Whisky Syndicates

Whisky syndicates are groups of private owners and many have been around for years. The main purpose is to bring together a group of like-minded people to enjoy the benefits of cost sharing in order to invest in whisky casks and to eventually bottle for private consumption. As it will take over five years for one person to get through one cask at a bottle per week, remembering that this is at cask strength which is more like 1? bottles at 40%, it follows therefore that a syndicate of five could organise one cask per year between them and have a regular supply with more variety.

Here is where companies that promote whisky syndicate communities can help; they provide a forum site where syndicate groups and private owners looking to join syndicates can exchange information. This way a syndicate community can be developed and help you find the right partner or partners to share your love of whisky.

This way a syndicate community can be developed and help you find the right partner or partners to share your love of whisky.

Using syndicates can be fun not to mention reducing the cost burden. A private syndicate which is not trading, i.e. buying and selling casks for profit, can be treated in the same way as an individual private owner and do not currently need to be registered with Customs and Excise.

Not only can companies help you to find like-minded whisky enthusiasts but they may also are able to offer you the facilities to support your syndicate.

Many supporting companies can have access to large numbers of casks with whisky from virtually all areas of Scotland being available although the currently fashionable distilleries will of course be scarce and relatively more expensive.

Casks of whisky can be stored in their bonded warehouse until required for bottling when they can withdraw them for processing including reduction of strength, colouring and chill filtration (if required), bottling, labelling (bespoke for each syndicate member if required), through to packaging and despatch.

Most companies will take cask samples at regular intervals that allow you to monitor the development and maturation of your whisky. If you feel that you wish to add a different finish to your whisky you can request a re-rack into a variety of different casks. These vary according to availability and can include cognac, armagnac, rum or freshly re-coopered oak. Bonded warehouses are also able to store the finished product for you in bonded storage. The majority of expense when bottling is incurred in the form of duty and VAT with VAT also being levied on the duty. You can store your whisky under bond and pay the duty and VAT as and when you remove the goods for use.

N.B. - It is always advised to state the terms of your syndicate in writing.

Kevan Jones is the Director of Craigton Packaging Ltd., they are a small privately owned company that specialises in very short run bottling operations. They focus in catering for the needs of whisky syndicates and offer a whisky forum for their users and have a number of whisky casks available to purchase. Craigton Packaging present a variety of services to support syndicates from re-racking of cask (if required), colouring, labelling, bottling and storage of end product in their bonded warehouse.

Craigton Packaging Ltd. are based in Paisley and service UK and international customers.

t: 0044 (0)141 887 0244
f: 0044 (0)141 887 5462
e: info@craigton.com
w: http://www.craigton.com

Forum: http://craigton.forumsplace.com

The Tax Man Cometh... To Search

You're at your office, or home, and the doorbell rings ? it's the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA").

The first thing to do is find out why they've come. If it is an "inspection, audit or examination" of your books and records under ?231.1 Income Tax Act ("ITA") then they have a right to be at your place of business, during business hours, to do these things.

Just collect a copy of the business card of the officer and ask them to write what authority under the ITA they are relying on. Other than that cooperate with them, and produce your books and records.

If they are there to serve you with a "Requirement to Produce Information or Documents" under ?231.2 then, they'll have an RPID, in writing, to give to you. Subject to certain technical prerequisites this is something CRA is empowered to do.

Just collect a copy of the business card of the officer, as well as, a copy of the RPID and ask them to write on the back of their business card; whether it is you, or someone else, who is the subject of the RPID.

If it someone else, ensure that their name is listed on the front of the RPID. CRA must give you a "reasonable time" to produce the information or documents and use this time to consult with your accountant or lawyer. Normally, however, you'll be required to produce the materials required.

Once again, be polite and listen to what is said. When the officer's leave write everything you can remember down.

But, if they are at your house, or present you with a search warrant then this is something else entirely, and you need to know your rights.

There is no substitute for prompt legal advice, but the following suggests may assist you, when and if this ever happens to you:

1. Ask to see the search warrant before you let anyone in. If you are at home, step outside and close the door behind you while you examine the Search Warrant ("SW") papers.

The searchers are required to show you a copy of the warrant or tell you what is in it before executing it. Examine the paperwork very carefully. The officers are required to leave you a copy of the SW when they leave.

