When your wedding day draws near, there will be about a dozen little things to do that seem insignificant but, can actually make a big difference in the overall day. Its detail time, folks and if you want to to be creative, it’s time to put on your thinking cap and think outside the box!

Bridal Purses used  to be as simple as little satin drawstring  satchels made but now brides are opting for sparkling, jewel encrusted clutches. Invest a little more money and you will have a glittery reminder of your wedding day that you can carry to every black tie function for years to come. No need to carry a ton of stuff in your purse, just  a few makeup essentials for touch ups as the evening wears on. you will not want to carry it down the aisle so have someone like the maid of honor or your mother hold onto the purse during the ceremony or reception.

Guest Books are still very popular but some couples are mixing it up by  having guests sign the over-sized mat on their engagement photo. The photo is then framed and unlike the traditional guest book can hang prominently in their home for years to come, remembering the well wishes they received and reminding them of your friendship. 

Don’t forget the pen! Whether you like l ostrich feather plume pens or sleek sterling stylographs, you can find one that resembles your wedding decor. There are hundreds of styles and colors, just make sure the pen writes easily and is not bulky or hard to use. Beware of fountain pens since most people aren’t used to writing with them any more, they can leak and be very tricky to maneuver.

Ring Bearer Pillow –If you have children in your wedding and you have opted for a ring bearer, you will want to find a pillow that is fool-proof. The image of a young boy in an Eton Suit comes to mind with the rings balanced squarely in the center. In case your ring bearer is not able to perform this task with perfect balance, or gets easily distracted, I would suggest having a ring pillow with ribbons attached so that you can tie the rings  in order to hold them in place. Tie the ribbons securely but so they are easily untied. Easy enough, right?  The traditional ring pillow is white or ivory – the same color as the dress. It can be adorned with lace or whatever fabrics you desire. New versions of the ring  pillow include the colors of the wedding. To me they just look like sofa pillows. Sometimes it is best to stick with tradition.

Pillow alternatives have been popping up all over the place. How about a  satin or silver box with the rings in it for safekeeping? There are also very wedding  bowls with a loop to tie the rings in place, usually etched with the couple’s name and wedding date. Hollowed out books, satin halters for dogs to carry the rings, mini-suitcases and just about everything else under the sun. If the pillow bothers you , there are alternatives. The pillow seems adorable enough to me.

Card Holder – Lets face it, in lieu of gifts it is perfectly acceptable in many cultures to give an ‘envelope’ as a wedding gift. In some cultures it is merely expected. In previous years, the only thing available was a large white satin box with an opening large enough to slip a card into…. even one that was stuffed with cash. Now, there are more options than there are colors in the rainbow!  Custom white wire boxes, wedding suitcases, wedding birdcages, boxes that are shaped to look like a wedding cake and the list goes on. Most of the boxes are fabric covered and some are adorned with ribbons either in white or colors matching the wedding.

Whether you are having twenty or two hundred guests, these little things can make a huge difference in the impact of your day. They can also  add up quickly so make sure you have room in your budget to get creative at the last minute. 

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago