Weddings in Modesto and Beyond! Tips, Trends and More!

Wedding Poppers!

2011-04-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of poppers? They are tiny flowers. We ran across them and instantly thought they would be such a fun idea to provide for all of the women and even men (if you like) attending your wedding. Their own personal little flower to wear during the wedding and a special memory to take home to remember your wedding day.

These cute tiny flowers are made by EmersonMade. They have bag o’ poppers of 50 in a bag for $175.00. They are available in Vintage Yellow, Vintage Navy, Vintage Red, Friday Purple, BlueBell, and Wednesday Pink! You can match your wedding color. If they don’t have your color, they have custom color options available too.

Super Sunday

2011-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

There is plenty of loveliness out in the wedding blogosphere this week. Here is the round-up of the best of the blogs this week. Have a lovely Sunday!.
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Utterly gorgeous Florida engagement session via 100 Layer Cake.
Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. Nature’s wonders at their colorful best create a beautiful backdrop for these images..

Vintage New York Wedding via Ruffled.
Jazz it up NYC style – with a scrumptious dress!.

Perfect Australian vineyard wedding via Belle Amour UK
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Another example of our friends down under getting it just right..
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Chalkboard engagement session via Style Me Pretty.
Proving once more that old adage – SIMPLE = EFFECTIVE..

Beautiful expectant bride via Love My Dress

KCRA A-List Modesto Wedding Planner

2011-03-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Vote for An Elegant Affair Events as top wedding planner! Click the button above, it only takes a moment!

Thank you and Happy Planning!

Super Sunday Wedding Inspiration!

2011-03-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

Here is some super stuff I found while surfing the web this week…

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DIY vintage chic wedding via The Knotty Bride
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Aloha beautiful Hawaii wedding! Aloha cute details! Aloha amazing, original dress! Aloha DIY perfection!
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A stunning Alexander McQueen inspired styled shoot by Sugar and Fluff via Rock n Roll Bride
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I’ll give it to you Ms Rock n Roll Bride – you sure know how to pick ‘em. Frissoning with fabulousness!
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Sunkissed Lake Taho wedding via Sparkle and Hay
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Three words: ROLL ON SUMMER.
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. Cambridge wedding via Belle Amour
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River boats and romance in this wonderful wedding on the River Cam. All aboard the good ship gorgeous!
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A simple, styled St Patrick’s Day shoot via Snippet & Ink
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Terrific Tuesday Inspirations!

2011-03-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

Why not kick back and relax with the best of the blogosphere this week…
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Oscars Bridal-esque fashion via The Knotty Bride

You must have had your head buried in the sand if you haven’t heard about The King’s Speech clearing up, or James Franco’s dubious hosting skills at this year’s Oscars - but have you had a proper gawp at all the gorgeous gowns? The Knotty Bride has produced the best round up I’ve seen so far. Lots of bridal inspiration this year too! Bonus!

Ozzie picnic wedding via Ruffled

That dress, that hair in that setting? To me? Perfection.

Beautiful woodland Anniversary session via Green Wedding Shoes

Its nice to see an Anniversary shoot now and again because, as this blogger notes, its ALL about the marriage at the end of the day!

Amazing shoes, amazing wedding via 100 Layer Cake

These have got to be the prettiest bridal shoes I have ever seen. Big call I know, but just look at ‘em! Look at ‘em! Shed loads of other prettiness in this fabulous wedding too!

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Looking to create your own inspiration for your big day? Give me a call (209.483.2008) or email (Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net) and let me help you. Questions and comments are always welcome!

Splendid Sunday!

2011-02-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the best of the blogosphere this week. Perfection, blogged. .
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Californian winery wedding via Style Me Pretty

Good wine, good weather, good looking guests! What a wedding.

Alexis’ fab China Town engagement shoot via OMG I’m Getting Married

You just know this wedding blogger’s wedding is going to be AMAZING. Gorgeous, quirky shots. I approve!

Vintage tea party wedding via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Nom nom nom! No mad hatters at this beautiful wedding tea party. A spread fit for the queen (and king) of hearts!

Outdoor wedding via Mini Weddings

Alfresco perfection.

Divine civil partnership via Madame Tartine

Chic, stylish and lovely. They had me at the big red balloons. Truly, an awesome wedding.

