How often have you found yourself in this predicament?  While frantically searching for the nearest place to sit down, all you can think about is getting out of those shoes and rubbing your tired, aching feet.  We’ve all paid the price for sacrificing comfort for beauty somewhere along the way.  Regardless of how uncomfortable those shoes may be, if they’re the perfect shade of blue, we will endure the pain in hopes that we’ll have plenty of opportunities to sit down.  Our poor feet are screaming out, but we turn a deaf ear to them in the name of fashion. 

But let me tell you.  The one day that you definitely don’t want your feet to be in pain is on your wedding day.  Choosing the wrong shoe can turn your dreamy wedding into a nightmare in a heartbeat!  High heels can be a problem, even for a stiletto-wearing veteran.  So here are some tips to make sure that when you’re done with the festivities, your feet will thank you!

1. Don’t take your shoes off!  No matter how badly your feet may feel, it’s best not to take your shoes off because the moment you do, they will swell and you will never be able to get into those shoes again (or at least until the swelling goes down.)  Instead, sit down and rest your feet to take some of the pressure off.

2. Buy shoes a half size larger.  Standing for long periods of time, can cause your feet to swell.  Give yourself a little wiggle room, and you’ll definitely appreciate it at the end of the night.  Open-toe shoes, sandals and sling backs also give your feet a little more room if needed.

3. Be practical.  This just may not be the time to wear those five-inch stilettos.  Opt for a more practical heel height instead.  From dainty to dramatic, there are plenty of two-inch styles that should suit your fancy.  Check out these ones I found online.

All of these tips apply for your bridesmaids shoes, too.  Make sure that the women you love most (and their feet) are comfortable in your selection for the bridal party as well.  Keep these tips in mind so you’ll be remembered as the beautiful, blushing bride and not the bride who walked around the wedding reception barefoot.  Do yourself a favor.  Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.

Add to: BlinkList, del.icio.us, Digg, Furl, ma.gnolia, reddit, Simpy, Spurl

I just found an interesting article from a news agency in Wales that surveys women about what they’re looking for in a man. Clearly they’re not that different from American women, or most women for that matter. Here are some of the stats:

76% of women had their hearts broken at least once.

The three best things about being in a relationship are security, companionship and affection.

65% of the women think they’re the ones who make the most effort in the relationship.

37% have been brought flowers by their man.

63% have had a one-night stand.

34% want a church wedding, with only 6% imagining something like eloping to Las Vegas or taking a hot air balloon to paradise. (If they do decide to elope to Vegas or have their wedding there, they’ll be thrilled to know that Las Vegas wedding favors have come a long way! They’re functional and fun!) The others prefer a hotel, a castle or a destination wedding.

Ideal Names

Here’s what I found really fun about this survey. It provides a list of 1) the ideal man’s name, 2) the ideal man’s job, 3) the top pet names for him and for her. I know you’re dying to see what they are, so here goes:

The ideal man’s name (for women in Wales, of course) is James, followed by Daniel (Dan,) Ben, Matt, Mark, Chris, Jack, David, Josh and John. How many of these women wind up with a Percy or a Dexter is unknown…

His job, if he knows what’s good for him, is either fireman, footballer (that’s a soccer player,) lawyer, doctor, actor, TV producer, banker, vet, accountant or teacher (and clearly, teachers must  be much better paid in Wales than they are in the states.)

Pet names for him (and here’s where the fun really begins!)–baby or babe, honeybun, tiger, sexy bum, deaf ears (don’t ask me, I don’t get it either,) misery guts (see the previous comment,) sausage, snuggle pops, hot rod and dimples.

And she would like to have him call her–princess, baby or babe, angel, boo, honey bunny, doll, sexy bum, snuggles, peaches or munchkin. I wonder why “deaf ears” and “misery guts” didn’t make it into this top 10. But it’s no surprise to me that “princess” is the number-one pet name. Even here, we like to think of ourselves as princesses. We plan fairy-tale weddings when we ride up to a magnificent castle in a beautiful coach to marry our Prince Charming.

