Wedding Social Networking

Children can add so much to a wedding day - from the ring bearer toddling down the aisle carrying a pillow with precious cargo, to the flower girl who sweetly perfumes your path to the altar by dropping tender petals in her wake. As special as you feel on your wedding day, you'll want even your littlest helpers to share in the feeling and know that you appreciate them.

To ensure that your young attendants are happy campers on the big day, you'll want to help them look their best and make them feel that they have an important role. Here are some helpful hints that you can put in practice, whether the child is your own or the child of a loved one. Follow these tips, and you'll help ensure the youngest members of your wedding party have a positive experience that they - and you - will remember for a lifetime.

Make her feel special

( SEE Flower Girl Accessories ~ Flower Girl Dresses ~ Flower Girl Jewelry )

Chances are you're not the only female in your wedding party who's doing something special, exciting - and intimidating - for the first time. Your flower girl or young bridesmaid is also experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime, princess-like moment, and may feel understandably nervous at the prospect of having all eyes on her as she precedes you down the aisle. Making her feel special, as if she is a little princess, will help boost her self-confidence.

Brides spend lots of time and energy picking out dresses for their flower girls and junior bridesmaids, taking into account not only how the dress will fit in with the look of the wedding, but how it will complement the wearer. Accessories are just as important, and the youngest members of the wedding party should have some small items to highlight their attire, just as every bride should.

Not only will jewelry enhance the look, it will be a keepsake of the day - look for pieces that are high quality (so that they will last a lifetime), but reflective of the wearer's age. Disney Precious Collections offers fine children's jewelry for girls that will be perfect for any wedding. The pieces are understated and elegant, but also feature the youthful spirit of beloved Disney characters - they make ideal flower girl gifts.

Keep her involved Children love being involved in life's big moments and decisions as much as possible. Keep your flower girl or young bridesmaid part of the decision-making process as much as possible leading up to your wedding day. In addition to involving them in fun things like wedding showers, putting stamps on invitations and hair and make-up trials, give your young attendants some options that they can choose from. Will she wear her hair up or down? With flowers, ribbons or feathers?

You can also give her options about what kind of flower girl jewelry she might wear. For a special surprise, you could show her examples of earrings, necklaces and bracelets from Disney Precious Collections well ahead of time, and then surprise her on the day of the wedding with the one she liked best.

To look through the jewelry options that can become treasured wedding memories for your junior bridesmaids and flower girls, visit preciousjewelrycollections.com.

Make your day child-friendly Though you'll feel like your wedding day is flying by, it can be a long day for the littlest members of your wedding party. Even the best-mannered kids get tired and out of sorts after hours of activity, so it's good to take that into consideration. You'll be in a whirlwind of excitement, so make sure that you have a trusted attendant who can help accommodate children's needs.

Think about scheduling your photos so that pictures with children will be taken first and quickly. They'll be energetic and happy, and if you can have the photos taken soon after hair and make-up are done, everyone will look picture-perfect.

Plan to have something special for youngsters - both wedding party members and young guests - at the reception. Consider offering kid-friendly menu items, or have separate entertainment like balloon animals, a toy box or a coloring station with crayons and a paper easel to keep kids happy and occupied while adults enjoy the grown-up activities at the reception. Keeping the youngest members of your wedding party happy on your wedding day will help ensure the day is special, memorable and enjoyable for everyone. (courtesy of ARA)

(SEE Flower Girl Accessories ~ Flower Girl Dresses) Wedding Store Online

I truly believe that when you invite a guest to a wedding you should be treating them with the same hospitality that you would give them if you had invited them into your own home. With out-of-town guests this concept becomes even more important as you have not only invited them to your wedding; but they were kind enough to travel to a far off location to attend. I've compiled a list of 15 nice gestures that can be made to help your out-of-town guests enjoy their stay more.

1. Get a group rate at a nice hotel. This way they can all be together, mingle, and when you visit them they are all in one location.

2. Host a special out-of-town guests dinner to welcome them to your city/town.

3. Book a hospitality suite in the hotel the majority of guests are staying at. Fill it with snacks, drinks, magazines, newspapers, games for the kids, etc.

