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attraction - theatrical event concept

A selection of articles discussing this topic.

...reason or logical content, and created abstract theatre. Later the Dadaists took over many of their ideas in a different cause. What unified Futurist performances, however, was the concept of attractions. An attraction was whatever element in a particular act held the audience's attention. Variety bills were constructed to produce an effective and contrasting variation of types of..

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Tips for the Bride
Tips - Plan Your Wedding

One of the most prominent mistakes which brides do is that they do not share the responsibility with anyone else. They take it to themselves. She may think that she can do everything on her own. She may turn down the offers from friends or family members.
But the real fact is that if bride delegate the responsibility to others, the things can work more smoothly than taking the entire responsibility to her. She must try to understand that everything should be perfect on the wedding day and if something does not go on exactly as planned she is likely to be the only one to notice. And the other people might be enjoying the situation. However, it can be difficult for a bride to delegate responsibilities and learn to let others help her.
Dress is the most important part of the wedding. It generally took months until the brides get some perfect dress to wear, so it is quite difficult to delegate the responsibility for the care of the dress. The presence of bride is very essential for the shopping of her wedding dress. She must be also present to take a trial in advance. However, she must delegate the responsibility of getting it cleaned and stored to someone else. It relieves her from the worrying about the wedding dress from being ripped or soiled. Generally every bride has a temptation to try the dress even once before the wedding. However, keeping the outfit in the hands of other person can minimize such changes and dress can be protected for the big day.
There are various last minute details that need to be taken care of. These details may include putting out the centerpieces, setting out the place cards and arranging the flowers. These tasks are not difficult to handle, but since everything should be perfect, some should be given responsibility to handle these tasks. This is the best opportunity for the bride to understand that other people are can do the jobs in a perfect way and if there is a little bit of mistake on their part, then it should be dealt with. If something is slightly remains unattended, then do not focus your entire attention on it. If a bride keeps worrying about the little things, then she might be robbed of her beauty and may not look gorgeous even after a wearing a costly costume or heavy make up, because the face is the mirror of mind and beauty comes from inside.
nce the bride is able to understand that she might be willing to let someone else take over the small responsibilities, there are fewer details to take care of. However it may not appear significant, but it can surely help you.
ddressing thank you cards after the marriage can be a tedious job. You might be tired after the hectic schedule that you have been undergoing since weeks and left with a little energy to do these jobs. You can ask some of your bridesmaid to do it for you. She might take this responsibility to her and write the cards on your part.
So, shed off your responsibilities and enjoy your wedding as well as your honeymoon

Tips to Make Your Wedding Unique

Planning a wedding can be exciting, hectic and frustrating all at the same time. Somehow, after all of the hours of hard work, a spectacular wedding emerges. Here are a few little touches to consider when planning your wedding.
Ask the florist to place two loose roses in your bridal bouquet. During the wedding ceremony, perhaps during a hymn or after the lighting of the candles, remove the two roses. Together, as bride and groom, walk down to both sets of parents. Greet the bride's parents first, and present the mothers with the roses. Give each parent (father and mother alike) a small hug and a quick word or two of love and thankfulness. ("Thank you for everything, I love you" - "Thanks for being such wonderful parents" - "Thanks for sharing your wonderful son with me") Return to the altar. If there are more then two sets of parents ask the florist for more "loose" roses in the bouquet and visit each set or individual. This entire process should be executed quickly.
Often times a receiving line at a reception can be very long, and the process can be tiring and tedious for the wedding party and guests alike. One way to have a brief visit with each guest is to usher guests out, aisle by aisle, as the new Mr. and Mrs.. After the big kiss and the recessional walk down the aisle, let the main ushers return for key family members�Moms and Dads and grandparents. Return down the aisle as husband and wife. Stand at the first row and invite the guests to leave the church. As they get up to leave, greet each guest and say a QUICK "thank you for coming � you look great � See you at the reception � save a dance for me � " etc. The guests can then proceed to the back of the church, where, if your parents wish, they can also say hello and thank the guests for coming. The key here is to keep the lines moving so no one is waiting too long. Guests are much more comfortable sitting and waiting to be greeted with beautiful music playing than they are standing in a long line!
Everyone always wonders who's who in the wedding party. Why not spell it out in the program. There is usually plenty of room on the back or inside of the program to give a brief bio of each individual in the wedding party. You might list how you are related, how you met, how long you've been friends, etc. It is also fun to add a small note to personalize each such as: Lynn and I have been friends since we were 3. She taught me how to make perfect mud pies and later double dated with me at the Senior Prom. She has been a dear friend for as long as I can remember. Lynn currently lives in Chicago and works for Quaker Oats. Remember, keep it clean and nice. What may seem like a good joke when you are working on the drafts may not be appropriate on your wedding day. Bear in mind that your grandmother will read this!
Another fun program addition is courtship highlights. List key locations, players, and events that lead up to the wedding day. Perhaps the name of the person who introduced you, the name of the first movie you went to, the location where you first said "I Love You". The list does not require explanation, as those close to you will know most of them and for others it is fun to figure them out as you wait for the ceremony to start.
If you will be moving, why not list your new address on the back of the program.
It can never hurt to thank your parents and friends in writing. For example: A special thank you to our parents for supporting us through the years. For being there through tears and laughter. You have made our lives special with your love and understanding. As we begin as two, we pray to follow the example of love and family commitment that you have presented to us. All our love."
Bubbles are a fun addition to a wedding or reception. Have guests blow bubbles as you leave the church or as you leave for your honeymoon.
Place a small basket of essentials at the church and at the reception for the wedding party. Place it in the restrooms. Most attendants will not be carrying a purse. Include in the basket items for makeup touchups, safety pins, brush and a comb, breath mints, bobby pins, perfume, you name it. This can save last minute panic!
Design a Wedding Recipe book. Pass it to friends/special guests and allow them to add their special recipes for a happy marriage.
If any young children are to be included in the reception, make plans to keep them occupied during the meal and special toasts. Prior to the wedding, leave a coloring book and package of crayons at each child's place setting. They will be excited�and quiet!
Scatter various herbs on the entry or dance floor so the air is filled with a delicious fragrance. Try thyme, mint, lemon balm or ground eucalyptus. Create an instant feeling of warmth and happiness.
Instead of using numbers for your tables, give them names. Use names of romantic figures, such as "Cupid", "Casanova", "Romeo" and "Juliet" and others. Or, choose names that are special to you � countries you have visited, cities located in the country you will honeymoon, etc.
Entertain your guests with a special video or slide show of the happy couple from childhood to current time.
Honor your parents by using the cake-topper from their wedding cake, displaying photos from their wedding day and by playing their wedding song.

