Wedding Trend: Ring Warming Ceremony

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life. On average, you'll spend 12-18 months planning, making sure everything is perfect, for one day. No doubt you’ve agonized over the guest list, narrowing it down and bulking it back up to ensure all the people you love most will be there; so, wouldn’t it be such a nice treat to include them in your ceremony?

A growing trend among many couples is to have a ring warming ritual as part of the ceremony. This simple gesture is a beautiful compliment to your ceremony. During the service, your rings are passed around to all of your guests. Each guest holds the rings briefly, while silently saying a blessing or wish for your union. This ritual is ideal for small ceremonies, and can be a great way to include your guests in the service.

If you like the idea of having a very interactive ceremony, but worry about your rings getting dropped or lost, consider placing the rings in a small bag, or tie them together with fabric. If you are having a larger ceremony, or if you just don’t like the idea of having everyone touching your rings, pass them just among your immediate family members. The passing can even take place during the vows, so that by the time you get to the ring exchange the rings will have made their way back to you.

This ceremony trend is growing in the number of couples who employ it as part of their ceremony, and can be a wonderful way to make all of your guests feel as though they’ve actively participated in your union, besides just showing up and bringing a gift. Your wedding day is your special day, and you should choose to celebrate it any way you want.

Wedding Trend: Ring Bearer Pillow Alternatives

Weddings are a time of celebration and merriment. Your wedding should be all about you; so, you should be sure to play a big role in finalizing plans. For many people, there’s something simply adorable about a little guy walking down the aisle in a miniature tux, carrying a dainty little pillow with a pair of rings tied to it.

But... what if you want to stray from the norm a little and choose an alternative to the traditional ring pillow?

One trendy alternative to a ring pillow is a ring bowl. These shallow bowls are often personalized with the couples names and wedding date. Many have ribbons that allow the rings to be tied down.

Another option for young children to carry is a stuffed animal. Clothing for plush toys is easily obtained, and your “ring bear” could be garbed in wedding apparel, with the rings safely around his neck. This would make your ring bearer more comfortable too, if they don’t have a problem with carrying a stuffed toy.

Ring nests are growing in popularity. These are an easy DIY project. With some Spanish moss and other supplies, a little bird’s nest can easily escort your rings up the aisle.

There are also a number of couples that are choosing to have decorative boxes hold the rings. This is viewed as a more masculine container to carry the ring in, as some ring bearers think a dainty pillow is too feminine.

If you’ve chosen not to have a ring bearer, a trendy option is to place the rings inside of a silver rose ring holder, which can then be placed in the maid of honor’s bouquet. This will blend with the rest of the flowers, while concealing the rings until they are needed.

Your wedding is all about you, and should be something that you’ll have memories of forever. Although the method of conducting the rings up the aisle may not seem like a major detail in the grand scheme of things, it’s the little details that you’ll remember for years to come.

Wedding Trend: Peacock Themed Weddings

Your wedding is the one day when you can do whatever you like and no one can stop you. (Or at least, that’s what most brides like to hope.) The colors are yours to choose, and no doubt you’ve seen a million color schemes and wedding themes that you love. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, consider a peacock themed wedding. This bold fashion is becoming very popular, yet is unique and trendy.

The striking colors characteristic of peacocks make for an elegant wedding day. Imagine the blue, green, and gold oozing through your wedding day. These bold colors may seem a little out-of-the-ordinary for a wedding, but that’s because they are (although the trend is growing).

If you’re wondering how to achieve this fabulous look at your wedding, consider sticking peacock feathers in your bridesmaid’s bouquets; having a gold aisle runner; teal tablecloths; purple boutonnieres; the list goes on and on. The only limitation on your wedding day is your own imagination, and with the internet even that is almost limitless.

Your wedding day is all about you, and it should reflect your style and fashion. Bold colors and bright themes, the possibilities are at your fingertips. Use your imagination, and create a wedding day that neither you, your new spouse, or your guests will ever forget.

Wedding Trend: Patriotic Themed Weddings

Let's hear it for America, the Beautiful!  Or better yet, decorate your wedding with her glory!  One of the popular trends for summer weddings is to draw on the July 4th holiday, and go with the theme of patriotism. These weddings are not only fun and creative, they can also be absolutely gorgeous.

