A ring in spring can lead to so many decisions and one of the most difficult might just be your colors!
Here are some fun and helpful ideas to hopefully spark the color scheme inside of you!
The event planning team of EvanGrace exemplifies a strong service acumen, with a trademark energy and positivity that builds and maintains constructive alliances with vendors and clients. Their collaborative approach to vendor relationships supports their prudent and careful execution of events while maximizing the key talents of everyone involved and bringing their best to the event table.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Oh HONEY! MOON Over These...
The Affordable Honeymoon.
Let's get real.... After you have planned and experienced the biggest and most splendid day of your life you want to continue with that feeling into your honeymoon. However, you've just spent a pretty penny and are not too excited any more about that over the top trip you have ahead where you will be dropping a good buck every day. You still want the experience without the price, right? Well, FEAR NOT! Here are a few places to look into with travelling for your honeymoon.
You want Hawaii? Think Honolulu!
This beautiful island is centered on sterling blue beaches and low prices! If you stay away from the tourist spots and follow the locals, you could experience something wonderful that will stick with you forever. No passport required, participate in some hot yoga by the sea, sip on the the local Oeno wine, go whale watching, and so much more for a bargain!
Thinking of Crossing the Atlantic? Let's talk about the Balkan Peninsula.
I'm talking about Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, etc. Think I'm kidding? This area has one of the most flavored histories and is also surprisingly gorgeous!
Where to begin!
Turkey!
Of course you know of the wondrous Turkish Baths! Who wouldn't want to run into the famous folk and belly dancing! Why not explore the rich country or the historical inner city!
How about my winter wedding? Where should I go?
India!
The flight will be the biggest expense you have on this trip. But once you get there, you will be wowed by the culture and excitement of the night!Just around November, India's northern region has cooled down and you can enjoy the TOP spots like the Pink City and the Taj Mahal without the heat!
No matter where you go, it is going to be the time of your life but it's always nice to not have to worry about how much money is slipping from your pocket.
Let's get real.... After you have planned and experienced the biggest and most splendid day of your life you want to continue with that feeling into your honeymoon. However, you've just spent a pretty penny and are not too excited any more about that over the top trip you have ahead where you will be dropping a good buck every day. You still want the experience without the price, right? Well, FEAR NOT! Here are a few places to look into with travelling for your honeymoon.
You want Hawaii? Think Honolulu!
Thinking of Crossing the Atlantic? Let's talk about the Balkan Peninsula.
Where to begin!
Turkey!
Of course you know of the wondrous Turkish Baths! Who wouldn't want to run into the famous folk and belly dancing! Why not explore the rich country or the historical inner city!
How about my winter wedding? Where should I go?
India!
No matter where you go, it is going to be the time of your life but it's always nice to not have to worry about how much money is slipping from your pocket.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Valentine Fever!
Love is in the air and proposals are blooming! What better
way to propose than an all out February blow out. Everyone always makes fun of
the over the top and cheesy proposal you see in the movies, but sometimes that’s
just what is needed. Valentine’s Day is a great day to plan something amazing
and unique just for her. Here are some fun ideas that you can think of when
planning to pop the big one;
The Nesting Proposal
Most ladies have sat their man down and made them watch the
wonderfully romantic “Serendipity”. Even though Jon stole Sara away by the end,
it was quite an ingenious proposal. Here’s how to match it. We like to call it “The
Nesting Proposal”. It resembles the Russian Nesting Dolls pattern where you beginning
with a large box and as it is opened there are smaller and smaller boxes
inside. Inside the smallest box is the
ring box. Nifty right?!
Flash Mob Proposal
I’m sure you’ve seen one of these. The popularity of flash
mob proposals has jumped in the last year and is great for a public display of
your love and creates wonderful memories. You don’t have to be an amazing
dancer or have friends who are. There are even groups online that will come
help you for free just because they love what they do. This kind of proposal
takes a lot of planning and practicing. Also be aware that if you are planning
it near local businesses to let them know as a curtsey.
The Media Proposal
There are so many ways to use the media in a fun and
creative way to propose. Just to throw some ideas out there; Skywriting and
flying banners are great but you have to be in the right place at the right
time. Take out an advertisement in the local newspaper or magazine that she
usually reads. This is one of my personal favorites, plan to have a movie date
and make a video proposal that is put into the commercials before the screening
of the film. Just make sure you get there on time! Stadium proposals have been
around forever but they still work wonders! Last but not least, the billboard
proposals are such a great surprise. You can even talk to local business about
sharing the space to help pay. All of these are great surprising ways to
pop the question!
