Wedding Diva's Blog

REMEMBERING YOUR WEDDING GOWN

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:40:00 +0000

One of my brides called me right before Christmas to tell me that her gown was in the store. She was so excited to see it---we went the next day. When she saw the gown she became very upset and said it was not her dress.

After the sales person searched records etc...it was determined it was her dress---She just didn't remember!

I was not working with this particular bride when she ordered her dress...so I had no records on it.

One thing I always do when I go with a bride to order a dress is to take a picture of it. As long as you are buying it, stores usually do not care if you take a picture.

In this case, she ordered the dress in August ---it is now January -- It is easy to remember things differently then they are.

My advice is to ALWAYS TAKE A PICTURE of your dress the day you order it ---and look at it frequently!!!

OUT OF TOWN GUESTS

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Every time I go to a hotel --- no matter where it is -- I see guest bags piled, dropped off by brides for their out of town guests.

While making your guests feel welcome is important, there are better ways then giving them a bag with candy, snacks and water!

I have listed some alternatives to guest bags.

A hospitality room on the night most of your guests will be arriving with sandwiches, soda, water, cookies etc -- They will appreciate something to eat after a long day.
Free Breakfast - If your hotel does not offer a free breakfast, you can provide them with one even if it is only a continental breakfast.
A bud vase with one red rose in their room.
A fruit basket in their room
A bottle of wine with 2 glass you can purchase from the Dollar Store or The Christmas Tree Store in their room with a personalized wine opener.

Also, you should always make sure that your guests are provided with a folder including a map of the city, special attractions, names and numbers of spas and some post cards. Most of these items can be obtained at your local chamber of commerce.

Be creative --- your guests will love it!

Sangria

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:41:00 +0000

When we were on one of our cruises, there was a Sangria bar. The bartender was this very cute girl from the Philippines, Mary.

Needless to say, we made great frineds with Mary (ha ha)....it was the best Sangria we ever had!!! Our last day, she gave us the recipe -- I love making it around the Holidays. It is festive, easy to make and the hit of the party!!!

We have also used this recipe at weddings and Events for a signature drink!

SANGRIA

1 bottle of dry red wine
1/4 C. of brandy
1/4 C. of light rum (I use Bacardi)
1/8 C. triple sec
1 liter ginger ale
1 C. sugar (I use 1/2 sugar and 1/2 splenda)
1 apple
1 pear
1 orange
1 lemon
1 lime

Mix wine, brandy, rum, triple sec and ginger ale together in a large jar with a tight lid or a pitcher with a tight lid. Cut fruit in small pieces, add to wine mixture. Cover jar or pitcher with lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving. Garnish with a fruit slice. (You can also add blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.)

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:59:00 +0000

I have taught several Holiday Decorating classes during my career as a Wedding/Event Planner/Designer---The one thing I always "stress" is utilizing materials you already have in your house or something that you can purchase inexpensively at the grocery store or craft store.

Years ago, my mom came up with this great centerpiece that is simple, easy and relatively inexpensive -- A Pineapple Turkey!!

Cut a double turkey head out of brown felt and stitch it together. (I use hot glue) Use red felt for his neck, Yellow or orange for his beak and "google" eyes. (Use image above as your guide).

Lay the pineapple on its side, slip the turkey head over the round end of the pineapple...the pineapple top is his feathers. If you have problems keeping the head on the pineapple, use toothpicks.

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away. Entertaining your family and friends does not have to be expensive.

Make centerpieces from supplies you already have around the house---Large vases with candles and fall leaves, a bowl full of glass or real gords, a container full of leaves, pumpkins and fall ornaments make lovely centerpieces.

Instead of purchasing several types of alcohol, make a signature cocktail such as sangria, pumpkin or Apple Martini's, or Cinnamon Champagne Cocktails.

From now to Thanksgiving I will be posting fun holidays ideas and recipes -- so keep checking back!

Videographer

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:06:00 +0000

I cannot tell you how many times I hear from my clients that they don't want to hire a videographer because they are trying to save money and feel it is not a necessary expense.