The possibilities are endless for incorporating these catchy colors into your wedding. From the dresses to the decorations to the cake, there is practically no area of your wedding that can’t be resplendent with patriotic pride.

Even if you’re not an over-the top observer of national holidays, the color scheme presents plenty of opportunities for expansion, creating a uniform theme throughout your wedding. In addition, decorations and favors in these colors are easy to find throughout the summer. For a post-4th of July wedding, many items can even be bought on clearance (if you want to wait until that close to your wedding!).

A few of the ways to incorporate these bright complimentary colors in your special day are in flowers (consider brightly-colored pomanders), bridesmaid dresses, your aisle runner, centerpieces, and in your favors. This is a great theme with limitless possibilities for your special day. No one will for get a red, white, and blue wedding!

Wedding Trend: Flower Girl / Ring Bearer Alternatives

For many people, there may be a struggle choosing whether or not a flower girl and / or ring bearer will be a part of your wedding. On the upside, small children look charming in their fancy clothes, and people love ooh-ing and ahh-ing over them. On the downside, sometimes young children can tend to misbehave, and have trouble staying still and complacent through long ceremonies. Maybe you don’t know of anyone who would make a good flower girl or ring bearer. In any case, your wedding day belongs to you, and ultimately the decision is yours.

If you opt out of the traditional flower girl / ring bearer roles, there are alternatives, depending on how you envision your wedding ceremony. Here are some solutions to common situations that arise when planning a wedding.

Not allowed to throw petals in venue: Many couples find that their venue doesn’t permit the throwing of flower petals. In this case, your flower girl could instead carry single flowers to hand to guests as she walks up the aisle, or have two small bouquets to give to the individual mothers of the couple.

No children young enough for roles: If you know of two young people you would like to include in your wedding, but you feel it would be insulting for them to be a flower girl or ring bearer, consider the option of junior bridesmaids or groomsmen. These members of the bridal party stand with the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen during the ceremony, but don’t always partake in all of the wedding events.

Children too young: One option more and more couples are utilizing is having an older child pull younger children in a wagon up the aisle.

If you choose not to include any children in your wedding, consider having your honor attendants carry your rings for you. Another alternative used by some couples involves having a family pet carry the rings up the aisle, usually loosely sewn on a costume worn by the pet.

Flower girls and ring bearers are a traditional part of a wedding, but in the end, the day is about you. Whatever you decide should reflect the personalities of you and your spouse.

Wedding Trend: Eco-Friendly Weddings

It seems like no matter where you go, you hear something about “going green” or being “eco-friendly.” This environmentally conscious mindset is a growing part of society, and for good reason. The earth is a limited resource, so we should do our part to take care of it. There is no reason your wedding should have to contend with your environmental conscience. With more and more industries leaning towards sustainable practices, it’s easy to have an environmentally friendly wedding.

From the beginning of your engagement until after the thank you notes have been sent, almost every aspect of your wedding planning can be eco-friendly. Over fifty jewelry retailers have signed the Golden Rules agreement, promising to sell only gold from mines that are actively supporting human rights, labor, and environmental concerns. In addition, it is also possible to buy conflict-free diamonds, bought only from areas not in conflict because of the gems. Buying only “clean” gold and conflict-free diamonds ensures that you’re only supporting environmentally sustainable practices.

When choosing a venue, take into consideration that many “typical” places use vast amounts of electricity. Think about getting married outside, on a farm or in a botanical garden. If a traditional venue is a must, look for one that uses recycled energy-efficient appliances and biodegradable products. Having your ceremony and reception in one place cuts back the fuel emissions caused by your guests having to drive from one place to another.

When sending your invitations, use only 100% recycled paper or consider using paper that has wildflower seeds mixed in. If you haven’t seen this, it looks just like normal paper, but can be planted in a garden or flower bed. These green papers can also be used for your save-the-dates and thank-you notes.

Flowers are one thing that seems eco-friendly already, but in fact they aren’t! Most flowers sold commercially are sprayed with harmful pesticides and fertilizers that pollute the groundwater. Instead, consider leaving blooms out altogether, or only use locally-grown, in-season flowers. If you’re dying to have flowers as centerpieces, consider potted plants that can be replanted later.

