Yazir

As you probably have begun to realize, planning a wedding is both exciting and often more than a little nerve-wracking. Preparing for a ceremony as special as a wedding is plenty of cause for excitement and anticipation. However, there is so much to do and, most likely, since you’ll want it to all go perfectly that’s plenty of cause for anxiety and stressed nerves. And when you consider that it isn’t the kind of thing we do on a regular basis, nor something that we normally have any training for, you need to ease up a little on the quest for perfection and try to focus on the excitement.

Your wedding dress is likely to be the most significant component of the wedding ceremony. Everyone’s eyes will be on the bride. Whatever style of wedding you settle on, you’ll find that there’s a lot of traditions that relate to the wedding ceremony - even with some of the more unusual themed weddings. Still, there is room for you to add your own special touches - to make your wedding uniquely your own.

If you’ve never thought about actually designing your own wedding dress, you should give it some thought. If you’ve priced wedding dresses, you’ll be aware that even low-end brands may cost over 5 or 6 hundred dollars. Dresses sold by bridal shops tend to include a lot of overhead and additional costs which you can avoid by designing your own wedding dress. If you have a friend or relative who is well-skilled in sewing, you can save even more money. One of the greatest benefits of designing your own wedding dress is that you will end up with a true one of a kind, a wedding dress no one else owns.

One caution - before you start designing be certain that you have or can find a person with the needed skills to actually create your wedding dress from your designs and ideas. This is not something you can wait until the last minute to do. You’ll need to spend some significant time working with this person - well in advance of the wedding - so make sure of both the person’s skills and availability.

A good place to start generating ideas for your wedding dress design is to consider the theme of the wedding and when and where it’ll be held. Is it going to be a summer wedding? A winter wedding? Will it be outdoors or indoors? Will the reception be indoors or outdoors? What special characteristics does the location have? This is particularly important for an outdoor wedding since the answers can have a significant bearing on the style of wedding dress you design. As an example, an outdoor wedding in Texas in the month of August requires a wedding dress design that will not leave you soaked in perspiration. You should also consider how formal or informal the wedding ceremony itself will be.

If you don’t already have some ideas for a design, a good place to start may be with bridal magazines, wedding dress catalogs and even on-line bridal shops. All these can be good sources for ideas to use in designing your own wedding dress.

While you are always free to design your wedding dress to reflect your personal style, most likely you’ll want to follow one of the standard shapes generally used for wedding dresses:

A-line - Empire - Straight - Ball Gown - Mermaid - Strapless.

The shape of your body is an important factor in choosing a wedding dress shape that is most appropriate for you. If you have a full figure, or what is considered a “pear” shape, an A-line style dress may work best for you. A dress with this style accents the top-half of the body which is smaller while concealing a larger bottom half.

Not many women tend to opt for a straight wedding dress, including women with coke-bottle figures for whom this style of wedding dress was designed.

If neither of these styles seems to suit you, then a ball gown may be a good choice. This style of wedding dress has a snugger fit at the waist with a somewhat exaggerated full skirt.

A strapless style can be integrated with several shapes. The so-called mermaid style tends to be somewhat uncomfortable and not particularly popular. If you feel uncertain about what shape may work best for you, you can always visit a bridal shop and try on several styles to find the one that appeals most to you.

Once you have chosen the shape, design and style for your wedding dress, you are ready to consider the type of material. Silk and linen are both commonly used in creating wedding dresses. Both can be fairly costly and linen, in particular, tends to be quite delicate and require considerable care when putting the wedding dress together. There are also blended materials which use silk or linen along with other man-made materials allowing the creation of a fabric which is both beautiful and substantially easier to work with.

Once you’ve decided on the shape and design, and chosen the fabric, it’s time to get together with the individual who will be making the wedding dress for and begin bringing the wedding dress of your dreams out of your dreams and into reality.

Copyright 2006 Richard Keir

You can visit Elena’s Completely Weddings at http://Completely-Weddings.com for more on weddings and wedding dresses.

There are of course lots of times to host the perfect wedding, but the summer months continue to be among the most popular times for weddings to take place.

