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flower girl and ring bearer gift ideas

 

The youngest members of your bridal party are often family members or children of friends that hold a very special place in your heart.  They are adorable when dressed up in their finest, and sometimes they will provide some unexpected surprises on your wedding day!  No matter what happens, you will want to find a special way to thank them for participating in your ceremony.  A thoughtful gift is a great way to help them remember their part in your wedding.

One of the best thank you gifts for your flower girl or ring bearer is a personalized frame so they can display a photo of the entire wedding party.  They will be able to show off the picture to their friends and it will help them remember the fun they had getting to play “dress up”.

If your ring bearer is a sports fan, then a personalized baseball with display case may be just the thing he’ll love to show all his friends!  You can also give him tickets to a sporting event or new gear for his favorite sport.

Another great gift idea is a personalized jewelry/keepsake box for your flower girl.  You can choose a design that fits your flower girl’s personality and even include her wedding day jewelry inside.  The box will become a permanent fixture on her dresser, and she will have a great story to tell her friends when she shows of her new prized possession!

Make your flower girl and ring bearer feel like part of the group by getting your entire bridal party matching  apparel to wear during decorating or at the rehearsal.

From ceramic piggy banks to personalized duffle bags, the choices for flower girl and ring bearer gifts are endless.  If you need help with gift ideas, ask the parents of the young attendants what special interests their children have.  Take a few moments to remember what you enjoyed at that age and create a gift box that combines some of your childhood favorites with some of theirs.  The result will be a unique gift that your flower girl or ring bearer will love!

Retrieved from:

http://www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com/bridal_blog/2009/09/16/flower-girl-and-ring-bearer-gift-ideas/

Edible Bridal Party Gifts You May Have Overlooked

 

Edible Bridal Party Gifts You May Have Overlooked

When you plan your wedding you also start to learn about all the little details that go into making the day extra special and absolutely perfect.  Consider the wedding venue, the reception details, wedding favors, the gown, bridesmaid dresses, invitations; the list goes on and on.  Depending on how “perfect” you want the wedding to be there may be some minute details that you want a certain way.  One of the more important details not to forget is the gifts for the bridal party.

Bridal party gifts show the gratitude you have for your bridal party and the role they play in your wedding. The bridal party consists of the bridesmaids, maid (or matron) of honor, the best man, the groomsmen, ushers, flower girl, and ring bearer.  Some brides and grooms also include their parents, officiant, and anyone else who donated their time to the big day.  So, how do you choose an appropriate bridal party gift?  Sure, there are always the classics – lotions, jewelry, watches, and other trinkets of thanks, but there are also edible bridal party gifts you may have overlooked.

Choosing bridal party gifts can be one of the biggest challenges that brides and grooms face during the planning process.  While you want to get your nearest and dearest friends and family members a token of thanks for participating in the nuptials, you do not want to overspend your budget or show favoritism to any one person.  Selecting a gift that everyone will love is part of the challenge.  Not everyone has the same style or tastes when it comes to entertainment, fashion, jewelry, or anything else for that matter.  However, edible bridal party gifts are usually a great way to go as they are popular with almost any recipient!

Edible bridal party gifts can be the ultimate crowd pleasers – and they may even work for your wedding reception favors as well.  Many brides and grooms are living life on a budget during the year that they plan the wedding, so they want to be able to give a gift that conveys their feelings of thanks but without breaking the bank.  Edible bridal party gifts do just that – and they won’t be returned or re-gifted!  Who doesn’t like a tasty treat?

When it comes to edible bridal party gifts you can get as creative or stay as traditional as you like.  All you really need to know is that the gift will be appreciated and adored!  There is so much to choose from ranging from custom chocolates to fortune cookies to assorted teas and coffees.  And remember, you can even make personalized gift baskets filled with each person’s favorite goodies.

Speaking of that idea, one of the best ways to make edible bridal party gifts truly unique is to put together a small personalized gift basket for each member of your wedding party.  Think about what each of them loves to snack on and put it in a decorative yet simple arrangement.  For example, if one of your friends is a wine and cheese lover you might consider putting a few different cheeses in with a bottle of nice wine.  If another is into olive oils and breads, you might want to give a variety of oils, vinegars, and loaves of bread.  The possibilities are endless.