Friday, January 4, 2013
2013 Never Looked So Good
It’s 2013! Even though it is just another day, it feels like
a new wave of life, to refresh our lives and live our lives in a new light. The
one thing we have to remember is that what a new year brings us, is not just a
way to make goals for ourselves, but it brings us hope. Hope for adventures;
hope for excitement, hope for a size 4, but most importantly hope for happiness
and a future for success. We may last only a week not drinking sodas or not
eating sweets, but what will last is the ability to believe that this year,
2013 will bring us love, joy, peace, and ultimate happiness. We make choices
each day, from what to eat, to what to wear, to how we treat others. In the New
Year let us restart the way we live our lives each day and make it count from
the beginning. So let’s all make 2013 the best, not just for our waistlines,
and ourselves, but to help others enjoy each day to the fullest from the
start. So, smile, say thank you, or pass along a compliment. Happy New Year
Everyone, let’s make it fabulous!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A Veil for Every Season
The veil is one of the most important accessories to a wedding gown, however, most brides aren't aware of all the splendid choices they have. Did you know that there are at least six lengths to choice from and over ten different styles?! So try to find something that fits your personality and gown without sticking to the traditional choices. Have fun with it!
Cathedral: Think Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. A long vein to match that long train you’ve been dreaming about. They really complete each other will stun your guests. It’s very formal, but very striking; just make sure you have some flower girls on hand to keep it flowing beautifully!
Chapel: Floor-length, with a traditional touch. These veils work great inside and out and you won’t have to worry about anyone stepping on you!
Waltz: Falls somewhere between the knees and ankles. If you are looking for a veil you can wear all night along, this is the veil for you. It’s perfect for beach weddings and for those Bride’s who like to boogie!
Fingertip: Lines up with the Bride’s fingertips for an asymmetrical silhouette. This is very flattering on a more classical or even vintage style gown and will frame you well.
Elbow: A less formal look that works
with any dress that hits below the knee. Elbow says “I’m fun and ready to enjoy
myself tonight!” This is a good fit for A line gowns or more slimming styles.
Shoulder: Hits right
below the shoulder blades and fits perfectly for strapless or tea-length.
Picture: http://ansoniabridalveils.com/Veils.php
Bubble: Bubbles create a rounded pouf around the bride’s head, perfect for a whimsical look.
Flyaway: For the playful and trendy Bride, flyaway veils have several layers of different lengths and work well with less formal gowns. Fit and Flares and cocktail style wedding gowns pop with a flyaway.Picture: http://youniqueboutique.com/marielle/veils.html
Blusher: For those who want no veil, this style is very trendy, yet classic. These can be any length or shape and can be personalized to any one style. Whether you love a double comb, across your whole face, or just above the eyes, it will be one of a kind no matter how you wear it.Saturday, October 6, 2012
Planning Your Dream Wedding: Where to Begin!
It is pretty common knowledge these days that planning a wedding is hard work! As we have mentioned in other blogs, there are many details that need to be addressed: venue, catering, finding your dress, hiring a planner, etc. With this crazy to-do list looming over you, you might be thinking "Where do I even begin?"
Of course, hiring a planner will help because they will create a detailed timeline for you of all the aspects of planning and when each should be started and completed but what about actually hiring a planner? How far in advance should that be done??
Many wedding websites offer free Wedding Planning Timeline templates but some are better than others. If you stumble across a timeline that includes many details you didn't even want to include in your wedding, it can make the process overwhelming and confusing! Here we have taken some of the basic wedding planning to-do's and outlined the best process for getting started (and finished) with them.
Hiring A Wedding Planner or Coordinator
This is the biggest one to think about because once you have a planner booked, they can help you with all the other details. In most cases, the best time to hire a planner is 8-12 months before your wedding. This gives enough time to space out all of the planning tasks so that you aren't stuck pulling everything together in the last two months. You can begin with tasks such as generating ideas for themes and decor and then move on the the more tangible tasks such as going on site visits or to tastings.
Finding and Ordering Your Dress
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process and we see women in our shop come in as early as 1.5 years before their wedding and as last minute as a few months before. Wedding gown designers vary in production time but it is safe to assume 6 months for production and delivery and 1 month for alteration. That being said, the best time to order your dress is 7-8 before you need to wear it. If you plan on getting a bridal portrait done, make sure you order your dress in time for the portrait date, not just the wedding date. Keep in mind that you may need to shop around a little before you find THE dress, so start looking a few months to a few weeks before the date that you'll need to order.
