Birth Month Flowers

Flowers have been given as gifts since time immemorial. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire, and so the origins of birth month flowers can be said to date back to these times, as gifts and altar decorations would have included flowers.

Some traditional meanings and associations of some birth month flowers are as follows.

January: A flower associated with January is the Carnation. It is said to symbolize love, fascination and distinction. Carnation - also called Gillyflower - represents love, pride, beauty, purity, distinction, fascination, loyalty.

February: A flower for February is the Violet. The flower symbolizes faithfulness, humility and chastity. Gifting violets in the Victorian era conveyed the message, "I’ll always be true." The violet represents faithfulness, wisdom and hope.

March: A flower associated with March is the Daffodil also known as Jonquil or Narcissus. A gift of Daffodils conveys the meaning of friendship and happiness. The flower represents rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love.

April: A flower associated with April is the Sweet Pea flower. It is said to symbolize pleasure or farewells. In the Victorian era, these flowers formed a part of the bouquet that was sent to someone to convey gratefulness. The Sweet Pea also represents modesty and simplicity.

May: The month of May is associated with the Lily of the Valley. This flower conveys sweetness and humility. In the Victorian era, it was gifted to convey the romantic message, "You have made my life complete." Lily of the Valley represents humility, chastity and sweetness.

June: Rose is a flower of the month of June. The underlying message these flowers is that of love and passion. Roses represent love and appreciation, and have other meanings depending on the color.

July: A flower associated with July is Larkspur. Larkspur - also called Delphinium - speaks to us of feelings of open hearts. The symbolism of ardent attachment is attributed to this flower.

August: The flower for August is the Gladiolus. This flower stands for sincerity. It symbolizes strength of character. levity and lightness.

September: A flower for September is the Aster. The flower symbolizes love, faith and wisdom. It speaks to us of patience, daintiness and remembrance.

October: Marigold - also called Calendula by some - is a flower associated with October. Marigold is considered to be an auspicious flower, and is used as part of some religious ceremonies. Marigold speaks to us of grace and healing.

November: Chrysanthemum is a flower for November. It stands for cheerfulness and love. Chrysanthemums represent happiness and laughter in the home, compassion, friendship and secret love.

December: Narcissus is a flower associated with December. It symbolizes respect, modesty and faithfulness. It represents the sweetness of whoever receives it, as well as self-esteem.

Wedding Gifts from the Groom's Parents

When a son is getting married, parents of the groom often want to get their child and his new wife a special gift. Although there are guidelines on what the parents of the groom are supposed to pay for during a wedding, there are no real rules of etiquette regarding gifts they should get the new couple. Most couples have a wedding registry filled with items they prefer as gifts, but most parents choose to get their child something more special. Whether the groom's parents have a small or large budget, there are several gift ideas parents of the groom can utilize when looking for the perfect wedding gift.

Wedding Gift Ideas

Parents of the groom who want to give a special wedding gift to their son and his bride should give the gift to the couple together either at the rehearsal dinner, the morning of the ceremony on in the few days leading up the ceremony.

Money

Although money seems like an impersonal gift, it is an appropriate from the groom's parents, and one that can be very helpful for the new couple. Once the groom's parents have decided upon an amount they are comfortable with, the gift can be given just as money for the couple to use to get on their feet, or for a more specific purpose. For example, the parents may give money with the intention of the couple paying for the honeymoon, or using it as a down payment for a new home.

Heirloom

A family heirloom is another gift that is an appropriate way to celebrate the start of a new union. Items that have been passed down from generation to generation within the family can be given to the couple. An item, such as a piece of jewelry owned by someone in the groom's family can also be given to the bride to welcome her to her new family. New heirlooms can also be given for the couple to cherish such as a bottle of fine wine or liquor that comes with instructions to open on a specific anniversary down the road.

