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Posted by Diane Cuesta on June 6, 2011 at 10:22 AM under
• 0 commentsSummer is here! Here are a few new looks that are fun additions to your bridal makeup look.
* Honeysuckle made a huge color statement with clothing on the runways and is already on the shelves of our favorite stores. A beauty trend that is big right now is the coral lip, a bright and fun way to add some pop and color. However, if coral is not your color, try a shade of fuchsia or bright pink.
* While the smoky eye is always going to be a great bridal makeup look, another way to make those eyes smolder is to go with big lashes and liquid eyeliner. As for the eyeshadow, go with a nude shade or a very light sheer color. It will definitely draw someone in.
* Cheekbones, ladies! If you are thinking that you want to emphasize your cheekbones, but not with bronzer, this is the makeup look for you. Colorful cheeks are back, so break out the pink blush and have some fun.
* Pastel shades amped with color are making an appearance. Mac Cosmetics has a whole line of products devoted to this trend. The pinks remind you more of cotton candy than makeup. It is a fun and playful way to add some zing to the makeup or your outfit.
While all these looks may not be for you, remember that makeup is fun and that its OK to try something new. It can always be taken off, and no one has to know that you attempted it at home.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 31, 2011 at 10:18 AM under
• 0 commentsHere are event planner tips to minimize hurt feelings while creating your wedding guest list.
- Discuss your wedding guest list with both families early on. Then state the facts of what you decided on paper or in an email to your families, so everyone is clear going forward.
- Limit your wedding guest list to immediate family. Otherwise, be consistent: If you invite one cousin, invite all of them. With friends, invite only the ones who are most important to you.
- Make sure both sets of parents are able to invite the same number of wedding guests. If one family has more friends or relatives, one compromise is to allow the side of the family with fewer wedding guests to invite more people to the rehearsal dinner.
- Date or no date? If a guest has been dating a person for more than six months (or a year—pick your time frame), that person can bring their date. If someone decides to bring a date even when one wasn't invited, politely say that only one seat had been reserved; apologize for any inconvenience.
- Kids or no kids? Politely say, 'I'm sorry, this is an adult reception,' if that's your preference. If your family has a lot of children, you can compromise by paying for a babysitter.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on January 4, 2011 at 12:27 AM under
• 0 comments10 Best Wedding Trends for 2011
Sophisticated Elegance Returns
It's back to basics with elegant, sophisticated style in 2011. Wedding decor will be simple and understated, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches. Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms, and classic wedding cakes embody this trend. Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.
Outdoor Venues- Where It’s At
Couples tying the knot in 2011 will gravitate toward outdoor ceremony and reception venues. The backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization, a major perk for creative newlyweds. Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces situated alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, and they’ll be spruced up with personalized touches that represent the bride and groom.
Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy
Gloomy no more, grey is the neutral IT color for 2011 weddings. Organic and natural, shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop! And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year. Wonder if Prince Will's royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend... what do you think?
Mad for Metallics & Bold Color Palettes
Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent, or several metallic shades used together, brights and metallics will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011. Gilded gold, shimmery silver and sparkling champagne will be used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal.
Big Ball Gowns are Back
Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves. Wedding dress designers draped, ruched and layered clouds of tulle, power netting and chiffon to create dresses with limitless volume. The outcome? Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011.
Grooms Take a Walk on the Stylish Side
Grooms are taking a stand in the name of fashion. Their tuxedo choices will no longer be dictated by some “rent 5, get 1 free” deal. Instead, they’ll choose formal looks that represent their unique style. Bow ties will replace classic long neck ties, and embroidered dress shirts, engraved cufflinks, stylish lapel pins and the color of the season- grey- will grace the white aisles.
Wedding Invitations Go Green
The green weddings movement continues full speed ahead in 2011. From totally paperless wedding invitations and save-the-dates, to stationery printed on 100% recycled paper, invitations have truly gone green.
Luxurious Textures-- from the Dress to the Tables
Luxe textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2011 weddings. Wedding dresses will feature 3D appliqué, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), romantic ruffles, oversized florals and illusion fabric with eye-catching beading. Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.
Ethnic Influences, Cultural Wedding Details
At long last, brides and grooms are embracing and showcasing their unique cultural traditions and ethnicity. Whether it’s a religious wedding ceremony ritual, traditional wedding day garb, cultural cuisine infused throughout the reception dinner, or wedding decor with bold, ethnic prints, you can’t help but embrace the unique cultures and ethnicities of couples in 2011.
Revved-Up Wedding Receptions
Who wants the best day of their lives to end? Not couples and guests in 2011, that’s for sure! Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, candy buffet, entertainment, and dancing so that wedding guests can party all night long!
Now that you've read the top 10 trends for 2011 weddings, share your thoughts! What do you love, and what would you leave?
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Posted by Spirituality on December 12, 2010 at 10:29 AM under
• 0 commentsShare the Gift of Authentic, Heart-Centered Communication with Your Family, Friends and Loved Ones This Holiday Season!
The December holidays can be the most challenging and stressful of the year. It doesn't matter whether you celebrate, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or anything else, this time of year is charged with so many "supposed to’s", guilt trips, apprehensions, unpleasant memories of holidays past, that it can shut us down until it's all over.
Nonetheless, it doesn't have to be that way!
Spiritual Holiday Tips:
- Remember to breathe,
- Be willing to communicate lovingly
- Be authentic in all your decisions
- Remember the reason for the season!
And may your holiday season and coming New Year be filled with treasured experiences and heartwarming times with the people you love.
Blessings and best wishes for a joyful 2011!!!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 11, 2010 at 4:13 PM under
• 0 commentsWinter Weddings: A Modern Holiday Table Decor
Who says a winter wedding needs to be decked out in traditional red and green or stark white and silver? Get inspired! By adding some unexpected colors and natural elements, you can create a warm wedding table that compliments this winter season while still looking fresh and modern. Try on dark blue, cream and lots of white to make up your table's color scheme. Use dark brown pinecones to keep it earthy and seasonal. Keep the napkins and dishware simple, so as to not compete with a printed fabric table runner.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on November 22, 2010 at 11:04 AM under
• 0 commentsBeat the belly bulge and stay slim and sexy for your wedding day.
7 Great Tips for Fabulous Abs!
1. Limit Your Salt Intake: Your body retains water when you fail to watch your sodium intake. Remember to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water in order to maintain proper hydration, thus helping the body carry out excess fat, toxins, and regular digestion functions.
2. Change Your Exercise Routine: Utilizing the same routine year after year causes your body to plateau once it has "mastered" the strength level needed to perform that exercise movement. Therefore it is important to constantly be changing and challenging the abdominals. Rotate which movements you do for the stomach and core and progressively build them to become more challenging.
3. Add Cardio: It take proper diet, weight lifting and cardiovascular exercise to ward off the pounds in the middle. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio 3 days per week at modern intensity.
4. Add the RIGHT Cardio: Just because you "workout" does not mean that you are going to lose weight. Ensure that your heart rate stays in the optimal “fat burning zone" - 65% of your max heart rate. Do the math: 220 minus your age = max heart rate. Multiply this by .65= what you should aim to keep your heart rate target.
5. Get Your Fiber Fix: Eating enough fiber helps digestion, helps flush excess waste and fat out of the system, keeps you full longer, helps prevent diabetes, and makes everything regular. Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber daily, Men 38 grams daily.
6. Avoid Late Night Eating, Fad Dieting, Yo-Yo Dieting: Enough said! Remember, never miss breakfast, snack every 3 hours, and avoid late night heavy meals and leave yourself at least 1.5 hours to digest before bed.
7. Don't Blame Your Age: As you age your metabolism does slow down but this does not mean that you will never again fit into your "skinny" jeans. Increasing your lean muscle mass will help burn more calories and fat around your middle. Setting up a consistent, regular program geared toward your abdominal goals can help you stay focused and on track.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on November 19, 2010 at 11:50 AM under
• 0 commentsYour New Jersey Wedding Budget
Need a wedding budget worksheet? Your wedding budget reflects the average wedding expenditures and their estimated percentage of the wedding budget. Click here for your wedding budget worksheet and allow it to serve as a guide to assist you in planning your New Jersey wedding.
