Modern and Fun Guest book Ideas

How many times do people really go through a guestbook and read what people wrote? Do we really display these in our homes for everyone to come over and see? Chances are you answered I read it once or never, and no it is in storage somewhere. There is no need for these boring traditional books that no one looks at anymore.  Here are fun and unique ways for your guests to enjoy being welcomed to your wedding and also double as adorable home decor after for houseguests to enjoy.

1. Puzzle Pieces- Guests will each sign I piece of the puzzle then on a stay home “date night” you are your spouse can put it together.  Makes for really cute wall decor too!

2.  Photobook of your Engagement Photos- Engagement photos are fun and really popular now a days but typically most couples only use one or two for their Save the Dates and that is it.  Why not get your moneys worth by creating a picture/guest book combo? Really cute idea and this is great to display in your home.

3.  Artwork- if you are a couple that loves art or just want your guests to enjoy doing something different at your wedding these pieces are great.  Below is the thumbprint photo where guests leave their prints and initials.  It’s definitely fun but tricky to tell which guest is who.  Makes for a cute wall photo after the wedding.  Another way is to have a blank Canvas with your monogram and have guests sign their names in paint.

4.  Wishing Stones- this is such a cute idea and actually something I wanted to do.  However, you have to make sure you find the correct stones you can write on.  I came up with this idea too late for my wedding so as long as you have time you can pretty much find them anywhere (just not in your yard of course).  After guests sign them you can add them to vases and they make a gorgeous centerpiece for your dining room.

5. Wine Corks- In my opinion wine weddings are timeless.  There are so many evolving ways to keep this “vintage” tradition with a modern twist.  I love wine weddings and enjoy creating centerpieces and place cards for them.  If you are the wine lover then this is an adorable, easy, and affordable guestbook.  All you have to do is collect corks as you drink wine.  

6.  Picture frame with Border for signing.  For the wedding you can add an engagement photo to get the use out of them 😉 But after all your guests sign it and you get your weddings photos back, mount this with your favorite photo. 

7.  Bench- If your spouse is handy have him build you a bench adn carve your monogram or initials into it.  Then have guests sign right on it.  This is the perfect piece for your backyard or foyer!

8. Tree stump- Having a rustic wedding? These decorative tree stumps are such a cute idea to tie your guest book into your theme.  You can even get them made with your monogram in the center.  This is very cute piece to add as a centerpiece to the dining table at your home.

9.  Game Pieces- Are you a board game loving couple? Perfect idea is to get your favorite game board and have guests sign it.  Every time you have guests over be sure to play the game so they can enjoy all the words of wisdom your guests provided at your wedding. 10.  Globe- Couples that love traveling, are from two different countries, or just love globes this is for you.  Guests can sign by where they are from, love to travel to, or where they wish to go.  Any ideas so that you both get great ideas for your future vacations.  Bonus: If there’s enough space have them write their favorite restaurant, hotel, or hangout spot in that area!  11.  Note cards/ library cards- This is adorable especially for those of you who are teachers.  Guests can pick a catergory they think they know the best advice about and leave you a message.  Throughout your marriage anytime you seek advice just go through your little files and take a pick.  Find the right display and it doubles as home decor as well.

12.  Beach Chair- Similar to the bench, a beach chair is perfect for the surfers or those of you fortunate enough to live on the beach.  Even if you are like me and wish you were always on the beach this chair can make you feel that way and give you advice throughout your daily lounging.   13.  Initial- A fancy initial is always a cute decoration for your home.  It’s always fun (besides changing your credit cards, legal name, and going to the DMV) changing your last name to something different.  A great way to be proud of your new name is to have guests sign your initial.  You can find letters all over or make them yourself if you can’t find your color scheme. 

14.  This is similar to the puzzle, however guests can sign pieces of a photo of you.  As they sign they can put it back and the picture can be hung on your wall forever.  

15.  Photo booth book- Having a photobooth at your wedding?  Most of them come with your guest book.  Guests get to keep a copy of their photo and put one in your book and sign next to it.  Definitely keeps them involved in the night activities.

16.  Sign Hearts- Whether it is hearts, stars, circles, any shape will do, just have a cute shadow box to display them in.  This also makes the perfect piece to display for your friends and family.

Wedding planning should always be exciting and stress free.  Traditional wedding ideas are great but it’s always fun for not only you (the couple) but for your guests to see your creativity shine!  If you aren’t the most creative person and need assistance in making your wedding unique, please contact me for information in planning that special wedding for you!  Most of the photos above have a link directly to them that sends you to where to purchase these from.  Enjoy!

