So, you've wracked your brain to come up with an original way for your friends & family to celebrate their presence on your wedding day.
You've decided to go with the 'Wishing Bowl' idea.
A large vase is displayed with a sweet poem framed beside it, and pens galore. You've slaved over cardstock, cutting it into sizes just so, and in all of your wedding colors of course.
The display looks 'oh so beautiful' on the entry table to the reception.... Until the uber long line starts to build.
This can result in guests completely bypassing your well thought out plan to capture memories, or having them just jot down something short and impersonal.
They have pressure on them from the back to get out of the line!
Here's a solution:
Create an environment that allows guests to participate in their own time frame. No pressure.
On each Reception Table
Display a small square vase;
Attach a Sweet Poem/Instructions to the front,
Attach a Table Number to the bottom;
Provide cardstock & pens.
Have your Wedding Coordinator pick up each vase as the reception begins to wrap up. You can combine all of your well wishes & advice into one large container, or wait to see what someone at Table #7 really had to say!
Here's to Stylish Sanity
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Vendor Spotlight :: Lady Lam Atelier
Bonjour Darling!
Looking to channel some Old World Glamour on your Wedding Day?
Then book an appointment with Lady Lam Atelier.
Then book an appointment with Lady Lam Atelier.
Christine brings back the charm & eloquence of old fashioned sensibility.
::Exclusive Bridetiquette Blog Offer ::
Ooh La La..........Eyelash Extensions!
$100 for a full set through October (reg: $180)
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Open M-Sat : 10:00am - 6:30pm : By Appt Only
#206.948.1142
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Big O
No, not that O. (get your mind out of the gutter)
Oh, and not Oprah either.
I'm talking about the 'O' that can eat you alive while planning a wedding...
Obligation
That ugly word that seems to rear it's head in so many situations surrounding family inclusion, traditions to follow, guests to invite, food to serve.
You can just feel it stirring inside, can't you?
It can be a complete energy drain having to field questions & unsolicited advice from all sides, especially if some of them are footing the bill.
And they'll dangle that check like a carrot!!
There really is no clear cut path to stick to, except this :: Trust Your Gut.
If you feel uncomfortable, belittled, or resentful toward a demand or request - Clear the air.
Be an adult about it, and address the issue before it escalates.
Stress can manifest itself in so many different ways. The last thing you want is to break out into hives, or suffer from night terrors.
You need to squelch this type of manipulative behavior from others - - and fast.
Negotiation is the tactful and diplomatic route, and you always want to remain respectful.
Alas, the wedding day is for the union of Bride & Groom. But, it is also a celebration for all of your friends, family & guests who made the trek.
Create your own traditions, while honoring the past.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
Oh, and not Oprah either.
I'm talking about the 'O' that can eat you alive while planning a wedding...
Obligation
That ugly word that seems to rear it's head in so many situations surrounding family inclusion, traditions to follow, guests to invite, food to serve.
You can just feel it stirring inside, can't you?
It can be a complete energy drain having to field questions & unsolicited advice from all sides, especially if some of them are footing the bill.
And they'll dangle that check like a carrot!!
There really is no clear cut path to stick to, except this :: Trust Your Gut.
If you feel uncomfortable, belittled, or resentful toward a demand or request - Clear the air.
Be an adult about it, and address the issue before it escalates.
Stress can manifest itself in so many different ways. The last thing you want is to break out into hives, or suffer from night terrors.
You need to squelch this type of manipulative behavior from others - - and fast.
Negotiation is the tactful and diplomatic route, and you always want to remain respectful.
Alas, the wedding day is for the union of Bride & Groom. But, it is also a celebration for all of your friends, family & guests who made the trek.
Create your own traditions, while honoring the past.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Resource Spotlight :: A Grand Wedding
Go2Girl Events received a lovely postcard in the mail last week, introducing a brilliant new resource for Brides to Be in the Seattle Metro Area. 
Go2Girl Events definitely fits the bill (offering many services under $1K), and was thrilled to read the motivation of Georgie Hockett (co-founder with her husband Dave) behind starting the site. They also believe every couple should have access to quality vendors, at a realistic price.
