Let’s all stop what we’re doing for a minute and give a standing ovation to all the ladies through the ages who have endured corkscrew curls, weird headpieces, bright red lipstick (“for the pictures, sweetie-it’ll look so nice”),  sweaty groomsmen, and standing in the rain- snow-chapel-blazing sun for their best friends, sorority sisters and close family members – bridesmaids!  Hip hip hooray!  Where would a bride be without them?

Thank you.  You may be seated now for the bride’s tip of the day:

On “mani-pedi” day, or maybe on “lunch by the pool” day, have your caterer pack a delish picnic lunch in our thermal lunch totes – each personally embroidered with their name! 

Is this not a great idea or what?  For an extra, thoughtful surprise, slip in a little monogrammed purse valet, a handy manicure set, or what about a wicked-cute personalized coozie? 

Happy Planning!

Oh it’s SO exquisite and one of these days we’ll get there.  Promise!  The Taj Mahal is a symbol of enduring love.  Begun in 1633 as a memorial to a queen who died in childbirth, the world has never seen another building with so much powerful emotion expressed within its walls.

The finely detailed art of the far east inspired our “Imperial” wedding favor collection.  Just recently we added the “Lucky Elephant” bookmark, with a silken tassel “tail” dangling flirtatiously from the cleverly designed gift box.  We thought you might enjoy musing for a moment about how you can mix and match, and add a little far-eastern inspiration to your wedding favors.

With good wishes for your wedding day-to-come!

See Kate Aspen’s Imperial Wedding Favor collection at KateAspen.com.

Oh you SO don’t have to settle for the same old wedding favors – no way!  If you’re aiming for a casual, fun, even whimsical touch to your wedding celebration, we’re ready for you!

Hey!  What about a “Go Fish” booth at your reception?  Mix and match your wedding favors, then have each guest “go fish” on their way out the door!  Kinda fun, don’t you think?

Get more ideas for whimsical wedding favors at KateAspen.com!

You see it everywhere, whether it registers in your mind or not.  In luminous stained-glass windows, above the top rail of exquisite iron fences, the fleur-de-lis symbol graces architecture, textile and design.

We’re fascinated with the multi-cultural symbolism of this flower-inspired emblem.  Though it’s origin isn’t known, the fleur de lis (or fleur de lys – your choice), seems to have been around since early civilization, first appearing as a decoration in ancient Mesopotamia (kind of rings a bell from high school history class-doesn’t it?)

The literal French translation is “flower of the lily,” and it is probably an abstract version of an iris. The iris, in “flower-speak”, symbolises faith, wisdom, and promise in love.

The fleur de lis embellished the sheilds, by the way, of knights as they rode into battle to protect their castles and their damsels - how romantic!

It’s never been officially adopted by any of the French republics, but the fleur de lis remains a symbol of France, even appearing on French postage stamps.  Florence, Italy and Schlieren, Switzerland consider it a symbol of their cities, too, and it appears on the King of Spain’s coat of arms. Even modern-day Quebec and New Orleans consider it the hallmark of their charming cities!

From ancient Mesopotamia to today, the fleur de lis stands as a symbol of love, virtue, loyalty and honor.  How perfect for your wedding!

Happy Planning Ladies!