NUPTIALS Bringing Bliss and Dreams Together
Issue No. 8
4 BEST WAYS to WASTE YOUR MONEY
Wedding
Favor Ideas
Editor’s Corner
This week’s issue highlights excellent wedding colours for the Summer and tips on wedding themes to aid your planning. Ask our wedding planners today for tips and ideas that you can use to create your perfect day.
Cover
Jennifer
Bride: Mrs. Tamara Hutchinson Groom: Mr. Damion Hutchinson Wedding Date: July 3, 2011 Photographer: Mr. Merrick Cousley Jnr. www.merrickcousley.com
Managing Editor: Jennifer Groves-Jackson * Marketing & Communications: Jason Jackson Contact us today! info@nuptialsjamaica.com or marketing@nuptialsjamaica.com Copyright 2011, Nuptials Jamaica ® All Rights Reserved Nuptials | 3
Contents Choosing the Right Caterer.............5 Wedding Favor Ideas......6 4 Best Ways to Waste Your Money...8-9 8 Secrets of Sexually Satisfied Couples........11-12 NUP Health.......................14
C
hoosing the
R
ight
C
Is it going to be a sit-down service or a buffet service? Going with a seated service is good if you are trying to control costs, but your guests will be able to pick the food they want to eat if you go with a buffet. 3. Figure out your guests’ preferences.
You need to make sure that the food you serve is something that your guests can enjoy eating. Thus, you may have to find out if your guests have eating preferences and factor it in when you choose the menu for your reception. Some of f your wedding plans include a wedding your guests may be vegetarian while some are reception, then you definitely need to serve food allergic to certain types of food. Coming up with and drinks to your guests after the ceremony. a menu does not have to be complicated. The After all, celebrations are never complete easiest solution here is to provide some variety in without food and drink, and what is a wedding the courses so everyone is sure to be able to eat but a celebration? This is why wedding catering is something. one of the most important items that you need to 4. Choose the best caterer you can afford. consider when you are planning your wedding.
aterer
I
Most wedding planners have it that wedding catering takes up at least half of an engaged couple’s wedding budget. That is understandable, as wedding catering is not just about food and drink but also includes the use of tableware and table decorations. Since you are bound to spend a lot on feeding your guests, you need to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
Wedding catering can be expensive, and so you need to make sure that your caterer is giving you your money’s worth. Before you choose a caterer, make sure that you ask for their references first and give these references a call. Also, schedule for a tasting session to check on the quality of service that the caterer provides. You should also check a few details like the quality of the tableware they use, the cost of the table decorations, and the ratio of servers to guests.
Here are a few ideas that can help take out some of the hassle of choosing the right wedding catering 5. Do not self-cater.If you are trying to stretch and save you some money in the process. your wedding budget, the idea of self-catering 1. Determine the time of the wedding reception. can be very tempting. But most brides who have You have the choice of scheduling your wedding gone through the self-catering route believe that reception to coincide with a mealtime or not. this is a bad idea. You cannot cook for your own If you want your reception to coincide with a wedding party without losing your cool on your mealtime and your wedding budget is limited, you wedding day. Just let others do this for you so you should avoid holding the reception at dinnertime can sit back, look pretty and enjoy your wedding because dinners are expensive and are bound day. to burn a big hole in your pocket. Instead, you should consider brunch or lunch.
On the other hand, you can also serve appetizers, finger foods and hors d’oeuvres if your reception is between mealtimes. Some of your guests may think that you are trying to save on your reception, but if you do this tastefully, they will not mind. 2. Consider the serving style. Nuptials || 55 Nuptials
Wedding Favor Ideas
Mrs.”... “Loving Kisses from the Mr. & Mrs.” Personalized CANDY BAR wrappers are becoming a BIG HIT for weddings. We’ve received suggestions from several visitors to add them to our list! Write a personalized THANK YOU from the Bride and Groom and have it printed on a magnet... you can put it with the place card for each family.
