PLANNING YOUR GIFT REGISTRIES

Gift Registries


The use of gift registries has changed over the years! Even the bride to be with one of the biggest engagement rings - Kim Kardashian is using gift registries. Although hers is probably not the norm, with a registry approaching over $200,000 in registered gift wants, she is none the less using them. One of her least expensive requests is a $195 bottle opener.

At the other end of the spectrum are many brides who are delighted just to receive wedding bands from the men they love and expect little else. In the middle is the vast number of brides who embrace the concept of helping their guests find a gift, which will symbolize their good wishes for the new couple. That is the role played by most businesses, such as: J.C. Penney's; Kohls; Target; Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc. Each of them have their niches, and are widely available throughout America, as well as online.

With the impact of the sagging economy on many minds, we are seeing changes in selections made by the couples in their gift registry. In the by gone days, couples would get an abundance of toasters, coffee pots, blankets, sheet sets, towels, kitchen utensils and so forth. While registries are still being used, the requested (or suggested) items have changed. Practical, useful, current - are adjectives being attached to the bulk of many couples choices today.

Something new that as been added to the mix of registries is the - Honeymoon Gift Registries. They are becoming a popular way for couples to get added luxuries to their honeymoons. But beware there are online sites that may not follow through with your lists, so shop safely. Check for references!

According the www.consumer reports.com and their 2011 Guide to Wedding Gifts, more and more couples are going for practical gifts - but let us not confuse practical with inexpensive. Topping the lists are cooking knives - the REALLY GOOD chef's knives. This makes sense, since a first rate knife in the kitchen is as necessary as electricity, running water and of course the microwave. Also on the list are video games, video game consoles, single serve coffee makers (so each person can have their preferred flavor!), cookware (often the better and BEST sets available) and the up to date vacumn cleaners, as well as other small appliances. Most of these items are often over $100. A far cry from the $50 or less spent on gifts for the couple several years ago.

A trend that seems to be continuing is the giving of gift cards. If you are unsure what to give, give a gift card from a store where the couple is registered. Many couples today live together and own homes prior to the wedding, so a gift card to one of the Home Improvement - Lowe's, Home Depot - for example might be a good idea!

Couples should select locations for the registries that they truly desire, and should also take into consideration the guests that will be selecting gifts for them. Remember that the economy has taken a big blow and money might not be as readily available for some of the guests. Be considerate! And do not forget to thank them for each item - whether it is a gift, money or gift card!

In your thank you to them, mention what you got with the gift card or money, so they feel good about their decision!

If you are having any trouble deciding on where or what to register, check with your wedding planner. They are trained and educated to help you deal with these issues. Trust their experience!!!!!

THEMED WEDDING SHOWERS ARE BECOMING VERY POPULAR

PLANNING A BRIDAL SHOWER...here are some "unique" ideas!

Do you have a friend that is getting married? Why not plan a "unique themed" shower for the couple, or for the bride alone! We are coming across some very interesting ideas and want to share them with you!


AROUND THE WORLD is the theme.
 
 

Historic locations - worldwide

Gather some ideas from the couple of their favorite countries (you can also do this for favorite states). Research favorite drinks , food, or hors d'oeurves of those areas. Plan a menu card highlighting them and if there are special meanings or customs associated with them.

Gift ideas for this type of shower could be:

Travel books of specific areas incorporated in the food and drinks at the shower.

Cook books featuring that area.

Travel accessories if the couple will be traveling on their honeymoon.

Ethnic food items

Photo Albums

Travel Maps


NATURE'S WONDER for those outdoor loving couples.


Hold the shower outdoors at a picnic site, camp site or on the beach.

Food and drinks should reflect the outdoor lifestyle - BBQ, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, picnic lunches, s'mores, and so forth! Capture the mood!





Gifts ideas for this type of shower and couple would be:

Picnic baskets

Folding chairs

Camping equipment

Gift certificates for parks, comfortable outdoor clothing, and more!!!!

Outdoor cooking equipment

A "special" cookbook of favorite outdoor recipes of the guests at the shower

Back packs

And so much more!!!!! Ideas are endless!


