Gifts for the Father of the Bride and Groom

Father’s Day is this weekend.

Dad is always there for us when we need support, guidance, a good laugh, someone to stand up for us, and often to foot the cost of our wedding. Dad knows you’ve dreamt of your wedding day since forever and despite the griping, he’s happy to make your dreams come true.

We want to honor all the FOB and FOG’s with our Father of the Bride gifts and our Father of the Groom gifts!

Father of the Bride and Groom Gifts

If you’re Dad is helping you get the wedding of your dreams right now, then you absolutely must make this Father’s Day one he won’t forget!

Customize a beer stein for the Father of the Bride so that he can relax from the stress of planning (and paying for) a wedding.

Thirsty Father of Bride

Design a Father of the Groom gift like a funny t-shirt to let him know you appreciate his help and that he isn’t forgotten!

Staying Out of the Way

 

Whether you’re planning a wedding right now or not, be sure to thank your Dad this Father’s Day for everything he does.

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Gifts for the Mother of the Bride and Groom

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we want to pay homage to all of the Mothers of the Brides and Mothers of the Grooms. Once the question is popped and the bride and groom start planning their wedding, there a couple of key people who help guide the two through the process. These ladies play a very special role in the wedding.

Much like they did for us growing up, they offer advice, a helping hand, cautionary tales. They calm the jittery nerves and warm the cold feet. The mothers are there to help and to listen. They remind us why we’re putting ourselves through the stress because they know what is really in our heart of hearts.

How can you say thanks to your mom for helping you plan your wedding? Give her a personalized gift that commemorates the time she’s spent by your side.

Mother of the Bride Gift
MOG Travel Mug
Mother Of The Bride Scarf
Mother of the Groom Ring

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How to Plan an Irish Wedding

Irish Bride Shirts
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner you can expect to see some Irish themed weddings and their unique photos on your Facebook feed. Irish weddings are seriously rooted in tradition as all wedding ceremonies are, but an Irish themed wedding is a totally different way to add one-of-a-kind color palettes, jewelry, attire, and customs to your ceremony! Below are some staples of an Irish wedding that may just inspire you to add a little extra luck to your own big day:

  • Braids! Braids for the bride, bridesmaids, maid of honor, and your flower girl will add an old-world touch of class to your ceremony. Not to mention, they make for a super easy updo, keep flyaways at bay, and look great on just about everyone.
  • Green and orange. Straying from the norm of pastels, pinks, and purples, planning an Irish themed wedding will ask of you to incorporate some orange and most definitely green into your flowers, centerpieces, and accents.
  • The Claddagh ring. Perhaps, your Irish roots are a little distant and you don’t necessarily want the Claddagh to be your ring. However, the heart-in-hand symbol represents love, loyalty, and friendship. HELLO, can you say perfect bridesmaids gifts?!
  • Tying the Knot. Ironically, the phrase “tying the knot” is rooted in an Irish wedding tradition. Once the bride and groom have signified their pledge to each other, a rope or ribbon is tied around their clasped hands to symbolize their commitment to one another.
  • Irish dancing. Maybe you don’t want to go overboard and hire Riverdance to perform at your wedding, but a few Irish step dancers or Irish step dancing lessons at the beginning of your reception is a good way to break the ice and get the party started. We’re willing to bet that any of your guests can be turned into Irish dancers after a few pints of Guiness anyway!
  • Kilts. Again, we totally get it if your groom (or you don’t want your groom) dressed in a traditional kilt for the big day, but try incorporating plaid vests or cummberbunds into the groom’s party. Think how cute would the ring bearer would look!
  • Wedding Bells. Another Irish wedding tradition is incorporating bells into the ceremony. Some say the tradition is to give a small bell to every wedding guest to ring to ward off any evil spirits and protect the bride and groom. Others believe that it is Celtic tradition to gift the bride and groom a bell on their wedding day as a reminder of their devotion to each other. Whenever an argument is brewing, one of them rings the bell and declares a truce of sorts.
  • Irish lace. Chances are you’re already considering lace in your wedding dress or veil. If you haven’t made the decision yet, go for lace! Lace is a part of Irish wedding traditions and will add a soft, feminine touch to your look for the day.
  • Your Custom Irish Bride shirt! For when you’re running around making all of these plans, for your honeymoon, or for your bachelorette party, customize an Irish Bride shirt!
  • Luck. Everyone wishes the bride and groom luck on their matrimonious day. But if you do it right, horseshoes and shamrocks can add a touch of the Irish flare that you’re looking for! Try putting a few four leaf clovers in your bouquet or your bridesmaids’ bouquets. They can be pulled off in a flower hair crown too. Horseshoes are perfect necklace, bracelet, or garter charms. Or print the symbol on your invitations, programs, and party favor bags! You never know if these little touches will bring you extra tidings of good luck!
  • Ireland! And finally, after your Irish wedding is over and the guests have gone home, pack your bags for a honeymoon in Ireland.

However you theme your wedding just bring lots of love and we’re sure you’ll find all the luck you need.

Find more Irish wedding inspiration here!

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3 Wedding Traditions That Are Baloney

It’s getting harder and harder for a bride to decide on what wedding traditions to make part of her wedding and which ones to bypass. The customary events of a wedding that were the must-haves ten years ago have somehow lost their luster with today’s modern bride. Many brides are willing to face a barrage of questions that will undoubtedly come their way from wedding guests looking forward to them, than to include certain traditions during the wedding day.

Below are three wedding traditions that many brides are calling baloney on and choosing not to have as part of their wedding.

1) Garter Toss

While the groom may want to have this tradition at the wedding, it can be seen as a little risqué with grandma and grandpa in attendance.

2) Gift Opening

Knowing who didn’t use the gift registry or people second-guessing the gifts they gave is never a fun moment for the gift givers or the bride who really didn’t want the weed-whacker she just got from Uncle Bob.

3) Cake Cutting Announcement

Why risk having the groom shoving the cake in your face if you really don’t want it to happen. Crowd cheering and wedding cocktails will always end in the bride wearing the cake instead of eating it.

Cake Smashing

What are your thoughts brides? Are you done with these traditions? 



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Remembering Loved Ones Past

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.

 

memories

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.

bells in trees

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.

flowers memories

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

 

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Wedding Coin Ceremony

coin pillow

 

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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Maid of Honor Duties

 

bridesmaid

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 Sweetie

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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Ahh…Amour

 

marry me

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!

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Wedding Thank You Card Sayings

 

thank you

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

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