Check it out!

Do you need extra ribbon, paper lanterns, eco friendly confetti, grapevine Christmas trees or battery operated candles? How about some led lights for your mantle or brown wire Christmas lights to go on your grapevine reindeer?

Don't forget Save On Crafts

They have everything you could want for a wedding, shower or just to add some touches for your holiday decorating!

Christmas Time

It's my favorite time of the year!! Time to decorate, listen to Christmas songs, go shopping, bake cookies and did I mention decorate!

Stay tuned over the next few weeks for ideas on decorating, cookie exchange, tree toppers, shopping tips and maybe even some entertaining ideas.

:)

How much Liquor?

Wedding Wine and Liquor Calculator - Great tool for figuring out how much wine or beer and alcohol to have at your next party. Use it for your next holiday party, backyard bash or if you can bring your own alcohol to your wedding.

Find out how much alcohol you should stock for your party. Click here Real Simple

Can't afford a full service planner?

I got an email the other day from a couple that said they didn't really need a full service planner and they didn't think they could afford it but were wondering what options I had to offer them.

Glad you asked!

Wedding planners can offer suggestions for reputable wedding professionals; people or businesses that fit your style and budget and they even know some of the out of ordinary locations. A planner can work on your budget, create a timeline and suggest ways to get you started. 3-4 hours of planning in the beginning can get you on the right track and save you valuable time and potentially money.

Say you already have your dream venue in mind and you are certain you can decide on the other aspects of your wedding but you aren't sure how to pull the event together. IE: the guest list seating, the day of timeline and last minute logistics- consider a day of planner!



"Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning." - Edison

Just Say NO to the Tip Jar

I came across this article on phillymag.com and just had to post. I absolutely hate when I see bartenders put tip jars out at a wedding. Guests should NOT have to bring money to a wedding or be expected to tip (or pay) for a drink.

Are Tip Jars Gauche? Event planner Morgan Bedore puts the kibosh on this bartender staple

By Allison Stadd

Question: I’ve seen tip jars out on bars at weddings I’ve attended in the past — but I don’t think that seems appropriate. Would it be okay to tell my caterer I do not want bartenders at our reception to have them? How do they get tipped, otherwise?

Answer: “That would be totally okay,” says Morgan Bedore, events manager at Philadelphia’s Stephen Starr Events. “In fact, for our company’s events, it’s mandatory: There cannot be a tip jar, regardless of whether or not the bride thinks it’s okay.” It sends the wrong message to your guests, she says — and if you think of some of the best restaurants out there, they don’t even have tip jars on their bars. So how do you make sure the bartenders and other servers are taken care of for providing fantastic service at your reception? Talk to your caterer before the event. “What we do is have the client tell us what they think is a suitable gratuity, and we’ll add that onto their proposal — that way, it’s done in advance,” she says. “The standard is around 18 to 20 percent, but ultimately, it’s at the discretion of the client.”

Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

TIPS FOR SURVIVING A LONG FLIGHT TO YOUR HONEYMOON DESTINATION

Secure the Best Seat - Before booking your flight check seatguru.com for the rows with the most legroom.

Ensure Sweet Dreams - Pack cozy accoutrements like an eye mask, fuzzy socks a soft neck pillow. Pack a tooth brush and I love the soothing eye gel from Mary Kay. Also check out flight001.com

Get Tuned In - register for or rent a mini DVD player and noise canceling headphones.
Add some tunes to your Ipod - how about the must play list from your wedding reception.

Look Good - You have a better chance of scoring an upgrade when well-dressed and on time.

And take it from me - If you have an early flight set multiple alarm clocks so you wake up on time. Maybe even have a relative call to wake you. We left Monday am for our honeymoon to Hawaii- we inadvertently ignored the alarm and awoke to our driver ringing our doorbell over and over again. Its not a good idea to rush to the airport in any case and definitely not on the way to your honeymoon.


adapted from Modern Bride

Wedding Invitation Wording

There is a lot to think about when picking out your wedding invitations then organizing all the inserts and writing the wording. To get you started here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:


Formal invite when given by bride's parents reads:
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stuart Evans
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Katherine Leigh
to
Mr. Brian Charles Jamison
Saturday, the twelfth of June
two thousand and nine
at half after four o'clock
Village Lutheran Church
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

-the invitation to a wedding ceremony in a house of worship uses the traditional 'u' spelling in houour and favour.
-no punctuation is used except after abbreviations such as Mr.
-half hours are written our as 'half after four o'clock' not half past four.

A less formal invitation reads:
Sharon and Elliot Karp
would be honoured
to have you share in the joy
of the marriage of their daughter
etc

-When saying or writing a couples name the woman's name should go first.
Sharon and Elliot Karp NOT Elliot and Sharon Karp.

This also goes for introductions - the lady always goes first.

any other questions? let me know and I will post the responses.

