A wedding ceremony is a happy time that you want to spend with everyone you love dearly. That is why many brides want to honor love one’s that have pasted in their ceremony.   There are many options to honor your loved ones in your wedding. I personally did a couple different things. I carried a locket on my bouquet with my grandmother’s picture on one side and my husband’s grandmother and grandfather’s picture in the other side. I also, had the mother’s light a memorial candle instead of a unity candle. Both mother’s carried a little tapered candle up the isle that  they used to light the candles. My mother lit a candle for my grandmother and uncle and my mother-in-law lit the candles for her parents. We also, made a donation to the Cancer Society and the Heart Foundation in honor of our grandparents. They were subtle touched that meant a lot to my husband and I. I think the key is to find something that is meaningful to you and your family. So, here are just some of the options to choose from.

Bouquet Embellishments:  Some brides choose to embellish their bouquets to show remembrance for a loved one. One option is to add a locket to your bouquet. You can also tie a rosary around your bouquet. Also, if you have a ribbon or a piece of fabric from your loved on you can have your bouquet wrapped in it.  For example, one bride took a piece of her mother’s wedding gown and used it to wrap her bouquet.

Candles: Candles can be lit in remembrance. This is a wonderful to honor grandparents, parents, and close relatives that have passed. You can even have the officiant say a prayer for your loved ones as the candles are being lit. Another option is to explain the significance of the candle lighting in your program.

Photos: Placing photos of those you want to honor in a visible place at the ceremony or reception is another way to show remembrance. You can place a flower or a candle by the photos, or even a beautiful poem.

Music: This is a tried and true way to remember a loved one at your ceremony. You can have a family member or a wedding singer sing a dedication song for your loved ones. Another option would be to have the DJ make an announcement and play a song in remembrance of the ones you want to honor.

Symbols: Anything that reminds you of a loved one is fine: butterfly bouquet picks, for example. Or a picture-frame pin and photo pinned to a bouquet wrap ribbon, or a monogram pin in the letter of someone you’ve lost. A number of stores sell “In Loving Memory” brooches you can pin to a sash or ribbon.

Bells in Trees:This is one of my favorite options if you are having an outside wedding. You hang bells in the trees from ribbons. Then every time the bells ring it symbolizes the presence of your loved ones and how they are always with you.

Charitable Donations:The “donation in lieu of favors” is a time-tested way to honor someone you’ve lost to a physical illness. Individual cards or a framed table note will let guests know who was on your mind. Some brides set out real or enamel ribbons symbolizing the type of loss involved: pink for breast cancer, teal for ovarian or testicular cancer, and so on. (See Awareness Ribbons Meaning & Colors.) Another option: the bride and her bridesmaids wear awareness bracelets. You can buy the awareness charms individually and make your own, or source the finished bracelet from a number of sites.

A Moment of Silence:  Many couples take a second from their wedding ceremony to dedicate a moment of silence to their loved ones. The officiant can also say some words to member the ones you want to honor.

Seat of Honor: You can reserve seats for those you want to honor at you wedding. You can  add flowers or decorations to the vacant seat. The officiant can also mention what the seat represents to the bride and groom. Another option is to have your florist add a loose flower to your bouquet for each person you want to honor and you can place them on the vacant seats before you go to the alter.

Food:This might seem a little more lighthearted, but you can honor family members by including a famous cookie or candy recipe with your desserts, a signature appetizer on the menu, or a favorite sweet in a candy buffet (did a father love Hersey Kisses?). Include a small framed note that explains the connection.

Clothing: A touching way to remember someone is to wear one of their personal items. Brides have worn their mother’s or grandmother’s veils, or sashes made from the wedding dress. Grooms have worn their father’s tuxes or cufflinks. And let’s not forget jewelry: brides have woven a rosary, locket or set of pearls into their bouquet, and worn a father’s ring around their neck or on their thumb.

Programs:At the end of the wedding program, it is appropriate to add a memoriam line. For example, you might write “Today we honor those who could not be with us, especially the bride’s stepmother Alison Janet Brooks.”

Reference:Wed Smack

The wedding unity coins ceremony was originally a Latin American tradition that symbolizes a pledge that the Groom makes to his new wife. There are thirteen gold coins to represent Christ and his 12 apostles. The coins signify that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for his bride. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence. A friend or relative (usually the purchaser), traditionally presents the unity coins to the priest. The priest then blesses the coins and hands them to the bride who places them in the groom’s cupped hands at the beginning of the ceremony. The coins are then placed on a tray and handed to an assistant to be held until later in the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony, the box and coins is given to the priest who places the unity coins in the box and hands them to the groom. The groom then pours the unity coins into the bride’s cupped hands and places the box on top. This represents his giving her control as his mistress of all his possessions. (Sometimes their hands are tied with a ribbon for this portion of the ceremony.)

