Living A Special Occasion Life

The Intimate Affair: Navigating the Pros and Cons of a Small Wedding Guest List

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:01:01 GMT

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most crucial decisions couples face is determining the size of their guest list. In recent years, an increasing number of couples have opted for a more intimate celebration, with guest counts of 50 or under. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of having a small wedding guest list, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for the big day.

Pros:

Intimacy and Connection:

A smaller guest list fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing you to connect more deeply with each guest. Quality interactions become the focus, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Cost-Effective:

With fewer mouths to feed and fewer chairs to rent, a smaller wedding is often more budget-friendly. This opens up opportunities to allocate funds to other aspects of your celebration, such as a dream honeymoon or a stunning venue.

Personalization:

Smaller guest lists allow for a more personalized and thoughtful event. You can pay attention to the details, from customized wedding favors to personalized thank-you notes, making each guest feel genuinely appreciated.

Ease of Planning:

Planning a wedding with 50 or fewer guests is logistically simpler. From seating arrangements to transportation, the smaller scale makes it easier to coordinate and manage every aspect of your special day.

Unique Venues:

Smaller guest counts provide the flexibility to choose unique and non-traditional venues that may not be feasible for larger gatherings. This opens the door to charming backyard celebrations, intimate destination weddings, or cozy rustic barn settings.

Cons:

Limited Guest Inclusion:

The most apparent downside is having to make tough decisions about who to invite. With a guest count cap, you may have to omit certain friends or distant relatives, potentially causing hurt feelings.

Reduced Energy:

A smaller crowd can sometimes result in a less energetic atmosphere, especially if the majority of your guests are introverted. It's important to plan activities and entertainment that cater to the intimate setting.

Vendor Minimums:

Some vendors have minimum requirements, which may not align with the smaller scale of your wedding. This could result in higher per-person costs for services like catering or photography.

Fewer Networking Opportunities:

Larger weddings often provide a chance for guests to network and connect with people they may not have met before. A smaller wedding may limit these opportunities, especially if the guest list consists primarily of close family and friends.

Limited Guest Contributions:

A larger guest list may bring forth a broader range of skills and talents among your guests. With a smaller group, you might miss out on the opportunity for friends and family to contribute in meaningful ways, such as providing musical entertainment or helping with DIY projects.

Choosing a small wedding guest list is a decision that comes with its own set of pros and cons. By carefully considering your priorities and preferences, you can create a wedding day that aligns with your vision and budget while ensuring a meaningful and memorable celebration for you and your closest loved ones. Whether big or small, remember that the most important thing is to celebrate the love you share with those who matter most.

Pantone's Peach Fuzz

183:798623514 (Danielle Henderson) — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:15:00 GMT

Pantone's Color of the Year - Peach Fuzz, plays a pivotal role in shaping trends and influencing the choices of couples tying the knot during 2024. This year, the spotlight is on the enchanting and timeless Peach Fuzz, which as been described as a shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless as described by Pantone's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. This is a color that can be integrated into a variety of wedding pallets when finding inspiration for how you want your special to look. Below are some elements where you can have fun with this year's color.

Peach Fuzz Elegance in Wedding Attire:

Embrace a sense of understated luxury by incorporating Peach Fuzz into your bridal and bridesmaid attire. The color lends itself beautifully to various fabrics, from flowing chiffon to luxurious satin. A Peach Fuzz wedding gown radiates a soft and ethereal charm, creating an effortlessly elegant look for the bride. Bridesmaids dressed in this hue add a touch of sophistication to the bridal party, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing ensemble.

Invitations That Speak Volumes:

The first glimpse into your wedding comes through the invitation, setting the tone for the celebration. Peach Fuzz-infused invitations radiate a sense of romance and refinement. Combine it with gold or silver accents for a touch of opulence, or pair it with neutral tones for a more subtle and classic feel. The versatility of Peach Fuzz allows for creativity, offering couples the opportunity to express their unique style while maintaining a professional and polished aesthetic.

Dreamy Decor with Peach Fuzz Accents:

Transform your wedding venue into a dreamy haven with Peach Fuzz accents in the decor. From table linens and napkins to floral arrangements and centerpieces, this color adds a soft and inviting ambiance. Pair Peach Fuzz with complementary colors like sage green or dusty blue for a harmonious palette that appeals to the senses. Whether it's an outdoor garden affair or an indoor ballroom celebration, Peach Fuzz effortlessly adapts, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

Floral Splendor:

Floral arrangements play a pivotal role in wedding decor, and Peach Fuzz flowers are an exquisite choice. Incorporate blooms such as roses, peonies, or dahlias in varying shades of Peach Fuzz for a romantic and cohesive look. These soft, delicate hues not only add a touch of elegance but also seamlessly blend with a myriad of color palettes, offering versatility for different wedding styles.

Pantone's Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, offers a palette of possibilities for couples seeking a timeless and elegant wedding aesthetic. From dresses and invitations to decor and floral arrangements, this enchanting hue adds a touch of sophistication to every aspect of the celebration.

Ring in the New Year with Wedding Planning Bliss: 5 Tips to Kickstart Your Journey After a Christmas Engagement!

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:45:41 GMT

Congratulations on your festive engagement! Now that you've said 'yes' amidst the twinkling Christmas lights and the warmth of holiday cheer, it's time to dive into the exciting world of wedding planning. As you embark on this magical journey together, here are five tips to help you kickstart your wedding preparations and turn your dream day into a reality!

Celebrate and Reflect:

The first step after your Christmas engagement is to soak in the joy of the moment. Throw a cozy celebration with family and friends, or simply bask in the glow of your love. Take time to reflect on what matters most to both of you as a couple. What are your dream wedding elements? Share your visions and start building the foundation for your special day.

Create a Budget and Prioritize:

Excitement aside, weddings can be expensive. Set a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals. Decide on your priorities together – whether it's the venue, the dress, or the entertainment. Having a clear budget will not only keep your spending in check but will also help you allocate resources to the aspects that matter most to both of you.

Build Your Dream Team:

Start scouting for your dream team of vendors early on. Research photographers, florists, caterers, and other professionals who align with your vision. Schedule appointments, read reviews, and attend wedding fairs to get a feel for different options. Securing your preferred vendors in advance ensures that you get the best of the best for your big day.

Set a Date and Book Your Venue:

Once you have a general idea of your preferred wedding date, start reaching out to potential venues. Whether you're dreaming of a summer soiree or a winter wonderland wedding, securing your venue early is crucial. Popular locations can book up quickly, so don't delay in making inquiries and locking down the perfect setting for your celebration.

Establish a Planning Timeline:

Creating a timeline for your wedding planning journey is key to staying organized and reducing stress. Break down the process into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each. Consider creating a shared online calendar to keep track of appointments, payments, and important dates. Having a structured timeline will help you tackle the planning process step by step, making it more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

With your Christmas engagement, you've unwrapped the gift of a lifetime. Now, let the wedding planning adventure begin! Remember to savor each moment, prioritize what matters most, and embrace the excitement of turning your dreams into a reality. Cheers to the journey ahead – your wedding day awaits!

'Tis the Season: Hosting A Holiday Dinner Party

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 20:54:50 GMT

The Christmas season is in full swing. This is the time of food, fun, and fellowship with family and friends. Aside from the traditional dinners that are held during this time of year, why not try something a little different and host a dinner party. This party can be as small and intimate, or as large and extravagant as you want it to be. With these simple tips, you can have a party that your friends will look forward to year after year, so be prepared. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help make your event a success.

How Should I Decorate?

This question is actually quite simple considering the fact that it is Christmas, there are a couple of ways you can use this time for your ambiance. You can always go with a red and green color scheme, the traditional colors of the season. If you would like your event to be a little more formal, you can incorporate more of the silver and gold tones in your décor. To have that warm, intimate feeling, candles are always a good idea when decorating. If you're on a tight budget they will make excellent centerpieces for your dining and can usually be bought at a really nice price. You can also use small boxes as little presents or even ornaments to add a little more depth to your table arrangement.

Should I Play Any Music?

Although this is going to be a party where you will probably be mingling and holding conversation with your guests, it would be a good idea to have music playing softly in the background. In doing this, it provides a little bit of noise as you converse with one another. With it being the holidays, there are a wide list of Christmas songs, and hymns that can be played to fit along with the season. Just keep in mind you don't want the music to be too loud causing a distraction. When it is time for dinner, conversation will usually be at its lowest. You may want to change from the Christmas songs to some light jazz. This will ensure no singing at the table, and provides a mellow mood so that the meal can be thoroughly enjoyed.

What Should We Eat - Cook or Cater?

The answer to this question depends on you. It depends on how much time you want to spend on preparing the meal, or if you want to prepare it at all. Again, depending on your budget, you actually can do both options to save money, and it will also save you time. You want to make sure you have hor d'oeuvres of some sort. They can be as simply as a cheese and crackers plate to bacon wrapped shrimp. Having these appetizers will help keep your guests stomachs occupied while the final preparations of the meal are completed. You can place them on little trays throughout your entertainment space and they can take them as they please while they visit with each other. During this time you could also begin serving any cocktails you wish to have. Depending on your crowd you can have a variety of wine or even incorporate a signature holiday drink for the evening. You can also include non-alcoholic beverages such as your traditional warmed apple cider or eggnog if that's you're thing.

For the main course of the evening, this is what is dependent on how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. If you would like to cook for your guests create a menu that is easy to prepare. If you decide to cater the affair, simplicity is still the key here. Try not to pick things that are extremely saucy. You wouldn't want to have the possibility of your guests becoming dirty while trying to enjoy your party. Also, try to stay away from the traditional holiday food (i.e. turkey, dressing, etc.). Pick foods that you know will be different and not something they will usually get at the parents or grandparents for the holidays. Since you are entertaining guests, remember that it is also all about your presentation of the food. Make sure you use real dishes and utensils. Leave the plastic in the cupboards for another day. Just make sure you have an excellent dishwasher whether it be the machine or your two hands.

