Thursday, March 15, 2012

Irish Weddings



Irish Toast

Health and a
long life to you.
Land without
rent to you.
A child every
year to you.
And if you can't
go to heaven,
May you at least
die in Ireland!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle
because of its beautiful green countryside.
Rolling farmlands, which are mainly pasture,
cover much of the central part of the country,
and mountains rise near the coasts.

Large numbers of young people in Ireland once
remained single and lived with their parents
until they were over the age of 30. Farmland and
jobs were scarce, and few young people could
afford to marry and raise families.
However, marriage practices have changed, and today
young people marry earlier than they did in the past.

The Roman Catholic Church has long played a major role
in Irish social life. Almost every Irish city has a
Catholic cathedral, and nearly all the towns and
villages have a Catholic church. Most people attend
church regularly.

Many of the Irish enjoy visiting their neighborhood
pub (public house). People gather in the country's
pubs to drink beer and whiskey, talk with friends,
and listen to music.

The favorite alcoholic drink in Ireland is beer.
A type of beer called stout is especially popular.
The Irish use barley malt to make Irish whiskey,
a world-famous liquor. A drink called Irish coffee
is made with coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar,
and cream.

One of Ireland's most famous dishes is Irish stew.
This dish is made by boiling layers of potatoes,
onions, and pieces of mutton in a covered pot.
Another traditional Irish meal consists of boiled
salt pork, cabbage, and potatoes.

Many people consider the Irish to be exceptionally
warm-hearted and friendly.
The Irish also have a reputation for hospitality,
close family ties, and skill as writers and great
storytellers.

It sounds like a wonderful place for a Wedding!

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend, and stay dry!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wedding Planning Time Table


Careful planning will
enable you to truly
enjoy every moment of
your Wedding Day.
Arrangements for a
large formal wedding
should ideally begin
at least 8 – 12 months
in advance.

However, many beautiful weddings are put
together in considerably less time.
The important thing is to follow a timetable,
read the articles in this guide and let
your contracted suppliers help you. Share the
planning duties with your fiancé, your family
and your attendants — much of the fun is doing
it together!


Six to Twelve Months

Decide budget; discuss sharing of expenses.
Decide type of wedding: a) formal,
b) semi-formal, c) informal
Choose location of ceremony.
Discuss alternative dates with clergy or
officiator.
Decide size of wedding party; choose attendants.
Select gown style.
Select veil style.
Select attendants & apparel.
Choose reception facility.
Select caterer/wedding consultant.
Plan details of reception.
Select photographer.
Have engagement photos taken.
Select music for reception.
Select videographer.
Select florist.
Compile guest list.
No. of Guests: Bride's _____________ Groom's ___________
Discuss gown colors & styles with mothers of bride & groom.



Four to Six Months

Select men's formal wear; order.
Select ceremony musician & music.
Make honeymoon plans. Travel Agent.
Decide on new living arrangement; buying, leasing, renting?
Consult decorator about home decor.
Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries.
Order invitations, personal stationary, programs, napkins, etc.
Stationer _________________ Del. date __________
Professionally prepare & print map to include with invitations.
Set aside hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Have physical examinations & update immunizations.
Buy wedding rings; order engraving.



Two to Four Months

Reserve rental items (candelabra, arches, canopy,
linens, etc.).
Arrange rehearsal dinner.
Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon &
prenuptial parties.
Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach
transportation.
Address wedding invitations; consider professional
calligrapher.
Review florist arrangements; finalize order.
Buy attendants & gifts and gifts for each other.
Experiment with hairstyles and make-up changes.
Buy bride's and attendants' shoes; send to dyer.
Order wedding and groom's cakes.



One to Two Months

Mail invitations four to six weeks before wedding.
Final bridal fitting.
Final attendants & fittings.
Confirm honeymoon reservations, begin packing.
Select reception decorations (balloons, candles, flowers,
table favors, etc.).
Select ceremony accessories (unity candle, ring pillow,
guestbook, etc.).
Select personal accessories (handbag, garter, engraved goblets,
guest mementos, etc.).
Arrange bridemaids & brunch or luncheon.
Buy marriage license; have blood tests if needed.



Two Weeks

Schedule appointments for hair stylist, facial, manicure, massage.
Invite wedding party & guests to rehearsal dinner.
Move your personal and mutual belongings to new home.
Review reception seating and order place cards from calligrapher.
Confirm out-of-town guests & lodging with reserved hotels.
Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times.
Record gifts as you receive them; write thank you notes.
Schedule caterer for gift opening party.
Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after wedding.



One to Two Weeks

Pick up wedding rings, check engravings and sizes.
Final consultations: Florist, hall decorator, musicians,
photographer, videographer.
Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer.
Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes; check for fit.
Make wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at your
rehearsal dinner.
Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish
honeymoon packing.

Your planning is complete. Your day will be wonderful!!!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Upcoming Bridal Shows





Here are some
fantastic Wedding
events coming up
this weekend, and
one next Thursday
evening, with some
of the best vendors,
at some of the best
locations in all of
Southern California!

Sample great food, learn the latest trends,
get unique ideas for your one-of-a-kind Wedding,
win wonderful prizes, and see the latest fashions.

We hope to see you there!