Even Donald Trump had a wedding budget to work with! Sure his wedding budget was most likely more than yours, but the truth of the matter is that everyone needs to set a realistic budget for their wedding. Once you have agreed on the style of wedding you would like, you will need to be honest and reasonable about what you can afford. Consider the financial resources you have available - bride, groom, parents, grandparents, benefactor - understanding who and what will be contributed will help you evaluate exactly what you have to spend. Set and stick to a workable wedding budget!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on September 14, 2010 at 11:29 AM under
• 0 commentsThe innocence of the little girl holding her basket, looking like an Angel as she walks down the aisle, captures an unforgettable moment of time and sets the tone for the arrival of the bride.
She is the flower girl! In most instances, being asked to be the flower girl marks the debut of her first formal occasion. Once you have selected your little girl for that special day, you may need to speak to her parents about the time and financial commitment. The flower girl will need to attend rehearsals and other wedding-related activities and her parents will probably need to accompany her.
Many brides today are finding it fun to dress up their favorite little girl as a miniature bride and send her down the aisle to stir up anticipation for the real bride. The flower girl’s dress is usually linked to the rest of the bridal party, by the color of the sash or by the color of the flowers on the dress. When choosing a dress some brides choose a dress that is similar in style to the bridesmaids dress or can be a miniature version or similar to the bride's dress but tailored to fit the little flower girl. Fabrics such as silks and satins work beautifully depending on the formality of the wedding party. It's probably best to leave the flower girl's dress until last about 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding date.
Most flower girls carry a small basket with either flowers or petals to sprinkle while walking down the aisle. It's probably a good idea to have your flower girl walk up and down the aisle several times by herself so that she feels comfortable having all eyes admiring her once the big day arrives. She will be ready to make that long walk down the aisle. Dazzling with the charm that only a little girl has, your flower girl will lead the rest of your wedding party and bring smiles and joy to many of your guest’s faces.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM under
• 0 commentsAlthough grooms are not involved in every decision of the wedding planning process, barriers are breaking down quickly. Some grooms have a strong opinions. Couples consider many wedding pros when making wedding decisions. Taking these extra steps to understand the groom's point of view can help set you apart from the competition.
Consider more masculine offerings: Brides love pastels colors and romantic portraits. Let's face it though, most grooms may not. Keep this in mind with a heavily involved groom. Maybe the cake could be the colors of his favorite sports team? Suggest throwing in a few action shots of him hanging out with his groomsmen. Couples showers are becoming a hot trend, too! The possibilities are endless as long as you are creative when considering your audience.
Patience might not be their virtue: In general, grooms have less patience for the wedding process. Consider keeping meetings with the groom to high-level considerations and meetings with just the bride to the nitty-gritty details. You don't want to lose the sale because the groom wants to leave before the deal has been struck.
Click here for groomsmen gifts!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM under
• 0 commentsChoosing your groomsmen can be about as delicate a task. Your best buddies, college roommates, brothers, cousins, and even long-lost elementary school friends may be vying for the coveted position of best man. After all, they'd get to know the bridesmaids a little better. Wondering who to choose for your groomsmen and how to go about it without bruising any egos? Read on.
Click here for groomsmen gifts!
How Many Groomsmen?
You can choose as many or as few groomsmen as you like. The groomsmen often wear two hats, doubling as ushers and seating the guest. (In general, you'll need one usher for every 50 guests.) The groomsmen also escort the bridesmaids down the aisle, so you may want to keep the boy/girl ratio even, although that's up to you and your fiancee. If you decide to have just a few groomsmen but would like to include more friends or male relatives, get them in on the action by having them just seat your guests. That way you'll be able to include everyone and avoid bitter comments at the reception.
What about her brother or your sister?
The choice is yours and yours alone, right? Well, the choice of best man should be yours, but your bride may have her heart set on a favorite brother as groomsman. As long as you can stand the guy, you'd do well to play along. The opposite is true, too: If you'd like your favorite sister to serve as bridesmaid, your bride will probably agree. You needn't stick with tradition, though. If you two are open-minded types, your sister can stand on your side -- in an official groomsman role -- and your fiancee's brother can stand on her side.
Selecting Your Best Man
Who to pick for the sought after role of best man? Well, for starters, he should have a modicum of taste, since he'll make the first toast at the reception and you’d probably prefer that he avoid any inappropriate remarks. He should also be responsible, since he'll hold the ring until you slip it onto your new wife's finger. Plus, the more dependable the fellow, the more wedding-related duties you can give to him. Most importantly -- he should be fun, fun, fun, since it's his job to organize the bachelor party. Choose someone who's an active part of your life and your fiancee's life.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on April 14, 2010 at 4:45 PM under
• 0 commentsNegotiation is truly an art and if done correctly can lead to a win-win situation between you and your New Jersey wedding vendors where all parties feel good with the outcome. If done poorly, you may be paying more for your New jersey wedding than you need to, or you may be saving money but receiving substandard service. Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls of poor negotiation:
1. Don't make a decision without comparison shopping
In order to negotiate from a position of strength you need to do your research. Know your requirements, your wish list, vendor availability and rates. Make sure you get multiple quotes based on the same criteria so that you can determine what sets the vendors apart and where you need to place your focus when it comes to negotiation.
2. Don't succumb to pressure tactics
You may be at a bridal show and told that the deal is only good for the day or requested to sign an agreement immediately upon being in contact with a vendor to obtain a special promotion. These are pressure tactics to get you to commit on the spot and can result in regrets particularly since you don't have the time to evaluate the offering objectively in a removed setting.
3. Don't be overly aggressive, negative or confrontational
Being overly aggressive and or confrontational is counterproductive to the negotiation strategy and can be very off-putting to a wedding vendor. In this context if you get a good deal you will have lost the respect of the wedding vendor possibly resulting in substandard service. Entering negotiation with a negative approach on the outcome can also set you up for failure. Typically if you don't think you're going to get something you probably won't. If you ask: "You can't give me a deal on that can you?" you are more inclined to get a negative response versus asking "What is your best deal?"
4. Don't forget that relationship is central to negotiation
The best negotiators are those that can effectively build relationships. The key to building a relationship is understanding where the other party is coming from. As a negotiator you need to realize that both parties need to be heard and feel that they are gaining from the deal. Using language that brings both parties together suggesting shared ownership and teamwork is highly effective in establishing a willingness to make concessions. Don't forget that you will need to be flexible as well to show that you are invested in the relationship.
5. Don't focus only on cost
Many people mistakenly assume that the sole focus of negotiation is about bringing the cost down. While cost is certainly a factor in weddings don't overlook exploring other avenues such as an increase in package offering, service time, number of dedicated staff and selection upgrades. The realization that you can negotiate an upgrade on a package might be even more enticing to than negotiating on the cost of the original offering so don't overlook asking for more.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on February 2, 2010 at 12:22 PM under
• 0 commentsLove Test
Find out what your subconscious knows! Have a pen and paper handy before you read any further. As soon as you read a question, write the answer right away. Make sure to answer questions 1-6 before moving on:
ORDER YOUR LOVE KIT NOW
1. You are walking to your fiance's house. There are two roads to get there. One is a straight path to take you there quickly, but is very plain and boring. The other is significantly longer but is full of wonderful sights and interesting things. Which one do you take to get to your significant other's house, short or long?
2. On the way you see two rose bushes. One is full of red roses, the other full of white. You decide to pick 20 roses for your fiance of any color combination. What number of white and red do you pick? (you can pick all of one or any combo of the two).
3. You finally get to their house. A family member answers the door. You can have them get your fiance or go get them yourself. Which do you do?
4. You go up to your fiance's room, but nobody is there. You decide to leave the roses. Do you leave them by the windowsill or on the bed?
