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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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!

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Just came in from outside. The thermometer is at about 95 degrees and, even with low humidity (a rarity in my corner of the country,) you can just stick an apple in my mouth and bake me. I sat down at my weddings-oriented writing space and knew I had to save this summer’s outdoor wedding guests from certain melting. So brides-to-be, here goes!

A quick bulletin: The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage. Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC, but we only have to worry about UVA and UVB, because UVC rays–the most dangerous–are blocked by the ozone layer and never reach the earth. But there’s still plenty of reason to protect yourself, your wedding party and your wedding guests. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. UVB rays cause sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage.

All your wedding guests, local and from out of town, should receive a wedding welcome bag with an assortment of items: bottled water, sun block, a fan, snacks, maps, wedding timetable, city guide. Did I say bottled water and a fan or two? You should make chilled, bottled water readily available throughout the wedding weekend. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep your body hydrated. The human body is about 60% water. Your muscles and brain are about 75% water. Your blood–about 82% water. Bottom line, human bodies require water. Personalize your bottled water, and your guests will always remember it was you who hydrated them from arrival to departure.

Finally, don’t forget to throw a couple of fans in the welcome bag. Fans also make wonderful wedding favors, and your guests will be oh, so grateful! They’ll be more comfortable and more likely to make it through your ceremony and reception without fainting from the toasty weather. On the bright side (no pun intended,) it’s not raining–so be happy and have a fabulous affair!

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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…

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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!

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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!

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We’re Running for Our Lives…and Yours! 

Saturday, May 10, was a glorious day for a race to eradicate breast cancer. Perfect weather! Great friends! And thousands of others who feel the same way I do! The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure took place in Atlanta this past weekend, and I was one of 15,000 who helped raise $1.5 million for breast cancer research and treatment. I raced (walked, actually) with my teammates from MyWeddingFavors.com, who raised $3,000 from bake sales, breakfasts and cookouts here at our company.

Why We Participate 

One of our co-workers is a two-time survivor, and within one month of each other, I lost my favorite cousin and a dear friend of almost 30 years to breast cancer. Last year I walked in the Breast Cancer 3-Day here in Atlanta, and this year I’ll be a member of the volunteer crew. The staff at MyWeddingFavors is primarily women, so we have a vested interest in finding a cure for this horrible disease. Our participation in this race was a no-brainer. But we’re doing even more toward this fight!

Kudos to Kate Aspen! 

As a preferred retailer for Kate Aspen, a top-tier designer and manufacturer of unique wedding favors and bridal shower favors, we recently had the distinct pleasure of adding to our website Kate Aspen’s In Favor of a Cure Pink Ribbon Collection–three fantastic favors that feature the “pink ribbon” icon. What’s really cool about these favors? Despite their obvious significance, Kate Aspen is going to donate 10% of the net proceeds to two national charities that focus women and breast cancer.

One is the Young Survival Coalition (YSC,) and the name says it all. This organization is made up of young women in their 20’s and 30’s who are surviving the disease, and they are dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. The YSC is also point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. The other is the Making Memories Foundation, which grants wishes and brings joy into the lives of women and men who are losing their battle to breast cancer, while continuing to support, educate and increase resource awareness. 

Here are the three, new wedding favors (although these favors will work for many other occasions, too!) that will make a difference in our lives. Just click on the photos to find out more about the favors. Who knew a favor could do so much?




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