freedom of Religion

A: ffirming Psalm 33:12 that it is obvious that this is chosen Gentile Nation by God.

T: reasure is this Nation for the LORD where

H: ealing is what The American people do for living with their prayers and

E: loquent songs such as God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner.

B: lessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance

E: ven with the threats of terrorists, Our Nation will be still the number one with the

A: lmighty God who provide us perfect protection in from the founding documents to

U: nite 13 colonies to be free forever with the Word of God as the essence of

T: treating everyone as Children of God with an inalienable rights written in the Declaration of

I: ndependence inspired by The Bible that Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness are

F: ree and given by our Creator. There is no gentile nation in human history with such

U: nity in God that even until today in the 21st Century Our Men and Women's

L: oyalty serving the U.S. Armed Forces has kept us safe, protected, and prosperous.

CHILDREN'S CHORUS

I am proud to be an American
I am blessed living in the United States of America
Where the impossible becomes possible
All dreams can be realized
Thanks God Almighty for who you are for U.S.
When I grow up I can be all I can be in Christ

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

ORCHESTRA

Whether I am from New York City or Los Angeles
Whether I am from Denver or Washington, D.C.
Whether I am from Memphis or Boston
I am proud to be an American

Whether I am black or white
Whether I am an immigrant or citizen
Whether I am Latino or Asian
I am proud to be an American

Jose Angel Manaiza, Jr. is a Mathematician.

Find Your Mail Order Bride Now

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Working class American men have a long history of looking to so-called mail order brides to provide wives for rural areas, mining camps, soldiers, and factory labor. Times have changed.

Russian mail order wives are now a step up or marrying up for many of the best educated and wealthiest of Americans. The Internet has simplified the process of finding a woman who is younger, taller, prettier, smarter, sexier, and better-educated than you can attract at home.

The Internet lets anyone search through hundreds of thousands of potential mates in seconds - no matter where she is in the world.

While I believe this is the golden age of email order brides - and not a way for nerdy or cruel men to exploit impoverished or submissive women - I believe the window will be closing within 5 to 10 years.

Here's why:

1. Oil

Governments hide the ball when it comes to oil reserves, peak oil, and future prices for gasoline, we don't know how high costs will go.

Electricity can be generated for your home or electric car from solar, wind, or geothermal sources, but jets need aviation fuel. Lots of it.

If oil prices triple or more, which is a distinct possibility, international travel will become prohibitively expensive for the average man.

Travel now.

2. IMBRA

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA) requires background checks on American men looking to file immigrant or fiancee visa petitions for foreign women if they met through a marriage agency.

An International Marriage Broker (IMB) is an entity - U.S. or foreign based - that provides matchmaking or social referrals between U.S. citizens/permanent residents and foreign nationals for a fee.

Passed in the wake of the Anastasia King murder allegedly to protect foreign brides, all it really does is take away privacy, free speech, and freedom from American men.

IMBs must:

- search U.S. sex offender public registries for information on the U.S. clients
- collect criminal and marital background information on American client
- provide this information to the foreign woman in her native language
- provide foreign clients with a government produced pamphlet detailing her legal rights in the U.S.
- obtain the foreign client's signed consent to release her personal information to the U.S. client
- limit of 2 fiance(e) visa petitions with at least 2 years between filings

All of these restrictions apply to IMB arranged matches, so there are many ways around the law. Just don't think this will be the last piece of insane legislation to restrict freedom of American citizens.

Anastasia King is not the only bride to fall victim to an abusive and sinister husband. If this is so important for foreign brides, why not make a law that applies to all women?

Simple. Americans would not stand for it at home.

It's easy to pick on groups with no power. And there is that pesky Constitution (what's left of it).

Good intentions make bad law. IMBRA is a poster child for unnecessary and flawed regulations.

If gay marriage becomes law and opens same-sex spouses to immigration benefits, you can expect Congress to make it exceptionally difficult for anyone to bring a spouse home.

Find your Russian, Chinese, Filipina, or Brazilian mail order wife before it becomes an impossible ordeal.

3. American Men Still a Catch

For many foreign women, American husbands are still considered a good catch and a favorable match. Go figure.

I'm not sure if I am flattered or frightened.

Many foreign women view American men as better husband material, and not just on a financial level. Hollywood movies showing women's equality in marriage and relationships have no doubt contributed to the perceptions.

After a couple of divorces, I have become more jaded regarding marriage. Instead of falling into a relationship, why not search for exactly what you want without local fix-ups or sorting through women in bars.

My recommendations:

For younger men, women from Russia, the Ukraine, and the former Soviet Republics, Russian women are the sexiest and most stunning females on the planet.

Go for it. Don't apologize or settle. You will discover so many who are the right age, well-educated, and whose looks blow you away.

Caveat - watch the age spreads. For Russian women, 10 to 15 years younger will work fine. A larger age difference could be risky.

For older or more traditional men, nothing beats the Philippines. Filipinas are the most religious, family oriented women I have ever lived among.

Age differences are less of an issue. A Filipina will stay married as long as she can. While a Vice-Consul in Manila, I have approved visas for brides 50 years younger than their American husbands.

For men who get pensions or Social Security, I would consider living out my retirement in the Philippines with a young wife. Immigration goes both directions. And a "fixed income" in the P.I. is a beautiful thing.

Golden Age:

For American men, you are nearing the end of the golden age for marriage and family.

You will never have a higher position in the minds of many brides to be.

You will never be able to attract a more desirable wife or mother for your children.

You have never been more able to find and communicate with the right woman for you without all of the social and cultural boundaries of the past.

Before governments and busybodies once again interfere in the process of love, marriage, and family, grab your perfect mail order wife.

Dating, romance, and marriage have changed forever.

You can start your search for the perfect bride at Russian Mail Order Wife [http://joinfreeanastasia.info].

