The Parable of 'The Princess Bride'

My favorite scene from the movie The Princess Bride is when the hero, referred to at first as "the man in black," confronts the evil Sicilian, Vizzini. Having already bested his two henchmen in contests of fencing and strength, the man in black challenges Vizzini to a battle of wits in order to save the woman he loves.

The contest is simple. Two goblets of wine are poured, the hero conceals them, and adds an odorless poison. Vizzini must choose one of the goblets, and both will drink at the same time. Vizzini must decide which goblet is safe to drink.

Vizzini shares his thought process out-loud, carrying on a circuitous monologue of logic for five minutes in an attempt to get the man in black to betray the location of the poison. When he is unsuccessful, he resorts to trickery. Vizzini redirects his opponent's attention elsewhere, and switches the goblets.

When the man in black turns back to the Sicilian, Vizzini picks up the goblet closest to him, puts it to his lips, and watches carefully as his opponent does the same without hesitation. Seeing this, he believes that he is safe, drinks his wine, and the man in black does the same. Thinking himself the winner, he laughs and mocks the man in black, bragging of his superior intelligence until he collapses in death a few moments later.

As our hero is untying his beloved, he reveals to her that both of the goblets had been poisoned, and that he had been building up a resistance to that particular poison for the past two years. There was never any doubt of the outcome from the beginning of the contest.

I believe that many people of faith have forgotten their faith in today's culture. Bible-believing Christians know the way the story ends, and any progress that evil seems to be making against the will of God will eventually be swallowed whole by his all-encompassing plan.

Christians know this to be true, but we don't always act as if it were. We have been quaking at the perceived progress of evil brought to us by the news for years, but never so much as we have recently. Whether the source is secular media or newsletters from para-church organizations, we sometimes act as if evil is unstoppable, and that good is in full-retreat.

Has God ceased being omnipotent? Does He tremble at political changes in the wind? Are there developments in our times that have taken our omniscient God by surprise? The very thought is laughable.

I don't suggest that we relax our guard and turn a blind eye to evil in the knowledge that God is in control. God often honors us by choosing individuals as agents of His change in the world. What I am suggesting is that we adjust our attitude toward the spirit of our age. We must always remember that there was never any doubt of the outcome from the beginning of this contest, and we should act in the knowledge of this truth.

Rob Pearce is the founder of WorshipBasics.com, a website created for the support and encouragement of others starting contemporary worship services in traditional churches. Visit at http://www.worshipbasics.com and signup for a free mini-course - Solutions for the 7 Roadblocks to Contemporary Worship.

Wedding Photography Techniques - Bride, Groom and Groups

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Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front

Remember, the Bride and Groom should be most prominently portrayed in every shot. When posing groups you should try to avoid placing anyone directly in front of or behind the Bride and Groom. The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very large groups.

Height Difference

Another potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

You can however often use height difference to your advantage, use it by carefully positioning subjects so that their faces, when viewed together run in a smooth flowing composition. Do not be afraid to use the ground as a starting point for posing Bridal party group shots.

Bridesmaids are often asked to pose on the ground in front of the rest of the group. You can then build up the composition by placing any smaller children next to the Bridesmaids and eventually working upwards using smooth flowing lines toward adults in a standing position.

Some photographers will always position taller people near the center and taper off to smaller people at the ends. I prefer to work on a flexible basis and treat each situation independently sometimes using smaller people near the Bride and Groom and working towards the edges with taller people. This approach can give more emphasis and prominence to the Bride and Groom.

Positioning the smaller of the two nearest the camera can compensate for height difference between the Bride and Groom. This technique, in the Brides case, will not be required too often; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males. However you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her husband on a step!

The Bride

Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.

Visit my site for more information Wedding and Group Photography Guide

Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.

Wedding Toasts - Tips For the Bride, Groom and Best Man

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Raise a glass - now's the time to toast to the happy couple! Wedding toasts and speeches can sometimes cause anxiety - but don't let them. Enjoy your moment in the limelight, and make the most of these situations with some prep work.

Your best man, maid of honor and other special guests may inquire about appropriate speaking times - so it's good to have an idea beforehand. You and your fiance may also want to prepare some expressions of gratitude for your parents, your guests or each other. Every wedding is different; discuss and layout a general "toasting timeline" before the celebrations begin.

Who Toasts?
Traditionally the best man, maid-of-honor and parents of the bride and groom will say something over the course of events. However, close friends, the bride and groom themselves or anyone who has something to say is welcome to make a toast.

When to Toast?
When to toast all depends on the nature of your wedding. If yours will be a cocktail or buffet-style reception, your guests may not ever be gathered at the same place and time to listen to toasts. Another option is to hold the formal wedding toasts, such as the best man's speech, during the rehearsal dinner instead. At a seated dinner, the father of the bride traditionally toasts to commence the meal. Your caterer can arrange an official champagne toast, passing glasses of champagne to each guest prior to the best man speech or the father of the bride. Toasts can really occur at any time during the reception - between courses, after the meal, during the cake cutting etc. Try to give your event coordinator an estimated timeframe beforehand, so he or she can round up your guests to listen.

How to Respond
Everyone should rise for toasts to the new couple except the bride and groom, who remain seated (unless they already happen to be standing). When someone toasts the bride and groom, they should smile and say thank you. They should not clap or drink to themselves. If a toast addresses the bride only, the groom should rise. If a toast is directed towards the parents or any other guest, both the bride and groom should rise.

When the Newlyweds Toast
This is a wonderful opportunity to publicly recognize your family and friends for their love and support. If the bride and groom make a toast, they should not speak in unison (this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. They should instead stand together while one speaks or take turns speaking.