4. Hire a shuttle bus to take them to and from the wedding.

5. Offer them the opportunity to take a tour of the place they are visiting.

6. Create a welcome package that includes maps, information on local attractions, restaurant recommendations, and anything else you think they might find useful. Arrange with the hotel to have this package waiting for them in their room when they arrive.

7. Arrange for a gift basket or gift bag to be waiting in their hotel room.

8. Write them each a hand written card before they come to tell them how excited you are they will be traveling to attend your wedding.

9. If possible pay for all airline or hotel bills. Nobody expects this; but it is a very polite thing to do if you can afford it.

10. Purchase carbon credits in the guests name as a thank you for flying in to attend your wedding. This helps the environment and shows the guest how truly welcome they are. Have a card waiting for them in the hotel room saying "In honor of your joining us for our wedding we have off-set your travel by purchasing carbon credits in your name".

11. Host a little mix and mingle cocktail party in the hotel on the night your guests are arriving.

12. Get a hold of some discount coupon books for local attractions, shopping, and restaurants that your guests can use during their stay.

13. If you live in a city that is involved in the CityPass program then purchase them one. This will get them into various museums and attractions free. http://www.citypass.com/

14. Let the concierge at their hotel know the details of your wedding; such as where you are registered, the time-line, and where it is being held. This way if guests have questions the hotel staff is prepared with the answers.

15. if you live in the Greater Toronto Area area hire a Wedding Concierge® by Mindless Sophistication to oversea many of the above mentioned tasks and to field other requests your guests might have during their stay. A Concierge will personally be on call for your guests during their stay. Wedding Concierge® will be expanding to other cities so please be sure to ask if it's arrived in your city yet. http://www.mindlesssophistication.com/

• Ask the shows producer to give you access to some of their previous exhibitors.
  
• As a bridal show producer, it is my job to bring the brides to you.
  
• However it is your job to book these brides and make them yours!
  
• Follow up, Follow up, Follow up is crucial, it's where the gold is!
• Find a show who's main concern is bringing you the brides.
• Find a show who limits their categories to match the size of the show. If it's a 30 vendor show then be sure that there are only 3 like companies represented in your category. In other words 3 photographers etc. I do a 10% ratio.
  
• Find a show who's producer is hands on, and makes herself available to you before, during and after the show.
  
• Be honest, if you don't travel 50 miles for business don't say you travel.
  
• Way too many exhibitors are not assertive enough at shows, don't expect all the brides to come and talk to you while you sit behind your table. Be courageous and step out from behind your table and engage them. Don't sit during the exhibition you are representing your company, stand tall and be seen.
• Always be courteous and helpful. If you know that a bride is not a "match" for you, offer them a referral to someone who may be a match. Referrals are awesome, and they come full circle
  
• Email the brides instantly when you get home from the show, tell them it was nice to meet you today etc
• Have your own sign sheet and take notes of brides that you meet that day, they will be happy to hear that you remember them personally when you are doing your follow up calls and emails.
  
• Have a show special, or a booking gift if they book on the spot, lots of people need an incentive.
• Offer a door prize, always. The emcee usually announces the winner and your company, gives you a little extra exposure at the show.
  
• When was the last time you had over 200 people in your store at the same time, for the same length of time, on the same day, for the same reason?
  
• It is my job to bring you brides; it is your job to make them customers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Dont limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets  you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve."                  Mary Kay Ash
  

The two things that guests at a wedding will always remember are the food and the music, well, I'm no chef but  I am a classically trained soprano specialising in weddings.  And whether you wedding is here in Ireland where I live, or in California or New Zealand, the music that's chosen is equally as important as the musicians that have been hired to play it.

There are of course so many different religions each with their own customs and traditions that it would be impossible for me to know everything about all of them.  Those that I do have experience of are Catholic, Protestant and Civil Ceremonies and if it's o.k with you readers out there, I'll stick to what I know and hope that I don't offend anyone in the process.

When I meet with couples, I don't 'tell' them what they 'should' have, I listen to what they want.  I need to know if pieces that they have chosen have a meaning to them or their parents, remind them of places/things/events etc.  For example a very popular piece to have at Holy Communion in a Catholic ceremony is Schubert's Ave Maria, and it would be on my list of suggestions for this part of the mass, however this particular couple that had come to see me didn't want it because it was his late mother's favourite piece and his father would get too upset during the ceremony. 

