reblogged: Lower Your Odds for Divorce

original: http://marriage.about.com/od/engagement/a/marriagelast.htm

AgNew research reveals that you can lower your odds of being divorced.

Factors to Lower Your Odds of Divorce

Bronson and Merryman list factors that could help a couple lower their odds of divorce:

• Being at least 25 years old. If you marry before the age of 25, you may have a lack of life experience and communication skills, low incomes, and are getting married for the wrong reasons. Waiting until you are at least 25 years old gives your brain a chance to reach the point of intellectual maturity, also known as the "age of reason."
  Learn more about the Age of Reason.
• If you cohabit, you do so with an intention to marry. If you live together because it is convenient and an economical advantage, moving on to marriage may not be a good idea.
  Pros and cons of living together.
• The bride has a good relationship with her father.Having a good relationship with your dad as you were growing up provides you with good communication skills and the knowledge that you are loved. Women who have problems with their fathers may make inappropriate choices in choosing a spouse.
• The groom shows a willingness to share chores. If you both believe that household chores are a mutual responsibility, you are eliminating a major potential source of conflict in your marriage.
  The importance of sharing household chores.
• You come from a large family. A study from Ohio State University revealed that the social skills learned by dealing with your brothers and sisters can help you have a stable marriage.
• The couple's income together is at least $50,000 a year. Financial problems are the number one reason that couples divorce. When the two of you are stressed over coping with overdue bills, broken dreams, different spending and saving expectations, bill collectors, and fear that you could lose everything, arguments and misunderstandings increase, and your marriage ends up very low on your priority list.
  Financial questions for the two of you to talk about.
• You are purchasing a home, considering purchasing a home, or saving towards the purchase of a home together. Although owning a home can limit the free time a couple has and may create additional financial stress on a couple, the purchase of a home is a sign of a commitment to stay together and to build your future together.
  Just think twice about remodeling a home.
• You have attended or are planning on attending a premarital class. As more churches and communities require couples to have premarital education, new research is showing that these couples have less hurtful conflicts and a higher sense of marital satsifaction.
  Learn more about premarital education.

Will This Marriage Last?

"At the time of a couple's wedding, there are factors already present that can raise the odds of divorce to as high as 70%, or lower it to nearly 20%."

"The first thing to keep in mind is that the divorce rate has stabilized. An average couple now has a 57% chance of seeing their 15th wedding anniversary."

"... Couples who have attended premarital classes or counseling cut their odds of divorce by almost a third. We don't know if the classes actually change the couples, or if those couples are already realistic and savvy to the dangers (which is why they were smart enough to take the class). But premarital counseling might be the best wedding gift any newlyweds can receive."
Source: Will This Marriage Last?, Time.com, June 30, 2006

Why Couples Divorce

Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman state that generally, while infidelity is a "frequent deal-breaker, rich or poor", the reasons couples divorce often reflect their financial situation.

• Well-off Couples: Divorce over personality conflicts.
• Poorer Couples: Divorce over alcoholism, physical abuse, and money problems.

From the posts on our Marriage Forums, a lot of couples, regardless of their financial status, are divorcing due to mis-matched sexual libidos.

If you are considering getting married or know a couple with thoughts of marriage, make sure you read this great article by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman at Time.com.e, Sharing Chores, Siblings, and Money Can All Help Lower the Odds

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

reblogged: Last Chance to Win a Vacation to Jamaica from Couples Resorts

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/last-chance-to-win-a-vacation-to-jamaica-from-couples-resorts/

So I know I’ve already mentioned it a couple of times, but seriously why haven’t you entered yet? Do you have something against an all-inclusive vacay to a gorgeous beach? I get it. You’re busy right now. You have to take down the tree and go for a walk to burn off the third (okay, twenty-third) sugar cookie you ate last week and find something to wear for that New Year’s party. All valid. But entering the contest doesn’t take long at all.

And it will be time well spent if you win. You will be able to leave all that post-holiday, pre-tax season stress behind and relax in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica for 7 nights.  At Couples, you can choose to fill those days with tons of fun activities and excursions, or you can do absolutely nothing but sit in a beach chair with an umbrella drink.  Personally, I’d go for the latter.

