(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

Tags: blood tests, changing names, health care directives, legal requirements for getting married, legal requirements pertaining to the marriage ceremony, marriage licenses, pre-marriage agreements, prenuptials, residency requirements, wedding day contracts

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(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

Tags: budget bridal showers

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – While the fondue pot and ice cream maker seem like must-haves when you’re adding items to your bridal registry, it’s important to ask yourself, “Will I really use these items on a regular basis?” You may want to reconsider your selections. And, although making a wedding gift wish list can be daunting, the following tips can keep the happy couple celebrating wedded bliss for years to come.

Registry Basics
Before you and your sweetheart start scanning items for your registry, do your homework. Consider the size of your space and where you will store your new items. If you’re living in an apartment or smaller condominium, you may want to rethink registering for the super-deluxe size barbecue grill. You’ll be surprised how quickly your new gifts can fill up your space.

Next, think about your guest list. Make sure that you have a variety of items to choose from and at different price points — high and low — so guests can purchase items they feel reflect their own taste and that they can afford. Be sure to consider your out-of-town guests as well, by registering for items that are available both at nationwide locations and online, such as Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, to help ensure they can access your registries from anywhere.

Kitchen and Bath Registry Ideas and Necessities

Now that the registry basics are covered, the fun can begin. Start with the rooms that you live in and use the most — the kitchen and bathroom.

Do you like to host dinner parties? Fine china should be on your list. According to theknot.com, crisp black-and-white dinnerware patterns are all the rage this season. Find something that will not only match your taste and decor, but also be a classic design for years to come.

Want to skip the china, but love to cook? Register for a complete collection of high-end cookware. Stores, such as Sur La Table, offer cool cooking gadgets for the basic, well-stocked and gourmet kitchens alike.

In addition to registering for the mainstays in the kitchen, such as sterling silver flatware and crystal stemware, don’t forget about everyday items like measuring cups and spoons, a kitchen scale, electronic timers or even a microwave oven.

Love a spa feeling and want to re-create it in your bathroom at home? Then don’t settle for a plain, ordinary shower experience when you can create an invigorating one. Register for a new showerhead. Many new showerheads, such as the Enliven showerhead from Moen (available at Target), offer multiple settings that suit any mood — “Relaxing” wide spray, “Invigorating” concentrated spray and “Refreshing” combination spray. Available in fixed and handheld versions, both feature a spray selector, making it easy to change settings and keep you and your spouse singing in the shower.

Continue to create your spa-like, romantic atmosphere by registering for luxury bath towels and high-thread-count sheets. Other items to consider, both extravagant and necessary, include: a down comforter, feather bed, pillows, alarm clock with dual alarms and a closet organizer.

Beyond the Registry

If you and your significant other are looking for adventure instead of objects, why not create memories instead? Family and friends can help purchase items including your airfare, honeymoon suite or candlelit dinners at your vacation destination on sites such as www.honeymoonwishes.com or www.thebigday.com. Register for horseback riding or scuba diving adventures for you and your sweetheart to have memories that will last a lifetime.

Finding Inspiration

Still need help finding inspiration before registering? Retailers, such as Target, offer planning ideas and buying guides on their Web site by category to help get you started.
Recent, popular items to register for include:

* Luggage
* Tool kit
* Bagless vacuum or steam cleaner
* Patio furniture
* Ultra compact digital camera (to help capture memories of your special day and new life together)

Before taking the big walk down the aisle, make sure you’re prepared with necessities that will last long after saying “I do.”

For more information about the Enliven three-setting showerheads available at Target, visit moen.com, or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Bridal Registry Items, Bridal Registry Tips

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – Engaged couples long for a wedding day that will be unique and memorable, but in these tough economic times many are becoming more cautious about how they plan and spend their budget.

According to The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks wedding spending in the United States, the average cost of a wedding in 2008 was $21,814. That is a 24 percent decline over the 2007 average of $28,704. This decline doesn’t mean you can’t have exactly what you want on your big day to create your dream wedding.

“You can rent almost anything you need to make your wedding match your vision,” says Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Rental Association (ARA), the global trade association for the rental industry. “By renting items for your wedding, you have access to products that may have otherwise been too expensive in large quantities. You can get exactly what you want at a price that meets your budget.”

