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Honeymoon Giveaway!!

We will be giving away a 4 day, 3 night honeymoon in the Champagne Tower by Cleopatra Suite at Cove Haven Pocono Resort!
Plus more great door prizes & surprises!!

Goody Bags

We will have a goody bag for the first 100 pre-registered brides on Saturday! We are asking all Onslow Bridal Gala vendors to put something in our bags. In addition, we have several national companies that are also participating! This is one item you don't want to miss!! And it's FREE for the first 100, so pre-register today! Bride’s Pre-registration http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com
Saturday Preview Event
Marston Pavilion
3-6pm

Power Point Presentation

All participating Vendors - Please email 8-10 high quality pictures for a power point presentation. Please put your company name on the pic if you can. These will be played all day on Sunday at the show!
phevents@hotmail.com

Vendor Sign In

http://obgvendor.eventbrite.com/

Best Booth Contest

Onslow Bridal Gala BEST BOOTH CONTEST –
voted for by the Brides, winner gets a free booth next year!

With that in mind, please dress up your booth, be creative! We are enthusiastic about your participation in this exciting networking and marketing venture.

Marston Pavilion

New this year, Special Preview on Saturday, 2/5/2011, 3-6 pm, at the newly remodeled Marston Pavilion!

Marston Pavilion is located on Seth Williams Blvd., Bldg. 730
This event is for pre-registered brides and guests only. Meet the vendors, taste the great food and expect surprises in store for you!

If you are among the first 100 brides to register you will receive a free gift bag filled with great products and savings

Must be pre-registered to get on base. No Exceptions.

Bride’s Pre-registration http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com/

For more information, contact: Pam DuVal at 252-671-6939 or phevents@hotmail.com

They even have a Brides Dressing Room!

Onslow Bridal Gala 2/6/2011

Jacksonville Country Club

Bride’s Pre-registration http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com/

For more information, contact:

Pam DuVal at 252-671-6939 or phevents@hotmail.com
Admission is $6.00 but brides that pre-register with us will receive a $3.00 off coupon.
Whether you are recently engaged or just a few final details away from completing your wedding planning the Onslow Bridal Gala is the event you won’t want to miss!

Come and meet dozens of wedding experts. See the latest trends in the wedding industry. Taste wedding cakes, enjoy food samples, view the latest floral designs. The hottest reception sites will be here! From hotels, country clubs to restaurants and beach destination properties.
The most sought after and reputable wedding vendors will be here to assist you with any questions and planning.

See you Feb 6, 2011 at The Jacksonville Country Club. Doors open at 1pm. The show is scheduled from 1 to 5pm.

Facebook link!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Onslow-Bridal-Gala/

2/5/2011 Special Event

On Saturday night, February 5, we will be having a special preview event for pre-registered brides only at the newly remodeled Marstons Pavilion!

It is absolutely beautiful!

It is located on Seth Williams Blvd. Bldg Number 730

Pre-registration saves you $3.00!!

You must be pre-registered to get on base!

No Exceptions.
http://onslowbridal.blogspot.com/ or http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com/com/te.com/

Brides Pre-Register

2011 ONSLOW BRIDAL GALA
FEB 6, 2011
at the Jacksonville Country Club!!
2201 Country Club Rd., Jacksonville, NC

http://onslowbridal.blogspot.com/

To Pre-register - http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com/

If you are among the first 100 brides to register you will receive a free gift bag filled with great products and savings. The most sought after and reputable wedding vendors will be here to assist you with any questions and planning.

Doors open at 1pm. The show is scheduled from 1 to 5pm.

The Onslow Bridal Gala is an annual bridal show in Onslow County. Find the perfect wedding vendors to make your dream wedding become a reality! The show is brought to you by Promised Hearts, Inc. and is sponsored by the most sought after area vendors.

On Saturday night, February 5, we will be having a special preview event for pre-registered brides only. http://onslowbridal.blogspot.com/ or http://onslowbridal.eventbrite.com/

2011 Vendors

For 2011 are limiting the number of vendors per category to provide our brides with a more targeted and select group of vendors.