However, if you are having trouble figuring out what to include or just don’t have the time to personalize each edible bridal party gift, here are a few more suggestions of what you might give:

    * A variety of candies, mints, and lollipops
    * Fancy chocolate truffles
    * Two-tier mini cakes resembling your wedding cake
    * Whole leaf tea selection
    * Imported and rare coffees
    * Variety of interesting beers
    * Salts and spices
    * Cookies

Remember, no one ever said that the bridal party gifts had to be something everyone else does!  As you plan your wedding and consider the bridal party gifts, think about all the possibilities there are with edible bridal party gifts.  Those that are nearest and dearest to your heart will smile knowing that you thought of them and will be happy to share the contents of their gifts with their loved ones, which means it becomes a gift that just keeps on giving.
So, why settle for the usual bridal party gifts that everyone already expects?  If you want to give truly unique and memorable wedding party gifts to show your appreciation consider edible gifts!  There are so many choices out there that you can’t go wrong.  By doing a simple search online you should be able to get a lot more ideas and twists on the traditional bridal party gift to set yours apart!

Retrieved from:

http://www.farticle.net/24799/edible-bridal-party-gifts-you-may-have-overlooked/

Ideas for Coordinating Dyeable Shoes

 

Ideas for coordinating Dyeable Shoes

In years past, dyeable shoes meant one thing – standard white satin shoes that were dyed to match the bridesmaid’s dresses. In many cases bridesmaid were happy with their shoes but most likely threw them away the second the wedding they attended was over. Fortunately this is no longer the case and dyeable shoes have become fashionable and gorgeous footwear that any bride or bridesmaid would love to wear.

Dyeable shoes are typically dyed to match a color of a dress, usually the bridesmaid’s dresses. However there are some other options for coordinating dyeable shoes to the wedding party’s outfits.
Traditional weddings tend to have a bride in a white dress, bridesmaids in colored dresses with matching dyed satin pumps, groom and groomsmen in tuxes with ties or bowties and cummerbunds in the same color as the bridesmaid’s dresses. While this is still quite common, there are some other modern options available to today’s brides.

Other styles of wedding dresses have a colored sash that coordinates with the wedding party colors. This is one option to coordinating dyeable shoes with the wedding party – even the bride can wear dyed shoes to match her sash if she chooses.

Some modern wedding dresses are also not white – many brides are choosing different colors for their wedding gowns and wedding party that are far from the typical “white and black” or “white and teal/purple/blue”. For brides who are having a more modern wedding with a colored wedding dress and contrasting wedding party colors, dyeable shoes can be dyed to match both of the colors or one of the colors for added fashion and coordination with the overall color theme of the wedding.

For example, if the wedding colors are deep crimson red and gold, dyeable shoes could be dyed to match in gold and red, perhaps different for both the bride and bridesmaids. If the bride’s wedding gown is gold, she could wear crimson red shoes while the bridesmaids in crimson dresses could wear coordinated gold dyed shoes.

For the wedding party, shoes are sometimes overlooked. Imagine that you are getting ready for your big day and as you go through the list of things that are done or need to be done, you feel as if there’s something important you’re missing. However, you just can’t quite put your finger on what exactly is missing. Then, you suddenly realize that you do not have shoes for yourself or the bridal party. Dyeable wedding shoes are a good way to overcome this small obstacle. In all the hustle and bustle of getting everything planned and ready, shoes may be the one small detail you overlook.

There are many styles of dyeable wedding shoes to choose from – not just the standard pump anymore. Today, you can find a variety of heels including sandals, slingbacks, pumps, open toed, stilettos and more. Dyeable shoes can also be ready in a short period of time and still look great – no more unevenly dyed plain satin pumps that you had to order weeks in advance. On the Internet, you can find a variety of dyeable shoes that can be shipped to you within a week’s time in many styles and shades.

