Last weeks Guest Book Idea " The Wedding Dictionary" went down a treat! You all loved the uniqueness, the fun and the functionality of it... and this week is no different! The Guest Book, Jenga Edition is unique, fun and functional too! { I know, I am far to good to you all :) }.
Have your guests write little messages, wishes or memories on each of the Jenga sticks { is that what they're called?? } and after the wedding, when you're playing Jenga you can read them over and over!
It is no secret I love wedding dresses, but lately, lately I am falling in love with wedding dress backs again and again and again.
Because of my great love {obsession} of Pinterest it seems I come across a whole host of wedding {and other} things I normally would never stumble upon and countless wedding dress backs is one of them.
When you think about it, more thought should be given to the back of your wedding dress; for the most part of your ceremony its all your guests see of you. So make it something special, make it unique and make it 'stand out' !!
I've seen some wild and wacky things over the years, but this, well this I think takes the biscuit! If you don't have the time or the money to get married the Auto Wed vending machine is the thing for you!
{ I know I sound crazy - right?} But for $1 { or €1 depending on where you are } you can 'get wed' in an instant - rings and {unofficial} certificate included!
The Auto Wed vending machine looks more like a Moroccan pink Barbie toy then a scared celebrant of one of the world's oldest traditions... and really does have blasphemy written all over it with the small depiction of Jesus Christ, but no doubt, somewhere, somehow its doing a roaring trade! { Am unsure as to the existence of a Civil Service version but sure hey, you could just put a hand or a flower over JC for the duration of the {em} 'service'. }
I think I'll file this under the 'what will they think of next' label - don't you agree?
It's Monday, and after the birthday weekend I've just had of course my mind is on cake! Today's inspiring wedding cake is gorgeous, traditional { in a sense } and totally fabulous!
I am AMAZED by the colour combination and how rich and succulent and texturised { is that a word?} the wedding cake is.
Simply stunning!
What do you think? Aren't the roses and ruffles just fab?!
Today I'm 29, still in my twenties :) although 30 is luring a little too close for my liking! I'm off out to be spoilt rotten by my darling hubby and to do some of my favourite things today!
Happy Friday Friends { and happy birthday to me too! Raise a glass for me if you are out tonight!} xx
Yes a wedding day is mostly about a bride and groom, but what about involving your wedding guests a little more than beyond being in the wedding party, ushers or reading scripture or prayers?
With these 3 great ideas you can kill two birds with one stone { I apologize for the bad turn of phrase there :)} and involve your guests more in the wedding, have cute and interesting talking points and have unique and fun decoration at your wedding too!
Hang photos of your wedding guests above the tables they are being seated at. Pictured here using part of a ladder and some cat gut. { You could of course paint the ladder in your theme colours and even decorate with flowers too! }
Stick guest photos into mason jars {aka jam jars}and use as centrepieces. Add some water and yellow food colouring {or any colour food colouring} for fun interesting effects. { Make sure the photos aren't originals if you are doing this }.
Your bridesmaids have listened to you weigh the options between floral arrangements, whine about the stresses of choosing your reception meal, thrown you engagement parties, wedding showers and bachelorette shindigs, not to mention their help with decorating, advice and more. They’ve done A LOT for you, and all because they love you and want to celebrate your marriage. Of course, you’d do the same for them (and maybe already have), but you want to say thank you in the best way you can. But, as if paying for a wedding and newlywed money talks weren’t enough to stress you out, adding another expense to your to do list is the last thing you want to think about.
How do you strike a balance between giving the proper “thank you” gift and sticking within your budget? Stay away from silly things you wouldn’t want to receive, or wouldn’t know what to do with. You know your friends, so get them something they won’t want to toss! I have a few suggestions for giving a meaningful thank you to your bridesmaids:
1. Give them a gift basket:
Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect gift for each of your bridesmaids, but giving them a gift basket (either the same, or unique to each bridesmaid) is a fun way to gather a few small treasures and make it feel like a substantial gift. Use a creative container that they’ll be able to re-use again: a cosmetics case, a cute storage basket, or even a tote bag! Fill with trinkets like lotions, candles, gift cards, candy, coffee cups, journals, or decorative wine glasses. Again, it’s easy to customize with individual gifts for each bridesmaid with colors or the items you choose. It’s a fun thing to put together!
