Most times when brides think of a summer wedding theme, beach is the first one that comes to mind. For destination weddings to romantic islands and ceremonies held by the shore, a beach theme is ever so appropriate. However, there are several other themes that can accentuate your summer ceremony.

A wedding held near Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Labor Day just scream for a patriotic or military theme! It’s stars and stripes forever, especially if the bride or groom is in the armed forces. Red, white and blue flags are a great way to appreciate the men and women in uniform who are serving our country. And who could have a patriotic ceremony without including sparklers! They’re a fun alternative to rice-throwing to send off the happy couple.

These genteel silk fans remind me of a hot summer on the Savannah with a mint julep in my hand. (Not that I’ve ever done that, but it sure does sound nice.) What a wonderful way to keep guests cool at a summer soiree. If you’re planning an outdoor event in a lush, green garden or a Gone With The Wind theme, these fans represent southern hospitality at it’s best!

An aquarium would make a lovely backdrop for your nautical nuptials. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, the reception tables would be made even more elegant by these delightful dolphins as they shimmer in the glow of tea light candles.

For a south-of-the-border love that’s on fire, turn up the heat at your wedding reception with these magnets. These steamy salsa sweethearts are spooning in their stylish, southwest kitchen, complete with refrigerator and cabinets. Just add a splash of hot sauce, and you’re done!

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

There are practical gift registries, and then there are those that aren’t.

Often times, the bride determines what gifts show up on the registry for the wedding. But what if the groom could have his pick of the gifts? Would he still choose that blender? Recently, a popular men’s website posed the question and came up with a list of “15 Awesomely Stupid Wedding Gifts For Guys Taking The Plunge.” And it’s a hoot! High on the list is this silverware storage board, appealing to the “Super Hero” in the groom who always wished he could be an expert fork thrower or bend them with his telepathic powers. To say the least, this pre-slotted wall tile is a very unique way to store your silverware. Who says guys can’t be creative! Check out these other list-toppers:

• Bacon Of The Month: From maple to jalapeno, there’s nothing like having a new artisan slab o’ bacon delivered to your front door every month!
• Microbrewery Kit: Everything you need to fill that frosty mug with a cold wet one made right in your own kitchen or garage!
• Honeymoon To Vegas: A different twist on the registry altogether, wedding guests can sign up online to make donations toward your dream honeymoon in Vegas or any other place you choose. Make it a destination wedding and get two gifts in one!
• The Margarator: A blender on steroids, this is the original Margarita smoothie processor! It makes a gallon of tequila smoothie. So get your margarita glass and start pouring.
• Insta-Kitchen: Why bother registering for china, cookware and flatware when you can get the Insta-Kitchen instead? It’s a combination cooking, cabinet and counter unit that has everything–including the kitchen sink! Just add water and plug it in. I guess this would be great for tight spaces or for the groom who wants to still feel like a bachelor.

While I doubt that any of these items would really make it to the wedding day list, it does make me sympathize with the groom a little, when you think of all the registry gifts that might not appeal to him.

So I must encourage you to think of the groom when purchasing that wedding gift. Be sure it’s something they both will enjoy and appreciate, like this set of elegant and useful personalized glasses or this stunning silver photo cube.

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

For those of you looking for a very creative way to decorate the getaway car for the bride and groom, I couldn’t help but pass this idea along.

This poor SUV was completely covered in Post-It Notes. That’s right, the little sticky notes we use at the office. Whether the decorators were really into office supplies or just very creative, I’m sure this car got plenty of looks (and stares). Literally, hundreds of these multi-colored message notes were stuck to the victim–I mean vehicle. After getting over the shock I felt when I first saw the picture, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have wedding guests write a note and stick it to the car instead of throwing rice?” Especially since the couple said that the majority of the notes stayed on the car during the ride from the reception to the hotel. It even took them over an hour to pull them all off. So, try this suggestion for an idea that sticks.

Now if you are bold enough to give it a try, you might want to skip the multi-colored notes and use these white sticky notes instead. Guests can write their best wishes to the happy couple on a few love notes, stick them on the car and keep the rest as a reminder of the wacky time they had at your reception. Not stuck on the idea? Consider this adorable pink and black getaway car if you’d like to make a less-sticky impression. It’s an elegant wedding favor box that can be filled with a delicious treat for your guests to enjoy. Everyone will drive away happy with these!

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

If you’re faced with the decision of picking the “perfect wedding gift,” you know how challenging it can be.

There are so many choices out there. Do you go with the registry and risk duplication or veer off the list and get something that they might never use? Would they appreciate something quirky or conservative? And, to make matters worse, if they are combining two household’s worth of stuff, all of the traditional wedding gifts, like toasters, blenders and crock pots, may be out of the question.

So, what’s a gift-giving guest to do? Get cooking, of course! Here’s a way to give them a “traditional” kitchen-themed gift with a contemporary twist. I came across a cooking school that offers gift certificates for “Romantic Cooking Classes” so couples can have some hands-on fun! I thought, “Cooking over candlelight might be an interesting way to go.” It gives the couple a delightful outing and might even be helpful if the newlyweds are lacking in their cooking skills. Who knows? After an evening of slicing and dicing, things might really get heated!

Turn up the heat on this wedding-gift idea by including these heart-shaped salt & pepper shakers for a unique presentation. They are a great reminder of their flavorful love and can really spice things up! Adding these “Love Beyond Measure” measuring scoops and champagne flutes create a recipe they both will enjoy!

Personalized wedding gifts are always an excellent choice. Check out these engraved glasses and coasters. New brides will love seeing their new name printed on these, and they are a great way to keep the kitchen theme alive and cooking. Bon appetit !

Sue here. Saw the movie. Must put my TWIST (The Way I See Things) into the flood of opinions swirling around out there. I was a big fan of the HBO series (Sex and the City, if you haven’t figured it out yet,) and the movie didn’t disappoint. It was a hoot!

But I’m compelled to comment on Cari’s choice of bridal headwear. When she first tried on the gown that she would wear on her wedding day, I thought it was one of the most beautiful gowns I’d ever seen. It truly was breathtaking. Then, on her wedding day, she had her veil attached to this blue, feathered thing that turned out to be a bird.

Now I freely admit I’m not a fashionista, nor do I pay a lot of attention to high fashion because, like most people, I really can’t afford it. But I can tell when something looks ridiculous, and that hideous, blue bird caught in her veil undid every bit of beauty, elegance and style she might have otherwise had on the most important day of her life. Once you get a load of that bird, it’s impossible to look away–like watching a horrible accident scene. I know Carrie Bradshaw’s hallmark is her avant garde sense of style, and I really do think most of her clothes are very cool. But the costume designer or stylist who made this call really blew it. I can’t say anything more without giving important plot points away, so I’ll make the best of this fashion freak out.

How? By finding the absolute perfect wedding favor to complement that bird! Who knows? Maybe it was the greatest fashion moment of the century so far. If it was (but I sincerely doubt it,) how fabulous would it be to decorate her wedding reception tables (in the distinguished New York Public Library!) with the “Love Dove” Chrome Bottle Opener. At the very least, it would give guests a more becoming bird to focus on. Actually, the “Love Dove” would be a gorgeous wedding party favor even if Carrie had worn a more appealing head ornament.

When I ignored the bird and concentrated on the dress itself, I realized she would have no problem coordinating her guest book and ring bearer pillow with the champagne color of her gown. Sleek satin with a simple bow–and no bird.

So really. You must tell me. Whether you’ve seen the movie or are just seeing the photos of Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding ensemble right here and now–what do you think of the look? And I need more than “I love it!” I’d really appreciate knowing why you think this is a smashing wedding combo. For those of you who say, “Yuck,” believe me, I understand…

Please share with:BackFlip, BlinkList, del.icio.us, Digg, EarthLink MyFavorites, Google, iTalkNews, Jookster, Lycos, Netscape, Newsvine, reddit, Squidoo

I came across a list of the 10 Worst Wedding Cake Toppers and thought it would be fun to share the top five with you. (I apologize in advance if yours happens to be on the list.) Many of them are fun and whimsical, but some left me wondering what the couple the couple was thinking.

Customized cakes have paved the way for customized cake toppers. While it may be a nice idea to let the cake topper reflect your wedding theme or personality, some of these designs may push the limit.

The Stripper: As you can tell by the picture, this design features a bride with dollar bills in her garter along with her leering groom. He has more dollars in his hands and more than wedding cake on his mind. While I’m all for the “private dance,” this may be a bit too public for me.

The Kiss: Speaking of private, there are some things that might need to be left behind closed doors. If I was the bride, I’m not sure I would want everyone to see me “jump his bones” right there on the wedding cake!

Prisoner Of Love: Just as the name implies, this pistol-packing bride has a handgun strapped to her garter and is handcuffed to the groom. I guess he’ll be under house arrest for a long time!

Catch of the Day: This one was so realistic, it was scary. The detail of the life-size fish was amazing with scales, fins and even a visible worm in its mouth. Kudos to the designer though for pulling it off!

Gone Shopping: The perplexed and helpless groom stands atop the wedding cake alone reading a sign that says, “Gone Shopping!” The only remembrances of his bride are the shoes and veil. Let’s face it. If you can’t forget about the mall on your wedding day, there might be a problem.

Seeing these unusual designs may have you wanting something a little more subdued for your wedding cake, like these beautiful cake toppers from MyWeddingFavors.com. Monogrammed cake toppers are the latest trend, adding simple elegance to your cake. Hearts and plaques can also be engraved with your name and wedding date for a keepsake that’s truly your own.

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

It’s the height of wedding planning season! Wedding planners, caterers and bakers are all abuzz with the details. Preparing for all of those summer weddings is a pain-staking process for the owners of a Wisconsin bakery. They’ve taken nearly 250 wedding cake orders by hand, thus far. Each order is too detailed for the computer, including photos and sketches of the cake designs. That’s why these precious gems are kept in the office safe.