For a huge resource of U.S. and international dating sites, visit DatingDirectoryOnline - [http://datingdirectoryonline.com]

Charles Lamm is a former Vice-Consul in Seoul and Manila, retired immigration attorney, and writer now living in Florida.

The History of Bride and Groom

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In 1604, the word Bridegroom came into being for the need to call a man about to be married something other than, "the poor soul," or, "the doomed one." The word is derived from two words, The "Bride" which simply means the woman about to be married and in some dominantly male run countries, the bride means, a screaming, and slave-driving banshee from the pits of Hades itself, and the word "Guma" which is roughly translated from old English as "boy." The bridegroom, on the day of his wedding, usually wore clothing specific to the type of religion, the time of the day, or the uniform of whatever branch of service or position he held with a government status. We have since shortened the word to the simple "groom," which is what many bachelors believe any man would have to be to get married.

In those days, it was not uncommon for the groom to have the final say in matters of the ceremony, especially as to where and when it would be held and who would be the Celebrant. The Celebrant is someone other than clergy or government official who is licensed to perform ceremonies if the couple or party wishes not to involve church or state. This person is now more commonly referred to as the officiant and can perform many types of ceremonies, including weddings. The groom and the bride's father would usually hammer out the details of the wedding and then inform the rest of the family.

The word Teutonic, which translates as "cook" is believed to be the origin of the word "Bride," although that has been hotly debated by, you guessed it, women around the world as not being the origin of the word. Many women feel the word, Bride, actually came from the words, "Beauty," and, "Iconic." But that could be simple hearsay. Almost every culture has elaborate and beautiful wedding apparel that the bride is required to wear on her wedding day during the ceremony and in some cultures; there is specific clothing that she is required to wear for a set number of days after. In this country however, after the wedding, the bride is required to wear nothing at all.

Today, the bride and the shortened and more accepted form of the original, the groom, have the option of planning their own wedding or even hiring someone to do this planning for them under their close supervision. This person, known as an event planner or more specifically, a wedding planner is a special type of person who is genetically grown in a test tube for the sole purpose of saving young couples a ton of money, and to prevent them from making terribly time-consuming mistakes while planning for their nuptials.

These planners are grown with built in wedding planning technology and can actually produce wedding favors or unique wedding favors from some secret place in their bodies which also saves the couple a ton of money. The laboratories that make these super-planners are called Planners-R-Us and cannot be found anywhere due to the secrecy of their technology. The only thing that is really known about the company is that it has more than quadrupled its output of wedding planners and is also coming out with a new line of divorce negotiators. It is hoped by the stockholders that this super-negotiation technology will make divorce lawyers obsolete by the year 2020.

Wedding planners are easy to find by looking in your local phone book or typing wedding planners, followed by the name of your city and state, into any search engine. It has been rumored that the divorce negotiators can be found by hanging a white business shirt with lipstick on the collar from any open window.

Looking for discounted unique wedding favors? After doing some price comparison and research, I found that E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection of unique wedding favors and bridal shower favors and much more, all at the best prices online.

Father of the Bride Speeches - 6 Simple Tips For Writing Inspirational Wedding Speeches

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Writing and delivering father of the bride speeches can turn out to be extremely difficult for quite a few dads. It is pretty difficult for many fathers to come up with the right words that can make the wedding of their daughter even more special and memorable.

Every father wants his father of the bride speech to be entertaining and meaningful at the same time.

The main purpose of delivering father of the bride speeches is to highlight the father daughter relationship, to welcome the son in law, to welcome and thank the guests and to express your best wishes to the newlyweds.

You also need to tell your daughter in your speech that you are a proud father especially because of her choice of husband. Let me help you out with some important tips on father of the bride speeches.

Father of the bride speeches - a few tips

• Write out a few drafts of your speech and edit it and polish it up to get the final version


• The opening line of your speech should be very catchy and should immediately help you to get audience attention


• You can start with a wedding quotation or even better with a funny one-liner


• You need to introduce yourself and welcome and thank the guests


• The groom and his family deserve a special mention while you are welcoming the guests


• It is a must to thanks those who have contributed to the wedding in father of the bride speeches


• You should share a few memorable father daughter moments with the audience


• You need to give some advice to the newlyweds but in an easy going manner


• Inserting humor in your speech is highly recommended


• However you should carefully choose the words in your speech and strike the right balance between emotion, substance and wit


• Taking help from well-written father of the bride speeches can really cut down your job by 90%


• The speech samples can give you the right inspiration and you can even copy portions of the samples to make them a part of your own speech


• You will get a complete understanding of the flow and structure of your speech as well as the right words to use, from father of the bride speech samples


• You can never go wrong if you take help from well-written speech samples.

You must take a look at father of the bride speeches before writing your own speech. Visit http://www.bestfatherofthebridespeeches.com for professionally written, very entertaining father of the bride speech samples and templates that you can use as your own.

Along with this you will also find lots of exclusive wedding toasts, quotations, hilarious one-liners and step by step guide to help you write your own speech and tips to help you deliver your speech with great confidence.

Mother of the Bride Wedding Speech - Inspirational Tips to Help You

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Do you think the writing of the mother of the bride wedding speech is something hard to do? If you think it's difficult to compose a mother of the bride speech, there is actually nothing to worry about. This page has a list of useful tips you can follow to make your writing easier. Following those tips will undoubtedly give you the best chance to create a wonderful wedding speech.

It is not too soon to prepare a mother's bride speech even if the wedding is only a few weeks from now. You can prepare a day before by reading some samples and writing your own speech. The only difficult thing you may encounter is how to start writing it. First of all, you have to list down everything you want to share. Your main focus is your daughter so your speech needs to highlight about the bride. Spending more time talking about your daughter is expected during your speech.

