Wedding & Anniversary Grooming Tips for Men

Whether you’re the main attraction (groom) or a trusty sidekick (groomsmen), wedding days call for men to look their best. And even if your wedding is a thing of the past, you’ve always got anniversaries to deal with. Here are some men’s grooming tips to handle both the wedding and everything that comes after (or any formal event you are invited to). Grooming Tips for Men * Looking good takes some work and time, so begin a basic skin care routine of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing early to get the greatest results. Once a day (or twice if you have oily skin), wash with a liquid cleanser to remove debris and clear pores. Follow with a high-performance moisturizing product to keep skin smooth, hydrated and looking great. Two to three times a week, exfoliate with a face scrub to remove dead skin cells and improve skin’s surface. * If you’ve never spent time on a skin care routine before, consider purchasing a kit that contains all of the products you will need to get started. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out what products to use for what (and can make excellent groomsmen gifts, too!). * Treat individual problems, such as under-eye circles, fine lines and acne, with products specifically formulated for them. * For superior shaving without irritations like ingrown hairs, use products that are gentle and don’t contain irritants such as fragrance, menthol or alcohol. Avoid foamy products, as these do not lubricate skin adequately. Change your blade after 4-5 uses to keep from going over the same place more than once due to a dull blade. If possible, shave in the shower as the steamy air will open pores and allow hairs to be shaved closely. * For super-smooth shaving the day of the big event, skip shaving the day before and then shave in two steps: First, shave with the grain with very light pressure. Second, reapply a thin coat of shaving cream and shave against the grain for smooth results. * Regularly wash your hair with a gentle shampoo that will remove dirt without stripping away natural moisturizers. Make sure to get a haircut or trim a few days before the wedding or anniversary, but don’t opt for a new style the day before since this could turn out to be a disaster. * Nails & Hands: With all the hand-shaking and hand-holding going on, it’s a good idea to make sure nails are clean and trim, and hands are moisturized and free of grime. Why not splurge for a manicure? More and more men, from businessmen to movies stars, are getting them these days, and trust us: Sparkly polish will not be involved. * Wedding and event planning begins months, and sometimes years, ahead of time, so take advantage of the wait by getting fit with a nutritious diet and a regular exercise routine. * Don’t stink up the place: Make sure to wear deodorant. Keep breath mints handy for those slow dances. * Some wedding experts recommend men skip cologne at weddings, citing the fact that there will already be a lot of perfume in the air, as well as scent from the flowers. If you choose to wear cologne, keep the scent light and the application to a minimum. * For anniversaries, gifts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Plan a getaway weekend somewhere, even if it’s only two towns away. Book a spa appointment for the two of you and spend a day relaxing. Or instead of an expensive dinner, try revisiting a place you ate at when you first started going out, or a place you two have always wanted to try. The point is to celebrate your marriage any way you see fit.