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Michelle Rago is known for taking their client’s  wedding vision and transforming it into a breathtaking fantasy. This Vermont wedding is no exception. Every detail is well attended. From the woodland inspired decor to the soft combination of delicate flowers, it is simply perfect.

Michelle Rago

As a newly picked Maid of Honor you have got the job because you are dear to the bride. There are many duties that come a along with the position, but remember that it is an honor and the bride picked you because she trusts you. Every bride is different, so make sure you check with her to see what she needs your help with. But here are a few items that may be on your plate.

1. Calm Down Sweety

Your number one duty is to keep the bride calm. If she has asked you to be her Maid of Honor that means that she really trusts you. You are the one that knows her stress points and can really help defuse a situation. This may come up in planning or on the actually wedding day. Just be as helpful as possible and serve as moral support and your bride is sure to be happy.

2. Time to pick out the dresses!

Typically, the Maid of Honor accompanies the bride when she is looking for her wedding gown. You can be of great help when it comes to the final choice. You could take pictures for her in different gowns to take home and look at or simply serve as an extra pair of eyes. Plus, it is fun! You may also be asked to help her pick out bridesmaid dresses. Help her choose styles that will flatter all body types. Also, make sure the dresses will be ordered in enough time to accommodate any alterations that may be needed.

3. Final Decisions

Many times it is hard for the bride to make final decisions about the wedding. Your opinion can be of great help in this area. This may include going to look at wedding venues, picking out invitations, picking a cake design, or any other details she is on the fence about.

4. Gift Registrations

The bride may need you to accompany her in completing her gift registry. You can be of great help to make sure she registries for everything she needs. This is a fun trip. So, make the most out of it!

5. Round up the Girls

You can really help the bride by keeping all of the bridesmaids organized and informed of the wedding details.See to it that all bridesmaids get to the rehearsal; coordinate transportation and lodging, if necessary.Also, make sure that all bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done, get to the ceremony on time, and have the correct bouquets.

6. Addresses

Help address and/or put together wedding invitations.

7. Time to Party!

Typically the Maid of Honor gets to host the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. You can be of extra help by keeping track of all of the gifts and who gave them. This will be of great help for than you cards. Need I say anymore? Totally fun!

8. Hold on to that ring! Oh… and the bouquet too.

Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony. Safest place to put it? On your thumb. As for the bouquet, just hold onto that while the bride says her vows. Easy as pie!

9. Please sign here!

Sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the best man.

10. Make her eat!

Often times the bride is so busy she does not have time to think about eating. Make sure the she takes a moment to eat something. You can be of great help by refreshing her drink, getting her a plate of food from the buffet table, or instruct the wait staff to keep her entree warm.

11. Clean up time!

Help the bride get out of her wedding dress and accessories. Also,make sure they are in a safe place while she is on her honeymoon.

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This is for all of you out there that are looking for a great way to pop that big question. This Eiffel Tower Design opens and reveals a unique and romantic way to ask for her hand in marriage. I love it! What could be more fitting than the most well known symbol from the city of love? This little box could also be used at an ubber chic city wedding to hold favors. Check it out!

As I was sitting down and completing all of my thank you cards last night, I realized that it is hard to think of something personal and unique for every single person! I really feel for you girls that had a big wedding, because I barely got through my fifty cards. I can’t imagine what those of you who have 180 are going through! That’s when I got the idea for this post. To help you out, I have compiled a list of sayings for thank you cards. Shhhh…It will be our little secret!

*Thank you
for sharing in our joy,
for keeping us
in your thoughts,
and for giving us
a gift of love.

*Our sincere thanks for all your
good wishes. Thank you for
giving us a lasting memory.

*Thank you for sharing
in our Special Day

*A heartfelt thanks for
a thoughtful gift

*Thank you for your thoughtful
gift and for being a part of our
special day

*Your thoughtfulness and
good wishes are
greatly appreciated

*A lovely note can barely say
all we felt that magic day.
A heartfelt thanks is sent to you
for your thoughtful gift and wishes too.

*You have truly enriched our
happiness with your lovely gift.
Thank you for giving us a lasting
memory of your kindness and generosity.