GARDENING THEME


Many couples today enjoy the trend towards growing your own veggies, flowers, etc. And many are going organic.

What better way to help them in this area. Host a gardening shower. If they have already purchased their own home, then the ideas of gifts is unlimited.

If they are waiting until after they are married to buy a home together, then gifts in this area can prepare them for outdoor work.

Gift ideas:

Gift cards to garden centers so they can select their favorite plants

Gardening tools - usually small hand tools such as rakes, shovels, etc

Watering cans

Hoses and assorted nozzles

Sun hats

Gloves

Assorted books for ideas and plant references


HOME HOSPITALITY - this is the perfect shower for those couples who do lots of entertaining in their homes.


Host the party on the patio, or if the couple has a home and doesn't mind the shower there, it would be perfect.

Gift ideas - they are numerous!

Cheese and wine!

Bottles of wine from local wineries

Assortments of cheeses

Gift cards for wine and cheeses so they can be used at a later date

Assortment of beers

Serving glasses

Cheese boards and knives

Unique serving dishes for party foods

Recipe books for both party food and drinks


The list of ideas for showers is endless! Making them "unique" for the couple or bride is great!


If you want more ideas, I suggest you talk to the couples wedding planner, or one that you know in the area, they have fantastic ideas!

Happy planning!!!!

~Marilyn

INVITATION ETIQUETTE

Did you know that there IS actually something called "Invitation Etiquette"? It guides us to the correct way and procedure to follow when selecting, addressing and sending the invites for that special day!


The creation of your invitation sets the tone for the event, and announces to your guests what type of celebration that they are invited to attend. Setting the tone includes the style of the invitation, the choice of paper, the color and the fonts. All that wrapped up into a work of art! WOW!!!! that seems like alot.

Just a sample of Unique invitations

I am finding today that a lot of brides are venturing out from the standard white invitation in a plain white envelope. They are adding their own touch, making it personal. Some are continuing the theme of their wedding throughout all the paper items being used - invitations, save the date cards, RSVP cards, menus and programs.

Last season I had a bride use a fall theme that featured trees and leaves. The invitations, in fact all the paperwork had fall leaves and fall colors on them. We carried that over to the reception by using the names of trees as table identification, colorful fall leaves scattered on the tables, and tree branches adorned with hanging glass teardrops holding tea candles.

Fall themed wedding/programs

 

As a planner I have been asked many times about the proper wording, font, and when you should mail the invitations. But one question that asked on almost a regular basis is "Is it ok to ask for money on a wedding invitation?" My answer would be a loud NO.

It is not socially acceptable or a tactful way to ask for cash this way! The question usually comes from clients in their 20's or 30's who have been living together and have all the items they need for their home. They also tend not to register for traditional gifts.

My recommendation to them is always - that this type of request is best passed on verbally by family and friends when they are asked what to get the couple. The couple if asked can make a suggestion by saying something like "We are saving for a down payment for our first home, so if you would like to give us a check, that is how we would use it." You should never dictate to guests what to give you.

A recent suggestion that I have given to my couples is to have a website for their wedding event, and on their they can list their gift registries......to include maybe a Honeymoon Gift registry.....such as: www.travelersjoy.com . Your guests can purchase gifts for your honeymoon!

www.travelersjoy.com
 
Some brides have also set up an account for charitable donations to be made in their name.


I have even had brides ask on their websites for canned goods to be brought to their reception as a donation to a food bank. instead of bringing gifts.

Your invitation is just that, and invitation to people who you want present to help celebrate your beautiful day!

Make it unique and yours!!!!

~ Marilyn

SPECIAL CEREMONY ADDITIONS

Are you getting married and looking for that special addition to your ceremony? Here are just a few of the many that are used today in weddings.


Couples often look for that addition that will honor one or both of their cultures or family backgrounds. Many families have started their own traditions in the ceremonies.

Make your wedding unique and yours!

Lighting of the Candles

     While this is similar to the couple's lighting of the unity candle, it is different. As they enter the ceremony location the guests are given a program, and also a special candle. During the ceremony, as the couple lights their candle, a flame lights the first guests candle of each row, they in turn light the candle of the person next to them. This continues until all guest candles have been lit. This represents that all friends and family support the couple in their marriage.

