Almost every girl has a picture of her ideal wedding in her mind. She may dream up something that she can visualize when reading fairy tales that end with “…and they live happily ever after.” She sees flowers, ribbons and laces.

However, when her wedding day comes, she may have other considerations on her mind. She still dreams of her ideal wedding but she starts incorporating other subjects that represent her and her groom. Not to mention that the bride also considers the current trends in wedding fashion and decoration. And the most important subject to talk about when choosing decorations – the cost.

Nobody wants to spend the first few months of being married paying of debts made during the wedding preparations. Therefore, the groom-to-be and bride-to-be should be very careful what to spend on. Here are a few things to consider.

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* Personalize the decorations. Not only does this add a personal touch to the celebration but this also cuts down on the cost. For example, if the bride or the groom is a photographer, they may choose having photos from their collection made the main subjects for the reception design. The photos may also be used for invitations and keepsakes,

* Consider renting. Most of the items that will be used for decorations will not be used again. These include the centerpieces, the vases, the arc ways and the artificial flower arrangements. So ask your wedding decorator for options to rent these pieces.

* Kids can get bored during the wedding reception. So instead of having kids seated at the same table with the adults, you can have an area where kids can be more casual and can have a small party of their own.

* For the food during the reception, you may inquire with cooking or culinary arts schools. They may agree to cater for the reception for just the price of the food, or perhaps, a little more. You may also have a pot luck by asking family members and close friends to cook a dish.

* If you wanted to cut down on the cost for the wedding party, you can consider inviting just family or alternatively, invite all those people you want to enjoy your special day with and reduce the variety of food and alcohol. Finger food is also a cheaper option than a full set of meals for the wedding reception guests.

* For the music, you can look for a local college band or DJ. You can also have your favorite songs just downloaded from the Internet and saved to an mp3 player or CD to be played over the speakers during the reception.

* When considering the cost of church decorations, check if there will be another couple that will get married on the same day. They may want to coordinate what decorations can be used for both wedding ceremonies to lessen the need to change decorations before or after the wedding and to split the cost.

Getting married should not be expensive. After all, the essence of marriage is in the union and not in the celebration. You shouldn’t also try too hard to please the guests. Your family and friends are there to rejoice this wonderful event with you and not to criticize your wedding.

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Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. After all, this will be the most important day of her life. This is where she and her groom will pronounce their vow of love for each before their family, relatives and friends. This is so important that even a very good-looking girl wants to look better, or something different from how she looks every day.

Choosing how you should look during a wedding can be very risky. If you were not advised by a professional, this is not the time to try on new make up and hairstyle trends – unless you wanted to end up as one with the worst wedding fashion.

So, to be on the safe side, it is better to enlist the help of a professional stylist to do your makeup and hairstyle.

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Here are some tips to help you on what look you will be having on your wedding day.

* Choose natural-looking makeup, as you don’t want to look heavily painted especially when people come to wish you well. However, you should also make sure that even if you are wearing natural-looking makeup, this still looks well when your picture is taken.

* Get a facial to help eliminate the stress in preparing for the wedding and to cleanse your skin, in preparation for the big day.

* Make sure that you have enough time to prepare your hair. Usually, you may need about six weeks before the wedding to make minor changes to your hair. If you will be changing your hairstyle, hair color, or length, you may need up to six months.

* Make an appointment with a hairdresser recommended by your family and friends, or with your own hairdresser. It is better to bring pictures of the dress, headpiece and the hairstyles that you would like to try. Also, discuss with the hairdresser what will be the appropriate color, texture and the style.

* If you are thinking of having your hair permed or relaxed, ask the hairstylist if he or she thinks this will not damage your hair. Damaged hair will not look good and will be difficult to style. If you wanted to try this, make sure that you still have enough time to experiment and to undo it if it doesn’t look good.

* If you are thinking of dyeing your hair, consider if the color will compliment your skin color and the color of your eyes. It is better to ask the help and suggestions of a professional for this. When dyeing, use a temporary dye first.

* Your hairstyle should go well with the cut of your gown. If you have a simple gown, choose an uncomplicated hairstyle. Choose a hairstyle that will be comfortable and will not be difficult to maintain since you will have a lot of things to take care of on the wedding day.

