Wedding Planning

(ARA) - Roughly 31,000 couples will be tying the knot on July 7, 2007 (7-7-07), touted to be 2007's luckiest day. Wedding experts are predicting that thousands of others will pledge the promise of spending the rest of their lives together with a lucky proposal. Many believe that becoming engaged on this unique day in history will ensure that luck will remain on their side throughout their engagement and marriage.

"Superstitions can weigh heavy when it comes to planning a wedding," says Charlene Staples, brand manager for Destination Romance by Dawn (www.destination-romance.com). "Getting engaged on 7-7-07 adds an entirely new element of fun to the wedding planning process. Whether they want to embrace a 'lucky in love' theme or take it all the way with a Vegas theme, there are many ways to keep the theme of luck in the forefront as a couple plans their wedding." Staples mentioned that Destination Romance by Dawn has seen a dramatic increase in Vegas-themed weddings and receptions, whether or not the ceremony actual takes place in Las Vegas.

Getting engaged on 7-7-07 is just the beginning for couples placing an importance on luck in both subtle and obvious ways.

The theme of luck draws from many cultures and sources, and for couples who want their lucky engagement date to play a larger role, consider featuring lucky symbols in invitations and at parties. "Our 'Lucky Sevens' invitation reads 'Lucky in Love' and can be customized with a couple's wedding date," advises Katie Kocina, trend expert for Now & Forever (www.now-and-forever.com) and Rexcraft (www.rexcraft.com). "Couples can also add a whimsical touch with invitations and save-the-dates that feature luck with Asian and Irish themed invites, two cultures that place an emphasis on luck." To kick-start your lucky-themed engagement, Kocina advises sending out engagement announcements within one month. "This gives couples a chance to use the 7-7-07 date as part of the engagement announcement, which is a fun way to share your news."

"For couples who want to keep things simple and incorporate the theme of luck in a subtle way, using a creative do-it-yourself invitation could be the way to go," says Kelly Ratcliff, brand manager for Jean M wedding invitations and accessories (www.myjeanm.com). According to Ratcliff, assemble-at-home Translucent Card Kits and Dreaming Up Design brand invitations available at www.myjeanm.com allow couples to keep the DIY feel as they assemble the various pieces, including special touches like photos and lucky charms. These invitations come in lucky colors like gold, red and green, for an indirect, sophisticated touch.

There's more to engagements and weddings than just invitations. Other ways to keep your theme of luck alive include hosting a themed engagement party to celebrate your lucky engagement day, sending out themed save-the-date cards or magnets and thanking your wedding party with lucky-themed gifts.

"Attendant gifts have gone beyond flasks and compacts," says Kocina. "Think about personalized charm bracelets for bridesmaids and personalized golf or billiards sets for groomsmen. Showing your appreciation with a lucky token will make the day even more special."

Whether for engagement parties and showers or for your reception, party favors can also contribute to the theme. Instead of candy treat boxes, ask your guests to share in your luck by giving away lottery scratch games. Check out personalized lottery ticket holders by Invitations by Dawn (www.invitationsbydawn.com) to make the giveaways a special surprise.

"Whatever couples decide to do to make their engagement special and full of luck, the important thing is that they create a wedding that is unique to them," remarked Staples. "The hottest trend is doing what makes the day the best representation of the couple -- lucky engagement date or not."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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