Details, Details, Details
The things I love about planning parties are all the details that make an event special. I know people say that many people don't notice all the details, but I am a person who DOES, and so I want my wedding to reflect that. This page has the other "stuff" for the wedding that I haven't showcased on another page. See the Vendors page for sources!
Welcome Bags
I put together welcome bags for our guests staying at the hotel where we set up a room block. I got free visitor guides and brochures for area attractions at the Experience Columbus location at Easton. There is a Columbus postcard tag on each bag, with a Welcome to Columbus sticker and a handwritten message from us on the back. I bought snacks, gum, and bottled water at Costo. The white bags were purchased at Michaels using a 50% coupon.
Here's what's inside:
- 2 mini water bottles (8 oz., with custom labels - see next section)
- 2 Kudos granola candy bars
- 2 Welch's Fruit Snacks
- 1 Ritz Crackerfuls
- 1 Eclipse gum
- Experience Columbus Visitor's Guide
- Experience Columbus Visitor's Map
- Easton brochure
- Polaris brochure
- Columbus Zoo brochure
- North Market brochure
Ceremony Bottled Water
Since our ceremony is outside in August, we thought it would be nice to provide mini bottles of water for the comfort of our guests. We bought 8 oz. bottles of Kirkland Signature Spring Water at Costco and ordered waterproof labels from Etsy seller Natalily Designs. She designed a custom label for us using our colors and fabric print. One bottle will be placed under each guest's chair before the ceremony. I know many brides use larger bottles of water, but we thought the mini ones would be the perfect size - not so much water that our guests won't be able to finish all of it, but enough to be refreshing in the August heat.
Custom design by Etsy seller Natalily Designs
Wedding Sign
I ordered this small lawn sign from Vistaprint to direct our guests to the ceremony location.
It is available on my For Sale page.
It is available on my For Sale page.
Ring Pillow & Garter Set
Our ring pillow and garter set are from a seller on Etsy. They match our colors perfectly, and are so cute!
The pillow is available on my For Sale page.
The pillow is available on my For Sale page.
ring bearer pillow
toss garter and keepsake garter
Dress Hangers
My mom made padded hangers for the bridesmaids to hang their dresses on while we're getting ready on the wedding day. I think they will look so cute in pictures - much better than plain hangers!
Photo Guest Book
I created an 8 x 8 inch hardcover photo book with our engagement pictures using Shutterfly. I left blank spaces on the pages for our guests to sign their names and leave well wishes at the reception. I figured we'd look at a photo album more after the wedding than a plain guest book, and this way our guests will see more of our engagement pictures. See a preview of our book below, or click here!
The photo guest book has arrived, and it is perfect! The pictures are crisp and clear, and there is plenty of room for our guests to write.
The book was a great deal, too - I'm a Borders Rewards member, and recently there was coupon in their e-mail newsletter redeemable for a free 20-page 8 by 8 inch hardcover photo book from Shutterfly. I just had to pay shipping of $7.99 and tax. These books are usually $23.99, so I was pretty happy!
I'm not sure yet what kind of pen/marker I'll place with the book for guests to use - I'm thinking something acid-free, permanent (non-fading), and that won't smear on the slightly glossy pages.
The book was a great deal, too - I'm a Borders Rewards member, and recently there was coupon in their e-mail newsletter redeemable for a free 20-page 8 by 8 inch hardcover photo book from Shutterfly. I just had to pay shipping of $7.99 and tax. These books are usually $23.99, so I was pretty happy!
I'm not sure yet what kind of pen/marker I'll place with the book for guests to use - I'm thinking something acid-free, permanent (non-fading), and that won't smear on the slightly glossy pages.
Photo Sharing Cards
We set up an account on www.winkflash.com so our guests can upload their personal photos from the wedding and view other guests' photos. We chose WinkFlash because it is free and you can download the original hi-res images. I ordered business cards with the information from Vistaprint. We'll place them on the tables at the reception and include them when we send out thank you cards.
The Card Box
My sister made an engagement picture frame card box for her wedding using instructions on the Road to the Aisle blog. It held her cards and looked great at her fall-themed wedding, but it has been sitting in a closet ever since. When I got engaged, she kindly said I could have it, so I transformed it with white paint, a new upholstered top, and bright pink ribbon. I think it looks great. I've put in her pictures for demonstration purposes.
The card box is available on my For Sale page.
The card box is available on my For Sale page.
from this...
to this!
