MASTER OF CEREMONIES

TOASTMASTER

WEDDING TOAST MASTER

THE WEDDING RECEPTION

However much thought and careful forward planning has gone into the preparations for your Wedding Reception, a certain amount of responsibility and apprehension always remains upon the shoulders of those most concerned with - and anxious for - its success,

Now let’s picture the scene - your Wedding Day is now fast approaching and that which was thought to be "quite a way off yet" is now fast becoming reality!

You know that the Ceremony is going to be conducted under the watchful eye of the Vicar or Registrar, and that he/she alone will guide you through the various aspects of it - this gives you confidence.

Unfortunately however, once the actual ceremony is over, the Vicar is no longer with you - your guiding hand has left you and you are on your own. Who do you look to now?

I am sure that at sometime you have been a guest at a Wedding Reception that seemed to lack that "extra sparkle" - it just didn’t seem to "flow". Most likely this was because no one person was on hand to assume the role of "Co-coordinator". No one person was there with you the whole time to guide and relax you through the various stages of the Reception.

So let’s take a closer look - you have to Receive, Welcome and entertain your guests. take your place "Centre Stage" the Cake has to be cut, those all important Speeches have to be made, there are Presentations to be made - not to mention the Favours, or the Wedding Album that you hope that all your guests will sign - and suddenly there’s no-one to help you.

Wouldn’t it be nice if, when you arrived at your Reception venue, there was that one helpful person waiting to greet you and attend to all those important matters for you? Someone you had met and talked with previously and who was aware of your wishes. Someone who would ensure that all those little "personal touches" - so special to you - would be included?

Enter - the Professional Wedding Toastmaster - problem solved!

The choice of who is to be your Toastmaster is naturally entirely up to you and because it is so important that you are absolutely certain that "he is the right one for you", whenever possible, you should meet him - or at least talk with him personally - before you engage his services. This takes time, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Take a good look around but when you have made your decision - don’t delay - book him - you may not be the only one wishing to engage his services! Having full confidence in him will allow you to happily "leave it all to him" - and thoroughly enjoy your Special Day to the full, relaxing in the knowledge that your Wedding Reception is in safe and caring hands.

Not only is your Toastmaster invaluable to you, he will be also equally welcomed and appreciated by your guests. Wearing his instantly recognizable Red Coat, he is always on hand to assist them upon their arrival, keep them informed of "what is going to happen next" and be their friend to whom they can turn whenever advice or assistance is required.

Always remember to give due consideration to your guests - as you do for yourselves - for what would be a Wedding Reception without guests ? Many will have traveled long and tiring distances to be with you and their comfort should be important to you. The success of your day is best judged not only by how much you have enjoyed it - but by how much your guests have enjoyed it with you.

Congratulations and enjoy a wonderful day.

Article by David Hill Professional Toastmaster

PREPARING & DELIVERING YOUR SPEECH

It is said that the human brain springs into action as soon as we are born and continues to function satisfactorily until such times as we stand to make our first speech in public!

To most of us the thought of having to stand up and make a speech has never even crossed our minds. However, sometimes circumstances require that we do just that - and with a little thought, practice and patience things may not turn out to be as daunting as at first they seemed Here are a few tips and observations which may help you in the planning and presentation of your speech and, who knows, when it is all over, hopefully you will probably readily admit that you quite enjoyed it! Thoughts are often far worse than reality.

Whether you are Father of the Bride, the Bride, the Bridegroom, the Best Man or whoever, there is absolutely no reason for you to feel apprehensive or nervous - you are amongst invited relatives and friends - you will not be making a public speech. Your audience is all "on your side" and they understand that you are not a professional after dinner speaker - nevertheless they are all anxious to hear what you have to say. However, nothing should prevent you from being as professional in your content and delivery as you can - for the better your speech, the more your audience will enjoy it - and the more attentive will they be.

Eye contact is very important. - hold your head up high and look towards your audience whenever you speak. How can you expect them to pay attention and look at you - if you do not look at them?

It is almost impossible to commit a speech entirely to memory and it is equally difficult to read it. I suggest that you make yourself some cue cards - about postcard size - and on them write clearly in large easily readable letters (felt tip pen recommended) the Main Headings about which you are to speak. Suggestion: as a short pause now and then is often beneficial, and, lest you forget, consider introducing a blank card once or twice into the "pack" to remind you to give yourself, and your audience, a few seconds break from speaking. Never under estimate the power of silence!