For your desserts, this can also be a money saver. Go to a local bakery or even your grocery store and buy a variety of desserts and sit them throughout your entertainment space. Small cookies and brownies cut into little bites gives your guests the ability to try a little bit of everything. You may also decide to provide coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to go with your desserts.

Any Final Dinner Tips?

Yes, this is the most important one - HAVE FUN! Don't turn your dinner party into something you feel like you worked too hard to enjoy it. You want to be able to relax and have a good time just like the people you invited. Just makes sure you plan ahead and when that day comes you can work on the final touches, and when the doorbell finally rings you will be able to answer it with confidence knowing you are about to have the best time just like your friends.

Red & Green OR Silver & Gold

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:32:33 GMT

We are now in the Christmas season. It is the time to decide on how to transform the inside of your home to display your love for the season. Figuring out your color scheme will determine the overall feel and look for this month of the year. There are multiple ways that you can do this. For the sake of this post, we are going to focus on two popular ways. One way is to go the traditional, festive route with your color schemes. The other way is to take on other color combinations for a more subtle or muted look to your décor. Of course we will take a look at both.

More times than not, when you see inside Christmas décor, you will normally see the bold red and green color scheme for the holidays as well as many options for lights that can be used. Of course what comes with this is snowmen and traditional Santa Claus. There are different areas of your home where you can decorate. Of course there is all aspects of your living area. A lot of people do it in the living/family room as well as the entry way of the home.

Now if you are the type that doesn't go for the traditional, there are definitely other options that you can choose for your home's holiday feel. Another common color scheme is to go with bold metallic shades in silver and gold, and over the past year or so rose gold has gotten a lot of attention as well. You could also have your home the Winter Wonderland vibe and stick with cool tones of blue and what all over.

No matter which color scheme you pick, the most important thing so to make sure that it is how you want it. You want it to be something that you want to show off has you welcome people into your home. Happy decorating!!

The Turkey Alternative

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 22:20:27 GMT

With Thanksgiving just a few days away (man, where'd the time go) we're sure that you are already starting to plan out your menu. Traditionally speaking, it starts with a big turkey, plus all the fixins'. One question that may come up is, "Do we have to have a turkey?" This is a question that several families have asked at one point. One reason why this question may come up is that soon after Thanksgiving comes Christmas and most times the same dinner is served once again right down to the turkey. So for those of you looking to try something a little different, we think the below choices could be substituted for those who want to save turkey for your Christmas holiday.

Cornish Game Hen

Cornish game hens are basically chickens that are not full grown. They are smaller in size and weigh no more than 2 pounds. These hens do not take as long as turkeys and can also be roasted in the oven. They have a good flavor to them and when cooked right, can easily fall off the bone. For one turkey you purchase, you could easily purchase 5 or 6 game hens to feed your family because of their small size.

Lamb Chops

Lamb is usually associated with the Easter holiday, however, it can be used as an alternative to having turkey meat. Lamb is surprisingly a very tender type of meat and can be cooked on the grill as well as roasted in your oven. When purchasing them they come with usually 4 in a package. The price point for these could possibly be on the high side if you figure you'd like everyone to have 2 chops a person, but if you are not expecting a lot of people at your dinner, you may try this option out.

Seafood

If want to go a totally different direction all together, why not have a good ol' fish fry or throw some fillets on the grill? You could also do a seafood boil inside or outside depending on wear you live. Your dinner menu could be a smorgasbord of all the seafood choices you love and save the turkey and dressing for a later date.

Italian

If you are trying to get away from all things traditional then maybe you should try all things Italy. Perhaps a good lasagna would be just what you need. It can be meaty or of the vegetarian variety. Maybe you want to try a new chicken parmesan recipe. Whichever element you choice it is a great alternative. Just add a salad (Garden or Caesar) and some nice garlic bread.

Of course there are a host of other options out there to choose from. These are just some options to help get your ideas going. Whether you decide to go the turkey and dressing route, or decide to do one of the above options, just remember to enjoy your time with the ones you love.

Don't Discount The Backyard

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 21:53:07 GMT

As we are still navigating this era of pandemic time, people are still having to revise their wedding and event plans. Whether it is having to change the venue or having to reduce the guest list there are still adjustments happening. You may also have to start getting creative with your venues. As we head into 2022 venues are becoming booked quicker than ever before because people who intended to get married in 2020 had to reschedule and dates are becoming unavailable. Not only weddings are being affected, it's also events that we have been used to doing without much thought on how to proceed as "usual". Movies were shut down for a while and for a period of time you couldn't sit in restaurants either. Even now that things are open and trying to be back how it used to be, people are still being conscious about were they go and what steps are being taken that keep the health of their patrons in mind. As an alternative to public spaces, one venue that can always be utilized is your own backyard.

The backyard that you see everyday can actually be a gold mine for things you'd like to do. It doesn't matter what the size of it is, there is always something that can be done and it's free (aside from the extras you add). Below we have some examples of events you can do. You might not be able to do them during the Fall and Winter months (unless you live in a warm yearly climate) but it can possibly give you some ideas for when the weather breaks and the sun and warm temperatures become regular again. Check out 3 options we think you'd love to consider.

Night at the Movies

This can be done with little effort and not much expense after an initial investment. This investment would require a big enough screen and a projector to shine your movies on. Depending on the size of your yard, you could get away with a good ole white sheet and a clothesline. Then after that it's all about creating the atmosphere. It could be blankets and pillows on the ground, lawn chairs or even lounge furniture that you traditionally use in your backyard normally. Lighting can totally be what you make make it. You can do string lights or maybe just the torches. These will also keep the bugs away if you plan do to this during the summer. Consider a double feature and invite a small group of friends and/or family members out, have them bring a dish and enjoy the evening.

Dinner Under the Stars

It's always thought that eating your dinner by candlelight gives it a sense of romance. What if you decide to eat under moon and starlight? This can be just a family thing or another way you can get to hangout with your friends while still being safe. This option doesn't really require a lot either if you already have the furniture on hand. If not, depending on the number of guests, you can get away with a couple of tables, some linen and some folding chairs. If you want to make it a more formal affair you can find some nice dinnerware at discount places like Dollar Tree or even a thrift store. Hook up your favorite playlist on your blue tooth speaker and enjoy your dinner. The seating for this option can also be as formal or as relaxed as you want it. Maybe you want to have a low table with nothing but pillows for people to sit on. This will create a more casual feel and you're eating family style. Make it however you want it, but know your backyard can be the perfect space to host.

Having an "I Do" Celebration

Backyards can definitely be used as wedding spaces. Yes, even smaller ones. If you have this dream for your wedding, but your finances are proving to make those dreams challenging don't worry. You can create a wedding almost anywhere you choose, including the space in the back of a home if permittable. With things somewhat still limited, or just your desire to keep distant and safe, having a backyard wedding may be the best solution for you. There are ways to create the perfect ceremony and reception space for you and your guests and it still look beautiful. Yes, a bigger yard could provide the ability for more diversity and room, but it's not a necessity. Maybe you just desire your family and 20 of your closest friends. Maybe you just want it to be you, your significant, immediate family and your two witnesses. You can definitely keep costs down with a smaller wedding and it still be meaningful. Rent a few tables and chairs and other elements that are the most important to you like a DJ or spend on a good caterer. You can create your own ceremony space with chairs, a runner and silk petals. You can always use Amazon or some other store you get your table linens, the Dollar Tree or thrift store for reception pieces, or you can make it a family affair and borrow some chinaware and make it your own using the heirlooms from the ones you love. Just because you can't afford the big venues, the fancy dinner and multi-tiered cake doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream of having a wedding.

As you can see, there are things you can do while still spending the majority of your time at home. You don't have to stay isolated and miss out on making memories with loved ones. As long as you take the proper precautions, as we are still in a pandemic, you can still enjoy yourself without feeling like you have to be around a lot of other people in public spaces if you are not yet comfortable while still in the time of Covid-19. Start making plans to use your space more in the months ahead and create some great memories.

Dinner Parties - Who Wants To Have One?

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 22:01:04 GMT

For the past almost 2 years now, we have been in a very interesting situation. In March 2020 the world shut down. We found ourselves in what has been described as a global pandemic. For about 4 months we were told stay indoors, don't go anywhere unless you have to and when you leave wear a mask and keep 6 feet between you and the next person. For a while we couldn't gather with our friends and loved ones. Weddings and even funerals were restricted to 10 or less. Even now in late 2021, there are still remnants of these instructions. The visible one is that masks are still being worn.

All these months later, on the upside however, it seems things are starting to shift to more gatherings and activities with safety precautions that try to prevent the spread of this coronavirus. People are starting to get together again and share each other's company. Weddings are being had again and life is once again being celebrated. With the holidays coming up it got us to thinking about dinner parties. People gathering together to enjoy good food and good fellowship.

It can be believed that dinner parties have been a part of American history. Families all over the country, for many centuries, would get together on occasion. These parties were mainly for adults and a way to escape, if only for a little while, the routine of every day life. With things slowly opening, they could be a good way to have that family and friend interaction we've been longing for in the midst of this unprecedented time. If you've never had one before, we have five tips for you that can get you ready to host your first one.

Decide The Guest List

In order to have a party, you need to have guests. Think about who you want to share your time with. Do you want to it to be a girls night? Do you want it to be a couples night away from the kids? Do you want a night to meet up with family? Decide the company you want and then invite them.

Also consider that we are still in a pandemic so don't go crazy with this list. This can be the time that you can make it small and intimate and by doing that, you can go all out with the details. Still consider practicing social distancing and keep things smaller for now. Use your own determination as to if you want them to wear masks or if vaccination is a requirement for you. For right now, it's the time we're living in.

Determine A Theme

This step is actually optional, however, it could be fun if you choose to do one. You could do a backyard movie night. A game night could be fun or karaoke. May you want to make it a little more fancy and do it like an upscale dinner with appetizers and dessert. You also could keep it super casual if you want. You can determine the atmosphere and vibe you want to have and use that as your guide.

