Romantic Heart-shaped Wedding favors & gifts

HEART WEDDING PROGRAM FANS
This Wedding Program fan is printed on your choice of smooth White Card Stock or Ecru Card Stock with a Deckle Edge. Finished size of printed area is 8" x 9". Wooden handle is 4-1/8"L. Max # of lines for the back side is 25 lines.

CUP OF LOVE HEART CUPS & SAUCERS (6)
Invite your guests to a "Cup of Love" in these delightful heart shaped cups & saucers. The unique feature is that the cups are heart shaped on the insides as well!
Choose from espresso size 2.5 oz. or tea cup size 7 oz.
Also choose platinum or gold trim/handles.
Sold as a set of 6 in assorted colors as shown.

PINK & GOLD TEA CUPS & SAUCERS (6)
Invite your guests to a "Cup of Love" in these delightful pink heart shaped cups & saucers, trimmed in gold. The unique feature is that the cups are heart shaped on the insides as well!
Tea cup size 7 oz. set of 6.
CUP: 4-3/4"W x 2-1/2"H x 3-7/8"D.
SAUCER: 5-1/2"L x 5-43/4"W x 3/4"H.
Box size: 13-3/4"D x 4-1/8"H.

SILK WEDDING WREATH
As featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, this elegant wreath will add style and grace to your wedding decorations. Use on a doorway, on the back of your car (add a "just-married" sign or banner), or as a focal point on a wall.
Each rose wreath has 42 silk roses and can be bent into a round or heart shape (very easy to do), approx 19"D. Choose from creamy pink, pink or red roses.
Or cream hydrangea flowers (approx 402 flowers), 19"D. (You will need ribbon or invisible fishing line for hanging, not included).

MINI HEART PASTEL ESPRESSO SET (6)
Perfect for bridal shower and wedding favors, our Mini Heart Pastel Espresso Cups and Saucers can be filled with your favorite beans or sweet confections. Features whimsical heart shaped saucers with gold trim on the cups, saucers and handles. In assorted pastel colors, as shown.
Comes in a yellow hat box styled gift box with white satin lining.
Set of 6 tea cups & saucers.
Cup: 2-1/8"D x 2-1/4"H. Saucer: 4-3/4"D x 4-1/4"H.

COLORED MINI L'AMOUR HEART CANDY
Exclusive to weddingthings.com, our Colored Mini L'Amour Candy are elegant confections for all your wedding favors. The outer surface consists of a shiny colored thick candy shell, then a small Belgian chocolate center. Perfect for baby shower favors too.
Ideal for outdoor weddings, since they will not melt as easily as chocolates in the heat. Choose from white, blue, yellow, pink, green, lilac and red. Triangular-heart shaped, 1/2"D x 1/4"H.
Approx. 400 pieces per pound. Approx 20-30 pieces to fill one MEDIUM SIZED Glass Top Candy Tin, sold separately.

RASPBERRY HEART GUMDROPS
Add the refreshing taste of Raspberry to your wedding favors with these very addictive gumdrops.
These delectable sweets are soft and flavorful on the inside and have a delightful little crunch on the outside.
Perfect for weddings, anniversaries and other romantic occasions. Red heart shaped. Sold by the pound with approx. 113 pieces per pound. Soft to the tooth.

HEART CHIMES
Give a favor with all your heart...our elegant Heart Shaped Chimes are perfect as "kissing bells" for the reception and ideal for paperweights in your office. Made of shiny aluminium, choose from a plain heart or one that has LOVE engraved on it.
SIZE: 2-7/8"D x 2-1/2"H x 1" thick.
Comes in a black velvet lined gift box.

CONVERSATION HEART CANDY, as seen on the OPRAH show
As seen on the Oprah show! Conversation heart candies!
For wedding confections that are unconventional and hip, fill our Glass Top Candy Tins with fun and colorful conversation heart candies.
Assorted colors with different sayings and phrases of the times. These candies are not specifically for WEDDINGS and can be used for other occasions too!
IDEA: Gather a few friends together to make these "Oh so cute!" conversation heart rolls. Just cut some pieces of clear cellophane, stack up 8 pieces of candy, then tie at the ends with gingham ribbon, assorted colors available.

