breast cancer

25th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

2009-01-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

25th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas
By Jen Carter

We know that coming up with 25th anniversary party ideas can be baffling. What type of party do you want to hold? A large party, a small gathering of close friends and associates? We know exactly what you're thinking: Where do I begin? Once you've chosen a location to hold the party, you'll need to call up friends and loved ones. This is important! Let everyone know that you're sending them an invitation. Confirm everyones address. That last thing you want is for your invitations to get returned. Once you've got all the information you need, you're ready to begin shopping for invitations.

Purchasing invitations isn't a difficult task at all. The only decision that you'll really need to make is whether you want your invitations store-bought or customized. What's the difference, you ask? Well, price for starters. Customized invitations can cost a pretty penny. However, they're excellent, as they come with RSVP cards that can be mailed back to you. Despite this, you can always add an RSVP on a store-bought invitation. Sure, they don't look as fancy--but it's just an invitation! As long as the invitation provides ample space for information you should be fine.

Let all your friends and loved-one's know they're going to party hard at your anniversary party. Tell them, wear comfortable shoes, ladies! You're going to dance the night away! Now you have to fulfill your promise to everyone. Hire a fantastic DJ or live band to provide entertainment for your special evening. Watch the dance floor come alive when fun songs and modern music are played.

Don't worry, you're friends will have an excellent time. But this night is all about you and your spouse. Check any worries you may have at the door. Kick your shoes off and mingle with your guests. Make sure that you have plenty of fun games and conversational topics. We're certain that you'll have plenty of harmlessly funny stories to tell after twenty five years of marriage. With that in mind, make a toast to the one you love.

A twenty-fifth anniversary party is also an excellent opportunity to renew your vows. Perhaps you'd like new friends and loved ones to witness the beautiful ceremony. If they couldn't be there the first time around, this party will make for a great opportunity. Saying I do all over again will rekindle all the love you have for one another. You may even feel twenty-five years younger before the night is over! If you're ready to fall in love all over again, you might want to take the plunge. Whatever it is you decide to do at your wedding anniversary party, make it a memorable experience that you'll treasure forever.

Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planner. You may find the above article in our wedding anniversary section. You may publish our articles on your website only if you do not edit the article in any way, and include the above html as a direct link to our site.

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25th Wedding Anniversary Gifts

2009-01-11T05:12:00.001-08:00

25th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
By Ross Bainbridge

25th wedding anniversary gifts are traditionally silver, but you can think creatively when buying a gift and shop for a couple with silver in mind, but not the expense. For example, you can send a dozen roses to a couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a card that states that silver symbolizes perfection and roses symbolize love.

25th anniversary gifts can be creative and fun. Tickets to a special event enclosed in a sliver envelop are a creative way to give a couple something unique and something they will enjoy. You can also give an engraved sliver platter loaded with fruit or cheeses or a gift certificate for a family portrait with a silver frame included.

If you are a photography buff, you can put together an album with favorite photos taken throughout the years including the wedding, their children, grandchildren, friends, trips, homes, etc. You can also include little quotes from special friends and family members wishing them a happy 25th. Another great idea is to put together a CD with popular songs from the 25 years of the couples marriage. A quilt with family photos silk-screened in each square will be a treasured gift for any couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, as would a poem written in silver ink and framed in silver.

Another popular gift idea is a wish tree. Either purchase a fake tree from a craft store, or glue branches together from your yard. Spray them silver and decorate each limb with ribbons and bows and special little gifts like certificates to restaurants, weekend get-away, family photos, etc.

Anniversaries are special occasions, and a 25th is truly a milestone. Its a great time to show the couple that you know, whether it is family or friends, just how much you care.

Anniversary Gifts provides detailed information on Anniversary Gifts, Wedding Anniversary Gifts, First Wedding Anniversary Gifts, 25Th Wedding Anniversary Gifts and more. Anniversary Gifts is affiliated with Unusual Romantic Gifts.

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Wedding Colour Themes for Spring and Summer Brides

2008-12-09T06:29:00.001-08:00

Wedding Colour Themes for Spring and Summer Brides
By Emily Tanner

Once the proposal has been accepted, the dress ordered, the invitations sent and the venue booked, its time to start thinking about the main colour themes that will be running through the big event. No doubt, your handsome groom has some ideas of which colours he would rather not wear and equally you need to consider what will look good on your bridesmaids. Choosing bridesmaid outfits is more difficult if you have a range of ages, shapes, sizes and hair colour amongst them, which is the case in most bridal parties. Another important consideration is what colours are in the room where the reception will take place.

There is no real reason why you cannot have any colour at any time of year once you have considered all the aforementioned factors, although if we are going to be pedantic about it you should really choose a seasonal colour theme. In other words, go for pinks, light greens, light golds and lilacs in the Spring/Summer and keep browns, creams, reds, and dark golds for the colder months.

Lilacs and hyacinths are always the winners if you are marrying in the Spring or Summer; they have been the most popular bridesmaid dress colours for over 10 years and are still up there as one of the most common colour ways. Dont let this put you off though, in fact, use it to your advantage as it proves that lilac colour themes have been tried, tested, look great, come out great in photographs and suit most people. What more proof do you need? You can make your big day feel more modern by ensuring floral arrangements are fresh and funky. Why not scatter tables with real lilac coloured rose petals and introduce lilac butterflies to your theme? Decorate place cards and napkins with lilac and silver butterflies, scatter them on the tables, incorporate them in lavender and hydrangea floral arrangements and put them on your wedding cake. These days, lilacs are very much en vogue and although have a traditional feel they need not be stayed, stale or old fashioned.

Pink and Silver wedding themes are fast becoming popular for Spring and Summer brides. Every girl wants to feel like a princess on her special day and what better way to do it than with girlie pinks and silvers!? Candy pink generally looks great on all age bridesmaids and those with all hair and skin colours. Equally, pink will look great on the male members of the bridal party, if you can convince them! If your man is anti-pink, why not get him to wear silver? This will co-ordinate beautifully with the pink. Bouquets can be bursting with pink and white blooms dotted with pearls and diamantes. To keep the princess theme going, opt for silver table decorations and foil scatters along with baby pink rose petals.

One of the more modern colour themes to make an appearance this year has been the explosion of greens and yellows. These look absolutely fantastic and depending on how daring you are, will determine how mad you go. If you are going for a simple, calm wedding, why not go for sage green bridesmaids? These will look fabulous when teamed with white and pale gold accessories and flowers. If you are more adventurous go for a tropical yellow and continue the theme with sunflowers and citrus coloured gerbera or for a complete contrast, mix the yellow theme with purple flowers !

This article is brought to you by World of Wedding Favours - Offering brides high quality wedding favours and bomboniere at low-cost prices. To view our vast range of wedding favours to suit your special occasion please visit: Real Rose Petals

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Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team

2008-11-29T15:41:00.001-08:00

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team
By Michael Russell

Today, the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed by mammography. There cancers are small, often too small to be felt and surgeons usually rely on radiologists to localize these small cancers with a hook wire or some injected dye. The technology has changed drastically and we have entered a new era of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Because of the many elements that come into play in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, coordination is necessary among the team of physicians: surgeon, radiation oncologist, cancer pathologist, plastic surgeon, radiologist and medical oncologist.

Ideally, a woman with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer communicates with a primary physician who takes charge of developing a treatment plan with her and then coordinates its implementation. These team members can work at a single institution or be drawn from a wider geographic distribution and any of the cancer specialists can act as the coordinating physician. Often, it is the medical oncologist who coordinates the flow of information and treatment for the patient, but many surgeons and radiation oncologists take on this pivotal role as well.

It is important that breast cancer patients find a cancer specialist that she can communicate with and who will address her concerns. However, there are medical systems in which it may be difficult for the patient to connect with one physician who will act as her coordinating team leader. If you are in this situation, don't despair. You just need adequate information to get you the treatment you need and be your own team leader. It is possible to go through this process without a physician to spearhead your treatment plan and still get high quality health care.

The overall treatment plan revolves around two critical decisions. One deals with local control and the second with the need for systemic therapy. Often, cancer patients and their doctors cannot decide upon the issue of systemic therapy until all the information is available from the surgical procedure.

Since the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are done primarily on an outpatient basis, cancer patients may travel to various locations for different aspects of treatment. Some women may come to a breast cancer facility for the definitive surgery and then have radiotherapy at a facility closer to their home. If patients require various therapies, it is important to consider doing something similar in order to make treatment appointments as convenient as possible.

One of the key tools used in coordinating a woman's care is a treatment planning conference. This conference is a meeting of treatment team members to discuss the patient's case and to develop a coordinated treatment plan based on the patient's situation. The conference allows each of the team members to view a common history, the radiological breast images, the pathology report and pathology images. The patient is usually excluded from the treatment planning conference in order to allow an honest exchange of opinions between the team members. The treatment planning conference is very important in coordinating care. Each of the potentially treating physicians can, in one setting, agree on an overall treatment plan and their particular contribution to that plan. This united approach also guarantees that the physicians line up the sequencing of the different therapies correctly and in the manner that is most beneficial to the cancer patient.

Besides benefiting the woman with breast cancer, the nature of the conference itself promotes education and understanding on the part of various physicians involved. Women diagnosed in the future stand to benefit greatly from the shared pool of information that these conferences provide medical professionals in general.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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Winter Wedding Destinations

2008-11-24T07:16:00.001-08:00

Winter Wedding Destinations
By Shari Hearn

Toying with the idea of a winter destination wedding, but not sure you want to hold the most special moment of your life in the coldest months of the year? Maybe its time to change your thinking. Winter weddings can be magical events. With a winter wedding you can choose any type of wedding you want. The bride can arrive at the church in a sleigh. Or, maybe she can ski down a mountain slope at a fancy ski resort. Or, perhaps the bride and groom can enjoy a sand ceremony on the beach.

Wait a minute. A sleigh, ski resort, and a beach? Something doesnt belong here. Were talking winter, right?

Thats the great part. A winter destination wedding or elopement means you can chose the type of winter you want. You can have the traditional winter of snow, or head off to a warmer destination. So, what kind of a winter wedding do you want?

Snowy Winter Weddings

Lets face it. To some people theres nothing more romantic than sitting together in front of a roaring fireplace, sipping hot cider, champagne or red wine. Whether youre thinking of eloping, or planning a destination wedding with a group of close relatives and friends, a ceremony at a historic New England Inn or ski resort in Colorado or Utah could be just for you.

Many inns and resorts of New England have special winter wedding packages, such as the Stonebridge Country Club in Manchester, New Hampshire and the Interlaken Inn of Lakeville, Connecticut.

Perhaps you and your future spouse are ski fanatics. What better way to celebrate your marriage than to have a wedding at your favorite ski resort? It will certainly give your guests something fun to do after the ceremony. Most ski areas and resorts have wedding packages available, so you have your choice of such wonderful ski areas and resorts all over the country, like Lake Tahoe, California, Vail, Colorado and Stowe, Vermont. Theres even one town in the Adirondacks of New York which offer free skiing at the town-owned Ski Center. Chestertown in the Adirondacks would make a great winter wedding location, offering wedding guests free cross-country ski trails, a rope tow for downhill skiing, a tobogganing hill and a covered ice-skating rink. In addition, Chestertown has numerous cabins and bed and breakfast inns for you and your guests.

If some of your guests arent into downhill skiing, many ski areas offer other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing or tubing.

Warmer Winter Weddings

Okay, so youre from Vermont and youre sick of snow. You want to get away from the snow for your wedding or elopement. Follow the sun! Florida, California, Arizona, Hawaii and Mexico.

Phoenix, Arizona may seem like a furnace during the summer, but for winter weddings, it offers nice weather, luxurious spas and resorts, as well as the Desert Botanical Gardens in which to host your wedding.

While California beaches may be colder during the winter months, they still are beautiful places to wed. And, during the winter months, you can practically have some romantic beach spots to yourselves.

Winter weddings can offer so many choices. The hard part will be deciding which wonderful wedding destination to choose.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Destination Weddings and Ski Vacations websites.

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Cheap Flights & Hotels for Weddings In India!

2008-11-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

Cheap Flights & Hotels for Weddings In India!
By Annie Jones

With the romantic hues of pink all round you, the romantic cities of India never fails to satisfy all your touristic senses. It is no wonder then that India has fast become one of the most popular places on earth in which to tie the knot? Yes, more and more couples are choosing to get married Maharajah-style at one of the opulent palaces in a style reminiscent of the British Raj. For more information on wedding & holiday packages to Jaipur, check out www.ticketstoindia.co.uk for great deals on air fares and discounted hotel rates. Do not even try and book a hotel in Jaipur directly yourself unless you have just won the lottery! Prices are sky high and it is only through a specialist tour operator that you can be assured of excellent quality combined with low prices.

Located just a short drive from the capital city, New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as The Pink City due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lakeeverywhere you look there is pinkthe colour of romance.

Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the citys numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the citys numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.

And then comes the main citysurprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each sidefrom the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridienyou will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the citys former glory and royal demeanour and the service excels itself. Just remember to book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment, as it is busy year round in this city of royal romance. Some of the most highly recommended hotels to stay in whilst visiting Jaipur include the Taj Groups Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel. The opulence of both hotels will literally take your breath away and many a wedding takes place in the perfectly landscaped grounds of these hotels with their backdrop of lush palms and fountains.

A quick tip: whether staying at the Rambagh Palace or not, do take time to enjoy the delicious al-fresco breakfast buffet where the smart Jodhpur & waistcoat clad staff will treat you like royalty. With eggs made to order and succulent sausages and bacon following plates of the freshest, sweetest fruits, the plump muffins and Danish pastries are hard to refuse especially when accompanied with a choice of teas, coffee and piping hot chocolate. And all served in the finest china and silver.

Drive further down the main boulevards of Jaipur city and you come to a set of intricately carved arches, which divide the Old City from the New City. Once through the arches, your senses are immediately assaulted by the noisy onslaught of rickshaws, buffalo carts, taxis, bicycles, scooters, elephants and cars all jostling for space on the same road. Whistle blowing policemen, horn blowing cars, mooing cows and convincing street peddlars create a melodious harmony of ethnic sounds, which to the first time visitor to Jaipur, can be quite startling!

In addition to booking your flights and accommodation, we can also arrange:

Meet & Greet at Airport
Assistance of a Wedding Planner
Wedding Day schedule
A beauty treatment for the bride (manicure /pedicure /hair styling etc)
A professional wedding photographer to record memories of your special day.
Assistance with all legal paperwork
Appointment at the Registrars Office the day before the Wedding

Annie Jones writes about Weddings In India. Get more information about Cheap Flights To India at http://www.ticketstoindia.co.uk

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Why Fuss Over Wedding Centerpieces Simple Ideas

2008-11-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Why Fuss Over Wedding Centerpieces - Simple Ideas
By Daisy May

Dreaming of having the perfect wedding is what every bride and groom wish for and why wouldnt they with all the time and effort they put into the preparations. Wedding plans and what goes on behind the scenes is very time consuming. Things like ordering the wedding bands, gown, and securing the date for the reception hall and chapel can all prove to be an ordeal, but if carefully thought out instead of leaving arrangements like this to the last minute then you can be sure of a smooth road ahead. Sometimes it is the little things that are overlooked that can cause the whole event to go pear shaped and one being is the absence of a centrepiece. Wedding centrepieces are beautiful embellishments that are extremely important. These eye catching pieces of work will add beauty where ever they are placed.

Centrepieces do not have to be the centre of attention on the day but if displayed with perfection in mind then expect surrounding areas to send out volumes of high tone attractiveness especially if the centrepiece is flowers.

Classical yet simple wedding centrepieces intend to evolve round flowers and ornaments. Flowers without doubt are a hot favourite for couples tying the knot because of the way the nature blooms add colour and project a lingering natural fragranced aroma. Check availability on flowers because they are seasonal and therefore your choice may have to be shipped in from another country.

Have an organiser come in early to arrange all flower displays; this will give you time to satisfy your curiosity of how they will look. Remember wrong blossoms can do more harm taking away beauty instead of enhancing it. Other ideal options for a wedding centrepiece are silver candelabras. If you are considering floating candles in a glass bowl then you have a guarantee of a pretty enough sight to take the limelight

Depending on where you marry centrepieces will differ, if the wedding ceremony is to be held in the garden then consider nature for your theme. Miniature birdhouses and flower baskets are fabulous items that can be used.

If after all those months of scrimping and scraping and you find your self still counting the pennies then budget wisely but do not fret. Have fresh fruit, just as sweet smelling as flowers but this way you get the best of both worlds where you have a centre piece juicy enough to eat.

A fabulous site for all wedding essentials is http://www.your-wedding-planning-help.com. If baking your own cake tickles your fancy then educate yourself on what you need to know http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com.

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Fall Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas

2008-10-30T05:57:00.001-07:00

Fall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas
By Chris Ryerson

Are you in the process of choosing a wedding invitation for your wedding? This can be a tricky process and one that should be thought about carefully. The wedding invitations that you send will be the first impression that people will have of your wedding and you want to have a good first impression.

Time

One of the first and most important considerations for your wedding invitation should be the time that the wedding will take place. If you are having your wedding in the winter or fall your invitations will look very different then spring wedding invitations. Below are some common ideas and tips that will help you make the right decision.

Fall Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will take place in the fall or winter time then you will want to theme your wedding invitations to fit the season. It would not make sense to have an invitation with spring lilies on it for example. For some of the typical fall wedding invitation ideas think about what fall means to you. The weather is getting colder outside and the leaves are all turning beautiful shades of red, browns, and deep yellows and falling from the trees. There might already be snow on the ground and it is the time to start snuggling up next to a warm fire and a very traditional time for lovers and family with the winter holidays on the way. These are the feelings that you will want to portray in your fall or winter wedding invitations.

Colors: browns, greens, gold, or white or even off white

Decoration and motifs: wide burgundy ribbons and bows, fall leaves, pine cones, pine trees, gold leaf, embossing and watermarks

Papers: you will want a paper with some tooth or texture to it. Heavy weight or heavy bond papers work well and give it a wonderful fall feel. Also papers with a deckled or unfinished edge are a nice touch. Burlap can even be used if thought about and used carefully.

There are a lot of different options if you are looking for cheap or discount fall wedding invitations for the fall season. You can easily make the invitations on your computer. Also if you look online you can easily find a ton of suppliers that will make discount wedding invitations. These can be a great way to save money.

Spring Wedding Invitations

Typically spring is a time of new life, bright new colors and blooming flowers! These are all things that you will want to pick up in your spring themed wedding invitations. No matter what you are looking for elegant spring wedding invitations or a more simple or even discount spring wedding invitations you will still want to capitalize on the time of year. Again you will want to think about what spring means to you and your fiance.

Colors: any shade of pink, light greens, silver, and of course pure white

Decorations and Motifs: flowers like lilies or roses, tulips and daises. Butterflies and birds also work well.

Papers: thick white papers with a heavy bond work well. Also handmade papers with pressed flowers can make a wonderful spring invitation.

Summer Wedding Invitations:

If you are planning on getting married in the summer months then of course you will want a summer wedding invitation. These can be anything in a wide range of possibilities from the fun and whimsical summer invitation to the more formal invitation. IT again really depends on what summer means to you. You might think of fun sunny days spent at the beach or relaxing days spent out in the garden.

Colors: pastel colors in pinks, light blues, pure white and yellows

Decorations: beach items, raffia, tool (fabric), light muslin cloth,

Papers: vellum, light weight or light bond papers, handmade papers with pressed flowers,

A wedding invitation can be a very fun yet important part of the wedding planning. Since it is so important and it will act as the first impression that your guests will have of the wedding and often will become a memory or keepsake item for you it is important to spend some time thinking about the right option for you. You can easily pick up on the theme of your wedding and especially bring in the time of year. A dark velvety red wedding invitation will obviously look out of place for a summer wedding.

It doesnt matter if you are looking for a fall, winter, spring or summer wedding invitation there are a lot of ways that you can find affordable discount wedding invitations and there is always the option to make them yourself. DIY wedding invitations are becoming more popular all the time. So if you are sending out fall wedding invitations, spring invitations or summer invitations you are sure to find a wide variety of colors, decorations, and papers that will work for you. By planning ahead and shopping carefully or even making it yourself you are sure to save big money and have a wonderfully themed wedding invitation.

Free 5 Day Wedding Savings ecourse sent to your email. Or for great information onFall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitations check out Plan Best Wedding.

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Prepare for Your Marriage Not Just the Wedding

2008-10-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Prepare for Your Marriage, Not Just the Wedding
By Susanne Alexander

With literally hundreds of details to remember in preparing for a wedding, you might forget a very important step: marriage preparation, a research-proven step that contributes to lasting marriages. When we are madly in love and dreaming of special dresses and wedding music, it can be easy to think that marriage will be a perpetual honeymoon, filled with constant happy moments, romantic days and nights, and light-hearted fun. Actually, your marriage can be great and filled with joyful timeswith some preparation, key skills, and realistic expectations. Marriage education and preparation workshops, counseling/coaching, and books can be a great pre-marriage present from your family too!

Here are some options to consider:

- Engage in great in-depth discussions, using books that provide questions for couples to ask one another; such as, 365 Questions for Couples, The Hard Questions, or Marriage Can Be ForeverPreparation Counts! These kinds of discussions strengthen your friendship and ensure youre compatible. Important keys areas to discuss thoroughly before marriage include money, children, religion, family relationships, and more. If youre having difficulty with the discussions, you might consider asking a married couple to mentor you and assist you with the process.

- Know the character strengths that are important to you in a partner, and ensure your partner has them, so you are confident your marriage will be on a firm foundation. Character qualities that are vital in marriage include truthfulness, trustworthiness, faithfulness, courtesy, respect, helpfulness, and more. For more information on this topic, see Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage (Second Edition), (ISBN: 0-9726893-5-4)

- Assess your relationship/couple strengths and growth areas with the assistance of a trained counselor or relationship coach so that you know what skills you may need to continue developing as a couple.

- Learn vital communication skills that will have you avoid conflict and fighting with one another and reach effective agreements instead. A great resource for books, videos, and workshops is The Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) (www.prepinc.com).

- Assess the activities you do together leading up to the wedding and choose to participate in ones that will strengthen your friendship and assist you to know one another well. Great choices include performing community service, spending time with friends and family members, practicing spiritual activities, or working on a project together.

- Develop a list together of your shared commitments for your marriage. You can include whatever practices are most important to you in sustaining your marriage, such as weekly dates, praying with one another, enjoying time with children, continuing your education, treating one another with courtesy and love, deciding how you will settle disagreements, and so on.

- Prepare a list of your assets and debts, and create a post-wedding budget for your lives together. Agree on how you will handle your money during your marriage. Money can be a key area for marital conflict, and you may prevent some of it with advance planning.

So, heres what there is to rememberyou are preparing for a wonderful wedding day, an event that marks your transition into marriage, something you want to last a lifetime. Preparing for the marriage is a great investment of time in your future.

Websites, such as http://www.lifeinnovations.com or http://www.foccusinc.com, can direct you to research-based, professional services.

Susanne M. Alexander is a relationship coach and marriage educator, as well as author of Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship and Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage. She is president of Marriage Transformation LLC (http://www.marriagetransformation.com).

