Forever Stamp

For all you spring and summer brides - remember the postal service has increased the stamp price again!

On May 11, 2009 the price to mail a first class letter will increase 2 cents from $0.42 to $0.44. Postcards will increase from $0.27 to $0.

I know you might want a pretty stamp to go on the outside envelope but go ahead and use the forever stamp on the response card envelope. It will save you some money and at this point I bet you are looking to save every penny!

Another tip - when sending out your invites mail one to yourself as well -that way you know when your guests receive theirs and you will have a postmarked envelope for your scrapbook!

Kissing Tree

Check out Kiss the Groom and make your own kissing tree. Just type in your info and customize your very own!

The Kissing Tree

Print it out and post it to your cubicle or add it to your wedding planning binder!

Quick Website Survey

So what do you think of wedding professional websites? what do you look for and what do you like? A colleague of mine Emilie Duncan has created a survey - please fill it out!

I promise, this will only take a minute of your time! If you wouldn’t mind, please click on the link below and answer 9 quick, easy questions about different design aspects of wedding vendor’s websites.

Wedding Professional Website Survey

We won’t record anything about you other than what state or country you are from - we don’t even ask for your email address so no spam or anything like that.

You will likely see this link on lots of other blogs and sites - this survey is being shared all over the blog-o-sphere so please take the survey only once.

If you have additional comments on the subject, please feel free to email me with those and I will share them with the other wedding vendors who are participating! We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

THANK YOU!

Chalk it Up!

Check out these cool containers from Pier 1!!
They would be a nice addition to the ever popular candy buffet!
You can write the candy type right on the container. ($10-14 each)


Use the stemless glassware with a floating candle then write the table name on the glass; or use on your cocktail tables and write your monogram on it, or maybe words that go with the theme of your wedding.

Win $500 to Wedding Paper Divas

Share your engagement story to win $500 to Wedding Paper Divas and be featured on Diva Dialogue. Enter now through Feb 22.

Check our their wedding invitations, save the date or other stationary items here.

Chocolate Kisses

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Godiva Chocolate Kisses

1 oz Godiva Liqueur
3/4 oz vodka
1/2 oz raspberry liqueur
and some fresh strawberries

Combine first 3 ingredients in a chilled shaker. Mix well then pour in a martini glass, rim glass with chocolate shavings and garnish with sliced strawberries.


Delish!

THE WINNERS ARE

WEDDED BLISS goes to Hailey!

Most Creative goes to Maria - You win a CANDLE OF YOUR CHOICE!
Let me know which one you want.

Congrats to both of you - If you would email me your address I will get these shipped out to you.
mas at elegantengagements dot come

Thanks ladies for reading my blog - Have a great weekend!!

Cupcakes for your Sweetheart

Valentines Day Cupcakes
Moist Chocolate -makes 2 doz

1 package German Chocolate Cake mix
16 oz of sour cream
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350, place baking cups in muffin pans and coat with cooking spray

Beat first 5 ingredients at low speed until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase speed to med for 1 -2 min or until smooth, scrap down sides as needed.
Spoon batter into baking cups 2/3 full

Bake for 20-25 mins or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 1 hour before frosting.

Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup softened butter
3 oz cream cheese
16 oz powdered sugar
1/4 milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate morsels, melted

Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, slowly beat in milk and vanilla, increase speed until smooth. Add in 1 cup chocolate morsels and beat until blended and smooth.

Ice cupcakes, top with chopped creme de menth chocolate mints and put them in these adorable cupcake wrappers from Crate and Barrel

Contest Ends This Week

I am giving away 2 candles - Contest ends this Friday!

Aromatherapy Interventions - look over the different candle options/scents and let me know via a comment here or email what scent or therapy you like and who you might give it to.

Are there any ideas you want me to share with the company?

I will pick a random comment # Friday Feb 12 and that person will receive a Wedded Bliss Candle and the comment with the most creative answer will get a candle of their choice. FREE

WEDDING WIRE BRIDE'S CHOICE AWARD

BIG NEWS: I have been chosen to receive a 2009 Bride’s Choice Award! This award recognizes vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews. THANK YOU to everyone who choose me!

Conversation Heart Cookies

Check out this delicious chocolate butter cookie! from Williams Sonoma internet or catalog:

Made with equal measures of love, skill and premium ingredients that include dark Valrhona chocolate, our heart-shaped chocolate butter cookies from Sweet Guy Cookies will charm your valentine. The cookies are prepared, rolled and cut by hand, then decorated in green, pink, aqua and orange and yellow icing, each stamped with the words “Kiss Me,” “Cute,” “Love” or “Flirt.” The 2 1/2" x 2" cookies arrive in a reusable tin. 7 oz. Set of nine."

They are $22 and should be ordered by February 9th to ensure by Valentine's Day.

Maybe I will send these to my husbands office for V-Day! These would also be cute as a favor for a wedding shower or engagement party.

GIVEWAY REMINDER!

Aromatherapy Candle Contest Ends This Wed.

Post your comments now for your chance to win!

Deadline to Enter is extended to Friday February 12th

Something Old, Something Borrowed

I have noticed more and more brides are wanting to incorporate their mothers wedding gown or other details into their big day. A few clients have asked me what I think about this or how they can go about doing it.

Your mothers style might not be yours but maybe you can get the wedding gown remade into something chic and unique to you. Incorporate parts of the dress into a bolero jacket to wear during the ceremony. Another option is making a ring bearer pillow out of the lace. Recycle some of the past is also the green thing to do.

I had the honor of wearing my mothers veil on my wedding day - we took the 3 layers of tulle and lace (that she hand appliqued) off the pill box and added one layer to a comb for me to wear. What a special moment it was to wear this - and hopefully it will bring me lots of luck for many years of happiness.

My mom:



and my mom putting the veil on me:


Me:
For Philadelphia area brides: Nilah and Company in Drexel Hill will incorporate your mothers dress into one for you or even make a beautiful Christening gown for a future child.