How To Create A Memory Wall Of Your Event

How To Create A Memory Wall Of Your Event

Guest post by Lucy from Framer.com.au

‘Enjoy every minute’ they said. Boy were they right! After so many months of planning my wedding, I remember feeling like the big day went by so fast. It was loved-up, happy blur of getting ready, riding to the venue, the walk, the vows, champagne, family, friends, more champagne and of course, dancing. Whilst my big day is over now, the memories are alive and kicking because I created a beautiful memory wall to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Photos are memories frozen in time, so it is sacrilege to keep your stunning wedding photographs buried on a USB stick or stored in digital dropbox folder somewhere. With very little effort, you can create a memory wall to bring back all the emotions of your wedding day – the quiet moments getting ready, the tears of joy as you walk down the aisle, the smiles after you exchange vows, and the dancefloor fun later in the evening.

Just like everyone’s wedding is different, your memory wall is a completely personal creation. So, the photos you choose to include should be the ones that make your own heart flutter. Don’t be afraid to extend your memory wall beyond your wedding day to include all the good times you’ve had together. Including photos of holidays, the engagement, your friends and families, your honeymoon and children tells a more complete story of your family. All beautifully printed, framed and hung together in striking wall arrangement.

Right now, you are planning your wedding – congratulations! You have probably already booked, or in the process of booking, a photographer to take photos of the big day. So why not get one step ahead and include a custom framing package to your gift registry too, which will allow you to have your magnificent photos printed, framed and delivered to your door right after your wedding. Not only is this a thoughtful gift your guests will love contributing to, it will help keep you on cloud nine a little longer once the big day has passed.

Once you have your photos printed and framed, you then need to choose a space for your memory wall. If you have a long hallway one idea is to create a uniform line of framed photos, with each frame marking a point in time from your engagement through to your honeymoon. Alternatively, a rectangular space above a couch or desk looks great with a neat grid of same-sized frames – we love grid with either four (2×2) or nine frames (3×3).

Next you need to select your photo frames. If you want a more cohesive look, it’s best to use the same size and colour for each frame in your memory wall. For wedding photos we recommend a clean white gallery frame and keeping them all the same size. If you want a more elegant look you can choose to print them in black and white. When using our online framing service, you can preview your wedding photos in a range of filters and frames and choose the style that looks best.

If you want to achieve a more eclectic look, be bold and mix different frame sizes or colours in your memory wall. When doing this, try and include 1-2 larger photos to anchor the layout, then offset them with a variety of smaller frames. Careful not to go too crazy – if you have different sized frames choosing a neutral pallet for your frames is best so you don’t distract the eye away from the photos. These organic layouts work really well going up and down a stairwell.

The great thing about memory walls is that they can grow with your family. So, while it might start off as a collection of wedding photos, over time you can add to it and include photos from your honeymoon and maybe in the future, some children! Just make sure you keep making the amazing memories and have adequate wall space to hang new frames as you get them.

Once you have your wedding photos printed and framed, it’s hang time! At this point, it pays to spend a few minutes planning out your layout. We recommend tracing your frames onto newspaper, then cutting them out and taping them to the wall. This will give you a really accurate indication of how your wall will look once hung.

Next, mark in pencil the points on the wall for where your nails should go (if you used the paper method above, you can nail right through the paper) and hang your photos. When using a professional framing service, like framer.com.au your frames will come ready to hang with all the hanging hardware you need.

So there you have it, with just a tiny bit of planning and plenty of help from an easy online framing service like Framer, you can create a beautiful memory wall for your wedding photos. Celebrating your best memories with family and friends, all whilst making a beautiful interior design statement.

Framer is the easy place to print and frame your photos online. Upload your digital photos and Framer will print, frame and deliver your photos ready to hang. Available now to add to your EasyRegistry!

Wedding Gift Etiquette for Guests

Wedding Gift Etiquette for Guests

While receiving an invitation to attend a loved one’s wedding can be an exciting experience, the gift giving process is often marred by stress. Here are some wedding gift etiquettes that can make the gift giving process less of a concern for you. Use these simple rules to demonstrate your support for the couple.

