Great Reception Idea - Vintage Photo Booth

If you are looking for a really unique wedding favor idea, as well as a way to wow your guests, a vintage photo booth is a fantastic idea. It is something that will add a memorable touch to your reception, and your guests are sure to flip over it. Here are some ideas on how to include a vintage photo booth in your wedding reception.

Everyone has been to a million weddings where the favor is a tiny box of chocolates. Edible favors are great, to be sure, but they are also very typical and completely unoriginal. If you really want to make a splash, you need to come up with a different idea that your guests will truly enjoy. One of the most fun ideas out there is to rent a vintage photo booth for your guests to have fun with.

Photos are always a neat idea for a wedding favor. After all, how often do people get all dressed up in their most spectacular clothing and best jewelry, besides for a wedding? This is why your guests will love the idea of having a few pictures of themselves in their fancy dresses and wedding jewelry that they can take home that very evening. At one wedding that I attended, the couple had a photographer on hand who took pictures of the guests and then printed them out and put them in frames to take home as favors. This was a huge hit with the guests, and worked well with their very formal wedding. But for couples who are hoping to add a little more lighthearted fun and whimsy into the guests' pictures, the photo booth will really hit the right note.

Placement of the photo booth is one thing to consider. Do you want it in the hallway of your venue? Near the dance floor? Or maybe back in a corner? There is likely to be a lot of traffic flow to the booth, so be sure to situate it in a location where it will not create backups for destinations like the buffet table or restrooms.

For most of your guests, having a photo booth at a wedding will be a novel experience. Let them know what is going on by placing a small placard on each table. You can write up a short note thanking them for coming, and asking that they have fun taking pictures in the photo booth to take home as favors.  The nice thing is that this is something that guests of all generations will enjoy.

When you are renting a photo booth for your wedding, you will have a few options. Some are classic, like you used growing up, and some are digital. There can be advantages to either type, depending on your exact preferences. Whichever you choose, ask about having a cd created that captures all of the silly pictures that your guests made. You can even go all out, and rent a plasma tv that will show a streaming slideshow of all of the pictures taken that evening. That is a fantastic way to get your guests really excited about the photo booth.

Finally, when if you do decide to rent a photo booth for your wedding reception, also set up a scrapbooking table next to it. Ask your guests to take a set of photos for themselves, as well as another set to put into a memory book for the bride and groom. Your guests can put their pictures into the album along with their signatures and a note to the bride and groom. The guests will have a great time, and the newlyweds will end up with a very special type of guest book that will be treasured for many years.

Scrapbooking Pages - 5 Ideas to Make Your Scrapbook Album Look Great

As every scrapbooker knows, there are days when the scrapbooking muse does not hit. You can sit at your table, staring at a blank page, wondering what you should do with it. You can have all the pictures ready and have a general sense of what you want, but the ideas fail to arrive.

To help you with getting those creative juices flowing, the ideas listed below may help greatly with inspiration. Below is listed the top 5 scrapbooking ideas to create pages that are often a fall back for me when I have a scrapbooker's block.

Number One: The Portfolio Page

This is a wonderfully simple scrapbooking ideas page and can really showcase the photographer as well as the photos. It doesn't rely on a lot of embellishments or die cuts and you can leave out a lot of journaling if you choose. Start with a black page and frame each picture in white. Arrange them in straight lines, much like a photo album. I find that layering the black and white under the photos make a really crisp look and the eyes are drawn to the photographs themselves.

Cut out a few layered squares for journaling and keep it simple. This scrapbooking ideas page is a great way to showcase some photos that don't really belong on a themed page.

Number Two: Soda Pop and Ribbons Page

For those who are looking for a way to make their ribbon really stand out on a page, I recommend keeping the tops of your soda bottles. The metal ones, not the clunky plastic. You can dress up the bottle top with card stock and slip the ribbon under them to create a really nice look.

For a themed scrapbooking ideas page, a fun during the summer page, or at the drive in page can be made using soda pop tops and ribbon. Use the tops, without covering them, as a border along the side or as polka dots between the photos. Keep the colors bright and fun and skew the photos so they have a fun look to them as well. Finish off with some ribbon as described above and the journaling.

Number Three: Mix and Match Photos

My third scrapbooking ideas page is one that can actually be used on just about any scrapbook page. It is to mix and match photos. Don't stick to just color photos on a page but also use black and white so that there is a nice contrast between all of the photos. This will help draw the eye and will really give the page a nice pop. You can also highlight each photo with a border of white and use bright colors near the black and white photos to really add a bit more punch to the page.

Number Four: Antique Away

It is true that not all photos are going to fit into an antique page but there are many different ways for you to use this antique look. It can be perfect for photos from a wedding, a special event or even just as a memories page looking back at a family's grandparents. Start by finishing the photos in sepia tones. This can be done on most photo printers and is very easy to do. Next, use sepia tones along with grays and blacks for the papers and antique brass, silver or gold for the embellishments. Keep the journaling to an antique font and use scalloped edging for the photos, frames or edges of the paper. The end result will be beautiful.

Number Five: Primary Colors

Cast a rainbow with primary colors in this final scrapbooking ideas page. This is a great idea for any page that you want to keep fun and exciting and is usually very popular in scrapbooks for kids. There is no right or wrong way to use this idea and it is something that can be done easily. Just keep everything playful and the rest will work out.

Remember that a scrapbooking idea can come from anywhere and while these are 5 of my top scrapbooking ideas page, everyone will have their own top 5 that will help inspire them time and time again.

A Custom Anniversary Album - A Unique Gift

When it comes time to purchase an anniversary gift, you are most likely stumped. Perhaps you go online and try to figure out what type of gift you can give someone. Hopefully, you steer clear of cliché gifts such as an engraved silver platter.

There is something that you can give someone to celebrate their anniversary that is a one of a kind item. Why not give the happy couple a custom anniversary album? You can easily create an album design using photographs that is like no other.

Computer technology has allowed us to be a lot more creative when it comes to designing photograph albums. We are no longer forced to use those magnetic albums to display photographs and even scrap booking, which was a hot hobby about 15 years ago, has taken a back seat when it comes to custom album designs afforded by computers. Software such as Photoshop has made custom albums for any type of occasion easily obtained and affordable.

If you have a good knowledge of how to use Photoshop, as well as the necessary equipment to create a book, you can create a custom anniversary album that will be the talk of the party. Nothing that the couple gets as a gift can compare to their memories and photos being displayed in a book that is of coffee table book quality. Such a gift will be talked about for a long time to come and is a lot more valuable than any simple monetary gift.

To create a custom anniversary album, you will need to have photographs that can be scanned into Photoshop. You can also use other mementoes such as cards and clippings that can be incorporated into the custom album design. You are only limited by your Photoshop skills and your imagination.

If you do not have the creativity needed to make such an album, or if you lack the Photoshop skills, this is a job you can easily outsource. You can find someone who can create a special album design on the internet and who will be able to work with you to make sure that the anniversary album is a truly memorable keepsake.

While some custom album designers use templates and click and drag photographs into place, you should look for one who has extensive knowledge of Photoshop. A custom album design incorporating the techniques in Photoshop software will look much more professional than those that simply use ordinary templates. You will be surprised to discover that it does not cost a lot of money to have such a unique gift created, thanks again to computer technology.

If you know someone who is having a milestone anniversary coming up and you are perplexed about what to get them, you should consider creating a unique custom anniversary album that you design using Photoshop or having a book created by a professional. This is a gift that will not only be enjoyed by the individuals who are celebrating their anniversary, but also by their children and anyone else who is fortunate enough to be able to view the book.

Why Online Photo Books Are Better Than Photo Albums - What's the Difference?

What is a photo album?

Most of us are familiar with the traditional photo album - a book filled with pages of clear plastic sleeves to insert your 4x6 prints. Most of them come with 200 to 300 slots for your photos and have covers made of vinyl, leather, fabric or some type of coated paper. Before plastic sleeve albums came on the market, most albums were adhesive - with clear overlay pages and a tacky backing which stuck to the back of the photos (in many cases it's hard to remove the photos from these types of albums as the adhesive has bonded and are impossible to peel off!)

What is an online photo book?

The digital photo book is the successor to the photo album. There are many companies on the Internet that provide free easy-to-use software that you either download or use online to create a book filled with photos that you lay out yourself.

How do traditional photo albums compare to online photo books?

Size & Weight

Since photo books are digitally printed, they tend to be lighter in weight and less bulky. You can fit several hundred photos into a single 100-page book very easily. My traditional photo albums are very heavy and therefore not as portable and they take up about 4 times as much room as my photo books.

Ease of Duplication

There's no way to duplicate a photo album unless you make two identical albums. (I've done that before to make a gift for a friend of a trip we took together and it can be tedious!). With digital photo books, you can print one book, or ten! Your files are saved onto your hard drive or on the company's website, so you can easily go back later to print more books if you want another copy. In many cases you can switch size, style, covers etc. without having to redesign your layouts.

Because photo books are easy to duplicate, they make great gifts. Make a family history book and then print several copies for thoughtful and personalized Christmas gifts for your family. Gather all your family's cherished recipes and add photos for a unique collaborative cookbook! Make a photo book of your baby's first year and give a copy to the grandparents. The possibilities are endless and everyone loves receiving personalized gifts!

Preservation - Archival

Photo books are printed on archival paper often with archival ink and protective coating. That means your creations will last for years to come.

Online books also preserve your photos in a different way - if some unfortunate event should happen such as a fire or flood, you'll be able to reprint another copy of your book.

Creativity

Photo books allow you to be as creative as you want to be. Make a clean lined composition of photos using solid black or white backgrounds - portfolio style. Alternatively, go wild with embellishments, clip art, captions and fun borders. Many scrapbookers have moved from traditional scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking for many of the same reasons listed here!

Sharing or selling online

With the advent of digital cameras the trend has been a drop in traditional photo finishing. No one I know prints 4x6 photos anymore. Don't let your photos gather virtual dust! Print a book for yourself and share your creation online with family and friends. Have you ever wanted to sell your photos? Create a photo book and sell it online without risk. You'll save lots of money by not having to print mass copies and test the market first.