What to Say
Wedding toasts should be light, fun and G-rated. Avoid saying anything you wouldn't say to the bride's grandmother's face. Be succinct. There is nothing more awkward than a rambling, bumbling best man speech - under two minutes is perfect. All speakers should begin by introducing themselves. While toasts should include memories or funny anecdotes, avoid too many inside jokes that exclude the majority of guests. Your jokes will be met with silence if only a few listeners understand! Finally, wedding toasts should mention both the bride and the groom, even if the speaker only knows one or the other. And if the spotlight is on you and you're suddenly at a loss for words, try the old standby, "I'm so happy for you two. Cheers!" It never goes out of style.

How to Say It
It's smart to prepare beforehand, but always try to speak from the heart. Reading from a card seems insincere and awkward.

Looking for more advice on making a wedding toast? This complete guide to wedding toasts and speeches will walk you through it.

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.

Bride, Groom - You Can't Afford to be Average!

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More than 1/3 of couples getting married in the United States pay for their own weddings. Even more couples in the U.S. pay for at least a portion of their wedding expenses.

If you are a bride or groom reading this article, then you are probably one of the couples who are paying for or at least helping to pay for their own wedding.

Even as more couples get involved in planning for and paying for their dream weddings, the wedding price tag continues to grow more forboding. In the year 2007, according to CostOfWedding.com, the average U.S. wedding cost was $28,800. This figure is expected to steadily rise in years to come.

Today's bride and groom have become so desensitized to the incredible expense of planning a wedding that they hardly stop to think about how much money that really is. Let's take a moment to put that $28,800 price tag in perspective and look at a couple ways to make your wedding more affordable.

First, let's consider that $28,800 is more than most brides or grooms bring home from work in a year.

Now, suppose a couple wants to save up for their wedding so they don't go into debt. If they are saving for a $28,800 wedding, they should consider how much they should feed their wedding savings piggy bank each month. If they can only afford to save, say, $300 per month, they should plan on saving for a full 8 years ($300 x 96 months [that's 8 years]=$28,800). What engaged couple is willing to wait 8 years to get married?

We haven't even considered that it takes considerable discipline to save $300 each month. Some might need to wait longer as they can only save $150 a month or even less.

Most couples choose to get married within a year or two of their engagement. If they are paying for their own wedding as more than 1/3 of couples do, they often plan their expensive wedding courtesy Visa or Mastercard. That saves them the trouble of budgeting and saving for all those years before marriage. Instead of saving before marriage for their wedding day, they spend those delicate first years of marriage after the wedding day struggling with debt and living uncomfortably frugal lives together. Their credit card company keeps them under its thumb for years as interest piles up on interest and the poor couple barely scrapes by.

We wish that we were exaggerating here but all too often this is the scenario in which young couples find themselves. All so they could glory in one splendid day marking the beginning of their marriage. Hoping that somehow the perfection of the wedding day would somehow rub off on each succeeding day of marriage, the couple had poured a year's salary into that big day. The reality is that the expense of that wedding day is paid for day after day of their married lives and they realize all too late that financial stress is the number one killer of marriages.

Americans with their individualistic attitudes tend to believe that they are special and that the rules do not apply to them. Likewise, couples planning their weddings tend to think that they will be the exception. That they will somehow spend less than most spend or that they will somehow be able to pay their credit cards off later without much problem.

Well, if you are not careful, you will soon discover that you are not exempt from the norms and that you are all too average. You will discover yourself in a quagmire of financial stress and marital disharmony day after day for years all for the sake of a wedding that was bought at a much too high of a price - we regret to say that it could even cost you your marriage.

What should you do? Stop being average. Stop planning your wedding the way most young brides and grooms plan their weddings.

Set a realistic spending allowance for your wedding - a spending allowance that you and your lover can live with. Go into your wedding planning with your eyes wide open.

You really can have a wonderful wedding day on whatever price you are able to pay - whether that be $5,000 or just $500. You would be amazed at how far that money can go when you are committed to planning your dream wedding on your chosen budget.

We were personally willing to spend no more than $2,000 for our wedding. We worked out a strategy that allowed us to stay under budget while planning a very memorable and special wedding day that is on par with any other wedding we have attended.

We have written a wedding planner to guide you in your wedding planning. In the wedding planner, we guide you in creating a reasonable wedding budget and show you step by step just what you need to do to see your dream wedding come true while staying under budget.

You can't afford to be average. Instead, be amazing!

Wedding Planning on a Budget is available as an instant download which can be read on your computer or printed at your convenience. To get your copy of this powerful wedding planning guide visit the Wedding Planner Download Page (see resource box).

We wish you the best and hope that you have an amazing wedding and a wonderful marriage together for the rest of your lives.

Show Your Budget Who Is In Charge!

Download Tim and Lisa's wedding planner, subscribe to their blog for daily advice, and see how they planned the wedding of their dreams for just $2,000! Visit Today... http://www.weddingplanningonabudget.com

The Sad But Momentous Day for the Father of the Bride!

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For the father of the bride, the wedding day is typically a day of mixed emotions. On one hand, there is pride and joy at the fact that his beloved daughter is getting married to someone she loves. At the same time, it is mixed with the sadness that comes with the realization that his daughter has grown up and is no longer daddy's little girl.

One of the most important things that the father of the bride does on the wedding day is to give away the bride. As per custom, once the congregation has been seated, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father while the groom waits for them at the altar. This tradition is rich with emotional undertones. The father who has looked after his daughter is now symbolically handing over the care of his daughter to the new man in her life.

