Something Blue

Etsy Love

2012-01-27T11:13:00.000-06:00

Dear Etsy,

I love you,

Sincerely.

Amanda Leyrer

~~~~~
Just look at the wedding goodies I have found this week (click on them to go to the etsy website):

Save the date

Guest book!

First Dance Paper Lyric Tree

Personalized Wine Labels

This could go on for way too long...but check out www.etsy.com for some more amazing homemade wedding products!

Just watch this...

2012-01-13T10:12:00.002-06:00

I know that choreographed songs are a little more popular in weddings these days, but this one takes the cake. I laughed pretty hard at this! I love the effort that the groom and his groomsmen put into it!

The Honeymoon

2012-01-10T10:58:00.000-06:00

A post from Megan

A big trend for 2012 honeymoons includes one of my favorite things; traveling. Couples today are now deciding to cut cost in their weddings and putting the money towards travel, which is an idea I love.

In the past years all inclusive vacations to places such as Mexico and Jamaica have become extremely popular for a romantic getaway. Now couples are choosing to skip lying on the beach for a week, and choosing to see other beautiful parts of the world. Some of the places that have become very popular are Thailand, Morocco, Nepal, or Africa, which are all on my list of places to visit.

Another great place to honeymoon, that I have mentioned to numerous people is Costa Rica. It is completely affordable and one of the best vacations I have ever been on. Anyone who I have talked to that has gone to Costa Rica has fallen in love with the laid back lifestyle and adventurous excursions. In the volcanic regions you can go hiking, or whitewater rafting. Up in the mountains there are zip lining tours or waterfall repelling, then when it is time to relax in the hot sun you can take a boat tour or go snorkeling off the shore. I personally love the idea of a nontraditional honeymoon!

Some websites that offer alternative registries are www.honeyfund.com or www.zankyou.com/us. These websites allow couples to register for their vacation excursions or dinner since many couples are skipping the kitchen supplies and taking a trip they will remember forever.

2012 Color of the Year!

2011-12-08T08:44:00.001-06:00

The Color Gods have spoken and Tangerine Tango is the Pantone Color of 2012!

I am personally a little excited about this color, because I have always loved different variations of orange, but am wondering how it can be incorporated in the wedding circuit. Bridesmaid dresses, flowers, shoes, hair pieces, purses, in tangerine tango would all be a nice way to add a little pop to your wedding colors!

If you are obsessed with learning more about this color (like me) below is the press release!

The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2012, including Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating this attractive orange into their spring collections. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.
A winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way. Add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, Tangerine Tango is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

It's All In the Shoes!!

2011-12-06T15:50:00.000-06:00

Megan writes about one of my most favoirte topis: shoes!

Lately I have been noticing a trend in wedding shoes. Last year when my cousin got married she wore sparkly converse shoes, while the men all wore black converses, with red laces (red was her color of choice for her wedding). This is a very cool idea because Converse Shoes are defiantly a fad right now, and we all love comfort on such a long day.

The trend that I have seen on many brides that I love is a colorful shoe. It adds a very bold punch of color that can still be hidden under the dress when necessary. Many brides have opted for a red, pink, or green shoe, to match their bridesmaid dresses or wedding color in general. Other times, a new trend has been for the Bride’s “something blue” to be her shoes. It is fun, flirty, and unexpected. To change the color of your shoes is a small gesture that often times will wow your guests. It is a fun thing for both the men and women within the wedding party to play around with!

Being Creative

2011-10-20T14:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome Megan to the wonderful world of blogging at the War Memorial Center. She has become quick to learn the vast arrays of all things weddings!

As a newbie in the world of weddings I have been learning a great amount about all of the behind the scenes that not only goes into planning the wedding, but what is happening on the big day. I enjoy seeing the final product of each ceremony and reception and how different each and every wedding turns out.

Recently one of my very close girlfriends got married. I was able to simply be a guest, which was a change of pace for me seeing as how I began at the end of wedding season. Her and her now husband are both very in love with anything natural and earthy. Her theme was a “woods” theme which I found to be very interesting. When I got the invitation, I thought it was pretty, but was unsure how it would turn out. I had never seen anything like it. Upon arriving to her wedding, which was on her parent’s land, I realized that she was actually getting married in the woods! They had chairs lined up in between the trees and she walked down a grassy isle.

We then walked a little ways through more grass and trees into an outdoor tent for the reception, which was placed very close to their man made pond. Her colors were black and white with accents of a deep red. The most unique part of her whole reception was that she had trees brought in from a nursery and placed throughout the tent to continue her woodsy theme throughout the reception. It was beautiful, very much so like a fairytale. White lights dangled throughout the tent. The word I would use to describe it was enchanting.

Here at the War Memorial shortly after attending this wedding, I worked at a wedding where they did a wine themed wedding. The couple had been dating long distance and would meet places throughout the United States and taste wine together. It was a passion of theirs. Their name cards were wine corks with the names stuck in them. Their center pieces were wine bottles that were colored glass as accents to their reception.

After having a good amount of weddings under my belt, it is interesting to see the weddings that are unique to the couple and their interests. Whether it be you like to travel and have a favorite vacation you took as a couple or a hobby that you like to do together, I think it is important to be creative and give guests something to remember about you as a couple; something to talk about when it comes to your big day!

Zewing Girl! Unique and Amazing Bridesmaid Gifts!

2011-10-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

I celebrated one of those significant birthdays earlier this month, and my mom surprised me with having Tracy from Zewing Girl come to her house and had me pick out a homemade gift. I was ecstatic to do this mostly because I had been secretly (okay, maybe not so secretly as I tend to be a bit vocal) coveting my mom’s latest purchase from Zewing Girl. She makes these amazing watches that have interchangeable straps so you can pick a color, pattern, or design for each outfit or mood you may have.

For example, here is the watch I have on today.

I also have 3 other colors and patterns of straps to change depending on what I am wearing or in the mood for. But she makes many different kinds!

Finding bridesmaid gifts may be one of the more difficult things when planning a wedding. You want to make sure to have something that is unique, beautiful, and fits each of your girls’ personalities. This task may sometime feel impossible. However, I thought that these watches and the other products that Tracy makes would be an amazing and personal gift to give each bridesmaids! This way everyone can have something "the same, but different" and it is something that will be worn all the time. You can also pick out colors and patterns that reflect each of your bridesmaid personalities.

She also makes other accessories that could be worn during the wedding, for example, here are some bobby pins and hair ties.

These are just a few of the products that she sews (or zews as her young daughter says). She makes scarves, skirts, lanyards...you name it, she can probably zew it! So, take a look at her website or email her for more information by clicking here.

I am sure you'll love her work just as much as I do!!!!

Bedazzled Pumpkins

2011-10-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

I'm embarrassed by how long that it has been since I or someone here has posted something, but I am sure I can come up with a million excuses...however I will just promise to try to do better!

I think I have written this before, but I LOVE FALL. I love all the colors, the smells, the changing of leaves, etc. I think this is the best time of year. I love weddings in October because it is just so beautiful.

I was walking into Metro Market in downtown Milwaukee last week were I went past their floral department. I was admiring the sunflowers and then looked down and there were some bedazzled pumpkins! Now, I am not much of a bling or bedazzle kind of person, but I really like how these were done and thought they would be some great accent pieces or even centerpieces for a fall wedding. The ones at Metro Market had letters bedazzled on them but I found some other pictures as well. This would be a great, easy, and cheap DIY project!
Enjoy!

Weekend in Review

2011-05-24T11:55:00.000-05:00

Hi, it's Katie!

I am just coming back to reality from spending the weekend working four different events. Whew. It was definitely a busy one. We had a prom, a high school jazz fest, a career fair (that Amanda worked) and two weddings. The weather was iffy on and off; it rained a lot and the fog coming off the lake was a little out of control! On Saturday the wedding ceremony was able to be set up outside under the overhang facing the museum. I’d never seen it set up like that, and it was actually really pretty!

Yesterday the weather was beautiful but windy! It was forecasted to rain, and at the last minute the bride decided to move everything onto Fitch Plaza while the sun was shining. I watched the radar carefully, (the meteorologist coming out in me), seeing the thunderstorms moving our way hoping that the weather would hold out until their ceremony was over. And it did, but just barely. I warned our maintenance guy that severe weather was coming and that taking down the outside set up sooner than later might be a good idea. Within minutes of him finishing up, it started thundering and raining. By that time, everyone from the wedding was inside and couldn’t have cared less what the weather was doing!! And I got to watch from the office as lightening struck over the lake.

There were a few unique things that stood out from the weekend, besides the weather, particularly from Sunday’s event. The colors were black, white and lime green. The bridesmaids’ dresses were to die for; v-necked black cocktail dresses with lime green wraps to match. But the bride’s dress was by far the most interesting I have seen in a long time. It was a traditional A-line strapless dress with a train, and a bright white color, but the embroidering was all done in black. It was really quite stunning. Their set up was simple and classy, and I loved their candle centerpieces. But the one thing that really took my breath away was their cake topper, designed to look just like the bride and groom!! Absolutely adorable!

Really cool light up bar the couple rented to use for their buffet!

The cake was really simple, but the topper was amazing!

It looked just like them!! Note they are holding vide game controllers too!

Maid of Honor-what an honor!

2011-05-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

Hi all, Katie here!
This past weekend one of my best friends, who I have mentioned before because she is planning her wedding, asked me to be her maid of honor. I was actually a little surprised she didn’t ask one of her oldest friends, who is also a bridesmaid, but when she explained she told me that she thought my organizational and planning capabilities would be very helpful to her, and I would probably be doing a lot of that any way. I am very honored to be her maid of honor, and it brought a few tears to my eyes as my heart filled with pride and happiness to be such a big part of her day. As we all get older and move away, it’s difficult to maintain strong relationships with your close friends, and her asking me to be so involved her in her big day made me feel like I am important to her and that made me feel really good.

Once the emotions settled down, I got to thinking about what a maid of honor really does…plan a bridal shower and/or bachelorette party? Help with the organizing of the big day, and be present to assist the bride with whatever her needs are on the day of? Give a speech/toast at the reception (eep!)? A quick Google search revealed the following:
• Coordinate with the bridesmaids. This could include keeping them informed about fittings, pre-wedding parties, or anything else they need to know.

• Host a shower with the help of the bridesmaids. This includes planning, setting up, and splitting the costs.

• Host, plan, and set up the bachelorette party with the help of the bridesmaids.

• Pay for your wedding day attire. This includes your dress, jewelry, and shoes. The bridal party is responsible for purchasing their own attire; occasionally a very generous and thoughtful bride will purchase these items for you, but don’t bet the farm on it.

• Help the bride shop for wedding dresses, or at least offer.

• Keep the groom’s ring during the wedding ceremony.

• Arrange the bride’s train at appropriate point in ceremony, if needed.

• Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony vows. (Be sure to give it back before she trots back up the aisle!)

• Arrange the receiving line after the ceremony, if applicable.

• Sign the marriage license if needed.

• Toast the bride and groom if given an opportunity-this could be at the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception.

• Help where needed at reception; make sure bride has a chance to eat and drink something.

This is actually the shortest list I found with the most common responsibilities. Other lists included many more, such as making sure all the other bridesmaids are prepared and on time, especially on the day of, directing guests and gifts at the reception and playing hostess, making sure the bouquets and corsages are given to the appropriate people, assist the photographer, etc.

Whew! That is a lot to take care of! Basically do anything that needs to be taken care of so the bride doesn’t have to, since on that day she should be relaxed and enjoying every moment. The two biggies that I forgot about are carrying the groom’s ring, and witnessing the signing of the marriage license. Those are BIG responsibilities! Everyone always jokes about forgetting the rings…what if I actually did?!

Fortunately for me, my friend is pretty laid back and will probably have a very non-traditional wedding AND she is hiring a wedding planner who I am sure will guide me through most of the process and take care of a many of the details on the day of. As of right now, they don’t have a date or anything, so I am waiting for further instructions. But I am excited and looking forward to being a part of the process for her. I am sure it will be a great day and I am honored to be able to be with her as she marries her best friend.

The Dapper Groom

2011-05-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Okay grooms...listen (read) up. Let's talk wardrobe. I have heard that tuxes are not the most comfortable thing to wear...and let's be honest, neither are bridesmaid dresses. Anyways, did you know that the latest trend in grooms wear is to get rid of the tux! Yes, you can thank me later (and I prefer chocolate over flowers). It's true, most people are opting to just go with a normal suit and to have their groomsmen follow suit (haha...it's been a long day, bare with me on the puns).
There are so many ways you can spice up a nice normal suit to make it wedding day acceptable! For example:

Get a fun/nice tie...and you may want it to match the color or theme of the wedding...

Or forget the jacket and just go with a vest...totally acceptable for an outdoor wedding

Bow ties! Dapper at it's finest!

Khaki suites seem to be all the new rage...along with the fedora hat, which is always a nice touch!

So grooms, next time you start to get anxiety over a tuxedo...just remember, there are other options out there! Have fun with it!

Trend Alert!

2011-05-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

Katie here!

We are officially full swing into wedding season here! We have had our first few out door ceremonies the past few weeks, and it's been fun watching from the office as brides walk down the aisle. Seeing so many very different weddings is also giving me plenty of material to write about and new trends to report! Without further ado....

A few blogs posts ago, Amanda told you about the revolutionary new trend circulating regarding fake cakes. A very interesting and budget-friendly alternative to traditional, expensive cakes. We are getting into the busy season here with weddings and already I have seen two weddings with another trend regarding cakes: individual cakes or cupcakes on the tables instead of floral arrangements as center pieces. The two weddings that I saw do this also had a larger cake for cutting, and while I didn’t get close to them (due to having a bad cold the past few weeks and not wanting to breathe on anyone), now that I am thinking about it, I am willing to bet at least one of these was a “fake cake” (because why have a large REAL cake, and 20 little ones?).

Both weddings were beautifully decorated, and the cakes and cupcakes were such little works of art, that no one missed the traditional floral arrangement center pieces. I know cupcakes at weddings have been around for few years, so this is not necessarily a “new” trend, but seeing them on the tables in unique arrangements as decorations is relatively new to me. And while the pricing might not necessarily be any different, it does save you money on having to purchase floral arrangements for the tables, which you only use for a few hours anyway and probably often cost a fortune.

I mean really, how cute is this?

My Great Idea

2011-05-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

I am excited to take some time out of my day to blog about something very special to me: trail mix.
Yes, ladies and gents...if you thought I was going to blog about world peace, puppies, or rainbows and unicorns ...I am sorry to disappoint you.

