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Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog - Page 251
  • Wedding Flowers: From Palette to Petals
  • What Kind of Autumn Gathering Would You Attend?
  • What Decade Matches Your Wedding Style?
  • All in The Details
  • What Kind of Party Host Are You?
  • Wedding Styles for Different Venues
  • What's Your Signature Wedding Cocktail?
  • Celebrating Milestone Birthdays

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5 Things You Need To Know About Ice Sculptures

I have always found ice sculptures fascinating. Actually, I find any mundane object used by an artist to create a work of art fascinating. But, ice sculptures add an extra element to the equation. After all, ice melts and breaks; so ice sculptures must be delicate and short lived. At least that is the first thought that comes to my mind when I think of ice sculptures. But is ice really delicate? Or is it a strong and durable material perfect for artistic manipulation resulting in an awesome display of beauty.

To learn about ice sculptures I turned to an amazing an artist of Ice Sculptures in Watford Ontario. Rich at Festive Ice Sculptures & The Chocolate Fountain Company was gracious enough to explain some of the myths and facts concerning ice sculptures.

5 Most Common Thoughts or Misconceptions Regarding Ice Designs

#1 I can't afford an ICE SCULPTURE. The first time anyone lay's their eyes upon an ice design at a function, the shear size and sparkling Continue reading "5 Things You Need To Know About Ice Sculptures" »

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Hollywood Party Theme: Golden Globe Awards

I’m always looking for an excuse to throw a party. For 2009, I decided that the Golden Globe Awards was a great adult party theme to kick off the New Year. I’ve put together some great ideas to make your Golden Globes Party fun and creative without breaking the bank.

First, you can’t have a Golden Globes party without a red carpet. Run down to you’re local store in search for an inexpensive red carpet. If you can’t find one there, you can certainly make your own. A few yards of inexpensive red fabric will do the trick.

Games are always a great idea for any kind of party. Before guests arrive, prepare a list of the Golden Globe nominations on elegant paper in a fancy font. The guests can use this list to select who they think will win each category. Before the awards ceremony starts have everyone turn in their ballot and who ever has the most correct after the show receives their very own golden globe. You can pick up a fake Golden Globe at a local party supplies store or order online. If your budget allows, you could send everyone home with a mini Golden Globe as party favors.

Planning a dinner?

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21st Birthday Party Ideas- Champagne Fountain

21st birthday parties are a pretty big deal! I had been thinking of throwing a party for a family member who is about to turn 21, but didn’t want to do the standard “bar scene”, which most party ideas consist of. She is pretty classy and has a variety of great friends, so I decided I would throw a party for her at a local venue that could accommodate several guests. For the party, I wanted to do something original and creative to the serve the traditional alcoholic beverage, but I didn't want to go way over my limited budget. A champagne fountain was the answer to my wishes.

Champagne fountains are a beautiful, innovative way to serve drinks without having to hire a wait staff or a bartender. She loved it, as did her guests! Even if I had decided to Continue reading "21st Birthday Party Ideas- Champagne Fountain" »

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Watch Wedding and Party Network On "The Balancing Act"

Wedding and Party Network recently appeared on Lifetime Television's "The Balancing Act." Miss the original airing? Even those of us who couldn't swing the early morning showtime can still watch WPN's segment.

I love entertaining through parties, dinners, game nights and almost any excuse I can think of for having people around. It's an exciting time to develop a bond with your closest friends. My sister is similar but loves wedding planning. Between the two of us, we can spend hours on the Internet planning our events. Thankfully for us, we no longer have to! I remember when I first met Loranne Atwill, vice president of operations for WPN, and was given a quick list of the benefits of a directory of vendors for wedding and party planning. I thought to myself, "That saves so much time!" It wasn't until my next game night that I realized just how much the directory helps.

Today everyone else has a chance to get excited about throwing a party or planning a wedding. Loranne sat down with Danielle Knox of "The Balancing Act" for a few moments to discuss the many benefits of using Wedding and Party Network when planning your special event. You've already heard my favorite benefit–"it saves time"–but now get more information about how Wedding and Party Network works for you straight from Loranne herself!

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Tropical Wedding Party Decorations

Looking for wedding decoration ideas that are considered outside the box? Consider a tropical wedding theme even if you live in the mid west. Tropical wedding party decorations can be used anytime of the year. But for winter brides, they offer unique wedding decoration ideas that remove the formality of traditional winter weddings.  Tropical wedding decorations include, but are not limited, to grass skirt material, tiki torches, and tropical plants and flowers.

Bird of Paradise plants lining the aisle next to the church pews or row seating are a great way to add  Continue reading "Tropical Wedding Party Decorations" »

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Wedding Showers Etiquette For Traveling Bride

Ask The Wedding Guide: I live in Florida but my family and wedding shower will be in New York. Because it will be so difficult to fly with our gifts I dont' know how to let my guests know what to give. I have thought about having a gift card shower? Is that common? How do you politely tell your guests in the invitation? Or do you have any other solutions?

