31 Days of December

Beginning tomorrow, I will be challenging myself to blog everyday for the entire month of December! I'm very excited about the adventure I plotted back in May...and I'm asking for your support in sharing WEDology Blog with your peers and anyone you know who may be getting married.

With engagement season upon us, I'd like to give the newly engaged woman some thoughtful ideas when it comes to adding those small details...or should I say...finishing touches to her wedding day.  There will be no uniform order for the posts other than seeing a post every day during December at approximately 10:00amCST.

Some of the topics will include:
fun favors,
the ceremony aisle,
capturing reception moments,
delicious cakes and desserts,
vendor questions,
fab fashion tips
...and plenty, plenty more!

Well let me get started...and I'll see you tomorrow!

Until next time...WEDologize!

Pies Have It!

In celebration of Thanksgiving 2011 (I know I'm a little late :) and my love of Sweet Potato Pie, consider adding these All-American desserts to wedding or event line up.  Just as the layers of your wedding cake can be a variety of flavors, so can the pie selections you have on display.  Check out some of these ideas:

Have a wonderful dessert table that includes the couples favorite pies
or some pies created from family recipes

How cute are these cupcakes styled like cherry and pumpkin pies!

Not cake pops...PIE POPS on a dessert table or as favors :)

Tier delicious assorted mini pies on a cupcake stand

Consider mini pies as guest favors placed in a personalized boxes
as a way of saying 'thank you' to your guests

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.marthastewart.com;  www.cakecentral.com; www.simplethingsrestaurant.com; www.elizabethanndesigns.com; www.piepops.com)

Venue Spotlight - Flossmoor Country Club

I had the proud honor of being the planner to assist the staff of Flossmoor Country Club with their Open House on Wednesday, November 16th.  This private country club and award-winning golf course and grounds has recently decided to open their doors to the public to host spectacular weddings and events on their 2nd floor.

Their event packages include:

• Your choice of three Passed Appetizers
• Salad and Entree selection
• Wedding Cake
• Premium Bar
• Champagne Toast

And can I testify that the food is delicious!!!  They even have Sweet Table upgrades and Late Night Snack options :)  Additionally, should you want to really utilize the venue for it's beauty, consider having your wedding ceremony on the 18th hole of their lush green gold course.

Check out some of the pictures from the Flossmoor Country Club's Open House and must thank the following vendors for making this evening so perfect.  The entire look and ambiance of the event would not have come together without you!

 

 

 
CT Designs (Stationery) | Rush Event Photography and Videography Productions (Photography) | Rosemary's Garden (Centerpieces) | Fiddlehead Florist (Centerpieces) | Red Hen Event Decor (Backdrops and Lighting) | Words With Melissa (Dance Floor Decal) | Classic Party Rental (Linens, Chairs, China, Flatware and Stemware) | Classic Chair Covers and Linens (Chair Covers and Table Linen) | JAM Music (DJ and Lighting) | Caribbean Blend (Cigar Roller) | Rolf's Patisserie (Tasty Treats) | Classic Cobbler (Tasty Treats)

And should you want to visit the best kept secret in the Chicago South Suburbs, contact Peggy Ziemba, Banquet Manager, 708.798.0000, banquets@flossmoorcc.org, to schedule a site tour.

Until next time...WEDologize!
(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

Renting That "WOW Factor" For Wedding Day

When creating your budget, one of the main ticket items should be the overall look you are going for on wedding day.  Several brides have told me, "I don't like flowers." OK and that's fine, but there are many other items to consider when designing the "WOW Factor" for your ceremony and reception.  Check out the simplified list below and decide what is important to you.