5. Later, it's time for bed. You and your fiance go to sleep in separate rooms. In the morning when it's time to wake up you go in your fiance's room and check on him/her. When you arrive, is he/she awake or asleep?
6. Now it's time to go back home. Do you take the short, plain road or the longer, more interesting road?
Love Test Answers
1. THE ROAD REPRESENTS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS FALLING IN LOVE. IF YOU TAKE THE SHORT ROAD, YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY AND EASILY. IF YOU TAKE THE LONG ROAD, YOU TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO NOT FALL IN LOVE AS EASILY.
2. THE NUMBER OF RED ROSES REPRESENTS HOW MUCH YOU GIVE IN A RELATIONSHIP, WHILE THE NUMBER OF WHITE REPRESENTS WHAT YOU EXPECT IN RETURN. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU CHOSE 18 RED AND 2 WHITE, YOU GIVE 90% AND EXPECT 10% IN RETURN.
3. THIS QUESTION REPRESENTS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS HANDLING RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS. IF YOU ASKED THE FAMILY MEMBER TO GET YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, THEN YOU LIKE TO AVOID PROBLEMS AND HOPE THAT THEY WILL SOLVE THEMSELVES. IF YOU WENT TO GET THEM YOURSELF, THEN YOU ARE A MORE DIRECT PERSON AND LIKE TO WORK OUT PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY.
4. THE PLACEMENT OF ROSES DETERMINES HOW MUCH YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BOY/GIRLFRIEND. PLACING THEM ON THE BED MEANS YOU LIKE TO SEE THEM A LOT, WHILE PLACING THEM ON THE WINDOWSILL MEANS THAT YOU ARE ALL RIGHT WITH NOT SEEING THEM AS MUCH.
5. THIS IS REPRESENTATIVE OF YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THEIR PERSONALITY. IF YOU FIND THEM ASLEEP, YOU LOVE YOUR BOY/GIRLFRIEND THE WAY THEY ARE. IF YOU FIND THEM AWAKE, YOU EXPECT THEM TO CHANGE FOR YOU.
6. THE ROAD TO HOME TELLS HOW LONG YOU STAY IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE. IF YOU CHOSE THE SHORT ROAD, YOU FALL OUT OF LOVE EASILY. IF YOU CHOSE THE LONGER ONE, YOU WILL TEND TO STAY IN LOVE FOR A LONG TIME.
ORDER YOUR LOVE KIT NOW
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on January 2, 2010 at 12:52 PM under
• 0 comments
Happy New Year!!! The New Year brings the opportunity for a new beginning. Although, we are lucky enough to be able to start anew each day, some couples need the turn of a New Year to find the motivation to do so.
The Top 10 Most Common New Year Resolutions include:
1. Lose weight
2. Stop smoking
3. Stick to a budget
4. Save or earn more money
5. Find a better job
6. Become more organized
7. Exercise more
8. Be more patient with your at work/with others
9. Eat better
10. Become a better person
Choosing a New Year's resolution is usually the easy part. Committing to your choice is another story. By the end of the second or third week, some of us even forget what our goal was! Here are ten ways to see your resolution through and achieve your goal:
1. Choose a resolution that is realistic.
2. Take your choice and follow it through on a day to day basis.
3. Reward yourself in two week or one month increments.
4. Keep a journal of your progress.
5. Get others involved or find like people working toward the same goal.
6. Keep motivated with a calendar, friends, diary, partner.
7. Be patient!
8. Be grateful that you have the opportunity to do this.
9. Find the fine line between motivation and obsession.
10. Make your goal a lifestyle change, not just a means to an end.
Making major changes in our lives is never easy. Especially when it is a habit or an addiction that we have had for many years. Use every resource available to achieve your goal. Laziness and complacency are the biggest culprits, when it comes to achieving a resolution or goal. Stay focused! Stay motivated! Stay happy!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 27, 2009 at 2:26 PM under
• 0 commentsRing in the New Year With Your Wedding!
If you want to create a great memory of your New Jersey wedding, have it on New Year's Eve! Although it might seem fun to have a midnight ceremony, in actuality it is probably more practical to have the ceremony earlier on in the evening, and have your NJ wedding reception as the New Year's Eve party. This way all your friends and relatives have a great party to go to, and it's even better because your guests at the party knows plenty of other guests. After the wedding ceremony, you could change into "party" clothes. A New Year's Eve New Jersey wedding reception can be a festive, formal affair! The bride can wear a glittery cocktail gown, and the groom can change into a suit, rather than a tux. A gray suit is classy and unique. Good colors for a NJ reception on New Year's Eve are silver and white or silver and black. Gold can substitute for silver. These are colors that go well with nearly any décor, and also say, "New Year's Eve Party!"
A great thing about a New Year wedding is that you won't need to pay for a dinner. Instead, have a nice buffet of finger foods and appetizers. Veggie, fruit, cracker, meat, and cheese trays are perfect for this occasion. Go upscale include finger foods such as buffalo wings, wontons, and shrimp. People can easily eat these foods standing up. A full bar with non-alcoholic options are a nice touch. Make sure you have champagne on hand for the midnight toast, and provide sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice for the non-drinkers in the crowd. Little plastic wine glasses are good alternatives to real champagne glasses, which can be expensive. Happy New Year!
Have any New Year's Eve wedding tips to add?
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 27, 2009 at 2:22 PM under
• 0 commentsContrary to popular belief, most guys do want to get married . . . eventually. It may take them longer to recognize the symptoms of marriageitis, but it's there nonetheless. Sharing your live with one person, having steady sex for life and the possibility of kids crosses men's minds. Of course, men getting married could all result from women's constant hinting at marriage.
Hey, it's like Chris Rock says, "Women get married; men surrender." What do you think?
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on September 22, 2009 at 4:32 PM under
• 0 commentsWhen you think or hear about a themed New Jersey wedding, there are ways to keep your themed wedding fun and classy at the same time. If you are someone who loves Halloween, then here are some ideas for you:
The Dress – There are a few different options for your wedding gown. The first is to keep the dress traditional white with a mermaid silhouette like Mortica from the Addams Family. Add a black or fall colored ribbon around the waist. Or you break from the norm and wear an elegant black ball gown; after all, your wedding has a Halloween theme so you could be completely untraditional and certainly memorable
The Bridesmaids – Keep your ladies in a typical bridesmaid dress in a fall color or basic black but add some flair by having a fun orange pin for their hair or dress. Just look for simple autumn inspired pieces that can be added to the bridesmaid dress, jewelry, hair or flowers.
Groom/Groomsmen – Wear the traditional black tuxedo but add a splash of Halloween color by wearing a Fall colored bow tie, vest, cummerbund or tie.
Bouquets – Use orange, gold, red or even plum colors for the flowers and look for fun Halloween decorations to be added into the bouquet such as miniature pumpkins, skeletons, spiders, etc. You could even look for Halloween themed ribbon to be wrapped around the stem of the bouquets.
The New Jersey ceremony itself could remain traditional but with little touches of Halloween. The reception is the time when you could go all out and really showcase your Halloween theme.
Your Guests - In the spirit of Halloween, ask your guests to participate by wearing a Halloween costume instead of what they’d typically wear to a wedding.
