It's National Donut Day!

It's National Donut Day...well tomorrow, June 1st actually is the day to celebrate, but I decided to make the announcement today since Friday's blogs are held for Pin It Pics.  So in celebration of one of my favorite treats...check out some ways to incorporate the donut into your wedding or event. Enjoy :)

It doesn't get any better than a cupcake + a donut!!!

Add a dessert bar of...DONUTS!

Instead of just hot chocolate, add a mini donut as a treat!

Add the end of the night, bless your guests with donuts or bagels
and a serving of coffee!

 

For the donut loving couple, instead of wedding cake...donut cake!

Add a stick to it and create a donut pop!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: cupcakes - www.kirbiecravings.com; bar - http://www.dynamodonut.com;  hot chocolate - www.marthastewartweddings.com; favor - http://blog.myjeanm.com; cake - www.theknot.com; donut holes - http://indulgy.com)

Ruffles Ruffles Everywhere!

If you haven't seen the latest wedding trend, today I'm going to ruffle your feathers and show you. This uber feminine look is increasing on the runways, decor and even wedding cakes.  Ruffles, probably as girly as pigtails, has truly taken charge in 2012.  Check out a few of the ideas below on where you can utilize ruffles :)

Ruffle detailing on a wedding cake.
So gorgeous it doesn't even need a topper!

Adding textured linens throughout the reception space speaks volumes!

"Ruffled" bouquet handles created from ribbon for these gorgeous roses.

Gorgeous, yet simple, ruffled clutch would make a sweet bridesmaid gift
or be perfect for your bridal accessories.

Wedding gowns with pick-ups are being replaced by piles of ruffles!

 Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  cake - www.icingandsprinkles.com; linens - www.premierskirting.com; clutch -  www.imbueyouido.com; gown - www.sino-treasure.com)

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

A tablescape as ornate and detailed as this one (plus it's in my favorite color...red) had to take the coveted position of a Pin it Pic!  But for me, it wasn't only about the centerpieces, china, glassware and small place-setting details, but those gorgeous red pillows on that white banquette just blew my mind! Over the top WOW Factor at it's BEST!!!  I can't help but swoon over this great design.  Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.wedluxe.com and http://jenniferklementti.com/)

Breaking Dejanae Events NEWS!!!

I'm so excited to finally announce that Dejanae Events can now help even more with your stationery needs!  We are excited to announce our PARTNERSHIP with Wedding Paper Divas!!!  Check out their beautiful wedding invitations and much more!  If you are interested in receiving this discount, "Like" us on Facebook, then contact us at office@DejanaeEvents.com to take advantage of the partnership we are so very honored to hold!

Wedding Paper Diva's is different from other online stationery sites!  "We are driven to design the finest, highest quality stationery you can find online or in stores. Unlike many other stationery companies, which simply provide an extensive, something-for-anyone offering, Wedding Paper Divas works with talented artists all over the country to translate the hottest new trends into perfectly unique products. We are proud to offer products from both seasoned veterans in the industry, as well as younger, fabulously talented designers. Many of these up-and-coming designers are even making their debuts into online boutiques with us! Our designers have created stationery for many celebrity customers."

And because Dejanae Events only wants the best for it's clients...a partnership was formed!!! #EXCITED

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

Okay...here is the visual:  As a wedding guest, you enter the foyer at the entrance of a grand ballroom only to be greeted by a host or hostess who will direct you to escort card table.  And as you move through a sea of smiling guests hovering around you soon discover that this STUNNING table with a small pool of floating flowers and candles is the table where your escort card rests upon clusters of pave arranged carnations! Enough said!!!  Now this is WOW Factor at it's finest!!!

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

(Photo credits:  www.bellethemagazine.com; Gustavo Campos Photography, design by Lindesy Ladman Events)

Reception Alternatives To Fit The Budget

Saturday evenings are usually the first to go when couples are selecting their wedding date and plated dinners are the standard among meal service  But know that both of those options are the most expensive when budgeting out your reception.  Below are some reception "meal" alternatives when hosting that sit-down dinner just does not work with your wallet.

Brunch/Breakfast Alternative - Regardless if you serve buffet-style or plated, this meal will always be less expensive because of the time of day and the amount of food that needs to be prepared.

Lunch Alternative- Like breakfast, the time of day decreases the cost.  Plus the portions are smaller which will certainly drive the cost per plate down a notch.

Tea Service - Mostly seen at a bridal shower, this meal service option works best in the late afternoon and requires much less food.  Your guests will dine on small sandwiches, finger foods and savory teas.

Champagne + Dessert Only Alternative - A fun way to celebrate after your "I Do's" with tasty treats, wedding cake, cheeses, fruits and delicious champagne.  Hosting this style reception is wonderful for the afternoon and will allow your guests to have the evening free to have dinner where they chose.

