A Sweet Tooth's Dream

Your wedding is a day to really go all out. Of course in the traditional ways of having a beautiful dress, a nice meal, and a GIGANTIC cake but now there are even more ways to have really awesome and really fun details that you probably won't have an excuse to use on any other day but your wedding. Renting an ice cream truck to serve your guests? Buying a large scale ice sculpture of your initials? Yes, these things may be a bit over the top but YES, it is your wedding day and if you have always dreamed of such extravagances at your wedding, then why not? Have fun with your big day, as long as you just stick to one or two BIG details, your wedding (and your budget) won't end up going too far over the edge.

Since there are unlimited ways to make a big splash at your wedding (decor, food, drink, bands, etc.), I am going to focus just on desserts today. There are truly so many wonderful and innovative ideas and more come out every year. These sugary and decadent wedding ideas are for the serious sweet tooth!

Chocolate Fountain
This classic dessert display is always a crowd-pleaser. You can choose dark, milk or even white chocolate which can come in many colors. Guests will love dipping fruits, cakes, and other treats into this decadent flowing dessert fountain.

http://www.signatureevents.biz/ChocolateFountain.html

http://www.chocofountain.com/

Candy Bar or Desserts Bar
Can't decide on just one dessert? Why choose? Full spread dessert tables are HUGE for weddings right now. You can include cake, cake pops, brownies, cookies, candies, fruit, and any other favorites you have. Bonus points for coordinating with your wedding colors!

http://pldevents.com/category/wedding-cakes/

http://www.justbeachyevents.com/outer-banks-wedding-candy-bar.html 

http://www.weddingaccessoriesboutique.com/2010/08/yummy-wedding-ideas-dessert-bars/

Dessert  Shots
After eating a big tasty main course, some guests may be too full for a big slice of cake so why not offer them bite (or sip!) sized desserts in the form of a shot. Milk and cookies are a popular choice but the possibilities are endless. Also pictured are chocolate pudding, cookie, and whipped cream shots and strawberry shortcake shots. 

http://simplycreativeinsanity.blogspot.com/2009/06/trendy-baby-shower.html 

http://simplycreativeinsanity.blogspot.com/2009/06/trendy-baby-shower.html

http://sparklette.net/food/ritz-carlton-high-tea/

Ice Cream Truck
If someone had told the 5 year old you that you could rent an entire ice cream truck for all your friends and family for an evening, you would have probably thought that sounded like a dream come true! For the young at heart, that very option is not only available but also gaining popularity for wedding receptions. This will give you some great photo ops as well!

http://www.thewiebners.com/blog.cfm?postID=405

http://redvelvetoccasions.blogspot.com/2011/01/dessert-sweet-lucies-ice-cream.html

http://lunaandchloeweddings.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

Frozen Yogurt Station
You really can't go wrong with a dessert that is so easy to customize. Many of your favorite frozen yogurt shops offer catering for events such as weddings and rehearsal dinners. What a light and refreshing treat to top of your night!

http://www.budgetbridesguide.com/unique-wedding-idea-frozen-yogurt-bar

http://theaislestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ColoredYogurt.png

Go Green on Your Big Day!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something...GREEN?? Or how about many things that are green? We're not talking about kelly green bridesmaid dresses or key lime table linens; instead we mean green as in environmentally friendly options used wherever possible in your wedding. When we think about planning a large event such as a wedding, we are often aware of how big of a production it is; linens, decor, food, etc. Something that may not always come to mind is the carbon footprint these kinds of large celebrations can leave behind. Luckily for us, (and the environment!) the wedding industry is one to follow trends and one of the bigger trends going on in many industries right now is the idea of going green.

