Sparklers 101

We've done the sparkler send-off more times than we can count - they're a festive end to the evening and make for great photos.

Here are the tips we've learned over the years.

1. Sparklers light better from flame then from matches. We usually set out a few lit candles for people to light from. You can also easily light sparklers from another sparkler - so people can "pass the flame"

2. Always have buckets of water or sand for people to extinguish their sparklers or place them once they're spent. It will make clean-up much easier.

3. We use the 2 minute sparklers and find they work the best. It's long enough for the photo-op but not too long where people are left holding them.

4. Sparklers are smelly and can only be used outside. Check with your venue and make sure they're legal in your state.

image from Arthur Remanjon

Little Ones

If you're incorporating little children into your wedding ceremony there are a few things to remember.

*Age is important.  It's best if they've been to pre-school or kindergarten where they've walked in a line and can listen to direction.  Five years old is a great age.

*Be prepared for anything.  Prepare yourself ahead of time for the option of one or all of the kids not making it down the aisle.  If you're ready for it then it won't upset you on wedding day.

*Bribery is a wonderful thing.  Have candy (Smarties are easy and don't stain) and toys at the end of the aisle.  If you know they won't make it through the ceremony quietly, arrange for a sitter to get them out of the room.

image from pegeen.com

To Carry Down the Aisle

If you've started working on the wedding then you've probably given the colors and flowers some thought. You may have even visited floral designers, maybe even chosen the one that you felt that connection with and was right for your budget.

It's time to give your bridal bouquet some consideration.

You have some choices to think about color.

White

flowers and image from Romance of Flowers

Soft Color

flower from Simply Beautiful, image from Philip Weber for Arthur Remanjon

or Full of Color

image and flowers from Romance of Flowers

and then Shape... Round, Oval, Hand-Tied, Cascading, Nosegay, there are many options.

Talk to your designer about:

The kinds of flowers - structured, frilly, soft, tropical, traditional, modern, etc.

The weight of the bouquet - do you want large or small?

The finish of the handle - totally covered with ribbon or stems showing?  Do you want to add something personal like a piece of jewelry?  Is there a specific color or treatment for the ribbon?

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to our Blog!  We're one year old today!  In celebration here's one of our earlier posts that we happen to love.

Top Ten Things to Remember for your Wedding Day.

image from Amy Deputy

Things tend to get a little bit hectic around your wedding day. Here is my Top Ten List of Reminders. Print them out or jot them down - you are going to need them.

1. Don't forget about the marriage license. You have to actually give it to your officiant. It doesn't count if you leave it at home.

2. Remember a hankie. It does not matter if you rarely cry. It is just like the umbrella theory - if you have a hankie you will not cry. And if you do, well, then you have a hankie.

3. Scuff your shoes, please. Do a shimmy in your front yard in your wedding shoes. Actually, wear them around the house for a few hours too. Break those puppies in.

4. Leave your cell phone at the hotel. You do not need your phone. You will not be taking calls. I am certain someone will have a phone if you need one.

5. Eat. Please. Before the ceremony AND during the reception. There is plenty of time to visit the tables.

6. Pre-pack. Start the packing process a few weeks ahead. Pack everything separately for different events, especially if you will be moving around. Pack for the honeymoon at least two weeks before the wedding. It will save you a trip to Rite-Aid on the way home from the Rehearsal Dinner for sunscreen.

7. Your camera. Remember to bring it or have someone else bring it for you.

8. Hold hands with your Groom. Look him in the eye when you say your vows. Try your very best to feel comfortable in front of all of your guests during the ceremony.

9. Take a minute if you need it. Have your wedding planner schedule in some time for you to be alone with your brand new husband after the ceremony. It will give you two a chance to chat and breathe.

10. Have fun. This is an amazing time. Enjoy yourself. Try not to let the little things annoy you. Remove yourself from people that are causing problems.

