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Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wacky Wednesday: Grand Canyon
This Wednesday's wacky location to have a wedding is the Grand Canyon. If you want to elope or have a destination wedding, God's most wonderful creation is a great choice as a backdrop for the wedding.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Three great planning websites!
These three websites are fabulous planning tools for your wedding. They allow you to create wedding websites, check prices, and they give a whole bunch of DIY projects!
Wedding Wire
The Knot
Project Wedding
Here is a table that I found online that offers other websites:
Wedding Wire
The Knot
Project Wedding
Here is a table that I found online that offers other websites:
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Event Insurance
With Hurricane Irene hitting the East Coast, a lot of plans, events, and vacations have to be changed. Life is unpredictable. For those unpredictable occurrences, companies offer event insurance. Insurance can reimburse you if mishaps occur such as:
- Liability insurance should cover damage to the wedding venue or injury to guests, protecting the wedding couple from a costly lawsuit.
- Cancellation insurance should cover the buyer's costs if the wedding must be postponed due to severe weather (like a hurricane or tornado), parent's death, or sudden illness or military duty of the bride or groom. It also covers replacement costs if key people don't show up, such as the officiant.
- In addition, cancellation insurance addresses service providers. For example, if deposits have been placed and a vendor goes out of business or doesn't show up on the wedding day, cancellation insurance should cover the fees to find a last-minute replacement.
- Additional coverage may often be added to protect the wedding couple if photography, videography, formalwear, jewelry, wedding gifts or rented property (tents, tables or chairs) are damaged or lost. All policies differ on what they do or do not include, so always read the fine print.
There are many websites that offer information on wedding/event insurance. This one I found most helpful: Click Here. It's up to you whether you feel that insurance is completely necessary, but it would be better to pay $500 for insurance and be safe rather than incurring thousands of dollars of costs if there are event disasters!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Lord of the Rings Inspiration Board
My twin sister Katie asked me to make a Lord of the Rings inspiration board for her. A Lord of the Rings wedding theme in my mind is magical, mystical, and enchanted. Enjoy!
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| Tree, Picnic table, head piece, basket, bridal party, Invitation, girl, bouquet |
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wacky Wednesday make up!
I figured I would do this Wacky Wednesday on Thursday! Every one needs a little wackiness.
This week's featured venue/location is under water. Cue the music "under the sea.... under the sea"....
This week's featured venue/location is under water. Cue the music "under the sea.... under the sea"....
Diving enthusiasts can get married under water! There are many businesses offering this option to get married. Just google them up if you want to get married under water!
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mothers
Today I am going to take a break from Wacky Wednesdays, because today is my Mom's birthday! My mom is so special to me that I wanted to dedicate this post to her. I recently got engaged and I decided that because both my parents had such a profound effect on the woman that I am today, not only should my dad be the one giving me away, but so should my mom. So to honor her, I am having her walk me down the aisle as well as my dad.
What do you all think?
What do you all think?
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Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saving Money on a Cake
According to the Bridal Association of America, the average cost of a wedding cake is $543! I am going to give you some ideas on how to cut that cost down significantly. A great idea is to have two layers of your cake be real and have the rest be made of frosting covered Styrofoam. The top layer will obviously be saved for the one year anniversary tradition, and the second layer is to cut into for wedding pictures! After the small piece of cake is cut, then the cake is moved back into the kitchen where the one real layer of cake is cut along with cheaper sheet cake. Your guests will never be the wiser!
In the picture below, the $250 cake has 4 layers, the bottom one is the only real one! The $2500 cake is all real cake.
Another way to cut costs is to get buttercream frosting instead of fondant. Your guests and wallet will thank you. Fondant is, in my opinion, repulsive. It should not be considered a frosting. At all the weddings I have planned, almost every guest leaves the fondant untouched on the cake plate. So why don't you save some money and go with the tastier and still beautiful cake.
Buttercream frosted cake
Fondant covered Cake
This is a price sheet from a local grocery store here in the Northwoods.
