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Archives for May 2009 | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog
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Archives for May 2009

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Forgot Anything? Your Essential Wedding & Baby Shower Checklist

Most of the time it's easy for the person throwing a baby shower or wedding shower to run around like a chicken with their head cut off. After all, there's tons to do in preparation! Truth be told, that's probably why you're reading this blog in the first place. That's awesome because this checklist will make your life a little easier.

If you're like me, you could double check or check 50 times and you'd still forget something. It doesn't matter if it's a hotel stay or planning a party, I'm going to forget something. That's why these checklists help me and this one will help you! When planning a baby shower or a wedding shower, don't forget this essential checklist!

Things To Remember When Planning A Baby or Wedding Shower

  • The party food is essential!!! Who doesn't want to at least snack at a shower? Hor d'ouevres are great. Finger foods are fine. Don't feel like taking on the hassle of food preparation for a large group? Hire a party caterer. They have to be good at it. It's what they do! Plus it saves you a lot of time. Party caterers are a win-win here.
  • Don't forget the photographer or videographer! Whether it's Suzie Q with a digital camera or you hire an actual party photographer, don't forget the person that will preserve these memories forever. Besides, "toilet paper bridal gown" just isn't as funny in stories.
  • Remember the party decorations! I know. It seems silly that the host would forget something as huge as decorations but you never know. Do you have the streamers? Are the tablecloths ready? How about napkins, drinking and eating utensils, balloons, trash bags a plenty? Trust me, it's too easy to forget at least one of these things. If you go to a party supply store, let the clerk know exactly what you're planning. They'll make sure you get everything you need!
  • Remember to get rid of the guys! Or the girls. The same rules apply for bachelor parties and bachelorette parties. While there are exceptions to the rule, many of these parties are typically not mixed-company events. Some are. Just remember to give them plenty of time to plan an alternate location if you want it to be a girls-only party.
  • Remember the music! Throwing a bridal shower? Get the couples' favorite music on a mixed cd and have a ball. Throwing a baby shower? Classical music in the background is a great addition. Whatever your tastes, whatever suits the occasion–don't forget the musical entertainment!!!
  • Remember the party invitations! By now the invitations are probably already in the mail or on the guests' doorsteps. If you're still early on in the planning stages, don't forget the party invitations! Be as kitschy or as elegant as you want. Just make sure to have fun!

Ready to have a great time? Just print out this shower checklist and have fun at your party!! Don't forget to return to the Celebration Advisor and let us know how everything went.

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Order of Processional With Newborns in Wedding Party

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I need to know how that the wedding march goes.  In this wedding one of the baby girls; a flower girl; is a new born and there is a little boy newborn and these two will have to be packed down the aisle. How would the match be performed? Please, we need help. ~ Pamela Sue, Stinnett Kentucky

The Celebration Advisor: Pamela Sue, thanks for your question! The answer is a bit tricky but I believe it will be very helpful when planning your wedding processional. Whether a religious or secular ceremony, typically the best man or final groomsman walks followed by the maid/matron of honor. Next comes the ring bearer first and flower girl next if they do not walk together. The bride follows.

Your wedding processional (obviously) is a bit tougher. While wedding etiquette uses these guidelines for the wedding processional, they are simply that—guidelines. If you would like to adhere as closely as possible to the standard order of a wedding processional, consider having the final groomsman or best man carry the ring bearer down the aisle during the processional followed by the maid of honor who carries the flower girl. Once they reach the end of the aisle, they may either continue to hold the babies, give them to the groomsmen and bridesmaid furthest from the bride and groom, or place them in carriers waiting on the front aisle. This order of the wedding processional does not conflict with any wedding etiquette guidelines.

Another option is to have the mother of the infant carry the child down the aisle while wearing matching attire. This is especially helpful if the mother is already in the bridal party.

There are a few things to consider when deciding who will hold the babies during the processional and ceremony. First, the maid of honor is responsible for holding the wedding bouquet when the bride is exchanging rings. The best man is responsible for keeping up with the rings before they are exchanged. If the best man and maid of honor are ok with holding a baby and a bouquet/ring, this arrangement will work just fine. Second, the first row is usually reserved for grandparents and parents of the bride and groom. They may make an exception in this case and choose to look after the babies during the ceremony or not. Either way, you have a lot of fun on your hands. But don't worry. Your wedding processional will go along smoothly!