Set The Ambience

Theme or not, you want to make sure you are setting the right atmosphere for your party. What look are you wanting to go for? If you're having an more formal party, will you be setting out special linens and dinnerware? Did want to eat by candlelight with everyone around the table. If you are planning it around a holiday, do you plan to have those elements throughout the entertaining space. If you're doing something outside do you plan to have bean bags and pillows for seating. Do you need torches to keep the area lit? Think about how you want your guests to feel when they step inside the space.

Plan A Relevant Menu

Now this is the fun part - the food and drink for the evening. If you're having a theme are there menu choices that will go with it? If you're doing the backyard movie theater, serve popcorn, nachos, candy and other things that you'd find at the movies. Take a nod from those theaters where you can sit in a comfy chair and order from a set menu. If you are planning something a little more formal, think about how many courses you'd like. Do you want it to be served family style instead? Do you want surf and turf or a big pasta variety. This is where you can get as creative as you want to be. With apps like Pinterest, you can for sure find recipes that would fit if you're about that cooking life. You could even look into hiring a private chef to add to the feel for the evening. Don't hold back!

Relax And Have Fun

When all is said and done, this is ALWAYS the ultimate goal. You are hosting people that you care about very much. These are people you want to break bread with and have and enjoyable evening that will be remembered for all the good food and the fun times. Don't stress about being the host/hostess. Just enjoy the moments and things will fall into place.

Happy Partying!!

Navigating The Pandemic

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 15:20:26 GMT

We have entered 2021. Last year seems like it was a bad dream. We are coming up on 1 year of being in a global pandemic. The world has essentially stopped for a virus we still don't know exactly what it is. Businesses were put on pause (including ours) and people have been trying to figure our what to do next. Now we are in a new year and we SEEM to be making progress to get America, and the world, open again.

One thing that is very clear is that we won't be able to go back to " business as usual". Even with the new vaccines that are being disturbed there are still precautions that will have to stay in place for a while longer. Masks will still be worn and social distancing will still have to be enforced. We can't help but wonder what things will look like in the months ahead as more people are able to have gatherings for their life celebrations. We will be entering a new normal. Adjusting to after a global pandemic will be interesting to say the least. The day that the world declares it over, trying to navigate parties, weddings, events and our lives will look different.

We will be making the proper precautions in our business to ensure the safety of our clients and for us. New procedures will be put in place and new requirements will be implemented. We cannot wait to be able to help people celebrate after such a difficult time of sadness, uncertainty and life altering change. We look forward to serving you again.

Entering A New Phase

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:05:14 GMT

Since the beginning of the year, and probably since the end of last year, the world has been monitoring this virus that has seemed to appear world wide. It appears that it started in China and has swiftly made it's way across the world including here in the US. People are getting sick and dying at alarming rates and it's quite an alarming rate. As this disease has progressed adjustments to every day life have been made. It appears that China and Italy are the worst hit right now with thousands of people being diagnosed with what they are calling the Novel Coronavirus and many are quickly losing their lives. In the United States, it has started to spread from both sides of the country. People arriving from international travel into California and New York. Both of these states are in a state of shock and the hospitals are overrun with cases of this Coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

People have been forced to cancel all their events because of the uncertainty of what is going on. This includes parties, weddings and even funerals because cities are being locked down. Our clients are no exception to this. Event that we had been hired to do for various clients have had to be cancelled. Businesses are being closed and government officials are asking for social distancing and to remain indoors. Our business is no exception. We are not considered an essential business and with that, we will not be taking any new clients effective immediately. We are in support of following all of the mandates of our city and state as the world tries to understand this virus and figure out how to move forward. Until there is more direction, we will remain closed.

We hope that this will not be long term and that our medical professionals will figure out what is going on and how we can move past this COVID-19 spread. Until such time, stay safe, stay protected and stay inside.

Grooms Actually Do Care

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:45:13 GMT

Most times when the question is asked about the wedding process, the topic of the groom comes up. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've heard a bride say 'Oh he doesn't really care.' or 'He just wants to know what time to be there.' What this implies is that he really doesn't care about anything going on during the planning process because it is always seen as "it's the bride's day". In all actuality though, that's not necessarily true. There are elements of the wedding that most grooms tend to have a strong opinion about (aside from how much all this stuff is going to cost). Below is a list of things that you'll want to make sure you include your groom in when making your decisions. After all it's not just the bride's day, but a day for the both of you.

The Honeymoon

This aspect of the wedding the groom will want full control. I'm almost sure of it because this gives them to plan their dream vacation (or close to it). This will be days of relaxation that will serve as his reward for enduring all the months before (let's be real). Of course it also to enjoy all the alone time with is new bride that he wants to. This is one area he has so brides don't worry about it and leave him to it.

The Registry

What man would pass up going to a department store and shooting a bunch of items with a gun? This aspect of the planning will also bring your groom out with no hesitation. It gives him the opportunity to try obtain all the little gadgets that he's had is heart set on, but really didn't want to buy personally. It is advised that when you do your registry and you select all the things you think you'd want for your home and not just the usual sheets, towels, dishes, kitchen items, etc. You fiancé may have his eye on a new grill or maybe even a TV for the basement. If he can get away with putting on there, it will be on there. He will be a full participant in this area you can count on it. Side note, with most registries, the items that don't get picked up by your guests can be bought by you at a discounted rate, so put that Dyson on there because you know those jokers are expensive!

Tuxedos and Such

This is another area that you probably won't get your man to budge much on. More times than not, he will already have an idea of what he and his boys will wear that day. The only thing he will want to know from you is what color to get the ties and vests in. I'm sure he would be open to suggestions about what you envision them wearing, however, I seriously doubt you will be able to pick it out. You'll just have to go with the flow on this one. This is where you have to trust his judgment because I'm sure he wants his guys to look just as good as he know you and your ladies will.

Food and Beverage

As they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and on his wedding day, he's going to make sure he has some good food to put in it. Any food and beverage tastings you and your planner have mapped out, make sure you include your fiancé because he will definitely want to be a part of those. After all, it is his guests that will be eating along with yours and he wants to make sure the choices will be acceptable. If you are planning to have a signature drink, he will want to make sure it tastes just right and most definitely, he will want to be a part of picking your wedding cake.

Above are just a few of areas in your wedding planning that you should consider your fiancé and his opinion in your big day. Even though he might not say it's important, or event shrug it off as it being your thing, just know that he really does care and wants his elements displayed on your big day just like you do. You are about to enter into a union that is all about compromise and making decisions together. What better way to start down that path than by you make a conscious effort to include your honey? Trust me when I tell you, he will appreciate it and will thank you.

What's Your Signature?

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 20:38:20 GMT

One aspect of your wedding that could become costly are your beverages, specifically your alcoholic ones. There have been mixed thoughts on if you should have an open bar or if you have a cash bar. Most will say having a cash bar is a big "no-no". If you tend to agree and want to offer free cocktails for your guests there is a way to do that without busting your reception budget. Trying to stock up a bar can get quite pricey so instead of offering all the possible combinations, why not considering serving a couple of signature drinks instead? You can easily pair them with a simple beer and wine service and save on cost.

This is something that is becoming more popular for weddings as well as other events. One might ask "What makes it signature?" The drinks that you choose are reflective of who you are as a couple. You can pick drinks that when people have them they are something that could see the two of you drinking. The nice part about it is that your signatures do not have to be an alcoholic beverage if you don't want them to be.

When thinking of how to pick your signature, there are a few ways you can go with it. One way is to pick a signature that goes with your color scheme. You can make a drink a variety of colors these days by mixing the right things together. Maybe you have decided to go with a tiffany blue color palette, choose a beverage that not only tastes good, but will also display the blue you're looking for. Maybe you have the tropics in mind, pick something that displays the colors of an island get away.

This is your opportunity to be creative both with the look and the taste, and it also gives whoever will be tending your bar a chance to use their creative skills in making something perfect for you.

Another option could be selecting a His & Hers combo. Women tend to like their drinks to be on the fruity side, and most men aren't down for that. So, in order to make you both happy. Choose a drink that will make him and the fellas happy and one that will satisfy the palette of the ladies in attendance. Perhaps bourbon is more his speed and you're move of a vodka or gin type girl. You both can get what you want.

Here's a couple of ideas that might work:

For Her try a Pomegranate Martini and for Him he might like a classic Rob Roy

Now if alcoholic beverages are not your thing, have fun creating some fun and fruity ones. These would be great for any kiddos that might be attending your event. These would be your signature "mocktails" to add some flavor to your celebration. You can still dress them up in a champagne flute or martini class.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. Pick a day for you and your significant other to go do a drink tasting with the bartenders you choose for your day. Maybe you can incorporate it with your dinner tasting if your catering and bar service are being provided by the same company. Focusing on serving a couple of drinks can save you some money and your guests will still have fun with some refreshing choices.

I'm Engaged! Now What?

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 19:05:23 GMT

So the love of your life asked you to marry (Congratulations!) As you're getting used to your new status all sorts of things will be going on in your head. You have to tell your family and show off that beautiful piece of jewelry that will forever be worn. Once you've gotten through that and you're sitting down thinking "I have to plan a wedding! What do I do?" First things first, pick up the phone and call us (no, seriously). Before that happens though, there are a few things that you need to decide on. The below list will help give you a starting point to begin planning the day of your dreams.

When and Where

These two W's are about the most important thing to figure out. This is where you and your honey sit down and pick your date. Do you want a Fall or Summer wedding? Do you want an evening or a brunch affair? Will it be a Friday or even a Sunday? One tip would be to try and avoid major holidays if you can. That could inflate your costs and significantly reduce your guest list (which actually might not be a bad thing). After you decide on the date, the next important step is location. will you get married on the beaches of Jamaica or in the church you grew up in? Do you want to have both the ceremony and reception in the same venue?

How Much

This question is actually way more important than the other to. This is where you set your budget. Both of you have to realistically think how much you want to spend. Will the both of you being paying for every solely on your own or will you be asking your parents/family to contribute? One thing to mention about that is if you decide to ask family, be prepared to also accept their suggestions as well as their money. Budgeting is so very important throughout this process, make sure you allow enough for a wedding planner (yes, I said it again). Whatever company you hire, it is the job of the planners, consultants, etc. to keep you on budget. With that, you have to be willing to let them do that. Trust when I tell you, you don't want to be trying to pay off items for your wedding and you've been married for a couple of years.