SWs can be based on incorrect, incomplete or inadequate grounds and searches can be carried out as a "fishing" expedition by CRA; if any of those prove to be true then you do you have legal rights, but that is something that your lawyer will have to handle for you ? in the future ? while the search(es) are on-going your only responsibilities are to be observant, record everything that occurs, be polite and avoid a confrontation with the officers.

2. Ask the person in possession of the search warrant to identify themselves and all of those with him (or her) and to indicate whether those persons are authorized to aid in the execution of the warrant.

See if the persons who are present are listed on, or authorized by, the warrant to conduct the searches. Collect business cards from each of the searchers, and if someone doesn't have a card then get a card from another searcher and have them write their information on the back of that card.

3. Request time to review the warrant and to obtain legal advice with respect to your appropriate course of conduct.

4. Read the warrant carefully to determine:

- the premises covered

- the specific documents or objects it covers

- the alleged offence(s) which are the subject of the warrant(s)

- Read the date and times that the warrant authorizes search.

While you do these things the officers will see that nothing is removed from the premises, either by you or by someone else; but as long as they can ensure this to be the case, they should give you the time to review and satisfy yourself on the terms of the SW.

5. At the same time that the warrant is being reviewed, instruct someone to make the following calls:

- to your legal counsel; say something like "Officer, I have nothing to say until I speak with my lawyer." You have the right to be silent, use it.

NB: if your lawyer's office, or home, is searched they should claim your solicitor-client privilege and follow the procedures set forth by their provincial Law Society. Because you are not the lawyer's only client the lawyer should ask to have their Law Society send a representative out to attend at the search site and ensure that your lawyer's other client's rights and privileges are not violated.

- to your accountant

- other individuals named in the warrant whose offices or homes are to be searched. They should be told not to remove any books or records before the SW is executed on their premises.

6. If told that you must sit down and not use the phone, ask: "Am I under arrest?" If the answer is "No" or "Not yet" then no one has any right to touch you, or to hinder your use of the telephone.

If an officer does touch you, then ask again: "Am I under arrest?" If the answer is no, then say: "In that case, please take your hand off me." If this happens call your lawyer immediately, and seek their advice.

Be polite and if you make an objection make it calmly and ensure that you record all of the details carefully.

It is possible that you may be subjected to "administrative detention," which is practically like being arrested, but it will stop when the search is over.

7. Do not "agree" that the search can be expanded beyond the limits described in the warrant. If you are asked to "agree" say very clearly that you don't agree and ask the officer in charge to witness your refusal.

This may be important if the officers make over-seizures; that is, take things not authorized by the warrant (and chances are that they will). Some such extra seizures may be authorized by law, but keep detailed notes and discuss this with your lawyer.

8. Do not answer any substantive questions; that is, don't make any statements or allow yourself to be questioned without your lawyer being present - use common sense here.

If you insist on ignoring your right to remain silent, then when you do say something be honest and tell the truth.

9. The CRA will be accompanied by an RCMP officer, ask this officer for a business card as well. This officer is present to keep the peace and not to search. If the RCMP does appear to be searching or making seizures then tell your lawyer.

10. Keep track of the paperwork that is being seized; see that each item (as far as possible) is authorized for seizure by the search warrant and that the officers don't engage in over-seizures. If they do take things not authorized by the warrant, then record the particulars and tell your lawyer ? do not argue with the officers.

11. In the unlikely event that the searching officers damage your property then politely object to the officer in charge, giving any pertinent details and ask them to stop. Be sure to write down as much information as possible.

12. DO NOT attempt to impede, physically, verbally or otherwise, any person from executing a search warrant. To do so may be an offence.

If you believe that the warrant doesn't authorize a particular seizure, then ask the officers to wait while you call your lawyer. Have your lawyer discuss any technicalities with the CRA officers.

13. If you have any documents over which solicitor-client privilege may exist, identify the documents and their location and indicate to the search officer that the documents are subject to solicitor-client privilege and that you require that the appropriate procedures be followed to protect the privilege.

This includes sealing the documents into a separate box, listing the contents (in general terms) and having the box taken to the Sheriff. CRA will ask you to give them custody of these materials, but it is better to have them delivered to an independent third party.

14. Keep an accurate log (or copy) of all documents seized and have the officer in charge confirm that your copy is accurate - do this before the officers leave the premises.

If the officer(s) refuse then obtain from them a written undertaking tell you when you will get an inventory, and ask for both the paper and the electronic versions, to make reviewing the data easier on your lawyer.