*We thank you very much
for sharing in our joyous
occasion. Your lovely gift
and thoughtfulness are
very much appreciated

*By your friendship and love,
you have made our new life
together so very special

*Thank You
…for making our day special and
filled with the most wonderful memories
that we will both cherish forever…

*We thank you for celebrating our
joy, supporting our dreams,
and sharing in our love.

*Your presence there has blessed our day
And touched us in a special way.
A day so grand would not have been
Without the love of our family and friends.
Our hearts extend a special thanks to you
For coming out on the day we said, “I Do.”

*This brings sincere thanks
for the lovely gift you sent.
We hope it helps to tell you
Just how much it meant.
(Names)

*Our sincere thanks
for all your good wishes
and very lovely gift.
(Names)

*(Names)
sincerely appreciate and thank you
for your very lovely
wedding gift.

*Please accept our sincere thanks
for the lovely gift.
Both the thought and the gift
made us very happy.
(Names)

*With sincere appreciation,
we both send thanks to you
for your very lovely gift
and for your thoughtful wishes, too.

*A loving note can barely say
all we felt that magic day.
A heartfelt thanks is sent to you
for your thoughtful gift and wishes, too.
(Names)

*We thank you
for your thoughtfulness
and the wedding gift to.o
(Names)

*Thank you for joining us
as we began our new life together.
Your generosity and thoughtfulness
were very much appreciated.
(Names)

*You have truly enriched our happiness
with your lovely gift.
Thank you for giving us a lasting memory
of your kindness and generosity.
(Names)

*Thank you for adding to
the joyful spirit of our wedding
with your presence
and lovely gift.
(Names)

*One thank you for the gift,
and another for the thought.
A dozen thank yous couldn’t tell you
all the happiness they brought.
(Names)

*Please accept our sincere thanks
and God’s blessings
for the lovely gift.
Both the thought and the gift
made us very happy.
(Names)

*Just a note to thank you
and a line to tell you, too,
nothing was more welcomed
than the lovely gift from you.
(Names)

*Being remembered
In such a nice way
Means a lot more than
Just “Thank you” can say!
(Names)

*Thank you for sharing
our special day with us,
and for the very lovely gift.
(Names)

*A loving note can barely say
all we felt that magic day.
A heartful thanks
is sent to you
for your thoughtful
gift and wishes, too

*Words cannot express
the joy that we feel
remembering that
you shared the
beginning of
our new life together.
Thank you for your
very thoughtful gift

Source1 and Source2

Something Blue

I am always looking for something fun and unique that could be used for that “something blue”. If your wedding colors have blue in them, then you are golden. If not, it can a quite challenging thing to find. That is why I like these little hot shorts! They are a great take on the “something blue”. It is different, fun, and best of all it is worn under the dress so it will not clash with your wedding colors! Wouldn’t these be great to surprise your groom with after the wedding too? I love them! Check it out!

After announcing your engagement, the kudos and the parties have subsided and you’re ready to get down to the business of planning your wedding. One thing you will have to think about as you order your invitations and choose your DJ is how certain traditions should guide your behavior and shape your special day. That’s because like all most rites of passage, weddings require certain etiquette. Read up for a quick Manners 101 crash course that will help you become a savvier bride.

Meeting and Introducing Family

Unless you and your intended already have a super tight-knit family and group of friends, you may be stressing over meeting your in-laws, introducing them to your parents, and how everyone will get along in the process. Here are a few tips to help make the introductions effortless.

1. Groom’s Parents Responsibilities: According to this article, traditional etiquette decrees that it is customary for the groom’s parents to call on the bride’s parents after an engagement is announced. Stressing this point could help assure that your parents meet before the wedding and that the burden for introductions is off of you.
2. Meeting the In-Laws with Comfort : If you haven’t met your husband-to-be’s parents, read this article with great tips on how to make it less awkward. This author suggests tips like learning about your in-laws interests before you meet to help conversation flow smoother.
3. Emily Post : According to Emily Post, your parents should meet his parents in the spirit of friendship – no matter who initiates the conversation. She recommends that even if distance is prohibitive these introductions occur before the wedding and occur in a casual setting.
4. Hundreds of Heads: A compilation of advice from married couples who have already gone through the initial parental introductions. One woman recommends preparing a list of topics for each set of parents to review as conversation pieces.

Invites

Yes, there are even rules about who to invite to your wedding and how to address the envelopes. Maybe not the most fun part of your wedding etiquette research, but definitely a must-know.

