Put a new spin on some old traditions for your wedding

If you’ve been to a wedding recently, you’ve probably noticed some of the new ways of doing things that made you go “oh well, that’s pretty clever, I didn’t think of that!” Everything from the guestbook to the unity candle, even the toasting glasses, have a classy touch these days.

guestbook

Signature Alternatives have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are so popular that they are now seen at any event where the traditional “guest book” was customary. Weddings, graduations, baby showers and bridal showers can take advantage of this popular trend.

Signature alternatives come in many forms, the most popular being the signature framework. Signature frames serve many purposes. First, they collect signatures and well wishes from their guest. This gives you the same memory and recognition of who was there at your special event and you can still sit back years later and remember sharing your day with your loved ones.

Another reason Signature Frames are so popular is that they look great. Traditional guestbooks are nice, and there are so many cute styles that can fit your theme, but Signature Frames make a statement! For your wedding, you can present your engagement photo or any other favorite of you and your better half. Or if you’re quick enough, go ahead and get an early photo on your wedding day and print it before the guests arrive!

Exclusive frames come in many styles. Most of them feature the photo in the center and then the guest will sign around the border or “mat”. Most of them have a thick cardboard mat that you would sign on with a good pen or fine-tipped marker. These are great because you can mix them with the colors. While plain black looks good, some couples choose to select a highlighter in their wedding colors to enhance it. This looks especially good if the photo you’re displaying in the frame contains your bouquet or bridesmaids in their dresses, anything that shows off your wedding colors.

Another popular type of Signature Frame offers a brushed metallic look mat where the “pen” you use is a ballpoint pen. This gives you the appearance that it is “recorded” when your guests sign the backdrop. This is a very stylish and modern looking alternative. Just make sure your guests are pressing harder than normal when using this option.

After the wedding or event, these framed guest “books” look splendid in your home! The whole purpose is to display this cherished keepsake instead of just putting a guest book in a drawer somewhere, or worse yet, in the attic! You can look at it every day when you walk past it! And with its elegant display, complete with your photo and well wishes from your guests, it’s an amazing wall decoration! You’ll want to hang it somewhere where everyone can get a good look at it! These beautiful options also feature an engraved nameplate to add the right personal touch. Make sure to come back and buy one when a little one arrives because they’re perfect for baby showers too!

Another exclusive alternative is the exclusive vase. This vase comes with a special porcelain ballpoint pen that is used for your guests’ signatures. This can be used for many occasions as well. This is especially a great centerpiece where your guests at each table can sign their table’s own vase with their names and wishes. Take them home and use them later whenever your partner brings you flowers! Or place them all over the house with your own artificial arrangement! Are you preserving your bouquet or using artificial flowers? Save it here!

A wedding wish envelope guest book gives you little cards that are placed in tight-fitting envelopes that are already affixed to each page. This is a sweet and sentimental way to give your guests more space and more privacy to send them a very special message that they can keep. It has a photo frame right on the cover so you can display a photo of your special day and leave it out for all to see. Top it off with an engraved plaque that displays your names and the date! And of course this is perfect for many of life’s special events.

unity candle

The Unity Candle is a symbol of two becoming one. Traditionally, two candles are lit before the ceremony, with the bride’s family lighting one and the groom’s family lighting the other. This is a beautiful ceremony with a beautiful meaning. But this can also present a challenge for some.

Some churches and places do not allow you to have an open flame inside. What about outdoor weddings? The traditional Unity Candle Ceremony might not be conducive to your situation.

Fortunately, there is a new alternative that is taking modern weddings as we know them by storm. The Unity Arena Ceremony has really taken off! It’s so popular that you might choose it over the traditional Unity Candle just for its appeal! Typically, the set comes with two or three “pour jugs.” Use them instead of taper candles. The larger central vase is used in place of the Unity Candle. This can usually be engraved with your names and dates, or anything else you can think of that will fit in about two lines of script.

Pouring two vases into one symbolizes the two of you becoming one, just like flames. You can use colored sand that matches your wedding colors. The mixture of the two being poured together gives a beautiful layered effect that will also look great in your home.

Unity sand sets that include a bonus pouring vase are perfect for the “blended family.” Mixed family weddings are becoming quite popular. It is becoming more and more common to include the children of couples from a previous union in the ceremony. This is a nice gesture for children to feel included in the special events of the day and it gives a positive start to new family arrangements.

If you still prefer a lit candle, but want something a little different, a Unity Floating Candle is simply spectacular. It comes with an etched glass candle holder, much like a cylinder. Your names and the date can be etched into the glass, again making a very nice keepsake. You fill the cylinder with water so the included floating candle actually floats to the top. Now you can use taper candles to light the floating candle instead of a traditional pillar candle.

Toasting Flutes

For your first toast together, why not link arms with something different? While regular champagne flutes are elegant, wonderfully elegant new alternatives are gracing wedding tables everywhere.

Stemless champagne flutes are perfect for the elegant and modern couple. With its sleek, contemporary lines, your toast will be anything but ordinary. And yes, they come with an engraving that makes it a keepsake that can be used over and over again.

Your wedding should be as unique as you are. It is an expression of your personalities individually and as a couple. Take a look at these alternatives to make your wedding stand out and express the non-conformity that you really are without losing the value or feeling of the memory. That’s a tradition you’ll want to treasure!