Choose linens that match your wedding colors, or go for classic white to offset the color of your centerpieces. Linens can be rented in a variety of colors and textiles, and add a touch of elegance to every space. Create drama without adding cost by creating a monochromatic design for your table.

Centerpieces can be elegant or casual, depending on your style. Mix tall and short clear vases to add depth to your table and save money on large floral arrangements. Or choose a variety of candleholders to create a vintage-inspired look and a romantic, low-light atmosphere.

Planning an outdoor wedding? Tents can transform any setting into striking surroundings for your big day. ARA member rental businesses have a variety of tents to create the venue, as well as everything you need to make it beautiful and comfortable.

Large tents and elegant canopies come in a variety of colors and styles. Many come with cathedral ceilings, windows or even clear tops — allowing guests to catch a glimpse of a dramatic sunset or a sparkling night sky.

Many ARA member rental stores offer personalized service through their Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs) who are specially trained to help you choose the right rentals to make your dream wedding come to fruition. Most offer on-site support the day of your wedding, and that’s a day you’ll be looking for all the support you can get!

You can also rely on the expertise of your ARA member rental store professionals before you book your venue. They can help you assess the potential site for things like power accessibility, ground water issues or overhead power lines that may interfere with your vision of a tall tent, among other situations.

The wonderful experience and memories of your wedding day will be yours to own forever. And everything else? Well, that you can rent! To find your local ARA member rental store, visit www.RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest rental store locator. You can search by geographic location and by the specific type of equipment you are looking to rent.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: affordable wedding ideas, affordable weddings, renting

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – The date is set, the dress is bought and the tuxes are rented — now you get to plan your first vacation together as husband and wife. Whether your ideal honeymoon is traveling to the Swiss Alps for some mountain fun or relaxing on an exotic beach in the Caribbean, it’s a special time you’ll never forget. So what do you need to know to plan the perfect honeymoon that goes off without a hitch?

“Everyone wants the greatest honeymoon possible, but be sure to review the little details so they don’t turn into big problems,” says Michael Kelly, president of On Call International, a medical and travel assistance company. “The best thing you can do is research, plan and prepare together as a team.”

Here are some things to consider when planning the perfect honeymoon:

1. Choose a destination together.
Pick a destination that you both really want to visit. Each person should choose the top three places they would like to honeymoon and then compare lists. If you both want something relaxing, a traditional spa vacation in the tropics is a good choice. If you are adventure junkies, be sure to visit a location that offers lots of fun activities.

2. Prep ahead of time.
Make a checklist of things you need to do before your trip. Research the laws of the country to where you will be traveling and see what rules are different. It’s a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out what types of immunizations are recommended for Americans at that specific destination. And remember, if you don’t have a passport or need to renew, allow ample time for processing. If you’re changing your name after your wedding, make sure that the name on your travel documents matches what is on your passport so that you don’t experience any delays through security and customs.

3. Get medical and travel assistance services.
No one plans on getting sick or having other problems on their honeymoon, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the peace of mind to know that if something happens, you’re covered? That’s why it’s important to get medical and travel assistance.

Your health insurance might not cover you while you travel, so a company like On Call International is there to help. On Call members get access to a 24-hour emergency response center to find doctors in their travel area, a 24-hour English-speaking nurse line to help identify symptoms, and coverage should a traveler need to return home for medical reasons.

In addition, On Call can help you with other travel woes such as a lost passport, misplaced credit card, lost baggage or the need to reschedule a delayed or cancelled flight.

4. Pack the right stuff.
Sure you want to look great for your spouse, but sometimes looking chic and dressing appropriately for the location you’re visiting might not be the same thing. Research what tourists usually wear at your chosen location. If you’re traveling internationally, different cultures might have different expectations. Also remember that extreme weather, hot and cold, requires different types of clothing, so pack accordingly and you won’t have to buy something at an exorbitant price when you get there.

5. Eat, drink and be merry.
No one wants to be stuck in their hotel bathroom with a stomachache on their honeymoon. Food and water in different countries can be contaminated so do your research before celebrating at the local restaurant. When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge for advice. If you are buying your own food, sealed products are usually safer options because they come directly from the distribution center.

“These planning tips should help you have the honeymoon of your dreams. If something does go wrong, remember to work through it and enjoy the time you have together. After all, it’s one of the most important and special vacations you’ll ever take,” says Kelly.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: honeymoon planning, honeymoon planning tips, planning a honeymoon

(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – Wedding album, videos and a carefully preserved gown — your wedding mementoes are meant to be precious reminders of your special day. But you may find yourself cringing with shame when you look at your album years down the road if you choose trendy over traditional style for the look of your wedding.

