How LDS Brides and LDS Groom can elegantly perform

How LDS Brides and LDS Groom can elegantly perform a LDS Wedding band Ceremony as part of LDS Weddings and Receptions (by the LDS rules however with both grace and elegance )

When and how to execute a Wedding Ring Ceremony in your LDS Big day

Since exchanging rings isn't part of the LDS Temple Sealing, Latterday Saint couples have two options. Either they can exchange rings at the conclusion of the sealing after they have stepped away from the altar, or they are able to exchange them in a separate ring ceremony during the wedding reception. A diamond ring ceremony can decrease the hurt by helping them feel that they did not completely "miss" the marriage. Obviously the rings are simply indicating the covenants you've already made in the temple sealing, but exchanging them in a ring ceremony is a straightforward method to include everyone and publicly acknowledge the love and difficult work that nonmember or inactive LDS family members have put in this special day.

LDS Guidelines for Ring Ceremonies

Should you choose that a ring ceremony fits your needs, then you need to know how to perform one in keeping with LDS church guidelines. Ring ceremonies aren't appropriate on LDS temple grounds, and really should instead be performed at another location.

The LDS church's most recent statement on ring ceremony protocol in 1984 reads that "the circumstances ought to be in conjuction with the dignity of [the] temple marriage. The exchange shouldn't appear to replicate any kind from the big event. For example, tthere shouldn't be exchanging of vows with that occasion." A 1987 article within the New trend repeats that "the sanctity and impressiveness from the [sealing] big event should not be overshadowed by any other procedure."

In order long because the ring ceremony doesn't take place on LDS temple grounds, replace the importance of the sealing, or turn into a "second wedding" wedding couples can savor the freedom to organize their ring ceremony nonetheless they think fit. When done properly, a ring ceremony is a great way to include your whole family and all sorts of your pals within the happiness of your LDS Temple wedding day!Rose Haller, Chief Creative Officer EditorinChief).

Rose would be a Musical Theatre Major as an undergrad. Rose has both a diploma a Professional Designation in Clothing Manufacturing and Merchandising. She and her husband, Dr. At our Wedding websites the whole LDS Wedding ceremony can certainly access, for free, a wide range of information and timely articles on topics such as: Wedding event planning, Receptions, Wedding Budgets, Wedding invites, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Flowers, Bride's and Bridesmaids' Dresses (especially Modest Wedding Dresses), Groom's Tux, Wedding Table Decorations, Napkin Folding for Wedding Receptions, Wedding Photographers, Wedding Videographers, Wedding Transportation, Wedding Caterers, and Honeymoon ideas.

They provide the sense of the longer neck

They provide the sense of the longer neck. This really is if you aren't not bony at the chest area. Avoid a revealing or VU neck which might cheapen the appearance.

If you are slim and petite consider this style. It's fitted like an evening gown up top and it has all of the bounce and swirl of the ball gown below. Not recommended for those who have a tummy or imperfect posture however it can be minimized with a girdle. Aline.

Choose sleeves which are long and straight, instead of puffy and large shoulder pads. (Think Princess Diana's gown which looks dated due to puffy sleeves compared to Princess Grace of Monaco)

How about PRINTS, LACE, MOTIFS, BEADS AND SEQUINS?

Prints, lace, any motifs, beaded/sequined patterns should be scaled down and worn on the upper portions of your body. Busy designs underneath the waist (even small ones) draw all eyes downward.

SOFT AND SHEER FABRICS FOR ELEGANCE

Use soft and sheer fabrics like crepe and chiffon that drape towards the body, to create a delicate elegance.

The less fussy, easy and elegant type of wedding dresses will enhance your personal temperament, and indicate your taste. With classic simplistic designs and clean lines, less is sometimes more when trying to appear amazing.

The simple wedding gown should be designed to draw attention from the dress itself and allow the good thing about the bride to be to stand out. The straightforward dress should not vary from the beauty of the bride to be and take center stage itself, recall the bride should wear the gown not the other way round.

Classic wedding dress designs include some wonderful gowns from Vera Wang, Sharon Hoey along with other popular designers. The straightforward white silk backless gown always look stunning as worn by Jennifer Aniston on her big day.

More structured lines without any straps falling down gives mind wonderful visions of Lana turner which old Hollywood glamour. This type of wedding gowns may also be subtly affected by other styles and eras keeping in tune using the brides personal taste.

