Martha Stewart & Preston Bailey are Bloggers!

It looks like even the big guru's want to blog....I sure hope you are reading all this great Free advice. Check it out!

Darcy Miller - MS wedding expert is blogging
Martha Stewart Weddings

and over the top party planner
Preston Bailey

Happy Reading.

Southern Guide to the Perfect Wedding 2

Another tip from my favorite Southern Ladies about Engagements.
This probably applies more to your friends but good info to know anyway.

"A girl must never be congratulated upon obtaining one. To do so is an insult to Southern womanhood. It hints that the bride has caught, rather then been caught. The proper form is to congratulate the groom and wish the bride to be happiness."

So remember the next time your friend shows you her big rock, make sure to wish her all the happiness in the world and then Congratulate the groom on finding such an amazing woman.

Southern Guide to the Perfect Wedding

"Somebody Is Going to Die if Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch That Bouquet
The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding."

I came across this book over the weekend and haven't been able to put it down. Although I was raised in Pennsylvania I truly believe I am a southerner at heart. My family is from NC and I have spent most of my life down there. Through the years I have heard a lot about etiquette and the proper Southern way from my grandmothers and my mom. So to read this book it has made me giggle but there are some very good suggestions and reminders.

I thought I would recite them to you over the next few days, for your reading pleasure.

1-What do you dress the children in for a proper Southern wedding? (but everyone should abide by)
"One of the most important rules: do not dress your ring bearer up like a miniature man. There is nothing cute about a 4 year old boy in a tiny suit or tux. The proper ring bearer wears an Eton Suit."

I know that main stream tux shops push the rental of a mini tux for your ring bearer but trust me they never look cute and always look uncomfortable. Think of something different - how about a cute white or ivory shorts and rounded collar shirt set with little buttons.
Remember you don't always have to do what the tux shop tries to sell you.

ps- the picture is of my cousin Jake walking down the aisle at my wedding.

Colin Cowie on Oprah, Friday August 24th

Colin Cowie will be on with Oprah, tomorrow Friday August 24th.

See some of his most spectacular weddings, showcased in his latest book Extraordinary Weddings. (as you know one of my favorites)

Then see inside his home and get a glimpse of his new book Colin Cowie Chic (coming out in Dec, which will be perfect for holiday gift giving)

Wedding Planning for MOMS

Whether your mom is helping you with your wedding plans a little, REALLY helping you or just driving you crazy - you might want to pick up Emily Post's new book - Wedding Planner for Moms - how to help your daughter or son prepare for the big day.

This is a new etiquette primer by Peggy Post. It can answer lots of questions and may help in the relationship you have and want to keep with your mom and/or mother in law to be.


Wedding Planning for Moms Book

Fun Summer Drink

I was working with a client trying to come up with a yummy drink option for her wedding and came across this recipe.

So I made a batch and my husband and I are sitting on our deck enjoying the drink and the beautiful weather!

Enjoy
(this recipe serves 12)
2 1/4 cups of chilled Sapphire Gin
2 cups of fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups Cointreau
and 3 bottles of chilled sparkling wine

Combine ice, gin, lemon juice and Cointreau - Divide among flutes and top with champagne and lemon peel.

Top of the Tower

View from windows - overlooking the Philadelphia Sky Line.

The Knot hosted a vendor appreciation party for local wedding professionals this week.

It was held at the amazing Top of the Tower and the theme was cuban. We were welcomed with orange mojitos. They had the two rooms set up very differently. One with stationed food, a band and brown colors. The other had the bar, a DJ, small tables and lots of orange and tangerine linens and uplighting. The chef went all out with lamp chops in a chipotle chocolate sauce and lobster chiveche.

Kudos for a very enjoyable evening.
check out Top of the Tower for wedding info. They can do ceremony and reception and really customize your menus.

MOB's Know Best

I received two of the most wonderful thank you notes from former clients - not just the bride but their moms. They are still hearing great things from their friends and reminiscing about a wonderful stress free FUN day. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

"Your organizational skills and ability to deal firmly with whatever situation presented itself enabled us all to have a happy and enjoyable day without any concerns. From our first meeting it became obvious that your expertise was just what we needed to assure the same easy, worry-free experience for ourselves." Dede May 2007

"You are the ultimate organizer, and on top of it all, you have a sincere caring personality. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts." Carol July 2007


Just to show Mom's do know best!
Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your special day.

Perfectly Stated

I was talking to my friend yesterday at the baseball game about my business. I was excited that I just booked another couple for May of 2008 and was telling her all about it. She is a very busy attorney and simply stated that of course everyone should hire a wedding planner. Who has the time? We talked about how people go to professionals for massages, for decorating advice, to get our car fixed and even legal advice so why not talk to someone who plans big parties for a living.

So many people want to do it themselves (which is fine if you have the time and energy) and so many others aren't sure where to start. So if you aren't sure if you should hire a wedding planner, at least call and talk to some, you might be surprised how affordable and easy it is to ask for guidance.

I was reminded about a blog post my friend and fellow wedding planner in NJ wrote - perfectly stated: click here