What Not To Do At A Wedding Shower

January 25, 2011 by  
Filed under Wedding Humor

Wedding showers are all about the bride.  Sometimes you know her really well and the shower is a happy, fun-filled occasion.  Other times, you barely know the girl and you have no idea how to act, what to get her, or what to say.  In each situation and every one in between, here is a cardinal list of rules of what not to do at ANY wedding shower.

Unless it’s ONE OF THOSE Showers, Stay Away from Inappropriate Gifts

blushing
Unless the shower is designated for gifts of the *ahem* more intimate nature, stay away from sex toys and risque lingerie.  One famous story is floating around the internet that regards a ninety-year-old grandmother who was so offended at a shower gift that she spit her dentures out and stormed away.  We want to avoid offended grandmothers.

Keep Your History To Yourself

love-triangle
There are countless stories out there about girls who attend the bridal showers of women who are marrying their ex boyfriends.  Maybe that’s not clear, so let’s put it into second person narrative.  You’re at a shower.  The girl who is getting married is getting married to a guy you used to date.  Whatever you do, do not talk about your relationship with this girl’s groom-to-be.  It’s in poor taste and makes everyone feel awkward.

Other Don’ts

Don’t:

tell dirty jokes
get naked
encourage anybody else to get naked
get wasted
get wasted and  naked
be mean to the  bride
be mean to the bride’s mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, etc.

If you follow these simple rules, you should be fine.  If you think of something other than one of these things to do to offend people, PULEASE write to tell me about it.

Bridal Shower Themes

December 23, 2010 by  
Filed under Bridal Parties

bridal-shower-womenOne of the jobs of a bridesmaid is to help throw a bridal shower for the bride. Depending on your personality, this can either be a very fun task, or a very daunting one. If you are not accustomed to entertaining, you may not know where to begin.

A great way to give a party a distinctive style is to pick a theme. The theme is some idea or design element that you choose to help bring the whole event together. It is fine to be eclectic, but you do not want to host a bridal shower that seems to have no direction or unified look. The theme will give you ideas about the invitations, decorations, food, music, games, and maybe even the gift.

There are some themes that are very traditional for bridal showers. One popular idea is a kitchen based shower. It dates back to the time when it was expected that every wife would be a homemaker. In considering this type of old-fashioned theme today, it is important to know the bride well. If she is a real “foodie”, then no doubt some gifts from the gourmet cooking shop would thrill her. However, if the bride is very career-oriented and has no interest in cooking, she might be insulted by a kitchen themes bridal shower.

These days it is more common to pick the theme based on the bride’s interests or her personal style. For instance, I once co-hosted a bridal shower for a very dear friend who loved cherries (she even had a tattoo of a cherry on her shoulder). We chose invitations with a cherry pattern on them, had dishes of chocolate covered cherries, and for the favors, I handmade soap with a cherry design. Of course, not everything at the shower was based on cherries; we served many of her favorite foods, and chose flowers in her favorite color combination, purple and orange. Remember to use your theme as a starting point, but not to take it over the top.

You can also use the bride’s wedding as an idea for the bridal shower. For example, if she is having a destination wedding, then why not throw a beach themed shower? It would be a great warm-up to the main event. You could send invitations with seashells or starfish on them, fill hurricane lanterns with shells and white candles for decorations, and ask all of the guests to bring a beach themed gift. The bridesmaids might even chip in together on a special present, such as a piece of handmade jewelry for the bride to wear at her wedding. For a destination wedding, a casual piece of wedding jewelry handmade with organic pearl wedding jewelry would be a great idea.

Another source of ideas for a bridal shower could be the bride’s background. Let’s say that the bride is a Southern belle who has relocated to New York City. She would be touched to have a shower that featured her favorite Southern things. You could serve regional foods and decorate with magnolias floating in water.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a theme for a bridal shower is that it should look like the bride. This is not the occasion to inject the taste of the hosts. Ask yourself, “would the bride love this?”, and if the answer is yes, you will know that you have found the perfect theme.

Look to Bridget for advice on planning your wedding. Check out how we can help with your bridesmaids jewelry at SilverlandJewelry.com. Handmade wedding jewelry is a beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Registering is Good

December 17, 2010 by  
Filed under Get Registered

20081129152828452I know I was nervous about putting together a list of gifts for people to buy. It can be awkward to think about but the truth is most people love being told what gift to buy. It makes it so much easier. If they don’t want to buy something from the register then they don’t have to. It is best to register or else you may end up with 4 sets of candle holders. True Story.

In addition to saving the wedding guests time and possibly money, you won’t have to use your free time returning gifts you don’t need (or want) or gifts that you got two of (or four). No bad gifts and no returns, sound like a nice gift for yourself. And after the honeymoon is over, you’ll appreciate the extra time you will have saved.

