Look at what our very own Brandon has stumbled across: mybabytree.org!
How do baby trees tie in to weddings? Well, this is really for you tree lovers and green people out there!
If you think the “wedding favor” is just too cliche, but would like to help out… oh, say… the planet, think about planting a tree for each of your guests or each family invited to your wedding.
The benefits:
-Helping to undo the damage humans have caused on the earth
-Doing something nice for the world
-Helping to support the economy
-It’s something your littlest guests can track (who knows, perhaps it could be the first step in turning them into future environmentalists)
-It’s something the whole family can do together
-It’s NOT something that will sit on a shelf (or go straight into the trash) after the wedding
How it works:
-Go to the site, mybabytree.org.
-Interact with the little fellow that pops up
-Pick one of three types of trees and watch the little fellow plant your virtual tree.
-Turn the virtual tree into a real tree by purchasing one for $5.50.
-Track the growth of your baby tree using Google Earth!
If you do this far enough in advance (it takes a while for the seed to sprout and for someone to plant it), you can have access information cards ready for your guests to take home with them so they can start viewing right away!
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My thought on wedding invitations is simple: They don’t need to be particularly over the top to be fabulous. I like to ask myself if my guests would feel special receiving the invitation, almost as if they were getting a little present. (I know it sounds stilly, but I love paper so much that I DO feel like I’m getting a present when I get a nice invitation in the mail!)
I stumbled across this site with some super cute, super fabulous designs. Here are a few of my favorites.
While the invitation itself consists of orange and pink, I love how they use the turquoise to make the colors really pop. If you’re looking for something bold and fun, try checking out more from this site.
Looking for something more simple and classic? I don’t think you can ever go wrong with the classic rectangular shape with the outside boarder raised just enough for some aesthetic enjoyment. Check out this page for some more classic invitations.
And lastly, you can call me a total dork for this one! I’m not sure if I’d use it for an actual wedding invite, but it would make SUCH a cute bridal shower invitation. I love how and does and doesn’t scream “WEDDING” at the same time. It’s not too girly and flower-filled, but there is no denying the “dum dum da dum”! Check this out for more bridal shower invitations!
Happy Inviting! 
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Perhaps the two most important details of an event from the very beginning are the timeline and the theme. Let’s break it down:
A timeline is a breakdown of what happens and when. It keeps you on track and makes sure you’re not skipping important things! Without one, you may fall behind, forget small things (or even big things), or more simply, the event date might sneak up on you, finding you unprepared all together.
A theme is the source from which you draw inspiration for the entire event. Without one, you may find yourself bouncing around, liking different kinds of things that, on their own are brilliant, but together are kind of… well… unattractive. For instance, I love the preppy and nautical vibe apple green and navy blue striped ties and sail boat motifs give. I also love the formality of black tuxedos and top hats. But put them together and you have a hodgepodge of prep meets black tie *gasp*! So, whether it’s for a bridal shower (like this and the following “Love is in Bloom” posts) or for the wedding itself, do a little research, then pick a theme and stick to it!
Making It Happen – The Timeline: Get out your fabulous planner and look at the time between today and the day of the event. How much time do you have? Years? Months? Weeks? If the amount is clearly insufficient, consider rescheduling if time allows. If you’ve got more time than you know what to do with, allocate your time wisely, tackling any large tasks from the beginning. In my case, I had from March 11th to April 12, basically a month (and just a side note, plans have been in place for longer than a month!). My timeline for this event is as follows:
Wednesday, March 12: Make invitations
Monday, March 16: Distribute invitations
Wednesday, March 19: Order flowers for the arrangements
Saturday, April 5: RSVP Deadline for guests, review menu items and activities with the bride
Friday, April 11: Pick up flowers from florist
Saturday, April 12: The Shower (This day will have its very own schedule.)
And of course, the schedule I am following is a bit more detailed, but this should help with the general idea!
Making It Happen – The Theme: Emily and I tossed around some ideas. From vintage Valentine’s to a smorgasbord of pink, brown, and sugary delights. But as time progressed and with the anticipation of Spring in the air (and considering some of Emily’s favorite colors and flowers), it was decided that an event that was fresh and in bloom would work perfectly for the season! And thus, “Love is in Bloom” was born. What do we envision? Light, spring colors, sweet treats, and lots of fresh, lush flowers.
Check back in the following weeks for more tips and helpful hints about planning a fabulous bridal shower!
Planning to getting married soon? Do you need help to fing the best wedding bands? For best diamonds, sign online. We have the most beautiful diamond rings the best engagement rings right here!
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I’ve recently come across some fabulous things in my never ending quest to discover all things wedding that I wanted to share with you.
First, some great wedding party stuff ! Needing a little something for your ladies? Check out this fabulously preppy, monogrammed tote (props to Amanda and her first post!) Fill each with a towel, flip flops, snacks and sun screen and give to your ‘maids right before a relaxing day in the sun on the beach.
Or perhaps you’re looking for some cool groomsman gifts? How about this fabulous Cherry Wood Humidor. Stock full before giving. Enjoy together before the big day.
And finally, maybe you’ve already thanked your wedding party and are looking for a way to show your guests that you love them. Enter: fabulous favors! Need some fairy tale favors? I’m a particular fan of these little pretties that you can use as place card holders and then let your guests take home to use as a photo holder. (I think your female guests might like these a little more than the guys…)
What about for a wine themed wedding? A bottle stopper would more than fit the bill!
