Budget Tips for Brides to Be

I wandered across this site and thought it had helpful tips for brides to be, but also for anyone interested in saving money on entertaining. Budget Dream Weddings{http://budgetdreamweddings.com/} is a site devoted to getting the best bang for your buck. It has great resources. I'd recommend checking it out.

Color Scheme Designer

Are you planning an upcoming event? If so the first thing you need to do is stop by the Color Scheme Designer {http://colorschemedesigner.com/}. This online app is super easy to use and takes all the guess work out of choosing a complimentary color scheme. Using my main color as a bright pink here are all the different scenarios of complimentary colors it came up with for me:

Fall Party Inspirations

I came across this picture via The Knot (and thousands of other blogs, oh well) that made me wish I was able to put a barn like this is my KCMO backyard. I doubt it will happen, but I can still dream.


I'm thinking of this barn as inspiration for a warm, inviting, fall party. If I were throwing a party in this barn I'd:


use lots of glassware and stemware. Glass makes everything look more sculptural, so I'd put out tons of wine glasses and lots of wine! (Photo via Timmy Gunz/Flickr)

I'd have a long banquet table set with a floor length cream tablecloth with brown runner. The placesettings would have shimmering gold chargers...



...topped with these beautifully fall plates from Table Art {www.tableartonline.com}.
Of course there will be flowers. Perhaps some low pieces like these from Fleurs NYC{www.fleursnyc.com)... ...and some tall arrangements like these photographed by Geoff White {www.blog.geoffwhite.com} And of course TONS of candlelight! I LOVE these recycled aluminum bark candlesticks from VivaTerra {www.vivaterra.com}.
And while fantisizing about this party, I came across these other fabulous fall inspirations that would be perfect for a barn shindig:


Who wouldn't love to have barrels of wine, right? I don't like tea very much, but my man does, and how perfect is this for a fall affair?

Both of the above from Candi Coffman Photography via The Brides of Oklahoma website {www.thebridesofoklahoma.com}


Not sure of this source, but how adorable are those lanterns?!?!


Happy fall event planning!

Just a quick pic....

I was browsing around online and came across this bit of country love via Country Living {www.countryliving.com}. It is so simple and feels so homey! (Okay, so I'm from the country too!)

Stephanie James Couture

Today I am featuring Stephanie James Couture. Stephanie has created a line of vintage inspired dresses and accessories that are very feminine and just plain beautiful. Anchored out of her store in Huntington Beach, CA her dresses are carried throughout a handful of stores nationwide. She has created vintage inspired suits, tea length, and full length dresses. Here are a few of my fav's"

I love this blue tulle!
Gorgeous details!

Make sure to check her out online: {http://www.stephaniejamescouture.com/}

More fabulous linen inspirations!

A few days ago I introduced all of you to Wildflower Linen and the gorgeous inspirations that could be drawn from their gallery. Today I'm going to be showing you La Tavola Linen {www.latavolalinen.com}, another beautifully fabulous linen company with TONS of inspiration for your fall events and home decor. Enjoy!

Wildflower Linen

As summer has come and gone, fall is now upon us and with it brings the rich colors of falling leaves and the scent of pumpkins and baked apple pies. It is with those things in mind that I am setting the fall-stage in my home.


As most people know, I love weddings. Even though I'm no longer working in the industry I still look to weddings for inspiration for events and decor. One fabulous source of inspiration is Wildflower Linen {www.wildflowerlinens.com}, who specializes in event tabletop linen rental. Their gallery is split into three subcatagories: Bridal, Event, and Seasonal. All three have absolutely FAB-U-LOUS photos sure to inspire. Here are some that really relish the true feeling of fall:

Wedding Ettiquette

As someone who has gotten married, has friends and family who have gotten married, and a former wedding professional there are several things that I just hate to see future brides and grooms do. One of the BIGGEST things that I HATE to see is when people include registry information in with their invitations. I was reading Dear Prudence via MSN when I stumbled across an interesting letter/response about wedding registries.