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“Unveiling Weddings” Book Launches

December 7, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

“Unveiling Weddings” Book Launches as the Something Blue for Today’s Bride Co-Authors mix narrative stories and solid psychotherapy tools to create a fun-loving read that brings peace of mind for brides-to-be

San Francisco, CA – The old adage, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” just got a modern gift idea for the bride-to-be before her wedding day with “Unveiling Weddings,” a smart read written by two psychotherapists who bring a collection of stories and advice for brides to make the most out of their engagement. The book gives readers emotional support to find clarity, balance and joy leading up to their big wedding day and it’s the perfect girlfriends’ guide to support the bride from “Yes” to “I Do!” With a cauliflower blue book cover and illustration of a bride riding a bicycle with her feet up in the air, the book instantly references the balancing act brides face during their engagement that can turn any self-assured woman into an anxious “bridezilla.” On November 29, 2010 “Unveiling Weddings” will be available for purchase at www.amazon.com or on www.unveilingweddings.com for $14.95 in a 173-page paperback edition.

Co-authors Rebecca Sacerdoti, Ph.D., and Tasha Jackson Fitzgerald, M.A., who make their living helping individuals navigate their major life transitions, were struck by the intensity of issues a bride-to-be faces when planning her wedding. From cultural and social expectations to relationship fears and amplified family dynamics, an engagement brings an immense opportunity for a bride-to-be to get a better understanding of herself and her relationship with her future husband. Through a variety of narratives and comforting psychological guidance, “Unveiling Weddings” brings a chance for brides-to-be to feel nourished throughout the marriage planning process. With chapter titles such as “I Am Engaged, But I Feel a Bit Zany,” and “Relationships: Managing the 3 F’s Without Letting the ‘F’ Word Sneak In” the book will bring smiles, serenity and happy tears for the bride-to-be who reads about the myths and legends passed down from one generation to the next. This shared knowledge can help a woman experience her engagement as a time of empowerment and as an opportunity to improve her relationships.

“I was able to smile at things that happened on my wedding day, like when my mother-in-law took it upon herself to surprise us all with a song to her son to the tune of Celine Dion,” said former bride Michelle Walsh. If I hadn’t read the book “Unveiling Weddings,” I might not have had the insight to put my ‘quickie calmer’ into action and remember that everything will work out – now the story brings laughs to my husband and me.”

According to the Bridal Association of America, there were more than two million weddings held in 2009 with an average engagement lasting 17 months. Today’s bride is more aware about constructive psychotherapy tools that can be instrumental in helping to ease the challenges leading up to the big day, yet schedules and budgets may not allow for one-on-one scheduled visits to a therapist. For those brides, “Unveiling Weddings” is a welcomed “something blue” that will bring peace of mind leading up to and on her wedding day. In addition, the book may also be referenced as a tool as part of an ongoing therapist practice with brides-to-be nationwide.

“We wanted to write a book that would support women through this important rite of passage by providing them with stories and psychological insight, so they could get the most of their engagement,” said Rebecca Sacerdoti, who has a doctorate in psychology. “As co-authors, Tasha and I worked tirelessly to capture the best stories and write in a style that makes the book accessible and fun-loving. We’re proud that “Unveiling Weddings” can be read from front to back or flipped through for the chapters of interest that a bride-to-be can turn to when she needs it.”

Brides can also engage with the expert authors and fellow readers through social media channels including Facebook (www.facebook.com/unveilingweddings) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readytowed). Through these interfaces, the authors will share information on upcoming book signings, recommended resources, nuggets of wisdom, and more. The online resources are a welcomed addition to the host of wedding conversations taking place, as well as the resources found in “Unveiling Weddings.” The book’s focus is helping brides to find their authentic voice and experience during their engagement rather than seeking to aspire to a level of unachievable perfection.

More information about “Unveiling Weddings” can be found by visiting www.unveilingweddings.com or by e-mailing [email protected].

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Spring and Summer Wedding Favors are Hot Hot Hot

May 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Favors

2010 Spring and Summer Wedding Favors Celebrate the Balm-y Weather

Here we are, right in the middle of wedding season! If you’re getting married in the next few months, here’s your chance to see several (but not all!) of the newly launched spring and summer wedding favors (and bridal shower favors!) from top-tier wedding favor designer Kate Aspen.

Let’s start with lip balms and favor boxes. Yes, lip balms are much-appreciated bridal shower and wedding favors, because the sun that warms our days also brings us dry, cracked lips. Lip balm favors have been around for a while but, this year, Kate Aspen ups the ante with two styles and dozens upon dozens of personalization options!