Use Your Imagination

This where the fun begins! This is where you start thinking about the look and feel of your wedding. Start thinking about what colors would look great together. How many people do you want standing next to you on the alter. What event space captures your vision? Do you want roses or daisies? Start looking in magazines or in this age of social media Pinterest to grab ideas. Start a wedding board a pin your little heart out.

If you start with those things, then when you decide to bring in your planner, you will have a lot of the "pre-work" done already. You're life is going to get crazy very quickly and depending upon how long you and your mate are giving yourself between the engagement and the wedding, things may go very quickly. Make sure you prioritize and seek help when you ready.

Oh, the last thing....ENJOY IT! You're engaged, take time to really let that settle in. think about and cherish that moment before diving right in.

Choosing the Right Bridal Party

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:05:20 GMT

Over the Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's holidays, many couples decided to take their relationship to the next level. Around the country, and the world, men (and in some cases women) everywhere said those special 4 four words to their love in restaurants, parks, buses, or the Jumbotron at their favorite game: "Will You Marry Me"?

Now you have progressed to the title of fiancé and it can be quite overwhelming when thinking about all the things that you want to do for your wedding. First things first, BREATHE! You don't want to start off going full speed and end up crashing and burning. Take time to enjoy what has happened to you because it is something special. Seek out the help of a professional (say it with me "planners are your friend").

Once you have gotten use to the fact of now you have to plan a wedding, it's time to get started. After picking your date, theme, and color scheme, the next important task is picking your wedding party. This task can be one that can change your life for good or for bad depending on your approach. Even though you may think you want certain people to stand at the alter with you, there are some things that should really be considered. The following 6 tips will help guide you in your party search. They are from an article written by Jean Neuhart, owner of " Weddings From the Heart" out of Dayton, Ohio. She gives really good insight on this important task.

6 Tips for Choosing a Happy Bridal Party

One of the first things most couples do after becoming engaged is to choose their bridal party.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the "right" people.

First of all, only consider people who are truly close to. This means no acquaintances, or people you really don't see very often or socialize with. The people you have standing up with you on your wedding day really should be those who are the nearest and dearest to you.
Before asking anyone to be in your bridal party, think about their personal situations. Will they have enough time to devote to your wedding or are their lives so full with other obligations that your wedding will seem like an afterthought to them?
Are they financially able to participate in your wedding as a member of the bridal party? Agreeing to stand up for you carries a monetary obligation. Hosting a bridal shower and bachelorette party, and paying for their own wedding day attire and accessories, travel and lodging if they are from out-of-town, and wedding gift adds up. If you think there may be some factor that may affect someone's participation in your bridal party, you may want to bring it up (diplomatically, of course) when you ask them to participate, and give them some time to think about it before having to give you an answer. "I know that there are extra costs involved in being in someone's wedding, but, if possible, I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. Why don't you think about it and let me know next week?"
Are they supportive of your choice of future spouse? Their role is to stand up for you during the ceremony to witness and support your marriage. Any negative feelings, even if unfounded, will be felt throughout your wedding day.
It is perfectly acceptable to have a male stand up for you, or a female stand up for your fiancé. In this situation, they would be called Honor Attendants, however "Man of Honor," "Best Woman," and "Groomswoman" work too.
You don't have to have "even sides" in your bridal party. For example, it is perfectly ok to have three bridesmaids and four groomsmen. Never ask someone to be in your bridal party just to even things up.

Hopefully these tips will help make the job of choice a little easier. Happy planning!!

Be an Appy Couple

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:46:35 GMT

In a previous post we talked about a way for people keep up with your wedding via the world wide web and a wedding website. Since we are in the technology age, I figured, why not take it a step further? It seems like everything now a days has an app, so why not take advantage of that and possibly make your lives easier at the same time.

We were doing some web surfing and came across something interesting. There is a website called Appy Couple (hence the title of the blog post). With this website you are able to create and app and a website together. Sounds like a 2-for-1 if you ask me. So we looked a little further into this to see what all it is capable of doing.

You can tell your guests all of the logistical details
You can give people a calendar of events
You can send messages to specific members of your bridal party
You can share where you have registered
Guests can share pictures that took with you
So much more!

Think about those conferences you went to that had apps and how easy it was to get what you needed. Now you can do that for your guests. There is a one time fee depending upon which package you choose and your guests would just download it from the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android phones. They put in your wedding code and then they are ready to go.

Below is a short demo to see it. If you like what you see check out www.appycouple.com to learn more.

Unplugging Your Wedding Ceremony

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 21:08:56 GMT

In the era of social media, what we've seen more and more are people who are really quick to record and post all sorts of things on social media whether it's Facebook, Twitter and the ever popular YouTube. One of the things that has become more popular being publicized are weddings as they happen. This can affect many aspects of your ceremony and could potentially ruin a happy time in your life.

Now don't get me wrong, we're not saying people shouldn't capture your moment. People will want to remember your day for themselves later on. However, if you as the couple, do not set some guidelines, it can get out of control.

We read one story from a photographer who had an experience at a wedding where a lot of the shots taken during the ceremony were ruined because guests kept stepping in front of her trying to get shots and recording video. In the long run that will affect couples because it will reduce the number of photos that can be used. That is something that we know no one wants to happen and it causes frustration for the vendors that are hired for the sole purpose of capturing the moments. There was another instance where a bridesmaid took a photo of the bride and posted it on Facebook before the ceremony, well the groom was on Facebook scrolling through his feed to kill time and saw the picture. Well, so much for the first look as his bride is coming down the aisle. Another aspect of this all is as a bride and groom, do you really want the internet to see your ceremony and your dress before you want it to? You should be the ones to put out the first images of your ceremony.

There are ways that you can politely tell your guests that you would prefer them not to take pictures of your ceremony while at the same time letting them know at the reception, take as many pictures and post them. These examples can provide some guidance.

Create a Sign

As your guests enter the venue, display a sign that lets them know your request for them to not take photos and video during your ceremony. There are clever ways that it can be said and so that people will know you truly want them to just sit and enjoy the ceremony.

Make an Announcement

In the event that your guests don't see the sign, have your officiant make an announcement prior to the beginning of the ceremony. That way your guests cannot say they didn't know if you happen to see a photo on social media after you've taken steps to prevent it. It can also be mentioned that although you'd like to keep photos out of the ceremony that they are more than welcome to take pictures at the reception. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view.

Create a Reception Hashtag

Make a sign for each one of our guests that lets them know now that you're at the reception, have fun taking pictures and capturing those fun moments. It can be a simple card that you lay at each place setting to let them know snap away and event give them an avenue to collect them such as #JonesWedding for Twitter, Instagram and any other outlet traditionally used. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view, but I'd still make it clear for guests to stand clear of the professional as they are trying to get those memorable shots.

These things could be very helpful if you decide this is the avenue you want to take for your ceremony. If you don't mind people posting to Facebook and other social media outlets as it's happening then that is great. This if for those who have considered incorporating this into your ceremony in order to make it intimate and somewhat private for the time being. At the reception, prepare to say "cheese" and smile a lot because I'm pretty sure your guests will make up for what they couldn't take pictures of earlier.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you are having the day YOU want to have.

4 Reasons to Add .com to Your Wedding

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 20:21:41 GMT

When going through the experience of wedding planning, there are SO many things to think about. One of the goals is that you want the process to be as painless as you can possibly get it. One of the things to consider is how are you going to get out a bunch of information with the least amount of money?

Some couples go the route of sending out cute Save the Date announcements to tell people "Hey look! Guess what's about to happen." Those cost money. Then after that comes "Here's what you need to know" in the form of the wedding invitation. Again, those cost money and then there is the "Tell us who's coming" and "What do you want to eat" which is more money. Like we said, a lot of couples will go this route which is a wonderful thing if you are able to do those. However, there some people who desire to minimize what they spend their money on. Another thing couple run into is there will be certain pieces of information that people may want to know, but unless you have a big get together, you will have to find another way to get the word out.

At one point in time the things to do was to create a wedding website. We haven't seen as many as we used to years ago so I can't help wonder if they are still popular although we truly believe this could be the ultimate time and life saver for you. There are a few sites where you can create them for FREE.99 and if you have a little extra money in your budget, there are also sites where you can pay a have a little more options to customize them to your liking.

Here are 4 reasons why you should make a wedding website a part of your wedding.

Show How Fabulous You Are

Of course we have to start these reasons off with a little vanity. We're pretty sure that after you became officially engaged there was no question in your mind that an engagement shoot was an absolute must. This shoot would have you and your significant other in the best outfits that showed your sense of style and your personalities as individuals and as a couple. What better place for you to display all of that for your friends and family to see? It also gives you a place to do a pictorial documentary of how you met and your journey to becoming husband and wife. People love looking at all of those fun things you experienced together.

Show People Who You Are

We all know that when two people come together there will be those who ask the question "who is she?" or "Where did he come from?" This usually happens as one side of the family and friends ask about the other side. When you have a wedding website, you can answer a lot of those questions. There will be a section for the bride to tell about herself and the groom to tell about himself. People can then learn the bride moved to the US from the Caribbean and the groom knows 3 languages. It is a central location for people to know more about the love of your life. This also let's people know who you have chosen to be a part of your special day and you can provide how you know each of the people who have chosen to be in your bridal party.

Tell Your Story Your Own Way

People may have an idea about how you met, but no one ever knows the real story accept for the two of you (and maybe the person that hooked you up). A wedding website give you a way to let me know how you met in the most creative way possible. One way that I have seen is when the bride gives her version and the groom gives his. More times than not, the stories are never the exact same and it is quite comical. But, it is always fun to see each perspective of how they met and what thoughts were going through their heads at the time. To make it more fun, maybe the two of you can sit down together and do a video and post for your guests to see.

