The Toast and Speach

The important part of delivering the speech is being heard. Pick out someone in the back of the room and make sure he hears you. Take a deep breath at the beginning so that you don't run out of breath in the middle of a sentence.

Posture is necessary in projecting your voice. Stand up straight and look at the audience. Do not look down at your shoes or your notes for the entire speech. Try to make eye contact with various members of the audience as you speak. This will not only prevent you from looking down but also insures that you have the attention of at least one person in the audience. Try not to read your speech from your notes and do not become preoccupied with your notes. Sometimes your voice will fade in the middle of a sentence while you're scanning your notes for the next remark. Don't let that happen!

Hold the audience's attention throughout the speech. Pausing to shuffle through your notes might cause the audience to lose interest. People tend to mutter and talk amongst themselves, making it difficult for your speech to be heard. Your should only pause noticeably after a joke or at the end of an amusing anecdote. The reasons being that if it is a particularly good joke, you need to wait for the laughter to subside and also to signify the end of the joke to the slower members of the audience.

Be aware of the pace of your speech. Most people rush through their speeches, speaking so fast that they are incoherent. Force yourself to pause once or twice to slow down the pace. Try to introduce emotion into your speech. Delivering the speech in a monotone voice will sound like you are reading and lose the attention of the audience. Try to emphasize words.

Do not gesture wildly with your hands. Not only is this distracting, but you might accidentally knock your drink over or worse knock the person sitting next to you over. However, this does not mean you should keep your arms at your side and stand stiffly upright either. Strike a relaxed stance and gesture sparingly. Avoid distracting habits like twirling your hair or shaking the change in your pocket. Practice in front of the mirror a couple of times to reduce distracting habits.

Confidence is the key in good speech delivery. Don't be overwhelmed by the situation. Remember, it is a happy occasion. Everyone is here to enjoy themselves and they know you're here to say something happy. They all want you to succeed.

Comfort breeds confidence. Make eye contact with a close friend or relative of yours at the beginning of your speech. As you progress through your speech, look for other friends and as you see them enjoying themselves and your speech, you will feel more confident. Remember to smile! Article by Kauai Wedding beach Coordinator

Some Wedding tips

Help Section
The white stuff

Having gone to so much trouble to choose the perfect wedding gown, you'd probably like to keep it perfect throughout your wedding day. Unfortunately, wedding gowns are not magically protected from the little hazards of life, so if you want that perfect look to last, you'll have to take extra care. However, remember that wearing your wedding gown should be a pleasure, not a source of constant worry. Do be careful, but enjoy yourself, too!

Here, some tips for staying pristine on your wedding day.

