1. This statement-making necklace compliments the sweetheart neckline of the strapless dress perfectly. The design is so bold and modern, but still pretty at the same time. ‘Urban Brooch’ necklace from My Theresa, approximately $300 (prices are in Euros).

2. This gorgeous satin evening bag is the perfect accessory to hold all your wedding day essentials. The rhinestone embellishment gives it just the right amount of sparkle, and the pleated details make it unique. ‘Blinded’ purse by Stuart Weitzman, $498 from Zappos.

3. The drapey white chiffon and empire waistline of this dress give it an ethereal, goddess-like look, and the black sash ties up the look with elegance and sophistication. Strapless chiffon dress by BCBG Max Azria, $248 at Lord and Taylor.

4. A long, full veil would look out of place with a short dress. This blusher veil is a great alternative. It still has the classic bridal look, but the smaller proportion compliments the ensemble and the open netting shows off your natural beauty. Blusher veil, $77 from Brenda’s Bridal Veils.

5. Why spend money on expensive white shoes you’ll only wear once when you can wear these gorgeous black satin pumps instead? You’ll look amazingly chic on your wedding day, and the design is so classic and versatile you’ll be able to wear them for years to come. ‘Caroline’ pumps by Badgley Mischka, $225.95 from Endless.

TOTAL = $1,348.95

1. This amazing layered necklace with sparkling rhinestone accent looks super expensive, but it has a price tag to fit almost any budget. I think I might like it even better than the designer version! Brooch necklace, $57.80 from White House / Black Market.

2. You don’t have to spend big bucks on designer label shoes to get an elegant, timeless look. This pair has the same basic silhouette and rhinestone embellishment as the splurge style, but for a lot less. The heel height is also a bit more manageable – a practical choice since you’ll likely be on your feet all day. ‘Sharmain’ pumps by Touch Ups, $56.95 from Endless.

3. This dress has all the same details of the designer version – short length, strapless silhouette, sweetheart neckline, draped bodice, and black sash. No one will know you bought it for a fraction of the cost! Strapless satin dress by Teeze Me, $59 from Dillard’s.

4. This veil is almost identical to the splurge version, and it will compliment the short and sweet look beautifully. I love the somewhat retro feel and the versatility of this piece. Birdcage veil, $32 from YJ Design.

5. The finishing touch is this beautiful black satin frame bag with rhinestone and bow embellishments. This purse is a great steal – a gorgeous, designer-inspired piece that won’t break the bank! Satin clutch by Jessica McClintock, $50 from Endless.

TOTAL = $255.75

Photo from 100layercake

You’ve been dreaming of your perfect wedding day forever, but let’s face it – something’s bound to go wrong.  And when it does, you want to be prepared.  A wedding survival kit can help you conquer all those little emergencies that can crop up and threaten to ruin your day – from a stain on your gown to a late vendor to an untimely migraine!  Stash everything in a cute little bag that your Maid of Honor can have on hand all day.  Here’s my checklist of the most important things every bride should have in her wedding day survival kit.

The Essentials

• A cell phone programmed with all the important phone numbers (including your wedding planner, vendors, and bridal party) in case anyone is late or missing, or you need someone to run a last minute errand.

• A copy of your wedding vows and readings – when you’re standing at the altar on one of the most important days of your life, you definitely don’t want to forget your lines!

• Burn backup CDs of all your wedding music.  That way, in the unlikely event of a music malfunction, you’ll still be able to dance to your song, do the Chicken Dance, and Party like it’s 1999.

Quick Fixes for Wardrobe Malfunctions

• Miniature sewing kit with needle, thread, and scissors – you never know when someone might lose a button or rip a seam.

• Shout wipes – spills happen, and when they do, these can be a lifesaver!

• A clever wedding day essential – white chalk.  If all else fails, you can use this to camouflage any stains or marks on your dress until you are able to have it professionally cleaned.  It won’t damage the fabric, and your dress will look flawless in photos!

