Here's a little inspiration for a winter wedding. We love the icy blue and white color with a snowflake theme. And those white painted trees with the white lights give it a real winter wonderland feel. And if there's real snow outside you're getaway transportation can be a horse-drawn sleigh. We think this is just magical! And having a winter wedding can save you money because you're getting married in the off-season.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Entertaining Tips
You’re married! You received new dinnerware. You're planning your first dinner party. Here are some tips for the big event.
How many people to invite? A dinner party for six or eight is ideal. A successful party depends on the right combination of people so think about personalities and individual interests before you invite the potential guests.
Choose the right table covering to complement your dinner plans. Formal entertaining still calls for a linen tablecloth with matching napkins. Informal entertaining lends itself to colorful cloths with either matching or contrasting napkins. Many hostesses choose to use place mats – either alone or layered.
Adding a special centerpiece can reflect your personal style. Just remember that:
- A centerpiece should never block a guest’s view.
- The size and shape should be in proportion to the size of the table.
- Flowers should not be so fragrant that they overpower the food.
Using candles at the table adds a romantic touch to the dinner.
Here are some expert tips on candle use.
- Ivory candles are the preferred choice for a classic table setting.
- If you keep your candles in the refrigerator they will burn evenly and slowly.
- All candles should be displayed with charred wicks and should be placed at least two or three inches apart to prevent melting into each other.
- If you forgot to extinguish the candles and some of the wax melted onto the tablecloth, you can remove the wax from a washable cloth by scraping off the excess wax and running boiling water through the fabric.
Following these tips for the first dinner party should help insure that you’ll feel more comfortable in your role as hostess and will be happy and eager to repeat the lovely evening you provided for your guests.
Photos:
http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/table-decor/christmas-table-decorations-1010
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/holiday-centerpieces
Photos:
http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/table-decor/christmas-table-decorations-1010
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/holiday-centerpieces
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Have a Seat
For some brides and their mothers, deciding on seating arrangements at the reception and trying to engineer the “perfect” mix of guests at each table is one of the hardest and most overwhelming planning tasks. Although it may be tempting to give up and let people sit where they want, having a seating plan will make everything go smoother, will make your guests feel welcome and will help to avoid confusion or misunderstanding over seating arrangements. And less confused people are people who are more pleased with where they are and what they are doing. We recommend two options for creating a seating plan:
- Table Assignment - Guests are assigned to tables but may choose their actual seat.
- Seating Assignment - You assign a table and a specific chair where your guest will sit.
Which option you select will depend upon how formal or how organized you want your wedding reception to be.
Table Assignment
If you decide on table assignments, have a seating chart or escort cards prominently displayed at the entrance to the venue with guests' last names arranged in alphabetical order.
Seating Assignment
If you decide on assigned seating, you will also need place cards.
Place cards are placed at each place setting to ensure guests sit in the correct seats.
These place cards will be placed on the tables in front of the designated seat assignment prior to the guest's arrival. In the case of a table service meal, these place cards can also indicate the individual's menu selection - which will assist the catering service staff. (For example: a blue dot or ribbon for chicken, a red dot or ribbon for beef)
A simple way to get started
Start by writing each guest's name on a 3 x 5 card, using one card per guest. Like a deck of cards, start making piles for each table, moving the cards around from table to table until you're entirely happy. Once you have the cards grouped by table, you can then work table-by-table to seat each guest, deciding who will sit next to whom. And finally, to be entirely clear and leave nothing to chance, place a star on the card of the guest that will be seated at the 12 o'clock position so when it comes time to place the seating cards around the table your guests will be seated exactly as you planned. Here are some seating tips to consider:
- Seat people together with common interests (hobbies, occupations, etc.)
- Try to seat each person next to at least one other person they already know
- Be considerate of your elderly guests and seat them away from the speakers or the band
- Seat children with their parents or at a special table just for them
- Consider naming your tables instead of giving them a number (Choose names based on your wedding theme, places you've visited or would like to visit. It may give unacquainted guests something to talk about)
- Try to place pregnant, elderly, or disabled guests, or guests with small children where they have easy access to the restrooms
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rental Items
In an ideal world, each place you use for the ceremony and reception will have everything you need for a perfect event. However, things are rarely exactly how you wish them to be.
Brides often ask us for recommendations for rental businesses that can supply additional items that may be needed. But before we recommend any other business we try to help the bride determine exactly what may be needed and sources for those items.
Before you rent anything, be sure to check with your wedding ceremony site, wedding reception venue, caterers, beverage providers, décor company, florist, entertainment, audiovisual, staging and lighting companies for items needed.
It is hard to believe that one could need something these services couldn’t provide, but if there is, a reputable rental provider is your answer.
Once you have identified the items you think you’ll need, have a conversation with two or more rental services to check the quality of the items provided as well as the rental costs.Your ceremony or reception venue may be able to refer you to a reputable service that comes with strong references from previous customers.
