Martha said it best: “playful yet subtle, highly personalized, yet totally affordable.” Monograms are appearing on everything in weddings these days. From monogrammed invitations, stemware, and cake tiers, this craze continues to fill our hearts and make us smile, right down to the last initial.

Although monogramming has been around for years, it seems to be in places we never thought possible. One idea that has been on the rise is monogrammed cufflinks for him. Not only is it pretty easy for you to create your own cufflinks, but also have the option to have them professionally engraved in a variety of sizes and fonts.

Something for the bride perhaps? The stitching of initials on or inside of the bridal gown is a sweet and simple idea that adds a personal touch to the bridal gown.

Another lovely item that has been around for decades is a monogrammed handkerchief. These are a charming way to catch tears of joy and offer as keepsakes for family members.

Consider adding your monogram to customized labels and add them to specific pieces like neck ties, shawls, or evening gloves.

Not into these ideas? You can still make an impression on your guests by adding  personalizing details to wedding treats like cookies and cupcakes. Whatever your style or theme is for the big day, adding the personal touch of monogramming is a perfect way to capture the eyes of each and every one of your guests.

Best,
Hilary

Tired of answering millions of wedding-related questions every day? Well worry no more, wedding websites are hotter than ever these days. With the help of one of numerous personalized wedding website creators, like Engagepage.com, you and your intended could have a killer site up and running in no time. In the age of going green, these websites offer a convenient and paper free way to disseminate news, tips, and specifics to your guests.

As well as sharing wedding details and information, many couples use this as a portal to share their love story and journey to the alter by writing in diaries and blogging.

These websites can be as simple or complex as you so choose. Having a small wedding? Customize a few tabs like “our story” and a wedding registry to get the job done. Perhaps a larger wedding suits you two more? Well, add all the bells and whistles such as online RSVP forms or a guest book where guests can post a message. Not so tech-savy? Many of these websites offer templates and step-by-step guides to personalize your wedding website.

Although this is a great idea, it can cost you a few pretty pennies to create a truly fabulous wedding website. Many paid services offer free trials - take advantage of this to see if the site will provide everything you need. Below are some sites that we enjoy:

WeddingChannel.com :: Free                                          
Couples who want a quick and easy site

WedPageDesigns.com :: $29.95 for 18mos.              
Those on a budget who want a few more perks

WeddingWindow.com :: $79 for 12mos.
Modern couples who appreciate the extras          

After choosing the perfect site, personal touches such as including a brief story about you and your fiancé and casual snapshots are a must. And don’t forget, this is a fun activity to include your sweetheart on!

Best,
Hilary

Here’s a neat new idea for weddings to involve your guests: a spotlight dance with keychain flashlights.

For your first dance, ask your venue to dim the lights and have all of your guests shine the flashlights on the two of you. It’s a spotlight dance that keeps the guests involved with your wedding and a unique idea for a favor!

Buying keychain flashlights that fit your wedding colors make a great souvenir gift to give your guests as favors! You will probably need the power of an LED flashlight so that you have enough strong, clean light beam spotlights to fully illuminate your dance.

There are plenty of options with color, shape, style, and design to find one that fits your wedding and budget. Check out the possibility of getting these imprinted with your names and wedding date as part of the package if you’re willing to order and purchase from a vendor in a bulk quantity. If you can’t fit it in your budget, guests will still be able to appreciate the practicality of the gift, and you will appreciate the memories you’ve created together with your partner, your guests, and your creativity!

The utility of a flashlight will always be something people of all ages can find uses for: in a theater to find your 3D glasses when they end up on the floor, at your front door or car door in the dark to avoid scratching up surfaces with the wrong key, or even to help someone else out when they can’t find something! There are just too many situations when a reliable source of light is a must.

So, be the bride that will continue to get phone calls and thank-you’s for giving your guests the best favor they’ll understand and value!

Always,
Amy

Who didn’t grow up with the Disney princesses?

Alfred Angelo Bridal recently opened a new boutique in the Castleton Square Mall, and L'Evento Event Resource Boutique was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening! While there, we saw many of the beautiful gowns offered by the Alfred Angelo line.
 
The newest collection is titled Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo. With sizes 0 to 30W, each of seven dresses represents a timeless Disney princess story. 

Ariel, the understandable mermaid silhouette in fabrics that “move as gracefully as the ocean.” Jasmine, an effortless sheath silhouette defines true beauty as exotic and daring. Sleeping Beauty, with roses and floral motifs the ball gown fit for a springtime princess. Tiana, the most modern princess is everything if not unique. Cinderella, nothing but classic in this A-line with a sweetheart neckline, and jewel-encrusted bust. Belle, a detachable shrug and draped net pick-up skirt compliment notes of gold in the bodice, mimicking the well-known golden ball gown. Snow White, Walt Disney’s first princess, with an apple blossom bodice and flowers blooming on the skirt - perhaps pictures by a wishing well?

Your Fairy Tale Awaits…

Which princess would you like to be for a day?