I’d love to hear from my American girls. What’s his name, ladies, and what does he do for a living? More important, what do you want to call each other? (If “misery guts” makes the top 10, I’ll eat my computer.)

Add to: BackFlip, del.icio.us, Digg, EarthLink MyFavorites, Google, iTalkNews, Jookster, Kinja, Lycos, Netscape, Newsvine, reddit, Squidoo

Like brides, museums come in all sizes, and they’re just as full of wonder, mystery and beauty.  No longer a stuffy, dusty home to boredom, museums can bring a wedding reception to life like no other venue can–with artwork, sculpture, artifacts and the past. And you’d be surprised how many museums rent their fantastic facilities for events, both large and small.

At the left is a wedding at the American Museum of Natural History. Bet those wedding guests talked about that affair for days! Needless to say, the rental price at a museum like this is pretty pricey, but there are wonderful, small museums throughout the country, many with amazing architecture and intriguing exhibits–all there for you and your guests.

Here are four museums around the country that are fascinating and open to wedding receptions: 

The Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ is home to spectacular Native American art. The Spanish Colonial-style architecture of the Heard Museum and its arched walkways, spacious galleries, outdoor bricked patios and fountains, and lush desert landscapes create a completely romantic ambience for your reception.  Collections feature textiles, katsina dolls, pottery, jewelry, baskets, cradleboards, paintings and sculpture. The Heard is a true southwestern jewel.

If you’re a modern southern belle, you may want to hold your reception at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History not far from downtown Atlanta, where you can eat, drink and be married in the shadow of one of the world’s largest dinosaurs–or his skeleton, to be exact (and I’m not even sure if it’s a “him.”) Incredible features, including limestone fossil floors and the twinkling Star Gallery, simply add to the elegance to your reception.  

For brides in the Northwest, let me turn you on to a sweet, little museum that makes choosing a theme–and wedding favors–easy and fun. The C.M. Russell Museum is an amazing place where the old West is still alive. Artist Charles Marion Russell, a true Renaissance man of long ago, was a historian, advocate of the Northern Plains Indians, cowboy, outdoorsman, writer, philosopher, environmentalist, conservationist, and last but not least, an artist who captured the landscapes, the spirit, and the culture of the West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His artwork is part entertainment, part history lesson–and his museum welcomes wedding receptions!

Now we’ll head back down South to Key West, FL, where the Ernest Hemingway Mansion is also a museum that makes a terrific wedding venue! You’ll have all an ocean full of unbelievable activities, water sports and the charm of Key West to entertain your wedding guests, and your reception is surrounded by literary history. Not a bad way to start off your own family history, is it? And you thought it was just a museum…

Add to: BackFlip, del.icio.us, Digg, EarthLink MyFavorites, Google, iTalkNews, Jookster, Kinja, Lycos, Netscape, Newsvine, reddit, Squidoo

Mr. Christopher reporting in with some cool new wedding traditions. As people look to find a way to hold their wedding and make it as memorable as possible, there are some strange trends out there. Some are not that shocking, but they definitely stray from the typical standard ritualistic pathways from the days of yore.

