Cherished Gifts & Favors Blog

Tips For Keeping Your Beach Wedding Guests Cool

2008-06-01T21:55:34Z

Here in the panhandle of Florida the hot summer heat is already upon us. If you are planning an outdoor or beach wedding during the summer months, you need to remember to take the comfort of your guests into consideration. The last thing you want is a guest passing out due to the heat. Here are a few tips that will keep your guests cooler so they can enjoy your wedding.

Plan to have your wedding in the morning or at sunset when the temperature is cooler.

Provide ice water for guests to sip on to make sure they stay hydrated.

If the wedding ceremony and reception are both going to be outside, it is best to have large tents set up to give guests shelter from the sun.

Give each guest an elegant fan to help keep them cool. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, especially if there isn't a cool breeze blowing on your wedding day.

Hand out small gifts bags filled with sunscreen and bug spray.

To tie in with the destination and beach wedding theme, we have added personalized packets of lemonade to our line of elegant beach wedding favors. A bit of sparkling sunshine in a glass, loved ones won’t be able to resist these fresh and fun wedding favors. Choose from 21 different styles!


                                                                       Lemonade Beach Theme Collection

Wedding Favour Of The Week

2008-05-25T21:35:12Z

Our "Hot Wedding" Theme personalized sunscreen was recently featured on IDoInStyle.net. I am a big fan of the website so I was thrilled that one of our beach wedding favors was selected as the "I Do... In Style!" Global Favour of The Week.

I love "The Girls'" because they provide a fresh and unique prospective of the hottest trends in the wedding industry. From their interview with Planet Cake who created Celine Dion's 40th birthday cake to Mark's Garden, the florist for Ashlee Simpson's wedding, these girls have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in the bridal world around the globe.

For more great info from the "The Girls", be sure to check out I Do...In Style! on MySpace and their new book, "I Do...In Style!" - The Basics.

                                                                  Have Fun In The Sun!



                                                            "Hot Wedding" Theme Sunscreen

A Unique Wedding Proposal

2008-04-26T22:42:53Z

I saw this story by Mike Smith on Yahoo a couple of days ago and thought it was so sweet that I had to share it with all of our customers. Here's this future groom's special proposal:

You're probably accustomed to seeing big-screen proposals at ball games, in crowded restaurants, and scrawled across the sky by aircraft. But popping the question by hiding a message in your intended's favorite computer game is rather more unusual.

However, for computer programmer Bernie Peng, it obviously seemed like the perfect idea. He spent a month reprogramming his girlfriend Tammy Liu's favorite video game, gem-matching hit Bejeweled, so that it would display the all-important message when she reached a certain score. As Peng told Newark's Star-Ledger: "I thought it was pretty cool, in a nerdy way."

Did she agree? Fortunately for Peng, she did, and the pair plan a September wedding. Popcap, the company responsible for Bejeweled (and consequently untold hours of lost productivity in offices around the world) is flying the couple out for a Seattle honeymoon, and supplying copies of Bejeweled to hand out as wedding favors. A word of advice to any guests, though: don't sit next to two other people wearing the same color, or all three of you will vanish.

You can try the game for yourself right here -- but don't count on it hiding any marriage proposals.

We are busy adding lots of new elegant wedding favors, party favors, cake toppers, and personalized gifts for every occasion to our website right now, but we plan on sharing some great wedding planning tips and vendor resources with our brides in the coming days. In the mean time don't forget to check out all of our new products on the Cherished Gifts & Favors website!

Want To Lose A Few Pounds Before Your Wedding?

2008-04-04T23:00:18Z

Who doesn't want to lose a few pounds? If you are getting married soon or attending a big event the pressure we put on ourselves to lose weight can be even more intense. It seems like the harder we try to cut out the fattening foods the more we crave them. If you are like me, it can even feel like the food calls to us and many times, it feels like we are helpless to fight the craving.

While adding new wedding and party favors to our website tonight, I was flipping the TV channels trying to find something to entertain me. I came across a show called "I Can Make You Thin". Needless to say, the show caught my attention. I began to listen to what the host, Paul McKenna had to say.

