"Lucky Engagement Announcement"...
We recently got engaged and I made
announcement cards on the computer. The front of the card said
"Guess Who Got Lucky..." with a graphic of two rings. The
inside of the card had the engagement information (Chris and Renee,
date, etc) and on the bottom I wrote "Hope You Get Lucky
Too" . We enclosed a scratch-off lottery ticket in each card.
Everyone called us to tell us that it was such a neat idea and we
even had some big winners!
Renee & Chris
Wedding: May 2002
Atlanta, GA
Here is another idea for table centerpieces -
I went to the local thrift store
and bought a bunch of huge glass bouquet vases. They were 50 cents a
piece and just perfect after a little cleaning. I bought six-inch
floral candle wreaths at Wal-Mart (about $6 each ) and will put the
vase in the center of the wreath. I plan to fill the vase with
various wrapped chocolates -- i.e. kisses, hugs. I had planned on
having the vases filled with chocolate bouquets, or those Hershey
Kiss rose buds, but found it more expensive than my budget would
allow, but that could be another option.
Kit B.
Enid, Oklahoma
Getting Married October 6th, 2001
Most mothers would like their daughters to wear their wedding gown.
Well, that's the way it is here. But I am not the same size my mom
was back then, and defiantly don't have the same taste. So my mom is
sewing my dress and after all is said and done, we will take the
skirt of my dress and make my future children's christening gown and suit.
Also, both of my grandparents, my fiancee’s grandparents, and
his father have all passed away. To "include" them in our
ceremony, I will carry in my bouquet a flower of their favorite
color. While "our song" is being sang, we will place each
flower in a vase that is on a small table. The vase will also be
accompanied by a picture of the relative, a lit candle and something
we remember them by (i.e. like my grandparents had a ranch with
horses, so little plastic horses, his father was a pastor and loved
light houses, etc...). We are also having two flower girls and a ring
bearer. The ring bearer's little brother is going to carry the family
Bible and place it on a holder near his dad's picture. My purpose is
not to make everyone cry, but to let everyone know that these people
are still a part of us even though they are no longer here. They
helped make us who we are and we are proud.
Another thing, our wedding date is September 1, 2001. My
fiancee’s sister told us when we were deciding a date to keep in
mind the numbers, they mean something. So, I (speaking before I
thought about it) said "Oh, neat 911- 9th month, 1st day, 01
year." It has been a huge joke with everyone. Some of the favors
will be fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and both his uncles that
are the best man and groomsman are a fireman and sheriffs officer. I
am almost afraid of what the practical jokers will do!
Melissa & Todd
September 1,
2001 "911"
Amarillo, Texas
I have been
extremely blessed throughout the planning of my August 25th wedding.
Just to share a few ideas:
For the invitations, I used the paper that some may use for bulletins
(programs). It was quite beautiful with blush roses as the light
background. I downloaded a rather professional free front from the
Internet on my computer and then went to the local college and
uploaded for a laser printed copy. I went to Kinkos and the guy there
was a busy bride's dream: quick, efficient, perfect printing. On the
inside of the "invitation bulletin" I included the rsvp
reception info with my home number so there's no need for additional postage.
For the three flower girl baskets, I went to a second hand store and
purchased each basket for under a dollar. I went to a discoutn store
to look for a cheap dress with satin and sheer to cover them. I got a
ballroom dress for about $2.00. I cut that baby to shreds to create
the most adorable baskets this side of the Mississippi.
For my flowers, I went to the local Hobby Lobby. I purchased 5 bushes
of silk white roses for 50% off. That adds up to about 175 flowers
for ONLY $50. This was a dream because my wedding theme is based
around a White Rose Garden. Every single flower in my wedding is a
white rose- real and faux.
For the ring bearer pillow, my Mom bought an embroidered pillow from
one of the local dollar stores. I bought a remnant of elegant white
fabric and am going to cover the pillow then add a white corded rope
to outline it. To top it off, Im going to put tassels on each of the
four corners to produce a rather regal look.
My advice to any
bride is to by all means buy everything on sale. DON'T go with the
first thing smoking. I understand the excitement but don't allow the
bridal industry to take advantage of our lifelong dream. By all means
Save, and Save Big!
Sherecka M.
Wedding
August 25, 2001
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When
it is time for the dancing, the bride and groom head a conga line in
which they go around the room and "pick up" all of their
guests. This is a great way to get everyone onto the dance floor and
loosen them up!
Brooke and Diego
Wedding July 20, 2002
Aurora, CO
Three years ago my daughter got engaged. She asked me to be her
matron of honor. After she stated that I am her best friend, how
could I refuse? We then began a wonderful experience that I will
treasure forever. We planned an autumn wedding which people are still
talking about. A couple of things we did were:
In her arm bouquet
of off-white silks and dried flowers, I tucked a sachet of dried
herbs used in Polish weddings. Tied to the ribbons hanging from the
base of the bouquet were her groom's dog tags - he was in the
Marines. We did not tell him we were doing this, but he later told us
that he noticed them as soon as she started walking down towards him.
Instead of a guest
book, we had several large embroidery hoops with muslin in them. (I
also placed cardboard underneath to provide a solid base on which to
write). Each guest could say something special to the couple. We
provided fabric pens with which to write. This is going to be the
underside of a quilt I will make for her.