Always remember you are talking to an audience - not yourself. The surest way to be a success with your audience and keep their quiet attention is to speak to them (not the floor!) slowly, clearly, distinctly and to the point. Don’t begin your speech until your audience is quiet and you are clear in your mind what your first words will be. Tip: if, when you stand to make your speech, people are still talking - don’t panic - don’t try to quieten them by shouting or talking loudly over them and certainly not by "Shussssssh-ing". Just stand up - face them with a fixed look and say absolutely . . . nothing. Wait patiently and eventually you will find that gradually a hush will descend - believe me it works!

But let’s assume that you have a Toastmaster with you - surely a must to ensure the smooth running of the entire Reception - he will introduce you after having made sure that your audience is quiet and attentive - once you begin though it’s down to you to hold their attention! Tip: If, as is usual, there are gifts to be distributed at "speech time", it is suggested that this takes place after the last speech - rather than during any of them, thereby allowing uninterrupted speech continuity from first to last. The "giving and receiving" of gifts between, or during, speeches necessitates personnel movement which often has a distracting and unsettling effect on your audience.

Don’t be in a hurry to start your speech. A slow and dignified rise to your feet inspires confidence. Take time to look at you audience, establish that important eye contact by looking cheerful and keep them waiting for just a few moments - say 4 or 5 seconds at most. They are all anxious to hear what you have to say and a few seconds "hesitation" often sharpens "anticipation"! A short pause before you speak will also give you time to settle down, collect your thoughts, size up those who face you, and help you to speak slowly and clearly and ... most important ...smile - which in itself will help both you and your audience to relax.

Above all your speech should never contain any doubtful material - or anything that is likely to cause embarrassment to anyone present - everyone in your listening audience is entitled to your respect. Unless you are absolutely certain that a specific remark addressed to a specific person in your audience will be acceptable to them - don’t even consider saying it. What may seem funny to you at the time may not seem funny to the person concerned or to the remainder of your audience.

I say again - speak slowly. Even a little nervousness on your part - which is entirely natural - will mean that unconsciously you will be speaking much quicker than you think - to your audience your wedding speech will appear to be almost unintelligible - so, slow down and give yourself time - there’s really no need to hurry! Your audience will only be interested and attentive if they can hear and understand you!

Even if you feel entirely confident that you have successfully committed your entire speech to memory, always remember that a sudden attack of nerves can immediately distract your attention at any time. Always have your wedding speech notes in front of you and don’t be afraid to let your audience see them. If you do lose your place, just stand there and remain silent until you have found where you left off. Keep them waiting a few seconds and then - calmly carry on as if nothing had happened. Just because you had lost you place - there’s no need to tell the world about it!

Plan and rehearse your speech at an early stage - you may at first feel that "it’s going to be easy” and that you can do it in “five minutes". - But things are seldom like that. First impressions are often misleading - so don’t leave it to the night before or even later! I would suggest that at first you write out fully what you have in mind to say... Then read what you have written, re-read it and then read it again. By this time hopefully you will clearly see the need for some alterations, additions or subtractions. When you are completely satisfied with the content of your speech now is the time to make up your Cue Cards.... and

it is also time for rehearsal. You can’t really rehearse your wedding speech on you own - if you do, you are asking yourself to do two things at the same time - (a) concentrate on what you are wishing to say and (b) listen to your own delivery.
It is sometimes quite off putting to listen intently to your own voice - far better to let someone else do that. So ask a relation or friend(s) to be your audience - preferably someone who will not be at the Reception and will therefore feel far more able to give an honestly impartial opinion of your performance - and that’s just want you want them to do - you are not fishing for compliments - you are asking for honest opinions and suggestions for improvement.

Most important, I often hear said "Oh I’ll be OK when I’ve had a few drinks! Rubbish! - You won’t. Alcohol will dehydrate you further and that’s the last thing you want to be remembered for at your wedding  Granted you may need a sip or two of liquid refreshment during the course of your speech - but the most refreshing is yes - water. Believe me - it’s the truth - so do make very sure you have a glassful (or better still a jugful) handy before the speeches start - and more especially if you are last in the line of speakers.

And finally, being a Toastmaster myself, I have heard many wedding speeches - some good and some not so good - but the one thing that they have all had in common is that, on the day, they have all come from the heart - and surely that’s how it should be! Good luck and above all - enjoy it!


Speeches can be likened to a Lady’s Dress - they should be long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to be interesting.
(Yes - you can use that!)

Article by David Hill Professional Toastmaster

CURE THOSE WEDDING NERVES
by Ruth Orvis

You look perfect. The dress is divine, the veil makes you look like a heavenly body and your hair comes straight out of Brides magazine. The church boasts more flowers than your local florist, the limousine is gleaming and the cake is an artistic masterpiece. The wedding reception venue is beyond your wildest dreams, and your passport and honeymoon tickets are packed and ready. The sun is shining and it's a perfect day for a wedding ...so what could possibly go wrong?

Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life - so why let it be ruined by nervous stress? If you find yourself obsessing about every little detail, losing sleep and constantly worrying, you are suffering from a bad dose of wedding nerves! So what's the cure? Well, you could try a stiff brandy, but then slurring your vows won't look too good on the video, and puffing on a cigarette even less so. Hmmmm...How about hypnotherapy?

The word hypnosis comes from 'Hypnos', who was the Greek god of sleep. Now don't panic - I'm not suggesting for one minute that you start tripping up the aisle in a deep coma. The hypnotic trance is not sleep; rather it is a state of deeply relaxed concentration, which causes an altered awareness. Hypnotic or suggestive therapy has been used for centuries, but it is only in recent times that it has gained recognition as an incredible life-changing tool. The term 'hypnotherapy' is used to mean the use of hypnosis for the treatment of, and relief from, a number of psychological and physical problems.

Before you throw your hands up and exclaim that you could never 'go under', let me assure you that you already have! It is likely that you have experienced a hypnotic trance without even knowing it. Maybe when you're relaxing on the sofa, you might find that you are drifting off to sleep - not quite asleep but not awake either. This is called a 'hypnogogic' state and is a type of trance. Likewise, if you catch yourself daydreaming, or perhaps miles away remembering a past occurrence, this is also a form of trance. It is when the mind is this deeply relaxed that it is most open to positive suggestion.

Although individual therapists have their own ways of tweaking the hypnotic process, generally the process follows the same general outline. Starting with a basic relaxation technique, which consists of regulating your breathing by concentrating solely on controlling your inward and outward breaths, and moving on to mentally and physically relaxing your body? Once this initial stage of relaxation is reached, your hypnotherapist will gently bring you further into the hypnotic trance. Using 'deepeners' such as 'counting down' or visualization, where you imagine yourself drifting downwards in a relaxing situation, your therapist will help you achieve the deepest possible trance state. It is when your mind is this relaxed that it is most open to suggestion.

Your therapist will use positive suggestions to help reinforce your own wish to achieve complete relaxation on your wedding day. These positive suggestions may also be 'anchored' in a physical way, such as crossing your fingers and counting to five in a particular situation. For instance, if an anxiety 'trigger' (such as the thought of the cake toppling over, the limousine breaking down or the groom simply not turning up) suddenly pops into your mind, the anchor is used to bring you back into a state of complete relaxation, fending off the wedding nerves. It's a question of relearning your reaction to things and reprogramming your mind's 'internal chatter' from negative to positive. It can be the difference between a day to remember - or a day you would rather forget!

Frequently asked questions

How does hypnotherapy work?

No one can really be sure exactly how or why hypnotherapy works. Some believe it is because it makes you relax sufficiently to turn off internal anxiety. By switching off the internal anxiety and introducing positive thoughts, it is believed that the mind is able to switch to a positive, upward spiral. It is as if the brain acts as a tape recorder, and the hypnotherapist works with you to record a more upbeat tune. Others believe that in the hypnotic trance state, the left analytical side of the brain is switched off, which allows the right creative, intuitive side of the brain to work at full power. Either way, hypnosis has been found to allow the mind to focus on problems and issues in a positive way, eliminating negative or debilitating thoughts.

Who has control over the process of hypnosis?

You do. At all times you will be fully aware of what is going on, and you are able to accept or reject the suggestions given by the hypnotherapist.

What sort of problems can hypnotherapy help with?

All sorts of psychological, physical and stress-related problems can be helped (including wedding nerves!) such as lack of confidence, poor self-image, public-speaking worries and much more besides. You see - even the best man or bride's father can be helped to deliver his speech with complete confidence!

A good hypnotherapist will encourage you to attend a few sessions, as this will ensure the best results. Of course it is important that you choose a therapist who has had proper training and is part of a recognised body, such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy, or the UK Guild of Hypnotist Examiners. These can easily be found in the Yellow Pages. Charges do vary, but expect to pay a minimum of £35 to £40 per session. Alternatively visit www.hypno-therapy.org and ask for details of a hypnotherapist in your area.

As an alternative, there are a number of state-of-the-art hypnosis tapes available, some of which are aimed specifically at stress problems. These offer a cost effective introduction to relaxation techniques, with the benefit of being able to use them at home. They also offer a good 'practice run' in learning relaxation techniques, which may help to give better results should you wish to go further and contact a hypnotherapist for help with a specific problem. Alternatively, you could have a go at self-hypnosis using your own script and a tape recorder. Many books on self-hypnosis are available, which give sample scripts, which you can adapt to your own needs, or perhaps ask a close friend to have a go at guiding you through the process!

