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HansonEllis.com Wedding Favors and Personalized Gifts Blog
May 2013
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Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids

bk smp Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids
Image: Style Me Pretty

Your big day is just around the corner and all of the last minute details are coming together just as you imagined. From the dress to the flowers, none of it would have been possible without your girlfriends attending to your every need. Now is the time to thank those hardworking ladies in a way that truly shows how much you appreciate them with unique bridesmaid gifts. Hopefully you already made them happy by picking out fantastic dresses for them, not the dreaded bridesmaid dress that is worn once and then burned! And if you’re like most brides, you will have picked out stunning attendant jewelry that they can wear time and time again. But if you really want to make a lasting impression, try surprising them with some of these great bridesmaid gift ideas!

Have one of your favorite bridesmaid pictures framed in a personalized frame. Pick a special moment you all shared, perhaps from your engagement party or your girls’ night out. Have it printed in black and white and frame it in a beautiful engraved glass picture frame. Or take several of the best pics of each BFF and make a miniature photo album for each of them.
frame Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids

When’s the last time your friends received their very own engraved koozie or flask? Now there’s a gift that’s sure to get a lot of use! Pick something with a little extra bling, like rhinestones or crystal-cut patterns, and have their special item engraved just for them. Fill the beverage holder with their favorite drink. They will really love being able to sit back in style with a cold drink after all of their hard work.
pflask2 Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaidskoozie Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids

Give each of your friends their very own Bridesmaid Bag! Fill it with all sorts of spa accessories or beauty items and give them the gift of pure indulgence! Combine organic soaps, manicure sets, aromatic body lotion and a bath pillow to enhance their experience. Throw in some scented candles and a fluffy bathrobe too. If you really want to treat them, add a gift certificate for a massage or facial. They will be absolutely thrilled with such a personalized bridesmaid gift!

bridesmaid tote Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids
robe Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids
Images: Invitation Solutions and Etsy

It’s the thought that counts. Try giving each of your girls something different. Look for unique and memorable gift ideas for your bridesmaids to show them that you put a lot of time and effort into picking out just the right gift for them. For the professional, try giving her an engraved paperweight or executive pen. Throw in a personalized business card holder or letter opener to complete the ensemble. Pick a sleek and stylish engraved bookmark for the book lover among your friends. Or find one of her classic reads, and give it to her with a picture frame bookmark, capturing a favorite time together. Perhaps a miniature herb garden is just what the gardener in your crowd will want.

When it comes to choosing a gift for the maid of honor, be sure to make it extra special. A beautifully framed photo makes a wonderful sentiment. Give her something along with it that she can use every day, like a personalized keychain, a desk organizer, or her very own personalized photo album showcasing some of your favorite times spent together over the years.
organizer Memorable Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids
Remember that each of your friends is different. By taking some time to find them just the right gift you can be sure that they end up with a token of your appreciation that is as unique and special as they are to you.

Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas

The best man is usually the person who gives the toast to the bride and groom. Most best men put a lot of time and thought into coming up with just the right words to capture the essence of the love you both share. And now you can thank him by giving him a gift that shows how much you appreciate his efforts. Check out some of the ideas below to come up with some unique groomsman gift ideas that not only look spectacular, but can be used for years to come.

When he raises a glass to toast the two of you, let him raise his very own personalized mug! Give him a gift he is sure to use by picking out a sleek silver flask filled with his favorite drink. Have it personalized to commemorate the special occasion. Or pick out a shot glass or cocktail shaker that he will be proud to display. Whether he drinks from a can, or uncorks a bottle, there are several great gifts for the best man out there, from koozies to wine bags. Find the one that suits his taste to celebrate your friendship in high spirits.

mugm1 Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideasflask1 Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Personalized keychains make wonderful groomsmen gift ideas. Pick a different one for each member of your wedding party. If there is a golf enthusiast in the bunch, give him a golf keychain along with a gift certificate to a free round of golf at his favorite club. Perhaps you have a buddy who loves poker. Present him with his own personalized set of poker chips and a stylish poker keychain to go along with it. Is there one friend among the group who is just a kid at heart? Give him some stylish desktop games, like a miniature basketball hoop or chess set. Or surprise him with his own silver yoyo! Have them engraved with his name and the date to give it that extra special touch.

