Anniversary Traditions

Via The Grio

Every year Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey renew their vows, in celebration of their wedding anniversary.  Many people think its over the top, and quite ridiculous! Maybe it is, but I think its quite sweet.  They are so determined to keep the tradition going, that their 2011 vow renewal ceremony took place in the hospital, on the day after Mariah gave birth to twins!

Maybe we can't all plan a vow renewal every year like Nick & Mariah, but we should all find special  ways to celebrate our relationships. So, how do you celebrate your love?

Great Bridesmaids Gifts!

Gifts That Will Make Her Smile

 Kimono Style Robes – I think these are absolutely adorable. And they are definitely available, coming in around $30.00 a piece!

Via The Etsy Store of SilkAndMore

Gift Cards- Gift cards are great way of insuring that your girls are going to get something that they truly adore.  Picking up a card to one of her favorite stores, will definitely be appreciated.  This is also a good idea if you are having a destination wedding, because more traditional bridal gifts could take up a lot of space in your luggage.

A Subscription for a Product or Service That Matches Her Interests- This can be an especially thoughtful gift.  There are subscription services that fit about every interest.  Here are just a couple examples:

•       If your bridesmaid is a wine enthusiast, then get her a wine club subscription.  For just under $20.00 a month, Wine Insiders will ship 2 bottles of fine California wine to your bridesmaid's home each month, for her to sample.

•          If your bridesmaid loves make up and beauty products, then a subscription to a service like birch box would be an awesome gift.  For under $20.00 birch box will send 5 beauty products to your bridesmaid’s home, for her to sample. 

Throw Them A Spa Party- Mobile Spa services are popping up all over the place nowadays. Cost on this type of service normally starts around $60 a person. There are many of businesses that will come to your home to give your girls a mani-pedi, while you pop open a few bottles of wine. If you really want to splurge then throw in a massage for your girls too. 

Personalized Stationery- A personalized stationery suite is always a good option.  I don’t know many ladies who wouldn’t appreciate pretty paper products, bearing their names.  Cost for personalized stationery varies widely depending on; design, quality, and quantity.  However, it shouldn’t be a problem to find a stationery option to fit your budget. 

Tip: If you are using a professional Stationer for your wedding invites, they may be willing to give you a good rate on designing stationery for your bridesmaids’ gifts.

Via Minted

Gifts That Will Make Her Cry 

   A Framed Picture of the Two of You in a Personalized Frame- Find a picture of the two of you that holds some special meaning and have a personalized picture frame made.  You can order a custom frame from Personalization Mall for about $25.00, or you can DIY one.

via Personalization Mall

 A Charm Bracelet, With a Charm That Symbolizes a Memorable Moment- Pandora Charm Bracelets have really gained popularity over the recent years, and they would certainly make nice gifs.  Unfortunately, they can be a bit on the expensive end. To keep the gifts within budget consider only buying the starter bracelet, with one additional charm.  This should keep you under $100.00. Also, consider browsing other jewelry lines, to find the best deals.               

                                                 
                                                                                                       Via My Charm Bracelets                                    

Gifts That You Can DIY

 DIY Apothecary Bottles- I absolutely love these! Please follow the link below to Formal Fringe, so you can see just how easy it is to make these.  Once you put them together you can fill them with fragrances, for your bridesmaids.

Via Formal Fringe

 A Custom Gift Basket- You can create baskets full of goodies for your girls.  You can add: DIY apothecary bottles (see above), candles, candies & treats, luxurious lotions, bath oils, and anything else that you they will love.

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts That Will Make Them Laugh!

This week I have been talking about gifts for your groomsmen. Today, I'd like to give you some ideas on gifts that your groomsmen may find amusing.  After all, everyone always appreciates a good laugh.

• A Plaque to Commemorate a Funny Experience- Have a plaque made to memorialize a funny moment that you shared together.  Present each groomsman with them individually (awards-show style), and give a brief story with each presentation.  

