Gift Ideas for Your Wedding Party

Choosing gifts for the wedding attendants who are serving as bridesmaids and ushers at your wedding is always a chore. It can be especially difficult with the size of wedding parties today. Personalized gifts always fit the bill. They make a lasting impression when you go to the trouble to monogram or engrave something especially for the recipient. Personalizing always makes you feel special.

Some suggestions for ushers are money clip , key chains, Swiss army knives, leather shave kit, leather wallets, small travel duffels, pocket knives, leather or a wood valet, for a man’s dresser, watch boxes, and pens. Of course, there are always the ever popular flask and cigar accessories. Some other suggestions are lighters, business card cases, journals, binoculars, travel clocks, and portfolios. All of these gifts lend themselves beautifully to monogramming or engraving.

For the ladies there are Jewelry Boxes, trinket boxes, clocks, manicure cases, pens, Silver Compact , Picture frames and albums, key chains and Business Card Cases . If you are thinking of earrings or another type of jewelry, it can always be presented in a personalized jewel or trinket box.

You will also have a maid of honor and a best man. Their gifts can be chosen in the same vein as your purchase for the users and the bridesmaids. Generally, you spend a little more for their gift because they are a very close relative or friend. They are also the person who assists you throughout the wedding and will usually host a shower and a bachelor party. You can get them the same gift as the others in your wedding party, just add something else to the gift to indicate that they are special. You can also purchase in the same category, just a more expensive version.

Often, gifts are also chosen for the parents of the bride and groom. Personalized clocks are a special remembrance of your appreciation of all they have done for you.

Another nice thought is to make up albums for the grandparents and great grandparents. You can purchase a simple leather album and have that personalized. Then you can fill it with proofs of photos your friends have taken at the affair. It tells them that you are thinking of them and that they are also special to you.

And last but not least, remember each other. Nothing says “you are my very special someone” as presenting them with a gift on the day of the wedding. It shows you were a thinking of them and will be a nice surprise.

If you do not have time to shop around for your bridal party gifts you might want to check out some of the online resources listed below:

Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts

Personalized Father Gifts

Personalized Groomsmen Gifts

Personalized Mother Gifts

Remember not to stress yourself out over the perfect gift. Your Bridal party are your best friends and family so no matter what the gift, it will be cherished because it came from YOU.

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

Author: Maxine Greco has worked in luggage and travel industry for over 35 years. She is now currently at Village Luggage & Gifts Source: ArticleTrader.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

11 Fun Wedding Themes That Can Save Your Thousands

Looking to save money on your wedding reception? Instead of relentlessly paring down your guest list or compromising in other areas, why not think about using a low-cost theme for your special day? A wedding that fits into a particular theme is often more relaxed than your typical reception. And, since there's less pressure to spend exorbitant sums on extras you simply don't need, they can often save you a bundle.

Reception themes allow people to get creative with their celebration and express themselves. People often choose to base their themes on hobbies, personal interests, and dreams. Choosing to go with something like a beach theme, a Mexican fiesta, or a toga party (for a really wild example) is simple -- and the food is cheap and easy. Take a look at some more themes to lessen the cost of your reception.

* Roman theme: The choices with the Roman theme vary. Togas are almost always a part of the festivities. Serving fresh fruits like grapes and apples not only provides a healthy alternative to more traditional fare, it's also in keeping with the typical Roman diet. Serving fresh rotisseries meats or cold cuts are great with this theme as well. You can generally serve beer and wine for this theme, and you can decorate with wreathes, garland, candles and anything else in the Roman fashion.

* Fairy Wonderland: To go with this theme, you could use fairies wings, have sheer fabrics draped around you, decorate with baby's breath, moss, and serve fine breads and appetizers. This theme really lets the bride bring her childhood dreams to life.

* Ethnic traditions: This theme requires that you choose specialty foods and decorations from the ethnicity of your choice. For example, should you choose a Scottish theme, you would listen to bagpipes, dress in the Scottish fashion and do all things Scottish.

* Mexican fiesta: This fun theme can have you hitting a pinata, serving popular Mexican dishes, utilizing things like Santa Fe decorative blankets for the walls, and many other things. You can play mariachi music or Spanish guitars for this theme.

* Arabian Nights: For this theme you can fill your reception hall with beautiful linens and let your bridal party have costumes should they wish to. You can also serve Middle-Eastern foods or appetizers, pita bread, etc. This theme is very versatile and fun.

* Greek Mythology: This theme can be geared toward a particular Greek saga or, more popularly, guests can each come dressed as a particular Greek hero of their choice. Greek foods like fresh fruits, wine, and other edibles of ancient Greece can be offered.

* Hawaiian: You can use your imagination to create any Hawaiian fantasy that you wish. You can give out fresh leis or artificial ones as wedding favors. You can serve fresh tropical island fruits such as pineapples, and serve those cute tropical drinks with decorative umbrellas - basically, wherever your mind takes you.

* Disney: There are so many popular Disney characters that we all remember from our childhood that this theme opens up a world of possibilities. You can choose to focus on a particular character, or simply take the entire world of Disney and use it as your theme.

* The Wild West: This theme can be as fun as you want. You can set up your reception area to look like an old saloon and have dancers give a tame burlesque show. This theme also allows you to serve easy-to-create entrees like meatloaf, all the way up to more expensive fare, such as steaks. As long as you stick with your theme (i.e. leave out the shrimp cocktail) you can have a great time.

* NASCAR: This theme has a world of possibilities. You can decorate with checkered flags and checkered flag streamers, toy cars, or painted numbers of the different cars and drivers. If you would like, you can decorate with a particular driver motif. The best part about this theme is that it is very casual and you can serve regular foods like pizza, large submarine sandwiches, hamburgers and even chips and nachos; pretty much any food that you want. In general this relaxed type of theme applies to all sports-related themes. This theme is great for receptions where lots of sports fans will be attending. You can also opt to watch a race on a large TV during the party.

* Movies: Popular movie themes like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings can be a lot of fun for receptions when the bride and groom are movie buffs. Decorations will be based on what the general movie symbolizes. For example, if you chose the Matrix, you would use computer data charts and sheets, computers, dress in all black, etc. You could serve appetizers rather than entrees for this type of theme as well. Playing the movie during your reception is a cool idea for background scenery.

When it comes to themes, the possibilities are endless. Coming up with them can be much of the fun. After you have chosen your theme, you can brainstorm ideas to expand upon it for the decorations, food, activities and more.

I found a couple of great sites on the web you might want to check out (Simply Click on the highlighted links below:

Unique Wedding Invitations (Certainly not your standard wedding invitations!)

Everything for your wedding at WeddingSolutions.com

Don't be afraid to use your imagination. It's your wedding anything goes. The more outrageous your wedding is, the more memorable it will be.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)



About the author: Chris Simeral is the creator of The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit, the wedding-coordinator-approved home-study course for couples personalizing or renewing their wedding vows. Sign up for the free wedding vow mini-course at http://www.weddingvowtoolkit.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Essential planning tips and ideas for a beach wedding.

Planning the finite details of your beach wedding includes, strategic placing of lighting if necessary, arranging the food and tables, decorations that compliment a beach setting, and music selections as well as where to place the speakers.

Lighting for a beach wedding and reception can be tricky.
Think about what type of lighting will be needed, and where you will be placing your lights.
If you need a power source for your lighting, consider how and where the cords will be placed.

Candles, torches and battery powered twinkle lights are all beach friendly. Depending on the time of day and weather extra lighting may not be necessary. Candles are a practical choice provided they are in a glass container to block the wind.

Food and table arrangements for a beach wedding
If you don't have proper refrigeration-plan a menu that can be transported in coolers and prepared on site. BBQs work well - they are usually OK on public beaches and a variety of foods can easily be prepared. Avoid mayonnaise based dressings and try to prepare food close to when it will be consumed. A Hawaiian style pig roast or a clam bake are great ways to get your guests mingling and enjoying a day at the beach.

In keeping with a beach theme - serve easy to eat foods - try to avoid foods that will need a knife and fork. Why not cook meat and vegetables on individual skewers and a offer side dishes that are easy to pick up and go - stuffed mushrooms, raw vegetables, and salads.

