http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/beach-wedding-cakes.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/beach-wedding-cakes.html Sun, 23 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 Looking for ideas for a beach theme wedding cake?

When it comes to wedding cakes, long gone are the days of following tradition. Since you are considering a beach theme wedding cake, you are obviously not a slave to those traditions. So...let's stray from the "norm" and be adventurous!

One thing to remember...there are no rules! If there are...well, rules are made to be broken. Your beach theme wedding cake can be anything you want it to be!

What Size?

How many guests are you planning to have? If you have your cake made professionally it can range in price anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00 per slice. A "slice" is normally considered to be 2 ounces or, approximately 4" x 2". The range in price
will depend on how much intricate detail you want on it. If the cake you choose is very labor intensive, you can expect higher prices. If you are on a tight budget, keep it simple!

What Shape?

A beach theme wedding cake can be any size, shape or description. Be creative. If you have an idea for your cake, sketch it out on paper and take it to that talented friend, relative or your chosen bakery. If you can imagine it, someone can make it!

Do not limit your thinking to a two or three tier cake. It can be round, square, a sheet cake, a sculpted cake, individual mini cakes, cupcakes or even cookies! Some brides even choose a one or two layer, individual wedding cake on each guest table rather than the traditional large cake at the head table. This is a nice idea because it also serves as the table centerpiece. This eliminates the added expense associated with having a wedding centerpiece at each table!


A couple of things to keep in mind though...

* Since your reception may be on the beach, consider the sun! If you are having a dawn or dusk ceremony, heat from the sun will probably not be a major factor. However, if you are having your wedding midday, consider an "ornamental" cake. By that I mean, not edible with the exception of perhaps the bottom layer if you and the groom plan to cut it. You don't want your creation to melt!

* Consider draping your cake in a decorative manner with tulle to keep the bugs and sand out of it. It would be
beautiful yet practical.

* Purchase decorative, individual cake boxes. Fill them and perhaps tie your wedding program or thank you to them with
ribbon. Keep them in a cooler until time to pass them out to your guests. They will serve as your wedding favor, killing two birds with one stone!

* Make your own beach theme wedding cake! Look inside the next "Duncan Hines" cake mix you buy. The instruction for baking tiered cakes are printed on the inside of the box! You can do it. If you can't, I'll bet you know a friend who could! In EVERY town there is a friend or a "friend of a friend" who makes beautiful wedding cakes. It's a hobby for them. They love doing it! Of course they still want to be paid, but not the ridiculous prices that a professional will charge you.
So...go... find that friend!








--
Cindy English is the publisher of Beach-Wedding-Themes.com where you will find ideas for beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance. Discover new places to shop and things to make at: http://www.beach-wedding-themes.comThis article may be reprinted with no changes, omissions, or additions. All links must be left live and in tact.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/design-your-own-beautiful-wedding-ring.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/design-your-own-beautiful-wedding-ring.html Sun, 23 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 It used to be that if you wanted to buy a nice custom-made wedding ring, you’d have to visit some fancy high-end jewelry store and be willing to part with a large portion of your wedding budget.

Well that’s still the case for some people, but thanks to our modern times it’s now possible for you and anyone else who wants a custom wedding ring to create a unique diamond wedding ring from the comfort of your own home.

Oleg Cassini will have nothing on you as you sit in your chair sipping a soda looking at the various wedding ring photos that your favorite online jewelry store makes easily available.

You will quickly see that it’s easy to design your own wedding ring online. The first thing you want to look at when you set out to build your own wedding ring is the setting. You’ll have your choice of wedding ring settings in various metals like: gold, white gold, sterling silver, and platinum. While studying the stylish settings, be sure to check your ring size for accuracy in purchasing a comfortable fitting wedding ring.

Next, you’ll want to select the right diamond to fit your setting. The common diamond cut shapes are: round, pear, emerald, princess, marquise, oval, radiant, heart, and Asscher. You will probably take a while just studying all the attributes of the various diamond shapes and sizes. Of course, you can always choose to purchase the setting online and then take it to your local jeweler to have it fit with a diamond.

You are the designer extraordinaire! You are not bound by what someone else thinks you will like. So, go ahead and feel free to create your own wedding ring. There’s nobody else to please but you.

And you will just love the results.








--
Copyright 2004 Donna Monday One special moment. One special ring. http://www.1-love-rings.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/celebrating-wedding-anniversaries.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/celebrating-wedding-anniversaries.html Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The dreams are long over and one is facing the reality of life. The fairy tale romance is lost and day-to-day drudgery has taken its place. What a tragedy, but that is life. With arrival of children, the couple many a times forgets about its own existence and worries more about the way the child is growing up, the issues related to children's physical, mental and all-round growth and so on. Where is the place for the romance that they shared sometime ago? That is life.

Our hero who at one time admired his heroine's hair, gets irritated by looking at the strands fallen around in the bathroom. Our heroine who was so enamored by our hero's strength, now wants him to get up on the ladder and fix the loose fittings. The quality that one admired once remains same, but the viewpoint changes. Life takes a turn that no one expected. Those who read romantic novels, always find written at the end - And they lived happily ever after. The novelist is very intelligent. How to talk of silly chores in a romantic novel? So the novel closes at the right spot. But, we readers forget that life must have been very difficult for our valiant couple of the novel. We would never like to know about the fights that would ensue between our hero and heroine about unpaid bills after they got married. That is life. But there is another side to this dull existance. That is the romance that the couple shared. romance can be very life giving and energizing. Please see these screensavers. Screensaver- romance- 1 , Screensaver- romance - 2.

What does one write in the message for congratulating a couple on their wedding anniversary? Please help the couple bring the romance back in their life with your message. Life will no doubt continue with the same dull days and tense nights. The problems will not go away. But why forget the romance that the couple shared once? That romance brought them together at the first place. Why not help them revive the memories, and begin another phase of romancing with greater passion? Please send your anniversary messages that rekindle the dying romance. Let love conquer all.

--
CD Mohatta writes on living, motivation, love, values etc. He is a content writer for egreetings and screensavers. You can see some of his work at Interactive Screensavers, Love Notes Greeting Cards and Anniversary Greeting Cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/how-to-make-powerful-wedding-wishes.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/how-to-make-powerful-wedding-wishes.html Fri, 03 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 Card -1, Card-2

What are wishes? What is the role of wishes in a couple's life? Why do we wish them a happy life together? Let us examine. The first role of a wish is to join the couple in their happiness. Share the happiness. "Yes, I am very happy for both of you. I feel very happy myself on this beautiful occasion. I wish you a lovely life together. Please enjoy your life together. Fight your battles together and share your fruits of labor together. Please bring new children in this world. Make them happy citizens of a happy world." We have such thoughts and convey our thoughts to the couple in many words. Sometimes, it so happens that watching everybody wishing the couple, we all become mechanical in our wishes. The warmth gets lost. The words lose the deeper meaning and become more of a ceremony to be finished as soon as possible.

We can avoid this happening. When you attend a wedding next, look at the couple carefully. Imagine their future life together. The children, the middle age, and growing old together till death separates them. Imagine the whole life that they will live together. Imagine the pains and the pleasures of their life. Ignore looking at the decorations, the guests and everything else. Focus only upon the couple and you will find a transformation taking place in your thoughts. After this your wishes will be spoken from the heart and your wishes will truly impact the lives of the couple. Make your wishes help the couple in every way. Hundreds of such heart spoken wishes will bring forward such a change that the couple will surely have a beautiful life. Wishes have power. We may not be able to understand that power. But if wishes are made from the heart, that power can destroy many obstacles. Please use that power, because you have it.

