February 16, 2012
Children and Weddings
This is always a pretty sensitive subject!
What do you do about children at your wedding?
You don’t want them running crazy during the reception, making other guests have a bad time. You don’t want them to get bored, and some couples, even parents, don’t want kids at a reception where there’s an open bar. But – you want your friends with kids to be able to come to the wedding, so – what to do?!
Depending on where you have your reception, this is a good idea. I had a bride recently who actually booked a hotel room specifically for the kids. You could even use a hotel room you booked earlier in the day for say the girls/guys to get ready in and not have to book anything extra.
She had a babysitter she knew come to watch them. If you choose to do something like this – just make sure the room is stocked with video games, movies, board games, coloring books, etc. The bride I worked with also ordered a bunch of pizzas for the kids to have for dinner – so she didn’t have to factor them into the cost of the reception’s sit down meal.
If you want them at the reception with everyone, one option is to create a “children’s table.” You can kind of set it aside a little, put colorful markings on the chairs – balloons are a good example, and have all kinds of kid crafts/busy items on the table – almost like at a restaurant. You could even do fun packets for their place settings/favors. Include things like coloring books, crayons, puzzles, activity books – all things you can pick up at a dollar store for CHEAP.
I would make sure the DJ plays some fun – kid friendly – music too, and make a point to get all the kids out on the dance floor. They love getting to dance and party with the adults, and it will make them feel included.
Either solution keeps the kids all together so they can make friends and have fun!
February 9, 2012
More Creative Centerpiece Ideas!
Here are a few more centerpieces I like. Hope you do too!
This idea makes the wedding so cute and personal!! You could use any kind of glass vase or jars like this – even add flowers if you want. I think guests would love getting to look at some of your favorite pictures.
In this one – I like the one to the right. I just love the way the calla lilys are kind of hugging each other. Just a really cute idea.
This one came from www.theflirtyguide.com. The tall brown stems – are actually barbed wire!
Here is something I find just beautifully simple. Purple orchids floating in water in this really long square vase. Add some floating candles and wow!
January 31, 2012
Creative Centerpieces – Take Two
If you’re looking for something different for wedding decor, hopefully this series of posts will help you out!
This is a really simple – but really full – centerpiece. It’s just limbs from a Japanese Maple Tree. You want to keep the branches tall and stems visible. For an added touch – put a leaf beside each name card. A couple of other tree types you can use – Crab-apple branches are another option for fall; use quince and birch in winter and olive branches in summer.
This is a great idea for a beach wedding. Use candle adhesive to secure slender tapers to the bottom of a clear glass vase. Carefully pour in a few inches of sand, and then arrange shells on top. Besides refracting the candlelight for added ambience, the vase will protect the flames from breezes.
I like the simplicity and elegance this centerpiece has. And you don’t have to use fruit. You could use anything really – since it’s just papier-mache. Here’s the how to (from marthastewartweddings.com): Brush the fruit with primer intended for plastic and let dry. Then brush on white acrylic paint to completely cover the fruit (you may need to apply two coats). To create the papier-mache surface, cut white tissue paper into 2-by-3-inch rectangles and 3-inch squares. Mix a solution of equal parts all-purpose white glue and water. Working in sections, brush glue mixture onto the fruits, then adhere paper, overlapping pieces slightly and smoothing them onto the fruit. Let dry and repeat for a second layer.
January 26, 2012
Creative Centerpiece Ideas
I’ve been browsing websites lately, looking for a different twist on centerpieces. I’ve found some really great ideas! I’ll share a few of them today, then add more blogs on the same topic over the next couple of weeks. Here we go!
I’ve never seen anything like this done before, but I really like it. You could use any kind of candy dish or wide rimmed drinking glass to make this work. Imagine all the candles lit – gorgeous!
These are just really cool – and could be used as centerpieces or you could hang them like paper lanterns. All you have to do is blow up a bunch of balloons in different sizes, wrap them with string, then lather them in fabric stiffener. Pop the balloon – and you have this wonderful design!
This is another favorite – from marthastewartweddings.com. The idea is to toast to your new life together with a champagne themed centerpiece. You just need glass flutes of different sizes and ball shaped ornaments. In this centerpiece there are gold balls mixed with clear ones. Put everything together on a cake stand – and you have a fun and sparkly centerpiece!
Stay tuned for more fun centerpiece ideas in the weeks to come!
January 24, 2012
2012 Georgia Bridal Show
I just wanted to write a quick little note to say a big THANK YOU to all the brides who came to this year’s Bridal Show at the Cobb Galleria! We had a really great time meeting and talking to all of you! Hopefully you walked away with some great ideas and contacts for your wedding. If you have any questions about our services – please let us know!
We took some pictures of our booth – which I’m posting below.