Your wedding day is the beginning of your marriage, plan accordingly!
High quality, affordable services was also the motivation behind the creation & launch of Go2Girl Events. (Clearly, Georgie is a girl after our own heart :)
A Grand Wedding offers Vendor Lists by Category, Expert Articles for your perusal, a Buy, Borrow or Share space - where you could quite possibly split the cost of your dream haute couture dress with a complete stranger - or, snag some free tealights!
Hey, every cent counts.
Finally, there is Angel Bride - real-life couple stories, where wedding vendors can donate their time, product or services.
Who knows, you might even sprout wings!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Here's to Stylish Sanity.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Beyond 'The Knot'
Don't get me wrong........this website is an amazing resource: tips, suggestions, real world bride experiences, etc...
You literally could spend hours searching, reading, printing, looking at bios...........Sound familiar?
Other common side effects : blurred vision, feelings of wedding inadequacy, overwhelming additions to your wedding needs, false sense of friendship, etc.
Use it as a reference tool, just like you shuffle through a Wedding Magazine for inspiration.
But, when all is said & done - brainstorm away from the computer.
You will develop a level of originality for your wedding food, mood, garb, guests - that will be an authentic extension of you & your groom.
And, you'll feel an immense amount of pride knowing you creating it all on your own.
Trust me.
You literally could spend hours searching, reading, printing, looking at bios...........Sound familiar?
Other common side effects : blurred vision, feelings of wedding inadequacy, overwhelming additions to your wedding needs, false sense of friendship, etc.
Use it as a reference tool, just like you shuffle through a Wedding Magazine for inspiration.
But, when all is said & done - brainstorm away from the computer.
You will develop a level of originality for your wedding food, mood, garb, guests - that will be an authentic extension of you & your groom.
And, you'll feel an immense amount of pride knowing you creating it all on your own.
Trust me.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wedding Planner = Wise Investment
There's a multitude of reasons why hiring an experienced wedding planner makes perfect sense.
Here's a sampling :
Genuine Enthusiasm
We get you. Your excitement is contagious.
We understand your craziness, irrational fears, feelings of obligation, emotional highs & lows.
We know how to listen, pass the tissues, and provide answers to even the silliest of questions.
Neutral Party
We're emotionally detached - but in a good way! Objectivity is key to planning a seamless event, and wedding planners provide good judgement without getting sentimental.
Stress Minimizer
We are comfortable in the roles bestowed upon us: Relationship coach, Errand girl, Production manager, and Logistics troubleshooter.
Always providing direction, encouragement and options.
Always with a smile on our face.
Save Some Dough
We have a pretty clear idea what certain things should cost. This is crucial when you actually want to stick to a defined budget.
Remember, this is the beginning of your married life.
Don't invite Debt to share your bed.
It isn't fun to add to the mix.
Time Saver
We have a strategy. Our honed research skills & vendor relationships have perfected our ability to match your wedding vision & budget, with those vendors that will make it work, on your terms.
Simplify Communication
We are the Point Guard of the Wedding Day Celebration. Schedule changes, Vendor mishaps, Lost Guests.......you name it. We are carrying the ball all the way.
Fully Present Memories
When you're relaxed, you're in the moment. Soaking up the mood, enjoying the food, having a ball. Everyone is lit up with joy, glee, happiness. True emotion will just bleed from the picture book.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
Here's a sampling :
Genuine Enthusiasm
We get you. Your excitement is contagious.
We understand your craziness, irrational fears, feelings of obligation, emotional highs & lows.
We know how to listen, pass the tissues, and provide answers to even the silliest of questions.
Neutral Party
We're emotionally detached - but in a good way! Objectivity is key to planning a seamless event, and wedding planners provide good judgement without getting sentimental.
Stress Minimizer
We are comfortable in the roles bestowed upon us: Relationship coach, Errand girl, Production manager, and Logistics troubleshooter.
Always providing direction, encouragement and options.
