Tip - Turning Your Party Rentals Into Personal Touches

Martha Stewart Weddings interviewed the owners of Party Rental Ltd. with the intention of helping brides and grooms understand rental options and simplify the process. They offered up 5 tips to turn your party rentals into personal touches:

"1. Don't be squared in. Break up the space and let round tables mingle with square and banquet
tables.

2. Tap hidden potential. Serving pieces such as cake stands, compotes, and soup tureens can make for surprising centerpiece holders. Another great idea: Use silver trays for holding non-edible props like place card displays or favors for your guests.

3. Make it quirky. Curious salt and pepper shakers, tiny votives, and mix-and-match place settings can entice guests to their tables.

4. Personalize with linens. The easiest way to add color, literally and figuratively, to your table is to choose linens in hues, patterns, and fabrics that reflect your personal style.

5. Play around. Don't settle for anything until you've let your imagination run amok with all the different possibilities."

Thanks to Sunny & Michael Halperin, owners of Party Rental Ltd. and Martha Stewart Weddings

To check out the rest of the interview, click here.

Trend - Floating Vases

These cute bud vases could be suspended over your ceremony site or carefully draped over your reception tables. A single or few flowers in the vases could add simple elegance.

Photo courtesy of Jamali Garden

Tip - Flattering Flower Girls

Sometimes flower girls dresses are selected at the last moment from off the rack locations and can end up fitting awkwardly or making the precious petals uncomfortable. We found some cute, well designed flower girl dresses at Us Angels.

Photo courtesy of Us Angels

Trend - Star Light, Star Bright

Lanterns can always add some colorful decor and soft lighting to a wedding. Check out these star shaped lanterns available in multiple colors. Hanging these in rows across an outdoor reception dance floor could create a starry night.

Photo courtesy of Pearl River

Tip - Appetizers A Go-Go

At appetizer only weddings, sometimes it's hard to balance your plate of delicious delicacies and a rich glass of wine. Consider these wine & dine party plates, carefully crafted from Cherry wood. These are convenient and still chic!

Check them out at Broadway Panhandler

Trend - Precious Pots

These amazing 3" round ceramic planters are only .99 at Jamali Garden right now! Imagine putting some local florals or topiary in these planters and giving them as wedding day favors! They are available in a number of colors.

Photo courtesy of Jamali Garden

Tip - Satin Elegance

If you are having a themed wedding or looking for ways to incorporate tradition into your day, check out these take-out handbags.

Photo courtesy of Pearl River

Are You A Cover Model?

Real Weddings Magazine is looking for their Summer/Fall 2009 cover model. Do you ever picture yourself on the cover of a wedding magazine, included in a spread, wearing fantastic wedding dresses, getting your hair & makeup done?? Real Weddings Magazine is anxious to hear your fantastic engagement story and see some fun pics to help make their decision. Send 'em in now!

Photo cover by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Fair Share

Have you ever been to the fair and not ordered cotton candy? It's such a fun treat reminiscent of childhood fun. When we saw this rock candy spun with a shell of cotton candy, we just had to share! Yumm....

We shared this idea with you, now share it with your guests. A great time to splurge on a candy overload.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Not A Dry Eye

Guests are always looking for a tissue during your emotional vows. Your guests would be amazed at the great idea of including a tissue to their programs.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

The scalloped z card shown here is available at Envelopments

Trend - We're Bringin' Chunky Back

Nancy of USA Bride Weddings shares with us the 2009 accessory trends, "Brides are choosing to accent their gowns with big, bold jewelry sets--dramatic collars, clusters, or long strands of large pearls and beads, asymmetrical looks and multi-strand drops are all great ideas. Another new trend is a bare neckline with large chandelier earrings, paired with a wide, bold cuff bracelet to really make a statement – layering several smaller bracelets creates the same effect."

Photo courtesy of USA Bride Weddings

Trend - Best Wishes On Display

Couples are trying to find new and exciting ideas for ways their guests can leave them well wishes. For winter weddings, consider asking your guests to use metallic pens to write their well wishes on colorful glass ornaments that can adorn your tree year after year!

Photo courtesy of Project Wedding, Heather & Matthew's Real Wedding

Photo taken by Andrea Winchenbaugh Photography

* Heather & Matthew chose to have their 115 guests sign the ornaments in lieu of a guestbook and decided not to read the well wishes until they decorated their tree on Christmas.

Tip - Carefully Added Color

You can add two accent colors to your white linens, usually provided by your venue, which can make your table design pop without popping your wallet.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Luxurious Stephanie J Designs

Way to go Stephanie J Designs, who was featured on Luxurious Wedding's Style Report. She's running a "motivated bride special" for those brides that can assemble invites themselves, saving you money. Check out more information and couture invite sample designs.

