Being a maid of honor entails responsibilities and obligations. You are the main assistant to the bride from the day she first prepares her wedding details to the moment she walks down the aisle. You have to be with her every step of the way, so that the wedding goes according to plan and is exactly how the bride dreams it to be.

Another one of your responsibilities is writing and delivering the maid of honor toast. This is a speech that you compose and recite at the wedding reception. To give you a head-start on your maid of honor toast, here are some things you have to remember:

- Your speech is meant to honor someone that you care very much for, which is why it is important to write and rehearse your speech before the wedding arrives.

- There is no universally ‘perfect’ maid of honor toast, as what works for one wedding would be inappropriate at another..

- Introduce yourself as half of the people attending the wedding reception will probably not know who you are. Keep the information that you give relevant though, by only talking about who you are in relation to the bride and groom.

- Incorporate the good values of the bride in your maid of honor toast; how well a wife she is going to be and how you foresee her happy married life.

- Talk about a memorable event or two, such as how the bride and groom met, or the first time that you realized that they were in love.

- Express your gratitude to everyone who came to witness an eventful day and invite all the guests to make a toast for the groom and bride.

- Put an end to your speech by giving out your wedding wish. Say your prayers for the couple; wish them a bountiful life ahead and your hopes for them to have a big blissful family.

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Learn more about writing a maid of honor toast by visiting http://maidofhonortoastblog.org

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The witnessing of a wedding by friends and family members has been an important part of wedding ceremonies down through the centuries.  If there was no one to witness the exchange of wedding vows by the bride and groom, the marriage became a “he said; she said” situation.  It was a wise precaution to invite observers. The method of inviting these witnesses has evolved over the years. 

In many ancient cultures, wedding invitations were not needed since the whole village was, by tradition, expected to attend. Some cultures practiced group weddings, sometimes at the summer solstice or other festival, with the whole community present. 

‘Bidding the banns’ was a form of engagement announcement in Britain and Europe that goes back to the 12th centuray.  For three consecutive Sundays before the wedding, names were put on signs in the church.  Since most people could not read, thse banns were also verbally announced.  As well as to invite people to the wedding, it was also done to ensure there was no other husband or wife who could claim one or the other of the couple. 

In those times, as well as today, anyone could stand and observe a wedding.  Proper etiquette states that since a church is a public place, anyone of the public can attend.  Wedding invitations inform people of the time and place of the wedding, and also allows only those invited to come to the reception. 

As towns and communities grew, and as more and more people were able to read, sending out hand written wedding invitations became the norm. 

Through most of the 20th century, the custom was to send out engraved wedding invitations.  This was a major expense of the wedding budget. 

Today, while many brides choose to make their own wedding invitations with their home PC and some pretty paper, it is still common to purchase traditional looking wedding invitation packages which include RSVPs and thank you notes. 

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An invitation to attend a wedding is not the same as just sending out a card.  The wedding invitations you send will be the setting the tone for the entire event.  The first impressions of your guests are based on the look and feel of the wedding invitation they receive in the mail.  Don’t worry if you spend a lot of time getting your wedding invitation just right.  While it may seem like a small decision, you are right to attach so much importance to it.  With as many choices as you have, it does take some time. 

In printing wedding invitations, there are five main types that are most commonly used.  Your budget, wedding theme, and paper you choose will most likely determine your decision.   

Thermography is one of the newer processes.  Thermography uses high temperatures to fuse powder and ink together, giving the result of a nice raised letter on the paper.  It is one of the most cost-effective prints, due to the fact that it is quick and easily done, and it still gives very nice results. 

Embossing is simply stunning when done correctly. No ink is used in the process; rather it is done by using metal plates.  You choose the type of calligraphy and images, and then your choices are etched onto the plates which are used to stamp them directly onto the paper.  Embossing takes much longer, so be sure and allow several weeks from order to receipt. 

Lithography is one of the least expensive types of printing, and is a good choice if you plan to use textured paper.  The ink is stamped directly on the paper giving a flat text.  This is why it works well on textured paper.  It is very popular and doesn’t take as long to complete as some of the other, more expensive methods. 

Foil Stamping is quite expensive and time consuming.  Many brides purchase paper with foil stamping already on it and then add their text using another method.  Paper is stamped with heated foil etchings. 

