Things you should consider about 8 months before your wedding day.

 Start to plan your wedding theme or dream wedding setting — both your wedding ceremony and your reception. Will it be a beach wedding? Perhaps in a beautiful backyard or an estate.

Maybe you would prefer a wine wedding at a popular vineyard.

Some vineyards have very plush estates.

Give some thought to your wedding date. If it is going to be at the beach or any outdoor setting, you may need to secure a long term weather forecast.

 Don’t hesitate to reserve your location if you fall in love with it. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, make sure the facility has a backup location in the event of inclement weather.

Get as many people as you can involved, so there is an exchange of ideas. Remember you have final say in all matters; after all it is your day!

Start thinking about bridesmaid gifts and gowns. Select items that are inline with the theme and or the season. — long gowns for colder months, shorter gowns for warm weather affairs.

If the caterer or site of your ceremony is not taking care of logistics, consider tables, chairs, tents and other items that may need to be reserved ahead of time.

     Your Wedding Check List

·        Formal Attire

·        Other Wedding Items 

·        Bridal Gown      

·        Organizer or Planner

·        Bridal Headpiece 

·        Wedding Etiquette Book

·        Bridal Slip 

·        Napkins

·        Bridal Shoes 

·        Book Matches

·        Bridal Handbag  Ribbon

·        Bridal Hosiery 

·        Place cards

·        Bridal Garter(s) 

·        Table Numbers

·        Bridal Shoes 

·        Table Reserved Signs

·        Bridal Gloves 

·        Something Old, New, Borrowed...

·        Lingerie 

·        Guest Book

·        Bridesmaids' Dresses

·         Plume Pen

·        Bridesmaids' Shoes  Sixpence Coin for Your shoe

·        Mothers' Dresses 

·        Toasting Glasses

·        Tuxedo Rental 

·        Cake Knife and Server

·        Tuxedo Shoes 

·        Engraving

·        Men's Formal Hose

·        Ring Bearer Pillow

·        Gown Preservation

·         Flower girl Basket

·        Wedding Stationary  

·        Wedding Card Box or Basket

·        Engagement Announcements 

·        Cake Top

·        Invitations 

·        Wedding Favors

·        Announcements 

·        Unity Candle

·        Reception Enclosure Cards 

·        Aisle Runner

·        Response Cards 

·         Jewelry

·        Map/Direction Cards 

·        Bride's Wedding Ring

·        Informals 

·        Groom's Wedding Ring

·        Thank You Notes 

·        Bride's Attendants Gifts

·        Postage Stamps 

·        Flower girl Gift

·        Calligraphy 

·        Groom's Attendants Gifts

·        Wedding Programs 

·        Ring Bearer Gift

·        Scrolls or Ribbons 

·        Wedding Music Tapes

·        Personal Stationary 

·        Invitation Keepsake

·        Address Labels 

·        Marriage License

·        Calligrapher 

·        Gift for Groom

·        Bachelor Party  

·        Gift for Bride

·        Rehearsal Dinner  

·        Floral Bouquet Preservation

·        Moving Cards 

·        Bird Seed

·        Wedding Certificate 

·        Wedding Rings

SECOND MARRIAGE AND WEDDING CEREMONY THOUGHTS:

Often In the past, people felt a second marriage should be small and discreet. Society is very accepting of a second marriage today, and the bride and groom can plan the ceremony and reception that makes them happy. What should the bride and groom to be consider for a second wedding?  Big or small, far or near, maybe it’s a more important event in your life than your first wedding ceremony, depending on your circumstances…………you both will know and can make decisions from some of the intended “helps” and tips mentioned here.

Announcing the Engagement

A second time bride may certainly announce her engagement in the newspaper or have an engagement party. Timing is the difference  --  the bride and/or groom may have children from a previous marriage, so the engagement should always be discussed with the children before announcing it to the public. Also, if a person is close to an ex-spouse's family, they may want to inform them personally before officially announcing the engagement.

Registering

It is just fine if a couple has decided they do not want gifts, OR if they do, it is perfectly acceptable to register. What the couple puts on their registry may differ from a first marriage. They might not need towels, but maybe need new shower curtains. They may wish to register at a local building supply store for remodeling items. A honeymoon registry might be suitable for the second time couple as they may likely already have most of the household items they need.

Fashion

If the second time bride wants to wear white – she can! Society tends to associate white with virginity, however, it does not traditionally represent virginity.  The bride anticipating her second marriage does not have to wear white if she doesn’t want to!  (This is true for a first time bride, too, and many feel they must wear white.)

The bride can choose whatever color and style feels right for her with the wedding gown, but for a second marriage the bride should avoid a veil. Traditionally, it is the veil that represents virginity. In place of a veil, a bride might choose a gorgeous tiara, flowers, or a fantastic hairstyle!

