It is time to up the ante on your favor ideas, and this cute little favor is just the thing to do it! Let everyone know that you hit the jackpot with these gumball slot machine favors. The favors are personalized with your name and wedding date to give them an extra special touch. These would be perfect for a Vegas themed wedding, shower, or bachelorette party! The slot machines are fully functional and are sure to be a hit with everyone, even the kids!
The bride and groom hold the two most important seats at the reception. Their table should be easily seen from anywhere in the room so all the guests can be witness to their expressions of happiness. The following diagrams offer suggestions for seating attendants and family members.
The Wedding Party
Traditionally, the table for the wedding party is rectangular, with seating on one side only, facing out, so the guests can see the couple easily; often the table will be on a dais. The table should be centrally located, and flower arrangements should be kept low so as not to obstruct anyone’s view.
If the table is round, the bride and groom should still face the room. The best man is seated to the right of the bride; the maid or matron of honor sits to the groom’s left. The remainder of the wedding party is seated outward from the bride and groom, alternating groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Parents of the Bride and Groom
At the most traditional hosts’ table, the bride’s mother sits in the center facing out, where she can keep close watch on the party; the bride’s father sits directly across from her, and the groom’s father sits on her right. The officiant may be seated to the left of the bride’s mother. The groom’s mother traditionally sits to the right of the bride’s father, with the officiant’s spouse to his left.
The seating arrangement above allows the closest relatives and friends of the bride and groom to join them at one table. The wedding party is represented with the best man to the right of the bride and the maid or matron of honor to the groom’s left. Traditionally, the male-female pattern continues around the entire table. Grandparents or siblings can be seated on the other side of each of the honor attendants. The officiant is seated to the right of the grandparent next to the best man; the bride’s mother is to the right of the officiant. On her right, the groom’s father is seated with the officiant’s spouse (if he or she has one) on his right. Finally, the father of the bride is seated to the right of the officiant’s spouse, while the groom’s mother is seated to his right.
Dress up your traditional chocolate covered strawberries for the wedding occasion. These cute little strawberries could cost you four dollars each if you bought them pre-made but now you can get them at a faction of the price! Make these ahead of time and serve them at your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even the wedding!
SERVINGS: 18
TIME: Prep: 1 hour + chilling
Ingredients:
18 medium fresh strawberries with stems
1 cup vanilla or white chips
3-1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Line a tray or baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Wash strawberries and pat until completely dry.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips and 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening at 70% power; stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry until two-thirds is coated, forming the tuxedo shirt, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared tray; chill for 30 minutes or until set.
Melt chocolate chips and remaining shortening. To form the tuxedo jacket, dip each side of berry into chocolate from the tip of the strawberry to the top of vanilla coating. Repeat on the other side, leaving a white V-shape in the center. Set remaining chocolate aside. Chill berries for 30 minutes or until set.
Remelt reserved chocolate if necessary. Using melted chocolate and a round pastry tip #2, pipe a bow tie at the top of the white V and three buttons down front of shirt. Chill for 30 minutes or until set. Store in the refrigerator in a covered plastic container for up to 1 day. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Wedding planning brings months of worry over the dress, the flowers, the cake, and the weather. Let one of your most important considerations – your hairstyle – be stress-free. Whether you have short or long hair, want something fancy or natural, below you’ll find a hairstyle to suit every style. If you’re looking to do your own hair on your wedding day, research the how-to tips and practice creating the look a couple of times before the big day. If you’re working with a stylist, show them a picture of what you’re looking for and have them try out a couple of options. Do the legwork ahead of time and you will wake up worry free on your wedding day.
1. Princess Nouveau: If you have long hair with a medium thickness, consider a loose style with sexy, large curls accented by barrettes, a subtle hairclip or a delicate tiara. If you have shorter locks, ask your stylist about hair extensions.
2. Long, Elegant Ponytail: This low-ponytail with a tasteful pouf in the front is extremely elegant and reminiscent of a style popular now on the runway and in photo spreads. Look casual or done-up while accenting your facial and jaw lines.
3. Edgy Ponytail: Nothing is more in these days than deliberately messy hair. Give yourself a graceful edge with this style.
4. Angel: Not everyone will be able to pull this one off, but if you were one of the chosen few blessed with long, voluminous tresses, check out this glamour-defining, loose pull-back.
5. The Audrey Updo: Dramatic and stylish, this updo is reminiscent of the “Breakfast at Tiffani’s” actress. Ask your stylist for a short fringe of blunt-cut bangs to complete the look.
