If you’re a bookish type, what better way to celebrate the written word than with a book-themed wedding or bridal shower! And what better wedding favor than a good, ol’ fashioned book!

If  you are giving books as favors (second-hand books are much more affordable!), why not personalize each book with a book plate?

A bookplate is a stamp or label posted inside or on the front of a book to signify its owner.

Download and print these free templates onto labels or sticker sheets to place inside your books:

These elegant antique-inspired designs would suit any classic book or collection. Design Sponge has a set of gothic bookplates (download here) while The Graphics Fairy has antique style designs inspired by the 1900s (download here).

Print out this PDF from Dahlia Press for a set of three bookplates that would make a great gift set.

Baca Creative has four elegant designs to choose from.

Domestica has an ode to classic library labels with these labels. You could also stick them inside the books you give as gifts with the recipients name.

Try a cute and quirky design with animal-inspired labels or even bright, neon colours from Lavender’s Blue Designs. Download the PDF.

Check out these pretty woodcut labels from Just Something I Made.

I Heart Organizing has a chevron design bookplate perfect for children’s books.

Or have your books custom bound or labelled, like with these reclaimed wood covers from Boarding School Bindery:

You can also make your own bookplate design by downloading a label template and cutting decorative craft paper around the template.

I love the idea of giving books as wedding favors. However, this could get expensive if you are having more than a handful of guests. Unless, of course, you buy them second-hand!

Garage sale season is in full throttle, which means that now is the perfect time to stock up on gently used books.

Book favors are perfect for weddings with a literary or library theme – but you don’t need a theme to make them the ideal favor for your wedding.

As far as choosing your books, why not pick some of your favorite reads or books that on your own wishlist? You could display the books on shelves during your reception and have your guests choose their own book, or personalize each book.

You might have an idea of what you are giving your maids to show your appreciation, but what about the guys in the wedding party? How will you thank them?

“But that’s my future hubby’s job! I’ve got enough to figure out!” you say.

Well, you have a point, but the truth is that not all men are natural born ‘gift-picker-outers’. Some guys feel a little lost when it comes to the whole gift giving thing.

That’s where My Groomsmen Gifts comes in. Your sweetie can browse through heaps of gifts and he doesn’t even have to leave the comfort of his own couch.

Now, let’s talk leather. You really can’t go wrong with black leather (well, maybe black leather pants, unless, of course, the guys in your wedding party are in a band.)

If you are having an intimate wedding with a small wedding party,  why not splurge on a leather, monogrammed laptop case from My Groomsmen Gifts?

Got groomsmen who do lots of traveling? They’ll love this classic leather toiletry bag. Personalize it with the groomsman’s name or initial.

What about a sleek, monogrammed leather wallet? This is one gift that you can be sure the guys will use!

On a budget? Check out this stylin’ leather business card case.

Leather not your thing? Check out oodles of other gifts by heading over to My Groomsmen Gifts. Receive 20% off your purchase, with no minimum order using coupon code iw20off. Coupon is valid until August 21, 2012.

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You’re not a waif. You’re not a super model. You’re not as thin as the brides you see in stylized, vintage bridal shoots all over the blogosphere. But damn, you love the look of vintage. You want the look for your wedding day, and yet, you worry that you won’t be able to pull it off. After all, the sizes for vintage gowns seem so small, and the waists so tailored. You’re not the only one fretting; your not-so-skinny bridesmaids will probably kill you if you try to make them wear one of those floral bridesmaid dresses with a fitted waist.

Take heart! Paula Cooperman from Mill Crest Vintage is here to tell you that with good styling advice and a fabulous seamstress, pulling of the vintage look for your wedding indeed be achieved, even if you aren’t a skinny chick!

Chances are if you are reading this blog, you’re sporting a fancy new ring. There’s a good chance it sparkles, and that it’s worth a bit of cash. There’s also a good chance that you`ll be wearing that dazzling piece of jewelry on your honeymoon. You might even pack some of your other favorite pieces of jewelry. Maybe you’re heading to an exotic beach resort, or to a charming European city. Wherever you destination,  you’ll want to make sure all of your jewelry – including that gorgeous engagement ring, doesn’t get lost or stolen.

Perfect Circle™ Jewelry Insurance, by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, a 99-year old company that specializes in jewelry insurance, has some helpful tips on how to protect your precious jewelry while on vacation:

• If you’re flying, pack jewelry in a carry-on bag – never in checked luggage. Even better, wear your jewelry while traveling.
• Upon arrival at your destination, put your jewelry in a bag and keep it with you at all times, or lock inside the in-room safe. Don’t leave the jewelry in an unattended car or suitcase.
• Get your jewelry insured. When it comes to your homeowners or rental policy, jewelry typically is insured only up to about $1,000, so if you lose your $4,000 engagement ring, you could be out $3,000. A Perfect Circle™ personal jewelry insurance policy provides comprehensive jewelry coverage that goes beyond ordinary homeowners insurance. It also offers worldwide coverage that includes jewelry loss, damage, theft, and mysterious disappearance.
• Your safest option when traveling is to leave your bling at home and stick with costume jewelry. Losing valuable jewelry on a honeymoon – or any time for that matter, can be a serious downer.

To get a free quote, apply for coverage or to learn about insuring your ring and other important pieces, visit Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance.

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