The food can easily be just as green as you are. With a few calls to caterers, it’s not too hard to find one that will serve only locally-grown organic dishes. Consider having an entirely vegan meal, if this suits your tastes.

Your decorations can be eco-friendly as well. The best policy is to only use things that will be used again, so think about what would make good favors to send with guests, or things that you could easily reuse in your home. Consider using bamboo as much as possible, since this is an extremely renewable resource.

These are just a few of the ways in which your wedding can be greener, even if your wedding colors are black and white. Your wedding day is special and should be memorable, but try to make it memorable in the minds of you and your guests, not in landfills.

Wedding Tradition: Why Wedding Favors are Essential

In today’s economic crunch most people are seeking ways to save money on things that don’t seem necessary. Brides are no different when shopping for their wedding. In trying to save a few bucks, you may be considering not providing favors for your guests. While this may seem like a good idea now, it is something you’ll no doubt regret later.

Giving favors to wedding guests is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the sixteenth century, when European aristocrats would present guests with small boxes of sugar cubes (a precious commodity in those times). The tradition has carried over to present day, often couples will present their guests with sweets. Giving favors is a singularly special way of thanking your guests for being a part of your special day.

For those who are trying to save money, or are looking for an original way to partake in this important tradition, there are a limitless number of ideas for favors. Your favors should reflect your style and the tone of your wedding. This can be done in many different ways. Sweets are the traditional gift given, so consider baking homemade cookies and putting them in bags with a thank-you note attached. For the environmentally-minded, consider giving individually potted plants, or seed packets. When your guests take these gifts home and plant them, they’ll be sure to remember your wonderful wedding. For a crafty bride, consider making your own candles or soaps with a signature scent.

Overall, wedding favors should be something that your guests will appreciate, and will make them remember you and your wedding day. Your guests bring you gifts, and giving them a small token in thanks is an honorable gesture that they will be grateful for.

Wedding Tradition: Cake Toppers are the 'Cherry on Top'

Indisputably, the finishing touch on any wedding cake is the topper. This seemingly simple addition to your confectionary masterpiece is an essential part of not only your wedding cake but your wedding day as a whole.

The tradition of placing a decoration on top of the wedding cake started in the eighteenth century, when couples began putting wooden figurines on top of their cake to symbolize unflinching devotion to one another. These wooden figurines gave way to more modern plastic replicas of the bride and groom.

Today, figurines are still popular among many couples, but with many options out there, more and more people are choosing alternative cake toppers. The possibilities are nearly endless for what can function as your wedding cake topper. Your wedding should be focused on you and your new spouse, and your cake topper should reflect your styles and personalities, as well as your wedding theme.

There are no limitations on wedding cake toppers, however, there are some topper alternatives that are more popular than others. For example, a trend that is growing in popularity is using the couple’s new monogram as the cake topper, with simple or ornate letters stuck into the top tier of the cake.

Another popular idea is to set a lightweight vase on top of the cake, and use flowers to mirror those of the other centerpieces at the reception. It is important that your vase not be too heavy, or it may sink into the cake!

Photos make a popular cake topper as well. With photo cubes and unique frames, you can have a picture of you and your new spouse as the focal point on your cake.

With the many options available (these are just a few) there is no reason for your wedding cake to be boring! Remember that your cake topper, just like the whole day, is about more than just ribbons and bows, it’s about starting a new life with a person that you love.

Wedding Trend: Wedding Dresses with Color

When they hear the word “wedding”, most people automatically think of a big cake, lots of flowers, and above all else, a beautifully crafted, well structured, crisp, WHITE dress. More and more, though, brides are rethinking the well-established white gown, and opting for colors that more closely align with their own styles and personalities.

Wedding dresses weren’t officially white until the 1840s, when English Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. Before that, a woman’s wedding dress was often whatever she happened to have in her closet that was best. There was no set color for dresses, although red was typically scorned.

