When he and Jami got engaged, the pair combined the classic childhood story with engagement photos to prove that little Andrew was part psychic, part storyteller back in the day.

They used their story as an engagement part invitation, but we think it would be a fantastic idea for wedding favors, a slide show or even a photo book.

Here are just a few pages. You can see more at Brooklyn Bride. So cute!

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Today I’m focusing on table numbers, a small detail but an important part of your table setting.  My co-worker, Rachel, is the queen of DIY projects and used this idea at her own wedding!

Materials you will need:

• Two different types/colors of paper.  Rachel used a lilac metallic paper and vellum paper in a darker shade of purple.
• An adjustable Circle Cutter.  You can find these at any craft store, like Michael’s.
• Pretty string or ribbon, such as the thing silver ribbon Rachel used.
• A computer and a printer
• Eyelet grommets and eyelet setter.

1.  Type out all of your table numbers or names.  Make sure you make them large enough to read and use a pretty font.  Also, make sure you space them out wide enough so they you can cut a circle around them.  Rachel printed her table numbers in gray, but you can adjust to fit your wedding.  Just make sure it’s dark enough to print on colored paper.

2.  Print the numbers on your metallic paper.  By doing so, the numbers will appear to be printed in metallic ink.

3.  Use the circle cutter to cut a small circle around the printed table numbers.  They don’t have to be centered–in fact, it looks more interesting when they’re not!

4.  Next, re-size your circle cutter.  Cut a larger circle (enough to leave a fairly thick border when you stick them together) in the vellum paper.

5.  Lay the smaller, printed circle on top of the larger circle and use the eyelets and eyelet setter to attach them to one another.  Instructions on how to do this should be included with your setter.  It’s very simple!

6.  Cut your ribbon to the correct length and tie it through the eyelet hole.  Voila!  You have gorgeous table numbers that you can hang from your centerpieces.  Notice how Rachel hung her menu as well–beautiful!

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Amsale red taffeta gown from Bluefly. Romantic Rosette wedding invitations in Crimson.

Three tiered wedding cake from the Knot, burgundy calla lilies bouquet from Brides, and Christian Louboutin pumps from Neiman Marcus.

Leiber small curved minaudiere from Neiman Marcus, Magohany dinnerware from Crate & Barrel, and Red Bolero chandelier from Horchow.

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One thing that I’m glad I did was pack one light jacket and one heavy jacket and an umbrella. Though we checked the weather a few days before we left, even the weather report couldn’t predict the sudden cold shift that affected a lot of Europe. While we were expecting sunny skies with 60-70 degrees weather, we got rain and temperatures up to 51 degrees. Without my one warm sweater and an umbrella, I would have been so cold. 

Another thing that I would advise is to put together a little toiletry see through kit and keep it in one place. I had my toothbrush in one bag and my soap in another and it drove me crazy! Keep everything together and remember to pack things like toilet paper and seat covers just in case.  

And if you get motion sickness and are crazy enough to ride boats, plane and trains like me, either pack motion sickness medicine or one of those special wristbands. Try sea band or the psi band which prevents sickness and nausea by pushing down on an acupressure point on your wrists.

I had a memorable trip and I’m sure you will too! Just remember it’s easy to get lost in the romance of your honeymoon but coming prepared will make everything all the more better. 

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1) Ask your caterers to set up a special table for this occasion. Having the wine tasting bar in the cocktail room would be fitting.

2) Alert guests to the bar with one of those charming chalkboards I mentioned in my last post. Or print out the wine list and have it framed on the table.

3) Have fun choosing your wine. For our wedding, we chose two reds, two whites and one dessert wine that was my favorite. Buying your alcohol at places like Costco or other markets is great because you can return any extras you have.

4) Hire a bartender or ask someone you know who loves wine to work the table.

5) Take plenty of pictures! Make sure to tell your photographers to get some shots of your guests enjoying the wine tasting.

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If you’re like me, you struggle with ways to cut your wedding costs. After things like the reception site, caterer, florist and photographer have been booked, invitations ordered and seating chart planned, both patience and budget have been severely tested. You’ve likely cut some corners already but don’t want to overly compromise on your special day.

I must admit that I’m partial to expensive flowers, having worked with a florist while in college. However, with over 150 guests in attendance, we had to make some sacrifices. A nice compromise I found was to place colorful fruit punch in glass bowls on each table. We picked up the inexpensive bowls at a local department store and provided them to the caterer in advance. They provided the punch and ladles and the florist floated edible flowers creating both colorful and functional centerpieces!

In the end, everyone was happy because we were able concentrate our budget on a few very stunning floral pieces.

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