As the mother of the bride, you also have the responsibility to welcome your new son-in-law. Take the moment to give your own comments about the groom. His family, especially his parents, will appreciate the positive thoughts you are going to share to all visitors. Acknowledging the groom in public is an important statement you need to make.

Most importantly, you have to give some points or lessons about marital life. These things are very special because the happy couple needs to hear them in order to serve as a guide they can follow as they start a new married life together. Sharing valuable tips about how to preserve a marriage is what you can conclude in your speech.

The mother of the bride wedding speech is not that hard to do for as long as you know the basic writing guidelines of wedding speeches. Just remember to have the main parts of a speech which are the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Adding a few lines to balance the sentimental of your mood is also important to keep in mind. Following all of these tips is the secret to easily write the wedding speech.

The secret formula to a mother of the bride wedding speech is to write them in advance. You can visit this website to read more tips, information and speech samples related to a mother of the bride wedding speech compositions.

Mother of the Bride Dress Guide - How to Choose Your MOB Dress

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Sure - the day may be all about the bride and her big dress, but as the mother of the bride or groom - you need to shine too. Here's everything you need to know to ensure you look stylish and perfectly coiffed on the big day.

Getting Started

When it comes to selecting wedding day attire, the bride goes first. The moms need to start shopping as early as possible - but not until after the bride has selected her gown and the bridesmaids' dresses. Once this has been done, the bride will discuss her preferences of lengths, colors and styles with her mother or both mothers. If you're not happy with the style she suggests, let her know and work out a compromise. It is her day - but the moms have to be comfortable too.

Etiquette

Typically the mother-of-the-bride (MOB) selects her dress (taking cues from the bride), then politely consults with the mother-of-the-groom (MOG) as soon as possible to inform her of the style. The MOG should then select an ensemble that complements - not matches - that of the MOB. This custom is definitely not required, however. If the MOB is lagging and the MOG is anxious to get shopping, she can definitely take the initiative and consult with the MOG or the bride. Regardless - it's important for everyone to be flexible and considerate.

Style Tips for the Moms

Color

Everyone has their own preferences, and any color can really be worn if the bride and moms agree on it. That said, most would advice against these hues:

White or Ivory - (don't compete with the bride)

Black - (don't appear as if in mourning)

Red - (don't be too flashy)

You usually can't go wrong with lavender, beige, silver, burgundy, blue and rose.

Matching the Bridesmaids?

There is no rule that says that mothers' dresses should match or coordinate with the bridesmaids' attire. You can either choose to stay within the same color family - yet different shade (i.e. maids are in seafoam green, you choose a deep emerald green), or feel free to mix and match as you see fit. Again - talk to the bride about her preferences.

FormalityWhile you have more room to maneuver in color - the formality of your gown should match the formality of the rest of the wedding party and the event. If it's an evening wedding and the maids are in floor length ball gowns - it's probably best to avoid a short hemline in a casual fabric - and vice versa.

Where to Shop

Most department stores and many specialty boutiques feature appropriate gowns that can also be worn again to another formal party. You can also jump start your search for mother of the bride dresses in this interactive online photo gallery. Shop with a trusted friend or relative, one whose judgment you can trust to help you choose the style and color that is best for you.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.

Mother of the Bride Wedding Speeches

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The mother of the bride is the second most important woman in a wedding after the bride. She, together with the father, will be the one to give away her daughter to a new man. Therefore, the mother of the bride wedding speeches are very awaited at the reception.

The Concept

Among the many things that the mother of the bride should focus on, is the concept of the speech. What she is supposed to say should go with the main concept of the wedding, which is the unison of her daughter and her beloved son in law. This being said, the mother of the bride wedding speeches should focus on her daughter and how thankful she is for having such a wonderful girl as a daughter.

Personal experiences can also be mentioned. Funny childhood memories that can make the audience laugh. Make her the center of positive attention by saying how much you love her as her mother.

Mother of the bride wedding speeches should contain the positive traits of the daughter- how she has affected her mother's life. Thanking her for her time and the love that she has given to the family will add more emotion to the concept of the speech. It will give the mother a chance to show how much she loves her daughter and how much the family will miss her as she leaves the nest.

Additional Content and Reminders

It would also help the mother to practice the speech a few weeks before so that she can get rid of stage fright. She also has to put the groom's feelings into consideration when making a speech. Wedding speeches should be about happiness. The mother should not focus on negative aspects of the groom's personality. She should also never forget to welcome the groom to the family.

As a mother, you should say what you feel. Anything that comes from the heart is more appreciated than something that is taken from a greeting card. You can also take this chance to share your wisdom with the newlyweds. Since you have had the experience of living a married life, your advice will be important for them to consider as they start their own family. It will help them through tribulations that may come their way.

As a mother, you should try your best not to get too emotional when delivering your speech. However, it is unavoidable because of the sentimental tone of the occasion. Be sure to bring something that can wipe the tears off your face as you deliver your heartfelt speech. However, if it does get too emotional do not be afraid to shed a tear.

The mother of the bride wedding speeches should sum up all your feelings about the wedding. One very important thing that you should remember is to thank everyone for coming to your daughter's wedding. In addition to this, delivering this speech will give you a chance to show that you have accepted the groom into the family. You must make him feel welcomed so that he would not be afraid to open up to you in case there is any problem.

Thank you for the time you spent with me reading this article about the mother of the bride wedding speeches! I'd also love to meet you on my blog to have a chance to tell you more about wedding speeches - actually you could start by browsing the category page for mother speeches right away - you will want to share it with others.

A very talented writer, Stacy Craig has a writing experience of many years. She is currently working as the senior editor at Raw Nuke, and has written content for many websites and blogs worldwide. She is working in affiliation with many companies, and her work has received much admiration from several clients. Her work is known to be excellent, and delivered within deadlines.