Hiring a Caterer
You can begin scheduling tastings as far in advance as you like or as your engagement period permits. Ideally you'll want to have the caterer BOOKED 10-12 months before the wedding to be sure they won't become all booked for that day. Remember that food is going to be one of the details of the wedding that your guests will remember the most so you want to be sure it is good! Some venues will require you to use their house caterer or one from their preferred vendors list. This can help to narrow down your choices, which can be a good thing, but if you have your heart set on a particular caterer that is not on the preferred list, check with your venue; sometimes they will allow outside caterers for a fee. It can't hurt to ask! In addition to choosing a caterer and menu items, you will need to decide what kind of set up you want; buffet or seated dinner, action stations or butler passed hors d'oeuvres, etc. As far as knowing how much food to order, caterers usually allow you to change your guest count up to a month or so before the wedding, with a final head count given a few weeks before.
Choosing and Booking a Venue
Venues are more busy during peak wedding months so if you are getting married between April and October, you will find that venues are booked several months or even over a year in advance. It is best to have the venue booked as early as possible because other vendors will need to know the venue set up for their purposes, for example a caterer needs to see what kind of kitchen and prep area is available. If you can book 8 months before your wedding date, that is ideal but it is best not to wait any longer than 6 months before the date. Keep in mind that popular venues and dates will book very early so it may be necessary to book much earlier.
Hiring a Florist
You can begin thinking about the types and colors of flowers that you may want as soon as you begin your planning process. However, you do not need to meet with and book a florist until about 4-5 months before your wedding. If you plan on visiting several florists before you make your decision, allow yourself an additional month for choosing time. Be sure to ask if the florist is available for your wedding date before you even see them for a consultation. You don't want to be disappointed if you love their work but they already have 4 weddings on your chosen weekend! Like with any vendor, if a florist is very much in demand, they may be booked very far in advance.
Of course, hiring a planner will help because they will create a detailed timeline for you of all the aspects of planning and when each should be started and completed but what about actually hiring a planner? How far in advance should that be done??
Many wedding websites offer free Wedding Planning Timeline templates but some are better than others. If you stumble across a timeline that includes many details you didn't even want to include in your wedding, it can make the process overwhelming and confusing! Here we have taken some of the basic wedding planning to-do's and outlined the best process for getting started (and finished) with them.
Hiring A Wedding Planner or Coordinator
This is the biggest one to think about because once you have a planner booked, they can help you with all the other details. In most cases, the best time to hire a planner is 8-12 months before your wedding. This gives enough time to space out all of the planning tasks so that you aren't stuck pulling everything together in the last two months. You can begin with tasks such as generating ideas for themes and decor and then move on the the more tangible tasks such as going on site visits or to tastings.
Finding and Ordering Your Dress
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process and we see women in our shop come in as early as 1.5 years before their wedding and as last minute as a few months before. Wedding gown designers vary in production time but it is safe to assume 6 months for production and delivery and 1 month for alteration. That being said, the best time to order your dress is 7-8 before you need to wear it. If you plan on getting a bridal portrait done, make sure you order your dress in time for the portrait date, not just the wedding date. Keep in mind that you may need to shop around a little before you find THE dress, so start looking a few months to a few weeks before the date that you'll need to order.
Hiring a Caterer
You can begin scheduling tastings as far in advance as you like or as your engagement period permits. Ideally you'll want to have the caterer BOOKED 10-12 months before the wedding to be sure they won't become all booked for that day. Remember that food is going to be one of the details of the wedding that your guests will remember the most so you want to be sure it is good! Some venues will require you to use their house caterer or one from their preferred vendors list. This can help to narrow down your choices, which can be a good thing, but if you have your heart set on a particular caterer that is not on the preferred list, check with your venue; sometimes they will allow outside caterers for a fee. It can't hurt to ask! In addition to choosing a caterer and menu items, you will need to decide what kind of set up you want; buffet or seated dinner, action stations or butler passed hors d'oeuvres, etc. As far as knowing how much food to order, caterers usually allow you to change your guest count up to a month or so before the wedding, with a final head count given a few weeks before.
Choosing and Booking a Venue
Venues are more busy during peak wedding months so if you are getting married between April and October, you will find that venues are booked several months or even over a year in advance. It is best to have the venue booked as early as possible because other vendors will need to know the venue set up for their purposes, for example a caterer needs to see what kind of kitchen and prep area is available. If you can book 8 months before your wedding date, that is ideal but it is best not to wait any longer than 6 months before the date. Keep in mind that popular venues and dates will book very early so it may be necessary to book much earlier.
Hiring a Florist
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Fun and Easy Wedding Decor DIY Ideas
When it comes to wedding planning, there are 2 very different kinds of brides.
