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
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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!

Changing Traditions With Walking the Bride Down the Aisle

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The father walking with his daughter down the aisle and handing her over to the arms of her future husband has been a customary act for a long time. This tradition represents a father giving his priceless daughter to a man who will respect, honor, and love her for the many years to come. Nevertheless, this culture isn't usually followed nowadays as many women are getting married at a later age. Furthermore, there are situations where a woman already has a father and a stepfather at the same time.

Today, there are customs that are being designed which are very different from before. These practices take into account the fact that families nowadays have been revised, and that the bride and groom would want to illustrate their character. The bottom line is, it doesn't really matter who goes with the bride down the aisle. What is more vita is that the bride is happy and contented. Below are a few of the refined practices that are related to wedding walks.

Certain replacements of walking with the bride down the aisle can be made if the father is already deceased or is not present in the bride's life. Persons who can replace her father could be a stepfather, an uncle or a brother. If the bride feels really close to her mom, the mother could even walk with her.

In the Jewish tradition, the father and mother walk with the bride down the aisle - a tradition that demonstrates the love that they had endowed their child with and the effort they gave into their daughter's childhood and adolescent days. Several brides from any religions are taking a hint from this practice and prefer to have both parents be with them as this tradition provides their appreciation and the love, care and effort they've given her throughout her life.

If for any reason both the father and the stepfather were very important in her life, she may select to have both walk with her down the aisle. Preferably, the biological father may walk the bride halfway down the aisle and the stepfather will the walk with the bride the rest of the way. Through this, the bride is able to show her love and her appreciation for both fathers.

If the bride is at a later age, it is somehow uncomfortable to her having her father walk with her down the aisle. During these times, a bride walking down the aisle by herself is a common practice. This demonstrates that she is independent enough to make her own decision to get married with the man she loves. If the bride was previously married and had children, she may select to have her son or daughter walk with her down the aisle.

Some brides prefer to go down the aisle with their groom. This has also been a common practice, especially if the couple feels that they have already created a strong commitment from one another whilst being independent from their loved ones. The bride and the groom may go down the aisle together to illustrate their unbreakable love to one another. Sometimes, the groom may also meet the bride halfway down the aisle, to denote their union on middle ground.

The bottom line is what really matters to the bride's decision. Her choice is either following the traditional type of wedding walk or something that is newly improvised. The wedding walk alone is an intense moment for the bride; an indication of the alterations that her life will experience being a wife. The bride should select well with the wedding walk that is suitable to her and to her individuality the most.

Destination wedding ceremonies are a big trend these days for those who want to get away for something exotic, and maybe some of the stresses of planning a local wedding. It could also be a money saver - so much so that you can consider the more expensive engagement rings.

Why Wear a Zombie Bride Costume on Halloween?

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Everyone wants to be different on Halloween. It is that time of the year when we can be like someone or something else in life. Yet, when everything seemed common and usual nowadays, there is only a little chance of getting a unique Halloween costume that will put you ahead of others. Finding another person dressed up in the same costume character you ever wanted does not make your Halloween fun at all. Then, why don't you wear this zombie bride costume on Halloween?

There are lots of reasons why you should become a zombie bride on Halloween. Think about this, how many people did you see wearing an ill-fated look of a corpse bride on your past Halloween parties? A regular zombie is different from a zombie bride. There may be several other ghouls and weird-looking zombie on your neighborhood, but not one of them is wearing a tattered wedding gown, those of a tragic bride.

Zombie brides are not-so popular costumes on Halloween. Yet, that only makes them unique than the other costumes. That is the irony between zombie bride costumes, which makes them a perfect costume for Halloween. If you wear this costume on your big night, you will be the only beautiful, yet, tragic corpse bride. Surely, you will get all the attention from your friends, families, and other guests.

The tragic story of a dead bride is even more appropriate for Halloween than your favorite happily-ever-after story of a princess and an epic-romance of your favorite vampire. Try to picture out a young lady killing herself after having been left by her one, true love on their own wedding day. Better yet, imagine she was killed by her partner. All together, she is back from the tomb spreading fright across the neighborhood. The story was hugely disastrous that they make perfect costume characters for Halloween.

Even more, zombie brides are better than regular girls wearing a neatly made white wedding dress on Halloween. They have the scary look of a decaying body, old molten wedding dress, with the dusty veil and black, dried roses. Indeed, that is the ideal way to get into your wild zone, and be someone hugely different from who you really are. The fact that you are wearing a real wedding gown, plus the dramatic zombie props makes the costume more fun and exciting. They maintain the theme of the Halloween without having to look weird and awful. You can become the most beautiful bride even when you came back from the grave.