Decorative Cakes
Serves Styrofoam Edible Styrofoam Edible
Butter Cream Butter Cream Rolled Fondant Rolled Fondant
$1/serving $2/serving $3/serving $6/serving
14 $14 $28 $42 $84
25 $25 $50 $75 $150
39 $39 $78 $117 $234
56 $56 $112 $168 $336
77 $77 $154 $231 $462
100 $100 $200 $300 $600
122 $122 $244 $366 $732
Sheet Cake
Serves Size Price
24 1/4 sheet $20
48 1/2 sheet $35
96 Full sheet $60
As you can tell, having a fake buttercream frosted cake will save you a lot of money!
Lastly, instead of having extravagant decorations on your cake, you can put fresh flowers on your cake for an elegant touch. It is a lot cheaper than having delicate sugar flowers made or other intricate designs.
In the picture below, the $250 cake has 4 layers, the bottom one is the only real one! The $2500 cake is all real cake.
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Another way to cut costs is to get buttercream frosting instead of fondant. Your guests and wallet will thank you. Fondant is, in my opinion, repulsive. It should not be considered a frosting. At all the weddings I have planned, almost every guest leaves the fondant untouched on the cake plate. So why don't you save some money and go with the tastier and still beautiful cake.
Buttercream frosted cake
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Fondant covered Cake
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This is a price sheet from a local grocery store here in the Northwoods.
Decorative Cakes
Serves Styrofoam Edible Styrofoam Edible
Butter Cream Butter Cream Rolled Fondant Rolled Fondant
$1/serving $2/serving $3/serving $6/serving
14 $14 $28 $42 $84
25 $25 $50 $75 $150
39 $39 $78 $117 $234
56 $56 $112 $168 $336
77 $77 $154 $231 $462
100 $100 $200 $300 $600
122 $122 $244 $366 $732
Sheet Cake
Serves Size Price
24 1/4 sheet $20
48 1/2 sheet $35
96 Full sheet $60
As you can tell, having a fake buttercream frosted cake will save you a lot of money!
Lastly, instead of having extravagant decorations on your cake, you can put fresh flowers on your cake for an elegant touch. It is a lot cheaper than having delicate sugar flowers made or other intricate designs.
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Monday, August 22, 2011
10 Hidden Costs of Weddings
TLC posted a great article of hidden costs for a wedding. All of these are fees and costs to be aware of. Talk to your vendors and make sure everything you discussed and agreed upon is put down into a contract. This includes but is not limited to arrival and departure time, fees, overtime fees, travel expenses.. etc.
1) Venue Fees
It's important to read the fine print of any venue contract before setting your heart on that location. There are many additional fees associated with almost any venue, from overtime to cleaning charges, and some of these may make or break the deal. For example, that reception hall may require dripless candles that you have to purchase from them -- at $5 a pop. Or their lovely white chairs -- at $10 apiece. Some even have contracts with caterers that lock you into their menu and service options. So be sure to ask before mentally committing.
2) Cake Cutting Fee
One of the last things you think you'll get charged for is the cutting of your cake. After all, you bought it from a separate bakery, and the cake already cost you a small fortune. The fee is really a provision for the plates and forks, and then the subsequent washing of those plates and forks. Everything costs something, right? Fees can range from 50 cents to three bucks a slice. Cupcakes might be a cheaper alternative.
3) Guest List
When your aunt's BFF comes with a husband and three children, these additions to the headcount mean more mouths to feed, more chairs to sit in, more wine to sip, more cars to park, more silverware to eat with and more glasses to drink out of. Because you don't want to hurt any feelings, the body count can add up quickly. And because many of these expenses are on a per-head basis, the tab is going to reflect that. Get a number in your head, and work backward from there. If that second cousin twice removed needs to go, then so be it.
4) Bar Set Up Fee
Even when you decide to take cost-cutting measures, there are still hidden fees you can incur. For example, if your venue allows you to supply your own booze for the bar to avoid their costly markup, you'll probably still end up paying a bar set-up fee or a corkage fee that can quickly eat up all your savings. But the good news is they'll probably throw in the glasses free of charge.
5) Overtime
Most fees for wedding services and venues are based on a set amount of time. Your venue, band, DJ, photographer and videographer are all likely to be on the clock, so make sure you understand exactly how long you have and plan accordingly before chicken dancing till the wee hours.
