Brides have different reasons (or motives) for choosing a destination wedding. Some want to escape from the hullaballoo of getting married in the local area where they are forced to invite even people they don’t like. Some make it an excuse to finally see their dream vacation place. Others simply just fell in love with the idea. Whatever your reason is, this extensive wedding planning checklist will help ensure that yours will be a stress-free one.

One year to nine months before the big day

• Buy a big thick notebook. What is this for, you may ask. Well, it’s the best place to keep records, contracts, receipts, notes, ideas and other information pertinent to your big day. Bring it anywhere you go so when inspiration strikes you, you won’t have to wait until you come home to jot it down.
• Make a guest list. Collect people’s addresses, both email and snail mail. Yes, there are still those who are oblivious to electronic mail so be ready to send save the dates and invites through the post office.
• Lay out your budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend. Allocate this budget for every wedding expense. Determine which ones you’d want to cut back on and want to splurge on.
• Pick a date and decide on a destination. Find out about the marriage requirements there. Research for possible wedding and reception sites along with wedding vendors and suppliers.

Nine to six months before your I Do

• Send out save the dates to emails and snail mails.
• Get recommendations on wedding vendors including florists, bands, DJ, photographers, caterers in the area where you’re planning to get married. Be sure to check references from the vendors’ past clients.
• Choose an officiant.
• Get to know about the tours and activities available in the destination.
• Shop for your gown. Don’t forget to consider the ceremony site as well as the climate in your choice of destination.
• Select the wedding party.
• Put up a wedding website. See to it that you link it to the tourism board, hotels and airlines so guests can easily book their travel needs.
• Shop for the wedding party’s attire.
• Learn about the ethnic customs and cultural traditions in the destination of your choice. Consider incorporating them into your event to make it unique and memorable.
• Register for gifts. Better yet, create a honeymoon registry.

Six to four months until getting hitched

• Order the wedding rings.
• Get the necessary travel documents such as passports, visa and travel insurance. Obtain necessary blood tests or vaccination.
• Arrange for rental of all equipment needed for the event.
• Order wedding invitations and other stationery items like menus, maps, itineraries, place cards and many more.
• Book accommodation and airfare for you, your spouse, your families and wedding party.

Four to two months before you’re officially a Mrs.

• Arrange for group tours and activities.
• Create playlist for the musicians to play during your wedding.
• Order or create wedding favors.
• Send out formal invitations to your guests.

Just one more month and he’s all yours

• Have final fitting of the gown.
• Assign last-minute tasks to family, friends and wedding party.
• Write your vows.

Only two more weeks to go

• Review all the travel and wedding details.
• Create the seating chart for the reception.

When you finally arrive

• Confirm all wedding vendors and suppliers.
• Confirm with the wedding officiant.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Visit and inspect the ceremony and reception sites.

On the special day

• This shouldn’t be included anymore for it’s common sense: have fun and make the most out of your big day!

So you’re tying the knot real soon? Congratulations! Not everyone is lucky to find a person that they’d want to spend the rest of their lives with. You’re truly one of those few who are blessed. Obviously, you’d want to make this event very special for you and your beau. It’s only right that you’d want to choose a place that is close to your heart. If you’re both beach lovers, this can be the perfect venue for your exchange of vows. Not to mention, there are lots of great beach wedding packages available in the market today. If you don’t have any idea how to go about this process, here are the steps on how to shop for the best beach wedding package.

Step 1 – Go online

The internet has become the hottest marketplace ever since it was introduced a couple of years ago. Now this is the best place for you to find a great beach wedding package. What you need to do is to go to a search engine and type in your query. Start with “beach wedding packages.” You can also be more specific to narrow down the results and enter “budget beach wedding packages,” “customized beach wedding packages,” or “beach wedding packages California (or any other location where you intend to tie the knot).”

Step 2 – Browse through your options

You’ll probably click open a few of the results that you find on the first page. Get to know each of them and find out more about their package products and services. Inquire about their rates and fees. Study their policies in terms of shipping and cancellations. Once you’ve gathered these pieces of information, you can compare the packages that you’ve collected. Analyze each one not only in terms of cost but also the inclusions in the package. Don’t forget to inquire if there are any hidden costs as you wouldn’t want those unpleasant surprises to ruin your big day.