It is the little things like this that a singer like myself will go through with a couple.  Sometimes I have had the aunt, mother, bridesmaids along too and my music room becomes like a mini concert hall for a recital.

Of course, there are also some rules that have to be recognised as set down by RC church, and these have to be taken into account and couples advised of them, such as, secular pieces (within reason) are acceptable at the entrance, the signing of the register and the recessional.  For the Mass, the music must be regligious.  (There are of course always some exceptions especially if the Priest is a relative).

The one piece that sets it all in motion is the Processional (or the Entrance), the length of the piece here is important.  It's all very well choosing the Canon in D, but if there is a short aisle why choose a long piece (beautiful though it is) that will invariably have to be cut short??  How many bridesmaids will there be? Will they walk up in single file or in pairs??  Do the couple want one piece for the bridesmaids and another for the bride??  Will the mother of the bride walk up ahead of the party??   This is all before we move onto the rest of the ceremony. 

It's not as simple as some people may think.

Brides today have many choices on where to purchase their wedding gowns or party dresses, whether it is from a chain store, a privately-owned bridal/dress shop, an online store or even eBay. Here are some tips to choose the best place to buy your dream dress.

• Off-the-Rack (This is normally where the store stocks all gowns in the store)
  This is not a recommended option unless you are really pressed on time and you want your gown today! There are several reasons why we say that:
  • Dressilyme offers accessories at discounted prices. We sell veils, tiaras, lingerie, shoes, flower girls, and Prom dressing accessories.
  • FYI- Dressilyme is a mega occasional wear distribution center that can save $100's on unnecessary markups for your dress as we do not have the overhead of a traditional store. 
• Ordering your dress Online (many options are available online, but you must be smart shopper)
  • "I am considering ordering my dress from a mail-order discounter or online. Bridal shops warn me if something goes wrong with the dress, the discounters won't fix the problem." Here's a common scare tactic full-price retailers use to frighten brides. Retailers say: 'If you order online and a problem happens with your order, you are left high and dry.' Nothing could be further from the truth. We found many reputable discounters that have excellent customer service reputations and stand behind what they sell. And we've found the best gown web sites will work hard to correct any problem with a dress order.
     (Bridal Bargains) 
  • It should not take any longer than 10 weeks to get a wedding gown or customized dress in unless it is a special/custom order gown. This is a BIG red flag. If the store tells you it will take longer than 10 weeks to get a standard gown go somewhere else. This is what we mentioned above about some stores using your money to pay their current bills and not ordering your dress from their suppliers, hoping that they will have the funds in the future to order your dress. Bottom line, you want to make sure the company can fill the order in a reasonable time. 
  • If you walk into the bridal/prom dress store and the representatives don't acknowledge you, turn around and walk away. If the store is not clean, walk away. If the gowns are not neatly hung on the racks, walk away. If the store does not look stocked, walk away. Do not be afraid to walk away. If you are ignored or treated badly before they get your money, imagine how you will be treated after they get your money. Even if you live in a small town and it's the only bridal store for 100 miles, you still have other options. Trust us, for being a long-term wedding expert, we just know! 
  • Avoid the website if it sells items other than just occasional apparel and occasional accessories. If the website sells everything from iPods to fishing equipment, and has wedding gowns thrown in the mix, do you really think they know anything about selling wedding gowns? They just want to sell stuff. 
  • If you purchase from these sites you will most likely not be able to return your item. So don't even tempt fate.

http://www.dressilyme.com/where-to-buy-your-dresses%e2%80%a6-hd-41/

Attending a bridal show can be most helpful in planning your wedding. They are exciting, festive and full of terrific ideas. You will be able to meet and ask questions from many wedding professionals all under one roof. You will want to gather information, compare prices and services, register for prizes, see the latest fashions, get great new ideas and just have fun.

Where else but at a bridal show can you preview ceremony and reception locations, peruse photographers’ portfolios, see and hear entertainers and see if your personalities click with a Minister and their ceremony? You will most likely benefit the most from visiting a bridal show that is in your city because the vendors you require will be more accessible.

Here are some tips that will help you get the most from your bridal show experience.

