Bring on autumn! Bring on autumn!

That’s my mantra for today. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for things to cool down a bit. The forecast today said that cooler temperatures were ahead for this weekend, and I’m glad about that! Personally, I’ve had my fill of 100-degree days and muggy nights. The thought of cooler temperatures makes me long for cups of hot chocolate, leaves turning colors and the cool crispness in the morning air. But for brides, the coming season also brings some cool new fall wedding favors from MyWeddingFavors.com. If you’re planning a fabulous fall affair and need just the right touch of autumn, you’ll definitely want to check out these great new favors (as well as some old favorites!)

The luxurious bottle stopper above is just one of the many favors that are new this fall. The copper tone, open-leaf design and laser-cut box with leaf motif make this a striking wedding favor, and it’s a useful gift as well. Pair it with a fall favor box in either rich chocolate or burgundy or our personalized fall leaves for an elegant table your guests will certainly fall for! Each box can be filled with delicious candy they can’t wait to open. The leaves are imprinted with the couple’s name and wedding date. Simply sprinkle them along the table like falling leaves.

Speaking of table decor, these two new place cardholders are the perfect way to accent the table and provide seating assignments. Not only would the bronze finish of this picture frame add a touch of elegance during the reception, but it can light up a den or bedroom with family photos.

The new “Gold Chair” place card holder would bring sophistication to any table at a bridal shower or wedding. The charming appeal of the dainty chair back, gold heart charm and ribbon makes this a great personalized favor because you can include your favorite treats inside. Fill it with tea, candies, bite-sized cookies or any other treats your guests will enjoy.

For a gift your guests will certainly love, try these “Fall In Love” soaps. Shaped like fall leaves with a light scent of oatmeal, they’re gift boxed for a fabulous presentation on your reception tables and in your guest’s bathrooms when they take them home!

Looking for a way to light up your reception with the colors of fall? These tea-light candles that feature a fall leaf in the brilliant shades of autumn will definitely add a spark to your decor. They’re great place card holders, too!

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In my post today, I’m going to take you from the 2008 Summer Olympics to fabulous wedding reception decoration ideas that actually have a connection!

It’s a safe bet that almost everyone watches at least a little coverage of the Summer Olympic Games. Personally, I like to watch women’s gymnastics, swimming and diving and some track and field. And from what I hear, this year’s opening ceremonies four days from now in Beijing, China are going to be perhaps the best ever. China’s long history and intriguing culture have always captured our imaginations, and the rich, colorful pagentry of their celebrations is always a treat for the eyes.

 Asian-Themed Weddings Are Hot!

In fact, that may explain why so many people–not necessarily Chinese or even Asian–are designing weddings and receptions that incorporate many Asian traditions and vibrant color schemes to make their event truly unique. And though it’s too late (unless you elope or have already planned it) for your wedding date to be the much sought-after 08-08-08, which is the date of the Olympics’ opening ceremonies, you still have time in ‘08 (a number considered lucky by the Chinese) to have a wedding marked by “double happiness,” which is a traditional Chinese wish for newlyweds.

Go Bright and Bold with Red and Gold!

Imagine how freeing it would be to abandon the white, beiges and pastels of traditional American weddings in favor of the signature Chinese red and gold–also symbols of good luck and prosperity. A stunning gown, a fabulous cake and dramatic wedding decorations await the bride and groom who choose this international theme.

“Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things without talking”

                                                           Chinese Proverb

“Asian wedding favors found at the number-one online Web site for wedding favors will always be the best favors at the best price.”  

                                                                                      MyWeddingFavors.com Proverb

And because a picture is worth a thousand words–another proverb of unknown origin–here are two absolutely gorgeous Asian wedding reception decorating ideas that can be used as wedding favors or wedding table decorations.  Set your tables aglow with meaningful “Double Happiness” Keepsake Candles (left.) Then let your guests be welcomed at their seats with “Awakened to Love” Buddha Place Card/Photo Holders (right.) I leave you with this parting sentiment…                                     

祝你紅雙喜和長期的生命！

(Wishing you double happiness and long life!)