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Choosing a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception

2008-10-15T06:49:00.001-07:00

Choosing a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception
By Jasmine Macdonald

Your wedding reception is the biggest party you will ever throw so you want to make sure you do it right. Choosing the right caterer is essential. Take it from me not all caterers are created equal.

Here is a list of tips to help your choose a great caterer

1. Get Referrals

A good place to start looking for a caterer is right in your own backyard. Ask your married friends, family and coworkers for referrals. You can also look in your local phone book. When you're interviewing your caterer, ask him/her to supply you with references. If the caterer refuses your request, it may be a good idea to leave and go onto the next interview.

2. Licenses & liability Insurance

Make sure the caterer is licensed in your state and has liability insurance. Insurance is very important in case one of your guests gets food poisoning (God Forbid!), chips a tooth, or is involved in an accident after leaving your reception. If the caterer does not have insurance, ask him/her if you can buy some.

3. Budget

The main thing you must consider is your budget. Before meeting with your caterer know exactly how much money you can afford to spend. A good caterer is creative and will gladly work with you to make sure you can stick to that budget. Do not let the caterer talk you into something you cannot afford as you do not need the extra stress worrying about how to pay for it.

4. Flexibility

Is your caterer flexible? Does he/she listen to your ideas and concerns. Will the caterer serve special food for guests with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, and people with food allergies. Would the caterer be willing to cook a special family dish?

5. Personality & Style

Do you feel comfortable with the caterer. Do you have similar tastes? Beware of the know-it-all caterer who tries to talk you into something you do not want.

6. Food

Be careful! The caterer will try to sell you the most expensive meal plans. Ask how much each plate will cost. How much food each person will receive. Will you serve hors d'oeuvres and what is the cost?

(Money Saving Tip: Tray pass hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and serve a lighter meal.)

Don't forget to ask about your wedding cake. Will they make one for you or do you need to bring your own. If the caterer is making the cake, do not assume they know how. Ask if they have any sample cakes you can see. Also you should show the caterer pictures of any cakes you like.

7. Taste Testing the Food

Most caterers will allow you to sample the planned dishes. This is very important as you do not want any surprises at your reception. Also, with any luck you may be able to taste a sample of your wedding cake.

8. Servers

Does the caterer provide waiter and waitresses. You will need approximately one server for every ten guests. Also you should ask what kind of clothes the waitstaff wears. Are you allowed to make wardrobe requests?

9. Decorations

When seeking a caterer you also want to know what types of decorations are offered - tableskirts, linens, centerpieces etc.

10. Place Settings

What does the place setting consist of. A good caterer will gladly show you what the plates, glasses and silverware will look like.

11. Bar

What about beverages. How will you be charged? By consumption or by how many bottles are opened. Exactly what are the charges per bottle. And what are the brands to be served. How many bottles will be served? Will you be refunded money for any unopened bottles?

Money Saving Tips: To reduce your bar tab only serve, beer, wine and soft drinks. You may also consider offering your guests an open bar for the first hour or two and then making them pay for their own drinks.

12. Little extra fees

Be careful of all the little extra fees the caterer will throw at you.

Servers, waiters & hostess fees (plus gratuities)
Tableware/Linen Fees
Bartender & Bar Fees & (plus gratuities)
Overtime fees
Cancellation fees ~ Make sure you have the cancellation policy in writing!
Extra food fees
Policy on champagne. Are there any pouring fees?
Cutting Cake fees

To make sure you are not charged for any hidden fees Read your caterer's contract very carefully before signing it. Make sure that all the items mentioned above are clearly stated. If they are not listed, have them written in before signing. Also discuss a payment schedule with your caterer. Never pay for everything in advance. With a little preparation, you can stick to your budget and have the party of your dreams!

Jasmine Macdonald is a wedding website designer. You can visit her at http://merrybrides.wordpress.com or read her wedding blog at http://funweddings.blogspot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JasmineMacdonald
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Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations

2008-10-13T16:56:00.001-07:00

Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations
By Erica Tevis

The twinkle of the sun reflects off the newly fallen snow giving it an appearance of dazzling diamonds and the icicles form elegant ice sculptures off of every tree branch against a crisp blue winter sky. Does this picture embrace your magnificent dreams of a perfect winter wonderland wedding? If so, you are not alone. Many brides dream of a beautiful winter wedding, whether it be a Christmas themed event, dancing on New Year’s Eve, a romantic Valentine’s wedding, or a ski inspired resort getaway wedding - winter weddings are a magical event.

If you choose to get married in the colder months, you may want to incorporate the season into your wedding favors and decorations. Wedding suppliers have caught onto this idea and have brought this season a sprout of new winter wedding favors sure to inspire and delight you.

Some of our favorite ideas for winter wedding favors are:

Snow Globe Wedding Favors

Although somewhat difficult to find on traditional wedding favor web sites, there are a variety of stores both online and in your neighborhood which carry seasonal products. Snow globes traditionally remind people of the cold months, and what better way to remind your guests of your winter wedding. Available in a multitude of themes and inner designs, you are sure to find a globe that fits your wedding perfectly.

Hot Drink Winter Wedding Favors

What is more perfect than cuddling up by the fireside with your fingers wrapped around a hot cup to warm you? Hot chocolate especially reminds those of winter, and with designers conjuring up various gift designs of this favorite drink, you can find the perfect drink in the perfectly complimented winter packaging. If you’re not sold on hot cocoa wedding favors, many of the same designs are available in coffee wedding favors, cappuccino wedding favors, tea wedding favors, and cocktail inspired winter wedding favor designs (which are perfect for those New Year’s Eve weddings!)

Snowflake Inspired Winter Wedding Favors

What’s winter without snow? Just like each snowflake is different and unique – so is your wedding! Make your winter wedding favors stand out with snowflake inspired designs in items such as:

Snowflake Coasters
Snowflake Bottle Stoppers
Snowflake Candies, Chocolates
Snowflake Soaps
Place Card Holders
Candles
Mini Boxes

Plants and Pine Cone Wedding Favors If you’re planning a Christmas themed wedding, then there are several Christmas plants that are beautiful gifts. Poinsettias, Christmas lilies, mini evergreens or holly are lovely long lasting gifts.

Also consider:

Christmas Ornaments
Pine Cone Sachets
Pine Cone Boxes
Christmas Tree Soaps
Cookie Cutters
Cookies in decorative tins

Star Themed Favors Your love is in the stars! Star themed items are extremely popular during this season. Although, not as seasonal as snowflakes or Christmas items, these lend a certain grace and elegance to the season. Some perfect ideas for star inspired winter wedding favors are:

Star Bottle Stoppers
Star Place Card Holders
Star Place Candles

Valentine’s Day Inspired Wedding Favors Although Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, many people think of warm memories in red, pinks and white. Heart shaped items are popular sellers for these events and as favors. To add a wintry touch to these favors select something with crisp and cool undertones such as silver or crystal. Some of our favorites are:

Heart Shaped Bookmarks
Heart Shaped Wine Stoppers
Heart Shaped Luggage Tags
Heart Tins with Chocolates
Pink Sweetheart Bath Confetti
Heart Shaped Key chains
Crystal Heart Perfume Bottles
Love Cookie Cutters
Love Coasters / Heart Shaped Coasters

We hope your winter wedding is as magical and beautiful as you wish it to be. With so many beautiful winter wedding favors on the market today, you may find it difficult to pick your favorite!

Erica Tevis is the owner of Little Things Wedding Favors which carries thousands of wedding favors and wedding accessories to suit every couple's style, theme and budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EricaTevis
http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Wedding-Favor-Ideas-and-Inspirations&id=383129

How To Manage Your Wedding Budget

2008-10-10T06:01:00.001-07:00

How To Manage Your Wedding Budget
By Lesley-Ann Graham

You are almost there. Your special day is coming up and of course you need to do a little accounting. Otherwise you end up asking, where did all the money go?

Generally, no matter what country you live in, the biggest expense is the reception. It normally accounts for about 48% of your total expenses. Let's face it you are feeding a lot of people. The event is being catered by a chef and you are also paying for the cost of the people serving behind the bar and waiting on the tables. Not to mention that you're having a multi-course meal. This can really raise the costs.

The next in rank is the cost of your photos and video. A really good, professional photographer is expensive. They are well paid because of their skill. After all they are trying to capture a once in a lifetime event in a way that looks alive long after your nuptials are over.

Then comes the cost of your gown. It is usually a dress that you will only wear once but it is made from costly materials and is usually, at some point handcrafted. It usually comes up to about 10% of the total expense for your wedding.

The flowers and decor takes about 8% of the bill as does the music and entertainment. The skills of the artisans behind these wedding necessities are invaluable.

The remainder of your bill is split between the cost of your wedding rings, transportation, the invitations and the actual ceremony in varying amounts. Let's not forget the taxes you may have had to pay as well as your bride and groom gifts. This accounts for about 19% of the bill.

The funny thing is, no matter what the size of your budget, you will normally find that these figures are close.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann's wedding blog for more free wedding planning help and advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-AnnGraham
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Having Your Wedding at a Marriott Hotel

2008-10-08T15:34:00.001-07:00

Having Your Wedding at a Marriott Hotel
By Kathleen Terrana

Marriott International has nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and specialize in everything from wedding planning, caterers, ceremonies, receptions and honeymoon suites. They offer an online budgeting checklist that covers site selection, staff, invitations, decorations, flowers and food and beverage costs. They also offer a site selection checklist to insure you have information regarding proximity to airport, adequate airport assistance, availability of local attractions, shopping, recreation, restaurants and sufficient parking space.

Their wedding event planners provide complimentary services, handling all of the event details. They offer indoor and outdoor ceremony venues, as well as specialty linens, chair covers, place cards, cake boxes and guest books. Your reception may include a formal sit-down dinner, champagne brunch, or bountiful lunch buffet. Menu tastings are provided by request. The many services offered to make receptions special are great wine selections, distinctive menus, unique ice carvings, beautiful floral displays and dramatic lighting.

The chefs at Marriott may also prepare a rehearsal dinner for family and the wedding party. They will negotiate rates for the bridal party and reserve rooms for out of town guests. At your request, they will even present your guests with a thoughtful gift upon arrival.

After the wedding, begin your honeymoon at a gorgeous honeymoon suite, with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and breakfast in bed.

By planning an event with Marriott, you may earn Marriott Rewards points. You may earn 50,000 Marriott Rewards points or 15,000 airline miles. Check www.marriott.com for details. Marriott also offers discounts for AAA members, all federal, state, county and local government employees, and all active military personnel.

Kathleen Terrana is the previous owner of Elegant Rentals and current owner of Beautiful Bridal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KathleenTerrana
http://EzineArticles.com/?Having-Your-Wedding-at-a-Marriott-Hotel&id=266899

Winter Wedding Ideas

2008-10-06T05:46:00.001-07:00

Winter Wedding Ideas
By Dennis Estrada

The winter wedding is magical wedding that coincides on the snowy winter, festive, and holiday months. The winter months start from late November to early March. The snow flakes float romantically in the air and come down slowly to the ground. In a few hours, the snow blankets all around to create and prepare for fabulous wedding setting.

The snow glistens and sparkles to your eyes as if the snow calls you to play. If you look real close, the white turns bluish in color. On a clear silent night, the stars flicker and shine heavenly. Thus, the winter wedding colors include white, light blue, and silver. Since the mistle toe is a green and red, the green and red color also fits the winter wedding. Think of ice, snow, snowflakes, ornaments, lanterns, fireplaces, ice sculptures, ginger breads, holiday decorations, and holiday treats as a winter wedding theme.

The white flowers works best for winter wedding like roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, and magnolias. Although the mistle toes are green and red, mistle toes can be use as we use mistle toes for holiday decorations.

The Victorian church, winter village, large log cabin, historic mansion, and nostalgic castle provide an elegant and fabulous wedding venue. Ski resorts usually reside on a winter village. The winter village gives an unforgettable feel and character for wedding photos. A good example is Whistler, BC in Canada. A castle will do well for a venue too. For a new country, a castle-like or brick-like hotel or inn is a good alternative. The Banff Springs Hotel which is a castle-like hotel located at Banff, BC, Canada fits perfectly to the description. The large log cabin can make you feel at home as well. Also, any Victorian Church and Historic Mansion will etch the lasting memory in your heart. The wedding will be remembered forever. Lastly, you can dress up the pine trees with holiday ornaments and lights. The wedding photos will capture the festiveness of the holiday. It is like a wedding in holiday tree festival.

In cold winter weather, the white coats, furs, scarves, gloves, and capes handle the chilly and snowy weather. The snowflakes look magical in wedding photos too. Suddenly, the wedding is in winter wonderland. To add sparkles in your wedding attire, you can add diamond or pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The bridal jewelry complements the already stunning wedding dress. For the bridesmaids, and maids of honor, the Swarovski Crystal or Cubic Zirconia Jewelry work as excellent wedding favors. It is a great treat for playing the vital wedding roles. You can also dress up the bridesmaids, and maids of honor with fluffy angel feather wings to create a team of angels in the wedding.

The fireplaces and candles add a never-ending charm. We like to cozy and warm up around fireplaces during the winter season. Several red, green, and silver votive on the fireplace release the romantic mood of the holiday and wedding. On a centerpiece, several ice sculptures bring the magic of winter season in the reception dinner. A snowman, ice globe, castle, and snow flake ice sculpture are a few of the choices. Or, the village of ginger bread houses works like a charm too. To add more holiday flavor, you can add holiday garlands, and flickering lights.

The wedding cake can sit on white tulle, cotton, and blanket to simulate a wedding cake on a snowy hill. The baker can decorate the wedding with ginger bread man, and miniature winter village.

The menu of the winter season is ham, and turkey. For dessert, you have a choice of roasted chestnut, chocolate fondue, ginger breads, candy cane, marshmallows, and mint candy. For beverage, you have hot chocolate, hot cider, eggnog, and sparkling wine. Hot chocolate can be spiced up with a hint of candy cane, whereas the hot cider can be spiced up with a stick of cinnamon.

The wedding favors of the season are holiday ornaments, snowflake-shape soap, scented pine cones, snowstorm globe, candle votives, ornament candle, holiday tree soap, holiday stockings, and ginger breads.

During the winter holiday, many come home to celebrate the holiday with our relatives. So, they are more likely to come celebrate the wedding with you. Best of all, most establishments decorates for the holiday festivities. So, you save money on decorations. A winter wedding also captures the magic of the winter and holiday season.

Dennis Estrada owns Fall Wedding Ideas, Wedding Toasts For Reception Dinner, and Wedding Bubbles And Wedding Tosses website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DennisEstrada
http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Wedding-Ideas&id=461044

Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

2008-10-01T05:25:00.001-07:00

Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations
By Mia LeCron

It really doesnt matter if you are planning to have a large or a small wedding; you still have to send out invitations. For larger wedding parties, you should buy your invitations at bulk party stores, or wedding warehouses in order to get the best buy for your money. Of course, you can always choose to make your own invitations which is also nice and unique.

Common homemade invitations are often made up of tissue paper over white regular paper, and decorated colored paper. When it comes to wedding invitations, some people even use calligraphy to hand craft their invitations and it adds a nice elegant touch to your invitations.

When you make your invitations by hand, you can address each one individually so that you can add unique invitations to your guests that are addressed specifically to them.

When you hand make your invitations, there are no limits to what you can do to them or what add-ons that you can use. The most popular additions to hand made invitations are:

Photos of the happy couple

Artful calligraphy accents

Paper flowers

Poems, verse and prose

Rhinestones and/or sequins

Gold or silver model car paint for accents

Not everyone has the know how to create hand made specialty invitations, and if you would prefer to buy yours, you can easily find good bargains on them if you go to a wedding warehouse or a party warehouse.

Most places offer discounts when you buy items in bulk and this is great if you are planning to have a larger wedding of 50 or more guests. Invitations do not have to break your bank account, but they do have to be there.

You can also save money on invitations if you personally deliver as many of them as possible rather than sending them through the mail.

You can also hand certain invitations to friends and family members to pass along for you to those who they see more often than you do.

You can also post your wedding date and guest list on your family website if you have one or in the newspaper and only send invitations to those who do not have access to the internet.

Mia LaCron is the founder of Cut-Wedding-Costs.info - http://www.cut-wedding-costs.info - devoted to helping individuals live out the wedding of their dreams on a realistic budget they can afford.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Sending-Out-Your-Wedding-Invitations&id=36720

Seasonal Theme Weddings

2008-09-29T05:48:00.001-07:00

Seasonal Theme Weddings
By Jane Martin

One way to make your wedding more memorable could be to have a theme wedding.

Taking the decision to have a theme wedding is the easier part. Deciding on the theme is harder. You could decide on a 17th century theme or a dream wedding theme, but while considering these themes, it is important to consider certain factors liIf you are looking for a fresh look theme, look at your wedding date. Every season has its own charm and you could have a seasonal theme for your wedding that would incorporate all the glory, colours and beauty of the nature around ke cost, availability personnel etc.

you. It could be memorable and unique in its own way.

Many people like to get married in late winter or early spring when nature is at its best.

In spring everything looks fresh and new after the winters sleepy hibernation. In spring gardens and parks are in full bloom and the colours of nature are in full swing. Shades of pastel adorn the landscape with myriad shades and romance blossoms with a new haste and height. Having a spring season theme for your marriage would evoke the same feelings in your guests albeit to a lesser extent (No-one can compete with nature can they?).

Spring colours for the bridesmaids are pastel shades, each a different colour would create a different look. Tables with snowdrops or daffodils miniature ones of course would give a fresh look. Back it up with tulips adorning the dcor. Fill old fashioned jam jars with fragrant candles for a garden ambience. You could add flavor to the wedding by adding pink champagne to the afternoon tea and organising dance entertainment with Morris dancing for the adults or an Easter Egg hunt for the young.

Another popular season for wedding is the Summer, June, July and August being the most preferred months owing to the warm sunshine and reduced chance of bad weather. The colour patterns of summer are spicier compared to the pastel shades of spring. A summer theme should aim to create a tropical ambience through the use of yellows, bright orange, lime green and hot pink colour themes. You could spice it up by making the bridesmaids wearing clothes of vibrant colours and more so, if they carry an exotic tropical flower different from each other and different from the normal bouquet offerings. Have the wedding breakfast in the garden incorporating barbecued fish and lime. A steel band can set the guests on fire with fun and relaxing aesthetics.

Autumn might bring some challenges to your creativity. Flowers are less abundant and the colours are down to earth with a mix of browns, gold, rust, coppers and reds. Substitute the flowers you carry with dried grass, wheat and berries, mix it up a little. Keep the food simple - soups, home made bread, fruits, cheese and roast meat. Halloween and romantic background music can work wonders with the ambience.

Winter, considered dull by some, can be the most is a magical time for weddings. The dark and cold nights could be converted to a warm ambience by use of candles, twinkling lights. Winter is when family gatherings have a special meaning and signals festive times. White, silver and blue are apt colour for a winter wedding theme. Adorn the bridesmaids with silver and turn the flower girls into little fairies with all the works wands and wings. Tables can be adorned with white feathers and the best sweets and chocolates available, light them with indirect blue lights. Serve white chocolate with the proper adornments to get the best of the winter ambience.

Whatever the season you choose, a little creativity in the theme can go a long way in making your wedding the most memorable ever.

Jane Martin is the founder of http://www.weddingplansecrets.com/ which offer inside secrets from within the wedding industry as well as more advice on Theme Weddings.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Seasonal-Theme-Weddings&id=163921

2006 Wedding Dress Trends

2008-09-25T08:35:00.001-07:00

2006 Wedding Dress Trends
By Natalie Aranda

The ever-changing Bridal trends usually underestimate the importance on the Bride's budget that only a discount wedding dress may offer. In 2006, the hottest trend is diamond or rhinestone hair accessories, adopted from celebrities wearing diamond tiaras the year before.

However, for a bride with a limited budget such accessories can only be affordable when they can save a bit of extra money. As for an example, investing in a wholesale wedding dress instead of a designer wedding dress, so the right selection of a hairdo and the hair accessory itself will become the shimmering focus point of the attire.

Another trend widely adopted during 2006 is the use of hot colors for the wedding dress. When it comes to an informal wedding dress, the bride can even mix more than two colors in the attire. When we say hot colors, we are referring a real intensive ones, including deep orange and chocolate brown.

Although, it may be hard to find these colors available in a wholesale wedding dress, hot colors for brides have been used in Oriental marriage traditions for many centuries including red, the color of the imperial wedding gown worn in Hong Kong and Japan. In our Western Culture, the 2006 hot colors are paired with other pastel colors such pink, cream and blue.

Brides who marry near the end of the year may take advantage of getting a discount wedding dress in hot colors, as the proximity of the new trends will be around the corner. New trends also dictate color in unexpected places, incorporating color into their look using colored crinoline underskirt or wearing shoes with details in contrasting colors.

Metallic embroidery and fabrics in a wedding dress are trendy this year adding embellishment even to an informal wedding dress. This shimmering look resembles the trend of Vogue during 2005, so it may be easier to find a good wholesale wedding dress with such characteristics.

The old tradition of bride's monograms placed on everything, from underwear to invitations, is over now. 2006 trends remark the importance of creating wedding logos designed by the couple, generally made of any element other than their initials, names, letters or traditional wedding elements.

The disadvantage of this is that you cannot stick a logo on a wholesale wedding dress, contrary to a monogram, that once embroidered to the fabric; it makes the gown resemble a designer wedding dress.

Wedding dress trends as of 2006 includes donating your wedding dress after the ceremony to help hurricane and earthquake victims from all over the world, so brides can also make a difference with a generous charitable attitude.

Natalie Aranda writes on family and relationship. Brides who marry near the end of the year may take advantage of getting a discount wedding gown in hot colors, as the proximity of the new trends will be around the corner. New trends also dictate color in unexpected places, incorporating color into their look using colored crinoline underskirt or wearing shoes with details in contrasting colors. Another trend widely adopted during 2006 is the use of hot colors for the wedding dress. When it comes to an informal wedding dress, the bride can even mix more than two colors in the attire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NatalieAranda
http://EzineArticles.com/?2006-Wedding-Dress-Trends&id=231407

2006 Wedding Color Trends Brides Bring Unique Palettes to the Table Through Improbable Pairings

2008-09-25T03:04:00.001-07:00

2006 Wedding Color Trends - Brides Bring Unique Palettes to the Table Through Improbable Pairings
By Alicia Whalen

The 2006 weddings fashion beauty out of the contrast of classic and contemporary. Classic formality is right at home with a casual and friendly ambiance. Traditional flowers such as roses are arranged with modern sensibility.

Wedding dcor is simple and elegant and the Victorian intricacy of lace meets the beachside sheath dress. Wedding colors are no exception. From the cake to the candles, brides are finding ways to incorporate the past with the present.

The most noticeable 2006 wedding candle color trend is surely the pairing of traditional pastels with dramatic modern chocolates. Pastel pinks and blues, in particular, have made their return in the company of deep brownsbringing brides the ability to be both ethereal and earthy at the same time. Even the more recent favorites, sage and celery, take on a new hue when incorporated with dark chocolate.

Monochromatic themes have made a strong showing. Classic white and ivory boast a contemporary flair when blended in dresses, flowers, candles, and cakes. For fall weddings, three unlikely companions such as brick red, ruby red, and orange make a bold statement when blended together throughout the dcor, while a subtler spring effect may be had by combining lighter colors such as violet, lavender, and lilac.

