The Pink Ribbon Collection is the first in a series of special-edition favors designed to benefit women's health-focused charities. Year round, Kate Aspen will donate 10% of the net proceeds to the Young Survival Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the unique issues and concerns that are important to young women with breast cancer. The Young Survival Coalition educates communities through advocacy and awareness and provides support to those living with this devastating disease.
For more information on the purpose and mission of The Young Survival Coalition, please visit their website at
http://www.youngsurvival.org/.
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Who knew a favor could do so much? To You A Favor will carry these limited edition favors.
Making your day Favorably Special!
LeRon
http://www.toyouafavor.com/
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Seven tips to ensure a worry-free wedding day
(ARA) - You can hear the wedding bells already. Friends and family gathered together to witness your big day. The limousine ride, the toasts, wedding cake and the first dance -- it’s all coming together for the perfect day. But wait! Before you say "I do," there are a number of important things that you and your future spouse must do to become officially married.
Many newlyweds overlook the fact that a marriage is a legal contract. Two individuals merge all they have into a new legal entity or partnership. While many couples often focus on the big day and all of the events surrounding the ceremony and reception, there are a number of legal steps that newlyweds must consider as part of the process, according to
FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source of legal information for consumers.
To help you and your partner have a worry-free wedding day, here’s a
prenuptial checklist from FindLaw.com with legal items to consider as you merge your households into one.
Changing names
It’s often one of the first big dilemmas facing a new bride: Keep your maiden name, or take his last name? It’s a big decision, because if you decide to change your legal name, it means changing your name on everything from your driver’s license to stock certificates. While thinking this through, also think about the last names of children you may have in the future.
Marriage requirements
Each state has its own requirements for couples wishing to be married, some of which include: marriage licenses, blood tests or residency requirements. Make sure you and your future spouse know what the requirements are in your state, and have fulfilled all marriage requirements before the big day. If either you or your future spouse has been married before, make sure you have obtained all legal documents to ensure that your new marriage is valid and legal in the eyes of your state.
Marriage ceremonies
Most states have legal requirements pertaining to the marriage ceremony itself, including who may perform the marriage ceremony and whether witnesses are required. Check with your county or state government Web site about these requirements.
Prenuptial agreements
A prenuptial or pre-marriage agreement can help define the property and financial rights and obligations of marrying spouses, including what will happen if the marriage ends. If you are considering entering into a prenuptial agreement, you should be aware of the legal requirements that must be met in order for the agreement to be considered valid and enforceable.
Marriage, money and property
In a recent, national consumer survey by FindLaw.com, the topic of money came in second, tied with having and raising children, as the topic that most led to a fight among married 18- to 34 year-olds. When you get married, your property and finances will, to a certain extent, merge with those of your spouse. Based on the laws of the state in which you marry and/or intend to establish your permanent residence, you should become familiar with what is and is not considered marital or "community" property, and understand how to keep certain assets as separate property. You also should become familiar with your obligations as a new spouse in taking on the debts and tax liabilities of your partner, and agree on how you’re going to handle finances as a newly married couple.
Wedding day contracts
In preparing for your big day, you will sign a number of contracts for items such as wedding day photos, the reception hall and a honeymoon package. Now is a good time to start working together as a team to carefully identify credible wedding day vendors, to negotiate these contracts together, and to decide in advance how you will handle a problem if something goes wrong.
Will and health care directives
As you and your new spouse work together on merging your finances and assets, now is a good time to write a will together that also incorporates end-of-life health care directives. This is especially important for previously married individuals who may be merging families together.
For more information about preparing to get married, visit findlaw.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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We have all watched
WeTV and seen how brides become monsters before their wedding day just so they can have the wedding of their dreams. I think most women who plan to get married someday have planned a wedding in their head from the time they were little, participated in a mock wedding in high school social class, been a bridesmaid or part of the planning. So you know there is stress somewhere in all this.
