Wedding Trends

While most people select wedding favors for the bridal party and guests, special attention may not be paid to two very important participants – the flower girl and the ring bearer. Picking out personalized favors for these two will help to create a truly memorable day for all involved.

Though they are part of the ceremony, these kids can be easily overlooked amidst the excitement. Special favors will remind the little ones that they are integral to the wedding and thank them for their participation.

Some wedding favors, such as chocolates or personalized stickers, can be fitting keepsakes for guests of all ages. Those who opt for more adult favors such as wine or drink mixes may want to consider picking up some sweet treats for the flower girl and ring bearer.

Present your favors to the children before the ceremony to ensure that they know how much their presence is appreciated. It may even give them a special boost of encouragement before they walk down the aisle!

Wedding planning experts say wine and bubbles are out … and personalized, edible wedding favors are in this season.

The couple's favorite candy bars can be wrapped in personalized candy wrappers as a fun and delicious treat for guests.

In addition to the large variety of pre-made designs and colors that are available, these personalized gifts can be printed with the couple's monogram or their picture for a unique favor.

Many couples choose a candy wrapper to complement their table décor, and place one at each place setting for their guests.

According to FavorIdeas.com, offerings for guests can be set up and displayed on a table with a small sign that says "Please take one" or "Thank you." However, some couples opt instead to have a waiter or other staff person distribute the products at a designated time during the party, or present the items themselves as guests are leaving the reception.

From sophisticated and classic to whimsical and fun, these personalized candy wrappers are sure to be a hit among all of the guests at your event!
 

According to KGO-TV, about 20 percent of all weddings are now destination weddings.

These celebrations can take place in any type of locale including beaches, out-of-town cities, foreign countries and other tourist destinations.

Experts say the economy may be the driving force behind the popularity of these celebrations.

"With the current economic situation, destination weddings have become the affordable option to have an extraordinary wedding without breaking the bank," said RomanceTravelConcierge.com's Melissa Tindage.

The reason why these sometimes elaborate weddings can be cheaper often comes down to numbers. Since fewer people will travel to go to a wedding, hosts save money on food, alcohol and other costs.

Regardless of where your destination wedding is held, expert planners say that a welcome bag or basket is a great way to make guests feel special when they arrive.

These can be assembled in advance and left with the front desk or concierge of the hotel to deliver to each guest's room.

According to TheKnot.com, essential items to include in these welcome bags include a detailed schedule, a local map, snacks, essentials specific to the location (i.e. sunscreen for a beach wedding) and bottled water.

Adding personal touches such as custom wedding water bottle labels or personalized wedding candy bars in the welcome bags can help build excitement and make guests feel included in your celebration.
 

The busy spring and summer wedding season is quickly approaching.

And, although official wedding invitations typically aren't sent until about eight weeks before the big day, sending save the date cards now is a great way to alert guests to the details of your celebration.

In addition to letting guests know that they're included on your guest list, this pre-wedding mailing will help out-of-towners and others make travel and lodging arrangements.

Besides including general information about your wedding location, date and time, the save the date card may also include details on lodging arrangements and an address to visit your wedding website so they can stay updated on plans and other developments before the big day.

Many styles of save the date cards are available. The variety allows couples to choose one that truly reflects their personalities as well as sets the tone for the wedding celebrations. Choosing a color or logo that will be repeated in your wedding décor or fashion is an ideal way to do this. You may also choose to include a picture of you and your fiancé on the card.

Remember that these cards will be the first impression your friends and family members will get about your wedding so it's important to leave a lasting one!
 

While couples often use a color scheme for a cohesive decor for their wedding, incorporating a shared passion into the theme can be just as beautiful and create a much more personalized atmosphere. But what's the best way to pull this off?

According to Brides magazine, begin by sitting down with your partner and making a list of the things you love to do together. Refrain from naming every shared interest you have – it can lead to an overwhelming and messy list of concepts – and instead stick to what you each care about most.

Next, think outside the box and try to creatively weave your passions into your affair, from the table settings to the wedding favors.

"Think of your wedding as the essence of yourselves, not a mirror image," the publication suggests. "If you have [Thai food] every Sunday…add Asian flavors, such as ginger and coconut, to the wedding cake, or set the table with bamboo flatware."

Finally, you can also use the location to further your theme.

"Consider an unexpected venue (library, zoo, museum) that truly reflects something about which you're passionate and that offers a clear glimpse into your lives together," the news source recommends.