Personal Hygiene Basics

• Throw some gum or Altoids in the bag to make sure you are minty fresh before the big kiss and before greeting your guests.

• Definitely pack dental floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.  Brush and floss after dinner – there’s nothing like a piece of spinach between your front teeth to ruin a wedding photo!

• Tissues are a necessity, especially if you are likely to get emotional during the ceremony!

• Mini deodorant – you’re going to be doing a lot of standing, walking, and – inevitably – sweating.  Don’t forget to pack a travel sized deodorant stick to reapply throughout the day.

Health and Comfort Necessities

• Pack travel size packets of over-the-counter meds for common conditions that might pop up during your wedding – like headaches, allergies, or stomach trouble.

• Don’t forget to keep any necessary prescriptions close at hand.

• Band-Aids are always good to have – especially useful for blistered feet.

• Flip flops or slippers – just in case the Band-Aids don’t do the trick!

Beauty Must-Haves

• Don’t forget the hair essentials – bobby pins to secure pieces of hair that come loose from your ‘do, and hairspray to keep everything in place.

• Lip gloss – there is going to be a lot of kissing going on, so you will definitely want to reapply!

• Blotting papers are perfect for quick, on-the-go touchups, and they will keep you from looking shiny in all your wedding photos.

Mutitaskers

• Clear nail polish can obviously be used to touch up your manicure, but it also works in a pinch to mend a run in your hosiery or stop fabric or ribbon from fraying.

• Super glue can fix almost anything, from broken heels and jewelry to damaged wedding toppers or centerpieces.

• Double-sided tape comes in handy for fashioning temporary hems, keeping a plunging neckline family-friendly, or even repairing a floral arrangement.

Old Faithful

Image from WeddingFavors.org

The standard guestbook that can be purchased at any craft store or at any online bridal shop is usually a white or ivory book with every page identical to the one before it. You’ve got about 20 lines per page and every guest is asked to write their name address and phone number on a single line.

Side note: Those lines are never long enough.

The book usually comes complete with a coordinating ink pen to be used exclusively for the signing of the book. Because these book and pen sets are usually only used for weddings, they can be overpriced, so be sure to watch out for that.

Old Faithful is nice because when it comes time to write your thank you notes, you have everyone in attendance and their addresses organized in one place. The bad thing is it leaves little room for your guests to really express themselves. Everyone has to fit neatly between the lines and it’s not very fun or expressive.

Engravable Platter

Image from “I Do” Engravables

This option can be a little more contemporary. Basically you have a silver platter that comes with a special engraving tool used to write on the platter. The platters come in many different varieties and most people will just make it available somewhere in the reception room, rather than requiring guests to sign it before entering.

The engravable platter is nice because guests are free to write whatever they’d like and you can be certain – they will. There are a few things to take note of though. Make sure you order a platter large enough for all your guests. Because they’re not restricted to a single lines, the length of their prose might get a little out of hand and you want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

Also, you’ll be missing out on the organization aspect of the traditional guest book. This means you likely won’t have any addresses or phone numbers that you were hoping for to help complete your thank you cards.

Guest Book Frame

Image from TheKnot

Another option I’ve seen a lot of lately is the guest book frame. The bride and groom are the featured attraction in this option. It’s usually a picture from an engagement session set in a nice frame with matting, minus the top glass piece. Guests can come by at their leisure and use the provided marker to sign the mat. The pros and cons of the guest book frame are very similar to those of the engravable platter, with one exception. Your guests have even less room to sign since the picture will take up a good amount of the space.

Keep in mind that any of these options could be spun to fit the look and feel of your wedding.  One good idea might be to put that traditional guestbook at the door for when guests arrive, but put one of the other non-traditional options on a table set up in the room. That way you guarantee that you have an organized list of all your guests with their contact information, but you also have a keepsake piece where guests were given the opportunity to really express themselves.

Classic

For the traditional bride, try a great pair of peep toe d’Orsay pumps in classic white with a pretty fabric flower detail.  These shoes will look sensational with just about any dress.  When your wedding is over, have them dyed black and you’ll be able to wear them forever!