Of course, there are many who feel that this custom is no longer relevant today when most women have a career and are no longer under the care of their parents and are unlikely to be under the care of their husbands. On the flip side, the sight of the father of the bride escorting his daughter down the aisle to the uplifting notes of "Here comes the Bride" still resonates with many of us and captures the transition into marriage beautifully. Ultimately, whether this custom is included in the ceremony or not must be decided by the father of the bride and the bride herself.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, the father and mother of the bride leave for the reception venue. Since they are the hosts of the reception, it is important that they arrive there ahead of the guests so that they can welcome the guests as they come in. During the reception the father of the bride will be called on by the Best Man to make a speech and propose a toast. Once the reception is over, the father of the bride is expected to stay until the end of the party to help with any final bills or to make last-minute arrangements.

The level of involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding planning and preparation depends on the decision of the bride and groom and their parents. Sometimes the wedding is held in the house of the bride's parents - at such times, it is natural that the father of the bride ends up deeply involved in almost every step of the wedding preparation.

At other times, and especially if the wedding is being held far away from the bride's parental home, the involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding preparations may be minimal. However, keep in mind that most fathers would love to be involved in their daughter's weddings in some way or the other so do ask them for their help whenever it is needed.

Traditionally, the father of the bride also shoulders the cost of the reception. However, this trend is changing, partly due to the fact that both the bride and the groom are earning members and partly because of the rising costs of a reception party. The accepted practice nowadays is for the cost of the wedding and the reception to be jointly borne by the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom and the couple themselves. However, if the father of the bride offers to foot the bill, the gracious thing to do would be to accept the offer.

Whatever you as the couple choose regarding the costs of the whole event, remember the day is for celebration and significant day for the father of the bride. It is a day where he relinquishes his daughter to a another man and where the groom resumes the responsibility of caring for her. The father of the bride will be sad on one side but will know that his daughter will always be daddy's little girl no matter what.

Shirley Tan is currently the owner of My Groomsmen Gifts, known for having unique and specialty groomsmen gifts at inexpensive prices. At http://www.MyGroomsmenGifts.com, you will find many stylish and distinctive gifts for the groomsmen in your wedding.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products seen online, please email us at info@MyGroomsmenGifts.com or call them at (888)381-8869.

Mothers of the Bride: How to Find the Perfect Look for the Big Event

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These days, weddings are some of the most fashionable affairs anywhere. The bride is breathtaking, the bridesmaids are stunning, and the groom and his groomsmen are handsome and polished.

But let's not forget about the mother-of-the bride.

The proud matriarch deserves to look her best at this monumental event, as well. So here are some gorgeous choices for the mother-of-the bride.

Two-Piece Stretch Taffeta Outfit

This sapphire-colored taffeta ensemble is both modern and elegant. The ruffled neckline is the most distinguishing characteristic of this short-sleeve top with jeweled buttons. The other piece is a flattering stretch trumpet skirt which is simple and comfortable.

One-Shoulder Sueded Charmeuse Side Drape Dress

For the mother who wants to look almost as stunning as her daughter, the dramatic one-shoulder neckline features a side drape that creates a slimming silhouette. The dress is made of soft-sueded gold charmeuse, which accentuates all the right curves.

3/4 Brocade Jacket & Chiffon Pant Set

This is ideal for the mother of the bride who prefers something other than an opulent dress. The three-quarter length heather-colored brocade jacket with three-button front is accented beautifully with a black ribbon at the waist. The black pants are constructed of comfy and versatile chiffon.

Shantung Short Bolero Jacket Dress

This outfit has more wear-again appeal than most mother-of-the-bride dresses available today. The slimming shantung above-the-knee dress has a tank silhouette and a ruched waist and comes in eggplant or silver. It can be worn with or without the bolero jacket and its uniquely ruffled neckline.

Portrait Collar Knit Dress with Lace Skirt

This outfit reveals the perfect blend of sophistication and edginess. The black knit bodice features an attractive portrait collar which extends off the shoulders. It contrasts nicely with the slim lace skirt, which is artfully beaded.

Two Piece Floral Jacquard Suit with Rosette Detail

This two-piece selection is for the woman who is seeking a more traditional look. The entire outfit is made of stylish silver jacquard fabric with a radiant floral print. The three-quarter length jacket features a rosette detail on the singular button along with a portrait collar, while the knee-length skirt is flattering and slimming.

Side-Draped Tank Jersey Dress with 3/4 Jacket

For the lady who desires comfort without sacrificing appearance, this dress's relaxing jersey fabric in gorgeous eggplant is carefully fashioned with a tank bodice and a goddess-like side drape. Rhinestones trim the three-quarter length jacket to give the outfit a dash of dazzle.

Satin Twill Bolero and Mock Two-Piece Dress with Beaded Detail

This almond-colored ensemble provides a classic and sophisticated look. The three-quarter sleeve bolero is made of satin twill and is adorned with beaded detail. It covers a spaghetti strap chiffon dress with ruched detail on the top, and the modern skirt will flatter any woman's body.

Chiffon Tier One-Shoulder Dress with Scarf

Sometimes, the mother-of-the-bride wants to turn a few heads as well. This purple, ankle-length chiffon tiered dress with a divine one-shoulder design will accomplish that. The scarf can be carried, worn, or converted into a flattering cover up.

Long Chiffon Beaded Waist Dress

Its ivory color and its classic lines evoke images of stately Greek goddesses. The beautifully-beaded bodice accentuates the waistline and nicely complements the flattering A-line dress. It has dainty double spaghetti straps which can be easily adjusted to fit any body size, and the outfit is topped off with a charming scarf.

