Tips

Looking for a few more ways to help your wedding guests actively enjoy your Special Day? Interactive stations continue to trend, from catered food selections to tabletop games, from selfie stations to dessert and beverage options that are self-serve. What about Favors & Keepsakes?

Creating an interactive area at your reception, for guests to contribute time and talent toward a memorable Keepsake for you and your new spouse... or Favors for themselves... is easy! Your Wedding Designer will have wonderful insights & ideas, but here are a few to get you started.

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• Interactive DIY Floral Arrangements

Set a nook at your reception with a table and all the necessities for guests to piece together their own mini floral arrangement: small vases or bottles along with optional paints or multicolored indelible markers (to decorate the vases), a variety of wildflowers, greenery, thin branches, long feathers, ribbons, etc... Add a sign letting guests know they're invited to become their own floral designer and voila! simple favors every guest can take home, with a collection of organic beauty and fragrance.

• Budget-friendly Tic Tac Toe Favors

4 short pieces of yarn... 10 faux jewels / gemstones / buttons of two varying colors... 1 small organza favor bag

Pick stones or buttons in bulk online or from the craft store, along with yarn and favor bags... Be sure to choose hues in your ceremony colors! Create one bag full of goodies for each family attending your wedding, and place in a basket on each reception table. You can add a sign, or not: it's fun just to let the guests discover for themselves what the game is inside!  Interactive in a different way, as guests set up their own gameboards and compete with one another during the quieter moments of your reception.

• Interactive Scrapbook Station

Invite your guests to create a priceless keepsake for you!

Create a table with all your favorite scrapbooking supplies: miscellaneous papers, crafting scissors, ribbon, wedding-, honeymoon and love-related stickers, unique embellishments, dried flowers and leaves, various photos of you & your sweetie, glue or sticky-dots... Be sure to set the full scrapbook up on an easel for all to see and to gather inspiration from others' contributions.

Or... Change it up and invite guests to create their own mini scrapbook or framed photo favor:

Provide mini-scrapbook supplies, or small undecorated wooden frames (buy in bulk in the DIY section - some are tabletop, others are magnetic) along with paints or indelible markers, stickers, embellishments, etc plus wallet-size engagement photos - a quick-to-craft Favor everyone can take home!

• Prayers & Best Wishes

Provide an assortment of stones (there are polished and unpolished in varying sizes available at retail stores, or scavenge for your own directly from Mother Nature during the months leading up to the wedding!), along with indelible markers and a large basket, vase or wooden bowl... Invite guests to write a single word of hope or a short message on their chosen stone, and place it in the collection for you and your new spouse to take home after the ceremony. The two of you will treasure picking a stone, either daily or whenever the mood strikes, to be re-invigorated by the well-wishes of your chosen circle of loved ones, well into the future!

Optional: also provide small notecards (thick cardstock preferred) of some kind, in case some guests prefer to share longer verses or words of wisdom. Can easily mix the cards in with the stones!

• Beverage Stations - lil keepsake box of recipes

Letting your guests play mixologist or barista?? Absolutely! Let them in on the fun! Be sure to have a deck of blank recipe cards nearby, or a special book, so everyone can jot down their favorite concoctions: it will become a special keepsake for you... and a guide for future party cocktails that you can share again and again!

There are countless ideas online about which beverage options to choose based on your preferences, the time, location, theme and season of your wedding celebration, your particular guest list, etc. But here are just a few of our faves!

Mimosa Bar:
Champagne or prosecco, a rainbow of juice options (orange, guava, mango, pineapple...), fruit wedges, herbs, pomegranate seeds, etc for garnishes. Offer peach puree as an option as well, so guests can create their own bellini if they prefer!

Mason Jar Cuties:
Prepare (or better yet, have your Caterer or Beverage vendor prep!...) your favorite sangria or custom infused cocktail in single-serve mason jars. The tops can be decorated with fabric, rustic bows, or just left plain for a truly folksy effect. Grab & go!

Coolin' Off with Mocktails:
Party pitchers or dispensers of water / lemonade / iced tea / juices, plus an array of fruits and herbs for infusing: mint, lemons, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, cucumbers, pineapple, limes, basil, ginger. Can ramp this up by setting vodka nearby for guests to partake if preferred!

ADD TO THE FUN of your Beverage Station by adding:

rock candy sticks (in rainbow colors, of course!)
edible flowers
mini umbrellas
cinnamon sticks
licorice sticks
fun-flavored lollipops for dipping
single-serve portions of cotton candy
customized koozies or coasters as take-away favors for your guests

So many brides, grooms and attendants in the LGBTQ+ community wonder about formal wear options for weddings. RWN had the opportunity recently to catch up with the staff at Tailored Brands, to collect a few answers!