'There's No Place Like Home'

My cousin is getting married Labor Day weekend. She is planning to have her reception in her parents back yard. Since I have been helping them I thought you too would like to know the ins and outs of having an 'At Home' Wedding.

So here are some things you should think about and plan for:
-Do you want your ceremony and the reception at home? think of logistics and space before deciding.
-What does your backyard space look like? Do you have a large enough flat area for tables and a tent? do you need to use a side yard or inside space as well?
-Do you have adequate kitchen space or a garage the caterer can use to prepare the food?
-Think about the caterer you will hire - make sure they are experts and have worked home weddings before.
-Always rent a tent, you might need it to shield the rain or the bright sun - think of getting a clear tent so your guests can enjoy the stars as they dance the night away.
-Talk your rental company about tent placement and space layout - don't forget to tell them about underground sprinkler systems or other pipes and cables they should be worried about.
-What will you do about guests cars and parking? Think about offering valet service or offering a shuttle bus from the church or hotels.
-Do you want a band or a DJ? Check your areas noise ordinances and make sure to invite the neighbors!
-Are there easily accessible bathrooms? Make sure you have an attendant taking care of keeping them neat and stocked with guests towels and toilet paper.
-Consider having 'bathroom' signs made to hang from the doors and 'private' signs on the bedroom doors.
-Do have enough inside space in case of rain? What is your contingency plan? Make sure you have rented the sides for the tent and or have an alternative location on hold if you should need it. If you plan to have this sort of Plan B think about having a phone # guests can call day of to find out final location.
-Consider hiring a landscape consultant - you could plant flowers months in advance and this could save you money on cut flowers. Use potted plants. Take advantage of your homes environment.
-Definitely have a professional cleaning service come and clean before and after the wedding.
-Pack away nick nacks and other valuables(especially jewelry) but keep family photos out for more sentimental decor.
-Do use special family items for the wedding -special serving platters, vases and/or pitchers.
-Depending on the time of day you need to consider lighting. Definitely uplight the tent and use lots of candles.
-Bugs - Spray your yard with a bug deterrent weeks in advance (contact a landscaper) and put Off or Skin so soft sprays in the bathrooms for your guests to use.
-Consider your liability; contact your home insurance for a rider on your policy or www.wedsafe.com for some extra insurance.
-Hire plenty of help; you are going to need it.
And lastly even though this is your home don't forget a grand entrance and a send off. Some people forget this because its their home but guests need to know where to enter the home, like to see you introduced into the party and a grand send off announces the weddings end and they should go home.

Table Runner DIY

I love Ballard Designs!
They have so many great home decorating ideas and this month some great tips.

On their website I came across directions on how to make your own table runner. These would be great for a baby or bridal shower.

How to Make a Table Runner

The Easy Way!

A table runner can add life and personality to your table. It can also protect it from warm serving dishes and fresh arrangements filled with water.

So how can you make one? It really is a simple, no sew project. And we will be happy to walk you through the process.

• Choose a fabric that is relatively thick – cotton or cotton/poly blends (for a relaxed look) or a satin or brocade (for a more formal look).
• Measure the width of your table – your finished table runner should be about one third the width of your table. Add one and one half inches to all sides to allow for hemming.
• Measure the length of your table – your finished length should be the length of the table plus twelve inches on both ends for the overhang. Again, make sure you add an additional one and one half inches to allow for hemming.
• When cutting the fabric make sure you allow one and one half inches along all edges for seams. If your want your finished runner to be 18” wide and 90” in length, then you would cut your fabric 21” wide and 93” in length.
• Measure one half inch all around the edges folding and pressing the raw edges onto the wrong side of your fabric.
• Now fold the seam over again - one inch to create the hem and press into place.
• Place the No-Sew Hemming Tape inside the one inch seam that you just pressed – use the directions on the No Sew Tape to seal the hem.
• You can keep the corners square or if you wish or if you want pointed edges on either end, just fold the corners to meet in the center of the fabric attaching the ends with No-Sew Tape.

There are many options for embellishing a runner. If you choose a plain cotton fabric, try using a rubber stamp and fabric paint stamping a design along the border or creating an allover print by randomly stamping the fabric. Try using a feather or a leaf dipped in paint and pressed onto the fabric for an organic, outdoor look. If you have a beach theme, try pressing the outline of some different sized shells in a random pattern. Instead of a tassel at the end on your runner, why not attach shells tied with raffia? Or if you have a more formal look, purchase some crystal drops at your local craft store to hook onto the ends. Whatever your table theme, making a table runner can customize your look and your guests will be amazed!

What is Your Emergency Kit Must Have?

This is a repost from a few years ago but I thought it was important to list again.

A standard practice of wedding planners is to carry an 'emergency kit' - to deal with all sorts of issues that could come up at a wedding. I know you all remember Jo Lo's special jacket in the movie The Wedding Planner.

So what is an Emergency Kit??

