This type of bouquet is made by holding the flower and foliage stems in one hand and adding the other stems around in a spiral fashion, criss crossing the stems at the one point,and binding them in position with string A ribbon bow with long tails completes the bouquet.

Choose suitable materials – you will need flowers with fairly long stems such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, freesias, Singapore orchids and lisianthus. Suitable foliage is camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina and leather fern. A mixed bouquet looks best using three to four varieties of flowers plus foliage.

Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give flowers a long drink. Remove thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the stems. Lay the flowers out on the table. Start off with the largest flower to form the centre. Hold the stem between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20cm (6-8″)from the base of the flower head. With the right hand add about 4- 6 clusters of foliage evenly around just below the flower heads to help fill in, criss crossing the stems on an angle and turning the bouquet around as you work. Secure the stems in position by placing the end of a piece of string and winding it around a couple of times. Do not cut the string.

Holding the bouquet in the same way as before with the thumb facing towards you place 5-6 of the same type of flowers evenly around turning the bouquet around clockwise. Secure all the stems in place with a couple of twists of string in the same place as before. Continue adding flowers for the next round extending these flowers out slightly further. Keep the bouquet a gentle rounded shape across the top like an upside down saucer, criss cross all the stems and give the bouquet a quarter turn clockwise after adding a few stems.
Secure stems in position with string in the same place as before when necessary.

Continue adding flowers and foliage stems turning the bouquet around clockwise until the bouquet is the desired size. I have added wired camellia leaves around the edges, but you could use pieces of foliage having the tips extend out about 5-7.5cm(2-3″)past the edges of the flowers. Secure all the stems together with string winding it firmly around several times in the same place as before, cut the string and tuck the end in.

Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems so they are about 6-8″(15-20cm)long and all the same level. Spray lightly with water.
Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string and tie the ribbon in a shoe lace bow with long tails.

Copyright Fay Chamoun © 2005 all rights reserved
Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School
Floral Design home study courses
http://www.floral-art-school.com.au

When trying to choose a good wedding gift you may feel lost. It helps to have some guidelines when trying to pick out the best wedding gift. Instead of ambling about the store aimlessly you can have a good idea what you are looking for.

Having a main idea of what you want to buy helps the process go smoothly without hassle. Considering the couple’s wants and needs, your relationship to the couple and your budget will help you to make the right wedding gift choice.

Many couples now use store registries to let guests know what they buy them for their wedding. Registries list items the couple has chosen throughout the store that they want. If someone has bought something from the list it is taken off, so you know when you look at the list that nobody has bought the items.

Most lists will include the number of each item the couple wants. If the couple lists they want four wine glasses, you could buy two and let someone else get the other two. Registries are also nice because you can quickly see what to buy and be out of the store in a matter of minutes.

Of course there are some not so good things about registries. They are computer-based, so sometimes you will not be able to access them. Also if the wedding is out of town for you the store the couple is registered at may not be easily accessible to you. If the couple has registered and it is convenient for you this is the easiest way to chose a good wedding gift.

Another consideration is your personal relationship with the couple. Base your gift on how well you know them. An acquaintance from work isn’t expected to buy as extravagant a gift as a best friend would. If you only know one of them you should still buy a gift they will both use and like.

If you really have no clue about what they want or need you can give money or a gift certificate with a nice card. Make sure your gift is appropriate and useful. Any gift is appreciated, so do not feel as if you have to give the best gift ever.

Your budget is always a consideration when shopping for a wedding gift. Nobody expects you to bankrupt yourself when buying them a wedding gift. Set an amount you can comfortably spend and stick to it. If your budget is small just be creative and buy what you can. If you’ve checked out the registry and nothing on it fits your budget then buy the couple something useful, but simple. For example a bucket of cleaning supplies would be appreciated by any new couple, but wont break the bank for you. The couple will be more grateful that you came to their wedding then worried about how much you spent on their gift.

Keep in mind these helpful pointers to choose a wedding reception gift that will be appreciated by the couple. You should look at their registry, if you can, consider your relationship with them and keep your budget in mind so that you choose a nice gift that works. Never worry that the couple will not like your gift or think you are cheap. As long as your intentions are good, they will love anything you give them.

Well known author Joe Palladino and owner of http://www.HerWeddingFavors.com offers great articles on wedding planning ideas as well as unique Wedding Favors and Bridal Shower Favors.

The wedding day is the BIG day in every woman’s life. As early as the engagement is officially announced, planning the perfect gown should be your priority.

Weddings are expensive but that does not mean that you cannot look wonderful wearing a discount wedding dress or an informal bridal gown. The important thing is to make sure the attire fits your body and style, within the boundaries of your budget.

