If you, or your partner, popped the question over the holidays, and you’re trying to find a fun way to spring the news on your friends and family, here are some novel ways to share the news with those you love!

Start a Wedding Blog

A great way to announce your upcoming nuptials is to start a website for your wedding. It’s an easy way to keep your wedding party and guests informed about the special day and it’s upcoming events. Send an email to all, post the link on your favorite social networking site (remember to adjust your privacy settings!), and let the web do the rest. Look for free blog publishing services that have tutorials on how to start your own blog. WordPress has this beautiful wedding theme ready to be customized:

If you’re still in the market for an engagement ring due to an impromptu proposal, here’s a beautiful, modern diamond ring for you. The recessed stone style is great if you work with your hands but still want to flash your engagement ring.

Photo Album

If you got engaged while on vacation, you probably have photos to prove it. Make a photo album with some of your favorite shots of the two of you. The final page can let your loved ones know the fabulous news and the date, if you’ve already set one. There are many websites that let you build your own photo albums. Then they print them, bind them and send them to you! Impressive yet easy.

If you want the world to know the groom-to-be is all yours, consider a men’s diamond engagement ring.

Throw a Party!

Have your friends and family over for a cocktail party and surprise them with the sweet news in the form of these tasty treats from beau-coup.com.

When it comes time to pick out your wedding bands, consider this beautiful wedding ring to pair with her engagement ring above.

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In our daily lives, eco-conscious choices are more widely available than ever. From what we eat, to cleaning products, to home furnishings and clothing-  the same is true for honeymoon options. Many travelers now purchase carbon offsets to ease their conscience when flying, but here are some other ways to honeymoon that will create meaningful memories and reflect your green lifestyle.

Voluntourism

Give back to the global community by doing meaningful work on your honeymoon. Consider building a home for with Habitat for Humanity in Thailand (or anywhere, really), making pottery and crafts in Guadalajara, or combine a surf trip with working with underprivileged youth in Coastal Peru.

Christmas is the time for giving! You can make it easy for your wedding guests by asking them to make donations to the voluntourism organization you’ll be participating in, instead of buying wedding gift.

Honeymoon gifts are beautiful keepsakes that will recall your special moments. Here’s a silver bracelet you can have engraved for her. She’ll be reminded of your special trip each time she wears the jewelry.

Eco-Adventures

After your Christmas wedding, spend your honeymoon enjoying nature and soaking up some Southern hemisphere sun! Many of the companies that book eco-adventure vacations have educational components so you can learn more about the ecology of the region. Here are some ideas:

• Visit the cloud forests in Monteverde, Costa Rica
• Hike Tongariro National Park & World Heritage Site in New Zealand
• Go canyon tubing in Indonesia
• Take a tiger photography tour in India

For many, living green also means ethical responsibility. If this is a must for you, here’s the perfect engagement ring! It’s made using recycled precious metals and conflict-free diamonds. Here’s a gorgeous worry-free engagement ring for her that pairs with the wedding bands below.

Green Resorts

If you’re looking for luxury without compromising your values, look for an eco-conscious resort or hotel. There are many options worldwide, and the internet has a wealth of information on green-certified hotels. Take a look at this Coastal Living slideshow for some great ideas.

You can also stand up for the environment by choosing a set of these beveled wedding bands made with HARMONY Recycled Precious Metals.

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Spring has sprung (or is, at least, in the process of springing) and Easter is just around the corner. Traditionally a time of renewal and new beginnings, Spring is an egg-cellent time to pop the question, so get cracking!

Here are some timely ideas for wedding proposals – let Easter inspire you to be a good egg – let your wedding proposal set the tone for the unique, exciting, and wonderful future life you will share together as husband and wife.

Elegant Egg Hunt

Make an egg hunt elegant by ordering these beautiful, simple personalized wooden eggs from Etsy seller ‘Imagination Kids.’

You might even be able to order 4 eggs and have them each inscribed with 1/4 of the most important question you may ever ask:

Will You Marry Me?

