Wedding Collage Picture Frames

Wedding is a crucial point in your life, moment of a new family birth. On this stage life of newly-wed-s changes radically and begins to flow in a new, unexplored river. And such moments will remain in memory for many years. But bright paints are worn away with time, we forget some bright moments. Only photos help us to save every shot of solemn event. Collage picture frames are ideal for grouping and keeping of weddings pictures.

Present internet shops offer a large choice of collage picture frames for wedding for any taste. Bright and good-looking, strict and stylish, large and miniature - all this variety is presented for you. Thus you can purchase collage picture frames at fully tolerate price. If there is plenty of weddings pictures in your house, it is possible to choose sweet one and to place on a wall in your bedroom.

A good idea is to buy collage photo frames after you celebrated the wedding, however you need to purchase wedding collage picture frame in one or in two copies no more. Why? Because weddings photo albums are one of the most widespread gifts to this event. Taking into account this fact, you can suggest that some additional photo albums you will get as a gift.

If happy newlyweds are not you but your acquaintances, friends or relatives, weddings collage picture frames become an excellent idea of gift. Just imagine how great a large newly-weds picture will look in the center, and some small wedding photos around it. Often it is very difficult to choose a really useful gift for young family, which will always be appropriate.

Such gift will be actual especially in case when you are limited in facilities. It is possible to purchase good wedding collage picture frame quite inexpensive, in any case it will look attractive, and, the most important, it will be surely useful. Such photo album is also good as additional present to money gift. Beautiful photo album will exactly be the most memorable gift which, besides all other, is certainly useful.

How To Write Wedding Thank You Notes - 15 Do's and Don'ts

There are two fundamentals of expressing gratitude. First every wedding gift should be acknowledged in writing. And second your acknowledgement should be prompt.

Personal handwritten thank-yous remain the gold standard of courtesy in the age of cellphones, computers, and instant messages. Written notes demonstrate that the writer cares enough about the giver to compose a personalized message and put words to paper.

This Do's and Don'ts checklist should help you avoid common mistakes when expressing gratitude in your thank you notes:

* Do personalize your notes, making reference to the person as well as the gift.

* Do sign your significant other's name along with your own even though you wrote the note.

* Do write thank-you notes to everyone who showed you kindness. The neighbor who accepts your wedding gifts while your at work, the cousin who supervises guest parking at the reception, anyone who helped with wedding preparations should be graciously thanked.

* Don't use cheap store-bought generic cards as it shows very little consideration. You don't need to purchase expensive thank you notes, but cards should be on decent quality paper--avoid your local dollar store!

* Do be enthusiastic, but you don't need to gush. Avoid saying that a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen, unless you really mean it.

* Don't send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don't use email or post generic thank-yous on your wedding website in lieu of personal notes.

* Do send a note after the wedding to everyone in your bridal party thanking them for helping make your day so special.

* Don't mention that you plan to return or exchange a gift or indicate dissatisfaction in any way.

* Don't tailor notes to the perceived value of gifts. No one should receive a dashed-off, perfunctory note.

* Do refer to the use you will make of money gifts. Mentioning the amount is optional.

* Don't include wedding photos or use photo cards if this will delay sending notes.

* Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.

* Don't use lateness in writing your notes as an excuse not to write. If you're still sending thank-you notes after your first anniversary, keep writing.

* Do send a note of thanks to any vendor who went above and beyond your expectations as it will be greatly appreciated.

* Do send you parents a heartfelt Thank you note after you return from your honeymoon.

Wedding Dress Styles - The Anatomy of a Wedding Gown

Before stepping into a bridal salon, you should know the basic wedding dress styles and the terms used to describe them. A wedding dress is typically described by 5 parts: silhouette, sleeves, bodice, neckline and train. For each part of the dress, there are many different styles:

Silhouette The silhouette is the basic shape of the gown:

Ball Gown: The ball gown is characterized by a fitted bodice and a waistline leading to a very full skirt (Think Cinderella)

Empire: An empire-style gown features a high waistline (right under the bust) falling to a slimmer (yet not body-fitting) skirt.

A-Line or Princess: An A-line or Princess shape features vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating and inverted V - or A - shape

Sheath: The slim sheath closely follows the line of the body, creating a form-fitting look

Mermaid: The mermaid style is form fitting at the top, similar to the sheath, and then flows out around the knees, creating a mermaid shape.

