Sunday, October 5, 2008

Paying For Your Wedding - Setting a Budget is Imperative

By Samuel Abdullah

When it comes to paying for your wedding, the first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you set up a wedding budget. So many couples end up having huge wedding debt to deal with after they get married, and this can be difficult on any relationship. Usually the reason that this happens is because they don't set up a budget. So, here are some tips on how you can set up a budget and stick to it.

Sit Down and Talk with Your Fiancé

The first thing you need to do is sit down and have a talk with your fiancé. Talk about the wedding that you want to have. Make sure you discuss clothing, colors, venues, flowers, food, music, and anything else you can think of. You want everything out there on the table so you both know what you are considering for the big day.

List What You Need and Want

Next you'll want to make out a list of what you need and want for your wedding. Decide if you need a wedding planner, consider the ceremony location, a photographer, food and beverages for the reception, a venue for the reception, wedding cake, a wedding dress, invitations, and everything else that you want. Then you'll want to decide what matters most to you.

Find Out If Others are Contributing

Before you can totally develop your wedding budget, you'll want to know if others are going to be contributing to your wedding. Find out if your parents or the parents of your fiancé are going to contribute at all to the wedding. If not, that's okay, but if they do, make sure you thank them graciously.

Calculate all the Money Available

Once you know who is contributing, make sure you figure out how much you and your fiancé have to contribute as well. Calculate all the money that is available so you know how much money you have to work with throughout the planning stages for your wedding. Some couples decide to take out a small loan to help out with the costs as well. If you do this, make sure you add it to the amount you have available to spend.

Keep Reviewing Your Budget Throughout the Process

After you know your budget, you're ready to start planning the wedding. However, throughout the process, make sure that you keep reviewing your budget and what you are spending. This way you'll stay on track and you won't suddenly realize you're short when you have a big purchase to make for the wedding.

Creating a budget is truly one of the most important things you can do when you are working to pay for a wedding. Weddings are expensive and the costs can really rack up fast. So, set your budget and stick to it so you are able to start out your life together without having a huge amount of debt hanging over your heads. When you know that your wedding is paid for, you'll be able to enjoy your day a whole lot more.

Samuel Abdullah is the Author and father of six daughters so he knows all about wedding budgets.

Visit his site for more useful information for your wedding plans.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Groom Cake - What You Need To Know About The Groom Cake

By Samuel Abdullah

It sounds rather odd, doesn't it? Traditionally, we all know that weddings must have the requisite wedding cake, the higher-tiered the better. So what is a groom cake? And why isn't there a bride cake, as well?

Actually, there is a cake for the bride, it's the aforementioned requisite wedding cake with the many tiers. The groom cake is a darker cake, cut during the reception and packaged as smaller individual pieces for the unmarried ladies in attendance to take home. Tradition has it that these women will place a piece of the cake under their pillows to dream of their true love. The cake was originally made of fruit, nuts and honey, like a fruitcake, and hard enough to leave under your pillow without staining the bedsheet with frosting. Perhaps these women eventually realized that the dream-inducing cakes were unreliable and the groom cake later functioned as part of the dining menu, cut during the reception, but passed around the guests with a glass of champagne for toasting the couple.

So what was the bride's cake for then? Well, again according to tradition, the bridal cake was to be broken over the heads of the couple, so another cake had to be available for the guests, who are quite unwilling to pick bits of cake from a bride's head. As this particular tradition fortunately evolved into slicing the cake, the groom cake became unnecessary, especially for couples who are trying to save on wedding expenses, and the bridal cake became today's wedding cake. At some point, if you notice, it became the standard for wedding cakes to be fruitcake under the white fondant, in a merging of all these different traditions.

Recently, groom cakes have made a comeback. Brides have taken to ordering groom cakes as a surprise for their husbands. These cakes are usually specially designed to represent the grooms, what they are like, or even what the brides love about them. Some cakes have these symbolic designs placed as toppings on the cake, a model airplane perhaps for the pilot, or a sugar drumset for the musician, or the cake can be shaped and designed accordingly, into a sportscar or a golf course. Or the cake can also appear in its original form, being the cake your new husband makes you go out with him at 3 in the morning to satisfy a craving.

Groom cakes can be served at the bachelor party (and suddenly, other designs come to mind), the rehearsal dinner, or at the wedding reception itself, sitting beside the wedding cake and providing an alternative dessert. It celebrates the groom, and, why not? After all, it's his day, too.

Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding visit http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com today!
© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Designer Wedding Cake - What You Need to Know

By Samuel Abdullah

The wedding cake is one of the most important aspects of a reception. This piece is the center of attention after the bride and groom. It is usually a prominent piece and is displayed in the middle of the room for everyone to view.

A designer wedding cake is vital for the reception after a wedding. It is a fabulous tradition that has been happening for centuries.There are various companiesthat can provide a fabulous designer wedding cake with ease.

An individual can find these places online or in their hometown.

The companies can show their works of art or the bride and groom can design their own cake for

this special occasion.