15. If CRA takes a copy of your computer hard drive(s), or takes copies of your computer disks, CDs or DVDs then request a copy of all of the seized originals before they leave the premises.

If possible observe each disk being copied, and have the officer sign the copy, numbering each disk in the series (i.e., 1 of 5, etc.)

16. The CRA officer in charge, or team leader, will have sworn a document called an 'Information to Obtain a Search Warrant' ("ITO") which was presented before a Justice who must be satisfied that the officer has reasonable and probable grounds that there has been an offence committed and that a search of the premises will disclosure evidence relating to the commission of that, or those, offence(s).

17. Once the search has been completed the officer in charge, or the searchers having, must file a "Report to a Justice" with the court, explaining what they did with the SW and listing what they took.

Examine the attached scheduled must list all that is seized, if you find any discrepancies between what is listed there and with what you recorded as seized tell your lawyer immediately.

18. Have your lawyer request the right to attend at the hearing before the Justice, when the Report to a Justice is presented.

19. Have your lawyer request a copy of the Witness List(s), for all of the officers who attended the search, as well as, a copy of their statements, any affidavits sworn in support of the Report to a Justice, and any Will Say Statements, as they become available.

If you are charged, your lawyer will be entitled to these documents, but do what you can to obtain copies as soon as possible, because any problems should be raised at the first possible opportunity by your lawyer.

20. Get your lawyer to obtain from CRA a copy of the ITO relating to the search warrant. They will also be available from the Court Office where it is a public document and can be obtained for the cost of photocopying ? this ITO will prove to be valuable to your defence.

If you have not been charged with an offence under the Income Tax Act ("ITO") or Criminal Code ("CC") then CRA will require a Retention Order to keep your seized materials.

21. The Income Tax Act and Criminal Code each provide a code of rules which CRA officers must comply with in preparing ITO's and executing warrants. If they have failed to do so or otherwise fail to comply with the law, then your lawyer may be able to pursue remedies on your behalf.

Just like you, CRA officers, are required to follow the law.

The more accurate and complete your search notes are, the more assistance you will be to your lawyer in ensuring that all of your legal rights have been protected.

Staff Writer
For Tax Evasion Resources
http://www.taxevasionresources.com

Marketing a New or Small Business on a Budget

There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing as there are companies to market. The big names and multinationals will have an extraordinary amount of funding set aside in which to convey their marketing message to the masses.

The process will involve an inordinate amount of people, multiple marketing agencies, countless 'creativity' meetings and thousands of work-hours. From television adverts to full pages in the newspapers and glossy magazines, brand names and logos jump out at us and are instantly recognisable - such is the power of advertising on an extremely large budget.

Easily missed then in this marketing free-for-all are the smaller or new businesses, after the usually costly process of setting up a business with its requisite equipment, possibly an office or other type of premises, there is usually little or no funds available for marketing or advertising.

From the first trading day of a new business enterprise, the going is tough. It is small wonder therefore that most new businesses do little or nothing about marketing because of what they see as prohibitive costs. There are instances of course where new businesses have originated from someone's hobby or part-time occupation; in these cases, the market is usually already there and forming a company was the next logical step, immediate marketing was obviously not required to generate the first customer.

There are many advertising agencies that say there is no need for small businesses to spend a fortune on marketing. This is totally true, but what money a small business does have to advertise should be spent wisely and not just thrown at an agency that might end up failing to deliver. There are far cheaper and more effective ways to get a business on the map.

A website is essential to any business these days and will certainly be an asset. However, your site will be one amongst many millions of others and will not be of immediate use due to the nature of search engines and the way the Internet works in general; therefore you will need to look to other methods.

One of the most important things to bear in mind is not to run before you can walk.

Start small, start local. Unless you already have contracts from further afield, there is no point in casting nationwide for business when a vast amount is already likely to be on your doorstep.

Depending on what type of business you run, leaflets and flyers to other businesses or homes are a good way to get yourself known.

Always carry a business card with you they are invaluable, you never know when you are going to meet someone who wants printed contact details ? hey presto! - Instant advertising.

If you have access to a computer, join an online business forum. These are an excellent source of information help and advice from people in the same situation as you. Even those in the same line of business as yourself will usually be happy to offer their help ? don't be afraid to take it, you can always return the favour.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for practical sound advice on any aspect of business. They are there to help and are extremely knowledgeable and friendly people.

Business breakfast clubs are normally held once a week in most towns and cities and are another rich source of information and a great place to make contacts, again, don't forget to take your business cards with you.