Table Decorations/Centerpieces
- Hollow out pumpkins and use as flower vases or candle holders
- Add black and orange pillar candles around the tables and coordinate with matching black table clothes
- For unique centerpieces, spray tree branches black and place cobwebs and spiders throughout
- Use fake miniature gravestones as name cards
Reception Area Decorations
- Hang dark drapes around the reception area
- Hang white lights around dark drapes to give the feeling of a twilight setting
- Add a Halloween themed topper to your cake
- Place dried branches throughout the reception area
- Spray paint pumpkins gold or silver to add color and pizzazz to the basic pumpkin and place the pumpkins throughout the reception area
- Hang orange and/or black lanterns
- Lead the way to the reception area with pumpkins that have arrows carved in them to show guests where to go
- Place candles in bags to line the entryway to the reception
- Use witch caldrons to hold beverages
Wedding Favors
- Personalize a Jones Soda bottle with your picture, wedding date and/or thank you
- Create trick or treat bags filled with candy
- Create masks for guests to wear at the wedding reception and to take home; these could also be used as name cards as well
- Buy miniature coffins filled with candy
- Place Carmel apples on your reception table to use as decorations and favors
No matter what you do, a Halloween inspired wedding will be one that your guests will never forget!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on September 21, 2009 at 9:02 PM under
• 0 commentsFor the perfect wedding flowers for your autumn wedding, choose rich, textured hues. Roses and dahlias are the most classic choices as they come in so many different varieties. Hydrangeas and chrysanthemums are also popular options. If you're set on lilies or tulips, that's fine. Just be aware that they're probably not in season and will cost you a lot more then an autumn bloom. Some other more affordable fall options are sweet Williams, fuchsia, zinnia, and amaryllis. Your New Jersey wedding florist will be the best one to assist you.
When it comes to centerpieces, forget pink. Think layered and lush tables with a more bountiful look with colors like red, blue, gold, orange, and purple. Sunflowers are a wonderful option: just one on each table will do magic for your look. Couples really in the spirit of things go with mini-pumpkin displays. Gourds and squashes are great accents to an autumn wedding. Go for the holiday mood with nutmeg and cinnamon-scented candles.
Plants, in general, are more popular during the fall season, with ferns and berries topping wedding lists. Twigs and pinecones are a heavenly idea to give you that crisp and cozy feel. Dried grasses like wheat are often added to the bouquets, and cornstalks can be planted around the room. If you really want to save, use fruits for your centerpieces. A fall wedding reception is the one time where apples and oranges do mix!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 5, 2009 at 12:30 PM under
• 0 commentsA green wedding is a celebration of awareness. At a green wedding, a couple is not just affirming their commitment to one another, they are also affirming their commitment to a sustainable life together - one that takes the needs of the environment and future generations into account.
With your big New Jersey wedding day approaching you have countless opportunities to make eco-conscious decisions that will have a lasting effect as your wedding guests take part in the green wedding you create using these simple eco-friendly wedding tips:
New Jersey Wedding Planning:
- Use local vendors, including an organic caterer who uses all local ingredients. This will reduce carbon emissions and support your local economy.
- Rent or buy instead of using disposable dishware and linens. If your organic caterer does not provide this service, this is another small way that you can make a huge impact.
- Recycle everything! This includes mailing out wedding invitations printed on recycled paper, buying gently used wedding items and a used wedding dress, and exchanging rings made of recycled gold and fair-labor gemstones. You can take this a step further and create a wedding website with everything from invitations to directions and photos that all of your guests can access without wasting any paper!
Wedding Ceremony:
- Peruse your local farmers markets or organic florist shops for potted plants to add some natural color to your New Jersey wedding ceremony. When the wedding is over, give these plants away as wedding favors!
- Give wedding favors a new spin by letting each guest choose an environmental charity you will donate to in their name.
- Share your love in the splendor of a natural setting that highlights just how beautiful our planet is. Consider having your New Jersey wedding ceremony at the beach or a park.
Post-wedding:
- Keep a digital wedding album. Most photographers use digital cameras nowadays and you can keep up the green trend by reducing the amount of prints you buy and keeping all of your special moments on a computer. Nervous about not having hard copies? Back up your files with a flash drive, DVD, or even create a website for just your pictures!
Not only will you feel great about throwing a HUGE New Jersey wedding party with such a small environmental impact, but your wedding guests will take the lessons learned from your New Jersey wedding and implement them elsewhere. Let’s “pay it forward” with eco-conscious living!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on April 7, 2009 at 12:12 PM under
• 0 comments
Here's some honeymoon wedding planning tips:
Make a list
Before you hit the internet or a travel agent, come up with a list of honeymoon “musts”. These “musts” will help you narrow down the type of honeymoon you and your fiancé want to take. For example, our honeymoon must be somewhere neither of us have ever been, a warm place with a beach, and/or be reached by a direct flight.
Do your honeymoon research
Research your honeymoon options by checking out sites like tripadvisor.com or frommers.com which have useful hotel and destination reviews. Pay close attention to traveler opinions and user reviews. They are wonderful sources of unbiased information about a hotel or destination and a great way to choose one hotel over another. Don’t forget to talk to your friends and family for suggestions and recommendations.
Book it!
While a travel agent is always an option, travel websites are easy to use and offer some amazing package deals.
All inclusive resorts are popular choices for many couples. They offer packages that can include food, drinks and certain activities. They are a great option for those on a strict budget because the majority of your vacation expenses are paid for up front. When looking into all inclusive resorts, be careful to read the fine print and make sure you understand what is and is not included.
Celebrate!
Honeymoons come in all different shapes and sizes, just like weddings. As long as your honeymoon reflects your tastes as a new couple and allows you a chance to enjoy and celebrate each other, you will have a wonderful, memorable honeymoon!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on February 5, 2009 at 12:11 AM under
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Most brides wait to change their names just after the honeymoon, since you can't change the name on your passport or other IDs before the wedding. The most popular newlywed name options are:
- The bride keeps her name (For example: Jennifer Jones)
- The bride takes the groom's name (Jennifer Smith)
- The bride hyphenates (Jennifer Jones-Smith)
- The bride takes the groom's name and keeps her maiden name as middle name (Jennifer Jones Smith)
- The bride and groom create a new name
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on January 7, 2009 at 10:29 PM under
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Happy New Year & Happy Wedding Planning Season!
January marks the beginning of peak wedding planning season for all those new Brides-to-Be, and all those Engaged Couples who vowed to start planning their nuptials in the New Year. It is only natural to get caught up in all of your New Jersey wedding planning, and your fantasy of the ideal New Jersey wedding. Sometimes a bride can forget for a second that she's not a real princesss. Yet a bride can resolve to make her wedding stress less stressful and more joyful!
Acceptance: Accept that everything may not go perfectly.
When you are planning your big New Jersey wedding event, something is bound to happen that may not be as you expected it. If you accept that the day may not go exactly as planned, then you can have a good time! You will ultimately be a lot less stressed, and enjoy your wonderful, although not perfect, wedding day! Remember to be patient and kind to everyone who assists you in planning your New Jersey wedding, and resolve not to lose your temper if things should go wrong. Happy New Year!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 12, 2008 at 10:55 AM under
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Are you the bride-to-be who has been picturing your wedding since childhood and can’t bare the thought of someone, even your groom, infringing on your womanly right to obsess over wedding details? No matter what your situation, remember that there is plenty your groom can do for your wedding than just show up on the big day.
- Food and Beverage: Men love food so they will certainly enjoy sampling whatever tasty treats your New Jersey wedding venue caterer has to offer. And what man can turn down selecting the bar menu? Suggest that your groom and his buddies go out for a beer and wine tasting to pick some options for the reception.
- Transportation: Whether you need a New Jersey limousine for the wedding party or a get-a-way car for the two of you, most guys will enjoy selecting stylish ways for you to get around town.
- Music: By spending an evening listening to your favorite tunes with your husband-to-be, you can also check the wedding reception music playlist off of your To Do list. It will hardly seem like work and it will bring back some great memories for you two to reminisce.
- Wedding Officiant: Your New Jersey wedding officiant will want to meet with the bride & groom before the wedding to get to know the two of you.
Lastly, if you want your fiancé's opinion on anything else wedding related, make sure to give him options! Narrow your ideas then let him choose his favorite. This way he won’t have to come up with anything on his own but you will still know what he prefers.
Now that you have included your groom in the wedding planning and asked for his opinion, make sure you listen to it. It is a special day for the both you and compromising is key to getting your marriage off on a great start.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 10, 2008 at 3:52 PM under
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All weddings have one thing in common . . . the Bride wants to look her very best! Her hair, makeup, nails and dress have to be just her style.