bottle1 Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Make those guys feel completely distinguished by presenting each of them with their own money clip, engraved especially for them. Tuck in some lottery tickets or a gift card to let them treat themselves to something nice. Combine it with an engraved business card holder and you have a simple and stylish gift that will get used time and time again.

leather mclip Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Give the business professional something he can cherish every day. Look for a great desk item, like a personalized clock, or note pad holder. Give him an engraved pen or paperweight that will be both functional and chic. For the guy who has all the latest in electronic gadgets, perhaps an executive charging station, personalized just for him, will be the perfect gift.
decision maker Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Single out that extra special relative or friend by giving him a timeless gift. An engraved watch, or fashionable pocket watch, will speak volumes about the value of your friendship. That is truly a gift that will be treasured forever. Pick out a favorite picture of you and your friend and have it framed in a special Best Man or Groomsmen frame. Look for something sleek and elegant to embody your admiration for your friend.
groomsmen frame Simple and Chic Groomsmen Gift Ideas
Think outside of the box when it comes to picking out unique groomsmen gifts. With a little thought, you will be able to give each of your buddies a gift that complements each of their personalities perfectly.

Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Weddings are a time to celebrate the blossom of love’s true romance. If you want to share that feeling with your guests, there are many simple steps that you can take to ensure that everyone attending your wedding will feel the splendor of your union. Create a remarkably romantic setting by using some of these simple tips:

arbor Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Image: Wedding Bee

Natural elements are a great way to bring the elegance of organic beauty to any event. Consider using some eco-friendly favors like small plants or natural wood accents, to compliment your decorations. String some lovely natural crawling ivy around the windows of your venue, or cascade them delicately from the chandeliers. Place some handmade buri fans at each place setting and sprinkle rose petals whimsically throughout the tables.

succulents1 Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideasheart votives Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Images: Style Me Pretty and Spearmint Wedding

Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to truly add a romantic touch. Whether you are planning a daytime or evening event, use candles to set the mood. Place scented votive candles on each of your tables, or make a stunning display of them surrounding your cake. Try placing strands of twinkling lights behind sheer curtains. Or simply purchase some romantic paper lanterns and hang them throughout the room. Rustic table lanterns make a beautiful centerpiece and will really capture the ambiance of the moment.

candles1 Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideasorange paper lanterns Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Images: Style Me Pretty and Pure Joy Events

table setting  lights Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideaspaper lanterns Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Images: Pinterest

If your wedding is outdoors, you can take full advantage of what is freely available to you. Place some flowing satin or linen panels at the entrance to your event and let the breeze billow lazily through them. Use wooden items such as trellises and planters to attain a rustic, romantic aura. Nature can be a stunning backdrop to any of your outdoor wedding ideas.

hanging lights Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Image: Pinterest

Whether inside or out, you set a romantic tone by using outdoor wedding decorations. Inspire a feeling of calm and relaxation by using a stone fountain as a focal point to your other accents. Bring in all of the earth’s bounty by creating a feng shui themed wedding, using water, plants and stones to give your guests a peaceful experience unlike any other.

wedding gabe Romantic Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Music will surely make or break a mood. Take your time selecting just the right music to set a romantic tone. Pick some of the old favorites, or ballads that have stood the test of time. Keep the atmosphere elegant and give your guests the gift of a truly memorable celebration.
Paint your wedding perfect with a colorful and refined romantic palette. Enhance and maximize every area of your design, from color to couture, to achieve the results you want. Spend some time looking through pictures that take your breath away and incorporate your own ideas into the scenery. Follow some of these simple steps and you will surely be on your way to creating a unique and delightful romantic wedding.

Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding

You might not live in Napa Valley or in a villa in France, but you can still delight your friends and guests with the sensation of rolling hills and miles of vines by throwing a casual and carefree vineyard wedding. Wine should be the highlight of the day, after the bride. If you’ve never planned a wedding, let alone one of this type, read on to find some unique and inspiring ideas that will make your wedding the toast of the town!

vineyardwedding Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image: Style Me Pretty

A Natural Beauty

To really capture the feel of being engulfed in the simplicity of nature’s abundance, incorporate many natural elements into your day. If you are planning your event outside, stage an arbor or trellis made of hickory of teak on the outskirts of your area. Decorate it with hardy vines and cascading greenery. If your wedding will be held at night, consider sprinkling some delicate lighting amidst the organic features to really make it sparkle.

outdoor lighting1 Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image:
Weddings by Lilly

Place bowls of exotic fruit on each table and surround them with fresh gourmet cheese and baguettes. Use organic fabrics to dress each table and design your centerpiece around a bottle of specially chosen wine. Use only cotton and other natural fibers to maintain that authentic vineyard feeling.

vineyardtable Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image: Brides.com

Wind and Dine Them

Let your guests indulge in the wonderful flavors of this all natural elixir. Place different selections of your favorite wines at each table. Or set up a tasting station and offer a wide variety of wines dressed with personalized wine bottle tags for guests to choose from. Place some dark chocolate candies or imported crackers out for them to cleanse their palettes between sips.

fine wine Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image: Brides.com

Give each one of your guests a special wine favor in the form of a wine cork or glass stem ring with the date of your special day. Send them home with a miniature bottle with your name imprinted on the front. Or show your bridal party how much you appreciate all of their hard work by placing a bottle of their favorite wine in a beautiful all natural jute wine bag.

winecork favor Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image: Kara’s Vineyard Wedding on Etsy

Dress for the Occasion

Casual vineyard settings usually call for casual attire. Although the bride and groom may be dressed to the nines, even a simple shift in color can lend a wonderful enhancement to the authentic feeling of your day. For brides, consider wearing a more relaxed, off the shoulder dress. Many brides set the mood by adding some rose or chardonnay colored beading or accents to their white gowns. Or perhaps you would prefer picking a dress entirely in a champagne blush.

junebug weddings Planning A Casual Vineyard Wedding
Image:
Junebug Weddings

Let the gents be part of the scenery by toning down their black tuxes. Instead, dress them in charcoal gray or even beige or cream. Keep the color scheme natural and simple to compliment the authentic vineyard feel. Bridal party members should be adorned in simple, vintage dresses with minimal detail. Linen and cotton make wonderful canvases for a variety of styles that will compliment your vineyard theme.

Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!

Yeehaw and Hot Dang, you’re gonna tie the knot! Well buckaroos, how about you throw down in style with a rip roaring, buckle busting, Country Western Wedding? Now you’ve probably already picked out some great Rascal Flats songs, and maybe even a few Dixie Chicks for the ladies, but what about the real flavor and flair that make a wedding a celebration to remember? There are a bunch of ways you can really give your wedding that down home feel. Read on and I’ll show y’all how to “get ‘er done!”

cowboywed2 Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
Photo: Bridesmaid.com

Buckles and Boots!
Now the bride should always look like a country star on a moonlit night, but underneath that gown she can surely have on a pair of pearly white boots! Dress the men in the finest shiny boots, and top them off with a bolo tie and big silver belt buckle! The groom can even wear a ten gallon hat to match! Let the rest of the wedding party keep in similar attire. However, the ladies should most definitely be wearing something made of lace, perhaps with a bustier bodice.
horseshoe invite Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
Photo: Bridal Guide

Horshoes and Hand Grenades!
You don’t have to actually play horseshoes, although that would be fun. But add some good luck into your day by sending lucky horseshoe invitations or using horseshoe wedding favors. Perhaps you could give each one of your guests some good luck of their own by giving them horseshoe keychains with your name and date engraved on them? Save the hand grenades for another time!

horseshoe soap Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding! horseshoe Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
Photos: Horseshoe wedding favors from HansonEllis

BAR-B-Q!
Nothing says western wedding like some good old fashioned barbeque! Why not have an authentic pig roast for your rehearsal dinner, or offer pulled pork appetizers or ribs at your wedding reception? Place different temperatures of hot sauce around the room and let your guests test the heat while they eat. Corn bread and catfish are two down home favorites that can be easily served buffet style. And don’t forget to finish it off with some home-made pecan pie or apple fritters. Yummy!
bbqdinner1 Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
Photos: Green Wedding Shoes