So, pretty please enter this contest. You deserve it.

reblogged: 7 Genius DIY Projects For A New Year’s Eve Wedding (Or Any Party!)

original: http://blog.theknot.com/2013/12/27/7-genius-diy-projects-for-a-new-years-eve-wedding-or-any-party/

By: Bridget Clegg

A New Year’s Eve wedding should be the ultimate party! Use lots of metallic details and mix in fun treats for your guests, like edible escort cards and foodie favors. Make your own festive additions to the party with the DIY wedding tutorials below, from the one-step homemade cake topper to a minty favor for those midnight kisses. (Hint: these projects work just as well for a New Years Eve party, too!)

Sparkly Pipe Cleaner Cake Topper

All it takes is a straw and sparkly pipe cleaners to create these fully customizable cake toppers! Use your monogram, write out your wedding date or create a design in hearts. 

Popcorn Escort Card With Glittery Clothespin

It’s an edible escort card! Apply glue to the front of a wooden clothespin and dip in silver glitter. Repeat for each guest, then clip simple black and white escort cards to white paper bags. Fill with a light snack like kettle corn, trail mix or peanuts for guests to eat while they settle into the reception.

Metallic Spray Paint Vases

To create these gilded beauties buy inexpensive cylindrical glass vases in bulk from a floral supply store. Then, use painter’s tape to create vertical, horizontal and diagonal stripes of various widths and cover with metallic spray paint. Follow this step-by-step guide to do it!

Gold Paper Table Runner

Decorate your head or dessert table with a glitzy geometric table runner! Use a punch with glittery paper to create the circles, then hot glue the shapes together.

Match & Sparkler Send-Off Set

Tie personalized matchbooks to a few sparkler sticks so guests are prepared for the send-off and can leave with a token of your gratitude. Order your personalized matches at The Knot Shop and simply tie twine around the sparklers and use a dot of hot glue to complete this easy project.

Flower Girl Confetti Crowns

Make a flower crown for your flower girl by bending wire into a circle, applying hot glue to the outside edge of the wire and dipping the edge in shiny confetti. Stack a few outside of a top bun for the chic look above. Use this photo tutorial to help you make them!

Personalized Tic Tac Favors

Print off these cute custom labels and adhere to Tic Tac boxes for a functional favor. Make sure your guests get them before midnight!

A Stunning Classic Prom Dress Good For You

Prom is a semiformal dance or gathering of high school students. This event is typically held near the end of the senior year. Prom figures greatly in popular culture and is a major event among high school students. High school juniors attending the prom may call it "junior prom" while high-school seniors may call it "senior prom" or "senior ball". In practice, this event may be a combined junior/senior dance. 

If you want to attract eyeballs at the party, a stunning prom dress is necessary! Cut away sides and a daring open back trimmed in beaded accents gives this sexy sequin gown for prom a look that will have heads turning. A seductive long prom dress in black or red with a low cut V-neckline and a slim fits skirt with a flirtatious side slit and small train from the designers at Mori Lee.

http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD745205

Prom Dresses in 2014 on dressv.com

Want to see the latest prom dresses of the new year? Want to impress at prom in the coming new year? Want to buy yourself a new year present? Go to dressv.com. Many newly fashionable prom dresses are at discount. No matter what style or fabric or color you like, you can always find one here.

We all know that at prom, boys usually dress in black or white formal wear, regardless of the time of the event, sometimes paired with brightly colored ties or bow ties with vests, in some cases in colors matching their date’s dress. Most are rented from stores that specialize in formal wear rentals.

Girls wear traditional ladies' dresses or gowns and wear ladies’ jewellery such as earrings and a necklace. Traditionally girls wear perfume, and make-up such as eyeshadow, lipstick and blush. Traditionally girls also wear a corsage, given to them by their dates, and girls give boys matching boutonnières to be worn on their lapels.