6. Modern Texture: Short-haired brides will love this look – an angled cut tousled to bring out texture. Whether loose or pinned, this style is fresh, fun, and cute.
7. Modern Chignon Updo: Take a ride back to the 1940s with a classic chignon hairstyle. This example incorporates a twist and some feminine accents. It’s a demure look that is perfect for a veil or an off-the-shoulder dress. If you’re going for a vintage look, take it all the way by wrapping your hair in a thin hair net.
8. Princess Updo: An exaggerated take on the Audrey Updo, this cone-shaped, classic sweep is versatile. Ideal do for a fairytale wedding or urban-chic nuptials.
9. Long and Tussled: Gentle and light, this style pulls hair back from the face and lets long curls fall down the back. With innocence and polish, this technique is a great option for an outdoor or casual wedding.
10. Deconstructed Updo: It looks complicated, but this updo is simply a French twist that turns into a bun. The trick to this style is that the hair isn’t pulled too tightly around the face. Dramatic and glamorous, this style pulls attention toward face and neck lines.
11. Celebrity Style Updo: You’ll feel almost-famous in this loose and textured hairdo, aptly referred to as the Celebrity Updo for it popularity among Hollywood-types.
12. Modern Bride: Straight, long and natural, this style demonstrates confidence and charm. Let it all hang!
13. Vintage Charm: This traditional pull back is enhanced by the delicate curls in the bun and a jeweled accent. Whether you have bangs or don’t, this is a classic look that won’t disappoint.
14. Starlet Bob: Cute and carefree, this style is excellent for short hair. Extremely fashionable, this style will go with just about any dress. The angled curls frame the face expertly and show a lot of spunk.
15. Jessica Simpson: Get inspiration from one of Hollywood’s most hair-perfect stars, Jessica Simpson. Her stylist Ken Paves is almost as famous as she is at this point. Known for his loyalty to hair pieces, Paves constantly creates a myriad of looks for Simpson – all of which would be easily translatable to a fashion-forward bride.
16. Flower Power: Getting hitched on a beach? Consider adding floral accents to the style of your choice. Flowers can be placed in updos, as well as flowing locks. Peruse these styles for inspiration.
17. Go Posh: Copy the first lady of soccer with an angled bob. Victoria Beckham rocks this look with flair and many other starlets are following her lead. This style speaks for itself and requires little maintenance.
18. Oscar Updo: Red-carpet ready hair works for the chapel aisle, too. Easygoing, yet elegant, this style is multitalented and would complement most dresses.
19. Elegant Cascade Take you hair to new heights with this pinned all over look accented by flowers.
20. Simplfy: Look beautiful with this simple ponytail accented by loose locks framing the face and barrette. A stress-free style that shines.
A bridal shower featuring Asian cuisine wouldn’t be complete without chopsticks. Tuck wooden pairs into sleeves of patterned origami paper for a decorative display. A single origami square makes two sleeves: Cut sheet in half; fold the pieces in half lengthwise. Affix bottom and side with glue stick. Trim top with scallop-edge scissors.
Give petite flowers a larger presence by arranging them in the form of a heart. With this centerpiece there are enough blooms for every guest to take a cluster or two home. To ensure that the design stands out, use short, small vessels, such as eggcups. We combined a vibrant collection of ranunculuses with all-white details. Candles placed inside the heart will showcase the flowers into the evening.
Here is a unique take on the traditional cream puff that your guests’ will love!
SERVINGS: 36
TIME: Prep: 55 min. + chilling Bake: 35 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam, optional
Confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until smooth and shiny.
Cut a small hole in the corner of pastry bag or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; insert round pastry tip #7. Fill bag with batter. On a greased baking sheet, pipe 3 dozen 2-in.-long “S” shapes for the swan necks, making a small dollop at the end of each for the head. Bake at 400° for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For swan bodies, drop remaining batter by 36 level tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. With a small icing knife or spatula, shape batter into 2-in. x 1-1/2-in. teardrops. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Meanwhile, prepare pudding according to package directions for pie filling; chill.
Just before serving, cut off top third of swan bodies; set tops aside. Remove any soft dough inside. Spoon filling into bottoms of puffs. Top each with a small amount of jam if desired. Cut reserved tops in half lengthwise to form wings; set wings in filling. Place necks in filling. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; serve immediately. Yield: 3 dozen. Tip: Pudding makes these swans a last-minute dessert. If you want to refrigerate the cream puffs several hours before serving, consider filling with sweetened whipped cream instead.
Source
Pics courtesy of theknot.com and brides.com