Cost

Traditional photo albums can range anywhere from $20 to $100.00 or more depending on materials. You also have to print your photos which runs about 10 cents a print. So, for an album with 300 photos you'd probably expect to pay a minimum of $50.00. I've printed hardcover books with 300 photos for less than that. Photo book companies also frequently offer coupon codes and deals. Cost is naturally affected by choice of cover and style, but there are many affordable options too such as softcover books. There are so many different types and styles to choose from in every price point, and you can even have your pages printed on real photo paper.

I want to make a photo book, where do I start?

The process generally flows like this:

1) Sign up for an account on the company's website;

2) Upload the photos that you want to use in your book;

3) Select a pre-made theme or templates for a quick and easy 5-minute book or take your time and design your own layouts for full creativity;

4) Drag and drop your photos into the photo boxes;

5) Click to order your book.

Generally in about a week to 10 days (sooner if you opt for expedited shipping), you can get a finished printed book of all your photos. You can proudly display it on your coffee table and some of your guests may think it's a store bought book!

Kodak Gallery Online Photo Book Product Review

The Kodak Gallery introduces an elegant line of photo books solutions for their consumers. They set themselves apart from their competition by offering affordable photo storage and deluxe sharing options. They also offer a variety of book finishes that include linen, leather, die cut, Hello Kitty, and even Eric Carle's World.

Making these digital photo albums is done using their versatile online software that is geared towards the consumer. The software used to create these books is very user friendly and offers the consumer different options depending on their needs. Consumers can select books based on sizes, fabric, and finishes.

Does this product deliver?

Absolutely! This product gives the consumer a diverse number of unique choices to select from when they are designing their book cover and layout. The finalized product is the definition of a personalized photo book!

Any cons to using this online software?

Binding options is a major con for this product. Many of the photo album options are limited to just one type of binding and this restricts the consumer's choices! Another con is the limited in-book editing options. It is limited to just zooming in and out and a few rotation options.

Overall review of Kodak Gallery Online Photo Book Software

The Kodak Gallery has many positive features that will bring it consumers to their new online digital photo album software. The diverse finishes and sizes are definite pluses while the binding options may make others seek other solutions. Overall, the uniqueness should win over the consumer looking for a beautiful photo book that is easy to create!

Helpful Tips For Digital Disposable Cameras For Weddings, Parties and Underwater Use

Helpful Tips for Digital Disposable Cameras

Did you know disposable cameras could be reused? The earliest cameras that hit the market were film types. The entire camera would be brought back to where it was purchased where they would open it, remove and process the film. The resulting photos were virtually indistinguishable from photos taken with a regular camera. Now, following the trends in conventional cameras, there is a choice between using film or digital. Disposable digital cameras forgo film and use digital technology to take pictures. The disposable cameras are returned for "processing" in the same fashion as film cameras.

Reuse Recycle

Digital single use disposable cameras may be reused if you know how. Many sites on the web give step by step instruction for how to download photos yourself if you are moderately technical. Then you can delete the pictures and reuse the digital disposable camera.

Sometimes you can find inexpensive bargains on disposables that have been recycled by re-loading the disposable with film and taping it back together. The film they put in those is acceptable in daylight conditions and you may be able to get cheap prices if you are buying in bulk - perfect for a wedding or special event.

These cameras are simple to use and have all of the fantastic features that attract people to digital types such as viewing your pictures before printing or photo manipulation. You can get a flash, even a timer, or a viewing monitor so that you can know if you want to take the picture over or not, as you also have the ability to delete an unwanted photo, and retake it if you have the opportunity. Also, a free picture CD is sometimes included with your prints developing package.

Wedding Cameras

You can easily find companies that offer low price disposable wedding cameras, photo processing, and a customized photo web site with a guest book afterwards all for one price. Customers save even more money by buying in bulk. If guests know that they will have a chance to see and download the pictures they take, they to take much better pictures. Guests and friends can leave messages and well wishes to each other in the free guestbook. Included with the cameras is a card for each of the guests to be placed on the tables with the cameras. On the card is the address of the photo web site so that, after the event, the guests can view the pictures and extend the celebration.

Waterproof Cameras

There are times when you may not want to endanger an expensive cameras such as at weddings, parties, and nightclubs and especially outdoors around water. Among the more common dangers include spilled drinks, watery foods, swimming pools, toilet bowls, and sinks. A perfect time to chooses waterproof camera. If you cannot find a suitable waterproof camera there are many protective cases and coverings that are custom made for disposable cameras. The cost is a little more for a waterproof camera, however, when you compare the small difference in cost, it is really not that large considering the benefits you will receive.

Unique 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For a Man - 5 Tips

A marriage is something to be celebrated. And, a marriage that has lasted for 25 years is really something to get excited about. With divorce rates hovering around 50% in most developed nations, any marriage that has lasted for two and a half decades is something to be commended.

If you know a man who is coming up on his twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, you probably want to get him the right gift. A gift helps you express how you feel not only about him, but about the couple's marriage.

His Wedding Anniversary: A Time for Celebrating

The gift you choose for him should express the admiration and sense of celebration you feel for the occasion of his wedding anniversary. He has lived together with his wife through thick and thin, forming many relationships and making friends along their path.

For a man, his anniversary represents a real accomplishment. Let's face it: marriage is not easy. There is no handbook written that can help a couple navigate every type of problem that will arise in a marriage. Sure, there is plenty of advice out there on how to lead a happy married life, but every couple has to face their unique life circumstances together. That is why surviving and thriving for 25 years together is something to celebrate.

The Right Gift Expresses Your Respect for His Marriage

Your gift should also honor the institution of marriage itself, so the gift should be something that is tasteful and elegant as well. Even though you intend to give a gift to him directly, your gift should represent something that both husband and wife would be proud to have in their home.

Unique 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for a Man - 5 Tips

Here are 5 tips that can help you choose the right anniversary gift:

1. Chose something that reflects the marriage: If possible, your gift should acknowledge and reflect the marriage itself. For example, a photo album or other commemorative item that features the couple together is a great way to do this.

2. Think about what he loves: The gift you choose should be something he loves. If you can get him a gift that reflects his hobbies and interests, he will be particularly appreciative of it.

3. Find something the couple can enjoy together: Any gift you choose that encourages the couple to spend more quality time together is a good choice. For example, a game they can play together, a beautiful coffee table book for their home, or a DVD set of their favorite TV series or movie are all great options.

4. Choose something he will use again and again: Some gifts - like food - can be transient pleasures, meaning once they are consumed they are gone. However, if you buy him something he can use repeatedly he will think of you every time he uses it.

5. Focus on quality: Everybody likes high-quality items. When it comes to choosing between something that is big and flashy versus high-quality, choose the quality option all the way. Remember, sometimes, less is more. People appreciate quality.

Follow these 5 tips to find a unique 25th wedding anniversary gift for a man.

The Best Wedding Gifts to Give

So you have been invited to another wedding and you want to get the happy couple a great gift. Tired of giving toasters, glassware, and money? Let's get right to the point, this year's top gifts to receive are photo frames, monogrammed items they can show off, and weekend vacation get-a-ways.

Photo frames are always a perfect gift to give for many reasons. If you choose a stainless steel or a neutral finish such as black or gold aluminum, you don't have to worry about matching the decor of their house. These types of frames usually compliment any room. When choosing what size to get, I would suggest purchasing 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" photo frames. The 5"x7" is a perfect size to place on the bedside table, fire place mantel, or a coffee table without taking up too much room or making too big of a statement.

And an 8" x 10" frame can be displayed on a wall, placed on a desk or an accent table. Have the frame engraved with the happy couples name or special message for a real personal touch. The Signature Frame is very popular this year, not just for weddings but for all special occasions. It is a great alternative to the traditional paper guest book and is a very special keepsake. Your guests simply sign directly on the frame for a lasting impression.

The solid wood beveled frame can hold an 8" x 10" picture and comes complete with the easy-to-use Signature Engraving Scribe??which permanently etches signatures into the sturdy, high quality alloy surface, additional matting, hanging hardware, and a micro-fiber polishing cloth to remove smudges. This Signature Frame is an amazing keepsake that will be treasured forever.

Monogrammed gifts such as bath towels, robes, bar gear, and party ware are wonderful keepsakes that have an elegant appeal. Engrave a set of wine, pilsner and/or shot glasses with the couple's initials. A sleek Pewter Medallion Mug engraved with the couples name and or a special message is something they can use for all their favorite beverages. For a more prestigious gift, give a silver plated or stainless steel wine opener or stopper engraved with the couple's initials along with a personalized Napa Wine Carrier that can be embossed with their initials as well. Bar and party items are always a welcome gift as this is something that is not often purchased on their own and enhances the happy couple's entertaining experiences.

Weekend getaway trips can be found in every city and town at affordable prices. The obvious, amazing weekend trip would be cruises or a weekend at a lovely Inn or Spa. Booking these types of trips can be risky because you cannot be sure the dates you reserve will be convenient for the couple to attend and many trips are not refundable. You would definitely want to inform the couple of your intentions prior to purchasing these types of trips. Search weekend getaway on the web for things to do in your area, you can find local Hotels, Spas, Wineries, and Inn's that have packages you can purchase that can be used for up to one year. Put together a special, romantic basket that is filled with decant chocolates, fine wines, cheese and crackers and tickets to a concert or play. Tickets to a roller rink or ice skating ring are also a fun, romantic activity.

Whenever you are in doubt of what type of wedding present to give, try to think about what they like not what you like. Don't buy them a useless gift such as a bird statue or big purple vase that doesn't even go with their d矇cor, be safe and give cash!