I love this bunny ring by Betsey Johnson but it might not make the best engagement ring… don’t get too carried away with bringing the ring into the theme – remember, your future wife will be wearing it every day for the rest of her life!

Instead, consider this beautiful and unique engagement ring with a contemporary abstract floral design.

Or just select a grade-a large diamond (I’m sure she won’t mind).

Whatever you do, don’t forget the presentation:

A Scavenger Hunt that Makes Scents

Imagine returning home from a romantic lunch date to find a path of  flower pots to the door- a note tied to  each pot (and then tie the ring around the very last one)?

Some Bunny Loves Me

Pick a stuffie that will fill her heart with love (and encourage her to say yes!).

Share The Occasion With Your Peeps

Invite friends and family to an Easter Brunch. This would be an excellent engagement party as well – here is a cute idea for a smores recipe if you want to have a less formal party in the backyard. You could have an egg hunt for the kids, some delicious frittatas in the oven and some savory breakfast sausages on the barbeque. Check out bigsislilsis.com for some other fun ways to enjoy peeps, as well as links to other unique recipes for Easter Candy.

Close-a With A Mimosa

Raise a toast to your love. If you’re really sneaky, you’ll put one of those glass charms around everyone’s glass but an engagement ring on hers (get ready to drop to one knee when she notices!).

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Independent Wedding Fairs

independent [ɪndɪˈpɛndənt] adj

Free from control

Capable of acting for one’s self or on one’s own

Here is Elvis singing ‘My Way’ as the soundtrack for this article all about independent weddings…

In recent years the idea of an ‘independent’ wedding has become increasingly popular. Sometimes independent means that the couple is paying for the wedding by themselves (no parental or family help), sometimes it means the wedding is a crafty do-it-yourself or self-planned event.

Sometimes ‘independent’ means that a few things (or maybe everything) about the event is going to very different from a traditional wedding. Indie brides might wear a nontraditional wedding dress or select a non-traditional engagement ring or wedding ring.

Indie Wed

Last month’s Indie Wed in Chicago “cater[ed] to not only unconventional couples who are taking a more modern, edgy, or eco-friendly approach to their special day but also the more conservative couples who simply want to add some special touches.” The event featured”independent designers specializing in various wedding related fields including stationery, cakes & pastries, fashion, catering, floral design, photography and more.” Check out the video below (from 2010′s event) or their website (indieweb.com).

Indie Wed from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Something New

Minneapolis’ Something New wedding fair takes place on February 5th this year – check out independentwedding.com for more information. The event is offering mini-courses on the following topics: eco-friendly weddings, signature wedding drinks, invitations, selecting bridesmaid dresses and more. It is organized by the Independent Wedding Association, which prides itself in it’s strict criteria for membership- independent of the large wedding industry associations.

Indie I Do

By far the funnest looking wedding fair I’ve seen so far, the Indie I Do takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is described as an event that connects “independent artists with independent-minded consumers.” This year, exhibitors included HellCat Beauty (providing “stellar hair and make-up applications for ‘Bombshell Brides’ and the ‘Matrimonial Entourage’) and Memphis Mike’s barbecue catering.Visit the site indieido.com for more details.

If you know of any other alternatives to the typical wedding fair, please let me know in the comments below and I may feature the event in a future article. Also, are you planning an indie wedding? If so, what are you doing differently?

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Happy New Year!

Here are some resolutions to consider if you are engaged in 2011:

1. Don’t Forget Why You Are Getting Married

You’re not just getting married so that you can wear a pretty dress and have a big party. You’re getting married to the person you love and you’re going to build a life together. The time leading up to your wedding day can be stressful and hurtful behavior or words can leave permanent damage to your relationship.

2. Don’t Forget About Your In-Laws

Try to start things off right with your intended spouse’s friends and family. Trust me, if you can get along with your inlaws your married life will be much happier.

