Same Sex Weddings

I know this is a touchy subject for a whole lot of people. My outlook on this topic is let love be! Anyone should be allowed to marry their special someone. And I am here to tell you about some great ideas for same sex weddings!


First of all registering for your same sex union. I found all of these great links from gayweddings.com
Here are a few resources, including links to find information for registering for a civil union or marriage license in applicable jurisdictions:
District of Columbia
How to apply for a marriage license in D.C..
Massachusetts:
GLAD's How To Get Married Guide
Vermont:
The Vermont Guide to Civil Unions
Marriage Certificate order form
Connecticut:
A comprehensive look at state laws
FAQs from the Connecticut state website
Maine:
In Nov. 09, voters overturned legislation allowing same sex couples to marry.
Hawaii:
Bill authorizing civil unions lands on Governor's desk. Updates to follow!
Iowa:
Tips for an Iowa marriage
New Jersey:
Information for a New Jersey Civil Union License
New Hampshire:
Your Honor, I Do
Requirements and information for marriage licenses
California:
Tying the knot in California, 2008
Proposition 8 has nullified gay marriage. 
Canada:
Information on the legal implications of a Canada gay marriage from the Human Rights Campaign
UK:
General Register Office for the UK
www.gayweddings.com


Ceremony

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49115/detailview.aspx?STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&type=3&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781&id=49115&PgReferrer=view.aspx

Who will Marry you?

A civil servant's primary role is to legalize the marriage, so unless you're marrying in Massachusetts or California, that won't be a part of the ceremony. Instead, you can ask a judge or justice of the peace to sanction your union symbolically. Also, look into an Ethical Humanist officiant (to find a local society, visit American Ethical Union or an officiant from the Unitarian Universalist Association, Universal Life Church, or Metropolitan Community Church. These groups have announced their support for gay marriages and encourage their clergy to officiate them. And keep in mind that your officiant doesn't have to be "official" -- that is licensed to perform legal weddings -- which means a dear friend or relative can do the honor.

If you'd like a religious ceremony, look for an officiant from a religion that leaves the decision up to individual clergy members (Buddhist, some Protestant, some Quaker, and Reform Jewish). Many religious denominations also bless gay unions, even if they won't officiate these unions. Of course, the Internet is a great research tool for finding local officiants, and many invite gay couples to contact them about creating a personalized ceremony.
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/find-the-right-gay-wedding-officiant.aspx

What are the elements of the ceremony?

Though you may not end up with a legal document, the ceremony itself is a binding ritual, so you'll want to make it truly personal. Even so, your ceremony may be quite similar to a traditional wedding. Here are the basic components to a traditional wedding ceremony and what they include:
Processional: This is what gives guests the cue that the wedding is about to begin. Normally, the music dramatically changes and your bridal party and one or both of you will walk up the aisle to the altar or huppah to meet one another. Many gay couples decide that they're more comfortable walking up the aisle together instead of one waiting for the other at the altar. If your ceremony space has three aisles, think about walking up opposite side aisles and meeting at the altar. Then afterward, you can walk down the middle aisle together for the recessional. This also works well if you're each having a family member (mother, father, sister, brother) or close friend escort you up the aisle. As for your wedding party, your attendants can come in from each side or walk up the center aisle before you both enter. And when it comes to seating guests, your respective families can sit on either side of you (figure out which side each of you will stand at the altar), while mutual friends can simply sit wherever they please on either side. Another idea: create an aisle or separator between guests and have everyone sit in a U-shape around your altar or huppah. Whichever you choose, remember that it's your day and you should do what works for you two.
The Greeting/Call to Attention: This is where your officiant tells guests they're present to support the commitment and love between the two of you, and may say a few words about you and your relationship.
Declaration of Intent/Vows: Writing your own vows is a great way to celebrate your commitment to each other -- and honor the uniqueness of your relationship. You can draw what you like from traditional, religious, or secular vows; adapt wordings from poems, songs, and prose; or start from scratch and express your feelings in your own words. Memorize them, read them from a book, or repeat them after your officiant. Looking for more readings and ideas? Check out these ceremony readings.
Ring Exchange: Perhaps you've already given each other rings and you would like to add bands to go with them. If you're not getting a second set of rings, you can simply reenact the original ring exchange with a few special words. And when it comes to figuring out which hand to wear it on, that's entirely up to you. Many gay couples wear commitment rings on their right hands as opposed to the more traditional way of wearing them on the left. Or you might choose a nontraditional design and wear it on the traditional finger. No matter which you choose, the important part is celebrating and showing the symbol of your love for each other. During this time, it's appropriate for your officiant to say words about the symbol of the wedding ring and its meaning to you as a couple. If you opt not to have a ring exchange, the minister might have you two simply join hands while he gives a pronouncement.
Readings/Joining Rituals: You could read about love, friendship, companionship, trust, growth, or whatever value of your relationship you wish to highlight. Joining rituals like a unity candle (the two of you light a mutual candle with flames from two individual candles) or Native American sand blending are perfect ways to symbolize your union. You could also try the sharing of wine (bitter and sweet), which symbolizes that you're partners for all of life's joys and sorrows. Or, sign your names on parchment or in a holy book to show your commitment as a covenant.
Pronouncement of the Union and the kiss: This is the part you've been waiting for -- and it speaks for itself! This is also where your officiant may proclaim the marriage -- a few options include "life partners," "true partners," "beloved friends," or just "married!"