Coordinating dyeable shoes goes beyond just color – you also have many different styles to choose from as well. Choosing the right style to go with your wedding style and dresses is also a detail you should take care of. Having the right shoes can really make a wedding all the more special. You should be bursting with confidence knowing that you you’ll be wearing beautiful, comfortable, coordinated dyeable shoes, and that you have all of the finer details ironed out.

Dyeable shoes are also available for the groom and groomsmen, although they are not as commonly found. However, you can search the internet and find dyeable men’s footwear as well so that the men in your wedding party can also be coordinated.

Even flower girls and ring bearers can have dyeable shoes to match their flower girl dresses and ring bearer suits or dresses as well as the rest of the wedding party. Everyone in the wedding party, from the ring bearer and flower girl, to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride and groom and even the mother of the bride can all be wearing coordinating dyeable shoes at the wedding ceremony.

Retrieved from:

http://www.farticle.net/27621/ideas-for-coordinating-dyeable-shoes/

Wedding Activities for Children

Weddings are full of flowers, music, and romance. Weddings are a time to remember, and to experience everlasting love. And of course, a special day for that loving couple ready to embark on a whole new journey together. But for children—weddings can often be…well..a bit on the boring side. So how do you keep them busy?
One idea is to put together special gift bags for the children who are guests at the wedding or a part of the wedding party. Create little activity bags for the pretty little flower girls, the cute little ring bearer, and the small guests. Include some coloring books, crayons, and even their own wedding favors. The wedding favors can include mini games that have minimal noise, mini puzzles, and some stuffed animals for company. Also don’t forget stickers and some paper or background in which they can be stuck to too.

For young children who are guests at the wedding, have a separate room with plenty of activities or a movie for them to watch. Find or hire someone who can provide daycare until the wedding festivities are over with. Be sure to include plenty of board games, paper, crayons, and toys. If the weather is nice outside, take the children outdoors for games of “Simon Says,” “Red Rover, Red Rover, “ or even some kickball and jump rope. Be sure that noise level is at a minimum (if possible), or have them somewhere where it isn’t too close that the noise will interrupt the wedding ceremony.

If you are going to have children in a separate room, paid entertainment can always be hired too. Ideas for these can be magic shows, puppet shows, or even clowns to make the kids laugh during what they think may be a boring time. Also, for little girls, there can be workshops like “beauty makeovers” that can include fixing their hair, or for the boys, fixing on temporary tattoos for fun.

During the reception, let children become a part of the festivities and the memories. Have a separate table that has disposable cameras that they can use to take their own photo memories. Some pictures of course may come out that will be hard to decipher, while others can bring some hilarious results. Assign any adults with children who might need a hand at taking the pictures as well.

At dance time, include special dances just for the children. Let children have a chance to dance with the wedding party and showcase their moves too. Have a musical “Simon Says” game, or teach them the “chicken dance.” Many children love to be the center of attention, and if they can get a chance to bust some moves, it can be enough to satisfy them-as well as tire them out too. Play some music adults can dance to, then let them take a break, with a few added kid songs in which kids can control the dance floor.

So, if a couple may seem a bit iffy at first at including children on their guest list, there are ways to keep them busy. Weddings are always a great way for family to come together, and some may not get to see children as often a they would like. Children are fun to include as part of the wedding party, and can also still have fun at a celebration that is geared more towards adults. The idea is to keep everybody busy, laughing, smiling, and having a great memorable time.

Retrieved from
http://www.edubook.com/wedding-activities-for-children/14410/

Children at a Wedding: How to Decide what to do About Children and the Wedding Day

Weddings are by their nature an adult focused event. The celebration focuses attention on the bridal couple and celebrating their very special date. When adults consider inviting and involving children, one should consider the issue from a child’s perspective. What activities and events will be at a wedding to engage and entertain children? Is it realistic to expect an adult event to keep children from becoming bored and acting out?