It’s easy to tell the difference between a look that’s trendy and a more classic style. Think of the bell bottoms and love beads from the ‘70s and big hair and “Dynasty”-style gowns of the ‘80s — looks that were “hot” at one time, but that years later elicit an eye-roll and a “what was I thinking” attitude from women who wore them.

Now consider the elegance, grace and demure femininity of icons like Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn. Their style was classic and timeless — and one that today’s smart bride mimics to ensure she’ll love the look of her wedding as much in 20 years as she does the day she walks down the aisle.

Today’s bride knows that choosing fabrics, silhouettes and accessories borrowed from the classic era — the 1940s through the 1960s — will give her wedding and gown timeless appeal. No dated looks from easy-to-identify fashion fads for her. The classic look also plays well with the growing trend to achieve less with more by accenting the basics with luxurious finishing touches.

Here’s how to achieve that classic look for your spring wedding:

The Dress

Avoid large, modern swags of fabrics in favor of silhouettes that emphasize an hourglass figure. Nipped-in waists, or waistlines defined with belts and sashes, often in a color that slightly contrasts with the dress, create an elegant, eternal style. You can draw your classic style from the ‘40s, ‘50s and even ‘60s.

Designers offer charming gowns that evoke the look of 1950s prom dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts in tulle, lace and appliqué. For a 1960s look, a shorter, sophisticated frock with a gathered waist and narrow skirt will be reminiscent of the classic ‘60s cocktail dress.

The Accessories

A veil is essential for classic bridal style, and birdcage veils with large netting that falls at cheekbone length epitomize the look. These simple veils frame the bride’s glowing face and highlight special jewelry. Ladylike wrist-length gloves are the perfect complement to vintage bridal looks.

The classic bridal look is a perfect match with a simple and elegant pair of pearl stud earrings and a lustrous 16-inch strand of cultured pearls around the bride’s neck. Pearls have long been associated with the essence of sophisticated womanhood in American pop culture.

“The Hindu Lord Krishna is said to have offered pearls to his daughter as a wedding gift, which is where pearls and weddings were first married,” says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com, the world’s largest online pearl company. “Pearls are considered a symbol of purity, making them the perfect fit with a bride’s white dress.”

Shepherd recommends white akoya pearls, a saltwater pearl that grows primarily in the coastal areas of Japan and China. Considered to be the classic pearls for jewelry, akoya pearls are prized for their perfect round shape, mirror-like luster and soft, neutral colors.

Visit www.PearlParadise.com for more ideas and classic bridal pearls.

The Look

Tie a classic dress and accessories together with a polished hairstyle such as a bun or chignon and keep makeup understated. Dark brown or black eyeliner extended slightly past the end of the eyelid, a touch of black mascara and a shade of red lipstick perfectly matched to the bride’s complexion are all that’s necessary to complete the perfect, classic Hollywood face.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: bridal fashion, bridal pearls, bridal trends, pearls, wedding fashion, wedding style

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(ARA) – Planning for a wedding can be tough, especially when money is tight. But as you make your way through the mile-long checklist of things for the big day, have you thought about life after the wedding? Whether this is your first or second wedding, your dream wedding or a spontaneous ceremony, the financial implications of sharing a lifetime with another person last long after the “I do’s.”

To ensure happiness and financial security in any economy, you should be thinking about your financial future today. And, the good news is that taking the necessary steps to a sound financial future is not as complicated as you might think. Here are some things to discuss as a couple, as suggested by financial experts at SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc:

1) Come up with a Budget
You may have your own budget, but now you are planning income and expenses for two. If you combine your income and expenses, you will need to combine your budgets as well.

Be prudent with your spending. Write down everything each of you spends per month and cut back on non-essentials. Take into account housing, food, utilities and transportation, as well as student loans, credit card balances, car payments, taxes and if applicable, alimony and child support. For further tips on creating a sustainable budget read “Become Your Own Financial Advisor: Tips on Planning a Budget and Sticking to It” at www.sbliusa.com.

