Category Archives: Uncategorized

Nuptial Knick Knacks adds to their 2013 Spring Wedding Favors collection

Posted on by
Reply

22020GN_WindowBox_LWho doesn’t love all things Spring?  Flowers blooming, birds singing, and blushing brides making their way down the aisle.  What better way to add spring to your wedding than finding just the right spring wedding favors to treat your guests.  Nuptial Knick Knacks offers a fresh selection to choose from.

Weddings and flowers go hand in hand making spring a favorite season for weddings.  Whether you love daisies, roses, lilies or cherry blossoms, Nuptial Knick Knacks has the wedding favors you’ll love to share with your wedding guests.  Choose from blowing bubbles topped with daisies, butterflies, and colorful bouquets to blooming wine bottle stoppers and love bird tea candles.

Spring favors can also be shared at churches and schools for children and teacher appreciation events.  Nuptial Knick Knacks favorites include lady bug money banks, bugs and flower paperclip bookmarks and place holders, and floral purse hangers and compact mirrors.

Pin It

Spring Wedding Myths

Posted on by
Reply

20120202-205251.jpg

Spring is the time of year most often associated with weddings, so you might feel there are even more expectations about what kind you should have. We’ve broken down some of the most common assumptions about spring weddings to help you make your own rules.

Myth #1: You Must Use Pastel Colors
Though some spring brides embrace the colors traditionally associated with the season, others cringe at Easter egg-inspired hues. If you find yourself in the latter category, go with a color scheme that fits your style best. Pulling off an unexpected palette gives your wedding an element of surprise that will wow your guests. If you want to go with a seasonally appropriate but still unconventional choice, take the pastels up a few notches and go with brighter hues like hot orange, acid green, and magenta.

Myth #2: You Have To Have Flowers Everywhere
On the one hand, spring is a bride’s bonanza for flowers — a huge variety of blooms are in season and easy to get. But if flowers aren’t your thing, there are lots of options for creating interesting and unusual decor. One way is to incorporate other kinds of natural elements into your centerpieces: Think moss, wheatgrass, river rocks, or herbs. While these will still evoke a spring-like feel of freshness and rebirth, there’s not a flower in sight. Want something more dramatic? Towering, blooming branches like cherry blossoms, quince, or dogwood look modern and incorporate some flowers without being in-your-face. Best of all, they look great anywhere — whether on the altar or on your reception tables.

Myth #3: You Have To Have a Daytime Wedding
Dreaming of an evening affair? Some associate spring with a brunch reception. Brunches are beautiful, but they’re not the best option if you want to have an all-out dance party. Though the days are getting longer, you can still wait until sunset (or even later) for your ceremony. If you want a daytime wedding — particularly outdoors — go ahead and take advantage of the fair weather. Spring’s milder temperatures make a midday wedding much more comfortable than it would be in the heat of summer.

Myth #4: You Have To Stay Inside
While in many places early spring (in other words, March) can be unpredictable, don’t rule out an outdoor wedding for the entire season. The elements will be a factor in an outdoor celebration at any time of year, but rather than giving up on going al fresco, just plan ahead. When you’re looking at ceremony and reception sites, ask what other couples had done as a rain plan and whether any changes needed to be made. Get the details on those other spaces so if you’re planning to have 200 guests, you won’t choose a site where the indoor space can only hold 120. Another option: Reserve a just-in-case tent.

Myth #5: Your Attire Should Be Informal
The weather’s warmer so hemlines can be higher. Sure, your bridesmaids won’t have to worry about freezing in tea-length dresses, but it doesn’t mean you have to have them. If floor-length is more your style, that’s just fine. Same goes for your gown and the guys’ attire. Though a light-colored linen suit would be perfect for some springtime affairs, if a classic tux better suits the tone of your wedding, go for it. No matter what time of year you’re marrying in, the main thing that’s important is comfort — so if you love the look of satin dresses but are worried your maids will be melting, choose a similar style in a more forgiving fabric like a silk blend.

Don’t forget to check out our selection of spring wedding favors at Nuptial Knick Knacks!

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

Posted on by
Reply

20120110-203652.jpg

The days of stuffy sit-down rehearsal dinners the night before a wedding are over. Today couples are getting revved up for their wedding day in backyards, bowling alleys, and on beaches. Here are a few ideas on how to make your rehearsal dinner one your family and friends won’t soon forget.

