The official wedding season may have come and gone, but there are plenty of brides taking advantage of the crisp and nostalgic Fall months for their big days. And if you're having a wedding around Thanksgiving, there are some creative ways to give it some of the holiday's magic without getting cheesy. Here are some festive ways to incorporate Thanksgiving into your wedding!
Share the Love
Turkey Day is all about sharing: sharing stories, sharing food, and sharing your house and heart with your loved ones. So share a family recipe with your guests by making an edible favor with a note that includes the recipe and any stories behind it.
Make a Difference
Instead of having your guests give you gifts, have them donate to an organization of your choice (or theirs) through a donation registry [5]. Or have your guests bring a can of food to donate to a food bank so that someone else can enjoy a Thanksgiving spread. You and your man could even donate to a cause in lieu of favors with a note at each table explaining the donation.
Get Personal
Show your guests the Thanksgiving love by personalizing their place settings. Attach a photo of each guest (even better if you and your groom are in it!) to the napkin with a clothespin. And then write on the clothespin why you're thankful that they are in your life.
Sweeten the Deal
It's not Thanksgiving without lots of pie! If you're a whiz in the kitchen, make your own personal minipies for your guests, or turn your dessert table into a potluck-style spread by having the bakers in your family bring their best pies!
Make a Vow
One of the easiest ways to show thanks is by writing your own vows to your husband-to-be. Be sure to include why you're thankful he's in your life and will continue to be for as long as you both shall live.
Map It
It can take a great deal of effort (and money) for some of your guests to make the trip to your wedding. So give back to them by displaying a personalized map that shows how far your guests came to celebrate your special day. It's also a great conversation starter during the reception or cocktail hour.
Write It Out
Write or print out a thoughtful note of thanks for all your guests that will await them at their table setting. It's a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and is sure to make your guests just as happy as any sort of thank-you gift.
Get Snap Happy
During your wedding-day photo shoot, take a few pics with a thank-you sign or banner. You can send the photo as your thank-you cards and share it through social media to show your gratitude for your loved ones.