This summer one of my assistants was married. Her Mom felt that way as well. After the wedding she told me how sorry she was she did't have a video because she missed so much!

You spend so much time and money planning your wedding that you don't want to miss a minute of it. With so many guests, photo sessions, etc., it is impossible NOT to miss something.

I have been married 22 years and we watch our video every year on our anniversary -- now for us it is a precious memory since our parents, grand parents and other family members are no longer with us. It is so great to remember them so happy!

A videographer can cost anywhere between $1,000.00 and $5,000.00 depending on what services you want.

If you really feel you want a video but can't afford it, look around and find someone that will give you the unedited footage...that will cost MUCH less since the editing takes so much time!!

Also, you may want to think about just having the ceremony taped.

There are options available to you, so don't cross a video off your list until you have researched all of the possibilities.

BEWARE OF BRIDAL SHOWS

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Tis the Bridal Show season!!

I have had brides hire me after they have hired vendors. I always ask where they found those vendors...9 out of 10 say "A BRIDAL SHOW."

Some brides have hired these vendors right at the show....and haven't even sat down with them to talk....and then find out later that they really can't meet their needs.

A common misconception is that if a vendor is at a show, they must be the best.

Bridal Shows are NOT JURIED! You don't have to be good at your craft to be in a show, you just need to pay the fee associated with the booth!

Don't get me wrong -- some very fine vendors attend shows...you just need to make an appointment with them to sit down and talk about your expectations and find out if the vendor offers the services you want.

NEVER hire a vendor at the show itself....you don't have enough time at a show to interview the vendor properly.

Lets face it --- your wedding is in your vendors hands --- so you need to give the selection process the proper attention it deserves!

If you decide to go to a show -- here are some tips:

Have address labels ready for the drawings otherwise you will be filling out your information 20 times!!!
If you see a vendor with great work, get basic info and book an appointment at the show...DO NOT HIRE THE VENDOR AT THE SHOW! Sometimes you get a discount for simply making an appointment at the show.
If you see a gown that you LOVE in the fashion show...make sure you write down the info about the dress, number, designer, etc. If you go to the salon a couple of weeks later and you don't have the info, they probably won' t remember what dress you are talking about.
If you win a prize, make sure you collect the prize that day. If they tell you that you have to go to their business to collect the prize, make sure you get everything you won in writing. Depending on what you won, if they do not have it at the show is a RED FLAG!

Shows can be a lot of fun and very informative if you approach them with an open mind!!

Have a GREAT time !

A VISIT TO HIGH SCHOOL

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Senior Picture ---- 1971

Since I have been "FACEBOOKING" I have been in touch with several of my high school classmates that I haven't seen since graduation in 1971!

Our 40th anniversary from school is approaching (2011) so being the planner that I am, I decided I am going to plan a reunion!!!

Three of the "girls" I graduated with and myself decided to meet for lunch and reunite....we had such a great time, and thankfully they offered to help me with this new project!! ha ha

In anticipation of our lunch, and of starting to plan this event, I called Good Old East High School and asked where I could get my hands on a year book. After getting put through to several extensions, I finally spoke with someone in the library who said they had one I could have . So off I went to this place where I had spent so much time many moons ago!

I parked my car and walked in the front door, where immediately the 38 years of changes hit me in the face..METAL DETECTORS monitored by ARMED (real guns!! ha ha) security officers!!!!

After going through security and signing in three different places in the main office, I was finally given a "HALL PASS."

I made my way to the stairs, and to the second floor ...as I walked down the hallway, I noticed that the hallway monitors of the 60's and 70's were also replaced by armed security officers!!

When I finally got to the library, I noticed it hadn't changed much.... except...... typewriters were traded in for flat screen computers, and it was a lot noisier than I remembered. After I got my year book, I struck up a conversation with the librarian who was a very nice "YOUNGER" woman. I was telling her the way things were during my 4 years at East.

