Selecting wedding favors can be frustrating. You want something that guests 
will remember and take home with them. Instead, many favors wind up being left behind on tables or thrown in the trash. It's almost like setting money on fire. So no more chocolate covered almonds in netting!!
While there are many ways to get creative with your favors based on your theme, this is a chance for you and your groom to not only give back, but to express to your guests a little of who you are. Many couples turn to charities to donate to. But, and I cannot stress this enough, you should always pick a charity that is near and dear to your hearts. Something that you've either worked with in the past, or have a connection to.
So, October couples, your wedding falls during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you know someone that has been touched by the disease, or this is a charity that speaks to you, why not give out ribbons as your favors and donate to the cause? But don't just leave it at that. While a wedding isn't the time to get on a soapbox, there are subtle ways to show that you care. For instance, besides putting a ribbon on the table, incorporate the ribbons into your centerpieces or your bouquets. Too much? What about putting a note in the program recognizing anyone you have loved and lost, or someone you know that has survived? It's not a charity event, it's a wedding, so don't go overboard.
If the bride is a teacher, what about a charity that is dedicated to helping less fortunate children? Love animals? Speak with your local shelters about favor ideas and what they could provide if you donated money to their cause. Love to hug those trees? Find a way to go green during your ceremony. The possibilities are endless!
The ideas of favors are frequently left to the end of the planning process, when really they need to be thought of a lot sooner. Many last minute details are left to the end, because they can't be taken care of until the end..i.e table settings, last minute play list adjustments, escort cards, etc. Favors are not in this category.
When deciding your theme, think about how you want to express yourself. Charities are a great way to show your friends and family what you care about. Find a creative way to do it, and who knows, you might just inspire others to give to the cause!
Some couples not only want their wedding to be different...but their honeymoons need to stand out as well. A typical island honeymoon not what you and your sweetie are after? A winter wonderland of skiing not in the cards? How about a trip to Africa?
This blog is inspired by the many couples I have been speaking with over the past two months that are going on safari for their honeymoons. They will be traveling to Africa to see some of the biggest and most beautiful animals in the world. The options are endless for the couple that wants to try something new.
I first heard about the African safari experience when my father sent me some pictures from his trip about a year ago. He was up close and personal with the lions and tigers and bears...ok, maybe not bears, but you get the picture. His description of how close he could get to the animals scared me, but I'm finding more and more couples longing for the same experience.
I came across a website: safari2africa.com (incidentally, that's where the above picture is from) and it's a great place to start for the couple that isn't sure what they would be in for on this adventure. This website is great because it offers so many different packages, and there's really something for everyone. Whether you want to get up close and personal, or have a laid back experience that's way better than a trip to the zoo, you should check this website out!
Now, just because you're on safari, doesn't mean you'll have to be in a tent sleeping under the stars. No sir! There are some beautiful accommodations in Africa from 5 star hotels sitting at the foot of a mountain, to luxury villas on the beach. I love this because it keeps the romance alive on an otherwise adventurous honeymoon. Many of the hotels offer spas and massages as well, to spend some peaceful, quiet time with your new partner in life.
So, if you're looking for a little adventure, take a look into an African Safari honeymoon. Who knows, it might be the right place for you both!
Everyday brides are looking for the newest and best thing to hit the wedding market. They want a way to make their wedding stand out from the rest. It's always been my opinion that if you take care of all of the details and make them special, the big picture will be amazing.
I was recently contacted by a company called "Wood Invitations" and they sent me a full demo packet of everything that they do. I am so amazed by what I saw, that I had to blog about it...and next month they will be my featured vendor on www.goldenweddingplanners.com
The invitation in this picture is just one of the many really cool things that they do. The invites are made of wood, and engraved with designs and whatever words you want. Even the envelopes are available in wood!
To tie everything together, they also offer save the dates, wedding favors, magnets, gift boxes and so much more! They have something to suit every style, and I think these are perfect especially for outdoor weddings. If you don't want the brown color of the wood, they offer multi-colored invites as well.
When you send an invite, it really is the first (second if you send a save the date) expression of your style and what your wedding has to offer. The invitation really should say something about the wedding that guests are going to attend. Once your have your gorgeous wooden invitation, why not bring it to the florist and see how it inspires them? Perhaps some branches for your centerpieces? Let the spirit and design of the invitations influence your entire day!
Why not take that extra step to really impress your guests and get them excited for your big day? Not to mention, it's a great way to start your wedding album!
I hope that the couples I'm working with now, and the ones I'll meet in the future will consider working with this incredible vendor. Please visit their website to see everything they have to offer and tell them Danielle from Golden Wedding Planners sent you!
http://www.woodinvitations.com/
Happy Planning!
Putting together your tables and seating assignments can be one of the toughest decisions you make while planning your wedding. Though you will have your entire engagement to decide where people are going to sit, you'll have to decide fairly early on if you are going to have a head table or a sweetheart table. Once you know this information, it will be easier for your venue to show how the other tables can be arranged, and many other ideas will start to come together.
But what if you can't decide between a head table and a sweetheart table? What if you want your bridal party around you, but the idea of sitting in a line is a little 80s to you? What if you want a head table, but you're getting some argument from your party who would rather sit with their spouses? Remember, at the end of the day, it is your day, but let's see what options you have!
First off, a head table can be beautiful. It's the centerpiece of the wedding reception where you get to showcase your dress, your new husband, your closest friends/family, and the fabulous dresses you picked out. Speeches are easy to give and since the head table is at the front of the room, everyone will be able to face the same direction to see. Many times the head table is elevated above the rest of the room, which will also give you a great view of everyone having the time of their lives at your wedding.
That said, if many of your attendants are married and with their significant others, you can consider having them also sit at the head table. But be careful because if you have a large wedding party, finding a table or tables to make that work can be tricky. It is true that no one spends a great deal of time at their table except to sit down for dinner, but keep in mind that your bridesmaids and groomsmen might want to spend that time with their spouses.
Just because you have a head table, doesn't mean everyone at one long table either. You can break it up into multiple tables, all still at the front of the room, facing the crowd. This is easily accomplished by placing 3-4 couples at each table, either bridesmaid with groomsmen, or attendant with their significant other. Make it fun and have each table showcase a different centerpiece! Have the tables stand out and use lighting under the tablecloths. This is your chance to showcase a very pretty picture, so get creative.
If you don't want to go the headtable route, the sweetheart table is a great idea too! Many couples prefer this so that they can spend some alone time with their new spouse. Of course, people will be visiting the table all night, so be prepared to be interrupted! With a headtable, you can utelize your bouquet as a centerpiece, as well as the bridesmaid's flowers. This is great because you both have your own flowers and the bouquets aren't just used for walking down the aisle and pictures afterwards.
Sweetheart tables also give you the option of seating your attendants with their guests. You also can have a sweetheart table, plus a table for your attendants.
The possibilities are endless and there is no right or wrong way! Always think about how you would envision the tables when you visit your venue. Try and visit your venue when they are setting up for a wedding with and without a head table.
Tell me what you think! What type of table will you be using for your wedding?
*image from tusconweddingsite.com*
