The most fun — and possibly the most stressful — part of the wedding is the wedding dress: choose and working with a designer, going for fittings, choosing shoes and jewelry, and more.

To begin your search for that perfect wedding gown, take time to pore over magazines and bridal books, attend wedding expos, check out designers’ websites, and visit bridal shops. Clip pictures that catch your fancy, and narrow your collection down to your favorites.

At the same time, find out the kids of cuts, necklines and skirt types that suit you. The best way to do that is to try on some dresses. Ask a friend or your mom to go with you for another person’s opinion.

When you’re settled on a wedding gown design idea, check out the works of designers or couturiers that have a similar design point of view as you. Visit their shops and find out about their price schemes. Some designers have off-the-rack and made-to-measure bridal collections, which may fit nicely into your budget.

Schedule a meeting with more than one designer and show them your wedding gown clippings. Most designers use the first meeting to get to know you and show you a sketch only on the second meeting. However, some of the more established designers require a presentation fee should you request a sketch; he fee is deducted from the total fee of your wedding gown if you decide to go with him.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with Wedding Dress Designers: (more…)

Anti-aging your relationship in 7 ways, 7 days

What’s the secret to a happy marriage? Romantic weekends help, but love isn’t something you postpone for “special occasions.” It’s what you do today — for yourself, for your husband, for the commitment you made to each other to “love, honor, cherish, and protect.”

And what many couples will tel you is that the changes aren’t that hard to make. We challenge you to make a few very simple steps in the next 7 days — steps that open your heart, change your attitudes, and create not just a romantic atmosphere, but a romantic perspective. It can make a world of difference in your marriage, and your life.

Monday: Romance begins in your heart

Worrying not only brings out your wrinkles, it wears down your spirit until you lose your ability to enjoy your marriage, and your life. Stop seeing life as a series of chores: rediscover the dream, and the romance of being alive.

You can start today. Write a letter to yourself, listing 30 things you want to do in the next 5 years (example, see Paris!). Remember your passion for life is one of the sexiest things in a woman. He’l love the twinkle in your eye and the joy in your voice. Plus, you’ll feel 10 years younger.

Tuesday: Don’t just say “I love you”, speak lovingly

Communication is the key to any happy marriage. If you can’t talk about your feelings without fighting, no amount of scented candles can make you intimate. For tips on how to resolve conflicts, read How to Speak Your Spouse’s Language: Ten Easy Steps to Great Communication by H. Norman Wright.

It’s possible to disagree without feeling threatened or putting each other down. And once you learn to sound supportive and understanding — even when you’re talking about everyday errands or your family budget — every conversation brings your closer together. (more…)

Marriage Requirements

Planning a wedding can be both exciting and exhausting at the same time. After setting the date and booking the venues for the ceremony and reception, comes the legal matter: the required documents to make the union possible and valid. A couple of legal age who wish to marry should first secure a license to get married. Then, there are other documents needed to complete the set of requirements and they vary for every religion, nationality, and status of each individual.

Choosing a Wedding Planner

Wedding Planners and Wedding Coordinators are a great help in relieving the busy bride and groom of the stress and tension of planning and preparing for the special day in their lives. Not only are they the advisers and guides in the planning process, they are also the organizers and implementers at the most crucial time — the wedding day. While hiring a wedding planner is a great idea, you might find yourself at a loss as to how to start looking. To help you search for a good and suitable wedding planner / coordinator, here are a few tips on what to look for before hiring one: (more…)