Western Theme Wedding Accessories

Western Wedding
By Mano Tomas

When you are asked about the things that would come to your mind when you hear the word “wedding?” I am sure that the first things that would come into your mind are white gowns, suits, Bridal Chorus by Wagner and fine-dining reception. This is what a traditional wedding looks like.

However, you would find other wedding theme that would be a very extreme experience for you and all your visitors. This is the western wedding. A wedding theme that I would say is very different among the rest.

Western wedding is a very comfortable wedding theme because first of all, you need not to be on your formal attire. You will just arrive on your jeans, checkered polo and the signature cowboy hat. No one is going to wear a white gown, suits and ties. You would feel that you are attending a cowboy and cowgirl wedding. The ambiance and the outfits complete the theme.

A wedding is not complete without the music and it is the same with the western wedding. However, the music that the western wedding is using is country music. I’m sure the bride would feel awkward walking with the music of Hank Williams Jr. or Keith Urban but it is worth the experience, right?

Say goodbye to waltz as the western wedding would ask you to do a western two step. What a difference it would make, right? Nevertheless, in the aspect of dancing, only one thing remains: the newlyweds would dance first and then the rest of the guest would follow.

Fine dining with delicate tableware would be a scrapped idea because you would enjoy a nice barbeque on a plastic plate. In western wedding, you would finally know the true meaning of dig in. That is enjoying eating while drinking a mug of beer on the other hand. You would be able to have a very fun time eating while talking to other guests.

Setting the table for the reception is not that expensive because the tables that you are going to use can be as simple as a picnic table. Then the central decorations can be made from cowboy hats with flowers. You would not think of how much the decoration would cost because you are just going to use very cheap and readily available materials.

Garters? Bouquet catching? You will have more activities with the western wedding. The coordinators can set up auctions, riding shows, rodeos, etc. in order to give the guests a very fun time. The kids can also have their own activities like riding pony and feel like children who are growing up in a country setting.

There is nothing wrong in trying other wedding themes. You would definitely like the western wedding because you would finally feel their way of living and concept of fun. No one is stopping you from enjoying the wedding and besides, it is your special day. It will not hurt you to be wild for a night in the wild wild west on the day of your wedding.

Mano Tomas photographer videographer more than 28 years of experience in the field of entertainment. For all Your Wedding Needs, visit www.mgproduction.ca

Weddings Ideas to Go Green, And to Give Back

by Linda Ellison

Are you a “bride-zilla”? Hopefully not. This term was of course coined for the bride who goes overboard in her demands for her wedding, even throwing temper tantrums when things aren’t quite going her way.

Fortunately, not all brides are like this, and not only are they absolutely joyful during “their” day, but some couples even use the occasion of their wedding to express their concern for others, and concern for the environment. Any bride and groom can use their big day as an opportunity to give back to the community and to show respect for the earth, with the right socially conscious wedding ideas. Here are just a few:

Stay simple and as small as possible. More guests mean more transportation, more food, and more energy. Fewer guests mean less waste and less consumption. Keep all your wedding ideas tasteful but modest.

Cut down on the auto emissions by using fewer cars to and from the ceremony. If you must use limos, use just one for the men and one for the women. Better yet, skip the limousines and use compact cars. If you can find a horse-drawn carriage, consider this as an eco-friendly wedding idea, not just a romantic one!

Many brides are setting up websites to share with friends and family all the plans they’re making for the wedding and to post photos, the story of how the couple met, and so on. Another eco-friendly wedding idea is to use this website as a means of getting your invitation RSVPs as well, to eliminate both the paper used for the cards and the gasoline used to deliver them.

Use recycled material as much as possible. This means napkins, place cards for the seating chart, matchbook covers, and whatever other paper wedding ideas you have at your reception. You can even shop for invitations that are made from recycled paper as well; many invitation companies offer this option.

Avoid the word “disposable.” This only refers to something that’s going to be used once and thrown away. For some years, a popular wedding idea has been to leave disposable cameras at each table of the reception hall for guests to take candid shots, but this means several dozen disposable cameras thrown away within a few days. Multiply that by the number of weddings that happen across the U.S. every weekend and you see why the landfills are so … full.

In addition to recycled material, cut down on WHAT you use as well. Have one main menu for each table placed attractively in the middle rather than a separate menu for each guest. This principle can apply for all your wedding ideas that are printed – forego so many of the inserts in your invitations that are unnecessary, such as the blotter sheet, the inner envelope, and so on.