Having the perfect wedding day takes careful thought, planning and preparation. Make regular hypnotherapy sessions part of your wedding preparations and your wedding day will be a truly joyful event. Perhaps you could let the groom in on your secret too!

If you would like a free of charge self-hypnosis relaxation script or details of suggested hypnotherapy products, please contact Ruth Orvis at innerhelp@aol.com

STUNNING WEDDING FLOWERS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

by Gabi Burton, the Fine Flowers Company

Planning for your wedding flowers needn’t be daunting with lots of inspiration now available at hand. If anything, there’s now too much information and the choice can be overwhelming. And since you haven’t decided what flowers you might like, how on earth will you know how to set a realistic budget? Here’s how to make some headway:

Industry statistics show that in the UK, brides spend an average of £550 for their wedding with their chosen florist, for an average party size of ca. 80 guests, but this can range from £200 to £8,000. An average £75 is spent on the bridal bouquet, which can range between £50 and £200 depending on the style, the flowers and the amount of intricate wiring work or added details.

If you are having a more extensive guest list, you will need more guest dinning table centerpieces and also more focal arrangements throughout your larger reception venue to dress it adequately. Never compromise on your bouquet as this will be the one item which will appear throughout your wedding day album

Why not? Add details such as crystals or diamante to your bouquet flowers to add a magical sparkle in all the wedding photos?

In most cases the costs above don’t include the cost of the church flowers, as most churches prefer to use a member of their own congregation to arrange wedding flowers in the church.

Due to the modern reality that church attendance amongst the very young and trendy is lower, the style of flowers you’ll get in this case is in general a little more traditional and the flowers will be more mainstream. On the plus side, this is often cheaper than a professional florist and supports your local church.

If you really want a particular style for your church flowers, ask your vicar whether they would be happy for your florist to carry out the work or at least work alongside the regular flower arranger.

Why not? Hang a welcoming arrangement such as a wedding wreath to your church door for a traditional touch with a twist?

Start planning at least one year in advance and look at florist’s displays at the time of year when you plan to get married to see what’s in season.

This way, when you are ready to discuss your wedding flowers with your florist, you'll know what the main choices are. It’s unlikely that through this exercise you'll become an expert on all the flowers and colours available, but you'll make an excellent start at selecting your venue flower designs without breaking the bank.

The more detailed meeting with your florist can then help you select finishing touches to make your wedding flowers truly your own, customizing designs to arrive at a really bespoke bouquet and bridal party flowers as well as distinctive venue flowers which are most appropriate for your reception.

Why not? Make every guest feel special with their own buttonhole? These can be used as additional table dressings, placed on each napkin.

As a guide when setting your budget remember that your wedding or civil partnership venue flowers will usually account for over half the budget and most of this will be for guest table centerpieces.

Using this as a benchmark, have a look at what a similar design using the main flowers of your choice as the focus, would cost if it was available to order through on-line department store retailers such as M&S, Debenhams, John Lewis. Consider the size it would need to be, whether it has the right balance of flowers to foliage for your tastes, and remember to check whether it includes glassware.

Your florist will be able to advise you on how to fine tune this provisional cost in line with your budget by suggesting the most appropriate container, the balance of main flowers to filler flowers and the balance of flowers to foliage.

Why not? Place one or a few classic blooms such as roses, tulips or orchids, in a pretty tea light votive and give these as Favours?

CHOOSING A WEDDING CAKE

when choosing your Wedding Cake Designer you should give at least 6 months notice. Not only does this give time for your fruit cakes to be matured but good cake designers do get booked very quickly. Some take bookings a year or more in advance.

During your initial consultation your cake designer should be able to offer you a tasting of cakes in order for you to choose whether you want fruit, sponge, chocolate or something different like carrot cake or a flavoured sponge.

Next you need to decide how many portions you need from your wedding cake. This will depend on number of guests and whether you wish to keep your top tier [traditionally for the Christening of your first child]

As for decoration - you should take with you any pictures you may have found in magazines along with colour swatches of your bridesmaids dresses if you want the colour incorporated into your wedding cake. If you want hand made sugar flowers on your cake ask your florist for the names of the flowers you have chosen in your bouquet so that your decorator can reproduce them in icing.

Your chosen decorator should be able to show you pictures of their past work and not just pictures in magazines or books. Also thank you letters or cards from satisfied customers are always a good indication of the quality of past creations. You should also discuss whether your wedding cake decorator will deliver and set up your cake for you at your reception venue.