Always,
Amy

Who doesn’t want the perfect wedding with as little stress as possible during the planning process? But it’s easy to get frustrated when the to-do list is never ending.
For starters, take slow, deep breaths. You’ve probably heard this way too many times, but it really does help calm the mind by slowing your heart rate, which will release tension and stress from your body. Pilates and yoga are great for this as well, but putting aside a couple minutes between your appointments to simply breath will work too. 

Meals are also a great time to de-stress because it’s already in your schedule. Instead of trying to inhale a salad while driving to your next vendor, enjoy a 30-minute lunch break. You don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant and eat a five-course meal, just find a peaceful atmosphere and focus on the food in front of you. You can also have a romantic dinner with your fiancé and enjoy a special moment with him.

Unwind by turning to nature for a helping hand. If you’re going to the beach for your honeymoon, imagine the waves rolling onto the sand and reaching for your toes. Do this for a couple of minutes and you’ll feel better in no time. It would be even more effective if you go to the park or simply sit in your backyard for a moment. If you live in the city, put flowers by your bed so you can see them first thing in the morning.

Most of all, remember the reason you are planning a wedding in the first place, and focus on the love you share with your intended any time you begin to get overwhelmed.

Best Wishes,
Tina

This is a fun one - the bride-to-be seems genuinely surprised! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Heather

Is your wedding at a location that doesn't allow any kind of material to be tossed, and perhaps no bubbles, either? Then consider ribbon wands as a fun alternative. Your exit pictures will have the look of flying streamers without the mess.

Guests each receive a ribbon wand, and wave the ribbons as you make your departure from the ceremony or reception. The ribbons can be coordinated with your wedding colors, and personalized with your names, date, or other phrase. You can purchase them pre-made, or easily go the DIY route.

We found a few resources for both purchasing them pre-made as well as creating your own:

Pre-made in white, no options: Wilton Ribbon Wands
Customized, color & imprint: My Wedding Favors Ribbon Wands
Custom printed ribbons, for DIY use: Print MY Ribbon
DIY Instructions: Polka Dot Bride Blog (it's an Australian site, so be advised that the measurements are in metric)

{These are just a few quick examples; there are many more sources on the web. Search for "Ribbon Wands" and see what catches your fancy.}

Cheers!
Heather

The perfect bridal shower can become the best gift the bride and/or groom-to-be receives.  Start off by setting a date and making a guest list. Be sure to check with the bride (or groom and bride’s mother) so the guest or guests of honor don’t get any unexpected “surprises.” 

Planning a themed bridal shower can really turn this event into a party so think about some things that the guest of honor likes.  Some good ideas for women-only showers include Hawaiian Luau, Pajama Party, and Under the Sea. For co-ed showers, some examples are Casino Night, James Bond, and Favorite Movie. For a full out theme party, decoration can really make the difference. Even if it’s a non-theme party, decorations can say a lot. Get lights, remove family portraits, “color” the walls, bring in a fountain: do whatever you can to transform the room. 

Food is another important element that can take the shower up to a high or down to a low.  Though it is not necessary to have extravagant foods, adding a few lemons here and there or creatively arranging the pieces will add a little style.  Playing games is always on the list of to dos and the clothespin game is still a classic.  Even though some games are old, adding a few twists to them can make them “modern.” 

Last but not least, the party favors. They can range from chocolate high heels to music CDs to gift certificates.  But just like everything else listed above, favors should complement the shower or guest of honor.

Check back another time for more ideas on how to plan a bridal shower!

Photo Credit: abridalshower.com
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Today I attended the ISES Indiana luncheon at Indy's newest (and highest) event venue, D'Amore. It's a beautiful space with amazing views, perfect for all kinds of events, especially the bride seeking something new and unique with a modern feel.

The speaker at today's meeting was Tim Lundy, CSEP, owner of Distinctive Design Events in Atlanta, GA and Otto, NC.

He gave us an overview of the current trends in catering and table-top design, and I'd like to share a few of the catering ideas he mentioned with you.

• Tapas-style/Small-bite hors d'oeuvres & desserts
  
• Unique serving methods, plating & presentation
• Deconstructed salads
• Uncommon ingredients
• Pasta
• Nostalgic foods, including comfort foods & childhood favorites
• Cupcakes & Candy
• Colorful cakes
• Cookies - alongside or instead of the cake
• Architectural food

When planning your event and consulting with your caterer, consider some unique elements that might easily be brought into your food. Simply by switching a plate, garnish or ingredient, you can take something that is also-ran to WOW! Don't be afraid to get creative and ask!

Cheers,
Heather

So, would you get married at McDonald's? Sure, there are  occasional stories of quirky weddings - skydiving, waterslides, etc. - but is McDonald's really the new wedding venue of choice?

According to this MSNBC Today article, that may just be on the horizon. Three McDonald's restaurants in Hong Kong have already begun accepting wedding bookings. As commenter Bertrand S. below the article states, "The truth is, when you truly love someone, you do not care what the rest of the world thinks, as long as the location does make them happy, that is the only thing that matters."

I agree - getting married technically requires nothing more than a judge or officiant and two witnesses. However, with the continuing relaxation of formality in weddings, could this really be next as a mainstream, rather than fringe, option? Do we really want weddings to become another option on the menu?

Please, share your thoughts.

Cheers,
Heather