Jewish Wedding

Culture and Traditions
A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, giving expression to the deepest significance and purpose of marriage. These rituals symbolize the beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and to the Jewish people.

In preparing for the wedding, the chatan (Hebrew for groom) and kallah (bride) should not only pay attention to the material and temporal aspects of married life, but should focus as well on ensuring their religious, spiritual and moral readiness for the future.

The following guide explains the Jewish wedding traditions to help you better understand the beauty and joy of the celebration.

THE WEDDING DAY

The dawning wedding day heralds the happiest and holiest day of one's life. This day is considered a personal Yom Kippur for the chatan and kallah, for on this day all their past mistakes are forgiven as they merge into a new, complete soul.

As on Yom Kippur, both the chatan and kallah fast (in this case, from dawn until after the completion of the marriage ceremony). And at the ceremony, the chatan wears a kittel, the traditional white robe worn on Yom Kippur.

KABBALAT PANIM

It is customary for the chatan and kallah not to see each other for the week preceding the wedding. Separate receptions, called Kabbalat Panim, are held just prior to the wedding ceremony.

Jewish tradition likens the couple to a queen and king. The kallah will be seated on a throne to receive her guests, while the chatan is surrounded by guests who sing and toast him.

At this time there is a tradition for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom to stand together and break a plate. The reason is to show the seriousness of the commitment -- just as a plate can never be fully repaired, so too a broken relationship can never be fully repaired.

BADEKEN

Next comes the badeken, the veiling of the kallah by the chatan. The veil symbolizes the idea of modesty and conveys the lesson that however attractive physical appearances may be, the soul and character are paramount.

The chatan, accompanied by family and friends, proceeds to the kallah's room and places the veil over her face. This is an ancient custom and serves as the first of many actions by which the groom signals his commitment to clothe and protect his wife. It is reminiscent of Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac.

CHUPAH

The wedding ceremony takes place under the chupah (canopy), a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality.

The chupah is usually held outside, under the stars, as a sign of the blessing given by G-d to the patriarch Abraham that his children shall be as the stars of the heavens.

The chatan and kallah will wear no jewelry under the chupah (marriage canopy). Their mutual commitment to one another is based on who they are as people not on their respective material possessions.

The chatan, followed by the kallah, are usually escorted to the chuppah by their respective sets of parents. Under the chupah, the kallah circles the chatan seven times. Just as the world was created in seven days, the kallah is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new home. The number seven also symbolizes the wholeness and completeness that they cannot attain separately. The kallah then settles at her chatan's right-hand side.

BLESSINGS OF BETROTHAL (KIDDUSHIN)

Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessing, and after these are recited, the couple drinks from the cup.