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Why Even Canadians Love The American Wedding

Are you looking for one convenient place to get all of your wedding invitations, wedding favors and even great gifts? Stop looking! Head over to The American Wedding instead.

Invitations from The American Wedding
Whether you live in the United States or Canada, you have access to top quality wedding stationery from The American Wedding. Whether looking for eco-friendly wedding invitations, budget-friendly invitations, save the date cards, or other wedding stationery styles, find it all at The American Wedding! They take care of your invitation needs from beginning to end. Starting with save-the-date cards and ending with thank you cards to acknowledge wedding gifts, the best thing about shopping with The American Wedding is that all of your wedding stationery is in one place!

Well, if there were a runner up for "the best thing about shopping with The American Wedding" it would be that you can also get wedding favors, tableware and gifts here! All the trinkets for the table at your wedding reception are covered! Their wedding favors are awesome for every type of bride. Traditional and modern brides both rave about wedding favors from The American Wedding. If you're interested in favors that your guests will love, pick up your favorite wedding favors while shopping for your stationery! One stop shopping is the thing that makes The American Wedding the American dream for many brides.

Personalized Napkins & Tableware
Now the wedding tableware is every bit as important as wedding favors at most receptions. The tableware at the reception speaks volumes about the bride so she must choose the pieces that best reflect her. With many options from which to choose, brides shopping at The American Wedding can get the best of the best in glasses and tumblers, cake servers, napkins, place cards and more. Looking for personalized napkins to add that special touch to your reception? Find the ones you want at The American Wedding!

The American Wedding makes planning a wedding convenient for all brides across the United States and Canada. It doesn't matter if you're planning a destination wedding on the beach or getting married in the mountains. From Hawaii to Newfoundland, Vancouver to Florida, you can count on The American Wedding to make your dream wedding reception a reality.

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Why does the bride stand to the left of the groom?

While at a wedding Saturday, my husband asked me why the bride stands on the left. Traditionally, you will see the bride stand to the groom's left during most American & Western wedding ceremonies. My reply was "it's a tradition."  Then I stated wondering where this wedding tradition came from so I did a little research on the subject.

History points to the "marriage by capture" era as initial reason for this wedding tradition.  Then the middle ages seem to have played at large part in the solidifying the tradition.  In the early age of civilization, people lived in tribes.  Often the men in these tribes would steal women from the other tribes and force them to marry. The stealing tribesmen would fight off the "bride's" tribesmen with their right hands whilst holding the "bride" with their left.  In the middle ages a knight wore his sword on his left side to be able to draw it with his right hand.  If he needed to draw his sword during the wedding ceremony, the knight would not want to draw his sword toward his bride but away from her.  Hence, the bride had to be to his left.

Biblically speaking we could attribute it simply to the idea that women and men were separated in the early churches.  The woman sat on the left side of the church and the men on the right. Some say that scripture could be interpreted that the bride should be on the left.

It seems that this wedding tradition has been claimed by many with a variety of reasons.  It may have begun the moment men and women sought a commitment to each and continues on today many, many millions of wedding ceremonies later.

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Wedding Cake Flavors: A Delicious Delight for Austin TX Brides

Wedding cakes from Austin TX bakeries come in many shapes and sizes. However, did you know that wedding cakes also come in many flavors? Now it's ok to save the plain white for the wedding dress and opt for more bold flavors with the wedding cake. Chocolate and white cakes are the standards but there are many other flavors that the modern bride in Austin may wish to choose.

  • "For Richer or Poorer" – The richer the better for some and chocolate wedding cakes are a huge hit with Austin brides because, let's be honest, who doesn't like chocolate cake?
  • "Forsaking All Others" – For the sake of yummy vanilla wedding cake. "Plain white" though it may seem, this decadent dessert is just as tasty as many others which is why it has remained a standard.
  • "To Have and To Hold" – Have your cake, eat it too, hold it in your hand and shove it in your groom's mouth. Marble which blends two or more flavors, spice, carrot, red velvet and other flavors are perfect for this standard part of Austin wedding receptions.
  • "In Sickness and In Health" – If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, why not try an apple wedding cake from a creative Austin TX wedding cake bakery?
  • "Til Death Do Us Part" – It's easy to feel this attached to popular wedding cake flavors such as banana, pumpkin, lemon, orange, and coconut.

