Fairytale Wedding

A most colorful choice for a unique and vibrant wedding, pick the whimsical pastels, stick with the black and white or red and white, or take the many aspects from Alice In Wonderland and play upon them all!  Aside from the colors, there’s the set up – a tea party, strange flowers, forests and creatures, the Queen of Hearts and the playing cards, the Cheshire cat, the rabbit, funny hats and lots of funky color.  If you’re looking for an original fairy tale wedding theme, Alice In Wonderland certainly qualifies!

Your guests will be sure to remember such a theme that envokes memories of Lewis Caroll’s masterpiece, whether they read the original book or watched many of the tv and theatre movie versions.  A popular version of this classic is Disney’s animated movie, set for re-release in the near future.  Buy or rent the movie for some colorful inspiration and check out the many Alice In Wonderland inspired decorations, favors, cakes and invitations online.

Traditionally, a little boy between three and six is chosen as a ring bearer. Unlike flower girls, bridesmaids and groomsmen – where there is no set number – there is usually only one ring bearer.  Though, a little girl or canine may be given the ring bearer role.  Of course, this is entirely up to the bride and groom’s preferences and needs.

You can be just as creative with the ring bearer pillow type as you can with your flower girl’s baskets. Although coordinating the wedding theme or color scheme is a wise decision.  Gift ideas for the typical male ring bearer between the age of three to six relies on personal preference as well. How well do you know him? Is he into sports or trains?  How old is he? How much did you budget to spend? What type of thank you gift would you like to give?  Personalized baseball bat, books, cups, piggy banks, teddy bear, train sets, a t-shirt or cap and cookies or candy are among popular ring bearer gifts.

The age range for a flower girl is typically 4-8 years old.  If you know the flower girl very well, then consider giving her a thank you gift that suites her personality, one you know she will like.  If you do not know the flower girl very well, you can always ask her mother what she might like or simply give an age appropriate gift.  Be sure to add a special touch, such as personalization.  “Flower Girl” clothing or totes, personalized jewelry or lotion gift sets are a great idea for girly-girls.  If you will have more than one flower girl, be sure to treat and gift each of them in the same manner.

When choosing the type of carrier for your flower girl, keep in mind that the standard size flower girl basket purchased from wedding shops ranges from 2.5 to 5 inches tall.  Choose a size basket that will ”fit” your flower girl’s size.  If your flower girl is on the younger side, consider a smaller basket, a silk purse or cone for her to carry.  A ride in a wagon, decorative chest, parasol or fairy wand may be more intriguing to little ones and encourage them to keep it together down the aisle.  You can be as creative as you would like with both the thank you gift and the flower girl carrier!

The most cost effective floral budget for your wedding is to choose flowers that are in season on your special day.  Popular wedding flowers because of their beauty, simplicity, elegance, aroma, affordability, ability to pair with other flowers and foliage, as well as their all year-round availability are mentioned here.  Pink or white Peony; white, pink, red, orange and yellow Ranunculus; pink and white Star Gazer Lily; white, pink, red, and lavender Sweet Pea; many colors of Tulips and pink or purple and white Waxflower.

Remember that you can always pair less-expensive flowers with a more exotic one. It will not only fill out your arrangements for less, it will also spotlight your more exotic beauty.  Be sure to order enough flowers to place on your wedding accessories, such as the ring bearer pillow, flower girl baskets, unity candle and even your cake top and table.  You may also consider silk floral bouquets for decorations and / or accessories.

Cinderella Save the Date cards or magnets are offered through most any vendor who carries Disney wedding invitations or accessories and is a romantic choice for your wedding date reminder to family and friends whether you are having a Cinderella theme wedding, another fairy tale theme or not. 

You can also design your own “happily ever after” save the date cards or magnets by choosing to purchase do it yourself  kits.  This may be ideal for the creative bride (or bride’s friend!) with a knack for calligraphy, drawing, painting or one who has access to such cool Photoshop programs.  A graphic artist, print shop or artist may be someone to consider for the bride who must be original!

