Weddings

For many couples, the unity candle is a representation of the commitment that bride and groom make when they decide to get married. However, there’s a new type of unity ceremony that’s taking the place of the unity candle and that ceremony is the unity sand ceremony. Ideal for couples who want an alternative to the unity candle, the unity sand ceremony is a timeless and unique way to express the love and coming together that marriage represents.

Unity Sand Ceremony Vase Set

What is the unity sand ceremony?

Just like the unity candle, the unity sand ceremony is a symbolic gesture that represents the bringing together of two lives into one.

When did the unity sand ceremony become popular?

While the exact origin of the ceremony isn’t clear, some have traced it back to Native American cultures. However, it didn’t become incredibly popular until a few years ago, when The Bachelorette TV show incorporated it into the multimillion dollar wedding of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter. Since that time, brides have been inspired to try this timeless tradition at their own weddings, bringing together the beauty of sand and the symbolic meaning of unity brought about through marriage.

What does one need to perform a unity sand ceremony?

Like a unity candle ceremony, the unity sand ceremony is actually very simple. In order to perform it, one needs a unity sand ceremony vase set and sand. That’s it. It’s very simple but very powerful and elegant.

What happens during the ceremony?

In our next post, we’ll dive into the actual ins and outs of the ceremony, but generally, the unity sand ceremony follows this model: the couple will pour sands from their own vases into one large vase. This can be done in a variety of ways or during the recitation of unity sand ceremony vows. It’s really up to you!

Stay tuned for our next post, we’re we’ll talk more about how the unity sand ceremony actually happens.

One of our favorite things at the Daisy Days office is getting a first peek at the new products available at the start of each wedding season. Our favorite new items this year are the 2011 cake toppers. Daisy Days already offers an extensive line of unique, funny and romantic cake toppers, and now we are thrilled to introduce a few of the new styles for 2011.

The theme of romance and true love is again popular with this years’ designs. Our bride and groom cake toppers capture sweet, romantic moments between a new bride and groom. Whether it be a groom on bended knee before his lovely bride or the bride secretly blowing a kiss to her new husband, these cake toppers are beautifully detailed and will add the perfect touch of romantic whimsy to your wedding cake.

Another cake topper we are excited to introduce for the 2011 wedding season is the new Butterfly Cake Decorating Set. Available in four beautiful and vibrant colors, these sets feature 25 detailed butterflies in a variety of sizes, shades and designs, creating a realistic and delicate fluttering effect. These butterflies are a simple way to add a touch of elegance to any wedding cake at a fraction of the price a professional bakery would charge.

Please visit our New Cake Toppers page as we will continue to add new cake toppers throughtout the year. Please leave a comment letting us know which cake topper is your new favorite!

Rainy day weddings. Sure, rain is said to be good luck on your wedding day, but it’s never quite welcome. Here’s what you should do if suddenly the forecast predicts a rainy day.

1. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, make sure you have a tent set up and some umbrellas on hand for guests.
2. Trust a bridesmaid or another friend or family member with a “rainy day kit”. Stash hairspray, bobby pins, makeup, and other essentials that can help you refresh your look should you get rained on.
3. If the weather is particularly nasty, consider getting dressed at the church instead of at home. It’ll be easier for you to keep looking bridal beautiful.
4. If you’re transporting your dress anywhere, make sure you have double plastic covers on it to keep it protected.
5. Wait until the very last minute to put on your shoes. You don’t want them to get muddy! Or, as a fun way to make light of the weather during an outdoor ceremony, you can always walk down the aisle in colorful rubber boots.
6. Contact your vendors and make sure that they are prepared in case it should rain.
7. Appoint a few ushers to escort guests who may not have an umbrella. This’ll make everyone happy.
8. If you’re having a wedding at a country club or similar venue, ask to be moved from the patio to an indoor banquet room. If the weather looks bad, some venues may be especially accommodating.
9. Wear waterproof makeup!
10. Remember the French saying, “Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux“, a wet wedding means a happy marriage!

Wedding planning isn’t easy. In fact, it’s a huge stressor that can take up a year of your life or more! However, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources out there for brides-to-be that can help you cut back on the planning time, stress and frustration. Plus, with social media, you can take advantage of new planning tips instantly!

Check out some of our favorite social media wedding planning resources for Twitter and Facebook. These must follow accounts are full of great planning tips, wedding inspiration, and more!

Must-Follow Wedding Twitter Accounts

@DaisyDaysFavors - of course, you have to check out the official Daisy-Days.com twitter account! We provide links and resources for brides at all stages of wedding planning.

@OneWed – this top wedding resource provides references to more than 225,000 local vendors, not to mention, tons of online planning tools, ideas, and inspiration.

@WeddingWire - get tips and tricks on how to plan your wedding by following this huge network of weding vendors, wedding planning resources, and more!

@Weddzilla - make sure you check out this Twitter account if you need to get connected with vendors.

