Better Than Birdseed
Even though the urban legend that rice is bad for birds to eat has been exposed for what it is, brides have taken the birdseed of the ’90s and gone one step further.
In your quest to find the most creative way to say adieu, think of the send-off as the final element that completes the feel of your wedding. Consider the time of year, time of day and general mood of your wedding.
Sparklers lighting up a fall evening or a summer night near the Fourth of July are enchanting, but they’ll only be effective if you plan on leaving after dark. Also, consider that though sparklers are visually electric, your crowd won?t be able to clap while holding them, so they may create a quieter scene.
Seeds appropriate to the time of year (pumpkin in the fall, sunflower in the spring) can be tossed by guests. Have young attendants distribute small paper bags of seeds from woven baskets.
Baskets of vibrant petals are another popular choice. Guests can grab fistfuls to toss, making your getaway a veritable shower of delicate, perfumed blooms.
Although bubbles have become a trendy option, one thing you should consider is that the soapy spheres may stick to your veil and dress and may even cause spots. As with the sparklers, bubbles make for a quieter exit because guests will not be able to clap.
On the flip side, silver bells distributed from decorated baskets or at each place setting can serve to liven up your retreat. Personalize them with a slip of paper thanking your friends and family for their support and love.
Take a Break
Dress shopping. Photographer interviewing. Cake tasting. Your Palm Pilot is busting at the seams with appointments and ideas, and you’re beginning to think you should have taken Dad up on his offer to let you elope in Hawaii instead of have the blow-out wedding of your dreams.
Slow down! It’s all going to fall into place, but in order for you to enjoy it at all, you?re going to need a break. Here are five suggestions of things you can do to get the blood pressure back down and the enthusiasm up:
1. Massage — Call a friend and head to Spa City. Hot Springs is known for its relaxing remedies, so indulge yourselves in facials, aromatherapy baths and full-fledged massages.
2. Back to Nature — You’ve been planning this one evening for months, looking forward to the day when you and your sweetie will be wed, yet how many times have you been able to be with him alone? Take to the mountains of The Natural State, and go camping one weekend.
3. Movie Night — Call the gals and make it a Blockbuster night! Rent girlie classics such as “Say Anything,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” or even “Father of the Bride” for a humorous look at your present life. Get comfied in your PJs, pop some popcorn, order pizza and bust open a bottle of wine.
4. Yoga — Stretch your body and relax your mind as you whittle away stress in a yoga class. Most Arkansas yoga centers accept drop-in students for about $10 for an hour’s worth of pure relaxation.
5. Have a Real Date — Just the two of you should go to a nice restaurant and agree not to talk about wedding plans. Follow that up with watching the sun set over the Arkansas River or going to hear a good band.
More Tips
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