Irish Wedding Blessing - A Nice Framed Gift

Irish Wedding Blessing - perfect for a wedding gift from Mom and Dad, or to simply buy and hang in your home to celebrate your married life together.

Affordable Designer Bridesmaid Dresses - CB's Limited

Image courtesy CBsLimited.com

The last wedding I had to purchase a bridesmaid dress for was my brother's. The order was for an Alfred Angelo design, fairly common, but I didn't have a lot of bucks to blow so I shopped around a bit online rather than just buying the first one I found available at a local store like David's Bridal.

(Additionally, I am a totally lazy shopper - I can't deal with malls, loathe dressing rooms, detest standing on lines... wah, wah, wah!)

So basically, I was right at home (and I do mean literally - right in my own house!) taking my own measurements, typing them in the little box, whipping out my credit card and putting in my online order for a bridesmaid dress at CB's Limited.

One convenient feature that I remember about ordering from CB's Limited was that they wanted to know the actual date of the wedding you were going to be in. NOT the date that you wanted the dress, but the actual date you'd be in the wedding.

I was honest about that, and the dress definitely made it to me in perfect condition, well in advance of the date. I want to say like 2 months in advance, even.

So basically, I was rather happy with my CB's Limited purchase - and I would recommend them if you're going to be a bridesmaid and are required to buy a specific dress by a specific designer.

Check them out - http://cbslimited.com. 

Bride and Groom Perform Dirty Dancing Theme Song for the First Dance

Oh, man. This is as good as, possibly better than, the dance that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey did in Dirty Dancing. It is possible these people are not at a real wedding, just dancer/actors?? So good... it can't be real! Amazing performance. I give it two thumbs up.

How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows

Image courtesy of
AwesomeMusicEntertainment.com

Marriage vows are incredibly personal and unique to the two people sharing them. These are the promises you and your soon-to-be-husband or wife will make to each other as you embark on your new life together. It's not something to be taken lightly.

Do not feel that you have to say your wedding vows in the perfect way, using the biggest and most impressive words. Do not be concerned about the audience of family and friends, and what they might think of your wedding vows. This is your commitment to your beloved. These are your thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future. However you choose to express your dedication to this partnership will be very much appreciated and cherished.

Should you share your wedding vows aloud at your wedding, or keep them private between you?

That is up to your and the person you plan to marry. I have attended weddings where the bride and groom exchanged vows before their family and friends, and it was incredibly touching and emotional. But you may not be a demonstrative pair; or, the idea of speaking out loud on your wedding day may be too much for you.

If you don't want to read your wedding vows aloud, that's perfectly okay. You can spend an evening discussing this with your husband or wife, and then take some time to write out your own promises to your partner, and share them together in private. This can be a very powerful way to solidify your commitment to each other prior to the wedding.

What if you're really struggling with the writing?

It's best to avoid copy and pasting some sappy or flowery wedding vow verbiage you may come across on the internet because you think it sounds good. Your wedding vows should come from your own heart. If you're having some trouble expressing yourself as you write them, you might start with a few questions to ponder, separately, and as a couple.

Thoughts to Meditate on as You Write Your Wedding Vows

What are your highest values as a person? How will those values shape your marriage and life together as a couple – and as parents one day?

What do you feel are your responsibilities to this partnership? What will you contribute?

In what ways do you complement your partner? How will you use your personal strengths to be more potent together and lead a more fulfilling life?

In the best of times, how will you show your partner that you cherish and love him or her? What will you do to enhance the wonder and magic of a beautiful life together?

How can you be of support to your partner? In the worst of times, how will you rise to the occasion?

In what ways can you grow and mature in and through this relationship? How will your partner's good qualities help to facilitate your personal growth?

What goals will you set together as a couple and as a family? What will you prioritize and make time for in your family life?

What ways can you bring love, understanding, positivity and healthy communication to your married life?

How will you share the hard work of being married, with your husband or wife?

Learn Calligraphy, Do Your Own Wedding Envelopes

Image copyright
CalligraphybyCatherine.com

I found a NJ calligrapher who does an absolutely amazing job hand-lettering wedding invitations, envelopes, table cards, and of course all kinds of beautiful things for various occasions. Her business is  Calligraphy by Catherine, and just looking at her fine work brings me oodles of happiness!

As a budget-conscious NJ bride, you may not feel that an investment in hand-written wedding invitations is a wise choice, preferring to print them yourself.

But what about adding a special touch to the address envelopes? 

I for one am about the beginner level of calligraphy talent. So, I put my burgeoning talent to use, and tried my hand at penning my own wedding envelopes and table cards. I thought they came out pretty well, considering that prior to this, I hadn't actually done any calligraphy in years!

The talented artist who owns Calligraphy by Catherine offers a more economical option that may be of interest to the frugal bride crowd. She teaches private, beginner calligraphy classes in her home in Frenchtown, NJ for $50 per hour. For an additional $10 per hour she will travel to your NJ home. Even more budget-friendly: her group classes run from about $12 to $16 per hour depending on the cost of materials.

Check this page of her website for class scheduling and other information.

Groom Loses It During Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Fail

This is pretty funny... some weekend wedding bloopers for you.