Outdoor Wedding Blog

Outdoor Wedding Blog: Ideas, news, tips and resources for brides and grooms planning outdoor weddings, from Kim Knox Beckius, author of "The Everything Outdoor Wedding Book." Visit Kim's Outdoor Wedding Web Site: outdoorweddingguide.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Wedding Jerky

wedding-jerkyWhen my husband opened one of his favorite Christmas presents, a big box filled with 2-ounce bags of gourmet jerky in dozens of intriguing flavors, my very first thought was: wedding favors. Stick with me on this one! While jerky certainly isn't a typical choice for a wedding favor, wouldn't it be a cool option for a country or barbecue-themed outdoor wedding?

Whatta Jerky, the Naples, Florida-based company that produces this top round steak jerky in wedding-appropriate flavors like Hot and Spicy, Sweet and Bold BBQ, Hawaiian, Honey Terikyaki, and citrus-flavored Mojo, sells 2-ounce bags in mix-and-match flavors for $4.99 each. As it turns out, Whatta Jerky is a new venture launched by my brother's college roommate and his wife: They sell this specialty jerky both online and at the 3rd Street South Farmers Market in Naples.

One of the reasons I immediately thought these tasty jerky treats (which my husband hasn't stopped talking about since Christmas) would make a great favor is that the product label is a standard size shipping label, so it would be easy to sticker over them with your own custom labels. You might incorporate your wedding monogram or logo, include a special thank you message, or even customize the flavor name in honor of your big day: Bill and Kelly's Sweet and Tangy Perfect Blend Wedding Jerky, for example.

Alternatively, a jerky sampler might be the perfect gift for groomsmen, especially if you plan to present gifts at a rehearsal dinner barbecue. (Think Valentine's Day gifts, too, for those hard-to-buy-for guys.) This all-natural jerky is also available in larger sizes, and the company offers a complete satisfaction guarantee.

Labels: , , ,

Sunday, January 25, 2009

10 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding in a Recession

Your wedding budget may be tighter than you'd hoped in this economy, but that doesn't mean you can't have a spectacular outdoor wedding day. In my new article, 10 Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding in a Recession, you'll find simple ways to save money by selecting cheaper alternatives or eliminating unnecessary expenses.

Have a recession-busting tip to share? Post it in the comments, and help other couples faced with wedding financial worries.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Become an Outdoor Wedding Guide Fan on Facebook

Whether you're a bride or groom planning an outdoor wedding, a member of an outdoor wedding bridal party, or a wedding vendor who provides services for outdoor weddings, I'd love to have you as a fan of the new Outdoor Wedding Guide page on Facebook. Once you join our group (click here to begin), you'll be able to post photos, videos and events; start and contribute to discussions; share your thoughts on The Wall and learn from and be inspired by others with a passion for outdoor weddings.

But wait... there's more! From all of the fans who join us by midnight EST on January 31, 2009, I'll select one winner at random to receive a free autographed copy of The Everything Outdoor Wedding Book, which I will personalize and send to you (U.S. addresses only). Good luck, and looking forward to sharing with you on Facebook.

Update: Congratulations to the winner, Christina F.! The contest has ended, but I hope you'll still consider becoming an Outdoor Wedding Guide fan if you're a Facebook member.

Labels: ,