The prom dresses for girls are the main part of the prom. Therefore, it is very important to pick up the right prom dress for girls. To say right means the prom dress will make you look amazing, showing the characteristics of you, revealing the best part of you. What do you expect for the coming year? A new fashionable prom dress may be the best gift for your new year celebration. Girls who want to give an impression of elegant may have a long prom dress for the prom. We have many styles on dressv.com. If you want to have one, here will be your best choice. The perfect prom dresses will at your hand. 

see more on http://www.dressv.com/prom-dresses-2014-c103441/ 

reblogged: Need a Kick of Energy? Try a Smoothie!

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/need-a-kick-of-energy-try-a-smoothie/

As much as I love sugar cookies and apple cider and mincemeat pie (yes, I am one of thosecrazies), all of that indulging has me feeling a little sluggish. And although I am not yet a huge green smoothie fan (it’s a goal for next year), I do love those like the purple sunrise smoothie and am always down for some mixed berry.

Click on the links below for recipes to each one of these delicious glassfuls. Enjoy!

reblogged: Creating Memorable Anniversary Celebrations

original: http://marriage.about.com/od/anniversaries/ss/createanniv.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

Your wedding day was the day the two of you celebrated with family and friends the beginning of your marriage. Your anniversary celebrations celebrate the continuation of your love for one another throughout the years.

Each and every wedding anniversary deserves to be celebrated in a memorable way. When you celebrate your wedding anniversary each year it is an annual renewal of your commitment to one another.

Here are ideas to help you create memorable wedding anniversaries for you and your spouse.

Wedding day mementos are saved by many couples. Here are a few ways you can use them on your anniversaries.

• Save the top layer of your wedding cake and share it with one another on your first wedding anniversary.
• Melt the candles that were used at your wedding ceremony or reception into one big candle that you can light each year on your anniversary date.
• If you saved or dried your wedding bouquet, use it as a centerpiece for any anniversary dinners that you have at home.
• You probably have a pile of unused napkins from your wedding reception. Use them on your anniversaries, especially on your paper (first) anniversary.

A great way to celebrate your anniversary is to figure out a way to be alone together for the weekend.

Planning a weekend away isn't something you should do every year on your anniversary. However, having a weekend away together on your wedding anniversary provides you with the opportunity to reassess where you've been, where you're going, and to renew your commitment to each other in a special location.

• Consider this time away together as a mini second, fifth, tenth, etc. honeymoon!
• You could also attend a marriage enrichment workshop or a marriage encounter weekend on your anniversary.

reblogged: The Best Dressed Brides of 2013

original: http://blog.theknot.com/2013/12/20/the-best-dressed-brides-of-2013/

By: Jennie Ma

One of the best parts of my job as fashion editor here at The Knot is that I get to see the gorgeous wedding gowns from the runways on you beautiful real brides. You all know how to put a personalized twist on the dress and make it your own. Here are some of the best dressed brides that I’ve spotted this year.

Helena’s Modern Chic Style

Photo by Sofia Negron

Making a major style statement was one of Helena’s fashion goals for her wedding. To do that, she picked a Pronovias gown with a one-shoulder neckline made of dramatic ruffles. The trumpet-style silhouette started with a darted bodice and was curve-hugging all the way to her knees, flaring into a three-tiered skirt with a sweeping train. There wasn’t a stitch of beading — only thick fabric and modern lines. Helena wore one statement piece of jewelry: custom champagne diamond earrings, made for her by her jeweler groom.

Amber’s Whimsical Wedding Dress

Photo by Ciara Richardson Photography

Amber found her bridal inspiration from Kate Moss’s whimsical English-countryside wedding. She loved the romantic style of the wedding and, to echo that element, wore a delicate formfitting gown with long lace sleeves that was custom-made. She topped her ethereal look with a colorful floral crown that matched her overgrown bouquet for a feminine yet slightly wild-child feel. She kept her hair natural with loose waves and added subtle cat-eye makeup for some playful drama.

Lauren’s Timeless Elegance

Photo by Justin DeMutiis Photography

Throughout her planning, Lauren kept one question in mind: Will I like this in 50 years? As a result, her style choices were traditional and timeless. A longtime admirer of Monique Lhuillier, Lauren had her eye on the Catherine gown. She fell in love with the classic A-line skirt, intricate lace details and scalloped neckline. To make it her own, she shortened the sleeves to three-quarter length and added a crystal and chiffon sash. She wore her hair in an elegant low bun and topped it off with a cathedral-length veil.