The Father and the Mother of the Groom can sometimes be overlooked during all of the wedding craziness, particularly if their son isn’t overly involved in the planning. If they are travelling to attend events, remember that they may feel uncomfortable and that they won’t know everyone there – make a special effort to introduce them and to make sure they are having a good time. If you don’t know them that well yourself and you’re not sure what to talk about, ask them questions about their son. What was he like when he was a baby? A little boy? In most cases, it won’t take much encouragement to get them talking. Pictures may even come out of wallets…

If you want to be really sweet, present both moms with beautiful earrings for the occasion, like the ones above – earrings that coordinate with your own will create a bonding moment between the three of you while making your mother-in-law feel welcome and special (she did bring your groom-to-be into this world, after all!).

3. Don’t Forget To Say Thank You

It takes a lot of work to get hitched without a hitch. A fun and well-planned wedding requires help from friends and family, as well as paid vendors and service providers. Here’s a secret that every Bridezilla doesn’t know: if you’re nice to people, they will help you more – and they will still like you after the wedding is over!

4. Invest In Your Future

Your wedding lasts one day, but your marriage will hopefully last your lifetime. Somehow a disconnect occurs between the money people are spending on their wedding versus what they would be able to do with that money afterwards. For example, the total budget of some weddings can be the same as the down payment on a home! Some brides spend more money on their wedding dress than they did on the car they are currently driving.

Now more than ever, the engaged couple (and their parents, if applicable) should discuss budget before any spending begins. This mindful spending can start with the engagement ring- couples might decide to start with a less expensive ring. For example, the beautiful ring above can be purchased online for less than $400, and the matching wedding ring is even included in that price. Keep in mind, the ring can always be replaced on a future wedding anniversary. Married couples argue over money more than anything else, so debt isn’t the best wedding gift to give yourself.

Please share your advice for engaged couples below, I’d love to hear them:

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December is a month that seems to be destined  for wonderful memories. Whether you gather around a Christmas tree, a nativity scene, a Menorah, or a Kinara – you’re hopefully spending time with family while you enjoy good times and good food. It is this focus on family that makes a December engagement so wonderful (as long as she says yes!).

The trees are decorated with lights, houses are filled with friends, family, and food – and everyone who’s not a Scrooge or Grinch is in a good mood… the perfect setting to start a new branch on the family tree.

Here are some ideas inspired by the holidays:

Ice, Ice Baby

The old song says ‘baby, it’s cold outside’ but the excitement of a new life together requires a different kind of ‘ice’ to warm your true love’s heart. Perhaps a diamond solitaire engagement ring.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Don’t forget to present the ring appropriately – as a Christmas present, of course! Put the ring box inside a small gift box and hang it from the tree as an ornament or slip the ring over the hanger and let it rest at the top of an ornament and then watch her face when she spots it.

Deck the Halls

Decorate your sweetheart’s finger with this festive looking ring, an 18K yellow gold engagement ring with ruby side stones. The yellow gold evokes old fashioned celebrations, combined with traditional Christmas red.

Let it Snow!

If you really want to catch her off guard, give her this beautiful necklace for Christmas and then surprise her with a ring on New Years Eve! The perfect setting for this gift would be a romantic trip to a cabin: complete with a sleigh ride and snow ball fight followed by a roaring fire, warm fuzzy sweaters, dark chocolate, and this perfect snow ball to take home:

Looking for more ideas?

Check out previous big fat articles about engagements at Christmas, including some great ideas for wedding proposals.

Not ready to propose?

Just remember, the holidays are still critical if you want staying power. Try to make a good impression on his or her family and remember to make some good memories, which will pave the way for many happy holidays to come.

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WaterFALL in love

You can rent a waterfall to add some ambience to your reception, or you can go wild and rent a rock climbing wall with a waterfall obstacle from a company like the funones.com, based out of Chicago.

This more subdued version of a waterfall for your wedding could include your initials or the first names of the bride and groom (available at gigis-party-rentals.com, Florida).