Fondue Theme. From buffets to multicourse sit-down meals, fondue adds fun to any dinner. For your rehearsal dinner, start with toast points and various cheese pots: blue cheese or Gruyere are good starters. Move on to meats, potatoes, and veggies, which can each be dipped in sauces (like teriyaki, red wine, and ginger) and cooked right on the table. For dessert, dip fresh fruit, squares of firm cake or brownies, bananas, and marshmallows in pots of melted chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, honey, and yogurt. Give guests a take-home version of one of the dishes or even a monogrammed fondue fork.

Bowling Theme. A themed bowling rehearsal dinner party is big fun — and sends a clear “casual attire” message to your guests. Some alleys have private rooms where you can serve food — the menu is easy: pizza, nachos, pretzels, and other foods from the snack bar. Stage competitions between the two families, or do boys vs. girls, and give awards at the end of the night (don’t forget to honor “Most Gutter Balls”!).

Destination Theme. Going somewhere tropical for your honeymoon? Give guests a little sneak peek and transform your wedding rehearsal dinner into your destination. Hang hammocks from trees in your backyard, serve dinner buffet-style on long surfboards, blend pina coladas and daiquiris, and let Jimmy Buffet blast. For fun favor ideas, try personalized messages in glass bottles, flip-flops, or gift certificates for a spray tans.

Nuptial Knick Knacks is sure to have the perfect favors for your event! Don’t forget to follow us out on Facebook, Twitter and GooglePlus!

Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations

Posted on by
Reply

20120109-191108.jpg

After the vows have been exchanged, the cake cut and the bouquet tossed, take off with your sweetheart on a trip you’ll never forget. Whether your honeymoon is short or long, simple or extravagant, you will always remember your first days as husband and wife. Many couples spend so much time and energy planning the wedding that they run out of steam by the time they start to plan the honeymoon. If you’re one of those couples, don’t worry, below are the top 5 honeymoon destinations to jump start your imagination.

1. Hawaii: Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Its wonderful warm weather and laid back atmosphere is the perfect place for love birds to visit. By day, you can bath in the sun, snorkel, visit volcanoes, hike through rainforests, shop or just lounge around the pool. By night, you can try fabulous restaurants, enjoy a luau or simply sit under the stars. There are plenty of things to do and experience with your true love.

2. South Pacific: If you’re looking for a more secluded tropical experience, you may want to hit the beaches in Tahiti or Bora-Bora. Tahiti’s palm filled landscapes, coconut plantations, vanilla farms and relatively few tourists make this island a romantic place for two. Put a fragrant white tiare, Tahiti’s national bloom, behind your left ear (that means you’re taken) and you’ll fit in perfectly among the deep green valleys, waterfalls and fields of flowers. Bora-Bora’s sugary sands and clear, aquamarine waters are just as magical. Explore lagoons and even stay in your very own hut built on stilts right on the water.

3. Caribbean: With over 20 islands to choose from, taking a honeymoon to the Caribbean will surely be a treat! While on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, enjoy bathing in waterfalls, watching six different types of dolphins and napping in hammocks. Get lost in Bermuda and experience the wonderful coral reefs and shipwrecks which gave this place the nickname, “Isle of Devils” and breathe in the aroma of freesia, bougainvillea and passion flowers. For fun-loving couples, try out Jamaica, mon! Being the third largest island, Jamaica has extravagant nightlife, six mountain ranges and over 200 miles of beach. If you like to stay close to the US while still experiencing the tropical atmosphere, then Puerto Rico is perfect for you. Filled with stunning high-rises and nature reserves, this island is a cinch to navigate and the US dollar is the national currency.

4. Mexico: Carved out of the jungle, Cancun sits at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula with large resorts and exciting nightlife as well as ancient Mayan ruins and palm fringed beaches. Enjoy your days on the beach and hiking through the jungle and your nights enjoying fabulous food and dancing the hours away! Cozumel’s beautiful reefs are called “the land of the swallows” and offer clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches stretching for miles. With more than 30 charted reefs, this island is perfect for the couple who wants to experience nature in a quieter setting. Perhaps exciting Acapulco is more your style. 130 foot cliffs tower above the ocean and you can view professional divers taking the plunge into its foamy depths. Or you can strap on a parasail for a birds eye view of the bay.

