Wedding Blog

Trying to find the perfect wedding band? There are so many choices for "him" and "her" it can be a daunting task. I saw this ring a few days ago, and am completely in love with it. It is from ADZIA, a custom jewlery designer out of Chicago. The bands are unisex and can incorporate one or both of your prints. Such a unique idea, I had to share!!

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdziasJewelryAtelier?section_id=7455813

Looking for centerpiece ideas that are unique, personalized, edible or economical?

Consider creating your centerpieces out of your guests’ favors.  Place your favorite candy or snack into wrapped or decorated boxes and stack them on the table or a raised platter; place small lanterns in front of everybody’s table setting to add some light; have lots of small mix-matched vases versus one large floral arrangement; incorporate lollipops or other bright colored candy into an arrangement; or go with an edible option such as individual cakes, or stacked sweets. Added bonus: less clean up!!

A bridal shower should celebrate the bride’s style, personality and interests. Make a list of all of the things the bride is passionate about and build the shower around it. Whether practical or whimsical select a theme that will get everybody in the spirit.

For the lady that loves a good pampering, go with a soothing spa theme. Does she love the sun and the surf? Plan a party complete with gifts for the honeymoon trip and beach themed favors. She won’t leave the house without “her” color on? Make decorating easy and base the color palate around it.

Having trouble narrowing it down? Try one of these ideas:

Room of the House – Assign each guest a room, they will bring a gift for that space

Stock the Bar or Wine Tasting – Have guests bring their favorite beverage or mixers, hold party at couples favorite bar

Around the Clock – Each guest will bring a gift that correlates with that time of day

Christmas Ornament – Great for a winter wedding shower, have guests bring an ornament, or provide materials to make them at the shower

Favorite Memories – Have each guest bring a gift that reminds them of their favorite memory with the bride

Month of the Year – Great for small showers, have guests bring gifts that relate to assigned month

Ethnic – Base shower around bride/groom’s heritage. Or are bride and groom going on a honeymoon trip to Asia or the Caribbean? Use that as inspiration for food and décor.

Jack and Jill – Find an activity that is fun for all. Think rock climbing, snowboarding lesson, beach/lake party etc.

Want to go big with your floral arrangements, but not with your budget?

Consider using blooms that you would typically not deem fancy enough to be one of the main focal points of your big day. Everyday flowers such as Carnations, or even Baby’s Breath (typically used to spruce up other floral arrangements), when used in large quantities, can have quite a visual impact.

Other blooms that are generally easy on the wallet and eye catching when used in large displays include Cornflowers, Camellias, Daisies, and Gladioluses.

The idea of having all of your guests sign a book for you to have as a keepsake is lovely, however it is probably safe to say that a majority of these books end up in a box under the bed, in the basement, in the attic…..or who knows where. Many brides and grooms are coming up with some unique alternatives to the standard guest book. Try one of these or consider coming up with an original idea of your own:

Artwork –Have guests sign fabric or paper and create artwork to hang in your home.

Jenga – For the games lovers. Take Jenga game pieces  and have guests write short messages that you can read every time you have game night.

Typewriter – Find a good ol’ fashioned typewriter (or purchase a new small vintage one in your wedding color) and have guests type short messages out for you.

Quilt – Have your guests write messages on fabric squares to later make into a quilt.

Polaroid Camera – Have a table set up (possibly with some props) and have your guests snap pics. of themselves or each other and leave behind for you to put into a scrapbook.

Puzzle – Custom order a puzzle and break the pieces apart for guests to sign. Once you both assemble pieces consider using puzzle glue and using it as wall art.

Dictionary – Have guests circle words that remind them of your wedding day. They can sign their name or write short messages in the column as well.

Questions – Use the traditional guest book, but write questions on the top of each page to help get guest’s creative writing juices flowing. Think: Where will we be in 10 years? What is your favorite memory of time spent with us? Etc.

Mad Libs – Use as a fun conversation starter at the tables, or have at a sign in table.

Discussing a wedding budget is not something most couples look forward to as they start their planning process, but it is definitely one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your big day. With so many options for locales, décor, food and entertainment there is something for everyone, and any budget. Deciding what you are able to spend in each area will make both of your lives a lot easier as you meet with vendors and narrow down your options.

There are many websites that can help you come up with this *magic number* so that you don’t have to feel like you are pulling one out of thin air. I love this one at http://www.costofwedding.com/index.cfm/action/costest.index

Bride and grooms seem to be split 50/50 on whether or not they will have a bridal cake AND a groom's cake at their reception. Some choose to stick with the traditional route and just have one cake, some groom's cakes are making their appearance at the rehearsal dinner, and many are following the trend to have both.  Think you would prefer to go for something a little different and still make both of you happy? Consider a 2 in 1 cake like this one from Shockley's Sweet Shoppe in Virginia Beach.

You knew it would happen sooner or later. You Mom (Grandma, Aunt, family friend) has offered up her wedding gown for you to wear on your big day. The dress with the turtleneck or linebacker sized shoulder pads that more resembles the tent you would prefer to hold your wedding under was, at one time, believe it or not, in fashion. Rather than hurt anybody's feelings offer up a few ways that you feel would be a meaningful way to repurpose the gown.

Use the fabric from the dress to make a quilt, a baptism gown, or even dress up clothing items such as a tutu for your little girl to wear someday in the future. For more creative ideas to repuropse a gown or other other article of clothing visit http://www.diybride.com/blog/diy-projects-tutorials/15-ways-to-repurpose-your-moms-gown/

The tradition of wedding cake pulls began in the Victorian Era as a tradition known as “ribbon pulling.” Charms of good luck and fortune were placed in the cake by her bride and single friends. This tradition of a bygone era is seeing a revival especially in the south, or more specifically in New Orleans.

Today the baker places the small charms or tokens under the bottom layer of the bride’s cake and all of the single ladies (or bridal party, or other selected group) have an opportunity to pull a charm from the cake right before it is cut.

Each charm has a special and specific meaning and can serve as a cute gift for your wedding party. For more information about the history of the cake pulls, how they are placed in the cake, or the meaning of the charms visit  http://www.scottish-wedding-dreams.com/cake-pull-charms.html.

 As beautiful as weddings are in the warmer and sun filled months, nothing compares to the elegance and romance that can be achieved with a winter wedding. While traditionally this may not be the most popular time for many brides to consider there are some fabulous advantages that can come along with planning your big day during the winter months.

 The most sought after venues can book  1-2 years ahead, but often there is more availability between November and February. Often prices will be better and it may be easier to negotiate  with vendors as well, making it more likely you will be able to nail down your dream venue.

Weddings are a time spent with your friends and family so why not create an environment that is cozy, intimate and unique. Color themes for a winter wedding can be a fun twist. Rich and bold reds, blues, greens and purples can create a romantic ambiance and washing a room from top to bottom in white with metallic accents can make a space feel bright and inviting.

Use simple florals that are readily found during cooler months, i.e. lilies, poinsettias, amaryllis etc. Customize a traditional comfort food menu with items like soups, pastas, and meat carving stations.  Serve hot cider, toddies, or Irish coffees as a signature beverage. For dessert try serving a vanilla custard, pumpkin pie or cinnamon apples, and for favors decorate tables with assorted cookie cutters or homemade candies.

And maybe the best part of a winter wedding………the honeymoon. Winter is the perfect time to sneak away for some fun in the sun to beat the winter blues or to hit the slopes and cuddle up by the fire with your new Mr. or Mrs.