And the Pic of the Week

Kazakhstan Anniversary Dinner by Colin Cowie

Since the national color is blue, Colin Cowie created a palette of blue and grey, with yellow miniature calla lilies for the bright future they have ahead of them.

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Candy Buffet Mistakes

Who do you know that doesn't love a special treat every now and then?  Candy buffets and dessert tables are a great addition to your special event.  One misconception regarding candy and dessert buffets is that they can be done inexpensively.  This statement is not necessarily so.  In order to have a good looking candy buffet or dessert table take heed to these common mistakes and your table will get rave reviews.

Mistake 1 - If you plan on doing a candy buffet or dessert table cheaply, you get what you pay for.  You want your guest to have that "WOW" factor when they see your table.  You want them to appreciate the hard work you put into creating a work of art.

Mistake 2 - Don't just buy a bunch of jars, add ribbon here and there, and place them on the table.  When choosing your jars mix and match.  Get jars that are different shapes, sizes, and heights.  You don't have to buy the most expensive jars in the store.  Try your local discount stores, borrow from family or friends that beautiful dish you admired, thrift stores, or you can even check out the flea market.    To make your table visually attractive add height to your table by using boxes of various sizes as pedestals for your jars.  

Mistake 3 - What's the look you're going for?  Elegant, vintage, country?  Decide on your colors then look for label designs that fit into your theme.  Good labels and signage is a plus

Mistake 4 - Don't run out of goodies half way through your event.  Make sure you get enough and have someone in charge of refilling the jars when necessary.

Mistake 5 - Don't forget the scoops, bags, boxes, etc.  Be sure to have something so your guests can help themselves and walk away from the table.  You don't want a pile up or line waiting to put a few pieces in their hands.

Mistake 6 - If you have a special toast or something that you want your guests to pay attention to, use stanchions or a sign advising that the buffet is closed until after......

Mistake 7 - Unless your candy is individually wrapped, keep the lids on your jars until the very last minute.  You don't want your guests to have their taste buds read for a treat and its stale.

Do your research, keep these tips in mind, and practice before you display your first candy or dessert buffet.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And the Pic of the Week

This would make a great DIY project, ribbon chair cover.

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Does My Reception Have To Be Like That?

Brides and Grooms are often concerned about the order of events for the wedding reception.  The most common question I get is "do I have to do it that way?"  In my expert opinion it's your wedding and you are allowed to do whatever you wish.  

Many couples are choosing to have a bride & groom introduction only and some are following the age old tradition of introducing the entire bridal party including the parents.  I have had brides introduce the bridal party only but acknowledging the parents, flower girls, ring bearer(s), and grandparents from where they are seated.  

Some couples do their first dance right after the introduction, some wait until after dinner.  Some cut the wedding cake right away, some wait until later.  When it comes to your wedding, nothing is ever written in stone.  Just talk it over with your planner and he/she should be able to make it happen.

Just in case you are wondering what is listed as the actual wedding reception order of events, keep reading.

1.  Cocktail Hour (it's okay if it's only 45 minutes)

2.  Introductions of entire Bridal Party

3.  1st Dance - Bride & Groom only

4.  Blessing / Meal Served

5.  Best Man, Maid and/or Matron Toast, all other Toasts

6.  Cake Cutting

7.  Father-Bride Dance, Mother-Groom Dance

8.  Bouquet Toss / Garter Removal & Toss

9.  Bride & Groom Remarks

10.Open Dance

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

  

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A Celebrity Surprise!

You too can wed just like the celebrities.  Have a surprise wedding!  That's right, don't tell any of your guests about the big day.

If all the hoopla of the traditional wedding is too much for you, plan a surprise wedding.  If you enjoy some of the hoopla but want to do something different, plan a surprise wedding.  If you want to be like the celebs and enjoy the mystery and secrecy, plan a surprise wedding.

