Saved!!

Last year the production of Polaroid film was stopped and it was unknown if future production of the film would be possible.

Wonderful News!

A new company Impossible b.v. has been created in the Netherlands with the intention to figure out how to  re-start production of this beloved product.  They plan to get things up and running by 2010.

Thank Goodness!  We love using the Adesso Albums and we need the film to make it happen.

image from Dane Sanders

The Honour of your Presence Part 3

And yes, there are even rules for the Thank You Notes and other Social Stationery.

Thank You Notes

1.  If you plan to order thank you notes with your new married monogram, married couple monogram, or new last name, then you may not use it until after the wedding.  For showers and pre-wedding events you use stationery with your maiden monogram, maiden name, or simply your first name.

2.  It is appropriate to send thank you notes for wedding gifts received before the wedding.

3.  Send out your thank you notes as quickly as possible.  The gift givers wants to be sure it was received, especially if it was sent directly from a company.

image from flicker

The Honour of your Presence Part 2

Wedding Invitations have a lot of rules.  You'll find many of them easily, but here a few that are more difficult to locate.

Wedding Invitations

1.  Honour and Favour are the most formal terms.  They're optional.  Just be sure to use the U in both places if you use it at all.

2.  You "request the honour of your presence" for a house of worship (like a church, temple, or synagogue). You "request the pleasure of your company" for another venue (outside, hotel ballroom, mansion, art museum.

3. It's "half after five o'clock" or "half after five in the evening".

4.  Mail everything out 6-8 weeks before the wedding and ask for responses 3 weeks before the wedding day.

5.  If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, skip the extra reception card.

6.  Order 10% of your total extra envelopes.  Your calligrapher will thank you.

7.  Have the entire package weighed and measured at the post office before buying stamps.  There are rules about the size and rigidity that you don't want to guess on.

Good Luck!  And recruit extra help to assemble everything - it takes longer than you would imagine!

The Honour of Your Presence Part 1

There are some etiquette rules you should know before ordering your Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, and Thank You Notes.  We'll share them in a three part series.

Save the Dates

1.  Use the term Save the Date so that people are sure it's not your formal invitation.  You should also include the phrase "formal invitation to follow" in small print.

2.  Include your first and last names.  Some people may not immediately know who Samantha and Brian are and last names are always helpful.

3.  It seems obvious, but include the actual date and city where the wedding will take place.

4.  Include hotel and accommodations information for out of towners.  Once you have rooms blocks secured you can share the local telephone number and rate for your chosen hotel.  If this information won't fit on your chosen card then the wedding website is the way to go.

5.  Create a wedding website and include the url.  There are numerous ways to create a wedding website - just remember that a short url is always better.  It's the easiest way to give directions, attire suggestions, updated information, and registry links.

6.  Make it cute, fun, and you!

image from mthreestudio.com

Hot Date

The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center has a few open dates for 2009 and they're offering 20% off of their wedding package rates.

www.riggs.umd.edu

Contact Dakia Adams at 301.405.9756

April 2009
Friday April 5th
Friday April 10th
Saturday April 11th
Sunday April 12th

May 2009
Friday May 1st
Sunday May 3rd
Friday May 15th
Sunday May 17th
Friday May 22nd
Friday May 29th

June 2009
Saturday June 6th
Friday June 19th
Saturday June 20th
Sunday June 21st
Friday June 26th
Saturday  June 27th
Sunday June 28th

Couture Bridal Show - This Saturday!

The Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium is hosting a Couture Bridal Show this Saturday (January 31st) at the Stephen Decatur House Museum from 12 noon - 5pm.

Exclusive dresses from Promise for the Savvy Bride, a fantastic goody bag, and DCCWC Vendors!

Register here. 

Learn about the Stephan Decatur House Museum here .

Trunk Show!

There are Trunk Shows happening in February!

Gamberdella Salon for Brides
February 1st and 2nd
Regalia Veil Trunk Show

www.gamberdellabridalsalon.com
410.828.7870
30 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson MD



Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
February 6th, 7th, and 8th
Matthew Christopher Trunk Show

www.robinsonsbridal.com
410.484.4600
1848 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore MD


Hitched Salon is having a few shows this month.

February 6th and 7th
Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown and Mother of the Occasion Trunk Show

February 12th, 13th, and 14th
Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show

February 20th and 21st
Reva Mivasagar Trunk Show

February 27th and 28th
Ulla-Maija Trunk Show

www.hitchedsalon.com
202.333.6162
1523 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC


Be sure to call for an appointment!

Catering Contracts

There are a few key things to do before signing your Catering Contract.