There are many ways to incorporate eco-friendly ideas and products into your wedding celebration. These include, but are most definitely not limited to, the following:

Wedding Bands

Wedding bands are one of the few tangible items from your wedding day that you will keep and continue to see everyday. For such an important item, why not make a choice that the environment will love just as much as you? A great choice is to use antique or family heirlooms as rings. They can be resized or even melted down and molded into a new ring using the same materials to create a truly unique band.

http://godtoldmetonoise.blogspot.com/2012/05/antique-wedding-rings.html

If you are set on purchasing brand new rings,  be sure to consider he materials used. Ask your jeweler for information on the source of the diamonds and gold in the jewelry they carry. Generally, Canada diamonds are ethically mined and responsibly sourced pieces that you can be proud to wear.  Cred Jewelry is a company that  specializes in jewelry with gold  that is responsibly mined and  diamonds that are guaranteed to not have been involved in any violent armed conflict. Best of all, their pieces  are gorgeous!

http://www.canadadiamonds.com/diamond_rings.htm

Invitations

http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/eco-friendly-wedding/

There are plenty of ways to customize wedding invitations and now those include green options such as using eco-friendly and recycled papers, no-chlorine dye, and vegetable based inks! If possible, choose a local stationer as opposed to ordering online to support the local economy and reduce shipping since the stationer will probably print at a local or at least regional printer. Choose designs with less paper, such as a postcard Save The Date with just one 3"x6" card instead of a paper card inside a paper envelope with a paper lining sheet. Your invitations will probably still need to contain more papers with the invite, response card, etc. but you can maintain the green idea by not including any plastic  wrapping.


Ceremony and Reception Location

Traveling can be a big contributor to the overall carbon footprint of your wedding. To decrease travel, choose venues in a location where your guests will have minimal travel. If you can, hold the ceremony and the reception at the same venue to avoid having to drive from one to the another. If they are in separate locations, consider having some sort of shuttle service that guests can take to the venues and back to their hotels so that you don't have guests  driving in multiple separate cars.

http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/07/22/sweet-beginnings-all-the-small-things/

Another way to maximize your venue is to choose a space with natural beauty and classicly beautiful interiors. Or both! A good outdoor space with plenty of greenery and florals will provide an elegant backdrop that does not need very much additional decor. Less decor equals less waste. The same goes for an indoor space. Although you won't find as many trees or flowers permanently installed at an indoor venue, you can choose a space with great crown moldings, pillars, or other touches that will result in less work for you and your planners and less waste to throw away at the end of the night

http://www.sweetgumbottom.com/gardenweddings.html

Catering

Catering is one of the easiest places to make green choices because there are so many choices to make! Talk to your caterer about organic or locally sourced options and incorporate those options into your menu as opposed to other choices that are not locally sourced. Produce that is currenly in season is always best. You can also avoid using large quantities of foods that are not sustainable such as veal or shellfish.

To avoid waste, a plated dinner is a better choice than a buffet since caterers always add in more food to a buffet than the number of eaters calls for to account for some dishes being more popular than others or guests going in for second and third helpings. These large pans of food result in large numbers of leftovers that often go to waste. If you are being very budget conscious, this might not be the best option for you but you can look into donating leftover food to a local shelter. This is a good task to delegate to a family member or friend who is not in the wedding party but has expressed interest in helping out. They can be in charge of finding an appropriate place to take the leftover food as well as transporting it there. That way you can enjoy the evening with your new spouse without having to worry about it.

In addition to the food, caterers often provide plates, cups, silverware, and napkins. Always choose reusable options for these when necessary. You can rent these items if your caterer does not provide them. If you do choose any diposable products, maybe forks for your cake or something small, choose biodegrable greenware and cutlery which is made from corn, not plastic, and can be composted.

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/biodegradable-food-containers/greenware-20-oz-stock-print-clear-cold-cup-case-of-1000

http://www.healthyreader.com/biodegradable-cutlery/

Recycling

Weddings tend to create a lot of waste in the form of bottles, especially if you are serving alcohol. Check with your reception venue to see if they offer recycling options. If not, you may want to look into setting up an aesthetically pleasing recycling center, if not for all recyclables then at least for glass bottles. You can wrap a pleated curtain around a large trash can with a "please recycle wooden sign hanging on a ribbon, use  a sleek looking bin, or try a fun DIY project like the one pictured. Always check with you venue to make sure any object you are bringing in is allowed since some venues have strict rules.

http://www.ilovefarmweddings.com/2011/10/20/handmade-pallet-recycling-bin/

Favors

http://cobrides.com/2012/06/the-edible-wedding-favor/

The overall lesson here is the less waste, the better. This is especially true of favors as they can end up getting tossed by guests or sometimes not even leaving the reception. The best way to avoid this is by choosing favors your guests can use rather than choosing tiny trinkets wrapped in plastic or boxes. Check out the above like for ideas on great favors choices.