Currently, Stacy Craig cooperates with ExtraFindouts.Com's Wedding Speeches Guide - the first place to get help with your wedding speech. Here you can find many articles, guides, tips, help, advice and much more for any type of wedding speeches you're having this or the very next weekend!

We also offer 5-days Email Mini-Course with the most useful tips on writing and delivering your wedding speech. You will also get a free 20-pages report with basic wedding speech samples upon subscribing to the Mini-Course.

So what are you waiting for? Visit us right now and Get your own copy of the ExtraFindouts Free Wedding Speeches Report!

Famous Wedding Movies - "Father of the Bride"

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One of the most delightful movies about weddings is the 1991 hit Father of the Bride starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short in the unforgettable role of Franck the wedding planner. It was actually a remake of a classic Spencer Tracey comedy, but I found the more recent version to be even funnier than the original. The movie tells the tale of a loving dad who nearly loses his mind during the planning of his daughter's wedding.

There are many parts of Father of the Bride that real-life dads will relate to. The wave of nostalgia that hits Steve Martin when he realizes that his little girl is all grown up is very touching, and is a sentiment shared by many fathers of the bride. Most dads will also relate to the sticker shock experienced by Martin's character, George Banks.

The sweetness of the father-daughter relationship is balanced by the hilarity of the actual wedding planning process. Franck the wedding planner is definitely the funniest and most memorable part of the movie. From his insistence on swans, the scene over the navy blue tuxedo, and all of the other costly "must-haves" that he arranges, he is an absolute gem.

One of the best known scenes in Father of the Bride is when Annie's fiance gives her a blender. He thinks that it is a thoughtful gift (Annie likes milkshakes); she thinks that it is a symbol of his intention to turn her into a 1950s housewife after the wedding. Naturally, Annie's father steps in and smooths things over. The blender fiasco is a perfect example of how people can go a little crazy during the stress of planning a wedding!

Annie's bridal ensemble was very traditional. She wore a long sleeved gown with a lace illusion neckline. It was an elegant and lovely dress, which she completed with a full veil and blusher. With such a high neckline, the bride did not wear a necklace, but she did choose pearl bridal jewelry for earrings. Annie's pearl bridal jewelry was dangle earrings, which are a nice choice when there is no necklace being worn. She completed the look with a pair of sneakers from her father's sneaker company hidden under her full skirt.

Father of the Bride shows why it is not less expensive to have your wedding at home. Between the renovations, the gardening, and the fancy birds, it would have been more affordable to have the wedding in a club. This is often the case with weddings at home, because not only will you have all of the costs associated with renting everything from forks to a tent, but you will surely see a hundred ways that your home must be spruced up to look perfect for your wedding.

Anyone planning a wedding should take the time to sit down and watch Father of the Bride. It is an adorable, lighthearted movie that will provide a relaxing break during the hectic days of planning your own wedding. And in case you are wondering what happens after the wedding, rent Father of the Bride II (I'll give you one hint: babies!).

Let us know if you need assistance in any area of planning your wedding.Take advantage of Bridget's experience helping clients select jewelry and accessories. Pearl bridal jewelry is always elegant and beautiful.

Father of the Bride Speech Etiquette

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Making a speech for an occasion may take on different forms but making a wedding speech more or less follows a certain format. In wedding reception programs, it is common for the fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, the bride and the groom to share a little speech to their families, friends, and guests.

Father bride speech etiquette tells that basically, its purpose is to welcome everyone who exerted much time and energy just to join them in the occasion. On behalf of your family, thank everyone who helped in celebrating the wedding of your daughter. It is recommended in father bride speech etiquette to thank the clergy, the caterers, and the photographers who made the occasion special.

Take time to take a look at the bride and compliment on how beautiful she looks. Father bride speech etiquette also tells us to mention the qualities, talents, and achievement of your daughter and show how proud you are for her. You may also recount on a certain story about her when she was little. Compliment also on the groom and speak of his achievements and welcome him as a new member of the family. Father bride speech etiquette recommends giving a few words of advices for the newly married couple. Sometimes, it would be helpful if the father of the bride would present it in a teasing manner.

Lastly, father bride speech etiquette tells us that the speech must end with a proposal to toast to the bride and groom. Wish them a happy and successful marriage for the years to come.

Ameet Royce is a wedding speech expert and is a prolific blogger and content writer. His works include articles on father of the bride speeches. To read more about father of the bride speech etiquette you can visit http://www.weddingspeechdigest.com

10 Tips For a Father of the Bride Speech

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The Father of the Bride speech is often one of the most emotional of all wedding speeches, and as it is usually the opening speech, it can be a difficult speech to master. This speech needs to evoke a snapshot of your daughters life, pay tribute to her new husband and his family,while engaging and keeping those listening entertained. This may sound a tall order because as first speaker you should ideally be giving a short speech (3-5 minutes), but with the help of the following Father of the Bride speech tips your speech will savored by all in attendance particularly the Bride and Groom along with their respective family members.

10. Welcome everybody to the celebration, express your delight at seeing old friends along with your pride and joy for the newlyweds.

9. Provide a special welcome for the Groom's family particularly his father and mother.

8. Describe your daughter as a child, mention some quirky traits that she may have had growing-up.

7. Tell a funny story from your daughter's childhood that ends with a loving tribute.

6. Mention how you and your wife watched her blossom into the beautiful young woman she is today.

5. Make reference to your daughters qualities and attributes.

4. Talk about your first impressions of the Groom.

3. Describe how happy your daughter has been since she met the Groom.

2. Thank your wife/partner and describe what a wonderful mother she has been to the Bride.

1. Offer a heart-warming Toast to the happy couple.

The Father of the Bride speech should make you proud on this proudest of days so stand tall, be confident and give a speech that will live with you forever.