Trail mix has been one of those staples growing up in many families. It is easy to make, you can make it in bulk, it can be reasonably healthy and is a great mid-morning, afternoon, anytime snack. One of the trends that seem to be sticking around in the wedding world is the idea of a "candy bar" or a table with vases and jars filled with many different sweet treats that the bride and groom enjoy. This morning, as I was having my morning trail mix, I thought how having a "trail mix" bar would be a great idea, especially for those brides and grooms who are more health conscious! So, I'm driving to work and am pretty proud of myself for this idea...then google a couple of things and find out...this has been done, and my original great idea is still a great idea, but I can't take any credit for it.

I like how this bride made her own trail mix, put it in some medium size cello bags, closed it with scotch tapes and slapped a pretty label and ribbon on it and made it her favor.

and then..here is a picture of my "original" idea ...I love how they did this:

So many mixes can be added to this! Craisons, M&M's, marshmallow, peanuts,popcorn, cashews, roasted nuts, rye chips...the possibilities are endless!

Just because this has been done before and I can't patten it or stamp my name on it I hope this helps with some favor and other wedding DIY ideas!

p.s. here is my trail mix from this morning...or what's left of it. I think it would be a safe bet to say I wouldn't add raisins, but lots of nuts and M&M's to mine !

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hi Again, Katie Here!

So the wedding everyone was talking about is officially behind us, and in my humble opinion I thought it was breathtaking and touching, filled with happiness and hope for the future. While I didn't get up extra special early to watch it, I did DVR it and watch it the whole way through later that morning. For me, it was like waking up on Christmas morning. I couldn't wait to see what Catherine's dress looked like, how she and William would interact, what the church looked like, etc.

The procession was timed to the minute, and appeared to go off without a hitch. Waiting for each arrival was magical, and the first time we got a glimpse of Kate Middleton in her dress, I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes. The second she stepped out of the car with her father by her side, I pretty much lost it. And when she walked down the aisle, it was all over for me. Haha! I thought she looked beautiful, of course, but I was more taken with her composure and how happy she looked. And when she finally made it to the alter and William whispered "you look beautiful" I was certain that THIS was in fact the beginning of something special.

I thought her dress was beautiful. It was simple and elegant, and yet still fit for a queen. And I must say, I also LOVED Pippa's bridemaid dress. Stunning!

When they said their vows and all throughout the ceremony, I was pleased to see they stole quick glances at eachother, and smiled and giggled the whole time. It was so real, and they seemed so happy. You can tell they really care about each other, and it's really nice to see.

When they walked out of the church and saw the people for the first time, you could hear the crowd roar with approval. Everyone kept saying Kate would walked into the church a "commoner" and come out a princess, but when they walked back down the aisle, all I could think was they are just like all the rest of us, a newly married couple ready to start their lives together. I love that she is real and approachable and confident, and I am happy to see that you could still read that on her face when she emerged from the church a future queen.

The carriage ride back to the Palace. At one point they were holding hands and I thought that was amazing. Check out that lace detailing on her dress too! So pretty. And the bright red and blue of William's military attire was a stunning contrast the the white lace of her dress.

And finally the obligatory kiss on the balcony for all the world to see. Did anyone else think this was incredibly awkward? Haha, but they were cheeky about it and even kissed twice for their public. PS, how adorable is it that Prince Charles is holding up Camilla's granddaughter so she can see better?? I mean come on! We all need a reminder that these really ARE just people who are a family and love eachother, and I felt after watching that that is really what the day was all about. It was traditional without being stuffy, and filled with joy. I'm so happy for them! And I wish them privacy as newly weds, and all the happiness in the world.

Registry Fun!

2011-04-29T14:58:00.000-05:00

Your engaged, wedding planning is on the way...a list has been written an on the top is the WEDDING REGISTRY!! The moment of anxiety and excitement settles in. Are we going register for things that are too expensive for our guest? or Oh my goodness, I have to think of a theme to design my new kitchen in! Think people will judge me if I register for a lot of Pyrex? Can I have too much Pyrex?
Well, my friends...let me introduce you to a website called www.registrystop.com, This website is designed not only to help the modern day bride and groom register, but also it is highly appreciated by your guest. The website allows you to register for things ANYWHERE!!! If you find that special vase that you have to have, but it is at a different store than where you originally register, just look it up on line and add it to your list. They even have a mobile app were you can take a picture of the item you want and have it recognize it on the website for you to put on the registry. It's a one stop shop.
Now...this gets even better... your guests take a look at your registry online (or even at the store) and they get OPTIONS of where to buy the gift...yes, options. They can find a place where they can pick it up, have it shipped, or if one store has it on sale for the week..they see that instantly and know they are getting a deal.

I haven't been this excited about something for awhile...so please check it out. Also, the creators of this must of known that today's generation doesn't always like to read direction, so their directions are in comic form. It kept my attention to the end, which is no small feat.

Check out the website...and you can thank me later!

http://www.registrystop.com

The Royal Wedding is on Friday!!

2011-04-26T10:02:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys! Katie Here!

Is anyone else as excited about watching the Royal Wedding as I am? It's only 2.5 days away, and I have been doing a little research on how to watch it and what will be happening that day and I thought I would pass it along!

London is 6 hours ahead of Milwaukee. This means that when the ceremony begins at 11 am London time, it will be 5 am here in Milwaukee (and 3 am on the West Coast!!) All I can say is thank god for DVR. 30 years ago, my mom got up early to watch the broadcast live, and while I will probably get up a little early too, I doubt I will be up at 3 am when the lives broadcast starts here with all of the preparations for the procession and ceremony!

There are several stations broadcasting live from London on the day of. Local channels include WTMJ Channel 4 and WISN Channel 12, and broadcasting will start at 3 am and go until about 1 pm. On cable, E! Entertainment will be broadcasting live from 3 am to 1 pm (on my TV that is channel 34, but it might be different depending on your provider...), as will TLC beginning at 5 am and CNN beginning at 3 am.

There will also be countless websites streaming live video of the day, from E! to CNN, to official websites such as these:
http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/
http://www.royalweddinglive.tv/
http://watchtheroyalweddingonline.com/

And last but not least, mostly because I find this absolutely fascinating, here is an official itinerary for the morning and afternoon/evening events. The procession is timed to the minute and is based on strict protocol! I can't even imagine, what are the chances they'll be late??

Time Table on Friday 29th April

08:15 and 09:45am - The general congregation arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.
09:50 - Prime ministers and governors-general of various Commonwealth countries, the diplomatic corps and other guests arrive at the Abbey.
10:10 - Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey.
10:15 - Prince William and Prince Harry arrive at the Abbey.
10:20 - Members of foreign royal families arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace.
10:20 - Kate Middleton's mother, Carole, and brother, James, leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
10:25 - Minor members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.
10:35 - The Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, leave for Westminster Abbey along with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence.
10:38 - The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey.
10:40 - The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.
10:48 - In keeping with protocol the Royal Family are the last to arrive just before the bride. Prince William will travel to the Abbey with Prince Harry in a Bentley. The bridesmaids and pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
10:51 - The bride, accompanied by her father Michael, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.
11:00 - Kate Middleton and her father arrive at the Abbey in a Rolls Royce. The marriage service begins and is relayed by loudspeakers along the route.
12:15 - Prince William and his new wife leave the Abbey in an open 1902 state Landau carriage for the procession back down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. In the event of rain they will travel in the Royal Glass Coach. The procession will be escorted by the Household Cavalry on horseback.
12:30 - The carriage procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.
12:40 - Members of the Royal Family and members of foreign royal families arrive at Buckingham Palace.
1:25pm - The Queen and the bride and bridegroom, together with their families, appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
1:30pm - Fly-past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
1:45pm - Lunchtime reception begins for 650 guests at Buckingham Palace.
3:30pm - Lunchtime reception ends. The newlyweds leave Buckingham Palace and return to St James' Palace for a rest and to change for the evening reception.
7.00pm to late - Black-tie evening reception and dinner at Buckingham Palace for 300 close friends and family.

So there you have it! Is anyone else dealing with sensory overload? I feel like I'm going to miss something, but it's probably best to just pick a channel or website and stick to it, rather than flipping around trying to get all the info you possibly can. This is the longest post ever, so I will leave it at that. I hope this helps! And you can rest assured I'll be back after the fact, probably gushing over all the details! Enjoy!

How much is this going to cost me?

2011-04-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

You are newly engaged and extremely excited about it! I mean, you are about to marry the man/women of your dreams and can't wait! Things calm down a bit and reality hits it...and then there is the age old panic stricken questions that enters your mind...holy crap, how much is this going to cost me?!?
The thing with weddings is that you can be as thrifty or as elaborate as you would like to, and effort can make up for a lack of cash. DIY wedding are extremely popular and there are thousands of websites out there that can help you design a wedding of your dreams.

However....if you would like a rough average of how much a wedding would cost, I found a website that will let you know the average price of a wedding by zip code! It's a lot of fun to look at! For example, when I found the 53202 zip code (which is for the War Memorial Center) it said, on average, couples that live in or travel to Milwaukee, WI spend between $15,568 and $25,946. I think that is an accurate amount of money for this area...again, you will have those who go above and beyond or below the average.

The website is: http://www.costofwedding.com

Another amazing feature on the website is that it will help personalize your wedding cost when you go to their wedding cost estimator. This is another great tool to be used for wedding budgeting! Hopefully this will help you get an idea of how much a wedding in your area cost.

Enjoy!

TheHoneymoon.com

2011-04-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

I keep forgetting that I have been wanting to blog about this particular subject, and now that I am sitting here day dreaming about a vacation, it just popped back into my head. TheHoneymoon.com. In my humble opinion, one of the best ideas ever created for a wedding registry.

The age old question in wedding budget planning: what would you rather do - have a big, extravagant wedding or go on a fabulous honeymoon? Weddings are expensive, and let’s face it so is the honeymoon! But taking an exotic vacation or going on a getaway following your wedding is a great way to de-stress from all the wedding planning, get to go on an adventure, and spend a little quality time together as husband and wife. Traditional registries are great, don’t get me wrong. Even for those of us who live together before marriage, and already have the typical appliances (think blender), using a registry is a great way to upgrade these things or get a new set of matching towels or sheets (who actually has matching sheets anyway?.... or maybe that’s just me). But giving an experience is such a fantastic way to wish a new couple well in their new life together, and that is the reason I love TheHoneymoon.com so much.

A friend of mine introduced me to this website when she was planning her honeymoon to Ireland last fall. I immediately jumped on purchasing a day outing for them while they were there as their wedding gift. I thought it was a brilliant idea; you can buy anything from airline miles, to nights in hotels, to dinners, and activities. Whatever works for your budget. How unique to be able to contribute to a honeymoon instead of the traditional knife set or headlamp (everyone registers for headlamps right? Hmm…must just be the weddings I tend to go to…)!

Their website is very user friendly as well, and even gives you the option of selecting “ready-made” trips, which are helpful especially if you are traveling somewhere you’ve never been before. I’ve been recommending it to anyone who wants to splurge on a honeymoon trip, or isn’t sure of where to register. The only downfall is that you can’t be sure how many people will actually contribute, especially if you have other more traditional registries, so bare that in mind when you set an actual budget for your trip! And have a great time!

The Recipie to a Man's Heart...literally.

2011-04-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Alright ladies…if you are not engaged…but really wanting to be (provided that you already have a significant other) than keep reading.

While scanning my daily gossip and trashy magazine websites (hey, I got to stay up to date!) I came across this article on Yahoo!. It’s all about how this one recipe, now dubbed, Engagement Chicken is literally the way to a man’s heart and will make them drop down on their knees and propose.

Check out the link by clicking here, and here is the video:

I’m going to go home and practice this recipe…now I just need to find a man J

The Party That NEVER Ends!!!!!

2011-04-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

I like to look at a lot of “trends” when it comes to weddings, and then compare them to the actual weddings that I witness. One of the 2011 trends (according to www.onewed.com) is a Revved-Up Wedding Reception. After just reading that first ceremony, I thought that would mean a really wild and crazy reception that would end at midnight…and then I read it and can tell that I am getting older. What the article meant was actually an after party for the reception!

There are a couple of ways I look at this, #1- who wouldn’t want this night to NEVER end, especially if you are the bride or the groom…keep the party coming! Point #2) Pass the Red Bull…that is one long day!

Going back to the first point, I think that many of the time, at the actual reception the bride and groom are on their “better” behavior, I mean…grandma and that strict Aunt Dorothy might be there watching every move you take. Have an after party would be more of a way for a couple to really let loose and be themselves around the people who can hang! Also…I mean, come on…don’t you want to wear that beautiful wedding dress as long as possible!

Now, where to have it.... For all of the venues out there, I am going to respectfully ask that you keep the reception and the after party in two separate locations! As a person who moonlights as a waitress on the side every once in awhile, I am also going to ask you to call ahead to any bar or restaurant that you feel you may go to…in fact, treat it like a reservation. This will only make the night go smoother. There is nothing funnier or more traumatic (depending on which side of the bar you are on) than watching the bartenders face when a group of 40 people come in at the end of the night and they are not prepared for it. If the after party location knows about this, than they can properly staff the venue accordingly. Just remember, you want well wishes on your wedding day, not death threats from the bar staff!

So, keep the party going! Just make sure you have a proper driver.

The Bionic Bride

2011-04-09T12:05:00.000-05:00

Recently I was flipping through a People Magazine while I was at the gym, as I often like to do, when I noticed a tiny box in the table of contents of a beautiful, blonde young women standing in front of a mirror in an exceptional wedding gown. The title in the box read “The Bionic Bride”. With a name like that I of course I had to read it (always researching those blog post possibilities!). If you are a person who gets emotional over inspirational stories like I am grab a Kleenex box, it’s about to get emotional!

The insert in People magazine was actually a follow up from a story they first published last spring about a 22-year-old girl named Ally Smith. She was college freshman and star athlete at Texas A&M in 2006, when she was diagnosed with progressive heart disease. Her heart and her health were fading fast, and she wasn’t expected to live more than a year. Her condition was so dire, she wasn’t strong enough to wait very long for a heart transplant. Instead, doctors inserted a medical device that pumped the blood through her body, just as her heart would, allowing her heart to rest and potentially repair itself. She survived the surgery to implant the device, and the difficult recovery afterward, giving her a new lease on life.

This was a good thing because she and her fiancé were planning their wedding. Ally had met her boyfriend as a freshman, before she got sick. He loved her so much, and despite her declining health, proposed to her in 2008 saying he wanted to marry her regardless. With the device implanted, she and her fiancé walked down the aisle last spring, her in a beautiful ballroom gown with “electric blue” cowboy boots!

