Bridal

In-season flowers make striking bouquets for fall weddings. (NewsUSA) — Caterers, event halls and wedding planners are gearing up for fall wedding season, one of the busiest times of the year for hopeful couples. Fall guarantees exquisite photo opportunities without the heat of summer — and the wealth of in-season decorations are beautiful and affordable. In fact, September and October are the most popular and third most popular months for weddings, respectively. If you're planning a fall wedding this season, read on for … [Read more...] about Find wedding bliss this fall

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Creating a comfortable home with your new spouse may require some compromise. (NewsUSA) — Some brides-to-be might find it hard to think beyond the intense planning that a wedding requires. But beyond the pomp and circumstance of the big day, it's important to think ahead to mergers — not the corporate kind, but the merging of styles and décor to set up a home the bride and groom will both love. Forget Mars and Venus. Men are from the planet of mismatched furniture and floor coverings, while women … [Read more...] about Before you marry, meld and merge a perfectly accessorized home

Photo courtesy of Margaux & Associates, LLC Clara and Eugene Smith celebrated their 71st anniversary Jan. 31. DEARBORN — “We’ve always done things together,” said Eugene Smith, when asked about the secret to his happy marriage with wife Clara and their 71 years of Valentine’s Day celebrations. The Smiths marked their 71st wedding anniversary on Jan. 31, two weeks before Valentine’s. Unlike their 50th anniversary celebration which included a trip to China, this year the Dearborn couple shared cake with their friends and … [Read more...] about Couple celebrates 71 Valentine’s Days together

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Grooms, make a platinum promise on your wedding day. (NewsUSA) — Congratulations to all you soon-to-be grooms. Now that your wedding is only months away, your jewelry collection — just a watch, huh? — is about to increase by as much as 50 percent. Meaning, it's time to start thinking about what kind of wedding band you want for yourself. Wedding bands have become the norm for men in recent years Ninety-seven percent of grooms in The Knot Market Intelligence's "2011 Engagement & Jewelry Study" … [Read more...] about The man’s guide to selecting wedding bands

Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Brides and grooms are opting for getaway honeymoon cruises. (NewsUSA) — There are 2.5 million weddings in the United States each year, and the weddings business is a $40 billion annual industry, including the ceremony, reception, bachelor(-ette) parties and honeymoon. Increasingly, newlyweds are opting for a cruise for a cost-effective and carefree honeymoon. About 5,000 weddings and vow renewals happen on cruises every year, and cruises now account for 15 percent of all honeymoons. The inclusive … [Read more...] about Honeymooners are opting for the romance, adventure of cruises

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Family Features) Preparing for the big day means planning a multitude of details; everything from the flower arrangements to that something blue must be decided upon well in advance of the ceremony. Here are some tips to help ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. The Big Decisions The decision to get married is the first of many big decisions you will be making in the weeks and months to come. Here are some things to consider right away: • Pick a date. Talk with your fiancé and … [Read more...] about Engaged? Start Planning Now!

(Family Features) For engaged couples, it can seem as if there are a million things to accomplish before the big day arrives. One essential piece of the wedding puzzle involves creating a registry that makes it easy for guests to celebrate your union with gifts that reflect your personality as a couple. Before Building Your Registry It’s no wonder why guests love the ease and simplicity of a gift registry. But many couples may not know where to begin when setting out to create this useful list. Here are some helpful pointers from … [Read more...] about Wedding Registry 101

Photo courtesy of American Greetings Products Ordinary household items like ribbon, yarn, buttons and recycled greeting cards can make any gift extraordinary. Family Features Editorial Syndicate If you’ve been to a wedding shower recently, you’ve probably noticed the time-honored tradition is changing. The typical Sunday afternoon gathering of ladies playing word games and snacking on pastel Jordan almonds has been replaced by sophisticated themed evenings. And sometimes men are invited too! “We monitor trends in both … [Read more...] about Not your mother’s shower; Trend spotter offers tips for a hip bridal shower

(Family Features) Pamper your wedding guests with a special keepsake they can treasure. After all, you want to thank each and every one of them for sharing in your special moment. It’s also a fun way for them to remember the celebration long after the wedding day is over. Here are a few ideas to spoil your guests: Place a small silver bell at each place setting, and then observe the tradition of kissing your new spouse each time one rings. Fill favor boxes or organza bags with a sweet treat, such as Jordan almonds or pillow … [Read more...] about Charitable Gift Makes a Unique Wedding Favor