Be very careful if a well-meaning friend or relative offers to make your cake. A wedding cake is a lot different to making the odd novelty cake here and there. A lot of disasters can happen for instance when the cakes have not been cooked for long enough or the other extreme been cooked for too long and are burnt and dry. Or icing that hasn’t had time to set. Cakes set up without dowels can collapse - and you don’t want to be featured on TV’s Video Clip Disasters!

Article published with the kind permission of
CakesUnlimited.net of Harrogate & Wetherby.

CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Wedding Photographer Tips and Advice.
Working with the Photographer.

As a wedding photographer with over 12 years experience, when I was asked to write an article on 'tips and advice' on how to get the best help from working with a photographer, my immediate thoughts were, "I could write a whole book on this!" There are so many potential disasters just waiting to happen that could easily be avoided with some prior knowledge and by working closely with the wedding photographer in the planning of the event.

However, knowing that your time will be limited, I will narrow down 'my tips and advice' to the questions that matter most to you, based on my many years of experience of what customers usually want to know.

After visiting numerous web sites, you may become even more confused and stressed out in the process of choosing who you believe, will be the best wedding photographer to undertake your wedding photography. You will see hundreds of wedding photographers' all advertising their wedding services. On web site adverts, all the photographers' wedding photos look fantastic, don't you agree? So how do you select that special talented photographer?

1). Selection

Select a photographer who either lives locally to you or in the same region - preferably within a radius of 25 miles from where you live. This is a good start as it helps narrow down your initial search. You may need to meet up with the photographer on several occasions to organise and plan your wedding event. Even after the wedding you will need to view the photos and sort out your order, album and reprints etc.
the photographer will more than likely be familiar with your area and may already have done a past wedding at the venue you have chosen.

2). View samples.

Most photographers will cover formal to informal style wedding pictures and may offer documentary to reportage styles. Experienced, professional photographers should be able to adapt to any of these photographic.

Most importantly, their pictures will reflect their style, personality and their own unique approach to the wedding day event. Allow your heart and instinct to tell you this when looking at a photographer's pictures or portfolio. To some photographers it is just another job but to many other photographers, they will simply enjoy photographing weddings because of the challenge; it's an exciting, enjoyable social event and they will want to capture fantastic pictures to tell the story of your special day.

Of course, there are always a small minority of commercial wedding photographers who operate with the sole aim of making 'quick easy money.' They take a limited amount of photos and spend as little time as possible covering the event. Perhaps an hour or two in time at the most. This is not a bad thing if you happen to want something quick and have a simple record of your special day only - since not everyone has an unlimited budget. Ask the photographer for client testimonials and if possible speak to people who have used the photographer before. This way you're more likely to get an accurate idea of how much time and effort a particular photographer will spend on your day.

3). Photographer coverage.
Decide between you both, what aspect of your wedding day or your civil partnership you would like to have
covered by the photographer. I guess this depends on your financial budget as
having a photographer attend your wedding all day, will usually cost more for this
kind of service and the photographer's time.

Consider whether you want the photographer to attend the following:
a). Do you want some coverage of your Hen Night or Stag Night when out celebrating your last days of being single for about 30 minutes only? These can be fun photos and they show all your best friends in attendance. It could be a large group shot taken in the restaurant or a funny and hilarious moment about to happen! Not many people consider this, as this event is often overlooked, but they can hold very special memories and can add humour and laughs to your album! Isn't this part of the pre-wedding event as a whole?

b). the location where the bride will be getting ready and departing from?

c). without question, the official wedding service itself. Church or civil ceremony?

d). on occasions, the bride and Groom may request the photographer to photograph them at a separate location, such as in a park or a special flower garden area possibly some distance away.

e). at the reception. 'Cutting the cake.' This can be set up first, so after the photographer can quickly depart. For some photographers, this is the time when they take their farewells. This is usually because the bride and groom no longer request the services of the photographer. They have done their job.

However, many couples wish to have the wedding photographer remain for the speeches; the fun moments; the relaxed family and friend pictures; taken in a more relaxed manner; and again at the precise moment of cutting the cake as it happens, with all the laughter and excitement created. For a photographer, this is a good time to get great pictures, as everyone is more relaxed.

To me, Weddings are not only about the Bride and Groom; they are also about families, extending the family and building up relationships. It is great to see Aunties, Uncles, Grandmas, Granddads, Parents and all the family members, young and old mixing together on such a special occasion.

After the wedding is long over, these family pictures are priceless and never again will they be captured, the young and old, all together at such a special occasion. They will later become archival pictures and passed onto the Bride and Groom's future children, and then onto their children.