Three Quarter Sleeve Shantung Short Jacket Dress

This is ideal for the mother-of-the-bride who prides herself on keeping up with the most modern trends. The most distinctive feature is the majestic mandarin collar with beaded accents on the three-quarter sleeve bolero jacket. The knee-length shantung sleeveless tank dress, which is available in blue or light mocha, is gracefully embellished at the waist.

One Piece Metallic Chiffon Halter Dress with Scarf

It's perfect for a wedding that is full of glamour and opulence. This pewter-silver halter dress showcases the shoulders, and the metallic chiffon is lovely and comfortable. A beaded buckle accents the ruched waistband to help slim the figure, and the scarf can be added to create a unique look.

Taffeta Mock Two-Piece with 3/4 Sleeve

The fabric of this pleasing dress is a polyester/nylon/spandex blend and is available in sapphire, pewter, and magenta. The side-ruched top features a joyful portrait collar and three-quarter length sleeves. A long flowing skirt and brooch and jeweled pin detail at the waist complete the look.

Two-Piece Short Shantung Tank Dress with Jacket

This rose-colored outfit cleverly combines a short dress with a long jacket. The long-sleeve jacket drops to the knees and features a flower on the lapel. The sleeveless shantung dress falls to just above the knee.

In the past, many mother-of-the bride dresses have been frumpy, gaudy, or uncomfortable. But today, the devoted mother has plenty of ways to make a fashion statement as well. And that's important - because all eyes will be on her when she is escorted down the aisle ahead of her daughter.

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

'Blushing Bride' Hydrangea (PPAF)

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The Next Endless Summer Hydrangea

In 2003, Endless Summer Hydrangea was introduced by Minnesota's Bailey Nurseries and blew the gardening industry away! It blooms on both old and new wood for repeat-blooming color all season long. Since Endless Summer was introduced, three more repeat blooming hydrangeas have been introduced by Zelenka Nurseries - 'Forever & Ever', 'Forever & Ever Double Pink' and 'Forever & Ever Red.' Now, Bailey Nurseries is introducing an Endless Summer derivative - 'Blushing Bride.' This, the fifth of the new repeat blooming hydrangeas, each one distinctly different, was bred from Endless summer by Dr. Michael Dirr, our nation's preeminent woody plant authority. It will have only limited availability this spring.

White Blooms Repeat Throughout the Season

The blooms produced by 'Blushing Bride' are pure white, maturing to a blush pink or blue, depending upon your soil acidity. It has glossy, deep green foliage. 'Blushing Bride' has even faster re-bloom that its parent, Endless Summer. In addition to repeat blooms, 'Blushing Bride' Hydrangea is unusually hardy, at least through Zone 5.

'Blushing Bride' has the incredible repeat blooms that we love. Hydrangeas macrophylla always set their buds reliably in the fall, but these hydrangeas tend to go into the winter with soft and tender tips and that's where the buds are located. Even if the buds survive the late fall frost and winter cold, they start to grow early in the spring and are subject to late spring freezes. As normal Hydrangea macrophyllas do not produce flower buds in the spring and summer, if and when these fall-produced buds die (or are eaten by deer), there will be no bloom that year. On 'Blushing Bride', flower buds are formed not only in the fall, but also in spring and summer. As the 'Blushing Bride' grows, it is continuously forming buds that will flower all season long. Prompt removal of the faded blooms will encourage new growth and even more new blooms.

Planting and Care

'Blushing Bride' Hydrangea will mature at four feet tall by four feet wide, perhaps a little larger. Unlike other Hydrangea macrophyllas which can only be pruned just as the flowers fade, 'Blushing Bride' can be pruned at any time - although late summer is probably still preferable. 'Blushing Bride' prefers moist soil (not wet) in a place with afternoon shade and morning sun. It makes an excellent choice for foundation planting, as a specimen and in shrub or perennial borders.

For best results plant in early spring to late summer.

Plant in well-drained soil. If you desire blooms that age to soft blue, add iron sulphate or garden sulphur; use lime for blooms that age to pink.

Performs best in moist, but not wet, soil. Add Soil Moist if you think the soil is too dry.

Plant so the top of the root ball is a half inch below the surface of the soil.

Prefers an area with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Use a handful of fertilizer at planting and again in early December and early March.

For blooms that will age to blue, use Leaf Gro compost at planting and fertilize with Holly-Tone.

For blooms that will age to pink, use Chesapeake Blue Crab Compost at planting and fertilize with Bulb-Tone.

Hardy in zones 5 to 9.

Click here to view 'Blushing Bride' Hydrangea on the Carroll Gardens website.

Unique Wedding Dresses For Bolder Bride!

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Every Bride-To-Be deserves to have a unique wedding gown. And if you are the type of bride that likes to go against the grain or maybe even wants to be a little more daring, then perhaps the old Chinese proverb "Fortune Favors The Bold" applies to you.

When most people think on the term unique wedding dresses, perhaps images of runway bridal gowns, or maybe even today's sexier more nontraditional wedding dresses come to mind. Or perhaps the word "Expensive" keeps flashing before you. But the good news is, a different wedding gown does not have to be expensive, especially if you buy direct from the wholesaler.

A unique wedding dress can be very simple or very elaborate, it's all in the eye of the beholder. But recent trends show us that brides looking for unique wedding gowns are more than likely looking for something that is maybe a little more daring than your typical ceremonial wedding dress. Now with destination and beach weddings growing in popularity, many brides are opting to show a little skin or even wanting to add color to their special day.

Colored wedding dresses have been around for a long time, in fact some cultures don't consider the white wedding dress to be a viable piece of apparel. But regardless of what country you live in, colored wedding gowns are becoming more and more popular. It may not be just a trend either, but rather a way to go very bold with an all over color, or simply by adding your favorite tone to your gown by using a coloured sash or colored bow to you wedding dress.

