Unique Wedding Favor Idea of the Week

I have decided to pick a different and unique wedding favor idea every week and share it with all of you. I found these via Flicker. If not for all of the guests, these would definitely be a great gift for members of the wedding party. I would love a bowl of these on my coffee table. If you can't supply a bowl to put them in, they can be packaged in a decorated bag and tied with a ribbon.

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Alexandra's Cookie Dreams

How excited were we this morning when a box of 6 of Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams cookies arrived for us! Alexandra uses all natural, no preservatives, local ingredients and companies as much as possible so they will be they’re freshest for 6 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks and they will taste as fresh as they did the day they arrived! They’re freezable for 3 months, too! We warmed our cookies before we ate them and let me tell you, they are double the deliciousness warmed! Our favorites are the Toffee Doodle Dream and the Double Stuffed Chocolate Nightmare, but we really loved them all! They have the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and everything in between. Try them for yourself, or for others, they would make the perfect wedding or bridal shower favor.

Alexandra really customizes the cookie gift to meet the theme of the event, and the personalities of the couple. “We create a custom front label (oftentimes using an image or color from the invitation or photo of the couple or bride), custom back label, including personalized cookie name (for example, for an engagement party we named the cookie "Taste of Sweet Wedding Bliss, For The Future Mr. & Mrs. Liss" and then the cookie description was customized as well) We add matching ribbon, (sometimes we use the same ribbon from the bride or bridesmaid's bouquets) and we add a personal message from the bride/couple. It's a lot of fun to work closely with people at such an exciting time of their lives.” - Alexandra

Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams™ Signature Cookie, the chocolate chili crunch represents the blending of Alexandra’s two favorite places, Texas and New York. A fudgy Ghirardelli© chocolate dough is excited by the subtle touch of Texas Chili powder and the un-expected crunch of New York Pretzel, forming a unique indulgent flavor that will make you want to kick up your boots and hit the city!

A chocolate lovers dream! Chunks of Callebaut milk chocolate and Ghirardelli© semi-sweet chocolate are layered and stuffed into a vanilla cookie that is chewy on the inside with a crispy outside.

Chunks of creamy Ghirardelli© white chocolate are combined with sweet dried cranberries and salty hand-cut walnuts in a cakey vanilla cookie that's a lovely complement to a cup of tea, or a glass of champagne.

Buttery, gooey toffee overflows from this chewy vanilla cookie, combined with a touch of semi-sweet chocolate and wrapped in a crackling cinnamon sugar coating.

Extreme peanut butter cravers beware! This deliciously nutty cookie is loaded with both creamy peanut butter and fresh roasted, salted hand-cut peanuts forming the perfect balance between savory and sweet.

The chocolate, espresso, cayenne punch is created by first melting Ghirardelli© semi-sweet and un-sweetened chocolate; Illy© dark roasted espresso powder and salty hand-cut walnuts are then added to create a delicate, chewy mocha cookie that is finished with a welcomed jolt of red cayenne pepper.

A portion of each cookie profit is donated to Austin and New York Public Schools through the organization DonorsChoose.org to support education and the love of learning.

Like unique wedding ideas? Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners.

Go Green!

Both in color and ecologically.

We will soon be using eco-solvent inks and material for our custom printed aisle runners. And, what better timing, than for the summer? This inspiration board above, done by Finestationary, illustrates the vibrancy of all of the different shades of green one can use. And the only thing would make this “green” wedding theme even better is to use eco friendly materials whenever possible. Here are some tips from The Wedding Lens to help create your own “green” wedding.

Use recycled paper for your invitations

By using recycled paper, you can save a lot of paper and a lot of trees, especially considering how many pieces of paper get mailed out (directions, return envelopes, etc… )

Consider treeless paper

You can also get invitations made from bamboo, hemp or kenaf.

Don’t use toxic ink

When printing your invitations, make sure the ink you use, is not toxic. Many inks are, so this is something you can easily ask about (or purchase if you’re printing your own).

Make sure your ring is not a blood diamond

A simple web search can tell you all of the negative things associated with blood diamonds; make sure your ring is conflict free. A jeweler should be able to tell you the origin of your ring. If they’re not willing to help you figure it out, go elsewhere.

Reuse & Recycle

If you know someone who recently got married, then perhaps they have some decorations, silk flowers, ideas, or suggestions that you can reuse or recycle. If nothing else, it will save you time researching these things!

