Bridal Bouquet Alternatives

Who says bridesmaids have to carry bouquets of flowers?  There are so many other options that are just as striking, and a different option may even represent the theme and look of your wedding even better than flowers will.  The fun in creating your wedding is having unique, personalized elements to reflect your personal style.

Photos by:

Bridesmaid Pinwheels
Bridesmaids Brown Lanterns
Bridesmaids Fans
Pink Orchid Purse
Bridesmaids Gold Lanterns
Bridesmaids Corsages
Green Bridesmaids Purses
Bridesmaids Parasols

Wedding Candy!

Photos by:

Getmarried.com

Modern wedding invitations and stationery from The Inspired Note Invitation & Stationery Studio

YAY! More fun wedding invitations to show of from The Inspired Note Invitation and Stationery Studio!  We've gushed about them before and I can't wait to show you four more of my favorite colorful styles ranging from their save the dates to their fabulous wedding invitations.  

(As usual, just click on the picture to learn more about that particular invitation.)

The Inspired Note's colorful wedding invitations are awesome. They're pictured above in deep purple and green (my favorite) but they come in TONS of different colors.  This invite is sure to set the tone for your special day. 

This note is the perfect way to ask your very best girlfriends to share in your special day!

Besides shopping by other wedding stationery, can also shop by category. They have an entire collection of save the dates, custom bridesmaid invitation cards, photo booth cards, seating boards, welcome tags and more! The one picture above is my favorite with it's vibrant color scheme and the use of bold font and bright pink orchids. They also have photo thank you cards of which this one is one is my favorite.

Their black and white invitations would fit in so nicely with a black tie affair, these are seriously some of the coolest invitations I've seen yet.

Even if you don't have a clue what you would like as far as design concepts go, The Inspired Note Invitation & Stationery Studio will work with you and your visions to make sure the end product is just exactly right. For those of you who are a little more indecisive, they offer a service that provides mock-ups of different approaches based on what they've learned from your consultation.

Happy Planning!

Amy Lythgoe

Calm & Energetic: Mint & Cherry

I love this color combo to make a bright splash at a vintage fall wedding....Mint & Cherry!

Etsy Find: Creative Place Card Holders!

One of my favorite things to do is researching new and exciting products for weddings and special events and I came across the most amazing place card holders on etsy.com.  Jennifer at ReservedSeating  specializes in creating customizable place card holders perfect for any event.  Whether you are looking to add place card holders to your wedding reception, dinner party, or baby shower, she will work with you to create the perfect look.

These Ribbon Place Card Holder is handmade with wired double faced satin ribbon finished and accented with double faced satin ribbon.  Each place card holder is approximately 2 inches in height by 1.5 inches in width.  These beautiful place card holders are the perfect way to incorporate your events colors into the table decor!

All Photos Taken From:  ReservedSeating

Photos by:

ReservedSeating

Beautiful Wedding Chair Decor!

Wouldn't everyone agree that details are really what make an event special?  Adding a little something extra to the chairs at your celebration definitely qualifies....


Enjoy!

How To Avoid Rehearsal Dinner Planning Disasters

The rehearsal dinner is one of the last things most brides are thinking about as they plan their wedding, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways you can mess it up.

DISASTER 1:  Not sending out invitations for your rehearsal dinner.
Unless your rehearsal dinner guest list is just a handful of people (10 or less), you should send out some sort of invites.  Your guests will appreciate knowing where to be and when.
DISASTER 2:  Inviting some (but not all) out-of-town guests.
Traditionally, the rule of thumb for rehearsal dinners has been simply to invite the folks included in the actual wedding rehearsal.  But today, many couples choose to include all out of town guests as well.  No matter which way you go, it's a good idea to make a clear cut through your rehearsal dinner guest list - for example, inviting all or none of your out-of towners - to make sure no one gets offended.  If you are not inviting your out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to make sure they have something else to do.  Leave welcome bags with maps of the area and directions to your favorite restaurant in town (or your favorite take out place) so they feel taken care of when they arrive.

