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

So what does the last Friday of March 2012 have in store?  Today's Pin It Pic is one stunning ceremony design created by Karen Tran Florals and Events.  Breathtaking if I must say so myself!

The use of Tangerine, Pantone's 2012 color of the year, black and white would make any bride's walk down this aisle just heavenly!

Until next time..PIN IT and WEDologize!!!

Slicing The Cake!

I've posted about desserts and sweets, wedding cakes and their outer coverings, cake stands and cupcake liners, and how to cut that wonderful reception confection.  But I have never addresses pairing wonderful cake flavors with delightful fillings so that your wedding guests will not only talk about how beautiful the cake looked but also how it tasted.

Consider these wonderful combinations when planning out your wedding cake design.  Plus, look how beautiful they are when sliced.  I'm sure your guests will be WOW'd...and isn't that the point?

Lemon Orange Chiffon Cake

Carrot Cake with a Coconut Cream Cheese Filling

Chocolate Cake with a Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Filling

Yellow Cake with a Lemon Curd Filling

Red Velvet with a Cream Cheese Filling

You could have each tier of your wedding cake a different flavor, but this works best when the cake is plated and displayed on a buffet.  This then allows the guest to choice the flavor they like best.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.southernliving.com; www.brides.com; http://www.flours-sf.com; www.nyccakedecorators.com)

Contractually Speaking

As a planner, dealing with vendor contracts are apart of everyday life when it comes to my clients.  Making sure that all the details and services provided are listed is key as well as the payment amount due to the vendor.  But there are some particulars that not every couple recognizes should also be included in the contract (where applicable).

• Complete list of services including the number of hours (not just "all day"), breaks, etc.
• Name of person providing the service on wedding day, especially important when dealing with the photography company, videography company and DJ or Band
• Overtime rate
• Alternative service or merchandise in case of a problem
• Payment schedule
• Cancellation and refund policy
• Last date to make changes to services provided or final guest count

Be sure to read over everything in the contract before signing because once signed...it's legally binding, and make sure to read the fine print.  Also, ask the vendor (should you not have a planner) alternative ways to lower the cost, such as decreasing their hours of service.  And last, NEVER give a vendor a deposit or retainer without a signed contract!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.jungleredwriters.com)

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

I truly believe the idea of adding lounge furniture to the reception environment is going to be around for a long time.  With that said...Don't you just love the draping, large rose pomander centerpiece and gorgeous chandelier all working together with this ornate piece of furniture...deemed the WOW FACTOR of lounge furniture design!!!  I'm geeked about the Friday, March 23rd Pin It Pic!  Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: http://www.revelryeventdesigners.com)

Spring Wedding Bouquets Revealed

Yes, it's the 2nd day of spring and I'm EXCITED!  Chicago's Mother Nature was nice to us during the winter season and I'm claiming the same for Spring 2012.  With that said...the nice weather has flowers blooming, the trees and grass changing over to their lovely green hue...and Dejanae Events swooning over pretty spring wedding bouquets!  Take a look and let me know which is your favorite.

And should you want to select some spring blooms for your wedding bouquet, consider these flowers:
Anemones
Carnations
Lily of the Valley
Peony
Sweet Pea
Orchids
Roses

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.florist-sarasota.com; www.florist-sarasota.com;  www.romance-fire.com; www.theknot.com; www.hibiscusflorals.com)

Chair Couture. Chair Fashion

Last year I did a blog post about the different chair styles available to enhance your reception tablescape as well as discussed ways to focus specifically on the bride and groom's chairs. Well today I'd like to focus on dressing up the guest chairs with a splash of fabric and a host of embellishments.  As I've said time and time again, it's all about those personal details that guest remember during the ceremony and reception.  What's your favorite chair couture look?

Your standard chair covered cover
with a colored sash wrapped tightly around the chair

Using just the sash around a chivari chair

Ruffled chair cover sleeve is so fun, flirty and elegant all rolled in one

Sequin embellished chair sleeve covering the back of a silver chivari chair

Multi-colored ribbons tied to the backs of white garden-style chairs

Grosgrain ribbon weaved through the back of chivari chairs

Or how lovely would it be to add a small cluster of flowers to the chair sash

For more fun chair looks, check out our Pinterest Board called "Chair Fashion".

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: chair sashes - www.curtiscopland.com; sequin and ruffle cover - www.wildflowerlinens.com; bow sash - www.theknot.com; weaved ribbon - www.stylemepretty.com; colored ribbons - www.unitedwithlove.com; flowers - www.google.com)

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

Lighting can make any wedding ceremony and reception even MORE spectacular!  And with the popularity of chandeliers being added to the wedding design, I couldn't help but ((scream)) when I saw this pic!  See, it's not even about the beautiful crystal chandelier, but the florals used to cover the chain from which the chandelier hangs!!!  In total love with the March 16, 2012 Pin It Pic!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: weddingstylemagazine.com)

Color of the Dejanae Events Year!

I know...  I know...  Pantone announced this January that "Tangerine Tango" will be the wedding color of 2012.  We that doesn't serve true on the world of Dejanae Events.  So I'm going to make my own announcement... 