* If you have short hair, you may add highlights to enhance the richness. You may also have hair treatments or try products that will add shine. You can also try a multi-textured look. Flowers also look good on short hair.

* If you have a long hair, it is suggested that you wear your hair up for an elegant look and to minimize the need for maintaining it, since you will be busy the whole day.

Now that you have these tips, you have more information when your hairstylist starts making suggestions on how to make you look great on your wedding day.

The bonds of matrimony are like any other bonds - they mature slowly — Peter De Vries

I love being married.  It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life — Rita Rudner

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate — Barnett R. Brickner

A long marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the same time — Anne Taylor Fleming

English Law prohibits a man from marrying his mother-in-law.  This is our idea of useless legislation — Author Unknown

Interesting Wedding Fact 1: WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE WEDDING
The world’s most expensive wedding was that of Vanisha Mittal and and her fiancée Amit Bhatia on June 22 2004. The wedding was held at Vaux le Vicomte a 17th-century French chateau on the final day of a 6 day celebration. The estimated cost of the wedding celebration was US$60 million.

Interesting Wedding Fact 2: SOMETING BLUE
In the rhyme ’something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’, “blue” is symbolic of the blood of royalty, since both the bride and the groom were once considered to be “royal” on their wedding day.

Interesting Wedding Fact 3: WEDDING RING FINGER
Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

Interesting Wedding Fact 4: BOUQUET
For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride’s bouquet kept her temper sweet.

Interesting Wedding Fact 5: WHITE WEDDING DRESS
Queen Victoria started the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 — before then, brides simply wore their best dress.

Interesting Wedding Fact 6: CAKE
The wedding cake has always played an important part in the wedding. Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride’s head to symbolize fertility or abundance. Many other cultures dropped wheat, flour or cake on the bride’s head, and then ate the crumbs for good luck. The early British baked baskets of dry crackers, and every guest took one home after the wedding. Eventually, a young baker decided to put all the cakes together and cover them with frosting, thus the tiered wedding cake was born.

Interesting Wedding Fact 7: VEIL
Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.

Interesting Wedding Fact 8: DRESS
Traditionally, brides did not wear white wedding gowns. Through the 18th century, most brides just wore their Sunday best to their wedding. Red was a favorite during the Middle Ages in Europe. Other colors were worn for symbolic reasons: blue meant constancy and green meant youth. As years passed, white was worn as a symbol of purity. Today, white merely symbolizes the wedding and is worn by any bride, no matter if it is their second marriage

Interesting Wedding Fact 9: THROWING RICE
One of the oldest wedding traditions, the custom of throwing rice, originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese. In these cultures, rice is the symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity. Tossing it after the ceremony was believed to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom. Eating rice and other grains was thought to guarantee health, wealth and happiness for the newlyweds.

Interesting Wedding Fact 10: HONEYMOON
The first weddings comprised of a groom taking his bride by capture. He would take her somewhere hidden away so her relatives and villagers couldn’t find them. There they stayed for one moon phase and drank mead, a wine make from honey, to make them more amorous. Thus, the word “honeymoon” was born. Today, the honeymoon is the time when the couple can get away for awhile.

VENDOR TRAP 1: SAVE 10% Do not always take things on face value. Such a headline can be used as a marketing ploy to draw your attention. We have offered such discounts so we are not saying that they are a trap, just that they could be. You are best advised to ask for the best price inc. discount and compare that price to other vendors. We are aware of such practices in Malta and abroad so ensure you shop around.

VENDOR TRAP 2: Purchasing souvenirs/favours from vendors who don’t stock their items. This is one that many couples don’t even realise could be something that causes them much grief when they need it least generally days before the wedding. As a wedding souvenir vendor, we can categorically say, 60% of couples contact us just days before their wedding asking for more souvenirs. When vendors don’t stock their items, couples are faced with the dilemma of purchasing different items just to make up the numbers. More stress when you need it least.

VENDOR TRAP 3: It is very important to discuss your specific requirements with your photographer before booking their services. Many photographers are set in their way when it comes to a process for your special day and this may clash with your ideas. This may suit you as it is one less thing to plan but if you have specific requirements like wanting more candid shots and less posed photos, make sure you do not leave such details until your wedding day as this will most likely be too late.

