Oh, those wacky Europeans! I don’t know if it’s their droll sense of humor or their entrepreneurial spirit, but the diametrically opposed version of the Bridal Fair—the Divorce Fair—is taking place in cities all over their continent, where more than 800,000 marriages end each year. Can you imagine the overall mood at one of these things? Even fair organizer Anton Barz, who held his first Divorce Fair in Vienna, Austria in 2007, admits they “need a lot of handkerchiefs there.”

WHAT’S IN THE BOOTHS?

Well, it’s not wedding favor ideas and gorgeous gowns—I can tell you that! No, behind the tables filled with brochures and other marketing materials are lawyers, counsellors, private investigators, life coaches, DNA testing agencies, makeover specialists and non-profit services to provide guidance inexpensively or free of charge. They also offer workshops by relationship experts. Oh, and you can expect to be assailed by a number of journalists wanting to know why you would attend a Divorce Fair, if you’re finding it helpful and, of course, how you’re feeling at this gut-wrenching moment in your life. But you’ll be happy to know that Divorce Fairs are non-profit events that are “intended to educate and inform.” The organizers say attendance has not been spectacular (except for the journalists) so far, but the numbers are steadily growing.

WOULD YOU ATTEND A DIVORCE FAIR?

I’m celebrating my 25th anniversary this Saturday, Valentine’s Day, so I won’t be needing a Divorce Fair anytime soon, but if I ever came face to face with divorce, I’d probably consider attending a Divorce Fair. I think a lot of people, women in particular, get a bad deal in a divorce because they’re too upset to find out how to protect themselves and move forward. What would you do?

HAPPY ENDING!

I’m going to end this bummer of blog post topic with a couple of great wedding party favors for your Valentine’s Day wedding reception! It’s all about hearts, flowers and love that lasts forever, and these unique wedding favors say it all. The “Key to My Heart” Chrome Bottle Stopper in your choice of Personality Box at the left is brand-new from incredible wedding favor designer Kate Aspen. Check out the little keyhole in the heart. Once you’ve got his heart locked up, throw away the key! At the right is “A Place in My Heart” Porcelain Bud Vase wedding favor, combining hearts and flowers. The heart at the base of the vase holds a place card or a photo. All you have to supply is the love that lasts forever!

Well, I never would have thought it, but it seems as though a “new and improved” woman is on the way.

Thanks to a Canadian man, this female robot named Aiko could soon be the wave of the future.  It began with a quest to build the “perfect woman.”  Now, two years and $21,000 later, some say that he has come pretty close.  She can read, carry on a conversation, give driving directions, keep your accounts straight, and clean house around the clock because she doesn’t need sleep.  While she’s not made for sex (wonder how long it will be before she will have that nifty enhancement), she does a great job keeping you company.

Admittedly, she does appear a little rubbery.  But, she’s actually not bad on the eyes, and I’m sure she never nags.  The designer says that all she needs now is to lose that clunky C3PO walk, and she’ll be just like a real person.  When she does, could this be the end to women as we know it?  Will women made the old-fashioned way become passe’? Could this eventually lead to Wi-Fi weddings and close encounters of the robotic kind? Now that’s enough to send my computer chips into overload!

The plus side

Besides saving money on food and manicures, I’ll have to admit that there’s a big plus side to this whole thing, ladies.  If men can build their idea of a perfect mate, then so can women!  Why not build a man that’s smart, sexy, able to hold a steady job and that would be an absolute dream to live with?  Heck, you could even include a program that makes him ask for directions!  The possibilities could get quite interesting.

There’s just no substitute

Although robot romance may be a thing of the future, right now, there’s just no substitute for the real thing.  And when you’ve found the right one, it creates a magic that no computer program can simulate.  So if you’ve found the real thing, take it to the next level with a wedding that’s out of this world.  All your dreams can come true as you plan your fairytale wedding.  Filled with dreamy centerpieces and sparkling place card holders, it will truly be one enchanted evening!

Somebody needs to help me get to the bottom of this. I understand why married couples might renew their vows on a 20th or 25th or 50th anniversary, but we’ve got some celebrity couples who renew their vows before the ink is dry on their original wedding license!

So what’s up? Is it because they have nothing better to do with their money, and it was so much fun the first time? Do they think their marriage will last longer if they renew their vows repeatedly? Jennifer Lopez and Mark Antony have been married for four years, and they renewed their vows last month.

A Theory Emerges

I think I have an answer—in Hollywood, one year of marriage is equal to five years of marriage for non-celebrities. Now it begins to make sense. If you think Marc and Jennifer are the only couple to jump on this bandwagon, consider this: Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds just got married a few, short months ago, and they’re already planning a second wedding. So are Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. David (the King of Soccer) and Victoria (Posh Spice) Beckham have already renewed their vows, and they’ve been married a whole nine years. Amy Winehouse and Blake-Fielder Civil, married a year, renewed their vows in the prison where the happy groom is spending some time. And let’s not forget Madonna and Guy Ritchie, who were going to renew their vows, but got divorced instead. Now that’s the celebrity spirit of commitment I know and love!

Wedding Favors for Celebrity Vow Renewal Celebrations

After some deep thought, I came up with two perfect wedding favors these celebrity couples should present to their guests. The first is the “It’s About Time! Let’s Celebrate!” Champagne Bucket Timer (left.) And what makes this a winning wedding favor under the circumstances? Hey, it’s a timer that counts down from one to sixty minutes, the actual, average time of a celeb marriage. Ding! My second choice is the “Head Over Heels” Bottle Stoppers (right) with one for the bride and one for the groom. These bottle stoppers showcase the bottom view of the bride’s wedding gown and the groom’s tuxedo, which, as far as I’m concerned, makes it much easier to figure out where their heads are. Maybe we should check back with these same couples in a year or so to see if immediate vow renewal kept them together. They may actually have something there. Do you “star” gazers out there want to make any predictions?

Not to mention the smoky haze it creates. But I digress. Yes, we’re hearing more and more about cigar bars turning up at wedding receptions. Don’t get me wrong–I know cigars are popular with a large segment of the population. Even women are taking up the habit. But I believe there’s a larger segment of the population who can’t stand being around cigar smoke–or cigarette smoke for that matter. But let’s say your betrothed–and possibly, even you–are into the cigar thing. How do you set up a cigar bar at your wedding so it satisfies the smokers and doesn’t ruin the event for those who would prefer not to be forced into a smoky, smelly environment?

Setting Up a Cigar Bar

First, check with your reception venue to find out if their smoking policy will allow you to have a cigar bar. If you’re determined to have the bar, keep looking for a venue that will allow smoking. An outdoor location some distance away from the main festivities would be preferable, and this might help determine the season for your wedding. A winter wedding, depending on the local weather, might require an indoor spot for the cigar bar. You might even have the cigar bar itself inside the facility, but ask the gentlemen to step outside onto a patio to smoke. Your main concern should be putting enough distance between the smokers and the rest of the guests to keep everyone content.

Once the perfect spot for the cigar bar has been identified, you simply need a table on which to put the cigars and all the necessary accessories. Start with a nice assortment of cigars. If you or your groom is a cigar enthusiast, you’ll know which cigars to bring to the table. Otherwise, get advice at your local cigar store.

In addition to the cigars, the cigar bar should have a humidor or two to keep the cigars fresh, as well as cigar cases or pouches–a nice favor for your gentlemen guests. You’ll also need a couple of cigar cutters to give smokers a clean end for smoking, and purchase a substantial lighter or two. I say substantial, because a Bic won’t cut it. No, it takes a lighter on steriods to get those babies going. Have enough ashtrays available, and you might want to have some mints handy, so the smokers don’t knock people over with their breath when the return to the reception. That’s all there is to it! Oh, you might want to take note of where the fire extinguishers are located in the facility. Only the flames of love should be welcome at your wedding. Personally, I like the idea of a chocolate bar or a pizza bar or an ice cream sundae bar…

Eighteen holes of match or medal play will teach you more about your foe than will 18 years of dealing with him across a desk.  ~Grantland Rice

Like this one, there are plenty of good reasons why people absolutely love the game of golf.  It’s a passion.  It’s an obsession.  It’s a pass time.  Whether you are just learning or have reached Tiger-Woods status, the unpredictability of the game matched with your skill and gusto often create some interesting scenarios.  It has also been said that golf is the best sport to be bad at, probably because of the stories being told and the camaraderie on the green. Over the years, golf has become a great source for analogies, as many have taught and learned life’s lessons on the course. That’s probably why many grooms have chosen an afternoon on the green with their favorite foursome (their groomsmen) as an alternative to the traditional bachelor party.  If you are among those golfing grooms, might I suggest you include a golf-themed gift for your groomsmen?

Sometimes, finding just the right gift for your best guys is almost as difficult as getting the ball out of the bunker.  But, just like in golf, it can be done.  Go ahead and yell out “Fore!” to clear the fairway for these great golf-inspired gifts for your groomsmen and other wedding participants.

What’s the best thing after a round of golf?  A round of cold ones to quench your thirst!  Enjoy a refreshing beverage after the game with these personalized golf coasters to protect your bar or table.  With the golfer’s last name proudly displayed on the banner, it’s a great way to give a useful gift that has a personal touch.

For another great useful gift, try a golf key chain.  An ideal favor for groomsmen or a golf-themed wedding, this divot tool includes a key chain, ball marker, and divot repair tool all in one clever instrument. The two-tone silver design makes it a stylish gift for just about anyone.

What better way to remember your special outing than with this golf shadow picture box?  It’s filled with all sorts of golf memorabilia (golf clubs, flags, golf shoes,  tees and more.) But what’s particularly unique about this gift is that it includes a picture of you and your buddies.  Talk about a wedding keepsake!  You can take the photo on the day of your outing and surprise them with this lovely gift at the rehearsal dinner or on the wedding day.  Either way, they will be impressed and touched by the sentiment.

