Wedding Planning No-No's

I'm 100% aware that a thoughtful wedding budget is crucial to the planning of your special day.  I know as you begin the planning process and truly see the cost of your ideas on Pinterest :) you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to keep, change and eliminate.  But in this blog, instead of telling you how to save costs within your wedding budget, I'm going to share with you...what not to skimp on:

1. Your wedding gown.  This is what everyone comes to see...just how beautiful you will look on wedding day.  You don't need to spend a fortune on a couture gown costing as much a 2-3 monthly mortgages, but you do want to spend your money wisely on a gown that makes you feel beautiful.
2. Your bridal bouquet.  This fragrant accessory is one of the most photographed items on wedding day.  It's practically in every picture with you, plus it gets photographed alone. The bouquet should compliment your wedding gown and not be scaled down.
3. The food.  This is the one thing the guests will remember and you want to make sure you are serving quality food.  Yes, some courses can be eliminated, but the least expensive option isn't always the best.
4. The photographer.  He or she is creating your memories in the form of an album with the photographs taken on your wedding day.  A professional photographer knows how to capture the classic photos plus those photos that you never would have thought about.  Don't select your photographer based on the best deal, select the photographer based on what you want your FINAL product to be.
5. The entertainment.  Outside of food, your wedding guests will remember the overall experience they had during the reception and music plays a large role in this.  Don't skimp on your DJ or band as they are the ones that will keep the party going until the lights come on.  Hire professionals that have worked weddings before, not just a party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - Rush Productions | repost from September 2013)

Reception Bar Basics (Day #26)

Although many venues offer a bar package with your meal service, should you be planning your wedding reception at a location that will allow you to stock the bar, how much of "everything" would you need?  Well below are some useful suggestions from Clever Parties that might help in determining quantities:

On average, expect guests to drink 2 beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic during the reception and possibly more during warmer months.  If you are serving wine during dinner, plan 1 bottle for every 3-4 guests (standard size) and 1 bottle for every 6-8 guests (larger size).
Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography)

It Is All In The Menu (Day #9)

Placing a menu card at each wedding guest's place setting not only gives details about the meal they will be eating, but it adds decor to the reception table.  There are so many fun shapes and fonts to chose from to create a unique design that your guests will notice.  And when you are trying to decrease costs and use the venues standard white or ivory linens, adding a colored menu card that resembles your actual wedding invitation will always create that finishing touch.  Take a look a the ideas below:

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com and www.imphoto.net)

Photograph Your Wedding Food

Whenever possible, have your wedding photographer capture photographs of the food you are serving your guests.  Food photos are sometimes best caught immediately after plating before it is served to guests.  These photos will only enhance your wedding album and truly show all of the days events. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Not Your Ordinary "Bar"

When you think of "bars" at wedding receptions and social events, you probably are thinking about wine, champagne, mixed drinks and fancy glasses.  Well today's blog will give you a different viewpoint when it comes to "bars" and how they can be used creatively in some fun over-the-top ways.

Champagne & Strawberries Bar

Infused Water Bar

Donut Bar

Mashed Potato Bar

Waffle Bar

Yogurt Bar

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: Champagne & Strawberries - http://magazine.fourseasons.com/the-spark; Mashed Potato Bar - http://letspartymagazine.com; Waffle Bar - http://www.colincowieweddings.com/; Donut Bar - http://www.tinywaterblog.com/; Infused Water - www.blueplatechicago.com; Yogurt Bar - http://omecaterers.blogspot.com/)

The Chalkboard Takeover

The chalkboard craze for wedding ceremony and reception decor is blowing up all over the place!  You don't have to be a D.I.Y. bride to consider adding some chalkboard elements to your wedding day.  Check out some of the fun ideas below that can be incorporated into your modern wedding style:

Share your love story with wedding guests as they arrive to the ceremony

Position a chalkboard sign at the entrance of the ceremony or reception

Create a chalkboard-style wedding invitation

Consider table numbers with a chalkboard motif

Instead of individual menus, create a chalkboard menu for display

Chalkboard place cards attached to wine glasses...YES!!!

