More than a Cookbook - A Great Wedding Gift

What do fires and weddings have in common? Nothing, of course, but if you want to give a gift with a super good cause, the "Los Angeles Firefighters Family Cookbook" is a wonderful wedding gift. With all the brush fires going on this summer, fire fighters are working harder than ever and risking their lives at the same. 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of a cookbook also goes to benefit the widows, orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund.

Give the bridal party pillows to keep

Let's get some pillow talk! No, not just ordinary and definitely not just a pillow. These are handmade lavender pillows from "Pillows for the People." Colorful and teeming with artistic personality, Parisa has produced these super cool and creative pillows. Just the perfect accessory to keep in your pad, loft, or study. With the light scent of lavender, these pillows speak to you without the added hype - pure joy and beauty. The look is vintage and deco with a personal flair. It's a great gift for that artsy bridal attendant who just won't settle for jewelry or cuff links.

Check out some favorites:

Frida and Flags - for the Maid of Honor



Deco Elvis - for the Groomsman with an Elvis thing



Paper Cranes - for the Mother of the Bride

A Search for Wedding Ideas

When searching for ideas, the web certainly presents us with no shortage of ideas. But, how many of these ideas are really practical? How many really come close to what you are looking for when trying to get an idea for a centerpiece that you want to have at a wedding shower, or a favor idea that is original yet simple to do. Enter the webzine of the Wedding Bistro at Bellenza. What will you find there? To name a couple of things: you can find DIY ideas for that centerpiece project you've been wanting to make for a party, you can also get color ideas, and table decor and favor photos. I also like the colorful pictures being that I'm such a visually-oriented person.

A Wedding in a Funeral Place?

Ever plan a wedding only to realize or discover that the venue for your wedding is also a place for funerals. Yes - this is happening in places around America as people live longer and funeral homes are resorting to creative ways of brining in revenue. Some people may simply refuse to admit that this can't possibly be true, but many mortuaries are coming with expanded services such as catered meals, reception hall rentals, and are even offering entertainment such as multimedia. Sound like something morbidly creative from a business perspective, but then again, that's being entrepreneurial. In the end, would you mind having a wedding in a funeral home or would you rather go to Vegas and get it done with cheaply?

Interested in the articles? Go here:

A Wedding at a Funeral Home?

Four Weddings And A Funeral

Holding a wedding at a funeral home?

Photo Books - Create Them with Viovio

My coffee table is usually filled with the usual clutter of magazines - be it a bridal, fashion, or lifestyle mag. But, how often does something come along that is so cool and attractive, that you just gotta have it displayed on your coffee table. Yes, there are photo albums, but how about your own photo book - like those you see in the bookstores. With a hardbound cover, glossy pages, and fantastic pics of you, Viovio allows you to do this with great ease and economy.



They also offer bulk discounts. The prices aren't bad at all. For instance: 20 page perfect bound book: $4.99 + (20 * $.25) = $9.99. It takes about 14 business days for the hard cover books to be produced. What is most unique about their product and service is that you can even sell your own photo book on their website. Perhaps it's time to be a budding photographer after all. Looking for a fab wedding gift that is radically different, then give the bride and groom a gift certificate from Viovio.

CD Invitations are here to stay

Step aside paper, multimedia is here to stay. In the manner of speaking, at least for weddings! The digital age is definitely making it more creative when it comes to creating invitations - you know, those paper ones, that you used to get. But now, Cd Invites has come up with an innovative way to send out your wedding invitations. You can customize your CD invitation in basically 3 easy steps:

1) You choose the design - they also have designs for other special events

2) You choose the package to present the cd - a tin (square or round), round case, or jewel case

3) You customize it with your images - they create a proof, you approve, and it's done



Each cd pacakge includes:

1. Customized slide show with 20 images
2. Cd Design with your custom info.
3. Printed customized matching invite card
4. Email RSVP link
5. CD Casing (Jewel Case or Tin Case)

They are also having a contest for a chance to win 100 free cd invitations, check it out:

http://www.cdinvites.com/special.htm

For pricing info, check out:
http://www.cdinvites.com/prices.htm

That's pretty much all you need to do besides making sure it gets out in the mail.

