Sunday, August 31, 2008

Tips To Make Your Beach Wedding Eco-Friendly

Make your beach theme wedding a little greener and more eco-friendly with just a few simple touches.

1. Donate your wedding gown or buy a used wedding gown - or both. It's a shame that wedding gowns are traditionally only used once. As with regular clothing manufacturing, a certain amount of chemicals and earth's resources are used to create each and every wedding dress. By purchasing a used wedding dress or donating your dress after your beach wedding, you can minimize the impact your wedding dress has on the earth.

2. Use biodegradable seed paper for your wedding invitations, programs and favors. These incredible wedding items are great for beach weddings, because they can simply be planted instead of thrown away, burned or shredded. When planted by your guests at either your wedding site, their homes or even their favorite park or garden, biodegradable seed paper will simply sprout wildflowers! It's a beautiful way to make your beach theme wedding create a positive impact on the earth.

3. Serve local, farmer's market food at your wedding reception. While you might not be inclined to go vegan or vegetarian (although you should have these options for some of your guests), you can make your beach wedding more eco-friendly by having your vendors purchase meats, fruits and vegetables from the local farmer's market.

Beach weddings are a celebration of the earth's beauty and the union between two people - you can make yours even more incredible by being eco-minded and reducing the impact your wedding has on the earth as much as you can.

Thank You Card Etiquette

Thanking your guests after your beach theme wedding is extremely important. Many of your guests will give you gifts and many of them may end up traveling quite a long distance to be at your side on your special day. Part of thanking your guests for attending your wedding happens at the reception, with unique and fun wedding favors for them to take home and remember your big day by. Still, finding a way to thank your guests a week or two after the festivities is traditionally the proper way to do things. Here's how you can thank your guests, beach wedding style!

Use thank you cards. This is the most traditional way to thank your guests - send them to everyone who attends your wedding and especially to everyone who has sent you a gift. When making out your thank you cards, however, something impersonal such as, "Thanks from Mr. and Mrs. Smith" just won't cut it. You don't want to send generic thank you cards because it will be very obvious that you sent the same style card to everyone else who was at your beach theme wedding. Take the time to go through your gifts and your guestbook and really look at who did what for you. Did someone travel a long way? Make sure to mention it in that person's thank you card. Did someone purchase you a gift you and your new husband really love? Mention that too. If two people from the same household got you two separate gifts, they each need a separate thank you card.

Friday, August 29, 2008

How To Ask Your Friends and Family To Be Your Beach Wedding Bridesmaids

Selecting who out of your friends and family will be your bridesmaids at your beach theme wedding can be a tough decision. Once you've made the cut, however, it's time to ask them if they'll be your girls. Will they say yes?

Being a bridesmaid is an honor, but it's also a big responsibility. Not only do your bridesmaids need to assist with wedding plans, errands and the like, but they'll also have the responsibility of purchasing their dresses and having their hair and makeup done for the big day. If you're having a beach destination wedding, it can be even more of a financial burden for your friend or family member to travel for the event. Asking your bridesmaids to be by your side on your wedding day isn't something you should take lightly - it's important that they know how much you love and appreciate them when you're asking them to be your bridesmaids.

Ask each bridesmaid-to-be individually. Try taking them out to lunch with just the two of you, or send them a special card. Be sure to note the reasons why you're asking them to be your bridesmaid. If they've truly been there for you, make sure they know it! It's also important to let them know that it's okay if they decline - some people just can't take on that type of responsibility. Make sure you have a list of backups in this case. It's important to ask your girls to be your bridesmaids well in advance so they can plan for the big day and you have time to ask other friends or family members should your first choices decline!

Selecting The Perfect Bridesmaid Jewelry

Choosing bridesmaid jewelry for your beach theme wedding doesn't have to be difficult. You can save time and energy by choosing a simple, beautiful piece that speaks volumes yet is elegant and sophisticated. Pearls are often the gem of choice for beach theme weddings, as pearls themselves come from the ocean. Beach brides will usually incorporate pearls into their wedding attire, whether on their dress, in a tiara or in their bridal jewelry. You can incorporate pearls into your bridesmaids' attire as well, creating a uniform yet one of a kind look.

Give your bridesmaids each something unique to wear while still staying with a streamlined look. Pearl necklace and earring sets can come in a variety of muted colors, offsetting your bridesmaid dress of choice beautifully. Many pearl necklace and earring sets feature a single pearl instead of a multitude of pearls, giving it a simple and chic essence without overwhelming the rest of your bridesmaids' look.