1.  Find out exactly what you're getting.  If you're confused - ask questions.  If the caterer can provide glassware, china, flatware, and barware - what does it look like?  If the caterer can provide linens, chairs, and tables - what do they look like?

2.  Do the math.  Add up the TOTAL cost.  Total cost includes service staff, service charges, taxes, menu, bar, and any other charges listed on the contract.  Ask about gratuities and other charges.  Once you have that number, then you can divide it by your guest count and see your per person price.

3.  Check your count.  You don't want to guarantee more guests than you anticipate at the wedding.  Consult your guest list and give your caterer a minimum number of attendants.

4.  Ask about the venue.  If you are bringing in a caterer to a venue that does not have a kitchen on site then you may have to bring in stoves and other equipment.  This equipment can add to your bottom line, so be sure to ask the caterer what is required before signing.

Wrapped in Love

Liesel and Kevin's eco-friendly wedding was featured in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and on a tv special on the Style Network.  There were tons of great eco ideas from the wedding, but one of my favorites wasn't as much eco as it was personal.  It's actually an idea that I've done in the past.

Guests were asked to write a message to Liesel and Kevin on a square of fabric to be made into a keepsake quilt for the newlyweds.

We asked guests to sign squares of fabric with wishes and advice for a baby shower for my nieces two years ago.  Both girls now have a quilt to cherish with words of love from friends and family.

Thrilled!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new website!!

www.elizabethbaileyweddings.com 

It was a labor of love to get it started and we're so pleased with the results!

Color Inspiration

You can find inspiration anywhere - it doesn't have to be a wedding magazine, wedding blog, or old issues of Martha Stewart Living.  I found this image in Architectural Digest.  This image came from an article about a revitalized penthouse in Dallas.

I love the luxury, that tone of blue mixed with the perfect ivory.  I adore damask and this muted version is just right.  The subtle hints of pink are just girly enough while the check on the chairs give a masculine edge.  It's traditional without feeling overbearing.

Translate it into your wedding design by pulling the blue and ivory combination with accents of pink.  Keep it traditional with a air of luxury.

Most of all... it will be comfortable.  Just imagine crawling into that bed after a long day...

image from ArchitecturalDigest.com

Mini-Maid

For the flower girls and mini-maids in your wedding party--they can be tricky to outfit. Do they match the bridesmaids or the bride? Our vote: make them super cute and everyone will be happy. Have a gaggle of them if you wish - just make sure they're ready for the role. A crying flower girl isn't fun at the back of the aisle.

Us Angels, Style 104

Us Angels, Style 217

Johanna Grace, No. 2b Chatham

Johanna Grace, No. 3g Sorbet

Happy Inauguration Day!

Happy Inauguration Day!

Prima: Coming Soon!

Only a few more months until Prima Bridal Show - Baltimore's Premier Bridal Show!

When:  Sunday, April 26, 2009

Time: Starting at Noon

Who:  Bride's-To-Be at Baltimore's Best Wedding Vendors

Why:  The great Baltimore vendors, the design and food inspiration, your tote bag chock full of wedding goodies, and fantastic door prizes.  Plus - Elizabeth and Christina will be there!

Last year we wowed you with pink champagne and cotton candy - what will it be this year??

More information coming soon!  Mark your calendars!

Nigeria + Jeff

More photos from Nigeria and Jeff's wedding late last year.  Michael Clark sent us over an entire CD of images - thanks Michael!

Weddings at Harbor Court Hotel

The InterContinental Harbor Court Hotel in downtown Baltimore is featuring

Complimentary "Honeymoon on Us" gift card good for $500-$2,000 towards your Honeymoon.  Good at any InterContinental Hotel & Resort for weddings booked in 2009.


Special Value Dates


Friday, Saturday Afternoon and Sunday Weddings
January - August 2009 or November - December 4, 2009
select up to 4 of the following upgrades


Saturday Evening Weddings
January - August 2009 or November - December 4, 2009
select up to 3 of the following upgrades


For any wedding date January - April 1, 2010
select up to 4 of the following upgrades


Choice of Upgrades
Complimentary Bridal Party Tea for up to 10 guests
Discounted Self-Parking of $6 per car
10% off your Rehearsal Dinner pricing
10% off your Post-Wedding Brunch pricing
Bridal Suite at 1/2 off for the evening before the wedding
Complimentary Snack in the Bridal Suite while you're getting ready
Complimentary White chair-covers
Discount coupons for Sunday breakfast for overnight guests
One additional Complimentary Room for the guest of your choice

*upgrades may not be duplicated

InterContinental Harbor Court Hotel
550 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Call Meghan Sharkey 410.347.9724 for more details and information!

Keep Watching...

...new things are coming soon!!!  We can't wait for you to see our new website!  It will be up soon!