De-Stress

Bride and Bloom Magazine 's latest issue includes an article with

25 Ways to De-Stress with your Fiance

1.  Go on a weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast

2.  Play hooky and spend the whole day in your pajamas

3.  Practice team work by taking a tandem bike ride

4.  Go horseback riding on a beautiful beach or scenic trail

5.  Take a hot air balloon ride

6.  Head for the hills for a wine tasting adventure and tour of the vineyards

7.  Heat things up by taking a cooking class

8.  Take turns pampering each other with manicures, pedicures, and massages

9.  Or, go to a couples spa and let someone else pamper you

10.  Get out to the great outdoors and go rock climbing

11.  Have a foreign movie night

12.  Visit a local orchard and pick apples, peaches, strawberries, or other seasonal goodies

13.  Get dressed up and have a romantic night out on the town with dinner and dancing

14.  Get dressed down and pitch a tent and roast marshmallows in your own backyard

15.  Pack a lunch and a blanket and head to the park for a picnic for two

16.  Go sky diving

17.  Go on a walk and never let go of each others hands

18.  Have a fondue night and feed each other gooey treats, from savory cheeses for dinner to indulgent chocolate for dessert

19.  Find a open field and stargaze for hours

20.  Have a game night and play anything from Twister to charades

21.  Grab a cup of coffee and spend the morning exploring a local flea market

22.  Act like a kid again and visit a local amusement park

23.  Put on your dancing shoes and learn a sexy new dance such as the tango

24.  Spend the afternoon at a museum you have always wanted to visit

25.  Be a tourist in your own city

So Much Fun

We don't often post about celebrity weddings, because there are a lot of other places to see that news.

But I saw this image from Beverly Mitchell's wedding in Italy this past weekend and had to pass it along.  She is so full of joy and having so much fun that it's clearly infectious.

image from imnotobsessed.com

It can be so easy to get wrapped up in the details - which yes, are very important to things running well - but when the day comes let go and have have a blast.  Stay in the moment and celebrate.

Your Wedding on the Web

A wedding website is really the best way to communicate timely, updated, and accurate information to your wedding guests.  It is also a terrific way to give information that can be difficult to include in your invitations - recommended dress, transportation, additional activities, and registry details.

You can update your website with directions, pick-up times, and travel information after your Save the Dates are sent, but before your formal wedding invitations are sent out.

Just be sure to include the site address on your Save the Date cards!

Here are some sites we recommend:

www.EWedding.com 

www.WeddingWire.com 

www.WeddingWindow.com 

Happy site building!

Nearly Ready Tips

It's your wedding day.

Makeup.  Check.

Hair.  Check.

Wedding Rings.  Check.

You're almost ready.  Here are the last minute tips.

1.  Be sure to go to the bathroom before getting into your gown.

2.  Step into your gown - do not put it over your head.

3.  Have a crochet hook on hand for your girls use on all those button loops.

4.  Remember your garter, if you're wearing one.

5.  Don't forget your hankie or a few tissues in case of tears.

You're ready to go get married!

Memories in the Corner of my Mind

As you are planning your wedding it is very easy to get wrapped up in everything and lose perspective.  If you feel like you're having on of those moments and you need to take a step back - here are a few things to think about to put yourself back on track.

Yep, that's a toilet paper wedding gown.

1. Remember that this is about a marriage, not just a wedding.  Focus on creating a new family and marrying your best friend.

2.  Think back to weddings you've attended in the past and remember the good parts and the bad.  Try to recreate the good and eliminate the bad.

3.  Ask friends and family about the things they love at a wedding and focus on those elements.

4.  Make sure you're focused on what's most important to you both.  Don't waste time on traditional elements if you don't care about them - spend that time on something you care about.

5.  When you're scheduling your projects, schedule to be done a month before the wedding.  There are a few projects that will have to wait (like escort cards) but most projects can be completed ahead of time.

6.  And finally, give yourself some time off.  Wedding projects should not take up every weekend.  If they do - you'll go crazy.

And have fun!  This is a once in a lifetime event - enjoy the planning and the celebration.

Hair Raising

Every bride was the perfect hair for her wedding day.  A great hair style that you're confident will stay put for an entire whirlwind of you wedding day is a key element to your wedding day look.

