Variety of Wedding Guest Books

Archive for the ‘Wedding Anniversary’ Category

Variety of Wedding Guest Books

Thursday, September 21st, 2006

Long after the wedding is over, the cake has been eaten, and the honeymoon is a distant memory, you will still have your wedding guest books as mementos of your special day. Many couples have more than one, but they come in different types. There is the traditional book that the guests sign when they come for the ceremony, and some choose to have a second type at the reception. This is more common for those who have smaller ceremonies, and then invite more friends and family for the reception only.

The most common type of wedding guest books can come in an array of colors, but the most common color is white. These are displayed with a pen, and guests sign their names, and sometimes add their addresses. These can be personalized with the name of the bride and groom on the front, along with the date and place of the ceremony.

The second kind of wedding guest books aren’t really books at all, but they serve the very same purpose. They are a reminder of everyone who shared your special day with you. This kind, however, can be more personal. A friend of mine had this at her wedding, but she didn’t know about it until the reception. Her maid of honor choose a large scrapbook, and placed pictures of the bride and groom from various times in their relationship on the front and on some of the pages. Guests could then sign the book, and leave a message. She had great fun reading what each guest had to say, and it was a great reminder of everyone who came, many of whom she doesn’t get to see very often.

This can also be accomplished with a large poster board and a photo of the couple. Space is limited, but guests can write a message on the poster board, or simply sign their names. You won’t find this in many places that sell wedding guest books, but a few companies have started offering pre-made versions for couples to use at their reception. If you like the idea of convenience you can buy one of these, or to save money, it might be fun to make your own.

As with most things, wedding guest books can be found in many places. If you can’t find what you are looking for locally, go ahead and search online. You may be surprised at the variety available, and some of the special touches that can be added. While you are shopping, don’t forget to get a quality pen to go with your book.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Honeymoon, Marriage, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Choosing the Perfect 50th Anniversary Gift

Monday, September 18th, 2006

Several months ago, I opened up my mailbox and sighed. Holding in my hand was an invitation to my best friend’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary party. I have known my best friend and her family for almost 30 years, so I am very close to all of them. There is no way I would miss such an important occasion, but yet, the idea of shopping for a 50th anniversary gift didn’t thrill me. I’m not a fan of shopping for presents like that. This is a very special milestone for them, I knew that I couldn’t just get them a generic present. I gave my RSVP with absolutely not a clue what would be appropriate 50th anniversary gift for such a wonderful couple.

I hit the mall in search of something unique. Other than the usual picture frames and candles, I came up with nothing. I mean, what do you get as a 50th anniversary gift for a couple who practically has everything? I didn’t want to buy them a gift that you can buy for anyone at anytime. I wanted something meaningful and special. That was easier said than done.

Finally, after some advice from co-workers, I came across a website that just thrilled me. The site www.seniorstore.com had a huge selection of ideas that cater to 50th anniversary gifts or any occasion presents for seniors. There were some really unique presents that I put some serious thought into. There were beautiful poems, books from the year of their marriage, photo albums, and even a gift basket with a collection of items from the year of their marriage. To me, a personalized basket was such a wonderful idea. It had some wonderful memorabilia in it and for only $100, it was the perfect 50th anniversary gift! I was very proud for having found it.

The party was very emotional and tons of fun. They got some wonderful gifts, but I was absolutely thrilled when their eyes lit up upon opening my gift basket. I knew that that the gifts inside the basket would bring help them bring back some past memories and possibly create some new ones as well. My best friend told me that she’d had a really hard time trying to come up with a special 50th anniversary gift for them, and was envious of the present I’d purchased. I told her about having found the site and some of the other ideas that I’d gotten from looking over their offerings. All you need is some creativity and not only can you find the perfect 50th anniversary gift, but you can create some presents that will be appreciated for any occasion. My parents have a few more years before their milestone, and I bet I know where I’ll be purchasing their 50th anniversary gift as well.

Posted in Gifts, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Original Wedding Anniversary Presents

Friday, August 18th, 2006

Wedding anniversaries are a time to let your partner know that they are special. It’s a chance to show your romantic side. They only come around once a year and heaven forbid that you forget one!

Some people like to be traditional and follow the set rules for anniversary presents, from paper for the first anniversary to diamonds for the sixtieth. It’s a long time to wait for diamonds. It would be an achievement to follow the anniversary presents list every single year. You may want to use your own imagination and knowledge of your partner, perhaps honoring the crystal, silver, pearl, ruby, gold, and diamonds for the landmark years.

The anniversary doesn’t have to be celebrated by anything tangible. Anniversary presents could include a special outing or experience. Perhaps you could organize a trip in a hot air balloon or a hang gliding lesson. You could put together your own romantic day, with a champagne picnic in a row boat on the river. That will probably be treasured more than expensive earrings or cuff links.