It was a special
time, that we will never forget. NOW, my niece is getting married and
she has asked me to help her with decorations, flowers, etc. We are
again, planning special things throughout the wedding dealing with
family! People always think of the planning as being a stressful
time, but just take your time, if you can, shop around for the best
prices, because budget can be a VERY stressful point...enjoy!
~ Anonymous
I've been engaged for 12 years and three children...and so budget is
naturally a concern. So is being original. I looked everywhere and
just couldn't find what I wanted in the way of wedding souvenirs
(favors) for the guests. And so I'm making my own, and they are
gorgeous! I bought 90 small hard cardboard boxes (two shapes: oval
and square, 45 of each). I found them at a local craft store and
bought beautiful pearlized paint. They all received two coats of
paint. I also bought small ivory silk roses, cut off the stems and
glued them to the top of the box, one to a box. I had ivory ribbons
printed in gold with "Thank you!" on them. These were glued
to the box under the flower with just the words peeking out. I now
have to decide what to fill them with....mints, almonds or
chocolates. But making my own favors was so much fun!
I also wanted to suggest something I'm doing for pew bows. I balk at
being just like every other wedding...and so, no just plain tulle
bows for us! I went to Wal-Mart and bought loads of silk ivory rose
candle wreaths (3 different sizes). I have made beautiful see-through
ribbon bows that go in the middle of the wreaths. On each bow is
glued a beautiful small bird. The larger wreaths are hung from the
first 5 pews for family, the medium sized bows are on the next 3 pews
and the smaller wreaths finish the church. It costs pennies (much
less than fresh flowers) and I live in Canada and am getting married
in March 2002 which means there won't be many fresh AFFORDABLE
flowers around. This way, I get flowers in the church at an
affordable cost. I have also taken some of the silk petals, snips of
the ribbon, and fairy lights, all rolled together into a long piece
of tulle to line both sides of the aisle I will walk down. I'm
getting married at 6pm so the fairy lights will be a beautiful touch.
Oh, and one last thing, I also bought the same silk flower wreaths to
use as centerpieces with candles for the reception.
Hope this helps
someone! And congratulations on your wedding, too!
Pauline Stevens
Quebec City, Canada
Marriage: March
1, 2002
My fiance and I are planning a June wedding in Gatlinburg, TN. Close
family will be attending (approximately 30 people) and we wanted them
to have something special to take home. In searching the internet and
many stores, I found the price of everything was so high. Especially
personalized items. As we are on a tight budget, I thought I would
try to paint my own candles and glassware for the wedding guests.
Needless to say, I'm no artist and my first attempt was a complete
nightmare. So here's what I did...
We purchased: 10 candle globes (one
for each family), 28 wine glasses/seven 4-packs (one for each person
attending), 10 beer mugs...for the guys...and an enamel paint kit at
Wal-Mart in the craft section (Delta brand for painting glass). About
$60 in total.
On our computer we found a Font
(type-style) and size that we thought would look good painted on our
glassware. We typed up all the first names of our guests on the
computer and ran them off in the font & size we wanted to use on
the drinking glasses. We also typed up, for each family coming, their
last names in the same font and but a larger size for the globe
candles. With scissors, we cut out everyone's name. (Not detailed).
With tape, we taped the names on the inside of the glasses and
candles placing it where we wanted it painted on the glass. With the
Surface Condition (that came with the Delta paint kit) we brushed the
surface to be painted and let the glassware dry.
With the paint (that came with the
Delta paint kit) and a small tipped brush, we painted the names on
the glasses tracing the design through the glass. Each families
glasses and candle was done in a different color of paint (glasses
match the candles) ...except...we did ours and the bridal parties in
gold paint. Once dry, you coat the painted section with a sealer and
you are done. The package of Delta paint says that the paint has to
dry for 10 days...but then you can microwave, dishwash, etc. the glassware.
For about $60 we did some really
neat keepsakes for everyone to take home and they look like they were
professionally done.
Tamara from Ohio
Getting Married June 2001
in Gatlinburg, TN.
For
my sisters wedding, she had a table at the reception that had
pictures of the members of the wedding party at different points in
their lives - kid pictures, goofy adult pictures, etc. The guests
really enjoyed looking at them. My fiance and I will be doing
something similar. We may use some random pictures of the bridal
party like my sister did or maybe a picture of everyone at the same
age and then line them up in the same order as the bridal party. For
example, an 8x10 of everyone at age 6.
Meghan & Tom
New Mexico
I
have an idea you may like. We made up a newsletter that headlined
like a newpaper with personal information. We had our attendants
names and included their spouses, our immediate families names and
included info on our honeymoon destination. We rolled and tied them
up in ribbon and they were placed at each table setting to give
guests something to entertain themselves with during the cocktail
hour. We didn't have scanners then but now a couple can put their
childhood school photos on the page.
For our favors we
gave 3" x 5" in frames and for our families, we put the
Irish Blessing in them. I glued green leaves at the corners of the
poem that have stayed up after 5+ years!
Jackie
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Although we are not getting married for a year or two, we have
already started to plan our wedding. We thought that it would be a
unique idea to use childrens valentines cards as place cards. They
are extremely inexpensive and are very cute!
Angie and Jason
Instead of
Bridesmaid Bouquets....
I am getting
married in December 2001. My bridesmaids are all wearing red and
instead of carrying bouquets they are going to wear white fur muffs
(hand warmers). I thought it would provide a retro look to the
wedding party and be something unique that people would remember!
Cathy C.
Wedding
December 29, 2001