• A Monogrammed Beer Belt 

(Under $25.00)

Via Where Brides Go

• A Funny Tee-Shirt 

(Under $35.00)

Via Zazzle

• A Beer Helmet 

Under ($15.00)

Via Baron Bob

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts You Just Can't Go Wrong With

Yesterday, we discussed gifts that appeal to your groomsmen's personal interests.  Today, I'd like to continue our wedding party gift series with; Groomsmen's gifts that you just can't go wrong with. So here are my top picks:

• A Nice Watch- I have never met a single guy who doesn't appreciate a nice wristwatch. This handsome Kenneth Cole watch can be a great choice.

 (Under $100.00)

Via Princeton Watches

• A Monogrammed Cooler Bag

(Under $60.00)

Via American Bridal

• Personalized Shot Glasses

(Under $15.00)

Via Future Memories

• A Good Knife- I will admit that I don't understand the appeal of this one, but I have talked to many guys who have said that they would really appreciate a good knife.  Whether it be a hunting knife or a swiss army knife, guys just like knives.

• A Personalized DeCapper Bottle Opener

(Under $30.00)

Via Groomstand

Gift Ideas for Groomsmen: Gifts that Speak to Their Hobbies & Interests

To Continue Our Series on Wedding Party Gifts, I am going to share some of my favorite ideas for Groomsmen gifts.  Today I am sharing ideas on gifts that appeal to your groomsmen's personal interests.  So here are my picks: 

• Sports Memorabilia

     Football Jersey (Under $100)     

                          

Via Football Fanatics

Football Plaque (Under $50.00)

Via NFL Shop

• Tickets to a Sporting Event- If all of the guys are fans of one particular team, then it might be nice to get them all one ticket to a game, that takes place at least a few weeks after the wedding.  This will allow for some post-wedding male bonding time, with the groom and his guy pals. (Prices Vary Widely)

• Fishing Gear

Fisherman's Toolkit (Under $70.00)

Via The Man Registry

Monogrammed Fisherman's Vest (Under $70.00)

Via Orvis

• Camping Gear- If you've got a groomsman who loves to camp, then get him a gift that applies to this hobby. 

• Video Game Accessories- If your groomsman is a serious gamer, then you can't go wrong with gaming gadgets. If you're nervous about duplicating an item, then just spring for a GAMESTOP gift card.

• Grilling Accessories

Personalized Brand in a Fancy Wooden Box (Under $60.00)

Via Groomstand

Grilling Tools (Under $60.00)

Via Grilling Gifts

Gift Ideas for the Children in Your Bridal Party

Yesterday I shared some guidelines for choosing gifts for your wedding party.  Today, I am going to share my favorite gift ideas for the smallest members of your wedding party.

For Girls

An Eco-friendly purse, Handmade from Recycled Materials (Under $35.00)

Via Giddy Giddy

An Initial Bracelet with Floral Embellishments (Under $20.00)

Via the Etsy Shop of MonkeysNMunchkins

A Flower Girl Wedding Camera (Under $10.00)

Via The Knot

For Boys

An Engraved Football Bank (under $25.00) 

Via Bed Bath & Beyond

A "King of the Ring" Tee (Under $25.00)

Via David's Bridal

A Personalized Sports Bottle (Under $15.00)

Via Personal Creations

For Both

Monogrammed Doodle Bags (Under $35.00)

Via Hearth Song

Personalized Coloring Book Sets (Under $15.00)

    

Via Personalization Mall

Tips on Wedding Party Gifting

Image via Memento Monograms

Wedding party gifts are given to thank your attendants for being a part of your day.  These people have sacrificed their money, their time, and in some cases their sanity, to support you on your wedding day.  This is one thing that you don't want to forget to account for, as you plan your wedding. So here are some tips for your wedding party gift search:

• Don't buy gifts that go along with your wedding theme - Wedding party gifts are not meant to be another element of your wedding decór, and there is no reason to match them to your wedding design.  

• Do take time to consider the personal taste of each wedding party member- There is no rule saying that you have to get the same gift for all of your attendants.  While it is certainly fine to do so, it is far from being a requirement.  Your goal should be to choose gifts that reflect the personal styles and interests of your attendants.  

• Remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good gift - Your loved ones chose to be in your wedding, because want to celebrate your marriage, not because they want to see what cool stuff they can get out of you for participating.  The best bridal party gifts are not the ones with the greatest dollar amount, but the ones picked with the greatest amounts of thoughtfulness & sincerity.