HEART WINE STOPPER
Elegant and functional, our Heart Wine Stopper is the perfect wedding favor to express your heartfelt gratitude. Shiny chrome finish so it will always shine.
4"L x 1-1/4"D heart x 7/8"W.

HEART MEASURING SPOONS
On the back, these heart measuring spoons have perfectly accurate measurements. On the front, the spoons display charming measurements such as "a spoonful of happiness," "a scoop of joy," "a pinch of passion" and "a dash of devotion", words to remind your guests of your special union every time they cook!
The heart shaped measuring spoons come in a white box with a clear top so that your guests can see right away the special wedding favors you've served up. Also, finished off with a white satin bow. To add a personal touch, consider tucking in a copy of a favorite family recipe. These wedding favors really measure up!
Matching personalized tags are available for $0.50 per tag when ordering 24 or more of this item.

HOOKED ON LOVE PURSE HOOK
Get your girlfriends Hooked on Love with these ultra hip fashionable purse accessories. Instead of hanging your purse on the back of restaurant chairs, now you can keep your purse close and secure, off of the floor...with style. Place this gorgeous heart shaped hook at the edge of a table to use as a cradle for your purse---wherever you go!
The heart shaped purse hooks have a detailed silver metal beaded trim and white enamel in the center with the word "LOVE" delicately displayed in the center. Ideally packaged in a purse shaped envelope with a white ribbon handle, this perfect gift is completed with a trendy pink and black Hooked on Love label.
As a bonus, included is a handy velvet bag to store your purse hook in and a card on how to use the hooks.
Size of Purse Hook: 4.5" wide.
Size of Packaging: 6.25" x 4.5"

HEART TEA INFUSER
Perfect for wedding favors, bridal shower favors, and even favors at bridal tea parties, these adorable tea infusers come in a clear plastic box that let guests know right away what's inside.
These sweet heart infusers can be given with a packet of your favorite tea, filled with sweets, or just tied with a pretty bow! Here's one wedding favor that will warm your guests' hearts...and their tea cups!
Ribbon and Tags sold separately.
Size: 6".

MONOGRAM HEART CANDLES
The perfect way to show your new surname initial, our Monogram Heart Candles are designed to resemble little petits fours.
Lightly scented in vanilla, these soft blue candles are accented with white swiss dots along the base.
Each heart candle sits on a cupcake liner and comes cello wrapped, then secured with a silver wire tie.1-3/4"D x 1-1/4"H.
IDEA: For classy and easy favors, put a candle into our "Almost Perfect" Organza Bags (sold separately), as seen in the photo.
A WEDDING THINGS EXCLUSIVE (COPYRIGHTED).

HEART SHAPED FLOWER SEEDS
Spread your love by giving your guests hand-made paper hearts that are embedded with a blend of annual and perennial wildflowers seeds.
Mixture of Sweet Alyssum, Dame's Rocket, Siberian Wallflower, Candytuft, Poppy, Lemont Mint, Baby's Breath, Sweet William Pinks, Baby Blue Eyes.
Instructions on the sage green and dark hunter green folder direct your guests to plant the heart to create a lasting reminder of your wedding day. (Assembly required).
Outside: "All things grow with love..." (printed in black)
Inside: "In our garden...love grows" (printed in copper)
2 3/4" square when folded.

AIR MAIL HEART LUGGAGE TAGS
Forget the flimsy paper tags provided by airlines to identify your luggage! These heart shaped leather-like luggage tags will help your girlfriends spot their belongings in a "heart" beat.
Luggage Tags fasten to luggage easily using the adjustable buckle strap. The identification card has space for your name, address and other contact info. A lovely way to accessorize luggage and make traveling easier for your guests.
What makes this lovely favor even more complete is the attention to detail in every package. Each white heart shaped luggage tag comes packaged in none other than its very own little "suitcase" - a clear box trimmed in white and marked with a "thank you" travel sticker. Finished off with a white satin bow tied to the handle.
For an additional charge have your names and wedding date personalized on a travel sticker in the color of your choice.
These matching personalized travel labels for $0.50 per label when ordering 24 or more of this item.