Unique wedding gowns with color can also mean colored embroidery, beads or embellishments. Any of these options can make the most pedestrian wedding gown come alive and really stand out in a crowd!

Another nontraditional wedding gown style is to have a transparent mid-riff section incorporated into your dress. In other words, there is lining in all the right places but the dress is actually two pieces joined together with lace so that your middle section can be seen threw the lace.

Some of these dresses have many elements of the more traditional wedding gowns, but have the added feature of transparency. Other unique wedding dresses have just enough cover and a lot more bare! You tend to see these dresses at your seaside and Las Vegas Weddings along with 2nd Weddings too.

Either way, remember that your dress will be unique! Why? because you are one of a kind and you are wearing that unique wedding dress, not the other way around.

We have a huge selection of Unique Wedding Dresses All Under $500. Visit us for First Quality Designer Cheap Unique Wedding Dresses and as Always Free Shipping Worldwide!

Wedding Toasts - Tips For the Bride, Groom and Best Man

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Raise a glass - now's the time to toast to the happy couple! Wedding toasts and speeches can sometimes cause anxiety - but don't let them. Enjoy your moment in the limelight, and make the most of these situations with some prep work.

Your best man, maid of honor and other special guests may inquire about appropriate speaking times - so it's good to have an idea beforehand. You and your fiance may also want to prepare some expressions of gratitude for your parents, your guests or each other. Every wedding is different; discuss and layout a general "toasting timeline" before the celebrations begin.

Who Toasts?
Traditionally the best man, maid-of-honor and parents of the bride and groom will say something over the course of events. However, close friends, the bride and groom themselves or anyone who has something to say is welcome to make a toast.

When to Toast?
When to toast all depends on the nature of your wedding. If yours will be a cocktail or buffet-style reception, your guests may not ever be gathered at the same place and time to listen to toasts. Another option is to hold the formal wedding toasts, such as the best man's speech, during the rehearsal dinner instead. At a seated dinner, the father of the bride traditionally toasts to commence the meal. Your caterer can arrange an official champagne toast, passing glasses of champagne to each guest prior to the best man speech or the father of the bride. Toasts can really occur at any time during the reception - between courses, after the meal, during the cake cutting etc. Try to give your event coordinator an estimated timeframe beforehand, so he or she can round up your guests to listen.

How to Respond
Everyone should rise for toasts to the new couple except the bride and groom, who remain seated (unless they already happen to be standing). When someone toasts the bride and groom, they should smile and say thank you. They should not clap or drink to themselves. If a toast addresses the bride only, the groom should rise. If a toast is directed towards the parents or any other guest, both the bride and groom should rise.

When the Newlyweds Toast
This is a wonderful opportunity to publicly recognize your family and friends for their love and support. If the bride and groom make a toast, they should not speak in unison (this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. They should instead stand together while one speaks or take turns speaking.

What to Say
Wedding toasts should be light, fun and G-rated. Avoid saying anything you wouldn't say to the bride's grandmother's face. Be succinct. There is nothing more awkward than a rambling, bumbling best man speech - under two minutes is perfect. All speakers should begin by introducing themselves. While toasts should include memories or funny anecdotes, avoid too many inside jokes that exclude the majority of guests. Your jokes will be met with silence if only a few listeners understand! Finally, wedding toasts should mention both the bride and the groom, even if the speaker only knows one or the other. And if the spotlight is on you and you're suddenly at a loss for words, try the old standby, "I'm so happy for you two. Cheers!" It never goes out of style.

How to Say It
It's smart to prepare beforehand, but always try to speak from the heart. Reading from a card seems insincere and awkward.

Looking for more advice on making a wedding toast? This complete guide to wedding toasts and speeches will walk you through it.

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.

The Philippine Bride, Buyer Beware

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How to not be a victim of Relationship Fraud

It's no secret that the Philippines produces a good number of foreign brides each year to Western men. Many women seek a better life from the poverty and widespread problems there, others are looking for something different, the money.

There are many successful marriages and lasting relationships that come from the exportation of Philippine brides. There are an equal number of women (and men) scamming Westerners out of the hard earned cash. The Internet has made meeting these women easy, and with beautiful brides awaiting, how does one know the relationship is real? Is she who she says she is?

Most relationships today begin on the Internet, or for a few, with a business trip or vacation to the Philippines. Developing a relationship on the Internet raises the risk level considerably. The best way to avoid fraud and scams (mainly advance fee fraud) is to visit the person and see who exactly you're dealing with. Spend some time in her country and get to know her on a real and personal level. With today's professional fraud groups, it can be difficult to know the difference between love and scam.

Avoid sending money and be skeptical of "emergencies". Get to know the person slowly via the Internet, and follow up with phone conversations if the relationship progresses. Be wary of requests for money. And don't be crazy. If you're thinking of marriage, invest in the effort to visit the Philippines before beginning any serious commitment. Lastly, if all looks good and you think you may have found the real thing, get the confidential background check, and sleep well at night!

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway

A. Hathaway has 20+ years of experience in fraud prevention, foreign markets, international investigations and background checks. His ongoing travel experience consists of over 35 countries and 6 continents. He has worked as a consultant for major investigative firms including Wymoo International and maintains his own blog

Bridezilla Bride!?