And the decorations are another area where you can be simple to conserve and cut back on energy usage. Everyone wants a breathtaking venue and reception hall and your wedding ideas may be something grand in scale, but consider getting creative with decorations that can be reused. For example, stringing lights around artificial trees can add a beautiful touch to any wedding – both the lights and the trees can be taken home to reuse.

Potted plants are better than cut flowers, balloons, and crepe paper, all of which will just be thrown away. Speak with your florist about what wedding ideas there are for blooming plants that will add just the right color and style for your location; guests can then take the plants home afterward. Use candles for the ceremony and reception as much as possible (being mindful of safety of course). This wedding idea will not only add a romantic feel, it will cut back on energy usage from lights.

Making things simple can also apply to your menu. Many couples forego a full dinner because of budget reasons, but think about how much energy is used to make a multiple-course meal for hundreds. To save some energy, make your reception wedding ideas simple. By having a smaller wedding later in the evening you can offer a simple appetizer and dessert menu, saving not only energy but money as well. Speak to your caterer openly and candidly about what you’re looking for.

And be mindful of your wedding ideas when it comes to favors as well. Make sure you’re choosing items that will be used and appreciated; many brides have given up the option of bottled water with personalized labels, as some fail to recycle the bottles. Whatever your choice of favors, be sure that it’s something that guests will keep and appreciate.

And the most responsible and conscientious thing that couples are doing today with their wedding ideas is making sure that not even the leftover food goes to waste. Before your ceremony, get in touch with a local soup kitchen and arrange to have any leftovers donated, if possible. You can even get your guests involved and ask that they donate to a favorite charity in lieu of gifts to you, or choose gifts that can be given to a local children’s hospital, homeless shelter, and so on. These are great socially conscious wedding ideas for the couple that is getting married after having already established a household, meaning that they have little need for the typical blenders, toasters, and so on.

All of these socially conscious wedding ideas are just some ways that brides and grooms can show their concern and respect for the environment and for others. Many are keeping in mind that while it’s “their” day, it’s “our” planet, and there’s no better time to show your appreciation for that than with your own generous and original wedding ideas.

Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit www.FavorsAndWraps.com to read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.

Choosing Your Wedding Invitations and Calligrapher

by Dayna Bischof

What You Should Know.
Before you purchase your wedding invitations or correspondence stationery, you need to become familiar with paper quality. The quality of paper you select is very important. Not only because premium paper makes for a more lovely presentation for your recipient, but excellent quality paper is critical if you are using professional, handwritten calligraphy for your envelopes.

The Heirloom.
Your wedding invitation is your heirloom keepsake. Choose stationery that won’t fall apart over time. For example, 100 percent cotton or linen is best. If you are hiring a professional calligrapher to address your wedding envelopes, then avoid the following: thin papers like those of inexpensive greeting card quality, papers made with wood pulp, and handmade or recycled papers. Calligraphy ink may bleed on handmade and recycled stocks.

What to Avoid.
Try to stay away from dark papers or the use of liners in your envelopes. The most formal wedding invitations, at one time, were not accompanied by lined envelopes. Liners have become more popular recently, this is true. However, I often wonder if liners were introduced to create the illusion of “substance” to mask otherwise “thin” paper. If you choose heavy weight premium paper, then a liner is not necessary. If you are “sold” on liners, because you wish to incorporate your wedding color into your invitations, then consider instead: a silk ribbon tied around the invitation with a parchment overlay. Or print an envelope seal in your wedding color on the back flap of your outer envelope. Monograms make wonderful envelope seals. Lastly, because dark colors and liners make envelopes opaque and can also affect writing results, calligraphers may charge more to address these flavors of envelopes.

The Toughie.
How do you choose premium paper? Stationery is usually measured in bond weight. A good piece of paper is thirty-two or forty-pound bond. And hundred-pound offset is roughly equal to forty-pound bond. Heavy cards should be made of three-ply stock. Ask your vendor about their paper quality if you are unsure. Also, here are two great tests for paper quality for envelopes. Hold the envelope up to the light. Is the envelope feathery, very thin and extremely easy to see through? Can you write on it with a good fountain pen, or does the ink bleed? Professional calligraphers use fountain and dip inks. I always tell my clients, “Exquisite calligraphy can only be achieved on the finest paper.”

In Sum.
Choose a reputable wedding vendor for your wedding invitations and correspondence. And remember, if the quoted prices are “too-good-to-be-true”, then the paper and calligraphy services most likely are not.