The summer months have a great many advantages, and many brides to be would never dream of having their wedding at any other time of year.

Summer Wedding Invitations Are Among The Most Popular

One of the best things about the world of summer weddings is the ready availability of summer weddings invitations.

These invitations can be among the most beautiful of all wedding invitations, and it is easy to understand why they are so popular just by doing a bit of shopping around.

Matching The Invitations To The Type Of Wedding

There are of course many different kinds of summer wedding invitations, and they run the gamut from the most elaborate and elegant to the simplest and most casual.

It is important, of course, to choose a style of wedding invitation that best suits both your needs and the nature of the ceremony itself.

It is important to match the type of wedding to the type of ceremony, and to start shopping around as early as possible in order to get the best possible choice of invitations for your own wedding.

Using A Post Card For Destination Wedding Is Becoming More Popular

There are certainly some unique summer wedding invitations on the market, and one of the most unique are the resort postcards that can be used as wedding invitations for those great destination weddings.

Many of those who decide to embark on a wedding at a destination resort will get postcards from that resort and use the pictures on those postcards for the wedding invitations.

These great summer wedding invitations are a great way to show your guests the beauty of the wedding location, while at the same time giving them all the information they need to attend your special day.

Ideas For Making Your Summer Wedding Invitations More Popular

Another great way to make those wedding invitations even more unique and beautiful is to include personal touches on those invitations.

Including special things like a favorite song verse, a favorite poem or a favorite photograph is a great way to make those wedding invitations even more special and to make them into a cherished keepsake for your invited guests.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/summer_wedding_theme.html.

Some elements of the Cinderella wedding are downright obvious — the extra-full ball gown, the elbow-length gloves. And let’s not forget the pumpkin carriage that’s sure to show up somewhere, whether it be the place cards, the centerpieces, or a giant prop piece near the entrance.

But with Princess weddings — as with any other kind — it’s the details that make the difference, and getting those right often brings the bride the most satisfaction. Here are some suggestions for feeling that Cinderella magic right down to your glass-slippered toes.

The Headband

No one will fault you for wearing a crystal-studded royal tiara and necklace set. But Cinderella herself wore something a little different. The Disney movie was created in the 50s, when headbands were all the rage, and Ella herself seemed especially partial to them. Even on her wedding day, she wore a sparkling headband right on the top of her crown, in the simple 50s style. A waltz or ballet length veil sat low on the back of her head, almost at the nape of her neck. Without much difficulty, you can still find a rhinestone-studded wedding headband today.

The Neckwear

Cinderella’s choice of neckwear was a little more timeless. Often, you’ll see her don a simple one-stranded pearl choker. But it seems that her favorite adornment was the satin ribbon choker, which she wore in racy, Nicole Kidman-style black. You might not want to be as daring as Cinderella at your wedding, but the satin choker is fabulous, especially if you can purloin an antique ribbon from a beloved grandmother. Now you’re the walking embodiment of elegance, and you have “something old” covered.

The Glass Slippers

It’s common knowledge that you can get dramatic “glass slippers” (actually vinyl) for your royal stroll down the aisle. But glass slippers come in more casual, comfortable forms as well. Look for the open-toed variety, which give off all that fairytale spark, but leave your tootsies cool when it’s time to dance the night away. Sure, Prince Charming might find these less useful as a bridal homing device, but he’s already found his princess.

The Bluebirds of Happiness

Bluebirds played a major role in Cinderella’s rise to the top, yet they usually get short shrift at a princess-theme wedding. Don’t forget these perennial symbols of nuptial good luck at yours. A lovely way to include them is to track down a small bluebird keepsake charm or clip you can affix to your garter, toasting flutes or bouquet. Hallmark has one that simply glows. There you have it — “something blue.”

The Dove Release

You could argue that this isn’t an accessory, but it’s our article, so we’re calling it one. Doves aren’t the key characters in Disney’s version that they were in the original Grimm story — and thank goodness for that — but they still define the moment when the prince and princess unite in marriage. For any Cinderella wedding, they’re a must. But some “dove” handlers (the doves are actually white homing pigeons) have something more to offer the princess bride, such as ornate pumpkin coach carriages that double as cages. These can be placed near the altar for some romantic cooing action, then rolled down the aisle for a dramatic release once you’ve become husband and wife. For the biggest fireworks-like sensation, release the first two doves yourselves, but let pro handlers manage the rest.

