Laptop Bride Newsletter. Wedding Stamps, Christmas Wedding Centerpieces, Christmas Weddings, Christmas Marriages, Christmas Wedding Season, Christmas Wedding Ceremonies.

A lot of care goes into customizing or selecting wedding invitations and cards. The invitations themselves are often elaborate and expensive.

A change in US postal policy allows brides to design their own wedding stamps on the internet and have sheets of these cherishable official stamps delivered and sent out with invitations, announcements and thank you cards. Stamp designs vary from the simple to intricate drawings or photographs.

Brides sometimes balk initially at the additional cost of customized stamps until they consider how much they are already spending for their invitations, how special the event is, and how perfect their mailings will be with coordinating stamps.

When you consider a source for wedding stamps don’t just look at how large the selection is. Check for size – the bigger the better. How much additional customizing can you do? Are several denominations available? How fast is production? Can you get other wedding related items from the same site?

No need to call the travel agent! Want a great deal? A super deal? The Best way to get a deal on a last-minute cruise these days is on eBay! . The executives of easyCruise, the maverick, one-year-old budget line have a great sale going. This weekend, in a cruise industry first, the London-based company began auctioning off unfilled cabins on eBay! . with the bidding starting at just one pound (about $1.88).

This sale was posted the week of October 23rd, therefore, you may need to check eBay periodically to find out when the next sale is, or what their offers are. It is definitely worth checking out!

EasyCruise's initial auctions are for two-night trips along the French and Italian Riviera, and in Holland and Belgium. The company also is offering "buy it now" prices for the cruises starting at 30 pounds (about $58) for two nights based on double occupancy. Three-night flings start around 39 pounds ($73) per person. Of course, you've got to get yourself to Europe at the last minute, not inexpensive. And just about everything on the no-frills ship (even housekeeping!) comes with an extra cost. Moreover, be warned: the vessels cater to a mostly young, fun-in-the-sun crowd.

Still interested? As of today, finding the listings on eBay isn't exactly intuitive. Typing in "easycruise" or "easy cruise" doesn't get you anything. Try "last minute cruise." For now that seems to do the trick. EasyCruise says it'll begin selling Caribbean trips on eBay, too, within a few weeks. (Original post found here: USA Today Cruise Blog ( Photo: EASYCRUISEONE in the French port of Nice; by Eric Gaillard, Reuters)

Rose Petal Walkway Tips

Set the stage for a stylish wedding by creating a dramatic rose petal walkway that greets your guests as they arrive and then provides a lush bridal walkway for your grand entrance.

Preparation

Decide on a style for your walkway or aisle. Densely covered, lightly scattered, or edged where petals are placed only along the sides of the aisle to allow your flower girl to fill in the center with additional petals as she walks ahead of you.
Read our Rose Petal FAQs to decide if fresh or freeze dried will work best for you. Consider combining your petals with Bougainvillea Petals or Lavender Buds for added interest, color and texture.
Measure the space that you wish to cover and then order enough petals to achieve your desired look. One package will densely cover a 3' x 5' area. If you're going for a lightly scattered look, one package will cover a 3' x10' area.
Arrange for your ushers or other trusted friends and family members to set up your walkway. Meet with them at the rehearsal so they are sure to understand the exact look you want to achieve.

Instructions

Your helpers should start scattering the petals on the walkway or aisle 30 minutes before guests are due to arrive.
As guests step over petals or the outdoor breeze picks up, one helper should remain there to fill in the area with more rose petals for subsequent guests and then for the bridal party as they enter.

Success Tips

If you are using Freeze Dried Rose Petals open your petal package(s) the day before the wedding so they'll soften in the open air.
If your wedding is outdoors, have your helpers cover the finished walkway with large plastic tablecloths to keep the petals from blowing away; then have your helpers remove the tablecloths moments before guests and wedding party arrive for the ceremony.

Time's a wastin', start thinking about your holiday centerpieces. The sky is the limit. Anything from candles, to flowers to trees will work. In addition to purchasing table centerpieces, if you are crafty ... pinecones, holly, wreaths and boughs will work well too. Here are a few unique suggestions that we think are just beautiful!

* Note: Centerpieces make a great take home favor for someone at each table. Simply tape a piece of paper under one chair at each table. Have the DJ or Master of Ceremonies announce to the reception hall to check under their seats; that whoever is sitting in the chair with the piece of paper underneath gets to take home the centerpiece!

From Harry & David
Amazing Amaryllis

(Under $40.00)

From Jackson & Perkins

(Under $40.00)

Eight Tier Tower
Mrs. Beasley's Eight Tier tower at $79.95 was a sellout last year. Serving 20 people, this is Classic Beasley's at its best.

From Red Envelope

Ornament Wreath

From Miles Kimball

Affordable, pretty and edible. A Bowl of Ribbon Candy makes a very festive centerpiece

Flower Cake for Wedding

Under $60.00

Toasting the bride and groom becomes a sensation with this scene-stealing wedding cake made of fresh, crisp flowers! Our Flower Cake is dressed in heavenly bridal garb – complete with pure white mums, white mini carnations and fairytale wedding trim topped with snow-white roses. Whether you’re the bride or the maid of honor, this cake brings a sweet slice of floral fun to engagements, bridal showers or the big day to make saying “I do” a piece of cake! Measures 10”H x 8”D.

Make Gingerbread Houses with your bridesmaids to create Gingerbread House Centerpieces. Click here for more help.

Deliver Christmas Flowers of White Poinsettias

Poinsettias are always nice. Red or white both work.

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

2 qts lemon-lime soda
2 pints lime sherbet
1 qt ginger ale
1 large can lemonade

Directions:

Combine 1 qt soda, ginger ale and lemonade.
Add sherbet and stir until melted.
Before serving add 1 qt lemon-lime soda

Punch bowl available for $19.95 through OrientalTrading.com,