Click here for inspiring, memorable Father of the Bride speeches that will be enjoyed by all and have your daughter beaming with pride.

This article was written by Dave Duncan director of Speech Success, for inspiring, proud father of the bride speeches visit; http://www.speechsuccess.com/father-of-the-bride-speeches.html

Curvy Moms and Mother of the Bride Dresses

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Weddings are all about brides and the grooms. Moms have to take the back-seat. But is anyone wondering how they're feeling in their awful mother of the bride dresses?

Don't Forget Mom

Although your mom won't say it, she's a little forlorn at the prospect of 'losing' you to someone you love but she'll work hard enough to help you with the wedding preparations. Shouldn't mom be rewarded with one of those stunning mother of the bride dresses?

Moms don't come in one-size-fit-all packages. They have gained inches here and there and they believe that there are no stunning dresses for women their size and age. You mom wouldn't dare look ridiculous in a tight-fitting dress and would prefer or a tent dress that can house an entire harem of concubines. This hesitance to try on something stunning is understandable; after all, she's no longer in the April of her youth.

Although moms have mommy fats here and there or have deep laughter lines on their faces, they can still carry their curves well. At her age, don't force her into something that makes her look too trying-hard to look your age. She must dress her age but look stunning too. The line of elegant mother of the bride dresses would be smart choices for your reluctant curvy mom

Moms whatever their sizes and curves can ease into stunning dresses that would give the bridesmaids a run for their money. If you are going to be a bride this year, take mom along when you shop for wedding dresses and help her choose the best dress to show off her curves but one that hides her mommy flaws.

Ask your mom if she wants something different to wear. Would she go for the classic lines with a new twist or settle with something familiar? Your mom might shudder at the thought of wearing something trendy but persuade her to try on the latest selections of mother of the bride dresses. If she does not like the dress because it's too showy or too short for her taste, or a bit tight on the arms, usher her to another rack for plus-size frames.

You bet; she'll be stunned at the sight - plus sized mother of the bride dresses cut and styled in the latest trends. Let mom dare to wear a color she has never worn but looks good her skin tone and cajole her to try a purple chiffon creation with a swirling skirt. You bet, she'll love her new look and won't feel too bad losing you to the man after your own heart.

When to Go Shopping

Since your wedding is also special day too for your mom, take the time to shop and shop months before the altar date. Moms are fussy and won't settle on something on first sight. She might go shopping on her on if you are too busy and surprise you with nice dress without your help. But if you are scared she turns up with a sorry little dress, you might as well give a month to go the rounds with her.

The first target should be the bridal shop. When you shop for your wedding dress, take mom along so she gets to see the latest styles in mother of the bride dresses and wear one with aplomb to show off her curves.

Best for Bride - Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaid Dresses
5359 Dundas St. West (at Kipling)
Etobicoke, ON, Canada, M9B 1B1

Your mom should look her best too on your wedding day; shop for mother of the bride dresses when you start looking at wedding dresses for your perfect wedding dress. For more exciting details for your wedding getup, visit BestforBride.com today.

The Wedding Ceremony of a Ukraine Bride

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A typical Ukrainian wedding is very colorful and exciting. It is usually an intricate affair that lasts between 2 and 3 days, but there are also a number of traditions that take place before the actual wedding. These are as important to a Ukraine bride as the ceremony itself.

First there is the "dohlyaduny" or the formal engagement. The groom comes to the bride's house with his friends and asks the parents of the Ukraine bride for permission to marry her. The custom is purely formal considering everything is arranged beforehand, but it dates back to ancient times when the "dohlyaduny" was an official proposal to the Ukraine bride. Her parents are the ones to decide whether or not she will marry her suitor.

The length of the engagement varies from bride to bride, but it is usually at least a month and a half, and will range up to a year or more. During this time much has to be done to get ready for the ceremony. A couple makes the lists of the guests, and chooses the restaurant and considers the menu that everyone can enjoy.

They also have to choose the photographer and videographer, as well as the person who makes the toast to the married couple. Choosing the church for the wedding is also an important decision. A Ukraine bride then chooses her wedding dress; usually a white color but lately, ivory and pale pink dresses have become a popular choice.

There are times that a Ukraine bride wears extraordinary garments called a "vyshyvanka", a national Ukrainian embroidered shirt. An indispensable part of a Ukraine bride's dress is the bridal veil. Though in many European countries it is a matter of taste, in Ukraine it is an absolute must, and something that is taken very seriously. The groom's clothes don't have to meet any particular requirements, but he usually wears a suit and tie even though he could get married in just a shirt and pants without the tie.

The wedding itself usually takes place on a Friday or Saturday. As with most American traditions, the Ukraine bride and her groom have to spend the night before separately. The groom has his bachelor or stag party, and the bride invites her friends for a "divych-vechir" or bachelorette party.

The morning of the ceremony the groom goes to his fiance's house and pays what is called the "vykup" or a ransom for a bride. According to another tradition there is only one bridesmaid, and she thinks out different contests for the broom to do, and if he fails he has to pay the "vykup".

Once he passes, he may see his bride. The wedding procession all goes to the civilian registry office where you register to get married, even if you have the wedding in a church. To have an actual church wedding is very important to Ukraine brides because by Orthodox beliefs, a wedding in a church means that the couple will be together in heaven, no matter whether the love lasts or not.

After the ceremony is completed, the couple and their guests will have about 3 to 5 hours in which they spend taking pictures. The dinner is then held either at a restaurant, or at home, depending on the number of guests. The Ukrainian bride is the center of attention of course and people spend time trying to steal her shoes, or the bride herself.

It is a tradition that brings fun and laughter to the ceremony, and the person who manages to do this can ask the bridesmaid or best man for anything he wants. The dancing and singing follows and usually lasts until dawn. The wedding continues into the next day for more fun and dancing. A good time is absolutely had by all.

