And the Pic of the Week

Perfect for your child's Alice In Wonderland birthday party.  Change the words and remove the characters and this cake will work for your Ladies Tea Party.

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This Is For The Cool In Him

Today's Pic of the Week is this very cool watch for him.          

Time In Words....

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And the Pic Of The Week Is......

This adorable cake can be used for many events. Love this color combination.

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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.   

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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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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.

Let’s Get Inspired!

 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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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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