Ya’ll Come Back Now, Ya Hear?
Give your guests something that will make them want to relive those line dances and buckle busting buffets! Let them take home their own western wedding favor in the form of a belt buckle with your initials on it, or perhaps you can fill some miniature cowboy hats with some butterscotch candies. Take some antique glass vases and overflow them wildflowers like daisies and sunflowers and let your guests really feel like they’re back home in the deep south on a warm summer afternoon. Set pitchers of lemonade on each table, and give each one of your guests their own parasol or saddle favor to remember the day that you and your little darlin’ blazed your new trail together.

barn1 Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
bales of hay1 Saddle Up to a Country Western Wedding!
Photos: Jose Villa Photography and Elegant Bridal Guide

So if you’re fixin’ to plan a great Country Western Wedding, keep in mind that there are a hundred little things that you can do to guarantee a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Add some natural wood elements, maybe some bales of hay and a few pictures of the wild west and horses. Place some harnesses and horseshoes haphazardly throughout the room, and be sure to have some antique lanterns glowing throughout the night. Let you guests lounge around, let down their guard, and live it up at your Country Western Wedding!

Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas

Nature’s bountiful harvest is in full bloom in the fall. From the crisp cool autumn air to the brilliant display of colors on the trees, fall creates its own unique air of natural romance. If you are planning a fall wedding, there is no end to the number of themes you can choose from. Whether you want to celebrate in an organic way, or go a little unconventional, fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to throw a wedding. Here are a few unique fall wedding ideas to get you started:

leaf votive Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas veneercardsl Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas
Photos: Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart

Leaf Gazing – Treat your guests to a ferry ride or cruise down a river to enjoy the height of the fall foliage. This is one of the most unique and colorful fall wedding ideas. Plan your wedding for the peak season in your climate and let the incredible foliage provide the perfect backdrop to your special day. Keep your colors simple; opt for classic black and white formal attire. Decorate the tables with wonderful fall wedding favors and keep the food elegant and simple.

candied apples Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas leaf favor Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas
Photos: Arkansas Bride via Pinterest and HansonEllis

Hearty Harvest Wedding – If your wedding will take place near Thanksgiving, consider tying the best of the season into your fall wedding decorations. Use cornucopia, gourds and pumpkins as your centerpieces, and fill your venue with mums in every shade. Consider choosing a menu that celebrates the flavors of the season too. Fresh turkey breast, candied yams and cranberries will not only taste delicious, they will provide a colorful plate for all of your guests to feast their eyes and taste buds on.

pumpkins Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas
Photos: Brides.com

Costume Wedding – If you love Halloween, perhaps you’ve thought about throwing a costume wedding! This is truly one wedding experience that will not be soon forgotten. Try renting a classic home or mansion for your wedding. Go all out on candles, lights and authentic seasonal decorations. Invite your guests to come in costume, either designed around a theme, or by their own choosing. Let everyone get into the spirit of the day at your costume wedding!

renaissance wed Fantastic Fall Wedding Ideas
Photo: Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Renaissance Wedding – Fall is reminiscent of medieval times. Tell all your friends to come to your wedding in period costumes and celebrate in ancient fashion. Have pewter goblets and place settings and wear traditional medieval attire. If you really want to make a statement, have your knight in shining armor dress in authentic armor! Serve food that is true to the Renaissance period, such as stews, soups, roasts and salads. For the drinks, offer plenty of wine, ale and cider. If you really want to go all out, have a white horse await to carry you and your love away after the ceremony.

Fall weddings are spectacular. Rich with tradition, flavor and fall colors any autumn celebration is one that will be remembered. Be sure to take advantage of the stunning colors when taking formal pictures. And accentuate the aroma of the season by placing cinnamon, vanilla and pumpkin scented candles and potpourri throughout your venue. Let all of your guests indulge their senses in the wonders of the fabulous fall season.