He explained that he could use his negative association technique to help the audience and TV viewers take control of our cravings. He began by asking us to close our eyes, touch our left thumb and middle finger together, and imagine a food that repulses us. Its liver and onions for me!

Once we had the food in our mind, he asked us to imagine taking a big bite of it. We were supposed to imagine the taste, texture, and the smell of it.

He then asked us to imagine the food covered in hair from a barbershop floor (I began to feel uncomfortable at that point).

Next, he said to imagine the food covered in hair and spit from a spittoon (I started gagging and tears started running down my face).

Finally, he said to imagine our favorite food, covered in the food that repulses us, hair from a barbershop floor, and spit from a spittoon (kid you naught, I almost threw up).

After having us create a VERY negative image about the food(s) we crave, he asked us to touch our right thumb and middle finger together.

Then he told us to close our eyes and think about a time when we were really happy. Perhaps it was while we on vacation, at a party with friends, falling in love for the first time, or even enjoying a beautiful day.

Paul McKenna said the next time we start to crave a food we need to connect our left thumb and finger and think about the food covered in something that repulses us. Then we need to touch our right thumb and finger and think about the time when we were the happiest.  By reprogramming our thoughts we can control our cravings.

Very interesting. I'm going to try it this week to see if it will work for me. If you want more info on the show, check out TLC's website.

Most Popular Wedding Favors

2008-04-02T22:15:13Z

When given a choice of six favor categories and asked which one they would buy for their own wedding, what was brides’ number one choice? Candles!

It is true everything looks better by candlelight!

Where Does The Wedding Budget Go?

2008-04-01T21:35:19Z

1. Wedding Reception - $9,573

2. Wedding Jewelry - $6,514

3. Photography/Video - $3,509

4. Wedding Dress - $1,056

5. Beauty (Engagement & Day of) - $938

6. Attendant's Gifts - $616

7. Invitations/Stationery - $447

8. Average Wedding Cost - $27,852

Guest Books & Pen Sets

It Sounded Like A Great Plan

2008-03-15T12:23:07Z

Found this on Yahoo:

Guys take note...

It is the one moment every man wants to get right -- and which could hardly have got more wrong.

The luckless 28 year-old's dreams of giving his sweetheart, Leanne, 26, the ultimate proposal have literally vanished into thin air.

Hajji, of Hackney, east Londonhad concealed a $12,000 engagement ring inside a helium balloon. The idea was that she would pop the balloon as he popped the question.

But as he left the shop, a gust of wind pulled the balloon from his hand and he watched the ring -- and quite possibly the affections of his girlfriend -- sailing away over the rooftops.

"I couldn't believe it," he told The Sun newspaper.

"I just watched as it went further and further into the air."

"I felt like such a plonker. It cost a fortune and I knew my girlfriend would kill me."

Hajji spent two hours in his car trying to chase and find the balloon, without success.

"I thought I would give Leanne a pin so I could literally pop the question," he said.

"But I had to tell her the story -- she went absolutely mad. Now she is refusing to speak to me until I get her a new ring.

"He is hoping the ring will still turn up.

"It would be amazing if someone found it," he added.

Running Of The Brides

2008-02-29T20:32:42Z

Were you there for the craziness, the fun, the savings?

Share your story...

Expanding Our Wedding Accessories Line

2008-02-08T14:23:02Z

We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our wedding accessories to include a larger selection of guest books, cake server sets, toasting flutes, and ring pillows and flower girl baskets. We have also added a new line of elegant jewelry and cuff links that make perfect thank you gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

We know our brides are very busy and do not have countless hours to spend searching for party favors and accessories for their wedding. Throughout the year we will continue to expand our product line to include more elegant wedding favors, accessories, and gifts so you can find everything you need to make your wedding extra special.

If You Need To Laugh

2008-02-08T13:53:01Z

For all of you stressed brides who need a good laugh... this one is for you!

Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

2008-02-05T14:08:19Z

Planning an eco-friendly wedding has become very important to many brides and grooms. We have listened to our customers’ suggestions and now offer a line of plantable wedding and party favors.

The favors have quickly become a big hit and have been featured in the 2008 Spring Edition of Emerald Coast Brides. Here is what they had to say about our plantable wedding favors:

"For a wedding favor that keeps giving to both the guests and the environment, consider handing out something for their yard or garden. All the guests would consider the Decorative Daisy Seed, Wildflower Seed Favor Kits, Plantable Wildflower Favors, Seed Balls, the Love Bean, or Butterfly Gift Baskets, available through www. CherishedGiftFavors.com, fun and useful."

If you would like to read more tips on planning an environmental friendly wedding, you can pick up a copy of Emerald Coast Brides at bridal fairs, Borders, Books A Million, Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, and many other fine retail stores in 18 southern states.

Planning For Your Wedding Day

2008-01-16T14:38:46Z

Congratulations to the many couples that became engaged over the holidays. I know you are excited about planning for one of the most memorable events in your life. While planning for your wedding can be fun and exciting, it can also be stressful. Remember that no matter how crazy things get take time to relax and reenergize yourself. Once you are feeling refreshed you can regroup and get back to enjoying planning for your wedding again.

This advice may sound trivial, but I have been there. I remember the havoc it created on my body when I allowed myself to get stressed out. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I was so stressed while planning for my wedding that my body began to feel like someone had beaten me. The stress continued to build up so much in my back and shoulders that it eventually moved into my arm and leg causing them to go numb.

Looking back I’m shocked I let all the details of planning for my wedding and honeymoon turn into such a stressful situation. Ladies don’t let the stress get to you as it did me. Yes, there are many important details that need to be taken care of such as choosing a theme, reserving a location, booking vendors, picking out your dress, and selecting your wedding party, but tackle each task one at a time instead of trying to do everything all at once. I did it that way and soon became overwhelmed.

Once you are finished with the bigger details of your wedding, take a deep breathe, smile, and congratulate yourself. You have accomplished a lot so take a small break from thinking about your wedding. This will allow you to relax and experience the excitement, joy, and fun of being engaged to the man you love. It is a special period in your life so make sure you take time to enjoy it.

After you have refreshed yourself a bit, make a list of the smaller details that you will need to help personalize your wedding. Many items such as invitations, wedding favors, bridal party gifts, decorations, guest books, toasting flutes, and gift bags for out of town can be purchased closer to your big day. While you want to give yourself plenty of time to order everything, especially during the busy wedding and holiday seasons, these items can be ordered 4 to 8 weeks before your wedding.

Remember this a very special time in your life so enjoy it to the fullest!

Planning A Beach Wedding Along The Emerald Coast?

2008-01-09T21:26:21Z

Looking to make a "Splash" with your beach wedding? Cherished Gifts & Favors highly recommends Emerald Coast Beach Weddings for your Florida Beach Wedding. Their packages are amazing--all you have to do is show up and say "I DO!" If you are interested in a Panama City Beach wedding and have no idea where to begin let Emerald Coast Beach Weddings help you plan the wedding day of your dreams!

A Beautiful Wedding

2007-10-06T00:34:29Z

Did anyone get to see Jessica and Cody get married this morning on the Today Show? It was so elegant! Of course it was beautiful. Martha Stewart planned it. What else would it be? However, the personal moments are what made it truly special.

I teared up when Jessica's Mom escorted her down the aisle. It was my first time seeing a twist on the tradition of the father or a close male relative giving away the bride. I am sure it meant the world to her Mother when Jessica asked her if she would escort her down the aisle.

As if Jessica wasn't already feeling like a princess, the priest proclaimed to the whole world how beautiful she looked. It so sweet of him. He performed such a beautiful ceremony. So personal and touching. Jessica and Cody didn't look a bit nervous on their special day. They truly looked relaxed and able to enjoy every single moment of their celebration. It seemed like they were at a small intimate wedding instead of an elaborate affair that was being broadcast around the world.