Selecting a simple wedding dress design can be a fashion choice, or simply the preferred look. Only one from the logic behind why some brides choose simple wedding gowns may be the cost. The greater intricate the wedding dresses, the larger the cost. Many designers prefer to design simple wedding dresses compared to really busy dresses. Others like the classic lines of easy wedding dresses compared to the really intricate wedding gowns.

Some other reasons may be the simplicity from the ceremony; a civil wedding usually just needs a simple wedding dress when compared with a full-scale church wedding. Some brides could also prefer simple wedding dresses for his or her elaborate weddings. It is sometimes all within the preference from the bride. The straightforward wedding gowns could also be a household heirloom or tradition that is passed down from mother to daughter. Simple wedding dresses is yet another statement of methods you wish your wedding to be simple and not complicated whatsoever. You need to look the very best on your big day. Bridal lehengas can be the best option for that big fat Indian wedding. But a typical thing noticed in them is the traditional garment saree. One of the most important accessories within this season is a set of sunglasses. Therefore, how to pick beautiful clothes, especially cheap women clothes is a problem that requires us to pay much attention on. When they are in their spare time, they like to make use of most of their here we are at shopping. Especially, when they're shopping, they frequently pay more attention on cheap women clothes. The input and emergence of the international information have largely influenced the whole market of Chinese clothes, particularly the Chinese traditi .

All too often when couples decide to have a gothic

All too often when couples decide to have a gothic themed wedding, the very first result of their loved ones is that they think it will likely be cheesy or the couple is just carrying out a fad. With meticulous planning and a focus towards the details you can have something which impresses everyone, young or old.

Your gothic wedding can be campy and fun think Elvira or Morticia inspired or cool elegance in black. You can use a black and white color scheme or give a pop of color like red or purple. You may be the belle of your ball in all it's gothic gloriousness!

Are you aware that the wedding Invitation sets the mood and tone for your Wedding? It does! When your guests open the invitation you have sent, they must be WOWed at that moment. It ought to be an expression of you as well as your style. Your wedding invitations are the first thing the wedding guests might find and they set the whole mood for the big day. Since weddings are thought to be a once in a lifetime moment, you should take every effort to create every single detail about the wedding to be special.

Invitations are the initial hint your guests will have of the nature of your event; they set the theme and mood for the wedding. When picking out types of invitations you have to remember the invitation could be the only clue your guest may have in deciding how you can dress, what to bring and just what to expect.

You need to order your invitations around three months and mail them out 6 to 8 weeks (during hectic times) before the wedding. You will want to be sure to have plenty of time to proofread the written text and address covers. When ordering your invitations, you need to order 10 % extra envelopes to check a lot of it (especially if you are experiencing a calligrapher address them) and to allow for mistakes.

You ought to have a buddy, coworker or family member review your invitation draft before you decide to give the final okay to print. You will have looked at it so many times you might not notice a mistake. Check the date and corresponding day as well as all of the spelling.

A Gothic wedding dress will obviously be quite different from the traditional white wedding dress. Black, Purple and red are the primary colors which are utilized in Gothic weddings. A corset pattern for the bust is among the more popular suggestions for Gothic wedding dresses. You are able to select from a long train that trails behind you or a lace veil. If you possess the budget, you can book a marriage venue like a medieval castle or a Gothic architecture style manor. This type of venue will give your Gothic wedding an excellent authenticity and ambiance. To produce a more elegant gothic feel without being too "spooky" try keeping your decor primarily white with black and red accents remember sometimes less is more! A vital ingredient to setting the best tone is candlelight! How perfect is the fact that? Afterall everything appears more elegant and gothic both when you see it within the candlelight.

You can use regular floral centerpieces also, but ensure that you include black roses, purple orchids, white lilies or white poppies.

When you're using a Gothic wedding, you may need a wedding cake which has exactly the same theme. There are many stunning Gothic wedding cakes. A rich red velvet cake or a chocolates cake with royal chocolate icing are a few great Gothic wedding ideas. You can even choose a white fondant cake that is decorated with black currants and red strawberries or cherries. A red wedding cake or a purple colored wedding cake with crystallized petals and leaves on top will look simply stunning for any Gothic wedding.

