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Monday, October 27, 2008

TEAM WEDDING - GUIDE TO WEDDING PLANNING


Accessories

bridal veils
gloves
bags
shoes
guest books
disposable cameras
find a local accessory store, etc

Accommodations

bed & breakfasts
hotels
inns
lodges
motels
cabins
find local accommodations, etc


Bachelor & Bachelorette

bachelor party ideas
bachelorette party favors
find local bachelor & bachelorette services, etc.


Beauty & Cosmetics

cosmetics
wedding hairstyles
wedding makeup tips
find a local wedding makeup artist or hair salon, etc


Books & Publications

wedding photo books wedding ideas
wedding planning books
bridal magazines
wedding information, etc


Bridal Showers

bridal shower ideas
wedding shower favors
bridal shower invitations and planning a bridal shower, etc

Sunday, September 14, 2008

WEDDING PLANS

Here we are giving a wedding guide to plan a perfect wedding. This ceremony marked by joyous celebration needs a lot of planning to make it a perfect occasion.

• Set date for wedding

• Plan wedding budget (Since the money matters the most, prepare a rough estimate of all likely expenses way before, and stick to the plan while spending. The estimate of your spending should rather be less than the actual sum you have in hand. This will be of great help in accommodating the unexpected expenses.)

• Prepare guest List (Prepare a list of the guests to be invited as early as possible. If you shelve this task for later, some of the names may slip your mind and you'll always feel sheepish while facing them.)

• Choose venue for wedding and make reservations.

• Appoint Priest/ Purohit /clergy member for performing ceremonial rites.

• Choose caterer and select the menu for the wedding ceremony.

• Design and select invitation cards

• Select photographer and videographer and discuss plans

• Select tent house/decorator

• Select band/musicians

• Select wedding dress/trousseau dresses for the bride /groom and place order (The prime area of attention for the bride is her trousseau. It has to be compiled tastefully with utmost care)

• Make transportation reservations for guests.

• Arrange facilities like water, generators, lighting, seatings for wedding ceremony/reception

• Apply for marriage license

• Order wedding reception cake

• Make beauty parlor appointments.

• Make bookings for mehandi.

• Select the type of music needed for reception/cocktails

• Order mithai and related items.

• Confirm arrangements for hired crockery, cutlery, glassware or table linen.

• Book wedding cars.

Listed here are a number of things to do once the marriage has been finalized. Some need to be taken care of immediately while other tasks can wait till the wedding date draws closer. In either case, having a list of things to do makes it easier to ascertain that nothing is left out or forgotten. Saves a lot of last minute hassles!

Read from wedding planner's site

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SYMBOLS


Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as 25th and 40th are linked to precious stones, in these cases silver and ruby. However, it is less well known that all anniversaries up to and including the 15th, and then every 5th anniversary, have their own particular symbol. The list below shows the symbol traditionally associated with each anniversary.

ANNIVERSARY

1st - Paper
2nd - Cotton
3rd - Leather
4th - Books
5th - Wood
6th - Sugar, candy
7th - Wool, cooper
8th - Bronze, pottery
9th - Pottery, willow
10th - Tin, aluminum
11th - Steel
12th - Silk, linen
13th - Lace
14th - Ivory
15th - Crystal
20th - China
25th - Silver
30th - Pearl
35th - Coral
40th - Ruby
45th - Sapphire
50th - Gold
60th - Diamond
75th - Diamond

The Silver (25th) and Golden (50th) Anniversaries appear to be the most traditional. In Central Europe going back hundreds of years a man would present his wife with a silver or golden garland to mark the occasion of their anniversary.
The other materials have been added to the list more recently, and there is now a more modern list which incorporates the missing years 16-19. Amazingly, a ten carat diamond has been added for a 100th Wedding Anniversary! How many couples will get that far?

Read from a matrimonial site.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

ARRANGED MARRIAGES

The Reality of Arranged Marriages

Arranged marriages have been a topic of interest for centuries. Authors across the ages have explored this theme at length, and it still surfaces in literary works today. What's the appeal? Is it the fascination with the lack of lust and desire we cultivate in North American society? We strive on the element of danger, of the forbidden, while an arranged marriage is usually a safe way to ensure a family's approval of a union.

And yet, many of todays romance novels deal with marriages of convenience. We've all read them: the heroine marries the hero because she needs him, whether for financial reasons, or because her children need a father -- there are as many reasons to marry as there are novels dealing with this subject. Yet although the marriage isn't initially based on love, there's always that sensual tension simmering beneath the surface, and as readers, we know it's inevitable that the two are going to fall deeply and irrevocably in love.

But what about real life, where things don't always work out so well? Arranged marriages are commonplace in a number of countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan and India. They're more common than you'd think even in North America, where cultural diversity is cherished and encouraged.

Young people in countries where arranged marriages are common place are told from an early age that their spouse will be chosen for them. To deny an arranged marriage is seen as a sign of disrespect toward the family. But how are suitable spouses chosen? In Japan, for instance, "when a woman reaches the marriageable age of 25, she and her parents compile a packet of information about her, including a photograph of her in a kimono and descriptions of her family background, education, hobbies, accomplishments and interests. Her parents then inquire among their friends and acquaintances to see if anyone knows a man who would be a suitable husband for her" (the Asia Society's Video Letter from Japan: My Family, 1988). Usually, the most important aspect of choosing a suitable spouse is the bond between the two families, rather than the relationship between the couple being married. Property or land with the aim of securing social status sometimes seals marriage agreements.
Do arranged marriages work? Opinions tend to differ. Statistics place the divorce rate for arranged marriages much lower than those in the United States, where marriages out of love are the rule. However, research also shows that the pressure a married couple encounters from both society as a whole, and from the respective families, suggests that divorce is often not an option.

Can love grow out of an arranged marriage? Absolutely, and in the same way that love can grow in romance novels from a marriage of convenience. But there's more to love than finding a suitable match. Love can grow for many reasons, from lust at first sight to friendship that develops over a long period of time. It's impossible to predict whether a union will be successful. The only two people who can make it work are the bride and groom, the hero and heroine of their own story.

Read from a matrimony site and a guide to teenagers.

EXTREME AGE DIFFERENCES IN MARRIAGE

Extreme Age Differences In Marriage Can Lead To Infidelity

"Extreme age differences between husband and wife may lead to infidelity" says author and infidelity expert, Ruth Houston, who was recently quoted in an article in First magazine. Houston's comments were included in the sidebar of an article in the May issue of First entitled "The Surprising Way Women Are Turning Back the Clock," which discusses the pros and cons of marriages and relationships in which the woman is considerably older or younger than the man.

Disparity in Sex Drives

"The biggest danger" is that in marriages where there is an age difference of 15 to 20 years or more, at some point, there is likely to be a disparity in the sex drives of the two people involved. This disparity could be a contributing factor to infidelity if it drives one party to seek sexual fulfillment outside the primary relationship."

Unable to Relate Due to Generation Gap

Houston points out that lifestyle differences, differences in moral values, even differences in seemingly minor things such as tastes in music, reading, or entertainment may eventually cause the couple to be unable to relate to each other because of a "generation gap." If one party begins to seek out members of his or her peer group because they have more things in common with each other, it can lead to problems -- especially if that person is a member of the opposite sex.

A Higher Risk of Infidelity

While conceding some marriages and relationships between older women and younger men do succeed, Houston states that they start out with a strike against them. She warns, "A woman should think long and hard before entering into a relationship with a man who is considerably younger than herself. The greater the age difference, the greater the risk of infidelity."

Read from a matrimony site and very useful for all.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

PANIGRAHANAM AND SAPTHAPATHI

The most important and significant parts of the marriage ceremony are the Pani Grahanam and Sapthapathi

PANI GRAHANAM

Pani Grahanam means that ‘bride and groom’ can/must touch and hold each other’s hand only and nobody else’s – at least on the wedding day however modern you are.

SAPTHAPATHI

Sapthapathi means Seven Sacred steps taken around the sacred Agni in the Homa Kundam. These seven steps and Veda mantras that are recited by the groom after the Sapthapathi, explain in lucid terms, the very essence and the basic purpose of a marriage.

The hands so joined during Pani Grahanam and Sapthapathi are to be held together forever for some decades at least.

HOROSCOPE IN WEDDING

Under Hindu Predictive Systems Compatibility is generally seen especially for marriage. Between Husband and Wife if there is great compatibility it is considered harmonious to lead a peaceful and happy life.

In most Hindu families, every individual has his or her horoscopes, janam patrika or kundali prepared. Since it is a very difficult task to get the accurate knowledge of the person's nature etc. before a marriage (or a long-term relationship), the proven since of Astrology can definitely help the two lives a great deal. A birth chart (also known as janma kundali, janam kundali, Vedic horoscope) captures the precise astronomical positions of stars and planets at the individual's birth moment.
Astrological compatibility consideration is not only a mere ancestral practice but is a way to get the knowledge regarding the nature, features, love and the social communication features of the people. Horoscope are usually made by pandits or astrologers or numerologists on the basis of the time and the date of a persons birth because, as per the Hindu belief, nothing in this universe happens accidentally or before its scheduled time.

The planetary Influence

According to the Hindu System of astrology, all predictions are based on the positions of the celestial bodies in the houses of the individual's horoscope. Such positions are governed by Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Sun, Moon, Uranus and Neptune, a planetary hour begins at the stated time and operates until the next one begins. A moment is considered to be four minutes, i.e., the time taken by the Sun to cross one degree of terrestrial longitude.

Attributes of Planets and Other Celestial Bodies

Saturn: Powerful, malefic, typifying crystallisation of thought, cold contemplation and Philosophic outlook.
Jupiter- Beneficent, uplifting, warm, expansive, hopeful and optimistic
Mars: Less malefic, forceful, Zealous, energetic, intense and heated up.
Sun: The giver of life, energy, vitality and authority.
Venus: Less beneficent than Jupiter harmonious, pure spiritual and blissful
Mercury: The winged messenger of god, neutral preceptor of mind, intellect, perception and expression.
Moon: Variability, emotionalism, reproduction and sensation.
Uranus: Abrupt transformations' extraordinary, revolutionary and out of the ordinary.
Neptune: Mysticism, hallucinations, fears, spiritual ecstasy.

Horoscope matching for marriages

A lot of marriages in Hindu Culture consider horoscope matching as the first step. The horoscopes are matched on the basis of health, wealth, longevity, well being of children etc. In Vedic Astrology, marital life is affected by the following parameters:

Nakshatras:

Moon moves around the Earth in little over 27 days. The whole path of the moon is divided into 27 parts, each of which is represented by a constellation. These constellations are known as Nakshatras and the moon "resides" in each nakshatra for approximately a day. As these nakshatras are associated with the moon, they are usually a better indicator of a person's emotional capacity.
Ashvini 2. Bharani 3. Krittika 4. Rohini 5. Mrugashira 6. Ardra 7. Punarvasu 8. Pushya 9. Ashlesha 10. Magha 11. Purva Phalguni 12. Uttara Phalguni 13. Hasta 14. Chitta,15 Swati, 16 Vishaka, 17Anuradha 18. Jyeshta 19. Moola 20. Poorva Ashada21. Uttara Ashada 22. Shravana 23. Dhanishta 24. Shatabhisha25. Poorva Bhadra 26. Uttara Bhadra 27. Revati

The factors which are important for compatibility analysis are derived from these 27 nakshatras. Based on the position of the moon in a nakshatra, the following factors are assigned to a chart.

Kuta Point System:

Apart from the parameters mentioned above, the compatibility is judged by points, known as kuta. These points are calculated by taking into account the position of Moon in both the charts. Moon in a person's chart represents the emotional aspect, his/her personality and capacity to care about other people. These points are added up to a maximum of 36 points. If the sum of the compatibility points is less than 18, marriage is not advisable. These points can also be calculated from the nakshatras of the bride and the groom directly.
Mahendra Kuta:

The Nakshatra of the man should be 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 or 25 Nakshatras away from the Nakshatra of the woman. A good Mahendra Kuta should promote the longevity of the relationship. This factor is mentioned in a Kuta analysis, but no points are given by this factor.

Stree Dirgha:

The Nakshatra of the man should preferably be more than 9 constellations away from the Nakshatra of the woman. This factor is mentioned in a Kuta analysis, but no points are given by this factor.

Rashi Kuta:

This factor is different from the factors, because this deals with the signs in which the Moons are located (and not the Nakshatras). The moon sign of the man is in 2, 3, 5, 6 away from the moon sign of the woman cause bad results others come good results. Rashi Kuta indicates growth of family, family welfare and economic conditions of the partner.

Dinam Kuta
If the Nakshatra of the man is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 Nakshatras from the Nakshatra of the woman it comes good results. If the number is 9 or more it is divided by 9 and we work with the remainder. It indicates the health and well being of the couple.
Yoni Kuta

This has to do with sexual compatibility, mutual love and sex inclinations.. Out of 27 nakshatras 14 numbers are consider as Male yonis and 13 numbers are considered as Female yonis. Male Yonis Male nakshatras are: Ashwini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Swati, Jyeshta, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Shravana and Purva Bhadrapada and others female yonis.
Every Nakshatra has the characteristics of an animal indicative of sexual joy, mutual attraction and love. Example: Vishakha and Chitra are associated with a tiger yoni. That means these Nakshatras are rather wild in making love. There is also a division in male and female yonis. Vishakha has a male tiger yoni and Chitra a female tiger yoni. It is best if both partners are born in Nakshatras, which symbolize the same yoni type, but of different sexes. Therefore, someone with the Moon in Vishakha would be a great sexual match for someone with the Moon in Chitra. If a couple has friendly yonis of the female sex marriage will be acceptable. It will be difficult if the two people both have male yonis.

Vedha Kuta

Some Nakshatras are said to afflict each other. A marriage between people who have their Moons in Nakshatras, which afflict each other, should not take place. This is a list of the prohibited pairs:

Ashwini (1) and Jyeshta (18); Bharani (2) and Anuradha (17); Krittika (3) and Vishakha (16); Rohini (4) and Swati (15); Mrigashira (5) and Dhanistha (23); Ardra (6) and Shravana (22); Punarvasu (7) and Uttara Ashadha (21); Pushya (8) and Purva Ashadha (20); Ashlesha (9) and Mula (19); Magha (10) and Revati (27); Purva Phalguni (11) and Uttara Bhadrapada (26); Uttara Phalguni (12) and Purva Bhadrapada (25); Hasta (13) and Shatabhishak (24).

Vashya Kuta

Vashya Kuta, indicates the intensity of mutual attraction and affection between the partners. Vasyu Kuta magnetism makes understanding of each other easier. If the Moon of the female feels magnetism towards the Moon of the male one point is given. If the Moon of the male feels magnetism towards the Moon of the female, also one point is given. Therefore, the maximum amount of points to be gained from this factor is two, if magnetism exists from both sides. Given below given the matching list of each rashi.
.
Aries - Leo, Scorpio
Taurus - Cancer, Libra
Gemini - Virgo
Cancer - Scorpio, Sagittarius
Leo - Libra
Virgo - Gemini , Pisces
Libra - Virgo, Capricorn
Scorpio - Cancer
Sagittarius - Pisces
Capricorn - Aries, Aquarius
Aquarius - Aries
Pisces - Capricorn
Gana Kuta

Nakshatras classifieds as groups deva, human (manusha) and demon (rakshaka).
Deva (godly) nakshatras are Ashwini, Mrigashirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Revati.

Human nakshatras are Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Shravana and all the Purva and Uttara Nakshatras.

Rakshasa (demon) nakshatras are Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyestha, Mula, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak.

People who have their Moons in Nakshatras that fall in the same category can marry. A deva man can marry a deva or manusha woman. He cannot marry a rakshaka woman. A manusha man can marry a deva woman or a manusha woman. He should not marry a rakshaka woman. A rakshaka man should not marry a deva woman or a manusha woman . He can marry a rakshaka woman. When the lords of the signs in the rashi or navamsa of the man and woman are the same bad Gana Kuta results can be compensated (however this does not change the points that are being given). Gana Kuta indicates the nature of the native and gives compatibility of temperament and mutual daily behaviors.

Graha Maitri

It is an indicator of friendship between the rashi lords of the Moonsigns of the couple. The two rashi lords can be friends, enemies or neutral to each other. When both are neutral, Graha Maitram is mediocre.

Rajjus

It is an indicator of longevity of the marriage, and is also based on the relative position of the two Nakshatras. The Janma Nakshatras of the couple should not fall in the same Rajju. If they fall in Sira (head) husband's death is likely; if in Kantha (neck) the wife may die; if in Udara (stomach) the children may die; if in Kati (waist) poverty may ensue; and if in Pada (foot) the couple may be always wandering. Hence, it is desirable that the boy and the girl have constellations belonging to different rajjus or groups for safety in household life.
Padarajju: Ashwini (1), Ashlesha (9), Magha (10), Jyeshta (18), Mula (19), Revati (27).

Katirajju: Bharani (2), Pushya (8), Purva Phalguni (11), Anuradha (17), Purva Ashadha (20), Uttara Bhadrapada (26).

Nabhi: Krittika (3), Punarvasu (7), Uttara Phalguni (12), Vishakha (16), Uttara Ashadha (21), Purva Bhadrapada (25).

Kantarajju: Rohini (4), Ardra (6), Hasta (13), Swati (15), Shravana (22), Shatabhishak (24).

Sirorajju: Mrigashira (5), Chitra (14), Dhanistha (23).

Varna

Which compares the castes of the Moon rashis (not Nakshatras): Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra. It is said to be an indicator of the spiritual development of the couple. This is a factor, which is supposed to be an indication of the spiritual development of the partners.

These are the categories:

Brahmin (priests): Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

Kshatriya (politics and war): Leo, Sagittarius, Libra.

Vaisya (business): Aries, Gemini, Aquarius.

Sudra (manual labour and service): Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.


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