|
3 May |
|
|
6:49 am Posted by Kristy |
Today’s grads expect a lot from both themselves and their gift-giving guardians (a.k.a. parents). No where is this more evident than the continuing trend for more adventurous (and expensive) graduation gifts. Time was when a wristwatch and some graduation party invitations sufficed as recognition of this milestone. From there sprang the ultra-American graduation gift–a set of keys to a new car. For those with even more means, maybe the gift of choice included a plane (and train) ticket to tour Europe.
Today, grads of all means seek even more meaningful experiences that bring them a sense of adventure, personal growth, and/or service.
One of the longest-running examples of an adventure graduation gift is enrollment in an Outward Bound course. As the premier adventure-based organization providing life-changing experience, Outward Bound is a non-profit educational organization and expedition school. Many of us probably know someone who has been on an Outward Bound expedition. The organization emphasizes that these are not guided trips; rather they bring real challenge to individuals through placement in unfamiliar settings as a way to test physical and inner strength. The process is one of self-discovery and character development.
The flipside of adventure in the wilderness is adventure in the global community. The foremost example for adventure into the world at large is aboard a ship through Semester at Sea (SAS). Semester at Sea has a long-standing tradition as a purveyor of intercultural exchange and global understanding, using it’s ship as a “traveling campus.” SAS brings guest faculty and lecturers aboard, offering fully credited semesters and of course a May term and summer semester perfect for the grad. Coursework is fully transferable with credits from SAS’ current academic sponsor, the University of Virginia. Courses include global service on behalf of communities around the world, with opportunities to explore and learn in coastal areas of South America, both sides of the Atlantic, Africa and Europe.
These expeditions aren’t for everyone. But for the right grad seeking this level of adventure, making a contribution towards such a gift means giving the adventure of a lifetime.
Beginning the adventure with a terrific graduation party means finding great graduation party invitations. Get started by shopping the collection by www.LookLoveSend.com. Many designs allow for photo personalization, and if you order more than 50, you’ll enjoy free ground shipping. All orders ship the next business day.
|
1 May |
|
|
10:01 pm Posted by Nicola |
The perfect shade of teal napkin, the most mouth-watering Asian-inspired appetizers, an upbeat band playlist: weddings are all about the details. But for a moment forget about wedding invitation fonts and cake frosting flavors and pause to think about your wedding guest experience. Of all the weddings you’ve attended, which do you remember most fondly? Menu, band and flowers aside – I bet it was the one that made you feel the most welcome and entertained as a guest. Read on for part one in our series of tips to guarantee the happiest experience for your wedding guests.
Don’t let your guests pay for anything
Treat your guests as you would if they were visiting you at your home. Guests shouldn’t have to pay for anything during your wedding, this includes drinks, tips and the valet. If you have budgetary concerns, reduce the number of passed appetizers or forgo the hard liquor to offer only beer and wine at your open bar. Reducing choice is always better than asking guests to supplement the high-end option.
Allow adequate space for your dining guests
Don’t try to squeeze too many guests at a dinner table to keep groups together or try to save money on centerpieces. A 60” round table should seat no more than 8 guests and a 72” round table no more than 10. It’s not unusual to seat guests with people they don’t know – so make that first meeting more comfortable by assuring plenty of personal space for everyone.
Provide heaters and shade for outdoor weddings
If you’re lucky enough to have a perfect 80-degree sunny day for your event, be sure to offer tent shade for guests who may prefer to stay out of the rays. And if you want to keep the party outside despite the crisp evening air, be sure to have heaters on-hand so your guests will stay comfortable after the sun goes down.
Visit our Invite & Delight blog again soon for additional tips to guarantee a happy wedding guest. P.S. our suggestion to forget wedding invitation fonts and cake frosting flavors was just temporary….shop www.LookLoveSend.com for a fantastic selection of delightful online wedding invitations with easily customizable fonts and many with multiple color options. Enter our monthly sweepstakes contest for a chance to win $500 of wedding stationery for your special day.