Purpose for Inviting Children to a Wedding
Children are often part of the wedding party. They do provide some memorable moments and photographs. Couples sometimes have a strong desire to include children of relatives and friends in their wedding ceremony. Others feel pressured to include children in the wedding ceremony whether it is their personal desire or not. This is when couples need to define why they wish to have children in the wedding. Clear roles need to be established for the children during the wedding ceremony and reception.

Traditional roles for children do exist in wedding parties. If not old enough to serve as bridesmaids, girls are generally flower girls or junior bridesmaids. Boys generally take on the role of ring bearer and occasionally are invited to be a groomsman, or usher if a younger bridesmaid has been invited to participate. These roles are defined during the wedding planning.

The bridal couple will usually want the younger members to stay long enough to participate in wedding photographs. However, after the ceremonially positions are done, couples and parents need to consider the issue of how to keep children entertained in what is an adult focused event. Children who are not entertained can become challenging guests.

Deciding on Having Children Present
Couples have a right to plan their dream wedding that focuses on spending the day with adult family and friends. This concept is not always popular with parents who wish to bring their children to every event. However, couples should consider the style of wedding and reception they plan to have when making the decision about having children at a wedding.

Retrieved from
http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/children_at_a_wedding

Your Wedding Reception: Steps to Make it Great

One of the most important and cherished events of your life is going to be your wedding, so it’s safe to assume the event will be quite special and extravagant.  This includes everything, right down to the arrangements for the wedding reception.

If you want to host a reception, take a look at how they generally work.

Wedding receptions generally get underway less than a quarter of an hour after the ceremony, provided that the hall is onsite.  After the arrival of guests, they are received and asked to sit.In the event that there is a set seating arrangement, this should be followed. If the reception seating is not assigned, then guests are welcome to find their own places and sit by whomever they would like.

Following this, ensure that the parents and other significant guests are seated at the head table.

The entourage members excluding the primary sponsors and parents, once seated should assemble around the receiving area.  They all must get together at once.The order in which they are called is:  flower girls, ring bearers, secondary sponsors, groomsmen with the bridesmaids, and then the best man and maid of honor.

Making their grand entrance, the couple is accompanied with confetti, bubbles or other effects.

The parents of the bride and groom should be recognized after the couple has made their entrance. The duo can be asked to tend to the ceremony of the cutting of the cake at the spot reserved for this purpose.  This is where, if you choose, the doves would be released, as well as a formal champagne toast.Afterward, the maid of honor leads a prayer of thanks. Then there is the meal, and the guests are invited to take pictures with the newlyweds.  After this, they go to the buffet table to run things at the table. There are several types of unique wedding cakes.

The wedding singer starts performing once all the guest have ate their meal and are once again seated.    The audio-visual display will follow, if there is one.

Next, the best man offers up a celebratory toast, followed by congratulatory speeches for the couple.  You might only want a few of these.  Otherwise, things might get more bogged down than you want.Then the bride’s Father dances with her, followed by the first dance with the bride and groom.  This can be followed by other dances.

One of every single woman’s favorite feature of a wedding is next, the bouquet tossing ceremony, which is usually followed by the groom teasingly removing the brides garter and then tossing it into the crowd of single men. Dont ever forget candle wedding favors or wedding party favors!

There are many options for this.  Many receptions eschew live performers for a DJ, for example, and many couples have started including a mother-son dance for the groom as well as the bride’s traditional dance with her father.  By barely tweaking the standard program, your reception will offer originality to keep your guests engaged while maintaining tradition.

Retrieved from
http://www.bridal-and-weddings.com/your-wedding-reception-steps-to-make-it-great/

Flower Girl / Ring Bearer Alternatives

For many people, there may be a struggle choosing whether or not a flower girl and / or ring bearer will be a part of your wedding. On the upside, small children look charming in their fancy clothes, and people love ooh-ing and ahh-ing over them. On the downside, sometimes young children can tend to misbehave, and have trouble staying still and complacent through long ceremonies. Maybe you don’t know of anyone who would make a good flower girl or ring bearer. In any case, your wedding day belongs to you, and ultimately the decision is yours.

If you opt out of the traditional flower girl / ring bearer roles, there are alternatives, depending on how you envision your wedding ceremony. Here are some solutions to common situations that arise when planning a wedding.