She asked if I was interested in a tour of the building.....I jumped at the chance. Some areas such as the cafeteria, the offices, auditorium and courtyards looked as if time had not passed at all!

One thing I remembered that I always liked about East were all of the common areas....there were little area's throughout the school where you could just go and "HANG." Not so any more. There is a large window enclosed hallway type room in the middle of the school with window seats called the "COMMONS," that is now closed off except for during lunch when the seniors can go there. The rest of the day, it is used as a hallway, again, filled with security.

It was a bitter-sweet experience .......while so many memories flooded back, It was sad at the same time that the East High that I went to was no longer there!

PLANNING A WEDDING IS LIKE BUILDING A HOUSE!!

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:44:00 +0000

I cannot tell you how many times during my career that a bride comes to my office in tears and very upset because she is having a hard time getting everything done!!! Most of the time, there is a year or more before the wedding-----it makes me laugh, but at the same time I feel so bad that the planning phase of the most special day of your life is causing so much stress!

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

The reason this happens is because you are looking at the ENTIRE PICTURE instead of breaking it down.

I plan between 15 and 20 weddings every year. If I looked at the entire picture of 20 weddings I would loose what is left of my mind! ha ha ha ha

There is an order you should follow to plan your wedding. I have an analogy that will help you
to start planning your wedding and stay on track without stressing out.

PLANNING A WEDDING IS LIKE BUILDING A HOUSE!! This analogy is on my website!! Print it out and follow it....You will find by breaking down the different parts of your wedding, you will actually enjoy planning your day!

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

I was watching "SAY YES TO THE DRESS" today! (Yes I watch wedding shows, and usually laugh or feel the planners pain!!! ha ha)

Today I felt the bride's pain! Her mom HATED every dress she tried on! In a different segment, the bride brought several people with her -- her mom, her future mother-in-law, sisters, girlfriends, Oh My God, there about 15 people....None of them liked the same dress, they tore this poor bride apart till she was sobbing!

I cannot tell you the number of times this has happened to me. I have accompanied brides to find their perfect dress.....besides me, they brought several people.....and chaos is always inevitable!

One bride loved a gown so much, and her mother went as far as to tell her that if she insisted on buying that particular dress, she was not attending the wedding.

As you can guess, she bought the dress of her mother's dreams and was very unhappy!

I can't tell you sad that makes me. Your dress is one of the most important purchases you will make for your wedding day.

I believe that if you are not happy with the way you look, even if everyone else loves the look, you will not feel beautiful and confident! Every time you look at your pictures for years to come, you will regret listening to everyone but YOURSELF!

I have put together a little guideline for you that may make gown shopping a little easier for you:

1. DO NOT bring a lot of people with you. Just bring a couple of people that will support you and not push their ideas on you. Someone who will be objective and supportive.

2. DO NOT venture out of your comfort zone on your wedding day. You want to look like yourself when you look in the mirror!! If you are not use to wearing low cut tops or strapless dresses, don't buy a low cut or strapless gown!

3. MOST IMPORTANT --- Follow your HEART and you will look FABULOUS on your wedding day!

Money Saving ideas....Flowers

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:51:00 +0000

MONEY -- MONEY -- MONEY!!! I think everyone is pretty sick of this recession -- especially if you are planning a wedding!!

All brides LOVE flowers and want them EVERYWHERE!! Flowers can eat up a big part of your budget if you are not careful!! I tell my clients when they go to the florist to pick out EVERYTHING they want -- THE SKY IS THE LIMIT -- once the proposal comes, try not to PASS OUT!! :) Seeing everything in black and white will help you decide which flowers are REALLY important and which ones you feel you can do without!

One place where I tell everyone they can save is at the ceremony! Having large arrangements on the alter sometimes just fade into the woodwork. The bride and groom are the decoration and where all guests eyes focus.

Arrangements large enough to be noticed will cost you $200.00 or more depending on the size and type of flowers.

I do agree you need some decoration in the church or ceremony site....my solution to this issue
is to decorate one focal point -- an arch, chairs, pews, pillars, etc.!