Tip - Branch Out

If you love the outdoors and are wanting to incorporate outdoor elements...branch out! Branches can add height and potential blooming blossoms. Some branches can hold the weight of votive holders which can add some soft lighting at each of your reception tables.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Bee

Trend - Hair Pins

With your hair flowing you can add some bridal hair pins to glam up your wedding day hair.

Photo courtesy of USA Bride Weddings

Trend - Bold Gold

Nancy with USA Bride Weddings shares the 2009 trend "Go for the Gold! - The past year has been dubbed the return of gold bridal accessories! Brides are choosing darker-colored gowns in tones like champagne and dark ivory, in natural fabrics such as raw silk. Victorian style gowns accented with gold-tones are also popular this season. Nothing compliments these colors and textures like timeless gold jewelry. There is just something about the richness of the color gold that gives the feeling of luxury and elegance!"

How about adding a little love?!

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Tip - Cruise The Web For the Perfect Glass Slipper

While many brides put off finding their bridal shoes until wedding day countdown, putting a little extra effort to find the perfect shoes will save your sole.

Photo courtesy of eLuxury

Tip - Sweet Monograms

Darcy, with Martha Stewart Weddings suggests, "A simple monogram can turn a low-budget cake into a high-brow statement. Instead of opting for expensive sugar flowers, choose a simple monogram."

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Trend - Vintage Inspirations

Nancy with USA Bride Weddings shares a trend that she's seeing in bridal accessories, "The vintage inspired look includes rhodium or antique-silver hair accessories and jewelry, bird cage or visor veils as well as outrageous feather and flower combs—all of which are a throwback to the 1920s. The vintage look is also the perfect opportunity to incorporate family heirlooms, such as Grandma’s silver brooch – timeless pieces that can be used with the visor veils or as an embellishment on gown sashes."

Photo courtesy of USA Bride Weddings

Tip - Referral A No, No

If you're meeting with a vendor and ask them for professional referrals in other areas and all they tell you are the current gossip about other vendors, be cautious. You want to make sure that you're selecting a team of professionals that can work together on the day of your wedding to pull of a flawless event. You don't want to play mediator on the day of your wedding. Professionals that are quick to refer other pros, in or out of their own arena, are those that you want to trust your special day to.

* To find a team of vendors that can work flawlessly together, take a look at our Dynamite Vendors!

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Trend - Pay-Less For Designer Shoes

New York city designer Lela Rose is launching a line of heels and flats available at Payless with a few custom clutches to match!

Photo courtesy of Payless

Tip - All Things Considered

You think you've already tackled your biggest expenses? Don't forget to include your bar bill in your overall budget. Be sure to sit down with your caterer to discuss your bar style and serving options to figure out what makes the most sense for your group and budget.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Just A Stone's Throw

Looking to bring the outdoors in? Check out this 60" sliced stone runner that could add some great elements and color to your tables.

Photo courtesy of Jamali Garden

Martha's Totally Tabletop Creations

Blooms by Martha Andrews, an explosive dynamite florist was featured this week on Totally Tabletops' blog. Way to go Martha! We also want to recognize the amazing photography by a dynamite photographer, The Memory Journalists. Check out the full blog post here. Contact Martha to discuss working together to pull off an amazing event like this all your own!

Trend - Go Bold

According to Nancy Jaeger of USA Bride Weddings, this year will be full of exciting trends with bold accessories and individuality. One of her noted trends for 2009 is Hollywood Glam:

"Big hair, big jewelry, sparkling head pieces, and tons of glitz! That is Hollywood glam at its best. Use dazzling bouquet jewelry and long dramatic beaded gloves for extra glam! Long, layered, draping necklaces, oversized earrings and bold colored stones in red and black are perfect to draw attention."

Check out USA Bride Weddings for bold accessories and fantastic finds.

Photo courtesy of USA Bride Weddings

Tip - Know The 3 Ps

What are the 3 P's when it comes to your "perfect wedding"?
PLANNING
PRODUCTION
PRESENTATION

PLANNING starts many, many days before even the actual proposal...(we won't tell the grooms that) but every little girl dreams of the big day...What the dress will look like, who is her best friend intended to be the maid of honor and so on and so on.

PRODUCTION starts right after the ring has been placed and the tears dried! What color, what season, where at....?

NOW for the Grand PRESENTATION! it all comes down to presentation
that day for most couples that strive to achieve the most perfect wedding day....
So why let your details be left to friends and guests when you can without doubt obtain perfect detail by working with a professional? If your wedding includes these offers of help and friendship the day of.... Here are some of the table tips the pros use when setting up your presentation for your most perfect day.