2. Customize something for them:
Whether it’s a robe, pair of fuzzy slippers, or travel bag, choose a gift that they’ll really use and add their initials. The gesture of adding their engraved or embroidered initial can make any gift feel more personal. However, be warned! This technique can get pretty cheesy! Stay away from picture frames and trinket boxes - they typically get added to the clutter that no one really wants or knows what to do with.
3. Give them something to use in the wedding:
Whether the gift is a gorgeous pair of earrings that match their dresses, a clutch purse that they’ll use at the reception, or even a shawl to keep them warm in the evening chill, make sure they’ll be able to use it again. That doesn’t mean it won’t match your bridal party’s dresses, just keep in mind that they’ll want to be able to make use of the gift after the fact.
These gift ideas can be similarly used for the groomsmen. A cheapo flask and beer mug have been wildly overdone. Help your guy come up with something his friends will really get a kick out of.
Does the group of guys always hit up a certain concert or sporting event? Maybe snag tickets for the group this year. Something that can be extra valuable to a group of guy friends, is setting aside some “man time.” With the stresses of newlywed life, not hangin’ with the guys 24/7 can take a toll on your man. Encourage him to plan a weekend for his groomsmen. Maybe rent a hotel or a cabin for the group and get the plans going. This can and should be incorporated into his groomsmen gifts, even if he’s not singularly footing the bill. If the group loves camping get an accessory they’ll all use on the trip and use the time to initiate a yearly “dudes” only trip. Plus: Ladies, this suggestion will win you points with your man and all of his buds! It’s also healthy for both of you to get away and reconnect with your friends, apart from each other as a couple. Think of it as an investment in your marriage :-)
Whatever you give them, make sure you include a personal note. Saying thank you with a card that highlights your awareness of everything they’ve done for you (with wedding planning and in your friendship) is the most meaningful part of the gift. Sure, they’ll enjoy the trinkets they receive, but a heartfelt thanks means the most. That will be clear with a handwritten thank you note!
Like mentioned before, the gifts are meant to be a proper thank you for the people who have invested in you as a person and you as a couple. That doesn’t mean you have to shell out the big bucks, but make whatever you give them a gift from your heart. They’ll appreciate that!
Author Bio: I’m no expert, but planning my wedding has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life! Everything from planning our decorations, to our honeymoon has been such a joy. In life outside of wedding planning, I write about useful travel accessories, play with our precious little puppy Luna, and plan up a future (and a mighty cool bucket list) with my FABULOUS fiance.
I'm sure many of you will agree the traditional wedding guest book is... well boring, overdone and to be honest a little bit of a waste of time. Having multiple pages of Auntie Mary and Uncle Mike wishing you 'All the best' for the future is well, very unimaginative... {Sorry Mike & Mary}
Bless them, it can be difficult for guests to think on the spot and conjure up some witty/ intellectual or interesting thought/ wish/ advice to write down. My top tips to avoid the inevitable 'best of luck'?:
1. Put a question on each page.
Have you guests answer things like:
Where do you see us in 10 years?
How many kids do you think we'll have?
What should we call our first dog?
How should we divide up the housecleaning?
Which spice girl are each of us most like?
2. Ask them to write down their favourite memory of you both as a couple.
3. Ask them to write down one wish they have for you for the future. Maybe be a little specific or you might end up with to be happy, healthy and wealthy x 120 :)
4. Don't have a guest book - use a dictionary!
Stay with me on this one for one second! Ask guests to circle words in the dictionary that remind them of your wedding day. They can sign their name in the margin beside their word; clever and fun - right?
