It's Written In Chalk

In spite of my paper fetish, I do like the idea of chalkboards to convey some of the wedding day events.  Now I might not consider using chalkboards at a black tie affair, but think about these options for your semi-formal or informal wedding style.

Have a chalkboard on or near the bar listing the beverages available

Use the chalkboard to showcase the goodies available on your dessert bar

The chalkboard is GREAT to translate directions
so that guests don't take the wrong route

Chalkboard cab replace the standard escort cards

In place of menu cards, use the chalkboard to convey the reception meal

In place of wedding programs, list the key players
on a chalkboard just outside of the ceremony location

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo Credits: www.weddingwindow.com; www.theknot.com; www.indygettinghitched.com; www.etsy.com; www.100layercake.com)

Wedding Tag D'Jour

I'm a paper girl and I love using unique paper ideas throughout the wedding day.  Using a tag can glam up many of the items making a debut on your wedding day.  Tags are an easy way to personalize and can easily become a Do It Yourself (DIY) project with the help of your bridesmaids.  Check out just a few items we love to tag:

As a beautiful escort card attached by crystals that could also double as a favor.

A personalized tag attached to a favor bag.

What a cute idea! Tags attached to sparklers for a festive send-off.

Guests could write "Well Wishes" on a tag and hang from a decorative tree.
Then later collect the tags and put into a scrapbook.

Instead of having a "blank" wine bottles on guest tables, add a tag that ties into your decor.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits:  www.weddingbycolor.com; www.sparklersonline.com; www.celebrate2da.com; www.theknot.com; www.signaturek.wordpress.com)

A Thoughtful Reception Buffet

Having a buffet for your wedding reception is not a sign of being "cheap". Please realize that a buffet isn't really that less expensive than a plated dinner.  The chef has to prepare the same amount of food for all the guests because they do not know what they are going to plate when coming to the buffet.  The major decrease in cost comes from you needing fewer staff than when serving a plated meal. 

I have listed below some factors you should consider when host a buffet meal for your wedding reception:

• Make sure their are servers to place the food on your guests plate. This allows for equal portions to be distributed, plus it's more sanitary.
• Always have a double-side buffet.  This will alleviate the lines.
• Ask the staff to excuse the guests for the buffet. Don't have the DJ announce over the microphone.
• Pay for silver chafing dishes to hold the food.  For a wedding, pay the extra and eliminate the aluminum pans.  This will create a well rounded look for your dinner.
• Have the flatware at the guests seat instead of having them struggle to hold their plate and silverware.
• When selecting your centerpieces, don't forget to have the florist design a buffet piece or two.
• Have your sweetheart or head table served by staff as well as the parent tables.Nothing is more unappealing than seeing a bride in her white gown walk though a buffet line.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.thedjservice.com)

A Nod To The Wedding Cake Stand

I'll say it again...the wedding cake is the centerpiece of the reception.  It's the first item excited wedding attendees flock once they are allowed into the reception space. The linens for the cake table are always sorted out with such detail, but what about the "stand" the cake will be sitting upon?  Most cake decorators will place the cake on a silver or gold board, but if you want a little extra WOW factor for your delicious confection, consider some of the ideas below:

I simply love a custom created cake stand for the wedding cake!
Fabrics and embellishments can truly make a dramatic affect for the cake display.

Never forget the infamous cupcake tower,
but jazz it up not only with cupcakes, but other desserts or slices of cake.

A crystal pedestal allows for a beautiful and delicate display of your wedding cake.
You can also find similar designs ceremic or acrylic based.

A unique idea incorporating glass vases and flowers to hold the wedding cake.
May I suggest speaking with your baker before showcasing this idea to make
sure the weight of the wedding cake will not cause this display to collapse.

One of the most popular cake stand ideas you will see to display the wedding cake. 
These stands not only come round, but also square or oval and can also be found in gold.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.weddingcupcakes.org; www.raisethecake.com; www.weddingsbycolor.com; http://www.handmade-cake-stand.com/images/squaresquarewhite.jpg; 
http://my-weddingdream.com)

You May Be Seated

I think a lot of banquet venues purchase ugly chairs just so the client will rent a chair cover and sash, which could easily start $4.50 per chair (I'll touch on that in another blog).  But for those with a more flexible budget, consider renting chairs with a corresponding cushion for your guest tables.  Although a bit more expensive, they can add an more elegant touch to the space.  Take a look at some of the "statement-making" chairs below:

Chiavari Chair

Opera Chair

Contempo Chair

Luxe Chair

Mirage Chair

Padded Folding Chair

And consider these cost-saving ideas should you want to rent chairs:

• Use and reuse.  Use them for your ceremony.  Then have them moved during cocktails and positioned as guest chairs for the reception tables.  It's cheaper to higher additional staff than double the chairs.
• If you cannot afford rented chairs for all tables, think about having them at the sweetheart table, head table or during cocktail hour.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(all photo credits - www.hallsrental.com)

Bagging The Cake

With dessert stations becoming more and more popular, the wedding cake is likely to be cut and displayed alongside other delicious treats.  But, should you want guests to take home a slice of cake or a cupcake, provide some packaging for this to happen.  And for the couples who aren't that fond of giving out guest favors, ask the caterer to package the wedding cake and display on platters for guests to take as they depart the reception.  It makes a great favor, late night snack and you are almost guaranteed no leftovers. 

