WEDDING PLANNING & EVENT MANAGEMENT


Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts

August 25, 2012

Have you met the experts?



We have an amazing lineup of talented wedding experts for our Fall 2012 Wedding Planning Bootcamp. They are so great that we have devoted an entire blog series to them. Check it out and then sign up for you and a guest to attend the LIVE event on November 3. (Early Bird discount ends 9/3/12)

Why should you attend the Wedding Planning Bootcamp?

  • You are newly engaged 
  • You don't know where to start with your wedding plans
  • You are overwhelmed by all of the unsolicited opinions from friends & family
  • You have no idea how much you should be spending on your wedding
  • We will give you insider secrets 
  • We will feed you, entertain you, and educate you. 


August 03, 2012

Wedding Programs

One of the most frequent questions brides ask me is:
Do we need wedding programs?

Photo from theknot.com
My answer is that the choice is yours. If your wedding ceremony includes special traditions, customs, or personalized elements, then you should use a wedding program to explain what they mean. If your ceremony is going to be very short, sweet, and basic, then you might not need a program.

For those of you who will have one, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you design your wedding program:

  • Ceremony traditions in the order they will occur. (Be sure to review this with the officiant before it goes to print.)
  • Title of readings and name of the reader (If there is room on the program, you may include the actual poem or scripture.)
  • Title of musical selections and name of singers/musicians
  • Names of members of the wedding party (Their relationship to the bride/groom may be added)
  • Memorial: Names or photos of important people who are now deceased. 
  • Explanations of personalized elements, such as unity candle, unity sand, jumping the broom, etc. 
  • Provide directions from ceremony to reception. CAUTION: Only do this if everyone at the ceremony will be invited to the reception. 

Photo from theknot.com
Do not allow this to be a last minute decision. Plan what it will say and how it will look at least 2 months before your wedding day.

Happy Planning! 

July 05, 2012

Napkin Folds

Fancily folded napkins make your tables look a little more dressed and a lot more fabulous. Click on the links below each picture for folding instructions. 







For more examples and instructions, go to Delish.com


May 22, 2012

DIY Wedding Decor

As I'm digging myself out of email hell (you wouldn't believe how many unread emails I have - mostly junk), I came across an email that I normally wouldn't have opened. As a matter of fact, I opened it to find the "unsubscribe" link. Then, something told me to go to the website to see if they have anything new and, more importantly, improved. 


Usually, when brides tell me they are ordering wedding items from Oriental Trading, the hair stands up on my arms. Not because they don't have any good stuff, but because buying too many items from their site will make your wedding look like a cheap birthday party instead of the "simple but elegant" wedding you had in mind. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this picture at Oriental Trading. 


These are marble-look fluted pillars. They are made of cardboard and come in sets of 2 in the 3 sizes shown here. What I like about this picture, is that it shows you how to pull this off without looking cheesy. This is a pretty way to decorate the entrance to your reception... especially for your formal introductions. It could also serve as the backdrop for your ceremony if your venue doesn't already offer a picturesque setting. 

As always, remember that DIY stands for "do it yourself" not "do it BY yourself". Find someone, other than your wedding party or parents, to deliver and assemble your projects on the day of the wedding. 

Muchos Smooches

April 06, 2012

Field of Dreams

Photo from Real Simple

As a little girl, you ran through the field behind your grandmother's country home. You picked flowers there and chased bunnies. You may have even climbed a tree. As a teenager, you sat under that tree, read romantic novels, and daydreamed about falling in love and getting married in Grandmom's field.

Now that you are an adult and have found the love of your life, you want to make your dream a reality. But there are a lot of details that need to be considered in order to pull this off.

I'm pretty sure Grandmom's field doesn't come with tables, chairs, or even electricity. You have to rent EVERYTHING!

  • Start with a budget (How much money can you afford to spend for your wedding?)
  • Determine how many people you are going to invite
  • Then look for an off-premise caterer. You will need to know what they can provide and what they will need for you to provide. For example, they may need you to provide a separate tent to cook under. They may be able to provide all serveware, flatware, and glassware. 
  • Contact a tent company to reserve all of the tents you need. They will want to know some of the details about your wedding like the number of guests, if you are having a dance floor, and if you are having a live band or DJ. 
  • Contact a party rental company to get tables, chairs, linens, and any of the necessary items your caterer and tenting company may not provide. 
  • You will also need electric power generators and restroom facilities. 
And then you can plan all of the usual suspects: flowers, entertainment, invitations, transportation, etc. 

