Who's Missing from Your Wedding Party? Your Dog!

Man's best friend is enjoying a higher profile when it comes to tying the knot. Although the trend gained steam in the easy-going West, wedding planners all over the country are seeing dogs take on key roles in the ceremony. In short, well-trained tail-waggers are showing up as ring bearers, groomsmen, maids of honor, and even assuming the role that once belonged to good ol' Dad -- giving away the bride. Dogs have become so common in weddings, many professional planners know where to book a dog handler for the day without blinking an eye. (After all, he'll need water, protection from crowds -- and a few trips to the loo.)

Gone to the Dogs?

What fuels the trend to add Fido to the ceremony? Opinions differ, but one is the way that weddings are changing: once they were a purely formal affair, with formal language and dress that hardly seemed to relate to our real lives at all. But many of today's couples are trying to bring more of the things we really say into the ceremony -- sometimes by writing our own vows -- and more of how we really look, which sometimes means bypassing the traditional white dress. And for many of us, our patient pooch is a lot like a child or a two-footed companion. He might have his own furniture, his own shelf full of tasty organic treats, his own set of smart fashion accessories. And whither we go, he goes ... just like any other family member. No wonder many couples don't think twice about bringing him to the altar.

But not every dog makes the perfect bridal party member. No matter how much you might love the mischievous antics of your wayward canine at home, it's only the well-trained, responsive dog that should share your big day. If your dog comes, sits, is good with groups, and can be relied on to hold a "down-stay," he's a candidate. If not, leave him home, or invest in some obedience classes straight away.

You'll also want to clear your pup's presence with the powers-that-be well ahead of time. Yes, it's a little surprising, but with the rising popularity of dogs in weddings, it's a fair bet that your officiant will give you the green light. Many banquet halls at hotels will also say "yes" to a well-behaved pet on your big day, provided you have a handler.

Dressed for Success

Once you've got the go-ahead, the greatest fun in including your dog is dressing him up. Popular choices for pint-sized wedding apparel include adorable jeweled collars, miniature tuxes or bridal gown, and crystal-encrusted combs and barrettes. Diane Meier Delaney of "The New American Wedding" draped her pooch in an ornate floral arrangement that literally took her guests' breath away (but discuss this option thoughtfully with your florist -- avoid poisonous flowers and steer clear of scratchy wires).

Now that you've ordered his attire and your dog's all set to work hard at your wedding, why not plan to treat him? You can purchase adorable cakes and cupcakes designed for occasions that are perfectly safe for your dog: delicious-looking confections made with wheat flour or oatmeal and bananas or honey, dripping with carob and studded with candy dog bones. Or you can make your own -- just search the net for some tested, dog-safe recipes that avoid excess fat and sugar, and pass on canine no-nos like chocolate, grapes, avocados, coffee and certain nuts.

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is editor of FavorIdeas. Stop by for continually-updated celebrity wedding news, fairy tale wedding favors, wedding attire for dogs and unique wedding favors.

Naked Wedding

In Chinese culture, a wedding usually consists of a registration of the wedding at a local counsel for a formal and law biding ceremony. Then afterwards, it will follow with a traditional ceremony which usually involve the two families and a wedding diner.

There are the differences between Chinese and western culture for the tie the knot ceremony. Most of the time, the ceremony itself will cost lot of money and has become a burden for a young couple nowadays in this modern world. Wedding dress, wedding diner, honeymoon vacation, wedding photo and all the preparation, all needed money and the amount usually is not small.

Naked wedding has become a trend and it does not mean not wearing anything for your big day. Naked wedding simply means the wedding you are having is as simple as registration only. There was no wedding dresses, ceremony or wedding photo. It is just plain commitment that a couple makes towards their love.

It has become more popular nowadays and can see the drastic changes especially in the Chinese culture as more and more people are doing it. This is unacceptable in the Chinese society in the past but time has change people and thinking. When couples decide to live together, housing is a must. So, there must be a budget for it and usually they will put the house in priority and I certainly agree with it.

There is the term naked wedding transform from; a simple wedding. Do you agree with this new revolution of wedding? Anyhow, I do still think of a simple corset wedding dress is a must. A few snap shots of photo for yourselves in the wedding dress is not too much to ask for and is a memorable experience.

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Celtic Wedding Bands For Men - Meaning and History

Celtic jewelry is far more than simply decoration, despite its artistry and its beauty. The common symbols found on Celtic jewelry designs are ancient, and their meanings and histories are profound. By learning about the significance of Celtic symbols, you can enjoy a greater understanding of the rich cultural traditions of your ancestors.