Step 3 – Do a quick background check

Once you have found the beach wedding package that you want to buy, do a quick background check on that wedding company that offers it. Not all companies online can be trusted, you always have to keep this in mind. There are phishing sites that pretend to be legitimate companies but are actually just scammers out to get your money. One way to avoid dealing with those shady people is to get in touch with the company’s former clients. This way, you’ll find out how satisfied their customers are.

Contact the Better Business Bureau to learn if complaints have been made against this particular company in the past. It’s also a must to ensure that the company has a secure system for transacting credit card payments. There are lots of hackers and identity thieves out there that intercept payments to online companies. You’ll know if an online company is secure if the web page where you’ll be asked to put in your credit card details begins with https and not http, and there’s a closed padlock symbol.

Step 4 – Purchase the best beach wedding package

After you’ve made sure of all those things, you can now order your beach wedding package. Depending on the process required by the online store, you can now place your order. It’s a good idea to choose also a package that you can customize so that you can ensure personalization of your wedding. Choose the items you want to include in the package and submit your order along with your payment through your credit card. Then wait for a confirmation that your payment and order have been received. Contact the customer representative of the online wedding store to discuss further your wedding.

Beach weddings have become very popular these days due to the creative themes that you can come up with plus the ease that comes with simple and conventional decorations used in it. The environment itself offers plenty of decorations like seashells, tropical flowers, trees, rocks, and the white sand. Despite these simple and easy options, there are also plenty of things to consider when decorating for your beach wedding.

You should take note of the theme, the heat, the strength of the wind, the weather, and the sand when decorating. If the wind is too strong, some of the decors might be blown away or glasses and vases may tumble down and get broken. If there is too much heat, flower decorations might easily get dry. Of course, you need to consider the theme since your decors would depend on it.

Keep in mind the following things in decorating:

• You can use shells to decorate the aisle where the bride will walk instead of flower petals. If you are going to use flowers, make sure they are whole and that the stems are still attached to hold the flowers down.
• If the wedding is held at night, tiki torches may be used to light the place especially for Hawaiian themed weddings but be careful where you place them. Candles and small lamps could also be used to light the place and serve as table centerpieces at the same time.
• If the wedding and reception is held in the morning when there is too much sun or there is a possibility for rain, you can use colorful umbrellas or tents in the venue. Big umbrella stands and tent posts could be decorated with vines and foliage to match other decorations of the event.
• Sand sculptures are also great decors for the wedding instead of ice carving. A sand sculptor can recreate the bride and the groom or other objects of the sea like a dolphin or a treasure chest covered with sea urchins.
• If you are one of those people who love photos, you can have several pictures printed in tarpaulins and use the tarpaulins to protect your guests from the sun or protect their meal from the sand. Make sure that the photo will also blend with the theme or complement the decorations.
• A Caribbean or tropical themed beach wedding could use plenty of driftwood as decoration where you can hang shells, starfishes, and flowers. Wild orchids with different colors and birds of paradise would look great as if they are in their natural environment when on drift woods. They could also look like parts of a sunken ship where sea urchins had planted themselves on.
• For pirate themed weddings, you may use anchors, swords, cards, and empty wine bottles for decoration. You can hang these on walls of the reception or around the couple’s table. Fill the wine bottles with sand so they will be heavier and will not tumble down easily. You can design the cards to make them look like they’ve been pinned on the walls by small daggers.
• If you plan on using certain flowers for the wedding, consult with an expert as some flowers may not be available in the place or during the season. Some flowers like orchids and hibiscus are hard to find and you may need to spend extra cash in order to have them. Also consult the expert if these flowers could withstand the heat of the sun the whole day.
• There are endless varieties of center pieces to choose from depending on the theme. Common centerpieces for beach weddings include bowls filled with different colors of gems and stones, vase of fresh tropical flowers, crystal bowls with white sand and marbles, pearls and seashells, huge bowls with floating candles, or mini sand sculptures.
• Use white cloth in dining tables and as curtains as this color does not absorb much heat. This color will also make all the other decors stand out.

