Showers

There's nothing more fun for a bride who is knee-deep in planing and organizing than going to a shower in her honor. Here are some ideas you can pass along to your shower hosts if they are in need of some creative themes.

Room-to-Room Shower
Each guest is given a room in the house and her gift is to be used in that room. This is a great way to get a variety of gifts.

Around-the-Clock Shower
Each guest is given a time of day and her gift is to be used at that time. For instance, 9:00 am could be a waffle maker, while 10:00 pm might be bed linens of lingerie.

Holiday Shower
Each guest is assigned a holiday and her gift should be used at that holiday. For instance, handmade Chrismas stockings for Chrismas, Irish linen for St. Patrick's Day or champagne glasses for New Year's.

Recipe Shower
Each guest brings a favorite recipe and the gift should be used to make that recipe. For instance, a favorite lasagna recipe might accompany a lasagna pan or pasta maker.

Wine Shower
For the couple that loves wine, here is a great way to build their wine collection. This works well as a couples shower. Each couple brings their favorite bottle of wine and everyone chips in for a wine rack and glasses!

Outdoor/Garage Shower
The idea behind this shower is to "get the men involved" in choosing gifts that the groom can appreciate as well. This also makes a great couples shower. Gift ideas include: yard tools, snow blowers, patio furniture and grilling equipment.

Out-of-Town Guests

Prior to sending out invitations, consult with family and local hotels on accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

Some things to consider:

• How many out-of-towners do you expect and will any of them be staying with family?
• Negotiate a good rate and reserve blocks of rooms at a few hotels with varied price rangers. Inquire about other services, such as swimming pools and breakfasts.
• If your wedding reception is at a hotel, they may be able to offer you a discounted rate for your guests.
• Include hotel options in the invitations for your out-of-town guests.
• You can also include information on air fares, car rentals and hotel shuttles.
• You should pay careful attention to any out-of-towners who are in your wedding party. Make sure they are able to get to where they need to be when they need to be there.
• Assign a family member the responsability of overseeing the needs of out-of-town guests.
  

Selecting Wedding Decorations

Choose accents for the ceremony and reception that reflect your wedding look or that have special meaning for you. Many couples include religious items in the ceremony which have been handed down from relatives - bibles, prayer shawls, etc. This is a great way to pay tribute to your family and keep them alive in your memory. Wilton unity candles are often used at the altar as part of the ceremony; many candles and holders feature popular wedding themes which can be carried thorughout the day - flowers, hearts and Irish claddaghs to name a few. You'll also need a bouquet to carry (silk flowers work well), a ring bearer pillow, guest book and pen.

The Wilton wedding cake ornament will be one of your most prominent decorations. Work with your cake decorator to select an ornament which will complement the cake you've chosen. There are many themes and styles to choose from - some feature posed couples, many display lovebirds, hearts, flowers and other wedding symbols. You can find a great selection of Wilton dealer in their website, www.wedding.wilton.com, for a complete selection.