Our current economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but that they want more for the money they do spend. A smaller more intimate destination event allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a picnic feels more appropriate at the beach than it would at a country club. Also a destination event conveniently combines not only the wedding and the honeymoon but also your special event with a vacation for your guests.
In some circumstances a gift registry is unnecessary, though many guests will still want to honor the couple with a gift. Some smart ideas could include a wedding/honeymoon registry where guest can donate to your event; a win win for everyone! Some couples specify a certain charity they would like their guests to donate to in lieu of a gift. This is a wonderful gesture and speaks volumes for the couple, whether you choose an urgent international cause like the Haiti Earthquake Crisis or a national cause like the American Cancer Society to honor someone you’ve lost or maybe choose a cause more regional to your hometown. What a beautiful foundation to begin building your life together.
Though wedding favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2010 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love. Several of our couples have had us create beautiful favors from starfish (with or without ribbon). A beautiful meaningful gift when presented on the chairs of the ceremony for the guests to discover.
For years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2010 wedding trend takes the idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.
Note that I was inspired and have included many great ideas in this article from Nina Calaway’s “2010 Wedding Trends”. Thank you Nina!
Our first wedding of 2010 happened early yesterday in Oceanside, Oregon. The couple with their children and closest of family from West Linn, Oregon and Seattle, Washington enjoyed a gorgeous vacation home overlooking the beach. One thousand cranes, all handmade by family were gifted to the couple; they were beautiful. The Thousand Cranes are considered powerfully lucky and wish a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. Congratulations Patrick and Rebecca!!!
So my husband says to me… ‘Have you ever noticed that you gear most of what you say toward the Bride?’ Well that rocked me back on my heels. Could it possibly be true? (I think not!) He says ‘Guys don’t want to talk cake and flowers or where to get your toenails painted, they want something to DO’.
Hhmmm… Something to do? Along 25 miles of our gorgeous coastline lies Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria.
Deep sea fishing, clam-digging, whale-watching, beach bonfires, camping & hiking the coastal trails, surfing at the cove or Indian Beach, the eagle sanctuary, the Roosevelt elk, the sea lions at Mooring Basin, the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale, Ft. Stevens, Ft. Clatsop…
AND you are only 2 hours from the volcano Mt. St. Helens or 3 from snow skiing and snowboarding Mt. Hood!
An adventure wedding at the beach…
It’s like getting your cake and eating it too.
Unbelieveable right? Its for real. I have my entry in :).
Would this make the best wedding present ever or what???
Below I have copied and pasted from the actual website:
This is a great opportunity to own a great little beach house, and income producing studios, for only $99 and a little creativity. In a real estate market that won't budge, and when the banks won't lend, this is the time and place to own a little piece of paradise in Seaside, Oregon. This is a short essay contest judged on your creativity, ability and desire. IT IS NOT A LOTTERY BUT A SKILL BASED CONTEST. And while it is not a charity fundraiser, when all 4000 entries are in, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to battle breast cancer.
SIMPLY ANSWER THE QUESTION -
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS BEACH HOUSE?
(You have to do it using 199 characters or less)
Here is the website: www.win99dollarbeachhouse.com
GOOD LUCK!!!
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. We sure did. We spent the holidays with family and the weather was so pretty we also enjoyed the beach Christmas afternoon.
I have been updating the website www.beachweddings101.com and have added some fun stuff.
MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION... Keep the BLOG current! :) Help me out, let me know what YOU want to know. Add your own comments and meet other couples who are planning their big day as well.
A new name you'll be hearing this year at Celebrations by the Sea is "Holly". Holly and I met in 2002 when she was hired to be my assistant when I held a position with our local paper. She is a doll and keeps me ORGANIZED. She was born and raised right here in Seaside so she knows the area and vendors like the back of her hand. I am looking forward to having her valuable assistance as part of my wedding team and know you will all enjoy her as well.
Met one of my lovely brides at the beach this weekend for a walk through and logistics plan for the seating and 40'x40' tent she is having contructed for her reception (that's BIG folks!). She was accompanied by her Mom and best friend/maid of honor who are making sure this is the wedding of her dreams. We shared cupcakes compliments of 'Cakes by Jae' from a cake tasting the girls had been to. Absolutely wonderful!
I can't wait till July Jessica!
Also this weekend we 'just happened' to run into a happy couple on our favorite beach who were visiting the area from Seattle. When Michael asked my husband if he'd use his camera to take a photo for them I conveniently pointed my camera in their direction. Much to Caitlyn's surprise Michael dropped to one knee and proposed. This was all prearranged by this romantic fellow and ourselves. OF COURSE she said YES!!! We then proceeded to take some really cool engagement photos.
Michael YOU ROCK and Caitlyn you are one lucky gal! CONGRATULATIONS!
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I have been a little preoccupied this week with a new litter of adorable Boston Terrier puppies joining our family. Born 04.20.09, These are the cutest things you ever seen! Check out the 'heart' on the head of this little one in the top photo. Tapanga did a great job ~ Check them out at www.beachbostons.blogspot.com
