Beat the Post Wedding Blues

Many couples spend at least a year in the spotlight as an engaged couple. For some people, it can be tough to go from planning a wedding and having all eyes on you to the married life. If you're experiencing post-wedding blues, here are five ways to get out of your funk:

1. Gain perspective. Yes, your wedding was fun, but it was just one day; your marriage should last a lifetime. Truthfully, the day after your wedding is the really exciting day-- it's the start of your life together. You now have the opportunity to show your commitment and love to each other daily, create a family and home and dream big. Begin by talking about your next big goal; it could be putting away for a romantic weekend getaway or buying your first home. This will give you something else to focus on.
2. Get cozy. You've probably done nothing but think about and plan a wedding for the last few months. And while it might have been, it was still work; planning a wedding can drain your energy and increase stress. Now that it's over, you probably have recaptured some precious time. With that said, it's okay to take a rest and do nothing for awhile--savor your newfound laziness.
3. Go out. Sometimes, engaged couples tend to desert their friends and family leading up to the wedding because they're swamped with things to do. Make it up to them by having dinner, seeing a movie, going for a hike or taking a trip to the beach. Do something you enjoy and haven't had time to do in a while. Your friends and family will appreciate your company and boost your spirits.
4. Have a party. If you really crave another celebration, set a date for a get together at your place. Sure, it'll be smaller than a wedding, but you can still make invitations, centerpieces, place settings and a menu. You can show off all the fabulous gifts you received and put them to good use. Invite those you wish you could have spent more one-on-one time with at the wedding. And be sure to have loads of fun!
5. Take on a project. Many newlyweds feel nostalgic after their weddings, and that's okay. Feel free to embrace it by talking about your wedding, looking at the photos and watching the video. You could also tackle on a project that would honor your wedding in some way. For example, you can create a collage of your wedding photos or create a scrapbook. These activities will help keep your mind busy, give you the opportunity to think about the happy memories and leave you with a momento you can use whenever you want to put a smile on your face.
   
   
   
   

Source; Photo Credit: weddingbells.ca

Winter Wedding Ideas

Planning a winter wedding? Here are five ideas you may not have considered:

1. Colors. Think about using a less-is-more approach when it comes to your color palette. For instance, silver and white with crystal accents can add glamour to your winter wedding. Some ideas for the ceremony: Use a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with white satin ribbon or adorn the altar with a crystal curtain backdrop decorated with hanging strands of elegant white phalaenopsis orchids. If you're getting married oudoors, you can create the ambiece by handing out clear umbrellas to guests as they arrive.


2. Flowers. Yes, red roses and calla lilies are obvious winter wedding flowers, but there are several other options for winter blooms. For example, think about white hydrangeas and soft ranunculses. Additionally, white boutonnieres can look great with a simple white ribbon, and you can add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon and adorned with crystals.


3. Invitations. Winter weddings are typically held indoors, and more formal invitations are often used. Use heavy cardstock and a navy blue, chocolate brown or eggplant font with hand calligraphy to convey a black-tie event. Want a fresh way to create a formal feel for your wedding? Use thick, frosted Plexiglas invitations in white scripted ink. Send them to your guests in silver envelope liners.


4. Centerpieces. To increase the drama, bring the icy outdoors in with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. One idea: Fill vases with tall, winter-white branches and hanging crystals to reflect the light from the tables. Place votive candles around the centerpieces and top your tables with white dupioni table linens and frosted glass china.


5. Escort cards. Make the entire table sparkle! Hand-calligraphy the cards in silver ink and connect them to invidual crystals with a ribbon. Hang each of them from a large crystal candelabra centerpiece for a fresh take on the common escort card tree.

For five more ideas, check out our source.

Photo Credit: Brides.com

How to talk about finances with your spouse

It can be really hard for couples to speak honestly about finances because many of them have big differences when it comes to money. Everybody has his/her own view, and everybody thinks the way they manage money is the correct way. Here's how to get on the same financial page as your spouse:

• Plan to talk about it. This is one part of your lives that you and your spouse have to agree on. If not, there could be a financial disaster in your future.
• Create a list of your individual financial priorities and compare them. For instance, you may feel that purchasing a great pair of shoes every season is important, but is it more important than saving money for a house? Talk about things like this with your spouse. Don't hold back, and don't keep secrets. If you have to have some gray area, settle on a number; for instance, "I get $150 a month to use however I want."
• Concentrate on the similarities between both of your financial goals and outline how you can accomplish those things.
• Use a financial planner. Utilizing a neutral third party can really even out the process. And you don't have to schedule appointments regularly; just spot check every once in a while, especially as your goals change.
• Keep in mind that it's very common in marriage for one individual to manage all the money and the other to play a more passive role. As long as you both are comfortable with this, there's nothing wrong with it. However, you don't want one person taking control of everything while the other endures it in silence.
  

By keeping these tips in mind, you're sure to have a bright financial future!