Why The Strip May Be The Perfect Photo Booth Rental For You

Since the 1970's, when inflatable party rentals were first invented, the party rental industry has evolved and changed to make party rentals more affordable and enjoyable for anyone wishing to have a memorable party. Now, with recent technology making high-tech gadgetry even more affordable, it's easier than ever to create memories that last a lifetime. Portable photo booth rentals are the latest technology to reach the party rental industry, and they are quickly becoming some of the most popular rental items on the market. Picking the right photo booth rental can be difficult. With an increasing number of options, it's important that you rent the right booth. It's easy to make your next event a lasting memory for you and your guests with the "Strip". The "Strip" is the newest concept to hit the photo booth rental market. This open booth boasts 4 active screens which not only can be customized to your event, but will also flash snapshots of the guests taken during the event.

In addition to offering great photos of your event, the "Strip" also has 6 popular choices for photos including:

• Black & White
• Full Color
• Funny Frames
• Wigs / hairdo
• hats selection
• Street Art

Best of all, following each photo, the guest can then leave you a video message!At the end of the night, all the photos and video messages are uploaded into a USB port, and transported home for viewing on your personal computer.

When renting the "Strip", make sure that your photo booth rental includes all the following:

• Delivery & set-up
• On site attendant
• Unlimited photos (2"x6" & 4"x6")
• Customized / personalized logo
• Message on every photo strip as well as on monitors
• Customized music background if desired
• CD for you to keep with all photos
• Video messages of the event

People are using the "Strip" for all types of special events. Whether, you're planning a wedding, birthday party, anniversary party, corporate event, bar/bat mitzvah, school event, church event, fundraiser, or any other type of special event, the "Strip" may be perfect for your event.

There are literally hundreds of choices to choose from when renting a photo booth. Make sure you do research to find the photo booth rental that will be best for your needs. If you're looking to rent an easily portable, stylish looking unit that can give you digital copies of all the photos and videos taken, the Photo "Strip" may be the best choice for you.

Wedding Albums - Traditional Album Or Wedding Photo Book?

The wedding album until recently has been the last bastion of the traditional photo album. Glossy prints carefully preserved on acid free mounts, interleaved with tissue paper pages, again acid-free, are designed to make those precious photos last a lifetime. But there is a new wave of wedding album and wedding photography challenging the traditional old-style look. The wedding photo book, or storybook album, is becoming more and more popular with brides, providing a creative alternative that can be easily personalised to reflect your individual wedding style.

Traditional wedding albums tend to have very simple layouts with not much variety. They are designed to hold a small number of large prints. This format suited the old-style of wedding photography, where there were a set number of formal poses and group shots to include in the album.

Today's style of more informal wedding photography results in so many more shots, both posed bride and groom shots and spontaneous moments captured throughout the day. To fit all of these shots in a traditional wedding album would cost a fortune in printing, but with a printed photo book all your favourite moments can be part of the album. Full page shots can alternate with pages full of fun shots collaged together giving more scope to the creativity of the photographer and allowing the bride and groom's individual style to shine through.

Digital photography makes wedding photo books very versatile. Because you no longer need to have individual prints made of your favourite photos for your wedding album, you can gather all your wedding photos together digitally. If you want you can combine the professional photographs taken by your wedding photographer with the best of those taken by family and friends. If you are planning a wedding on a tight budget, compiling your own wedding album as a photo book can save you money, as long as you are prepared to spend the time required to sort through all the photos and design a layout for it.

Wedding photo books shouldn't be seen as a cheap alternative to the traditional weeding album however. They can be just as elegant as a traditional album, with board covers and tooled gold writing if desired, but have the advantage of a more personalized style. Your wedding album can become a gorgeous glossy coffee table photo book, where you are the stars of the show, a reportage photo story that tells the events of the day in glorious Technicolor, recalling precious moments that you hardly had time to appreciate on the day, but which you can look back upon year after year and enjoy in retrospect.

If you still feel the need for a traditional wedding album, there's no reason you shouldn't have a photo book as well. The wedding album can contain all the more formal shots and the photo book becomes a more informal record of the day.

Top 5 Most Romantic Wedding Gifts For the Newly Weds

Going into a wedding is indeed a privilege. A romantic occasion such as that is perfectly capped off when you have an equally romantic gift to offer the newly wed couple. If you want to make the best out of the occasion, take some time to figure out what sweet items you can give to the bride and groom. To help you make the right choice, here are some ideas for romantic wedding gifts that you may want to consider:

1. Photo Book - This is a great idea to consider especially if you know the couple very well. It's also affordable and highly personalized. All you need is a good photo book that can serve as your art's canvass and some pictures. Make up the captions according to each picture. To make it really romantic, you can chronicle in the photo book how the couple have met each other and how their love story eventually unfolded. This gift can also show just how close you really are with the couple.

2. Gift Basket - If you have no time to make a personalized photo book for the couple, giving them a gift basket is another option you can take. You can fill the gift basket with items that are functional, something personal, or even something naughty for the both of them. You can also just buy a basket and decorate as you would think the couple would appreciate. You can also throw in some mementos you may have kept that the couple can definitely relate with.

3. Champagne Set - Wine and champagne is always sets a romantic mood. If you don't know the couple that well to figure out how you can make the gift sweet for them, a champagne set is always a winner's choice. You may also want to include a bottled champagne since it won't expire anyway. Just make sure you wrap the gift up safely so you can avoid the pieces from breaking. Yo may also want to advise the gift handlers that your present is fragile so they can make sure that they place it in a safe uncrowded place.

4. Cruise Tickets/Accommodations - Feeling really generous? Well, the newlywed would certainly feel the romance as you give them a pair of cruise tickets complete with all the necessary accommodations that would make them enjoy the trip. You might want to frequent online travel agencies so you can grab discounted rates for pair tickets.

5. Personalized Wedding Photo Frame - You can also try to make arrangements with the photographer and try to make a personalized wedding frame where you can place the photo of the couple wearing their wedding garments. You can give this gift right after the wedding and it's also a good romantic memento that the couple will appreciate.

When you come up with a romantic wedding idea always remember that it's best to know what the couple wants. Gone are the days of giving out household items as wedding gifts. Although it's a great functional gift, it hardly gives any symbolism to the wedding occasion. So feel free to explore options and give some romantic wedding gifts to your couple friends.

5 Completely Fresh Wedding Photobook Ideas

For most of us, weddings are one of the most cherished or the most coveted of moments in our lives. And this is exactly why almost everyone wants to keep these memories afresh by capturing and collating these moments into a wedding album. However, wedding albums are slowly being replaced by the more easily available wedding photobooks, for more reasons than one.

Wedding photobooks, unlike the dogotal albums, are cheaper and yet even amateurs can develop unique personalized copies that exhibit pure class and finesse of a professional. Let's check out some unique but fresh photobook ideas you can cash in on:

1. Themes - Use themes ranging from the seasons to colors to help provide a unique tweak to your wedding photobook. While traditional albums do employ this trick to help spruce up the enormous tirade of pictures, digital photobooks do it better by a notch or two. Also, you can provide personalized themes to your photobooks as well - for instance, using cartoons, superheroes and cars as a possible base of the themes used.

2. Monogrammed Photobooks - Though this may sound a bit clich矇d (because it is 'your' wedding after all), having monogrammed wedding photobooks is a killer of an idea, which even your fianc矇/fianc矇e will love! This especially works when you have a huge number of guests on the occasion, and you need to give away photobooks to friends and colleagues.

3. Canvas Prints - Another great idea, especially if you like to flaunt your sense of fashionable d矇cor and love simultaneously. Have the wedding photobook made on canvas print and you will have a painting that speaks! Or rather gives out renditions of the colorful memories in black and white dresses!

4. Spot the Bride/Groom - This photobook idea is more fun than any other theme or concept wedding album doing the rounds. However, this only has a real possibility of working with digital photobooks, where, unlike traditional marriage albums, you can reverse the changes, marks or doodles you have made on the same.

5. Eccentric Covers - Wedding photobook covers are almost always eccentric and nice, unlike wedding albums that often use the routine elements to keep the photographs and bindings in place. However, why wait for other to innovate?

• Make the cover pattern your intermittent photobook page patterns as well. Put up collage compilations of photos and images and use such pages to dissect the photobooks into separate themes and chapters. Apart from making the photobook look gorgeous, it would also make it more interactive and easy to glance through!

So, if you are going to exchange vows with the one you love in the near future, keep these ingenious photobook ideas in mind. Wedding albums do not need professionals for eccentricity - all they need is a basic know-how and a gamut of fresh new ideas that would make them a treat to those who wish to re-live those memories.

For if marriages are made in heaven, wedding photobooks cannot be far behind, can they?

Photography - Famous Photographers

Thinking of joining the ranks of the greatest photographers of all time? Well, it might be a good idea to check out a few of them and the works they've done so you know just what it is you're up against.

Probably one of the most famous photographers of all time was Ansel Adams. Adams was born In San Francisco California in 1902. He lived in Carmel until he died in 1984. His most popular photo was titled "Moonrise Over Hernandez, 1944". This is a breathtaking photo showing a beautiful night view and the small town below it. Other famous photos by Adams were "Clearing Winter Storm" and "Winter Sunrise". Adams did a lot of outdoor photography with some breathtaking views. His most popular photo has about 1000 copies in print. The price range of these photos, depending on condition goes from $5,000 to $175,000 if you can find one.

Moving from outdoor photography of landscapes to nude women on beaches we have the works of Jock Sturges. Sturges was born in the big city of New York in the year 1947. He currently lives in Seattle, Washington. His most popular images, all of beach nudes, are "Misty Dawn 1991" and "Northern California, 1991". His prints range in price from $1,000 to $3,000. His most expensive print sold for $4,000.

Herman Leonard was known for taking great photographs of jazz legends. He was born in Allentown, PA in 1923. He currently lives and works in New Orleans. His most popular images are photos of great jazz legends Dexter Gordon, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Herman Leonard was one of the more active photographers even when not working at his craft. He often traveled with great entertainers like Marlon Brando, who he hung out with in 1954. His photos range in price from $950 to $5,500.

Another great photographer was Irving Penn who was born in Plainfield, NJ in 1917. Penn was actually known for a number of different styles of photography including fashion photography and provocative life style portraits. His most famous work was "Cuzco Children" which sold for as much as $175,000 at the turn of the century. Penn worked for some of the most popular magazines of our time including Harper's Bazaar, Saks Fifth Avenue and Vogue Magazine.