@ThePlunge_com – this Twitter account is a great resource for grooms. If you want to know about relationships, bachelor parties, and all that goes into being a guy in a woman’s wedding planning world, then this Twitter account is a must follow.

@BridalBuds – get real stories from real brides – along with some great advice – by following this Twitter account.

@StyleMePretty - If you love the Style Me Pretty blog, then you’ll love following them even more on Twitter. You’ll get inspiration on how to make your wedding chic, stylish, and beautiful, plus, they offer tons of resources.

@TheKnot - we all know that this site eats, sleeps, and breathes wedding, but if you want to get even more great tips, tricks, and resources on how to make your wedding a dream come true, then be sure to check out this Twitter account. Definitely a must follow for any bride.

Must-Friend Facebook Wedding Resources

DaisyDaysFavors - don’t forget to add us on Facebook! Our official Facebook page has TONS of information on how to make your wedding day beautiful. Plus, we offer exclusive tips, deals, and tricks to making your wedding day dreams come true.

Wish Upon a Wedding – this organization is wonderful! Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit organization to make a wedding wish come true by providing weddings for the terminally ill. It’s a great cause to support and something you should definitely take time to “Like” on Facebook!

One Wed - you already know that OneWed.com is a great wedding resource, but now you can instantly connect with other brides, vendors, and wedding planning resources on Facebook!

WeddingBook – if you need a directory to point you toward local vendors, ideas, and practical solutions for your wedding day, then you need to check out Wedding Book’s official Facebook page. There are TONS of resources available, plus, it’s easier than ever for you to get the information you need in just a few clicks.

TheKnot - this wedding planning giant is also on Facebook to provide you with resources, planning tips, inspiration, and even free stuff! Check out The Knot’s official Facebook Page to get the scoop.

The Wedding Channel – need to plan your wedding? Start your registry? Then get the help you need – and tons of great wedding planning tips – by adding The Wedding Channel to your Facebook favorites.

Everyone knows that the music is a huge part of a beautiful, memorable wedding day. It sets the mood, it gets people dancing, and it makes the occasion even better. Make sure that you’ve got some great tunes to serenade your guests with by checking out some of our favorite songs for the different parts of your wedding day:

For the Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is all about timeless elegance and tradition. Besides “Here Comes the Bride”, here are some classical pieces that are sure to make your ceremony feel even more special.

1. “Canon in D” – Johann Pachelbel
2. “Ave Maria” – Franz Schubert
3. “Air” – George Frederic Handel
4. “Spring” – Antonio Vivaldi
5. “Procession of Joy” – Hal Hopson

For Your Grand Entrance

This is the song that gets the party started – so pick one that has some energy! Have fun with this and feel free to let loose. It’s time to get dancing!

1. “Accidentally In Love” – The Counting Crows
2. “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
3. “Beautiful Day” – U2
4. “Crazy in Love” – Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
5. “Celebration” – Kool & The Gang

The First Dance

This is a big moment, so be sure to make it count! You and your hubby will feel like you’re dancing on air when you move to the beat of these beautiful ballads:

1. “At Last” – Etta James
2. “Come Away with Me” – Norah Jones
3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
4. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
5. “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

The Father/Daughter Dance

Break out the Kleenex. The Father/Daughter dance is always an emotional experience that needs a song that’s full of love. Here are some of our favorites:

1. “Daughters” – John Mayer
2. “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
3. “I Loved Her First” – Heartland
4. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” – Otis Redding
5. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra

Last Dance of the Night

The party is about to end, so make sure it goes out with a bang by playing a song that says farewell, encourages a sing along, or is just a whole lotta fun!

1. “We are Family” -Sister Sledge
2. “Time of Your Life” -Green Day
3. “Closing Time” – Semisonic
4. “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” – Bill Medly and Jennifer Warnes
5. “Piano Man” – Billy Joel

Outdoor weddings are always beautiful occasions, but if you’re the one who is getting married, having an outdoor wedding can be a huge stress! There’s so much to worry about when you’re relying on Mother Nature to create the perfect setting on your perfect day. However, don’t worry – DaisyDays.com has you covered with an outdoor wedding checklist that’s sure to keep you covered for anything that may pop up!

• Be sure you have a tent! This is the first thing on your wedding checklist if you’re having an outdoor occasion. You never know if a sudden shower or a change in temperature may cause your guests to look for shelter. Having a tent ensures there’s plenty of shade and shelter from the elements – just in case.

• Never host your outdoor wedding in a place that’s notorious for being muddy or sloppy. The last thing you’ll want on your big day is a muddy wedding dress.

• When booking the caterer, be sure that they can accommodate your outdoor wedding reception with proper heating and cooling of all foods. You don’t want anything to melt or spoil.

• Lighting is always a tricky thing when you’re in a tent, so solve the problem with beautiful candles in your centerpieces! It’s super romantic to have a wedding reception by candlelight, plus, you won’t be leaving your guests in the dark!

• Make sure your outdoor wedding area is accessible to everyone who may be attending your wedding. Avoid areas that will require a lot of walking – or even a hike!

