Apr 10 2012

Wine Wedding Favors For The More Sophisticated Couple

Wine Bottle Stopper FavorRaising a glass in honor of the bride and groom is a tradition in weddings. That makes wine an integral part of the celebration. What’s there to toast if there’s no wine, right? But that’s not all. You can give a bigger role to wine by having a wine wedding theme and giving wine wedding favors to your lovely guests. There’s a varied assortment of wine stoppers in the market and they come in all shapes and sizes. Other than that, there are more wine items that you can also choose from.

Starfish Wine Bottle Stopper Beach Wedding Favor
Wine stoppers are the first thing on your mind when you think of wine favors. One of the most popular option is the star fish wine stopper that is absolutely in tune with a beach or outdoor wedding theme. This is made of alloy metal and aluminum with chrome plating so your guests will enjoy using this favor for a very long time.

Fall in Love Wedding Coaster Favor set
The purple leaf design evokes an enchanting fall scenery, making this particular wine favor ideal for an autumn wedding. Even if you’re not tying the knot during the season of fall, you’ll love to include this favor in your special day. The coaster also comes with a cork back so there’s no risk of slippage. It can prevent water marks on the table so your guests will appreciate this functional item.

Flared Shot Glass Wedding Favors
Have your guests loosen up a bit by serving them with refreshing cocktails in these stylish shot glasses. There are plenty of fun and exciting shooters that you can serve your guests on your big day. If you want the affair to be alcohol-free, these shot glass wedding favors can serve as tealight candle holders instead. Either way, the guests can take them home as a special reminder of how much fun they had in your wedding. Don’t forget to personalize it with a ribbon and handwritten message of thanks.

Wedding Champagne Bubble Favors
Want something different from confetti? Have your guests blow bubbles as you make your way out of the ceremony venue. Then these bubbles that come in cute champagne bottles can be taken home as wedding favors. They can also be used as table decors if you stack them high into a tower.

Matrimonial Martini Mini Olive Candle Wedding Favors
Martini lovers will have a grand time with these favors. These are miniature olive candles that are brimming with love. They come in a martini style gift box that even includes a recipe for matrimonial martini. Nothing can stop you from screaming “cheers!”

Summer Wedding Party Beer Bottle Holder Favors
Worried about drinks turning warm and upsetting guests? Keep them cold with the use of insulated bottle holders such as these. They’re not your typical bottle holders since they come in adorable tuxedo or wedding dress shapes. Guests would definitely want to take them home.

Feb 26 2012

A Winter Wedding Theme Fit for a Snow Princess

A winter wedding theme is the perfect way to showcase your love of each other, and your love of the winter season. Surrounded by winter white, crystal, and silver and glittering wedding decorations, a winter wedding theme is the perfect way to begin your new life together – during the most romantic season of the year.

If you are looking to be a snow princess on your wedding day, a winter wedding theme is definitely the way to go.

Breathtaking colors are used for a winter wedding theme. Of course, white must be the basis for your wedding color palette. From this starting point, add one or two accent colors such as forest green, velvety red, and glacier blue. Silk and satin are exceptional fabrics of choice, and add to this rich winter velvets, and perhaps a little fluffy faux fur.

Be sure to add opalescent sequins, crystals and rhinestones so you’re your dress sparkles like the sun shining across a fresh blanket of snow. With short sleeve or sleeveless gowns, the bride and bridal party can wear cashmere wraps for elegance and warmth.

To create the true Snow Princess affair with your winter wedding theme, considering holding the wedding ceremony and reception in a romantic castle, formal country manor or anywhere that is complete with large fireplaces, glistening crystal chandeliers and lots of greenery. The bride and groom could leave the wedding ceremony in a horse drawn carriage complete with fur blankets and sleight bells.

A winter wedding theme, perfect for a snow princess must include snowflakes. At the wedding reception, include winter wonder place cards, snowflakes guest book, a snowflake cake topper and perhaps even miniature snow globes as wedding favors. Decorate your wedding venue with romantic glass snowflake candle holders that cast a warm glow over the ceremony.

