A Tribute to Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

As a tribute to Earth Day, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite ideas for eco-friendly wedding favors.

No matter how adorable and fabulous you may think your wedding favors are, the real truth of the matter is many of your guests are going to end up throwing them out.  And unfortunately, most plastics and packaging materials that are used today are pretty tough on the environment.  From potted plants to flower seeds, thank your guests with a gift that will give back to Mother Nature.

Organic Lunch Bags and Tasty Treats

Say thank you with recycled lunch bags filled with edible treats and locally grown goodies.  Add a personalized touch, by stamping your monogram or favorite image onto the front of your bags.  To learn how to make these adorable lunch bags created by Twig & Thistle, check out these DIY instructions at stylemepretty.com.

Potted Trees and Planters

Thank your guests with a favor that will live on past your wedding night.  Potted plants and herbs can be purchased from any local nursery or greenery and can double as table centerpieces.  For a unique twist, plant your herbs in vintage tins for a charming, eco-friendly packaging idea. (Photo Credit: First photo from knot.com, 2nd photo courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Plantable Wildflower Seeds

Biodegradable seed packets are a great way to give back to Mother Nature while still giving your guests something beautiful to remember you with year after year.  Many companies provide pre-made seed packets that can be planted directly into the ground and include easy-to-follow instructions for your loved ones.  These awareness ribbon wildflower seeds do double duty, allowing you to give back to your environment and your favorite charity as a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Young Survival Coalition; a charity devoted to improving the lives of women living with breast cancer.

Happy Earth Day!

Allie

Wedding Cake Trends for 2010 Summer Season

I am currently planning my daughters wedding and of course cake is one of the big topics for conversation. There is so much to choose from. The trends are becoming much more creative with many new flavors, styles, and choices in wedding cakes. Here are some of the hottest trends in wedding cakes for the summer of 2010.

Cupcake Cakes

One new trend that is happening for wedding cakes is leaving the traditional cake altogether and choosing cupcakes instead. This allows you to have several different kinds of cake and frosting and it can also be less messy than cutting the traditional cake. Cupcake cakes are usually much more budget friendly compared to the traditional cake.

Summer Time Fruit

Take advantage of the season. Use fruit on the top of you cake or cupcakes instead of icing. A beach wedding may lead to a cake topped with tropical fruits, or a spring wedding may lend itself to a cake topped with luscious strawberries. Not only is fruit much healthier, but it is beautiful for decorating and great tasting!

Monograms

Many couples will have monograms put on their cake that match those on their wedding invitations, napkins, and so forth. This highly sophisticated look can be accomplished with a monogram cake top or sculpted fondant.

Do your research and find out what will work for your wedding. The cake should be a fun part of the wedding ceremony and a great way to show off your personality.

Carrie

Personalized Picture Frames for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start planning how you are going to wow her this year. When my kids were in elementary school they would bring home a decorated flower pot or crafty item from art class, create a hand made card that was given to me while being served breakfast in bed. I can still remember how excited they were at surprising me with thoughtful gifts and the hugs and kisses I received. 

Any mom would enjoy the day off from chores, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at her favorite restaurant, and spending the day with her kids creating fun memories.  You can't go wrong with a personalized gift to show her how much she means to you. Imagine the tears of joy when you present her with a favorite picture inside a personalized picture frame she will cherish forever. Just remember that the number one gift you can give your mom on Mother's Day is to say how much you love, admire and appreciate all she's done for you.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Renee'

Brooch Bouquets Live on KABC Channel 7

A while back we did a post on Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs and showcased her amazing ability to create one-of-a-kind bouquets out of brooches.  All of her designs are so inspiring, crafted from one-of-a-kind pieces and vintage inspired accents.  Here's a sneak peek at one of her arrangements.

Today, we want to give a big congratulations to Amanda as she was voted Trendsetter of the Year by ABC 2010 along with having her inspiring brooch bouquets featured live on KABC Channel 7 last Thursday.  We feel so honored that she has shared this wonderful video with us and we are so excited to pass it along to all our readers.  Hit play to see her bouquets in action and for other great wedding tips and ideas.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Planning on Renewing Your Wedding Vows?

As a married couple renewing your wedding vows is a perfect occassion to reflect on the memories you have created and gives you the opportunity to share with your children the love you still have for each other. Can you imagine a more romantic and beautiful image than your children watching you join hands and pledge before them to love honor and cherish all over again? What a great life lesson and a wonderful example to set for your children and grandchildren.

A significant anniversary is a popular time for renewing your wedding vows and sharing your commitment and love to each other. Some couples choose to renew their vows to mark a new beginning after a difficult crisis such as overcoming a serious illness, a period of separation, or simply to reaffirm the tremendous love that has matured and deepend throughout the years.

Whether you are renewing your vows on your anniversary or have chosen a new day to celebrate a new beginning, your renewal ceremony should be casual and fun and completely reflect the two of you. As you walk down the isle together you could play 'your song' rather than the traditional wedding march. Include your children and/or grandchildren by having them read poetry or share a memorable moment of the two of you. If your first wedding was video taped, play it at your reception or place photo albums and framed pictures on a decorated table for your guests to enjoy. Whatever you plan to do, remember the most important thing is to be surrounded by family and close friends who will be honored to share this special occasion with you.

Renee'