There are a few key elements to great wedding day hair.

The first element is a great stylist.  You have to feel confident in their abilities and it's an added bonus when the person has a calming effect on you.

Ideally, you'll be having your hair and makeup done at home or in your hotel suite on the morning of the wedding.  There are many great stylists that will come to you and your girls on wedding day.

For your hair trial with your stylist be sure to have at least inspiration pictures to show him/her.  It's likely they'll have to combine the styles in your inspiration pictures to find the right style for you.  If you have any accessories like a veil, pins, feathers, or flowers - be sure to have them with you as well.

Take pictures from all angles and print them out for wedding day.  Keep them with you so that the stylist can reference them as needed.  A full page printout will work much better than your camera or cell phone screen.

Finally, follow their advice on prepping your hair for wedding day.  Get the necessary color  and products to make the look complete.

And smile, you'll look gorgeous!

image Brides.com

Eek! My face!

You wake up blissful on that morning... until you look in the mirror.  Yep, it's your special occasion zit.

Never fear.  Here's what to do.

From Brides.com:

"Los Angeles makeup artist Patty Bunch has a fail-proof plan: Dab on a little NeoSporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment to take down swelling. Next, use your concealer brush to dam on a dense formulation—Bunch swears by The Balm timeBalm Concealer ($17, Sephora). Finally, seal it with Genie Instant Line Smoother ($24.99 on Amazon), which dries to create a shield over the spot and tighten the skin, further reducing inflammation.

"You won’t see that sucker again until you cleanse your face that night," she says."

Wedding Hair

Anne Chertoff from the blog "From I Will to I Do" posted some greats tips earlier this month after conversation with a wedding day hair stylist.

"It's very important to start thinking about your wedding hairstyle early on.  If you want to grow your hair, color it or highlight it you'll need time to let it grow and test out colors. It's not a good idea to show up the morning of your wedding and say to your stylist, by the way, I'm getting married today.


You should meet with him or her a few months before and talk about your ideas. Bring photos from wedding magazines and Web sites for inspiration. If you know that you're wearing a tiara, hair pin or other accessory, bring it with you.

I asked Antonio Gonzales of the Eva Scrivo Salon (and a Voguemagazine favorite) for his tips on how to ensure your wedding day hair is picture perfect. Here's what he had to say:


Your wedding day is special to you and should be special to your stylist. Some women have dreamt of this day since they were girls and others have a more casual approach. With this in mind, have patience and fun while approaching your special day where your hair is concerned.  Here are some tips that are designed with your best interests in mind:

1) If your existing hair stylist does not dress hair for weddings, that's OK, ask for a recommendation in the salon or go to another salon.

2) Always do a trial; there should be no surprises on your special day.

3) Ask the salon if they do complimentary consultations before booking an appointment. This way you can decide if there is a positive energy between you and the stylist. After all, you want to trust the person and be able to be emotional in front him or her without feeling uncomfortable.

4) A trial should take at least one hour, sometimes the excitement takes time away fast!

5) It may be helpful to have a look at the back in the hand mirror to ensure you are on the same page, so if any changes are to be made you can save precious time.

6) If you are a little unhappy with your trial, ask if some changes can be made at that time and see if he or she can produce a satisfactory result. If you are still unhappy, politely get up, say thanks, pay and EXIT THE BUILDING!! :)

7) Remember not to be worried about hurting the stylist's feelings by going to someone else; it's about you not the stylist. In our field we can't take it personally. All we can do is our best.

BONUS TIP from me: Don’t forget to take photos at your trial of your ‘do from the front, back and sides. Paste them in your wedding planner so you can refer to them on your wedding day.
Check back tomorrow for the rest of Antonio's fabulous tips. And visit his blog, Hair by Antonio, for more ideas and hairstyling tricks!"

These are great tips to keep in mind during your trial and on wedding day.  Thanks Anne!

Image from Anne's blog of Antonio

Beep Beep Back Up

Just a little reminder...

If you're keeping all of your wedding files like contracts, spreadsheets, and inspiration on your computer then be sure to get some back up.

