The first step in planning a bridal shower is to come up with a list of bridal shower ideas for possible party themes. The theme of the bridal shower should reflect something that the bride-to-be likes. For example you can use the bride’s favorite movie as inspiration for the bridal shower’s theme. Other possible bridal shower ideas for themes include: Hawaiian theme, Western theme, Beach theme, tropical theme, kinky theme, or Victorian theme.
In addition to bridal shower invitations and decorations, your bridal shower ideas also need to be translated into bridal shower favors. The first types of bridal shower favors that you will need are door prizes. Next you will need bridal shower favors that you can hand out as game prizes. Finally you will need bridal shower favors that can be given to all of the guests just for showing up.
After the theme for the bridal shower has been selected the next step will be to pick out an invitation design that compliments the bridal shower theme. The cost of the bridal shower invitation will be based on the material that it is made out of, the vendor that offers the bridal shower invitations, how many invitations you order, and if the invitations are customized. You can save money by buying a pre-printed set of bridal shower invitations, or by making your own.
The big day is not all about the bride; the groom is also in the limelight and would like to look his best too. With the increase of men’s beauty products like Clarins, Lancme, Nivea, Decleor, suggesting that men are paying more attention to their image then ever before. So the following are tips for keeping your husband to be in tiptop condition for those wedding photos.
Skincare
Men have been experimenting with our exfolients and moisturizer for as long as we can remember, this is better than using nothing at all but men need men-specific products for their skin. Their skin is a lot drier and oilier due to higher sebum levels and high moisture evaporation rates. Men’s skin is also thicker than women’s, has a more acidic ph, and has more defined eye contours not to mention fragile due to shaving. In other words our skincare products just wont do the job.
The first step is to use an oil for shaving Decleors Aromessence Homme and L’Occitane Cade Travel Shaving Oil are two good examples. Applied to the skin before shaving will lubricate and soften the hair making for a more comfortable and closer shave, applying a few drops afterwards to sooth and calm the skin preventing in growing hairs.
Use an exfoliater once or twice a week to further prevent in growing hairs and brighten the complexion. Nivea makes a deep cleansing facial scrub for men that is quite effective; there are plenty of brands to choose from for both oily and sensitive skin. This is always to be followed by a moisturizer or the skin will quickly dry out. Find out what skin type he is (dry, oily, sensitive) and buy the appropriate moisturizer. Another good tip is to get “girlie free” body creams like E45 or Lubriderm for dry skin areas or all over the body, if it isn’t scented he will be more inclined to use it.
Treatments
A good idea is to go for a facial a few months before the wedding to pamper your skin. A facial will make a huge difference to your skin leaving the face thoroughly cleansed and fresh. If you can’t convince him to do this maybe a half hour facial will be more appealing letting the beautician know he’s a bit nervous before hand so she can put him at ease.
The Decleor Aromaplasty Facial is a great treat for the bride or groom, it starts with ten-minute diagnostic back massage, then the facial nourishes and revitalizes the skin aiding in the absorption of moisture and nutrients. There are also deep cleansing treatments for the body, if the groom has an acne prone area maybe the back or chest; this treatment can be a good idea. If the groom does not want to go to a Spa or Beautician by himself why not go together you could even make a romantic weekend out of it by staying overnight.
Hair
It is not a good idea to go for a drastic change in the months leading up to the wedding. However it is a good idea to get the hair cut one or two weeks before the wedding letting the hair settle and avoiding a too tight cut. If he is brave enough to try a back or chest wax preparing for the honeymoon this is the best time to try as a wax will last up to ten weeks. Waxing should always be done at the salon preventing any horror stories.
Hands and feet
Hand care just does not sound very masculine or appealing to men, so it’s likely that his hands are not in the best shape possible to say the least. Given that his hands will be on display during the wedding it is a good idea for him to start a daily hand care ritual to keep his skin and nails in top condition for showing off the wedding band. Using a rich moisture hand lotion every day and NOT chewing his nails is a start, a really good idea is for him to get a manicure but if he protests maybe you could take out your nail file and give him a helping hand.
I an assuming that that yours and not his feet will be on display but this does not mean foot care for him is out the window. His concerns might differ from yours slightly, with more emphasis on odour prevention.
Scrubbing feet daily with some tea tree oil or mint foot scrub and drying them completely should help. Also inserting odor control insoles into his shoes to absorb wetness and odor can also be beneficial. Some good products to keep in mind are California North Barbay coast hand and foot scrub and the Scholl range of products are still going strong.
Fitness
There is no better time to join the gym than when you book your big day, it will provide all the motivation you need, going to the gym three times a week and eating a healthy balanced diet should tone your body and keep the weight off. Why don’t both of you join together you can motivate each other to get off the couch and spend some quality time together. If the gym is not your scene then some daily brisk walking is good to clear the head and keep in shape. Do not forget to drink plenty of water and limit you intake of alcohol to keep your body healthy and in good shape.
