Wedding Chalkboard Signs: Versatile and Affordable

October 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, are you and your darling daughter up to your elbows in decorating ideas yet? If not, I’m sure you soon will be—and if so, I’ve got an idea for you today that can be easily added at any stage of planning.

Chalkboard signs are nothing new in the world of wedding décor, but they are still an adorable option for almost any wedding. Not only can they offer information to guests but they can also be used to help set the mood for the wedding or reception. 

Just think about how versatile chalkboard signs can be. They can feature loving messages like the photo above or provide direction for the guests as in the photo below. Or you might want to feature some of these ideas: a welcome sign in the entry area, special instruction for the guest book, an unplugged wedding sign, a timeline for the festivities, a cute sign for the ring bearer, the couple’s relationship timeline, directions to a photo booth, an Instagram hashtag to use for photos, or a thank-you sign at the gift table. And these are just a few ideas to get you started!

Other good reasons to use chalkboard signs is that most are very affordable—plus they can be repurposed after the wedding is over.True, some of the larger or more decorative ones can be more expensive, but many are very easy on the budget. Take a look at some of these places where you can purchase them to get an idea of prices:

Etsy

Save on Crafts 

Amazon 

Michael’s 

Hope these ideas help, MOB. Now go have fun sign-planning with your girl!

*You might also like to read Just Married Sign and Photo Idea and Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Serve as Sign-Bearer.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

Top photo by Sooz . on Unsplash; bottom photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Filed Under: bride, decorate, fun, memories, money, Mother of the Bride, photo fun, preparation, signs, trend, variety Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Add Beauty to Wedding Venues with Candlelight

November 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, as you and your daughter discuss décor options for the ceremony and receptions sites, don’t overlook the beauty of candlelight. No two ways about it, candlelight works. Yes, other décor possibilities are beautiful, too, but candlelight has a magic all its own.

Candlelight adds beauty, serenity, and romance to every area it graces. This may be one reason candelabras have been such a traditional decoration for the front of the church. As the bride and groom exchange vows, they are flanked not only by the elegance of their attendants but also by the beauty of candlelight.

If your daughter doesn’t want the traditional candelabra-look for the ceremony, maybe she could have clusters of pillar candles positioned at various places up front. Or she might want votive candles lining certain areas. Possibilities abound. Just be sure to suggest that she include the magic and beauty of candlelight somewhere in the vision she has for her ceremony. Candlelight works wonders at a welcome area near the guest book as well.

Candlelight transforms a reception site, too. Whether candles are part of the guest table décor, a magical touch at the cake tables, or positioned in windows or other key areas, candlelight amps up the beauty factor at the reception big-time. As the evening goes on, the beauty grows as outside light fades and the candlelight becomes more prominent. It will make the wedding wonderland you’ve created absolutely gorgeous.

So MOB, do everyone a favor and encourage your daughter to offer the beauty of candlelight to all who join her and her beloved for their big day!

*You might also like to read Wedding Photo Idea: Moms Light Unity Candle Together and Centerpiece Idea: Flower Ring and Candle.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out last week. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*Hope this slightly revised encore post from March 2014 helps you today!

*Photo by Flowers Photography

Filed Under: beauty, candles, decorate, light, Mother of the Bride, preparation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Preparation for Decorating Wedding Reception Venue

October 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, one vital step in your wedding decor preparation is to visit the reception venue site. You probably visited it early-on with your daughter while selecting a venue, but now you need to go back and carefully survey everything with an eye for decorating.

Here are some things to take to the reception venue when you visit:

*The bride. This is her party, and you definitely need her input. Your job is to help bring her vision to fruition. As you visit the site with your daughter, you’ll both have ideas and can decide together which ideas to implement. Also, two sets of eyes are always better than one in spotting potential problem areas and making sure those are addressed before you arrive to decorate.

*Questions for the venue’s event coordinator. When you make your appointment to visit, make sure the event coordinator will be there so you can ask questions, gain his or her insight, and get advice based on what they’ve seen work well there before. Take time to compile a list of questions before you go so you’re not trying to think off the top of your head. (Lists like this are included in my book Mother of the Bride.) If you see any problems or things you’d like fixed or done differently than their norm, speak up and ask. They will generally try to accommodate if possible.

