Witchy Weddings: handfastings

Showing posts with label handfastings. Show all posts

Monday, April 8, 2013

Guest books and alternatives

Guest books are incredible way to hold onto wedding memories, well wishes, and remember who was there for your big day. Years ago, my husband and I attended his grandfather's 85th birthday party. A guest book that went back decades was passed a round so that everyone could leave a note; I flipped through and read notes from dinner parties, celebrations, and times that were far sadder. That guest book, and it's predecessor, were an history of an entire marriage.

Your guest book or another item can hold a life time of memories. There are beautiful options from the very traditional leather bound book to jigsaw puzzles, autographed plates, and wishing trees. I've been searching etsy for my favorite guest books and alternatives. Thanks to some incredibly talented crafters, I have both links and pictures for you.

100 piece Alternative Guest Book Wedding Puzzle HEART TREE - your initials in the heart

This 100 piece jigsaw puzzle is a fun and imaginative alternative to guest book. It's also a great way to show that all the people in your life come together to make it complete. You can find BellaPuzzlesToo at this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaPuzzlesToo?ref=seller_info.

Guest Book Stones - Wishing Stones - Guest Book Alternative - Unique, Fun, & Eco Friendly - 85 Count

A beach or outdoor wedding might be better memorialized with Wishing Stones. Guests can write their messages on stone that can be incorporated in your decor, an altar space, or just left in a neat box or bowl. Visit thepaperynook at https://www.etsy.com/shop/thepaperynook?ref=seller_info.

Wishes for the Happy Couple Cards - Unique Bridal Shower Activity Game or Wedding Guest Book Alternative - Set of 200

Is your crowd into games and activities? Wishes for the Happy couple is cute way to pass those between times at the reception and collect some fun wishes from your guests. For those who live in small spaces, this is a great option, because these can be tucked away in a drawer or cabinet or included in a scrapbook paired with photos of your guests. Visit Erin's Artwork at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ErinsArtwork?ref=seller_info.

MARCH SALE-10% OFF... Oak and Earth...Beautiful Real Acorn Beads in Binding...Xl Book of Shadows...Triquetra...Xl Journal and Quill Pen...R

A handmade or custom book might be the perfect way to keep track of all of those beautiful wishes from your guests. Pick something symbolic or simply pretty and put it on the book shelf when you're done. This book from Mystic Moon Media is handbound and features acorns on the spine, which would be perfect for a fall wedding. https://www.etsy.com/shop/mysticmoonmedia?ref=seller_info

There are many other options for guest books and alternatives. I've seen signed engagement pictures, Christmas ornaments, photo booth pictures with messages on the back. There are also thousands of different style blank books that would do the trick. As with any other part of your celebration, be creative, and find something that suits your relationship. Happy planning!

Just a reminder, all images are owned my their creators.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Children and weddings

I like kids, a lot. They see the world through eyes that have not learned to ignore the mundane, and their attention flits from place to place in the most unexpected fashions. When including children in your wedding ceremony, it is important to remember that they are not cuter, little adults, they are children. Their ability to stand still, remember instructions and pay attention are not fully developed.

I'd like to share a few tips about helping kids get through their role in a wedding without driving you or anyone else crazy.

Very young children often still need naps. Try to make sure that your little ones will be well rested for the ceremony; this may require a few days of schedule changes or arranging for a quiet corner for them to nap in.
Start talking about what's expected from them well in advance. Not only will this help them remember what to do, it will help them develop confidence. Explain what things are important and why, and don't forget to tell them that you still love them even if they goof up a bit.
Make them feel special: go with them when it's time to pick out their clothing or send them a note if you can't.
Have a sense of humor. Things happen, if you laugh it off, it will make a better memory than something you get upset over. Kids trip, teeth fall out at the most inopportune time, and shoes get forgotten, but it doesn't have to be blemish on your day.
Bribes are a good way to get boisterous or nervous children to behave. Your attendants can help with this. (The Royal Wedding last year had Prince Harry doing a wonderful job of this).
Rehearse everything!
Don't forget to thank your littlest attendants; they remember events like this for a long time.
Never, never, never give a child your actual rings to carry! Your officiant or attendants can carry the real ones and offer them up at the last minute, but finding a wedding band in sea of grass or sand after they've been dropped is nearly impossible, not to mention scary.
Make sure someone has some activities to keep the little ones happy during the reception. A friend of mine, who had a Winter Solstice wedding, not only ordered special food for her child guests, she also made them little stockings with a small, inexpensive game, a coloring book, crayons, and a snack inside. It kept the kids happy and quiet and made them feel very welcome as guests.