Wedding Twist

What to Do with all Those Amateur Wedding Photos

2008-05-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

Placing disposable cameras on reception tables has become a modern American wedding tradition. The cameras make guests feel involved because they are helping to create a photo record of the most important day of your life. Sometimes the pictures they capture are among the most heart-warming, moving images from your wedding day.

But what do you do with those hundreds of pictures once the honeymoon is over and the developing done? Will you let them languish – disorganized and unseen – in a shoebox or drawer? And what about the dozens of pictures guests will take with their own digital cameras or cell phones to e-mail to you later?

“The sad truth is many newlyweds simply don’t know what to do with all those pictures,” says Donna Burt of PhotosYourWay.com, a new social networking and photo-sharing Web site. “They hold on to them, but often not in a manner that allows the couple or their loved ones to enjoy these precious memories.”

A growing number of smart brides are turning to photo-sharing Web sites to preserve, organize and share amateur images from their weddings, and to create keepsakes like photo books and memorabilia. Most sites allow you to easily upload your images and make them available online for viewing by others. Other options such as organizing and sharing vary considerably from site to site.

Here’s what you should know about photo-sharing Web sites before you choose one to host your precious wedding day images:

* There should be no charge for uploading, storing or sharing your images. “If a site wants to charge you for these basic services, look elsewhere,” Burt advises. “Sites make their money from prints and products. A handful also make a small percentage when you sell an image – through their site – to a third party like an advertising agency or online content publisher.”

* You’ll potentially be uploading hundreds of wedding images, so look for large storage capacity. For example, PhotosYourWay.com provides 7 GB of free storage, enough to upload and store thousands of photos.

* Look for a site that offers the greatest flexibility for organizing images. Seek a site that will allow you to organize those images in a variety of ways, such as by who took the pictures (Photos by Uncle Joe), subject matter (Who Danced with the Bride) or chronology (Pre-wedding Prep, Walking Down the Aisle or Post-Reception Partying).

* Consider how the site allows you to share images. Can you send e-mails inviting friends and family to visit and view your images? Can you designate your images “private” or “public” at the time of upload? Does the site allow you to launch your own “community,” where your pictures can be viewed by not only your loved ones but other Internet users who may share your interest?

* Comparison shop on prices for prints and other products, such as photo books, canvas prints, mugs, T-shirts and other memorabilia. Be aware of shipping charges, which can amount to more than the cost of the prints or products themselves.

* Does the site allow those you share the photos with to download the images and print them on their own? Or will they be required to purchase prints through the Web site? PhotosYourWay.com will allow you or any of your family and friends to download the photos themselves and print them on their own or wherever they choose.

* Does the site offer you the opportunity to sell your images online to third parties, like advertising or public relations agencies, online publishers and others who need stock photography? PhotosYourWay.com is one of the only sites that offer users the chance to make money from their images.

“There’s a huge demand for wedding-related images,” says Burt. “That adorable photo of your father dancing with your niece may warm your heart, but it could also make you some money if someone wants to buy or rent it for use in their marketing materials.”

To make money from your wedding photos, simply designate them for public viewing – and available for rent – during the upload process. The images will be funneled through PhotosYourWay’s sister site, ImagesYourWay.com, where clients who need a steady stream of fresh, quality images will have the chance to view and rent them. You will pocket 60 percent of the rental price for your photo – as much as $180 in some cases.

To learn more about organizing and sharing your wedding photos, visit http://www.photosyourway.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Destination Weddings For Dummies

2008-03-27T00:41:00.002-05:00

Want to have a wonderful wedding away from home? Destination Weddings For Dummies is your all-in-one guide to getting married out of town, giving you savvy tips on everything from making travel arrangements to hiring vendors to dressing the wedding party.

