Inspired by What's to Come in 2012! (Day#31)

Well the 31 Days of December has come to an end with this last blog post for 2011!  But know that I'll be back on 2012, twice a week, with more useful tips and ideas on how to plan your Budget-Chic wedding.  See you on Tuesday, January 3rd :)

I'm wishing each of you viewing this blog, a Happy HAPPY New Year!!! Be safe and I wish you nothing but prosperity in 2012!  Thank you for continuing to read WEDology by Dejanae Events! I appreciate each of you!!! xoxo

 

Until next time...Happy New Year and WEDologize!


(photo credits: www.nymag.com; www.weddingchicks.com; www.lindyegallowayblog.com; www.walltor.com; www.wfontbook.blogspot.com; pmumau.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/silver.jpg)

Unrolling That Spool of Ribbon (Day#30)

As I was coming up with some design ideas for one of my clients, I came across a pretty unique idea for using ribbon. Typically when thinking of a wedding or event, ribbon enters into the scenario to decorate programs or used as an embellishment to favor boxes/bags. But the "shabby chic" bride has come up with some pretty unique ideas of using ribbon for decorative purposes.  Check them out!

For displaying escort cards

Ribbon wands to swing as the newlyweds depart the ceremony

Backdrop for dinner or even photographs

Chair decor

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.marthastewart.com; www.perfectpaletteblog.com; www.wanelo.com; www.thewhitelibrary.com; www.stylemepretty.com)

We All Like a Good Beverage! (Day#29)

When you think of beverages for a wedding reception or event, I'm almost positive that the bar comes to mind.  Stocked with premium liquor, beer, wine, soda and juice, this is usually the first stop guests make once they arrive to the venue.  But consider for a moment, a twist on the bar and create a beverage station for your guests to enjoy before the marriage ceremony, during cocktails or later into the night. The station could include almost anything from fruit infused water to your favorite specialty/signature drink.  Add some nice linen, classy drinking glasses and watch your guests enjoying themselves as they relieve their thirst :)

The options are limitless when personalizing your event to showcase your style...and taste in beverages!

A lovely display of punch and spritzers

Lemonade has never looked so elegant

Waters infused with fruit alongside some brightly-colored cocktails

Not your standard martini station

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: www.cateringbysimplepleasures.com; www.theclaytononthepark.com; www.knottinghillinteriors.com; www.marthastewart.com)

For The Boys (Day#28)

I know the WEDology Blog is pretty much geared towards women planning a wedding or event. But today I wanted to focus on an idea of jazzing the men up on wedding day.  When considering the options for the groom and groomsmen, there isn't a whole bunch you can do with a rented tuxedo outside of a distinctive boutonniere, vest, bow tie and/or tie.  But let me retract that statement and say...there is one more fun thing the groom can do to stand out on his wedding day.

Socks play an important roll for the groom and his men on wedding day.  In order to wear those shiny shoes, or whichever style is selected, it's imperative that men wear socks!  Now consider spicing them up  with prints, words or a distinctive color for this once in a lifetime day!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.mibrideandgroom.com; www.brianharte.co.uk)

Trifles a.k.a. Dessert Shooters! (Day#27)

As I track my reader stats on Blogger, I see that one of the most popular blogs in WEDology by Dejanae Events history is the post about Shooters.  So here is a little insight on this tasty treat you eat with a spoon.

Trifles and shooters are desserts LAYERED in a glass bowl or you can use a shot glass when creating miniature versions.  The layers typically consist of a cake at the bottom. Then a layer of jam, fruit or combination of both.  And the final layer is a custard topped with whipped cream.  This delightful dessert has made it's debut on plenty of dessert stations, buffets and tables and guess what...I don't see it disappearing any time soon. YUM!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits - http://www.creativechaosblog.com; www.buttercream.info; http://sweetspringslove.blogspot.com; Jonathon Campbell Photography; www.blog.amyatlas.com; www.theknot.com; www.accenttheparty.com)

Intermezzo? What is That? (Day#26)

 When hosting a 5-course meal for your wedding guests, there's soup, salad, intermezzo, entree and dessert. As you probably already know, I'm a dessert lover, but the intermezzo runs a close second :)

So what is an intermezzo? In music, an intermezzo is a composition that fits between other larger acts or musical work.  When using the term regarding food, this is the portion of the meal scheduled to clean the palette before the yummy entree arrives.  Ideally presented in the form of sorbets or a light wine, it's a refreshing change to the 1st and 2nd courses...and I love the intermezzo presentation!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.kellyfinneganblog.wordpress.com; www.expoloringfoodmyway.com; www.kevineats.com)

And We Wish You A... (Day#25)

From the Dejanae Events family to yours...have a happy, exciting,
exuberant Merry Christmas!!!