If you don’t want to organize something yourself, you can buy anniversary presents in the form of experience days, where the whole day is set up and you just enjoy. There’s everything from swimming with sharks (divorce is less dangerous), to a day in a health spa. If it’s difficult to decide on something you both like, you could take it in turns to choose.

There are some presents that can’t be gift wrapped but make a wonderful statement. Anniversary presents just need a bit of lateral thinking. A tree can be planted in your partner’s name, maybe in a place that means a lot to both of you. You could go beyond earth and name a star for your beloved. That star will carry that name forever and there will be a certificate of registration, so no one can take the name away. When you promised them the moon and the stars, you sort of did it! While you’re at it, you could have a favorite song played on the radio.

If you do want something that your partner can open and you can see the delight in their eyes when they unwrap their anniversary presents, you could buy a piece of original art. Make sure it’s to their taste and not just yours. A painting, a sculpture, or an antique that your partner has mentioned or hinted at! Why not compose your own poem. Romantic anniversary presents don’t come more personal than that. If your talents don’t lie in that direction, buy a book of love poems to be on the safe side. You can always rely on Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Posted in Family, Gifts, Living Together, Marriage, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Save the Date Announcements for Special Events

Sunday, June 25th, 2006

Save the date announcements are a great vehicle for informing friends and family about a special occasion that you would like them to share with you. Many of your potential guests will find the information useful if they have it in advance. The save the date announcements help your future guests to make plans for your event. They also help you make plans for your special event as well.

Part of the difficulty in organizing a special event is deciding on a time and a place for the occasion. The save the date announcements can be prepared weeks or even months in advance. This will help you solidify your time and place and this will help your guests organize their time around your party.

Some guests really appreciate having a lot of notice in advance before attending a party or special event. Many of your guests may have to travel some distance to attend your ceremony. These attendants benefit from knowing the details about the occasion months ahead of time. They can purchase airline tickets at lower rates or make sufficient sleeping arrangements with relatives or friends. Both of these will save them money. You can include phone numbers of hotels and links to flight scheduling sites in your save the date announcements.

Now that you have your date, time and place for your occasion, you can concentrate on a theme for the event. Many of the people attending the party may be very impressed if you use the save the date announcements to introduce the theme. For example, you may want to throw a summer luau. You may find Hawaiian-themed cards to send to your guests.

The theme can be carried over right into the luau if you plan ahead. You can use the response cards from the announcements to make seating arrangements at the party. Save the response cards and place them on the table where each guest will be seated. The cards will help you keep track of the number of guests and they will help your organize seating arrangement.

Having a theme in mind before sending the save the date announcements will help you stay organized enough to float through the nerve-racking planning stages. You may also include a list of activities that you are planning right in your announcements. This helps your future guests decide what to wear and it gives them some insight to the general mood of your special day.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Gifts, Marriage, Others, Party, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Second Wedding Anniversary Gift For Your Loved One

Wednesday, June 21st, 2006

What to give for your second anniversary? Those who follow tradition know that the second wedding anniversary gift is cotton. Although the first thing that might spring into your mind is cotton sheets or a cotton pillow there is a whole host of innovative ideas that make a great gift.

When you are considering a second wedding anniversary gift for someone you know think about what they enjoy. Most couples who have been married for two years already have many of the essentials. They probably have more than enough cotton bed sheets and towels. Considering something outside of the linen box might be a better idea.

A personalized notepad and envelopes made from cotton paper is a lovely idea for a second wedding anniversary gift. These can be made to order with the couple’s monograms tucked away in a corner of the envelopes or incorporated into the background of the paper.

Most people never order personalized stationary for themselves and they welcome it as a gift. The couple can use it when sending notes to friends and family. It’s a nice gesture and it still honors the cotton tradition.

For those with an eye on the more modern traditions of anniversaries, they know that china is also a second wedding anniversary gift. If you know the china pattern that the couple had listed in the gift registry for their wedding than you can choose a piece they can add to what they already have.

You can also choose a second wedding anniversary gift that uses the china idea in a different way. A fun notion is to purchase a gift certificate for the couple for a Chinese restaurant. They’ll appreciate the evening out and of course will enjoy the wonderful cuisine.

Another idea that is related to that is to compile a gift basket that includes many of the wonderful treasures that can be found in China. This can include items such as Chinese spice blends, chopsticks and fortune cookies.

A very special idea for a second wedding anniversary gift is a handmade Chinese calligraphy picture. These are wonderful when framed and hung on a wall in the couple’s home. You can have them specially made for you and they can express anything you wish for them too, including the word love or commitment.

There are many fun and thoughtful ideas when it comes to choosing a second wedding anniversary gift. Consider the couple’s interests and what they may not already have. Make the gift as memorable for them as the past two years of married life have been.

Posted in Engagement, Family, For the Wedding, Gifts, Living Together, Marriage, Personal, Special Events, Wedding Anniversary | No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Wedding Anniversary’ Category