I simply don’t know if I should to hug or hit my friend, Natalie, for sending me this too-tasty-for-words idea! With it’s uber delectable appeal, I find myself being drawn in; while my lurking, bathroom scale vigorously tries to draw me out. And even though I can hear it screaming, “run for the hills, Mary!”, my taste buds and non-existent will power won’t allow it… Alas, the candy bar buffet wins… again!
There is simply no denying the power of its appeal. Functioning as an alternative of OR in conjunction with the traditional wedding cake, these candy bar buffets have everyone from brides and grooms to guests and vendors going gaga! Originally designed with children in mind, candy tables have become equally – if not more – popular with adults.
Like their partners in crime – the infamous wedding cupcakes – what candy buffets lack in tradition, they gain in delightful designs. These extraordinary alternatives can be as elaborate or simple as you would like. You can stack them on shelves, three rows deep or line them up single file. You can theme them around your colors or make them into a standout, conversation piece. Because of the many potential opportunities candy bars offer, it’s no wonder their demand has all but doubled in today’s wedding market. Not to mention the fun you can have through all the seasons!
Weddings on or around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, are easily decorated with coordinating candies that are both seasonal and sensational. At Christmas, picture peppermint sticks, candy canes and gingerbread men overflowing out of sprinkled wreaths and twinkling vases. Imagine Halloween (or Autumn themed) candy bars brilliantly bedecked with caramel apples, sugared pumpkins and candy corn towers. Then, visualize Valentine’s Day treat tables adorned with a doting combination of messaging sweethearts, chocolate boxes and pink and red colored, candy parts! (Goodness me! Is anyone else’s mouth watering?)
Bottom line, candy bars can add a fun and trendy element to your big day celebration, no matter how big or small your budget may be. For more candy coated ideas - or simply snack worthy munchies – feel free to check out CandyFavorites.com, where candy is broken down by type, occasion, brand and services. And for all you nostalgic, candy lovers, try Candy Crate for a retro rewind to your childhood favorites!
August 5, 2009
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a tendency to focus on all the exciting details of planning and leave the more formal, boring ones out to pasture. Colors, centerpieces, dresses, hair, makeup, etc… you know, all the frilly, fun stuff always seems to be on a bride’s mind, which is why some of the formalities of wedding planning can be overlooked. How to properly address your invitations, for instance, is probably one of those things.
As my mom and I sat down with my wonderful aunt – who is designing our wedding invitations, there seemed to be 20,394,820,938 questions and only one or two answers. It kind of went something like this: How do you want the parent’s listed? (What? There’s an option?) Are all of them hosting? (Uhh, yes?? No??) Do you want them above or below your names? (Does it matter?) His are divorced, how do you want them represented? (Well…) Do they go above or below? (Huh?) How many inserts? (Why?) Response or RSVP? (…) Directions? Accommodations? Reception??? (SD@JGK%$*LHKD)
Yep, that’s me alright, but I figure I can’t be the only one who doesn’t know; so, below is a smorgasboard sampling of how to properly word your wedding invitations based on who’s hosting. There’s strength in numbers, ladies, which is why we have to stick together!
When the Bride’s Parents are hosting the wedding:
When the Groom’s Parents are hosting the wedding:
When both the Bride’s AND Groom’s Parents are hosting the wedding:
When the Bride and Groom are hosting their own wedding:
When a divorced or widowed (Unmarried) parent is hosting the wedding:
When a divorced or widowed (Re-married) parent is hosting the wedding:
When a close friend or relative is hosting the wedding:
In military ceremonies, the rank will determine the placement of names. *Any title lower than a Sergeant should be omitted. Only the branch of service should be included under that person’s name:
*Junior Officers’ titles are placed below their names and are followed by their branch of service:
*If titles are higher than Lieutenant, they should be placed before their names and the branch of service should be written below:
Of course, these are merely samples that you can use as a jumping off point. You should also consider the formality of your wedding. Depending on if you’re having a formal or casual setting, will also alter the type of language used to address your guests. Because every invitation is different and at the discretion of each couple, the possibilities are limitless, but sometimes all we need is a nudge in the right direction, in order to get the ball rolling :) And feel free to check out our line of DIY Invitations & Stationery or visit TheKnot.com for even more wording suggestions.
August 3, 2009
