Weddings and Wedding Planning!
Planning the Perfect Wedding!
Recommended Resources:
The Perfect Wedding Reception: Stylish...
Planning a wedding can be exciting, hectic and frustrating all at the same
time. Somehow, after all of the hours of hard work, a spectacular wedding
emerges. Here are a few little touches to consider when planning your
wedding.
Ask the florist to place two loose roses in your bridal bouquet. During the
wedding ceremony, perhaps during a hymn or after the lighting of the
candles, remove the two roses. Together, as bride and groom, walk down to
both sets of parents. Greet the bride's parents first, and present the
mothers with the roses. Give each parent (father and mother alike) a small
hug and a quick word or two of love and thankfulness. ("Thank you for
everything, I love you" - "Thanks for being such wonderful parents" -
"Thanks for sharing your wonderful son with me") Return to the altar. If
there are more then two sets of parents ask the florist for more "loose"
roses in the bouquet and visit each set or individual. This entire process
should be executed quickly.
Often times a receiving line at a reception can be very long, and the
process can be tiring and tedious for the wedding party and guests alike.
One way to have a brief visit with each guest is to usher guests out, aisle
by aisle, as the new Mr. and Mrs.. After the big kiss and the recessional
walk down the aisle, let the main ushers return for key family members…Moms
and Dads and grandparents. Return down the aisle as husband and wife. Stand
at the first row and invite the guests to leave the church. As they get up
to leave, greet each guest and say a QUICK "thank you for coming – you look
great – See you at the reception – save a dance for me – " etc. The guests
can then proceed to the back of the church, where, if your parents wish,
they can also say hello and thank the guests for coming. The key here is to
keep the lines moving so no one is waiting too long. Guests are much more
comfortable sitting and waiting to be greeted with beautiful music playing
than they are standing in a long line!
Everyone always wonders who's who in the wedding party. Why not spell it out
in the program. There is usually plenty of room on the back or inside of the
program to give a brief bio of each individual in the wedding party. You
might list how you are related, how you met, how long you've been friends,
etc. It is also fun to add a small note to personalize each such as: Lynn
and I have been friends since we were 3. She taught me how to make perfect
mud pies and later double dated with me at the Senior Prom. She has been a
dear friend for as long as I can remember. Lynn currently lives in Chicago
and works for Quaker Oats. Remember, keep it clean and nice. What may seem
like a good joke when you are working on the drafts may not be appropriate
on your wedding day. Bear in mind that your grandmother will read this!
Another fun program addition is courtship highlights. List key locations,
players, and events that lead up to the wedding day. Perhaps the name of the
person who introduced you, the name of the first movie you went to, the
location where you first said "I Love You". The list does not require
explanation, as those close to you will know most of them and for others it
is fun to figure them out as you wait for the ceremony to start.
If you will be moving, why not list your new address on the back of the
program.
It can never hurt to thank your parents and friends in writing. For example:
A special thank you to our parents for supporting us through the years. For
being there through tears and laughter. You have made our lives special with
your love and understanding. As we begin as two, we pray to follow the
example of love and family commitment that you have presented to us. All our
love."
Bubbles are a fun addition to a wedding or reception. Have guests blow
bubbles as you leave the church or as you leave for your honeymoon.
Place a small basket of essentials at the church and at the reception for
the wedding party. Place it in the restrooms. Most attendants will not be
carrying a purse. Include in the basket items for makeup touchups, safety
pins, brush and a comb, breath mints, bobby pins, perfume, you name it. This
can save last minute panic!
Design a Wedding Recipe book. Pass it to friends/special guests and allow
them to add their special recipes for a happy marriage.
If any young children are to be included in the reception, make plans to
keep them occupied during the meal and special toasts. Prior to the wedding,
leave a coloring book and package of crayons at each child's place setting.
They will be excited…and quiet!
Scatter various herbs on the entry or dance floor so the air is filled with
a delicious fragrance. Try thyme, mint, lemon balm or ground eucalyptus.
Create an instant feeling of warmth and happiness.
Instead of using numbers for your tables, give them names. Use names of
romantic figures, such as "Cupid", "Casanova", "Romeo" and "Juliet" and
others. Or, choose names that are special to you – countries you have
visited, cities located in the country you will honeymoon, etc.
Entertain your guests with a special video or slide show of the happy couple
from childhood to current time.