Wine, a symbol of joy in Jewish tradition, is associated with the Kiddush, the sanctification prayer recited on Shabbat and festivals. Marriage, which is called Kiddushin, is the sanctification of a man and woman to each other.

GIVING OF THE RING

The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation (e.g. stones) -- just as it is hoped that the marriage will be one of simple beauty.

The chatan now takes the wedding ring in his hand, and in clear view of two witnesses, he declares to his wife, Behold; you are betrothed unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel. He then places the ring on the forefinger of his bride's right hand. According to Jewish law, this is the central moment of the wedding ceremony, and the couple is now fully married at this point.

KETUBAH (MARRIAGE CONTRACT)

Now comes the reading of the Ketubah (marriage contract) in the original Aramaic text. In marriage, the chatan accepts upon himself certain marital responsibilities which are detailed in the Ketubah. His principal obligations are to provide food, shelter and clothing for his wife, and to be attentive to her emotional needs. The protection of the rights of a Jewish wife is so important that the marriage may not be solemnized until the contract has been completed.
The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement. The Ketubah is the property of the kallah and she must have access to it throughout their marriage. It is often written amidst beautiful artwork, to be framed and displayed in the home. The reading of the Ketubah acts as a break between the first part of the ceremony -- Kiddushin (betrothal), and the latter part -- Nissuin (marriage).
In preparing for the wedding, the chatan (Hebrew for groom) and kallah (bride) should not only pay attention to the material and temporal aspects of married life, but should focus as well on ensuring their religious, spiritual and moral readiness for the future.

Wedding Toast Tips
Tips - Plan Your Reception
Wedding toasts are certainly much easier to prepare than a wedding speech is for your Richmond Hill wedding. Normally, the person proposing the toast will have a short humorous story to tell about the bride or groom (or whomever they are toasting) and will then proceed with the actual toast.
Here are some tips to help you get a start on preparing your wedding toast before the big day for your wedding:
Keep your toast short, no more than one to two minutes. Remember wedding toasts are not wedding speeches for your Richmond Hill wedding.
When you're ready to make your toast, be sure to stand up so people can see you in your Richmond Hill wedding.
Before toasting, give the guests time to refill their glasses in your Richmond Hill wedding.
If you are the one receiving the toast, stay seated in your Richmond Hill wedding.
Hold your glass in your right hand when proposing the toast and raise the glass toward the person you are toasting when you are finished in your Richmond Hill wedding.
After a toast, it is customary for everyone to clink glasses before sipping in your Richmond Hill wedding.
Humor is good, humiliation is not. Do not bring up old romances or other extremely embarrassing subjects, and keep the stories clean and appropriate for the audience. Keep in mind that there are usually older people (grandparents) and children present in your Richmond Hill wedding.
Practice your toast before the wedding. Some people have a knack for winging it, but it's best to be prepared in your Richmond Hill wedding.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah video and Photo Services
Bat and Bar Mitzvah's

The age of maturity (12 years for girls, 13 years for boys) that child becomes responsible for him / herself under Jewish law. At this point a boy is said to become Bar Mitzvah, a girl is said to become Bat Mitzvah. In Biblical Hebrew, the word "bar" or "bat" could also mean "subject to," e.g., a particular tax, penalty, or obligation; therefore a more accurate translation of the term may actually be "subject to commandment."
Click here h4uh.com to Check out all our Mitzvah Packages
The plural form term for people of obligation is B'nai Mitzvah (or B'not Mitzvah if all the people are female), though when referring to multiple celebrations, many mistakenly say "Bar" or "Bat Mitzvot."
With a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mizvah, there are many that are celebrated in h4uh.com . And with the celebration in h4uh.com , comes the need to have a Caricaturist photographer or videographer to share the moment. At h4uh.com Productions Wedding Centre, we specialize in Bar Mitzvahs as well as specialize in h4uh.com area Bar Mitzvahs.
So if you want to setup a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah - h4uh.com

Hanukkah Party Activities
Here are a few ideas to make your party special for your guests:
Along with the custom of centering conversation around ancient miracles, ask each guest to come prepared to share an inspiring story of their ancestors, or something that has touched them in a special way in the past year. Giving guests the opportunity to prepare will make this a very special activity - encourage them to bring photographs or any other props that would be appropriate to their story. You might even want to record the stories on video tape, or on a tape cassette recorder.
Play the traditional Hanukkah game played with a Dreidel, a spinning top. Purchase these from us and pass them out as favors for your guests to take home.
Instead of a "Cookie Exchange" have a latke exchange! Have everyone make their favorite latke recipe (enough for everyone that will be attending the party), and then share everyone's favorite recipe!
Involve all your guests in singing all the traditional blessings. For a special treat, invite a Cantor into your home to sing for you. Two favorite Hanukkah songs are "My Dreidel" and "Hanukkah O Hanukkah".
A Chanukah party is the perfect occasion for all manner of board and card games. Choose your favorites, and then set up several small card tables around a room, so that guests can rotate, and choose their favorites. It would be perfectly appropriate to award prizes and/or favors for the skilled or lucky in your group!