Splurge
This timeless pair features luxurious satin fabric, leather lining, and a skinny covered heel.  The rose detail is the icing on the (wedding) cake!  “Pomposo” shoes by Stuart Weitzman, $325.

Steal
These shoes have all the same details as the designer pair – satin upper, leather lining, covered stiletto heel, and pretty rose detail – for a fraction of the price.  “Anjelica” shoes by Steve Madden, $69.95.

Feminine

Your wedding day is the perfect time to go all out with girly, feminine details like soft pleating, muted colors, and flowing fabric.  Since this is a more specific style, try to match the detail on the shoes with the detail on your dress – both these pairs would look great with a vintage-inspired lace gown.

Splurge
This pair is feminine and sexy at the same time with its champagne color, peep toe, and ruched lace detail.  Ruffle peep-toe pump by Nina Ricci, $725 at eLuxury.

Steal
These shoes are so pretty!  The ruffle detail around the heel and the soft color recall the designer version, but this version femmes it up even more with pleated satin and a sweet bow at the toe.  Satin pumps by Make me Chic, around $20.

Casual

If you are planning to have your wedding at a beach or other outdoor location, casual footwear is the way to go – you’ll look and feel great all day!  But just because you’re going casual doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.  My picks feature dreamy details worthy of any princess bride!  Both pairs would look stunning with a gauzy, flowing gown and loose, wavy hair.

Splurge
These flat sandals with lace and chain trim are so gorgeous and unique.  They are part hippie chic, part rocker chick, and part girly girl!   Chain lace sandal by Nina Ricci, $525 at eLuxury.

Steal
These shoes aren’t an exact copy of the designer pair, but they capture the feel with their flat sole, delicate ankle strap, and allover lace detail.  “Lacey Lady” flats by All Black, $55.63 at Endless.

Glamorous

Step up the glamour on your big day with shoes worthy of any A-list Hollywood diva!  Choose details like metallic leather, sky-high heels, and jeweled embellishments to channel your inner starlet.  These would look fabulous with a slinky silk gown with a dramatic open back, swept up hair, and lots of sparkly jewelry!

Splurge
These shoes are the definition of glamour!  A panel of Swarovski crystal embellishment accents the metallic leather straps, and the four-inch heel will transform you into a head-turning glamazon!  Jeweled sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, $1,044.95 at Endless.

Steal
These gorgeous sandals will make you feel like a star.  The strappy style, metallic finish, towering heel, and bejeweled t-strap emulate the designer shoes perfectly.  “Helene” sandals by Unlisted, $59.95 at Endless.

Offbeat

For the bride who doesn’t follow the rules, a bright and beautiful pair of shoes in a bold floral print!  This style would look amazing with a vintage tea-length princess dress and a big, colorful bouquet.  My picks are so versatile and stylish, you’ll be able to wear them long after your wedding day – bring them on your honeymoon and pair them with jeans or a sexy pencil skirt!

Splurge
These shoes are truly unique.  The pretty floral print, metallic leather trim, and cutout details are sure to make you stand out from the crowd!  Heels by Luciano Padovan, $315 at Yoox.

Steal
The stiletto heel has been replaced with a demure flat sole and the metallic leather with jeweled embellishments, but the floral pattern on these shoes is almost identical to the designer pair!  Plus, the price is almost too good to be true.  Floral flats, $13.20 at Go Jane.

Romantic

I love the idea of embracing romantic details on your wedding day, and your shoes should be no exception!  Choose a pair of sweet ballet flats with pearl details to show off your softer side.  Pair them with a billowy, empire waist dress à la Juliet Capulet, and sweep your Romeo off his feet!

Splurge
These delicate flats are made of supple bone-colored leather and adorned with pretty ruffles and lustrous pearls.  Worthy of the most amorous ensemble!  “Pearl” flats by Jeffrey Campbell, $109.95 at Nordstrom.