Ask the rental company to be specific about the services they will supply. Will they merely deliver the
items to your site or does the price include set up and tear down?
Ask if the items are insured against theft and/or damage and is that included in the rental fee. If it's not included, ask for the amount of insurance you may need.
Bear in mind that a full service décor company will likely be able to handle all or part of your décor, floral, table settings, glassware, tables, chairs and chair covers, linens, and lighting requirements. In addition to the usual items, the décor company may be your best source for any unusual items you decide you must have to complete the theme of your celebration.
How much “extra” you want will likely be determined more by budget than lack of resources.
Brides often ask us for recommendations for rental businesses that can supply additional items that may be needed. But before we recommend any other business we try to help the bride determine exactly what may be needed and sources for those items.
Before you rent anything, be sure to check with your wedding ceremony site, wedding reception venue, caterers, beverage providers, décor company, florist, entertainment, audiovisual, staging and lighting companies for items needed.
It is hard to believe that one could need something these services couldn’t provide, but if there is, a reputable rental provider is your answer.
Once you have identified the items you think you’ll need, have a conversation with two or more rental services to check the quality of the items provided as well as the rental costs.Your ceremony or reception venue may be able to refer you to a reputable service that comes with strong references from previous customers.
Ask the rental company to be specific about the services they will supply. Will they merely deliver the
items to your site or does the price include set up and tear down?
Ask if the items are insured against theft and/or damage and is that included in the rental fee. If it's not included, ask for the amount of insurance you may need.
Bear in mind that a full service décor company will likely be able to handle all or part of your décor, floral, table settings, glassware, tables, chairs and chair covers, linens, and lighting requirements. In addition to the usual items, the décor company may be your best source for any unusual items you decide you must have to complete the theme of your celebration.
How much “extra” you want will likely be determined more by budget than lack of resources.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Spirits and Bubbly
Costs for beverages can either be managed or reach the stratosphere. The prices of champagne, wine, beer and/or hard liquor can vary a great deal, but with a little research on brands, quantities and service style, you can contain the costs. A great deal depends on the expectations of your guests and your own personal tastes.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you choose your wedding spirits.
Champagne:
• Brut =extra dry
Extra sec or sec =medium dry to medium sweet
demi sec or doux = sweet to very sweet.
• 750 ml = six flute glasses of champagne
1500 ml = 12 flutes.
• Budget 2 glasses of champagne per person if wait staff are pouring.
•You can control costs by planning 1 glass per person, and have it served by waiters from silver trays.
• Serve champagne at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wine:
• Sugar Content
very dry = 0% sugar
dry=1-2%
medium=3-6%
sweet – 7+%
• Budget two glasses of wine per person per hour.
• Unless dictated otherwise by menu choices and guest preferences, the usual breakdown of wine to be served is 60% white, 40% red.
Beer
• Include a mix of light, dark, imported, and nonalcoholic beers.
Factors that will influence quantities served:
• Will you serve wine and beer only or include specialty drinks?
• Will you have an open bar?
• Will you serve wine with the meal following cocktails or with no pre meal cocktails?
• Will you serve after dinner liquors?
• Will the bar remain open during dinner?
Other factors to consider:
•You will need one bar for every 40-50 guests.
•You will need one bartender for every 40 guests.
• Set up a minimum of 3 glasses per person per bar.
And don't forget to have an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages for your guests as well.
Cheers!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Venue Coordinator vs. Professional Wedding Coordinator
Some brides are choosing not to hire a wedding planner because "the venue has someone who does that".
Here's a great article we found on the Get Married blog that explains the difference!
http://www.getmarried.com/articles/index.php?id=143
Here's a great article we found on the Get Married blog that explains the difference!
http://www.getmarried.com/articles/index.php?id=143
Your Wedding Budget
One of the biggest mistakes brides make when planning their wedding is not creating a realistic budget and sticking to it. I know, you'd rather be thinking about cake flavors, or choosing a color for the bridesmaids' dresses. But unless you have a fairy godmother with a magic wand, who will make this all appear, you really have to set up a wedding budget that will suit your tastes...and wallet!
Whether your budget is $10,000, $50,000, or even $100,000, setting a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it will help you plan a beautiful wedding without spending more than you can afford.
And if you’re like me and you watch all those wedding shows, it’s easy to get carried away with expensive over-the-top wedding ideas! But starting your new married life in debt over wedding bills is not the way to go! And although your budget will define the choices you make, and what you will be able to spend, you can have a beautiful wedding no matter what your budget!
It used to be the father of the bride would pay for the wedding, and although it is still common for the bride's parents to pay for the majority of the wedding expenses, we're seeing parents of the groom contribute as well. We're also seeing the bride and groom pay for their own wedding. Determine who will be contributing financially to your wedding and the total amount you'll have to work with.
Once you have your total amount, and a general idea of your wedding vision, do your research and find out what the things you want actually cost in your area before you start writing down any numbers. To get an idea what weddings cost in your local area click here.