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Choosing Your Wedding Gown

The perfect wedding gown can transform a girl-next-door into a bridal goddess. But the price tag for goddess-like wedding attire can run a penny-pinching bride into debt. Designer gowns (ie. Vera Wang, Klein, Romona Keveza, Oleg Cassini, Rivini) can easily retail anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 just for the gown itself. Then tack on gloves, veil (easily $100 to $300) and any other kinds of accessories including jewelry, and the bride’s bill alone can topple $6,000. But savy brides know they can find beautiful wedding gowns and dresses for less on various Internet sites or with a little shopping around. Jennifer Bloom shopped from bridal boutique to exclusive department store until she found the perfect wedding gown with a luxury price of $3525.00 “Then I went home, powered up the computer, and found the exact same dress by the exact designer on a website for $2,000 less,” she said. Using her credit card, Jennifer paid for the gown and shipping costs. Two weeks later, the gown arrived in a heavy box with plenty of plastic-wrapping for protection. “I worried about it being shipped. Would it be damaged? What if it was the wrong one? Fortunately, the wedding was six months away, and I felt I had plenty of time even if I received the wrong order,” she says. The website had cautioned that the gown might take up to six weeks to receive, depending on the number of orders for that particular gown. The fitting was another story. A tailor fashioned the dress into the dimensions Jennifer needed at a cost of another $100. Then she and her bridesmaids shopped for a veil. They found the perfect one. The they headed to a fabric store for material, lace and a headpiece to make a copy. “When people asked where I got my gown, they were astonished to learn that I got both my gown and my veil at such a discount,” says Jennifer. “What I saved on my gown enabled me to spend more money on gifts for my bridesmaids and add more expensive flowers to the floral arrangement.” Jennifer figures she probably spent an extra hour or two on the Internet searching for her dress, time she would have spent being pinned and measured at a bridal boutique. “It was more than worth the effort,” says Jennifer. The other way to fight designer fees is to find a gown, ask for front, side and rear views of the dress, and ask your favorite tailor to fashion one similar for you. But be aware that tailors’ prices vary from one to the other. And you’ll be responsible for finding and purchasing the fabric for your dress. “The fabrics can vary so dramatically. They make look the same but they may actually be of a lesser quality than the retail, designer version,” says Leslie Connor, a tailor who specializes in wedding gowns and bridal party wear. And good fabric isn’t cheap. Italian imports may cost as much as $150 a yard, and construction of a gown may take up to 10 yards. Factor in a tailor’s hourly costs and additional fittings, and the gown may cost as much as originally priced. “But the beauty of a perfectly-tailored wedding gown is just that…it’s perfectly tailored,” says Leslie. Again the results are near designer-perfect. “You won’t be fitting into someone else’s design,” says Leslie. “You’ll be wearing a design made especially for you.” Another option for discount-savvy brides is to search the Internet for used gowns. E-bay frequently carries gowns, and other auction sites may also provide access to a used gown. “I looked at those websites,” says Jennifer. “I considered it because I’m sure the gowns have only worn once, but I decided not to take my chances.” The wedding gowns offered are usually of a high-quality, and most have already been dry-cleaned and potentially arranged for storage. But the gowns are non-returnable, and sometimes sizes may vary. The advantage to an auction site is that some gowns are actually being sold by retailers who are looking for ways to rid themselves of last year’s stock or close out a business. “Some of the buys on the internet are amazing,” says Bonnie Timberlake, who frequently purchases jeans and tops on the Internet. “But you have to bid. And you have to be ready not to win.” Bonnie has surfed the auction sites several times looking for a gown by designer Jessica McClintock. “Twice, I’ve lost out to the other bidders because I didn’t have access to a computer when the bids were closing.” Bonnie is in no rush, but as her date nears she may cave in and hit the retail circuit. “A wedding gown will cost me next to nothing if I nab the one I want,” says Bonnie, whose bids have gone in at about $200. The winning bids were only for a couple hundred dollars more. “But I want to look my best no matter what,” says Bonnie. The final look is what matters most whether purchased for designer retail prices, via the Internet or at a discount location. “Every bride wants to feel special on her wedding day, and the dress is what matters most,” says Bonnie.