-- Anja Winikka
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/gay-wedding-ceremony-elements.aspx


http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2010/01/martha-stewart-weddingss-first-same-sex-wedding/

Wording Wedding Invitations

The person paying for the wedding is generally, but not always, recognized as the event's host on the invite. So if you two are footing the bill for the wedding, then your names should be at the top of the invitation.


For the couple hosting a formal affair:

The honor of your presence
is requested at the marriage of
Derek Ryan Baker
to Charles Robert Jacobson
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
two thousand and eight
at half past four in the afternoon

or

The pleasure of your company
is requested at the marriage of
Derek Ryan Baker
to Charles Robert Jacobson
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
two thousand and eight
at half past four in the afternoon

The couple hosting a more casual affair:

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon

or

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to share and celebrate at their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon

or

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to share in their joy at their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/gay-wedding-invitation-wording-for-couple-hosting.aspx




Inspiration Photo's

Let them eat cake!!!


http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gay-wedding-cake.jpg


A great way to word your wedding invitations!!!






http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/46249/detailview.aspx?id=46249&RPID=2&type=3&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781


http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/47598/detailview.aspx?type=3&RPID=2&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781&id=47598


http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/47604/detailview.aspx?id=47604&type=3&RPID=2&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781

Good luck in all your planning!

Valentine's Day Wedding!!!

Ok, if your anything like me holiday weddings are definitely a no go, this is really truly for a selfish reason. I personally want my wedding all to me! I don't want to have to share it with another special occasion!!! However, the more and more I think about it the more fun they really could be. Take Valentine's Day for instance, love is in the air so take advantage of it. this does not mean you have to stick with the old school cherubs and fountains unless you want to.. No, modernize, make it you!




Love the dessert table/candy bar idea?
Great!!! Make it sassy and sexy and fun with reds, and pinks, and all the colors of love!!!





http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/63458/detailview.aspx?id=63458&RPID=2&type=3






Want a photo booth at the reception?
Get creative make a backdrop that has red hearts or props. Or better yet make a kissing booth as your background!!!! Turn it into your own masterpiece and I am sure that your friends and family will have a blast!



http://rpscissors.typepad.com/.a/6a012876c721b1970c0147e03d88e4970b-800wi



http://img.allvoices.com/thumbs/event/598/486/60773732-carnival-kissing.jpg


http://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1a1.jpg

http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-photo-booth.html




Kissing Booth Anyone?
I don't know about you, but I have never been a huge fan of the dollar dance. Yes, its a great way to mingle with your guests and to get a few dollars for your honeymoon. But the whole shot thing and it takes up sooo much time!!! Since this is a Valentines Wedding why not set up a kissing booth? Set an amount of time that you and your new groom will sit in the booth and have everyone pay you a dollar a kiss... if your shy or you really just want to keep all your kisses for your new hubby.... a kiss on the cheek or a nice hug will work too!!! Same goes for him!



http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/.a/6a00e554f1ae938833013488fc3ad8970c-800wi





Doves!!!
Doves are an ultimate classic of romance, Valentine's Day and weddings so bring back a classic and an old tradition of releasing doves.