In today’s society, women are choosing gowns that they like, whether they are navy or ivory. Although it goes a little against commonly accepted practice to have a different colored gown, these alternative dresses can be strikingly beautiful, and create an exceptionally memorable wedding.

When choosing an alternately colored gown, you can bring in other colors, such as white, in the floral arrangements and throughout the rest of your scheme. Your wedding day is your chance to be unique, and if you’re willing to buck tradition you can have a great day that people will be sure to remember. No matter what, your wedding is sure to be beautiful!

Wedding Trend: Make a Statement with Your Monogram

Monograms are traditionally viewed as the elite form of combining your letters into a single symbol. In different areas, monograms have been circulating for centuries. Customarily speaking, monograms were used to display an artisan’s signature on a creation. Through the years, monograms have become a unique way of personalizing one’s possessions, whether it is luggage, robes, or even socks.

For your wedding, why not add the elegant personal touch that monograms bring to any occasion? For subtle touches, you could include your monogram on the wedding stationery, wedding favor packaging, wedding program cover, or place cards. For a bolder look, buy or make a monogrammed aisle runner. In lieu of a traditional cake topper, have one that combines your and your groom’s initials. Wrap your bouquet with a monogrammed handkerchief. It’s your wedding, why not make it personal?

Outside of the ceremony, monogrammed items make great attendant gifts. No one will forget that you gave them that great keychain with their initials on it!

Monograms are a great way to make a statement, and are becoming more and more popular in today’s bridal industry. The inclusion of a monogram in the wedding accessories can add an exquisite and elegant touch to your wedding day.

Wedding Trend: Guest Book Alternatives Take Over

It is a sad fact that most wedding guest books end up shoved into closets, resigned to collecting dust for the rest of their days. Why not spice up your wedding with something different, something you’ll actually want to look at again after the wedding? With many modern guest book alternatives available, there’s no reason your guestbook has to be just a place where guests can write their name and address.

There are many alternative options for trendy guest books. Some clever choices available include signature mat frames, instant photo guest books, signature platters, and wedding wishes guest books. All of these provide unique ways for your guests to provide their own personal touch, and are keepsakes that you can enjoy for years to come.

Signature mat frames are plain photo mats that can contain either an engagement or wedding photo, which guests can sign their names and messages around. Later these can be hung on a wall or over a mantel, a great reminder of your special day and everyone who shared in it.

Instant photo guest books are another great way to capture the memories of your wedding day. Each page holds an instant photo, so that you’ll never forget who was there-or what they looked like! The remainder of the page is free for each guest to write their own personal message to you, something that you’ll be able to keep forever. Just think of how fun it would be for your guests to take each other’s pictures with a Polaroid camera, and they can write their message while it’s developing!

Another crafty guest book alternative is the signature platter. Guests can sign a porcelain platter, which you can then keep and use for years after the wedding.

Wedding wishes guest books are also a growing trend. These guest books feature small envelopes and note cards for guests to write their congratulations, advice, and stories. This guest book is something you’ll want to get out and read again and again.

No matter which type of guest book you choose, it should reflect your style and personality. These alternative guest books are keepsakes that are well worth keeping out of the closet.

Wedding Trend: Do-It-Yourself Invitations

The average couple spends over $650 on wedding invitations alone, which is quite an expense for crafty paper. Who wouldn’t rather spend some of that money on other things, like decorations, photography, or the honeymoon? With do-it-yourself invitations you can not only save money, but also create one-of-a-kind invitations that your guests will ogle over.

Do-it-yourself wedding invitations are significantly less costly than custom printed invitations, which can cost around $9 per invitation! DIY invitations cost around $1 each, a significant difference. Just imagine what you could use the extra money for…

In addition to being less expensive, DIY wedding invitations let you personalize the piece for a look that’s uniquely yours. Your custom invitations can include photos and wording that you choose, and you can print them with any font you want. For the scrapbooking bride, this can be a great opportunity to put your skills to use.

So you’re not crafty, you say? Do-it-yourself wedding invitation kits are easy to find, as well as easy-to use. Most come with or provide links to software that you can use to design your personalized invitations to your special day. These programs make creating beautiful designs simple, even for the artistically-challenged. These kits come complete with all the paper and envelopes you’ll need to print your very own wedding invitations and response cards.