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Imagine not having any photos of your special day? Well, that’s what happened to Bette Midler. Whether it was by accident or the chapel decided to just hold on to them for publicity, she didn’t get them on her wedding day. Surprisingly, it took 23 years for multi-award winning singer and actress Bette Midler to receive wedding photos after her quickie wedding in Las Vegas in 1984. You would think that such a well-known star getting married by an Elvis impersonator would have no problems getting those shots. But somehow, they were “misplaced” and were just discovered while the owners were closing the Starlight Chapel’s doors for the last time. She says, “Three weeks ago the guy closed the chapel and sent us the pictures. We were so shocked.” I’m sure seeing the photos was like reliving that fun and fateful day all over again. Now, all she needs is a nice photo album! I must give kudos, though, to Midler and hubby Martin von Haselberg for outlasting most Hollywood couples, even after getting off to a sort of “wild and crazy” start! Better late than never… I suppose!

My advice to you is that if you’re planning a destination wedding to a place like Las Vegas (or any place for that matter), be sure to bring along one of these disposable wedding cameras. That way, you can snap all the pictures you want without having to wait 23 years to see them! Give one to the wedding witness (your pseudo bridesmaid), the lady on the organ and even the Elvis impersonator to be sure you don’t miss a thing. While you’re at it, you can also pass out these delightful Las Vegas themed wedding favors.

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First, I must tell you I’m in the running for the least superstitious person on the planet. After years of observation, it’s clear to me that good luck charms, rituals and adherence to the laws of superstition do not play a part in the natural events of life. And when it comes to rain on your wedding day, the superstitions actually conflict! Part of the world believes rain on your wedding day means good luck, part believe it’s bad luck, and the people with level heads believe rain on your wedding day should dampen everything but your spirits. Remember, rain helps things grow and thrive. In fact, rain or shine, “Romance in the Rain” makes a beautiful theme for an indoor wedding!

The Invitations 

 A simple wedding invitation design can include beautiful, embossed, white flowers with blue and clear crystal “droplets” to set the stage.

Color Scheme

Think pale blues, soft white and crystal-clear.

Your Attire

Imagine your gown adorned with droplets of clear crystals–a magnificent way to bring the beauty of rain shimmering as you walk down the aisle. Instead of a tiara, you might choose to wear lovely, fragrant plumeria as part of your hairstyle, with a few sparkling crystal droplets on the petals. Your bouquet and bridemaids’ dresses might also be accented with crystals, and don’t forget a few crystal accents on the groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnieres.

The Ceremony and Reception

Have your florist include crystal accents in the flower arrangements for the ceremony and the centerpieces for the reception tables. Crystal spray sticks can easily add “raindrops” to your bouquet and your table decor. You can even buy loose raindrop-shaped rhinestones or crystals to scatter on the tables around the centerpieces.

Create the illusion of rain with long strings of crystal bead garlands dangling from the ceiling, scattered throughout the hall, stopping eight feet from the floor. You can find these and all the other decorations I’ve mentioned online.

Even your wedding cake can be topped with a decoration reminiscent of the gentle rain from heaven! The right lighting design can create a stunning effect during your ceremony and your reception.

            “Without the rain, we wouldn’t have rainbows.”

Wedding Favors

The beauty of a rain-themed wedding is that there are so many meaningful wedding favors available. Silver wedding favors like the “Love Dove” Chrome Bottle Opener (left) would look lovely on the tables. Clear glass favors would also be lovely. The L-O-V-E Glass Coasters are practical and perfectly matched to the theme. Of course, will all the love “raining down” on your reception, perhaps the best favor of all would be a plantable favor or wildflower seed packets (right,) so your guests can be reminded of your special day every time it rains, making wonderful things grow!

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Each year, Modern Bride magazine compiles their “Top 100 Things We Love” list, and we are proud to announce that we made the list! Having two of our gifts featured among their top picks for wedding favors, gifts and accessories for 2008 is quite an accomplishment. We hear a lot of great comments from brides who love our unique wedding favors, and now we know that Modern Bride loves them, too!

Featured in the August/September 2008 issue, these adorable, music-themed place cardholders are ranked at #76 and include the “Ain’t Love Grand?” piano and the “Music Stand.” The detail of both the black miniature grand piano and the petite stand with “sheet” music makes this dynamic duo an excellent choice for music lovers, as well as garden, black-and-white and Victorian-themed weddings. Versatile and stunning, these place cardholders are also a great way to display photos, making them delightful favors that guests can use around the house after the wedding.

Among the many boutique-quality favors and gifts offered at MyWeddingFavors.com, we proudly feature the complete line of Kate Aspen products, of which one was also featured as a top pick for Modern Bride. The Garden Topiary place cardholder made the list at #28. It only stands to reason, since this wedding favor has long been a popular product in the Garden-themed favors section because of the realistic detail.

Many other “favorites” that made their list can also be found at MyWeddingFavors.com, such as silver-plated wedding-cake place cardholders, elegant monogram stamps, mini gumball dispensers, personalized Hershey’s Kisses, seashell cardholders, hot cocoa favors, wedding conversation hearts, personalized fortune cookies, silver-plated wedding bells, fans and seashell cookies. Go ahead. Browse around. There are plenty of styles to choose from!

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Food can sometimes be the most expensive part of the wedding budget, especially for a large reception. To help cut the costs, one bride recently considered doing a dessert-only reception in the evening. While I applaud her cost-conscious thinking, according to the etiquette experts, a dessert reception at dinner time would be inappropriate. And the editors at Bride Magazine tend to agree. Here are their tips on making a dessert reception a sweet choice:

• Remember, any time you invite people to be with you during a customary mealtime, you’ve got to feed them something substantial.
• A dessert-only reception should be held only in the late afternoon (before 4:00) or in the late evening (after 9:00).
• Consider having a tempting dessert buffet, if the timing works for you. You could also have a sundae bar or a crème brûlée station with fruit and other toppings.
• If you don’t want anyone to go home hungry—especially if they’ve traveled any distance, another option is to pair desserts with light hors d’oeuvres. Make sure you offer enough to eat (18 to 24 hors d’oeuvres per person for a three-hour party), and consider a variety of serving styles: passed canapés, a cheese and fruit buffet, and a couple of action stations (quesadillas, pastas). Serve a wedding cake or another sweet finish.
• Not sure how guests will respond to the light fare? Prepare them with this invitation wording: “Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres immediately following the ceremony.”

Speaking of desserts, I’d like to serve up some sweet wedding favor ideas that are sure to take the cake! Your guests will love these adorable “Mint To Be” tins filled with heart-shaped mints. They’re dressed for the occasion as bride and groom. These personalized chocolate bars are another sweet way to say thank you! There are over 15 designs and colors to choose from, making this a gift to savor. These great wedding favors give your guests more than their just desserts!

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In this past Sunday’s New York Daily News, prominent NY caterer Peter Callahan offered some fresh advice on how to find the best caterer for your wedding, and he answered a few other FAQs that might come up for you as you wade through the wedding-planning ocean of possibilities.

Callahan has catered events for Al Gore, Kelly Ripa, Kate Spade, a number of Fortune 500 corporations, and Martha Stewart Omnimedia. As our friend Martha would say: This is a good thing.

Here’s what Peter has to say about:

•  Finding a really great caterer. The best thing a caterer does is what he or she likes to do. Sounds reasonable. So find out what each potential caterer believes is fabulous on his or her menu, and when you find one that harmonizes best with your own taste, you’ve found your caterer. He also suggests you get referrals from people who share your taste.
• Other questions to ask your caterer. What tabletop does your caterer rent–linen, china, silver, glassware, etc.? If the caterer owns their own china and flatware, ask to see the options to make sure you’re pleased with them. Also ask if gratuities are included in the price.
• Buffet or waiter service–that is the question. In a response that surprised me, Callahan says the cost is roughly the same. The difference you save on wait staff might be put toward a greater variety in your buffet items. It’s simply your preference–would you like guests mingling throughout the reception as they graze at the buffet or relaxing at a table while being served?
• Choosing wine. Less is more. With one white wine and one red, you’re good to go, unless you want to serve something special with dinner.
• Twenty-one words that will win you the busiest caterer in town. “Once we make the decision, you practically won’t hear from me until I give the guest count. I hope that’s okay.” Sign here, please.