A carefully selected favor will leave a long lasting and memorable impression on your guests... here are some of our favorite favor ideas: Wedding Favor Suggestions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Small Picture Frames Seed Packets Vases Cookies Magnets with your Engagement Photo Small Bottles of Wine Wine Glasses Small Box or Bag of Chocolates Bag of Almonds Candy Bottles Jellybeans M & M’s Jars of Bubbles Candles Scented Oils Scented Sachets Seasonal or Holiday Item Engraved Pens or Pencils Cigars Scented Soaps Ceramic Angels or Doves
CD Wedding Favors... put together a CD of featured music from your wedding (First Dance , Parent Dances, etc.) along with some of your favorite songs. You can easily create your own artwork and burn your own CD’s or hire a company to make the CD’s for you.
Chocolate heart lollipops... really easy to make... buy a whole bunch of heart shaped molds, candy sticks and chocolate wafers. Melt the chocolate, pour into molds and put the sticks in at the bottom of the heart... freeze for about 5 Put two Hershey’s Kisses (one regular kiss and minutes and you’re done! You can then wrap one hug) on a plastic spoon and secure it. Then them in cellophane and tie them with curling attach a piece of paper saying “A spoonful of ribbon. They’ll be a big hit and people won’t hugs and kisses from the new bride and groom”. believe you made them. Another visitor suggested these other labels for the Hershey’s Kisses... “Hugs & Kisses from the Mr. & Mrs.”... “A Spoonful of Kisses from the Mr. and Nuptials | 6
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4 Best Ways to
Waste Your Money
Endless Bride and Groom It may be fun to have a pair of pants that say “Bride” across your butt, but how long are you really going to wear them? You certainly don’t need to own multiple pieces of clothing that say “bride” or “groom” because they’ve got a limited shelf-life.
Perhaps the biggest money waster of all is It’s great to find ways of throwing a champagne giving your bridal party “bridesmaid” and bash on a soda budget. But the best way to save “groomsman” gear. Do you really think that money on your wedding is to avoid the things groomsman is ever going to wear that tacky that aren’t worth it at any cost. hat ever again? Do you think he’ll even enjoy wearing it the first time? Regardless of budget size, brides of all kinds say that after the wedding, there were several things on which they wished that they hadn’t wasted their money. For every person, this list will be different of course. But here is a brutally honest look at what we think are simply not worth it. Meaningless and Expensive Wedding Favors Wedding favors can be a thoughtful way of saying thank you to your guests. But far too often they’re a meaningless knickknack. Your guests don’t need a candy dish, or a little silver bell. Don’t think their cute place card holder doubles as a favor; what are they going to do with one place card? You’re going to spend a lot of money on things that will just collect dust, or end up in the trash. We think it’s far better to not give favors, or to Tip: Buy a pair of pajama pants or underwear give simple low cost ones. that says “bride” or “groom.” Rather than feeling embarrassed about wearing a bride sweatTip: Some of the most thoughtful wedding favors shirt out in public, clothing meant for the home can be handmade. will remind the two of you of your wedding day. Leave the other bridal swag at the store. Nuptials | 8
Huge Wedding Cakes Some couples only invite 50 guests, but they still order a cake that serves 300. With cakes going for $1100-$1500 per pound, that extra size adds up quickly. While a large cake looks impressive, a small cake can be charming. If height is a priority, consider asking your baker to use a separator set, and adding fresh flowers between the layers. Or, use a large cake topper, such as this tiered floral centerpiece.
an invitation to the rehearsal dinner (if applicable) and other parties. Tack on just a few unnecessary bridesmaids or groomsmen and you’re potentially talking about thousands of dollars. Tip: If you are having more than 100 guests, ask for a display cake that only feeds 100 people. Use inexpensive sheet cakes in the back to feed the extra guests. No one will know the difference!
Tip: Give some of your friends and loved ones different roles in the wedding. Consider asking them to read during the ceremony or give them a special role at the reception. You might even just thank them in the program for helping to support you during the wedding planning process.