You can keep it to yourselves, decide to tell one other couple/person, or a handful of friends that you know will keep your secret.  A surprise wedding will keep your plans in tact and keep your head free of all those unsolicited opinions that you wish will remain unsolicited.

1.  Tell your guests that you are planning an engagement party or some other celebratory event that you know they will attend.  Be sure to emphasize the importance of your event; this will also ensure they arrive on time.

2.  Think about a limo or a party bus to pick up your parents and/or close friends.  You can always tell them you don't want them to drink and drive.

3.  If you feel you must tell immediate family members, as not to shock or disappoint them, by all means, let them know but you must swear them to secrecy or you will have to kill them :)

4.  Don't think you can't still have some of the traditional elements just because its a surprise wedding.  Not true.  You can have as much or as little of a traditional wedding as you choose.

5.  When it's time for the big reveal, make sure you give your guests time to gasp, smile, and wait for you to come down the aisle.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!


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And the Pic of the Week Is

Dare To Be Different!

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DIY Wedding Backdrop

Wedding backdrops are beautiful, cute, and great for photos.  They can be used at the ceremony, reception, or both.  You can set them up behind the bridal party table, sweetheart table, cake table, or consider using as your photo booth.

Albeit, hiring someone to create your backdrop can get a little pricey.  However, you can come together with your bridal party or just plan in advance and create a beautiful backdrop yourself. In the end your backdrop will be personal and most importantly, you will save $$$.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

    

 

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Is Your Table Too Long?

I love long tables at wedding receptions and special events.  Besides being a look that you don't see often, using long, rectangular banquet tables in lieu of, or addition to your traditional round tables lend a glamorous feel to your special event.

Your options for decorating these tables are a little different than choosing a single centerpiece for your rounds.  Using floral arrangements, candles, or vases of different heights in a row works well for these tables.  I also believe your guests will appreciate conversing with the people that are seated across from them as well as on either side.

Have a look at these images and decide.
Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And the Pic of the Week

Is fit for a king, queen, or both.

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Patterns In Your Wedding

You're preparing for one of the most important days of your life.  In your shopping quests you happen upon a pattern.  It has the right colors but you are wondering if it will work for your wedding.  Don't Be Afraid of Patterns.  

In this day and age you can do whatever you choose.  Get a swatch or picture of what you are thinking and your wedding planner will help you come up with various ways to incorporate it in your design.  So don't shy away from that pattern you love so well.  Use it as a table runner, escort cards, or your bridesmaids dresses.  If you love it and think it's perfect, then use it.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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Questions For Your Reception Venue

You love the look, the location is perfect, but have you asked the right questions.  Your wedding planner will always ask the right questions, that's what they are trained to do.  However, if you think you have found the perfect spot and you can't wait for the planner here are just a few questions to ask:

1.  How many people can be seated comfortably in this area?  Depending on the type of service, (buffet, plated, or cocktail), your guests will need elbow room.  You also need to think about everything you are planning for the room, dancing, tables/chairs, entertainment, etc.

2.  What does the room rental cover?  Some venues offer the facility for a price and everything else is 

a' la cart.  Others offer tables, chairs, servers, dinnerware, etc.

3.  Are there any restrictions?  Some venues don't allow candles, or fresh flower petals.  Better safe than sorry, always ask.

4.  What are the number of restrooms available?  You may not think this is important but it is.  You don't want a line a mile long because there is only one facility for male and female.   

5.  What type of bar services are offered?  If you plan on having an open bar this is very important.  This can become very costly.  Most often you have several alternatives so be sure to ask and if you can't decide discuss with your fiance before making that grand decision.

This is just a short list to get you started,

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And The Pic of the Week

Many of you may not know, but I lost my mom one month ago today.  Since this is my first blog since she passed away, my pic of the week is in honor of my parents.  I Love and Miss them both!  I was fortunate to have them with me for a very long time so make sure you cherish your parents.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!!!

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