Thanks to all of you that came out and joined us at the bridal show this weekend! Hope you all had a great time and got lots of great ideas. Don’t forget to get your free tee shirt, your coupon code is on the flyer you received from the show. For those of you who could not make it this weekend, we have posted some pictures so you could share the fun!
A huge trend in weddings is offering a donation to a charity instead of wedding favors. I love this trend and think it is a great alternative to all the favors you spend so much time on and half the people leave on the table! They end up going to waste and while they are pretty, your guests don’t need them. At least this way you are spending your money on something someone needs. I have found that many wedding guests really enjoy and appreciate this new trend. So how do you let them know you are giving a donation instead in lieu of favors? One option is to leave a note at each place setting. Another is to frame a note at each table. If you contact the charity you are donating to you will be surprised at how accommodating some will be. They may provide you with a certificate, cards for each guest, or even pictures or other materials. Also wording the cards can be a bit difficult so I have added a few examples.
“Thank you for sharing this day with us. In recognition of your love and support, we have made a donation in your honor to ________________. We appreciate you being apart of our special day.”
“A donation has been made to the _______________ in loving memory of ____________. Though we can not see you we know you are there. Though we can not touch you we feel the warmth of your smile. As we begin this new chapter in our live (your names).”
“With much thought and consideration, we have chosen a special way to say thank you for sharing our wedding day. In lieu of traditional favors we have made a donation in your honor to the ______________. We feel that the finest gift is one that helps others live longer healthier lives.”
“In lieu of wedding favors (your names or we) have decided to make a charitable donation in your honor to the _____________. So others may feel the gift of love present this day.”
Remember these are just ideas. You may take these or reword them however you feel. When you are making a donation in the honor of someone it is up to you if you would like to announce that to your guests. The most important thing is that your are comfortable with the wording.
I was browsing through The Knot website and I ran across an article that I wanted to share with you. These are twelve things that need to be in your contract with your florist. The Knot urges to not to sign anything unless these items are covered.
[] Name and contact information for you and the vendor:
[] Date, times, and locations of your ceremony and reception:
[] An itemized list of all the flower arrangements you’re buying — from bouquets to centerpieces — with exact names, amounts, and colors:
[] Flower alternatives (in your price range) should a specific bloom be unavailable on your wedding day; also include unacceptable substitutions, if any:
[] A list of items the florist will supply — centerpiece vases, trellises, other accessories:
[] Arrival times for setup at the ceremony and reception sites:
[] Where and when bouquets and boutonnieres should be delivered, if not to the ceremony site (to your home, for example):
[] Name of the florist who will be on hand during the wedding:
[] Total cost and payment schedule:
[] Sales tax, overtime charges, delivery fees, and setup fees:
[] Deposit amount and due date:
[] Balance amount and due date:
[] Cancellation/refund policy:
[] Florist’s signature:
[] Your signature:
Black and white weddings were big last year, but this year they are going to be all the rage. This timeless look simply screams elegance. There are also a lot of ways to spice up a black and white wedding, like adding a black sash to your wedding dress or even getting a dress with a bit of black in it. There are also many options for flowers. Roses are a timeless and beautiful option. Bouquets of mini white calla lilies are gorgeous, so is carrying one single calla lily. However, if drama is the name of your game then you have to go with the black calla lily. While they are not truly black, they appear black before they turn purple. So you and your florist will have to plan together to make sure the lilies look black. But this is a very bold and elegant look that is sure to be remembered. You may also think of having an all white candy bar. The all white candy bars are by far the prettiest I have seen. One thing is for sure the options are wide open for a black and white wedding. Whether you have something whimsy or traditional, it is sure to look extremely elegant.
Here is a cute favor idea that your guests are sure to love! Instead of a traditional place card setting use these mini photo albums. These photo albums can be placed standing or lying on the table. You could also place your engagement picture in the front of the album instead of a place card setting. Either way these elegant albums are sure to be a big hit! They are available in your choice of black or red.Check it out!
I love this bouquet because it is not your traditional style. However, the lack of traditional does not take away from its beauty but actually adds to it. I love the intricate detail of the greenery. Also I love the flower choose. Lilly’s has always been one of my favorites—so I may be a little biased. My favorite part is how the stems are allowed to show through the bottom. This has become a huge trend in bouquets and truly captures the full beauty of the flowers.Source
Want to add some definite bling to your wedding? Then check out Bouquet Jewelry. Bouquet Jewelry are simply sticks with crystals attached to the top. They come in sets of six and can be added to the bridal bouquet or even to centerpieces to add a little sparkle. So if you are one that loves bling then you can’t pass these up!Check it out!
What winter bride would not like to look like a snow queen? How do you achieve this look? Well, one way is to wear a flux fur cape and even a flux fur muff. It is a look that is timeless and glamorous. Plus it added to the cozy feel of a winter wedding. Besides you if you have to switch venues for the reception. It will be really cold and you don’t want tons of pictures of you leaving the ceremony in your old beat up winter coat. The capes can also be rented at some places if purchasing one is not in your budget. Also check out ebay. I see them on there from time to time as well. See the Cape Pictured!
Winter weddings are simply gorgeous and every element just added to their splendor. As a special added touch serve your guests a signature drink of spiked hot chocolate. This is a great way to warm the moods of your guests. You may also serve an alcohol free version for the kiddies. When topped with loads of whip cream and a cinnamon stick, this comforting drink turns into sheer elegance. To make this lovely concoction mix 1 cup hot chocolate with ¾ oz. Kahlua and ¾ oz. Triple Sec. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick.Source
The hairstyle above is an example of the simple elegance look. The hair is loosely swept back into a cascade of piled curls. The look is simply gorgeous. I also love how they included both the veil and the tiara but did not take away from the bride. The brides face is still the focal point in this wedding style and I absolutely love it!Source