But don't forget that the first step is good skin care. By planning a skin care schedule in advance, you'll be able to knock off the steps in time for your wedding, and you'll notice the stunning results. Use all natural award winning products all year long from http://www.SkinCareBaby.com (Good for babies & adults!)
Are there any skin care NO's that a Bride should be aware of when she's planning her pre-wedding skin care schedule?
The biggest no is to make sure she doesn't change her daily skin care routine before the wedding. Many times it takes skin a period of time to adjust to a new skin care routine; this is not the time to experiment.
The big day has arrived, and no bride wants to have dull skin or at the opposite end, shiny skin. What products do you recommend brides have on hand the day of the wedding?
In order to create the perfect balance of the perfect glow without too much shine you’ll only need a few items.
- The correct moisturizer for your skin type to even out the porosity of your skin.
- Foundation primer it is a product that will keep your skin balanced all night long.
- A very finely milled loose powder, just used in your t-zone, to keep shine under control.
- A shot of bronzer for the added glow.
- Lastly, don’t forget water proof mascara and eye liner to prevent raccoon eyes.
Are there any extra tips you can give to a bride to help make her look her absolute best on her special day?
- Remember definition and color does not have to mean dark, it is just about the right color choices.
- A beautiful flush of color on the apples of your cheeks always look healthy, fresh and glamorous.
- Lashes, lashes, lashes are the most important part of defining your eyes.
- And add a touch of shimmer on your lid for that fresh, never over-done, glamorous look.
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Posted by Reverend Diane on October 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM under
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Relationship Sessions
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COUPLES TO CREATE A HAPPY, LOVING, LASTING RELATIONSHIP
Prior to your New Jersey wedding ceremony, wedding couples are offered an experience in deep listening in which the gift of complete attention is offered by one partner to the other. This relationship session can help to deepen communication, the heart of a relationship and the catalyst which will help a couple grow and evolve into their full human potential.
Rev. Diane has been uplifting the consciousness of individuals and practicing heart-centered spiritual healing since 1992. With a deep sense of compassion and commitment to Love, her mission as an Advanced Energy Healer is to serve humanity for the highest, greatest good. If you are experiencing the wedding blues from a high level of stress, take a deep breath right now and call Rev. Diane at 732-262-3037, for a private energy healing session today. She will intuitively assist you in getting in touch with your deeper core issues and guide you back into balance as you uncover new awareness. Guaranteed you will feel more peaceful and relaxed after Rev. Diane's session! You can also visit www.spiritualitysolutions.com
The secrets to a wonderful marriage - Couples can learn how to:
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Stay Connected on a Daily Basis
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Bring Back Love and Passion
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Communicate Effectively
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Resolve Conflicts Constructively
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Manage Anger
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Regulate Emotions and Reduce Stress
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Discuss the Big Six before you tie the knot:
1. Religion 2. Money 3. Sex 4. Children 5. Recreational Activities 6. Unacceptable Behavior Call today for a free consultation: 732-262-3037
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on September 26, 2008 at 2:08 PM under
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Looking for something BLUE?
You can't go wrong with shoes that match your bridal gown, yet a playful chic choice this year is BLUE satin pumps! In addtion, the same goes for a stunning BLUE bag! They will add a splash of color when you are looking for that special something blue!
Every Bride is familiar with the poetic prose requiring her to wear Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue on her wedding day…and let’s not forget the silver sixpence in her shoe.
Most even willingly oblige to this customary tradition, yet most don’t know how or why the ritual became part of matrimonial formality.
Something Old:
This part of the “ancient” custom originated as a representation of the bride’s old live and her “former” family. Getting married meant she would leave her life and her family behind to start anew with her husband. Wearing something old commemorated her family in her heart, showing that she still loved and remembered them.
Something New:
This serves as a token of “good fortune”, happiness, and success for the bride and her new life.
Something Borrowed:
According to custom, the bride was suppose to borrow something from a happily married women to bestow the same blessings on her, her marriage, and her future.
Something Blue:
Blue traditionally exemplified purity and innocence. Wearing something blue was a sign and promise to the husband of his wife’s (carnal) innocence and purity.
Silver Sixpence:
While many of today’s brides replace this with a penny, the basic representation remains the same. Putting a silver sixpence or penny in her shoe is supposed to ensure a financially and spiritually abundant future, and a blessed married life.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on September 1, 2008 at 8:55 PM under
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Looking for a Bachorette Party Game? Here's a fun one:
Bride and Groom Trivia
Trivia games are lots of fun! Although you will have to do some research to initially set up the trivia questions, the payoff will be worth it! You can either play Bride and Groom Trivia or simply Bride Trivia. Who knows the bride the best? The obvious answer may seem to be her family or her childhood friends, however that is not always the case. To set up this game, ask the bride some really obscure questions, like what kind of work would she do if she had no money concerns? Or what type of clothes would she wear everywhere if it were socially acceptable? (You may be surprised what you learn about your friend!)
Do you know any Bachorette Party games? Please share them with us at the New Jersey Wedding Blog!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on August 31, 2008 at 7:42 AM under
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Congratulations!
We at Best Wedding NJ want to hear from you! Come Share Your Engagement Story with us! Men are always looking for ideas on how to propose! If you have an inspiring, romantic story, we encourage you to share your experience with us so that your LOVE can inspire others. ☺
We look forward to hearing your story!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on August 6, 2008 at 9:27 PM under
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Why not consider an off-peak time?!!!
Most New Jersey wedding couples want to get married on a Saturday night in June. However, if you pick a date and time with less competition, you can often negotiate better rental rates. Many reception halls have discounts for Thursday, Friday or Sunday weddings. In other cases, you may be able to negotiate a lower rental rate for less-popular months of the year.
Why not have a wedding reception lunch or brunch instead of dinner?!!!
The biggest expense of most New Jersey wedding receptions is catering, and the most expensive meal to serve is dinner. If you are on a budget, consider a Wedding lunch or brunch. What's the cheapest time of day to tie the knot? Two o'clock. Your wedding guests will already have eaten lunch, and are not expecting dinner. Hence, a reception with cake, punch and light hors d'oeuvres is all that's needed. (And it's forty to sixty percent less expensive than a full dinner!)
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on August 6, 2008 at 9:21 PM under
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Here's the usual wedding etiquette when it comes to a reception time:
- Your grand entrance
- Your first dance
- Optional: father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, or these can go after the first toasts
- The Best Man's Toast
- The Maid of Honor's Toast
- Start of dinner, with dancing during the meal and between courses
- Additional toasts after the meal, such as your toast to your parents
- The Cutting of the cake
- The Bouquet toss, if you'll have that tradition
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 30, 2008 at 1:52 PM under
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Wedding invitations are the number one wedding category where traditional wedding etiquette still holds true of what is proper and what is not. Therefore, here are some etiquette mistakes to avoid so your guests and parents won't take offense.
1. Not listing the parents' names when they're paying for the wedding.
2. Not conveying the formality with your wording. Guests want to know if your wedding will be a formal wedding or not so they know how to dress.
3. Misspelling a guest's name, or not including their title, on the envelope.
4. Putting gift registry information on the invitation. Registry information can go on your personalized wedding Web site and in shower invitations, but never on wedding invitations.
5. Writing, "And Guest" when the recipient is in a long-term relationship or is engaged. Find out the names of your guests' guests. It's a gracious move that is the essence of proper wedding invitation etiquette.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 23, 2008 at 2:41 PM under
• 0 commentsWedding shoe shopping tips:
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Don’t forget to break in your shoes. Start walking in them about two weeks before the wedding. This is also a good tip for your groom.
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Scuff up the soles of your shoes (and his) with sandpaper so you don’t slip when you’re headed down the aisle or on the dance floor .
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Slingbacks can be hard to keep on your foot, so pick a pump or something that goes around the ankle.