6) Postage
f you're hoarding your Forever stamps, a regular envelope will cost you 44 cents to mail. But special envelopes -- the kind you'll probably use to complement your fancy invitations -- get an extra surcharge. Tack on stamp costs for the RSVP envelope, and you're well over $1.00 per invitation, which doesn't even include the cost of the design and printing of the actual invite. If you want to be really thorough, remember to budget yet another stamp for thank you notes.
Note: Sometimes people forget to write their name on the RSVP card before returning it to you, so spend a few extra minutes numbering the backs and keeping a corresponding list. This is a big time saver in the long run
7) Delivery Charge
The great part about the wedding industry is its full-service feature. You can have your fairy tale setting delivered right to the doorstep of your reception hall. Sure, we'll deliver your dress from the tailor - just sign here. Tables and chairs, food and flowers, linens and glassware -- anything your heart desires will land in the right place at the right time. But you're gonna have to pay the people who make it happen.
8) Gifts for the Wedding Party
The people that accompany you down the aisle are the most special ones in your life. You've got your childhood best friend, your closest friend from college, two sisters and a sister-like cousin, and of course, your two favorite work compadres. And don't forget their escorts, the seven accompanying groomsmen in your husband-to-be's lineup. They've all dedicated a lot of time and probably a good deal of coin to stand up with you on your big day, so all 14 are candidates for a lovely remembrance from you. With the average attendant gift expenditure hovering around $50 a person, you do the math.
9) Tips
Just like tax, gratuities and tips are often left out of the initial wedding budget. Your caterer may tack a whopping 25 percent gratuity onto your bill for the privilege of serving their chicken skewers and manning the beef carving station. It's in the fine print, so be sure you read over your contracts and estimates carefully. According to some industry insiders, it's customary to also have tips ready for the band, DJ, photographer, florist, cake delivery, hairdresser, coatroom attendants, limo driver, bartenders and servers.
10) Sales Tax
When quoting your budget to a vendor, it's easy to forget Uncle Sam's piece of the pie. An extra 6 to 10 percent adds up quickly -- especially on bigger purchases -- and can create a cost overrun that leaves your benefactors feeling less than joyous. Make sure to check all vendors' estimates to make sure tax is included in the total.
Smartmoney.com reports the average wedding cost in the United States is $23,657, not including the engagement ring or honeymoon!!
Smartmoney.com reports the average wedding cost in the United States is $23,657, not including the engagement ring or honeymoon!! Just remember that there are many ways to cut down costs. Keep checking my blog for helpful hints to keep costs down!
1) Venue Fees
It's important to read the fine print of any venue contract before setting your heart on that location. There are many additional fees associated with almost any venue, from overtime to cleaning charges, and some of these may make or break the deal. For example, that reception hall may require dripless candles that you have to purchase from them -- at $5 a pop. Or their lovely white chairs -- at $10 apiece. Some even have contracts with caterers that lock you into their menu and service options. So be sure to ask before mentally committing.
2) Cake Cutting Fee
One of the last things you think you'll get charged for is the cutting of your cake. After all, you bought it from a separate bakery, and the cake already cost you a small fortune. The fee is really a provision for the plates and forks, and then the subsequent washing of those plates and forks. Everything costs something, right? Fees can range from 50 cents to three bucks a slice. Cupcakes might be a cheaper alternative.
3) Guest List
When your aunt's BFF comes with a husband and three children, these additions to the headcount mean more mouths to feed, more chairs to sit in, more wine to sip, more cars to park, more silverware to eat with and more glasses to drink out of. Because you don't want to hurt any feelings, the body count can add up quickly. And because many of these expenses are on a per-head basis, the tab is going to reflect that. Get a number in your head, and work backward from there. If that second cousin twice removed needs to go, then so be it.
4) Bar Set Up Fee
Even when you decide to take cost-cutting measures, there are still hidden fees you can incur. For example, if your venue allows you to supply your own booze for the bar to avoid their costly markup, you'll probably still end up paying a bar set-up fee or a corkage fee that can quickly eat up all your savings. But the good news is they'll probably throw in the glasses free of charge.
5) Overtime
Most fees for wedding services and venues are based on a set amount of time. Your venue, band, DJ, photographer and videographer are all likely to be on the clock, so make sure you understand exactly how long you have and plan accordingly before chicken dancing till the wee hours.