January 19, 2012
Before You Register
I don’t know about you, but when I go into somewhere like Bed, Bath, and Beyond – I get overwhelmed by all the cool stuff promising to make my life in the kitchen easier. When I went to register for our wedding gifts, I was in shopping heaven!
I scanned any cool/convenient sounding gadget I saw. We got a few of the gadgets I’d registered for. Some I love – others ended up in the trash.
So when I saw an article today touting the “must-haves” and “duds” of kitchen gadgets – I had to pass it along!
Consumer Reports actually did the survey by asking its facebook users what gadgets they use then testing them out. Here are their top pics.
Oxo Good Grips garlic press
Oxo Good Grips box grater
Oxo’s magnetic locking can opener
Kyocera ceramic peeler
Better Blade ZestNest
Now here are the “duds.”
Joseph 3-in-1 Design Rotary Peeler
Chef’n Garlic Zoom XL
KitchenAid’s Cup Grater (I actually had something similar to this and didn’t like it. It was really hard to use.)
If you want to read the Consumer Reports article – here’s the link – http://news.consumerreports.org/appliances/2012/01/three-kitchen-gadgets-to-avoid.html
My best advice for finding out what to register for – talk to your recently married friends/family members. There are all kinds of new tools out – so they’ll have the most up to date knowledge of what’s out there and what works.
Registering can be overwhelming if you don’t have an idea of what you need and want before you walk in the door. Even with a plan it can take hours – so wear comfortable shoes!
Happy Registering!!!
January 12, 2012
Sparklers!!!
A lot of the reason we love the 4th of July so much – is because of the beautiful fireworks and sparklers we get to see. So why not enjoy a little of that sparkle and fun to your wedding day?
There’s a website – www.buysparklers.com – that sells all kinds of sparklers for weddings. Right now they’re offering a 10% discount on heart sparklers (in honor of Valentine’s Day). Here’s the info on how to get the discount.
light up
Valentine’s Day!
or event close to Valentine’s Day?
Consider our gorgeous
Heart Shaped Sparklers as a favor!
Use this Coupon Code for 10% off any order placed before February 6, 2012.
COUPON CODE: 10hearts
(does not apply to already discounted items)
December 31, 2011
Great Idea For Brides!!!
I saw a post somewhere about these wedding dress hangars and just had to let all of you know about them. They are too cute – and pretty reasonably priced for something this creative! Take a look at the picture – and here’s the link. http://www.etsy.com/listing/77459243/custom-personalized-brides-wedding-dress?ref=cat1_gallery_6
June 21, 2011
Registry Myths Busted
I was actually having this conversation with a bride the other day – so I just had to post this article! I found it on MSN’s lifestyle page. Enjoy!
Must you always register for 12 place settings? Is registering for mountain bikes totally taboo? Here, 11 registry myths are debunked. Get the new rules on registering for wedding gifts.
By Krissy Tiglias
We can see it clearly: You’ve made it to the department store, fiance by your side, scan gun in hand, preparing to kick off your registry … then, out of nowhere, you hear a voice urging you to pick the stainless steel mixer over a fire-engine red one. You see an image of a head shaking in disappointment when your place settings total 13 rather than 12. What’s right? What’s wrong? Now you can put an end to the guessing game. We asked two masters of the trade to give us the real deal on what’s fact and what’s plain fiction. At last, here are the answers.
Myth 1: You have to register for both everyday and formal china.
Yes and no. If you’ve been dying for your own formal set, then by all means, add it on. But if you’re looking forward to some day receiving the china that’s been in your family for decades, then hold out if you can. Is your entertaining style pretty low maintenance and casual? Then consider doubling up on the everyday. Yes, this really can be done. Jorge Perez, Waterford Crystal’s US Director of Bridal and Special Events, suggests that you add two different patterns to your registry to make it a bit more playful and to separate your everyday china from your entertaining dishes.
Myth 2: You must add silverware to the list.
“Must” is a very strong word. Silver is definitely more formal and pretty pricey, but if you’re sure you’ll use it and think your guests would be willing to buy it, then add it on. Perez advises couples to register according to their lifestyle. If you ask for the sterling silver, be prepared to actually break it out — and to keep it polished.
Myth 3: Trends will never last. Skip them.
Before jumping on any bandwagon, step back and think about what you and your fiance like. Tangerine and turquoise might be the hottest colors of the season, but will they still be as fresh on your table 10 years from now? View your registry as a companion to your marriage. Sure, new pieces come with time, but they’ll be additions to what you already have, not their replacements. Add the trendier items as accents. Go for the golden-edged serving bowl, even if your china has a platinum band. Let your registry show off your sense of style.
Myth 4: Bedding always needs to match.