With this costume, you might even find the love you have been waiting for so long. Perhaps, this could be love even after death. Kidding aside, get your own zombie bride Halloween costume and be the most scarily beautiful bride on Halloween.

If you want to wear a Zombie Bride Costume on Halloween, then visit this site for great selections of Adult Zombie Bride Halloween Costume.

Bride Lingerie Do's And Dont's

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For the modern bride, lingerie selection is usually an important part of wedding-day preparations. There are two types of lingerie that most brides require: the supportive bridal undergarments that are worn beneath the wedding dress, and then the provocative, erotic lingerie worn on the wedding night itself. It's possible to find lingerie that can pull "double duty" and be worn for both the public and private parts of the wedding day. However, most brides appreciate the opportunity to take a shower and put on something fresh after the long and exhausting wedding festivities.

The cut of the wedding dress will largely indicate the wedding underwear choices made by the bride; bridal lingerie worn beneath the wedding dress is designed to be invisible and simply make the dress look the best it can. Brides with mermaid-style gowns or other clinging styles frequently select a comprehensive body-shaper for wear beneath the dress. These garments provide shaping and support for the thighs, butt, abs, torso, and breasts. However, they can create logistical problems when it's time to use the bathroom; brides who wear these shapers may need to entirely remove their gown in order to step out of the shaper and use the toilet.

Many brides imagine themselves walking down the aisle wearing a virginal white bra and panty set, with a white garter belt and white stockings. As attractive as this option appears, women who are not used to wearing garter belts often may find that they are more binding and uncomfortable than anticipated. Adhesive stockings are an excellent alternative; these thigh-high stockings have a lacy top with a slightly adhesive backing that allows the stockings to stay up on the legs without needing support from a garter belt. The thigh-high option also makes trips to the bathroom much easier, since a garter belt worn over panties will need to be undone in order to remove one's underwear.

Brides whose gowns are made from very thin fabrics should consider wearing foundation garments that match their skin color as closely as possible. White undergarments will easily be seen under thin fabrics such as certain unlined types of satin, but fabrics that are close to the bride's skin tone will not be visible, ensuring that only the dress will be visible. The texture of all fabrics must also be taken into consideration; satin or cotton undergarments are almost always a wise choice, but lace or other rough materials may only be worn under fabrics that are stiff enough not to reveal the outline of the bra and panties beneath them. This is a fashion faux pas that many women regularly make; however, it's particularly unattractive when immortalized in wedding photos!

After the public wedding festivities are over, the bride and groom retire to their suite for the much-anticipated wedding night. For both groom and bride, lingerie and intimate apparel can play a huge factor in setting the scene for this most romantic of nights. It's wise for the bride and groom to talk through their expectations beforehand, so that everything is on the proverbial table. Most couples appreciate the opportunity to undress and shower after the long and arduous wedding day; many brides prefer to shower after their new husbands so that they can emerge from the bathroom clean, refreshed, immediately begin making love.

Carmen Petitclerc is the owner of the popular lingerie and intimate apparel site, Love of Lingerie. If you are considering wedding underwear be sure to check out the valuable tips on bridal lingerie.

Free Buff Bride Workout

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Need to lose weight FAST for your wedding??

Want to be slim, trim, & toned in your wedding dress?

This Workout will help you get there!

3 Things you must do NOW for Wedding Weight Loss:

Workout: Weight training Routine 3 times per week.
Cardio Workout: Interval cardio sessions 3-4 times per week for 30 minutes.
Diet: Eat a buff bride meal every 3-4 hours to speed metabolism and burn fat all day long. Details on a buff bride meal below.

Workout:
Weight Training is the only way to get slim, trim and toned. If you do cardio alone, you will never get there. Weight training burns tons of calories. Not only does it burn calories during the workout but it burns more calories than cardio POST-WORKOUT. Weight training is the only way to gain lean and toned muscle. So try this workout now. It's simple, easy to follow, and very effective. The workout is below, continue reading.

Cardio Workout:
The most effective cardio is interval cardio. If done properly, cardio can speed fat loss. In order for the cardio workout to be effective, it must be done immediately after weight training workouts and must be intervals. 1:1 work:rest ratio is great to start with. If doing a cardio workout on a non-weight training day, do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and then have a buff bride meal immediately following.

