Wedding Themes for 2012

Having a wedding theme lost popularity for a while, but all-out themes are coming back with a vengeance. Many of the new themes have a natural do it yourself attitude which may be due to the current economy or the desire to make the wedding more personal. Overall, wedding themes for 2012 are definitely tagging on a "DIY" factor. Rustic and outdoor weddings have gained popularity along with playful themes such as circus and "Love is Sweet." Anything related to "Green Weddings" and "Eco-friendly" themes are also gaining popularity. In addition, you will see wine lovers with cork & bottle décor and even wine tastings at the reception; seaside-themes with everything from shell decor to a seafood dinner. Embrace your theme and incorporate it into everything from your wedding invitations to your wedding favors. Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour", "woodland or rustic", and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices. It is your day so make it your way!

Breaking the Glass

The Breaking of the Glass is a Jewish tradition with many meanings.

The Breaking of the Glass is . . .

1. a symbol of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

2. a reminder of the tragic losses the Jewish people have suffered.

3. a reminder that, even amidst joy, a broken world still needs our attention and people less
fortunate still require our care.

4. a reminder not only of sorrow, but also an expression of hope for a future free from all
violence and hatred.

5. a representation of the fragility of human relationships.

6. a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever.

Make a Program

Your guests will be able to enjoy the features of your wedding much more if they can follow them in a program. Programs not only enlighten and inform; they remove the restlessness that comes from being confused or lost during an unfamiliar service. This does not mean that every word of the service must be transcribed, but it would for example, be helpful to have an outline of the order or a brief description of an unusual custom which you have included. Wtih the right font, stationary and attention to detail, your program can also be a lasting keepsake for a memorable day.

Save the Date Cards

He asked you to marry him and the ring is on your finger. Planning is now underway and time to let you future wedding guests in on the exciting news. Your first step may be to send out save the date cards. This pre-invitation announces your wedding date and lets guests know that they will be invited to your upcoming celebration.

Save the date cards are especially important if guests will need to travel during a high travel holiday weekend or to a particularly popular resort area. Save the date cards are a courtesy and although you don't have to send them, they may increase the chances of your guests attending your wedding.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Unless your rehearsal dinner guest list is ten or less, you should send out dinner invitations. Your guests will appreciate knowing where to be and when. These invites, however, should not just be added to the wedding invitation envelope. Rehearsal invites should be sent out separately from the formal invitations. Otherwise, your guests could miss them. The rehearsal dinner invitations don't have to be letterpress creations on glitzy card stock but there are some very fun and creative ideas on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdenWeddingStudio?ref=seller_info

Share the jobs

At the end of the night, there are a few things that must be taken care of before everyone can leave. There will be gifts, personal items, decorations, etc., that need to find they way back to your home. Parents and siblings are often the ones left with this responsibility. Why not ask an Aunt, Uncle, or Cousin to help at the end of the night Your parents will be very grateful for the break and you will make another family member feel like they are contributing to your special day.

Go Green

A new year often means new trends in weddings. The brides of 2012 are choosing to Go Green. Choosing a venue is usually the first major decision the couple needs to make. When making this decision, keep in mind that traditional spaces, such as hotel ballrooms and resorts tend to use a great deal of electricity, water and many other unfriendly earth items to host a wedding. Consider getting married outdoors. Check out a local botanical garden, gazebo, farm, garden, greenhouse, inside or outside a cave (check out Ash Cave in Hocking Hills, Ohio), or waterfall. Outdoor weddings are not only romantic and scenic—they are earth friendly! Selecting a venue that is close to where the majority of your guests live will also save on gas.

Almost anything can be found locally. Brides are choosing locally grown flowers, organically grown food, recycled invitations and repurposing items to become centerpieces.

Reusable cloth tote bags, natural soaps, soy or beeswax candles make wonderful environmentally friendly wedding favors. Some couples are deciding not to give favors at all but rather to make a small charitable donation in each guest name.

Brides are also looking for ways to be environmentally responsible when selecting the perfect dress for their special day. Do your research—avoid artificial fabrics that were produced under unsafe or unjust working conditions. Consider updating your mother or grandmother’s dress with the help of a local seamstress. If this isn’t an option, consider looking for a vintage dress at a local store. If your heart is absolutely set on having a new dress, look for a bridal designer who uses eco-friendly, natural fabrics.