DISASTER 3:  Thinking you don't need any kind of itinerary.
Even though the rehearsal dinner is a more casual get together, you still want to have some kind of game plan. Designate a distinct time period for any toasts and decide who will be giving them.

DISASTER 4:  Assuming that your venue will provide the decor.
Although the amount of decorating you'll need to do depends on your venue, it's a good idea to do something to make our space feel special.  Sure, your rehearsal dinner won't require as much work as your reception, but a few extra candles or flowers can go a long way in upping the festive factor.

DISASTER 5:  Going too formal.
Don't upstage your main event.  Regardless of your wedding style, you don't need to go over the top with your rehearsal dinner.  If you are planning a super-formal reception, it might be a relief for everyone involved if the pre- and post-parties are a bit more low key.

For rehearsal dinner ideas and recommendations, please feel free to call Amy @ 561.577.6686 or email amy@fabulousplanner, at any time.

Happy Rehearsal Dinner Planning!
Amy Lythgoe

Reception Question: Escort Cards

Q:  "How do I alphabetize the seating cards for couples who don't share the same last name?  Under his name or hers?"  

A:  I am asked this question by every single bride that I work with and I would like to set the record strait on the proper etiquette on this great planning question:  The easiest solution is to provide a card for each guest.  That would certainly eliminate any difficult decisions.  However, this would mean you'd need almost twice the display space, which could pose a problem if your guest list is large.

A more space saving option:  Use a single seating card for each twosome and follow the form you used when addressing your invitations.  If the couple live together or are married, put the woman's name before the man's (and be sure to alphabetize by her last name).  If an established couple does not share an address, however, each should get an individual card, just as they received their own invitation.  If you sent an invitation with an "and Guest" notation, simply ask for the name of the person your friend is inviting before the wedding and make sure the date gets a separate seating card.  And no, it does not matter whether you are closer to one than the other; you should be consistent in how you alphabetize your cards (which means no playing favorites).

Last, don't worry about whether your guests will have trouble figuring out which name to look under; they'll spot the trend quickly enough once they look at the display.

Wedding Style Watch: HIP & ARTSY

A hip and artsy wedding style means you may be the couple who loves to accessorize, and you drool over pillows with funky designs and city lofts with exposed brick.  Bottom line:  You don't want your wedding to look too wedding-y.

Your Details
-- Let your venue set the tone for your unique wedding style.  Look into renting your favorite restaurant downtown or the atrium of your favorite art museum.

--  Choose an unexpected color palette.  A few ideas:  bright orange, steel gray and white; green and turquoise with pops of yellow; or eggplant and candy apple red.

-- Hire a live band for your cocktail hour and reception.

--  Come up with a statement-making decoration for the reception.  Maybe it's an oversized chalkboard banner with a meaningful movie quote and your names and wedding date.  it could also be a patterned fabric that you thread throughout - from the ceremony aisle to the table linens.

Watch Out For
With all of the fun, unique details, it can be tough to keep the style from looking messy and scattered.  Stick to a color palette of no more than 3 to 4 colors and come up with a design (like your initials, thumbprints, a colorful patterned fabric or even a favorite album cover) to keep the wedding day details looking cohesive.

Photo Credit: http://www.thegirlinthepinkweddingdress.com/

Amy Lythgoe
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings
www.fabulousplanner.com

10 Ways to Save Up To $250!

These days, everyone's looking for easy ways to cut their wedding costs.  Here are 10 great ways to trip your budget by $250.00 without even missing a thing.
1.  List ceremony and reception details on a single invitation rather than printing separate cards (RSVP, reception, etc).
2.  Turn your reply cards into postcards.  Print RSVP info one one side, the return address on the other.  You'll save money on return postage (28-cent vs. 44-cent stamps) and envelopes.

3.  Make an in-salon appointment for your wedding day rather than having a hair or makeup pro come to you.  House calls often cost extra.

4.  Rent a luxury sedan instead of hiring a limousine.  For the same price as booking a limo for a few hours, you'll have access to a swanky vehicle all day, or even longer.  Pay a driver to play chauffeur for the day;  just be sure the back seat is roomy enough for your dress.