The other benefit of a winter wedding is the cost savings. Since most couples get married in the spring or summer, it is cheaper to rent a reception venue, and many of the wedding accessories, decorations and flowers are also less expensive during the winter months. Inexpensive planted floral arrangements can also be used in your wedding theme, and are very economical to purchase. These including poinsettia, holly, and berries, fresh Christmas pine trees and the romance of mistletoe.

A snow or ice princess themes are fun to create. Use white, glacier blue and silver accessories and wear ice jewelry and crystallized gowns. Place an ice sculpture at each table or float candle with berries and crystals in glass bowls of water as wedding centerpieces. A winter wedding theme is a wonderful and romantic way to start your new life together.

Feb 02 2012

Key Elements to Include in Your Wedding Ceremony Wording

the wedding ceremonyWhen two people stand before each other at the altar, ready to exchange vows of love and commitment as a wedded couple, the magic of the moment is truly beyond words. Yet words also serve a very special role in making the wedding ceremony truly meaningful. Carefully planning and choosing the special wordings during the ceremony is one of the tasks that you can do together as a couple before the grandest day of your lives arrives.

Introduction and Welcome

Once all the guests are seated and the entire wedding party have taken their respective places, the officiant of the ceremony would begin by addressing everyone in a gesture of welcome. This is also the time when the couple is formally introduced and their intention to marry is declared. Below are examples of the introduction and welcome part of the ceremony:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the holy union of (groom and brides names).

Welcome, friends, family, and loved ones. We come together on this special day to share in the commitment of (groom and brides names) to join their lives as a married couple.

Readings on Marriage

In a religious wedding ceremony, there is an allotted portion for the priest’s or preacher’s sermon on the definition and importance of marriage. Usually, the officiant or an assigned member of the wedding party would read passages from the Scriptures, quoting teachings about fidelity, love, and the sanctity of marriage.

For a non-sectarian wedding, you can opt to have a family member or close friend prepare a heartfelt speech. This person should be someone who is truly close to the couple, who can give a beautiful account of your love story, quote poetry or literature, or offer credible advice and pointers on marriage.

Giving the bride away

In keeping with the old custom of the bride being “given away” to her groom, the officiant may call on the bride’s parents and mention these words: On behalf of everyone gathered here today, who presents this woman to be married to this man? To which the bride’s parents would reply: We do.

Wedding vows

Some religions already have a specific set of wordings for the couple’s wedding vows. The bride and groom cannot really deviate from these words as the officiant would simply ask them to repeat after him. In other cases, the couple are given free reign on the wedding vows that they would exchange. Basically, your vows are words of commitment to take each other as husband and wife, until death do you part.

Declaration of marriage

After the vows have been spoken and the rings or other unity symbols are exchanged, the officiant will then declare his blessing upon the union. The wording for this part is usually something to this effect: By the power vested on me by (the State or Institution), I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Whether you are writing your own wedding ceremony or following a prescribed set of wordings for the program, the important thing is to utter each word with sincerity and deliver each line from your heart.

Dec 22 2011

Wedding Toasting Glasses For The Bride and Groom

wedding toasting glassesThe bride and groom use customized wedding toasting glasses to set them apart during this special moment during the wedding reception. As friends and family speak happy words to toast the bride and groom, the happy couple lists wedding toasting glasses to their lips to celebrate their future together.

Attractive glasses are decorative on the head table, look fabulous in photos and make lasting keepsakes for the bride and groom after the reception ends. Wedding toasts can be a different as the couple everyone is celebrating. From humorous to romantic to serious, there is a variety of ways to celebrate the union of two people in marriage. While champagne is frequently served for the wedding toast, other popular options include wine, sparkling water and juice. If you have children attending, you can also serve spirits to the adults and juice for the children.

Prior to the wedding day, endless preparation goes into the wedding toast as friends and family practice sharing their sentiments with the bride and groom. Wedding toasting glasses make the moment even more memorable.

Placed on the head table, these wedding supplies await the toast of the bride and groom. Wedding toasting glasses may be shaped like flutes, goblets or footed pilsner glasses and may be personalized with initials, names, dates or other details.

Bring elegance to the toast with silver stems and glass tops. Silver placed love stem champagne holder and glass flutes are perfect for the wedding toasts and to display in a place of honor in the new marital home. A princess wedding is complete with silver plated stem with crystal goblets for a sparkling fairy tale feeling.

Another eye-catching option are silver stemmed wedding toasting glasses with interlocking stems representing to unity of two people as one through marriage. Silver plated interlocking heart stems with glass flutes make the moment magical and can be used every year to celebrate your wedding anniversary with style.

These wedding items are often embellished with accents to match the wedding theme. Colorful ribbons, crystals and flowers make wedding toasting glasses unique. A Celtic charm toasting set is ideal for an Irish wedding while a bridal beauty calla lily toasting set captures tradition. Seasonal weddings have a professional feeling with an autumn splendor toasting set with oak leaves for the fall or a winter wonder toasting set with snowflakes for the winter. After the wedding, these personalized wedding toasting glasses remain a treasured keepsake forever.

Dec 16 2011

Unique Groomsmen Gifts That Are Practical

H2O (Hip to Own) Stainless FlaskYou can find unique groomsmen gifts in minutes without shopping all over time. The groom is traditionally responsible for choosing groomsmen gifts. Keep it simple by selecting practical, personalized favors to thank your groomsmen.

Groomsmen are the friends and family members chosen to assist you with the important details of your wedding day. Choosing unique groomsmen gifts express your thanks for their time while offering a lasting keepsake of the special day they were such an important part of. From the engagement to the bachelor party to the wedding ceremony, your groomsmen help you every step of the way so give them thoughtful groomsmen gifts to show your appreciation.

Select gifts based on the preferences of your friends or based on the theme of the wedding day. Shopping for groomsmen gifts is easier than ever with online resources. You can shop, order and purchase your personalized groomsmen gifts with a few easy clicks of a mouse. The keepsakes are delivered right to your home or office so you are ready for the big moment.

Bottle stoppers or a personalized wine gift set make practical, attractive groomsmen gifts, as does a monogrammed travel clock or key fob. Celebrate love with heart-shaped bottle stoppers. If you have a Las Vegas style wedding, give the groomsmen translucent playing card bottle stoppers. Snowflake bottle stoppers are perfect groomsmen gifts if you have a winter wedding. Bottle stoppers are elegant but still have a useful purpose.

Do some of your fondest memories with your groomsmen include beer and pizza? Give out a slice of love with stainless steel pizza cutters your groomsmen are certain to use on their favorite slice. Celebrate cocktails with martini glass gel candles that look masculine on any man’s mantel or shelf. Many deals, both romantic and personal, are closed with a martini. These elegant gel candles may even wind up at the center of a groomsman’s romantic evening someday.

Give useful unique groomsmen gifts that double as keepsakes. Heart-shaped salt and pepper shakers are great on the table or to take along on camping trips. A heart-shaped stainless steel peeler cuts through potato skins while reminding the user of your wedding day. A chrome letter opener is practical for groomsmen to use in their homes or offices.

Let humor and creativity guide your decisions when you select gifts to thank those special people for being such an important part of your wedding day.

Nov 28 2011

Engraved Toasting Flutes Are Keepsakes for Your Wedding Party

Engraved toasting flutes are keepsakes for your wedding party after the magical moments during the reception are over. Using engraved toasting flutes adds a uniform, professional look to your head table in all the photos and videos of the wedding toast.

wedding toasting flutesAll eyes are upon you and your wedding party during the special wedding toast to the bride and groom. As everyone listens to the toast, they watch the happy couple and their wedding party get ready to lift their glasses. Using engraved toasting flutes makes this magical moment more memorable as elegant glasses are lifted for the toast.

Engraved toasting flutes also show your fine attention to detail. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, you can choose your favorite look ranging from luxurious to simple. The length of your engraved sentiment is based on the size of the wedding toasting flutes you use.

No matter how you want to express yourselves, it is possible on flutes. Include a monogram, names, dates, a logo or a special message on your engraved toasting flutes. The bride and groom can use a connected holder to offset their toasting glasses from the wedding party. Show off your heart with silver plated interlocking heart stems and glass flutes.