Source. Photo Credit: debtfreedecatur.com

3 Creative Guestbook Ideas

Yes, you can go the traditional route and use an ivory leather-bound guestbook for your guests to sign. But there are some creative ways to have guests to sign their names. Not only will it get everyone talking, you're also more likely to have a momento you'll want to showcase after the wedding. Here are three creative ideas:

1. Purchase a canvas from your local art supply store, and supply paint brushes and different paint colors to your guests when they arrive at your reception. Have them sign the canvas, and get it framed so you can showcase the colorful momento at home.

2. Supply small, pretty pieces of paper or cardsock for guests to write notes on during the event. You can ask for messages of marital advice, memories from your wedding and thoughts on love. Place the notes in a pretty box or vase to display, and choose a few to read whenever you feel like it.

3. Create a Polaroid Album. It's pretty simple to make. All you have to do is buy or create an album or scrapbook with decorated pages, and get a Polaroid camera and photographer to take photos of your wedding guests as they get there. Have your guest book attendant glue the photos to the album pages, and let your guests sign on their page with a colorful pen.

For more ideas, see our source, Please Sign Here: Creative Guestbook Ideas

Photo Credit: mywedding.com

Turn your home into a sanctuary

Every woman deserves a personal sanctuary in her home-- a place to read, listen to music, meditate or just be by herself with her thoughts. Here's how to create one of your own:

1. Select a spot. Find a quiet area where the light appeals to you. If you have a whole room to use, great; even if you don't, you can use a small area such as a window seat or a corner in your office.
2. Take away all unnecessary objects. Creating a sanctuary is all about carving out a space where you don't have to accomplish anything. Only keep those items that help you unwind.
3. Take a deep, sweet breath. Including a few sensory features can promote an ambiance that's different from the rest of your home. You can treat yourself to fragrant flowers, candles or aromatherapy oils. Additionally, think about installing a great piece of art or interesting photos, some CDs that take you away and a velvet pillow that's a pleasure to touch. Give yourself the luxury of tuning into your senses daily-- even if it's just for 10 minutes.

Source; Photo Credit: amenews.net

Tips for planning your honeymoon

Budgeting & Brainstorming. Don't get in debt trying to finance your honeymoon. Determine how much money you have (or what you can save), and use that as your guideline. After you do that, you can begin talking about where to go. Try to predict what you and your spouse's state of mind will be after the wedding. Yes, all couples are thrilled, but some feel physically and emotionally exhausted after experiencing this life-changing event. Keep in mind that you'll want to make time to enjoy each other on your honeymoon.

Research. One Saturday, visit the bookstore, peruse travel books and magazines, and jot down names of places that seem interesting. Also, Surf the web, and get tons of info on places to stay and things to do. Several countries and states have official websites, and many times you can request maps and brochures. However, you shouldn't anticipate deciding where you'll go overnight; take a few weeks, and have fun thinking about it.

When you've narrowed your search, begin checking prices and determining transportation availability and accommodations for each trip. To do this, you can continue your search online, begin making calls, or utilize a travel agent. The good thing about a travel agent is that he or she can deal with the details of the trip: booking flights, lodging and any needed ground transportation.

Confirming your plans. When you're ready to reserve plane tickets, hotel rooms, a car and other necessities, think about making reservations for activities like going to a theater or museum or even scuba diving. If you plan to stay in a hotel or resort, contact the location a couple of months before you get there and ask if there is a concierge.

For more tips, check out our source, Planning Your Honeymoon.

Photo Credit: Honeymoonallinclusive.com

Beauty rules all brides should follow

Here are some beauty commandments from TheKnot.com to be sure you look "ridiculously good" on your big day:

1. I will not over-accessorize. Select one memorable piece (like a birdcage veil or heirloom earrings) instead of piling it on. Work simple accessories around it for a balanced look. And remember, your veil, bouquet and the embellishment of your gown are accessories as well.
2. I will play up my best features. You are aware of your best feature, so maximize it! If you have glowing skin, accentuate it with light-reflecting lotion. Open up your beautiful eyes with a few, loose false lashes. Another tip from The Knot: Even if you never wear makeup in real life, think of your wedding day as an exception. A little of bit of mascara, blush and gloss goes a long way in making your features pop in your photos.
3. I will wear metals that match. The accessories you decide to wear should depend on your wedding dress hue. So if you're wearing a bright white gown, don't wear gold (which could clash); wear platinum and/or pearl. For a diamond (slightly off-white) gown, gold and silver works best. And if you're wearing an ivory wedding dress, try gold and warmer metals. One exception: Don't get rid of your engagment ring if it doesn't match.
4. I won't slouch at the ceremony altar. All eyes will be on you at the wedding ceremony so be sure to pull your shoulders back and stand up straight. You want to make sure you look beautiful and confident, not uncomfortable.
5. I will not crash diet. Yes, you may shed a couple of pounds in the weeks before the wedding because of all you have to do and jitters, but think of that as a bonus. Don't try to lose any more than that at the last minute. Crash dieting will wear you out; no number on the scale is worth not being able to handle wedding day demands and enjoying the excitement.

For five more tips, check out our source.