Wedding Infatuated

When you have guests that travel a great distance to go to your wedding, it is a nice idea to get them a gift. The first gift you may give your guests is a discounted hotel rate. If you contact a local hotel and inform them that you have a large number of rooms that need to be reserved they may offer you a discount. If they don’t offer you can ask. Chances are you can cut some sort of deal.

Gifts can be simple or elegant. You may consider purchasing massages or mani-pedis for everyone. Perhaps a round of golf is more appropriate. Whatever it is that your guests enjoy doing, take some time to determine what they might enjoy receiving. Other nice gifts include well thought out gift baskets, hotel robes, a box of fine chocolates or tickets to a show. Have fun shopping around. Then, since you have already arranged for all your out-of-town guests to stay in one hotel, you can simply drop your gifts off with the hotel staff and request that they either present the gift as your guests are checking in or you may request that the gifts are placed in the room before their arrival. Either way, it’s nice to leave a tip for whoever will handle this. Don’t forget to attach a tag to your gift thanking them for coming.

Since you will be so preoccupied so close to your wedding date it is nice to let your out-of-town guests know that their presence is noticed and appreciated. The gift doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagent but letting them know you care should mean a lot.  

No longer are satchels full of jordan almonds the “it” wedding favor (even though I do love those pastel colored almonds!). Now there are literally hundreds of thousands of options out there. You want to give a favor that says, “thanks for coming”. At the same time they need to match the decor. Favor shopping is actually my least favorite part of the entire wedding planning process. With all the options out there it becomes quite overwhelming. However, here are a few resources and ideas to help you out.

www.treesoflife.org

Since most favors are simply consumed or tossed out before the first dance even begins, consider donating a tree, book or some other resources through Trees of Life for each of your guests. Make a short announcement letting them know that that is your gift to them and everyone will likely love the sentiment. This non-profit organization improves the world through education. When you donate a tree (at the cost of a dollar each) a farmer will learn how to raise their tree. This farm is then asked to pass off two seeds and teach two others how to do the same asking the students to pass on their knowledge as well.

www.betsyann.com

Betsy Ann chocolates are a delicious way to thank your guests. Send them off with a tasty truffle and they’re sure to be thankful.

Your Florist

Instead of displaying a large bouquet of flowers for your centerpiece try creating several smaller bouquets that each guest can bring home with them.

Invitation Provider 

Many of these companies also carry favors now and you can sometimes receive a shipping discount. When it comes to the wedding budget, every penny counts.

Local Wholesale Stores

Occasionally the wholesale stores will offer a set of inexpensive vases, candleholders, etc. Shop around and you may just strike gold.

Local Printer

Your local print shop can print a wedding logo on nearly anything. Discuss your ideas with your printer and they’ll like give you a discounted bulk rate.

Wedding Favor Websites

I didn’t list any specific website here because, after a lot of searching, it turns out they’re all basically the same. The same candy bar wrappers, the same heart shaped measuring spoons, the same candy dishes. While most of the favors are beautiful, your best bet is to find what you want and shop around for the best price.

The Nursery

Nurseries will often sell you small potted plants if you ask for them in advance. Pick your planter out of their wholesale catalog and they’ll make sure you have all the blooms you need. You may also consider buying saplings. Attach a tag with your names and wedding date on one side and planting instructions on the other.

The Pet Store

Get your guests fish. Buy small attractive containers and a fish for each. If you go this route, however, be sure that you’re prepared to take on a few fish yourself.

Whichever route you go your guests are sure to love whatever you get them.  

When it comes to planning a wedding the devil is in the details. Every little rose petal, every table linen, every wisp of hair matters. Since there are so many small details to worry about it can often be a hassle when it comes to shopping for these items. It can be quite handy to find all your wedding accessories in one place. This is why I suggest visiting Weddingstar.

This website has everything from cute little honeymoon flip flops to garters, from children’s gifts to guestbooks. I think the thing I like the most about this site, however, is their variety of themed wedding offerings. Whether your theme is Calla lilies or Ireland they have sets for you. If you have a bronze theme, pink and brown theme, butterfly theme, they have a selection of decor for you. Even if you haven’t picked a theme yet, this site may really help get those ideas flowing.

Are you looking for fun and unique wedding favors? Weddinstar offers hundreds of different favors and the best part is you can order samples before making a large purchase. You don’t have to buy in bulk here so you can really see what the favors will look like before you commit to buy.

Wherever you choose to shop for your wedding accessories and favors just try to look for a one stop shop. If you do this you will ensure that your items will match, you can sometimes find a bulk discount and you will save a lot of time and energy.

Your bridesmaids have been with you through thick and thin, tears and joy. They’ve help you stay sane during the crazy ups and downs of wedding planning. They are sure to be even more helpful when you’re scraping to get together enough people to decorate the reception hall. To reward all their loyalty and hard work it is only right to get them something to show your appreciation.

Most women give their bridesmaids jewelry, wine or gift baskets. If, however, you would like to make your gift a little more fun try some of these great ideas:

Spa Date with the Girls

As your gift to your bridesmaids, take them all out to a nice spa for manicures or massages. Many spas even offer special group packages complete with a champagne brunch. What’s more fun than getting pampered and yammering on with the girls? A trip like this is sure to create some fun memories.

Party!

If you enjoy going out on the town with your ladies, why not throw them a party? Instead of a bachelorette party, which is all about the bride-to-be, make the bash all about your bridesmaids. Take them out for some drinks and dancing. Do a little drunken karaoke. Just have fun!

A Nice Meal

If your group is a little more tame, than the party crew, take the ladies out for a nice meal. Go to a nice restaurant and have fun just catching up. There’s a good chance that you have been a little distant lately, with all the planning, so this can be a nice way to shoot the breeze and reconnect. 

Check your local bed and breakfast locations for any special events. Some places will do a nice brunch every week. Other locations will host a high tea. For a little extra fun you might search for dinner mysteries. 

Whatever you do, the most important thing is to just show your bridesmaids how much you appreciate them.  

 For more advice on unique gift ideas, visit Argyle Gifts’ gift guide.