It was such a beautiful wedding, I think my favorite of all the Today Show weddings. If you didn't get a chance to see it then you can catch clips of it at www.todayshow.com.

If you are planning a wedding in the coming months, please be sure to check out our selection of elegant wedding favors that perfect for fall and winter theme weddings.

8-8-08 ~ The Hot New Date!

2007-09-11T22:12:56Z

Remember the hype for the must have 7-7-07 wedding date? It is history now and the frenzy is beginning for the next sought after date, 8-8-08. Wedding coordinators, photographers, and prime venues are already being booked up. If you think you might like to join the thousands of other brides who have chosen to get married on the special day then you need to finalize your wedding details and book your vendors now.

The lucky date falls on a Friday so remember to take into consideration your guests that will need to schedule time off work.

HAPPY PLANNING!

For ideas for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, and elegant wedding favors, please visit our website, Cherished Gifts & Favors.

Price Savvy Centerpieces

2007-08-30T10:14:18Z

I'm always flipping through bridal magazines to see the latest trends in dresses, flowers, favors, centerpieces, and wedding ideas. A great idea I recently came across was to use a pretty arrangement of succulents as a centerpiece instead of flowers. The vibrant green and purplish colors work really well with a winter or fall theme wedding. The arrangements caught my eye because they were an unique alternative to the usual pricey flower arrangements that can drain a wedding budget. However, the prices listed for the small displays in the magazine were upwards of $500 each. I found that pretty amusing since I happened to see almost the exact same arrangements while walking through the garden center at Target this past weekend. If you wanted to use a nicer container or bowl for the arrangement you could pick one up for under $40 at Target, Walmart, or Michaels. The succulents are sold as an arrangement so its only a matter of transferring them to your new container. Quick and simple to do! You have the same centerpiece for a few hundred dollars less. The money you save on flowers can be put toward other wedding expenses such as wedding favors, wedding party gifts, decorations, or your honeymoon.

Love Is In The Air!

2007-08-22T21:08:13Z

As you probably know The Today Show is throwing a Martha Stewart wedding. Watching the competing couples share their stories inspired us to ask our customers to share their's. Got a great story to tell about your wedding day or how he popped the question? If so, we would love to hear from you!





                                                       With This Ring Keychain/Wedding Favor

Elegant Fall Wedding Favors

2007-08-22T20:48:57Z

The rustling of leaves. .. The touch of orange, gold, and brown decorating the landscape...Cozy fires and hot chocolate...The crisp cool air...Fall will soon be upon us.

Embrace romance and the vibrancy of the season with our elegant fall theme wedding and party favors.

You will simply "Fall In Love" with them.


                                 Autumn Elegance Wedding Cake Candle       Pumpkin Place Card Holder

Our Goals!

2007-08-15T22:19:28Z

The following is an e-mail we recently received from a bride. This is why I started Cherished Gifts & Favors!

Hello

What a great find!! I was very excited to find your site as it has everything I have been looking for my wedding in September next year. Only to be dismayed to find you do not ship outside the US. You MUST think of doing so. Your type of favours would go down a treat over here and I can only beg that you are working towards overing your products to us here over the pond.

Many Thanks

Erika

Yes, we are working towards being able to ship our products internationally. We are also working towards expanding our line of elegant wedding favors, party accessories, and gifts in the near future. We know brides, corporate event planners, and party hostesses are extremely busy. Most do not have the time to spend hours surfing the net searching for favors and gifts for their special event. We want to be the "one stop" shop for our customers no matter what type of event they are planning.

Looking for a unique favor or gift for your special event? Browse our line of products and see what we have to offer. Don't forget to check back with us often because we are constantly adding new items to our website.

Celebrate A Beautiful Culture!

2007-08-06T22:28:05Z

Cherished Gifts & Favors is pleased to announce the addition of our new line of Asian theme wedding and party favors. Celebrate the beautiful Asian culture with our chopstick party favors or package sweet treats in our take out boxes. Additional Asian theme favors will be added in the coming weeks so be sure to check our website for the newest arrivals.