The Ultimate List of Things to Buy For Your Wedding
When planning your own wedding it is important to keep track of the many little bits and pieces. Even the best wedding planners can overlook a few items until the last moment, when it may be too late.
With that in mind, here is my guide to the ultimate list of things to buy for your wedding day.
TIP: Be sure to pin or bookmark this page for future reference.
Bridal Attire
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Bridal Veil / Hair Accessory
- The tradition never gets old.
- You'll look like a Princess! (Or Queen)
- It may be someone else's "something borrowed" one day.
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Bridal Jewelry
- Again- Princess!
- Fabulous family heirloom potential.
- You'll always treasure it.
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Bridal Shoes
- You'll adore them forever.
- Your friends will ooh and ahh.
- They'll make a great vintage heirloom.
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Bridal Lingerie
- Sweet and spicy combo? Yes please!
- You'll feel like the sexy beast you are!
- Fantastic surprise for the hubs on your wedding night.
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Bridal Garter
- It's traditional but not too traditional.
- Something borrowed for the next bride in the fam.
- Sneak peek for him when no one's looking.
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Bridal Jacket or Wrap
- Effortless elegance.
- Two Words: Snow Queen.
- Re-use it for future events.
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Dress Garment Bag
- Everyone loves a practical splurge.
- They make a fabulous gift.
- It'll protect your duds. Duh.
I ended up wearing a fingertip length drop veil for my wedding, but now wonder if I should have worn a floor length veil instead. I strongly suggest choosing your veil and hair accessory long before your wedding day so that you know exactly which one you want to wear.
Try on the veil a few times throughout the process, take photos wearing it with your gown, and get a feel for how you will wear your hair. Only then will you know for sure which veil accessory is right for you, giving yourself plenty of time to purchase a different one. Read my complete guide to wedding veil styles to help you find the right veil length.
And if you need help, check out my e-commerce store at ClassicVeils.com. I’ve assembled a collection of ready-to-wear veils as well as custom bridal veils at an affordable price. Work directly with me to get the perfect veil!
Okay, sales plug over, now back to the ultimate list.
Just like your bridal veil and hair accessories, bridal jewelry should be chosen long before the wedding day!
Knowing what goes best with your dress is worthy of a whole other post. Some gowns with a high neckline might only call for chandelier earrings, whereas a sweetheart neckline looks stunning sans earrings, but rather a chunky necklace.
Do your homework. For example, Etsy has a large selection of stunning bridal jewelry and reasonably priced costume jewelry.
Not to sound like a vacuous Sex in the City wannabe, but shoes really do make a girl feel better sometimes. Especially fancy shoes like lacy Jimmy Choos. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Yep. Just think of how pretty that pearl will look next to your manicured tootsies! Comes in sizes 4-13 (U.S.)
When the big day nears, brides are usually so caught up in worrying about everyone else that they forget to spoil themselves a little. We say phooey to that- and humbly suggest a sexy bridal lingerie purchase to look forward to on your wedding night! This little number features a flouncy vintage-inspired lace robe and a matching sexy silky-soft chemise you'll both fall in love with. Comes in sizes XS to L.
Brides are bucking tradition these days and foraging their own path, and we think that's great! But if you'd like to give just a tiny nod to the past, we think this sexy garter is your perfect something new and something blue! Pair it with those frilly panties and see where the evening takes you.
If you're having a fall/evening wedding, a luxe wrap to cuddle when the sun goes down is a must-have. But your wedding dress deserves so much more than an average pashmina! (Although a pretty pashmina makes a great bridesmaid gift.) This faux fur wrap imparts that "Frozen" ice princess vibe effortlessly while keeping your shoulders toasty all night long. Comes in four colors and sizes S-XL.
A fancy garment bag imparts a sense of anticipation. Hear me out: You see the wedding party arrive at the venue, their travel tote and garment bag in hand. You just know something fancy and fabulous is in that bag, waiting to be worn in a grand display. It's a red-carpet moment without the paparazzi hanging from a tree. These are available with seven personalizable options and four sizes in your choice of black or white.
Wedding Ceremony Decor
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Wedding Direction Signs
- Laid-back wedding decor is adorable.
- Seriously, your guests will thank you.