Dayna Bischof is a master calligrapher who operates a hand lettering, graphic design studio – www.calligraphylady.com Her education is in language, literature and art. Her unique wedding invitations have been featured in bridal magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, CosmoBride and the Knot. She also specializes in logos and graphic design for corporate identities. Her graphic design portfolio may be viewed at www.daynabischof.com

Bridal Shoes – Resolve to Be More Fun in 2009

by Unia A. Griffin

Choosing bridal shoes used to involve a monumental decision between colors as widely varied as white, ivory, and ecru. Then the lucky bride picked a heel that ranged between middling high and middling low, and none of it mattered because her shoes were completely hidden by her floor-sweeping wedding gown.

If you love the traditional bridal look, there are still plenty of classic options. But if you were hoping for something a little wilder, you’re in luck. The latest bridal shoe collections are fun, chic, and offer enough variety – real variety – to satisfy anyone.

The first thing you’ll notice is color, color, color. As the white wedding dress becomes less and less of a must, there are more opportunities to explore your options with your shoes. You can choose shoes to pick up highlights in your wedding gown or match a colored sash, or even (though this is trickier) shoes to match a favorite color from your bouquet.

If you prefer not to have an exact match, look at coordinating or complimentary colors. And if you’d like to you’d to be entirely out of the realm of matchiness, gold shoes will go with most white gowns, with or without colored highlights. Another nice touch is to choose shoes that match your bridesmaids’ dresses. It’s a nice little shout-out to your girls, and it visually unifies your wedding party.

A fun trend for the New Year is bridal shoes with contrasting heel colors. They add a playful touch to your look, and are a sly way to draw the eye down to make sure people appreciate your full ensemble. Black-and-white is a striking and elegant look, but you can also play with a neutral color for the shoe and bright, fruity colors for the heels. A pastel shoe with a deeply-colored heel is an intriguing (and pretty) look, but if you’re a girl who’s gotta be daring, you can find bright-on-bright as well.

Shine is also big for 2009. Patent leather and other, more vegetarian-friendly materials are a great way to add some zing to a shoe in a neutral color… or to make a bold color even bolder. A few discreet crystals have always been welcome on a wedding shoe, but now you’ll see much more bling aimed at your feet. Not only will you see more and bigger crystals and beads available, you’ll see jewels of all kinds. Still not enough? You may want to walk a few feathers down the aisle, or meet the discreet little bow’s sassy younger sister, the Big Honkin’ Look-at-Me Bow.

Finally, let’s go back to that traditional full-length wedding gown. Though it may be traditional, it can be your toes’ best friend – since it completely covers your shoes, you can get away with just about anything. You can dress for comfort – If you’re in pink fuzzy slippers, who’s gonna know? – or you can skip a step and go ahead and wear the cha-cha heels you were planning on changing into for the reception. You can use your dress to keep your own little secret, of course. Or you could wear the wildest, naughtiest, most dangerous shoes you’ve got and every now and then discreetly lift your skirt to give your guests a glimpse of scandal… and your groom something to think about.

Unia Griffin is a contributing writer at OnedWed.com Wedding Planning. She writes about chic wedding dresses, non-traditional wedding shoes, wedding organization, and basically everything wedding.

Wedding Cakes and the Guests Who Love Them – Buying Tips to Protect Your Wallet and Tastebuds

by Jim D. Kim

Wedding cakes…a brief overview.

As a young lass (or lad) growing up, you’re probably used to cake at parties. After all, a birthday party without cake and candles is really just a get together in my book. That said, for the grandest of your parties, you must have the grandest of all cakes!

I’m not going to go into a lot of detail about what a wedding cake is. If you don’t know that by now, you have problems too big to solve through a web article.

But simple as they are, here are the FAQs most couples have when purchasing.

Are they expensive?
Yeah. They’re a lot of dough! Sorry. Couldn’t help it. On average, Americans spend $575 on their wedding cakes and average around $3 per slice.

Why do some wedding cakes taste really bad? Are they frozen or baked fresh?
Ever been to a really great wedding, eaten a delicious meal, and had it topped off with a something that tasted like styrofoam wrapped in stale butter? Chances are good that the cake you ate was baked the night (or two) before and frozen until ready for serving. Not all frozen cakes are bad. They are baked to be frozen, and most good bakers know how to bake in a way to preserve the moistness and flavor you expect (and pay a fortune for).

