Pine Cone Wedding Decorations - Winter Themed Wedding Ideas

Pine cone wedding decorations will give your winter themed event a classic, rustic feel that will surely make guests feel comfortable and relaxed.   Credits and resources follow.




Image Credits and Resources
Images courtesy of MarthaStewart.com and Kate Aspen
Pine Cone Invitation
Silver Dove Tealight/Place Card Holder
Silver Monogram Cake Topper
Rustic Adirondack Chair Place Card Holder

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

The Perfect Bridal Shower Gift: Hope, Purity and Grace

Looking for the perfect bridal shower gift?   One that will make the bride-to-be feel special and beautiful?    Give her Hope, Purity and Grace.    Philosophy's chic hat box filled with their best-selling Hope, Purity, and Grace products for the bride-to-be will inspire her heart and soul.

Another great gift idea from Philosophy:    The Bridal Party shower gel collection is inspired by wedding traditions and sure to pamper the beautiful bride before the big day.



Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

2010 Wedding Cake Trends

If you're a trendy 2010 bride-to-be, you'll want a sneak peek at the 2010 Wedding Cake Trends:

- Black and white cakes with a single pop of color
- Tall, narrow cakes (think small stacked squares)
- Couture chocolate cakes
- Mini cakes (replicas of the full wedding cake given as favors)

Find a wedding cake topper that reflects your personal style.


Black & White Cake;   Tall, Narrow Cake;   Couture Chocolate Cake;   Mini Wedding Cakes

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Peacock Wedding Theme Inspiration

Use a Peacock Wedding Theme to let guests know you're "proud as a peacock" to be marrying the man of your dreams.   This wedding theme is not for the shrinking violet-type as it calls for bold colors and rich fabrics.


Click to enlarge

Image Credits and Resources
Images of Peacock, Wedding Cake & Invitations courtesy of The Kate Aspen Blog.
Bridal Bouquet;   Bridesmaid Dress;   Place Setting and Place Cards;   Peacock Save the Date Card & Personalized Chocolate Bar Favor;   Peacock Boutonniere;   Peacock Inspired Tablescape;   Peacock Bridal Purse;   Gold Toasting Flutes

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

The Engagement Season Is In Full Swing

Traditionally, the engagement season is the period between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.    During this period it's estimated that one-third of all proposals for the year take place.

If you're expecting an engagement ring as a Christmas present, it's not too early to start planning your engagement party.   Check out these engagement-related posts.

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

The Wedding Love Letter Ceremony

The Love Letter Ceremony is an ideal way to add more romance to your wedding ceremony and express your commitment to one another.   As an alternative to the unity sand ceremony, the Love Letter Ceremony is becoming increasingly popular and is a natural component of a Love Letter Wedding Theme.  Here's how it works:



Before the wedding day, the bridal couple each write a letter stating their reasons for wanting to marry the other, and what it is that makes their wedding day such a special day for them.   The letters are then placed in envelopes with either the bride or groom's name and sealed.

At the wedding ceremony (after the vows have been exchanged), the couple stand in front of a box, or other container.    The box contains two wine glasses (or cups/mugs if the couple prefer coffee or tea) and a bottle of wine (or specialty coffee/tea bags).

The officiant then instructs the couple that should anytime in their marriage they have doubts whether they still want to be married to each other, they are to bring out this box, and for the first time ever unlock the contents.    They are then advised to share a glass of wine (or cup of tea or coffee), and then exchange the love letters (going off in private to read and reflect on why they fell in love).

Officiants can further instruct the couple to use the box as a time capsule should they not face a rough patch and open on their 5th wedding anniversary (or another special occasion).

After the explanation to the couple and to the wedding guests, the officiant then instructs the bride and groom to exchange their letters and to place them in the box.   Once placed, the bride and groom then lock the box (you could also have the officiant lock it) .

A love letter ceremony can also be performed at your reception site if your place of worship does not allow such a ceremony.

The love letter ceremony is truly a romantic ceremony that is intended to remind you of all the reasons you chose this person to spend your life with and to never take your blessings of being together for granted.

Sample Wording for the Ceremony

Officiant: _____ and _____ have chosen as a couple to perform a Love Letter ceremony.

This box contains a bottle of wine (or whatever beverage), two glasses, and a love letter from each to the other.   The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry.   The letters are sealed in individual envelopes and they have not seen what the other has written.