Too Many Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Have you ever seen a wedding with more than a dozen attendants? It starts to look like a wedding army. Of course, if you are inviting lots of guests, it makes sense to have a large wedding party. But before you start adding your friend who you haven’t seen since high school, and all of your cousins, consider what the role of the wedding party should be. Even if you’re not paying for the wedding party’s attire, each of those attendants requires a bouquet or boutonniere, a thank you gift, and Nuptials | 9
8S S S C
ecrets of
exually
atisfied
ouples
Achieve bliss in the bedroom by applying these real-world tips Your sister, your best friend, your co-worker—you keep hearing about these women who enjoy fabulous sex lives with their partners. But how do they manage to keep it hot, especially when they have a couple of kids and more than a few years together? So you don’t have to broach the subject yourself, we asked a few lucky women for their secrets to a satisfying sex life. Here’s what they had to say—and how you can apply their advice in your own bedroom. 1. They schedule sex.
What? Put “Have sex” on your calendar? “Absolutely!” say couples happy with their sex lives. Rather than killing the mood with a lack of spontaneity, scheduling sex tends to “take away all the very real excuses I could otherwise use, like that I’m exhausted
after working and getting the kids to bed,” says Holly Jenkins,* who has been married for two years and has three boys under the age of 10. “For couples in long-term relationships, planning a romantic interlude leads to a higher-quality, more enjoyable sexual experience,” says Victoria Zdrok Wilson, JD, PhD, who cowrote The 30-Day Sex Solution with her husband, John Wilson. Instead of thinking of calendar sex as unromantic, view it instead as a delicious form of foreplay. Send each other anticipatory texts, plan what you’ll wear (or not), and so on.
always knock to announce their presence.” According to Dr. Zdrok Wilson, “each couple needs to evaluate their environment and determine the optimal conditions for great sex.” For some, a lock may be enough to create an adultsonly barrier. Others may need to go further to create a sensual, relaxing haven in their bedroom by banning electronic gadgets, computers and TVs, not to mention kids and their toys! Photo: iStockphoto 3. They have perfected the quickie.
2. They lock the bedroom door.
This little bit of hardware is essential in a home with children, says Jennifer Flanders, who’s been married 24 years and has 12 children, ranging in age from 11 months to 23 years. She jokes that whenever the family moves to a new home, a new lock on the master bedroom tops the todo list. Even if you don’t have a physical lock, creating a sense of boundaries is key, says Sacha Mohammed—married 14 years, with 7 children. “I always made sure the children were put to bed on time when they were little so my husband and I could have our time together; the kids were also taught to
During certain critical periods in a marriage––particularly when you’re new parents––time and energy are both at a premium. Couples who maintain a good sex life during these challenging times have learned to make the quickie something that’s good for both of them. If you’ve avoided speedy sex sessions in the past because it takes time for you to physically get in the mood, don’t underestimate the power of the mind-body connection. Try thinking of a place or time when the sex was amazing, and use it like a meditation, taking yourself back there in your mind, says Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, marriage and family therapist.
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4. They experiment.
“Be open to different ways of expressing yourself sexually,” says Jenkins. “As with music, people tend to like a mix of the predictable and unexpected.” You have to find the right balance between being adventurous and being conventional: Don’t be so conventional that it’s boring. But don’t be so adventurous that you lose your intimacy-or level of comfort. This could mean everything from positions to the overall attitude you bring to the intimate encounter. Sexual ruts––always doing it on a certain day, at a certain time, in a certain room––can breed boredom. Something as simple as mixing it up on the living room floor or in the shower. “Many couples report that they have the best sex when they’re not at home,” says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. “I call it ‘the dirty little motel’ syndrome.” 5. They keep communicating.
we got married, my husband told me we would talk about everything, and he meant it,” she says. There’s no other way to understand what your partner wants, needs or enjoys other than talking. And don’t make assumptions: You may be surprised to learn that what you thought was foolproof doesn’t really float his boat anymore, says Gilchrest O’Neill. 6. They avoid or reject excuses.