And remember to add a personalized touch by adding your names, monogram or decorative enhancements to the packaging.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.bagboxpackaging.com/cake-boxes.html;  www.invitations.bedbathandbeyond.com; www.favorsbyserendipity.com)

 

Big Apple Reception

October is the highly anticipated month for apple picking and the making of apple treats.  Inspired by not only red, but green apples...how can you incorporate this delicious and filling fruit into your wedding reception decor and tablescapes?  Check out some of these "tasty" ideas:

Accent the wedding cake with "sugar" apples.
Real apples would be too heavy and could damage the cake.

Serve a refreshing drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, infused with apples.

Create a dessert station showcasing the wedding cake and some of your favorite apple treats.

Be creative and use delicious apples as the holder for your escort cards.
They could then double as a guest favor.

A mix of apples and candles makes a contemporary centerpiece.

Taffy/caramel apples on a dessert station or as a take-home treat for your guests
would certainly make them smile.

A pairing of apples and flowers would look lovely on a buffet or escort card table,
and consider the blend for the tablescape, too.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: www.cakeforthewedding.net; www.countryliving.com; www.weddingpartycenterpieces.com; www.weddingaces.com; www.theknot.com; www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.getmarried.com)

WEDology Experience - Fall 2011

This post will not be for the budget-chic bride today, but for those men and woman who truly want to enter the arena of wedding planning. Outside of a solid wedding planning and event business for over 11 years, I pride myself on being an educator for the last 4 of those years here in the Chicagoland area. My passion stems from the desire to want those entering into this field to do it properly, fairly and drama-free where possible. Hence the creation of the WEDology Experience!!!

http://wedologyexperience2.eventbrite.com

As you know, my bridal planner was launched this past March...the WEDology Notebook: For the Budget-Chic Bride, and although it's a GREAT purchase for the bride, I've had tons of planners pick up a copy as well. Many portions of the Notebook can be formulated into business modules for the aspiring planner. With that said, I've created a comprehensive 6-hour training seminar to give you some foundational elements to begin your business.

Topics below are included for Full Day Experience. Half day session topics are noted:

• The role of a wedding/event planner and the various hats they wear (morning)
• How to turn your passion into a profitable business (morning)
• The potential client approach and initial meeting (morning)
• Contracts and how to receive compensation (morning)
• Who's your ideal client (afternoon)
• Marketing efforts and public relations for your wedding/event business (afternoon)
• Benefits of social media and blogging (afternoon)
• Expanding your wedding/event business offerings (afternoon)

If you are serious in wanting to learn more about the business, I invite you to attend this day of training.  In' sure you will not be disappointed.  The early-bird special ends October 21st...so don't miss out. 
(payment options available)

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See what people are saying about WEDology Experience Training Sessions:

"I am so glad I could be apart of such a phenomenal educational event. I obtained lots of valuable information. I so appreciate you!"  ~Vanessa A.
"Thank you! I'm beating myself up and trying to get my social networking life up to par now based on your teaching!" ~Christy T.
"I truly enjoyed attending your training session! It' was such a wonderful experience!" ~Amber S.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Upcoming Chicago Wedding Events

For today's blog, I thought I'd compile a list of some of the wedding-related events and activities going on in the Chicagoland area for couples as well as industry professionals.  If you are aware of an event I've missed, please add it to the comments so that I can share it in future WEDology posts.

Monday, October 3rd (TODAY)
The Wedding Salon
at The W City Center
Downtown Chicago
4:00pm-8:00pm
www.weddingsalon.com
***use code DEBC for complimentary tickets

Sunday, October 16th
Bridal Open House
at Sharon's Custom Cakes
Crete, IL
11:00am-4:00pm
www.sharonscakes.com
www.chicagolandcakes.com

Sunday, October 16th
Bridal Expo Chicago/Milwaukee
at Double Tree Hotel Oak Brook
Oak Brook, IL
11:30am-4:00pm
www.bridalshowexpo.com

Monday, October 24th and Tuesday, October 25th
Inspire Smart Success Experience - Chicago
at The Sax Hotel Chicago
Downtown Chicago
Monday - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesday - 8:30am-6:00pm
http://inspiresmartsuccess05.eventbrite.com/
***Dejanae Events is the Chicago Event Planner

Sunday, October 30th
Bridal Expo Chicago/Milwaukee
at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
Downtown Chicago
11:30am-4:00pm
www.bridalshowexpo.com

Sunday, October 30th
Bridal SamplerWedding Expo
at The Hilton Rosemont
Rosemont, IL
www.bridalsampler.com

Saturday, November 5th
WEDology Experience - Fall 2011
at Flossmoor Country Club
Flossmoor, IL
9:00am-4:00pm
http://wedologyexperience2.eventbrite.com/
***by Dejanae Events

Wednesday, November 16th
Open House and Networking Event
at Flossmoor Country Club
Flossmoor, IL
5:30pm-8:30pm
***details coming soon
***Dejanae Events is the event planner



Until next time...WEDologize!