June Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced!

Congratulations to our June 2009 SpaFinder Giveaway Winners.   Here's how they plan to use their gift certificates:

• $150 certificate - Sabrina R. of Hawthorne, NJ
  "I'm getting a hot stone massage."
  
  
• $100 certificate - Cherilee B. of Lexington, MA
  "I'm giving my certificate to my parents."
  
  
• $50 certificate - Angela W. of Cary, NC
  "I'm using it towards a mani-pedi"

Each month, Things Festive will pamper three of our customers by presenting them with a SpaFinder gift certificate.  It's our way of saying "Thank You" for shopping with us.

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Silk Flower Petals vs. Fresh Flower Petals

What wedding would be complete without an adorable flower girl scattering petals to signal your impending aisle walk?   Traditionally, fresh flower petals have adorned aisle runners and tabletops but today, there are so many alternatives.

Today’s brides are opting for leaves, snowflakes and of course silk flower petals.   Both silk petals and fresh petals have their advantages.    It’s simply a matter of deciding what’s most convenient, economical and aesthetically pleasing for you.   To help you decide, here are the pros of both fresh and silk petals:


Fresh Flower Petals

• Lovely scent
  
• Exquisite detail (photograph well, especially in close-ups)
  
• Soft and delicate to the touch
  
• Large variety of type and color
  
• More luxurious than silk petals
  
• Can be preserved (freeze dried)
  

Silk Flower Petals

• Look fresh all day (won't wilt or turn brown)
  
• Less expensive than fresh petals
  
• Non-allergenic
  
• Can be delivered weeks ahead of the wedding
  
• Don't attract insects
  
• Don't require refrigeration
  
• Easy to transport
  
• Available year-round
  
• Can be re-used
  
• Won’t stain runner or fabric
  

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Something Blue Wedding Theme - Update on a Traditional Theme

The Something Blue Wedding Theme is a tried-and-true theme but we've added a modern twist.   Credits and resources follow.




Row 1:   Use shades of blue to decorate a winter wedding table:   Crystal Band Martini Glass, Snowflake Candle Holders, Purse Favor Box.   Fill light blue organza bags with Hershey's Kisses for a sweet wedding favor display.

Row 2:    These glass coaster favors spell out the traditional "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue".   Pearl jewelry with blue crystals add the perfect finishing touch to your wedding attire.   Personalize your unity candle with your names and initial in blue.   Dress up a beach themed wedding table with starfish dishes, sea animal candle holders, personalized napkins and personalized ribbon.

Row 3:    Blue wedding cake;    Blue chair sashes;   Invitations ;   Favor/Place Cards

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Chiavari Wedding Chair Covers - To Die For!

In an earlier post regarding wedding chair covers, I mentioned that I wouldn't dream of covering a chiavari chair.   I felt that the styling of this chair was elegant enough to stand on its own and only required minimal enhancement.   Well after taking a gander at these exquisitely covered chiavari chairs by Preston Bailey, I stand corrected.   The chiavari chair's elegance can't compare to these beautiful covers.   Don't you just love Preston's use of tissue bells?



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Wedding Chair Covers – Turn a Sow’s Ear into a Silk Purse

Does your reception venue have chairs that are less than attractive?   Wedding chair covers provide the perfect solution for hiding uncomely chairs.   You’ll be surprised at how a chair cover and sash can add elegance to your reception and enhance your color scheme.

When choosing a chair cover, be sure to select the chair cover that is appropriate for your chair type.    There are three types of chairs commonly found in banquet halls.   The first of these is the chiavari (pronounced shih-vah-ree) chair.   In my opinion, the chiavari is the Rolls Royce of chairs.   It is both elegant and versatile and can stand on its own or be dressed with a sash, florals or other decorative elements.   I wouldn’t dream of completely covering this chair.



The second and probably most common type of chair is the banquet chair.   The banquet chair is available in crown back, round back and square back.    To ensure a proper fit, be sure to order the right cover for your banquet chair type.



The third type of chair found in banquet halls is the folding chair.   Folding chairs may be standard metal chairs with rounded backs or resin folding chairs with squared backs.



Chair covers and sashes can be rented through your local event rental company or through online companies who will ship nationwide.   The covers are typically shipped to you a few days before your event and packaging is provided for returning the covers after your event.