1. Take On Your Name? No Thanks.
   More and more women are refusing to take on the last name of their new hubbies. While you may think this is a slim trend, have a seat. According to a poll taken by the fine folks over at The Knot, a whopping 12% of brides are not planning to take on their spouses last name. Not considering to do this, but it’s a decision that’s already been made. 12%. 15% of those polled said they plan on blending their last names, i.e. Jane Smith Johnson.
2. To Each Her Own
   Apparently, the days of buying the same gift for all of the bridesmaids is so yesterday. While the market has some incredibly unique wedding favors out there, a lot of brides are considering buying bridesmaid gifts that are actually purchased specifically for each persons personality just like you would purchase any type of birthday gift for that person.
3. Man of Honor?
   Platonic relationships are so prevalent among younger generations now, that it’s becoming increasingly popular to have Men of Honor instead of a Maids of Honor and even Best Woman instead of Best Man. That of course goes without saying that there are female groomswomen and male bridesmen.
4. No Gifts, Just Give
   There are many situations for couples who may be getting married for the 2nd time, 3rd time or have maybe even been living with the fiancé beforehand. The new trend is the couples suggesting that their friends and family give to their favorite charities instead of buying the typical blenders, pots and pans and other housewares that typically come with the territory.
5. Skydiving on the Registry
   Another trend is the wedding registry containing gifts that are a bit out of the norm. Not just items such as the above mentioned charity giving, but even things like tents, skydiving lessons, surfing lessons and other strange items are becoming more and more customary and acceptable.
6. Smile, Smile, Smile
   The trend of placing disposable wedding cameras on the tables is a great way to have moments captured, but as The Wedding Net points out, mark them with times, i.e. - “Reception 8-9pm”. That way there’s not multiple photos processed of the same things like the cake cutting, father/daughter dance, etc.
7. Hey Bud, Can You Marry Us?
   A mind boggling 59% of couples said they would consider being marred by their friends or family members instead of having the standard officiants. The only catch to this trend is the legality of the ceremony if the friend is not ordained in some way. A big part of officiant if the official part. But regardless, the trend is getting big quick.
8. I Do…Again
   It’s becoming more popular to renew your vows and not only popular, but expected on the big ones like 10th, 25th, etc. So be prepared to do it again because it’s a trend that is becoming more anticipated as part of the “package deal”.
9. Green Weddings
   More and more people are doing more and more to help protect the environment and doing whatever they can to make sure that their wedding isn’t a culprit. From Eco-friendly wedding favor bags, plantable wildflower wedding favors, to recycled wedding items, green weddings are a BIG trend.
10. White is For Canvasses
    The biggest new trend is migrating away from your typical white weddings and adding tons of color to the palette. All red, all blue, all green, etc is becoming a big trend. Not only are the decorations choreographed to add color, but the guests are even asked to wear certain colors, wrap presents in colored papers, and on and on.

These trends are only a sampling of what’s out there and occurring. As couples try to be more original, these ideas are great, but are certainly just the tip of the iceberg. Just be sure to visit My Wedding Favors for more tips on great gift ideas and don’t miss the article section with tons of articles on eco-weddings, gift guides and much more.

Share This Article! Add it to: , , , , , , ,

Hi, all you breathtaking brides-to-be! Sue here with my ever-popular TWIST (The Way I See Things!) You know, about 40 years ago engraved matchbooks  were one of the most popular wedding favors around. The tiny fire-makers could be found not only at weddings, but at bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversary parties, cocktail and dinner parties–almost anywhere a special event was taking place.

A Brief History

Matchbooks have been around a long time. The first actual sulfur-tipped match was created in 1827 by an English druggist named John Walker.  The original prototype was dangerous because the matches would often explode. Not good. So in 1889 Joshua Pusey, a Philadelphia lawyer, created the first “matchbook.” Not long after, companies realized that matchbooks were the perfect advertising medium, because cigarette smoking was relatively common in those days, and continued to be until the early 1960’s, when the U.S. surgeon general issued the report that smoking was harmful to one’s health and to unborn babies, and eventually we learned that even second-hand smoke was harmful. With smoking now stigmatized as a nasty, unhealthy habit,  people quit by the millions, and the demand for printed matchbooks took a nose dive–understandably. But wait! Matches and matchbooks have other important uses–here are five:

• Lighting candles. Think of all the places you use candles, including on the tables at your wedding reception! You might even choose a candle (or several) for wedding favors. With engraved matches on the tables, your guests can light their wedding favors and enjoy them on the spot. Romantic evenings at home call for mood lighting, and mood lighting calls for candles. Candles are essential to long, hot, relaxing, stress-relieving baths. Candles brighten up holidays like Christmas and Halloween, not to mention that they’re an essential part of Chanukah and birthdays. And, last but not least, no one wants be without candles and matches when the power goes out in a storm.