This is especially important for all of the photos you'll be taking throughout the celebration, as they would likely be lost if your computer quits on you.

Whether you choose to use an online backup service like Mozy or Carbonite or a separate hard drive - you need to have some kind of back-up.

If - heaven forbid - something did happen... you'll thank us.

Where Do We Sit?

The rsvp's are in.  Now, it's time to figure out where to sit everyone.  It's not an easy task, but it can be done successfully.  Just be patient!

The number one question we're asked?  Where do we sit - the bride and groom?  There are a few good answers - here they are:

1.  At a regular sized guest table.

You may choose to sit with a few members of your bridal party.  It's usually best if you place the parents at other tables to spread out the hosts and give more people a table with some VIP's.  In this instance, you can sit with some bridal party and their dates.  Spread the rest of the bridal throughout the reception area.

2. At a bridal party table.

This isn't the large bridal party of yesteryear.  It's a large table that the entire bridal party and their dates are seated around.  The key word here is around.  Seats are placed around the entire table and usually requires a larger rented table.  A standard banquet table is 30 inches wide and not wide enough for two place settings.

3.  At a sweetheart table.

This is a table just for the two of you.  Usually this table is a 36 inch round table and is placed near the dance floor.  Just try not to leave each other while seated at the table, it can get lonely.

Packing for Wedding Day

If you're getting ready at a hotel (as most of our brides do) then you will have a long list of things to bring to the hotel.

Don't forget to add these:

*A pretty hanger for your gown for pictures

*A couple of safety pins

*Scissors

*A card and gift (optional!) for your husband to be on wedding day

*Snacks and drinks for the morning of the wedding.  Clear drinks are recommended.

*Pack all of your undergarments and accessories together in one bag so they are easily found.

*A pretty robe or outfit to have your hair and makeup done in.

Happy Packing!

Very First Dance

Struggling with song choices for your First Dance?

Here are some great options:

"The Way You Look Tonight"  (Frank Sinatra)

"Endless Love" (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)

"Faithfully" (Journey)

"No Ordinary Love" (Sade)

"Don't Know Much" (Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville)

"Our Love is Here to Stay" (Harry Connick, Jr.)

"Unchained Melody" (The Righteous Brothers)

And some less-well-known options:

1.  "Look After You" (The Fray)

2.  "Happily Ever After in Your Eyes" (Ben Harper)

3.  "You're My First, My Last, My Everything" (Barry White)

4.  "Steady As We Go" (Dave Matthews Band)

5.  "All My Love" (Led Zeppelin)

6.  "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" (Stevie Wonder)

7.  "Ice Cream" (Sarah McLachlan)

photo credit:  David Michele Photography

"When You Care Enough To Hit Send"

We just stumbled across the most hilarious wedding e-cards and just had to share.

Here are a few of our favorites.  Have fun sending them to your wedding party and favorite brides-to-be.

SomeECards.com

www.someecards.com

Most Favorite Tip?

CONTEST!


Alright blog readers! We tell you our favorite tips all the time. Now we want you to share yours!

Share your very favorite tip for the Bride.

Cute.

Funny.

Sentimental.

Organizational.

Planning.
Best lesson from your wedding experience.

Your very best tip.


Christina's favorite tip of all time:
Brides: go to the restroom before you put on your gown.
It will save you from running to the restroom as the limo arrives.


Elizabeth's favorite tip of all time:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue - don't forget!


Kate's favorite tip of all time:
Take a bridesmaid with you to the final fitting of your wedding gown so they can learn how the gown is to be bustled. Watch the professional at the salon do the bustle and
then take a picture of the final look in order to use it as a reference to make sure you have done it correctly on the wedding day.

Rules:
*Contest Ends: August 13, 2008 at 11:59pm
*Winner will be listed on the blog.  Winner must contact EBW&E with a mailing address within 2 days.
*One entry per person.

We'll choose our very favorite tip and send you a $25 iTunes gift card.

May the best tip win!