Chair images courtesy of April Foster Events
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Beach Bridal Tiara for the Princess by the Sea

A beach bridal tiara is perfect for the princess bride whose love story comes to life at seaside.

Intricately hand-crafted of sterling silver, genuine Austrian rhinestones, Mother of Pearl, and Swarovski crystals, the Beach Breeze Tiara is ideal for a destination or beach wedding or for the bride seeking a tiara with contemporary styling.

Pair the tiara with one of the beach bridal gowns below for another "match made in heaven".




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Calla Lily Wedding Theme - Elegant & Sophisticated

For the bride who desires a wedding with modern yet elegant style, a Calla Lily Wedding theme is ideal.   This classic wedding flower is synonymous with sophistication and contemporary styling.

Let the inspiration board below be a springboard to creating a memorable calla lily-themed wedding celebration.   Intersperse calla lilies throughout your wedding day by selecting decorations and accessories that feature the delicate blooms.    You will have no problem finding calla lily-themed cake server sets, cake toppers, favor boxes, key chains, bookmark favors, coaster favors, unity candles, place card holders, bottle stoppers, toasting glasses, candle favors and so much more.



Row 1:   Calla Lily Cake Serving Set;   Frame/Place Card Holders;  Rhinestone Calla Lily Cake Jewels

Row 2:    Calla Lily Fan/Program;   Calla Lily Stationery Seals;   Calla Lily Bridal Bouquet

Row 3:    Groomsmen Boutonniere;    Elegance Invitations;   Calla Lily Themed Wedding Cake

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Personalize Your Wedding - Make It Distinctively Yours

Check out these inspired ideas for adding a personalized touch to your wedding day.

1. Have images of you and your groom printed on save-the-dates and/or invitations.
   
   
2. Instead of using table numbers, personalize each table by naming it after something that has meaning for you, i.e. your favorite vacation spots, favorite authors, streets you've lived on.
   
   
3. Create your own signature drinks to be served at the cocktail hour.
   
   
4. Before making your entrance into the reception area, have a video play of how you met.
   
   
5. Incorporate a family dish into the reception menu or a favorite dessert into the dessert table.
   
   
6. Have your wedding theme centered around a favorite sport or hobby.
   
   
7. Include your pets in the wedding ceremony. A well-behaved dog could act as ring bearer.
   
   
8. Print the story of your proposal onto paper and create scrolls (tie with ribbon or "fake" wedding bands). Place at each table setting.
   
   
9. Have an ordained family member or friend perform the ceremony.
   
   
10. Incorporate your heritage into the ceremony and reception through decor, music and menu selection.
    
    
11. Select a cake topper that reflects your personality, heritage or hobbies.
    
    
12. Have the reception meal reflect the meal of your first date.
    
    
13. Center your wedding theme around a favorite movie, artwork, song, etc.
    
    
14. Have friends and family perform during the ceremony.
    
    
15. Give favors that reflect your interests. If you're a book lover, give personalized bookmarks.
    
    
16. Personalize your wedding with a favorite quote or saying.   I attended a graduation celebration that had the theme: "Oh, the places you'll go".   The phrase was printed on everything from the programs to the favors.
    
    
17. In lieu of wedding gifts, have guests donate to a cause that's important to you.
    
    
18. Have your names or monogram printed on napkins, favor tags.
    
    
19. If you or the groom have children, honor your blended family by including the children in the unity candle ceremony.
    
    

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Wedding Tablescapes - Artfully Arranged Table Decorations

The term wedding tablescapes is often used interchangeably with wedding centerpieces, however tablescapes are so much more.   While tablescapes often adorn the center of the table, they are more of a design plan:   an overall look that addresses the entire table or surface as well as its surroundings.

Every item within the tablescape is chosen specifically to complement not only other items on the table but also other elements of the space.   A tablescape should also incorporate elements of the season or occasion.   A breathtaking tablescape display can set the mood for the entire event.