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Weddings- 20 Ways to Honor those who have Passed

Many couples getting married want to honor loved ones who have passed. There is no particular way for this to be done, however, I have compiled a few weddings I have done along with ideas I found to share with all of you. It’s very difficult to lose a loved one as a year ago today I lost my grandmother/best friend to cancer. It’s important no matter what to always keep those who past close to our hearts and celebrate the life they had and gave us. Here is a list of ways to incorporate them into your wedding ceremony or reception.

Ceremony:
1. Wedding bouquet- Many brides will do different things in the wedding bouquet to honor a loved one especially if it is their father who passed away. This way his spirit is still there walking down the aisle with her.

A. Adding a flower that stands out.  Two of my brides dad’s passed away and this is how they had their bouquets. One did a single red rose in a bouquet of pink for her father. The other kept her fathers favorite shirt, added dad to it, and made it into a rose for her bouquet.

B. Add a charm to it. You can add a family charm or purchase one that reminds you of your loved one. I made a bouquet for one of my brides and friend which I surprised her by adding a key charm and wrote a note to her “key to your father’s heart, he is with you always especially today to walk you down the aisle”. She wanted to keep it discrete and not get overwhelmed and upset on her day without him. It was the perfect touch without everyone making a big deal since they had no idea. You could also add a locket charm with their picture on it.

2. Reserved Seating. Some couples choose to designate the front row to loved ones who have passed. You can do this in a few different ways.

A. Ribbon off they area; add a beautiful sign or flower honoring them.

B. Add photos to the front row of chairs of each loved one.

3.Programs- this is a more traditional way of honoring them. In the program somewhere you could add a little prayer or saying with the names of your loved ones who past or just list those who are celebrating in heaven.

4. Ceremony memorial candle- Many times you do a unity ceremony. This could double as a way of honoring your loved ones or in the very beginning of ceremonies. It’s always so special for the couple to light a candle for their loved ones whom passed.

5. Officiant honors loved ones- even if you are not having a spiritual or religious ceremony it is always nice to have your officiant say a prayer or words to those celebrating above.

6. Dove or butterfly send off- This is a beautiful way to celebrate the lives of loved ones. A couple we had did a dove send off following their ceremony. It was magical and they are so well trained. This is a great way to wow your guests.

7. Wedding signs- there are many signs out there which honor loved ones. A very close friend of mine designs these type of signs.  Please check out her Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FromKellyWithLove

8. Wear something of theirs- Every bride wants something borrowed of course. If you personally do not have anything of your loved ones ask around to see if anyone in the family has something from them. It could be jewelry, brooches, clothing, Etc. Below are a few pics. One bride had her dads blue shirt made into her dress for her something blue and to honor him or in the other photo I wore my great grandmother’s earrings.

9. Use something they gave you- This could be a variety of things. Of course it is similiar to above but maybe they gave you something from their wedding such and toasting flutes, cake cutters, veil, etc. Even a gift they gave you that falls into your wedding theme is a great idea.

10. Groom idea-boutonniere with pic of loved ones charm. It’s not just the bride who may have lost someone. An alternative to your flower boutonniere is having a photo charm of your loved one close to your heart or add to your flower like picture below.

Reception

11. Memorial table- having photos of your loved ones as guests enter is a great way to honor them and lets guests see where you came from.

12. Favors
A. In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to a charity that honors your loved one. Whether it be one that supports cures for the illness they passed away from or a charity that was close to their heart. This is a perfect way to actually give something more to them.

B. Give something they love- My grandmother loved playing cards and although she was still alive when we had our wedding a perfect favor would be a deck of cards. Having a Vegas wedding just ties it all in together.

13. Have someone speak about them. Many times the couple gets choked up knowing their loved ones couldn’t be there. It’s a good idea to designate someone to speak on your behalf about them. We planned a wedding where the brother in law of the bride spoke about her father who had passed. It was so meaningful and a beautiful experience for everyone. Although it did shed many tears it was a joyous moment knowing everyone was honoring him in that moment of his daughters life.

14. Table numbers- Instead of having your traditional table numbers you can use photos of them. If you are doing place cards you print wallet size photos for your guests and they find the table that matches their photos. This is a great way to incorporate them into your reception.

15. Song- have a special song set aside for those who have passed. Whether it be someone’s favorite song or a meaningful one for all who passed everyone can dance to celebrate their past life. Two of my favorite choices are Miranda Lambert “the house the built me” and Dani and Lizzy “Dancing in the Sky”

16. Angel wings on back of bride and groom chairs. I saw this picture and thought it is such a cute way to honor your loved ones. If you don’t want to get too emotional and sad on your day this is another subtle way of still honoring them without all the tears.

17. Leis/bracelets- having guests and everyone wear leis throughout the wedding or something that stands out to honor them is a great way to show your appreciation and love for them. If someone passed away from pancreatic cancer, hand out purple or breast cancer (pink). This just adds another special touch.