Another great photographer, who most people have actually heard of, was the one and only Helmut Newton, who just recently passed away in 2004. He was most known for photos involving fashion and nudes illustrating themes of mass media, glamour, sex and theater. Newton's work was often categorized as bizarre. He was once quoted as saying "My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain". He most certainly did that better than just about anyone else. His most popular image is "Sie Kommen I, II". His photographs are in such demand that some go for as much as $400,000 each.

The list of famous photographers goes on, literally forever. So if you are thinking of joining the ranks of these greats and many others, then you're going to have to work hard at your craft.

Very, very hard.

Photo Books VS Photo Albums

It is a great idea to keep your pictures in a photo album whether it is for your personal use, for sharing or display. Unfortunately not all photo albums are created equal. Here are some pros and cons of the various types of photo albums to help you choose the best way to keep your precious photos safe and well preserved.

Plastic pocket albums are convenient because you can pop the photo into the pocket without adhesives or glues. The photos, however, can fall out of the pocket and the plastic can dry out and crack. What most people don't realize is that some plastic pocket albums are made of PVC and can actually damage or destroy your pictures. Over time PVC will generate acids which will fade your photo. There are plastic pocket albums that are made of acid free material and are safe for your photos, but you need to make sure you are using the correct plastic pocket album.

Paper page albums these also need to be made of acid free paper because acid will eventually destroy your photo. You can look for things like acid free, archival quality or lignin free paper. You also need to find a way to secure the picture to the page. Some adhesives will get extremely sticky over time and can tear your picture. Self stick pages are definitely to be avoided because they can stain your image, become super sticky and eventually destroy your picture. When you use stick on corners on paper page photo albums the corners need to pass a standard for permanent paper, look for ANSI/NISO 738.48. The sick on corners can still dry out and need to be positioned accurately to keep your photos from falling out of the album

Photo Books are the modern option! With photo books, you can preserve your photos beautifully for years. Photo books are created from your digital images and printed with your story and captions on high quality paper. You can create photo books for displaying your photos and for gift giving. Photo books have many advantages because you can create custom photo books without worrying about PVC, your pictures won't fall out of the album and you will have no worries about your images being damaged over the long term.

The choice is now clear! You can now take advantage of the improvements and use photo books to store, display and preserve your photos for years.

The Advantages of Online Photo Printing

These days, there is no need for you to pop down to your local photo store to process and pick up your digital prints. With the influx of online digital photo printing companies vying for your business, the costs of printing your digital photos are cheaper than ever!

Whether you are still printing your digital prints at home, using your own printer, or going through the hassle of popping into your local shopping centre to drop in and pick up your digital prints, why not try out some of the online photo processing companies - you will amazed at the cost of online photo printing!

Online photo printing offers the consumer a range of advantages including cheap pricing, fast delivery and a range of extras including the facility to create online photo albums, upload unlimited digital photos and, in many cases, share them for free with friends and family.

Photo sharing, in particular, is extremely popular with consumers because it enables us to create an online photo album of a holiday or special occasion and then email our friends and family with a link to the album which means that everyone gets to enjoy your snaps!

In most instances, the procedure for uploading the images to your album is easy and intuitive. Simply connect your digital camera to your computer, download the images to a location on your computer and then upload them directly into your photo album from your the online photo printing provider.

The online photo printing sector is also extremely price driven and you can easily compare the prices from a range of companies. Generally, the online photo printing companies offer low prices; with some starting from as little as 1p per print. However, don't be misled because this low price often relates to you having to purchase a large quantity of digital prints in order to qualify for this price.

One of the best, and most reliable, providers of online photo printing is Truprint who offer 40 free prints to new customers, fast delivery, unlimited storage and the facility to share your pictures with friends and family.

Personalised photo gifts are also offered by many of these companies and these can provide the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. The range of photo gifts tends to differ between companies but typically includes photo cards, t-shirts, teddy bears, posters, puzzles, memory books, mugs and calendars.

With so many options available for us to try out and clear savings, why not try online photo printing today!

How To Do Mini Scrapbooks

The challenges of a large scrapbook can be daunting if you are new to the craft. There sits that large album, filled with blank pages. You will need a theme for the album and a theme for each page. You will need to add background paper, photos, frames, journaling, and embellishments. You don't know where to begin!

Even if you aren't new to scrapbooking, there are times when a mini scrapbook is just more appropriate than a large one.

Start Small and KISS

A mini scrapbook allows you to start small and "keep-it-simple-sweetie" (KISS). You needn't spend as much time on a mini scrapbook, since a small page will hold much less. The KISS point is that, being small, a mini scrapbook will look cluttered if you get too many items on a page.

An album as small as 6" x 6" can be used for a mini scrapbook. The pages are large enough to hold a photo up to the standard 4" x 6". The extra 2" can be used for a note or caption.

DIY Cardstock Album

You need not use a purchased album for your mini scrapbook. Simply cut regular letter-size cardstock sheets in half, creating pages that measure five and a half inches by eight and a half inches. Or purchase blank cards in that size at an office supply store. When you are ready to bind your mini scrapbook, purchase cover stock in colors, and have it spiral bound.

Another good way to make a cardstock mini scrapbook follows.

1. First, create your mini scrapbook pages, allowing a one half inch border at one end of each page. This is where your scrapbook will be bound, so the border should alternate from page to page.

2. Create a cover for your mini scrapbook, leaving the same border for binding.

3. At an office supply store, printer, or copy service store, have each page copied in color - double-sided - on your chosen size of cardstock. Have the cover copied on cover stock.

4. Ask to have your mini scrapbook spiral bound after it is copied. You will have a choice of spiral binding or comb binding. They come in colors, so you can coordinate the cover stock and plastic binding.

Long-lived Mini Scrapbooks

Keep your mini scrapbooks clean and strong, especially those that will be handled by young children. Instead of having your pages copied double-sided, choose single-sided copies. Then laminate pages together in pairs, back to back. Laminate your cover, and bind the mini scrapbook.

What Else?

Keeping it simple, here are a few themes you may want to consider for your mini scrapbook.

1. YOUNG CHILD: If it's for a young child, your mini scrapbook theme will be that child's life. Page themes might include: birth, first step, first tooth, and other firsts. Include pages showing the child with his or her family. Show "my house", "my room", "my favorite toys", "the books I love", etc. You might include the child's favorite foods, favorite games, and favorite places to visit, like the park. Remember the family pet, too.

2. WEDDING: A mini scrapbook of your wedding would make a lovely thank you gift for family members and the wedding party. You would want to plan it out before the wedding, so it was ready for adding photos soon after your honeymoon. Elegance and simplicity make the job easier and more beautiful. You could make one scrapbook, and then have pages color copied on cardstock. These could readily be cut, collated, and spiral-bound at an office supply store.

3. VACATION: Adult and children alike can make their own mini scrapbooks of a vacation trip. Our two children did this at age 5 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Again, the small size of the pages allows them to maintain interest, and complete a book without becoming discouraged. Our children's books included such things as: tickets to amusement parks; photos clipped from the hotel's free brochures; photos of our son riding a mini car; of our daughter riding a 2-humped camel; and little comments (journaling) in the children's own writing.

Digital Mini Scrapbook Pages

Yes, you can produce your mini scrapbook on a computer. Design each page, leaving a one half each border at the top. Print to cardstock, punch holes in the top border, and insert rings for a cute flipbook. Or size your mini scrapbook pages to fit a flip desk frame.

Great Uses for Mini Scrapbooks

1. A small child will enjoy a mini scrapbook more than a large one, since each page will be simple and easy to enjoy. A small child can handle mini scrapbooks better, too. Laminated pages will remain clean, and the book can be enjoyed everyday - even carried in the car.

2. Mini scrapbooks make great "yearbooks" for parting high school or college friends. Work together on the original, and then have copies made and bound for each member of the group.

3. Grandma's "Brag Book" goes to the office as a mini scrapbook mounted on a desk frame. Flip a page each day to have a gallery of photos, each on a cleverly themed page.

4. Mini scrapbooks are a great alternative to an annual letter sharing the past year with family and friends. Pages would include high points of your year: a birth, graduation, new job, new home, etc.

A few minutes alone with your imagination, and you will think of many more uses, many more ideas. Mini scrapbooking is an economical, quick way to gather a few memories for posterity.

Making Your Personal Custom Frame

In case if your store has sufficient stock, you will be able to that perfect picture frame you have been looking for! However you might not be that lucky always and have to settle for the satisfactory ones. But this does not necessarily be your case if you have enough time to make your own unique custom frame for whichever object you want and hang it in your home or maybe just give it as a gift. You do not have to be quite crafty to make a frame, however with the investment of minimum time you can make a beautiful frame.

Even though you can just go out and get yourself a frame much easily making a custom frame all be yourself is a lot more fun. So if you are tired of looking for that perfect frame and could not find it then instead of feeling bad get your carpentry stuff together and start making your own frame.

One of the best places to go when you want to create a picture frame on your own is the neighborhood craft store. Once there you can choose from the widest range of assortments, adornments and paints which might just make your personal picture frame look just the way you want it to be. You can make either simple frames or some beautifully crafted frames to make your art work or photograph look beautiful. You will be able to find some nice pieces over the internet and you can also buy it from the comfort of your home.

So if you have all that you need to make a frame then surely do it at your own property. So the first thing to make sure is to have a good and clear workspace and everything that you will need nearby. Incase if you are not sure with the paints or other products to use, and then for sure look up at the internet for advice. You can even ask the consultants in the craft store. You might also consider getting some experimental work done on the frames. You will start gaining confidence when you make a few of the frames yourself. Once you have that confidence in you, you will love to make a DIY frame each time you plan on keeping a masterpiece.

A custom frame is so awesome that you would want to make a frame each and every time you have something special to frame. You will need some supplies and might also need the help of your little helper at home. If you get really good at it then you can start your very own small company and have your customs frames to market at your craft store nearby or you can also have your own website to sell your stuff.

