Wedding Trends That Take The Cake

You want your guests to have a great time at your wedding reception, so you’ve spent some time thinking about the music that you’d like to have your band or DJ play. And it’s a good idea. After all, you want to have the perfect songs for your First Dance, your Daddy and Daughter dance and your Last Dance. 

But…have you given any thought to songs that you DON’T want played at your reception? No? Well, you may want to consider adding these songs to your  “DO NOT PLAY” list:

YMCA, the Macarena, the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance…Sure your guests all know the moves, but these dances are not the most flattering for guests dressed for elegance. Do you really want to see your relatives swiveling their hips and flappin’ their arms?

Locomotion, Cha Cha Slide and Limbo Rock…Again, these songs bring out the teenage dancer in all of us, but, again, some of your guests are a tad further from their teen years than others. People could get hurt!

Mony Mony (Billy Idol) and Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler)…These songs are ones that everyone loves to try to sing. They also love making up their own…objectionable lyrics…to them too. Do you really want Aunt Bertha subjected to that?

Stayin’ Alive…This Bee Gees classic brings back memories of John Travolta’s classic hustle moves, but there aren’t too many of your guests that will know more than one dance move to this song…Yep, that’s the one!

Who Let the Dogs Out? (Baha Men) and Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Wang Chung) …Yikes! I’m not sure how these songs ever became popular in the first place!

My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)…Again, this song may be objectionable to some of your guests. Think teens and twenty-somethings dancing to this song in front of grandma! Not a pretty thought, huh?

Every Breath You Take (The Police)…A little stalkerish, don’t you think?

Lips of an Angel (Hinder) and Jesse’s Girl (Rick Springfield)…These songs are about cheating and lusting after your friend’s girl. A bit inappropriate for a wedding, don’t you think?

Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)…Sure it’s a beautiful song, but a bit of a downer for a wedding reception.

White Wedding (Billy Idol)…This song is about Idol’s hate for his sister’s fiance. Other hate songs you might want to skip include Love Stinks, I F**king Hate You, You Gave Love a Bad Name and Tainted Love.

For a great selection of Save the Dates, visit Best Little Wedding Shop.

Lisa Bakewell

Planning your wedding reception seating may seem like a daunting task…especially if your wedding is large…but creating a satisfactory seating plan is relatively easy if you follow these tips:

Number of guests

You’ve sent out your invitations, and you’ve received your RSVP’s for the reception, but before you can start worrying about who is going to sit where, talk with your venue coordinator about the actual space that’s available for guest tables. Keep in mind where the head table will be positioned, as well as the music, cake table, buffet tables, etc. Also, ask the coordinator for his/her advice on which table shapes work best for the number of guests you wish to invite. Keep in mind, too, that it’s better to have fewer tables that are full, than many tables with just a few guests. Last, remember it’s beneficial to have some extra seats available for unexpected guests.

Head Table

The head table, or top table, is generally located in a prime location at the reception venue…typically in the front. This table is reserved for you, your groom, your wedding party and possibly your parents. If your parents do not sit at the head table with you, make sure that they are directly in front of you.

Guest Tables

Apart from the head table, guests traditionally sit at round tables. Have your family tables closest to the head table, and follow these tips for the rest of your guests:

• Keep couples, families, co-workers, etc., together. Those who share common interests will converse freely and be at ease. Small children should be seated with their parents, too, so that they will be supervised.
• Keep in mind that age is a factor. Seat elderly people together and other guests of similar ages together. They’ll have more in common.
• Solo guests should be dispersed throughout your seating chart, not thrown together at one table. Make sure they have something in common with those that they are seated with, though. One to two single people per table should be sufficient.
• Keep divorced men and women separated to avoid conflict. Even if they get along, you’ll probably still want to separate them, so that painful memories aren’t triggered, which may cause conflict.
• Guests with special needs will need extra consideration when you’re planning your seating arrangement. Obviously, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, etc. need special attention, but, also, keep in mind that your elderly guests will need to be seated in close proximity to the restrooms. Moms with babies, too, should be placed in an area where they can make a quick exit, if necessary.
• Balance your tables with even numbers of males and females.
• And, as a final note, check with your parents for any possible seating errors. There may be some tensions between people that you are not aware of, and seating them together might cause a problem.

