Tasteful Memorial Ideas for Your Wedding

There are many tasteful ways to remember loved ones that have passed on. The key is to make is meaningful for the Bride, Groom and the family; but not uncomfortable for the guests. A wedding is a celebration of new love and life. It is also a celebration of the heart and family. There is a fine balance that you must keep in order to "do it right." Here are a few suggestions:

• Add their name(s) to the program ("Remembering those who are with us in spirit.")
• The Bride or Groom can wear something that belonged to the deceased. For example, the bride could wear a piece of jewelry; the groom a pocket watch, or perhaps cuff links.
• Include them in the prayer.
• Create a charm and add it into the bridal bouquet. A charm could be a small picture inserted into the bouquet, a vintage handkerchief wrapped around the bottom of the bouquet, or perhaps a photo pinned on the brides slip.
• Set up a memorial table with pictures of your loved ones and have a lighted memorial candle next to it.
• Play a favorite song of the person.
• Have memorial candles or vases of flowers.

Last but not least, here are two items that are both classy and sensible that could be used. I personally love the feather/angel pin. It's subtle, sweet and "nice":

Angel Wings - Designed to acknowledge family members or friends who have passed away but remain forever in your heart. This pearlized angel wing pin is beautifully presented atop a real feather and then attached to a heavy stock card. The angel wings can be pinned into the bride's bouquet or inside the hem of her gown as a reminder of those who are missed. The poetry card is available in six different versions including Dad, Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Someone Special and Special Friend.

Rememberance Vase - Celebrate and honor the life of your loved ones who have passed with this hand blown glass vase to be placed on the altar or another special area at the ceremony or reception. You may choose to have the vase personalized with a specific name or something more general such as "Our Loved Ones" or "Our Grandparents", up to 22 characters and spaces. Personalization will be placed under the word "Remembering".

Personalize Your Wedding With Small Changes .. I Do for Shoes, and ...

Here are two absolutely adorable yet classy items to make your wedding personal. The "I DO" for shoes and the Thank you Necktie. Let me know what you think?

I DO for Shoes.

This is so cute and under $4.00. Makes agreat picture. Having trouble finding something blue? Well, not anymore. This brilliant rhinestone appliqué is not only blue but it holds the answer to the big question right on the bottom of your shoe! How cute will the picture be of you holding up your feet for all to see 'you do' have style and a sense of humor. Something blue for your shoes, made with durable plastic rhinestone crystals in Mindy's aqua blue. Just peel back and stick to the arch of your wedding shoe soles. Also great for scrapbooking, to use on gift bags or just about anywhere. Easily removable crystals measure 2 3/4" x 1 1/8" and come in an adorable gift envelope.

A classy thank you gift!

"So Mr. Groom what are yougoing to get your groomsmen for being part ofyour wedding? It's challenging to find one greatgift that ALL the guys could really use. Thank them for 'helping you tie the knot' with this perfect necktie. Not only will it look great on everyone, but also it is a gift that will last a lifetime. This is 'knot' something to pass up.

Platinum silk necktie comes already embroidered on back side in black, thanks for helping us "tie the knot", and measures 58" long. Comes in a handsome black and Mindy blue gift envelope with string tie close. P.S. and it's under $35.00 ... great price for a gift that's actually usable.

Wedding Invitations . . . Your First Impression

An old wives tale says, “first impressions count.” This could never hold truer than when a person receives your wedding invitation. Your invitation will set the tone and style of your wedding.

Today’s invitations can be creative, fun, traditional or even handmade. Deciding on a tone or theme of invitation is limitless. True formal invitations being a “must” style is a thing of the past. You can use anything from home computers, rubber stamps to Internet vendors.

Order your invitations at least three months before the wedding and always order more than you need. If you make a mistake in writing them out or you need extras, you will have them.

