Spruce Up Your Reception Tablescape

When creating your reception tablescapes, a lot of thought goes into the centerpiece selection and the linens.  But consider upgrading some of the items I've listed below to add that special touch for your guests as they are seated to dine on what is sure to be a fabulous meal:

Colored water or wine glasses alongside the venues clear glasses.
That pop of color will go a long way.

The dinner plate could rest upon colored chargers
for added style to your reception tables.

Consider colored or trimmed china over your standard venue white or ivory dinnerware.

Square instead of round china or another unique shape
speaks volumes on dinner tables.

Consider some these ideas once you learn of what the reception venue will provide.  A lot of the time, make the upgrades in rentals and keeping the linens simple is easier and much more friendly on the budget.

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits - colored glasses; green charger plates; colored china; square china and mat )

A Wedding Suited For Home

Having a wedding at your home, at a family member or friend's residence, although the idea is lovely...be realistic. Unless the home is spacious, can hold 50+ guests and at least a dozen vendors, consider a different style venue to accommodate your ceremony and reception. But, if you are moving forward with your "home" wedding, consider this very short list of questions:

• You will need to hire caterers. Can the kitchen accommodate?
• Do you have enough bathrooms or will you need to rent Port-O-Potties?
• What is the back-up plan should it rain?
• Where will guest's park their cars?
• What permits do you need to obtain and what is the noise ordinance for your township?
• Do you have enough outlets or will you need to rent generators?
• Can you or your family plan all of the details or should you hire a wedding planner?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: ashleysbrideguide.com)

Cake For The Groom

I, of course, love a groom's cake!  It's another way for me to place an awesome piece of confection somewhere within the reception environment.  But what is this "groom's cake" idea?  It's a tradition created in the South where the bride would gift her groom a small cake.  The cake would be dark in color... chocolate or liquor-soaked...since the wedding cake was typically white like the gown she was wearing.  Today, you'll see groom's cakes in all kinds of shapes and sizes reflecting the groom's hobbies, lifestyle or career.  Check out some of these pretty cool groom's cakes!

You could display the groom's cake along with the wedding cake during the reception, have it cut and served as dessert or have it displayed on a sweets table.  Also consider serving it at the rehearsal dinner.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: tuxedo - http://mimisgarden.blogspot.com; 2 tier cake - www.theknot.com; Steelers - www.hudsoncakery.com; tool belt - www.delish.com; trailer - www.weddingbee.com)

The Role of Wedding VIPs

I spoke with one of my brides recently who eliminated a couple of women from her wedding party for "failure to act".  Basically, she didn't feel they were doing what needed to be done, and although I know she's been open with the ladies she selected to be in her wedding, do all involved really understand the roles they are to play?  Below is a sampling of the attendants duties.  And please know, everyone doesn't have to stand up for you on wedding day.  There are plenty of other things they can do on wedding day...but I'll save that conversation for another blog post :)

Maid of Honor (Single) or Matron of Honor (Married)

• Attending bridal gown fittings
• Keep bridesmaids on schedule prior to wedding day and especially on the BIG day
• Take charge of planning the bridal shower with the other bridesmaids
• Hold the bride's bouquet at the altar and fix her train and veil during the ceremony, and bustle her train at the reception

Best Man

• Drive the groom to the ceremony
• Hold the bride's ring during the ceremony
• Give first toast at the reception
• Distribute payments to vendors at the ceremony and/or reception

Bridesmaids

• Play hostess at any of the pre-wedding parties the couple may be having
• Order and pay for your own attire by order date
• Arrive to the ceremony before time to assist bride

Groomsmen

• Rent or purchase formalwear by requested date
• Help with pre-wedding tasks such as transportation
• Act as ushers if the couple does not have any on wedding day

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.dscphotobiz.com)

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)

The Sequin Comeback

Yes I said it! Everyone is all about the Bling craze and I know that to be true because our most popular blog posts to this day are about Bling. But remember the sequin? That small, flat, shiny disk that when clustered together makes an powerful statement. Check out some of these ideas using sequins.

This sequin-infused Ines Di Santo gown
would make an AWESOME reception gown

Add the WOW factor to your cocktail or reception
with these gorgeous sequin linens and overlays

Consider wrapping the bouquet handle with
sequins for that ultimate POP of elegance

Add a few or a strand of sequins to your wedding invitation.
Imagine the guests positive response to that lovely detail!

LOVE the idea of adding sequin chair "covers"
to the primary reception chairs

Imagine the ohs and ahs of seeing this wedding cake displayed at the reception.
The sugar sequins are amazing!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: cake - www.cocoadotts.com; chair - www.karentran.com; bouquet - www.bellethemagazine.com; invite - www.dogwoodblossomstationery.com; linens - www.weddingobsession.com)

Flower Basics 101

When ordering your wedding ceremony and reception flowers, there are a few things you should know to make the process flow more smoothly...and also save you a few dollars.  Consider a few of the points below:

• Chose flowers that are in season to save on costs.  Tulips are a fortune in the summer and fall.
• Order a toss bouquet.  Your actual wedding bouquet, as expensive as it is, should not be tossed into a crowd of single woman to tear apart.
• Use the bridesmaids bouquets as decor for the head table.  I mean, what are they really going to do with them after the ceremony?
• Always order the groom and extra boutonniere.  Once the ceremony is over and the groom has hugged plenty of guests, it's a good look for him to enter into the reception with a fresh flower verses a smashed flower.
• Add fresh florals to your wedding cake over sugar flowers.  Trust me, they'll still add that WOW factor and savings to your pocket.
• Vary the height of your guest table centerpieces.  Have lows and highs or clustered centerpieces, but make sure the highs don't impede guest conversation.
• Ask your venue if they provide anything that will enhance your table decor, such as mirrors or votive candles. You might as well use them...you are paying for them.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - bouquet: www.onewed.com; cake: www.cakesforwedding.net)

