What To Do Between Your Ceremony & Reception

All those months, and in some cases years, of planning and you are now Mr. & Mrs.  At this moment everything seems to be moving so quickly.  Before the celebration begins you have a small window of time so decide on a plan.  Once you and your fiance come up with your plan make sure you discuss with your planner so she can help you execute it perfectly.  

In the meantime here are some options you may want to implement.  

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

1.  Take at least 15 minutes for yourselves.  You are about to embark on a fast paced celebration with a lot of people so start your marriage off with a few minutes of alone quality time to take everything in and say what you wanted to say when you saw each other for the first time that day.

2.  Make sure you eat.  Even if it's only appetizers put something in your stomach.  Many times couples get so wrapped up in the festivities they do not eat or they barely eat.  Ask your planner to have a plate waiting for your after the ceremony.

3.  Get your photos taken.  This is the perfect time to get your photos taken together, it allows for less time taken away from your guests and the fun.

4.  Touch up your makeup & hair.  No better time for touch ups than right after the ceremony.  Many photos are about to be taken and you may not be able to do it later.  Ask your makeup artist in advance if he/she can stay for touch ups.

5.  Speak with your parents & in-laws.  Everyone will be trying to get a kiss, hug, and wish congratulations.  This is an opportune time to let your parents & in-laws know how much you both appreciate everything they have done.

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And The Pic of The Week Is.....

This "Can-Can Dancer" cake is great for a themed birthday party, bachelorette party, or just for fun.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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The Sole Has Many Options

What happens when your groom does not want to wear those rented, uncomfortable, unflattering wedding shoes? Have him take a look at my Pic of the Week.

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

How cool is this, seating your guests above the pool.

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The Etiquette of the RSVP

Let's start with the meaning:  In English RSVP means "Please Respond".  The anagram is a French abbreviation for Repondez Vous Sil Vous Plait or "respond you please".

A little history:  As the seniors say, "in the olden days" people did not send response cards with their invitations.  Wedding invitations were answered in your own handwriting on your own stationery.  As people began to get busier they no longer had the time to write a written reply.  Since hosts and hostesses could not risk not receiving responses, they began to send reply cards with their invitations.  As more and more invitations were sent with reply cards, reply cards became more acceptable.  Today, they are sent with almost every wedding invitation.

There are many elements available when choosing how to present your response cards.  Traditionally, there is a response card and envelope.  If you want your guests to mail back the response cards, the envelopes must be pre-addressed and include the proper amount of postage.

If you are trying to cut down on costs another option would be post card style response card.  You can eliminate the response envelope and the postage is less.  While reply postcards are slightly less formal than response cards with envelopes, it’s still totally appropriate for a formal event.  Keep your post cards custom and coordinating by matching with the look and feel of your invitations. This really makes a big difference in the visual aspect of the cards as well as keeping them formal. 

Another modern development in wedding response cards is the option of allowing your guests to reply to an online wedding website. While not a traditional element, website response cards are very useful for your guests to respond, and provide additional information.

This option is more budget friendly because it gets rid of the response envelope and the return postage. There are a lot of wedding websites that are user friendly and free.  On the RSVP card you would direct your guests to visit your wedding website where they can reply online. This is an accurate way of getting a head count for your event which can be very helpful and cost effective if you are paying per person.  

Another reason why wedding websites are great is because you can provide more information to your guests that can sometimes be too much to add to your invitations such as information on other group events, accommodations, directions, local attractions, and miscellaneous information that might be useful to guests.

This can also help with the touchy subject of registry information which is considered to be very improper.  If you feel like you have to let people know where you are registered then you can list the information on your website. This is a much better way to get the word out.   

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And the Pic of the Week Is....

Great centerpiece for baby and bridal showers.

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Outdoor Entertaining

The idle days of summer are fast approaching its end and so are your last chances at outdoor entertaining.  Summertime is perfect for relaxing with your friends and families over picnics, barbeques and outdoor parties.

The key to having a fun and functional outdoor event is to take the indoors out.  This means giving up the paper plates, cups, bowls and plastic flatware.  Take this opportunity to unveil your creative side and be daring with your table setting.   

Use all the items you would use in your dining room.  Mix up your fine china with chunky glasses or to add some pizzazz to your table use your crystal stemware with your casual dinnerware. Another great idea is to mix up your glassware for a variation of height and color presentation.  Get rid of those plastic table covers and use linen tablecloths and napkins. 

If it’s an evening event and it starts to get chilly bring your guests together with cozy seating around a fireplace or fire pit.  You can always add throws, pillows, and scarves for a little pop of color.  Last but definitely not least, to make your guests feel welcome candlelight, place cards, and a beautiful centerpiece says you took the time.