If you are considering a Celtic wedding band, you may be captivated by the timeless quality of the spirals, whorls, knots, and other symbols you come across. While some meanings remain lost in the mists of time, there are many beautiful stories associated with Celtic symbols, some dating back to the Druids, and the Pagan rituals that were practiced in Celtic lands before the conversion to Christ.

Since the end of Pagan times, Christianity has been a focal point of Celtic symbolism. The classic, Celtic Cross, with its ringed center, was thought to derive from Pagan sun worship, but the symbol evolved, and it became a way to express the idea of eternity. The ringed cross is just one popular symbol in Celtic tradition.

Another facet of Celtic symbolism is the spiral, or whorl, with its distinctive, curving lines. Each circular spiral is thought to represent the journey through life, and the spiritual growth that a person will accumulate over the course of a lifetime. You will find ancient Celtic art treasures that feature these whorls, often in the form of borders.

Groups of spirals are a common feature of many of the great masterpieces produced by Celtic artisans during the Insular Art period. The Insular Art period was a profoundly creative time for the master metalworkers and artists of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. During this period, Irish art treasures such as the Book of Kells, and the silver and gold Ardagh Chalice, were created, and they still captivate the world, with their intricate, ornate beauty.

Beyond Celtic Crosses and spirals and whorls, knot work is one of the most prevalent symbols you may find on a Celtic wedding band. Knot work is an exquisite feature on the richly designed pages of the Book of Kells, an illuminated text depicting the word of God.

The knot work is meant to express the interconnectedness of all things, and the endlessness of God's own love. Knot work adds real beauty to the Book of Kells, with its depth of design, and its hypnotic, curving lines. It also adds beauty to modern Celtic jewelry designs, bringing great dimension and visual interest.

Not every symbol found on men's Celtic wedding rings dates back to the Insular Art movement. Some newer symbols emerged, as Ireland's strong storytelling tradition brought new tales to the people. One of the most romantic, charming stories of Irish culture is the Claddagh story. This romantic tale has led to the newer symbols you will find on an Irish Claddagh Wedding Ring. The Claddagh Ring may seem more familiar to you, as many celebrities, such as actors, politicians, and musicians, wear it, and it remains a popular choice for a men's wedding ring.

The story of the Claddagh is quite simple, but it is genuinely touching. When an Irish fisherman, Robert Bruce, was kidnapped, far from his native land, he was forced to toil in a goldsmith's shop, far from the woman he left behind. He never lost faith in their love, and he fashioned a special ring, featuring two tiny hands clasping a crowned heart, to show his faithfulness and his undying adoration of her.

Choosing a classic Irish Claddagh Ring for your own wedding band still references the symbols of the past, but in a more whimsical way. Whether you choose ancient symbols of eternity and faith, or the more modern romantic symbols of the Claddagh, you will still be wearing a piece of history. You will find that your Celtic wedding band becomes a part of you, just as your ancestry will always be a part of you. For an event as powerful and symbolic as a wedding ceremony, the classic symbols of the Celtic people are uniquely appropriate.

As you search for the perfect Irish wedding band, you can reference these symbols and stories, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs of your own people, throughout history. And you can share the touching symbols of love and loyalty with your bride, perhaps choosing a Celtic wedding band for her, as well.

L Maher is a content writer who writes and researches about gorgeous and extraordinary Celtic jewelry, as well as Irish culture and history.
Get more information regarding Celtic wedding rings.

Celtic Engagement Rings - Using the History and Symbolism of Ireland in Your Wedding

Celtic engagement rings have become increasingly trendy among couples today, especially since they can be customized to suit the individual wearing them. Celtic ring designs can be in the form of the Claddagh style or the spirals or trinity knots.

When choosing Celtic engagement rings many couples tend to choose the Celtic knot aka the Lovers knot. They like this design as it represents infinity, love and unity, the words that every marriage wants to define them.

There are not many recorded points of information regarding to the exact meaning of the Celtic rings, which could possibly be one of the reasons why people are drawn to its design.

Just because the Celtic engagement rings don't have much documented information on its meaning does not mean that it can't be meaningful to you. You can customize the rings to give it your own meaning or choose from a wide selection of rings.

Another design is the Claddagh set of rings. The Claddagh ring has a past of its own when it comes to the symbolic meaning of engagements. However, many people love it as it is seen as a beautiful jewelry creation.