From the album: A Classic Timeless Wedding in Tampa, FL

Photo by Chenin Boutwell

An unconventional bride, Belinda knew she wanted an edgy wedding gown but was looking for one that would still allow her to “feel like me.” True to her ways, she let her fiancé choose the silhouette of the gown — his request was a slim-fitting dress–and fell in love at first sight with, not a white, but a blushVera Wang dress. She was concerned that the exposed boning would be a bit too out-there even for her, so she softened the look by adding a simple rhinestone belt.

Gabrielle’s Glamourous Ruffles

Photo by Gavin Wade Photographers

Gabrielle was looking for a wedding gown that was chic yet different. Her search ended when she laid eyes on this multitiered-ruffle gown by Oscar de la Renta. The dress was playful enough that it mirrored her personality, but also made a serious fashion statement. Gabrielle knew that with so much going on with her dress, her hair, makeup and jewelry needed to be understated. She chose a simple floral clip paired with a cathedral veil that was handmade by her friend’s mother.

Karen’s Classic Vintage Gown

Photo by Heather Waraksa

Karen went into wedding planning with a specific style in mind: classic vintage. So a romantic lace gown by Monique Lhuillier was an easy choice to fit that look. Delicate cap sleeves gave the dress an old-world quality, while the fitted silhouette added a serious dose of glamour. Karen wore her hair loose and sideswept, accented with a Sara Gabriel feather-and-rhinestone hair clip. She stayed away from dramatic red lips and dark eyes, and instead kept her makeup palette pretty and peachy.

Kelly’s Bohemian Style

Photo by Braedon Photography

Kelly knew her wedding wouldn’t conform to traditional styles. Rather than focus on a color palette, she used words such as whimsical and bohemian as her inspiration and style guidelines. Kelly achieved her vintage vision with DIY touches. With the help of designer Miss Tashina, she brought her dream lace-and-chiffon wedding dress to life, complete with romantic cap sleeves and cream-colored accents. She created a one-of-a-kind headpiece using flea market finds such as a brooch and old chain necklaces.

Jess’s Art Deco Dress

Photo by Redfield Photography

Jess admits that she was skeptical when she started dress shopping. She wasn’t sure she would find anything that fit her style and didn’t want a gown that looked too bridal. But then she laid eyes on a Jenny Packham gown with gold accents and knew it was the one. The vintage style with ornate beading, sequins, gems and appliqués made her feel like a starlet in an old Hollywood film. She kept her accessories simple, since the dress was covered head to toe in embellishments.

Beth’s Golden Sheath

Photo by Michelle Gardella Photography

Originality was everything for this fashion-forward bride — her only style mantra was to forget all the rules. Beth started out looking for gold dresses for her bridesmaids, but when she saw this David Meister gown, she knew it was “the one.” So she decided to flip tradition and put her bridesmaids in ivory gowns, while she wore gold. To keep her accessories minimal, Beth added three gold pavé bracelets and a beaded headband to complete her look.

Allison’s Vintage-inspired Style

Photo by EE Photography

Earthy, romantic and vintage-classic were the adjectives Allison used to describe the look she was going for. Since she also wanted her style to be timeless, she knew early on that her dress would be lace. But instead of the standard ball gown, Allison opted for a formfitting Enzoani trumpet-style silhouette to add a hint of sex appeal. She played up the classic dress with dramatic vintage-inspired touches like a retro feathered birdcage veil, a flirty ruffled bolero and a glamorous bold-red lipstick.

Lindsay’s Rustic Charm

Photo by Leah McCormick

For Lindsay’s engagement shoot, she wanted to match the woodsy vibe of her wedding location — the foothills of California. The resulting style was a unique blend of airy romance and rustic whimsy. Lindsay found an ivory chiffon gown at a vintage store, added a pair of rugged riding boots and topped off the look with a borrowed feather capelet. She kept her hair and makeup similarly natural and charming — with textured waves and barely pink lips.