(DRUM ROLL insertion)

The wedding color of 2012 is...TEAL!!!  Yep, I said it!  Teal is the color that more and more of our brides are selecting this year and I'm in love with this color, especially it's pairing with peacock feathers.  Check out some teal inspiration.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: swatch - www.styledhaven.com; invitation - www.manolobrides.com; cake - www.theknot.com; bouquet - bernardosflowers.blogspot.com; tie - www.kimlephotography.com; shoes - www.asubtlerevelry.com; table setting - blog.bridalexpochicago.com)

Wedding Website Tools

I love the use of a wedding website! This is the easiest way to covey information to your wedding guests all in one location to avoid confusion. Weddings are productions and the cast and crew need to be informed of certain things. Why not share via a vehicle that can not only be informative, but also showcase you as a couple with some really fun photos.

Check out the main pages that should be included on your wedding website:

Proposal Story:
Share how he or she proposed on that special day! Some couples will mention how they met, the courtship, and engagement photos to tie the entire love story together.

Ceremony Information:
The perfect area to note the ceremony location and time. This is also a wonderful page to mention attire should you want guests dressed in a particular way (black tie, semi formal, a certain color, etc.).

Reception Information:
Outside of listing the reception location, start and end time, letting your guests know the entree should selections be involved is appropriate.

Hotel Accommodations:
If you have booked a block of rooms at area hotels, attaching the reservation link and room rates would go perfectly under this tab. Also mentioning the hotels amenities would be a thoughtful gesture for your guests, especially airport shuttle information.

Driving Directions:
When including directions, use the cardinal directions (North, South, East and West) for coming to the ceremony and departing the ceremony for the reception. Also if parking provisions are needed, such as particular lots or parking costs, this is the page to include that information.

Registry Information:
I am 100% against NOT mentioning registry information within the invitation ensemble. It's inappropriate. But of course you want guests to know where you've registered and listing the links to those stores is 100% appropriate on this page.

Guest Book:
This page would allow your guests to leave well wishes to you and your fiancee. Then print them off later to out in a keepsake box or album.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.TheWeddingVendor.com)

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

So today's Pin it Pic isn't necessarily showing the engagement ring and wedding bands, but the way those stones and precious metals are photographed.  I wanted to find a picture that embodied the moment, but didn't have the rings place strategically on a bridal bouquet or invitation.  I think my quest was conquered with this photo!  What do you think? :)

OMG and those shoes by Christian Louboutin are HAUTE!!!


Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.stevezphotography.com)

Wedding Budget Sleepers

When planning out your wedding budget, there are certain categories for you to consider.  And then there are those "hidden" amounts and extras that even the most savvy couple doesn't think about when planning out her initial budget for their dream day.  Consider the vendor categories below when planning your wedding weekend and pay special attention to the "DON'T FORGET" section.  Don't sleep...plan out your budget thoughtfully so you aren't hit with some of these surprises later.

CEREMONY:
Don't forget to include your clergy/officiant fee or donation

RECEPTION:
Don't forget to add tax and gratuity to the initial/minimum per person costs for food and beverage

ATTIRE:
Don't forget to include the cost of alterations

INVITATIONS/STATIONERY:
Don't forget to include the cost of postage and addressing the envelopes

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT:
Don't forget to include gratuity for the DJ and/or band members

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY:
Don't forget to include a vendor meal for the photographers and/or videographers

FLOWERS:
Don't forget to include bouts or corsages for the clergy, vocalists, hostesses and ushers

DECOR:
Don't forget to find out the amount of time needed for their set-up based on the amount of time provided by the ceremony and reception sites.  You may need to pay for additional staff to get the job done in time.

TRANSPORTATION:
Don't forget to include gratuity which is typically 20%

RENTALS:
Don't forget to include the extra charge for late night pick-ups, if applicable. Some venues will not allow rental companies to return the next day...they must return immediately after your reception has ended.

GIFTS:
Don't forget to gift your parents for contributing with some of the expenses of your wedding day

BEAUTY:
Don't forget to include the costs of your hair and make-up trials

HONEYMOON:
Don't forget to include staff gratuities and trip insurance



And for those brides and grooms living in the Chicagoland area, check out our WEDology Bootcamp: For Brides and Grooms should you want to start planning your wedding armed with useful information.

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

One word for today's Friday Pin It Pic...BOLD!  This bouquet of Phalaenopsis Orchids in vibrant pink is nothing shy of stunning with the bling accent wrap and feather detailing!  And who said the cascade-style wedding bouquet was dated?!  NOT, especially when you modernize it's look.  I'm obsessed with finding a bride bold enough to carry the March 2nd Pin It Pic!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credits - http://aileentran.com/blog/)

Useful Wedding Tips

As a wedding planner for almost 12 years, it's my duty to provide my clients with useful information on how to plan the wedding of their dreams (and stay within their budget).  Well I understand not all couples can afford a wedding planner so I decided to focus today's blog post on three resource sites that can assist in answering your burning questions.

Consider using Martha Stewart's wonderful post about ceremony seating,
processional and recessional for both Christian and Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Should you need to plan our your reception place settings by renting the flatware,
stemware, china, etc., consider this useful diagram
from The Southern Life to assist with your tablescape.

When planning out the tiers of your wedding cake,
reference this chart from Yakes Cakes on how many servings each tier can provide.

Until next time...WEDologize!