Whether you're holding your wedding near a winter holiday, like Christmas or Hanukkah, or on the actual day (New Year's Eve!), there are plenty of ways to incorporate the best of the season in your wedding day. We checked in with Sari Mintz, founder of ForYourParty.com, for some fun ways to personalize your winter wedding and bring in the festive feeling of the season.
"Grinchmas" Kids' Party
During your cocktail hour or reception, set up a special Grinch-themed area just for the kids!
Serve "Green Grinch Punch," dressed up with customized stirrers.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup Imperial Sugar® / Dixie Crystals® Granulated Sugar
6 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons water
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
12 drops neon green food coloring
1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
2 pints vanilla ice cream
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved; remove from the heat. Stir in milk and extract.
Transfer to a bowl; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, transfer milk mixture to a punch bowl. Stir in the food coloring and soda. Top with scoops of ice cream. Yield: 4 quarts.
Photo Credit: printstagr.am
Tip of the Day: Vendors are the best sources of wedding freebies, so don’t try to cut them out to save money. For example, a professional photographer might throw in a free photo flipbook or engagement shoot when you book their wedding package. Getting your makeup done by a pro? Ask if they can give you free faux lashes to enhance your look.
Check out How to Negotiate with Vendors.
Photo Credit: Emily Faulknor Photographers
Tip of the Day: You have so much to be grateful for, and the occasion of your wedding is a wonderful time to give a little back to your community. One big trend is to support the local economy through your wedding purchases. For example, you could buy bridal party gifts from a shop that sells local artists' creations, select regional wines and microbrew beers for your rehearsal dinner or wedding, or donate to a local charity that is meaningful to you.
Check out 25 More Ways to Create a Charitable Wedding.
Jack Deutsch, © 2012 The Stonesong Press, LLC.
This easy DIY favor is perfect for a winter wedding! Learn how to make it here.
"This is a long exposure. The shutter was open for 31 seconds while the camera was on a tripod. The couple had to stand very still while my assistant stood behind them with steel wool on a rope. I opened the shutter, we lit the steel wool on fire with a 9 volt battery and swung the flaming steel wool in a circle, throwing sparks everywhere. Then I used an off-camera flash to illuminate them from the front and side, then closed the shutter," the photographer explains.
This incredible special effect was achieved with steel wool and a 9-volt battery!
Give your moms one last kiss before you're pronounced husband and wife!
Celebrate an evening under the stars in a beautifully-lit tent, inspired by the night sky.
If you're a bride who loves TLC's wedding shows, you have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: on Thursday, the channel is serving up a double dose of bridal fun with a special episode of Four Weddings, followed by the premiere of their latest series, Along for the Bride.
In the holiday episode of "Four Weddings," the competition is getting a mother's touch: Attending and judging the weddings is being handed over to the mothers of the four brides. These moms will show how they truly know best by critiquing each wedding for its food, venue, dress, and overall experience.
Here's a preview of all the fun to expect in this epidode:
The mom who scores the most points will win a luxury honeymoon for her daughter and new son-in-law. I personally can't wait to see this sentimental moment when the winning daughter rejoyces with her mother! Watch with your mom on Thanksgiving at 9 p.m.
Thank your guests with a heartfelt note at each place setting.
Photo Credit: Kristin Hornberger
Tip of the Day: Worried you'll gain weight this holiday season? Don't feel as if you have to skip every festive dessert and calorie-laden drink—moderation is key. Stick to one glass of rum-spiked eggnog or split a piece of pie with your fiancé. Depriving yourself of all treats will only make you miserable, which could lead to overeating later on.
Check out The Four-Week Bridal Workout Plan.
Featured: Miami Beach, Florida