Rose Ceremony


This has been used in many of the weddings I have helped plan and coordinate. Many Catholic brides present or lay at the feet of the Virgin Mary - a red rose. In other ceremonies, the bride and groom present one single rose to each other, and then present those roses to their mothers. Another symbolism of the two families becoming one. Long stem red roses are used in this exchange. NOTE: please have the florist cut the thorns!

A long stem rose is the best to use in this ceremony, although red is typically used, you may use other colors!
NOTE: Remember to have the florist remove the thorns!

Garland or Lei Ceremony



Beautiful garlands of flowers are exchanged between the bride and groom. This is a custom often found in Indian weddings, as well as those of Hawaiians. The garlands or leis represent the love between the couple, and the unity of the marriage. Love and respect!

Garlands and leis can be made up by the florist to coordinate with your wedding colors.

Broom Jumping

A custom that is used in African-American weddings, and some Native American weddings.

Lasso Ceremony

Used in mainly Hispanic ceremonies. There is lots of information on the Internet about this ceremony and where to order the lasso.

This is a large rosary that is used for the ceremony, but there are other types and styles of the lasso.

There are many more special ceremonies that can be incorporated into yours to make it unique and to honor one's culture.


Unique & Yours encourages you to make the ceremony yours, and to make it special!

One of Unique & Yours weddings that incorporated several unique additions, beautiful couple.

 
Happy planning!

UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY

Wedding ceremonies today often include special parts, such as the lighting of the unity candle. It is not really clear as to when this addition started in ceremonies. Most likely back 40 plus years.  But it is growing in popularity.

A set up using very simple holders and allowing space for a floral arrangement on the table.

The set up for the ceremony includes the placing of two tapers and one larger candle on a table in the ceremony area. It can be as ornate or simple as the bride desires. While there are unity candle holders and sets for sale in most bridal stores or other locations, creativity can also be used to have a unique set of holders.

This was a set up we did for a ceremony, using one of our unique candle holder sets.

Unity candle ceremonies symbolize the joining of two – the bride and groom – becoming united into one family. The two tapers are lit at the beginning of the ceremony by the mothers of the couple, or by someone very special if the mother is not available. The two mothers go to the table and light the tapers, putting them back in the holders where they will remain until the couple’s part.

A sample of the holder you find in stores.

At the time in the ceremony – usually designated by the officiant – the couple will move to the table. A prayer and a special song are usually incorporated here to help place emphasis on the value of this part of the ceremony. The bride and groom pick up the taper that was lit by their mother, and place their candles together to light the large middle candle. After the lighting of the main candle, the bride and groom can do one of two things – leave their tapers lit and place in holder, or blow out the flame of the taper and put the taper back in the holder. Some couples also take this time to have a moment of silence together thinking about their life together, a song that means something special to the couple.

The symbolism of leaving the tapers lit is – they have become one, but also remain two separate individuals. The blowing out of the tapers can mean that they are becoming one and leaving the old ways behind. It is up to the couple and their officiant.

Unity candles are often kept and displayed in the couple’s home. Some re-lit the candle each anniversary as a re-commitment to their life together.

Even though the use of unity candles in the ceremony is becoming wide-spread it is not used in all ceremonies and is prohibited by some churches, such as the Catholic faith. I find it used more in non-denominational ceremonies, but have also had it used in some protestant churches. You should always ask the minister of the church if this ceremony is allowed, and if they have special instructions for the ceremony.

It is used at both indoor ceremonies and some outdoor weddings. It is often difficult though to keep the flames lit due to winds outside. If you are going to use it outdoors, carefully plan the location of the table it will be on so that it will not be exposed to winds. Some people use hurricane covers for the candles outside – but they too can be blown over by the wind. So plan carefully.
Another tip for the table, place a clear piece of glass under the candle holder to save your tablecloth from candle drips.
More to come on some additions to ceremonies to help make your wedding “Unique & Yours”, next we will look at sand ceremonies and their popularity.
Happy planning!

DECORATING A TABLE

No matter what event you have planned - wedding reception, romantic dinner for two, company coming, or holiday get together - a beautiful table is always a welcomed site.