While these distinctive combinations may be wooing many of this years brides, seasonally inspired colors will never go out of fashion. Rich fall pairings such as orange and chocolate give an October affair a cozy flair; winter events will always be lovely in icy blue and white; and spring and summer love the lighter hues like lilac and yellow.

No matter the trends, brides should always remember to choose colors they are comfortable with and that they will enjoy not only on this very special day but in the memories and photographs that will live on long after the knot has been tied.

Brilliant Ideas Brought to you by Candlesjustonline.com

About: Candlesjustonline.com : CandlesJustOnline.com has been producing high-quality candles free of lead wicks and harmful dyes for over 25 years. A leader in the candle industry with several brands including Yummi and Just Candles, CandlesJustOnline.com has found its success in reliability, longevity, and the ability to produce candles quickly, in large quantities and at competitive prices.

Taking advantage of the online ability to provide products directly to the consumer. Shop for Candles Online with Candlesjustonline.com - an easy to use site with candle idea's for home dcor, weddings and other special occasions.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?2006-Wedding-Color-Trends---Brides-Bring-Unique-Palettes-to-the-Table-Through-Improbable-Pairings&id=260741

Planning a Wedding

2008-09-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

Planning a Wedding
By David Harvey

Planning a formal wedding takes weeks, if not months, of careful preparation. And it needs to be managed with as much care as a general planning a battle.

As the generals assets are his troops and supplies, a wedding planners assets are the money she is allowed in the budget, and the other professionals she can afford to hire to work for her and for the wedding couple. Its all got to be completed in the time available, even when things go wrong.

There are the hairdos and clothing for the bride and bridesmaids, and for the groom and the groomsmen. There is the church minister or other wedding celebrant to be booked and paid for. The wedding reception venue to be picked and reserved, caterers and menus arranged. And there are the wedding invitations and wedding flowers as well.

Dont forget the disc jockey or musicians who will provide the music for your wedding guests, and then theres the professional wedding photographer to be chosen and possibly an official wedding videographer.

Friends and relatives will have their own still cameras and camcorders, to be sure, but you need to use them as a backup in case the official photographer fouls up. Its rare, but it can happen, even to a Pro. So always try to have a Plan B you can fall back on.

Hire cars or limosines white wedding doves the list goes on and on. Just as the cost can go up and up.

People in some countries and cultures go deep into debt to have a big wedding, but you need not be so extravagant, thank goodness.

At the very least you will need to read a good book on the subject of Wedding Planning, or you can hire a professional wedding planner to do it all for you. But be sure to do a little research at least before you decide which way its going to be.

David Harvey has worked as a wedding photographer, among other things, so he's attended many weddings and dealt with many wedding professionals. Now he writes for websites, including this one about Wedding Planning.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DavidHarvey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-a-Wedding&id=135080

15 Tips For a Better Wedding

2008-09-21T05:03:00.001-07:00

15 Tips For a Better Wedding
By Jacqueline Wild

Tip 1: Make sure you weigh a single invitation before applying postage. Invitations can sometimes sneak over the minimum postage and be returned rubber stamped.

Tip 2: If you are ordering unprinted invitations, order 25 extra - it is cheaper to order a few more now that a single batch later on. Order extra envelopes as well to allow for mistakes.

Tip 3: It can be a nice idea to celebrate your first anniversary with a piece of your wedding cake. Wrap the top layer in plastic wrap, and then aluminium foil. Don't just use aluminium foil, as it can leave the cake with a metallic taste. To keep a good flavour, store the cake in the back of the freezer where the temperature is constant.

Tip 4: If you are doing your own makeup, don't accidentally leave your makeup kit in your car overnight. If it's a hot day it will melt!!!

Tip 5: It might be your last night of 'freedom', but don't blow your big day by drinking heavily the night before. Arrange a celebration at least 48 hours before your wedding day.

Tip 6: If the bride or groom is nervous about making a speech, just remember that on this particular day, the guests will indulge whatever you have to say - so just have fun.

Tip 7: Try and seat your older guests away from the speakers. They will typically want to socialize with family and friends, and be away from the centre of the buzz.

Tip 8: Most couples submit a list of song requests to the DJ. Consider also submitting a list of songs that you would prefer the DJ not play.

Tip 9: Every bride tries on her dress before the big day. However, the men often feel that a tux is just a tux, and don their outfit the morning of the big day - sometimes to find a surprise lurking. Two left shoes, enormous slacks, etc. Politely insist that the groomsmen try their outfits on just once the day that the outfit arrives. It can save a great deal of trouble later on.

Tip 10: If sending out directions to the wedding, do a quick test run of the last five miles of approach to make sure that the directions tie up with the roads. Give as much detail as possible, naming any structures that your guests may pass ('turn right at the Old Crow pub' is better than 'take the third road on the right'.

Tip 11: Before the service, ban anything that can stain, like wine, fruit juice or dark lipstick from any room in which you may be wearing your dress.

Tip 12: Wedding costs can start to run away with you. It is important to keep track of how much you are spending. Consider ordering a separate credit card to make your wedding purchases.

Tip 13: When addressing your invitations try and avoid writing 'and guest' wherever possible. If you are unsure of partner's names, make a quick phone call to find out. They will be touched that you want to know.

Tip 14: It is easy to be caught out by hidden charges at your reception. Make sure you ask your caterer if there are any other charges that haven't been discussed, such as corkage, serving fees, or napkin fees.

Tip 15: On her wedding day, every bride wants to feel that she is the only bride in the world. When making enquiries with reception venues, ask whether the venue host more than a single wedding concurrently. When a venue hosts more than one wedding at a time, mix ups can happen, including gifts going astray and guests drifting from one reception to the other (a concern if you are having an open bar).

Jacqueline Wild is part of a team that has designed the award winning wedding planning software product 'Perfect Day'. Learn more about the software here: http://www.perfectdayonline.co.uk

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Perfect Wedding Lingerie for the Perfect Bride

2008-09-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

Perfect Wedding Lingerie for the Perfect Bride
By Megan Mathews

Think of all the planning it takes to prepare for your dream wedding. From the guest list, to the caterer, the flowers, the perfect gown of course, and every other detail you can fathom. Its no surprise that you may just forget to pick up a little something to slip on while you celebrate you and your husbands marriage and love during that first night on your honeymoon.

The wedding lingerie that you choose to wear on the first night as husband and wife should be something that, like your wedding dress, will leave an ever-lasting, pleasurable image in the mind of your one true love. Since men thrive on visual images, choosing the right lingerie for your wedding night that will flatter your every curve and amplify your best features is essential in creating the mental and physical picture youre looking for. Not only will your new husband be taken aback by your beauty, hell be astonished at how assertive you can be when you feel like a goddess, with a sexiness that the right wedding lingerie can expose.

So, you ask, where do you get this bridal lingerie that will take his breath away? You already have done enough shopping and planning to last you a lifetime, so heres the good news. You can make shopping for the perfect wedding lingerie fun and exciting in the privacy of your own home. There are so many online retailers that offer a plethora of choices when it comes to choosing bridal lingerie. And not only can you buy lingerie for the most important night of your life, you can also look for the right bridal underwear to wear under the gown youll walk down the aisle in.

It doesnt matter how what type of lingerie you feel the most comfortable in, as you will be sure to find just what youre looking for when searching the online lingerie stores. Wedding corsets, bridal garters, its up to you to choose the wedding lingerie of your dreams.

Your wedding signifies the beginning to a lifelong journey between you and your partner. Your wedding night and honeymoon is the one of the first steps in this journey, so being prepared right down to the wedding lingerie you want your husband to see you in on the first the night of your marriage is a step that you dont want to miss. You will already have made the perfect bride, and with right the bridal lingerie, you can also help make yourself into the perfect lover as well. Astonish him with your beauty and your air of sexy confidence. You deserve to give yourself the perfect wedding gift; the gift of sensuous, beautiful wedding lingerie.

Wedding Lingerie

Bedtime Flirt

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A Guide to Free Wedding Planning

2008-09-18T08:52:00.001-07:00

A Guide to Free Wedding Planning
By Reb Whit

If you have seen the cutsie film with Jennifer Lopez, then you may have an idea of what a wedding planner does and what a valuable service they can provide. Provided they dont run off with your fianc as in the cutsie film. However, one ting the film neglected to mention was how much this precision wedding planning can cost. Generally, as the cost of your wedding rises then generally, so does the cost of your planner. In this article we will give you some free wedding planning advice and give you some advice on planning some of the various aspects of your wedding.

While searching out sources for this article, I came across a wonderful site on the internet called wedding channel.com. For those 99 percent of us who cannot afford the top notch wedding planners as depicted by Jennifer Lopez in the cutsie film, this site can be a godsend. This site contains a plethora of information on everything from wedding budgets to how to avoid various rip off scams associated with weddings. The site also contains a wedding shop in which you can buy several items online.

One of the most interesting parts on the site is the articles. It contains, fact filled articles on just about every aspect of a wedding you can think of and are a great source for wedding planning. Whether you age debating on the good and bad points of eloping or who should pay or what, chances are this sit will have an article with the information you need.

A wedding planner would be great to organize your big day. However, with the rising costs of weddings and more and more of us becoming responsible for financing our own weddings, the reality of affording one of these wedding planners becomes more and more remote. Free wedding planning does exist if you know where to look for it. The internet is a wonderful resource for ideas and it is available at your fingertips. Wedding channel. Com has tons of free information available, but surf the net and loads of other sites come up. Free wedding planning is out there and very useful especially if you are planning a wedding on a tight budget. All it takes is a bit of ambition and a computer.

You can read this article and more at http://www.weddingplanningcentral.info

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Wedding Planning and Event Planning

2008-09-16T09:03:00.001-07:00

Wedding Planning and Event Planning
By Michael Bustamante

Wedding Planning and Event Planning degrees are offered by a variety of schools. Wedding planners are also known as wedding consultants and bridal consultants. Community colleges offer diplomas and associate degrees in applied sciences for wedding and event planners.

Colleges and universities offer bachelor degrees and master degrees in event planning through their business degree programs. Event planning universities and colleges provide students with skills and knowledge in managing staff as well as coordinating and planning events, such as banquets and dances.

The business of event/wedding planning is for those who like working with people, who enjoy planning large gatherings, and who are good at negotiating and networking. The event/wedding planner must be personable, a good listener, and a good delegate for their clients. They are the spokesperson in all facets of planning, including ordering flowers, hiring musicians, hiring photographers, finding a caterers, finding locations, choosing colors, etc., for their clients. Event and wedding planners look for the best services, best prices, and connections that will ensure successful events.

Event and wedding planners must be very organized and must be adept at handling financial arrangements they make for their clients, as well as their own finances. Studies may include English and communication skills, mathematics, management, hospitality, sanitation and safety, computer uses for planning and executing events, foods, marketing and sales, legal issues, travel industry, and more.

Knowledge of customs and traditions of various ethnic groups and various religious practices is essential for event planners. Professional planners should expect to regularly read current materials throughout their careers to keep abreast of the latest styles, colors, and trends for large and small events.

If you are interested in learning more about Event Planning and Wedding Planning Schools, colleges, and universities, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Wedding Planning Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

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10 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day in One Piece

2008-09-14T09:58:00.001-07:00

10 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day in One Piece
By Alex Daniels

Organization is the key to a happy and blissful wedding ceremony. Family is also very important. The more family is willing to give of their time and create less commotion on what they think should be done, the smoother things will be.

Here are some top suggestions to help you get through your wedding day in one piece:

* Make sure that you have dependable people helping you. Usually the adults in your life are better equipped.

* With all of the preparations up to this day, make sure you have focused on your mate. If you know he or she is truly the one, than everything else really does not matter. You cannot control everything so do not worry about what you cannot change. The weather is the only thing you can do nothing about.

* Make sure the place you are getting married is agreeable to both of you. You do not want to come to that place and your heart is heavy because you do not want to be married here.

* Make sure everyone knows directions to the reception. This should have already been done earlier.

* Be sure that your dress fits and you have help getting dressed. Also make sure that you can go to the bathroom in your gown. The rest room has to accommodate you and your beautiful dress. Usually your mother, sister, or maid of honor has to help you.

* Get all vendor agreements in writing as a contract. Spell out exactly what you want when you make the bookings. Do not wait until your wedding day. Call a week ahead to confirm the agreement.

* For your bridal party, select dependable attendants and give each one a copy of the tentative timeline for the day. Do not have children under three years old to be in the wedding party. If you are unsure of the behavior of the child have one of the attendants walk with the child.

* Make sure your parents know what is going on. Nothing is worse then a groom's mother running around stirring up worry.

* Be sure you can dance in your gown and that your shoes are comfortable. You will be on your feet and you do not want to end your wedding because your feet are in pain.

* Be sure that all your attendants have a ride to the ceremony. Take into consideration the gowns and a limousine is a wonderful consideration if you can.

Have a sense of humor because this will get you in or out of any situation. Personally if you can avoid the alcohol it will avoid a lot of behavior and hopefully any family or friends who do not agree. If you are expected to have beer, wine or alcohol try to control and limit. Remember they are drinking and driving and there is responsibility that has to come with alcoholic beverages. You do not have to have it even though there are those who say you have to. Do what you feel right about. This will eliminate a lot of stress in your wedding day.

Good luck! The best laid plans will always fall apart so just plan the best you can, go with the flow and don't let the bumpy road get to you. You'll get through it!

Alex consults for a gift shop offering cheap wedding favors, classic gifts for her and other wedding stuff.

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Winter Wedding in the Country Horse Drawn Carriage and Sleigh Rides

2008-09-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Winter Wedding in the Country, Horse Drawn Carriage and Sleigh Rides
By Ken Bissonette

To get from church to reception, why not have a horse drawn carriage pull up to the church or chapel? Cover up with blankets on the way to your reception or place where you are having your pictures done. You may also want to consider a sleigh if you're wedding is in the country. Hear the bells as you glide through the snow.

A white limo or car decorated in winter wedding colors is another option to consider. You may want to serve hot drinks as your guests enter the reception site. Serve brandy, Irish Cream, de menthe, Cream de cocoa, coffee with Irish Cream or Baileys, or hot apple cider. They can sit or stand by the crackling fire, as they chat and wait for the Bride and Groom.

For entertainment at your reception, think of different things to do. Guests dressed in long coats and tall hats could skate on a nearby rink or pond, while bride and groom have pictures done, or as a part of the reception. Some ideas for your winter reception meal include serving a butternut squash soup with roast beef and horseradish, roast duck or lamb, baby greens and new potatoes.

Have a flaming fig pudding and your wedding cake for dessert. Decorate your wedding cake with icicles and small silver bells, or green ivy and small red berries or roses. At the end of the evening give your guests wedding favors. Give tiny snow globes with a winter theme inside, spiced teas, gingerbread, potpourri, candles, and others.

Complete your winter wedding with a winter honeymoon. Ski in Aspen or the Canadian Rockies. Visit Austria or Switzerland for a true winter holiday.

Ken and Deidre Bissonette are successful authors and publishers of Wedding Information for the Bride and Groom http://www.weddingdresses-gifts-flowers.com

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WorryFree Flowers For Destination Weddings

2008-09-12T09:14:00.001-07:00

Worry-Free Flowers For Destination Weddings
By Andree Lapare

Imagine your wedding taking place on a beautiful beach in Hawaii, or at a ski lodge in Whistler Imagine yourself feeling happy, and glad youve made the decision to fly away to this perfect spot. If you are reading this article, chances are that you ARE planning a destination dream wedding, and that you soon realized that having such a wedding requires even more planning than if you stayed home. It's a worthwhile decision to make, but it requires extra planning and smart thinking to make it less stressful, with few last minute surprises.

Planning is stressful. Making sure that you will have the right bouquet waiting for you can be one source of stress. You dont know if the florist will have all the right flowers on hand to create the arrangement that you had ordered. What if the flowers start wilting half-way through your wedding ceremony because they werent fresh or refrigerated properly? If your wedding is taking place at an out-of-the-way location, getting specific flowers may be very hard to guarantee; unless you were referred to that florist by a happy bride, you really are placing your trust on someone you havent met. Seeing your bouquet on the morning of your wedding could be a disappointment.

Many destination brides are choosing to bring along their bouquets in their luggage.

Thats right! Because of an enormous improvement in high-end, premium silk flowers, they knew that their bouquets would look wonderful, and be perfectly botanically-correct. These bouquets are easy to pack, and still look great when unpacked. By choosing a great designer who works only with top-quality flowers, these women get the bouquet of their dreams, months in advance. One thing less to worry about now, and on their wedding day. Another advantage is that they can use them again for the reception when they get back home.

Its important to choose a designer that will work with you, customizing your arrangements as per your request, to help ensure your wedding will be picture-perfect, and a little bit less stressful. A good designer will work hard to ensure you get what you want, and will guarantee their work.

Andre Lapar is the owner and designer at Mulberry Design, http://www.mulberrydesign.ca, a small rural floral design company in Nova Scotia specializing in sophisticated, premium silk wedding bouquets and arrangements that make brides shine.

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10 Tips to Hiring a Wedding Planner

2008-09-11T10:36:00.001-07:00

10 Tips to Hiring a Wedding Planner
By Faith Walker

If you are in the market to hire a wedding consultant, here are ten helpful tips that can guide you through the process of obtaining a profesisonal wedding consultant.

1.Find out exactly what a wedding planner does do your homework.
2.Find the names of the reputable wedding planners in your area.
3.Make a list of things you would like the wedding planner to do. If you want to plan the entire wedding, but you want the planner to direct the ceremony and reception, then you should utilize the service of a wedding planner for Day of services only.
4.Make sure your budget is relative to the type of service you would like. Most wedding planners are willing to work with you for an allotted amount of time if you are unable to purchase a package. Check with him/her to find out if they charge and hourly rate.
5.Find out if your church requires you use their wedding coordinator. Many churches now require that for the protection of the churches property, that brides must use their wedding coordinator. This doesnt mean that coordinator will work at your reception; it means you may have to hire another consultant to do your reception.
6.Check with several bridal associations and see what their members must do to become certified. Find out what classes if any your wedding consultants have taken to become certified or how many years of experience they have had in doing weddings. If they arent that experienced, will they provide you with a discounted rate in exchange for a testimonial.
7.Ask for and check references. It is so important that the wedding planner live up to the expectations of the bride. A good testimonial from a bride is crucial to the consultants business. Check references and find out how the wedding consultant was able to handle stressful situations and how well the wedding guests were treated during the event.
8.Skinny down your list and invite at least three wedding planners for face-to-face interviews. Almost all wedding planners offer free initial consultations so take advantage of this meeting and get to know your potential wedding planner.
9.Ask for a face-to-face interview, dont just price shop. Some wedding planners dont like to give quotes over the phone. You are shopping not only for a service, but a personality. It is crucial to give your business to someone who understands what you are looking for in your vision.
10.Check to see if the wedding planner youve selected is affiliated with any Bridal Planning Association. Not only do you want your planner to be well connected, but you also want her to be in good standing and have a great rapport with any professional associations. Some wedding planners have won awards, and it is nice to be able to see this on a professional website as a sample of their work.

For more information, please visit our website at Plan It For Me! Weddings and Events.

Faith Walker is a Professional Wedding Planner in Atlanta Georgia. Her company, Plan It For Me! Weddings and Events features plans corporate events, parties, reunions, and weddings. The company was founded with the idea to provide brides-to-be with a stress-free alternative to planning their weddings. The motto is Plan It for Me! making the fairytale a reality!

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10 Tips for Perfect Wedding Pictures

2008-09-10T14:36:00.001-07:00

10 Tips for Perfect Wedding Pictures
By Nikole Ramsay

1.Check bridal magazines and websites for a photographer and take the time to meet with them before the day to discuss your requirements. When it comes to choosing your photographer, make sure that you have a good rapport with them - if you feel relaxed and comfortable with that person, it will show through in the photos on the day.

2.Visit the venue with the photographer and choose some locations and places together where you would like to have pictures taken. Your photographer should be happy to do this prior to your wedding day, especially if they haven't photographed a wedding at your chosen venue before.

3.In the lead up to the wedding, collect pictures from bridal magazines that you like and share them with your photographer. Sometimes this can give the photographer a clearer idea of the style you like and how you'd like to look in your pictures.

4.Practise makes perfect so don't be shy about trying a few poses in the mirror! Once you've mastered a few looks you'll feel confident in front of the camera when the day comes.

5.Hire a good make up artist - it makes all the difference on the day as they will know what 'look' works naturally and photographically.

6.Don't be afraid to move around - leap, jump,skip or even dance! Express yourself...sometimes some movement in the shots can add a real feeling of excitement/action to the pictures. Dancing in the middle of a garden may just sum up exactly how free and happy you are feeling!

7.When you are having your photos taken after the ceremony with you new bride/groom, take the time to think about a special moment you had together, like when you got engaged or a beautiful holiday you shared. Real emotion will show through in the pictures.

8.Smile! Smile with your eyes, not just your mouth.

9.Ask the photographer to capture all the little details as well as the people. You spend loads of time choosing colours, flowers, fabrics, papers, table settings etc....It's lovely to have a keep sake of the small detail that made your wedding so stylish!

10.Be yourself, relax and have fun with your family and friends - after all it's your day! Some of the best photos are the ones you don't even know are being taken.

Nikole Ramsay - Wedding and Commercial Photographer based in London, UK

http://www.NikoleRamsay.com

Member of http://www.WomenWorking4Women.co.uk

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Writing Wedding Vows Ideas That Will Help You Express What You Truly Feel

2008-09-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

Writing Wedding Vows - Ideas That Will Help You Express What You Truly Feel
By Jean Bachcroft

More and more, couples are choosing to write their own wedding vows. Although many people believe that this is the best way to truly express their personal beliefs and feelings, often they are unsure about how to begin and what to include. If you would like to write your own wedding vows, here are some tips for writing vows that pledge the love you truly feel.

Inform your clergyman early

If the ceremony will be religious, let the clergyman know about your plans as soon as possible. If there are guide principles you will need to be aware of as you write your vows, the sooner you know what they are the better. This is also a good way to avoid possible conflicts between the beliefs of your house of worship and your own personal beliefs. If there is some disagreement between the two, you may need to adjust your plans or wording, or perhaps look for another clergyman.

Ask yourselves fundamental questions

Once youve taken that first step, begin by asking yourselves questions. These may include: What does marriage mean to us? Why are we marrying? What promises are most meaningful, and which ones are essential that we keep?

You may want to ask what words like love, honor, respect, faithfulness, forgiveness, honesty, fidelity, friendship, and trust mean to each of you. This exercise will help you to clarify your thoughts as well as express your true feelings toward each other, your expectations for the future, and your personal visions of your lives together in the future.

Focus on whats unique

An essential element of personalizing your wedding vows is expressing what is unique about the other person. Think about how you see each other and write down as many of the reasons for loving each other as you can verbalize. If your backgrounds are different, acknowledge this and promise to respect and honor your differences as well as your commitment to building bridges that will strengthen common grounds. If this is not a first marriage for one or both of you, you may want to talk about your faith in love and the bond that marriage creates between two people.

Dont get too personal

Keep in mind that exchanging wedding vows is as serious as it is meaningful. Your goal should not be to make your vows sound cute or amusing. Also, avoid suggestive language or phrasing.

