Tip - Address Invites For Significants

If you are planning to invite someone that has a long term or live-in significant, address the invitation to both as Mr. John Adamson & Ms. Nikki Johnson as opposed to Mr. John Adamson and guest. This little extra effort to include their partner shows that you want them both to attend and is more personal.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - How Berry Fantastic!

Fresh berries are a great way to decorate your wedding cake and still add some texture to the appearance. Berries are fresh and colorful. They are usually less expensive than flowers and hey…they are edible!

Photo provided by The Knot

Cake Piece From Lady Di's Wedding Sold For Charity

A former royal servant's family sold a piece of wedding cake from Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer's 1981 wedding for 1000 pounds ($1830), which will go to charity.

"The large, 23 cm (9 inch) slice of cake icing, with a marzipan base, came from one of 23 official wedding cakes and was given to Moyra Smith who worked for the Queen Mother at Clarence House.

It was kept wrapped in clingfilm in an attic for the past 27 years.

The cake was sold on Wednesday to an unnamed bidder along with a typed letter signed by "Charles and Diana" thanking Mrs Smith for her contribution towards a clock they were given as a wedding present.

Her husband Donald told British media that his wife died last month, aged 78, and it was her wish for the cake to be sold after her death, with the money raised to go to charity."

See full story at Reuters.com.
Photo provided by BBC News.com.

Spotlight On - Music on the Move DJs

Music on the Move has a steadfast philosophy that is very different...
-Take Responsibility to assure your event will be extraordinary
- Create "WOW" into your wedding reception
- Go above and beyond your expectations

When Music on the Move meets with you and begins the planning process, you can be assured that you are meeting with the actual team attending the day of your wedding, reception or celebration. Your DJ and MC are there to help you with an entire catalogue of tasks for your big day. Music on the Move is a team that works together to make sure that your music fits your personality and event, adjusts volume level at the necessary times, and works together with your vendors to make sure that your day is flawless.

“We really enjoyed meeting Doug. He understood what we wanted. We went to three other weddings around the time of ours. I wish we were able to recommend Music on the Move. All I can say is that people seemed to have much more fun at our reception. A fun party at our wedding was the most important part to me - well, besides our vows. Dara really knew how to talk to my dad. She gave him some really great ideas for the toast and made him feel special. Doug MC'd a great party. I just loved Doug and Kevin (guitar player) sitting on the steps singing Stairway to Heaven. I was deeply moved and will never forget it ... the moment was priceless."
- John and Ann Schmidt

"You did an awesome job with the timing and organizing of our wedding day. Our introductions of the wedding party and the bride and groom were unbelievable. My daddy-daughter dance with my personal message in it was incredible. Absolutely incredible. The whole organization of our wedding was very well done. Music on the Move did an outstanding job giving us the perfect introduction and beginning of the rest of our lives."
- Scott and Dana Veneble

"Thank you seems so insufficient a word for all that you did for the kids to create a beautiful, special occasion. I personally want to thank you for sharing your wonderful talent. You are a great MC, and made Ryan and Sarah (Stever) feel so special, as well as their families. I know hours of work went into all the special moments that happened. You helped to make memories for a lifetime. So... from the bottom of my heart-Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You're Wonderful."
-Patti Stever

"You were everything we thought you would be and more. You far exceeded our expectations and we will always remember you for that. Our families and friends made comment after comment about how fabulous and professional you were. The special touches you added were priceless and you more than once had everyone in tears. It has been 3 weeks since our wedding day and we still have people calling to tell us what an amazing time they had dancing. The music was perfect and so were the two of you! Thank you so much for being such great people and friends!"
- Love, John and Jackie Mayo

website: www.musiconthemovedjs.com
address: 1913 Capitol Avenue, Ste. B, Sacramento 95811 (by appt. only)
phone: 916. 91.3738
email: info@musiconthemovedjs.com

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Choose Your Wedding Party Wisely

When choosing the people in your wedding party there are many things to take into consideration. Make sure that those you're selecting to participate are dependable, considerate and manageable. This just means try not to choose the attendants that are going to steal your spotlight or make every request asked an inconvenience. You want to choose people that are capable of supporting others, without interjecting their own agendas.Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Flowing Chocolate

Chocolate fountains are all the rage now days. They are elegant and fun. Loads of delicious, creamy chocolate flowing over, just waiting to be dipped into. Some popular dippers are marshmallows, strawberries, gram crackers, and pretzels. But if you have something you love coated in chocolate then by all means add it in. They come in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, to satisfy every ones taste buds.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ring, ring. Hello?!

