Archive for the ‘Advice’ Category

Summer is absolutely my favorite season.  Despite being an avid snowboarder, and having a deep appreciation for the transitory natures of Fall and Spring, I can honestly say this is true.  For me, there is something magical about the longer days spent soaking up sunshine and the glorious sunsets that often come well after dinner.  I look forward to barbecues, walks in the woods, and days at the beach all year long, as well as the inherent time spent with family and friends.  And Summer is not just my favorite season, it also happens to my favorite season for weddings.

So, in honor of Summer and beautiful Summer weddings, I will be doing a series of posts highlighting some fun and unique decor aspects to really channel the fun of Summer.

Enjoy!

Part I: The Summer Barbecue

There are few things that truly capture the essence of summer like a barbecue.  It’s outdoors, involves tasty food, and brings people together for a good time.  I absolutely love barbecues!  For a wedding, the barbecue can be the focus of just your menu, or of the entire reception.  Either way, your guests will love such a tasty offering!  If you want to go all out, you can use it as inspiration for your table decor, using gingham and bandana prints.  You could even give guests mini bottles of BBQ sauce as favors!

Photo Credit:

1. http://www.jackdostal.com/images/WeddingBarbecueSunset.JPG

2. http://www.potterybarn.com/design-studio/articles/how_to_throw_a_summer_barbecue_by_summer_barbecue.html

3. http://www.yumsugar.com/Come-Party-Me-End-Summer-BBQ-Look-4414785

4. http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2009/05/25/summertime-let-the-parties-begin/

5. http://andwhataboutgrace.blogspot.com/2009/09/weddingand-summer-bbq_14.html

6. http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/backyard-bbq-reception-inspiration-help

7. http://thecordialcricket.wordpress.com/

8. http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/08/27/wedding-favor-ideas/

This Saturday, May 21, Old Navy is having a $1 sale on their flip flops. Summer weddings: this is the time to buy!

How many flip flops should you get? And in what sizes?? We suggest:

Purchase enough for your female guests { about 50% of your guest list }
Let’s approximate at 100 pairs. To accommodate the most guests, we suggest:
Size 5: 5 pairs
Size 6: 20 pairs
Size 7: 30 pairs
Size 8: 30 pairs
Size 9: 5 pairs
Size 10: 5 pairs
Size 11: 5 pairs

Then find an appropriate way to display them for your guests. One of our summer clients is planning to greet guests at the end of the venue’s driveway with a glass of champagne and flip flops – sounds like the start of a fantastic party!

{ post-dancing shoes }

Starting Tuesday you will see a new addition to the Alden Blair blog: It’s His Day, Too – Alden Blair blog posts for grooms.

Things are moving and shaking here at Alden Blair, so it is no surprise that with everything going on that we need to expand the resources we offer. Because each event is the perfect vision of our client’s style and personality, expanding the blog to specifically address the groom’s perspective was natural for us. The way we see it, our gents have questions, are now we ready to share the answers.

Some of the things we will cover include: gifts, attire, parties and events, music, and – for the brides who are also interested – how a groom can be involved in planning the wedding.

As you know, we are always here to help.  So today we are going to explain the Ins and Outs of the Preferred Vendor List- why some venues have them and some don’t, what they’re for, and most importantly, how they affect you and your big day.

Selecting the venue for your wedding is one of the first and most important steps in your wedding planning process and obviously not a choice to be taken lightly, nor is it a simple one.  And the venue’s Preferred Vendor List is just another element that must be considered.  Here is what you need to know:

- Is use of vendors on the list mandatory or optional?

Some venues will have vendors (caterers, rental companies, etc.) that they require you to use for your wedding.  If this is the case, make sure to research these companies (Are they in budget?  Do you like the caterer’s food options?  Does the rental company have linens that fit your vision?) because in this case you are agreeing to not only the venue, but the vendors of their choosing.  If a venue doesn’t have a Preferred Vendor List, it simply means that all of your vendor choices (and the research to find them) is left to you, your fiance and your planner.

- If it is optional, why have it?

Many venues have an optional Preferred Vendor List that you do not have to use, but that they recommend.  This is actually their way of trying to help you, their wonderful client.  The list will consist of vendors they have worked with in the past on successful and memorable events.  It also implies that the vendor knows the venue and its staff and will be able to work cohesively.  Basically, it shows you that this vendor won’t cause you any undo stress.

- How does a vendor get onto one of these lists?

