Marriage License Is More Than A Piece of Paper

Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Marriage License Is More Than A Piece of Paper

Monday, October 9th, 2006

Before my husband and I finally decided that we’d had enough of the wedding planning and eloped, we checked into what is required to apply for a marriage license. We found a really helpful website, www.usmarriagelaws.com, that told us everything we really needed to know about each state’s laws to obtain a marriage license. The site gives you the fees and requirements as well as phone numbers and locations that you need to contact. I was very happy to see that my state no longer requires a blood test. Needles don’t thrill me.

Before we got married, we lived together for 2 years. We had been a couple for 3 years prior to that and although my husband was the one who ultimately proposed, he didn’t see what the big deal was about being married. In his eyes, if we were committed to one another, we didn’t need a marriage license to prove that. In my opinion, that simple piece of paper was a huge deal and I was starting to really want to have one of those in my possession. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust him or I thought he had plans to leave, but I wanted to know that we had taken that extra step.

Once you’re married, it is not as easy to just split up. Sure, divorce makes it pretty easy these days and they can get quite nasty, but when you aren’t married, you can just announce your “break up” and walk away. At least when you’re married, you should have a stronger sense of commitment and work harder to maintain it. At least, that’s the ideal thing to do. To many people nowadays, that marriage license doesn’t mean anything to them. I find that very sad and heartbreaking. I’m not getting married to get divorced. If I had any doubts of my chosen partner, a marriage license would not even exist. I wouldn’t take that huge step if I didn’t want to work to maintain its meaning.

We ended up eloping to Jamaica simply because the wedding plans were starting to become more of a nuisance than a joy and the costs were starting to scare us entirely too much. We married on the beach in Jamaica and came home with a marriage license that had cost us quite a bit less than it would have in our hometown. Do I suggest eloping? Of course not. I’m simply saying that eloping saved us quite a bit of grief and money and we still ended up having that marriage license in our hands. I’m not one of those people who hang their marriage licenses on the wall for all to see, it’s hidden away in our safe so as to not get damaged or lost. But, I know exactly where it is, and what it means.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Living Together, Marriage, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events, Travel | No Comments »

Variety of Wedding Guest Books

Thursday, September 21st, 2006

Long after the wedding is over, the cake has been eaten, and the honeymoon is a distant memory, you will still have your wedding guest books as mementos of your special day. Many couples have more than one, but they come in different types. There is the traditional book that the guests sign when they come for the ceremony, and some choose to have a second type at the reception. This is more common for those who have smaller ceremonies, and then invite more friends and family for the reception only.

The most common type of wedding guest books can come in an array of colors, but the most common color is white. These are displayed with a pen, and guests sign their names, and sometimes add their addresses. These can be personalized with the name of the bride and groom on the front, along with the date and place of the ceremony.

The second kind of wedding guest books aren’t really books at all, but they serve the very same purpose. They are a reminder of everyone who shared your special day with you. This kind, however, can be more personal. A friend of mine had this at her wedding, but she didn’t know about it until the reception. Her maid of honor choose a large scrapbook, and placed pictures of the bride and groom from various times in their relationship on the front and on some of the pages. Guests could then sign the book, and leave a message. She had great fun reading what each guest had to say, and it was a great reminder of everyone who came, many of whom she doesn’t get to see very often.

This can also be accomplished with a large poster board and a photo of the couple. Space is limited, but guests can write a message on the poster board, or simply sign their names. You won’t find this in many places that sell wedding guest books, but a few companies have started offering pre-made versions for couples to use at their reception. If you like the idea of convenience you can buy one of these, or to save money, it might be fun to make your own.

As with most things, wedding guest books can be found in many places. If you can’t find what you are looking for locally, go ahead and search online. You may be surprised at the variety available, and some of the special touches that can be added. While you are shopping, don’t forget to get a quality pen to go with your book.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Honeymoon, Marriage, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Attractive Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses

Tuesday, September 12th, 2006

You want to look your very best on your daughter’s wedding day. The dieting and the hard work you put into your appearance in the months before the special day have paid off but you still need a gown that has a little extra room. Plus size mother of the bride dresses are not very difficult to find but attractive gowns for large women can be a real challenge to locate.

Many bridal stores offer plus size mother of the bride dresses but the selection is usually quite limited. You may find that you have a handful of gowns from which to choose and none of them are visually appealing. Many of them can be quite uncomfortable and some plus size mother of the bride dresses actually make you look heavier than you actually are.

There is little cause to fret. There are some alternatives to the traditional bridal shop for your needs. One of the hottest places to look for plus size mother of the bride dresses is Anna Brooks. This online store offers the largest selection of large size gowns in an array of colors and styles. You don’t have to wear a tent at your daughter’s wedding to feel comfortable.

Anna Brooks recognizes that comfort does not have to mean that you have to wear something frumpy or unflattering. The site offers a handy size chart that helps you determine how to fit yourself. The various styles that the Anna Brooks site offers are suited for different body types and the models they use for their beautiful gowns are larger women who provide a realistic representation of what the plus size mother of the bride dresses will actually look like.