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Skip the rhinestones and jewels on your shoes. They can snag on your dress.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 19, 2008 at 12:51 AM under
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Start with the wedding location. When choosing a New Jersey wedding reception venue, ponder on the amount of travel required. If many of your wedding guests live in one city, you may want to pick a wedding venue close to it to minimize fuel usage and save money.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 19, 2008 at 12:31 AM under
• 0 commentsThe Opener
A great wedding speech has a good opening and a good closing. Start by introducing yourself. Once you have the guests attention, follow your introduction with something interesting or funny, whatever suits your style. The beginning of your toast is when the wedding guests are focusing on you and really listening to what you say.
The Middle
Share a story about the wedding couple that not many guests have heard. Just keep it short, and exclude unnecessary explanations. The best stories are short and straight to the point; this way you keep the guests attention at all times. It's a good idea to not have your story longer than 3 to 4 minutes.
The Closing
Most speeches at weddings are closed like a normal wedding toast, by wishing the happy couple all the best in the future and by raising your glasses. You might read the bride and groom a poem, or something of that nature, if you want to be a little different.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on July 9, 2008 at 3:15 PM under
• 0 commentsPlanning your New Jersey wedding, even with the best professional help, is a job in itself. You have to find florists, caterers and musicians, etc. who share your vision, respect your budget and treat you well. If you want to keep the hired professionals from pulling the wool over your eyes while planning your wedding, then read these 3 simple warning signs:
- Be cautious if your caterer, DJ or any wedding vendor gets vague when it comes to dollars. Is the catering being charged by the head or by the platter? Does the DJ get a flat fee or a rate per hour? Vendors who shy away from answering these types of questions might suddenly spring on you exorbitant fees later by pointing out all the "extras" you agreed upon, items you agreed to without knowing that they were actually in addition to the original estimate.
- Be cautious if they stop returning your telephone calls and e-mails once they have your deposit.
- When you are writing the check, YOU should get what you want! If any wedding vendor belittles you, rolls his or her eyes at your ideas, or makes you cry, tear up that check immediately! If you can't get out of a contract, after the wedding is over, help other brides. Alert brides about how you were treated so they don't make the same mistake.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 25, 2008 at 4:12 PM under
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Make sure to register for wedding gifts for your New Jersey wedding! Since today's wedding guest wishes to get you something you need and can use, creating your wedding gift registry is considered in today's etiquette to be a service to your guests as much as to yourself. You don't have to register for expensive things; just make sure you fill up a registry or two with a nice range of gifts that allow your loved ones, friends and colleagues to get you something you desire. When couples don't register, they may get a strange collection of items that wind up in their next garage sale! So do not worry about establishing a registry. . . it is considered now the norm.
As far as spreading the word about your gift registry, word-of-mouth is a great way to go. It wouldn't be proper to send out an e-mail saying, "Here's where we're registered." Just make sure that parents and friends know where you set up your registry lists, so that they can tell people who ask. Which they will. Also it IS in good etiquette for registry information to be included in bridal shower invitations but never on wedding invitations.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM under
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Do you plan to go tanning before your wedding? Here's 4 Sun Protection Tips:
Apply Sunscreen Generously
Your basic common sense skin care message is: Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a SPF of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every 80 minutes, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade
Sunscreen is not all you need to stay safe. Although it is very important to use a natural sunscreen, also seek shade whenever appropriate. Remember to seek shade between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. Here’s a shadow rule for when you are in the sun: Look for Your Shadow. No Shadow, Seek Shade!
Watch for the UV Index
While many sunscreens provide some UVA protection, it is important to watch the UV Index, which provides important information to help you plan your skin care and outdoor activities. The UV Index was developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, and is issued daily in cities across the United States.Some safe ingredients found in broad-spectrum sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients reflect the sun to prevent overexposure to the sun by sitting on top of the skin and not by being absorbed.
Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
Don’t fret! You can still have a healthy glow with a little bit of sun each day and get your vitamin D naturally and safely. But too much UV light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. So if you want to look tan at the beach, you may want to consider using a natural self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
For more great skin care tips visit: www.SkinCareBaby.com where you will find the 2008 iParenting Media Award Winning Sunny Days SPF 30+ Natural Mineral Sunscreen, which offers strong sun protection for those scorching hot days when lots of exposure to UVA and UVB rays will occur. This suncreen is great for babies & adults! SkinCareBaby.com also offers Sunny Days SPF 30+ Natural Mineral Sunscreen Water Resistant Face Stick, which is an easy-to-use sunscreen in a stick formula that can be spread easily across the face for effective protection against the sun's harmful rays.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 16, 2008 at 10:13 PM under
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There is a lot more to being married than the wedding ceremony. It is only when you are able to share everything with each other that you will be able to build a strong marriage and relationship. Knowledge is power so never leave the other person guessing or wondering. To do this bring everything to the table and be completely open to constructive criticism. Practice communication and exercise common sense in your marriage and you can meet most of your life’s challenges head on. Here are some great tips to deal with any bad financial habits or shortcomings the each may have or need to overcome.
1. Do you really know everything you need to know about your spouse’s financial history?
2. It is better to pool resources for joint duties (example, kids education fund, mortgage, utilities, pets, car payments/transportation and food) you get the picture.
3. Agree on how much each person has to contribute monthly, weekly to these common elements that you are each jointly responsible for yearly.
4. Maintain individual bank accounts just as you did when you were single and have your pay check go into your separate accounts monthly or weekly.
5. Work out a monthly budget and agree how much each will contribute.
6. Plan for breakfast, lunches and dinner - if you have to save to buy a home this will allow you to control spending and provide some extra dollars for your down-payment.
7. Allocate money for entertainment (movies, gym memberships, travel, vacation, camping, etc.)
8. Once a month review your plan and see if you need to make any adjustments to it. Take this time to communicate with each other. Be frank and explore what you like or don’t like about the plan, be totally honest with each other.
9. Keep each other informed about your individual jobs so you know what paths your careers are on and if you are enjoying work or if you are having issues that could impact your earning potential.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 14, 2008 at 12:14 AM under
• 0 commentsTipping your wedding vendors is something you may not be familiar with. When it comes to giving gratuities to hairstylists and makeup artists on the day of your wedding, you can generally tip as you would for a regular appointment (about 15-20 percent), but if the makeup artist or hairstylist owns her own business, you can forego tipping altogether. The same goes for wedding officiants, photographers, videographers, and florists. If you feel a vendor was extraordinary, feel free to give a 10 percent tip. Or you can send a thank-you note along with a photo of them working at your wedding. And of course, an enthusiastic recommendation is always appreciated!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 13, 2008 at 11:32 PM under
• 0 commentsPrioritize your search for wedding vendors. Cover your bases by booking your vendors based on the importance of the service to the wedding. That is why the wedding officiant is one of your first calls. Next you can either hire a wedding planner or use a wedding planning website like www.BestWeddingNJ.com for all your wedding planning needs. Then move on to the wedding photographer because good photographers book up more than a year in advance. If you care about the food, make the wedding reception hall and the caterer your next call. Follow that call with a call to a wedding band or a DJ for the reception. Then speak to a videographer, florist, wedding cake designer, hairstylist/bridal makeup artist, and transportation limousines. Finally, get your wedding invitations designed four months prior to the wedding, wedding musicians for your ceremony, and reserve your tent rentals if needed. Remember to mind your manners when dealing with these professionals. Great vendors put their heart and soul into their work for you so be sure to show them some appreciation. Last word to the wise: Do not assume you have reserved a vendor unless you have given them a deposit. Without a deposit, you will not be on their calendar and they may not hold the date for you! When you snooze, you lose! Don't risk losing the vendors you want for you big day!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 12, 2008 at 10:52 PM under
• 0 commentsWhen the two of you become one, it is important to discuss your plans for joining your finances. Setting up a budget together after the wedding can be a challenge. Begin by tracking all your expenses. Sit down and create a budget that you can both be comfortable with. Find out where you are overspending and put together a plan to spend less. You may want to get expert advice for planning your new life together. Some helpful financial tips to consider are:
- Figure out your financial future plans together and set savings goals. It may seem hard to put away for your retirement now; however it's the perfect time to set aside 15% of your gross salary that can produce many years of compounding.