Accommodations

Paying for special accommodations for the bride and groom can be a special wedding present to make the bride and groom's special day even more memorable. Parents of the groom can arrange for special accommodations for the bride and groom to get ready on the day of the ceremony, or the day after the ceremony if the couple is not leaving for a honeymoon right away. Also, parents can get their son and his wife a special hotel room in which to spend their first night together as husband and wife. The accommodations given as a gift should be special and more than just a standard hotel room. If the couple already has accommodations, a gift of surprising them with an upgraded suite or room can be given as well.

Shower Gift Ideas

Wedding shower gifts are often given at the bridal shower, where the son is not in attendance. Even though the son may not be at the actual shower, the gift should still be for both the bride and the groom to enjoy together.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates may not seem like personal wedding shower gifts, but giving gift certificates to help the couple pay for something in lieu of handing them cash is a more appropriate gesture for a shower. Certificates for the groom to get his hair cut and the bride to get her hair done on the morning of the wedding make thoughtful gestures and make for one less thing the new couple has to pay for themselves. Gift certificates for the couple use on the honeymoon are both thoughtful and useful. Many times, the bride and groom are responsible for paying for all of the meals and activities on their honeymoon, which can get costly. Items for area restaurants or spas that the couple can use together make great gifts.

Items for the Wedding

A wedding shower is a great time for parents of the groom to give the couple a special gift that can be used during their ceremony or reception and then kept as a keepsake. Prior to purchasing a gift, the groom's parents should check with the bride's parents to make sure they haven't already purchased the same gift for the couple. Most wedding keepsakes can be personalized with the bride and grooms name and the date of the wedding. Some wedding keepsake ideas are:

• Guest books
• Unity candles
• Cake knife and server
• Champagne flutes for toasting

Gift Giving Etiquette

Some parents choose to simply fulfill their traditional responsibilities for the wedding and forgo giving an additional gift. According to most rules of etiquette, the parents of the groom are responsible for paying for the rehearsal dinner and boutonnieres and corsages for immediate family members. The grooms parents may also pay for the honeymoon, the groom's cake and the alcohol at the reception. However, many parents of the groom also volunteer to help with other expenses as a gift.

Letters

Parents who volunteer to pay for all of these items may choose to be more budget-conscious about another gift, so it is acceptable to give the bride and groom a special letter and a small token of good luck on the day of the wedding. According to common rules of etiquette, it is a polite gesture to write a letter to the bride and to her parents on the day of the wedding. The letter should welcome the bride and her family to the groom's family.

The Perfect Wedding Gifts

No matter what type of gift parents of the groom decide to give their son and his new bride, gifts should always focus around the new couple and their love for one another. While choosing a gift keep the couple's personalities in mind to make sure their gift is truly a perfect sentiment for their special day.

Styling the Groom

Five Irresistible Tips for Styling Your Groom

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Take it from a photographer ladies – when it comes to your wedding day, your grooms need to look gooooooood. After all, they’re 50% of the subject matter in a bride and groom photo, and you want your future kiddos to see the man you married as the sweet, wonderful, and stylish man that he is. I’ve seen it happen all too often – in the flurry of designing a vintage estate destination wedding, your main man ends up in a rented black tux that doesn’t fit with the look of the wedding or the look of his fabulous bride.

So ladies, this post is for you AND your man. Grooms listen up, ‘cuz our grooms are the kind of guys with a whole lot of style and impeccable taste, so take a note from these awesome men with five tips that will make the biggest impact on your wedding day look. I make one promise to you – by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll look so handsome that your bride won’t be able to take her eyes – or her hands – off of you.

1. Fit the Style of the Wedding

When it comes to picking your groom look, don’t just go with a basic rented tux and coloured vest that matches the bridesmaids – can you say blah? Pick an outfit that helps you feel your best. This is your wedding day, folks, not your prom, so find a suit or tux that will fit pair with decor and formality of the wedding as well as your personality. Are you getting married in a meadow under an oak tree? Go with a light gray suit with a fitted jacket and a pop of colour in a patterned bow tie. Is it going to be an elegant west coast wedding at a seaside resort? Think about navy suits with solid ties instead of formal black tuxes (you’ll fit the elegance of the wedding without going too formal).