5. South America: For the adventurous, you can explore the “Lost City of the Incas” in Machu Picchu, Peru. Stand beneath the walls and temples of ancient times and walk through the ruins for a once in a lifetime experience. In Cusco, the old capital of the Incan empire, you can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with museums, markets and cafes. And don’t forget to take the uphill trip to the city of Machu Picchu and be prepared to be amazed! There are few cities you can travel that have a more stunning view than Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, this exotic setting exudes drama and romance.

Don’t forget to check out Nuptial Knick Knacks! We’re your one stop shop for wedding favors!

Interfaith Marriage Ceremony Tips

Posted on by
Reply

20111230-150937.jpg

Planning an interfaith ceremony can be tricky. You’ll likely face three major challenges: finding an officiant; combining two sets of traditions without upsetting your families too much; and creating a ceremony that reflects your commitment and your common values. If you have two different religions, these issues can take on the complexity of an international summit. How can you prevent a religious roadblock?

Have a Long Engagement. Take an entire year (or longer) to identify and work on reconciling issues likely to arise during your marriage. The issue of religion — its role in your wedding, marriage, and future family — should be examined very closely. Discuss the religious practices you would like to continue observing, especially when you have children. Nothing need be set in stone, but it’s important to be open about your expectations for the future.

Gather Information. Take courses in each other’s religions. Even if you don’t intend to practice either religion at home, the study will give you a greater understanding of each other’s beliefs and assumptions.

Go For Counseling. Consult clergy from each of your religions, preferably someone with training in family counseling, to help you two discuss the issues you face. You could also contact a family planning organization or therapist for objective pre-wedding counseling.

Be Patient With Parents. If the folks are having a hard time dealing with the religious differences, try to understand that they are mourning for their own unfulfilled expectations. Give them time to adjust to the idea, and try not to get defensive.

Visit Eachother’s Family. Visit early, visit often. Interfaith marriage necessitates a partial “moving in” to another faith or culture. Spending time with each other’s parents can be a good introductory course in what to expect.

Find the Right Officiant. Choose an officiant (or two) who makes both of you feel comfortable and who believes in your union. Ask around — chances are that other interfaith couples in your area have already searched for (and found) local officiants willing to perform interfaith marriages.

Include Both Faiths and Both Families. Early in the process, listen to both families’ views and expectations for your wedding day. You and your sweetie should then decide how to proceed — and lovingly (or at least nicely) discuss your choices with your families. Be open and honest with everyone from the start, so they know what you’re planning and why. Many couples create a wedding program that includes explanations and transliterations of specific religious customs, so family and friends can understand and participate in unfamiliar traditions.

Personalize Your Ceremony. Take great care in planning the ceremony. Some interfaith couples choose to follow tradition closely, while others stray from convention. Your officiant(s) can help you design a ceremony that works for you. Work together to select readings and rituals that are significant to both of you. This tough-but-worthwhile process will do much more than solidify wedding-day plans — you’ll get a head start learning to compromise, the golden rule of marriage.

Stop by Nuptial Knick Knacks and check out all of our unique wedding favors!

Standing Out as the Groom

Posted on by
Reply

Although wedding tradition dictates that the groom and his crew all wear similar outfits, it’s important to help guests identify you as the special guy who just locked lips with the bride at the altar. The more formal the event, the more strict the codes of conduct. If you and yours are opting for an ultra-formal affair, your team will wear virtually the same togs, so being singular becomes a tougher task. The more casual the celebration, the more leeway you’ll have. Here’s four ways you can stand out on your big day.

An Alternative Tux - Wearing a subtly different jacket from those of your groomsmen is a surefire way to make your mark. For a daytime affair, wear a cutaway coat, but have your boys wear stroller coats instead. If you select a double-breasted jacket, put your men in a single-breasted cut. Or, put yourself in a one-button jacket and have the groomsmen sport a three-button version. If your tux has a satin lapel, the boys’ could be plain.

A Fancier Flower - A unique boutonniere, a “mini-corsage” worn on the jacket lapel, is the easiest way to help guests single you out. If your wedding will be very formal and mismatched tuxes would seem inappropriate, run with this option. For example, have boutonnieres made of the same flower for the groom and groomsmen, but add a berry or herbal accent, such as rosemary, oregano, or mint to yours. Or, select a different but very similar blossom: wear a lily of the valley boutonniere, and have your men sport stephanotis. It’s a good idea to keep the flowers in the same color family for a consistent look.