Most bakers are reluctant to tell you whether your cake will be baked fresh or frozen beforehand. But you’ll get a good ideas based on how many weddings they can do in a weekend. If they’re serving cakes for 10+ weddings in a single weekend and it’s a small one-shop operation, there’s a pretty good chance the cake is being frozen beforehand. Otherwise, it’s mathematically impossible to bake 10 huge cakes in one morning.

How do bakers set their price?
One of the big cost drivers is the number of levels of your cake, or in cake parlance: “Tiers.” The higher the number of tiers, the more baking there is to do. Not only that, wedding cakes become more fragile as you add tiers. This adds to the complexity when delivering and will increase your pricetag.

Also, you should consider whether the cake tiers should be stacked right on top of each other, Big Mac-style. Or if you want small columns separating the layers of the cake.

Should I get fondant vs. buttercream frosting?
In my opinion, this decision comes down to one of taste vs design. People who make wedding cakes love fondant because it frees up their design possibilities. You can color fondant to any shade (think Tiffany blue!), mold it to any shape, and it’s easy for the baker to work with.If you plan on an elaborate design, or prefer an untextured look, fondant is for you. Be warned, however, that many people don’t like the way fondant tastes. It has a thick waxy feeling to it and is very sweet. It’s something to be tasted before purchased.

Buttercream frosting is when your focus is on taste. Hello people?! It’s got the word “butter” AND “cream” in it. The word alone tastes delicious! Buttercream is more of a traditional frosting style for wedding cakes, because of it’s white color and universal taste appeal. It can be used for almost any cake flavor (fruit filled, chocolate, vanilla, etc.).

What flavors do wedding cakes come in?
It used to be that you could have any flavor as long as it was vanilla or chocolate. But…oh how the times have changed! These days you can fill your cake with just about any type of fruit, liquer or cream center. You can even mix the cake layers so some are different flavors from others. A surefire way to find the first compromise for a newlywed couple! Be warned, however, that some bakers will charge you extra for having multiple flavors in the same cake. Definitely ask upfront if this is the case with your baker.

What fruit fillings go in wedding cakes?
If you decide to go with a fruit filling (and I highly recommend that you do, and then invite me to eat the leftovers), you should always be focused on picking a fruit that is in season at the time of your event. Remember that wedding cakes are ordered well in advance of the wedding day, so the fruits in season at the time of order may be different than what’s in season on the wedding day.

Ordering out of season fruit generally increases the cost, and adds risk that your cake won’t taste as fresh baked.

How does a cake that big fit into the backseat of my Civic?
Great question. It doesn’t. It fits into the back of your baker’s cargo van, and sometimes they charge you for this service. Make sure you ask if there are delivery fees associated with the cake. This can be hidden, so be sure to ask. Also ask how much decorating the baker will do when they drop the wedding cakes off. Will the dress it with flowers? Or leave it on the door step for someone else to “deal” with?!

What about the cake provided by the wedding reception site?
What about ignoring it? That cake is being outsourced to a baker skilled in the creation of wedding cakes, then it’s being brought to your wedding and added to your bill with a nice profit markup for the reception hall. There is almost no instance when it makes sense to order this cake over one you can get direct from a baker.

Be warned, however, that some reception facilities will CHARGE you for bringing in a different cake. They will refer to it as a “plating” fee or some other such nonsense, but it can cost over $1 per person if your facility charges such a fee. Better to ask upfront to avoid any surprises to your budget.

How many cake pieces do I need?
All you need is this formula: # of Guests – 10 = Number of Pieces needed.

Are wedding cakes coordinated with the reception flowers and other decorations?
You bet they are. In fact, wedding cakes are often the centerpiece of the décor for many weddings. Your baker will be familiar with his/her role as it relates to dressing up the cake for the wedding. But you should always discuss specifically what the baker will do upon delivering the cake. Sometimes the florist decorates the cake, but many bakers are happy to use the flowers that are being used for your wedding. But that means the florist needs to set aside some flowers to be used as cake decorations, and that means the flowers need to be delivered before the cake is delivered. See how that all ties together?

Keep in mind too that when using fresh flowers as cake decorations, be sure that none of them have been sprayed with pesticides or other inedible chemicals.

What do I do about a cake cutter?
Traditionally, couples pulled out a fancy cake cutter (like Excalibur or something) to make the ceremonial first cut of the wedding cake. The cake cutter then became another memento from the big day. If budget is an issue, we suggest you add a cake cutter to your gift registry as an item a guest might provide for you.