Fron Vegas to the Vatican, this hands-on, practical resource helps you arrange a unique, unforgettable wedding anywhere in the world. Focusing on the various ways you can use the Internet in your planning, Destination Weddings For Dummies is filled with Web tips, shortcuts, and URLs, as well as instructions for creating your own digital wedding planner. You’ll see how to establish a realistic wedding budget and get your friends and family on board. Then, you’ll choose the perfect location; from Europe to the tropics to the open sea, we’ve done the scouting for you! You’ll also discover how to:

Get married legally around the world
Know who, when, and how to invite
Create your own destination wedding Web site and blog
Fit all the basics into your budget— from flowers and catering to the rings, photography, and music
Hire wedding pros from a distance
Decide on your ceremony’s style
Dress the bride, groom, and the wedding party
Communicate your plans to invited guests
Compare wedding packages
Save money on travel arrangements
Test-drive your destination wedding site
Organize fun wedding activities
Handle various wedding emergencies

If money is no object, you'll also see how to host a blowout wedding and make a splash when you splurge. Whether it’s a small, intimate ceremony in a Hawaiian garden or a large gathering on a yacht in the Mediterranean, Destination Weddings For Dummies is all you need to get married anywhere you choose with ease and in style!

Available at Amazon.com.

How to achieve perfect wedding hair

2008-03-27T00:39:00.001-05:00

Joe Carol's head colourist Nicola shares her tips on colour and care for your pre-wedding hair.

The Wedding Ceremony Planner: The Essential Guide to the Most Important Part of Your Wedding Day

2008-03-27T00:33:00.001-05:00

Many couples want a spiritual but not a religious ceremony that truly celebrates their unique set of beliefs, values and life circumstances. They want their ceremony, their way but don't know where to begin or what questions they need to ask. The Wedding Ceremony Planner is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide. It covers everything you need to know to create a beautiful ceremony text and to anticipate and address all the profound and mundane logistics with ease, grace and fun. It includes hundreds of text excerpts reflecting the many voices with which our hearts speak. There are also ten sample ceremony texts for the inclusion of children, the telling of the couple's story, the renewal of vows and a commitment ceremony. Checklists and worksheets are included to manage all the details. The Wedding Ceremony Planner is also an invaluable resource for clergy of all faiths, wedding planners and location coordinators. Sprinkled with anecdotes about lessons learned by couples creating their weddings, this book is filled with the wisdom of experience.

Available at Amazon.com.

How To Choose The Right Wedding Dress For Your Body Shape

2008-03-27T00:31:00.001-05:00

Choosing your wedding dress is one of the biggest decisions for a blushing bride. This film helps choose a wedding dress that is right for your body shape with the help of the Arvella Bridal shop.

How To Choose The Right Wedding Dress For Your Body Shape

1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding

2008-03-18T23:21:00.002-05:00

With more than 100,000 copies in print, 1,001 Ways to Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding has helped thousands of couples just like you afford the wedding of their dreams!

With the average wedding costing more than $25,000, many brides-to-be are disappointed to find their ideas of a perfect wedding financially out of reach. But they don't have to be! In this newly revised book, you'll find plenty of updated budget-trimming tips and helpful websites to ensure that you have the best of everything-from cakes to caterers, from bridal registries to bridesmaids' dresses, and from invitations to decorations-all at a fraction of what you might expect to pay.

These creative money-saving hints, tips, and strategies cover such topics as:

Flowers and decorations
Invitations
The rehearsal dinner
Wedding cakes
Honeymoons
Photography and videography
Rings
Bride's gown and formal wear
Catering
Reception entertainment
And much more!

You'll also learn where not to cut corners, how to help your family and bridal party save money, and where to find free assistance, all without compromising on the wedding of your dreams. This valuable book also includes several cost-comparison sidebars that will help you make decisions that could save you hundreds-or thousands-of dollars. The savvy bride-to-be can't afford to be without this comprehensive guide to turning a fantasy wedding into a reality!

Available at Amazon.com.

How To Choose A Wedding Ring

2008-03-18T22:10:00.001-05:00

Teddy Shattock, managing director of Aldridge Jewellers on London show us how to choose a wedding ring. The selection of a wedding ring could be one of the most critical decisions of your life; so get it right with VideoJug's assistance.

How To Choose A Wedding Ring

Source: www.videojug.com

The Groom's Speech

2008-03-08T13:33:00.000-06:00

GroomGroove.com helps grooms prepare to make a speech for their wedding.

The Best Wedding Day Gift for Your Guy is You

2008-02-24T22:11:00.001-06:00

With your wedding day just around the corner, many times it is difficult to find the most meaningful and personal gift for your significant other. Flowers, candy and stuffed animals are stereotypical and other gifts can be costly, so why not give the one thing that brought you together in the first place: You!