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Adult Cocktail Parties

Few social gatherings blend grown-up sophistication and fun as perfectly as the cocktail party. Born in the days of Prohibition, the cocktail party has evolved. Today, smart hosts use plenty of planning and pre-packaged cocktail mixes to create memorable gatherings. Here are some tips for planning your next cocktail party: * Choose your guest list. Invite people with different interests who might not otherwise meet. Throughout the party, be sure to introduce your guests to each other and give them topics to discuss. * Send invitations via snail mail. Make your guests feel special when they receive something other than virtual mail. Choose invitations that Make a Statement! or a style based on your theme. Don’t forget to specify attire in the invitations. You don’t want to make your guests feel uncomfortable by having one person show up in a party dress and another show up in jeans. * Select your party area. Whether the party will be held in your house or at a rented space, be sure you have areas designated for specific purposes. Set up a place for the bar, seating, mingling and a dance floor, if desired. * Prepare the appetizer menu. Ideally, you should have equal amounts of cold appetizers and warm appetizers. Throw in a few desserts for good measure. Dips and sauces work well. * Set up drink accessories. These are the memorable touches that will leave your guests “ooohing” and “aaahing.” Have plenty of kitschy items like assorted fruit straws and Cocktail Umbrellason hand. Cut up different types of fruits and vegetables and place colorful toothpicks in them. Of course, have a wide array of funky glasses or coconut cups available. Bar towels, light cubes for ice, ice bucket and tongs, and cocktail shakers are other good ideas. * Select party music for the party. Choose tunes that will keep your guests grooving all night long. Again, keep your music in line with the theme. Think of the tone you want to set for your party and make sure the music will reflect it. Does your ideal party involve dancing? Do you want soft, mellow music so your guests can focus more on conversation? Try out some Dance Videos Adult cocktail party suppliesPlan the drink menu. This is the most important step for a successful cocktail party. Select drinks that maintain your theme. If you’re having a retro ’60s party, serve Cosmopolitans. If your theme is tropical, serve Tequila Sunrises. Consider using pre-prepared drink mixes to simplify your job without compromising on excitement.

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Fun Bridal Favors

Beach Wedding Favors Seashells, sailboats and fun in the sun! Whether you’re planning seaside nuptials or a beach-themed bachelorette, our ocean-inspired collection of beach wedding favors boasts impressive decorative ideas that will enthrall your guests. Choose from our delectable, personalized Hershey’s chocolate favors, beautiful silver sea shells, sail boat votive holders, and more! Show your personal style with whimsical photo frame favors decked out in shells and romantic “beach in a bottle” keepsakes. We’re always adding to our beach wedding favors, staying on the cutting edge to give you the newest trends for your wedding by the shore! Bell Wedding Favor Wedding bells are ringing...if you love the sound of bells, why not choose a wedding bell favor that can also be use as "kissing bells". Put an end to the utensils hitting the glasswear, kiss in style. Wedding Bubbles Favors Make your grand exit in a sea of bubbles! Our wedding bubbles favors provide a sweet, soft alternative to the traditional send off of rice or birdseed, creating wonderful memories for you and your guests. These adorable keepsake bubble bottles are specifically designed for weddings…we especially love our champagne shaped Celebration Bubbles! Please note: To protect our customers, purchases of wedding bubble products are not permitted for returns. All sales for wedding bubbles are final Golf Wedding Favors Celebrate your love for each other…and your love for the game…with these clever and practical golf-themed favors! Your guests will delight in our personalized golf ball favors, and you’ll love the price! Adding a personal touch to a golfing wedding event is easy and affordable with our collection of golf wedding favors. We especially love our scrumptious personalized chocolates all decked out in golf course attire…from bite-size Hershey’s Kisses to our delectable full-size gourmet chocolate bars, these memorable treats are perfect for your wedding reception or golf-themed engagement party! Check out our silver golf club drink stirrers, too, for a refined, country club appeal that’s very affordable! Pink Wedding Favors & Gifts Think pink! From the palest whisper of innocence to the sassiest, hottest pink, our collection of pink wedding favors celebrates a bridal shower or a wedding reception with girly flair! From our charming Annabel Crystal Earrings to our decadent Chocolate Bath Salts to our sultry Black Lace Corset Potpourri Shower Favors, our pink gifts and favors are sure to delight both guests and the blushing bride. Our pink wedding and bridal shower favors range from the elegantly economical to the lavish and luxurious. You’re sure to find the perfect favor…in the perfect shade of pink…in this section!