Aside from choosing the right decorations for your wedding, having the right ambiance is also important to make your wedding day light, stress free, and happy. Playing the right tunes could add a wonderful ambiance in your celebration. Some wonderful tunes for a beach wedding party include Caribbean music, old love songs, slow and soothing songs, and reggae beats.

For the love of ecology and life, going green is the hottest trend even in weddings. A beach wedding has this natural tone due to the setting and involvement of several natural resources like the sea, the sand, and the wind. Aside from being environmentally responsible, this wedding theme can be done effortlessly.

In decorating a wedding though, you can’t help but have trouble with some environmental policies like gathering too much flowers and using them just for the day then throwing them away. There are also indirect harms like using a lot of paper that adds to the problem of deforestation. Here are several tips and reminders in going green with your beach wedding decorations:

• In making the invitations, thank you notes, and save-the-date cards, you can use recycled paper or other recycled materials. Lots of fancy colored papers are actually recycled. If you want to actually skip using paper, you can just send online invitations and have a few copies of the actual invitation printed for purposes like scrapbooking or for special guests.
• For eco-friendly favors that would fit your beach wedding, there are also a lot of ideas to choose from. Using bonsai plants as favors for island beach weddings is a great idea. You can also use the plants as centerpieces before giving them away to the guests. Choosing favors that are made from recycled material is also a great option for going green. Giving away of organic soap is not only economical but is also exotic and good for the body.
• When it comes to using flowers, they do not actually have to be plastic so that you can avoid cutting and throwing them away. You have the option of using potted plants so you do not have to throw the flowers after using them. For a tropical theme, you can find friends or connections that grow tropical plants in their garden like orchids attached to drift wood. You can just borrow them for the occasion. The key is to use everything natural and organic. Flowers should be grown naturally and without pesticide. If you are going to use flowers like birds of paradise or hibiscus, they can be used as wedding favors at the same time.
• If you want to minimize the use of flowers, you can alter the bouquets of the bridesmaids with a clutch bags or baskets made from straws and decorated with seashells and ribbons. You can also use small ocean rocks and seashells to adorn the aisle instead of rose petals.
• If you want your buffet table and plates to go green as well, you can look for caterers who offer menus that are completely organic. The package will automatically include an eco-friendly set-up. Often this would cost you more but it will surely improve the taste of the food and guest satisfaction. Some caterers use native plates that are covered with banana leaves instead of heavy ceramic plates. They also offer fresh coconut or pineapple juice served in their own shells or skin which fits the beach wedding theme perfectly.
• Choose neutral and soft colors like white everywhere. Tie ribbons in chairs and use clustered seashell and starfish pins to follow the theme. Use sea weeds and vines to decorate posts instead of cloth and paper. Use big ocean rocks with different shapes, seashells, and sand to decorate the altar and couple’s table so that they would stand out. Tiki torches may be used to light up the place instead of using electric light bulbs. If the reception is in an open area, huge bonfires are a big hit as it brings the guests in a circle and is somehow romantic for the newlyweds and other couples present.

The last and most important thing if you really want your beach wedding to be eco-friendly, make the cleaning a significant part of the plan. If the wedding is held in a resort and there are people to do the cleaning, make sure that they are aware of the reuse, reduce, and recycle campaign. If it is held in a private or family owned beach, ask the one who will be in-charge of the cleaning to make sure they will follow the three Rs slogan.

The eco-friendly beach wedding usually ends up costing more than the typical wedding so be sure that you are committed in helping the environment and that you are fully responsible for everything. You will not only make your union special, you will also celebrate a green day and help open the eyes of people who will be part of your event.

Hosting a bridal shower is an exciting thing to do. You get the chance to organize a send-off party for the bride-to-be and bond together with your friends and family members. Aside from planning carefully the theme of the shower, the decorations, games and invitations for the guests, the bridal shower menu is another very important part that you need to put up painstakingly. After all, a great shower menu makes the event more memorable and it brings people closer.