Here's the history on it from wedding and party network.com

For many cultures white doves released at a wedding signifies, love, unity, and fidelity
An old wedding superstition suggests that if you see a pair of doves on your wedding day, you’ll have a long and happy marriage. This basis of the superstition stems from the fact that doves mate for life.
Symbolically and not to mention beautiful the releasing of white doves at a wedding is a wonderful tradition; where grooms and brides express their love, unity and fidelity, at the end of the wedding ceremony.
http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/blog/wedding-traditions/releasing-of-white-doves-as-a-wedding-tradition/



http://brettmaxwellphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/img_4653.jpg






Decorating!
A great decorating tip for your Valentine's Day Wedding is colored lights you can make a wall any color you want with just light so maybe a vibrant red or lovely pink! Red roses are a must for a Valentine's Wedding! Instead of using red as an accent use it as a main color! It will be more like a blast of color than a pop!


http://www.shibawi.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/wedding-ideas-diann-valentine-1a.jpg


http://weddinge.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Classic-Red-and-White-Fall-Wedding-Ideas-in-Virginia-2.jpg


http://www.fhiky.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/All-in-Red-Idea-Wedding-Reception11.jpg






Favors

Conversation Hearts!! Put a box at each place setting!

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W2TM3B7HBbOInxTuT08GS9kd_SIq2y9Q9TZiNGURLR-DRX3AlkQfoHENnwS3XHvRrE6OvVbhuM2RM813gNN0tmZT0ukMUW6zYMYV8bNLVI1zrQuBRdQwPYKhlfiPMQoDUMrsfGoO18k/s1600/worded+candies.jpg

Small Bouquet of kiss roses! These are super easy to make and kind of fun too!


http://www.bridalbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/hersheys-kiss-rose-bud.jpg

What you will need:
Hershey Kisses
Red Plastic Wrap (cut into squares)
Floral Wire
Floral Tape

What you do:

Step 1. Take two kisses put the flat ends together and then stick a piece of floral wire up through them. Make sure to be gentle so you don't break the kiss push the wire all the way up through both kisses without going through the top of the top kiss.

Step 2. Take one of your red squares and put it over the kisses and twist at the end around the wire.

Step 3. Take the floral tape and start at the base of the kisses and wrap all the way down the wire so it looks like a stem you can make this thicker by put more than one layer of tape on.

Step 4. Once you have all your roses done you can bunch them together just place them together at different intervals to make it look textured than take your floral tape and start at the bottom of your roses and cover.

*To add to the rose effect you can put leaves on the roses. Just get fake floral leaves from any crafts section or store and put them at the base of your rose then just do the same thing as step 3 and wrap with floral tape.






Inspiration Pictures!!!


http://dealiciousfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/valentine-gifts-coupons.jpg


http://www.mydresswedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/valentines-day-wedding-color.jpg



https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKkjwAV4vMOy6KjkuZgm5k_ZwXFG3TfozpdY1Fwfw3QTVgRXbB_uXXhNhPzCCucXczbedBJRNwCB1VQwYAflxGp4yKjz0kjFAt4cBO8DoPGT84x8cSO6YIbCnr17fuksbg3rK50FaO2s/s400/1-22+-+Valentine%27s+Day+Wedding+copy.jpg



http://www.mydresswedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/valentines-day-wedding-themes-1.jpg



http://daily.wedshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/heart-valentines-day-wedding-lg.jpg



http://blog.weddingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/wedding-inspirationboard-red-pink-vday.jpg



http://projectposh.typepad.com/.a/6a0128775b2617970c01287783d3d9970c-800wi


http://scrapbooklady.typepad.com/katie_the_scrapbook_lady/images/2008/02/13/vday_mosaic.jpg



http://www.heathersglen.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Valentine-Wedding-Ideas.jpg


Well from me to you
Happy Valentine's Day and
Happy Planning!!!! Kiss Kiss

DIY Wedding

Today's post is going to be on Do It Yourself weddings... I think everyone likes to save money.... I know I do. So here are some great projects you can do yourself for your wedding not only will you save money but the effort will make your wedding even more special!!! DIY doesn't have to mean you yourself has to do it, if you have talented friends let them help!