5. Engagement Party Guests : Do you have to invite everyone from your engagement party to your wedding? According to this wedding expert, yes.
6. Wording Your Invitation : Yes, we’ve already mentioned that there are even etiquette rules for wording your invitations. Find out where to use formal and informal language on all your Save the Dates and official invites.
7. Invitations for Divorced Parents: If your parents are divorced, you may be wondering how to word your invitation to reflect all of your parents and stepparents. Crane & Co. has some tasteful suggestions on how to handle a difficult situation.
8. Wedding Paper Divas: Wedding Paper Divas tell you everything you need to know about who to invite to your wedding and how to invite them.
9. eInvite: Along with wording, there are certain rules to keep in mind when you are addressing the envelopes. This article covers that topic and also gives tips for creating a guest list.
10. Wedaholic: Figuring out how to whittle your wedding list down to an acceptable number can be a difficult and stressful task. But following this advice will help you create your wedding list with ease.

Table Manners and Place Settings

Conducting yourself and your loved ones at the dinner table will be a major consideration when planning your wedding reception. Find out how to best seat your guests and how to correctly hold a knife in the process.

11. American Table Manners : A basic primer on the rules that govern table manners in America, including what foods are acceptable to eat with your fingers.
12. Table Manners for Guys: Is your fiancé a little unruly at the dinner table? If so, give him this primer to make sure he’ll be on his best behavior at your reception.
13. Wikipedia : Table manners are so important they have even earned a spot on Wikipedia. This entry covers the basics in table manners in pretty much every culture, helpful if you plan to wed in Peru.
14. eHow: A resourceful article on how to create your very own seating chart. It states that when doing this your family should always be your number one consideration.
15. Simple Seating: Simple Seating is a no frills, free service recommended by the people at Life Hacker for its usefulness.
16. Expert Village: A short video that covers the proper way to hold a knife continental style.
17. Perfect Table Plan : According to this site, 51 percent of wedding guests prefer having assigned seating. Follow these tips and create a seating chart that will make your guests happy and comfortable.
18. Documents and Designs: Create a custom seating chart to match your theme by using this service.

Financial Concerns

“Who pays for what?” This might be the most common question you and your fiancé ask when going over your wedding budget. Here are some guides that will help you split up the costs without any bickering.

19. Who Pays for What : Confused about what your family is responsible for payment-wise and what falls under your fiancé’s purview? Then you need this terrific checklist that tells you who pays for what. Not surprisingly, the bride’s family gets the majority of the bill.
20. Who Pays for What II : Cross-reference your wedding etiquette facts on footing the bill with this simple list from Top Wedding Links.
21. Who Pays for What III : Another handy resource for dictating the rules of check writing complete with suggestions on how split thing up if conventional rules about payment don’t mesh with your financial plan.
22. Transportation Costs: Having an out of town wedding that requires your guests to incur some transportation costs? Find out whether you’re expected to pay for any of it.
23. Bridesmaids Dresses: Feeling guilty about those pricy bridesmaids dresses you’re asking your girls to wear? Then compensate with a nice gift, because according to this source bridesmaids pay their own way.
24. Honeymoon: Before you go demanding that your parents or your husband’s parents pay for the honeymoon, read this article, which states that there are actually no set rules for who pays for honeymoon expenses.
25. Asking the In-Laws for Help: If you and your hubby-to-be need some extra help from his parents, but they haven’t offered to pay, what can you do?

Dancing

Dancing is the most fun part of your reception, so follow the simple advice below for a lively and enjoyable night.

26. Wiki Answers: This source says every reception should begin with the wedding dance. Eventually the bride’s father will cut in with the groom then asking the bride’s mother to the floor.
27. Buzzle: This article says that despite the traditional rules governing the first dance, the main point to remember is that dancing at a wedding is a time for everyone to let loose and have fun.
28. Buffalo Bride: A thorough guide to wedding dance etiquette.
29. Cape May Wedding Guide: Cape May has listed some terrific suggestions for how to pick your wedding songs, how to structure the dancing at your reception, as well as a long list of popular wedding songs for the dances that matter most.
30. Most Popular Wedding Songs: An extensive list of song recommendations for not only your first dance, but for the processional, bouquet toss, and the cake cutting.
31. Wedding Wire’s Picks: Wedding Wire is a fun site that provides you with a list of songs for each part of your reception and even lets you listen to the songs online. Maybe you already know what your first dance will be, but what about the last song? Wedding Wire has got you covered.