*Your MOB folder or notebook/journal. As you make your way through wedding planning, you’ll keep a folder and/or notebook of all the info and plans you’re accumulating. You may need some of that info as you talk with the venue’s event coordinator or as you brainstorm decorating ideas with your daughter. Be sure to take this all-important MOB folder/notebook with you. It will also give you a place to make notes during your appointment.

*Camera. Pictures of the site will be invaluable after the appointment since more ideas will come to you and your daughter later on. Pictures of the site will help you carry them out. Also be sure to capture a shot of the two of you during this stop on your wedding-planning journey. You’ll be so glad you documented this once-in-a-lifetime journey together.

*Tape measure. This is the time to record vital statistics like how long banisters or mantles are or how many feet of lights you’ll need. Measure everywhere, even if you’re not sure you’ll decorate a certain area. For example, if you ultimately decide to string lights around the windows, you’ll have the measurements you need.

So MOB, head out for your venue appointment armed with these items. You’ll not only have a successful planning day, but you’ll have fun with your daughter as well. Another win-win on the wedding front!

*You might also like to read Include Venue Signs in the Wedding Photos , Wedding Planning Tip: Ask for Price Breaks, and Get It In Writing.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by J. Aaron Delgado, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: advice, bride, decorate, help, Mother of the Bride, organize, preparation, team Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

9 Scriptures You Can Feature in Wedding Celebrations

June 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, do you think your daughter and her beloved might like to use a scripture or two in special ways on their big day? If so, I have several to offer as suggestions.

First, though, consider the variety of ways that scripture might be incorporated. The minister will already have some scriptures he or she is planning to share during the ceremony, but if your sweet couple has a special verse or two they’d like included, I’m sure the minister would be happy to oblige.

Other ways to feature a scripture include using it on the printed program, on signs or plaques in the welcome area, on the cake and gift tables, or even used in some way in the centerpieces on the guest tables. Certain wedding favors even lend themselves to including a short message so a brief portion of scripture could be a possibility there as well. These are just a few ideas and others may come to mind when you all start thinking about it.

If the bride and groom need some ideas for specific verses, here are 9 scriptures they might want to consider (brief portions of them can be used instead of the entire verse if they so choose):

“‘Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NIV

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 HCSB

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 NIV

“. . . love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 NIV

“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 NIV

“. . . a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one.” Ephesians 5:31 GW

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 NIV

Whether your daughter and her groom use these scriptures in their celebration or not, MOB, may they bless you and yours as you read them!

*You might also like to read Wisdom and Encouragement for the Mother of the Bride, Spirit and Soul Refreshment for the Mother of the Bride, and New Year’s Blessings for the Mother of the Bride.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*Flickr photo by charamelody, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: blessing, bride, decorate, groom, help, joy, love, Mother of the Bride, Word of God Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Sculpted Pumpkins and Jack-o-Lanterns for Fall Wedding Décor

June 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, is your daughter planning a fall wedding? If so, the fall season opens up all kinds of possibilities for colors, décor, and food. She and her groom can add just a light touch of fall or go all out and let it permeate nearly every aspect of the wedding.

One classic fall decoration that can be incorporated into evening wedding celebrations is the simple jack-o-lantern or the more detailed sculpted pumpkin. They can feature the couple’s names as pictured above, the wedding date, the couple’s initials, wedding messages, portraits and scenes, or even traditional jack-o-lantern faces. Not only will jack-o-lanterns and sculpted pumpkins add a touch of fall to the festivities, but they’ll add an atmosphere of fun as well as provide some great photos.

These delightful, glowing pumpkins can grace the entrance of the venue, be used as centerpieces, or add a touch of fall to the guest book table, cake tables, and photo tables. In fact, they can be used just about anywhere. You could even line several up, creating a special message for the bride and groom or even for the guests (giving direction to a certain area, etc.)

Why not suggest sculpted pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to your sweet autumn bride-to-be, MOB? Who knows, the newlyweds may decide to make pumpkin carving one of their new family fall traditions!

*You might also like to read Fall Wedding Bouquet Idea, Fall Wedding Favor Idea: Caramel Apples!, and Summer or Fall Wedding Favor Idea: Jars of Honey!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*Flickr photo by Phil Gyford, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: autumn, bride, candles, decorate, fun, holidays, light, Mother of the Bride, photo fun Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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