Holy Hot Monday Blog-fans! If you were doubting the arrival of summer, go outside today. I stepped out for a few minutes and the heat actually took my breath away! If you or a loved one works outside for a living, please be careful in heat like this!
I wanted to talk today about what to do with your guests when they arrive in town for your big day. Wilmington and it's surrounding areas have so much to offer, so it's no surprise that folks may want to stay for a long weekend and have a mini-vaca while attending your wedding. However, don't be shocked if they turn to you for ideas about what to do. I have found it's a nice gesture to include a list of places you and your hunny find special in welcome bags for guests. To go the extra mile, order beach bags or sand pails instead of traditional bags for your guests. They will appreciate the beachy touch!
Some places for your guests to check out in the area:
The Battleship North Carolina - This is a classic tourist spot on the riverfront. Even if you aren't that into history, you will still find this landmark super cool! It's very interesting to see how soldiers lived while fighting for our country, and it will make you appreciate your cozy bed!
The Wilmington Children's Museum - Located in downtown Wilmington, this is a great spot to take kiddos, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. For a day of fun, it's not very expensive. I guarantee the parents will have just as much fun firing the cannon on the pirate ship!
Beaches - Tell your guests about your favorite beach spots. Remember places like the North End of Carolina Beach where 4 wheel drive vehicles can have have their own private spot to play, eat, and even take the family dog! This location is ideal for families with small children because you can avoid looking for a parking spot and lugging chairs and toys to the sand. Just put it in park and open the trunk!
Restaurants
People love to try local spots when visiting. Provide guests with a list of special spots - maybe the restaurant where you had your first date, the place you ate at the night he proposed, etc. Don't forget about cool local spots such as:
- Britts Donuts in Carolina Beach
- Tower 7 and K38
- South Beach Grill (the fried pickles are Hannah's favorite!)
- The Little Dipper Fondue
- Trolley Stop Hot Dogs
- Any of the Port City Java locations
Shopping
What's a vacation without a little retail therapy? Here are some of my favorite spots for unique finds and great deals on local treasure!
- Blue Moon Gallery on Racine Drive
- Lumina Station
- The Forum
- Mayfaire Towne Center
- The Ivy Cottage
Entertainment
Wilmington has great nightlife that ranges from clubs, to upscale lounges, to flip-flop and tank-top beach bars. My top picks...
- Grand Union Pub at The Forum
- The Dirty Martini in Lumina Station
- Pravda in Downtown Wilmington
- The Reel Cafe in Downtown Wilmington
By providing your guests with these options, you can ensure that your wedding weekend will not only be a spectacular celebration of your marriage, but it will also be a memorable vacation. Your guests will love getting to know the area you call "home."
If you have any other suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments section!
Stay cool out there!
Hannah
Monday, June 14, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tip of The Week - Anniversaries
Hello Everyone!
It has been a week or so since I last blogged. Jessica and I have been busy getting ready for many upcoming summer weddings! I wanted to use this weeks blog entry to talk about anniversary gifts!
Today, June 8 , 2010 my amazing parents, Ron and Beth Manson, are celebrating 36 years of marriage! Congratulations to them! Many of our friends and followers of this blog have had the opportunity to meet my parents, and many of our brides know them as well. They are often behind the scenes on wedding days helping set tables or construct an outdoor aisle. Nevertheless, if you have been blessed to know them, you know how lucky I am to have them as parents. So, Mom and Dad, today's entry is dedicated to you and the wonderful love you have for one another and the love you have shown me. Thank you for teaching Brittany and me what it means to love unconditionally. If we could all be so lucky to expereince what you have!
Now, onto what to give your significant other on the day you celebrate your commitment to your marriage.
1st Anniversary
Clock - www.ballarddesigns.com
5th Anniversary
Pottery Barn Wooden Candlesticks - www.potterybarn.com
Again, the modern twist on this anniversary is silver. Maybe wives over the years had enough of carved hearts from the pine trees of their backyard! While many couples register for everyday flatware when they get married, sometimes the fine silver is left off the list due to practicality. This is a great opportunity to get a set of nice silverware for your dining room table for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
For the modern couple, go for leather. There are endless possibilities for how you can exchange a gift of leather. Whether it's a leather jacket for the couple who enjoys biking, or a pair of Jimmy Choo leather boots!