Mesa Verde Country Club
Exciting new venue for upscale events
Saturday, March 3, 2012 • 11:00 - 3:00
Complimentary admission to Brides and Grooms!
3000 Clubhouse Rd., Costa Mesa
(888) 299-1888 or (949) 678-6626

Bridal Showplace
Hyatt Regency, Long Beach
Sunday, March 4, 2012 • 11:00-4:00
200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach
www.bridalshowplace.net
(562) 924-2048

Premier Bridal Show
Marriott Hotel
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - 11:00-4:00
333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles
(714) 572 -1363
www.PremierBridalShows.com

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
Thursday, March 8, 2012 • 6:00pm-9:00pm
FREE to the Bride and Groom!
Find your perfect vendor match
628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach
RSVP at rentals@molaa.org
(562) 216-4112 • www.molaa.org

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Selecting Your Bridal Gown



Buying your Wedding Gown
should be absolutely the
most fun of all your
wedding planning.
Here are some tips for
making it a memorable
and pleasant experience
to look back on.

• Go to a store where you feel comfortable.
If you don't feel like you are being treated well,
or are unhappy with the selection, go elsewhere.
Don't try on any dresses if you wouldn't buy one
there. This is your time to feel like a Queen!

• Don't go shopping if you aren't feeling well.
If you are bloated, sunburned, or in any way feel
ugly or uncomfortable, you won't feel as beautiful
as you should.

• Take someone with you, but not a small army, and
never any children. They get bored instantly, and
will make you crazy, since they really shouldn't
touch anything in the store.

• Minimize or don’t wear any make-up, it will get on
the gowns you try on. Also, remove jewelry since the
satins and silks used for Bridal dresses are very
delicate, and will snag or damage easily. Once you
purchase your gown, remember these things for your
fittings as well.

• Bridal Gown sizes run small. Don't think about the
size, but the fit. Order the size you are now, don't
expect to lose a lot of weight. If you do lose weight,
you can always have the gown taken in, which is much
easier and less costly.

• Expect to have alterations done. Your dress should fit
perfectly and very few women are a perfect size, and
5'9" tall. Buying separates can minimize this problem.
Remember, you can’t have alterations done until you
have the shoes, slip (if you are wearing a full skirt)
and bra you will be wearing with your dress.

• Try on different styles. Be open to possibilities.
You may discover that the perfect gown is completely
different from what you had imagined.

• Try to be realistic. You may have been dreaming of
your gown since you were a little girl. Your dress
should be fantastic and make you feel beautiful, but
don't have unrealistic expectations.

• Start early! Most gowns take several weeks to arrive,
and some manufacturers can take months. Also consider
buying a gown off-the-rack. These are usually discounted
and can be cleaned, then altered to fit.

• When figuring your dress in your budget, don't forget
to add in accessories and alterations.

• Buy your gown first, then match it when purchasing your
headpiece, veil and accessories.

• Accentuate your best features and camoflauge flaws.
Choose a dress that you are comfortable in, because you
will be wearing it for a several hours. Keep that in
mind with your shoes too - break them in beforehand.
It is hard to have fun when your feet hurt!

• You don't have to buy the first dress you find that
you like. Visit several shops and be sure before you
place your order since your deposit is non-refundable.
Most shops require half down as a deposit.

• Have fun trying on several dresses before making your
choice, but don't look forever. You can’t move on to
other decisions such as bridemaids’ and flowergirl dresses
until you select your gown. Besides, if you look too
long, you will start to get confused by too many choices.

• Your gown sets the mood for your wedding, whether it
will be formal, semi formal, traditional, etc. Your gown
should reflect the style and formality you intend to have
for your wedding.

• Once you are sure you have found the perfect gown,
buy it!
Bargain hunting is usually frustrating and futile.
Avoid buying from the internet, since you can't see what
you are getting, and have no retail location where you
can try the dress on or come back to with any problems.

• Custom designed gowns or redesigning a once-worn dress
are other options to consider.

• Most important of all, just relax and have fun shopping!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mardi Gras at the DoubleTree Orange


Brides and Groom's
can celebrate
Mardi Gras'
"Fat Tuesday"
tonight at the
DoubleTree in
Orange for FREE!

Today, Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012
from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

The DoubleTree Orange
100 The City Drive

www.ocbrides.com

Friday, February 17, 2012

Weeekend Shopping for Bridal Gowns


A Legendary Affair
Bridal Gown Sample Sale
Saturday, February 18, 2012 • 10:00-2:00
Maggie Sottero, Jasmine, & 2BE Bridal Gowns
from Bridal Elegance, all at 50% off!
Beautiful, unique Stella & Dot Jewelry, & More!
505 N Sepulveda Bl - Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
www.alegendaryaffair.com
(310) 372-5200

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Double-Treat at the DoubleTree


Brides have a Double-Treat this month at
the DoubleTree Hotel in Orange.

Brides and Grooms can visit the
beautiful DoubleTree Hotel on
Sunday, February 12th at the
Premier Bridal show, and again
on Tuesday evening, February 21st
for the monthly OC Brides event.

At both of these events there will be
a variety of different local Wedding
professionals that will help you to
create your dream Wedding, offering
new ideas, and great raffle prizes.

Plus, you can see a Wedding ceremony
set up and ready for your special day.
All that is missing is you!

See you there...


DoubleTree Orange
100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868

Sunday, February 12, 2012
11:00am - 4:00pm
www.PremierBridalShows.com


OC Brides
Monthly Events Free to Brides!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
6:30pm - 9:00pm
www.ocbrides.com