Here are more fabulous photos from Erin Borgess Event Design. We are seriously swooning...

Labels: Color, Favors, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Weddings

Whenever we come across a new and novel idea for brides, we know it is our duty to share it with you. Traditionally, guests gave the wedding couple gifts along the line of household items to help them start their new lives. These items were essential to the young couple as they were very young and did not own any of the necessary household items to begin their new lives together. And in registering at any of the traditional retailers, the guests are subject to additional charges beyond the gift itself like the sales tax and shipping charges.

In the modern day, couples are getting married later in their lives which means they already have many if not all the things they need for a household - pots and pans, flatware, stemware, etc. Additionally, as the couples unite as a household, they will be consolidating many of their things, getting rid of the duplicate household items. So the last thing they may want is more "stuff" to have to manage and find a place to store more household items.

This is where Wedding Futures comes in. For the modern couple, matters like the down payment for their first home or tuition for their children far outweigh that of fine china or gravy boats. Or even paying off the cost of the wedding and honeymoon as more couples are paying for their own weddings! Wedding Futures allows you to set up a registry for all the securities you need. At registration couples select from one of five types of portfolio profiles - Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive, Green, or Socially Responsible. Stocks in each risk profile span a broad range of prices to fit every gifter’s budget.

Labels: Favors, Gifts, Local Events, Social Awareness

Sometimes we come across a hot find that makes us just a tad giddy inside. And today is one of those days. We absolutely LOVE the paper designs by Sunshine & Ravioli. Their unique and precious works of art are as delightful as they are imaginative and they make the perfect addition to your wedding day accessory needs. From cone favors to gift tags to cake toppers, Sunshine & Ravioli has it all!

This is just a sample of what they have to offer, so be sure stop by their etsy store and check out every design they have. We promise you won't be disappointed.


Top Row: Autumn wedding cone favors; Autumn Oak Tree Save the Date Magnets; Woodland Silhouette Thank You Cards
Second Row: Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Tag Set; Crown Gift Tags; She Sells Seashells Gift Tags
Bottom Row: Cupcake or Cake Topper Flags; Once Upon a Time Gift Tags

Labels: Favors, Gifts, holidays

We think you'll love this great little gadget called the Canditto. Finally, here is a new alternative to disposable cameras. Simply plug your Canditto into an electrical outlet and you're ready to start collecting all the photos your guests have taken. All your guests need to do is insert their digital cameras' memory cards, and it will automatically and instantly copy the photos they’ve taken in the last 8 hours. At the end of your celebration, remove the two identical thumb drives. Keep one for yourself and keep the other as a backup, or an instant gift to your new in-laws.

You can rent a Canditto online for $450, which we admit is high in price. But the convenience of being able to collect your friends pictures is certainly a bonus. These pictures will hold you over while you wait on the professional images from your photographer. And every bride knows just how fun it is to remember all the fabulous details while honeymooning with your new spouse.

Labels: Favors, How-Tos, Ideas, Trends

Looking for a truly unique wedding favor idea that is also healthy and nutritious? We encourage you to check out Mix My Granola where you can choose from more than 70 different ingredients to customize your individual granola mix. Mix My Granola developed the concept of custom granola mixes that are perfect as wedding favors that guests can munch on at the wedding.

Their granola and the ingredients are super healthy, taste delicious and are top notch quality. The price and nutrition facts for your individual granola mix are calculated live as you add different ingredients. Mix your ultimate granola mix and give your granola it’s individual name, save it in your account profile and check out. Your custom-made granola is mixed, filled in our sleek Mix My Granola Tube and shipped to any location in the U.S. Delicious!

Click here to contact Mix My Granola for special wedding favor options.

Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage

First impressions always matter, and when your wedding invitation arrives in the mailbox of your wedding guest, you want to "wow" them from the start. Wedding invitations are incredibly important in sending a message to your guests about what type of wedding yours will be. The more formal the script the more likely your guests will understand how to prepare for your event, and will select formal attire to wear to your wedding. If you choose a more fun style font for your invitation, your guests will get the message that your event is a carefree party and may dress more casually.

Whatever your theme or style, work with your invitation designer or manufacturer to select a font that fits your theme. Here are some of our most recent favorites. These are all available at Veer.com.

1. Feel Script :: $99




2. Compendium :: $99

3. Montague Script :: $59

4. Adios :: $99
5. Burgues Script :: $99

Labels: Favors, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas, Trends

Just because you are on a budget, doesn't mean you have to give up on having a completely awesome theme for your wedding. For a mid-afternoon wedding consider a candy buffet. Mmmmm....candy! Set up a bar with all your favorites and choose the candy that fits your color scheme and personality. All you need are clear glass jars and a trip to your local candy stores and you'll have a plethora of choices, colors, tastes and varieties that will have your guests on a sugar rush in no time at all.

If your wedding is in the fall, consider caramel covered apples, candy corn and sweets in shades of orange and yellow. If you are planning a winter wedding, pick up candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and red and white candies. If your wedding is in the spring, take advantage of the pastel candies that come out around Easter. And if you are planning a summer shindig, add a sno-cone bar with flavored ice as a special treat that is as tasty as it is thirst quenching.