Weddings, are they stressful? Yes! For that matter, planning any event that involves food, guests and decorations is stressful. For whom is it stressful? The bride? The groom? The family? The wedding party? All of the above. I am not talking about just stressing your relationship with your future husband/wife-to-be. It can be frustrating and daunting on everyone involved.
Family members of both parties can impose their own input of what should and should not be. Be patient, listen and agree or disagree (it’s your wedding). If you don’t agree, explain your vision and see if it is doable. Event planners can be helpful in this manner. Just let everyone know early on that the coordinator(s) is in charge and she/he knows what your vision is. Let her/him come to you with any issues and then you make the decision. Don’t get caught in the middle of trying to please both sides of the family. If you’re paying for someone to coordinate your wedding make it money well spent.
Remember that you have a life and job in addition to planning your wedding and both will add more frustrations. You will have extra advice from co-workers, friends at the office and the no he/she didn’t crowd. Bringing this home and then trying to talk about wedding plans especially if you have a demanding career can spark arguments with your family and wedding party members. So nothing gets done and everybody’s upset now. This means tomorrow there is more to do, more stress!
If you’re business minded, you may want to conduct things in a business manner. Hold meetings with the coordinator, bridesmaid’s etc. Set schedules if you want certain things a certain way then assign responsibility. If the coordinator is handling everything then set scheduled meetings with her/him, you and the groom. That way everyone knows what’s going on. Use the computer and internet to set up a wedding website for couples or a personal wedding blog for your wedding party. Post timelines and itemize what’s done or not done. Overall, the key to keeping stress low is organization and finding solutions quickly.
There will have to be compromises on both sides (Bride & Groom). Find common ground quickly and keep everyone you can away from the decision making but you, the groom and the wedding event coordinator/planner. This will keep stress levels low and happiness high before the wedding.
Everyone will have their own perception of how your wedding should be. Remember it is your wedding. It’s about you and what you want.
Making your day favorably special,
LeRon
admin@toyouafavorweddingblog.comwww.toyouafavor.com
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Make your big day special without the huge expense
(ARA) - It’s no secret, weddings are notoriously expensive and brides are infamously frivolous. Most women dream of their perfect wedding for years. Though pockets may be tight as couples look for ways to make smart, long-term financial decisions, it doesn’t mean the happy bride and groom-to-be have to sacrifice on their big day. It’s easier than ever to have a budget-friendly dream wedding.
Follow these five simple ways to keep it frugal and fabulous:
Be thoughtful and unique.
Apply the simple law of supply and demand to your advantage. Seasons, times and locations that are “hot” for weddings will inevitably break the bank because they can. Avoid paying a premium for your "day" by considering options like a cozy mid-winter Sunday brunch or an outdoor Thursday evening cocktail reception in early fall. Think about choosing a time of year or location that is unique and special to you for an unforgettable wedding that gives an extra boost to your budget. You will find that it pays to be different.
Be crafty and do it yourself.
They say time is money, but that is not always true, as small investments of your time can save hundreds of dollars in wedding planning. From invitations to seating cards, programs and ceremony or reception decorations, an abundance of beautiful do-it-yourself wedding project kits are available on-line and at popular retailers. Also consider saving money by purchasing flowers from an online wholesaler and then assembling bouquets yourself. If you’re not set on floral centerpieces, try buying ornate glass bowls from an antique shop to fill with beautiful items (rose petals, sea shells, floating candles, etc.) that coincide with your theme.
Not the craftiest of sorts? Tap into the creativity of close friends or family members and recruit them for a wine and cheese night accompanied by invitation, favor or centerpiece assembly.
Be beauty conscious, early on.
When it comes to bridal beauty, timing is everything. It’s an easy element to put off until last minute, but recognizing your beauty needs at the beginning of your planning can save you a lot of money. If a bright white smile is on your checklist, prep a couple months before your wedding and take advantage of less expensive tools versus more expensive, last minute teeth whitening. Celebrity dentist Dr. Debra Glassman recommends brushing with Starbrite toothpaste and chewing two pieces of sugar-free Orbit White gum after meals and drinks like coffee or red wine as an affordable way to keep smiles white and wedding ready.