If I’ve made finding the ideal caterer for your wedding easier, I’m glad. Now I’d like to make it even easier to find your dream wedding favors. Here are only two of the hundreds of fabulous, affordable choices you’ll find at MyWeddingFavors.com. Since you’ve given your guests the pleasure of an incredible buffet or seated dinner, why not send them home with a melt-in-your-mouth memory to enjoy at their leisure. The scrumptious, mini-wedding cakes (left) will bring a bit of your spectacular wedding to their dining room table. Wedding cakes (small, silver ones) also make lovely place card/photo holders (right) and an even better way to say “thank you” to your guests for celebrating the most exciting day of your life with you.   

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A. They don’t.

The answer shouldn’t come as any surprise to you. The operative word is “same.” For the most part, same-sex weddings are just the same as heterosexual weddings. They can be wildly creative or traditional. Wedding styles depend on the personalities of the couples, not their sexual orientation.

Sure, the top of the cake may have two men or two women instead of one of each, but that’s about it. I actually did an Internet search to see if anyone was making wedding favors specifically for same-sex weddings, and all I found were personalized mint tins with gay-themed labels. Even gayrites.net–a Web site dedicated to same-sex weddings–provides mainstream listings for wedding favor sites.

So whether you’re gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual or transgendered–let’s go shopping for wedding favors!

What’s hot for fall weddings this year? Kate Aspen recently launched a couple of dynamite autumn-themed favors. The “Lustrous Leaf” Bottle Stopper (left) with its copper finish is one of the more incredible bottle stopper designs I’ve seen lately, as is her “Autumn Elegance” Laser-Cut Fall Leaf Favor Box (right,) which comes in either apple red or chocolate accents.

Whether your wedding style is traditional or laid back, there’s a good chance alcohol will be involved–other than champagne. These two “beverage”-themed gel candle wedding favors fit perfectly, not only at the reception, but at the rehearsal dinner, too! The tiki-hut packaging brings a tropical touch to the Margarita Glass Gel Candle (left,) and the martini glass gel candle says “Cocktails, Anyone?” loud and clear!

Speaking of alcohol, if you need some tips about what and how much alcohol to buy for your event, here’s an article that will connect you to the “spirits.” Then raise your glasses and celebrate LOVE!

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Now, I think I’ve heard it all.

A creative and fun-loving California couple was so in love with these hand-made sock monkeys that they actually gave them out as wedding favors! Very original to say the least. At a cost of $25.00 per favor, each monkey was customized to the recipient’s profession, hobby or lifestyle. The detail and creativity was amazing! There was a photography monkey with a frilly tuxedo shirt, a chef monkey, a ballerina monkey and even a sexy pair of monkeys for the newlywed couple in the crowd, just to name a few. There were over 100 in all. Talk about personalized wedding favors! I wonder what the guests thought when they saw their little “mini-me” monkey. I know it was great for the lady who got the order.

I’m sure everyone was thrilled with the extra thought the bride and groom took to prepare these one-of-a-kind wedding favors. But just in case you have a slightly smaller budget for your wedding favors but still want to add a personal touch, why not consider a favor that represents your passion? If you’re really into golf, these golf bottle openers are perfect. Or maybe a golf-shaped cookie would be a sweet surprise for your wedding guests?

What about wine? Are you and your little “grape” wine connoisseurs? Uncork your appreciation with a pair of clever wine cork candles. A creative twist on the tea light candle, these wine-themed favors look very authentic. You can place them on the table or put them in old wine bottles, turning them into captivating candle holders. For a practical gift your guests can use, try this wine set with corkscrew and bottle stopper disguised as the bride and groom. Everyone will appreciate this dynamic duo!

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