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

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How To Rejoice In The Day & The Memories Captured

Romantic Wedding Photos
Want to remember your wedding day and get a view of the occasion as the rush dies down? Want your wedding photos to be magazine quality and enviable? You will love Lawrenceville Georgia's most talented wedding photographers, Memories Captured Photography.

For these kinds of photos you need a wedding photographer that will make you comfortable. You need someone who knows their way around a wedding ceremony and reception. You need someone that has years of experience making newlyweds look amazing. Someone who can quickly and easily manage family when it's time to take the pictures. Put simply, you need Memories Captured Photography. They are every bit of this and more.

Pictures = 1000 words ; Wedding Photo Album = Priceless.

It's your day! It's your wedding! It's time to make 1000 memories that will last for a lifetime. If a picture's worth a thousand words, your wedding photo album is worth a few good hours of storytelling and nostalgia with friends and family.

Fun Wedding Photos
Rather than describe your wedding to your loves ones, walk them through your special day with wedding photos that surpass everyone's expectations. Open up your photo album and see high quality, charming and detailed wedding photos that make the day seem like a fairytale come to life. Where do you get that kind of wedding album? Memories Captured Photography.

If you want to always remember the important moments and some of the little things about your wedding day, choose Memories Captured Photography as your wedding photographer. One look at your photo album and you'll know your choice was brilliant.

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Babies First Birthday Party Time Capsule

These party ideas for a first birthday party came to me while I was enjoying the 18th birthday celebration of a niece. I was thinking back and wondered why didn't we do a special time capsule that we could bring out for her today.

My time capsule idea is to throw a first birthday party, as you normally would, but you'll want to have a few extra items:

  • Note cards that have the babies name imprinted on them. These cards will be handed out to the party attendees; aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, and so forth. Have them write on these cards special sayings or wishes for the baby.
  • Also purchase one of those novelty newspapers that has all the big events that happened on the baby's birthday. Hire a videographer or if you're into videoing do it yourself. Video all the party and just like the note cards have each party member, give a good piece of advice for the baby that they will need when they turn eighteen.
  • Don't forget to include music. If possible, get a CD with the most popular songs of year. You could play this CD during the party if you like and that way it will also be in the video or you can have the videographer incorporate it into a video production for you.

You can do this each subsequent year for each birthday party, and then at their 18th birthday you can bring out your time capsule of memories. This time capsule captures their life and keeps all the mementos in an easy to keep and easy to add-to way.

I know my sister-in law wished I would have thought of this idea 18 years ago. Oh, I almost forgot! You'll need a good secure box that can contain the capsule items. Also, label it well so you can keep up with it year after year.

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Helpful Duty Checklist For Groomsmen

Your buddy's getting married. He's asked you to be a groomsman and you accepted (of course). Not sure what that requires? Relax! Here's a wedding checklist designed specially to help you remember your groomsmen duties.

Groomsmen Duties Before The Wedding:

  • Possibly help groom choose formal wear
  • Attend tuxedo fittings and alterations as needed
  • Attend couple's wedding shower if one is thrown
  • Help plan, attend, and enjoy the bachelor party!

Groomsmen Duties During The Ceremony:

  • (If you are an usher) Stand at the door ready to escort guests to their seats
  • Escort bridesmaid to altar or stage during processional
  • Stand with groom, best man and groomsmen at altar or stage throughout ceremony
  • Escort bridesmaid during recessional

Groomsmen Duties During The Reception:

  • Sit at head table (if assigned)
  • May be announced at reception
  • Take part in first dance (if wedding party is invited to participate)

Now you're ready to be the best groomsman at the wedding!

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Get A Load of Bill Veazey's Party Store!

You simply cannot imagine the wide range of party supplies and rentals available until you take a look at the stuff at Bill Veazey's Party Store in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It's incredible! Whatever type of celebration you plan to throw, they have what you need. That's not just a saying either. Take a look at this short list of items available for your party, wedding, exposition or other event:

  • Tent rentals
  • Catering utensils
  • Glassware and flatware rentals (not to mention the china as well)
  • Chairs and chair covers
  • Tables and table linens
  • Table top accessories
  • Casino games
  • Bounce house

Like I said. That's the short list. Take a look at the website or visit the store and your mouth will drop. Your mind will overflow with new ideas for making your event special. Ideas you normally would not have had will spring to life when you see your options thanks to Bill Veazey's Party Store. It's like a party rental extravaganza!

