Wine Lover Weddings

Are you an oenophile? If so, then combine your love for each other with your love of wine and share your knowledge with your guests!

One interesting idea is to replace the standard open bar with wine tasting stations. Check with your favorite wine store or vineyard about the availability of hiring an expert or two to help serve. Choose wines that have special memories for you and your fiancé! Your guests will love choosing their own wine. And you will now have new memories to associate with a favorite vineyard!

When choosing your decorations, consider using the rich colors of burgundy and chardonnay as accent colors to your reception hall. Tables can feature centerpieces that include grapevines and grapes with a beautiful candle in the middle. At each place setting include a personalized wine glass engraved with your names and wedding date for an extra special touch. Another great idea for a wedding favor is a wine bottle stopper. With so many different styles available, you are sure to find the perfect one for your wedding guests.

You'll find many wine-themed wedding favors and wedding party gifts at WhereBridesGo.com! Be sure to use coupon code BLOG at checkout to take 10% off your entire order!

Are you having a wine themed wedding? Or did you already have a wedding where you integrated a wine theme? Tell us about it! Comment on this post. We'd love to share your ideas with other brides!

The Tradition of Wedding Favors

Did you know?
It is widely believed that European aristocrats started the time honored tradition of giving wedding favors. The first wedding favors were tiny boxes made of porcelain or crystal called bonbonniere. These boxes often contained a cube of sugar or other small confectionery. Because sugar and other sweets were rare and expensive, wedding favors were only given out by the wealthy.

Over time, as sugar became more readily available and less expensive, even couples of modest means adopted the tradition of giving wedding favors as a sign of the couple's appreciation. In fact, tradition states that the giving of gifts leads to years of good fortune.

With virtually thousands of products on the market today, deciding which wedding favor to give can be a daunting task. You want the wedding favor gift to be meaningful, yet practical. While your budget will be an important deciding factor, your guests will truly appreciate that you took the time to choose a meaningful memento of your big day!

By Sherrie Thompson, MSW Interactive Designs
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Visit WhereBridesGo.com for a huge selection of wedding favors to fit every budget and wedding style! Coupon code BLOG takes 10% off your entire order. FREE shipping on orders over $100 within the continental USA.

Flower Girl FAQs

Thinking of including a flower girl in your wedding?

Read on for some frequently asked questions!

How old is the typical flower girl?
Most flower girls are between the ages of 4 and 8, though some brides have opted to choose flower girls who are as young as 2 to participate in their big days.

Does the flower girl have to be a relative?
No. While most flower girls are related to the bride or groom, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the child of a close friend to be your flower girl.

Who chooses the flower girl dress?
Typically, the bride decides the attire for flower girls.
Does the flower girl dress match the bride’s dress or the bridesmaids’ dresses? Either. Some brides prefer to have their flower girls dressed as miniature versions of themselves; others choose dresses that coordinate with the color scheme of the wedding.

Who pays for the flower girl dress?
The parents of the flower girl typically pay for the dress. Although, if the bride has chosen a particularly expensive dress, it is preferable that the bride (or bride’s family) pays or the dress.

Does the flower girl stand up with the rest of the bridal party during the ceremony?
Yes and no. Older flower girls usually stand as part of the bridal party during the ceremony. Younger flower girls usually return to their parents once the procession has been completed. If you choose to have a younger child as your flower girl, it is important to seat the parents near the front.

Does the flower girl participate in the reception?
Because the flower girl is part of the wedding party, she should be invited to the reception – even if just for a short amount of time. That being said, many brides today are choosing to arrange babysitting services or other children’s activities for their guests who have children.

What are some other roles of the flower girl?
Older flower girls can assume a greater role in the wedding festivities. They can be in charge of the guest book or can help serve at the reception. Other roles include serving as the lookout while the newlywed couple’s car is being decorated.

Can I have more than one flower girl?
Yes. It is not uncommon for brides to choose two flower girls. In fact, having two flower girls can sometimes be easier to manage since they can walk together down the aisle.

Are flower girls in the wedding photos?
Yes. Flower girls also are featured in the wedding party photographs and usually stand just in front of the maid of honor near the bride.