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Mother of the Bride Dresses That Your Mom Can Actually Wear After the Wedding

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At a wedding, all eyes should be on the bride. After all, it's her day. But just because the bride does not want to be upstaged, does not mean the mother of the bride should be out of fashion. Today, mothers of the bride are no longer willing to blend in with the wallpaper. They put in as much time as the bride to find the right look. Frump is out and style is in. They wear dresses that are well-tailored and age appropriate. Their shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories are expertly coordinated with their dresses. As they should, since wedding pictures are forever. Today, mothers of the bride are more than just mothers, they are style icons. They want dresses that perform in more than one function. Today, mothers of the bride want dresses they can actually wear after the wedding. Today, mothers of the bride can find all this, and more.

To get the perfect dress, mothers of the bride should follow five rules when picking out dresses for before, during, and after, the wedding:

• Choose an outfit that respects the wedding color(s), however remember colors come in all palettes and hues. Bold does not always mean loud.


• Simple is timeless. Following the latest fashion or runway trend limits the time and wearability of an outfit.


• Tailored outfits for your body type will flatter your figure. Off the rack is fine, just remember to nip and tuck.


• Accessorizing with lightweight outerwear not only is figure slimming, it takes an outfit from morning to night.


• Let your accessories bring the detail. Busy dresses are generally bad decisions.

By body type, here are some Mother of the bride dresses that rule during and after the wedding.

Small top, Wide bottom or Big top, Small bottom

A small top, wide bottom woman has a small to average bust, a slender waist, and full thighs and hips. To create a sense of balance with your body, wear two tone dresses with bright tops and darker bottoms. A-line skirts are slimming. Consider blousy and off the shoulder necklines which give depth. Adding matching or coordinated outerwear to the dress also brings balance. Here are styles that bring style to women with small tops, and wide bottoms.

Two two-toned dresses are flattering as well as functional. Choosing a dress with a white portrait collar or white strip of fabric outlining the neckline, as well as one with an embellished cinched waist bands, take emphasis away from the bottom.

If the mother of the bride is big on the top, but has a small bottom, do the reverse - bold colors on the bottom, with darker, muted colors on the top.

For either body type, a stunning Jacquard and sleeveless Shantung are attractive. Their embellished top dress can be worn alone or with its matching Jacquard jacket. The three-quarter jacket sleeves complement small or heavy set arms.

Tall and Slender

Tall and slender mothers of the bride have small busts, narrow waists and hips, and long lean arms. Choose light and soft colors, as well as pleats and full skirts, to round out your frame. If you add outerwear, choose one with large colors and cuffs.

Flattering styles include soft colors, like lilac. Hammered tiered round neck dresses, one-shoulder tiered long dresses with matching cover ups, and angled tier, empire style, cap sleeve dresses slim and bring attention to all the right places.

Full-figured

Round figured Mothers of the Bride have full busts, round midsections, and heavy arms. To bring balance buy dresses that create a line that gives height. If you're petite or tall steer away from long flowy dresses. Knee length dresses are the most flattering. Combining a dress and outer coat of the same length, as with a Shantung coat and dress, or a two piece suit of the same color, as with this metallic brocade two piece, will also give a smooth line.

Curvy Body

Petite or tall, curvy mothers of the bride can wear almost anything because their bust, waist, and legs are in proportion. Fitted dresses are the most becoming. V and scoop necks show off the bust-line. Don't hide your curves behind ill, loose fitting dresses, or blousy necklines.

This halter top, buckled waistline dress comes with a matching cover that can be worn over both or one shoulder. After the wedding, shorten the dress to just above the knee to create a flowing sophisticated dress wearable for many occasions.

Jacquard and Shantung broach detailed dresses with a three-quarter sleeved bolero or a two-piece black bolero and ruffled tank dress, can be worn with the bolero at the wedding, and without when the Mother of the bride needs more freedom.

Weddings are auspicious occasions. Today, mothers of the bride have a vast selection of dresses and ensembles that are stylish and fashionable. Selecting a well-tailored and ageless designed dress that complements your body type, mothers of the bride dresses can be worn after the wedding to all types of special occasions.

Jason Dixon is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as mother of the bride dresses.

Christmas Gifts For the Bride-to-Be

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Everything in life is different when a wedding is in the works. This is true not only for the bride, but also her family, fiance, and friends. If you have a bride-to-be in your life, you might want to think about getting her a wedding related gift for Christmas this year.

There are so many expenses that are a part of a wedding, and few brides can afford to get everything that they would really love to have. This is where special gifts from friends and family can come in. If you were planning to get the bride a Christmas gift anyway, why not pick up something that you know she would love to have for her wedding?

There are countless little things that a bride-to-be can use. Naturally, her parents and fiance will be the ones looking to get her the most expensive gifts. Friends and other family members may plan to give more of a little trinket than a big "wow" gift, but there are plenty of things that fall into both categories, so you are sure to find something perfect.

One of the nicest things that the bride's parents of fiance could choose to give her for Christmas would be gifts of wedding jewelry. Jewelry is a great gift under any circumstances, and it will be especially meaningful when the gifts are jewelry for her wedding.

Often there will be a few special pieces that the bride has been coveting to complete her look. The groom and her parents can coordinate to make sure that they do not overlap. For instance, the parents of the bride could buy her a fabulous crystal and pearl necklace, and the groom could get the earrings and bracelet to match. This would be especially fun if you will all be opening Christmas gifts together so that the bride will get the whole bridal jewelry set as one big surprise. One of the best ways to give jewelry at Christmas is to hang it on the tree inside a hollow ornament. It is such a delightful presentation.