Whichever favorite flavor the bride chooses, wedding cakes from local Austin TX bakeries are a huge part of every reception in Austin. Whether a standard like chocolate or a fresh idea like butter pecan, wedding cakes flavors help the bride savor another part of her wedding. When the first anniversary rolls around and it's time to revisit the top layer, the bride will be reconnected with special moments from the big day.

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POPCORN: A Frugal Party For Kids

Sometimes we just can't afford to have a dog and pony show party for our children. Yet, we still want them to have a special party.  Throwing a party for your child can be done frugally and still filled with with fun. Inexpensive treats such as popcorn and movie rentals are just the ticket.

Popcorn
Your thinking popcorn is not a party theme. A party revolving around popcorn is boring. Not so! Popcorn can be a fun party activity, a great party theme and a hectic of a good time.  You can pop your own and make popcorn balls or pop up a big batch of plain popcorn and set up a table with "fixings" for the popcorn. You can even rent a popcorn machine that looks like an old popcorn cart.

How To Make A Popcorn Party Exciting

Create a special popcorn table with all the "fixings". Your "fixings" table should have some sweet items, sour items, flavored salt and cheese toppings. Sweet popcorn fixings are items like raisins, M&M's, peanut butter chips, gummy bears, anything sweet and chewy.  Sour items such as mustard, sour patch candies and pickles will add interest to popcorn.  Flavored salts or cheese need to be shakable. Black pepper, garlic salt, shakable cheese and special popcorn salts that come in a variety of flavors will satisfy and intrigue many palates. All of these toppings will create a Yummy treat!

You can put the popcorn in paper coffee filters and allow each child to mix up his/her own popcorn. Now you have both a treat and a great party activity (you get a twofer with this one). Kids will mix all kinds of things like mustard and gummy bears and dare each other to eat their creations. What could be more entertaining. Kids will love it because they get to make decisions. Kids like to feel important.

What goes better with popcorn than a movie. Movie rentals are inexpensive and a convenient way to take the party up a notch. Need a bigger screen? One thing you might look at is renting a projection screen. One day projection screen rentals can be very inexpensive and it certainly gives the kids the feeling of a movie theater with out the cost of the movie tickets.

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Etiquette Matters: Who Pays For The Wedding Flowers?

Ask The Wedding Guide: My parents want to help pay for the wedding so that my fiancee and I can have a nicer ceremony. We really appreciate the help but aren't sure what to ask them to pay. We don't want to step on toes or ask too much to we thought about asking them to buy the wedding flowers. Is that appropriate? ~ Jesse J. from Fountain, Colorado.

The Wedding Guide: Jesse, great question! I love discussing wedding etiquette so I was thrilled when I came across your question. The simplest answer is that it is fine to ask your parents if they would like to provide the wedding flowers. It's not uncommon in modern weddings for many different people to have a hand in payment. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when the wedding is being paid for by more than just the couple.

First, consider your parents temperament. I say this first because of your concern for stepping on toes. It's easy to do even by accident in matters this large. You know your parents well and very likely know how to best approach them with this subject. Simply be respectful when the subject is brought up. Understand that you and your bride may have to forgo certain features in favor of compromise.

If they ask to pay for more than the wedding flowers, discuss it with your fiancee before agreeing or declining. Then again, your parents may not want to foot more than the wedding flowers. It's always a good idea to discuss this with your bride first. If you want to know about some other options, here is a recent blog about whose family pays for what under traditional wedding etiquette standards. Not to bead a dead horse or bore you with a longer answer, you may also enjoy this checklist about the roles of brides, grooms, bridesmaids and ushers in paying for the wedding.

I hope you figure out a compromise. I'm sure you'll walk the aisle of a great wedding ceremony! Don't forget to let me know how it turns out. Thanks Jesse!

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Hobby-Related Wedding Favors

I think party favors at a wedding reception can make a huge statement to guests about the bride and groom, but they sometimes get overlooked as not being very important.