We loved Ipp’s look for their backyard 1920’s Pasadena Estate Wedding – a three-piece suit with a patterned bow-tie matched with a brown belt and shoes. The bow-tie matched the wedding colours, and the rest matched his personality. Perfect.

Alex’s traditional southern morning suit was perfectly classic for their morning church ceremony and tea reception in Asheville, North Carolina.

Of course, if your wedding has a black tie dress code, then you’ll need to fit the bill with a formal tux, but even formal can vary in style and taste. Kent’s smashing tailored tux fit marvelously with their black tie New Year’s Eve wedding at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and didn’t feel stuffy or formal at all. Cesar went with white tie attire for their upscale wedding at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Nothing short of these trim outfits would work for such glamorous occasions.

2. Buy. Don’t rent.

Before you make another move, please hold up your left hand, place your right hand over your heart, and say out loud!!!.

“I will not rent my wedding day attire.”

Rentals are meant to fit every shape and size, so even though the wonderful folks over at the rental shop wrap you in measuring tape and give you a suit ‘perfect for your size’, I can’t tell you how many baggy tuxes with crazy long shirt sleeves we’ve had to photograph. There is nothing personalized about a rental no matter what they tell you. We see the finished product every weekend, so please trust me when I say that no guy looks good in a rented outfit. Plus, I’ve heard way too many horror stories of rental shops forgetting to include shoes, shirts, pants, or the right sizes altogether.

Think about it this way: the wedding is the perfect opportunity to buy a super nice tailored suit or tux that will last for a lifetime. Every guy needs a nice suit in his wardrobe for job interviews, black tie events, career opportunities, and upscale dinners, so why not invest in one for the wedding? You’ll thank us later when your bride gets invited to that swanky black tie fundraiser event at her favourite boutique hotel and you don’t have to worry ‘cuz you already have the perfect outfit…

3. Get Your Suit Tailored

Since you won’t be renting, make sure to get your suit, tux, or whatever you wear tailored to fit you perfectly. Some guys like to lose weight before the wedding, so get it tailored a month or two before the wedding when you’ve reached your ideal size. Ill-fitting clothes automatically add ten to fifteen pounds in photos, so avoid the in-camera weight gain and make sure your suit or tux fits your body perfectly.

4. Add Personal Details

Once you’ve chosen your suit, add some personal touches that are meaningful and reflective of you.

For example, we’ve had groom’s wear Vans…

Striped socks…

Their favorite watches…

Meaningful cufflinks…

And everything in between to add personality to their looks. Do what fits your personal taste, but add a little somethin’ somethin’ to round out your wedding day style.

5. The Groomsmen

We think it’s only natural to put a lot of effort into the look of the bridesmaids – there’s so many options, colours, fabrics, and styles with the girls that it’s just plain FUN. But Jeff and I have had our fair share of rockin’ bridesmaids matched with severely blah groomsmen, so don’t forget the boys on your inspiration board.  The look of the groomsmen has a big impact on the entire look of the wedding, so help the guys look and feel stylin’ by thinking buying instead of rental.

Whatever you decide with your look and with the style of the groomsmen, just make sure that it’s something that fits YOU. Don’t rent black tuxes just because you feel like you should. It’s YOUR wedding and you should be the best version of you on that day. So consider this official permission to make your wedding day look all about your personal style!

Etiquette of Asking

21 Poems For Money Trees & Wishing Wells

With so many couples marrying later, living together before saying I do, or simply accumulating household goods along the way, it's little wonder more people are opting for 'wishing wells', 'money trees' or some variation on the theme in place of a traditional bridal registry.

PinterestWedding List Co

After all, there really is no need to stock up on fine china if you won't use it, and who doesn't already have a toaster? However, asking for money isn't easy, no matter how you approach it, so we've prepared a few cleverly crafted wording and poem ideas for your wishing well or money tree - without causing offence.

Etiquette of Asking

Only place gift registry cards or 'money' poems in wedding invitations of guests who won't be offended to receive the card.  If in doubt, leave out, your family and bridal party members can discreetly spread the word.