Christmas can also be an opportunity for the bride and her mother to pick up some of the accessories that do not fit into the original wedding attire budget (often the one set by Dad!). More than a few mothers of the bride have slid things like a fabulous headpiece or gorgeous veil into the Christmas gift budget to avoid going over on the wedding budget. Besides, it beats getting another sweater any day!

Friends of the bride-to-be can also give her Christmas gifts that relate to the wedding. The best friend of the bride could pick up a perfect little beaded clutch in a vintage shop. Or if you are crafty, why not crochet a dainty shawl for the bride to wear during the reception?

Another category to consider for gift ideas is the honeymoon. The choices are almost endless! A very cute gift would be a tshirt that proclaims your friend to be "Mrs. Smith" that she can wear as a newlywed. If the honeymoon involves a long plane ride, then you could make up a little travel gift bag. Start with a small tote bad monogrammed with her new initials. Then fill it up with things to make the trip go faster, such as a great book, crossword puzzles, and some snacks. A great idea would be to include a small journal to record honeymoon memories.

Speaking of recording memories, a great Christmas gift from the parents of the bride or groom would be a nice digital camera or camcorder. No doubt it will see lots of use on the honeymoon and well beyond. If that is not in the budget, another nice gift would be a honeymoon photo album. To make it extra special, have it personalized with the dates of the trip.

There are so many wonderful things that the family and friends of a bride-to-be can give her. Her Christmas will be fabulous when she receives the special things that she wanted for her wedding. Every woman loves to be spoiled on Christmas: especially brides!

Ask Bridget for advice in areas of jewelry or weddings. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.com. Gifts of wedding jewelry are perfect for any occasion.

Funny Father of the Bride Speeches - The Best Speeches For Weddings

In weddings, funny father of the bride speeches are recommended. Rather than giving out a very formal and overly-dramatic speech, people prefer to hear a lighter one. After all, weddings are about happiness and sharing love. This is not the time to be sulking although tears of joy are always expected. However, there are some things you need to remember when incorporating humor in your speech.

Focus on your theme. Whether you want to tell a funny anecdote or use a funny quotation, make sure that it is in relevance to your central message. Bear in mind that the bride and groom are the stars of the occasion.
Be respectful. Don't be funny at the expense of others. Make sure that your jokes are well intended and that none will feel upset about them. Watch out for jokes that may seem to have double meaning or may sound offensive to certain people.

Don't ridicule the bride. When sharing funny stories, you don't want to put the bride in a humiliating situation. Although mild funny pokes are okay, you don't want to say something that can make the bride feel uncomfortable, even if you are telling a true story. Be sensitive about your story-telling.

Keep it wholesome. Because a wedding is a family celebration, children of varying ages will be there. Do not tell jokes that are intended only for adult's ears. Avoid using languages that are not fit for kids.

Speak from the heart. A humorous speech largely depends on how it is delivered. When giving your speech, relax and be yourself. Don't try to put on an act to try to be funny. People will appreciate you more by speaking what you truly feel.

Make your speech meaningful. Although you want to add a touch of humor to your speech, don't forget to make it meaningful. This is your chance to give your personal message to the bride and groom. Give some fatherly advice to the couple on how to live a happy married life. However, keep it light and go easy on the advices. One or two statements should be enough. There is no need to elaborate what you mean.

I have been searching for funny father of the bride speeches online and here is a site that I highly recommend. It's called http://www.bestfatherofthebridespeeches.com . The website not only has very entertaining father of the bride speech samples but also a guide to write your own speech, lots of inspiring wedding and love quotations, hilarious one-liners and funny quotes, relevant wedding toasts, tips on confident public speaking and lots more.

Holiday Gift Ideas For Brides-to-Be

If you know a woman who is engaged to be married, the holidays can be a great time to give her a special present that she can enjoy for her wedding. After all, there are countless things that a bride needs or wants for her wedding, and if you will be planning to give her a Christmas or holiday gift anyway, why not kill two bird with one stone? Here are some great holiday gift ideas for the bride-to-be.

One thing that every bride needs to complete her wedding ensemble is the perfect accessories. The thing is that by the time everything else has been paid for, the bride may well find herself lacking the funds in her wedding budget to get all of those special finishing touches. This is why wedding jewelry, headpieces, evening bags, and unique wraps can all make thoughtful gifts.

If you do not know exactly what the bride would like, check in with her mother or maid-of-honor. Perhaps there is a lace shrug that matches her wedding gown that the bride is dying to have for the ceremony. Or maybe she has picked out a dazzling pair of crystal earrings, and your gifts of wedding jewelry could complete the set for her. If you are a bit nervous about matching the bride's taste in jewelry, a vintage beaded handbag always makes a fabulous gift, and it does not need to be an exact match to her gown.

For brides who have covered most of their basic wedding day needs, think about making a gift of some of the special extras which will make her day as elegant and stylish as possible. A silver compact engraved with the wedding date is just the thing for the bride to slip in her bag for touch ups on the wedding day. Another idea is to give her a special monogrammed cake topper for her wedding cake (be sure to find out exactly which style she likes by asking the mother of the bride or the baker).

Handcrafted Christmas or holiday gifts can be very thoughtful. Think about what talents you have, and how you can apply them to create a one-of-a-kind gift for the bride. Perhaps your talent is embroidery; a hand embroidered hankie for the bride would be a lovely idea. Embroider her name and wedding date in baby blue thread so it can be her "something blue". Experienced knitters can try their hand at a wispy wedding ring shawl, which is a wrap knit so finely that it can be pulled through the hold of a wedding ring (a man's size ring, anyway). Not only would such a beautiful gift be wonderful for the wedding, but it would be a treasured keepsake.

Every bride-to-be experiences stress around planning a wedding. Another great holiday gift idea is to treat her to a relaxing day at the spa or a private yoga lesson. Alternatively, you could give her a gift certificate to her favorite salon to get a manicure and pedicure before the wedding. This is something that any bride is sure to appreciate!

