Thursday, June 24, 2010

Planning to Propose?

by Denise Georgiou-Newell, WeDDings Jubilee

Did you know that most men delay the marriage proposal because they have no idea how to do it? First thing to remember is that your marriage proposal is the beginning of your 'wedding story'. It can be as simple or as lavish as you would like it to be, but it should be personalized to be a wonderful, memorable occasion that you will think about for the rest of your lives.

Here are some fun proposals that will leave her swooning!

1. The 'Hollywood' proposal - You've seen it a dozen times in movies. He puts the ring in her dessert, the violinist serenades them; he gets down on one knee; looks deep into her eyes and asks the magic question: So&So, Will You Marry Me? This is tried, tested and Done!How about you order up a little 'glam' with your question. Have the art gallery host you after hours; a caterer arrange a lovely meal for the two of you; and a saxophonist to serenade you; Dessert could still be the host of your question, but having the words written in chocolate around the plate. Get down on one knee to present the ring and Voila!



2. The Surprise proposal - Try this on for size: take her (or him;)) to the movies (no, don't put the ring in the popcorn). Instead create a slide-show that can be played on the cinema's projector (usually a videographer or photographer can help you create this). Make sure the last slide is of you holding up a "Will You Marry Me Sign." Have the camera guy run it at the end of the movie before the credits ... talk about unforgettable.



3. 'Sweet' and Simple - Arrange to have her favorite cupcakery design cupcakes with the 'question' iced on them. During a 'date night', bring them over as a 'special' treat and have the ring perched on top of one of the cupcakes. That would not only be mouth watering, but would make her heart melt.


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Ten Tips for a relaxing walk down the aisle

by Denise Georgiou-Newell, WPICC - WeDDings Jubilee


It's so easy to get tied up with wedding plans, that you completely forget about yourself. Following is a list of ten tips to ensuring a stress free journey down the aisle.

1. If you have not made the important investment of hiring a wedding planner, do yourself a huge favour and hire a day-of or month-of coordinator to help wrap up any last minute details, including payment and gratuity distribution, creating an itinerary, confirming your vendors and managing your wedding day. This will leave you with the time you need to de-stress before your big day and will allow you to be free to celebrate your wedding, not work it.

2. Arrange a date for you and your soon-to-be life partner, where you do not talk 'weddings'. Instead, enjoy just spending good, valuable, time together.

Try this: Pack an overnight bag and go to the bus (or train) terminal and pick a place to go to (nearby) that you've never been and explore it. Being spontaneous really takes a load off your shoulders.


3. Get yourself a few Reiki sessions. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It's a great way to get centered and re-focused.

4. Start writing a journal (or a blog). Write about how you and the 'love of your life' met and fell in love. Write things like: what you love about them; why you said 'yes'; how you were proposed to etc. This not only reminds you of the true importance of your day and your vows, but also serves as a great keepsake to share with any future children or refer to on your special anniversaries.

5. Arrange a day with your Mom, Sister, Aunt and/or Grandmother and head to the spa. Get pampered while reminiscing about life growing up. Getting married is your right of passage and important bonding time with the women that were your greatest influences.

6. Ask for help. Put your wedding party to good use. Have them do some of trivial tasks like picking up the guest book, creating your seating cards, table numbers etc.

7. Join a Gym, Yoga or fitness class. This will provide allow you to let all your frustration out while getting in shape. We all know fitness is the top way to relieve stress. It allows you to focus on your breathing which oxygenates the blood. In turn that ‘wakes up’ the brain, relaxing muscles and quieting the mind.

8. Take a walk every day. Before you call it a night or fist thing in the morning, clear your mind by taking a short brisk walk.

9. Listen to your favorite CD; read your fave magazine (non-wedding); or read a good book. It's so easy to 'unknowingly' trade in the things you love for planning your wedding. Make it a point to focus on one of your hobbies at least once everyday.

10. Have a girl's night out. Perhaps a comedy club, dance club or Karaoke. It is known that laughter, dancing and singing are some of the most natural stress relievers.