Waterfall with logo or initials

Tropic Thunder

When it comes to wedding planning, you always have a choice: you can go for the understated or you can go ‘big.’ In this case, you can rent ferns or you can rent a giant palm tree (or several giant palm trees!). Plantman.com provides “extravagant jungle tropics rental to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Areas” for as low as $750. Imagine a nine foot waterfall, a pebble bottom lagoon, fern-filled jungle grottos, a 16′ palm tree, and lush moss-covered rocks with ivy”.

For Beach, er, or For Worse

If the sun and surf are your definition of wild times, consider bringing the beach inside for your reception.

Or, if you anticipate that your  wedding reception will be a walk on the wild side, rent a surf machine and your guests can ride the waves without even getting wet! (Deluxe Big Wave Surf Machine from bigfunuk.info.)

Elegant Ring or Wild Bling

Both extremes may appeal to you – the subdued elegant wedding or the crazy, fun wedding- but what is the best fit for you as a couple? This is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life and it should symbolize everything about you as a couple. Are you more likely to go out for a fancy meal on a date, or are you more likely to go bungee jumping? What are you interests? One great way to establish the tone for your wedding: look at the engagement ring. The groom-to-be (hopefully) put a lot of thought into the ring when he picked it out – and (also hopefully) the bride loves it.

If the engagement ring is an impressive, but simply-designed and elegant solitaire – an elegant and tasteful wedding is best for you.

If the ring is bold and beautiful like this yellow gold engagement ring with a flower and petal design along the top and sides, then you probably have already arranged for live tropical birds and a waterfall for your reception!

For more ideas for wild weddings, check out this series:

Wet and Wild

Welcome to the Jungle

Wild Flowers

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Attention: Brides to Be – Boxing Day is just a few days away!

Many stores now hold Boxing Day sales for a week. Online stores also have sales. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on all of the things you will need for your wedding. Get a jump start on your wedding planning and save money.

Tips for Wedding Shopping on Boxing Day

Prepared to Shop?

Taking advantage of Boxing Day to ease your wedding budget makes sense as long as you already have a clear idea of what your wedding will be like. It doesn’t matter how far off your wedding is, you can start shopping if your wedding party has been selected and you know the size of your guest list.

It is also a fantastic time to shop for wedding rings – you can buy some beautiful wedding bands and engagement rings for reasonable prices at this time of  year. While you’re out there shopping, don’t forget to watch for gifts for your wedding party as well!

Wedding Colors

The more flexible you are, the more you save. If you are willing to select your colors based on what is available at a low price, you will save more money. If your wedding colors are popular then there will be more choices available to you, at lower prices.

Wedding Theme

Select your wedding theme from the wedding supplies available and you will save money.

Ideas – What Brides to Be Should Buy on Boxing Day

Wedding Time Capsule

A wedding time capsule is a great way to collect memories of your special day and then revisit them on an anniversary. You can order this time capsule at giftsnideas.com. Couponcodes4u says they are offering 15% all orders after Christmas (sale ends December 30).

Wedding Dress

Many bridal shops have Christmas and Boxing Day sales – this is the perfect time to get your dress! For example, if you buy your dress from bridalsbay.com during their boxing day sale, you can get dresses up to 75% off their list price. Check local stores in your city for big sales, too.

bridalsbay.com

Wedding Stationery

Everything at Mujka.ca is 50% off for Boxing Day – a site that sells templates you can buy to create your own wedding stationery (the invitation, rsvp card, thanks you card, reception card). A very reasonably-priced way to jump start your DIY wedding project!

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Christmas can be very romantic: perhaps it’s all of the twinkling lights, the music, the good food, the cozy fireplaces… it all adds up to a perfect setting for a wedding proposal! Here are some ideas…

The Brightest Light On The Tree

Preparation: Hang the ring with a round ornament (string it through the hanger so that it rests on top of the ornament).

Proposal: Admire the tree together and ask her which ornament is her favorite. When it’s your turn, point out the one with the ring on it and wait for her to notice… when she does: drop to one knee!

