The marriage business is down at the Broward County Courthouse as an increasing number of South Floridians are saying “I don’t” when it comes to nuptials there, according to the clerk of courts statistics.

Between Jan. 1 and April 30 this year, the clerk of courts performed 1,785 civil wedding ceremonies. That number dropped from 1,991 during the same time last year.

“I’m sure the economy has a lot to do with it,” said Cathleen Kellerman, court operations manager for the Broward County Courthouse. “I’m sure people’s priorities are different now: ‘Do I want a big ceremony or do I want to pay my mortgage or lose my home?’”

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-courthouse-wedding-vows-b053109,0,6416960.story

Stamp Prices Go From 42 Cents To 44 On Monda

Postage rates will increase Monday, May 11, 2009.

The price to mail a first-class, one-ounce letter will rise from 42 cents to 44. According to Michael Miles, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service in Atlanta, prices for most postal services, including first-class mail, standard mail, periodicals, special service and package service including parcel post, increase Monday.

There are several stamp designs with the 44 cent price already available, including a wedding stamp, a new U.S. flag stamp design, a repeat of the Purple Heart design, a love stamp that evokes images of playing cards, and a pane that pays tribute to “The Simpsons,” the long-running animated series.

Forever stamps, which always carry the value of the current one ounce postage rate, may be used to mail letters and bills as well. The cost for additional ounces at first class remains at 17 cents.

For more information visit http://www.usps.com

Source: Wedding Business Today Staff