We will be accepting nominations for new vendors until category reaches the cap. Participating food vendors must be NC licensed. Vendors must have at least two vendor/client recommendations, a professional website and an impeccable record of customer service.

Space is limited and available on a first come first served basis to vendors that meet eligibility requirements.

Contact Pam DuVal at 252.671.6939 for rates and availability.
We look forward to a fun en exciting event!

2011 Onslow Bridal Gala

Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact Pam DuVal for rates and availability 252-671-6939 or phevents@hotmail.com

2011 New Location

In 2011, our bridal show will be held at the Jacksonville Country Club!!

2201 Country Club Rd
Jacksonville, NC 28546

2011 ONSLOW BRIDAL GALA

SAVE THE DATE
FEB 6, 2011

2011

We have started making plans for next year's gala! It's gonna be great!

Thanks!

Many thanks to all the vendors, businesses & friends who helped with set up, advertising, and clean up for the show! And special thanks to all the brides who helped to make our show a success!! We hope you all had as much fun as we did!

See you Sunday!

Thank you to our wonderful vendors for all their support preparing for this fantastic event! Also special thanks to all the brides who pre-registered for the event, we have almost 100 pre-registered brides and more than 200 attendees ...and they keep on coming! The gift bags are in and gifts are more than sweet! Additionally we are going to have tons of door prizes throughout the day! Don't miss out and arrive early, doors open at 1pm. The Jacksonville Recreation Center is located at 100 Recreation Lane, behind the Toys R Us store in Jacksonville.
We look forward to a fun filled afternoon! See you Sunday!

Vendors last chance to register!

Vendors, don't miss the chance to register! Vendor registration ends Wednesday by close of business. For booth information contact Pam DuVal at 252.671.6939 or e-mail promisedhearts2@hotmail.com.

Help your flower girl be her best on your big day

ARA) - Children can add so much to a wedding day - from the ring bearer toddling down the aisle carrying a pillow with precious cargo, to the flower girl who sweetly perfumes your path to the altar by dropping tender petals in her wake. As special as you feel on your wedding day, you'll want even your littlest helpers to share in the feeling and know that you appreciate them.


To ensure that your young attendants are happy campers on the big day, you'll want to help them look their best and make them feel that they have an important role. Here are some helpful hints that you can put in practice, whether the child is your own or the child of a loved one. Follow these tips, and you'll help ensure the youngest members of your wedding party have a positive experience that they - and you - will remember for a lifetime.
Make her feel special
Chances are you're not the only female in your wedding party who's doing something special, exciting - and intimidating - for the first time. Your flower girl or young bridesmaid is also experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime, princess-like moment, and may feel understandably nervous at the prospect of having all eyes on her as she precedes you down the aisle. Making her feel special, as if she is a little princess, will help boost her self-confidence.
Brides spend lots of time and energy picking out dresses for their flower girls and junior bridesmaids, taking into account not only how the dress will fit in with the look of the wedding, but how it will complement the wearer. Accessories are just as important, and the youngest members of the wedding party should have some small items to highlight their attire, just as every bride should.
Not only will jewelry enhance the look, it will be a keepsake of the day - look for pieces that are high quality (so that they will last a lifetime), but reflective of the wearer's age. Disney Precious Collections offers fine children's jewelry for girls that will be perfect for any wedding. The pieces are understated and elegant, but also feature the youthful spirit of beloved Disney characters - they make ideal flower girl gifts.
Keep her involved
Children love being involved in life's big moments and decisions as much as possible. Keep your flower girl or young bridesmaid part of the decision-making process as much as possible leading up to your wedding day.
In addition to involving them in fun things like wedding showers, putting stamps on invitations and hair and make-up trials, give your young attendants some options that they can choose from. Will she wear her hair up or down? With flowers, ribbons or feathers?
You can also give her options about what kind of flower girl jewelry she might wear. For a special surprise, you could show her examples of earrings, necklaces and bracelets from Disney Precious Collections well ahead of time, and then surprise her on the day of the wedding with the one she liked best. To look through the jewelry options that can become treasured wedding memories for your junior bridesmaids and flower girls, visit www.PreciousJewelryCollections.com.
Make your day child-friendly
Though you'll feel like your wedding day is flying by, it can be a long day for the littlest members of your wedding party. Even the best-mannered kids get tired and out of sorts after hours of activity, so it's good to take that into consideration. You'll be in a whirlwind of excitement, so make sure that you have a trusted attendant who can help accommodate children's needs.
Think about scheduling your photos so that pictures with children will be taken first and quickly. They'll be energetic and happy, and if you can have the photos taken soon after hair and make-up are done, everyone will look picture-perfect.
Plan to have something special for youngsters - both wedding party members and young guests - at the reception. Consider offering kid-friendly menu items, or have separate entertainment like balloon animals, a toy box or a coloring station with crayons and a paper easel to keep kids happy and occupied while adults enjoy the grown-up activities at the reception.
Keeping the youngest members of your wedding party happy on your wedding day will help ensure the day is special, memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