Should you decide to make your own invitations, remember that as a rule most invitations are placed in two envelopes. An outer envelope is where the name and address of the invitee are written. The inner envelope is addressed with the name and title of the invitee. Also enclosed is a reception card and response card. The last piece of required wedding stationery is your thank you card. Many stationers offer packages that include all of these elements in a package deal.

• Send an invitation to the President of the United States and the First Lady. Address it to
  the White House in Washington , DC and you will receive a congratulatory message that is a wonderful keepsake.
• If you are Catholic, send it to the Pope. He will send you a Papal blessing. Ask your parish priest to assist you with this.Use standard size invitations. Oversize will cost more.
• You can purchase blank papers or invitations at places like Paper Direct, Staples.com or even OfficeDepot.com (in store or online) and print your own invitation. Most stationary stores and department stores (Walmart for instance) also sell blank invitations.
• Enclose a Map (check MapQuest.com or GoogleMaps.com) so that your guests can find your wedding and reception site easily.
• To find the perfect stamp to use on your invitations go the post office’s web site at http://www.stampsonlin.com/ or create your own at PhotoStamps.com.
• Before sending out response cards, assign each guest a number and write that number on the back of their card. When it is returned, if you can’t read their handwriting you will know who it is by the number on back of card.
• Keep in mind that your invitation is the first announcement of the wedding and that it will set the tone. Take heed when choosing and pay close attention to sending out an announcement you can be proud of and one that will be memorable.

To get you started, here are some great places online to find invitations:

1. Fine Stationary
2. Wedding Paper Divas
3. Invitation Consultants
4. Invitation Box
5. e-Invite
6. Invitations by Dawn
7. Rexcraft
8. Now and Forever
9. Jean M
10. Ann's Bridal Bargains

More Beach Themed Wedding Accessories

More beach themed accessories for your summer wedding . . .

Seaside Allure Garter Set Keep your beach theme going down to the smallest detail. This set arrives with two garters, one for tossing and the other to keep. Both are embroidered in blue and your keepsake piece includes a blue lining and a silver starfish embellishment.

Seaside Allure Guestbook and pen set. This book and pen set has the breezy, summery look of linen that feels just right for your seaside wedding. Each piece is finished with a touch of embroidery and a silver starfish to carry out your theme. The guest book has a title page that can be adapted to accommodate three languages - English, French and Spanish, and various
occasions. The book accommodates 430 entries in a simple line format without titles on each page. The spiral construction ensures the book lays flat. Each book measures 9 1/2" long and 6 1/2" tall. The matching pen holder includes a silver ball point pen that writes with black ink.

Seaside Allure Pillow. This pillow has the breezy, summery look of linen that feels just right for your seaside wedding. Finished with a touch of embroidery and a silver starfish, this pillow measures 8" square.

Newport Shore Wedding Candle favors - The incredible details make these little tealights look like reall shells and starfish so they're perfect for your celebration by the sea. Each set arrives ready for giving and includes four tealights in a clear gift box, tied with raffia and a beach-themed thank you tag.

Camelot Collection ... Fit for a King and Queen : )

Isn't this gorgeous???? Camelot Collection - This stunning collection features bittersweet chocolate floral lace against a champagne colored base. Includes guest book, memory book, flower girl basket, pen holder, and ring pillow. Save almost $100 by buying this collection as a whole!

The name "Camelot" says it all... think of queens, being a princess; Robert Goulet and Jackie
Kennedy.... What more can you say? : )

Rachael Ray ... Free Program For Candy Bar Wrapper Favors

Looking for an inexpensive yet creative party favor? Found the perfect match for you. Check out RachaelRayMag.com/Favors. Rachael Ray has put up templates that you can print out on your computer of Candy Bar Wrappers. The set-up is easy. You can imprint your name, message and date. All you have to have is a computer, color printer; the candy bar you like and some time. It'sthe perfect craft for the person who wants to make a cute and economical favor. Plus, knowing Rachael, it will take under 30 minutes : )