--
About the author of this article: CD Mohatta writes for messages in screen-savers, desktop wallpapers, and online greetings. He writes on living, inspiration, romance, business management, etc. You can download screen-savers or send greetings at these websites which contain his writings: Romantic Screensavers, Business Leadership Ecards and Love Greeting Cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-diamond-anniversary-ring-the-perfect-way-to-seal-your-love.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-diamond-anniversary-ring-the-perfect-way-to-seal-your-love.html Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Diamond anniversary rings are also called eternity rings. That’s because that’s how long you are both making your pledge to each other.

The tradition of celebrating an anniversary of marriage began in medieval times when the only anniversaries celebrated were the 25 and 50 year anniversaries. Then a husband would crown his wife with a wreath of silver for 25 years and of gold for 50 years. Nowadays there is more than just the silver and gold anniversaries.

The first is paper, the second wood, third leather and so on. Diamond is number 60.

So you should traditionally wait 60 years for diamonds. But why wait?  To wait for 60 years of marriage for a magnificent diamond anniversary ring seems a little silly.

And it is, of course, possible to buy an anniversary ring that doesn’t have any diamonds, but that isn’t an anniversary ring to me. There has to be diamonds.

The design of a diamond anniversary ring is very different to that of, say, an engagement ring. Whereas an engagement ring is designed to show off only one, or a very small number of diamonds, a diamond anniversary ring usually has a larger number. Sometimes the diamonds go all the way around the ring.

The symbolism of an anniversary diamond ring is part of the design. The reason for the diamonds going all the way around the ring is to symbolise a never ending circle of love. No beginning and no end.

That doesn’t mean that all diamond anniversary rings have diamonds all the way around them. For a start that may be unaffordable for some. Plus there are some stunning designs in diamond anniversary rings which have only a few diamonds, but larger ones.

One of the most in demand of these types of anniversary rings is the 3 stone diamond anniversary ring. Featuring one larger and two identical smaller diamonds, the 3 stone diamond anniversary ring is rich in meaning. The three stone diamond anniversary ring symbolises the past, present and future all bound together.

And why not add a personal touch to your ring? The diamond anniversary ring that you both select will have a special meaning to you both. Why not engrave that meaning on the ring? Why not record the number of years you have been married on the ring? A special message of love? Anything, as long as it’s short.

And should you both have one, or just her? Well certainly it is less common for the male to have an anniversary ring, but certainly not unheard of. However it would be prudent to consider the design of the rings. It would be better if the two rings were designed to be complementary. But not the same. His ring should be larger, or wider, than hers, to match his finger size. More masculine.

Talk to your jeweller about designing a matching pair of diamond anniversary rings if you are both to wear one.

But whichever you finally choose, a diamond anniversary ring is the only gift to celebrate your anniversary.




--
Find out more about Diamond Solitaire Rings as well as many other types of Diamond Rings including Diamond Engagement Rings at Peter's website Delectable Diamond Rings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-unique-diamond-engagement-ring-in-platinum.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/a-unique-diamond-engagement-ring-in-platinum.html Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
An increasing popular choice for engagement and wedding rings is platinum. One of the rarest of the precious metals, it is strong and sturdy, with a subtle style that is the perfect accompaniment to any precious stone. It is the unique combination of simplicity and luster that have made the choice of a diamond engagement ring in platinum increasingly popular, as its wonderful sheen sets off the cut and brilliance of a diamond beautifully.

The popularity of diamond engagement rings in platinum is also due to that material’s eminent practicality. Platinum is extremely hardwearing and resistant to the scratches and other damage that gold rings are often prone to. Platinum doesn’t tarnish, and for those with sensitive skin, it is also hypoallergenic, making it comfortable to wear.

The sturdiness and durability of platinum make it a popular choice for men’s rings, but its simple understated beauty lends itself to diamond engagement rings also. Platinum is the perfect choice for those who prefer the look of white gold to yellow, and its durable nature makes it the perfect compliment to the enduring beauty of a diamond.