MARKED WITH LOVE HEART BOOKMARK
Give guests a practical gift from the heart - a stunning stainless steel bookmark carved into a "lovely" heart. They will be reminded that your wedding was "Marked with Love" each time they pick up their favorite book.
Each silver colored heart comes in its very own shimmery white book shaped folder with a white satin ribbon closure. Bookmarks are strung to a white tassel that dangles from the top of each folder.
And here's an idea - try slipping in this unique bookmark along with your save-the-date cards to make sure guests "mark" the date!
Size: Bookmark - 2.5", finished folder - 2.75" x 4.25".
Matching personalized labels are available for $0.50 per label when ordering 24 or more of this item.

HEART TAPE MEASURE
Guests can "measure up some love" with these heart shaped tape measures. With its key ring attached, this favor is sure to stay handy and add a "lovely" accessory to their keys. The measuring tape easily retracts at the push of a heart shaped button in the center.
This pretty in pink gift is ready share with friends and family. Presented in a clear box labeled with "LOVE" and decorated with pink and pastel hearts and finished off with a white satin bow.
Size of finished favor: 2" x 3.2", Size of tape measure: 2".
Personalized labels are available for $0.50 per label when ordering 24 or more of this item.

HEART COOKIE CUTTER AND CARD
As featured in InStyle Weddings, this is a delightful way to send your love to all your guests. Our heart shaped cookie cutters come with cards with a "Recipe for Love Cookies". This is an actual recipe for SUGAR COOKIES with a playful recipe for love beside each of the ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar (1/2 cup love), 2 cups flour (2 cups happiness) etc.
The front of the card is blank with a heart shaped "punch-out", so that you can see the recipe through the cookie cutter. Can be used for place cards too. Ribbon and calligraphy not included.
PLEASE NOTE: on the last line of this pre-printed card it states: Please enjoy while remembering the sweetness of our Wedding Day! This may not be suitable if you are planning on using them for a bridal shower. If you wish, there is space on the FRONT for you to personally hand-write your names & date or your guests' names (for use as placecards). Many brides like to use a metallic pen to match their theme colors.
A weddingthings.com exclusive.

PLANTABLE HEART NOTES
LEAD TIME: allow 2-3 weeks for production, plus shipping time. Please check your email for a proof after 3-4 business days (of placing your order). Your order will be on hold until you reply back to us.
The Plantable Heart Notes are a three-piece product: plantable seed heart, glassine envelope and planting instructions. Put them all together for a wonderfully economical, delightfully unique wedding favor that grows wildflowers when your guests plant them. What a lovely way to symbolize your growing, blooming love!
Choose from white, lavender, pink, blue, yellow or green paper colors available to personalize your seed favor.
Minimum order of 60.
Order in multiples of 5.
Heart is 2" x 2".

HEART MAGNETS
Add a splash of color to your wedding favors with our Red Heart Magnets. Hand crafted from blown-glass, these are ideal decorations for our Mini Favor Buckets (sold separately).

Isaac Mizrahi Tulle Princess Dress - Iggloo (White)

It’s a day of new beginnings and the heavenly Tulle Princess Dress is the first dream come true!


Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Tulle Princess Dress - Iggloo (White)
* Made of Rich Taffeta is Made of 54% Silk/46% Polyester, a Dense, Figure-Forgiving Fabric with a Plain Weave and Subtle Sheen
* Fully Lined in Polyester Georgette for Opacity Lining
* Inner Tiered Crinoline Skirt for Extreme Fullness, Square Neckline
* Grosgrain Ribbon Defines the Waistline, Skirt Features 4 Layers of Polyester Tulle Overlay and a Layer of Georgette for Opacity
* Bra-Keeps to Hold Straps in Place
* Fabric-Covered Button Closure, Interior Tab Button for a Flat Finish
* Designed and Constructed to Flatter and Fit Many Figures
* Available in Tall Sizes
* Arrives in an Isaac Mizrahi Decorative Box
* Dry Clean

Site of the day: My Wedding Labels

My Wedding Labels -wedding labels, favor tags, coasters and cards

Use your words with our styles, shapes and colors. Ordering is fast and easy,
and there is no minimum so you can order just the amount you need!