Your invitations are a first-impression of sorts, and everyone knows the importance of first impressions. Your wedding invitations should accurately portray who you and your soon-to-be spouse are as individuals and as a couple. By creating your own invitations, you can use your own styles and preferences to send a message to your family and friends. DIY wedding invitations allow you to branch out from the strict regulations of many professional printers and express yourselves the way you want to be perceived. It’s your special day, and your invitations should be about you, not about what the stationery store says you have to print on them.

Wedding Trend: Incorporating Photos into Your Wedding

Your wedding day is unique and special. Above all, it’s about you. So, what better way to personalize your reception than with photographs? Including photos in the décor of the reception can be a great way to add an even more personal touch to your special day.

A creative way to incorporate photos of you and your spouse into your reception is through the use of personalized glass photo vases. These glass photo vases are stylish and reusable. Most feature a slot in which you can easily slide an engagement or other photo, and then you can fill the vase itself with flowers or other décor items. They make great centerpieces or cake toppers at your reception, and after the wedding you can reuse them throughout your home to display your favorite photos.

Signature photo frames are another unique way to personalize your wedding. These photo mats are typically large enough to house a 5”x7” or 8”x10” photo of you and your new spouse. Your guests can then sign the photo mat, creating a classy guest book alternative. After the wedding this valuable keepsake can be displayed in your home, an intimate reminder of your extraordinary day.

Another fun way to incorporate photos into your reception is with the use of personalized photo guest books. These creative guest book alternatives feature pages which house single instant photos, and have plenty of space for your guests to write their own personalized messages. You can snap photos of your guests, which you can keep to treasure for years after your wedding.

Who can resist stopping to look at photographs? Whether they’re on a newspaper, a website, or even a refrigerator door, photographs are an intimate look into the lives of individuals. Incorporating photos into your reception is not only easy; it’s also fun and a great way to share your happiness with your wedding guests. After all, your reception should be a time for fun, not work.

Wedding Tradition: Wedding Toasting Glasses an Essential

With all the stress of your wedding, it’s easy to get lost in the details. You might get frustrated with wondering why you have to focus on so many little things that don’t seem to make a lot of difference. For instance: where is the importance of toasting glasses? Why not just go pick up some cheap wine glasses at the dollar store? The fact of the matter is that your wedding toast is an incredibly special occasion, and one that you will remember for the rest of your life. The event should be marked by singularly precious glasses as well. Not only will these toasting flutes add an elegant touch to your reception, they will be a keepsake that you can use again and again.

Toasting flutes form the cornerstone of your new glassware collection. While you may not think you need a glassware collection, you never know when you might find yourself in need of a nice set of glasses to serve with. Your toasting flutes will serve as the basis for the rest of the glasses you buy in your marriage. Whether it’s a night at home with friends or just you and your spouse, toasting flutes are an essential part of your home, and serve as the building blocks to a great collection of glassware.

Personalized toasting flutes are becoming a very popular trend, with many couples choosing to have their names and wedding date engraved in the glass. These are a great way to commemorate your special day that you can use after the wedding as well. What better way to celebrate your anniversary than by sharing a drink in the first glasses you drank from as a married couple?

Another use for toasting glasses, aside from the reception, is to use them to mark special occasions. Imagine sipping champagne on Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve out of a set of beautiful, elegant glasses. These glasses can be put to use in almost any situation, not just formal affairs.

In all the hustle and bustle of the wedding, don’t forget that no matter how stressful it is; all of the planning pays off in the end. Your wedding day is a special time, and the details help to make it so. Toasting flutes may seem like a dispensable added cost, but they are a memento that will flood your heart with memories for many years to come.

Blended Families Come Together in a Sand Unity Ceremony

In today’s world, divorce is unfortunately a rising statistic. In fact, nearly one-third of all Americans are currently part of a blended family. So, for most bride and groom pairs bringing their families together, there’s a unique obligation to make it special.

Naturally, you will want to include your children in the ceremony; so, that they will feel like a valuable part of the union right from the start. One great way to do this is with a sand unity ceremony.