A diamond engagement ring in platinum combines beauty and durability in a unique package. The rarity of platinum compliments perfectly the uniqueness of each diamond, ensuring that a platinum diamond engagement ring will be a unique symbol as peerless as your love.




--
Find out more about Diamond Solitaire Rings as well as many other types of Diamond Rings including Diamond Engagement Rings at Peter's website Delectable Diamond Rings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/mens-moissanite-wedding-rings-or-is-moissanite-a-mans-best-friend.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/mens-moissanite-wedding-rings-or-is-moissanite-a-mans-best-friend.html Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
What is moissanite I hear you ask? Moissanite is the newest jewelry stone which is taking the jewelry industry by storm. And whilst moissanite is popular amongst the women, mens moissanite wedding rings are taking off.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal, or jewel, which was only discovered in 1893. It was originally found in tiny quantities in a meteorite which had fallen in the Arizona desert. It was discovered by doctor Henry Moissan, after whom it was named.

It exhibits many of the qualities of diamonds and looks identical to diamonds to all but a few of the most experienced jewellers. So identical in fact that sohisticated equipment is needed to distinguish it from diamonds. Moissanite even outperforms diamonds in most of the natural qualities for which diamonds are so renowned. Most importantly, it is much cheaper.

Moissanite is second only to diamond in hardness, and is harder than any other jewel. It does not scratch, fade or change color. It has more brilliance than diamonds or any other popular gemstone.

It occurs naturally on earth but only in tiny quantities so it was not until the late 20th century that it became available in sufficient quantities for jewelry making. This followed extensive research on moissanite and the discovery of a reliable method of making it in a lab to very high quality.

Whilst a new jewel in its own right it was immediately compared to diamonds due to it’s high quality and much lower price. Now moissanite engagement rings are a hit amongst women, and mens moissanite wedding rings are following fast.

As a man does not generally wear an engagement ring his wedding ring may be the only piece of jewelry that he wears so mens moissanite wedding rings are designed to catch the eye, unlike womens wedding rings which are designed to complement the engagement ring rather than detract from it.

Many mens moissanite wedding rings are often set in either gold or two tone white gold/yellow gold. As moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds he has a choice of more stones and bigger ones, so often buys a ring with  2, 3, 4 or more stones in it. Moissanite is not graded in carat (karat) weight exactly like diamonds but it’s comparable diamond carat value is usually offered so that buyers can see exactly how much stone they are getting for their money compared to buying a diamond.

For example it is very possible to buy mens moissanite wedding rings with a number of moissanite stones of 3 to 5 mm diameter of somewhere around 1.5 carats (diamond equivalent weight) for around $500 - $800. Or a single moissanite stone of 7 to 8 mm diameter.

Compare that price to buying the same ring with equivalent diamonds and you will be very pleasantly surprised. And your ring will look just as good, or better, than the equivalent diamond ring. And usually the modern man understands that money spent at the start of the relationship is money that is not available later on when the important things, like kids and a house, arrive.

So men, if you really want a wedding ring that shows off exactly who you are with style and sparkle, but don’t want to spend so much money on it that it makes you uncomfortable, then a mens moissanite wedding ring has to be considered.

But which one? That’s up to you.




--
Find out more about Moissanite as well as Moissanite Engagement Rings and other types of Moissanite rings at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/bridal-jewelry-for-the-radiant-bride.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/bridal-jewelry-for-the-radiant-bride.html Tue, 09 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500
So now you have the dress, let’s choose your bridal jewelry. When it comes to selecting your bridal jewelry, keep in mind a few items. The first is the style of wedding you will be hosting. Will you be requiring black ties and evening gowns, sandals, exotic flowers and romantic nuptials on the beach? Or a simple no fuss back yard picnic wedding? What ever style of wedding you are hosting can help you determine what style of bridal jewelry you will wear.