And dont confuse personal feelings with private affairs. Topics having to do with money, conception and child-rearing, politics, or in-laws should not be included in wedding vows to be overheard by your guests.

Incorporating traditional pledges

Although much of what you will write will be unique to your relationship and therefore highly personalized, you may want to include meaning parts from traditional vows that are a part of your culture.

While most of the wording is their own, many couples continue to incorporate the familiar love, comfort, honor (though usually leaving out the obey part) wording into their vows.

Rehearse before your wedding day

Since this is a special occasion, you should give it all of the time and attention it deserves. Practice reading aloud what the two of you have written. This is the true test that what appears on paper is what you really intended to say, in the way you intended to say it. Rehearsing will also allow you to determine how long exchanging your vows will take and whether adjustments are needed. If the wording sounds awkward or if it is difficult to read, change it.

Dont rely solely on your memory

A case of nerves can strike unexpectedly, and at the most inopportune time, so make sure your precious words are written down. Once you are satisfied that your wedding vows express exactly what you wanted to say to each other, it is time to finalize your draft. The final copy, preferably two or three, should be printed using a fairly large font size, which will make it easier to read.

It is a good idea to give a copy to the clergyman, at least several days before the ceremony is to take place. If a severe case of nerves does strike, it may be he who will need to read your vows.

Personalize the whole ceremony

Aim to keep the time it takes to exchange your vows between one and three minutes. To extend the feeling of a ceremony that is a celebration of your unique love, have a family member or good friend offer a carefully selected prayer or reading as part of the ceremony. You can also choose music that is both appropriate for the occasion and especially meaningful to the two of you.

About the Author

Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, the founder of Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and return address labels, visit Bachcroft Mailing and Return Address Labels and Aloha Return Address Labels.

For bargains and bargain shopping articles, visit Town and Country Shopping Bargains.

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5 Must Know Wedding Pictures Tips

2008-09-08T16:45:00.001-07:00

5 Must Know Wedding Pictures Tips
By Kirsten Garrett

As the old adage goes, Pictures are worth a thousand words. This is especially true and applicable to wedding pictures.

Normally, wedding pictures are photographs of the scenes from the wedding. Most of them are focused on the bride and the group.

However, what people do not know is that wedding pictures are not just mere solid representation of what had transpired during the event. Wedding pictures are more of a memorabilia of the wonderful moments that the couple had long been wanting to have.

And with wedding pictures always available for their perusal, it brings them back to the time they have once shared their union as husband and wife in front of the public.

For this reason, choosing the wedding photographer should never be taken for granted. This is because the angles and kinds of shots that must be incorporated therein should only be done by a professional.

Therefore, to have the best wedding pictures, it is best to hire a professional wedding photographer who can handle the shots perfectly.

However, there are some factors to be considered first before hiring the services of a wedding photographer. Here is a list of the factors that you need to know:

1. The style of your wedding

It is important to decide first the style of your wedding. Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? Whatever style you have chosen, this will definitely determine the kind of wedding photographer you should choose.

For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, it is best to hire wedding photographers that are traditional in styles. This is because traditional photographers consider all the details when it comes to photography and establishing good angle shots.

2. Your budget

Keep in mind that not all wedding photographers are created equal. Hence, it is important to stick to your budget to know which type of wedding photographer you will hire.

Of course, it will do you no good if you will extend or go beyond your budget just because you want to hire the best wedding photographer there is. So, better stick to your budget.

3. Know what you are paying for

Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be keen on the details of the agreement and that you should know the items or services that you will be paying for. Other wise, there might be some discrepancies regarding to what has been agreed upon and yet, you can no longer make any claims or complaints against the photographer because you have already affixed your signature.

4. Know your rights as a client

There are instances wherein wedding photographers are so engrossed with their jobs that they no longer take some suggestions from their clients. This should not be the case because the client has still the final discretion. The wedding photographer should only assist the couple on their decisions.

5. The photographer's complete profile

You wouldn't want spoiled films or pictures, right? So, it would be better if you will check on the profile and background of the photographer.

In this sense, it will give you some insight on the capabilities of the photographer and his reputation in the industry.

Boiled down, wedding pictures can be good, bad, or perfect. It all depends on the wedding photographer, so, it is best to hire the best.

For more wedding secrets and tips, Kirsten Garrett has created a useful wedding guide that exposes wedding secrets and more tips located at: http://www.weddingsecretsexposed.com

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The Wedding Cake: A Ceremony by Itself

2008-09-08T06:03:00.001-07:00

The Wedding Cake: A Ceremony by Itself
By Joy Cagil

When my son and daughter-in-law held a knife and cut the first slice out of their all traditional, butter-cream frosted, lavish, and very expensive wedding cake, I couldn't help smiling. If we had been in the early Roman times, the wedding cake would not be one huge, tasty, decorative creation, but many small, possibly cupcake-sized, salty wheat cakes. In addition, the guests wouldn't be eating the cakes but throwing them at the bride or crumbling it over her head for fertility and single women would try to catch the crumbs for the same reason they catch the bridal bouquet today.

In the olden times when children didn't make it to adulthood due to childhood illnesses, fertility was important, and that is probably the reason the wedding cake tradition was born. Later on during their empire, Romans turned their salty cakes into sweet cakes. This time, they made a slightly larger bridal cake with many smaller cakes surrounding it. The smaller cakes were brought as gifts by the guests. These cakes everyone ate, but still crumbled some of those over the bride.

After the Roman conquest of the British Isles, Roman customs influenced the natives who baked dry cakes for their weddings and drank their ale with them. In old England and Ireland, there also was, and still is, the custom of a groom's cake, dark in color and made of dried fruit.

When the English sent their pioneers into the new world, they also sent their customs with them. First European settlers in the Americas made fruitcakes for their weddings because their preservation was easier.

The fancy wedding cake with several tiers was created through the initiative of the French, and although scorned by the English at first, it was later adopted and became the norm through all Europe. The wedding cake, owing to its long history, became an individual affair for a modern wedding party, with different shapes and styles and with a rich variety of flavors, fillings, and icings.

A wedding cake, after the vows, has become a vital part of wedding ceremony in our day. It is assumed that a wedding cake reflects the style, elegance, and delicacy of the couple's upbringing, in addition to their enthusiasm for their marriage.

Not only the ingredients and the making of the cake, but the ceremony of its cutting has become another reception by itself. Traditionally, the bride and the groom cut the cake together, with groom placing his right hand over the bride's right hand to cut the first slice. Then, they feed each other that first slice while everyone applauds. Sometimes, the top tier is saved for the first anniversary or the birth of the couple's first child, whichever comes first.

In some new world weddings nowadays, smearing each other with the icing has been taking hold as a custom, adding hilarity to the reception. My favorite wedding cake anecdote is a real one that may have seemed like a disaster at the time; however in hindsight, it has become an amusing joke. Yet, since the marriage has lasted, the incident might have been a good omen.

Several years ago, we attended a large wedding reception. Over the several steep stairs to the main reception hall, the wedding cake had to be carried rather than wheeled. I don't know why nobody thought of a ramp but two waiters, one on each side, took the cake up the steps.

Suddenly, a waiter tripped and the cake fell on the floor, but with luck or heavenly intervention, the top two tiers stayed intact. A pandemonium broke out with the bride's mother fainting and maintenance people scurrying about. Since the reception hall was part of a big hotel, the management came up with their version of a wedding cake. Several small cakes were arranged as the bottom layer with the two top layers of the original cake placed over them.

Judging from that experience, I think it might be a good idea to have a just-in-case second cake. After all, cakes are loved by most anyone and they don't go to waste.

This article has been submitted by Joy Cagil in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations. Joy Cagil is a writer on writing.com.

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10 Secrets to a Successful StressFree Wedding

2008-09-08T05:49:00.001-07:00

10 Secrets to a Successful Stress-Free Wedding
By Chuck Groot

Your wedding is supposed to be the most important day in a your life, and yet for many, just getting there in one piece is harder than fitting stilettos on an elephant. Why is it so difficult? The biggest problem is stress and how the interplay of all the different participants at your wedding adds or subtract from that stress. Here are some wedding ideas to have a truly successful and happy wedding.

Scientists use the term HOMEOSTASIS (homeo = the same; stasis = standing) to define the physiological limits within which the body functions efficiently and comfortably. Stress disturbs homeostasis by creating a state of imbalance. The Lord knows how easily some people can cause us imbalance. Well, the secret of all of this is that, if we know how difficult it is to change ourselves, we must then take for granted that we are not going to be able to change others, especially between now and the wedding date. So what can we do to make or create STASISHOMEO the ability to maintain the same mental condition we enjoy now on the day of your wedding (LOL)?

The all time stress-o-meter gives the following scores to different stress events in our lives:

EventStress Score

Death of spouse100

Divorce73

Marital separation65

Jail term63

Death of a close relative63

Personal injury or illness53

Marriage / partnership commitment50

Loss of job47

Retirement45

Illness in family44

Sexual problems39

Childbirth39

Change in finances38

Death of a close friend37

Change of job36

Taking out a mortgage or loan31

Mortgage foreclosure30

Increased responsibilities29

Offspring leaves home29

Fight with in-laws29

I dont know girls, but I think that a fight with the boss rates right up there with marriage.

The first thing we must do is to be able to recognize stress in others and ourselves. Stress management involves four main tasks:

Recognize and understand the signs of stress.

Identify and understand the sources of stress.

Learn to manage controllable sources of stress.

Learn to support yourself and cope with stress reactions to situations beyond your control.

Signs of Stress

Over-stress reactions include a wide range of symptoms: stomach aches, headaches, sleep problems, poor concentration, moodiness, irritability, and racing thoughts. It's important to recognize that these are all signs of stress overload, probably not signs of a more serious condition.

Now that you know all this good stuff, does it help? No! We need some tools and strategies to help you have a Successful Wedding.

1.A great stress reducer is getting in shape for the wedding.

Lets face it; you are going to have a second full time job. Planning and organizing a wedding is a time-consuming and energy zapping experience, not to mention the marathon parties, the family get togethers, and all that glorious shopping. Dont forget, all the marathon parties, food, drinks, cake, drinks, dinners. Did I mention drinks? This sends your body and nervous system for a loop.

Whats the best thing to do? Go for a walk. Thats right, a nice calm, stress relieving, pound reducing walk. Or if you are so inclined, go to the gym and work out. Aspiring brides and grooms who want to get fit for their perfect day are latching onto a fitness trend where gyms, personal trainers and spas all promise weight loss, toning and a healthy glow in bridal boot camps. The more energy you use, the more stress you rid yourself of (and it helps to tone your legs and build your cardiovascular system so that you can dance all night long at your reception!)

It is also very important to be eating right and taking time to rest both of which can vastly improve energy levels. Start drinking more water instead of caffeine and sugar-loaded liquids. Reduce salt intake. Caffeine, sugar and salt, cause chemical reactions to your nervous system by making you jumpy, nervous and high-strung, so make sure you watch your consumption of these items. Salt, or sodium, also helps your body retain water, causing that bloating, puffed-up feeling.

2.Secondly, couples have to realize they shouldn't expect perfection. Expect a errific day and set reasonable expectations.

This actually is considered the number one stress factor desperately seeking perfection. You must remember what your main goal is, and that is to get married to the one you love the most in the entire world. Setting expectations that are too high will create stress and lead to frustration, and then more stress.

There will be stress, you can count on it. Why? Because there are not only a lot of decisions to be made but also many details to be worked out, and others may want, or try to influence you. Such pressure is not bad or wrong; it just requires that you and your fianc be aware of what is really happening. Try to respond to issues and avoid reacting to things. It will make a big difference.

Remember, things will go wrong; you are dealing with people and lots of variables. Dont sweat the small stuff; the key is that if something does go wrong only you will know about it. The best way to make sure that things dont go wrong is to plan carefully, track faithfully, and confirm diligently.

*The week before the wedding call all your vendors and check the date, time and location with them to verify the correct details. Give a list of their phone numbers to someone in case any of them don't show up on the day.*

3.Picture your wedding the way you want it, visualize all of your details clearly in your mind, and stay focused on what you want.

Couples are constantly re-defining weddings. They seem to place more importance on their wedding being a celebration of individual love than on fussiness, formalities or old-fashioned, outdated etiquette. They are celebrating who they are, right now.

Remember, if you fail to dream, you will live your nightmare, so figure out what it is you want and go for it. With this mental image, you can list down all the details, and one by one, when you have either completed them or delegated them to someone you trust to make sure that they get done the way you want them to be done, you can check them off. Having this list is a huge stress buster and it helps you sleep at night. Another secret for a good nights sleep is to have a notebook beside your bed, and every time you wake up thinking that there is something you think you missed, write it down.

Often simplicity in a wedding ceremony is much more beautiful than having too much. This helps keep stress levels down as well. You can also create a great wedding website at www.22wed.com where you can keep everybody informed about what is happening and that will help keep you focused.

4.Time is always another stressful factor.

Another great stress reducer and wedding success maker is time management. Couples who begin planning early and pace themselves should be able to avoid last minute chaos. The old saying, An hour late and a dollar short could never be more applicable than for a wedding. Give yourself as much time as possible to dream about your wedding, write down all your goals (things you need to do), budget for each area, and give yourself time for a breather. Below you will find a basic wedding planner with guidelines as to what you might need to do and when it would be appropriate to get done.

Speaking of a breather, while planning your wedding you may have found that it has essentially taken over your life. You need to reclaim your life, even if it is only for a day or for a few hours, and take some time to yourself. Make time to connect with your partner and spend positive time together.

What is it you used to do before all of this planning? Do you like to read? Do you enjoy gardening? How about going for walks? Whatever it is that you may have let slip or sacrificed for the greater good, you need to take that time to yourself and your loved one and enjoy the relaxation that comes with doing something that you enjoy.

Learning to delegate is vital, especially the day of the wedding. Put someone else in charge of paying the vendors, moving the guest book from the ceremony to the reception site, double-checking with the caterers, or any other small task. Read through your list and assign everything! Hey, its your day enjoy it!!!

5.Relationships themselves, between the bride and groom, can be stressful and can become even more stressful prior to the marriage.

Back on the stress-o-meter, we see that getting married in itself is a very stressful change in a persons life. When we further add to that: late nights, changes in eating habits, changes in drinking habits, fear of all kinds (failure, things going wrong, anxiety attacks, tripping down the aisle, etc), we see that things can get out of perspective with the one we love.

As the old song says, You always hurt the one you Love, and there are other relationships other than the one with your fianc: those between the bride and her family, her sisters, her bridesmaids, the groom and his friends and family. The elationships I'm speaking of, are everywhere and not limited to the relationship between the bride and groom.

Take some time to reconnect with your closest friends. Try not to talk too much about your planning, but realize that it is a part of your life right now and your friends probably are interested. However, they also want you to be interested in their lives, so dont forget to ask them questions and turn the attention towards them, too.

To get away from centering on ourselves, we need to do something for someone else. You will be surprised how good (and relaxed) you will feel by making someone else feel good. Cook a friend dinner, serve a meal at your local soup kitchen, baby-sit for a couple who could use a break, take your niece or nephew out for an ice cream cone...there are so many things you can do for so many people - give it a try and see how good you feel!

Another really important aspect to remember is that there are always some people (relatives or friends) who know how to push your buttons. When you are feeling very stressed be sure to stay away from or at least limit your time with these people. I know its hard, but force yourself to it will pay dividends in the long run.

Speaking about being hard JUST SAY NO! Now is not the time to be a people-pleaser. There may be many people around you who want to have their say about how your wedding should be arranged. Nevertheless, this is your day, and while you will want to accommodate others' views, much stress can be avoided if you start as you mean to go on, clearly asserting your wishes and plans wherever possible, and not encouraging suggestions that you know will eventually be turned down. Being honest is the best policy all round.

That point brings me to the topic of arguing. Where weddings are concerned, the emotionally tense environment can lead people to make mountains out of molehills. How spoons and forks are placed on tables may never have mattered before, but they may become a hot topic of debate between parents and the bride/groom-to-be.

Try to avoid arguing over petty things. Remember that it's better to have a simpler wedding and that in the end; it's not the minute details of your wedding that will really make your marriage or your relationship with your family members successful.

Finally, remember the intention behind the tension. Why is your mother insisting you wear that horrid dress on your wedding day? Why is your father insisting on getting to the hall on the day of the wedding by taking the most complicated route?

It's not because they're your worst enemies. Their reasons are that they love you and want what's the best for you. Reminding yourself of the intention behind the source of conflict will help you realize that while you are getting stressed over the disagreements over certain issues pertaining to the wedding, behind that disagreement there is love and concern. Your families, especially your parents, want what's best for you and that concern is what is motivating them.

6.Money issues also frequently come up and create stressful situations.

Don't forget to budget! Since money is such an easy thing to fight about, make sure you sit down at the beginning of the process, agree on how much money you're going to spend, and stick to it! I know, I know, budget is as close to a four-letter word as you can get, but it also can bring you closer to those you love. If everyone is on the same page and in agreement, everything will go much more smoothly.

Grooms might find themselves more concerned about, or stressed out about money. Subconsciously, rightly or wrongly, men often will have the concept that they will have to take care of the women, and that includes financially taking care of them. Money and financial issues are almost always stress-inducing, and it doesn't necessarily matter how much money someone has! Whether you are a bride or a groom, a wedding is a time where all kinds of stress can manifest itself. So do not dodge this bullet. Meet it head on and openly discuss each and every detail of the wedding with those who are financially responsible so that you can arrive at a consensus.

7.Venus and Mars Stress (taken from the pop-psychology of John Grey)

Are you and your fianc arguing more than normal? Realize that this friction is normal because you are spending more time on wedding planning versus spending time on your relationship. Not always, but usually, guys look at the big picture and gals look at specifics, so take this difference into account when you are planning and expecting things from each other. Naturally, we are going to approach things from different angles and perspectives. Use this to your best advantage; work with your strengths and try not to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Above all, brides and grooms need to respect each other and each other's uniqueness. Individually, they should be aware of their thresholds for stress, and how much stress they can handle in a given time period. Remember: words said in explosive or high stress situations cannot be taken back once they are said. If you're feeling stressed out...Stop, Relax, Listen, and Communicate with each other. Look around you to see what is REALLY happening. Respond to situations and issues and avoid knee-jerk reactions.That's why it is so important to take time away from wedding planning and spend time with each other. A romantic dinner, a bike ride -- whatever you both like to do together. (Just don't discuss the wedding plans!)

Girls, if your guy is being rather quiet or distant, dont take this personally. He is just crawling into his cave for a bit to get centered again let him. Let him deal with whatever he needs to deal with and know that he will eventually come out again for a breathe of fresh air, and he will be his usual loving self again.

Guys, your beautiful bride-to-be is working overtime to make this a super special day for the two of you. If you feel left out or that you are not getting enough attention, dont mope or whine talk to her. Let her know your feelings and ask if there is anything that you can do to help her, and mean it. When her voice gets a little high-pitched or she becomes short-tempered and shrill, just go with the flow this too will pass. Give her a big hug and take her out for dinner and dancing, and she will be back to her usual loving, caring, and considerate self in no time. Remember the five most important words ever What ever you want honey. Or the four most important words, I will do that. Or the three most important words, I Love you. Or the two most important words, Yes dear. The most important word, O.K.

8.Many brides fear that they will forget something important.

One way to handle stress is to stay organized while planning. Writing everything down in a special wedding notebook is a good idea. Take a few moments each day, preferably at night before going to sleep, and do breathing exercises. Then go over your list with your mate and see if there is anything that you forgot. Check off things that are done, and then mentally redo the list as if it has never been done at all to see if there was an item that you missed. This is a great way to include your fianc in the details so that he will feel part of things.

9.Do a practice run

Go hear your intended DJ in action, or at least, get three recommendations and talk to them about his/her work.

Why is music such an important part of a wedding? It creates an atmosphere that fulfills the dreams of the bride, groom and their families. Many brides dream of the perfect wedding, and most 'hear' certain music in the background. We help to create the desired atmosphere, while coordinating the event to make sure it's a success, Because every wedding is unique, it's important to select a DJ that has a good variety of music.

Have a meal where you intend to have your reception.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try to create the affair of your dreams, long after everything is said and done, people always remember the food. It would be wise to go once or twice times to see if the quality is consistent or, as previously mentioned, to talk to at least three other couples who have had their reception at the same venue.

At least four to six months in advance, have your portraits taken by the photographer who is going to photograph your wedding.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want to remember it with all of its beauty. That being said, your portraits are one of the very few things that will last forever. The relationship you have with your photographer is critical: it is very hard to capture fabulous photographs when you dont get along with the photographer or that his/her style doesnt match yours. Make sure that you get together with the photographer several time before the wedding and have a clear understanding of what the expectations are. Create a list of all the photographs that are really important to you. Create a list of all the people that you really want to have a special portrait with because the photographer cant read minds. The photographer hasnt a clue that Aunt Grisellda from Upper Podunk is your favourite aunt. You need to let them know.

10.GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND WISDOM ALWAYS TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE In other words, Dont Worry Be Happy.

The biggest secret to a successful wedding is to not worry yourself to death, enjoy the day, and enjoy the moment because it will not come again.

Think it through. Go ahead and fret a little. It's better than trying to suppress all the anxiety. The more you try to suppress unwanted thoughts, the more likely you are to become obsessed with them. That's particularly true when you're under a lot of pressure, stress or mental overload. So just when you're trying to avoid unhappy thoughts, you'll actually get sadder than if you'd confront those unhappy thoughts head-on. Ninety-nine percent of what we worry about never happens. Feel the fear, that's part of being human. Regardless, go out and do things anyway, knowing that most of your fears are unfounded.

Take your time. It's one thing to think about your problems. It's another to let them dominate your thoughts. Dont let people pressure you into making a decision you dont want to make. If there are things about your wedding that are worrying you, focus on your worry for thirty minutes, and try to think of solutions to the problem. Research on chronic worriers shows that if they spend time at night actively worrying about their problems, the degree of worrying in their lives goes down overall

Write a new ending. People who worry can be amazingly creative. They turn any harmless scenario into a disaster by imagining the worst. Try putting that creativity to good use by turning your fears into fantasies. If you worry about tripping while you go down the aisle and falling into a candle destroying your hair-do because the veil exploded in fire, try picturing yourself being light as air and, to the amazement of all your guests, floating down the aisle while a chorus of angels sings You are the Wind Beneath My Wings. (Hows that for lightening up!)

Tally your troubles. List all your worries. Are you afraid that it's going to rain on the day of the wedding? You can't control the weather, so file it under the heading Beyond My Skills. Do you worry that other people find you unattractive, even when you really know you're not? That goes on the Creative Fiction list.

What's the sense of worrying about things in these categories? There isn't any. Why worry about the weather? Why worry about things that aren't true? Once you expose these thoughts as worthless worries, its easier to dismiss them.

Take action. Some worries are more legitimate. Are you concerned about your health? Well, list all the things you could do to improve things. Maybe you could start walking every day, or eat better. Then decide which items on the list you're going to do. The secret is doing, doing, doing. When you're actively working on a solution, worry is less likely to be a problem, and you'll begin to feel as if you're the designer of your life, not a victim of it.