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I Love Art Wedding

I love art. I live it and breathe anything artistic. So when I thought about getting married, the wedding clearly had to showcase this secret passion. Clearly, it was not going to be a small task to conjure up a wedding nuptials theme with the world of art as the centerpiece and foundation.
Things probably wouldn't have turned out so well if it wasn't for my husband, then fianc�, Daniel. We first met on a blind date three years ago when I was an art history student at the University of Minnesota majoring in studio art. We quickly connected when we learned that of the love for art was something we both had in common. Lucky for me, my favorite artist in the whole world, Picasso, happened to by Daniel's great uncle by marriage. Although Daniel had never met his great uncle, there were many family stories that he shared with me. Before we knew it, one date had turned into a dozen and a year later we were engaged.
As we sat down to plan the wedding, Daniel and I decided we absolutely had to have a ceremony and reception that reflected our artistic personalities, our religious backgrounds (he's Jewish and I'm Catholic), and our strong sense of family. Since the wedding ceremony was to be interfaith, we decided why not be unique and have it at our favorite art museum, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota. The museum was the first museum designed by the famous architect, Frank Gehry, and has been hailed as one of "five most gorgeous galleries on Earth" by the New York Times. Without a doubt, this was a special place to share wedding vows and make our special day different and memorable.
The inside of the gallery is visually stunning lit by lofty skylights so we decided to keep it unadorned (no wedding accoutrements) as the space, with it's modern masterpieces throughout, spoke for itself. We felt decorations might diminish the splendor of the artwork and steal the thunder of the gallery's natural beauty. To acknowledge our appreciation for Picasso, his painting entitled, Guernica, was picked as the backdrop to our ceremony and played off the piece's rich oranges, yellows and reds for the wedding's color scheme. Our invitations, seating cards, and programs were printed in deep orange ink while all the maids of honor were dressed in persimmon silk strapless dresses and held sun-colored bouquets of calla lillies.
Holding family and friends dear to our hearts, we didn't want a wedding with a lot of sizzle and no time to mingle with loved ones--especially those who would be coming from across the country. Consequently, we decided to hold both the ceremony and the reception at the musuem to insure we would have lots of time to walk about our guests share pleasantries. There's nothing worse than inviting someone to your wedding and then never getting a chance to say hello or thank you because of all the bride and groom business. If anyone out there feels the same way, I highly suggest lengthening your cocktail hour to give yourself more time to mix and mingle.
Not forgetting our guests were inside a gallery, we made it a plan to encourage everyone to roam around the museum and admire the artwork. As much as there would be time and opportunity to dance, we also wanted music playing as background atmosphere for strolling through the museum. Thus, our music selection varied from favorite ballroom dance numbers to concert-like odes to the masters such as Beethoven and Bach. And to keep the color theme alive, we planned to hang Chinese lanterns of red, pink and yellow above the dining tables which would have centerpieces of brightly colored dahlias and vibrant viburnum berries.
As far as wedding traditions, we decided to forego the bouquet toss and the cutting of the cake. Once again, we felt it was more important to enjoy the moment and let the reception flow naturally rather than interrupt it for a photo opportunity. I wanted to be able to remember the events of the day as more of a sense-memory thing rather than being reminded of how everything went according to plan based on a set of pictures. So many of my married friends had warned me that the special moments can get away from you if you let the ends justify the means. Instead of the above mentioned customs, we planned to use the time to pull up a chair at each and every guest table, roll up our sleeves, and just connect with our guests.
Our wedding day came and passed and everything was beyond perfect. The museum backdrop was more than memorable, the ceremony was uncluttered and heartfelt, and the reception was amazing both as a celebration of our wedding and a super party/get-togther of family and friends. I still get e-mails from guests who can't stop talking about the wedding's warm and cozy feel. If I had to point to one thing as advice for the soon-to-be-married, I would suggest that you should plan your day around just having fun. Don't get hung up on all the "details" of planning and pulling off a wedding, they can consume you. Try to relax and keep your perspective on making it a special day even it that means adjusting a few things to keep the wedding low-maintenance. I truly believe that if the bride and groom are at ease--smiling and laughing and having fun, your guests will also feel at ease and follow suit. And there's nothing better than to look around your reception and see the people you love so much enjoying the moment. That in itself was the best present any couple could receive. Enjoy your day!