A diplomatic idea would be to set up a wedding gift registry as well,  so that guests who would rather give you someething other than cash, can do so.  

Witty ways to word your wishing well or money tree from our members:

1. Just Give Cash...

So what do you get
For the Bride and Groom
Whose house needs things
In every room?

When shopping for a present
Please, don’t be rash
As the option is there
To just give cash!

We hope that you don’t find
Our request to be funny
But the decision is yours
To buy a present, or give money

Now you have the choice
Please do not fuss
The most important thing of all
Is that you come celebrate with us!
Submitted by Cindy Fuller

2. What Do You Get The Bride & Groom...

They have their dishes and towels for two,
They have pots and pans and oven mitts too.
So what do you get for the bride & groom
whose house is setup in every room?

Their house needs repairs and some upgrades too,
But you can not register for carpet and glue.
A tree that grows wishes is the way to go,
so lets make it easy for all that know.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room,
To give a monetary wish to the bride and groom.
A money tree will be on display at the reception hall
to attach your wishes, for the couple, with love from all.
Submitted by Belinda Blackburn

3. Quite Complete...

Our home is quite complete now,
we've been together long.
So please consider our request,
and do not take us wrong.

A delicate request it is,
we hope you understand.
Please play along, as it will give
our married life a hand.

The tradition of the wishing well,
is one that's known by all.
Go to the well, toss in a coin
and as the coin does fall.

Make a wish upon that coin,
and careful as you do.
Cause as the well's tradition goes,
your wishes will come true.

So on this special day or ours,
the day that we'll be wed.
Don't hunt for special gifts
but give money is it's stead.

And as you drop the envelope,
with money great and small,
Remember, make your wish
as you watch your money fall.
Submitted by Lisa & Daryl Stack

4. Travelling Once More...

Whilst in a foreign land,
(Brides Name) had many adventures grand,
None of which could ever compare,
To the wonderful love
That she and (Grooms Name) share.

The couple will marry
whilst travelling once more,
And her family shall come
to foreign shore.(Bride) and (Groom)
have considered the options,
as guests bearing gifts,
will come to considerable exertions.
And the airline restrictions
will also apply,
to the bride and the groom
when home they must fly.

In the place of a gift
With traditional style,
A paper gift would
bring many a smile.

A gift of paper has many a meaning,
it may be cash,
or a voucher for their favourite store,
the promise of a special favour,
Whenst the couple return
to settle into their lives
as husband and wife.

Many thanks for your consideration,
in receiving this request,
as surely you will realise
It's definitely for the best.
Submitted by JuicyBear

5. Join Us...

We hope that you will join us,
on this our special day,
To celebrate our union
in a very special way.

To make it easy for you
and avoid a shopping spree
We thought that we would have instead,
a little money tree.

Because we've been together,
for a while now,
We collected all our household things
before we took our vows.

An envelope has been included
for you to bless our tree,
No name is required for each gift,
as anonymity is the key!

So please don't be offended
at our new type of request,
Just telling everyone our wish,
has really put us to the test!
Submitted by Jo-Anne

6. Minimum Fuss...

This is written on a daisy shaped paper pocket:

If you are having trouble finding just the gift for us,
This may prove a solution with a minimum of fuss.
Just pop your gift inside the flower and pin it to our tree,
And make a wish for happiness forever ours to be.
Submitted by Michelle

7. Deposit On Our Giving Tree...

We made a commitment some time ago
that together through life we were destined to go.

We purchased our furniture, linen and bedding,
in the fulfilling years leading up to our wedding.

What else we might need is not easy to foresee,
but what might help us in the future is a deposit on our Giving Tree.
Submitted by Amy

8. Save You Looking...

To save you looking,
shopping and buying,
Here is an idea
we hope you'll like trying!

Come to our wedding
to wish us both well,
And make some use
of our little wishing well.

Just put some money into a card,
Now make a wish....
See, that wasn't hard!

Now that we have saved you all of the fuss,
We hope that you will come
And celebrate with us!
Submitted by Lisa

9. Possessions Are Plentiful...

(Bride) & (Groom)'s worldly possessions are plentiful as such,
on their wedding present list there isn't really much.

