Wedding Tips & Trends - Bridal Blog

You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. And we’re being fooled by how much the average US wedding supposedly costs. The Wall Street Journal has discovered that The Wedding Report—a data and statistics-driven publication for the wedding industry—has mislead its readers by announcing that the average cost of a wedding is $30,000.

 To Half and to Hold!

In fact, the WSJ says that, while many US weddings do cost $30K and more, 80% of American weddings average half that number—around $15,000. The problem with The Wedding Report’s misinformation is that wedding planning professionals might decide their best business move is to accept only weddings that cost $30K and above, leaving 80% of brides-to-be to plan on their own.

And what about engaged couples who are dismayed because their budgets are based on the current economy and don’t want to go into debt? The good news is that The Wedding Report has it wrong, and you can have a fantastic wedding for $15K! Including fabulous favors!

Beauty and the Beach

Two of my favorite favors run the gamut from elegant to whimsical. It simply depends on whether your wedding reception is traditional or a destination wedding on a distant, white-sand shore. For the elegant, traditional wedding, I love the Miniature Gold Chair Favor Boxes with Heart Charm and Ribbon (left.) Not only can they be used as place card holders, but you can monogram the front of the chairs with your new initial! If a laid-back bash on a beach is your style, one of the coolest favors you can give is the Margarita Glass Gel Candle in a Tropical Tiki Hut gift box (right.) You might even be serving your guests the real thing at your reception. They’ll love it! And both of these favors fit perfectly into a $15K budget–or even less!

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?

Yes, I know. It’s a tough decision. There’s something inherently provocative about real flowers–the fragrance, the natural beauty, the vibrant colors.

Not long ago, silk and other artificial flowers didn’t hold a candle to the real thing, so the choice was a simple one. But time and technology have changed the silk flower industry, which is producing gorgeous reproductions of almost every flower imaginable, like the red rose topiary at the left.

Just like you, I love real flowers, but I recently came across seven really good, practical reasons to choose silk flowers for your wedding centerpieces.  Whether you prefer silk flowers or the real thing, the base you choose is just as important a decision. You’ll need to coordinate the base with the flowers. If you like very tall stems, you’ll need a stylish vase, like the “Altitude and Ambience” White Cylindrical Glass Vase (left,) which come in 22″ and 32″ heights. Or you may like the idea of a topiary, which comes complete with base and flowers. The “Think Pink” Rose Topiary (right) is absolutely lovely. You’ll be amazed at how many wedding centerpiece options–for both real and silk flowers–you’ll find at MyWeddingFavors.com. Of course, candle centerpieces are also a personal favorite of mine. But I’ll save that for another post. Have fun this week!

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I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to check out our new section for wedding centerpieces, but it is awesome!  There are so many choices for stunning centerpieces that it will almost make your head spin.  From flowers to decorative accents, it’s all there for the choosing.  The candle centerpieces are particularly intriguing.  Not just your average candles and tea lights, we’ve pulled together an impressive collection of table decor that will make your tables shine!  As you are planning your next evening event, consider using one of these de-light-ful centerpieces:

The “Crown Jewel” of our candle centerpieces might very well be these silver candlesticks inspired by a diamond engagement ring.  Suspended high above your table, these diamonds will sparkle and glow.  It’s an interesting design that is very appropriate for weddings and even engagement parties. Sold as a set of three, you can display them separately or as a trio of elegance.

Pop open the bubbly and use the bottle to create this stunning centerpiece!  These “Vintage Masterpiece” candelabra bottle stoppers are a creative way to add charm and elegance to your decor with an old world Italian flair.  Just like fine wine, this centerpiece (as well as the hanging candelabra) will be enjoyed by all as a stately representation of your good taste.  For an added touch, why not create a personalized label with your names and wedding date?  It will be an instant heirloom that guests will definitely want to take home with them.

Light the pathway to paradise with these hanging tea light holders.  Don’t just sit them around, these glass holders are designed to be hung in trees and along fences for an illuminating twist on an old idea.  Fill the base of the candle holder with beads, sand or other items before placing the tea light candles on the tiny feet inside the container.  Or use them to accent a contemporary floral centerpiece as shown.

While a candle under glass is nothing new, these glass candlesticks certainly are.  With the look of silver, the inside glass is silver-colored and fashioned to resemble a classic candlestick that is surrounded by a clear glass cylinder in this one-piece design.  Adding a votive candle elegantly brings it to life.  Choose a color that matches your decor and for an added touch of color, place flowers and greenery around the base.

Candle centerpieces are a relatively easy do-it-yourself centerpiece.  Even a novice designer can create a stunning centerpiece with these elements.  However, here are few practical tips to make sure you make the right centerpiece choices if you’re making them yourself:

• Consider the preparation time.  Fresh flower arrangements must be made either the day of the event or the day before (if you have a large enough cooler to store them.)  If time and space is limited, consider silk or permanent botanicals.  You can make the arrangements well in advance and just have someone place them on the tables the day of the wedding.
• Be sure the container choice does not block the view of your guests.  Select a low arrangement like floating candles or something really tall so that the fullness of the arrangement is above their heads.
• Decide what to do with the arrangements after the wedding.  In most cases you can leave them for the guests to take with them.  But if you’ve invested in the design with a personalized vase or unusual container, you might want to specify that they are for your wedding party, family or special guests as a token of your appreciation.
• Don’t be afraid to try something a little different.  It is often that touch of the unexpected that makes a centerpiece spectacular.  After you’ve gathered your inspiration from magazines and the web, go for it!

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Brides can enjoy a winter wonderland of wedding favors with these three new designs!

Always on the cutting edge of creativity and style, My Wedding Favors is proud to add the newest winter wedding favors from Kate Aspen to our already popular collection of winter wedding favors.  Inspired by the snowflake, each design is the perfect complement to your winter wedding and reception.

Whether you use these Snow Flurry ornaments as decorations or as a winter wedding favor, they are sure to create a flurry of excitement.  Each one is bursting with tiny snowballs inside the clear globe that is covered with a flocked snowflake pattern for a textured accent to your holiday decor.  Put several of them in a bowl as a centerpiece or use them as place card holders to help guests find their seat at the table.  Elegant and stylish, it’s no wonder why these are a popular choice.

Impressive on both sides, this Embossed Elegance snowflake favor box will be the delight of many holiday tables.  A beautiful rendition of a stylized snowflake, it features an over-sized snowflake with embossed detail on each side of the favor box.  A do-it-yourself wedding favor, it easily pops together and can be filled with a delicious treat or gift item.   Like falling snow, create a winter wonderland cluster by standing them at varying heights as a centerpiece or place them individually at each setting.  Either way, your table will be glistening with these bright white boxes.

Your guests don’t have to be avid readers to appreciate  this unique wedding favor!  The Snowflake bookmark with tassel is a stylish and practical way to thank your family and friends.  It beautifully captures the coolness of winter in striking silver and ice blue that are subtle enough to blend with almost any color scheme.  Already gift boxed and ready to go, they can easily be placed on a separate favor table for guests to pick up as they enter or leave the reception.  But placing them at each place setting will warm your table with gratitude.

Check out these three new winter wedding favors as well as the other favors by season.  Winter, spring, summer or fall, there are always elegant wedding favors to be found at My Wedding Favors!

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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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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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