Engaged? How to experience all the excitement of this special time

(ARA) - Congratulations - you're engaged! This is a special time, leading up to the big day that will change your lives forever. Don't wait for the nuptials to arrive, however, before you bask in the bliss. Savor every minute of your engagement experience.


"Brides may find that making wedding plans can distract them from the simple joy of being engaged," says Raymond Miller, a wedding planning expert with the Web site My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. "But some advanced planning and creative ideas can help them fully enjoy their engagement while still preparing for the wedding day of their dreams."
Miller offers brides-to-be some simple advice for getting the most enjoyment out of being engaged:
Announcing your big news
News of your engagement is one of the most exciting pieces of information you'll ever share with family and friends. Get creative and fun with your engagement announcement, but don't overlook practicality. You want to announce your engagement and wedding date in a way that will be quick and easy for you - and memorable to those receiving the message. Save the date magnets can be a great way to get the word out and put your wedding date front-of-mind for those who are invited.
Traditional engagement announcements in local newspapers limit your creativity and the reach of your news. Save the date wedding magnets can relay information about your wedding plans across the country to distant loved ones. And because we all have a tendency to hold on to magnets (How many pizza delivery magnets do you have on your refrigerator?) in conspicuous places in our homes, your guests-to-be will see a constant reminder of your special day.
My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you create customized wedding save the date magnets that reflect your individuality, convey the theme of your wedding and keep your date on the minds of friends and family.
Sharing the celebration
Sure, your maid of honor and other girlfriends will probably throw you a bridal shower. But you don't have to wait to begin celebrating the good news. You and your fiancé can involve loved ones in the celebrating - and do it at a time you choose - by hosting your own engagement party.
Staging your own party allows you to share the excitement sooner. Plus, you can use the occasion as an opportunity to "test drive" wedding day seating arrangements or check out a restaurant you're considering for the rehearsal dinner. You can also experiment with linens and décor; using colors you're considering for your wedding will give you an idea of what these decorator items will look like in an elegant setting. Or, use the engagement party as way to preview your wedding theme - for example, host the party at a seaside location for a beach-themed wedding.
And don't forget to celebrate as a couple, as well. If planning starts to feel too stressful, consider taking a pre-honeymoon trip that will help you decompress and reconnect as a couple. Time away together will help remind you what all your wedding planning is really about - your love for each other. The break could be as simple as a weekly date night or as elaborate as a weekend getaway.
Be resourceful
The Internet has made wedding planning easier than ever. Use online resources, like sites that allow you to experiment with seating charts for receptions, compare color schemes and create sample menus. My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you pick and plan personalized wedding favors, accessories and gifts for your wedding party. The site also provides tips on different kinds of napkins and how to choose them, and other useful planning hints. Visit www.myweddingreceptionideas.com to learn more.
"Planning a wedding should be part of the enjoyable experience of being engaged," Miller says. "With creativity and some expert help, it's possible to make the months of your engagement as memorable and special as the wedding day itself."
Courtesy of ARAcontent

More brides choosing heirloom china

(ARA) - Ever since she was a little girl, Amanda Davis dreamed of one day having her grandmother's cherished wedding china as her very own.

