A special Bridal Shower gift

A dear friend of mine is getting married in a few short weeks in Cuba. We have been friends since we were 3 and 5 years old. She is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know. She's the kind of friend that when my life was falling apart before my eyes, she was the first one there to hug me and tell me everything would be okay. So when she asked me to be a Bridesmaid for her May wedding, I said yes. Little did I know at the time that I simply wouldn't have the money to travel to Cuba (as a single gal, it's expensive!). Since I am unable to attend her special day, I wanted to make sure that I gave her a heartfelt gift that displays to her how much I appreciate and cherish her friendship.

Many times at client's weddings I will see personalized items, ribbon and handkerchiefs wrapped around the Bride's bouquet, so it got me thinking....if I can't stand beside my friend on her wedding day, then I have to make sure she knows that I am there in thought and will be thinking of her that day. I went to Michael's and bought black satin ribbon, a frame charm and a faux bouquet. Inside the frame I placed a picture of the two of us from our 2009 vacation to Cuba. Both of our lives have changed so much since that picture was taken, but the thing that has remained the same is our friendship and love for one another. I know I have let her down by not being able to attend her wedding, but I hope she knows that she has my full support as she marries a fantastic guy. They are a great pair and I couldn't be happier for her.

Ribbon tied around a bouquet with a photo of us.

Inside the card I wrote;

Because I can't stand beside you on your wedding day,
I ask that you take me with you on your bouquet.
Wrap the ribbon around your flowers tight,
I'm so happy that you found Mr. Right.
Even though we're far apart,
Our friendship is always in my heart.

I also gave her a homemade chalkboard with Household Labels for her pantry. Her and her hubs-to-be just bought a new house, so I'm sure she will put the chalkboard up in the kitchen so he can leave her love notes instead of dinner menu requests. LOL!

Household pantry labels from Mabel's Labels.

I'm glad that I was able to celebrate with her on Saturday at her Bridal Shower and look forward to the party they will host at their new home when they arrive back as Mr. & Mrs.

Wishing Katie & Adam all the best on their wedding day! I love you guys!

Take your seat please....

There are many ways to inform your guests on where they are to be seated for your wedding.

You can stay simple and basic and have alphabetical escort cards, or you can get creative and think outside the box.

No matter how you decide to display this information it is best to be clear so to decrease any confusion. When planning this detail, also keep in mind the space to which your guests will be able to look at or hunt for their names. Will you be creating a bit of a line up or cluster? Be sure that you have enough space for your idea, and that you have enough info - i.e: table number, guest first and last name.

A lot of times I see couples incorporate their theme into the escort cards/display - and this is fabulous and exactly why you have themes and or colour palettes when planning your big day. Keep all details in your wedding concise.

Some ways to inform guests to please take their seats are:

- Old fashioned chalk board
- Escort cards hanging from a tree or twigs in a pretty vase
- Photos tacked to a bulletin board (left plain or covered in fabric)
- Handwritten names on rocks, seashells or stems of a lollipop
- Escort cards hanging on a clothes line (twine or ribbon)
- Handwritten names on a window or window in a door