Above all, be creative and be sure to brush your teeth after such an indulgence. Sweet dreams.

Labels: Color, Favors, Food and Beverage, How-Tos, Ideas, Trends

Cupcakes are just as popular today as full blown - 5 tiered cakes. But there is nothing special about the little wrappers that surround the stem of the cupcake, until now. Check out these adorable cupcake wrappers for every theme and occasion available from Paper Orchid.

These delicate paper cupcake holders come in several colors, shapes and themes and are available in packs of 12 for $12.


You can also give your cupcakes a lift and show off your desserts with the below fun plastic display pedestals! Each treat can be individually displayed for a special guest, or as part of a larger cupcake centerpiece. Easy to assemble - twist the top platform onto the stem base. Cupcake Pedestals perfectly display cupcakes, muffins, party favors and more - or turn the pedestal over for the perfect ice cream cone holder! Set of 4. This item excluded from wholesale pricing. Each stand is 5" tall.

Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage

As much as it pains us to see summer come to end, we're still excited for all the beautiful colors and inspirations we find in Fall each year. Fall is an incredible time for a wedding. The season calls for rich colors and unique twists on design. To help you get your creative juices flowing, we've got some party planning tips to help you plan the wedding of the season!


The Theme: Since Halloween also falls in the Fall (no pun intended) choose a theme that is equally fun and light-hearted. We've chosen the theme of Fun & Games to present to you. Fun & Games allows you to veer slightly from the formal and traditional wedding design and be creative with your colors, fashions, favors and decorations.

The Dress: We are in love with the idea of wearing a t-length gown to your reception. By shortening up your hemline, you also add sass and pizazz to the evening's mood, which will allow everyone to feel relaxed and ready to have a fun time. You could even wear a long, more traditional gown for your ceremony, but change into a shorter gown for your reception when it's time let loose.

The Colors: Go with a color that pops like a deep orange, ruby red or golden yellow. These traditional Fall colors make a great backdrop for your wedding and make for a lively color pallate.

The Details: With any theme, it's always the small details that matter most. Give your groom some funky cufflinks that match the color of the wedding. In our inspiration board above, check out the orange lego cufflinks we found at Etsy to stay inline with our Fun & Games theme.

The Entertainment: A Fun & Games wedding theme screams party dance band, does it not? Hire a band with as much moves as you're groom-to-be thinks he has!

The Food: Fall brings new flavors and available ingredients that are not available throughout the rest of the year, so take advantage of them. We suggest adding seasonal fruits and vegetables as side dishes to your plates like sweet potatoes, figs, pumpkin spices, and apple stuffings. Talk with your caterer about jazzing up these seasonal flavors to create elegant and delicous appetizers and drinks like ricotta stuffed grilled figs with honey drizzled on top or a pumpkin spiced apple cider.

The Table: Go with bold linens to match your color scheme. Strong colored linens will help you make a statement without having to go overboard on large floral centerpieces. Also, just for "fun," pile the center of each table with party favor "games" like Chinese finger traps, mazes, pick-up-sticks, mini-puzzels and legos.

The Favors: Fall is all about candy! So have it everywhere for your guests to nibble on all night long.

The Extras: We always like the idea of having a traditional and elegant wedding cake, but to add a little "fun" to the reception, have a custom-made Groomscake designed in a unique shape that signifies your and your groom's personality.

Also be sure to add ambiance to the overall room design by bringing in professional lighting. By using red and orange lighting, your overall theme will be carried out even further.

Inspiration Board:
Top Row: T-length silk gown featured at Project Wedding; Invitation from Olio Style; Groglmann's Retro Classy Lego Cufflinks; Groomscake from Mikes Amazing Cakes
Middle Row: Lovesavers featured at Project Wedding; Lighting by Hollywood Lighting Services; Linens from Aria Style
Bottom Row: Bridesmaid gown from Chrissy O Bridal; Chinese finger traps from Small Toys; Sterling Dance Band from Seattle; Floral centerpiece from Aria Style

Labels: Beauty, Color, Fashion, Favors, Food and Beverage, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas

We recently came across these great gift ideas that we wanted to share with you. The idea behind these charming "house blessings" is to provide little reminders that the gift-giver wishes love, laughter, encouragement and growth into the life of the receiver. Each house blessing charm comes with a card message and a blessing. These House Blessings come from Dogeared Jewels & Gifts.

Below, is the Bride and Groom House Blessing. The included card reads:
Make a wish together and hang this blessing in your home! Fill each room with laughter, love, creation, encouragement, and new memories!


If you like the Bride and Groom House Blessing, check out the many other options for just about every occasion and special person in your life. We also think these would make excellent bridal party gifts. Click here to see all of the options:

Labels: Favors, Gifts, Ideas, Trends

Candles add an extremely elegant touch to your wedding. In low light, the gentle flicker of candles sets the stage for a romantic evening. But, unfortunately, due to safety concerns, many wedding facilities do not allow candles to be used on site. So what are you to do if you had your heart set on a hundred flickering lights?