Dear Prudence,

I was recently invited to a friend's wedding. Enclosed with the invitation was a slip of paper listing the stores where the couple is registered along with the message: "Please include a gift receipt." Am I right to find this message a bit rude? I feel like my friend is announcing, "We have picked out exactly what we want you to buy but still think you'll screw up the job, so we want to make sure it's returnable." Or maybe they already know that they don't want the crap they registered for and are just looking for a way to get cash? Frankly, I'd rather skip the middle man (and the shipping fees) if they don't trust me enough to buy what they have already indicated they want. Am I out of line? (And isn't there a better way for them to ask for cash if that's what they need most?)
—Presumptively Incompetent Giver

Dear Presumptively,

I always enjoy hearing about the ever-escalating ways engaged couples seek to chisel the goods out of their friends and loved ones. The innovation here is that the couple clearly doesn't want the stuff they've designated, but they feel they're too classy to come right out and say, "Just give us cash." Here's a tip for engaged couples: The invitation should announce the where and when of the wedding and say nothing about the "What I want." For that, you wait until your guests start inquiring, and then, as Peggy Post (heir to Emily's mantle) advises, you graciously say anything they feel like getting you would be delightful and that you've also registered at Crate and Barrel if they want some guidance. If what you want is cash, Ms. Post advises saying you're saving for a big purchase and a check would be most appreciated. (Miss Manners demurs that there is no polite way to say, "Show me the money.") What couples like your friends don't realize is that people who care about them actually enjoy the act of getting them something meaningful to mark the occasion of their starting their lives together. But these couples are killing that pleasure by acting as if they are collection agencies calling in their friends' debts. So, sure, go ahead and write this couple a check—maybe they'll even surprise you and send a thank-you note.
—Prudie

{http://www.slate.com/id/2199318/?GT1=38001}

My advice to couples planning to wed: invite those that you love because you love them, not because you'd love the toaster.

Cake toppers

One of my absolute favorite vintage things are old wedding cake toppers. They have so much personality that I can't help but fall in love! These found on Esty by oilpainta are to die for. They are custom creations using vintage materials.


To purchase one of her lovely creations visit her online: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100442.

Here are some more adorable ones found on Ebay:

This is quite the couple! Her skirt is still so beautiful!

This is a gorgeous topper from the 1920's. Still with most of it's orginal detail in tact and with very little discoloration.

A rare example of an African-American topper. This photo is hard to see, but the figures are really pretty up close.
Another lovely couple, this one from the 1950's.

No wedding would be complete without the wedding party!

This topper is a bit funny to me. First of all it is sad because they aren't in great shape. Secondly I am wondering why the bride is wearing only her veil and a look of horror on her face while the groom is staring at her bottom half. I have a feeling that the bride wasn't the only one at that wedding feeling uncomfortable.

This topper is particularly sweet to me - it's the one I had on my wedding cake!

Party Planning 101: Lesson IV

So far we've decided on our theme, invited our guests, and planned the menu & the table setting. Now we are in the final stage of our party planning. If the ball gets dropped at this point the party will still go on - but it could easily end up being a flop - so pay attention!

The difference between a good party and a great party is all in the details. So go ahead and take a step back from everything you've done so far and look for 'gaps' that can be filled. Think back to Lesson I - choosing the theme. Think about the overall theme for your party and then look at the reality of your situation. It may not be real to envision your backyard Mexican themed barbeque in an adobe Spanish style home if your house is a split level, but it is realistic to envision Mexican details to pull the party together to make the 'non-themed' pieces fade into the background. If a party is done right it is the details that are remembered by guests. Here are some great ways to add personalized details to your party:

• If you used a monogram, logo, or other party related motif on your invitation (or even if you didn't, go ahead and make one) incorporate that into your decor. Some examples of this may include setting individual menus at each place setting with the logo at the top or embellishing cocktail umbrellas with a party themed design.


{www.hostesswiththemostess.com}

• STICK TO YOUR COLOR SCHEME. Color can make or break a party. A unified palette can bring things together that normally wouldn't match. Use different textures and materials whenever possible to create more interest and make it seem less matchy/matchy.


• Do party favors. Make a little package with chocolates (and yes, Hershey kisses ARE overdone), for a summer party give packets of flower seeds, if you have a garden send home small packages of fresh blackberries, something simple and heartfelt is always best - but tie it in with your party. For a Mexican barbeque give guests small maracas or individually wrapped churros!

{www.theknot.com}

• Don’t forget any space. If you are hosting an event at an outside venue put together baskets for the restrooms that include tissues, purell, tampons, lip blotters, etc. If your event is in your home have a candle lit in your bathroom (you know why) and put out some lotion and other things for your guests to use.

