UMPH Your Hot Chocolate!

Now that the 2009 wedding season is over, I'm finally getting into the holiday spirit! This is the time of year that you want to bundle up on the sofa, be with family, watch a little TV and chase it with a good cocktail. So instead of your typical "warming" hot chocolate, I've shared a hot chocolate recipe with a little UMPH and it's RED! Enjoy!!!
(borrowed from http://www.whattodrink.com/)

Ingredients
1 oz. Campari
2 oz. Brandy
3 oz. Milk
0.5 oz. (optional) Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons Chocolate Chip

Directions
Put milk, cream & chocolate in a milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot remove frothing wand and whisk or stir vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and Brandy. Pour into heat-resistant cup. Can be garnished with 1 large hand-cut marshmallow or a red peppermint stick.

Happy Holidays!!

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.

Five Ways to "WOW" Your Guests

Over the planning years, I've learned one thing...guests want to be entertained when attending a wedding reception. They want to see something new...something they haven't seen at the last wedding they attended. It's now about creating those signature elements...creating the "WOW Factor". Below are a few suggestions - inexpensive suggestions - to Wedologize your wedding reception:

1. Change your gown and make another entrance. Ladies, change from the princess-look of the ceremony into something sexy and easy to dance in at your reception. It always puts a smile on the groom's face.
2. Plan out your first dance. I once had a couple that choreographed their entire routine to Michael Jackson and the guests loved it...and I think they had fun as well.
3. Create a slide show. This is a great opportunity to create a buzz and laughter during the cocktail hour or while guests eat dinner during the reception.
4. Add an element of specialty lighting. Pink and amber tones (according to The Knot) can soften the reception space and add real elegance.
5. Bring a show. Adding a comedian, impersonator or dancers can only enhance the celebration with a lot of laughter and smiling faces.

Until later...plan the best wedding celebration without breaking the bank.

It is Written...on a budget

Invitations are important when creating the signature-style for your wedding. They speak volumes to your guests and gives them insight as to what type of wedding you are having (formal, semi-formal, informal or casual) based on the selection of card stock, printing techniques, color and embellishments. Still as you know, they can be costly depending on your taste. But I have pulled from my coordinator mind and experience to list a few cost saving tips to assist you with your invitation budget:

• If possible, try to add the reception information to the bottom of the wedding invitation, especially if they are in the same location. This will save on the cost of having to purchase a reception card.


• Think of using a postcard in place of your RSVP card w/ envelope. Postage will definitely be less expensive. Or, think of asking guests to RSVP on your wedding website or to a toll-free number.


• Also, when ordering invitations, think about eliminating colored ink. There is an additional charge when the ink is not black.


• I know the large square invitations can give you that "wow factor", but they also cost more in postage. You can still get that punch by selecting a colored card stock, fancy fonts or adding embellishments.

Until next time...WEDologize your budget!