Alternatively, bear in mind that the reception halls almost always have a decorative cake cutter you use for your cake cutting. That prevents you from having to buy your own.

What is the groom’s cake? And do I need one?
Traditionally, the groom’s cake was a dark fruitcake and was sometimes served by the groom during the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes the groom’s cake was a few small cakes that were individually wrapped and handed out to guests to take home. The female guests would tuck these cakes under their pillows that night and dream of the man they would one day marry!

Today, the groom’s cake is still popular at southern weddings but in other regions it is seen as a completely optional way to add some extra flair to the wedding. It’s the one opportunity the groom has to show his affection for football with a cake shaped like a football helmet! Usually the cakes are dark (outside and filling), and there’s a good chance if you order it from the same place making the wedding cake, you can get a pretty significant discount on it.

Looking for more cheap wedding cake ideas? Then, be sure to visit us here!

Jim Kim, Contributor
http://www.wedding-budget-tips.com

Free Wedding Budget Planner

Before you start planning for your big day, you need to know exactly how much money you have to work with! Our free wedding budget planner can help you to get organized and stay focused during your wedding planning. Click on the link below to get your free copy today.

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Bridal Shower Games Ideas- Apron Game

If you are looking for fun bridal shower games ideas, you will enjoy the Apron Game. This video will show you step-by-step how to play. The great thing is that most if not all of the items can be found in your kitchen!

Choosing a Wedding Photographer – 10 Tips to Help You Evaluate & Choose a Wedding Photographer

by John Huegel

Here are 10 tips to help you evaluate and choose a wedding photographer.

1.Style. You will need to be familiar with the photographer’s work to see if it matches your expectations. Some shoot in a photojournalistic style, where they do not stage a lot of action and try to capture the day as a series of images. Some are more forward and direct and organize the shots. Some have very traditional framing, while others utilize interesting camera angles and perspectives. Some stick to traditional color editing while others lean toward more effects, black/white or sepia. You can get a certain amount of flexibility from a photographer, but do not expect a photographer whose style does not match your needs to be able to change drastically.

2.Personality. You will be spending a lot of time with this person, so you will need to be very comfortable with him or her. Make sure that your family and the photographer will be compatible. Do you develop a rapport with the photographer on the first call or meeting, and feel good when you hang up the phone?

3.References. The best references come from people who have used the photographer. If you heard about them through friends, they come highly regarded. If you found them through a search, ask to see sample images and talk to brides or others for whom they have worked in the past.

4.Coverage. Be clear about how much time you will need for coverage. Include your morning “getting ready” time, preparation at the ceremony location, formals and other bridal images and reception time. Share your time line so the photographer knows how match their services with your expectations.

5.Offerings. Some photographers only offer “shoot and burn”, meaning you are left to weed through hundreds of raw images and decide what to do with them. Others offer only printed products, and often produce excellent quality prints and albums. Still others may offer both prints/albums and digital files. Think about what you would like, and be honest about whether you will actually produce a good representation of your wedding with just the digital files. Take caution in thinking that a local digital lab will make images with the same quality as a professional photography lab, which color balances the images and uses high quality non-glossy printing processes. A few dollars saved may cost you a lot of satisfaction in the long run.

6.Pricing. It is hard to compare photographers’ offerings to each other. In order to do so, you may want to define a couple of scenarios and ask the photographers to price them to the best of their ability. Be cautious here as well: The cheapest photographer may not be the best. You will want to find your mix of value, quality and product offering.

7.Product Choices. Look for a range of products from prints to canvas products to a large selection of books and albums. Even if you are interested mostly in digital prints, it is highly recommended to choose a photographer who can produce good large prints and albums, because their experience in making these images indicates they have the skills and resources to produce good products, whether they are electronic or printed. Plus, you may change your mind later and want a professional album.

8.Digital Files. Many brides today are looking for access to the images. Many photographers offer this service. Ask whether the images will be edited or raw, and what degree of editing will be performed. What size or resolution will be offered. Will a release be granted to let you print them at a lab? Are there any restrictions on your use of the images? Most photographers will retain the copyright and ownership and grant you a license for private use. That is normal.

9.Credentials. Does the photographer belong to any professional associations? Are they insured with liability coverage? Do they have a particular education or certification that you are looking for? Credentials are not everything, but they do indicate whether the photographer is actively growing and experimenting with new techniques.