Wedding on the Web

We always recommend creating a wedding website.  It's an easy way to get the information out to your guests about hotels, directions, attire suggestions, and registry information.  You can update as necessary and share pictures of the big day afterwards.  Plus, it's just fun.

If you need a guide for your wedding website then you should take a gander at Andy and Angela's .

Not only is it the perfect example of a good wedding website - chock full of information - but it's hilarious. You can see a guide of Schrute Farms and check out Angela's Nellie Olsen inspired wedding dress.

 

Trunk Show!

Betsy Robinson's Bridal has some Trunk Shows coming up this month!

January 16, 17, 18

Romona Keveza Legends

January 23, 24, 25

Watters & Watters Bridal and Bridesmaids

Thomas Knoll

January 30, 31, and February 1

Amsale Bridal and Bridesmaids

For details visit www.robinsonsbridal.com 

The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

Christina writes...

Have you looked at your calendar today?  Can't figure out what makes today so special?  (Other than that's it's Wednesday and that means Damages is on tonight, love that show).  But I digress.

It's the 14th.  That means it's only a month until the oh-so-loved, oh-so-dreaded, oh-so-romantic holiday.


Valentine's Day.

So if you're in the love that means you need to plan something.  Or drop some hints to make sure your beloved is planning something.  If you're not the love then it's time to buy stock in Haagen Daz.

Oh, and it's a Saturday this year folks.  So make your reservations early.

Need to drop some hints?  Cut and paste this into an email.

Around the corner

Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland

Try their Romantic Package.  It comes with sparkling white wine, fresh flowers, and chocolates.

www.harborcourt.com

Worth the drive

Hyatt Chesapeake Bay - Cambridge, Maryland

Check out the Amour Package.  A $40 credit for food and beverage, champagne, strawberries and the essential 1 pm late checkout.

www.chesapeakebay.hyatt.com

Inn at Perry Cabin - St. Michaels, Maryland

Love Is "Inn the Air" - just for Valentine's Day.  This three night stay includes dinner for two on the first night, with candlelight turndown.  The second day takes you to the Spa for the "Lover's Spa Treatment" and yoga class.  The final day start with room service breakfast for two, romantic movie delivered to the room and a later than late 3pm checkout.

www.perrycabin.com

Something different

Hay Adams Hotel - Washington DC

Monuments by Night Package.  We live so close to DC, but when was the last night you really took the time to enjoy it?  This package includes a two hour evening tour of the monuments in a private sedan.  It also includes champagne and a full American breakfast for two.

www.hayadams.com

image from perrycabin.com

My Feet Hurt

Christina writes:

I'm not good at wearing heals.  They always pinch my toes or rub my heals.  I'm perfectly tall enough as it is so I don't need the added height.  I looove the way they look but hate the way they make (my toes) feel.

So to that end here are some of my picks for cuter than cute shoes for your wedding day that will last through cocktail hour - if you can't deal with heals like me.

Kate Spade, Elissa $277.95 on Zappos

Stuart Weitzman, Honey $295 on Zappos

Benjamin Adams, Renee $199 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Filippa Scott, Lori $360.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Stuart Weitzman, Blada $265.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com

Grazia, Sabrina $175.00 on MyGlassSlipper.com


Such a bummer because I know we'd all really prefer to wear these:

Manolo Blahnik, Something Blue Satin Pump $945.00 on BergdorfGoodman.com

How Would You Spend It?

If you had $100 to use on anything you wanted - how would you spend it?

Tell us how you would spend it in comments.

Elizabeth says:

Everyone knows it is not difficult to spend $ 100.00. Just one trip to the grocery store or a check to pay the electric bill each month takes care of that. However, when asked how to thoughtfully spend $100.00, I would want to buy something that I would use everyday. Recently I splurged and purchased 800 thread count, 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets. Normally these luxurious sheets would cost over $100, but I went to TJ Maxx and found the perfect color and the perfect size for my bed. Not only at $100 could I afford the linens, but I purchased two new fluffy Ralph Lauren pillows too. The sheets are fabulous and a great luxury after a long day.

Christina says:

If I had $100 to use for anything I wanted I would probably spend $90 of it towards a new lighting fixture for over my kitchen table. It's still the awful builder installed horrible thing and I hate looking at it. With the last $10 I would pay off my library fines (why oh why can't I return on time?).

Swoon

Swoon.

You have to see this amazing ceremony structure that a Groom created for his Bride down on the Eastern Shore.  This wedding was shot by Regeti's and the images are just amazing.  It's meant to look like a ruin and the space is stunning.  The pews are from a church and create perfect ceremony space in the couples backyard.

You can see all of the images from the wedding on the Regeti Blog