Weddings are a great reason to get a makeover and unveil the new you. Not only will you feel great, your new husband will adore the dreamy new look of the woman he fell in love with. A hot new you doesn’t need to come from expensive doctors or spa treatments. Try these ideas for a ravishing appearance that is bound to surprise and delight him:

Hair

So many of us fall into hair ruts each day as our mornings are short and styling time is sacrificed. For your special day, do something out of the ordinary. If you wear your hair down, try an updo; if you often wear a ponytail, leave locks to flow down your back. Wispy curls can add romance to any hairdo. If you are really ambitious, try a new shade or add some highlights.

Smile

A study of 600 men conducted by Kelton Research determined the high importance of a kiss-worthy mouth. A beautiful, white smile is one of the first things partners find attractive in one another and nearly half of the men surveyed stressed that white teeth are a deciding factor for a second date. Try brightening your smile with a product like the number one dentist recommended Crest Whitestrips Premium that is only a seven day commitment. Recent clinical studies show it has two times more whitening per strip versus the leading dissolving strips. They’re perfect for men and women alike who don’t want to spend a lot of money on whitening. So pucker-up and give your sweetie a whiter, more kissable smile on your big day.

Accessories

The finishing touches to your bridal look are in the details. For example, jewelry with a little sparkle can add glamour to your look and dangle earrings draw more attention to your face. Maybe there’s something special he’s given you that you can wear. Make sure you smell delicious by lightly spraying on his favorite perfume. Polish with a bit of makeup. Try dark smoky eyes for an exotic, mysterious look. A glossy lipstick will add to your already beautiful smile.

On your wedding day, don’t fret over what gift to give your special guy. Give him what he loves above anything else ... you! He will be surprised at your new romantic look and impressed that you went through all the effort just for him (we won’t tell him that you didn’t mind all the work). For more information on getting a gorgeous white smile, visit www.whitestrips.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Wedding Engagement Advice

2008-02-11T21:10:00.000-06:00

Supermodel Niki Taylor sits down with Get Married to talk about the engagement process.

How To Do A Wedding Cake Tasting

2008-01-27T21:01:00.000-06:00

How To Do A Wedding Cake Tasting
Wedding cake tastings aren't just an excuse to gorge on moist, rich cake and butter cream confections. They also serve a very important purpose, helping you to decide both the flavor and look of your wedding cake. Here's how to do a wedding cake tasting properly.

Make a Wedding Bouquet

2008-01-27T20:58:00.000-06:00

Add a personal touch to your wedding by making your own bouquet. Learn how to choose flowers and arrange them into a professional and beautiful wedding bouquet.

Bridal beauty dos and don'ts

2008-01-27T20:54:00.000-06:00

Joe Carol's beauty expert Marina Osinski shares her tips for how to make brides glow on their wedding day.

How To Wedding Cakes

2008-01-27T20:51:00.001-06:00

Sylvia Weinstock reveals the secrets of designing your perfect wedding cake.

Wedding Cost Saving Tips

2008-01-14T21:49:00.000-06:00

Wedding cost saving tips from GroomGroove.com. How to save money in planning your wedding.

Survey Says Valentine's Day Grooms Should Consider Princess Cut Engagement Rings

2008-01-14T21:46:00.000-06:00

A nationwide survey of retail and online jewelers finds that this year's Valentine's Day brides will be hoping for princess cut engagement rings as their wedding band of choice.

The Wedding Rings Newswire reports that men seeking to pop the question on Valentine's Day 2008 -- which is certain to be the most popular day of the year for engagements -- will be making the right choice if they select a princess cut engagement ring.

Respected retailers such as Robbins Bros. (http://www.robbinsbros.com/rings-diamonds-jewelry/ring-finding-guide.asp), which operates engagement rings stores in Southern California, Texas and Illinois, note that the growing appeal of princess cut engagement rings is evident.

Wedding Rings Newswire, which conducted its survey in December 2007, said jewelers have found that princess cut engagement rings are popular not only for their unique rectangle styles and brilliance, but also for the fact that the rings compete very well with all wedding bands on price and carat weight.