Julia’s Dramatic Dress

Photo by Orlando of CLY CREATION

Julia drew all of her design inspiration from her venue — a lavishly romantic rococo-style mansion. She admits that her Ysa Makino dress would have been over-the-top anywhere else, but it perfectly fit the theme of her turn-of-the-century setting. Because of the textural floral appliqués and heavy beadwork, she decided not to wear a necklace and completed the look with a set of sparkly earrings. She continued the floral motif from her dress with a single silk flower accenting her sideswept bun.

Embellished Dresses For The Bridesmaid

Everything in our world is а decoration to some other things. Many things should get some embellishments, then it will become beautiful even unique among the entire same thing that without decorations. Therefore dresses also have been affected by these small and tiny decorations. As we know there are several common adornments on wedding dresses, such as beading accents, sequins, ruffles and bow. 

This time а embellished dress will be introduced in this article. The bridesmaid dress is made of chiffon that feels comfortable. Modern and slimming, this gorgeous long chiffon one-shoulder dress has all the right accents. One-shoulder is adorned with elegant flower details for an updated look that is on trend. Bodice features asymmetrical neckline and all over ruching to keep this silhouette flattering and streamlined. Chiffon skirt flows effortlessly to create a soft and romantic look.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Chiffon-Dress-with-Floral-Detail-and-One-Shoulder-F14010_Bridal-Party-Bridesmaids-Embellished-Dresses

White Wedding Gloves on dressv.com

The opera glove has enjoyed varying popularity in the decades since World War I, being most prevalent as a fashion accessory in the 1940s through the early 1960s (long gloves were an important accessory of Christian Dior's "New Look" designs), but continues to this day to be popular with women who want to add a particularly elegant touch to their formal outfits, and have enjoyed minor revivals in fashion design on several occasions in recent years (they were very prominent, for example, in haute couturecollections for the fall/winter 2007 season). Opera gloves continue to be popular accessories for bridal, prom, and debutante gowns and at very formal ballroom dances (to this day, for example, it is mandatory for female participants at the Vienna Opera Ball to wear white opera gloves) and are often worn by entertainers such as can-candancers and burlesque performers (particularly to perform a gown-and-glove dance). In popular culture, probably the two best-known images incorporating opera gloves are those of Rita Hayworth in "Gilda" (1946) and Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). (Actress Audrey Hepburn was also known for glove-wearing on- and off-screen, but the style of glove she popularized is a type of coat-sleeve-length or three-quarters-length glove, rather than true opera-length.)

In Japan, ladies wear long gloves all day in summer, to protect the ideal irojiro , or fair skin, which represents beauty, grace, and high social status (as well as purity and divinity in local religions), thus many Japanese ladies avoid any form of tanning. It is the same case in many other Asian countries. They think fair skin is most beautiful. So white is definitely a popular color in those countries. Now on dressv.com we have all the styles and fabrics of wedding gloves you may need. The most important is they are all at a reasonable price but with a good quality. You will never regret going and seeing on that site. Just do not wait. You can find your perfert ivory wedding gloves here. 

see more on http://www.dressv.com/wedding-gloves-c103426/

reblogged: 5 Signs Your Relationship Needs Some TLC

original: http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2013/12/signs-relationship-needs-tlc-help.html

Relationships are works-in-progress, and no one has a perfect one. But if you're worried that yours is heading into troubled waters, here are a few red flags to watch for.

1. You don't kiss as much. Remember when you first were getting to know each other? The kissing was off the charts! Yes, you're beyond the initial stage of infatuation with your husband, but if you're not kissing regularly and feeling the old spark, experts say that can be a bad sign. The happiest couples kiss daily, and often. So pucker up!

2. You rarely hold hands. Hand holding may just seem like a simple, sweet show of affection, but it's actually quite powerful. In fact, research shows that in relationships, the more that couples touch, the more connected they feel. If you've gotten out of the hand-holding habit, consider reaching for his hand in small moments: while he's cooking dinner, or under the table at a restaurant, or when the two of you are walking the dog together.