Even if you're not hosting a party you're in luck. Let's say you're hosting a wedding and need a large tent for the wedding reception. Bill Veazey's Party Store has it. They also have all of the place settings for your guests to eat from as well as the tables and chairs. They have the linens to dress up both the tables and chairs. They even have catering utensils!

Imagine throwing a party where you could find almost everything that you needed in one spot. You make one phone call and you have everything from the theme decorations and lighting to the seating and dinnerware. Now that's what I call easy!

You don't get the runaround at Bill Veazey's Party Store. You don't get a bunch of stuff thrown in that you don't want. The only thing you have to be wary of is that you WILL want everything. You'll want to work it into your party because the rentals at Bill Veazey's Party Store exude fun. No kidding! If you want to throw a celebration that deserves applause, start off with party rentals from Bill Veazey's Party Store.

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Traditional Wedding Kiss

In most all weddings, at the end of the ceremony the bride and groom exchange a kiss. The wedding kiss is one of the longest wedding traditions to still be in use today. As with most traditions, they all stem from either a religious nature or more of a business-like nature. Kissing at the end of the wedding ceremony garners history from both the religious aspect, as well as, contractual one.

Roman history shows that a couple was betrothed if they kissed passionately in front of a large group including family. In old world Christian culture, they viewed a wedding kiss as a symbol of the scripture – two souls becoming one flesh. However we can note that in Roman society, a kiss was used, as we do today, as a gesture of a commitment; much like we use a handshake at the end of a business deal. In fact during Roman times, a kiss given to another party was used to signify a legal contract. Yes, even for just a everyday business deal a kiss sealed the deal. So, a groom and a bride would seal the deal (marriage contract) with a kiss. Romans had three types of kisses; a kiss on the cheek, a kiss on the lips and then a deeper more passionate kiss. I believe the latter was the wedding kiss.

Going back to the religious side, some early Christian’s believed clinking glass at the wedding or wedding reception would scare off the devil. After this was done, the couple would exchange a kiss to show joy and happiness.  Whether was done for religious reasons, contractual, reason the wedding day kiss is now a tradition that is sweet and endearing.

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Have You Seen The Top 5 Wedding Reception Flower Photos?

Don't feel left out! When you're talking with your florist about the flowers for your wedding reception, consider taking tips from the flowers in these photos. This month we are taking a look at tall floral centerpieces that are perfect for any reception anywhere. There are tips for personalizing tall centerpieces for your wedding reception as well as nifty ideas for your florist. Unique is the key and these arrangements are definitely that! When you need ideas check out these great wedding reception flower photos!

*tribal drum rhythyms*

Tall Calla Lily Centerpiece
#5 — Simple Calla Lily Centerpiece

Want something quick and simple with all the elegance of a time-consuming arrangement? Try calla lilies arranged together in a tall rectangular vase! Whether a wide rectangular vase or something more square, calla lilies enhance the shape of the vase. Calla lilies also add the height needed to attract the eye. Unique vases paired with beautiful and classic flowers like calla lilies are an excellent addition to the wedding reception flowers.

This calla lily centerpiece was submitted by Kings Creek Flowers, a florist in Miami Florida specializing in wedding flowers.

Eiffel Tower Reception Centerpiece
#4 — Tall Centerpiece With LED Eiffel Tower Base

If you're looking for unique, this is the way to go. This tall centerpiece features roses coming out of an L.E.D. base in the shape of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This kind of centerpiece is great for themed wedding receptions or wedding receptions modeled after the enduring sensuousness that Parisians are famous for.

Even if the Eiffel Tower isn't your thing, the idea of a vase in the shape of something important to you or a famous landmark is something worth discussing with your florist.

This Eiffel Tower centerpiece was submitted by Perfect Presentations, wedding consultant and wedding florist in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Lighted Vase Centerpiece
#3 — Full Floral Centerpiece With Lights Inside The Vase

Anything that draws attention to the centerpiece itself is a winner. Unique ways to light the design are key to getting a quick glance in the direction of the flowers. ("Oohs" and "ahhhs" to follow) This unique floral centerpiece features a simple frosted vase with a few string lights on the inside. They glow almost like fireflies in the twilight sky in this photo. The full, massive appearance of the flowers at the top of the centerpiece really pulls the arrangement together in a fun way.