"We want to have a great time at our wedding"

We hear this a lot: "We want to have a great time at our wedding". For many brides and grooms the goal of the wedding is to have a great time with friends and family and to be sure that people walk away saying "that was a great party".

How do we make this happen? Here are a few keys:

*Have your first look before the wedding ceremony.

Set up a private first meeting just between the bride and groom for the wedding day. It will give you time to have a moment alone together and allows you to take of all of those pictures before the ceremony begins. The bonus? You're free to join your friends and family in cocktail hour instead of being stressed about getting the pictures taken.

*Keep things fun and lighthearted.

Don't sweat the small stuff. If something doesn't go according to plan, your gown gets dirty, or the flowergirl starts to cry - just let it roll. Keep your attitude positive and focused on the purpose of the day and everything will go smoother.

*Realistic expectations.

The glitches are memorable and you will look back at them fondly for years to come.

*Hire the best and trust.

Work with the best vendors in your area and let them do their thing. When you have a great team working with you, you are able to relax and enjoy the evening.

*Surround yourself with love and joy.

Your bridal party is there to support you, invite people that are supportive and loving. If there's a Debbie Dower in the bunch, then keep them out of your inner circle.

*Dance!

The number one key element to keeping the dance floor packed is the Bride and Groom. Your guests will follow your lead and if you're on the dance floor having a great time - they're going to join you. If you're spending your time chatting and socializing then they will follow suit. So if it's a great party you want, then you're going to have to get the party started.

image from weddingcrashers movie

Catering Tastings

Over the years we have attended many catering "tastings" with our clients. Some caterers and reception venues do a good job at a tasting and others are dreadful. How would you like to be the bride and groom (along with their parents) paying $ 30,000. to a hotel for your wedding reception and at your final tasting be served a single salad with 5 forks for all to share? This really happened and was embarrassing. The hotel continued the fiasco by serving one entree next to the whole group next and expected everyone to use the same forks to dig in together to taste. No wine was offered, no hors d'oeuvres to taste, no bread, no dessert, no coffee, no courtesy, no class. Let's just say that although the wedding reception that was held there a couple of months later was fine, I never recommended the hotel venue again.

Now let's look at a better scenario: I was with a client last week for a tasting at Classic Catering People in Owings Mills. They are catering the bride's August wedding. The bride and groom along with the groom's parents and I attended the tasting along with our wonderful sales executive Terri Young. Terri is not only one of the best catering managers in the area, but always develops a killer menu for the event.

At this tasting, we were led to a private room with a beautifully set table. I had arranged for the bride's tablecloth choice to be delivered the day ahead in order for her to see it on the table with the china, glassware and flatware that the catering is using for the wedding. Everyone was offered a drink by a wonderful server. After some conversation about the schedule for the wedding day and logistics of the rentals for the wedding, our server proceeded to bring out a parade of 10 crazy good hors d'oeuvres choices. (Be sure to see the next blog post which contains valuable tips to use at the tasting). Seven types of fabulous morsels made the cut. The guests will be thrilled.

After a nice interlude of a few more minutes of logistics discussion, the server arrived back in the room with the first course options. Half of us were served a Layered Summer Salad of mixed greens, watermelon croutons, feta cheese, toasted Sesame seeds and radishes in a soy-lime vinaigrette and half of us were served a Stack of Fresh Mozzarella and Red and Yellow Tomatoes with a Basil Vinaigrette. The food was beautifully presented and it was a difficult choice because they were both delicious. Since the wedding hasn't happened yet, I won't reveal the final choice here.

May I just mention the creative bread basket? It was filled with housemade garlic bread, petite ciabatta rolls, and butter triangles. Delish.

Of course in typical Classic Catering first class service, the entree selections came out next. Once again we were each served a complete plate presentation of 2 choices of entrees with accompaniments of vegetables and potatoes. They were very impressive plates of food. Again, I'll leave actual choices from everyone for now but promise to post more after the wedding takes place next week.

The tasting appointment lasted about 1.5 hours and the bride and groom left full and satisfied that their wedding reception food will be awesome. It was a wonderful experience.