Hop on the Social Media Train June 3, 2011

Social media is a big part of our lives and is continuously growing. I had a couple ask if they should use social media. YES! Twitter and Facebook are changing the ways for weddings.

Wedding vendors have gone social. It’s a great way to connect with them, ask questions and receive great promos.

Another great idea to use Live Stream. This is perfect for the guests that are unable to attend your special day but can still see it broadcasted. Perfect for destination weddings! Ustream is one site that can help you share your day.

Introduce the wedding attendants on facebook, this will avoid any awkwardness. Let them get to know each other a little better before the big day.

If you are going to be using social media, remember these tips. Guests should not post photos of the couple until the bride does it first, it’s her day. Don’t make your wedding a Facebook event, always send an invitation or design a wedding website. The wedding ceremony is off limits to social media, be polite and respectful.

 

Staying Organized During The Planning Stage January 18, 2011

Staying on top of things and getting organized is a must and should be done right away in the planning stages. Not only will this save you time and stress when you need to find a key document quickly, but it will also help keep your budget on track. One thing that I highly recommend when you’re first getting organized is to set up a collection bin system to contain and process all of your wedding-related correspondence and materials.

#1 A Wedding Inbox- this bin should contain all materials that you have received in the mail or at bridal shows.

#2 Wedding Idea Bin- contains all your inspirations from magazines or on-line, fabric swatches or anything you have collected that you like.

#3 Wedding Binder- hold your notes, contracts, or information that is important in the planning stages. A binder that has sleeves is the best to hold the contents.

After you have collected and organized your bins, it is important that you process the information. Once a week, empty your wedding inbox by processing any correspondence or contracts that need to be signed. Then file anything that’s been finalized from your inbox into your wedding binder. At least every two weeks or once every month, also empty your “ideas” bin by keeping only the things that you think you’ll actually use. Your final color or fabric swatches can be added to your wedding binder, along with any other favor or decor ideas you’ve decided upon, etc.
 
Processing the information will allow you to stay on top of anything that needs immediate attention, while continuing to fill up your binder and cross off your wedding planning tasks.

Your bins and binder does not have to be anything fancy or expensive. Use wire baskets for your bins and a three-ring binder with sleeves for your wedding binder.

Transforming Your Reception October 14, 2010

Some reception areas can be stiff and have no character.  Try these simple decor ideas to transform your dull room into something unique and fun.  Instead of the same ol’ rounds tables of 8 for dinner, inter-mix rectangle tables (2- 8′ tables together) and square tables (2- 6′ tables together) with round tables.  Chavari chairs create a luxurious embience instead of the traditional banquet style chairs commonly used in reception halls.  Or you can cover the banquet chairs in a satin chair cover.  For a lounge effect during your cocktail hour or after the reception use contemporary couches and chairs, ottomans, low chairs with coffee tables to create a fun and informal setting.  Use uplighting to create a mood (romantic, dramatic, relaxed)  or to emhasize a perticular structure in the reception hall (column, chandilier).  Area rugs can add color, texture, and emphasize focal points.  Put a circular rug under the cake table, spread throughout the cocktail area or even under the head table.

What Are Brides Buzzing About on Favor Ideas? August 28, 2010

Give the wedding favor of delicious sophistication with “Olive You”, gourmet Olive Oil.  The perfect sampling of romantic Tuscany!   The bottles came be inscribed, are reusable and come in a floral gift box with black organza ribbon and gift tag.  Your guests will fall “olive” with these favors at first sight!

Another great favor idea is a “Seasoned with Love” Parmesan Cheese & Spice Shaker. You can spice up almost any dish and almost any party with this favor that lets guests bring good taste to their tables, too.  The sculpted-glass shaker has a stainless-steel screw-on cap with small, heart-shaped holes.   Useful, unique and just the Italian wedding favor to spice things up at your reception, whether you’re Italian or not! Your guests will love taking this flavorful favor home!

Make old shoes, new again July 9, 2010

Accessories have always been popular throughout the years.  Chunky bracelets, hoop earings, etc.  Something new for this fall is shoes accessories and I don’t mean just an ordinary shoe clip.  Do a fashion forward SHOE makeover with heel rings, heel chains, fringe, lace or crystal shoe straps.  This dramatic change adds a new style to and old shoe.  Check out this website:  www.ericagiuliani.com for some unique ideas.

Non-traditional Ceremony May 28, 2010

Non-traditional weddings have been popular for the past couple of years.  Brides are putting a twist in certain areas of the wedding, but why not bring that non-traditional feel into the ceremony as well.  If you are having an outdoor ceremony try seating your guests in a circle around the bride and groom.  The round shape is a great symbol (like a ring) and it’s a nice way for all your guests to see.  If you are having a large number of guests you may need to have two rows.  And don’t forget you will still have your walk down the aisle.  Here how it would work:

1. Set up the chairs in a circle, leaving a four-seat wide opening for an entrance and another space opposite the entrance where your wedding party will stand. The wedding party will be part of what creates the circle.

2. Instead of a walk down the aisle, the wedding party members enter the circle and walk around the inside perimeter (in front of the guests) until they arrive at their station opposite the entrance. Have half the members go clockwise and the others go counter-clockwise, alternating direction with each person that enters the circle.

3. The groom awaits his bride at the circle’s entrance and together, they walk around the entire inside of the circle so they and their guests can see each other “up close and personal.” When they have made their walk, they take their places on a low riser set up in the middle of the circle. Here, with their officiant, the ceremony takes place. You can even turn to stand in different directions throughout the ceremony, so that everyone gets a front, side and back view of your radiant beauty.

4. After the bride and groom take their place on the platform, the two people sitting on opposite sides of the entrance “close the circle” by holding the ends of a ribbon (provided to them in advance). This brings energy and attention into the center of the circle for the ceremony. When the ceremony ends, the bride and groom break open the circle by walking through the gently held ribbon. The wedding party exists by walking straight across the circle. The celebration begins. And the guests will have something interesting to talk about at the reception!

Bouquet Tips April 27, 2010

Guests notice everything detail of the bride; her dress, make-up, hair, shoes and bouquet.  Choosing the right bouquet is a major part of the planning process.  You must consider your height and body size.  If you are short, add more length to your bouquet.  If you are taller, have a posy style bouquet.  And for the large-build bride pick a larger bouquet, a smaller bouquet will actually make you look larger than you are.  Picking flowers in season are less expensive.  Match your bouquet with the theme and/or color of your wedding.  Flowers don’t come in all colors so you must select your flowers carefully.  If you can’t find flowers in the right color, consider having your bouquet in whites and ivorys.  The bouquet is only an accessory to you.  Keep it simple yet elegant.  Don’t have the bouquet overpower you.

The Perfect Wedding Dress April 12, 2010

Finding the perfect dress may be a little stressful.  Try not to overwhelm yourself, in the end it will all be worth it.  Research dresses on-line or in magazines.  Collecting styles will help determine what styles/cuts you are looking for.  Take these photos along with you when trying on dresses.  With trying on dresses that you researched, try on dresses that you don’t like as well.  If nothing else it will give you an idea of what you don’t like OR you might be surprised and you could find “the one”.