For discount wedding invitations, visit Best Little Wedding Shop!

Lisa Bakewell

If you’re a true romantic, a Valentine’s Day wedding theme might be right up your alley. Even if you’re not getting married on Valentine’s Day, you might consider incorporating some of these fanciful touches to create the wedding of your dreams

Attire: Classic style dress is just what the doctor ordered for a truly romantic wedding. Consider wearing a timeless white dress and have your man wear a tuxedo with tails…and possibly a top hat and gloves. Check out old movies for great ideas. You might also consider a wedding dress with red accents, and have your bridesmaids wear a complementary color, such as red or pink. The groomsmen might wear red ties (maybe bowties) and cumberbunds.

Location: Make sure you book your location early, especially if Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, as it’s a very popular day to get married. Pick a location that’s not too small or too large, but one that allows you to create a cozy, romantic feel. Decorate as you would for a romantic dinner with soft lighting, lots of candlelight, flowers and flowing fabric.

Décor:A classic red and white color scheme would work well for your wedding reception, and you can play up the Valentine’s Day theme in a number of ways. Anything heart-shaped or red and white (and, possibly, pink) will add to the overall romantic ambience on your special day. You might also consider draping the light fixtures with jewel- toned beads. A great source for beads is area thrift stores, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores.

Music:You’ll want your music to set the mood for your romantic day. Consider hiring a string quartet to help set the Valentine’s Day mood. Or, if you want a DJ, consider having him/her create a song list full of romantic love songs. Granted, your guests will want some music to get them moving, too, but a great slow dance every now and then will set the mood for romance.

Flowers: Flowers are by definition romantic, so use them in abundance for your Valentine’s Day theme wedding day. While roses are the classic, they may be expensive in February. You may want to look to other red, pink and white flower type, such as carnations, which look great and are typically inexpensive.

Menu: Since Valentine’s Day is the most popular lover’s holiday, why not fan the sparks between your guests by including some aphrodisiacs in the menu? You might include foods, such as oysters, asparagus, almonds, poultry with mole sauce (a Mexican chocolate sauce), chili peppers and chocolates.

Cake:Valentine’s Day is all about love, so a great option for your wedding cake might be a tiered cake in the shape of a heart. Other things you could incorporate might include cupid, Valentine’s Day cards, doves, candied hearts, sugar ribbons and, possibly, a Swarovski cake topper.

Invitations and Save the Dates: Again, Valentine’s Day is all about love…and so is your wedding day…so you may want to consider continuing the V-Day theme with hearts, flowers and “Love.” You’ll find a wide variety of appropriate wedding invitations and save the dates to convey your message at Best Little Wedding Shop.

Favors:Give your guests tiny heart-shaped boxes of candy, chocolate kisses in a mesh bag tied with a red bow or heart-shaped ornaments that can be used on your guests’ Christmas tree as a remembrance of your big day.

Special Touches: Instead of table numbers, consider naming your tables after famous romantic couples…from today and yesterday. For some great ideas, check out Famous Couples website.

Lisa Bakewell

Contrary to traditional thought, you and your groom do not have a year to send out your thank you cards. All of your thank you notes should be written within three months of receiving a gift–sooner, if possible.

To make sure that you stay on top of the important task of showing your appreciation, you should try to send a thank you card to the sender the day that you receive your gift. If you can’t get them out on the day that your gift arrives, though, at least vow to get the thank you out within a week. You definitely don’t want to let them stack up. It’s a lot easier to write a few notes a day (or week) than to have to write a hundred in a month!

Personal thank you notes are an absolute must! A personal note inside your thank you cards is the only way to appropriately show your appreciation for a wedding gift.

So…

Don’t use preprinted or fill-in-the blanks cards–and never send an email. These options will convey to your gift-giver that their gift didn’t mean much to you.

Do write a warm, handwritten note. The message can be brief, but make it personal, mentioning both the gift and the giver.

Don’t forget to consider other gifts, such as bridal parties and wedding showers, when you’re writing out your thank you notes. It’s appropriate to add this particular thank you to the same note you send thanking them for your wedding gift.