Regardless of the meal service you select for your wedding guests, you do not have to eliminate any of the fun activities, photo opts or traditions from your reception.  Have fun with it and serve the meal that works best with your budget!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  brunch - www.laurenblairphoto.com; lunch - www.weddingclan.com; tea - www.intimateweddings.com; champagne - www.projectwedding.com)

In Lieu of Favors

I run across plenty of couples perplexed about what they should give their wedding guests as parting gifts or favors.  The days of cute keys chains and wine stoppers are over and have been replaced with more desirable favors in the form of edible tasty treats. But is it truly required for you to give your guests a "favor"?  In my opinion...NO.  Especially after you have just fed them a fabulous meal and offered an open bar for the last 4 hours, plus provided linens, chairs, invitations, etc.  Get my point? :)

But, should you want to make a gesture of kindness on behalf of your wedding and your guests, consider making a donation to your favorite charity or organization in lieu of gifts.  Check out some of the ways you can let your guests know.

A card at each guests place setting to let them know your intentions

A tented card on each table letting guests know the charity

Change the label on the wine bottle to alert guests of your lovely gesture in there honor

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: card - www.sweetpeaprint.com; www.theknot.com)

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

Stunning would be an understatement for the Friday, May 11th Pin It Pic!  WOW! OMG! Look at the "chandelier" suspended above that lavish sweetheart table!  The bride and groom sitting on those seats of honor have the term "WOW Factor" sewed up from TOP to Bottom!!!  Enjoy!

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

(Photo credit: http://www.bridesview.com/photographer/-/rhee-bevere/photos/46)

Yellow and Purple Inspiration

So I'm trying something new Blogger family...I'm going to create more inspiration boards to share with my readers.  Today's board comes by way of blending yellow and shades of purple together in what I consider a fun "almost" summertime color scheme.  What do you think?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: macarons - www.onevanillabean.com; centerpiece - www.elizabethannedesigns.com; invitation - www.weddingwire.com; bouquet - www.bouquetweddingflower.com; bridesmaids - www.oncewed.com; furniture - www.indulgy.com)

Avoiding Vendor Scams

For most couples, the wedding day will be one of the most expensive days of your life!  You MUST protect your money...your investment...when hiring vendors.  Of course using a wedding planner and their resources will always make the vendor search easier as they have done the hard research, but should you chose to go it alone, below are a few tips to make sure you don't fall for illegitimate businesses:

• Don't pay hefty deposits/retainers to secure services from vendors...basically all up front.  Legitimate businesses will seek a 10-50% up front to secure their services and usually the remaining balance will be broken into payments with the final due a week or two before the wedding.
   
• Get references before hiring.  Ask family and friends that have worked with the vendor about their experiences.  Also...read reviews, not just testimonials.
   
• Read the FINE PRINT!  I'm not a fan of fine print and don't have it as apart of my planning contract.  But some vendors do and you must review with a critical eye.  If it doesn't make sense...ask questions before signing on the dotted line.
  
• Know and UNDERSTAND the refund, cancellation and postponement policies before signing.
  
  
• If a vendor asks you for a deposit/retainer without you signing a contract...AVOID THAT BUSINESS!  Professionals will always have you sign a contract before exchanging money.
  
  
• Pay by credit card.  This is the easiest way to dispute a transaction if needed.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - weddingprocourses.com)

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

I'm in awe of this beautiful outdoor ceremony!!!  Not because the location appears beautiful, but because of the attention to detail.  From the fruitwood chiavari chairs with a simple apple green sash attached by a single flower, to the vased cymbidium orchid aisle decor, to the raffeta fans sitting on the apple green cushions...every guest would feel sooooo special!  Love it! Love it! Love it!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.designerchaircoverstogo.com)

The Sequin Comeback

Yes I said it! Everyone is all about the Bling craze and I know that to be true because our most popular blog posts to this day are about Bling. But remember the sequin? That small, flat, shiny disk that when clustered together makes an powerful statement. Check out some of these ideas using sequins.

This sequin-infused Ines Di Santo gown
would make an AWESOME reception gown

Add the WOW factor to your cocktail or reception
with these gorgeous sequin linens and overlays

Consider wrapping the bouquet handle with
sequins for that ultimate POP of elegance

Add a few or a strand of sequins to your wedding invitation.
Imagine the guests positive response to that lovely detail!

LOVE the idea of adding sequin chair "covers"
to the primary reception chairs

Imagine the ohs and ahs of seeing this wedding cake displayed at the reception.
The sugar sequins are amazing!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: cake - www.cocoadotts.com; chair - www.karentran.com; bouquet - www.bellethemagazine.com; invite - www.dogwoodblossomstationery.com; linens - www.weddingobsession.com)