Keeping kids happy at a wedding isn’t always easy, but here are some tips to help you out. Dress them at the last possible minute. The less amount of time they spend in their “nice clothes” the happier they’ll be. Make sure they have access to games, videos, snacks and toys. The smaller the child, the larger the bib. Kids make a mess when they eat and if you want them to look nice for pictures, keep their clothes covered!

Feed smaller children a small meal before the event. It will tide them over until the main dinner is served. Bring some back-up shoes for the little ones to change into at the reception. They’ll have a lot more fun dancing around in a more comfortable pair of shoes. Make arrangements at a location near or at the reception where the kids can go to take a nap with baby-sitters.

What can the little ones do?

The children in you and your fiancé’s life are important to you and there are a lot of jobs they can help out with to be a part of your special day. Flower girls, ring bearers, junior bridesmaid or groomsmen are all a part of the wedding party. Kids also enjoy handing out programs, watching the gift table, taking charge of the guest book to make sure guests are signing it. Kids like to feel helpful and important so you could have them set up place cards or favours at the reception or do a special reading/prayer at your ceremony.

The groom is no longer just an extra at the wedding, he is main stage, so it is important he has his own individual look.

You want him to stand out from his groomsmen. Now, there is available to the groom a wide selection of retail and rental accessories that can customize his look. For those all-important finishing touches check out:

· Custom shirts with initials

· Cufflinks: hundreds of elegant and unusual links and studs

· Custom ties to co-ordinate with the brides gown

· Elegant vests in brocades and silks

So whether you are looking for something to add depth to your wedding suit or to make you strut your stuff, look for accessories to help you stand out in the crowd.

Ah, the bridesmaids and the maid/matron of honour. Your closest friends and family standing with you as you marry the person of your dreams. Now that designers are creating dresses that your girls can wear after the wedding, girls don’t have to worry about having a taffeta poufy dress with a huge bow on the butt haunt them every time they open their closet.

By looking for quality construction, beautiful fabrics and timeless design your bridesmaids can look great at your wedding and have a useful dress afterwards. This is an area for delicate negotiation. You want to find a gown that works for everyone. Your bridal party no longer has to wear all the same dress or all the same colour. Today’s brides are going with the same colour but a flattering cut for each girl, or vice versa. Some don’t even match that up.

Be considerate. Wedding tradition says the girls pay for their own outfits. It is an honour to be asked to be a party of your wedding day, set a budget and stick to it. You want your girls to look amazing without having to break the bank.

When choosing your wedding party, keep in mind these people will be a great support system for you during the planning stages. They will help stuff invitations, interview vendors, choose themes and colours and plan and throw a lot of the associated parties that go along with your wedding day.

Set up a time early on in the planning stages to have a brainstorming session with your girls. Have everyone bring something to nibble on, and set it up like an intimate party for just you and your girls. Once everyone has a better idea of what you are looking for, planning and execution of those plans will go a lot smoother.

Difficulties and disagreements are bond to arise. Lay down some ground rules with your wedding party so you can ease through any problems like this with less stress. This is your wedding day so the final call really comes down to you. Your wedding party should put aside their disagreements and keep the foremost in their minds.

Don’t forget – you can never say “thank you” too often. You are responsible for getting your wedding party thank-you gifts. These are usually presented at the rehearsal dinner with the parents’ gifts. You don’t have to get everyone the same thing, but try to spend the same amount of money on each person.

You want your jewellery and accessories to compliment your wedding gown, not compete with it. Keep this in mind when picking them out. Heirloom pieces are great for weddings and they can complete the “Something old, something new…” tradition of your wedding day! The general tone and style of your wedding day should be forefront when picking out your gown, jewellery and accessories. You don’t want a princess ball gown complete with ¾ sleeve gloves at a summer garden wedding of fifty. If you do opt for gloves, choose a style that compliments your gown. Long gloves are excellent for a gown with little to no sleeves, elbow length gloves look great with a cap sleeve and short gloves (to the wrist) are great for a shorter dress (tea-length). Make sure to remove your gloves before exchanging rings.

Sexy but sensible – that’s what you’re looking for in a great pair of shoes. The same goes with your wedding shoes. You’ll be on your feet for hours, dancing and mingling. Wear your shoes before the big day to break them in because the last thing you want is sore feet! You should wear them around your house for seven to eight hours to really work them in. When choosing your veil and/or headpiece, keep the style of your gown and wedding in mind. Also consider what you want to do with your hair. When you make your bridal hair appointment, book a trial run and bring in anything you want your stylist to use in your hair. This gives you a chance to make sure you get the exact look you want.