Planning a Something Blue Wedding

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Those are the traditional wedding words. But if you are a little untraditional, perhaps you just want to stick with the something blue! If your whole wedding day is designed around a blue theme, check out some of these something blue wedding ideas to keep spirits high at your blue wedding!
Photo: Georgica Pond
1. Chill Out! No matter what season you have picked for your big day, winter colors capture the cool chill of beautiful blue. Different shades of silver, purple and blue look wonderful together, and can be incorporated into your bridal attire or your decorations. Find some unique winter wedding favors to keep things really cool! Ask your florist to dye some of your flowers in a color scheme to match the rest of your decorations. Blue and white look wonderful together, so consider keeping it simple with all white linens. Add blue flowing ribbons to the chairs and the chandeliers to really make them stand out.
2. If you like it hot, make a splash with the colors of the ocean. Blues of every shade appear in beach themed decorations and nearly every element from the ocean. Tie a nautical theme into your day by placing miniature silver sea pails filled with blue potpourri or blue colored soaps. Fill vases with sea glass in various shades of brilliant blue or scatter blue shells on each table. Let blue take center stage as the primary color on your wedding cake as well.
3. Mix and match your blues of different hues! Changing the shade, pattern and tone of the blue you are using will add depth and dimension to the overall effect of your wedding. Consider using light blues as the primary color, and accent the tables with deep rich blues. The contrast will be appealing to the eye and allow you more flexibility in choice of accessories and party favors. Remember not to go overboard with one color. Instead, sprinkle in some crisp white and silver to give the blues an elegant backdrop.
Photo: Save The Date Events
4. Light it up! Blue lights look amazing. Purchase plenty of these colorful lights and position them throughout your venue. Drape on the appetizer tables, and wrap them around any columns or posts. Hanging blue lights behind white sheer curtains creates an alluring ambiance and provides a romantic feeling. If your wedding is outdoors, the blue lights will look spectacular in the moonlight too!
5. Every bride hopes to receive that oh so special Tiffany’s blue box on her wedding day! That famous color has become synonymous with class and style. Consider designing your whole wedding around those two colors, aqua and white. Pick invitations in a simple and elegant style that showcase that stunning aqua blue and place aqua favor boxes at each place setting. Pick out the bridesmaids dresses in shades of Tiffany blue to complement the classic white of your wedding dress. Work with your florist to have boutonnieres died in that wonderful shade of blue.
Keep these ideas in mind when you plan your blue wedding. And if you register at Tiffany’s, you just might end up with that oh so anticipated aqua blue box!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Those are the traditional wedding words. But if you are a little untraditional, perhaps you just want to stick with the something blue! If your whole wedding day is designed around a blue theme, check out some of these something blue wedding ideas to keep spirits high at your blue wedding!

blue theme1 Planning a Something Blue Wedding
Photo: Georgica Pond

1. Chill Out! No matter what season you have picked for your big day, winter colors capture the cool chill of beautiful blue. Different shades of silver, purple and blue look wonderful together, and can be incorporated into your bridal attire or your decorations. Find some unique winter wedding favors to keep things really cool! Ask your florist to dye some of your flowers in a color scheme to match the rest of your decorations. Blue and white look wonderful together, so consider keeping it simple with all white linens. Add blue flowing ribbons to the chairs and the chandeliers to really make them stand out.

2. If you like it hot, make a splash with the colors of the ocean. Blues of every shade appear in beach themed decorations and nearly every element from the ocean. Tie a nautical theme into your day by placing miniature silver sea pails filled with blue potpourri or blue colored soaps. Fill vases with sea glass in various shades of brilliant blue or scatter blue shells on each table. Let blue take center stage as the primary color on your wedding cake as well.

3. Mix and match your blues of different hues! Changing the shade, pattern and tone of the blue you are using will add depth and dimension to the overall effect of your wedding. Consider using light blues as the primary color, and accent the tables with deep rich blues. The contrast will be appealing to the eye and allow you more flexibility in choice of accessories and party favors. Remember not to go overboard with one color. Instead, sprinkle in some crisp white and silver to give the blues an elegant backdrop.

blue theme2 Planning a Something Blue Wedding
Photo: Save The Date Events

4. Light it up! Blue lights look amazing. Purchase plenty of these colorful lights and position them throughout your venue. Drape on the appetizer tables, and wrap them around any columns or posts. Hanging blue lights behind white sheer curtains creates an alluring ambiance and provides a romantic feeling. If your wedding is outdoors, the blue lights will look spectacular in the moonlight too!

5. Every bride hopes to receive that oh so special Tiffany’s blue box on her wedding day! That famous color has become synonymous with class and style. Consider designing your whole wedding around those two colors, aqua and white. Pick invitations in a simple and elegant style that showcase that stunning aqua blue and place aqua favor boxes at each place setting. Pick out the bridesmaids dresses in shades of Tiffany blue to complement the classic white of your wedding dress. Work with your florist to have boutonnieres died in that wonderful shade of blue.
i do box Planning a Something Blue Wedding

Keep these ideas in mind when you plan your blue wedding. And if you register at Tiffany’s, you just might end up with that oh so anticipated aqua blue box!