Not only can you fill people in on how you met, but you can also tell them your engagement story. Everyone loves a good love story. Again, you can make this a her story versus his story and just describe that day and how special it was to you. Share as much as you want to share because this was a moment for the two of you.

It's Your Informational "Hub"

Whether you are having your ceremony in your family's church or going away to a tropical destination, there is a lot of information that you will have to give out to your guests. This is where you can tell people where your ceremony and reception will be. There is also a feature that can let your guests RSVP on your website. Remember where we said that there will be items that you may want to use that could cost money? Well by accepting your RSVPs via your website, that may cut down on the cost of printing your invitations for example. This is also the place where you tell people where you are registered because they will ask. with your website, you can provide links to all of your registries and make it easier for your guests so that way, they won't have to bother you with it.

If you know you will have guests coming or going out of town, you can also tell them about the things there are to do while they are gone. You can also do fun things like asking people what songs they would like to hear at the reception and develop a playlist for your DJ.

As you can see, there are some pretty good reasons for getting yourself a wedding website while you are doing your wedding planning. To help you get started, below are links to websites that provide ways to create your own. Both of them have free websites and Wedding Window also offers premium services for a fee. I recommend that you truly consider taking the time out to create one while you are in the planning process. Happy creating!!

Independent Planner Vs. On-Site Venue Planner

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 17:13:20 GMT

There have been many times where we've talked to a bride and asked the question "So have you thought about hiring a wedding planner?" and the answer we have gotten on more than one occasion has been "The venue has a coordinator on site." when brides see that information, they will automatically think they don't need a wedding planner because of that fact. Although it is a benefit, there is a big difference between hiring a planning company as oppose to just utilizing the venue planner. Now, we're not just saying that because we are a planning company. We really want brides to be informed on the difference based off planning experience with clients who had on-site planners for their wedding.

On-Site Venue Planners

The main objective for these individuals is to make sure that everything runs smooth and on-time at the venue. They are there to ensure that your vendors arrive and set up on time. As their title suggests, they are there for the venue, not necessarily the family or wedding party. Here's a short list of some of their responsibilities:

Make sure that everything agreed upon in the venue contract is fulfilled
Creates an event time line for vendors and setup to ensure all venue workers are on task and on schedule
Serve as the main venue contact for all questions that may come up in regards to the event
Directs venue staff on duties and assignments
Creates final bill for venue client

Now, notice there is nothing on this list that states that your on-site planner does anything in regards to something that may come up with the bridal party. These planners focus on the presentation of the venue. Any situations that may arise with the bride, groom or anyone else are not addressed with them. There really is no personal attention given to the people involved on the wedding day. If your makeup artist is running late, they will not take of that. One of the groomsman lost a cufflink, they don't handle that either. Again, they're main planning focus is ensuring what you asked for as far as the look of your event is exactly what you're paying for.

Independent Planners

Now, our jobs are a little more comprehensive. When you decide to hire a wedding planning company, the services you received are geared toward you and your bridal party. Our goal is to help make your planning process go smoother in all aspects of the planning and we are there to be your personal assistant on the actual day of the wedding. Here's a short list of some of our responsibilities:

Facilitate the wedding rehearsal
Create a time line of the day's events
On-site troubleshooters
Help with the guest list
Aid in setting a budget for planning

Tend to all parties on the day of the wedding to ensure all needs are met

Now as you can see with this list a lot of what we do focuses on the couple, and not so much on the venue. In the event there is no on-site help, we would also step in to plan that area as well. We look at the day from an overall perspective and not just at one particular area. There will be times where the duties of both types of planners will overlap. The On-site planner may also have the job duties of facilitating rehearsals and both planners may work together to get the floor plan together. aside from things like that, these two will go in opposite directions.

What we have shared with you will hopefully guide you into making a decision that everyone will be happy with. We wanted to give you something to think about. When your venue states they have an on-site planner, make sure you ask the question of what all does that include. You may find that you will need to also hire a company to fill in those gaps.

Do We Have To?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 17:16:52 GMT

When planning a wedding, tradition will always come into play at different times in the process as well as when the actual days arrive. These "traditions" seem to have because unspoken rules as to the things you HAVE to do. I'm sure there comes a time though where you think to yourself "do I really have to do this?" or "Is that really necessary?" By getting rid of a couple of these things, could possibly save you time and save your budget.

Take a look at this list and see if any of these things you've though about nixing all together.

Pick a Seat Not a Side

This is something that I think more couples are adopting. Tradition tells you that the brides friends and family sits on the left side and the groom's friends and family sit on the right side. The history behind this dates back hundreds of years stating that this was because the groom needed his sword arm free in case someone came and tried to kidnap the bride or take her dowry.

Long gone are those days so the tradition of picking sides can absolutely be done away with. A wedding is an event where two families become one. Why not start that at the ceremony?

Be Gone Wedding Favors

How many times have you gone to a wedding reception and saw the little bag of mints and peanuts in front of your place setting? Or maybe it was a personalized candle or chocolate bar? After the reception, what ended up happening to those items? Did you even remember to take them off the table? In essence it was money that was spent that maybe could've been used for some other purpose. One resolution to this is if you want to give a favor, why not take that money and give to a charity you both love and support. Whether it be an organization that helps with disease treatment and/or research or a program that helps our military and wounded veterans, pick something where the contribution will be worth while, and you won't have to be cleaning up unclaimed favors at the end of the night.

The Bouquet & Garter Battle

So we all know that at receptions there's a moment where everything pauses and attention is drawn to all the singles in the room. That one song plays (usually Single Ladies by Beyoncé) and the DJ starts calling out all the unmarried women to the floor for the ceremonial bouquet toss. Seems like each time it's like pulling teeth to get women to join in although you do have that one or two that this is the moment they have been waiting for. The count begins and the bride throws behind her and then what happens - a whole of pushing and possibly a tumble or two just to get this bouquet which tradition tells us signifies she will be the next one to marry.

Let's not forget when it's the men's turn. It's even worse trying to get them to come up. Yeah, it's cute watching the groom be a little risqué when he takes on the task of removing the garter, but then it is downhill after that. If you can convince any of them to come up, they will usually stand with their hands in their pockets and when they see it flying they watch it hit the floor.

Now, don't get it wrong, watching this all unfold still goes strong with some added variations for this particular tradition. The cost of a "toss" bouquet can actually be very variable depending upon what other type of flowers you plan to have. If you hope to have real flowers, the florist will probably mention a toss bouquet. You actually could make your own, it's up to you. If you are a couple who is trying to keep the party going, this might be something you can pass over all together and it might actually not be missed.

Receiving the People

I think this is a tradition that has also pretty much gone a way - the receiving line. Traditionally after the ceremony, the wedding party would stand outside and great all their guests as they head over to the reception. Of course you would like to greet everyone that has decided to share your day with you. I think in order for this to be effective, your wedding must be on time to the second and we all know 9 times out of 10 that doesn't happen. What seems to be happening these days is that the bride and groom will go around to each table at the reception following their meal. That way they will have a time where they can mingle and take pictures with everyone there. This seems to be effective and won't cut into pictures that may need to be taken after the ceremony.

We're sure there are other little things that are traditionally done that could be overlooked. Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your significant other. The bottom line is you want to have a day that you will enjoy and these things don't necessarily have to be done in order to enjoy it.

A Bar Without Liquor...Say What?!

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 17:43:24 GMT

When deciding to have a bar at your wedding, most people think in the traditional sense of beer, wine, mixed drinks, if you want to offer them, and a possible signature drink. What some couples don't realize is that there are other types of bars that you can have at your reception. Below are some ideas for other bars you can have and they are all pretty sweet.

The Candy Bar

This bar is the most popular one of the bunch. With this one, you can be as creative as you want to be. Maybe you want your candy to reflect your wedding colors, or maybe you want to take people on a trip from the past and have the candy that you grew up on and loved as a child or you can just have one big chocolate fest. Couples will use this bar as part of their cocktail hour or they can have people wait and have it with their cake and during the dance party. The set up for this is super easy and be really cost effective if you look for sale items and order wholesale.

S'mores Bar

This one could be quite fun. You can make this as big or as small as you would like. The main question I'm sure is, how would you roast the marshmallows? So glad you asked and the answer is to get you a pack of Sterno burners and problem solved. Those are the silver containers that you usually see when you go to an event and they have a buffet line. You will want to get the gel ones because they provide a bigger flame. With those burners, you can have your very own indoor campfire. You can position them and add some decoration to the area where you place them. Then you get your graham crackers and bars of chocolate.

Popcorn Bar

No who doesn't need a little popcorn in your life? This one can be pretty easy to set up just like with the candy bar. The setup would basically be the same and again, could be really cost effective. With a popcorn bar, you can pick so many flavors that you can share with your guests. You can do that famous Garrett's Chicago mix, for find you some that has a little chocolate on it.

The Mini Food Bar

Now this one isn't a part of the sweet variety. It can be safe to say that your wedding reception is going to be filled with fun, dancing and just a great big party for about 4 hours. After all of this, you may want to offer your guests a little to go snack so these may be what you need. Your guests would be surprised to go to the back of the room and see little sliders or little things of tomato soup and grilled cheese as they are walking out the door. You can add a little spin to your event and feed a little after party hunger.

Hopefully, we have given you some ideas as to different ways that you can make your reception fit your personalities. You don't always have to go with traditional things and you can step it up and provide something that people will remember about your special day.

Is Hiring A Planner Really Necessary?

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:05:56 GMT

Short answer to this question is yes. What many people don’t realize is when you plan an event, whether be on a large or small scale, there are a lot of things you have to consider and do when you are preparing for that day. Planning a party is like taking on a second job. You want the day of your special function to be a happy time so why worry about if your caterer arrives on time, or if your linens are the right color, or if the centerpieces are being assembled properly? Also, in trying to worry about the big details, a lot of the small ones my get overlooked if you don’t have a professional in your corner. Things like, do you have plates and utensils for cake, or did you give your playlist to your DJ?

There are so many elements that go along with planning, so why not budget in an event planner to help with those things? Many people believe we are an unnecessary expense that can be avoided or too expensive to hire, but you’d be surprised to know that it very well may save you money in the end. We found this great article that I believe sums up everything really well.