5.  Have a relative or close friend get ordained to serve as your officiant if your having a non-denominational wedding.  Cover the ordination costs plus a fee and your covered.

6.  Have your cake displayed on a small 30" round table.  Your cake will be center stage and you won't have to spend additional money on another floral arrangement or other table decorations.
7.  Ask your florist to provide fresh flowers for your cake topper.  This will give your cake a romantic look - and many varieties of edible blooms (like roses) are very inexpensive.

8.  Create custom candy favors.  Wrap ribbon around cute favor boxes, then use a monogrammed sticker to tape ends into place.  Buy candy in bulk....and done!

9.  Make a donation to a charity instead of buying pricey favors.  Leave a handwritten note at each place setting informing guests of the gift.

10.  Make a simple purchase look special with embellishments.  For example, tie raffia around napkins rather than renting or purchasing napkin rings.


Happy Planning,
Amy Lythgoe
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings
www.fabulousplanner.com

Florist vs. Floral Designer: What's The Difference

The term "floral designer" may sound like a more pretentious way of saying florist.  But there are differences between the two designations.  A florist generally operates from a storefront, where he sells everyday arrangements in addition to special occasion flowers; a floral designer probably works out of a studio and focuses solely on events.  A florist can make a deliver centerpieces and bouquets, while a floral designer may become involved with lighting and helping you choose rental linens, furniture and other decorative pieces to create your reception's overall mood, in addition to crafting unique centerpieces and bouquets for the big day.

Photo Source:  http://lotushaus.typepad.com/lotushaus/globaflora/

Creative Escort Card Displays

My favorite escort card is one that is functional and doesn't get thrown away. Here are a few fabulous escort card displays that are not anything what your guests will be expecting.

Photos by: specialevents.com & www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog

- Amy Lythgoe
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings

Sparkler Reception Off's

We cant talk about an amazing end to a wonderful wedding day without talking about a sparkler send off.  Wedding sparklers can turn a typical wedding departure into an extraordinary moment that you and your guests will cherish forever.  This is such a simple and inexpensive way to add that extra flare to bring your wedding day to a close.

Photos by:

11 Things To Do At Your Wedding Rehearsal

Your wedding rehearsal is your last chance to cross all your T's and dot your I's as well as your first chance to enjoy your wedding.  Here's how!

1.  Transport Your Props - Make sure to bring with you your cake cutting set, toasting flutes, guest sign in book, unity candles, ring bearer pillow, etc. to pass off to your wedding planner.  If she has them the day before you can ensure they are set up and ready to go for your ceremony before you arrive for your wedding.

2.  Go Over Your Vows - Take some time at the altar to practice what you're going to say with your officiant.  Practicing in the actual space will feel more real and you'll get an idea of how much you'll need to project your voice.

3.  Find Your Holding Room -  At your ceremony space you will want to map out where you and your bridesmaids will wait, separate from the Groom and his groomsmen.  That way, you can get ready separately and stay hidden while guests are arriving.

4.  Get Your Ducks In A Row -  Decide in advance the order in which your wedding party will walk down the aisle.  Pay attention to the way the two sides match up if you're pairing your bridesmaids and groomsmen will walk down the aisle.

5.  Let The Officiant Do Their Job -  Your officiant will explain the ceremony order, where the bridal party will stand and when (and if) they can take their seats.

6.  Sit Out The Run-Through - Superstition says it's bad luck for the bride to practice the ceremony logistics with her husband-to-be before it's time.  Instead, have your maid of honor take your place while you follow along from a chair in the front row.

7.  Get The Party Started - Take the opportunity to catch up with loved ones in a not-too-hectic setting because come the wedding night, you'll most likely be pulled in too many directions to put in any real quality time with anyone.

8.  Open Up The Floor - This is the time for people to give toasts that will not be toasting to you on your wedding night.