If you’re a pair who likes coordinating sets, then you should stick to it. But if you’re a daring duo who prefers the look of striped sheets with a damask duvet cover, then let your creative spirit run wild and add both to your registry. Having access to different patterns means that you can make quick seasonal swaps without a complete room decor overhaul.
Myth 5: Monogramming is so old-school.
On the contrary, we like to describe it as classic with serious staying power. Today’s choices for fonts and colors make this a chic and updated accent to just about every home item. Celebrity wedding and event planner Mindy Weiss loves monogramming: “It’s a special and personal way of setting your gift apart from someone else’s. Plus, it makes it only for the two of you.” Almost anything can be monogrammed, from pillows and blankets to barware and coasters. Our advice: Keep it tasteful by not going on initial overload. Avoid clicking the “Personalize It” button for every item on your registry.
Myth 6: It’s greedy to have a registry at more than one store.
Greedy? No. Smart? Yes. We recommend that couples select two or even three places to make gift buying as convenient as possible for guests, especially the out-of-towners. Try your best to be considerate here: Don’t just set up a registry at a little boutique that’s near your house because they carry one fancy vase that you love. Making a special trip there is a lot to expect of your guests. Instead, you should set up at least one registry at a major department store (with a website) so all of your guests have easy access to what you want. Keep in mind that if you end up registering at too many places, returns will become an even bigger hassle for you!
Myth 7: Never register for items that are too pricey. You’ll look tacky.
Nothing should be off-limits, but you need to maintain your perspective. Register for an assortment of gifts that target different price ranges — you want to have a variety. Chances are that avocado scooper will be just as handy as the KitchenAid mixer. Guests actually like to look at your lists and handpick items they know you’ll enjoy. They can bundle some of the less expensive items together. For pricey items, don’t forget about the group gift. Coworkers, schoolmates and friends like to chip in together so they can buy a more expensive present. “Go on, give them the chance!” says Perez.
Myth 8: If you’re already living together, you have nothing to register for.
Nothing could be further from the truth! You might have all of your place settings, but are they equipped to take on hosting Thanksgiving? Now’s the time to request the turkey platter, gravy boat and soup tureen. Maybe you’ve been saving up to try and fill that big, bare space above the sofa. Pick out that scalloped-edge mirror or piece of modern art that you’ve had your eye on for months. In fact, more and more stores are adding wish list options (kind of like registries) so you can get gifts that the two of you will use. Need surround-sound speakers? Create an Amazon.com wish list. Want a new front door? Open a registry at Lowe’s.
Myth 9: It’s bad to put “fun” items on your registry instead of “practical” ones.
What’s practical these days? If you two spend most of your weekends outside on the trails, then it makes complete sense to request new mountain bikes and accessories. If you’re more the homebody types who like to host parties, then it’s a good idea to add items that you’ll use all the time, such as a hammock, charcoal grill and fire pit. Make practical choices to suit your lifestyle. Weiss adds: “This is your registry, so if you want fun items, then register for them!” Leave it up to your guests to decide what they would like to purchase for you.
Myth 10: You need to register for no less than 12 place settings.
Not so. Think magic number eight! That’s the minimum number you should aim for. But you can definitely register for more. Consider your entertaining personality before you make any decisions. For example, if you’re a couple who prefers buffet-style dining, then you may want to add more dinner and charger plates than a couple who prefers hosting in a formal style.
Myth 11: It’s wrong to add honeymoon activities and flat-screens to your list.
Absolutely not. Really, it’s not. “This is a great option that so many brides and grooms are on to now,” says Weiss. The trick to doing it well is to make a conscious effort to have traditional and nontraditional items. But don’t feel guilty or weird. Friends and family want to buy you things you’ll really use. You’re not doing them any favors by letting them buy you a second food processor just because that’s what they expect you to register for. If you have what you need, let ‘em treat you to an afternoon scuba dive at the hotel where you’re honeymooning.
Final Tally
We stopped keeping score. There’s really only one rule we insist you obey: Create a list that caters to your lifestyle. Having a customized registry doesn’t mean adding monograms to every linen and throw pillow. It does mean selecting items that you and your fiance want and need. And if you’d rather skip the double old-fashioned glasses and triple up on the margarita ones, then go for it. We promise that we won’t judge (and neither will they).
February 23, 2011
Georgia Bridal Show!
We’re gearing up for our first big bridal show of the year – the Georgia Bridal Show on March 13th at the Cobb Galleria.
It’s a great opportunity for any bride looking for the perfect venue, caterer, photographer, florist, etc. to meet and check out possible vendors. Don’t forget to stop by our booth and say hi! We’re going to have a drawing for $100 off any wedding planning package – and some fun favors!
Here’s a 2 for 1 discount coupon too – to save you a little cash!! Just print it out – and take it to the ticket booth the day of the show.
Look forward to seeing you there!!