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

Now I'll tell anyone that I love a grand lounge area at a wedding or event, but today's pic isn't about that at all.  Focus your attention to the ceiling...YEP...White Umbrellas and Twinkle Lights!!!  I'm 100% in love with the idea of adding ceiling dimension with these two unconventional elements!  Enjoy April 27th Pin It Pic :)

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.whitelilacinc.blogspot.com/2011/11/epic-b-day_07.html)

Brooches Are Not Just For Coats

I'm sure by now you have seen the lovely and vintage trend of the brooch bouquet. Gorgeous as they are, also consider the idea of adding brooch details to other elements of your wedding day design. Check out the ideas below:

An all brooch bouquet won't need any type of preservation after the wedding

Add a simple brooch to a bouquet made of flowers for that unexpected detail

Adding brooches to the center of these bows that wrap the cake
adds an element of sophistication

How about this simple centerpiece on your cocktail tables?
Wrapping the vases w/ lace and adding the brooch...WOW!

What a gorgeous addition to these place cards!

Brooch detailing to the guests napkins and table centerpieces reeks glamour!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: all brooch - www.poptasticbride.com; flower bouquet - www.eventdecorator.com; cake - www.zoeclarkcakes.com; centerpiece - www.blossomsatlanta.com; place card - www.onewed.com; invite/centerpiece - www.aileentran.com)

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

All I can say is...IMAGINE the signature drink served from this fabulously designed ice bar!  Today's Friday Pin It Pic is certainly a stunner...about as COLD as they come! Enjoy :)

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: http://www.weddingstylemagazine.com)

For The Love of Chandeliers

I just finished a stylized photo shoot using chandeliers and I was so overwhelmed with their physical beauty and how they put the icing on the cake of this shoot!  I just couldn't resist doing a post on these crystal beauties and how you can incorporate them into your wedding design.  Chandeliers can certainly add a sophisticated, elegant and/or vintage feel to any environment.

Chandelier earrings could add that finishing touch to any bridal gown

For a chandelier-themed wedding, adding the look to the invitation, program
and guest favor would be a great way to tie the sophisticated design all together

What a stunning chandelier to have in the middle of a ballroom space

I love the idea of incorporating chandeliers above this dessert station

Chandeliers make these brick walls talk!

I love the shape of these gorgeous chandeliers!

And, who said chandeliers had to made from crystals?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: earrings - www.ederajewelry.com; votive and program - www.squidoo.com; invitation - www.weddingpaperdivas.com; dessert station - www.swizzleevents.com; chandeliers - www.beautifulblooms.com, www.onewed.com, www.heatherparker.com, www.jonathoncampbell.com; Floral chandelier - http://inspirations.prestonbailey.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)

Contractually Speaking

As a planner, dealing with vendor contracts are apart of everyday life when it comes to my clients.  Making sure that all the details and services provided are listed is key as well as the payment amount due to the vendor.  But there are some particulars that not every couple recognizes should also be included in the contract (where applicable).

• Complete list of services including the number of hours (not just "all day"), breaks, etc.
• Name of person providing the service on wedding day, especially important when dealing with the photography company, videography company and DJ or Band
• Overtime rate
• Alternative service or merchandise in case of a problem
• Payment schedule
• Cancellation and refund policy
• Last date to make changes to services provided or final guest count

Be sure to read over everything in the contract before signing because once signed...it's legally binding, and make sure to read the fine print.  Also, ask the vendor (should you not have a planner) alternative ways to lower the cost, such as decreasing their hours of service.  And last, NEVER give a vendor a deposit or retainer without a signed contract!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.jungleredwriters.com)

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

I truly believe the idea of adding lounge furniture to the reception environment is going to be around for a long time.  With that said...Don't you just love the draping, large rose pomander centerpiece and gorgeous chandelier all working together with this ornate piece of furniture...deemed the WOW FACTOR of lounge furniture design!!!  I'm geeked about the Friday, March 23rd Pin It Pic!  Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: http://www.revelryeventdesigners.com)

Chair Couture. Chair Fashion

Last year I did a blog post about the different chair styles available to enhance your reception tablescape as well as discussed ways to focus specifically on the bride and groom's chairs. Well today I'd like to focus on dressing up the guest chairs with a splash of fabric and a host of embellishments.  As I've said time and time again, it's all about those personal details that guest remember during the ceremony and reception.  What's your favorite chair couture look?

Your standard chair covered cover
with a colored sash wrapped tightly around the chair

Using just the sash around a chivari chair

Ruffled chair cover sleeve is so fun, flirty and elegant all rolled in one

Sequin embellished chair sleeve covering the back of a silver chivari chair

Multi-colored ribbons tied to the backs of white garden-style chairs

Grosgrain ribbon weaved through the back of chivari chairs

Or how lovely would it be to add a small cluster of flowers to the chair sash

For more fun chair looks, check out our Pinterest Board called "Chair Fashion".

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: chair sashes - www.curtiscopland.com; sequin and ruffle cover - www.wildflowerlinens.com; bow sash - www.theknot.com; weaved ribbon - www.stylemepretty.com; colored ribbons - www.unitedwithlove.com; flowers - www.google.com)