Diet:
Without the proper nutrition or "diet" it is close to impossible to see results. It is super easy and simple if you have the right formula. Here is a tip. A Buff Bride Meal is composed of a lean protein, a starchy carbohydrate and a fibrous vegetable. Eat a buff bride meal every 3-4 hours.

Buff Bride Workout

A1. 30 Plie Squats
A2. 30 Tubing Presses
A3. 30 Stability Ball Leg Curls
A4. 30 Tubing Rows
A5. 30 Lateral Raises
Jump Rope for 60 seconds and repeat circuit 2 more times.

Michelle Marie is a fitness professional who has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years. Now Michelle is dedicated to help BRIDES get in shape for their wedding. She does this with easy to follow nutrition plans that speed fat loss, and exercise programs that are simple and effective at getting the body lean and toned. Check out some more wedding workouts, wedding exercise tips at the following link. http://michellemariefit.com/articles/article_detail.php?ArticleID=93. Michelle offers an amazing nutrition plan for BRIDES to lose weight and tone up for their wedding. For more wedding diet tips check out the following link. http://michellemariefit.com/articles/article_detail.php?ArticleID=88.

Mother of the Bride Outfits - The Selection Process

When shopping for mother of the bride outfits, there are many options from which to choose, and it can be difficult to select the perfect dress. Although the mother of the bride traditionally is allowed to select whatever outfit she wants for the occasion, there are a few tips that mothers can follow to insure that the mother of the bride outfit they select will blend in perfectly with their daughter's wedding.

Mother of the bride wedding outfits can be found in formal styles, as well as those which are a little more casual. It can help to discuss the overall format of the wedding with the bride, to find out which type of outfit would be most appropriate.

There might also be a wedding color scheme that ideally should be coordinated with. However, it is usually not a good idea to select a mother of the bride outfit in the same color as the bridesmaid dresses, and instead it can look nice to select a color that either coordinates or which is a different shade within the same family. And, of course the bride should be the only one wearing white.

It can also be helpful to see what type of wedding dress the bride has selected, because the mother certainly will not want to upstage the bride with an elaborate outfit, if her daughter has selected a simple and streamlined wedding gown.

Wedding outfits for mother of the bride selection can sometimes be perceived to be a little bit on the matronly side. While this is sometimes the case, there are also designer mother of the bride outfits which are stylish and fresh looking, and would be completely suitable for somebody looking for a younger-looking outfit.

Mother of the bride outfits are available in local stores of course, but many people prefer at least starting their search online, because there is such a wide selection from which to choose. For instance, plus size mother of the bride outfits are often more abundant and easier to locate when searching online, just because there are more online stores than what you would be able to find locally.

Although women are sometimes hesitant to order such an important outfit online, it is important to keep in mind that mother of the bride outfits, regardless of where they are purchased, will almost always require some additional fitting and tailoring anyway. You can also search online to find local stores at which to shop. For example, searching for "mother of the bride outfits UK" will produce dozens of stores at which you can shop for this important outfit. Mother of the brides' outfits can often be found on sale, both in local stores as well as online. This can be a good way to get a great outfit at an economical price. Especially if the wedding is planned well in advance, seasonal clearance sales can be taken advantage of.

Perfectly suitable mother of the bride groom outfits can also be found many times in the women's formal wear section of department stores, so that is another option for locating an outfit at a good price. Whichever outfit you choose, remember that mother of the bride outfits are worn for what is hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime event, so go ahead and splurge on whatever outfit appeals to you the most.

Lynn Moreno writes in an informational site dedicated to mother of the bride outfits, in which she will help you decide which is the appropriate dress for you to wear on your daughter's wedding. For free information, guidance and advice, please visit Mother of the Bride Outfits Guide.

Mail Order Bride Filipino - How to Get a Filipino Wife

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If you type mail order bride Filipino into your favorite search engine, dozens of seemingly relevant sites will be revealed. The question: Are these sites worth the often huge membership fees? Simple answer: No. There is a much easier way to find a Filipino bride; you're going to learn about it now.

Just why are the mail order Filipino bride sites no good? A number of reasons. The women you see advertised are usually fake. The website owners will buy convincing photographs of attractive Filipino women and pass them off as real people. Are all Filipino bride sites like this? Most, but not all. The trouble is: How do you tell the difference? On the sites that do use real women the advertised women are usually out of date. The site owners keep the adverts up to make the site look more impressive.