Tips for the Bride
Tips - Plan Your Wedding

One of the most prominent mistakes which brides do is that they do not share the responsibility with anyone else. They take it to themselves. She may think that she can do everything on her own. She may turn down the offers from friends or family members.

But the real fact is that if bride delegate the responsibility to others, the things can work more smoothly than taking the entire responsibility to her. She must try to understand that everything should be perfect on the wedding day and if something does not go on exactly as planned she is likely to be the only one to notice. And the other people might be enjoying the situation. However, it can be difficult for a bride to delegate responsibilities and learn to let others help her.

Dress is the most important part of the wedding. It generally took months until the brides get some perfect dress to wear, so it is quite difficult to delegate the responsibility for the care of the dress. The presence of bride is very essential for the shopping of her wedding dress. She must be also present to take a trial in advance. However, she must delegate the responsibility of getting it cleaned and stored to someone else. It relieves her from the worrying about the wedding dress from being ripped or soiled. Generally every bride has a temptation to try the dress even once before the wedding. However, keeping the outfit in the hands of other person can minimize such changes and dress can be protected for the big day.
There are various last minute details that need to be taken care of. These details may include putting out the centerpieces, setting out the place cards and arranging the flowers. These tasks are not difficult to handle, but since everything should be perfect, some should be given responsibility to handle these tasks. This is the best opportunity for the bride to understand that other people are can do the jobs in a perfect way and if there is a little bit of mistake on their part, then it should be dealt with. If something is slightly remains unattended, then do not focus your entire attention on it. If a bride keeps worrying about the little things, then she might be robbed of her beauty and may not look gorgeous even after a wearing a costly costume or heavy make up, because the face is the mirror of mind and beauty comes from inside.
nce the bride is able to understand that she might be willing to let someone else take over the small responsibilities, there are fewer details to take care of. However it may not appear significant, but it can surely help you.
ddressing thank you cards after the marriage can be a tedious job. You might be tired after the hectic schedule that you have been undergoing since weeks and left with a little energy to do these jobs. You can ask some of your bridesmaid to do it for you. She might take this responsibility to her and write the cards on your part.
So, shed off your responsibilities and enjoy your wedding as well as your honeymoon.

*********
A Guide to Bridal Showers
Tips - Before the Wedding

There�s the traditional Stag Nite for men when they wave goodbye to their bachelorhood. A night filled with drunkenness, disorderly behavior & who-knows-what-else. The hush-hush that surrounds the Bachelor Party has loomed for decades. Well, women can have their own brand of fun too. From a somber potluck shower to a wilder evening gala policeman-birthday-gift-for-Ally-McBeal, let your imagination run wild and have the mother of all bridal showers!

The Bridal Shower, or the Hen Party as it is so often referred to these days, appears to have first been given to a Dutch bride who married her lover, despite her father�s refusal to give her a dowry for she had intended to marry a poor man.

Toronto is great for all kinds of venus for these galas. Her friends got together and "showered" the lovebirds with gifts for their household, an attempt to help them start their new lives together. The power of love prevails and the practice of giving the bride gifts before her wedding has evolved into a wedding tradition
It is the role of the Bridesmaids and/or Maid-of-Honor to organize the party.

A good Wedding Consultant can also help in the preparation. Consult with the Bride who she would like to attend the party and make the necessary arrangements. When choosing a theme for the Shower, select one that reflects the personality & interests of the Bride. It is after all her party! It�s always nice to have the shower in someone�s house or check into a nice suite at any of the hotels.

Some Bridal Shower Ideas:

Lingerie Shower
Everybody brings and wears an article of clothing that is associated with sleep ware. e.g. pajamas, nightgowns, slips, teddies. Toronto is loaded with all kinds of lingerie shops to add a great variety to this special theme. Put your sense of humor to work if you wish to! For whatever you are bringing, give one to the Bride too as a gift.

Romantic Shower
Present the Bride with items that will inspire romance in her married life. IF you are a romantic person, visit some of Toronto�s finer shops downtown to amaze you. The Groom would approve of scented candles, candle holders, satin bed sheets, champagne, bath bubbles, aromatherapy products, his-and-hers massage vouchers at the spa.

Sweet Memories Shower

All guests take their turn to tell a story of how they met the Bride, their special moments together, the disappointments they may have shared.

Planning a Wedding Abroad

A wedding abroad may seem like a romantic but overwhelming idea, nearing on a nearly impossible dilemma.

But each year, thousands embark on enticing adventures that involve multi-cultural tidings and multi-level tasks. Weddings abroad, overseas, and in clandestine locations result in unforgettable memories. Jamaica, Italy, Barbados, South Africa, Austria, Bora Bora, the Caribbean islands and many other enticing locations are hotspots for Americans looking for a novel wedding adventure.