7 Surprising Reasons to Hire An Event Planner

by Susan Baroncini-Moe

When you’re hosting your first event and trying to keep costs down, hiring an event planner might seem like an unnecessary expense. But it’s not. Here are seven surprising reasons to hire an event planner…all of which I learned while planning my Guinness World Records™ record-breaking attempt event with Eventfull Planning…and one of the reasons is the opposite of what you’d expect.

Reason #1: You’ll save time.

My event planner, Laura, from Eventfull Planning, takes meetings for me. Why? Because there are details I don’t have to be bothered with. She knows the ins and outs of my event. Because we had an intense strategy meeting right at the beginning of the planning process, Laura knew exactly what my needs were. That means she goes to meetings with the hotel and the videographer and the furniture guy and the A/V people and I can get more work done. I literally can’t count the hours having an event planner has saved me.

Reason #2: You’ll save money.

This is the reason I think might be the opposite of what you’d expect. You’d think because you have to pay the event planner, you’re spending more money, right? Not so. Once your planner knows what your budget is (and how strict you are about sticking to it), s/he can work with vendors to save you money on all kinds of things. Laura knew which vendors would be willing to work with us on price and where we’d have some wiggle room. And because she has relationships with vendors already from her past events, it’s easier for her to ask them for things than it would’ve been for me. In the long run, an event planner can actually save you the money you spent hiring him/her, and then some.

Reason #3: You’ll have a better looking event.

Left to my own devices, I’d probably have a fairly sparse event, sans decoration. I think in terms of technical and practical needs. But event planners know that part of what makes for a great event is that it looks and feels great. There are tons of details like this that I would never think of on my own. Things like, did you know that if you angle your audience chairs a certain way, it makes them feel more involved and engaged? This was just one of a hundred details I didn’t know and wouldn’t have thought of. But Laura did.

Reason #4: You’ll host your event at the right place.

This is actually something I learned a few years ago. Where you should host your event- what city and where in the city- depends on the kind of event you’re hosting and what your goals are in the event. Your event planner will help you choose a venue that can actually help you meet your goals for your event. This is something that can affect attendance, sales, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Reason #5: You’ll have good people doing good work.

I’ve actually never had occasion to use a videographer in Indianapolis, so I had no idea who to hire to document this event in proper, Guinness World Records™ fashion. Whenever I’m doing something for my home, I check Angie’s List, which is a great service…but for several reasons, I never feel completely sure that I can rely on the reports in Angie’s List, so I still feel like I have to do a lot of research after I find a few companies with positive reviews. My event planner knew not just one great videographer, but several. And she also knew several A/V companies, so she could get several quotes for me to review. Because of the number of events she’s done with each of these companies, she knew the pros and cons of each and could help me make the best choices and stay on-budget.

Reason #6: You’ll eat.

You know what I forgot about? I forgot that during my event, I’ll have to eat. With a 36-hour, non-stop event that requires monitoring, I can’t exactly run out for a quick bite somewhere. So one of the first things Laura did was send me menus from the hotel so I could pre-order my meals. Now that is something I never would have thought of.

Reason #7: You can breathe.

When you’re planning an event, doing everything yourself is a very, very big job. And it gets stressful. As soon as you hire an event planner, you can breathe. You can step back, regroup, focus on the things you know the most about, and get a lot of work done. Because someone else is handling the details of the event itself, you can be more productive on the things you do best. Plus, when the event happens, I know Laura and her team will be monitoring the event itself, taking care of witnesses and making sure the logistics are handled so that I can focus on making my guests feel welcome and comfortable and doing my own presentations.

The truth is, I’m an extremely conservative person, financially-speaking, so hiring an event planner was a big decision for me. But as soon as I brought in Laura and Eventfull Planning, I knew I had made the right choice. And when the time comes for my next crazy, audacious idea, I know I’ll have a great team in my corner and I’ll be able to relax into a great event.

Can You Set The Table Please?

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 18:45:49 GMT

That is a question that has been asked over and over by our parents growing up I’m sure. We all have learned the basics of fork on the left, knife on the right. However, when coordinating events, it goes so much deeper than that. This is one detail that should not be overlooked. There is an art to setting a table. It is a small detail, but it’s the small details that people will take notice of. There are slight variations between setting a casual dinner table and a formal dinner table, the main difference being the number of dishes. As you plan your party for the holidays, keep these things in mind as you prepare for your guests. Below are the steps to set the perfect place setting. You can make it as simple or formal you feel fits the atmosphere of your get together. Adjust the flatware and glassware to fit your dinner menu and the number of courses you plan to serve. It is probably likely you will only need half of the items mentioned, but you never know!

B efore you begin setting out the dinnerware, first things first. Drape a freshly laundered and ironed tablecloth over the table. A white tablecloth is the most classic choice for formal tables.

Arrange the centerpieces on the tables. The general rule of thumb for centerpieces is that you need one centerpiece per round or square table and multiple centerpieces evenly spaced along each rectangular table. Centerpieces should not be so tall that your guests cannot see over them.

Place a dinner plate or charger on the table in front of each chair. Dinner plates should be set approximately two inches from the edge of the table.

Space the flatware about one-half inch from the plate and two inches from the edge of the table.

On the right side of the plate, place up to three knives -- for first course, main course and salad -- with blades facing inward, followed to the right by the soup spoon. On the left side of the plate, place up to three forks -- for first course, main course and salad -- the salad fork being furthest left. At the top of the plate, place the dessert spoon with the stem end to the right and the dessert fork above it with the stem end on the left.

Place the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate, above the forks. You may also set it on top of the dinner plate if your courses will be served separately. This will allow for more space at the table for everyone.

Place bread plate on the right side of the dinner plate, above the knife setting, left of the glassware and higher than the salad plate. If there's no salad course, place the bread plate on the left side, above the fork setting. Place the butter knife across the bread plate.

If there is a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad and/or dinner plate.

Place the stemware above the knives in the following order from left to right: water glass, white wine glass, red wine glass and champagne flute.

Place a coffee cup and saucer to the right of the knives and spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Like we mentioned, there is a LOT of stuff happening here. It is up to you to choose which items to add when having a sit down dinner. Even if you are choosing to service buffet style, having a nice table setting will make all the difference.

It's Your Office Party..Watch Yourself

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 17:25:27 GMT

Now that we are in the holiday season it is time for the annual Christmas party. You know the one where people tend to get a little too crazy and where some strange things could happen. As you go to attend this event with your co-workers, please keep these things in mind so that you are not the talk around the water cooler come Monday morning.

Be Mindful of Your Alcohol Intake

If you are a person that likes to have a cocktail, make sure that you are controlling the amount you drink. You have to keep in mind that although you are in a social and party setting, these are still your co-workers. You don't want to become so intoxicated that you are unable to remember the activities of the evening. Also, make sure that you have a designated driver.

Make Sure Your Actions are Appropriate

Office parties are definitely more laid back then your days at the office. Use this time to get to know your colleagues better. In doing that, make sure your conversations are still appropriate as if you are still in a work setting. Although you may be able to learn more about the people you share cubicles with, be sure not to cross the line with your questions. Also, be cautious of body contact or touching in inappropriate ways at an office party. If you shouldn't do it during hours, it's still inappropriate after hours. This can be monitored if you follow the tip about how much you drink.

The Way You Dress is Important

More times then not, company holiday parties are a chance where you can dress up a little bit instead of the professional dress or business casual attire you have to wear on a daily basis. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the dress is for the occasion before looking in your closet. If business casual is still the theme for the evening, you can take it a step further with a nice, classy blazer for the gentlemen and ladies, dramatize your look with make up and accessories. For those more formal events after five attire of some sort will be expected, so plan accordingly.

Remember This is Still a Work Activity

Even though you are not punching a clock, keep in mind you are at a party for work. Arrive at a reasonable hour. You don't want to this to be a time to be lacking a sense of time. Be sure to watch what topics you discuss with your co-workers and their dates. This is not the time to be complaining or talking about the things you don't like about your job, boss, etc. This is truly a time to fellowship and enjoy. You don't want your words to come back and bite you after the festivities are over. In order to be on the safe side, avoid talking about anything work related. Just focus on having a good time.

Holiday parties are a time to have fun and enjoy the people that you see every day. It is also a time to interact with those who you may not work with directly. Take the time to get to know others, have fun, and enjoy the holiday season.

It's All About The Lights

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 19:29:43 GMT

It is officially December. It is time to bring out the lights and the tree. Truth be told, I'm pretty sure the day after Thanksgiving everything was brought out and hung. However, for those late ones (like myself) you still don't know exactly how you want to set up your home inside and out. For this blog, it's all about the outside and letting the lights shine.

We decided to brag on our hometown and what we do for the Christmas season. We are based in Kansas City, Missouri and our city, each year, turn on lights throughout the city. The most well known site is our Country Club Plaza which are switched on Thanksgiving Day. We also have something called the Mayor's Christmas Tree that is also illuminated during December. There is a big lighting for both of these events. You can kind of equate it to one of those Hallmark movies. We come out by the thousands to watch it happen.

Both of these events bring out residents of Kansas City to take part in the celebration of yet another Christmas season. You will also see displays all over the city whether it be in shopping centers, on hotels or in the many residential areas. For many, many years, we all have something called Christmas in the Park. In a portion of Longview Lake you are able to ride through one of the largest light exhibits. It is a long standing tradition, like the Plaza Lights and it something that a person could have gone to when they were little and can now take their children and grandchildren to experience it as well.

Kansas City LOVES the holiday/Christmas season and we sure know how to show it. We don't just know BBQ, we also know how to string up some lights too.

The Sequin Bridesmaid

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 17:39:38 GMT

Over the past couple of years it seems there is a new trend for the bridesmaid gown. It has seemed to escape what would be labeled "traditional" with the taffeta or organza fabric and uniformed look for something more fun. The color of the gowns are bright and absolutely beautiful, however, the trend now seems that the gowns are going sequin. Talk about a pleasant surprise. Although the structure of these dresses were still quite simple, and unique to each bridesmaid, having the element of sparkle just took it up another notch.