Getting Dressed on the Special day Wedding gowns go over your face

Getting Dressed on the Special day Wedding gowns go over your face. It will require your mom and at least three bridesmaids to accomplish this feat without mussing your updo. But trust us it's the best way dressed! As well as if you possess most gorgeous dress in the world, that doesn't mean anything if you cannot have it on. Randy puts it really: "You gotta enter into the gown!" The best place for the dress's closure is around the back. Closures on the side make alterations challenging, given that they begin quietly seams of the dress. Lots of dresses have zippers that are hidden by fabric or disguised with a row of covered buttons. "I love buttons on the back of a dress!" Randy says. "[F]ew garments [have] covered buttons they say 'bridal gown'!" If you're a purist and want real buttons and loops, be aware that it's timeconsuming to get involved with and from the dress. Randy advises starting at the bottom and working your way up. One other popular type of closure is the corset. This elegant laceup look can spare you a few alterations since a corset can be cinched tightly to suit your body. Randy offers the last suggestion for "altering" the gown. Any accessories you choose will "elevate or depreciate the dress," he states. Style your bridal look wisely by choosing timeless pieces that complete the gown, not ones that compete with it. Just a little sparkle around the ears and fingers might be all a bride needs to complete her fabulous and flawlessly fitted gown!

1. Set a budget for your dress and don't budge on it

1. Set a budget for your dress and don't budge on it. Always have a price range in your mind before you start looking for your dress. This helps the process of elimination significantly, and you will feel less inundated with too many options to select from. (As somebody who bought her brandnew dress for $325, I can assure you that locating a beautiful dress on any finances are absolutely feasible!)

Keep in mind that you will probably be unable to wear the gown of your liking straight from the rack, so be sure to factor in bridal alterations, undergarments, and accessories such as your veil and bridal sash. All of these items can add up quickly!

2. Figure out the very best dress for the shape and wedding style. We all want to feel like a princess on their own big day, but that doesn't mean everyone should wear a full ball gown made with lots of tulle especially if you're smaller in dimensions and stature. Even though many brides favor strapless dresses, this style may not be probably the most comfortable one for you if you have a full bust and need more support during the day (The Knot).

To narrow down your alternatives, take into account the theme of the wedding as well will it's a backyard, intimate garden party, or a lavish and glamorous blacktie affair? Visualizing yourself in your wedding gown at the wedding venue can help make the decision process a little easier.

3. White might not be your very best color. Wedding gowns have traditionally been white to symbolize purity and innocence, but wearing white in your wedding day wasn't always the norm. Some credit Queen Victoria to have started this practice by donning a white dress on her own nuptials (From Times Past).

While sugarplum fairy pink may be a unique choice (like Jessica Biel recently did for her wedding), wearing a bright snow white gown actually may not be the very best color for your complexion. Put on a number of shades, for example ivory or ecru, which can complement warmer skin tones far better (OneWed). The last thing you would like on your wedding day is to look washed out or ill.

4. Keep your options open. Visit a variety of bridal salons and stores to get a reallife feel for different dresses and compare prices. Brocade and lace might look romantic and gorgeous in photos, but may feel scratchy or heavy personally especially all night and long periods of time in your big day!

Some smaller bridal boutiques may even list slightly higher prices for several gowns and designs, so ask your mother or bridesmaids to accompany you and also take notes you might be able to find the same dress online or a similar style at another store at a lower price. NEVER feel pressured to buy whatever you aren't 100% comfortable in and happy with.

Last but not least, it is important to bear in mind when you shop for the dress would be to keep a balanced view: a gown might look soso on the hanger, but might fully and completely transform you against "whoa" to "WOW!" when it's on your body!

What was once popular can be popular again

What was once popular can be popular again You can find the most amazing vintage wedding dresses Atlanta GA has to offer

That which was once popular could be popular again. You can find the most amazing vintage wedding gowns Atlanta GA has to offer. A classic dress can provide you with an invaluable look of sophistication. They are very stylish and easy to accessorize with. If your grandmother does not have her wedding gown to pass up to you then you'll need to venture out to obtain the vintage dress for the wedding. Locating the perfect vintage wedding dress Atlanta, GA may take a couple of days.

There are several things you need to check out when looking for a vintage dress. You need to ensure your dress is definitely vintage however, you don?t want it to be so old that the fabric tears when you try it on. Look for a vintage dress that is well preserved. The material cannot show any indications of being dry rotted. You don?t want almost anything to fail on your special day.

