The happiness of your wedding does not need to end when the day is over. We’ve shared ideas for when you’re feeling charitable before. But you can never have too many ideas — spread the love and make a difference. Here are a few ways to be generous to others and kind to the earth on your big day.
Instead of wedding favors, make a donation to your favorite charity. Trinkets are easily lost, but a contribution to a nonprofit can make a lasting impact.
Some brides and grooms list stores at which they have registered on their invitation or website. Add that favorite nonprofit to your list so guests can make a donation in your honor.
Use recycled paper. Invitations, save-the-dates, napkins, thank you notes, programs . . . opportunities are endless!
Use less paper in the first place. Send a simple invite with the date, location and time; direct guests to your blog or website for further event information. Skip the reply cards and ask guests to RSVP via telephone or e-mail.
Eat locally. Ask your caterer if he or she has access to fruits and vegetables from a nearby farmer’s market. You will reduce your carbon footprint and know you’re helping local growers.
The farmer’s market can also be a source for fresh flowers. If you are a do-it-yourself bride, craft the bouquets yourself using those locally grown blooms. Not crafty? Recruit a friend who is!
Share your décor. If you don’t plan to reuse your centerpieces, or components of it, donate the arrangements to a place that could use some brightening. Ask nursing homes, women’s shelters or community centers. The items may give the place just the lift it needs!
Don’t stop here. Let these ideas inspire you to contribute to others, on your big day and beyond.
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Think you need an expensive design program to design beautiful invitations? Not true! The new Office Mac 2008
is only $113 and is the most souped of version I’ve seen yet! There are so many layout options it blows my mind.
I have a graphic design background, and when it came to my wedding invitations I had to design them on Photoshop and Illustrator. As much as I love them, they cost and arm and a leg and are not practical for the everyday users. Microsoft Office 2008 allows you to not only assemble things like save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and place cards with their new layout feature, but you can make wedding budget trackers. And it’s easy to use! None of this vector confusion. And, if your super ambitious, you can do a PowerPoint love story with photos and music you can project from your laptop at your reception… wouldn’t your guest love that!
For tips on using Microsoft Office Suite 2008, go to www.artofoffice.com.
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I am so excited to share this post! It was a community effort to bring such a cool little project together.
Super-talented Marla J Designs contacted me about possibly reviewing her jewelry designs for this blog. Now, I’m super -picky with fashion and art, so it’s not as simple as writing a glowing endorsement about everything that comes my way. I thought to myself, "Well, let’s see" and I looked into her selection. Can you imagine how thrilled I was to find that I just loved Marla J’s designs?! Not only did I find her to be a super-cool person, she’s an all-around entrepreneur and eco-conscious businesswoman! Those are two things that speak right to my heart. She sent me some samples while I arranged a photo shoot.
I asked the lovely Miss Broke-Ass-Bride herself if she’d consider modeling, and to my delight she said yes! She’s a terrific model! I have to say, the camera loves her.
Next was finding the right photographer. I contacted the multi-talented Alexandra Breckenridge , crossing my fingers that she might be available. She agreed and we were on our way!
Oooh, so much fun!!! Check it out!
In the first pic, Miss Broke-Ass-Bride is on her way to meet the parents. A dash of old-time elegance goes a long way! Looking the part, she feels confident it will go smoothly. She’s modeling a Satin Chocolate Fascinator embellished with Black Onyx and Feathers.
At her wedding shower, it’s time to feel pretty and fun. She can goof around with her bridesmaids sporting a Silk Red Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Cyrstals and Guinea Feathers.
When she goes for bachelorette night with her girls, Miss B-A-B takes no prisoners. The gorgeous Peacock Earrings highlight her eyes in vibrant green and blue. Eat your hearts out, boys!!!
Drama at the reception? Not for long!! Miss Broke-Ass-Bride puts every other girl to shame wearing a classic Ivory Open Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Crystals and Coque Feathers. Completing her look are sheer White Peacock Feather Earrings , embellished with Swavorski Crystal and hung on Sterling Silver.
