Following is an idea that will make your friends and family feel important. After all, they will contribute to creating a lifetime memento family heirloom of your wedding.
Though it can, it should not come from the bride and groom, but from someone else who is close enough to them to obtain a list of friends and family.
If at all possible the following project should be created as a surprise for the bride and groom.
So, whether you are the bridal couple or someone close to them, here is what to do.

Purchased either yards of white linen fabric, and cut it into 12x12 squares, white men's handkerchiefs, or best yet, white linen napkins.
If you are the bridal couple place a square with each "save the date" or engagement announcement you send to friends and family, so the recipients will have ample time to complete their project.
If you are not the bridal couple, send each a square of cloth with instruction including the need for secrecy so the quilt or Chuppah will be a surprise.
Ask each recipient to create a square for the wedding quilt or Chupah, using his or her creativity and return it to you as soon as possible.
Emphasize that they do not have to be artists and no special talent is required.
Let them know that anything will do. They may write something in washable ink. It can be as simple as a greeting from ...., wedding advice, a poem, a verse from the Bible or........ They may of course choose to use embroidery pens and draw or paint.
Some who enjoy doing so may even actually embroider the square.

In today's computer age, it is a good idea to:
create the special text and - or design,
use graphics available on the Internet
use photographs.

Whatever graphics your guests decide to use, they should
scan them to the computer,
Print them on an Iron-On sheet *
Iron onto the square as per instructions.
This will insure that the square will be washable.
You may even consider sending an Iron on sheet with every square.

* Packages of Iron-On sheets are available at any office supplies store such as Office Depot, Staples, or Office Max.

It is also very important that you indicate in your instructions that:
An inch wide border needs to be left around the square so it can be sewn into the wedding quilt or Chuppah, without cutting off their work.
they sign their square somewhere on the front within the design.
they use only washable paints so the quilt or Chuppah can be washed and enjoyed.
they contact you if they need another square, or have any questions.

Send each square with a return envelope so it will be returned to you as soon as possible, to allow time to sew thw squares and complete the quilt or Chuppah in time for the wedding.

Note: you'll need to calculate the number of squares you need according to the size desired.

A quilt can be of any size, especially since it can show designs on one or both sides.
The typical sizes for a Chuppah are:
60" X 60" (5 square ft.) Each side requires 25 squares
72" X 72" (6 Square ft.) Each side requires 36 squares
84" X 84" (7 square ft.) Each side requires 49 squares

After the ceremony, display the quilt or Chuppah at the reception for all to enjoy.
It will be a conversation piecw at the wedding and become a cherished family heirloom, to pass on to the following generations.

Copyrights © 2006 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing

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Copyrights © 2006 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser,
Nily Glaser is the CEO of A-wedding Day.com.

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