Always with a smile on our face.
Save Some Dough
We have a pretty clear idea what certain things should cost. This is crucial when you actually want to stick to a defined budget.
Remember, this is the beginning of your married life.
Don't invite Debt to share your bed.
It isn't fun to add to the mix.
Time Saver
We have a strategy. Our honed research skills & vendor relationships have perfected our ability to match your wedding vision & budget, with those vendors that will make it work, on your terms.
Simplify Communication
We are the Point Guard of the Wedding Day Celebration. Schedule changes, Vendor mishaps, Lost Guests.......you name it. We are carrying the ball all the way.
Fully Present Memories
When you're relaxed, you're in the moment. Soaking up the mood, enjoying the food, having a ball. Everyone is lit up with joy, glee, happiness. True emotion will just bleed from the picture book.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tipping the Scale
No fat jokes here :: I promise!
Let's talk about the art form known as Tipping (the monetary kind).
A topic that strikes fear in the hearts of many.
Often implied.
Dealt with by obligation.
But is it truly necessary?
Well, not really. It's a social custom, not a requirement, with no set rules.
It's completely up to your discretion, and quite possibly - your discretionary income.
Leaving a tip seems to be approached in two ways: either a patron leaves a lot (meaning 20% or more), or barely anything at all (say 0 - 5%)
You may feel that the service wasn't great, or maybe that the price they charge MUST include some type of implied tip to begin with.
From a Wedding Vendor's point of view - this is NOT the case.
Tipping has a skewed view by most consumers - as the most prevalent scenarios are that of a waiter/delivery person/valet driver/hairstylist. The person providing the service is right there, waiting.
But what about all those that worked feverishly 'behind the scenes' to create a seamless, stress-free Wedding Day experience for you & your guests?
Tip who you feel deserves it, and preferably after all is said & done.
Let's talk about the art form known as Tipping (the monetary kind).
A topic that strikes fear in the hearts of many.
Often implied.
Dealt with by obligation.
But is it truly necessary?
Well, not really. It's a social custom, not a requirement, with no set rules.
It's completely up to your discretion, and quite possibly - your discretionary income.
Leaving a tip seems to be approached in two ways: either a patron leaves a lot (meaning 20% or more), or barely anything at all (say 0 - 5%)
You may feel that the service wasn't great, or maybe that the price they charge MUST include some type of implied tip to begin with.
From a Wedding Vendor's point of view - this is NOT the case.
Tipping has a skewed view by most consumers - as the most prevalent scenarios are that of a waiter/delivery person/valet driver/hairstylist. The person providing the service is right there, waiting.
But what about all those that worked feverishly 'behind the scenes' to create a seamless, stress-free Wedding Day experience for you & your guests?
Tip who you feel deserves it, and preferably after all is said & done.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
So, what about the Kids?
This seems to be a fairly touchy subject to approach.
You want all of your guests to feel welcome; with or without little ones.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
You want all of your guests to feel welcome; with or without little ones.
Alas, this is another situation that can allow obligation to eat you alive.
Remember - this is YOUR wedding day.
How you want to celebrate, in what fashion, where, and most importantly - with whom, is completely your perogative.
Now, that's not to say that you want to put 'NO BRATS' on your lovely invitations & RSVP cards!
Remember - this is YOUR wedding day.
How you want to celebrate, in what fashion, where, and most importantly - with whom, is completely your perogative.
Now, that's not to say that you want to put 'NO BRATS' on your lovely invitations & RSVP cards!
Just provide an alternative, as an oh-so-subtle way to give guests the hint.
Hire a Babysitter. Put her/him & all the kids in a room - far, far away from the ceremony. Preferably somewhere soundproof, with a tv & dvd, crayons & coloring books, and a snack.
Put a link on your website, or include an insert with your invitation.
Hire a Babysitter. Put her/him & all the kids in a room - far, far away from the ceremony. Preferably somewhere soundproof, with a tv & dvd, crayons & coloring books, and a snack.
Put a link on your website, or include an insert with your invitation.
