http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/australian-weddings-on-a-budget.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/australian-weddings-on-a-budget.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Try to cut down on the amount of guests. Decide who you really want to have at your wedding and celebrate with others at another time.

Consider getting married in the ‘off-season’. If you get married between April and October you could even find prices have halved and if possible, avoid choosing a Saturday because it is usually the busiest day of the wedding week and therefore more expensive.
Another option is to get married in the morning – a continental breakfast is cheaper than lunch or dinner and alcohol could be cut out completely. You might also get cheaper rental rates during morning hours.

Involve your talented friends and family wherever possible. If your sister is a jazz singer then ask her to sing at your ceremony. If you decide to have a small wedding you can probably afford a longer honeymoon and vice versa; big savings can be made from this decision.

The wedding:

Consider having the ceremony on public grounds - at the beach or on an estate. You might need to get permission first or pay a small fee but these locations can be just as beautiful and save you money on a church wedding.

If the dress is not extremely important to you, try hiring or buying a ready-to-wear piece for a fraction of the cost. You might even be able to wear it for another occasion. You could also wear a vintage dress borrowed from your mother, sister, aunt or friend and customise it to suit you.

Don’t get sucked into buying ‘wedding’ things that are overpriced. Shop around and save on mainstream items that look the same or can do the same job.

Reception and gifts:

If you are on a really tight budget, think about do-it-yourself options. Being creative and thinking outside the square is a great way to save. Also try to cut down on frivolous items; do you really need those pearl-studded organza chair bows? If you want to have bomboniere for your guests think about using a gimmick instead of a professional gift, like printed candle holders with the names of the bride and groom on them, personalised lollies or even keyrings.

Remember, every aspect of the wedding is negotiable, from the bridesmaids’ earrings to the flights for the honeymoon, so try for the ultimate bargain and you might just get it!

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Find out more about wedding dresses and budgeting for a wedding on Bride's website. Read about wedding planning online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/honeymoon-magic-in-the-maldives.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/honeymoon-magic-in-the-maldives.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
After four days of tropical honeymoon bliss it’s easy to see why the Maldives is a favourite destination for honeymooners. You can’t beat the tropical climate, clear blue waters and laid-back lifestyle.

I’m headed for the South Male Atoll, about a 30km boat ride from Male. Naladhu and Anantara Resorts are set on separate private islands and their lights twinkle a welcome at me as I’m dropped off at my first stop, Anantara Resort.

Anantara

Spread across five acres of tropical oasis, Anantara has generous beachfront villas and over-water suites designed to complement the surrounding seascape.

The beachfront villas are elegantly furnished in soft tones that work with the custom-made teak cabinet and king-size bed. The attention to detail is amazing, and the first thing I notice as I’m shown into my villa are the rose petals on the bed with ‘welcome’ spelt out in grass letters.

From high-speed internet to a ready-made selection of island tunes to download on your iPod there’s nothing that hasn’t been thought of.

Anantara is host to a myriad of water activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, skiing and sailing. One of my favourite water sports, apart from snorkelling, is sailing a catamaran around the lagoon. It’s easy to learn and once you’re confident enough you can explore the surrounding islands with just the two of you.

Spa life

Both resorts boast a luxurious spa menu. The ayurvedic massages are pure heaven, and the well-trained staff ensure you feel like a goddess (or god) while you relax.

Anantara Spa’s range of services range from traditional Thai massages and Indian therapies, to exotic body wraps and soothing facials. The hour-long White Sesame Body Treatment is pure bliss after a day in the sun to hydrate and calm sensitive skin.
Over at Naladhu, the spa experience is set in the comfort of your own villa. If your stay is long enough, try the Naladhu five days spa journey that is inclusive of accommodation, breakfast and five days of pure indulgence.

Naladhu

If all you want is peace and quiet, some tropical sun and the company of two, then Naladhu is ideal. Just a two-minute boat ride from Anantara, Naladhu has been created for honeymooners with sophisticated tastes and high expectations.

Naladhu means ‘pretty little island’ which it certainly is, but what impresses me most are the 19 ocean houses dotted around the island’s perimeter and facing the lagoon. Each house also has a private cabana on the other side of the island so you can enjoy a different view in peace.