Honor your parents by using the cake-topper from their wedding cake,
displaying photos from their wedding day and by playing their wedding song.
Another special touch would be to use two of our silk flowers in your
wedding colors and add them to your bouquet. Do not tie them into the
bouquet, but place them around the outside of the flowers so that you can
easily detach them. Tie a small note to each flower with a satin ribbon in
your wedding colors. During a special moment in the wedding ceremony, give
one flower to your mother, and one to your mother-in-law. Your note may want
to be a "Thank you for all your hard work" message, or "Thank you for
sharing your wonderful son with me" message, or just a simple "I love you".
This will be a nice keepsake for the two mothers.
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Six to Twelve Months Prior:
Select a wedding date and time with your bride-to-be
Select your attendants -- ask them to be part of your wedding celebration
Decide on an engagement ring for your bride -- if you haven't already
presented her with one
Begin compiling a guest list -- check with bride for estimated numbers
Begin your honeymoon plans -- either as a surprise for your bride or with
her
Discuss your housing situation with your future wife
Determine all financial arrangements and responsibilities
Four Months Prior:
Order wedding attire for your attendants -- be sure to get everyone's
correct size, shoe sizes too!
Shop for wedding bands
Complete guest list including names, titles and addresses
Make final honeymoon arrangements
Two Months Prior:
Select appropriate gifts for your wedding party
Finalize rehearsal dinner plans with your parents
One Month Prior:
Get your marriage license
Arrange your transportation for your wedding day
Pick up your rings and try them on for size
One Week Prior:
Get your haircut
Pack luggage for honeymoon
Pick up all necessary tickets for honeymoon
Try on all wedding day attire
Help fiancée with final details
Take your fiancee out for a quiet dinner, don't discuss wedding details.
Reminder her how much you love her.
Your Wedding Day:
Give the bride's ring to your best man
Remember to take your marriage license to the ceremony
Prepare the officiant's fee and give to best man
Don't skip any meals
Take your time and enjoy your day!
Help the bride select a wedding dress
Offer your assistance to the bride with all wedding details
Help the bride address the wedding invitations
Plan a bachelorette party
Throw a wedding shower/bridesmaids luncheon for the bride
Get a recipe from friends and family members and develop a "recipes from
those who love you" cookbook for the bride
Pay for your own wedding attire
Make sure all bridesmaids take care of their dress arrangements and fittings
Attend the rehearsal
Help the bride dress on her big day
Arrange the bride's train and veil before going up the aisle
Hold the groom's ring during the ceremony
Holds the bride's bouquet at the alter
Straighten the bride's train before the recessional
Sign the wedding certificate as a legal witness
Stand in the receiving line
Dance with the Best Man at the reception
Best Man's Responsibilities
Plan the Bachelor Party for the groom
Make sure that all groomsmen have their attire and are fitted properly
Attend the rehearsal
Make sure that the groom is at the ceremony on time
Hold the bride's ring during the ceremony
Deliver the officiant's fee
Sign the wedding certificate as a legal witness
Stand in the receiving line
Handle the limousine provider
Make the first toast at the reception
Dance with the Maid / Matron of Honor at the reception
Assist with the couple's "getaway" plans and arrange airport transportation
if needed
Return the groom's attire to the appropriate place after the reception
Arrange to (tastefully) decorate the getaway car
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It is never easy to decide what gifts to buy for your wedding party. These
are your dearest friends and they deserve the best. The following list is to
help generate ideas for gifts for those whose hard work, love and support
will make your wedding day special. You might find something perfect for
your wedding party, or perhaps a suggestion will trigger the perfect gift.
Whatever you choose, wrap the gifts in beautiful paper, tie them with
flowing gossamer streamers and attach a silk or real flower as a finishing
touch!
Announce It! Custom candy bar wrappers for all occasions. Adorable graphics with many sizes and prices to fit any budget.
Frames – imprinted or unimprinted. Take a photo of each member of the
wedding party with the bride or groom and forward it to them after the
wedding with a special note of thanks. A frame is an excellent gift as
everyone can always use one more.
Photo Albums – imprinted or unimprinted. These can be filled with pictures
of the wedding…sent after the fact, with a quick thank you note. They can
also be filled with pictures of great times from the history you have
shared. Stash a few pictures in each album of childhood years, class
pictures, prom photos…you name it. You might also add a note in the front of
the photo album stating again how much the friendship means to
you…yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Photo Boxes – imprinted or unimprinted. Fill the box with photo memories old
and new, as well as simple reminders of shared experiences.