"The choice of ring is often a real obstacle for guys who want to surprise their girlfriends on Valentine's Day with a proposal and a ring," Wedding Rings Newswire editor Joelle Dawid says. "Selecting a princess cut engagement ring narrows the choices considerably, while still being certain that she'll swoon when you open the box."

Dawid adds that men who don't want to compromise in their choice of diamond engagement rings, but do want to start out their married lives on a sound financial footing, can do both in selecting a princess cut engagement ring.

"In the hunt for the most magnificent wedding rings, prince cut engagement rings are a perfect fit," Dawid says. "Young couples, especially, will prize their beauty and their comparative affordability."

The Wedding Ring Newswire notes that February is the biggest month of the year for engagement ring sales, with an estimated $2 billion of total jewelry being purchased each year surrounding the Valentine's Day holiday.

The Wedding Rings Newswire is an independent news and feature service focused exclusively on wedding ring-related topics.

Buying the Gown

2008-01-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

Step into the ring for a knockout dress.

How to Buy Diamonds Online

2008-01-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

Whether you’re looking to get engaged, upgrade your wedding set or just give a gift that will leave her gasping in delight, a diamond is always a good choice.

More shoppers than ever are eschewing busy malls in favor of online shopping, and diamond buyers are no exception. Think few people buy diamonds online? Think again: Google “diamond shopping online” and you’ll get about 5 million results, many of them Web sites that specialize in the sale of diamonds. Online jewelry sales in the United States topped $2.45 billion in 2006, a 20 percent increase over the year before, according to data from IDEX Online Research.

“The online market is a natural evolution for diamond shopping,” says Isaac Gottesman, a diamond expert and owner of dimend SCAASI of Chicago, a leading national jeweler whose company entered the e-market in 1997 and now does more than 70 percent of its business online. “In the old days, you went to your local jewelry showroom to look at loose stones and settings. Then large jewelry chains evolved and became mall staples. Next came jewelry sales on television shopping channels. Now jewelry shopping, including diamond buying, has moved online.”

Shopping for diamonds online provides all the advantages of the Internet: huge inventory and selection, competitive prices and exceptional speed and convenience. The pitfalls, however, are just as many: disreputable sellers, questionable products and undereducated buyers. Before you log on to make your diamond purchase this holiday season, consider these do’s and don’ts of online diamond buying:

* Do seek out sites with exceptional customer service standards. “Online shopping can often mean less customer service than you might hope for,” Gottesman says. “But when you’re purchasing something as important as a diamond, you can’t afford to deal with a site that is lacking in customer service.”

Look for sites, like Gottesman’s www.dimendscaasi.com, that allow you to speak directly to a customer service representative, either by phone or live chat, both during your diamond selection process and after you’ve made your purchase. Buying a diamond is more complex than many other online transactions and you’ll want expert advice and attentive service.

* Don’t overlook the importance of the site’s privacy and security measures. Be sure you fully understand the site’s policies before you buy. The site should use encryption and security software. When you get to the payment page, be sure the web address includes https.

* Do look for sites that use technology innovations to give you the best overall picture of the diamond you are buying. “A site that offers you just one image and a brief description of a stone isn’t giving you enough information to make an educated purchase,” Gottesman says.

Gottesman’s dimend SCAASI invented a proprietary, patent-pending software system, dubbed “InnerView,” to allow potential buyers to view diamonds and gemstones online in real time. After choosing the diamond they are interested in at www.dimendscaasi.com, buyers can request an InnerView appointment by phone, e-mail or directly online. Or, if they’re unsure what stone or setting they are looking for, they can request an appointment in which a gemologist helps them decide what they’re looking for in a stone and setting.

During the InnerView session, a gemologist places a diamond or gemstone under powerful magnification of up to 300 times to show its unique characteristics, including the cut, any inclusions the stone may have and a close-up of the laser inscription correlating to the certification number. The buyer can view these features magnified and also see how they appear to the naked eye. InnerView also makes it possible for the customer to view the diamond or gemstone in different settings

* Don’t assume every Web site will take the diamond back if you’re dissatisfied with it. Be sure you know the site’s return policy before you do business with them. Look for sites with a clear and fair return policy, and find out what, if any, restocking fees are associated with returning an item.