photo 1

• Lush linens to grace the guest reception tables.  This is a wonderful way to create the "WOW Factor" with using color and textures to make the space pop.
• Comfortable seating provided for guests.  I recently wrote a blog on the different styles of chairs that can be rented for both the ceremony and reception.  Some come in different woods, while you can add a punch of color based on the cushion selected.  But don't forget the rental of lounge furniture that can be placed throughout the space to really add that "WOW Factor."
• Lighting to enhance a space.  You can really create the "WOW Factor" by using up lights, a gobo with your monogram, twinkle lights or specialty lighting to make the reception venue sparkle.
• The dance floor is where your guests will be the longest.  Consider renting one if the space doesn't provided one or you don't like it.  Can you imagine being twirled around by your groom on a seamless white dance floor?  Now that's officially "WOW Factor"!
• How about renting some party extras like a photo booth, concession machines, a cigar roller...you name it.  Your guests will certainly feel the "WOW Factor" when you go a little over the top with the activities they can enjoy during your wedding reception.

photo 2

Until next time...WEDologize!

Place My Plate on This Mat, Please

I'm always talking about selecting linens to enhance the reception space and making sure the napkin in not in the water glass ;)  But what about the plates that's already pre-set on the guest tables?  Adding a place mat is the answer and another way to personalize your wedding reception, and a direct hit for knowing where the meal will be positioned.  Take a look at some of these fun ideas to spice up your reception tables.

Created from a large dollie, this place mat also doubles as a "place card"

How about this whimsical place mat drawn on Kraft paper
and also serving as a place card

What a fun place mat that can be created from card stock, as seen here,
or sewn from fabric

Love the of idea of using mirrors, textured place mats and
even banana leaves to make you guest's experience even more exciting

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.marthastewart.com; www.theknot.com; www.thedemoiselle.com; www.zgallarie.com)

Marshmallows...a Fluffy Delight!

I've been seeing tons of posts and pictures about mini cupcakes and cake pops, but don't forget the newest dessert craze positioned beautifully on dessert buffets and even as favors...the marshmallow!  Now, I'm not speaking about the "Camp Fire" brand, but those delicately created by confection divas hosting a wide range of flavors.  I was so inspired to create this post when one of my favorite confection-ista's just announced that after five years of making wonderfully delicious truffles, she's now bringing out a tasty line of marshmallow treats just in time for the holidays :)  Congratulations Katherine-Anne Confections and check out her blog post for more details!!!


Now onto a little photo inspiration:

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.katherine-anne.com; www.brendasweddingblog.com; www.sweetestoccassion.com; www.veiledhaven.com)

What a "Charming" Wedding Bouquet!

Whatever style bride you may be, I'm sure you are going to to carry some type of bouquet when you walk down the aisle to marry your sweetie.  There are so many ways to personalize the bouquet outside of the flowers you select.  Have you ever considered adding wedding charms to your bouquet?  Derived from the idea of a charm bracelet, wedding charms can symbolize your new union, honor the memory of a loved one or add a whimsical touch to your bouquet.  Check out some of the ideas below:

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits: www.weddingwindow.com; www.manolobrides.com; www.bridezillas.com; www.polkadotbride.com www.weddingbee.com)

Back Your Chair Up

Those small little details go a long way when you are see the final wedding album and edited DVD.  Many shots are taken of the bride and groom while at their table...standing by their chair hugging close family and friends, eating, conversing with bridal party members.  Consider dressing up not only the sweetheart or head table with lush linens, but add those ever so perfect touches to the chairs you'll be seated in...at least for some of the night.

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits: www.exceptionalbride.com; www.projectwedding.com;  www.dashweddings.com; www.stylemepretty.com; www.etsy.com)

Stir My Drink, Please

I'm all about the signature drink for a wedding reception.  It's almost becoming a staple these days and just another wonderful touch to incorporate your wedding colors.  But how about going a step further and adding just one more element to your flavorful signature drink...hence the...drink stirrer.  Now this could be a simple project if you purchase stirrers or make it a fun DIY project by making your own.  Either way, just another creative touch that will add impact to your wedding day.

And don't just stop with the wedding, add stirrers to your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and even birthday party drinks.  Heck, have them on hand for all your celebrations!


Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits - www.stylemepretty.com; www.theknot.com; www.amyatlas.com; www.marthastewart.com; www.weddingbe.com)