• Lighting fireplaces and campfires. When it comes to romance, a cozy fire in a fireplace is a lovely complement to the candles strategically placed throughout your love nest.
• Slicing onions. You read it right. Sucking on a match stick, head end out, while you are slicing onion will prevent tearing. The match head contains sulfur which neutilizes the irritants released when you cut into the onion.
• Picking teeth. OK. I never said all the uses would thrill and excite you. But if you’ve ever had a piece of food stuck in your teeth during or after a meal, and your tongue just doesn’t have the power to poke the annoying, little sucker from between your molars, a match is your new, best friend. On the downside is the possibility of 200 wedding guests digging around in their mouths after the Chicken Kiev.



• Lighting cigars when you hatch your first chick. Thought I’d end on a delightful image. Think how handy all those matchbooks and matches saved by family and friends will be when little Eggbert or Eggberta comes along and the proud papa passes out cigars!

I’ve got one more reason–a meaningful, symbolic one–to share engraved matchbooks with your wedding guests. Each one says you’ve made the perfect match and that your love is hot, hot, hot!

Add to: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Despite what you see on the news, there’s so much beauty on this planet–it’s all around us every day if we bother to notice–especially now, when spring fills the air with amazing fragrances and surrounds us with glorious flowers of every imaginable color. April is a wonderful month for a wedding, and there’s no better time to celebrate Earth’s beauty. You can bring a gorgeous garden to your wedding reception tables with these unique wedding favors that blossom with beauty.

Five Flowery Favors for Your April Wedding

Calla lilies are quickly becoming almost as popular as roses for bridal bouquets. A flower of celebration, the calla lily represents beauty and purity, and its large, white blooms are incredibly impressive. If you’re carrying a calla lily bouquet, why not bring their beauty to your reception tables as well with vase-shaped, calla lily candles?
They add elegance to your tables, and your guests will notice your attention to detail. They’ll also love taking them home to enjoy!

She’s the Queen of the Flowers, and the most popular choice for bridal bouquets. The rose, by any other name and in any color, has a fragrance as beautiful as its blossom. Roses come in so many vibrant colors, you can easily find one to match your color scheme. These rose-scented rose ball candles also make a lovely match for your wedding tables, and ironcally, pink roses represent gratitude and appreciation.

It’s no surprise that pink is a popular color for weddings, and brides who would like a more uncommon flower to accompany them down the aisle choose gerbera daisies. Those same brides are looking for a wild, whimsical favor and the “Blooming” Flower Bottle Stopper is a perky, practical favor that’s as unique as it is fun. It’s a great souvenir of your wedding! Your guests will truly enjoy them, and they’ll often be reminded of your flair and originality!

Orchids, the flower of the tropics, is one of the most beautiful flowers you can choose for your bouquet, especially for a beach wedding. Imagine rich, purple orchid centerpieces on your reception tables and one of these Elegant Orchid Gel Candles at each guests’ setting! These candles could also be a part of the main centerpiece to show your guests how gorgeous they are as they flicker amidst a calm and relaxed setting.

Finally, if you’re a free spirit with a great love for earth’s beauty, a glorious wildflower bouquet is perfect for you! And even more perfect are the “Love Grows” Wildflower Plantable Favors that can be plated by your guests once they get home, giving your guests a wedding favor that will surround them with magnificent flowers, add to Earth’s unending beauty and remind them of your special day!

Send to: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mr. Christopher reporting on news that you can roll your eyes too. Actress/Model Pamela Anderson has decided that marriage is not for her.  After being married three times and failing miserably each time, Pamela Anderson has decided that being married doesn’t suit her anymore.  Pamela appeared in Hollywood for the premiere of the movie spoof film “The Superhero Movie” in a tight white dress. One of her fans shouted that he was getting married in the Summer to which Pamela replied, “Really? I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t really recommend it.”

