You Can't Elope But You CANTALOPE! Summer Weddings

Looking for a fabulous and inexpensive "WOW" factor for your wedding? So simple. So uniqe. I found this in the Southern Living Magazine; July 2009 Issue. This is great for the beach, summer or even spring wedding.

The cantalope sailboat. A wonderful spring/summer place setting. Take a wedge of melon which is basically a simple boat shape. (you can use honeydew or even watermelon if you prefer.) Then take a wooden skewer, some twine and thick card stock for a sail. Cut your paper into a curve triangle and use a pen to personalize. Cut a hole at the top and bottom of the paper and feed it onto a wood skewer. Afix a small piece of knotted twine at each end and stick into cantalope. Voila! A wonderful place setting that your guests will talk about. Take it a step further and purchase wedding stock with a light pattern or color coordinate to your wedding. You can also add other sailboat or nautical themes to the reception.

Source: Page 18, Southern Maryland Magazine (July, 2009); Photo by Ralph Anderson; Styling by Buffy Hargett

Unique Beach Themed Wedding Things - Won't leave you Shell Shocked

Beach theme weddings can be casual or formal, whimsical or elegant. Whatever your vision, these beach theme products allow you and your guests to experience a bit of the sun, sand and surf no matter where you are. These are unique in my book. I particularly just love this save the date umbrella card!

Kickin' Back Save-the-Date Umbrella CardGive your loved ones a taste of what's in store with this save-the-date card featuring a drink umbrella and an inviting beach chair design. The textured card is pre-punched with holes for inserting the umbrella; assembly required. Your names, destination and wedding date are printed in the format shown. The design and all wording are printed in the same ink color.(Size: 4 1/2" x 5 7/8")

Coastal Sand Toasting GlassesPerfect for a destination wedding or beach-themed event this lovely set works well as a centerpiece or as an accent for your guest book table. Included are two 8 1⁄2???H base-less toasting glasses with a light blue tint that rest in sand and shells.

Sand and Shell Tealight HolderBeach weddings are often the most beautiful and memorable occasions. With this beach themed wedding favor your guests will be able to take a bit of your celebration home with them. This 4" x 4" x 3" glass tealight holder is partially filled with sand and contains a collection of authentic seashells. The tealight (included) is held in place with a jute twine and topped of with a folding card that reads, "Thank You for Sharing This Day." Measures 3.25" x 3.5".

Personalized Donation Cards - Nothing warms our heart more than giving back. These custom printed donation cards have rounded corners and will be printed with "as our Wedding Guest" at the top as shown, then up to five lines of personalization for your charity information, followed by your names and event date. All personalization will be printed in your choice of ink color in the lettering style shown, printed in thermography (raised ink) process. The tag is heavy white card and comes with a hole punched at top, the ribbon shown is not included. Each card measures 3 5/8" square. Sold in packages of 50 cards.

Under $30.00 Touch Ups Victorian Handbag. This seashell-inspired clutch is covered with intricate beading in an unforgettably beautiful pattern. We love the old-fashioned snap closure. In colors made for any occasion, white, ivory silver or black. This handbag is not dyeable.

Hang Ten Dude in these Gorgeous Summer Tuxes

HAVING A BEACH OR SUMMER WEDDING? Smack a little Hawaiian sun onto your tuxedo in a rainbow of colors. Tropical tie and cummerbund in a classic retro pattern will have everyone giving you hang ten, dude.

Bright hues freshen up your look whether you're attending an "Under the Sea" event or just want to show a bit of personality. 100% microfiber gives you a crisp, just-pressed look and it's washable too (Look at the coral reef tie and cummerbund : ) Nothing fishy about this good looking set!

or perhaps your guy is a saltwater fisherman? Check
out the saltwater fisherman set! Check out this site... they have everything from the "Bird of Paradise;" Hawaiian," "Crosswinds" and more styles for your beach or summer wedding. (Click here)

Sand and Shell Inspired Gift Bags for your Wedding

Sand and Shell Inspired Gift Bags- Set of 10

The ultimate beach themed gift bag! These elegant cream colored gift bags are made of beautiful and durable rice paper. Each bag is beautifully decorated with a unique front window display with authentic seashells and sand. The white rope handle adds the finishing touches to this beach gift bag. The gift bags are sold as a set of 10 and measure 5.25 x 5. Many brides use these bags with tissue paper and fill them with treats small gifts and even as welcome bags for out of town guests.

Tropical Inspired Cummerbunds & Bow Ties : )

HAVING A BEACH OR SUMMER WEDDING? Smack a little Hawaiian sun onto your tuxedo in a rainbow of colors. Tropical tie and cummerbund in a classic retro pattern will have everyone giving you hang ten, dude.

Bright hues freshen up your look whether you're attending an "Under the Sea" event or just want to show a bit of personality. 100% microfiber gives you a crisp, just-pressed look and it's washable too (Look at the coral reef tie and cummerbund : ) Nothing fishy about this good looking set!

or perhaps your guy is a saltwater fisherman? Check out the saltwater fisherman set!

Check out this site... they have everything from the "Bird of
Paradise;" Hawaiian," "Crosswinds" and more styles for
your beach or summer wedding. (Click
here)

Mother of the Bride Gowns and Dresses... Something Different

I was actually asked about "Designer" Mother of the Bride dresses / gowns. Everyone wants something original or different. Here are three that fit the bill if you have a thick wallet. All three of these gowns would work for a spring or summer wedding --and can be worn again.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO -

Women - DRESSES - 3/4 length dresses on YOOX.COM

STELLA McCARTNEY -

Women - DRESSES - Long dresses on YOOX.COM

DRIES VAN NOTEN -

Women - DRESSES - Long dresses on YOOX.COM

Spring Flowers for Your Spring or Summer Wedding

Fields of Holland and White Orchids in a green vase. Saw these in my in box this morning from 1-800-Flowers and they are gorgeous. These would both make an absolutely beautiful table decoration for your holiday dinner, reception, or coffee table. Spring is in the air ... and fresh flowers definitely help you feel it! (Click on picture for more info)