• You'll probably find that the excitement of the wedding will cause you to perspire more than usual. Make sure your deodorant is also an antiperspirant; you may even consider having shields sewn into the underarms of the dress.
• Some flowers have strong-colored stamens that can stain clothes, a point to remember when choosing your bouquet. If you have your heart set on such a blossom, the stamens can probably be removed. Ask your florist. Also, if you're allergic to any type of flower, let your florist know.
• You'll want to touch up your makeup at some point during the day. If you think the excitement may make you clumsier than usual, consider having whoever carries your makeup for you also carry a small towel or piece of cloth to drape over your shoulders and bodice while you're applying your makeup. (A towel will also come in handy if you spill something on your dress; see below.)
• Getting from house to wedding site pristine and uncrumpled is not that difficult. Advance planning is the key. First, know the condition of the vehicle you plan to arrive in. Professional limousine drivers assure clean transportation, but if you plan to ride in a friend's car, for instance, delegate someone to ensure the area where you will be sitting is spotless, and perhaps to spread a clean white sheet over the seat and floor prior to your embarkation.
• Especially in winter climates and in wet weather, be extra careful when getting in and out of cars. (You may wish to cover the floor of the car with a sheet.) When going outside, take the moment you need to gather up your long skirt to keep the hem off the ground. Be cautious as you walk up stairs or enter doorways, and don't be embarrassed to ask for assistance.
• If you're concerned that your train is going to wrinkle a lot en route to the ceremony, have someone from the wedding party bring along a travel iron or steamer (depending on the fabric of your gown) and an extension cord. Your helper can quickly smooth out any skirt and/or train wrinkles on the spot.
• The best of all possible options is to change into your gown at the wedding site. Should you go this route, keep these tips in mind: if you must pull the gown over your head, cover your face with a tissue to avoid getting makeup on the neckline/collar; static electricity can instantly cover the train of a gown in dust and carpet fibers, so spread a clean bedsheet on the floor of your dressing area.
• The reception, of course, is where accidents are most likely to occur. Be aware of the obvious dangers; don't, for example, lean so far over the buffet table that your dress dips into the gravy.
• No matter how cautious you are, you probably can't avoid every possible mishap, so be prepared for spills. Be sure to inquire when you buy your dress about the best way to spot-clean it should an accident occur. It is often best to leave it alone (although sometimes you can minimize the appearance of a spot by blotting – not rubbing – the fabric) and advise the cleaner afterwards so that it can be properly treated. Wine or champagne spills, though, should be looked after immediately: put a towel under the fabric and blot the top with a damp cloth wrung out in a solution of white vinegar or detergent and water, then blot dry to prevent a ring.
• When you change into your going-away outfit at the reception, you'll need something to put your wedding gown in. Whoever brings your clothes for you should also bring a bag for the gown – a large garment bag, perhaps, or the bag it was in when you got it from the salon. If you plan to wear your gown to your hotel, pack the garment bag with your overnight things.
• Kauai weddings
  

Blue Hawaii Weddings Candels

Candles are another favorite at weddings, partly for the warm mood they create. Unity candles can be custom made to your specifications, including color, decorations, and details. You can mount one of your invitations on the front, or even a picture of yourselves, and highlight it with ribbon roses, lace, pearls, or anything you like. Shop around, because with all the selection available, there's no reason to be less than satisfied with your choice. For something a little different, consider an anniversary candle with year markings all the way down, or two half candles, each with an individual wick, that join to become one. You can also choose glass hurricane shades or oil lamps etched with the wording from your invitation.

After the ceremony, it is still popular for the couple to leave the church in a shower of birdseed. Look into providing decorated birdseed bundles for your guests, or even colorful satin roses filled with rice or birdseed. Be sure to check your ceremony site's rules regarding this custom. Some facilities do not allow it.

Balloon releases are another festive option for the ceremony. Instead of throwing birdseed when the couple leaves the church, each guest receives a helium-filled balloon. Then, when the couple emerges from the church, all the guests release their balloons at the same time. Talk to several balloon companies before you decide on one, and ask plenty of questions. Make sure the company uses balloons made only of natural latex, which is biodegradable. Also for environmental reasons, the balloons should be hand-tied instead of sealed with a metal clip.

For a new twist, you could have your guests shower you with bubbles, confetti / streamers, flower petals, popcorn, potpourri and ringing bells.

Adding these special touches can make your wedding ceremony that much more exciting for everyone who attends. That excitement will carry over to the reception, where the real fun begins.

Embellishing your reception site can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Barring any restrictions on decorating, it is possible to achieve any look within your budget.

...have your guests shower you with bubbles, confetti / streamers, flower petals...

When you select a reception site, it is essential that you find out what items the site has on hand and what items you will need to provide. Also be sure to ask if they have any restrictions on decorating. This is important information to have up front. Once you know your limits, you can let your imagination run wild.

Add lively touches with little white lights, greenery, fabric bunting, cascades of ribbons, floral garlands and topiary trees. Don't forget about the bridal, cake, and gift tables. Use multi-layered table linens pinned up with bows in your wedding colors to make them stand out.