Include your names and date with a unique sentiment to each person. Taking this extra time shows how much you appreciate the support of your wedding party. Long after the reception ends, your wedding party will proudly display these engraved toasting flutes in their homes.

wedding toasting glassesFormal weddings are celebrated with elegant toasting flutes. For a glamorous head table, interlocking diamond stem champagne flutes are opulent. Hearts are a timeless way to express your eternal love. Silver plated open heart and jewel drop stem champagne flutes are a glittering way to make a marital toast. Engraved diamond ring champagne flutes capture the very essence of your forever union in marriage.

Match your engraved toasting flutes to your unique wedding theme. If you have a seasonal wedding, winter wonder toasting sets bring snowflakes to your table. Celebrate fall wedding with autumn splendor toasting sets featuring unusual oak leaves with iridescent copper. Choose toasting flutes with flowers to compliment your bouquets, such as a bridal beauty calla lily toasting set. Long after the party ends, those close to you will remember you day with personalized flutes.

 

Nov 25 2011

Bridesmaids Gifts And Groomsmen Gifts For The VIPs Of Your Wedding

bridesmaid gifts

Source: MyDreamWedding.ca

It’s your wedding and you feel that you and your spouse are all left alone to face the enormous task of organizing the wedding. Well, you’re not really alone since you have those friends to back you up and guide you every step of the way.

Your Magical Wedding

There is absolutely more to a wedding than dressing up to the nines, posing for pictures, rubbing elbows with familiar and unfamiliar faces, eating, drinking, dancing and merrymaking. Marriage is first and foremost the union of two souls so it means it is something sacred, something divinely-inspired. It is a kind of event where every detail is carefully planned because such celebration takes place once in a lifetime.

There will we be people who will be assisting the groom and the bride in the over-all wedding preparations. There will be their respective parents and siblings to assist them as they go along with making plenty of decision regarding the budget, the reception, the food, the decorations, the wedding motif and so many other things that spell wedding. Of course, along with the groom and the bride’s respective families are their friends. They, too have special roles to fill in. From the groom and the bride’s circle of friends, they will select a few who will work closely with them in organizing a dream wedding, and those gathered friends will temporarily be rendered the job title of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen have very special roles in their friends’ wedding. They will shoulder some responsibilities in the general pre and post wedding preparations. Take the bridesmaids for instance. They will aid the bride in hosting a bachelorette party and a bridal shower and in preparing for a rehearsal dinner. Groomsmen, on the other hand, will also coordinate with the groom in throwing a stag party and in making reservations at hotels or club houses and restaurants. Both the bridesmaids and groomsmen will devote their time, energy and talents and skills in their friends’ wedding. There will also be instances where they will be obliged to spend on behalf of the couple-to-be.

Groomsmen Gifts

Source: MyDreamWedding.ca

See the apparent significance of the bridesmaids and groomsmen? These people are also as busy as the pair getting married, but for friendship’s sake they will generously offer their time and efforts just to ensure a successful wedding for their friends who are tying the knot.

It is just right that the bride and the groom must show their earnest appreciation for their friends’ acts of love, so to speak that wedding favors would not be enough. Special gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen are just proper, and will make them feel that their hardships and efforts are acknowledged and deeply appreciated. Even though the bridesmaids and groomsmen not really anticipating to be rewarded or are expecting any gestures that would compensate for their contributions to the wedding (since they did everything out of pure, sincere support), it is still wonderful to give them something that would remind them of their valuable support.

Something For The Bridesmaid

If you are still wondering what to give to your chosen bridesmaids, just think of something that you know for yourself will be highly appreciated by them. After all, they are your closest friends and therefore you should have knowledge of the things that they fancy for. If one bridesmaid of yours is a certified music lover, give her a CD of a cool, upcoming band. If another bridesmaid is a party goer, buy her an entrance ticket with complimentary drink coupons at a trendy bar. If budget wouldn’t allow for individualized gifts, then buy something which you think will be appreciated by all the bridesmaids like a trendy tote bag or any fashionable bags, shower gels that come in cute baskets, a complimentary certificate in a spa that would entitle them for a free facial and foot massage, light cologne sprays or a vanity mirror. You will be guaranteed that your best gals will shriek in excitement as they find out about the bridesmaid gifts.