Other styles of pearl necklaces are definitely a little bit bolder, creating a look that is as timeless as the sea and beach itself. Crystals and pearls work beautifully together, each stone perfectly complementing the other. Drop necklaces work well with many different styles of bridesmaid dresses, so you can be sure that your bridesmaids will look stunning. Finding jewelry and accessories that not only make your bridesmaids look good but items that they love is a big part of bringing together your whole day into one, perfectly planned and coordinated package!

Vacation


Hmmm. Did I tell you I was going on vacation? Because I am. For one blissful week. I'm going to shop, eat, read, and drink. Be back in a week!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Treat Your Guests To Delectable Beach Wedding Favors

Thanking your guests for being by your side on your special day takes thought, creativity and the genuine desire to really show them how much their presence meant to you. Edible beach wedding favors are the perfect way to show your guests how much you care! There's just something special and exquisite about a delectable treat just for your guests.

You can truly go elegant by using pearlized chocolate seashells. They're beautiful and unique, and make excellent beach wedding favors and even easy and inexpensive cake decorations. White chocolate and traditional milk chocolate seashells also work well for beach wedding favors, or you can use a combination of all three for a truly one of a kind look. Simply slip them into a sheer organza bag with a tag and you've got perfectly elegant and delicious wedding favors.

You can go for something more whimsical for your beach wedding favors, such as fun shortbread lobsters, starfish sea turtles or sugary sand dollar cookies. There are so many different types of edible beach wedding favors that you can use, allowing you true freedom when it comes to choosing the favor that will best fit your beach wedding theme and décor. Your guests will really enjoy having a special treat to themselves on your wedding day and they'll know you took the time and effort to choose something they'd truly love. When it comes to beach wedding favors, it's always the thought that counts!

Give Your Beach Wedding A Special Touch With Starfish

Starfish simply say "beach" - why wouldn't you want to incorporate them into your beach theme wedding? You can add them to anything, including your bouquet, your centerpieces and even your wedding arch or pew bows. With starfish, you have so much freedom to be creative!

Use white knobby starfish for a bold look in a beach wedding reception table centerpiece, or incorporate thin, white finger starfish into your bridal bouquet for a more delicate look. There's something so beautiful and unique about starfish that you can use them for such a variety of things! Traditional sugar starfish are a choice that many beach brides make, as their rich, sandy color really pops out against white and even other, brighter colors. You can use them to decorate your cake table and reception tables by simply strewing them about, or you can place them next to baskets full of real seashells for an elegant, pulled together look.

Starfish also make great beach wedding favors. They're a gift you can give that truly lets your guests remember how special your big day really was! For an elegant starfish beach wedding favor, you can use a specially crafted silver starfish wine bottle topper, or you can give something a little more whimsical, such as real starfish refrigerator magnets. No matter how you choose to incorporate starfish into your beach theme wedding, they'll really pull together all the minute details and make your special day look and feel exactly the way you want it to!

Things I Love: Almost Fall Edition

I'm back friends. And as the days get a little shorter and the temperatures a little cooler, I find myself looking squarely into my very favorite season. I love everything about fall: football games, a hot pink J.Crew Jackie cardigan and my favorite jeans, apple cider, the kids Halloween costumes at OldNavy, the perfect pair of brown boots, the smell of a new, perfect pink eraser (even adults should be able to buy new school supplies).

So, I thought I would put together my list of almost fall favorites. These things will help me transition into the nights of extra blankets and pumpkin pie.

O.K. I know I am not a teacher, but I can pretend with these cute notecards.


Bananna Republic Silk Wrap Dress
Have I mentioned to you all that the husband and I both have our 10 year high school reunions in October? So, I am on the look-out for a good night time dress that doesn't look like it is trying too hard. I think this lovely number says, yes, I was in the math club, but I also enjoyed a good Jack Daniel's Watermellon Cooler from time to time.



One word - YUM. I treat myself to a new pair of black work shoes in the spring and the fall. Love these, but the price is a little steep. Good thing Jessica Simpson has been taking time off her day job to design shoes. These are almost as good as the Kate Spade version.



This would be great with jeans for a Saturday and equally great with some navy work pants for a Monday meeting. Love the wearability.

What are your almost fall favorites?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

For the Preppy Bridesmaid

I'm off to Dallas tomorrow morning, EARLY. Like so early, I think the last time I had to set my alarm clock this early, it was to cram before the SATs.