Explain that you want to provide an atmosphere where the kids will have some fun, and not feel like they have to sit still & be quiet during a 30 minute ceremony.
Believe me - Parents will be relieved. They too will be so happy to know that their little Jimmy or Maddie will not be the child running up & down the aisle, yelling at the other guests, and completely ruining your special moment. Parents will be able to focus on your big day - which is why you invited them to begin with!
Believe me - Parents will be relieved. They too will be so happy to know that their little Jimmy or Maddie will not be the child running up & down the aisle, yelling at the other guests, and completely ruining your special moment. Parents will be able to focus on your big day - which is why you invited them to begin with!
Kids can then rejoin the celebration during the Reception.
They' re always the best dancers anyway.
Here's to Stylish Sanity!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
No Directions? No Problem!
This is a frequent topic of discussion among brides, and usually their moms.
Moms of Brides tend to assume that everyone will get lost, someone will miss out on something memorable, and they will never hear the end of it.
How to Troubleshoot so everyone is in the loop? Signage
We're not talking Cardstock with a big red arrow. No, no. We envision signage that includes pertinent information, and can be incorporated into the overall decor of the event.
Great - keeping everyone in the loop.
So, where do they go after the Ceremony? Do they even know there is a Cocktail Hour, followed by a sit down dinner in a large hall on another floor?
What else can be mighty helpful?
Welcome Letter - could be included with a package of treats to hotel rooms.
Map/Directions to the Ceremony - leave copies at the Front Desk of the hotel for OOT Guests, or include in a Welcome Package.
Rent a Sandwich Board for Street Viewing - Indicate to Guests where to park for the Wedding.
Menus for the Bar & in the Reception area - what is available?
Helpful hints for the Guest Book or Wishing Bowl (if you want specific things to happen)
Can you get carried away? Oh yes. Incorporate what works for you, and the ambiance you're creating for your big day.
Just try to think from a guest's perspective - they will be complete newbies to the Venue & Timeline.
Here's to stylish sanity!
Brides tend to assume that the flow of the evening, and how to go from Ceremony to Cocktails to Dinner & Dancing, is implied by the layout of the Venue.
Moms of Brides tend to assume that everyone will get lost, someone will miss out on something memorable, and they will never hear the end of it.
How to Troubleshoot so everyone is in the loop? Signage
We're not talking Cardstock with a big red arrow. No, no. We envision signage that includes pertinent information, and can be incorporated into the overall decor of the event.
Such as:
Cocktails in the Noble Room
6pm
Howard Wedding
Here's an example seen frequently:
You're putting together a lovely program that includes...
Names of the Wedding Party, Parents, Flower Girl, Ringbearer, Officiant.
You've also included the music choices for the Prelude, Processional & Recessional.
Great - keeping everyone in the loop.
So, where do they go after the Ceremony? Do they even know there is a Cocktail Hour, followed by a sit down dinner in a large hall on another floor?
Is there any indication as to where the washrooms are, or when food is to be served?
How to solve this dilemna? Big Day Timeline
This could be a seperate card, or printed within the actual program.
Personal preference is given to a seperate little insert, in an attention getting color. Start &End times can be listed, including when the Newlyweds will be departing for the evening.
This gives a subtle hint to guests when the festivities will be over!
Here's an example from Event Girl's Destination Wedding in Hawaii:
What else can be mighty helpful?
Welcome Letter - could be included with a package of treats to hotel rooms.
Map/Directions to the Ceremony - leave copies at the Front Desk of the hotel for OOT Guests, or include in a Welcome Package.
Rent a Sandwich Board for Street Viewing - Indicate to Guests where to park for the Wedding.
Menus for the Bar & in the Reception area - what is available?
Helpful hints for the Guest Book or Wishing Bowl (if you want specific things to happen)
Can you get carried away? Oh yes. Incorporate what works for you, and the ambiance you're creating for your big day.
Just try to think from a guest's perspective - they will be complete newbies to the Venue & Timeline.
Here's to stylish sanity!
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