With orgins dating back to the 17th century, engraving is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of printing in the world.  Engraving uses a sandwiching method which produces finely textured raised lettering, which because of its density, is suitable for many different types of paper.  It is another method that is quite expensive and time consuming, so consider your budget carefully and be sure and order your engraved wedding invitations at least six weeks in advance. 

The choices that are available to modern brides are many and varied. As long as you take the time to carefully investigate your options, you’re certain to come up with wedding invitations that you’ll truly love. 

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Wedding invitations are often saved by guests in scrapbooks and memory boxes, not to mention thoroughly read by every member of the family.  To avoid embarrassment and family bickering about your wedding (or you), it is important to know exactly what to put and how to word your wedding invitation.  There are many rules regarding the etiquette of the wedding invitation, so many, in fact that it often becomes confusing.  A simple rule is to keep the invitation simple and only put what guests really need to know:  the date, time and place of the wedding ceremony. 

Because there are many people who are wondering about all the “what ifs” and situations they may encounter, a few rules about writing your wedding invitations will help you keep from making an etiquette faux pas you might regret later. 

Today, as in the past, it is considered ‘tacky’ to include stores where you and your fiance are registered.  This is information that is best kept to the bridal shower invitations or to be spread by word of mouth.  In the near future, though, this may change, as many people are disregarding it. 

Secondly, do not mention on your wedding invitation that you are accepting cash, as this can seem as though you are soliciting donations.  This is also knowledge can, however, be given to those who ask for it.  Soliciting for donations is something best done by charities, not the wedding couple.  Again, the invititation is just an invite to get people to show up.  

Try writing “no smoking” or “no alcohol” for tacky wedding invitations. Obviously, it’s your wedding, and you can feel free to make the rules according to what you’re comfortable with.  However, you don’t need to be rude or blatant to your guests by making this public proclamation.  Most people will figure out what behavior is acceptable and not acceptable when they get to the reception.  If a guest does light up, have someone discreetly ask them to take their cigerette outside. 

Is it OK to specify a dress code on your wedding invitation?  While this may seem inappropriate, this is one of the few things you can specify, but you should only consider doing this in special circumstances.  You want your guests to feel comfortable and not feel ‘under’ or ‘overdressed’ at your wedding.  This is done for their benefit, not yours.  “Black Tie” is appropriate only for the most formal of weddings where you expect your guests to rent tuxedos and wear evening gowns.  Certainly if you are having a themed wedding, such as a Hawaiian Luau wedding, you can inform your guests that “Island themed casual” is appropriate. 

In general, remember that your guests are people you are hosting at a happy event in your life.  As a good host, you don’t want to seem demanding. 

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It’s your dream wedding.  You are practically floating down the cathedral aisle in a beautiful ivory gown, smiling at your guests when Uncle Roy catches your eye — he’s wearing shorts and sneakers!  You desperately hope he doesn’t crack open a beer in the middle of the ceremony. 

Or, maybe you’ve been on the phone all week explaining to your guests that ‘no, they don’t need to wear formal wear to your beach wedding. 

You’ll make your guests more comfortable and save yourself a lot of headache by explaining to your guests what they are expected to wear to your wedding.  No phone calls are needed, a few simple words on your wedding invitation will suffice. 

White Tie
This is for the ultra-formal wedding.  If Prince William or Prince Harry get married, this is probably the attire.  Men will be expected to wear a formal tuxedo with tails and a white tie and vest.  Women should be wearing floor-length evening wear. 

Black Tie OR Formal
While dark suits are appropriate, this usually requires men to wear a tuxedo.  Appropriate formal dressware for women is tea-length gowns and/ or evening dresses. 

Semi-Formal
This is the dress required for most weddings and is what most guests expect (with the exception of Uncle Roy, of course) . Men wear suits, ladies wear dresses or appropriate separates. 

Dressy Casual
This phrase on a casual wedding invitation could start the phone calls — no one quite sure if the occasion is really dressy or casual.  Are “nice jeans” OK?  However, if you are inclined to use it, this designation is basically the wedding version of ‘business casual’ but no jeans  No one should wear jeans or shorts to this wedding.  Men can wear slacks with sport coats without ties.  The women could wear dresses or suits, but something with a less-than-formal vibe to it. 

