M A N A A L A Y A

                                                                                                         Every Grooms Bestman

Page 01       Celebrity Weddings              Friday 09 October 2015

Impressive Features of Celebrity Weddings You Can Use

What sets apart a celebrity wedding from hundreds if not thousands of smaller weddings that go on in Sri Lanka?

MONEY IS AN OBVIOUS ANSWER but it is not the complete story. It is also how money is spent that sets apart the weddings of the rich and famous. The interesting thing about celebrity weddings is that many of the innovations of these extravagant events that are now commonplace were passed down from the rich.

For example, wedding favors were a French innovation that was done at the ceremonies of rich French nobles. So even if they are on a whole different level a celebrity wedding has some interesting features that even the average groom can incorporate into his own nuptials.

Many high-end marriage ceremonies for the rich and famous are held at exclusive and unique locations. The way that you the average groom can do the same is finding an interesting location in your area. An innovative idea is to have the honeymoon and the ceremony at the same location.

FOOD IS ANOTHER HALLMARK of a high-end wedding. Many celebrities hire the services of famous chefs for their weddings. The key advantage of having such well-known chefs will be of the high-quality of dishes served and hotels with personalized menus.

ENTERTAINMENT COULD BE YET ANOTHER MAJOR FACTOR. Many celebrities are either able to pull strings with fellow entertainers or afford their high appearance fees. So when you think of entertainment for your reception, try to break the mold and have something other than a DJ.

______________________________________________________________________

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter

Page 02          Health                       Friday 09 October 2015

Grooms Health Tips

12 MONTHS TO GO FOR YOUR WEDDING

Give up junk food and replace it with fresh fruit, salads and vegetables, as this will help boost your immune system.

Start drinking the daily 1.5 to 2 litres of water if you don’t do already, as it's important to keep your skin hydrated.

Now is the time to start doing some exercise. It doesn't have to be loads but if you do some you will not only look great on the wedding day but feel great too.

6 MONTHS TO GO

Make sure your getting plenty of sleep; perhaps eight hours each night, otherwise you will look tired in your wedding photographs.

Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day.

Have a wet shave rather than use an electric razor as this will give you a closer shave and is less irritating for the skin. When you shave rinse your skin with hot water to open your pores. Use a cream, gel or oil in preference to shaving foam, as this only dries out your skin.

Shave with a sharp razor in the same direction as your hair growth. Once finished rinse off any cream using cold water and this will close your pores. Apply the toner to remove any residue. Apply the after-shave balm to any irritated areas of your face. Moisturize all remaining areas of your face.

Use whitening toothpaste and get into the habit of flossing to remove any unsightly stains and hard to reach foods. Nothing better than smiling with confidence. Protect your skin from the sun by using a moisturizer with UV-protection. If you want a tan on your wedding day then why not use a self-tan. You will have enough time to experiment with shades and find one you are happy with.

3 MONTHS TO GO

Go and have your nails manicured. Moisturize your hands regularly so that they don’t dry out. Important as all eyes will be on the bride and grooms hands when you exchange the rings.

1 MONTH TO GO

Decide upon a hairstyle you want for your big day. If you want to go for something completely different and you’re not happy with the end result at least you will have enough time for your hair to grow back. Although many grooms will opt for their regular hairstyle, tidy up at the back and sides.

THE DAY BEFORE

If you intend to be clean shaven on the wedding day, go and have a shave in a barbers shop the day before. Have a soak in the tub with some aromatherapy oils, as they will help you sleep and if that fails you can always try Rollicks.

WEDDING DAY

If you weren’t able to go to the barbers continue your normal shaving routine that you have adopted for the last six months.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author +  Copywriter

 Page 03       Grooming           Friday 09 October 2015

Does Your Bride like

You’re Body Hair?  While her preference 

in your body hair may vary, you should still follow these tips to stay well-groomed.

While some women would love to run their hands through all that thick, luscious hair on your body, others may cringe at the mere thought of it. Of course, body hair is accepted according to personal taste, but one thing's for sure: You need to keep yourself well-groomed if you want to keep your bride forever within your grasp. So where on the body do women not mind seeing hair? You'd be surprised what women revealed when it came to the hairy male.

CHEST
Speaking statistically, 76% of women prefer hair on a man's chest just enough to run their fingers through. Mind you, only 34% said they liked the entire front side (chest and stomach) covered with hair. Eighty-five percent said that they got excited when they saw a tiger line (the line of hair that runs from your chest down the middle of your stomach leading to that wonderful sacred area).

ARMPITS
A whopping 94% of women think they find it odd when a man doesn't have hair under his pits. Almost all expected some kind of bush to be at the pit of a man's arms. So although it's okay to trim, shaving or waxing it all off does not come highly recommended.