Their home is quite complete, as they've been together so long
So please consider our request , but do not take it wrong.

On this special day, the day they'll be wed
There's a register for gifts , or give money instead.

A gilded cage will be on display at the reception hall
To deposit your wishes for the couple with love from all.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room
To bestow a gift upon the bride & groom.

This delicate request, we hope you understand
Please ponder over this, to give their married life a hand.
Anonymous

10. We'd Prefer A Donation...

Because at first we lived in sin
We've got the sheets and a rubbish bin!
A gift from you would be swell
But we'd prefer a donation
to our Wishing Well!
Submitted by Janine

11.Money Chest...

This little rhyme may be sublime
For some of our wedding guests
And what we ask is a difficult task
But we're having two money chests.
Submitted by Emily

12. What To Get...

So what do you get for the bride & groom,
Whose house needs some things in every room?

Some things are large, some things are small,
Some things they just don't really need at all!

For those things small this happy two,
Have supplied a gift registry for you.

For those things large a wish tree's the way,
To say congratulations on the big day.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room,
To give a monetary wish to the bride and groom.

A wish tree will be on display at the reception hall,
To attach your wishes, for the couple, with love from all.
Submitted by Bella

13. Contribute Towards The Bigger Things...

As we are already established, we would appreciate a monetary gift.
It will contribute towards the bigger things we need.
Should you prefer this option a money tree will be provided at the reception.
Submitted by Gracie

14.Filled With Your Love...

Now we are to be Mr & Mrs
We don't need a wedding list of dishes
We have two kettles, two toasters, a microwave
We require a house for which we have to save.
If you would like to give us a monetary gift this would give us a lift
We like to think of it as our "Wishing Well"
Which will be filled with your love, we can tell.
Submitted by Shelley

15. We've Already Bought...

In our house we have the things
that living together normally brings
most household items we've already bought
and because of this reason we thought
A wishing well would be great
(only if guests wish to participate)
A gift of money is placed in an envelope
so in the future we hope
to furnish our home to its very best
and always remember it was due to our guests.
Submitted by Shelley

16. Wishing Well Will Await...

A wishing-well will await
to help build loving nest...
If instead a gift would buy,
ask our Mums - they know best
- and details that can end your quest!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

17. Doesn't Grow On Trees...

Money doesn't grow on trees...
We're sure you get the drift.
It will, however, pave our way
'blooming' as our gift!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

18. Thank You Now...

For adding to our Money Tree,
we'd like to thank you now -
also just for being here
to share our mutual vow...
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

19. Money Is Attractive...

Love the joy of choosing gifts?
Wrap the chosen captive?
If thoughts elude in this regard
... money is attractive!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

20. Wish Us Well...

Our household thoughts are not brand new,
We have twice the things we need for two
Since we have our share of appliances and beddingWe're having instead a wishing well weddingBut more important we ask of you Your prayers of love and blessings too?

21. Wish Us Well...second time around

Our household things are not brand new,

We have twice what we need as it's wedding two

Since we have our share of appliances and bedding

We're having instead having a wishing well wedding

But more important we ask of you

Your prayers of love and blessings for our wedding take two.

Planning your honeymoon

Eight Months to One Year Before

• Make a budget.
  Determine how much money you can spend on the honeymoon. This will help you narrow down your choices.
• Decide whether to use a travel agent.
  Travel specialists can take the planning off your plate and do all the legwork. (Some charge very reasonable fees.) Find one at the American Society of Travel Agents’ website, travelsense.org.
• Decide where you’re going.
  No brainer, right? As soon as you get engaged, you should start thinking about where you want to honeymoon. At the beach? Europe, perhaps? Consider the time of year, and what the weather will be like.
• Buy plane tickets.
  If you are using frequent flier miles, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the flights you want if you book well in advance. Most airlines release frequent flier seats around 11 months ahead of time. Booking early will also help you get a nonstop flight. Missing a connection and spending the night in an airport hotel? Not so romantic.
• Book your hotel.
  Nail down your accommodations early, so you can focus on the more minor details. Hotels in Europe tend to be small, so good ones fill up. Have a few options before you start contacting hotels.

