Anniversary Traditions

Via The Grio

Every year Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey renew their vows, in celebration of their wedding anniversary.  Many people think its over the top, and quite ridiculous! Maybe it is, but I think its quite sweet.  They are so determined to keep the tradition going, that their 2011 vow renewal ceremony took place in the hospital, on the day after Mariah gave birth to twins!

Maybe we can't all plan a vow renewal every year like Nick & Mariah, but we should all find special  ways to celebrate our relationships. So, how do you celebrate your love?

Great Bridesmaids Gifts!

Gifts That Will Make Her Smile

 Kimono Style Robes – I think these are absolutely adorable. And they are definitely available, coming in around $30.00 a piece!

Via The Etsy Store of SilkAndMore

Gift Cards- Gift cards are great way of insuring that your girls are going to get something that they truly adore.  Picking up a card to one of her favorite stores, will definitely be appreciated.  This is also a good idea if you are having a destination wedding, because more traditional bridal gifts could take up a lot of space in your luggage.

A Subscription for a Product or Service That Matches Her Interests- This can be an especially thoughtful gift.  There are subscription services that fit about every interest.  Here are just a couple examples:

•       If your bridesmaid is a wine enthusiast, then get her a wine club subscription.  For just under $20.00 a month, Wine Insiders will ship 2 bottles of fine California wine to your bridesmaid's home each month, for her to sample.

•          If your bridesmaid loves make up and beauty products, then a subscription to a service like birch box would be an awesome gift.  For under $20.00 birch box will send 5 beauty products to your bridesmaid’s home, for her to sample. 

Throw Them A Spa Party- Mobile Spa services are popping up all over the place nowadays. Cost on this type of service normally starts around $60 a person. There are many of businesses that will come to your home to give your girls a mani-pedi, while you pop open a few bottles of wine. If you really want to splurge then throw in a massage for your girls too. 

Personalized Stationery- A personalized stationery suite is always a good option.  I don’t know many ladies who wouldn’t appreciate pretty paper products, bearing their names.  Cost for personalized stationery varies widely depending on; design, quality, and quantity.  However, it shouldn’t be a problem to find a stationery option to fit your budget. 

Tip: If you are using a professional Stationer for your wedding invites, they may be willing to give you a good rate on designing stationery for your bridesmaids’ gifts.

Via Minted

Gifts That Will Make Her Cry 

   A Framed Picture of the Two of You in a Personalized Frame- Find a picture of the two of you that holds some special meaning and have a personalized picture frame made.  You can order a custom frame from Personalization Mall for about $25.00, or you can DIY one.

via Personalization Mall

 A Charm Bracelet, With a Charm That Symbolizes a Memorable Moment- Pandora Charm Bracelets have really gained popularity over the recent years, and they would certainly make nice gifs.  Unfortunately, they can be a bit on the expensive end. To keep the gifts within budget consider only buying the starter bracelet, with one additional charm.  This should keep you under $100.00. Also, consider browsing other jewelry lines, to find the best deals.               

                                                 
                                                                                                       Via My Charm Bracelets                                    

Gifts That You Can DIY

 DIY Apothecary Bottles- I absolutely love these! Please follow the link below to Formal Fringe, so you can see just how easy it is to make these.  Once you put them together you can fill them with fragrances, for your bridesmaids.

Via Formal Fringe

 A Custom Gift Basket- You can create baskets full of goodies for your girls.  You can add: DIY apothecary bottles (see above), candles, candies & treats, luxurious lotions, bath oils, and anything else that you they will love.

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts That Will Make Them Laugh!

This week I have been talking about gifts for your groomsmen. Today, I'd like to give you some ideas on gifts that your groomsmen may find amusing.  After all, everyone always appreciates a good laugh.

• A Plaque to Commemorate a Funny Experience- Have a plaque made to memorialize a funny moment that you shared together.  Present each groomsman with them individually (awards-show style), and give a brief story with each presentation.  

• A Monogrammed Beer Belt 

(Under $25.00)

Via Where Brides Go

• A Funny Tee-Shirt 

(Under $35.00)

Via Zazzle

• A Beer Helmet 

Under ($15.00)

Via Baron Bob

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts You Just Can't Go Wrong With

Yesterday, we discussed gifts that appeal to your groomsmen's personal interests.  Today, I'd like to continue our wedding party gift series with; Groomsmen's gifts that you just can't go wrong with. So here are my top picks:

• A Nice Watch- I have never met a single guy who doesn't appreciate a nice wristwatch. This handsome Kenneth Cole watch can be a great choice.

 (Under $100.00)

Via Princeton Watches

• A Monogrammed Cooler Bag

(Under $60.00)

Via American Bridal

• Personalized Shot Glasses

(Under $15.00)

Via Future Memories

• A Good Knife- I will admit that I don't understand the appeal of this one, but I have talked to many guys who have said that they would really appreciate a good knife.  Whether it be a hunting knife or a swiss army knife, guys just like knives.

