Wedding Guide Debuts Summer/Fall Magazine

Excited to share the gorgeous cover of Wedding Guide Chicago's Summer/Fall magazine!  Take a look at a Dejanae Events Real Wedding of Amaka and Hugh on pages 62-63 and you will find our Partyscape design, Urban Tranquility, on pages 144-145.

The Summer/Fall issue of Wedding Guide Chicago is on newsstands!  Order a magazine online or pick up a copy near you! http://bit.ly/UfeWw0

Until next time...WEDologize!

Polish Those Nails!

In my past life I was a licensed nail professional :)  Yes, I've worn many hats on this journey of becoming a wedding and event planner.  But one thing I know for sure, you hands are going to be photographed a lot on wedding day...as you are getting dressed, during the ring ceremony and cutting of the wedding cake to name a few.

Take a peek at some of the natural nail designs you might consider on wedding day:

And my suggestion for a lasting, no-chip manicure for your wedding weekend...use CND's Vinylux System.  It's an awesome product that keeps your manicure looking fresh for at least 7-days and removes easily with Acetone.
 
Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Yahoo Shine; Pinterest; Brides.com; Bridal Frizz)

Topping Off Your Wedding Cake

I've mentioned numerous times that the wedding cake is the centerpiece of the reception.  With that said, one of your detailed planning decisions will become how do you want to "top-off" that gorgeous tiered confection.  The size of the cake, design and shape will all all play a role in making the decision of using a traditional cake topper, fresh or artificial flowers or a completely modern approach. 

Check out some of the fabulous cake topper ideas some of our past couples have used:

A few blooms of fresh hydrangea

A bouquet of fresh flowers with a little bling detail

Simple monogram laid within a bed of roses

A sentimental phrase

Blinged single-letter monogram

A three-letter monogram

Now what idea are you thinking to complete your wedding cake design?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: Rush Photography and Videography; Ven Sherrod Photography)

Ceremony Decor Uses at the Reception

The ceremony aisle is the pathway that leads to your "I Do's".  I feel that adding some type of decor to the aisle is important, but also depends on the budget and venue policy.  But I'm always conscious about using whatever decor you bring to the wedding ceremony at the reception in some format.  There is no need for money to go to waste.

Check out these simple ceremony decor ideas below and how they can be used during the reception:

Small cluster of roses tied with a bright ribbon attached to the ceremony chairs.
These roses can easily be placed in a small vase of water for cocktail table decor.

Pew clips of beautiful ivory roses can double as
decor around the cake table during the reception

Pomanders hanging from the ceremony chairs can become
the backdrop to a dessert table during the reception

Vintage lanterns placed down the ceremony aisle
can be added to the reception guest table centerpieces

Chair bouquets of calla lilies and orchids can be added to the
back of the chairs at the reception head table or sweetheart table

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Ven Sherrod Photography; Rush Photography and Videography Productions)

Celebrating Roses in June

In addition to June being my birthday month...oh that's tomorrow by the way...June is also the month of celebrating one of the most gorgeous wedding flowers...THE ROSE!  Check out today's visual blog of roses used in bouquets and ceremony decor.

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Ven Sherrod Photography; Rush Photography & Videography; DSC Photography)

Roles of Your Wedding Attendants

I spoke with one of my brides recently who eliminated a couple of women from her wedding party for "failure to act".  Basically, she didn't feel they were doing what needed to be done, and although I know she's been open with the ladies she selected to be in her wedding, do all involved really understand the roles they are to play?  Below is a sampling of the attendants duties.  And please know, everyone doesn't have to stand up for you on wedding day.  There are plenty of other things they can do on wedding day...but I'll save that conversation for another blog post :)

Maid of Honor (Single) or Matron of Honor (Married)

• Attending bridal gown fittings
• Keep bridesmaids on schedule prior to wedding day and especially on the BIG day
• Take charge of planning the bridal shower with the other bridesmaids
• Hold the bride's bouquet at the altar and fix her train and veil during the ceremony, and bustle her train at the reception

Bridesmaids

• Play hostess at any of the pre-wedding parties the couple may be having
• Order and pay for your own attire by order date
• Arrive to the ceremony before time to assist bride

Best Man

• Drive the groom to the ceremony
• Hold the bride's ring during the ceremony
• Give first toast at the reception
• Distribute payments to vendors at the ceremony and/or reception

Groomsmen

• Rent or purchase formalwear by requested date
• Help with pre-wedding tasks such as transportation
• Act as ushers if the couple does not have any on wedding day

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: Rush Event Photography and Video Productions | repost from 6/6/12)

Planning For An Outdoor Ceremony

I have planned numerous outdoor ceremonies and receptions during my career, and for 2014 the DE Team is spending a lot of time outdoors with our couples.  When considering an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, their are some major things to take into consideration...outside of having a Plan B.  Check out the list below:

• How many people can the outdoor ceremony and/or reception accommodate?
• What time of day will the ceremony be held?  The reception?  Asking these questions will determine if you need specialty lighting.
• What kind of foods will be held at the reception and how will they be served? Buffet-style?  Plated?
• What types of flowers and decor will enhance the "space".  Many flowers can't hold up well in direct sunlight, so select hardy flowers.
• Make sure your photographer knows the ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors.  He or she may need specific equipment to make sure the photographs come out correctly.
• What is the venues back-up plan in the event of rain?
• Will the lawn be treated for pesky bugs and mosquitoes?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.vsphoto.com | repost from 7/30/12)

Immediately After The I Do's

After the "I Do's" are done and you have recessed out of the ceremony, consider taking a private moment away from the wedding party, parents and guests to reflect on what just happened.   YOU JUST GOT MARRIED!!!  Take the time to walk and talk about the emotions you just felt as you said your vows to one another and prayed with your family and friends.  You don't get a re-do of the wedding day and the day can go by soooooo fast...make sure you take a few moments to yourself as husband and wife.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Interactive Guest Favors

Wedding favors are always a topic of discussion when it comes to the final details of the wedding.  My thought has always been...if you are giving away guest favors, make it something that fits you as a couple or make it edible.  Another one of my favorite ideas is an interactive guest favor "station" like cigar rolling, create your own sundae or cupcake, or caricature artistry.  There are so many options to involve your wedding guests beyond the dance floor that will give them an awesome reminder of your fabulous wedding day!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)