Be a willing participant and creator of your wedding HAVE FUN!!! One way to let all your friends and family enjoy the planning process is to have a personal website that allows interaction and a diary up to and including the wedding day. This idea is particularly useful if you have family or friends who are out of town and cant attend the wedding. A great website to check out would be www.22wed.com.

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10 Great Tips to Get Gorgeous Wedding Flowers

2008-09-08T05:35:00.001-07:00

10 Great Tips to Get Gorgeous Wedding Flowers
By Jacquie Cattanach

From the rings to the shoes, from the food to the flowers, weddings come at no small cost. It only makes sense that current brides and grooms-to-be are choosing to penny-pinch wherever possible. Wedding flowers often become the first casualty of a budget-minded couples matrimonial plans, but there are many tricks of the trade which will allow you to lavish your ceremony with floral bliss and not break the bank. Use these excellent tips to minimize spending and get the biggest bang for your buck!

1.Choose Flowers in Season

This is a critical money-saver. It is also important to keep in mind that flowers look and smell best when they are fresh and in season. This is especially true for roses. But if you have your heart set on a particular flower that holds sentimental value for you, it would be wise to plan your ceremony around the time period it will be in seasonal bloom.Although flowers in season will give you a beautifully scented bouquet, use caution with the flowers you choose to include in any centerpieces at your reception. The fragrances that come from flowers as gardenia, jasmine or freesia can be overwhelming and may not be the best choice for dining tables. Overpowering flowers might also stir up any allergies that your guests may have.

2.Do it yourself

When considering the daunting task of preparing and designing the wedding floral arrangements on your own, take the time to fully consider all of the responsibilities that will come with such a task. Questions that you might want to ask yourself are:

Am I motivated enough?
Will I have enough time to arrange bouquets/centerpieces before the ceremony?
How much money will I save vs. how much work is involved?

Many women find that, in the interest of saving money, they end up learning a costly lesson. It is important to remember the many challenges involved with coordinating what may be the most important event of your life. You may be able to find a relative or member of the bridal party who would be willing to help you assemble your floral arrangements and bouquets. Think of the fun you would have spending your last days as a bachelorette with your best friends!

If you find yourself industrious enough to go it alone, there are many quick courses in floral design that are available through local community colleges and arts-and-crafts stores such as Michaels.

The internet is a fantastic resource to take advantage of, as well! Web sites such as save-on-crafts.com offer free instructional lessons that will tell you not only which flowers work best in a bouquet, but provide valuable steps designed to help you put your arrangements together successfully. You might also want to check for wedding ceremonies that will be held on the same day as yours. Chances are good that you could share the expense of the ceremony flowers with another couple looking to do the same!

Keep in mind, however, that even if opting for the budget bridal bouquet, remember that it is a very key aspect of the wedding and should be an expression of the brides personality. Try to keep a sense of balance between the wedding gown, the bridesmaids gowns, the ceremony flowers and decorations and the bouquet.

From that point, the other flowers, such as the bridesmaids flowers, the flowers at the reception can follow the theme and take on the elements of the brides bouquet. Current colors for 2006 are chocolate with pale pink, baby blue or mint green. Colors generally follow the trends of interior designing.

Consult with a florist. This could cost up to $100 in consultation fees, but their wealth of knowledge is sure to add a professional polish to the finished product. If you take into account the fact that florists can generally charge 3 times the price that a wholesaler would and charge additional labor costs for designing and assembling the flowers, you would still be saving money.

Buy your flowers from a wholesaler. Wholesalers sell their flowers much more cheaply than a florist does. If you decide to deal with a floral wholesaler, it is important to know that they use a grading system. When choosing your flowers, make sure that you choose Grade 1 flowers. You can locate many floral wholesalers online. OnlineWholesaleFlowers.com actually offers Wedding in a Box packages of varying sizes that come with all the flowers necessary to create the look that you want. Budget-Bride.com has a similar package, which even includes items such as the cake knife and ring pillow!

If you are getting married in the spring/summer time, visit the farmers market and talk with the flowers vendors. Find out if they grow the flowers that you are looking for and dont be shy to ask if they have ever done weddings. Always be sure to ask them what they do with the flowers that they dont sell. You might be able to grab large amounts of them for a steal!

Tip: Try using masses of one flower to showcase the flowers individual beauty.

3.Use a school

Most high schools and colleges have horticulture classes that specialize in caring for and arranging flowers and plants. For a small fee, you could hire these aspiring florists who would be thrilled to work on your arrangements. The teachers of such a course will act as your safety net and, as an added bonus to you, will have extensive experience and oversee your project.

4.Have a Garden Wedding

Consider having the ceremony and/or the reception in a beautiful garden! Do you know someone that has a beautiful backyard and would be honored to host a wedding there? There will be no need for arrangements if you are already surrounded by lush greenery and blossoming flowers. Be prepared, though! Depending on the regional climate (or the time of year you hold your wedding), you may want to make use of either awnings, patios or sophisticated white open-air tents in case Mother Nature decides to become a wedding guest!

5.Cut down on attendants

By choosing fewer attendants, you will not have to provide as many bouquets and boutonnieres. Since small ceremonies are currently in vogue, it will be a natural progression to balance out the ceremony with a more intimate wedding party. Many couples favor a secluded setting with soft, glowing candles or lights to provide a devastatingly romantic theme. These more intimate, family oriented gatherings are also advantageous because they help the bride and groom to stay within their budget.

It is also very elegant to have your bridesmaid carry a single flower tied with a piece of satin ribbon. Choose a flower that matches one of those in the brides bouquet, or that signifies a special meaning to you.

6.Avoid having your wedding on or near a holiday

Flowers are generally in high demand around Valentines Day, Mothers day, proms, graduations and other special holidays. Because of this, prices rise dramatically and certain flowers are often impossible to find. As if this isnt enough bad news, florists tend to be extremely busy during holidays while they desperately try to keep up with their increased business. Will they be left with enough time to put the desired attention into your flowers?

You can take great advantage of this if planning your wedding around the Christmas holidays. It is a safe bet that most venues, either indoor or out, will be festively decorated before you arrive!

7.Use alternate centerpieces

It is not necessary to adorn every table with a high-priced floral centerpiece. Candles are beautiful and provide an amazing ambience! Try submerging an orchid (or flower of choice) in a glass container filled with water and float a candle on top. Also attractive is placing river rocks at the bottom of a glass container, adding water and floating a flower on top. Try using orchids, roses, peonies, camellias or gerberas.

A dramatic and stunning effect can be created with an inexpensive, rectangular mirror (much like the ones designed to hang on a bedroom door). Place the mirror reflective-side-up and let it run the length of the table, placing tealight candles at even intervals down the center. Sprinkle colored glitter or flower petals across the surface. The result is not only attractive, but sets the tone for your reception.

Tip: Search the internet and magazines for great ideas on alternative centerpieces.

8.Rent outdoor plants or small trees for an indoor garden effect

Decorate with greenery. Many nurseries will let you rent plants for your wedding and it is much cheaper than buying them. This will allow you to fill the room with greenery and make flowers more or less unnecessary. Use trees to fill up large spaces, and ivy garland to gracefully drape across the tops of doorways.

9.Let Your Flowers Do Double Duty

If your ceremony and reception are in two separate places (or even two separate rooms), let the floral arrangements that decorate the ceremony do double duty by using them to also decorate the reception! Find out if your florist is able to transport and setup the flowers at your reception after the ceremony is finished. There is usually sufficient time between the two, and you can save an incredible amount of time and money by recycling your beautiful, fresh flowers!

10.Forget the corsages

Corsages are not as trendy with modern weddings as they once were. 21st century Moms are trendy and dont always want a flower pinned on them. Ask first.

You have waited your entire life to reach this day, and it should be as beautiful as you always imagined it would be. A ceremony without the soft, delicate beauty and fragrance of flowers would be like having a cake without icing. Although paying the traditional retail price for wedding flowers can cost you a bundle in materials and fees, utilizing these great cost saving tips will keep the floral arrangements from becoming one of the most expensive items on your budget checklist.

Jacquie Cattanach is a new bride and founder of Buy-N-Send-Flowers-Online.com which offers advise, opinions and helpful hints on buying and sending flowers from tropical flowers to funeral flowers worldwide through online florists.

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Memorable Wedding Favors

2008-09-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Memorable Wedding Favors
By Paul Darch

There are many ways to welcome your guests and show your appreciate their attendance. If the whole wedding party stays in one place, prepare a small treat and leave it at the front desk, so that people receive the gifts when they check in. If people are in various places before your reception, have the caterer place the wedding favor on the place settings. Your wedding day favors should be as elegant and unique as you are.

They can range from elegant bridal accessories, personalized engraved gifts, distinctive apparel and extraordinary favors, to make every detail of your wedding day unique and memorable. The average wedding lasts about four hours which doesn't leave couples much time to spend with their guests, many of whom may have flown in from across the country to help celebrate the big bash. So, choosing the essential wedding favors and wedding party gifts should be fun to create a lasting memory forever.

Two to four months before your special day, you should choose your gifts for the Maid of Honor, Best Man and other Attendants. The bride is responsible for gifts for her bridesmaids, which need not be expensive but should serve as a token for friendship, and as a remembrance of the wedding. A picture frame engraved with the date of the wedding, with a photo of the wedding party to follow or small pieces of jewelry are very nice gifts. Personalized gifts are always the best and traditional always works to provide the most unique and elegant wedding party ideas ever.

Also the groom should not forget the groomsmen. He also, of course, pays for his gifts to his groomsmen which might be something traditional such as a money clip, tie tack or cigar cutter. As with the bride's gifts to her bridesmaids, the most important thing is not the item itself, but the fact that it will remind the groom's friends of the happy day.

Surely you don't want a cookie-cutter wedding reception that could be anyone's. You want your guests to know that you thought about the details and chose elements that are special to you and your groom. You can personalize just about every aspect of your wedding day and your reception is no exception, so choose wedding favors that are unique, elegant and memorable and most of all, special to you. Have gifts engraved with your personal touch. You are only limited by your imagination.

You've planned for months, the people closest to you and your new husband are all in one place, and you've chosen a great meal to enjoy with great entertainment to follow. Your only job at your wedding reception is to smile, relax and have fun. Enjoy the party and we hope that you are the icing on the cake!

Enjoy the planning process and remember the famous quote from Walt Disney, the man who knows how to bring fantasies to life, If you can dream it, you can do it.

Essential Wedding Favors is a company founded by Paul Darch and Tracey Spencer in 2006. Wanting to provide a bride and groom a source to find as much information about planning their wedding, inspired them to create a website dedicated to just that.http://www.essentialweddingfavors.com

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Wedding Toasts and Speeches Tips for the Bride Groom Best Man and Anyone with Something to Say

2008-09-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Wedding Toasts and Speeches - Tips for the Bride, Groom, Best Man and Anyone with Something to Say
By Cori Locklin

Raise a glassnow's the time to toast to the happy couple! Wedding toasts and speeches can cause anxiety - but don't let them! Enjoy your moment in the limelight, and make the most of these situations with some prep work. Your best man, maid-of-honor and other special guests may inquire about appropriate speaking timesso it's good to have an idea beforehand. You and your fianc may also want to prepare some expressions of gratitude for your parents, your guests or each other. Every wedding is different; discuss and layout a general oasting timeline before the celebrations begin.

Who Toasts?
Traditionally the best man, maid-of-honor and parents of the bride and groom will say something over the course of events. However, close friends, the bride and groom themselves or anyone who has something to say is welcome to make a toast.

When?
When to toast all depends on the nature of your wedding. If yours will be a cocktail or buffet-style reception, your guests may not ever be gathered at the same place and time to listen to toasts. Another option is to hold the formal wedding toasts, such as the best man's speech, during the rehearsal dinner instead. At a seated dinner, the father of the bride traditionally toasts to commence the meal. Your caterer can arrange an official champagne toast, passing glasses of champagne to each guest prior to the best man speech or the father of the bride. Toasts can really occur at any time during the reception - between courses, after the meal, during the cake cutting etc. Try to give your event coordinator an estimated timeframe beforehand, so he or she can round up your guests to listen.

How to Respond
Everyone should rise for toasts to the new couple except the bride and groom, who remain seated (unless they already happen to be standing). When someone toasts the bride and groom, they should smile and say thank you. They should not clap or drink to themselves. If a toast addresses the bride only, the groom should rise. If a toast is directed towards the parents or any other guest, both the bride and groom should rise.

When the Newlyweds Toast
This is a wonderful opportunity to publicly recognize your family and friends for their love and support. If the bride and groom make a toast, they should not speak in unison (this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised). They should instead stand together while one speaks or take turns speaking.

What to Say
Wedding toasts should be light, fun and G-rated. Avoid saying anything you wouldn't say to the bride's grandmother's face. Be succinct. There is nothing more awkward than a rambling, bumbling best man speech - under two minutes is perfect. All speakers should begin by introducing themselves. While toasts should include memories or funny anecdotes, avoid too many inside jokes that exclude the majority of guests. Your jokes will be met with silence if only a few listeners understand! Finally, wedding toasts should mention both the bride and the groom, even if the speaker only knows one or the other. And if the spotlight is on you and you're suddenly at a loss for words, try the old standby, I'm so happy for you two. Cheers! It never goes out of style.

How to Say It
It's smart to prepare beforehand, but always try to speak from the heart. Reading from a card seems insincere and awkward.

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.

Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding vendors, with the planning tips to keep brides in the know on today's planning trends and styles.

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Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

2008-09-07T01:25:00.001-07:00

Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
By Patrick Clemmond

Write Your Own Wedding Vows

The speaking of marriage vows are not words to be spoken lightly or in haste, that were found in a textbook or magazine article. The meaning behind the words you utter when saying your vows should be studied and meditated on long before they are made.
The words of a marriage covenant convey the most significant intentions ever to come from your heart through your lips towards another human being, to love honour and cherish till death us do part! Thats huge.

Most vows I have witnessed of late remind me of a puritan clich seen on many posters and a comic strip that states love is never having to say youre sorry and it makes me sad to think that such beautiful words can eventually cause so much hurt in the pure of heart.

We say were sorry when we come to realize we have unjustly hurt a loved one with words or actions that invariably breach a promise or vow made, and we seek forgiveness in saying we are sorry. Without remorse there can be no love.

If never having to say youre sorry means never hurting, then to never hurt means love is perfected in you. Yet we make vows as though love is perfected in us when it is not.
Most pre-written vows are idyllic and beautiful, yet place unrealistic expectations on fallible men and women, invariably these are broken and leave countless couples broken hurt and devastated in their wake.

Wedding vows are words embedded in a solemn covenant promise which if kept will bring about blessing and if broken a curse.
A promise kept and a promise broken will change the way you live breathe and think for the rest of your days.

The Importance of Vows

There are many beautiful romantic words you can use to express your feelings to one another as a run up to the vows, but dont confuse these with the actual vows. The actual vows are the words intended to bind, commit, and tie you to your partner for the rest of your living days. They are separate from the feelings you have for each other. They are words that form the very foundation of your future.

Consider this; your vows are the reason why friends and family surround you on your wedding day, to bear witness to what was said between you and your beloved. The whole wedding event with all its pomp and ceremony, preparations, friends and family coming from afar, their costs, your costs, your family costs, all to hear you and your partner make your vows, now thats powerful!

Wedding Vow elements

In this section I will outline the basic elements of two kinds of love we find ourselves dealing with in relationships on a day to day basis. As humans we are flesh, having a tendency towards conditional love which in essence says I do for you, therefore you do for me which has its merits and appeals to our fallen nature, but is diametrically opposed to unconditional love, derived from the Greek word agape which is also spoken of as the God kind of love.

I have listed the characteristics of the two love forms so that you can consider each as you ponder the words you are about to write in your vows. Your vows need to be prophetic in the sense that they speak promises based on your character now into future existence that are not yet, knowing full well that you are not there yet and that a road lies before you both. The only hint I am going to give you is to use phrases like I will strive to, and forgive me if I fall. If I give you any more, then the vows will not be yours.

Unconditional Love (humility)

Unconditional love circumvents those around it and seeks to give
Unconditional love is never offended and always forgives
Unconditional love serves without expecting compensation
Unconditional love never fails
Unconditional love finds reward is in giving

Conditional Love (pride)

Conditional love is at the center of itself seeking what it can get from others
Conditional love is easily offended and does not forgive easily
Conditional love expects compensation for serving
Conditional love fails
Conditional love finds no reward in giving

*Copyright
This Article may be freely distributed however all links and references to the author must be kept intact. The author maintains copyright on this articles and by giving free distribution rights does not revoke or nullify such copyright privileges.

I entered the wedding industry professionaly in 1995 operating as a photographer/videographer/dj/planner. Throughout this time I have recorded and been involved with countless weddings. I am also the author and programmer of the wedding application yesIdo-weddings

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Titanium Wedding Ring for the Future and Forever

2008-09-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

Titanium Wedding Ring- for the Future and Forever
By Sam Serio

You can say forever with just one ring - if you will make it a titanium wedding ring. Forever doesn't come with gold and a diamond, certainly - gold doesn't convey enough of the permanence the word was made to represent. Even if you leave the diamond for some other piece of jewelry - like a necklace, an earring or even a brooch, a single titanium wedding ring would speak of a lifetime commitment all on its own.

The chemical element Titanium (Ti) was named after the Titans, ancient mythological creatures who were more powerful than the Graeco-Roman gods. In fact, the Titans were supposed to have fathered some of the gods, who proceeded to grow in number. Think of titanium, then, as the father of all metals, which may be more popular than titanium... but at the same time inferior in integrity and strength.

The metal titanium is corrosion-resistant, even against salt water and chlorine, which wear away most other metals. Titanium also has a high melting point, which means it can withstand high temperatures and drastic weather changes without becoming tarnished or misshapen. For this reason, titanium is not generated by ordinary casting methods, but by powder metallurgy. It is also often used as a refractory metal. The supremely resistant properties of the element would make a titanium wedding ring basically indestructible.

In fact titanium is used for a variety of beauty and health care products. Some of the best eyewear in the world, for example, are made of titanium. These can be very expensive, but buyers will agree: the lifetime guarantee that comes with owning a titanium eyepiece is well worth every penny.

Zirconium is very similar in composition to titanium, hence zirconium-titanium combinations are used for many pieces of jewelry. A zirconium gemstone would make an attractive set for a titanium wedding ring, as its look is very similar to that of the diamond. In fact, the oxide of zirconium is processed to create the cubic zirconia, which creates the diamond.

Moreover, the titanium metal used for jewelry is hypoallergenic. Platinum and white gold are two other favorite choices for metals for the same reason. But if you're shopping around for the best metals for a special gift, you just can't go wrong with the strongest and most durable.

Many have said that titanium shapes the future of art. In fact a 150-foot (45 m) statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, was made in Moscow, entirely of titanium! The ones who made the statue, as well as the ones who have gazed up at it, have no doubt that it will last forever. Your titanium wedding ring will certainly survive as long, and look no further if you want to prove that your love was made to last for all time

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician, and writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com. Also includes informative articles, comparison shopping, rare book excerpts, & link directory.

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Creating Your Own Wedding Checklist

2008-09-05T16:35:00.001-07:00

Creating Your Own Wedding Checklist
By Shaunta Pleasant

Anyone who has ever planned their own or someone elses wedding can tell you that it is one of the most complicated events to plan. There are so many things that have to come together to make a wedding a success.

Those include the obvious items, such as the perfect wedding dress, the most delicious wedding cake and the most beautiful wedding flowers.

But there are a ton of other things, like the wedding photographer, the catered food, and the rental of the reception hall, the gifts for the wedding reception and the gifts for the wedding shower.

==Creating Your Own Wedding Checklist==

With all these things to consider, it is no wonder that planning a wedding is so time consuming and difficult. That is why creating your own checklist of things to do is so important. Using a checklist is a handy way to keep everything organized and ready to go.

== Help With Deadlines For Your Wedding==

A checklist is especially important when planning a wedding, since there are so many deadlines you will have to deal with. Most major wedding related items, and a number of minor ones as well, require long lead times.

For instance, the reception hall you have in mind may be booked for months, so it is important to take care of the reservation early, and to get the deposit to the reception call as soon as you can.

== Help With Reserving Wedding Items==

The same goes for things like the wedding cake, the wedding dress, the flowers for the wedding and many other things.

The people and businesses that create all these great wedding items are likely to be very busy, so it is important to reserve them early to make sure they will be ready in plenty of time for the big day.

== The Methods To Create Your Wedding Checklist==

Creating a checklist for an upcoming wedding does not need to be difficult. There are a number of software programs that make wedding planning easy, or you could simply use a spreadsheet program, or even a piece of paper, to keep your wedding planning organized.

The important thing is not the method you use, but the fact that you took the time to create a detailed wedding checklist in the first place.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/weddingchecklist.html

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-Your-Own-Wedding-Checklist&id=103301

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes

2008-09-05T16:29:00.001-07:00

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes
By Matt Campbell

Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is to try and minimize problems that may occur during a wedding reception. Listed below are the more common mistakes made by brides and grooms during your wedding reception. We will tell you what to do!

Dont leave early. Your guests came from near and far to see you on your wedding day. Not staying the whole time of the reception would be a slap in the face. This will be the only time most of your family and friends will be able to see you as you will be very busy with last minute preparations the days leading up to the wedding.

Setup all the tables. Your wedding vendors will need to know where to set-up. Be sure there is a table for the wedding cake, music entertainment, catered food, sign-in near the entrance, gift table, tables and chairs for all your guests to eat and any other tables you may have planned for specialty items.

Preplan with your vendors a day or two before the wedding. Be sure all your wedding vendors know exactly what you want. Clarify times and location so you dont need to worry about them.

Dont arrive late to the reception. It is customary that guests do not start eating until the bride and groom start the food line. Be sure to get as many of your pictures taken BEFORE the wedding. There are many ways to accomplish this. One is to have the entire brides family pictures taken. Then, have the bride return to the dressing room. Next, take pictures of the groom and his family as guests can see the groom before the wedding. This way you will not compromise the groom seeing the bride before the wedding. Therefore, all that is left after the ceremony are pictures of the happy couple.

Dont seat the young at heart directly in front of the music entertainment. Older generations are at a wedding typically to socialize with their family and friends. If they cannot hear each other talk, an unhappy situation may occur. So, if by choice, seat the young at heart near the wedding party but away from the entertainers speakers.

Dont have one particular type of music. There are many different types of people in the world. And yes, they include your family and friends. For example, the bride and groom may love country music. It doesnt mean you have to play country music the whole night. There is a lot of celebration music besides what you like.

Start the food line or meal as soon as possible. Guests plan their meal times the day of your wedding around your reception. Guest will not eat a big meal before your wedding because they know they will be eating at your reception. Dont starve them.

Know what it will cost you if the reception goes into overtime. Ask the reception facility exactly how long you have the hall to rent and what time you must be out. Please allow time for cleanup if you are the ones doing it. What is the overtime charge for the facility, music entertainment, photography, etc?

Greet and say hello to all your guests. Finally and most importantly, greet all your guests. Make an effort to have a conversation with each and every person. They are there to celebrate your marriage. Give them the common courtesy of thanking them for coming to your wedding.

