Archive for the ‘What’s Hot’ Category

We all know a well stocked bar is, in most cases at least, key to a successful wedding reception.  But the bar, more specifically what is being served, can be a great way to add personal and unique details that guests are bound to remember (or try to forget as the case may be.)  Rather than picking some arbitrary, overly sweet cocktail as a specialty, think about the other aspects of your wedding and use those as inspiration; your goal should be a drink choice or two that ties into the rest of the wedding and really reflects you as a couple.  Look at things like your own personal favorites, your decorations, even the weather.  By finding a specialty drink that flows with the surroundings, you can create an even more seamless reception.

DÉCOR INSIRED

We love the idea of translating a wedding theme into liquid form.  For instance, if you are using the glamour of the Roaring Twenties as inspiration, consider offering Champagne Punch and Old Fashioneds.  You can even go one step further, and rent champagne coupe glasses, the traditional shallow glasses used in the era.  Your guests will feel like true members of the Lost Generation holding such glamorous drinks.

If your inspiration comes from a place rather than a time, look for regional drinks that your guests may already love or that may become a new favorite.  For instance, if you are going for a Spanish influence, sangria will make a great, festive addition.  If you are offering Spanish cuisine, like tapas, red and white sangria will make a great compliment to your delicious meals!  But if your are using Jolly Old England as your motherland, consider offering Pimm’s Cup, a cocktail punch that is traditionally offered at summer weddings in Britain.

A Jolly Good Cocktail

HIS AND HERS COCKTAILS

If you don’t have (or don’t want) a matching drink for you theme, consider personalizing by offering your recommendations to your guests.  If you absolutely adore a certain white wine, or dirty Grey Goose martinis, share it with your guests.  Even if your fiance’s favorite drink is a tall boy of PBR, both he and his guests should be able to enjoy something near and dear to his heart.

Beautiful and Delicious

SEASONAL LIBATIONS

Another way to offer guests something tailored to your day is to use the weather as your guide.  For hot summer weather, consider something light, refreshing and maybe fruity.  Watermelon is something just about everyone associates with the hotter months, so look into watermelon cocktails or even beer (odd sounding, but absolutely delicious!)  If you are getting married in the dead of winter, offer guests Hot Toddies or hot cider and spiced rum to help them stay warm.

A Delectable Summer Specialty

The final step in selecting your specialty cocktail choices is to choose a fun and unique way to display them to your guests.  You can have the list typed and framed on the bar, or even in larger frames hanging behind.  For a more rustic feel, chalk boards are always a good option.  Or maybe instead of having traditional framed cocktail menus, you have laminated cocktail recipe cards with pictures, like those used by bartenders.  Just be creative! And remember, no amount of drink testing and tasting is too much!

An Adorably Rustic Cocktail Display

Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down for coffee with one of our favorite people, Becca Brendler, owner and lead designer for Petal Floral Design, who says she has “a favorite flower for every moment.”

With a background of both fashion and horticulture,  Becca brings an innovative and truly unique perspective to floral arranging that we just absolutely LOVE.  She describes her style as “organic, ethereal… rustic with a modern twist.”  She informed me that her favorite season for weddings in New England was autumn because of the amazing colors and textures available for inspiration.  For her, it is all about the details, about using new and interesting design details to customize her work with her clients’ personality and individual style in mind.  For instance, her latest clients are doing a classic black and white wedding.  But rather than merely using a plethora of white flowers (which she is- orchids, lilies, etc.) she is also incorporating pearls, feathers, and black velvet to add texture and really channel the feel of classic glamour.   And for the bride’s bouquet she will be creating a modern version of the cascading bouquet carried by the bride’s mother many years ago.

For Becca, floral design is in the family and so opening Petal Floral was, like her creations, completely organic.  Her grandmother, Sylvia, was always looked up to, a legendary personality known for being delicate, sensitive, but also strong and influential.  She was also a florist.

When I asked Becca why she loved weddings and working with couples so much, her response was simple: “I just love love and love stories.”  Her goal is to take that love story, on one of the biggest days of their lives, and to express that love through beautiful and breathtaking flowers.  And she does an absolutely amazing job!

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!

Recently we have been seeing a lovely twist on the bridal bouquet that we absolutely adore: bouquets made of just about anything but real flowers.  Paper flowers, fabric and felt flowers, rhinestone and crystal brooches, feathers, you name it.  And they are all beautiful!  Below are a few of our favorites as well as some helpful information if you want to go this delightfully different route.