Saving money on ceremony flowers, will leave you more money to spend in other areas!

If you really don't like the look without a lot of flowers in the church or ceremony site...have your flowers designed with the reception in mind...then take everything from the ceremony site to the reception site.

COCKTAIL HOUR

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:41:00 +0000

If you are having more than 100 people, you really should think about having two bars during your cocktail hour.

Your bar will get hit the hardest during the first hour of your reception (Cocktail Hour). You don't want your guests to wait in a long line to get a drink.....I strongly suggest 2 bars in opposite directions of each other. If your site has a terrace/patio/deck, it would be good to have one outside and one inside.

Most sites will charge a set-up fee for the second bar, but it is well worth it not to have your guests inconvenienced!

Summer

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:07:00 +0000

This is the first time I have blogged all summer! It has been a summer filled with beautiful weddings.....(LOTS OF RAIN)....and more beautiful weddings!!!

I worked in a new location...Sage Chapel at Cornell University. It is a very beautiful location but very challenging at the same time. The parking areas are not very close to the chapel....and it rained all day.....Despite the dreadful weather it was a beautiful day....the guests had a great time on their wine tour and at the reception at the Ginny Lee Cafe!

My assistant Sue got married in July. It rained while we were in church, but the sun came out soon after and turned out great! It was a wonderful reception at Cobblestone Country Club complete with Sparklers!!!

In addition to all of my weddings my oldest grandson, Ryan, graduated from high school. It was a very emotional day for all of us.....and still is trying to get him ready for college. He will be attending Utica College.

Life is starting to calm down a little, so I thought I would update everyone.

The wedding season is still going strong!!!

BRUNCH

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Traditional brunches have been customary for out of town guests ... a nice way to send them off.

That is fine, but sometimes I find some of the guests can not take advantage of the brunch because they have an early flight or they want to get an early start!

A good way to handle this is to make TICKETS to be handed out to guests upon checking in! Make arrangements with the hotel or a near-by restaurant which ever you prefer, to have breakfast available between 6:00 - 11:00 or whichever time you decide. Guests may show up anytime between the designated hours to have breakfast. You will then be charged only for the guests who took advantage of this.

The one draw back is that you usually don't get to see your guests the next day. If you would prefer a traditional brunch....have some tickets available for the guests who need to leave early and can't stick around for the brunch...your won't feel left out and you have provided them with a nice breakfast to thank them for traveling to celebrate your special day.

HAVE FUN!

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:20:00 +0000

Planning a wedding is a little stressful with the MOUNTAINS of details that need to dealt with, however, I always find it sad when I see a future bride so stressed out that she is not having fun planning her wedding.

Even after they hire me, and have help and support, they still "freak out" over every little issue!

If you are planning a wedding.....and you are going it alone without a planner.....PLEASE try to make your planning experience fun. Don't take everything so seriously. Stay focused and organized......read my analogy on my website and take it one step at a time!!

Also.....use the budget calculator....that would help with your budget!

Remember....planing your wedding should be one of the most enjoyable things you ever to.....IT IS A REAL LABOR OF LOVE!

Money Saving Tips

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Planning your wedding on a shoe-string?

Try these tips:

1. Hire a DJ instead of a band (This will save you approximately $2,000.00)

2. Try to keep your centerpieces to under $50.00 per table.

3. Select a reception venue that offers all inclusive pricing.

4. Instead of a limo, rent a town car just for the bride and groom.

Just making a few little tweaks will make a HUGE difference in your budget!

Food Tastings

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Just yesterday I was asked if it was "standard" to have the reception site charge extra for additional people other than the bride and groom. I have been asked that question a lot lately!

Some places do and some don't, however, it is happening more and more. Some venues don't even offer a tasting anymore and if you insist, even the bride and groom will be expected to pay.

Tastings are meant to be just that, "TO TASTE THE FOOD" to help you with your selection. It is customary to invite the parents of the bride especially if they are paying for the wedding. The parents of the groom usually don't go unless they are also contributing to the cost of the reception. The least amount of people you invite the better!!