You can serve anything from brunch, lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea when holding a bridal shower. The choice will be made based on your budget, theme, the most convenient time of the day for the guests and the bride’s preference in food. Make sure to have enough food for everyone during the bridal shower. Indeed, it’s better to have leftovers than to run out of dishes.

In selecting the theme of the shower, you may opt for a super simple one or an elaborate theme such as Hawaiian luau or Mexican-themed shower. If you have a theme for the shower, ensure that the foods you serve will complement it.

-          For a color theme, select foods that match the color chosen for the shower. Take for instance; a sunny-colored theme requires foods that are yellow, orange and red.

-          Of course, you don’t need to match everything to the theme but make sure there are a few dishes that will really stand out.

-          For a luau-themed party, include tropical fruits such as papaya and pineapple in the menu. You may also decorate the dishes with bright-colored tropical flowers such as hibiscus.

There are also different types of menus for the shower. When planning to hold a bridal shower, identify first the type of food you want to serve to your family and friends. You can either have finger food or a meal. What’s the difference between a finger food and a meal? Well, the answer is pretty self-explanatory but here is a quick rundown of their characteristics.

1. Finger food- As the name implies this kind of party food can be eaten using the fingers of the hand. Many shower organizers opt for finger foods because they have more choices which are filling and easy to prepare. Finger foods are also easy to eat, you can enjoy it for the entire duration of the party as well. Since these foods are versatile, you can offer guests to eat them with a plate and a fork too. Finger foods don’t necessarily mean only those that can be eaten with the fingers. You could also include a cake or salad along with the wide selection of meatballs, sushi, mini quiches, deviled eggs, cheese sticks and vegetable sticks.
2. Meal- If you want a proper sit-down dinner, there is no other choice but to offer a complete meal with appetizers, main courses, salad and dessert. Set the table with elegant table wares and a magnificent centerpiece. You may serve hors‘d oeuvres as the appetizer, steak for the main course, Caesar’s salad with rolls and Chocolate-dipped Strawberries for dessert. Of course, include drinks in the menu.

Here are some simple bridal shower menu suggestions that you can try:

• Brunch

Orange juice to toast for the bride

Fresh bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon

Seafood salad

Mini Danish

Fruit salad

Tea or coffee with the bridal shower cake

• Lunch or dinner

Appetizers: chips with dip or salsa, or cheese and crackers

Red wine or non-alcoholic beverages to toast the bride

Vegetable salad and rolls

Lasagna or a casserole dish with chicken, salmon, etc.

Strawberry rhubarb pie

Tea or coffee with the shower cake

• Bridal shower tea

Assorted open-faced sandwiches

Sugar cookies

Bite-sized pastries

English Trifle

A basket of individual tea choices

Bridal shower cake

Champagne, red wine or non-alcoholic beverages for the toast

In creating the shower menu, make sure to consider the food choices of the bride so everyone could enjoy the feast on the table. Never forget to ask the guests if they have any food considerations such as allergy. Nothing is worse than having a banquet of seafood on the dining table only to end having majority of your guests allergic to shrimps, scallops, seaweeds and other food from the bounty of the sea. With these suggestions, you can plan and execute a perfect bridal shower that everyone will remember.

Source: TheBridalCoach.ca, a wedding planning blog specializing in wedding help.

You and your beau are holding an engagement party to break the news that you’re getting hitched soon. The idea of sharing this wonderful news to your family and closest friends certainly thrills you. To ensure that you’ll have the best engagement party possible, here are some terrific ideas that you would want to consider.

Fantastic engagement idea # 1 – Cool invitations

Every party starts with the invitation, right? So if you want to have an extraordinary engagement party, think of a cool and unique invitation to give away. One excellent idea would be an invitation that doubles as a party favor. It can be a potted flower plant or a box of chocolates. Just make sure that the details of the event are printed on that item you’re giving away.

Fantastic engagement idea # 2 – Surprise engagement party

Instead of letting everyone know it’s an engagement party, why don’t you keep it a secret for a while, until all the guests arrive and you surprise them you and your beau are getting married? It would be a great thrill to see the look on your family and friends’ faces when you announce the engagement.