25th Anniversary
Remember that A Shindig plans anniversary parties too! If you are throwing an anniversary bash for yourself or your parents, contact us to help with all the detials so you can enjoy the celebration!
Cheers!
It has been a week or so since I last blogged. Jessica and I have been busy getting ready for many upcoming summer weddings! I wanted to use this weeks blog entry to talk about anniversary gifts!
Today, June 8 , 2010 my amazing parents, Ron and Beth Manson, are celebrating 36 years of marriage! Congratulations to them! Many of our friends and followers of this blog have had the opportunity to meet my parents, and many of our brides know them as well. They are often behind the scenes on wedding days helping set tables or construct an outdoor aisle. Nevertheless, if you have been blessed to know them, you know how lucky I am to have them as parents. So, Mom and Dad, today's entry is dedicated to you and the wonderful love you have for one another and the love you have shown me. Thank you for teaching Brittany and me what it means to love unconditionally. If we could all be so lucky to expereince what you have!
Now, onto what to give your significant other on the day you celebrate your commitment to your marriage.
1st Anniversary
Traditionally, the gift on the first anniversary is paper. This can come in many forms, whether it's personalized stationary from Mindy and Angie's Fine Paper, or a piece of artwork that reminds you of a special place. Maybe a photograph of the beach where you spent your honeymoon. My brother-in-law had a drawing of their dogs made for my sister on their first anniversary, I thought that was unique!
William Arthur Stationary - Available at Mindy and Angie's Fine Paper
For the more modern couple, you can go with a clock. This is a great way to add an accessory to your home while reminding you of the fact that while time will inevitably pass, your love for one another will not.
For the more modern couple, you can go with a clock. This is a great way to add an accessory to your home while reminding you of the fact that while time will inevitably pass, your love for one another will not.
Clock - www.ballarddesigns.com5th Anniversary
When celebrating this milestone, the traditional gift is wood. I am picturing that years ago a husband would go chop down a tree and carve a gift for his lady. Good luck getting your guy to go do this! There are, however, some interesting and unique wood-themed gifts to choose from. If you can't find anything, rent a cabin in the woods for the weekend!
Pottery Barn Wooden Candlesticks - www.potterybarn.comAgain, the modern twist on this anniversary is silver. Maybe wives over the years had enough of carved hearts from the pine trees of their backyard! While many couples register for everyday flatware when they get married, sometimes the fine silver is left off the list due to practicality. This is a great opportunity to get a set of nice silverware for your dining room table for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
The traditional 10th anniversary gift is pottery. This can come in the form of a special pot, plate or a gift card to Pottery Barn! Remember that what makes a gift special is when you put your own spin on it!
For the modern couple, go for leather. There are endless possibilities for how you can exchange a gift of leather. Whether it's a leather jacket for the couple who enjoys biking, or a pair of Jimmy Choo leather boots!
25th Anniversary
There is only one gift to give on the 25th anniversary - silver. Unlike the modern twist of the 5th anniversary, however, this should be jewelry. For the ladies this can mean earrings, a necklace, a broach, bracelet, or watch. For the fellas, this usually means a watch. If you are attending a 25th anniversary party, a piece of silver for the home is an appropriate gift.
This is a monumental milestone, and can only be celebrated with gold. Similar to the 25th anniversary, this is usually in the form of jewelry. An upgraded wedding band, a beautiful necklace that can be passed down to children or grandchildren, or a nice watch. Whatever gift is given on this anniversary should be given much thought as the couple has weathered many years together and should be honored for their commitment and love for one another.
That sums it up! Congratulations again to my parents on celebrating 36 years, 2 amazing girls (if I might say so myself!), 3 crazy cats, and quite possibly the world's most adoreable and smart grandson ever! Love you Mom and Dad!
Remember that A Shindig plans anniversary parties too! If you are throwing an anniversary bash for yourself or your parents, contact us to help with all the detials so you can enjoy the celebration!
Cheers!
Hannah
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