Do mention each gift received in your thank you note when you are the recipient of more than one gift from a particular person or family–if the gifts are received close together.

Don’t thank your gift giver for a shower gift and wedding gift in the same card. Each gifting event deserves its own recognition. Shower gifts should be acknowledged within two weeks of your party, and wedding presents should ideally be acknowledged within two weeks of returning from your honeymoon.

Do write an individual thank you note to everyone involved in giving a group gift.

Don’t forget to mention what you’ll be purchasing with a monetary gift. If you’re saving it for a new home, etc., you may want to mention that, as well.

Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of a shipped gift. Even before you prepare the thank you note, you may want to call the giver to let them know that you received their gift. Follow up with a written thank you card, though.

Don’t mention to the gift giver that you’ll be returning a gift or that you’re dissatisfied with it. Some things are best left unsaid.

Do send photos ONLY if including them won’t delay sending the thank you note.

Don’t use tardiness as an excuse not to write your thank you notes. Receiving a late thank you is better than no thank you at all.

For an excellent selection of Thank You Cards, visit Best Little Wedding Shop.

Lisa Bakewell

The purpose of your wedding gift registry is to help you and your spouse-to-be get off on the right foot. This is a task that you should do together, but one that you should both enjoy. After all, it’s not too often that you get to make a list of items that you want…and need!

Here are things to consider when registering for your wedding gifts:

Where should you register?

Registering at multiple stores is a good idea. That will give your guests a nice array of price points and gift ideas. Consider registering at stores like Target, Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and any local stores that you frequent…and your guests may, as well.

How many gifts should you register for?

You can go crazy here. Pick as many gifts as you’d like to have, and choose several price points. This will allow guests of all income levels to get gifts for you that fit into their budget. Also, some of your guests will want to buy a lot of smaller items, and other guests may want to chip in on a larger gift for you and your soon-to-be spouse, so a well thought out list will give them lots of options.

When should you register?

Register at your chosen stores about six months prior to your wedding date. This will give your guests time to purchase items for your shower(s), as well as your wedding. Don’t register too far in advance, though, or you run the risk of your favorite store discontinuing an item that you register for.

What types of gifts should you ask for?

This is another area where you shouldn’t restrict yourself. Sit down with your significant other and make a list of all of the items that you think you’ll need to purchase within the next year. Consider kitchenware, linens, home appliances, luggage and furniture. Also, consider lifestyle gifts. If there are movies, CDs, sporting equipment, etc. that you’d like to have, include them.

How do you tell your guests where you’ve registered?

You can include an announcement of your gift registry choices in your wedding invitation, or you can pass along the information through family members and close friends.

Gifts to consider adding to your registry:

China
Flatware
Drinkware
Cookware
Bakeware
Small Appliances
Bedding
Linens
Tools
Home Improvement Gift Cards
Lifestyle Gifts (camera equipment, computer equipment, sports equipment and entertainment equipment)

Note: If a lot of your guests live out of town, consider large retailers that have shipping available, so that guests don’t have to transport your gift. This will also save time for guests who are busy, because they can order your gifts online at any time of the day or night.

Lisa Bakewell

Want to make your wedding anniversary a party–every year? Then consider having your wedding on New Year’s Eve! As a bonus, it will be very unlikely that either you or your spouse will forget your anniversary.

Arrange to have an early evening ceremony, so that you can plan to get your personal New Year’s Eve party started around 8pm. Not only will you and your spouse have a great time; your friends and relatives will have an awesome New Year’s Eve party to attend where everyone knows plenty of other people.

After the wedding ceremony, and prior to your New Year’s Eve party/reception, you and your groom should change into party clothes. You could wear a cocktail gown (the more glitter, the better), and, if you’d like, your groom can change into a suit instead of wearing his tux.

Good colors for a New Year’s Eve wedding reception might be silver, gold, white and black. These colors are very sophisticated and will go well with nearly any décor.

Consider opting for a nice buffet of appetizers and finger foods instead of serving a dinner. Veggies, fruits, crackers, meats, and cheese trays are perfect for this occasion. You might also include finger foods such as Buffalo wings and shrimp. These foods lend themselves to being eaten while standing, so your guests will feel more in the New Year’s party mode.