The Guestbook Picture Frame

If you’re true Cinderella aficionado, those full-color Walt Disney prints of the royal couple probably get your heart beating a little faster. Buy one framed with a large white matte. Or if you really want the signature frame but don’t want the $150 price tag, buy the print separately and make a few patient trips to the thrift store. At a large one, you’ll typically find a dizzying sample of frames and mattes you can usually get for pocket change. That’s quite the return on something you’ll love looking at for years.

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is editor at FavorIdeas.com. Stop by for Cinderella wedding favors — then learn more about Disney weddings. This article also appears at our site under Cinderella Accessories.

Loving and living together make a wonderful life. If a couple is in deep love with each other, and loyal with the commitment of staying together till death, it will be a beautiful life. After all, we want relationships that survive. We want relationships that help us grow in life, fight the odds, and enjoy life.

Is this possible? The trend is to separate if there is any mismatch. How is it possible to find a partner with whom one can blissfully spend life together forever? To have such a blessed life, the first need is of caring for each other. When we genuinely care for the other person, we forgive a lot, we tolerate a lot and we adjust everything. The central reason is care. I care for my spouse. I love him/her and I know about all the habits that I hate and everything that is not very lovable. But my love and care looks away from all this and looks towards only one thing- care. Does a mother ever think of separating from her child? No- because she cares. And equally or rather more importantly, she can never imagine doing this.

Can you think of your partner in the same way? In the journey of life, you will come across many persons of opposite sex who will look much better suited than your partner. Will you entertain that possibility of leaving your partner? If you decide not to, you can overcome all such temptations.

Expectations also play a big role in a relationship. We expect and when we don’t get, we are disappointed. We may get angry and if the anger persists, separation results. The best way is to spell out all your expectations. Point out whenever you feel they are not being met and try to ignore as many situations as you can when your expectations are not being met. Sounds complicated? It is rather simple. As you expect, your partner also expects. You may think of yourself as a perfect human being, but you are not. So the mistakes will occur on both the sides. What should be done? First, ignore, and if not possible, point out and if still not changed, bear and forgive. But decide to live together because you care. Genuine love can beat all the obstacles on its path. If both of you are in genuine love that binds you together, nothing can ever separate you. If you are in deep and genuine love, decide to overcome all the obstacles on the way and you will be able to do that easily.

CD Mohatta writes for messages in desktop wallpapers, screensavers and egreetings. You can view some of them at these links - Inspirational Wallpapers, Ecard Universe and Cupid Ecards.

Every person set on joining their lives together with another wants the ceremony to be perfect. Each one wants to make a lasting impression on every single person at the wedding. I’m sure you are no exception.

But every year many, many people spend thousands of extra dollars on weddings that may or may not be memorable. Sure, you can have a fantastic event for $50,000, but you don’t have to spend that kind of money to have a wonderful, individual, fun and memorable service.

There are many ways to cut costs for your wedding, but I want to focus on just one area: where you shop. Here is a cardinal rule:

Don’t shop at any store or in any catalog that says “bridal” or has a bridal theme unless you’ve comparison shopped elsewhere. In almost every case, just adding the name or the thought of “bridal” inflates the cost of everything in the store or the book.

Take the case of candles, for instance. Candles are wonderful for wedding decorations. Votive candles, especially, not only look beautiful on tables at the reception, but make lovely favors for family members and special friends to take home. However, there is no real difference between the votive candles you buy in most wedding shops and catalogs and the ones you buy in the dollar store.

Do you really think that if you pay $1 per candle and holder at a dollar store, everybody is going to look at them and immediately think, “cheap?:” Well, let me assure you, they won’t. Some of the prettiest holders and candles I have ever seen have been in discount stores, and I have seen the same ones in bridal catalogs for five times the price.