When I did my best friend Katie's wedding we did lots of Do It Yourself projects. All her wedding centerpieces were done by her mom. They were florals with mirrors that we bought a Lowes and set candles around. We made her wedding ceremony program fans, by printing what we wanted on them off the computer then assembeling them. Also, her favors were Hershey's kisses that she had bought after Valentine"s Day to match her colors, rose, wine, and champagne, we bunched a few together in fabric and sat them in little plastic swans. Her corsages and boutineers were done by my mom who is very talented with flowers. And all she did was buy some bulk flowers from Costco and put them together.And the greatest DIY project of all Katie the bride is a hairstyalist so she was fixing the girls hair and giving her cousin a haircut before the wedding. So as you can see DIY projects are easy and fun!

Here are a few DIY projects from Marthastewartweddings.com

Ring Pillow
Cut linen to 6 1/2-by-12 1/2 inches and double-sided ribbon to 62 inches. Using disappearing-ink pen, draw a line down middle of cloth; draw a line across ribbon every 3 1/2 inches. Pin ribbon in loops as shown, matching marks on ribbon to line on fabric. Sew along the line. Fold fabric in half (with ribbon inside). Leaving a 1/4-inch allowance, sew the two edges parallel to central line. Sew fourth side halfway; turn pillow right side out through opening. Stuff with polyester batting, and stitch closed. Sew center of a 5-inch thin ribbon to pillow for tying on rings.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/bows-arts?xsc=eml_dwd_2011_02_07&#slide_3

DIY Stationary 

 

A calligraphed monogram from your wedding ceremony or a clip-art letter can be scanned into your computer and used as either a graceful embellishment or a bold graphic detail. A single repeated letter or a pair of initials makes a splashy customized cover for a note card.

With a desktop-publishing program, copy and paste initial to fill an 8 1/2-by-11-inch page on screen. Print onto card stock; cut out a 5 1/2-by-8-inch rectangle, partly cutting off some letters. Fold in half.

You can fit two cards on an 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet; for each, position first initial on the right edge and second initial on the left. Print onto card stock, and cut cards apart. Fold sides of each to meet at center.

On a computer, copy and paste initial to fill page. Print onto colored paper; cut 1/8 inch smaller than the dimensions of the envelope with flap open. Slip the paper inside the envelope; fold the top corners using the angled edge of flap as a guide, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Remove and trim; attach with glue stick.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/handmade-thank-you-cards-repeated-monogram

Photo postcards allow you to share your wedding-day memories -- and they are simple to create. The deckled edges and stamped "Post Card" heading evoke correspondence from the early 20th century.

Affix two 4-by-6-inch photos to a sheet of paper with a glue stick, lining up edges. (Be sure you have the photographer's permission to use the images.) Color-photocopy the page onto white card stock. Leaving a 1/8-inch border, cut out each card with deckle-edge scissors. With a rubber stamp that has an old-fashioned "Post Card" graphic (download template and have stamp made at an office-supply store), stamp the back of each card. Using a ruler, draw a line down the center to separate your message from the address.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/handmade-thank-you-cards-photo-postcards

Polka Dot Decorations

Circles cut from metallic contact paper add a playful touch to an otherwise empty space. Recruit friends to stick them up before the party starts and peel them away after the night winds down.

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/winter-good-things-for-weddings?xsc=eml_dwd_2011_01_28&#slide_10

DIY  Favors

Pretty Pouches for Wedding Favors

It's sew simple: Cut a rectangular strip of fabric to the desired width (allow for a 1/2-inch seam on both sides) and twice the preferred height. Fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing, stitch up the sides, and turn the whole thing inside out. Use pinking shears to finish the top edge, and fill with treats. Fashion ties out of fabric that's been torn on the grain

www.marthastewartwedding.com

 

 

 

http://www.diywedding.org/diy-favors/diy-honeysweet-favors

 

 

Any jarred items make great favors: honey, jams, fruits, mixes, hot chocolate, salsa, etc. They can be as exspensive as you want depending on what you put in them, what type of jar you use and how you dress them up. If you are going to put fabric on the lids like in this picture make sure to leave at least 2 inches of fabric for the sides so that you have plenty when you tie it back.

 

Rose Petal Cones

 

 

Here is another little wedding detail that can be prepared well ahead of the wedding. Gorgeous paper cones for e.g. rose petals which the guests will throw over you after the ceremony. I made these paper cones over a few evenings.

This actually gave me a little bit of time to sit and relax with a cup of tea as well.