Larger women tend to choose black or well, black as the color for their formal wear. However, you really don’t need to choose this slimming color for your plus size mother of the bride dresses. Color is one of the most attractive elements in the gowns offered. My mother chose a striking red number that really helped her make an entrance while making her look sharp and sleek.

What I really loved about the plus size mother of the bride dresses offered by Anna Brooks was the tailored edges, quality construction and excellent materials. My mother’s red gown appeared to be a two-piece outfit but it was one convenient piece that provided comfort as well as extra coverage. Plus size mother of the bride dresses don’t have to be frumpy. Visit Anna Brooks to find out for your self.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Marriage, Party, Personal, Special Events | No Comments »

Original Wedding Anniversary Presents

Friday, August 18th, 2006

Wedding anniversaries are a time to let your partner know that they are special. It’s a chance to show your romantic side. They only come around once a year and heaven forbid that you forget one!

Some people like to be traditional and follow the set rules for anniversary presents, from paper for the first anniversary to diamonds for the sixtieth. It’s a long time to wait for diamonds. It would be an achievement to follow the anniversary presents list every single year. You may want to use your own imagination and knowledge of your partner, perhaps honoring the crystal, silver, pearl, ruby, gold, and diamonds for the landmark years.

The anniversary doesn’t have to be celebrated by anything tangible. Anniversary presents could include a special outing or experience. Perhaps you could organize a trip in a hot air balloon or a hang gliding lesson. You could put together your own romantic day, with a champagne picnic in a row boat on the river. That will probably be treasured more than expensive earrings or cuff links.

If you don’t want to organize something yourself, you can buy anniversary presents in the form of experience days, where the whole day is set up and you just enjoy. There’s everything from swimming with sharks (divorce is less dangerous), to a day in a health spa. If it’s difficult to decide on something you both like, you could take it in turns to choose.

There are some presents that can’t be gift wrapped but make a wonderful statement. Anniversary presents just need a bit of lateral thinking. A tree can be planted in your partner’s name, maybe in a place that means a lot to both of you. You could go beyond earth and name a star for your beloved. That star will carry that name forever and there will be a certificate of registration, so no one can take the name away. When you promised them the moon and the stars, you sort of did it! While you’re at it, you could have a favorite song played on the radio.

If you do want something that your partner can open and you can see the delight in their eyes when they unwrap their anniversary presents, you could buy a piece of original art. Make sure it’s to their taste and not just yours. A painting, a sculpture, or an antique that your partner has mentioned or hinted at! Why not compose your own poem. Romantic anniversary presents don’t come more personal than that. If your talents don’t lie in that direction, buy a book of love poems to be on the safe side. You can always rely on Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Posted in Family, Gifts, Living Together, Marriage, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Outrageous Bachelorette Gifts Ideas

Friday, July 7th, 2006

If you have ever been to a bachelorette party, you know what goes on! This should be the time when you have absolutely the best fun before the big day arrives. Sure the wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, and all that shopping is fun too, but nothing competes with the bachelorette party and all those crazy bizarre bachelorette gifts. Everything from wild lingerie to sex toys is totally acceptable; if you don’t bring something a little outrageous you will be viewed as frigid and cast away from the party in disgrace! I’m just kidding of course, but this is a time for the bride to be to relish in all those outrageous bachelorette gifts that she can use in her transition as a married woman!

If you are going to be the hostess, you get to have fun first by checking out all the great party supplies available online. You can get help planning your party by checking out various websites like www.bachelorettesuperstore.com or www.bachelorette.com for all your party needs. Lots of different naughty themes to choose from, which are available separately or in party packs containing invitations, envelopes, paper plates, and napkins. These are all essential bachelorette party supplies and the naughtier the better. Don’t forget the naughty games like the classic pin the tail on the fireman, or party favors like Dicklets’ or other penis shaped items. If you are attending the shower, you can shop online for great bachelorette gifts like blow up dolls, novelty items, honeymooner survival kits, fundies, hand cuffs, sex toys, and just about anything else you can think of. Just make sure your gift is all in fun and good natured; it doesn’t have to be in good taste, just sexy and humorous.

Since alcohol is usually associated with bachelorette parties, a bar or lounge is not a bad place to have the party. If there is a private party room available, you have a variety of options. The most popular of course is to invite a male stripper to approach and seduce the unsuspecting bachelorette and embarrass her to death in front of her friends and family (who may be embarrassed too!). The bachelorette must endure this before she can proceed with opening the bachelorette gifts. There is an unwritten rule about bachelorette parties having to be naughty enough to keep the bachelorette and all the guests laughing the rest of the night with all those nasty dirty fun little bachelorette gifts!

Do not hold anything back. Have fund, be outrageous and go crazy! Bachelorette party is the time to get really wild.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Gifts, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events | No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Family’ Category