Why have your ring bearer carry a basic white pillow to present your rings? Take a look at these creative alternatives for ring bearer pillows! Too cute! Your presentation can tie into your entire wedding theme. Photos provided by (clockwise from top L): Muscari (first 3), Alexandra Frankel (design by Blooms), Tyrabelledesigns, True Love Photo (design by Flourish), Portobello, Muscari

Trend - Wedding Party Equality

There's no law that requires you to choose a maid of honor and best man. If you're worried about choosing someone for fear of hurting another's feelings, don't make the distinction. Many couples are not assigning maid of honor or best man and it relieves the responsibility of the duties on one person and the bridal party can help out as a team.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Timely Thank Yous

Ok, so we all know that the bride usually handles the thank-yous. But you need to enlist your new hubby to help. Not only will it get them out much faster, it will give you both some extra time together to reminisce about your special day. Oh and remember that wedding gifts are not mandatory, so no matter what the gift, it was thoughtful so it deserves a thoughtful note in return.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - What Did You Spend Too Much Time On? (Part 1)

What did you spend a lot of time on that you wish you hadn't? (part 1)

Cake topper, my bridesmaid broke it on accident, 5 minutes before the wedding. Always have a backup if it's important to you.
- Rebecca, married July 2003

I made our own programs for the church part of the wedding and I took so long to do them and no one really noticed or even kept them after the ceremony. I could have saved some time and stress. But also, I don't know if I would have had them done professionally because why spend a lot of money on something that no one really looks at or keeps for very long?
-Erin, married October 2003

I spent a lot of time looking for shoes. I kept telling myself that it didn’t matter, because no one sees my shoes. But my mother insisted that I have nice shoes, and unfortunately I gave into the pressure. If I were to do it over again, I would have spent $5 and worn flip flops.
- Alison, married October 2007

I spent a lot of time on the place cards. I loved how they looked in the end but all the layers and detail took too much time the week before the wedding. I should have started earlier.
- Kirsten, married September 2006

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Giving You the Bout!

Blog stalking this week we came across some amazing bouttonieres on Oh Joy! , Glamour This! (who were actually blogging about ring bearer pillows, which we'll look at tomorrow ) and DC Nearlyweds. We had to visit the sites of these amazing creators and share some creative twists on bouts! What do you think?Photos and talent provided by la la laurie! (top row), Muscari (mid row), Emplume (3rd row).

Tip - Find A Knowledgeable Jeweler

Some may be engaged and still looking for that perfect ring. Make sure that you find a jeweler that is knowledgeable and motivated to educate you on your purchase, not just sell you something. They should discuss the 4 C's with you (cut, carat, clarity, color) and what the differences will mean to you. They should also be able to guarantee their diamonds and have a secure warranty. A jeweler should also be able to tell you where all their diamonds are mined, avoiding conflict diamonds.Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Homegrown Centerpieces

Nowadays we have seen more and more couples using fruits and veggies for their centerpieces. Think of it if you plant the seeds, water the soil, and harvest the goods then not only will your décor be much less expensive, but they will be a lot more meaningful as well. Also, you can provide containers for your guests to take home the fruits of your labor. Now this doesn’t mean that you can not add some flowers or greenery in if you choose, but it is another colorful and even fragrant way to dress up your tables.

Photo courtesy of Blooms by Martha Andrews

Ignite the Flame - Tapas for Two

There are few things more romantic than sitting down with your favorite person (your spouse of course!) and enjoying a delicious meal for two. Tapas restaurants often allow for a more intimate feel while dining and you are able to sample several dishes of varying culinary delights. Since the dishes are generally small (perfect for two), you can take a chance and order something daring. What a great opportunity to spend a little romantic time together and enjoy a fabulous meal. Add to your evening by ordering a wine flight or a sumptuous dessert for two!

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

I Scream, You Scream...

A little dessert obsessed lately? Maybe. Check out this awesome recipe that you could mix up for a fun summer bridal shower treat! Ice cream treats never get old no matter how old we get.

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups chocolate ice cream, softened
4 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup chopped peanuts


Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs, 2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts and melted butter and mix well. Press into bottom and up sides of 9" pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 5-6 minutes until set. Cool completely.

When crust has cooled, spread softened chocolate ice cream in bottom of crust. Freeze for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine vanilla ice cream and peanut butter in large bowl and beat until peanut butter is thoroughly blended with ice cream. Spread over chocolate ice cream in crust and top with remaining chopped peanuts. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. If you really want to kick it up, drizzle chocolate syrup over the slices of pie! Enjoy!!

I received this recipe in an email from our local top BBQ joint, Texas West BBQ. Thanks TX West!

Recipe and photo provided by Texas West BBQ.

Oreomisu For Me Please!

Ok...so if you are looking for a fun dessert treat to serve your wedding day guests check out the Oreomisu!
Blog stalking Blue Orchid Designs, I came across this mouth-watering delicacy coming from Clumbsy Cookie! How fantastic. You could serve this with little glasses of milk or even a nice Port wine. Mmmm.

6 Oreo cookies
2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
1 tsp icing sugar
2 drops vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

Break apart the oreo cookies and scrape the filling to a bowl and set aside the wafers. To the Oreo fillings add the mascarpone and icing sugar and mix well with a small whisk. Mix the milk and the vanilla extract and make crumbs out of two wafers (you can do this with your fingers or press them with the bottom of a glass or rolling pin).

In small serving plates arrange alternatively the chocolate wafers dipped in the milk and the mascarpone cream. Start with a wafer and use five for each Oreomisu, finish with mascarpone cream. Top with the wafer crumbs and refrigerate. Serves two.

Thanks Liene!

Photo and recipe provided by Clumbsy Cookie

Cloud Nine - If Girls Only Knew...

Men cannot read between the lines. If you are mad at them, they may not know it. If you are sad, they may not pick up on this – it’s similar to how they might not recognize a new hair cut. You have to tell them how you feel, you can’t expect them to automatically know.

Men do not multi-task very well. Women innately know how to do ten things at once. Men complete one task at a time before moving on.

When men say they are sorry, they mean it. Women need to learn to accept this faster, let go and don't lock their mistake in "the vault" for later use.

*Disclaimer: These are merely generalizations and we realize by no means apply to every man.

Tip - Know What You're Getting

If available, even for a small fee, ask for a sample invitation to be mailed to you if ordering from a custom invitation or online. Sometimes print type, color and texture can look much different online than in hand. You want to make sure you're getting what you pay for before placing a large order.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - One Dress, Two Dress, Three Dress, More

More and more brides are choosing to have more than one dress for their wedding day. A beautiful elegant dress for the ceremony, complete with a train and veil. Then changing into something a little more comfy for the reception. It can still be a bridal gown, or maybe it is just an elegant cocktail dress that matches your colors. It can also be fun and flirty. Whatever your choice, it will give your guests a little surprise to see you introduced in an entirely different look. Some brides choose to change a third time for departure. It's your day...wear whatever you want!

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Keep Guests Aware & Comfortable

If you are planning to have an outdoor ceremony and/or reception be sure to let guests know, via an enclosure card with your invite or on your wedding website to ensure that they are well prepared for the weather. While you know the weather plans to be 75 degrees and sunny, this may not be warm enough for Grandma Cathy. Have a plan on how you will deal with extreme weather changes: heat, wind, rain, etc. and keep your guests comfortable.Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Ask Marvin - Mystified By Florals

Dear Marvin,
My wedding is only two months away and I still don't have a florist. I feel like I can't find a florist that can see the vision that I have in mind. Florals are not huge in my budget and I would like to mix large floor arrangements with small centerpieces and conservative bouquets. I feel like I'm running out of time and soon may be out of options, but I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on flowers that I'm not happy with.

Mystified By Florals

Dear Mystified,
My first suggestion is to create a story or inspiration board, if you haven't already, that will spell out the theme, colors and design of your day. You can search online and in mags for thousands of floral samples and I would suggest categorizing them by the elements that you adore (stem wrap style, specific flowers incorporated, texture appearance, size, etc.) I would take these to as many floral appointments as you can make in the next two months to guarantee that you will find someone who you feel comfortable with and can bring your vision to fruition. My second suggestion would be if you are looking for something simple and specific that you feel you could trust in the hands of a family member or friend, maybe order the flowers yourself and work on different arrangements, bouquets until you master them and then can pass them on to someone to deliver the day of. Costco.com and Farmstogo.com have good prices on retail flowers. Start researching and scheduling those appointments!

Marvin

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Chocolate Brown

The latest thing in menswear is chocolate brown tuxes or suits. While still very elegant and classy, they offer something a little less traditional for your man and his groomsmen. Going with brown tuxes won’t limit your accent colors either. So many people are pairing lots of colors with brown these days. Pink, blue, turquoise, lavender, yellow… and the list goes on. Brown, the new black?? Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Photos Stepping Out

Many photographers are making an effort to get to know the area of your venue before the wedding takes place. They are going to “special places” instead of just sticking close by the church or venue. Your photographer may have a great spot that he/she knows of in reasonable driving distance from your location. There are many places you can get those photos that are just outside of the box, a little less traditional if you will. If this is the case, we say go for it. Spending an extra 30 min or so with your photographer will pay off big time in the end. After all, a few extra minutes could create a lifetime of memories??

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Head Table Layouts

The traditional head table is single sided with your entire bridal party lined up on one side. It is difficult to have conversation with those you have invited to stand up with you. Consider a “Great Table” or “Royal Table,” which is a large table that can be positioned in the center of the reception room. All bridal party members, and their spouses or dates, can sit at this table and have better conversation. The table is usually decorated heavier and can be quite a focal show stopper.Tip provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of Jordan's Photographic Designs

Dynamite Site - Wishpot Wedding Registry

Check out our recent mention in the Wishpot wedding blog! This website is a great way to create a registry from anywhere and store it in one place. No more picking and choosing from one store, choose from all your faves! Wishpot rocks!
Check out our Wishpot. What would you put in your yours?

Tag You're It Firecracker Style

Tag You're It with a twist--make this one all about your wedding! You have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about anything to do with your whole wedding process--anything from engagement to relationship to planning to day of is open territory.

I'm tagging any of the bloggers from the Wedding Bee!

1) I went to 4 weddings before ours! It was great to get ideas from our friends!

2) I spent more time researching the bridesmaids gifts than I did the flowers for our wedding. I don't really care about flowers that much and I LOVE to give gifts to my friends.

3) My mom and my sister actually dismissed me from a vendor meeting. With the florist. I was SO over it and they told me to go get something to eat and come back later.

4) My dad offered us the all the money that they were going to give us for the wedding to use for whatever we wanted. He told us we could just go to HI and do whatever we wanted with the money.

5) I was the calmest person the day of my wedding. Everyone was freaking out around me and I was the one telling everyone to chill out.

6) I had a planned first sighting with my dad. I am such a daddy's girl and I wanted the moment he first saw me in my wedding dress to be so special.

7) I hated our first dance song. It wasn't at all what I wanted but I couldn't get hubby to weigh in and I finally just picked a song.

8) I hate the unity candle. So I skipped it and had a sand ceremony instead. I thought it was more beautiful and gave me a better keepsake afterwards.

9) Before I got married I was super independient. I still am independient but I find that now I really want hubby's advice or take on the things that are going on in my work and/or personal life.

10) The happiest moment to date in my life is walking back down the aisle after we were married. There is even a picture of the pure joy on our faces.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Less Can Be More

The latest thing in guest lists is... less. A lot of couples are going with the small and intimate weddings. Keeping your guest list to a minimum can have many benefits. By keeping it small you can have more time to spend with each of your guests. If you have an over abundance of guests then your time with each will be limited. Another thing about keeping numbers low is just that, it will keep your numbers ($) low. Your dollars can be better spent. Having a guest list of say 30 people will give you more room to splurge on everything from flowers, to photography, to food.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Don't Forget Paper Products

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the invites are the only order they need to place with the stationer. Oh contraire, what about the programs? Perhaps you are having a weekend dedicated to your wedding; in that case you may conceder a weekend itinerary. How about menus? You put a lot of time picking the food, so how about letting your guests know what to expect. A nice touch for rehearsal is sending out some rehearsal dinner invites to keep your guests informed. Whatever paper products you do decide to use, be sure that they are all consistent with your invitations. Be sure to order more than you think you need. Ordering small paper quantities always costs more than large orders. Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Choosing A Date

Keep little things in mind when choosing the date for your wedding. Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are times when people want to be with their families, so it may be wise to avoid these times. If you do decide to marry around Christmas or New Years, give guests extra notice, because everyone is having parties this time of year and you may even have find that a lot of venues and florists are booked way in advance for the season as well.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Seed Paper

A lot of brides are using seed paper to make their favors. It is a great product that can be cut just like paper into hearts, doves, whatever you choose and used to make favors. The difference is that when your guests take it home they can plant the seed paper in shallow soil and water it and soon, beautiful flowers will grow. What a wonderful thing, to give your guests something that will continue to bring them joy.

Check out www.botanicalpaperworks.com for seed paper options.

Trend - Personalized Vows

Many couples are ditching the traditional vows and writing their own. Some are more heartfelt, detailing how much they've learned from one another, grown as an individual and anticipated joining together as one.

Others take the concept of vows and embellish on all the things they will or will not vow to do:
I vow not to drink off the carton.
I vow to only bet on craps when you're there to blow on the dice, since you're my lucky charm.
I vow not to put your delicates in the dryer.... you get the idea.

Whatever your choice, it should be your choice and be something that you both discuss beforehand. Some people are not comfortable "public speaking" and the thought of repeating vows aloud at all may make them nervous. Make sure to discuss your options and come to a decision together. It starts here.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Ask An Older Flower Girl

As cute as the itty bitty flower girls are… they are unpredictable when it comes to sending them down the aisle. If you have an older niece or friend’s daughter, give them consideration. They are less likely to disappoint you, and the older ones follow directions fairly well. They usually enjoy wearing hair adornment (whereas many little ones pull wreaths or halos off their heads and usually destroy the flowers in the process.)

Tip provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Real Dynamite Wedding - Kevin & Luciana

We love to share real weddings! This one was submitted by Sharpe Photographers and is truly a unique tale from the proposal to the wedding day details.

June 7, 2008

The Meeting
Luciana and Kevin truly are an amazing couple. They met about 7 years ago working at River City Brewing Company in Sacramento and have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal
Kevin proposed to Luciana in Europe when visiting her family. He bought her ring from a street vendor and was so nervous about doing it, he kept putting it off. Finally he got up the nerve to propose and as he leaned over to kiss her he bumped into her head and chipped his tooth! Needless to say, they spent the rest of the afternoon looking for a dentist to fix it!

The Big Day
Kevin & Luciana love the outdoors, which is why they chose Rancho Cicada Retreat as their venue. The Consumnes River flows directly along the reception site/camp ground (yes, the guests camped!) and the peaceful sound of the flowing water enhances the ambience and sounds of the surrounding nature. Everything about their wedding was a true reflection of both Luciana and Kevin, from the natural surroundings to the potted plant favors (that also served as the escort cards), to the live band for the reception, to the Italian inspired menu, it was all absolutely perfect!

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Rancho Cicada Retreat
Florist: PLUSH weddings(centerpieces)
Twiggs (bouquets/boutonnieres)
Cake: Freeport Bakery - Chocolate Decadence cake, Ettore’s - Fruit Tart (They chose their favorite desserts from their favorite local bakeries instead of a traditional wedding cake.)
Wedding Designer/Coordinator: Michaela Rodgers, PLUSH weddings
Caterer: All Seasons All Reasons
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations
Photographer: Sam Wood, Sharpe Photographers
Hair & Make up: Article Salon
Rentals: Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals and CMC Event Designs

Tip - Cut Costs By Cutting A Smaller Cake

If you're looking to cut costs for your wedding, think about ordering a smaller cake for the bride and groom to cut into and have sheet cakes available for guests. This can potentially save you big money.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Flower Girl Baskets Updated

There are so many options nowadays when it comes to flower girl baskets. Flower basket designs include more flowers being used to create the basket than flowers sitting in them. They're another unique element that ties in color schemes and texture. A popular adaptation to the flower girl basket is the idea of having a floral “kissing ball” or pomander made for the young ladies to carry. Many churches will not allow petals to be scattered, so florists are creating something different and eye catching. Flower girls love this idea!

Photo credit (clockwise): Blooms by Martha Andrews, True Love Photo, Alexandra Frankel Photography, Flourish

Trend - Hidden Pockets

Can I put this in your purse? Can you hold this for me? How many times have you asked those questions when you're perfectly placed into a bridesmaid's dress? Check out some super cute bridesmaid dresses with little hidden pockets to keep your tissue and lipstick in. Oh, how convenient!

Photos provided by J Crew (L column), Norstrom (Middle column), Banana Republic (R column)

Tip - Be Prepared For A Doggy World

When having your family pets walk down the aisle as part of your processional, prepare for a worse case scenario. They may be stubborn and sit down, they could make more noise than expected, or their collar could come off and away they may go! Not that anyone will mind, it even brings smiles to everyone's faces, but just keep in mind that it may not always go as planned!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Charger Plates Decorate

A lovely decorator element for your dinner tables can be the addition of a charger plate. Rental companies offer a variety from an inexpensive acrylic in gold or silver, to higher-end ones made of hammered metal or glass with beaded edging. If your budget does not allow upgraded linens, charger plates dress up the dinner table very nicely.

Tip provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Trend - Outdoor Lighting

Theatrical lighting is used more and more these days to enhance the mood, create ambiance and add to the drama of a wedding reception. Even outdoor garden/landscape lighting is being used for backyard weddings. Spotlight an architectural feature, uplight trees, create a pattern on a bare wall or on the dance floor. The dramatic feeling evokes by lighting can be stunning.

Trend provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Ignite the Flame - Dry Spell

Ok ladies. You all know what we are talking about: the dreaded dry spell. It’s late…I’m tired…I have a headache. We have all used some excuse to avoid the late night hanky panky session. Once in awhile is ok, but be aware of the frequency of your sheet wrestling. If you are averaging weekly sessions, you are doing just fine. However, if you are having a hard time remembering when the last time was-there may be a problem. We all know the real way to a man’s heart is NOT through his stomach!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - Spend Time Apart to Want Time Together

It is just as important to spend time apart from each other as it is together. Go out and have a girls night dinner. Go spend a day shopping with a friend. The few hours you spend away doing things separately from one another will help your love grow stronger. Remember absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ask Marvin - Beer/Wine vs. Hard Alcohol

Dear Marvin,
We are having a wedding day bar dilemma. Sounds silly, but true! My fiance's family wants to host a full bar after my fiance and I had already decided on beer and wine only. His parents are planning to pay for the liquor, since mine are paying for the plated dinners. We didn't want it in the first place because we don't want things to get out of control. Some of my fiance's cousins and his friends are known to abuse the privilege of an open bar. I don't know if this is worth arguing over, since they're paying for it. What should we do?

No Liquor For Me
Dear Liquor Less,
First of all have you and your fiance tried explaining to your future in-laws why you prefer no liquor? They may be more understanding then you expect. If you have and they're not budging then I would try to work out a compromise with them regarding the hosted bar. Discuss the option of only serving beer and wine during the cocktail hour and after dinner and having a full bar available during dinner. This way the period of time that guests will be consuming hard alcohol will be complemented (soaked up) by food, helping to avoid any belligerence.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Assess Your Service Before Tipping

You shouldn't feel like you have to tip vendors that you hired for your big day. If you are happy with the services you received and feel that they met and possibly exceeded your expectations, you may want to tip a little extra. Some vendors include a gratuity service in your bill to cover tipping their servers, staff, etc.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - What was Your Total Budget?

What was your total budget? Does that include your honeymoon and rings?

My dad and stepmom and Nate’s dad and stepmom took care of the wedding and reception. We paid for our own honeymoon, and the rings we bought as our Christmas gifts the year before the wedding. ---Melanie, married June 2007

Each set of parents gave us $10,000. This did not include the rings and the honeymoon. --Nona, married August 2007

$20,000. No, that doesn't include either. -- Lauren, married May 2007

We originally set a goal of $15,000. I know that is a little low (comparatively) these days, but I am quite a savvy girl and I was convinced I could do it. Not too long into the planning process we decided to increase our budget to a more realistic figure of $20,000, which did not include our honeymoon or rings. My engagement ring was a gift to my husband and myself from his grandfather (the ring had belonged to my husband’s grandmother). -- Amanda, married October 2007

All in all, we wound up paying around $30k for everything. -- Julie, married September 2007

Honestly we didn't really set a number. In hindsight we should have. He bought my rings so he set that budget (my e-ring and wedding band cost about $1500). I bought his so I set that budget ($600). We tried to stay around $25,000. -- Bree, married November 2007

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Giving Recognition to Your Family

Incorporating an “Honorarium Table” at the reception is a great way of giving recognition to your grandparents, parents, siblings or other close family members. Including vintage wedding photos is very touching. Be sure to label the photos so your guests will know who’s who. Trend provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Spotlight On - Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria

As guests enter the stunning Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, they are immersed in a setting of fantasy and form. Towering granite-like columns reach toward the five-story atrium ceiling from which three sparkling glass rings are suspended.The tri-colored terrazzo floor is inlaid with hundreds of bronzed abstract designs symbolizing the Sacramento area. The second and fourth floor Galleria balconies are adorned with oak and hand-tooled iron railings. Spotted along the balcony railings, bronzed fox heads gaze down on each event.

The dramatic main floor is the centerpiece of the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. The 5,400-square-foot space comfortably seats up to 350 dinner guests. Receptions or theatre-style gatherings for as many as 500 may be accommodated.

Encircling the main floor, the Galleria balcony offers expanded seating or reception space for up to 150 additional guests. The design options at the Galleria are endless. Call today to make an appointment for a tour of this amazing facility.

site: www.librarygalleria.com
address: 828 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814
email: sstewart@saclibrary.org
phone: 916.264.2800

Mrs. Cleaver?

So I was talking to one of my girlfriends the other day and she is fairly newly married herself. Only about 2 years in. Anyway we were talking about being married and how things change including your expectation of yourself, your spouse's expectations of you, etc. Anyone that knows me knows that I have always been the career girl. I've always been too busy to worry about cooking, baking or anything of that nature. I was climbing the ladder and fighting the crowds to get to the top.

But what happens when you get married? I find myself suddenly under this pressure to be the perfect little wifey. And it comes from no where in particular. It's not as if the Hubby is standing over me demanding I be his perfect little homemaker. But I feel it. I feel it everytime someone comes to our little homestead. I want to make sure it is clean and smells good, candles lit and I should have homemade cookies ready for them. In fact when my parents came to visit for the first time I felt SO guilty I didn't have anything to cook for them for dinner. They weren't orginally planning on staying for dinner but I begged them to hang out so they did. It wasn't my fault there wasn't a plan but I seriously felt like a bad hostess!

So where does this pressure come from? I think it's just ingrained in us as women. Sort of like that maternal instinct. I just figured mine was broken after laying dormant for so long. Apparently not so. So I run around doing all my usual stuff but also suddenly trying to be this super Suzy Homemaker with the homemade meals, the perfectly clean house, not a dirty shirt to be found and a happy husband. I'm wondering how long this will last. I wonder if I will lose myself in this shift. I hope not. I kind of like who I've become. I survived my 20's to become someone I really like in my 30's. I don't want to lose that. So I have to find a way to merge my inner Suzy Homemaker with my personality I've always had. I'll let you know how it goes. Right now, I have to make a cake. Watch out Mrs. Cleaver.

Trend - Update Flower Girl Baskets

A very popular adaptation to the flower girl basket is a unique idea of having a floral “kissing ball” or pomander made for the young ladies to carry. Many churches will not allow petals to be scattered, so florists are creating something different and eye catching. Flower girls love this idea!

Trend provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Tip - Exit Pathway

A grand exit is a happy, fun and memorable ending to a fabulous day. Many reception venues will not allow the use of sparklers or the tossing of rose petals or other material that requires clean up. Instead, collect an assortment of glass cylinders that can hold pillar candles. As you leave the reception, the lighted trail will glow and it will be a lovely pathway to a waiting limo and the start of your new life together as Mr. and Mrs.!
Tip provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of Jordan's Photographic Designs

Gold For the US!

I'm sure you've all heard by now....

MICHAEL PHELPS DID IT!!! EIGHT GOLD MEDALS IN THE OLYMPICS!! You might ask what does this have to do with weddings? A wedding is a celebration, and this is just another cause for celebration! Congratulations to all Olympic athletes for their amazing effort in these Olympic games and their medal wins. Congratulations to Michael Phelps for eight gold medals!

Photo provided by BBC Sports