Fantastic engagement idea # 3 – Themed event

Parties are always more fun if it has a theme. Make your engagement party a themed event. Fabulous options include Hawaiian Luau, Las Vegas Casino, Caribbean Getaway, Hollywood Glam, Jungle Fever, Outer Space Intergalactic, and so many more. The great thing about themes is that it makes the planning so much easier. From the decors to the invites to the activities during the event—everything can be patterned to fit the theme.

Fantastic engagement idea # 4 – Funny photo booth

Your guests will have a grand time posing in front of the photo booth. Make sure you have costumes, masks, head gears and wigs ready for them to don while posing.

Fantastic engagement idea # 5 – Mini roast of the couple

Who doesn’t enjoy a good roast? Since you and your beau are the center of the event, you can be good targets for the roast. Make sure that the “roaster” keeps it clean and safe though so no toes will be stepped on.

Fantastic engagement idea # 6 – Karaoke activity

Engagement parties don’t usually have karaoke singing but this doesn’t mean you can’t have one in yours. If you and yours guests love to belt it out, this is one good activity to do that will not only break the ice but will also keep the guests entertained.

Fantastic engagement idea # 7 – Memorabilia exhibit

Another wonderful idea to do for the engagement party is to put up a mini memorabilia exhibit. This would include baby photos and old photos of you and your beau. You should also include courtship keepsakes like the first greeting card that you gave each other or the gift that your beau gave you on your first date. Don’t forget to display engagement photographs if there are any.

Fantastic engagement idea # 8 – “The Proposal” movie

Usually, the couple would tell the story about the proposal during the engagement party. In fact, this is one of the most awaited parts of this event. But if you’re not good storytellers or you want to infuse something different into this tradition, why not shoot a homemade movie reenacting the scenes of the proposal? This will surely get the guests rolling with laughter.

Fantastic engagement idea # 9 – Outdoor picnic

You’ve probably attended a lot of engagement parties in the past. And if there’s one thing that you notice in all these parties is that they are held in similar venues. It’s usually held in the house of the bride or groom, or in a rental hall. Make yours extraordinary by holding it outdoors. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner or buffet, hold an outdoor picnic engagement party that can put everyone in the mood for relaxation.

Fantastic engagement idea # 10 – Slideshow of photos over the years

Collect your most memorable photos with your beau. Then compile it into a slideshow. Add some romantic music in the background. Be sure to choose something that’s close to your hearts. Rent an LCD projector for the event and show this to your guests.

They say engagement parties should be kept simple so they won’t compete with the wedding. But this doesn’t mean it should be plain and boring. Spice up the event with these fabulous tips and wedding ideas.

Cheers! The wedding toasting is truly one of the highlights of the reception, as this is when everyone celebrates the love and union of the couple. Wedding flutes were designed specifically for this purpose and we have seen so many people toast and drink to that over the past few decades.

However, it is only recently that we have seen the emergence of gorgeous and creative wedding flutes that can make your wedding one-of-a-kind. Yes, the options available in the market today are staggering that making a choice can be somewhat painfully confusing. Fortunately, this list, which features some of the most beautiful, elegant, and spectacular toasting flutes ever created, will definitely make choosing much easier for you.

• Venice Gold Toasting Flutes

One thing that you would immediately notice and love about these toasting flutes is the beautiful detail of Swarovski crystals around it. Aside from that, you would also adore the two-tone silver that gives a classic effect on the flutes.

• Contemporary Double-walled Champagne Flutes

If you want something extraordinary for your wedding, you would probably want to go for these festive flutes that feature a double walled design that not only looks majestic but also works to ensure that the wine stays crisp and cold even after a while. These are the perfect flutes to use for your modern themed wedding.

• Silver Plated Stacked Hearts Glass Flutes

These toasting flutes are surely an eye candy! Any guest would fancy the silver plated stacked hearts stem design of these flutes.