Plan on offering a fully stocked bar, since you won’t be buying a full meal. Make sure that you include non-alcoholic beverages, as well, and provide champagne for the mid-night toast. Using plastic wineglasses instead of champagne flutes for the toast will help to keep expenses down.

You’ll want your table décor and reception decorations to be very festive. Consider using confetti on the tables with candles that can be used to set the mood for the mid-night toast when the lights are turned down. Also, baskets of noisemakers and hats make nice table decorations and double as wedding favors and toasting gear when the time is right.

Make sure that your DJ or band has Old Lang Syne prepared for the mid-night festivities. Another nice feature would be a large screen television so that you can watch the ball drop at mid-night.

Last, make sure that you provide plenty of coffee and pizza to your guests before they leave your party. It would be a shame if anyone was pulled over by police when leaving your reception. Better yet, reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel, and have your guests stay.

A final note, when planning to have a New Year’s Eve wedding reception, you should give your guests plenty of time to plan for it. Make sure that you send out your Save the Date cards well in advance.

Lisa Bakewell

As you plan your wedding, you’ll also need to decide what types of gifts you’d like to receive. Why not consider gifts for a greener home? Why not choose bamboo gifts?

Bamboo is a fast growing and renewable grass that has inspired a variety of Eco-friendly gifts that would make perfect wedding gifts. Some bamboo gift ideas include:

Bamboo Rugs
Bamboo Place Mats
Bamboo Coasters
Bamboo Wind Chimes
Bamboo Bath Towels
Bamboo Bed Sheets
Bamboo Duvet Covers
Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo Utensils
Bamboo Candle Holders
Bamboo Light Fixtures & Wall Sconces
Bamboo Serving Bowls
Bamboo Fountains
Bamboo Tables
Bamboo Chairs
Bamboo Clothing

You might also consider these household gadgets to green up your wedding gift registry and save the Earth’s resources…not to mention your own resources.

Rechargeable Solar Flashlight
Water Powered Alarm Clock
Solar Batteries and Battery Charger

Green Earth Bamboo has a great assortment of Bamboo Bath Towels, Bamboo Bed Sheets, Bamboo Duvet Covers and Bamboo Clothing to choose from. Here’s a sampling of what they have to offer.

Duvet Covers 

Unlike other duvet covers - this is the softest duvet cover you will ever own! Plus it’s hypoallergenic, wicks away sweat and is made from the world’s most sustainable resource!

Soft and luxurious organic duvet covers made from 100% viscose from bamboo. These bamboo duvets come in a beautiful, earthy color selection to coordinate with your other bamboo bedding selections. Duvet covers are fashioned with button closures and interior ties. This organic duvet is a perfect reflection of your eco-friendly life style. Simply slip your new duvet cover over your bed comforter and save money on having to dryclean your down comforter, when you can easily toss your bamboo duvet in the washing machine! If you’ve never owned a duvet cover, you will be amazed at how convenient it is and what a nice touch it can add to any bedroom. Feel the luxury of soft bamboo first hand and it will surely become your favorite fabric. Softer than cotton, cashmere and silk, our bamboo duvet is hypoallergenic, breathable and resists odor.

Bamboo bed sheets  

100% Viscose from Bamboo Sheets are so luxurious and soft you’ll never want to sleep on another fabric again! Made from an organic and eco-friendly source, these incredible sheets are terrific for people who have skin allergies. All of Green Earth Bamboo’s bedding has natural wicking abilities to absorb much better than other fabrics, therefore making them especially nice for those with night sweats.

Aside from the fact that viscose from bamboo is so comfortable and soft, it’s nearly indescribable until you’ve tried it for yourself. Green Earth Bamboo’s  beautiful bamboo bed sheets come in a variety of earthy colors, and go wonderfully well with Green Earth’s other bamboo bedding, such as a beautiful bamboo bedspread coverlet, duvet cover, pillow shams and pillowcases. Create a bamboo bedroom that’s luxurious and cozy for you.