This post is inspired by the movie Bridesmaids which is out later this week. I had the absolute pleasure { and honour} of attending the Stellar Magazine Premier of the movie last week with one of my own Bridesmaids.
{ I will digress slightly and say} The movie is brilliant! Witty, hilarious and yes, a definite chick flick but I will firmly put my neck on the line here and say that I definitely think men would thoroughly enjoy it too!
Watch this trailer of you don't believe me :) { I promise the real post on Bridesmaids: How to choose them for your wedding, starts below}
{Promise to do a real Movie Review soon}
So back to the task at hand: Bridesmaids...
These gals started life as bodyguards... well sort of. In 'auld gods time' {as they say} a bridesmaid's main function was to ward off evil spirits or spurned suitors: a bride would be brought to her grooms village and walked down the aisle in the midst of a similarly dressed bunch of women {aka the bridesmaids}.
Thankfully the role has developed into something a little less life threatening and a little more functional.
At this point I just want to point out one or two things: Bridesmaids is the traditional name given to women who help, aid and stand with a bride before and during her wedding, but Bridesmen {and similarly Groomswomen} are perfectly acceptable nowadays!
So how do you choose you bridesmaid or bridesman?
1. Identify what the role of a bridesmaid/man means to you.
Do you want them to help with the wedding. Do you want them on hand for all wedding supplier appointments? Will they become your unofficial team of wedding planners? Or do you just want them to stand with you on your wedding and look good in pictures?
You need to know what you want before you can look at the cross section of friends and family to see who would best fit the criteria you've established. Word of warning here though, people have their own lives, be a realistic in what you can expect of them and from them.
2. Decide on how many you want.
Tradition dictates that there should be 1 bridesmaids for every 50 guests. But if you 1 bridesmaids or 8 go for it; this is your wedding. Just decide on what you are comfortable with and stick with it.
3. Choose wisely: draw up a list of potentials; include sisters, sisters in law, cousins and friends.
Don't forget to ask your groom if their is a male/ female on his side of the family that he would like include in your side of the wedding party.
{Quick note here: often it is expected that if you stood as a bridesmaid for a friend or family member that the 'favour' will be returned. Its not law, but sometimes nice, but again; this is your wedding, so don't feel obliged. Word of advice though, if you expect that by not asking them, a nose will be seriously out of joint perhaps have another task or job lined up for them, like a reading or prayer}
Look at your list, what does you gut tell you? Who best falls into what you've identified your bridesmaids/ man mean to you. If you've choose to have more than one, do they all know each-other? Will they get on? Can they work together?
4. How will the all look?
This might be of little importance to you. In fact you might not have even consider your bridesmaid dresses or colours yet, but if you have, what have you in mind; will it suit them all? Can they afford it? { In Ireland, generally speaking, the couple pay for a Bridesmaid Dress, Shoes {bag and shawl} and often the Hair & Make Up, jewellery/ accessories are normally given as gifts, in the States and other countries a bridesmaid pays for everything herself}
If this is still too up in the air, will you find it easy to dress the guys and gals you've chosen?
5. Be clear with your chosen ones.
You know what you want from them at this point, but they might not necessarily know what being your bridesmaid means. When you ask them, do so individually, explain what you are looking for, the tasks, appointments, costs {if any} that are involved. Give them a choice... they may not want or be able to be your bridesmaid - BE OK with that if it happens. This shows how serious they are taking the situation for you and is the sign of a good friend - don't forget that.
AND remember - You do not have to have a bridesmaid or man if you do not want one! It is totally up to you!
Once you've choose your bridesmaids/ man my three pieces of advice for you during the wedding planning stages and on the day itself:
Let them have their say.
You don't have to always accept or go with it, but allow and listen to the input all the same.
Say Thank You {often}.
These guys and gals are giving up precious time for you, and yes they are happy for you, they realise the importance of the day, but don't be fooled, nobody is as interested in your wedding day as you are; thank them for their time and involvement.
Don't make all about the wedding.
