And the Pic of the Week

This beautiful alter full of flowers.  I can only imagine the number of hours it took to make this magnificent creation.

Photo Credits: Brett Matthews Photography Pin It

Let's Have A Seat

When planning your wedding or special event one of the main items on your list is the comfort of your guests. Whether you are having a cocktail reception, wedding, or a birthday party you want to make sure there is appropriate seating.  Here are a few looks that may be appealing to you.  Remember, there is no rule that says you have to be matchy matchy.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

  

Pin It

And the Pic of the Week

This orchid centerpiece is a showstopper.  Due to the cost of orchids, if your budget doesn't call for this centerpiece on every table the sweetheart table is a must have.

Pin It

Addressing Your Invites

One of the most popular questions when it comes to your wedding invitations is when to send them out.  For the record, your invites should be mailed six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date.  This will give your guests adequate time to respond and for you to get an accurate head count.  

The address on your invitation should be handwritten.  Etiquette wise printed labels are inappropriate although in this techno age they coming more common usually using a calligraphy font.  Your guests' names are written in full, no nicknames or initials.  Titles are abbreviated while all other words such as Street or Boulevard are spelled out.  State names may be written in full or you can use the two letter postal code.  Invitations to parents and children is generally addressed to the parents.

Below is a list of commonly used addressing that I am sure will be helpful:

Married couples living in the same house:  Spell out the husband's first name.  

If you decide to use the husband's middle name it should be spelled out.  

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Wooley or Mr. and Mrs. John Charles Wooley

Single female: If she is 18 and over it proper to use Ms. 

Ms. Clare Spank

Hyphenated Name:  A wife that uses her and her husband's last name 

should be addressed using Ms., however Mrs. is acceptable.

Mr. David Crosby and Ms. Lynn Carter-Crosby

Unmarried Couple Living Together:  Address the male first followed by the female.

Mr. Luke Davis and Ms. Mary Carter

Divorced Female Who Kept Her Married Name:  It is okay to use Ms. or Mrs. and 

spell out her first name.  Find out what she prefers.

Mrs. Blair Waltz or Ms. Blair Waltz

Same Sex Couple:  You can write either name first, if you can't decide

alphabetical always works.

Mr. Daniel Clay and Mr. Ralph Duggan

Widow:  Ask what she prefers; some widows prefer to use their own first name.

Mrs. John Dunlop or Mrs. Sarah Dunlop

Married Couple - Both Doctors:  If the wife has taken her husband's last name address

as The Doctors or Drs.  

The Doctors Kline or Drs. John and Barbara Kline

One Person Has A Title:  The person with the title should be listed first.

Doctor Linda Smith and Mr. Mark Smith

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

Pin It

What Your Wedding Guests Are Complaining About

Your wedding day is a celebratory moment that you want to share with family and friends. You've spent months and in some cases years on the planning.  You want your guests to have fun and share in the joy and happiness that you have for one another.  

Although it's your day the enjoyment of your guests is part of the overall experience.  That being said, here are the top five complaints that you don't want your guests complaining about.  

Now, Let's Get Inspired!  

1.  Inconvenient Date:  Before you choose a holiday, birthday, or a date that is very popular such as Super Bowl weekend think about your guests carefully.  These may be dates that include traditions or people just don't want to miss.  

2.  Invitation Confusion:   Be clear about the number of people that are invited.  If it's plus one make sure to address the invitation as Ms. Jane Doe & Guest otherwise your guest will be confused whether they can bring someone or not.  You don't want to end confirming 125 and 150 show up. 

3.  Cash Bar:  Most guests do not bring cash to the wedding with them.  As a wedding pro, me and my colleagues agree that a cash bar is inappropriate.  I understand that you are trying to stay within your budget, however, if your cash is short offer a signature drink or a limited selection of beer, wine, and champagne.

4.  The Wait:  A cocktail hour is usually expected.  Remember it's just that, a cocktail hour.  If you have scheduled photos during that time make sure your photographer is aware that you do not want you guests waiting more than the allotted hour you have scheduled. Be sure to include light hors d'oeuvres as you don't want you guests hungover before dinner starts.

5.  Crammed Seating:  Guests do not like to eat with elbows touching.  There should be enough room to eat and get up from the table with ease. Trying to keep friends and relatives together can be difficult.  If you can't seat people together for fear of over crowding a table seat them at the table next to each other.    

  

Pin It

And The Pic Of The Week....

You have to see both views to appreciate the neckline on this dress.  Just add a pair of beautiful earrings and a fabulous bracelet and you are set.  Absolutely stunning.

Pin It

Cocktail Hour to Main Course

Many couples have often asked what they should serve during the cocktail hour.  My answer is always "choose something that's light and can be eaten in one bite".   

If you are having a sit down dinner, whether it's plated, buffet, or family style, your hors d'oeuvres should not be more or as filling as the main course.  I've been a guest on several occasions where there were five or six stations loaded with food during the cocktail hour.  By the time you get to the main course you are stuffed and end up picking at your dinner.  

I say serve bite size items that can be held with a drink, remember, your guests only have two hands.  Your appetizers should be just that, appetizers.  Try items like vegetables, poultry, and mini comfort foods.  Hors d'oeuvres should be light, quick, and preparing your taste pallet for whats to come.

By the time your guests are seated they have sampled a signature cocktail as well as other food delights that have gotten them ready for the main course.  So lets not overwhelm them during the cocktail hour, let the appetizers build them up for the main attraction.

Pin It

And the Pic of the Week

This stunning tabletop with a "wow" factor of an open acrylic box filled with water, crystals and floating peonies!  Love the colors of white, silver, and blush.  

This is an overall view

This view from the top

Photos: Joel Jordon

Pin It