How should I word this... ideas?

Question

At my outdoor/casual reception, I would like to make a display of pictures of couples in our families that are married and say something like, "Look at the role models/strong marriages we have in our family" and then have pics of each of my relatives on their wedding day with a little sign that says how long they have been married. There will be all ranges- my parents being married 30 yrs, and my cousins that are newlyweds!

I figured you guys could come up with a better thing to say than what I said about "role models" What catch all phrase could I put with the pictures?

Also, I could put them in picture frames, or I could use my scrapbooking supplies and put the photos on cardstock and decorate. It won't be as "elegant" but I think it would be cute to personalize and make it more meaningful. What do you think?

Also, I would check with my g-ma, but would it be okay to have a picture of her and my g-pa and the # of yrs they have been married, though he passed away 7 yrs ago?

Answer 1

I think that this is such a cute idea! Maybe try a phrase like: "Those Who Took The Plunge Before Us" or "What We Have to Look Forward To." I love the idea of cardstock and decorating over the frames. I'm sure you'll be able to make it look elegant but meaningful at the same time. I think your Grandma will be very touched that you want to include a picture of her and your Grandpa. And I wouldn't worry about anyone divorced being offended by your cute display. Hello, it's a wedding and it's all about you and your fiance, not them! Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 2

I would just have the picture with the wording

Celebrating 25 years of marriage.

Celebrating 30 years of marriage and so on and I think that people will get the idea

Answer 3

Thats an adorable idea, I like the idea of "scrapbooking" it to make it more personal and I think it would be lovely to include a pic of your grandparents, I'm sure you grandma will be proud to her husband of so many years on display even though hes not there to share the happiness. (I'd write the date of their wedding day then the date he passed away with RIP after it or possibly just "50 happy years together" if you think the RIP and date of his death is a bit morbid).

As for the title I'd keep it simple like "Our Inspiration"

or possible "Happy hearts make happy homes" or is that  a bit cheesy?

Answer 4

I would say something like, "These couples are our Inspiration" and maybe say something about how you hope to have such a strong and happy marriage just like them. Or how you plan to continue the "Family Tradition" of long and happy marriages. You don't have to write it all, you could just say it.

Answer 5

Nice idea. Although I have to say that I've been to weddings where there has been a table with meaningful mementos etc. but no one saw or care. Where is food or entretainment, people will gravitate to that instead.

Perhaps, scanned pictures on a slide show on a rehearsal dinner will catch the attention much better. I think it's a wonderful idea that it's worth sharing with yoru guests.

Good luck

Answer 6

If you want something personalized and meaningful, I think the cardstock is fine.  You can do a lot more with that than regular frames. It doesn't necessarily have to look elegant - if you are creative and like scrapbooking then I'm sure it will come out beautiful.

We did something similar, though I am not great at crafts so we scanned a bunch of pictures and put them on a digital frame and set it on shuffle. We didn't add captions though, we just let the pictures speak for themselves.

You can put your grandparents. I think the only way it might make your grandmother uncomfortable is if she remarried.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

My only concern about this idea is that, if one set of parents, grandparents, or other family members is divorced, they're going to feel bad - like you think they're failures because they haven't been good role models. I actually considered putting a framed picture of my parents on their wedding day on one of the tables at our reception (with other framed pictures of us), but I didn't, because my husband's parents went through a very bitter divorce several years ago, and I felt like pointing out how happy my parents still are would just seem like rubbing it in to his parents.

If you're totally, 100% sold on this idea and nothing will change your mind, then I would suggest putting something like "Our inspirations" and leave it at that.

Answer 9

"The bedrock for our wedlock - our loving families!"

"We're building our marriage on a strong foundation."

And if it's okay with your grandma, of course you should include her and your grandpa - what a great way to honor and remember him on your wedding day!

Answer 10

That's a nice idea.  I'm having pictures of my grandparents that have died and cannot attend and a dance to honor all of the married couples that eliminates them off the dance floor until the longest-married couple remains.  I think it will be nice.

You can do the frames or the scrapbooking idea, whichever suits your wedding better decor-wise.

I'll think about the phrase and repost....