You can find a vintage wedding dress in shops specializing in the vintage look. They are new dresses however they have a vintage turn to them. When searching for the right dress for the ensure that you check the fabric along with the accessories found on the dress. The vintage wedding gown could be simple or extravagant.

Knowing of someone with a vintage wedding dress living in Atlanta GA you'll be able to borrow or buy that one and put it on. Be sure to take it to the dry cleaners to allow them to look for any rips or tears that may be around the dress as well as any material which may be dry rotted and ready to tear.

In case your vintage dress is a new dress having a vintage look you won?t need to worry concerning the material tearing on you if your vintage dress is actually a vintage dress then you need to locate a seamstress that has dealt with dealing with older material carefully.

Complete the look you are trying to attain by finding vintage jewelry. The first place to find the jewelry is from family, preferably your grandmother, mother, or even your future motherinlaw. You will likely have to return the jewelry when you are getting completed with it but that'll be fine. If you're able to?t borrow jewelry then you can find some in a used shop or antique shop. Search for necklaces that fit snug upon your neck. If you're wearing a vneckline you might wish to locate a necklace which will form to the design.

To be sure, traditional ceremonies imply wearing white gowns

To be sure, traditional ceremonies imply wearing white gowns. Luckily, you can now break the guidelines and try new styles. For this reason, you shouldn't ignore Short Wedding Dresses. You are certainly not the only person seeking for other alternatives. Ivory champagne styles are always a good idea. But, apply for other palettes such as pink, blue and red. Look for authentic models that will highlight your assets. Today, women opting for pale pink, peachy designs, as well as black wedding gowns. You are not the only one trying to break the rules.

Choose the dress color you are feeling most gorgeous in. Additionally, be sure to consider the below hints that will permit you to definitely create a fascinating look:

All of the above hints are optional. Just don't overdo it. Try following general wedding guidelines that will allow you to stay focus. Never let anyone decide! You should look for the most appealing Short Wedding Dresses. You will be able to find fabulous bargains, too. Thereby, a low budget will not stop you from manifesting your desires. Whatever items you choose to go for, you'll be all right. Remain determined and dare to identify a fantastic design.

Wedding gowns are supposed to be glamorous. Discover the most suitable sizes and try as numerous Short Wedding gowns as possible. You'll most likely wind up creating a good plan based on your personal preferences. Observe that you have to maintain empire waists and other styles that are flattering for your body shape. It is always simpler to employ a seamstress. For those who have time for you to make a few modifications, don't even hesitate about it. Try to visualize the perfect wedding gown and get going.

The correct dress size will make sure a majestic look. You need a dress that will comfort you. Top Short Wedding gowns are meant to make you look glamorous and radiant. You can eliminate lots of gowns immediately by considering the venue. You can't choose a meringuetype style if you're actually marriage close to the ocean. In this instance, a brief dress is the greatest alternative. Concentrate on fancy models and look for unique ideas that may help you complement your final wedding look..

Exclusive wedding gowns wholesale

Exclusive wedding gowns wholesale

If your taste is designer wedding dresses wholesale, then you have to do to Vera Wang With this problem, you are able to develop a designer to create her wedding gown wholesale, are only able to be ordered with confidence that none of the ever meet within the election of the class and magnificence of Vera Wang wedding gowns wholesale.

Suppose a little piece about his inspiration originated from exactly the same insufficient Vera Wang when she married in 1989, Wang really conscious of the style that won the fashion sense of the phrase was superficial and just allowed divisions between traditional and futuristic wholesale wedding dresseswholesale. Clear thinking in a commercial strategic business plan, and 2 years later began work on wedding gowns wholesale. Earlier long, his work was loved then coupled with many customers all over the world and every from the areas of life. An inquiry into the sponsorship of Hollywood could get from many architects of his way of writing, gaping.

His specialty is combining conventional trends and vintage to modern art. This makes way for any smooth transition between yesterday and tomorrow and what we have then is definitely an expected part impeccably artA Vera Wang wedding bushes. No subject what pattern and structure, sensitivity is a key feature of its type of wedding gowns wholesale. She doesn't have confidence in making a bride seem like a whitefaced thing. Comfort, fashion and spirits each add a wedding gown. Immediately, it is definitely worth an investment.

His real Wang made in this silk mesh fabric also visual, satin, chiffon and so on. All this causes it to be even more complexity towards the structure and reasonable. Still, if you are an individual who really wants to possess the cake and feed it, you could get a bridesmaid dress or offer a second dress from can fit in the budget of One thousand dollars.

