What are Pomettes?

My new favorite thing??? Paper Pomettes

I love pom poms...but I also love Pomettes! They are the perfect accessory to any anthropologie/bohemian wedding. I also love them for bridal and baby showers, children's parties...everything!

You can use them in combination with paper lanterns, pennants, bulb lights...anything really. They come in any color and can really make a "wow" for a very small amount.

Be watching...we have them coming up in some weddings :)

picture:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/gallery/ibb/erineverafter/ibb-1301061121.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/03/25/hawaii-destination-wedding-by-sarah-rhoads-photographers/&usg=__1kNifAZ0K7vEE3ueOX8FNJPKHX4=&h=908&w=600&sz=154&hl=en&start=147&zoom=1&tbnid=mBeZP-GZriBPkM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=83&ei=EkcnTovFEsXc0QGYhrGzCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dlarge%2Bpaper%2Bpomettes%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D709%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=539&page=6&ndsp=29&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:147&tx=23&ty=81&biw=1280&bih=709

AND

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://soletthemeatcake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/anthropologie-wedding4.jpg%3Fw%3D640%26h%3D426&imgrefurl=http://soletthemeatcake.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/anticipating-anthropologie/&usg=__8_m7oSTkZRV0gipYigxDZTd1zEY=&h=426&w=640&sz=39&hl=en&start=162&zoom=1&tbnid=f0Apq1J5opynDM:&tbnh=160&tbnw=213&ei=1UcnTsmGEeTN0AHL5LzbCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Danthropologie%2Bbohemian%2Bwedding%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=361&vpy=281&dur=370&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=191&ty=97&page=10&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:162&biw=1280&bih=666

AND

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/78117/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=78117&STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&Style=Vintage&Wedding%20Details=Reception%20Decor&pageindex=3

Tips on planning a Bridal Shower

Kitchen Shower-

Fiesta Shower

Traditional Bridal Shower Brunch

I know it can be a struggle planning a bridal shower...so here's some tips:

1. Decide a budget- get a guest list from the bride, number of hosts and amount you'd like to spend per person. This is crucial! Having 11 hosts and each giving $100 really makes a great party budget, but if there are only 4 hosts: you'll either need to keep the guest list small or pay a lot per host. This will determine whether it is catered or everybody brings a dish; or if it is at a pricey restaurant or at a hostess' home...etc.

2. Get a distinct style first- A theme really helps the planning process. It lets all the hosts know what to expect, the kind of menu needed, attire...everything. You can come up with a style that represents the couple, or use a similar style to the wedding to coordinate..need some help? Here are some examples:

traditional springtime brunch

couples BBQ

intimate luncheon at a favorite restaurant

Want out-of-the-box? You could do:

a mexican fiesta- margaritas and a taco bar really say fun and relaxing. This would be a great couple's shower or a fun girls night too

spa day -mimosas and manicures for example or even massages if you are feeling luxury! This can be done at a personal home or at a favorite salon

a cooking class with a chef- he'll provide the food and cooking tips and you can shower the bride-to-be with kitchen essentials

a wine tasting- you could have a local wine connoisseur explain different wines- you could provide dips and shower the couple with all their bar needs

a recipe shower- have all the hosts make a favorite item and have all the guests bring kitchen necessities and attach their favorite recipe card...at the end of the night: collect them all to make a keepsake recipe book

3. Make an impact with paper- You can coordinate all the paper products (including invitations, buffet labels, water bottle labels...everything). To keep cost down: check out etsy.com and search "printable party packages" and you'll come up with plenty of options and well within any budget

4. Provide a favor...if you can- For a kitchen shower, for example, you could give all the guests a group of measuring cups with a tag attaching thanking them for celebrating with the bride. You could buy them at the dollar store and make an amazing impression with under $20!

Happy Planning!

Pics from:

Signature Occasions

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJnaxbdeibeAtPjxMmq8pbOpRQKsGjzfHiuscbqAd2zHFdvgQE5yGWLX_NAB8CbZZOEXPAOoGVnRr4QUcWi2NBqIO37BVtbd-uWS-I47_julbD-pXbDMGEjDw0AESUtz0DXXyo0aYdazT/s1600/image_845_500_340.jpg&imgrefurl=http://azinaugust.blogspot.com/2010/05/bridal-shower-kitchen-edition.html&usg=__pQL4W32HVKOvTyT7a_zlCKiJ8a4=&h=340&w=496&sz=45&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=jyj-UvdOwX1GSM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=192&ei=BtglToLWHsLZ0QGogoniCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkitchen%2Bbridal%2Bshower%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=396&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=89&ty=64&biw=1280&bih=666

and

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/21913996_qfJcJknn_c.jpg&imgrefurl=http://pinterest.com/pin/21980288/&usg=__8xWxsrjfoeR8AA2Nv_H75XadK2Q=&h=814&w=553&sz=168&hl=en&start=82&zoom=1&tbnid=TUnzsm0AIV_zpM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=107&ei=S9glTtz5K8j10gGSo8H6Cg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfiesta%2Bbridal%2Bshower%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=652&page=6&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:82&tx=72&ty=34&biw=1280&bih=666