What is the alternative? Is there a good place to find an attractive Filipino wife? Yes, there is. Few people know about it.

You need to join one of the large dating sites. Make sure it has several million members from all over the world. It is these sites that many thousands of Filipino women are currently using to find husbands. It is relatively unknown but is a growing trend in modern dating sites.

If you want to find a Filipino bride, simply create a profile on one such site, advertising what you seek. Post some photos of yourself and fill out as much of your profile as possible. Then simply go to the internal search engine of the site, select women, the age you desire, and Philippines. You will be presented with a list of several thousand women. You can now view their profiles - some have dozens of photos (man of which are nude so be prepared) - and add them as a friend or message them.

The next time you think about searching for mail order bride Filipino, save yourself time and money by joining a large, respected, popular dating site for adults.

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Flirty Mother of the Bride Dresses For Fun Moms

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Sure, the father of the bride has to make a little speech. Big whoop! Tell a few bad jokes, tear up a bit, and raise a glass. The audience has to clap. And they think that's pressure? No. When it comes to a daughter's wedding, the mother of the bride has one of the most important and unappreciated roles. It is her job to actually set the sartorial tone of the event (at least for the mothers) with the selection of her dress. Yes, there is wedding dress etiquette for the moms.

Where to Begin?

Tradition dictates that the mother of the bride picks out her dress first and then informs the mother of the groom of her choice. Of course, this is an old tradition and it need not be followed. However, most mothers appreciate a call from a soon to be in-law. Not to mention the fact that it gives them a chance to get to know each other a bit and talk about the wedding.

Who Else Should You Call?

Informing the groom's mother of your dress selection is actually quite practical. Initially, it was to spare them the embarrassment of showing up in the same dress. A fashion redundancy that might just incite an inter-family scuffle which could result in the wedding being called off. Don't laugh, stranger things have happened. But these days the tradition is more about preventing overdressing and color clashes that can ruin expensive wedding photos.

Where does it End? With the prevalence of extended families these days, should the mother of the bride call the groom's stepmother? This is a difficult question to answer. The best play is to simply tell your daughter to tell her intended to tell his stepmother what you are wearing. That way you avoid offending the groom's mother by calling the new wife directly.

How About Color

No white, off white or anything even remotely like white. Only the bride gets to wear white at a wedding. What about black? As the color of mourning, black is also a definite no-no. And red? In the end it all depends on the shade. Tradition states that flashy colors are to be avoided at weddings. But must we always obey tradition? The simplest and most effective solution is to ask the advice of the bride. Or better yet, ask her to come shopping with you. If she is comfortable with a flashy, even sexy dress, then no one can or should object. However, if your daughter is a bit on the conservative side and prefers a more buttoned-down look, don't complain. Remember, it's her day!

And the Bridesmaids?

Again, this is a question that should be answered by the bride. Some maintain that all female members of the wedding party must have dresses that coordinate. But few brides will insist on this. More often than not, they simply want to make certain that the dresses don't clash. That is why the mother of the bride should always consult her daughter before she selects a dress.

When to Buy

The short answer: as soon as possible. As we mentioned, the mother of the bride should choose her dress before the groom's mother. Even if you don't plan on informing her of your selection, it is best to at least leave yourself that option. A general rule of thumb is that you should have your dress picked out at least month before the wedding. And even that is cutting is close. After all, if there's an issue with the dress, alterations take time and money to complete.

How Dressy is too Dressy?

Etiquette and tradition informs us that the dress code does depend in part upon the time of day that the wedding takes place. If the wedding is held during the day, slightly more casual dress with fewer accessories is acceptable, even encouraged. However, if the wedding is held at night, formal wear remains de rigueur.

How Sexy is too Sexy?

Okay, so you're a hot mama. Some kids even call you a cougar, whatever that means. Can you wear a sexy strapless ball gown to your daughter's wedding? Once again, it all depends on your daughter. If she is comfortable with you dressing a little sexy on her big day, go for! If not, there are countless other options that won't make you look old before your time. After all, class and style does not have to mean boring and buttoned-down.

Probably the easiest way to spice up a simple dress is to add an accessory or two. Scarves, broaches, sequined purses and understated jewelry are popular additions for the mother of the bride. Just remember, no bright colors or oversized jewelry. Accessories are meant to complement your ensemble, not detract from it.

