Say Hello to the Ultimate Wedding Inspiration Resource

We’ve all heard “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but let’s be honest. The best ones are so great that when you see them, you don’t know what to say. Apart from all of that, photos are one crucial part of wedding planning, the wedding day, and the years following the Big Day.
When in planning mode, it’s all about finding inspiration to help you take the vision you have and make it a reality. And, there is no better way to express the ideas you have in your head than with pictures. Enter: Love Olio.

Love Olio was built to showcase engagement and wedding photos from the most creative photographers around the world. Just take one look at the home page and you’ll know that the creators met their objective!


Anyone (bride or weddding pro) can easily spend hours surfing though the site’s gorgeous pictures (I have spent hours. Seriously.). Another plus? If you’re searching for a photog in a certain area for your own special event, it’s a breeze to do – just click on your state in the left hand column.

Go check it out for yourself – LoveOlio.com – and find more gorgeous images like this one from Boutwell Studio in California. Love.

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused as to how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. These worries often mount as quickly as the cost of the wedding. After the euphoria wears off and the reality settles in, it's shocking to discover how much preparation is involved. Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon; often find they want experienced professional help.

Not long ago, a wedding coordinator was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a coordinator is essential to the well planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage a coordinator. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the coordinator saves valuable time and money. The coordinator can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred fifty hours just to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and make sure all the details are in place.

Wedding coordinators are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Their training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. They want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event which you can enjoy.

A wedding coordinator will save you time and enable you to get the most for your money! A wedding coordinator can serve in many other capacities. They can act as the family counselor for apprehensive brides and the mothers, a wedding coordinator can become as close as your best friend during your planning.

How do you know you're hiring the right coordinator? Trust is important in any relationship. You should feel completely comfortable with the coordinator and feel assured that he or she completely understands what your needs are. Your personalities should match. It's important to find out how long the coordinator has been in business.

How Do Wedding Coordinators Charge for Services?
Wedding coordination fees vary greatly from coordinator to coordinator.
Here are some examples:

• 10% - 15% of the overall budget 
• Fee based on number of guests
• Flat rate based on amount of work needed
• Hourly Rate (Often greater than $40 per hour)
• "Free!" (beware, though, these services take commissions and kickbacks from the vendors.)

Affordable Centerpieces

Designing your own wedding or paty centerpieces can not only save you money, but they are a great way to express your creativity. Worried because you aren’t creative? Do not fear! Most centerpieces start out with the same ideas and if you want to stick to the basics – no problem. Read on!

 

Glass vases are your friend. Whether you’re using your vases to hold candles, sea shells, or flowers you can come by them cheaply at any craft store. There really is no limit to how you can fill vases, which makes them functional even after the wedding reception. This is an easy project which you can do yourself without hiring a florist or decorator. Once you have your vase (or bowl, votive or anything made from glass), you can purchase a bundle of small candles (make sure you have the right size before buying) fill it your vase with water, add your candle, and light it. You have a very elegant and easy centerpiece for a very small price. If candles aren’t your thing, you can get some seasonal flowers (cheaper when in season) and fill your vase with them and sprinkle some petals around your centerpiece. Having a Christmas wedding? Get a taller glass vase and fill it with Christmas tree balls for a holiday touch.

 
Kill two projects with one stone. Another way to save money is by making your centerpieces into your table numbers. This will go perfectly with your glass vase (especially if you buy a square one). I would not recommend candles with this idea, but you can carefully print out your table numbers on paper to place in each glass holder. Then fill your vase with flowers or anything that will extend beyond the top of your vase. Be sure not to make your centerpieces too tall. One of the biggest complaints from guests is that the centerpieces interfered with table conversation because of their height.

 
Kits are friendly too. It’s ok if you lack creativity. That’s what craft stores are for! They are here to help you and they have taken care of the creative part. Visit Michael’s for creative and affordable centerpieces. Not only do they have everything you need, but will also give you a difficulty level and how long it should take you to do it.