If your wedding cake will be on display, wrap it up in clear cellophane - looks beautiful and keeps the sand and bugs off.

If you are planning to have your guests sit down at tables and chairs for dinner, rent a portable floor -it can also do double duty as a dance floor.

Decoration ideas for a beach wedding
Extend the beach theme to your menu and table arrangements. Serving food inside seashells is a nice beachy touch and very practical too - they won't break! Use place cards that won't blow away - names printed on shells with a marker, keep the theme going.

Centerpieces made from drift wood, local flowers, even bowls with plastic goldfish are inexpensive and easy to transport. Sand castles are a natural choice for a seaside wedding, To build your own sand castles use white glue and sand, a variety of molds and lots of drying time.

Use buckets filled with pebbles or sand to weigh down vases and candles.

Music for a beach wedding.
If you are planning music for the ceremony and reception of your beach wedding - consider music that compliments the setting and be aware of noise violations on public beaches. Heavy metal may not sound the same when competing with the seagulls and the ocean.

Steel drums are a welcome sound conjuring up warm, tropical memories. Finding a local steel drum band will be a real coup and a sure way to get everyone up dancing.

Plan on having a microphone for the ceremony and announcements. Beaches can be very noisy places and you may not be overheard above the sound of the waves, airplanes or nosy spectators.

Last but not least....Remember to have fun no matter what happens. Any little annoyances on your wedding day will be great memories in the years to come.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)

Resources: http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Planning a Beach Wedding

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event! The "Pros"

* A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

* A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

* The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

* A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

* Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

* A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

* There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

* Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements. Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them.

Just remember... If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl... These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

If you need to make travel plans, there are some great online resources you might wnat to check out. One company called Party Pop will actually help you plan your entire wedding including travel plans. If you want to check them out simply Click Here

Another idea you might want to check out is to create your very own Wedding Website. That way you can keep your friends and family updated on your wedding plans.

Don't worry you do not need to be a computer geek. There is a great site called Windsor Weddings which will make you a website with only a few clicks. Simply answer a few questions and your wedding site will be online within 15 minutes. It will cost you only $49 dollars for a 17 page site. You can easily update your site and add your pictures. Best of all they offer a Free Seven Day Trail so you have notheing to lose. If you want to check it out Click Here

Another great online wedding resouce you might want to check out is:
Destination Weddings - A Bride's guide for planning a destination beach wedding. Suggestions and ideas for Hawaiian & Beach Wedding Dresses, Favors, Invitations, Destinations & more.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)


About the Author: Cindy English is the publisher of Beach-Wedding-Themes.com where you will find ideas for beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance. Discover new places to shop and things to make at: http://www.beach-wedding-themes.com/
email: beachwed@beach-wedding-themes.com
Source: ArticleTrader.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Keep Your Sanity While Planning Your Wedding!

Six Paths to Bridal Sanity

If your brain is buzzing in a thousand different directions, take a moment, breathe, and try some of these quick ways to chill out.

Breathe
Sit on the floor in a warm room, cross-legged, and place your hands, palm-side up, on your knees. Imagine a string connected to your spinal cord that goes out the top of your head, and lifts your upper body toward the ceiling. Close your eyes.

Soak
Line the bathroom counter with your favorite smelly candles. Run a hot bath, and put some soothing soft music.

Click here to discover the power of aromatherapy

Click Here for FragranceNet.com's Candle Collection

Laugh
Do something small with your fiancee that has nothing to do with the wedding. Rent a movie, or give each other a foot massage. Talk.

Daydream
Engage your hands in a mindless activity. Chop food you're preparing to cook, stuff invitations in envelopes, wash the dishes.

Exercise
Billy Crystal says he always does 20 pushups the minute before he goes on stage, because it dispells his anxiety. Sweat out your stress with a favorite physical activity.

Meditate and Give Thanks
Begin each day with gratitude. Problems and worries disintegrate when you take a few minutes to be thankful for what you have.

When it comes to harnessing your mind's energy in preparation for your wedding, use it, don't lose it!

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)

http://windsor.weddingwindow.com/