Need ideas for a surprise!!!

annieappy

Hi ladies!

I need some brainstorming help. For the sake of privacy I obviously can't say what my fiance does in the military, but let's just say he gets to wear a special pin as part of his uniform. My fiance will not be wearing his uniform when we get married, but I want to surprise him and find a way to incorporate the symbol into the decor (just in a little touch) and am having a heck of a time thinking of something! We are not doing a cake or groom's cake, so that's out. I thought about getting little replica pins and using them in centerpieces but thought that could be overwhelming/tacky looking/disrespectful. 

Thoughts??

kyrgyzstan

My H had one of his special pins made into a necklace for me (i.e. the one he earned on the deployment we met because of) to wear when he's gone. I wore it with my wedding dress. It was pretty easy, a jeweler just filed off the pin pricky parts, smoothed it out, and added a couple loops for a chain. I would have preferred a mini-medal version, but H wanted me to have the ones he earned, so they're what I have. I am not, not, not a dog tag wearing type, but the pin H gave me is not immediately obvious to 95% of people, so it's not really that AW IMO. People just think it's a trendy necklace.

I don't like the centerpiece thing. I think a little private way, like having it around your neck, or something only he will really notice unless someone else is looking really hard. I'm sorry I'm no help beyond the necklace.

lrh17

What about incorporating a replica pin in with your bouquet? My florist wrapped an embroidered handkerchief around mine, and put a brooch from my aunt in it and my great grandmother's wedding ring. It was very personal, and I liked how close they were to me during the ceremony.

iluvmytxrgr

I like the idea of adding it to your bouquet.  

annieappy

I like the bouquet idea too- and I do already have it in a necklace, so I could use that in the bouquet. Any ideas on something little that the guests would notice?

iluvmytxrgr

Personally, I don't think you need anything the guests would notice.  It's not about them.  It's about you and your FI.  

I guess if you really wanted to, you could use the symbol as a water mark on the programs or other stationery.  I'm not a big fan of it, though.  What ever you do, don't over do it.  

We went to a wedding last year as a guest of the groom.  The bride totally over did it and had the unit symbols EVERY WHERE.  Garter, groom's cake, dance floor, programs, tables, and guest book tables were all covered.  It was really AW-y.  Of course, this is also the chick who hates us all to this day because we "ruined her day" by not doing some sort of toast to "welcome her to the club".  

annieappy

Lol- I can one-up you, iluv- I once had a friend who told me I was not excited enough about her engagement and that I was (and I quote) the "one black spot on her happiness." Maybe I should have had t-shirts made...

I'd like to do something small the guests will notice because they're very proud of what he does and all of his groomsmen do the same thing he does. Also, he's a little dense on the details- i think just a touch on the bouquet would go completely unnoticed unless I hit him over the head with it  But I promise, I will definitely not go overboard! Maybe I'll name a custom drink after it or something...

Stefisme55

The bouquet is an excellent idea! My FI and I are both Warrant officers in the Army and I will am having the Rising Eagle (Warrant Officer Crest) on my bouqet. Just a small touch to compliment our Military Wedding!