Another thing that couples love to have in their rings design is the Celtic cross. No matter what denomination or religion that people associate themselves with, the common belief among all is that the love of God will guide their shared life.

These engagement rings will draw on old traditional designs to create the new designs of today. This translates into a seemingly endless list of possibilities.

Finally when choosing Celtic engagement rings for you and your spouse you will be given the opportunity to choose the design, metal and stone that you desire in order to make it your very own creation.

Celtic engagement rings are steeped in tradition and history. If you want to have a ring that has a lot of meaning and symbolism, you should really consider one of these rings. Not only are they unique, but they are beautiful as well. You can see some examples of these rings here: http://www.CelticJewelryRings.com.

Get Custom Engravings For Your Wedding Bands

After all there is something about a wedding gown prettier than any other gown in the world, as said by Douglas William Jerrold, is so true. Not only the wedding gown but everything that is associated with the bride looks prettier and that which is associated with the groom looks genuine. The love for the bride when the groom says 'I DO' is clearly seen in his eyes. The happiness and contentment that is seen in the bride's eyes is boundless. This bond between these two loving people is made stronger by these glittering wedding rings that the couple exchanges.

Diamonds are a symbol of eternity. And these days diamond jewelry has become the most popular purchase especially online. The jewelry is extravagant in looks and they are offered at competitive prices when compared to the malls and in-house stores. The wedding rings were usually meant only for the women. It was never a custom earlier and the double-ring ceremony came into place very recently. And that is when we started seeing the wedding bands for men. These rings and bands were available in pure yellow gold or while gold with the year and the name engraved on them.

The traditional style is still followed in the wedding bands. They are engraved and sometimes embossed with a beautiful Celtic knot design. This knot depicts the bond between the man and the woman. This also means that the couple would share oneness at all times and promise to have a continuity in their relationship come what may. With so much of variety in the rings available, the hot favorite is still the diamond rings. Couples these days shop for diamond wedding bands in pairs so that both of them have similar bands. Diamonds are the most eternal stones and hence they are always preferred.

In most cultures we find women wearing two rings on the same finger, one being the engagement ring and the other being the wedding ring. And in some cultures you would also find women wearing the eternal rings. These eternal rings are meant for couples who are married for long years and they want to mark that really special occasion. Whatever the occasion might be you can make it more exceptional and extraordinary with these wedding rings and diamond wedding bands. You will still find the traditional golden bands which were the most popular patterns in the yesteryear.

While many brides wear the wedding ring alone, there are women who prefer wearing the wedding ring first and then the engagement ring. The obvious reason being that the wedding ring will be closest to the heart. The ones that wear the engagement ring below the wedding ring believe that their perfect engagement had lead to their wedding. All beliefs, faiths, customs, cultures and feelings are absorbed in these wedding rings and wedding bands. They are made to suit only one grand occasion that is the grand wedding irrespective of the cultures and customs.

You can also order for custom made wedding bands which are engraved or embossed with the name of your partner, the date and the year of the wedlock. There are certain cultures which use the same engagement ring for wedding as well. However, that is very traditional. Because this is one of those very special occasions, brides want everything new on this very special day. And hence they shop for new wedding rings. The groom ties the nuptial knot with the help of this jeweled diamond wedding ring. The couple is then interlocked forever.

Grooms usually think there is not much variety for them. But these online stores have a great variety for men as well. These wedding bands are also embedded with diamonds which is the most popular choice. Men can choose the white gold rings or the yellow gold rings. The latest fashion being the mix of both white and yellow gold with a few diamonds beautifully embedded here and there. The exchange of these diamond wedding bands not only adds value to the occasion but also enhances the mutual love of the couple. The couple is wed locked and is declared a husband and a wife forever with these special wedding rings.

Tiffani Odell is one of the connoisseur of diamond jewelry at http://www.primestyle.com
If you need expert advice on engagement rings, wedding rings or bridal sets, you know who you should consult with.

Diamond Celtic Wedding Rings - How To Find The Perfect Ring

Finding the perfect wedding rings can be a daunting choice for any couple. From engagement rings to wedding bands, the range of choices can leave couples feeling a bit overwhelmed. If you love the spirit and meaning of Celtic jewelry, you may be wondering how to find the best styles for your upcoming nuptials. Wedding rings are meant to last a lifetime, so it's important to find jewelry that really reflects your lifestyle and personal taste.