Pre-register before the show. When you register before the show, some shows offer a discount toward the purchase of your ticket. It saves you time at check-in, and often a few bucks.

Research the show ahead of time to see what vendors will be there. Look specifically for the one’s you need. Many vendors offer discounts on their services if you book them at the show. Making a checklist of required services, accessories, the most important elements needed to complete your wedding plans and design questions that will streamline your efforts and help speed things along.

Decide to concentrate on one vendor (Minister/Officiant, floral designer, photographer, deejay, etc.) and do your research ahead of time. At the show, gather info from other vendors too, but spend most of your time talking with the ones whose services you need.

If the bridal show has a wedding fashion show, check the times of the shows when you arrive, so you don’t miss out. Arrive early. Seating is often first come, first serve.

Bring a list of questions to ask. Don’t just rush by booths that have services you still require. Don’t just listen to sales pitches. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. That’s what the vendors are there for. They want to help you and you are under no obligation to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.

If their product or service is one you need and they are busy talking with someone else, stand close and just listen or wait until you can ask any questions you may have.

It may seem a little overwhelming at the show, but most vendors love to spend time with you and answer your questions. They will talk to you about their products and services in as much detail as you want. However, the shows are very hectic and noisy, so if you find a vendor that you like, it’s best to set up an appointment and meet with them later.

Start a conversation with the people at the booths. Don’t be shy. You will know right away if they are someone you would want to work with in planning for your special day. It is very important that you “click” with the vendors you choose.

Bridal shows are big. Some have more than 400 exhibitors. Come early. Don’t be in a rush. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 or 5 hours in order to see all the exhibits. Take your time. Make a day of it. Don’t hurry!

Walk up one aisle on one side and check out the vendors, then walk down the other side of the same aisle to make sure you do not miss anyone. You may miss the very wedding service you were looking for if you try to wander from side-to-side down the same aisle.

Visit every booth, or at least check them out, even if the exhibitor offers something you’re not interested in right now. You might decide in the future to include their services and you’ll have the information readily available.

Keep your eyes open for ideas to incorporate into your own wedding, such as a type of flower arrangements, color combinations (in photographers’ sample albums, for example), and favors. Also, try to chat with other brides if you can – you may meet someone you could develop a support network with for this sometimes-difficult process of wedding planning!

A great idea is to bring a camera. Snap a photo of the Minister you spoke to, a cake that looked especially delicious or take a picture of an exhibit that you want to remember. Use these photos to jog your memory about something that grabbed your attention.

Bring your fiancè with you for at least one trip to the event, and then go again with your Mother, your maid of honor, future mother-in-law or girlfriends. Going twice allows you to really take in everything you need to see.

Do your best to stay together or at least, have cell phones handy so you can arrange to meet at a booth where the vendor is especially of interest. If you are the bride and the groom is somewhere else, if may be difficult to make a choice later about a specific service unless both of you are present to hear the information.

If you are the mother of the bride and are gathering information for the bride and groom, make notes on the business card, brochure or flyer that you think might interest them the most. Bringing a small notebook and pen to make special notes is helpful.

If a vendor gives you information that you especially like and want to follow up with at a later date, put that information in a special bag, not with all the other stuff you may collect. Don’t weigh yourself down with unnecessary items. Bring what you need for the day to keep your shoulder free from bag weight. Leave your purse at home in favor of your own lightweight carrying bag. Some vendors will give you one, however, use your “own” bag to separate vendor information that is of special interest to you and use the vendor bag for everything else.

Another idea is to bring a red pen and mark the vendors information in a special way that will indicate your level of interest, e.g., “Call this one!” Make notes on business cards, the brochure or flyer for easy reference later.

Bring a small notebook and pen. You never know what tips or ideas you’ll discover and want to write down. You will never remember which vendor told you what. It is possible to see 16 photographers, 8 videographers, 10 bakers, 12 Disc Jockey services and several ministers. There’s so much to see that by the time you get home, you may forget.

Bring your PDA or personal planner so you will have your bridal shower, rehearsal, wedding and other important dates handy. It can also be helpful if you choose to make an appointment with one of the vendors. Ask about the exhibitors’ availability if you are interested.

