Hanging Up That 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.rushphotovideo.com)
***repost from 1/5/12

Walking In The Bride's Shoes

Today's blog is for visual fun.  I'll be sharing the professional photos of some of our past bride's wedding shoes.  I'm always on the photographer about capturing one of the most photographed wedding accessories in the best light.  I love all of these shoes!!!  Which are your favs?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Rush Photography & Videography; Ven Sherrod Photography, Kelly Braman Photography; Concept One Photography; Hannah Goering Photography)

Finally Married...What Is Next?

So the special day that you have been planning for months has come to an end.  What is there to do now that you have had the wedding of your dreams and returned from your honeymoon?  Check out the to-do-list below for some helpful tips:

• Make sure all vendors have been paid.
• Open gifts and cards and keep records including the item (or cash amount), the guest's name and mailing address.
• Hand write personal thank you notes.
• Have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved.
• Have your wedding bouquet preserved.
• Check in with the photographer and videographer regarding review dates.
• Prepare and freeze top layer of your wedding cake to eat on your one year anniversary.  Curious how to package it properly, check out our blog on how to save the top tier.
• Begin working on changing your last name.  Need to know where to begin, check out this blog post on going from Miss to Mrs.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Image Makers Photography)
***repost from 10/17/12

Things Couples Tend To Forget

Wedding day is extremely hectic and fast pace...even with a wedding planner on your team :)  While planning your fabulous wedding day, there are some things that tend to get left out or go unnoticed until the day you say "I Do".  Check out the list below and add these simple tasks to your to-do list or to the to-do list of one of your wedding party members.

• Bring the marriage license to wedding rehearsal.  Do not wait until wedding day to reveal this VERY important document to the officiant.
• Make sure to put the final payment and gratuities in sealed envelopes with the vendors name noted.
• If your make-up artist is not staying with you the entire day, make sure to have a small handbag that includes lipstick and/or lip gloss, plus face or translucent powder.  
• Bring comfy shoes to change into during the dance portion of the wedding reception.  It's better to have them onsite and not need them than to have blisters on your feet.
• Assign someone the task of transporting your wedding gifts home.
• If you have not checked into your wedding night suite prior to the ceremony, make sure to bring your overnight bag to the reception.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography)

The Wedding Cake Cutting Ceremony

Outside of making sure everything flows smoothly during the wedding reception, one of my biggest jobs is getting the bride and groom though the wedding cake cutting ceremony.  I always get that look of bewilderment or a whisper of "Where is Desireé?" when they aren't exactly sure what to do.  So here is how you do it...just in case I'm not round:

1. The groom puts his hand over the bride's, and they slice through the wedding cake's bottom layer with a fancy knife cutting a "V" shape.  The cake knife can be purchased and engraved or the couple could use a family heirloom.
2. Then using the cake server, the couple together will remove the slice of cake and place it on a small plate.
3. And last, the bride will go first in feeding her groom the slice of cake with a fork or her fingers.  He will then do the same for her.  No smashing cake in each others face, please :)

And there you have it...Wedding Cake Cutting Tradition 101.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Fun Photo Apps for Weddings

Practically everyone has their smartphone equipped with camera at a ceremony and reception.  Now unless the couple has requested an "Unplugged Wedding" they welcome guests to take pictures of the wedding day events.  But how can you house all of these photos outside of using a hashtag on Instagram?  Simple...consider checking out one of this apps.  And either on your wedding website, via word-of-mouth, or typed nicely on your wedding program, let guests know to download the app on their phone and upload all of the fab photos they take on wedding day.  These apps have plenty of additional features for you to check out as well.

www.AppyCouple.com

www.TryCapsule.com

www.Capstory.me

www.WeddingSnap.com

  
Until next time...WEDologize!

Limiting Your Cocktail and Reception Bars

   
Let me be honest, guests come to drink at wedding receptions.  Heck, they practically sprint to the bar once it opens back up after dinner! LOL!  But seriously, you do not have to go broke celebrating your wedding day serving your guests alcoholic beverages.  Consider some of the alternative and limited bar options I have listed below:

• Eliminate the Champagne Toast.  It's truly okay to have your guests toast with whatever is in their glass.  It won't take away from the toast one bit.
• Consider limiting your bar to only beer and wine.  Premium liquors and mixed drinks can really increase the cost of your open bar per person.
• Offer a signature drink or two in addition to the beer and wine bar.  This will give guests a little more variety, but not break the bank.  Remember to name your signature drink and provide a drink menu at the bar.
• During the cocktail hour, consider only offering a signature drink.  And alcohol version and a non-alcohol version. 
• You don't have to select the Premium or Top Shelf bars.  Guests are going to drink what you provide...believe me the Standard bar is okay! And if you, the couple, wants to drink something in particular ask the venue to provide it only to you to save on major costs.  

Until next time...WEDologize!

Tablescape Design to Include a Rose

When adding the finishing touches to your tablescape design, don't forget about those WOW Factor elements that can truly make the table sing.  Take a look at how we designed this table in the client's red, black and white color scheme - black lamour napkin with a custom designed menu card by CT Designs Inc. sitting on a white 13" white base plate with silver rim.  But what I love the most is the lush red rose placed delicately on each napkin. LOVE IT!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

Carving Stations for Cocktails

When planning the hors d'oeuvres for your cocktail hour, consider offering a variety of ways to entice your guest's palette.  Carving stations are one really cool way for guests to interact plus have a say about what they are eating in regards to cooking temperature.  This carving station created for one of our events focuses on Prime Rib and was paired with delicious Pretzel Bread. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.RushPhotoVideo.com)