This all was sooo much fun! Please check everyone out individually via the links below. I’m so lucky to be surrounded with such talented people!
Jeweler – www.MarlaJDesigns.Etsy.com
Photographer – www.AlexandraBreckendridge.com
Model and Wedding Extrodinaire – www.TheBrokeAssBride.com
xoxo Siena – Follow me on Twitter
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Anyone making their own invitations? Here is a perfect opportunity to show off your creative genius! Submit your invitations to Do-It-Yourself-Invitations.com with the chance to win 1st prize – a $100 gift certificate for jewelry, 2nd prize – a custom wedding poster, or the 3rd prize – a garter. There will be 2 other random drawings with chances to win prizes. The contest ends May 31st and you can submit and read more about it HERE.
Have fun kids! xoxo Siena
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Share a little love with something from this page! I LOVE heart motifs (not for plastering all over weddings so much, but in the everyday little things). These stamps are perfect for mailing out your invitations or thank you notes….or for anything else that requires a bit of postage in your life.
A few of my favorites (sorry about the awkward outlines)…
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The 2009 collection from ChrysQ is out and fabulous! Not sure if you remember the last post we did on ChrysQ, but in this one, we’re excited to share with you what’s new! I think these are particularly fabulous for all of you wedding professionals out there, but of course, can be used by any fashionable individual.
Check out this laptop case that is featured in her site’s current header. It’s sad what so many laptop covers have become…boring, all-too-similar looking, and just blah. But THIS one is quite simply amazing. Exciting, original, and just fabulous!
Here is a bag that I just adore. It’s not a slipcover, per se, but it’s chic nonetheless.
And this little number I can’t get enough of. I think it would be an awesome wedding day clutch…even if it is made to cover a portfolio. I just want to carry this one around with me no matter that happens to be inside!
To check out all the other goodies from ChrysQ, just click on over to visit her site! Take a look at someDeluxe Collection examples and Standard Collection examples.
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Yes you can! I got emailed about this and thought I would share it with all of you. It’s for 3 nights and the giveaway ends May 20th and the drawing is May 22nd.
When I was searching for a honeymoon destination it never occurred to me to try to win one. Now that I’m on the other side I see there is a lot of opportunities for brides to win things for their wedding. So why not, sign up for everything, what have you got to loose?! I see now that I could have had so much more for practically nothing!
You can sign up for the Sandal’s Giveaway <<here>> .
More info about the resort: You can win a three-night Dream Honeymoon for two at one of Sandals tropical resorts. Sandals has been voted World’s Best Honeymoon Resort for the past eight years in a row. Imagine scenic settings where the ultimate of everything is within your reach. Including the most luxurious rooms and suites with exquisite views, along with thoughtful amenities. Each Sandals resort features a wide choice of international gourmet dining experiences, complimented by free-flowing premium spirits, served by a staff whose greatest pleasure is making you smile.
One other thing to note, I was informed the winner will have to pay a $25 per night room fee, but who cares $75 for 3 nights at a top resort, it’s a steal!
Good luck and happy winning!
xoxo Siena
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Hooray for another giveaway! This time we have something special from Photo Card Creations, a great site with TONS of cute designs for thank you cards, announcements, and invitations.
Photo Card Creations is offering WeddingFanatic readers a chance to win a $50 Coupon towards the purchase of ANY of their cards (must order 75 or more cards). Just leave a comment below with why you’d like to win the certificate, or with what card style is your favorite! Winner will be posted next Wednesday, April 8th.
Here are two cute options, a thank you and a save the date.
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If you’re like me, sometimes you need little reminders to help you “keep calm and carry on”. That’s why I adore these!
Try hanging a poster in your home (or home office) if you’re one of those that needs the constant reminder.
How about this fab tote to carry your wedding day essentials in? Love it! If you want the story behind this saying, check out this always trustworthy
wikipedia page.
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