Anyways, wanted to share this lovely stamped monogram necklace from GemsByEm on etsy. This would be a great bridesmaid/hostess/just for me because I am awesome gift. Agree?

Preppy Party Craft Kick

O.K. This project makes me want to learn how to sew. I love the look of this home-made garland. Also perfect for your next birthday party or shower.

Via The Purl Bee. WARNING: This website will make you want to be a craftier person.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

How to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

One of the most important aspects of a beautiful wedding is the flowers. Depending on the bride's final choice, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on this expense and still create a lovely atmosphere. Here's the answer to how to have your wedding on a shoestring budget and save money on wedding flowers.

One of the best ways to save money on flowers, for a wedding, is to choose those that are in season. It should be quite obvious that because they are readily available, the cost will be less. Seasonal flowers usually reflect the colors of the season as well. Pastels are spring, primary colors are summer, gold, red, and purple are fall, and red, and white are winter. Carnations, roses, chrysanthemums are available all year long at budget prices.

Flowers can be ordered online at near wholesale prices. Keep in mind most wholesalers sell the flowers in a tightly budded stage so allow a few days for the flowers to open in a warm and light area. The flowers have to be kept watered of course so find an assortment of buckets you can use.

Choosing an outdoor location will sometimes enable a couple to save money on flowers, for this joyous occasion. Depending on the specific location, natural flowers and foliage may well be an added perk. (Hint: many botanical gardens allow weddings to take place on their premises.)

Smaller weddings usually require less pomp and circumstance. A relatively compact location and fewer guests can mean the need for fewer flowers and other decorations.

Instead of cut flowers, use potted plants. Plants such as African violets and even cacti (for western themed weddings) can be dug up and potted, specifically for the occasion. Afterwards they can be used to decorate the home. If you're planning a spring or summer wedding, consider buying flowering plants from a plant nursery. Or from a big box store like home depot. The choices and colors available are staggering.

Choose a bridal bouquet that is held together with ribbon, as opposed to being hand wired. This will save money because it is less time consuming to create. Another alternative is to choose an exotic bloom like orchids or calla lilies and carry just one stem or spray.

It is important to note that ALL flowers will cost more during the Valentine's Day season and the week preceding Mother's Day.

Another way to save money on wedding flowers is to use candles as a focal point. This is a good choice when more expensive flowers will be purchased…fewer flowers are needed. Ribbons and bows can be used to replace flowers as well.

Keep these ideas in mind and you'll know how to save money on your wedding flowers.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Monogrammed Chocolates

I am obsessed with this personalized candy board via Martha Stewart.

This will be on the agenda for the next shower I throw. Especially these babies. They are almost too pretty to eat.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Fragrance Lamps for Aromatherapy and More


Aromatherapy is known to be good for reducing stress, preventing insomnia, and many other health benefits. In addition, it freshens the scent of a room, which is an added benefit. Fragrance lamps are one of the most decorative ways to use aromatherapy essential oils.
One of the hottest and newest trends in aromatherapy and home fragrance today, fragrance lamps are not actually a new product. Also known as Lamp Berger, perfume lamps or effusion lamps, these scented oil lamps were first used in the mid 1800's. They use a catalytic combustion process to purify the air, destroying odors and killing bacteria while adding fragrance the air.
Fragrance lamps quickly fill the air with your favorite scent of essential oil. They are quite beautiful, usually with a decorative collar or cap on top of a lovely glass base.
These fragrance lamps are not only a nice decorative accent piece for use anywhere in the house, but eliminate odors and perfume the air.
You can find these fragrance lamps in many sizes, shapes and colors at www.ConiArtGlass.com. Each lamp comes with complete step by step instructions for use, stone wick, vent cap, snuffer, funnel, and individual glossy gift box.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

YUM

Loving the neckline and look of J.Crew's Gracie wedding dress. Also loving the price ($395) and that it comes in petite.

Also really loving the Cecelia dress for the maids.
And the Matilda or the Super 120 (in purple) if you're attending a fall/winter wedding.

Monday, August 11, 2008

yum!!!

How delish do these look? Yummy choco covered apples from Mrs. Prindables. mmmmm

Spring 4-Pack Petite Apple Gift
and these ADORABLE tuxedo apples!12-Pack Tuxedo Apple Favors

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Meant to Beeeee

cute favour ideas with a bee / meant to bee theme!

from beau coup:



 

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