This lighted vase centerpiece was submitted by Always In Bloom, a talented florist in Knoxville Tennessee specializing in wedding flowers.

Ricker Rocks & Orchids Tall Centerpiece
#2 — River Rocks and Beautiful Flowers Square Centerpieces

These centerpieces feature three key components for a truly beautiful and unique centerpiece for any wedding reception. First, the vases are a break from traditional round or cylindrical vases used in many arrangements. Square and rectangular vases add a hint of something more classy but not classic, stylish and not dated.

Another great appeal of the tall centerpiece is that the vase is lined with river rocks. This breaks up the look of simply flowers in a vase. Plus, the color contrast works splendidly with the orchids inside the vase. Finally, the flowers themselves are gorgeous and appealing to the eye with their stunning green color.

This tall centerpiece in a rectangular vase was submitted by Monday Morning Flower & Balloon Co., a florist in Princeton New Jersey.

Floating Orchids Wedding Reception Centerpiece
#1 — Orchids Floating In Water Centerpiece

You can count on floating flowers centerpieces to get a great reaction at the wedding reception. These are so unique and up-and-coming that many brides are discovering their "awe" factor thanks to local florists who specialize in contemporary floral centerpieces. This beautiful centerpiece features orchids under water with a floating candle on top. Clear glass rocks at the bottom sparkle and shimmer for a complete look

This beautiful floating centerpiece was submitted by Apple Blossoms Floral Design & Gifts, a wedding florist in Tampa Florida.

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August's Top 5 Wedding Cake Photos

This month's theme is "contemporary wedding cakes" so I've decided to spotlight some of the most popular and all-around favorite contemporary wedding cakes from Wedding And Party Network's bakeries. I've even included details so you'll know where to buy similar cakes and what to ask for when you're shopping for a wedding cake. Enjoy!

*circus style fanfare*

Blue Flowers Wedding Cake
#5 Wedding Cake With A Taste of Blue Flowers

This wedding cake is a nice blend of traditional and modern. For a slight contemporary flair, blue flowers were used as a cake topper and icing decorations of the same color were used on each tier. For a very quick dash of modern attitude, liven up your wedding cake with color.

This wedding cake with blue flowers was submitted by Beautiful Weddings On A Budget, a wedding coordinator in Fort Campbell Kentucky.

Harvest Basket Wedding Cake
#4 Fruit Basket Wedding Cake

This is one wedding cake that's almost too unique to top! It is shaped like three stacked harvest baskets ready to be filled with summer fruit. The cool thing about is that it's a wedding cake! "Unique" and "contemporary" are almost interchangeable when it comes to wedding cakes so this one was sure to make the cut.

This harvest basket contemporary wedding cake was submitted by Toria Dolce Fine Desserts & Wedding Cakes, a wedding cake bakery in Ashaway Rhode Island.

Asian Inspired Wedding CAke
#3 Asian Inspired Wedding Cake With Red Flowers

This is a very beautiful wedding cake with red flowers because red is an important color in Asian weddings. Red and white paired together are very powerful colors in many Asian cultures so this wedding cake is the perfect blend for a happy couple.

The three tiers at first appear to be just normal square tiers of buttercream icing and tasty cake but no! Black ribbons around the base of each tier provide a small accent for both the white color of the cake and the bright red flowers used to adorn each tier. A few Asian wedding decorations and the theme is set!

This Asian inspired wedding cake was submitted by Gourmet On The Go, delicious caterers in Victorville California.

Polka Dot Wedding Cakes
#2 Pink & Black Polka Dotted Wedding Cake

You can't get much more contemporary than this funky wedding cake! This is four tiers of fun as far as any modern bride is concerned. Hot pink and black polka dots come together brilliantly against a solid white cake. Pink flowers used as cake toppers and as decorations around the base of the cake help create an inviting display for this incredibly modern wedding cake.

This polka dotted wedding cake was submitted by Bake My Day, a wedding cake bakery in Louisville Kentucky.

Black & White Mini Wedding Cakes
#1 Black & White Mini Fondant Cakes

Elaborate fanfare is much deserved for this wedding cake–or rather wedding cakes. Black and white colors were used to create a very modern color palette. As opposed to a cupcake wedding cake, this couple chose small mini cakes covered decorated to look like tiny gift boxes. Each small cake was covered in fondant for a very precise finish. The top tier is a small cake for the couple with a fun black and white cake topper to finish out the look of the cake. From top tier to bottom tier, this definitely deserves to be the #1 contemporary wedding cake of the month.