Each house is huge, with all the mod cons you would expect from a luxury resort. The flat-screen TV, surround-sound Bose stereo system, private wine cellar and espresso machine are cleverly hidden behind brightly coloured curtains and antique wooden furniture.

From the king-size bed and generous glass-panelled doors to the outdoor veranda, dining pavilion and personal plunge pool, the complementary design of interior and outdoor spaces is genius. You can basically roll out of bed and into the pool.
As an added luxury there are his and hers vanities complete with L’Occitane products, and an interior steam room to relax in after a long day of kayaking.

One of the best aspects of my Naladhu experience is my personalised ‘house master’ Asif who ensures I’m comfortable, settled in, and I know how to use all the facilities. He also organises room service, outdoor activities, private yoga sessions, restaurant bookings and spa visits with finesse.

A culinary journey

Executive chef Ashley Coleman is responsible for the comprehensive menus at both resorts. His experiences throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia ensure a wide range of international fare is offered and reflects his obvious passion for quality cuisine.
The Living Room is your only stop at Naladhu. The seafood platters and fish in particular are so fresh they melt in your mouth.
You are spoilt for choice at Anantara with three restaurants; the Italian-inspired Terrazzo with impressive wine cellar and Fuddan Fusion Grill which combines contemporary dining and fusion cuisine. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, Terrazzo has a small outdoor terrace that is perfect for two.
Baan Huraa offers outstanding authentic Thai cuisine in its over-water restaurant. If you’re at either Anantara or Naladhu resorts, a visit here for lunch or dinner is a must.

Fact file

Getting there: Singapore Airlines flies from Melbourne to Male via Singapore, and direct from Sydney to Male. Prices from $995 one-way.

Accommodation: Naladhu Maldives and Anantara Maldives
Climate: Warm and tropical with little seasonal variation, averaging 25–32°C.

What to take: Insect repellent, sunscreen, light and comfortable clothing, US dollars.


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Find out more about a wedding dress or honeymoon planning on Bride Magazine's website.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/choosing-your-wedding-music.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/choosing-your-wedding-music.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Wedding songs come in many different forms, from jazz bands to heavy metal. Here is a quick list:

Professional wedding bands

Cover bands

Solo DJ’s
DJ/MC packages that include lighting, sound system and microphone

String ensembles
- acoustic solo performers, duos and trios

Obviously, you will be able to narrow down your selection according to the type of venue you have, you music budget and the overall ambience of your wedding. For example, you won’t want a backyard hardcore trance DJ at a classic and elegant wedding reception.

You might also want one type of music for the ceremony and one for the reception. A solo violinist playing as you walk down the aisle and a three-piece jazz band for the reception can give your wedding a completely different vibe than if similar music was played for both.

If a strict budget is your main consideration, try asking your musically inclined friends and family to help out. It is also a good idea to see any performers you like in action before the day or ask for their CD to listen to.

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Find out more about wedding dresses and budgeting for a wedding on Bride's website. Read about wedding songs online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-bridal-party-meet-and-greet.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-bridal-party-meet-and-greet.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Unless you have been planning your wedding since you were seven, you might not have given much thought to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Deciding who to ask can be harder than you first thought because other people might think they have a better idea of who should be your bridesmaids than you do. Here are a few pointers:

Choose someone close to you to be your maid of honour.

Don’t worry if you think your attendants are ‘too married’, too old, too young or too tall. The important thing is what it means to have them by your side at the wedding.

Don’t include anyone who really isn’t necessary. If you think your wedding will be fine without a flower girl then don’t have one.

There is no need to keep to a particular number to even out sides. You can still have four bridesmaids and three groomsmen and it won’t ruin your wedding.

There are times when it is prudent to include people in your bridal party who you normally wouldn’t consider. If your future sister-in-law would love to be in the bridal party but you don’t really know her that well - this is the perfect opportunity to fix that.

Meet and greet

You have finally chosen your bridal party but they are yet to meet one another. Don’t wait until the day of the wedding to introduce your bridal party to your family or each other. You will enjoy yourself a lot more if you are not always making sure every attendant has someone to talk to. It is a great idea to set aside a whole weekend where you can organise a few dinners (not just the rehearsal dinner), picnics or other activities so people can get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Try using board games, a friendly round of mini golf or group cake tasting. Your bridal party all have at least one thing in common – your wedding, so they should have plenty to talk about.