There are many different types but I know they are all bigger and more involved then a 'special jacket'. Mine is a small suitcase that I can throw over my shoulder. Some things that I can't live without:
tylenol
stain remover - yes I can get red wine out of the gown
breath mints
bandaids
Big saftey pins - yes all bustles come loose
bobby pins
tape-clear, masking, duct, floral
flame lighter
hair spray
tissues
pens
cd of standard wedding songs
deodorant

I also keep spare unity candles, cake knife, ring bearer pillows, black socks, hand held sewing machine, umbrellas and a bottle opener handy.

Some weddings I end up using many items from my kit and I am so thankful I had it to save the day; Better to be safe then sorry.
What is your must have item?

Down the aisle

It was very important that this wedding start on time because there was a wedding immediately following. The Chapel at Lehigh University gives you 2 hours, one to set up and one for the ceremony. I like to start the mothers processional about 2 minutes before hand so the bride walks on time!

Here is a non professional picture of me getting Erika and her dad ready. Advice I tell all my brides - take a deep breath, maybe 2 of them, hold your bouquet low (close to your hip bone) and don't walk until Your music starts and the guests stand. Her veil was about 10 feet long so my assistant and I had her walking through the doors and still poofing!

Professional pic from Douglas Benedict from the other direction:

Cocktail Napkins

It seems my clients are loving the 'Did you Know' Cocktail Napkin idea. Some people say personalized cocktail napkins are not being done so much. My clients love them - I think the standard name and date thing is out but lets think outside the box a little.

Erika's mother gave me the tips - it was a surprise for the couple.
We had the pink offered with champagne, the turquoise at the bar and lastly the white at the raw bar.

Guests really enjoyed the tips and got to know the couple a little better. Another inexpensive way to personalize your wedding.

Tip of the Day

Reminder:

Before you print your programs please have your officiant, priest or minister review it.
He or She will make sure the order is correct.

I would hate to have 200 beautiful tied programs that had wrong information....

Happy Earth Day.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Think about getting reusable bags today - Either a Target, Whole Foods etc. Get a few keep them in your car and use them.

Oh and if you are planning a wedding - think about using these as your out of town gift bags. You don't have to put your names on them just make them practical for your guests.

Meet the Parents

Over the weekend I met with a couple who mentioned that their parents had not met yet. They didn't know what to do or how to arrange this. I told them it was a good idea to try to get this done before the wedding!

Traditionally, the grooms parents are supposed to set up this meeting if it happens post engagement. But these days when parents live out of town and schedules are hectic the bride and groom should go about setting up the meeting. I suggest inviting both sets of parents into town for dinner at a neutral location - maybe the couples favorite restaurant or a potential wedding location.

The good thing is there will be lots to talk about - getting to know you things as well as all things wedding!

Here is a cute idea from CocoKelley:





Traditions of Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue - Your Signature Drinks!
Something old: Ask your grandma what her favorite drink is!
*Something new: Whip up something new using your favorite mixers!
*Something borrowed: How about a drink your best friend had at her wedding!
*Something blue: Anything with Blue curacao or blueberries works great!

You can have the wait staff serve these on the same tray or just set up a menu at the bar.

Party Decor

So you know I love Wonderful Graffiti but I recently found a similar product that you can remove and reuse.

"Décor-A-Peel. These removable, reusable, peel and stick design elements give you the freedom to decorate any smooth surface in seconds. With hundreds of designs—from florals to comic art—you’ll find exactly what you need to put your party theme over the top! Great on painted walls, glass, ceramic, tile, most furniture and much more. Removes effortlessly without any messy residue...and they’re completely reusable."

Check it out
Decor a Peel

Wouldn't this look cute in near your Guest Book or Escort Card Table?

Happy Guests

So you are planning the perfect wedding-You are analyzing every detail, making sure every favor is tied and every dress is hemmed but have you stopped to think about your guests?

Most of my couples tell me they want to make sure everyone has fun at their wedding.
Here are a few tips to help with this:

1-Try not to have too much time between your ceremony and reception. Its best to go directly from one to another. I know you think you have to have a nightime reception with dinner at 8pm but think about moving it a little earlier, your guests will thank you.
Sometimes this is unavoidable if your church is only availalbe at 1pm, if this is the case offer your guests something to do in between times. For example I was working on a wedding at the Omni Downtown Washington, DC - we took the guests on a bus tour of the monuments between the ceremony and reception - it was a hit and really occupied them for the hour in between time. If you are having your reception at a country club - maybe you can set up a putting contest before cocktail hour.

2-Give your out of town guests some ideas on what to do during the weekend - restaurants, activities or must do events before then jet out of town. You can add this to the out of towners gift bags offered at the hotel. A cost saving tip - just write up a welcome letter for everyone and list restaurants, cab numbers and a wedding day schedule.

3-Don't I repeat DON'T have a cash bar - You wouldn't ask your guests for money if they came to your house for a dinner party would you? Cut out a extra dessert or calligraphy and offer a beer/wine reception instead.

All of this will help make for happy guests!

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!

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.