Are we really halfway through another month already ?! I honestly don`t know where time is going but I definitely won`t complain, because the 15th means I get to blog for you again :)
Lately, I`ve been hearing about lots of fun, non-traditional ideas for guest gifts/favors, and thought I`d share in hopes of getting your feedback ! So, let`s play !
*Unique Gift/Favor Ideas
for Wedding Guests*
* Do the right thing and GO GREEN !
-- I touched on this concept in June 2011 and am still as in love with the idea of seed paper as I was before . Plantable paper, often referred to as seed paper, is a paper made out of crushed seeds and organic plant matter . It is 100% sustainable and eco-friendly, and will sprout into an actual plant if you plant and water it ! Just like regular paper, seed paper is customizeable in many shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, and surely there is a design out there that is perfect for your wedding day ! A cute way to incorporate this into a favor is to print the guests` name cards on seed paper and give them a mini terra cotta pot . After your wedding, they can plant the name card in the pot, and VOILA -- beautiful flowers will grow, reminding them of your wedding day with each and every glance .
And on that note,
"Please be SEEDED !" ;)
* In honor of your wedding day, ask your guests to SHARE THE LOVE !
-- In lieu of encouraging your guests to purchase/bring wedding gifts, design a wedding with a cause and ask your guests to share in the effort . Still skeptical ?
Take a peek at my 2 suggestions below:
>> Select a charity that embodies a mission close to your heart, and ask guests to contribute a donation . Then, give the charity a large donation in the name of your wedding and guests ! There is SO much power in teamwork .
>> Ask your guests to contribute toward a goal of the two of you as newlyweds, such as solidifying a down payment on your first home !
>> Winter wedding around the Holidays ? Ask your guests to bring books/gifts suitable for children and donate them to a local children`s hospital or children`s charity !
* Use your WEDDiNG THEME/SETTiNG for inspiration !
>> Getting married outside on a warm, sunny day ? Give your guests customized parasols during the ceremony to protect them from the sun`s rays . When the ceremony ends, tell the guests they can keep em !
>> Beach wedding ? Give your guests customized flip flops to protect their high heels and fancy shoes from the sand !
>> Incorporate a signature drink into your reception and give your guests the romantic recipe that will have them falling in love with your wedding day with each sip they take !
* As a couple, make your guests a CD of your favorite musical tunes and selections !
See you again on May 1st (:
Sequin Soirees is now on Pinterest !
>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/
Formspring me !
>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees
& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !
>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846
♥
Happy April, lovebugs ! Since I recently blogged about the duties of the BEST MAN for all my male readers out there, I figured it`s time to show some love to my ladies on a similar topic --
Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor !
First, let`s begin with defining the 2 roles:
* The MAID of Honor is UNMARRIED, and typically has a huge emotional significance (sister, best friend, etc.) to the Bride ! The Maid of Honor stands directly beside the Bride during the ceremony, and holds her bouquet during the exchanging of vows . She should do a periodic check on the Bride`s dress and train throughout the ceremony, and adjust it as needed .
* The MATRON of Honor is MARRiED, and is usually a close friend or relative of the Bride ! The Matron of Honor stands immediately beside the Maid of Honor during the ceremony, so it`s the Bride, the Maid of Honor, the Matron of Honor, and then the remaining Bridesmaids .
Most weddings have one or the other, but it is definitely within the realm of proper etiquette to have both (:
Just as I stated with a Groom-to-be selecting his top candidate to fulfill the "Best Man" role, it is important for the woman/women that the Bride-to-be chooses for the Maid/Matron of Honor role(s) because there are a lot of responsibilities that come with the title(s) . Thus, selecting the individual(s) who can support you emotionally, stand by your side through the thick and thin of wedding planning, and who is able to accept accountability is how you should objectively make your decision(s) .
Now that we`ve cleared those things, let`s move on to the juicy parts, shall we ?!
_DUTiES/RESPONSiBiLiTiES OF THE MAiD/MATRON OF HONOR:
^^ The roles actually don`t vary that much, so if I don`t indicate a particular role to accomplish the task at hand, please assume that the task is interchangeable between the two ! Here we go --
* Be the POiNT OF CONTACT for the rest of your bridesmaids !
-- She should be dependable, reliable, timely, and organized, for she is the primary person responsible for making sure all of your ladies in waiting are on time, on task, and on point for ALL wedding-related events ! "ALL" means wedding-related events activities before and on wedding day .
* Hold the Bride`s bouquet during the wedding ceremony/exchanging of the vows !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR .
* BUSTLE her gown for the reception !
-- The other Bridesmaids should willingly help the Maid/Matron of Honor do this, of course !
* Join the Groom`s Best Man and give a TOAST at your wedding reception !
* BE SUPPORTiVE on wedding day !
-- In addition to providing emotional support, the Maid/Matron of Honor should also be prepared to pitch in on wedding day to keep everything running smoothly and keep the Bride`s nerves under control ! The candidate you select for this position should be prepared to pitch in and help answer phone calls, run last-minute errands (if necessary), and make sure the mingling Bride takes five minutes to sit and eat at the reception ! It sounds funny, but it`s amazing how many Brides forget to eat because they get so caught up in the excitement of the evening and focus more on trying to visit each table and personally thank the guests for attending .
* Assist with the COLLECTiON AND TRANSPORT OF WEDDiNG GiFTS !
-- When the reception ends and the party is over, the last thing the newlyweds are going to be thinking about is wrangling up all their gifts and transporting them back to the hotel/designated home . The Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should stay behind and help the family pack up all the gifts for the Bride and Groom .
* Spearhead the planning of THE BRiDAL SHOWER(S) !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR . Be sure to craft up some cute games for guests to play !
* Spearhead the planning of THE BACHELORETTE PARTY !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR . Being a Maid of Honor takes a lot of dedication, but it can`t be all work and no play ! Make sure the Bride-to-Be has a fun night out, BUT keep it classy .
All of your Bridesmaids should be responsible, dependable, flexible, and ready to switch gears at a moment`s notice, but the girl(s) that you choose for the Maid/Matron of Honor slots need to be women that you can truly count on to serve as your right hand . If it`s too hard to make a decision or choosing would make things awkward with the rest of your Bridal party, then consider flanking yourself with Bridesmaids ONLY ! It`s up to you (:
Again --
CHOOSE WiSELY ! ;)
See you again on the 15th (:
Sequin Soirees is now on Pinterest !
>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/
Formspring me !
>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees
& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !
>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846
♥