The budget

There is no definite rule when it comes to the monetary value of a wedding gift. What actually matters is your relationship with the bride and groom. Do not believe in the notion that your wedding gift’s value should equal the cost of the meal you eat at the ceremony. Do not look at a gift that way. One rule of thumb is that you can buy a gift for the couple for as low as $25. Depending on your relationship with the couple and your budget, you may buy a more expensive wedding gift.

Buy wedding gifts from the couple’s registry

Couples create wedding gift registries, so you can buy them the items they need. They want you to buy them a gift listed on the wedding registry. The majority of wedding gift registries these days are online, such as EasyRegistry, so you can browse for a gift in the comfort of your own home. Of course, you can also go to the physical store to buy a gift for the couple. In any case, stick to the items listed on the couple’s wedding registry.

Giving cash

Many newly married couples require cash more than anything else. There is no harm in gifting cash to the bridge and groom. However, if your budget is below $30, you should buy a gift instead of giving a cash gift. You can even pay the couple in the form of a check.

Big-ticket items

The needs of couples change after the wedding. According to most couples, they prefer big-ticket items bought by a group of friends or family. If you see a large and expensive item on the wedding registry, you may ask other guests or common friends to team up with you to but the couple that memorable gift. Online wedding gift registries such as EasyRegistry keep it simple to make individual contributions to expensive items. There is no doubt that the need of modern couples has changed; however, some of the most desired gifts are still the kitchen, bedding, and dining items.

How to deliver the gift

The best way to deliver a wedding gift is by sending it to the bride’s home before the big day. This will decrease the transportation cost of the couple after the marriage. Also, doing so will ensure the gift has reached the couple safely. However, if you are not able to deliver the wedding gift ahead of the wedding day, you may carry it to the reception and put it on the gift table. Do not forget to ascribe a wedding card to the gift with your name clearly mentioned on it. Online gift registries may arrange the delivery of the gift on your behalf, or transfer the money directly to the couple for them to purchase at their convenience.

Gift giving after the wedding

Ideally, you should deliver the wedding gift to the couple before the wedding or on the wedding day. However, that may not be possible for some people. You can send a wedding gift to the couple even after the wedding. Most people agree that it is ok to send a wedding gift to the bride and groom even one year after their wedding. By default, EasyRegistry keeps their online gift registries open for 2 weeks after the wedding to allow for these late contributions.

The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Registries

The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Registries

Requesting and receiving gifts is one of the most important elements in any wedding. It can be a daunting task for many couples because asking for a wedding gift is more nuanced than asking for birthday or other gifts. This is the reason why it is crucial for any couple to use a wedding registry to ask for gifts.

Below are certain dos and don’ts of wedding registries that would make the wedding gift requesting and receiving process a simple task for you.

DO create your wedding registry ahead of time

Be sure you have created and completed your wedding registry at least five months ahead of your wedding day. Guests need enough time to buy gifts not only for your wedding but also for your shower and engagement.

DO keep different items at different price levels on your registry

Keeping a wide assortment of gifts at different price levels will give a wide variety of options to all of your guests. Be sure to include many low-priced items on the registry, so anyone can buy them individually, and in the end, they could form a cute set. Keeping only expensive items on the list is not a good decision.

DON’T register for many stores

Make sure to use no more than two or three stores for your wedding gift registry. It is wise to select a large department store that keeps stock of a wide array of items that you need. You may also include a local specialty shop in your wedding registry. Another option is to select one high-end store, one medium-end store, and one low-end store, so your guests can easily buy gifts for you at any price tier. With EasyRegistry, you can add gifts from any online or physical store to your registry. This making it simple for your guests to browse your registry online and in one place.

DON’T request cash outright

If you are in need of cash, do not ask for it outright. If you are in dire need of money, just don’t register for wedding gifts; take the risk that your guests may get the subtle message. Your friends and family may dole out the message for you by using strategies like euphemisms for money.

DO add to your registry gifts that will help you grow as a couple

Think twice when adding gifts to your registry. Base your registry items on your needs and requirements. Look at your home. What are the missing items? What would you need one, two, or three years from now? Remember, your needs would change after your marriage. Take the time to do some research on the things couples need after the wedding. Do not forget the support you may need for your honeymoon. The bride and groom should select the gifts in collaboration.