The Ceremony

There are many options for a second ceremony. Some couples may be interested in doing something different from their first ceremonies. They might choose to do a destination wedding with only family and a limited number of close friends, or possibly a private ceremony followed by a reception for everyone afterwards. The couple might wish to get married in a sentimental spot, like the park or garden where he proposed, or a waterfront or beach where they first met. A very unique and fun option for a second wedding is a surprise wedding -- family and friends are invited to a party for a birthday or holiday. Once all guests are there, the couple lets everyone know they have really gathered them for a wedding!   Of course, the bride and groom-to-be can always choose a traditional ceremony. Whatever choice is made, it should be one that satisfies both. 

The unique guest favors you choose, whether you’d like garden wedding favors, beach/waterfront wedding favors, or fall/autumn wedding favors, you’ll make your celebration very memorable, and at the same time you’ll be able to give your guests a keepsake gift to remember your special day!

Children

If children from previous unions are involved, the wedding is then really a marriage of families as well, therefore, some couples choose to include their children in the ceremony and festivities. If there are older children, they could be honor attendants to the couple. Younger children can be flower girls, ring bearers, or miniature brides and grooms. Other options for including children are having them do a reading, or if musically inclined, play or sing for the wedding.  

To symbolize the new family, some couples choose to do a “medallion” ceremony as part of the wedding ceremony. This custom of giving children a medallion to commemorate the new family is a great way to make them feel like part of the ceremony and the new family.  A unique keepsake gift personally engraved (i.e., their name and/or your names & wedding date), would serve as a very appropriate “medallion” for any new family member to commemorate your event.

Do consider having the children walk in with you and your groom at the reception, and also have your MC announce you as a family. You might also seat the children at the head table. Once the new bride and groom have had their first Mr. and Mrs. dance, consider a dance with the children before opening the floor to other guests. 

By keeping these easy ideas and suggestions in mind, you will be providing the children that special attention they so often need under these circumstances, and it certainly can only prove to be a plus in the success of your future blended family.  The unique memory you specifically create for them will be a “heart print” for a long time. Just remember........do include the children in whatever way(s) seems appropriate and is a fit for you and your fiance' (and of course, the child!!) in your particular situations, and you’ll surely not regret that decision! 

If First Avenue Wedding Favors can be of any assistance with wedding guest favors, reception or party favors & table decorating ideas, or personalized gift ideas for attendants and special people who will be there to help, please drop us an email.  We will do our best!

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

My Memories Of That Special Day 

As a young girl I remember going to my first Wedding.  I was about six years old and the Bride was my Fathers cousin.  This was such a big deal for me. I had met her Fiancé recently, and he was so charming to me as a young girl. He made me grin from ear to ear.  The Bride to be, I thought to be one of the prettiest women I’d met on any give day.  I was about to have a chance to see her on her special day where she would be like the Princesses in the Story books.  To be one of the invited guests at this celebration was like a dream come true for me.

This event would launch me into the dream of my very own wedding day.  When the time had finally come...the period of our engagement had my head spinning with a rush of ideas, plans and to be honest ‘stress’. The challenge would be with all the decisions that needed to be made, each time the same question would arise - which ‘one’ do I chose? Do I have a beach themed wedding and use beach wedding favors? Or should have have a garden wedding?
 I knew what this day meant. I wanted to make sure that now that my day had come I wanted to make it everything I had dreamt of. I would picture my little 7 year old niece coming that day with all the joy and excitement I had all those years before.

For this one day I would spend a great deal of time and effort planning, right down to every last detail.  The ceremony, the elegant wedding favors, the floral arrangements, the centerpiece, even the use of color I would revise a million times in my head until I could find those perfect items that were a reflection of the Groom and I and our life together.  It would be a day that everyone could remember with nothing but satisfaction and happiness.  To think that my niece would walk away with fantacies of her very own wedding day, dreaming and planning

I have to admit as I matured my ideas did get modified and I’m thankful that I did not end up with a ‘Gone with the Wind’ theme complete with parasols and giant crinolines that make us all look like teacups turned upside down.  My simple gown was Elegant, the ceremony was romantic and the day to us was ‘enchanting’.  I was the Princess in the Story book that day and my Groom was my Prince charming.  I still smile when I think back on it.  Next month, my Niece gets married and she came to me for help with planning because she ‘did’ remember me being her Story book Princess that Day too.

Do you need wedding reception favors?

With all of your planning and preparation that involves a wedding many newlyweds are glad to simplify plans to make the planning go smoother. While there are some components of your wedding that not necessary to have, if you doubt the need for wedding favors you should consider how important they can be before deciding against them.  Wedding favors will benefit your ceremony besides as gifts for your wedding guests, although that is their most important and primary function. There are numerous reasons why for their need and ideas for wedding favors or related gifts are important, here are just a few.