Yes they are your bridesmaids/ man but don't make every outing/ conversation or email about your wedding. Do ask them about themselves, do have non wedding related outings/ dinners and chats. These guys and gals where your friends before your wedding, its not what ties you all together - remember that.
My mom and I love to compare my parents’ 1981 wedding to my upcoming 2011 wedding. My mom wore a dress handmade by my grandma, whereas I tried on hundreds of dresses at a bridal boutique. My parents’ reception was cake and punch in the church basement. Mine is going to include cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and dancing under an outdoor reception tent.
The differences don’t stop there! When my mom got engaged, engagement photos were simple head shots used to announce the engagement in the local paper. Nowadays, engagement pictures are elaborate photo shoots, complete with multiple locations, wardrobe changes, and props.
My fiance, Chris, and I had a great time getting our engagement photos taken, but we found that preparing for them was a little stressful. We found that it’s all in thinking about the details and making decisions in advance.
Location
Long gone are the days of boring photos in front of plain backdrops. Consider taking your engagement photos at a place that’s special to the two of you. Is there a park you love to frequent? Or was your first date at a noteworthy spot? My fiance and I had two locations for our engagement photos. First we went to a quaint, historic downtown area and then to a beautiful park. Neither spot was special to us as a couple, but we knew we wanted outdoor photos.
Outfits
Between you and me, I am the more fashion-conscious one in the relationship, so I picked out my outfits first. We decided to do one dressy look, as well as one casual look. Before I started shopping for engagement photo outfits, we decided we want to wear timeless outfits that aren't too trendy and that reflect our personal style. For the dressy look, I wore an emerald-green dress. Chris wore grey dress pants and a black polo. For the casual look, I wore a white, collared, sleeveless top and Chris wore a light blue button-down; we both wore jeans. Our outfits reflected clothes that we’d both normally wear -- your engagement photos aren’t the day to try out a new style! Also remember when it comes to pictures, solids photograph better than patterns.
Makeup
Like with outfits, the day of your engagement photos isn’t the time to try a new makeup style. I usually keep it natural when it comes to makeup, and my engagement photo makeup reflects that. When you're getting pictures taken, it's okay to wear a little more makeup than you usually would, though. Use a matte concealer, foundation and translucent setting powder to give yourself flawless skin, and eyeliner and mascara will make your eyes stand out. Also, here's a makeup tip I once got from a makeup artist: if you're getting photos taken, don't wear shimmery or reflective makeup -- the flash will reflect off your makeup and cause whiteness on your face! I couldn't get any makeup on Chris' face -- but my guess is some guys wear a little powder to get rid of shininess!
Props
I love engagement photo props! I think they're a great way to make your photos fun, unique, and personalized! Some great ideas I've seen are setting up a picnic in a park, toasting with champagne, or using personalized signs. Chris and I had a white milk glass-framed chalk board that we wrote our names on. We also had a small pennant banner that has his last name (my future last name!) stitched in it. I bought both from Etsy. We plan to also incorporate these props into the wedding!
It was so fun getting the disc of all our engagement photos, looking through them, and deciding which ones to print. I'm still trying to think of a clever way to incorporate some of the photos into our wedding reception -- please leave your suggestions in the comments!
Author Bio: Sarah Beckman is a editor and blogger at Affordable Scarves. At work, she writes about how to style fashion scarves and get expensive looks for less. When Sarah's not working, she and Chris are busy planning their October 1st wedding!
Fancy being a Guest Blogger on Wedding High too? Get in touch with me at weddinghigh [at] gmail [dot] com
Yes I am obsessed with cake, I though that would be obvious... but my regular readers with know that the obsession takes over even more so when coupled with butterflies!
Weddings receptions are happy occasions (if not, you’re doing it wrong), but, to be honest, they’re not always fun for all. Not everyone gets up to dance, or drinks to catch a little “bridal” buzz. That’s why I want to turn you on to a few funky wedding favours that just might put a smile on the faces of folks who find the festivities a bit flat.