We have compiled a list of the top five things you should look for while you shop for diamond Celtic wedding rings. You can use it as a handy checklist while you browse. By following these guidelines, you can be sure of obtaining the best quality, authenticity, and beauty from your diamond Celtic rings.

Quality - This should be your first concern when you are shopping for rings made with precious metals and diamonds. You should be certain that your retailer has a solid reputation in the business community. You should also have a guarantee that the materials used in your diamond Celtic rings are first-rate. Look for companies that have their jewelry assayed in Ireland itself, for the highest level of quality. An assay is a stamp that guarantees the materials used in your ring are genuine. All gold pieces should be stamped according to their carat weight, and diamonds should come with a list outlining their size, level of clarity, etc. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Any good dealer will be happy to answer all of your inquiries.

Handcrafted Workmanship - Throughout history, the most exquisite jewelry has always been created by human hands, not by machines. Irish metalwork has been world-renowned for centuries, and the tradition continues today. The artisans of Ireland spend years learning how to handcraft the spirals, knot work, and other common symbols that appear on diamond Celtic engagement rings and bands. Take advantage of this pride of workmanship by seeking out wedding rings made and stamped in Ireland. By making sure your ring is created with loving care and great skill, you will be assured of heirloom quality that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Fit - If you don't live in Ireland, you may be concerned about ordering authentic Celtic designs over the Internet, because you feel unsure about size and fit. Rest assured that today's Celtic jewelry retailers have made it easy for you to find the perfect ring, in the perfect size. Online fitting charts can be printed out, and you can size a ring without ever trying it on! As well, sizes are standardized, so you can sample rings in your area and make a note of what fits well. A good jeweler will be able to take this information and find a ring that has the same properties. Today's wedding rings are designed with comfort in mind. Look for "comfort-fit" bands or other features that allow your ring to sit perfectly upon your finger.

Symbols - The Celtic symbols you find on your wedding jewelry should be authentic, and it should be easy to learn about their meanings. Trinity knots, Claddagh symbols, and interlaced knot work are common design elements in today's wedding rings. Learn about Celtic symbols, and you will be able to recognize the distinctive spirals, whorls and other patterns that you will find on truly authentic diamond Celtic wedding rings.

Price - Price varies widely depending on the size of the diamond you select, and its properties. Flawless, or near flawless stones, will carry a much higher price tag. But budget doesn't have to dash your hopes of finding a stunning Celtic ring for your wedding. The rich, dimensional engraving that is so common on Celtic rings can add embellishment that looks expensive, regardless of the size of the central diamond. Be cautious about prices that seem too good to be true. By learning about diamonds and their common retail values, you can protect yourself from shady dealers. As well, if you are budget conscious, in today's difficult financial climate, you may want to consider silver Celtic wedding bands for your big day. Silver is sleek, modern, and inexpensive. It can mimic the look of white gold, and it will save you money on your wedding jewelry.

Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and bridal jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.

http://shoppingproductsguide.com/jewelry-charms/diamond-celtic-wedding-rings-how-to-find-the-perfect-ring.html

Celtic Wedding Bands

Celtic wedding bands have their origins in Ireland. The word Celtic is derived from the Celts who inhabited Ireland centuries ago. Celtic bands derive their designs from Irish manuscripts, like the Book of Kells. Celtic wedding bands have been traditional the world over and are popular today. In early days, these were treated as a symbol of wealth, status and fidelity. They were passed on from one generation to the other, thus becoming family heirlooms.

Celtic bands are available for both, men and women. These are hand made by special craftspeople in Ireland and are then shipped across the globe. These bands are continuous circle and do not have a beginning or an end. This symbolizes eternal and endless love. The characteristic of a Celtic band is the design that appears as metal strands interwoven together. These are said to bind the couple together for their past, present and future. Celtic wedding bands/rings come in sets with diamond rings. In order to make Celtic designs on rings, these need to have a specific width. These bands cannot be resized and care should be taken that the precise ring-size is chosen. Designs can be of different kinds such as the Celtic Knot Work, Trinity Knot, and Celtic Warrior Shield. Different designs symbolize different things. There are very few knots of Celtic design that are said to be Scottish, Irish or Welsh.

When looking at a Celtic band, it should be noted that the designs are not broken and are continuous. Sometimes in order to fit the right ring size, a jeweler might compromise on the designs. In Celtic bands, the choice of metal can be silver, white gold, gold and platinum. Along with handcrafted designs, precious stones can also be set. Celtic bands are gaining popularity, as they are symbolic and come with a tradition of exquisite craftsmanship.

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