Thanks for your help! Anna

Reply:
Anna,

You do have quite the dilemma but breaking a wedding etiquette rule is not a good idea. Wish lists or gift buying instructions are not by etiquette standards permitted on the invitations. Traditional Continue reading "Wedding Showers Etiquette For Traveling Bride" »

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Alternative Ideas For Wedding Location and Catering

Ask The Celebration Advisor: We're getting married this fall and would love to consider an alternative location before entering into a contract with our first choice. Does anyone have suggestions for outdoor or unique venues? Our main concern is the cost of catering in a typical hall, hotel ballroom, etc. and want to be able to reduce or eliminate the catering bill and buy and provide our own food. Lola

The Celebration Advisor: Lola, you really have two separate issues at hand. One – wedding location venue. Two – Budget friendly catering.

Let's discuss wedding location venues. With outdoor weddings, venues can run the gamut from a backyard to a state park to a national landmark to an open outdoor area. The key to finding these unique locations is to think about outdoor venues you enjoy.

Outdoor Venues
State Parks
This past summer my cousin's son wedding took place in our local state park. The park's amphitheater was the perfect setting for a wedding. Many state parks allow weddings and often have buildings that can be rented for the wedding reception. Since the state parks only furnish the building and grounds, they leave the catering up to you. Some cities have fantastic city parks ideal for weddings.

Backyards
Another great outdoor venue is someone's backyard. In the fall of 2007, I attended a wedding held in a backyard. The backyard did not belong to the bride or her family nor the groom or his family. Instead a family friend of the bride offered her yard as the wedding venue. Using the backyard of a family member or a family friend can add a sentimental touch to the celebration and give you many options for the reception.

Botanical Gardens
I have seen weddings taking place at botanical gardens. Botanical garden and arboretums have large grassy areas that can accommodate weddings. Like state parks, gardens are ideal places for outdoor weddings.

Unique Wedding Venues
Historical Buildings
In my town we have a historical courthouse that can be rented for weddings. Many historical building foundations supplement their expense by renting there facilities out for events like weddings. The Frank Lloyd house Taliesin West in Scotsdale Arizona rents its grounds for small events. So if you have any historical buildings in your town check them out.  They might be just what you are looking for.

Bed & Breaksfast
Bed & breakfasts are another unique place to host your wedding and reception. Sometimes you can get a wedding package that includes catering and a honeymoon night stay.

Those are just a few of the many wedding location options available. Your best bet would be to look around your town and see if there is a place you think would make a good wedding location. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Affordable catering
Although you think cooking the food for your wedding will save you money, in the long run it probably won't be worth the time and hassle. You can have your cake (and a lot of other foods) and eat it too. Catering doesn't have to blow your budget. Many caterers have different levels of service with different prices ranges. The food at your reception doesn't have to be the traditional fish or chicken served dish. In fact, you don't have to have a sit down dinner with waiters at your reception. Buffet style food is an affordable catering alternative.

Another budget saving idea is timing your wedding so a "meal" is needed. Instead have your wedding in the afternoon and serve light finger foods or hors d'oeuvres. The wedding I attended in the backyard was held in the afternoon and the food consisted of chocolate covered strawberries, cheese straws, cucumber sandwiches, a wonderful vegetable platter, a delightful punch and champagne. Oh and of course a wedding cake and a grooms cake. By having the wedding in the afternoon, the need for a heavy dinner was eliminated.

Of course the wedding reception will need to match the formality of the wedding ceremony. Keep in mind a less formal wedding can have a less formal wedding reception. The affordable alternatives for wedding reception foods increases with the informality of the reception. The way to get the best bang for your wedding reception food buck is to discuss all the catering options available with the caterers you interview. I'm sure they will have an options that will suit your needs and budget.

Congratulations and I hope this information will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams.

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2009 Party Planning Guide

2009 Entertaining Calendar

Just as clothes, cars, and music change, so does the art of entertaining guests. Over the years, styles and fashions of many different types of parties may have changed, but the desire to host a fashionable and memorable event certainly has not. Guests will look forward to your seeing old and new friends in a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere.

Hosting monthly parties yourself or rotating hosting responsibilities through a group of friends is a great way to get together and have a great time. For 2009, the entertainers guide to hosting great parties is all about creativity. Below we have gathered some ideas to assist you in making a year of entertaining not only memorable for guests, but also effortless for the host.

New Years Disco Party

New Years Day

New Years Day party ideas are usually quite standard, but because there is no real theme to the New Year you can let your creativity and your imagination really flow. Decade theme parties are always a blast. This New Years Day party, host a 70's or 80's themed party fully embracing the theme through music and clothing. Guests dressed up in themed clothing help set the mood and provide much of the decoration for the event. Also, disc jockeys have a tremendous library of music to keep your decade-dressed guests dancing all night long.

Valentines Day

Romantic Music
Romance is in the air for the month of February. Entertaining for Valentines Day calls for a romantic dinner party for couples to come and enjoy good company and great food. Dinner parties are low key social get-togethers that allow all guests to really socialize over a gourmet meal and maybe enjoy some subtle entertainment such as a professional pianist resounding soothing romantic music. To assist the host in planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, a professional chef may be of service in presenting a fabulous meal to guests, which allows the host to entertain guests as they arrive.

St. Patrick's Day

Green leprechauns, though always appropriate, are a little bit cliché for St. Patrick's Day parties this year. 2009 calls for creative floral arrangements and imaginative food creations. With the help of a professional florist and caterer, a St. Patrick's Day party will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

First, arrange for a florist to create "all green" floral arrangements for the tables of the party venue. Whether a dinner party or cocktail party, these great St. Patrick’s Day arrangements will be the center of attention. Second, great food is the key to a great party. A professional caterer or chef can assist the party host in creating unique "green" dishes from appetizers to desserts. Each course will bring a new exciting layer to the St. Patrick's Day party.

Easter

Easter is the time of year when spring is in the air and new life is brought about by the new season. Easter parties such as teas or luncheons are very appropriate for the spiritual holiday. Delicious desserts paired with tasty teas suit the season as well as the theme of the party. Easter decorations are most exemplified by fresh flowers. Creative, edgy designs using pastel colors can bring a modern twist to an otherwise traditional arrangement. Simple table arrangements with modern tableware will add to the contemporary Easter theme of the party.

Cinco de Mayo

Nothing says "summer" like a sizzling Cinco de Mayo party. The yearly Cinco de Mayo party seems to be the unofficial release of summer. Fresh grilled pineapple shrimp and chicken paired with an assortment of mixed drinks will be sure to keep your guests entertained all night long. Spice things up at your Cinco de Mayo party with a professional mariachi band to entertain guests with festive music. With great grilled food and sensational live music, your Cinco de Mayo party will surely be a hit.

Independence Day

Catering Concepts Grilling For Parties
July 4th is the ultimate time for a backyard barbeque for family and friends. Get creative this year for Independence Day by hosting a barbeque contest. Invite guests over, grills in tote, to face off in the ultimate Independence Day cook off. Not only does the competition give purpose to the party, but also provides other guests with delicious food to munch on all day long.

Labor Day

Also a big grilling holiday, Labor Day parties signify the end of the summer season. Step up your classic outdoor party this year with a professional band to play live music as guests enjoy great food and good company. Create great memories for guests by hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of guests enjoying themselves. Combine the action shots with a fun photo album and you’ve got yourself a creative souvenir for all of your guests.

Halloween

Costume parties are always appropriate for this spooky holiday. However, 2009 brings a new spirit to the ghostly affair. This year, create a creepy haunted house atmosphere for your Halloween party with dim lighting, fake spider webs, antique décor, and several candles of all shapes and sizes. Candles filling a room with just enough light create such a spooky ambiance and a great setting for a Halloween party. Don’t have enough candles to create the look? Several party or wedding vendors carry candles to buy or even rent for one time use.

Thanksgiving

Tradition is tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nothing beats a Thanksgiving celebration like some good food and great company. Invite friends and family over to celebrate the fall season over a fabulous meal. To simplify the hosting duties, hire a caterer or a professional chef to do all the work. Utilizing professionals while hosting a party can relieve stress and allow the host to visit with guests instead of messing with hosting duties.

Christmas

Catered Christmas Party
Holiday parties can be as serious or as carefree as the host desires. Sit-down Christmas meals are always appropriate for a traditional get-together. However, with so many families having traditional sit-down dinners, friendly gatherings usually try to embrace a more relaxed side of Christmas. This year try hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, where all guests are required to wear a Christmas sweater that even their tacky great aunt would be ashamed to wear. Your guests will be laughing all night long.

As the years pass, so do the trends of entertaining. Just remember that classy and creative is always in style when it comes to entertaining guests. As a host, let your personality shine through in the atmosphere of the party and don't forget to use the professionals every now and then to ease the workload!

Contributor: Jordon Robinson

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Wedding Gowns With Color–The Hot New Trend In 2009

Colored Trains Look Gorgeous In Any Bustle
It may not be a completely new trend, but adding a splash of color to your wedding gown is definitely a hot, hot trend in 2009 weddings. No matter how you choose to do it, wedding dresses with color are A-list items this wedding season. Here are some examples of how you can stay with the in-style crowd this year.

* Add a colored sash around the waist of your wedding dress. These draw attention to the bodice of the gown while accentuating the train as it drapes down.

* Many wedding gown designers are creating elaborate wedding dresses with colored trains. These usually Continue reading "Wedding Gowns With Color–The Hot New Trend In 2009" »

Wedding Flowers: From Palette to Petals

Flowers set the stage for a wedding by adding color, texture, and personality to every detail. The right blooms complement your color palette and help create the mood, whether soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or fresh and modern. With thoughtful floral choices, your wedding can feel personal and beautifully reflective of your style!