Damask Wedding Favors

One of the hottest trends this year for wedding themes and favors is damask designs. When I think of damask designs I think vintage, classy and sophisticated which is exactly what todays brides are looking for.

Add a modern twist to this classical favorite design by accenting your reception tables and decor with a vibrant color such as blue, green, yellow, red, purple or fuchsia. There is a wide variety of damask themed wedding favors to choose from. Family and friends are going to love taking a special momento home with them as a treasured keepsake for sharing in your special day.

Renee'

Not-So-Distant Destination Weddings

Want a Destination Wedding? Look no further than your own backyard! Well, okay, maybe a few miles down the road at least! Either way, it is definitely possible to bring your wedding closer to home and still feel like it has taken place in an amazing and unique location.

If you have your heart set on a beach wedding and are not lucky enough to live in a coastal state, it is most likely that there is some sort of sand surrounded body of water nearby. A lake can be just as beautiful and seem almost as vast as the ocean. The picture above, for example, is compliments of  the Lake House Inn on Lake Erie, Ohio. Consider renting a lake house to combine lodging and venue costs. This way you can have your ceremony overlooking the water and then invite guests to your outdoor reception at the lake house. This would work best if your wedding was small and you enjoyed a casual atmosphere. A bonfire and s'mores on the beach would be the perfect ending to your day!

State Parks are another great place to find beautiful locations for weddings. Some even offer wedding packages that include lodging and photographers. If you are a nature lover this would be the venue for you! If you and your guests are adventurous, one unique idea is to invite them to spend a few nights camping, canoeing, and exploring the park. Finish the mini-adventure with a beautiful ceremony and a big bash to follow! Even the fussiest bride could make this work by finding local salons and designating dressing areas ahead of time. The National Park Service can help you find your state's parks.

Other options for a not-so-distant destination wedding are local bed and breakfasts, small wineries, local farms, and favorite local landmarks or historic sites. Some of these places may not advertise their space for weddings, but remember that it never hurts to ask! They may say no, but they may also be pleasantly surprised and grateful for the business.

Finding a closer destination site may also make the ceremony that much more special. It may already be a place that is close to your heart. Also it will be that much easier to revisit on your anniversary!

Bon Voyage!

~ Jenna

Fall Themed Weddings

It may seem to soon to think about falling leaves and the smell of crisp fall air but not if you're planning a fall themed wedding now is the perfect time to start making your plans.

Fall themed weddings are my favorite of all weddings. I love the colors of fall, such as green, orange, red and brown. Mix in some gold, copper and bronze to add drama.

Fall is also the perfect time of the year for an outdoor wedding, when it is not too hot or too cold. A fall outdoor wedding or outdoor reception can utilize all the wonderful natural things about the fall, like pumpkins, gourds, straw, corn stalks, apple cider etc.

You can make beautiful table centerpieces just by using the natural items that are available in the fall. Hollow out pumpkins or gourds to hold beautiful fall flowers such as daisies, sunflowers or mums. Add fall fruit to your center pieces such as apples, cranberries or pears.

When you’re thinking menu, think comfort food. Turkey, red potatoes, cornbread dressing and all the fixings are perfect for your fall themed wedding. For a beverage serve hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks.

Fall wedding favors can be homemade like fudge, candy apples, honey or jam. Another idea would be a candy buffet of all your favorite Halloween candies.

The ideas are endless and some much fun. Be creative and happy planning!

Carrie

Graduation Party Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year when graduation ceremonies are being held to honor and acknowledge those who have completed their high school or college education. This is a huge accomplishment for them and they deserve this day of recognition. Graduations parties have became increasingly popular within the past few decades and why not? It’s a memorable occasion and what better way to celebrate than with family and close friends.

If you’ve received a graduation party invitation you probably need gift ideas. Jewelry is a traditional gift that will last forever. A bracelet, necklace, charm or picture frame would make a wonderful gift for a girl. If you are shopping for a guy, he might like a watch, wallet, money clip or keychain. Or put together a scrapbook with photos and memorabilia of all their accomplishments throughout school, they are sure to love and treasure it for a lifetime. One gift you can’t go wrong with even though you may feel it is a little impersonal, is money or gift card. It will come in handy whether the graduate is going off to college or joining the work force. What ever gift you decide to give is going to be appreciated as you celebrate the end of one milestone and the beginning of another.

Congratulations to all 2010 Graduates!

Renee’

Fairly Fabulous

Summer is just around the corner and in our neck of the woods this means everyone is looking forward to the county fairs. Not only are they innocent entertainment for people of all ages, they are also like a slice of apple pie. As nostalgic and American as they come. In honor of this, I thought I would suggest bringing a little bit of that fair atmosphere into your outdoor wedding reception.

Some people are into the all-out theme receptions. For you, I say take this list of ideas and run (or potato sack race-hop) with them! For others who prefer to tone it down, consider incorporating only a few.

• Cotton Candy and/or Popcorn Machines
• Kissing Booths - which may be a cute substitute for a dollar dance!
• Photo Booths or a caricature artist!
• Hay bails covered in  cloth and secured with rope or ribbon to use as bench-like seating.
• Classic games such as a ball toss at a pyramid of glass bottles. I would advise against the "guess your weight/age" booths. This may not go over well with future in-laws.) These games would not even necessarily have to be working booths, but merely set up as part of the decor to give the impression of a fair.
• Fair Food! In the midwest this means funnel cakes, fresh doughnuts, caramel apples, and elephant ears. You could also have homemade ice cream and fresh baked pies set up as a mock baking contest. Or if you know some family members that want to contribute, you could actually have a baking contest.
• Drinks served in old fashioned soda bottles.
• Balloons, giant lollipops, and really the possibilities are endless!

These are just a few ideas. Choose what you love most about an old fashioned summer fair. One ambitious couple even rented a Ferris Wheel! Check out more photos from their carnival wedding here.

Of course this theme lends itself to a more casual, outdoor wedding reception or party. That doesn't mean your event can't look well-put together. Choose colors and materials carefully to present a polished look.

As always, have fun and be creative!

~Jenna

Photo Credit: Ferris Wheel Kiss - Edited version of an original photo by Glamour