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Inspiration Video

2011-02-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Modesto Wed Tips from the Blogosphere

2011-02-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a fine selection of blogosphere gorgeousness from the past week. Be inspired…
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One very happy hen via Rock My Wedding

Before every great wedding, there should be a really excellent Bridal Party. Even if you can’t remember it afterwards! This one is jam packed with gorgeously girly DIY touches. Lucky Helen!

Beautiful South African wedding via Belle Amour

Fun filled, romantic and sun kissed. What more could you ask for?

Cute Valentine’s engagement shoot via Brooklyn Bride

If only little hearts did grow on sticks! Whimsical and lovely.

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Magical garden party wedding via Un Beau Jour

The prettiest wedding party I ever did see, strewn with glittering lights, lanterns and loveliness. And I adore her dress! Tres belle!

An elegant soiree via Classic Bride

Audrey Hepburn eat your heart out.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

Morning all! January is done with (hurrah!) and we hurtle on towards springtime! Despite the wind and rain lashing at my window, I can’t help but have a spring in my step and feel a little excited that St Valentine’s Day is here. I do like a bit of romance!
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With that in mind, here are my gorgeous picks from the blogosphere this week.
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Can you feel the love?
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Gorrrrrrrgeous wedding from across the pond via Style Me Pretty

The divinity is in the details. A beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple. With very yummy looking cupcakes. Trust me, I’m usually right about cupcakes. Go see!

A very Valentino London elopement via Love My Dress

A Valentino dress. I want one. That is all.

Oh, and some Christian Louboutins.

What more do you need to know?!

Vintage New York train engagement shoot via OMG I’m Getting Married

I’m feeling all nostalgic for the black and white movies where the heroine would wait for her beau at the station – to see him emerging from clouds of steam…

Evocative and gorgeous.

Super chic boho wedding via Snippet & Ink

Oi! Sienna and Jude! – are you taking notes?!

Indie Aussie wedding via Ruffled,

Just lovely. I love love love the groom’s groovy braces!

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Have a lovely loved-up Valentines, however you choose to spend it.

Modesto Bridal Show Ahead...

2011-02-09T15:54:00.000-08:00

Brides and Grooms:

If you haven't already planned for it - mark your calendars now! Modesto's next fabulous bridal event is coming up Sunday, March 6th. It's being held in the Grand Ballroom at the Doubletree in Modesto. This event is being sponsored by our local Wedding Center USA and is filed with prizes, promos, top-notch vendors and so much more. Don't miss this one in planning for your big day!

Stop my booth to say hi ~ see you there!

Please feel free to call or email if you need further information - Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net or (209)483-2008

Fab Tips on Reining in Your Wed Budget

2011-02-09T15:44:00.001-08:00

I'm thrilled to feature guest blogger Kara Taylor for these fabulous budget tips:

Weddings are pricey -- there is no denying that. Many couples spend upwards of $30,000 on their wedding, sometimes more. Even a small wedding with nothing fancy can run several thousand dollars. As a result, many couples start off their lives together in debt.
Unfortunately, in today's economy, many couples simply aren't able or willing to spend that much money on a wedding. Luckily for you, you don't really have to. Here are a few ways to cut costs on your wedding and stay within budget.

Do the planning yourself. Yes, it is a lot of work to do all the planning yourself, but it'll save you a lot of money to do so. Plus, you might be able to share the responsibilities of planning with your spouse-to-be, and delegate a few tasks here and there to your bridesmaids.
Think outside the box. Some of the things we have come to expect in the wedding industry are part of why weddings cost so much. For example, why pay big bucks for a wedding venue (one of the biggest single expenses of your wedding) if you have a beautiful backyard where you could have the wedding instead? Also, weddings are trending toward large affairs, but take a careful look at the guest list -- do you really need to invite all of those people, or are you inviting some of them simply because you think you should?
Take a DIY approach. DIY isn't just for home repairs. There are a lot of ways you can cut costs at your wedding by doing things yourself. For example, if you are creative or good at crafts, you can make your own favors. Enlist a bridesmaid's help and experiment with hairstyles so that you don't have to pay to get your hair done. Invitations can be hand-lettered or printed out on nice paper using any standard printer; you can buy the proper lined wedding envelopes separately online.
Wear something borrowed. The folk wisdom of wearing something borrowed is for more than just luck. Borrowing something not only represents frugality in your future life with your spouse, it also means that you have one less thing to buy for your wedding! Where this can be seen the most is in the tradition of brides wearing their mother's wedding dress. Since the wedding dress is often one of your biggest expenses, after venue and catering, wearing a borrowed dress can save you a lot of money -- not to mention it can be a very sentimental decision.
Buy discount and wholesale. When it comes to decorating for your reception, you can save a lot of money by buying items discount or wholesale. For instance, your venue or caterer may or may not provide tablecloths and napkins. If this is the case, you can purchase these fairly cheaply when you get them wholesale -- often for nearly the same price as it costs to rent them. Other items, such as vases and centerpieces, can also be purchased inexpensively when purchased in bulk or from a discount retailer.

