ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT OR WEDDING Congratulations! Share your happy news with everyone by submitting your engagement or wedding to the Monroe Evening News for publication. DISCOVER WEDDING CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS One of the most ancient social customs in the world, weddings are full of customs and traditions. From throwing rice to wearing a veil, have you ever wondered where they came from? SIMPLE IDEAS FOR CREATIVE WEDDING FAVORS Your guests celebrated your special day with you -- a gift in and of itself. A traditional way to show your gratitude is with a wedding favor. FLOWERS CREATE SWEET-SMELLING NUPTIALS Selecting the right flower for your wedding is an art, and extending its scent throughout the wedding party and the entire event is pure genius.     HONEYMOON TRENDS FOR 2003   The wedding is just the beginning. There's plenty of excitement planning the honeymoon as well, from choosing a travel adventure to deciding what to bring along on the journey.     INDULGE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WALK DOWN THE AISLE   Following are some easy pre-wedding tips to help brides on-the-go look their best for the big day, courtesy of the beauty experts at ThermaCELL     INSURANCE ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS   To help make married life a little more secure, all newlyweds should take steps towards financial freedom by assessing their personal insurance needs. FINE JEWELRY ADDS DELIGHT AND MEANING TO WEDDING CELEBRATIONS Wedding days are filled with the most special things: love, flowers, family, music, feasts and of course --fine jewelry. UNTANGLING "THE KNOT" Getting married has long been referred to as "tying the knot." So, where does the phrase come from? DON'T BE LEFT SINGING THE BLUES WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDING MUSIC Imagine a beautiful bride, all dressed in white, walking down the aisle without music. The eerie silence would be deafening. When choosing music for your wedding day, don't let every bride's worst nightmare become your reality -- take the time and necessary precautions to avoid wedding day music disasters. BE SUN SMART AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN So you're getting married! By now you're planning a white sandy, tropical destination for your honeymoon, right? From Mexico's Puerto Vallarta to the Caribbean you will undoubtedly find yourselves soaking up the sun somewhere in the world as you celebrate your new life together. SHOULD YOU 'WEAR WHITE' FOR THE WEDDING? A CLOSER LOOK AT OPTIONS FOR A BRIGHTER SMILE Filled with plenty of smiles, laughter and of course, pictures, it's no surprise that the groom, the guests, and just about everyone else is seeking a whiter smile for the big day. Why? SPECIAL THANK-YOUS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY You have to thank them--but how? Here are some ideas for special gifts that bridesmaids and groomsmen will cherish for a lifetime. UNIQUE AND PERSONAL CELEBRATIONS OF EVERLASTING LOVE Vows, like other elements of the wedding ceremony, are becoming more personal, from special poems written by the bride and groom to custom-designed wedding certificates. A SWEET IDEA TO BEAT PRE-WEDDING WEIGHT GAIN Looking beautiful on her wedding day is a dream all brides share. However, stress leading up to the big day can lead to more than pre-wedding jitters.