Archives for July 2010

July 18, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Budgeting Your Wedding: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

It’s easy to believe that every wedding costs tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, after flipping through the channels. Brides dripping with diamonds, grooms riding in luxury cars, as easy as it is to get swept way into the money-madness, it’s important to note that you can have your dream wedding without going broke. In other words: you can have your cake and eat it too!

There are countless wedding tips and tricks on how to save cash when tying the not, everything from making your own wedding invitations to buying a second-hand gown. However, let’s talk about the big things, the things that will make your wedding the stuff of your dreams.

To start, think of what is most important to you. Did you always dream of a wedding by the beach? Do you want a sit-down meal?

Once you and your fiance have decided on one or two non-negotiables, figure out how much making that a reality will cost. Don’t be afraid to get creative. If you have a favorite hotel that you want to get married in, try to schedule your event in the off-season or strike a deal, such as renting a minimum number of rooms to get a break on the ballroom. Same goes for destination weddings. It’s a bit of a risk, but it could save you thousands. In addition, by hosting your event in a unique or lavish location, you have all but eliminated the need for extensive (and expensive!) decor. A few flowers here, a few candles there, and voila!

Once you have your non-negotiable, do your best not to sweat the small stuff, because it is, in fact, small stuff. Spend money on the things that mean the most to you and your family. Only you know what they love. Focus on the big things and forget the rest. If you have money left in your wedding budget, you can add the extra items later.

Just remember, at the end of the day, it’s about you marrying the person you love. Keep your eyes on the big picture, spend on the big stuff and work your way down to the tiny details.

Planning a wedding in Trenton NJ? Find all the resources you need at Wedding and Party Network including Omaha NE wedding planners.

July 17, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Wedding Trend: Let the Bridesmaids Choose Their Dresses

Can you recall a bridesmaid dress that you loved so much you wore it again? Me neither. And despite what you said when you were trying it on (“Oh, of course I can totally wear it again!”), you probably never will.

However, despite what you may have sworn to yourself as you were standing at the altar wearing an Easter egg-hued gown, the temptation to make your friends do the same thing still exists when it’s your turn to plan a wedding. Here’s what to do:

On behalf of your friends, your wedding photos, and your checkbook, I say let the bridesmaids choose their gowns. There are several ways to do this:

1. Give them a selection. Many formal wear businesses offer one gown in many modified styles. For example, they may take a traditional A-line red dress and offer it with straps, without straps, tea length, or with a wrap. Your bridesmaids can then choose the fit in which they feel the most comfortable.

2. Choose a color. Many brides today leave it to their bridesmaids to choose their dresses, as long as they are a certain color, often black. Others may also dictate the length. Bridesmaids can then go to their favorite retail store, a formal wear store, or visit their closets to find something that fits the bill.

3. Choose a theme. If you’re having a destination wedding or a ceremony with a theme, let your bridesmaids know in plenty of time so they can come up with outfits to suit your theme.

It may be a a bigger challenge for you to let go of some of the decision making, but your bridesmaids will have a dress that they not only feel comfortable in, but will wear again!

July 16, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

D’Mont Reese Photography: A Sophisitcated Eye to Capture Your Memories

According to D’Mont Reese, you never know when you could be making a memory. Even the smallest things in life can turn out to be the most cherished moments. D’Mont Reese Photography strives to capture those memories in stunning, artistic imagery.

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, D’Mont Reese Photography‘s passion for fine art photography has led him to work on location in Rome, Paris, Barbados, and in major cities throughout the U.S. His work as been featured in editorial news and advertising campaigns worldwide. His specialties include:

Acting/Commercial Headshots
Wedding Photography
Sports Photography
Fashion Photography
PR/Event Photography
Swimsuit Photography

D’Mont can shoot tradition film for fine art shoots, or he can provide extraordinary digital photography services. D’Mont Reese’s passion for photography is evident in every shot, no matter the format. His eye for style translates into any situation and makes him stand out among other Philadelphia Wedding Photographers.