The first step towards a great-looking budget dress is in the selection. Browse as many stores as you can, including mail catalogs or do a search on the internet to find a wholesale wedding gown. Doing the right selection means that probably, nobody will ever notice that you are wearing a discount wedding dress.

If you prefer an informal bridal gown, make sure to order it with at least 6 months in advance to your wedding date, because designer wear usually requires alterations, fitting and coordinate diverse details, including selection of fabrics, styles and even your hairdo.

Shopping can be a rewarding or frustrating experience, depending on your research and scheduled activities. Obtain a discount wedding dress or wholesale wedding gown is similar to going hunting and you must make sure you are fresh and equipped with full energy before beginning the safari.

Sometimes, you will find that a discount dress will look astonishing in a picture, however this can be deceiving when order it. Sometimes you will find that those details making the discount wedding dress designer-like, are just complementary accessories that you need to purchase separately, but are out of your budget.

However, if you find the wholesale wedding gown of your dreams, do not be shy and ask the wedding consultant his/her opinion on how it fits to your body, requesting advice for the appropriate style when is not one but several the dresses you have to choose from.

Weddings consultants are trained to provide you with feedback, studying your body type, skin color and personality to help you select the perfect attire, even at discount prices. In addition, they can take a picture of you wearing the different dresses to allow you to determine, which one fits your personality best, without exceeding your budget.

If your budget does not allow spending from $10,000 to $20,000 and above for a designer wedding gown, lower your expectations to an informal bridal gown. Although, you should not ignore a discount wedding dress or a wholesale wedding gown for your bridal gown.

Even with a flexible budget, the money that you save on the dress can be applied to music, flowers, photography and even your honeymoon or any other aspect of your wedding day.

Natalie Aranda writes about family, love, relationship and . Please keep a open mind for your wedding gown ideas If your budget does not allow spending from $10,000 to $20,000 and above for a designer wedding gown, lower your expectations to an informal bridal gown. Although, you should not ignore a discount wedding dress or a wholesale wedding gown for your bridal gown.

While other seasons of the year, like the springtime, fall and even winter seasons, are becoming increasingly popular times for weddings, the summer season continues to be, and perhaps always will be, the most popular time to hold a wedding.

The summer season, not only June but the rest of the summer months as well, continue to be incredibly popular times for weddings, and those planning a wedding for the summer time have a great many advantages, one of which is the abundance of great summer wedding colors.

There Are An Abundance Of Vibrant Summer Colors

The abundance of the most vibrant and beautiful colors is one of the best things about summer weddings, and it is no doubt that this is one of the most important advantages of hosting a summer wedding for many people.

The summer season can be a great time to buy the best flowers, the best invitations, the best decorations and of course the best wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses.

Using The Style Of The Bride And Groom

When it comes to choosing the best possible summer wedding colors one great place to start is with the personal taste and style of the bride to be.

Choosing the colors that are favorites of the bride is a great way to host the perfect wedding, and no matter what the colors you favor it is important to put your own taste and style into the great wedding.

Will You Choose Bright Primary Or Subdued Pastel Tones?

One of the most important things in the world of wedding planning, of course, is the choice of wedding flowers.

Choosing the perfect wedding flowers is an important consideration, and it is a good idea to make sure that those wedding flowers reflect the brightness and cheerfulness of the wedding ceremony itself.

Choosing the right wedding flowers, in the perfect summer wedding colors, is an important part of planning the perfect wedding, and summer flowers are among the brightest and most vibrant anywhere.

Whether you choose bright primary colors or more subdued pastel tones, there are plenty of great choices when it comes to choosing the perfect colors for your great summer wedding.

Start Your Wedding Search As Soon As Possible

Of course there are many considerations besides the flowers, and it is vital to shop as early as possible when planning a summer wedding ceremony.

The summer season, is after all the most popular time for weddings, and everyone who caters to brides and grooms, from the designer of the wedding invitations to the caterer, will be busy at this time of year.

It is important to shop around as early as possible to make sure that everything is in place for that perfect summer wedding.

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/summer_wedding_theme.html.

With so many great wedding destinations abroad how do you choose the one that’s just right for you?

It can be great fun choosing where to get married abroad; the world really is your oyster. However to ensure you make the right decision and choose a wedding destination that will live up to and exceed your expectations there are a number of important factors you should take into consideration.

Choosing your wedding destination is the first and most important thing you will do when planning your wedding abroad and it is a decision you shouldn’t make lightly. There is a lot more than geography that goes into choosing a wedding destination so giving careful consideration to each of the factors listed below should help you select the destination that’s just right for you.

