Simply stating...guests will love the sweet treats!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Yummy...Favors!
Thinking about what kind of favors to do? Think food! No one will leave behind something they can eat. Another alternative: have a dessert bar with to-go boxes. They can have dessert and take it home too!
Simply stating...guests will love the sweet treats!
Simply stating...guests will love the sweet treats!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
On a Budget?
Here are a few ideas on areas you can cut costs:
-have a Friday or Sunday wedding
-have an outdoor wedding, during the day
-use flowers that are in season
-multi-purpose flower arrangements
-offer an edible favor (it may not be cheaper initially but more guests will take them vs leaving them on the table for you to take home)
-give enough planning time (this way all the costs won't be knocking at your door at the same time)
-hire an event planner (they will know how to spend your budget wisely and/or negotiate)
Simply Stating...if your on a budget there are ways to tackle the expenses.
-have a Friday or Sunday wedding
-have an outdoor wedding, during the day
-use flowers that are in season
-multi-purpose flower arrangements
-offer an edible favor (it may not be cheaper initially but more guests will take them vs leaving them on the table for you to take home)
-give enough planning time (this way all the costs won't be knocking at your door at the same time)
-hire an event planner (they will know how to spend your budget wisely and/or negotiate)
Simply Stating...if your on a budget there are ways to tackle the expenses.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
We're Engaged! Now what?
Congrats on the new engagement! Once all the excitement settles down, what comes next?
Here's some guidance:
1) Please, please, please pick a date before you start searching! This will force you to be more decisive and sound more serious when you start talking to vendors. If you go to any bridal show, this will be first question out of every vendor's mouth (they need to know if they can even accommodate you).
2) Have an idea of how many guests you want to invite. This plays a large role in your budget. It can be the deciding factor on whether to shop for a $95 meal versus a $55 meal.
3) ALWAYS HAVE A BUDGET IN MIND. You do NOT want to overspend. It is not worth going into debt for one day. If you are not paying for this event, consider who is. There are plenty of suggestions on how much someone should spend on certain areas. If your curious, send me an email. Hiring an event planner will keep the budget a priority and may offer solutions for cutting costs or extra expenses that may come up.
Simply Stating...always be prepared!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Where To Put Those Wedding Cards?
Here are just a few ideas on what you can do on the gift table for those wedding cards.
There's the very popular and pretty way of using the birdcage:
save-on-crafts.com overstock.com
You could use the same idea but in a different shape:
onepassionplace.com lighthouseeventdecor.com
What if we match the colors of the wedding or replicate the cake?
thisnext.com weddingbycolor.com
Let's get crafty! So creative:
weddingwindow.com morgannhilldesigns.blogspot.com
I am loving this idea! A suitcase...what?! So vintage:
bubbyandbean.com http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/creative-card-box
Here are some other great ideas! Hat boxes, vases, tree stumps, etc:
weddingbycolor.com kiokreations.com
savvysugar.com weddingwindow.com
theperfectcardbox.com blog.bridalexpochicago.com\\
Simply Stating...there are so many ways to think out of the card box!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Garden Weddings 2013
I was interviewed today about what I think may be the 2013 wedding trends! I think the organic/garden/rustic theme will continue into the next year. Here's why:
-I think we have had several movie influences to renew this theme such as the newest Twilight and the Snow White inspired movies this year.
http://floresdelsol.blogspot.com/2011/11/twilight-wedding-flowers.html
-The dresses for 2013 will be more A-line and lacey. This has become more prevalent on the runways due to Kate Middleton's wedding dress and Bella's in the latest Twilight saga. This type of dress fits in perfectly for a garden wedding- feminine and whimsical!
http://www.firstqueen.net/2011/05/lace-wedding-dresses/
-The tables can be decorated with props such as jars, books, candles, fruit, etc. This can cut the cost of large floral centerpieces. Flowers can be added in small vases. Budget friendly florals could be flowers that are in season or from the garden.
http://sedonaweddingblog.com/tag/green/
http://imbueyouido.com/create-the-look/table-setting-inspiration-for-intimate-weddings.php
- More and more weddings are being held in one location. Renting a space outside may be cheaper to those who may be on a budget. Why not use the outside theme to your advantage?
http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/blog/wedding-advice-choosing-your-wedding-day-vision/20101221/555
- DIY will also be a theme because we are still in a budget-conscious economy and this is a smart way to cutting costs. It is very easy to have an organic/country/rustic wedding and incorporate these beautiful aspects into invites, programs, and decor.
http://3oclockwalk.blogspot.com/2010/04/wedding-rustic-invites.html
http://countrygirlwedding.tumblr.com/post/5426413362/diy-rustic-invitations
Check out my board on Pinterest to get even more inspired! http://pinterest.com/simplyazure/garden-weddings-2013/
Simply Stating...Think Country Chic, Rustic Romance, or Rugged Fantasy for 2013!
-I think we have had several movie influences to renew this theme such as the newest Twilight and the Snow White inspired movies this year.
http://floresdelsol.blogspot.com/2011/11/twilight-wedding-flowers.html
-The dresses for 2013 will be more A-line and lacey. This has become more prevalent on the runways due to Kate Middleton's wedding dress and Bella's in the latest Twilight saga. This type of dress fits in perfectly for a garden wedding- feminine and whimsical!
http://www.firstqueen.net/2011/05/lace-wedding-dresses/
-The tables can be decorated with props such as jars, books, candles, fruit, etc. This can cut the cost of large floral centerpieces. Flowers can be added in small vases. Budget friendly florals could be flowers that are in season or from the garden.
http://sedonaweddingblog.com/tag/green/
http://imbueyouido.com/create-the-look/table-setting-inspiration-for-intimate-weddings.php
- More and more weddings are being held in one location. Renting a space outside may be cheaper to those who may be on a budget. Why not use the outside theme to your advantage?
http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/blog/wedding-advice-choosing-your-wedding-day-vision/20101221/555
- DIY will also be a theme because we are still in a budget-conscious economy and this is a smart way to cutting costs. It is very easy to have an organic/country/rustic wedding and incorporate these beautiful aspects into invites, programs, and decor.
http://3oclockwalk.blogspot.com/2010/04/wedding-rustic-invites.html
http://countrygirlwedding.tumblr.com/post/5426413362/diy-rustic-invitations
Check out my board on Pinterest to get even more inspired! http://pinterest.com/simplyazure/garden-weddings-2013/
Simply Stating...Think Country Chic, Rustic Romance, or Rugged Fantasy for 2013!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
When should we send out the invitations?