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Nobody, I repeat nobody likes a bridezilla bride. If you feel this feeling taking hold of your higher thinking processes fight it! Fight it will every fiber of your being, if you don't your friends may never forgive you. I am speaking, from experience of my close friend. She has never been a bride, but often been a bridesmaid. You know what they say; always a bridesmaid, never a bride but I keep my hopes up. But back to the bridezilla thing, it is too easy for the bride to get carried away and wrapped up in all of the planning. And oftentimes if she has a wedding planner she will be inclined to take all of this planners words as gospel. This unfortunately often hurts the bridesmaid's chances of looking pretty during the ceremony. I don't know what it is with ugly bridesmaid dresses but they seem to be the popular thing to choose among brides. This is one wedding tradition that does not seem to be in any danger of being lost, like ever.

Be nice to your bridesmaids, they are there to support you on your special day, they don't deserve to have to wear ugly plum wedding dresses. Sorry that plum dress thing was a flashback. Let your bridesmaids wear a pretty color like soft pink or blue, perhaps even a gorgeous red or green, for the love of all that's holy, anything but plum! Just kidding plum bridesmaid dresses can actually look quite flattering on many women and this color does go extremely well with all of the flower arrangements that will be decorating the reception hall and the altar. Choosing the color of your bridesmaid dresses is one of the most important decisions that you will make about your wedding. These dresses will be highlighting your fabulous wedding gown and that is why it is so important that you choose the right color. You need the bridesmaid dresses to match your gown but yet not look like it at all. This is where things can get tricky. See, you need the dresses to compliment each other while being a completely different color and style. How on earth?!? Sounds impossible right? It isn't though, it can be done easily. Just ask for some help at the boutique from which you are purchasing your wedding gown. They should know all of the best tips and tricks.

Again I am going to admonish you to be kind to your bridesmaids. Let them have at least some say in the bridesmaid dresses, they are paying for them and they have to wear them, it is the least that you can do. It really is. Consider what colors would go best with their particular skin tones. Your bridesmaids do not have to wear all the same color although this is the most common practice. One of the best ideas is to have all of the bridesmaid dresses the same color but have the styles vary slightly. This way each bridesmaid will have her own individual bridesmaid dress. They do not have to be too different, just different enough that it showcases and highlights her own unique curves and attributes. This my dear, dear bride is the kind thing to do. And this way the bridesmaids might even get to wear their expensive dresses again someday. Bonus! Wow small things like this matter a lot and you got to learn a lot about the things that make your wedding a memorable day not just for you but for everyone around you.

The best resource for knowing everything about weddings right from dresses to wedding rings you should visit the following website http://www.weddings-online.com/ This article was coauthored by my friend TP. There are some good resources for wedding decorations and about honeymoon destinations in the website making a good read about weddings.

The Sad But Momentous Day for the Father of the Bride!

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For the father of the bride, the wedding day is typically a day of mixed emotions. On one hand, there is pride and joy at the fact that his beloved daughter is getting married to someone she loves. At the same time, it is mixed with the sadness that comes with the realization that his daughter has grown up and is no longer daddy's little girl.

One of the most important things that the father of the bride does on the wedding day is to give away the bride. As per custom, once the congregation has been seated, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father while the groom waits for them at the altar. This tradition is rich with emotional undertones. The father who has looked after his daughter is now symbolically handing over the care of his daughter to the new man in her life.

Of course, there are many who feel that this custom is no longer relevant today when most women have a career and are no longer under the care of their parents and are unlikely to be under the care of their husbands. On the flip side, the sight of the father of the bride escorting his daughter down the aisle to the uplifting notes of "Here comes the Bride" still resonates with many of us and captures the transition into marriage beautifully. Ultimately, whether this custom is included in the ceremony or not must be decided by the father of the bride and the bride herself.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, the father and mother of the bride leave for the reception venue. Since they are the hosts of the reception, it is important that they arrive there ahead of the guests so that they can welcome the guests as they come in. During the reception the father of the bride will be called on by the Best Man to make a speech and propose a toast. Once the reception is over, the father of the bride is expected to stay until the end of the party to help with any final bills or to make last-minute arrangements.

The level of involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding planning and preparation depends on the decision of the bride and groom and their parents. Sometimes the wedding is held in the house of the bride's parents - at such times, it is natural that the father of the bride ends up deeply involved in almost every step of the wedding preparation.

At other times, and especially if the wedding is being held far away from the bride's parental home, the involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding preparations may be minimal. However, keep in mind that most fathers would love to be involved in their daughter's weddings in some way or the other so do ask them for their help whenever it is needed.

Traditionally, the father of the bride also shoulders the cost of the reception. However, this trend is changing, partly due to the fact that both the bride and the groom are earning members and partly because of the rising costs of a reception party. The accepted practice nowadays is for the cost of the wedding and the reception to be jointly borne by the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom and the couple themselves. However, if the father of the bride offers to foot the bill, the gracious thing to do would be to accept the offer.

Whatever you as the couple choose regarding the costs of the whole event, remember the day is for celebration and significant day for the father of the bride. It is a day where he relinquishes his daughter to a another man and where the groom resumes the responsibility of caring for her. The father of the bride will be sad on one side but will know that his daughter will always be daddy's little girl no matter what.

Shirley Tan is currently the owner of My Groomsmen Gifts, known for having unique and specialty groomsmen gifts at inexpensive prices. At http://www.MyGroomsmenGifts.com, you will find many stylish and distinctive gifts for the groomsmen in your wedding.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products seen online, please email us at info@MyGroomsmenGifts.com or call them at (888)381-8869.

The Sad But Momentous Day for the Father of the Bride!

Image : http://www.flickr.com

For the father of the bride, the wedding day is typically a day of mixed emotions. On one hand, there is pride and joy at the fact that his beloved daughter is getting married to someone she loves. At the same time, it is mixed with the sadness that comes with the realization that his daughter has grown up and is no longer daddy's little girl.