This awesome mini fondant wedding cake display was submitted by Just Ones Cakes & Catering, an Albuquerque New Mexico wedding cake bakery.

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Etiquette Matters: Can I Ask For Monetary Wedding Gifts?

I get this question a lot. Many brides want to know if they can ask for money or set up a money tree in lieu of other wedding gifts. Etiquette is pretty clear cut in this issue. It is traditionally very improper to ask for money as a wedding gift. The keyword here is traditionally. While It is not against wedding etiquette for close friends and family to contribute to the cost of the wedding, asking for money instead of a traditional wedding gift is a big No-No.

Keep in mind that modern wedding etiquette is constantly changing to reflect the needs of a new and diverse group of Echo Boomer Brides. Many couples are opting for store certificates, gift cards or cash instead of wedding presents. This may not set well with older guests, but younger wedding guests will be ok with asking for cash wedding gifts.

I've attended very few weddings where money trees were used. However, these are not entirely inappropriate. Money trees are usually used where there is no registry. Also, guests are warned ahead of time that a money tree will be presented at the reception instead of other wedding gifts. In this way, no guests are inconvenienced by forgetting to bring cash. Guests who bring gifts will not feel foolish nor will guests who fail to bring a gift.

Quite honestly, issues like this happen a lot when money trees are used. Guests who do not bring a wedding gift and provide cash instead feel like a heel when someone else comes in with a regular gift. Guests who bring in a gift feel a little underappreciated because they could've just as easily brought a $20 instead of feeling silly carrying in a package when no one else brought one.

While a money tree is not inappropriate for smaller weddings without wedding registries, the bride and groom must make sure that all guests are aware of this preference. As far as asking for money goes, view this modern wedding etiquette post to find out how to ask for cash wedding gifts.

Some couples announce that they would rather have a charitable donation made in lieu of gifts. Since this is not asking for money but rather asking that money go to a cause, this is a generally accepted practice.

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Where To Order Special 3rd Birthday Cake

Ask The Celebration Advisor:
I was wondering if you did specialty order cakes? Also, how much do your cakes run? I was wanting a special and pretty specific cake for my daughter's 3rd birthday this coming May(2010). I can give you more details about it after I find out if you make them…thanks! April in Sheridan IN


Celebration Advisor Reply:
How exciting a 3rd birthday. Although Wedding and Party Network is a great place to plan your birthday party, we don't actually provide the services or products. Instead we have a network of professional local businesses who provide everything you need for a party in your area.

There is a fantastic bakery near Sheridan IN, who is one of our members. Classic Cakes is a bakery in Carmel IN and just 19 minutes from Sheridan. They create some awesome children's birthday cakes like the one below.


Their Princess Birthday Cake is one of my favorites. No two of their cakes are alike. They can custom create a cake for any occasion – birthday, anniversary, wedding or special event. You can even select different flavors or fillings as well as different designs. So give Classic Cakes a call  and they will help you work out all of the details.

Good luck. Please come back after the party and share pictures with us.

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An A+ for Teacher's Wedding Reception

Recently, I heard of an elementary school teacher who was getting married and invited her class of first graders to the wedding. She not only invited them, but she made sure they would enjoy the wedding reception, too.

She went all out on a special food table filled with some really creative foods that kids enjoy. There were heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit roll-ups lined up like soldiers on a silver platter, a fruit centerpiece filled with fun-shaped melons, apple and orange slices, strawberries and grape kebabs. There were also kid-friendly chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, and ants on a log (celery sticks smeared with peanut butter with raisins on top). A local bakery had made schoolhouse shaped cookies decorated with icing for a sweet treat. She even had small cartons of milk on ice in a silver punch bowl.

But she didn’t stop there. There were tables specifically for the students and their parents to sit, decorated with their school colors—green and gold. Wedding favors were at each place and included pencils, crayons, notepads and other school supplies wrapped up in cellophane bags tied with green and gold ribbons.

It struck me how much this teacher had really thought of her students and wanted them to have fun and feel welcome on her most special day. I’m sure each of those children will never forget that teacher or her wedding day.

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!