Keytags - imprinted or unimprinted. A simple gift that everyone can use. The
key tags can be presented to wedding attendants at the rehearsal dinner.
They make terrific napkin holders!
Glassware - imprinted or unimprinted. Simple wineglasses are a nice gift
with or without an accompanying bottle of wine, wine decanter or wine
cooler. Along with the wineglass, extend an invitation to share a bottle of
wine after the honeymoon, and your attendants will know they won't be
forgotten just because you have chosen to marry!
Mugs - imprinted or unimprinted. Give one or a set of 4 or more. Have them
imprinted with the names of the entire wedding party, or with a simple
message of gratitude for the role they have played in your life.
Lamps – imprinted or unimprinted. A simple candle lamp can change an evening
meal into an event. The lamp, with candles included, can be used again and
again.
CD Holder - imprinted or unimprinted. Great for music or computer discs.
Etched Glass Keepsake Box – A wonderful spot to store jewelry, cuff links,
and change.
Money Clip – imprinted or unimprinted. A simple gift for the groom's party.
Candles - imprinted or unimprinted, with or without a scent. Candles have
become increasingly popular, and again, you can never have too many.
Jewelry – Simple pearl earrings, a heart shaped locket, a dainty bracelet…a
lovely gift to give to the bridal party so that all the attendants are
wearing matching jewelry during the ceremony. Jewelry is a wonderful
lifetime keepsake!
Books – A coffee table book that is hand selected for each member of the
wedding party is an excellent option.
Bowls – Another option is a decorative bowl. Select a style that fits the
taste of each individual.
Jewelry Holder – Alone or with a small pair of earrings, everyone can use a
case to carry their jewelry when they travel.
Wine Opener – Alone or with a nice bottle of wine in a decorative bag.
Embroidered Pillow, Hand Towel or Saying – If you have the time and talent,
a handcrafted gift is a wonderful way to show you care.
Holiday Treasure – If your wedding is close to a holiday such as Christmas
or Halloween, a decoration for the season is an excellent idea. Each year
when the holiday comes around and they pull out the decoration they will
think of the bride and groom on their anniversary.
A FEW ADDITIONAL IDEAS:
Engraved Pens
Vases
Leather Planners
Hat boxes
Sporting Event Tickets
Hard to get Tee-times on a great course
Certificates for Spa treatments
Restaurant gift certificates
Luggage / weekend bag
Leather toiletry kit
Swiss Army Knife
Gourmet foods basket
Theatre tickets
Wine holder and bottle of wine
Velvet pillows
Martini set
Wallet
Cufflinks for the men
Leather cellular phone holder
Palm Pilot holder
Cashmere blanket or scarf
Silk scarves for the women
Magazine subscriptions
Desk accessories
For themed weddings, the attendant's gifts can tie in with the theme.
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1. Why have themed weddings become so popular?
Themed weddings provide the bride and groom the opportunity to let their own
personality shine through. Couples are getting married at a later age and
have developed more of their own sense of style by the time they start
planning the biggest day of their lives. They are no longer completely tied
to the desires of the Mothers when planning a wedding. By selecting a theme
that both the bride and groom have an interest in, they are in essence,
providing friends and family a glimpse of their personality as a new couple.
In addition, having a themed wedding can be more fun and relaxing. Many
couples nowadays, see the traditional wedding as too rigid. As society
becomes more mobile and individuals travel across the country and globe,
their friendship ring extends beyond the usual city and state boundaries. If
friends are flying in for a wedding, many feel it should be more than your
typical everyday wedding. By creating an "Event" the wedding couple is
providing more of a reason for guests to attend.
Themed weddings can also be a way to save on the wedding costs. Bypassing a
number of traditional wedding elements like a sit-down dinner, band, large
cake, flowers, etc with themed elements, money can be saved.
Also, people increasingly want to make a statement, to be different and
create an event that no one will forget. Las Vegas at one time was all about
the small intimate wedding chapel. Now, the Bellagio or Venetian will create
lush, extravagant events to meet all needs. Creating one-of-a-kind wedding
celebrations is a goal of many young couples.