3. The laughter has diminished. Relationship experts know that not only is joy the secret to a happy life, but also the secret to a happy relationship. If you're not laughing together as much, fix that fast. When something funny happens in your day, instead of letting it slip away and become forgotten, make a mental note to go home and share it with your husband. Think of laughter and joy as something that must be constantly cultivated and refreshed, and you'll be surprised at how much happier the two of you feel as a couple.

4. Things are feeling stagnant. Maybe you've gone to the same restaurant for date night three months in a row. Or perhaps the conversation in the evening just feels a little lifeless. Fix that, stat! The best antidote for stagnancy is change, and whether it's an exciting new date night plan (with a great massage at the end!), or just making over your bedroom, infuse fresh life into your routines and you'll be surprised at how it can improve your relationship.

5. One of you is growing/changing, the other is not. Perhaps you've had an incredible year at work, and his has been so-so. Or maybe he's spending all of his time getting fit and you're less interested in the gym. That's OK, of course, but it can be dangerous when one partner grows without the other. The more you can grow together, the better. So if his career is floundering, and yours is thriving, his active search for better career possibilities (even simple-goal making) can be a sign of growing with you; or if he's become a gym rat, consider tagging along once in a while or suggest trying a new sport together.

—Sarah Jio

reblogged: Romantic Hair and Makeup Inspiration for Every Type of Bride

original: http://www.mywedding.com/articles/romantic-hair-and-makeup-inspiration-for-every-type-of-bride/

Sometimes a girl needs a little beauty inspiration! Our friends at RawwBeauty Makeup Artistry and j.woodbery photography put together this lovely compilation of bridal hair and makeup looks. Enjoy!

For this dramatic, couture look (above), they took the brides curls and teased them into a shorter bob.  Not makeup for wallflowers, she also has a bright pink lip and bold eye makeup.

Prefer a more natural approach? This is the perfect look for brides that don’t normally wear a lot of makeup. Her hair is done with a loose braid along the side, and left down with big waves.

This retro look is so much fun! Classic red lipstick and black wing-lined eyes are always a cool way to go for a retro shindig.  Raww Beauty gave the bride a combination of a bouffant and low ponytail.

reblogged:New Year's Resolutions for Your Marriage

original: http://marriage.about.com/cs/newyears/a/newyearsresol.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

If you make New Year's resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution together that will benefit your marriage.

Old Familiar Urges

This is the time of year that you may get those old familiar urges to make a resolution to make change in your lives, to do better, to be better, to love more, to get out of debt, etc.

This is good. To a point.

Too often good intentions and resolutions turn out to be rather large failures and you may think less of yourself. This is not a good way to start a new year. Additionally, your own or your spouse's poor self-image can have a very negative impact on your marriage.

Making a Couple Resolution

Aside from your personal resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution that will enhance your marriage. Here are resolutions that could help your marriage relationship.

Before making any resolutions, either personal or as a couple, consider using these guidelines so that you are successful this year.

• Pick only one or two resolutions.
• Make sure that your resolutions are achievable.
• Your resolutions should not depend on anyone else or on the two of you receiving a financial windfall, etc.
• Make the time frame for your resolution a short one. Three weeks to a month is plenty long.
• Share your plans with someone else for encouragement, support, and challenge.
• Reward yourselves when you are successful.
• Re-evaluate at the end of the time period. Decide if you want to continue the resolution or look for a new one.

Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Junior bridesmaid dress, just as its name implies, it is just designed for junior bridesmaids or just for little girls. Little girls are a symbol of youth and vigor, therefore in a wedding the junior bridesmaids is the essential part.  So selecting bridesmaid dress becomes an important and necessary task for preparing a wedding.

This time а blue Satin and Chiffon Ball Gown will Ьe introduced in this article. The junior bridesmaid dress is made of chiffon. In my opinion junior bridesmaid dress with scoop neckline is the best one that matches with the junior Bridesmaids. As we know junior bridesmaids are little girls, only scoop neckline could exude the inner emotion of these little girls.