Something For The Groomsmen

Traditional gifts for the groomsmen may include a set of handkerchiefs, a tie, a clutch bag or a sports bag for the active friends of yours, a belt and cuff links. Of course, you could give different kinds of gifts that would suit each one of your friends like copies of latest sports magazine to the one whose an athlete since your college days, a protein mix for your gym buff friend and a pair of rechargeable batteries for the photo enthusiast friend. If there’s a budget to consider, general gifts like pens with their names engraved on them, card holders, wallets and CD holders would be best groomsmen gifts already

Whatever gifts you would prepare for the bridesmaids and groomsmen always include a personal, hand-written letter of appreciation. Remember, nothing compares to gifts that are priceless.

Nov 22 2011

Save Time with a Wedding Planning Checklist

wedding planningPlanning a wedding can surely break your back. With so many things to keep in mind, it’s possible to run late for the tasks that need to be done or to miss out on important details. Don’t waste your time sorting things out mentally. What you should do is to have a comprehensive wedding checklist that will ensure that you get everything right and on time. Below, you will find a sample checklist that enumerates all the things that you need to organize for your big day.

For the ceremony

For the ceremony, you need to include in your checklist the following: church and legal documents, ceremony site, officiant, officiant’s fee, officiant’s gratuity, and church décor and flowers. For the legal documents, give plenty of time for the processing. Marriage license for instance may take a week to process. Also, don’t forget to add any of the special touches that you would want for the ceremony such as fireworks during the recessional and so on.

For the reception

Organize the venue rental, catering, liquor and beverages, bar tending, bar set-up, corkage fee (if there is any), meals for the service providers, gratuity, tiffany chairs, chair covers and ribbons, reception décor, parking fees, and valet services. Cake, flowers, and music and program for the event are other things to keep in mind.

For the wedding attire and accessories

Of course, on top of the list is the bridal gown. The bridal accessories include shoes, jewelry, bridal veil, pillows, cord, candles and unity candle, garter, Arrhae and unity coins, stockings, gloves, pouch bag or bridal purse, dresses of the entourage, mother’s gowns, groom’s suit, and so on. Make sure that you include a date in the checklist as to when all these should be accomplished. Have fittings as early as possible to avoid any delays.

For the photography and videography

Include in the checklist not only the photographers and videographers that you intend to hire but also the permits necessary, pre-nuptial photo shoot date and location, slide show of photos, AVP presentation, screen and projector, and many others.

wedding stationeryFor the printed materials and giveaways

Printed materials include invitations, save the date cards, reception cards, seating and place cards, menu cards, thank you cards, gift tags, calligraphy, and personal stationery. Favors and presents include souvenirs for the guests, gifts for the sponsors and entourage, gifts for the family, and special memoirs for each other to be given during the ceremony or reception.

The people to help with the event

Hiring the wedding planner or coordinator would be one of the first things in this category. Other than that, you should also look for a program host or emcee, people to set up the lights and sounds, disc jockey, musicians or live band, event stylist, florist, and so on.

Others to include in the list

Other things that you must have on the list are bridal car and transportation of the entourage, hair and make-up, rehearsal lunch or dinner, special effects (fireworks, confetti, balloons, smoke machine, butterflies, spark fountains), and many more.

Tips for making a checklist

When making a checklist, don’t just put all these things into writing. You should organize everything according to category. For example, printed materials go together and those needed for the reception fall under the same category. This way, it’s easier for you to see if you’ve already accomplished a major part of the wedding.

Also, you have to delineate a clear timeline for everything. Determine the dates on when you should accomplish each of the tasks that need to be done for the event. Some of the tasks should be done at least six months before the wedding while the others are not so important and can be postponed until a few weeks before. Make sure that you set the timeline realistically so you don’t get too stressed out. Make room for delays and always have back-up plans.

Creating a checklist can save you a great deal of time. It doesn’t only help in the organization of the tasks that need to be accomplished, it also gives you an overview as to where you are in terms of the progress of the wedding planning. This way, you know what tasks are still to be done and what have already been accomplished.

Nov 14 2011

Choose Thoughtful, Personalized Groomsmen Gifts

Express appreciation your way with personalized groomsmen gifts. After all, your groomsmen spent plenty of time and money on your wedding and they deserve to be thanked. These gifts are lasting keepsakes of the special moments your groomsmen helped create on your wedding day.