Not allowed to throw petals in venue: Many couples find that their venue doesn’t permit the throwing of flower petals. In this case, your flower girl could instead carry single flowers to hand to guests as she walks up the aisle, or have two small bouquets to give to the individual mothers of the couple.

No children young enough for roles: If you know of two young people you would like to include in your wedding, but you feel it would be insulting for them to be a flower girl or ring bearer, consider the option of junior bridesmaids or groomsmen. These members of the bridal party stand with the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen during the ceremony, but don’t always partake in all of the wedding events.

Children too young: One option more and more couples are utilizing is having an older child pull younger children in a wagon up the aisle.

If you choose not to include any children in your wedding, consider having your honor attendants carry your rings for you. Another alternative used by some couples involves having a family pet carry the rings up the aisle, usually loosely sewn on a costume worn by the pet.

Flower girls and ring bearers are a traditional part of a wedding, but in the end, the day is about you. Whatever you decide should reflect the personalities of you and your spouse.

Retrieved from
http://blog.planningpad.com/?p=413

Best Wedding Reception Decor Ideas That Go With Most Themes

Best Wedding Reception Decor Ideas That Go With Most Themes

Choose a theme for all your invitations, accessories, decorations and favors. Decide the preferred colors to include in your wedding theme. Using themed decoration ideas creates a professional, uniform atmosphere throughout your ceremony and reception.

The basis of your wedding theme may be a season, an ethnic concept or any personal preference of the bride and groom. Consider your favorite time of year, locations, flowers and colors when choosing your theme. Your wedding theme can be contemporary, traditional, whimsical or ethnic. All of these elements will form the basis to develop your own one-of-a-kind wedding reception decoration ideas.

Maybe you both met in the summer and referred to your relationship as summer love when it started. A beach theme may be the perfect way to express your summer romance at your reception. Celebrate summer love by surrounding yourselves with seashells and starfish on all your wedding reception decorations including invitations, the ring bearer pillow, the cake topper and your guest favors. Using the same theme consistently creates a mood at your reception.

If you met in the spring, consider a butterfly wedding in a lovely garden. After you exchange vows under an arch covered with flowers, release butterflies to celebrate your new life together. Use a butterfly theme on all your decorations. Have butterflies land on your flower girl basket, wedding cake and reception tables.

Other couples find each other during the chilly winter season. If the season of snow and snuggling reminds you of the moment you met, a winter wedding may be perfect for you. Have your reception at a ski lodge or manor with a fireplace. Add ambiance with a glittering snowflake theme throughout all your wedding decoration ideas. Have snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and sparkling on every aspect of your special day to celebrate your winter wedding.

Autumn is an awesome season to have your wedding. During the fall, Mother Nature is generous with her decorations with colorful leaves and picturesque vistas. Capture these beautiful moments with an autumn splendor wedding featuring fall leaves on all your wedding decorations ideas. From the guest book to your favors, fall leaves are a fabulous theme for your autumn wedding. Add touches of bronze for muted elegance.

Perhaps you prefer a traditional wedding theme. Using white satin decorations with bold red roses combines traditional with bold color for eye-catching accents throughout your wedding ceremony and reception. Include mini vase place card holders with a single red silk rose at every place setting as a lasting keepsake for your guests. You can also have a fairy tale wedding complete with yard of gossamer tulle to decoration doors, windows and ceilings. To complete your fantasy fairy tale wedding, use a castle to top off your wedding cake.

Ethnic wedding reception decorations ideas are also very popular. You don’t have to be Celtic or Asian to enjoy these delightful weddings. Add a lively feeling to your reception with eclectic Celtic accessories. For an exotic atmosphere, consider an Oriental theme for your special day. Regardless of your ethnic background, these unique wedding reception decoration ideas will make your “just married” moment more memorable.

