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If you’re looking for anniversary gifts for your fortieth anniversary, you’ve come to the right place. This is one of your big ones. Certainly, any couple that has managed to stay together for 40 years in a world where 50% of all marriages end in divorce, deserves to have a nice gift. This year will not disappoint you as the traditional and modern gifts for this year’s occasion is the ruby.

Now the first thing you’re probably thinking is that if you’re going to get your spouse a gift made out of a ruby gemstone, you’re going to have to mortgage the house. Well, you’ll be relieved to know that you really don’t have to spend a fortune to get your spouse a nice gift this year. As a matter of fact, you can get a ruby gift for under $20. Think we’re kidding?

Let’s start off with a nice ruby heart frame. This frame is big enough to hold a nice five by five photo of the lovely couple. You can either put a photo in it from your wedding day or you can have one specially made from a recent photo or even from a photo that you’ve planned to have taken just for this gift. The cost? It’s just $19.95. See, not expensive at all.

Of course, there’s a chance that your spouse might be expecting a little something in addition to just a frame and a photo. So how about we add to that a ruby and diamond heart shaped necklace? You can get a band with no less than nine cut diamonds on it for about $270.

But we’re not done yet. Certainly, you’re going to want to add something to go with that necklace. After all, with the neck covered up like that you don’t want the hands to be uncovered. So how about a ruby and diamond “Hugs And Kisses” bracelet? The bracelet has one round ruby and a set diamond. You can pick one of these up for about $450.

Now that we’re got the wrist taken care of, how about we take care of those fingers? Well, at least one of them anyway. No problem here. How about a lovers heart knot ruby and diamond ring? You can get a 14 caret gold ruby and diamond ring for about $270. Not a bad deal at all.

Think we’re done? Not even close. We’ve taken care of the neck, wrist and fingers, but what about those ears? Unless your spouse has long hair, which is usually not the case after 40 years of marriage, you’re going to want to put something on those ears. Not a problem. How about a pair of oval ruby drop earrings? These aren’t too expensive as you can get a pair for about $165. And, if you want to throw in a ruby pendant in to the mix, you can get one for under $60.

Yes, by the time you’re done shopping for your fortieth anniversary gifts, you’ve probably spent a pretty penny. But how often do you get to celebrate 40 years of marriage?

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Anniversary Gifts

Article Source: bestweddingarticles.com

written by Admin \\ tags: ceremony, gifts, wedding

Congratulations! You and your beloved have decided to get married. Romance and excitement fills the air as you think about what you will wear, what your bouquet will look like, who will be invited, and where the wedding reception will take place. But don’t forget the wedding ceremony. These days there’s so much emphasis on planning the “fun” parts of a wedding (reception, music, food, gown, etc.) the ceremony itself can easily become nothing but an afterthought.

So what is a wedding ceremony? It is a rite of passage in the form of a public exchange of vows. Note the keyword here - “public.” Two people state their vows in the presence of their guests, who are active witnesses, and an officiant. It is interesting to note that the officiant (minister, pastor, judge) doesn’t actually marry the couple, instead they marry each other, by means of stating their intent, reciting their vows, and the other formalities customary to the wedding ceremony. The officiant is merely the formal representative of your witnesses. Your officiant can also lead you through the customs and rituals associated with the ceremony.

Does this mean that you have to have hundreds of “witnesses?” Of course not. You may have your heart set on inviting hundreds of friends and family members to celebrates, and have a maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, jr. bridesmaids and groomsmen, ring bearers and flower girls. Then again, you may prefer to have a simple ceremony in front of your immediate families with only have a maid of honor and best man. Some areas only require your officiant to be the official witness. Be sure to inquire at your marriage license bureau to see what local rules apply.

Sit down with your fiancé and decide what style of ceremony will be the most appropriate for both of you. Do the two of you prefer a religious, non-denominational, or perhaps civil ceremony? Do you want readings, and if so, would you prefer them to be from scripture, literature or from another source? Are there any cultural or ethnic customs you want incorporated into your ceremony? How many guests do you want? Don’t forget to think about your parents, and the expectations, if any, they may have for your wedding day.

Adding personalized touches to your ceremony is fun, and can make for a much more meaningful event, not only for your friends and family, but for you and your fiancé. Personalization can make the difference between a cookie cutter wedding and one that is charming and expressive.

The variety of ways to add personalization is easy and abundant. You can include a special reading or prayer. A special hymn or song can be played. You may choose to compose all of your vows, or just a portion. The observance of ethnic or family customs is a nice touch. Perhaps you can carry a handkerchief or pin that was carried by your grandmother or mother when she got married or incorporate a flower that was in your sister’s bouquet into your own.

Be sure to inform your guests as to the meaning behind any unusual or particularly special personalization, or cultural rituals. Keeping your guests informed during your wedding ceremony, and allowing them to understand and appreciate the events happening before them will make your event more meaningful and memorable for everyone. One of the easiest, and inexpensive, ways to provide this information is by using a program, which also makes a lovely keepsake of your special day. With the use of a home computer, a color printer, and some pretty paper from your local craft store, you can easily design and create a unique program for your wedding.

But regardless of how simple or how elaborate your wedding ceremony will be, please give it some serious thought while planning your wedding. After all, your ceremony is the reason for the day, and the celebration that follows, isn’t it?

Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart

written by Admin \\ tags: ceremony, memorable, plan, wedding