Fall is pumpkin season and while we love to incorporate the tasty gourds into our desserts, their large size and bright orange color can make them a challenge to use for decorating purposes. We’ve found that with a few adornments and a little creativity, however, you can transform the ordinary pumpkin into something quite spectacular. So, if you have your heart set on a pumpkin themed wedding, here are some of our favorite ways to include the mighty pumpkin into your decor scheme.

Due to its cute size and lack of color, the miniature ghost pumpkin is probably the easiest and chicest  of the gourds to decorate with. They make excellent escort cards just as they are, but if you want to kick things up a notch, a touch of gold spray paint can make just about any object, pumpkins included, look downright glamorous.

You’ve got the plates, the linens and the panini press. In fact, your cozy abode isn’t lacking any of the household items that usually fill wedding registries. If this sounds like you, and you happen to be in New York, you will be thrilled to hear about a brand new wedding registry called Better Ever After that lets you fill your life with experiences, rather than ‘things.’

Better Ever After is the perfect choice for couples looking to add to their list of life experiences – and to simply have fun! After all, what’s more exciting than trying out new things with your sweetheart? From skydiving to a pie of the month club, Better Ever has a myriad of unique experiences to chose from.

For art lovers and the design-inclined, there are interior design consultations, art classes, and even an introduction to art collecting.

For nature lovers and adrenaline junkies, there are weekend escapes, city adventures, and fitness classes.

And for foodies and oenophiles, there are cooking classes, wine tastings, and food of the month clubs.

There is no cost to you – and it’s easy to sign up.  Simply enter your email address here to get started, then browse the wide range of fun, exciting, local experiences to create your awesome wedding registry!

Not in NY? Better Ever After is expanding. Which city should they go to next? It’s up to you! Vote here.

Photo One: Mitch Paster from Uprise Art

Sponsored Post.

One of the best things about having an intimate wedding is the ability to interact and connect with each of your guests personally in a way that’s simply not possible with a larger guest list. While most of this interaction happens during the reception, why not take things one step further and include your family and friends in your ceremony? Here are seven ways to do just that.

1.  Lead Them in a Musical Procession

What better way to get everyone in a celebratory mood than with a musical procession? Pick out an upbeat song, choose someone to lead the procession that has a good amount of musical talent, then give each guest an instrument and get ready to make some joyful noise!

Why do so many couples go over budget on their big day? More often than not, it’s the hidden wedding costs that send them into the red. If you don’t want to be one of these couples, read on!

Ten Hidden Wedding Costs

1.  Sales Tax

If there’s one expense that you don’t want to forget to add to your wedding budget, it’s sales tax. Depending on your overall budget and where you live, sales tax can easily tack on a few extra grand that you might not have factored in, causing you to go over budget.

2.  Tips and Gratuities

Tips and gratuities are another common cost that often get overlooked by couples – and they can add up pretty quickly. Some vendors, particularly full service venues, automatically include a gratuity in their rental contract, but it may be in the small print so make sure to read your contracts and agreements carefully. Since the wedding industry is primarily service based don’t forget about tipping your other vendors as well. Tipping may not be expected by all your vendors, but it is always appreciated.

3.  Postage

Compared to the previous two costs mentioned, postage may seem like a fairly insignificant expense, especially if you’re having a small wedding. If you’re including return postage with your RSVP cards, however, you’re looking at adding an additional $1 or so per invitation and when you’re trying to stick to a budget, every dollar counts.