Wedding Programs - An Introduction

Designing a beautiful wedding program may not seem as important as sorting out the wedding photo albums or choosing a dress, but this memento can add an elegant touch to your big day.
 
Not only can programs give guests a preview of how the ceremony will unfold, but many people appreciate having an additional keepsake to take home. The bride and groom may also want to add it to their wedding album.

What to include
 
Most couples choose to list their names, the date and time of the wedding, where it is being held, who is performing the ceremony and the order of events. Some other common additions include a description of the music, the text of special readings or prayers, a photo or a rundown of who is in the wedding party.
 
You should feel free to personalize your wedding program as you see fit, particularly if you want to thank someone, explain a particular aspect of your ceremony or provide some background on how you met your fiance.

How to create programs
 
You can order custom-made programs from a professional designer, create them using a computer program or craft them yourself to save a bit of cash and add a handmade touch. If you are making your own programs, consider how formal or playful you would like them to be - the tone should match that of the rest of your wedding.
 
When it comes time to choose materials, you may get the best results from using heavier paper such as cardstock, but feel free to layer this base with vellum or handmade paper for a sophisticated textured look. If you'd like you can also, incorporate ribbons, glitter, dried flowers, photos or other embellishments.

How to Get Started Planning a Wedding: Three Things Every Couple Must Do!

Planning a wedding can be very overwhelming. There are several details to consider when planning your special day. Although wedding planning is challenging, it can be done with ease. Properly planning for a wedding requires organization. When planning a wedding, couples should announce, ponder, calculate and decide.

Announce: Announcing your engagement

Marriage is a very huge step for a couple. Naturally, when a couple becomes engaged, they are eager and excited to share the news with family and friends. As with other important life events, announcing an engagement should be executed carefully to ensure all friends and family receive notification simultaneously. In most cases, couples reach out to immediate family members (i.e. Mother, father and siblings) informally, either by phone or in person. However, notifying friends and extended family requires a formal communication.

There are several ways to announce your engagement. Some couples host engagement parties to share their news. Wedding etiquette says that this party is to be hosted by the bride's parents. If following wedding etiquette, it is "frowned upon" to host your own engagement party. Why? Engagement parties are considered "gift giving" events. It is considered "tacky" to host your own event at which you would receive gifts.

Couples also send out electronic cards or even post cards to announce their engagements. In the interest of cost, an electronic card is the more reasonable option. It is really simple to upload a photo of the couple and attach a few witty or romantic words. Some couples also wait and formally announce their engagement with their Save the Date cards.

There are several other ways to announce an engagement. These are the two options that we have found to be the easiest and the most common. As with all of aspects of wedding planning, by all means select the option that works best for you!

Ponder: Decide WHAT Being Planned is

Before planning a wedding, one has to determine WHAT is being planned. There are several types of wedding. Intimate, large elaborate weddings, budget weddings and destination weddings are only a few of the many options couples have when planning their day. It would be senseless to start visiting local churches when the wedding is held in another country. The couple should first determine what type of service they would like. Some great questions to consider at this time are:

Would we like a religious ceremony?
Who would we like to attend?
Would we want to include a bridal party?
There are several other aspects to consider when deciding on a type of wedding, but these three questions are a great start. Once it has been determined WHAT is being planned, it is much easier to organize the event.

Calculate: Set a Wedding Budget

Intimidating wedding fact #1: The Average wedding costs over $25,000.

Is this true? Yes. Should this intimidate someone planning a wedding? No. The keyword in this statement is "Average". A couple's wedding will be personalized and fashioned to meet that couple's desires. "Average" for one couple is not always the same average for ALL couples. A nice wedding CAN be planned for LESS than $25,000. Now that we have cleared that up, let's take a closer look at setting your wedding budget.

What means the most?
The first step is determined where the priorities lie. Which are more important fresh flowers or photographs? Determine which areas are the most important and it will be easier to identify opportunities to eliminate or cut costs. If there is something that is not desired or required, there is no "golden rule" that states it has to be included.

Who is paying for what?
There are books and wedding planning websites that provide all types of information that "declares" responsibility of wedding costs. If the couple plans to abide by traditional wedding etiquette, this portion is a breeze. Simply visit one of these many websites and print a list to distribute. However, for those couples planning to NOT handle things according to "traditional wedding etiquette", a little more thought is required. First, determine who is paying for what. Once that has been outlined, have a detailed discussion with the responsible party. Once all of the expenses have been assigned, create a document that lists ALL expenses and the responsible parties and distribute to all parties involved to eliminate confusion.

Track your progress.
Once the budget has been set and the ball gets to rolling, it is important to keep record of all payments/transactions. Creating a budget is pointless if the budget is not followed. It is pretty difficult to follow a budget if payments are not tracked.

What's next?
Create your budget. Document your budget. Stick to your budget. As with any other event, situations will arise that will result in doubt or second guessing. In those times, remember the following statement:

The Average wedding costs over $25,000.

After reading that aloud, consider the "situation" again. Doesn't seem as important...right?

Top Reasons to Get a Photo Book Instead of A Regular Album

The digital camera is one of the top reasons to switch to a photo book from a traditional photo album. Once you have discarded your old camera for a convenient new digital one you most probably have realized that taking, viewing and sharing pictures have a whole new meaning now.

With traditional cameras people used to load a film, click pictures then carefully develop the negatives and finally print the photos on a sheet of paper. These photographs are inserted into albums with plastic cover pouches or covers for each photo. Not only is this whole process time consuming and cumbersome, there is a real danger of photographs deteriorating with age. As a child I remember redoing the albums every vacation to prevent the plastic from sticking to the photo and damaging them. A photo book is a great alternative and can prevent several of these problems.

With the photo book you basically print photos taken on your digital camera and organize, set backgrounds, accompanying text etc before printing it out on sheets of your choice to be bound into a coffee table like book that you can store and share with others.

The possibility of having your photos printed onto book size paper gives them a longer life and ease of use. In traditional photo albums you hardly have any provision for adding notes or comments with photos. When it comes to rare occasions like a wedding or baby shower many of us are just dying to scribble down things with our photos to remind us of memorable incidents and moments. Instead of spoiling your photos by scribbling all over them or writing things behind them where no one would actually see them, adding these on the page you print your photo for the photo book would be a great idea.

If you find the shift from a traditional album to a photo book too drastic then perhaps you can work with some of the photo sharing services like Flickr and Shutterfly that help you organize and share your photos online. Once you've got the hang of it you will automatically begin experimenting with the book style albums.

If you feel that the occasion is too big for you to handle all the photos properly then you may also consider hiring the services of a professional photo book maker. They will help you organize photographing the event, pick out important photos and give suggestions and tips on background, color combination's, paper texture, binding ideas and deliver a finished product without you having to worry about the photography at your event.

Wedding Keepsake Ideas

5 Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas and Precious Gift Ideas

Wedding keepsakes are a perfect way of sending your sincere heart-felt thanks to all of the people who joined together to make your wedding day so perfectly special. Unique thank you gifts for close family and friends can forever kindle those wedding filled memories. There are many different wedding memorabilia ideas one could choose to go with; all of which can be uniquely blended with your wedding theme and thank you messages to keep those precious wedding memories alive forever.

We have gathered the 8 top wedding memorabilia ideas that are commonly chosen. Whether you are planning to have keepsake table ornaments or gift bags; these wedding keepsake ideas are sure to kindle your creative side.

Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas # 1

Sentimental Trinkets

Sentimental wedding keepsake ideas always make for reception party spectacular; designing with beautiful flower coordinates and graceful table settings; all harmonized by theme and color; adding just the right touch of thoughtful sophisticated charm. Sentimental wedding memorabilia can add the perfect amount of elegance to the table setting; all the while enhancing the thoughtfulness that comes along with them; ultimately letting your guests know just how much their presence is appreciated.

By personalizing your wedding keepsakes it can add that extra touch of thoughtfulness and individualized recognition that is sure to be appreciated by all those special family, friends and wedding party members who offered their love, comfort, and support for making your day extraordinary. Engraved photo frames can capture that special moment for timeless and priceless memories.

Engraved frames, pictures and albums are all time favorite sentimental wedding memorabilia ideas. Frames and albums can wrap those magical wedding day memories in loving messages of love and thanks. Putting together a collection of photos keeps your wedding book story alive for generations to come; and makes a great party favor for your guests too.

Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas # 2

Candle Settings

Candles have always been at the top of the most common wedding memorabilia list. Whether setting a romantic reception table or giving them as favors to your wedding party; candles hold the light and hope of love and thanks. Hurricane lamps can be used to create beautiful centerpieces; wrapped in coordinating flowering arrangements. Candlelight speaks the many messages of life, new beginnings, hope; and of course, love.

With so many different candle wedding keepsake ideas; the combinations are truly endless. Candles come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes and scents; so when choosing the candle that is right for your wedding; be sure to sniff them all.

Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas # 3

Edible Party Favors

Edible party favors are always delightful memorabilia ideas. Fine chocolates, cookies and mints are among some of the top wedding keepsake ideas. A collection of coffees and teas make enjoyable gifts; small gift baskets wrapped with color coordinated ribbons and personalized tags are a unique way to go too. Customized fortune cookies with your name, wedding date and a thank you message inside are a popular edible wedding favor as well.

Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas # 4

Eco-friendly Party Favors

Eco-friendly wedding memorabilia ideas are becoming a big hit with eco-conscious people. Unique ideas with tree seedlings and flower seed packets make great green wedding favors; symbolizing your growing love that will thrive and flourish throughout the years; as will the flowers and trees your guests take home and plant. They can be decorated with ribbons in any number of arrangements and personalized with tags.

Top Wedding Keepsake Ideas # 5

Seasonal Keepsake Ideas

Seasonal wedding memorabilia can be mixed in with some unique warm and cozy winter themes, cinnamon and spice fall festivity, spring freshness or summer fun. Favorite favors and gift ideas could include personalizing Christmas ornaments, apple cider, coffee and tea baskets; Lily fresh scented candles or little tropical umbrellas.

