Wedding Favors That Make a Difference

How many wedding favors have you gotten that wind up in the trash or just collect dust somewhere in your house?  My husband and I attended a wedding where the bride and groom made a donation in the name of each guest to the American Heart Association and gave each guest a red American Heart Association bracelet with a tag attached letting them know that they made that donation in their name.  Seriously...how awesome is that!  There are so many different foundations out there that could benefit from this generous gift idea...please spread the word and lets make this a trend.  Many foundations sell small items where the proceeds go to research like pins, koozies, pens, etc.  So before you go spending your money on a favors think about giving the gift that could save a life or maybe even millions of lives one day.

Bridal Shower Recipe Book

I know it has been a while, but I'm back.  Today is an idea for the traditional recipe book given to the bride at the shower and usually contains recipes from everyone that attended or was invited.  Usually the host sends out recipe cards with the invites for the guests to fill out and return.

Well, for my sister's I decided to do it a little differently.  We did a scrapbook recipe book.  And here are some reasons why:
1.  She can add recipes to it any time
2.  The recipes are protected from liquid and food with protective covers
3.  Even if guests forget to write out their recipe ahead of time and to bring the recipe card with them, many people have a favorite recipe memorized that they can still help fill the book
4.  It becomes an activity at the shower
5.  And it truly is a one of a kind :)

Supplies:
Binder
Paper
Protective Covers
Scissors
Glue
Stickers
Markers
Pens

Here are a couple photos to help give you a better idea.

Go Green for the New Year!

I went to the grocery store the other day and as you walked in the store they had a sign that said Make it a New Years resolution to bring your bags.  This inspired my next idea and by now you've already guessed...

Instead of using gift bags that will just get thrown away for your welcome bags why not purchase reusable shopping bags.  I'm sure you can find some really cute bags at your local stores or even online or you can order them custom made.  Or if you and your fiance are environmentally friendly people this may even be a fitting wedding favor.

Go Green and you may get others to join you...and just think if they do everytime they go to the store and use your bag they'll be reminded of your special day :)

Happy New Year!!!

With the end of one year and the start of a new year it is the perfect time to reflect on the memories created over the past year and look forward to the memories that will be made in the new year. 

My ideas for today are all about reflection.

My first idea is a gift for your wedding party.  Purchase either an engraved picture frame or a really nice frame and include a note letting them know you will order an photo of their choice from your photographer to fit the frame.  If you decide to go this route make sure your photographer captures either a family photo, or friend photo, or even just a photo of the person in your wedding party with their significant other.  Keep in mind that they may not necessarily want a photo with you in it, but any photo they chose will remind them of the amazing time they shared with you celebrating your special day.

My second idea is for your wedding favors.  This can be as expensive or inexpensive as you chose.  Purchase picture frames.  Inside each picture frame include a note letting them know that a photo from the wedding will be sent in a few weeks.  Here are some different ways the cost can vary: 
Option 1 - you can double the frames as seating place cards - list the name of the recipient(s) and seat assignment and below that put the note thanking them for sharing in your big day and that a photo will follow and have that show in the window of each frame
Option 2 - you don't have to give one to each person that attends - examples:  if a husband and wife attend give them one frame, if a family of four attend give them one frame, etc.
Option 3 - the frame itself can be as expensive or inexpensive as you'd like - you can purchase anything from a magnetic picture frames to a more expensive engraved picture frame (you get the idea)

Enjoy every moment!

Take Advantage of After Holiday Sales

If you are planning to use red, green, gold, silver or even blue as your wedding colors or maybe your planning for a holiday wedding next year or even just a winter wedding you may want to check out the after Christmas sales.  You can find great deals on gift bags, ribbon, tissue paper and many other items that can be used as welcome gift bags, favor wrapping, or possible wedding favors.  Also if you're planning an outdoor wedding and want to incorporate some Christmas lights now is the time to stock up on those too.

If you're thinking pink or red or hearts...shop after Valentines Day!  Lots of great deals to be had.

Maybe you're using orange, brown or black in your wedding or you're incorporating fall items into your wedding and the various pumpkin items or gourds would fit in perfectly with your theme, then the after Halloween sale might be of interest to you.

So think about how you can put the after holiday sales to work for you and your wedding and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

Save the Dates

I love this idea and it can work for any wedding, but is especially fitting for weddings where a lot of guests would need to travel.  Are you ready....Save the Date Luggage Tags!!!!

This save the date can be done inexpensively or it can be more costly depending on the route you decide to go.  You can create one time use tags that have your save the date information on one side and the guests information on the other side (you could get them laminated too if can afford the additional cost).  A middle cost version of this would be to purchase plastic luggage tags they usually come in clear or colored and then print (or order) your save the date information as well as the guests information or if you need to save time just include a blank paper for the guest to fill out with their information (two separate pieces of paper) and slide them into the luggage tags.  The most expensive versions would be to order customized luggage tags with your save the date information or doing the same thing as the middle cost version but purchasing leather luggage tags.

Happy wedding travels!!!

Bridesmaids or Groomsmen Gifts

A few years ago I was in a friend's wedding.  She gave us each a digital picture frame.  She took the time and went through not only her digital photos, but also collected photos from various social media websites and personalized each frame with pictures of us over the years we've known each other.  It was not your typical gift, which I loved.  I really appreciate the time and effort she put into personalizing this gift for me, it was extremely thoughtful and special!  I still use it today and have added pictures to it over the years. 

Keep in mind this gift will require time and effort on your part, but that is what will make this gift extra special to those you give it to.