- Determine whether you want to open a joint checking for paying your bills and household expenses, as well as keeping your own separate accounts. Decide who would be best at paying the bills while the other can be responsible for opening the mail, etc.
- Update your beneficiaries on your investment and savings account, insurance policies, pension plans, your 401(k) and IRA.
- Decide with your accountant if you want to file joint or separate tax returns.
- Consider your insurance needs. You may qualify for discounted rates by merging all your policies with a single provider.
- Organize all your financial and legal documents and keep them in a protected place, like a bank vault, in case of an emergency.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on June 11, 2008 at 9:46 PM under
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If you have a meddling or controlling, soon to be mother-in law, before you complain to your groom about his mom, check your own attitude! It is not a good idea to put your groom between you and his mom. Your groom will most likely get angry at you if you criticize his mom. Since most men like to fix things, ask your groom for some tips on how you can learn to handle his mom's requests. Let him know that you don't want any stress between you and his mother. This is a mature way to enlist your groom's help. He will come to admire you for repecting his family.
If your future mother-in-law has wedding planning ideas that don't still well with your plans, handle each of her requests separately. If you love flowers on the tables, but she wants candles, calmly take charge and you might respectfully say to her with a smile, "That sounds lovely, however that doesn't work for me." Empower yourself by sticking to your plans. Make an effort to creatively include some of her ideas that combines both your tastes, so you can keep the peace!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 28, 2008 at 2:19 PM under
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Are you obligated to invite vendors (dj, photographer, whoever is marrying you, etc.) to your New Jersey wedding and/or reception? I would suggest that you do not want to feel obligated to do anything that feels uncomfortable to you. Inviting them is fine. It is usually expected with a minister. If the photographer, florist, etc. are not working at the reception, it is not expected that you invite them. However, it is standard practice to serve them whatever food you are providing. As to how to invite them, you can verbally ask your minister or send him or her an invitation. With the other people working for you, just as with any guest, I would send an invitation if they aren't working your reception. Another option: you can invite them to attend the cocktail hour after the ceremony.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 28, 2008 at 12:01 AM under
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- Light Exercise - Take a walk to release stress, give gratitude and look radiant!
- Eat a light breakfast - Calm the butterflies in your stomach with fresh fruit, yogurt or oatmeal. Stay energized!
- Have fun! - A happy bride is always a beautiful bride!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 9, 2008 at 5:07 PM under
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Here are five new trends for your New Jersey Wedding!
- Couples are looking for elegant dinners, however they no longer want to make their guests sit through a four hour meal with dancing in between each course. It is trendier to eat through the entire meal and then party!
- Couples are looking for fresh new ideas! Try an ooh-aah moment...have your name up in Lights! Discover how your favorite photo files can be customized into a tasteful orbital montage/Orb Theater Show for your NJ wedding day! Great for a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Corporate Event or Party!
- Try a global theme like a Mororccan Tent or a glamourous period theme like a 1930's Busby Berkeley and hang jewels, crystals and flowers from the wedding arch.
- Group sofas, chairs and coffee tables to lounge around on in the reception area for guests to get away from music that is too loud and from assigned table seating!
- Green weddings are also the rage. Get ideas from our green wedding ideas blog entry.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 9, 2008 at 10:46 AM under
• 0 comments
Long-lasting, happy marriages have great communication. Irreconcilable differences are normal. Be open to come to terms with them, instead of trying to resolve the unresolvable. A happy marriage is based on deep friendship, knowing each other well, having mutual respect, knowing when it makes sense to try to work out an issue, and knowing when it is not solvable in that moment.
Be nice to your partner! Make small gestures, and make them often. The little things matter!
Active listening, which involves paraphrasing, validating, affirming your spouse's feedback, may help you get through some conflicts in a less destructive way. Learn how to identify issues that must be resolved, that can be fruitfully discussed. Then learn to live with the rest. All you do is waste your breath and get angry when you want your partner to change. You're better off not trying to change him or her. Learn to work around them. Commit to staying together, even though this is something you may not like.
A long-lasting, happy marriage is about knowing your partner, being supportive, and being nice. Research shows that for every one negative thing you do, there must be five positive things that balance it out. So balance the negatives with many positives. Do nice things often. Especially when it's harder to be nice when the heat is on!
In happy marriages, couples naturally use humor, which helps diffuse the escalating heat. Make light of things!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 7, 2008 at 9:57 PM under
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There are several ways to involve the children in your wedding ceremony. You can have your children serve as attendants, flower girls and ring bearers if they are young. If they are older, they can do a reading, a special passage or a blessing. A unity candle ceremony or a sand ceremony involving the immediate family members can be a beautiful way to customize your New Jersey wedding ceremony to include your children in the wedding.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 7, 2008 at 12:41 PM under
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Many brides host a bridesmaids' luncheon to thank their friends & family for all their support and to have some last-minute bonding. Usually on the casual side, the luncheon is an opportunity to swap stories and for the bride to present each bridesmaid with a bridesmaid gift. The bridesmaids' luncheon is usually held a day or two before the wedding. Think intimate and invite girls only: your maid of honor, bridesmaids, and flower girl. Some brides also include mothers, grandmothers, and other female family members. No invitations are necessary. Host your luncheon in an elegant, convenient setting or in a place that has special significance for all of you. You may want to consider an outdoor beach picnic or park party if you prefer something casual. Plan a menu of traditional treats like finger sandwiches, mini pastries and mints. Also, a Caesar salad, bagels and fruit, and even sushi can work. The emphasis of the luncheon is about enjoying each other's company. Now is also the time to give your bridesmaids their gifts. You can place the gifts at each bridesmaid's place setting, or personally hand out the gifts. Be sure to thank each of them with a handwritten note.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on May 6, 2008 at 4:05 PM under
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Helpful tips for pulling together a sophisticated and successful outdoor New Jersey wedding event.
- Choose a date and a theme. Whether you're choosing to host a casual beach wedding party or a more sophisticated fete, choosing a date and a theme is the first and most important step. When choosing a date, make sure your wedding date won't be during some big sporting event, or the guys won't be happy about attending.
- Prepare well in advance. Know exactly what you want to do and have an idea of how many guests are coming. If you are not used not used to planning an event, buy wedding planning software to help you organize.
- Rent your party equipment. If you will be needing tables, chairs and a tent rental, be sure to rent them in advance.
- Enlist help. Whether it's your best friend or a family member, engage someone who enjoys helping out to assist you in preparing for your New Jersey wedding party.
- Prepare for the unexpected. More or less wedding guests may show up than anticipated or the weather may be bad, so prepare some extra food and have an indoor plan just in case.
- Keep a sense of humor. Hosting a wedding party should be fun! Keep a positive attitude and know that everything may not go perfectly in your eyes.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on April 9, 2008 at 12:05 PM under
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If you decide to say "I do" in the sand, here are some new jersy beach wedding ideas to make your seaside New Jersey wedding reception one to remember:
Starfish, sand dollars and colorful shells can be incorporated into your wedding invitations, in your wedding cake design and wedding flowers.
Accessorize your wedding gown with simple pearls to bring in your New Jersey beach wedding theme.
Arrange tea lights in glass candle holders with layers of pale-colored sea glass, shells and sand around the candles.
Find beach wedding favors like starfish soaps.
Keep your wedding guests hydrated and happy with bottles of water with customized wedding labels.
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Posted by Paula on March 31, 2008 at 10:39 AM under
• 0 commentsHere comes the bride...in a gorgeous hemp-silk gown! When it comes to dressing your bridal party, there are plenty of green wedding options around. You can:
- go vintage (and update your look as necessary with tailoring and modern shoes and accessories)
- pick clothes made from hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton or silk--or find a dressmaker who will make a one-of-a-kind item out of these sustainable fabrics (men's suits and shirts come in organic cotton as well)
- borrow an elegant wedding gown from a stylish friend
- buy something you will wear again and let your bridesmaids do the same.
