Spell It Out On A Menu

I soooo love a menu card to add that additional punch when focusing on the details of a tablescape.  Not only does it give your guests the menu at their fingertips, it can also add some additional color to your guest's place-setting.  But what do you think of when you see a menu card?  The standard is a piece of cardstock with the menu laid out in the following format: courses outlined by number - first, second, etc. or soup, salad, entree, dessert.  But how about laying the menu out using one of these different designs.

A menu that fits the circumference of the dinner plate or charger

In 100% love with this menu made from chocolate!

How fun is this menu fashioned after a fortune teller a.k.a. cootie catcher?

Use the menu as a wrap around the napkin and flatware

Consider adding one menu per table on a stand
should the budget not allow for individual menus

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.delysia.com; www.theknot.com; www.calligraphylady.com; www.projectwedding.com)

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

If you follow my Facebook or Twitter posts, you know I'm 100% addicted to Pinterest. I still can't believe it took less than 4 months for me to pin almost 2400 inspiring photographs! With that said, I've decided to induce some type of Pinterest therapy into my life and share my pick of the week every Friday. That way...I'm not pinning alone :)

January 27th Pinterest pick of the week comes from JLM Couture. This Lazaro wedding gown is GOR.GE.OUS!

Until next time...Pin and WEDogize!

(photo credit: www.jlmcouture.com)

Table Number Scavenger Hunt

Table numbers play a major role on your tablescape.  They let the guests know which table they are seated :)  And when plotting out your stationery designs for your big day, they are certainly an item that should be cohesive with the table design.  And believe me, there are more whimsical ideas on how to incorporate the table number than just a plastic number in a silver stand...the standard fair you'll see at most banquet locations.  That is what lead me on a table number scavenger hunt for the 2nd time to bring a host of ideas when designing your tablescape.  Check out some of my favs below:

Use table number tents fashioned after your invitation design

Add some playfulness to the design w/ different size fonts or spelling the number out
I especially love the idea of the number on the cap of the chair

Frame the table number and back w/ patterned paper

Give the number meaning like this couple did...they met on the 5th day

Chalkboard picks make fabulous table numbers for and outdoor or rustic affair

Consider trips you and your fiancee' have taken and name the table after that location

How about the tables show photos of the both of you at that particular age,
or places you plan to visit, and for the DIY bride, make them yourself with colored coil

Let the table number double as a centerpiece
such as the design seen using this table number wrap

Or make them yourself w/ translucent paper, ribbon and a votive candle for illumination

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.ct-designs.com; www.theknot.com; www.marthastewartweddings.com;

www.tulipsandflightsuits.squarespace.com; www.weddingwindow.com, www.weddingsbycolor.com; www.shineweddinginvitations.com; www.bellethemagazine.com; www.ohsobeautifulpaper.com; www.sofiesfavors.com; www.eventluxe.com; www.unitedwithlove.com)

Stamps Have Gone Up Again!

Effective on Sunday, January 22nd, postage rates have increased once again. Gotta love this economy :)  See the details below as your move forward with your wedding stationery budgets.

Letters (1 oz.) are now 45 cents.  These stamps will be needed for your basic Save The Date and reply card envelope.

Letters (2 oz.) are now 65 cents.  These stamps will be needed to mail your standard size wedding invitation set, which include the invitation, reception card and reply card.
***Note: Square-shaped invitations and postcards will still cost extra.

Postcards are now 32 cents.

So if you have 44 cent stamps, you will need to apply a 1 cent stamp in order to receive it back in the mail.  Still, I always suggested to take your wedding mailing inside the Post Office to have it properly weighed to ensure your guests will receive their envelope.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.perfectpostage.com; www.brides.com; www.stamps.com)
 

More Than Just Candy

I've talked about the candy buffet in numerous posts during my blogging career :)  The first time being in July 2010.  But I realized that I was doing my readers a disservice by not giving you more on the anatomy of a candy buffet and suggestions as to how to expand the display with other tasty treats.

You first need to think about the PRESENTATION for your guests.  The best idea is to select a color scheme that blends with your overall color palette.  Dress the candy buffet table with nice linens that blends well with the guest tablescapes and use vases in different sizes and shapes...some with lids and some without.  But don't just limit yourself to vases, include platters and baskets to create height and drama.  And make sure to spice up the containers with tags, ribbons and embellishments identifying the names of the candies or desserts.

Now when selecting the CANDY offer your guests variety.  Having gummy, hard, soft, and chocolate candies ensure they will like at least one of the offerings on your candy buffet.  But be mindful, if your reception or event is outdoors, don't select candy that will melt.  That won't do anything for the look of your table :)  And if you really want to make your buffet shine, don't limit yourself to candy.  Add cookies, miniature cupcakes, macaroons, dessert shooters, marshmallows, cake pops, and/or fruit to your design.  Or should you really want a creative way to display your wedding cake, have it become the centerpiece of the candy table.

Last but not least, don't forget the UTENSILS such as scoops and tongs for your guests to collect their candy and the bags or boxes for your guests to hold all their treats.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.hostessblog.com; www.flickriver.com; www.weddingideas2.com; www.alieentran.com; www.pastrystudio.com; www.austinweddingblog.com; www.stylemepretty.com)

Accessorizing Your Boo!

On Day #28 of the 31 Days of December, we talked about the Boys and patterned socks to give their attire a bit more personality.  Now let's dive a little deeper into accessorizing the boys with neckties, bow ties, pocket squares and belts.  Any of the mentioned items would also make wonderful groomsmen gifts since I'm always questioned as to what to get the boys as a wedding attendant present :)

Go above and beyond the plain, non-descript tie for some prints and color

 Loving a printed, whimsical bow-tie for the most fashion-forward bridal party

Even for the most casual wedding party, a bow tie can be so jazzy

Colored, patterned or textured pocket squares will complete a suit jacket

Consider a nice belt to keep those trousers up :)

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.brides.com; www.americanapparel.net; www.bubblybride.com; www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.the-perfect-necktie.com)

Guest List Decisions

Today's post is simple...I'm going to focus on the dreaded wedding guest list and tackle some of the questions that every couple faces.