• Silver Plated Interlocking Heart Stems with Glass Flutes

If you love the stacked hearts design, you would admire the interlocking heart stem of these next flutes. If you put a pair of these flutes next to each other, you would be able to form a wonderful heart shape, which is the perfect symbol for the couple’s everlasting love.

• Silver Plated Love Stem Champagne Holder and Glass Flutes

Another flute from the silver-plated series that is worth mentioning is the silver plated love stem champagne holder and glass flutes. A silver plated heart shaped base featuring the word “love” holds the removable glass flute in place.

• Open Loop Heart Flutes

If you want something that is more classic and simple in design, you would probably like the open loop heart flutes that come with contrasting glass tops and silver plated stems that create stunning symmetry. Since the glass tops can be engraved on, you can personalize these flutes by putting your name, wedding date, or a love quote that is special for you and your spouse.

• Diamond Ring Champagne Flutes

Like the open loop heart flutes, these flutes are also engraveable. But aside from that, they hold the symbols of diamond rings in the design of the stem.

• Silver Plated Open Heart & Jewel Drop Stem Champagne Flutes

The intricate design of the heart and jewel stem makes these flutes special. This is perfect if you want to have both hearts and jewelry incorporated into the design of the flute.

Wedding flutes truly provide a touch of sophistication to the celebration of a couple’s union. They help you toast in style! Choose the perfect ones that will not only make your wedding more beautiful but will also serve as a keepsake that will always remind you how special your wedding was.

Looking back 50 years ago when lives were simpler, weddings actually only consisted of a cake and some punch. However, in the last 20 years, these occasions have become extravagant and elaborate that simply a cake and a punch would not be enough.

Needless to say, weddings have become very expensive. But this does not make it okay for you to deplete your life savings for this one-time event. There are various ways a bride and groom can do to cut down the expenses, one of which is to ask the family to contribute for the wedding.

Asking your family to contribute to your wedding should not be too difficult especially if you are close to them and if they are comfortable in the money department. But just to make sure that everything goes smoothly when you do, here are some tips on how to ask your family for contribution for your wedding day.

Right Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to making requests such as financial assistance. It is imperative that you find the perfect moment to bring this topic up. See to it that your parents are in a happy mood, there are no signs of distress within the family, and the atmosphere is relaxed and at ease. For example, it would not be a good idea to mention this during a situation where your mom and dad are having some arguments about the household bills. Even if they would want to help you, the current situation might make them say no.

Perfect Place

In addition to the timing, it is also a must that you bring your family to a quiet and relaxed place where you could talk. You can take them out for a dinner in a peaceful and lovely restaurant or invite them to a picnic in a park near your home. Do not attempt to discuss the matter in the house with the kids around unless there is a place there where you can sit and talk peacefully.

Appropriate Words

The right words can also make a big difference. You should be able to express your request in the nicest way possible. Never sound as if you are making a demand. After all, it is you who are asking for their help. It is also not advisable to use guilt-trip strategies wherein you would bring up all the good things you did for them in the past.

Appreciation and Gratitude

If your family does say yes to your request, be sure to show your appreciation and gratitude. No matter what amount of money they give you, be happy that they are willing to help you in any way they can. Never force them to offer beyond what they can afford.

Surely, your family would be more than happy to help you with your wedding. However, it is possible that they may not be willing or capable to extend financial assistance. If this is the case, do not be mad. Instead, show them other ways by which they can help. Remember, there are many other ways they can show their support and it is not just through financial means. They can help organize the reception, design invitations, create wedding favors, and so on. The possibilities are endless!

Autumn Elegance Laser-Cut Fall Leaf Favor Box

If there is one positive thing that the global financial crisis has brought to the world of weddings, it is probably that it encouraged soon-to-wed couples to look for creative and resourceful ways on how to maximize the wedding budget.

Even wedding suppliers are now encouraging couples-to-be to purchase wedding items that serve double/multiple purposes. For example, wedding favors today are not simply for souvenirs anymore. They can be used as table centerpieces, reception decoration, and even for the groom’s cake! How is this possible? Here are some ways on how you can use the wedding favor boxes for the groom’s cake.

