Time for Giving Thanks . . . and shopping

Just want to take a moment to thank all of my readers and sponsors who come to support my blog everyday. It means the world to me to receive such positive feedback thru both your comments and emails. I'll be taking the next few days off to spend time with family and begin decorating for the holidays. The Friday after Thanksgiving is tradition in our house to decorate inside and outside, I just love seeing the twinkle of the lights this time of year. Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and I'll be back on Monday.

In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of the terrific savings that I featured earlier today from The Wedding Outlet {sale runs today thru Monday} ... see post here
On orders between $75-$125 - receive $10 off with code: Live
On orders between $125-$200 - receive $20 off with code: Laugh
On orders over $200 - receive $40 off with code: Love

and Daisy Days {sales on both Friday and Monday} ... see post here
Black Friday Sale
Save 10% on your order of $75.00 or more with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY
Save 15% on your order of $150.00 or more with the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY15
Cyber Monday Sale
Save 10% on your order of $100.00 or more with coupon code CYBERMONDAY
Save 15% on your order of $200.00 or more with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY15

And, here's just a few more special sales I want to share with you:

Black Friday Sale at Nai Wedding Favors
Receive 25% Off starting 11/27/09 12:01 am to 12:59 pm US only. No Minimums.

Black Friday Sale at Cinda b with Free Shipping {on orders over $100 Friday thru Sunday}
This year in the craze of Black Friday, why not treat yourself to a little black bag or refresh your travel essentials? Cinda b bags and accessories are loaded with features and are machine-washable. And, their offerings can fit budgets of any size, making any party or getaway easier and a lot more fun. Favorites include the Weekender with matching Flat Iron / Curling Iron Cover and Hanging Cosmetic bag, or the Wrap-A-Round Clutch or slouchy Hobo.

Sale at Creative Custom Cardboxes
Receive 10% off entire order thru December 6th when you put "THANKFUL" in the Paypal comments section at order

Snow in Love for . . . Snowflake Themed Wedding Favors

Before we get into the great selection of snowflake themed wedding favors from Daisy Days, I have to let you know about 2 great days of sales. Why deal with stressful, huge crowds on Black Friday? You can shop from the comfort of your own home for your wedding this year for great discounts from Daisy Days.

Black Friday Sale
Save 10% on your order of $75.00 or more with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY.
Save 15% on your order of $150.00 or more with the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY15.
Black Friday coupon codes are only valid for purchases made on Friday, November 27th through 11:59pm Eastern Time. Coupon must be entered during checkout for the discount to be applied to your order. Coupon is only valid on www.daisy-days.com and may not be used on invitation orders or one of our partnership websites. Coupons may not be applied to a previous or pending order.

If you miss the Friday Sale at Daisy Days, there is still a chance to save on Monday, November 30th.

Cyber Monday Sale
Save 10% on your order of $100.00 or more with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Save 15% on your order of $200.00 or more with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY15.
Cyber Monday coupons are only valid for purchases made on Monday, November 30th through 11:59pm Eastern Time. Coupon must be entered during checkout for the discount to be applied to your order. Coupon is only valid on www.daisy-days.com and may not be used on invitation orders or one of our partnership websites. Coupons may not be applied to a previous or pending order.

Baby it's cold outside, but thoughtful and practical favors are sure to warm the hearts of your family and friends. Snowflake favors have a romantic, whimsical feel that remind people of cold winter days, cozy warm fires and time spent with family and friends. Combine these warm sentiments with a useful favor from Daisy Days, and your guests are sure to love your thoughtful gift.

Shopping Links for favors featured:
First Set: Please Be Seeded Snowflake Plantable Seed Place Card, Silver Snowflake Ornament Bookmark Favor, Crystal Snowflake Glass Coaster, Snowflake Guest Soap
Second Set: Elegant Snowflake Wine Bottle Stopper Favor, Snowflake Gel Candle, Snowflake Bookmark with Ice Blue Tassel, Snowflake Place Card Holder Ornament

Be sure to visit Daisy Days for many more winter wedding favors.