This really is her big day and you have the right to observe how an ideal princess for the prince to locate. Do not stop him happiness with the screen, while a Vera Wang gown wedding wholesale may be the conversation.

Various trends are triggered and weeded in the fashion industry

Various trends are triggered and weeded in the fashion industry. But you will see some styles that succeed to face the time test and carry evergreen allure. Some of them steal the limelight because of released from worldwide well known brands. Wellknown logos become the best symbols for wearers' rich tastes. When plenty of contemporary people take style rather seriously, this becomes rather understandable. Nevertheless, there are several styles that often cater to most people' s appreciation for beauty due to embracing unique themes. They may not be created by distinguished artists. But irresistible appeal is discovered on them. When it comes to fashion bridal gowns, empire waist wedding dresses are exactly items which lead an eternally popular trend. When a warm season climbs up the northern hemisphere, these styles do trigger a big impact.

Different with usual fashion clothing, wedding dresses load special meaning for each girl. Surprisingly, every girl has completed a rough outline about her wedding dress even when she's a young child. They'll anticipate establishing a magnificent nuptial inside a gorgeous church. With elegant wedding gowns, they are able to show their best while marching on the aisle. Luckily, we reside in a society where whatever type of appreciation for beauty, fashion and magnificence can be met by really required item. Generally, you are able to please your need without going out because of the wonderful convenience created by Internet. All of these do make sense in your purchase of wedding dress. Then, to catch up with the most recent fashion sense in 2011 spring, empire waist wedding dresses shouldn't be neglected.

Anytime, it' s of great importance to ensure what you wear fits the present trend. Your selfassurance can be boosted if you usually seem fashionable. People beside you will give back more notice and respect from your stylish appearance too. When it comes to one of the most memorable dates through the life, every bride shows strong passion in adding trendy, glamorous and luxurious spices to their semblances. Then, wedding dress definitely becomes the key aspect in lighting up your charm.

Referring to explanations why empire waist wedding gowns haven't gone from fashion, understated beauty oozing from these styles absolutely contributes a great deal. At the moment, many individuals show strong aspiration for temperate elegance. They often expect to express something classy through their clothing and footwear. But won't they would like to overdo fashion or elegance. The appearance of empire waist bridal gowns wonderfully meets this sort of need. Femininity and sex appeal are excellently accented on these styles. Recently, a large trend is aroused by empire waist bridal gown with chapel trains. Without sparkling colors or extravagant accessories, these styles create moderately gorgeous versions, which make brides feel at ease and confident using their appearances anytime.

Beach wedding dresses need to be up to the task of being gorgeous

Beach wedding dresses need to be up to the task of being gorgeous while doing well in the unique beach conditions of wind, sand and sea. You have got a splendid variety of possible choices of what you're able to dress yourself in on your very special occasion. The truly fundamental point is to make sure it's a gown that you love and be happy to be dressed in.

Start by simply considering light, sweeping, very fluid, simple and easy and not any longer than just down to your ankles, or just a handkerchief hemline. halter top, sleeveless, spaghetti straps,Strapless, or possibly a stunning wraparound dress would fit in a seaside location.

A seashore is often a a lot less traditional spot for being wed and doesn't lend itself to heavyweight satin, a whole lot of beading, extended trains and veils. In addition, it is usually less costly since you can discover remarkable wedding gowns right off the rack at a lot of fine retail stores.

Getting a sheath or simply an aline type is simpler to wear to a wedding at the seashore, especially as there is ordinarily a little wind or light breeze on the shore line. Typically the billowy styles will only be in your way and not end up being pleasant for you.

Even though ivory, white or off white is inevitably stunning and certainly acceptable, an attractive light green or blue, soft yellow, or a lavender would absolutely look spectacular with the natural backdrop of the magnificent sea and sand.

Both you and your fiance could still desire a traditional formal wedding experience. If so, don't forget to be aware of potential weather and beach conditions and pick out your clothes bearing that in mind. Again, no weighty clothing, very long trains and also the veil short and also basic.

You may opt to don a headband, a tiara with no veil or a crystal barrette.

For that more informal event you could decide to wear {a blossom or flowers {oror perhapsor evenor possiblyor maybe a barrette or headbanda headband or barrette or even. Hunt for something to enhance the dress to get a finished and eyecatching look.