And lastly, if you’re looking for any fall wedding favors, check out some more place card holders! (Can you tell, I love these things!) Send them home with your guests!
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Hello wonderful world of wedding enthusiasts and brides-to-be! My name is Amanda and I am very proud to be one of your new Wedding Fanatic authors! Katie has been gracious enough to give me the opportunity to write about a subject that I can say I am very passionate, and admittedly slight obsessed with: fashion. There is a reason why the dress is perhaps the most monumental decision during the planning of a wedding and I intend to provide as much insight on the subject for you as my little fashion-filled brain can produce. I will also be writing on other fun wedding-related topics, as we all know there is much more involved in planning a wedding than simply finding the perfect dress; even if it is hard for my fashionista self to understand!
For my first post, I would like to discuss one of my favorite trends, and a classic at that. I am talking about pearls, monograms, Lily Pulitzer florals, and the perfect pair of worn Topsiders. Perhaps it is because I was first given a copy of Lisa Birnbach’s iconic Preppy Handbook at the tender age of 8 or the summer visits my family would take to Hilton Head, but I have always been partial to the Prep lifestyle and all it encompasses. This also may be why I find the Spring 2008 Wedding Runway Collection of ultimate prepster retailer J.Crew, to be oh so sophisticated, yet fresh and fun all at the same time.
I had always thought about J.Crew as a prime place to pick up divine cashmere cardigans and bright chinos, but their current collection of Bridal dresses have proven to me that J.Crew is more than an outlet to purchase your pastels, but is a force to be reckoned with in the bridal industry as well.
One of my favorites was this strapless satin empire-waist gown that flows beautifully over the hips. The waist is drawn in by a ribbon belt and bow to show off curves and small, clear sequins are scattered all over the bodice to add an eye-catching element to such a classic looking piece.
Another element of J.Crew’s spring collection that was not to be overlooked was their creative use of chiffon. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with chiffon, as I feel it can either be used really poorly or really well. In J.Crew’s case, I believe they fall into the latter with this fantastically simple, yet chic, strapless empire-waist gown, with a beautiful chiffon layered hemline and dotted sheer overlay. The dotted pattern of the overlay gives the simple gown a more textured look and the chiffon hemline is not as distracting a fully chiffon-layered bodice.
Other looks from the J.Crew Spring 2008 Collection:
All gowns from the 2008 spring runway show will not be available for purchase until the fall season, as showings are done a season ahead. J.Crew Bridal Attire is not available at J.Crew retailers, but an online order can be returned to any J.Crew retail store. In this case, it would seem best to order a number of sizes and simply return the ones that don’t work to your local J.Crew. Hey, who said preppy couldn’t be bridal chic?
All J.Crew Runway Photos Courtesy Of: Brides.com
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Hello Fabulous! I just wanted to introduce a few things today.
First, you might have noticed something different about the site! We did a little redesign over the weekend. It’s still in the works, but I think it’s refreshing! Hope you like it.
Second, and much more import, I’d like to introduce a new WeddingFanatic author!! A fashion and style enthusiast, Amanda will be writing about the things she loves along with a few other wedding topics. GET EXCITED!
If you have anything you’re dying to see on WeddingFanatic (or just something you can’t get enough of), please send us an email at weddingfanatic{at}gmail{dot}com.
Have a GREAT WEEK!
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Who actually LIKES being sick? I mean, getting to eat lots of popsicles is about the only upside, but beyond that, it’s just awful!
Since it’s that not-so-wonderful time of year, with people getting sick everywhere you turn, how about a post on ways to actually stay healthy leading up to your big day? And when I say “stay healthyâ€, I don’t mean eating too little and working out too much. It is so much more than that! And what’s even better, if you “stay healthy†the right way, not only will you be set for your wedding day and honeymoon, but for years and years of your marriage! (And let’s be honest. Wouldn’t you rather NOT have that “Honey, I think we need to start working out†conversation five years after the wedding?)
So, this great article, “25 Things Every Bride Should Do To Stay Healthy Before the Big Day†by the fabulous people over at LiveSmarter has some great tips to start you on the right foot.
Before you read, keep in mind these few things:
1. Consider making lifestyle changes, not just changes before you walk down the aisle (otherwise you’ll go back to the way you were. And if that’s going to happen, what’s the point in the first place?).
2. Have a way to make sure you get ‘er done! Whether you have a friend getting married around the same time, your ‘maids by your side, or if you’d rather rope in your fiancé, having another person there to get your butt going is always a plus!
3. Make sure there is a method to your madness. Don’t just go to the gym so much one week that you can’t stomach the thought of going the next. Make a plan and stick to it, working you way up. And, make sure you’re working towards your personal health and fitness goals. (Just eating apples for weeks on end and running three miles everyday won’t necessarily give you more toned arm muscles for the strapless number you plan to wear during the honeymoon!) Meet with a personal trainer or dietitian to put yourself on the right track from the start.
And now for the good stuff! A little sampling before you click over to LiveSmart! Some of the things they suggest to help you stay healthy:
1. Eat well
2. Take a walk
3. Eat chocolate
4. Get head massages
5. Avoid going overboard at the spa
6. Having FUN!
Check them out!
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