Welcome Bag Elements

Nothin beats a bag full of goodies when you check into a hotel right before a wedding. It's a nice way to kick off your guest's stay- especially when the people that are staying at the hotels just traveled a distance to be there for you!

So what goes inside? There are some items that should be included, but it really is whatever your creative little heart desires. Here are some theme friendly bag idea's for an NYC and Beach Wedding.

NYC
Bottle of Voss H20: There should be some kind of drink in a Welcome Bag, water being the best). Why not make it a bottle of Voss. Sleek and chic, just like NYC.
Small snack (personal bag of pretzels or pita chips- something to munch on)
Local Attractions: Your options are endless. There is always something to do and see, whether it's going to the top of the Empire State Building or taking a boat ride on the Hudson. If your guests plan on doing some sight seeing- sharing your insight is nice touch.
Metro Card: Make em' feel like a New Yorker! Give your guest's a Metro Card along with their itinerary (and with directions, of course!) so that they don't have to spend a ton on cab fairs. I'm sure they have done that much already!
NY Magazine/NY Times: Put them in a New York state of mind! (I know, I use this phrase a lot. It just always seems to work!).

Everything can be wrapped up in a white bag with a ribbon handle. Add a little detail with a custom sticker on the front with your names and wedding date. How does a white sticker with the silhouette of an NYC Taxi or an Apple sound?

Beach
Bottle of Figi H20: The label adds that extra bit of a beachy feel!
Small Snack (again, can't go wrong with a personal bag of pretzels or sun chips)
Beach Towel: Chances are, someone forgot their beach towel (been there, done that). Give your guests a beach towel with your wedding date or monogram embroidered!
Sun Screen: You can never have enough!
Local Attractions: If your having a destination wedding and your guest's are turning your wedding into a mini vaca- let them know whats available to them! Swimming with the dolphins, excursions, restaurants, spas, etc.
Under Water Camera: No caption needed, just fun!

Everything can be wrapped up in a personalized canvas tote that can be used as a beach bag. This is just a gift that keeps on giving!

There are a ton of different elements that can be included in a Wedding Welcome Bag. They can be suitable on all budgets and are a fun extra to give to your guests!

Say Cheeseee!!!

For quite some time now, I have been seeing photos on blogs, facebook and twitter pages, you name it- from a certain thing called Smilebooth. What do I have to say about this Smilebooth? I am SO JEALOUS that one has not crossed my path yet!

Smilebooth is "a fresh, new rendition of the classic, old school photobooth...a dummy-proof way to get professional photos from your event- NO PHOTOGRAPHER needed!... a mini photography studio that inspires creative, silly, fabulous-looking photographs... and exciting addition for any memorable event, party, wedding reception..."

This is a self functioning booth, and you can actually create your own backdrop! Smilebooth will work with you to design a backdrop that compliments your wedding or event.

I'm totally sold.

photos via Smilebooth

"The little things in life..."

I LOVE thoughtful wedding details. There is a saying you all might know and it's called "the little things in life", and oh how true it is!

There are a million different ways that a couple can make their wedding a true reflection of who they are as a couple and their personal styles. Here are some different elements that each couple can add their own special touch to:

Personalized Stamps

Calligraphy anythinggg! (I love calligraphy, so what)

Personalized Napkins

Custom Drink Stirrers

Candy Bar (I mean who doesn't want one of these?)

Welcome Bags

Custom Cocktails

Creative Escort Card setup

Table Numbers (or names, or places, or things, you get the hint!)

Custom Signage

Floral initials

Favors

Accommodation Baskets

The list could really just go on. Making a wedding a reflection of who you are and your styles shouldn't be a task that you dread doing or find unimportant. This is the fun part!!! So relax a little bit and have some fun with it!

Making The Most of Your Engagement (Super Post)

More often than not, you hear brides talk about the all stress and pressure that comes along with planning a wedding. Yes, planning a wedding is a lot of work. But do yourself a favor and RELAX! What I say is:

#1. Make Lists. The more organized you are, the less stressful planning your wedding will be.

#2. Look into hiring a planner. Planners are there to make your life easier. If the thought of linens, flowers, photographers, deejay's and details makes your head spin, a planner is the right way to go.

#3. Make the most of your engagement by creating mini events out of all your to-dos! Like:

Having an Engagement Party. To me, there is no better way to kick off starting your lives together than having an engagement party. This should be a stress free party involving all of your closest family and friends. If you feel funny about having people come and give gifts, then write on the invitations "No Gifts Please!". Even though some (most likely most) of your guest won't come empty handed anyway, it will ease your mind to know that you weren't expecting anything other than a good time.

Don't have the funds to have everyone you want at your Engagement Party?

Throw a 365 Days Party! Yes, I said it. If you have a date and venue picked, and it warrants the proper timing to have a party named "365" than go for it. This can be a house party, gathering at a local bar, whatever. It doesn't need to be a huge fiesta, but have a little fun with it! Just to think that one year from then, you all will be together again for your big day.