Almost immediately, you need to start discussing who you are going to invite to your wedding. And understand, this is a joint effort between the bride, groom and both sets of parents. I suggest creating three lists - (1) must be invited; (2) should be invited; and (3) would be nice to invite. Then decide do you want children to attend your wedding reception. Once the lists are compiled is when you can start making the final invitee list and begin working on your stationery items and pre-wedding functions. And to make your life easier in the long-run, create the list in a spreadsheet including their name, address, phone and email address.

Now how do I feel about inviting someone to the wedding ceremony, but not the reception...in my opinion don't.  The worst thing that could happen is the "uninvited reception" guest shows up to the reception" guest during the ceremony and hurt feelings evolve.  If you are limited in who you can invite to your wedding reception, just send those guest a wedding announcement after your nuptials to avoid unnecessary conflict.

There are also some rules of etiquette that must be considered. If you send someone a Save The Date, they should also be on the final guest list to receive the official wedding invitation.  Also, if a guest is invited to your bridal shower or couple shower, it should be your intentions to invite them to your wedding day celebration as well. Otherwise, it looks like you "used" them for a gift.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Budgeting Beyond The Wedding Gown

I know the defining moment for a bride...when it really hits home that she's going from a Miss to a Mrs is when she says YES TO THE DRESS!  It's a physical reaction unlike any other, at least that's what I've been told :)  But please don't get caught up into thinking that the wedding gown + tax is it for your journey when making selections about what to wear and how to look on wedding day.  There are plenty other components that must be added to the portion of your budget called...WEDDING ATTIRE.

For those of you reading the magazines and surfing the Internet, it's said that the 10-15% of the entire wedding budget should go towards wedding attire.  Please understand, that this figure includes both you and your groom, although the biggest bulk of the monies does go towards the bride and her look of the day.  Consider the WEDDING ATTIRE checklist below when making budget decisions:

Bridal gown

Alterations

Headpiece or veil

Jewelry (not your wedding bands)

Undergarments

Shoes

Hair Stylist

Make-up Artist

Manicure/Pedicure

Spa Treatments

Groom's Formal Wear, including shoes and undergarments

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Hanging Up The Gown

The bridal gown is the most photographed garment in the pre-ceremony/detail shots. You'll see photos all over the Internet of the wedding gown positioned over a bed, in a doorway, hanging in a closet, and from a chandelier. You'll see the bridal shoes and accessories in accompanying photos, but have you ever noticed the hanger from which the bridal gown hangs? I mean think about it, doesn't it show up in all of the shots. Don't allow it to be a non-noticeable...allow it to stand out!

Get matching personalized hangers for both the bride and groom

This hanger speaks volumes

What's more perfect than a hanger noting your new name!

What a GREAT gift for you bridesmaids and a perfect keepsake to remember the day

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.bridefinds.com; www.flourisheventdesign.com; www.weddingobsession.com; www.getmarried.com)

Best of Dejanae Events 2011 Style!

I always like to reflect on the previous year, both good and bad, before setting future goals.  2011 was a year of change, growth, education and new friendships and I accepted all the challenges with open arms. 

I started the year off receiving the proud honor from The Knot being named Best of 2011!  Then moved into announcing myself as the author of a bridal planner called WEDology Notebook: For The Budget Chic Bride.  From there a magazine named N'Digo contacted me and wrote a full-page spread about the Notebook, Dejanae Events and our future goals.  After speaking with up-and-coming planners in this industry, I developed and launched WEDology Experience, a full-day training seminar based on the Notebook and it's usefulness for planners and hosted 2 awesome training sessions.  From there, I reached out to the fab Stacie Francombe on Facebook, the former creator and editor of Get Married Magazine, and a whirlwind educational event was heldd in Chicago, called Inspire Smart Success Experience, and Dejanae Events was the event planners!  We also had 2 weddings featured in Today's Chicago Woman and the partnership with Flossmoor Country Club grow as I assisted in planning their Open House. 

But the best part of 2011 was graduating eight excited students from the Wedding & Event Planning 10-week certification course I have instructed at Elgin Community College for 5 years!  Whew, but I'm not done sharing because my biggest challenge and happiest accomplishment comes from blogging 31 Days in December to my fabulous readers!  Love you all!!!

The best is yet to come in 2012!!! Watch :)  Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Until next time...WEDologize!

Happy Matrimony Monday!!!

Well I thought I wasn't going to start my 2012 blogging until tomorrow, but Matrimony Monday totally slipped my mind!  What does Matrimony Monday mean?  Well with the most engagements happening between the Christmas and New Year holiday, the Monday after New Year Day is believed to be the most popular planning day of the newly engaged bride.  So of course, I need to be apart of the planning and education :)

Below are a few of our blog posts that I find most helpful when beginning the wedding planning process.  Let me know your thoughts as you use the topics to plan one of the most memorable days of your life.

Save The Date

Congrats on Your Engagement

Engaged! Let's Celebrate!

WEDology Notebook: For The Budget-Chic Bride

Gratuity Information

Wedding Websites

Making It Legal

Show Me The Money

Wedding Planning Hidden Fees & Costs

Dressing The Tables

Reception Buffets

WOW Factor

31 Days of December Blogging

And don't forget to check out all the posts published December 2011.  It was 31 Days of creative fun!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!