Dont get drunk and obnoxious. Keep in mind the only time brides and grooms eat during the wedding day rituals are at the wedding reception. Theres not much food in your stomach and alcohol will affect you much faster. Try and eat throughout the day and watch how much you drink. You want your guests to remember how beautiful the bride looked, not how you acted.

About The Author: Matt Campbell is the owner and webmaster for Weddingmuseum.com. Weddingmuseum.com is a place to plan, book and rate your wedding day. You can email him at matt@weddingmuseum.com or visit http://www.WeddingMuseum.com

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Personalized Wedding Favors Ideas

2008-09-05T15:46:00.001-07:00

Personalized Wedding Favors Ideas
By Yolanda Nash

So your having a wedding and you want to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. What better way than with personalized wedding favors. When you give your wedding guests personalized wedding favors they will know that you went the extra mile just for them. Below I have listed some of the top personalized wedding favors to give to your wedding guests at your reception.

The perfect blend bride and groom coffee kit

These elegant favors are sure to warm the mugs and hearts of your guests. The coffee packages are nicely presented and they will also add height and drama to your table dcor. Each glossy black and white packet is illustrated with a sophisticated bride or groom and come with matching personalized tags. Inside the bag are 2 ounces of delicious ground coffee and the entire favor is finished off with a delicate chrome heart-shaped coffee spoon, attached with a darling white meshed ribbon. Also these personalized favors are sold relatively inexpensive by most retailers.

Personalized adirondack chair place card holder

These favors are perfect for a beach wedding. These are also great because they will show your wedding guests where to be seated and they double as wedding favors. These adirondack chairs hold nice little tea lights and will surely add that extra little touch to your beach themed wedding.

Personalize your wedding favors with personalized tags

A great way by far to personalize your wedding is to purchase personalized tags for your wedding favors. Personalized tags come in many different shapes, styles and designs. Whats really nice about personalized is that you can purchase practically any wedding favor and simply pick a nice tag to match and voila instant personalized wedding favor.

Just remember when purchasing your personalized wedding favors keep your budget in mind and remember its your wedding make it as memorable as possible.

Yolanda is the owner of Yolandas wedding favors and wedding planner. She enjoys seeing all the different table decorations and wedding party favors that go along with the reception. In her online store she sells many different types of wedding favors and accessories. She also has a very nice line of groomsmen gifts such as personalized cuff links, engraved leather coasters and many more gifts for groomsmen. She also sells many different bridesmaid gifts such as personalized tote bags, spa slippers, cosmetic bags and many more.

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Your Wedding Doesn't Have To Be The Only Party You'll Have

2008-09-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

Your Wedding Doesn't Have To Be The Only Party You'll Have
By Martin McAllister

Regardless of whether you choose to plan your wedding yourself, or hire a wedding planner to handle the arrangements; when it comes to planning for your big day, the stress and worry caused by organising such an immense celebration can be overwhelming. Its extremely important, therefore, to remember to relax periodically along the path to your special day. In fact, throwing smaller celebrations along the way can really help take the edge off things, and so your wedding day doesnt have to be the only party you'll have during your engagement.

Following your engagement, it's often an excellent idea to throw an engagement party for your family and close friends. Traditionally, the bride's mother is in charge of this event, but now more people are increasingly throwing engagement parties themselves. This can be a fantastic way to relax before having to begin giving serious thought to your wedding plans, but it can also be used as a superb way of spreading the news of your impending marriage.

Other ideas for parties during the run up to your wedding include bridal and couples showers. Encourage your friends to throw a bridal shower for you, and it'll definitely help you to relax while the momentum builds up towards your big day; plus, you'll receive even more gifts from your friends and family! The tradition of the bridal shower is said to have emerged in Holland, when a poor bride's family would not have enough money to supply her dowry. Today, however, the trend of the bridal shower has become particularly prevalent in North America and it provides an excellent way of chilling out with your friends before the stress of your wedding becomes truly unbearable!

Of course, one of the most important parties to have before your wedding is your bachelor or bachelorette party. These parties tend to be portrayed as drunken and raucous affairs, but they don't have to be so. In fact, if you want to enjoy a truly relaxing bachelor or bachelorette party, you could choose to visit a day spa or a spa hotel with your friends, or perhaps play a round of golf instead. Or why not plan a weekend away with your friends to a thrilling destination for a change of scenery? It might be just the thing needed to help calm your nerves before that all-important day.

While your bridesmaids or the best man at your wedding might organise all these events for you, there are many hotels available which can offer wedding planning services; and help to take some of the pressure off your friends. Just make sure you take enough time out to relax before your wedding - it could make all the difference when it comes to your special day!

Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.

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Your Wedding Invites Set The Tone

2008-09-04T22:21:00.001-07:00

Your Wedding Invites Set The Tone
By Donald Saunders

Your wedding will undoubtedly be one of the happiest days of your life and so it is no surprise that you will want to spare no effort in ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and that your own individual style and personality is reflected in every aspect of the day, from your choice of dress and flowers to the topper on your wedding cake. Why is it then that so many couples fail to give the same degree of attention to their wedding invites?

Your wedding invites are the one piece of correspondence between you and your guests that will set the tone for your special day and yet in many cases sending out the invitations is seen as one of those peripheral tasks to be slotted in when you have a free moment and to be completed as quickly as possible.

To get your special day off to a perfect start take time and care over the choice and preparation of your wedding invites and stamp your own personality and style on your invitations is exactly the same way you do for every other aspect of your planning.

This will start with your choice of invitation cards. Today invitation cards vary widely from the relatively plain and simple to sophisticated letterpress invitations on cotton paper or delicate and fragrant inlaid petal paper invitations, with or without an embossed foil border. Cards can also include simple embossing or hot foil stamping and include your names, monogram or insignia pressed into your wedding stationary to make it quite unique. The stationary and printing style that you select is however just the start of the process.

The next thing to consider is whether or not you wish to include a picture(s) of yourselves on your wedding stationary. What better way can there be to make your invitations truly personal and unique than by including a picture of yourselves, either on the invitation card itself or on the accompanying envelope. Which brings us to the next item.

Having taken care to select and personalize the invitation card itself, don't forget to take the same care over selecting your envelope or envelopes. As your wedding invites will need to pass through the postal system it will be a good idea to think about using an outer postal envelope and an inner decorative envelope which might, for example, be decorated to follow the theme of your wedding including ribbons in the colors of your chosen decoration and perhaps dried of silk flowers.

One further thing that you should think about at this point is whether or not you would like to have a personal website for your wedding and, if so, you should include details of the website on your wedding invites. A website can be a super addition to your wedding allowing you to include photographs and stories about you and your fianc, as well as providing the facility for your guests to reply to their invitation online and to see details of the wedding venue, including travel and accommodation details, gift registry information and a great deal more.

As the first point of contact with your guests your wedding invites and an extremely important part of your wedding planning and taking time and care over the preparation of your invitations will help tremendously in smoothing the path to your wedding day.

For more information about wedding invites please visit Talking Weddings today.

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Wedding Day Emergency Solutions

2008-09-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

Wedding Day Emergency Solutions
By Erin Love

No matter how prepared you think you are for your wedding, a potential disaster could be lurking right around the corner. Therefore, preparing an emergency kit for that special day could ease your mind. Its better to be safe than sorry. Below is a list of the most common mishaps that could occur:

Clothing Stains
There are various products that could diminish or totally erase the stain for you. For instance, hairspray on a Q-tip or Shout wipes are great to have on hand to wipe stains gently on delicate fabrics. Water marks require dabbing the fabric with a white towel and then steaming the spot to eliminate the problem. But bewarea hairdryer isnt the best choice for drying a watermark. It may actually spread the mark.

Puffy or red eyes
A few drops of Visine followed by cold compresses can correct the problem. A cold compress can be created from anything that will fit over the eye socket a washcloth, tea bag, quarters, etc.

Facial Spots, blotches, or acne
If such a disaster happens a day or two before the wedding, a dermatologist can administer a cortisone injection that should correct the problem. If spots appear on the morning of the wedding, however, applying concealer to the pimple with a brush for accurate application and then setting the concealer with powder, should blend the imperfection into your skin flawlessly.

Shaving nicks, cuts, and abrasions
Cuts and abrasions can happen to both bride and groom at the most inconvenient time, but there is a way to stop the bleeding without using toilet paper! Products containing both alum a hemostatic that stops bleeding and potassium an antiseptic that cleanses skin and closes up the pores can be found at any local drugstore.

Having a wedding day emergency kit can foil a host of disasters other than the ones listed above. Below are a few more items you should add to the kit:

Hairspray
Makeup
Bobby pins
Safety pins
Deodorant
Super glue

Erin Sharplin Love is a Certified Wedding Coordinator. If you'd like to learn more about Erin and the other services she offers please check out http://www.panachebyerin.com

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Your Wedding Photos and Videos: Make Them Eternal Artistic Keepsakes

2008-09-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

Your Wedding Photos and Videos: Make Them Eternal, Artistic Keepsakes
By Joy Cagil

If the rule of thumb for planning a wedding is to start a year ahead of time, hiring a photographer and a videographer or at least asking for their input should be close to the same date. Acquiring a good relationship with your photographer early on is important because you want him to attend your wedding from the beginning to the end, so he can capture every memorable moment for you to reminisce many years afterwards.

With fancy and elaborate weddings, as well as with impromptu weddings or weddings on small budgets, a good photographer will be the most important person to hire. Most photographers, since they have an eye for color and design, can give precious tips in the planning stage before the couple and their parents start spending money.

After the wedding of a daughter of a friend when the wedding photos arrived, the newlywed bride burst in tears. She thought, when in print, the pansy motif background and the purple and pink bridesmaid gowns mixed and clashed with each other, making the bride and the groom look cheap against a ridiculous background. Had they consulted with the photographer beforehand about the colors and designs of the flowers, the decorations, the background, and the bridesmaids outfits, her heartache could be avoided.

My daughter-in-law hired a very apt photographer who gave her a good deal by including the videography in the overall price. Moreover, when he found out that the beach with the sun coming up meant a lot to the couple, he made an appointment with them to have their photos taken at a local beach deserted at dawn. He had them dress in formal wear and enlarged the best photo to 16x 20 in size. He put a huge white border around the photo and everyone in the wedding signed on the border, scribbling a wish or two. Now, this is one of the most cherished possessions for the couple. It is truly priceless.

If you are on a budget and cant afford the fancy touches the photographer suggests, you might decide to put up big poster board on an easel for all the wedding guests thoughts, wishes and signatures. Make sure you leave enough space in the middle of the board for a wedding photo. It will make a wonderful memento, not just for you but for your great grandchildren to come.

Giving the photographer freedom in creating spontaneous photos and letting him practice his or her artistic style always works for the couples benefit. A qualified photographer will take the couples wishes into account and work from there. Involving the photographer in every step of the way makes it possible for him to interact better with the couple and their families in order to see and learn their best angles before the wedding.

The alert photographer who took my nephews wedding photos counseled the couple against holding their outdoor wedding at midday when it is the worst possible time to take photos. They decided on a late afternoon wedding and an early to late evening reception. Everyone was happy with the results because the photos and the video were spectacular.

A good photographer will let all wedding attendees into the photos. With closest relatives and friends of the couple taking the front row, every person who has attended the wedding deserves to be at least in a group picture. Giving the photographer a list and introducing him to the guests as they arrive is a good idea. Who wouldnt want to exhibit a magnificent album of wedding photos and a recorded video many years after when the wedding becomes a hazy image in most anyones mind?

If you have a different videographer other than your photographer, it is a good idea to let him know, several weeks before the wedding, how you prefer things. Before you hire a videographer always ask to see samples of his work. For the videography, filming with a soft-box light turns out better than the flash or the video light. Audio quality is just as important as the video quality. Choosing a DVD recording instead of a VHS is always a good idea, since the DVDs can be divided into chapters and scene selections. Also a DVD will give you superior quality pictures and images.

Yet, the most important tip is this: You, the bride or the groom, when that great day comes, remember to be yourself while looking at the camera. Your photographer wants to capture you as a human being, not just a beautiful image.

May you and all the brides and grooms enjoy exceptional photo and video keepsakes to cherish for the rest of your lives.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations. Joy Cagil is a writer on writing.com. Her education is in foreign languages and linguistics. She has also been trained in psychology and visual arts.

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Weddings Wedding Plan Wedding Planner Tools Ten Essential Tips

2008-09-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

Weddings - Wedding Plan - Wedding Planner Tools - Ten Essential Tips
By Tom Downward

Getting Married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day. Imagine...It is your wedding day. Your very own wedding day! It will be fun.

Here are ten essential steps that will make the preparation fun too.

1. Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding. You do not want to start your married life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a wedding to remember will be yours.

2. Now Visualize. Thats right, visualize. Close your eyes and look at the tasks at hand. The list may SEEM overwhelming but it isn't.

3.Don't try to do everything all at once. Start by gathering information. Use the Net to gather ideas from around the world. Make an extensive list of hings you LIKE, hings you WANT and hings you MUST HAVE (see the difference?)

4. Now you are ready to make a Top Ten (or top eleven or twelve) list.

5. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish. Use categories like... Before the wedding - During the wedding - After the wedding.

6. Now use sub categories. Include ideas for related events such as, showers, receptions, and honeymoon.

7. It is YOUR wedding. It reflects YOU. No one should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. You may seek advice, ideas and wisdom but in the end each final decision is yours.

8. What this means is don't be shy! Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement, help and ideas from those you believe will be an asset.

9.Add your personal touches. For example; if you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.

10. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. A personal touch makes a wedding meaningful to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.

In summary, your wedding is a serious moment for declaring your love and commitment to each other. Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Fill it with cherished moments and keepsakes.

Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the journey. Perhaps, the memories and keepsakes may stay with you forever. Treasure them! And may you have a Happy, Happy day!

Copyrights Tom Downward of weddingsrfun.com.comPlease feel free to post this Article in your newsletter, onyour website, and forward it to your friends and / or businessassociates. If you post or otherwise publish this article, please ensure thatthe copyright as well as the author's entire bylines box remain intact.We would appreciate a courtesy copy of your publication and / or a website link. Please E-mail to: tom@weddingsrfun.com

This article courtesy of http://www.weddingsrfun.com.You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

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Want A Unique Wedding The Sky's The Limit

2008-09-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

Want A Unique Wedding - The Sky's The Limit
By Grant Carroll

A church ceremony, an elegant reception and a ride in a limo are usually the components that make up a good wedding. Many brides and grooms, however, want their nuptials to be unique and memorable for years to come. One easy way to do this is to travel and have the wedding in some exotic location across the country or even the globe. Travel Destination Wedding Favors are available in many varieties to satisfy any engaged couples wanderlust, and you dont have to worry about busting your budget to get them.

Travel wedding favors and destination wedding favors dont necessarily have to be in the shape of an airplane or of the specific locale, but its really fun if they are. For example, if the ceremony and reception are going to be somewhere tropical, some great favors for your guests could be flip flop shaped candles or beach themed candles. If you have a wonderful fairytale location like an old castle in Scotland, then a carriage shaped candle reminiscent of Cinderella is just the ticket. The key is to look around for creative and unique favors that will fit your situation. There are so many available on the market that with enough patience youll find exactly what you need.

A romantic beach wedding in Jamaica and a poetic garden ceremony in Ireland are just a few examples of wonderful destination weddings. An occasion so special deserves to be accompanied by travel wedding favors just as unique. Whats great about this is that all of the different showers, parties and the reception are also going to be in an exciting location, so all the gifts and favors should complement the destination.

Grant Carroll is a husband, proud father and co-owner of http://myloveweddingfavors.com with a great selection of Discount Wedding Favors.

Shop at My Love Wedding Favors to find just what you need for your bridal shower, reception and ceremony. We have unique Destination Favors to suite any taste.

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Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Here Are Some Resources To Help!

2008-08-20T13:36:00.001-07:00

Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Here Are Some Resources To Help!
By Mike Herman

There are more and more organisations and groups around the world who will offer support and advice to not just women but men as well who have been affected by breast cancer.

Many of these groups and organisations not only spend time counselling people but they hold many fund raising events and campaigns to help pay for further research into the disease.

In some cases some of these groups or organisations will offer treatment to those patients diagnosed with the disease who can not actually afford to pay for the treatment themselves.

Below is a list of the various organisations and groups that can be found in the USA which have been specifically set up to fight this disease and provide support to those who have been diagnosed with it.

One such group in the USA is the American Cancer Society (ACS) who are a community based health organisation and which helps to fight all the various types of cancers that now seem to affect the population.

They also spend vast amounts of their time not just focusing on treatment of cancer but also its prevention and how to reduce the suffering felt by the patients and their families and saving lives.

They also help with costs for carrying out further research and educating people on the disease and making the population more aware of its effects.

Another organisation is Cancer Care Incorporated who provide a telephone support service for all cancer issues, and this includes medical information, cancer terms and definitions, counselling, guidance on local services, free information material, as well as information on local support groups to the patients area as well as an abundance of educational programs on cancer matters.

Now we come to CRFA (Cancer Research Foundations of America) which is a national group and which focuses on the prevention of cancer both through educating people and scientific research.

It is also able to provide people with information on other forms of cancer as well as breast such as prostate, lung, colorectal, skin and cervical.

Then you could if you wish contact The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation which has been set up and provides a helpline where you are able to obtain support after being diagnosed with the disease.

You will discover that the people at the other end of the phone talking to you will have previously been diagnosed with the disease and survived.

They are able to provide you with first hand information on the treatments offered, the way in which it is diagnosed and how to survive it.

But don't forget the people at the other end of the phone can only offer you emotional support and not actual medical advice, for that you will need to see your doctor who will then refer you to a specialist.

Then there is the Medicare Hotline which is another breast cancer foundation and this one can offer the patient information on mammography and the way it is used in helping to detect breast cancer during the early stages.

Also we have the NABCO (National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organisations) who can provide people with answers to the many questions that they will have relating to the disease and they can either call them or send them an email to obtain the information they require on breast cancer and the many issues relating to it.

If you would like to obtain a more individual response regarding a question you have in respect of the disease it may be a case of you contacting the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service, which can provide patients with answers to any specific question they may have relating to the disease.

Also a number of years ago a Foundation was set up called the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which helps to fight breast cancer and are well known for organising lots of awareness programs as being a huge contributor in raising funds through various campaigns they have organised such as breast cancer walks.

This foundation also has a helpline where they have trained volunteers who can talk to individuals regarding the disease as they have suffered from it themselves.

The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been set up and is specifically committed to offering people with the latest information that is available concerning breast cancer and breast health to those that contact them.

Lastly we have the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organisation which helps fight against both breast cancer and provides support to those suffering from the disease by providing them with a helpline that is operated by trained personnel only.

These people are volunteers but who have all survived breast cancer and are not only prepared but have the experience to answer the various types of questions that will be posed by the caller regarding breast cancer.

They can also provide emotional support to the men and women who have been affected by this disease.

What breast cancer information do you need to know more about? Click on over to http://www.ResourcesForBreastCancer.com and be sure to visit http://CancerReport.info.

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You Too Can Prevent Cancer Including Breast Cancer

2008-08-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

You Too Can Prevent Cancer, Including Breast Cancer
By Victor Graham

Cancer, breast cancer and breast cancer symptom can be prevented and may be cured with out any magic bullet according to two time Nobel Prize winner DR. OTTO WARBURG.

In 1931, DR. OTTO WARBURG who won his first Nobel Prize for his work on the cause of Cancer,claims that cancer begins to thrive in your body due to a lack of oxygen respiration in cells.DR. WARBURG'S research proves that cancer is no longer mystical, but infact occurs when any cell is denied 60% of it's oxygen requirement needed to produce energy.

According to DR. WARBURG, cancer unlike other diseases, may have many other secondary causes, but there is just the one prime cause, which relates to the oxygen requirement for cellular respiration.

He continues to explain that all normal body cells meet their energy needs by aerobic cellular respiration, whereas cancerous cells can only meet their energy needs in great parts throughthe process of fermentation, or anaerobically.

Cellular respiration, being a normal every day process of your healthy working body is required by every cell in order to produce energy for your body to function effectively, or you may experience breast cancer or breast cancer symptom.

As the blood picks up oxygen from the lungs, this oxygen must be efficiently circulated throughout the body to distribute nutrients and to produce energy in the cells. Any obstruction due to the clumping of plaque, from free radicals oxidation of LDL cholesterol, toxins and carcinogens, or from unhealthy blood platelets activities, inhibits the needed oxygen requirement of 60% for optimum cellular respiration according to DR. WARBURG, thus creating the formation of malignant cells.

For More Information, Please visit: http://www.bhealthyalways.com

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Why Should You Consider Using A Breast Form Over Getting Reconstructive Surgery?

2008-08-19T16:04:00.001-07:00

Why Should You Consider Using A Breast Form Over Getting Reconstructive Surgery?
By Dan Payne

Breast forms can be useful for a number of reasons. They have been identified as an important alternative to reconstructive surgery post mastectomy surgery. Reconstructive surgery is less advantageous because it requires more surgery. Not only must a patient go through one reconstructive surgery, but further operations may be required in the future. Also, for cancer patients, if doctors find that the cancer has advanced, breast reconstruction may interfere with the treatment. Not to mention the common side effects implants may have. With some implants, most commonly saline implants, Capsular Contracture may occur (Imaginis- the Breast Cancer Resource). This is when the scar around the implant begins to tighten and squeezes down on the soft implant inside. This can have a negative effect by causing the breast to feel hard. These are just a few reasons why reconstructive surgery is sometimes frowned upon. Surgery can, however have its positive aspects. A lot of times you can have the reconstructive surgery directly following your mastectomy. This means you would not have to go under the knife twice; they would do this process while you are still under. Implants are also preferred over breast forms because they are permanent and can seem like less of a hassle.

Prosthesis, or breast forms, is an excellent alternative to surgery. They mirror the approximate movement, feel, and weight of natural tissue. It is very important to have a properly weighted breast form because it provides the balance your body needs for correct posture. Very few problems occur when using breast forms. Some have said that they feel a bit heavy at first (American Cancer Society). However, this does fade as you get used to them. Also, some forms may cause some skin irritation. This also can be resolved by putting the breast forms into a bra with a pocket.

Common questions that arise include, what kind of bra would I need to wear with a breast form? The answer is that you can wear any type of bra you prefer. You may even wear the bras you were wearing before mastectomy surgery. Many wonder whether or not others will be able to tell if they are wearing them. Breast forms are very inconspicuous. They are under your clothing and therefore look no different from natural tissue breasts. Aside from the initial heaviness at first, they arent even all that noticeable to you, the wearer. Questions are sometimes asked regarding the possibility of wearing the breast forms while swimming in the summer. No problem! Most breast forms do fine in the pool with chlorine. Swimming should not affect them. As far as swimsuits go, there are plenty of suits that will hide the breast forms well. A string-bikini may not be the best choice. However, a suit that covers your chest more fully, would keep them unnoticeable to others.

Overall, we see that there are answers out there. And for those who do not want to go under the knife again, there is a great alternative. Breast forms can fit practically any body type and any lifestyle. The cons of using breast forms are fewer than the cons of getting reconstructive surgery. Breast forms arent permanent and can always be changed to fit you. However, both of these options are out there and should be considered. What makes you happy and comfortable should come first and foremost.

Truekare is an online retailer of high quality silicone breast forms. Find out more about us at Truekare Breast Forms.