The timing of all the invitations can get confusing: When do we send the invites? What comes first the bridal shower or wedding invites? When do we send out a save-the-date?
So here is some basic information to follow before placing a stamp on that envelope:
-Save-the-dates should go out between the 6-9 month period.
-Invitations should be ordered 6 months before the wedding. It does take time to create and produce the invitations, so plan ahead!
-The reply cut-off date for the wedding should be at least two weeks before the actual date. I would even suggest before that! You will always have those that will forget and will call after the RSVP date. Usually the reception site will need to know the final count one week beforehand. I would plan to have the RSVP date 3-4 weeks before.
-The send date for invites should be 6-8 weeks before the RSVP date for in-state guests and 10-12 weeks for those who are out of state.
-If you are having a bridal shower, be sure to send those invitations before the actual wedding invites. Guests may get confused or feel overwhelmed by the events. Remember that most guests will bring a gift to the bridal shower and the wedding - make sure to respect that and have time in between the events.
Simply Stating...don't rush the delivery, stay grounded and mail on time!
So here is some basic information to follow before placing a stamp on that envelope:
-Save-the-dates should go out between the 6-9 month period.
-Invitations should be ordered 6 months before the wedding. It does take time to create and produce the invitations, so plan ahead!
-The reply cut-off date for the wedding should be at least two weeks before the actual date. I would even suggest before that! You will always have those that will forget and will call after the RSVP date. Usually the reception site will need to know the final count one week beforehand. I would plan to have the RSVP date 3-4 weeks before.
-The send date for invites should be 6-8 weeks before the RSVP date for in-state guests and 10-12 weeks for those who are out of state.
-If you are having a bridal shower, be sure to send those invitations before the actual wedding invites. Guests may get confused or feel overwhelmed by the events. Remember that most guests will bring a gift to the bridal shower and the wedding - make sure to respect that and have time in between the events.
Simply Stating...don't rush the delivery, stay grounded and mail on time!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Simply Azure Getting Personal
It's been awhile since my last blog...
The last month brought some good things and some I wish hadn't had to happen, but both have helped me realize how crucial it is to find the things that are important to you and cherish them. It's very important to be happy and to appreciate things everyday. I have recently shared the joys of hiring a wedding planner by promoting my business, found that I love to help people get on a great skincare regimen, witnessed how family and friends came together to support a family where a bond had been tragically broken, grew an even stronger love for my boyfriend, and found a great appreciation for my family who were there to support and help me through all of these events.
I am very lucky to be able to realize the things I have and to be grateful for them. I hope that you are able to as well!
Simply Stating...take the time to cherish the important things in your life.
The last month brought some good things and some I wish hadn't had to happen, but both have helped me realize how crucial it is to find the things that are important to you and cherish them. It's very important to be happy and to appreciate things everyday. I have recently shared the joys of hiring a wedding planner by promoting my business, found that I love to help people get on a great skincare regimen, witnessed how family and friends came together to support a family where a bond had been tragically broken, grew an even stronger love for my boyfriend, and found a great appreciation for my family who were there to support and help me through all of these events.
I am very lucky to be able to realize the things I have and to be grateful for them. I hope that you are able to as well!
Simply Stating...take the time to cherish the important things in your life.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Welcome the Out-of-Towners!
I think great touches to a wedding/event are welcome gifts for those out-of-towners who have traveled so far to enjoy this special day with you. A welcome gift could be anything that may represent you, the city you're from, or can be just full of necessities that they might need along the way. I think making a basket or gift bag and then placing it in the hotel room before they arrive is a nice surprise!
Examples:
-gift cards to local restaurants or cafes
-water bottles
-parking passes for the parking garage in the city where the wedding is
-favorite cookies and candies
-picture of the couple or guest of honor
-fruit
-tickets to the zoo, museum, or movie theater where the couple had their first date
-flip flops and sunglasses for a beach wedding
The list can go on and on, however, never forget to add a little thank you note too!
pic taken from devotiontodetail.com
Simply Stating...make the out-of-towners feel appreciated for traveling so far.
Examples:
-gift cards to local restaurants or cafes
-water bottles
-parking passes for the parking garage in the city where the wedding is
-favorite cookies and candies
-picture of the couple or guest of honor
-fruit
-tickets to the zoo, museum, or movie theater where the couple had their first date
-flip flops and sunglasses for a beach wedding
The list can go on and on, however, never forget to add a little thank you note too!
pic taken from devotiontodetail.com
Simply Stating...make the out-of-towners feel appreciated for traveling so far.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Do you tip your vendors?
Absolutely! There are several vendors that it might be optional on but overall you want to be educated on what is the proper way to tip, which vendors are optional, and how much to tip. Theknot.com offers a great cheat sheet to have handy during any event: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx?MsdVisit=1.
Be sure to check it out!
Simply Stating...give a thank you to those that helped make your event great!
Be sure to check it out!
Simply Stating...give a thank you to those that helped make your event great!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)