Get Your Guests Ready for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot is the theme of your destination wedding! There are many fantastic ways that you can give your friends and family a dose of island fever starting long before your wedding day until they get back home. Don’t wait until their toes touch the sand. Get them as excited as you are about celebrating the biggest moment of your life in one of the most beautiful and exotic locations in the world!

caribbean weddings Get Your Guests Ready for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding
Photo:
Brides

Send Them Some Surf, Mon!

Imagine the look on your friend’s face when she opens her mailbox to find a message in a bottle… from you! This is a fantastic way to start the party long before the waves hit the shore! There are many different types of beach wedding invitations you can use. But the message in a bottle invitation, and others like it, combines all of the elements of truly being swept away by the ocean. Most of these invitations are printed on sea-grape paper or other natural elements. And most come complete with real beach sand and miniature seashells.
starfish bottle Get Your Guests Ready for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding

Use fun and festive ideas for your save the date too. Send your friends a sailboat magnet, or perhaps a pair of flip-flops that proudly announce the day of your island adventure. Anything that displays a nautical element will be perfectly suited to announce the details of
your day to your guests!

Celebrate Island Style!

Once the day has arrived, make sure there are plenty of accents and favors that carry your island theme along. Place miniature tin pails filled with seashell potpourri on each table. Or find ocean scented candles and bathe your venue in elegant ocean light. Set the stage for casual by encouraging your guests to dip their toes in the sand, literally. Fill several baskets with cute and trendy flip-flops and let each of your guests venture out into the moonlit surf.

coconut drinks Get Your Guests Ready for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding flip flops Get Your Guests Ready for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding
Photos: Plumeria Coastal Home and Oceania Island Living via Pinterest

Keep the air festive. Island parties are all about friends, food, and fun! Make sure you offer a variety of native fruit for your guests to experience the true flavor of the island. Have your venue prepare island drink favorites and serve them from coconuts with colorful straws or beach umbrellas. Hire a steel drum band to really set the mood for an island hoppin’ good time!

Send Them Home Smiling!

Most guests that attend a destination wedding only have one regret… that they had to leave. Make that process a little easier for them by sending them home with a basket full of island treats. Pick out some special delicacies or unique jewelry or artwork. Place some fun t-shirts, towels or hats in a beach duffel bag and give it as a gift to those who traveled from far away to share the joy of your wedding day with you.

Show your bridal party how much they mean to you by giving them a special excursion before they head home to the mainland. Surprise them by having a favorite picture framed in a beach wedding frame. Send them home with everlasting memories of the time you shared together.

7 Tips for a Destination Wedding Made in Heaven

A destination wedding is a wonderful way to start your journey into marital bliss. But planning one can be less than dreamy. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect destination wedding.

destination wedding couple 7 Tips for a Destination Wedding Made in Heaven

Photo: Diana M. Lott via Project Wedding

1. Take time to pick out your own destination wedding accessories. Purchasing your own destination wedding favors and invitations can save you a bundle on your wedding price tag. Shop the internet for unique destination wedding invitations, like message in a bottle invitations or island themed invitations. Look around for some unique destination wedding favors that embody the exotic and intimate feeling you are trying to capture.

2. Search for great travel deals that could lower the cost of the expense for you and your guests. Although traditional destination packages include travel, sometimes your guests have frequent flyer miles that they would like to redeem. Or perhaps some of them are planning an extended stay, and wish to make the arrangements themselves. Consider all of the costs and determine if you will book the travel all at once, or offer vouchers to your guests to help offset the expense of the trip.

destination wedding 7 Tips for a Destination Wedding Made in Heaven
bottle invitation boat 7 Tips for a Destination Wedding Made in Heaven
Photo: Embellished by Tiffany on Etsy and Invitation In A Bottle With Boat Anchor from HansonEllis

3. Be sure to give plenty of notice to your guests so that they can coordinate their vacation plans accordingly. When people receive the news of your impending wedding, they may not assume that they will need a few days off to help you celebrate in style. Allow them several months to arrange their schedules so that they can plan to be there for the full festivities.