6) Postage
f you're hoarding your Forever stamps, a regular envelope will cost you 44 cents to mail. But special envelopes -- the kind you'll probably use to complement your fancy invitations -- get an extra surcharge. Tack on stamp costs for the RSVP envelope, and you're well over $1.00 per invitation, which doesn't even include the cost of the design and printing of the actual invite. If you want to be really thorough, remember to budget yet another stamp for thank you notes.
Note: Sometimes people forget to write their name on the RSVP card before returning it to you, so spend a few extra minutes numbering the backs and keeping a corresponding list. This is a big time saver in the long run
7) Delivery Charge
The great part about the wedding industry is its full-service feature. You can have your fairy tale setting delivered right to the doorstep of your reception hall. Sure, we'll deliver your dress from the tailor - just sign here. Tables and chairs, food and flowers, linens and glassware -- anything your heart desires will land in the right place at the right time. But you're gonna have to pay the people who make it happen.
8) Gifts for the Wedding Party
The people that accompany you down the aisle are the most special ones in your life. You've got your childhood best friend, your closest friend from college, two sisters and a sister-like cousin, and of course, your two favorite work compadres. And don't forget their escorts, the seven accompanying groomsmen in your husband-to-be's lineup. They've all dedicated a lot of time and probably a good deal of coin to stand up with you on your big day, so all 14 are candidates for a lovely remembrance from you. With the average attendant gift expenditure hovering around $50 a person, you do the math.
9) Tips
Just like tax, gratuities and tips are often left out of the initial wedding budget. Your caterer may tack a whopping 25 percent gratuity onto your bill for the privilege of serving their chicken skewers and manning the beef carving station. It's in the fine print, so be sure you read over your contracts and estimates carefully. According to some industry insiders, it's customary to also have tips ready for the band, DJ, photographer, florist, cake delivery, hairdresser, coatroom attendants, limo driver, bartenders and servers.
10) Sales Tax
When quoting your budget to a vendor, it's easy to forget Uncle Sam's piece of the pie. An extra 6 to 10 percent adds up quickly -- especially on bigger purchases -- and can create a cost overrun that leaves your benefactors feeling less than joyous. Make sure to check all vendors' estimates to make sure tax is included in the total.
Smartmoney.com reports the average wedding cost in the United States is $23,657, not including the engagement ring or honeymoon!!
Smartmoney.com reports the average wedding cost in the United States is $23,657, not including the engagement ring or honeymoon!! Just remember that there are many ways to cut down costs. Keep checking my blog for helpful hints to keep costs down!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Four Weddings
I don't watch much TV, but whenever I see that Four Weddings is on I tune in to that channel. TLC plays other wedding programs like Say Yes to the Dress and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, but those shows have a lot of drama and tears and not enough wedding. Four Weddings is actually worth watching. The basic premise is that four brides go to each others weddings and judge them based on food, dress, venue, and over all experience. The bride with the most points wins a fabulous honeymoon. The budgets have been anywhere from $3,000 - $75,000 of the shows I have seen. Now you would think that the highest budget wedding would win, but that doesn't happen as often as you would think!! This show is a great way to learn about ways to cut cost or things that you can do yourself! Best of all it shows you what not do to and how your guests perceive the wedding.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cute Event Knick knacks!
Whenever I am searching for pictures for an inspiration board, I run across cute items for weddings and events from Etsy. Etsy.com offers so many cute and personalized items for you to buy for your wedding. Not only does Etsy has wedding items, but also the website offers items for holidays and special occasions! Etsy can be a little pricey, but just browse to get ideas for DIY (do it yourself) projects!
These are my favorites from the website:
I could spend all day posting items that I love on Etsy. I believe there is something for everyone!
These are my favorites from the website:
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| These signs can be personalized! |
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| Dog Tie and Cuffs - Read my earlier post for info with dogs at weddings! |
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| Etsy has a wide variety of jewelry including headpieces |
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| These personalized hangers make for a great dress photograph! |
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rustic Wedding
As summer winds down for me in the Northwoods, I felt like sharing with you an inspiration board I made while I was an intern with a wedding planner. I modeled this board after how I would like my wedding to look. I believe it really captures the Up North charm.
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| Cake, Sign, Bride and Groom, Barn, Flowers, Placecards, Fireflies, Boutonniere, Invite, Jam |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wacky Wednesday: Hot Air Balloon Weddings!