Be sure not to make speedy judgments on whether the information offered might be of interest to you. Take one minute to listen to their offer and if a vendor offers you literature you do not want, don’t take it. Be polite. Just say “No, thank you” and walk on. Vendors appreciate your candor because they spend a lot of money on their wedding flyers, promotional pieces, etc.

Some vendors offer drawings for prizes. Prevent writer’s cramp! Bring address labels to save time in filling out registration blanks. Computer savvy? Make your own labels (or business card) on your computer.

It is helpful to include your name, the grooms name, complete address, your wedding date and location, phone numbers and e-mail address. This is very helpful to the vendor when you request additional information. If you don’t bring labels, print very clearly when registering for anything.

Don’t register for everything! If you know you will not need the service, don’t register otherwise you may be receiving unneeded information from their mailing list for many months to come. You don’t have to give your contact information out to everyone – provide it only to those vendors that make your short list.

Most shows offer a Bride and Groom sticker when you register. Please wear it! It can become confusing for vendors to identify everyone that attends, and if they know you are the bride they are more likely to give you that little bit of extra attention.

Material swatches and ribbons that suggest the colors of your wedding are helpful when speaking with florists, bakers, balloonists, gown shops and other professionals. Know the size of your wedding party, your color scheme, and the location of your reception facility.

Bring your credit card – not your checkbook – in case you want to book any services or give a deposit to hold a date. You will often find discounts that are available only at the show. If you are comfortable with the vendor, by all means, go for it. A word of caution. . . although most vendors are reputable, if a wedding vendor goes out of business before your wedding you can usually get your money back if you use a credit card but you will be out of luck if you pay by check. Proceed with caution and choose wisely. Read the fine print.

If you see one of the vendors you have already hired at a show, ask them for referrals to other reputable vendors you may need. They may have worked with them at previous weddings and can make a valuable referral. Wedding venues often have “preferred vendor” lists available upon request.

Don’t be afraid to tell someone that you already have booked his or her service with another vendor. Take a minute and visit with them anyway. Who knows? You make pick up a tip or suggestion you or your vendor hadn’t considered.

You should always feel comfortable with a vendor’s attitude toward your event. Personality and communication play an important role as well. Chat with the vendor to see if you feel comfortable with their personality, and if they will be easy to work with. Notice which vendors “listen” to your needs and ask what “you” want.

Most vendors respect your decisions and would never push their services on you if you already have another provider. Vendors respect each other. Don’t worry; it takes a lot to hurt our feelings.

Leave the children at home! Hire a baby sitter. You will be glad you did. You will not be able to focus on the wedding vendors if you are struggling with your baby stroller trying to push your way through the crowd and maze of wedding vendor booths.

People often walk fast past booths because they fear the vendor will pounce or be overly aggressive. Some are. If a vendor tries to “pressure” you into booking their services or placing a deposit with them “right now,” keep walking! Do not accept any pushy sales pitch to sign now.

Bring bottled water and a few snacks so you don’t spend most of your time in line at the concession stand (that will also save you a few bucks). This will give your tummy room to enjoy the cake tasting and other catered food samples.

Plan a “rest break” about every hour. Pick up free samples, magazines, sample menus, business cards, brochures, and catalogs to take with you and review them later in the privacy of your own home.

Bring some cash for parking. Sometimes you do have to pay for parking. Don’t be caught unprepared. If you didn’t pre-register for the show, bring cash. Some shows only accept cash at the door.

Wedding shows are not supposed to be stressful or overwhelming. There is so much to see and so many vendors. Taking your time to view each exhibit will help reduce the stress. Remember wedding planning is preferably done over time, not in one day. It’s one decision at a time.

Many of the exhibitors book up rather quickly on choice wedding dates; so don’t wait too long after the show before you decide to call to utilize their services. Generally speaking, there is a rush of appointments and often their calendars fill quickly immediately after a bridal show. The top vendors often find a year’s worth of business booked at the show or within six to eight weeks of the show. Act quickly. Don’t procrastinate or you may end up with your second or third choices.

Remember, you cannot have a wedding without a ceremony! Lots of couples wait until the last minute to book the minister. To be certain that you can book the minister you want on the date and time you want; first, choose your wedding date, second, book the wedding venue, and third, book the minister. Those of us who are busy performing ceremonies often book wedding dates as much as 6 months or more in advance.