At my wedding labels you can create the most elegant of personalized wedding favors with labels, favor tags, wedding coasters, note cards and place cards. Use your own words with our styles, shapes and colors. Our personalizations are also wonderful for anniversaries, wedding receptions, baby showers, birthdays and other events, and the soft palette of colors makes beautiful bath & body labels and packaging, too.

Beautiful designs, exacting quality, careful typographic styling of your words, the finest paper and printing, a commitment to getting it to you on time, plus excellent customer service means your order will look great and arrive exactly as promised. First, choose from our exclusively crafted styles, shapes, and colors, then create your own wording in place of the examples you see pictured. Add a monogram to your wedding label or favor tag at no extra charge. Our low price personalized printed labels and printed stickers are the best in the industry. We are the source for inexpensive labels that look professional, rich and elegant instead of cheap. We’ll design, print and deliver wedding labels, stickers, wedding favor tags, coasters, wedding seals and book plates that are professional yet personal and sure to impress.

Our short-run, no-minimum labels and favor hang tags are perfect for custom CD labels, wedding favor tags, personal CD and DVD labels, wedding favor stickers and seals, bridal & baby shower labels, wedding reception labels, personal bottled water labels, personalized wine labels, favor hangtags, wedding and all-occasion note cards and place cards, bath & body labels, custom wedding favors, bridal favors, home canning labels, personal bookplates and personalized gift tags. Personalized coasters for weddings, beer and wine add a lot of class to your event, too, at an affordable price. Our products are made expressly for short runs, so they are perfect for weddings, bridal showers, receptions and other special events.

Transform your dreams into unforgettable memories with personalized custom labels, stickers, personal hang tags and customized coasters from MyWeddingLabels.com. It’s easy!

Isaac Mizrahi Point D’ Esprit Dress - Opal Cream

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Point D’ Esprit Dress - Opal Cream

* For romance with a lighthearted twist, the Point d’ Esprit dress with an elegant flower silhouette features a sweet lace upper body that echoes vintage styling
* Made of Rich Taffeta is Made of 54% Silk/46% Polyester, a Dense, Figure-Forgiving Fabric with a Plain Weave and Subtle Sheen
* Fully Lined in Polyester Georgette for Opacity Lining
* Tiered Layers of Tulle Under the Skirt Create an Elegant, Slightly A-line Silhouette
* Upper Bodice Features Point d'Esprit (Polka Dot) Lace for a Vintage Touch, Hidden Back Elastic Strap Offers Extra Support
* Back Zipper for a Secure Closure and Easy On and Off, A Row of Functioning, Fabric-Covered Buttons and Fabric Loops Offers Couture Detailing
* Designed and Constructed to Flatter and Fit Many Figures
* Arrives in an Isaac Mizrahi Decorative Box
* Dry Clean

Product of the day: Unique Image™ Wedding Camera

Unique Image Wedding Camera
A camera as special as your wedding day!

Ten artistic wedding backgrounds beautifully frame each of the 27 exposures from this festive single-use camera. An elegant courtesy card for your guest tables is included with each unit. Set your wedding apart from all the rest with the Unique Image™ Wedding Camera!

Special Introductory Price – $6.95 per camera (minimum 6 cameras plus S&H)
Available at Unseen on TV

A word from the marriage-stress expert

From The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World: The Ultimate Source of Ideas, Advice, and Relief for the Bride and Groom and Those Who Love Them.

The Adventure Begins



There's nothing more fun than the week you get engaged. Having a secret, practically exploding with excitement and anticipation, blurting out the news to your best pals, letting your families in on it all. There are a few details to attend to, but your biggest task right now is to linger on cloud nine!



Engagement Length



When your feet finally hit the ground again, the first thing to consider is how long your engagement will be. It'll depend on a couple of factors, such as your ideal wedding date and how much time you'll realistically need to prepare the wedding of the millennium. A typical engagement lasts from six months to a year, but many couples stray outside those boundaries--if you want to get married next Tuesday or two years from today, do it!