Rustic vs. Vintage Game

Instead of the traditional blog today...we are going to make a game out of it :)

We have so many brides wanting "vintage" and "rustic", but there are so many different versions. We thought we'd take this Friday to describe the different versions on vintage. A wedding can be a combination, but take a look at the pictures and see if you can see the differences in the styles:

Rustic- old wooden furniture, chalkboards, antique coke crates, rusted lanterns, wooden signs, burlap, twine, not as feminine as the others

Southern- means touches of cotton, mason jars, folding fans (can be in additional to the other styles)

Vintage-antique china, old scales, and vignettes, can be in combination with shabby chic

Shabby Chic- distressed white wooden furniture pieces, "garden"-like, faded floral prints, usually whites or pale colors

Anthropologie- Bohemian, mix of funky/modern and vintage, floral prints, and some "modern" aspects like a modern white frame of a vintage floral print fabric or a very traditional scroll mirrored that was painted a bright white

Game Time!! Here's some pics....can you tell the specific style?

Answers: anthropologie, rustic, rustic, vintage, traditional southern, shabby chic, southern rustic, anthropologie

I hope that helps!!

A typical planners timeline....

We love helping our brides and know some people struggle with understanding “what does a wedding planner do?” So….we took notes at one of recent weddings to show the list of tasks a planner does in a day.

Wednesday-

Pack the car with any last minute items: extra vases, emergency kit, tool kit, etc.

Thursday-

8am- leave for the site

Arrive at site to review and make any final adjustments to floorplan before delivery

Give rental company directions to venue

2^nd pick-up of rentals before actual delivery

Rental company arrives for setup

Oversee whole rental setup (make sure tent is set in right spot, ceremony chairs are in correct area, tables are in proper locations, custom lights are hung in proper spots)

6:30pm- arrive back at the hotel to get dinner and early to bed :)

Friday-

8am- Finalize welcome bags, add name tags to each bag, deliver to the front desk

Get flower delivery for rehearsal dinner and view florals for Saturday

Assemble flowers for rehearsal dinner

Deliver flowers and table assignments to rehearsal dinner; setup- to help the bride and groom's families

Drive back to hotel, get ready and head to the rehearsal

Do the rehearsal (greet and instruct musicians, review with minister, and organize wedding party)

Drive back to hotel

Assemble programs: fold, cut ribbon, make holes in each one, tie ribbons on each program

End at 9:30pm

Saturday-

9:30am- Leave the hotel for the reception site

Meet helpers to organize their to-do list – start them on setting up ceremony chairs

Start setting up alter/chuppah area (add draping, flowers)

Start putting out furniture to certain areas (also get other décor items)

Eat a quick lunch!

Organize helpers to start hanging lanterns, and finalize flowers

Finalize vignette areas, setup cocktail tables, cake tables, cakes arrive

Call catering company and give directions and get ETA for catering/bar

Put out beer, help fluff food tables, put out table arrangements, put on tablecloths

Photographer arrives, give him instructions and start putting on bouts

Bring the bride her bouquet and check on her status of being ready

Couple's first look- assist in handing off gifts for each other and getting them set

Caterers arrive – get beverages from bar on ice first thing

Assist photographer in some pics

help organize family and wedding party for pictures

Move cakes from inside to out and finalize cake tables

Finalize every last décor item, light candles, etc.

Make sure guest book and pens are out

Give ushers/groomsmen last minute explanation of duties (remind to hand out programs)

Start seating guests; instruct guests to take their seats

Get grandmother/mothers organized

Start seating grandmothers, followed by mothers, wedding party (cue the musicians the whole time)

Bride walks down the aisle

Take additional décor shots myself during ceremony to get all the shots before guests get to reception

Alert caterer that ceremony has begun

Direct wedding party away from reception area

Assist guests in reception area

Help photographer organize additional shots

Assist in signing the marriage license

Get the bride’s dress bustled

Cue the back they are about to be introduced

Lead the couple back to the reception for introductions

Open the buffet, insure all guests are being cared for, buffet is full

Get a plate for the couple to have a bite

Put the bouquets on the cake table

Get photographers, family and couple ready to cut the cake; cue the caterer to be ready to cut the cakes

Cut the cakes

Cue the band about to do dances (remind them songs, names, etc.)

