Gift Giving Tips

• The modern act of gift giving is more structured and less open to chance, through the use of gift registry. Using a registry eliminates the guess work for friends and family when purchasing your gift.

• A registry ensures you will not only get what your ask for but its recording service means that you shouldn’t be given more than one of the same item

• Make a list of what you would like on your registry and make an appointment at a registry store. Once you’ve registered keep a copy of the mast list at home and as gift start to arrive record the date gift and who it came from to assist you when writing your thank letter

• When selecting your gifts be sure to choose more gifts than there is guests so guest have a large selection to choose from. Also choose items from varying price ranges

• Sometimes couple may choose to marry at far off locations and instead of asking for gifts from their guests they simply ask for them to bare the costs of travelling to their wedding

• For couples who have been together for some times and have just about everything, why not consider hiring a wishing well. You can include a brief note/poem with your invitation to let your guests know there will be a wishing well on your gift table

• Most guests like to offer their gift as soon as they arrive. Having a wishing well looks impressive is instantly recongised and you have peace of mind that your envelops monetary gifts vouchers are secure.

• You could ask for gift vouchers in a major department store or shopping centre. This way you can bundle them together to buy larger items

• Another option is cash. Although it has become more popular to give cash, some people are just not comfortable giving money as a gift and therefor it should be left to the gift giver .

For more information about wedding gifts and wedding ceremonies, visit www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

7 Things to Consider Before You Get Married

You want a rewarding and fulfilling marriage? You can have one, but you need a dose of reality first. Here are things you need to say “I do” to before walking down the aisle…

Do you have a sense of humour?
A sense of humour is vital, and the first person you have to laugh at is yourself. Consider this- men and women have to hook up on some level to propagate the species, proving God has a sense of humour. He obviously assumed
we would too.

Do you know you’ll have to work? Hard?
I asked the opinion of dozens of women for this topic, and the feedback was unanimous. You have to be willing to work. Some women think if you’re a perfect match, your marriage shouldn’t be work. Those people are called divorcees. It’s true your marriage shouldn’t be work every hour of every day, but there will be days when your marriage will require extra energy (a term I prefer over “work”). Like Grandpa used to say, anything worth having is worth working for. Welcome to Marriage

Do you realize marriage is not 50/50?
Gotcha! You figure you’ll give half, he’ll give half and you’ll meet somewhere in the middle. You poor, poor dear. The reality is, there will be some days you’ll give 90% and you may or may not get 10% back. There may be weeks or months that pass with the scales out of whack. Remember- you committed your whole life to him, and in your lifetime the scales will shift back in your favour. Interestingly, the scales will align faster if you abandon the scorecard and self-pity.

Do you have a general acceptance of your significant other’s shortcomings?
Does he leave the toilet seat up? Get over it. Are his table manners a fright? Look the other way. Is he a tight-wad? You better be at one with strict budgets. Try seeing your new hubby’s annoying habits as endearing. In addition to his positive traits, his quirks make him who he is. Figure out a way to truly accept the whole package- the good, the bad and the ugly.

Do you have expectations of your marriage or soon-to-be-spouse?
If you said “I do” to this one, start goggling divorce attorneys now.
Fundamental expectations like being treated well, being faithful, or being honest are covered by your wedding vows. If you want a long lasting marriage, let go of any romance novel or Lifetime movie expectations you have. The men in Hollywood are actors. Real men, generally speaking, are not geared for romance and eloquent, loving speeches. With this attitude, you’ll better enjoy the thoughtful little things your new husband does. Lowered expectations and happily ever after go hand in hand.

Do you know comparisons are a death sentence for marriages?
Like fingerprints, marriages are unique and specific to the two individuals involved and the one-of-a-kind bond they create. Instead of scowling at your husband when your friend brags about the romantic vacation her husband took her on, just smile. Maybe your friend left out how her husband ogled other women on the beach or said something at dinner that made her cry. You never know what goes on behind closed doors- be secure in what you and your husband share and the knowledge that it works for you.

Do you know your fiancé is bilingual?
Read a couple books about how men communicate or have a sit-down with your aunts and grandma. We think we grasp the Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus concept, but we don’t. He may not say “I love you” 14 times a day, but he might fill your car when it’s out of gas, maybe he’ll cover you with a blanket when you’re cold, he may bring you a glass of wine when you’re in the tub, or he might listen to stories about the kids when he just wants to crawl in a hole and go to sleep. You have to learn to read, understand and appreciate man-speak.

In order for a marriage to be successful, reality can’t be sugar-coated. Long term commitments are not for the faint of heart. A lasting union takes a great deal of love, patience, true grit and guts. The benefits are countless. I’ll leave you to discover those on your own.