Make a day out of Registering: I know people who HATED. REGISTERING. !?!?!!? This is madness to me! You are signing up for gifts for other people to buy for you. And your complaining? Madness. Pure madness.

What I would do is pick a day where you and your fiance have nothing else going on and you both can just take your time at your selected stores. This shouldn't be stressful whatsoever. Once you are finished dare I say make a dinner date? Spend some quality time together and enjoy that very moment. I know I may sound like a Hallmark card when say that, but I mean it with all sincerity. No one wants to start off their marriage with arguments over the proper ice cream scoop or which wine glasses would look better with your grandmothers china. Honestly.

Make events out of your consultations: This is a very nice way to treat your bridesmaids.. AKA the women in your life who mean most to you and are spending a lot of their time, energy, and money on you and your fiance. So. What events do I suggest?

1. Having a Hair and Make-Up Consultation? Give your girls enough notice to come with you (the day before doesn't count as enough notice!) and treat them to a lovely after noon of hair, make up and some bubbly. Again, this shouldn't be stressful! If you've got them all together this is a golden opportunity to treat them all to lunch or dinner afterwards to talk about wedding stuff and or make sure they are all acquainted! Your sister-in-law may not know all your friends from college and vice-versa. This would be a nice chance to get everyone together.

2. Same goes for your dress fittings. This is a very important time in your life. If this is something that is very personal to you and something you at first want to do with just your Mom and Sisters- sobeit. But then maybe bring all the girls back after your dress is picked and they are getting fitted for theirs. Any excuse to gather all your closest friends and drink some champagne is a good excuse to me!

3.Host a Spray Tan Party! Are you worried that some of your girls are going to look washed out in the Taupe colored dress you have picked? Then have a spray tanning consultation for everyone who is interested. Luckily this service now travels, so you can host one in your very own backyard! If the season allows for this, then do. it. up. Have some snacks and drinks available and get your (safe) tan on! It's better to know before the wedding if you will turn orange or not. =)

I know some of you are thinking I am crazy. Which maybe I am a little =) but these events can really do the trick to boost morale and to alleviate some wedding planning stress. And please, in no way, shape, or form feel like you need to do all of these things and spend a million dollars. That is certainly not the case and not what I am trying to portray to you. These are just some fun ways to enjoy the time leading up to your Wedding.

So remember, always give your self enough time and you can never have too many lists. Wedding planning is as fun or as terrible as you make it to be!

Garter and Bouquet Toss Traditions- Past or Present?

This is becoming a common question: Do I HAVE to do the garter and bouquet toss? My answer? Absolutely not! They are becoming a thing of the past.

Nothing is standard these days. There are and will always be traditions, but if there are certain ones you want to avoid (like this) you most definitely can. I actually find that it tends to break up the feel of the evening. If your all finished with dinner and everyone is on the dance floor (filled with some liquid confidence) and then all of the sudden: bouquet toss! All the non single ladies are off the floor, and chances are- it's staying that way!

But these traditions are not all bad. I must say, with the right crowd and couple- this tradition can be hysterical. With the wrong crowd it's either drawn out, inappropriate, or in plain English. Boring.

Tradition is a funny thing. A lot of the time people do what is expected of them, as oppose to what they want. My suggestion to all the brides and grooms who are thinking about these traditions- do what has value to you. If your father daughter dance is something that you have always wanted to do- but you couldn't care less about the tosses, then do what makes you happy. What has value and meaning to you, has value and meaning to your guests.

And P.S: Have you seen garters these days?! This garter was created by Florriemittons and is GORGEOUS! If that were my garter, it's never coming off- led alone tossed!

That Party Was Awesome

I just HAD to share this article since I am in a 'New York State Of Mind' thanks to Mitchell and Lauren - aka the most wonderful couple whom I had the pleasure of assisting this past weekend at their white themed wedding held at the W Hotel on Lexington. This article is just perfect for my mood. Enjoy!!

http://nymag.com/weddings/reception/2010/summer/that-party-was-awesome/

P.S. Lauren and Mitch- Your party was awesome too. =)

YUM!!

Who doesn't LOVE a candy bar at a wedding? They are becoming quite the "norm" and I think it's just amazing! The thought that is put behind the design of these candy bars is what I find to be the best. I love seeing how they are displayed, the variety of what is out, and the colors to coordinate. I just love, love, love!!

Here are images that I found on Style Me Pretty (I know, I'm obsessed-so what). This dessert table was designed by Lisa Vorce of Oh How Charming in California. If this doesn't get you in the mood for some sweets I don't know what will!!

And you can't be talking about dessert tables without mentioning the name Amy Atlas. She is known for her picture perfect dessert tables. Every last little detail is pulled together so perfectly, that I wouldn't want to touch anything!