It’s unbelievable how many adorable toppers there are out there now. Here’s just a few:

Here’s a great post about how to let your family and friends know that your keeping your last name. Found on one of my very favorite sites, Offbeat Bride.

Okay, so I want to introduce you to one of my daily addictions – Crop Chocolate. Every single day they feature only ONE item and while I admit it’s sometimes hit or miss (mostly hits), today’s deal is EXCELLENT. I’ve purchased some pretty darn cool paper crafting stuff here, all at pretty darn sweet prices. I’m letting you in on this little secret today because THIS PAPER TRIMMER ROCKS. I have purchased two over the last few years and trust me, this is a GREAT trimmer. I’ve tried every darn trimmer out there, and for the price, this one is awesome. Get it. Now. Before they run out.

So I just found this slightly outdated list of “marriage manners” from a book that was published back in the sixties. So here you go, apply as needed.

1. No hogging the bed clothes!
For me this is extremely important. I love my bed clothes and I don’t want my husband hogging them.

2. Don’t read whilst your partner is asleep.
I’m guessing this refers to having the light on (or reading out loud). Hmmm, well, for all the nights my hub has the TV blaring whilst I’m trying to sleep, I think he deserves a spotlight in his face whilst I’m reading.

3. Never nag your partner, even when it is just the two of you.
Er…I don’t like this rule. I do my best nagging when it’s just the two of us.

4.  Always look your absolute best.

Absolutely. You never know when you’ll run into your ex.

5.  A husband must be a husband in every sense, including caring and doting.
Alright, I do admit I have a very caring and doting hub

In case you haven’t already seen it, here it is! I just love it.

Pretty interesting. Read about why we kiss here.

Rhett, don't. I shall faint.

Everyone has at least one wedding tradition they’ve always hated. Personally, I cringe when I see a couple smashing cake into each other’s faces. Well, over at ivillage, they’re conducting a neat little survey. Take it and see if others agree (or disagree! horrors!) with you. 

Click here to take the survey!

Hello Everyone!

Due to my current volume of custom design orders (thanks so much!!!) I am unable to accept any RUSH requests at this time.

Thank you notes are a must. You know that. So when writing them, be sure to follow some simple guidelines for a note that will make a lovely impression.

Gifts of Money
Don’t mention the amount, but tell them how you’ll use the money. Example:

Dear Uncle Angelo,                                                                                                                                    Brad and I were thrilled with your very generous and thoughtful gift. You have brought us one step closer to our dream house. We are looking forward to seeing you again when we’re back in Oregon for the holidays! Love, Anna and Brad

Gifts You Already Have (or already exchanged it)
Don’t mention the situation or say how you’ll use it. Instead, talk about the gift itself. Example:

Dear Uncle Angelo,                                                                                                                                    Brad and I want to thank you for the crystal vase. The design is so lovely and elegant. You’re clearly a man with excellent taste! We were so happy you were able to attend the wedding. Love, Anna and Brad

You Don’t Know The Person Who Gave You the Gift
Focus on happy you were to meet her at the wedding

Dear Mrs. Dwight,                                                                                                                                       Thank you for the beautiful crystal candle holders. They will look perfect on our dining room table. My parents have always spoken so highly of you and Brad and I can’t wait to finally meet you at the wedding. (I’ll be the woman wearing the white dress!) Sincerely, Anna and Brad

Group Gifts
Definitely send individual thank you’s, but acknowledge the whole group.

Dear Bruce,                                                                                                                                                Thank you for the gas grill. It’s got all the bells and whistles – just what we’ve been wanting! We feel so lucky to have friends who know us so well. You and Kayla will have to come by soon for Bruce’s famous steaks! Warmly, Anna

You Hate It. It’s Hideous.
Don’t be a phony and rave, but instead be positive and grateful.

Dear Aunt Susan,                                                                                                                                              Brad and I want to thank you for the croaking frog clock. The sound it makes every hour reminds me of the fun summers we spent by the huge pond on your property. We were so happy you were able to attend the wedding and look forward to seeing you over the holidays. Love, Anna and Brad

You Have No Idea What the Gift Is
Yup, it happens. You have no clue what it is. Focus on the gift rather than the mystery of what is.

Dear Michelle and Robert,                                                                                                                                Brad and I want to thank you for the lovely wedding gift. You are such a creative and caring couple and we are so lucky to have you as friends. Please come over and see our new place soon! Love, Anna and Brad

I wasn’t planning on a second installment of “Wedding Traditions” until I came across some more neat stuff while reading what else? Wedding magazines.

Here ya go. Enjoy!

Handfasting – this is an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the joining of two people in marriage. There are many versions of this gesture illustrating the union of husband and wife and is the origin of the phrase “tying the knot”. Since this ritual is not universally allowed at all religious ceremonies, you should first check with your officiant and church, if applicable.

Handfasting

Breaking the Glass – this Jewish tradition in which the groom steps on a glass symbolizes many things, among them life’s great joy and sadness, a hope that your happiness will be as plentiful as the shards of glass and the couple being forever changed by the marriage and taking on a new form. P.S. I just found this cool website where not only will you find LOTS more information about this tradition, but they also do really cool things with the shards of glass. Check it out! MazelTovGlass.com. Be sure to use thin glass and wrap it in a napkin so the shards don’t fly.

Jumping the Broom – In this African-American tradition, the couple jumps over a broom to symbolize the sweeping away of the old and starting anew. This custom dates back to the days when the slaves weren’t allowed to marry. It represented “jumping” into the bonds of domesticity.

Jumping the Broom

Sand Ceremony – Representing the merging of two families (or two people), the family members (or just the couple) combine sand from different vessels into one bowl. Perfect for a beach wedding!

Sand Ceremony