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Find out more about wedding dresses and budgeting for a wedding on Bride's website. Read about bridal party online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-preparation-beauty-school.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/wedding-preparation-beauty-school.html Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500 When should a bride-to-be start visiting a therapist?

The first of our essential beauty tips recommend as early as six months before your wedding, depending on your skin type and what your goals are. Six months allows your therapist time to set out your program. You may only be required to visit the clinic every two months with a home beauty routine, so the earlier the better. Visiting your beauty therapist one week before will limit what is achievable.

What treatments should a bride consider?

Six months before

Depending on your skin type, your therapist can recommend a program to suit you to achieve glowing and healthy skin. A microdermabrasion and mask package three to six months before the wedding is fantastic to work on fine lines and dead skin build-up that causes a dull complexion. If you are planning a detox and exercise program, detox wraps, infrared saunas and body exfoliations are great to help your system cleanse and purify. Also, your brows may need to be retrained.

Three months before

LED (light emitting diode) therapy works on similar principles to laser, except you have no down-time or pain. It suits people with sensitive skin, rosacea and acne who want to rejuvenate their skin. Vitamin infusions, hydrating antioxidant facials, laser for capillaries and pigmentation should be booked in around this time. This is the perfect time to tend to your eyebrows, especially if they are uneven and you need to regrow and reshape them.

One month before

Your intensive facial rejuvenating and correction treatments should be finished about one month before your wedding. Now is the time to trial fake tans and body scrubs. It’s important to try different brands to find a natural colour that doesn’t streak or stain your clothes. A pedicure and manicure at this time is ideal to get the shape you want. Don’t forget to take time out and relax because stressed skin looks tired. Try to fit in a hot stone massage to soothe the nerves, or hydrating and antioxidant packed facials to nurture and feed the skin. Make-up trials for you and the bridesmaids are perfect one month prior.

Days before the wedding

Just days before, apply body scrub and tan, book in for a hydrating facial with LED photorejuvenation, have your eyebrows tidied and eye lashes tinted, and top it off with a manicure and pedicure.

What is the best way to fake tan?

Fake tan should be applied two to three days before. You can do a trial one month before to find out if you need one or two coats. Depending on your personal preference there are many forms like spray tan, mousse and lotions. Exfoliating before is recommended to prevent the tan from finding its way into dry skin areas, and a professional application ensures your tan is even and streak free. Most tans dry within minutes and are 100 per cent washable if it stains your clothes.

How soon should a bride consider a home beauty routine?
Depending on your home prescription from your beauty therapist, six months should give you time to adjust to new products and see the benefits.

What kind of ingredients should a bride look for in skincare?
It will again depend on the skin type and what is needed to correct and restore the skin. But everyone should use a sunscreen for the day (preferably a non-chemical sunscreen like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), antioxidants such as spin trap, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamins A and C to feed and create healthy, glowing skin. Limit the amount of unnatural preservatives, synthetics and fragrances (except essential oils) as this will lessen your chances of product reaction/sensitivity.

How to choose a therapist you can trust

Clients can be assured they are receiving the very best in client care and satisfaction when visiting a salon that is a member of the Advanced Association of Beauty Therapists (AABTh). The association sets the standards for therapists to follow within the industry. Chatting among your friends is also a great way to find a good therapist.

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Find out more about buying a wedding dress on Bride Magazine's website. Read more essential beauty tips online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-guide-about-your-wedding-cake.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-guide-about-your-wedding-cake.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 Wedding cakes have come a long way from the traditional fruitcake with white marzipan icing. These days they come in all sorts of flavours and designs. Cutting the cake is usually the last formal act a bride and groom do before relaxing into the reception. After the speeches are done the bride and groom cut the first slice and usually leave the rest of the cutting and distribution to the attendants and staff.

Taking the top tier
 It’s a long-standing tradition for the couple to keep the top tier of the cake and share it on their first wedding anniversary. If you intend to do this it is advisable to choose a cake with good keeping qualities. Usually this is a dense cake, such as the traditional fruitcake or a chocolate mud cake, which will keep in the freezer as long as you keep them well wrapped.

A baker’s delight
 Think about the kinds of textures available. After all, this is a perfect opportunity to have your dream cake. Take an afternoon to check out a couple of cake shops and drool over the range of shapes, flavours and designs available. From light-as-a-feather sponges to mountains of toffee-covered profiteroles, there are lots of inventive and delicious options available. You might even want to forget the cake and have an array of individually decorated cupcakes instead.

Making your cake work for you
 Some couples make their wedding cake double as their dessert course. This is a great way to save money on catering and ensures everyone gets to taste the cake. If you want something extra to go with it you could offer a fresh fruit and cheese platter as well.

Conversely, if you are intent on keeping the dessert separate, you can have the cake cut into small slices and individually wrapped for guests to take home.

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Article by Evita Puccio of Bride Magazine. Bride Magazine is a popular wedding dress portal. Find out more about wedding cakes.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/brides-want-sleek-and-sexy-wedding-dresses.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/brides-want-sleek-and-sexy-wedding-dresses.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 wedding dress look on their wedding day.

If you catch yourself staring dreamily at a glamorous sleek and fitted gown but turn away thinking “I could never wear that” – don’t rule it out just yet. What might come as a surprise, a fitted style flatters most shapes and sizes. And keeping an open mind will send you on your way to finding a gown that not only suits your shape, but your personality.

Conjuring up images of 1950s glamour and Hollywood icons, a sleek gown is the perfect way to achieve a sexy, romantic and delicate look. Think plunging necklines, silk charmeuse, delicate beading and fish tails, to enhance and define your silhouette.

Figure flattering:
Designer Karen Willis Holmes says her sleek designs are figure flattering and a little sexy. “Sleek gowns are very popular at the moment,” Karen says. This style flatters 99 per cent of brides, it really does suit all shapes.”

And while the sensuous and delicate fabric will give you a soft and romantic look, corsetry underneath the gowns will do the work for you. Your waist can be pulled in, and your figure accentuated to achieve a feminine silhouette. “A lot of brides think they won’t look good in a sleeker gown but once they try sleek styles on they love it,” Karen says.

Mariana Hardwick’s Goddess Collection highlights the lure of slimline gowns that emphasise the hourglass shape with a dip neckline, drop waist with bodice over the hips, beading and exposed corsetry.

Mariana says the current mermaid style suits a longer body but fitted gowns in general can look “wonderful and sexy on anyone”. “A more voluptuous figure can look great because a bridal gown needs flesh, shape and curves,” she says. “Women these days are body, health and fitness conscious and this style celebrates the female figure. The essence of bridal dressing is optimising all of your best features and reflecting your personality,” she says.

Hair and make-up:
A more understated gown gives you the perfect opportunity to accessorise and add glamour to your look. After all, this is your day to create the look you dream of. Go for a neat sleek bun and make a dramtaic entrance, with vibrant red lips and subtle eyes.
Or if you are after a softer style, a feminine half-up hair-style that is structured but still soft will turn heads as you walk down the aisle.

And even though you may sit in the make-up chair for more than an hour, it’s all about looking natural and fresh. Think blushes, pinks and flowers like English rose for a natural and beautiful look.

Accessories:
Long drop vintage look earrings are popular with brides but make sure they don’t overpower your gown. Brooches can add another dimension of glamour to your gown, or be creative and have some fun and put a brooch in your hair.

Relax:
A person who you trust and an open mind are the best things to take with you when choosing your dream gown.
Mariana says it’s not unusual for brides to have a fixed idea of what they want before they have tried on their first gown. She suggests trying on a range of silhouettes from full gowns to A line to slinky. “Keep an open mind, often what you want can be different to what suits you.”

Karen reminds brides to relax and to be guided by gown designers. “Just try things on because you never know what a dress will look like until it’s on – you can always take it off if you don’t like it.”

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Article by Evita Puccio of Bride Magazine. Bride Magazine is a popular wedding dress portal. Find out more about wedding cakes.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/your-beauty-timeline-for-getting-picture-perfect.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/your-beauty-timeline-for-getting-picture-perfect.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 wedding photos.

Three months prior:
To get that healthy, fresh-faced look, it’s a good idea to talk to your beautician about having regular facials. A great skin care plan will ensure you have a glowing complexion on the day.

One month prior:
Get your make-up trial done. This is to make sure that you look exactly the way you envisioned for your wedding day. Having a trial a few weeks before the wedding is standard practice and your hair and make-up artists will be happy to do it.

Two weeks prior:
It is highly recommended that you have a facial at least two weeks before your wedding day. This way any pimples or breakouts will have time to settle down.