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 Create cozy seating around a firepit to help make a chilly night 

warm and welcoming

 

An attractive table always demands attention

 

Have fun and mix & match decorative folding chairs

 Try these flame & propane patio heaters for cool nights with bigger crowds.

  Adding pops of color brings out your guests entertaining experience

 

An outdoor area rug can make you feel like you're sitting 

at your dining room table. 

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What's Your Color (Part 2)

If you read Tuesday's blog you probably know that the month of June will be dedicated to helping and inspiring you with tips for creating your wedding color palette.Our first tip was choosing your main color.  

Now we move on to Tip #2 - Choose your coordinating colors

These colors usually consist of two additional colors.  One color will be used to support your main color and the other will be used as an accent color.  If you are unsure about the colors to use with your main color, try using a color wheel. A color wheel will help you choose colors that are complementary, colors that lie next to each other, or colors of the same family.  

• Complementary colors will allow you to choose colors that are opposite each other on the wheel.  The contrast between the two will create a vibrant look. 

    

•  Look at the colors that lie next to each other on the wheel.  These colors tend to create a calming and elegant effect.  These color combinations work best when they have a similar tint; this means your colors work well if they are either all vibrant or all pastels. 

 

• Consider using wedding colors from the same family. These color plans are clean and soothing. These palettes mix nicely with neutral colors such as black, white or gray.  

 

Use these inspirations as a guideline in choosing your wedding colors.  Whether you're whimsical, romantic, modern, or traditional the color wheel can help make your color decision a lot easier.


Now, Let's Get Inspired!!!

 

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Budget Your Centerpiece

Brides are trying to save money any way they can.  Try creating your own centerpieces.  Gather your bridal party (men can do this too) and lets have a fun day of creating.  My advice, don’t pour the drinks until after they are done.

Candles are usually less expensive than flowers depending on how many you use.  They are easy to find and definitely cheaper if purchased in bulk.  If you only use a few, give the illusion of more by using mirrors, different heights, or floating them in water with a few flowers.

 

The cost of flowers can add up quickly.  In order to get more for your buck, talk to your florist about the flowers that are in season.  These will be less expensive than those that are out of season.  Next, think about filler flowers or carnations.  If they are put together right they can make a nice centerpiece.  Lastly, consider submerging long stemmed flowers.  You can get by with one or two stems and if you pair them with candles you have a nice arrangement.

Believe it or not Grass can serve its purpose besides looking pretty in the front & back of your home.  

Now that you have some useful ideas, Get Inspired!

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Fresh or Silk?

I believe flowers are nature’s way of saying anything can be beautiful. 

The decision whether to use fresh flowers or artificial flowers can involve many factors such as budget, allergic reactions, weather, refrigeration, or preservation just to name a few.  Whether you chose silk or real flowers, you should weigh your options and make your choice based on your budget and what type of wedding you are having.

You can find absolutely stunning silk flowers theses days that people will have to touch or try to smell before they realize they aren't real. They'll always look good and can be a precious keepsake of your special day.

Using real flowers lends an air of romance to your celebration. The smells seem to let people know something special is going on. If you don't have a huge budget for flowers, consider only getting fresh flowers for the bride, a boutonniere for the groom, and flowers for the parents.  Also, you do not have to have fresh flowers for your toss bouquet. 

The key to getting what you want is knowing what you want; height, colors, scent, etc.  Truthfully, everyone will not remember what kind of flowers were there, so do whatever your heart desires and what your budget can afford.

Let's get some inspiration, Fresh or Silk, can you tell?

 

 

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Let "THEM" Eat Cake!

Gone are the days where the wedding is “just for the bride”.  I have found that many grooms are participating more and more in the decision making of the entire wedding experience.  Not just choosing the attire for himself and the groomsmen but also having a say on the color scheme, type of reception, number in bridal party, and choice of cake just to name a few. 

The cakes you are about to view are not so traditional and I am sure the groom would approve.

Let’s get inspired!!!

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Napkins Anyone?

There was a time when cloth napkins were common at the dinner table.  Today, they are mostly used for special occasions.  Fortunately, because they are rarely used, the selections and price points on linen napkins are endless. 

I am a big fan of the cloth napkin.  They give a nice look to a table setting and make your event a little more special.  Whenever I go to a fancy restaurant or a special event I usually look for an artful napkin fold.  Once, I was so impressed with the napkin I asked the waiter to show me how to fold it. 

 

Linen napkins are a way to show your guests you care.  Now that you have the napkins let’s do something amazing with them.    

Let's get inspired!

 

Yes, these really are napkins

                                      

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