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

The History of Mail Order Brides

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The mail order bride system commonly in place today is by no means a new one. It is said that the early settlers of the American continent, the major portion of whom were men, were not able to not find brides in their own country. Therefore, they had to turn to Europe with the expectation of securing a bride. Many years later, during the World War 2, American GIs started writing love letters to women they had never met with the same expectation in mind. Arranged marriages in this fashion have been carried out for thousands of years and they continue to be a common way for people to be married.

In the early 1980s, it was seen that there was an increased tendency for Western men to look beyond their own country to find their soul mate. This was done, as the western men believed that extending their search would speed up the whole process of meeting that special someone, ensuring a perfect match.

Early on, Asian women were predominantly the ones advertising themselves as mail order brides, with Thailand and the Philippines being the main countries involved. The false notion of the typical mail order bride transaction being a Westerner buying an Asian woman stems from these origins.

The fall of the Iron Curtain saw the creation of a completely new resource of mail order brides, looking for the possibilities of meeting a Westerner with a view to settle down. The number of Russian brides that participate in the mail order system has greatly increased in last few years.

Initially, the mail order bride system was paper catalogue-based, which were often printed only once. This was a more limited way for people to interact.

The introduction of the Internet in the 1990s revolutionized the mail order bride system, making introductions faster, easier and reliable. This system was more time-efficient and enjoyable than the earlier one, as well as attracted a substantial number of affluent men.

The future of the mail order bride system seems geared to move online entirely. This system is becoming an increasingly popular mode of meeting people, ideally suited to the time, lifestyles and resultant expectations of both parties.

Mail Order Brides provides detailed information on Mail Order Brides, Russian Mail Order Brides, Latin Mail Order Brides, Asian Mail Order Brides and more. Mail Order Brides is affiliated with Online Russian Brides [http://www.i-RussianBrides.com].

Are You a Reasonable Bride Or a Bridezilla?

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Now I don't think that any woman sets out to be a bridezilla when she starts planning her wedding. In most cases, a very excited bride just gets so caught up in creating the "perfect" day that she forgets about treating people kindly... sometimes with pretty ugly results. See where you stand, by learning what sets a reasonable bride apart from a bridezilla.

Most brides will want to invite a few of their closest friends to be bridesmaids in their weddings. So far, so good. However, it is in the area of bridesmaids where so many brides seem to turn into controlling bridezillas who care more about appearances than friendship. A big question is how much can you demand of your bridesmaids in terms of their attire, hair, and so on before crossing a line into becoming a dictator?

In general, requesting that your attendants wear similar or even identical bridesmaid dresses and sets of bridesmaid jewelry is considered to be standard and reasonable (although given a choice your bridesmaids would probably prefer to wear dresses and bridesmaid jewelry sets which are complementary but not matchy-matchy). The line between reasonable and demanding gets crossed somewhere around telling your bridesmaids exactly how to wear their hair or what color to paint their nails. If you have even for a second considered telling a bridesmaid to grow out her hair for your wedding so she can wear it in an updo, you are definitely in bridezilla territory.

Murphy's Law states that if something can go wrong it will, and it is the snafus and disappointments that tend to either bring out the best or worst in a bride. How you handle the things which do not turn out exactly as desired will show you to be a gracious and cool woman who can roll with life's ups and downs, or a petty person who throws a fit over every little disappointment. Obviously, it would be better to be thought of as gracious! So if the florist brings your bouquet to the ceremony and you discover that the roses are more ivory than cream, do you take a deep breath and try to focus on how pretty the bouquet is, even if it is not exactly what you expected? Or do you scream that the bouquet is all wrong, tell the florist she has ruined your wedding, and throw the flowers in her face? I think we all know which action is reasonable and which is 100% bridezilla!

Bridezillas also tend to fall into the trap of referring to the wedding as my day. And just where does that leave the groom? Without a doubt, the wedding day is more special and emotional to the bride than anyone else (which is not to say that the marriage means more to the bride than the groom, just the actual wedding); that does not mean that it is all about her. It is not unreasonable to talk about "my wedding day" just as much as "our wedding day" (unless you are speaking to the groom), but when a woman starts declaring that it is my day, it really does imply that she thinks the wedding is all about her. Not only that, but it is usually used as an excuse for thoughtless or even rude behavior, as in "Who cares if anyone else has a good time, because it's my day!".

If you saw glimpses of yourself in any of the bridezilla examples, it is not too late to pull yourself back from the dark side. Simply remind yourself at every turn that a wedding is about people, not perfection, and that the feelings of all involved should be considered. Any bride who can do that will earn herself the reputation of a perfectly reasonable and truly lovely bride.

Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaid jewelry, reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Visit us today at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ and receive free shipping on your jewelry order over $99.

The Tattooed Bride

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Many women from all walks of life today are getting tattoos. What might be a fun piece of body art in your daily life can be a bit tricky to deal with when you are shopping for a wedding gown. Here are a few options to consider for the tattooed bride.

At the time of their wedding, brides can have a wide range of feelings about their tattoos. Some women love them, and want to find a way to showcase them. Other brides like their tattoos, but don't want them to show for the wedding. And some women have tattoos that they got a long time ago and now regret. And then there is the matter of the bride's mother. No matter how comfortable the bride is showing her ink on the wedding day, her mother may have another opinion!

One bride I knew had a wide tribal tattoo around her wrist, and another tattoo on the back of her neck. She loved her tattoos, but her mother most certainly did not. When the bride's mother called to make an appointment for her to pick out a wedding dress, she had said that her daughter was very conservative, and was looking for a dress with long sleeves and a high collar - then in walks this gal with short spiky hair and big tattoos! It turns out that the bride was not the least bit conservative; her mother had decided that since she was paying for the wedding gown, it had darn well better hide those tattoos!

Well, you can't expect a funky rocker chic to walk down the aisle in a Victorian gown, but in this case, a compromise was reached between the two sides. The bride wore a gown with a removable jacket with a tattoo concealing collar for the ceremony, which she could remove for dancing and having fun at the reception. To conceal her wrist tattoo, no long sleeves were necessary; instead she ordered a piece of custom bridal jewelry to do the trick. Her bridal jewelry was a custom made wide bracelet, with enough rows of pearls and crystals to hide the tattoo for the ceremony. The best part was that the bracelet looked fabulous on her wedding day, and both the bride and her mother were happy.

If you have smaller tattoos that you want to hide for your wedding day, sometimes you can do it with makeup. There is special makeup available that can be custom blended to cover a tattoo. Just be sure that it is not going to rub off on your white dress. Some brides even opt for laser removal of tattoos before their wedding. If you are thinking about going this route, keep in mind that it takes multiple sessions, so you should start a very long time before your wedding.

Not all brides want to hide their body art on their wedding day. If you want to show off your tattoos, then be sure to choose a gown that does them justice. It looks terrible to have a tattoo partially cut off by a dress strap; if you are going to show your tattoo, make sure that your dress is cut to reveal the entire area. I once knew a bride who had a giant pair of wings tattooed on her back. After realizing that no gown would cover them completely, she decided to wear a dress with a low enough back to really feature the wings. It was the perfect solution for this bride, because her tattoos were really a part of her personality, and it was nice not to hide who she was.

There are a variety of creative options for brides when it comes to dealing with tattoos. Whether you prefer to hide them or showcase them is entirely up to you (and maybe your mother!). Just be sure that if you have been hiding your body art from your parents that you don't let your wedding day be the first time that they find out about it.

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. Custom bridal jewelry can be as affordable as it is beautiful when it is handcrafted from Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls.

Speeches for Bride - What Those Are and What to Prepare

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Speeches for bride are not only delivered during the reception of the wedding event. Any assigned speakers need to prepare some speeches for the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner too. Knowing what to say and what to prepare for each speech is important since they have different guidelines to follow.

The Bridal Shower

The wedding ceremony and reception are the grand event everybody will be anticipating for. But there are also other pre-wedding parties to prepare like the bridal shower. In this particular occasion, you must write a speech that will address to your mom and girl friends if you are the bride. Prepare a speech that will focus about the friendship and closeness you have with these people. You also need to include your appreciation for their bridal gifts and pieces of advice throughout the years they have shared with you. But if you are the mother, the sister or the best friend of the bride, you focus sharing a couple of things about the beautiful bride. You can have the option to share a poem, sing a song or narrate funny stories too. Celebrating the bridal shower needs to have a few rounds of speeches the bride and her friends must deliver.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Most couples will desire to have their parents, best man and maid of honor give special speeches during the rehearsal dinner. The bride and the groom will be expected to render their own wedding messages too. Like other speeches, the message you need to prepare must be short and heart warming. Do not give too much detail because the rest will be delivered during the wedding reception. Having fun with family and friends at the rehearsal dinner must be accompanied with some great speeches.