"As a child, I always loved listening to stories about past family gatherings as Mamo took each piece of her china out of the hutch so carefully," says Davis. "I can remember thinking about how this same china had been used for numerous family gatherings and feeling a sense of connection to my grandfather, who died before I was born, through the china that I knew he had used with my grandmother on similar family occasions."

Davis had no idea her grandmother, Bettie Guillion, shared a similar dream. Guillion knew her granddaughter loved her china, and planned to pass along her precious heirlooms when Davis grew up and set her own big date. But there was one problem -- missing pieces. Guillion received the set for her own wedding in the early 1940s and while she had managed to keep most of her beloved collection through the decades, somewhere along the way, the cups and saucers disappeared. Guillion's daughter, Linda Bohannon, thought it would be impossible to replace them.

"My mother picked her china out of the Sears and Roebuck catalog more than 60 years ago, so we knew there was just no way we'd ever find it," says Bohannon. "The only thing she could remember about her china was that it was made by Homer Laughlin. That didn't seem like much to go on, so at that point I just hoped we could find some nice cream colored pieces Amanda could use with the set."

Bohannon heard about Replacements, Ltd., known as the world's largest supplier of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. When she visited the company's Web site, Bohannon found a list of china made by Homer Laughlin and noticed photographs of most patterns. She started clicking away and was almost speechless when she came across an image that looked very familiar.

"I called my mother up and asked her, does your china have little pink and yellow roses on it, and could the pattern name be 'Countess'?" Bohannon remembers. "That was it; that was her china! I was completely flabbergasted. It never entered my mind that we would be able to find the exact pattern. My mother was absolutely thrilled!"

Davis isn't alone in creating wedding registries for family treasures. Many brides are choosing to complete china, crystal and flatware sets lovingly handed down from mother to daughter to granddaughter. Unfortunately, if the patterns are especially old there is a good chance that the manufacturer no longer produces the pieces, making it nearly impossible to track down at most department stores.

"We're one of the few places brides inheriting heirloom patterns can turn to for help because of our huge, diverse inventory of discontinued patterns, some more than 100 years old," says Traci Hart, Replacements' director of customer service. "Nearly 80 percent of our bridal registry sales are generated from discontinued and heirloom patterns. What's more, we've put together a group of associates to specifically handle all registry requests. Because these folks are really familiar with our bridal customers, we can offer more personalized attention. It's almost like having your own personal shopper."

Brides like Davis, who don't know their pattern name, are in luck. The company also offers a free pattern identification service. Replacements' research team receives nearly 3,000 requests weekly from people who don't know the name or manufacturer of their patterns.

"I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to receive this piece of family history," Davis says. "I can already picture myself as a mother and grandmother pulling this same china out of my own hutch as I tell stories of my grandmother. I hope that in the future they will feel the same sense of family history and pride and that I will one day be able to pass it on to my own granddaughter. To know that it will be used in future generations of my family in the same way it was used in past generations is an amazing gift." You can learn more about Replacements' bridal registry and free pattern identification service at Replacements.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Pre-register

Be sure to pre-register! All pre-registered brides get a free gift!!

http://www.onslowbridalgala.com

Expert tips to ensure your beauty efforts outlast the busiest days

(ARA) - What woman doesn't dream of looking as fresh at the end of the day as she did when she looked in the mirror that morning, with perfect hair and makeup? Invariably, however, by the end of the day, hair goes flat, mascara smudges and manicures chip.

As a result, women hunt for tips to maintain a beautiful look that will outlast a full day and still look great into the evening. Ying Chu, beauty and health director for "Marie Claire" magazine, sees this dilemma first-hand. "Women are busier than ever these days juggling multiple commitments," she says, "and as a result it has become a priority to seek out beauty buys from trusted brands that are not only long-lasting, but budget friendly."

Follow her beauty tips to achieve a fresh look that will outlast even the busiest schedule:

* Before applying your makeup, use a mattifying primer first. Because it absorbs oil throughout the day, it prevents oil from breaking down your makeup, making it last longer.

* To help face and eye makeup last throughout the day, apply a cream formula first, then layer on a powder over top to set it, like CoverGirl TruBlend MicroMinerals Finishing Veil.

