Weddings that are held around a holiday can be extremely festive since the celebration tone has already been set by the holiday itself.  Whichever holiday you’re planning your wedding around, you’ll want to incorporate part of that holiday’s essence, not only into the decorations and reception atmosphere, but also into the wedding ceremony.  Let your vows reflect that holiday’s spirit and meaning.

  ~  A New Year’s wedding is perfect for focusing on new beginnings.  Your vows can communicate the wonderful anticipation of what is to come; a new journey to be traveled together. 

  ~  A Valentine’s weddingis already the perfect backdrop for a romantic’s dream.  Vows can incorporate selections from any one of a thousand classic poets. 

  ~  A Thanksgiving wedding lends itself nicely to expressing the immense gratitude you feel for the gift of your spouse.  You can also extend that thankfulness to your family, friends and guests as well.

  ~  A Christmas wedding brings with it a wonderful picture of God’s blessed gift to mankind and to you as a couple.  Acknowledging your commitment to Him and to each other in your marriage reflects the absolute love and commitment which was manifested on that first Christmas day.

When planning the total look for your wedding day, don’t forget the toes.  The toes are just as important in your wedding make-up as your fingernails or hair.  Even if you’re not planning on wearing open-toed shoes at the wedding, your husband will see them on your honeymoon.  And beautiful feet can very alluring!

If you do want to ’show a little toe’ during the ceremony, you may want to consider toe nail designs.  Although it does take some talent to be able to hand-paint these intricate designs, I’ve found that the toes are definitely easier to do myself than the fingernails.  So, if cash is a problem, give the ‘DIY’ approach to your feet.  You can match your toenails with your fingernails, or you can give them a totally different look.

Wedding themescan easily work into your designs as well as your wedding colors.  Snowflakes, poinsettias or wreaths fit well with Christmas & winter theme weddings.  If you have metallic colors in your wedding palette, try gold or silver glitter to really give your feet some sparkle.  You can even glue on some tiny rhinestones to add an elegant touch.

It’s always a good idea to consider the comfort of your guests when planning your wedding or reception.  It may be your dream to have an outdoor wedding, but if your planning an autumn wedding, take into account that the weather may be a little too cool for some very young or elderly guests.  Summer weddingsmay also bring temperatures that could be too high for certain people.  You would almost be forcing them not to attend if you make the accommodations less than adequate.

No one wants to talk you out of your dream wedding, but if there is a possibility of creating an adverse atmosphere for some of your guests, the best solution is to be prepared.  Make sure there is shade available for those you cannot bear the heat in the summer or shelter for those who may need to get out of  colder temperatures.  You may want to provide blankets in cooler weather or fans in warmer weather.  Be sure there are clear, easy-to-navigate pathways to the ceremony and reception areas.  Ushers may need to be able to help some guests not only to their seats during the ceremony, but also back to the reception once the ceremony is over.  During the reception, you’ll want to be sure that there are plenty of chairs available, even if you’re not planning a sit-down dinner.

Making your guests comfortable and keeping them safe will help everyone to remember your wedding as the beautiful event that it was meant to be.

These fluffy candles are easy to make and they can add a real sparkle to any Christmas or winter theme wedding.  Make several in different sizes and group them together for centerpieces or table accents. 

You can either start with round candles already made, or you can make your own.  If you choose to purchase the round candles instead of making them, you will not need the first three items and you can begin with step #5.

Materials:
Hollow rubber ball (any size)
2 teacups
Candle wick
Paraffin (candle wax)
Wire whisk
Cornstarch

Directions:
1.  Carefully cut the rubber call in half to create candle molds.  Place ball halves in teacups for support. 

2.  Melt paraffin according to directions on the box and fill each ball half with the melted wax.  Let cool until wax is totally set.

3.  Cut a small groove along the center of one of the candle halves.  Place a piece of candle wick in it, letting it extend beyond the end of the candle. 

4.  Dip the flat side of each half into the hot wax to coat and press the halves together.  Hold firmly until wax is set.

5.  Make sure wax is still completely melted and hot.  Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to each pound of melted wax.  This is also the time you may add any color, fragrance, or even glitter to the melted wax.

6.  Use the wire whisk to whip wax for 5 - 10 minutes until it has a meringue-like consistency.  Scoop wax fluff out with a spoon and apply to round candle.  Let set.

And there you have it!  A beautiful snowball candle that is guaranteed to bring a warm glow to any winter celebration.

Candles are the perfect way to decorate for almost any occasion, but especially a wedding.  These unique ice candles can be incorporated for any type of wedding, but can make an especially striking centerpiece for a winter-theme wedding.  Best of all, they’re extremely easy and economical to make.

You’ll need:
Candle mold, such as round or square pillar (quart-size milk cartons or coffee cans work well)
paraffin or wax
double boiler
liquid food coloring or crayon bits
small ice cubes

Directions:
Completely wash and dry the candle mold.  Lightly coat inside of mold with cooking oil.  If you’re using a milk carton, cut off the top before washing.  The easiest way to incorporate a wick in your ice candle is to purchase a similar color taper candle.  Cut from the bottom to fit the height of the candle mold and center inside the mold. 

Melt the paraffin or wax in a double boiler.  Add desired amount of food coloring or crayon pieces to wax.  HINT: The color of the wax will lighten slightly as the wax hardens.  Once all the wax is melted, fill the candle mold with ice cubes all the way to the top, keeping the taper candle centered.  Carefully pour melted wax into the mold, filling almost to the top.  Allow wax to harden completely. 

Carefully unmold candle over the sink to allow melted water to drain.  If a milk carton was used, you can unmold your candle by simply tearing away the carton carefully.  The result is a beautiful lacy candle that will cast delicate shadows when burning. 

Now use your imagination.  Make several sizes and surround your ice candles with pine logs or boughs, pine cones or holly.  Embellish with artificial snow spray, glittering snowflake ornaments or decals.   

Wedding Favor Reflections is pleased to announce the arrival of three adorable new favors.  Perfect for Christmas or winter theme weddings, these snowflake favors will definitely add a touch of sparkle to any reception.

Our ‘Snow Flurry’ Flocked Glass OrnamentPlace Card / Photo Holder is great for your reception table settings.  They can hold matching snowflake place cards (included) to announce seating assignments, or photos of the bride and groom.  Let your guests take one home afterwards as a wonderful memento of your special day.

The ‘Embossed Elegance’ Snowflake Favor Boxes can be arranged with sprays of pine tree branches in the center of each table to create a unique centerpiece.  Fill them with delicious ice mints or small bags of hot chocolate mix to complete the theme. 

The new Silver ‘Snowflake’ Bookmarks come with beautiful ice-blue tassels, and would look absolutely breathtaking decorating an indoor pine tree at your reception.  Invite your guests to take one home as they leave.  Or, leave them in their gift boxes and arrange the bookmarks at each place setting.

Letting your favors pull double duty as a centerpiece or reception decoration will help to greatly reduce the cost of decorating.  With a little imagination, these favors can turn your reception hall into a truly elegant winter wonderland.