�I thought my fianc� and I were out of our minds when we decided to get married in Jamaica, but it was a spectacular and memorable event that no one will soon forget,� says recently-married Justine Stone.

Such a task not only involved several advance trips to the island of Jamaica but careful planning for other family members and friends who traveled thousands of miles.

�It was an awesome weekend, but it took a lot of work and planning to occupy our guests for three days and nights,� says the new Mrs. Stone.

The couple chose a resort location, Round Tree Hill � known for its celebrity draw and cushy amenities such as exclusive villas � and gave their 120-count guest list eight months advance notice in order to coordinate flights and hotel rooms.

�We sent a �Save-the-Date� notice in early summer so people could either make a vacation plan or simply attend the three days we had already planned,� says Justine. The couple later sent out official, formal invitations for their Dec. 11 date.

While the Stones� decided upon Jamaica due to many previous trips they had made there, other couples take a chance on a location never visited before and rely entirely upon wedding planners to coordinate their event.

�We plan everything from here,� says Lisa Jenkins, a coordinator for a Florida-based company called Weddings Abroad, which handles everything from the priest to passports to the cake for events in Italy and other European locations.

�We�ve done hundreds of weddings, and have encountered very few glitches,� says Lisa.

Advance planning is the key, and the expectation that costs may be significantly higher in a foreign country due to additional travel and hotel costs. But the additional advantage of wedding overseas is that the honeymoon begins immediately, and access to other locations for travel and vacation purposes is relatively simple, says Lisa.

For instance, a couple wed in Italy then hopped a plane in Rome for five days of romance in Paris.

�They killed two birds with one stone, and added to the magic of their adventure,� says Lisa.

Time is another factor to consider. While Americans are used to events happening in a timely manner, other cultures may be accustomed to moving at a slower pace.

�I tried to hire a flower person and she missed our appointment by an entire day,� says Adam Stone, Justine�s groom. �But in Jamaica that�s customary. She just showed up the next day as though nothing had happened.�

Lisa in Florida concurs.

�Americans are very schedule-oriented and very productive, while other cultures may be more relaxed about schedules, but the results are still magnificent, � she says.

Also, language barriers can arise as couples try to coordinate events themselves. Most companies offer interpreters or work with wedding planners who are bi-lingual or tri-lingual.

�You have to have someone who knows the language and its nuances. Something that means one thing in Florence might mean another thing in Naples,� says Lisa.

Ireland, Greece and other Mediterranean locations have also become popular.

It is essential that all brides-and-grooms-to-be provide proof of their marriage eligibility and agree to the laws of the country regarding marriage. While many weddings are non-denominational, some countries or cities may require that the marriages take place in city hall or a church. Laws vary from country to country.

�You want to make sure that your marriage is legal, and the laws may vary from typical laws in the United States, � says Lisa.

And if you do prefer a religious ceremony, the appropriate person may be hard to find. In Jamaica, only one rabbi was available for the Stone ceremony. In other countries a First United Methodist Church pastor may just as difficult to track down, but a Tibetan priest may be readily available for the ceremony, says Lisa.

Additionally, if family members or friends are unavailable to act as witnesses, local townspeople, or witnesses hired by the wedding coordinator may be available.

�It�s difficult for some people to deal with the idea of not being able to attend to all the details themselves until they arrive a few days before the wedding,� says Lisa. �They have to develop a rapport with their coordinator and trust that everything will go well.�

Some wedding coordinators leave travel coordination to the clients, but handle all other details. Airline tickets can often be found at bargain rates on internet services or with advance notice through regular airline channels.

Most international coordinators arrange a budget in advance but require a 50 percent deposit to get the ball rolling. Coordinators can also arrange for more exotic requests such as a hot-air balloon, a yacht or sailing ship, an African safari and a variety of requests that add an extra edge to wedding vows. Those special requests may add a few dollars to the arrangement, but the extra effort will be worth the memories.

And just like the Stone, thousands have discovered that a wedding abroad may become a dream come true.