It will become a vital part of the family social history on both sides. This is the essence of what wedding photography should also be about in my view. A kind of 'social documentary.'

f). Table Speeches. These are often fun moments and an important one. I have often seen the bride and groom, best man or bridesmaid turn up with some unforgettable and hilarious 'props' from their partner's past history or stag/hen night! To have this recorded on film will bring back so many fun memories and always raise a smile from viewers of your album.

g). Hotel bedroom. This is a good moment to show off the expensive honeymoon suite that you have selected, accompanied with a glass of champagne together.

h). Evening Reception. 'The first dance.' It is also an occasion to capture those 'one time only photos' of the bride dancing with her father, uncles, brothers and of course the groom with his mum, aunties and sisters. Again the family theme
continued of young and old throughout. However, you can only really do this when you have the photographer in all day attendance to capture all these unique moments.
Often the couple may like to have pictures of special guests arriving or to capture pictures of the beautiful dinner buffet. You may want some pictures of the evening entertainment or artist. Perhaps you have booked an Elvis impersonator or whatever!

i). Usually after the dance photos, the photographer will ask you whether there will
be any last requests for photos at this point before they will depart.

4). First communication.
When you make initial contact with the chosen photographer by telephone or email it will be helpful to the photographer if you have thought about the following points:

a). Give the date of wedding event and time of service. The photographer will first check in their diary if they are free or are booked for this time.

b). What kind of wedding service is it - a Church or civil ceremony?

c). How many people are expected to attend?

d). How many pictures do you wish to have in the finished album?

e). Would you like a parents album made, consisting of about 15 pictures?

f). What size prints would you like in your album?

g). Colour or black and white pictures required? Or a mixture of both?

h). Will you need to order a wedding album from the photographer? Or do you wish to save money by shopping around for an 'arty' or more unique album, when on holiday or from looking in other High Street major stores?
If it is Christmas time, you could add it to your Christmas present list, or even on the wedding present list? I would feel honoured in knowing that when the Bride and Groom viewed their wedding album, they would always remember that it came as a special life long gift from me.

i). Will you want an enlargement picture for the home to display on the wall?

J). Print Sizes. Usually, most couples tend to select around 36 to 40 pictures for their album in print size 8" x 6" or even 8" x 8" prints. The reason for this is that, most of the prints are afterwards placed inside an 'album presentation card overlay,' which brings up the viewing page to an A4 size near enough. This is a popular size because the wedding album is most often viewed from either the tabletop or on peoples' knees, and to look at prints this size is a most comfortable
distance away for the eyes.
Also, if you select more than 40 pictures for your traditional wedding album, the pages can become more difficult to turn over for viewing because the album spine becomes thicker. The more pictures you try to place have in an album; they begin to lose their impact and maintain less interest.
Good picture editing and picture selection skills are very important at this point.

K). What style and kind of Photos would you like in your album?
Most photographers will usually know what pictures you would like for your album. They will have talked to you over the phone or by email at this point to discuss your first thought ideas, as you will probably have some set ideas whether
you want formal, informal or reportage style pictures taken, or perhaps a mixture of both. It is always useful and helpful to the photographer if can present them with a 'wish list' of definite photos that you would like taken on the day.

L). Most photographers will require a booking fee payment ranging from £50, whereas others may require more. This booking ensures your wedding day is confirmed as definite with the photographer. This is usually done by a written
contract agreement and signed by both parties. This covers the photographer, should he or she happen six months later to find the wedding is cancelled for some reason, the photographer could have turned away several other wedding jobs for that same date and end up having no wedding to photograph!

M). Never ask a friend who is a good photographer or who is a keen amateur to do
your wedding photographs in order to save you money. This is a 'one time only event.' They may be a good photographer, but when you view the resulting wedding photos, you may be very, very disappointed. You will have life long regrets afterwards and you may 'lose a good friend' who you thought was helping you out and doing you a favour. Believe me, Wedding Photography is
a highly specialised job and a professional photographer's knowledge and experience is worth its weight in gold and is invaluable.

I hope this information has been helpful in providing you with some useful 'Advice and Tips' in helping you to select a photographer and in working with them to save time and guide you through what will be regarded as 'the most special day of your life.' Of course it is not possible to include all information here, but what I have written will serve as a starting point and help you consider the many questions to raise with the photographer regarding your wedding. After all, the wedding photographer is most experienced and knowledgeable about wedding and they will always be delighted to help and answer your questions.
Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to ask for further advice. I will be more than happy to help.


Article published with the kind permission of
Mike Sweeney

ADVICE FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

By: Robert Thomson

Some people may think that advice for a happy marriage can be a bit obvious, but if that's the case why are there so many unhappy marriages? It can be very hard to focus on the big picture when you are on the inside of a long term relationship, so hopefully these tips can rejuvenate your marriage.