* Do be sure the site takes every precaution to ship swiftly and securely. “The site should only ship through reputable carriers who offer a system for tracking your package,” Gottesman advises. “At dimendSCAASI, your package is insured for its full purchase value. That way, if it is lost, we can recover the value and remake the ring for you.”

* Do look for certification from reputable labs such as GIA and AGS. The certification should detail the characteristics of the diamond.

* Finally, do search the Web for consumer reviews of online jewelers, and visit sites like Citysearch or Yelp to find customer feedback.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

2008-01-10T21:07:00.001-06:00

Tips for making your wedding as memorable as possible.

Flower Centerpieces

2008-01-09T20:36:00.000-06:00

Preston Bailey is an internationally celebrated event designer and wedding planner with clients that include Donald Trump, Middle East Royalty and Oprah Winfrey. Watch as Preston gives us his specials tips on how to make your own flower centerpieces! For more Preston inspiration check out this link on flowers.

Spotlight Brides: Look Red Carpet Worthy While Walking Down the Aisle

2008-01-09T20:32:00.000-06:00

This spring, it will be difficult to tell if a bride is walking down the aisle or making her way down the red carpet. After a year-long love affair with the boxy trapeze dress, designers are emphasizing the waist and adding elegant details.

“This focus on the feminine calls for glamorous bridal jewelry fit for a queen,” says Shawn Diddy, Jewelry Television’s trend tracker. Here are some of the looks she’s expecting to be hot in 2008:

*Brides will make a “ready for your close-up” impact in an off-the-shoulder dress. The look from the runways calls for minimal accents -- a single, “statement” piece of jewelry such as a pair of dangle earrings that sparkle or a thick, signature bracelet. Wear hair up to really show off your shoulders in that gorgeous dress.

*Pleats, ruffles and tulip tiers abound in light and frothy fabrics. Because of the unusual silhouettes of these trendy dresses, keep hair and jewelry simple. A loose chignon softens your face while a classic pair of diamond stud earrings adds elegance and light to the ensemble.

*A white dress and Grandma’s pearls is what everyone else is wearing, so why not go with this season’s hot pastels? Diaphanous dresses in shades of peach, blush and baby blue are fresh and stylish. Pull your hair back into a soft ponytail to show off sparkling crystal earrings or a necklace in a complementary color.

*Lace is always in, but this season’s unique lace details work especially well with long, flowing hair. Rich, jewel-toned, vintage-look jewelry adds texture to the ensemble.

*Whether the dress is short or long, designers have put the emphasis back on the waist. Nipped-in lines and wide belts or sashes showed all over New York’s runways. Because of the symmetry of the dress, wear your hair parted to the side and add drama with strong platinum jewelry pieces.

“Few brides can spend a fortune on a couture gown and estate diamonds so we recommend Jewelry Television’s Bella Luce Collection,” says Diddy. “Most pieces are platinum plated sterling silver for elegant, affordable, designer-inspired wearability.” For more information on the latest trends in bridal jewelry, visit http://www.jtv.com/ or check your local listings for Jewelry Television.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Second Time Weddings

2008-01-09T20:30:00.000-06:00

Return trip down the aisle? Do it in style!

Finding the Right Engagement Ring

2008-01-09T20:28:00.000-06:00

GroomGroove.com interviews New York City jeweler, Roslyn, about the groom's process of finding the right engagement ring for your future bride.

Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Dress

2008-01-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

VideoJug: Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Dress
The full white wedding dress is traditional, but not right for everyone. Here's our guide to alternatives, so you can get the right look for your big day.

Intimate Weddings

2008-01-08T22:09:00.000-06:00

This is the only book on the market dedicated to couples who want to plan a small wedding--a growing trend in the industry. With stories and wisdom from real-life couples, Intimate Weddings offers:

* Advice on getting family and friends more involved in the big day, from decorating to the actual ceremony.

* Inspiring suggestions for personalizing a wedding with themes and traditions that have special meaning for the bride and groom.

* Creative ideas for venues--both traditional and non-traditional--and how to decorate them.

* Unique cost-saving tips and tricks for getting married on a budget.

Perfect for anyone planning a wedding with 75 guests or less, this book walks the bride-to-be through every step she needs to make her big day a success. There's no better resource for creating an event that's memorable and meaningful.

Available at Amazon.com.