DON’T tell guests about your wedding registry on your invitation

After registering, don’t tell guests where you have registered on your invitation. Instead, send a separate gift registry card along with your invitation or you may include your wedding registry information on a wedding website.

DO register for your online gift registry with EasyRegistry.

Make it super simple for your guests to contribute to the gifts you really want. Create a beautiful and elegant gift registry for your wedding on EasyRegistry now.

 

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

With so many options available, it is normal for couples to feel overwhelmed when it comes to the items that should make it to their wedding registry. Whether you are the bride or groom or a guest, chances are you already feel like the entire wedding gift process should be useful and rewarding.

To make the most out of your wedding, be sure to create a wedding registry on EasyRegistry and add some unique wedding gift items to the list. Don’t forget to cover both the high-end and basic items, including the unique ideas discussed below.

Wine glasses

You and your better half may need some classy wine glasses to treat yourself to some wine every now and then after the wedding. And they can be a great drink vessel for any event. Be sure to add to your registry wine glasses that have a stylish look, with slender stems and aesthetically appealing silhouette.

Birdhouse bookshelf

A birdhouse bookshelf is yet another unique and practical item you should have on your registry. You can hang the wall-mounting perch next to your bed, so you can easily store your nightstand items in it. Don’t forget to pick a color that matches colors of other items in your room.

French press

If you are an avid coffee drinker, the French press can be your valuable asset.  The beautifully shaped ceramic press brews coffee that would make your mornings extra energetic. On top of that, it would boost the look of your kitchen, making it appear classier.

Saltshaker & pepper mill

Want to uplift your standard of flavoring after your wedding? Sometimes, the smallest things can make life much easier. A stylish salt shaker and pepper mill exhibiting a creative design will not only superbly grind your salt and peppers for you but also function as a style element in your home.

Picnic backpack

If you have planned an outside adventure for your honeymoon, the picnic backpack will go a long way toward making your escapade a memorable experience. Always go for a backpack that is not only practical but also classy. Be sure to put on your registry a picnic backpack that has stainless steel cutlery, melamine plates, and side compartments to store your picnic essentials.

Laundry basket

If you have reliable tools, running your household errands like laundry can be a pleasing experience. Your wedding is the opportunity to get some practical tools for your home. Never forget that you are going to feel the need for a bigger laundry basket after your wedding. Be sure to put a laundry basket on your registry. Ideally, the basket should be big enough to hold a week’s worth of clothes.

Tent

If you have planned an adventurous honeymoon, chances are you would need a tent to spice up your experience. To make it possible, list a two-person tent on your wedding registry. The tent should normally have a weight below 2 kilograms so that you can carry it easily. Also, it should have enough space to hold your essential stuff and let you sleep comfortably. Always go for a tent that has separate interior storage compartments or pockets.

Affordable Wedding Gift Ideas

Affordable Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding gifts are an important gesture of your love for the people in your life. However, there might come a time when you are not able to afford expensive wedding gifts. But the lack of money shouldn’t keep you from showing your love and care for the brides and grooms in your life.

Conventional wisdom suggests that the couple is more interested in you showing up to their big day than receiving an expensive gift from you. Recognizing and cheering for a new union is important, and there are ways to do that. If you are short of money, try buying wedding gifts that are affordable as well as thoughtful.

If you are the one who is getting married, I would suggest you create a wedding registry on EasyRegistry and be sure to put affordable items on the list, in addition to expensive ones. Your wedding gifts should be affordable to everyone. Remember, sometimes even the smallest and cheapest items can make life a little easier.

And if you are someone who is looking to buy gifts for the couple, don’t forget to take a look at the inexpensive items on the wedding registry. Here are some affordable wedding gift ideas for the couples getting married and guests.

Embroidered linens

Embroidered linens are not only less expensive but also aesthetically beautiful and artistic in appearance. Think particularly about machine embroidered pillowcases and sheets. Handmade linens can be relatively expensive. You can even custom tailor the linens for the couple by placing their names, nicknames, or a monogram on the gift. That would add about 3-5 dollars to your bill.