I recently saw an idea in the February 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens that sparked some other ideas for great wedding favors. If I had it to do over again (which, I'm glad I don't!), I would definitely consider using these ideas related specifically to my hobby: cooking.

There are websites such as BHG.com/tastebook that will help you design your own recipe booklet. You choose the cover design, title, add your photos and recipes and they create it for you. I think this would be a creative, usable wedding favor.

The other idea is to find mini kitchen utensils such as a whisk and spatula that can be tied together with ribbon and a tag with the poem, "Recipe for a Happy Home" (which you can find on the internet).
Either of these can be used as place cards if you're having a sit-down wedding reception. Or you can simply display them in a large stockpot or colander for your guests to pick up on their way out. With so many people into cooking these days, I thought these ideas would be great incorporated into a wedding reception.

Garden Theme Wedding Favor
If you're not the creative type, there are some great vendors on Wedding and Party Network who have fantastic wedding favors. In fact, many of them have awesome and creative ideas for ready-made party favors related to hobbies that will fit your interests. Any hobby can be a great wedding favor theme. I found this interesting garden theme wedding favor at Claudia's Mementos. This would be a fantastic idea for couples who love to garden.

So if you're not a cook like I am, think about the things you could use as wedding favors that are related to your hobby. If you love it, they will too.

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Spotlight On *Drumroll* — Plant A Memory!

When eco-friendly wedding favors and eco-friendly party favors are high on the shopping list, where do most people turn? For the best quality and service across the entire United States and Canada, most wedding and party planners turn to Plant A Memory.

In the age of eco-friendliness, brides everywhere are going green! All across Canada and the United States brides are turning to people that provide high quality eco-friendly wedding favors and other accessories/decorations for the wedding.

What kind of eco-friendly wedding favors are you in the mood for? Plant A Memory carries many different styles of wedding favors that the eco-friendly bride will love. You can have personalized seed favors adorning the tables at your reception. For a more classy look, try the seed wedding favors in eco-friendly boxes. That's just the tip of the iceberg though. For more great favor ideas, contact Plant A Memory (US) or Plant A Memory (Can). You can also view examples of their eco-friendly favors!

Plant A Memory knows what it's like to be the bride looking everywhere for the right wedding favors but coming up short. That's why they provide their eco-friendly wedding favors to brides throughout both countries. Whether across the country in Hawaii or a local bride in New York/Ontario, Plant A Memory ships the finest eco-friendly wedding favors that brides have ever come across.

Eco-friendly party favors are also a huge hit. Plant A Memory provides these as well along with the same great service that has earned them such an amazing reputation. When you're in the mood for eco-friendly wedding favors that get the crowd excited about attending your party, contact Plant A Memory.

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Trendy Wedding Cake Alternatives

You’ve just attended a beautiful, meaningful wedding ceremony of a close friend. Your heart is aflutter with the feelings of love and romance. As you make your way to the reception, you imagine the glow of candlelight, beautiful crystal, silver, and pristine china place settings at each table. You wonder what the wedding cake will look like: square or round? Three or four tiers? Elegant or whimsical? As you enter the reception hall, it is just as you imagined. Your eyes search for the center of attention: the wedding cake. Ah, yes, there it is in the center of the room, but wait, that’s not – oh it can’t be –cupcakes?

Cupcake Wedding Cake

Wedding Cupcakes Take the Cake

Welcome to the latest trend in wedding cakes. No longer is the traditional tiered wedding cake a "given." Brides and grooms are choosing various alternatives to the main attraction of their wedding receptions. And cupcakes are a big hit these days. But these aren’t the homemade cupcakes your grandma used to make.

These are miniature works of art as bakers give attention to every detail, just as they would a wedding cake. And when you come to think of it, there are many advantages to using cupcakes as your "wedding cake." You can vary the flavors, the decorations, and how you display them. They can be "tiered" on pedestal cake plates for a cake table centerpiece or served at each place for a sit down reception, which eliminates the sometimes messy slicing of a cake. And they can be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding cake. What’s not to love?!