Wedding photography by D’Mont Reese is both eye-catching and elegant at the same time. His ability to see things from a different angle ensures your photos will stand out from the rest! Your wedding photos will exude a cool style that reflects a certain sophistication that attracting those planning a wedding in Philadelphia for years!

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a wedding in Philadephia or hosting a fabulous party, D’Mont Reese Photography can help you capture your memories in a way that only he can!

Wedding and Party Network is your resource for Philadelphia Wedding Photographers.

July 14, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Say Thank You With Personalized Gifts For Your Wedding Attendants

Couples love to receive monogrammed towels, blankets and pillows as wedding gifts, but with all the creative ways to personalize gifts these days, a monogrammed gift for your wedding attendants is a wonderful, personal way to say “thank you.”

Many retail stores have product lines where you can choose the monogram you want and attach it to a variety of products: portfolios, purses, luggage, totebags, etc.

You don’t have to bother going to a jeweler for engraving–you can do your own personalization, choosing just the right item for your attendant. Single monograms seem to be the “in” thing–no need for the three letter variety.

Giving your bridesmaids cute faux-croc purses with their first name initial on them is a very trendy way to thank them for their participation in your wedding. A portfolio with a monogram is great for those who helped with the administration of your wedding (coordinator, caterer, etc.).

Of course, there are also other outlets for buying personalized gifts. Online stores offer a variety of items that can be practical, as well as reminders of your thanks.

I used a well-known company to purchase large totebags in bright summer colors and had each of my bridesmaids’ first names embroidered on them.

You could go a step further by “personalizing” the contents of the bags: beach towels, sunscreen and flip-flops for the sun enthusiast; books, gourmet tea or coffee and biscotti for the one who loves to read; a cookbook, utensils, sea salt and other cook’s tools for the one who loves to cook. You can be very creative with this idea and make it work to fit your gift-giving budget.

Use Wedding and Party Network to find New Haven wedding supply companies for your wedding.

July 13, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Have Delicious, Homemade Meals Anytime With Angelfood Catering!

Think you’ll never be able to afford a personal chef? Think again! Millie Wilson, owner and chef of Angelfood Catering Services, is dedicated to making delightful, healthy meals just for you. Millie, who is a certified personal chef, can create meals catering to a variety of allergies and preferences. She can cook a week’s worth of meals for a busy single, or whip up a multi-course meal for a family gathering.

While Millie has a passion for Southern hospitality and food, she is constantly innovating new recipes to please the most discerning palate. Families and professionals have been turning to this Austin, Texas, chef to create food that is good for the body and soul. Wholesome food, attention to detail, and trustworthy service are the trademarks of Angelfood Catering Services.

Millie has dedicated fans of both her personal chef services and commercial catering:

“My husband and I always look forward to our special ‘Dinners with Millie.’ And for Holidays, her cherry pies are a special treat.” C. Wyndham

“Thank you for providing us with personal chef service. I am a paraplegic and cooking is not as safe a pastime for me anymore. With your service I am eating a healthier diet, I have less shopping to do (another hardship I face in a wheelchair), and the meals are delicious. The meals are also good for my son Greg. He has a healthy, tasty meal with just a few minutes microwave time. Looking forward to our next installment of meals!” I. Baluch

Millie prides herself on presenting her clients with the very best ingredients prepared in way that suits their lifestyle and needs. Call Angelfood Catering Services today to experience how delicious your next event can be!

July 12, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Cedar Ridge Events is Your Dream Venue!