- The "restrooms" sign is reusable bathroom art. (Link to bathroom signs post?)
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Wedding Welcome Sign
- Welcoming your guests never looked so classy.
- You can match it to your wedding stationery.
- It's an outstanding contribution to your decor!
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Easels for Signs
- Again, no no to the scotch tape.
- It contributes to your decor.
- It'll come in handy for other stuff.
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Wedding Programs
- Match it to your stationery suite.
- It makes an excellent keepsake.
- It's helpful for your guests!
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Unity Candle
- They're gorgeous!
- So sweet displayed with your wedding photos.
- Your mom will cry (happy tears) during the ritual.
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Shadow Box Sand Ceremony Set
- It's a meaningful gesture of your love.
- It's a beautiful keepsake.
- It's unique!
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Ring Box
- It honors the ring you'll wear forever.
- It's simple but elegant.
- It's a priceless family heirloom.
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Ring Bearer Pillow
- French lace is so romantic.
- It makes a fabulous family heirloom.
- Perfect for a classic white wedding.
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Stylish Flower Girl Basket
- Who knew burlap makes such a pretty flower?
- They're handmade with love.
- Fill with goodies for the perfect gift!
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Wedding Chair Signs
- Wedding glamour VIP vibes.
- Inevitably someone will need it.
- You can match it with your wedding stationery suite!
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Wedding Aisle Chair Decor
- No such thing as too many flowers.
- Doubles as reception decorations.
- Silk flowers are low-maintenance.
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Ceremony Aisle Runner
- Velvet runner + flower petals = magic
- Looks fab with any wedding decor.
- You'll feel like royalty.
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Loose Silk Rose Petals
- I adore vintage elegance.
- A little goes a long way.
- Looks gorgeous with any decor.
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Bubble Favors
- DIY brides, I salute you!
- Bubbles look great in pics.
- Your guests will love them!
Will your guests know where to go when it's showtime? These cute rustic wedding signs are a simple but classy way to direct everyone to their destination and reduce the number of wandering guests. Aunt Louise will thank you. Available in 11 stains and plenty of location options.
TIP: To save you and/or your friends from scrambling the night before the wedding, be sure to either buy or DIY your wedding direction signs long before the big day. That way everyone can enjoy the rehearsal dinner and evening without gold pen all over their fingers.
As with wedding ceremony direction signs, make sure to either buy or create your welcome signs long before the big day.
My ornate gold chalkboards welcome signs were complete before my wedding day, but still needed to be written out with chalk the night before.
So you've opted out of individual wedding programs and seat numbers in favor of a big sign everyone will notice. Awesome! But an appropriately elegant display is essential. After all, no matter how gorgeous your personalized signage design is, it'll lose all its magic if it's stuck to the wall with scotch tape. This pretty floor easel comes in six finishes and holds signs up to ten pounds, 30x40 inches.
Not a necessity, but a fun way to let your guest know who’s who in the wedding party, along with a schedule of events. Another cute idea if you are marrying in the hot summer sun are wedding program fans. We guarantee your guests will appreciate them!
A unity candle is a more recent tradition that is sometimes performed to symbolize the joining together of the two families into one united family. More often, a unity candle symbolizes the union of two individuals becoming one in commitment.
Sometimes a lit candle just isn't a good idea. Having an outdoor wedding? Maybe breezy. Have young children you want to include in the ritual? Wax burns. Had a pre-ceremony drink? Fire and adult beverages don't mix. A unity sand ceremony may be your solution! This ceremony set comes with your choice of two sand colors to match your wedding decor, two 7.5" pouring vases, and a lid to take it home without spills. Submit your favorite engagement photo to the DreamWeddingShop, and they'll etch it onto the glass vessel for an heirloom-worthy keepsake.
We chose not to have a ring bearer for our wedding ceremony, mainly because we didn’t know any younger boys to give the position to at the time. The next best thing is to find a pretty ring box and utilize the best man.
Is there anything more innocent than this? We think not! Every ring bearer needs a beautiful pillow that's also easy to navigate. This one is designed to carry your rings securely down the aisle, then when the big moment comes, it's easy for little fingers to untie the ribbon and hand 'em over.