* Fresh breath and a sparkling smile are always a must to top off your look. New Scope Outlast mouthwash and Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast toothpaste feature Outlast technology that delivers a cool, minty sensation for a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to five times longer than brushing alone with ordinary toothpaste.

* Long, full eyelashes can enhance any look. To ensure your lashes remain lengthy and curled, start by layering a waterproof sealant, like Clarins Double Fix mascara, or any waterproof mascara over your regular mascara. It will make your mascara last without being impossible to remove.

* Keep your nails in tip-top shape and extend the life of a manicure or pedicure by adding a clear topcoat to your nails every other day like Essie Good To Go! Topcoat. This will help avoid chipping as you go about your busy schedule.

* Fragrance is a way for a woman to express herself. To make sure your signature scent lasts, choose fragrances that have high concentrations, such as a parfum, over an eau de toilette. Fragrance will last longer on well-moisturized skin, so layer a complementary body cream or oil on your skin before spraying.

With these long-lasting insider beauty tips, you will be sure to outlast any whirlwind of events and still look fresh. Courtesy of ARAcontent

OBG Posters

The Onslow Bridal Gala posters are here! Contact me to get some.

phevents@hotmail.com or 252-671-6939

Vendors get 20% off advertising on Operation Wedding Day Magazine

Introducing Operation Wedding Day, a bridal magazine presented by The Globe.
The Operation Wedding Day Magazine is the area's only authorized bridal magazine with access to Eastern North Carolina
Military Bases. 30,000 copies distributed annually.
The Globe is offering our vendors the opportunity to advertise at a discounted rate. Contact 910-376-0657 or 910-347-9624 or email Heather Miller, Advertising Director at Heather.Miller@militarynews.com to reserve your space, the deadline is Tuesday.

Reserve your booth today, only a few spots left! The Onslow Bridal Gala will be held March 7 at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center at 100 Recreation Lane, Jacksonville, NC 28541.
http://www.onslowbridalgala.com/

Free honeymoon giveaway at the Onslow Bridal Gala

Super news! One lucky couple will receive a 3 day, 2 night stay at the Poconos Resorts! Check out their web site.

http://www.covepoconoresorts.com/

Planning a bridal shower? Relax and enjoy it with these food shortcuts

(ARA) - Your dear friend or sister announces she's engaged. She wants you to be her maid of honor. It goes without saying, you're thrilled for her. But - does this mean you'll have to plan at least one bridal shower? Not to mention, wear a dress not of your own choosing and find the perfect gift?

If the bridal shower causes you the most anxiety, help is on the way. Kendall McFarland, director of product and recipe development at Simply Organic, suggests cutting down on stress with these time-saving tips to host a simple but sensational shower for the bride.

* 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 day road.

* Go the healthy route - the bride, her bridesmaids and the mother of the bride all want to fit into their dresses when the big day finally arrives. The most thoughtful 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.

* Remake everyday favorites. Great dishes don't require hours in the kitchen. Make your easy-to-prepare favorites and dress them up with special festive seasonings. Try distinctive seasoning blends like curry or Italian seasoning, or even seasoned sugar combinations like lemon sugar or cinnamon sugar for a gourmet touch. For example: Add a liberal dose of a spice like oregano, basil or cayenne (or an herbal seasoning blend) along with some garlic and Parmesan cheese to your usual mashed potatoes and you'll instantly serve something out of the ordinary.

* Use clever shortcuts. For inviting 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.

* Plan and shop wisely. Don't exhaust yourself shopping. Outline your menu - including impromptu snacks - ahead of time. Then pick up everything non-perishable at the same time, eliminating last-minute sprints to the grocery store. Don't panic if your grocer is missing that key spice ingredient since it's easier than ever to order 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.

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

Strawberry Spice Muffins

Ingredients
1 package Simply Organic Carrot Cake Mix
1/3 cup water
2 large beaten eggs
1 cup very finely diced strawberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine carrot cake baking mix, water and eggs. Blend until just moist. Fold strawberries into blend. Pour into well-greased or lined muffin pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Makes 12 regular-size muffins or six large muffins.

Chef Suggestions
Top with cream cheese frosting and sliced strawberries.