Toasts

We’ve all heard about the dreaded drunken best man toasts and the bridal attendants who just couldn’t get the wording right. These tips for you and your “toasters” will help iron out the awkward bumps in the road.

32. Wedding Toast Etiquette: Who toasts who and when? Here’s a definitive guide for all your toasting etiquette, as well as tips on how to make the toasts one of a kind.
33. Proper Toast Etiquette: This article covers the particular timing of each person’s toast – a definite boon to helping you plan your reception to a T.
34. Free Wedding Toasts: If your “toasters” have a case of nerves, or if you just don’t trust them to give a non-awkward speech, refer them to this site for guidance and a list of already-written speeches. While they won’t want to copy one verbatim, they could definitely use the templates for inspiration.
35. Toast Quotes: Another great resource for your toasters — a site with touching quotes suitable for romantic occasions.
36. Worst Wedding Toasts: Learn what your family and friends should avoid with this humorous list of the worst wedding toasts ever.

Eloping

Want to skip all these rules and regulations and just get straight to the business of marriage? Then eloping might be the answer for you. But before you pack your bags, know there are even etiquette rules about running off to marry.

37. Aisle Dash: If you want to skip the big ceremony and fancy details, you might be thinking of eloping. But still – do you have to tell anyone? Check out what this article has to say.
38. Wedding Gazette: You may want to elope, but feel like it’s too much of a slight to the people in your life who love you most. This article will help you decide if eloping is right for you, and, if so, how to do it with grace.
39. Utterly Fabulous Network: Being able to elope in a stress-free manner is the key to a happy wedding, according to this article. So read up on ways to handle the feelings of your loved ones who won’t be attending.
40. Celebrating After Elopement : OK, so you’re bent and determined on eloping, but want to be able to celebrate with friends post-wedding. Find out all the etiquette rules for after parties and announcements.
41. How to Elope : A helpful site for all your eloping needs and questions, including a detailed section on eloping etiquette.

General Tips on Wedding Etiquette

43. Frugal Bride : If you are planning your wedding on a dime, Frugal Bride is a great resource to check in on frequently. And this handy article is a great, succinct list of the dos and don’ts to follow when planning your wedding.
44. Top Wedding Questions: Find the answers to all of your wedding-related questions on this thorough site maintained by a wedding expert. The forums are packed with good information.
45. Etiquette Checklist: Another resource to help clear up financial confusion and help you get stuff done on time, this article comes with a complete timeline and checklist of tasks.
46. Pocket Idiot’s Guide: The Idiot’s Guide gives you all the wedding etiquette rules you can fit in your pocket in this compact and resourceful book.
47. Wedding Coaches: If you feel too nervous to rely on conflicting advice and your inept instincts to navigate wedding etiquette, you can always seek the help of a professional and hire a wedding coach.
48. Gift Etiquette: While the gift giving is not your responsibility, know what you should and shouldn’t expect out of your guests. Figuring out what people will be spending might help you create a diverse and reasonable registry.
49. Cake Cutting: Surprisingly, even the cake cutting portion of your reception has rules and regulations. This article will tell you where to place the cake and when to cut it.
50. Wedding Channel: The Wedding Channel is a great one-stop resource for all your wedding etiquette questions. From invites to whether or not you can ask your bridesmaids to not get a tattoo before your big day, the Wedding Channel has got you covered.
51. Etiquette Hell: Etiquette Hell is a great, fun site that goes over all of the worst faux pas that can happen at a wedding. The site’s owner has even published a book called “Wedding Etiquette Hell: The Bride’s Bible to Avoiding Everlasting Damnation,” which focuses on the etiquette that means the most to those closest to you and not the traditional rules guiding ceremonies and receptions.

Are these not the most gorgeous ring pillows you have every seen? I have already bought the ring pillow for my wedding, but I am half tempted to put it to the side and buy one of these. These ring pillows are from the brilliant designer Anna Whitford. Each pillow is hand made and sculpted on complementing silk dupion. I love the soft detailing and the beautiful flower shapes that are complimented by the satin ribbons in the center to tie the wedding rings. I also love how the ones with color have them subtly incorporated into the design. The best part is that you are able to pick and choose the color and style flower to suit your wedding theme!

If you are the kind that likes to add a little spice and surprise to your wedding, then you may want to take a look at this video. There are a few ads in the video but please look past that and check out the content. I promise you will not be disappointed. I laugh every time I see it!