Featured on today's Wacky Wednesday blog post is Hot Air Balloon Weddings! I myself could never do this as I am terrified of heights, but for adventurous couples, this is a great and memorable way to get hitched. Some hot air balloon companies offer a pilot who is also an ordained minister. Check out this Texas hot air balloon company's FAQ page.
The sky's the limit!!
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Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Paying for the Wedding: Gray Area!!
With the current economic condition, people do not have a lot of spare change. Traditionally, the bride's family is supposed to deal with all the cost of the wedding. However, traditional lines have been blurred. 75% of couples who get married live together before the wedding. They usually have their own income source. So when it comes to paying for a $20,000 or more wedding, what should be the determining factor in who pays what?
The Knot offers this breakdown.
Ceremony
- Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
- Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.
Clothes
- Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).
- Groom and family pay for groom's outfit.
- All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).
Flowers
- Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish wedding ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
- Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.
Honeymoon
- Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.
Photography
- Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.
Prewedding Parties
- Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride's family hosts the first one.
- Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
- Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon.
- Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner.
- Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
- Best man and ushers host bachelor party.
- Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.
Reception
- Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.
Rings
- Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring.
- Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.
Stationery
- Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.
Transportation
- Bride and family pay for wedding transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.
This is just a suggestion. In no way does it have to be followed. I wanted to post this to show what was traditional. Money is always a sensitive issue with families. The best advice is to have an honest talk with your significant other, their family, and your family.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Furry Friends!
If you are anything like me, your pet is a part of your family even more so than some of your actual family members! So then why should such a vital part of your family be excluded from your special day? The good news is they don't! Of course, it depends on what venue you choose, but most outdoor venues will let you bring along your pets to enjoy your special day. Plus having your dog or cat in some wedding photos make great keepsakes! After the ceremony, I would suggest having your pet stay home as a reception is not really the place for them.
Here are a few tips:
1) There should be one person who will be in charge of the pet. This person will keep an eye on him/her and give water when necessary.
2) Don't expect perfection. With all the excitement and all the people, chances are your dog will not behave normally. They are still animals, so they are a little unpredictable.
3) All dogs are different. Some will be able to wear a cute outfit and be the ring bearer where others will just be able to walk down the aisle. You know the personality of your dog. You want them to be comfortable! So select a role for them that you know they won't mind.
4) Considering hiring a photographer who has worked with animals before. They will know how to get your dog's attention so he or she will look at the camera! In addition, hire an officiant that is not afraid of dogs, that could produce a lot of problems if they were afraid!!
5) Have your dog come to the wedding rehearsal! That way they can get a feel for what will be happening the next day!
Here are a few tips:
1) There should be one person who will be in charge of the pet. This person will keep an eye on him/her and give water when necessary.
2) Don't expect perfection. With all the excitement and all the people, chances are your dog will not behave normally. They are still animals, so they are a little unpredictable.
3) All dogs are different. Some will be able to wear a cute outfit and be the ring bearer where others will just be able to walk down the aisle. You know the personality of your dog. You want them to be comfortable! So select a role for them that you know they won't mind.
4) Considering hiring a photographer who has worked with animals before. They will know how to get your dog's attention so he or she will look at the camera! In addition, hire an officiant that is not afraid of dogs, that could produce a lot of problems if they were afraid!!
5) Have your dog come to the wedding rehearsal! That way they can get a feel for what will be happening the next day!
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Seating Assignments
The one piece of advice I will give to any person having an event is to have a seating chart! I have been at an event with no seating chart and it was mass confusion. The beauty of having a seating chart or seating cards is that everyone has a place and no one has to awkwardly ask around if they can sit here. In addition, you can separate people who you know do not get along. There are two different ways of creating seating assignments: Place cards and a Seating Chart. The choice is purely up to you.
Place cards
Each have to be individually made with each guest's name and table number printed on it. Once that is done there are two options: have a table set out with all the cards on it where the guests can grab the cards or have the cards preset at each table. A problem with the second option is that guests have to roam around the venue and look at each table to find their names, which might take a while and this might delay food service. If you do decide to have place cards, make sure someone at the wedding (ie. Wedding Planner) has a copy of the seating list with the names and table numbers, because if a place card gets misplaced off the table that person won't know where to sit! Place cards are wonderful because you can be so creative, but they can be a lot of work. Keep checking my blog for more ideas on making creative place cards!