In any case, no matter how long your engagement is, build in some break time from all things wedding-related--you don't want to be drowning in wedding planning every single minute from right now until the big day itself. Granted, your nuptials are about the most exciting thing coming or going, but they're not the be-all, end-all, and you need to remind yourselves periodically that normal life is happening simultaneously. You'll be a lot less stressed out if you take your mind off all things canape, carnation, and calypso from time to time. Your single friends, and those long-married, too, also will appreciate a respite from licking envelopes and hearing about the woes of finding the perfect wedding venue. It will make your life immensely more pleasurable and ensure that you remain healthily grounded in the real world--which is, after all,where you're going to be living once you descend gracefully from cloud nine.



Spilling the Beans



It's time to announce that you're taking the plunge. You could run buck naked together across the field during the live broadcast of the Superbowl, with the words "We're getting hitched!" tattooed across your chests. That way everyone you've ever met will get the news. On second thought, a little decorum can go a long way (and your families will probably appreciate finding out a bit more privately, too).



Where the Words

Come From

*Fiance/e: Old French fiance, a promise

*Betrothed: Be + the Old

English treowth, truth

*Husband: Middle English husbonde, householder

*Wife: Old English wif, woman, or possibly based on Indo-European weip, "the hidden or veiled person"



Talking to Your Parents



Share the news with your immediate families first. Unless your folks are already great friends, your best bet is to tell each set of parents separately so that they (1) will be able to express their emotions freely and (2) won't have to deal with the surprise of the engagement and the possible discomfort of having to hug all their new in-laws simultaneously. Traditionally--if you must know--the bride's family gets first dibs on the news.

The greatest way to let Mom and Dad in on your big secret is together, especially if they know and like your sweetie. Invite them over for dinner, or wait until your next planned get-together, and blurt it out. In your perfect universe, they'll leap from their chairs to squeeze you both, crying for joy. (Of course, if you get engaged on a trip or live far apart and you just can't, by all means, call!)

If your parents don't know your intended, this is the perfect time to organize a visit home. However, we don't recommend introducing your one-and-only and announcing your engagement on the same occasion. If you can, wait at least until the second visit. Otherwise, whether you're pressed for time or simply feeling awkward, it's A-OK to go solo when telling your parents about the engagement; in fact, they may appreciate your discretion.

Likewise, you may want to break the news without your partner if your parents:

*Have a problem with your mate-to-be

*Are over-the-top protective

*Have concerns about your religious or cultural differences

*Have seen you go through one (or two or three) messy divorces

*Are otherwise opposed to the concept of you getting married



"You're probably getting bombarded with questions from all directions. If people keep pressuring you about details, don't get intimidated. Whatever you do, don't forget to enjoy those first few weeks."

--Myrna Ruskin, New York therapist and marriage-stress expert



If need be, telling them on your own means you'll be able to have it out openly with your folks without dragging your love through any unnecessary and unpleasant stress and strain.

If your parents live on another planet--metaphorically speaking--and you don't quite connect, send them a thoughtful letter. If your parents are divorced, make the time to personally let both sides in on your plans. The bottom line: Do whatever feels right to you.



Kids Come First



If you have children from a previous marriage, they should be your first priority--even before your mom and pop. They're the ones who are getting a new stepparent (and maybe a stepsibling or two), and they'll need some time to get comfortable with the idea of becoming the Brady Bunch. Give your kids lots of undivided attention: The two of you should have a one-on-one-on-one with each child. Also organize a fun stepfamily outing (picnic, bike trip, movie and dinner)--you might find that "the more, the merrier" rule is right on the mark. If not, it's probably just a matter of time.



Whom to Tell First



Don't share news of your engagement with your parents first if they've been negative about your relationship. Instead, turn to people you know will be thrilled. After they've showered you with love and approval, then tell your parents; you'll be fortified for the potential hostility.



Don't let your ex-spouse hear about your engagement from the dry cleaner you still share or, worse, Junior himself. If you have children, letting him or her know is not optional. If you're not on speaking terms, drop a polite note with the news saying you're willing to discuss any worries or concerns, provided the skeletons in your relationship closet stay put.