Guests won’t expect to find these favours at ultra-formal, elegant affairs, and you won’t have much control on how guests choose to use a couple of them. They’re somewhat unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun! Here we go!
Slot Machine Gumball Dispenser
The slot machine arm works and the reels, featuring engagement rings, hearts, bouquets and other wedding icons, spin. No coins are required to get a gumball. You’ll be able to spot family and friends with a gambling problem easily. They may look like they’re talking, but they’re chewing so much gum, they can’t.
Bubbles In the U.S., the conventional purpose for wedding bubbles (which come in a variety of charming containers complete with bubble wand) is for guests to blow bubbles instead of throwing rice (bad for birds!) when the bride and groom make their honeymoon getaway. Some guests who are 1) old and in their second childhood, 2) childish adults and 3) actual children will find them irresistible long before you leave the party. Look on the bright side—at least they’re not popping the cork on another bottle of expensive bubbly.
Playing Cards
Along with the first two favours, playing cards can usually be personalised—an added bonus! However, don’t be surprised if Uncle Sean passes the time at your wedding by getting a little poker game going in the back of the room. If the Gardai arrive, tell them it’s a fundraiser for your honeymoon
Wedding Poppers Confetti that catapults out of a can! Look for poppers with confetti that’s biodegradable and, consequently, earth-friendly! Like bubbles, wedding poppers were designed to provide a rice-free send-off for the newlyweds. On the downside, each wedding popper is good for only one blast. On the upside, if you have kids at your wedding, and they start a wedding-popper war, it will be over sooner than Brittney Spears’s first marriage. “Bride and Groom” Toilet Paper I saved this for the end. You can use it at the engagement party, bridal showers and the reception. Guests will get a chuckle where there’s rarely one to be found. Try not to think about it once you’ve installed it in the holder. Just go forth and have the time of your life!
[ ps I don't know about you guys but I am head over heels in love with this Bride and Groom Toilet Paper - who is with me on this? Is this not the cutest, funest think you've come across?]
Susan Hawkins is a writer for Kate Aspen UK, a leading online site for unique wedding favours, bridal shower favours, wedding accessories, bridesmaid gifts, table décor and more.
As some of you will know I am researching and writing a second wedding book. Currently I am looking for some Wedding Photographers to answer a few questions. If you're interested and have the time I would really appreciate if you would take a look at the below.
Just click download to edit and complete in Word and return to me at weddinghigh [at] gmail [dot] come or the email address provided within the document.
Ironic really considering the seriousness of marriage.
Don't worry, I'm not going to get all 'mightier than thou' on you all. You probably wouldn't listen anyways... brides after all {for the most part} live in sugar coated worlds until the day they return from their honeymoons... at least I did.
But maybe, when the dust has settled, the bags are unpacked, you might pop back and read this... and maybe even practice it...
Weddings are wonderfully magical. They are also stressful and expensive.
Avoid heart ache in the lead up to your big day and heed my top ten wedding planning tips!
1. Get Organised.
Have a centralised wedding email address, separate from your work and personal accounts. Use this during all correspondence with vendors, venues and guests. If you're a tech savy girl/guy, decide on one online wedding planning tool to use and have one [ large ] notebook / planner. { Keeping it simple like this means all your information is in one place}. I also suggest a Pinterest account for keeping all 'online' picture finds together. And a large scrapbook/ album for the dozens of magazines cuttings you will make over the next few months.
2. Start Early.
Of course you can plan a wedding in any space of time, although the shorter the time frame the more compromises you will have to make, but realistically, anything shorter than a year is too short in my book; 18 Months is ideal. First you will need to give yourself a chance to familiarise yourself with options and ideas, the time-lines in which your various vendors are best booked in and how best to do it, three to six months is sufficient for this. {Most important during these initial 'research' months of planning a wedding is familiarising yourself with costs.} Then of course you get down to the serious business of actually planning your wedding.