Dollar stores, in fact, are also wonderful sources for containers for edible favors or potpourri. I recently bought one dollar packages of 8 small favor boxes and of 8 paper cones at Dollar Tree, identical to the ones I saw in a catalog for $15 for 12.

Another great place to shop for wedding decorations and favors is on Ebay. If you don’t want to bother bidding, you can get excellent prices on many smaller wedding items with the “Buy It Now” option.

Invitations are another costly item for weddings. If you have a good printer, you can buy very nice printable ones at most office supply stores, and print them yourself for about a third of the cost of ordering them printed.

Catalogs are great sources for ideas, but you can often adapt these ideas yourself, and save a lot of money. For instance, personalized candy bar wrappers are wonderful for creating candy favors. Do a search in a reliable search engine, as I did, and you will find that you can print them yourself online for free, at a number of websites. All you need then is some candy bars and a glue gun to seal the wrappers, and you’ve saved a lot of money. Or, just today I saw a very cute idea: heart-shaped cookie cutters attached to personalized cards. These would be great to use as both favors and place cards. All you have to do to save money is go and buy a set of plastic or metal cookie cutters in the kitchen section of a discount store or grocery and make your own cards, and they won’t cost you $38, the price in this particular catalog for 12.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this: Don’t let vanity cause you to spend unnecessary money where it won’t be noticed. If you want to splurge, splurge on the three things people really remember: the gown, the flowers, and the food, in that order. Everything else is even more wonderful if you don’t have to spend the honeymoon money to get it.

Rhetta Akamatsu is a wedding consultant and seminar instructor in Marietta, GA. She is the owner of Rose and Star Wedding Planning.

You may visit Rose and Star Wedding Planning at http://www.roseandstar.com

“How do you know when you’ve met the right one?”
Almost everyone asks this question at some point in their lives; unfortunately, there are not too many who get a concrete answer. But if you’re reading this article, then you’re one of the lucky few.

Interestingly, the criteria for choosing a spouse can be reduced to just four characteristics. If you can find somebody with all four then it’s highly likely that you’ve found your life partner.

1) What is This Person’s Core Values?

Before you decide to marry someone, make sure that they are fully committed to some kind of objective moral and ethical standard. Whether we realize it or not, everyone has some kind of core value that is central to their personality. And when push comes to shove, that value is going to be the most important thing in the world to that person.

For example: Jerry’s core value is adventure. When Jerry starts to date Diana, he happens to be volunteering at the local Emergency Room. He goes there every night, holds people’s hands, calms them down. And Diana is thinking to herself that Jerry must have a heart of gold if this is how he’s spending his spare time. Now, Jerry might really have a heart of gold. But he’s volunteering because of his love for adventure. The ER is filled with action, it’s exciting. So right now, Jerry’s adventurousness happens to be expressing itself in a kind way. But that could change. Jerry might stop volunteering, and start trying other adventures that Diana may find unpleasant, dangerous, or even unethical.

However, if Jerry’s core value is a commitment to goodness and caring, then everything he does will rotate around that, including his marriage. And Diana will be a very lucky woman if she marries him.

So how do you get to know the true Jerry? Surprisingly, it’s not that difficult. No matter what a person’s core value is, you will see him or her sacrificing for it on a daily basis. If Jerry’s core value is adventure, then he might risk an accident in order to speed through an intersection or arrive late at work because he followed a police chase. If Diana follows him carefully, she’ll see that he places adventure above other important things on his list of priorities.

But if Jerry’s core value is goodness, then Diana will see him give up on certain things in order to be kind. If the waiter mixes up his order, he’ll say thank you and eat the dish anyway. He’ll let the other guy cross the intersection first, or he might be late to work because he drove a little old lady home with her groceries. If Diana follows him carefully, then she’ll see him let go of some of his own desires in order to take care of other people.

So look for someone who is committed at the core to a higher set of values that you can appreciate.

2) Does This Person Treat Others Well?

Number two is obvious: You want to marry someone who is going to take care of you and treat you well. How to figure it out? Simple. Spend time with this person, and pay attention to how they treat others whom they don’t necessarily care about because they’re not trying to charm them. Do they thank the attendant who pumped gas for them? Are they courteous to people at checkout counters? Do they curse out people who don’t deliver on time, like telephone operators or overworked waitresses? Do they tend to drive aggressively, as if there’s no one else on the road?