ARMS
These women unanimously agreed that arm hair was normal, but they still expected to see skin of some sort. It's difficult for some guys, of course, as the rare few are much hairier than others. But hey, 14% of women said they had a fetish for very hairy guys, so there's hope for some of you yet.

LEGS
Again, women easily embraced leg hair and if you're going to eliminate the hair on your chest and leave two long sticks with fur on them (yes, your legs), then be prepared to be the butt of many a joke.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter

Page 04         Fashion           Friday 09 October 2015

Groom Style Ideas

Contrary to popular opinion, the bride is not the only one who has big decisions to make about her wedding day attire. Today’s grooms are looking for creative ways to show off their personal style for their big day as well.

They are thinking about cool socks or maybe changing it up with bowties ( which are making a huge comeback ) or pocket squares. Creating your personal style deserves some serious thought.

MANAALAYA has these points to putting your look together.

TUX OR NO TUX - Remember to follow the general theme of the wedding, formal, destination or rustic.

COLOR SCHEME - Should stick with the plan. However don’t discount the power of an accent color.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOUTONNIERE - This is a unique way to incorporate and express your hobby and activities. Golf tee mixed in with a single flower bud

MAKE THE GROOM STAND OUT FROM THE GROOMSMEN - The bride stands out from the bridesmaids so should the groom stand out from his groomsmen. The key is to find a specific element that will accomplish this.

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter

Page 05             Finance               Friday 09 October  2015

Wedding Financial Responsibilities

It doesn't seem fair, but it is true. Planning the most romantic event of your life begins with the least romantic detail: establishing the budget.

According to tradition, the bride's family shoulders almost all of the financial responsibility for the wedding, but today, the groom's family and the couple themselves often make significant contributions.

No matter what your situation is, establishing the budget early in the engagement is crucial. Before you make any major decisions, come up with the total amount you can spend on the wedding.

ESTIMATING
The following percentages give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend; if you splurge in one area, be prepared to cut back elsewhere.

50% Reception (includes cost of the site, food, drink, service, rentals, and cake)
10% Bride's attire
10% Music
10% Photography
10% Flowers
10% Miscellaneous (includes invitations, transportation, and favors)

PARING DOWN

Certain fundamental decisions affect the cost the most: How many guests are you inviting? What time of day is the wedding? How formal will it be? What kind of meal will you serve? The most expensive wedding, for example, is an evening affair with a sit-down dinner; a brunch, lunch, or tea is less expensive because the food is usually lighter, less alcohol is consumed and the party is shorter.

Attending to some of the wedding preparations yourself is enjoyable and economical; making favors and place cards, for instance, can be a project for the bride and her bridesmaids. But do not take on more than you can handle.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRADITIONAL BREAKDOWN OF WHO PAYS FOR WHAT ASPECT OF THE WEDDING, BUT REMEMBER, THERE ARE NO HARD-AND-FAST RULES:

BRIDE'S FAMILY

Invitations and announcements; bridal consultant; bride's gown and accessories; transportation for the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception; reception; all floral arrangements; bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for the bride's family and attendants; photographs and videography; music; and hotel accommodations for the bride's attendants

GROOM'S FAMILY

Rehearsal dinner; transportation and accommodations for themselves.

BRIDE

Groom's wedding ring; gifts for bride's attendants; and gift for groom.

 GROOM

Marriage license; officiant's fee; bride's bouquet; boutonnieres and corsages for groom's family and attendants; bride's engagement and wedding rings; gifts for groom's attendants; gift for bride; hotel accommodations for the groom's attendants and his own attire.

ATTENDANTS.

Their own attire; transportation to wedding venue; wedding gift for bride and groom; shower or luncheon for the bride (bridesmaids); and bachelor party for groom (groomsmen)

_______________________________________________________________________

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter

Page 06               Travel                  Friday 09 October 2015

The Magical Destination Wedding

A Destination Wedding Allows Couples to SAVE ON TIME & PLANNING: To make planning a breeze. Most resorts have full-time, onsite wedding planners who could coordinate every aspect of your wedding day.

OFFER MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES: Having your family and friends join you in a beautiful destinations for your wedding will create a celebration you’ll never forget. Your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.    

SAVE MONEY: Destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings due to their smaller size. Many resorts offer complimentary or affordable all-inclusive destination wedding packages and, by choosing an all-inclusive resort, the cost of food, beverages and lodging will be included in the guests’ vacation packages. In addition, extending your time in the destination will cost you far less than taking an entirely separate honeymoon.

HAVE A RECEPTION YOU DESIRE: Whether it's a simple dinner after the ceremony or lavish reception in a ballroom, there are plenty of options for fabulous entertainment and customizable wedding packages in all price ranges.