The Wedding Rings:

Know the four C’s when shopping for your wedding rings:

· Cut: the shape, facets, and angles of your stone

· Carat: the measure of the stones’ weight

· Colour: refers to the stones colour (clear, pink, blue, etc)

· Clarity: the inclusions in the diamond – the more transparent the stone, the more it sparkles

Start early and do your homework. Give yourself at least two months before the wedding to start shopping for your rings. You don’t have to have a matching set for your wedding rings. If you would like something that matches, try picking rings that share certain features. Some people prefer a simple band and others look for more flair. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you can live with for the rest of your life. Try to stay away from trends and look for something more classic. You will be looking at your wedding ring everyday for the rest of your life and you want it to be something you enjoy now, five years from now and fifty years from now.

You’ve made it through the planning, the stresses, the ceremony and the fabulous party that followed. Now it’s time for you and your new husband to head off on your honeymoon! But where will you go?

The Caribbean: the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, Barbados and more – pristine white sand beaches, relaxed atmosphere, lush tropical gardens and majestic architecture. Unspoiled scenery will take your breath away and forty miles of pearl-white sand with luxurious beach resorts line the eastern coast. Vacationers can hike trails and view some of the native species of animals and vegetation or relax on the beach.

Mexico: the Mayan Rivera, Cabo San Lucas and more – colourful resorts, full service spas and rich botanical gardens. The food is incredible and the drinks are flowing. There is the bustling non-stop atmosphere of Cancun or Acapulco or the more laid-back resorts of the Mayan Rivera. With all of its varied attractions, Mexico is definitely unique.

Jamaica – tropical plantations, immaculate white sands and sparkling waterfalls. Nestled in the hills or on the beaches, there is a wide range of delightful accommodations that will nurture your romance, and exceed your expectations.

Hawaii: Maui, Oahu and more – beautiful beaches, casual atmosphere, flowing waterfalls and amazing scenery. Each island has its own identity, from the commercial to the small and intimate, each supplying a little something special. Have a toast to the sunset in a catamaran off Lanai and stargaze atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island or dine and dance deep into the night on Oahu.

Las Vegas – your choice: quaint and romantic or crazy and kooky. Head out to see a Cirque du Soleil performance or watch the beautiful fountains at The Bellagio.

Cruises – a variety of different stops allows you to check out numerous locations on one trip. We strongly recommend opting for the balcony cabin and arranging a romantic sunset dinner on your very own balcony under the stars… or maybe breakfast served just the way you like it while sailing the high seas during the morning sunrise.

Paris, France – the city of love with quiet sophistication. There is a personality, flair and quiet sophistication in Paris and the rest of France that is unlike any other city in the world. Lovers can immerse themselves in the same romantic Parisian atmosphere that has inspired centuries of novels, paintings, photographs and films.

The Cook Islands – 15 islands with lush rainforests and white sand beaches. Escape to the magic of a tropical island is the ultimate in romance. The azure blue lagoon and endless sand banks are breathtaking, perfect for that romantic getaway.

Those extra little details and touches are what finish off your look and keep you calm. Cufflinks are a great way to show a touch of class or personality without being flashy. Whether they are an heirloom piece or a brand new pair they will help make your outfit become your own and make for a great keepsake after the wedding.

You can also purchase your accessories like the vest and tie instead of renting them. This allows you to personlize your outfit with accessories that might not be available in rental inventory and gives you something to keep from your wedding day.

Pick up at least two pairs of dress socks for the wedding day. After the ceremony you can change into a fresh pair for the reception. Also, if you tend to sweat a lot, a second shirt might be in order as well.

Keep a cotton handkerchief in your pocket. While you are in the receiving line you will be shaking a lot of hands. You can slip your hand into your pocket and dry it off very subtly.

So what are your duties for the wedding day? The groom is traditionally responsible for:

- making arrangements for the weddings rings

- picks the best man, groomsmen and ushers

- organizes the ceremony venue and the officiant

- makes arrangements for all of the flowers

- makes transportation arrangements

- organizing the honeymoon

Formalwear – a lot of guys will cringe when they hear they have to get dressed up. Your wedding day sends out a clear signal on your sense of fashion. Keeping is simple is one of the best options. Formalwear has evolved over the years and guys are able to put a more personal stamp on what they wear to their wedding. Whether it is a classic James Bond shawl tuxedo or a crisp navy blue suit, guys have a lot more options then they used to. Whether you decide to rent or purchase the formalwear for the groom, there are things you need to keep in mind. Just remember how much time and energy the bride put into finding that perfect dress. The same applies to the groom.