Most places will just bring out one plate of each entree that you choose to taste and everyone has a "taste" to see which chicken or fish they like better....again, it is not meant to be a meal.

If your venue is offering a tasting, tell them that you would like to see the "PLATE PRESENTATION." The way the food is presented is just as important as the taste.

Another thing that surprises most people is that most venues do not let you taste the Hors D' oeuvres or salads. Again it depends on the venue.

Also....DON'T FORGET....if you are going to have a tasting, make sure you do it in enough time to order your invitations. You will have to list your dinner choices on the response cards.

Suits vs. Tuxes

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:56:00 +0000

The latest trend for the"GUYS" in your wedding are suits.

The big question is....which looks better?? In my opinion, they both look great, however, suits are much more practical and cost effective.

Men's Warehouse often has sales 2 suits for the cost of one. Initially, even with a good sale, the suit will probably cost more than renting a tux, however, everyone needs a suit in their wardrobe and it will be worn for years.

A tux with a vest, shoes, etc...will cost approximately $100.00.....for one day! A suit will cost approximately $150.00- $200.00 and will be used over and over.

The suits don't all have to be the same style, as long as they are all the same color, so if you want everyone to wear black suits and everyone in the wedding already have a black suit, that is fine, they can just wear what they have. You can bring it all together by having them wear the same shirts and ties.

Another concern are the shoes. As long as everyone wears black dress shoes, they don't have to match....in fact...I have never been a fan of the shiny black rented "tux shoes.":)

RECEPTION TIME LINE

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:08:00 +0000

When you are planning your time line for your reception you should allow 2 .5 hours for your cocktail hour, introductions, toasts, and dinner.

Below is an example for you to use as a guideline:

6:00 PM Cocktail Hour
6:45 PM Guests are seated and will have a little time to get one last drink before dinner
7:00 PM Introductions, special dances, toasts, blessing
7:30 PM- 8:30 PM Dinner
8:30 PM - Midnight Dancing!

It is important to have a structured time line until dinner is over.....then you are free to just have a GREAT TIME!

ESCAPING AGAIN

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:03:00 +0000

Tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM we are once again escaping to the Caribbean! This time my entire family is coming.....I am so looking forward to spending the week with our three grandsons, daughter and son-in-law.

We are going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico....2 of our favorite islands!

I am leaving my computer at home so I won't be blogging for a week.....I will post pictures when I get back!

Have a GREAT week!

TAKE CARE OF YOUR VENDORS

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:05:00 +0000

I always have clients ask me if they have to feed their vendors. The answer is YES! The next statement usually is..."My reception venue offers vendor meals." My answer to that is.....NOT A GOOD IDEA!

Vendor meals at reception sites are usually sandwiches. Some vendors, like your photographer and videographer are with you 10 hours or more...they need to eat. Also, more and more vendors have meal clauses in their contracts stating what they expect.

Another thing to think about...some venues want to seat the vendors in a different room than the guests. This also is not a good idea....vendors such as your photographer,videographer and DJ...need to be in the same room as you and your guests in case a special unexpected moment occurs that you would like photographed or announced.

When I am managing a wedding, I always choose a table furthest from the "sweetheart table" or "head table" whatever the case may be to designate for the vendors.

Also, you should inform the staff that you would like them to serve the vendors right after they serve you and your parents..THIINK ABOUT IT....they should be eating when you are so that when you are up and about, they are working, taking pictures, playing music, etc.

As far as paying for their dinners, your reception site should remove the alcohol portion since the vendors won't drink and just pay for he food.

If you take care of your vendors.....they will take EXTRA good care of you! :)

Recession Proof your Wedding

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Every bride to be dreams of "HER" perfect wedding that she has been dreaming of since childhood....but unfortunately today's economy makes it a little tougher.