Get the couple, family and photographers ready

First dances (wanted them at sunset)

Start gathering cake toppers, flutes, etc. to get safely back to the couple

Get photographers to take certain shots the couple requested

Hand out all checks to vendors

Make sure all the votives are lit

Assemble leave items (take wrappers off and assemble candles, sparklers have to be removed from boxes and individual wrapping)

Make sure the caterer has to-go food for the couple

Make sure their suitcases are in the leave vehicle

Make sure all food is out and full, guests are happy, cake is being replenished

Get additional shots of the couple and assist photographer in getting décor shots at night

Tell the bride and groom about to do garter/bouquet

Cue the band, get a chair for the garter

Do the garter and bouquet

Start gathering the “leave” items and lighter, tell the photographers

Make sure the leave vehicle is working, there and ready

Tell the band last song and then leave announcement

Announce Last song

Line up guests to leave, instruct them light their candles (leave item)

Pick up the remaining candles

Assist in caterers cleanup

Have leftover plates for the band (they decided not to break during the reception as planned)

Make sure rented items get returned

Put bride’s bouquet in water

Get all bouquet vases and vases that need to be returned to florist

Load up all items to be returned to the office

Give final instructions to the bride’s family where every item is

11:30pm- Get back in the car and head home….arrive home the next day J

Think it’s exhausting seeing it…it is as exhausting doing it. We do love it, but it sure is a lot of work. We do it because it is a passion and a gift…that makes our job less of a job and more joy!

How much does that extra wedding guest cost me?

A bride will get the ring, book a venue, and start picking vendors. After the initial decisions are made..they start to finalize that guest list and realize it's a lot more than they thought! It can happen so fast! Between the future in-laws, the couple's friends, lost relatives, co-workers...it adds up fast! Ever wonder how much those extra guests actually cost though?...Here's a look:

table $12 ($1.20 per each person)

tablecloth $22 ($2.20 per each person)

chairs $3 each

centerpiece $38 ($3.80 per person)

Food $22 + tip/service charge ($26.40 per person)

Alcohol - sodas $10 per person

Wedding cake $2.40 a slice

$49, but with tax...

$52.43 per person OR $104.86 per couple!!

(This is even a very inexpensive menu too...and doesn't include wedding attire, room rental, bouquets, band, photographer, rings, etc.)

It sure does make a bride re-think inviting those long-distance relatives or extra co-workers.

A bride shouldn't need to be introduced to guests...Wouldn't you want to only be surrounded by your closest family and friends that support you as a couple anyways?

The easiest way to cut a budget is to cut the guest list....keep that in mind :)

Happy Wedding!

Tissue paper poms!

Need some extra color or hanging items to a wedding or party, but short on budget...tissue paper poms are the perfect option!

Want to hang over a dance floor? Just rent poles and metal bases from a rental company and have then hang string from the different poles. Then just hang the poms.... viola- instant decor over the dance area

You could make smaller ones for decorative accents or hang from a chandelier.

You could even make them out of fabric to a very special touch! With a huge trend towards "homemade" and original items...these are perfect!

You could also use for a birthday party or wedding shower too!

You can order from etsy.com or even make yourself. Want to know how...check out the links below!:

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/tissue-paper-pom-poms-diy-wedding-decor/

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias

even a youtube video to show an actual step-by-step:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDAgjtScFpU

Vignettes

Instead of traditional centerpieces or one main table arrangement…there is a huge change to doing “vignettes”. It can be a great way for a photographer to shoot an extra special shot, it is the use of more furniture and household items, and it can be a great way to get amazing decor shots. It makes the wedding have more of a photo shoot element. Notice all the amazing pics on these fabulous blogs and websites? These vignettes allow each wedding to look as amazing as the published features!

Every notice that most featured weddings showcase not only vignettes, but decor shots?! It is a MUST that your photographer capture those. You may give them a list of certain family photos to take (don't miss Aunty Mary, or Granmommy, etc.) But be sure to express the importance of decor shots. Every bride works hard on the details and they should be showcased. Whether you ordered collegiate pom poms, monogrammed chocolates, taffy favors, or a custom lit monogram...make sure they are all captured in the photos afterwards.

Don’t know what a vignette is? Take a look below to see examples of amazing vignettes:

pic sources: greenweddingshoes.com, ohdarlingwedding.blospot.com, nineseventeeneleven.blogspot.com, ribbonsandrust.wordpress.com, celebrationsathomeblog.com