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Valentine’s day Wedding Ideas

Valentines day

Valentine’s Day, the official day when love and lovers are celebrated worldwide, is almost here. Could there be a more romantic day for a couple in love to be married on?

This article on History.com discusses the many legends about St. Valentine. One of them suggests that this day is celebrated in memory of a saint who defied Emperor Claudius’ rules that outlawed marriage of young soldiers. He took it upon himself to conduct the weddings of young lovers in secret, thus defying the law. So, you do understand that there is a tale that associates this day with weddings. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that this is one of the most romantic days ever, and you do not need a reason whatsoever, to get married on this special day.

If you are indeed planning, or even considering getting married on Valentine’s day, here are some ideas to perfect your special day. So, here we go.

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Valentine Wedding Planning

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One of the most romantic times of the year to hold a wedding is on Valentine’s Day. It is the day that we devote to love every year and the perfect occasion to become married. Since the holiday is such a romantic occasion, there are many different design schemes to choose from and brides will find an endless amount of décor and attire options to choose from.

Choosing a specific theme for your Valentine Day wedding can also be something fun. Just as you will find many different styles of Valentine Day wedding dresses and décor, you will also find many different themes to choose from as well. Below are some options that are fun and romantic and that will fit nicely with Valentine’s Day.

Showing Love

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Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to hold a wedding around the story of your love. Every couple has special moments in their relationship and planning a wedding around that story is a great idea for any couple. If you met on the ski slopes or in Paris, there are some perfect decorations and attire ideas that can best showcase this history. You can also add to the occasion by including photos of your time together as well.

Valentine Invitations

Instead of sending traditional wedding invitations or save the date cards, dress up the theme by creating Valentine card styled invitations instead. It can even be fun to include Valentine cards for your guests to fill out for you instead of a wedding book. Then, you will have something fun to remember your wedding with and guests can provide a personal note to the happy couple. You can even use Valentine’s as place cards as well.

Romance is in the Air

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Another great idea is to create a wedding reception area that is filled with romance. Add soft lighting and colors that will make the room feel romantic and glamorous. Adding lots of candlelight to the room is also a great addition. If you have a space that allows a fireplace or fire pit, this can also create a romantic flow. Instead of champagne or wine for toasts, you can offer pink cosmopolitans or chocolate martinis instead. Decorating the tables with conversation hearts or red cinnamon hearts is also a nice touch.

Conclusion

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Make sure that you include your wedding cake design with the theme as well. Keep in mind that you can change the filling to be something that fits with the theme as well. Red velvet and strawberry are fantastic options. Chocolate covered fruits are also a romantic item to include as well.

There are so many ways that you can create a romantic Valentine’s Day wedding. Whether you are looking to add some simple romantic touches or go all out in the love department, you can easily create a wedding with a theme that fits perfectly with the holiday.

Best for Bride

Best for Bride will help you to find all the right supplies for your Valentine Day Wedding. They offer convenient locations as well as a large supply of dresses and wedding décor. You will be able to make one stop when you choose this store for your wedding day planning.

 

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The Benefits of Eating Chocolate

The month of February is often associated with Valentine’s Day, an occasion often celebrated with chocolate. Considering its historic use as an aphrodisiac, ability to improve mood, and potential heart health benefits, it is no wonder why this dark delight has long been linked to the celebration of love.

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Here are some benefits of eating chocolate include:

1. Improved mode, libido, and alertness

Eating chocolate releases chemicals in the brain that can help improve mode and libido. As well, its caffeine and threobromine content gives chocolate stimulant properties similar to coffee, which may help to improve alertness. This, in combination with the carbohydrate energy it supplies, makes chocolate a great snack for long romantic evenings.

2. Antioxidants

Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which help repair damaged cells in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease. However, antioxidant content varies greatly among chocolate products, with the least processed—i.e. cocoa powder and dark chocolate—being highest in flavonoid content and potential health benefits. For the greatest benefit, choose dark or unsweetened chocolate that lists 60% or more cocoa solids on the label.

Despite some health benefits of chocolate, it also contains compounds that are detrimental to health.

Cocoa butter—a saturated fat that can raise cholesterol—is a popular chocolate additive. As well, all chocolate is high in sugar, fat, and calories, which could all lead to increased weight and associated co-morbidities. Unfortunately, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or chocolates with any sort if additives (nuts, nougat, caramel, etc.) are low in flavonoid content and thereby lower in health benefit.

When weighing out the pros and cons, it is still best to enjoy chocolate in small quantities, particularly since research is insufficient to recommend chocolate for its health benefits benefits. If you do choose to indulge,

  • choose dark chocolate containing >60% of cocoa solids
  • use cocoa powder in beverages and baking to reduce the fat and calories content

The health benefit of flavonoids can also be reaped from consuming citrus fruits, apples, berries, nuts, grapes, green tea and onions. In addition, these foods provide other nutrients beneficial to overall health and can easily be incorporated into the daily diet without the drawbacks of chocolate.

If you have any questions about healthy eating, weight loss, chocolate or any other foods, Registered Dietitian Anna Gofeld will be more than happy to answer them for you.

~Live, love, laugh, and eat chocolate in moderation~