Delicate rustic charm are the three adjectives that best describe this sweet flower girl basket! If you're having a country-inspired wedding (and who isn't these days), it's the perfect accessory for your favorite petal-scatterer. We love the ringbearer pillow, too, btw, and the cool thing about this Etsy store is you can order as many baskets or combo pillow/baskets as you need.
We already mentioned the importance of wedding signs to keep your guests from getting lost. But don't underestimate the likelihood of losing your own way once you're overwhelmed with festivities and attention and thinking things. Wedding chair signs not only nip that potential problem in the bud, but they also look super classy! Bonus: They'll keep everyone in their place at the head table. So to speak.
Could you tell these were silk when you first saw them? We couldn't either! Floral aisle markers add such a polished look to any ceremony, and we picked these specifically for their low-key elegance. Need a different color combo? Check out the AngelIsabella Etsy store. Guarantee they'll have exactly what you want!
Nothing says fairy tale quite like a white velvet aisle runner! (Red is a close second.) This one features a non-slip lining on the bottom- made especially for picture-perfect brides who don't want to bite it on their way up the aisle. Which is every bride in the history of brides. Crafted from faux velvet with cotton lining. Available in black, white, and red. Width 55" x 10 to 100 feet long!
Rose petals are a staple for most weddings, and beyond the aisle runner, there are a hundred other ways they can multitask. (If you're so inclined, consult Pinterest- you'll see.) But if you're buying the real thing, it'll set you back more than a few bucks. Silk petals are a much more cost-effective alternative and are every bit as pretty! These come in packs of 300 for easy measuring and are available in four sweet colors.
Wedding favors are so much fun to shop for, and depending upon what you choose, they're a great candidate for DIY wedding prep. These bubble favor labels are a perfect example! With a little help from your friends, you can create inexpensive favors your guests will love. These labels come in 17 design options- all you have to do is peel and stick!
Wedding Reception Decor
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Wedding Card Box or Basket
- Your cards deserve a beautiful house.
- Makes writing thank you notes so much easier!
- It's an excellent keepsake.
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Wedding Guest Book
- It's got that rustic charm.
- It'll last longer than a paper book.
- It'll look beautiful displayed at home.
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Guestbook Sign
- Adds polish and class to any decor.
- It's customizable to suit your colors.
- Incorporate it into your guest book for extra flair.
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Pens for Guest Book
- Plain pens just won't do.
- You'll get lots of compliments on it from your guests.
- It's personalized!
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Seating Chart
- Adds a bit of dramatic flair to your decor.
- It's a multitasker.
- You can match with your wedding stationery suite.
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Place Cards
- Your guests will feel like royalty.
- Cuts down on (potentially explosive) seating confusion.
- It's a beautiful addition to your table decor.
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Place Card Holders
- It contributes to the formal affair vibe.
- Your guests will appreciate the detail.
- It'll impress your mother-in-law.
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Table Numbers
- It's an elegant addition to your tablescape.
- It's a lifesaver at a large reception.
- Matching table numbers + seating charts = fancy!
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Wedding Menu Cards
- Matches your other day-of stationery.
- Your guests need to know what's for dinner!
- Makes an excellent keepsake.
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Toasting Flutes
- The occasion calls for something extra.
- You'll love them forever.
- They'll make you feel like a celebrity.
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Cake Platter
- It's realllly pretty!
- It'll elevate your cake game (literally)
- You'll use it again and again.
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Mr & Mrs Cake Topper
- I'm a sucker for elegant font.
- It brings sophisticated style to the table.
- It's got creative re-use potential.
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Cake Knife and Server
- It'll become a treasured family heirloom.
- It's excellent for cake-cutting photos.
- It's gorgeous in every color!
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Wedding Favor Sign
- Wedding favors are too fun to be ignored.
- Its minimalist design goes with everything.
- It brings elegant flair to the table. (Literally.)
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Wedding Favors
- Favors are so much fun to shop for!
- Your guests will love them.
- You'll get to keep the leftovers!
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Wedding Favor Tags
- They'll impress your guests.
- They're a sweet way to say thanks.
- They MATCH!
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Tea Lights and Holders
- You'll use them well after the party's over
- They're versatile.
- Candles make every table look better.
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Photo Booth Backdrop
- You'll cherish the pics forever.