Send Off

http://miriamackermanevents.blogspot.com/2012/05/bride-and-groom-exit-ideas.html

And, last but not least, as a great alternative to sparklers or bubbles as a send off as you are leaving the reception, how about these amazing lanterns?  They are completely biodegradable not to mention stunning against an evening wedding backdrop! Have one for each guest at a smaller wedding or one for every 3-5 guests at a larger wedding. These beauties are made with a thin bamboo frame and rice paper and make such a statement that they inspired this entire post! They can be purchased online from companies  such as Wish Lanterns.

Corporate Events: More Than Just a Cocktail Party!

If you work in an office or corporate setting, chances are you have attended some kind of team building day or office party. These kinds of events can be a great time to interact with coworkers in a more casual setting. They can also have a reputation for being not-so-fun. That doesn't have to be the way of it! With these out-of-the box or even traditional but spruced up ideas, corporate events can be something to look forward to.

White Water Rafting Day

If you live in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas, you are lucky to be fairly close to the US National Whitewater Center, home to whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, flat water kayaking and more! This is no standard business luncheon. Employees will be thrilled (and motivated!) by the opportunity to get out of the office and into the water. There are plenty of activities that vary in difficulty so if you have any employees who are not physically able to participate or maybe just are not interested in more extreme activities, they can enjoy walking trails, viewing areas to watch the rafting up close, or just taking in the beauty of nature. The center also has event space and a bar and grill restaurant so you can enjoy refreshments after a fun day in the sun. 


Company Sports League and Banquet

Why have just a few events over the year when you can gain stronger bonds with coworkers for a whole sporting season? This is a FUN way to get the whole office involved whether you choose softball, bowling, or another sport that most people can play. Not only will employees be interacting with each other, the exercise is always a great way to blow off steam, especially from work-related stress, plus healthier usually equates to happier and that can never hurt in the work place! Throw a big bash at the end of the season just like the sports teams you remember from high school to reflect on all the fun and hard work your team has put into the game. You can even give out awards like MVP, Most Improved, Miss and Mister Congeniality, Best Cheerleader, etc. to boost morale.

Casino Night

If your office prefers to have an event in the evening rather than during the day, you can still spice things up to give your employees more than the tradition cocktails and canape trays. Try a fun theme like Casino Night, complete with games, decor, and themed food and beverages. Instead of throwing real money in the mix, employees can play with chips for prizes such as gift certificates to local restaurants or attractions, spa packages, or even a free PTO day! 

Picnic Day

It may not be a brand new idea but everyone loves a good picnic! This is especially true for employees whose job keeps them indoors for the majority of the day. Choose a park or outdoor area with either covered pavilions for events or plenty of trees to provide shade, especially during the summer months. Lakes or ponds are always a plus too! Having the lunch catered is sometimes a better option than a potluck for quality control, plus you want the employees to feel like this is a treat, not a chore. Stick to foods that are simple and fun as opposed to a fancier gourmet menu for this kind of event. Pulled pork, hamburgers and hotdogs, and barbecued chicken are all good choices. If you want to go all out, hire an icecream or italian ice truck to serve out some cold treats for dessert!

After lunch, employees can enjoy a game of basketball, volleyball, frisbee, or other activities, depending on what the park has to offer. 

The DOs and DON'Ts of Event Planning

When you plan such a variety of events as we do at EvanGrace, you learn many tips and tricks of the trade! Weddings each have their own personality of course but corporate events can differ even more depending on many factors. These include the time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktail party), the type of event (sit down meal, gala, ball, casino night, etc.), and the client (charity, political delegates, small businesses,...) as well as other factors such as themes, food and beverage, decor, and entertainment.  Although these events can be quite different, the planning process always  has some similarities. Guest at any event will always need food and drink, some form of decor is always needed, and entertainment such as a DJ or band  will often be used. Through the experience of planning many different types of events, we have gained knowledge that can be useful in any event planning situation. Take a look at our idea of DOs and DON'Ts for planning any event.

http://perfectionsquared.blogspot.com/2010/10/event-planning-mysteries-revealed.html

DO meet with clients directly.
It is a good idea to have a face-to-face meeting with your client if possible. This way you can meet them and get a feel for not only their wants and needs for the event, but also their personality. You want to have a good idea of the kinds of things they will like or dislike before you begin the planning process.

