Wedding Season

Tomorrow morning Adam and I are driving down to Cannon Beach, Oregon for a friends wedding. It's been a long time since either of us have been there, so we're both excited about the trip. We're going to the rehearsal dinner and bonfire on the beach tomorrow night. On Saturday, Adam is in the wedding and will be busy getting ready, so I'm looking forward to an afternoon full of beach combing and maybe a little shopping. Then on Sunday we make the trek back home.

We are right smack dab in the middle of wedding season, and that means you're most likely in need of a fabulous wedding gift. Giving a great gift doesn't mean you have to break the bank. I thought I would share a few money saving gift ideas that I've come across...

#1: For the Wino - One of the guests at our wedding did this for us. They picked out a bottle of wine to help us grow our then puny wine collection, but then they personalized it. A note was attached to the bottle saying that we should pop the cork on our 5 year anniversary. (Side note: If you're going to have the couple save the bottle for a distant anniversary, make sure it's a wine whose flavor will enhance with time. Otherwise, make it a bottle to open on their first anniversary.)

#2: Thank you, Thank you -

This is personalized stationary that I was given as a gift and I love it! The couple will find it very useful while writing so many thank yous to their guests. It's also a fun way for the bride to celebrate her new last name! These cards and matching envelopes were created using rubber stamps. Package them by tying it all together with a coordinating ribbon.

#3: Food - I know, I know. You're thinking "Food? She's crazy!". But I actually did this for my sister and her husband, and I think they really enjoyed it (I hope they did! :)). I made a few meals and put them in their freezer. When they got back from their honeymoon they had meals ready to go and didn't have to think about cooking. Store the food in Tupperware containers with the heating/cooking instruction taped on top.

#4: For the Foodie - While we're on the topic of food, another inexpensive gift idea is to create a recipe book for the couple. Decorate the cover of a binder like we did for the Ladies Tea, and then use your imagination for filling it. You could simply create sections for your favorite appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, etc.. Or you could create themed sections such as "Fiesta Night" that would include your favorite enchilada,Mexican rice and salsa recipes. Other themes might include: Romantic Dinner for Two, First Thanksgiving Dinner or Little Italy.

#5: The Gift That Keeps on Giving - You can go online to sites such as World Concern or Heifer International and make donations in the couples name. Non-profits will often times send you a card with information about the donation that you can then give to the couple. This is such a great way to help others in need, and the couple is sure to feel good about the impact made in their name.

I'll be sans computer this weekend, so I'll see you back here next week!