The methods I have mentioned are by no means the only ways to market on a budget and have no doubt been written about before, and although they take lots of effort and are very time-consuming, they do produce results.

New and small business owners can often be the most innovative and creative marketers there are. They don't have the huge budgets of the corporate giants; they don't have large teams of creative designers, advertising executives, brainstorming committees, PR agencies or even a tea person! However, enterprising cash-strapped individuals are constantly striving to invent novel and cheaper methods of marketing their businesses, often with varying degrees of success. What must be reiterated though is that marketing and advertising need not cost a fortune, but can still be very effective depending on how you approach it.

John Sheridan is a professional proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. He also writes web copy and occasionally accepts small copy-editing assignments. He can be contacted at: john@textcorrect.co.uk website: http://www.textcorrect.co.uk

This article is the property of the author and may only be reproduced in its original form.

Knowing Hinduism or Hindu Religion

Hindus are concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and these places have been the hot spot of this culture since time immemorial. Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not recognize a single prophet and has multitude of gods and goddesses, mythologically numbering at around 30 millions! Such a figure is given in mythology by people of wisdom who have included all such perceptible forms as things of worship, so that man can see god in them and respect the existence of such all forms (plant, animal, stone, sky, stars, soil, water, rain, fellow human being, etc.

While failing to appreciate such deep meaning of the practices and beliefs, few people from within and outside have started criticizing negatively the Hindu way of life as something of superstition and irrelavancy.The same people have done precious little in appreciating the basic tenets, principles, thoughts, etc. of Hinduism while magnifying the seemingly negative and negative things.

Also, Indian communists never miss an opportunity to point out that the name 'Hindu' or 'Hinduism' is not ancient and that the name has been given by Persian invaders. Yes, it might me true, but the way of life, its culture being followed since thousands of years in India, Nepal and in earlier days, in many other countries surrounding India, does not cease to exist, just because it does not have a indigenous name. For example, though coconut and rice are predominantly grown in south of India, they are mandatory for religious purposes in all parts of the country. Lord Srirama or Sri Krishna, though are believed to hail from the northern India, and are worshipped through out all the three nations.

The Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, though follow their own religions are still part of the Hindu way of life in that they worship the Hindu gods and goddesses and even name themselves after the Hindu names. Thus the term Hinduism, irrespective of the time and origin, represents the much older native culture and traditions of ancient India, comprising of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc.

Unlike the earlier Islamic invaders, known for violent way of promoting their religion by invading and destroying the local cultures and Christianity which is known for aggressive promotion through missionary activities, Hinduism is never known to have been promoted aggressively or purposively.Hindusim or people of the ancient culture of India have allowed religions like Buddhism to take root in India. In act Buddhism has not been promoted in other countries by Indians who traveled abroad, but it has been taken by those people from other countries who have traveled to India and back to their countries.

Another great aspect of Hinduism is that it has promoted spirituality and recommended restraint in becoming overly materialistic. The knowledge gained by learned people, has been used for general good of the public (such as Ayurveda, Yoga etc). I believe, no other religion or religious literature has such copious mix of spiritualism and knowledge related to daily life applications.

Even many traditional practices, have a scientific background relevant either to the olden times or even the present day. For example cow dung mixed with water is sprinkled in the front yard daily after sweeping and even the mud floors are applied with a dung paste periodically. Sprinkling dung mixed with water is known to be germicidal.

Die hard detractors of Hinduism (read communists of India), should note that the good old traditions cannot be looked with oversight and that Hinduism is not equivalent to casteism alone, which they frequently refer to.

Explaining the Hindu way of life (Dharma)in an article such as this, though may not do justice, it will give insights for further research and understanding the ancient Indian way of life.

Ravikumar Uppaluri holds a Masters degree in Agricultural Sciences and is cofounder of an organization involved in Nature conservation and sustainable development. The author can be reached at uravikumar@yahoo.com

US Army in Catch 22 on Gays Issue

Many of those who wish to fight for our country come from families with strong ideals of freedom. Most of them are strong Christians in fact. There in lies the real problem with the US Army recruiting. To be allowed to come on campus to recruit at many colleges they are asked to be careful around the issue of Gays in the military. Yet to recruit a Christian Soldier this is a little tough, for if you allow gays in the military this goes against their belief system and if they are heterosexual, they want nothing to do with being in the same shower with someone who might be gay, but will not tell?