Whether you are a friend or a family member, there are many terrific gift ideas for the bride-to-be in your life. It can be a splurge or a small token of your affection, but you can be sure that the bride will love her holiday gift from you!

Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Let the experts at Silverland Jewelry help you select the perfect wedding jewelry gifts.

Tips For Father of Bride Speeches

Getting a speech ready while getting used to the idea that your daughter is getting married all the while juggling the hectic schedule of the wedding preparations can be quite tough. However, father of bride speeches needn't be a difficult task at all. Here are some simple but useful tips to help you write a speech that will be a definite hit with everybody.

• Introduce yourself: regardless of whether you know the audience or not, it is better to introduce yourself and talk about your role in the wedding

• Talk about your daughter: this should be easy. You can recount her childhood days and her growing years. Talk about her personality and her dreams and goals. Talk about how you felt watching her grow up and how proud she made you.

• Compliment her: tell her that she looks beautiful in her gown. Comment on how she has grown. Talk about your wife's and your feeling as you watched her grow up and how she fulfilled your dreams

• Don't talk about her previous relationships. This is a complete no-no. The wedding should focus only on the couple. Add your feelings about the wedding day, how you felt when you gave her away and when she officially became the groom's bride.

• Give her some light-hearted advice on what she is getting into and how she could possibly handle various situations.

• Before and after: talk about how she was before she met the groom and after she met him. You can focus on how she

developed in the relationship and how it enhanced her character. You can attribute some of the good changes to the groom for ego, if she was a shy girl then praise the groom for bringing her out of her shell.

• Praise the groom: give him credit for his good qualities. This is something very important in father of the bride speeches.

Talk about your first impression of him and his good points. You can also explain why you feel comfortable in handing your daughter over to him. You can also reveal your reaction to the engagement. Welcome him into your family and let him know what he is getting into.

• Light hearted advice: To add a bit of humor give them some advice on surviving married life. Makes sure the joke is tasteful and will not end up embarrassing anybody especially your own wife. Talk about your own wedding experience. Adding your own goof up will have the crowd in splits and will set the groom at ease as well.

• Conclude by talking about your bittersweet feelings but focusing more on your happiness at your daughter embarking on a new journey with a worthy partner. Give a toast to the family to the groom and end by giving the couple your blessing.

Practice your father of the bride speeches before hand. Imagine yourself at your wedding in front of all the guests and practice in front of a mirror. On the actual day, be suave and natural and win over the hearts of everyone present. Try to get your audience involved in your speech. This is not a lecture but a toast. Always make eye contact to retain attention. Your body language should portray confidence. Standing up straight with your arms and legs apart and a smile on your face will show the audience that you are at ease.

Here's some helpful ideas and tips for father of bride wedding speeches. Jonathan Brady is an internationally recognized, professional event planner for corporate and private celebrations. He has written,critiqued and listened to thousands of toasts and speeches for grooms, fathers of bride's, celebrities and corporate managers. Jonathan loves how a great toast or speech completes a special occasion, and offers you some great tips at; Get Free Wedding Speeches.

Filipino Bride For You?

Some western men seek a Filipino woman to be their Filipino bride. The Filipino woman indeed has several endearing qualities that make her a very ideal bride. Some of the qualities of a Filipino woman are: stunning beauty, exotic sweetness, cheerful disposition in life, friendly personality, faithful in their love, everlasting loyalty to their husbands, prim and proper ways, highly respectful of elders, practice close family ties and are warm and caring in their ways.

If you are eager and determined to find your Filipino bride, you should be ready for anything that goes along with your search.

First, you must possess all the resources necessary to travel to the Philippines. Of course, you must have the financial capacity to travel halfway around the world to search for your Filipino bride.

Second, you should be willing to post your picture and profile on the internet. After all, the internet is the most accessible venue you can search for your future Filipino bride.

Third, sign up in online dating sites that focus on Filipino personals or Filipina dating, and you should be willing to pay for memberships. You have better chances of getting a good selection of Filipino women to contact and interact with, if you will become a paid member in Filipino dating sites. There are also free online Filipino dating sites you can find. Just be sure to register your online dating profile and start your search!

Fourth, beware of scams. It is still smarter to be really careful. There are professional daters who will only want your money and have no intention of marrying you at all. Also, make sure that the Filipina girl you are interested in is really single as she claims to be.

Fifth, it is a good idea to make friends with someone in your local area who has a Filipina wife. She will have several Filipina friends back in the Philippines who will be willing to meet you if you decide to travel there.

Sixth, be aware that your culture is different from your Filipino bride's culture, so you should be open minded. Filipino women have a more traditional view of marriage than western women. But like many other women, sometimes a Filipino woman could change her personality. It means that even if she's from the Philippines, it doesn't mean that she will remain sweet, and submissive. It really depends on the character of each person. In other words, you must treat your Filipino bride just the same as you would treat a western bride. But, Filipino women are raised in the more old fashioned ways, and are taught to be faithful to their husbands. So, to most Filipino women, marriage is a very important decision and a lifetime commitment.

It is really important that in finding and choosing your Filipino bride, there is love and trust present between the two of you. Oftentimes, a Filipino woman will only marry the man they truly love. But, be sure that you are in love with your Filipino woman and that she loves you in return before committing to marriage.

Many western men who marry a Filipino bride swear that they make the best wives in the world. A Filipina wife is not only beautiful, but is also loyal, loving and faithful forever. If you have not found your Filipino bride yet, consider joining Filipino dating sites and hopefully, you will find your Filipino woman to be your Filipino bride.

Do you know that Filipino brides make faithful wives? Win a Filipina's heart and you will have her love for life! View photo profiles of real beautiful Filipina girls at http://www.filipinakisses.com for Philippine dating!