When you go in with a plan of action, you most likely will get most of your planning done in one afternoon or at least gather enough information to make an informed decision when reviewing the info at your leisure.

Be sure to dress casual and wear comfortable shoes. Leave your heels at home. You will be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared for sore feet.

Grooms take note! You may want to make arrangements for a foot massage for your future bride or arrange a visit to the hot tub when the day is through.

Have a great time!

Copyright © 2009 – Larry James. This idea is adapted from Larry’s Wedding Website. Larry James is a non-denominational minister and performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere! Call to check availabilty: 480-998-9411 or 800-725-9223. You will find more than 430 pages of Wedding ideas, tips (90 tips and growing), ceremonies, and more at: http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com. Check Larry’s availability.

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com

NOTE: All articles, “LoveNotes” and wedding tips listed in Larry's Wedding BLOG are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

Giving a wedding toast is a special moment during the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Here are a few tips on toasting etiquette.

First things first. Generally speaking, when a toast is given to the Bride and Groom they will be seen raising their glasses and drinking to themselves.

Wrong!!

Proper etiquette says that during a toast “to” the Bride and Groom, the couple should NEVER stand, raise their glasses, or drink to themselves.

They should thank the toasters or at least smile and graciously nod. They are not obliged to propose a toast in return.

Toasts can be offered with a sip of champagne, wine, a mixed drink or non-alcoholic punch, but never with tea, coffee or water. Don’t leave your non-drinkers high and dry. Read Wedding Tip #13 and Wedding Tip #45 for more non-alcoholic suggestions.

Whatever the beverage chosen, it should be served to the Bride first, then the Groom, then the maid of honor, then parents and lastly the best man.

Sober “toasters” make better toasts! At a wedding several years ago the best man was asked to give a toast but he was so drunk that he couldn’t read what he had written and went on and on. People were clapping to try to get him to be seated but he was oblivious. The father of the bride and I had to physically remove him from the stage and took him outside the reception area. It was not a pretty memory for the bride and groom.

An essential ingredient of any wedding, toasts have several functions. They give some of the principals at the wedding an opportunity to put their feelings into words and to express the collective feelings of everyone there. The toasts are also the first chance to introduce another essential ingredient: humor. And, most importantly, the speeches are a signal for the wedding to progress from the formal to the informal.

Traditionally, the first toast is given by the Best Man. It’s proper for him to thank the parents of the Bride and the parents of the Groom. He should also thank the Groom for choosing him as the Best Man.

A toast should be brief (two to no more than 5 minutes). Never read a lengthy quote or poem, or recount a long-winded story about you and the groom as young chaps. Get a laugh, get sentimental, be gracious, thank some people, but keep it very short and sit down. Speak slowly and loudly enough for all guests to hear. If given a microphone, hold it close to your mouth.

Never do a toast impromptu. Think about it. Preparation is essential. Jot down a few notes and remember you can’t get it wrong, because no one knows what you are going to say. Write your toast and rehearse it. Practice giving the toast several times in front of a mirror. Reciting your toast over and over will help calm your nerves and get you comfortable with the words you’ve chosen.

Don’t ramble on and on and on. If you’re nervous, that’s normal. Please don’t go on and on about how nervous you are, it only calls more attention to what you don’t want! You may feel the need to have a drink or two before your toast to relax you, but don’t let it backfire by consuming too much alcohol before your toast. You may not leave the impression you had hoped for! Because you may be nervous and to avoid a colossal faux pas, like calling the Bride one of the grooms old girlfriends names, it may be wise to write down her name.

Make sure your toast sounds like you. It’s okay to have some fun with the toast, but remember that you should generally wind it up in a sincere manner. The most beautiful sentiment you can express is to discuss what change you’ve seen in the couple since they met. Use your good judgment about which topics “not” to joke about. Joking about college escapades or a former girlfriend just isn’t funny in front of Grandma and Grandpa. Never tell jokes.

When you think about adding humor, remember that everyone has a different idea about what is funny and what isn’t. If YOU are not known for your humor. . . a toast is not the time to start. Keep in mind that you are speaking to a wide demographic and some people will take what you say very seriously. Never share any embarrassing stories. If only a handful of people will understand an inside story, skip it.