Charming satin and chiffon ball gown is elegant but youthful, perfect for your junior bridesmaid. Chiffon spaghetti strap bodice features fun flower detail along scoop neckline. Ruched waist flows into a floor-length satin skirt. Matches back to any of our satin or chiffon bridesmaids’ dresses. This style features an adjustable fit for added flexibility and comfort with fewer alterations.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Satin-and-Chiffon-Ball-Gown-with-Flower-Detail-JB4062_Bridal-Party-Bridesmaids-Junior-Bridesmaids

Cheap Flower Girl Dresses on dressv.com

A Flower Girl can refer to a participant in a wedding procession. Flower Girls are usually members of the Bride's or Bridegroom's extended family, but may also be friends. During the wedding procession, flower girl is usually walking through the aisle with her partner, who is called Ring Bearers and Page Boy. They are usually wearing the same color theme as brides and groom.

Typically, the flower girl walks in front of the bride during an entrance processional. She may spread flower petals on the floor before the bride or carry a bouquet of flowers. Her dressing resembles that of the bride. At the time of Roman Empire flower girls were young virgins carrying a sheath of wheat during the wedding ceremony. It was believed that this would bring prosperity to the bride and groom. During the Renaissance flower girls use to carry the strands of garlic. This was based on superstition that garlic keeps away evil spirits and bad luck.

Historically, the clothing is provided by the families of the bride and groom, but most modern couples expect the parents of the flower girl to pay for her clothing and other expenses related to her participation.

Do you know the history of flower girls? As far back as the Roman Empire, Flower Girls have been an essential part of the bridal party, accompanying the bride on her way to the altar. The Romans had a young virgin carry a sheath of wheat during the wedding ceremony to bring prosperity to the bride and groom. Special herbs were scattered about to bring fertility to the newlywed couple.

Since brides were very young in those days, the flower girls were always younger relations of the bride. They could be her sister, her cousin, or any extended family member. This showed the importance of family ties, and was a way to honor the bride and groom.

see more on http://www.dressv.com/flower-girl-dresses-c103402/ 

reblogged: The Empty Nest Syndrome in Your Marriage

original: http://marriage.about.com/cs/midlife/a/emptynest.htm

By Sheri & Bob Stritof

The Sad News

The sad news is that there has been a steady increase in the number of divorces among couples married 30 or more years. Many long-term married couples divorce one another after the kids leave home.

They realize too late that their children kept them together. Other couples divorce during the empty nest years because they can't handle the health issues and the sense of an uncertain future along with being overwhelmed by too much togetherness.

The Good News

The good news is that with good communication and preparation for this phase of your marriage, the empty nest years can be tremendously enjoyable and full of new beginnings.

So now that the kids have left home, what comes next?

After the kids have left home, you will notice some changes in your home and lives. Some are great, some are sad. Being aware of what's different and how those makes you feel is an important step in avoiding the negative aspects of the empty nest syndrome.

Share your feelings and awarenesses with one another.

• You may feel a sense of emptiness and loneliness.
• You are delighted to see emails from your kids or have them call you.
• Your grocery bills are lower.
• Abandoned pets need feeding.
• There's food in the refrigerator.
• The house stays clean.
• You look forward to receiving pictures from the kids.
• You only have to wash clothes and towels once a week.
• Your calendar is often just as busy as it ever was, but it is filled with fun things to do with one another.
• Your home is quiet.
• There's hot water when you want it.
• The phone rings less.
• Your water bill takes a dive.
• You can use the computer whenever you want.
• Your attic is full of boxes of the kids' mementoes and belongings they need stored for awhile.
• You may keep some of your kids' favorite stuffed animals or toys where you can see them.
• You notice that when the kids visit, you have to pick up the pace of your life again during their stay.
• You can make love on the living room sofa in the middle of the day.

reblogged: Showstopping Statement Heels

Admittedly, most of these shoes’ price tags are closer to those on pieces of art than your typical pair of heels. But seriously, if you were ever going to drop a paycheck on a pair of shoes, is there a better occasion than your wedding?  These are some seriously glamorous heels. I am usually a flats sort of gal, but any of these might just convert me!  So, put aside the practical part of you and indulge in a little sparkly shoe fantasy!