cudgeland

2009-10-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

NUTELLA FOR LESS Nutella Hazelnut Spread is now even more affordable:

Cases of 36 Nutella single servings for $14.99! Only at Cudge.net!

2009-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

THEY REALLY LIKE US Thanks for the positive mentions here and here.

2009-01-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

CUDGE.NET ON WEDDINGBEE! Thanks to the folks over at the great Weddingbee blog for the kind words about Cudge.net:

Cudge is one of my favorite resources for affordable candles. I've ordered from them in the past, after Mrs. Daisy told me they were great, so I can definitely vouch for the price and the quality!

Much appreciated!

2009-01-09T10:45:00.001-08:00

AS WE WERE SAYING This is pretty fun.

2007-02-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

UK HERE WE COME Cudge.net is now open for business in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Order now, order often!

2007-02-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

YOU ASKED FOR IT And now you've got it:

Electric Tea Lights are now in stock at $21.99 per case of 20 at Cudge.net!

These battery-powered lights (with an off-on switch) are designed to last on hundred hours. They seem to work best in low light situations and when placed inside frosted votive holders.

Yes, the battery is included!

2007-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

OH, CANADA Cudge.net is now shipping to Canada! And customers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico take note: You can now process your orders directly through our shopping cart.

(Customers outside of the U.S. and Canada should still contact us before attempting an order.)

2007-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

GIVING THANKS With the new year upon us, it's a great time to give thanks to our customers, especially those who have spread the word about Cudge.net's low prices, quality items and fast service. A sampling: On Cudge.net:

"The cheapest I've seen."

"Love them...such quick service."

"They were great! They came way faster than expected and in perfect condition!"

"Highly recommend them."

On Cudge.net prices:

"72 votives and 72 holders for $36?!! I thought the deal was too good to be true."

On Cudge.net quality:

"We give absolute A++++++++++++++ The votives we got from this website burned all night 7+ hours and we had to blow them out at the end of the night."

We'll do our best to earn your praise in '07!

2006-12-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

RECEPTION QUESTIONS The Beveryly Hills-based American Chronicle lists 42 questions brides and grooms should be asking reception site candidates. Among them:

What is the overtime fee?
Is there a fee for parking or valets?
Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?
What is the cancellation policy?
Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?

Read the rest here.

2006-10-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

CANDLE SAFETY AGAIN The Mayo Clinic offers up some helpful Halloween safety tips:

Use candles with care. Votive candles--short candles often placed in special glass holders--are safest for candlelit pumpkins. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended.

Indeed.

2006-09-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

WEDDING OF THE WEEK From the Auburn Journal:

The senior residents of The Oaks of Auburn watched Tammy Salo and Scott Donahue's relationship unfold. So when it came time for the two employees at the senior retirement community to marry, they couldn't think of a better place to get hitched than where they work--with all the seniors there as witnesses. "It was like having 50 grandmas and 50 grandpas at your wedding," said Scott Donahue of his Aug. 19 nuptials.

Read more here.

2006-09-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

CLEANING CANDLE HOLDERS What's the best way to clean votive candle holders? Martha Stewart reminds us.

2006-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

WEDDING OF THE WEEK From the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

"You may now kiss the bride" is going to a whole new level with Stephanie Harasyn and JJ LaBouliere.

The 20-year-olds met as high school juniors about four years ago, began dating just before starting college and got engaged last year. They're best friends and soul mates and are deeply in love, but they have never done one thing most couples do: kiss.

They will for the first time July 30, when they exchange their vows.

More here.

2006-07-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

WEDDING RINGS GONE WILD? $2000: According to Marketplace, that's what couples can expect to spend on wedding bands

When couples watch this part of their wedding videos, they're probably not thinking, "We spent $2,000 on those rings!"

But according to a recent study from the Conde Nast Bridal Group, that is what couples spend now on average. And that's almost double what they shelled out 15 years ago.

Veronica Sagherian co-owns Adamas Fine Jewelry in Newton, Mass. She says her customers pretty much fit the status quo.

VERONICA SAGHERIAN: This is probably one of my best-selling wedding rings. One for prices, because $1,000 is a nice round number...

It may be a round number, but it seems like an awfully high number to us!

2006-06-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL? The Styles section of the New York Times seems to think so:

The end-of-week wedding, once only done as a "Friday Night Special" by those looking for deep discounts on the food, the flowers and everything else, is stepping up to a respectable prime time slot as a first choice of many brides and bridegrooms.

"It sets the tone that your wedding is about the party," said Carley Roney, the editor in chief of The Knot, a magazine and wedding-resource Web site. "You could have even more cost savings on a Sunday afternoon, but that doesn't say 'We're cool.' "

Ms. Roney and other wedding experts said Friday weddings can be more attractive to couples than a traditional Saturday soirée or a perfunctory Sunday afternoon event because they can have the sophisticated feel of a cocktail party. And a Friday event not only saves a little on the cost and reduces competition for caterers and photographers, but it can also be unexpected.

Something to think about.

2006-06-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

BACKYARD WEDDING? The Valley Times discusses some small things you can do around the house to dress up a backyard wedding:

It is also appropriate to add special touches to the bathroom designated for your wedding guests. Change out accessories, pictures, towels and shower curtain to reflect the décor. Meaning, if you selected a tropical-themed wedding choose natural elements, such as glass floats and seashells, a woven sea grass rug and an orchid plant or bird-of-paradise to set the mood. At the very least update your bathroom with crisp linens and fresh flowers.

2006-06-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

NEW TEA LIGHT HOLDERS Two new gorgeous styles are in stock--just in time for the outdoor party season!

Cases of 72 red tea light holders are $32.66 each!

And these elegant round-shaped frosted tea light holders

are $19.99 per case of 36!

2006-05-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

A BRIDESMAID'S RANT In Lafayette, Louisiana's The Advertiser, Jessica Waldon shares a few funny words about being a bridesmaid:

I just have one question for all the brides out there: Why must bridesmaids be used as a decorative piece for the bride's pleasure?

Think about it. Bridesmaids for the most part are "dressed" in a color the bride has chosen to go with her "theme." And these dresses usually have no style to them and are just a piece of colored fabric that hangs to the floor. So, why can't she just rent some columns and drape colored tulle over them? Isn't that the same principle?

I'm beginning to tear up just thinking about it.

There's more.

2006-05-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

IVORY PILLAR CANDLES You asked for them, and now they're here!