Steal
These charming ballerina flats pair strands of pearls with sparkling rhinestones and sweet bows for a look that would inspire even Shakespeare himself!  Rhinestone pearl flats, $15.80 at Go Jane.

Even though we started planning about a year before our wedding date, finding a venue ended up taking about 5 months. There were some things I think I could’ve done to make the process easier, but some things I feel I did really helped ease the burden.

Get Organized

I created an Excel spreadsheet to help keep all the info about our venue choices in order. You see lists like this in local bridal magazines, but if you create one yourself, you can tailor it to your specific concerns. The set up is a little time consuming, but the spreadsheet proved to be priceless as our venue list got longer and longer.

In our spreadsheet, I ran all the venue names down the first column. I included stuff like contact info, pricing, deposit, setup time allowed, and pros and cons across the top row. Now I could easily compare one venue to another quickly.

I also added other worksheets; one for each venue. In these I broke down the big costs associated with each venue, like food and alcohol, since each had different policies.

Do Your Research

Before you get too committed to a definite budget, do some light research on how much venues in your area actually cost. This is a mistake we made and a rule we failed to follow. We set our budget on a whim before understanding that venues in our area are actually more expensive than we thought. Now that doesn’t mean you should spend more money than you have available, but that does mean you should prepare yourself for the sticker shock beforehand.

Be Prepared to Act

The first venue we looked at and really wanted was the Belle Isle Casino building. It’s a beautiful, old historic building situated on a city island park. The rental rate was super cheap and we would be allowed to bring in our own caterer and alcohol. The first time I called in July 2008, I was told all of the Saturday dates for 2009 were taken, but there were a few Friday’s left. Well I put it on hold because we really wanted a Saturday. A few weeks later I called back and sure enough those Fridays were now gone. Of course hindsight is 20/20. It would have been smart to go ahead and book one of the Friday dates then, and just cancel if necessary. Instead, we ended up just missing out.

Know Where to Compromise

Maybe you’re dead set on bringing in the caterer of your choice, or you won’t settle for any day other than Saturday. My suggestion is to make a list of all of your top priorities then number them according to importance. This will help you weigh the venues once you have them all in your spreadsheet. Know that very rarely does the perfect venue exist and if it does, it’s out of your price range. Or at least that’s what happened to me. There was certain stuff we had to compromise on, like bringing in our own caterer and alcohol – something we really wanted to do but ended up not being allowed.

The moral of the story is to get organized early and do your leg work, so that you can make good decisions and well thought out compromises. That way you’ll be prepared to act when you find a great venue and hopefully you won’t be stuck in a 5 month venue search like us.

You can work with a designer or calligrapher to come up with a monogram that suits you to a tee – or even design one yourself!  For my wedding, I designed a bright, bold emblem using the initials of our first names – L & R.  Our invites turned out beautifully, and everyone loved how unique and personal they were.

Here are my top five picks for monogram invites – from classic and timeless to hip and modern!

Image from Letterpress Light

1. These gorgeous hand printed letterpress invites walk the line between traditional and contemporary.  The scroll and vine design borrows from classical motifs, but the asymmetrical design and bright polka dots add a fresh feel.  The letterpress printing method gives these invites a tactile quality, and the fact that they are made by hand makes them oh so special.  Plus, the designer can customize the color scheme and font choices to suit your tastes.

Invitations by Letterpress Light, contact for pricing information.

Image from Jenna Hein

2. I just love the playful style of this handwritten monogram!  The calligraphy of Jenna Hein is traditional with a quirky, fanciful twist.  All of her designs are custom, and she will work with you to come up with the perfect motif for your special day.  I am totally in love with this design, a collaboration between Jenna and artist/friend Anne le Guern.

For more information and pricing, visit her blog.

Image from Papyrus Custom Printing

3. These elegant invites are sure to make an impression on your guests.  The simple monogram is perfect for the unfussy couple, while the satin ribbon dresses it up a bit.  These invites can be customized however you like them – you choose the wording, fonts, and ink colors.  The best part?  You can use an online tool to preview different options before you order.

