And the Pic of the Week Is........

All I can say, it's too pretty to eat.

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Wedding Bar Blues

  Having an open bar at your wedding is a great idea but it can also be costly.  In today’s economy a lot of couples are footing the wedding bill themselves and providing unlimited cocktails can quickly take you over budget.  Watching your dollars closely while having the wedding that you have always dreamed of can be achieved.

Although you don’t want your guests to over indulge, you want them to have a good time.  Depending on where your reception is an open bar package may be included.  However, if you find yourself having to pay additional for the bar here are some tips so you will have extra cash to spend on your honeymoon.

©   Close your bar during dinner.  Some couples allow only the bridal party to partake in alcoholic beverages; however you do it, it will help you save.

©   Limit the types of alcohol you serve.  Among your guests you pretty much know what the majority drink and who is a casual drinker vs. the person that drinks a little more.  Its okay to serve a limited number of wines and beer brands as well as a few brand name hard liquor.

©   The signature drink is a classic, trendy, and it will reduce the need to order a lot of liquors that will never be used.  Work with your caterer to create your own signature drink.  Make sure its something fun and tasty.

©   Have an early afternoon or Sunday reception.  People don’t drink as much at noon as they do in the evening.  A brunch wedding reception will also save on food.

©   If an evening reception has always been your dream, speak with the venue or caterer about having a “Host Bar”.  This is where the bride and groom prepay a specific dollar amount toward the bar and once that amount has been consumed, that’s it.  You should let your planner know in advance that this is your arrangement so she can keep tabs on where you are with the bar just in case you want to add a few extra dollars.

©   Close the bar half an hour before ending.  If you close too soon you may lose guests, if you leave it open until the end it may be unsafe for your guests that are driving.

Whatever you choose think it through carefully before you let everyone know “drinks are on the house”.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!

 

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And the Pic of the Week Is......

Please feel free to "Pin" my pic of the week.

What can you say about Rose Pink and Gold? Classy, Glamorous, Elegant, Luxury.  Need I say more.

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How Important Is The Food.........

........Very Important.  Food is an important part of any celebration.  It can unite, reinforce, and help maintain a shared characteristic among a group of people.

Choosing the right menu for a special event can be just as important as choosing a location. Food can communicate a theme, convey a feeling or set the mood of an entire night. Taking great care in planning a menu shows your guests how much you appreciate them, and a great meal can help make a special day even more memorable.

Planning portions is very important when catering your own event.  Plan that half of your guests will want to go back for seconds. If you know that one dish will be a favorite, be sure to make extra. Keep in mind that the larger the variety, the more people you will please. 

Now, Let's Get Inspired!!

 

You can't go wrong with a good salad

  

The serving dish you choose helps make 

a good presentation

 

When serving sushi it is important to know the source

 

Be sure to include a dish that 

everyone knows & loves

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Arriving In Style

The arrival in the limo by the bride or groom has not gone by the wayside but it has taken on a new spin.  Couples choose their transportation by theme or just because they have always wanted to arrive in "something like this".  Whatever you choose make it fun and interesting.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Did They Notice The Details?

You created a wonderful menu for your outdoor summer party, you started a new business so there was a grand opening, your elegant birthday dinner was bigger than you planned, and most importantly, there was your wedding. 

All these events took preparation; planners, venues, florists, photographers, and caterers among a host of others.  Whether you used a planner or you were on your own the extra touches that you added is what makes the details.

It’s the small details that everyone will see that will hold memorable.  The way you use a certain pop of color that makes every element stand out, how the napkin is folded, where the lighting is placed to give the room the right type of ambiance, the script on the invitation, the presentation of the escort cards, even that small filler space that you thought no one would notice but you decided to place a beautiful floor vase adorned with florals. 

Whether it’s a 500 person fund raiser or an intimate dinner for two, it’s all in the details.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!  

 The "Love" sign makes this table more adorable 

than it would have been without it

Extra touches to make your guests feel welcome

will be memorable

The cake is beautiful of course but the 

pearl opening gives it flair

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Open House Engagement

 What a beautiful time in your life, you just got engaged!