You need:

A template shape to draw and cut after (you can download mine at the bottom of this page).

A pair of scissors & some paper glue.

A pencil.

A couple of sheets of e.g. good quality wrapping paper to use as "lining" like I did (it takes time to line the cones - you can leave this out).

A basket or something similar to sit your cones in at the wedding (I found a couple of old baskets in the basement which I decorated with wide organza ribbon).

Note the small pink dot at the end of the thin grey line.

The dot indicates the spot from which the tip of your cone should begin.

How to:
Use the template provided below (download the PDF file and print out the shape on a thick piece of paper).

Draw with a pencil around your shape on the carboard/thick paper you would like to make your cones out of.

Cut out all your shapes with a pair of scissors.

Form a cone out of each of your carboard shapes til it has the size (the opening) you prefer.

Glue the edge so your cone stays in shape.

http://www.diywedding.org/diy-wedding-ideas/ceremony-ideas/paper-cones-with-rose-petals

 

 

 

 

Garden Lanterns

 

Here is what you need to make one lantern:
1 recycled glass jar
2 pieces of steel wire (one piece to make the handle of the lantern and one piece the make the loop that goes around the top of the lantern – you need to measure these)
Beach sand
1 one small candle or tea light


 

Image 1:First measure out the length of the steel wire you need for the loop, add an extra 3-4 inches and cut off your first bit of wire.

Image 2:
½ inch in on your wire you make the first small loop. This is one of the two loops the loop the handle will go through later. To get a perfectly round loop I use a pen or something similar to shape my loop with. This way I can get two identical loops for my lantern.

Image 3:
Now place the loop on one side of your jar and pull the excess wire half way around the jar so it end exactly opposite your first loop. Make a reference point (bend the wire) as this is where you need to make your second loop for the handle.

Image 4:Now make you second loop like you made the first loop (see image 2)

Image 5:Place the wire around the glass jar and secure the two wire ends by twisting them around each other. Cut off excess wire.

Image 6:Cut off your last piece of wire to the length you want your handle to be in. Shape it as shown on the picture and pull each end of your “handle” through the loops.

Your lantern is ready and you can now decorate it with ribbon or stickers or something else or you can leave it as it is. To avoid the candles to move around inside the lanterns it’s a good idea to put a little bit of sand at the bottom of the jars.
http://www.diywedding.org/diy-wedding-ideas/ceremony-ideas/diy-garden-lanterns

I found this website they have great ideas on it some I showed on my page. They also have templates so I'm going to include it in my post today!
http://www.diywedding.org/diy-wedding-ideas/free-downloads

Another site that tends to have a lot of templates and fonts that you can use for free is Martha Stewart Weddings

Well I think this is all of the DIY projects I'm gonna show you today I am a huge fan of DIY projects so I am sure you will see more as my blog goes on!!! Hope this helped!



 

Wedding Showers

History of the Bridal Shower

In times gone by bridal showers were used to ensure that the bride was well prepared for married life. In fact, the idea of the traditional bridal shower originated in Holland. If a Dutch bride was unfortunate enough to have her father disapprove of her choice in husbands, he would not offer a dowry (Money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage). Her friends would then shower her with gifts so she could still marry her man, without the help of her father’s money.
http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/pre-wedding-parties/bridal-showers/planning-perfect-wedding-shower







http://sangmaestro.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Honeymoon-Passion-Package-Bridal-Shower-Gift.jpg
Bridal Shower Gifts

By this point most couples have already registered for wedding gifts so you are welcome to check out their registry. However, I would take a differnt route and really make it about the bride. A few great wedding shower gifts are:

Photo Albums- maybe filled with memories of you her and her groom to be.

Bridal Lingerie- nothing to risque remember she will be opening this in front of family

Wedding Gown Preservation Kit

Bridal Bouquet Preservation Kit

Bridal Shower Bouquet Making Kit- for making the rehearsal bouquet





http://www.imagenthings.com/images/bridal-shower-3-lg.jpg

Bridal Shower Invitations

Mail three to four weeks before the event and include the following information:

Name of the bride-to-be.
Date of the Shower.
Time of the Shower
Address where the shower is being held.
Name and phone number of the hostess/hostesses.
An RSVP date usually two weeks before the shower
Bridal Shower theme. Usually your invites will reflect this.
Home decorating colors. (If applicable).
It is helpful to enclose a map of the shower location.






http://bridal-showers.net/images/allshowergames.gif


Bridal Shower Games
Now every bride has going through their pretty little heads that I must make these games doable for everyone so I'm gonna play bridal bingo that way grammy has a chance to play too! This is not how I think. I think grammy wants a change too so liven it up a bit... and here are a few games that will do that! If you do want sit down print out games though there are lots of websites that you can find free printable games.