Until next time...WEDologize

(photo credits - Love Story; Invitation: Creative Market; Place card - South Bound Bride; Table Numbers - Chalk Style; Menu - LBFStudio; Welcome Sign - I Do Declare Signs)

Cutting Wedding Corner No-No's

I'm 100% aware that a thoughtful wedding budget is crucial to the planning of your special day.  I know as you begin the planning process and truly see the cost of your ideas on Pinterest :) you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to keep, change and eliminate.  But in this blog, instead of telling you how to save costs within your wedding budget, I'm going to share with you...what not to skimp on:

1. Your wedding gown.  This is what everyone comes to see...just how beautiful you will look on wedding day.  You don't need to spend a fortune on a couture gown costing as much a 2-3 monthly mortgages, but you do want to spend your money wisely on a gown that makes you feel beautiful.
2. Your bridal bouquet.  This fragrant accessory is one of the most photographed items on wedding day.  It's practically in every picture with you, plus it gets photographed alone. The bouquet should compliment your wedding gown and not be scaled down.
3. The food.  This is the one thing the guests will remember and you want to make sure you are serving quality food.  Yes, some courses can be eliminated, but the least expensive option isn't always the best.
4. The photographer.  He or she is creating your memories in the form of an album with the photographs taken on your wedding day.  A professional photographer knows how to capture the classic photos plus those photos that you never would have thought about.  Don't select your photographer based on the best deal, select the photographer based on what you want your FINAL product to be.
5. The entertainment.  Outside of food, your wedding guests will remember the overall experience they had during the reception and music plays a large role in this.  Don't skimp on your DJ or band as they are the ones that will keep the party going until the lights come on.  Hire professionals that have worked weddings before, not just a party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.imphoto.net)

Wedding Tasting Etiquette

Depending on your venue, catering will either come with the price of renting the reception space or you will need to outsource a caterer.  Regardless of your decision, you should taste the food prior to serving it on wedding day to your guests. 

But what should you expect and what will you discuss at a tasting?

Well first, a tasting is just that...a taste. Do not expect to be served a full meal.  You will see the full presentation of the soup, salad, entree and possibly the hors d'oevures.  You may even get to sample the wines that will be served during dinner and cake should the caterer be providing the wedding cake. 

Next, bringing your entire family and friends to a tasting is not appropriate.  Most tastings can only accommodate 4-6 guests (couple and each set of parents).  Plus all those extra opinions will truly dull the experience.

Also, be very honest about how the food tastes.  That is the purpose of this meeting.  So if you feel it needs extra salt, let the chef know.  There are no repeats in wedding planning so you want to make sure you have voiced your opinion especially during the tasting.

Last, during your tasting experience, consider some of these questions:

• Do you like the look of the food presentation?
• Are hot dishes served hot and cold dishes served cold? 
• How's the plating of the entree?
• Are the hors d'oevures easy for your guests to eat?  
• Do the courses make sense for the season?
• When is the latest date you can make a change to the menu?

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

What an amazing tablescape!  But what makes this monochromatic palette so stunning are those gorgeous crystal candelabras dripping with crystals! JAW DROPPING! WOW FACTOR!!!  Can you imagine eating a meal from this table!?!?! YES!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.wedluxe.com)

CSW: Tradition - How to Plan a Cultural Wedding

Incorporating some of your cultural traditions into your ceremony and reception TRULY makes for  a signature wedding day and a wonderful experience for your family and invited guests.  Chicago Style Weddings invited me to give some advice on how to make your wedding unique and meaningful by celebrating your cultural heritage.  Take a look:

"There are things that are going to happen at every wedding, but if there's a cultural component to the event then you've got something special," says Desiree' Moore Dent of Dejanae Events. "Everyone will have rings, vows and cake. But it's your cultural traditions that make it special."

"Start by talking to your family," says Dent.  "Because there is going to be someone who has experienced those cultural aspects and can give you an idea of what to do." "Talk to them about what they've done in the past with incorporating cultural traditions into a ceremony."  "It's the idea of seeing the traditions and rituals they [parents] did in their ceremony passed on," says Dent.  "They would like to see their son or daughter experience the same thing."

The phrase "tying the note" comes from "an African wedding custom. At some point during the ceremony, the bride and groom would be joined together with plaited grass and their union blessed," says Dent. "Today, this custom can be seen in almost every ceremony through the bride and groom joining hands during the ceremony and holding hands as they exit as husband and wife."

"Whatever traditions you choose to integrate unto your ceremony, be sure to offer information to guide your guests through these customs."

"At receptions, traditions usually come into play with food," says Dent, who points out that your culinary heritage will help add to the signature of your event.  "It will linger on their minds a little longer than the standard fare."

You can view the entire article and others in Chicago Style Weddings eMagazine at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/emagazine.aspx.


Until next time...WEDologize!