BILL AND EMILY
Proposed January 7, New York City



WHEN BILL WAS READY to propose to Emily, he wanted to do something creative and romantic, something that spoke to her. The solution was obvious: a crossword puzzle. A puzzle devotee, Emily did the New York Times crossword every day without fail. So Bill called Will Shortz, the crossword editor at the Times, hoping he would agree to play cupid. Shortz liked the idea, and the plan was a go.

On the day the puzzle appeared in the paper, Bill played hooky from work and took Emily out for a leisurely day on the town. They went to a cafe, and Emily, unsuspecting, started the puzzle. Soon Emily said, "Look, my name's in the puzzle." A few minutes later she exclaimed, "Look! Your name's in the puzzle, too!"

Emily says she was skipping around the puzzle, and "it seemed very relevant to our relationship." The giveaway clue was "1729 Jonathan Swift pamplet"--"A Modest Proposal." When she finally looked up at Bill, she just said, "This puzzle!" At that point, Bill got down on his knee and asked, "Will you marry me?" After such a memorable proposal, how could the answer be anything but "Yes"?



Engagement Announcements



You may choose to broadcast the news of your engagement to the masses through a published announcement. Or you may decide to wait and publicize the actual wedding later on. If you're recently widowed or divorced, definitely wait to make the announcement; there's no need to place yourself smack dab in the middle of the gossip circle. You also should hold off on the announcement if you don't know when you're actually going to take the plunge, or if you're already having second thoughts about the marriage. (Some couples' therapists specialize in premarital counseling--go now.)



A Family Tradition



A treasured betrothal custom: the European hope chest. The bride's parents would stock a beautifully crafted wooden chest with linens, knickknacks, and other cozy items for her to take to her new home.



Get the Announcement Ball Rolling



Call your local newspaper, your parents' hometown rag, your alumni magazine, and anywhere else you want your engagement announcement to appear and find out the name of the appropriate editor or department. Ask for writer's guidelines or a standardized form, if available. Also ask if there's a fee for publication.

Typically, announcements mention career details about the two of you, your parents' names and places of residence, and your educational credentials (space permitting). Don't include your wedding date if you haven't quite decided, or if you have decided but want to keep people in suspense. (You could include something like "A June wedding is planned.") Do list the date if you'd rather publicize it now than answer a million "So when's the big day?" questions later. If you're interested, ask if the publication accepts pictures. Some publications only print actual wedding portraits, but if they will accept an engagement photo, get an eight-by-ten or five-by-seven glossy taken of your adorable mugs.



Word Up! Sample Announcements



Engagements usually are announced officially by someone other than the Happy Couple (unless they have no close relatives to give the honor to). When composing your announcement, select the textual variations that best reflect your reality, including who will be "sponsoring" (read: "hosting") the wedding and how (dys)functional your family is. Feel free to freestyle, especially if the publication you're announcing it in is hip or humorous. For those of you who need a helping hand, here are some typical engagement announcement wordings:

Standard, by the bride's parents. Mr. and Ms. John Doe of Little Rock announce the engagement of their daughter, Jane Annette, to Jack Smith, son of David and Beth Smith of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Ms. Doe, a graduate of Vassar College, is a professor at Barnard College in New York City. Mr. Smith graduated magna cum laude from Princeton Law School and works at Smith, Golden, his mother's law firm, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. A June wedding is planned. (Or: No date has yet been set for the wedding.)

(The groom's family is also free to put an announcement in their hometown paper; it would follow the same format.)

Single parent sponsoring the wedding. Ms. Janet Jones announces the engagement of her daughter, Jane Doe, to Jack Smith . . . Ms. Doe is also the daughter of John Doe of Sioux City. (This line is close to the end of the announcement.)

(There's no need to mention the other biological parent if he or she wasn't involved in raising you.)

Remarried parent, sponsoring with new spouse. Ms. Janet Jones and Mr. Timothy Chapin announce the engagement of Ms. Jones' daughter, Jane Doe, to Jack Smith . . . Ms. Doe is also the daughter of John Doe of Sioux City.



First Photo Op



Take a photo of yourselves on the day you get engaged. It's a great way to remember that great day--and may come in handy if you decide on a formal announcement or to use pictures on your engagement party invites.