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress
Submitted by: Bliss!™
This is one of the more popular games played at bridal showers. We divided the guests (including me and my bridesmaids) into teams of three. Each team was handed four rolls of white toilet paper (recycled, of course) and were given 20 minutes to design a wedding dress. Each team chooses a "bride" and then proceeds to design a dress and wrap the "bride" within the allotted time. Each team bride was then paraded in front of the guests (it was hilarious on how some of my friends' creative juices flowed!) and votes were taken to determine the prettiest bridal gown. A gift was then awarded to the chosen bride and her design team!
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp

Purse Scavenger Hunt
Submitted by: Bliss!™
Divide the guests into teams of two or three. Provide each team a list of items to be found in their purses. Each item is assigned a certain number of points. The most likely found item such as lipstick is assigned 20 points. Whereas an item such as a rock is assigned 75 points. You can do this as individuals as well.
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp

"Don't Cross Your Legs"
Submitted by: Bliss!™
Each woman is given a clothespin to clip to the end of her skirt/dress. The purpose of the game is to NOT get caught crossing your legs at any time throughout the bridal shower. If one of the other guests catch you crossing your legs then she can grab your clothespin. The guest who collects the most clothespins, wins the game. You will be surprised at how natural it is for women to cross their legs so this will be a fun game to play as the bridal shower progresses.
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp

The Bride Leaves the Room
Submitted by: A. J. of London, Ontario
Ask the bride to leave the room. The guests are asked to write down ten or fifteen things about the bride such as what color is her hair and what are the colors of her eyes. Also, what color of clothing is she wearing, what kind of jewelry is she wearing or any other accessories. The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp

Newspaper Bridal Dress Game
Submitted by: Norma of Newberg, Oregon
We had the guests make a bridal dress from newspaper. The shower guests were divided into teams. Each team was given scissors, tape, and a stack of newspapers. They were to make just one part of the wedding gown: sleeve, bodice, train, skirt, veil, shoes, etc. If your shower is small, concentrate on the main parts of the dress. If it is a large shower, yOur Storys will be larger and you can make assignments accordingly. The bride then must wear the gown over her clothing and pose for a picture (include a Polaroid picture for her).
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp

How Well Do You Know the Bride?
Submitted by: A. S. of Kingsport, Tennessee
Give each guest a note pad-size paper and pen. Have questions ready to ask such as, how old is the bride, her mother's name, what college/university/high school did she attend, her favorite soft drink, the names of her brothers/sisters, her wedding date, the colors of her wedding, her fiance parents names, what size shoe, her favorite color, favorite TV show/soap, etc. The guest that answers the most correct wins a prize. You will be amazed what people do or do not know. It will start great conversations.
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/games.asp


Bridal Shower Themes
Colors are great themes so are seasons. Some women have specific types of parties: Pampered Chef, Lingerie, Naughty Parties, Jewelry Parties etc etc. You know me by now I would much rather show you pictures than try and explain so here we go!!!!


Silhouette
http://rochesterweddingconnection.com/images/2334282470_6daf097d94.jpg




Something Blue
http://www.thoughtfullysimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/something-blue-bridal-shower-idea-and-theme.jpg




Exotic Paradise Spring- Summer
http://static.blisstree.com/files/2008/02/spring-summer-bridal-shower.jpg



Summer Time
http://rochesterweddingconnection.com/images/2409623835_7aaf81df8d.jpg




Lingerie Party
Some may feel this is more appropriate for a bachelorette party
http://cdn.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/modparty1.jpg




Spring Time Showers
http://pinkandgreenweddings.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/shower-72.jpg




Tea Party
http://blog.weddingpaperdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/cupcakesbridalshower.jpg




http://cdn.sheknows.com/printables/print/bridalchecklist.gif

Hope this helps anyone planning a bridal shower whether it be the bride herself or a lucky relative or friend. Happy Planning!!!!