Do I have to have a flower girl at all?
No. This is your big day – It is up to you!

By Sherrie Thompson, MSW Interactive Designs
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If you are including a flower girl in your wedding, be sure to visit WhereBridesGo.com for a fabulous selection of adorable flower girl baskets, gifts for your flower girls, and cute flower girl t-shirts!

Tips for Including "FIDO" in Your Wedding

Okay... if you aren't a dog lover, you aren't going to drool over our tail wagging wedding ideas for pooches, so you may as well stop reading and move on to a different article that won't leave dog hair on your trousers.

BUT ... for those of us who LOVE our slobbering pooches, share our beds with these furry "babies", and wouldn't even THINK about getting married without our best canine friend by our side, READ ON!

At Where Brides Go (TM), we LOVE all dogs (but we're a little partial to Basset Hounds) and we have some fun ideas for including "Fido" in your festivities.

Seven Fun Ways to Include Your Pet In Your Wedding

1. Include "Fido" in your engagement photos and hand out wallet size copies during your reception as wedding favors.

2. Include your pet in your actual wedding photos. This is a great idea for couples whose Sanctuary or wedding venue will not allow the pet inside. Simply hire a "pet sitter" to wait with the pooch outside. After the ceremony, come outdoors for photos and include your little cutie pie in them. (Of course, you need to make sure he's in proper doggy wedding attire!)

3. If your wedding venue won't allow your pet inside, you can still include your pet as part of the ceremony. Have your officiate work in a cute story that illustrates how you two share a love of dogs.

4. Add a tribute to "Fido" in your wedding program.

5. If your venue allows, have "Fido" as a groomsman or "Fidette" as a bridesmaid. Do make sure you have a human bridal party member in charge of making sure your baby has piddled outside before walking down the aisle.

6. At an outdoor wedding ceremony, you can have Fido stand in as the ring bearer or flower dog! As always, appropriate wedding attire and doggy wedding accessories are a must!

7. For an outdoor wedding reception, just about anything goes. Invite "Fido" as a special guest and have his date be the hired dog walker (don't leave out this part ... you'll want to make sure someone else is attending to your pooch so you can enjoy the eve).
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While including your "baby" in the big day is a no-brainer to you, do keep in mind that not everyone is going to agree. You should check and double-check with your ceremony venue, reception venue, officiate, and bridal party to ensure no one has an issue with your canine participant.

Be mindful that some of your guests may have extreme pet allergies and may not even be able to attend if "Fido" is on hand. Consider announcing your plan to include your pet on your wedding website so your guests will know in advance.

You should also make an honest assesment of your dog's behavior and coping skills. If "Fido" isn't extremely well-behaved, well-trained, used to large crowds, and a relative non-barker, you should consider leaving him at home for the actual ceremony/reception and only involving him in engagement photos and pre-wedding festivities. After all, if your "baby" is stressed out and acting up, it won't be a pleasant experience for anyone.

No one loves dogs more that we do ... in the end, you want a happy and memorable day with your family and best friends by your side. If "Fido" fits the bill and is up to the challenge, go for it. Woof!

Why Use Disposable Wedding Cameras?

You've already made a significant investment in a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer to ensure your wedding memories are captured forever ... so why bother with disposable wedding cameras?

First of all, it's important to know that disposable wedding cameras should NEVER replace professional photography at your wedding or reception. They simply are not that reliable and they are completely dependent on the skill of the wedding guest who picks it up to take the photo. You definitely don't want to trust all of your wedding memories to that.

However, disposable wedding cameras DO have an important place at your event. When used correctly, you will get to see things after the wedding that you never knew happened!

Ideas To Make the Best Use Of Disposable Cameras

1. Include at least one disposable camera at each reception table (including the head table) and leave instructions with it. Who says you have to use the instruction card that comes with the camera? Make up your own ... and be creative!
   
   At my wedding I left instructions with the cameras so my guests knew I wanted a picture of every person (or couple) from the table. When I had these developed after the wedding, I included a copy of each person's picture with my thank you note to them.
   