“Lush” invitations by Checkerboard, $399 for 50.  Available through Papyrus Custom Printing.

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

4. This bright and cheerful stationery suite, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, served as the inspiration for my own wedding invitations.  I love the bright, juicy color scheme and the bold choice of mix-and-match fonts.  The invites are individually silkscreen printed, so each piece is like a little work of art!  Perfect for the couple looking for something a little different.

Custom wedding stationery suite by Britt Browne from The Paper Moon Project, contact for more information.

Image from Bella Figura

5. This monogram is so eye-catching and romantic, but understated at the same time – perfect for a traditional wedding.  I think the color scheme and fonts used in the example are gorgeous, but they can also be customized to fit your wedding scheme.  Coordinating save the dates, RSVP cards, place cards, programs, and more can also be made to give your event a unified look.

“Palais” invitations by Amy Graham Stigler, available through Bella Figura.

For the record, I’m not completely against these shots. I just feel it’s important to be yourself on your wedding day and not let the wedding industry and wedding photographers in particular, dictate the tone of your pictures.

If you and your friends normally are not the run-and-jump, on-a-constant-high type, maybe you should just avoid the jumping group shot. Just sayin’.

Everyone is different and has a different flavor that they bring to their wedding day. Make sure you talk to your photographer beforehand and give them an idea of who you are as a couple.

It’s a good idea to give your photographer a list of must-have shots. Not an overbearing, super-bossy, OCD kind of list. But more like an I-would-really-enjoy-these-specific-memories-years-from now kind of list.

Look through some of your old picture albums and find the shots that you admire the most. Take your key from those. If it’s a ten year old picture and you still smile everytime you see it, consider putting a similar picture on your list.

And maybe some of the standard shots are right for you and your personality, but I find it very hard to believe that your personality fits into every one of these categories listed below.

Pick your one or two standard template shots, but keep the rest of them orginal.

Shoes and socks

Image from The Bride’s Cafe

The groom wears a print, usually argyle or stripes, and usually a bright color, on his socks. The bride will have on her bridal shoes and they become a perfect study in opposites.

Brides being carried sideways

Image from Natural Light Photography

Usually the person being carried is uncomfortable because someone is grabbing them in an unmentionable place. The people carrying the bride or groom are uncomfortable because they are straining super hard and are counting the seconds till the flash goes off.

Dresses hanging in windows

Image from Wedding Bee Pro

The light shines in perfectly making a perfect silhouette of the bride’s dress. That is, if you can find the perfect window. If it’s North facing, you can pretty much forget it and if it’s 4 feet off the ground you can forget it again.

The bridesmaids and the bride holding their bouquets all together towards the camera

There’s always that one bridesmaid who blinks or has spinach dip stuck in her teeth. And this shot tends to be super close up on your bouquets. So any shortcuts your florist took in preparing your flowers will definitely show up here. Not sure if you want to be constantly reminded of bruised petals every time you go back through your album.

Everyone jumping at once

Photo from Wedding Bee

At least one person is a high jump gold medal winner and another person hasn’t actually jumped in years. This leaves you with a lopsided line of attendants with varying expressions and awkward motion blur.

The boho-chic look is a great alternative for the free-spirited bride who wants to embrace an offbeat, worldly style on her special day.  Bohemian style takes its cues from nature, using materials and colors with an earthy, organic feel – perfect for the couple looking to celebrate their nuptials in the great outdoors.  I can just picture how beautiful this look would be for a casual beach wedding at sunset, an intimate destination wedding under a waterfall, or a rustic wedding on a country farm.

Just because the bohemian trend is super hot right now doesn’t mean you can’t get it at an affordable price.  I found some great, stylish options for brides at any budget.

1. The crochet trim, antique ivory color, and layered tiers give this dress a distinctly bohemian feel, but with a luxurious, modern twist.  “Harmony” dress by Claire Pettibone, approximately $4,250 (contact or visit your local Claire Pettibone bridal retailer for exact price).

2. This braided suede headband is the perfect flower-child alternative to a traditional veil.  It would look absolutely heavenly with long, wavy, center parted hair.  The flower is made of leather and lace with Swarovski crystal accents.  Headband, $225, part of the Peace, Love, and Sparkle Collection by Tarina Tarantino.

3. A stack of twelve mixed gold and silver bangles gives the look an exotic flair.  The bangles come in assorted finishes and textures, and no two sets are exactly alike.  Bracelets, $130 by Alex and Ani.

4. This one-of-a-kind, beaded cuff is a stunning piece that will be sure to set you apart from the crowd.  Made of exotic materials like turquoise nuggets, amber and wood beads, and suede, it is equal parts organic and opulent.  Cuff, Beadwork by Cindy Caraway, $300.

5. Wear this gorgeous carved turquoise and sterling silver ring as a right hand ring… just make sure it doesn’t outshine your wedding ring!  Ring by Steven Dweck, $560, available at Neiman Marcus.

6. A rustic leather belt adds an unexpected element that helps bring the ethereal dress back down to Earth.  This one is made of buttery soft calfskin in the loveliest shade of tawny brown.  Sash Belt, $128 by Johnston & Murphy.

7. Delicate bronze leather flats with a turquoise and crystal embellishment finish off the look perfectly.  So chic and comfortable, you’ll be able to dance the night away!  Sandals by Valentino, $575, available at Bergdorf Goodman.

TOTAL = $6,168.00

1. This flowing ivory gown has the same silhouette as the designer gown, but its pared-down design makes it much more affordable.  Made of breezy Italian cotton-silk, you will be a breath of fresh air in this dress!  “Camille” wedding gown, $650, available at J. Crew.

2. This braided leather headband with silk flower embellishment pairs perfectly with the down-to-earth look.  And at this price, how can you possibly resist?  Headband, $4.80, available at Forever 21.

3. This stack of five silver and gold tone bangles with assorted tribal motifs has the same worldly feel as the pricey bracelets, and you won’t believe the price!  Wear a couple sets at a time to really make an impact.  Bracelets, $11.60 for two sets of five, available at Forever 21.

4. This unique beaded cuff with turquoise focal stone has the same earthy but luxurious feel as the more expensive piece.  So beautiful and unique, a perfect compliment to the bohemian ensemble!  Cuff, $29.99, available at Etsy.

5. This piece is a dead ringer (pun intended!) for the designer ring, but at a fraction of the cost. Ring, Statements by Amy Kahn Russell, $79.90, available at HSN.

6. This leather sash belt has a designer label at a bargain price, and the faux leather material is easy on the environment.  Plus, you’ll be able to wear this style staple long after your wedding day is over.  Belt by Simply Vera Vera Wang, $16.80, available at Kohl’s.

7. These chic sandals have the exact same design elements as the designer version: flat sole, thin leather t-strap, and turquoise accent.  The perfect way to finish off your boho-chic look!  Sandals, $16.99, available at Charlotte Russe.

TOTAL = $810.08

Image from theblogisfound

Photobooths seem to be all the rage right now. Everybody’s doing it and if you’re not, you wish you were. I’ve seen them in all different shapes, sizes, and varieties but they always seem to bring out the best in the wedding guests.

Backgrounds

Of course there’s the plain white background. But beyond that the possibilities are endless. You could easily coordinate the backdrop with the theme of your wedding. One trip to your local fabric store can and will inspire plenty of ideas. If you’re a vintage-y kind of gal, maybe you want some nice lace. Or, if your wedding is kind of rustic maybe some burlap would be good. This isn’t somewhere you can really go wrong. As long as you have adequate lighting you could use the darkest fabric or the lightest fabric around. Like I said the possibilities are endless.

Props

Normally when you think of props, you might think of stuff used on a Hollywood movie set. You might not be too far off when it comes to your photobooth. Think of stuff that will really inspire your guests to be themselves and have a good time. I guess the nice, stoic posed shots are okay, but those should be reserved for the photographer outside it front of the venue. The photobooth, like the dance floor, is the place for people to cut loose!