Sleeves For wedding gowns, sleeves are more than just long or short. Read below to decide which type of sleeve is best for you.

T-Shirt Sleeves: As the name indicates, these sleeves resemble those of your favorite T-shirt. This style is a good option for brides who want to cover their upper arms but don't want to go all the way.

Cap Sleeves: Shorter than a T-shirt sleeve and more rounded, therefore a little more baring. Cap sleeves work best on women with fairly slender and well-toned upper arms.

Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves: These sleeves cover the upper part of the arms while leaving the tops of the shoulders exposed. The sleeves also cover enough of the upper arm to make most feel comfortable.

¾ Length Sleeves: This style has a classic, ladylike feel, with the sleeves ending midway between the elbow and the wrist. An elegant look suited for a formal or winter wedding.

Spaghetti Straps: These are skinny straps with no sleeves attached. Not for the "arm-shy," this style works best for brides with well-toned upper arms or who just want to look sexy!

Sleeveless: Today, strapless gowns with no sleeves are actually the most popular choice among brides. This style works for many body types.

Bodice As the name indicates, the bodice represents the "body" of the gown, or the section between the neckline and skirt.

Corset: This is a form-fitting bodice, complete with boning and lace-up or snap closures. This bodice style is fashioned after the ladies undergarment with the same name.

Empire: This bodice style ends just below the bust and flares into a full skirt. This style is flattering on almost all body types.

Halter: The halter is a sleeveless bodice that wraps around the neck. Sometimes backless; always sexy.

Midriff: This bodice fits closely around the mid-ribcage, and is a great choice for accentuating a small waist.

Princess-line: This sleek bodice, characterized by two vertical seams that travel from bust to hem, is super-slimming and gives the illusion of extra height.

Surplice: The surplice bodice cross-wraps the fabric in either the front or back.

Tank: The tank is a short, sleeveless top with wide armholes. This popular style looks great on most body types.

Neckline The most noticeable part of the dress in your wedding photos, the right neckline can create a truly stunning wedding gown. Below, we help you decipher the different styles.

Off-The-Shoulder: As the name implies, this neckline sits below the shoulders, showcasing a woman's collarbone and shoulders, while sleeves cover part of the upper arm. This neckline flatters almost all figures.

Portrait: The Portrait neckline is similar to an off-the-shoulder style but additional fabric covers the shoulders. The portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

Sweetheart: Shaped like the top half of a heart, the sweetheart neckline's ability to accentuate décolletage makes it a great option for fuller-chested women.

Sabrina/Bateau: This shape is cut straight across, following the curve of the collarbone to almost the tip of the shoulders, showing less décolletage. This neckline can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.

Halter: The halter wraps around the back of the neck, creating deep armholes. The halter is often paired with a backless style, creating a very sexy look.

Scoop: The classic scoop is a U-shaped neckline, and flatters almost all body types. For a sexier look, it can be cut low. The scoop will often continue on the back of the dress.

Jewel or T-Shirt: Similar to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat. This neckline creates a bustier look.

V-Neck: This neckline dips in the front into a V-shape. Since it de-emphasizes the bustline, this neckline is good for B or C cups.

Train More than any other element of the wedding dress, the bridal train has the ability to transform. It's the elongated back portion of the gown that lies on the floor and trails out behind the bride as she walks, giving her a majestic appearance. Trains date from the Middle Ages, when length worn at court indicated rank. Today, gowns with long chapel and cathedral trains extending past the hem of the dress are considered the most formal, lending themselves to bustling following the ceremony. Watteau and court trains, which spill from the shoulders and fall to the floor or hem, are less formal. And the detachable train - which can be any length - is generally attached to the gown via buttons or hooks, then later removed to reveal a less imposing look.

Ideas for a Dreamy Beach Wedding

More and more couples are planning their wedding day at the beach. Fortunately for you there are many beautiful and unique decorations for you to choose from when a beach wedding is your theme.

Your beach wedding will be less stressful and a lot of fun with these helpful beach wedding decoration ideas.

So let's begin to plan.