Engage Your Imagination: Party Ideas



Creativity and informality are the buzzwords when it comes to today's engagement parties. If you or your parents don't want to make this a formal dinner affair, here are some alternatives:

*Beach bash. Think sand between your toes and a breezy seaside mood. Serve a raw bar and summery cocktails as the sun sets.

*Cocktail soiree. Mix up some martinis, make trays of hors d'oeuvres, and have your favorite people over for a night of conversation.

*Sunday brunch. Champagne, decadent pastries, fruit, and a group of well wishers make for a mellow morning soiree with style.

*Chomp feast. Reserve a looooong table at your favorite restaurant.

*Surprise! We're engaged. Plan your own party, and when everyone has a champagne flute in hand, make your big announcement.



How do you handle evil-wishers like high-school enemies, your commitment-phobic squash partner, or that waiter with a crush from hell? Just ignore them, because:

1. Who cares what they think?

2. They'll get over it.

3.If all else fails, you can always slap 'em upside the head with your 3-carat diamond.



Buying the Ring



The most universal of engagement traditions, by far, is the groom-to-be presenting his bride-to-be with a ring. Customarily, there's a luscious diamond involved, perched atop a band of pretty damn expensive metal. We love the ice, of course, but it's great that some people select a different precious gem, or group of gems--such as aquamarine, topaz, or tourmaline. Others opt for Victorian-inspired posy rings (bands engraved with inscriptions of love) or elaborate tattoos. It's also not unheard of for a woman to reciprocate and purchase an engagement ring for her man or to chip in for her own sparkly bauble. Other couples also give engagement gifts to each other.

Let's assume that you're a classic guy (or gal). You're ready to contribute to the $18-billion-a-year world of the diamond business. If you've got the guts, go traditional and surprise your honey with a beautiful ring. But we like the idea of asking for her (or his) input--clear, or slightly colored? Mounted low, or jutting out? Round, square, or heart-shaped?--before you go diamond hunting. Even better: Go ring shopping together. Most couples do, and report no lack of romance in the "big moment." You can propose first (one groom used a candy-ring stand in); or you can choose the ring, then spring it on her when she least expects it.



Name Your Price



Before you embark on your ring quest, figure out how much you have to spend (literally have in your budget, not "have to" as in must!). Generally, people set aside about two months' salary for the jewel, but you can spend as much or as little as you want (or, more realistically, can afford). A bigger diamond or swankier setting does not mean a better marriage.



Study Up



Once you've established a budget, ask friends and family to recommend a reputable jeweler. Make sure s/he's a member of the American Gem Corporation (212-762-0028) and offers stones that are in your price range. Be a savvy shopper; retailers will take you more seriously if you use professional lingo. Throw around a few of the buzzwords: clarity, carat, color, and cut (also known as the four Cs; we explain them next). However, don't act overly sophisticated if you aren't; your ignorance will betray you, and some jewelers who smell an easy kill won't hesitate to draw first blood.



Sneaky Ways to Get Her Ring Size



*Sneak away to the jeweler's with a ring she wears on her ring finger.

*Ask one of her friends to play detective. She should try on a ring of your honey's and say, "Oh, this is too loose (too tight, just right)--what size are you?"

*Measure the circumference of her ring finger with a piece of string and use a pen to mark the right spot. (This method is recommended only if she's a deep sleeper!)

Excerpted from

The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World: The Ultimate Source of Ideas, Advice, and Relief for the Bride and Groom and Those Who Love Them.
by Carley Roney

Place Card Holders' for all wedding styles

silver ball placecard holders
The circle or sphere is a popular wedding motif because like love, it sees no end. Our timeless silver ball place card holder is a classic in its simplicity. Without edges or adornment, this perfect little orb adds elegance to any tabletop. A slot at the top holds a place card and a flat bottom allows the ball to stay in place. Perfect for weddings, simple enough for corporate events and classy enough for a formal occasion, this place card holder is versatile and great to have on hand for dinner parties, holiday parties or a ladies' lunch.