Traditionally, the couple lights a central pillar candle from two taper candles, which are lit by representatives of each party’s family at the beginning of the ceremony. This lighting can be accompanied by a blessing, vows, or can be done on its own. As timeless and elegant as this tradition is, though, it leaves no room for members of a blended family.

The sand unity ceremony is a beautiful way to incorporate any children or other family members that you want to include in your ceremony. The concept is similar to that of the unity candle ceremony, but much more inclusive for blended families. Each party is given a small vase of different-colored sand, which is then poured into a larger vase, symbolizing the coming-together of your families. After the ceremony, the vase can be placed in the home as a reminder of your special day.

Not only is the sand unity ceremony a great way to bring together your blended family, it can also be a very personal part of your wedding day. Your unity vase can be engraved with your names, monogram, or other message. In addition, your choice of sand colors can reflect your wedding colors, home décor, or any other significant part of your life. Not only will you have a gorgeous keepsake from your wedding day, you’ll also have the pleasure of knowing that the important members of your family were all included in your special day.

Groomsman Tip: Great Ideas for Personalized Groomsman Gifts

Every woman knows that guys can be almost impossible to buy gifts for. Why should the groomsmen at your wedding be any different? Personalized items are a welcome gift for any individual though, and here are some great ideas on how to put them to good use.

10. Personalized Cuff Links: These gifts are classy and serve a double purpose- besides being great gifts they’re also a perfect wedding accessory! He can wear them on the day of the wedding, and any time after that as well. With custom personalization, his initials will always be right at his wrist. Available in stylish designs, this is definitely a gift your groomsman will use again.

9. Personalized Money Clips: What guy doesn’t have a hard time keeping track of things sometimes? A money clip will help keep him organized, and having it engraved with his initials adds a personal touch that he will surely appreciate. For an added feature, some money clips also have a watch as part of the design-talk about handy!

8. Personalized Sports Mug or Pilsner Glass: Your groomsman will love kicking back to watch the big game with a mug or glass that features not only his favorite team’s logo, but also his initials. This is a great gift for any guy who loves sports, or even just the occasional game.

7. Personalized Insulated Cooler: For the sophisticate or wine enthusiast, a wine cooler tote is a perfect gift. With his name or initials embroidered on the bag, your groomsman is sure to enjoy this gift when trekking to the park or for an evening out.

6. Personalized Duffle Bag: Whether he’s an athlete or just likes to go to the gym, your sporting groomsman will love an extra-large duffle bag. A strongly built duffle bag embroidered with his initials will not only be a hard-working gift, but one he’ll use again and again!

5. Personalized Canvas Travel Bag: For the on-the-go groomsman, a personalized travel bag is an ideal gift. The perfect thing to carry all of his toiletry essentials, adding his initials is a great way for you to say thank you. Not only will this gift keep him organized on the road, but it’ll be an item he can use again and again.

4. Personalized Golf Towel and Divot Tool Set: If your groomsman is a golf enthusiast, this is an exceptional gift. With his initials engraved on both a golf towel and a keychain-divot tool, he’s guaranteed to never lose his towel again!

3. Personalized Multi-Tool with Pliers and LED Flashlight: For the handyman, a personalized multi-tool is one he’s sure to put to good use. These super-charged pocket knives come in handy in almost any situation, and who would say no to having their initials engraved in their most useful tool?

2. Personalized Cashmere Scarf: Whether your groomsman is style conscious or just likes to be trendy, a personalized cashmere-blend scarf in a neutral color will fit into any man’s wardrobe. Having his initial embroidered in the corner adds a personal touch that he’s sure to appreciate.

1. Personalized Bar Sign: What guy wouldn’t want a bar sign with his name on it? Whether it’s in his kitchen, bar, or patio, any guy is sure to love a sign personalized with his name and interests.

Bridesmaid Tip: Selecting Attendant Gifts for Bridesmaids

They have stuck with you through thick and thin, through elation and breakdown. They have been there to revel in mini triumphs and smooth over meltdowns. They are an ideal mixture of family and friend. They are your bridesmaids. And because they’ve been so wonderful, you’ll no doubt want to find the perfect attendant gifts for each one of them.