Themed "weddings" usually include a more traditional ceremony and a themed
reception. This provides the opportunity to please both sets of parents and
the bride and groom. The trend to these types of events in the last several
years has grown tremendously. From what we are seeing, by talking to
individuals across the country, is approximately 30 – 40% of weddings have
some type of non-traditional/themed twist.
2. What basics should brides and grooms keep in mind when considering a
themed wedding? Or rather, what criteria should they use to determine
whether or not a themed wedding is right for them?
When the bride and groom are considering a themed wedding, they should take
a close look at why they are looking at bucking tradition. Many couples
incorporate a themed element into their wedding festivities because they
have a true combined interest that defines them as a couple. Examples might
include, a love for traveling, involvement in country music, horses or the
great West, a chance meeting on the beach in Hawaii where they fell in love,
a love-at-first-site meeting at a Harley road rally, or something
meaningful. Perhaps, the couple is moving to an army base in the orient for
several years and wants to set the mood at the wedding. Whatever the reason
or theme, if both the bride and the groom are excited about the idea, why
not?!
However, if the reasons are to simply go against Mom and Dad to make a
"statement" perhaps it is not a good idea. After all, a wedding should be a
reflection of the bride and groom and the love they have for each other. It
is not a show, but rather a celebration.
The basics for planning a themed wedding are listed below:
Keep in mind the true reason for the celebration, a reflection of the bride
and groom and the love they have for each other. Do not lose the basic
meaning of the wedding in the theme.
Make sure that both the bride and the groom are equally excited about the
theme. If the groom loves Harley's and the bride goes along with the theme
but secretly looks forward to the day he will trade in that old bike for a
SUV, perhaps it isn't a good idea.
Even a themed event must have limits. Select a budget and stick to it. Even
if you are having a Western Theme and Garth Brooks is available for a huge
price, a DJ will work fine and within the budget.
Incorporate the theme into all elements of the event. Start with the
invitations, decorations, attire, favors, music, food, thank you notes et
al.
Select a location that works well with the theme. For a sports theme,
perhaps a local stadium, for a Parisian theme – an art museum, for a
Hawaiian theme – a Botanical Garden, or for a Halloween theme – an old house
that has been turned into a restaurant. Be creative, look for unique
locations.
Incorporate the guests and the wedding party. Carry through the theme as
much as possible, even at the rehearsal dinner.
Work to incorporate the Parents into the themed event. It may not be their
first choice, but through patience and combined effort, get them to buy into
the idea. It is not worth it to get the marriage off on the wrong foot when
dealing with parents and in-laws.
3. What are some of the ways that couples have brought their theme to life?
Halloween Themed Wedding – Halloween Weddings are popular during the latter part of
October. Couples who find themselves selecting a late October date are torn
with the timing of Halloween. Many decide to stick with the date and
incorporate elements of a Halloween celebration.
Invitations – The invitations can be used to set the theme by inviting
guests to attend a spooktacular event, the union of Beth and Tom. Print the
invitations in black or orange and include a variety of words that play on
the theme. Haunting union, don't be invisible, no tricks all treats, the
bride will be bootiful etc. The invites can also include confetti or
cobwebs. Small amounts of cobwebs can be used to indicate the length of the
union to come.
Church Decorations – Leading up to the church small pumpkins with heart
carvings can be used like luminarias. Each can contain a small candle to
light the way. For more playful pumpkins, carve pumpkins that resemble the
wedding party and perhaps the parents of the bride and groom. Inside the
church, the decorations can be more traditional. If the wedding colors are
black and orange, decorate with gossamer to create flowing bows and drapes.
The bride and her party can carry orange flowers, or a fall arrangement
bouquet. Add small ghosts, spiders or cobwebs into the arrangements. Some
Halloween themed weddings go to the extent of having the wedding party dress
in costumes.
Reception Decorations – Again, depending on how formal the event is, we
recommend using pumpkins on the tables. They can rest on a mirror with
lights around with festive bows tied to the stem, or carved out to be used
as a taper holder, or carved like a jack-o-lantern with small votive candles
inside. Keep in mind, carved pumpkins will smell after several days and
should be cut the day before the event. Fall leaves of silk, or tissue can
be used to accent the pumpkin centerpieces along with fall floral
arrangements. Add black gemstones too. Use simple masks with names written
with a material pen as placecards and favors. Tie the carving knife with an
orange bow and sprinkle orange and black confetti on the tables in either
star or Halloween shapes like pumpkins, bats and ghosts.