The Wedding Reception

The most awaited speech happens during the wedding reception. This is where the speakers need to highlight everything they have to say. However, the speech delivered here must still be short, interesting and funny. The important content of speeches here are the matrimonial or encouraging advice and the toasts. Showing affection and gratitude is the key to make the wedding speech in the reception to be remarkable.

Rendering speeches for bride can be given in three different wedding parties. You need to prepare in advance once you are assigned to deliver a speech. Keeping the information stated above in your mind is important.

Learn how to create speeches for bride that will be remembered. Visit the speech site to get access to numerous tips, facts and toast samples about speeches for bride.

The Perfect Bride With the Perfect Wedding Dress for Half the Price

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It's every woman's dream to have a perfect memorable and beautiful wedding celebration. But having an exquisite and lovely wedding celebration doesn't come cheap. Nowadays, a stylish wedding can cost you about $40,000. This can literally drain your savings. And the last thing you need is a celebration that can lay financial strain in your marriage. And one of the main events in a nuptial celebration is the bride. The marriage ceremony itself is a tribute to the bride. It comes without saying, the bride should be the center of attention and it requires having the perfect wedding dress. The wedding dress is the most significant piece for the bride.

Some bride would spend astounding amount of money for the dress alone. The good news is you don't need to pay astronomical amount for a dress you are going wear only once. So here are some few wedding tips how to have an elegant wedding dress. One good idea is to canvass all nuptial dresses outlets and boutiques, even the internet. This may take a lot of energy but it will be worth it. If you're lucky you can haggle for a last price by showing the price list of the each canvassed store to each other. Merchants love to compete for a sale, take advantage of that.

Another option is to rent a wedding dress and your bridesmaid's dress and the tuxedo for the groom. Another suggestion is go to rental shops. One good thing about rentals is they have perks which can really help your budget, they usually offers a free limo service or free souvenirs if you avail their services. Second hand shops are also a nice idea to consider. Second hand shops are usually a bargain. Another ingenious idea is to go directly to the producer or manufacturer of wedding dresses and suits. There is a possibility you can have everything in a fraction of the price if you order in bulk directly from the manufacturer.

So if you decide to go directly to the manufacturer, include your whole wedding entourage's clothes. If you are over flowing with creativity- gene, make use of it. Creativity can make every simple dress glamorous. You can buy a simple perfect fitted dress off the department store rack and put some add-ons to it- some glitter there, a little biddings here and some of the beautiful linings to accentuate the whole dress. You can go endlessly in customizing your dress. And don't forget the veil if you want to have that dramatic effect while walking down the aisle. A veil is just a beautiful, sheer or lacey fabric you can buy in any fabric store and convert it into a charming little material for your dress.

The whole package is not complete without accessories. Accessories enhance the whole outfit. Accessories include the jewelries and of course the shoes. Some professional wedding designer would advice you to tone down the bling. Having one striking, sparkling necklace, depending on the neckline of your clothes as the center piece of the whole package is enough to make you look breath taking. Too many accessories can make you look over the top and "crowded". Borrowing a family heirloom can make the whole fete sentimental and heart warming, not to mention budget saving. You see, you don't need to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to have that perfect wedding dress.

Sort out all your social resources and ask for their help and start a soon a possible for more and better options and choices. Pretty sure they are willing to help you out.

The author of this article, Ruth Purple, is a Relationship Expert who has been successfully coaching individuals and couples in their relationships. Get A Copy of her ebook on how to find the right man for you. Stop dating the wrong men. Alternatively click here for Amazon's Kindle Edition

Venice, the Bride Of the Sea

Venice, the beautiful "bride of the sea" is a city of northeast Italy. Venice, also known as the "Queen of the Adriatic" is built on 118 islets within a lagoon in the Gulf of Venice, an arm of the Adriatic Sea. Venice is locally dubbed as 'The Most Serene One' for its tranquil and placid beauty.

Venice, the 'city of canals', is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice. Venice has a great network of canals instead of streets. The Grand Canal serves as its main canal. The people use gondolas and other boats to move about the city. Shakespeare beautifully pictured the comely city of gondolas in 'the merchant of Venice' and 'Othello'.

Venice was sinking an average of 1/5th of an inch yearly until the middle 1970s, when the government restricted use of water from the city's underground wells. Venice is one of Italy's major ports besides commercial & industrial center.