An individual can choose different styles of themes designed around their special day. They are cakes that can be styles of ancient times.

These antique pieces are a cream cake and they can be any colors a person would like. Wonderful designs of lace and red roses can be placed on the top and sides. A person could choose box, round,rectangle or oblong cakes.

They can be presented with figures, elegant wording or hearts. These pieces could be butter cream, chocolate, different mixtures of fruit,pineapple or anything else a person could imagine.

The top of the cake could be completely fresh flowers, any style of figurines or it could be a tall display that is propped up with stilts so this creation does not fall. The skies the limit of whatan individual can choose for their designer cake.

There are locations that a person can taste test various cakes to decide exactly what flavorthey would like for their special day.

Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding visit http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com today!
© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Wedding Cake - Wedding Cake For The Budget Minded

By Samuel Abdullah

Everyone knows that the bride wants everything to be organized for her special day and of course she wants a fabulous cake. Most girls when they are young dream of what their wedding will be like one day, but when you are that young you don't realize the cost that's involved in a wedding. Besides all the essentials, clothing, food and beverages, venue, etc, that you can't really have an alternative for, there is one expensive item that can be massively reduced; the wedding cake!

Wedding cakes can be designed basically anyway that you want it to be, but not everyone can afford to pay $200- $500 just for something that's going to be eaten in about a half hour. This is where fake wedding cakes come in. Hold it! I know what you are thinking, that sounds so cheap, I'd never do that on the most special day of my life.........it's actually a really good idea if you are on a slight budget for your wedding. You can still have the wedding cake of your dreams!

These fake wedding cakes are becoming very popular all over as brides are not being able to afford such extravagant cakes but they want their wedding to be as they always dreamed it would be. (Or they just want to save the money for the honeymoon!) With these fake wedding cakes, there is normally a compartment in the cake that can keep one slice of real cake for the bride and groom to share. Then you can have a not so extravagant cake for all the guests to eat. It's cheaper, looks great and its different, why not have something different at your wedding, everyone has a big cake that can be eaten, where you can have a big fake cake that only you and your new spouse can eat from!

Another great reason for having a fake cake at your wedding is that you can keep it. What will be of more sentimental value than the cake you had at your wedding? You can keep it for as long as you want to, and it can even be used as a reminder of the lovely day at your anniversaries! If you don't want a fake wedding cake that you can keep forever, you can rent one. It will still be the design and color you would like it to be, the only difference is it will save you even more money, you can show it off on your big day and take it back to the store afterwards.

Fake wedding cakes are made from soft foam and are frosted with icing substance made from fondant and gum paste. No one will be able to see that it is fake just by looking at it; it looks real and can still be the color and design of your choice. The icing on the fake is edible just in case someone decides they want to taste it when no ones looking.

Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding visit http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com today!

© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Beautiful Cheap Wedding Rings - Finding Beautiful But Cheap Wedding Rings

By Samuel Abdullah

Finding a set of beautiful, but cheap wedding rings may take some searching and some creativity, but it's definitely possible to find a pretty set of rings without spending an absolute fortune. The general rule of thumb many people follow when deciding on a set price for their wedding rings is one month's salary. However, there is no set rule when it comes to purchasing your rings, choose the price that you can afford and that you'll both feel comfortable with.

Before heading right to the jewelry store, first keep in mind that just about any type of ring that strikes your fancy may serve as a wedding ring. More and more couples are choosing to pass on the traditional gold and diamond bands. A different and unique style of ring that's all your own is a great way to lend a personal touch to your wedding.

Some people also decide to visit several jewelers just to see what styles of rings are out there and which type may pique their interest, and then buy a similar ring at a huge savings elsewhere. Many manufacturers of wedding rings also have their own websites and offer discounts when buying directly from them instead of going through a jeweler. Your wedding rings are symbols of your love for one another, so you'll want to choose wisely before buying the first ring that fit into your budget. With the wide selection available on the internet, be sure to do plenty of research and "window shopping" before it's actually time to buy.

If you'll be choosing your rings together, a great way to start your search is online. You'll be able to find countless styles of rings while comparison shopping right from home. And if your fiancé is choosing the rings, you'll still be able to offer input so they'll know what styles you like and which you don't.

Online retailers are often able to offer great discounts as a virtual store doesn't have the same overhead costs as the brick and mortar kind. Just make sure you're dealing with a reliable merchant so you know you'll be getting what they promise.

Many department stores also surprisingly have great selections of jewelry at significantly lower prices than traditional jewelry stores. And most every retailer has clearance sale events throughout the year, especially after the holidays when they're trying to get rid of last year's stock to make way for the new merchandise.

There's also no law that says bridal rings have to have real diamonds, especially if you are following a strict budget. Today there are several types of man-made "diamonds" that would fool a pro without their jeweler's loupe. Gold prices are relatively reasonable, and gold never tarnishes. To save a considerable amount of money, stick with real gold but have cubic zirconium or some other type of made-made gem as opposed to diamonds. Whatever route you choose, finding cheap wedding rings isn't as hard as it seems. And after all, it's the sentiment and meaning behind the rings that matters most, not the price printed on the tag.

Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding visit http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com today!
© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineA

Wedding Hairstyles - Finding the Perfect Look for Your Big Day

By
Samuel
Abdullah


Finding the absolute perfect hairstyle for your wedding takes a bit of
thought and some planning in order to ensure you'll be happy with your look
on the big day.

First, it's best to consider the overall theme of your
wedding when deciding upon your hairstyle. Is it going to be a formal type
of event or a more casual affair? What type of jewelry will you be wearing,
and what style dress are you planning on wearing? If you're wearing your
hair up in some way, dangly or elaborate earrings are appropriate, but if
your hair is down, you may want to consider a smaller, simpler type of
earring.


One of the most popular types of hairstyles for brides today is the
upsweep, or up-do as it's sometimes called. The upsweep may actually be done
in several different ways, depending on the length of the hair and the look
you're trying to achieve. From the simple ponytail to intricate braids to
the French twist, an upsweep can be either stunningly elegant or completely
simple.


You'll also want to keep in mind what type of headpiece you'll be wearing
on your wedding day when deciding on your hairstyle. A tiara looks fabulous
with hair that's pulled back in some way, and if you'll be wearing a long
veil, or even a crown made of flowers, perhaps you could leave your hair
down and flowing.


If your hair is on the shorter side, you'll want to decide if you'd like
to have curls or a straighter, simpler do, or even if you'd like to try hair
extensions for this all important special occasion.


Many hair stylists and salons offer free consultations to brides-to-be so
that they can talk to the stylist, and let them know exactly what they're
really looking for or expecting from their wedding hairstyle before the big
day actually arrives. Some brides choose to have a "trial run" and have
their hair as well as their bridesmaids hair done the week before the
wedding to be sure they chose the most complementary styles.


When browsing through the hairstyle and bridal magazines, pay attention
to the hairdos on models who have faces that are shaped like yours. Also,
look for styles on brides that are wearing dresses made similar to the one
you'll be wearing. Sometimes, a style look a certain way on one person, but
may not be that good of a look for another.


Also, if you're having a professional stylist do your hair, do let them
know exactly what type of dress and jewelry you'll be wearing.


If you're planning on dying your hair, getting highlights or changing the
color in any way, it's always a good idea to do this several weeks before
the big day. Any drastic haircuts or changes in style should be done a few
months before the wedding to give yourself a chance to get used to the "new
you" and to make any necessary adjustments.









Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding
visit

http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com
today!



© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.



Monday, April 28, 2008

Wedding Costs - What You Need To Know About Wedding Costs

By Samuel Abdullah

Wedding costs have more than doubled since the year of 1990. The average cost of an American wedding now is $27,000, a large difference from the average cost of $15,000 in the year 1990. A price, which many are unaware of, and certainly unprepared for.

Since the year 2000, the number of weddings has increased by 200,000 per year.

Wedding Cost and Tradition

In years past, it was always tradition that the brides' parents pay for the wedding. This is now not the case. A recent survey shows that only 30% of brides' parents now pay for the wedding, leaving a majority of brides and grooms to pay for their own weddings, with a little help from both sets of parents.

Having a destination wedding has become increasingly popular over the last ten years. Approximately 16% of couples opt to have a destination wedding, costing on average $26,000 when the average household income is $93,000.

Wedding Cost Have Increased Across the Board

According to research almost all wedding expenses have increased over the years by 20%, including the bride's and groom's attire (increased by 30%), engagement rings (increased by 25%) and wedding bands have increased by a huge 60%.

Yet, despite a great increase in wedding costs, 2.5 million Americans get married every year.

The customary wedding was, in the past, a trip to the alter and a straightforward reception, making the wedding low cost. But this is now definitely a thing of the past, because brides and grooms desire the full works, the best location, flowers, a huge cake, bridesmaids and page boys, stylish outfits, extravagant food at the reception etc, all amounting to a very considerable sum of money.

Some of the extras that are now included with the typical wedding, and that bump up the price of the wedding by on average 25% now days are:

• Photography and videography, costing on average $2,500.
• Rehearsal dinner, costing on average of $1,000.
• Extra flowers, costing on average of $1,200.
• Limousine service, costing on average $800.

These were not a thing of the past.

Many brides and grooms are opting to have family and friends help with arrangements. For example, finding a friend or family to make and help arrange the flowers. Having a simple one or two tier wedding cake, if possible made by a friend or family member also.

Many brides and grooms now opt to hire their wedding dresses and tuxedos along with bridesmaid and page boy outfits for the big day, spending on average $700 for the rental instead of an average of $4,000.

Some couples opt to take out a bank loan in order to pay for their wedding, but with interest costs added, it ends up being a more expensive wedding than first envisaged.

If a budget is set, then it is important to try and stick to that budget as not to cause disappointment.

Learn how to save on your wedding cost for more tips on wedding visit http://www.WeddingCostAverage.com today!
© 2007 Samuel Abdullah - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.