Spicy Clementine Dressing

Ingredients
1/2 cup juice from fresh Clementine oranges
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 package Simply Organic Salsa Dip Mix

Directions
Whisk all ingredients together. Chill until ready to serve, stirring right before drizzling on mixed greens.

Chef Suggestions
Combine fresh mixed greens, Feta cheese and slices of Clementine oranges to make a fresh and spicy salad.

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

Beyond the basics: How to create a one-of-a-kind wedding

(ARA) - Millions of couples get engaged every holiday season when love and affection are in the air. But what many couples don't know is that you can keep that good feeling alive and avoid stress while planning your wedding.

Turn your dream into reality

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and is most likely a day you've spent hours, days or even years dreaming about. When the time finally comes to start planning the big day, you don't want to cut corners or settle for a run-of-the-mill, impersonal event. With the help of the American Rental Association (ARA) and your local rental store, you can be sure your wedding day will be one that will be remembered by all.

Rental opens the doors to options you may have never even considered due to time or budget constraints. A romantic outdoor wedding is possible any time of the year with huge tents and elegant canopies, equipped with heating or cooling options. Make a statement by skipping the traditional tiered cake and going with something more unique, like an impressive chocolate fountain with brownie or cheesecake bites or an ice cream cart complete with all the fixings. You can even create dramatic scenery on the walls and ceiling of your venue with a variety of accent lighting options.

Don't break the bank

While your wedding day may be the most important day of your life, there is no reason why it has to be the most expensive. You can save money on seating, centerpieces and more by renting. Why buy all your wedding supplies when you are only going to use them once? Why bother paying for their storage and upkeep after the big day is over? Simplify your wedding and your budget by letting the rental store take care of the cleanup, maintenance and storage of all your decorations and supplies.

And forget about running all over town, wasting time, energy and money - make one stop at your local rental store and get everything you need. ARA members, which include more than 7,500 rental businesses and 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers, are located in every state, so you can get all the supplies you need in one stop. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, ARA offers RentalHQ.com, the world's largest and most comprehensive rental store locator. Here, people planning their wedding and reception can find the rental store nearest them, read how-to tips and get ideas and inspiration for their event.

Enlist the experts

To make planning your big day even easier, some ARA member rental businesses offer Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs). And most offer on-site support, relieving much of the stress associated with planning a wedding. These professionals are ready and willing to share their knowledge and experience with you, from pre-wedding set-up all the way through the day of the event.

Deadlines, budgets, guest lists - these are all aspects of a wedding that need to be managed and sometimes are better left to the professionals. CERPs know what needs to be organized right away, and what can wait until later. They will think of that one detail that never would have crossed your mind and keep your budget in check.

Enlisting the help of a CERP will not only ease the stress and tension of planning an entire wedding, but it will also ensure that the wedding you always envisioned is the one you will remember for years to come. From the latest trends and themes, to innovative budget saving strategies, CERPs know the ins and outs of planning a wedding.

Don't let planning your wedding be as stressful as the holidays. Make it an enjoyable experience with the help of ARA and your local rental store. CCourtesy of ARAcontent

Engaged? How to experience all the excitement of this special time

(ARA) - Congratulations - you're engaged! This is a special time, leading up to the big day that will change your lives forever. Don't wait for the nuptials to arrive, however, before you bask in the bliss. Savor every minute of your engagement experience.

"Brides may find that making wedding plans can distract them from the simple joy of being engaged," says Raymond Miller, a wedding planning expert with the Web site My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. "But some advanced planning and creative ideas can help them fully enjoy their engagement while still preparing for the wedding day of their dreams."

Miller offers brides-to-be some simple advice for getting the most enjoyment out of being engaged:

Announcing your big news

News of your engagement is one of the most exciting pieces of information you'll ever share with family and friends. Get creative and fun with your engagement announcement, but don't overlook practicality. You want to announce your engagement and wedding date in a way that will be quick and easy for you - and memorable to those receiving the message. Save the date magnets can be a great way to get the word out and put your wedding date front-of-mind for those who are invited.