That was the original story published in People magazine. The follow up in the People magazine I read stated in early 2011, Ally once again took a turn for the worse. Her heart had been recovering, and the implant was helping buy her time, but in a very short amount of time her heart once again began to fail, as were her kidneys, liver, etc. She needed a new heart, fast. In mid-February of this year, Ally was fortunate to receive a new heart and is recovering well. Having become attached to the device that kept her alive for so many years, one of her first realizations upon waking up was that she would now live her life no longer as “the Bionic Bride”. She was simply back to being a normal girl who was fortunate to marry the man of her dreams, albeit with this assistance of some modern medical technology.

The Fake Cake

2011-03-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

I’m not sure what way I am going to go with this blog…basically because, let’s be honest…I really like cake (okay, being even more honest…I really like all food). So, when a bride came to me last year and explained to me that she was having a “fake cake” at her wedding, I had feelings of concern, confusion, interest and curiosity. After further investigation, these fake cakes are actually quite intricate and amazing. They have a little “trap door” on the side of them that you an insert a Twinkie or a small piece of cake in there to use in the cake cutting ceremony. The point then is to have sheet cake in the back for the caterers to serve.

So…why a fake cake, what are the pros and cons:

Pros:

BUDGET! If you are on a budget and want a luxurious and elaborate cake for a quarter of the price…this would be a good option
The cake doesn’t melt….Fake Cakes are used with fondant on Styrofoam which gives it very good support, this way it will stay intact in all elements of the weather.
You can rent it…yup…just put a deposit down and they will ship it to you..it’s that easy.
There are many different styles to choose from and if you don’t find one that you like you can always have one made.
No wasted money on left over cake that will not be eaten.

Cons:

You can’t eat it.
You can rent it…someone else had a cake just like yours.
You may have to book well in advance to get the fake cake you want particularly if it is a popular wedding cake design
You have to pay for any damage to the cake for repairs, or if beyond repair pay for the full cost to replace the cake.

There are a lot more pros and cons out there, but, for the budget conscience bride, this is definitely an option to look into!

Check out these pictures below…they are all fake cakes!

{source}

Two in one dresses

2011-03-28T13:42:00.000-05:00

Katie here!

With Spring approaching and everyone getting excited about wedding season, I have noticed recently the ads on tv for David’s Bridal’s $99 gown sale. I have in the past never really paid any attention to this annual sale, but this year as I am always looking for post ideas, I took notice and decided to do some research. I wanted to know what sorts of dresses are a part of this sale (answer: it’s really “save $50 to $300 off select dresses”), and if there was an abundance of dresses to choose from or only a few that actually only cost $99 (answer: many dresses are under $500 anyway, but not many were actually only $99 according to their online store.)

Anyway, I personally feel that their pricing is very reasonable to begin with, so any sort of a sale is an added bonus. But what caught my attention more than the sale, in little red letters on the left hand side of the website was an announcement pointing out a new style of dress in which part of the dress is removable to make it into two dresses. “Two in one gowns” they are called. Thus far they don’t have a large selection, and they are basically what you would imagine with a removable skirt portion to reveal a sleeker, more comfortable, smaller dress in which you would be able to move freely and dance the night away without worry about your large skirt getting in the way.

I think this is genius! It is the perfect blend of practicality and spontaneity. It’s like you have two dresses without the actual financial burden of buying two dresses! It is the perfect solution for brides who are interested in a very traditional, ballroom type gown to walk down the aisle in, but who also want to dance and have a good, comfortable time at their reception.

Am I out of the loop here? Perhaps this is not a very new idea and I am completely clueless. Either way, I think it is a cool idea, and find it funny that while I originally looked to the David’s Bridal website to see about their $99 gown sale, I was distracted by something just as interesting. Because really, what is more interesting than a wedding dress that costs less then $100?!

Groom's Corner ?!?!

2011-03-24T16:08:00.001-05:00

Think of it as being an equal opportunity employer…this phrase is what should be included when a man is debating with his fiancé on whether to have or not to have a “groom’s corner.”

According to the Knot, the man’s corner is one of the hot trends of 2011. To clarify, this is an area that has been left aside in the reception hall where all things “men” are allowed. There could be a playstation, a Wii, poker table, cigars, and other stereotypical “man” things. Maybe even a little golfing will makes it’s way in there.

So is this a good idea? Many people will over think this question and come up with an over analytical hypothesis on how it is bias and stereotypical, and how it will separate the crowd. Let’s be real, it’s FUN!!! In fact, I bet the females will love it just as much, if not more than the guys will. If the fiance’s are competitive, maybe there should be a “brides corner” with massages (maybe a male masseuse), cosmo’s, gossip magazines, and mani and pedi’s. Two can play this game

What are your thoughts?

The Wedding of the Century

2011-03-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Hi All, Katie here!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I tend to keep up with entertainment news because I find it interesting and mind-numbing. Now that that is out of the way, I am still slightly embarrassed to admit that I spent more than a little time over the weekend searching the internet about the details of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. I, like so many others in the world, am ~~slightly obsessed~~ fascinated by their story. But there is a lot more about their story that I find intriguing and relatable than just their massive wedding and the fact that they are royalty. Indeed their wedding will no doubt be watched by possibly more than a billion people. (When Diana married Charles in 1981, over a billion people supposedly tuned in from all over the world. In fact, thirty years ago, my mom was among the people who got up early to watch.) Can we talk about nerves? Yeesh.

William and Kate have been dating for more than eight years, since they met in college. Over the years, the media has gotten impatient about when they would get engaged, even dubbing Kate “Waity Katie”, which I think is really sad. I love that they took the time to get to know themselves and each other and establish themselves as people, strengthening their relationship and their chances for a successful marriage, rather than cave to the public scrutiny and get married before they were ready. I think the course of their relationship not only defies past traditions in the royal family for the better, but also provides our generation with a very public and realistic example of two people who took their time in making a very important decision, while enjoying each other and building their successful relationship.

Their story also intrigues me because it is so relatable to my own situation, having met my boyfriend in college and been with him for several years since (and probably will be for a few more before we decide we are ready to get engaged.) Amidst many of my friends who are getting married and engaged before we do, we are decidedly NOT in a race to “beat” everyone else to the altar for the sake of being amongst the first. My boyfriend always says we are working to end up happy in the long run, not the first to have done this or that.

As I scoured the internet for information about the upcoming Royal Wedding, I came across an interview in which a reporter asked William what took him so long, and with a chuckle he responded “I wasn’t aware it was a race.” I almost fell out of my chair, and at that moment, though we are leagues apart, I felt an understanding and a respect for their lives together that makes me really want to tune in on April 29, 2011 when they commit their lives to one another. Though they are England’s future king and queen, they simply love each other and want to spend their lives together, like so many of us “commoners.” Continuing on with the tradition my mom started a generation ago, I will mostly likely set my alarm that day and take part in their special day. I am sure it will be magical and I wish them all the happiness in the world as they continue their lives together.

And of course, I am sure I’ll blog about all the details too!

Haute Hair!

2011-03-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

After recently getting my first haircut in 10 months (ridiculous I know) I have been thinking alot about hair. The wedding season is upon us and one of my favorite things is to see how the brides updo their hair! It has been said that big trend for 2011 is for more of a polished ballerina look for hair, but I did some searching and here are some other haute trends for hair for 2011.

This is from the Pricilla of Boston runway show and the sleek ballerina style is definately shown here.

A boho-chic style from Angel Sanchez and Junko Yoshioka

Accessories such as the headband above are HUGE this year!

Flowers are a classic and timeless accessory to be put in your hair

Or you can really emphasize your theme with your hair

What are your thoughts on how hair should be done?

Photo Books

2011-03-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Katie again!

A very good friend of mine got married last September and went to Ireland for a ten day honeymoon. Moving right along, she is also expecting her first baby this summer!! (Can’t wait for this little one, you have no idea.) She lives back in Minnesota, so I don’t get to see her very often and when I was home a few weekends ago, we got together for coffee. I brought her a baby gift, and she pulled out of her bag the most gorgeous matching photo books of her wedding and honeymoon. I thought for sure they were done by her photographers…for half a second I actually considered how it was possible that her photographer was on her honeymoon??...

It turns out that SHE MADE THEM HERSELF!! I was so ridiculously impressed I had to find out more about this, and then of course share it with you all!! She made them on Shutterfly, and the best part is they have matching spines and are amazing quality, so she plans to keep making them as she moves forward in life, including BABY, anniversaries, vacations, etc.

Shutterfly.com seems to be very user friendly, and provides you with lots of options. You can choose the size, number of pages and type of binding you want, and you can choose whether you want Shutterfly to arrange each page, or arrange them yourself. Their pricing also seems very reasonable!

In the digital age, photo albums are becoming a thing of the past, but to me this is a revival of the “photo album”, the end product of which is more like a gorgeous coffee table book than an actual photo album. I’m loving all of the options, and am dying to put one together myself. I also think this would be a fantastic gift idea for any occasion!

I hope you all have as much fun day dreaming about this as I did. Enjoy!

The First Dance

2011-03-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

The first dance in a wedding can be such a spectacular moment. This is when you are able to show off your wife or husband on the dancefloor and be admired by your friends and family.
Yes, that is what it is suppose to be...however, for a lot of your guest, the first dance is the time when they will choose to refill their drink or "powder their nose." This is escpecially true in the younger generations. While the first dance is suppose to be a remarkable and beautiful tradition, it has seemed to become lost a little. Lots of peopel still do it, but I love how people are adhering to the A.D.D. generation and starting to give theri first dance a WOW factor and add entertianment value to it.

Some people decide to entertain their firends and family with a fun, outrageous dance:

Others will practice their ballroom or salsa

OR others will start the dance party off early and dance down the aisle!

Whatever you do for your first dance, it will be spectaclar as it will be between you and your new spouce!

Enjoy!

Yellow vs White Gold?

2011-03-01T10:17:00.000-06:00

Katie here!

I gave a few tours of our facility over the weekend to perspective couples looking to plan their wedding with us. More often than not, when I speak with couples, I can’t help but notice the engagement ring. I mean come on, I AM a girl! And they are just so darn pretty! No two are ever alike. One of the brides this weekend had the most gorgeous solitaire diamond ring, with a yellow gold band, and I realized I almost NEVER see yellow gold anymore! Not even for grooms. They are more often than not choosing white gold, titanium, or something of the sort as well.

I simply had to investigate this more and spent some time perusing engagement rings online. (A perk of the job, what can I say.) And let me tell you gold rings are hard to come by! Especially in engagement rings. However, my mom’s engagement ring and wedding band are gold, and more often than not parents of the brides and grooms I talk to seem to have gold bands too.

This got me to thinking about trends. Because it sure seems that white gold or platinum is by far the style these days, but once upon a time that wasn’t the case. Say yellow gold makes a come back? Does that make the platinum rings of today out-of-date? Does it matter if it’s what you always wanted anyway, or are we skewed by thinking what is on the market today is the most beautiful, and our perspective changes with the market?

I have a friend who got married a few years ago and she went with a yellow gold engagement ring and wedding band. And while it’s really pretty, at the time I remember thinking it seemed “old”. Heck, Katy Perry’s engagement ring was yellow gold! I even broached this with my boyfriend who stated that he would prefer to wear a very traditional yellow gold wedding band but feels pressure to wear something more modern like his friends. Personally, with my everyday jewelry, I have reintroduced yellow gold as a staple and I love the color, so that makes me think perhaps yellow gold would suit me too, just like my mom’s ring set (which I love).

In the end, it’s all a matter of preference and probably a little about what is available on the market. But you can be assured that I will have my eye on the market in the next few years to see if yellow gold starts to make a comeback or if white gold/platinum are here to stay!

40% off Coupons

2011-02-23T13:08:00.000-06:00

When planning a wedding on a budget the DIY projects start to expand and the price tag starts to add up. One of the things that I always tell my brides is to check out the coupon in the Sunday paper for Michael's Arts and Craft Store. When you open the paper and see their ad, on the bottom right hand corner of the first page there is almost ALWAYS a coupon for 40% off of any one regular price item! This can be for invites, flowers, aisle runner, you name it! So, tell your parents, friends, aunts, neighbors to save you these coupons and start using them for all of your DIY needs.

...or just click here...and print out the coupon (but you will need to sign up to become a member)

The Case of the Family Heirloom Pearls

2011-02-21T13:48:00.000-06:00

Hi Friends, Katie here...

What is the most appropriate, politically correct way to work around family members wanting you to wear this, use that, etc. in your wedding?? Especially when it’s your mom? I recently learned what NOT to say...

The following is a true story:
My mom has NEVER in her life been THAT mom who dreams of her daughter’s (my) wedding day. In fact, as a child she instilled in me the importance of establishing yourself and building a career before ever considering settling down. And while I am still in the early stages, I like to think that I am making her proud by doing just that, while still maintaining a relationship for the past 4 years. I enjoyed a visit at home with my parents a few weekends ago, and I had a great time. But lately my mom, who has like I said NEVER pushed for me to settle down, seems to be experiencing the old “biological clock” that I have yet to experience despite my age and my friends.

It all started innocently enough…”what is Joe’s (boyfriend) middle name?” she asked one afternoon. “Henry”, I replied, “why?” “I was just thinking about baby names for boys….”(SAY WHAT?! *Imagine me trying really hard not to react*.) “Oh, ok mom…” She proceeded to call out all of the boys’ names she could think of that she liked. Later in the weekend we were at the mall shopping, and she decided to shift from boys’ names to girls’ names. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy to let her daydream about this all she wants, especially because a lot of them were great and takes the stress off me of trying to come up with these things when the time actually comes!!

This, of course, is all hypothetical. In my mind, a lifetime away, so I am ok with the casual mention of it…Weddings, however is a whole other situation completely, especially when your mom looks you right in the face and tells you “just so you are prepared, Aunt Magee is going to want you to wear your grandma’s pearls on your wedding day…they have been passed down from many years now.” She said it like this would be happening tomorrow, like I had any clue at all or had thought at all about what I was going to wear on my wedding day….”What if they don’t match my outfit?” I asked cautiously. *Imagine the saddest look coming from your mother you have ever seen...then double it.* This, apparently, was not the right thing to say. I should have said yes, ok, no matter what my dress looks like pearls will be around my neck because that is what my aunt wants me to do.

And with that I got my first taste of realizing that a wedding is also about appealing to the masses and not always about what you want. My biggest concern is that the pearls will be the tip of the ice berg, and that everyone around me will have an opinion until my wedding day becomes an amalgamation of what everyone else wanted, with no semblance of what WE wanted (insert rebellion here).

And for the record, folks, I am not even anywhere near being engaged.

Reality TV and Weddings!

2011-02-17T10:11:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending a meeting where the speaker was the fabulous Debra Sadowski from Premier Bride. Her subject was How Reality TV is Effecting the Wedding Industry.