Whether mandatory or optional, a vendor’s place on the Preferred List usually implies that they have worked with the venue on more than one occasion and successfully at that.  It also shows that they have a good working relationship with them that all parties would like to see continue.

- What does all this mean for YOU?

Quite simply, you can use the Preferred Vendor Lists to make your life easier.  If you do go with a venue with mandatory vendors, that is one less thing you have to extensively research and make decisions about.  And if your venue has an optional list, these vendors are a great place to start your search and is added peace of mind if you do go with these vendors.

Hopefully this offers a bit of enlightenment!  Please let us know if there are any other points of mysticism you would like cleared up!  We’re happy to share!

I for one am a huge fan of color, the bolder and brighter, the better.  So it should really come as no surprise that my current favorite color combination for a wedding theme is bright turquoise and a lovely cherry red.  One great thing about this combo is that you can really take it in do many directions to fit your own personal style- a more quaint and cute feel with floral designs and soft touches, or a very preppy and clean look with bold color blocks and bright white accents, possibly even plaid or argyle.  However, my personal favorite twist on these colors is to take the bold attitude and go for a retro, rock ‘n roll twist.  I love love love the idea of using these colors in a sixties, almost kitchy feel with polka dots, retro designed clothes, and a great old-school feel in all the décor.

A Beautiful Retro Dress from Peppermint Pretty

So channel your inner Elvis and get out those dancing shoes!  These colors are so fun, outfitting you and your bridal party should be an absolute treat.  We love all the great options for 50’s and 60’s style dresses out there, and these colors are great for finding super fun shoes!

A Perfectly Retro Wedding Party!

But ladies, don’t forget about the guys!  Keeping with the retro feel should be easy- suspenders, skinny ties, and even matching sneakers if you’re having a more casual look.  Custom-made boutonnieres in matching colors is a small detail that can really personalize the groom and groomsmen’s attire.

Fun Clothes Aren't Just for the Girls

As for décor, keep it fun and funky.  Aqua and red bunting is a great way to brighten up the room and really lend a festive feel.  Your table is a place of endless possibilities- polka dot tableware, vibrant table arrangements, eye-caching stationary.  Let your baker have a field day with the desserts and add even more tasty color to the venue.  There are so many possibilities for aqua and red and a rock ‘n roll theme, all you have to do is let your imagination get carried away!

The More Color, the Better!

And just one more finishing touch?  Drive away in a glamorous, achy breaky heart sort of a car at the end of the night!

Drive Away in Style!

I don’t know about you, but for me, the one consistent, undeniable thing at the end of a good party: I’M STARVING!  And judging by the number of late night fast food runs (and the number of people you see doing the same) I know I can’t be alone.  So here’s food for thought: why not have something warm, filling, and absolutely delicious saved and served to your guests at the end of the reception?  And why not do something that end your big day with tons of fun and flare?  Sound delicious? Yeah, we thought so too.

Authentic Food Truck!

One awesome way to wow your guests is to have an authentic food truck set up shop outside the reception for a Grab n’ Go snack to take for the ride home.  Not only is this yummy, it’s a great way to show off your individuality.  Myself, I’m a California girl and literally dream of taco trucks.  But for yourself, maybe burgers and fries, and ribs, or even gyros are your favorite.  Either way, get down with the greasy goodness and serve your guests with something scrumptiously special to you two.

Individual Servings of French Fries

Another interesting thought: having your favorite pizza joint deliver directly to the reception.  Now, of course, you can’t just call at midnight as you’re standing among 100+ starving guests and expect a miracle, but calling ahead and making arrangements is a more likely possibility.  Now to keep things simpler (and quite possibly less expensive) you can also talk to your caterer and discuss having pizza, sliders, or anything else that suits your fancy served at the end of the night.

Sometimes even pizza can't save us!

However, if your late night cravings tend more toward frosting then fries, sprinkled goodies rather than grease, popsicles rather than pizza, there are still plenty of options.   And many of your guests may just agree with you.  Cookies and individual milk cartons are a delightful parting gift for guests.  For a winter wedding, to-go hot chocolates and coffees and a tasty treat like donuts sends your guests into the cold with something to warm the ride home.  Or on the other side of the calendar, summer classics like popsicles or even s’mores would make a wonderfully sweet end to the night.

Individual Milk and Cookies!

Whichever way you decide to go, your guests will definitely appreciate the late night snack to tide them over on the way home and the evening will inevitably end on a high (and yummy!) note!