3. Watch your budget.
Following the announcement of your engagement and choosing of a wedding date, setting your wedding budget should be next on your list. This can be a difficult task at times, as it can be a struggle between what you can afford to spend and what things actually cost. Its this struggle that can often find wedding budgets spiralling out of control. But if you have 'started early' and used some time to research and familiarise yourself with weddings and wedding vendors you often have a more realistic grasp on things. Don't be fooled by clearly 'cheap'/ under cutting quotes; these often come from 'weekend wedding warriors' who provide an inferior service or product or don't have the required qualifications, licenses, insurance or knowledge to fulfil the contracted task. Be sure to get multiple quotes for everything you are considering for your wedding, and be sure you are comparing like with like and not just total prices.
4. Hire Professionals
The wedding industry has always been rife with 'weekend wedding warriors', those who work as accountants, in retail, banks etc Monday - Friday and work on weddings at the weekends. Some may have qualifications and experience in their chosen field but often these guys are glorified hobbiests without experience or talent who are out to make a quick buck. Make sure you are hiring a qualified, experienced, insured wedding professional.
Also you might find yourself with enthusiastic 'Friendors' on your hands. These are friends and family with hobbies and talents in areas you might think of use to you. If they are wedding professionals in their area you might have hit the Jackpot... but be clear, are they your baker, photographer, florist or a guest at your wedding? Are you paying them or is this a gift? A contract here will clearly define who or what. If they are not a professional it can be difficult. You don't want to shoot them down out of the bating cage, but I would suggest against using them, decline with grace and possibly suggest they could be a second shoot photographer, do the bridesmaids/ mother's make up or something similar - and again clearly identify what is being offered.
5. Get everything in writing.
Before you part with any money, be sure that what you want from your Wedding Vendor is down in writing. That you both agree to it and you both sign it. Do not rely on ' you have my word'. Even after an initial contract is signed and you decide to later add or change something be sure to have this written in and changed. If a wedding vendor does not have a contract or says one is not required do not do business with them!
6. Take out Wedding Insurance.
It is not expensive and very much worth it. Like with insuring your house or car be sure you get the right insurance for you and your wedding day. Wedding Insurance can include things like a cancellation by you or one of your vendors or venues, accidents, your gifts, your photos being damaged and a whole host of other very important areas.
7. Confirm & follow up.
Once you book a wedding vendor you will of course pay a deposit and sign a contract. If posted, check 1 week after sending that they have been received it. Sometimes you will also have to pay an additional instalment, perhaps at the 6 months mark, this is an excellent opportunity to double check your booking. I would also check/ drop a quick email or confirm a detail with each wedding vendor at 3 & 1 month out from the wedding and again 1 week out. Some wedding vendors will require a call the day before as well depending on what they are providing.
8. Delegate!
Often a bride takes on the task of planning her wedding herself. But remember a wedding is about two people, not just the bride, include your fiancé[e] in the choices; delegate tasks to him/her. Remember also that bridesmaids are there to help too... choose yours wisely and use them! You might find other willing helpers too and while I suggest delegate, do remember, while your life might revolve around the wedding, theirs does not.
9. Aim for fabulous, not perfection.
You will see countless picture perfect stylized wedding shoots in magazines while you plan. You will see skin perfect, hair perfect, body perfect models in stunning wedding gowns plastered all over blogs and websites. You will become obsessed with chair covers, linens, the right shade of blooms and how perfect it will all look... but stop yourself! Perfection is overrated {and often unachievable}, the reality is, things will go wrong... not big things {hopefully}... my advice- don't aim for perfect {perfect is boring} ... aim for fabulous - your own brand of fabulous!
10. Remember what the day is all about.
Don't bankrupt yourself getting married. Don't fall out with friends and family over seating plans. Remember your wedding day is about you and the man or woman you love declaring your forever love to each other and pledging to be together 'until death you do part'.... nothing else :)
~ o ~
Want to use this article in your blog, E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:
This article has been borrowed with the kind permission of Wedding Consultant & Author, Bláithín O’ Reilly Murphy [aka The Wedding Expert], who writes the daily wedding blog; Wedding High.