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Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments

2008-08-19T01:39:00.000-07:00

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments
By Jon Stout

When diagnosed with breast cancer, many people feel helpless and out of control. Suddenly inundated with doctors and treatment decisions that are difficult to understand, its easy to feel that you no longer control your own health or destiny. More and more, however, breast cancer patients are turning to alternative therapies as an adjunct to traditional treatments.

These are decisions and treatments that the patient can control and even administer themselves, giving back some control over their health.

Few patients opt for alternative therapies alone. The vast majority still undergo chemotherapy or radiation and sometimes a lumpectomy or mastectomy. But, studies have shown that there are several alternative therapies that can be effective. In particular, these alternative therapies often have the ability to make the traditional treatments more effective.

If youre a breast cancer patient, you may want to consider adding alternative therapies to your current medical regimen. Following are some of the most effective therapies to consider:

Green Tea

Tea leaves contain catechins, part of the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids, which are anti-oxidants. EGCG is one of the catechins contained in tea, and is a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants have been shown to slow down the aging process, and prevent diseases, including cancer. However, more recent studies have shown that the EGCG and polyphenols in green tea may make traditional breast cancer treatments more effective.

There have been several studies that have shown that chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat breast cancer appear in higher concentration in cancerous cells when green tea is administered along with the drugs. The green tea makes the cancer cells less resistant to the drug, so that it can be more effective.

Green tea is also helpful for treating cancer because it seems to slow down the progression of the disease. Cancer cells appear to stop growing and replicating when green tea is part of the treatment regimen. It is believed that green tea may be effective in preventing metastasis of cancer.

Diet

Watching your diet carefully while youre undergoing cancer treatment can also be an effective way to treat your disease naturally. First of all, you should ensure that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants. This includes eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and including power foods like blueberries, pomegranates, and tomatoes.

In addition, as mentioned above, green tea is also a good way to improve the number of anti-oxidants in your diet. It is also important to increase the fiber in your diet. This will happen automatically if you increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, eliminating white flour and replacing it with whole grains will improve your fiber intake as well.

Herbs and Vitamins

Of course, herbs and vitamins have been used for centuries to promote healing. After all, herbs were the very first medicines. There are several herbs and vitamins that can either soothe side effects of cancer treatment or improve the effectiveness of the treatments. Some of the most important are:

Ginger Root While ginger root doesnt appear to affect cancer cells one way or another, it is a powerful tool for reducing the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy.

Calcium D-Glucarate - This vitamin and mineral supplement has been shown to reduce mammary cancer in animals. There are no side effects, so adding this to your diet seems a safe alternative therapy.

Melatonin This is a pineal hormone. It is often used as a natural sleep aid. However, it is also a potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to inhibit estrogen responsive breast cancer cells. It also increases the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a commonly prescribed cancer drug.

St. Johns Wort This herb has been relied upon for centuries to reduce anxiety, relieve stress and promote a regular sleep cycle. It has also been used to treat depression. Because of its possible interaction with your cancer drugs, it is not recommended that you use St. Johns Wort while youre going through chemotherapy. However, it may be an effective treatment before and after your chemotherapy treatment.

Mind, Body and Soul Treatments

Participating in activities that help you relax and that relieve pain and other physical symptoms can also be very effective at helping your body respond to your medicine. When undergoing chemotherapy, its not unusual to feel tired and nauseous. Any treatments you can find to help relieve these symptoms can help you get better over the long haul by keeping your body strong. Some of the most popular treatments are:

Acupuncture- This ancient healing practice is known to be very effective at relieving chemotherapy induced nausea and it is also effective at reducing pain.

Yoga, Meditation and Hypnosis All three of these techniques are associated with reducing stress. A reduction in stress may alleviate side effects that occur from cancer treatment and contribute to an overall sense of well being. Keeping our stress in check is helpful in healing our bodies from any ailment.

Its important to evaluate all your options when youre battling cancer. Its critical to keep your doctor informed of any alternative treatments youd like to include in your therapy. However, if your doctor is aware, you should feel free to explore the many alternative therapies that can be used to enhance your cancer treatments or relieve your side effects.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

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Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment Options

2008-08-18T13:40:00.001-07:00

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment Options
By Jon Arnold

Being diagnosed with Breast cancer isnt something anyone wants to have in their lives. Luckily, for the majority of people, medical technology has advanced enough that with proper treatment, recovering and continuing on with life is greater than ever.

While you might have heard of it, you may not be aware of all the options that are available to you. However, conventional and alternative breast cancer treatment options are numerous. Many probably already know a bit about the conventional methods radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy and hormone treatment, though they might not know everything doing a web search and taking a look at information available on websites may be a good way to gain a little more knowledge into what exactly are your options when it comes to alternative breast cancer treatment.

Cancer is a tough one to beat, especially if it is not caught early. While the traditional methods of dealing with breast cancer have been found effective based on medical science knowledge today, you may wish to consider looking at treatment options. These alternative breast cancer treatment options are something that can be used in conjunction with conventional methods of treatment in order to increase the bodys natural healing abilities.

One of the more commonly known types of alternative treatment options is touch healing. This covers things like chiropractic, massage and Reiki treatments. All of these deal with bringing the body back into balance in order to help promote healing. It is also true that things like massage and Reiki have a very relaxing effect and Reiki is known to have significant pain reducing properties. It can also help to speed up the bodys natural healing process, which means you can get better faster.

One of the down sides to conventional treatments is that they can make you very tired. Being relaxed means that you can sleep better and the sleep you get is deeper. That can make a big difference in how you look at life, your situation and how you handle your treatment.

Massage can help with muscle pains as well as help you to relax. Going through treatment is a stressful process and stress hinders the bodys natural healing abilities.

Other alternative breast cancer treatments options are things like dietary changes. Adding supplements and foods to your diet that help promote good health are another way to help your body fight off the cancer and keep you from feeling run down which can make both you and your outlook feel worse than you have to be feeling. There are also homeopathic treatments that you can consider that might be of benefit in helping you to feel more like yourself even when you are going through cancer treatments.

If you would like to know more about alternative cancer treatment options, breast cancer itself or conventional treatment options and what is available, consider checking out the Internet. There are a number of websites with up to date and accurate information on what is available for you. As with any treatment plan consult with your doctor before trying anything and let them know what works and what does not for you.

Need more information about Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment options? Visit our web site at http://www.breast-cancer-explained.com

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Alternative Breast Cancer Therapies

2008-08-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

Alternative Breast Cancer Therapies
By Matt McMillan

Jenny is a 42 year old mother of three. Being a housewife is quite easy especially when the kids are at school and the husband is at work. The rest of the day is spent cleaning the house and doing the laundry with an hour to spare at the local gym.

After taking a shower, Jenny felt some pain the breast. This could be just menopause symptom so there was no need to worry. The pain got worse the next few days and sensing this was something else, finally decided to visit the doctor.

The doctor was a family friend. The initial diagnosis was done by touching the breast followed by a scan using a mammogram.

There were a lot of cancer cells present so another test had to be done. The doctor had to be sure so a sample was extracted and sent to a pathologist for analysis. After testing, it was only then that a womans greatest fear has become a reality. Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer and this was already on the 3rd stage.

The third stage means the cancer has grown to more than 5 cm. in size and has spread to other parts of the body. This leaves removing the breast useless since the disease can no longer be contained.

Can there still be hope for Jenny who is already in the advanced stage of breast cancer? The truth is, the chances of recovery are very difficult.

Being informed of breast cancer is a shocking experience. There were some initial signs of disbelief then acceptance. The doctor explained everything to Jenny including the treatments available and the survival rates.

This was going to be Jennys greatest battle and this was just the beginning of a long struggle.

Chemotherapy was the best option now. The drugs produced some side effects like nausea and skin rashes but Jenny just thought this was short term since there is something bigger growing inside the needed to be killed.

Both Jenny and the doctor went ahead with removing the breast with a procedure called a mastectomy. Since modern medicine can have this reconstructed, this was a small price to pay. To make sure that all the cells had been wiped out, radiation therapy followed.

Jenny was happy to hear that the cancer was gone nearly a year after the diagnosis was done. Some people say this was a miracle since the battle which had taken so much was finally won. There was a huge party and everyone who prayed and supported were there to celebrate a second chance at life.

The doctor pointed out that the cancer can recur. This is the reason that Jenny still had to visit the clinic often for therapy and tests to make sure everything was wiped out.

Advanced breast cancer is sometimes hard to tell. A self examination at home is not enough which is why the patient should go to the doctor for a checkup once or twice a year.

There are a lot of people who die of breast cancer and a significant number are also diagnosed every year. The person can fight hard like Jenny did or simply give up to the disease.

Until a cure is found, the only thing people can do is work on the options and hope that a miracle will happen.

Breast Cancer Information Breast Cancer Care

Matt McMillan

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Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team

2008-08-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team
By Michael Russell

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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The Facts About Breast Cancer

2008-08-17T01:37:00.001-07:00

The Facts About Breast Cancer
By Bo Carpenter

The causes of breast cancer are not completely understood, although it is clear that a womans age, gender and lifetime exposure to estrogen and her age at the time of her first childbirth can play an important role. Because no one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, there is absolutely no way to prevent it. However, there are steps that every woman can take that may make developing breast cancer less likely.

Any woman can get breast cancer. For example, did you know:
The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer?
White women are more likely to get breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group? They also have a better chance of survival, primarily because their cancer is usually detected earlier.
African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
Men can get breast cancer too, although it is rare. Less than one of every 100 cases of breast cancer in the U.S. occurs in men.
In 2006, it is estimated that men will account for 1,720 cases of breast cancer.1

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Known risk factors like having a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after age 55 or never having children account for only a small number of new breast cancer cases every year.

That means that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except being a woman and getting older.

Typical questions you might have about breast cancer include:
I have a family history of breast cancer. Does that mean Ill develop breast cancer, too?Just because other family members have had breast cancer doesnt mean that their disease was inherited. Only about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers occur because of inherited mutations.2

If I am diagnosed with breast cancer, what are my chances for survival?
The 5-year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 90 percent.2 This means that 90 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive without a recurrence for at least five years.

Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent.2

The best way to find breast cancer, especially in its earliest stages, is to routinely check your breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease.

There are three basic methods:
Mammograms. These are X-ray pictures of the breast. They can find breast cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. All women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than 40 with either a family history of breast cancer, or other concerns talk with your health care provider about when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them.

Clinical breast exam. This is performed by a health care provider who carefully checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes that may be present. Many women have a clinical breast exam performed when they get their Pap test. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at 40.

Breast self-exam (BSE). This involves two main steps: looking at and feeling your breasts for any change from normal. If you notice any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts, see your health care provider. All women should perform monthly BSE by age 20. BSE should be done once a month, a few days after your period ends. If you no longer have periods, do BSE on the same day each month. At your next appointment, ask your health care provider to show you the steps for BSE.

Simply being a woman is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. But remember, there is no one cause of breast cancer. If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, discuss your options with your doctor.

Known, probable breast cancer risk factors:
Being a woman
Getting older
Having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes
Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
Having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Having high breast density on a mammogram
Having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
Starting menopause after age 55
Never having children
Having your first child after age 30
Being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult
Having more than one drink of alcohol per day
Currently or recently using combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Having your first period before age 12

PANDORA is pleased to announce its continued support of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. For 2007, a guaranteed minimum contribution of $25,000 and a portion of the sales from the pink ribbon charm will go to the organization.

For each pink ribbon charm sold, PANDORA will donate a percentage of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen For The Cure to help eradicate breast cancer through research, education, screening, and treatment.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com

1 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2006.
2 American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2005-2006.

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Alcohol Increases The Risk For The Most Frequent Kinds Of Breast Cancer

2008-08-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Alcohol Increases The Risk For The Most Frequent Kinds Of Breast Cancer
By Riz Stone

A new report from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden states that women who have been through menopause, who drink daily more than 250 ml beer, 100 ml wine or 25 ml of high-per cent alcohol, clearly increase the risk of getting sick with the most frequent kinds of breast cancer. This risk is particularly increased if the women in addition to drinking alcohol are on hormone replacement therapy.

It is well-known that excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer within women, especially those who have left menopause behind them. However at this point it has not been examined whether there is a connection between alcohol and the development of certain kinds of cancer of the breast.

The researchers had from 1987 to 1997 data to the consumption of alcohol of approximately 51,800 women collected. All participants in the Breast Mammography Study had gone through the menopause stage while still a part of the study where they could be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Already known is more than a half glass of wine daily clearly increases the risk of breast cancer. The Swedish researchers found that increasing the alcohol by 10 grams daily also increases the risk to get sick with an OS-positive cancer of the breast in such a way specified. This most frequent kind of cancer of the breast is propelled by the female sex hormone OS which channels growth.

10 grams of alcohol is contained in a small beer glass (250 ml)

A half glass of wine (100 ml) already contains 12 grams of alcohol.

In the Swedish investigation the consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams of alcohol per day increased the risk for an OS-positive cancer of the breast. Absolutely 232 in 100,000 got sick in the group with consumption of alcohol of more than 10 grams per day. Women who got cancer of the breast who did not drink during the study compared to women who did drink alcohol were only 158 in 100,000.

There is a particularly strong aggravation to the risk by alcohol when combined with hormone replacement therapy. This causes concern that the risk of breast cancer increases particularly strongly within the women who drink more than 10 grams of alcohol daily and take hormone replacement therapy. With them the risk for OS-positive tumors increased by 3.5%.

The researchers draw the result that their results show that with women who have gone through menopause with just a moderate consumption of alcohol have significantly increased the risk for OS-positive cancer of the breast. This realization is of importance, since OS-positive breast cancers are the most proliferated types of breast cancer in our modern society and thus gives some plausibility to the studies findings.

Riz Stone writes exclusively for cancer-treatment-help.com =>http://www.cancer-treatment-help.com

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Adverse Effects of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy

2008-08-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

Adverse Effects of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
By Michael Russell

Undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer patients will definitely increase overall survival; the occurrence of adverse events is inevitable. Of all the side effects of chemotherapy, bone marrow toxicity. The bone marrow primarily functions as the production site of white and red blood cells. Most women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer will experience a decline in their white blood cell count, most often seven to fourteen days after treatment. This drop of cell count is known as leucopenia. Thus, while on chemotherapy, the breast cancer patient should be alert for any infection, which is the first sign of bone marrow suppression. The most immediate symptom of an infection will be a fever.

As a cancer patient, it is important that you alert your physician at the first signs of infection and to receive antibiotic therapy. There are some clinical protocols that routinely put women on antibiotics the second week after each chemotherapy session as a prophylactic measure against infection. Gene technology is now trying to get into the picture of safer chemotherapy. There are genetically engineered bone marrow stimulants available for women who develop severe depression of their white or red blood cell counts. Drugs like Neuprogen and Epogen are some of these agents. Fortunately, the toxicity to the bone marrow that occurs after chemotherapy is temporary and reversible. If an infection occurs, it is potentially very serious and must be addressed immediately to avoid fatal complications.

Also showing sensitivity to anticancer drugs are the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, which undergo cell division regularly and which the body manufactures and replaces every few days. Some anticancer drugs interrupt this production of cells, causing small ulcers. Fortunately, this is quite unusual in breast cancer chemotherapy, but can still occur. The mouth and the rectal areas are the most susceptible.

The most common gastrointestinal symptom of cancer chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, most often during the week immediately following treatment. This is primarily due to a massive mediator release of substances called histamines, which are stored in the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. New drugs can now prevent the release of histamines for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Since the discover and appropriate use of supportive medications, the nausea and vomiting accompanying chemotherapy is much less of a problem than it used to be. The incidence of these adverse events varies depending on the drugs used and the dose intensity with which they are used.

For most women, hair loss (alopecia) is a very distressing side effect of a few anticancer agents. Some of the agents such as doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel can cause uniform temporary alopecia, especially from the scalp. Other drugs only cause minimal hair thinning. Many of the breast cancer chemotherapy regimens have doxorubicin and some of the newer ones have paclitaxel or docetaxel, so temporary hair loss should be anticipated after undergoing chemotherapy.

Because side effects can be debilitating, many women want to know if they can continue to work while on chemotherapy. The answer varies depending on the regimen used and the stress and demands of the particular job. Whether the patient decides to continue working or not, it is important that during the several months of chemotherapy, she should plan to take it easy - reduce as much stress as she can. She should engage herself with loved ones, friends and extend support system especially during the periods when she is down and not feeling well.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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A MiniCamera For The Treatment Of The Breast Cancers

2008-08-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

A Mini-Camera For The Treatment Of The Breast Cancers
By Abu Murad

With the interface between cancerology and physics, the current technological projections to improve the assumption of responsibility of cancers rest primarily on the development of new physical methods for tracking, the diagnosis and the clinical therapy. Among those, the techniques of medical imagery based on the use of radioactive tumor tracers make important great strides thanks to the development of new and specific molecules. Beyond the instrumentation, this multi-field research extends to the clinical aspect and aims at establishing a methodology adapted in order to evaluate the advantage of the apparatus on patient. It is in this context that researchers of laboratory IMNC set up an interdisciplinary group of research with doctors of the hospital Tenon (Paris) whose work allowed the development of a hospital Program for clinical research (PHRC), national program which tallies the clinical evaluation of imager POCI on 200 patients.

POCI, a new device of medical imagery-

Within the framework of the surgical treatment of cancer, probes acting as of the meters of radioactivity were introduced in operating theatre suite to assist the surgeon in real time during the ablation of the beforehand radio-marked tumors. This technique of radio guidance gives access the precise localization and the complete ablation of tumor fabrics. It is to reinforce this technique that the team Imagery and Modeling in Cancerology of the IMNC undertook the development of a new generation of gamma-camera miniaturized for the assistance with the chirurgical treatment of cancer called POCI. It is about a particularly innovative application of the instrumental developments used in fundamental physics. With 13 cm2 of fields of sight and reduced dimensions , this imager was designed to be easily positioned in contact with the operational wound in order to locate the tumor lesions radio-marked during the surgical operation .

Imager POCI is currently evaluated via the protocol of the ganglion sentinel within the framework of the breast cancers. In practice, this last is detected thanks to the injection of a radioactive solution around the tumor. A lymphoscintigraphy then makes it possible to count the ganglia and to obtain their precise localization. Lastly, the biopsy is traditionally carried out in operating theatre suite using the probe meter of radioactivity which makes it possible to the surgeon to check the position of the ganglion sentinel before the incision, to identify it in the operational wound and finally, after excision, to confirm the absence of any residual radioactivity.

The clinical evaluation of camera POCI associating for the first time of the researchers of in2P3-CNRS and the AP-HP rests on a double study: to prove its equivalence compared to the gamma-cameras standards and to establish its interest in operating theatre suite in order to identify the ganglia sentinels not detected by the probe. Begun in January 2006 with the agreement from the Consultative Committee from protection from the people in biomedical research (CCPPRB) and that from the French Agency from medical safety from the products from health (AFSSAPS), this clinical study includes 200 patients. After examination of a hundred patients with camera POCI as well in service of nuclear medicine as in operating theatre suite, the first results are extremely encouraging.

Several groups of research, in particular in North America, in Japan and in Italy, were directed towards the development of portable gamma-cameras specifically dedicated to per-operational detection. It is in this context of strong international competition that the team of the IMNC remains the only one today to have evaluated, in operating theatre suite and on a significant number of patients, a system of imagery miniaturized for the assistance with the surgical treatment of cancer.

1.The topic of the per-operational imagery as private individuals with IN2P3 (LPC Clermont-Ferrand, IPHC Strasbourg).

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A Few Facts About Breast Cancer

2008-08-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

A Few Facts About Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

. What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is caused by the abnormal or uncontrollable growth of breast cells. It has the potential to also spread to other parts of the body. While cancer is almost always caused by an abnormal gene the chances of inheriting it from your mother or father is only 5 to 10 percent. The genetic abnormalities that occur as a result of the ageing process and other factors however cause 90 percent of the breast cancers.

. Who is affected by breast cancer?

Women are the most affected by the commonest cancer that is breast cancer. 216,000 new cases of invasive cancer and 59,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the USA in 2004.

Every woman at some point in her life is at risk from breast cancer. Each woman will have different risk factors.

. The period in your life when you gain weight also affects the risk of breast cancer.

After menopause, a woman who is overweight is at greater risk from breast cancer when compared to a woman of average weight. Being overweight also increases the risk of the disease coming back in women who have had it earlier.

Studies also show that the risk factor is greater for women who gain a significant amount of weight as an adult when compared with women who maintained more or less the same weight. Studies also show that gaining weight after menopause also increases the risk of breast cancer. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight as you advance in age will help minimize your risk of breast cancer.

. Having ovarian cysts means your chances of getting breast cancer are low.

Benign ovarian cysts, generally a result of hormonal imbalance, cause several problems such as irregular menstrual cycles and infertility and were originally thought to be linked with a higher risk of breast cancer. Research has shown however that the opposite is true, that is, women with ovarian cysts are less likely to get breast cancer. The reason for this association is still not clear.

. Taking the contraceptive pill may increase your risk of getting breast cancer.

According to research, it is shown that taking the contraceptive pill slightly increases your risk of getting breast cancer. For women who are most at risk from developing breast cancer, that is, women who have given birth and who have used the pill for a period of 4 years before they became pregnant for the first time, the absolute risk is minimal.

There are certain benefits too from taking contraceptive pills. They are that it improves bone mineral density, it decreases the chances of an individual getting endometrial and ovarian cancer and it relieves menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.

. A history of family breast cancer means your chances of getting ovarian cancer are high.

Research has shown that not only is an individual at high risk if she has a family history of breast cancer, but it also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. The risk is relatively low though.

Michael Russell

Your independent guide to Breast Cancer

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A Few Common Myths About Breast Cancer

2008-08-14T23:40:00.001-07:00

A Few Common Myths About Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

Myth: If you detect a painful lump in your breast, there is no need for concern, as it is not cancerous.

Pain is very rarely the only indication of breast cancer. However only 10 percent of breast cancers are linked with pain. If an individual complains of pain in the breast and a self-examination test and a mammogram do not show any abnormality the likelihood of breast cancer is minimal.

Myth: Radiation therapy is a painful process.

A few patients experience a slight tingling or warming sensation in the particular area that is being treated but there is no pain. Prolonged radiation therapy may cause the breast to have a burning sensation, to become dry, to become sore and itchy.

Myth: One in every eight women will get breast cancer.

These statistics are based over an individual's lifetime up to an age of eighty five or ninety five and not on a per year estimate. If you take into account at any given point one woman in every eight women, it does not mean that she will have breast cancer. What it means is that if all women were to live up to an age of 85 years, one woman out of eight would get the disease during her life. Studies have shown that this rate is quickly rising, as thirty years ago it was one woman in every twenty women.

Myth: Women with small breasts will not get cancer.

Breast size is not a significant risk factor for breast cancer. A woman having smaller breasts will have smaller amount of breast tissue, but this does not mean that she will not be able to develop the disease.

Myth: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and you have a positive outlook on life it will prolong your life.

There is no such evidence to prove that having a positive outlook on life will increase your chances of survival if you are having breast cancer. Of course thinking positive will help you and your family members to cope better with the situation, but then again feeling sad or depressed from time to time is only natural in the light of things.