Beach Wedding Aisle Runner:

The internet offers a number of choices for beach wedding aisle runners that can be personalized just for you. Scatter real or silk petals down the sides of the runner or if your are having a flower girl she will do the job for you.

Ceremony and Reception Guest Chairs:

Here are a couple of ideas to dress up your guest chairs. Tie a length of theme colored tulle around the chair and tie a huge bow in the back. Add a lovely flower and a six to eight inch palm leaf to the center of the bow. You may tie a ribbon around the back of the chair and rather than a bow tie a cluster of seashells to the middle of the ribbon

Ceremony Arch or Canopy:

Cover the arch with tulle in your theme colors and decorate with small seashell and starfish for a magical look. If you are having a canopy, drape strings of simulated pearls along with small tropical flowers to make a perfectly dreamy place to exchange your vows.

Beach Wedding Photo Backdrop:

Also, to be found on the internet are really nice backdrops for beach weddings that you can set up and have a beach pail of disposible cameras where guests can take one, take a picture and it makes a really fun wedding favor.

Reception Area Decorations:

If it is fire safe, put flaming tiki torches around the perimeter of the reception area and what is more beach and romance than the glow of tiki torches. Drape nets from the walls or ceiling and hang tropical flowers or seashells and starfish from the netting.

Wedding Table Centerpieces:

In keeping with your dreamy beach theme how about filling a clear glass bowl with sand and add small sea shells, glass marbles, faux pearls and small star fish. Place a glass votive in the center and see how the light from the candle reflects beautifully off the shells, marbles and whatever else you have put in the sand.

Miniature lanterns are available in black or white and arrange in the middle of your tables with either a candle or seashells, starfish and other beach items. Use a reflective mirror or sand under the lanterns for a finished look.

Beach Wedding Cakes:

A beach themed wedding cake is a way you can use your personality and creativity in a tasty way. Look through the internet sites and books for ideas and then you need to find a baker that will turn your wedding dream cake into a cake to celebrate your day. It might take time but will really be worth it.

Beach Wedding Music:

As you plan your beach wedding music, the two of you should sit down and discuss the music you like and means the most to both of you. Your wedding is the perfect time to choose those songs you want for your beach theme and your wedding day. If you are using a DJ make sure he knows all your desires well before the day.

A gorgeous rendition for your first dance music is Sam Harris doing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Take a listen to it on YouTube. I bet it gives you goose bumps.

I truly hope these dreamy beach wedding ideas are helpful and perhaps starts your creative juices going and the two of you enjoy your day with family, friends, the sea and the soft warm sand.

Scrapbooking Your First Year Of Marriage

There are so many reasons to scrapbook your first year of marriage. It's a wonderful way to share with new friends how you met, what your interests were, where you lived and what you did.

If you choose to have children, they love to know what life was like prior to their entrance into the world. It can be a lot of fun to share with your children these photos of mom and dad right after they got married.

Every marriage has times of question. "Did I marry the right person?" "Can we really make this marriage work?" and "What did I see in this person?" Having your first year of marriage scrapbooked often helps you answer those questions, which over the years may have lost their answers.

Here are several ideas of pages to create for this first year of marriage scrapbook:

1. A few photos of the wedding itself. Include a few photos of the ceremony, a few photos of the reception and a few photos of those people who stood up for you at your wedding; the bridesmaids and ushers.

2. Any trips or vacations you took that first year. What and where are the places the two of you together enjoyed traveling to?

3. Any day trips you took. Did you two enjoy boating on weekends? Did you enjoy skiing in the winter? Do you both play softball/baseball? Did you go to sports games? How did the two of you spend your time off together?

4. Did you have any pets? Include a few photos of the pets you had/have.

5. Where did you start off living? Take some photos of your first home together. Take photos of both the outside of the house and the inside of the house.

6. Who were your friends? As we get older and move away, sometimes friendships change. Take photos of those who were your friends during this first year together.

7. Do you two have a favorite song? Include the lyrics from that song. Do you have a favorite CD? Consider putting the CD cover in the scrapbook.

8. If you have a favorite television show or movie, see if you can print a page off the internet that shows this move or television show.

9. Do you two have a favorite restaurant? Do they have a take out menu you can have to put into your scrapbook? I actually loved a very small sandwich stand. I could eat there 7 days a week. They did not have a menu, so we drove there and took a photo of the outside of the business. The sandwich stand did eventually go out of business and I loved that I had the photo of the building.