“Sweet Kisses” Lip Balm Container                                           “Love & Kisses” Lip Balm StickLip Balm Kate Aspen’s new “Make It Yours” favor box collection and Icon favor boxes are definitely taking the art of favor box design to a higher level.  The top three are from the personalized “make it yours” collection and the next three are Icon boxes!

The Icon favor boxes below are “With This Ring,” “Express Your Love,” and “For the Love Birds!”

If your passion is butterflies or beautiful birds, Kate has something for you, too. First, the butterflies—one of spring and summer’s most welcome ambassadors!

Did you notice the delicate, silver-finish butterfly charm on the “Spring Elegance” Laser-Cut Butterfly favor boxes on the right? Touches like that and the gift-ready creative packaging of hundreds of their favors—not to mention affordability—have  set Kate Aspen’s favors apart for years!  But don’t take it from me. I’ll let these next favors tweet for themselves—they’re salt and pepper shakers, a bronze-finish metal nest tea light holder and a sweet songbird taking a bath in a place card holder!

I’ve saved something fabulous for my big finish. I’ll admit there’s nothing new about drink mixes—coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, etc. –have been around for a while. What spices up Kate Aspen’s new drink mixes—and your reception tables—is the sensational, eye-catching, colorful gift presentation!

Check out “Main Squeeze” Lemonade Mix, “Razzle Dazzle” Raspberry Iced Tea Mix and “Mix & Mingle” Key Lime Margarita Mix!

Thirsty for more? Kate Aspen wedding favors and bridal shower favors are featured on Kate Aspen’s “preferred vendor online favor sites” like My Wedding Favors and others. Remember—they’re called favors because they do something special for someone. They thank your guests for celebrating the most amazing day of your life—and that deserves something special!

Susan Hawkins is senior copywriter and a blogger for My Wedding Favors, a leading online retailer of top-tier wedding favors, bridal shower favors and wedding accessories.

Thoughtful Bridesmaids’ Gifts That Don’t Break the Bank!

May 11, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Gifts

Let’s face it: planning a wedding is tough. Many brides admit that planning their wedding would be much harder if it wasn’t for their bridesmaids. Often your bridesmaids help with logistics and things that just can’t be handled by a single person. So when it comes time to say, “Thank you!” to these lovely ladies – we know you want to pick out special bridesmaids’ gifts. But after the expense of a wedding, adding any other expenses can be a challenge. Here are some of our favorite bridesmaids’ “Thank you” gifts that are thoughtful and won’t have you reaching the top limit on any credit card.

Personalized Makeup Mirror. Many women like to touch up their makeup during the day, and what could be better than a personalized makeup mirror as their bridesmaid’s “Thank you” gift? This is an ideal gift, as they will think of you each time they use it and it is reasonably priced. Best of all, it is personalized with their first name or monogram for a sophisticated and elegant look. Any bridesmaid will appreciate this gift ideal for daytime and evening use.

Birthstone Jewelry. This is a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids and you’ll find a wide selection of birthstone jewelry to choose from. There is personalized birthstone jewelry and simply birthstone jewelry that features the lovely gemstones on their own. One of the best things about this choice is that each woman will feel special and remembered as “their” birthstone month is uniquely their own. While they are there to share your Big Day, their “Thank you” gift is something that remembers them as unique individuals. You’ll find birthstone jewelry for every budget price and both daytime to evening looks.

Handmade Gift. Now this can be a very special and thoughtful gift if done with care. A handmade gift is best when it is created specifically for the recipient. So you are using their favorite color, their name or initials and including themes or topics that they enjoy. Any ways you can make this special for them or about your friendship/relationship will make this a grand-slam gift. Let’s say you are known for making delicious chocolate pretzels. So you choose to make this as your bridesmaids’ “Thank you” gift. Make this even more special by dipping each bridesmaid’s set of pretzels in their favorite color of sprinkles. And then put them in a pretty re-useable tin or jar. Include a thoughtful note saying how “sweet” they are. You see? Your handmade gift suddenly becomes something uniquely about them.

Plan a Fun/Girly Activity for After Your Honeymoon. This is a great choice especially if your bridesmaids are conveniently located and can all come back together. Treat them to a “Thank you” barbeque, fancy picnic or day at an amusement park. Or go be girly together and take them for manicures and pedicures. The key is to choose activities and themes that they will especially enjoy. Simply remember that this day is not about you as a bride or your getting married but about your friendships and celebrating them.