One of the most important things that the father of the bride does on the wedding day is to give away the bride. As per custom, once the congregation has been seated, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father while the groom waits for them at the altar. This tradition is rich with emotional undertones. The father who has looked after his daughter is now symbolically handing over the care of his daughter to the new man in her life.

Of course, there are many who feel that this custom is no longer relevant today when most women have a career and are no longer under the care of their parents and are unlikely to be under the care of their husbands. On the flip side, the sight of the father of the bride escorting his daughter down the aisle to the uplifting notes of "Here comes the Bride" still resonates with many of us and captures the transition into marriage beautifully. Ultimately, whether this custom is included in the ceremony or not must be decided by the father of the bride and the bride herself.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, the father and mother of the bride leave for the reception venue. Since they are the hosts of the reception, it is important that they arrive there ahead of the guests so that they can welcome the guests as they come in. During the reception the father of the bride will be called on by the Best Man to make a speech and propose a toast. Once the reception is over, the father of the bride is expected to stay until the end of the party to help with any final bills or to make last-minute arrangements.

The level of involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding planning and preparation depends on the decision of the bride and groom and their parents. Sometimes the wedding is held in the house of the bride's parents - at such times, it is natural that the father of the bride ends up deeply involved in almost every step of the wedding preparation.

At other times, and especially if the wedding is being held far away from the bride's parental home, the involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding preparations may be minimal. However, keep in mind that most fathers would love to be involved in their daughter's weddings in some way or the other so do ask them for their help whenever it is needed.

Traditionally, the father of the bride also shoulders the cost of the reception. However, this trend is changing, partly due to the fact that both the bride and the groom are earning members and partly because of the rising costs of a reception party. The accepted practice nowadays is for the cost of the wedding and the reception to be jointly borne by the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom and the couple themselves. However, if the father of the bride offers to foot the bill, the gracious thing to do would be to accept the offer.

Whatever you as the couple choose regarding the costs of the whole event, remember the day is for celebration and significant day for the father of the bride. It is a day where he relinquishes his daughter to a another man and where the groom resumes the responsibility of caring for her. The father of the bride will be sad on one side but will know that his daughter will always be daddy's little girl no matter what.

Shirley Tan is currently the owner of My Groomsmen Gifts, known for having unique and specialty groomsmen gifts at inexpensive prices. At http://www.MyGroomsmenGifts.com, you will find many stylish and distinctive gifts for the groomsmen in your wedding.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products seen online, please email us at info@MyGroomsmenGifts.com or call them at (888)381-8869.

What is a 'Mail Order Bride?'

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What does this term mean? Where does it come from? Why do dating services use this term? Let's dot our "i's" and cross our "t's" once and for all!

International marriages are very popular now. Though many people can't understand them. Sometimes they just need to "mature" for it. Nevertheless, developed communications and Internet have done their part. It has become convenient, accessible and quick to meet people from other countries. But it hasn't always been so! However, international marriages did exist. How did people meet?

Here is the version of Yale Professor of History, Howard R. Lamar:

At the early period of history of the USA, in California, the Chinese who found themselves there absolutely without women, started to organize marriages through go-betweens. The Frenchmen who found themselves in Louisiana among the English-speaking population organized marriage-mediation in a big way. The brides were brought for them from France. The women usually came with small boxes and due to these boxes they were named "casket-girls". They became well-known."

Later so-called "mercy's girls" appeared. Mercy imported girls to Wyoming, Oregon and Alaska in vans. But these potential brides turned out to be surprising. They started their businesses at the West - stores, sewing workshops, kitchens, and the marriage-intermediary didn't work out. And the opposite example. To the far west women were brought to brothels from Germany and France. Many of them were prostitutes in Europe, but in a new, big and rich country they realized that they could start a new life and they scattered, dispersed in the environment and married farmers".

It was about this time that the term "mail-order brides" appeared. Here is how the history of its origin is explained in Answers.com:

"The term probably originated during the colonial period when men traveled through various empires for financial gain. After establishing their income in a new colony they faced three choices:

- stay single,

- marry a local indigenous woman or,

- seek to have an available woman come from the metropolitan centre; or in the case of economic immigrants that came from an economically depressed region to seek employment, from their mother country.

Often these marriages were arranged by members of the immigrants family 'back home' and the relatives picked amongst available women to find one that would suit their family member thus they would negotiate with the woman before she left with her belongings (and perhaps with her children if she was a widow). Often these women were willing to travel for marriage because of the limited opportunity in their place of origin. This tradition continues amongst first generation immigrants to western countries, most particularly amongst Pakistani, Bangladeshi and East Indian males and females who wish to marry someone of similar social, economic and educational status; indeed many marriages are arranged in India and the bride and groom may not have much if any opportunity to court before the marriage ceremony is conducted.

During the twentieth century this tradition has been used for a (in some ways) similar, yet very different social phenomenon, that of a western male, usually second or third generation immigrant himself, seeking a woman from a more 'traditional' or non-western culture. For whatever reason, these men seek out women from various countries, most notably economically depressed parts of the world, such as countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the other central Asian - stans, or from cultures where femininity is still encouraged and women are expected to take care of their husbands and engage in housekeeping, child rearing and other domestic chores».

It was in regard to the history of terms. However, international acquaintances became that popular during 1980-es. Telephone, fax, photos, catalogues.

Like some food you choose one out of thousands women, make an order, pay by a credit card and she is "coming over through Fed Ex in a big wooden crate" ;)

I don't know, guys, how effective this way was and how many positive stories can be told to advocate this way of acquaintance today. Still there are agencies that stick to this way.

