To toss or Not to Toss

What are you planning to do with your bouquet (or a smaller version)?

Will you stick with tradition and toss your bouquet to a group of your single ladies?
or
Will you have an anniversary dance and see who the last couple dancing(longest married) is?
or
Will you present your bouquet to someone special?
or
What else are you thinking?

Please post your ideas or what you are seeing this year?

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.”

Wedding Professional Chats

Business Name: Eventions Productions
Names: Rian Winther: Production Manager/ Head Lighting Designer
Phone: 610-485-5900
Website Address: www.eventionsproductions.com

How and why did you get interested in the business? I was very fortunate to start doing professional theater while in high school and college. I learned so much about lighting and sound from the pro’s in the industry. I’m very lucky that I have a job that I can take that knowledge from the theater and use it in a different and creative way.

Why is lighting so important at a wedding? It completely changes the look and feel of a room. What once was in darkness can now be highlighted. Take your centerpieces for instance, you pay all this money for all these beautiful flowers and they sit in the dark all night. Why not highlight what is important to you. Not to mention what it can do for your photos and videography. I don’t know one photographer that doesn’t prefer to have lighting at an event.

What is your favorite aspect of your job? The initial design to the final product. I love watching when a bride and groom walk into the room for the first time. So far, I’ve made 6 brides cry(in a good way of course)!!

If a client has a limited budget what is a must have as far as lighting? I would say uplighting and a textured dance floor wash. Those two options go a long way on a tight budget.

Anything else we should know about Eventions? We are really excited about our new virtual lighting designer on our website. A potential client can design the lighting for a ballroom using our virtual ballroom, submit their design to us and get a quote. So far we have gotten a lot of great feedback from it.

What is your Dream vacation? I’m a big fan of Europe. I would say an all expenses paid 2 week trip to Paris, Rome, Barcelona and then one week in the Bahamas to relax. I don’t think that’s too much to ask!!

What can’t you live without? My girl, my cats and pasta.

Do you have a favorite Philly area venue? There are a ton to choose from. Right now I would say Artesano Iron Works. It’s beautiful, very cool and different from the cookie cutter places.

And your favorite quote? If we don’t learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.

Kid's Table Decor

Are you having a 'Kids Only' table at your wedding?
If so -don't put a floral centerpiece on the table - think of something interactive for the kids.

Simple would be butcher paper with a bucket of crayons and markers in the center tied with some balloons.

or more elaborate - a lollipop cone! Saw this at Martha Stewart.com - would be easy to recreate with a cone shape, paint, glue and some ribbon. There are instructions here.

This would also be great for a candy table at a wedding or at a Kids birthday party.
You could use rice krispie treats on a stick or chocolate covered strawberries or something not edible - think of the theme of your party.

Maybe I will try this for Gavin's 1st Birthday party - I am still dreaming up the perfect theme!!

'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.

Black & White Filigree

Black and White with a touch of Red - Wedding Inspiration

Save the Date from Wedding Paper Divas
Alvina Valenta Bridesmaids Dress
Chole B Invitations
Place Card Options from Beaucoup

Entrance Sign from Wonderful Graffiti

Select Event Rentals Charger Plate


Votive Favors from Beaucoup

Wildflower Linens

Let the Party Begin!

Don't you think Douglas Benedict got some great photos of the ballroom? This chandelier had ribbons and orchids hanging from it - Thanks to Phoebe Flowers.

Mix of tall and short centerpieces - Linens from Select Event Rentals.
Lighting and dance floor monogram by Eventions
Some non professional pics - Look at the band Bigg Romeo rocking the house - we had to extend the party a whole hour!!

Doors of Saucon Valley Country Club

After the cake was cut, slices were placed in the dessert area along with tons of cookies, biscotti, macaroons and chocolate covered strawberries. We offered mini favor boxes so guests could take some home. The cocktail napkins in this area said "Thanks for Sharing our Story"


After dinner a cordial bar opened up and 'my cigar guy' served, cut and lite cigars for the guests - This went over very well - 50+ men and women bombarded the terrace.
We had to extend the reception an additional hour because guests were having so much fun. I went around to check with the Country Club, the band and other wedding professionals to make sure they could stay (and find out overtime fees!).