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American Idol Party 4yr Award

It was my sons 4th birthday and he had an obsession with the TV show American Idol. The invitations were a CD that I burned from the computer of all of his favorite songs. The album cover was a picture of my son in overalls with his baseball glove (the 1st song on the album was take me out to the ballgame)on the inside cover I put the invitations and the back of the album had a list of all the songs on his album. Everyone really enjoyed the cd's. At the party we had a microphone and instruments set up to use. I passed out numbers for all of the contestants and all of the children recieved a golden ticket to Hollywood" like on tv which I printed on color paper. All of the children were able to sing dance and perform for the audience. They loved that some more than others. My sister and brother were dressed like Simon and Paula and my step-father dressed like Randy. They all carried their drinks in coke glasses and gave the kids words of encouragment after they performed. I made cupcakes in ice cream cones to resemble microphones and a large cake that resembled a record. They enjoyed the cupcakes. I purchase all of the american idol plates napkins cups etc at Party City. I purchased an American Idol microphone pinata through birthday express. The party favors were microphones that I got at the dollar store for one dollar each they all got guitar bubbles american idol stickers and several other music related party favors sunglasses etc. They kids enjoyed every minute of the party. My son wants to have the same party on his next birthday.

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Wedding Themes - 3 Reasons Why Your Wedding Needs One

Wedding themes can turn an average wedding into a spectacular event. From simple to

extravagant, wedding themes can make your wedding a soiree that your guests will remember for a long time.

A wedding theme is incorporated into all aspects of your wedding including invitations, reception decorations, favors and sometimes wedding attire. You can even plan your reception menu around a wedding theme. Why should you choose a theme for your wedding? Here are the top three reasons to choose a wedding theme: 1) Themes set your wedding apart from others by letting you showcase your creativity. 2) Weddings are more fun and exciting to plan when there is a theme involved. 3) Theme weddings are more entertaining for guests, and they are sure to remember how much fun they had. Once you decide to incorporate a theme into your wedding, the next step is choosing what type of theme to go with. Think about ideas for possible wedding themes. When you picture your wedding, what theme comes to mind? Here are several possible wedding themes for you to use: - Seasonal wedding themes, such as Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, allow you to incorporate seasonal ideas into your wedding. For example, when you think of Fall leaves, pumpkins and apples come to mind. - Christmas weddings get everyone into the holiday spirit, and you may even be able to take advantage of your reception location's holiday decorations. - Medieval wedding themes offer you the opportunity dress in garb in addition to decorating your reception site. You can even choose to get married in a castle to make it more authentic. - What better place to get married than on a beach? Beach wedding ideas are fun, laid-back and offer many different theme possibilities including seashells, pirates and lighthouses. - Western wedding themes are the perfect fit if you are into country music, cowboys or line dancing. - Growing up you may have dreamed of a wedding like Cinderella had. Now is your chance to have a Cinderella themed wedding as a grown up complete with a carriage to whisk you away at the end of your wedding. - Masquerade weddings add mystery and intrigue to your wedding celebration. This theme is perfect in the fall, especially around Halloween. - For the sports-minded bride and groom, consider incorporating a sport like golf or your favorite team into your wedding. Although a theme is not a requirement for a great wedding, there are a few very good reasons for having one. If you are creative, have the motivation and really want to wow your guests, consider incorporating a theme into your big day. Article Source: http://www.weddinginfosource.com

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5 Ways To Capture Your Wedding Moments Forever

As far back as a girl can remember, she dreams of her wedding day. She imagines - to every last detail - things like: what type of wedding dress she will wear, what color the bridesmaids’ dresses will be and even more importantly, who that perfect man will be who becomes her husband. When that day finally arrives, it is the most important day of the bride’s life - a day she wants to look back on with fond memories for years to come. For more and more brides, one of the most perfect ways to capture their wedding is to create an Instant Photo Guest Book similar to the one created by Adesso Albums. Having such a keepsake, scrapbook or photo album to open up and share with your spouse, family and friends is the best way to capture the wedding day’s memory forever.

Instant Photo Guest Books are a unique "marriage" of a photo album and a guest book. To create a photo guest book at a wedding, simply take Polaroid pictures, slip them into your guest book and have the guests write their personalized messages to you the bride and your groom on the guest book pages. This will capture your wedding event instantly in pictures and words—and you won’t even have to wait weeks to get your photographs returned from your wedding photographer. You’ll be able to enjoy it as soon as it’s over. However, the beauty of these keepsake albums is that it can be used for all parts of your wedding event: engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception and even the honeymoon.