RWN:  What are the basic services Tailored Brands offers? Do you offer resources for both men and women?
At Men’s Wearhouse we offer everything from casual wear to Custom Tuxedos. We service all people whether they are renting, purchasing or creating their own custom look.

Tailored Brands includes Men’s Wearhouse along with a number of other familiar companies: Jos. A. Bank and Moores; and family retailer K&G Fashion Superstore!
https://www.tailoredbrands.com/#

RWN:  Are clients able to try on apparel in your stores, the first day they visit? Are there catalogues to browse? What is the process for picking out favorites, trying on selections, all the way through making the purchase?

We offer physical and digital options. During a visit to one of our stores, one of our consultants will walk through the options and offer best suggestions based on the particular customer’s needs.

RWN:  What general trends are you seeing with regard to wedding apparel?
There’s an irresistible charm to a suit that never goes out of style. A well-tailored suit is a tried-and-true way to stand out.

A fine wool suit in rich navy or dark burgundy, perfect for the cool weather. There are plenty of dress shirts you could choose for this look, but for maximum seasonal spirit in the Fall, opt for warm tones like burnt orange or deep shades like a subtle plum. Swapping the typical silk tie for a bow tie or knit tie to add texture and intrigue to the ensemble.

RWN:  Do your store team members offer advice and insights to brides and grooms who may not be very familiar with dress codes, options and other fundamentals of choosing wedding attire?
Yes, Wedding season brings excitement and joy, but it also comes along with an age-old question—what to wear? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answer for you! We have a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the world of wedding dress codes, giving you everything you need to step into any celebration with confidence.

RWN:  Many of the women we meet at our LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos are seeking customized, tailored suits... What level of customization do you offer? What kind of customization is available with regard to gowns? Are alterations done on-site?
While we don’t offer gowns, we do offer custom suits. We have tailors on-site and can also take in outside clothing for alterations.

RWN:  Are some of your services available online, or is it best for customers to visit in-store?
Most of our services are available online including our Wedding Group Manager. Use our online group management tool to coordinate your wedding party from day one. Assign looks, send invites to party members and keep tabs on progress to send reminders. But for tailoring needs, it’s best to visit one of our stores.

RWN:  What sets your company apart from others that offer similar services?
You can rent your tux or suit and return it after your event, purchase your look for a lifetime of memories, or build a custom suit and celebrate in a style all your own.
• Rental Best Price Guarantee
• Size Inclusive Selection
• 600+ locations nationwide

RWN:  What advice do you have for those considering the purchase of their wedding attire?
The advantages of owning a tuxedo are significant. First, the fit is unmatched; tailored to your exact measurements, it ensures you always present a flawless look. Then, there’s the matter of choice: endless styles, fabrics, and details await, enabling you to fully express your personal style.

Tailored Brands includes Men’s Wearhouse along with a number of other familiar companies: Jos. A. Bank and Moores; and family retailer K&G Fashion Superstore!
https://www.tailoredbrands.com/#

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Interested in further inspiration and options? Check out some of RWN's other favorite apparel companies!

Bespokuture
Bespokuture is a full-service custom clothing brand offering beautifully crafted garments, shoes and leather goods for men & women across the nation. We take our time, we don’t take shortcuts, and we hand-stitch amazing pieces that each client falls in love with.
https://bespokuture.com

Grace + Ivory
Dream bridal gowns within your budget, made to measure, try at home, benefiting women's programs: Forget the "middlemen!"
https://www.graceandivory.com/

Ruth Nathan's
Ruth Nathan’s is a purveyor of fine face masks, matching bow ties, pocket squares, and lapel flowers made for the Urban Peacock.
https://ruthnathans.com

a&bé bridal shop
...For the bride who relates to the modern aesthetic, the free-spirited ethos, & the romantic spirit.
https://aandbebridalshop.com/

Lila Pants
Formal wear options for the kids at your ceremony! Be sure to read the About Us page!
https://lilapants.com/

The very best tips for planning your wedding usually come from friends, family and other couples. -Sharing their recent experiences, others can provide helpful insights that are hands-on, thoughtful and really well targeted. Read on for a few comments from some of the couples we've recently met at RainbowWeddingNetwork's LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, or through our lively FB group!