Happy Planning & Muchos Smooches


April 03, 2012

Philly Wedding Planning Bootcamp 3.31.12


On March 31, 2012, Always Fabulous Events took over The Brossman Center @ Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia along with other local wedding industry experts to whip a few brides' MINDS into shape as they plan their weddings. 

The event space welcomed spring with apple green & hot pink linens, flowers, and lighting. Each registered guest received a swag bag full of goodies and a personalized wedding resource guide. 


As the hostess and event planner, I opened the event with information about planning the wedding budget. This included tips about having the initial conversations with everyone planning to make financial contributions to the wedding fund, how to set up a realistic budget, and the next steps to plan the wedding after the spending limits and priorities have been established. Then each wedding professional took a turn discussing their specific area of expertise. 







We learned a lot, had a few laughs, and ate amazingly delicious cake. 




We couldn't have done any of this without the support of our fabulous presenters and sponsors: 
Venue: Rita Faison of The Brossman Center @ LTSP
Lighting: Gene Durbano of DJs Available Sound & Light
Cake: Rafael Logrono of Rafael Logrono Cake Design
Filmography: Darrell Aubert of Aubert Films
Photography: Sarah Wimberley of FlickFoto
Invitations: Christina Carnevale of Paper Rock Scissors
Dance: Lynn MacKerell of Siti Dance Studio
Honeymoon Planning: Mattie Johnson of C'est Chic Vacations
Linens: Gala Cloths
Flowers: Kremp Florist


And special thanks to all of our registered guests for coming out and being a fun group to work with. We look forward to doing another event like this later in the year. If you are interested in participating as a bride/groom, presenter, or sponsor, please email us at info@alwaysfabulousevents.com.

April 02, 2012

Paragon by After Six

Before the bride walks down the aisle all eyes are on the groom. As he awaits his bride, he will feel confident and comfortable in Dessy's After Six Tuxedo. 




The Paragon tuxedo is a modern classic, and is ideal for any formal occasion. Fabricated in extra fine merino wool, it features two-button styling, notch lapels, and unique piping with a signature bow tie motif. Retailing for $395, the Paragon is handsomely complemented by After Six's Formal Accessories including ties, pocket squares, vests and more. Accessories come in the bow tie pattern in tones of aubergine, platinum or sapphire, as well as a range of solid colors matching bridesmaid dresses by the Dessy Group. 


Shop the entire tuxedo look [http://www.dessy.com/tuxedos/paragon-tuxedo-look-1] or browse through Dessy's complete collection of Men's formal wear. 

Visit Dessy today! 

March 14, 2012

FREE Wedding Websites

Free Wedding Website from Wedding Paper Divas

Do you need a wedding website? Would you like one that matches your Save the Date cards, invitations, etc.? How about getting one for free?

Wedding Paper Divas has what you need! A free wedding website to go along with over 40 of their most popular wedding invitations. This means that you can now easily create an ad-free personal wedding website complete with online RSVP capabilities and more—and keep it FREE for one year! 

Some of the features of the free wedding website include:
  • Match your site to over 40 of Wedding Paper Divas bestselling invitation designs.
  • Easy to design. You don’t need to be a programmer to do this! Just point and click at anything on the site to customize.
  • Custom Domains. You can truly customize your site with a domain that is just for you like ourwedding.com.
  • Unlimited Photos.
  • Guest comments
  • Music and Video
  • Online RSVP, Blog, Password protection, guest list manager, and much more.
Get started now to ensure that everything will be beautifully designed and perfectly coordinated as you prep for your big day.

Muchos Smooches!

March 07, 2012

Wedding Paper Divas SALE

For one week only, starting today, Wedding Paper Divas is celebrating its 6th anniversary with a HUGE Anniversary Sale!





Customers get 30% off all orders through March 13 using Promo Code 6YEARS. No minimum purchase required.

Wedding Paper Divas has never had a storewide sale this good! 


February 29, 2012

Wedding Planning Bootcamp


MARCH 31, 2012
PHILADELPHIA

Ladies, I know you need some guidance. I also know wedding planning can drive you crazy if given enough time and opportunity. Don't let it happen to you! 