Decoration Declarations

Ornament Sneak Attack

Preparation: If you already live together, sneak a “just married” ornament into your collection.

Proposal: Decorate the tree together and let her pick the new ornament up and wonder, “how did this get in here?” Don’t let her put it on the tree until she’s put your ring on her finger!

Just DIY Do It

Preparation: Paint ‘Will You Marry Me?’ on a glass ornament.

Proposal: Decorate a tree together and make sure she hangs this one up. Even better: get a group involved and make sure everyone else knows to let her pick up the proposal ornament!

I found this ‘will you marry me’ ornament for sale online if you’re not crafty…

Love Is Like a Box of Chocolates

Preparation: Remove one chocolate from a fancy box of chocolates and replace with the engagement ring instead. Set the stage: wrap the box and add a big bow (some candy stores offer this service) – make sure you send the message that this is not just any ordinary box of chocolates!

Proposal: Watch closely, she’ll see the ring and then look up at you – be ready to drop to one knee and ask her to be your wife!

Stocking Stuffer

Of course, if you spend Christmas morning together you can put the ring at the bottom of her stocking. Or, even better – put a pair of diamond earrings at the bottom of the stocking! While she’s still freaking out over the earrings, get on your knee, whip out the ring, and say “I was hoping they would go with this!” An engagement ring shouldn’t count as her Christmas present, after all – so the diamonds are a nice touch!

For more big fat advice, please read “Proposal Tips for Men and Christmas Proposals” and Christmas Gift Ideas for Newlyweds. Or, join us next week for a selection of Christmas ornaments to celebrate your engagement!

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This article features ideas for Autumn or Fall Weddings. To see ideas for other seasons, see ‘Spring Wedding Ideas‘ (Feb 2009) or  ‘Wet and Wild’ (beach themed weddings, May 2009),and look for a Winter Wedding feature in December.

Awesome Autumn

Fall weddings can be so romantic. Autumn colors are rich and vibrant. And, for longtime students such as myself – September always marks a time for new beginnings, much like the New Year does for others – so a September or October wedding can be symbolic as well.

Warm Wishes

The warm colors associated with Autumn can inspire the entire event. Candle light and textured fabric can inspire a cozy atmosphere. Branches or ‘heavy’ bouquets add to the setting.

LED The Light In

Use LED ‘candles’ to reduce heat, fire hazards, and the need to light/maintain flames throughout the evening. The 4″ Pillar style below flickers realistically and lasts up to 200 hours (batteries included in price).

hassle-free LED from yummicandles.com

Make or buy Fall tone wreaths to go around each candle for table centerpieces. You can buy the supplies you need from Michael’s: you’ll need a grapevine wreath, floral wire, and a glue gun. Attach decorations that match your wedding colors and the season: berries, leaves, flowers, apples…

michaels.com

Be-Leaf It!

Leaf designs are complex, elegant, and visually pleasing – perfect for wedding invitations and decorations.

Save the Date

Designer Meg Moynahan has created a stunning collection called “New England Fall Wedding” which includes an invitation, save the date, and website. I enjoyed her other invitations as well (the polka dot collection was my favorite).

megmoynahan.com

Attire

Incorporate leaf motifs into the wedding clothes or jewelry. The ring pictured below has a leaf design along the top and sides.

danforthdiamond.com

This 18K white gold wedding band has a hand-engraved leaf pattern.

danforthdiamond.com

Favors

You can order the bags and leaf ribbon from sophiesfavors.com. Their website also suggests you can use this ribbon to decorate bottles, invitations, hang tags, and tins. I also imagine it could be used to decorate the reception chairs, tables, or candles.

sophiesfavors.com

Fill them with traditional Jordan wedding almonds or any candy of your choice. You can order Jordan almonds in an Ivory Tusk (light beige) color or a seasonal color mix for Autumn.

jordanalmonds.com

I also like the white Amorini hearts offered by the same company – these are traditional Italian wedding favors and translate to ‘little loves’.

jordanalmonds.com

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