10.Lifetime Relationship. You may not think of this now, but the photographer you choose may be the same one who takes you maternity and baby pictures, family portraits and perhaps even your children’s senior portraits in 20 years! Choose your photographer carefully!

Best of luck in your wedding!

John Huegel is a photographer in the Erie, Pennsylvania area who specializes in Seniors, Dance Studio, Families and other groups. He is active in many charitable and volunteer activities in the Erie area. His work can be seen at http://jhphotomusic.com

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Top 10 Trends in Wedding Invitations in 2009

by Jackson Rachel

Wedding invitations are affected by general trends, and there is no reason to think that 2009 will be any different. Some of the trends of 2009 are continuations of the popular ideas of 2008, while other trends are just beginning to gain popularity. When designing your wedding invitations, choose what you like best, and leave behind what you do not. It is important that you design an invitation that reflects the style of you and your future spouse. While you may undoubtedly want to be aware of what is popular and what is not when making your choices, there is no reason to choose something because of its popularity. Instead, use these ideas as starting points when designing your dream wedding invitation.

Continue to save the date
Save the date cards continue to be a popular addition to the wedding invitations package. These cards especially come in handy if you are planning a wedding in June, September or around the holidays, since they are traditionally busy times of the year. A save the date card should be sent out as early as possible. This allows your guests to avoid making plans for that day. Many invitations come with a specific save the date card that coordinates when the celebration will take place. Choosing coordinated save the date cards and invitations means making a decision early on about which design you are going to use. It also adds a nice level of customizations to your invitations.

Color, color, color
Whether bold or subtle, color is a big part of wedding invitations in 2009. Modern printing techniques make it easier than ever to add color from the writing on the envelope lining to the card stock. Colors that were once used primarily for contemporary invitations, has become so widespread that even the most traditional wedding invitations currently use these colors.

Extending a Theme
Does your wedding have a theme? Whether you are having an outdoor wedding, a candlelight service or a wedding on the beach, you can customize your invitations to include some mention of the theme. Confetti in your envelopes or a simple candle drawing on the front of the invitations is an easy way to integrate your theme into your wedding invitations.

Do it yourself invitations
Many people have become taken with the idea of do it yourself invitations. Do it yourself invitations allow you to save some money when planning your wedding, but they also allow you greater control over your finished product. Do it yourself invitations are a great way to create a 100% customized look for your invitations while still keeping control of your budget.

Destination invitations
More and more, couples are choosing destination weddings as a low stress way to have a memorable wedding ceremony. If you are planning a destination wedding, choosing an invitation that is made specifically for the occasion is a great way to provide your guests with a memento of the event as well as being certain that all the invitation provides all of the information they will need to plan their trip.

Adding a photograph
Adding a photograph to your wedding invitations is another choice that may be popular in 2009. As stated before, technology has made this an easy option. Adding a photograph of the happy couple is a wonderful way to personalize your invitations without adding a great deal to the cost of the invitations.

Couples invitations
More and more, men are becoming involved in the planning of the wedding. In the past, weddings were typically planned by the bride, her mother and her friends. Today, it is common for the groom to have an interest and opinion on all parts of the ceremony. Couples invitations are a way to display this relationship, and will become more popular in 2009.

Adding a favor
A small favor added to your invitation is becoming a more popular option. If you are having a theme or destination wedding, including a favor is a great way to add some needed information. For the theme wedding, a small candle for a candlelight service is a thoughtful touch. For a beach vacation, a small tote bag with information from the area chamber of commerce is a thoughtful choice. While adding favors to the wedding invitations is a thoughtful touch, and becoming more popular, the cost can add up quickly. Adding favors to invitations typically works best if you are planning a small ceremony, and expect most of your invitees to attend.

Personalize your wedding stationery
Personalization is another area that has been improved greatly by technology. New methods of printing have made many more options available than ever before. This means that the engaged couple can add ribbons, pictures and trinkets, not to mention colored fonts, customized edgings and many other options to stock invitations. This allows standard invitations to look completely personalized.

Colors as neutrals
While adding color as a bold statement has become increasingly popular, color as a neutral is becoming more common as well. This means that a traditional invitation may be pastel pink rather than ivory, or mint green rather than white. Using colors as neutrals continues to grow in popularity as more people become accustomed to seeing colors as part of the wedding invitations.

Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events. Ms. Jackson often writes about specific aspects of a wedding such as the wedding invitations.

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