Wedding Veils

Veils – the long and short of it. They are short ones called “visor veils” like those you see in old 50s movies, or long ones like those Princess Di had for her wedding. Whether it’s a simple short veil made of tulle, or a free flowing one made of organza fabric, the veil is a timeless symbol of tying the knot. Matching you’re the veil with your gown can be a bit tricky – particularly if the gown is an elaborate one. For some brides, doing without a veil is okay, while there are those who swear that they won’t get married without wearing one as they walk down the aisle. I belong to the latter and have some pretty nice ones on the web:

Via Veiled Expressions (this veil has little diamante gems sewn on the fabric)



Via Erica Koesler (this is a romantic mantilla veil)



Via Illusions Bridal Veils (this is visor veil with pearl accents – so classy and romantic)



This is my all-time favorite - Princess Amidala’s wedding veil via Padawans Guide.com. Be sure to check out the FIDM exhibit photos of the wedding gown. May the force be with you!

What does a wedding guest give? Just what?

For everybody who will be attending a wedding, it seems like finding a gift is now harder than ever. So, with that said, it is time to go “practical” especially at a time when gas prices seem to be going through the roof and buying things for the home, nice things, is always tough. My favorite finds all under $100 bucks are:

3 tier serving stand (via Wrapables)– it’s a sleek glass stand



A man holding wine stand (via Uncommongoods) – it’s chic metal holder



Serving tray in a retro design (via Martinitart)– it’s cool and hip

Mother of the Bride Dresses

For Mother's Day, why not show mom what are some nice outfits to wear at a wedding. These 3 ones from Nordstrom's are pretty elegant and most of all, quite reasonable.

Style #1 - For the mom that wants a champagne dress - ideal pretty much for any season of the year

A two-piece ensemble with a V-neck and jacket



Style #2 - For the mom that wants an aqua dress and doesn't fear showing her curves - great for summer

A form-fitting dress in crinkled taffeta with a jacket



Style #3 - For the mom that wants a brown dress in the fall

A faux wrap jacket with an iridescent organza skirt - A line

Calling all Moms (of the Groom)

Happy Mother's Day! And for all mothers who are the "mother of the groom", USA Today wants to hear your stories and experiences.

Chocolate fondant wedding cakes

Chocolate – the color is making its way as the cool color for wedding cakes. When I saw the chocolate fondant cake by Elisa Strauss on Foodtv, I must say that I was hooked. It is when you pair chocolate brown with a color like peach, apple green, turquoise, purple, and magenta, that the color truly comes out. It is pretty much something that you either like or don’t like probably because it is too dark for some, while other brides just gotta have it. I guess it’s because it may seem a bit too “masculine” – like something you’d reserve for the groom’s cake. But, surprisingly, it is quite remarkable of a color for a wedding cake. I’m just wondering right now as to how many of you out there would want this type of cake, since it isn't for everyone. Still unsure? Check out these sites for some fab ideas:

Chocolate brown with green



Chocolate brown with retro blue



Mini wedding cakes with gold dragées

Cookies - Those Damn Wedding Cake Cookies

Have you ever wondered how do they make those wedding cake cookies? How do they make them look so cute as favors? How does the icing stay so pretty? Here it is: check out the video of Sandra Lee! Have fun! I also found the recipe - check the link. God, I'm giddy!

A Letter to Would-be Brides

Every once in a while, I come across something on the web that is worth sharing with the little readers that do come by Dahlia's Day. Here it is: guy majoing English Education from University of Central Missouri writes an open letter to would-be brides. Check it out at his vox blog. Sound interesting?

Are you ready for the plunge?