As many of you can guess, bridezillas are equivalent to garlic to a vampire in the service industry (I have GOT to stop reading twilight books). With all the shows that are on TV it was a very interesting and informative discussion. One of the things that we learned, that should be obvious, reality TV. is not always reality and that much of it dramatized (big sigh of relief for all of the event planners there!). However all of the shows have some really great points that should be taken out of it. Below is part of a handout that Debra gave us and I thought it was very valuable about the bridal shows on TV, what they are about and what we should get out of each of them:

Platinum Weddings – Over the top weddings. When money is no object, watch celebrities, sports personalities and others dream weddings become reality.
Watch for: Creative ideas galore! Fun to watch interaction with consultants and the artistic process. Great for trends with wedding colors, themes, products and services.
Say Yes to the Dress - Process of finding the wedding dress. From initial consultation to the fittings, alternation and how the gown appear on the brides wedding day.
Watch for: How consultants question and work with brides, family members and friends. The dress is one of the most emotional stages of the wedding process. Watch how hidden factors are revealed that explain odd behaviors and how to handle them.
Bridezilla - Focuses on showing out of control brides. Starts about one to two months prior to wedding and up to the wedding day.
Watch for: Entertainment value only. Highly edited to show the worst in the brides. Some brides have been accused of acting for the camera.
Whose Wedding is it Anyway - Watch different wedding planners deal with challenging situations to create a wonderful wedding.
Watch for: Creative ideas. People skills on working to pull conflicting, competitive or other challenging wedding situations together.
My Fair Wedding with David Tutera-Creates fairytale wedding for couple in “need” 3 weeks before their wedding.
Watch for: Innovative ideas created from sometimes very odd concepts and themes from the bridal couple. Good interaction and techniques used between David and the bride to guide her into making some changes that will create a better and more long term memorable event.
Ace of Cakes / Cake Boss-Creating extremely difficult cakes and the drama behind it.
Watch for: The creative process and techniques used in creating truly over the top cakes for weddings and other parties.
Get Married – Educational infomercials targeted directly at brides along with real wedding videos.
Watch for: Tips by subject, told by professionals in that industry

Readings

2011-02-15T14:52:00.000-06:00

Katie here again!!

Don’t totally flip when I tell you all this, but I am also going to be in another one of my dear friend’s weddings this July. If it seems like all of my friends are married, or are getting married, you would be correct!! At this point, basically all of my closest girl friends are married or are on their way!

Anyway I digress…my friend was in a sorority in college and I guess it is ‘mandatory’ that sorority sisters are your bridesmaids in your wedding. But she really wanted me to have a special part in it and asked me to do a reading (plus participate in getting my hair, nails and makeup done on the day of AND go to the bridal brunch, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner…I can’t wait!) When she asked me, I feigned being really excited that she asked me to be a part of it, but inside I was panicking… I am still panicking actually. In ‘real’ life I am a pretty shy person and I don’t like having attention on me, so getting up in front of 200 people to give a reading is probably the scariest thing anyone could ever ask me to voluntarily do. Okay, I am a scientist and am a good public speaker, so I may be exaggerating. Either way, I met my friend for tea this weekend and we discussed what readings she was looking in to. At first, she was going to have ME pick something, and I thought no way! I would have no idea where to even start looking! But she has since changed her mind on that and will be picking something for me.

But that got me to thinking…how do people decide on what, if any, readings they want to have be a part of their ceremonies? What is the significance, really, of having readings at ceremonies? Perhaps a poem or song lyrics that are meaningful to their relationship? Bible passages are common for more religious ceremonies. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the “love is patient, love is kind” reading. Carrie and Paul are trekkies and JRR Tolkien fans, and had a beautiful reading from his books at their ceremony.

Either way, I am throwing this one out to all you wonderful readers! How do you/ did you choose readings for your wedding? Where did you look? Did you decide to have readings at all? Why or why not?

Non-traditional bridesmaid dress options and Offbeat Bride

2011-02-07T09:37:00.000-06:00

Katie Here!

I had a great weekend with my friend talking about her wedding plans! She even asked me to be a bridesmaid, which is very exciting. Being the non-traditional bride that she is, she says we can wear pretty much whatever we want, and even discuss amongst ourselves what color we want to wear. She knows me too well, and said “I am maybe thinking black, and that way you could wear it again.” Love her! Black is one of my favorite colors to wear. So the search for the perfect bridesmaid dress begins. I’m thinking something like this:

Or this in black, because let’s be honest I WANT THIS DRESS!!

I have noticed that non-matching bridesmaid dresses are becoming more and more common. I imagine this is happening for a few reasons. One because everyone is built differently, and not everyone looks great in the same style dress! And two, because it is great to be able to buy something that you have a chance of wearing again. I’m not going to lie, the lilac bridesmaid dress I wore to my friend’s wedding almost three years ago hung in my closet never to be worn again until I decided I didn’t want to push it around anymore, and donated it. I felt bad about not being able to get any use out of it after the fact.

Also being the non-traditional and creative bride that she is, coupled with the fact that she learned I am becoming a die-hard blogger, my friend introduced me to The Offbeat Bride. It is a blog that focuses on all things non-traditional associated with weddings. It has all kinds of categories, from vendors suggestions, to offbeat honeymoon ideas, and oh so much more!! Enjoy!

Snow Emergency!

2011-02-03T17:10:00.000-06:00

After the amount of snowpocolypse these past couple of days here in Milwaukee, WI...I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to: Weddings + the Midwest+ Winter = if you can't beat them...join them.
It comes to the point when you have to throw your hands up and just embrace the snow...just like these couples did:

Peter Bang Photography

{source}

Grazier Photography

Stay warm!

The Ultimate DIY Project

2011-01-24T09:24:00.000-06:00

Hi all, Katie here!

Yesterday I was on the phone with my friend (who was recently engaged) and we were chatting about getting together next weekend, and about how the wedding planning was going. She seemed a little overwhelmed by the process, and I told her I really wanted her to have fun with it and not get too stressed out. I asked if there was anything I could perhaps help out with while she was in town visiting me for a few days and got excited when I thought of taking her dress shopping! “We could go dress shopping”, I offered. She paused for a second and said, “Well I was actually thinking about making my own dress…”

I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I have heard of making your own invitations, decorations, food, etc. to cut down on costs of a wedding, but making your own dress?? Isn’t that, like, hard? My friend readily admitted that making her own gown would be very dependent on how much time she had (considering she will be a first year medical resident next year), and on what kind of dress she was considering making. She is a sewer, and likes to make her own clothes, but to make her own wedding dress will certainly be the ultimate do-it-yourself project!

Intrigued by this novel idea, I turned to the internet to investigate. A Google search of “making your own wedding dress” returned more hits about designing your own wedding dress for a professional to make, than actually providing information on how to make your own dress. I did find a few websites, though, on actually sewing your own gown. These websites generally recommended the following course of action:

1) Pick a pattern – Generally a good idea to pick patterns that are within your skill level

2) Pick a fabric

3) Decide if you want to do any modifications to your design

4) Cut the fabric from the patterns you decide on

5) Sew the dress and alter, alter, alter!

Here are a few examples of homemade wedding dresses:

Love, love, love this one.

This one too, I'd totally wear this!

More traditional example.

I can’t wait to see how her dress looks of her special day. My friend has a very unique and creative eye, and both she and her mother are expert sewers. I am sure it will be both one-of-a-kind and beautiful!

Is there anyone out there that has considered making, or has made, their own wedding gown? I would love to hear more about the process (ie how long it took, is it really cheaper, etc), so feel free to leave your story in the comments section!

Chalkboards and Weddings

2011-01-20T15:17:00.001-06:00

Apparently, chalkboards are not just for teachers anymore! They are all the rage in upcoming weddings! The chalkboard has not only become a very eco-friendly part of a reception, but it's vintage vibe and adaptable personality is what makes the chalkboard so much fun!

I never knew all the fun things you could do with a chalkboard until I started doing some research. They can seriously be used in just about any part of a wedding. For example:

Seating chart and table numbers or names
Table Chalkboards for name or table numbers
Entree, appetizer, dessert chalkboards
Framed chalkboards
Entrance to hall or ceremony freestanding chalkboards
Signs for tables and guest names
Boards with Table names and guest names
Decorative signs welcoming guests
Menu signs
Props for a photo booth
Kid's project

With all of the above options, I'm not sure why you WOULDN'T have a chalkboard somewhere in your reception:-) It's is also a really neat DIY project. You can make your own unique chalkboard by purchasing a frame and putting the chalkboard in the frame. This helps show off some of the amazing personality the bride and groom have. There is also chalkboard wallpaper that you can apply to vases, candle holders and many other objects found at a wedding. Instead of paying a ton of money to have these items inscribed...chalk it on there!

Any other ideas out there on what to do with the chalkboard?

These Shoes are Made for Eating

2011-01-19T16:22:00.002-06:00

Sigh...how could I have passed up this picture of a SHOE cake from the September edition of Catersource....
As most females, I love all things shoes! Check out this cake (it's actually made from chocolate) made by Simone Flemming at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis!
Enjoy!

Original Photograph by Ashley Gieseking

Move Over Chair Covers!

2011-01-19T09:31:00.002-06:00

I could hardly wait to get into the office this morning so I could blog about chairs! Last night I went to an absolutely fabulous NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) meeting at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. Before a delicious meal from Sazama's catering, we were able to see the new line and trends of linens for 2011. BBJ Linens presented their amazing creativity as they showed off the colors of the season runway style...yes they had models draped and accentuated in linens! It was amazing!
The room was decorated to the nines and BBJ put chivari chairs around the room to show how their linens can spice up the decor of a chair! Slip covers and chair covers are great, but these ideas are wonderful!
I took so many pictures of their example! Enjoy!

This was one of my favorites

Linen does so much for an event! It can really spice it up or change it from drab to fab (yes...I did just use that phrase).
Thank you to BBJ Linen for an amazing show last night and letting us share your fantastic creations!

Here is a video of the fashion show and the NACE event. Thank you Amy Johnson from One Fine Day Productions for this!!!!!

NACE EVENT - BBJ LINEN COLOR COUTURE 2011 from Amy Johnson on Vimeo.

NYE Engagements!

2011-01-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

Hi all, Katie here! Sorry it's been a while....

Amanda very recently wrote about the holidays being engagement season. I noticed shortly after Christmas the entertainment news sources were reporting that a lot of celebrity couples were getting engaged, and I thought that would probably be the extent of my association with the holiday engagement season. But I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was mistaken!! My best friend called me a few hours shy of midnight on New Year’s Eve to tell me that her longtime boyfriend had popped the question!! While it is not my story to tell, their engagement story is very sweet. Even more unique is the ring! As the story goes, my friend was touring a local jewelry store in North Carolina when she had a bit of free time. She has a very eclectic style and likes to make her own jewelry, so her eye is drawn to pieces that are not typical wedding jewelry. Upon admiring a few rings at this particular store (not necessarily as engagement rings), she ventured home where she met up with her boyfriend. He asked her how her day was and she explained that after work she had casually meandered into this particular store and liked what she had seen. Moments later, her boyfriend suggested picking up some food for dinner, and he headed out the door. Almost a week later, he was down on one knee at a park bench asking her to marry him with one of the very same rings she had admired at the store that afternoon. On the guise of picking up dinner, he bee-lined back to the jewelry store to investigate what she had found, and picked up one of the rings the jeweler had mentioned she was eyeing. Very clever and thoughtful if you ask me!!

Perhaps even more unique than the engagement, is the style of ring that he chose. In North Carolina, there is a jewelry store called Creative Metalsmiths, and the design focuses on intertwining metal wire and gems to create the rings. I investigated their website and discovered that their selection is quite beautiful, albeit a bit untraditional!

My friends’ brother was also recently engaged, and both he and his fiancé chose to wear engagement rings made of wood. At first I was skeptical, but learned upon further investigation that they are very beautiful! Wooden rings are making an impact on the engagement and wedding ring market as an eco-friendly alternative to diamonds and precious metals. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and designs and can even have gems fused into them. Wearers must be aware, however, that they must treat these rings with care. They are prone to scratches and dents, and while they are coated in a seal that makes them water resistant, they are not water proof and should not be worn in the shower, while doing the dishes, washing your hands, swimming, etc.

The holiday season was a very busy one full of celebration for my friend and her family. Both she and her brother have made me aware of two very unique engagement ring ideas that I hope you find just as interesting as I did!

Food Trucks!!

2011-01-11T14:23:00.000-06:00

2011 is here and I am so excited for the weddings this year! We have our first wedding today, 1/11/11!

One of the upcoming trends to have at weddings in 2011 is a Food Truck. This is one of those things that I can't believe that I hadn't thought of. It's great. Basically the food truck is a mobile kitchen that sets up oustide your venue for your guest to nosh on during the reception. This is an alternative to having a midnight snack bar or buffet.
The great thing about this is that you are able to help out local vendors, and there won't be any waste or left overs that have to get cleaned up. In fact, you can lable this as "going green." :-)

One might think there are not a lot of Food Trucks here in Milwaukee...but if you start to look around you will notice them everywhere (espeically at 2a.m. outside of any street with bars on it).
Here are two popular ones in Milwaukee (click on picture to go to their weibsite)

Street-Za Pizza

Pita Brothers

I have eaten from both of these places...and I can testify that they are fantastic!

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T18:30:00.000-06:00

Reflective thoughts from Katie on NYE:

            As I write this post, a couple is about to walk down the aisle at our very own War Memorial Center and say their I Do’s as the world leaves behind one year and welcomes another. At first I thought NYE was an odd evening for a wedding, but now that I am here reflecting on the events of 2010, and anticipating what 2011 will bring, I find it absolutely appropriate.

            At the turn of a new year, many people take a look back on the experiences that helped shape the previous year, and decide to move forward with a new sense of anticipation, inspiration and motivation. Many people make New Year’s Resolutions. Most people look at the coming of a new year as a way to start over, make changes, do things differently, or as an opportunity to try again.

            Many people also see a new year as an opportunity to continue on whatever path they are currently on, to be thankful for another year of health, happiness, and time with their friends and families. As an opportunity to look back on all of the great things that brought them to where they currently stand, and dream even bigger and better about what they want to accomplish in the year to come.

            As I was thinking about these things, I had a thought about how interesting it is that the concept of a new year accompanies such reflective thoughts, that the passing of another year (or day really) brings with it a sense of renewal and opportunity to start fresh. Why not the passing of any random day throughout the year? What is it about the New Year?

            For two people choosing to commit their lives to each other, the day they select as their wedding day brings with it such emotions. On that day, their lives change forever, and they are filled with anticipation, happiness, perhaps a little anxiety, and no doubt the feeling that from then on they will strive to achieve their dreams with the person they have chosen to spend their life with.