Six Months Before

• Do any of the above if you haven’t already.
  So you aren’t having a long engagement. Don’t worry! Get started now, and take care of your plane tickets and hotel as soon as possible.
• Schedule any transportation.
  Once you know your itinerary, buy train tickets or look into a rental car, if any of that is needed. Even if you are heading to an all-inclusive beach resort you never plan to leave, you’ll need transportation to and from the airport. Make sure it’s taken care of now. Note: Eurail, the major train network across Europe, may not have updated schedules until 60 days before your trip. Go ahead and buy your overall pass, then schedule seats closer to the date.
• Make the impossible-to-get dinner reservation.
  If you’re dying to go to a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s booked months in advance, now is the time to secure a reservation.
• Get or renew your passport.
  The turnaround for getting or renewing a passport can be as quick as a month, but it’s better to have this squared away. If your passport is current, make sure it will be for at least six months after you return home. That is a requirement for some countries.
• Apply for any visas or other documentation.
  Know what the country you’re visiting requires, and take care of it.
• Purchase travel insurance.
  It may seem unnecessary (you can estimate it will run about 5 percent of your total cost), but when you are spending a lot of money on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, having it canceled because of Hurricane Joey is much more costly than a few hundred dollars. Travel insurance plans can cover everything from illness to acts of God.
• Get vaccinations.
  If you’re going to Africa, Southeast Asia (hello, Thailand!), or other exotic destinations, you may need immunizations. And some are given in stages that take time. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, cdc.gov, for information.

Three Months Before

• Plan your activities.
  You don’t want to plan too much, and you may just want to sleep on the beach. But if you are going on a more cultural trip, go ahead and buy tickets to museums, or book a trip to a nearby architectural site. You won’t waste time waiting in lines or figuring out details once you’re there.
• Make a quick mental packing list.
  Need new luggage? Or a camera? If you determine in advance that you need expensive items, you might ask for them as wedding gifts. Or you may just realize you need to go bikini shopping.

One Month Before

• Finalize transportation.
  Reserve seats on trains if you’re going to be moving around a country. Finalize your itinerary or confirm your car rental. If you are driving in a foreign country, get an international driving permit (available at AAA offices).
• Book spa appointments or other activities.
  If you’re heading to a mega, all-inclusive resort, you may want to prebook spa treatments and special activities, like sailing trips or other excursions, that might fill up. Call and ask the resort concierge for advice.
• Fill prescriptions.
  Make sure you have full bottles of any medications you take regularly.
• Shop.
  Now’s the time to shop for clothes—not the week before the wedding. Don’t forget things like voltage converters or specific garments (like a head covering for a place of worship) you’ll need for some countries.

Two Weeks Before

• Confirm everything.
  Call the hotel and any restaurants to confirm your reservations.
• Make copies of your documents.
  Have copies of your passport, visa, credit cards, driver’s license, and any other important documents in case something is lost or stolen. Leave a set with someone at home and pack one in your suitcase.
• Write down important phone numbers.
  If you are visiting a foreign country, know the location of the closest U.S. embassy. Also, have the phone numbers of your credit card companies so you can quickly call if there are any problems.
• Get some local currency.
  You can easily get cash from an ATM in any country, but having a little bit of money on hand (about the equivalent of $200) is a good idea—even if it’s just to take a cab to the hotel without having to stop at an ATM in the airport.
• Pack.
  Don’t wait until the week before the wedding, when you’ll be extremely busy. Pack what you can ahead of time. You can throw in toiletries at the last minute.
  Related: Honeymoon Packing Checklist

One or Two Days Before

• Confirm the hotel. Again.
  It can’t hurt. Just to give you peace of mind.
• Check the weather.
  If your destination is having an unseasonably cold week, you may want to throw in another sweater.
• Pack a carry-on for the flight.
  Have essentials, like your passport, cell phone charger, and anything else you tend to forget, ready to go.