• A Personalized DeCapper Bottle Opener

(Under $30.00)

Via Groomstand

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts that Speak to Their Hobbies & Interests

To Continue Our Series on Wedding Party Gifts, I am going to share some of my favorite ideas for Groomsmen gifts.  Today I am sharing ideas on gifts that appeal to your groomsmen's personal interests.  So here are my picks: 

• Sports Memorabilia

     Football Jersey (Under $100)     

                          

Via Football Fanatics

Football Plaque (Under $50.00)

Via NFL Shop

• Tickets to a Sporting Event- If all of the guys are fans of one particular team, then it might be nice to get them all one ticket to a game, that takes place at least a few weeks after the wedding.  This will allow for some post-wedding male bonding time, with the groom and his guy pals. (Prices Vary Widely)

• Fishing Gear

Fisherman's Toolkit (Under $70.00)

Via The Man Registry

Monogrammed Fisherman's Vest (Under $70.00)

Via Orvis

• Camping Gear- If you've got a groomsman who loves to camp, then get him a gift that applies to this hobby. 

• Video Game Accessories- If your groomsman is a serious gamer, then you can't go wrong with gaming gadgets. If you're nervous about duplicating an item, then just spring for a GAMESTOP gift card.

• Grilling Accessories

Personalized Brand in a Fancy Wooden Box (Under $60.00)

Via Groomstand

Grilling Tools (Under $60.00)

Via Grilling Gifts

Gift Ideas for the Children in Your Bridal Party

Yesterday I shared some guidelines for choosing gifts for your wedding party.  Today, I am going to share my favorite gift ideas for the smallest members of your wedding party.

For Girls

An Eco-friendly purse, Handmade from Recycled Materials (Under $35.00)

Via Giddy Giddy

An Initial Bracelet with Floral Embellishments (Under $20.00)

Via the Etsy Shop of MonkeysNMunchkins

A Flower Girl Wedding Camera (Under $10.00)

Via The Knot

For Boys

An Engraved Football Bank (under $25.00) 

Via Bed Bath & Beyond

A "King of the Ring" Tee (Under $25.00)

Via David's Bridal

A Personalized Sports Bottle (Under $15.00)

Via Personal Creations

For Both

Monogrammed Doodle Bags (Under $35.00)

Via Hearth Song

Personalized Coloring Book Sets (Under $15.00)

    

Via Personalization Mall

Tips on Wedding Party Gifting

Image via Memento Monograms

Wedding party gifts are given to thank your attendants for being a part of your day.  These people have sacrificed their money, their time, and in some cases their sanity, to support you on your wedding day.  This is one thing that you don't want to forget to account for, as you plan your wedding. So here are some tips for your wedding party gift search:

• Don't buy gifts that go along with your wedding theme - Wedding party gifts are not meant to be another element of your wedding decór, and there is no reason to match them to your wedding design.  

• Do take time to consider the personal taste of each wedding party member- There is no rule saying that you have to get the same gift for all of your attendants.  While it is certainly fine to do so, it is far from being a requirement.  Your goal should be to choose gifts that reflect the personal styles and interests of your attendants.  

• Remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good gift - Your loved ones chose to be in your wedding, because want to celebrate your marriage, not because they want to see what cool stuff they can get out of you for participating.  The best bridal party gifts are not the ones with the greatest dollar amount, but the ones picked with the greatest amounts of thoughtfulness & sincerity.  

Your Dress After the I Do's: Donating Your Wedding Gown to a Charitable Cause

via Brides For a Cause

For a bride who wants to use her dress to make a difference in someone else's life, donating is the perfect option.  There are a plethora of charities that accept used bridal gowns, that are in good condition. My personal favorites are:

The Bridal Garden

www.bridalgarden.org

The Bridal Garden is a non-profit bridal boutique, based out of New York, offering designer wedding gowns at up to 75% off of the retail prices.  All proceeds from gown sales at the The Bridal Garden benefit children's education. 

Brides Against Breast Cancer

www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org

Brides Against Breast Cancer, utilizes the donations made from brides around the world to provide wellness and educational services to people who are affected by breast cancer.

Brides For A Cause
www.bridesforacause.com
Brides For A Cause is a partner of Wish Upon a Wedding, which is a non-profit, wedding wish granting, organization. Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings in vowel renewals to couples facing terminal illnesses & serious life-altering circumstances. Brides For A Cause collects used wedding gowns, and resells them at discounted prices, to help grant wishes for Wish Upon a Wedding Couples.

Your Dress After the I do's: Embrace the "Trash the Dress" Trend!

For the bride who is fun-loving, adventurous, and has a bit of a wild side. . . 

via Studio 1250 of Charleston, SC

via Chelsea Nicole

via Conch Creative

via Beachside Brides Blog

The notion of brides preserving their wedding gowns, leaving them in impeccable condition, is slowly fading away. So, why not have a little fun & get a little messy?  "Trash the Dress" is a style of bridal photography, in which a bride is wearing a gorgeous wedding dress, in a rather unconventional location.  The photoshoot can take place on the beach, at the dump, in the heart of the city, or just in a big puddle of mud!  Do what you want! Just have fun with it, and make memories that will last a life time! 