It’s always been said that the location makes the event. That has never been truer than with events held at Cedar Ridge in Coldwater, Mississippi, just outside of Memphis, Tennessee. This sprawling 160-acre estate offers countless opportunities to host unique, elegant weddings and parties varying in size, location, and theme! Cedar Ridge offers outstanding accommodations for:

Weddings
Receptions
Rehearsal Dinners
Corporate Training Seminars
Family Reunions
Church Events
Staff Development
Ladies’ Luncheons
Bridal Showers
Baby Showers
“Girls’ Night Out”
Pool Parties
Birthday Celebrations

As you can see, owners Debbie and Jimmy Smith have successfully completed their life-long dream of having a wedding and party venue full of unique qualities where people could gather and celebrate life’s most important events with amazing weddings and parties! Nestled among regal Hickory and Oak Trees, this beautiful facility can host breathtaking ceremonies, indoors or out. Cedar Ridge features a fully-stocked pond, pool, beautiful pool house, and gardens where the Smiths have planted more than 40,000 bulbs.

Cedar Ridge is staffed to provide you with 5-star service at your event. No matter where you choose to hold your event on the estate, their service can make it a comfortable, memorable occasion! Attention to detail and a strong dedication to service ensures that every event at Cedar Ridge will be spectacular.

No matter if it is a small get-together or a lavish ceremony, each occasion is special to Cedar Ridge. They have worked tirelessly to create a an estate full of beauty and charm for beloved clients to celebrate in their favorite location!

July 9, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Preserve Your Bridal Bouquet With Timeless Moments

After months of wedding planning, everything seems to fly by in only a few minutes. With Timeless Moments, you can hold on to a special part of your wedding day–your bridal bouquet.

By preserving your bridal bouquet, the memories of walking down the aisle, seeing your future husband, and saying your vows can be cherished for a lifetime. Display your preserved bridal bouquet in your home as a work of art, or place it somewhere for safekeeping. Timeless Moments can help you preserve what is most important from your wedding day.

Timeless Moments of Broadview Heights, Ohio, uses a freeze drying technique to capture your bridal bouquet while it is at its best. Trained staff handle your bouquet with the up most care to ensure that your bouquet is returned to you looking just as it did they day you were married.

Timeless Moments offers a variety of displays for your bouquet to match any home. They strive to make the preservation process a personalization process by allowing you to take part in the custom preservation.

Timeless Moments also allows you to design jewelry made from your bridal bouquet. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can all be made from your preserved bridal bouquet using old world techniques to produce stunning jewelry. They can even make jewelry for men.

Make it yourself or give it as a gift to a newlywed, preserved bridal bouquet keepsakes are a touching reminder of the best day in someone’s life.

July 8, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

July Party Do’s and Don’ts- Kids Party

Children’s parties can be a bit tough, even for a well-seasoned party host. In this month’s blog we are going to explore the do’s and don’ts of children’s parties.

Do Plan Some Type Of Entertainment Or Play Activity

One thing I cannot stress enough is have an activity planned for the children. Even a simple game of pin the tail on the donkey is a good planned activity for a kids party. You may choose to hire cartoon characters or a magician as a way to entertain the children. You may even rent a big screen tv, so the children can play video games. Whatever you choose, the key is having some type of an activity or type of entertainment for the kids.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

You will need to have a few adults on the party scene to watch the kids. Don’t be afraid to ask other parents to help watch over them. Most parents will be glad to help out. You can reciprocate when they throw the next kids party.

Do Expect A Few Messes And Some Tears

Kids will be kids, and the younger ones will spill and make messes. Be prepared ahead of time to handle these situations. Here’s a hint: If you have the party at your home and you have lightly-colored carpet, don’t serve red punch (the tears shed may be your own). Plan you party so that any mess or spilled punch won’t matter. You can always do an outdoor party or rent the local community building for a day.

Do Have A Variety Of Food

Children can be picky eaters. Some may like pizza and others may not. To make a good party for the kids offer a variety of foods. Serve pizza and hot dogs, or chicken strips along with hamburgers. Don’t forget to include some snack-type foods like potato chips, Chex Party Mix, jelly beans. You can even put out different brands of cereal in paper cups. Don’t forget to throw in some veggies; the parents may want to nosh on them as their kids have fun.

