A Guest List with No Limits

Before actual planning for a wedding starts, we probably all have dreams of what it should be like – whether it’s the fairytale wedding with a gown suited for a princess, elaborate floral elements, and a location filled to maximum capacity or a simplistic, small ceremony in front of a few loved ones. Once actions are taken to sort out all the details, plans inevitably change for various reasons.

One common item that ends up changing, perhaps on multiple occasions, is a guest list. What starts out as a seemingly never-ending list is often whittled down to a fraction of the original figure. It can be very difficult to decide who to eliminate. I have a proposition to make that would eliminate the need to do that.

With modern technology, it has become easier to bring people closer together, even if only in a virtual sense. Web-based telecommunication programs, such as Skype, allow you to send live feed to people anywhere in the world, so why not set up a live broadcast for additional guests? It could either be a one-way feed that would be sent to viewers from afar, or you could make it interactive with a projection screen.

Often guests travel from states or perhaps even countries away to attend a wedding ceremony and this would minimize the carbon footprint of long-distance traveling. One could argue that you would still be using electricity to create this type of set-up, but it would certainly be less than the impact created from an extended flight, car ride, etc (and there are of course sustainable energy sources for using electronic devices).

Even if you don’t have a wedding coming up, you could use this idea for sharing a party or special celebration with loved ones. So the next time you find yourself desperately trying to figure out how to reduce your list, find relief in knowing that you don’t have to – simply work around it with advanced audio-visual technology. Oh, and one last thing – make sure you turn off all equipment when you have finished using it – you wouldn’t want the Green Police to issue a citation on your special day, now would you?

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The Train Hasn’t Left Yet

We’ve all got items in our closets that never get worn – that shirt we purchased because it was such a great deal but still has a tag on it a year later, or a favorite pair of pants you wore every other day for a few months, but that then got shoved in the back of your closet, never to be seen again. Eventually, you probably dig them out and either sell them or donate them. What about wedding dresses though? You probably spent a lot of money on a gown (and looked fabulous), but what about after the wedding? It probably just stays in your closet, nicely packed away, and is never again worn. Well, I’ve got a few ideas for how you can change that.

Thrift stores abound in a modern world where fashion trends change constantly. There are even places that offer free clothing. Well, what about a community wedding gown exchange? There could either be a central location where items would be donated or an online forum where individuals could post either what they own or would like to acquire. A brick-and-mortar storefront could be run by volunteers and in place of purchases, patrons would have the option of donating to a charitable organization of choice, which creates a win-win situation for all involved.

Another idea that comes to mind is reinventing your wedding dress into something more practical that actually could be worn regularly. In addition to a forum that provides the exchange of wedding gowns, local designers who would be able to create cocktail dresses, pant suits, robes, etc. out of your former matrimonial attire could be involved. What better way is there to commemorate your special day than to continue the life cycle of a garment in a creative new way?

If you’re feeling a little crazy, you could take part in a trend of “trashing the dress.” I know for many this may seem horrifying, but there seems to be a growing number of photographers who wish to do photo shoots of individuals modeling a wedding dress that is covered in dirt or in some way distressed. Once you’ve got it dirty, you could have fun with it and use natural dyes (berries come to mind) and start the process of transforming the garment into something new and wearable for future occasions.

I’ll go ahead and stop now before things get too wild, but the next time you open your closet, maybe you can do a few more twirls in the dress you never thought you’d wear again.

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A Spicy Alternative to Traditional Wedding Cakes

Do you remember craving cinnamon rolls as a kid?  Chances are they probably were from less than desirable chains or food manufacturers that are difficult to trust.  Thankfully we currently live in an era that provides fantastic alternatives, such as Cinnaholic – they make fresh cinnamon rolls daily and are a locally-owned and operated company.

For your wedding, you would have the option of purchasing individual cinnamon rolls, mini cinnamon rolls, or Cinnacakes.  “What’s a Cinnacake?” you ask.  Well, it’s a mega cinnamon roll conglomeration – six, eight, or a whopping 12 cinnamon rolls all compressed and topped with deliciousness of choice (berries, frosting, etc.).  They are there to work with you in creating your ideal flavor or flavor combination so that your taste buds will be dancing along with your feet as you celebrate your big day.

These tasty delights aren’t just an appetizing treat – Cinnaholic also helps you stay true to your green wedding standards.  They use organic and local ingredients whenever possible.  They also provide compostable packaging and cut down on wasted receipt paper with an Ipad cash register that sends your receipt via e-mail.

The company itself is run by a husband and wife team who met on Couchsurfing.com.  Together they opened Cinnaholic, and this July marks the first year anniversary of the business.  When making your catering decisions, add a little spice and give Cinnaholic a roll – you’ll be glad you did.

I’m getting pretty hungry now just writing about this!  If you’d like more information, check out their website, Cinnaholic Catering, and contact their helpful staff.

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