2. Include a disposable camera in your out-of-town guest's gift baskets in their hotel rooms. Again, leave a note with instructions! There will be people in town for your wedding that aren't part of the pre-wedding festivities. Tell them to take pictures of what they do over the wedding weekend and to leave the camera with someone you designate at the wedding. You'll love to see what your out-of-town guests were doing while you were wrapped up in your wedding festivities!
   
3. Give a couple of disposable cameras to a dependable groomsman to capture what the groom and the boys are doing BEFORE the wedding ceremony ... and tell him to have fun with it! The photographer captures the bride getting ready ... but s/he can't be in two places at once. You will love what you see when these are developed. My husband was captured with his head in the toilet before our ceremony (staged of course ... but FUNNY!)
   
4. Give a couple of disposable cameras to the bridesmaids while you all are getting ready. The photographer will take beautiful and professional images ... but what about before the photographer arrives? And after s/he moves on to the guys?
   
5. Having a golf outing for the guys or spa day for the girls? Make sure you provide disposable cameras to a couple of dependable participants ... and give them instructions! Girls may be good about remembering their own cameras, but men forget. You want to see and capture all of the special "moments" from your wedding outings, too!

It may sound expensive, but it's really not too bad. You do have to purchase the disposable cameras, but you don't have to pay to have all these cameras developed! Just send them to an online processor like Snapfish or the Kodak Gallery. They will load all the images from the cameras online for you see. The cost is minimal. Then, you can pick and choose which ones you actually want to order. You can even share these galleries with your friends and family so they can order the "candids" too!

A lot goes on during the wedding festivities and the photographer is going to be focused on telling the story, on you, the groom, your immediate family, and the bridal party. Imagine what you may be missing!

Check out a large selection of disposable wedding cameras at WhereBridesGo.com
Use coupon code BLOG to take 10% off your order!

Best Selling Groomsmen Gifts!

Best Selling Gifts for Your Groomsmen & Dads!

Men love practical gifts, so these gifts for your groomsmen are SURE to be a hit! Check this off your "to do" list and order personalized gifts for your groomsmen from WhereBridesGo.com. Take 10% off your entire order with coupon code VIPBRIDE.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, our Personalized Men's Micro Fiber Toiletry Bag will keep you organized and together. Fashioned in black micro fiber, this toiletry case features an easy clean nylon interior, a belted exterior fastener, and four interior zippered compartments. With its free personalization and trendy look, this travel tote is a must have for every male.

No matter where your plans may take you, this sports duffle is the ideal bag for you! Its sturdy frame and smart features are fantastic for the gym, park or traveling in a car. This carrier has everything covered! Made of 600d polyester with contrasting black zippers and piping, this sports tote features a U-Shaped zipper closure, a vented mesh shoe compartment, exterior pocket secured with Velcro, small exterior mesh pocket, removable vinyl covered bottom, padded nylon carry handles and a removable, adjustable padded nylon shoulder strap. May be personalized with 3 block initials in black or grey thread at no additional cost.

Reinvent your favorite suit with these one of a kind personalized photo cuff links. With their classic form and magnetic closure, these silver-plated cuff links will look traditional but feel completely modern. Can hold two petite photos of the people closes to you! The Personalized Photo Cuff Links can be presented in the included silver gift tin. Each cuff link measures 3/4" in diameter. Personalized Photo Cuff Links may be engraved with up to three block initials at No Additional Cost.

Over 100 great gifts ideas for groomsmen ... check them out at WhereBridesGo.com!

Take 10% off your order with coupon code VIPBRIDE.

Bridesmaid Totes with Personalization

This year it's all about totes ... a practical gift your bridesmaids that can be used throughout the year.


Whatever her style, from chic to classic, you'll find the perfect personalized tote from WhereBridesGo.com.

Check out just a few from our amazingly large selection:


Organization never looked so good! This travel bag has everything you’ll need to travel in style. This black and white polka dot bag features four easy zip compartments, a pocket flap for smaller brushes or jewels, frosted easy clean lining, leatherette handles and trim, and a hook attachment for hanging.

Tres' Chic! Lunch time has never been cuter than with these adorable totes! Available in Black, Pink, Green, Blue and Apricot, these lunch totes make everything from picnicking in the park to packing a snack for work way more stylish! Features an exterior pocket, interior insulated vinyl chamber and two sturdy straps.