Come to our Wedding Planning Bootcamp to get your questions answered by industry experts and learn how to make wedding planning stress free so you can enjoy the wedding of your dreams. 
Each bride will take home a fabulous swag bag PLUS a resource guide full of valuable information that will save your time, money, and sanity!
You MUST pre-register for this event. Space is limited so sign up today!
Sponsors & Presenters: 








PLUS: Aubert Films, Kremp Florist, and C'est Chic Vacations

January 21, 2012

Highlights from Weddings Past



Contributing Photographers:

January 18, 2012

Wedding Invitation Trends 2012

Guest Blogger, Christina Carnevale, Paper Rock Scissors
Christina Carnevale is a professional designer and owner of Paper Rock Scissors, a design firm located in Conshohocken, PA dedicated to creating original invitations and announcements for weddings, mitzvahs, corporate parties, and all other special events. 



As Winter is blasting us with its bitterness, Spring and Summer weddings are sitting on the horizon, just waiting to be announced.  Invitations have become the method by which couples introduce their guests to the overall theme, design, or colors of the wedding, often incorporating elements that will be used at the wedding ceremony and/or reception.  We’re seeing less and less of the “ivory card with black writing” invitation and watching our clients move into a fully designed invitation suite that truly reflects the theme of the event, and often, the personal style of the couple.

Since we begin booking clients for 2012 weddings in mid-2011, we start to see invitation trends earlier than many companies.  As a result, we’re seeing the following trends forming for 2012, and we’re happy to share them with you.


A Continuation of Jewel Tones
After the Royal Wedding, we began to see an infusion of jewel tones into many weddings.  Unlike the Royal Wedding invitations, which were a traditional ivory with a gold gilt edge, we’re seeing brides who are incorporating  the jewel tones into their actual invitations, choosing papers and ribbons that are deeply saturated with color.  Whether or not you choose to combine two jewel tones together, or simply ground your color with the jewel tone and add a brighter “pop,” you can’t go wrong with the luxe look of Jewel Tones.


Cobalt and Coral
Cobalt provides a backdrop to this invitation, while the coral ribbon and patterned paper gives it that pop of color.


Ruby and Gold
Ruby and Gold is always a beautiful mix of colors.  Whether the wedding be in December or July, using red and gold is a sure-fire way to add a bit of luxury to your wedding.


Blue Topaz and Gold


Blue Topaz (tiffany blue) paired with a gold grounds the color and focuses the eye on the important details that are accented and backed in the blue.


Sapphire and Hot Pink
Sapphire and Hot Pink is a popular combination for both ballroom weddings as well as beach weddings.  Depending on the colors that are used in the ink and in the pocket, an invitation can range from formal to fun.  The hot pink adds just the right amount pizzazz.


Handwritten Calligraphy

I’ve said it before in blog posts, and I’ll say it again.  There is nothing more formal that receiving an invitation with a handwritten guest name and address on it.  We’re seeing more and more brides return to the basic of handwritten envelopes, and we are excited about it.  When a piece of mail comes in that has been handwritten, it’s a show stopper…particularly, beautiful  calligraphy on a lovely envelope. 
Though we do quite a lot of work with traditional calligraphy styles, we’re also seeing more free-flowing calligraphy styles used on envelopes.  Brides are looking for something original and not so cookie-cutter, so a more unstructured script is appealing.  We are also seeing the use of white, silver, and gold inks on darker envelopes (again, going back to jewel tones) which gives the invitation a different look immediately upon receipt by your guest.
Whether you love the ideas of the trends we’re seeing, or if you are looking for something completely different, think about how you can make your invitation part of your overall design aesthetic for the event.  The possibilities only end where your ideas do!  We here at Paper Rock Scissors are happy to help should you require professional assistance in designing your very own ensemble.

January 15, 2012

Bridal Event Boutique

If you've been to a recent Bridal Event in the Philadelphia area, then you've seen the table full of sparkly BLING. Its the newest addition to the show and its called Bridal Event Boutique. 



The booth contains a small sampling of what you will find at http://www.bridaleventboutique.com/. You'll find everything from tiaras & headpieces to jewelry for you, your bouquet, AND your cake. There are accessories for everyone in the wedding party. There are also favors and guest books. 




Our gift to you: Shop now and use the code "ALLFAB" to get 10% off your total purchase. 