I recommend that you keep the box in a place of honor prominently displayed in your home as a constant reminder of your commitment to each other.

Officiant: _____ and _____ should you ever find your marriage enduring insurmountable hardships, you are to as a couple, open this box, sit and drink the wine (or other beverage) together, then separate and read the letters you wrote to one another when you were united as a couple in marriage.   By reading these love letters you will reflect upon the reasons you fell in love and chose to marry each other here today.

The hope is, however, that you will never have a reason to open this box.   And if this is the case, you are to open this box to share and enjoy on your 5th wedding anniversary!

Officiant: _____ and _____, you may now lock the box.

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Fall Wedding Cake Ideas

If you're planning a Fall 2010 wedding, here are a few fall wedding cake ideas to inspire you.   Keep the overall theme of your wedding in mind when deciding on the style of your fall wedding cake.

Fabulous Fall Favors



Courtesy of Instyle Weddings

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

October Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced

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

• $150 certificate - Barbara G., Alexandria, VA
  "Getting cellulite treatment."
  
  
• $100 certificate - Tricia V., Westminster, FL
  "Spa treatment with my sister."
  
  
• $50 certificate - Megan M., E. Wenatchee, WA
  "Soothing pedicure."

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. Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

New Year's Eve Wedding Favor Ideas

If you're planning a New Year's Eve wedding celebration, here are some New Year's Eve Wedding Favor Ideas for celebrating the New Year and your new life together.


After guests have raised their glasses to you, they can raise these Martini Salt & Pepper Shakers at their own parties.   Spring for each guest to have their own bottle of champagne - of Champagne Bubbles, that is.    Guests are sure to appreciate the Wintery feel of the Snowflake Wine/Bottle Stopper.   Imagine the fun photos you'll capture when guests release the confetti from these Wedding-Themed Poppers.   Fill an elegant Organza Favor Bag with items that make for a festive affair like noisemakers; include gold chocolate coins or an instant lottery ticket for good fortune!   If your New Year's Eve wedding will be a black tie affair, these stylish Bride Dress and Groom Tux Favor Bags are dressed the part.

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Personalized Wedding Centerpieces

Make your wedding reception memorable by having personalized wedding centerpieces as part of your tablescape.   Adding a decorative cling to a glass vase or container is a simple and inexpensive way to create personalized wedding centerpieces.   Since clings are available in a plethora of styles and colors, you're sure to find a design that coordinates with your overall wedding theme.



Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Wedding Candy Buffet Ideas and Resources

Creating a candy buffet for your wedding reception is easy if you have the right supplies and the right vision.   Let the theme of your wedding dictate the formality of your candy buffet:    if your wedding will be a formal soiree, then by all means go all out with extravagant containers and table embellishments.    Your wedding color scheme should also be considered when designing your candy buffet.

Candy Buffet Bags
Candy Buffet Signs and Stickers
Personalized Chocolate Bars
Candy Tins & Containers
Candy Bag Header Cards
More candy buffet and dessert table inspiration


Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

How to Make a Birdcage Veil - Affordable Birdcage Veils

If you want to know how to make a birdcage veil (the vintage-style veil made of French netting) check out the instructions below.   The birdcage veil is once again at the forefront of wedding fashion and complements both modern and traditional wedding dresses.   This veil style is quite versatile as the French netting can be sculpted and worn in different positions to suit your style.    For a unique effect, use hair jewelry or flowers to accent your birdcage veil.



How to Make a Birdcage Veil

MATERIAL REQUIRED
3/4 yd. 18" veiling.

Gather ends of veiling together, starting 3" from each end at top of veil and slant shirring to other end of veil (Illus. 1).



Bottom of veil will be 27" and top of veil will be 21". Gather top of veil to fit around front of crown and adjust ends of veil on hat and tack (Illus. 2).



Crush tissue paper up under front of veil and pass through steam, pushing paper against veil as you steam (Illus. 3).



For a veil with tab ends, use 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yds. of veiling. After veil is adjusted on hat, gather in ends of veil and sew beads, buttons, or some other trim to veil ends, lapping veil ends at back of hat (Illus. 4).



Instructions courtesy of vintagesewing.info

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

University of Michigan Wedding Theme - Navy and Yellow Wedding Theme

Okay, okay.    I know that the University of Michigan’s official colors are "Maize and Blue".   However, when shopping for wedding accessories for a Wolverine wedding theme, it may be easier to look for colors of navy and yellow.