9.  Put On A Show -  Walk your guests down memory lane with a photo slide show.

10.  Give Thanks - As dessert winds down, stand up and thank everyone for coming, highlighting the folks that made the dinner go smoothly.  Thank your wedding party, parents and soon-to-be-in-laws with a small and thoughtful gift.

11.  Issue Reminders - Double check that everyone in the wedding party knows exactly where to go for the next day, what they are supposed to bring and when they're expected to arrive.  Printed schedules aren't a bad idea!

By:  Amy Lythgoe, Lead Wedding Planner
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings

WedTown Manager, Rita Tatem, takes a look at some wedding guest pet peeves to be aware of when planning your big day.

You’ve heard it so many times that you really believe it - “It’s the bride’s day!”  But let’s face it - your guests are just that - guests - and there are some universal, unspoken wedding rules to keep in mind to keep your guests content. 

Big gaps of time
If your wedding ceremony is late morning or early afternoon and you are having an evening reception (say, cocktail hour starting at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm), you should definitely provide your guests with some ideas of what to do in between both events.  Once you have your ceremony and reception venues settled, you can check out what’s around those areas for activities on the day of your wedding.  This information can be provided in your invitations and on your wedding website.  For my wedding, we included brochures of area museums and activities that our out of town guests could check out in our welcome bags.  It was very well received and those who made a weekend out of coming to Boston really appreciated it.  Of course, you may just have friends and family who would rather just hang out at a local bar between events to get the party started early. 

Food
Your guests need to be treated well since they are there for you and that means no skimping on necessities.   For example, if your wedding budget is $30,000, $20,000 of it shouldn’t go right to your gown. Food is by far, the most important expenditure of your wedding.  In fact, 50% to 60% of your wedding budget should go toward the reception.  If you are planning a simple cocktail reception only, you should still plan on having food there for your guests.  No one wants their guests to be drinking for a few hours without any food.  Work with your venue to have a proper selection of hors dourest that fit within your budget.  If you are planning a cocktail hour with a dinner reception following, the amount of food is still crucial.  As long as you provide an accurate number of guests to your venue, they can suggest the types and quantities of food to fit your budget. 

No Alcohol
Whether you and the groom are non-drinkers or you think it would be best to skip offering alcohol to save costs, think again.  Your guests will be disgruntled the entire evening if they can’t enjoy a few drinks at a celebratory event.  If you are afraid of your wedding turning into a frat party because your friends like to enjoy drinks a little too much, just give your venue a heads up so they can make sure the bartenders can keep an eye out and know when to give the last drink to someone.  If the host of the wedding can afford it, you should absolutely have an open bar.  Those two little words are music to guests’ ears.  It’s just another gesture to make your guests feel appreciated and let’s face it, if you are having an adult dinner party at your house, you aren’t going to make your guests pay for drinks, are you?  If an open bar is not an option, a cash bar is a must.  But at the end of the day, the option of should definately be considered.
            
Music
Having relaxing dinner music is very nice.  But, once those plates are cleared, your band or DJ better be ready to switch the tunes.  Number 4 on the Guest Gripe list poor music selections for after dinner.  It’s called a reception for a reason.  People want to have the option to dance (and not just slow dances).  Work with your band or DJ to make sure there is music appropriate for all the age groups represented at your wedding. 

The Bouquet Toss
I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but who ever catches the bouquet does NOT get married next.  I have caught the bouquet many times in my younger years and I didn’t marry until much later. Keep in mind that the bouquet toss is optional.  I did, just for the photo op.  If you decide not to do a bouquet toss, people may not even notice.  It’s a tradition that isn’t used that much anymore.  And think about the last time you even saw a garter toss.  Grooms trying to be funny pulling a pair of granny panties out from under a bride’s dress has seen its day, and well, it’s just not that funny anymore.  If you decide to do a bouquet toss, PLEASE do not force anyone to participate.  Single girls who want to join will (there will be some that will literally jump at the chance).  After the age of 25 or 30, some guests may not want to be forced to the middle of the dance floor to have a “single” label on their forehead for the rest of the night. 

The First Dance
Some guests enjoy looking forward to the first dance (maybe your immediate family and the photographer).  But with so many slow dances that consist of the bride and groom merely swaying back and forth like a scene from a school dance from The Wonder Years, don’t be surprised if you see a few yawns on guests’ faces when you look at your wedding proofs.  Want your guests’ attention?  Choose a fun song and maybe get a few dance lessons in ahead of time.  My husband and I chose to do a tango, mostly to try and do something different and to keep our guests’ attention.  It ended up being hilarious since we both kept tripping on my dress, but it made for a room full of laughter for a few minutes and that was priceless.

With all these points, it’s important to treat your guests like you would want to be treated — and everyone will have a great time!

Source:  http://www.wedthemagazine.com/wedblog/2011/3/23/wedding-guest-gripes-guest-blog-by-wedtown-rita.html

5 Fabulous Custom Cake Toppers

Here are 5 cake toppers we are loving right now, all are within your reach found on www.etsy.com



Why not have a cake topper made in your likeness?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/manisculpts?ref=seller_info


Calla Lilies are such elegant, modern flowers. Here they are in gumpaste/fondant ready to put on your wedding cake or birthday cake. These are perfect for anyone that loves calla lilies and they are available in any color you wish.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetpetalbakery?ref=seller_info


Custom Robert Indiana replica cake topper available in any color.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueButterflyDesign?ref=seller_info


Every petal and leaf on this creation is sculpted and placed by hand. Each cake topper is a one of a kind, original work of art.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPixiePie?ref=seller_info


All the seashells and sea life you might have found on that lazy afternoon wandering down the beach - ready to adorn your wedding cake. It's topped off by a lovely, dancing sugar starfish celebrating your special day!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShellScapes?ref=seller_info

ENJOY......

Mixing The Shapes

Who says you have to pick one table type and stick to it?  It's common for guests to sit at rounds, while the bridal party is on display at a rectangular table.  You can opt to have banquet tables, rounds or squares for your guest seating too.

PROS -
*  The mixed look instantly adds texture to your space and doesn't increase costs much, if at all.
*  You don't need to assign seating: guests can choose tables that work best for their group - a couple who doesn't know anyone else can go for a small round and your coworkers can sit at a large table.
*  If your venue is small but your guest list is large, a custom seating plan is the way to go.  You can fit small tables into nooks or corners and line long walls with banquet tables.

CONS -
*  Unless you have a great eye, you'll probably need to enlist a pro to help with the floor plan so the reception looks stylish, not messy.
*  If you offer small tables that seat four or fewer people, you may need to hire more servers or choose to have food stations or a buffet.
*  The more kinds of tables and linens you have to rent, the more likely it is that there will be a mistake or miscommunication.

13 Creative Ways To Use Your Engagement Photos

As a wedding planner I see so many beautiful engagement photo session photos and I always wonder why Brides don't take full advantage of having those fabulous photos and opt to use them throughout their wedding.  Here are some creative things I love to see done with engagement photos.

1. Save The Dates

Photo:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/57680860/photo-save-the-date
By Ivey Shelton @ The Inspired Note - www.theinspirednote.com

2. Guest Table Numbers

Photo:  www.stlwed.com

3. Wedding Website

Photo:  http://www.weddingrockstars.com/tag/wedding-website/

4.  Envelope Seals

www.magnetstreet.com

5. Frame an engagement photo as art near your gift table or entrance to your reception.

Photo:  www.elizabethannedesigns.com

6. Custom Candy Wrappers

Photo:  http://designed-n-wrapped.com/11.html

7.  Custom Candy

Photo:  www.candyweddingfavors.org

8. Custom Water or Wine Bottle Labels

Photo:  www.personalwine.com

9. Wedding Reception Slideshow

Photo:  www.lusterstudios.com

10. Canvas Prints For Your Home

Photo:  By Tonya Laker @ Palm Beach Photography, Inc - www.palmbeachphotography.net

11. Custom Photo Guest Sign In Book

Photo:  www.charlottegeary.com

12.  Custom Wedding Invitation Stamps

Photo:  http://www.zazzle.com

13. Frame and mat an engagement photo so your guests can sign it.

Photo: http://www.weddingbedazzle.com

Article By Amy Lythgoe, Absolutely Fabulous Weddings

Professional Advice: Finding Your Reception Site

Picking your reception venue is one of the most important wedding decisions you will be making.  The venue you settle on helps to determine most of your later choices, from the food to the flowers to your dress.