Popular Winter Wedding Shower Gifts

January 19, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Gifts, Wedding Planning

Are you attending a winter wedding shower? You’ll want to get the bride something special. That truly makes her feel like a bride and especially something ideal for winter. Fortunately, there are many terrific winter wedding shower gift ideas you’ll love. Try some of our favorites!

The key to giving a winter wedding gift is to think of something ideal for the season. Some gifts simply lend themselves more easily to the season than others do. Giving the bride and groom a gift that is suited for the winter is something that is more thoughtful than you might at first think. If the bride and groom get married during the winter, your giving them a winter themed gift means that they will think of winter and their wedding every time they use it. Some gifts they may use year-round – but for special winter themed gifts they will use them even more during winter months and this will bring a special smile to their faces as they remember their wedding day and the moments they shared with you.

bonjour-hot-chocolate-maker-1Hot chocolate machine. This is a sweet treat ideal for the bride starting a new life. A winter wedding means moving into a new house when it is cold and often snowy. A hot chocolate machine makes yummy hot chocolate at the push of a button. This tempting treat is sweet and also romantic. Chocolate is actually an aphrodisiac, ideal for newlyweds. Include all of the hot chocolate fixins’ with this gift like whipped cream and sprinkles.

Bread maker. A bread maker machine is a great gift for a new bride. What could be more delicious in the wintertime than hot, freshly made bread? Bread makers today are quite easy to use. A bread maker used to be a bit tricky to operate but today they are rather simple to use and create delicious fresh bread at the push of a few buttons. You can make many varieties of bread in a bread maker.

bride ice skateIce skating lessons. Many say that the first year of marriage is the hardest. Often couples simply have to adjust to being with each other, and not “dating.” Giving newlyweds ice skating lessons is some romantic fun for them to look forward to. They can have fun on the ice and enjoy ice skating during this winter – and then for every winter following. Your thoughtful gift of ice skating lessons this year could mean they ice skate for the rest of their lives – thinking of you as they start of on the ice! Those couples certainly look happy as they skate side by side holding hands on the ice. We’re sure you’d agree.

Tanning sessions. This might look funny on a winter wedding shower gift list, but the fact is that many winter wedding couples go to tropical destinations for their honeymoon. It is so important to get that base tan for protection before you go into the sun. A nice tan also looks wonderful in your wedding photographs. If the bride and groom enjoy tanning, tanning sessions could be a thoughtful gift they would enjoy. A little imported summer sun for the wintry weather.

Practical Wedding Gifts That Don’t Break The Bank

November 2, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

personalized-wedding-photo-albumAttending a wedding this winter? You’re probably looking for a wedding gift. Many people get anxious about finding the “perfect” wedding gift – and some go overboard spending way more than they can afford. Especially in today’s economy that can be a big mistake. Fortunately there are some great wedding gifts that don’t break the bank. Let’s talk about some of the bride and groom’s favorites that won’t be returned or wind up in the back of a closet after the honeymoon.

Personalized Photo Album. This is one of the best gifts you can buy them. Most couples spend thousands of dollars getting the best professional photographs they’ll ever have taken in their lives at their weddings. What better way to enjoy them than in a special photo album. But that’s not the only use for a photo album they’ll have. Remember they are often taking a special honeymoon to an exotic destination, a place where they will take many photographs. This photo album could be the one they use for wedding photos or for the honeymoon. Or get them two photo albums – one for each!

Gift Certificate/Card to a Restaurant. This a perfect gift to get a newlywed couple. Many newlywed couples find that their relationship changes, that they just don’t go out on “dates” the way they used to. Your gift certificate to a restaurant is an easy way to enjoy an evening out without the added expense to the family budget. Pick a restaurant that is near their home so they don’t have to think or plan extra hard about going out. You may be surprised, but this is often one of the bride and groom’s most favorite gifts.

Cookbooks. A cookbook is an ideal gift to get a newlywed. So is a subscription to a cooking magazine. Even if the bride or groom have been living on their own for some time, getting married often means adjusting your cooking styles. A cookbook offers some ideas and suggestions to make new meals together and find great family favorite meals. You could be creating family traditional meals by giving this cookbook!

Genealogical Research. This is a fun gift to give a newly wed couple. You can find professional genealogists and online services. Many brides and grooms are curious to learn more not only about the family they’ve married into, but about their own birth families after they have married. Learning genealogy is a wonderful gift. Especially if they have children or are planning a family. This is something they will treasure as they learn about new and old family relatives.

Gas Card. While this doesn’t sound like a very exciting gift, most bride and grooms would be thrilled to see a gas card as a gift. Gas is a regular expense – and weddings are expensive. Your gas card would offer great convenience and could make the difference between taking a quick family getaway for the weekend – or not being able to do it. Most major gas stations offer gas cards.