Bath towels 

Wrap yourself in pure luxury with organic bamboo towels that are ultra soft and super absorbent. Green Earth Bamboo’s bath towels come in three beautiful colors to complete your bamboo bathroom. Their towels are so soft and comfortable you will want extra sets for everyone in the family, and extra sets of hand towels for your powder rooms. If you have the luxury of a jacuzzi, whirlpool or hot tub you will most certainly want a couple of the bamboo bath sheets in the extra large size.

Bamboo clothing  

Green Earth Bamboo has fashionable women’s bamboo clothing that you’ll love! Super comfortable, stylish and made from an environmentally friendly source, bamboo clothing is ultra soft and cozy, super absorbent and breathable, and it naturally resists odor–keeping you feeling fresh all day long.

Viscose from bamboo is also temperature regulating , so you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And organic bamboo is a pesticide-free, sustainable and renewable resource.

To learn more about the wonderful qualities of Bamboo, please visit our Bamboo Facts section for a wealth of information on organic fabrics and how bamboo takes the lead as the fabric of our future.

Lisa Bakewell

Recycled Paper Wedding Invitations…

Looking for a wedding invitation that has Mother Nature’s seal of approval? Best Little Wedding Shop has a great collection of Eco-friendly, recycled paper wedding invitations, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style to “go green”! Order your favorite design today and do your part to help save the environment!

One of the most obvious ways to make your wedding invitations Eco-friendly is to use recycled paper. Recycled paper has greatly improved in durability and quality, and when one ton of 100-percent recycled paper is used, it saves 7,000 gallons of water and enough energy to power an average home for six months. Recycled paper also saves about 17 trees from being cut down to make the paper.

Naturally Ever After Wedding Invitations® come in unique styles and themes that you’ll fall in love with! This unique “designer line” offers Eco-friendly wedding invitations with natural earthy tones which are stunning!

Other Green Trends…

Seeded paper is also a trend in Eco-friendly paper products. They also make a unique wedding invitation that your guests will love, since your guests will be able to plant your wedding invitation! Seeded paper is handmade and contains a mix of wildflower seeds. Pressure is carefully controlled during the production of the invitation to help guarantee seed germination. Once you’re guest is ready to plant the flowers, all they have to do is plant the wedding invitation in a pot or in a sunny spot in their garden.

Another option for an Eco-friendly wedding invitation is one made of tree-free paper–paper made without using wood. Today, tree-free paper accounts for about one third of paper produced in developing countries. Plants like the African kenaf, hemp, flax and cotton are all used to make tree-free paper. Crop leftovers like rice and banana stalk fibers can be used, as well as cotton rags.

Looking for Eco-Friendly Wedding Gifts?

If you are looking for eco-friendly wedding gifts, try Green Earth Bamboo for bamboo sheets, bamboo clothing, bamboo towels and bamboo socks.

Seems that everyone wants a summer wedding, but creating and having a romantic winter wedding can be both glamorous and magical. Create your winter wonderland wedding by using these tips!

Attire

Why not create a romantic, Hollywood feel to your big day? Put your groom in long black tails and pick a golden-era-styled dress for yourself. Paired with a white faux fur wrap or a red silk cape, you will be stunning! For jewelry, consider anything diamond or diamond-like to add sparkle and shine.

For bridesmaid dresses, you may want to pick dresses with rich fabrics, such as satin, heavy silk, brocade or velvet. And don’t forget an attractive wrap for the bridesmaids to wear on the day of your wedding. This would make a great bridesmaid present, as well.

Location

You can get super-creative with location for your winter wedding. Why not choose a bed and breakfast, a lodge or inn with a fireplace or an historic mansion? Be sure to find out what seasonal decorations your wedding venue uses too. You may be able to save a lot of money if your wedding site is already heavily decorated for the season!

Invitations

Wintry motifs make a great theme for your wedding invitations. Also, you could go with metallics or white on white for a dramatic announcement of your big day. Check out these great invitations from Best Little Wedding Shop.

Menu

Go ahead offer the chicken or steak as your entrée, but consider adding wintry touches to your menu, such as pumpkin soup or a squash dish. Also, consider serving hot chocolate, eggnog, spiced wine or mixed coffee drinks.