Seating Chart
This is the quick and easy method to organizing seating arrangements. Basically, you make a document with two columns, names and table numbers. The guest goes to the chart finds their name, which should be in alphabetical order, and sees what table they are at. If you are having 150 people or more, I would suggest having two of these printed. Stores such as Office Max, Office Depot, local copy stores offer printings of posters this size. You can decorate the poster by adding frills or things that go with the theme of the event. For weddings, you can add pictures of yourself! After the poster is printed, buy a frame that fits it and a stand to hold the frame and ta da! You are done with the seating chart!
Here is a tool from Wedding Wire that will help you organize your seating arrangements: Click Here
Place cards
Each have to be individually made with each guest's name and table number printed on it. Once that is done there are two options: have a table set out with all the cards on it where the guests can grab the cards or have the cards preset at each table. A problem with the second option is that guests have to roam around the venue and look at each table to find their names, which might take a while and this might delay food service. If you do decide to have place cards, make sure someone at the wedding (ie. Wedding Planner) has a copy of the seating list with the names and table numbers, because if a place card gets misplaced off the table that person won't know where to sit! Place cards are wonderful because you can be so creative, but they can be a lot of work. Keep checking my blog for more ideas on making creative place cards!
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Seating Chart
This is the quick and easy method to organizing seating arrangements. Basically, you make a document with two columns, names and table numbers. The guest goes to the chart finds their name, which should be in alphabetical order, and sees what table they are at. If you are having 150 people or more, I would suggest having two of these printed. Stores such as Office Max, Office Depot, local copy stores offer printings of posters this size. You can decorate the poster by adding frills or things that go with the theme of the event. For weddings, you can add pictures of yourself! After the poster is printed, buy a frame that fits it and a stand to hold the frame and ta da! You are done with the seating chart!
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Saturday, August 13, 2011
Do It Yourself Wedding: Dollar Tree
Every girl wants to have a magical, unforgettable wedding, but in current economic times, paying for that wedding can be a burden. However, there are a lot of DIY (do it yourself) projects that can be done to save money on your wedding. A great place to find items for weddings is Dollar Tree. A bride that I just planned a wedding for bought all the plates and vases for the reception from Dollar Tree. It was actually cheaper to buy 130 plates than it was to rent them. Now you ask what would you do with 130 plates after the wedding? Sell them on Ebay of course!
Dollar Tree has a special section just for weddings! There are many craft items that you can buy there to make centerpieces and add other touches to your decorations without spending a lot of money. No guest will be able to tell that you got these at a dollar store!! Why not save a buck and put that money towards a house or the honeymoon?!
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| From Dollar Tree's Website |
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| Ideas from Dollar Tree's Website |
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| From Dollar Tree's Website |
Other stores to keep in mind are Goodwill and any thrift shops. You never know what treasures you could find!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Kissing Games!
Clink- Clink -Clink! Oh no, now the Bride and Groom have to kiss! You know the customary tradition of clinking the glasses to get the newly married couple to kiss, but do you know that there are other things you can do?
Your guests are there to have a good time! Challenge them with games to make you kiss!
1) Hula Hooping
- A guest has to hula hoop for 30 seconds to make you kiss.
2) Corn hole
- A guest has to sink a bean bag into a board with a hole cut in it to make you kiss.
3) Love Song
- A guest must sing a song with the word love in it to make you kiss.
4) Scavenger Hunt
- A guest must produce an item from the list that you left on the table. Examples of items that could be on the list: pen, mint, 1958 penny, toothpick, q-tip, matches
5) Who wants to be a Millionaire
- A guest must answer a question about the couple correctly to make you kiss.
6) Mini Golf
- A guest must putt a hole in one on a portable putting green to make you kiss.
7) Copy Cat
- Two guests must demonstrate to you how to kiss, then you and your hubby have to copy.
8) Operation
- A guest must pick a card from the Operation game and take that piece of the body out without having the buzzer go off to make you kiss.
9) Joke
- A guest must tell a clean, appropriate, and funny joke to make you kiss.