Also, a few months before the big day, consider consulting a make-up specialist about your wedding day make-up and then keep an eye out for major department stores sales to stock-up on the necessary beauty essentials.
Be your own disc jockey.
Bands and DJs can be expensive. Instead, use your MP3 player. Handle your wedding day music needs the "no hassle" way by loading your player with everyone’s favorite tunes and renting speakers from a local party store.
Choose your music-obsessed teen cousin or a juke box-loving friend to be in charge of the music during the reception in case the system freezes or you need to accommodate a special song request. Keep your mix upbeat and include classics as well as modern songs, so you’re sure to appeal to all crowds.
Be thrifty and do your research -- online.
It pays to be tech savvy when you’re planning on a dime. Virtually everything found in stores can be bought online and often for less. Coupon Web sites provide discount codes to online merchants and can be easily found by typing the retailer's name and "coupon code" in your search engine. Deals range from major price cuts to free shipping, so think beyond the ceremony — a rehearsal dinner dress, bridesmaids gifts, even centerpieces can all be found online.
Using the Internet also allows you to research
wedding vendors from the convenience of your laptop. Free online resources like
www.OneWed.com, the Web site with the largest searchable online database of
local wedding vendors, let you easily browse thousands of vendor profiles, with ratings and reviews from brides across the country. Save time and money by taking advantage of previous brides’ feedback when choosing your preferred vendors.
Cheers to your big (affordable) day.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Creative tips for budget bridal showers
(ARA) - When hosting a bridal shower, it can be easy to get carried away. Hosts, typically a close friend or relative of the bride, often feel obligated to give the bride the “perfect” party -- a concept as elusive as it is expensive.
However, if you find yourself planning an upcoming bridal shower on a budget, have no fear: It’s entirely possible to plan a tasteful, fun and sentimental gathering without breaking the bank. Here are five time-saving and cost-cutting ways to throw a beautiful bridal shower:
Invitations
It can be tempting to blow your entire budget for the party on the invitations, but consider saving money (and time) by sending them electronically. Web sites like Pingg.com make sending invitations and tracking responses electronically a breeze. And with an enormous online image database, it’s almost guaranteed that even the pickiest planner will find the perfect invitation design.
Food
Skip hours of baking and frosting and provide your guests with a creative and low-fat ice cream cake. Ice cream sandwiches from
The Skinny Cow look sweet when stacked in a pyramid and topped with creative garnishes. Your guests will be thankful for a low-fat snack option, and you will have time to actually enjoy the party. Sandwiches come in strawberry shortcake, chocolate, vanilla, vanilla/chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, mint and cookies n’ cream flavors. Use one flavor for a consistent look or mix and match flavors for extra guest options.
Drink
Sangria is an unexpected and delicious drink to serve at your shower. Added bonus: the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find. You can even substitute grape juice and seltzer water for wine for a tasty non-alcoholic version. The only other ingredients required are slices of fresh fruits such as oranges, pears and peaches, and about 1/4 cup of sugar. For variations on the classic recipe, check out Cooks.com or AllRecipes.com
Games
Rework an old classic by playing a game of Bridal Shower Bingo. First, create copies of a blank grid resembling a bingo card. As the guests arrive, have them fill out the grid with gifts that they think the bride will receive. (The free space is in the middle and players can write their own gift in this space.) As the bride opens a gift, players cross it off their bingo card. Award a prize to the first person to fill five spaces in a row, across or diagonally.
Favors
Pamper your guests with homemade body scrubs in simple, elegant glass mason jars. You can even customize the recipe below to include your favorite scents and colors.
Homemade Body Scrub
You will need:
3 cups Epsom salt (or coarse sea salt)
1 cup oil (almond, canola or olive oil usually works best)
Essential oils for fragrance
Mason jars
Instructions:
First, measure out your salt and pour into a large container. Measure out the oil and slowly pour into the salt while stirring. Finally, add the essential oil to the desired strength. Attach any desired ribbons, hang tags or other decorations to the outside of the jar.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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