January 12, 2012

Wedding Flower Trends 2012

Guest Blogger, Tanti Lina, Papertini


After about a gallon of coffee, here's what came to my mind on the topic of "Wedding Flower Trends 2012":






"Vintage" is still going to be around for a while; because it's easy to embrace the idea of simple, familiar, comfort, warm, cozy and ooey gooey, like a good chocolate chip cookie should be. How that translates to flowers and decor is we'll get to see things like pick-from-the-garden bouquet style (handtied, textural, natural), mason and antique jars/bottles/containers, break away centerpieces (what that means is a table has 3-5 bud vases vs 1 big arrangement), mercury glasses, cute birds, etc...etc... Just browse Style Me Pretty, Anthropologie, and etsy, you'll find a lot of answers there. ^_^




A little twist for 2012 that we can see coming is probably the return of the cascading bouquet style - BUT, nothing crazy like the 80's royal shabongle. It will be the more subtle, slight teardrop shape, simpler version like, well, the new millenia royal shabongle (Thank you, Your Royal Highness for not going for the super long cascading holy cannoli bouquet and yes, "shabongle" is my own made up word). 

Now, that's just my "business" or "industry driven" opinion. If you ask for my personal opinion as an invidiual, a woman, and an artist: Trend Schmrend.

Why?? Because it's YOUR wedding! Trend articles are there to serve as guidance, reference, and inspiration sources. Seriously, none of these mean anything if they are not what you truly want. For most people (cuz you know that one Kardashian story), this will be the one and only time you get to do this wedding shabongle!

So...Do what you love and follow your heart!

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2012! 
And...Happy Planning! ^__^

==========================


Pictures Credit:

Lindsay Docherty Photography:
Antique Jars
Mercury Glass
Pick from Garden Style
Vintage

Picture taken by Papertini:
Ciao Bella Cakes with Cute Birds (Cake by Ciao Bella Cakes)

Photo courtesy of CLiu:
Short Cascade Bouquet

All flowers in the pictures are by Papertini

January 09, 2012

Real Wedding: Kelli + Jason 10.8.11

(Imagine this being said by the guy who does all the movie trailer voice-overs)

On a beautiful autumn afternoon... 
In and around the Independence Seaport Museum...
At the Philadelphia waterfront known as Penn's Landing...
2 families blended as Kelli and Jason said "I Do". 


My first meeting with Kelli and Jason actually took place on a park bench at Rittenhouse Square. I later found out that Kelli purposely had us sit where she and Jason met for the first time. They are an adorable couple. Although Kelli is a doctor, she doesn't carry herself with a sense of superiority. She is very earthy and bohemian. Jason is also a casual, laid back guy. The most important aspects of this wedding were food and fun.  

I was hired to help with the design and day of wedding coordination. Kelli and Jason found the venue and most of the professionals on her own. Based on Kelli's style and personality, I recommended Necoh at Royal Design Flowers & Events. It turned out that Kelli and Necoh share an affinity for Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, like Chococat. Necoh surprised Kelli on her wedding day with a bonus bouquet. 


The ceremony was set to take place on the museum's outdoor rotunda which overlooks the river. To take advantage of the circular structure, we created an intimate seating area with the wedding party and minister in the center. 


Kelli wanted to use a lot of fall colors for her wedding: chocolate, green apple, wine, burnt orange, and ivory. The bridesmaids wore chocolate brown dresses. We dressed the outdoor cocktail tables and food stations in apple green. The reception tables were set with chocolate brown table linens and apple green napkins. We used ivory chairs to keep the space from appearing too dark. Necoh created centerpieces which incorporated flowers in orange and wine, plus an essential feature in the wedding decor, green apples. (The apples represented Jason. His nieces and nephews call him "Uncle Apple".) She also carried this concept over to the cake. 



The DJ made sure there was fun. Brulee Catering (the exclusive caterer for Independence Seaport Museum)  made sure there were plenty of tasty morsels for Kelli and Jason's family and friends. I even heard one of the guests say "There's still more food coming?" 

During one of our meetings with the catering sales staff, Kelli and Jason mentioned that they wanted to get funnel cake before they left Penn's Landing. Unfortunately, they didn't find any. On the wedding day, we made sure they found the truck. 


The mother/daughter photography team of Joyce & Jess at Casual Candids Photography did an amazing job capturing the details and fun of this wedding. 

From jumping the broom...


... to boys being boys



(I love that picture.)

We wish Kelli and Jason a long and FABULOUS marriage. 

To see more photos from this wedding, visit the gallery on our website. 

Muchos Smooches!