Here are 5 other great ideas to capture your wedding moments:

1. Wish Bowl

Here’s an idea, that won’t even cost you a dime. The purpose of a wedding Wish Bowl is to provide an opportunity for guests to wish good fortunes to follow the Bride and Groom wherever they go. The idea is to have your guests write their wishes for love and life on little slips of paper and place them into a crystal or decorative glass bowl or vase. You don’t even have to buy one if you have a nice vase or bowl at home already. For a more formal presentation, the slips of paper can be placed into little matching wedding stationary envelopes. The stationary paper and envelopes should match the Bride’s color theme and/or wedding stationary. After the wedding events are over, the notes can be read and placed into a wedding album or scrapbook while the bowl or vase can be used for the home or decoration.

2. Wish Tree

The Wish Tree theme, similar to the Wish Bowl, is for guests at the wedding to write down their wishes for love and life to the Bride and Groom - except instead of the bowl, a tree is used to collect the wishes. There are many types of Wish Trees - your can purchase metal ones, or fashion your own using blooming branches from a garden or florist, or even use a live potted plant such as a fichus tree. Gift boxes can be hung from the tree of your choice and your guests can take a box off the tree in exchange for their wishes. After the wedding events are over, the wishes can be taken off the tree and placed in a keepsake box, scrapbook or album.

3. Signature Platter

Wedding Signature Platters or plates make a unique alternative to traditional wedding guest books. The platter can be plain, decorative or even custom designed and ordered online or from a wedding stationary store. Guests simply sign the platter during the wedding event with a special ceramic marker and after the wedding events are over, the platter is fired in your home oven. The special signature platter can be used for serving favorite dishes at future dinner parties as husband and wife or just as a decorative memento of the special gathering.

4. Framed Signature Mat

Similar to the Signature Platter, the Signature Mat is another alternative to the traditional wedding guest book. A photo of the Bride and Groom - often a “before” wedding photo (like an engagement photo) - is placed in an acid free matte and mounted either on an easel or table in the entry area of the wedding reception. Guests sign their name and well wishes to the Bride and Groom on the mat surrounding the picture. The Signature Mat is then framed for the newlywed’s new home. The “before wedding” photo can be replaced with a wedding photo of the couple before framing.

5. Typewriter Guest Book

The Typewriter Guest Book is Martha Stewart’s latest discovery for a guest book alternative. Look for an old-fashioned, inexpensive typewriter either online, from a flea market or thrift shop – but make SURE it works - and set it out on a table in the entry area of the wedding reception. Load the typewriter with long sheets of paper for guests to type in good wishes to the Bride and Groom along with their name and any sentiment that comes to mind. After the wedding, the page can be tied into a scroll with ribbon or framed along with pictures taken at the wedding.

The above 5 unique ways to capture your wedding moments will help you and your loved ones relive your wedding memories over and over again.

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Planning a Luau Party? Be Sure To Stock Up On Your Luau Party Supply Items

Luau party supplies will determine just how fun your Luau party will be. For the invitations to your Luau party, send large Hawaiian themed cards, and tell them to dress in the tropical style. For the music, find a CD or tape that plays Luau music. For the outside entrance to your house, consider placing bamboo torches outside your door so your guests will get right in the tropical mood. As soon as your guests get in the door, have a large basket of tropical flowers. If the weather permits, consider placing Luau party supplies on the backyard. Paper lanterns would be a nice touch outside. Also, wind chimes will add to the mood. If you really want to go crazy, place metallic palm trees and wooden totem poles around the yard/patio. Candle votives are a must, but don't forget the citronella candles. Finding cheap Luau Party Supplies Often times, it is possible to find the material for a Luau party at a discount store. For example, some plastic bowls are made in the shape of large shells. Also, most supplies like the paper flowers and Luau music CD can be had for only a few dollars. More fun and cheaper than a pirate party supply or a birthday party supply, Luau party supplies will make your party one to remember. by: Mike Yeager

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