VENDOR TRAP 4: Booking a venue with a designated caterer. Now this can be a trap but can also be a benefit. It is vitally important to ask questions to really understand the arrangement before you book a wedding venue. You need to fully understand the cost of things like alcohol and soft drinks as even a 20% mark-up on what an independent caterer will charge could cost you hundreds. Vendors may count on the fact you fall in love with the venue and book without due consideration of the hidden costs an aligned caterer may charge.

VENDOR TRAP 5: This can be applied to wedding and in fact all vendors. Be wary of websites and even stores that do not display their prices. Ask yourself this – if their prices were competitive, why wouldn’t they publish their price? At the very least, there is no benefit that can be derived for the customer and in the interest of being up-front and honest, prices should always be displayed.

Money Saving Tip 1: BARGAIN – Make sure you always ask for the ‘best price’ or ‘a discount’. Don’t be embarrassed. The truth is most vendors expect you to ask for a discount. You may not always get a better price but; nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Money Saving Tip 2: OVERTIME RATES – When you agree a price with a vendor, make sure you raise the matter of overtime rates. This is valid for wedding venue, caterer, photographer, videographer, music(band/DJ), security, car hire, professional services (wedding planner, professional best man). While you may have every intention of sticking to a time schedule, this often changes on the night generally at the last minute. One hour overtime could cost you hundreds. Some vendors will even agree no overtime fees which is what you should always request.

Money Saving Tip 3: RETURNS POLICY – Ask vendors if they have a returns policy. This can once again save you hundreds and quite often more. When organising their wedding, couples generally over supply many items as they can not stand the thought of everything not running smoothly. Just imagine running out of alcohol or food? Alcohol companies set the benchmark when it comes to returns. It is almost impossible to get exactly right. If you are one of the 40% ordering too many, souvenir companies should also provide this returns service so make sure to ask the vendor.

Money Saving Tip 4: FLEXIBILITY – Another way to save is to be flexible with the timing of your big day. For example, you could pay about 20% less if you have your reception on a Sunday or Friday. Many vendors, even those who do not advertise cheaper rates for these days will be more open to negotiating a better deal as it is harder to fill these dates with other events.

Money Saving Tip 5: PRIORITY – The venue? The food? The music? The photos? The guest list? Choose what matters most to you, and look for ways to trim other expenses. If you always wanted the perfect venue, book it! It is important to ensure your limited funds are directed to what you want most. It’s just as important though to look at other areas that are not as important and compromise slightly on amount or quality.

Money Saving Tip 6: GUEST LIST – Don’t feel pressured to add names. Politely explain that you’re on a strict budget. Some people may be upset but this is inevitable. You have to draw the line in the sand at some stage. Don’t forget this is your day and ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with your guest list in terms of names and cost.

Money Saving Tip 7: TIMING – For those considering a religious wedding, consider having your event around a major religious holiday or feast. The church will already be decorated saving you money on items like flowers and red carpet. Also, Sunday weddings in peak season often follow a Saturday wedding so once again the church will already be decorated. Always keep in mind that the decoration may not be totally to your taste so you do need to be flexible. We understand this option is not for everyone but if you are on a strict budget, you will not need to go without.

Money Saving Tip 8: ASK – There are so many profesionals at weddings like singers and photographers and they also charge ‘professional’ rates. Think long and hard about those you know. Do you have a cousin or aunt who is a great singer? They would be great for a wedding ceremony and it will help to add a personal touch. How about a friend who completed a professional photography course? If the pennies matter, a lot can be saved by using those you know, as long as they agree off course 

Money Saving Tip 9: DUTY FREE – Taxes on items like alcohol are extremely high. How about a way to pay no tax on alcohol? Most weddings are planned well in advance. Why not ask those you know (and feel comfortable in asking) to bring you back a couple of bottles of alcohol every time they go overseas? Around 30% can be saved on every bottle purchased so well worth some serious thought. Best to buy alcohol that will definitely be consumed like whiskey as your alcohol vendor may offer returns for other items.

Money Saving Tip 10: THE BRIDAL GOWN – Most bridal stores have yearly sales to clear some stock to make way for the new seasons range. Discounts of up to 90% are not uncommon. The new season of wedding gowns are generally introduced to stores in Spring, between April and May. Therefore, ‘the real’ annual sale is usually anywhere from February through to May. This is the BEST time to purchase your dress should you wish to look priceless, for a fraction of the cost.