Whether a novice or not, one gift that is always appreciated is a golf towel.  It’s gets even better when you can personalize the towel with their initials embroidered on the front.  Just beneath the classic golf hole with flag, the monogram stands as a testimony to your friendship and love of the game.

Remember, while “Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course – the distance between your ears.”  ~Bobby Jones

The best place to find golf gifts for your groomsmen is at My Wedding Favors.  We’ll help keep your gift giving on course with gifts that are sure to score a hole in one!

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When the long-awaited bride finally gets the groom to say “I Do,” it’s a sure bet that there will be a race to the altar. Such is the case for this fun-loving couple-literally!

This Canadian couple has known each other since grade school, but their lives followed different paths. They each had traditional weddings the first time around the track with different partners.  After both of those marriages stalled out, it was their passion for hot rods that caused they’re paths to cross each other again.  Both are car enthusiasts.  The groom says that he and his family have about 24 race cars between them, so the thought of having four-wheeling festivities for their wedding theme was nothing short of a smooth ride.

After reading about their story and how it totally captured their personalities and style, I just had to give you the details.  Whether you’re a race car fan or not, you’ll appreciate how their attention to detail allowed them to come in for a fantastic photo finish:

Location:  Race Track (of course)

What better location for their pit crew (otherwise known as their family and friends) to join them for this unique wedding.  Their “forever fans” were cheering from the stands as the couple said their vows.

Bride’s Entrance:

With dust flying and tires squealing after the shot gun start,  the bride and the wedding party haul it to the finish line (the altar).  How exciting!

Wedding Attire:

Realizing that for this type of wedding, a traditional gown and tuxedo just wouldn’t do.  They opted for custom racing shirts and shorts for their outdoor wedding.  Matching race shirts were designed for each of the members of the wedding party, the minister included. The minister’s said “Official,” and the nephews’ said “Track Crew,” and the wedding party’s said “Pit Crew.” While many women might want to reverse the titles on the couple’s shirts, the groom’s said “Driver,” and it was “Crew Chief” for the bride.

Reception: Good music and good BBQ inside the oval of the race track.

Their goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere where they could have fun and enjoy the day with family and friends. In my opinion, this wedding definitely gets first place.  The only thing I might add would be a unique wedding favor. How about some personalized bottled water for the thirsty fans?  They could have also had some personalized wedding fans to help their guests create their own breeze.  I’m sure that sitting outside at the race track made for a hot venue.  Well enough about the wedding favors.  Some of you might be wondering, “What do you get the lovely couple who probably already has everything?”  Well, My Wedding Favors as the answer.  This stock car bar sign would be the perfect gift idea!  From winery to billiards, we have them in a variety of themes, so it’s easy to find one that suits your personal style.

I was so impressed with the way this couple used every opportunity to enhance their racing wedding theme.  Hopefully, their story will inspire you to think outside the box and create a wedding that is uniquely 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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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.

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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.)

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    Buy him an engagement watch.

    Get down on one knee!

    Declare your love and ask him,

    “Will you marry me?”

So, Ladies? Did Valentine’s Day pass without your longtime love popping the question? Take heart! Thanks to St. Bridget nagging St. Patrick in the 5th century about women having to wait so long for a man to propose, you have one day every four years to do the man you love the biggest wedding favor of his life? Yes, indeed! Every February 29, you have the right–nay, the duty!–to ask the procrastinator you adore if you can make him the happiest man on earth. Check the calendar, girls. February 29th is eleven days away. Time to plan how to pin down that man!

St. Patrick–What a Guy! 

OK. So it’s 2008, and evolved, confident women have been proposing to men whenever they felt like it. But there was a time when rules of courtship were fairly strict, and traditionally women were only allowed to ask the big question on that one day every four years. Before that, I guess women couldn’t even ask at all, which apparently led St. Bridget to bug St. Patrick enough that he eased the restriction. In what was clearly an outpouring of generosity on his part, women would now have 24 hours every four years to legally request the hand of her honey. The first documentation of this law dates back to 1288, when Scotland passed a law allowing women to propose to the man of their choice in that year. And get this! They also made a law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year had to pay a fine. Before you start writing your congressman with this idea–the fine could range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves. I guess back then a pair of gloves might cost a year’s salary, but a kiss? Come on, now! What woman would accept a kiss from a man who just, in essence, told her she sucks?

The US Version

In America, the tradition is alive and well–February 29th is known as Sadie Hawkins Day, when women have the right to run after unmarried men to propose. Of course, it makes you look less insane if you have a guy picked out and thoroughly evaluated rather than scouring the streets looking for empty ring fingers to slap on an engagement ring.  Whatever your strategy this February 29th, I wish you luck!

You made the ask and he said, “Yes!”

So go and buy that wedding dress.

And who freed your “proposal” clog?

                                                                                  Just thank MyWeddingFavors blog!

                                                                                  We’re here for you 24/seven!