We started to do a little research on this sparkling little fabric accessory and discovered some very interesting things. A sequin /ˈsiːkwɪn/ is a disk-shaped bead used for decorative purposes. In earlier centuries, they were made from shiny metals. Today, sequins are most often made from plastic. They are available in a wide variety of colors and geometrical shapes. Sequins are commonly used on clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes and many other accessories.

If you are one who wants to add more to your bridal party than the regular gown, maybe adding this to your dresses my be just the drama you are looking for. One caveat to this though is, these dresses will cost your girls quite a bit of money unless you can find a seamstress who can make them for you or if you can find them on sale via an online retailer. Keep this in mind when thinking about how you want them to look. Also consider the time it might take to receive the gowns once they are order so make sure you allow enough time before your wedding so you don't risk trying to scrape something together at the last minute. Let us know if you have considered going this route for your bridal party.

The All In One Registry

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:09:28 GMT

Whether you are getting married or having a new bundle of joy, the one common element is that there will probably be a registry to make. I don't know about you, but that's one of the fun parts of having such a special event. Going to the stores and using that little gun to scan all the things you'd like to see. If you are like most couples you will probably go to a couple (sometimes three) different stores just to make sure you have every inch of your home or nursery covered.

Now here comes the tricky part, when you send out your invitations, how many of those little pieces of paper to do you plan on inserting to let me people know you have a registry. Well, with one new website I discovered the answer is one. With the option below, you will be able to registry at almost any store of your choice, but they are all combined at one place.

MyRegistry.com

MyRegistry.com is a website where you can combine all of your registries into one convenient place. This website uses what they call the sync and display feature. They right now do not all stores listed, but Target is one that is on their list. For your out of town guests, this works ideally for them in the event they cannot come to your special day, but would like to send you a gift. Not only does the registry partner with different stores, they also have their one stores where you can pick gifts as well such as their Baby Store. One thing I have learned os there are different stores in different cities. So, if you've always wanted something from IKEA, you could possibly get it.

Take a look at the below video for more and then check out the site to start your own registry.

Surprise!! It's a Wedding??

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 17:17:17 GMT

Are you are a couple that is not one for the traditional and want to create a buzz? Have you done the "traditional" wedding ceremony before but now feel like it's not necessary? Do want to have the fun of a wedding, but not necessarily the price tag? If you're answer is yes to one or all of these questions, then a surprise wedding may be just want you need.

Now, I can hear you through the screen "A surprise wedding? What in the world?" This is actually something that is slowly becoming more common. This trend tends to be more so with people who may be entering to a second (or more) marriage who do not want the fuss of a wedding and who want to keep the party small.

Another reason you might decide to go this route is because you may have a very limited budget, but you want to have a wedding and you want to maintain your financial control. One thing I've learned in planning weddings and other events is the guest list can get out of control fairly quickly. You intend to have 80 guests, but some how (with the help of family members) you end up with 160 and how you're trying to figure out how to pay for all of them. Those 75 people you planned to have come to your "engagement party" will be surprised to find out that it will actually be your wedding.

If you are that daring couple that wants to take on this feat, there are some things you should keep in mind:

Consider whether the surprise is actually going to be a pleasant surprise and not a disappointment to your family and friends as some guests may feel left out, confused or overwhelmed. You want this to be a happy time, so make sure there are no underlying issues in regards to your significant other, and that the families are happy and accepting of your soon-to-be spouse before you decide to do your ceremony.

It might be worth telling immediate family – children, parents, elderly grandparents… or anyone who you want to know ahead of time to help with the planning and to take part in your day. Try to leave the surprise element for your guests. Also, this could help avoid a potentially devastating situation.

One way to ensure the guests arrive on time is to say that some other special event is about to happen at that time. For example if it is a ‘birthday’ party people may be very casual about arriving on time. Let guests know that you have special entertainment booked that is going to commence right on the dot and you wouldn’t want them to miss it.

The best way to announce that a surprise wedding is about to take place is to have the MC or or another person in on the surprise state what is about to happen in an announcement to your guests and then give time for them to digest the news, chat and laugh. This will give you time to prepare for your ceremony as well as set the mood for your special moment.

Also, keep in mind that because you are having it as a surprise, it is highly unlikely you be receiving gifts. Make sure that you are okay with that decision and move forward. If you are centering it around a birthday, housewarming etc., there is the gift potential, but it probably would not be what is traditionally given since it is, after all, a surprise to them. In the event you are asked where they can buy you a gift, let them know you give them registry information at a later date. If you plan on sending out thank you cards to your guests as a way of telling them much you appreciate them sharing your day, you can include where you are registered then. However, it would only be appropriate to do so for the individuals that specifically asked you. People will probably look to see if you have a registry somewhere, so it's okay to do at least one.

If you think that you are that couple to be able to pull something like this off, have fun with it and it will definitely be an event that people will be talk about for a long time.

If you need help planning YOUR surprise, contact us HERE and we'd be happy to help you get started.

A Buffet Is Better...Or Is It?

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 04:07:13 GMT

Aside from the old cash vs. open bar debate, another thing that seems to get attention is the food. Whether it's for a wedding or any other type of event you are planning for guests. Some people think that it would be better if there was a buffet while others believe it would be better to have a plated meal. Some say offering different stations is where it's at. We're going to give you the skinny on these options and who they would work for you. There are things to consider with each option before deciding which is the way to go.

The Buffet

I believe this is the option that people lean toward the most. Whether it be for the ease of menu selection or cost effectiveness. This is the option where people leave their seat and serve themselves the meal. The plate could either be at their place setting or at the buffet itself.

Pros

Multiple food selections can be offered
Number of servers can be drastically reduced
Very casual type of meal
Aides the interaction of guests

Cons

Unable to control food portions
Long lines depending upon number of guests
Additional costs depending on food volume
Guests having to maneuver multiple plates

With buffets, you are able to have multiple choices, however, if they choices are too good, it may cost you additional money in the end if people decide to make multi trips to the buffet or grab bigger portions.

The Seated/Plated Dinner

This option can be utilized for different events as well. With this option guests stay seated as their meal is brought out to them. In this scenario, there could either be preset salads or desserts with this option.

Pros

Adds a more formal element
Does not require additional venue space
Portion control
Caterers know exactly how much to prepare

Cons

Limits dinner choices
More wait staff will be needed which could increase bill
Serving multiple courses could take time more time

This option could be very cost effective for you considering that you could limit what you serve, however, be aware of how your cost may increase due to the need of added staff to make sure your dinner is served efficiently.

Food Stations

Food stations have been used, although I don't believe they've been done quite as often as the above two choices. With stations, you are offering buffet elements without it being a "traditional" buffet style.

Pros

Offers a variety of selections
Eliminates line congestion
Items can be grouped together
Food themes can be easily organized

Cons

Requires more venue space
The amount of food can become expensive
More chefs or staff will be needed to man the stations
People may favor more options over others

This option can be used if you'd like to do a buffet style, but want to have more order to the chaos. It also can provide a hint of a more elegant feel that you may get with a plated dinner. With this, you also need to watch your cost.

Each option provides both pros and cons so when it's time to pick your menu, make sure you speak in depth with your cater so you will know what exactly will fit into your budget. It's their job to make the presentation look like how you want and that the food tastes great for your guests.

The Plus Size Dilemma

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 02:21:41 GMT

So, your honey asked you to be his wife. You (and your planners) have been working hard to plan your wedding but there is one part to the process that you are nervous to dive into - the wedding dress. It's hard enough going from shop to shop looking at dresses that eventually seems to blur together. You, however, have an added challenge. You are a plus size beauty and that seems to just add to the journey. You question could there possibly be a dress out there for you that will make you feel like the princess you always wanted to be, or a dress that will also show off those curves that you are oh so proud of. With the below 5 tips, you should be able to find that dress you envision yourself walking down the aisle in.

Embrace Your Body

First things first, Love the skin you're in! Far too many go on these crash and extreme diets in order to look "super skinny" on their wedding day. I can understand using your nuptials as a way to motivate yourself to get healthier. More power to you, however, you don't want to look back on your pictures a year from your wedding and not recognize the woman in them. Stay true to who you are at the size that you are, and embrace it. Set realistic goals for yourself if you choose to hit the bridal boot camp without losing the identity that is you. Now, if you are a plus size beauty who is not making a big deal about your sexy size 20 frame, be happy with that decision and K.I.M (keep it moving)

Know What Works For You

This is key when shopping for clothes, so it is not different when shopping for your wedding gown. If you are a naturally top heavy woman, then a strapless dress may not be the best choice for you. If you want to draw a little attention to the area, then perhaps a sweetheart neckline might be the one. If you are voluptuous on the bottom half, a ballgown may not be the right fit. If you want to show off hips that may not be as defined as others, try a trumpet skirt and A-line gowns are flattering on just about any body type. Also, know how much sparkle you want. You want to stand out, but let's not go for disco ball. If sparkle is not your style and you want simplicity, find unique elements in a dress that suit you. It could be ruching around the waist or a scalloped hem. It all depends on your style and taste.

Start Your Search Earlier Than Advised

Being a plus size bride present unique situations. The main one being the availability of the dresses. Many articles will tell you, which I have found to be accurate, that not very many bridal salons carry sample size gowns over a size 12. Although the dress you have your eye may come bigger, actually being able to try it on probably will not be an option for you. If you can find a place that either specialize in larger sizes or carry designers whose focus is dresses for the fuller frame, you are in for a bit of a ordeal. There's no need to worry though; starting early will help keep you on track to wedding time. Some say to start shopping at lease 6 months ahead of time for your gown. For the plus size beauties I would say allow yourself 9 months if that is possible. This would help when ordering your dress as well as any necessary alternations that may need to be done to the gown. Now, more so these days women are planning entire weddings for 6 months, if not less, from the time of engagement. If you fall into this category, time is truly of the essence, and yes, it can be done.