Next, comes the time to make a selection of a suitable shoes for the wedding dress and sand. Many ladies are actually going absolutely barefoot, and purchasing barefoot sandals.

Another option is a sandal or dressy flat and change to a taller heel right after the ceremony if the wedding party is on a firmer spot. These types of wedding shoes are usually for sale in stores since beach wedding ceremonies are getting extremely wellaccepted.

Along with the sand, spectacular ocean, there's a "anything goes" mindset when contemplating beach wedding dresses and accessories, therefore have fun and opt for that fabulous gown for your exceptionally precious beach wedding.

White, soft and thick and long hemp wedding What for

White, soft and thick and long hemp wedding What for? Is Shanghai Mart and Shanghai International Exhibition Center of the Ninth China (Shanghai) International Wedding Photographic Exhibition, a Tea Length Wedding Dress made from the hemp rope to this issue made a perfect answer. According to wedding dress designer introduced a variety of alternative wedding nowadays more and more, and this is to meet the new demand for the pursuit of individuality.

Wedding dress fabric feels stiff, more like a thick curtain. Even more surprising is that all lace wedding decorated with winding the rope, and even hair to match, also hung a few hemp rope, make the whole look is full of gray red Indian wedding customs. Wedding photography in the show, this alternative wedding visitors never forget. However, if you think this wedding is cheap hemp rope to do wrong, booth staff told reporters that this wedding is priced at 1.8 million, there are a lot of buyers have expressed interested in the wedding sets.

Since hemp can do even dress, casual denim, of course can also perform romantic. In another booth, a blue and white mermaidstyle wedding dress is also launched this business

In the new, but, the wedding is on the half cut blue denim, and dress hem is connected to the strands of thin white, make the whole look both cute and charming wedding.

In color, is no longer taboo in the black dress, bridal show different styles of black wedding dress everywhere. Some in the black silk material on the bottom string of white pearls on, revealing a somewhat noble, while others are embroidered on a black velvet floral Jiduo hollow, brings memories of old Shanghai.

These alternative wedding business has become the secret weapon. Booth reporter found that many alternative wedding next are labeled "forbidden to take pictures" of the logo, if someone take pictures, booth staff will come discouraged. A wedding dress designers from China, told reporters in Taiwan, with the improvement of living standards, the new law people are thinking of his own children do not like the wedding, before the monotony of the Romantic style wedding dress has been unable to meet their needs, casual, casual, outof wedding design gradually be favored, and this is the performance of the wedding market matures..

I met my husbandtobe in a tent

Airfield meeting

In 1944, I was a motortransport driver with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, based near Stratford upon Avon. My job at the time was to drive the aircrew to and from the dispersal points, known as pans. On these occasions I drove a lefthanddrive 27passenger Dodge coach.

I met my husbandtobe in a tent, in the middle of the night, on an airfield. We were waiting for aircraft to return from their bombing raids. He was a member of the fire crew, who waited in case of a difficult landing and the great risk of fire. All the drivers used to call in at the RAF fire section for a hot drink and a warm by the brazier.

Insufficient coupons for a wedding dress

The next time there was a dance at the NAAFI (a social meeting place on all service stations) he was there and asked me to dance. From then on things progressed to an engagement, and we were soon planning our wedding.

Service personnel had very few clothing coupons compared to civilians, as we were supplied with uniforms etc. I didn't have enough coupons for a wedding dress, so I was very pleased to accept the offer of a loan of a wedding dress from my sister's friend.

The only alternative would have been to borrow a dress from the pool of wedding dresses donated for service women's use. Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in gathering wedding dresses from American women.

Furnishing my trousseau

A few days before the wedding, I was called in to the squadron leader's office. I had been told to bring my hat, so I knew it was an official visit.

I saluted the assembled officers. They told me they'd heard I was getting married and that they wanted to give me a present. With no further ado, they handed me a cardboard box. It felt empty, but when I opened it, it was full of clothing coupons.

Instead of issue uniform, officers received a clothing allowance in their pay along with the all important coupons  which they'd now presented to me. Having already arranged to borrow a wedding dress, I went on a spending spree and furnished my trousseau. That's one present I remember quite clearly.

These messages were added to this story by site members between June 2003 and January 2006. It is no longer possible to leave messages here. Find out more about the site contributors.