The Telltale Tie - Boost your “all about me” factor by wearing a different colored tie or bow tie than the gang. For instance, if you wear a silver tie and matching vest, the groomsmen could sport a vest and tie combo that complements or matches the bridesmaid dresses. Grooms can go one step further and wear a different type of neckwear from the guys. If you choose a bow tie, the groomsmen could wear neckties with a Windsor knot, which has a triangle-shaped knot, larger than your standard, everyday four-in-hand. Or, if you plan to wear an ascot, select a matching necktie for your men.

Variety in the Vest - Vests are another element of the tux with which grooms can experiment. Pick a vest that’s a different color from that of your groomsmen. If you choose a black tie and black vest, you could put the groomsmen in a color that matches the bridesmaid dresses. Or, set yourself apart in a cummerbund and put the fellas in vests.

Check out Nuptial Knick Knacks to pick up those much needed wedding favors!

Wedding Cake Q&A

Posted on by
Reply

As bakers continue to create cakes with innovative shapes, bold fillings, and intricate detail; the infinite amount of options are enough to put you into a sugar coma. Here’s what you need to know.

When should I start looking for a cake baker?
Cake bakers should be booked within four to six months before your wedding, but keep in mind, some reputable bakers are often hired up to a year in advance. Some reception sites may require that you use their catering services, but stringent cake rules are less common. Definitely ask your caterer if someone on his staff is an experienced baker.

How do I find the right baker?
Figure out your pastry priorities, then do a little research: Ask recent brides whose cakes you like for recommendations; check out bakers’ websites and see if there’s a cake that looks similar to what you’re thinking. Once you’ve narrowed it down, make appointments with a few different bakers in order to get a feel for which one fits you best.

Do you have to have a traditional cake topper?
You can top your cake with whatever you like, or nothing at all. If you have an heirloom piece — perhaps an antique brooch — work with your baker to add it into your top tier. Or, consider using your parent’s cake topper as your something old. Other ideas: a cascade of ribbons or sugar letters shaped as your new monogram.

How should I display my cake at the reception?
A round table is perfect for round cakes, but a square design may look better displayed upon a rectangular table. Next, pick out linens that will highlight the color of the cake. Finally, don’t hide your wedding cake in the corner. Have it set on risers or near the entrance of your reception.

When are you supposed to cut the cake?
Traditionally, the cake cutting signifies that the end of the reception is near, so couples typically wait approximately an hour into the dancing to cut the cake. If you’re doing it this way, you could serve an additional dessert with the meal. If you don’t want to interrupt your dance party, plan to cut it at the beginning of the reception right after you make your grand entrance while everyone’s eyes are on you.

Can I just serve a slice of cake, or do I need to dress up the plate?
A delicious cake can definitely stand alone. If you’re concerned that there might be some cake-haters out there, an added little sweet always makes for a memorable meal. You could have your caterer place a chocolate truffle on each guest’s plate, serve raspberry sorbet cups garnished with a sprig of mint, or set out a plate of profiteroles on each table.

Will my cake survive a summer wedding?
For a summer wedding outside, opt for a heartier frosting like fondant. Another tip: Make sure your cake isn’t displayed too early. When the weather is warm, a cake shouldn’t be left out for more than two hours. Keep it in an air-conditioned room until it’s time for the cake cutting.

How can I keep the top tier fresh for our one-year anniversary?
Let your caterer know ahead of time that you want to save the top tier. Have her wrap it in plastic wrap, and then bag it in an airtight baggie. (Stay away from aluminum foil, as it might not protect against freezer burn as well as plastic wrap.) When you get home, place your cake into a Tupperware container and then the freezer.

Don’t forget to go to Nuptial Knick Knacks for everything you need for your big day! Check out our selection of cake knives and servers!

Announcing Your Engagement

Posted on by
Reply

20111213-211114.jpg

Your wedding will no doubt reflect your personality as a couple, but why wait until the big day? The way you reveal your engagement to others should say something about you as a couple. When the newspaper simply won’t do, here’s how to personalize your engagement announcement.

If you don’t have one already, now is the time to publish a wedding blog. The hottest form of mass communication, blog pages get the word out fast and allow for quick feedback. Create a free wedding web page to share every detail of the proposal, and then use it as an easy way to keep your guests updated on wedding plans.