            So, then, it makes perfect sense that on the day in which two peoples’ lives will change forever as they say their vows, so too perhaps will the lives of everyone else in the world, as we turn over a new leaf and welcome a New Year. As they wake up to a new life, so too will the rest of us, as we start fresh in 2011.

            Whatever the passing of another year and the entering of a new one means to you, I wish you all the happiest and safest of New Years. Congratulations not only to our Bride and Groom, but to all of you, as you welcome a new year. I wish you all health and happiness in 2011!

Engagement Season is here!

2010-12-23T15:24:00.000-06:00

First off, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Love and Blessings to you and yours! I feel so blessed to be able to spend this holiday season with my wonderful family and friends and hope the same for you as well.

It isn't hard for people to become extra emotional and humbled over the Holiday seasons....in fact if I think about Christmas and it's meaning and my family..I start tearing up (although, my family and friends would say that is normal...as I cry so much they just ignore the tears now). Anyways, because of the extra hype of love and emotion in the air, many people tend to become engaged. It is even knows as the engagement season. There is a reason why the most popular wedding fairs are held in January....it's because a lot of people were just proposed to.

Thinking about the different ways my friends and family got engaged is quite fun. I have had friends get rose petals paths to the bedroom with a nice ring on the bed, to my sister...who actually, now that I think of it..not sure how exactly it happened...I think my brother-in-law just sorda asked her...hmm...should probably get that straight. Anyways I LOVE to hear how people get engaged (and funny how I remember how everyone else did than my own sister...). I love the surprise elements and the creativity that is done. I also LOVE modern technology and how people You Tubes their engagements! Check out this one:

Pretty sure that is one of the cutest proposals ever!

I stole this from a different blog as an unusual way to propose..

In December of 2007, Oliver Thompson wanted to surprise his girlfriend with an extraordinarily impressive plea for her hand in marriage. Instead of a traditional hot air balloon ride or average billboard proposal, Oliver took his girlfriend, Emma, to the Blackpool Zoo where the two had met many years before. While many boyfriends may choose to propose during a romantic sunset near a favorite exhibit, Oliver took matters into his own hands by making an unusual request.

Prior to the zoo visit, Mr. Thompson convinced the zookeepers to allow a six-ton elephant to aid in the marriage proposal. He had purchased a beautiful engagement ring, but chose to use a simple band in case the elephant decided to swallow the ring. The couple arrived at the zoo and spent a day inside the elephant exhibit – a treat that Emma was told was for her birthday. However, she was pleasantly surprised when the large elephant came towards her with an engagement ring, after which Oliver proposed
{source}

One thing I do suggest if anyone is planning a marriage proposal out there...is to possibly search on You Tube for failed proposal ideas....no one wants this to happen:

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Also, if you just got engaged and are in the Milwaukee area...CALL ME to set-up a tour :-) 414-273-5533! (what...a little self promoting never hurt anyone! )

Merry Christmas!

Birdie's Cafe

2010-12-21T13:43:00.000-06:00

So, maybe it is the effects of the Holiday's and all of the sugar that is around the office, but I can't stop thinking about sweets.

I am more personally, someone who likes "savory" over "sweet" but definitely will enjoy a piece of chocolate or cake. Okay, let's just be honest...I just love food, not matter what it is...I now take back my above statement of liking one type of food over the other.

One of my other loves is supporting local businesses in the Milwaukee area. There are so many hidden gems and I have found another one that definitely needs recognition.

Birdie's Cafe

4110 W. Martin Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53208

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm.

I was first introduced to Birdies last year when a wedding decided to go sans cake and instead let their guest feast on some amazing homemade pie.
Then my mom told me about this amazing cafe that she went to that I needed to check out. This amazing cafe happened to be the same place where the amazing pie came from: Birdies.

Delicious Heart Pie

So FINALLY I was able to check it out. Like so many things....my mind goes straight to weddings. Not only for their amazing pastries and cakes but the space itself is absolutely adorable! I love the fact that when you walk into Birdies, you get an overwhelming feeling of being home...which you should as it is located in what once was a house. The decorations and atmosphere make it a great place to have lunch (which they serve all day, along with breakfast) or to study, or to have coffee with a friend.

Anyways, back to the wedding mindset....many bride and grooms have their wedding here in Milwaukee because it is a neutral location. Their families may or may not be from here. Therefore, with the homey and calming atmosphere that Birdie's presents, I thought it would be such a good place for a rehearsal dinner or a bridal shower. They do their own catering and have event space for up to 75 people.

Comfortable Living Room Style Cafe

So, while you are in the Miller Brewery area, please check out Birdie's Cafe and I hope you fall in love with it just like I did!

Life Imitating Work

2010-12-20T10:46:00.000-06:00

Hi All, Katie Again!

A few weekens ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina to attend one of my dear friend’s weddings. We have known each other for several years, but life has gotten in the way of us seeing each other very often, so her wedding doubled as an opportunity for us to spend a minute of time together!! I served as one of her attendants, and therefore got to spend a little one on one time with her on her big day! I was so happy to be there and to see her; she made a beautiful bride!

I seem to be attending a lot of weddings lately, and each time I attend one, my experiences on the job creep out a little bit. I seem to always have an eye out for the person running the show, and I make sure to be very polite and thank the caterers profusely. Being a guest brings with it all of the perks, such as getting to eat the wonderful food and enjoy a glass of wine, but there is always a part of me that is thinking about the staff working hard behind the scenes.

Each wedding I have seen, either that I have worked or that I have attended, is special and unique in its own way. But there is just something about watching two people you know personally stand in front of their friends and family and say those vows that will bind them together as husband and wife forever. As I watched my friend walk down the aisle and marry her best friend, a strong sense of just how much her life is about the change washed over me, and also how our relationship as friends would change. No longer will it be just Carrie, but Carrie and Paul. Though I watch people get married and say those vows all the time, hearing them come from someone you are close to certainly gives them a more personal meaning.

Congratulations to Carrie and Paul! I wish them love and happiness as they begin their lives together! Thank you for having me be a part of your special day!

As an aside, wouldn’t you know that we traveled from Wisconsin to North Carolina, only to get stuck in a snow storm?! What are the odds?? Carrie is a lover of snow, though, so it was only appropriate!

Videographer's

2010-12-16T12:40:00.000-06:00

Being a budget conscience person, especially for weddings, I have thought in the past that it has not always been necessary to have a videographer at your wedding. I mean, who is going to really watch the DVD? Maybe it is something that you will watch on your anniversary, but I sort of put it in the category of the guest book.

I am now a born-again-videographer promoter.

What professional vidographers do now is no less than art at it's best. With the music they put in the background and the way that they edit the video so the flow from getting ready to dancing at the reception depicts all the special memories of the day is amazingly done within a 4-7 minute time slot.

I will have to say, that Amy Johnson's blog ( from One Fine Day Productions) is what made me a believer..
Her blog is a MUST to check out and see all of her talented work in making these spectacular wedding videos. What else that is pretty amazing is that she will even edit and design a video from your honeymoon with the video that you took. What talent!

There are many many many talented videographers here in Milwaukee, and a lot of them work with the photographers. Therefore, if you have a photographer you love, ask for recommendations on a videographer, that way they can be the same "style" as what you personally like.

Let me see that ring!

2010-12-07T11:02:00.002-06:00

This is Katie again, catching up from a few weeks ago!

A few weeks ago I wrote about proposals and the element of surprise. This week, I want to talk about the ring (the other potential surprise!). Normally, right after the “how did he do it?” comes the “let’s see the ring!” The diamond business in western culture is a booming industry, a large portion of which is comprised of engagement and wedding rings. While I am not traditional about most things bridal, the rings are something I do care a lot about. It is meant to signify to all of society that you are a taken lady (or gent!). As far as I have noticed, the wearing of an engagement or wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is often cross-cultural tradition. This got me to thinking about how the giving and wearing of an engagement ring got started in the first place.

According to ancient Egyptian mythology, the wearing of a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand began with the belief that a major vein leading directly to the heart branched out into that finger. The idea of a ring symbolizes lifelong and everlasting commitment. The addition of a diamond, which is the strongest gemstone on the planet, is also meant to symbolize strength in the couple as they move forward in their lives together. “Engagement” rings were first commonly used by the Romans, but didn’t catch on in the western world until the 13^th century. They became standard in America at the end of the 19^th century, and rings with diamonds included weren’t common until around the 1930’s. Today, more than 80% of women (in America) will wear an engagement ring before her wedding.

A quick look at a jewelry store website will reveal that engagement rings come in all shapes, colors, sizes and of course prices. As the old saying goes, a guy is “supposed” to spend roughly 3 months of his salary on a ring. In the US, the average ring purchase is $2100. In my book, that is quite a bit of money, and because every person’s taste is uniquely different it is important to have a general idea of what your partner is looking for (especially if the engagement is a surprise). Some girls want to pick out their own engagement ring, or don’t want to wear one at all. Many engagement rings are being created as part of a set with a wedding band, so knowing if the ring comes as a set is important. The passing down of diamonds or engagement rings through the family, to be worn and/or reset by newly engaged family members, is also a unique tradition that is being upheld in many families. There are even some guys out there that are opting to also wear an engagement ring before their wedding! (okay.....Amanda writing....this reminds me of my post on the MANgagement ring...check it out here, that is, after your done reading Katie's post).

What does the receiving of or wearing of an engagement ring mean to you? Did you/do you expect one at your proposal? Would you like to be surprised by the design or do you have a very specific idea of what you would want to wear?

Fancy Flours!

2010-12-03T15:33:00.000-06:00

Last year, my dear sister started a holiday tradition of having, my mom, myself and herself exchange cookie cutters. This way, wherever we live (she lives in a far off country with my ONLY two nephews....)and no matter how many miles between us all, whenever we make holiday cookies we can make the same ones. So...after the meaningful and joyful tears were shed...a tradition was started.
Now...a year later, I am searching for a great cookie cutter that I can share with the women in my family. As I am searching the world wide web, I came across a website called Fancy Flours. Of course, I went straight to the wedding section (it's a job hazard) and came across some absolutely adorable wedding ideas! Check these out!

I Love lovebirds! These cupcake holders are incredibly charming!

Candy Origami, what a great topper to a cupcake or a cake or as favors!

Yup..it's a LOVE cookie cutter

So, basically I could keep putting pictures up...or you can go to the website, which I HIGHLY suggest! Check it out www.fancyflours.com

Happy baking!

The Guest List

2010-12-01T14:00:00.003-06:00

Thanks Katie for another post!

I was planning on writing my next blog post about finding a ceremony and reception site, but then it occurred to me that finding these sites generally depends on the size of your guest list! When couples come in to view our facility, we like to ask them roughly how many people they are anticipating, so we can educate them about how many people we can comfortably hold and what their options are. At our site, less than 100 people is considered small. Over 200 wedding guests is not as common. According to Google, the average guest list is 175 people. This got me to thinking about how couples decide on a guest list. Are there people that you are “required” to invite, such as family members, even if you do not see them very often? When a friend of mine got married, she had little control over the guest list because her parents were paying and they therefore wanted say in who was coming. Another friend had compiled her list before she was even engaged!! From my own experience and discussions, I get flustered about having to invite family members that I have only seen once or twice in my life over friends who are a daily part of my existence, simply because inviting family to your wedding is the norm. Is it rude not to include your whole extended family?

Budget is another issue when it comes to a guest list. The fact of the matter is, the more people you invite, the more people you have to feed! And let’s be honest, the catering can potentially be the most expensive component of a wedding! Other things to consider are where people are coming from and whether or not they need somewhere to stay. Plane tickets, hotels rooms, and cars all add up in a hurry, especially if you opt to assist your guests in paying for these things.

So back to the original point: compiling the final guest list. I have a vision in my head of a bride-to-be and her fiancé sitting down with a pen and paper writing out every person they can think of as a starting place. Start with family members, move on to friends, work your way down to co-workers, so on and so forth. How about inviting the people that you are friendly with, for example, who cuts your hair?! Where does the list end?! Is there an actual method to the madness?

A final option would be to set up a budget and work within those limits. From my experience attending weddings, I think it is also important to keep the list at a manageable number so that it will be possible to interact with your guests, in order to make them feel appreciated. In the end (in my humble opinion) it is you and your fiance’s day and you should be allowed to surround yourself with whoever you feel will support you in your new life as a married couple.

How did you decide who would attend your wedding?? How many people are you inviting/did you invite and why?

Amazing Cake!

2010-11-30T14:45:00.001-06:00

I see a lot of cakes in my line of work, but the last two weddings have had some cakes that have stood out from the rest! It is truly amazing how these pastry chefs and bakers make such magnificent cakes! Check them out!

The detail is so lovely on this this cake. I love how simple, yet elegant it is! The gifted people from

The Cake Lady were the artist behind this cake.

This cake was made from a very talented family friend for a winter wonderland themed wedding.

(If you are interested in this cake email the artistic Mary at bakryladi@hotmail.com)

Look at the details!!!! AMAZING!

Milwaukee has so many great bakeries. If you are interested, check out these other talented cake artists that deliver their talents to the War Memorial for many weddings!

Rich's House of Cakes

These are just a few of the places that cakes seem to come from, as there are many more! Please let me know your suggestions!

Also, just for fun and comic relief, check out the blog Cake Wrecks, it's a hilarious blog about cakes gone wrong!

2010-11-23T15:08:00.000-06:00

Picking the Date

2010-11-19T13:45:00.000-06:00

The lovely Katie writes again...

With the holidays fast approaching, I have been working ahead to get my work schedule figured out so I know when I can travel to visit family, and of course, eat lots of delicious food. While perusing the November and December schedules, it came to my attention that there are weddings at one of our locations both the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday right after Christmas. These seem to me like days that get reserved for eating Turkey and opening presents, not usually for getting married (but what do I know). Perhaps the couples think hey! Everyone will be in town anyway, let’s plan the wedding then! Or perhaps the couple is Jewish and Christmas is just another day.

I was on the phone a while ago with a lovely girl who would like to have her wedding in Wisconsin, but is trying to plan it from the East Coast, while her fiancé studies abroad in London. She was hoping for a summer wedding outside, on a Saturday. Our Saturdays book like they are going out of style, and even Saturdays in 2012 are becoming hard to come by (in the summer). After rejecting a few of her dates because we are already booked, I asked her if a Friday or Sunday event would work. You would have thought I asked her if the sky was purple. Without skipping a beat, she said no way! She was Catholic and absolutely had to get married on a Saturday. I empathized, as I recalled being appalled a few years back when a friend of mine from high school got married on a Sunday. (Who gets married on a Sunday, I thought?!) I have obviously since then been put in my place, several times over, as Fridays and Sundays are also very popular days to book events.