Ask yourself questions like these and take note of the answers - because they reflect characteristics that will come out down the line. Most people don’t guard themselves so carefully that they’ll hide how they treat others. So watch them, and you’ll know how they’re going to treat you after you’re married.

3) Do We Communicate Well With Each Other?

In other words, make sure that you understand each other. This may seem obvious, but it’s not.
Sometimes you can see a couple in a fight and they argue for an hour, two hours, maybe even overnight. And then, at the end of round 16, it turns out that the whole thing was just a misunderstanding: “Oh, I thought you meant that…That’s not what you meant? Oh, then we agree.”

Although on an occasional basis this can happen to anyone, if it’s happening constantly then it’s not a good sign because that may not change. If you’re constantly misunderstanding each other, then you might want to put this relationship on hold for a while.

4) Are We Physically Attracted to Each Other?

Physical attraction is an essential part of marriage. You cannot marry someone if you aren’t physically attracted to them. And while men arrive at this conclusion somewhat quickly, women should give themselves some more time. Very often, a woman may not feel attracted to a man initially, but after she gets to know him she finds him much more attractive than before.
A word of caution: Although physical attraction is essential, you can’t base a marriage on physicality. Whatever is going on physically is meant to be an expression of something deep that is happening on the emotional and spiritual level. The rule is - make sure that physical attraction is there, but don’t get swept away by it. The other three characteristics are just as important, if not more so.

So there you have it. The next time you date someone, put what you’ve learned here into practice. It’ll save you a lot of time and heartache, and you might find yourself walking down the aisle faster than you think.

David LeVine, the director of Warm Wisdom Press, works on publishing projects that bring more happiness into the world.

The Victorian era wedding ceremony is usually governed by the religious formularies of the church to which the bride and groom may belong, which chooses the clergyman for its performance.

The bride has typically two bridesmaids, and the groom the same number of groomsmen. However, it is possible to alter the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. It is merely a guideline not a law, and it may be modified. The appropriate Victorian ceremony is normally performed at 12 o’clock in the day, at the church, which is first entered by the bride resting on the arm of her father, uncle, or the person is to “give her away.” Next comes the groom along side the mother or closest female relative. The groomsmen and bridesmaids, arm in arm follow the bride and groom. The closest relatives complete the procession to the altar, where the bride and groom take their places in advance, with the parents closely following, and the rest gathered in a group around them.

The groom is responsible for presenting the wedding ring, and have it in readiness at the appropriate moment when called upon to place it on the brides ring finger. The ring is placed on the third finger from, but not counting the thumb of the left hand.

After the marriage ceremony is complete, the question now and then arises whether the bride is to be kissed by the groom. Historically, the kiss is considered improper behavior, but it is, of course, common practice today. In conclusion, friends and family in the church congratulate the bride and groom. Elderly relatives may kiss the bride in congratulation. Queen Victoria herself was kissed by the Duke of Sussex, but not by Prince Albert.

The newly weds then return to the bride’s house together, taking precedence of all, and, on arrival, assume a standing position at one end of the reception-room and await the coming of the invited guests, who, as they enter, are presented by the groomsmen to offer their congratulations. The usual breakfast or dinner closes the Victorian marriage ceremony.

Wedding Favors
Wedding reception favors personalized, wedding candles, favor bags.

As most of you know the evening festivities for a bachelor party are already pre-determined. They usually involve some combination of limos, nightclubs, and gentlemen’s clubs. But, the difficult question that always remains is: what are we going to do during the day? There are a plethora of options for the guys to choose from and I am sure this list will help:

Golfing

Can you think of a more fitting way to spend the daylight hours of a bachelor party? Picture this: a gloriously sunny day with manicured fairways, freshly raked bunkers, and the sounds of that 300 yard drive and that 10 foot putt for birdie. And who could forget, the beer cart girls! Hit the links and then the 19th hole with all the boys. Make the day more interesting by having a ‘best ball’ tournament with the losers on beer duty for the night. Enjoy a day of good laughs, cold beers, and get a tan while you are doing it. A round of golf is definitely a great way to prime up for a huge evening.

