Add some WOW!

People often try too much in planning a bash.

Instead focus on a couple of things and do them well.

Your guests will praise your efforts.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No (Wedding) Service!

"Are you friends of the Bride or Groom?"

Inspiration for this blog comes from all over the place, and doesn't get much better than this. Just last night my husband was listening to the radio and the DJs were discussing couples getting married at Wal-Mart because they wanted to wed on 7/7/07 and everything else was booked up. I was a little skeptical. Let's face it, afternoon show DJs are not exactly renowned for being bastions of truth and accuracy so I decided to poke around online. It's true, and not only is it true, but you had to win a contest to be one of the 'lucky couples.'

Here's a quote from the article:

"This package includes the decorated wedding venue in Wal-Mart's colorful lawn and garden area..."

The lawn and garden area? Why that's just as classy as if you got married at the botanical gardens. Please trust me when I tell you that if you decide have your wedding at Wal-Mart the most memorable thing about it will not be the date.

Guests will show up dressed to the nines and will be warmly welcomed by the friendly greeter. "Hello, we're here for the Glass - Cox wedding," (actual names of one of the couples).
"Oh, yes. It's back in our lawn and garden section. Take aisle 12 all the way back to the jean shorts and halter tops and then take a left. Keep going until you see the folding lawn chairs and can smell the weed killer. If you get to men's undergarments you've gone too far."

If you're lucky enough to be invited to one of these events here's a few helpful tips:

• If you forget your gift just arrive 10 minutes early and have Wal-Mart gift wrap something for you.
• A supervised nursery for the children will not be provided but as always Wal-Mart encourages you to leave them to run roughshod in the toy aisle.
• Please remember to bring your own spit cup.
• Formal attire is not required but try to choose an outfit that looks good with your mullet.
• Check the weather and remember to put the T-Tops on your Camaro if it might rain.
• Keep some dollar bills in your pocket for the 'Money Dance,' if you don't have any dollar bills handy, arrive early and return the truck battery you recently bought. Ask the customer service clerk for the $12 in ones.

A Little Creativity

Fan Programs:
1. Print pages
2. Cut into 5 equal triangles
3. Punch a hole in the bottom
4. Secure with a pretty rivet from your local fabric store

A little thought and a lot of cutting and you'll have a detail to remember.

Great Idea
Guest's will love it.

Our only advice. Consider the time... 1 looks cool. 100 gets annoying to cut.

Favors and Placecards

Your placecards and favors are one of the details at your wedding where you can get creative. If you're a pilot, an air traffic controller or even just an airplane aficionado you could do something similar to the picture on the left.

It's a good idea to arrange placecards alphabetically with the table number on the back, also like the picture on the left. This will help you to avoid everyone circling the tables trying to find their placecards, and it will prevent someone getting to the table 6 first and switching your know-it-all aunt Sophie to a different table.

When it comes to favors keep it simple and elegant. You don't want your guests to feel like they just got something out of a Cracker Jack box, but at the same time you can't afford to buy everyone a pair of diamond earrings. (If you're reading this Oprah, it doesn't apply to you.)

Just To Inspire- Kids

Occasionally we will give you some great pictures just because they are soooo cool.

Oh, and also because more pictures equals less writing.


Kids love it when there is anything especially for them.

Plus, they are quieter when distracted.