As I write down the dates of new couples and contracts that come through our office, I often wonder, how did you decide on that particular day? In Wisconsin, the summer months are popular because of the weather. But there are still more than enough couples who decide they want to set the date for the middle of winter. New Year’s Eve is popular, for example. If you get really lucky, a soft snow of the large, puffy snowflakes will fall the night before, coating every surface, making your wedding look like you are in the middle of a winter wonderland. Or 12 inches of snow could fall, delaying flights and causing the city to declare a snow emergency. What then? Similarly, this summer we had a flash flooding event right in the middle of a couple’s ceremony and reception. Most of their guests (as well as the officiant!) were delayed several hours because the highways were flooded and cars could not move.

All that aside, I can’t help but wonder what motivates a date selection. Perhaps a dating anniversary can influence a wedding date. Or a specific time of year (for example, a little girl growing up always dreaming of a fall wedding). What about the availabilities of the members of the wedding parties or family members? And, of course, what about the location? My guess would be that there a two ways to look at picking a date and a location: either the date is important and the location can be worked around that, or vice versa, the location is important and the date must be flexible around that. However the date gets selected, it will go down in the couple’s history as one of the most exciting, important and happy days of their lives together. And each year, on their anniversary, on that specific date they chose during their engagement, they will celebrate their accomplishments and the successful passing of another year.

Watch Out Veils...Head Bands Are Taking Over!

2010-11-17T10:59:00.001-06:00

To Veil or not to Veil...that is the question.

Many brides seem to struggle with this question. The traditional bride has a veil that sweeps romantically over their face and their father "unveils" the bride right before he gives her away to her future husband.

However, like many traditions...they like to get a little spiced up. Tiara's and head bands and flowers have seem to take over the veil this year, and frankly...LOVE IT! A lot of times a bride will wear her veil for the ceremony only and than switch to a head band for the reception, this is a nice compromise if you would like to keep the tradition but add some spice or flair for the reception.

There are SO many cute head pieces out there and they can really show off your personality. Here are some headpieces I found on Etsy:

And if you are really creative...I bet these could be some fun DIY projects...you could make different color ones for your bridesmaids!

What do you prefer? Traditional veil or headpiece?

To Suprise or Not to Suprise?

2010-11-04T14:25:00.001-05:00

Another post from Katie, events assistant!!

It appears as though I will be entertaining you all with my insights and quarks here at Something Blue on a fairly regular basis, which is something I am very excited about and happy to do. I am, however, a creature of habit and work better when I have a game plan. So, as my posting here will be a weekly (or so) thing, I decided to come up with a theme. I am new to the wedding business. I knew very little about how weddings worked when I started working them a year ago, and had only attended four in my entire life. As such, I thought it would be interesting to step through the entire wedding process, from the initial engagement, through the dress shopping, cake selecting, and location scouting, all the way to the gifts and the thank you cards, to get a better handle on how these traditions came to be. I often wonder, as I’m sure many of us do, how couples make these decisions or better yet WHO makes them, and why. What kinds of things are you curious to know more about and/or how did you tackle these steps in your planning process? Feel free to give me a holler if there are any suggestions about what you’d like to know more about!

So without further ado, today’s topic is going to be proposals. “How did he do it”? “Did you have any idea”? These seem to be common questions directed toward a bride-to-be after making the announcement that she is engaged. I, myself, am a planner. I’ll admit that right now. I like surprises as much as the next girl, but being caught off guard with a surprise proposal would probably send me right in to panic mode. Which got me to thinking about the history of proposals. How did this tradition get started, and was it always about the surprise? How often in this day-and-age are engagements a surprise? Why is it generally the guy that pops the question? Are more and more women choosing to propose to their guys? (I have friends who plan to ask their boyfriends instead of the other way around). Do guys still ask fathers for their permission? And why must guys get on one knee and present a ring?

Consulting the internet on this particular subject revealed the following. The tradition of the marriage proposal is a relatively new idea, as it is meant to give the women a say in whether or not the relationship should move forward. The proposal itself consists of a question “will you marry me?” and a response in the affirmative solidifies the couple’s desire to plan for their eventual marriage. Getting down on one knee symbolizes respect, such as when knights kneel while being knighted. Presenting an engagement ring at the time of the proposal is an outward symbol to society that the woman is engaged to be married. It is becoming more and more common for guys to want to wear engagement rings prior to their wedding as well. It is traditional for the guy to ask the girl for her hand. While this norm is shifting and more and more women are deciding to propose to their partners, many guys indicate that they prefer to be the ones to “pop the question.” Why? In all of my research, the best answer I could find is because they want to! Many women spend much of their lives dreaming about the perfect wedding. For guys, the thrill of coming up with a creative and surprising proposal has become their “claim to fame” in the wedding process.

While a ‘surprise’ proposal is exciting, a general rule of thumb these days is to discuss the prospect of marriage before popping the question. Asking whether or not the girl wants a ring, and if she wants to pick it out, is also customary. While asking for the bride’s parents’ blessing is not required, especially if the bride is older, it does show respect for her family and their wishes. In the end, there is no right or wrong way to carry out a proposal. Making it a joyful and memorable experience for the couple makes for a great story to share for years to come as the couple makes that big step to commit their lives to one another.

Do you want to/ were you surprised by your proposal?

For your viewing pleasure: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3041930/the_best_marriage_proposal_in_world_history/

Operation Wedding Day

2010-10-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

On September 16, 2010 a very special wedding was held at the War Memorial Center. Nick and Kristen (nee Krempely) Colgin were the recipients of an all inclusive $100,000 wedding that was held at the War Memorial Center as the winners of Operation Wedding Day.

Operation Wedding Day was a contest organized by David Liska Custom Jewelers in which a Wisconsin resident that is active military or a veteran of the Armed Forces was allowed to submit a story on why he/she should win this lavish wedding. After many essays were turned in, Nick’s essay won.

Nick is a veteran of the U.S. Army and recipient of a Bronze Star for helping save a French Soldier under fire in Afghanistan who was on active duty. Nick’s name was put on a list to receive books, magazine and snacks. Kristen found this list and sent a care package to this unknown soldier, and never realized that the package would start a relationship, and continue on to a marriage.

Over 30 area vendors, including the War Memorial Center, donated their time, equipment, food and efforts to make this an unforgettable wedding.

After personally spending time with Kristen and Nick, I must say that they are such a great couple. SO HUMBLE and honored to have been selected by the voters! I truly wish them all the best!

It was such a spectacular event and I have been waiting to blog about it until I have pictures. The AMAZING photographer was Jim from Blackdog Studios. The talent of Jim is definitely portrayed through his pictures of the night. Check out his blog for more pictures from this wonderful event.

Savvy Bride dontaed all the bridesmaids dress and the gorgeous wedding gown that Kristen wore. Check out their website for some awesome and unique dresses!

DIY Photobooth

2010-10-26T15:18:00.000-05:00

A trend that has been going on for awhile that is always fun and interesting is the photo booth. There are a ton of professional photo booth specialist out there to make your wedding day a success...and they throw in some great accessories like albums and copies of pictures for everyone.
However...when you are on a budget these extras are the first things that tend to get chopped off the list. Unless...you make it a DIY project.

All you basically need to make your own photo booth is a backdrop, a tri-pod, a digital camera, and a table for props. Props are the best, they make everything super fun!
You can get props anywhere!

I found these on Etsy for under $15!

Or check out the Windy City Novelties and you can find an abundant amount of things for cheap! For example:

Crazy Glasses

Not exactly sure what this is....but it could be fun!

Make sure to leave a guest book by the prop table so everyone can leave their email address for you to send pictures to!

If you are computer savvy...check out this blog on offbeat bride...here is another way to design your own DIY Photobooth

Now, as an event professional, there are many great photo booths out there and they take all the hassle out and add extra fun and excitement to the photo booths. If you are looking for some options in the Milwaukee area, check out:

The Traveling Photo Booth

Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Six Pence in the Shoe

2010-10-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

Our wonderful and always very stylish events assistant has graciously lent her writing skills and wrote a blog for me today. I am sure there will be more from her in the future! Thanks Katie!!!!

“Are those blue shoes?”

I always anticipate every wedding I work to see what each couple will do to make their day stand out among the rest, mainly because I am not generally one for traditions. One tradition, however, that seems to be consistent among all brides is the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” poem. Call me uncreative, but I always thought satisfying this list was pretty straight forward. Borrow some jewelry for the old and borrowed part, wear blue on your garter, and your dress of course would be new.

Lately, however, I have seen several brides wearing stunning blue earrings that make a statement against bright white dresses. Another bride wore a beautiful lace headpiece that was constructed out of her mother’s wedding veil. But one bride in particular blew my perception of this tradition out of the water. As she made her way carefully down the stairs toward the aisle, she revealed cerulean blue peep-toed high heels. A bold and wonderfully creative move in my opinion. I was so excited about this innovative spin on a seemingly straight-forward tradition, I turned to the internet to learn more about the story behind the tradition, and to learn more about how modern brides are keeping this tradition alive in new and interesting ways.

The full poem actually goes like this:

Something old, something new.

Something borrowed, something blue.

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

The last line clues us in to an old English origin, as sixpences originated in England and were made from the late 1500’s through the late 1960’s. The sixpence was meant to signify wealth and financial security as the new couple began their lives together. Carrying something old was meant to represent continuity, of the Bride’s past and family, so as to not forget where she came from. These items traditionally included jewelry, photos, an old pillow for the ring bearer to carry. Carrying or wearing something new symbolized optimism and hope for the couple in their new life. New items included the flowers, the rings, and of course the dress. Something borrowed was typically from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune would then be passed on to the bride and groom on their wedding day. And finally, the Romans wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christians dressed Mary in blue to represent purity. Today, this color still carries with it meanings of love and loyalty. These items can include anything from jewelry and nail polish, to ribbons, garters, and as I learned, shoes!

Finding out WHY this tradition has stuck was a bit harder than learning WHAT the tradition actually means. Either way, the variations on this theme that I have seen in brides lately has given me inspiration. First, because the continuation of a centuries old tradition reminds us that wedding days have always been and will continue to be a very special time in the life of two people committing their lives to each other. And second, though the words of the poem remain the same, the way in which each bride chooses to carry out the tradition is as personal and unique as each of those marriages will be. Who says that a dress can’t be borrowed? Or that a diamond in a ring can’t be old? The possibilities are endless.

Did you and/or do you plan to carry on this tradition on your wedding day? And if so, how/why?

Scary Centerpieces!

2010-10-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a lovely NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) meeting at the fabulous Wisconsin Club Country Club. The food was amazing, the speaker was even better (Wayne Breitbarthis who is a LinkedIn wizard!). I love going to these meetings because it revitalizes my love for all things events!

What caught my eye and made almost all 50 of our mouths drop were the AWESOME centerpieces. I, of course, became that crazy lady and started taking pictures of them. Sort of upset that not all the pictures turned out, but check out our centerpieces!

SO CREATIVE

This was the table that I sat at...the pumpkin was staring at me the whole time.

This pumpkin may have been carved after our Chapter President....

The chef at Wisconsin Club carved all of these! For any kind of fall/autumn event...wedding or corporate this would definitely be a centerpiece that would keep your guest talking!

Wedding Trasportation...the almighty Rickshaw!

2010-10-19T14:36:00.001-05:00

Sometimes transportation can be one of those hard decisions when it come to wedding planning. Many times we have to debate with having a traditional limo or fancy car to get the bride and groom to their wedding reception. Other times a shuttle service is called to transport guest to and from hotels so that they do not have to drive (which is nice, especially if there is alcohol involved).

I am a firm believer in finding transportation for your guest after your event, even if it is calling a cab company and having them send a bunch of their cars over to the venue. HOWEVER if you want to do something a little unique and different, check out a rickshaw.

Because I had to look up the definition, I thought I would share this with you:

rickshaw [ˈrɪkʃɔː], ricksha [ˈrɪkʃə] n
1. Also called jinrikisha a small two-wheeled passenger vehicle drawn by one or two men, usually used in parts of Asia

2. Also called trishaw a similar vehicle with three wheels, propelled by a man pedalling as on a tricycle

Now let's put this concept into wedding planning! And enter CREAM CITY RICKSHAW!

Cream City Rickshaw is an awesome and unique way that will be a sure way to get your guest talking and remembering your wedding. As they ride the rickshaw on their way back from your wedding to the hotel they can get a beautiful tour of Milwaukee, and also be able to have some one-on-one time with their significant other to marvel at what a great time they had that night.

Best of all...it's super affordable! Give them a call at 414-272-RIDE or email ride@creamcityrickshaw.com to get a quote!

And even better! Stay tuned to this blog to be able to possibly get some deals on renting your own rickshaws for your wedding!

Pockets

2010-09-29T10:31:00.000-05:00

Brides out there...a great gift you can give to yourself and to your bridesmaids is to have a dress with pockets. I am convinced that pockets are fashion designers gifts to the everyday person. THEY ARE SO CONVENIENT!!!

Honestly, who has another hand to hold a purse for her lip gloss, Kleenexes, speeches, etc...when one hand is holding flowers and the other is wiping away happy tears!

Here are couple of pictures of some amazing bridesmaid dresses with those spectacular pockets, as well as wedding gown!

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Classic Party Rentals

2010-09-22T15:45:00.002-05:00

One of the monthly joys in my life lately has been going to NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) meetings. This last one was definilty a great one! Around 50 Wisconsin Event Proffesionals got on a bus and traveled down to Classic Party Rentals in Chicago, IL. As we got off the bus and stepped into their gallery, our mouths dropped (or at least mine did)...and my A.D.D. kicked in and I could of been compared to a kid in a candy shop. SO MUCH STUFF TO LOOK AT!!!! Differnt types of flatware, china, chafers...you name it! It was like an events persons dream come true!

After my blood pressure went back down to normal we took a tour of their warehouse....holy cow batman...this place was HUGE!!! I was amazed at how organzied and how big this place was...and of course I took pictures! Enjoy!

Yes, flatware that look like twigs....love it

My new favorite napkin fold...just imagen the menu card tucked right in there! Also, love the charger plate.

This a picture in their warehouse of JUST glassware

Linen in every color your can imagine

Huge giant football prop! So many differnt props there!

Okay...couldn't resist...loved the faux deerhead with the leis on it.

So moral of the story: if you need some creative ideas for your wedding or event...go check out the Classic Party Rental Websites or any other local party rental place in Milwaukee!

Good Enough to Eat

2010-09-18T17:07:00.002-05:00

A magazine called Destination Weddings & Honeymoons came across my desk the other day. As I was looking through it and fantasizing about being at any of the gorgeous resorts in the magazine I came across and article called Foodie Freedom. Many times on our honeymoons, it is a time to relax,drink, and eat good food...and because I am a nerd and own hundreds of cookbooks and cooking magazines, of course I read this and am trying to relate it to the wedding world.