Go for Decadence with Cheesecake

Another popular alternative being used a lot is cheesecake. As a favorite restaurant dessert, cheesecake can be especially elegant and decadent. And if cheesecake is something you and your fiancé love, why not serve it at your wedding reception instead of wedding cake? It has the versatility that cupcakes have in that you can tier several cheesecakes for a wedding cake look or you can serve individual cheesecakes. And the flavor possibilities are endless: dark chocolate truffle, key lime, white chocolate with raspberry sauce, pumpkin—any flavor you like! Again, you can serve more than one flavor to appeal to all your guests.

Mini Cakes with Maximum Impact

Mini Wedding Cakes
This trend works especially well for sit-down receptions. Let the centerpiece for each table be a miniature tiered wedding cake that will serve all the people at that table. It’s a cake; it’s a centerpiece; it’s a little more personal, too.

You can vary the flavors, colors and styles of the cakes at each table or keep them all the same for a cohesive and elegant look, and you have all the design and flavor possibilities of a traditional wedding cake. Provide a cake knife and server at each table and let the guests serve themselves.

It’s Easy as Pie!

You can really rock your guests’ world when they’re expecting the same old wedding cake—and they get a luscious, homemade pie. Many brides are choosing to serve fruit or cream pies at their wedding receptions for a more informal dessert, and in many cases just because they prefer pie to cake.

Strawberry Pie
For regions known for their apples, blueberries or strawberries, this is an exceptional way to show off your state’s prized fruit. You can find the best bakery in town to create beautifully baked pies, or you can ask that family member known for their great-tasting pies to lend a hand and bake them for you.

What could be better at a July wedding than a juicy, homemade apple pie? Or a tangy key-lime pie with freshly whipped cream in June? And nothing tastes better than strawberry pie when strawberries are at their peak. Whatever month your wedding is, there is a pie that will work perfectly. Again, you can serve the pies from a central location or provide a centerpiece pie at each table for the guests to help themselves.

These would look especially pretty on a silver or crystal pedestal cake plate. There’s something about eating a slice of homemade pie that brings back happy childhood memories and nostalgic feelings, which is a great way to celebrate your big day.

We All Scream for Ice Cream?

Ice cream is associated with celebrations: birthdays, July 4th, a cool treat on a hot summer night. So, why not let ice cream be the centerpiece of your wedding reception? You can offer an upscale ice cream bar where guests can create their own ice cream sundae masterpiece. Use silver ice cream scoops, silver bowls and spoons for toppings, and let your guests dig in. While it may seem unorthodox at a wedding reception, your guests will have a great time and will always remember what a blast your reception was.

So, whichever trendy alternative you choose in lieu of a traditional wedding cake, it will be a surprisingly delicious way to celebrate your wedding. And it will be another way your individuality can shine through on this special day.

A special thanks goes to:

Toria Dolce Fine Desserts & Wedding Cakes, an Ashaway Rhode Island wedding cake bakery, for their wedding cupcakes photo.

Palermo's Bakery, a wedding cake bakery in Ridgefield Park NJ, for their mini wedding cakes photo.

Callie's Confection, a bakery in Asheville NC who speicalizes in wedding cakes and pastries, for their strawberry pie photo.

10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

Planning a wedding calls for making decision after decision! A crucial decision that can truly elevate your big day is your choice of florist. Flowers have a unique ability to transform a space and reflect your personal style. To ensure you find the perfect florist who understands your vision and can bring it to life, here are ten essential questions to ask during your consultation:

Unveiling the Latest Bridal Jewelry Trends

As you embark on the journey towards forever, let's talk about one of the most exciting and symbolic aspects of your wedding journey—the engagement ring! We've curated a list of engagement ring trends we’re loving for all the lovebirds out there.

2024 Ins & Outs: Wedding Edition

2024 is here, and that means it’s time for everyone’s favorite blog: wedding trends for the year! If you’re planning a wedding for this year, or hope to plan one soon, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn what’s …

10 Picture-Perfect Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

A wedding photographer is one of the most essential vendors of your big day! You're choosing someone to capture the feeling of the day through the lens of a camera and provide you with photos to cherish—it's a big deal! You'll want to meet with your potential wedding photographer to discuss what you want, find out more about their work, and decide whether you vibe with them. Here are some questions to ask to help you both shoot your shot!