There is always talk about weddings all over the web, but today will be different. I’ve decided to talk about the “what-if” of a wedding. What if – what if, you have decided to cancel the whole thing? Yes, the whole wedding on the day itself – like an hour before it and you decide that you’re not sure. Not sure that you want to walk down the aisle with “Johnny” because you have doubts. Some call it wedding “nerves” because they say that you just get nervous. However, you’re nervous not because you will be seen by all your friends and family, and of his friends and family. You’re nervous because it hits you that maybe you are just not ready to take that plunge. It scares you to think that somebody close to you like your best friend will have to break the news to everyone that the bride has decided to call it quits. Just what the heck do you do at this point? Hmm. Crash yourself into the cake and pretend like it was an accident so you can “postpone” the wedding. Or, stage your own kidnapping like that “runaway bride” – not recommended plus its illegal, so that is out of the question. Okay, so what do you do? The best thing to do at this point is to be honest. Sometimes being honest is the only thing you can do because getting married when you are simply not ready isn’t going to be a happy marriage down the line. So, how do you prevent this from happening to you? The answer really varies, but a couple of sites below might help:

Twenty Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

Are You Ready To Get Married?

Proposals: Are You Ready for Married Life?

Got any suggestions? Has this ever happened to you? Do you anyone who has canceled their wedding?

When to Set a Wedding Date - Time Matters

Knowing when to get married can actually be more difficult than deciding where to tie the knot. Why? For a number of reasons, you see, depending on which side of the country you live in, deciding on when to set the date of your wedding has much to do with the weather conditions and season.

When you start looking for possible dates, a random date somewhere during the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter time would be one approach, but at many times, the time of when you set your ceremony and reception can have a great impact on how much you will have to spend for the wedding. Now, if you have absolutely no problem with bankrolling your wedding, then setting any date is virtually possible. But if you don't have this luxury, a wedding on a Friday versus that of a Saturday or even Sunday can vary great in price relative to such things as: cost of renting a facility, the cost of food and drinks, and the cost of lodging to name just a few.

Think about it now. If you are planning a summer wedding with a lot of out-of-towners, then you will definitely have to think about the additional cost of transportation and other logistics. So, if you are going to have a wedding on a Friday with a noontime or dinner reception, you could end up saving more money than the same wedding that is held on a Saturday night. Incidentally, a Saturday night during the summer season is considered to be the most popular chosen time and day for a wedding, therefore, one of the most expensive times to get married. However, it is also the ideal time for many people to attend a wedding for obvious reasons. Perhaps you could think of it as having some sort of ROI for you wedding like if you are going to be getting some “money” gifts, but that’s beside the point. You know what I’m talkin’ about here. Don’t need to elaborate on this when getting a toaster worth $50 bucks is probably more useful in currency terms nowadays than the actual thing.

In conclusion, if you are still deciding on a date then just realize that it pays to know when and what time is best for the wedding because it could save you money to spend on other things that you'd rather splurge on like your dress. Cake, anyone?

A Wedding Map

In the world of mapping a wedding, before online maps became available, there was the cumbersome map. One that was often the size of a newspaper and you had to layout it all out on a table to find anything. You also had to make photo copies and create snippets of the wedding location, reception, including hotels, and other significant details. That was then, but now you've got the web and you the emergence of sophisticated online mapping tools. Take the website of www.weddingmapper.com, after trying out this service, I must say that it doesn't get any easier than this. Simply enter the address of the ceremony and reception of your wedding, and a great little map is generated for you. If you haven't found any place yet, it also offers suggestions on places that are within your chosen vicinity. You can also include the hotel location, the airport, as well as the restaurant address of the wedding, and a a great big map is produced that provides directions to each destination. The nice thing about this tool is that you can also personalize it by entering other details such as photos, your wedding gift registry, your own wedding website address, and then send this off in an email to your guests. If you have a website, you can also send link to your map from the website. Sending a map with your invitations, they've got that covered, too. How much better can this get? Wanna see more? Follow this link .



Incidentally, last night, I found that Google started offering a service that allows you personalize maps on Google Maps. You may also want to check it out. Follow this link.

When searching for potential wedding venues, an online mapping tool is a great help!

