I found some save the dates that are truly unique. There are so many great options for save the dates. What about illustrations? When I learned about Philosophies I found some personalized products. They can create a mini version of the two of you. Or a mini version of your wedding party. These can be completely customized. They have save the date postcards,magnets & wedding invitations.

They also offer cute wedding favors & thank you cards. This is a perfect gift for your wedding party.

They can design these based on your wedding colors. They have really creative wedding favors,save the dates,wedding invitations and thank you card ideas. They offer a personal touch & something really special. Too cute !

Save the Dates: Philosophies / Photography: Keepsake Memories Photography

Being green is fabulous! Actually, I don’t always find the green aspect of things easy but in the case of the items below, I just had to share. They are so unique and artistic that you might change a few opinions about “going green.”

These are so amazing that you have too look at them closely to tell they are fruit! They are meant for a votive (no food) and would add amazing life to your centerpieces. They are by artist, Margaret Dorfman and can be purchased at www.vivaterra.com.

The little birds are so cute I just want to add them to a whole wedding instead of just a cake topper. If you are as in love with these little guys as I am, you can custom order the map location for the recycled paper for them to be made. You can also request book pages or sheet music.

This “green” item was my absolute favorite. Custom names and wedding date is included in the price. They are from an Etsy artist in Latvia. www.etsy.com/shop/crearting

When you register for gifts, throw numerous showers, you are going to have duplicate presents! It’s a given. Now, you can choose to keep those duplicates. Depending on what is duplicated (towels are not a bad thing to duplicate) you might want to keep them. Or you might want to return them. Here’s a few ideas with the extra gifts/money from duplicates.

1. Return it–yeah!

The money is great. When you are first starting out, it never hurts to have a little extra cash. You will find dozen of things you didn’t budget for, either in wedding planning or for your first home.

2. Give them away…

Yes, I just told you to give your gifts away. People who host the showers for you deserve a gift, and duplicates might just be the perfect solution. You might see it as giving your cast offs, but many of your shower gifts are really nice! And you don’t have to pay for them.

3. Christmas!

This is kind of the same concept but a little better. For the family member or friends that couldn’t make it to the showers, they will never know you re-gifted the item.

4. Common sense (keep it)

You never know when something will break. If you received, say two of the same pot, it could be because you’re going to host a large family dinner. It will come in handy !

I honestly feel that the monogrammed purses, necklaces, and do-dads have had their place and time. And that place…is in the past. In a world of wedding personal touches–and I don’t mean monograms–they seem a bit lame. Brides go to all this trouble making unique place cards, invitations, centerpieces, vows, bouquets, and bridesmaids’ dresses that it is strange they leave their best friends out of the equation.

Your bridesmaids are your family or your best friends. They are the girls that are going to be with you through the wedding preparations and the actual day. They are basically there to do your bidding. And when it comes time to buy them a thank-you gift, what happens? They receive matching monogrammed clutches or necklaces.

foreverwed.com

I say STOP! Each of your girls is special and different. Take the time and search for something as unique as they are. Think of it as searching for a birthday gift for each one…yes, each individual girl. Don’t leave the ones you care about in the dust. It shows a lot of love and friendship to be given a gift that required thought–not a first and last initial.

Whether you’re the bride or the girl who decided that she would be the one to bring all the details of the shower together, there are some shortcuts and ideas for saving time. Don’t stress about the day! If something doesn’t go according to the plan, it will just be a memory to laugh about later.

For the bride:

Buy your thank you cards/envelopes before the event. While you are opening the gifts, pass around a basket of the envelopes. Ask the guests to address an envelope with their information. This way you only have to write the thank you card, seal, and mail. It saves you a bit of time after the long day!

handmade-weddinginvitations.co.uk

Bring your man to the shower! Yes, I said bring him. You and your girls will want to be chatting and laughing after the day begins to wind down. He’ll be there to pack all those gifts up and tote them to the car.

For the hostess:

Use plastic utensils and paper plates. After the guests leave and you begin to clean up, the last thing you want to do is dishes! Party stores have plates and silverware that look like the real thing. You don’t have to sacrifice the look of real dishes for practicality.

thecelebrationshoppe.com

If you’re the caterer for the day, choose foods that you can prepare ahead of time. It is also easier to keep food cold than it is to keep it hot. In other words…you will be cooking seconds before guests arrive if you take the route of a hot meal.

WHAT IS A WEDDING TOWEL CAKE? ( Written By: Patricia Hughes/Owner-Designer)
A Wedding Towel Cake is a Mini, 2-Tier or 3-Tier “Cake” made out of Towels, particularly Towels of High Quality. All 2-Tier and 3-Tier “Cakes” consist of 2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels and 3 Face Towels. All “Mini-Cakes” consist of 3 Face Towels.
The “Cake” represents the color of the Brides Gown which can also be made in Ivory or Champaign and the colors of the Ribbon and Flowers are designed to match the colors of the Bridal Party.
The 2-Tier and 3-Tier “Cakes” make elegant Centerpiece’s for the Main table at the Bridal Shower or Head table at the Wedding Reception. The “Mini-Cakes” make elegant Centerpiece’s for all other remaining tables.

HOW CAN A BRIDE CHOOSE THEIR WEDDING TOWEL CAKE?
A Bride can choose her very own uniquely designed Wedding Towel Cake. A couple of options: the Towels can either be White, Ivory or Champaign based on the Brides Gown and the Flowers and Ribbons can be made to match the colors of the Bridal Party!
Or dare to be different! Instead of wanting the Towels in White, Ivory or Champaign, based on the Brides Gown, the Towels can be based on the colors of the Bridal Party, such as Pink, Purple, Red, Lt. Green, etc. then the ribbon can be in White or lighter colors to match the Towels!

HOW THE WEDDING TOWEL CAKE CAN BE GIVEN AS A GIFT
The 2-Tier and 3-Tier “Cakes” that would be displayed on the Main table at the Bridal Shower or Head table at the Wedding Reception, will make a Lovely and Unique gift for the Future Bride!
The “Mini-Cakes” that would be displayed on all other tables at the Bridal Shower or Wedding Reception, will make wonderful gifts for the Bridal Party or even your guests!

Website – http://weddingbridalshowercakesandmybabyblossoms.com
Email:  weddingtowelcakes2010@yahoo.com