Cases of 12 ivory pillar for $35.77. Now in stock! Get 'em while they're hot!

2006-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

RISING GOLD PRICES Looking for yet another wedding expense to worry about? USA Today educates us about the rising price of gold, and what it may mean for engagement ring and wedding ring buyers:

As wedding season approaches, prices for gold jewelry are expected to jump 10% to 20% over last spring, the World Gold Council, a gold-mining industry trade group, estimates.

Luckily, there is some good news:

The jewelry-store price of gold isn't soaring quite that fast. In part, that's because gold makes up only about 25% of the price of a piece of jewelry, notes Whitney Sielaff, editorial director of National Jeweler magazine. The rest comes from designer and overhead costs.

Stiff competition in the jewelry business, too, should help moderate the effect on consumers.

And of course, there are always alternatives to silver and platinum:

Jewelers are reacting to higher gold and platinum prices by shifting inventories toward diamonds and jewelry made with other, less-precious metals, such as steel, palladium and titanium.
"Men seem to really groove on these new white metals," Donahue says.

2006-04-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

OUR NAME IN LIGHTS Okay, we were a little slow to notice: Cudgeland was mentioned in the Valentines Day coverage over at the Fort Wayne Reader.

Thanks for the plug!

2006-03-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

LOVE & MONEY The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) lists nine questions partners should ask each other before the big day. Among them:

2. How do you use debt?

There's a big difference between $30,000 in school loans and $30,000 of credit-card debt.

So ask each other: Do you amass debt in the present, figuring you'll earn more money later in life and can pay it off then? Do you abhor debt and refuse to own a credit card? Either approach could cause marital strife if your partner isn't on the same page.

Pay attention while dating, and you can begin to see telltale patterns. Maybe the love of your life uses a credit card for every purchase, even the $1 soda at the local mini-mart. Maybe your partner seems to be driving a more expensive car than he or she should be able to afford.

Use those observations as entry points into discussions. Ask whether your partner generally carries a balance on a credit card and how he or she envisions paying it down once you're married. Ask if your partner borrowed money to buy his or her car, or relied on a lease. (A lease often allows people to drive a pricey car they otherwise couldn't afford using cash or a loan.)

The point is that you must know if you are marrying into a potential debt problem. Any debt you accumulate together may be partly your responsibility if the marriage falls apart -- even if you didn't actually make the purchases.

Scott D. Cole, a financial planner in Bessemer, Ala., suggests one way to get into this conversation: Offer your partner a copy of your own credit report. "Say something like, 'I'm excited about our life together, and I realize money is a part of our life. I've made some mistakes in the past, and I have some student loans, and I just want to show you my credit report so that you can see how I manage my debt,' " Mr. Cole says. "The point is that by being vulnerable yourself, maybe your partner will open up as well. You don't want to look like you're snooping into their affairs, though."

With a credit report, you'll see, among other items, how many credit cards your partner has, the balance carried on each card and how rigorous he or she has been at paying on time and paying off the accumulated debt. Consumers can request a free copy of their credit report once a year from each of the three major providers -- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax -- at www.annualcreditreport.com. [...]

7. How do you propose we divide financial duties?

In many a marriage, one partner often takes the reins of the family's finances. The other is glad to let go.

But sometimes it's not that simple. When both partners either want the money duties, or both want to slough off those duties onto the other, "you need to discuss what your individual strengths are," says Ms. Hughes, the California counselor. "You might be really good at investments -- or at least willing to handle that part of the family's financial life -- and so you can be in charge of that. Your partner might be good at managing the bills and bank accounts, so they take that piece."

But even when one spouse willingly cedes the money duties, that spouse must remain up to speed with the checking account, the credit cards and the investment and retirement money -- if only to prevent getting blindsided by a crisis. At the same time, the spouse in charge of those duties must make it a point to keep the other partner up-to-date, so that unspoken concerns don't grow into resentments.

Family finances, says Mr. Cole, the Alabama planner, work best when both partners know what's going on with the money. "Otherwise," he says, "the strains build over time and you wonder one day how it got to be so bad."

8. Will we operate from one checkbook or three?

Young couples often assume they must have a joint checking account to prove they're united. Older newlyweds, accustomed to managing their own money, often want individual accounts to retain their autonomy.

Neither approach is necessarily wrong -- though neither is particularly right, either.

Jumping into a joint account as newlyweds isn't always the smartest approach until you've had time to learn each other's financial habits. For instance, if one partner puts every purchase on a credit card, and the other uses only cash, the family's income may not stretch across the monthly paychecks -- especially if neither spouse keeps close track of how much they've spent.

Better to operate from three accounts early on: a joint account that each of you helps fund to handle combined expenses such as food, housing and utilities; and two individual accounts into which you each dump a monthly allowance that pays for individual discretionary wants.

Of course, continuing to operate from individual accounts isn't always the smartest approach, either. For one thing, those accounts can mask a family's true financial picture, since the money is often viewed as "mine" and not "ours." As such, says Ms. Fleming, the planner in Walnut Creek, Calif., "families have a hard time saving for important wants when their individual paychecks are going into separate accounts. There is value in feeling like you're a unit, striving toward something important to both of you."

Moreover, if one partner saves in that individual account instead of spends from it, the situation could bring financial tensions. The spender could see all the cash the saver has socked away, and all the spending that represents, and get jealous.

If you ultimately choose to operate from a joint account, allow each partner to spend a certain amount monthly without permission from the other. And agree on a limit beyond which a purchase must be discussed. For Ms. Sozanski and Mr. Pironti, the Boston couple, that amount is $250. Anything pricier they must agree on before buying. If, however, your partner is a serial violator, overspending his or her amount month after month, then it's probably best that both partners stick to individual accounts.

Meanwhile, if you operate from individual accounts, both of those accounts should ultimately be made available to help afford family purchases that the joint account alone can't handle.

2006-03-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

WEDDING STAMPS The US Postal Service is getting creative.

2006-03-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

GUEST LIST FIRST! Sounds like sage advice to us:

It's not the most fun part of planning (and we'll be honest, it's one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward.

More thoughts from the folks at The Knot here.

2006-02-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

AMBER VOTIVE HOLDERS You asked for it, you got it. Amber votive holders are now in stock!

2006-02-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

GETTING THE GROOM INVOLVED From the Gaithersburg-based Gazette:

After 20 years of coordinating weddings, Dianne George, owner of Clinton-based Covenant Weddings, said that after a single consultation with a couple she’s able to determine how involved the groom will be. Over the years George has discovered that in the beginning male interest toward planning a wedding is relatively high. But their interest wanes, she said, after the initial consultation with a wedding planner. It’s during that time, says George, when the reality of an extensive to-do-list begins to set in for most men.

2006-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

NEW ITEM ALERT Frosted tea light holders are here!

Just $24.66 per case of 72, plus shipping! Only $.34 each!

2006-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

WEDDING FATIGUE? The Indianapolis Star runs an amusing piece about the tendency of newlyweds to put off finalizing their wedding albums:

Like many brides-to-be, Solomon, Lorrain and Frerking spent months planning every detail of their weddings. But when it came time for the final task -- completing their commemorative photo albums -- they lost the will to complete the task. Some newlyweds blame their hectic schedules, others a nagging quest for perfection. Whatever a couple's excuse may be, the phenomenon is so common that it's hard to find a wedding photographer who hasn't seen a marriage end before the wedding album was completed.

Okay, that part's not so amusing.

Many couples assume that with the help of scanners, color printers and software programs like Photoshop, they can and should achieve professional-looking albums without paying the experts. But they forget to consider how long it might take. Blair says many brides pick up their negatives, thinking they'll teach themselves to make perfect prints.

Read the whole thing here.

2006-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

PROPOSAL MISTAKES WABC in New York brings us a list of what it calls the five most common proposal mistakes. Among them:

2. It's not about you Planning a proposal he or she will love is all about tailoring your approach to what will surprise and delight the person being asked, not what you envision to be the ultimate scenario. Opposites often do attract, and if you are gregarious and your sweetie is very private, popping the question in front of a crowd may mortify her. Her focus will be on everyone staring her down, not the sparkly stone you're offering. (If you're not sure what she'd prefer, reread mistake #1. Maybe you need to spend more time together!)

3. Too complicated Attempt an elaborate proposal at your own risk. Like weddings and love itself, popping the question is far from an exact science. Is a plan that hinges on an event (or series of events) happening on cue worth the stress of obsessing about it? If something as simple as a traffic jam or rainstorm can totally ruin your plan, scrap it. Remember, you need to be relaxed and as "in the moment" as she is.

2005-12-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

DIAMONDS ON THE INTERNET? The Scotsman, a UK-based paper, brings us this article, raising some important questions about buying engagement rings--and diamond rings in particular--online:

As Michael Laing holds the two diamond rings up to the light, it's hard to tell the difference between them...

Yet one is worth £400, the other £2000. The difference? The clarity of the diamond.

To the untrained eye it's hard to tell the rings apart--but under a magnifying glass it becomes obvious. The yellow-gold ring has a murkiness in its stone, thanks to a poor cut and flaws in the diamond. The platinum cut is much more refined and the diamond of better quality...

According to Frederick Street jeweller Michael--and an investigation by the Trading Standards Institute--increasing numbers of people are being duped into buying jewellery of the same kind of dubious quality as the gold ring - and worse--believing it to be of the same standard as the platinum, by purchasing it on the internet.

Find the rest here.

2005-12-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

NEW BATH ITEMS Cudge.net is now offering four new bath items:

Great favor options for a destination wedding, a charity lunch, or really any occasion.

Cases of thirty-six 1.7 ounce bottles of whole wheat lotion, barley body wash, quinoa shampoo or amaranth conditioner for $31.22 each!

2005-12-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

CANDLE SAFETY The Reno Gazette reminds us that, during the holiday season, it's never too early to start thinking about candle safety:

A Reno fire official warns that candles start twice as many home fires in December than the rest of the year.

Acting Reno Fire Marshal Bill Burney said Christmas Day was the peak day for home candle fires in 1999-2002, with New Year's Day and Christmas Eve tied for second.

"About half of the home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material, such as holiday decorations, curtains or draperies were left or came too close to the candle," he said. "About 18 percent of the fires occurred when candles were left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled."

Some tips:

Never use candles on live or artificial Christmas trees.

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as holiday decorations, curtains and draperies, bedding, clothing, books, etc.

Use sturdy candle holders that won't tip easily. Be sure they are made of materials that cannot burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

There's more.

2005-12-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR FLORIST 7online.com offers twelve questions to ask your florist. Among them:

Which flowers are least likely to wilt in hot weather? What are some hot weather no-nos?

Has the florist done weddings at your ceremony and/or reception sites before? If so, he or she may have pictures of arrangements done at your site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space.

How many weddings will the florist do on the same day or weekend as yours? The florist's answer determines how much time will be spent on your gig.

2005-12-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

CUDGE.NET 3.0 A brand new version of Cudge.net launches later today! Not a radical overhaul--don't worry. As a matter of fact, it's only the second major redesign since our first, primitive portal was launched back in 2001.

You can see some pages from the original site here.

Let us know what you think! (And let us know if you find any bugs!)

2005-11-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

LIGHT BLOGGING AHEAD You can expect light blogging here at CUDGELAND for the next few weeks.

But we'll be back at full strength by the middle of December. And we hope, at that point, to be able to bring you news of some interesting Cudge.net developments.

2005-11-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

WEDDING WITHDRAWAL? The Indianapolis Star documents a peculiar phenomenon:

Dear Hap LeCrone: I have been married for about a month, and I feel like I am missing something in my life. I spent months planning the "perfect" wedding, and now that I'm married and it's over, I really don't know what to do with myself. Because I'm a "wife" and not the "bride," I feel empty, maybe even depressed.

I imagined that marriage would be the most wonderful thing in the world, but I miss the life that I once had. I love my husband, but I find myself crying without knowing why, and my husband is worried that I am unhappy with him. I feel confused, let down and sad. Why do I feel this way, and can I snap out of it? -- E.M. from Texas

Dear Reader: What you seem to be experiencing could be called "wedding withdrawal" or the "post-wedding blues."

For the last several months, you have been anticipating a wonderful and significant life event, your wedding. You have probably spent a lot of time planning the details -- the flowers, the cake, your dress and so on.

Although this was one of the most important weekends of your life, your wedding is only a small part of a bigger picture, your marriage! Many brides and grooms get so caught up in the details of planning their wedding that they neglect to plan for what a marriage is really about.

That's a new one. (There's more.)

2005-11-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

HOW TO POSTPONE? The Shreveport Times tackles the sensitive issue of how to postpone or end your wedding engagement.

Some strategies:

--"We need to talk about something important to us both. There are some areas of our relationship that continue to cause me to doubt our compatibility. For the sake of both our happiness, maybe we should put our wedding plans on hold while we work on these issues. Maybe I need to get counseling from a third party professional. I’ll let you know when we can talk again. Maybe you will want to do the same."

--"Deciding to share one’s life experiences with another is a major decision that can result in happiness or disappointment. Marriage is a lifelong commitment and I want us to do all that we know to do before we continue with wedding plans. If we know something is not right before the wedding, it seems there may be more that may come up after the wedding. If it isn’t going to be good for both of us, then we need to know now."

--"There is something that continues to bother me and our commitment for marriage has become scary. I want marriage to be a lifetime of happiness and for now I need to have some time to think without having firm wedding plans. Maybe premarital counseling will be best for me, if not for us, and for now the ring needs to be returned."

2005-10-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

TWO NEW ITEMS First we have a new favor option: A "Perfect Pair" set of metal pepper and salt shakers: Cases of 12 for $38.33. That's just a bit more than $3 per set! Next, we've added a new favor box to complement our chinese box offerings: This frosted plastic box sells for the low price of $16.33 per case of 50. Another great deal!

2005-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

TAPERS NOW ONLINE Cudge.net introduces taper candles.

Cases of 24 twelve-inch tapers: $13.44 plus shipping!

2005-09-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

IPOD KILLED THE DJ? CNet news runs an interesting piece about the ever-widening influence of the iPod:

As a bride-to-be, Jessica Spence was taking extra care to note the details at a friend's wedding recently.

One thing that stood out to her was an idle-looking DJ who hit a few buttons on his laptop and appeared to take the rest of the night easy.

"I swear to god, the DJ was playing Solitaire throughout the dinner and cocktail hour," Spence noted in an online forum at wedding-planning site TheKnot.com. "It seems sort of silly to pay someone a lot of money to sit at a laptop and put on songs when we can do the exact same thing."

With their confidence in wedding DJs dented, Spence and her fiance are counting on their iPod to provide the musical entertainment at their wedding reception in Minneapolis later this month. They're among a growing number of couples making personal music players a central part of their big day.

Keeping wedding budgets in check is one reason couples are going the digital-DJ route. According to wedding-planning guide Bridal Bargains, professional DJs charge an average of $600 per wedding. A live band can run upwards of $1,000. If a couple has already plunked down $300 or so for an iPod or an iRiver, and spent hours refining their digital-music collection, it's easy to see why a DJ might seem superfluous.

Read the whole thing.

2005-09-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

WEDDING OF THE WEEK Via the Fort Bend Sun:

In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, Michaella Boyd and fiancé Thomas Sullivan lost everything, including hopes for a wedding ceremony in the coming year in their native New Orleans.

The couple, who have lived in New Orleans all their lives, had recently become engaged and were saving money to marry next year.

[...]

After taking almost a week to get to Houston after the storm, the couple, determined to seal their commitment to one another, obtained a marriage license and were planning to be married by a justice of the peace.

Those plans changed when they met Sugar Creek Senior Adult Pastor Frank Minton while seeking transportation assistance at the Fort Bend Disaster Relief Command Center in Sugar Land.

After meeting the young couple and hearing their story, Minton with the help of his pastor, Sugar Creek Senior Pastor Mark Hartman and church staff and members, arranged a wedding ceremony complete with wedding attire, flowers, a groom's ring, cake, and a honeymoon stay in Kemah donated by several local businesses.

The chance meeting allowed Boyd and Sullivan to celebrate the one thing they have left, each other. The couple's impromptu wedding ceremony was officiated by Sugar Creek Senior Pastor Mark Hartman and the bride was escorted down the aisle by Minton, exchanging vows with her groom as a few family members and a host of church members, media professionals and photographers looked on.

2005-09-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

CHRISTINA AGUILERA AT YOUR WEDDING? It'll set you back about $2,400,000, but according to this Russian billionaire, it was worth every penny.

2005-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

WHICH CHAMPAGNE? John Bonne, MSNBC's wine columnist, helps perplexed brides and grooms pick out the perfect sparkling wine for their big day.

2005-09-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

PRICE REDUCTIONS We're introducing new, lower pricing over at Cudge.net on organza bags and rose petals!

Packs of one hundred 3" X 4" and 4" X 6" white organza bags are now $14.88 and $16.44, respectively! Packs of 200 white petals and red petals are $4.88 per pack!

2005-08-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

COWORKERS AT YOUR WEDDING? The Detroit Free Press runs a short, smart piece with tips for navigating the etiquette of wedding invitations and the workplace.

An excerpt:

If you work in a small office, how should you handle inviting only a few people? You don't have to invite every coworker to your wedding, and you certainly don't have to invite anyone you don't want there, coworker or not. Just be very tactful about inviting the colleagues you do want. Send the invites to their homes -- don't bring them to the office -- and let them know that you would rather they didn't talk about it at work out of courtesy to those you didn't invite.

More here.

2005-08-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

MARRIAGE, L.A. STYLE From The Los Angeles Times:

On Saturday I will be a groomsman at what can only be described as a very L.A. wedding: It will feature English and Spanish, rap and marimba, Rick James and Celia Cruz.

[...]

The future Mr. and Mrs. Hall say it has taken creativity to incorporate both cultures into their festivities. For the father-daughter dance, Karina will dance a traditional Guatemalan marimba. The groom has requested that his groomsmen move down the aisle to one of his favorite rap songs, while the bridesmaids will enter to a ballad by the Spanish-speaking Italian pop star Laura Pausini. The wedding will have two emcees, one who will speak Spanish and the other English. The couple also requested that I say grace in both languages. (I have reluctantly accepted. But fair warning: My prayer may be more eloquent in English.)

2005-08-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

HERE COMES THE FUDGE The summer wedding and party season may be winding down, but Cudge.net never sleeps. Two new items:

First, cases of Chocolate Fudge Sauce.

At $41.22 plus shipping per case of 12 jars, it's a great favor option--particularly as we move into colder weather.

And speaking of colder weather, Cudge.net is now stocking cases of Earl Grey Tea Tins:

Cases of twelve tins, at $39.77 per case, are a true bargain.

Enjoy!

2005-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

WEDDING CRASHERS From The New York Times:

Federal law enforcement agents sent out invitations for a mock wedding on a yacht off Atlantic City to lure 42 people who were accused of taking part in an Asian smuggling ring that brought counterfeit money, drugs and cigarettes into the United States, officials said Monday. The wedding "guests," who had been invited to attend the nuptials of two supposed American smugglers who were actually undercover agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, were among 57 people arrested in recent days as part of the smuggling inquiry, the officials said. In all, 87 people have been indicted.

[...]

The wedding was to be held aboard a yacht called Royal Charm docked off Atlantic City, officials said, and the guests were told in the invitations that the hosts would provide transportation to the ceremony once they arrived in town. "Transportation was provided for them - by law enforcement," said Christopher J. Christie, the United States attorney for New Jersey. "They never made it to any wedding."

2005-08-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

WEDDING GUEST RENTAL? The Daily Times in Lahore, Pakistan informs us:

An Indian firm which rents out wedding guests says business is booming. The Best Guests Centre, at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, is looking to expand across the state. The company caters for families who fear they will fall short of guests at weddings. It hires out guests, either traditionally dressed or wearing smart western clothes, according to requirements and budget. The guests dance and try to impress with their etiquette without letting anyone know they are being paid for it. Proprietor M I Syed briefs his staff about the groom, the bride and their families before the wedding to avoid a faux pas.

Think this would fly in the US?

2005-08-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

WEDDING HORROR STORIES The Shreveport Times brings us this anecdote-driven story:

We posted a message on wedding Web site the Knot (www.theknot.com), asking for wedding guest horror stories and elicited many responses, mostly from recent brides who didn't want their names used for fear of embarrassing relatives. There was a relative who, unbeknownst to the bride and groom, invited a friend who showed up to the dressy reception wearing jeans and cowboy boots. At another wedding, a couple RSVP'd for two then brought their four children with them. At still another wedding, a guest wore a white dress that looked like a prom dress, causing some to mistake her for the bride.

Anyone have anything to add?

2005-08-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

THE BRIDESMAID BLUES From the Asbury Park Press:

Always a bridesmaid and never a bride — it's a more expensive cliche than most realize. At the final fitting for her bridesmaid dress, Tammy Toporek is trying on a deep red strapless A-line with red shoes dyed to match the dress and costing more than $300. Toporek spent more than $1,300 to be in her friend Melissa Peterson's wedding — excluding a professional hair styling. Such spending isn't unusual. Being a bridesmaid costs more than buying a dress you'll probably only wear once. Being in a wedding party often means attending a bachelor or bachelorette party, contributing time and money to the bridal shower, having your hair professionally done, traveling to the wedding and ponying up for a hotel room. Lastly, don't forget the gift.

Read the rest here.

2005-08-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

MORE ON THANK YOU NOTES The Hampton Roads, VA-based Daily Press has some sound advice about writing thank you notes:

When writing your note, use detail to describe what it is you are thankful for, such as, "I really appreciated you listening to me complain about my job for three hours on Tuesday." Elaborate and be enthusiastic, but don't go crazy. "I realize it must have been annoying to hear me talk on and on about my obnoxious coworkers, but you really did make me feel much better about my situation by the time we hung up the phone." End the letter by saying something somewhat unrelated to the instance but still appreciative to the reader. "You are a great listener; I hope someday I can give you as good advice as you always give me."

2005-08-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

CULTURE CLASH? The Wilkes-Barre Times Leaders notices that the range of ceremony choices available to couples is expanding:

The invitations to Annie Chen and Kevin Zealand’s November wedding were red and gold. Chen wore a red dress to the reception and there wasn’t a white flower to be found. In Taiwan, where Chen was born, red is the symbol for good luck, while white is a sign of mourning. Guests at the wedding of Liz Ngonzi and John Nandigobe took home votive candles in gold and purple pouches, because those two colors are regal in the couple’s native Uganda. In multicultural regions, such as North Jersey, wedding customs often go way beyond something-borrowed, something-blue Americana. Many couples instead pay homage to ancient traditions or forge a unique ceremony to avoid a culture clash between families.

More here.

2005-08-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

MEN AND THE JUMBOTRON The Wall Street Journal runs a (subscription-only) article titled, "Why Men Turn Marriage Proposals Into Public Events."

Two excerpts:

Two saturdays ago, a scuba diver jumped into a 150,000-gallon fish tank inside the restaurant at Houston's Downtown Aquarium. As curious diners looked on, he swam toward a young couple at a far table, and held up a sign: "Tisha, will you marry me?" The romantic stunt was planned by Kavon Rajabi, the man at the table. He turned to his tearful girlfriend, Tisha Avara, and in the presence of dozens of cheering strangers and 1,000 indifferent fish, slipped an engagement ring on her finger. "I was proud to let everyone know I love this woman," Mr. Rajabi said later. In past generations, "Will you marry me?" was often asked very privately, with the woman on a porch swing and the suitor on bended knee. Now, of course, marriage proposals are routinely delivered publicly and extravagantly. Marriage researchers say the public-proposal phenomenon is being fueled by businesses looking to ratchet up wedding-related billings, by reality TV shows such as TLC's "Perfect Proposal," and by a culture that celebrates attention-seekers. "A wedding is a moment of 'lay celebrity' -- you're the star of your own show -- and now people want to extend that to the proposal," says Elizabeth Freeman, a wedding historian and associate professor at University of California, Davis.

[...]

Public proposal prices vary. For $1,850, skywriting pilot Mort Arken will spell out an eight-mile-long proposal over the skies of New York. For under $100, you can just buy two tickets to see Clay Aiken. On the singer's current tour, people can text-message proposals from their cellphones onto giant screens near the stage. (At his show in Buffalo, N.Y., this week, there were several proposals -- but all were for Mr. Aiken.) Witnesses find proposals compelling to watch in part because there's always a possibility of rejection. In February, after a man proposed at an Orlando Magic game, the scoreboard flashed, "She said no," the crowd gasped, and the woman ran off the court. Turned out it was a stunt featuring actors. Fan proposals, which cost $50 to $200, are so routine that the team's marketing office concocted the stunt to generate buzz. In actuality, though, women almost always say yes to public proposals, so they don't embarrass suitors. Only later, privately, will the women back out, wedding planners say.

2005-08-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

HERE COMES SYRUP Just when you thought Cudge.net was taking it easy, two new items.

First, cases of Vermont Maple Syrup. A great favor item: Each case contains 24 mini jugs (1.7oz each) of grade A, medium amber syrup. Yum.

And with an introductory price of $33.88 per case plus shipping, we think you'll agree it's a pretty sensational deal.

Of course we didn't want the syrup to get lonely, so we've added another item as well:

Yup: Buttermilk Pancake Mix.

The mix match up nicely with the syrup for obvious reasons. But it's a great stand-alone favor as well. $59.66 plus shipping per case of 24 one pound bags.

Send your guests home with breakfast!

2005-07-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

TOO MANY THANK YOUS? We're not sure that this passes ethical muster. But we can certainly see the attraction:

Newlyweds too busy to write their own thank-you notes can now turn to a new business that will free couples of that chore. Chris Hagan and Laura Kozak have opened That's Gratitude for newlyweds who don't have time to thank people who gave them wedding presents or couples who just want to, as Hagan put it, "start to enjoy marriage right away." The business... handwritten thank-you notes. [...] Couples can either provide That's Gratitude with their own thank-you stationery or have That's Gratitude design notes personalized with the couple's photographs or initials. After the wedding, a couple fills out a form about their day, answering questions about how many guests attended, where the wedding was held, whether there was a theme and whether anything unusual happen. This lets Hagan, Kozak or other thank-you note writers create a note from the perspective of the bride or groom.

2005-07-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

MIXED CASE VOTIVE HOLDERS Every now and then we get a request to combine multiple colors in a single case of votive holders.

That's not a practical for us, but it doesn't mean we weren't listening: Case of mixed color votive holders are now available at Cudge.net!

Check it out.

2005-07-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

HAVE WEDDINGS LOST THEIR MEANING? Michael Hupp at The Parthenon--Marshall University's student newspaper--thinks so:

You know the whole reason for getting married in the first place is to make public before family and friends the lifelong bond that two people are planning to share. Not to put on a dog and pony show for the masses. That is truly what weddings have become. Fountains out of cakes that shoot champagne, ice sculptures of cupid and tuxedos that are only worn for a fifteen-minute ceremony. An-other Hallmark holiday just like Valentines Day and Christmas.

What do you think?

2005-07-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

CHOOSING A DATE SheKnows.com has up a smart, commonsense article about how to think about choosing a wedding date:

No matter how flexible you are, there's bound to be things you won't compromise on. Maybe it's a particular church, temple and officiant for your ceremony. Maybe it's a special venue for your reception. And there are certain indispensable guests, like your parents. Luckily for you, putting just these three things together is bound to reduce your choices. Once you call on the church/temple, ceremony venue or reception hall, you'll probably find many dates already filled, especially if you call less than nine months in advance. Good. That makes things easier!

2005-07-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

LARGE ORGANZA BAGS One of the most frequent questions we receive at Cudge.net is whether our votive candle holders fit inside the organza bags sold on our site.

Until this week, the answer was--unfortunately--"no."

But that's changed.

4" X 6" white organza bags are now in stock. $17.88 per pack of 100. Get 'em while they're hot!

2005-07-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER WEDDING MOVIE Why do weddings play such a prominent role in so many recent Hollywood movies? Any thoughts?

While you're mulling that over, you can watch the trailer for THE WEDDING CRASHERS here.

2005-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

PURPLE VOTIVE HOLDERS We've received dozens and dozens of inquiries over the years. Purple votive holders are finally in stock. Here's a peek:

2005-07-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

EARTH-FRIENDLY WEDDING TREND? The Wilmington News-Journal thinks one is developing:

Communiqués offers personalized and handmade invitations. Falkowski notes an increase of environmentally friendly invitations within the past six months, including a recent request for soy-based ink. Paper can be composed of either tree-free fibers or recycled material, and some are inkjet guaranteed. One company's handmade paper contains flower seeds so that guests may plant them. It's easy to honor thyself and thy guests with menu diversity. Glenn Wootten of Appleton Catering in New Castle composes typical wedding buffets in addition to both vegan menus, which have no animal byproducts, and vegetarian ones, which may include dairy.

We haven't detected this trend. Is the News-Journal on to something?

2005-06-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

NEW LOW PRICES Honey and jams have been so successful over at Cudge.net that we've been able adjust the prices: All three items are now available at a more than 10% discount to the original rate.

Not a sale. An honest-to-goodness price reduction. It's the Cudge.net way!

2005-06-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

ENGAGEMENT COUNSELING? According to the Los Angeles Times, it's gaining in popularity:

In seminar halls or living rooms, dating couples practice the art of the painful conversation, face cold realities about sex and money, and catalog childhood traumas that might leak into their married life. They examine printouts summarizing their psychological makeup and the weaknesses -- sorry, "growth areas" -- of their relationship. It might not be the kind of love story found in Hollywood movies, but pre-pre-marital counseling responds to a yearning for a more reliable path to marriage. Using tools from social science, it aims to prepare them for conflict, to prevent unions based on blind impulse -- and, ultimately, to reduce a divorce rate as high for religious couples as for other Americans. "What we're trying to teach couples is, `This is romantic,' " said Rob Eagar, an Atlanta-based author and lecturer on Christian dating.

2005-06-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

THE ADVICE GODDESS Amy Alkon at the Winston-Salem Journal unloads on young couples who plan their wedding before planning their marriage.

2005-06-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS The NWI Times of northwest Indiana has a few warnings about outdoor weddings:

Beat rainy day blues * Rent a large tent * Reserve a backup location * Rent umbrellas for the groomsmen to cover guests as they are escorted to sheltered areas * Cover food * Request your band or disc jockey plays songs such as, "It's raining men" to add comic relief * Remember the Native American sayings that "A nuptial downpour means you'll never cry over the marriage" Beat the heat * Print wedding programs on hand fans that guests can use during the service * Seat guests under large umbrellas * Provide plenty of water with plenty of ice and lemons Beat the bugs * Provide odorless bug spray to wedding party and guests * Place citronella candles on tables, perimeter of wedding grounds and all walkways * One to two hours before ceremony, spray a diluted mixture of chili powder and water on the ground

All good advice.

2005-06-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

BRIDEZILLAS ON TV We've seen a lot of billboards advertising this WE network show lately. Anyone seen it? What did you think?

2005-06-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

INCOME TAX CHECKLIST As if newlyweds don't have enough to worry about, the Fauquier Times-Democrat reminds them to review their tax status. The article, by an accountant, includes some very useful advice.

2005-06-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

WEDDINGS IN IRAQ Via the L.A. Times:

In Baghdad, business is booming for the wedding DJ. Overwhelmed by the demand for marriage contracts, two judges in Basra are turning away would-be brides and grooms. The party planner at the capital's upscale Hunting Club can't find enough floral designers to keep up with decoration demands. And a reality series following couples as they plan their weddings is among the most popular shows on Iraqi TV. Since Saddam Hussein was ousted two years ago, the number of nuptials in Iraq has soared, say party planners, judges and clergy members. Although there are no reliable countrywide statistics, those in the business estimate that "I do's"have doubled since the uneasy months before and after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Some say a better living standard is driving Iraqis to the altar. Others speculate that many weddings were postponed because of the war, and couples are catching up. And there are those with a more existential bent, who see wedding celebration as a retort to death itself. "People tend to compensate for their losses," said Nagham Azzawi, whose sister is getting married later this year. "This is the natural response to all the deaths we're facing." Beneath crystal chandeliers, Wisam Hajjaj was spinning a funky mix of traditional and Western music. At 48, he claimed to be "the oldest DJ in Baghdad." At a recent engagement party, he sounded like the loudest as he cranked the sound to deafening levels. Heading for the dance floor, older women with hennaed hands and flowing black abayas grabbed younger relatives in colorful - and tight - clothing, their heads bare.

There's more.

2005-06-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

WEDDING ROUNDUP We just spotted this special wedding section from the June 5th edition of The Palm Beach Post. It includes several articles and an interactive feature.

2005-06-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

J. CREW GETS BRIDAL The Boston Globe brings us news that J. Crew has entered the bridalwear arena:

The company unveiled some bridal gear last spring, but is just beginning to aggressively push the wedding line, which includes gowns from $260 to $1,800 and bridesmaid dresses from $98 to $350. The dresses' presence on the retailer's website has grown over the past year, and J. Crew provides peeks of wedding selections in its seasonal catalogs. Popular items include the $425 ''Madeline" dress, a silk, spaghetti-strapped gown with a small train, and the $350 linen ''Elly" dress, a strapless, shimmering number that stops short at the knee. ''It's been across the board successful," said J. Crew spokeswoman Heather Lynch, adding that the idea for a wedding line came from a female employee in the company's distribution center.

2005-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

BRIDAL SHOP TAKES MANHATTAN The legendary Kleinfeld wedding gown emporium is moving in to the neighborhood of Cudge.net's world headquarters!

The new store, just west of Manhattan's Ladies' Mile shopping district, will be 35,000 square feet, with roughly double the selling space of the current store to accommodate what officials say is a rapidly expanding business. [...] "We're taking what we have here in Brooklyn, which may be a little dated," he continued, and putting it into "a grander, more theatrical environment." Visits to the Manhattan flagship will be, as always, by appointment only, company officials said, and the new store will be designed by Paul Taylor of Stonehill & Taylor, a leading hotel architect. There will be dozens of selection and fitting rooms, all outfitted with intricate lighting and lead-free mirrors so as not to distort the white, ecru and Champagne hues in the gowns, Mr. Rothstein said. But no longer will the lines of would-be brides snake around the corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street in Brooklyn, offering many of them their first glimpse of a borough they knew only from Spike Lee movies and reruns on television of "Welcome Back, Kotter."

A bit sad in some ways. But a welcome change for New York brides.

2005-05-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

DELAYED HONEYMOONS? SheKnows.com looks into the trend toward putting honeymoons off for at least a few weeks. Among the article's points:

Some couples just want to take the time to get their life in order. They might be moving to a new home, or a new state. They might be studying for their bar or medical board exams. It might be the crazy-busy season at work. Whatever major stresses they're already under can pass, and then the honeymoon can be enjoyed 100 percent with all that activity behind them. Waiting could mean that you can take a longer honeymoon. When you consider that you have 2 weeks of vacation time at work (or less) each year, you may have already burned up a week of that time with other things, such as other wedding week events, and traveling to prepare for a distance wedding. That only leaves you with a week for your honeymoon. If you can wait until the next calendar year – which might be only a month or two away – you can take that 10-day cruise you've been dreaming about.

2005-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

TONS OF NEW STUFF Cudge.net is now selling a bunch of new items.

There are new pink and green votive candle holders; there are cases of favor-sized jams and honey.

There's even a new light blue favor bag.

Check 'em out!

2005-05-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

SETTING A FANCY TABLE The Seattle Times gives readers the lowdown:

• Salad plates. Place these in front of guests at the center of the setting. If you don't have salad plates, guests can use their dinner plates for salad. • Napkins. Fold and place in the center of the plate, at the left of the plate or folded creatively in the glassware. • Flatware. Set the table so guests eat with utensils from the outside in: the salad fork on the outside of the dinner fork, both to the left of the dinner plate; the knife to the right of the dinner plate and the spoon to the right of the knife. The dessert fork and spoon, if you have them, should be placed horizontally at the top of the plate, the bowl of the spoon facing left and the prongs of the fork facing right. • Glassware. Glasses go on the right.

There's more.

2005-05-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

RUNAWAY BRIDE ETIQUETTE Time Magazine posts "the 13 questions Emily Post never thought of answering" about runaway bride etiquette. Funny, but silly. Among them:

7. Any tips on honeymoon destinations? Some words of caution for anyone planning an escape to Las Vegas: don't believe them when they say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Cable news stations are poised to report anything you do there, and also in Albuquerque, N.M.

2005-05-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

WEDDING FLOWERS Chicago's local ABC TV affiliate runs a story with advice about picking wedding flowers. (Of course, you can always skip the flowers completely and just use votive candles in votive holders.)

2005-05-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION BellaOnline has some interesting tips:

Do not take your gown to a dry cleaning service. Dry cleaners would like you to believe that their service is best, but in fact, you can do a better job yourself for less than what they charge. When your gown is dry cleaned, damaging dry cleaning fluid becomes trapped in the garment fibers. After an extended period of time, especially when sealed in an airtight box, this fluid may seriously degrade the fabric.

2005-05-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

RED CHINESE TAKEOUT BOXES We've received a number of requests for this item in the past, and we're happy to have finally added it to our line.

100 red pint boxes for $15.88 at Cudge.net! Get 'em while they're hot!