"We are big gardeners, so we had a very rustic look to our wedding: lots of wildflowers for decor, my wife's dress was accented with lily-of-the-valley embroidery work... The reception decor was so rustic, with little corners at the venue set with comfy chairs and chalkboard signs, etc. This barn-style venue offered long wooden tables with a family-style dinner, and again, lots of mason jars of wildflowers on the tables (and everywhere, honestly!)  But the unique part was that instead of traditional gifts, we requested that our guests donate to a fund to help us rebuild the garden in our yard, and for additional landscaping projects. We had recently bought a new home and this idea was just such a wonderful fit for us - made our wedding even that much more personalized and memorable: every time we work in our newly refurbished garden area, we think of Our Special Day, and all our loved ones who helped us feather our nest!"

-Janice & Kaitlin

"We needed a way to include out-of-towners so a live stream of our wedding ceremony and a bit of our reception made sense. We made a point to notify those family members who refused to attend (b/c they didn't support our marriage) and we notified them in a couple of different ways, hoping they would tune in. Some of them did! It meant a lot to us."

-Graham & Alyx

"Handcrafting our own wedding bands was an incredibly meaningful experience!  Highly recommend finding a craftsperson or jeweler who will work with you and provide you with this opportunity.  You and your fiancee will bond over this experience more than you realize, cherish the memories forever, and the wedding rings will be that much more customized."

-Jason & Derrick

"Not big cake people!! So we had an ice cream bar instead, with a variety of flavors from the traditional and the whimsical (cookie dough, rainbow sprinkles...) to the more refined such as mango and pineapple, etc. We also offered drunken sorbet (Nieve de Garrafa, really... The Sparkling Wine-spiked Coconut Passionfruit sorbet was to die for!)... Instead of the traditional cake-cutting ceremony to top off the festivities at the reception, we instead gathered everyone in front of the ice cream bar, opened a fresh bottle of champagne, and toasted each other. We even said a few words to each other that we hadn't gotten a chance to say during our vows (bc we're kind of chatty that way). It was really touching and no one missed the cake, I assure you!!"

-KC & Daniela

"We wanted to get playful with our guests so going with a theme wedding was the right choice for us.  We invited everyone to dress up to fit in with the theme (vintage, 1920's, plus hints of rainbow) and it really made things a lot of fun. One of the interactive games we played was 'Guess Who' to help guests circulate and chat with each other, and they had to take selfies throughout the game - it really worked out so well!"

-Hayleigh & Marche

"I think finding a way to include all the kids who attended in the ceremony helped them own the event a little bit, and helped them stay calm and focused throughout the rest of the wedding. What we did was give each of our nieces, nephews, friends' children (who wanted to participate) a basket of goodies to hand out to the seated guests as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Each basket contained either a fabric bag of flower petals, bubbles, one of our programs or a keepsake favor (a small magnet with our engagement photo and our newly chosen surname: 'Cheers from The Pelhams!' ...The kids enjoyed taking part, the guests loved seeing them wander through the aisles, and it made for some adorable photos."

-Adam & Danny

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Have a tip you'd like to share?  Share your story & insights anytime - our readers will love hearing all about it!

Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. While traditional weddings hold a timeless charm, an increasing number of couples are opting for themed weddings to infuse their special day with extra personality and excitement. In this article, we explore why a themed wedding can be a fantastic choice, allowing couples to showcase their unique style, create unforgettable memories, and delight guests with an immersive experience.

1. Expression of Individuality:
Themed weddings provide a platform for couples to express their true selves and embrace their passions. Whether it's a fairy tale inspired by favorite storybooks, a nod to a beloved fandom, or a celebration of a shared interest, a themed wedding allows couples to showcase their personalities in a creative and unique way. It creates a memorable experience that reflects who they are as individuals and as a couple.

2. Unforgettable Atmosphere:
When you choose a theme for your wedding, you transform the venue into a world of its own. From decorations to attire, everything is carefully planned to create an immersive experience for everyone involved. Guests will feel transported to a different time, place, or story, providing them with a sense of enchantment and excitement. The carefully curated ambiance ensures that your wedding becomes an unforgettable event that guests will talk about fondly for years to come.

3. Enhanced Guest Experience:
Themed weddings inject a sense of fun and anticipation into the guest experience. Just think of the joy on your loved ones' faces as they receive unique and personalized invitations that set the tone for the theme. A themed wedding allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebration, encouraging them to dress up in accordance with the theme, participate in themed activities, and even enjoy cuisine inspired by the chosen theme. Such an interactive and engaging experience keeps guests thoroughly entertained and creates lasting memories for everyone involved.

4. Enhanced Decor and Design Opportunities:
Themed weddings offer couples limitless creative opportunities when it comes to decor and design. Be it a rustic, vintage, beach, or fantasy-themed wedding, the possibilities are endless. From customized centerpieces and table settings to unique lighting and backdrops, a themed wedding allows you to bring your vision to life in a way that traditional weddings cannot. It also provides an opportunity to incorporate personalized and sentimental elements that hold special meaning to you as a couple.