Venice is one of the most coveted tourist spots in the world. Saint Mark's Square, on which sits the Basilica of Saint Mark, the Bell Tower, Piazza San Marco, Campo San Polo, the Palace of the Doges (the former rulers of the city), Palazzo Grassi, Ca' d'Oro,
Ca' Rezzonico, Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum, Palazzo Labia and the Academy of Fine Arts are the main attractions of the city. The city also houses the famous paintings of such Venetian masters as Titian, Tintoretto, and Paolo Veronese. Venice is famous for its nightlife, museums and hotels.

If you are planning for venice vacation, bookvenicehotels.info can help you find venice hotel. The website is a perfect guide on venice hotels, offering tons of info on venice italy hotel, cheap hotel venice, 3 star hotel venice and venice hotel reservation.

About Author: The author is the owner of the website about Venice Hotels [http://www.bookvenicehotels.info], a comprehensive guide on venice hotels, offering tons of info and tips to take taking venice hotel and venice vacation packages. For more information, Click; Venice Vacation Packages [http://www.venicehotelsnow.com/]

Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette - Bride and Groom Inviting

Wording your wedding invitation the right way is a something you need to get right the first time. Costs of reprinting your invitations are an unnecessary expense that you don't need, on top of everything else, and a little research and planning could make all the difference. Who is paying for the wedding? The major bill payer for the event is always mentioned first. Nowadays many couples contribute the majority of costs themselves and therefore should be the names mentioned as 'hosting' or inviting the guests to witness and celebrate their wedding with them.

Make your wedding invitation personal and sincere and set the mood you are hoping for with your wordings and verses. A comprehensive wedding invitation will show all the information necessary for your guests to attend your wedding such as date, time, location, addresses, dress code and R.S.V.P. information.

Ideally your wedding invitations should be sent at least 8 weeks before the wedding date, however your may need to send out invitations or Save the Date cards to overseas guests well in advance, up to six months, before the wedding date so they may arrange flights and accommodations. Save the date cards are a great idea if you would like to inform your friends of your wedding date but as yet have not finalized the specific arrangements.

Wishing well or gift registry information should never be included in the main wording of the invitation. Separate cards are available for this which can be included within the envelope.

If a Bride and Groom are inviting only, wording example follows;

Bride name and Groom name requests the pleasure of the company of Guests names to the celebration of their marriage on Saturday 25th February, 2010 at St. Anne's Church, 25 Church St Sydney, NSW at 4.00pm and afterwards at Diamond Reception Centre 345 Pacific Hwy Hornsby, NSW ETC.

OR

Guests names The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of Bride name and Groom name on Saturday 25th February, 2010 at St. Anne's Church 25, Church St Sydney, NSW at 4.00pm and afterwards at Diamond Reception Centre 345 Pacific Hwy Turramurra, NSW ETC.

It may be the case that you would like to include parents names within the information and such wording could be as follows;

Bride name and Groom name Together with their parents Bride parents names and Groom parents names invite Guest names to their wedding at St. Anne's Church Church address and afterwards at Reception Venue and address. ETC.

A simpler version without mentioning parents actual names may be;

Together with their parents Bride name and Groom name would love to invite Guest names to their wedding at St.Anne's Church Church address and afterwards at Reception Venue and address. ETC.

Of course you can use a left hand margin as above, or more traditionally centre your text down the middle of the invitation.

Example of and informal letter style invitation follows;

Bride name and Groom name

C/- Reply address.

Dear Guest name,

We would be pleased to have you join us to witness and celebrate our marriage on Saturday 25th March, 2010 at St. Anne's Church, 25 Church St Sydney, at 4.00pm.

Please also join us at a reception to be held following the ceremony at 6.00pm at The Diamond Reception Centre, 345 Pacific Hwy, Turramurra NSW.

We look forward to having your company and ask you to honour us with your reply by 25th February, 2010 to the address above.

Dress; Black Tie

Yours sincerely

Bride name and Groom name.

Of course there are many versions and options to choose from depending on you own situation, and our examples should be used as a base only. Add your own special sentences and words as you see fit to make it personal and unique to you. It should be from your heart, and because you are setting a scene with your wedding invitations, it should be as casual or formal as you wish your wedding to be. This is a day you will remember for the rest of your life, and many friends and family members may like to keep their invitation as a keepsake along with photos in an album, so spending time to get your invitation right is important.

DreamDay Invitations can help with all your invitation and stationery needs with an amazing range of designer inspired wedding invitation designs and suggested wordings that can be changed or modified to suit any bride and groom in any situation.

Jenny Coleman is a writer for DreamDay Invitations, writing articles about wedding invitations ideas and wedding invitations.