- Your guess will laugh till they cry.
- It's much cheaper than a photographer all night!
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Sparklers and Sparkler Tags
- Easy to light
- Choose your own sparkler — the classic style is my favorite!
- Perfect for sparkler send offs!
A card box or basket is a good idea to hold any loose cards. Although one would hope everyone attending your wedding is honest, leaving easy-to-snatch envelopes full of money in plain view on a table is never a good thing. You are better off enclosing cards in a box or cage.
Once all the gifts are collected, make sure you have a trusted friend or family member lock them away in a safe spot.
Guestbooks can be a fun way to get creative and let your imagination run wild.
We used a double magnum wine bottle at our wedding, which was signed using a gold felt pen by all our guests. We plan to pop the cork on our 5th wedding anniversary.
There are all sorts of unique guestbooks to choose from. Below is a personal picture that is framed with your wedding day, signed with guests messages.
While plenty of guest book alternatives exist on the bridal circuit, the old-fashioned bound wedding guest book will never go out of style! An elegant acrylic sign is a great way to request your guests to sign yours. Personalize it with your names, and choose a flat or glossy finish. It's also available with a huge variety of colors to customize your backsplash and text. Stand available for purchase.
Make sure you have a pretty pen for both the wedding ceremony and guestbook.
What better way to show your guests to their table in style than an oversized seating chart sign? The right sign expertly displayed can make a beautiful and bold contribution to your wedding day decor! It contributes to the decor and points your guests to the correct table- who doesn't love multitasking wedding decor?
Sometimes certain guests need special seating arrangements. A strategically placed name card that assigns an exact spot at a table is a good idea.
So you've got the seating chart to show your guests where they should go. The table numbers signal them to the right table. The place cards put everyone in the right place. Sounds efficient, but we're missing the panache, right? That's where an elegant place card holder comes in! Whether you choose a simple block or a polished stand, it'll be the finishing touch you didn't know you were looking for!
Your guests have found their names and table on the seating chart- but that doesn't mean they'll be able to find it! Table numbers are especially in order if you're having a grand affair in a vast ballroom, but not just to make it easier for everyone to find their way around. The faster everyone finds their seats, the sooner everyone can eat!
Whether or not you need menu cards is a question to ask your caterer. If all the guests will have the same thing for dinner or you are having a buffet, menu cards won’t be necessary.
However, if you are planning a sit down meal with options, guests will have an easier time selecting what they want if menu cards are available. Plus, any servers will thank you for not having to repeat themselves over and over to each table.
There are going to be lots of toasts at your wedding. Personalized toasting flutes are a nice touch to go along with the special cheers.
The dinner's great and all, but let's face it, everyone's looking for the cake! Your wedding cake is a work of art and deserves to be put on a pedestal- don't settle for any old cardboard stand covered in aluminum foil. Bonus? You'll want to use these well after the wedding's over.
Once upon a time, wedding cake toppers were tiny representations of a bride and groom. While those are still cute, this Mr. & Mrs. topper is perfect for those who want something more sophisticated and less kitsch. It comes in six finishes to match your cake like a pro.
Why use just any old knife?! A gorgeous personalized wedding cake and knife server set is just what you need to make the cake-cutting ritual even more special. (And picture-perfect!) This set comes in silver, gold, rose-gold, and black with your choice of six font styles. You can even get it with a gift box for the ultimate personalized wedding gift!
To hear her guests exclaim how cute the favors are is like music to a bride's ears! (And they're so much fun to shop for.) So it would be a real bummer to have an entire table full of favors that no one takes because they didn't see them! Let's eliminate that scenario with a pretty acrylic sign, shall we? This one comes in three sizes, with or without a stand. You can opt for a glossy or flat finish, and there's every font color under the sun to accommodate your wedding colors perfectly!
Do you have to have wedding favors? Strictly speaking, no. Should you have wedding favors? Absolutely! There are so many to choose from, no matter what your guest list looks like, there's something to please everyone at every price point. (The mini honey pot is my personal fave.)
Wedding favor thank you tags are a perfect way to thank your guests for coming to the party! Plus, they're super classy. So there's that. Are you in love with your wedding stationery? Well, matching wedding favor tags are available in most of Minted's wedding stationery suites. Again, super classy.