You’ve told your parents and your BFFs.  You really want to have an engagement party, however, the venue you love is booked and your home is too small.  I have just the thing; an open house engagement party.

What’s an open house engagement party?  This is a party where your friends and family drop by whenever they choose during a specific time span.  This works well if you have a lot of people to invite or do not have the space to hold everyone. 

You can make it as casual or elegant as you wish.  Passed hors d’oeuvres, catered buffet, or if you are willing, cook the menu yourself.  Choose wine & beer or bring in a portable bar.  Purchase a few floral arrangements and some cocktail napkins with your engagement printed on them and voila, you can announce your engagement to everyone you hold near and dear.

Take that frown off your face, grab a pen, some paper, and your fiancé; pick a date and start to make your guest list.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!

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Dinner Party Extras

 While a large get-together of family & friends can make for an entertaining evening, an intimate dinner party is a great way to mingle and spend quality time visiting with each of your guests. You also have more creative choices when designing a smaller party. You can easily incorporate fun themes, unusual settings, and mouth-watering menus.

Will your party be casual or formal? What kind of food will you serve? How many guests will you have?  Will there be a theme?  Will you seat your guests at the dining room table or will there be other seating options?

Think about the number of guest you are inviting.  Dinner parties usually occur in your home, which mean the size of your table is going to determine the amount of people you invite. Don’t forget comfort, you do not want to squeeze in an extra chair and your guests end up eating in awkward positions.

Personal touches like handmade invitations will spark your guests’ curiosity and they will be sure to put your dinner date on their calendar. Also, your party does not have to be formal to incorporate place cards; another personal touch that your guests will be sure to love.  

Your menu will be one of the most important components of your event.  No one knows your guests the way you do so make sure there’s something that will appeal to everyone’s palate.  Whether you are preparing the meal yourself or having it catered the food you serve should be nothing short of perfection. 

The table setting, music, and décor should reflect the theme of the evening as well as your taste.  Here, you can be as creative as you want formally or casual.  However, do not go overboard and your décor becomes the focal point of the evening.  Adding extra touches to your home and your table will show the importance you put on your guests and the event.  Give your guests something to enjoy but remember the purpose the dinner party. 

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!   

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How Do We Say "Thank You"

You’ve gotten engaged, set the date, chosen your ceremony & reception venue, and thought long and hard about your bridal party.  Now, on to the details; one being “what do we give our bridal party?” 

Whether it’s a friend or family member, the people you have chosen to be in your bridal party are near and dear to you and your fiancé.  You want to make sure that they know how much you appreciate everything they have done for you throughout this entire process.  One way is to say it with your gift.

Bridal party gifts are always a challenge for the couple.  Everyone in your bridal party has their own unique personality and you want to make sure that the gift represents who they are.  Here are ten steps to help you choose the right gift for each member of your bridal party.    

1. List each bridal party member.
2. Set a budget: Even if you plan to spend $20 per person, that can still add up. It's easy to overspend when you are choosing gifts for people you love.
3. Browse different magazines & websites for gift ideas: Bridal websites and magazines are not the only place to get inspiration for bridal party gifts.
4. Think of your bridal party’s favorite colors, hobbies, and things you all like to do for fun: This will help you come up with some ideas.
5. Write down five potential gift ideas: Make sure you work together, remember, two heads are sometimes better than one.
6. Check gifts online: Before you make a trip to the store check the prices online, sometimes you can save by making your purchases online.
7. Check the gifts against your budget: Choose wisely and stay within your budget.
8. Select a gift that will go with your group personality, style, or hobbies: Gifts for your bridal party don't have to be the same.  You may choose each gifts based on a person’s favorite color, personality, need, or simply because you think they will like it.  Personalization is a plus. 
9. Make sure to include a personal thank you with each gift: A handwritten note is always special.
10. Present the gift: Presenting after the rehearsal dinner would be ideal because you’re doing together as a couple.  However, it is okay to present the morning of the wedding.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!

 For the Ladies: Hanging Travel Organizer or a MS Rubber Stamp

 

For the Men: 5 Pc BBQ Set in Golf Bag, Manicure & Shoe Shine Kit, Silver Guitar Pick

                                     

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