Wedding memorabilia is something that can be treasured forever and your wedding day is one of those forever treasures to keep. There are plenty of wedding keepsake ideas that can be uniquely incorporated into any theme, color and season that you have chosen for your special wedding day. From traditional classy photo frames and albums to edible arrangements; your unique keepsake ideas are only limited by your imagination.

The time you take to make your wedding memorabilia and personalized gifts special will be very much appreciated by those who have joined together to make your wedding day filled with some of the most wonderful memories that life has to offer.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts For Your Parents

Your parents are a special couple, but buying them a great anniversary gift can be a tough decision. After all, the gift has to please both of them. There are quite a few excellent choices for those who want to give their parents a wonderful gift they will enjoy for years to come.

If your parents are celebrating a commemorative anniversary such as their 25th or their 50th, or even anything in between, giving them a big, surprise party can be a gift they will never forget. Having all their friends and relatives gathered in one place to celebrate the happiness and success of their marriage can be an exhilarating experience.

Another fine idea for something more personal from you can be a photo album or a calender you create highlighting all the memorable moments of their long lives together. You can begin it with when they first began dating and end it with photos of their children fully grown and their precious grandchildren.

To give your parents something really special why not book them on an exotic cruise send them to a romantic, tropical destination. It is something most parents won't do for themselves, but once the tickets are bought and the accommodations are confirmed, they will be more than happy to pack their bags and take off. Giving your parents a special trip will make memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are looking for something a little less expensive that your parents will enjoy together, why not give them a gift certificate to their favorite expensive restaurant, one they only go to on special occasions. Having a gift certificate will allow them to plan an intimate evening for the two of them free of charge. You might also look into booking them into a cozy bed and breakfast that isn't too far from home that has incredible amenities such as a full breakfast served in bed, an indoor pool and hot tub as well as beautiful antiques and perhaps even a roaring fireplace.

Finding the perfect wedding anniversary gift for your parents shouldn't be too hard once you sit down and give it some thought. Perhaps they enjoy the opera or attending plays; you can always purchase them tickets to an event they will enjoy. One popular evening on the town is a supper club where they can enjoy both dinner and a show. You know them best, so take the time out to find a gift for your parent's anniversary that will show how much you care for them.

Photo Storage Boxes Keep Memories Protected and Ready to Be Seen

Back when digital cameras and digital picture frames are still not invented, people made their memories by printing their photos directly from films. However, the problem is that most photographs fade through time especially when they are stored carelessly. In order to protect them, you need to have organizer bins to store them so that they will last for a long time.

One of the organizer bins that you can use are the photo storage boxes. These boxes allow you to store photos and protect them from the harsh elements of the environment that can easily destroy your photos. Such elements include heat and moisture. If you really intend to protect your photos, then you need to choose photo storage boxes that are made from durable and weather proof materials. It is just not enough to put your photos inside a used shoe box. In most cases, plastic photo storage boxes are the best items for the job. However, how much do you know about them? Here are the things that you need to know about these organizer bins.

They come in different shapes, sizes and styles. On the other hand, they are also made from different materials such as paper boxes, leathers and polypro to name a few. However, as mentioned earlier, the best storage options are those that are resistant from the harsh elements of nature.

If you have a lot of photos to store, there are storage options that are big and offer indexing capabilities. Thus you can organize your baby pictures from your wedding pictures easily. You can also organize your photos based on years or milestones in your life thereby allowing you to create your very own picture book.

Most of them also snap in place and automatically locks in to secure your photos which mean that your photo will not be disturbed even if you shake it violently. Moreover, you can also save at most 70% of your closet space compared to if you put all of your photos in a photo album. This is therefore a very convenient way to store your photos and make memories from it that will surely last your lifetime.

Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas: Benefits of Online Wedding Photo Albums

Technology evolves, so does wedding anniversary gift ideas. A relatively new feature added to weddings capitalizes on the advances in digital photo processing--online wedding photo albums. Online wedding photo albums makes for an interesting wedding anniversary gift idea. Several photographers these days have turned to the Web in marketing their services. These photographers have developed websites specially suited for couples who would want to view and choose their wedding pictures online. As a matter of fact, this new type of hype presents numerous benefits not only to couples but also to their family and friends. Online wedding photo albums are either websites independently maintained, on which wedding photos can be posted or are special web pages on a photographer's website to house online wedding pictures. Having wedding photos posted online makes it effortless for friends and family to derive pictures when the time comes they think about creating a personalized wedding anniversary gift for the couple. Digital photo technology offers the advantage of easy retrieval, as well as seamless processing of pictures. Having these digital pictures available online cuts a substantial amount of effort of having to find and gather prints piled up from long years of dormancy. Moreover, online photos do not fade as prints do in time, thus preserving the vividness of memories of such a well-cherished moment in the couple's lives. Online wedding photo albums are indeed becoming increasingly popular these days.

As a wedding anniversary gift idea, online wedding photos in digital format can easily be organized or rearranged into something like a photo essay, to tell a particular story or convey a well-thought out theme to the couple for rekindling memories. It also offers a lot of room for customization and personalization of wedding anniversary gifts that use the online wedding pictures. The pictures can be stored in a CD, or can be organized as a slideshow at a couple's 20th wedding anniversary.

Another facility offered by online wedding photo albums is that guests can actually post personalized notes and comments. It is more like an online guestbook or signature board. Since most people are hooked to the Internet these days, it is only fitting to have friends and relatives sign their comments in. Online wedding albums definitely offer a substantial amount of convenience and flexibility.

Digital photos posted on the digital album do not get dusted or fade through time. Compared to traditional printed wedding photo albums, the online version not only preserves the visual quality of the wedding pictures, but can also be printed and re-printed without the hassle of storage problems. For personalized wedding anniversary gifts such gift books, online wedding photo albums can provide high-quality image content that can be played around and tailored to the overall motif of the gift book.

The underlying purpose of a wedding anniversary gift is neither to obey traditions nor exhibit lavishness. The message of love embedded into a wedding anniversary gift can be relayed successfully when it created with love. An online album with photos of the most memorable moments in a couple's marriage may not be a traditional and expensive way of showing appreciation, but there nothing as priceless as such a personal thoughtful gift.

Wedding Preparation - When to Send Out the Invitations

Before sending out your invitations your basic wedding arrangements have to be finalised so that details of the arrangements can be included on the invitations. This will include the time and date of the ceremony, the wedding ceremony venue and the reception venue.

If the basic wedding arrangements have not been finalised then perhaps it might be a good idea to send out 'Save The Date' cards as soon as the date is announced as it means family members and key friends, who are not part of the wedding party, are kept informed. Many people book their holidays well in advance, so if your wedding date is planned for the summer or other holiday period, it is advisable to give as much notice as possible. Just remember that if you have sent someone a 'Save The Date' card they will expect to receive an invitation!

It is usual to send out invitations about 3 months before the wedding day so that your guests have enough notice to make travel plans and book accommodation, particularly if you have guests coming in from abroad. Try not to leave it any later than 8 weeks before the date.

When sending out your invitations you need to include an RSVP date. The RSVP date needs to set to allow you enough time to plan your catering, seating plans, place settings etc. Allow about 3 weeks to enable you to do this. Check with your caterers, wedding DJ and other suppliers to see when they require confirmation of numbers. So your RSVP date needs to be 3 weeks before your wedding date.

All the invitations should be sent out at the same time, to avoid any perceived favouritism.

Traditionally the bride's parents organise the invitations, as they are the hosts of the wedding, but if you are hosting the wedding, the invitations should be sent out by the couple themselves.

Make sure your invitations are posted with the correct postage in terms of size and weight - in the UK 'Letter' postage is restricted to items being less than 5 mm thick, an envelope with a heavily embossed card and other enclosures will exceed this so 'Large Letter' postage may have to be used.

By following these guidelines you can ensure your wedding invitations are sent out at the right time and don't forget to keep a careful record of the timely responses you receive.

Wedding Albums - Self Mount Vs Flush Mount Albums

Wedding albums come in a range of different styles and layouts. The two different styles that are most popular among professional photographers at the moment are Flush Mount Albums and Self Mount Albums.

The main difference between these two styles is that the pages of the flush mount album are made up of large printed photographs, which are then creased in the middle. These creased photographs then go together to make up the pages of the album itself. So the printed photos run flush from edge to edge of the open pages. In self mount albums the pages are made up of card or board and come with adhesive on the pages, so that the photographer can mount their images onto the pages themselves. Much more like a traditional wedding album.

Each style of wedding album has its advantages, which I have listed below.

Self mount albums are cheaper to purchase than flush albums, and until recently they were restricted to just one size image per album. However, it is now possible to have the adhesive laid out in such a way that up to 4 different image sizes can be stuck on any page without leaving any adhesive exposed. There is also no need for design software to be used when designing the layout of images. Ideal for those who are not computer savvy! Self mount albums can also be held in stock, and loaded as and when they are needed, reducing turn-a-round time. Perfect for photographers who have a large foot fall through their studio.

Flush albums are the latest trend in wedding albums with a very modern look and feel. As the open pages are made up of large printed images, the layout of photos that will go into the wedding album must be designed using software to create one collage or design to spread across the open pages. The fact that the layout of images need to be done using design software means that it is possible to get really creative with the images and their layout. Panoramic and group shot also look really great spread across the open pages.

The two different styles of wedding album will be attractive to different photographers, depending on their style of photography, needs and budget. As ultimately a professional photographer must be able to present their images in a way that best suits their style and pleases their clients.

Traditional Albums Or Digital Photo Books

Looking at photographs has always been a nostalgic habit with most people. Photographs bring back warm and fond memories. They bring a sad smile or a happy tear. They remind you of that wonderful moment caught on camera, a moment that has been forever frozen in time, a moment that you will always cherish.

But old printed photo albums tend to become tattered at the edges. The photos start getting blotched. Some of those old black and white photographs are so grainy you can hardly make out who's who. So, what's the solution? You make them 'digital', of course. Here's what 'Digital Photo Books' have to offer as compared to traditional printed albums:

• They are less messy
Digital photos have better clarity and provide sharper colours. As a result your photos reflect the actual colours of the captured moment and are thus as good as what you saw with your own eyes.

