Dressing Up Signature Drinks

A signature drink has pretty much become a staple at the cocktail and reception bar.  Couple's always put a lot of thought into the drinks ingredients, color and event the unique name it's given.  But also consider the "attire" the drink will wear when presented to your wedding guests.  Take a look at some of these ideas:

Bubble gum (or candy) garnish

And who doesn't love a fun paper straw?!

This doilie stirrer is so romantic!

Add a beautiful floral garnish to the drink

And you can't go wrong with adding a hint of fruit

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - bubble gum martini; paper straws; flower garnish; doilie stirrer; fruit garnish)

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

What a stunning, vintage-styled wedding invitation?!?!  Can you imagine sending your guests this beauty in the mail.  WOW FACTOR!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Inside Weddings | Dalal Photography)

Cutting Wedding Corner No-No's

I'm 100% aware that a thoughtful wedding budget is crucial to the planning of your special day.  I know as you begin the planning process and truly see the cost of your ideas on Pinterest :) you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to keep, change and eliminate.  But in this blog, instead of telling you how to save costs within your wedding budget, I'm going to share with you...what not to skimp on:

1. Your wedding gown.  This is what everyone comes to see...just how beautiful you will look on wedding day.  You don't need to spend a fortune on a couture gown costing as much a 2-3 monthly mortgages, but you do want to spend your money wisely on a gown that makes you feel beautiful.
2. Your bridal bouquet.  This fragrant accessory is one of the most photographed items on wedding day.  It's practically in every picture with you, plus it gets photographed alone. The bouquet should compliment your wedding gown and not be scaled down.
3. The food.  This is the one thing the guests will remember and you want to make sure you are serving quality food.  Yes, some courses can be eliminated, but the least expensive option isn't always the best.
4. The photographer.  He or she is creating your memories in the form of an album with the photographs taken on your wedding day.  A professional photographer knows how to capture the classic photos plus those photos that you never would have thought about.  Don't select your photographer based on the best deal, select the photographer based on what you want your FINAL product to be.
5. The entertainment.  Outside of food, your wedding guests will remember the overall experience they had during the reception and music plays a large role in this.  Don't skimp on your DJ or band as they are the ones that will keep the party going until the lights come on.  Hire professionals that have worked weddings before, not just a party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.imphoto.net)

Avoiding Reception Toast Mishaps

 
At some point during the wedding reception, toasts are going to happen.  The greatest piece of advice I could offer is keep them short, sweet and do not open the floor up for all your guests to start extending their well-wishes.  And this happens to be the perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to say a few words of thanks to family and friends for celebrating the day with them.  But before the guests of honor take the mic, the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should be the ones to welcome the guests and say a few sentimental words of remembrance, encouragement and love to the newlyweds.

I have witnessed on numerous occasions a Best Man or Maid of Honor unprepared to speak to the crowd and an awkward pause always occurs when they say "I thought I was going to have a little more time" or "I didn't write anything down" or "I'm unsure what to say".  Have a skillfully planned wedding toast, in my opinion, is the only way to go when planning out your reception timeline. So below I've given a few suggestions on how to make this memorable moment happen as stress-free as possible:

• First, before you take the mic, always have your glass of champagne or wine in hand before speaking.  It is a toast, remember.  And end the toast with, "Please raise your glass..."
• The Best Man should lead the toasts with the Maid/Matron of Honor following.
• Have a toast prepared in advance.  You have known for months that you were going to be asked to give a toast when you accepted the position.
• Speak from the heart and know that it's okay if your toast is written on paper or a note card so you don't forget.
• Remember, it's not a speech and please keep it tactful.  Speaking about negative past events and ex's is a total no-no.  
• Last, keep the toast less than 2 minutes.  Toasts are typically going to happen after the bridal party has been announced in or before the entree, so keep it short and sweet so that guests can eat!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.ksweddings.com/)

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

I'm all about arriving to your wedding in style!  I'm in love with the fullness of this beautiful white wedding gown and how it flows out the door of this chic Rolls Royce to reveal a lovely bride, bouquet in hand, going to meet her groom!  BREATH-TAKING!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://somethingblue4u.tumblr.com)

Wedding Tasting Etiquette

Depending on your venue, catering will either come with the price of renting the reception space or you will need to outsource a caterer.  Regardless of your decision, you should taste the food prior to serving it on wedding day to your guests. 

But what should you expect and what will you discuss at a tasting?

Well first, a tasting is just that...a taste. Do not expect to be served a full meal.  You will see the full presentation of the soup, salad, entree and possibly the hors d'oevures.  You may even get to sample the wines that will be served during dinner and cake should the caterer be providing the wedding cake. 

Next, bringing your entire family and friends to a tasting is not appropriate.  Most tastings can only accommodate 4-6 guests (couple and each set of parents).  Plus all those extra opinions will truly dull the experience.

Also, be very honest about how the food tastes.  That is the purpose of this meeting.  So if you feel it needs extra salt, let the chef know.  There are no repeats in wedding planning so you want to make sure you have voiced your opinion especially during the tasting.

Last, during your tasting experience, consider some of these questions:

• Do you like the look of the food presentation?
• Are hot dishes served hot and cold dishes served cold? 
• How's the plating of the entree?
• Are the hors d'oevures easy for your guests to eat?  
• Do the courses make sense for the season?
• When is the latest date you can make a change to the menu?

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

What an amazing tablescape!  But what makes this monochromatic palette so stunning are those gorgeous crystal candelabras dripping with crystals! JAW DROPPING! WOW FACTOR!!!  Can you imagine eating a meal from this table!?!?! YES!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.wedluxe.com)