You have the bride who knows her style, likes and dislikes, and the general theme she is trying to achieve but prefers to leave the specific decor and detailing to planners, stylists, florists, and the like. These woman have a creative vision but they would like to focus on other details of the wedding than actually choosing or crafting small decor touches. They are more BIG PICTURE brides.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have the bride who knows her style and just what she wants to do to portray that style. She may hire a planner or florist but she still wants to play a hands-on role in the planning process. This kind of bride is interested in designing and crafting every small detail of her wedding and reception. From a custom flower girl basket to handmade table numbers, she has a vision! These women are more DETAIL brides.
Which category do you think you lean closer towards? Most often, we see brides who are a mix of BOTH. Like many things in the wedding world, there isn't just a black and a white, but a huge gray area where most things tend to fit in. That is what makes working with brides so fun!
So, regardless of your being more of a BIG PICTURE or DETAIL bride, you are most likely interested in having a stunning final product for your wedding day. That being said, here are some fun (and EASY!) DIY ideas to easily incorporate into your big day decor. And hey, no one ever said you couldn't pass these ideas on to a planner, bridesmaid, mother, or friend to help you out! (hint, hint...)
1. Signature Drinks
2. Seating Chart and Escort Card Displays
3. Centerpieces
You have the bride who knows her style, likes and dislikes, and the general theme she is trying to achieve but prefers to leave the specific decor and detailing to planners, stylists, florists, and the like. These woman have a creative vision but they would like to focus on other details of the wedding than actually choosing or crafting small decor touches. They are more BIG PICTURE brides.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have the bride who knows her style and just what she wants to do to portray that style. She may hire a planner or florist but she still wants to play a hands-on role in the planning process. This kind of bride is interested in designing and crafting every small detail of her wedding and reception. From a custom flower girl basket to handmade table numbers, she has a vision! These women are more DETAIL brides.
Which category do you think you lean closer towards? Most often, we see brides who are a mix of BOTH. Like many things in the wedding world, there isn't just a black and a white, but a huge gray area where most things tend to fit in. That is what makes working with brides so fun!
So, regardless of your being more of a BIG PICTURE or DETAIL bride, you are most likely interested in having a stunning final product for your wedding day. That being said, here are some fun (and EASY!) DIY ideas to easily incorporate into your big day decor. And hey, no one ever said you couldn't pass these ideas on to a planner, bridesmaid, mother, or friend to help you out! (hint, hint...)
1. Signature Drinks
Signature drinks are a fun and tasty way to personalize your wedding! It is super easy to create a nice display to grab the attention of your thirsty guests. Use Microsoft Word to create a description of the drink and list the ingredients. Play around with different fonts, spacing, italics, etc. to find something to match your style. Wedding Chicks is a wonderful tool to use for this because they offer FREE custom monograms that you can insert into your document. Below is an example.
Just print out on a good quality ivory card stock and put in an antique or vintage style frame.
2. Seating Chart and Escort Card Displays
It can't get any easier than this. If you can find an old chalkboard, snag it! If not, find an old frame at the antique store, or even in you parents' attic, and use a few coats chalkboard paint (available at any hardware store) on a thin piece of wood to go in the center. Use chalk to write out table numbers and guests and place on a cute easel at your reception.
For individual place cards, choose three nice card stocks, on for the backing,one on which to print the text, and one for your die-cut design. The backing paper can have a print but the other should be solid color. Choose a simple and easy-to-read font and print out each guests names. You can make a template on most newer versions of Microsoft Word to create a template with 8 rectangles on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet. Cut rectangles a little larger than twice the height of the name cards. Fold the card stock in half hamburger style a and use a good quality glue stick to past the name card onto the front center. Now for the fun part! Choose a fun die-cut (available at Michael's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, or any similar craft store) that fits your theme. Use the die-cut to punch out one design for each place card from a contrasting card stock print. Finally, glue the die-cuts onto the name tents.
http://www.austintaylorevents.com/weddingplannerblog/looks-i-love/centerpieces/wedding-centerpieces/
Table set ups are a big component of your wedding reception decor. Linens and florals can also be pricey so if you are on a budget, it is good to have some tricks up your sleeve to pad out your decor! Buy some small clear glass vases. You can usually find these at a dollar store, a craft store, or even some thrift stores. Go to the farmers market and buy a few dozen Gerbera daisies, cut the stems very short, place in the vases to float on about 2" of water, and voila!
These are great for an elegant evening wedding! Buy 1 or 2 dozen roses in a color that matches your decor. Remove the petals. Fill several glass cylinder vases with water. For interest, you can vary the water levels. Add a small handful of petals. Place a white floating candle on top. Wait until shortly before guests arrive to light the candles.
Happy DIYing!
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