Traditional engagement announcements in local newspapers limit your creativity and the reach of your news. Save the date wedding magnets can relay information about your wedding plans across the country to distant loved ones. And because we all have a tendency to hold on to magnets (How many pizza delivery magnets do you have on your refrigerator?) in conspicuous places in our homes, your guests-to-be will see a constant reminder of your special day.

My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you create customized wedding save the date magnets that reflect your individuality, convey the theme of your wedding and keep your date on the minds of friends and family.

Sharing the celebration

Sure, your maid of honor and other girlfriends will probably throw you a bridal shower. But you don't have to wait to begin celebrating the good news. You and your fiancé can involve loved ones in the celebrating - and do it at a time you choose - by hosting your own engagement party.

Staging your own party allows you to share the excitement sooner. Plus, you can use the occasion as an opportunity to "test drive" wedding day seating arrangements or check out a restaurant you're considering for the rehearsal dinner. You can also experiment with linens and décor; using colors you're considering for your wedding will give you an idea of what these decorator items will look like in an elegant setting. Or, use the engagement party as way to preview your wedding theme - for example, host the party at a seaside location for a beach-themed wedding.

And don't forget to celebrate as a couple, as well. If planning starts to feel too stressful, consider taking a pre-honeymoon trip that will help you decompress and reconnect as a couple. Time away together will help remind you what all your wedding planning is really about - your love for each other. The break could be as simple as a weekly date night or as elaborate as a weekend getaway.

Be resourceful

The Internet has made wedding planning easier than ever. Use online resources, like sites that allow you to experiment with seating charts for receptions, compare color schemes and create sample menus. My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you pick and plan personalized wedding favors, accessories and gifts for your wedding party. The site also provides tips on different kinds of napkins and how to choose them, and other useful planning hints. Visit www.myweddingreceptionideas.com to learn more.

"Planning a wedding should be part of the enjoyable experience of being engaged," Miller says. "With creativity and some expert help, it's possible to make the months of your engagement as memorable and special as the wedding day itself." Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to add classic traditions to a modern wedding

(ARA) - Every bride remembers the age-old saying, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," and considers how to incorporate these elements into her wedding.

This English poem - believed to be from the Victorian era - was created to provide the bride with several good-luck tokens for her new life with her husband. Here are a few ideas to help the modern bride incorporate some classic traditions into her wedding:

Something old: No, you don't have to attempt to fit into or resurrect from the back of the closet your mother's, or even your grandmother's gown. You might discover one of them wore a unique headpiece that you can incorporate into your veil. Or your husband-to-be's aunt has a ring you could wear, or an embroidered satin handkerchief you can blend into your bouquet. Vintage purses, antique lace threaded into your veil or wound around your bouquet, or even a squirt from a bottle of your grandmother's perfume also work well to classically merge the "something old" tradition into your ceremony.

Something new: The pearl necklace is a classic look that complements a wedding dress perfectly. Since ancient times, pearls - with their unblemished perfection - have been tied to weddings as a symbol of innocence.

"Because they are considered a symbol of purity, pearls work perfectly to complete a bride's wedding-day look," says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com, the world's largest online pearl company. "Akoya pearls have the perfect round shape with soft, neutral colors, while freshwater pearls shine with more of an intense, natural metallic luster, perfect to complement an embroidered gown."

Visit www.PearlParadise.com to see the differences between Akoya and freshwater pearls and to find the perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day.

Something borrowed: This is an excellent way to get your best friend or a close relative more involved in your special day. But don't think that something borrowed must be clothing or jewelry. You could borrow a back yard for the wedding reception, or a purse your sister used when she got married. Another potential item is to borrow the family Bible for readings during the ceremony. Other ideas include borrowing candles for the ceremony or reception, a cake knife set, music from your friends to play at the reception or even the toasting glasses you and your new husband will click together to celebrate your marriage.

Something blue: One popular idea is for brides to incorporate blue into their garter belts, but the idea can stretch much further. Nail polish, makeup, shoes, embroidered flowers on the gown, small pieces of jewelry, a wrap or even blue flowers woven into the bouquets offer plenty of alternatives. If you want to create something a little more surprising, consider wearing blue lingerie. And if you really are planning a modern wedding, you could always wear a blue dress, since blue is a symbol of love, purity and fidelity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent