Learning terminology related to paper, design, size, color and printing will no doubt be part of wedding invitation shopping experience. Who knew there was so much to know beyond the wording and what enclosure pieces to include.

Here are the details for just some of the terms you may come across:

• Invitation Card – Simply a flat card with no folds and the verse printed on the front.
• Embossing – Creating a raised design by using a printing method that presses an image into the paper. Colored ink can then highlight the design. If no ink is used on the raised design, it is referred to as blind embossing. Debossing is created by actually indenting the design into the paper.
• Foil Stamping - The special technique of hot stamping metallic colored foil onto paper.
• Deckle Edge – A unique, feathery edge on a piece of paper commonly seen on parchment wedding invitations.
• Ecru – A familiar invitation paper color that is a warm creamy beige shade.
• Pearlize – The addition of a shimmering pearl-like finish usually to an embossed design area of the invitation.
• Filigree – Lacelike decorative pattern that can appear as part of a wedding invitation design.
• Tea Length – A style of invitation that is either horizontal or vertical and is typically 9 ¼” x 4″ in size.
• Translucent - A term that is used to describe paper that is somewhat see-through and is often times used in layered invitation designs.
• Vellum – Common type of paper with a rich, smooth finish.
• Linen - Another type of paper featuring a cross weave texture.

As the saying goes, the more you know the better, especially when it comes to unique wedding invitations. Knowing what these terms mean is one thing, but even better might be seeing actual samples to know which ones you may want included in your wedding invitation design.

If you’re looking for some plus size mother of the bride dresses, no doubt you want to find something that is beautiful and classy and that flatters your figure, whatever your size. Being the mother of the bride is no time to feel frumpy or dowdy or uncomfortable in any way. But today, you’re in luck. Many more department stores and bridal specialty stores are carrying plus size mother of the bride dresses, and they are paying as much attention to these dresses as they are all their other fashions and styles. But before you actually shop, let’s take a look at some things you will need to remember when choosing the right dress for you.

Your Body Type and Shape

Regardless of what size you are, you have some very positive features about you. The key is knowing what they are so you can play up those while downplaying whatever figure flaws you think you have.

For example, you may be looking for plus size mother of the bride dresses because you’re no longer the skinny peanut you once were, but you still have very shapely legs. Maybe your figure has very pleasing proportions. The trick is to play up those positive aspects of your figure. If you have long legs, you can opt for a long skirt with a modest slit. If you have good proportions, you can choose some plus size mother of the bride dresses that simply flatter you all over, without having to emphasize any one feature.

Of course, knowing your body type and shape means also being honest and realistic about what your figure is. Thinking that you can wear a size smaller than you really are or opting for sleeveless designs may not be the best thing for you. Sometimes women make the mistake of picking out plus size mother of the bride dresses that they think looks good on a hangar or in a magazine, without worrying about how they actually look when worn. You may want to instead opt for covering up some things rather than thinking you can still show off some things.

Shape of the Dresses and Silhouettes

There are some plus size mother of the bride dresses that have obviously been designed without anyone even really thinking of what plus size women want in clothing. Most prefer silhouettes and dress shapes that are going to make them look slimmer, not big and billowy skirts that just make them look bigger. This is another reason why it’s important to try on any plus size mother of the bride dresses that you’re looking at. The cut and the shape may just hit your figure in all the wrong places. Another woman that is taller than you or shorter than you or just built differently make look great in one of these cuts and shapes, but you need something that is right for your figure, not theirs.

Where to Shop

Obviously you want to keep in mind the bride’s preferences when it comes to color and even the length of the dress, but remember that you can find perfectly appropriate plus size mother of the bride dresses at places that don’t necessarily specialize in bridal wear. Your favorite boutique or retailer may have just the perfect cocktail dress or fancy suit that would work well; remember that you can dress up these outfits with a beautiful shawl or wrap. If you know how to sew or know someone that does, you can add a line of beads or crystals to the hem of a skirt or add a nice trim to a jacket or bodice.

The real key to shopping for plus size mother of the bride dresses is to start shopping early and to be sure to try on any of your choices. If you do this you’re sure to find just the right dress for you.

You can read more about plus size mother of the bride dresses on TheBridesHeart.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Jackson

One can never be sure where our actions today will lead, especially 40 years down the track. Way back in 1972, Malcolm Lock, innovator and surfing identity had a problem. With the rising popularity of wetsuits, his company had to dump  large volumes of neoprene rubber off-cuts and all this was costing him too much.

Have a cold drink with warmer hands

Being a surfie and local business identity, Malcolm Lock shared fairly regularly the odd beer or two with mates. And whilst enjoying that drink, he’d experienced how his hands became too cold, and his beer too hot, way too fast. Understanding the thermal properties of neoprene he did some thinking

In a flash, the stubby holder was brilliantly there.

No more neoprene to throw away, no more frosty cold hands and even best of all, longer lasting cold beer.

You won’t be astonished that, it’s Australia, where the stubby cooler was invented; they just dream for a cold beer. Very soon, the stubby cooler became a necessary, obligatory drinking accessory. It was very fashionable to have the best stubby holder – a cultural phenomenon was launched.

So, what of the stubby cooler today…?

The sheer simplicity of the stubby cooler and it’s practicality make it a an obligatory accessory for any serious party goer. As one might expect, this Australian cultural icon is much loved and has many names: amongst them, can coolers, stubby coolers, coozie, beer holders and many other local variations.

There’s always a few beers enjoyed at wedding receptions and so, the wedding stubby cooler has arrived as rigueur de jour. There’s a wide selection of wedding stubby cooler themes and if you need, you can have special ones made just for your wedding day. 

There’s no doubt that way back in 1972 Malcolm had no idea his stubby cooler would be on the table of the the wedding receptions of Australia.

The candle manufacturers, like any good company, are never ones to turn down a new trend. The advent of unity candles into Protestant weddings some 30 or 40 years ago was just such a trend and today has become a booming business for the makers of all things waxy and flammable.

The act itself is packed with symbolism, the creation of a tradition that involves the entirety of both the bride and groom’s in-laws in the act of joining in matrimony. The mothers of both the Bride and Groom will light a candle, and depending on just how symbolic said families are, the grandparents might light those candles for the mothers. The Bride and Groom will then take their freshly lit candles and light the unity candle, a single flame between them to symbolize their union. It usually takes place after the vows are completed.

The origins of the unity candle are still fuzzy, as no one will own up to the initial introduction of the tradition. Born in America within the last 50 years or so, some believe it to have sprouted from the Catholic Church, although the rite itself is not permitted in Catholic weddings now as it’s not part of the wedding Mass.

Like Valentine’s Day and any other candy coated holiday that Hallmark invented, some even believe it to be the result of a marketing guru within the candle making companies themselves thinking of new ways to spread their product. The truth may never be known, but the history is entertaining nonetheless.

Some will even point to a particular wedding on General Hospital in 1981 in which the symbolic lighting was performed, but there are records of the Unity Candle being lit earlier than that in Protestant ceremonies. The appearance of the candle on a show like General Hospital no doubt didn’t work towards curbing the newly created tradition though.

As for the importance of the ceremony, it’s a symbolic show of unity under God, but also under the eyes of two families coming together. The use of a unity candle is just one more way to show visually how two people feel about each other on the most important day of their relationship. The candle itself means nothing, it’s the act with which it is lit, and that’s more than a good reason why the origin itself isn’t necessarily as important as the thought behind the act.