Keep in mind that your centerpieces do not have to be complicated. The more simplistic they are the better. This will keep them from interfering with guests trying to talk across the table and will still serve their purpose. Think elegant and affordable and if nothing comes to mind, give your local craft store a visit for easy DIY kits!

Christmas Party Planning and Ideas

Creativity is a key

to make your Company Christmas Party

a memorable experience…

Every year we get lots of requests to help out with hints and tips on how to plan a Company Christmas Party. So we have gathered our resources to provide you with lots of ideas to make this year’s holiday party safe, fun and memorable experience for you and your co-workers. These ideas are designed for both large companies with great budgets as well as small businesses with minimum resources.

Don’ts:

Do not focus your energy solely on the buffet, thinking food is what draws workers to the Christmas parties, the attendance will drop off because those parties are predictable.

The most deadly type of holiday party is a sit-down dinner at the boss’s house, which often has a pressure-filled conservative atmosphere. Try having a different entertainment each year. Holiday party hosts can play a major role in keeping their friends and families safe by looking at alternatives to alcoholic beverages. There are a few common sense rules that should be followed when hosting a holiday party.

If alcohol is going to be served at a party, this Safe Holiday Party Guide will give you a few pointers when planning an event.

Organize & Prepare

You can start by sending out the invitations with a note included that there will be a prize for the person that decks out in the most Christmas gear. This can include anything from a Christmas costume to guests wearing garments that display cheerful holiday clothing, jewelry, hats, or anything that their imagination can dream up. The person that shows up to your party that is voted by all as wearing the best dressed Christmas outfit wins a wrapped gift of their choice from the gift table.

You can have a designated receptionist announce the names of each new arrival, crown them with a Santa hat with their name, while reading something humorous about them. This works great especially at large Corporate parties when customers or large number of employees participate and not everyone knows each other. First names on Santa Hats work much better than name badges and the hats then double as party favors everyone gladly takes home.

But the energy of the party starts with the invitations…. or Christmas Greeting cards… one of our customers had a great idea to take a picture of all employees in Santa hats, personalized with employees names and use the postcard as a corporate Christmas card as well as Christmas party invitation for their customers. The Hats were then saved for the holiday party.

Entertainment:

Make sure you have some fun program with games and activities for your Holiday Party. Also make sure you have some great Christmas Party music. Most Christmas CD’s on the market are geared towards slow tunes, not much of a Party time material... Consider creating your own playlist on an IPod to get a little more oomph in your music.

Vintage Bridal Beauty

Not all brides are comfortable pulling off a vintage look, but there are numerous ways to be vintage and not over the top. Vintage does not necessarily mean Marilyn Monroe (although sometimes it does!).  There are so many different eras that fall into the vintage category but all have one thing in common….class.

Below are brides that did a spin on a vintage look (some without even realizing it!)

The 1920’s are known for thin brows, matte shadows and pinned curls.

In the mid 1920’s, orange (or in this case– I used coral) became very popular, the cupid’s bow is exaggerated and, of course, finger waves are in!

The 1930’s were full of pencil thin eyebrows.  Some fads just shouldn’t come back.

The 1940’s were full of red lips, natural defined brows, thin eyeliner and flowing manicured waves.

The 1950’s is the Marilyn era– thick eyeliner, fluttery lashes, shadowing in the crease of the eyelid, red lips, pink hues on cheeks and curls with one side pinned above the ear.

You need to feel like yourself on your wedding day. It is not the day to try something completely new, but you can add a little glam without compromising yourself!

Want to learn more about this? 

For wedding planning help and tips, contact Erica Spitulski, owner of An Elegant Affair Events, at Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net

Origami, anyone?

When I stumbled upon this gorgeous origami tablescape, designed by stylist Lo Bjurulf and Ikea, I literally got goosebumps.  The neutral tones lend to a very clean and simple, yet elegant and sophisticated, look.  I never would have thought to incorporate origami paper flowers into my reception decor.  But, this space totally rocks … don’t you think?!

Wedding Favors 101

How do you choose just the perfect favor for your event? What are the most fun and affordable options available, and what’s especially hot right now?