The second item to consider when thinking about your bridal jewelry is the theme or colors you will be including in your ceremony and reception. If you are having, for instance a beach wedding or a beach themed wedding, you may want to check out several different bridal jewelry accessory options. Of course with a beach themed wedding, sea shells and white pearls or mother of pearls are a common and practical bridal jewelry choice for your wedding look. Not only will this style and type of bridal jewelry match your theme and occasion, you will be radiantly satisfied with your bridal jewelry accessory selection. You won’t need to ask your bridesmaids, mom or closest friends if that selection of bridal jewelry matches – it is the theme and occasion! You will feel confident and as a result beautiful!

Another idea to help in your selection of the bridal jewelry you will wear is the season or month you decide to get married in. While glancing at all the seasons, there are some very practical and obvious choices for the selection of your bridal jewelry. Here are some ideas broken down by seasons below.

Winter Bridal Jewelry Selections – The winter months bring on the beauty of white and shimmering snow flakes. There are many options for bridal jewelry that fit the snow flake theme. If snow flakes really are not your idea of the perfect bridal jewelry, try visualizing clear swarovski crystals that sparkle and shine in the light. Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry is becoming more popular with celebrities and brides alike. If swarovski crystals are too much for the bridal look you desire – try simple white or ivory pearls. Nothing says traditional bride better than beautiful pearls. Pearls are a great selection for your bridal jewelry accessories, as there are so many options. From a simple strand of pearls, to a glamed out pearl choker – your options are limitless.

Spring Bridal Jewelry Selections – Spring time is such a beautiful and “new” time of year. The trees begin to grow leaves, the grass grows, tulips come up – you get the idea. Take inspiration from the newness of the spring months when selecting your bridal jewelry. Don’t be afraid to select bright, bold and radiant colors. Traditionally brides wear white, but tradition is not a rule or style you must follow. If you love bright green and you want that to show it in your bridal jewelry accessories – then wear the bright green. This is your day – your way! Your bridal jewelry selection can reflect that style as well.

The flowers you carry down the isle, your bridesmaids’ bouquets or the flowers you choose to decorate with can also be used to help you decide on your bridal jewelry. If roses are right up your alley – then rose flowered jewelry may be the perfect bridal jewelry accessory for you. Don’t stop with roses, consider all of your flower options, daisies, gardenias, calla lilies, just to name a few.

Summer Bridal Jewelry Selections – Summer is a fantastic and the most popular time of year to get married. Use the beauty and warmth of the summer months to help you decide upon your bridal jewelry. Again, the flowers you choose to carry or decorate with can be a great consideration. Summer time also brings out the kid in all of us – vacations at the lake, picnics in the park, fireworks, you get the idea! If summer is that time of year that brings magic, mystery and fun, consider these factors when selecting your bridal jewelry.

Many summer planned weddings are becoming more often fun and casual events – your bridal jewelry can reflect that as well. This would be a great opportunity to select some fun and trendy bridal jewelry to complete your wedding day look.

Summer weddings many times have bright to soft pastel colors. The options for pearls and crystals are growing in colors and shapes. It is easy to find and coordinate your bridal jewelry colors with the pearl, crystal and stone color options available. Glass pearls and swarovski crystals are coming up and out with so many new colors – you can accessorize with any color imaginable.

Fall Bridal Jewelry Selections – The autumn months bring on a wonderfully beautiful array of colors – new to that season in particular. If you are planning a wedding in the fall or autumn months, there are some very beautiful bridal jewelry options.

Nature is always a great place to begin looking for bridal jewelry ideas and the fall season is not one to let you down. Whether you are a “nature bug” or not, you cannot deny the gorgeous beauty of fall. If you’re planning a fall wedding and would like to add some color to you accessories this is the time to do it. The beautiful golds, browns, reds and yellows are just perfect applications for your bridal jewelry.