Burglars must have thought there was more than contracts in there, so they recently stole the entire safe from the 25-year-old business. To the burglar’s surprise, there was very little petty cash in the safe, just the contracts. When the police notified the owners that the store was robbed, they weren’t upset because they knew that they only kept a small amount of money at the office. But when the owners were told that the thieves stole the entire safe, they hit the roof! And rightly so. Imagine all those orders–gone just like that! It will definitely take some time for them to recreate the information.

In the meantime, why not try these cakes instead? The baker’s search may just be beginning, but your search for perfect “cakes” can end with these. They are beautifully crafted, cake-shaped candles that will be the icing on a beautiful wedding or shower. Or forgo the cake altogether, and let them eat cupcakes! These dainty cupcake holders are a stylish and practical way to serve up some smiles at your event.

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

I was at a wedding recently where the best man made two fatal mistakes. First, he didn’t take the time to prepare what he was going to say and, second, he was highly “toasted” by the time his big moment rolled around. “Embarassing” doesn’t begin to describe it. I guess it will be funny when they watch the wedding video on their 25th anniversary. Meanwhile, I figured there’s got to be some tips on toasting etiquette (with number one being “Stay sober until your toast has been given!” I found some expert advice online at Sideroads.come/wedding, and I thought I’d pass it along, because no wedding takes place without at least one toast, and usually more.

 Toasting Tips

Here’s their suggested order for toasting during the rehearsal dinner: 1) the best man toasts the bride, 2) the bride toasts the groom, 3) the groom toasts the bride’s mother and 4) the bride’s father toasts the groom parents. And at the reception: 1) the best man toasts the bride and groom, 2) the groom toasts the bride and her family, 3) the two fathers toast the bride and groom and 4) the bride and groom toast each other.  Here are 12 additional tips:

• Keep the toast short, no more than three-to-five minutes, and maintain eye contact with whomever you’re toasting.
• Stand up when you toast. If the toast is for you, stay seated.
• Make sure all the glasses are full before you begin your toast.
• Start with your relationship to the bride and groom so everyone will know who you are.
• When possible, use personal anecdotes–how the bride and groom met, what the groom was like as a little boy, how you met them.
• Avoid a string of characteristics. Use adjectives instead, like “she’s lovely, down-to-earth and fun to be with.”
• Use tasteful humor and stay away from “in” jokes that only you and a very few others will get. Don’t offend anyone with your humor.
• Keep it clean. There may be kids around.
• End your toast on a serious note. Finish with a wish, cheers, congratulations to the bride and groom.
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Don’t mention past girlfriends, boyfriends, marriages or relationships. Save it for the bachelor party if you must bring up the past.
• Don’t end with something negative, like “I hope their marriage lasts longer than mine did.” Preparation and practice will help prevent this faux pas.

As the bride, you can make sure that those who will be giving toasts at your reception receive these tips. You’ll be doing them a favor. And I’m sure, since several of the toasts put the focus on you and your groom, you’ll want the loveliest, keepsake toasting flutes you can find. Here are several ideas, from traditional to contemporary:

Straight from the Age of Romance, the flutes on the left have satin-finished pewter bases, a traditional design with open hearts, a twisted stem, an embossed base, and like all three styles, can be personalized with your names and wedding date. The Royal toasting flutes on the right, regal and elegant,  feature a sleek shape, a modern etched design and crystals that make them sparkle. Metals are very in, these days, in toasting flutes and in wedding favors.
If you’re into contemporary design, the flutes on the left reside in a magnificent, tapered crystal vase that can be filled with ice, rose petals, crystals or other small items to coordinate with your wedding decor. As long as we’re here together, I’d like to propose a toast to the happy couple! Long life, happy marriage and all your dreams fulfilled–to the bride and groom!

Share this post with: BackFlip, del.icio.us, Digg, EarthLink MyFavorites, Google, iTalkNews, Jookster, Kinja, Lycos, Netscape, Newsvine, reddit, Squidoo

This beer-guzzling bride and her helpful attendants definitely give new meaning to the words “bridal party!”

I never thought I would see the day when a beautiful bride would be hoisted up like a side of beef just to get a drink (That beer must be mighty tasty!) Maybe someone should have suggested a glass mug instead.

I also never thought I’d hear of an “after party” for the wedding reception (that’s right, an after party.”) But as I thumbed through a magazine, right there in front of me was a “how-to” guide on planning the perfect wedding after party. Maybe I’m just a little old-fashioned or maybe I would just want my new hubby all to myself, but when the wedding is over…it’s over! Do couples really want to spend all day AND all night with their family and friends on their wedding day? Whatever happened to the romance that usually follows the reception? I’m reminded of a story about a just-married couple who was accompanied to the hotel by family members, taking pictures of every awkward moment–even when the groom stumbled carrying his bride across the threshold. They actually followed the newlyweds into the room and stayed for hours. Come on people. Give the Mr. and Mrs. a much-needed and deserved break.

Maybe the family members were just having such a great time that they wanted the fun to keep going (or maybe they were just nosy.) Whichever the case, why not send the newlyweds off with some delightful candles instead? They will certainly help keep the flame of their love aglow. Or slip some of these wedding cameras into their suitcases, and encourage them to take lots of pictures while they’re on their honeymoon. When you see the photos, it’ll be just like you were there!

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