Be Prepared

As with anything, this is very important. Start searching the Internet for dress ideas. Have a certain designer in mind? Check out their website to see what they offer the plus size bride. Print out pictures to use as reference. One sure way to cut down time is to call the salons before you go. Say you saw this Vera Wang creation that you absolutely love, and guess what, they have the size 16 you need. Make sure you utilize the store locator to see if there are stores in your area. If there is one, call the store to see if they have that specific style number or styles that may be close. By doing this, it will eliminate the tedious task of doing going from shop to shop trying to find something. Once you have chosen your store of choice, go in focused. You will see a lot of dresses, but don't become so distracted that you spend time putting on dresses that are not in your budget or fit your style type.

Be Comfortable

No matter what garment you wear, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Make sure that your alternations are not too tight. You want your dress to fit you like a glove, but you also want to be able to sit comfortably and more importantly breathe. Remember that foundation is key, so take the time to shop for quality undergarments as this will also help you with your fit as well as comfort. If you are wearing a strapless down, make sure that it fits tight enough so that you are not pulling at it all night. Wedding gowns can be a heavy thing to wear in itself with your crinoline slip so don't add to it by a dress that does not fit properly.

Hopefully these few tips will help aid in the dress shopping adventure. Most importantly it will help you to pick the gown that makes you feel confident and as you walk down to meet your soon to be husband that all your dress will reflect how you wanted to feel at that moment.

The Tuxedo vs. The Suit

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 16:22:41 GMT

We have realized that while sitting and writing about how the bride can shop to find her perfect dress for that special day, there is another person that seems to get neglected. It is automatically assumed that with the groom they will go to the tuxedo shop and work it out for him and his groomsmen. As I was thinking about this, I started to question, "Why should any of them get a tuxedo?"

When women go and shop for their bridal gown or their bridesmaid dress, more times than not, it is a purchase to buy and keep forever. Very seldom to you hear about women renting their wedding/bridesmaid dresses (although I know it does happen). So, why is it that more men don't go to a suit shop instead of a tuxedo shop? Think about it, men will go to a shop and rent a tux for $100 or more, especially if they want a good quality one. They end up with something that may not fit quite right, and in the end, their $100 gets returned back to the place they rented it from. So, maybe men should start considering taking that money and going to get a tailored suit for their special occasion. There are some very good reasons why this may be something for you to consider. I tell you, there is nothing like a man who can wear a tailored suit. On the opposite side, there are also reasons why a tux may be the choice for you.

The Tuxedo Rental

In first looking at renting a tuxedo, the above picture is an obvious reason. If you are planning to match the color of your wife to be, then then tuxedo is the way to go if White or Ivory are your choices. This is mainly because I highly doubt, you will wear it ever again. Another reason why renting maybe be more for you is because it is more or less a one stop shop. Along with the tux of your choice, you also get your shirt, buttons, and cuff links. Even though your accessories are an added expense, you also get your vest, tie, and shoes. The upside to this is you don't have to shop around. The downside is this is what can drive up the price of your rental. The color choices for your tux rental is also limited. Usually you choose from Black, White, Ivory, and sometimes Gray. When you get into the Gray, and possibly the Dark Brown, your style choices are few and far between as oppose to the traditional black tuxedo. Asking for the the colors that are not "the norm" could also increase the price of your rental. Also, the thing to consider is that your rental has to get back to the store on time otherwise, there is an additional expense you incur. So, in hindsight you are spending a lot of money for something you will not keep. Now if you are the couple that are trying to reduce costs, this option may take a large portion with really nothing to show for it in the end, except for the beautiful pictures you will take.

The Tailored Suit

This is an option that couples probably don't consider, but maybe it may warrant a discussion. Although it is very possible, you will be spending more money than you would for renting, there are more benefits in the long run. The first benefit is when purchasing a suit instead of renting, you can have the suit tailored . By going to a Men's clothing store (such as Men's Warehouse or Macy's) and purchasing a suit from their rack selection, the Groom and his Groomsmen will then be able to have the suit jacket and pants tailored to fit them in a way a regular tuxedo cannot. Also, there is a better color selection for a suit as it is shown in the above picture. If you are going to an island for your ceremony, maybe a khaki suite will work well with the blue tones you are planning for the décor. It also gives you an opportunity to pick accessories that work for you like your shirt and tie. You will also be able to shop for shoes to compliment your suit as well. In the end, yes you spend more than your traditional tuxedo rental, but the silver lining is that on the day after your wedding, you can pack up your suit and take it home with you because it is yours to wear again and again.

Which ever option you decide to choose, make sure it is the best decision for you, and that you are happy with your choice. Either way, that Groom and his Groomsmen will be looking sharp.

Know Your Role

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:33:59 GMT

So, you get a call from your sister/girlfriend/cousin asking you to either be a their Matron/Maid of Honor, or a Bridesmaid at their wedding. The bride to be usually has thought long and hard about the people she wants standing at the alter with her as she pledges her love and commitment to her new husband. She is depending on you to help make this process and smooth as possible. Although you take it as an honor to be picked, before you say yes you really need to get an understanding of what exactly they are asking you to be responsible for. Below are a few items for each role that I believe get missed as and important duty that should be considered. If you are willing to do these things, then you are sure to be the best attendant the Bride will ever have.

Matron/Maid of Honor

Usually gives or arranges for a shower, luncheon or party for the bride or for the bride and groom.
Usually consults with the bridesmaids about a joint gift for the bride, collects the money, purchases the gift and presents it to the bride at the chosen occasion. This gift often has the wedding date and sometimes the initials or names of the givers on it. This gift is separate from the individual wedding present to be given to the couple by each member of the bridal party.
Follows bride’s wishes on where and when to dress for the ceremony and show up prepared and on time. Remembers to collect her own belongings afterwards.
Helps bride change into her going away clothes and makes certain the wedding gown is taken care of.

Note: If the bride chooses both a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor, the Maid of Honor usually takes precedence. The bride decides which attendant will assume the duties or how she would like them to be shared.

Bridesmaid

Helps bride run errands the week of the wedding.
Is on time for fittings, pre-wedding photographs, parties, showers, etc.
Attends the rehearsal for instructions on the processional, ceremony and recessional.
Helps to calm the Bride's nerves
Follows the bride’s wishes on when and where to dress for the ceremony and remembers to collect her own belongings afterwards.

Even if these things sound like a lot, they are very important. Evaluate if you are willing and able to take on these responsibilities. There will always be a variation of some sort to these but these are what is usually expected whether it is said or not. If you are, be the best and if not, make sure you make that known as soon as possible out of love and respect for the bride.

Always remember that this is a happy and joyous occasion, and you will always be a part of the memories of your loved ones wedding day. It is up to you to decide what kind of memory you will be.

Men Need Baby Showers Too

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 19:18:51 GMT

Although traditionally baby showers have been a part of the "Girls Only" club, as times progress, we have to remember that even though the woman is noticeable the person carrying the baby, the men are also about to have a life changing experience. Their body may not be going through all of those changes, however they are realizing that now there will be this little person that they will have to be responsible for and provide for. A new life is about to enter their world too.

With that in mind, Men would like to be celebrated just as their pregnant mate is (of course they would never say that out loud). Having friends around to help encourage them and offer them sound advise would also prepare him for the next phase. One thing that you can consider doing is having a co-ed baby shower. Now, I know what you're thinking "What man is going to sit around and play games with a bunch of women?" I am so glad you asked. This is where you can put your own spin to it. The following tips can help ensure that both you and your man have a very enjoyable experience as you celebrate your baby or babies.

Work on the Guest List Together

This is key to making sure that your man is also going to enjoy the event. If you two have couples that you traditionally spend time with, you include both of them on your list. In doing that both you and him will have people around that you enjoy spending time with and to help you celebrate. Married couples, think back to when you were planning your wedding. He had his boys he wanted there just like you had the women you couldn't be without.

You Are a Couple, Invite As a Couple

This is an important step to the process. Even though you may not be the planner of the shower, make sure you tell them to include his name on the invitation and that it is a co-ed shower. One idea is to have a couple work together in creating your shower. In doing this, people will know that it is for men and women. Also, when addressing the envelopes include both names whether it be Mr. and Mrs. or the first and last names of both people invited. The wording of your invitation will be key. Also, finding an invitation that has both a man and woman on it would also let men know that they too have been asked to be present.

One Event, Two Types of Parties

This an option that can be used to incorporate what you want as well as what your man would be comfortable with. He may want his guys to just chill and hang out while talking about the the upcoming birth. Guys will offer advise to each other in different situations when they are just sitting around talking. This can probably be best achieved if the shower will be taking place in someone's home or in a large enough space where it could be divided where each group can do their own thing. While this is going on, the ladies may want to play a game or two and have a totally different discussion like feet swelling, how active the baby has been or how hemorrhoids just came out of nowhere. One thing you may also want to do is ask the Ladies to bring a gift for her friend and the guys bring a gift for him.

Now how is doing separate things make it a co-ed shower? The key times when all come together are during the key things of a shower: food, games, gifts, and cake. If you do have gifts received from both the men and women, each individual can open what they received in the group setting. During or after the presents is usually when you have the cake and the shower starts to wind down.

It's Not About the Games

One thing that tends to happen at showers is that you come in and you will pay at least 4 games (I've seen more than that) throughout the shower. Instead of endless games, pick a couple that you know people would enjoy are unisex so that the men could participate as well. This is also a time when both the men and women can come together and share in some good-hearted fun. Still offer your prizes, but gear them to the appropriate sex. I do not believe a man will want a candle or some flower smelling lotion as their take home for being able to unscramble the letters. You can differentiate which gender by having different colored bags. Also, if you are planning to give away favors thanking your guest for coming, make sure it's something that is neutral. Edible items would probably be your best bet. Maybe you can offer a small candy table when they can get goodies on their way out.

Enjoy and Have Fun

This tip is one that I always like to end with. Ultimately that is want you accomplish. Just remember that it is about you, your mate, and your new arrival. Don't let any of the small things, or the things that don't go according to plan stop you from enjoy the time with your friends and family. It is just one more step closer to the gift that is about to arrive.