1.  Know Your Numbers.  - Before you start your search, set your preliminary budget and guest list.  If your families will be helping financially, ask how much they would like to contribute.  This knowledge will help you determine which venues are in your size and price range.

2.  Consider Your Wedding Style. - Hotels, country clubs and banquet halls are common choices because they are streamlines and most often include tables, chairs and standard linens.  Also consider a home, beach, museum or a boat.  Contact us for a comprehensive list of fabulous reception venues here in South Florida.

3.  Get The Details. - Once you've found a few potential venues, determine which of the sites will ensure your wedding flows perfectly.  The biggest mistake brides make is booking a venue that is too small.  Make sure every space, even the dance floor and the cocktail area, is big enough for your maximum guest list.  Your dining space should be 12 feet per guest, minimum, and the dance floor at least 3 feet per guest.

4.  Ask About Restrictions. - Inquire about potential venue rules.  Some venues require you work with certain vendors.  This could be convenient, since you won't have to spend lots of time shopping for vendors but this also has a down side.  A few important questions to ask are as follows:
a.  Are there noise regulations for music?
b.  How many hours are included in the rental fee?
c.  What are the charges for overtime?
d.  How many other wedding are booked there that day?
e.  What time will your designer be given access to the space in order to set up?
If any negotiations are to be made, the time to do it is before you sign the contract, not after.  Don't depend on verbal agreements, get everything in writing.

5.  Examine The Contract.  - Don't sign anything on the spot.  Take the agreement home and read all the fine print.  Calculate the extra costs for insurance, staff, service fees, gratuities, cake cutting, corkage, trash removal, etc.  You can try to negotiate those hidden costs, go with another location or move forward regardless of the charges.  What is important is that the bill won't surprise you later. 

For more information about planning your wedding please call Amy at (561) 577-6686!

Happy Planning!

The 10 Most Common Wedding Planning Mistakes

Read on to find out the 10 most common mistakes brides make while planning their weddings...

1.  "Hiring" a friend instead of a pro.  Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of your wedding needs.  Besides, don't you want your friends and family to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?

2.  Don't speed through your photos.  Squeezing your photos into the first half hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease.  If you don't want to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately so that the only shots left for you to take after the ceremony include the both of you.

3.  Don't be the last one in the stylists chair.  Why?  As busy as the dressing room will get you don't want your stylist have to rush through your hair and makeup to ensure your ceremony starts on time.  It's not such a big deal if a bridesmaid needs to switch to a less complicated hairstyle if they are pressed for time. 

4.  Don't tell everyone your wedding plans.  I know it's hard not to talk about your wedding but the more you share the more opinions you are going to get and plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them.  If everyone knows you will be changing into another dress then no one will be as impressed when you do.

5.  Pick your attendants carefully.  Bridesmaids and groomsmen should be closest friends a family.  Period.

6.  Avoid micromanaging your vendors.  If you are confident you are choosing qualified professionals to work for your wedding, and they understand your vision, let them do their jobs.  I know it's tempting to control every detail so you are guaranteed to love the results but you really won't have the time and the experience that your professionals do. 

7.  Don't blow your entire bridal fashion budget on your dress.  Remember, you still need alterations, shoes, undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry.

8.  You will regret it if your skip out of a videographer.  Photos can only take you so far. 

9.  Think twice before you send a save-the-date to everyone you know.  Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will absolutely be invited to your wedding.  Friends you are close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get married.

10.  Try not to get too attached to any one particular flower.  When booking your wedding way in advance a florist can only sometimes guess which flowers will be available.  Please think in terms of shapes and colors instead of specific flowers.

Happy Planning,

Amy Lythgoe, Wedding Planner and Event Designer