Tips on purchasing your Wedding Dress
Tips - Plan Your Reception

One of the biggest decisions you will face as the big day approaches is choosing the perfect wedding dress and wedding attire. The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a fabulous adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming, particularly because a bride-to-be often starts shopping for her wedding aparel before many other details are determined. You might have had a clear mental picture of the perfect wedding dress ever since you were five years old. Take a few minutes to think about what you want. It will be helpful when you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential (i.e. I must have a full skirt, or my arms must be covered), and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be. After all, if really a teal pantsuit would work best for you, it�s probably not worth your time to sort through racks of flouncy white gowns.
Give yourself ample time to plan- generally the rule of thumb is that you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. So you should ideally start shopping for your gown nine months or more before your wedding. (If you don't have this much time, its okay, just budget for some rush charges).
On your wedding day, you'll want to look great, but you'll also want to be comfortable- it will be hard to pose for all those pictures, dance, laugh and more if you're tugging your wedding aparel up or have boning jutting into your ribs.
First- consider which wedding dress is most appropriate to your day � for example- consider a shorter tea-length or cocktail length dress for a beach wedding. If you're the kinda gal who likes to dance with her hands in the air, and anticipates doing the limbo, perhaps a strapless dress is not the one for you. Look for wedding dresses with removable sleeves or straps to give you the widest range of options.
Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. Take a look at what you regularly wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and then look for a wedding dress with similar lines.
If a friend is making your wedding dress, ensure that you have agreed on a fitting schedule and chances to make adjustments. If you're looking for a bargain at a sample sale, or discount outlet, you should budget money for taking the wedding dress dress to a good tailor. Many designers will ask for three fittings, and will closely tailor your wedding dress to fit you.
If money is an issue, remember that the most expensive kind of wedding dress is not necessarily the best kind. Many brides find a bridesmaids dress in white or off-white that works perfectly, and is hundreds of dollars cheaper. There are thousands of dresses to be had at sample sales, thrift stores, and ebay. Consider taking pictures from magazines to a friend who sews or seamstress and getting a price quote.
If you choose to make your own wedding dress , don't delay. The sooner you finish it, the sooner you'll be able to attend to the many other details of your wedding.
Don�t forget this is your wedding day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. And have fun shopping for your dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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Dealing with wedding Invitations

The mailbox holds mysteries of enchantment when an invitation to a party, an event or a wedding is uniquely designed and created.

But today, thanks to the evolution of electronics, an invitation can whisk through the ethers to thousands of potential guests in a matter of seconds by e-mail.

Surprisingly, an email invitation � or e-vite as it�s appropriately coined - can be just as uniquely designed and the right e-vite system can handle responses from hundreds without any need for stamps or delivery, or wasted phone time trying to confirm invitations.

�It was much easier to do it this way,� Alan Berg, who had a Sunday morning brunch before attending a Redskins, national league football game in Washington D.C. �I just didn�t have the time to put together an envelope, a card and lick 47 stamps. Besides, I already knew most of my guests� email addresses by heart.�

And with a two-week notice, a reminder notice and an easy check-box rsvp, Alan and his roommate knew the day before exactly how many people would be coming. Only 10 turned them down.

Even wedding invitations have become less formal.

Some couples prefer more traditional methods using high-quality invitations such as Crane, William Arthur, or Stacy Claire Boyd -- each invitations requires two or three envelopes and two or three cards in one invitation. But others have felt the desire to handle the big day in their own way.

Similarly, wedding invitations or invitations for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, housewarming events and many other occasions may be ordered on-line through the internet. Personal photos of the happy couple or new baby can be downloaded and added to the invitation.

In California, where an afternoon wedding for the bride would be her second, Angie Carlton felt she wanted to make her own invitations. It cost less and it gave her the opportunity to be more personal.

By purchasing paper by weight or by the sheet at a national craft store such as Michael�s, Angie was able to pick the exact shade she preferred. Then she created her own wording by choosing a computer type-face that was both eloquent and inviting. And because she is especially crafty, she added tiny pieces of branches and dried flowers to give the invitations her very own signature.

�It took a little longer, I suppose, than just ordering some invitations, but I enjoyed doing every one of them,� she said.

When all 50 invitations were completed, Angie knew exactly what she had. There was no need to worry faulty printing and misinterpreted instructions. �They were very special,� she said.

But tradition can still speak volumes. One bride choose to create frame-able invitations befitting a princess, with bows and lace creating a delicate but undeniable presence. Each 8 x 11-inch invitation was placed in its very own box with a calligraphy label on the outside with the guest�s name.

Then a delivery person dressed in a tuxedo hand-delivered each invitation to the guest�s door. Any out-of-staters received their invitations via special delivery by UPS.

�It created a statement,� said Taylor Farrand. �I wanted everyone to know that this was my wedding.�

In another case, a wedding to be held sea-side used invitations with tiny seashells attached and a sprinkling of sand across the wording.

Invitations to children�s parties can be just as festive if not more fun. An invitation to a child�s birthday often sets the theme of the party.

Invitations to a young surfer�s birthday party were fashioned with a row of tongue depressors and a fake grass skirt to give it a Hawaii-like theme. For a boat party, a crafty mom created Styrofoam life rings with the party information attached in the center.

In other cases, an event or a destination party may call for some way-out invitations that involve a small production team. For a bon voyage party for a young graduate about to travel abroad for a year, friends including parents, neighbors and even some former teachers got together and created a video presentation that went out to all 100 guests invited to the send-off.

