Reception decoration idea - need your thoughts.

[Atlanta_eBride]

I want to know if this makes sense to do or would it be too wierd. We are going to have luminaries lined along the walkway to the reception site from the parking lot. I don't like any of the wedding luminaries because I'm not into bells, doves, and hearts. So I thought I'd just use plain white bags instead.

When looking online for some decorating ideas for the luminaries I saw several places that had used the luminaries as rememberances of people for a particular cause (victims of cancer, war, etc.). Each bag had something written on them which gave me an idea. I'd like to have the bags at the rehersal dinner and ask the guests to write wedding wishes on them. Is this just too strange and will they look at me like I've gone overboard?

[Boopy]

I think that sounds like a lovely idea!

[MandyMaloo]

I think it's a super cute idea!! It's kind of a metaphore, really. Using your friends' and families' well wishes and advice to lead you on your journey :). I think that's a beautiful idea!!

[ztaprincess]

fantastic idea...go for it

[BethElena]

I think it's a super cute idea!! It's kind of a metaphore, really. Using your friends' and families' well wishes and advice to lead you on your journey :). I think that's a beautiful idea!!

Ditto! I would definitely do this! Then you will have to add it to your thread about anti-bride. :)

I think that's a very unique idea.

[Marie]

I think it is a lovely idea!

[GeekGirl]

You could have people at your shower do this as well, if you wanted - possibly more bags that way. It could actually be a really fun, thoughtful activity - decorate a bag with wishes of love!

A fantastic idea!!! Make sure you take pictures!!

[framboise]

That's a great idea! Like MandyMaloo said, it is symbolic of your guests' wishes & advice lighting your way. I also like the idea of having some filled out at a shower or any other event to be sure that you have enough.

[Atlanta_eBride]

Now I'm completely excited by this! I wasn't so sure what people's reactions to it would be.

OK, new question. Should I use silver or black Sharpie markers? I *think* the silver would show up when it is lit up? I may have to mock one up.

[MandyMaloo]

I would do both!! You can keep the bags and give them to your children (if you choose to have any) and it could almost be like a family tradition!!!

I'd try a mock one to make sure the silver works!

[Atlanta_eBride]

Well, I ordered 100 white bags and they came in today so I was eager to test this out tonight. First, I burned my hand because I didn't have one of those long lighter things (note to self). Next, I completely burned a bag. I was just waiting for a neighbor to call the fire department. Since I didn't have any sand I decided to use rice - which was good because it actually stopped the fire when the bag reached that point.

Here is how they turned out. The one on the left is using a black Sharpie and the one on the right is using a silver Sharpie. I like the silver one for two reasons. One, because I think it's a softer look when lit and two, it doesn't bleed as bad through the bag to the other layers.

http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/luminaries.jpg

[GeekGirl]

That is really really beautiful!! You know what else you could do? You could get an elephant paper punch, and punch a little elephant off of the top of each one to keep in with your elephant theme...

[jrdhbunny]

Wow- this is such a terrific idea! And it turned out so beautifully.

[Atlanta_eBride]

GeekGirl, I like the idea of the elephant paper punch! I have a flower one but it is the same shape no matter which end of the paper you punch. Can you turn the stamp around since I would technically be doing this from upside down?

jrdhbunny, I really like the way they turned out too.

[MandyMaloo]

Oh how cute did they turn out!? They are amazing! If you don't mind, I may "borrow" your idea for our reception. What a creative way to look back at your wedding day and remember who was there! You really don't even need a guestbook!

You could- in essance, have people fill out the bags instead of a guestbook and instead of lighting them when your guests arrive, you could have them lit before they leave...that way when you and DH make your exit, the bags are there as a reminder! Just a thought--it might not work, but I was on a roll ;)

Anyway- about the elephant punch, you could try going to a craft store and finding a dye cutter in the shape of an elephant there. I think each one is differant, so some may point up and others point down. Does that make sense?

Good luck--your burns and the "almost" bag fire were worth it--the bags turned out awesome!!

[LRL]

This is a great idea, and I think the elephant punch will be perfect.

I did want to ask you if you made sure that you bought bags which are specially made for luminaries. I believe they are wax lined bags. You probably don't want to risk any fires on your wedding day... especially if you have a train on your dress! :eek: This would also solve the problem of the marker running through the backside of the bag.

Lovely idea- just make sure it is disater-proof. I may be paranoid, but it's always better to be safe, right? :)

[GeekGirl]

Hm, that's a good point about the elephant punch. I guess what you could do is fold the paper in half and punch out two - or four even, sort of like N-S-E-W - that will be mirror images?

Just a thought.

[framboise]

Oh they look so cute! I love it!

[Atlanta_eBride]

MandyMaloo, I'd love for you to be able to use this idea! I like the idea of using it as a guest book but after my test I have realized two things. First, I'd hate for some (any) of them to burn up and then lose those as my only guestbook. Knowing me, I'd end up burning a few more. Second, I had left them outside for a while to kinda cool off and let the candles resettle. When I went back out to get them they were sort of damp and I'm not sure if they'd last or just look frumpy. It may have been this good 'ole Southern humidity that did it to them as well. I do plan on asking the photographer to make sure he gets them all in several shots.

LRL, I got ones that are lined with wax but apparently when a flame sits on the edge it doesn't matter - LOL. The area in which they will be lined up in is rather wide so I'm not concerned about anyone getting lit up too - plus thinking along that line myself - I'm only going to have one edge with the luminaries not both sides because I am paranoid. ;) Luckily for me, my train comes off my dress and I'm planning on that happening right after pictures! It's just too dog gone heavy.

GeekGirl, I'll be in a quest for elephant punches between now and then. Hopefully if I keep my eyes peeled I'll come across one. I travel quite a bit so it ups the odds I'll find one.

framboise, I'm trilled with them - can't wait to see the real ones now.

[jessiccaaa]

great idea. wondering about just using white bags - do the luminaries have to be treated so they don't catch on fire!

[Atlanta_eBride]

jessiccaaa, I don't know about treating them. I've seen subdivisions use just regular bags before. With my experiment the bags were really fine and held up really well while they were lit with no problem. It was when I was lighting the one that it caught on fire. Partly because I was burning my hand and not paying attention to the bag itself. It's also one of the reasons you put sand in the bottom to stop any fire and it weighs the bag down.

[nicole]

You could do something like this (the scalloping of the edge) just for something extra.

http://images.snapfish.com/34484%3B2%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D%3C4%3B%3 D%3C47%3DXROQDF%3E232346%3B9%3B5%3B%3A7ot1lsi

I think the bags in the picture are glassine, but the white paper lunch bags that would probably work just as well.

As far as the bags catching on fire, I think you just need to anchor the bags with some sand, and make sure the wicks on the candles aren't too long. You might not want to use the tea lights in the metal cups though, because I've heard they can start to spark when they're getting close to burning out.

I like the silver Sharpies for another reason - you can keep the bags after the wedding as kind of a momento/guestbook, and the silver will look more wedding-y. Plus they're just fun.

RE: the elephant punch idea - you could punch the elephants out of a dark paper and glue them inside the bag. That way you'll still have the silhouette and they won't be upside-down. If not, they have what I think are called long-reach punches that might work.

[GeekGirl]

RE: the elephant punch idea - you could punch the elephants out of a dark paper and glue them inside the bag. That way you'll still have the silhouette and they won't be upside-down. If not, they have what I think are called long-reach punches that might work.



Ohhhh, that's a GREAT idea!!