silver pear placecard holder
Celebrate your union by showing your guests what a perfect and elegant "pair" the two of you make. These silver pear place card holders will be the perfect accent to any table setting. Use it as a place card holder, to hold a personal message, a thank you note, or even to display a photo. Each place card holder measures 1.25" in height

adirondack chair placecard holder
The adirondack design has been around for decades. Its signature style has become a mainstay of lounge furniture. This miniature adirondack chair place card holder evokes the feeling of rest and relaxation perfectly suited to a beach wedding, garden party, or a resort event. Each chair measures approximately 2 1/4" in length, 1 1/2" in width, and 2" in height. Available in white and sold in sets of 12 miniature chairs.

lucky bamboo placecard holders
Lucky bamboo got its name from Feng Shui masters who considered the plant a good luck charm, particularly when given as a gift. The hearty bamboo plant represents strength, resilience and good fortune and is a popular motif for Asian themed weddings and events. These beautiful bamboo place card holders will bring peace, serenity and good luck to your wedding reception, or at least make a very lovely Asian-inspired table decoration!
Cut from real bamboo and lacquered, each place card holder is slightly different in shape, size and details just like you would find in nature. Each is approximately 2” in height and has a slit at the top for your place cards. Comes in sets of 12.

Isaac Mizrahi Trapunto Bell Wedding Gown

It’s your time to shine!
Be the belle of the ball in the classic Trapunto Bell Dress with elegant trapunto embroidery for a modern twist.


Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Trapunto Bell Dress - Iggloo (White)

* Made of Rich Taffeta is Made of 54% Silk/46% Polyester, a Dense, Figure-Forgiving Fabric with a Plain Weave and Subtle Sheen
* Fully Lined in Polyester Georgette for Opacity Lining
* Bell Shape, Inner Tiered Crinoline Skirt for Extreme Fullness, Square Neckline
* Base of Skirt Features a Wide Band of Trapunto, Embroidered, Cushioned Fabric that Adds Subtle Detail and Helps Maintain Shape
* Bra-Keeps to Hold Straps in Place
* Back Zipper for a Secure Closure and Easy On and Off, A Row of Functioning, Fabric-Covered Buttons and Fabric Loops Offers Couture Detailing
* Designed and Constructed to Flatter and Fit Many Figures
* Available in Tall Sizes
* Arrives in an Isaac Mizrahi Decorative Box
* Dry Clean




This wedding gown is also available in opal cream:

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Trapunto Bell Dress - Opal Cream

Site of the day: Wedding Things - Shipping to Brides Worldwide since 1999

Wedding Things carries the most sought after wedding favors, invitations, and gifts.
At WEDDING THINGS, they bring you the newest and most elegant wedding essentials, including wedding invitations, wedding favors, sweet confections, unique chocolates and fine gifts for your bridal party.
They also offer many exclusive designs that are created with love by their team of dedicated designers.

"From my childhood memories, I have fond recollections of being a flower girl at Aunt Jean's wedding and a junior bridesmaid at Uncle John's marriage. It was the details such as the shiny, red patent shoes, the baby's breath tucked in my hair, and the rustling of the royal purple taffeta dresses that are still vivid in my mind.

Over the years, I have attended more weddings than your average person, clipped hundreds of articles about weddings, and leafed through many more magazines. This led me to choose management careers with one of British Columbia's leading bridal salons and with Canada's premier jewelers.

Finding the ideal wedding gown or searching for the perfect engagement ring, I was always just as happy as the client with the fruits of my labor. I also enjoyed many years as part of the University of British Columbia's Dance Club executive, responsible for organizing and hosting the annual UBC Gala Ball, a $30-40,000 one-day ballroom dancing competition. It was rightfully a wedding on its own, without a bride or groom, but with an entire day of fine dancing.

With the whole hearted support of my husband, in 1999 we decided to create an online wedding store offering unique wedding favors and a fun shopping experience for brides worldwide. At this time, we were considered pioneers in this field since online shopping was only starting to gain popularity. In Dec.2002, we opened our first "bricks and mortar" store WEDDING THINGS YALETOWN in Vancouver, BC, CANADA."
Happy weddings,
Connie Mar
Founder
WEDDING THINGS