• They are easy to organise
Whether on a holiday or a family function you normally get so excited that you just start clicking away that camera. So you end up with a whole bunch of photos and not a clue of how to organise them in a traditional album. But Digital Photo Albums make this job easier for you by offering some pre-designed themes for you to choose from. You can organise our photos date-wise, event-wise, add frames and backgrounds, plus add your own comments to each of them!

• They are easy to maintain
Digital albums are also easy to maintain in the sense that the photos that you add to your digital album can easily be edited, deleted, added special effects to and do with them as you please, which by the way is not a luxury with your traditional albums.

• They are easy to share
What makes most people happy is when other people comment on your photos. That's one of the many reasons that social networking sites enable you to post your photos online. That's why digital photo albums are gaining popularity. They can easily be shared with friends and family.

• They can be highly customised
You do not have much of a choice when it comes to printing a traditional photo album. But with the digital photo album you can choose the cover, the pages, the size, the colours and the whole gamut of features that goes into printing.

Your digital photo albums are designed and printed the way you want them, in a way that reflects your personality and choices. Digital Photo Albums are highly personalised, offering a much better and viable option when compared to your traditional photo albums.

5 Wedding Guest Book Ideas That Make Unique Wedding Keepsakes

Your wedding guest book is one of the most special memoirs from your wedding. However, the time-honored tradition of the paper guest book in paper is slowly changing and many new innovative ideas for wedding guest books are becoming popular. If you are willing to take a walk on the wild (or mild) side, please consider one or more of the following ideas for your upcoming ceremony.

Lampshades Aren't Just For Party Hats

So what if you are not the party animal you used to be? Now you can put that neglected corner table lamp to use by using the lampshade as a guest book. Just place the lamp on the reception table with a permanent marker, and your guests can sign their names and wedding wishes for posterity. Simply explain that people will be writing on the shade and it should complement your wedding theme. The lamp then becomes a daily memory of your special day when you bring it back home, perhaps finally in a better location!

You've Been Framed

Every couple has at least one favorite wedding photo. And it goes without saying that you will proudly display your wedding photo in a lovely frame. So rather than sign a traditional guest book, you can have your wedding guests sign photo frames. Save your first kiss or other treasured moment for family and wedding party signatures, and let your other guests sign additional photo frames.

Is This Thing On?

For a modern-day interpretation, you can have an audio and video wedding guest book. Of course this isn't really a book, but it serves the same purpose: a living record of your wedding day. Use a professional videographer or ask a friend or family member to interview a few guests documentary-style about their thoughts on your matrimony. Some editing may be required!

Knit One, Pearl Two

You can turn a custom a quilt into a wedding guest book. At your wedding ceremony, set up a table with the pre-cut quilt squares and a few acid-free permanent markers. You can provide larger squares for those who deserve extra room such as the wedding party members. After the wedding, you can have the quilt professionally sewed, creating a lasting treasure that can also keep your feet warm on winter nights.

Getting Engraved

Many couples are opting for engraved or hand-painted wedding invitations. Did you know that you can purchase a hand-made guest book that will match your invitations? Local artists are often an excellent source for these special guest books, and an eBay search for "custom wedding invitations" will often put you in touch with the right vendors.

As you have seen, the wedding guest book is no longer just any book. In fact, it may not be a book at all. I hope you have enjoyed some of our guest book ideas that blend traditional and unique concepts. And make sure no one trips over the cord when they're signing your wedding lampshade!

Four Factors For Taking Great Pictures

Taking pictures is a fun way for people to capture moments in time that are special and unique to them.  Whether it's taking pictures for Utah wedding photography, Salt Lake City modeling photography or simply catching your kids playing a game in the backyard, pictures are priceless piece of art that helps us save our memories.  By taking the background, the lighting, distance and the subject into consideration prior to snapping the shot, pictures will turn out clear and colorful.

The background of a picture can make or break a beautiful image.  For instance, if a person is trying to take a picture of their child at a park, they will want the playground equipment, trees and other landscaping in the background.  If they take their photos with a garbage can or other children in the back, it will detract from their child.  The focus wouldn't be on their child doing something adorable.  It would be on the activity or structure behind them.  By being aware of all the surroundings, the person taking the picture can manage and control the subject of his or her pictures.

The lighting of a picture is probably the most important thing for a person to consider in every picture they take.  They need to know if they should use a flash, move into more sunlight, position a subject in a more shady area and what time of day is best for achieving the look they want in their pictures.  Using a flash is helpful and often necessary.  However, this form of unnatural light may not provide the correct shadowing or color on the subject of the pictures.  Prior to a photo session, the photographer should decide if they can capture their images with or without a flash.  If they choose to not use a flash they will need to make sure there is enough natural light.  If taken indoors, they may have to position their subjects near windows where sunlight is a premium.  If outdoors, they will need to control the amount of sunlight because too much can be detrimental to pictures as well.

Another factor that helps improve the quality of pictures is accurately managing the distance between the photographer and the subject.  Many times, it is beneficial to get up close and personal when taking pictures of people.  This is especially true with kids.  By zoning in on a face, smile or other body part, a person can photograph the texture, color and essence of their images.  This type of candid picture taking is a modern way in which people can really capture their subject's personality, sense of humor and natural beauty.

Lastly, great picture taking really depends on the mood and state of the subject matter.  The more a photographer knows the person or the thing they are shooting, the better the pictures will be.  For instance, if a person wants to take pictures of their baby, they should time their photo session around the child's sleeping and eating schedules.  By making sure their baby is awake and fed, they are more likely to have a happy and agreeable subject to photograph.  Cheerful and willing subjects lead to great pictures that will last a lifetime.

How to Choose Your Wedding Cake Design

Planning a wedding can take a lot out of a bride to be, especially when it comes to the odds and ends, one of them being your wedding cake. Many brides make the mistake of waiting til the last minute to apply the finer details of the cake, but this can become a danger zone if you wait til the end to start planning. This may seem overwhelming at first, but with these few tips and tricks, designing your very own wedding cake brings out the fun and creative side to planning.

One of the many perks to designing your own wedding cake is the sampling of the many delicious flavors of cake. This is one of the very first things you do in order to start the planning process. Select your favorite bakery and make an appointment for you and your groom to go in for a sampling date. For our more bold couples, choose a few flavors to mix together or layer the cake with several different flavors to add a unique surprise for your guests. For our more laid back couples, decide between one or two flavors at the most to start the building process of your cake. Once this step is done, it is time to get creative!

One of the best things you can plan on doing is viewing fun photo galleries of cake designs that inspire you both. This is a great way to get an idea of what you are looking for. Simply narrow down the color selection by matching them closely to your wedding colors, decide on how many tiers you both want to have, and get a good idea of personal things you and your fiance like to share together. Bring this in to your baker and piece together the elements to match to the theme of your wedding. Your professional baker will be able to guide you along the way as well to bring out the absolute best features in your cake design.

The best part of designing your own wedding cake is adding in your personal touches. Incorporate memories you both have shared over the years together and add them to your cake. Add a fun cake topper to symbolize your relationship or add a few design pieces throughout your cake design to tell your story.

Every cake has a story and the best part of getting to design your own cake is the ability to tell what you two share together all in one piece. After choosing your favorite flavors, ideal design, and adding personal touches, you can book your cake in advance and cross it off your ever-ending to do list! Always remember to make your cake absolutely memorable for not only you both, but for you guests as well. Get creative and inspired! You only get married once, so why not go all out and let your imagination come to life?

A Leather Scrap Book For Gift Giving - Its Benefits

A more attractive way of preserving special moments is compiling photos in a leather scrap book as compared to a photo album. For holidays like Thanksgiving, or Christmas, a scrapbook is a greatly suggested gift that is sure to be both useful and meaningful.

You can give a scrapbook to just about anyone of any age. For example, it is good to give scrapbooks as present to your family members or your friends who have new babies, an upcoming wedding, a planned house warming, etc. For people who are about to experience a positive life event, a scrapbook as a Holiday gift is without doubt more inclined to be appreciated.

You may choose to buy a leather scrap book from Internet shops or from gift shops in the malls. More often than not, scrapbooks sold in the market come in kits, with markers and page accents included. Thus, your gift receivers will have everything they need to start designing a scrapbook and placing important pictures on it.

Giving out custom-made scrapbooks as gifts is also a good way of making your receivers happy. Just imagine the delight that is bound to show up on a bride's face when she opens up your present and sees that what she got from you is a specially made scrapbook wherein she can store the pictures and information that will result from her special day. How about thinking of your niece who will be celebrating her sweet sixteen - for sure, she'll squeal at the sight of the leather scrap book you've given and will want to immediately fill it with photos and mementos of her party.

Before purchasing a scrapbook for your loved one, consider these things first:

1. Is he or she a newbie to scrapbooking? If yes, it is best to give a smaller sized one as a holiday gift e.g. 8.5 by 11 in size. This is to avoid thoroughly overwhelming your receiver as having a really large scrapbook may mean having to wait a long time before those gets filled with photos.


2. Another tip is to choose or create a scrapbook that has 'easy frames' e.g. ones that are square or rectangular in shape. Avoid star shaped photo frames and heart shaped ones as a newbie scrap booker may find it a bit tricky to cut pictures into those shapes.


3. It is also laudable for you to send along basic materials together with your scrapbook gift. This means that aside from the leather scrap book, do not forget to include things like scissors, pace accessories, picture safe adhesives, etc. to make it easier for your holiday gift receiver to start and finish scrapbooking. It is also good to place typed instructions that enumerate the steps of scrapbooking.

Bear in mind that there are a lot of occasions that makes it appropriate for you to give scrapbooks as presents to a friend, a relative, or a loved one. You may give a leather scrap book to someone who is going away to college, to a friend who'll be hosting a Thanksgiving party, and so on. You can never go wrong with a gift scrapbook, that's for sure!

Your Wedding Program and Guest Book Show Your Style

Your wedding program can certainly help convey so much about you and your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help make your guest book fun and add to your wedding style. Couples will often include a photo of themselves on the cover, but that is just the beginning.