HOW DO THEY WORK?
As a rule, at their sites there are thousands of women. 20-30 thousand is a norm. A huge catalogue, choose any. You can buy her contact information and correspond with her on your own, or can use the agency's service for it. The main difference of this kind of agencies from dating services like ours (and their main minus) is that women are only pages of a catalogue for them: faceless, nameless goods.

The agencies like ours work with each woman personally! We not only know her by sight, but also checked her passport information, we know if she is well or ill at the moment, if she is in the city or left on business or holiday. We know some details of her life because we often talk to her at the office. We are more than marriage go-between for a woman. We are consultants, friends and psychologists. It is normal! So we can say with confidence: we answer for each woman of our agency! Can an agency that has 20 thousand women say it?
Why then you can find our site on request "mail order brides" in search services like http://www.google.com?

Unfortunately, this term is too loved by journalists and this is why it is so popular. And often, when talking about the bride from abroad, someone uses the term "mail order brides", actually having no idea about the details of the process. So we have to use it in order than men who are interested in foreign brides get to our site.

Why "unfortunately"?

Because this term humiliates women! They find it very insulting that someone can think them to be goods that can be ordered by catalogue. The man who respects his bride will never allow himself, his relatives and friends to use this word.

This term is also very loved by American feminists. They say to American men: first you order wonderful, tender mail order brides and then we have to defend them from you! :))

So I'd like to sum up:

"Mail order brides" is the term that can mislead you, because it is a well-promoted brand. We can't send you a bride by mail, but we can acquaint you with real women who want to make a family. Feel the difference :)

Irina Chernova

I am 28 years old Russian female, working in dating field for almost 7 years and my specialty is dating articles for ChanceForlove Russian Dating Services

The Sad But Momentous Day for the Father of the Bride!

Image : http://www.flickr.com

For the father of the bride, the wedding day is typically a day of mixed emotions. On one hand, there is pride and joy at the fact that his beloved daughter is getting married to someone she loves. At the same time, it is mixed with the sadness that comes with the realization that his daughter has grown up and is no longer daddy's little girl.

One of the most important things that the father of the bride does on the wedding day is to give away the bride. As per custom, once the congregation has been seated, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father while the groom waits for them at the altar. This tradition is rich with emotional undertones. The father who has looked after his daughter is now symbolically handing over the care of his daughter to the new man in her life.

Of course, there are many who feel that this custom is no longer relevant today when most women have a career and are no longer under the care of their parents and are unlikely to be under the care of their husbands. On the flip side, the sight of the father of the bride escorting his daughter down the aisle to the uplifting notes of "Here comes the Bride" still resonates with many of us and captures the transition into marriage beautifully. Ultimately, whether this custom is included in the ceremony or not must be decided by the father of the bride and the bride herself.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, the father and mother of the bride leave for the reception venue. Since they are the hosts of the reception, it is important that they arrive there ahead of the guests so that they can welcome the guests as they come in. During the reception the father of the bride will be called on by the Best Man to make a speech and propose a toast. Once the reception is over, the father of the bride is expected to stay until the end of the party to help with any final bills or to make last-minute arrangements.

The level of involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding planning and preparation depends on the decision of the bride and groom and their parents. Sometimes the wedding is held in the house of the bride's parents - at such times, it is natural that the father of the bride ends up deeply involved in almost every step of the wedding preparation.

At other times, and especially if the wedding is being held far away from the bride's parental home, the involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding preparations may be minimal. However, keep in mind that most fathers would love to be involved in their daughter's weddings in some way or the other so do ask them for their help whenever it is needed.

Traditionally, the father of the bride also shoulders the cost of the reception. However, this trend is changing, partly due to the fact that both the bride and the groom are earning members and partly because of the rising costs of a reception party. The accepted practice nowadays is for the cost of the wedding and the reception to be jointly borne by the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom and the couple themselves. However, if the father of the bride offers to foot the bill, the gracious thing to do would be to accept the offer.

Whatever you as the couple choose regarding the costs of the whole event, remember the day is for celebration and significant day for the father of the bride. It is a day where he relinquishes his daughter to a another man and where the groom resumes the responsibility of caring for her. The father of the bride will be sad on one side but will know that his daughter will always be daddy's little girl no matter what.

Shirley Tan is currently the owner of My Groomsmen Gifts, known for having unique and specialty groomsmen gifts at inexpensive prices. At http://www.MyGroomsmenGifts.com, you will find many stylish and distinctive gifts for the groomsmen in your wedding.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products seen online, please email us at info@MyGroomsmenGifts.com or call them at (888)381-8869.

Wedding Photography Techniques - Bride, Groom and Groups

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Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front

Remember, the Bride and Groom should be most prominently portrayed in every shot. When posing groups you should try to avoid placing anyone directly in front of or behind the Bride and Groom. The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very large groups.

Height Difference

Another potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

You can however often use height difference to your advantage, use it by carefully positioning subjects so that their faces, when viewed together run in a smooth flowing composition. Do not be afraid to use the ground as a starting point for posing Bridal party group shots.

Bridesmaids are often asked to pose on the ground in front of the rest of the group. You can then build up the composition by placing any smaller children next to the Bridesmaids and eventually working upwards using smooth flowing lines toward adults in a standing position.

Some photographers will always position taller people near the center and taper off to smaller people at the ends. I prefer to work on a flexible basis and treat each situation independently sometimes using smaller people near the Bride and Groom and working towards the edges with taller people. This approach can give more emphasis and prominence to the Bride and Groom.

Positioning the smaller of the two nearest the camera can compensate for height difference between the Bride and Groom. This technique, in the Brides case, will not be required too often; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males. However you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her husband on a step!

The Bride

Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.

Visit my site for more information Wedding and Group Photography Guide

Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.