Finding the Perfect Holiday Gifts

Happy Holidays from your friends at TheWeddingOutlet.com! The holidays are right around the corner and many of us tend to panic at the thought of Holiday shopping. Finding the right gift can be tough but finding one that is thoughtful and personal is easy if you shop with us! {Psst and you can still steal a peak at goodies for your wedding too!}

With such a generous selection of personalized gifts, shopping for your family and friends is fun and easy! They also make great gifts for your bridal party too!

Shop for men, women, children and gifts for the home! Be sure to stop by and see which gifts made the top 20 favorites among our shoppers!

Image Credits: Personalized Photo Ornament, Square Glass Photo Vase,
Sterling Silver Heart Charm Bracelet, Damask Fabric Totes

Image Credits: Personalized NFL Beer Glasses, Black Damask Purse Set,
Circle of Friendship Bracelet, Happy Holidays Floating Candle

Got a football fan on the list this year? These NFL Engraved Pint Glasses are sure to be a hit with sport's fans everywhere. With the ability to choose from all 32 NFL teams, these distinguished glasses make it easy for everyone to toast their favorite team in style! 

And of course the ladies! This set of Black Damask Wristlet Purses will make an ideal gift for all girls on the go! Whether you're heading to class, a night on the town or out to dinner with family and friends, these ultra trendy purse alternatives will be the perfect "go-to" accessory. 

Start your Holiday Shopping today! Sale runs from today 11/25 thru Monday 11/30:
On orders between $75-$125 - receive $10 off with code: Live
On orders between $125-$200 - receive $20 off with code: Laugh
On orders over $200 - receive $40 off with code: Love

Giveaway : $100 towards a Wedding Signature Guest Book Plate

Another Tuesday = another giveaway. This week I'm joined by Sonja of Celebration Plates to offer one lucky reader of Brenda's Wedding Blog a $100 gift certificate good towards their choice of a Wedding Celebration Signature Plate {which is a unique alternative to wedding guest books}.
Celebration Signature Plates and Platters are unique guest books you will use and display forever. The platters are perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. Each platter is hand painted and includes personalization. Use the included pottery marker to have guests sign the plate and then bake it in your home oven to adhere the signatures to the plate forever.

To enter the contest, please visit the Wedding Celebration Signature Plates section at CelebrationPlates.com and then come back here to leave me a comment {wedding thought} with your wedding date and your favorite design {my fav is the Fancy Flower Cake}. Due to the upcoming holiday on Thursday, this contest will run a bit longer, thru Monday December 7th, with a winner being selected on Tuesday December 8th. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so I can email you if you're the lucky winner {it will not be published}. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your engaged friends.

Contest prize: $100 towards the Wedding Celebration Signature Plate of choice
Contest Deadline: Monday December 7th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST
Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite design in the Wedding Celebration Signature Plate collection? {PS: don't forget to include your wedding date to be eligible to win}

Winner Announced : $50 to shop at Ella Elise Invitation Studio

Thank you to Bridget of Ella Elise Invitation Studio for sponsoring an lovely contest this past week - it's now time to announce a winner before launching another one in just a short while. I asked entrants to leave a comment letting me know what their favorite design in Ella Elise's wedding invitation portfolio was.

Thank you to everyone who entered. The winner is Danielle who wrote: "I love 'Jessica & Bryan Wedding' invites. They are elegant and simple, yet unique. The design on the side gives the invites a 'wow' factor! Amazing stuff!! I even love the blue and green color combo. 09-18-10".

Congratulations Danielle - I'll be emailing you personally today for your mailing address. Please note: winner(s) have 48 business hours to reply or another winner will be selected.

The new contest launches in just a bit.