A dramatic ice sculpture is an elegant touch. Find out if your reception hall creates ice sculptures or if you need to hire someone. Many sculptors will let you make up your own personalized design to customize the sculpture to your wedding. Ask the sculptor about special bases, accent lighting, and pick up and delivery times.

The sculpture should be set up about an hour before your reception starts to assure that it won't start melting too soon. Also have the sculptor get in touch with your florist to coordinate the ferns and flowers at the base of the sculpture with your other floral decorations.

Use your imagination to create table centerpieces. Use mirrors, flowers, balloons, floating candles, anything that enhances your tables and the mood you want to create.

Rental companies are a good source of ideas when it comes to decorating your site. Most of them will have items that you'd love to have for your wedding but just can't afford to buy, such as silver candelabras, china, lovely stemware, or color-coordinated linens.

Rental companies are a good source of ideas when it comes to decorating your site Keep in mind that a rental company can do much more to set the tone of your reception than simply provide extras. For example, the china and flatware will complement each other and the total mood of the reception. If you've always liked the romantic look of lace tablecloths, a rental company can give you several patterns from which to choose.

Tents are becoming increasingly popular as another alternative to a rented hall or church. With the beautiful parks and historic areas in Northeast Ohio why not have your ceremony or reception in a tent? Tents are not what they used to be. With new technology they come with chandeliers, hardwood floors, arches, bathrooms, air conditioning and heating. Your rental company can answer any questions you may have.

When selecting a rental company, discuss in detail the total color scheme and style of your wedding. Encourage suggestions. The experts should have many great ideas.

When selecting a rental company, find out if there will be delivery charges, set-up and take-down costs, when the equipment is due back, and who is responsible for cleaning and returning the equipment. Make sure that if you can't get it back on the day that you agreed upon, that you make arrangements with the rental company or they will charge you for every extra day. Be aware that when your equipment is delivered, it will be unloaded near the truck. Rental companies usually have many deliveries to make before wedding weekends, and they simply don't have the time to move equipment for you unless it is scheduled in advance. If you want it carried into the house or to the back yard you must notify the rental company in advance and there may be an extra charge.

Most companies require a 25% deposit when an order is placed and cash on delivery. During the summer months rental equipment is in high demand, so try to select a rental company at least four to six months in advance.

Confirm everything the week before to be sure you have everything necessary for a successful and memorable day.

If you're not looking for elaborate decorations but still want to dress up your reception hall and give it a party atmosphere, balloons are the right decoration for you. Balloons can economically decorate a larger area than flowers alone, and their possibilities are endless.

Confirm everything the week before to be sure you have everything necessary for a successful and memorable day. Balloon companies can design arches to span doorways and the bridal party table. Balloons also can supplement or replace flowers as center pieces on the guest tables. Scatter balloons on the dance floor to make the place look festive. You might want to consider a balloon sculpture for a unique touch. Ask your consultant about the different ways you can use balloons within your budget to design a creative balloon scheme. When you order your balloons, be sure to buy enough for consistency in pictures. Ask the consultant to go with you to the site to get a better idea of what you'll need. Balloons come in almost every color possible, so it's easy to coordinate them with your color scheme.

Try to picture the reception site when it is completely decorated. Balloons are a wonderful decorating tool, but be careful not to overdo it. Make it festive, not a balloon jungle.

Besides your reception, don't forget about bridal showers, bachelor parties and the rehearsal dinner. Balloons are a great way to enhance any festive occasion.

Find out what other services the company provides and what their charges are. Are delivery, set-up, and clean-up included? Is there a rental charge for the balloon sculpture frames?

Plan ahead to secure your date with the balloon company. Elaborate decorating will require more time and planning. Most companies usually require four to six months notice.

With a clear picture of what you want in mind and the help of a decorator with an established name who can guarantee quality service, you can achieve the desired look for your reception. This is your opportunity to make your big day truly unique.