Use imprinted napkins in orange and black with the theme, date and
couples names. Also, personalized glassware candles with black and orange
wax add a nice festive touch. Black, orange and white balloons, gossamer and
twinkle lights are other products to use on tables, columns and entrances.
Balloon arches and columns topped with ghosts and pumpkins can affordably
transform any room. For a fun finish, use glow necklaces in the
centerpieces.
Favors - Use an imprinted frame with a Halloween imprint and the couple's
name and date as a placecard/take home favor. Or imprinted bubbles with the
same spooktacular theme and leave them at each place setting for a fun
decoration and take home favor. Include in the wedding program an outline of
the wedding party and their background as well as a list of "couple"
moments. "Couple" moments are a list of events, locations, individuals and
things that help to divine the bride and grooms courtship. Let the guests
enjoy learning more about the bridal party.
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Masquerade Theme Wedding -- Another twist on a Halloween themed wedding is to have a
Costume party. A more formal twist to the typical pumpkins. This will allow
the guests to take part in the theme and still dress for the occasion. We
recommend a Masquerade themed event.
Invitations – Set the theme early by sending out invitations in the shape of
a mask with a soft feather accent. Incorporate the colors of the wedding
into the invitations. If the colors will be traditional Mardi Gras colors
(purple, green and gold) use these colors in the invitation. If you have
selected alternative colors, send out the invitations to match. Mask
confetti can easily be added to the invitation. Or select our Starry Night
Confetti invitation that includes a cover filled with mask confetti.
Church Decorations – Create braids of
gossamer using purple, green and gold gossamer to mark off different
sections of the church. Add filmy gossamer bows. Leave in the pews with the
program or in the program an explanation of the night to follow so everyone
can feel like they are a part of the event as it unfolds. Create a giant
balloon arch and state your vows under the arch.
Reception Decorations – Using the purple,
green and gold color theme, use costume accessories for decorations. This
will allow the guests to get into the spirit of the event even if they
didn't come prepared. Place hats, beads, leis, and masks on the table in an
arrangement that will act as a centerpiece. Have helium balloons rise out of
an upside-down hat. Create other centerpieces with masks attached to sticks
at different heights, incorporate candles for a more elegant effect.
Decorate the room with balloon arches and giant masks.
Favors – offer garters for favors so everyone can have a simple memento of
the big event. These can be placed in the centerpiece, used as napkin rings,
or they can act as placecards by writing a name on each "paper disk"
attached to the garter. Offer imprinted toasting glasses at each place
setting with toss beads hanging out of the top. This will add color and
provide a personalized favor. Imprint bubbles with a Masquerade theme and
place them at each place setting.
A Harley Davidson themed wedding is not as uncommon as one might believe.
Harley's are becoming more and more mainstream in a sense, and many couples
enjoy the social interaction and events associated with individuals who own
a Harley.
Invitations – For a Harley themed wedding, we recommend stating the theme
right up front. Sending out invitations with a motorcycle on the front or
reference in the copy is important. Going Hog wild and getting married, Two
Hogs will become one, Ride like the wind etc.
Church Decorations – A guest registry is available with the Harley theme. It
is available at specialty stores, ask your local Harley dealer for a
location near you. The ensemble also includes a cake topper with a
motorcycle, as well as other basic accessories. If you can not find these,
go to a toy store and purchase Harley toy motorcycles. Songs such as "Born
to Be Wild" can be used as a processional song or used elsewhere in the
ceremony.
Reception Decorations – Ask all your friends who own Harley's to ride them
to the wedding and reception. This will provide a bit of outside decorating
to set the mood. Place one nice Harley inside the reception area to carry
out the theme. Incorporate toy Harley's into the centerpieces. Use Harley
bandannas as napkins at each place setting. Tie black, orange and white
gossamer on the back of each chair to create bows in Harley colors. Float
black, orange and white balloons on each table, secure to the table by tying
to a large model motorcycle.
Favors – Provide personalized favors to use as decorations and take home
mementos. Imprinted keytags or keytags with chains, frames, photo albums or
sunglasses with the theme imprinted would work well with the Harley theme.
Mugs would also make an excellent imprinted favor. For an additional theme
related favor, place temporary tattoos on each table for guests to adhere.
Other Ideas – Be sure to take several wedding photos on the bikes. Some as a
couple and a few with the entire wedding party. Even get Grams and Gramps
into the action in a few photos.
