Put More You into Your Wedding Day
(Family Features) A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love.
Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine.
The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.
Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music.
Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up.
Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart.
Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.
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0 0 Share This Read Time:2 MinuteUpgrade Your Outdoor Living SpaceTransforming your backyard into a true extension of your home’s living space is a relatively easy way to add usable square footage and increase the enjoyment of your home. Making outdoor upgrades is also a scalable project, meaning you can do as little or as much as your budget allows and continue enhancing the space over time.Start planning how you’ll create a backyard paradise with these ideas from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI):Living SpaceLiving rooms and kitchens are among the most popular choices for upgrading a patio space. This approach allows you to take entertaining outdoors with a welcoming environment that blends the comforts of indoor spaces with the ability to appreciate the sights and sounds of the outdoors.Comfy seating is a must, but beyond that, the options are nearly endless. You might install a grilling station or even a full kitchen setup that offers the same benefits of an open floorplan indoors. You could add a fireplace for character and warmth, and even integrate a pizza oven if your family enjoys a cheesy homemade pie. A bar puts refreshing beverages in easy reach, while a water feature lends to a calming ambiance.Before you get started, narrow down the many choices by defining how you want to use the space. Know whether your goal is to create a relaxing retreat, add entertaining space, or work in another function that fits your family’s needs.Upgrade Your Outdoor Living SpaceEntertainmentCreating an indoor setting outside can also mean bringing comfortable elements like entertainment outdoors. Typical outdoor entertainment technologies include music and speaker systems, lighting, all-weather televisions, and theater systems. Speaker systems are becoming more invisible as they blend into the landscaping as rocks or planters.However, not all outdoor products are able to withstand all weather conditions. For example, some products are marketed for indoor and outdoor use, but they’re not constructed to withstand extreme temperatures all year. Do your research to ensure your products are appropriate for your environment.Remodelers should also be mindful of the placement of the speaker systems, so as not to disturb the neighbors and to maximize enjoyment for the homeowner.Functional FeaturesEntertainment aside, there are some options for upgrading your backyard space that is as practical as they are enjoyable. For example, adding paved walkways lends both aesthetic appeal and a clear path for traveling from one section of the yard to the next. This is especially advantageous for high-traffic areas, where frequent trips might otherwise damage the lawn. The material can either complement or match the surface of the finished patio space, particularly if you choose an option like stone or pavers.Other functional features you might consider include fire pits, which can lend warmth on a cool day, and lush vegetation, which can contribute both character and shade to space. If you live in an especially warm region, installing a cooling mist system can extend the usability of your area well into summer.When it comes to customizing your space, particularly if it’s smaller, you can get creative with clever multi-purpose features like benches with built-in planters and tables with hidden drink wells for icing down beverages.Find more ideas for upgrading your outdoor space at RemodelingDoneRight.com.SOURCE:National Association of the Remodeling IndustryAre you ready for your wedding?Ezz Jazz put your soul into it.
ShareOriginally posted on June 15, 2019 @ 3:04 pmShare ThisRelated Posts:Upgrade Your Outdoor Living SpaceFrame your outdoor spaceProtecting Your Outdoor Space in the OffseasonWhat’s next in outdoor living? Top 10 trends for 2020Projects falling for outdoor living in FallAn Easy, Stylish Decorating Upgrade
0 0 Share This Read Time:2 MinuteSimple Steps for Back-to-School SuccessFinding new clothes and gathering pens, pencils, notebooks, and other supplies are always part of the back-to-school fun, but there are other needs and wants to consider when another school year rolls around.This year, make sure you send your student to the classroom with everything he or she requires for a successful transition at any age. From providing cleaner water and better at-home or dorm room organization to nutritious snacks and the latest tech, consider these all-important ideas for enhancing the schooltime experience.Find more tips for a smoother, simpler back-to-school season at eLivingToday.com. Drink SmarterEnsure your kids drink smarter this school year by providing cleaner, healthier, great-tasting water from an option like the PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System. It’s certified to reduce more than 70 contaminants, including 