There’s probably no party as elaborate, coordinated, and decorated as your wedding. Even if your goal is to throw a small, low key party, it’s very likely that there will be a lot of planning and coordination that will go into that event. After all, there are so many different facets to consider. First, you have to book a venue. Then you have to deal with the invitations, the perfect dress, the rings, the ring bearer pillow, the wedding favors, the food, and so many more details.

With all these details, both big and small, brides and grooms-to-be shouldn’t forget that there’s also a great deal of wedding decorations that need to be selected. Even if you’re not going with one specific theme, it’s still nice to have a coordinated effect throughout the wedding. In this way, the centerpiece flowers should complement the bouquet which should match the table runners. But don’t forget, as with any large event where you’re strapped for time, make sure the important elements are taking care of first. Then deal with the smaller, more secondary details.

Looking for a non-traditional bridal shower theme or event?  Here are some awesome ideas, composed from the best sources!  For those who enjoy fine wine or a good mixed drink every now and again, how about a mixology lesson shower? Or a wine-tasting shower?  Where each guest can bring their favorite bottle!  For those who enjoy food more, consider a cooking class shower!

A twist on the greatest fairy tale wedding theme ever (a Cinderella theme bridal shower, of course!) is a mad hatter tea party.  Set the table in true Alice in Wonderland style.  For movie lovers, inspire the bride-to-be with a classic Gone with the Wind theme or her favorite romantic comedy. Don’t forget to bring the movie and popcorn. (There are also some really cool movie theme favors out there)  Modern Bride magazine listed a pajama party (where everyone wears a pair and brings lingerie as gifts) a winter wonderland (Christmas ornaments as gifts) a bowling bash (rent an alley and serve pitchers of beer) or a hawaiian luau (leis and coconut cocktails) as top ways to spice up a shower!

Summer wedding fun may be bold colors and vintage style, but it’s all in the details that pull the look together. A “citrus” wedding may be a beautiful summer theme for your wedding. But what about these details?

Examples of vintage style wedding decorations are dramatic personalized wine labels, elegant silk, satin and organza custom floral accents,  traditional wedding candy (like Jordan almonds).  A Citrus wedding is bold and colorful such as lemon halves as place card holders, artsy or floral design originals on your invitations, place cards and napkins.  Continue the look with subtle additions, like this apothecary beverage dispenser pictured. Elegant vintage and bold citrus themes can be “married” for one very appealing wedding ensemble full of summer delight!

If you love bold, bright colors, pansies and butterflies, a spring or summer wedding may be just the thing for you.  Non-traditional modern is becoming the new tradition!  Bold color materials with large prints make small appearances in the bride’s gown, bridesmaid dress, groomsmens’ ties, ring bearer pillow and table linens.

Artsy invitations and cutesy character wedding cake tops, glowing luminaries, personalized coasters during cocktail hour and accordian fold wedding ceremony programs all top the “hot” list according to Modern Bride magazine this month.  Rounding out the list are ecofriendly save-the-dates, “Dinner Map” menu cards, blown-glass pens, bouquet charms and a personalized “FlipMino” at each table, to allow guests to record reception action for you!

Table top wedding decorations or centerpieces typically involve flowers and vases, candles and holders, or both. Take your table size, shape and top space into consideration when planning centerpiece arrangements. If your table is round and seating eight, there is very limited space in the center of the table top, perhaps you consider a very simple, small arrangement or a tall one that blooms out as it gets higher.  Perhaps elegant candle chandeliers hanging down from above, not taking up any table space at all! Simply decorate the table itself with place card holder favors or larger favors set beside the place settings instead of on the china.

Wedding decoration ideas that will involve your guests in the fun are disposable cameras or alternative guestbooks. You could place a large 8×10 photo in a frame at each table with a marker, serving as both a centerpiece and an invitation to provide a loving keepsake to the newlyweds. If your reception site provides several long tables instead of round ones than consider a repeat pattern of your centerpieces down the table. For instance, group three different size candlesticks together at three intervals down the long table. Sprinkle confetti, jewels, flower petals or arrangements in between each group of candlesticks. Don’t forget to tie in your wedding theme. The finishing touches include smaller candle holders (such as tea light size) between the taller candles for added lighting ambiance. Quite simple, extremely elegant!