Your Dress After the I do's: Create a Beautiful Heirloom from your Gown!

For the modern bride who appreciates tradition, but likes to give things her own twist. . . 

                              

image via bookerbunch's posterous

There is absolutely no limit to the truly unique pieces, that can be created from your wedding dress material.  Kaylin, pictured above, was able to use her dress to craft a baby blanket, as well as, two decorative pillows.  These are items that can remain in the family for generations. Other ideas include: creating a christening gown for future little ones, or a Christmas tree skirt to begin a holiday tradition with your new spouse. The possibilities are virtually endless. . . 

Will you be crafting anything from your wedding dress, after your big day?

Your Dress After the I do's!

                                                Source: Harris & Ewing via old-picture.com                     Source Munroe Photography

                           

This week I'm blogging about what to do with your dress after the walk down the aisle.  Many brides are completely undecided on what to do with their beautiful gowns, after the wedding is over.  A few generations ago, it may have been more common, and even more practical, for the bride to save her dress, so it may be worn by her future daughter or another family member. Though the sentiment of wearing Mom's dress is sweet, most modern brides often long for their own special dress. So quite naturally, these brides aren't expecting future generations to don their gowns. This situation, quite naturally begs the question: "SO WHAT DO CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR DRESS AFTER THE WEDDING?"

Find out in this week's Blog Series!

Lovely DIY Mason Jar Decor

Simple. . . Sweet. . . Romantic. . . . that pretty much sums it up for this lovely piece of DIY decor.  Use them to line an aisle or just add them to your tablescape.  

 All you need to achieve this look is: (1) mason jars, (2) decorative ribbon, (3) floating candles, (4) decorative stones.  Fill the your mason jars about a quarter of the way with decorative stones, add water, place the floating candle in the water, and tie a beautiful bow with your decorative ribbon. 

Photo via Our Labor of Love

Ditch Those Pumps, Don't Bother with the Flats, & Go Get Yourself Some Wedding Wedges!!!!

When putting together their bridal ensembles, brides often overlook the option of wedge shoes.  Often brides go into the shoe search set out to choose between either pumps or flats.  However, wedges should get more consideration.  Most wedges have the comfort and stability of a flat, while still providing the height & elegance of a traditional heel. Whether you're going for a sweet & simple shoe or looking for that "Wow" factor, a wedge might just be the perfect element of your wedding day ensemble.  

via myglassslipper.com

Amazing Etsy Find: Custom Bridal Bracelets

While casually browsing Etsy today, I came across an awesome find! I personally fell in love with these beautiful cuff bracelets, created by the lovely ladies at Bridal Couture Girls. They are the epitome of a meeting between modern style & timeless elegance, delicately tied with a satin bow.

For a look at other gorgeous bridal accessories created by Bridal Couture Girls, click here.

A Crafty Little Alternative to the Oh So Boring "Dip Bowl"

Instead of plopping a bowl of dip on the table at your next soirée, try these cute little bread bowls to hold individual servings of dip and veggies.

via So How's It Taste?

Gorgeous DIY Painted Bottles for Your Next Soirée!

These lovely painted bottles can certainly add a wonderfully unique element to your tablescape. To make these: Simply pour a tad bit of paint into an old glass bottle, swirl the paint around, & let the paint dry. 

 via By Wilma

Trend Alert: Hand-Painted Wedding Shoes!!!

These hand-painted wedding shoes can be a lovely addition to your bridal ensemble.  Though the colored wedding shoe is one of the top wedding trends right now, I'm sure that brides will soon be after something a little more unique than just a little pop of color. There are virtually no limits to what the talented Miss Figgie can do to customize your wedding shoes!

Via Figgie Shoes

Add an Elegant Touch to the Tables at Your Next Soirée!

Adding lighting underneath your table linens is a simple, yet chic, way to add a touch of pizazz to your decor. 

Image via Brides of Oklahoma

Try This Lovely Crab Appetizer For Your Summer Soirée!

These yummy crab wantons are made out from crescent rolls & a few other simple ingredients.  I made these last night for a few friends and everyone loved them! It only took about 30 minutes, prep time included.  If you need a quick & tasty appetizer try these.

The recipe can be found at Krista's Kitchen

Check Out This Bride's Not-So-Traditional Walk Down the Aisle

It's not often that we see a bride serenading her groom as she heads down the aisle.  I love the fact that this bride chose to buck tradition, and do what she wanted to do for her wedding. At Soirée Luxe Event Management, we always tell our clients to just "Do what feels right for you as a couple".  This bride definitely did just that, and created a beautiful memory for her and her new husband. You Go Girl!!!! 

Why We Love Hydrangea Centerpieces

Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they could also be a very economical choice.  Hydrangeas have relatively large flower heads, allowing them to cover up a great deal more space than many other flower selections. Thus, you can buy less of them, and still end up with a gorgeous, full, floral arrangement. Here are some lovely Hydrangea arrangements we found. . . Enjoy!!!

 via Wedding Today

 via Style Me Pretty

 via Martha Stewart Weddings

 via The Knot

via Project Wedding