Candlelight is essential for setting the mood anywhere, especially on significant occasions when people gather to dine and dance the night away. Not only are these little lights charming, but they're also versatile enough to suit your table perfectly! Use them as-is or fill them with decorative stones or other stuff (the silk flower petals on this list, for instance) to create something personal to your decor.
I'm not sure when photo booths became such a wedding staple, but they are genius! Not only are they the perfect way to capture the best photos, but they're also the perfect way to entertain your guests while taking a dancing break. All in the most affordable way ever!
Add a bit of fireworks to your reception, literally. Sparkler send offs are so popular and a blast for everyone involved. Plus they create amazing an amazing photo op! These sweet little sparklers double as a takeaway and sparkler for the big send off. The best part? The sparkler tags include a spark strip for easy lighting! Time to get your sparkle on!
Gifts For the Wedding Party
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Gifts for Bridal Party
- Boy, do they deserve it!
- Shows your gratitude in the best way.
- They'll treasure it.
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Gifts for the Bride
- She's soooo worth it!
- It'll make the day even more special
- She'll love you forever for it!
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Gifts for the Groom
- Grooms need some attention too!
- He'll probably tear up with joy.
- It's a great start to the rest of your forever.
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Bridal Emergency Kit
- Your girl comes prepared like a boy scout.
- Perfect for packing in a small purse.
- She can refill and re-use for another day.
A fun photo I see from featured real weddings all the time is the bride and her bridesmaids each wearing matching robes while they get ready.
If you’re not the type who enjoys silk robes, there are lots of different gifts you can buy for your ladies.
Whether she's a scrapbooker or a spa enthusiast, a meaningful gift on the big day is a fabulous way to let the bride know you cherish her! There are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas on our list, but whatever you choose, make sure it's just for her. The ultimate goal? Happy tears and hugs, of course!
It's true: most of the attention is on the bride during a wedding. But that doesn't mean the soon-to-be groom wouldn't love a small token of affection on his wedding morning! He'll appreciate the gesture, whether it's something funny like cold feet socks or something sentimental like personalized cufflinks. A small gift is a great way to let him know you can't wait to see him at the altar.
Last but not least.
Stress management is one of life's most essential skills, especially when wrangling a wedding. Have one of those ready to stave off potential disaster (and a harried trip to the nearest drugstore) with an emergency kit! This one has everything she'll need, from Tylenol to fashion tape, and it's a fabulous gift for your big day, or for next morning.
Phew! That’s all for now. We update this list from time to time, so you can be sure you’ve always got the best list of things that you need for your wedding day!
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Meredith
Despite her dreamy wedding blogger lifestyle, Meredith's day job is running ClassicVeils.com and a full-time mom to an active toddler. If she could, Meredith would spend her days taking cruises, helping animals in need, and watching Big Brother!
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Meredithhttps://www.loveandlavender.com/author/meredith/
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Meredithhttps://www.loveandlavender.com/author/meredith/
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Meredithhttps://www.loveandlavender.com/author/meredith/
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Meredithhttps://www.loveandlavender.com/author/meredith/
Thank you so much for these wonderful tips so amazing
Thanks for sharing. Lovely post & fantastic tips! So exciting! ??
Thank you for sharing. From my experience, I recommend you buy another product – paper lanterns – they will light up your garden!
Your Article is Wonderful! A lot of Great Tips and Very nicely written. I have learned a lot from your article Thank you for sharing with us.
I am thinking of my special day, lots and lots of things on my mind, searching on Google for help to find new ideas of how its going to happen, but I thank you all for sharing. Regards the team
Hi Rita,
Thanks for your comment and congrats on your engagement! I now there is a lot to think about when planning a wedding. One question for you: What is your biggest wedding challenge right now?
Cheers,
Andrew
This such a gift list thanks for sharing, I can begin planning my wedding now! There’s just so much to do and choose from, I can’t wait.
Thank you so much for your site it took all the guess work out of planning our wedding.
I really like the ideas of having a unique guest book to sign at my wedding. Having guest sign the matting of a wedding picture would be a fun idea. I also like your tip to make sure the pens are pretty too. Every little detail makes a difference! Thanks for these ideas!