Paintball

What could be better than hitting your good friend with a paint bullet where the sun don’t shine? Paintball is another great day time activity to get things fired up and to have some full-contact fun. Here is your opportunity to finally be the sniper you always wanted to be. A few words of advice though - Don’t forget your jock.

Bungee Jumping

Well, your buddy is making the big leap leaving the single life behind. You can always tell him that this adventure is symbolic of his impending marriage. Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Your adrenaline will pump through your body like a cascading waterfall. The wind will rush against your face as gravity flings you towards the earth. Well, if this sounds like the adventure you guys are looking for, incorporate some bungee jumping into your bachelor party planning.

Car Racing

Ah yes, the smell of burning rubber and gasoline (not together of course). Nothing will get your heart rate up faster than ripping around a track in a professional race car. This is an experience the boys will never forget. We will even go out on a limb and say that the guys will cherish this memory more than “Candy, Destiny, and Jenna” from the Gentlemen’s club. Well, maybe not - but at least you can take pictures of this memory.

Fishing

A day at sea with the boys: fresh air, calm waters, cold brew, your good buddies, and a pond full of fish - let the good times roar. There are plenty of great fishing locations in Canada and the US that would provide the perfect backdrop for your bachelor party plans. And the soon-to-be-wife would definitely appreciate that this trip won’t include any strippers (well, on the boat at least).

Gambling

Jackpot! Casinos’ are always hot spots for bachelor parties. Whether it is 3AM in the morning or 4PM in the afternoon, you are sure to feel the excitement in a casino. Flashing lights, plenty of beverages, beautiful women and gambling - how can you go wrong? Let ‘em ride!

Sporting Events

There is no better night out than one that starts with a sporting event. Whether it is the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL or NCAA, the guys are sure to enjoy a chance to cheer on the home team. Party with 20,000+ people, enjoy watching some talented athletes (the cheerleaders) and down a real man’s meal (beer, hotdogs and nachos). And lucky for you, most stadiums are just stumbling distance from the local bars and clubs.

As you can see, the options are endless. So, get the plans together, round up the troops, and get the day started off right!

Ryan Barretto is a co-founder of GuysGetaway.com the web’s first and foremost travel planning service for men. GuysGetaway.com specializes in bachelor party planning, golf packages, VIP services and sports trips.

A Spring Wedding brings a theme of excitement. It’s the time of year when flowers begin to bloom and the warm air is revitalizing. Even though we lose an hour of sleep, you’d never know it. We’re rejuvenated from the long winter months. The bulky clothing gets packed away until next year, and we’re ready to bare some skin.

This is exceptionally great news to the bride who wishes to wear a sleeveless wedding gown, or a gown made out of lighter material. Spring weddings make lighter dress attire appealing to everyone! The bridal party can wear elegant bridal gown in pastel colors of blue, yellow, pink, mauve, white, and aqua.

Spring Weddings are embraced by many couples every year. Most couples who married in Spring would tell you that it’s the perfect season for a marriage ceremony. You can incorporate gorgeous seasonal flowers into your décor, such as Easter lilies, daffodils, tulips and Irises. In the colder months, these flowers are out of season and are very difficult to find. Spring provides an opportunity to embrace life and partnership. What better way to express your undying love that a spring wedding?

To compliment the theme, our tables can be draped with pastel linens, use watering cans as table centerpieces and place fresh cut flowers into their centers. Daffodils and/or tulips make a beautiful touch and they give off such a pleasing scent! Use bright colored ribbons to travel down any poles in the reception hall. It will remind family members of Maypoles, which are also associated with Spring. If you are getting married on a date close to the Easter holiday, incorporate an Easter theme to your wedding. Give miniature wicker baskets that include small personalized gifts as a wedding favor. After all, giving wedding favors is important, as it’s proper wedding etiquette.

If there are a lot of small children invited to your wedding, give them room to play! Employ fun games, such as an Easter egg hunt, or pin the tail on the bunny. They’ll have the time of their lives on your special day. It’s something that they’ll never forget. Let your imagination run wild as you select your decorations. If for instance, you love butterflies, use them in your Spring wedding theme. Use butterfly card holders to let each guest know where they’ll be seated. Hang butterfly decorations from the ceiling. If you can find butterfly candle holders to hold a votive, by all means do it! This is an occasion that only happens once in a lifetime. Do it with style!

From purchasing the garter to choosing the photographer, brides (and grooms!) are online and as the Internet’s many advantages have begun to permeate most every aspect of wedding planning, a single question has been popping up more and more: can I use the Internet for my wedding invitations? As a wedding website designer I’ve answered numerous emails from brides asking if an email announcement to visit their wedding website can not just supplement their wedding invitation but actually replace it. It’s an interesting idea, one with the potential to save a great deal of time and money. However, one big question remains. Is it acceptable? Considering the potential benefits, it’s certainly a question worth asking, and some compelling arguments can be found on both sides.

First, consider the many purposes of a wedding invitation. Most obvious is the intent that the recipient understands who is invited. Also important is the inclusion of maps and directions, RSVP information, reply cards and essential wedding details. Furthermore, the wedding invitation is an expression of the couple’s personal style and can serve as a memento for friends and family to remember the event. Considering all these essential functions, the question, then, is whether the traditional wedding invitation can be replaced by a simple email invitation to visit the couple’s site online. Certainly, a creative and informative wedding website can serve the majority of the purposes mentioned. In fact, wedding details might be more specific and useful on a website given the amount of space that can be afforded an entire page devoted to each subject. One can easily give details and links to important wedding locations, schedules, maps, etc. Also, if the bride and groom are able to create their own site or find a designer they like, they can certainly express their own unique style and theme on a wedding website. But what about the empty space in grandma’s album just waiting for her granddaughter’s wedding invitation? Here is where an online invitation falls short. One solution, however, could be to purchase or make a wedding CD with the website on it. Technologically hip grandparents can treasure this memento like they would a written invitation (even if it doesn’t go well in an album).

Still can’t decide? Consider some of the pros and cons of the “virtual invitation”:

Pros:

*Save money on wedding invitations (certainly the most compelling argument for many). The cost of an online invitation, including one designed by a reasonably priced professional, should be considerably less than sending written invitations for an average sized wedding when factoring in the cost of the printing, postage, and reply cards.

*Save the time of selecting and sending written invitations, especially if you were going to have a wedding website anyway.

*Make things a little easier for those guests who already do a great deal online.

*Receive RSVP responses via email.

*Include links to maps and directions.

*Have wedding details laid out for guests to avoid the bother of answering the same questions over and over.

*Include important links so guests can find the information they need on such things as local attractions, accommodations, and travel (particularly useful for destination weddings).

Cons:

*Compiling all of your guests’ current email addresses can be a daunting task.

*Not everyone is online. Unless you know for a fact that you can get your email invitation to everyone who should receive one, this is not a good option. You never want to offend family and friends when planning a wedding.

*Etiquette, etiquette, etiquette. If etiquette is particularly important to you or the people who will be receiving your invitations, this is not the right choice for you.

For those who are thinking the whole “virtual invitation” is too drastic a change I suggest a compromise. Many couples are finding that combining the modern with the traditional is the way to go until all their friends and family have caught on to the Internet. The couple’s web address can be included in the traditional invitation so their guests can have two sources for wedding information. Also, written invitations can be sent with instructions to RSVP online thus saving the couple time and money for postage and reply cards (with just a slight bend in tradition).

In the end, whether it’s traditional, modern or modern-traditional, what matters most is that the bride and groom have the wedding they desire. The best advice I can give is don’t worry too much about tradition and etiquette; rather, spend the time planning the wedding of your dreams and maybe make some traditions of your own along the way.

copyright 2003 Tamara Baker and Celebrate Our Lives Wedding Websites

Tamara Baker is the owner of and website designer at Celebrate Our Lives Wedding Websites. She has been hand designing couples’ wedding websites since 2002.