All in all a very successful wedding - Hope Erika and Matt are enjoying Hawaii!

Champagne Greeting

To kick off the celebration they had a Champagne Greeting on the Terrace at Saucon Valley Country Club (the women's US Open is here this weekend).

A floral archway welcomed guests.

Her escort cards were on a lucite table top which rests on top of a ton of crystal gems.
Linens were Hot Pink on high top tables, Flowers were White peonies.


There were 4 different types of Sparkling Wine in addition to Pellegrino. Notice the cute pink straws?

Strawberry soup shooters were passed with white glove service.

Now here is where the cocktail napkin craziness begins. The wedding's theme was 'Share Our Story' - Here the staff had white napkins with 'Share Our Story' on them. The food was offered with pink napkins and a 'Did you Know' quote.

Details

I am so excited for this weekends wedding - I always get excited the week before a wedding, especially if it is a full service client. I have been working with Erika and Matt for over a year. There are so many details and I am busy this week preparing.

It did get me thinking - most brides have no idea what goes into the last minute planning of their event. They don't know what is required until they have to do it. If they don't have a planner to guide them through this process it can be overwhelming.

For example I just faxed over a room layout to the country club - it shows table layout, what linen goes on what table (we have 4 different colors), what the table # is (we have pictures of the couple in front of the # around NY), how many people are at each table, the color of the lights around the room and what (out of 3) centerpiece goes on what table. It also shows where the string trio will play, where the band is to set up and where the Frank Sinatra impersonator will be.

I have also sent the same layout to the florist-Phoebe's and Eventions-the lighting company.

The good thing is Erika doesn't have to worry about this. I have it covered! Unfortunately some couples don't 'get' this until the week of their wedding.

Beautiful Spring Wedding

Saturday was a beautiful day for a wedding! I helped coordinate Hanyoung and Bretts wedding, starting with a traditional Catholic mass, a Korean Ceremony then dinner and dancing at the Marriott Conshocken. Han changed gowns for all 3 parts. They were so fun to work with and really brought some creativity to the wedding.

The ice balls (from IceCaters) were a HUGE hit! and her centerpieces were a mix of high branch and candles and low flowers and candles (from Fresh Designs)(branches seem to be popular with my spring clients). The band eFusion Love rocked the house and had people jammed on the dance floor till the last song!

Photography was done by Nathan and Thran at Lightyear Studios - check out their blog for the professional pictures.

A twist on the cocktail napkin

Most brides have colorful cocktail napkins at their wedding - some with their names on it some with their new monogram.

How about taking it a step further....be very creative and give your guests something to talk about.

We originally saw this idea at InStyle Weddings but this past Saturdays bride made it her own. Stay tuned for more of her wedding this week.

You could also put song lyrics, your favorite quote or your signature drink recipe.

What is an Escort Card?

I am reposting this because I think its important.

An escort card is a card that the guests pick up during cocktail hour and it then directs them to their dinner table. A place card sits at the dinner table and tells guests what specific seat is theirs. With place cards you have to figure out who is sitting next to whom and that can be time consuming. I hear place card used all the time but remember place card and escort card are used for different things.

Typically the guests name goes on the front and the table name or number goes on the inside or bottom corner. You can use either to carry out your theme. Attach the card to a bottle of champagne, a candied apple, a candle or just adorn the card with your monogram, a flower, a knot or just your themes motif.

If you are doing only escort cards but are offering your guests a choice of entree you must put something on the card that subtly says beef, fish or chicken. I have seen different colored cards for different food choices or different adornments added to each card.

I always recommend doing escort cards over not doing anything. Guests need to be guided into the reception and feel better if escorted where to go.

Some Tips

Before you tie the knot here are some things you should do or plan to do.

1-Go away together - take a long weekend and go visit a winery, go to a ballgame, stay in a bed in breakfast, ride a roller coaster at an amusement park or go lay on the beach. What ever it is do it together and try not to talk wedding - just get ready for the marriage.

2-On the wedding day give your cell phone to your best man and/or maid of honor. There are always last minute calls that you don't need to deal with. I don't know why it is but guests always call the bride for directions or info on something to do in the area.