Casual Dress
Essentially, this means “Please do not show up naked.”  Guests can wear what they want.  Uncle Roy would feel right at home. 

Festive Attire
This is one phrase where you must explain to your guests exactly what you want and should be used only in certain instances.  For example, if you’re having a beach wedding where everyone will be playing beach volleyball, adding ‘Festive Beach Attire’ is absolutely appropriate to put on your beach wedding invitation. 

Make your guests part of your wedding plans and you’ll be creating an event that is relaxed and enjoyable for everyone — especially you! 

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For many, the idea of marrying a foreign wedding is bliss. Jetting off to some exotic country, escaping the worries of life back home and marrying the person you love. Getting married abroad can be a wonderful experience and a great option for many people. You can’t just book your hotel and get someone to feed the cat whilst you’re away though, there are lots of points to consider first. Here are the three things that should be top of your organisational list.

Cost. If people think that getting married in their own country is expensive, they soon realise just how cheap it is when compared to doing it abroad. Forgetting transportation for the moment, there are added costs for things such as accommodation for everyone and the provision of food for the duration of the trip. You may not be putting people up in a castle hotel, but costs still add up. It is always best to try and save up more money than you actually need so that you can then cover unforeseen costs and it will be one less thing you have to worry about.

Family. Sometimes weddings are as much about the family present as the couple themselves. Individuals are often left having to pay for their own travel costs as the wedding couple rarely have the money to pay for everyone. Depending on where the wedding is, that could be very expensive and some people may not be able to travel for medical reasons. It is worth discussing your wedding plans with your family and close friends before you decide to book things in another country as you may find it is just not practical.

Laws. People frequently forget that each country has its own set of laws and some can enforce them with little mercy, even if it is your wedding day. In your home country it might be fine to get married in bars, fields or castle wedding venues, but abroad you might find that the wedding is only legal if it takes place in a church or similar. What is more, when it comes to booking an official to conduct the wedding ceremony, you might face some issues finding one of the right faith when doing it in other countries.

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One of the many things to think about when you’re creating your wedding invitations is what they will look like when they are received in the mail.  Most couples will want their invitation stand out from the rest of the mail, and this can be done by thinking about a few points ahead of time. 

Size and Shape
Wedding invitations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from square to oversize.  Many couples choose small square invitations only to find later that it costs more to send.  Instead, a tea-length invitation, that is an invitation roughly the size of a business envelope, may something to consider if you are on a tight budget. 

Foils
Foil trims on wedding invitations are very common, but did you know you could also spice up the look of the envelope?  A foil-lined envelope is usually something you can add to your invitation for no extra cost and adds a classy touch. 

Seal-n-Send wedding invitations
Many couples who want to go green are using the new Seal-n-Send wedding invitations.  Envelopes are not needed at all:  the invitation is an all-in-one mail piece.  Attached to the invitation is a response post card.  This type of invitation will save a lot of postage costs because it only needs a regular stamp to send it, and the RSVP needs only a post card stamp. 

Paper Type
Understand also that the look and feel of the paper the wedding invitations and envelopes are made from can do a lot to alter their appearance.  There are many different papers are available to choose for your wedding invitations from vellums to heavy card stocks and papers made from cotton and linen.  Many couples today choose recycled papers, which can look indistinguishable from virgin paper, or really have a ‘recycled’ look. 

Choosing the wedding invitations can be a fun part of the wedding planning process.  With all the choices couples have today, you can make a wedding invitation that really shows off your personality. 

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The classic London Taxi is internationally famous, being recognised all around the world, if you have not seen them in person, you will have seen them on TV or in movies. The London taxi cabs, are iconic and classic, they are so recognizable that they have become cultural symbols of our cities.

The rare classic Fairway London Taxi model is the prettiest around, the gleaming white coachwork and extensive chrome fittings including old style chrome bumpers make them ideal  wedding cars. It is definitely a very practical bridal car; having seating for 6 people also wheel chair access and can easily accommodate even the most extravagant wedding dress.