The vid-invite included a bunch of funny comments from friends, a silly plea from mom and dad, and comments from a few neighbors who kiddingly said they were glad to see the young man go. With dubs of VHS videos costing a few dollars, the invitations went out in padded envelopes.

�But the response was great. Every one looked at that video and got a chuckle out of Michael and his friends,� says Edith Confer, whose son boarded a plane a few days later to travel overseas. �The video was a keepsake for a lot of people who had known Michael since he was a baby.�

Even DVD�s have become available as invitations. Similar to a video, a DVD can be burned from video or film, and its packaging can include a gimmick as well. An invitation to a Hollywood charity event that centered around the Titanic included a tiny squeeze box inside the packaging that squeaked out a couple bars of the film�s opening song. Anytime someone pressed the packaging the box would squeak a few bars.

A cassette tape or CD is yet another alternative. CDs cost cents to burn, and cassettes can be copied nearly as inexpensively. An invitation that includes a song or just a voice can be slipped into a car�s CD or tape player while en route to work or while running errands. The novelty of a CD or cassette alone will usually draw attention to the party.

Wedding Anniversary Party Activities

There is nothing more nostalgic than creating a tradition of retelling the wedding story. Have the guests of honor include as many details as possible. Story telling is a traditional way to pass on information from one to another and it keeps the memory alive. If there are several generations, have each tell the story from their own viewpoint. What important details and funny things did Grandpa see at the wedding? Ask the same questions to the siblings of the bride and groom because each personal will have a different, yet colorful perspective.

Here are some other activities for the celebration:

Create a video presentation that spans the life of the bride and groom. There are many services out there these days that can take all of your old photos and put them into video form with background music of your choice. Be sure to include holidays, vacations, births, and other special events for a complete tribute to their lives together.
Dance through the years. Not everyone likes to dance, but most like to laugh and remember. Select different types of music from different years. Have each couple pull a style of dance or music from a hat and have them perform the dance. The other couples have to determine which dance they are attempting!
Place disposable cameras on tables and encourage guests to use them. You'll have plenty of warm memories captured to pass along to your appreciative friends. A nice touch for any celebration would be to set up a photo backdrop area - either with Columns, a Balloon Arch or a Metallic Curtain - so that the couple can have their picture taken with either individuals or groupings of their choice.
Visit the library and get copies of newspapers (front pages) from the wedding day, 5 years later, 10 years later, etc. Type a list of events from the front page of each and have the guests determine what year it was. Select some newspapers with dates far apart and some close together to make it harder.
Guess the price game. Have guests work as individuals or teams to guess the prices of key products dating back to the date of the event. What did people pay for a gallon of milk 50 years ago? What was the price of a new Ford truck? The team or individual with the closest guesses wins - but everyone will have fun reliving the past!
Create a Christmas Tree Keepsake. No matter what time of year you are celebrating an anniversary for a special couple, this keepsake can be presented at the party for a new seasonal tradition to begin. First, purchase an artificial Christmas tree of any size. Gather old and present photos of family members, special events, homes, etc. Create small ornaments by mounting these photos (or copies of photos) onto our Flat or Corrugated Paper cut into stars, ovals, or any other shapes. Use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of each ornament and tie ribbon through it for hanging. Have special guests present the ornaments to the couple that night by hanging them on the tree and saying a brief word about the photos. Each Christmas season after that, the couple will be proud to display their meaningful tree in their home.

Wedding Anniversary Party Activities

Here are some other activities for the celebration:
Create a video presentation that spans the life of the bride and groom. There are many services out there these days that can take all of your old photos and put them into video form with background music of your choice. Be sure to include holidays, vacations, births, and other special events for a complete tribute to their lives together.
Dance through the years. Not everyone likes to dance, but most like to laugh and remember. Select different types of music from different years. Have each couple pull a style of dance or music from a hat and have them perform the dance. The other couples have to determine which dance they are attempting!
Place disposable cameras on tables and encourage guests to use them. You'll have plenty of warm memories captured to pass along to your appreciative friends. A nice touch for any celebration would be to set up a photo backdrop area - either with Columns, a Balloon Arch or a Metallic Curtain - so that the couple can have their picture taken with either individuals or groupings of their choice.
Visit the library and get copies of newspapers (front pages) from the wedding day, 5 years later, 10 years later, etc. Type a list of events from the front page of each and have the guests determine what year it was. Select some newspapers with dates far apart and some close together to make it harder.
Guess the price game. Have guests work as individuals or teams to guess the prices of key products dating back to the date of the event. What did people pay for a gallon of milk 50 years ago? What was the price of a new Ford truck? The team or individual with the closest guesses wins - but eve