This theme is a great way to share your school spirit and your commitment to each other.

Click here for Football Wedding Theme Ideas


Click to enlarge
Row 1:   University of Michigan Cufflinks;   Bride & Bridesmaids ;  Khaki Groom Suit;  Place Setting

Row 2:   Bridesmaid Bouquets;   Flip Flops;  Unity Sand Ceremony;  Garter Set

Row 3:   Alarm Clock Favor;  Wedding cake with helmet groom’s cake;  Invitation;  Bride in Michigan Stadium

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Display Your Wedding Cake Topper After the Wedding

What are you going to do with your cherished cake topper after the wedding?    In an earlier post, we provided suggestions for displaying monogram cake toppers but here's a way to display figurine-type toppers.    This attractive display stand will accommodate your cake topper and has a frame for your favorite wedding photo.    You can even add a personalized message to create a keepsake that you'll treasure for years to come.

This display stand is also ideal for commemorating a loved one: display a cherished photo next to a vase of fresh flowers or decorative candle.



Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Wedding Color Palette Inspiration

If you need help with choosing a wedding color palette, visit Kris's Color Stripes.   The author of this blog shows how it's easy to obtain color palette ideas from nature, interesting places, and architecture.    The example below shows how the flower in the top image inspired the color palette beneath it.





Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Inexpensive Bridesmaid Dresses

A great resource for inexpensive bridesmaid dresses is Newport News.    Most of their beautiful dresses are currently on sale from $39.00 to $79.00



Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas - Green Wedding Ideas

Celebrate your union and protect Mother Earth at the same time with these eco-friendly wedding ideas.   For more eco-friendly wedding ideas, click here.


Row 1:   Live Terrarium Centerpieces;   Eco-Wise Favor Bags with Plants;  Multi-Use Tote of Natural Cotton

Row 2:   Natural Rock Place Card Holder;   Eco-Friendly Wedding Band;  Bridal Couple

Row 3:   Ring Bearer Pillow of Green Moss;  Eco-Friendly Table Setting;  Recycled Paper Invitations

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Winter Wedding Theme in Aqua and Red

As you can see from the previous day's post, I can't seem to get enough of winter weddings and Tiffany blue.   That being said, here's another inspiration board that features the two.

For a colorful winter wedding theme, combine Tiffany blue with red - the traditional Christmas color.  Although Tiffany blue and red are classic colors separately, together they create a modern, elegant color palette.   Resources below.



Click to enlarge

Row 1:   Candy Buffet;   Snowflake Wine Stopper Favor;   Escort Cards;   Groomsmen Tie

Row 2:   Flower Girl Pomander;   Monogram;  Cupcakes;  Cocktails

Row 3:   Boutonniere;  Winter Romance Table Number Card;  Bridesmaid Dresses;  Personalized Chocolate Bar Favor

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Winter Wedding Theme – Winter Finery Meets Tiffany Blue

Looking for a winter wedding theme that combines the seasonal nature of a winter wedding and the luxe of Tiffany blue?   Be inspired by the new design theme recently added to our collection of fine wedding accessories:   Winter Finery.   Resources below.


Click to enlarge

Row 1:   Wedding cake;   Winter Finery Table Number Card;  Winter Finery Ring Pillow

Row 2:   Aqua Chair Sashes;   Snowflake Cake Topper;  Tiffany Blue Favor Boxes

Row 3:   Aqua Candle Favors;  Favor Sticker;  Bridal Jewelry

Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Groom Dreading Tuxedo Rental Fitting? Put Him in the Trunk

Is your hubby-to-be dreading being fitted for his tuxedo rental?   Get him to join the Trunk Club.   The Trunk Club will let your honey order and try on clothing in the comfort of his own home (and avoid the mall and pushy sales staff).   He'll get to work with a stylist via a webcam (they'll send him one if he doesn't have one), try on clothes and only keep what he likes.


Photography by Joey Allen


Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

The Love Pinch Wedding Cake Topper - Hot, Hot, Hot

The Love Pinch Wedding Cake Topper has been our bestselling cake topper by far since its introduction to our product line in December, 2008.   What is it about this particular cake topper that makes it a customer favorite?

It could be that the Love Pinch Cake Topper gives today's bride the opportunity to share her whimsical and playful side.   The bride that chooses this topper is not afraid to show that she's daring and sexy and doesn't mind giving guests "something to talk about" (in the words of Bonnie Raitt).



Visit us at ThingsFestive.com