DO be present for the entirety of the event.
This includes set-up and take down as well as being at the event itself. If you are unable to be there, make sure one of your other planners or associates can be. You never know when something will go wrong and a tiny issue can become a big one if the planner is not there to sort things out.

DON'T use the same vendor for every client.
Even if you work very well with a particular vendor, it is important to consider your client's needs. Not all styles and personalities mesh well together. For example, a photographer whose aesthetic is very traditional might not be the best choice for a young bride having a nontraditional barnyard wedding, just like a caterer known for innovative and out-of-the-box culinary creations might not be the best choice for a dinner event for which the client wants standard beef or chicken plated meals. Having relationships with a handful of each kind of vendor- florists, DJs, photographers, etc.- will ensure that each client can be matched with the best vendor for them and the event they have in mind.

DON'T count on everyone else to break down and clean up.
Even though it is the job of each vender to pick up after themselves after the event, as a planner, it is your job to make sure the venue is back to perfect condition at the end of the night. This usually means staying at the venue until all the vendors leave to do a final check and make sure everything is back to the way it looked when you arrived.

http://www.mcfarlanepromotions.com/events/event.html

 

DO make sure the attendees of the event will be entertained. 
There is nothing worse than a group of people at an event that have nothing to do. From the moment guests enter the event space, they should have something to occupy themselves, whether that is drinks and hors d'oeuvres, cocktail tables to gather and chat, music to listen to, or an activity such as a casino game; it is vital for those attending the event to feel comfortable. Often times larger events have many guests who may not know each other and it is much easier to break the ice in a big crowd if there is a specific activity at hand.

Above all, the biggest DO is to make sure guest are enjoying themselves. If you keep this in mind throughout planning and directing, you should find yourself cleaning up a successful event at the end of the night.

Four Wedding Favors Your Guests Will LOVE! (...And Actually Use)

As wedding planners, we have mixed feelings about favors. They can sometimes be costly and use up too much of your budget or be more time-consuming than they are worth. We would hate for a bride, her planners, or family and friends, to work so hard on something only to have guests leave it at the reception or take it home and throw it away. Choose a favor that reflects yourself and your fiance but make it something your guests will appreciate as well. Elaborate packaging with layers of tissue paper and cellophane is not necessary. The key is to keep it small and keep it simple.


1. Edibles
Edibles are a great choice for a favor because everyone likes eating! Depending on your budget, you can go small with candies or more elaborate with a cake or desert To-Go style. Personalizing these treats with your initials or wedding date can be done but it is not necessary if you want to skip that step.

l                                      

http://thesavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/10/double-duty-wedding-favors.html

2. Plants
What's a better way to symbolize your growth and union to the one you love than with a plant favor! You'd be surpirsed how many people love these quirky and fun little gifts. There are so many ways to utilize plants as a gift through ideas such as; seed papers, potted ferns, flower pieces, and so many more. This sort of favor is wonderful for outside or spring weddings to lighten up an already bright celebration.

http://natalie4david.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-fern-favors.html

http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/blog/tagged:plantable+seed+favor

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231033/floral-and-plant-favors/@center/272429/diy-weddings#/109319

3. Local Flare

Are you getting married somewhere with a unique theme like an orchard or a vineyard? What about a town known for delicious barbecue, the best jams, or one-of-a-kind maple syrup? Guests will love to take home a piece of the local flavor, whether they are visiting just for the wedding or even if they live down the road. Local flare can include apples, wine, honeys, jams, spices, barbecue and other sauces, or just about anything else that is popular in the town where you are married. It will be a nice opportunity for your guests to look back on all the fun they had at your wedding as they pour that Vermont Maple Syrup on their pancakes, or use that secret barbecue rub at their next backyard cookout.

http://www.juxtapost.com/site/permlink/83b3bcc0-8e59-11e1-b0e2-4bbacfe7deaa/post/spice_wedding_favor_/

 http://cobrides.com/2012/06/the-edible-wedding-favor/

http://thesavvyevent.blogspot.com/2009/10/double-duty-wedding-favors.html                                                  

4. Beverages To Go

Treat your thirty guest to a tempting beverage. Guests love free drinks of all kinds from; soda to lemonade, to beer and wine. Whether you choice a personalized pop drink or an elegant bottle of your favorite wine, your guests will be merry in the memory of your day and this fun favor.