18.  In your Thank You speech- while you say your “Thank You’s to your guests” add a part to think of those whom are no longer with you.

19.  Incorporating what they love in reception- Whether it be something I have already mentioned or literally setting a space for them during the reception this is a very memorable way to show how much love goes to those celebrating in heaven.  Found this gem on Pinterest and love the idea.

20. Writing a message on a balloon or Chinese lantern. This is a cute send off alternative which makes not only great photos but also a way for all guests to be involved honoring those loved ones who passed.

In any event you always think of how great it would be if those who are no longer with you could be there to celebrate with you.  Just remember although they are not physically with you, they will still be celebrating with you in spirit.  Honoring loved ones throughout your life’s milestones is very important to keep your family traditions going and share their love throughout generations to come.

As I said before I dedicate this blog to my grandmother Mille (first picture).  She was a true beauty inside and out.  She taught me so many things.  She made me who I am today, a strong, hard working, caring person and I would give anything to spend one more day with her.

“I love you forever, I like you for always, even in heaven, your baby I’ll be!”

Photo credits:

Many are from previous weddings Desirable Events has planned and those photographers were:

Sara Ford Fotos, Alt F photography, Special Moments Photography, Myself

Other photos came from Pinterest.

Why you should Hire a Day of Wedding Coordinator

Day of Coordination

Every girls dream wedding coordinator

Once you have all your wedding planning finished, ever worry or wonder how the day will go and not wanting to be in charge of it yourself? Hiring a Day of Coordinator takes all the stresses away from brides. Day of Coordinators provide services that typically are not just the day of your wedding so when booking someone be sure to ask exactly what they will do for you. At Desirable Events by Desi, we provide more of an experience with you that is beyond your wedding.

First, we set up a meeting either in person or through telephone or Skype about a month prior to your wedding. Any weddings closer we set up meetings right away to ensure we have time. We ask during the meeting for all the venue and vendor information, details you specifically expect, and any concerns you may have (including concerns about guests that you would like an eye kept on). Our planners love getting to know the couple a little more in order to know your personality and style.

Next, we take the information from above and create a detailed timeline. This goes to all vendors to ensure they are on time and copies to your bridesmaids as well in case everyone is getting ready somewhere else. This timeline has many details for each of your vendors on when to arrive, setup, tear down, songs or cues they may need, basically the little things that as a bride you no longer need to stress about. We bring extra copies of these timelines for the photographers, DJs, and venue staff the day of to ensure they follow the wedding as planned. If anyone watches Vanderpump Rules and saw Scheana turn into bridezilla this is because her wedding coordinator did not execute the timeline well.

About a day or two prior to the wedding, we set up an hour rehearsal practice so you and your bridal party knows exactly how it is going to go on your wedding day. Even if the actual space for the wedding isn’t available which happens many times in Las Vegas due to all the weddings, we find a space to mark the floor and timing. Anyone involved in the Rehearsal is welcome to come as we want to ensure nothing is forgotten. This is the perfect way as a bride and groom you can really grasp the concept of your wedding and if you have any concerns we will go over them.

Finally comes the most important day of your life… your Wedding Day! During your wedding day depending on your venue or multiple venues, we are there prior to setup until the end of your night. I would say most of our weddings requires us to be there 10-12 hours. Many couples do not understand the details that go into a day and life of a wedding planner. For most of our weddings we bring two planners because we want everything for your wedding to be strategically placed and as you wished. When we arrive, we first visit the bride and groom just to ensure there are no worries or stresses. Then from there we set up your entire event with all your vendors. It takes a lot of teamwork to go into even small events but what it turns into is something so gorgeous and memorable I just love every minute of it. We follow the timeline as planned and are always around for any jitters, stresses, mother issues (they do happen), anything you need we are there for you. We stay though out the dinner, toasts, cake cutting. We stay until the end. This is one of the differences between us and most wedding planners and coordinators especially those that work for the hotels and event places. Most of them leave during dinner or after cake cutting. We like to stay to the end to watch your beautiful friends and family enjoy the event that although we may not have helped you plan but we executed to your standards and above.  So as you see, when deciding to hire a Wedding Day of Coordinator you must remember that there’s a lot more than goes into it. When I am contacted and people say well the wedding is 6 hours long so that’s what we would like to hire you for, cannot be done. As a planner, I know that I could be held responsible if something doesn’t go right and I am very particular about making sure everything is on time as planned. When researching coordinators be sure to ask exactly what they do. Always remember, you get what you paid for. If someone sounds great due to their price make sure they are experienced and hire someone that is detailed oriented. It’s better to spend a little more than hire someone that could potentially ruin your wedding day.

This is me as a coordinator, the next best to J LO

For more information regarding hiring a Day of Wedding Coordinator please contact us to be part of your special day.