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Hawaiian/Nautical Themed Wedding–
Invitations – Start your Hawaiian theme off with invitations that illustrate
the theme. Using flowers on the invitations, shells, a beach setting, or
palm trees. Simple confetti can also be added to the invitations to set the
theme.
Church Decorations – If your budget allows, I would recommend tropical
flowers throughout the church. These flowers can also be incorporated into
the bride's bouquet, the bridesmaid bouquets and flowers for the groomsmen.
Placing decorative palm trees with felt leaves at the entrance (available in
our All Occasion Store) provides an elegant flair. If the wedding is at
night, decorate with lighted palm trees. Tie bows on the pews using Hawaiian
gossamer. Outside the church, line the walk with luminaria filled with sand
and glowing candles.
Reception Decorations – Extend the Church decorations to the reception area.
Decorate with palm trees and grass matting. Add a giant Aloha banner over
the door that you will enter and exit. Decorate walls and tables with grass
skirting or tapa corrugated paper. Drape fishnet across doorway corners.
Decorate the tables with tropical flowers, candles, leis and shells. Use
shells as candleholders. Sprinkle confetti on the tables to match your theme
using palm trees, fish or perhaps flamingos.
Parisian Themed Wedding
Invitations – Even if you don't speak French add a touch of French to your
invitations. Mon amour, Mon cher, Bon apetite to name a few. Look up your
old high school French teacher for ideas. You might add some silk rose
petals in the invitations as well.
Church Decorations – Decorate using fresh red roses, red silk roses or red
cracked ice roses. A nice color theme is red and black. Twinkle lights add a
romantic touch. Add cracked ice roses to the end of each pew. Instead of
elaborate bouquets, have the bride's maids carry a single long stem red rose
tied with a black satin ribbon.
Reception Decorations – Behind the band or DJ place a giant 3-D Eiffel Tower
outlined in twinkle lights. Place topiary trees around the room, real or
created with tissue squares. Rent "carts" and fill them with flowers or
place them around the room and use them as serving stations for food or
place favors in them for guests. Place mini Eiffel towers on each table and
add votive candles, gemstones, and confetti. Imprint napkins with a Parisian
theme or with French words along with the couple's name and the date.
Favors– Provide personalized favors to use as decorations and take home
mementos. Imprinted glitter or gel candles can be used to create
centerpieces and then provided as a take home favor. Use personalized snowdomes or frames with French photos or phrases as placecards and then
invite guests to take them home. The French love their wine; custom
imprinted wineglasses are a useful and personal gift for wedding guests.
Elegant imprinted lamps (with candles that glow inside) will create a
romantic mood for a more formal setting.
4. What can couples do to avoid going over the top with their theme -- or is
they're never such a thing as over-the-top with themes?
The bride and groom must decide for themselves how to define over-the-top.
For some couples, you are correct; there is no such thing as too much. For
others, they only want a small hint of a theme to define who they are as a
couple. Again, the key is deciding the boundaries upfront and sticking to
them. It is important, not to alienate the parents of the bride or groom
before the wedding. If a couple is getting a lot of backlash over their
theme choices from the family, I recommend they talk as a couple and
determine how important all the elements are to each of them. Deciding what
is a must have Vs a nice to have Vs not important, should be done along the
way to create stress free (or as stress free as possible) wedding planning.
5. What are the pros and cons of getting the guests involved? Should you
require them to wear costumes, buy certain gifts, participate in certain
activities, etc.? If so, what is the best way to communicate this desire?
Most wedding guest's list includes a diverse group of individuals. Diverse
in age, background, and attitude. I always recommend that no guest be forced
into doing something they are uncomfortable with at a wedding. With that
said, any event is more fun if everyone participates. Allowing various
levels of participation is critical. If you are having a Western themed
event, guests can come in full western attire, dance the two step all night,
call a square dance or two, eat all the BBQ they can hold, buy the bride and
groom matching cowboy boots and lasso the mother-of-the-bride. Or, for the
rest of us, we can simply wear the hat provided for a portion of the event,
tie the bandanna/napkin around our necks and do the Electric Slide – once.
Providing a wide range of involvement will allow everyone to select what he
or she is most comfortable with for the event. However, it is important to
let guests know what to expect ahead of time so they won't be surprised.