The key to great kids parties is to plan ahead for any crisis, such as food issues, messes, and tears, and don’t forget planned activities. If you have these things covered your kids party will go well.

This kids party post is sponsored by Arlington, Virginia, caterers.

July 7, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

2010 AIFD Symposium: Great Design Speaks to Everyone!

While the American Institute of Floral Designers’ 2010 National Symposium was a florist’s dream, there were countless opportunities for wedding and party enthusiasts to pick up some fabulous ideas. After all, we’re all creative people who love a good soiree! The AIFD florists and planners seemed to have brought an unlimited supply of creativity to Boston. They used everything from hot glue drippings to chicken wire to great stunning works that would be welcome in any wedding or party. Flowers were certainly taken to the ‘next level’ at this year’s event!

The amazing team of volunteers and featured designers worked for hours upon hours in a secret work room that we were lucky enough to get to visit. Inside, dozens of designers were hunched over tables, sitting in the floor, and standing on chairs to put the final touches on that day’s arrangements to be featured onstage and during the symposium’s extravagant meals.

No detail was overlooked. Even as I was exiting the symposium, I noticed someone had meticulously glued tiny flowers onto the glass railing leading back to the elevator. The coffee station even had its very own display! This was truly the time for these talented designers to shine–and boy did they ever.

Rows of designs lined the hallways leading to the ballrooms where the presentations and meals were held. People walked slowly to the next event, taking time to get one more photo of a design or to observe a designer’s handiwork. The vast arrangements made it difficult to focus during meals, because there was so much to see!

This year, florists made it a point to use what they had. Sure, they had dozens and dozens of spectacular flowers at their disposal, but the majority chose humble materials, such as cardboard and wire, to construct their visions. It was a tribute to both their creativity and the desire to focus not on how much an arrangement cost, but to create something beautiful and touching.

Many of the presenters’ inspirations were something close to their hearts. A holiday memory or a dear friend lead the way to designs that evoked feelings, as well as oohs and ahhs. Like many professional artists, it was clear that this was how they “spoke.” Each told a story through their work.

Even as a non-florist, there were plenty of take-aways to be had at the symposium. Simply being among so many dedicated and talented designers made me think in new ways and see flowers and their possibilities in a new light. There is a reason why flowers appear during life’s most important events, and these florists continue to honor that tradition with a deep devotion and love of their craft.

This symposium taught me that what florists do on a daily basis goes far beyond arranging flowers. Bringing a florist’s work into a wedding or event is bringing something beautiful and powerful into the atmosphere of your occasion. As with all great design, floral design is about communication. It’s about sharing an idea, and most importantly, it’s about reaching out to someone in a meaninful way.

July 7, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

Texas Cafeteria: Keeping the Plate Lunch Alive!

Family-owned and operated Texas Cafeteria has been serving great meals for more than 40 years. Their plate lunches are famous among Houston, Texas, locals who enjoy simple, good food served the way their grandmother did years ago. Texas Cafeteria serves great meals throughout the day and can cater a variety of events.

Breakfast

What better way to start the day than with a savory, hot breakfast? Eggs, bacon, and toast with a steaming hot cup of coffee is the perfect beginning to any day of the week. If you prefer a short stack of pancakes or steak and eggs, Texas Cafeteria can start you off on the right foot for an excellent day!

Lunch

Plate lunches by Texas Cafeteria are the best in Houston, Texas! Countless professionals spend their lunch break to sit down and enjoy an old-fashioned plate of Southern cooking. New delicious specials are available daily to keep devoted customers satisfied. And with so many choices every day, there is someone for everyone to enjoy! Meat cooked to perfection, coupled with fresh, seasonal veggies purchased at market, and paired with rich gravies and sauces, keep loyal fans coming back daily.

Catering Services

The friendly staff at Texas Cafteria can acommodate parites up to 200 in the unique Texas Cafeteria Banquet Hall and up to 500 at a custom location. With their exceptional catering services, you can have home-style cooking at your next event with no hassel on your part!