- accessorize with a unique recycled purse and/or jewelry
- accentuate natural beauty with all-natural mineral makeup
- donate the dresses to charity after your New Jersey wedding!
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Posted by Valerie on March 31, 2008 at 10:21 AM under
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Instead of just doing the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, now include something green to the mix!
You can also ask your wedding guests for charity donations instead of paper wrapped presents!
Also, seek out wedding reception halls that have a recycling policy. It's important to support companies that make an effort to reduce their impact on the environment!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on March 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM under
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It is the year 2008, and it it time that your groom receives a wedding planning to-do list. In addition to what grooms have traditionally been used to doing like: attend their bachelor party, pick-up their tuxedo, show up at the wedding, and go on the honeymoon, it is time to get your man more involved in the planning of your New Jersey wedding!
Below are a few to-dos you can add to your groom’s New Jersey wedding planning list:
- Have him find out how much his parents are planning on contributing to the wedding budget
- Have him to pick a few romantic honeymoon options and then present them to you.
- Research New Jersey photographers and New Jersey videographers
- Research New Jersey wedding bands and/or DJs
- Put together a playlist of songs and a do not playlist
- Choose his groomsmen and ask them to be in the bridal party
- Look for wedding bands for the two of you
- Draw up a guest list of his friends, colleagues as well as the relatives and friends his parents want to invite
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on March 15, 2008 at 5:33 PM under
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When you meet with wedding photographers and videographers ask to see a complete wedding album they have done. Many tips they will show you their "greatest hits" album! (Their best wedding photos they have ever taken from various weddings. You want to make sure that the wedding photographer you hire can consistently capture great photographs throughout the course of your special day and not just a few good ones here and there.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on February 20, 2008 at 1:43 PM under
• 0 commentsMany brides purchase an outfit to wear while they are getting ready the morning of the wedding. Whether you get a custom shirt that reads “Bride” or just grab something from your closet, it is essential to wear something with a zipper or buttons! After hours of getting your wedding hair & bridal makeup just right, you do not want to have to pull your shirt over your head. It will be much safer and easier to unbutton or unzip something.
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on February 1, 2008 at 3:50 PM under
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Don't forget to watch your posture. To ensure you look elegant and naturally poised, keep your stomach comfortably tight, shoulders relaxed and neck slightly extended. For an upper arm slimming trick, keep your elbows an inch away from your body. Here's an image that's a must for your photo album! Have your photographer capture the groom's face at his first glimpse of the bride walking down the aisle. This is such a meaningful moment, and the look on his face will reflect the emotion of the day for years to come!
Be sure to also read our Wedding Photographers Article: What You Should Know Before Hiring A Wedding Photographer
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on February 1, 2008 at 3:26 PM under
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Are you ready to sink your teeth into a wedding day confection? Not many guests leave the reception before the wedding cake is cut! Here is some wedding cake etiquette for you to know:
- The wedding cake is displayed on a beautifully decorated table, which goes in front of the main table without blocking the guests' view of the bride and groom. A decorated knife is usually placed at the table.
- The wedding cake is cut after the reception lunch or dinner has been served.
- The cutting of the cake is announced prior to the cutting.
- The right hand of the groom goes over the right hand of the bride, while they cut the wedding cake together. The first slice is fed by the groom to his bride, after which the bride serves her new husband.
- The wedding cake is then taken away by a family member, friend or the catering staff to be cut. The cutting is not done in front of the guests.
- The wedding cake is then served with coffee or tea. Know that once the cake is served and eaten, your guests will start to leave.
Have your cake the way you want it! Check out our Wedding Cakes for your New Jersey wedding!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on January 28, 2008 at 6:34 PM under
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Who is having a Green Wedding in 2008? BestWeddingNJ.com is looking for the most creative, authentic green and organic wedding ideas to share with our New Jersey couples. It is exciting and wonderful to see more couples making a commitment of love to each other and a commitment of caring for the Earth as well!
A growing number of brides and grooms each year are seeking ways to make their big day environmentally friendly. For example, you can buy recycled gowns, donate leftover food instead of throwing it out, use recyled paper for your invitations and give live plants for your party favors that can be replanted.
GO Green and blog a description of your green wedding event and we will post your ideas to help Mother Earth!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on January 28, 2008 at 6:22 PM under
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The Ultimate Wedding Reception Ending
Its midnight, and your wedding guests have been dancing all night! Get their taste buds dancing as you send them home with a surprise midnight snack! A new wedding reception trend is to bring in an unexpected snack at the end of the night. Couples are choosing late night snacks such as pizzas, bagels and even cookies and milk to go. Top it off with the next day's newpaper. For an afternoon reception, you could hand out an assortment of flavored nuts and bottled soda. The selections for this type of surprise snack are endless. This is a perfect place for you to be creative and serve one of your own favorite comfort foods to share with your guests!
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 26, 2007 at 10:38 PM under
• 0 commentsAre you planning to get married this winter? Here are some wedding tips on decorating and planning your romantic winter wedding.
Décor that appeals to the senses is essential when creating a romantic winter wedding. Choose colors of rich jewel tones such as purple, forest green, and navy. Sapphire blue, ice blue or powder blue, silver and white can also be used.The added glow of candlelight will add warmth and ambiance to your ceremony and reception.
Use flowers that are already available during the winter months. Some wedding flowers to choose from are: poinsettias, roses, amaryllis, and lilies. Evergreens are popular choices for decorations while holly branches and other plants with red berries are ideal for use in wedding flower arrangements.
Winter season creative ideas for wedding centerpieces: add pine cones or holiday items, white flowers silver twigs or silver netting and silver ribbon on the cake, tables, bouquets or chairs.
Choose a new jersey wedding reception hall that has a cozy fireplace to add ambiance and warmth for your winter wedding.
Add ice sculptures during your cocktail hour and reception. An ice sculpture is always a great idea for a winter themed wedding.
In addition, consider winter food for your menu. Start off with a hot soup appetizer and include hot chocolate with your coffee service.
As for favors, use Cinnamon Apple, Pumpkin Pie and Vanilla scented candles. Spiced tea, a coffee mug or a snow globe imprinted with your name and wedding date can make a great favor.
Good luck with your upcoming New Jersey wedding. May it be a special winter wonderland wedding event!
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Posted by Diana Lynn on December 16, 2007 at 1:31 PM under
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Take some time out during the day to breathe and meditate!
Diana Lynn has been uplifting the consciousness of individuals and practicing heart-centered spiritual healing since 1992. With a deep sense of compassion and commitment to Love, her mission as an Advanced Energy Healer is to serve humanity for the highest, greatest good. If you are experiencing the wedding blues from a high level of stress, take a deep breath right now and call Diana Lynn at 732-262-3037, for a private energy healing session today. She will intuitively assist you in getting in touch with your deeper core issues and guide you back into balance as you uncover new awareness. Guaranteed you will feel more peaceful and relaxed after Diana's session! You can also visit Diana Lynn at www.spiritualitysolutions.com
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Posted by Best Wedding NJ on December 16, 2007 at 1:24 PM under
• 0 commentsStress less and start smiling more! Getting married can be one of the most memorable times of your life. However it often becomes very stressful. With so many decisions to make and working with deadlines, it is easy to see how even the most well-intentioned person can become frazzled. Well, fret no more! At www.BestWeddingNJ.com we do all the research for you to ease your wedding planning! Relaxing is important when planning your wedding. Come look through our New Jersey wedding services and wedding products. Keep stress levels to a minimum so that your special wedding day can be the joyous occasion you deserve! Then with your free time, download a wedding playlist to your iPod and take a walk. The fresh air will help you relax while you select the music for your wedding day!
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