Wedding favors will make your family and friends feel appreciated for participating in your celebration. Sometimes the bride and groom are overwhelmed in the ceremony and may not have time to spend with each individual and presenting them with a gift of gratitude is a way of letting them know you are grateful.

They can also be used to accent your wedding décor and can fill any gaps in your decorations or serve as decorations themselves.

Attractive favors on each reception table will add to the look of your ceremony and may replace table centerpieces or other decorations, and set the theme.

Party favors also serve as great mementos and keepsakes, and may also have many uses if the right items are selected.

Another consideration is that favors placed on your reception tables can be a great way to get your guest to interact if they are items that will get them involved in the celebration.

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event and should be fun, part of that fun is getting everyone invited to participate. If you are using a flower girl and ring bearer it may be a good idea to have them pass out gifts at each table.

Regardless if your nuptials are following tradition or if the marriage rites are formal or informal, there is a favor that compliments the ceremonial ritual.

Matrimony is a sacred rite that is taken seriously by the bride and groom and both families so the chose of favors should reflect that commitment.

Fast Planning and Inexpensive - 25 Days and Nothing saved for this!

It was a somber day early in December 2000.  After battling cancer for two years, my husband’s friend has passed away and this hard working couple’s plans to enjoy every minute together and retire early would never come to fruition.    Her husband was over for dinner, spending time with friends in conversation to keep busy and distracted. 

My husband and I had been living together for several months.  We talked of how it would send a good message to his daughter for us to get married and make a commitment on a permanent level.   His friend asked when this would happen.  I jokingly said I’d always wanted to be married New Years Eve.  It’s a night that usually ends up with a lot of planning, hoopla and ends up falling short of our expectations.   He quickly said ‘I’m free this New Years!  What are you waiting for?  I saw his point very clearly.  The next thing I knew the wheels were in motion and we were planning a wedding.   With only 25 days and nothing saved for this event.

How was I going to do this?  First the location.   I really wanted to use a beautiful greenhouse down the street with a small chapel that was decorated with poinsettia and sparkling lights.   Would they do it?  No one wants to work on New Years, so here is what we negotiated: we will be in at 5, short ceremony with some pictures in your place and out by 6 pm, no later.  They agreed and said they would set things up with a minister.   We needed only one staff member at the chapel so the cost was minima.

 Then a caterer, with the same dilemma, no one wants to work New Years.  Okay then, the husband and wife who owned the business agreed to do this, we would serve at our house at 6 sharp, and they could clean up their stuff and be out no later than 7:30.  It was to serve approximately 30 people so not on a big scale and they directed me on what they thought would be good and keep their work and my costs down.  Our home would accommodate and serving area perfectly, so this was a done deal. 

I needed a dress, and my maid of honor; his 10 year old daughter, needed something to compliment mine too.  Off we went to the mall, and it being for the Holiday season, I quickly found a black velvet dress with leaf patterned sequins on the arm, and in sears the sharp shopping 10 year old found a black velvet dress with a subtle silver leaf patter on it to go with mine.   Since most all company Christmas parties were over by the middle of December the dresses were both greatly reduced. We picked up some brilliant red and black ties for the guys while we shopped too and they would wear suits they had all ready.  

Back to the green house now to order flowers.  With our colors picked it was so simple, two bouquets with deep red roses nestled into silver leaves and with some silver ribbons.   Finally, red roses for the guys and white roses for the parents and we were done.  A Readily available selection made this easy for the florist to do as they fit in with the season.  The hall was so nicely done not another thing was needed.  Our home was full of holiday decorations and we used these to accent the table for food and later the cake.   We shopped quickly for some wedding favors, a guest book and some decorative wedding items like a fancy pen to sign the book to give it the feel of a wedding.  I was quite pleased at how it came together.

Initiations went out by email and I followed up with phone calls and I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone would be coming.   With December 22^nd just days away, all we needed was the marriage license and the town office would be closed until the New Year on that Friday.  I called my soon to be husband relentlessly to see what progress he made with the license.  He’s not the best for ‘follow through’.  This was making me an anxious mess and I was reaching a boiling point.  What would we do if we had no license?   On that Friday just after lunch he called and said he was on his way to the courthouse to pick up the documents and I was to meet him at the town office to get the license.  A few hurdles to get this done but just minutes after the office closed we walked out with our marriage license in hand.  

The wedding was lovely despite the difficult drive in a blizzard for almost all the guests.   Everything happened as planned and people brought additional food for those that stayed for New Years for us to snack on.    My husbands’ uncle loves to photograph things so he offered to take all the pictures and he did a wonderful job.   With friends helping with food, and keeping it all very simple, the guest  list small, small and creating a theme that was based on the holiday season we pulled off an enjoyable, classy wedding on a very small budget.   I wasn’t planning on spending my wedding night cleaning the kitchen, or making breakfast the next day for my mother, my step-daughter, her friend, our best man and my new husband, however it made the event just perfect being surrounded by these people our first day as husband and wife.