ENJOY MORE QUALITY TIME: You'll have more time to enjoy together and with your friends and family during a week in paradise, versus a few hours at a traditional wedding reception. Relax together, eat together, dance together... all without feeling like you have to jam pack talking to everyone into one day.

TAKE PHOTOS WITH BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES: You'll have the opportunity for breathtaking, memorable photos to cherish for a lifetime!

______________________________________________________________________

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author +  Copywriter

Page 07             Honeymoon             Friday 09 October 2015

Tips for Fantastic Honeymoon Sex Here are ways to ensure you have a hot honeymoon

TALK ABOUT YOUR DESIRES BEFOREHAND

Long before the wedding, take the time to sit down with your partner and discuss what you’d like your honeymoon to look like. What are the hopes you have for sex and intimacy during this trip? Make sure you’re on the same page about what you’re looking for.  

 PRIORITIZE INTIMACY

Vacation is one of those rare times where you have the opportunity to decide exactly how you want to schedule your days. You may be tempted to do a lot of sightseeing and exploring on your honeymoon, but try to make time for relaxation.

You’re going to be exhausted after your wedding, so schedule at least a couple of days to de-stress. You would also want to make sure to leave plenty of space open for the two of you to have quality intimate time. Bonding after this huge milestone in your life is way more important than visiting another museum!

DO A LITTLE EXPERIMENTING, BUT DON’T GO CRAZY

A honeymoon is a great time to try out some new things in the bedroom. Most people are so excited to be on this vacation that some of their inhibitions naturally fade away.

As part of your pre-honeymoon discussions, choose one or two new things to try out, like enacting a fantasy or wearing more revealing lingerie. But don’t go overboard and change every aspect of your usual routine! You’re not trying to qualify for the sexual Olympics here.

 COME PREPARED

Bring along the things from home that make sex feel intimate and fun for the two of you, like candles, an iPod dock, or your favorite lube.

Another necessity is your usual method of birth control, unless you’re looking to make her get pregnant right away. You may also want to talk to your doctor about syncing her birth control to avoid having her period during your trip.

 MAINTAIN GOOD SEXUAL HYGIENE

Many women come down with “honeymoon cystitis”–urinary tract infections from too much sex.

Your immune system is already going to be compromised by the stress of wedding planning and travel, so it’s important to take care of your body. Urinate after each sexual interaction, take cranberry extract, and drink plenty of water.

 PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WORKS

You can’t spend every day vacationing somewhere romantic, but you can still have honeymoon sex at home.

The key is to consciously recognize what you liked about sex on your honeymoon–did having more sleep lead to more sex? Did keeping the lights on feel exciting? Try to recreate as many of those variables as you can at home.

 DON’T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE HONEYMOON

Honeymoons can feel overwhelming for a lot of couples because they want everything to be perfect.

Many couples also view the honeymoon as an indicator of how healthy or unhealthy their sex life will be for the rest of their marriage. The reality is that many couples are too exhausted for sex the night of the wedding and spend the beginnings of their honeymoons simply decompressing from all of the planning.

Give yourself the space to relax and don’t put pressure on yourselves to make the honeymoon one big sex marathon. Focus on doing things that sound pleasurable, like taking baths together, massaging each other or having long make-out sessions

_______________________________________________________________________

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter

Page 08         Sex              Friday 09 October 2015

Learn about the Female Sex Drive

   

So, the thing you need to understand about the female sex drive is that, in general, it’s typically less than the male sex drive, because the principle driver of sexual libido or lustful feelings is testosterone.

Women just naturally have less testosterone than men. So, just appreciate that for your bride, her drive may be less than yours, but there will certainly be times during her cycle that she notices feeling more randy or horny, like around ovulation or some women, even when they get their period.

 Just noticing when your partner is feeling more responsive and turned on, helps you both think about how you can capitalize on those windows to increase the frequency of sex that feels really enjoyable to both of you.

MANAALAYA feels it important to realize that, for women, there’s a range of their own appetite.. So, you have to realize that for your partner, sex isn’t on the brain, it isn’t on the radar. It doesn’t mean that it can’t get to that space, but it does mean that she does need some additional stimulation to sort of coax her, to get her to that place, what MANAALAYA calls, open and receptive, because not all desire is born out of feeling it initially before a sexual experience starts.

For some, it’s more, open to where this is going to go and it’s actually your touch, and your caress that feels good, feels nice and then lo and behold, she too is beginning to feel the desire and arousal to move it toward a more exiting sexual experience.

The important thing to realize is, even for any woman, her love, love desire is likely to change over even the course of a month and certainly over the course of her lifetime.

So just try to get a sense of where her turn-ons are and about how you both make the most opportunity of those windows where she’s open and receptive

_______________________________________________________________________

Authored by Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene – Author + Copywriter