One suggestion for many couples is to set up a website explaining/outlining the
wedding weekend events. The site can also include photos; gift registry
links and other important information like hotel reservations and
directions. The site can also help to track RSVP information. For many, I
recommend setting up a virtual wedding so guests who can not make the trip
can watch the event on-line.
6. What resources would you suggest brides and grooms use to help them plan
their themed wedding?
An excellent resource is ReasonToParty! We offer free party planning for any
event. Working with one of our party planners, your themed wedding can be
easily personalized to match the interests of the bride and groom. In
addition, if the bride and groom are in a different location than the family
(mother-of-the-bride) they can all see the same items without leaving their
home. For specific themes, I also recommend visiting a related store for
inspiration. For a Harley-Davidson theme, stop by a Harley store. They sell
a variety of times other than motorcycles. For a Western Themed wedding,
visit a local Western Store for accessories.
7. Let's talk dollars and cents. Where do themed weddings fit in the range
of the cost of weddings and are they ever money savers? If not, what can you
do to trim costs?
Like any wedding, the budget range is up to the bride and the groom.
Planning a themed wedding is not more expensive than a traditional wedding.
Depending on the elements included the themed wedding it can be done on a
budget or can be an extravagant event. Trading out a floral centerpiece for
$100 each for a cowboy hat, mini straw bales and balloons centerpiece for
$10 each is a big savings. However, if you add a cowboy hat to the floral
arrangement each centerpiece would still be over $100. Custom imprinted
products such as napkins and candles can be purchased at for less than the
more traditional linens and rental glassware. Often times themed weddings
are located at a unique location such as an old barn which can reduce the
cost of an event. Themed weddings at various venues are also growing more
popular. Restaurants such as those with a medieval theme cater to wedding
parties during the afternoon. The setting, food, decorations etc all tie to
the selected theme.
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8. Is there anything else you can tell me about the secrets to throwing a
fabulous themed wedding?
Keep in mind that no idea is too outlandish if it is comfortable to the
bride and groom. After all, this is their day to celebrate.
Just like with a more traditional wedding, preplanning and attention to
detail is critical. Determining what you want and which elements are most
important at the start will help you make decisions in the long run.
Don't forget to have plenty of cameras around. If you are planning the
wedding event to be remembered, you'll definitely want to capture it on
film. After all, your children will be looking at your event in years to
come.
Western
1950's
Retro
Medieval
Victorian
Cinderella
Disney®
Star Wars®
Christmas
Civil War
Roses
1940's
Mickey Mouse®
Titanic
Angels
Teddy Bears
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Personalized Bubbles
Personalized Votive holders with candles
Personalized Glassware – wine glasses, champagne flutes, brandy snifters
Small gift boxes filled with candy, mints, nuts, "secret family recipe"
cookies, poems or sayings
A single bud vase, filled with one fresh stem, or a silk flower
Small imprinted frames that can be used as placecards at the reception, then
filled later with a fond memory
Personalized Snowdome frames
Personalized favor bags
Personalized gourmet chocolates
Personalized Candy Jars
Keytags (they also make terrific napkin holders for the reception)
Potpourri wrapped in tulle, tied with ribbon imprinted with names of the
bride and groom
Scrolls with thank you message
Disposable cameras
Personalized photo albums
Napkin rings
Tree seedling to plant in honor of the bride and groom
Small potted plants or herbs
Cookies/special "family" treat with attached recipe
Charm
Bags of birdseed
Personalized CD with the couple's favorite songs and wedding music
Decorative fans
Wedding bells
Miniature Flower Pots – filled with bulbs for spring or fall planting
Glass slippers (perfect for Cinderella theme weddings)
Stationery tied with tulle and ribbons
Potted orchids
Wooden boxes filled with different flavors of tea
China tea cup
Personalized pens
Fancy beverage stir sticks
Mini bottles of champagne
Mini bottle of wine
Beer Bottles with a photo of the bride and groom
Corkscrew
Bookmark with information about the day, date, time names and special wish
to friends and family
Personalized shot glasses
Personalized candles
Themed favors – leis, cowboy hats, clapboard frames, sea shells, Mardi Gras
masks, Christmas ornaments, etc.
Personalized plastic ware
Fortune cookies filled with personalized messages presented in a mini
"takeout" container
A simple but fun item that honors the bride and groom's heritage, hobbies or
shared Alma Mater
Personalized lotions/bath supplies
Spa Certificates
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