Smile
This will be the most noticeable feature in all the photos so make sure your smile is up to scratch. Go for regular check ups and get your teeth cleaned and polished coming up to the big day. Brush your teeth twice daily using gentle whitening toothpaste and don’t forget to floss. If you need extra help than why not purchase a whitening kit you’re your local pharmacy and see the difference after a few weeks. If you really want to splash out you can opt for a procedure called “britesmile” which uses a laser treatment to whiten teeth 5 to 6 shades brighter. This procedure will cost between $600 to $700 and is available from some dentists.
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Selection of auspicious dates 看日子
Auspicious dates are required for the chinese wedding, the betrothal and installation of the bridal bed. A chinese monk, a temple official or a fortune teller are able to advice on a suitable date based on the couple’s birth dates and times. Some may also refer to the chinese calendar or almanac for good days. Usually, even numbered months and dates are preferred and the lunar seventh month is avoided as it is the month of the Hungry Ghost Festival.
After the selection of the auspicious dates, wedding details such as types and quantities of betrothal gifts, return gifts, bride’s price 娉金, and number of tables at the wedding banquet provided by the groom’s parents for the bride’s parents’ guest are agreed.
Betrothal 过大礼/纳彩
Up to a month and at least three days before the wedding day, the groom and a friend or a matchmaker will deliver the betrothal gifts on the auspicious date chosen.
Western and chinese wedding cakes, peanut candies, together with two bottles of brandy, at least six tins of canned pork legs and even number of oranges are included in the wedding gift baskets. Two pairs of dragon and phoenix candles 龙凤烛are also included. Also included is gold jewellery from the groom’s parents to the bride such as the cantonese’s dragon and phoenix bangle 龙凤琢 or the teochew’s four items of gold四点金.
Some include the bride’s price with the betrothal gifts whereas some will only present it when the groom fetches the bride.
In the return gifts, the 2 bottles of brandy will be replaced with 2 bottles of orange syrup. An even numbered portion of all the other gifts are returned to the groom’s family together with the 2 phoenix candles. The bride’s side will light the 2 dragon candles and the groom’s side the phoenix candles on the morning of the wedding day.
Some hokkien family will also request for a bunch of bananas and red dates to be included in the return gifts. A red packet for the groom’s parents to buy shoes is required. The bride will also present towels to the parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles and groom’s siblings.
After the betrothal, the chinese wedding invitations are distributed.
Deliver the bride’s dowry 送嫁妆
The bride’s parents may include the bride’s dowry with the return gifts on the day of betrothal or deliver the dowry a few days before the wedding. The chinese dowry typically include
- beddings such as pillows, bolsters, comforter set, blankets, bed sheets, etc., all tied with red ribbons;
- new clothes in a suitcase for the bride (in the past, wardrobes or wooden wedding chests are used.);
- tea set for the wedding tea ceremony;
- baby bathtub, potty, face washbasin, tumblers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, mirror, comb;
- two pairs of red wooden clogs wedding slippers or bedroom slippers;
- sewing basket with even numbered rolls of colourful thread, needles, pincushion, scissors, and sewing wax with auspicious words on it;
- gold jewellery given by bride’s parents.
Install the bridal bed 按床
A good fortune woman will install the bridal bed in the bridal room up to 12 days before the wedding day on an auspicious date. New red or pink bedsheets are used and a plate of dried longans, lotus seeds, red dates, persimmons, sprig of pomegranate leaves together with 2 red packets are placed on the bed. A pair of bedside lamps is lit to symbolize adding sons to the family.
Hair combing ceremony 梳头
Good fortune women will conduct this ceremony for the bride and groom in their respective homes the night before the chinese wedding. After showering with water infused with pomelo or pomegranate leaves, the bride and groom will change into a new set of clothing and shoes. The good fortune women will bless them aloud as they sit in front of an open window with a visible moon or in front of the mirror.
The four blessings are:
一梳梳到尾，(First combing, together all your lives)
二梳百年好合，(Second combing, harmony in your marriage)
三梳子孙满堂，(Third combing, blessed with many children and grandchildren)
四梳白发齐眉。(Fourth combing, blessed with longevity.)
Sweet pink rice ball soup汤圆 will be served after the hair combing ceremony to wish the couple a complete and sweet marriage.
Chinese wedding decorations 大喜装饰
Double joy 双喜stickers will be placed on all wedding items such as the betrothal gifts, dowry, the couple’s toiletries and cosmetics. The bridal room furniture, especially the mirror and cupboards will also be decorated with the double joy or other wedding paper cutouts such as pairs of mandarin ducks, dragon and phoenix, etc. Such red wedding paper cutouts will also be put up on the main door, bridal room door and generally around the house.
A red banner 红彩帘 will be hung across the front doors of the two household to announce the joyous event.
Jina Boo is the editor of http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com, a website dedicated to preserving chinese wedding customs and culture. The website features:
- significance of chinese wedding custom and traditions,
- the items and persons needed to perform them, and
- suggested timeframe for preparation of chinese wedding.
A guide for drafting your own chinese wedding invitation is also included.
Click on http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com/ezinearticles to visit the site to learn more about chinese weddings.