One week prior:
Any facial and body waxing should take place now. It can take sensitive skin a few days to recover from hot wax treatments.

One day prior:
Your nails should definitely be done today in order to avoid chipping, nicks and smudges.

The night before:
Washing your hair the night before makes it easier for your hairdresser to style the next day.

On the day:
Use a very light moisturiser in the morning. If a heavy cream is used your make-up could end up looking and feeling very oily.

Keep a little pack with you (you could ask one of the bridesmaids to look after it) containing a lipstick, pencil, and powder compact.

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Article by Evita Puccio of Bride Magazine. Bride Magazine is a popular wedding dress portal. Find out more about wedding photos.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/your-guide-to-bridal-shoes.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/your-guide-to-bridal-shoes.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
In ancient China brides wore lotus shoes, which were decorated with instructions on how to consummate the marriage. In ancient Egypt the bride’s father gave the groom her sandal as a symbolic gesture, indicating she now belonged to him. Wedding shoes for the modern bride are no longer the symbols of patriarchy they once were and are now simply for her enjoyment. The biggest problem the bride faces today is one of choice.

If you have the well-trained calf muscles and bank balance of Sarah Jessica Parker and no qualms about walking around in 10cm heels all day then maybe a pair of Manolos are for you. But these shoes are definitely for those that prize beauty and prestige over comfort. If you’re less concerned with the name on the label then there are loads of options equally as beautiful at a fraction of the price. Gary Castles Sydney stocks a wide range of women’s shoes including bridal and Xiomara, while in Melbourne you might want to check out Miss Louise or Evelyn Miles. Xiomara or Cinderella Bella.

Many brides still go for a bridal shoes specialist though. Ask Novat Footwear owner Dorothy Novat what is the most important thing for a bride to consider for her wedding day, she answers definitively, “comfort and a good fitting”. Dorothy suggests the bride bring in a piece of her wedding dress fabric so she can match it to the colour of the shoe. Novat, based in Melbourne, stocks a range of specialty colours and offers a made-to-order service meaning all sizes are catered for.

Xiomara also stock divine bridal shoes in Melbourne Sydney as well as Cinderella Bella in Melbourne, Whether you want comfort and class at an affordable price or you want to spend up large and feel like Cinderella at the ball, it pays to shop around and be realistic when choosing your wedding shoes. Dorothy firmly believes in the “balancing of comfort with the look of the shoe”. Wise words indeed as the last thing you need on your wedding day are blisters or a broken ankle.

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Article by Evita Puccio of Bride Magazine. Bride Magazine is a popular portal about wedding dresses. Find out more about wedding shoes.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-wedding-bomboniere-guide.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-wedding-bomboniere-guide.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 bomboniere for your wedding can be tough. There is a seemingly endless variety of miniature treats to give your guests from the traditional sugared almond in a delicate arrangement of lace, net, and artificial flowers to personalised gift boxes and scented candles.

Giving bomboniere is the traditional way to thank guests for coming to celebrate your wedding. This European custom has become increasingly popular in Australia with couples wanting to give guests a small memento of their day.

Usually, bomboniere are left on the reception tables for guests to take home. Many couples go for a combination of the traditional sugared almond treat coupled with a small gift.

If you are looking for something a little more creative and memorable, there is an increasing variety of inventive bomboniere on the market. Couples can give their guests anything from a personalised mixed CD to disposable cameras for them to record the day.

Modern interpretations of the traditional gift can include small cakes, chocolates and other sweets. You could also choose small presents such as a picture frame or an engraved champagne glass.
For those who want to indulge their creative streak, here are some fresh ideas for an old tradition:
• Miniature wedding cakes
• Novelty boxes of chocolates
• Jars of homemade foods/preserves
• A small plant or seedling
• Gourmet coffee or tea
• Coffee mugs
• Bookmarks
• Key rings
• Soaps
• Beer coolers
• Hand painted ceramics or tiles

Bomboniere needn’t be expensive or elaborate. For most couples it is a symbolic gesture to show their appreciation to their guests. Whether you choose to make your gifts or order them from a bomboniere specialist, remember it's the sentiment your guests will appreciate.

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Article by Evita Puccio of Bride Magazine. Bride Magazine is an Australian portal wedding dresses. Find out more about wedding bomboniere ideas.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>