Advice for a happy marriage 1-
Communicate. A marriage is nothing without communication-and that doesn't mean arguing and snapping at each other all the time-that's not real communication. Communication means switching the TV off for once and sitting down and talking over your day, or letting your partner know in a direct way when there is a problem. A marriage is rarely harmed by some good direct communication.

Advice for a happy marriage 2-
Admit when things are wrong. During a serious relationship it can be very easy to let yourself gloss over things and make believe that everything will be okay. In truth though, if you do this you aren't being true to yourself, your partner, or your marriage. Problems in marriages are like snowballs rolling down a hill-it's easier to stop them early. Again, the easiest way to do this when a problem does arise is by simple communication between you both.

Advice for a happy marriage 3-
Know the difference between falling in love and maintaining a loving relationship. Falling in love can often be like being intoxicated, the subject of your love can do no wrong and all different areas of your brain are impaired due to your preoccupation with them. Unfortunately, this state rarely lasts past the first few years of marriage, so in many cases it's necessary to work together at maintaining a healthy and loving relationship.

Advice for a happy marriage 4-
Put a little karmic theory into your marriage-you get what you give, so if you do everything you can to make your partner happy, the chances are they will step up their efforts to make you happy. The more effort you expend making your partner understand how much they mean to you, the more likely it is for them to reciprocate.

Advice for a happy marriage 5-
Learn that mending a relationship doesn't mean mending your partner. A marriage includes you both, and so any issues or situations always include both of you. You can't fix things by modifying the behaviour of one person; it has to be a team effort. People aren't like animals, and you shouldn't have to “marriage train” your partner into making you happy. It's not fair on them, and it's not fair on you.

This advice for a good marriage can really help in the tough times, so I hope it helps you if you need it. Check out the links below for great info on fixing your marriage or civil partnership

UNIQUE BRIDAL SHOWER FAVORS

By: Angel Cruz

If you're planning to tie the knot, one of the very first things you need to plan is how to make your bridal shower memorable. There are lots of unique bridal shower favors that are available for any would be bride to choose from for your wedding or civil partnership. Here are some great ones to consider:

Handbag Holder – Available in 3 beautiful color floral design accented with rhinestone, this purse caddy is set on the table to hold your purse or hand bag near you so that you won't forget about it or have to set it down on a dirty floor.

Croco Coin Purse – Croco Coin Purses are stylish, practical and colorful – available in shades of Black, Pink, Red and Brown, these functional little bags keep you organized…with a fashionable edge.

Personalized Bridal Shower Gel – Your bridesmaids and guests will enjoy being pampered with this lightly scented gel... kissed with the fragrance of sweet pea and violets, this is a flirtatious blend everyone will be sure to enjoy!

Izzy Straw Gift Bag – Your favorite girls will love to have these unique summer straw bags as their goody bag and keepsake of your bridal shower party – they come in different designs and you can add other goodies too such as lip gloss, soaps and other treats.

Manicure Bag – Unique color vinyl mini purse that includes a mini manicure set to go, they come in adorable colors, pink, blue, lavender and pearl white.

Mini Floral Jewelry Box – Mini antique finish floral design footed jewelry box – best for jewelry such as stud earrings, rings and silver chain necklaces and pendants but not suitable for larger jewelry items.

Make up Pouch – Available in assorted colors and patterns, this mini make-up pouch made with Asian design fabrics is unique because no fabric is cut exactly alike.

Bridesmaid Dress Sachets – These adorable scented sachets in the shape of bridesmaids’ dresses are fragranced with lavender and will delicately scent your bridesmaids’ pajama drawers or lingerie drawers – available in a variety of colors with a silver metal hanger for easy display.

Black Lace Corset Potpourri – Scented Potpourri in the shape of this beautiful black lace corset makes a great gift to the bride's guest as her bridal shower favor – perfect as a decoration for the bedroom or as a linen sachet for the drawers.

These are just some examples of favors that you can consider for your very own bridal shower party. Hopefully this summary of unique and interesting products could make your selection much easier!

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD REMEMBER FOR A DREAM WEDDING?