Basically the article was about 7 different honeymoon destinations and were some some great places are to get a good meal is at. So...because I am not able to go off to Pemberton, Western Australia, or Marrakesh, Morocco like the article suggest, I thought I would share a list of some great Milwaukee restaurants for any of those honeymooners, newly engaged, married, or single and loving it readers out there.
Also because I believe in using local products and promoting local businesses I think that this list that was in the Journal Sentinel is amazing. Click here to enjoy!

So....speaking of food

An amazing wedding was held here this past week and the centerpieces were delicious!

Check this out:

Yes that is an artichoke and an apple among the flowers

grapes, kale, pears...looks good enough to eat!

Centerpieces were arranged and created by Impressions by Esther Fleming

Wedding Band!

2010-08-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

So one of the highlights of a past wedding this summer was this AMAZING band called The Mr. Lucky Syndicate. They are a 13 piece band that is sure to get your crowd moving! If you like any type of music, latin, swing, blues, or pop than this band is right for you! Check out their website to listen to some of their music.

Where I've Been and What I've Been Doing

2010-08-26T15:28:00.004-05:00

Alright....so, again, trying to think of a good excuse as to why I have not blogged all summer long.... and instead of coming up with some lame excuse, I thought I would show you in pictures some of the fabulous, wedding filled summer I have had! Enjoy!

Rock Candy as Favors...classic and loving it!

If you can't read the tag it says: Thanks for hamming it up with us!

This was the first time I have seen spam used as a wedding favor (which I think is awesome!)

...and when did they come in single packs like that!

Beach Themed Centerpiece

Come on...got to LOVE the groomsmen cake!

This was one bride and groom's guest book! A quilt with everyone's signature and wishes on it!

This couple did a "Wedding Tree" for their guest book.

As a wine lover myself, I can definitely appreciate how the table numbers were indicated!

So, the table numbers were indicated by different signs that were found around town. This is table #3. How creative! Also, the flowers are held upright in the vases with espresso beans...it smelled delicious in there!

This bride was a DIY Queen! She spray painted and designed the menu card, centerpieces, candy table and just about everything! It looked amazing!

I loved how each person's place card was on the leaf of these apples...very unique!

Another beautiful shot of the ceremony site.

I could show MANY more pictures, but thought this was a good start! Thank you to all my brides and grooms for making this summer so spectacular and to all the weddings coming up I am definitely looking forward to them!

Wedding Day Craziness

2010-04-29T15:42:00.006-05:00

After being M.I.A. on the blog scene for the last month, I feel as though I need to "make it up" to all of my 12 followers. First off....I apologize for my lack of blogging, I wish I could give you a good excuse but now a days the "my dog ate my blogs" excuse doesn't work anymore...

The War Memorial sponsored the Brides Against Breast Cancer event in the middle of April and it was AWESOME!!!! I saw so many lovely brides pick out the dress of their dreams for an AMAZING price and for such a great reason! We will hopefully be doing it again next year so tell all your friend who are getting married to wait to buy their dress until after they see what we have
Here are pictures from the event:

******

Many crazy things happen during weddings, but last week the most crazy thing that I have ever heard of at a wedding happened. For all those who didn't catch it on the news, yes, the mother of the bride here at the War Memorial had to deliver a baby...seriously. We did NOT take pictures of this, but here is the article:

Baby Delivered at Wedding Downtown

by Charles Benson

MILWAUKEE - New life on the lakefront. A baby was born Saturday near the steps of the Milwaukee Art Museum during a wedding party.

It's an amazing story of bad timing, but good luck.

A New Berlin couple thought they could make it to the hospital on time. But it turned out they didn't need to.

Ben Sherwood had just turned down Lincoln Memorial Drive when his wife Kimberly said it was time. They were trying to get to Saint Mary's Hospital.

"She turns to me," said Ben, "and says, 'Ben you have to pull over. We are having this baby right now.'"

"As we were pulling past the Calatrava I noticed a police officer in the driveway," Ben explained.

Ben pulled in and flagged down Officer Rick Bungertz.

"You are helping me deliver a baby," Ben told the officer. "He had the same frighten look I had," Ben said Sunday as his wife laughed.

It was time for plan B.

Ben noticed a lot of people at the Calatrava and started yelling for a dovtor.

"And all of a sudden a woman in a peach dress comes running in her heels and comes down and jumps in (to the Sherwood's car)."

It was Ann Soborowicz, an emergency room nurse.

"She said I have to push and I said, 'We can do this," Annette explained.

"Before we know it, we see the head," Said Ben. "Two pushes, full head, Second push, full body."

"I said, 'Push slowly," Soborowicz recounted. "So as she did, I just checked to make sure there was no chord around the neck and I said, ' Let's get this baby out.'"

Seconds later little Lincoln arrived to a crowd of cheers from not one but two wedding parties.

"I turned around and there's a bride there and I just had this inquisitive look," said Ben. So the bride explained that it was her mother who just caught the baby.

It was an amazing day for the mother of the bride." My daughter got married to a wonderful young man who became my son," said Soborowicz, "And there was another son born to a very special couple."

A special couple who want to make sure Lincoln never forgets where her was born.

"So we decided to add Calatrava to the middle name. So it's Lincolne James Calatrava Sherwood," Ben said.

It's on the birth certificate. Lincoln was the name the parents had picked before he was born. The police officer did call for an ambulance and doctor from a second wedding party also showed up. The Sherwoods want to thank everyone who helped and they hope to meet them all soon.

Wedding Rings, Some New Ideas

2010-03-19T11:36:00.004-05:00

Did some googling today and found some really interesting and unique wedding bands. What do you think of them?

Puzzle Rings

You've found your complete other half or your "other piece of the puzzle." This rings signifies how much you each complete each other.

Coin Ring

For those who like to have some extra character or maybe for those who are big into History...check out these coin rings. They are mostly made out of half or silver dollars. I think how they keep the detail on them are amazing

Fingerprint Rings

I really like this idea. The jeweler will make a copy of your fingerprint and put it in the inside of the ring that will be given to your spouse.

Remember Ring

This ring cracks me up. It's not on the market yet because jewelers are working on perfecting it, but there is a microchip in the ring that will make the ring change temperatures starting 24 hours before the day your anniversary so that you will never forget.

St. Patrick's Day Styleboard

2010-03-17T16:13:00.003-05:00

In the festive mood for St. Patricks day, so I thought that I would pay tribute to my Irish heritage with a styleboard from http://www.dessy.com/.

Enjoy!

Table Numbers

2010-03-12T10:31:00.003-06:00

I meet with one of my fabulous brides yesterday and she was telling me of some of her Do It Yourself (i.e. DIY) projects she was doing for her wedding. One thing that she was explaining to me was how she was going to make her table numbers unique by having the actual table numbers be candles that she is decorating.
So, thanks to google and other wedding websites I took a gander as some other ideas for table numbers. Enjoy!

Oh, Martha Stewart...(whose website this pic is from)...thank you for one of your simpler projects...numbers on wine bottle!

I honestly can't remember where I found this, but I thought it was a lot of fun. The bride and groom named the tables after all the years since they have been born, and then at each year they put a picture of themselves from that year. Fun and embarrassing all at the same time!

This is another DIY project that seemed neat...

Pictures say a thousand words!

I think this seems like a good idea, however I am a little weary about how big they are...but it looks cool.

Any other ideas out there?

Cookies!

2010-03-11T15:10:00.004-06:00

Finally! The wedding season has started and I can start getting inspired again! I know it has been awhile since my last post, but I was having some serious writers block!

We had a BEAUTIFUL wedding here this past Saturday and I loved what they did for the desserts!

The bride and groom did have a small cake that they cut themselves, but also had a dessert table where they had some of their aunts, friends, cousins, and other loved ones make a plate of their favorite cookie. Next to the cookies where the names of the people who made them and then a recipe card for their respective cookie.

What a great idea!

Congratulations Laura and Eric! May you have a wonderful forever together!

The Almighty Escort Cards

2010-02-11T14:13:00.006-06:00

After having blogger block for the last week or so I have finally been able to think of something else to blog about! The escort card!

Technicalities first...the escort card is easily confused with the place card. The escort card is the the card with the name on it that tells your guest what table to sit at and gives them free range to sit at any seat at the table. The place card is actually at the table and tells your guest specifically what chair to sit at.

The escort card table is usually the first things that your guest see as they enter the reception room. The escort card holds a lot of power because it tells each person what table to sit at and whom they will be dining with that evening.

SOME brides and grooms may get a small high by having this power over their guests. It's one of the fun and frustrating things to do when planning a wedding.

Lately, people have been getting very creative with their escort cards. It's fun to see how a bride and groom make everything, down to the escort card, reflect their taste. Here are some ideas for fun escort card table ideas!

Those umbrellas aren't just for fruity drinks anymore!

How could you not love this! Wine that tells you where to go!

Adding flowers is a great way to spruce up the table!

Here is one that looks nice and simple to make but will give that WOW affect.

I haven't seen this one done yet, but I think it would be fun to have customized cookies for each of your guest. It can be a wedding favor and an escort card all in one!

I really like this one! For those out there that have a green thumb you can put your cards in some wheat grass!

Any other ideas out there?

Brides Against Breast Cancer at WMC!

2010-02-09T14:10:00.003-06:00

Centerpieces of different sizes

2010-01-27T10:36:00.007-06:00

After looking at a bunch of pictures from this past year...and in other bridal sources...it has come to my attention that centerpieces have become simple, elegant, and all different sizes.

To create movement in a table setting and also give some creativity, it seems like more and more people are using candle or flowers in vases of different sizes at each table.
I think that this is a great (and can be a very affordable) way for a D.I.Y. centerpiece project.

Check out these pictures to get some ideas for your wedding!

DIY Projects!

2010-01-21T13:34:00.007-06:00

Now-a-days it is so easy to format your save the date cards, invitations, or thank you cards. With so many programs out there I have found that the Microsoft Office Online Templates seem to be the most user friendly. SO user friendly I can even marry the man of my dreams (I feel as though I have to specify that I was in love with Jared Leto when he was in the My So Called Life series. When he was that cool bad boy type of guy...some of his later movies ...not so much).

Anyway.... check this program out. It's fun to play with and you can get some really great ideas!

Make Your Own Style Board

2010-01-19T14:16:00.005-06:00

One of the many fun parts of my job is to do wedding research...which basically means alot of searching on the Internet to find something that amuses me enough to write about.

When going on to websites I am always seeing style boards and wonder how they are made.

First, one may be wondering what a style board is. In the wedding world, a style board is basically a collage of your wedding colors, ideas, and things that you would like to see go on at your wedding. Many style boards have what is most important to the bride or groom. These are helpful when going to meet with vendors because it really give the vendor a "feel" for what your personality is.

For example: From the style board I created, one might say that I like the color yellow, food, dancing, being near the water, comfortable shoes, and that I can't make up my mind what I want to do with my hair (birdcage veil or flower).

Pictures are worth a thousand words, and when you are trying to explain the feel you want for your wedding, this could help a TON.

So...where do you design these style boards? I designed mine at http://www.dessy.com/ and found it quite easy to do. You can also google style boards and find a million other websites where you can make one as well. Or, depending on how motivated and how much time you have, go through a bunch of magazines, tear out pictures of what you like and paste them on some cardboard. The possibilities are endless.

I would personally LOVE to see any brides style boards! If you make one please send a picture of it my way. (abink@warmemorialcenter.org)

New Wedding Packages for the War Memorial!

2010-01-14T10:33:00.004-06:00

The War Memorial has started having wedding packages for our venue! Check it out!

Daisy

Six Hour Rental of Memorial Hall
Two Hour Rental of Fitch Plaza
Rental of Arch for Ceremony
Rental of two LCD Projectors for Reception in Memorial Hall
Dressing Room for Bride

$1800

Rose

Six Hour Rental of Memorial Hall
Two Hour Rental of Fitch Plaza
Rental of Arch for Ceremony
Rental of two LCD Projectors for Reception in Memorial Hall
Dressing Room For Bride
Parking for 50 cars

$2000

Calla Lily

Six Hour Rental in Memorial Hall
Two Hour Fitch Palza Rental
Rental of Arch for Ceremony
Rental of three LCD Projectors during Reception in Memorial Hall
Dressing Room for Bride
Parking for 85 Cars

$2200

Longest Veil Ever...

2010-01-07T10:22:00.001-06:00

Wow...that's one long veil!

Glue Guns and Weddings

2010-01-06T13:13:00.003-06:00

Last week I found myself in quite the predicament. I had an event that I had to go to and I had a black pair of pants that I just bought that I just had (okay, I really, really wanted) to wear. The dilemma was that I'm short and the pants were quite long.

Now, I'm not the best with a needle and thread and I definitely needed these pants hemmed. Scrounging around my kitchen and closets I looked to see what my options were. After deciding that tape wouldn't hold and that stapling them would look just tacky, out of the blue the skies opened up and a light shown down on my glue gun. What a brilliant idea! So yes, I hot glued the hem of my pants and it worked out great!

What does a crazy person hot gluing her pants have to do with weddings? Well, it got me thinking of how much improvising is done at the last minute for weddings. You never know what may happen in those last seconds, a button falls off, the groom's corsage breaks, the veil has a lot static, etc...

I have written a blog before about some last minute items that should definitely be included as an "in case of emergency" bag. However, I thought that there were a couple other tips out there. Such as:

* Don't use a Tide Pen if you get a spot on your dress because it may actually stain the fabric worse. Use chalk or baby powder instead. It's great and there is instant satisfaction with covering up those unwanted stains.

* If you wear contacts, bring an extra set...just in case

* If possible, don't drink alcohol before you wedding. As tempting as it might be this is on of the most important days of your life and you want to be as clear headed as possible.

* Always get a receipt! When you pay a vendor, either get a receipt or have them sign something to say that they have received their money. This way there can be no discrepancies later on.

* Don't go hungry...it will really put a big dent in the day if you faint from hunger

* Relax. It may get annoying to hear this...but this is the day you have been waiting for and it shouldn't be ruined by stress.

The thing is, no matter how prepared you are, something usually happens. My best advice is just to "roll with the punches" and the matter usually can get solved without a lot of stress....and bring a glue gun!

The Man Registry

2009-12-29T10:20:00.004-06:00

Here is another one of those website that brides may just want to "accidentally" leave up on the computer for your fiance to see.

