Participating in a wedding is a special honor for a child, but it can also seem overwhelming since they’re obviously not as up on wedding traditions as you. Told in playful rhyme and illustrated with watercolor paintings, The Flower Girl and The Ring Bearer by Laura Godwin will get them excited about their duties while also helping them recognize the importance of their roles. From getting all dressed up and walking down the aisle, to watching the vows and tasting the cake, these books show in a simple, clear way, everything they need to know, so it’s sure to ease the minds of nervous little girls and boys entrusted with these very special roles.  Of course, the added benefit is attendants who recognize the processional isn’t the right time to ditch the basket of rose petals for a hug from Grandma.

Too often, friends and family from different circles mix as well as a purple and orange color scheme. These wedding guest ID buttons are a unique and fun way to break that ice. The buttons have titles ranging from roles in the wedding (“maid of honor”) to relationships to the bride and groom (“high school friend”), to quirky options like “traveled the farthest” or “catching the bouquet.” Hand them out at your rehearsal dinner, put them in guest welcome baskets, or let guests select one at the entry table to get the mingling going.

Okay so you just got back from your honeymoon and the impending chore of your thank you notes is stressing you out. Etiquette experts would probably veto multiple choice cards for thank you notes, but these cheeky fill-in-the-blank cards make quick work of writing thank yous in a witty, irreverent manner.  In true Mad-Libs style, busy brides can thank gift givers with a few check marks for, say, “the future heirloom,” or “the versatile cash,” and promise to “enjoy it” or “put it out when you come to visit.” Best used for less formal engagement or shower gifts, they offer a sassy way to thank those with a sense of humor.  But consider yourself forewarned: You’ll probably still want to go the traditional route when writing your great grandmother about that hand-knitted scarf she gave you. 

Add a bit of enchanted whimsy to your outdoor wedding decorations with these solar-powered glass balls. Inside each of these glass ornaments is a sprinkling of phosphorescent dust that glows from sundown into the evening.  Hang the Fairydust Balls (no, we didn’t come up with the name) from tree branches for a little woodland magic; you can also hang them in a window or float them in a pond. They’ll begin to glow softly when the sun sets and will last for two to four hours.  They require a full day of charging in direct sun, but they can be used again and again to enhance you new home’s patio or garden decor long after the wedding.

Although monograms have made their way onto just about every possible surface, stamping it onto a plate is relatively creative outlet for incorporating initials into your wedding day.  These stylish melamine plates feature bold designs that vary from traditional scripted monograms on damask patterns to modern block letters on sassy polka dots or zebra print.  There are scads of ways to use these plates: order several with your bridesmaids’ initials for pretty and practical bridesmaid gifts, or order in bulk for your bridal shower and take them home yourself for use for the parties you’ll host as a married couple.