The wedding program is a wonderful place to let your guests know the names of the beautiful songs that you have chosen. It is also a place to share the meanings behind the rituals that will be taking place.

We have seen many mothers begin to cry when they read the beautiful words that the bride and groom have written in the program about them. It is also a place to honor all of the attendants, children, readers and officiates that participate in the ceremony. You can even include a special message to your guests for their attendance on your special day.

Some couples have included quotes from literature or a poem that is special to them. We have even seen lovely handkerchiefs included inside of the program for those teary moments that are sure to occur.

The back of the program is the perfect place to provide your new home address and contact information. That way your loved ones will be able to stay in touch in the future. You can also include here the website that your photographer will use to post your wedding photos so that all of your guests will be able to see your wedding pictures.

You can have them printed or make them yourself with software and pretty paper, but what ever you choose, makes it your style.

Guest books can also define your wedding style. If yours is a destination wedding, you might want to consider a beautiful coffee table picture book of the location of the wedding having guests simply find a page that they would like to leave their sentiments. Or you could choose a book that reflects a special place to you both. This could be from a place where you met, a place you will visit on your honeymoon or even a place that you both dream about visiting. But rest assured as time goes by, this book will take on more meaning that just a guest book.

Another great idea is to create your own picture book. Put some one in charge of taking Polaroid photos of guests, fixing them into a blank album and letting the guests leave their well wishes next to their photographs. We have seen the same concept done with all of the components for this placed in a beautiful basket and passed from table to table allowing guests to take the photos of each other. That was a lot of fun and very special for the bride and groom.

A very unique idea for the wine loving couple is to select a magnum size bottle of the wine or champagne that you will be serving at your wedding as the guest book. You will want to provide either a gold or silver fluid marker that dries on the bottle. A magnum size bottle will provide ample space for all to sign.

So there are just a few ideas to help you create unique touches to your wedding and to help you make your wedding elegant.

Your wedding program can certainly help convey so much about you and your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help make your guest book fun and add to your wedding style. Couples will often include a photo of themselves on the cover, but that is just the beginning.

The wedding program is a wonderful place to let your guests know the names of the beautiful songs that you have chosen. It is also a place to share the meanings behind the rituals that will be taking place.

We have seen many mothers begin to cry when they read the beautiful words that the bride and groom have written in the program about them. It is also a place to honor all of the attendants, children, readers and officiates that participate in the ceremony. You can even include a special message to your guests for their attendance on your special day.

Some couples have included quotes from literature or a poem that is special to them. We have even seen lovely handkerchiefs included inside of the program for those teary moments that are sure to occur.

The back of the program is the perfect place to provide your new home address and contact information. That way your loved ones will be able to stay in touch in the future. You can also include here the website that your photographer will use to post your wedding photos so that all of your guests will be able to see your wedding pictures.

You can have them printed or make them yourself with software and pretty paper, but what ever you choose, makes it your style.

Guest books can also define your wedding style. If yours is a destination wedding, you might want to consider a beautiful coffee table picture book of the location of the wedding having guests simply find a page that they would like to leave their sentiments. Or you could choose a book that reflects a special place to you both. This could be from a place where you met, a place you will visit on your honeymoon or even a place that you both dream about visiting. But rest assured as time goes by, this book will take on more meaning that just a guest book.

Another great idea is to create your own picture book. Put some one in charge of taking Polaroid photos of guests, fixing them into a blank album and letting the guests leave their well wishes next to their photographs. We have seen the same concept done with all of the components for this placed in a beautiful basket and passed from table to table allowing guests to take the photos of each other. That was a lot of fun and very special for the bride and groom.

A very unique idea for the wine loving couple is to select a magnum size bottle of the wine or champagne that you will be serving at your wedding as the guest book. You will want to provide either a gold or silver fluid marker that dries on the bottle. A magnum size bottle will provide ample space for all to sign.

So there are just a few ideas to help you create unique touches to your wedding and to help you make your wedding elegant.

Your wedding program can certainly help convey so much about you and your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help make your guest book fun and add to your wedding style. Couples will often include a photo of themselves on the cover, but that is just the beginning.

The wedding program is a wonderful place to let your guests know the names of the beautiful songs that you have chosen. It is also a place to share the meanings behind the rituals that will be taking place.

We have seen many mothers begin to cry when they read the beautiful words that the bride and groom have written in the program about them. It is also a place to honor all of the attendants, children, readers and officiates that participate in the ceremony. You can even include a special message to your guests for their attendance on your special day.

Some couples have included quotes from literature or a poem that is special to them. We have even seen lovely handkerchiefs included inside of the program for those teary moments that are sure to occur.

The back of the program is the perfect place to provide your new home address and contact information. That way your loved ones will be able to stay in touch in the future. You can also include here the website that your photographer will use to post your wedding photos so that all of your guests will be able to see your wedding pictures.

You can have them printed or make them yourself with software and pretty paper, but what ever you choose, makes it your style.

Guest books can also define your wedding style. If yours is a destination wedding, you might want to consider a beautiful coffee table picture book of the location of the wedding having guests simply find a page that they would like to leave their sentiments. Or you could choose a book that reflects a special place to you both. This could be from a place where you met, a place you will visit on your honeymoon or even a place that you both dream about visiting. But rest assured as time goes by, this book will take on more meaning that just a guest book.

Another great idea is to create your own picture book. Put some one in charge of taking Polaroid photos of guests, fixing them into a blank album and letting the guests leave their well wishes next to their photographs. We have seen the same concept done with all of the components for this placed in a beautiful basket and passed from table to table allowing guests to take the photos of each other. That was a lot of fun and very special for the bride and groom.

A very unique idea for the wine loving couple is to select a magnum size bottle of the wine or champagne that you will be serving at your wedding as the guest book. You will want to provide either a gold or silver fluid marker that dries on the bottle. A magnum size bottle will provide ample space for all to sign.

So there are just a few ideas to help you create unique touches to your wedding and to help you make your wedding elegant.

Your wedding program can certainly help convey so much about you and your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help make your guest book fun and add to your wedding style. Couples will often include a photo of themselves on the cover, but that is just the beginning.

The wedding program is a wonderful place to let your guests know the names of the beautiful songs that you have chosen. It is also a place to share the meanings behind the rituals that will be taking place.

We have seen many mothers begin to cry when they read the beautiful words that the bride and groom have written in the program about them. It is also a place to honor all of the attendants, children, readers and officiates that participate in the ceremony. You can even include a special message to your guests for their attendance on your special day.

Some couples have included quotes from literature or a poem that is special to them. We have even seen lovely handkerchiefs included inside of the program for those teary moments that are sure to occur.

The back of the program is the perfect place to provide your new home address and contact information. That way your loved ones will be able to stay in touch in the future. You can also include here the website that your photographer will use to post your wedding photos so that all of your guests will be able to see your wedding pictures.

You can have them printed or make them yourself with software and pretty paper, but what ever you choose, makes it your style.

Guest books can also define your wedding style. If yours is a destination wedding, you might want to consider a beautiful coffee table picture book of the location of the wedding having guests simply find a page that they would like to leave their sentiments. Or you could choose a book that reflects a special place to you both. This could be from a place where you met, a place you will visit on your honeymoon or even a place that you both dream about visiting. But rest assured as time goes by, this book will take on more meaning that just a guest book.

Another great idea is to create your own picture book. Put some one in charge of taking Polaroid photos of guests, fixing them into a blank album and letting the guests leave their well wishes next to their photographs. We have seen the same concept done with all of the components for this placed in a beautiful basket and passed from table to table allowing guests to take the photos of each other. That was a lot of fun and very special for the bride and groom.

A very unique idea for the wine loving couple is to select a magnum size bottle of the wine or champagne that you will be serving at your wedding as the guest book. You will want to provide either a gold or silver fluid marker that dries on the bottle. A magnum size bottle will provide ample space for all to sign.

So there are just a few ideas to help you create unique touches to your wedding and to help you make your wedding elegant.

Your wedding program can certainly help convey so much about you and your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help make your guest book fun and add to your wedding style. Couples will often include a photo of themselves on the cover, but that is just the beginning.

The wedding program is a wonderful place to let your guests know the names of the beautiful songs that you have chosen. It is also a place to share the meanings behind the rituals that will be taking place.

We have seen many mothers begin to cry when they read the beautiful words that the bride and groom have written in the program about them. It is also a place to honor all of the attendants, children, readers and officiates that participate in the ceremony. You can even include a special message to your guests for their attendance on your special day.

Some couples have included quotes from literature or a poem that is special to them. We have even seen lovely handkerchiefs included inside of the program for those teary moments that are sure to occur.

The back of the program is the perfect place to provide your new home address and contact information. That way your loved ones will be able to stay in touch in the future. You can also include here the website that your photographer will use to post your wedding photos so that all of your guests will be able to see your wedding pictures.

You can have them printed or make them yourself with software and pretty paper, but what ever you choose, makes it your style.

Guest books can also define your wedding style. If yours is a destination wedding, you might want to consider a beautiful coffee table picture book of the location of the wedding having guests simply find a page that they would like to leave their sentiments. Or you could choose a book that reflects a special place to you both. This could be from a place where you met, a place you will visit on your honeymoon or even a place that you both dream about visiting. But rest assured as time goes by, this book will take on more meaning that just a guest book.

Another great idea is to create your own picture book. Put some one in charge of taking Polaroid photos of guests, fixing them into a blank album and letting the guests leave their well wishes next to their photographs. We have seen the same concept done with all of the components for this placed in a beautiful basket and passed from table to table allowing guests to take the photos of each other. That was a lot of fun and very special for the bride and groom.

A very unique idea for the wine loving couple is to select a magnum size bottle of the wine or champagne that you will be serving at your wedding as the guest book. You will want to provide either a gold or silver fluid marker that dries on the bottle. A magnum size bottle will provide ample space for all to sign.

So there are just a few ideas to help you create unique touches to your wedding and to help you make your wedding elegant.