Darcie's Table Tips:
Use the same number of place settings at the tables. It makes a balanced symmetrical table setting.
Always make sure your silverware is set properly. Salad fork on left, spoon on right.
Have all the napkins pre-folded the night prior so they are fresh and crisp.
Every table arrangement should be the same by placing your salt and pepper in the same location on each table.
The table name/card should be in the same location at every table and not over power the size of your floral bouquet.
Chances are that a 5x7 card can be too large for your table. Your table card names should all face the entrance your guest will be entering from.
Name tags should all be placed in the same location, and your guest favors if attached with a message will need to face and read left to right for the guest.
I know it sounds obvious to realize all of the details when PLANNING, however PRODUCTION can be quick! These tips should insure perfect table PRESENTATION for your first dinner party as a newly married couple!.... be glad you didn't have to plan to do dishes!

Tip provided by Darcie, Slip of Elegance Chaircovers
Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Luxury At A DIY Price By Stephanie J Designs

Stephanie J Designs is offering 25% off your custom stationary order, when paid in full by February 2nd. Check out all the details on Stephanie's blog. Don't miss this opportunity to save time and money!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Maternity Bride

For those brides who are hosting a little bundle of joy on their wedding day can now find a flattering gown on Maternity Bride by Sweet Lilly Maternity.Photo courtesy of Sweet Lilly Maternity

Thanks for the heads up Polka Dot Bride on this fabulous find!

Tip - Know What You Don't Like

Sometimes the task of sitting down with a wedding vendor and discussing what you want at your wedding can seem very overwhelming, so here's another way to approach it. Let your vendors know the elements that you don't want incorporated into your wedding. This may be easier to start. If you don't like hearts, lace, tulle, artichokes, buffet styles, etc. make this known to your florist, rental company, caterer, etc.

Photo provided by Alexandra Frankel Photography
Floral design by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Trend - Luminous Lighting

Adding ambient lighting by lining the path to the reception with candles, lanterns, torches, etc. can bring your reception from bleak to chic.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Introduce The Little Pink Card

Help your sweetie's job of buying you the right gift easier. Order The Little Pink Card today! This handy cheat sheet will ensure that your man has no excuse for not picking out the perfect gift every time. Well...alright, maybe not perfect, but surely in the right size and color.Great find Maryrose!

Photo courtesy of The Little Pink Card

Tip - Set Appointments

Be sure to set appointments to view venues. While you can just show up at some places to "check out the view" or get a "lay of the land", there may be certain key areas you aren't aware of or have access to without a site tour guide. Give yourself an hour at each venue and if you have extra time between appointments you can call the next to see if you can arrive a few minutes early or take the time to discuss the location visited with your fiance and take notes on the things you liked or are concerned about.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Memorable Favors

When ordering favors for wedding guests, some wait until the last minute to order in bulk and are just concerned with making sure everyone gets one. If you take some time to consider the favor that you send each guest home with, you can still save on spending and create something your guests will remember and enjoy beyond your wedding day.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Canditto

Canditto. What's that you ask? Canditto is a rentable kiosk that copies the photos of your wedding day festivities from the memory cards of your wedding guests cameras and loads them to a disc for you! The kiosk software copies only the pictures from the event so guests don't have to worry about the privacy of their past images.

What a fantastic idea! This saves guests the trouble of sorting through their pics to send you the day's images and you don't have to wait to see all the candid shots.

Right now, Canditto is only available in the New England area but they expect to be servicing the entire U.S. by April 2009. Get on their list now to be notified when Canditto comes to your town.

Photo courtesy of Canditto

Trend - Child's Play

Looking to incorporate some child's play into your day that even the eldest adult will enjoy? What about a hot dog stand or ice cream/gelato served on your favorite waffle or sugar cone! You can add a condiments/topping bar with all the fixings to make it your own.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Know Your Season

While many brides and groom like to get a jump start on the wedding plans by setting a date right away, there are many things to consider. We suggest deciding on a season you would ideally like to get married in, but not deciding on a steadfast date until you've scouted locations. This allows you the flexibility of getting the venue you want and possibly striking a deal if they had a cancellation or you're willing to book in their off-season (if they have one).

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Our Bright Star!

Check out a dynamite wedding consultant, Lora Ward with A Day to Remember on the KCRA-3 news tomorrow during the 5 p.m. news segment. The feature is addressing how economic times are affecting the wedding industry. Don't miss our bright star featured with two of her clients! For more information on A Day to Remember, visit the A Day to Remember label on our blog.
To contact Lora Ward, visit A Day to Remember's website.
Photo courtesy of Jordan's Photographic Designs

Tip - Consider Alterations Carefully

You've found the perfect wedding dress and now it just needs the perfect fit. Ask your bridal salon who they recommend and ask that seamstress for referrals or to see recent work they've done. While it may sound silly, you have spent too much money on this amazing dress for someone to potentially ruin it. Also, ask your recently married friends who they worked with and their experience.