Let the basketball season finally begin!!! xoxo

Until next time...Merry Christmas and WEDologize!!!

(photo credits: www.promgirl.com; www.christianlouboutin.com; www.dparkphotography.com; www.flavordiva.com; www.google.com; www.weheartit.com; www.marthastewart.com; www.weddingdressforme.com)

You Can Do All That With Paper? (Day#24)

I'm a complete 100% Pinterest junkie!  Get me the room with padded walls because I need to be committed from social media overload.  But regardless of my love for those pin boards, I'm always astonished by the "pins" of paper items and the uniqueness they bring to a wedding day.  Now if you are a tad bit confused by my statement, go along with me on my quest of all things paper...minus the standards of invitations, programs and escort cards.  I honestly had no clue that paper could do all this!  Oh and I'm in love with the photo above of the napkin rings and simple paper centerpiece!

How about a paper bridal bouquet?

Seriously! To decorate the wedding cake!

Swagged tissue paper used as the backdrop for the bar

Tissue paper pomanders down the aisle

Really? Centerpieces from shredded paper!

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits: www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.factorydirectcraft.com; www.socialcouture.typepad.com; www.loveolio.com)

Playing...Name That Drink! (Day#23)

I love when my couples select a signature drink for their reception bar.  There are times when they put the concoction together or ask for a little assistance from me or the bartender.  Either way is fine because you can find tons or recipes online (I'll save that for a later blog) to match your wedding colors and theme.  But what are you going to name this fabulous creation you'll be serving guests?  I've listed some quirky, but fun name ideas below:

Blushing Bride - would make a GREAT name for a pink drink

First Kiss - sexy name for a red-colored drink

Honeymoon Awaiting - for a fun loving orange or yellow-colored drink,
especially nice if the couple is going somewhere warm for their honeymoon

Apple of My Eye - would be an awesome name for an apple-flavored martini

Love is in the Air - for a blue-colored drink reminiscent of the sky

Sealed with a Kiss - would be a yummy name for a drink flavored with chocolate-liqueur

Wedding Bells - would work nicely if the drink you create is shaking, not stirred

Hot Romance - would be a flirty name for a drink with a little kick to it

...or blend your first names together and/or last name to create your own signature cocktail name!

And after crafting a cute bar menu noting the drink's name and ingredients, don't forget to accent the glass! Rim the glass with colored sugar or caramel, and add a cutesy stirrer or straw for that finishing touch.

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credit: www.marthastewart.com)

Napkin Grandeur (Day#22)

I've talked about napkins before in past posts about certain folds and adding embellishments so they'd pop on dinner plates.  But today's post will focus on some of my favorite folds...folds that are timeless and elegant for any style reception.  Now it's funny, my passion for napkins, but they play a major roll on the tablescape.  This simple square-shaped piece of material can add grandeur to any place setting.  Take a look:

Elongated fold on top of charger for long style menu card

Bow tie fold with the place card above the plate

Elegant pocket fold with a rose accent

Triple-fold that looks lovely with or without a menu card

***Side note - all napkin folds were apart of the designs I created along w/ the Flossmoor Country Club staff for their Open House this past November.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit: Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

Pop+Corn=Fun! (Day#21)

Now I love a GREAT candy bar or dessert table, but have you ever given thought to a Popcorn Buffet???  One of my July 2011 brides loved the idea and purchased all varieties of Garrett's Popcorn for this fun interactive favor display for her wedding guests...accompanied by personalized popcorn boxes she ordered from an Etsy store.  Guests went wild once the Popcorn Bar was revealed and hovered around it most of the night!  Now that's a favor worth it's weight in gold...or should I say popcorn :)

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  from the personal iPhone library of Dejanae Events and www.vsphoto.com.)

All Things Mini...and Cute! (Day#20)

I know when I attend industry parties, the caterers are always trying to WOW us with the most unique canapes they can create.  Combinations I would never imagine joining hand-in-hand are being passed around on trays for us to try and hopefully enjoy.  But the same concepts might not work for your wedding guests with a variety of taste palettes.  So consider the overall experience of your guests, rather there are appetizers for the cocktail hour or late night snacks for the party-goers, make them unique, fun and appealing. Add your personality to the mini delights that are served!

A min version of the Chicago favorite

Imagine this cutie with a cup of Java

Mini grill cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

A fun spin on veggies and dip...only from Martha :)

Now who could pass up tacos and tequila???

So now you can see that apperitzers are more than just bruschetta, chicken skewers and shrimp cocktail.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.japgar.wordpress.com; www.iowagirleats.com; www.callahancatering.com; www.wandering-albatross.tumbler.com)

WEDology 200th Blog!!!

In the mist of 31 Days of December, I'm inserting an additional blog as a celebration of my new milestone...my 200th blog!!!  I have been blogging consistently...minus a few crazy planning months when I couldn't blog twice a week...since November 2009 and today, I'd like you to toast and celebrate with me as I move towards another 200!!!

So grab your purple, or green, martini and let's celebrate!!!

Now back to our regularly scheduled program ;)  Day 20 of 31 Days of Blogging coming right up!

Until next time...WEDologize!!!

(photo credits - www.amartinialwayshelps2.blogspot.com; www.hrib.deviantart.com; www.weddingbee.com; www.candywarehouse.com)

Entertaining or Entertainment? You Decide. (Day#19)

I just had the pleasure of being the event planner for the Flossmoor Country Club's Open House (Flossmoor, Illinois) this past November.  And one of the things I feel guest enjoyed the most was the entertainment we provided.  Now we had the right music to set the mood of the event, but the Cigar Roller was certainly unexpected!

When considering entertainment for your reception guests...think out-of-the-box and the type of crowd you have.  Below are a few non-traditional ideas for some reception fun:

• Cigar Roller
• Caricature Artist
• Comedian
• Favorite sports team mascot
• Impersonator
• Psychic
• Lip Reader (just like a palm reader, but they actually read your lipstick print :)

I bet your guests will love every minute of it!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - from the iPhone of Dejanae Events and www.rushphotovideo.com)

Plastic or Paper? (Day#18)

Now I love a great signature drink.  In fact, I personally believe every couple should have a drink named after them at the reception.  Martinis are my favorite probably because of the glassware used for those sexy drinks!  But I've recently come across a trend that can even make a mason jar look hottttt!  STRAWS!!!  Now I'm not speaking of the plastic variety we can get inside the cup and of a McDonald's Sweet Tea, but the paper straws that come in a wide array of colors and add whimsy to any drink.

 

 Now that's truly adding a statement to your signature drink!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.weddingobsession.com; www.etsy.com; www.stylemepretty.com)

Shoes Have Personality, Too (Day#17)

I love those small touches that an excited bride makes to her attire to show off her personality!  From the gown, to the veil, to the accessories, to her hair and make-up, everything for her "perfect" day must be flawless. Now being the shoe woman that I am, there is one tiny detail that I'm seeing regularly from these fashionistas - shoe language.  I've coined the term simply because brides are adding sayings and phrases to the soles of their wedding shoes. From hand written words with a Sharpie marker to decals purchased from a store or online...I'm simply loving this personal statement!  Check out some of the shoe language below:

One of our May 2011 brides could not have said it better

How about the day you were "established" as husband and wife

How fun is it to add your new last name to your new shoes

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits:  www.vsphoto.com; www.weddingbee.com; www.etsy.com)

A Nice, Cold Refreshing Drink (Day#16)

 

When I stumbled upon this idea, I smiled from head-to-toe thinking about the guests when you place this refreshing drink idea in front of them.  Not only could you see ice glistening in a drink glass during the cocktail hour, but they would certainly add a punch of color to the water glasses on the reception tables.  Or better yet, save the ice cubes for your speciality and signature drinks.  Either way, it's always those smaller details that get noticed and discussed by the guests...so now you can add ice cubes to that list!

***side note - when adding flowers to your ice cubes, make sure they are edible flowers and that they have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.culinarytribune.com, www.weheartit.com, www.marthastewart.com)