As a wedding and event planner, as well as a floral designer, the design & decor of the tables is something I enjoy. Planning the color combinations, linens to be used, centerpieces, and even how the napkins will be folded is so energizing.

Color sets the tone for tablescapes, and can be achieved in different ways - linens, flowers, vases, candles, an more! Play around with different looks, you will be surprised what goes with what. I love to add touches from the past to some of my tables, such as old vases, picture frames, etc. Always use your imagination!

Fresh flowers always add that something extra to a table. The containers you use for your arrangements can be something as simple as a clear glass vase, or as elaborate as a crystal vase. I like to use colored ceramic cubes to help set the theme. My favorite containers are some of the old pewter and silver items I have found in flea markets or antique shops. Love them!!!!!! And they add so much to any table!

Think out of the box! You will be surprised what you come up with......

Another item I get really thrilled with when planning a table, is how will I fold the napkins! I really get tired of seeing them stuffed in glasses, or rolled beside the plate! Folding them does take some time and imagination. But they look so good when done and accented with a flower! You will notice in this picture below I have inserted pink roses in the napkin to make the color pop! This table was done in silver and pinks!

I love to add lots of color to some events, and this purple and lavender event was so beautiful! As you see below in the picture it simply says - beautiful and elegant!

Checking the current color trends is a good way to pick colors for your tables! Pantene always has the current color trends for the seasons shown on their site! Visit it often for ideas!

Another way to add some interest on your table is with the use of fruits as your centerpiece. I have take a clear vase and placed green apples in it for a different look. Using some vines around it, I have also placed green apples on it! Simple and classy!

Another idea using one of my unique old vases! The linens are champagne and brown!

One of my all time favorites is the table below - simple and very elegant all in one!!!

Fall wedding receptions and events are interesting, the colors are beautiful and many items can be used to compliment the table - gourds, pumpkins, fall foliage, and more! Worth trying!

These are just a few of the tables that have been done by Unique & Yours events! More to come, so check back often! Working on some new ideas, color combinations and floral arrangements.

WEDDING PLANNER AND YOUR EVENT

Planning YOUR Big Day, Let a Planner Help!

So you are planning a wedding!! Your wedding! Everything is so exciting and new. Thoughts of where to begin and exactly what to do are probably circulating in your mind. It is overwhelming if you haven't done it before!


Looking for a dress, "that" dress! Deciding on the venues - for ceremony and reception! Will it be inside or out. Setting the date! What colors? WOW! it is a lot to take in......then there is "the" budget.

Susan and Randy's Wedding
A Unique & Yours Bride and Groom

Planning an event such as a wedding can be overwhelming - to someone who has not done it before and does not have the experience. Family and friends mean well when they say they can do it for you, but there are many hoops to jump through that take someone with the knowledge and experience.


Many think that they can not afford to have a wedding planner assist them in having the event of their dreams. But the truth is you need someone like a trained experienced planner to help you stay within your budget. Hiring a planner is one of the best decisions you can make. It will actually save you money!

Fall Wedding 2009

A Unique & Yours Wedding

Wedding planners can help you in locating vendors such as photographers, DJ's, cake decorators, florists, and much more. They have worked with many of them and can help point you in the direction needed.


Planners are also knowledgeable in the area of logistics that will take place in your event - arrival times, rehearsals, parking, hotels, seating, vendor arrivals, reception time lines, wedding coordination and much more! Your event will run more smoothly with the planner involved in these areas, and will help make your day stress free! Leaving all this to someone without the experience may mean you might end up without a limo, late arrivals for vendors, rehearsal problems, etc. You do not need or want this on your special day!

Angelina and Jonathan - 2010
A Unique & Yours Bride and Groom

Many planners also have the experience and training to assist in the design and decor of your event, as well as floral.

Bridal bouquet for a fall wedding, designed by Unique & Yours

Wedding Planners usually offer the first consult free, and it is well worth talking with them to see if you can work together to plan "your" event. Planners are not planning their event for you, but rather "your" event for and with you!

Unique & Yours Wedding Services

Unique & Yours wishes you the best in your upcoming event!!!

Marilyn