Attendant gifts are an indispensable part of the wedding. Too often, though, brides feel the need to give all her bridesmaids identical gifts. Cliché as it might be, the old adage that just as no two snowflakes are alike, so are no two people alike is sadly, still true. It isn’t likely that all of your bridesmaids are going to be interested in the same things, so why would you get them all the same gift? While it is fair to be equal in price of the gift, the gifts themselves don’t have to be identical.

One great way to individualize gifts is through personalization. It’s is a fast and easy way to make each present unique, and because just about everything can be personalized, you’ll easily be able to find a gift for every one of your girls!

For a girly bridesmaid, you could get a bracelet with a pendant engraved with her initial. For a sporty bridesmaid, why not a gym bag with her name embroidered on the front? And for the coffee addict, a stainless-steel thermos with her initials engraved is a great gift.

They might all have different personalities, but one fact remains the same: they’re the best friends you could imagine. So keep in mind that they are individuals, and so should their gifts. After all, you are thanking these remarkable women for helping you with your wedding!

Bridesmaid Tip: Engraved Jewelry is the Best Bridesmaid Gift

With all the other checklists items that need to be completed, selecting the perfect gift for your bridesmaids can sometimes slip through the cracks, especially since the product options can seem limitless. With changing fashions and countless trends making their way into the market every day, a bride can get lost in the mix. Luckily, some gifts are simply so unique that they never go out of style. One of the most timeless of these gifts is personalized jewelry.

The effect that personalization has on people can still be seen in mainstream culture through vanity plates on cars, name plates on children’s bicycles, class rings, and monogrammed towel or robe sets. Surely you remember that tote bag you had as a kid, the one that was personalized just for you. You probably lugged it everywhere, because it was all yours and no one else had one like it. You can bring that same sense of excitement to your bridesmaids by giving them a beautiful bracelet or necklace with their initials engraved on the pendant.

Not only is personalized jewelry an elegant gift to give to your bridesmaids, but it also makes a great accessory at the wedding ceremony. No doubt your bridesmaids have done a lot in helping to make your wedding day a success, why not take some of the stress out of their day by providing them with a bracelet that fits both with your décor and their individual identity.

Best of all, personalized jewelry can bring a high end look to a low end budget, which is crucial when you have to purchase more than one. For under $20, you can purchase gorgeous bracelets engraved with your bridesmaid’s monogram, name, or initials.

Personalized jewelry is one-of-a-kind, making them as unique as the girl wearing it. More importantly, after the wedding day is complete, your bridesmaids will be able to wear this jewelry again and again. Because each piece is the perfect combination of simplistic style and exquisite design, they’ll be sure to coordinate with any outfit… making them a treasure she’ll love for years!

Wedding Tradition: Wedding Garters are More Than Accessories

Wedding garters, and subsequently the wedding garter toss, is a tradition that has been carried out for centuries, but its practices and rituals have differed through different civilizations and different times.

In ancient times it was believed that a bride’s clothing would bring good luck to anyone who got a hold of it. This became a little upsetting to the bride, since her guests would demolish her dress in order to have a piece of it, and its presumed fortune.

Obviously over time, this tradition began to change. Soon the good fortune, it was only associated with the bride’s garter, which guests would fight over. This too turned out to be dangerous, as the bride would often be knocked over by drunken male guests trying to remove her garter. In current times, only the groom removes the garter, and then tosses it to the unmarried male wedding guests.

Of course this all is based on the process, but the tradition itself is steeped in symbolism. It’s an iconic emblem towards the surrender of the bride’s virginal girdle to the groom, the tossing away of a groom’s single life and embracing a married life, good luck for the guest lucky enough to catch the garter.

But why is the garter often blue, you ask? In several ancient cultures, the color blue was considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity, so both the bride and groom would have a blue band around the bottom of their garments. As style and tradition have changed, so has this custom, so that now the garter is often blue.

The most common garter practices involve two garters: one that is tossed away, and another above it that is for the bride to keep as a memento. These garters are a valuable keepsake, and can be kept as a reminder of your special wedding day for years to come.

So, whether you wear a garter out of tradition, duty or simply for fun, know that it can be tailored to you and an extremely fun part of the reception.