Maybe she would have a better shot at marriage if she actually fell in love with someone and stopped tramping herself out.  Her last marriage was annulled just recently.  That was the marriage where she indicated that she slept with Rick Salomon to pay off gambling debts and then fell in lust with him.  Most know Rick Salomon from his co-starring role in the Paris Hilton sex tape.   Of course the only thing they had in common was that she herself had made a sex tape with her previous husband Tommy Lee.  What more do you have to have in common with someone?  That’s love in the making baby!  Head to the kitchen folks! We have a great recipe for disaster.

So she let the tainting of her last 2 celebrity-marriages cloud her judgment on the beautiful ceremonial blessing of matrimony.  So if you’re getting married and must listen to or be influenced by what actors, actresses, singers or other talentless hacks have to say, do us a favor and just ignore the ramblings of this bleach blond bimbo.  Marriage is a God given right of passage for two people that truly love each other.  Pamela has yet to experience the true meaning of what marriage is.  She’s confused into thinking that marriage is simply a piece of paper that gives you permission to sleep with someone you’re temporarily attracted to so that people don’t call you a tramp.   In a world that increasingly looks upon marriage as simply a silly little ritual, I implore you to actually fall in love and realize how important and honorable that it actually is and ignore the ramblings of a woman whose claim to fame is completely based on sex.

Okay! I’m in a weird mood today. I admit it. I felt like exploring one of the realities of your wedding day. If you clicked your way over here, you must have wondered the same thing. Or you’re just a pervert. Either way, if you haven’t already watched the video above, please do so.

Now you know why bridesmaids are essential members of the wedding party. Give them very special bridesmaids gifts. 

And as for you, I like your sense of style–and your sense of humor! I’ve picked out a couple of things from MyWeddingFavors.com that you’ll probably want for your wedding–and ironically, are not wedding favors. On the left is a gorgeous gift-card holder for the gift table at your wedding reception. The silver-metal, classically designed holder keeps cards from getting lost or mislaid. And on the right, in keeping with today’s topic, I couldn’t pass up the Bride and Groom Toilet Paper. Talk about an essential for the rehearsal dinner or reception. When your guests first see it, they’ll laugh. Then they’ll feel just a bit creeped out. It’s so worth it!

Oh those crazy Alaskans.  The AP reported that Mark Confer and Joanne Wainwright got married and “took the plunge” this past Saturday.  And they went all out.  The wedding cake was in the shape of a pool and the walk down the aisle was replaced with hurdling down the 136 foot long waterslide.

Senior Pastor of College Heights Baptist Church, Scott Coffman, blessed the marriage and admitted that this was definitely something he’s never been asked to do before.   The couple are both fitness fanatics. Confer’s obsession is skiing and Wainwright used to be a competitive swimmer and also teaches swimming.  Wainwright had already told her students that if she ever got married in Alaska that she would be married at the Nikiski pool which is an enclosed, heated pool that is open year-round and offers “excellent views of the surrounding terrain and wildlife.”

Seconds before they took their wedding vows, the couple climbed up the ladder of the water slide hand in hand. Confer sat down and Wainwright followed close behind him and then they slid down together into the pool below.  Confer flew out into the pool feet first and Wainwright followed right behind with a big “Whoo!”  The couple met on Match.com and have never been happier according to Confer’s new mother in law and Wainwrights’ daughters couldn’t be more thrilled.

Congratulations to the happy, wet couple from My Wedding Favors!  Next time someone plans to get married in a pool, make sure we know about the event in advance, so we can share some great ideas like floating candle tea-lights or personalized terry cloth robes for drying off afterwards.  Visit My Wedding Favors for these and other great themed wedding favors like Beach themed wedding favors, fairy tale wedding favors and much more.