Future wine

This is one of the memorable gifts you can give to a couple. It is not only cheap but also impressive. The wine expert at your local wine shop will be on your side to select a less expensive bottle of wine for the bride and groom. Ideally, the wine should have the potential to achieve amazing taste about 8-10 years from now. Don’t forget to stick a note with the bottle that instructs the couple to use the wine to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Honeymoon gifts

Not all honeymoon items need to cost you an arm and a leg. Just ask the couple where they are going for their honeymoon and gift them some practical and relevant honeymoon gifts. For example, if they are headed to a beach vacation, you may gift them beach towels. And if they are going to the mountains, gift them a skiing gear or sunglasses. Other ideas include maps, prepaid gas card, and passport holders.

Antiques

While antiques can be expensive, you can still find some unique and inexpensive ones at the farmers’ market, garage sales, and estate sales. For example, you can gift the couple an old picture frame or a decoration piece. You can easily find some good-looking woodcrafts and natural, rustic décor in the market. The couple will treasure a judiciously selected antique forever.

Plants and trees

Gifting the newlywed something embodying life can be sweet and refreshing. Plants and trees are symbols of prosperity, life, and good health. A plant will acknowledge the union of the bride and groom. Gifting a plant to a couple holds a significant and deep meaning.

As the union of the couple grows, the plant will grow along. It exemplifies a long lasting love that only grows with time. A functional plant or tree is the best thing you can gift the newlyweds. If that is not possible for you, potted herbs can serve the purpose.

Tips on Purchasing Travel Registry/Honeymoon Gifts

Tips on Purchasing Travel Registry/Honeymoon Gifts

The honeymoon is your first romantic escape with your better half after your wedding. Like all other couples, you too may want to make it a special and unforgettable moment. However, it takes a ton of money to make your honeymoon dreams come true. Fortunately, there’re ways to fund your honeymoon and avail a fine, luxurious treatment at reasonable prices. These tips will help you make the most out of your travel registry and honeymoon gifts.

  1. Use Easyregistry to fund your honeymoon

If you don’t have enough money to fund your honeymoon, let Easyregistry do the trick for you. The wedding registry lets you create your honeymoon gifts/travel registry and share a personalized link with your friends and family. The people you share the link with will fund your honeymoon. You will then get a lump sum payment in your bank account. You can freely shop around with the money to get the best deal on your honeymoon/travel arrangements.

  1. Get cash back on your bookings

Ever thought about getting cash back on your travel and hotel bookings? Well, that’s possible when you make your bookings on CashRewards. Make your account at Cashrewards, process your travel and hotel bookings, and get cash back in your bank account. You can save hundreds of dollars with this trick.

  1. Do hotel price matching and get bonus nights

Don’t forget to do hotel price matching before booking a hotel room for your honeymoon. The smart couples also look for bonus nights when searching for hotel deals. If you want to look for bonus nights, want to find attractive honeymoon deals, or do price matching, Hotels.com is your first place to go to.

  1. Find attractive deals and coupons

Remember, many hotels offer special honeymoon packages, with tons of discounts and complimentary services. The same holds true for your honeymoon travel. When you have the opportunity, why not treat your better half and yourself by traveling in an ultimate luxury and spending your honeymoon in a 5-star hotel? You can get a lot of hotel and travel deals and coupons on Ozbargain for your honeymoon gifts and travel registry.

  1. Find travel deals and tricks

If you are looking for more attractive travel deals to make your honeymoon even more comfy and memorable, use Skyscanner or Flightfox to find attractive and affordable travel deals and tricks. You can save hundreds of dollars on your honeymoon travel with the deals and tricks available on these sites.

  1. Don’t forget your outdoor gear

Your honeymoon should not just be about traveling and staying in a hotel. You should spice up your experience by engaging in activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and doing a lot of outdoor stuff. The best way to fund your outdoor gear and tools like a tent, fishing rods, and trekking gear is by requesting them on your honeymoon registry. Always be open to the fact that your tastes or needs may change during the honeymoon. And when it comes to buying your outdoor stuff, don’t forget to look for amazing deals and discounts.