“Many of the excuses other couples use to avoid sex––like headaches, stress, tiredness or arguments––are some of the exact same reasons we choose to make sex a priority,” says Flanders. “Sex relieves pain, reduces stress, promotes better sleep and motivates us to settle our disagreements quickly.” Beware of letting excuses take on a life of their own, because, to use one example, the kids aren’t needy babies forever, and before you know it sex is so far on the back burner it’s fallen completely off the stove. 7. They trust each other.
Mohammed says that “excellent communication skills” is the top reason she and her husband continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life. “Before
Jenkins cites her and her husband’s adventurous sex life, but is quick to add that for adventurousness to exist, it has to be preceded by trust. “Great sex is a reflection of the overall rapport and communication you have in other rooms of the house. To have trust with your spouse, you have to always
try to build each other up outside the bedroom. If you say or do something critical or disrespectful to your partner during the day, why would he want to be naked and try something new with you later that evening?” she asks. Trust, comfort and ease with each other happens when you engage in active listening, says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. 8. They care about their appearance and health.
“We still take pride in how we look for each other,” says Mohammed. Certainly staying in shape and paying attention to appearance helps you and your partner maintain the mood. But it’s not just about pleasing your partner’s eye; taking care of yourself makes you feel good about yourself. Not only that, but your libido is dependent on your overall health. “When you feel unhealthy, tired, ill or lacking in energy, you’re not likely to be motivated to engage in regular sexual activity,” says Dr. Zdrok Wilson. So, hit the gym, put on some makeup or dress up even if you’re not going anywhere. Do whatever makes you feel sexy and he’s guaranteed to notice. By Denise Schipani Posted April 01, 2011 from WomansDay.com Nuptials | 12
NUP HEALTH Beauty Tips for brides to be 1. Eating well should top the list of dos. Include lots of juices and fruits in your diet. Tomato juice is good for the skin 2. Exfoliating the face and body should also be an essential in the beauty itinerary. Have a good face-scrub and use the scrub at least 3 times a week. It is better to scrub the dry areas such as your elbows, knees and heels often. After that application of Vaseline is mandatory. 3. Oil your hair every alternate day. It is wise to take multi-vitamins too. 4. Keep your nails beautiful by rubbing the cuticles with olive oil, as it makes them tougher, soft and supple
12. Apply mixture of henna, amla, shikakai, reetha, egg white and honey on the hair. Leave for 30-40 minutes. The hair will shine with an exquisite glow. Lemon juice can be blend with the mixture if you are suffering from dandruff. Green tea or vinegar can be used as the last rinse. They act as great conditioners.
13. Hydration is an essential element for the brides to be. Drinking lots of water is indeed beneficial for a bride to be, as it reaps great effects in making you the bride glowing with health. Water helps in lowering the body fat; flushing out the cellulite, improving the digestion and also in getting rid of dark circles under the eyes and hence making you feel full. 14. Walk for at least 10 minutes a day and make it your routine. This in turn will help in metabolism and will keep you active.
15. Eat often but make sure to eat in small por5. Adequate care for feet should also be taken. tions. Go for pedicure sessions periodically. 6. Cinnamon & honey is extremely good for rough skin. Apply it and leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off. This will tone up the skin well.
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7. Packs made of Besan, haldi, and lemon juice is good for oily skin. Make the mix and apply it on face. Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off. 8. Orange Juice attributes the skin with an added glow. Apply and leave on for 15 minutes until it becomes dry and then scrub-off. 9. Oatmeal and honey act as a great remedy for dry skin. 10. Red sandalwood powder and Haldi is good for removing scars and other marks left by pimples and acnes. Apply the paste on your face and keep for ½ hour and then wash off. 11. A mixture of crème and saffron gifts one with clear complexion. It is not suitable for oily skin. Nuptials | 14
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