The large, wide opening doors of the classic white wedding taxis are more practical for a bride in her wedding dress, making it a far better option than a saloon car. It is a vehicle for hire that comes with all the benefits of a limousine without the cost; the taxi is wheelchair-accessible, making it another good option for the elderly, infirm or handicapped, without the problem of finding parking. The chauffeur greets the passenger who is in a wheelchair, and helps him or her onto the ramp and into the taxi. Inside, the driver locks the wheelchair in with belts and clips for safety.

In comparison to a taxi cab, a chauffeur is more adept, skilled and proficient driver, who can be friendly, discrete and a knowledgeable driving escort, and who will certainly make sure your journey is a safe and comfortable one with their attitude, manner and competence. Attire is another aspect which can make the difference, the chauffeurs wear a dark suit, white shirt, a conservative dark tie, highly polished black shoes, wearing black gloves and a peaked cap.

Another difference with chauffeur service from the customer point of view is that a chauffeur service is pre planned whereas a taxi service is almost instantaneous. Chauffeur service is a delight in itself, as a customer will not be left unwatched and uncared during the service duration, the chauffeur will come to your door on arrive for collection, not honk the horn like a taxi usually does. The Chauffeur will open & close the car doors for the passengers, hold bouquets, clutch bags etc, and help in with the dress and be at hand with an umbrella if so needed, also load and unload any luggage.

Dare to be different with rare London white London taxi which is valeted after every journey and can be tastefully decorated with ribbons and flowers as part of the hire service.

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A honeymoon should be a special time of relaxation and bonding. However, failing to appropriately plan a honeymoon can lead to it being stressful and frustrating. Here are some tips to apply to ensure that your honeymoon goes as smoothly as possible.

Of the utmost importance is to discuss with your fiance each others preferences in relation to the honeymoon. Do not assume that you already know the type of honeymoon your fiance would choose. Discuss thoroughly location, budget, duration and accommodation. Both of you should first create an individual list of preferences and then you should compare and highlight aspects that overlap.

Consult with travel agents as they can be of great assistance with planning a honeymoon and can advise you based on you and your spouse’s preferences. Honeymoons are a type of vacation in which travel agents still earn commissions, meaning that they will normally put extra effort in to helping you.

Once you have consulted with a travel agent and know the likely cost, create a savings plan and start setting money aside for it each week. You could additionally ask the travel agent if they offer a honeymoon registry service, that allows guests to pay a portion of your honeymoon costs.

Look to prepay as much beforehand as possible. Minor expenses like tips and souvenirs~souvenirs and tips}, tend to be manageable expenses, however, if you forget to budget for extra luggage, car rental or day trips, you can easily find yourselves worrying about money whilst away.

Having booked and budgeted your money, you only need to pack. Do this well in advance because it will be something less to concern yourself with in the hectic approach to your wedding. If you leave it until the last minute, the more chance there is of you leaving something behind.

Find Out More : More Honeymoon Ideas

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For many couples, a wedding is the single most expensive event of their lifetime. So, what can you do to reduce wedding costs without excessively compromising on the quality of the occasion?

Planning your wedding so to avoid getting married in the peak season will certainly reduce the costs of arrangements. Whilst you likely will not want to get married during the winter months, the shoulder seasons at the start and end of summer can offer good value with minimal compromise regarding weather conditions.

You should spend a fair amount of time visiting online weddings shops and high street wedding vendors in order to properly compare the prices and value being offered. Ask about backend costs and extras as listed prices are not always necessarily the price you pay on your bill.

It can be exceedingly expensive if you are going to have your reception in a ballroom or a luxurious hotel. These, however, should not be your only choices when the wedding reception hall is being made. Instead, try to look for somewhere at a golf club or country club as these will usually be a less expensive option.

You can cut wedding expenses by giving careful consideration to your wedding reception menu. In the most extreme case, you can save a tremendous amount of money if you completely prepare the menu yourself. If this is not possible, you can still significantly cut costs by either using your own caterer or by reducing the food options available to guests.

Lastly, ask friends to help out with your wedding arrangements in place of buying you a gift. They might be able to help with the catering, photography or chaffeuring the bride’s or groom’s car. Not only will this save you money, it additionally gives them a feeling of pride because they are contributing something personal that will be long remembered by you.

Continue : Honeymoon Ideas

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