This is a great website for grooms of all kinds! I have a feeling that men are just as insecure and anxious about wedding do's and don't, but a lot of the tie they do not want to show it. This can lead to seeming like they "don't care" about the planning of the wedding. As it may not be as socially acceptable for men to carrying around wedding magazines, especially because they are 99% directed to the brides, that doesn't mean there isn't information or help out there for the grooms in our lives!

This website http://www.themanregistry.com/ is a great tool for answering questions, advice and some great tips for men as they are helping plan a wedding. They have an Ask the Expert section where there are questions that are answered such as, "Do you recommend a joint bachelor/bachelorette party?" and other tips and tidbits from the male point of view.

They also have a a Groom 101 section where they have articles or information on just about everything from A Grooms Guide to Asking Permission to Propose to Wedding Vow Writing Tips to Including Pets in Your Wedding.

So brides and grooms out there, I strongly suggest checking out the marvelous website!

Weekday Wedding

2009-12-17T14:05:00.004-06:00

Yes, we all know that weddings are typically held on a Saturday or Friday. Yes, we all know that venues and vendors typically charge more on Friday and Saturdays because of this. But what about having a weekday wedding?

For a budget conscious person, such as myself, I personally love the idea of having a fabulous event at an affordable price! This trend of weekday weddings is very slowly reaching the Midwest as it is already very popular in Europe, and is becoming more and more popular along the East Coast, especially NYC.

Now there are many pros and cons to having a weekday wedding... and here are some that I have come up with (feel free to add to them!)

Pros

* Cheaper!!!!!!!!!!! Venues, Vendors, Photographers!!!! On average their prices are a little more than 1/3 rd the price of having a wedding on a Fri. or Sat.

* More availability. They say that you need to plan your wedding 18 months out, but what if you want to get married under a year from your engagement? Or maybe the venue of your dreams is booked on the weekend you want to get married. I bet they have a Wednesday or Thursday open! You'll also be able to keep the day that you really want. Maybe you want to get married on the anniversary of your first date or your when you got engaged. Unfortunately those days do not always end up on a Friday or Saturday.

* More Bang for your Buck. A lot of vendors will throw in extras or be more apt to discount some of their services on these days

* People will most like consume or drink as many alcoholic beverages on weekday than they would on a weekend.

* Traveling is cheaper and you can get better rates on airfare and hotels

* It's easier to find a babysitter for those who have families or those who want to have a wedding sans children

Cons:

* Not everyone will be able to show up...some may not have the vacation time or be able to get out of work.
* Some relatives or those who usually "stick to tradition" may have certain opinions about a weekday wedding. Because of this, you may need to come up with a way to nicely and politely tell them that this is YOUR decision and not theirs.

I think what it basically comes down to if you are thinking of a weekday wedding, is your guests. If you plan on having a wedding on a weekday prepare to get a few more "no's" than "yes's" on your RSVP cards. Many will send their love but will not be able to make it. As long as you can allow yourself to not get offended about this, than I think your in good shape to consider a wedding during the week.

So, is Thursday the new Saturday? Wednesday the new Friday? What do you think?

Wacky Weddings

2009-12-16T15:36:00.003-06:00

Sometimes words just can't express it all and only a picture will do.

Here are some crazy wedding pictures, AND I LOVE THEM!

Do I dare try and start a Wacky Wedding Wednesday...

Enjoy!

2010 Wedding Trends

2009-12-08T14:13:00.003-06:00

Do you remember when as a child you used to look at pictures of your parents in bell bottom and laugh at them because they were so “lame” and unfashionable, and then you entered high school, or college and all of a sudden found yourself wearing bell bottoms because they were cool. I know I did (Sorry Mom and Dad!). Fashion and trends seem to go in circles. Yes, the 80’s where back for a little while this past year (scary) and it seems to be that the 70’s may never leave some people. This also applies in wedding trends.

I have been doing some research on 2010 wedding trends and have found some great NEW ones but also some that have made their way back in the timeless circle of fashion. From what I have compiled, here is my list of 2010 wedding trends:

Birdcage Veils

I love this! It reminds me of classic Hollywood and the 1940s flare. This vintage look will definitely draw some attention to the already beautiful bride.

Backyard Weddings at Home

Hmmm…was it the movie Steel Magnolias where it started out with a wedding in the back yard? Also, the movie Father of the Bride, hey, didn’t even Hugh Hefner get married in back yard? Despite the last one, it seems that this is a great recession resistant way to have a budget friendly reception, just don’t let your dad shoot the birds in the trees.

Short Wedding Dresses

I am looking forward to seeing more of this in 2010. I'm sure there will be some beautiful shorter wedding dresses to come!

BUTTERCREAM WEDDING CAKES

Excuse my excitement, but I give much respect to those wonderful bakers who spend so much time and detail on fondant decorated cakes, but buttercream is back and my mouth is already watering!

Greenery Décor and Bouquets

Going green is also a HUGE movement in the wedding industry and some are incorporating that and substituting their calla lilies and roses for a bouquet of greenery. Some also do this for centerpieces as well.

Grooms cakes

A tradition that has faded in the past but is coming back is the grooms cake. Usually this is a cake in the form of something that the groom enjoys, i.e. a football, a golf club, PS3, their favorite condiment etc…

Mismatched Brides maids Dresses

This may not be a total new concept or idea, but it is one that will seem to hold steady in the year 2010. I love this idea so that each brides maid can have a dress that is flattering to them.

Wedding Favors

I am personally not the biggest fan of wedding favors because I see a lot of them left behind, however, it seems like this has been something that has been omitted quite a bit in the past couple of years…but 2010 wants to bring it back. So bring on those colored M&M’s!

Thank You!

2009-11-24T16:18:00.005-06:00

As I sit here in front of my computer during the beginning of the holiday season and in lieu of Thanksgiving, I think about how thankful I am for the many brides and grooms that have walked through this door, gone down the aisle, and have partied their buns off here at the War Memorial. It was truly a great wedding season and I look forward to many more! Thank you to all who have made me so happy to be doing what I'm doing this year!

Here are some pictures from some fabulous 2009 weddings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

MANgagement Rings

2009-11-18T14:47:00.004-06:00

On my way to work this morning I heard on the radio about the up and coming trend of the MANgagement ring. There was much debate on the radio about if men would wear one or not. Given that we are doing a computer software change over and nobody in the office can print or do any real “actual” work I decided to devote my morning to look more into this managaement ring and ask as many people that would stop and take me seriously about it.

First off, this has equality written all over it. One argument could be that, why should women be the only one to have wear a ring and “prove” their engagement. This tradition actually goes way back many years ago when men would “mark” their women with any kind of paraphernalia so that people would know that she has been “taken.” In the last couple of hundred of years this paraphernalia has become a diamond ring. Like so many other things that used to be only for women (i.e. cooking, wearing pink shirts, spas, manicures, etc.) we are now seeing the male equivalent : the MANgagement ring.

When doing my field study on this subject and asking men if they would wear a mangagement ring here were the most popular responses :

“ A Man what????”

“Heck no”

“Why not, I like the bling”

“Only if my fiancé really wanted me to and it made her happy” ß this guy is a smart man

“I‘ve actually thought about it and am considering it”

It isn’t surprising that most people who shut down the mangagment opportunity right away belong to an older generation. They tend to stick to tradition. The generation Xers and those who are younger are much more apt to adding on the bling to their fingers.

Personally I think this is a great evolvement in the world of weddings and engagement. I say for those who can pull it off, “Way to Go.”

What are your thoughts on the Mangagement ring?

Thank you Post Cards

2009-11-11T14:45:00.004-06:00

I recieved in the mail yesterday a lovely thank you POSTCARD. It was great! The front on the post card is a picture of a couple that was married here earlier this fall along with a kind note on the other side.

What a great idea for a Thank You note or even a Save the Date invitation!

Here are some great reasons to make your own postcards instead of traditional cards:

* You can put one of your favorite wedding pictures on there to share with your guests
* Post card stamps cost way LESS than regular stamps
* It's always fun to get a postcard in the mail
* It's a more green or eco-friendly choice (less paper involved)

The best website I found for this is 123 Print. This website makes it super easy to design your own post card and is super affordable (100 postcards for $14.99!)

Any other ideas out there for Thank You Notes?

On a very improtant side note... Today is Veterans Day and I would personally like to thank all of the Veterans and activie military for serving this country, and also a thank you to the spouses and families for their immediate support of their loved ones who have been or are in the military. Thank you!

Style Me Proper

2009-11-05T11:10:00.006-06:00

The elegant and highly personable Lisa Patterson came into my office today and talked with me about her great new company Style Me Proper.

Lisa started her own company after finding a need for styling and decorating in the wedding scene. Here is the great part...she is SUPER affordable as well!

She says it best on her website:

Style Me Proper provides an exclusive service to those needing event design and decor. We

know your time is valuable and therefore are flexible to fit your needs.
Our services include:

* A free, no obligation consultation.
* Design options to meet any needs- and infinite themes and colors!
* Florist arrangements (as needed).
* Delivery.
* Set up.
*Pick up.

Allow Style Me Proper to save your family and friends time on your wedding day too! No one wants to be in charge of setting up and finalizing the venue on the big day, so let us provide that service for you. It is a guarantee you will be happy you had someone else to do the work!

Hiring a decorator/designer is a great budget friendly alternative to hiring a full out wedding coordinator. Many brides and grooms out there will handle all of the details up to their wedding day, but what happens on the actual "big day?" This is where Lisa would come in and melt all your worries away!

Definitely check out the website and give Lisa a call!

Groomsmen Attire

2009-10-21T15:13:00.004-05:00

Want to add a little extra flare to your groomsmen?

Here are some ideas to make them fashionable, yet stand out from traditional groomsmen attire…

Got to love the sweater vest!

A little color to their tux!

Suspendors and the best man in a different colored shirt...

This may be going overboard (even the priest has a mask!)

Any other ideas out there?

Brides Against Breast Cancer

2009-10-13T16:07:00.004-05:00

Dear Brides,

Looking for a wedding dress is such an awesome experience. It’s something that can actually make you feel as though this wedding is happening! A wedding dress is a huge part of the wedding tradition.

However, what happens after the wedding. Do you get it cleaned and store it away in hopes for your daughter to wear? Does it sit in your closet for year upon year? Or is it in your mom’s closet, like mine and my sisters is, not knowing what to do with it.

May I make a suggestion?

What about donating it to Brides Against Breast Cancer.
This is a great and wonderful non-profit that takes in all wedding paraphernalia and sells them to other future brides for a great savings. Best of all, the profits go to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation which helps with educating and supporting breast cancer patients.

Their mission statement says it best:

“To provide an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients’ dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing a special time of ‘Making Memories” together with their families, a chance that might not have become a reality without the assistance of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.”

“To advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families.”

Please check out their website even if you are not interested in donating your dress but interested in other ways to help out. Or check out their calender to see when the nearest Brides Against Breast Cancer dress show is coming near you!

Blackening the Bride

2009-10-02T13:13:00.004-05:00

Traditions, especially ethnic traditions always interest me. So today, when I was doing some wedding research I came across an article about a tradition in Scotland called blackening the bride.

"In the Scottish pre-wedding tradition of “Blackening the Bride,” The bride is taken by surprise and covered with foul substances, such as eggs, various sauces, feathers, and well you name it…
The bride to be, officially blackened, is the then paraded around town, and of course a few pubs, for all to see."

I also read somewhere that they groom gets molasses or honey poured on him and then is feathered and tied to a tree.

hmmm....I am 25% Scottish/Irish, and am just glad these traditions didn't filter through for my wedding...but I would LOVE to see this in person!

Anyone else have some crazy traditions that you would like to share?

Wedding Cakes

2009-09-22T13:30:00.003-05:00

I am literally sitting at my computer, dumbfounded as to what to write. I just went this blog http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ and can't even explain how hilarious some of these cakes that this person has found.

I think I spent close to an hour just looking at them and laughing (my co-workers now have officially pegged me as clinically insane because of this).

So...here are some wedding cakes that are on this blog, but I urge you. for some great entertainment and also to learn about being as specific as possible when ordering your wedding cake, to go to this webite.

Grooms Cake....(all you brides out there, you may NOT want to show this to your fiance)

Yes, this would be a picture of feet with corpse tags on it...you can't see it, but the words say: Till Death Do Us Part

Again, may not want to show this to fiance so he doesn't get any crazy ideas

Pretty sure, once my husband see this, he would say that this would have been more appropriate for our wedding.

Again...I have no words for this one....

Enjoy and go to http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ to see some more HILARIOUS cakes!

Great Online Help!

2009-09-18T14:47:00.004-05:00

Staying organized is a major factor in planning a successful wedding. There are SO many things to keep track of. For example, which payments are due in what months, what time can this vendor get into the hall, when is the proper time to start registering, and so forth.

For many people, this is what they hire a wedding coordinator to take care of. This way they can enjoy the process without all the stressful work. However, for many of us, that is not exactly in our budget. If you are one of the latter I would strongly suggest going to this website: My Wedding Workbook.

The wedding workbook makes it so easy to manage ALL OF YOUR DETAILS. It is also useful for destination weddings!

I think what I like most about it is that is straight forward and easy to use.

Has anyone else used this site already and have had success with it?

Summer Weddings

2009-09-09T12:15:00.005-05:00

SO many wonderful weddings this year so far and many more to come!

Here are some pictures from this past summer!

What an amazing background! I wish I could order days like this!

I thought that this was quite a unique thing to do ...putting lemons in the vase

One of my favorite table set-ups of the season

What a great way to use your wine corks!

Orchids! Love them!

Rose petals made the table look so elegant!

Wedding Reception Idea

2009-08-28T09:36:00.002-05:00

I was reading the fall issue of Premier Bride yesterday and saw an add that caught my eye….Flippin Fun Fotobooks. Definilty check out the website! The website can explain what it is better than I can as I cut and copied the below straight from their info page:

Q. What is a Fotobook?
A. It's a combination of a 1882 concept called "flipbook," where a series of drawings were stapled together to create the illusion of movement. In the 1960's the "Flipbook" made a resurgence with companies such as Disney, Ford, and McDonald's using them for promotional purposes. Fast forward to 2009 and the new "Fotobook." With new age patented technology, we can take a (6-7) second video footage of your guests acting out a skit, dancing, or just having fun, and instantly turn into "Fotobook Keepsake."

How much fun would that be for your guests at the wedding to have another source of entertainment and to take home a flip book of themselves as a favor!

This idea a little new to the Milwaukee area, but has anyone been to a wedding or a social event where this has been done?