3-Have your planner take you into the reception space right before the guests enter - it will be the only time you can see the room untouched. They you can really take in the ambiance and all the decor that took you a year to decide on.

4-Ask your bridal party to take pictures of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and/or after party. This is still part of your wedding weekend and you don't want to miss a thing.

5-Tell everyone involved the details of the weekend - this includes bridal party AND the dads. They might need to transport people, the centerpieces after the wedding or picking up the tuxs and they need to know what you know.

6-Get your engagement ring cleaned and polished.

Cost Saving Ideas

Here are some tips on reducing some costs for your wedding.

1-Hire a planner - they know the professionals to call, the sites to look into and can keep you on budget as well as save you tons of research time.

2-Ask if there is a recession special - everything is negotiable.

3-Think seriously of getting married off peak - March or August -how about a Thurs or Fri?

4-If you must get married in June or Sept - how about a fancy luncheon?

5-Don't think Package C is the best option because the bottom line looks good to you - Create your own 'package' with what is important and don't forget to add in service and gratuity.

6-Cut out the cheese display (its not worth it) and the extra dessert (a yummy cake is enough).

4-Guest List Guest List - I can't stress enough - if you are tight on budget lower your guest list, even by 15 people can save you thousands. Not only in food costs but table, linen, centerpieces etc.

ICE, ICE Baby!

A few of my Spring client are using ice to heat up their receptions and add a little WOW!

Ice Balls are pure premium perfectly clear 2" spheres of ice that can go into each and every martini or cocktail. Perfect for that apple martini.

How about chilling a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket on the bar?

Or as a client is doing - a large 'P' initial in ice on the raw bar.

Prices are reasonable and the boxes come with instructions for serving or display. Check it out today! www.icecaters.com

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.

Will You Lounge?

Having a lounge area at your wedding has become all the rage these days. Wouldn't it be great if you could extend your reception just a little. Think about your space - can you make a lounge area near the bar for guests to hang around during the reception, open up an adjoining room or pre function space as an after reception option to keep the party going for a few more hours.

You want to keep your guests wowed throughout the whole event, keep things changing; so opening up a lounge at the end of the reception really keeps the party moving. It can be a place to go a little wilder with decor, not totally different but a spiced up a little. Make it inviting with lots of cocktail tables, pillows and candles. Set up some cool furniture, add lighting, a DJ; serve some comfort late night food like mini burgers, bite size fried mac and cheese, flavored french fries or maybe set up a ice cream bar.

You don't have to spend a lot more money on this. Check to see if the hotel has some extra furniture you could use, throw around floor pillows. If you are outside use wicker or wrought iron furniture. Just add some color, a limited bar and some music - Voila - your guests will have a blast!

American Furniture Rental
American Furniture Rental
Cort Events

Inspiration

Do you need a little inspiration to jumpstart your planning for 2009?
turn to Colin Cowie of course-


Video
Even though some of his ideas are quite lavish you can tailor them to fit your style and budget. Using a wedding planner can help you get the bang for your buck so to say. Their contacts and experience can help you get the look you are going for.

Bowl full of Cherries!

Favor Idea with Cherries!!

Don't you just love chocolate covered cherries? I always look forward to them every holiday - they come in that great red box...Well I found them gourmet this year! Cherries Divine

Hand dipped long stemmed cherries - a perfect gift for the holidays; for a friend or business associate. Also great idea for Valentines day, Easter or other special occasions. They come with white, milk or dark chocolate.

I love it as a wedding favor - look how cute the picture of the wedding dress and tux cherries are!
4 2 piece boxes (above) are $26.99.
Or buy them in increments of 15 for $24.95 and make your own packaging.

More Escort Card Inspiration

Pin them to a tree.
Cover posterboard with paper, cut slits and slide the cards in.

Each name is attached to a starfish.


Put the name cards in pears, apples, pumpkins - have the spilling out of bushel containers or baskets on to the table.
These cards were actually supposed to stand up in the marbles but it was too windy.

Every guests received a wine bottle with their seating card.
Candle holders - diy kits are available at Michaels.

theknot, brides