2) Begin an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund helps ensure that you and your partner are secure should something happen, such as a job loss or serious health issue. You should agree on how much you want to save for a “rainy day.” It’s a smart idea to save between 5 and 10 percent of your salary in a joint savings account. To avoid the temptation to spend your savings, consider having the money automatically transferred from your checking accounts. Aim to save 3 to 6 months of living expenses.

3) Purchase Life Insurance
According to a study conducted by LIMRA International 48 million Americans either, don’t own life insurance and believe they should, or own life insurance and believe they need more. Purchasing life insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing your loved ones will have money to help maintain their standard of living should anything happen to you. To access a variety of financial information and tools, as well as to learn more about life insurance and get a free quote, speak with the experts at SBLI USA.

4) Create a Plan for the Future
Take the time to create a written financial plan with clear goals. The plan should include specific and realistic steps to achieve your dreams, including buying a home, starting a family, taking vacations and retirement. Decide what additional investments you’d like to make apart from your regular savings such as maximizing your 401(k) or IRA contributions.

Using financial planning software, such as Quicken, can help with keeping track of your expenses and investments. Decide what your tax filing status will be for the year. Make sure you consider the difference between married filing separate versus joint filing, based upon your particular circumstances. Consult your tax advisor if you are unsure.

5) Pay Down Debt
Credit card debt is the number one obstacle to a secure financial future, and knowing both of your credit scores is essential. You’re allowed one free credit check annually with each of the major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Order reports and go through and correct any inaccuracies. This will help you both get a loan at a lower rate when it comes time to borrow money for a house, car or other major purchase.

Getting married is an opportunity to get a fresh start on your financial well being. These types of wealth-building efforts are extremely beneficial, and create a solid foundation to a long, happy marriage.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: economic weddings, wedding budget tips, wedding planning tips

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(ARA) – When your best friend or sister announces she’s engaged and wants you to be her maid of honor, of course you jump up and down with excitement – for her. But inside, you’re starting to cringe. Dresses, presents and planning at least one bridal shower – you can feel the pressure building up.

If the thought of the bridal shower creates more stress than satisfaction, there’s help. Culinary expert and newlywed, Kendall McFarland, research and development manager at Simply Organic, suggests cutting down on hassles with these five timesaving tips for simple but sensational shower refreshments.

Dishes like this Fruit Chutney are special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

* Take smart shortcuts. For enticing flavor without fuss, keep a supply of natural dressing and dip mixes on hand for fresh, homemade appetizers and snacks. Add a dip or dressing mix, such as creamy dill, French onion, guacamole, or ranch to equal parts of low-fat cottage cheese and non-fat plain yogurt and mix in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve with fresh veggies you can buy already cleaned and cut up at the store.

* Dress up everyday favorites. Special dishes don’t require hours in the kitchen. Make your easy-to-prepare favorites and dress them up with special, wedding seasonings. Try distinctive seasoning blends like red pepper and curry, apple and basil, pineapple and cilantro, or orange and ginger for a gourmet touch. For example, simply add a liberal dose of a spice (like oregano, basil, or cayenne) or seasoning blend along with some garlic and Parmesan cheese to your usual mashed potatoes, and you’ll instantly serve something outside everyday fare.

* Plan and shop wisely. Forget about shopping ’til you drop. Develop your menu, including impromptu snacks, ahead of time. Then pick up everything non-perishable at the same time, eliminating those last-minute treks to the grocery store. To save even more time, order ingredients online. For example, Simply Organic carries culinary items like organic spices, seasoning blends, baking extracts and flavors, gluten-free baking mixes and other cooking ingredients and supplies which they will ship to you within a few days of your order.

* Accept help. When the bride’s mother or other guests ask if they can bring anything, say yes! Ask them to bring something you don’t especially enjoy preparing or something you know is that person’s specialty which the bride really loves. Or have each guest bring a dessert or appetizer, so you can focus solely on the rest of the party and fun. Offers to help are gifts, so allow other bridesmaids or friends to assist if they offer. Working together can add to the shower fun, and give you stories to share as you continue down the wedding planning road.

* Make it healthy – the bride, her bridesmaids and the mother of the bride all want to fit into their dresses when the big day finally arrives. The best meal you can offer your guests is a delicious and healthful one. Provide great-tasting, nutritious snacks that go easy on salt, fat, sugar, and other potentially unhealthy ingredients and your guests will fondly remember your hospitality.