But, if the military does not go easy on the gay issue of military service then they will not be allowed on campus to recruit. Meanwhile the ultra liberal professors are brain washing the kids the other direction stating that war is evil, Bush is evil and this war is dishonorable to our nation. This makes it difficult to recruit. I asked an Army soldier who was in the military if the gays in the military bothered him. He said at first it did and he almost did not join. But he wanted to serve his country. Now that he is in, it still bothers him he said but only a little. In other words he almost did not join because of the gays in the military. How many others are not joining or signing up for this reason.

If the military changes its policy and says it is okay for gays to openly be gay in the military then more of the campuses will open their doors to the military, however if they do that they may alienate their hard core target profile of those who believe in our country enough to serve it. Yet when discussing this issue with a Professor he went into an anti-Bush tirade as he was what the call in California a Westside Liberal. He said if they come on campus for any reason he will personally protest and hold rallies against the military.

I thought this was interesting as if the military back tracts on its gay policy, the Colleges and Universities will only pick another issue and hit the streets hard with mega phone in hand. If they military does not change the policy they will not be allowed on campus to recruit. So either way they are damned if they do and damned if they do not. If the military changes its policy then there are issues with the straight shooter heterosexuals signing up for fear of being called gay or simply homophobic while in the showers and close proximity of other soldiers. Thus the big problem now is if we do not get more recruits then we will have staffing issues and need to downsize military or start the "D" word, which generally politicians frown on. If we do institute a draft it will in fact be the second major issue to illegal immigration in the next Presidential election. Army and even the Navy are worried that without the draft we maybe vulnerable to our ability to serve our political will or defend our peoples. Think about it as the saga continues and the war over just shooting straight and being straight continues.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

The Cholesterol Myth

Cholesterol. What images come to mind when you see this word? Is it positive or negative? Is it health, or is it heart disease?

If what came to mind was negative, as something to avoid, and heart disease, then the pharmaceutical companies food industries have been successful in getting you to believe a fabricated myth!

According to George V. Mann, M.D., professor of Medicine and Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University, "Saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet are not the cause of coronary heart disease. That myth is the greatest scientific deception of this century, perhaps of any century."

Russell L. Smith, Ph.D. is the author of the book, The Cholesterol Conspiracy. Dr. Smith states that "Both the public and clinical physicians have simultaneously been swamped by an ever-growing tidal wave of exaggerations, distortions and even fabrications of the facts."

Here's the truth. Cholesterol is good! It is a necessary part of every cell in your body and is essential in virtually all aspects of metabolism. Without it, we would die. That's not the impression you got from the advertisers, is it!

Cholesterol is necessary for the brain, nervous system, hormones, digestion, liver function, heart muscle contraction, calcium metabolism and bone structure and skin. Cholesterol forms 50 percent of the nervous system and serves as the conductor of nerve impulses. It is so important that your body produces four to seven times as much as you ingest and reduces its production to accommodate cholesterol intake from the food you eat.

A deficiency of Cholesterol results in obesity, emotional disturbances, fatigue, impotency, and many more imbalances.

How the Scam Begun

In the early 1900's, experiments were done in which rabbits were given extremely high amounts of dietary cholesterol. Their blood cholesterol rose twenty fold and a soft plaque like disease formed on the coronary arteries. But the cholesterol levels returned to normal and the plaque disappeared when the feeding was stopped. This formed the basis of the theory that cholesterol caused coronary heart disease in humans.

Here are the flaws. The rabbits were given a synthetic form of cholesterol that easily oxidized when exposed to air (which made it toxic). Rabbits also do not metabolize cholesterol as do humans. Humans and other animals like dogs and rats do not develop atherosclerosis-like disease as do rabbits when given dietary cholesterol. And finally, humans do not develop soft plaque as did the rabbits; humans develop hard plaque which does not reverse, and it is not caused by dietary cholesterol.

Eggs and Cholesterol

One of the many foods we are warned about is eggs. In one study, seventy men were divided into three groups which ate either 3, 7, or 14 eggs a week for five months. They all had similar cholesterol levels in the beginning. The total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not change during the study for any of the groups.

An 88 year old man consumed 20-30 eggs a DAY for more than 15 years, yet maintained normal blood cholesterol levels of 150 to 200.

Cholesterol occurs only in animal foods. Yet the consumption of animal fat since 1909 actually decreased by 10 percent, whereas vegetable fat increased by over 200 percent. The increase of heart attacks has paralleled the increased use of margarine, homogenized milk and processed foods such as sugar.