10) Dice Roll
- A guest has to roll a big custom made dye with 6 sides. Four of the sides can have number 2, 3, 4, 5 and the other 2 sides had pictures of lips. If some one wants you to kiss, they have to roll the lips, if they roll a number they must kiss that many people in the reception. It's a great way to break the ice. You can also put other things on the side of the dye instead of numbers, like the word dance or hula hoop, where if they failed to roll lips then they have to do a funny dance or hula hoop for 30 seconds. The possibilities are endless.
If you are afraid that none of your guests will volunteer to do these fun activities, then have a basket with all the names of the guests in it, and every 15 minutes or so, pick a name out of the basket! With encouragement from the crowd, the selected guest will surely have the guts to attempt these unique games!
Your guests are there to have a good time! Challenge them with games to make you kiss!
1) Hula Hooping
- A guest has to hula hoop for 30 seconds to make you kiss.
2) Corn hole
- A guest has to sink a bean bag into a board with a hole cut in it to make you kiss.
3) Love Song
- A guest must sing a song with the word love in it to make you kiss.
4) Scavenger Hunt
- A guest must produce an item from the list that you left on the table. Examples of items that could be on the list: pen, mint, 1958 penny, toothpick, q-tip, matches
5) Who wants to be a Millionaire
- A guest must answer a question about the couple correctly to make you kiss.
6) Mini Golf
- A guest must putt a hole in one on a portable putting green to make you kiss.
7) Copy Cat
- Two guests must demonstrate to you how to kiss, then you and your hubby have to copy.
8) Operation
- A guest must pick a card from the Operation game and take that piece of the body out without having the buzzer go off to make you kiss.
9) Joke
- A guest must tell a clean, appropriate, and funny joke to make you kiss.
10) Dice Roll
- A guest has to roll a big custom made dye with 6 sides. Four of the sides can have number 2, 3, 4, 5 and the other 2 sides had pictures of lips. If some one wants you to kiss, they have to roll the lips, if they roll a number they must kiss that many people in the reception. It's a great way to break the ice. You can also put other things on the side of the dye instead of numbers, like the word dance or hula hoop, where if they failed to roll lips then they have to do a funny dance or hula hoop for 30 seconds. The possibilities are endless.
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If you are afraid that none of your guests will volunteer to do these fun activities, then have a basket with all the names of the guests in it, and every 15 minutes or so, pick a name out of the basket! With encouragement from the crowd, the selected guest will surely have the guts to attempt these unique games!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cupcakes or Cake?
Some brides are now forgoing the traditional wedding cake to go with a more modern look of wedding cupcakes. At most of the weddings I have helped plan or planned myself, the bride has chosen to go with cupcakes! To me, I cannot fathom this for my wedding. I love new innovative decorating ideas, but to get rid of the traditional wedding cake seems like breaking a cardinal rule. After being exposed to the cupcake wedding idea, I have learned to not loathe it as much as I used to. I think a pros and cons chart is necessary for this!
Cupcakes
Pros (I do's) Cons (I don'ts)
- Cheaper - Non traditional
- Cleaner - No cake cutting ceremony
- Modern
- More flavor options
Cakes
Pros (I do's) Cons (I don'ts)
- Creative - Expensive
- Memorable - Messy
- Cake Cutting ceremony - Lots of leftovers (sometimes)
In the end, I will always choose Wedding Cake over Cupcakes, because I love the traditional cake cutting ceremony! The best of both worlds would be to have two layers of wedding cake and the rest of the tiers be cupcakes. That way you can save the top layer for the one year anniversary and cut into the second layer during the reception!
Best of Both Worlds!
Cupcakes
Cake
Cupcakes
Pros (I do's) Cons (I don'ts)
- Cheaper - Non traditional
- Cleaner - No cake cutting ceremony
- Modern
- More flavor options
Cakes
Pros (I do's) Cons (I don'ts)
- Creative - Expensive
- Memorable - Messy
- Cake Cutting ceremony - Lots of leftovers (sometimes)
In the end, I will always choose Wedding Cake over Cupcakes, because I love the traditional cake cutting ceremony! The best of both worlds would be to have two layers of wedding cake and the rest of the tiers be cupcakes. That way you can save the top layer for the one year anniversary and cut into the second layer during the reception!
Best of Both Worlds!
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Cake
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