Decide on the 3 most important elements of your wedding. You know, your "must-haves". Whether it's a designer wedding gown, a five-tier wedding cake, or that 3-piece jazz band, remember, if you go over budget on one item you'll have to make up for it by taking away from others.
At Love Wedding Planning, part of our full-service package is helping you set up a customized detailed budget so you can see where the money is going and where we need to make changes.
Think realistically about what you can accomplish with your budget and time. Keep it simple and elegant, and your planning will go much easier.
Whether your budget is $10,000, $50,000, or even $100,000, setting a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it will help you plan a beautiful wedding without spending more than you can afford.
And if you’re like me and you watch all those wedding shows, it’s easy to get carried away with expensive over-the-top wedding ideas! But starting your new married life in debt over wedding bills is not the way to go! And although your budget will define the choices you make, and what you will be able to spend, you can have a beautiful wedding no matter what your budget!
It used to be the father of the bride would pay for the wedding, and although it is still common for the bride's parents to pay for the majority of the wedding expenses, we're seeing parents of the groom contribute as well. We're also seeing the bride and groom pay for their own wedding. Determine who will be contributing financially to your wedding and the total amount you'll have to work with.
Once you have your total amount, and a general idea of your wedding vision, do your research and find out what the things you want actually cost in your area before you start writing down any numbers. To get an idea what weddings cost in your local area click here.
Decide on the 3 most important elements of your wedding. You know, your "must-haves". Whether it's a designer wedding gown, a five-tier wedding cake, or that 3-piece jazz band, remember, if you go over budget on one item you'll have to make up for it by taking away from others.
At Love Wedding Planning, part of our full-service package is helping you set up a customized detailed budget so you can see where the money is going and where we need to make changes.
Think realistically about what you can accomplish with your budget and time. Keep it simple and elegant, and your planning will go much easier.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Halloween Wedding Inspiration
Looking for some fun ideas for a halloween wedding? We love these! And don't forget the candy buffet (or in this case the "trick or treat" buffet)! Let us know what you think! Do you have any halloween ideas to share?
r718 red - Wedding Dresses/Gowns - Gothic, Medieval & vintage
blissfulbridesonline.co.uk
More dresses »
blissfulbridesonline.co.uk
More dresses »
Ideas for Fall
Fall will be here soon! It's my favorite time of year! Time for pumpkin carving, apple picking, leaves changing color, family get-togethers.
Check out these fabulous fall favors available in our online store.
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| See more |
And here's some inspiration for a fall wedding
Love Wedding Planning: All Accessories - Simply Autumn Resin Flutes
plannedwithloveinvitations.cceasy.com
plannedwithloveinvitations.cceasy.com
Fall Leaf TeaLight and Place Card Holder with Autumn-themed Gift Box...
plannedwithlovefavors.theaspenshops.com
plannedwithlovefavors.theaspenshops.com
My Blog ~ Victoria Joanne: Autumn Season is upon us! Falling leaves...
brides-n-news.customweddinggarters.com
brides-n-news.customweddinggarters.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Unique Wedding Music
Thinking of a fun and unique way to make your wedding extra memorable for you and your guests? Shake up the music!! Try something new!
- Can't decide on one song for the first dance? Mash up multiple songs for a one of a kind dance that is all yours!
- Take a song you love and find a fun new version. Lots of songs are recorded in multiple ways.
- Record it yourselves! What better way to make a song your own than to record it with your voice(s)!
- Have it Choreographed! Show your guests your incredible dancing skills!
- Everyone loves some crowd favorites! This couple incorporated lots of them!
- Or, if you really want to take it to the extreme, take it to the aisle!
There are endless ways to make your wedding music unique to you, have fun with it!
- Can't decide on one song for the first dance? Mash up multiple songs for a one of a kind dance that is all yours!
- Take a song you love and find a fun new version. Lots of songs are recorded in multiple ways.
- Record it yourselves! What better way to make a song your own than to record it with your voice(s)!
- Have it Choreographed! Show your guests your incredible dancing skills!
- Everyone loves some crowd favorites! This couple incorporated lots of them!
- Or, if you really want to take it to the extreme, take it to the aisle!
There are endless ways to make your wedding music unique to you, have fun with it!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Summer Wedding Inspiration
Here are some ideas for summer weddings. Whether your thinking nautical and preppy, seashells and sand, or some fun in the sun we love it all!
"Set Sail" Frosted Glass Sailboat Tealight Holders, Set of 4 - Love...
plannedwithlovefavors.theaspenshops.com
plannedwithlovefavors.theaspenshops.com
Foot Jewelry - Foot Lace Jewelry - Bridal Jewelry - Wedding Jewelry...
$37 - advantagebridal.com
More jewelry »
$37 - advantagebridal.com
More jewelry »
"Castles in the Sand" Sand Castle Tea Light (Set of Four) - Party...
$13 - partyfavormart.0.kateaspenshops.com
$13 - partyfavormart.0.kateaspenshops.com
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