{www.valseyandme.com}

• Lastly think outside of the box. If your group of friends host a lot of get togethers do something different than the standard decorations that your group always see. Do an inspiration search online for ideas.

After you've done your 'gap-searching' make a list of EVERYTHING that you will need for the event. EVERYTHING - big or small. Then make a list of EVERYTHING that needs to be done. Be a boy scout and be prepared! There is nothing worse or more embarrassing to have people over and realize that you are missing a key ingredient to a recipe or game or anything. So make your list early and go shopping. Then when you get home lay out each ingredient with the corresponding project or recipe to do a double check. If you’re missing something go back to the store.

The last thing to do before you start cooking and setting up for your event is to do a dry run. If you are hosting an event in which you are using vendors call and confirm every detail with them. (Don't worry about imposing on their time - that's what they're getting paid for.) If you're hosting at your home, walk the same path through your home (or venue if applicable) the same way that your guests will enter. This will give you a fresh set of eyes to see the things that your guests will see. For example, if a guest is coming to my home then they will walk into my formal living room, but they will also be able to see into the sitting room, so I would want to put fresh flowers and maybe some candles on my coffee table in the formal living room and make sure that lamp is on in the sitting room. If the party is not being held in the same room that the guests will enter into make sure that the areas leading up to that area are clean, well lit, and free from clutter (toys in the hall, etc). And don’t forget these spaces, add small touches to make it feel connected to the party, but don’t put a lot of party specific décor in these areas.

Party Planning 101: Lesson III

So far you've decided the theme for your party, gotten your guest list together, and sent out your invitations. Now is the time to start pulling all the details together. Obviously this step is different for every party depending on the type and formality of party and the timeline that you are working with. Today I will be covering the menu.

Menu

This is SO important! If you are planning a large event like a wedding or other banquet event being held outside of your home you will presumably have a catering staff that will help you with menu choices and options. However, it gets tricky when you are planning parties at home and are responsible for the food. Of course if you are having the food catered in the company will very likely help you with the decison making.

There are 3 basic types of serving styles for any party: hors d'oeuvre/appetizer stations, buffet, and plated meals. Generally plated meals are served to the guests and are therefore less popular amongst home dinner parties. Buffet is very common for seated meals and an appetizer buffet is the most popular for smaller more informal gatherings. No matter what menu style you choose to incorporate make sure to plan according to the number of guests that you are expecting and the amount of help you will have making/serving the food. Here are a couple of good steadfast rules to remember when planning your menu:

• If you're not a chef today, you probably won't be the day of the event either. Stick to recipes and dishes that you are comfortable with making.
• If you are going to try and serve something new (i.e. time consuming) make sure and pair it will appetizers and sides that are more easily made and that your guests are comfortable with. (Example: If you make an awesome dip that your friends love make that as one of the appetizers and then put your new recipe in with the main meal.)
• If you will be serving all hors d'oeuvres at your event, the proper amount of food to serve is at least 8-10 pieces per person for an evening affair and 6-8 pieces per person for an afternoon event. (Many people believe that serving hors will cost less money than doing a buffet or other menu. If this is the motivation behind this menu choice please make sure and exhaust all other options first. I've seen too many people run out of food at the hors buffet and guests not get anything to eat - so please plan accordingly and buy enough food!)

Here are some tips for planning your meal table:

• In addition to planning your menu don't forget to plan your table. If you're hosting a dinner party make sure and do a seating chart (for a small gathering this takes very little time and your guests will appreciate being directed). Make time to set out place cards.

These cards from Martha Stewart Crafts {www.marthastewartcrafts.com} are

pre-made and are just waiting for your guests names!

• If you've got nice china bust it out! Now's the time to use all that stuff that you registered for.


• LINENS! Layer them up. Don't be afraid to layer a tablecloth, runner, placemat, and napkin. Layers=Luxe, make your guests feel special. (Side note: If it's new, it needs to be ironed - get those wrinkles out!)

This photo from Country Living {www.countryliving.com} is relaxed & elegant.

I've had this photo saved on my computer for about a year now. I can't remember where I snatched it from, but it really embodies the whole idea of a pulled together dinner party.

• Don't forget how to set your table. Here are some great guides from Emily Post {http://emilypost.com/}:

Basic Place Setting

Informal Place Setting

Formal Place Setting