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

Today's PIN IT PIC is actually none other than MY design!  I'm excited to share one of the photographs taken of my design featured in Chicago Style Weddings magazine called, "Refreshingly Simple".  What makes this photo such  a WOW FACTOR look is not the vibrant colors of aqua and lemon yellow.  Not even the modern approach the the stationery on the uniquely positioned napkin.  But the small details of adding a rock candy sucker and a ranaculus to the plate!  It's those tiny DETAILS that guests enjoy and really get excited about! Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photography by Yaneck Wasiek, Wasio Photography, wasiophotography.com; menu card by www.CT-Designs.com; linens, flatware, etc. by www.ClassicPartyRentals.com)

Name That Reception Table

There is no hard fast rule on how you should seat yourselves and the wedding party during the reception.  Below are some suggestions of the most popular styles for seating the guests of honor during dinner.  But note, once the party gets started...the seats are left pretty much empty.

Traditional Head Table - Two-three 8-foot tables (or more depending on the size of the wedding party) are positioned together to create a long, straight line.  The wedding party will sit on one side of the table with the bride and groom in the middle overlooking the invited guests.

Alternative Head Table -At minimum, two 8-foot tables are positioned one in front of the other.  The wedding party will sit on BOTH sides of the tables, typically with the bride and groom positioned on the side of the table where they can see their wedding guests.

Family Table - This table is traditionally round and positioned among the guest tables to avoid feeling awkward and away from guests.

King's Table - Consists of square tables, similarly positioned like the "alternative head table" with bridal party members on both sides.  But the bride and groom actually sit at the head of the table like a king and queen holding court.

Sweetheart Table - A square, round or serpentine table that seats only the bride and groom.  This has become the most popular seating arrangement at the reception for the newlyweds.  It allows the bridal party members to be seated with their invited guest.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography, Adrian Burrows Photography, and the personal camera of Dejanae Events)

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

For me, it's not just about this elegant tablescape...lace linens, crystal goblets, fine silver flatware, napkin with rhinestone touches, or rich gold-leafed china...but it's about the silk booklet-style wine and dinner menu at each guests place setting.  Now that's a statement piece! WOW Factor at its finest!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credits: Alia Designs, Chicago, IL; Photography: Ron Manville c/o Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, weddingstylemagazine.com)

Food and Beverage Bar Ideas

I love the fact that food and beverage bars are becoming a staple at wedding receptions and events.  Venues are even adding these bars to their menu selections.  Giving your guests options outside of wedding cake and your standard bar brings delight to guests.  Check out some of these alternatives to your candy and cupcake stations...I'm sure they will add some spice to your reception!

Mimosa Bar

Cookie Bar

Donut Bar

Mashed Potato Bar

Mini Pie Bar

Sushi Bar

Until next time...WEDologize!

Reception Alternatives To Fit The Budget

Saturday evenings are usually the first to go when couples are selecting their wedding date and plated dinners are the standard among meal service  But know that both of those options are the most expensive when budgeting out your reception.  Below are some reception "meal" alternatives when hosting that sit-down dinner just does not work with your wallet.

Brunch/Breakfast Alternative - Regardless if you serve buffet-style or plated, this meal will always be less expensive because of the time of day and the amount of food that needs to be prepared.

Lunch Alternative- Like breakfast, the time of day decreases the cost.  Plus the portions are smaller which will certainly drive the cost per plate down a notch.

Tea Service - Mostly seen at a bridal shower, this meal service option works best in the late afternoon and requires much less food.  Your guests will dine on small sandwiches, finger foods and savory teas.

Champagne + Dessert Only Alternative - A fun way to celebrate after your "I Do's" with tasty treats, wedding cake, cheeses, fruits and delicious champagne.  Hosting this style reception is wonderful for the afternoon and will allow your guests to have the evening free to have dinner where they chose.

Regardless of the meal service you select for your wedding guests, you do not have to eliminate any of the fun activities, photo opts or traditions from your reception.  Have fun with it and serve the meal that works best with your budget!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  brunch - www.laurenblairphoto.com; lunch - www.weddingclan.com; tea - www.intimateweddings.com; champagne - www.projectwedding.com)

Slicing The Cake!

I've posted about desserts and sweets, wedding cakes and their outer coverings, cake stands and cupcake liners, and how to cut that wonderful reception confection.  But I have never addresses pairing wonderful cake flavors with delightful fillings so that your wedding guests will not only talk about how beautiful the cake looked but also how it tasted.

Consider these wonderful combinations when planning out your wedding cake design.  Plus, look how beautiful they are when sliced.  I'm sure your guests will be WOW'd...and isn't that the point?

Lemon Orange Chiffon Cake

Carrot Cake with a Coconut Cream Cheese Filling

Chocolate Cake with a Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Filling

Yellow Cake with a Lemon Curd Filling

Red Velvet with a Cream Cheese Filling

You could have each tier of your wedding cake a different flavor, but this works best when the cake is plated and displayed on a buffet.  This then allows the guest to choice the flavor they like best.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.southernliving.com; www.brides.com; http://www.flours-sf.com; www.nyccakedecorators.com)