Wedding expert, Sharon Naylor, author of the book, Your Special Wedding Toast, says to start by remembering the four basic components of a good toast. It should be:

1. Sentimental
2. Humorous
3. Engaging
4. Brief

Never be afraid to go with your feelings. If you get choked up when you are speaking, don’t worry about it; it’s a real moment. Never apologize for it.

Make sure everyone has their glasses filled, then make a few tink-tink-tinks against a water glass to get everyone’s attention. Raise your glass with your right hand. Be sure that the glass is held straight from the shoulder (that’s traditional).

Speak toward the guests, not to the people being toasted. Turn toward the bride and groom only when you deliver the final line of your toast. Your toast should end with wording which makes it clear to the guests that the end has come. It’s easy to do this with a bit of flair, just bring your voice up a notch in volume, and say, for example, “It is with great pleasure that I say congratulations to (Bride) and (Groom). . . may you share many warm days and many warm nights . . . “everybody raise your glass . . . here’s to (Bride) and (Groom) . . .”

IMPORTANT: (This bears repeating) Proper etiquette says that during a toast “to” the Bride and Groom, the couple should NEVER stand, raise their glasses, or drink to themselves

They should thank the toasters or at least smile and graciously nod. They are not obliged to propose a toast in return.

Here are a few examples you make like to use:

It is written: When children find true love, parents find true joy. Here’s to your joy and ours, from this day forward.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love.

May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, and quick to make friends.

May the love you express to each other today, always be the first thoughts during any trying times in the future.

Here’s to love, laughter and happily ever after. As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life, let’s toast the new wife and husband!

To the two secrets to a long-lasting happy marriage: Here’s to good sense of humor and a short memory!

Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you.

Happy, healthy marriages begin when we marry the one we love, and they blossom when we love the one we married.

(A classic toast given by the 19 year old daughter of the bride at one of my weddings. She wrapped things up by ending with this). And may all your ups and downs be between the sheets!

Copyright © 2009 – Larry James. This idea is adapted from Larry’s Wedding Website. Larry James is a non-denominational minister and performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere! Call to check availabilty: 480-998-9411 or 800-725-9223. You will find more than 430 pages of Wedding ideas, tips (90 tips and growing), ceremonies, and more at: http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com. Check Larry’s availability.

Subscribe to Larry’s FREE monthly “LoveNotes for Lovers” eZINE. Contact: CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695. – CelebrateIntimateWeddings.com

NOTE: All articles, “LoveNotes” and wedding tips listed in this Wedding BLOG are available for reprint in magazines, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, eZINEs, on the Internet or on your own Website. Click here for details.

Maui wedding brings bliss and comfort for a happy wedding. This happiness can be preserved for long if it is accompanied by a Maui wedding photography which is famous for its beautiful photo session. This is a very good option to conserve the memories of your Maui wedding. There are many Maui wedding organizations that appoint experienced and professional wedding photographers. These photographers make use of high resolution digital cameras to shoot photo for which one can get best quality pictures.

Maui wedding photography is sometimes a bit costly. But the cost depends on the type of photo you choose. I mean there is basic digital wedding photography and deluxe wedding photography. One can choose any package. Some people choose an expensive photography because they understand that photography is the most vital part of their Maui wedding and money does no matter. These photography packages will meet everyone’s need.

A professional wedding photographer can take best photograph than anyone you’re your family member or friend. It is so because it is one of the most important days in your life. As you are making an outdoor wedding, anyone may not have experience how to work with the lighting and shadows. So only a professional photographer can shoot a professional type of camera.

In these wedding photographs for your Maui wedding you can include wedding portraits, the wedding ceremony, ring exchange, lei exchange, wedding toast, wedding cake cutting, beach stroll, marriage license signing, limousine arrival, Maui sunset.

For bigger groups or more sophisticated Maui weddings, you can customize your photography package to meet your requirements. With digital Photography there are a lot of special options. After your wedding is finished you can take your images home and make the wedding album or wedding book of your choice. Couples also can take photos in some beautiful Maui resort they are staying. Nut a beach wedding in sunset is more exciting and beautiful.