Scrapbooking is telling a story, both through photos and also through words. Both of you should journal in the scrapbook. Both of you should help tell the story of this first year of life together as a married couple.

Renting a Photo Booth - Classic Arcade Style Vs The New Open Layout

If you're shopping around for a photo booth for a wedding or other social event, you may have noticed there are now two radically different types available. There's the traditional arcade style booth, with a bench, a roof and privacy curtains. But there's also a new open design photo booth. The open layout booth ditches the classic boxed-in look, in favor of just having a camera facing a backdrop. Both of these configurations have their pros and cons.

The open booths have two primary benefits. First, larger group shots. Since there is not a limiting little box for your guests to climb into, you can typically squeeze up to 10 people in a group shot. Large group shots are much more fun to take, and create better photographic memories. Secondly, the fun is kept out in the open so everyone can see and participate. The laughter created by 10 people trying to squeeze into a group shot is absolutely contagious. Open booths are typically much easier to transport and can often go where arcade style booths can't. The second floor of a building with no elevator, for example. The trade off is that the open design doesn't look like a traditional photo booth. In fact, it's not a booth at all, even though they call it one. They are also not recommended for outdoor events in the sunlight, unless arrangements are made to block the sunlight. Photos will be inconsistent throughout the day, and some photos may look very bad if direct sunlight is shining on the subjects.

There is still something to be said for the classic arcade style booths. Some people just prefer the nostalgia of an arcade booth. There's no mistaking the signature look of an enclosed booth with privacy curtains. Oh, and about those curtains, if you think some of your guests would like to pose au natural after a few libations, then the enclosed arcade booth is definitely for you! Arcade booths can also be a better choice if there are space concerns, as they have a much smaller footprint than the area taken up by an open photo booth. The arcade style booth is highly recommended for outdoor events when sunlight may be a factor. Since they are enclosed, there is a much more controlled environment to take consistent photos for the duration of the event. Of course the downside is that the typical arcade photo booth will only fit 2-4 guests at a time.

Be on the lookout for the latest in technology, live video recording. Some booths will offer your guests the option to record a short video for the guest of honor after they have posed for their photo strip. This is what wedding videographers used to go table to table to do. But doing the video in the booth affords the guest some privacy, and since it is optional, no one is put on the spot and made to feel uncomfortable. The downside of the video photo booth is that it may take longer to get guests in and out of the booth. It is recommended that if you rent a photo booth with video capability, you reserve it for a longer period of time than you would a regular photo booth. You want all your guests to have the opportunity to use the booth. Some vendors will also rent you a second booth for your event at a significant discount since two booths side by side will typically still only require the watchful eyes of one attendant.

Which ever style you decide on, shop a few companies. Try to base your decision on the entertainment value the booth will provide to your event. Be sure to check with your venue too. Most catering managers have seen photo booths in their venue and they may have some thoughts about what works best for their particular location.

Choosing Between the $2000 and $10,000 Wedding Photographer

Very often couples have to consider this question when they are planning their weddings. Should they preserve some money by booking the cheaper photographer? Or should they go for the more expensive photographer?

The answer to this question is not always easy and it is perhaps appropriate to look at the qualities of a good photographer. Firstly there is an artistic element involved, namely the ability to select good photo opportunities or 'too see a good photo' and then secondly comes the technical factors that include things like equipment and the ability of the photographer to use that equipment to its maximum.

Whilst the more expensive photographer may have more expensive equipment he could be lacking in the artistic department and Vice versa. Considering the fact that excellent photos can be taken with just about any good digital S.L.R. camera then the choice should be made on the grounds of ability and experience.

The solution is to have a look at their portfolios. An experienced photographer should be able to show say at least a hundred excellent photos from many different weddings instead of a hundred good photos from only one wedding. Look at the photos and style of the photographer. Are the photos unique or different? If you like it, make a booking. A bad photographer will not get many weddings and will therefore not be able to present you with an excellent portfolio. If you wish you can also follow up references but I would not attach to much value to this as the references are usually selected. You would therefore never get the opportunity to speak to an unhappy customer. The best measure of judging ability will therefore almost always be the photo portfolio.