In the Sacramento area? Consider Alterations by Patina.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Caricature Invites

Follow the trend of such celebs as Fergie and Josh Duhamel and send your guests home with a caricature of the lovely couple or include it with your invites. You can incorporate elements that showcase the two of you as a couple and your personal interests too!

Photo courtesy of People
Invitations by Lehr & Black

Congrats to Josh and Fergie who were married last weekend!

Award Winning!

Thanks to It's A Jaime Thing ( a blog that we stalk)... for this fantastic award recognizing Dynamite Weddings. Jaime has picked Dynamite Weddings to receive this award for being a blog with great attitude and/or gratitude. It's great to be in a business where we all relish in sharing our ideas and concepts with each other across cities, states and countries. Thanks for the kudos Jaime!

Now it’s our turn to nominate at least 10 blogs that we think show great attitude and/or gratitude…

The Rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.

Only 10? Couldn't do it. Here are the 13 blogs, Dynamite Weddings would like to recognize:

1. Blue Orchid Design
2. Wishpot Wedding Blog
3. Polka Dot Bride
4. Fabu-luxe
5. Eco-Chic Weddings
6. Etsy :: The Storque
7. Snippet & Ink
8. Brooklyn Bride
9. What Junebug Loves
10. Oh Joy!
11. Hostess With the Mostess
12. Glamour This!
13. The Fairmount Bride

Thanks to all these amazing blogs (including It's A Jaime Thing...) for being a constant source of inspiration! You contribute to the charge behind Dynamite Weddings!

Trend - Comical Cake Toppers

Looking for a cake topper that's reflective of you and your fiance? Check out these comical toppers from Wedding Star! Personally, I like the love pinch topper. Too cute!

Cake topper photos courtesy of Wedding Star

Tip - Register Where You Like

Don't feel like you should only register at one or two places to simplify the process. Guests may be coming from all over and could appreciate the ability to buy online or pick a few items from different stores to create a special care package. You could also sign up for a universal registry site, like Wishpot, that allows you to register for items all over and combines them into your Wishpot, allowing guests to view all your registered items at once.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Blooming Place Settings

Not a huge flower fan, but looking to incorporate florals tastefully to add texture? Add a single bloom to each napkin's place setting. It gives texture to the tables and adds elegance to the place setting.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists
Florals by Blooms by Martha Andrews
Design by Arcularius Events

Tip - Consult A Coordinator

If you're not sure that a wedding coordinator is in your budget during this rough economy, we still suggest setting up consults with a few coordinators. You may realize that their insight could prove instrumental to making sure your day goes smoothly and consider reevaluating your budget to make room for them. Another good reason to set consults is because most coordinators are eager to help and may give you a few ideas or things to think of that never would've crossed your mind. While your budget may be forcing some budget decisions to be made later, establishing a relationship with a coordinator now could prove to be a real stress reliever later.

Contact our dynamite coordinators to set up consultation:

Arcularius Events
A Day to Remember
Pfeiffer Event Planning


Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Premier Wedding Show Winner!

Congratulations to Diane Perez, our drawing winner of The Green Bride Guide: How To Create An Earth-Friendly Wedding On Any Budget by Kate L. Harrison. Look for this fantastic read on it's way to you offering an array of choices on how to make your wedding more eco-friendly.

We have one more copy for a lucky Dynamite Weddings' reader. Please leave a comment letting us know what you are doing to make your wedding more eco-friendly. We will choose a winner on Friday, January 16th so leave your comment now.

To purchase your copy today, visit Amazon.com.

Wishpot's Newest Features - Contributions!

Our pal Jaime, over at It's A Jaime Thing created an awesome inspiration board (below) to highlight the newest features available over at Wishpot for registering! You can register for contributions to help you purchase a home, a new car, etc. Guests can also make donations towards your honeymoon fund to help you enjoy the experience with a few added perks! If you prefer to ask guests to donate to your favorite charity, you can set that up too. Thanks to Jaime and the innovative Wishpot team!Get over to get your Wishpot started!

Trend - Dessert Station Surprise

Surprise your guests after your cake cutting by having a line of wait staff parade individual desserts to a dessert bar or have them carted from table to table for selection.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists
Desserts by Sugar and Spice and...

Tip - Crest Incorporated

Does your fiance's family have a meaningful family crest? Consider incorporating it into the wedding day. A cake topper, crest projected onto the walls or floor, your paper goods, etc.

Image courtesy of Coat of Arms

Tip - Don't Forget Your Pinwheel

Maryrose, a Dynamite Weddings' reader stumbled on Vintage Glam Weddings blog and thought to forward on this great post where they created some fantastic pinwheel escort cards. What a fun idea for your summer wedding modifiable in any color.Check out Vintage Glam Weddings for some more unique wedding ideas and be sure to stop by for DIY Tuesdays when this creation blew in.