Find a reputable store. They should have well-trained staff, on-site tailoring, local warehousing and a large selection of formalwear and accessories. Find a sales associate you feel comfortable with. They should understand different body types, fit, trend and your particular needs.

Keep in mind the price of the garments and the reputation of the store. Just because a location has the lowest price doesn’t make it the most qualified for your needs.

Nowadays men can purchase, rent or have a combination of both in their formalwear. You can purchase the perfect tuxedo and rent your accessories to find the best combination of fit, quality and colour for your wedding day.

Some of your options are a one-, two-, or three-button jacket with a notch, peak or shawl lapel. The formalwear store you choose should have a wide selection of all for you to try on. A more formal wedding would require a longer jacket, with a casual wedding going for a shorter one.

Choose a good formal shirt in white, candlelight or ivory, depending on your bride-to-be’s dress. Make sure the collar is solid and will keep it’s shape all day. Your tie should be simple and discreet, pulling together colour element from your vest.

Don’t forget about shoes! You can’t wear your sneakers with your tuxedo or suit. Most formalwear stores rent shoes and your choice should have numerous styles for you to choose from. The patent shoe was specifically designed with the tuxedo in mind, so it finishes the look perfectly.

Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence.

A calm bride is a prepared bride. Avoid last-minute jitters and frantic searches by stocking necessaries in a bag. This bag would be kept in the area where you are getting ready, and is not meant to replace your bridal purse. Make sure it contains the following:

Picking wedding flowers can be a challenge. If you pick flowers that are in season, you can save yourself a bundle. You can get flowers that are out of season but you will pay more for them. Talk with your florist about your options. Roses are available all year round but you will pay more in the month of February.

Spring flowers – anemone, bells of Ireland, boronia, casa blanca lily, daffodil, delphinium, hyacinth, lilacs, narcissus, peony, ranunculus, star gazer lily, sweetpea, tulip, waxflower

Summer flowers – alstromeria, bells of Ireland, chrysanthemum, English lavender, forget-me-not, fressia, gerbera daisy, hydrangea, iris, larkspur, liatris, asiatic lily, oriental lily, lisianthus, matsumoto asters, monte casino asters, queen anne’s lace, snapdragons, solidaster, statice, stephanotis, stock, sunflower, tuberose, yarrow, zinnia

Fall flowers – chrysanthemum, dahlia, marigold, statice, zinnia, dried leaves

Winter flowers – amaryllis, anemone, bells of Ireland, camellias, casa blanca lily, cosmos, daffodil, forget-me-nots, holly, jasmine, narcissus, poinsettia, ranunculus, star gazer lily, star of Bethlehem, sweetpea, tulip, waxflower

Year round flowers – baby’s breath, bachelor’s button, calla lily, carnations, delphinium, eucalyptus, gardenia, gladiolis, heather, lily of the valley, orchid, protea, rose, scabiosa

Your flowers should compliment your bridal gown, the bridesmaid dresses, the colour scheme and the formality of your wedding. Flowers establish the emotion and romance of your wedding and establish the ambience of the event.

Look through bridal magazine and the internet to find pictures of flowers or arrangements that appeal to you. Bring them into the planning sessions with your florist so they can get a better idea of what you are looking for and your style. Book your flowers earlier rather than later, especially if you are getting married during the peak wedding season.

Think of your dress style and how your flowers will compliment it. Flowers should compliment your gown and overall theme. Remember to colour coordinate with your wedding party to get the look you want to achieve. Keep in mind the photography; you want flowers that will last throughout the day. Consider allergies and pollen and work within your budget.

When choosing your bouquets, keep these tricks in mind. Small formal bouquets are for the petite bride, a simple elegant gown or a traditional gown with some modern flair. Tear drop bouquets are good to provide balance to a fairy-tale bridal gown with full skirt. They also add a finishing touch to the traditional bridal gown and create the illusion of a slimmer figure as the bouquet helps draw the eye downwards.

Large hand-tied bouquets add impact to a striking modern gown, detract from any problem areas you may want to hide and create a strong, bold impression. Small hand-tied bouquets compliment a bias-cut gown, create an understated look and add balance to a medium height bride.

Don’t assume your florist will have access to your ceremony and reception site early on your big day. Make all the necessary arrangements – with written permission and a key if need be – to ensure that everything will be in place before you walk down the aisle.