Wine Groomsmen GiftsChoose personalized groomsmen gifts based on the preferences of the groom or to reflect the theme of the wedding day. Gifts can be thoughtful, whimsical or practical. Giving personalized groomsmen gifts that reflect the wedding theme adds a professional feeling to your big day.

Traditionally, the groom chooses the groomsmen gifts. With a few clicks of the mouse, online resources make it easier than ever to shop around for personalized groomsmen gifts.

Without even leaving the house, the groom can select and order the perfect personalized groomsmen gifts.

First, decide the type of gifts you want. Do you want to give practical gifts, funny gifts or precious treasures? Select personalized groomsmen gifts based on the preferences and overall mood of your groomsmen to ensure their satisfaction.

Choosing groomsmen gifts that reflect the theme of your wedding day is easy. For example, if you chose the popular theme of a Las Vegas wedding you would give gifts that show off that theme. Translucent playing card bottle stoppers are practical and show off the Vegas theme of your wedding day. Give your groomsman a photo of you and your new bride in Las Vegas themed glass photo coaster. Be creative and show off your gambling side with gifts with a Vegas feel.

Do you remember slamming shots with your groomsmen at the bachelor party? Thanks them by giving them each a personalized shot glass votive holder. Engrave the glasses with special messages for each groomsman. Include a scented candle with a manly fragrance such as pine or vanilla. The groomsmen can use this gift as a shot glass or a candleholder when they return home.

Unique Groomsmen GiftsAnother way to say what you feel is on personalized champagne flutes. Even if your groomsmen don’t drink wine or champagne, these flutes will become a decorative accent on a mantel or shelf. Choose designs that reflect the theme of your wedding, such as shells for a beach wedding.

If your groomsmen prefer coffee to alcohol, give them elegant personalized coffee kits with hard-shaped chrome coffee spoons. Express your feelings on the bag of coffee so your groomsmen know how much you appreciate them.

A classy gift for your groomsmen is a set of four leather coasters, each with a monogrammed brushed plate customized with the recipient’s initials. Coupled with a money clip, this gift is a handsome way to say thanks to your groomsmen. Or have some fun and give a monogrammed silver plated yo-yo!

Give personalized groomsmen gifts as a lasting keepsake of your special day.

Nov 05 2011

Wedding Shower Gifts that Truly Surprise

Thoughtful wedding shower gifts show your support for the happy couple. Functional gifts are popular but you can also personalize your present so it becomes a lasting keepsake of this joyous event.

wedding shower giftsRight before the wedding date, a wedding shower is a held for the bride by her maid of honor, bridesmaids, family and friends. Some brides use a bridal registry so their guests know what to buy. Popular wedding shower gifts range from lingerie to appliances to personal keepsakes for the ceremony.

The couple will be setting up house together as newlyweds and small appliances are always useful. A couple can always find good use for a toaster oven, blender, coffee maker or set of cookware. Wedding shower gifts often include fetching lingerie for the bride to wear on the honeymoon, including white nightgown and robe sets, feathery slippers and thong underwear.

Thoughtful, original wedding shower gifts are accessories to personalize this once-in-a-lifetime event. Before purchasing wedding supplies, find out the theme of the day. Often the maid of honor or close family member knows the wedding theme. You can add to the joy of the day with themed, personalized wedding shower gifts.

Everyone toasts the bride and groom at the wedding reception. Bring an extra touch of class to the moment with a personalized set of toasting flutes for the bride and groom to use. After the reception, the bride and groom can keep the toasting set as a memory of that happy time.

Another original wedding shower gift idea is a cake serving set. When the bride and groom feed each other during the cake cutting ceremony, they can use a themed cake cutting set. The set becomes a lasting keepsake after the party ends.

Bridal garters

Source: MyDreamWedding.ca

Bridal garters also make great wedding shower gifts.

Choose a western bridal garter for a country wedding or an elegant metallic garter for a princess bride. When the groom removes the garter to throw it to the waiting bachelors, the bridal garter will show off the theme of the day. Other cool apparel for the bride includes a logo that shows off her “bride” status, such as an angora hat for a winter honeymoon or simply a t-shirt to state the fact.

The best wedding shower gifts celebrate the love between the happy couple and are personalized to become lasting treasures in their new home.