Bonus: Iced soda or lemonade will keep your family and friends happy and cool for an outdoor wedding.

http://manolobrides.com/2010/03/12/diy-soda-wedding-favors-or-reception-seating-card

http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/wine-favors

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93888957/wedding-favors-100-beer-labels

Fact or Fiction? : Debunking Wedding Dress Shopping Rumors

Shopping for wedding gowns should be a fun and memorable experience! However, many brides experience some anxiety about wedding gown shopping whether because they don't know what to expect or because they are expecting something that doesn't sound like fun. The main thing to keep in mind is that you are shopping for a beautiful dress that will showcase your own beauty on your wedding day. It should be an exciting and stress-free experience! One way to alleviate stress is to know what to expect so here are some rumors we have heard about wedding gown shopping and the truth behind them.

Rumor: "I need to bring a complicated one-piece undergarment to try on wedding gowns."

Fact: You do not need to bring any special undergarments for wedding gown shopping. You will probably not be wearing a bra to try on dresses since you will  not need to wear one with most wedding dresses. Build in corsets, boning, bust cups, and back support straps will give you more support than any bra! The only time it is advised that you bring undergarments such as spanx or a strapless bra is if you are coming in for an alterations fitting and you are planning on wearing those same undergarments on your wedding day.


Rumor: "I need to start shopping for a wedding gown at least six months prior to my wedding date."

Fact: Many bridal boutiques carry samples rather than gowns you can purchase off-the-rack. This is so that more styles can be showcased in the store, rather than carrying fewer dresses in several sizes. This also ensures that YOU will be the only one who ever tries on your dress. It will not be made until you order it so when it comes in, it is truly YOUR dress.  The gowns generally take a MINIMUM of 4 to 6 months in production. Once you add in shippng and alterations time, you may have close to another month. It is advisable to give yourself more time than you need when ordering a dress so that you have plenty of time for the dress to come in and get any alterations you may need.


*If you are getting bridal portraits taken, you will probably need to order your dress even further in advance so that you can have your dress in and altered before the portrait date.*



Rumor: "The more friends and family I  bring shopping with me, the better! More opinions will help me make a decision."

Fact: Many brides love to bring in friends or family when dress shopping, especially for the first time. They can offer support and opinions and shopping for your wedding dress can be a very fun and special event to share with your loved ones. However, it is best to limit your guests to a few very close family members or friends. Anyone who has seen a wedding reality show on television knows that sometimes bringing more family and friends can mean bringing more stress! Since most brides will need more than one trip to the bridal boutique before they say "yes", some brides find it helpful to make a shopping trip solo or with just one family member or friend in tow. This way you can a little peace and quiet to think about the dresses you are trying on. When you find one you love, you can always bring your mom or sister or best friend in to see the dress before you place your order. When it comes down to it, you know your family and friends well so you can make the call on who will be a good shopping buddy. You just want to be sure the dress you choose is the one YOU love, not the one that was your family's favorite but you weren't crazy about. After all, this is YOUR dress for YOUR big day.



Rumor: "All designers use the same dress sizes."

Fact: All designers in fashion have different classifications for sizes. This is especially true in bridal. Bridal sizes, in general, are very different from read-to-wear sizes in that they run quite small. For example, if you wear a dress from a department store that is a size 6, you would need a size 8 or even a size 10 in a wedding gown. In addition to wedding dresses running small, each designer has a different size chart that they use for their gowns. So, just because you tried on a dress sample from a particular designer in a size 10 that fit you perfectly, that does not mean you will be a size 10 for all wedding gown lines. The measurements usually included on a size chart are bust, waist, hips, and sometimes hollow to hem, which is a length measurement. When you order a wedding gown, a bridal consultant will take these measurements on you and compare them to the specific designer's size chart to determine the best match for size.