1. Firstly, think about the style of wedding you would like to have. For example would you like your wedding to be traditional and elegant, stylish and relaxed or unique and creative?
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2. Think about the setting you would like your wedding to take place in. Would you like to be surrounded by history and culture, amidst the bright lights and buzz of city life, amongst the calm and tranquility of the countryside or would you like to get married by the sea?
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3. Consider what type of experience you would like your guests to have – after all many will be taking holiday time to travel abroad for your wedding. Do you think your guests would enjoy a holiday in the sun, exploring historical sites or going on a safari?
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4. Think about what type of weather you would like for your wedding day? Is it important that there is warmth and sunshine or would you like to rug up in the snow?

5. Determine how much money you would like to spend on your wedding. Do some destinations offer exceptional value for money but lack the ability for you to create a personalised and unique wedding day?

6. Think about who you would like to celebrate your wedding with. Would you like to have a large or small wedding? Generally the further away your wedding destination is, the lower your acceptance rate will be.
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7. Think about how easy it will be to plan a wedding in a particular country – could you plan your own wedding or would you have to use a Tour Operator or Wedding Planner?

8. Understand what the legal and residential requirements are for getting married in a particular country. Can you fulfill them? Will your marriage be legal in your home country?
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When choosing your wedding destination abroad there is no substitute for research. Use the internet, speak to travel companies, ask family and friends for first hand experiences and use travel guides to find out as much information as possible about different destinations.

When researching possible wedding destinations take your answers to the above factors into consideration and prioritise them in order of importance. For each destination think about how closely the above factors meet your criteria and its associated priority. As an example, you have decided that you would like to get married on a beach, hold your reception outdoors and for your family and friends to have a fun holiday in the sun. At first glance, The Caribbean appears to tick all your boxes. However, your most important criteria is to be surrounded by all your family and friends and you know that traveling to the Caribbean will be too far and costly for them.

After further research you discover Cyprus matches more closely with your criteria – being closer to home, it is a more affordable travel destination for your family and friends and it also gives you the all important beach wedding that you desire.

Therefore, if you take the above factors into consideration and do your research the perfect wedding destination will be out there waiting to play host to your wedding abroad.

Natalie Wingrove successfully planned her own wedding abroad. In order to share her experiences and offer valuable advice, hints & tips on getting married abroad she has created the website http://www.weddings-abroad-guide.com.

The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?

Here are some of the things you should consider:

- Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobody’s going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. They’re not just souvenirs, they’re heirlooms. Spend on them.

- Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. You’ll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You don’t want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.

- Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.

- Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. It’s guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.

- Don’t wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.

- Don’t wear sheer lipstick. You’ll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or it’ll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.

- Don’t wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless it’s applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesn’t photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.

- Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a “blushing bride”. Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.

- You’ll need good foundation that lasts long but doesn’t cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it “set”. This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.

- Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyone’s make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.

- Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.

- If you’ll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11am to 2pm; everyone will just be squinting.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com – a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at http://www.WeddingTrix.com

Who needs that white vanilla wedding cake with sugary frosting? Do you want a wedding cake that looks good but tastes like cardboard, or one that looks good enough to eat – and is? And would you put that hard plastic bride and groom wedding cake topper in your curio cabinet?

Fruit cake, cheesecake, ice cream cakes, even chocolate with chocolate-dipped fruit – your choices in wedding cakes are much wider than they were when your mother got married. You deserve a wedding you like, and a perfect wedding cake for it.

Here are some ideas for you:

A multi-flavored wedding cake thrills everyone. Uncle Jack won’t eat vanilla, but your husband’s best friend is allergic to chocolate. And you have one guest who is allergic to wheat products, another who is lactose-intolerant. So get a cake with multiple layers of different cakes: cheesecake on the bottom for Mr. Wheat, chocolate for Uncle Jack, and a fluffy fat-free angel food cake on the top for you. Your baker can help.

How about a filling for the wedding cake? To dress up an otherwise-bland cake or just one layer, fill it with chocolate, strawberry, or preserves. Or frost it with hard chocolate instead of traditional frosting.

Why are wedding cakes always round? A current cake trend is one that looks like a stack of presents, decorated with ribbons and bows. You can have anything you want; if you’re both Nascar fans, maybe a car shape, or a cake in the shape of a rose or a castle. And don’t limit yourself to one shape; you can make layers heart-shaped and have a square base, or use geometric shapes.

Match your wedding cake to your wedding colors. White cakes can be boring. Consider edible flowers for decoration as well; these real flowers add color and a real touch of class and beauty, but are totally nontoxic.

Have a gorgeous wedding dress? Dress the cake up to match. Especially if you have a very unique design, you can ask your bakery to match some of the decorations on the cake to your dress.