By: Marria Sara

Every bride and groom wants to have a perfect wedding in their life. But, it is not easy. Planning a wedding can be a difficult task; couples often find themselves at sea when they are faced with the elaborate task of planning a wedding. If you are planning a wedding or civil partnership here are a few tips to help you plan your wedding in a systematic manner:

Know your budget

The first step in planning a wedding is making a budget. You should know exactly how much you can afford to spend on the wedding or civil partnership, and systematically plan various expenses. Keep in mind that wedding or civil partnership invitations and other sundry expenses will make up around 15% of the wedding budget and you should always provide yourself some cushion for unforeseen wedding expenses.
Couples planning a wedding should stick to the budget at all costs, but at the same time be flexible. Don’t assume that all your budget calculations are correct and be willing to cater to minor cost fluctuations as the wedding or civil partnership draws closer.

The wedding invitations

With so many wedding invitation ideas to choose from, you should give yourself ample time before ordering the wedding or civil partnership invitations. All wedding or civil partnership invitations should be posted at least a month before the wedding, order the wedding invitations at least 2 months before the wedding (this will give you enough time to finalize the wedding invitations and send them out to friends and family members). Always order a few more cards than you need, as even the best compiled wedding lists miss out one or two people.


 

Choosing a caterer

While planning a wedding or civil partnership one should look for references before looking for a caterer. Friends and family members are usually the best place to get references. When you speak to the caterer look for previous work experience and also ascertain if you can work with each other successfully. If you are not comfortable with the caterer thank him for his time and move on. Remember to discuss your budget in advance, get everything in writing and don’t leave any detail for the last moment. There is also a probability that you might have to order the wedding cake from the caterer, if this is the case don’t waste your time looking for another wedding cake.

The wedding rings

If you have not factored in the cost of the wedding ring in the wedding budget make sure you do so today. Wedding rings can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds. While planning a wedding or civil partnership it is easy to get carried away with the wedding rings, but only spend a little extra if you are buying just one ring. If you already have a family heirloom that will be used as a wedding ring then you might want to spend a little extra on the other ring.

Choosing a wedding dress

There is no denying that the bride is the centre of attention and the wedding dress will catch everyone’s eye when the bride makes her grand entrance. If you want to get a real deal on the wedding dress, look for a shop that is selling wedding dresses from previous year’s fashion line.

Planning ahead

Don’t assume that the caterer or the wedding or civil partnership venue will be available for your wedding. Plan ahead and confirm all the dates in advance. Similarly, check with your printer and confirm if the printer can print all your wedding cards by the required date. While planning a wedding don’ t leave the wedding dress shopping till the last minute, you might end up buying a wedding dress because you did not have enough time to choose one. Many brides start searching for their wedding dress as soon as they order their wedding invitations. Start looking for the wedding rings well in advance, you might not find what you like soon or you might have to customize the ring, in either case give yourself at least a month before the wedding to find a wedding ring.

ADVICE IN CHOOSING THE IDEAL WEDDING LOCATION

By: Marria Sara

When you have made a decision for your life. You will have more preparations for a dream wedding such as invitation wedding, guest, party, and honeymoon. When deciding where to have your wedding, there are certainly many choices available. You can be married in a very traditional manner at a church or synagogue, at the local city hall, or at someone's home. Outdoor ceremonies can be very beautiful, as long as the weather cooperates. Other couples opt to be married at a hotel or resort, and have the reception on site.

In deciding which option is right for you, the first thing to determine is the type of wedding you desire. Will it be formal or a more casual event? Would you like to have the wedding and reception at the same location? How many people will you be inviting? What types of services are included in the price, and which are extras?

For the vast majority of engaged couples, budget considerations are an important part of planning the wedding. Most places that can host a wedding will try to work with you to keep the cost within your price range. If you love the venue but can't afford a full sit down dinner, ask about pricing for a buffet meal; some couples opt for a morning ceremony with a brunch to follow, which is more economical than an evening meal. Having an evening ceremony with a cocktail reception is another option.

Be sure that the location you choose is large enough to accommodate the number of guest you have invited. Fire regulations aside, it simply isn't comfortable to have a large group of wedding guests jammed together in a too-small room. By the same token, you don't need a large ballroom to seat 50 people. In addition, the management of a large reception facility may have a policy stating that you must pay for a certain number of guests and you certainly don't want to be charged for people that aren't in attendance. If the location is either too large for your gathering or too small for guests to be seated comfortably, then it's not the right place for your wedding, no matter what the pricing is like.

The next thing to consider when looking for that perfect spot to hold your wedding is what types of services they provide. A hotel, country club, or catering hall would most likely be able to prepare and serve the meal for the reception. In the case of a catering hall, be sure to ask whether they offer a stocked bar with a bartender or whether you would have to purchase your own alcohol and hire someone to tend bar. Would you have to set up and decorate the room yourself in the days before the reception or will that be done for you? While it might seem a little pricier to have these services provided, it may be well worth it to have one less thing to do yourself as the time for the wedding comes closer.