With the way the economy is, it’s harder then ever to plan a wedding within a budget. Never mind one that’s themed. Don’t stress though, I have a few tips for you that will hopefully get you in the right direction.

Tip # 1 : Is your wedding going to be during a certain season? Look at the colors that are complimentary of the season and ask yourself if you could incorporate that into your chosen theme.  If your having a western themed wedding like my fiance and I, then leaves and the various colors are a great little decor. Our wedding happens to be in September, and luckily for us his mom is going to let us borrow her decorations for the season.

Tip # 2  : If your not going to be wearing a dress, or if your wedding party isn’t, then see if they already have jeans that will fit them and the wedding! My fiance and I are having all the girls wear their own jeans, at least that’s what we’re hoping. We’ll provide the shirts, and for the guys, we’ll provide the jeans (already have) and the shirts (already have). If you don’t, here’s a tip I’m sure you’ve seen all over the internet : Salvation Army! See if there’s a dress that you could spruce up, or even fabric material, are you a seamstress? Can you sew? Use that for your own advantages

Tip # 3 : Can your mama bake? What about his mama? Get them to do the cake, sure you want it to be special, but what’s more special then a cake your mother or future mother in law has made? What about granny?

Tip # 4 : Cook your own food. It saves a lot in the long run, and you can even have a pot luck, have your guests bring their favorite dish!

Tip # 5 : Invitations, Invitations, Invitations. Make your own, you can always go to WalMart and get kits, even look for templates online!

Well that’s all the tips I have for you right now. I hope that it works for you! Congratulations!

I have Bipolar Disorder.  Another name for it is “Manic Depressive”. There are many types of Bipolar Disorder, some with schizophrenia, others with depressed moods, or manic moods. I have more depressed moods then manic, so therefore I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder with Depressed Moods. As such, I have had to find ways to calm myself before getting depressed or angry,  and trust me it’s not always easy. Below are six tips to help your mood stay constantly light.

Step 1:

Breathe In

Sure a lot of people say that counting backwards from ten doesn’t work, but I personally stand by it. Sometimes the world just spins too fast for me to keep up with it, and on days like that I step back and breathe deeply. It gives you a chance to think before you act, and also gives oxygen to your brain, stimulating your brain and thus making it function properly.

Step 2:

Beat A Pillow

If you ever feel so angry you could pick up your best friend or husband and throw him across the room then this tip will help. Beat the fluffiest pillow you can find until you get all the anger you mustered up out. Now sometimes this doesn’t help for everyone, sometimes it angers you more. If this happens, a  stress ball could become your new best friend.

Step 3 :

Artistic Outlets

Are you a crafty person? If not maybe it’s time you learn a trade. Pick up a book and start reading all you can about crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidery, masonry or anything else you can think of.  Every time you start to feel that sudden frustration or anger, pick up your tool of trade and get too work. Who knows what you can come up with.

Step 4 :

Mood Music

Angry music used to work for me. I bet it still does, but I prefer soft melodies over hate bands any day. Turn your television on to classical, or buy a CD full of romantic beats. You can easily find them at WalMart, next to the candles and such.

Step 5 :

Religion

I’ve seen book covers proclaiming that religion can help you ease the bipolar. Now these were in spiritual bookstores, and stores in general. I can stand by the fact that prayer has helped me, and I hope that it can help you. Looking up quotes, psalms, prayers, support groups. These things help.

Step 6:

Support Groups or Blogs

Best of all you can make money from it if you so wish. There are places on the Internet that pay you rant and rave, through blogs, through article sites, and well I can honestly say that ranting and raving has helped me through some of my worst moods, and I’ve found good friends from it too!