Look at real china, glass, or objets d’art to top your cake, instead of the plastic figures. Lladro figurines are a wonderful keepsake and look great with traditional and semi traditional cakes. Or you can go with a glass pumpkin coach for the fairytale wedding theme, or something you both love.

If you just can’t agree, have a groom’s cake as well. Men tend to go for richer, heavier flavors. One great wedding had a traditional tall white wedding cake next to a chocolate fountain, and then a groom’s cake, devil’s food chocolate (how appropriate) piled high with chocolate-dipped strawberries, with undipped strawberries around it for decoration and to dip into the fountain.

Don’t be afraid of being different, after all it is YOUR wedding!

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com – a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at http://www.WeddingTrix.com

You know a bride-to-be and her groom. You desire to give a gift that is different from everyone else because you want to be totally unique!

Visiting the wedding registry at the local Wal-Mart or Target to choose a gift would be Ok, but hardly the stand out and unique gift you desire.

If this sounds like you, here are some tips to come up with awesome and ultimate unique wedding gift ideas.

Before you start off on your hunt, ask yourself the following questions:

-How well do you know the couple? -What kind of things do they like to do? -What kind of honeymoon will they have? -Are they outgoing? Reserved? Adventuresome? -What kind of lifestyle do they have?

These types of questions can give you ideas for a unique wedding gift that would be a perfect fit for the happy couple.

Here are additional wedding gift ideas to consider:

1. Gift Certificates. Giving a gift certificate for activities the bride and groom can enjoy prior to or after the wedding usually is a great wedding gift idea. For example, a spa coupon would be a much talked about and appreciated pre-wedding gift. Since weddings can be quite stressful, a relaxing day at the spa would be a huge stress releaser.

2. Give a home spa basket. In addition to giving the couple a coupon for the spa, you also could consider purchasing the products yourself and placing them in a special “home spa” basket. Special products to include in the basket can be monogrammed robes, towels, and a few other relaxing items, like candles, bath and body lotions, and of course, some romantic music. Make sure you use scents and music that are their favorites!

3. Give a wooden keepsake box. It is normal for memories to fade as the years go by. Therefore, why not consider a wooden keepsake box? In this special box could go marriage license, special photos, place cards, vows, and all those other special keepsakes that often get lost as time passes. Also, pictures of pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, bachelor or bacherolette parties, honeymoon, rehearsal dinner, etc., could go in the special box.

4. Give a silver picture frame. Think about giving a silver-plated picture frames. The happy couple will love this gift idea! You can engrave the couple’s names and the wedding date for a treasured memory on the picture frame.

5. Give a etched Glass Wedding Invitation – Have their wedding invitation, or other special verse engraved on a glass sculpture. This type of unique wedding gift will be treasured for years to come. Also, you can get the actual invitation, and mount it on a glass plate and finish it with matching colored paint.

6. Give a honeymoon photo album – this could be made out of wood, with a special message like something like “Our Special Honeymoon” engraved on the cover would be a great way to capture memories too!

Now, you are well equipped to give the ultimate unique wedding gift!

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

Monique’s Music Box specializes in inlaid music boxes, musical jewelry boxes, ballerina music boxes, childrens jewelry boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, and more plus interesting music information! 60-Day money back guarantee. Great links as well to other gift sites so you can find the perfect gift for your loved ones. To give the gift of dreams, visit http://www.my-music-box.com

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.

When you chose your wedding day, you probably tried to find a day of significance to both of you. You try to schedule it on a day when your loved ones can be present. You may even consult a special calendar for the days of luck.

Quite often though ladies, we forget to think about when we’re going to have our monthly flow, so sometimes the wedding lands on a red day. If you haven’t set the actual day yet, check your cycle now! It is best to have your nuptials on days 5 to 13 of the menstrual cycle since our hormones are on the up and at ‘em mode.

If you need help to figure out your cycle, you can go visit your doctor. There are even some online software products available that may help you to plot your period and keep track. The sooner you know the pattern the easier to set the date.

It can be quite a drag if your wedding day is on the time of the month, especially if you’re the kind who gets PMS. The cramps can make you cranky on your wedding day. The heels and heat plus backache is a recipe for a very long day. Thank goodness for painkillers! They’ll help you get through the day.

Of course, thanks to modern medicine there are ways to “reset” your period, if you will. Your ob-gyne (not yours truly) can teach this to you. It is one way to avoid the discomfort. The sooner you go see your friendly ob, the better.

Basics to remember if you don’t mind having your monthlies during this important period:

Bring your pain relief medicine and take it when you need to.

Have extra pads (or whatever you use) handy. Since you won’t have a pocket or bag, you can ask your best friend or mother.

Of course, avoidance is always the best policy!

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.