5 New Year's Resolutions for Married Couples

1. Have many date nights a month. Don't rationalize a lack of couple's time for any reason, and that includes your children. The best thing you can do for them is to make your marriage your top priority.
2. Check in often. Take at least 10 minutes each day to check in on one another. Don't go one day without learning how your spouse is doing.
3. Convey your appreciation every day. Let your spouse know three things you appreciate about him or her daily. Concentrate on the things that work in your relationship and what your spouse does well. Whatever you concentrate on expands.
4. Speak from your heart often. While one partner is generally more verbal than the other, frequent discussions about personal emotional topics make people feel closer and more connected.
5. Don't go to bed mad. Even though it's not always easy, particularly when you think you're right, putting a hault on the argument before going to sleep will give you a fresh start in the morning.
   

For five more tips, check out 10 Marriage New Years Resolution's for 2011.

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Wedding Theme Ideas

Need a theme for your wedding but don't have a clue where to start? Here are a few to consider:

• If you want a really romantic event, think about having your wedding on Valentine's Day or having a Valentine's Day theme.
• Want a wedding fit for a queen (and king)? Try a formal wedding.
• Are you, as a couple, really laid back and want a family vibe? Have a casual wedding.
• If you want to feel like glamorous celebrities, consider a Hollywood Glamour Theme.
• If you love nature and the outdoors, think about having a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme.
  

For more ideas and tips, check out Wedding Themes and Styles.

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Wedding Bouquet Styles

The main factor in selecting the style of your bridal bouquet is your wedding gown style and that of your bridesmaids.

It's essential to go for bouquet flowers that balance and complement the gowns as opposed to taking away from or overwhelming them. The size is important as well, and it shouldn't lessen or overpower the bride's or the attendants' appearance.

Here are four common bouquet styles to choose from:

Arm bouquet. This arrangemet of long-stemmed flowers is one that you cradle in your arm like you would a baby. It can be full and sweeping with several kinds of florals, or the bouquet can be minimal and classic with just one or two kinds of flowers. It's most frequently seen being given to pageant winners.

Cascade. This is also known as a teardrop bouquet, and it's a long, sweeping flow of flowers "water falling" from the middle of the bouquet. It's very dramatic and is still a favorite among brides; this bouquet is often made up of several varieties of flowers.

Nosegay. Also referred to as a posey, this arrangement is small, round and compact and has one or two kinds of blooms. They are usually wrapped tightly and tied with a ribbon and are frequently used for bridesmaids and flower girls. Additionally, it often has more greenery and ribbons than a traditional round arrangement.

Single Stem: This is most often made with a large, dramatic flower and is liberally wrapped with ribbon. Great flowers for this bouquet include hydrangea, calla lilies, birds of paradise and peonies.

Source; Photo Credit

Cake Cutting Songs

One of the most romantic times during the wedding is the cake-cutting. It's the first task the couple handles as husband and wife! Lots of brides and grooms want certain songs played during this ceremony.

The music establishes the tone for the scene, and it will create a lifelong memory with both the couple and their guests. Check out some of the most common cake cutting songs: Most Popular Cake Cutting Songs.

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Tips for Bridal Lingerie

While your wedding gown is the most important thing you'll be wearing on your wedding day (besides the ring, of course), you don't need to forget about what you're wearing underneath. Here are some tips to make sure you look absolutely fabulous at all times:

• Choose a bra with great support. On your big day, your lingerie needs to be like a great friend-- supportive. The primary role of your lingerie? To give support so that you're comfortable and confident at all times. Your bra needs to be able to handle posing for photos, hugging and dancing.
• Know your size. The key to discovering the ideal fit that will support you from the ceremony to the reception is wearing the right-sized bra. If you're not sure what size you wear, visit a local lingerie shop or a store like Victoria's Secret to get a bra fitting.
• Don't forfeit style. You don't have to give up comfort for beauty. Your lingerie needs to reflect your individual style and make you feel confident.
• Prepare for the honeymoon. Don't forget about the lingerie you'll likely need for other occasions, such as your rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.

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Wedding Budget Do's and Don'ts

Whatever your wedding budget is, there are certain things you should and shouldn't do. Read on for tips on saving money the right way:

Do hire a caterer who'll allow you to supply your own alcoholic beverages.

Don't have a cash bar.

Do cut your guest list in a sensible way.

Don't "accidentally" forget to invite your annoying cousin.

Do negotiate with your vendors.

Don't demand discounts from vendors.

Do book a photographer for her time minimum to shoot the ceremony and family shots. Also, ask friends to take party photos.

Don't ask your 17-year-old niece to be in charge of photographs.

Do connect an iPod to speakers. Create fabulous playlists, rent a good sound system, and bring an extra iPod.

Don't hire your brother's garage band to get the party going.

Do avoid unncessary details such as elaborate favors and napkin rings.

Don't hold back on food and drinks. Hungry and thirsty guests aren't happy ones.

Source- Brides Magazine, January 2011; Photo Credit

Incorporate Your Background Into Your Wedding

If you want to honor your background and heritage at your wedding, there are several ways to do so:

Pay tribute to your ancestors. One way to do this is find out what your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did at their weddings. Then, select an element from each of them to replicate at your own. For instance, your centerpieces can mirror the ones your parents had. This can also be a chance for you to find out about hubby-to-be's family and to include relatives from both sides in the planning process.

Have diverse treats. Create a "goody station" with desserts from all the countries that are a part of your heritage. Place small flags or description cards so guests will know which treats came from where. You can also let guests take some goodies home with them.

Establish your own traditions. Another option is to begin a continuing tradition that only you and your spouse do starting on your wedding day. For instance, you could slip a cute love note to one another right before the ceremony begins, and do it each anniversary.

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How to keep your sanity when wedding planning

Planning a wedding can be a very stressful and hectic time for the bride-to-be. In an article on GetMarried.com, Elizabeth Frumin, a therapist and minister with over 25 years of experience, shares advice on how brides can keep their sanity during the planning process in four steps:

1. Breathe and relax
2. Intention
3. Gratitude
4. Love
   

Read the entire article to see how: The Bride's Guide to Keeping Her Sanity.