So Sparkly: Rhinestones and Metallics

These glitzy bouquets are just so glamorous, they’re simply stunning.  These babies are usually made up of a veritable treasure trove of rhinestone, pearl, and crystal brooches, pins, and hair ornaments.  Because of how elaborate they tend to be, as well as the sheer number of elements that go into their creation, it is often easier to have one made for you, with input on color and style.  The bouquet listed below if from a vendor on etsy.com, and the photo links to her page.  However, if you are a crafty girl yourself, start collecting those shiny things, and get to work!  If you’re worried of the bouquet becoming too harsh, we think adding in some fluffy ostrich flowers really softens the look while still maintaining the ultra-glam feel.

Pretty Paper: Tissue and Paper Flowers

These paper beauties are in fact a concept of infinite possibilities- you can use paper to imitate almost any flower that grows on the green earth, and you can also use patterns and colors to make a creation just your own.  Moreover, by mixing and matching different papers, like thick craft and tissue, you can create a variety of textures that add dimension and detail.  And the best part: you don’t have to be a DIY craft master to make an absolutely beautiful bouquet yourself.  There are tons of websites (and not all of them wedding- related) with instructions and tips for making paper flowers.  We like the ones from Martha Stewart and 100 Layer Cake.  But if you don’t feel confident starting with a plain piece of square paper, the pictures below link to paper flower kits that come with pre cut flower pieces and instructions to help you achieve exactly what you’re looking for.

Fancy Fabric: Fabric and Felt Flowers

This is yet another route with so many choices and variety, the word unique really doesn’t even begin to cover it.  They can be made up of flower pins and attachments from dresses and coats, usually easy to find in vintage and consignment stores, or you can start from scratch with your own chosen fabric.  Similar to paper flowers, they are fairly easy to make at home (though this will entail sewing and maybe even a sewing machine), or there are many places to buy a beautiful bouquet custom made with fabrics to match the color scheme and décor of the rest of your big day.

We also love the ideas of bouquets made from feathers, butterflies, buttons, and even balloons!  Stepping away from the traditional flower bouquet is a great detail and beautiful way to express yourself.  And the best part: it will never wilt or fade, it is a keepsake that you will have forever!

Yesterday, despite the fact that I am not a bride and probably won’t be in the near future- and that I was single on Valentine’s Day- it was an amazing day.  Why, you ask?  Quite simply, five letters: BHLDN.

BHLDN is a bridal fashion company started by those lovely and oh so talented folks from Anthropologie and follows that same one-of-a-kind, graceful, and uniquely elegant aesthetic.  Starting to understand why I’m so excited?

The collection includes gorgeous, vintage-inspired wedding gowns, as well as to-die-for shoes, delightfully decadent jewelry, scrumptious lingerie, and tons of fun accessories. But just as exciting, it also includes breathtaking gowns for your bridesmaids that won’t make them feel like cookie cutter catalog copies.  All of it is absolutely beautiful and incredibly unique; while speaking to the classic bride, it will never make you think typical.  And this is precisely why I am so excited about this website and the awesome amounts of potential- just like the brides we LOVE to help, BHLDN is meant for the girl who wants beautiful and elegant and classic, but still wants everything to be uniquely hers.

The geniuses at BHLDN put it pretty well themselves:

We want, more than anything, to help a woman create an event that reflects her own unique perspective… to a tee. We want to give a bride that edit she’s been searching for—with heirloom-quality wedding gowns, artisanal hair adornments, footwear, and lingerie. And we want happy bridesmaids—in mix-and-match frocks with rich hues and unexpected details.

So whether bride or bridesmaid, or just wedding enthusiast like me, go have a look at the beautiful things from BHLDN.  Honestly, how can anyone not lobe more beautiful things?

-Anni

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.

Brr it sure is cold out there. Winter is officially in full swing, and being outside for any period of time is painful, let alone in that perfect strapless dress you’ve had your eyes on since you were a little girl. For a winter bride, you can buy a wedding gown made with warmer fabric like crushed velvet or Duchesse satin. If that isn’t an option, or you want to wear a summer fabric there are plenty of other fashionable alternatives.

Add a pair of opera length gloves, a shawl, a shrug, a hooded cloak or even a cute jacket to your beautiful dress. Not only will you be warm, but you will look cute at the same time! These accessories can be white, or you can add a little color. More and more brides are staring to add some color to their ensemble to match their bridesmaids. You could a ribbon or sash, or add a shawl in your bridesmaids color.

Curl up on the couch with some hot cocoa and look at all your different wedding day options. Hope this helps to inspire your winter wedding look.

Cheers!

Jen