Row 1:   Indian Themed Wedding Tablescape (Table Number Tent Card, Love Votive Holders, Wooden Elephant Favors, Pillar Candles, Indian Place Card Holders);   Beach Themed Wedding Tablescape (Toasting Flutes, Pillar Candles, Glass Vase, Beach Bag Favors, Mini Martini Glasses, Votive Candles, Place Card Holders, Starfish Dishes)

Row 2:    Outdoor Wedding Tablescape (Heart Fondue Pot, Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers, Dove Food Picks, Heart Plates, Green Woven Favor Box, Crystal Stem Flutes, Stainless Steel Torch, Stone Place Card Holders, Birdhouses);   Black & White Wedding Tablescape (Round Table Number & Holder, Glass Vases, Water Pearls, Pillar Candles, Diamond Flutes, Heart Place Card Holders, Swish Cup & Saucer, Diamond Napkin Ring, Bride & Groom Favor Bags & Cards, Diamond Tealight Holders, Hugs & Kisses Votive Holders, Heart Salt & Pepper Shakers, Swish Napkin Rings)

Row 3:    Shades of Purple Garden Wedding Tablescape;    Pink & Black Dessert Tablescape;  

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Polka Dot Wedding Ideas - "Because I Said So" Movie

This polka dot wedding ideas inspiration board is the result of a birthday party conversation.   While I and other guests at my table fawned over the artsy, topsy-turvy birthday cake on display, one guest stated that this cake reminded her of the wedding cake in the movie "Because I Said So".    Intrigued, I asked her to describe it.    When I got back home, I Googled the cake and her description hadn't done it justice.    The whimsical, yet elegant cake inspired the board below:



Row 1:   Polka Dot Wedding Cake;   Polka Dot Bridesmaid Dress;  Polka Dot Wedding Favors

Row 2:    Invitations;   Favor Boxes;   Image courtesy of Polka Dot Bride

Row 3:    Images courtesy of Polka Dot Bride


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Unique Wedding Cakes - Dare to Be Different!

A couple of posts ago, we offered alternatives to traditional wedding cakes.   If you absolutely must have a "traditional" wedding cake, then by all means make sure that it's spectacular.   The unique wedding cakes below are nothing short of breathtaking.   They're so lovely, you may not need a cake topper.



Row 1:   Pink & White Rose Wedding Cake;   Wedding Cake with Pastillage;  Pink & Black Wedding Cake

Row 2:    Pumpkin Carriage Wedding Cake;   Hawaiian Theme Wedding Cake;   Beach Theme Wedding Cake

Row 3:    Peacock Wedding Cake;    Chocolate Groom’s Cake;   Topsy Turvy Wedding Cake

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Colin Cowie's Favorite Wedding Favors

While I was searching the Internet for new and exciting ideas and trends in weddings, I came across an endorsement of sorts by Colin Cowie.   For anyone who doesn't know, Colin is a renowned wedding and party planner and his opinion definitely counts for something.   He found these photo coasters to be fun for a bridesmaid luncheon, as wedding favors or with pictures inside, a thoughtful bridal party gift.   What's not to love about this item?   It's a coaster, a favor, a photo frame, and table decoration all in one.

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Wedding Cake Alternatives

If you're a non-traditional sort of bride and are looking for wedding cake alternatives, take a look at the following images.  You'll see that you can place a cake topper on most any dessert and have it replace a traditional wedding cake.



Row 1:   Image by Beauty Wedding Cake;   Croquembouche Image by bbcgoodfood.com;  Pink, orange cupcake wedding cake found at brides.ca

Row 2:    Cake Image by Aisle Talk;   Organic Wedding Cake by Organic Chocolate Cake Company;   Guest Table Cake by Cakes to Celebrate NYC

Row 3:    Favor box wedding cake;    Pie Wedding Cake Alternative - brides.com;   Floral wedding cup cake found at billt.com

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Fall Wedding Color Palette - Brown, Berry & Ivory

Here's a delicious fall wedding color palette featuring shades of chocolate brown, mocha, berry and ivory.  Resources below.



Row 1:   Wedding Cake;   Pillar Candles;  Bridesmaid Bouquets;  Colored Pearl Necklace

Row 2:    Invitation;   Favor Boxes;   Earrings;   Silk Floral Arrangement

Row 3:    Reception Tables;    Ring Pillow;   Groomsmen Suit ;   Bridesmaid Dress by Tracy Reese

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Musical Theme Wedding Ideas

The musical theme wedding is ideal for musician couples or for couples who love all things music.



