Small Additions = Big Wow

A sentence that I always hear is 'I want something special, but I don't want to spend too much money'. Giving your guests a wow factor is certainly possible with a few simple changes to your decor or set-up.

 Personalize and Specialize

For just a small cost, you can put your new name as Mr. & Mrs. "insert name here" where it will give guests a true wow moment. A step and repeat banner is the perfect backdrop for the perfect photo opportunities. Have the photographer print the photos on site to give to guests for the perfect souvenir. 

A few other places to stamp your name as an official married couple: Aisle runner, napkins or a gobo to light up your dance floor. 

Cheers!

A specialty drink not only cuts costs, but adds a personal touch for guests from you and your fiance. Offer a selection of wine and beer with your specialty drink and everyone will surely be happy. Offer your drinks as guests arrive to the reception, and if you have a small wedding, you can also use the drinks as the most delicious place card substitutes your guests will ever encounter.

Pick a Seat....any seat!

Serpentine seating is not just for the lounge area. A twist on family-style seating, the Serpentine style allows for family style dinners that require laughter and smiles.....everyone knows that.

Creative Fall/Winter Wedding Cakes

Each season brings a different take on wedding creativity. Take a different spin on what is placed on your dessert table and Bon Appetite!

Greens and seasonal fruit are the perfect piece of decoration for this cake

A cheese cake.....paired with fruit, crackers and a great glass of wine, I will be happy to cut this at the beginning of the reception

Chocolate Toffee Naked Cake. Yum!

Everybody loves donuts!

Crepe cake

Cold weather = Delicious pies

Pronovias Atelier 2015 Collection

Pronovias Atelier 2015 collection has something for every bride. Sexy, Modern or Glamorous, these dresses are show stoppers. I tried very hard not to put all of the dresses in this one post. Check out the rest of dresses and the other collections at the link below.

http://www.pronovias.us/wedding-dresses-2015/2015-atelier

Wedding Traditions Around The World

It is always interesting to learn how one culture's traditions differ from another and I often enjoy learning different wedding customs and the reason behind them. Someone forwarded this great link that is an "easy to read" Wedding Tradition Encyclopedia.

Many of these traditions will seem familiar and some have been given modern twists. My favorite are definitely the post-ceremony customs of the Czech weddings which consist of a rope-tied groom, broken dinnerware and a kidnapped bride. I can't make this stuff up.

Click the above link above to read more.

Bridal Fashion Week in Review: Trend Alert!

I will periodically post my favorite looks on my Facebook account as the week progresseWhats, but I cannot seem to post fast enough and do every dress justice. I plan to spend the next few days dissecting my favorite collections, individual looks and trends from the week.

1. Lace Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses

What some brides use to associate as an old-fashioned, modern (and dare we say matronly *gasp*) look, has swarmed the runway of BFW. Sleeves bring a classic elegance to a wedding dress and when done in lace, gives an alluring 'peek-a-boo' affect. Here are some looks that I really liked.

Carolina Herrera

Marchesa

Naeem Khan

Temperley

Alon Livne

Samuelle Couture

Samuelle Couture

Engagement Party Planning Tips

Here are some tips on pulling off an engagement party. It’s easier than you think!

1. Who Hosts?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride will host the engagement party. That is not the case anymore. It is not uncommon to hear of the bride and groom throwing their own party or friends and family may volunteer to throw you one instead.

2. When should I have it?

The perfect time to have your party is after your engagement and before the serious planning begins (unless you are enlisting a wedding planner to help you plan the engagement party as well you would not have even looked for one yet) . Don’t have it later than 11 months before the wedding. Give your guests enough notice before the party and the party serves as a great stepping stone before invitations are sent out for the wedding day

3.Who makes the list?

It use to be a serious faux paz to invite someone to your engagement party that you won’t invite to the wedding. These days the large number of destination/out of town weddings has altered that rule.

It is acceptable to have a smaller get together with new friends, co-workers and others who may not make the invitation list dues to numbers or other reasons.

4. What is it for?

This is a time to celebrate and share your joy with those close to you. It is a great time to introduce the two sides of the family and give them a chance to get acquainted.

5. Do I need a theme?

My best advice is to go with a theme, color scheme or concept that does not resemble your ideas for your wedding day. Leave the real gasping from your guests for the wedding day.

Click here to see more ideas on my Engagement Party Pinterest Board.

The Mariott Marquis DC: What a hotel!

I had the great pleasure of touring the new Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. last week, and I think I fell in love.

Before I share more information about the hotel here are some facts about the Marriott family and brand.

1. The Marriott brand evolved from J. Willard Marriott's nine-stool root beer stand that grew into the Hot Shoppes brand.
2. This venture began in Washington D.C.
3. The D.C. Marriott Marquis marks the 4,000th hotel, bringing the Marriott journey full circle
4. A replica of the nine-stool root beer stand has a home in one of the hotel's restaurants

The hotel has 1,175 rooms and ample event space. 14 floors above ground and 14 floors below, this hotel is an architectural wonder. The vast lobby creates pockets for relaxing, working or to be social without getting overwhelmed by other guests. 

The Marquis ballroom is over 30,000 square feet and the hotel has an additional 75,000+ of event space to accommodate meetings or events of any size. 

The hotel has inside access to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, walking distance to Chinatown and metro accessible. 

I can't wait for my next excuse to stay a night in the city. This will be my first choice.

Autumn Bouquet Inspirations

Which of these autumn-inspired bouquets do you like best? Which would you choose?

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

Your Wedding Budget Breakdown

Unsure how to budget your wedding needs? Click the chart below for a wedding budget guide. Every wedding is different, but this will help you start.

Outdoor Wedding Lawn Games

Outdoor weddings are best when you use the location to its maximum potential. Day-time outdoor weddings allows your guests to enjoy the scenery and with a few choice games, they will never want to go indoors. Make cocktail hour recess. Create living areas that allow the guests to sit an mingle or take part in the fun. Using furniture similar to those you would find in your living room makes you feel like you are home in the backyard competing with your siblings.

Honeymoon Destinations

The Caribbean and Hawaii have been the go-to destinations for couples over the years, but here are some great destinations that are becoming a big hit among newlyweds.

Bali

Maldives

Portugal

Quebec City

South Africa

Bring Back The Peignoir!

Elizabeth Montgomery Bewitched

As I watched an episode of Bewitched as Samantha Stevens came running down her stairs in the middle of the night I had the same thought I always have when I watch a show or movie "before my time": What ever happened to the peignoir!?! I know that they still exist, but the foot of fabric that we call a peignoir/dressing gown today cannot hold a candle to the vintage fashion statements I see in classic movies. The elegance and style of the peignoir makes a great gift for a bride. Here are only some examples of the beauty of the classic peignoir piece; You can easily mistake some for dresses!

Vintage Peignoir

Carole Landis

Marilyn Monroe

Katharine Hepburn Bringing Up Baby