Check out all of our amazing bridesmaid gifts at WhereBridesGo.com!

AND ... through March 31 (that's right, just 3 days) take 15% off your ENTIRE order with coupon code SPRING. Now is the time to save on wedding favors, bridesmaid gifts, groomsmen gifts, and all your wedding accessories! Visit http://www.wherebridesgo.com/

Cheers ... from WhereBridesGo.com!

From trendy to elegant, the new 2008 wedding glassware and toasting flutes are sure to add style to your pre-wedding parties and wedding reception tables.

Celebrate the union of your new lives together with our unique Wedding Toasting Flutes in a Vase. Our champagne toasting flutes feature frosted stems and personalized engraving of the bride and groom’s names and wedding date. The toasting flutes can not stand on their own but instead reside in a lovely tapered crystal vase. The elegant vase can be filled with ice, rose petals, crystals or other small items to coordinate with your wedding décor. The etched toasting flutes and crystal vase can be used long after the wedding date, together or separately. These romantic toasting flutes are a perfect touch for the head table and are SURE to bring back beautiful memories for many anniversaries to come.

Raise a glass to your groomsmen with our Personalized Sports Beer Mug, a traditional groomsmen gift with personalized engraving. Our sturdy glass mugs feature a molded glass bottom and durable tapered handle. The personalized beer mug holds 25 ounces of his favorite draft and his imprinted name will make sure his beer mug doesn’t get lost on the poker table.

Stock up your coffee cup stash with our Initial Mug Set. Sold in sets of four, this mug set provides plenty of reasons to get excited. Great for work, home or even as a desk organization, these group of four is both practical and stylish. A perfect gift for your bridesmaids!

Now through March 31, take 15% off your entire order at WhereBridesGo.com with coupon code SPRING. Hurry ... Time is running out!

Unity Sand Ceremony

The Unity Sand Ceremony is a novel alternative for the popular "unity candle ceremony" incorporated into many of today's weddings. The essence is to symbolize the union of "two into one". This sand version is not only beautiful and interesting, but also more appropriate for an outdoor setting.




The Unity Sand Ceremony has become very popular in recent years. It's perfect for outdoor ceremonies where weather can create issues with lighted candles, and it creates a memorable keepsake from your ceremony.

For the Unity Sand Ceremony, select three decorative glass vases and place one color of sand into one vase and a second color into another vase. This is designed to represent the Bride and Groom. At the appropriate point in the service the Groom pours a portion of his sand into the third vase. The Bride then pours a portion of her sand in on top of the Groom’s in the third vase. To conclude the Bride and the Groom jointly pour the remaining sand in each of their respective vases into the central vase. The co-mingling of the colored sand is an impressive demonstration of two into one. When children are involved, simply add additional colors of sand and incorporate the children in the Sand Ceremony. It is a safe and meaningful way to symbolize the new blended family.

Your vases can be engraved with initials, names or the wedding date making them a spectacular keepsake for years to come. Unity sand ceremony vases and supplies are available at WhereBridesGo.com.

Kissing Couple Cake Topper

We thought cake tops couldn't get any more adorable until the NEW 2008 cake top designs were revealed.

The Kissing Couple cake topper ... well ... it takes the CAKE!

Your guests will be delighted and talking ALL NIGHT about this whimsical cake topper. Completely unique and loads of fun ... we've never seen anything like it.

Check out the new Kissing Couple Cake Topper at WhereBridesGo.com!

Add a little fun with your romance ... this couple shares their wedding kiss on top of the cake. In stylish black and white the cake top goes with any color theme. 5 1/2" tall.

Keep Your Budget on Track with Wedding Collections!

What bride isn't on a budget?


Did you know you can often save 10-15% on your wedding accessories when you order a complete wedding collection rather than purchasing individual pieces? Todays wedding collections are flexible too! Many come with everything you can imagine, the guest book, ring pillow, flower girl basket, and toasting flutes ... while other may only include a guest book and toasting flutes. This means brides planning small weddings or large can take advantage of the savings.


Check out some of the new wedding collections for 2008. GORGEOUS new colors and fabrics, from jeweled, to personalized, to simple and chic ... perfect for any wedding style!