Creative Guestbook Ideas

7 Dec

We’ve all had to sign the infamous wedding guestbook. Half the time, our message just consists of a “Congrats, wish you the best in your married life” because we may not know the happy couple all too well (a common occurrence in the majority of Asian weddings). However, if we are close acquaintances of the newlyweds, our messages (this time more personal) serve to put a smile on their faces and remind them of their wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding and want to shy away from the conventional guestbook, which is, well… a book, then the following ideas may appeal to you:

Patchwork Quilt

This particular new approach to the guestbook is a hit with couples nowadays because it’s both simple to make and cost-saving. If you are short on time, you can pre-order your quilt but if you want to go all out on the DIY-ing then all you need is sturdy cotton fabric cut into squares (or any shape you prefer), a fabric marker, and the ability to use a needle and thread without causing any harm. You can even mail the squares with your invitations so that your guests would have plenty of time to decorate them well ahead of the wedding.

Postcards

Postcards work particularly well if you’re having a destination wedding. Have your guests write their messages and well wishes on postcards that have been pre-addressed and pre-stamped. This way you’ll be reminded of your big day through the mail and we all know that a smile is a Godsend after all those bills! I would recommend keeping the postcards in a nice picture album to flip through years down the road.

Crockery

Yes, you read right, crockery – another popular take on the guestbook. Order a big plate and have your guests sign all over it with a waterproof and smudge-proof marker. After your wedding, custom-make a stand and use the plate as a decorative item in your home.

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A Christmas Wedding

24 Nov

We have readers from all over the world here at WGA, so it seemed appropriate to have a post on Christmas (a.k.a. winter) weddings for your perusal, especially now that we’re nearing that magical time of year. If you’ve always dreamt of getting married in the season of snow, then the following tips may be exactly what you’re looking for…

Location

If you’re looking to have an intimate and private function and are able to acquire an inn or a lodge, then there’s no two ways about it. Imagine a quiet ceremony in front of a fireplace with the snow falling outside; oh so romantic! If you’re going to have a bigger crowd, then a hotel or private club are options to consider; you could recreate the wintery feel with the decorations!

Decorations

If you want to keep in tune with the winter “Christmas” wonderland theme completely, then think of using silvers and whites, but if you want to add an extra Christmas flavour, then throw in some reds and greens as well. Decorate the hall with miniature Christmas trees and ice sculptures. You can have a lot of fun with your deco (snow in a can, anyone?). Candles, mirrors and small flower arrangements make for simple yet beautiful centerpieces!

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Wedding Theme Ideas

11 Nov

You may have noticed that here at WGA, we tend to talk about wedding themes a lot, and with good reason too! Your wedding theme is your stepping stone; once you have that settled everything else should have a smooth flow to it. It’s never easy choosing a specific wedding theme because let’s face it, you’ll be spoilt for choice as wedding themes are endless, you can really have anything under the Sun. Here are a couple of themes that are timeless and one that is, how would we say… different?

A Cinderella Wedding

Ladies, let’s not deny it, shall we? You’ve probably imagined a Cinderella-themed wedding at one point or another, the ballgown-esque wedding dress, the elegant updo and lest we forget, crystal slippers. I think Disney had a profound effect on all of us. If the years have passed and you’re still fantasizing about being whisked away in a horse-drawn carriage (yes, literally) then go for it!

A Valentine Wedding

If you look forward to Valentine’s day every year and if you’re fond of red roses (and I mean lots of red roses) then how about considering a Valentine-themed wedding. Think red, pink and white and maybe throw in a Cupid ice sculpture too. You can opt to be super extravagant or keep it simplistic with this theme.

A Golden Wedding

Golden tones add a sense of warmth and comfort to any venue, not to mention a hint of luxury. Gold is a sign of prosperity and opulence for many cultures so it’s no wonder why it has been part of bridal traditions for centuries. Gold and white make a lovely combination, think gold drapes hanging from the ceiling and golden ribbons around the chairs, but don’t overdo it. If you’re looking for something classy, simple yet elegant, then this theme is for you.

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It’s All About The Bling

4 Nov

Put a ring on it :)

My heart skipped a beat (okay… several beats) while I was writing this article; I couldn’t help but ooh and aah each time I came across a picture of a beautiful wedding ring, which happened very often. Here at WGA, we’ve decided to do a little post on wedding rings because unlike the dress or the shoes, you’re likely to be wearing it for the rest of your life. When you first venture out in search of the perfect wedding ring there are a couple of things to keep in mind to avoid feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Know your type

The choices are endless and with all that variety you’re bound to get confused so it wouldn’t hurt to do your research before heading out in search of the perfect wedding ring. If simplicity is your style then you may opt for a traditional wedding ring which consists of a plain wedding band. If you like your bling then try to narrow down your preferences before you go shopping, after all there are so many different diamond cuts you can choose from.

Courtesy of mycustomjeweler.com

Get creative

We’re all about personalizing things here at WGA, whether it’s the invitation cards or the deco so we’re definitely up for personalizing wedding rings. You can choose to have your rings engraved with initials, pet names, really anything you want (as long as it fits).

Stick to the budget (well, try to…)

We know this is a big challenge especially when you’ve found the perfect ring and it’s unfortunately out of your budget. First things first, weigh the ups and downs and see whether you can afford to spend a little extra dough on the ring. If you can’t, then fret not; diversify your search and you’ll most likely end up with a lovely ring that is well within your budget.

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What To Give Your Bridesmaids And Groomsmen

26 Oct

They have been at your beck and call for the months leading up to your wedding. They’ve helped you make essential wedding-related decisions, they planned your bridal shower, hen’s night and bachelor party, but most importantly, they’ve tolerated your antics when you switched into bridezilla gear (yes ladies, you may not have noticed, but they sure did)! It’s only natural that you would want to show them your appreciation, but how? The tips below may give you some ideas!

For the Bridesmaids

1. The simplest gift you could get away with giving them is something they can use on your wedding day and even later on. Of course, you could consider their bridesmaid’s dress as a gift but customised earrings, a charm bracelet or even a shawl if you’re having your wedding in chilly weather works as well.

2. This is my favourite idea, make your bridesmaids goodie bags filled with their favourite things. This works especially well if you’re planning a destination wedding. Imagine this: a care-package filled with suntan oil, a lovely wrap, a beach-read (although I highly doubt they’ll have time to read),  or a travel guide if you’re having your wedding somewhere exotic.

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