Sure, weddings can be expensive, but this doesn't mean they have to be. With a little creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, a do-it-yourself attitude and some skill at shopping around for the best prices, you can actually shave quite a bit of money off of the overall expense of getting married.

**Kara Taylor is a freelance writer who is passionate about wedding resources. Lately, she has focused her writing on planning, invitations and wedding centerpieces.

Adorable, Affordable Wed Favors!

2011-02-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Etsy – handmade, affordable favors are a super fab find in my book! Here are a couple that I recently found. Best of all, they’re totally customizable!Visit VagabondWannabe on Etsy for some fun finds!

Enjoy!

Clean Cupcakes

Hearts on the Rocks

Hump Day Happiness!

2011-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

It's the middle of the week ~ enjoy a few photos to keep you smiling through the weekend! Enjoy!

Some blogosphere fabulousness from the past week!
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Groovy Christmassy Wedding via Belle Amour

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A lovely festive wedding with a BB Style diary room and lots of other fun details.
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Beachy engagement shoot from OMG I’m Getting Married

Too cute! Love graffiti rocks!
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Vintage Star Wars Wedding via Offbeat Bride

Now there’s two themes that I didn’t think could work together. Turns out that they do!

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Chic Mahattan Elopement via Ruffled

These two are so happy and so in love!

Beautiful, fun and eco-friendly wedding via Style Me Pretty

Some really great ideas to steal. And its green too. Gold star!

Super Sunday!

2011-01-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, put your feet up and have a drool at this lot…

Colour pop Boston Wedding via Style Me Pretty

I adore the colour combinations in this pretty pretty Bostonian wedding. Having never really been a big fan of purple, it is safe to say I am very much converted.

A stunning ruffled wedding dress at a swanky Pittsburgh wedding via Simply Perfect Weddings

Perfectly frothy. I like!

Cowboy style Jackson Hole wedding via Lucy Dylan Weddings

Ooh! This looks like so much fun! .

Parisian romance via Sparkle and Hay via Junebug Weddings

Tres romantique!

Rainbow beautiful indie wedding via Grey Likes Weddings

The coolest bridesmaids (and bouquets) I ever did see.

I could go on, as I am always discovering brilliant new blogs and delightful websites out there in the vast wedding blogosphere. But I will save some of my latest discoveries until next Super Sunday!

Brides and Photographers – contact me to submit your Real Wedding! And I am always interested to hear about any new gorgeous blogs out there. We bloggers are a friendly bunch!

Be inspired!

Super Super Sunday to you!

2011-01-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

Let’s see what the blogosphere has in store for us this Super Sunday, as I recount the best bits of the week… .
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San Francisco vintage wedding via Rock n Roll Bride

The cutest cake toppers I have ever seen, and the rest of this wedding is just as cool and gorgeous. Get thee to Rock n Roll Bride to take a look.
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Beautiful eco wedding via OMG I’m Getting Married

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Such fantastic photography from Monica Dart Photography showcases this beautiful green South African wedding. Top marks.
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Fabulous handmade wedding via Emmaline Bride

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The attention to detail in this crafty wedding is astounding… right down to the hearts on the soles of her shoes!
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Beautiful winery wedding via Valley & Co

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Make mine a large glass of gorgeous!
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Julia’s Dream Wedding via Belle Amour

Say Hello to the Ultimate Wedding Inspiration Resource

2011-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but let’s be honest. The best ones are so great that when you see them, you don’t know what to say. Apart from all of that, photos are one crucial part of wedding planning, the wedding day, and the years following the Big Day.
When in planning mode, it’s all about finding inspiration to help you take the vision you have and make it a reality. And, there is no better way to express the ideas you have in your head than with pictures. Enter: Love Olio.

Love Olio was built to showcase engagement and wedding photos from the most creative photographers around the world. Just take one look at the home page and you’ll know that the creators met their objective!

Anyone (bride or weddding pro) can easily spend hours surfing though the site’s gorgeous pictures (I have spent hours. Seriously.). Another plus? If you’re searching for a photog in a certain area for your own special event, it’s a breeze to do – just click on your state in the left hand column.

Go check it out for yourself – LoveOlio.com – and find more gorgeous images like this one from Boutwell Studio in California. Love.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

What an incredible year it's been. I love saying goodbye to the past and ushering in the new!

With that said, I am so pleased to welcome Alexis Ryan to An Elegant Affair Events as our newest team member. Alexis brings her eye for details, bubbly personality and top notch professionalism to enhance our wedding and event coordination offerings. Welcome, Alexis! Look for her bio soon on our website.

I'm looking forward to a spectacular 2011 and wish that yours be filled with an abundance of prosperity, attainable goals, rewarding challenges, and most importantly good health.

Happy New Year!

So, just how do you hire a wedding DJ? Part 2

2010-12-27T11:37:00.001-08:00

Following up on some more wedding Dj tips:

http://www.examiner.com/wedding-planning-in-modesto/so-just-how-do-you-hire-a-dj-part-2

For wedding planning help and tips, contact Erica Spitulski, owner of An Elegant Affair Events, at Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net

So, just how do you hire a DJ? Part 1

2010-12-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Some tips on getting exactly what you want from your wedding reception DJ:

http://www.examiner.com/wedding-planning-in-modesto/so-just-how-do-you-hire-a-dj-part-1

An idea for your first wedding dance??

2010-12-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

This definitely takes guts - and a lot of prior planning! But, it is SO fun to watch!

Being Your Best - Weddings and Beyond

2010-12-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

I found this blog post by local photog, Jerad Hill, and thought it was too good to not share. This time of year, with all the holiday hustle and bustle, it's a great reminder on how to slow down and enjoy. Add to it an upcoming wedding - this may be right up your alley!

Simple Steps to a Happy Life

A Groovy Kind of Christmas Wedding…

2010-12-05T20:51:00.001-08:00

I am soooo inspired by the hip ice blue, metallic and white color palette from this holiday inspiration shoot - and I must have this tree! Ornaments are just the perfect decoration and accessory - how amazing would a Christmas wedding like this be?!

Tips on Tipping

2010-11-28T21:12:00.001-08:00

I've been asked a lot lately about tipping. and who to tip and how much...and do I have to, is it a must???

All of these are good legitimate questions. And here is the answer.

Yes. 20%ish. No. No.

That's the short and sweet of it.

Here are the details. You should tip anyone that does a professional service for you for your wedding. That includes any professional. And if they do an above average job for you. If the professional that is working for you royally screws up, no-tip-for-them!

The average tip about in about 20%, but it does depend on the level of your service, was it good or great? Did they exceed your expectations? If so, show them. Thank them, with a tip.

You don't have to tip, but it is a nice thank you, so when working up your budget add a bit for your professional vendors. Keeping in mind that some gratuities may already be included in some invoices for your vendors.

Did you add tips into your budget?

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Erica Spitulski at Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net

PB&J

2010-11-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Etsy is the best, because shops like GardenArts make amazing cake toppers like this one! The Peanut Butter and the Jelly are getting married!!! It just doesn't get any cuter.

Winter Weddings 101

2010-11-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Maybe you weren't quick enough to lock in a June wedding date, or maybe you just want to do something a little different from the rest of the pack. The colors of winter are deeper and richer, allowing you greater latitude than spring and summer brides, who traditionally stick with tried and true pastels. Here are a passel of winter themes and ideas to help you plan a spectacular winter wedding, starting with holiday themes and spanning through the most romantic of holidays—St. Valentine's Day.
Winter weddings lend themselves to sparkle and glitz against rich, jewel-toned colors. Wedding invitations imprinted inside holiday or winter greeting cards present an alternative to the usual ivory engraved wedding invitations. You can serve non-traditional beverages such as hot mulled cider, hot buttered rum, etc., and you can probably get a discount on your favorite venue for any date except a Christmas week wedding if you reserve six to eight months in advance.