• Ask your DJ about renting a dance floor. Trust us – it’ll be so much easier when you try to have your first dance.

• Make sure you work with your vendors on setup and cleanup with tables, chairs, linens, the tent, and any other details you may be including into your special day.

Planning the honeymoon is sometimes the most fun part of getting married, but when it comes time to book the trip, it can turn into a huge hassle. You want your honeymoon to be a unique and one of a kind experience – but all of the destinations you can think of are the same places you’ve already been or are where everyone else goes. It’s time to get daring and creative with your honeymoon. Have you ever heard of these honeymoon destinations?

1.) Suriname – this honeymoon spot in South America is under the radar, which makes it appealing for couples who don’t want to deal with tons of overcrowded beaches and cookie cutter resorts. As a former Dutch colony, Suriname has a rich blend of cultures and traditions, plus, its cuisine is to die for! Food in Suriname is a mix of Caribbean and Asian flavors, plus, they taste even better when you enjoy them in either the capital city of Paramaribo or in the rainforest.

2.) Finland – we know you’ve heard of the country, but we can bet you didn’t consider it as a honeymoon destination. Finland can actually be a great alternative to the traditional beach honeymoon and it’s full of excitement. In Finland, you can visit cottages and castles, igloos and art galleries in a beautiful landscape that’s part nature, part history, and part wildlife.

3.) Tanzania – if you’re the couple that has a taste for adventure, then consider spending your honeymoon in Tanzania. This African destination is the prime spot to enjoy a safari, a dinner under the stars, and tons of wild animals. Book your trip sometime between May and July, as this is when the plains are fresh and green – and the Great Migration is taking place!

Outdoor weddings are hugely popular during the spring and summer months, and for good reason. Just imagine getting married in a garden in full bloom, or at the edge of a forest. A wedding that takes place in the middle of nature gives the couple a natural and breathtaking sort of décor that can’t be reproduced indoors. One of the only downsides to an outdoors wedding is, as you might have guessed, the heat.

A ceremony under the sun can be difficult to manage. Guests are seated close together and the heat can build to a critical level. Tents may keep the sun out of their eyes, but will they trap the heat underneath? Rather than risk wilting guests, why not give them a multi-purpose favor to help beat the heat?

Wedding Program Fans are the ultimate summer wedding accessory. Made from heavier card stock, they hold their shape and make an effective fan for guests to cool themselves. On top of that – they’re the perfect wedding program. You can save paper by combining the two essentials into one!

Daisy Days specializes in wedding program fans, from the already assembled to the DIY options that allow you to create a one of a kind program. You can add photos, or find themed fans for beach weddings. Whatever your theme, our wedding program fans are the perfect addition!

With the Spring wedding season entering full swing, we wanted to share some of our favorite themes this year: butterflies. Ever since Martha put that elegant butterfly cake on the cover of Martha Stewart Weddings, butterfly themed weddings have been huge! A symbol of renewal and new life, they’re the perfect décor for celebrating your new life together.

You can include delicate butterfly details in any part of your ceremony or reception that you like. Here are a few of our favorite uses of butterfly in weddings:

Butterfly Invitations – You can set the tone for your wedding day with elegant invitations embellished with butterflies. From the classic spring garden look to a bold modern design, butterflies always look good!

Ceremony Décor – Just about anything you might need for your ceremony comes with butterflies on it, or can be embellished with crystal butterflies. Add a few special touches to your unity candle and even in your bouquet to tie the theme together without being overwhelming.

At the Reception – You don’t want to go too overboard with the butterflies, so just pick one or two elements to add them to. You could sprinkle butterfly shaped confetti on the tables, or even use butterfly themed favors. And of course, you can always model your cake after that famous inspiration photo!

What are your favorite pieces of butterfly wedding inspiration?

Weddings are a time to make memories, and if you’re the kind of bride that love to takes risks, you can also make a few new traditions on your wedding day too.

More and more brides are looking for ways to spice up their wedding days with a new or special event that’s sure to be remembered, and hopefully, repeated.

Here are a few new traditions that modern brides are making famous:

1.) Trashing the dress is the alternative to the well-preserved gown in Grandma’s attic. After the wedding, brides get adventurous and go on a photo shoot where they can tromp through mud, water, the woods, or even down the beach – without having to worry if the dress gets dirty or ripped. Afterwards, use the leftover fabric to make pillows for your guest room. The result: awesome photos (and pillows!) that give you something truly memorable.

2.) Loft spaces, old factories and warehouses, galleries, or museums are now the setting for weddings and receptions instead of the traditional church, hotel, or banquet hall. Start a new trend in your family by choosing a place that’s unique to you and your hubby-to-be’s interests.

3.) Throw out the huge cake and give your guests something unique, like an ice cream or dessert bar that they can choose from to get something sweet after your ceremony. Cupcakes, pies, tarts, pastries, chocolates, or even root beer floats can take the place of wedding cake on your special day and still be fun and delicious.