5. A Day to Remember:
The ultimate goal of any wedding is to create a day that is uniquely yours, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Themed weddings provide the perfect canvas for achieving this, as they allow you to curate an experience that reflects your interests and passions. Whether it's the surprise element of a superhero themed reception or the whimsical charm of a Harry Potter-inspired ceremony, a themed wedding will ensure that your special day is etched in the memories of all who attend.

In a world where individuality and self-expression are encouraged, themed weddings have become a popular choice for couples. The ability to exhibit personal style, create an unforgettable atmosphere, provide an immersive experience for guests, and unleash your creativity in design and decor are just a few reasons why themed weddings are a wonderful choice. So, don't be afraid to step outside the boundaries of tradition and embark on an enchanting journey that is uniquely yours. Embrace the fun and individuality of a themed wedding, and let your love story come alive in a celebration that will be cherished by all.

Laying a strong financial foundation is essential for a happy and successful marriage, emphasizing the importance of effective money management. Implementing strategic financial practices allows you to navigate your shared finances with confidence and unity. Together, you'll discover the keys to managing your money effectively, ensuring a future filled with happiness and success. By adopting these strategies, your journey will be marked by financial security and mutual prosperity.

Harmonizing Financial Visions
Discussing your dreams and how you envision your future together is a beautiful starting point. Whether dreaming of a cozy home filled with laughter, adventures in far-off lands, or a secure, comfortable retirement, sharing these visions brings you closer. It’s about more than just listing desires; it’s about understanding each other's values and finding common ground where your financial paths align. This unity in purpose is your first step toward a future crafted by both of you, for both of you.

Elevating Earnings Through Education
Consider furthering your education to amplify your earning potential. For instance, get your computer science degree online to learn about networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing and significantly boost your career prospects. This investment in personal growth enriches your professional path and solidifies your financial base. It empowers you to chase your dreams with more resources and confidence. Together, you strengthen not just your careers but also the financial durability of your partnership.

Fostering Financial Transparency
Creating a space where you can openly discuss your financial situations is crucial. Sharing details about incomes, expenses, and debts demystifies financial management and builds a foundation of trust. This transparency is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, where both feel safe to express their concerns, aspirations, and achievements, fostering a partnership where financial decisions are made together.

Laying the Foundations for Homeownership
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is a significant milestone. By starting to save early for a down payment, you're taking a proactive step toward realizing this dream. Understanding the home-buying process together ensures you're both informed and prepared to make decisions that will affect your future, turning the dream of a shared home into reality.

DID YOU KNOW...??  The Biden Administration has found many ways to support equality, including priorities within HUD particularly for prospective new homeowners!
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/housing_discrimination_and_persons_identifying_lgbtq

Sharing Expenses Fairly
Establishing a fair and equitable system for managing expenses acknowledges the unique financial situation of each partner. It’s about finding a balance that respects both contributions, regardless of disparity in earnings, ensuring that no one feels overburdened. This approach to shared financial responsibility strengthens your partnership, ensuring that both feel valued and supported.

Cultivating Wise Spending Practices
Exploring ways to optimize your spending can transform your financial landscape. By adopting smart budgeting techniques, planning meals, and leveraging discounts, you can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while nurturing your savings. These habits are about making informed choices that reflect your values and priorities as a couple, ensuring that every dollar spent brings you closer to your shared goals.

Establishing a Safety Net
Building an emergency fund is like creating a safety net for your future. This fund, designed to cover several months of living expenses, ensures that you're prepared for life's unexpected turns. By prioritizing this financial cushion, you protect your dreams and the life you're building together from unforeseen challenges.

Investing in Your Joint Future
Securing your long-term financial well-being involves making informed investments. Whether it's contributing to retirement accounts or exploring other investment avenues, these steps are about planting seeds for a future that blossoms with security and prosperity. Together, you're not just investing money; you're investing in your shared dreams and the life you envision together.

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Align your financial goals and boost your earning potential through education, setting a foundation for prosperity and happiness. Enhance your relationship with open communication about money, fostering understanding and support. By managing your finances together, you're not just securing your future but also crafting a legacy of love and partnership. These strategies ensure a journey filled with financial harmony and shared dreams.

Plan your dream LGBTQ+ wedding with an extensive list of friendly vendors and expos from Rainbow Wedding Network.   ...And invite your wedding guests to help contribute to your Dream Honeymoon, setting the foundation for a future together built on financial choices that are both sensible and FUN!