Whether you choose your bridal jewelry by the theme of your wedding, the formality, the colors or the season, you will wed – your ideas for inspiration are limitless. Keep in mind some of the ideas illustrated in this article and you will be well on your way to beautiful, radiant bridal jewelry.

--
http://www.bonitaj.com
sales@bonitaj.com
888-526-4479

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/marriage-are-you-facing-emotional-abuse.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/marriage-are-you-facing-emotional-abuse.html Thu, 11 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Emotional abuse may leave deep scars on the psyche. In emotional abuse the perpetrator withholds all the emotional satisfaction from the victim. The self-dignity of the victim is bruised repeatedly and he/she is shown as a lesser person. Emotional abuse can take many forms. Devaluing the person is one such abuse. Giving no value to a person's intelligence and opinion, and repeatedly questioning his/her intelligence is one such abuse.

Public humiliation of a person is another kind of this abuse. To make someone feel inferior and laugh at him/her and make others join the fun is another form of emotional abuse. Feeling of safety is our emotional need. to make a person feel unsafe is another way of victimization. Threatening to leave that person alone without any help and terrorizing him/her is one such form.

Taking away financial freedom, making the person totally dependent on the abuser is another common abuse. Lack of money can stop the victim from enjoying some pleasures. Some abusers even withdraw the use of communication instruments such as telephone etc from the victim.

Emotional abuse can take many other such forms. these abusers are sadists who enjoy degrading a human being and destroying their emotional freedom. This is a crime against humanity. If you are undergoing the slightest emotional; abuse, please protest and protect yourself.

--
CD Mohatta creates writings for ecards, screensavers and desktop wallpapers. You can view some of the content that relates to the article from wedding anniversary greetings. He also writes articles on marriage and solve relationship quizzes

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/how-to-give-the-perfect-best-man-speech.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/how-to-give-the-perfect-best-man-speech.html Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Funny and vulgar are two different things. A lot of people, especially men tend to think that to be funny you have to be vulgar and rude and embarrass the newly weds, this is not true. My brother recently had the honor of being best man at his best friends wedding and the night before the big day, I think he was more nervous then the groom. My brother has always been an out going guy, but when it came to making a best man speech, he just couldn't think of what he wanted to say and he was nervous as heck having to stand up in front of all those guests and give a heart felt speech.

It's been said that people fear public speaking more then any other one thing in life. In this article I'm going to give you a few tips I passed on to my brother that you can take and turn your speech into something memorable. With these tips, I assure you, you won't embarrass yourself in front of the whole wedding party.

* Tip 1 Stand up while speaking

Always, always stand up when giving a best man speech or a toast. Make sure you have the gatherings attention first before you speak, and the best way to do that is to stand up and wait for quiet. Standing up is the first rule of any good public speaking and a wedding is no different.

* Tip 2 Plan what you want to say

Never try and wing the speech. Giving a best man speech needs to be planned and written down well in advance. My brother started working on giving his best man speech weeks in advance. Unless you are a really confident public speaker, this is the best way to make sure you say everything you wanted to say.

* Tip 3 Practice makes perfect!

Practice your speech until you know it off by heart. There is nothing worse then giving a best man speech and having to look down at your notes constantly. Fidgeting with paper is a big no no.

* Tip 4 Keep it clean

If you and the best man have known each other for a while and you've had some wild times together, this is not the time to air his dirty laundry. People think that giving a best man speech gives them the right to embarrass the groom and upset the bride, this is not the case. Don't mention the trip to the strip joint or anything of that sort.

* Tip 5 Keep it short

No one wants to be bored for hours with your speech. Make it short and to the point and don't forget to add emotion when giving your best man speech. The wedding isn't about you, it's about the bride and groom, don't forget that.

I hope these tips have given you some pointers on what to do when giving your best man speech. Good luck!

--
Need help with your wedding speech? Visit
www.easyweddingtoasts.com where
you can find free wedding speech examples and easy wedding toast tips for best man, bridegroom, maid of honor and father of the bride.

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