The Pre-Nup” - Let’s Talk about Prenuptial Agreements

As you are in the second phase of life, you never thought you would fall in love. But, as life brings sweet surprises you have finally found Mr. Wonderful. Because of career choices and other priorities and circumstances, you are getting married now, later in life.

To the bride and groom, marriage is a loving contract between two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together, but in the eyes of the law, marriage is a contract between two people which is not about love but about a variety of financial rights and obligations. You should not look at a prenuptial agreement as a lack of faith in the relationship but as protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Think of it as an “insurance policy” covering the legal issues of your marriage contract that you get to write yourself. If it is difficult to talk about your loving, committed relationship as if it were a business arrangement, consulting with a legal, professional advisor will make it easier.

For more information, visit: www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Big Decisions Marrying Later in Life

Your ideas, your visions, bring your dreams to life.

A rapidly growing number of women are marrying later in life.

From the dress, etiquette, beauty tips, lifestyle changes, your careers, homes, blending families, prenuptial agreements as well as other hot topics, perhaps these answers to your questions may help making it easier to navigate the challenges of Marrying Later in Life. Blending families, homes, finances, careers and building healthy lifestyles are just a few of the decisions a bride must address with her groom. Among some of the major decisions you will be facing, there are three top ones to keep in the fore front of all your discussions

First of all keep your communication open and alive, for this will set the tone of your future relationship.

Finances are another area to keep in mind. Create an open conversation with your concerns, as you will probably have accumulated financial resources, properties, homes, as well as children before meeting. You have each built a life for yourself before meeting, embrace that life.

Establish mutual goals based on each of your core values as individuals and as a couple. You are moving ahead with a new life to share. With these three decisions in place you will be able to weather any storm!

Combining families in a later in life marriage is always a challenge whether they are young or old. Each age has different issues to adjust to, whether the previous marriages ended in divorce or the death of a spouse.

For more information, visit www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Post Wedding - Take Time Out With Each Other

Once your vows are official treat yourselves to some relaxation dedicated to hobbies activities or other recreational pursuits. These activities may include sports, cooking classes reading travel arts and craft or just socialising with friends

Many engaged couples find that the months before the wedding are filled with wedding-related activities. Weekends are given over to wedding related projects and wistfully look forward to a time when they can check off the activities on their “After the Wedding” list. It may look something like this

• Get the house back (free of wedding clutter)
• Reserve leisurely Saturdays for doing absolutely nothing
• Take a Sunday drive somewhere new and actually have the time to do it
• Regains a social life
• Join friends on a Monday night at a favourite bar
• Work on a project

Here’s your change when the first weekend after the honeymoon arrives you may find yourself with nothing to do. Going through a big life-change is difficult and that’s true for this big shift from fiancés to newlyweds.
Explore new hobbies both individually and as a couple. It is important to maintain your individuality as it is to find your identity as a couple.

Jan Littlejohn
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Overseas visitors

Overseas visitors….you may like to be married in Australia, near the beach, Sydney Harbour or the beautiful Botanical Gardens. I have assisted in arranging many weddings for couples from overseas: USA, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, and Canada, … personalising your wedding ceremony, including customs from your country. Assisting in all legal requirements, under Australian Law.

Happy to assist with your arrangements including venues, Hire Cars Restaurants, Hair and Make-up Artists, Photographers, Florists, and any other details you need attending to.

Your Ceremony is the gateway to your wedding day ……………May peace, joy and contentment be your steadfast companions as you travel along your new path. Best wishes for your special day. ………….. Feel free to contact Jan at ‘Ceremonies with Style’ anytime.

Jan Littlejohn
Ceremonies with Style

Tips for Establishing Healthy Blended Families

Go slowly. Don't expect to fall in love with your partner’s children overnight. Take it slowly, and get to know them. Love and respect have to be learned and a step parent has to earn them.

All brothers and sisters have “falling out” periods, so don’t assume all family arguments are the result of living in a blended family.

Beware of favouritism. Be fair. Don’t overcompensate by favoring your stepchildren. This is a common mistake, made with best intentions, in an attempt to avoid indulging your biological children.

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Be sure to discuss everything. Never keep emotions bottled up or hold grudges.

Make special arrangements. If some of the kids “just visit,” make sure they have a locked cupboard for their personal things. Bringing toothbrushes and other “standard fare” each time they come to your home makes them feel like a visitor, not a member of the blended family. Find support. Locate a step parenting support organization in your community. You can learn how other blended families address some of the challenges of blended families.

Spend time every day with your child. Try to spend at least one “quiet time” period with your child (or children) daily. Even in the best of blended families, children still need to enjoy some “alone time” with each parent.

Patience is a virtue! Don't just cross your fingers and hope the kids will like each other. They need time to get to know their stepbrothers or sisters. It shouldn’t be hurried.

Jan Littlejohn

Ceremonies with Style
http://www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au/