According to Judith DeCava, in her book, Cholesterol, Facts and Fantasies, in one study, almost half of the patients had total cholesterol levels under 200, which is supposed to be safe. Yet half of this group had coronary heart disease. Of the almost 1200 who did have heart disease, one third had cholesterol levels under 200. Dr. Michael DeBakey, the famous heart surgeon, reports that 30 percent of patients who have a coronary bypass have "normal" cholesterol levels."

The Real Culprit

Here's what IS clearly linked to heart disease: sugar. Judith DeCava, in her excellent book, Cholesterol, Facts and Fantasies states,

"John Yukin analyzed the refined sugar consumed by men with atherosclerosis. The men who had heart attacks ate almost twice as much sugar as those who not having heart attacks. In fact, in persons with coronary heart disease, the degree of atherosclerosis was proportional to the amount of refined sugar consumed." (The Lancet 1964); 2 (7349):6-8.

As further evidence of this is the fact that the consumption of fat in the Caribbean countries is very low, but the use of sugar is very high. Cuba has one of the highest levels of sugar use, and has a higher death rate from heart attacks in men between ages 55 and 64 than the U.S.!

The Fox Guarding the Hen House

So what's perpetuating this campaign of misinformation? It's the money from the drug companies who want you to buy their cholesterol reducing drugs (that have serious side affects) and from the food industries that benefit from this scam.

Here are some examples. The American Medical Association's Executive Vice-President, Dr. James Sammons, promised physicians in 1988 of their financial rewards by stating, "the AMA's campaign against cholesterol will bring both old and new patients to you for necessary testing, counseling and care."

One researcher who later became a director of the National Institutes of Health bought stock in a pharmaceutical company just before announcing the results of a study favorable to the drug's effects. The editor of the AMA's publication, Circulation, also received stock options on the same drug company.

Jane Heimlich began doing extensive research on this cholesterol issue in 1989. In her book, What Your Doctor Won't Tell You, she concludes,

"There is no question that the cholesterol program?benefits three powerful groups in our society to the tune of billions of dollars. These three are the medical profession, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food companies."

To get your FREE report entitled, "The Ten Deadly Health Myths of the 21st Century" go to: http://www.living.well.myglycostore.com

Ray Gebauer is a M.D. of a different sort--he is Mission Driven to save lives with a revolutionary technology that even MIT claims can "change the world." As the author of the popular groundbreaking book, How to Cure and Prevent Any Disease, his passion is to educate people as to how to escape the invisible and socially acceptable trap of degenerative diseases that needlessly kill 90% of Americans.

This article is posted by Lori Wilton and Ray Gebauer. Lori and Ray are business partners. Lori Wilton is an independent wellness consultant who specializes in glyconutrient education and has overcome her own health challenges through the understanding and practice of good nutritional principles.

Wedding Flowers

The selection process of your wedding flowers will usually begin with a discussion of the Bride's bouquet. You will have a choice of several basic styles. These are cascade, crescent, contemporary, nosegay, hand tied bouquet and arm or presentation style. You can better prepare for your first meeting with your florist if you bring the following;

? A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.

? A list of what flowers you will want at the ceremony.

? A list of what flowers will be needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.

? Color/fabric swatches and pictures of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.

? Feel free to also bring pictures of flowers that you like.

Your florist will also have pictures of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a "theme", let your florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there are any specific flowers you want.

Keep in mind that some flowers are not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do not photograph well.

It is important that you are upfront with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception. Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable flowers if you are on a budget. Don't plan your wedding near big flower holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother's Day. If you do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist's want to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during these busy holidays based on growing and demand.

Once you have chosen your Bouquet you have selected the "center" of your wedding flowers. The other pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your "Special Day"...

? Bride's Bouquet
? Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw
? Maid of Honor Bouquet
? Bridesmaids Bouquets
? Grooms Boutonniere
? Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding
? Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom
? Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor
? Boutonniere for Ring Bearer
? Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*
? Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at your buffet)
? Vase at Guest Book Table
? Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)
? Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)
? Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)

*If you are considering petals for the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals are recommended for carpeted areas.

A very important detail is to make sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.

Finally, when it comes to your wedding flowers, don't skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride's trying "do-it-yourself" flowers or having a friend design them, only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don't risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests on your special day!

Congratulations!

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design. Please email the Author directly for reprint permission of this article.