VOTE for Refreshingly Simple!

As many of you are aware, I was one of six designers in Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013.  My aqua, lemon and white inspired design called, Refreshingly Simple, truly POPPED off the pages of the magazine due the vibrant colors and famed sweetheart table design.  Well now is the time to vote for your favorite design...((hint hint - Refreshingly Simple))...so that one of the six planners/designers can hold the covenant title of WINNER.  ((cough cough - Refreshingly Simple))

Please visit Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013 and vote ((wink wink - Refreshingly Simple) at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/designer-challenge/main.aspx! You can only vote once and to meet the entire Refreshingly Simply team, please check out our earlier blog.

Until next time...PLEASE VOTE and WEDologize!

(photo credits -  http://www.wasiophotography.com/)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

The GLAM presentation for these guest thank you meringue favors is uber fabulous!!!  How swank to have this lovely boxes presented on the guest's plate or seat.  Or better yet, have them laid out on a gorgeous table of lush linens for your family and friends to take as they leave one your dream-filled wedding reception. LOVE IT!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - WedLuxe)

Food and Beverage Wedding Carts

I'm always about adding something fun and whimsical to a wedding reception or event.  Something that your guests don't typically see everyday.  So when the dessert tables and buffets gained momentum, my clients leaped at the idea of designing tasty treats for their guests.  But how about putting a spin on those distinct buffet tables and stations...bring a cart into the space!  Yes a cart. On wheels. With a fun food. Candy. Beverage. Dessert.

Beverage cart for your bar or specialty drink
and it could include some tasty finger foods

In love with this wheel barrel of candies and nuts!!!

How fun is this pink old fashion cotton candy cart!

Don't go out to a hot dog stand. Bring the cart inside to your celebration.
This would make a GREAT late night snack!

And instead of a popcorn station, have a popcorn cart and containers!

But due to food ordinances, make sure to check with your venue to make sure this is allowed and where can it be placed (indoors or outdoors).  And should you really want to make this a DIY project, check out your rental companies to rent a cart and add your own "treats" to make your wedding and/or event more personalized.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - wheel barrel; beverage cart; popcorn cart; hot dog cart; cotton candy)

More Than Just Candy

I've talked about the candy buffet in numerous posts during my blogging career :)  The first time being in July 2010.  But I realized that I was doing my readers a disservice by not giving you more on the anatomy of a candy buffet and suggestions as to how to expand the display with other tasty treats.

You first need to think about the PRESENTATION for your guests.  The best idea is to select a color scheme that blends with your overall color palette.  Dress the candy buffet table with nice linens that blends well with the guest tablescapes and use vases in different sizes and shapes...some with lids and some without.  But don't just limit yourself to vases, include platters and baskets to create height and drama.  And make sure to spice up the containers with tags, ribbons and embellishments identifying the names of the candies or desserts.

Now when selecting the CANDY offer your guests variety.  Having gummy, hard, soft, and chocolate candies ensure they will like at least one of the offerings on your candy buffet.  But be mindful, if your reception or event is outdoors, don't select candy that will melt.  That won't do anything for the look of your table :)  And if you really want to make your buffet shine, don't limit yourself to candy.  Add cookies, miniature cupcakes, macaroons, dessert shooters, marshmallows, cake pops, and/or fruit to your design.  Or should you really want a creative way to display your wedding cake, have it become the centerpiece of the candy table.

Last but not least, don't forget the UTENSILS such as scoops and tongs for your guests to collect their candy and the bags or boxes for your guests to hold all their treats.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.hostessblog.com; www.flickriver.com; www.weddingideas2.com; www.alieentran.com; www.pastrystudio.com; www.austinweddingblog.com; www.stylemepretty.com)

WEDology 200th Blog!!!

In the mist of 31 Days of December, I'm inserting an additional blog as a celebration of my new milestone...my 200th blog!!!  I have been blogging consistently...minus a few crazy planning months when I couldn't blog twice a week...since November 2009 and today, I'd like you to toast and celebrate with me as I move towards another 200!!!

So grab your purple, or green, martini and let's celebrate!!!

Now back to our regularly scheduled program ;)  Day 20 of 31 Days of Blogging coming right up!

Until next time...WEDologize!!!

(photo credits - www.amartinialwayshelps2.blogspot.com; www.hrib.deviantart.com; www.weddingbee.com; www.candywarehouse.com)

Just Like Candy!

The latest trend at the reception is the candy buffet or dessert bar. Midway through the party, guests are WOW'd not only with the centerpiece of the reception, hence the wedding cake, but mouthwatering sweets that are sure to give them an intense sugar rush! Oh and did I mention, the candy table is GREAT alternative to your traditional guest favors.

Candy buffets can be stylish and a do-it-yourself project of your so choice. By infusing your wedding colors in the candy selections, creating a beautiful display by using vases and unorthodox vessels, adding fabric treatments and florals, your guests are sure to smile and delight in your gesture of appreciation.

In creating your display, select various candies (hard, soft, gummy, creamy) to accommodate personal tastes. Choose about 5-10 varations for your table and select some cool bags or boxes for your guests to package their treats. Oh, and don't forget the scoopers for those unwrapped candies. Just make sure to purchase enough candy for everyone. Think about 6-10 ounces per person because guess what...the candy buffet is sure to be a hit at your reception.

Until next time...WEDologize!

photo credits: Google.com

Sweets! Sweets! And More Sweets!

I just read an article on the New York Times website about a couple in Pittsburgh that had an all cookie dessert station at their reception. I simply love the idea and I'm sure their guest enjoyed it! Today's couples are moving away from the costly wedding favors that are placed at each guest's place setting and opting to give them something that is sure to make them smile. Too many times I've collected extra guest favors and returned them to the couple at the end of the reception. I always wonder what are they going to do with dozens of CD's, wine stoppers, colored boxes or organza pouches..."Tis the Season". Candy Buffets, Dessert Bars and Popcorn Stations are becoming mainstream at receptions just like the signature drink did a few years ago. These interactive stations allow guest to sample some of the couples favorite treats during the festivities or box/bag them up to go. Plus, the variety of offerings available will have your coordinator packaging up EMPTY vases at the end of the evening. And don't think these stations have to color coordinate with your wedding palette, cookies and candy come in too many different colors to limit yourself. Indulge!!

Until next time...WEDologize.