There are ways to cut corners without compromising the design and look of your wedding. If you would like specialty linens, thing of renting toppers rather than floor length. Your reception site usually provides you with white or Ivory linens. Throwing a beautiful topper over that,will make a HUGE difference!

Instead of large floral arrangements for centerpieces, candles, or a floating or a sunken flower makes a lovely centerpiece and willcost considerably less!!

The failing economy may make planning your dream wedding more challenging, but with a little creativity the design of your wedding can be recession proof!

Opening Shower Gifts

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:43:00 +0000

If you ask anyone if they like bridal showers they will all tell you that they enjoy being with friends, but they hate sitting for 2 hours watching the bride open gifts!!!

My assistant Sue is getting married in July. Yesterday we gave her a shower. She told me in advance that we had to figure out a way to open the gifts without the usual sitting for hours...we both dislike that part!

So after thinking about it for a while...I came up with a GREAT idea! We had a gift table set up, as the guests arrived they would stop at the gift table and the bride opened her gift with that guest standing with her. Several guests made a comment about how wonderful it was and they love having a little time to spend with the bride. It was very personal.

At one point, several guests arrived at once. The guests stared to mingle and when it was time for the bride to open their gift we called that person and she came back to the gift table.

For an experiment, it was a great success!!! Everyone really enjoyed not having to sit for the traditional gift opening.

Details, details, details.......

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:23:00 +0000

Linens by Table Toppers of Rochester

With the economy being what it is, you may find the need to scale back your original wedding ideas. While I think every bride has "GRANDIOSE" ideas...you do not have to spend a fortune to get a elegant look.

One thing that makes a big difference are bright colored linens in wonderful fabrics. Choose a color that will set off your centerpiece and make them"pop." spending money where your guests will be sitting most of the evening will give you the most bang for your buck!

Centerpieces do not have to be large floral arrangements, you can do something simple with "floating" or "sunken" flowers and candles. A colored pillar candle in a hurricane looks great with rose petals and votive candles surrounding it. A small flower can be placed on each napkin spreading the color around the table.

An interesting napkin fold will add some interest to your tables. There are several books available on napkin folding. Some reception sites will fold your napkins anyway you would like...if the fold is too involved, they may let you take the napkins home the week of the wedding so you and your bridal party can fold the them and bring them back all folded and ready to go. Tying the napkins with a simple ribbon makes a HUGE difference!

Menu cards are a very nice touch and cost very little money if you make them yourself on nice card stock. You can tuck them in a napkin with a small flower, a sprig of lavender or a sprig of an aromatic herb such as rosemary or lemon leaves.

Little small details will go a long way with your guests.....so don't forget the ladies room....a flower, bowl of potpourri or scented candle will be very welcoming along with an amenity basket containing essentials. Pick up some nice liquid hand soap and lotion at the Bath and Body shop when they go on sale 3 for $15.00. You can also purchase wonderful scented Yankee Candles at the Yankee outlet for half the price.

Cutting costs does not mean you have to compromise the "look" or "design" of your wedding, and remember, if you want to decorate your church or ceremony site, make sure these decorations serve "DOUBLE DUTY" and can be used at the reception.

Use your creativity and come up with small little details that will set your wedding apart from the "cookie cutter" weddings so when your guests leave they will be talking about your special day for years to come!

Strength

Angela@outoftheordinary.com (Out Of The Ordinary Special Events) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:09:00 +0000

I met a woman Lauren,whose teenage daughter was diagnosed with cancer. She fought it for 2 years and died when she was 19.

Lauren sat and told me her story with such strength and grace that is was overwhelming....I pretty much lost it!!!

My mind went straight to my teenage grandsons.....I thought......if anything happened to them I would totally give up.

I think it is just human nature to complain and feel sorry for themselves when things aren't going your way and think..WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME.....or.......I am so sick of bad things happening.

I realized that my life is great! I may not have the biggest house or a huge bank account...but my life is rich in so many ways.

Lauren took her experience and started an organization called Melissa's Living Legacy/Teens Living With Cancer! www.melissaslivinglegacy.org