Rumor: " It's ok to order a dress that is 2 sizes too small...I'm going to lose weight before my wedding!"

Fact: This is a tricky one! Many brides do lose weight before their wedding but keep in mind that it is always easier for a seamstress to take in a dress that is too large than to let out a dress that is too small. It is difficult to gauge how much weight will be lost in the time before your dress comes in. Also, losing weight does not always mean a change in all of your measurements. The safest option is to order a gown in the size that matches your current measurements. If you are very adamant about a smaller dress size, the best thing to do is hold off on ordering as long as possible as you lose the weight and get re-measured right before ordering to ensure accurate measurements. Just remember, you still need to leave yourself about 6 months in between your ordering date and your wear date for the dress.



Rumor: " I know I want a mermaid style dress so I don't need to try on any other styles."

http://bridesmaidtrade.wordpress.com/category/be-a-better-bridesmaid/

Fact: Most brides are surprised by what style of gown looks the best on their body. Mermaid might be the exact style that you are looking for however it is best to try on a variety of styles and designs in order to end up with the best dress success. So when you are shopping around for a gown, EXPLORE! Be open-minded and try on that ballgown that you never thought would be "the one". It might surprise you. I cannot tell you how many brides I have had who come in and say they want a simple dress with no "bling" or beading or sparkles but end up falling in love with a very "bling-y"  and sparkly dress. When a bride focuses on one specific style or design and limits herself to only trying on that style, she may be missing out on the best dress for them.  That is why it is suggested to look at the different styles and even get some suggestions from the boutiques' consultants. After all, you never know until you try it on.

What Wedding Gown Shape Will Look Best on YOUR Body?

Working in a bridal shop, I often hear brides say things like "I want to hide my big hips (or butt, or waistline, bustline, etc)" or "I want to show off my waistline (or hips, butt, bustline, etc.)". For that reason, we have compiled a list of body types and tips for dresses to flatter. Regardless of your body type and what you are wanting to hide or showcase, there is a dress that will suit your body and you will love!

 

Apple Shaped

If you have a large frame  with a full  bottom and hips as well as a fuller torso with little waist definition then you would be considered  an apple shape. Styles that create and elongated sillouette with high waistlines and skirts that flow away from the body will be best for you.

Tip: A corset back will help create a tighter bodice with a proportioned sillouette.

Hourglass Shaped

Those with an hourglass figure have shoulders and hips about the same width with a well-defined waist in the middle. Since you have such a well proportioned body, take advantage of it when choosing your wedding gown! Styles that show off your defined waistline and curvy figure are the way to go. Choose an embellished gown that hugs your close to your waist and accentuates your shape.

Inverted Triangle Shaped

Triangle shaped women have broader shoulders with narrower hips. It may feel like instinct to try and cover your shoulders but don't! This will make them appear wider than they actually are. Instead, show them off. The eyes of those seeing you in your gown will be drawn inward, making your waist look more narrow. As for the skirt, go for texture and fullness to help balance out your upper half.

Rectangle Shaped

Those with shoulders and waist of a similar width but with no much definition in the waistline are considered to be rectangle shaped. If this sounds like you, try adding the illusion of curves to your body with your wedding gown style. Ruching and detailing in the bodice will help achieve a curvier look.

Tip: Try a beaded belt or sash around the natural waistline to really play up your figure.

Pear Shaped

Pear shaped women have fuller hips, thighs, and bottom but a slim upper half. You will want to accentuate your top half with a tight fitting bodice that loosely flows into the skirt. You can also choose some type of sleeve or detailing at the shoulder to balance out the top with the skirt.

Small Bust Shaped

A small bust is considered anything below an "A" cup size. To create the illusion of a fuller bust line, choose a rouched or embellished bodice. A fitted bodice with a fuller skirt will also add to the shape of your body.

Large Bust Shaped

A large bust is considered anything above a "C" cup. Larger busted women women may want to de-emphasize their bust to balance out the the body shape. If this sounds like you, try styles with a more open neckline that will draw the attention upward toward your face and hair instead of toward the bustline itself. This includes square necklines, v-neck styles, and off-the-shoulder looks.

*All dresses pictured are from Impression Bridal.