2005-04-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

WEDDING OF THE WEEK Courtesy of the Hagerstown, Maryland Herald-Mail:

For the past nine years, Jeanne Doney-Gladhill has ushered people down the aisles of the Maryland Theatre. On Saturday, she'll walk herself down one of those aisles in a wedding gown. Doney-Gladhill is marrying another volunteer theater usher, Tom Thivierge, whom she's been dating for about six years. The couple has a house together in Funkstown. "It's the only way I'll ever be on stage," Doney-Gladhill said with a laugh. [...] Pat Wolford, executive director of the theater, said a wedding was held at the theater about 10 years ago, but it isn't a common occurrence, mainly because it is an expensive facility to rent. But in this case, Wolford said, "The crews that would normally have to be paid are all volunteering to put on the wedding." "It's kind of like an extended family wedding," she said.

Here's the link.

2005-04-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

PLACE YOUR BETS Can the Farmer's Almanac be used to predict the weather on your wedding day? The Baxter Bulletin seems to think so.

2005-04-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

MORE ON FINANCES Bankrate.com has posted a quiz on finances for young couples.

2005-04-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

NEWLYWED FINANCE PRIMER Ray Auclair, writing in the Woonsocket Call, has some financial advice for young couples:

Do not keep secrets about debts or credit problems. Bad credit records or bankruptcies may affect your ability to finance a new house or car, how you hold title property and the way you file taxes. Disclose any financial baggage you are bringing to the relationship before the wedding. Surprising your partner with a $30,000 credit card bill as a wedding present is a sure-fire way to destroy trust. [...] Decide how to pay the bills. The first practical challenge of your financial "merger" is choosing joint or separate checking accounts - or both. The act of paying household expenses from one account is the ultimate "what’s mine is yours" statement.Some couples have no problem plunging into the responsibility and liability of a shared checking account. Others believe they are retaining their independence by keeping their checking accounts and financial identities separate.

2005-04-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

LUKE AND STEPHANIE The couple married in New York back in 2002, but their attractive wedding website is still worth a look.

Of particular note are the site's instructions for turning votive candle holders into attractive place cards.

2005-03-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

LAVENDER VOTIVE CANDLES $14.22 per case of 72. Now in stock at www.cudge.net!

2005-03-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

CUDGE.NET IN THE NEWS Not sure how we missed this early-February article from the Massachusetts-based Patriot Ledger, but we're certainly happy to have been mentioned.

The article is from a series by Patriot Ledger Lifestyles editor Dana Brag, who is documenting "the trials, tribulations and joys of wedding planning."

Other installments from the series can be found here, here and here.

2005-03-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY A terrible, tragic story out of Louisiana shows just how dangerous candles can be:

A candle lighted by a family spending its first night in a Marrero townhouse ignited a fire early Thursday that killed 11 people, including eight children, in what authorities believe is one of the deadliest residential fires in Louisiana history.

Always have a safety plan when dealing with candles. Always keep candles away from flammable items. Always blow out candles before leaving a room.

You can read more safety tips here.

2005-03-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

ASK AMY GETS SASSY From a recent column:

Dear Amy: I was asked to address my own thank-you envelope when I was at a bridal shower recently. I did not fill one out because I do not agree with it. I guess I will not get a "thank-you" for the gift I gave. Am I being too touchy about this? I thought it was tacky. Is this a new trend for showers? - Perplexed on Protocol
Dear Perplexed: Why didn't the prospective bride just have you write the note too? Then she could be assured that it was lovely and heartfelt and arrived in a timely fashion. I know what the shower host is thinking here--she thoughtfully wants to get everything right, but part of the beauty of getting things right is the quiet, behind-the-scenes effort it takes to get there. I have heard of this practice, but am not sure if it's a trend.

2005-03-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

AND NOW THIS Wedding proposal consultants are all the rage, at least according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

2005-03-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

NEW ITEM Silver wedding bell favors are now in stock at Cudge.net. $27.44 for a case of 96!

2005-02-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

SECOND TIME AROUND Sheknows.com runs an interesting story about brides and grooms planning for a second wedding. Among the observations:

How do you involve children? Here are just a few ideas: --Encourage kids to offer input on wedding-day decisions. This will make them feel part of the process. Ask for input on everything from the wedding day music to the favors. --If kids are artistic or into crafts, have them make favors, place cards, invitations or wedding programs. Also have kids help decorate the venue.

There's more.

2005-02-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

CALLING WHITE SOX FANS Want to get married at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox? Now's your big chance.

2005-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

BACKYARD WEDDING? According to this article from Chronogram magazine, it's an idea worth considering:

Carl Beach, owner of Great Food and Company in Staatsburg, likes at-home weddings the best. "There's definitely a more comfortable feeling, and less stress, because everything is familiar to the couple," he says. "A lot of people choose to marry at home because it's a place everybody knows, or maybe they want to share their new house or show off the garden they've been working on together. Often couples get married at one of their parents' houses because they want their friends to see their childhood home, which the parents always love. The guests like it better too—it loosens people up and makes for a better time when people are not in a hotel or a fancy room somewhere unfamiliar."

2005-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

TWO NEW ITEMS Cudge.net is now stocking pillar candles and organza bags. Get 'em while they're hot!

2005-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

VOTIVE HOLDER PLACE CARDS Over on the Atlanta message board at TheKnot.com, user williamson2005 provides instructions for turning Cudge.net votive holders into place cards.

2005-01-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

CENTERPIECE ADVICE The Times Herald out of Port Huron, Michigan has some thoughts. Among them:

2. A color swatch isn't the key to picking the centerpiece colors. "Too many gals try to match the colors too closely. They'll come in with the color swatch, and we have to really work to veer them away from that. If everything is the same color, it's all going to blend to together and wash out. Contrast is the key."

2005-01-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

WEDDING WATCH The Boca Raton News has the lowdown on the Trump-Knauss nuptials.

2005-01-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

MOMMIE DEAREST MSNBC has an illuminating Q & A about the conundrum of the meddling mother who throws a wrench in everyone's wedding plans.

Among the observations:

Fights over wedding plans — and I mean knock-down, drag-out fights — are common. Look at it this way: Your fiancée is replacing your mother as the number-one woman in your life, and it’s a bittersweet emotional transition that many mothers have a hard time coping with. That’s what you are really dickering over. But love is not a zero-sum game. There is enough for everyone. Reassure your mother that you don’t love her less because you are taking a bride. At the same time, you must now make your wife-to-be your highest priority in order to make your marriage work well.

More here.

2005-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

CHECK IT OUT Party planners in New York, Florida and Toronto may want to browse their way over to BizBash, a site devoted to ideas and resources for special events.

Their Venue Guide looks particularly useful.