The holidays are the most memorable time of the year.  So it can be tempting for new brides to pick this as the perfect time for their wedding, but the holidays can also be one of the most stressful times of the year.  Brides who choose to have their wedding during this time may be adding to their own stress, and that of their families.  Before you commit to a wedding date, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of having a wedding during the holiday season and determine if a holiday wedding is right for you.

holiday wedding

Pros

Family Gatherings – The holidays are a natural time for family members to get together.  Distant cousins often travel halfway around the country to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Chanukah with relatives that they may not see for the rest of the year.  Having your wedding during this time means potentially having guests who will be visiting your family during this time anyway.  Additionally, it’s often easier for family members to get time off from work around the holiday season.  Family members may even be in more of a festive mood thanks to the time of year.

Budget Savings – Many venues such as churches or reception halls are already decorating for the holiday season.  By having a holiday-themed event during this time, you can take advantage of the decorations and trim your own decorating budget.  If the weather cooperates, you may even have snow on the ground for a white Christmas wedding.  Because winter is an off month in the wedding industry, a bride may be able to save quite a bit on wedding-specialty vendors.

Cons

Added Stress – The holidays are a very busy time.  Asking family members and friends to add one more event to an already overloaded schedule may be adding extra stress and resentment.  Some people set their holiday plans a year in advance or let tradition determine their plans.  These family members may resent having to change their plans based on your wedding.  Especially if the bride’s family lives in one state and the groom’s family lives in another.  Both you and your spouse will also be adding to your own stress by combining the anxiety of planning a wedding with meeting social obligations that come during the holidays.

Competition for Venues – Many of the venues that you might book for your wedding, including churches and synagogues as well as reception halls, may be booked for office Christmas parties and holiday festivities.  Caterers, musicians, photographers and other general vendors may find themselves extra busy at this time as well.  If you are able to find open dates for your wedding, the money that you have saved in decorations and wedding-specialty vendors may be needed to offset the extra money that general vendors may charge at this time.

Asking Guests to Buy an Extra Gift – The holidays are often a strain on the budget as people try to buy a gift for each family member.  Asking family members to spend money on a wedding gift during this time may be a strain on the budget that they will not endure.

Nasty Weather Conditions – A white, Christmas wedding may seem very romantic, but a blizzard wedding is less so.  Holiday wedding plans can be put on hold if Mother Nature turns mean.

A holiday-themed wedding is a unique event that will be remembered for years to come.  However, keep in mind that every couple’s situation is different.  While one couple may wish they’d never considered the option, another couple may have a lifestyle that is perfect for a holiday wedding.

Original article: Pros and Cons of a Holiday Wedding

By Tracy S. Morris

trees inspire us all

Did you know that trees are the longest living organisms on earth?

One (a single) tree produces up to 260 pounds of oxygen a year. That is more than enough to supply oxygen to a family of four people. Make that a few thousand trees, and you’ve got an oxygen supply for a whole town

· Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.

Going Green with trees is an inspiring way to make your wedding day unforgettable and share with your friends and family just how easy, fun, & beautiful a sustainable lifestyle can be. This article, top 10 ways to include trees in your Wedding presents ideas for brides and grooms for the best fall wedding favors ever!
1 . Give guests the greenest favor of all: live tree saplings!
2. Tree seed in eco-box kits are versatile favors made with recycled card stock with your choice of 6 tree seeds that will grow in at least one US climatic zones.
3. Earth friendly tree seed packets wedding favors in recycled papers with complete growing instructions are amazing in a variety of colors & designs.
4. Tree seed embedded in biodegradable handmade paper tree cards are incredibly unique gifts, 100% plantable these are extremely “green”.
5. Go the natural route with Tree Centerpieces. Grow your own or visit a local nursery for a 3-4 year old mini-evergreen tree, in a decorative pot these are powerful “green” symbols of a sustainable lifestyle.
6. Plant tree Place card favors, combine tree seed favors with place cards, decorate reception tables with tree seed favor ornaments on tree branch centerpieces accompanied by your guest’s names.
7. “Fall in Love” tree seed favors. Personalized with your names and wedding date these eco-friendly seed wedding packet favors are a favourite for earth-conscious couples.
8. Decorate your reception venue with rented live trees from a local nursery or garden center. What a socially conscious way to support local business and bring the outdoors in any time of year.
9. Hanging tree favors/Place card seating with a crafty branch decoration. Outside the reception area hang your place cards/seed favors on a small tree with invisible thread and create an opportunity for fun finding their names on the cards with their table numbers.
10. Place an eco-friendly tree seed favor in a terra cotta pot at each guest’s table setting. Decorate the pot to complement your colors or style. Guests can take the seeds home and plant them in the pots.

Plant a “green” wedding favor and your wedding day memories will last a lifetime!

By Sheila Sheffield, Tree Beggings Inc.

Earth-Friendly tree favors Since 1992

eco-chic baby shower

Eco-friendly, green baby showers are becoming increasingly popular, especially among celebrities. If you are interested in throwing a baby shower that is a bit different from a traditional shower, while helping the environment at the same time, a green baby shower is for you. How to throw a green baby shower will follow with instructions and everything you need. For eco favors visit us at: Plant a Memory for ideas and personalized baby favors.

Instructions

Sandra Ketcham

Sandra Ketcham is a writer with more than 15 years experience writing and editing for both print and online publications. She specializes in health, travel and parenting topics, and has articles published in regional, national and international print magazines, including “The Dollar Stretcher” and “Kraze.” Ketcham is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.