Christmas wedding
Add your Christmas wedding to next year's Christmas calendar now to ensure that the busiest holiday schedule replete with festivities can accommodate your holiday wedding. Plan your wedding around silver, gold, ruby, emerald, amethyst, and sapphire—the jewel tones. Use rich fabrics such as velvet, satin and silk. Add brocade bows for a festive touch.

Set the mood for a Christmas wedding reception
Select a wedding hall with large gold mirrors, a fireplace and a wide curved staircase. The entire venue will glisten with holiday decorations, and the decorations will complement your own decorations.

Christmas wedding bouquet and floral displays
Give poinsettias and amaryllis the spotlight during your Christmas wedding and reception. Add white roses, gardenias, and lilies as accents, and fill in with eucalyptus, pinecones, holly, evergreen and nandina. Surround your guests with the scent of eucalyptus and pine. Small poinsettias surrounded by pine branches sprayed with snow as table centerpieces encourage your guests to talk to one another without having to lean around the centerpiece.

Christmas wedding favor ideas
• Gold or silver bell with an emerald satin ribbon
• Miniature silver salt and pepper shakers
• Gold heart-shaped basket with Christmas potpourri
• Miniature gold or silvers bells – guests can hang these on their Christmas trees at home
• One gold and one silver candy cane tied together with one green and one red intertwined ribbon.

Winter Wonderland wedding
If you prefer a non-religious wedding theme, the winter wonderland theme offers some of the options of the Christmas theme and introduces new options into the mix. Silver, sky blue and white simulate a cold, snowy winter day and offer many options for accent colors. If your wedding is an evening ceremony, consider a color scheme of midnight blue with gold accents to simulate the clear night sky and twinkling stars.

Winter Wonderland wedding bouquet and floral displays
Replace the traditional floral display for the reception buffet table with an ice sculpture surrounded by pine branches with pinecones and evergreen branches with berries. Spray the pinecones gold or silver and add a huge gold or silver metallic bow. Use winter foliage and branches in place of delicate baby's breath for greenery, and use masses of large, white flowers such as amaryllis tinged with yellow, pure white lilies with a hint of yellow center and white hydrangeas. Oversized white flowers with a touch of accent color work particularly well against a backdrop of winter branches and foliage. As an alternative to floral centerpieces, small sleigh ice sculptures amid winter branches, foliage and snow add seasonal authenticity to your reception tables. Huge white magnolia blossoms floating in water in crystal bowls offer yet another dramatic alternative. Magnolia leaves painted with gold paint add to the drama.

Winter Wonderland wedding favor ideas
• Crystal bell
• Star-shaped white tealight candles
• Miniature silver champagne bucket filled with candies
• Antique miniature boxes filled with pine-scented potpourri

Valentine's Day wedding
If you're getting married on the most romantic day of the year, your wedding calls for a red and white color scheme: roses, roses, and more roses everywhere! You can play up the hearts theme in a number of ways from a stacked heart-shaped cake to heart-shaped tealight candles adding a twinkle to the centerpieces. Anything heart-shaped or red and white add to the overall ambience of a wedding on this special day. Wear a Swarovski Austrian heart crystal around your neck, and top your bridal gown with a white shawl fringed in simulated white fur to complete your bridal ensemble.

Valentine's Day wedding bouquet and floral displays
Bi-colored red and white roses with either color as the predominant color add variety to the bridal bouquet and floral arrangements. Complement the variegated look of the bi-colored roses with variegated greenery. If you use other flowers, you'll want to make sure that they are a true red, not the orange-red that's more common in flowers. Consider small arrangements of clear and red crystal roses in crystal vases with crystal marbles as your table centerpieces.

Valentine's Day wedding favor ideas
• Antique silver heart keepsake box
• Chocolate kisses in a red or white mesh bag, tied with a red ribbon.
• White chocolate truffles
• Heart-shaped ornament – your guests can use it on the Christmas tree next year
• Single long-stemmed red rose.
Winter offers many opportunities for unusual wedding ideas. There are few opportunities to attend formal occasions between the New Year and Valentine's Day. If you're having trouble setting a winter date, consider setting your date during the winter lull. Your guests will remember the highlight of the winter season for many years to come—and so will you.