Pick a venue that is outdoors (and free!)

Selecting a venue like an area of a forest or part of a beach is beautiful and free! It takes advantage of the nature that is easily accessible.

Think about where your guests are from

When picking a venue, consider where your guests are traveling from. Try to find a place in the middle. After all, the less your guests will have to travel, the cheaper for them and the less oil consumed. If you pick indoors, pick with windows

Try to select a venue that has natural light so you don’t have to use electricity as much.

Car or van pool from hotel to reception Rather than have everyone drive from their hotel to the wedding reception, organize a car pool or hire a van or bus to transport everyone to & from the venue. You save fuel and ensure your inebriated friends get home safely.

Require a color, not a dress

Ask your bridesmaids to buy a dress that they will wear again – in whatever color you choose, if you want. If they can re-wear, it’s that much better.

Plant a tree as a Favor

Plant a tree (or many trees) as the favor to your guests.

Give seeds

Give seeds as the favor so that people can plant on their own. Give a basket of green products

Come up with a list of some green products and items and give those as the favor.

Make the favors the centerpieces

By using the favors as the decorative centerpiece, you don’t have to use more flowers or purchase other decorative items. And hopefully the favors will be useful and re-useable.

Buy natural

If you purchase a new dress, get one that is made from natural, organic materials such as organic silk or help.

Donate when you’re done

When you’re done, donate your dress to a charity that can sell it; it will create funds for them and save someone else from having to purchase a new dress.

Don’t use disposable cameras

Disposable cameras require you to print all the photos AND dispose of the camera. It’s much more cost effective AND green friendly to use digital cameras (like the ones that your guests are already bringing).

Share your photos digitally

By storing digital images on your wedding blog/website/ The Wedding Lens for family and friends to download as they please, you save money on postage and processing. You also don’t use toxic chemicals to print too many pictures.

Go organic

Use organic foods wherever possible.

Go local

Hire a catering company that uses only local ingredients.

Donate the leftovers

Donate any leftover food rather than throwing it out. There are lots of shelters that would love to receive such a great donation.

Use non-disposable plates and utensils

If at all possible, use non-disposables so that you don’t create a huge amount of waste, especially if you’re having a large wedding reception.

Use recycled materials

If you can’t avoid using disposable plates & utensils, opt for the recycled version or treeless options.

Use flowers that are in season

When you use flowers that are out of season, they have to be imported. Transportation and care of the flowers requires extra resources that in-season flowers don’t require.

Go local

Flowers that are local don’t need to be transported or cared for in the same way as flowers that are transported and moved around.

Use silk or dried flowers

Get silk or dried flowers as an eco-friendly alternative.

Use potted flowers and plants

Potted flowers and plants look great and they can be used after the event for your home or garden. Or you can give it to guests to use in their home or garden.

Go with singers, not DJs

Vocalists won’t require the amount of amplification that DJs requires.

Register for earth friendly products

A registry can prevent people from buying gifts that you don’t really want (however well-intentioned they were!). It can also allow you to register for earth friendly products and things that you would want.

Consider registering for non-consumptive gifts

Register for non-consumptive gifts that you would like, such as massages, wine, soap, or free trade coffee.

Don’t print programs

People don’t necessarily need a program, especially if you can have a DJ announce who the wedding party is. It will save you money on printing costs and save paper.

Use flower petals as confetti

Use flower petals instead of paper confetti, rice, or seeds. It’s biodegradable!

Recycle!

When you clean up or hire the clean-up crew, make sure they recycle instead of throwing everything away and filling landfills.

Please visit Wedding Runways and ask how we can help make your wedding environmentally friendly!

MY FAVORITE WEDDING QUOTES

This week we received a request for a wedding aisle runner for the couples names and dates on the bottom and a Bible passage placed in the center of the runner. "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues throughout the Generations.” Psalm 100:5

I started thinking a lot of other quotes and passages one might want on her custom printed aisle runner. These are just a few of my favorites.

There is only one happiness in life,
to love and be loved.
- George Sand

You know you are in love
when you see the world in her eyes,
and her eyes everywhere in the world.
- David Levesque

Love is strong yet delicate.
It can be broken.
To truly love is to understand this.
To be in love is to respect this.
- Stephen P

To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you may be the world.
- Bill Wilson

There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.
- I Corinthians 13:13

You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore....but let there be spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. - Kahlil Gibran

There is nothing half so sweet in life
As love's young dream.
- Thomas Moore

He is blessed in love alone,
Who loves for years and loves but one.
- Sir A. Hunt

Two souls with but a single thought,
Two heart that beat as one.
- Franz Joseph von Munch-Bellinghausen

If you would like to customize a wedding aisle runner with any of these quotes or anything you have in mind, please contact us at Wedding Runways

A New Wedding Favor Idea

Today while brainstorming for “new” ideas, we came up with yet another wedding favor. We have been offering “Step & Repeat” backdrops, with our custom printed aisle runners to compliment any event you are having. For instance, we can design a background with the date of your wedding, your name, fiancé’s name, monogram and any other logo or design you have for your wedding. Guests can then be photographed in front of the background; they will receive the photo as a wedding favor. It can be framed and given to the guests as a gift! The frame will have significant meaning to the wedding, maybe the couples name and date. In addition to our other signature wedding décor, this is the perfect way to bring even more red carpet style to the Bride’s wedding aisle! Please visit our website Wedding Runways for more information.

Wedding Runways Feature - Unique Wedding Ideas from Real Brides: A New Twist on the Bachelor and Bachelorette Party

One of my best friends from college is getting married this fall. Her and her husband-to-be are 2 of the best, most crazy people I know (in the best possible way). So, I did not expect anything less of them when I heard of instead of having a bachelor and bachelorette party, we are ALL going to the Jersey Shore one weekend in the summer.

This has come up for debate, quite a lot recently, whether this is appropriate or not. I can honestly say I think this is a great idea! The future bride and groom will be able to spend time with each other and so will all of their friends. We are all scattered across 2 states, so this is the perfect way to get to know each other before hand. I am going to plan activities for the weekend, the girls’ are still going to have a spa-day, or a few hours, anyway. And the boys’ can still play golf. We will all get together later in the night for dinner and maybe a few cocktails! I highly recommend this idea!

Stay tuned for the “after” update…..


Like unique wedding ideas? Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners

10 Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

Now, that summer is quickly approaching here are some tips to plan the perfect outdoor wedding and have it be as seamless as possible and to go off without a hitch! Nina Callaway, of About.com, shares her favorites.

1. Make your guests comfortable

Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Sunny and hot? Don't leave your guests uncomfortably melting – have your ushers give guests ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated. Consider printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves. Don't forget to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well. For a very warm location, look into renting large electric fans (don't forget a generator) and/or a tent to shade the suns rays. If it will be cold and damp, make sure you tell guests that so they can wear extra layers. A simple xeroxed insert will do. You might want to have lap blankets on hand, or rent portable heaters.

2. Have a backup plan.

What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be scooted to the back of the room during the ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won't flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides.

3. Plan for wind.

Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you'll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style that won't leave you looking like Cousin It! Men in the wedding party should use pomade or other styling product. Again, tell your guests in a printed insert so that they can plan accordingly. And of course, make sure your tent will stand up to gusting winds or find an indoor backup plan.

4. Can everybody hear?

When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you're probably not hearing the roaring of the waves, the rushing wind, or the local kids running and screaming around you. Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

5. Decorations.

One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you, lessening your need to decorate. But you still need to do some work. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it's been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows; strings of lights or lanterns in the trees; luminarias; torches; or farolitas.

6. Make things tasty outside.

Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure they're planning things that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid things like mayonnaise salads or dishes which must be served cold.

7. Don't leave your guests parched

Since alcohol is dehydrating, consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas and punches. Be sure to have plenty of ice and water around as well. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests.

8. Those pesky flying things.

Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won't spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

9. Here comes the sun.

Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. Those having a daytime outdoor wedding should orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on guests' backs rather than in their eyes.

10. Permits.

Don't forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.

Don’t forget to visit us at http://www.weddingrunways.com and we will provide the perfect aisle runner to compliment your outdoor wedding!

Beautiful and Unique Custom Wedding Invitations

Here at Wedding Runways we can't get over the beautiful invitations that Praez Occasions Custom Couture Invitations & Accessories makes - we had to share!


If you are looking for a distinctive wedding invitation using beautiful colors, textiles and fabrics, you will love Praez Occasions' work. The workmanship and detail on this invitation is so impressive - a 6x9 pocketfold in Amethyst, with double-layered mounted invitation and matching directions and response cards, finished with white and lilac silk floral applique.