A Free Wedding

Are you going to be the new Mr. And Mrs. of 2007? This is the year that you’ve been waiting for. You’re in luck because there is an upcoming wedding show that will be offering a free wedding at the show. This is a show of shows in the wedding scene and has taken years of careful planning. Award-winning vendors and suppliers from all over the country also plan to give away a variety of goods. A honeymoon will be given away as well wherein it will be 8 night stay and 7 day vacation on an exotic Caribbean location. A church officiant will also be available at the wedding show and will be issuing free wedding lectures. Cake sampling will be available, since cake vendors have decided to give free samples of their wedding cake creations. Grooms can also take part in the show this year because there will be a cake dive catered for grooms unlike the usual cake dive, this one aims to be different. Grooms will be diving in for a garter toss and the price is a real toss. A fashion show featuring the season’s hottest wedding styles also leaves much to be anticipated. Models are said to be donning non-traditional gown colors in bold bursting colors of persimmon, jade, and turquoise. As for bridesmaids’ fashion, the new theme of the season centers on ‘your own, your way.’ Excited yet? It gets even better as the giveaways at this show seem to be endless. A giftware company at the show will be offering ‘absolutely free’ favors to those attending the show for the first time. As a way of showing their appreciation to all brides, insiders say that all of the companies at the show plan to focus their attention on the needs of today’s brides, and therefore, profit and cost will take a secondary role in order to make this show a true success.

To find out more information, click on the link below:

Show for a free wedding

A Wedding Simulation Game

Sometimes it's nice to get away from wedding reality, even if it just means downloading a game. Actually, it's a wedding simulation game for a couple named Jenny & Robert who are planning their nuptials. This game features 16 levels - by which you encounter certain wedding "crisis" events like your invitations get ruined at the printers, the musicians can't make it because they finally got their latest breakthrough album, or the favors came out looking like cheap useless tsotchkes. So, if you're not busy planning your own real wedding, then why not take the time to play/plan this wedding game. It might just get you ready for the real thing!

Coral Wedding Invitations

Because I'm feeling blue, downright blue and dull, even gray. The best color that comes into mind that will pick me up, or at least lighten my mood is orange, or coral as it is also widely known as. To get yourself immersed in this color, though, can take a little effort because let's face it, orange is not a color that is like pink, which in an instant, you either like it or hate it. There are also people who say that orange is the color of being crazy? Anyways, it's still an interesting color. But, today, let's try to like this color. Besides coral being a very uncommon wedding color, it can actually be matched with a few other lesser known colors such as turquoise, lime green, or olive. You can also coordinate coral very well with ivory. I'm asking myself right now, how does one start with an orange color palette.

The answer is to start with paper:

Papel Vivo's Handmade Invitation
A bit pricey, but the handmade quality of these invitations is worth it. The pretty coral design is just a great way to set the stage for a classy beach party. Notice the chocolate brown shaded band that goes with the invitation. Brown can also be matched with coral!



Swoozies Coral Place Card (from Putnam House)
This elegant place card features a border of coral designs. If you don't want to go overboard, this is the way to go.




Fine Stationery

Want to send a photo of your honeymoon together with your thank-you cards? These lovely cards allow you to place a photo on the card. I say these are just too cute because you can display the card on your desk at the office or home.

A Soolip Wedding - Event on Sunday

If you're free on Sunday, live in Southern Cal, and don't have a hangover from St. Patrick's Day, then head off to "A Soolip Wedding" - a premier bridal event for modern brides. The theme of this year's event will be A Green Wedding that emphasizes environmentally-conscious wedding vendors and suppliers.



Interested? Here is the info to get you there:

WHEN:

Sunday, March 18, 2007
11am to 3pm

WHERE:
Social Hollywood
6525 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90028

HOW:
Tickets may be purchased online at www.asoolipwedding.com or by
calling 310.860.1300

ON THE WEB:

A Soolip Wedding

For event information call 310.860.1300

PRICE:
$65 per person includes: fashion show, luncheon, gift bag, cake and
champagne tasting

Have fun and enjoy the show!