Row 1:   Piano Place Card Holders;   Flower of Love in Romantic Red Ring Pillow;  Piano with Rose Petals;  Music Notes Wedding Cake

Row 2:    Flower of Love in Romantic Red Unity Candles;   Wedding Dress;   Music Note Invitations;   Table Decorations

Row 3:    Heart Key Holder Favors;    Music Notes Cake Topper;   Bridal Couple ;   Red Favor Boxes

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Wedding Guest Book Alternatives

If you're bored by traditional wedding guest books and are looking for guest book alternatives, here are a few to consider.   Not only are they unique and attractive, but they'll actually serve a purpose after the wedding day!   The framed signature photo mats can be used to decorate a wall in your home (as shown below) and the wish jar can be used to stash your favorite cookies.



Row 1:   Inscribable Signature Keepsake Mat;   Perfect Pair Wish Jar

Row 2:    Framed Cardboard Photo Mat;   Photo Mat Displayed after Wedding (photo courtesy of Weddingbee)

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Personalized Wedding Favors - Added Personal Touch

Personalized wedding favors can make a wedding unique and memorable.   Use favor tags containing the bride & groom's names, monograms or personalized ribbon to make the favors reflect your personality and style.



Row 1:   "The Perfect Pick" Gift Boxed Favor;   "Love Blossoms" Personalized Seeded Favor Card;  Frog Prince Candle Favor;  Personalized Tape Measure Favor

Row 2:    Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers;   Heart Containers with Heart Shaped Clips;   Personalized Favor Ribbon;   Beach Favor Bags

Row 3:    Playing Cards Favors;    "The Perfect Pick" Gift Boxed Favor;   Suitcase Favor Container;   Personalized Coffee Favor

Row 4:    Bamboo Server Set Favor;    Picket Fence Seeded Paper Favor;   Mini Slot Machine Favor ;   Swish Cup & Saucer Favor

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Wedding Stationery on the Table

Incorporate your wedding colors and style into your reception by adding stationery to your table settings.  Choose designs and themes that coordinate with other wedding stationery (invitations, save-the-dates, programs).

Courtesy of My Expression

Love Bird Stationery Collection;   Cherry Blossom Stationery Collection

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Sunflower Wedding Ideas for Fall or Summer

A sunflower wedding theme is the ideal choice for late summer and early fall weddings.   Board #1:   With its rich, yet vibrant color palette of yellow, brown, red-orange and green, this inspiration board incorporates the sunflower into almost every aspect of the wedding.   If you're unable to find sunflower-themed decorations and accessories, gerbera daisies are a respectable stand-in.   Board #2:  This bright and cheerful inspiration board emphasizes a garden theme by introducing bee-themed products.   Resources below.



Row 1:   Bridal Bouquet;   Sunflower centerpieces;  Wedding Bulletins;  Topiary Place Card Holders

Row 2:    Sunflower Cupcakes;   Groomsmen Boutonniere;   Wedding Invitation;   Sunflower Wedding Cake

Row 3:    Sunflower unity candle;    Sunflower Postage Stamp;   Sunflower Bridesmaid bouquet ;   Sunflower Mini Bouquet Decoration



Row 1:   Sunflower wedding cake;   Groom’s waist coat;  Ceramic honey pot favors;  Bee personalized stickers

Row 2:    Bee magnet favors & favor cards;   Sunflower cupcakes;   Sunflower wedding cake postage stamp;   Mini-lantern tea light holder

Row 3:    Bridesmaid headband in Sunflower;    Personalized sunflower napkins;   Sunflower embellished table skirt;   Bride & groom’s shoes

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Affordable Wedding Flowers - Right to Your Door!

Thanks to companies like Bridesign, you can have fresh flowers for your wedding without wrecking your budget.   Bridesign delivers beautifully arranged, affordable wedding flowers directly to the bride.

Collections include a bridal bouquet, groom's boutonniere, centerpieces, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages, decor pieces and more to give you the combination that will work best for you.  Flowers are cut specifically for the wedding, then each bouquet, centerpiece and corsage is handcrafted and shipped in patented packaging.   Freshness and on-time delivery are guaranteed.

Star of Bethlehem 36 Piece Wedding Flower Collection (shown)

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