4. Think logistically about your destination. Consider everyone you would like in attendance and pick a spot that is centrally located to all. If your guests can drive to your wedding, and even avoid overnight accommodations, you may be
able to have more people attend. Although islands tend to be popular for destinations, Central Park, historical cities, national parks and even zoos have all been locations for amazing destination weddings. These spots allow you to cut down on costs, and design a truly unique wedding experience that complements your style and interests perfectly.

5. Consider purchasing destination wedding insurance. Illnesses, inclement weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can temporarily halt or delay any wedding. In order to guarantee you are protected from losing the entire cost of the wedding, shop around for different insurances offered for this type of event.

6. Make special arrangements for the very young and the very old. Children who attend a destination wedding will need special activities to keep them busy. Inquire as to whether there are planned activities for the youngest set in your party when you start looking for your perfect wedding spot. For the older folks, remember that some of them may not be able to travel. Although they may not make an appearance at the wedding itself, they should receive an invitation regardless and should be included in all of the pre and post wedding events.

7. If money is no object, look for an all-inclusive destination wedding package. Although these plans may be at the top of the price list, they will surely take the pain out of planning all of the details yourself. There are many great packages available online, and most companies use a certified wedding planner to ensure all of your wedding needs will be met.

Hit the Jackpot with Your Las Vegas Styled Wedding!

Don’t gamble on anything when you plan your wedding day. We will help you make sure all the details are in order and that you’ve got everything you need to plan a perfect Las Vegas Styled Wedding! Start by figuring out your budget. You don’t want to have to cash all your chips in halfway through the game, so be sure you are being realistic when you plan expenses. Next, pick a venue. One option is to fly all of your guests out to Las Vegas and put them up at the Bellagio, but unless you’ve already hit the jackpot, you may need to fold on that idea. Any reception hall will do, but choose one big enough to have some poker games set up.

vegas wedmb1 Hit the Jackpot with Your Las Vegas Styled Wedding!
Photo: Mindy Bean via Wedding Obsession

poker invite Hit the Jackpot with Your Las Vegas Styled Wedding!
Photo: Poker Themed Wedding Invitation from Woodlark Designs on Etsy

Once you’ve picked a location, get ready to fill the house! Send out some invitations that tell your guests just what you’ve got in store for them. Consider finding invitations in the shape of playing cards, or announce your impending nuptials in the screen of a slot machine! Keep it fun and colorful. Throw in a personalized poker chip or two, with your names and date on it as a special save the date for your guests.

poker chip mint box web2c53b Hit the Jackpot with Your Las Vegas Styled Wedding!
Set the stage for the VIPs! Place a velvet rope outside the hall and have a doorman awaiting the guests. Bright lights and bells are a must for a Las Vegas Wedding. Get some flashing Christmas lights and hide them under the table cloths and around the perimeter of your room. Set them on the random mode and let them flash all through your reception. Sprinkle each table with playing cards and candy poker chips. Keep it really fun by putting green felt table cloths on all of the tables, and set a miniature slot machine in the center as a centerpiece!

Have the wait staff dress in Las Vegas style clothing. You might have to tip them a little extra, but what an impact that will make! Have them carry trays of cocktails, just like the Vegas girls do. And be sure they are wearing skimpy outfits with fishnet stockings too. Serve the food buffet style, and offer an array of gourmet delights for your guests to indulge in. Desserts are a Las Vegas tradition, so make sure you have tantalizing treats set out for your guests as well.

Design your wedding cake like a giant slot machine! Or, if you really want to do it Vegas style, have a giant paper cake wheeled in and have an Elvis Presley impersonator jump out to serenade the crowd. That will really get the party started!

Set up some real poker games throughout the reception hall. Poker table tops can be purchased very inexpensively, and this will complete the feel of a true Las Vegas Wedding. Let your guests play with your very own personalized playing cards that can also be taken home as party favors. Put a poker chip set on each table and let your guests pick their poison. Rent a real roulette wheel and let your guests spin the night away!

No one will have to have a poker face on when they attend your Las Vegas Styled Wedding. Their smiles will be authentic, and they will be genuinely thankful that you let them Viva Las Vegas!

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