Wedding Cakes

America

Though most of the tradition can be traced to Europec for world cake traditions, England in particular, Americans have taken the cake to more individualistic levels. Many couples regard the cake as a reflection of their lifestyles and personalities. The cake is still the centerpiece of the reception, as it is in England, but they come in different shapes, colors and flavors. It is also America that spawned the seldom-followed tradition of the groomcake.

Australia

Like America, the wedding cake tradition in Australia can be traced back to Great Britain. Similar in style to the multi-tiered British cake, the decorations on the Australian cake have softer edges giving the cake a more rounder effect. Unlike the British cake, the top of the cake is generally free of decorations and the base of the sides would have piped decorations.

India

In Southern India, the British influence is present here as well. Multi-tiered fruit based cakes were produced for the Christian population with a slight twist. Since the expense of creating the cake was high, a "dummy cake" was used which was covered in sugar icing. Since the cake cutting ceremony was important, a wedge of real cake was placed in the dummy-cake for cutting. The icing was then distributed to the guests for eating.

Japan

The Japanese wedding cake is an entirely different item. Cakes were too expensive to make satisfactorily, so they created artificial cakes. Multi-tiered like the British model, the cake is not real, but instead a model, it's icing made of hard wax. There is usually a slot for the bride and groom to thrust a knife into, symbolizing the cutting (and providing a picture for the photographer). Some cakes were built with a lever to emit a burst of steam as the knife is thrust in!

what to look for in a cake

How to chose a diamond

A diamond's characteristics can be summarized by the four C's - Cut,

Color, Clarity and Carat

The cut refers to the way the facets of a diamond are positioned. Cut is important because it determines the amount of light, fire and brilliance of a diamond. A diamond should be cut so that light is refracted internally from facet to facet and eventually reflected back out of the crown or top surfaces of the stone. If the facets' angles are not set properly the light will not follow the right path which means that less light is reflected to the eye. A well-cut diamond sparkles with brilliance and flashes with intense rainbow-colored fire. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies cut as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.

A diamond's color combined with its cut create the brilliant sparkle that is seen when light passing through the diamond is reflected back. No color is best as it allows the maximum amount of white light to pass through the diamond and be refracted by the facets before being reflected back. The Gemological Institute of America has a scale to categorize the color in a diamond. The less the color, the more valuable the diamond. The scale ranges from D (preferred) to Z.

Gemological Institute of America Color Scale

Colorless	D - F
Near Colorless	G - J
Faint Yellow	K - M
Very Light Yellow	N - R
Yellow Tint	S - Z

The clarity refers to the amount of flaws in the diamond. There are two types of naturally occurring flaws. The internal markings are called inclusions and the external markings are called blemishes. These markings interfere with the passage of light through a diamond, and affect the price, if not beauty of a diamond. Most diamonds contain some inclusions that can only be seen under magnification. The magnifying instrument that is used to examine and evaluate diamonds is called the jeweler's loupe.

Gemological Institute of America Clarity Scale

Flawless	FL	No flaws at all
Internally Flawless	IF	Has minor surface blemishes
Very, very slight inclusions (first and second degree)	VVS1 VVS2	Very small inclusions that are very difficult to see at 10 times magnification
Very slight inclusions (first and second degree)	VS1 VS2	Very small inclusions that are difficult to see at 10 times magnification
Slight inclusions (first degree)	SI1	Inclusions are fairly easy to see at 10 times magnification
Slight inclusions (second degree)	SI2	Inclusions are easy to see at 10 times magnification
Imperfect (first degree)	I1	Inclusions are visible to naked eye when viewed through top of the stone
Imperfect (second degree)	I2	Inclusions are easily visible to naked eye
Imperfect (third degree)	I3	Inclusions are very visible to naked eye

Carat is a measure of weight for diamonds. One carat represents 200 milligrams (0.2 grams or one fifth of a gram), and is divided into 100 points. One point is one 100th of a carat. For example, a 3/4 (0.75) carat diamond is a 75 point diamond

understanding wedding diamonds
Kauai wedding specialist