Meet Ashley Danae Designs. Ashley Danae Designs creates flameless candles that are made of wax and have a deliciously light vanilla scent. The candle’s "flame" flickers like a real candle, but instead of burning down to the wick, you need only a fresh pair of batteries to recharge their light. Unless you walk right up to the candle and pick it up, you have no idea the candle is not real and the best part is you'll never have to replace it.

Ashley Danae's candles also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Just check out some of the samples below.

Labels: Favors, Gifts, Home, How-Tos, Social Awareness

We found a really amazing company located in Portland, OR called Lucky Crow (great name) that creates the most charming and reusable gift bags we've ever seen. At banquetevent.com we are all about recycling and doing our small part to preserve the environment. So when we hear about a company in the industry also doing their part, we just have to share them with you. Check out the many options Lucky Crow offers from tiny to large in fun and funky colors.


Choose from tons of different fabric selections. Lucky Crow even offers organic options.


Order yours online at LuckyCrow.com

Labels: Favors, Gifts, Social Awareness

At banquetevent.com we are all about personalization. We believe whole-heartedly, that the best weddings don't have to be the ones that spend thousands of dollars making sure each detail is perfect and extraordinary. Extraordinary things happen when you put your own touch on traditional wedding pieces. One way to do this best is through your wedding favors. Our favorite wedding favor of all time is to bake a delectable treat for your guests, include the recipe and neatly package a little taste in a charming box. This can be from your family recipe vault or it can be a new recipe, but either way, the personalization and thought that goes into it makes it special. You can even ask your family or bridesmaids to get involved and help you bake. It will be a wonderful bonding experience and you can eat the leftovers. (Always a plus!)

Here's how to make this favor extra special. First, find the right recipe. Remember, you probably don't want to bake anything that can melt or spoil, so choosing something that won't loose its taste or texture is ultra important. Some great treats to consider would be Italian biscottis, hard candies, crispy cookies like gingersnaps or meringue.


If you need some inspiration for a recipe, visit foodnetwork.com for hundreds of great free recipes. One of our favorites we found were these Meringue Smooches.


Next find the right packages. There are thousands of options available to you and at an affordable price. You can find beautiful boxes in all colors and shapes. Check out these options we found at Beau Coup.


Lastly, to add the extra touch of personalization, have a custom rubber stamp made. They range from $12-$20 and can used over and over again. We found these at etsy.com from Sweet Papery. Also available through Sweet Papery are custom save the date, address, and other charming custom stamps.

Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas

We have no doubt you'll fall in love with these whimsical and handcrafted cake toppers from Chapeau de Gateau. Each Chapeau de Gateau topper is individually created and handmade from the finest quality Mokuba ribbon, and is delivered in a keepsake box as a reminder of your special occasion. Each topper can be customized to suit your theme, color, or personal style. Owner and designer, Alison Dawson started her career as a jewelry, fashion and accessories designer, She expanded her talent by founding Chapeau de Gateau (meaning cake hat in French).

Check out her designs below...






Cake toppers ship from Toronto, Canada.

It’s all about the Cake. Do yourself a favor and get a close look at what it means to the baker/cake designer. Click here to learn more.

Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage, Gifts

These have to be some of the most adorable table setting items of all time! Check out these beautiful mini blown glass salt and pepper shakers. Each glass shaker is handcrafted with care over an intense flame, imbuing each miniature piece of functional art with a unique blend of luxurious colors and textures. These salt and pepper shakers make excellent gifts for your bridesmaids as well as unique wedding favor ideas. They would also be wonderful to place at each table in different eclectic colors.

Like you, each one is unique and no two are identical.

Labels: Favors

1. Scratch Tickets
Price: $1 each
How to use them: Place each scratch ticket in a clear sleeve with a brand new penny. Put a little note inside telling your guests you hope they are as lucky in love as you have been.
Where to get them: At your local grocery or convenience store

2. Mini Vellum Envelopes
Price: $8.75 for a pack of 25 (that's $.35 each!)
How to use them: Fill each individual envelope with a family recipe, verse, poem, fortune, or other meaningful words. Or go another route and just fill them with candy such as Jordan Almonds, a traditional candy for good luck.
Where to get them: Type pictured is available at Beau-Coup.com

3. Embossed Favor Bags
Price: $.50 each
How to use them: We suggest going green with these adorable pouches. Place some seeds inside to grow herbs, flowers, or vegetables and include instructions for your guests on where and how to grow their new plant.
Where to get them: Available at Beau-coup.com

4. Tea For Two Teabags
Price: $.85
How to use them: Everything can be customized these days including these adorable teabags. Order personalized tea bags with sweet phrases like "Love is Brewing," "The Perfect Blend" and "Tearific Couple." And be sure to also print your names and wedding date on the bag.
Where to get them: Available at Beau-Coup.com

5. Personalized Matchbooks
Price: $.26 each
How to use them: Show your guests that you and your new spouse are a "perfect match" with personalized matchbooks. These matchbooks come in several colors and motifs and can be combined with a small candle as a charming wedding favor.
Where to get them: Weddingchannel.com

Labels: Favors