If you and your fiance are known for throwing the best parties, announce your upcoming nuptials by hosting a surprise engagement party. Keep the secret long enough to gather your nearest and dearest, and your party promises to be anything but an everyday get-together. Host it at a favorite downtown restaurant, a local art gallery, or at a classy cocktail lounge, and share your good news with a champagne toast!

If you’re not the type to draw attention to yourselves, consider making your announcement on a holiday. Think about the advantages: Your family and friends are already together, they’re focused on the occasion, and your good news will only add to the festive atmosphere of the day. Announcing your engagement on a holiday will not only make the day more memorable for years to come, but it’ll also ensure that you guys aren’t all alone in the spotlight.

Did he propose on vacation? Then you probably have plenty of snapshots from your trip that you want to share with loved ones. If you used a digital camera, create an album on a photo-sharing website. Put together the story of the marriage proposal, leading to a picture of the two of you — engaged! A final shot of you showing off your beautiful new ring will be a fitting way to end your engagement slideshow, and a great way to start a new chapter of your lives together.
Be sure to go to Nuptial Knick Knacks and look at all of our unique and practical wedding favors!

Wedding Registries

Posted on by
1

20111207-190836.jpg

Gift giving is a way for guests to celebrate your wedding and to help you stock your new home. Here’s what to keep in mind when making your registry:

Register early! Registering for wedding gifts should be one of the first tasks you tackle when you get engaged. Friends and relatives will be looking to buy wedding gifts as soon as he pops the question. Take the guesswork out of gift buying by making sure they know what you want. You don’t need to complete your list just yet, but at least have a selection for guests to browse.

Do it together. Hitting the stores together is essential. After all, the gifts are for both of you. To decide what you need, take inventory of the things you already have and see where the gaps are. Talk about the style of home you’d both like, and split up the final say to make it fair.

Make sure to hit all price points. As much as you may be wanting that gorgeous $350-a-place-setting silver, be sure to register for items in a wide range of price points: under $50, under $75, under $100, under $200, and beyond, so all of your guests can choose gifts they can afford.

Think gift cards. Some couples love receiving cash, but asking for it is not exactly manners-approved. A more etiquette-friendly option? Try gift cards. Many stores allow you to register for them and you can use them to buy the things you want and need later. If you are anxious for cash gifts, ask one or two close friends and immediate family members to politely spread the word.

Be considerate. At least one of your registries should be available online. Guests should also be able to place their orders in person, over the phone, or by fax. If you’ve registered at a boutique retailer that doesn’t offer online services, you should be okay, as long as that’s not the only place you’ve registered.

Nuptial Knick Knacks has a huge selection of unique wedding favors. Head on over to our website and check them out today!

Wedding Traditions Around the World

Posted on by
Reply

Every culture has traditional marriage rituals, from the Bulgarian throwing of figs at the departing newlyweds, to the seating of a doll on the bride and groom’s wedding table (Puerto Rican). Here are a few rituals to celebrate your heritage that you may not even have known about:

African-American: Jumping the broom. Since African slaves were not permitted to marry in America, they would make a public declaration of their love and commitment by jumping over a broom to the beat of drums. The broom has since come to symbolize the newlywed act of setting up home.

Chinese: The color of love and joy in China is red, so during the ceremony the couple drink wine and honey from goblets tied together with red string.

French: The couple often drinks the reception toast from an engraved two-handled cup — the coupe de marriage.

German: The bride carries salt and bread in her pocket to ensure bounty; the groom carries grain, for wealth and good fortune.

Indian: The groom’s brother sprinkles flower petals over the couple at the end of the ceremony to ward off evil.

Japanese: The couple takes nine sips of sake, becoming husband and wife after the first sip.

Mexican: A traditional pinata is fun reception entertainment, especially for kids! A sweet addition: Guests often form a heart-shaped ring around the couple before their first newlywed dance.

Polish: For village weddings, friends weave a crown of rosemary leaves, symbolizing remembrance, for the bride.

Turkish: Before the bride walks down the aisle, she asks her single bridesmaids and relatives to sign the sole of her bridal shoes. After a night of dancing and prancing, tradition states that the person’s signature who has faded the most will be the next to marry.

Incorporating one of these acts into your ceremony is a great way to add originality, as well as to pay a special tribute to your background and heritage.

Stop by Nuptial Knick Knacks to check out all of our wedding favors!