Here are two great examples of healthy bridal shower dishes from the Simply Organic recipe Web site that are easy to prepare:

Fruit Chutney
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 cup peeled and diced mixed fruit
1 package Apple Basil Dressing Mix
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mash fruit or use a food processor and blend. Add Apple Basil Dressing Mix and vinegar and mix. Chill and serve as a relish.

Take smart shortcuts. A natural dressing mix gives this Italian Egg Bake enticing flavor without fuss.

Italian Egg Bake
Serves 6

Ingredients:
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 package Italian Dressing Mix
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced vegetables (tomatoes and mushrooms are good choices)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk and Italian Dressing Mix and whisk well. Add cheese and vegetables. Pour into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until center is firm. Top with diced tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra special flavor.

For more delicious, healthy and easy recipes, visit www.simplyorganicfoods.com and click on the recipe drop-down menu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: egg bake, fruit chutney, recipes

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A bridal consulting course is something a wedding planner would take in their preparation for a career dealing with brides and weddings.  So what would you think they teach in a bridal consulting course?  To figure out the course content of a bridal consulting course we first must examine exactly what a wedding planner would have to know and what kinds of situations they would have to deal with.  For example, in order to deal with the one in every three brides that wants the world and everything in it to be available at their wedding a bridal consulting course would have to teach a wedding planner disaster planning.  Inevitably the weddings for the bride that wants everything would probably wind up being a disaster so that seems appropriate.  But a bridal consulting course is much more than just teaching how to organize things and how to prepare for the absolute worst.  It is also a way of preparing the potential bridal consultant for how to deal with the service providers that will inevitably either not perform their duties or fail to show up altogether.  For these situations the bridal consulting course will teach important things like how to be an emergency DJ at a wedding and how to make Molotov cocktails to deliver to the service provider that left you hanging at a very important client’s wedding.

Of course we are only speculating here on what would go into a bridal consulting course and we are also making useful suggestions.  An obvious part of any bridal consulting course would have to be some sort of psychology class.  When you are dealing with brides in what can be one of the most stressful times of their lives you really need to develop the skill of dealing with unreasonable people under stress.  For this particular instance whatever the bridal consulting course does not teach it is almost assured that the wedding planner will learn through painful and repeated real life experience.

But Seriously Folks

We have had a little fun here with outlining the perfect training material for a prospective bridal consultant but in reality a bridal consulting course offers a very valuable service to apprentice bridal consultants and the advice and information they offer are an excellent foundation to furthering the consultant’s career.  If you are considering a career as a bridal consultant then you need to look into taking a bridal consulting course and be prepared to learn valuable skills towards your new career.

Tags: Bridal Consulting Course

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When you are looking for a bridal consulting course you want to make sure you choose a quality bridal consulting school.  There are a lot of things that go into making a quality bridal consulting school and some of those things are the same features you would look for in any kind of educational facility.

The very first thing you want to look for in a bridal consulting school is that the school is certified by a bridal consulting organization.  There are a few organizations that are recognized as premier bridal consulting training organizations and they either run their own bridal consulting school or they will certify that a particular bridal consulting school meets their course criteria.  It is important to get involved with a bridal consulting school that is certified because there are many things that you need to study to be a successful bridal consultant and the curriculums created by the official certification organizations is based on years of experience of many successful bridal consultants.

So if you see that a bridal consulting school has their courses certified then that is definitely a school you want to consider.  You can also look into a non-certified school but you may want to check their references and get a hold of their curriculum before you sign on the dotted line.  You do not get a long time to study in a bridal consulting school so make sure you are able to take advantage of the experience with a certified school.

Another aspect of a bridal consulting school that you need to look into is the qualifications of the instructors that they employ.  A certified school is one thing but the experience and knowledge of the instructors is of paramount importance.  Ask to see the experience resume of each of the instructors that the bridal consulting school employs and always ask for references you can check on.  It is not only your money you are spending but your future you are investing in so be certain that you are making the right choice by insisting on quality instructors.

A Good School Has A Good Track Record

Always check on the reputation of the bridal consulting school you are considering and also make sure they are a solid organization with a history behind them.  You do not want to waste your time and money on a fly by night organization that could be here today and gone tomorrow.  A quality education in this field is important so be sure that you look into the history of the bridal consulting school you are considering and always check out their reputation as well.

Tags: Bridal Consulting School

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