Your ideas may be as simple as including your favorite flowers or things, such as calla lilies or chocolate and strawberries. Regardless of what you decide to use, there are certain basic elements you should include such as the wedding tables, accessories at the ceremony, place cards, invitations, reception decorations, favors and thank you cards. At your ceremony, use  flower girl basket and ring bearer pillow. Remember to have accents for all your special moments at the reception, including a toasting set, cake serving set, bridal garter, cake topper and decorations for your honeymoon getaway car.

Retrieved from
http://www.articles4brides.ca/2009/08/best-wedding-reception-decor-ideas-that-go-with-most-themes/

Ring Bearer Guide – Who Should Be the Ring Bearer – How to Choose a Ring Bearer

Ring Bearer Guide – Who Should Be the Ring Bearer – How to Choose a Ring Bearer

Who should be the ring bearer?
Ideally, a child from your family is the best choice. It could a nephew or a family friend. This decision will require you to be sensitive to the feelings of the parents involved, especially if there are many young men in the family. Ensure that you have an excuse ready for why their son was passed over.

The ring bearer can be as young as 3 years or as old as 10 years. The younger the child, the more precaution you’ll have to take. It would be best to select someone older who understands the importance of his role.

Keep your rings safe
Your rings are not necessarily safe in the hands of a young ring bearer. Children generally like to play and fidget with things, especially the younger ones.

It would be best to keep the rings with the best man until the very last minute, when it can be given to the ring bearer. You never know when a hungry child might pop the ring into his mouth.

Give him the best
Children involved in a wedding may get restless or uncomfortable during the ceremony. Avoid dressing the ring bearer in a stiff outfit that he has to be forced into.

A smart suit similar to the groom’s or the best man’s is appropriate. Make sure you get a gift for the ring bearer so that he feels loved and appreciated. Video games, backpacks, or sports equipment are good choices.

Take good care of the ring bearer – the little star of your wedding!

Retrieved from
http://www.us.ayushveda.com/the-ring-bearer-guide/

Wedding invitations: Tips to get the best one

Wedding invitations: Tips to get the best one

Marriage is unquestionably one of the most important episodes in a couples’ life. The culmination of a relationship into marriage is associated with the hopes and aspirations of not just the couple but also the wishes of their near and dear ones. As the couples try everything to make the event successful, they are always bothered about the appropriateness of the decisions they take. One of the most important concerns is the selection of invitation cards. Every couple wants to have unique wedding invitations that will also reflect the nature of the wedding ceremony.

There are a lot of options from which one can choose his or her wedding invitations. There are many styles available in the market. You can also find many vendors from which you can select. The most important issue is that one must not rush through this procedure. Take your time for spotting on the right card, there is no harm, unless you are shopping for it a week before the wedding. When you know what is available in the market you can decide for yourself as to what you want. Be prepared to experiment, it will only enhance the aura of your ceremony. One of the most trusted brands is Carlson Craft wedding invitations. You can even order for them online.

Once you have selected the right card start making a list of the people you want to invite for your wedding. Also, consider the wording, logistics and etiquette that you will be using while writing the invitation. While preparing the list first take into account the people you have to invite, they are the flower girl’s or ring bearer’s parents, friends and family who have confirmed their presence in your wedding ceremony, singers and readers for your ceremony and the person officiating your wedding.

First, make a list of every invitee without considering your budget and venue specifications. Then when you get confirmation from your guests start dividing the list into two parts. One part would consist of the people you are going to invite and the second list would consist of people whom to whom you will only announce. You need not make apologies to the people you will only receive announcement. Another thing you must keep in mind is not to mention about wedding gifts even if you do not want them.

In special circumstances like when you have planned your wedding at some distant venue you can wait to send out the announcements after you have returned from your trip. If there is the case of elopement, one can send out the announcements after one returns. In any case, one must make sure to post the announcements with a year of marriage. Though the task of deciding whom to invite and whom to announce may seem intimidating it is not so in reality. Just remember to give out you invitations six weeks ahead of your wedding ceremony. Getting married is one of the most satisfying experiences of life so relish every moment of it without getting hassled.

Retrieved from
http://mangaloreann.blogspot.com/2009/08/wedding-invitations-tips-to-get-best.html

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