Idea # 1: Use favor boxes as decoration for the cake

You can surround the cake with fancy favor boxes that can also serve as decoration. If you would browse at the different types of favor boxes available in most online stores, you would find it hard to make a final choice, as all of these boxes are truly eye candies.

Idea # 2: Put mini cupcakes inside the favor boxes

Instead of having the traditional groom’s cake, you can have a bunch of mini cupcakes placed inside the favor boxes.

Idea # 3: Complement the choice of favor box with the theme of the wedding

Choose favors boxes that would be suitable for the theme that you have picked for your wedding day.

Asian Favor Boxes

Some Favors Boxes you can use for the Groom’s Cake

• Organic Green Woven Favor Boxes – If you are going to have an eco-wedding, (a theme that is very popular these days), these are the perfect embellishments to put into the cake.

• Natural Miniature Woven Beach Bags – These are also ideal for green weddings but you can also use these favor bags for other types of themes because you can change the content to fit whatever theme you are having. For example, you can fill up the bag with shells, sand, and pebbles if you are having a beach wedding, and then place these bags around the cake.

• Metal Boats – Speaking of beach weddings, these striped and polka dotted metal boats are great for beach weddings with nautical themes.

• Miniature Athletic Bags – As most guys are athletic, the groom will probably love these items to go with his cake. These are also great favors for a bunch of jocks attending the wedding.

• Romance Design Paper Cups – These paper cups, which come with a bottom text that reads, “Our love is forever” is great for cupcakes and other types of food products like chocolates and candies.

• Miniature Travel Suitcase Container – These favor boxes would surely be a hit for destination weddings, and also for couples who love to travel a lot. Aside from this one, you can also use the miniature travel trolley with wheels and retractable handle.

• Miniature Metal Watering Cans – These ones are fun galvanized miniature watering cans that are perfect for garden weddings.

Wedding favors boxes are not only for wedding souvenirs. They can also be used as cake decoration such as for the groom’s cake. Make sure that you choose something that your groom would love.

Looking for the perfect gown was not easy. You had to spend countless hours visiting numerous bridal stores and fitting an endless array of wedding gowns. But all your efforts were worth it because just when you were about to collapse in exhaustion and despair, you spotted the ideal gown with at the right style, trimmings, fit, and color. One look at it and you knew it had that magic you were looking for all this time. Now that the wedding is over, you feel sad that you have to say goodbye to this wonderful dress. But this is not necessary, as there are so many things you can do to preserve this gown and make it last for a very long time.

Clean the Dress

Clean the gown immediately after the wedding (or the honeymoon) to prevent stains such as food spills, body oils, and perspiration from seeping into the material. The longer you leave the stains on, the more difficult they would be to remove. Check the care instructions on the wedding gown to know the right process of cleaning it. Some types of gowns especially those that contain sequins and beads cannot be dry cleaned while others such as silk, acetate, and rayon are recommended for dry cleaning. Many wedding gown experts would advise gentle washing of the gown with hand using specialized gentle cleaners to remove visible stains.

Store it Properly

Keep your precious gown in a clean, acid free tissue. Place the acid-free tissue in between the folds of the dress and around it. This would help prevent permanent folds and wrinkles. Remove shoulder pads, metal buttons, and buckles, and anything made of foam that is attached to the gown as these materials do not have excellent shelf life. Do not store the gown in plastic bag because this has poor air circulation. It is also not a good idea to hang your wedding gown. Instead, store the gown in a pH-neutral box in a secure place free of insects and away from heat sources. Take out the dress from times to time to examine it.

Hire a Professional

If you do not have time to care for your gown or you feel you do not have the skill to preserve it efficiently, it would be a smart move to hire a professional gown preservation service so that it would be able to maintain its original beauty. Yes, this may be a little more costly but at least you would not have to worry about your much-loved wedding dress. You can be assured of expert specialized cleaning and storing procedures.

Preserving your wedding dress is one of the important things that you have to do after the wedding. You have to ensure proper cleaning and safe storage. It would also be a good idea to hire a professional gown preservation service. Who knows? In the future, your daughter may want to wear your gown and she would be very thankful that you did everything to maintain its original condition.