99 percent of lead – more than any other brand, according to NSF. Filling up a reusable water bottle with filtered water is also an economical, environmentally friendly way to help your kids stay hydrated all day long. Learn more at PUR.com.Simple Steps for Back-to-School SuccessSeating and StorageDuring school season, odds and ends can tend to clutter living spaces. Clean up your child’s shoes, toys, books, school supplies and more with an option like ClosetMaid’s Cubeicals 3-Cube Bench, perfect for adding extra storage for home organization, especially in areas like entryways, playrooms and bedrooms. With a multi-functional storage space featuring three cubbies, the bench is available in multiple colors and can act as both a seating area and organizer. Find more information at ClosetMaid.com. A Desirable Lunchtime DipPacking an everyday lunch is part of the back-to-school routine, and you can make it a fun and flavorful one for your little learner with options like Sabra Hummus Singles, a plant-based snack perfect for kids. Ideal for pairing with lunchbox classics like carrots, cucumbers, tortilla chips or pretzels, they’re available in Classic and Roasted Red Pepper flavors to make lunchtime a cinch or simplify after-school snacking. Find more lunchbox inspiration at sabra.com.Customizable Dorm Room StorageIf you’re looking for extra storage space in your dorm room, consider an option like the Closet Maximizer from ClosetMaid. Featuring four shelves and an adjustable, double-hang rod, the system takes about 30 minutes to install and requires no tools. You can further customize the system to fit your needs with accessories like decorative fabric bins and wire baskets, plus it’s portable enough to be reused in another room if you move. Find more information at ClosetMaid.com.Today’s Tech NecessityWhile schools and universities across the country become more advanced and reliant on technology in the classroom, make sure your child is up-to-date with a laptop that fulfills his or her educational needs. Available in multiple sizes with varying capabilities, there’s almost certainly a laptop that fits your student’s specific requirements. Between internet research, completing coursework, notetaking and far more, the right laptop can aid in the educational experience while making you an A-plus parent.SOURCE: https://www.pur.com/ https://closetmaid.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/closetmaid-us/graycushionbench https://sabra.com/ https://closetmaid.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/closetmaid-usWedding Day
ShareOriginally posted on June 17, 2019 @ 10:31 pmShare ThisRelated Posts:4 Steps for DIY Paint Project SuccessSimple Steps for More Family TimeBack-to-School Food Fit for the FamilyPrepare Your Kids to Head Back to SchoolEase Kids Back into School with ConfidenceCreating a Stable Back-to-School Routine for Children
1 0 Share This Read Time:2 Minute5 Tips to Enhance Your Wedding Decor5 Tips to Enhance Your Wedding DecorWedding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can help add more flair for the big day.Use a natural venue. Many couples choose wedding venues that require immense amounts of decorations, but a venue with organic scenery or a beautiful view can help alleviate the stress. Consider having the ceremony near a garden or beach with enough natural surroundings to keep guests in awe.Make the cake a centerpiece. Wedding cakes are almost guaranteed to be filled with flavor, but they can also serve as a decorative centerpiece for the reception. Choosing a cake topped with flowers, highlighting bright colors and placing it in a prominent spot at the reception can grab guests’ attention while also keeping them eager for a bite.Choose table accessories that pop. Leave guests in amazement as they make their way to their seats for the reception with beautifully decorated tables. Table accessories can be anything ranging from patterned table runners to flowers in full-bloom placed in simple, elegant vases. If you are not having a formal sit-down reception, try using paper lanterns or hanging flowers from the ceiling to create an eye-catching atmosphere to remember.Add classic lighting. At times, finding the right lighting to match the mood of a wedding venue can be tricky. In this case, less may actually be more. Try opting for a classic candlelit ceremony or reception to create a more romantic setting. This can save both money and countless hours spent attempting to configure elaborate light fixtures, and also provide a timeless feel.Place engagement photos around the venue. With any wedding, you want the day to feel personal and intimate for the couple and guests alike. Consider decorating the venue with engagement photos of the soon-to-be spouses as they popped the question. This can allow the newlyweds to reminisce while guests view those cherished moments and revel in the occasion.For more tips to prepare for life’s special moments like marital bliss, visit elivingtoday.com.SOURCE:Family FeaturesPut More You into Your Wedding Day
ShareOriginally posted on June 16, 2019 @ 3:49 pmShare ThisRelated Posts:4 easy ideas to enhance your gardenPut More You into Your Wedding DayWedding Planning 101Ditching Conventional Wedding Wisdom5 Tips for New Pet Parents5 Tips to Get Organized