Pairing Inspiration Boards with Coordinating Monograms : v2

Guest Blogging with Erin of Lucky Designs {creator of custom monograms and more}

I'm so happy to welcome Erin of Lucky Designs back to the blog today. Erin has taken 2 more of the inspiration boards I've created and paired them with a coordinating monogram design that's she's created. {you can see Erin's first set of 3 monogram pairings with my inspiration boards here} And, again, Erin has done an amazing job creating coordinating monograms for the boards. Thank you again Erin for putting these together. You can see more monograms that Erin has designed on her web site at Lucky Designs. And, be sure to stop by Erin's blog at eLucky Me.

see original Rainy Day Wedding inspiration board for image credits and resource links

see original Pomegranate Red Wedding inspiration board for image credits and resource links

Thank you so much Erin of Lucky Designs for joining us again today and creating even more lovely monograms to coordinate with the inspiration boards I've put together.

Bridal Party Jewels : Gifts for the Entourage

Guest Blogging with Michael O'Connor {Jewelry and Style Expert}

This morning, we're joined by Michael O'Connor who will be sharing tips for finding the perfect bridal party jewels, along with some photos from the Platinum Guild International's web site.

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It's your posse, your gal pals who've been there for you. This milestone in your lives together should be marked with a keepsake worthy of the occasion. There is no better gift than jewelry to convey how you feel about these important women in your life.
The tradition of buying gifts for wedding attendants dates back to ancient times when Egyptian noble women presented precious metals and gems to their ladies-in-waiting.

The pieces you choose are as unique and precious as the women you ask to stand up for you. About 60% of brides give jewelry as attendant gifts, with necklaces and earrings most popular for about three quarters of brides surveyed. More than a quarter of brides choose bracelets.

There's so much you can say with fine jewelry that will last a lifetime, from gem-set earrings that pair the bride's birthstone with that of her attendants to delicate pearl spacer or lariat necklaces on platinum chain to special charms signifying hobbies or traits. 

Initial charm pendants and beautiful lockets—perfect for a fun photo of you and your bridesmaid or even a tiny thank-you inside—are top jewelry choices with a personal touch. You also might consider starting a charm or bead bracelet for each attendant. Stud, drop or hoop style earrings are popular jewelry gifts as well. These timeless gifts will be instant classics for your bridesmaids.

You could always custom design a piece like celebrity bridal blogger Jen Schefft (of The Bachelorette fame), who connected with jewelry designer Erin Gallagher to create pearl bracelets for her bridesmaid and herself.

The trend for 2010 encourages brides to allow their bridesmaids to pick a dress appropriate for their individual body type in a chosen color, a range of shades or whatever hue is hot. This trend evokes an eclectic vibe in the look of the bridal party that really speaks to the significance of customization in our mature consumer market.

Thankfully, bridesmaid dresses no longer frighten away perspective attendants with scary, costumey styles. Overall, the dresses are getting shorter, brighter and lighter. In 2010, look for bold colors like plum, amethyst dark green, and blue, even bright girly hues like hot pink and orange. In jewelry, a range of gems would coordinate well with these colors including quartz, beryl, and garnet varieties.

Also trending in bridesmaid fashion is the wrap dress with a crisscross neckline and asymmetrical one-shoulder looks that bode well for statement earrings; drop-waist flapper-styles ideal for long pearl or chain necklaces; and lighter, more casual fabrics inspiring delicate, classic jewelry styles.

I advocate buying these special women the best that you can and something that will constantly remind them of your friendship. Therefore, platinum jewelry is my choice for special jewelry gifts. Just like their friendship, it's rare (30 times more rare than gold) and will never lose its luster over time. Because platinum jewelry is generally 95% pure, unlike 18k-gold that is only 75% pure, it is hypoallergenic. Also, its density and weight make it more durable than other jewelry metals, holding stones securely in their settings and meaning that it won't wear down over a lifetime of wear like other jewelry metals.

You may think platinum is out of reach for your budget, but many of today's leading designers are creating beautiful platinum pieces, perfect for special gifts like this, for only a few hundred dollars. While platinum may be more slightly more expensive than gold, and often the differential is small, it provides the best value for your money.

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Thank you Michael for joining us today and for sharing these great tips and trends with my readers.