Thursday, March 12, 2009

Etsy word search of the day...

Just Married... via Etsy

Little boys and little girls..

How are you going to thank your little helpers for giving their (somewhat) helping hand during the big day? After all, they are the cute factor of the wedding… you can’t not have something special prepared for them right?

I found this area especially hard because I wasn’t really thinking specifically about which little kids would fill the spot. I know who we’d potentially have as our Ring bearer, but we aren’t planning on going the flower girl route. Even thinking about the ring bearer, It was harder to find something decent for them… Besides an engraved whistle (no thanks) and a silver plated yoyo… there wasn’t much choice around here.

You want to try to keep the personal feel throughout the gift, also throw in a couple things YOU KNOW the kids would love.

So I put together a little mock list of potential ideas.. and here’s what I was thinking…

Flower girls:
Canvas tote bag (take out your fabric paints and Bedazllers ladies!!)
Dress up Paper Doll Book (personally, I loved this as a kid!)
Little baggy filled with personalized M&Ms of her fave colors
Little silver Jewellery box (engraved to add that special touch)
Cute little earrings or engraved personalized Charm Bracelet

Ring bearers:
Wicked cool Backpack (You can let your hubby pick it out.. he knows what’s cool)
Juggling balls (in a special tin)
Little bag filled personalized M&Ms of his fave colors
Little boy watch (to attach to his belt loop)
baseball jersey/bat set (personalized of course) with matching hat
Small Lego set (to keep him busy while everyone is running around)

I was pondering the idea of coloring books and pencils and a set of markers.. but there is a risk factor that isn’t 100% kiddie full proof. You don’t want to have to scramble around at the last minute if your ring bearer thinks it’s funny to draw on your flower girl's dress.. oh yeah… believe it or not, it’s happened!! (Rule #1, ALWAYS keep a Tide stick close... in case)

I really liked the idea of Fleece blankets as well. Go to Old Navy for these (they always have pretty funky colors and at a great price you can't go wrong) or have it specially ordered with their initials on it for that special touch.

FindGift.com also had a great box gift set with miniature pops, sweets & gadgets for the kids.

Oh.. one site I was looking at today suggested engraved paperweights for the ring bearers… honestly?? What does a 6 year old boy need a paper weight with his name engraved on it for??? It’ll end up being launched at his parents when he’s not happy… not so good!!

If you still have no clue where to start, here are great tips listed on Bridal people :

Ask the parents for clues and ideas, chances are they will know exactly what to get the kids.

If that fails, take them out for a “Ring bearer”/ “Flower girl” day of fun! This can count as your gift by treating them to an activity packed day! If you still plan on giving them a gift, this is also a great way to find out more about their likes and dislikes. Should make your job easier in the long run.

The last thing to remember is to make them feel like they are an important part of your day. Don’t forget to have fun. Kids love to feel special too, they will always remember your wedding as being the coolest they've ever been to.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

All dressed up...

The countdown..

When you get that bling on your finger, wither you want it or not, things will kick into high gear. Lots of Brides and Grooms tend to get overwhelmed with all the planning details. They have no clue or guidance on where to start.

After comparing notes with a few publications.. here is a quick list to get you started in the right direction..

9-12 Months prior to the wedding:

Announce your engagement : If you haven't splashed it on Facebook, or titled yourself as Mrs. to be on your Twitter status, consider taking a spot in your local newspaper or creating a website/ blog to keep your family and friends up to date on up coming details.

Find Ceremony site/and venue, reserve and decide on a date: It's very important you book the venue and ceremony sites as soon as possible. Depending on the venue, specific times of the year and can be highly competitive for bookings.

Work on a guest list to get a rough head count: It's a good idea to start figuring out your guest list in the beginning. It'll give you an idea of what to expect with caterers' quotes for booze and food.

Start looking around for your Bridal gown: Round up your ladies for a night of Bridal Magazine "eye candy" shopping. Cut out your favorite ideas and styles and create a scrapbook to help you have a better idea of what you are specifically looking for.

6-9 Months prior:

Choose your wedding party, select a caterer, pick a photographer/videographer, hire a florist (They book fast, so make sure you get a deposit down!!) Book musicians and/or DJ, start researching Honeymoon spots.

Mail save the dates: Especially if you are having a destination or holiday-weekend wedding

Register: Registering for gifts is a blessing for some, and a pain for others. It all comes down to practicality. If you don't want to receive 3 fondue sets and 16 different salt and pepper shakers of all shapes and sizes (unless you registered for them), this is probably the best route you should go. The only downside to registering is you risk the chance of not getting something of sentimental value.

Order your wedding gown: Always leave extra time when ordering your gown. Especially if it's a special order gown. Be prepared to expect the un-expected, you can never be too sure.

4-6 Months prior:

Order wedding stationery and book a Calligrapher (if using one), shop for the wedding cake, hire wedding day transportation, book your fave beauty pros for the big day, Scout accommodation for out-of-town guests, complete the guest list, Start planning your Honeymoon, and make flight and hotel reservations.

Arrange the rehearsal dinner (suggestion...)

2-4 Months prior:

Find out about marriage-license requirements ( a must!!), order tuxedos/suits for the groom and his groomsmen, buy Thank you gifts for the attendants, choose favors (if any), start selecting music set list for the reception, Order the wedding cake, meet with the caterer or banquet manager (discuss menus, service style, wine selections....), shop for wedding bands

4-8 Weeks prior:

Mail invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of the wedding

Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece)

Decide on insurance-policy changes you'll need (you never know)

2-4 Weeks prior:

Plot the seating for the reception

Confirm details with the photographer, florist...

Have your final dress fitting

Write your rehearsal-dinner toast

1 week prior:

Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes (you don't want to be writing cheques and worrying about payments the day of)

Give the the caterer a final head count

And last but not least, book yourself a day at the spa for final beauty treatments.. go on Honey! You MORE Than deserve a day at the Spa!


Most importantly, Don't Forget to ENJOY yourself. After all, it is you and your hubby's big day!

Ok now... seriously?

Lollipop and hard candy bouquet via Red Photo Co.

How Beautiful!!!

Cake plates & fancy dates..

Cake plate by Vessels and wares via Etsy

LOVE LOVE LOVIN' this beautiful piece!! I could imagine 5 of these plates in pastel colors on our dessert table.
Add a couple candles and vases of flowers as fillers... hmmmm... ideas, ideas, friends!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Red velvety goodness...

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe via Pinch My Salt

A couple weeks ago, we were in New York City taking in the sights and decided to take a dessert break at Magnolia's. He had one bite, looked at me and said "This is what I want at our wedding". He has made a decision and I will not overturn it.
Red Velvet it is!!