Image from Wedding Bee

So you might use a feather boa. Or maybe sunglasses. Or maybe hats. Or maybe all of the above. These kinds of things inspire creativity. My personal  favorites though, are the chalkboard and dry erase board. They help your guests say what they wish the picture could say for them. Maybe they have the perfect piece of marriage wisdom or the best one-liners. You might be surprised by what you get.

Vintage Photobooths

Sure there are lots of companies that will rent you a photobooth. A true gem though, is the one that carries old-fashioned vintage photobooths. You know the kind. They have a fake plastic woodgrain surround. And are teeny tiny inside with a curtain that you close to keep the haters out. They’re the kind that used to be in the lobby of the movie house and they’re the kind that spark up true nostalgia. If you’ve ever one of these before, you know what kind of fond memories they can stir up. Whether or not your wedding has a vintage theme, this is one vintage detail you have to at least consider.

The DIY Photobooth

So these photobooths are not always the cheapest, especially if you’re on shoestring budget like us. There is always the DIY option though. It doesn’t require much effort and your biggest issues will probably be printing the pictures. For the photographer, you can use your every day point and shoot camera. Set it on a tripod and either instruct guests to use the self-timer option or hook them up with a remote so they can take their picture when everyone’s ready. Problem solved. The printing is also a fairly easy fix. Use a compact photo printer that only needs a memory card to print, not a full computer setup. Depending on the printer, you can probably program it to print four small pictures on a standard 4″x6″ sheet.

While you’ll probably hire a professional photographer to capture moments on your special day, they probably won’t be able to get a shot of every guest being themselves. Think of the photobooth as an extension of your photographer and I promise you won’t be disappointed with the results.

Choose favors that represent where you’ve come from, or where you are going.

Image from Food Network

Honor your family heritage by spending some time with your bridal party making homemade baked goods from a favorite family recipe.  If you don’t have any family recipes, look up traditional recipes from you and your fiancé’s respective ethnicities (Food Network has tons of amazing recipes online).  Package the goodies in pretty boxes or glassine bags with ribbons that coordinate with your wedding color scheme.  For a really special touch, include the recipes you used with a note that explains where they came from and why they are so special to you.

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Select regional products to add a personal touch to your favors.  Choose a pair of favors from each of your hometowns, a gift unique to the city where your wedding is being held, or something that reflects where you will be going for your honeymoon.  Edibles like honey, olive oil, preserves, tea, or candy are always well received and are usually easy to find locally.  Bath, body, and home products like pretty soaps, candles, or potpourri are also good options.  Include a personalized note that explains how the favors reflect you as a couple.  Martha Stewart Weddings has a great list of regional favor ideas.

Give your guests gifts that symbolize your ever-growing love for each other.

Image from Botanical Paperworks

Growing gifts can be enjoyed long after the wedding day has passed.  Print your favorite poem or verse or a reading from your ceremony on decorative paper and attach to a seed packet that guests can plant at home.  For something really special and unique, have the favors printed up on paper embedded with wildflower or herb seeds.  Botanical Paperworks has an amazing variety of custom wedding favors that grow into wildflowers.

Image from Arbor Day Foundation

Another great idea is to give each guest a mini evergreen sapling to take home and plant.  Not only are they good for the environment, but these favors will also serve as living reminders of your love for each other for years to come!  You can choose from a variety of different gift saplings online from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Select favors that express your unique personalities.

Image from Rentphotobooths.com

Rent an old-school photo booth during your reception for a quirky, memorable favor.  Guests will have so much fun getting their pictures taken, and the photos will serve as a memento for everyone who attends.  Rentphotobooths.com can even personalize the photo strips with your names and wedding date – how cool is that?

Image from iTunes

For the music-loving couple: make a custom iTunes playlist of your favorite songs and give it as a gift to all your guests.  Feature songs played at your wedding, or any other songs that remind you of each other.  Or just give a gift card and let guests pick their own music!  Learn more about music gifs on the iTunes website.