What are some of the best ways to present favors to guests:
If your budget allows, you should definitely show your appreciation to guests by having wedding favors available. Guests will feel appreciated and can enjoy the favors after the event, while these items can also enhance your table décor and theme, and are simply a great way to say “thank you.”
Presentation, as well as the favors themselves, should reflect you as a couple. Thoughtfulness and creativity can speak volumes. One fun and creative idea is to hang your favors from the reception chairs. This is such a unique way of showcasing them, and it can also add some flair.

With such a wide variety of favor options available, from the edible to the practical, it’s easy for a couple to become overwhelmed with choices. Tips for helping a bride and groom narrow down their options and make the best decision:
Choosing that “perfect” favor can be a daunting task due to the abundance of options that are now readily available online. Think about the ambiance or theme of the event. Overall, when choosing your wedding favors, make sure they suit you as a couple and are meaningful. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to choose the right favors for your day. Research the options available at different brick-and-mortar stores, as well as via the online sites that are available. Favors add that finishing touch to any wedding or special event, and it’s the little details that count.

With budget-savvy couples looking to save while still providing a great experience for their guests, what are some fun and affordable favors that won’t break the bank:
When it comes to favors that aren’t too pricey, you can’t go wrong with eco-friendly items. You can purchase most of these favors for under a dollar, and they are perfect for the eco-conscious couple!

For wedding planning help and tips, contact Erica Spitulski, owner of An Elegant Affair Events, at Erica@ElegantAffairEvents.net

Local artist: Suzanne Staud; personalized wedding art

Courtesy of Staud Design/Suzanne Staud

Besides the wedding dress, your partner’s suit, cake and interior design, a wedding means something else … choosing invitations. Knowing that this is the first element that announces the wedding, the invitations have come to represent an extremely important issue.

Suzanne Staud is a local artist who has been in business for more than 20 years. Located in the heart of Modesto, California, Staud Design offers an innovative choice for incorporating unique, personalized art into weddings.

Courtesy of Staud Design/Suzanne Staud

 
Suzanne’s art has been showcased in numerous venues throughout the United States as well as being part of many individual collections around the world. This celebrated artist can bring a fresh approach to a couple’s big day as well.

While there are more websites than ever that offer quick and easy online ordering of the standard fare in wedding invites; those seeking to make these a truly personal, out-of-the-box announcement may want to try their hand with Staud Design.

“When I first meet with the client I ask them to describe how they want to be perceived by the viewer”, says Suzanne. She may ask clients to bring in samples of fabrics or provide adjectives that the client wants the invitation to exude. Then she gets down to business: creating a work of art that stands out as a true symbol of what the couple wants to convey.

Courtesy of Staud Design/Suzanne Staud

Her most memorable design project has been creating the design for PlumpJack Wine, in San Francisco, along with Leavitt/Weaver Interior Designers. She’s also been invited to the grand opening at Ann & Gordon Getty's home. Taking a look at Staud Design’s website highlights much more of the superb artwork that keeps clients coming back.

Standard invitations can be a beautiful, classic means to announce your big day. For those who are looking for an artistic approach to their wedding, Staud Design is definitely worth contacting.

Maggie Sottero Sale in Modesto Oct. 8-14!

Local brides: Wedding Center USA will be holding an in-store Maggie Sottero sale on October 8th through the 14th, giving a beautiful 10% off all gowns purchased. If you're not familiar with the Maggie Sottero collection I implore you to go check it out. Wedding Center USA is thrilled to have this opportunity to offer this fabulous collection along with a 10% savings! The Maggie Sottero Bride Collection, Sottero and Midgley and the Limited Edition are all included in this exclusive event.

While at the Wedding Center USA don't stop at just the gowns ~ treat yourself to their wide array of bridal must-haves! The store has a beautiful selection of tiaras, headpieces and veils, shoes, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses and just too much more to mention. Men can find their tux's here and they even provide an in-house invitation and announcement print shop. Now, what's not to love?!

The Wedding Center USA is located at 1209 McHenry Avenue in Modesto (between Orangeburg and Roseburg). Now ~ get out there and save ladies!

Happy Thursday!