Myth: Mastectomy or removal of the breast that is affected ensures the elimination of breast cancer forever.

Mastectomy does not in any way ensure that the cancer will not recur. Sometimes even though mastectomy has been performed, the chances are there that the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body and to the lymph nodes. Some individuals who have undergone mastectomy also undergo removal of the lymph nodes in the underarm as a precautionary method.

Myth: The chances are you will not get breast cancer if it doesn't run in your family.

This is not the case, every woman is at risk. Studies have shown that 80 percent of women who end up with breast cancer have never had a family history of it. The ageing process is the single biggest risk factor of breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer, the chances that you might get the disease may be a little elevated or may be a lot elevated or sometimes not at all.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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A Brief History of Breast Cancer

2008-08-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

A Brief History of Breast Cancer
By Michael Russell

Ancient Egyptians first noted and recorded the disease as tumors, or ulcers, of the breasts, concluded that there was no real cure and that the only form of treatment was cauterization with a tool called the fire drill. Since then, there have been many similar cases described by doctors throughout history that concluded that there was no cure; or really effective treatment.

When doctors started to understand the human circulatory system in the seventieth century, they also managed to establish a link between breast cancer and the lymph nodes in the armpits. Between the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, the French surgeon Jean Petit and Scotsman Benjamin Bell were the first ones to remove the lymph nodes, breast tissue and chest muscle in an effort to save woman from breast cancer.

By the 1880s, William Halsted started performing mastectomies. His procedure became known as the Halsted Radical Mastectomy and it remained a popular procedure in the fight against breast cancer right up to the 1970s.

Breast cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue and is found in both male and female patients. Worldwide breast cancer accounts for almost 1% of all deaths, is the fifth most common form of cancer and the most common form found in women.

Although breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in the United States, it is only the second most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). U.S. women have a one in eight lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and an almost 3% chance of breast cancer causing their death. Due to our modern lifestyle the experts claim and have also noted, a significant increase in the number of cases since the 1970s.

The breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females. Therefore breast cancer also occurs in males, though it is less common. Although men have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, this risk appears to be rising. There seems to be an increased incidence of breast cancer in men with prostate cancer.

The notable point about male breast cancer is that the prognosis is worse in men than in women and treatment of men with breast cancer is similar to that of the treatment given to older women. Because the male breast tissue is confined to the area directly behind the nipple, treatment for males has usually been a mastectomy.

On a more positive note, most breast cancer symptoms do not turn out to represent underlying breast cancer. These normally turn out to be benign diseases of the breast and only represent the more common symptoms similar to breast cancer itself. However, any appearance of new breast symptom should be taken very seriously by patients and doctors; because of the possibility of an underlying breast cancer that can develop at any age.

As with all types of cancer, the detection and treatment of breast cancer has a far greater chance of a positive outcome by detecting it earlier rather than later.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

2008-08-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
By Alex Fir

Women should focus on keeping breast health through good lifestyle and dietary choices.Here are eight ways to help you prevent breast cancer. They are supported with many researches and studies. You should embark them all if possible.

1. You should be more active. A recent Norwegian study discovered that women who exercised on a regular basis cut their breast cancer risk by 72 percent.

2. You should eat more unrefined seed foods. They all contain phytoestrogens. If you eat foods rich in these elements, you are 4 times less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. You should consume whole grains, beans, nuts, edible seeds, fruits and vegetables with their seeds.

3. You should eat less vegetable oil and increase the consumption of animal fat and dairy products. Consume yogurt, cheese, milk, butter, and olive oil on a daily basis, and eat meat from time to time.

4. You should eat less tofu and soy beverage. The isoflavone found in soy causes breast cancer cells to grow rapidly. On the other hand, eat more miso and tamari. Studies have found that they are very effective in preventing cancer.

5. You should eat foods rich in antioxidants. At the same time, avoid supplements of vitamins E and C. It was discovered that supplements increase breast cancer risk. Eat five to seven servings of dark green and bright red/orange foods every day.

6. You should sleep in the dark. Recent studies found out that exposure to light at night increases the risk of breast cancer by at least 36 percent.

7. You should drink red clover blossom infusion. Drink a quart of red clover infusion every week.

8. You should eat seaweed as a vegetable. Consume at least a half-cup serving per week. Wakame, kombu, kelp, and alaria are very effective.

If you follow these eight tips you will greatly increase your chances of preventing breast cancer.

Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Breast Cancer Facts. To learn about symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer visit his site right now.

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7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery

2008-08-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

7 Hard Facts You Need to Consider before Having Breast Reconstruction Surgery
By Patricia Wagner

Have you recently been diagnosed as having breast cancer? If your doctor recommends that you undergo a radical mastectomy, then you may want to consider having breast reconstruction surgery afterwards. However, this surgery is not for every woman because of a number of factors that will be presented in this article.

There is really no reason to rush into breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy because you can have the reconstruction done at a later time. You will be using a plastic surgeon if you opt for this operation.

Reconstruction surgery doesn't just involve one method -- but there are several methods of choice for you that are available. If you choose breast reconstruction, you may want to have an implant inserted in your breast that consists of saline or silicone material. You need to be aware of the fact that silicone implants have been known to leak.

Fat and muscles from other parts of your body can also be used for your breast reconstruction surgery. This will be harvested from your back or lower abdomen or your buttocks. Your plastic surgeon will collect this fat and muscle tissue to make a breast-shaped implant to insert where your breast was removed. Your doctor may create a flap in order to create a new breast. He will need to stretch your skin so that the implant will be permanently placed under your gradually stretched skin. After surgery has been performed and your body has healed, the finishing touches are done by tattooing the skin over the implant to simulate a natural breast.

However, as in every other kind of surgery there are dangers involved. Here are some factors to consider before you decide to have breast reconstruction performed.

1. The rebuilt breast will never feel normal again.

2. Like every other surgery, infection is a very real possibility.

3. You may or may not be satisfied with the final results of your breast reconstruction surgery.

4. There are going to be scars no matter what.

5. The donor site on your body may be adversely affected and the changes will probably be permanent.

6. You may require more than one surgery.

7. Because your body may suffer lasting negative effects from choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery, you may wind up regretting having had it done.

However, you may be very pleased with the results and breast reconstruction could be a great benefit in helping you to feel more normal for the rest of your life.

You and your doctor have to decide if breast reconstruction surgery is worthwhile in your case and if you are likely to be pleased with the final permanent results.

Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after breast cancer surgery. Patricia Wagner writes about a variety of health tips to help you be healthier.

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5Steps to Breast Cancer Free

2008-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

5-Steps to Breast Cancer Free
By J.J. Yong

We believed that things in life were predestined and we would accept the fate of our life when some tragic incidents happened upon us. But once we were able to reconcile with our love and pain, therefore we would able to create wisdom to face any predicament with less anxiety and depression. The solution is simple - 5-Steps to Breast cancer free!

Achieving the goals are simply are simply if you put your faith on this 5-Steps to Breast cancer free.

1. Start a healthy diet - start your meals by including cancer-fighting vegetables such as broccoli, salads, coleslaws & flax seeds. This doesn't imply that you should be a Vegan and you could still able to eat poultry or red meats moderately. With all due respect, avoid eating fast foods - especially fried & barbecued foods. Drink water frequently as it is able to cleanse toxins away from our body. Green tea is also a suitable and pleasant drink as well.

2. Start a healthy lifestyle - Workout in gym or in our house is a must in keeping your body fit and healthy. If you do not like strenuous exercises, you could practice Qigong or Taichi. Statistics have proven that these two type of Chinese meditations increase the probability of curing breast cancer. Having adequate sleep is necessary for health and survival. A fresh and sharp mind are needed to shape positive attitude towards good health.

3. Socialize more - having leisure with family and friends is essential of improving interpersonal relationship. You will feel better when you console problems with your closest family or friends. Control yourself from bad influences such as smoking and excessive alcohols.

4. Learn to communicate with your personal Dr. or psychiatrist - Educate yourself with medical terms and information in order to understand your ailment. Don't be shy to ask questions during consultation with your doctor. If you have severe depression and anxiety, seek treatment from psychiatrist. For your information, being healthy comprises healthy body, mind and soul.

5. Write & Blog - Start a habit of writing journals today. Writing is a best way to express your thoughts and emotions. By writing journals, you will review past incidents easier in order to set further achievable goals. There are a lot of blog hostings available via internet. Blogging is a good way to write journals as it is the best communication tool of sharing your updates to the whole world. It is also reflects the importance of life that we should live our life to the fullest.

Keep track with this basic steps that will lead you a better tomorrow! Bear you mind about this basic steps that will change your destiny - Knowing that you can change your perception will allow you a sense of empowerment, which increases your sense of responsibility for your perception.

J.J. Yong

Your trustable source and guide to breast cancer

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12 Tips to Help You Protect Your Body after Breast Cancer Surgery

2008-08-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

12 Tips to Help You Protect Your Body after Breast Cancer Surgery
By Patricia Wagner

If you are facing breast cancer surgery or have had a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, there are certain activities you can avoid to bypass extra suffering after your surgery. Here are some tips to help yourself be more comfortable:

1. As you are probably aware, emotional and psychological pain can sometimes hurt even worse than physical pain. With that in mind, you will want to have a support group standing behind you before surgery and after as well. For example, there may be a friend that you have in mind right now who has already gone through breast surgery. She will probably be a great comfort to you at this time in your life.

2. After breast cancer surgery you may experience a sense of imbalance in your body. In time your body will adjust. A physical therapist can help you regain as much movement as possible. He or she can suggest special exercises to help work out the stiffness and help you to feel better physically after surgery.

3. If you have lymph nodes removed, the affected arm may swell from time to time. So avoid wearing tight clothing or bracelets.

4. Use the arm that has not been involved in your mastectomy or partial mastectomy to carry heavy items.

5. After surgery you will want any medical procedures to be done on your stronger arm. For example, receive injections and have your blood pressure taken on the arm that has not been involved in your surgery.

6. For heavy-duty cleaning or gardening use protective gloves. If your arm is swelling, you'll feel worse having it scratched by thorns from your rose bushes.

7. Protect your skin against sunburn. A swollen sunburned arm can cause a great deal of misery!

8. Be especially careful not to cut yourself when you trim your nails or cuticles.

9. Purchase an elastic sleeve to wear on your arm if it swells.

10. Protect yourself from being bit by mosquitoes and other insects.

11. Your arm may bother you if you have lymph nodes removed, so be sure to consult with your doctor if your arm should bother you.

12. Be very careful to avoid junk foods and eat healthy foods to give your body the nourishment it needs.

By putting these 12 tips into practice after you have had breast cancer surgery, you will help yourself feel better and avoid needless extra suffering.

Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after breast cancer surgery. Patricia Wagner writes about a variety of health tips to help you be healthier.

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Breast Cancer Prevent With Healthy Living

2008-08-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

Breast Cancer - Prevent With Healthy Living
By Michael Russell

Generally speaking, breast cancer can be explained as an abnormal growth or a mass of cells, also known as a tumor, anywhere within the breast or immediate surrounding area. Usually the breast tumor is felt to be a lumpy mass during the early stages of breast cancer. If a woman feels a lump or abnormality of the breast of any kind, she should see a doctor immediately. In many cases, there is no cause for alarm, but because breast cancer can be a killer, medical attention is highly recommended.

When breast cancer is detected early, it can be treated quickly and effectively - usually with excellent results. Quick treatment is essential because all breast tumors start off benign initially. If the tumor has not begun to grow abnormally and is removed during the benign stage, the cancer may not spread. If the cancer does not spread, the woman is able to lead a normal, cancer-free life from that point on.

As with most cancers, the exact cause of breast cancer has not been pinpointed. However, there are many risk factors applied to many women. There are many arguments that breast cancer is hereditary, so if there is a history of the cancer in a womans family, she should see a doctor regularly for preventative measures. While heredity may play a role, life choices do as well. For instance, women who smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those who do not. Additionally, obese women that do not engage in regular physical activity are at an elevated risk for breast cancer.

It has been found, however, that altering the levels of hormones in the body can lead to different forms of cancer, breast cancer included. Many women take drugs and supplements that have estrogen as a main ingredient. These medications are used to increase sexual drive, assist in lactation, or deal with menopause. There are studies currently underway to help determine the influence of increased levels of estrogen on the development of breast cancer.

Despite the exact causes of breast cancer being unknown, there are many resources explaining and suggesting how a woman might prevent it. While much of this literature is purely speculation, there are precautions all women can take including maintaining a healthy body weight. Because overweight women have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, it is a good idea to lose the fat. Also, regular visits to the doctor are recommended. However, one of the best ways a woman can monitor her breast health is by conducting the at-home exam once a month.

In addition to regular doctor visits and maintaining a healthy body weight, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can also influence the onset, or not, of many types of cancers. Foods that contain nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants essential to preventing breast cancer include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and legumes. Other good foods are any type of citrus, tomatoes and soy products. A diet low in carbohydrates may also be helpful.

Combining the healthy diet with regular exercise, a positive attitude and an overall healthy lifestyle may dramatically reduce a womans chances of developing breast cancer. By no means are these suggestions the only answer, but should be followed as part of an overall attempt at living as healthy as possible.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 1 Breast Cancer

2008-07-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

With very early detection, the breast cancer survival rate is excellent. The American Cancer Society reports a 5-year survival rate of 98% to 100% for Stage 1 breast cancer after treatment.

Stage 1 breast cancer is less than 2 centimeters in diameter and has not spread beyond the breast tissue itself.

Currently, 63% of breast cancer for U. S. white women is detected and diagnosed while it is still localized to the breast tissue as Stage 1 breast cancer. Only 53% of breast cancer in U. S. black women is diagnosed while the breast cancer is still localized.

The difference in early detection rates between white women and black women is usually attributed to economic disparity and the lack of health insurance. It also helps explain the fact that in the U. S., breast cancer incidence for black women is 11% lower than for white women, but the breast cancer death rate for black women is 35% higher (NCI, SEER, 2007). The death rate increases when breast cancer detection and diagnosis are postponed while the cancer spreads.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute predicts that approximately 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007. The annual death rate from breast cancer is around 41,000 in the U.S. North American white women have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.

Improving breast cancer survival rates by early detection requires regular observation, monthly self-examinations, and following medical recommendations for examinations and testing.

Monthly self-examinations should be done at the same time each month. Clinical examinations by a health care provider should start by the time a woman is 20 years old and continue at least every three years until age 40. After age 40, the clinical exams should be included in the annual health check-ups. Annual mammograms after age 40 will help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages.

Since 1 in every 8 women will face a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lives, improving the breast cancer survival rate should also include breast cancer prevention by reducing risk factors. Some breast cancer risk factors like genetics and family history can’t be changed, but they account for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Factors that have shown an increase in breast cancer include overweight, hormone therapy, and increased alcohol consumption. Factors that may help breast cancer prevention include breast feeding, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise.

For more information on research showing increased breast cancer survival rate, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html

You can also learn about three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in breast cancer recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 2 Breast Cancer

2008-07-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

The 5-year breast cancer survival rate for stage 2 breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. varies according to size of the tumor and whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
If the breast cancer is under 2 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (the axillary lymph nodes), it is stage IIA breast cancer and the survival rate is 88%-92% (American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute).

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters but has not spread, it is also called stage IIA.

If the breast cancer is between 2-5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes, it is called stage IIB breast cancer and the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is 76%-81%.

If the breast cancer is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread beyond the breast, it is also called stage IIB

Up to 29% of diagnosed breast cancer is Stage 2 breast cancer for white women and 36% for black women. An average of 62% of all breast cancer is diagnosed when it is still localized to the breast area or Stage 1 breast cancer. If the cancer is detected early enough, such as Stage 1 breast cancer, then the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is as high as 98%-100%. Early detection is the most important way to save the lives of cancer patients.

Fortunately for breast cancer patients, there has been a great deal of effort put into providing information about early detection. Early detection and improved treatments are the primary reason for increasing breast cancer survival rates.

Women can help themselves with monthly self-examinations done at the same time every month. When a woman is 20 she should make sure that she gets a clinical examination at least every three years. After the age of 40, the clinical exams should be part of her annual health check-up, along with her mammogram.

Women can also help themselves with healthy habits that may help breast cancer prevention, such as regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol. These, and other healthy habits should be maintained for life since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

There is also a 10% chance of breast cancer recurrence even after successful treatment. You can learn about three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in breast cancer recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html.

For more information on scientific research showing dramatically increased breast cancer survival rate, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html.

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 3 Breast Cancer

2008-07-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year in the United States alone. Using early detection procedures to detect breast cancer when it is still at Stage 1 could bring the survival rate back up to almost 100%.

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage 3 breast cancer depends on the degree of cancer metastasis and the individual health of the patient. The 5-year survival rate can vary from 49% to 67%.

Stage 3 (or III) breast cancer is usually divided into two categories: Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB.

Stage IIIA is breast cancer that is larger than 5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes). It can also include any size of breast cancer that has spread extensively to any of the lymph nodes.

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage IIIA breast cancer will vary from 56% to 67% (American Cancer Society).

Stage IIIB can be any size cancer that has spread to other tissue near the breast. It may or may not have spread to the axillary lymph nodes or other lymph nodes.

The survival rate for Stage IIIB breast cancer varies from 49% to 54%.

The sharp decrease in women’s survival from almost 100% survival for Stage 1 breast cancer to approximately 50% survival for Stage 3 breast cancer is controlled by one factor only: early detection. Treatment is most successful for women when the breast cancer is small and localized to the breast tissue only.

Almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year in the United States alone. Using early detection procedures to detect breast cancer when it is still at Stage 1 could bring the survival rate back up to almost 100%.

Early detection procedures emphasize monthly self-examinations done at the same time each month. Clinical examinations performed by the health care provider should begin no later than age 20. For women in good health, a clinical exam should be performed every three years from age 20 to age 40. After age 40, clinical breast exams should be part of the annual health check-up, along with the annual mammogram or recommended diagnostic procedures.

After successful treatment, approximately 10% of women will experience breast cancer recurrence. You can learn about research on three healthy habits that have shown a 50% decrease in breast cancer recurrence at http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-recurrence.html.

Breast cancer prevention is also an area of serious research, but there is not yet sufficient information for researchers to agree on conclusions. In general, being overweight, increased alcohol consumption, or using hormone therapy seem to increase breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and breast-feeding seem to decrease breast cancer.

For more information on research showing increased breast cancer survival rates, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones

Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 4 Breast Cancer

2008-07-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

North American white women have the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, but the 5-year survival rate for all stages (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4)
Breast Cancer Survival Rate - Stage 4 Breast Cancer

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer is much lower than for breast cancer detected at earlier stages.

Stage 4 breast cancer, or advanced breast cancer, has metastasized to other tissue including bone tissue, lung tissue, or the liver. When breast cancer has overwhelmed the body’s natural defenses and spread this far by the time the cancer is first diagnosed, the 5-year survival rate drops to 16%-20% in the United States (American Cancer Society).

Up to 5% of white women in the U.S., and up to 9% of black women have advanced breast cancer spread to distant tissue at the time of first diagnosis (SEER). This difference is usually attributed to poverty and lack of health insurance.

In general, women who have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis live approximately 18 months after diagnosis (median survival rate). Those who are still alive five years after their diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can live an additional 3.5 years (median survival rate) according to the American Cancer Society.

Since this is the most deadly category of breast cancer, it is important to work closely with all the health care providers. New treatments are being developed all the time, and second, or even third opinions may give the patient more information about newly discovered successful solutions.

Early detection is clearly the most important factor in breast cancer survival rates. Breast cancer detected at Stage 1 while it is still localized to the breast has a survival rate of 98%-100%, while metastasized breast cancer first detected at Stage 4 drops down to 16%-20%.

Early detection procedures must include monthly self-examinations done at the same time each month. From age 20-40, healthy women should have clinical breast exams performed by their health care providers every three years. After age 40, the breast exams should be annually and should include a mammogram or similar procedure.

North American white women have the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, but the 5-year survival rate for all stages (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4) combined is 88% for the U.S. A recent study found European countries have lower 5-year breast cancer survival rates, with England at 77.8% and Ireland at 76.2% (Lancet Oncology).

The difference in these survival rates is usually attributed to life-saving early detection.

For more information on research showing increased breast cancer survival rates, see http://www.green-tea-health-news.com/breast-cancer-survival-rate.html

Sharon Jones has over 40 years training and experience in science, mainstream health care, and alternative health care. Her website is http://www.green-tea-health-news.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Jones

Breast Cancer Facts- Men Get Breast Cancer Too

2008-07-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most common cancers among Black women, as you may know, is Breast Cancer.
And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer.
More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year.
Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear.
Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over.
Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women.
Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend.

Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%.
Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%.
Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women.
There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women.
Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors.
And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer.
Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease.
And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please.
The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age.
But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage.
Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years.
Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there.
Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay.
The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say.
Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone.
But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one.
Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do;
They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.

I have been busy promoting my book- Smiling Thru the Tears- A Breast Cancer Survivor Odyssey, doing radio interviews, television appearances and booked solid with Motivational Speaking engagements. I publish an enewletter- Metamorphosis, for Breast Cancer survivors and I stay busy. It is my way of staving off the demon and I thrive on the challenge of staying busy. Every new pain or change could become a potential point of worry and that is no way to live and I have no time for worry. I rise every morning cognizant that I overcame breast cancer...I am a survivor. I live with chemo related vertigo and neuropathy but I try not to let it define who I am. I know I have a new reality; the things I once took for granted have now become a challenge. I can't turn my head suddenly or lay flat on my back, but I can breath, I can laugh and I can rejoice and thank God for His New Year gift to me- my blessing. I had a biopsy on my left breast and on January 5th, 2005 after a second breast cancer scare, I was told that my biopsy came back negative. Yes folks, I am cancer free...isn't God great?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_DeLeon-Lewis

breast cancer

2008-07-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

Breast Cancer - How You Can Return To Your Sexual Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

There are some changes in sexual life which a breast cancer victim has to face after undergoing breast cancer treatment. Continue reading this article if you want to discover how a breast cancer survivor can return to normal sex and intimacy.

It is very difficult for a women to return to their normal sex life after going under breast cancer treatment. The most important thing what a woman needs after the treatment of breast cancer is a sexual health program.

It is a difficult task to have sex after the regular side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, such as vaginal dryness. This is due to premature menopause which causes pain during sex. Usually it takes a longer time to get aroused and the touch of your partner is not as pleasurable as before.

The steps of treatment of breast cancer like radiotherapy and chemotherapy makes the breast more sensitive to touch and if a women has gotten a mastectomy it is great shock for the patient as well as for her partner.

It is very important to regularly visit your gynecologist during and after the treatment of breast cancer. The women who suffer from cancer of the breast are at greater risk of cervical cancer and atrophy of the vagina.

But there is some good news. The side effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment do not last for a long time. About six months later the woman who as gone under the treatment of cancer are ready for to resume having sex again. But these six months are full of stress and anxiety and some special techniques and ideas should be followed to return to normal sex life.

Breast Cancer-Sex and Intimacy will give you proper information about how to get rid of common problems which a breast cancer victim face after treatment of cancer.For more information on breast cancer and other latest health issues visit http://www.talkhealthonline.com a blog being run by Jitesh Arora.