Cake

Choose a white on white cake and decorate with marzipan snowflakes, Swiss dots, fresh white poinsettias or a snow globe. If you’d rather not have a traditional cake, though, why not choose a rich dark chocolate cake or a cheesecake with a raspberry filling or sauce? Not in the mood for cake at all? Chocolate covered cherries or strawberries might be just what you’re after!

Flowers

Winter flowers offer you an abundance of choices. Want an elegant look? Go for silver and white. Flowers you might use include dusty miller, baby blue eucalyptus, white roses, white mums or beautiful lilies. If you’d like to celebrate the season with more color, consider red and green. Using red roses, ornamental berries and holly and pine greenery will give your bouquets and flower arrangements a festive look.

Décor

Simply decorating your tables with white poinsettias will set a wintry mood to your reception. Also, pillar candles with pine branches or cranberries paired with floating candles will do the trick. Consider using strands of small white lights strung around doorways, over tables and on archways to add a rich and festive mood.

Favors

Favors for winter-themed weddings offer a lot of inexpensive choices. Why not give an ornament or a snow globe featuring a bride and groom? Also, inexpensive cocoa mixes in an attractive tin would work nicely. Sweets, such as cookies or candy would make a nice treat, as well. 

Things to Consider

Winter weather can be a problem depending on your location. Make sure that your guests don’t have to walk too far or spend a lot of time outside.

Make sure your receiving line keeps your guests out of the cold. If your ceremony space has a large entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have your guests greet you after the ceremony. If you hold the receiving line at the reception, make sure you’re far enough inside the building, so that guests won’t have to wait outside if the line gets backed up.

Remember to consider the holiday travel season when planning your wedding. Lots of commitments and higher travel costs might make it inconvenient for your guests to attend a late December or early January wedding. Book your date and get your save the date cards out early.

Lisa Bakewell

The big question has been asked, and you’ve given the positive response. Now you’re engaged, and you want the whole world to know…today! Well, hold on a minute. Rather than shouting the news from the nearest rooftop, you should be aware of proper engagement announcement etiquette. After all, you don’t want any hurt feelings, right? So, before you start planning the wedding, use these tips, and you’re more apt to keep everyone happy.

First of all, your formal engagement announcement should be made within one to three months after you and your husband-to-be become engaged. And, typically, your engagement will last about a year prior to your wedding, so there will be plenty of time to plan–for you and your guests. Immediately after you’re engaged, though, you should get an engagement ring (if you choose to have one and haven’t gotten one already) and you should tell those closest to you about the engagement.

Family

Etiquette states that the parents of the bride should be told about the engagement first, then the groom’s parents. Typically, the bride’s parents are told first, then the grooms immediately afterwards. While an in-person visit would be nice, if your parents live far away, a telephone conversation would be fine. Make sure that both of your are present, though.

If there are children involved, you should tell them first. Hopefully, you’ve prepared them for the possibility that you may be getting married. This may be a tough time for them, but reassure them that your new spouse won’t replace them.

Grandparents, siblings and other relatives should be told immediately, as well. A simple phone call or family dinner to announce the news is great!

Friends

Your engagement announcement to your friends can be an informal get-together or even a phone call. A get-together with friends, though, would be a nice way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials!

When you’re ready to tell the world of your engagement, you may want to consider the following resources:

Newspapers

Contact your local newspaper(s) to submit your engagement announcement. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, either set of parents would be glad to help or do it for you. Before submitting the announcement, though, consider having an engagement photo taken.

Wedding Website and/or Blog

A simple way to make your announcement to the world is by publishing the news online. Websites, even a simple one-page design, will work great, and blogs are easy to create (and oftentimes free). If you have a Facebook or MySpace account, these forums would work well too. Update the site(s), periodically, with additional wedding news and announcements. Be sure to include your gift registries, hotel information and other pertinent wedding information.

US Postal Service

Though this is a more expensive method, announcing your engagement through a card sent in the mail is the classic way to announce your upcoming wedding. Check out these great wedding engagement announcements from Best Little Wedding Shop!

A note about engagement parties: While engagement parties are generally a part of engagement, it is not mandatory to have one. If you do, though, remember only to invite those people who you plan to have at the wedding.

Lisa Bakewell