It’s inevitable – after the last dance the younger crowd will be looking for an after party, so planning a post-reception event provides more than just another round of drinks, it’s a way to keep your friends together for another few hours of shenanigans. The mild-mannered kind, of course.

An after party is also the first chance couples have to informally unwind with guests. When all of the wedding obligations are over, this is the perfect chance to relax with a glass of wine without being the center of attention. This just may be the perfect end to a perfect day.

{  black and white | red and gray | outdoor chandeliers }

Partying the Night Away

* Is an After Party for You?
An after party is extra time for you to mingle with your guests. Each after party has a life and feeling of its own – depending on your interest it can be a late-night club or a small house party. The decision on an after party should come to the desire (or not) to spend additional time with your guests – no one will fault you for choosing a few hours sleep over grabbing extra drinks at the bar.

* Selecting the Right Location
The keys to a great after party are knowing your guests and scouting venues. Clubs, busy bars, and music venues are best suited for high-energy groups. More intimate spaces like lounges, private homes, or hotel bars are best for the subdued crowds. Our advice: select a venue that appeals to your guests’ typical weekend night out. This is not the best time to expand their horizons – a familiar atmosphere will attract more guests.

* Continue the Party Atmosphere
Music and ambiance will keep your friends entertained until it is time for an early breakfast and a bloody mary. Ensure that your location will have the music, seating, and dance space that your guests will be looking for. Plan a visit to your final destination prior to your wedding to get a feel for the typical crowd. If you choose to host a house party, preparing the atmosphere will require a bit more leg work of acquiring subdued lighting, comfortable seating, an iPod with a great playlist, and beverages in coolers.

* What are the Invitation Rules?
We recommend inviting all guests. In terms of how to convey the invitation, there are plenty of great options. Rather than rely on word of mouth, add a message to each of the favors or at the favor display. It will be an exciting surprise to find that by the time they finish your edible favor they will be at the next party stop. Other options – put a sign next to the guest book/bar. If you do decide to spread the message verbally, ask your bridal party and family to share the news with guests as they mingle at the reception.

* What Hosting/Financial Obligations do you Have?
It depends. At any public venue (such as a bar or club) the couple is responsible for any cover charges or room rental fees, but guests will anticipate the need to cover their own expenses. Hosting at a private home, however, will require that you provide all beverages and food – AND ensure that the food is hot/drinks are cold. Just one other reason that a wedding planner is the perfect resource for tips and assistance in creating this unforgettable night.

Rain on your wedding is good luck, but it creates a tremendous mess of mud, ruined make up, and frizzy hair. It can cause you to rearrange your ceremony, photos, and outdoor reception plans. Unless you want to puddle-jump from the ceremony to the reception, plan for the few things that will make bad weather a more pleasant experience.

{  one |  two |  three }

Preparing for the Weather
* Pack Color-coordinated Rain Accessories
A colorful umbrella and coordinating rain boots will keep you dry when out in the elements. Shop for these ahead of time, and put them next to your overnight bag just in case you wake up to cloudy skies. Ask your bridesmaids for their shoe size and pick up matching boots and umbrellas for them, too. Your will be thrilled with the photos and they will be happily dry.

* Flooring Required
Every tent should have a floor and side panels. Even if it hasn’t rained for a day or two, flooring is a must to ensure that guests are comfortable, able to dance, and removed from any lingering mud or water hazards. The side panels are only necessary if there is bad weather on the wedding day. Otherwise, ask the tent company to leave the panels off and set them nearby.

* Coffee Bar
Guests will appreciate the ability to keep warm, and a specialty coffee bar will help.  Rain often cools the air by several degrees, so a hot cup of coffee will take the chill off and get them ready to party through the evening. For something special, ask your caterer to provide seasonal spices, shaved chocolate, and flavored syrups.

* Provide Umbrellas
As guests depart the hotel, or as they enter the ceremony, provide plenty of umbrellas for them to use during the day. Dry, happy guests are guaranteed to dance longer and truly enjoy your reception. Guests never travel fully prepared, so they will appreciate your forethought.

* Create “Plan B”
Make back-up, contingency plans for all outdoor events. Ask your venue if they offer a complimentary hold on indoor, back-up space on the chance that your event must move indoors. Also, ask how far in advance you need to make the judgment call to move inside. Your wedding planner is the best resource for creating these plans and communicating your wishes to all of your vendors.