Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale

This is usually the day I write about a Planning Kickstart – but today I want to let you all know about a fantastic opportunity to help a great organization!

This weekend, February 28 and March 1, there is a Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale at the Wyndham Hotel RTP. Come down and find a designer dress, pay 25% of retail, and help individuals with stage IV breast cancer.

If you would like to register for the Power Hours – which is a limited entrance for the first look at the gowns – please follow this link {REGISTER}.

Hope to see you all there!

Catherine

Planning Kickstart – Lights!

First, so sorry I missed last week. Sometimes, getting well trumps blogging, but I hope not very often! So, back to what I actually adore doing – planning and talking about events! One of my favorite things that can be done on a budget is lighting. You don’t have to hire a lighting designer (but if you have the money, please do so) to plan and create some truly beautiful lighting.

I love lit tables at events, but I’m not a really big fan of open flame. So many places have so many restrictions on candles and how they can be used, sometimes it is just easier to plan for lighting with different sources of illumination. Now, don’t get me wrong, candlelight is stunning, and used in hurricanes or bowls, I can and do still use it. One of my favorite places to look for lighting ideas is Save On Crafts {http://www.save-on-crafts.com/}. They have the coolest selection of LED and glow lighting I have found, and their prices are really good, too. Just look at the pictures from them below.

I love the glowing look from these lights. I have used them before and people think they are absolutely beautiful. You can combine them with candlelight as well, as shown in the large Brandy Snifter picture. Some of the lights are also submersible in water, so you can use them with fresh flowers, too. Look in Celebrate!’s top pictures for a sample!

Whatever you do with your tabletops and centerpieces, don’t forget how powerful simple lighting can be – and it doesn’t have to break the bank, either!

Catherine

Inspiration Board Thursday!

Love the Blues!

Not just for beach weddings, but the cool hues do lend themselves beautifully to sandy settings. I LOVE bottles as décor!

Photo credits clockwise from upper left: Bottle Tablescape, Allison Rosa via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Tablesetting, Luca Trovato via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Bottles, Dominique Vorillion via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Invitation Set, Carlson Craft {http://www.carlsoncraft.com/}; Bouquet, Luca Trovato via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Shell Cake, Allison Rosa via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Favors, Dominique Vorillion via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Flower Cart, Dominique Vorillion via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Blue Inspirations, Martha Stewart Weddings {http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/}; Seashell Placecards, Martha Stewart Weddings {http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/}; Candy Buffet, Allison Rosa via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}; Ice Vodka Bar, Allison Rosa via Brides {http://www.brides.com/}.

What do you like best?

Catherine

Registry and Gifts – Registry Tips

When you are selecting someplace to register for gifts, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Number one, make sure wherever you select is where your guests live. Some stores are regionally based. The internet has made this less of an issue, but, if you have older people who would be attending your wedding, a brick and mortar store may be more comfortable for them. I still like to see and touch gifts I give, too!

Another thing to remember and any good registry will tell you this as well, is to have items in all price ranges. Some people may not be able to afford a larger gift, but still want to get you something nice that you will use. A great way to accommodate guests of all budget ranges is to have more than one registry. First and foremost, select stores that you LOVE. I say this because these gifts will probably be with you for a long time and you need to really like what you pick. You can certainly add some things that are trendy or fun, but if you stick with classics, you can’t go wrong!

Now, that’s not to say don’t put your personal style into your choices. If you are modern, please don’t select traditional tableware. Let’s look at some classic traditional pieces and some classic modern pieces – and that’s not impossible!

The classic table settings are all available at Belk {http://www.belk.com/} and the more contemporary pieces are available at Crate and Barrel {http://www.crateandbarrel.com/}.

We’ll look at some more places for your registry and ideas that the “wedding” magazines don’t necessarily give you in some future posts.

So, now tell me – what is your favorite item you received as a gift?

Catherine

Etiquette Matters – Food Questions

Food. What most people will remember from your event – whether it be a finger foods reception to a four course meal, people will talk about what they eat. If they don’t like it, they’ll talk about it even more! While you can’t please everyone all the time, there are some things you can do to help ensure your guests have a wonderful time and enjoy the food at your reception.

Let’s answer two questions today that come up pretty frequently regarding food. Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings {http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/}

1. “I’m having lots of children at the wedding and reception. Do I have to feed them the same food everyone else gets?” The answer to this one is a resounding “it depends.” If your menu is kid-friendly, then you certainly may choose to do just that. Many caterers will provide a special children’s menu for your event. A plus is that the food usually costs less than the meals they are providing for your other guests. A big downside to them (in my opinion) is that you are then paying $15.00 for mac and cheese. And, if you’re having a buffet, many parents will just feed their children from that because they can pick and choose for them. Ask your caterer if they will discount your regular food for the children. If you plan appropriately- a buffet is great for this- you should have something that they would like to eat (or at least eat if they’re hungry!).
   
   
2. “Do I need to feed my vendors?” My answer to this one is absolutely yes. Not only because I am a vendor, but because we (all wedding vendors) are there for several hours and need to eat at some point. This isn’t as big a question as it has been in the past, but with everyone so budget conscious, I want to make sure you don’t cut this as part of your belt tightening. You want to make sure that your vendors are fed, but you don’t have to provide them the same meal as your guests. While it is very nice and I have never been fed anything other than what the other guests have been served , you can choose to serve a lesser priced meal to them. One thing I feel very strongly about, though, is that a table be reserved for the vendors at your reception. Even if it is out of the way, we do need a place to eat!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think.

Catherine

Planning Kickstart - Monograms

When you are thinking about your wedding and reception, it can be very helpful to create your overall theme design around one central element. It could be a flower, a vase, a picture, pretty much anything that will allow you to incorporate elements from that particular item into your décor and design. One of the elements that is used a lot today – but it is still, by its very nature a unique element for each and every person – is the monogram.

As early as your save the date and invitation, you can incorporate monograms into as many pieces of your event as you would like. Your veil can even be monogrammed! For an upcoming wedding, a bride and groom of mine have selected a beautiful and simple invitation with a first initial monogram in the corner. Their favors, napkins, and programs will also showcase their monogram. We’re even going a little farther with elements at their “Afterparty” that will bring the monogram full circle.

I found these monograms on Etsy. {http://www.etsy.com/} If you haven’t looked, just let me say that there are so many creative people in this world that really create striking handmade items. You need to go to Etsy! The beautiful work below is created by Sticky Graffiti. {http://www.stickygraffiti.etsy.com/} These are handmade vinyl monograms for your walls. Take a look:

My favorite is, of course, the Celebrate one! I do love the look of the watermark letter behind names, though. Imagine the wall of your reception with this beautiful monogram! Be sure you check into the rules at your facility before you decide to use it! This gives a beautiful and classic touch to your reception without breaking the bank – how budget friendly!!

I’m always on the lookout for any items like this, so if you see something you like, please let me know!

And, for fun, tell me how you used monograms at your wedding!

Catherine