By Stefania Sainato for Bridal Guide
In the spirit of the season, we've gathered some fun ways to give thanks before, during, and after your big day.
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2. Spend quality time with your maid of honor and best man.
Plan a one-on-one hangout before the wedding chaos takes over. You'll relish the opportunity to bond with them before the biggest day of your life.
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7. Dedicate your wedding to both sets of parents.
At the ceremony, ask the officiant if you could read a poem in honor of your family. Here's one example of wording we love, via weddings.usabride.com: "We would like to dedicate this ceremony to our parents. They have taught us our values and shown us how to laugh, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. Their generosity, support, and love are unending."
8. Honor your parents' marriage by incorporating their wedding-day photos.
Whether it's one small photo tucked into your armoire or a dedicated corner at the sign-in table, they'll appreciate the sentimental gesture. Or, have your photographer help you re-create one of their favorite shots.
9. Carry a piece of them down the aisle with you.
Use fabric from your mother's wedding dress as your bouquet holder (like the photo pictured at right), or hang miniature childhood photos from your flowers. Instead of doing a bouquet toss, give a speech at the reception dedicating your bouquet to the most important woman in your life — Mom.
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14. Give your bridal party kudos in your wedding program.
Explain what their relationship is to you (a sister, friend, coworker) and include a few fun facts about them.
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16. Thank your vendors for making your wedding vision come to life.
After all of those emails, calls, brainstorming sessions, and, yes, the times that they saved your behind, express how much you appreciate them with a heartfelt card. Pay it forward by writing a positive review online, if you were happy with their service.
17. Give vendors a shout-out in your toast.
If you plan on saying a few words to welcome guests to the wedding reception, mention all of the vendors who helped make your night (or day) a success.
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19. Incorporate "thanks" as part of your wedding décor.
One popular option is to display a special thank-you on the menu. Or, you could include a meaningful blessing or prayer.
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23. Donate your dress.
After the big day, you can donate your dress and any other bridal accessories to Brides Against Breast Cancer, which will resell it and use the proceeds to help a woman with cancer. Or, you can gift it to Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells gowns to support Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization that grants weddings to couples in need.
24. Donate flowers.
Organizations such as The FlowerPower Foundation (based in New York and L.A.), Blooms From the Heart (San Diego) and Floranthropy (Seattle) will re-assemble your donations into new floral arrangements for hospices and nursing homes that could use some cheer.
25. Donate food.
Arrange to have any extra food from your reception "rescued" to feed hungry people in your area. Find out more at Second Harvest.
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