Another invitation we love is this apple green colored fabric invitation. This is a Formal invitation presented in imported Thai silk matchbook-style box, adorned with 3 1/2" wired ribbon finished with gorgeous gold jeweled seahorse brooch.

Praez Occasions can accommodate any budget, any size event, and can ship to anywhere.

If you are a bride who wants unique and memorable wedding invitations, check out their website to see more beautiful custom wedding invitations.


Like the idea of using the graphic or theme of your wedding invitations throughout your wedding?






Considering an aisle runner using the same theme as your wedding invitations?

Wedding Runways has helped other brides with transforming their unique custom graphics into a custom printed aisle runner. We love Lauren's aisle runner seen here - Lauren kept her wedding runner simple with a black & white color palette and a feather graphic inspired by their wedding invitation. Come see other examples of other brides with the same great idea in our Photo Gallery.


Are you a bride with a unique graphic or custom wedding invitation you want to incorporate into your aisle runner? Visit us at Wedding Runways to find out how you can include your unique image or graphic into a custom printed wedding aisle runners.


Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners

Brides Magazine suggestions to make your Wedding Unique

Brides Magazine just published an article "75 Ways To Make Your Wedding Unique" that had a great suggestion to personalize your wedding. Some of our favorites are:

Give a custom flourish to all your printed material with your own logo—an image that's meaningful to you and your spouse, like a hobby or place. See loveletterslogos.com for ideas.


Make sure the dance floor is packed by asking invitees to jot down three favorite songs on the RSVP card; give your DJ the playlist.


Into Coldplay more than Vivaldi? At your ceremony, have musicians play contemporary songs as instrumentals. "It's a refreshing change from the expected classical pieces," says Niki Delacueva, of R. Jack Balthazar Events, in Pasadena, California.


Todd Fiscus suggests this novel seating arrangement: four eight-foot rectangular tables arranged into "plus" signs. A big potted tree in the "hole" in the center serves as the focal point. Each two-table grouping can seat up to 32 people.

Light the way with a custom gobo—a metal plate stamped with a decorative design, then attached to a spotlight that projects the image on a dance floor or wall. Check out customgobo.com or gobosource.com.

Like unique weddings and wedding ideas? Visit Wedding Runways to see custom printed wedding aisle runners

Wedding Runways aisle runner idea - How to do bright colors on an Aisle Runner

Are you are bride who is having an intense or bright color as part of your wedding color scheme? When deciding on the right look for your wedding aisle runner, consider this tip:

When using an intense color such as fuschia or tiffany blue, consider using a lighter saturation of that color for your wedding aisle runner so as not to overpower the room. Much like when painting a room a bright color, the overall visual affect of the subdued version of your theme color covering that much space will achieve the right look and compliment the wedding theme.

Looking for a custom printed wedding aisle runner? Have a special graphic, logo or text that you want to incorporate into your runner? Visit us at Wedding Runways to see custom printed wedding aisle runners.


Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners

New Aisle Runner Photos at Wedding Runways.com

Today here at Wedding Runways we added some new custom printed aisle runners for the Spring, 2009 season now on display in the Wedding Runways Photo Gallery.

One of my favorites is this aisle runner featuring a damask pattern atop tiffany blue to match the wedding color seen here.

Visit us at Wedding Runways to see close up photos of this runner and more custom printed wedding aisle runners.

Tiffany Blue Wedding Invitation and Aisle Runner ideas

Love Tiffany Blue as a wedding color? So do we. Brainstorming for Tiffany Blue themed wedding color ideas? We love the colors of this wedding invitation from Praez Occasions new Spring collection, it is a raw silk wrap with a Swarovski crystal brooch. We paired it with one of the custom wedding aisle runners seen in the Wedding Runways photo gallery, a tiffany blue runner with a damask pattern overlay to soften the intense hue and coordinate with the ceremony site.





Wedding Invitations by Praez Occasions.


Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners

Wedding Aisle Runners

Brides who have a unique idea for their wedding aisle runner often have a hard time finding a way to get the wedding aisle runner they envision. Wedding Runways makes custom printed wedding aisle runners. Upload a your logo or graphic and Wedding Runways can bring your aisle runner idea to life!

Visit Wedding Runways to see examples of custom printed wedding aisle runners and to preview Wedding Runways' own design software to design the font, colors, design, logo, monogram and text of your own signature wedding aisle runner.


WeddingRunways.com