Wedding Colors We’re Crushing On
http://www.colincowieweddings.com/articles/ceremony-reception/wedding-colors-were-crushing-on?utm_so
Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
The Day After Christmas;….
Here it is the day after Christmas. The presents have been opened and the children are playing with their new toys. Did you receive that special gift you were hoping for? Or was that gift one of the simple joy of being with family and friends during this holiday season and being grateful for the blessings in your life? At this time of year, there is alot of commercialism regarding presents and the hottest gadgets. Gifts come and go, but family and friends are those type of gifts we are able to cherish and love forever. Wishing you much love, joy, health and happiness during this holiday season, as we move ever closer to the New Year and 2015.
If you were a special lady this holiday season that received an engagement ring, as did two of my nieces, then we know the planning process for such a special day is about to begin. Enjoy this time to plan with family and friends. Remember wedding planners are always available to help you through the hurdles of planning your day and can actually become a dear friend. Congratulations to the newly engaged brides and grooms and happy planning!
Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Everyone On Your List
It’s about 12 days before Christmas and if you haven’t started your Christmas Shopping, time is running out. So what do you do when the shelves are becoming bare in your favorite Department store? Here’s some easy “Last Minute” gifts that won’t look last minute.
1) Pictures – Everyone has pictures of their family, friends and pets. Use them as a personalized gift. You still have time to purchase a picture frame, have your favorite photo put a stocking or t-shirt or make a collage and frame it. Pictures always make a last minute gift easy.
2) Gift Baskets – Making your own gift basket is fun and easy. Decide who you’re gift basket is for and what their interests are. For your Coffee or Tea lover friends, choose a couple different flavors of their favorite brew, add in a few chocolate covered spoons or pretzel sticks and don’t forget the Biscotti. How much fun is dunking your Biscotti into your coffee or tea? And the receiver will love you for it, especially on a cold winter day. You can do this with any theme, food or even with wine. The best thing about this gift is you make it personal and it certainly doesn’t look last minute.
3) Home Made Fun – Do you make jam, jellies or relishes? Do you have a favorite cookie recipe you make around the holidays? This is the perfect opportunity to share your love. A homemade gift made with love and given at this time will make for lasting memories.
4) Gift Cards – Gift cards are everywhere. You’ll find them in your favorite Department Store, Pharmacy or even the Grocery Store. So if you’re feeling the pinch and time is running out, a gift card can put your mind at ease.
5) Candy – You will find boxes and boxes of candy everywhere. It’s simply a matter of taste. So check your out your Grocery Store, Pharmacy and even your favorite Department Store. As we move closer to the big day, your choices may become somewhat less but candy is always a great last minute gift for anyone on your list.
6) Adult Beverages – Wine and alcohol (Brandy, Vodka, etc) can always be found at your local liquor store. This would be for your adult family members and friends and I’m sure well received.
Although “Last Minute” gifts may be last minute, your guests don’t need to know it. By using some creativity and inspiration, you can make this holiday a fabulous day for you, your family and friends.
Happy Planning!
Mary Homer, Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
Sweets For My Sweet
Have you ever been at a fabulous event and come across an over the top Dessert Table? Have you wondered how they do it? Dessert tables are pretty easy for even the most challenged of us. However to put together a great dessert table you need a plan. So here’s a few tips for you to follow.
- Plan ahead. If you plan ahead things will come together seamlessly.
- Choose a color or theme. This will help you decide on the many choices you will have and give you a cohesive look.
- Bake and freeze your goodies ahead of time. The last thing you want to think about on your wedding day or for any celebration is worrying about baking.
- Mix in store bought bake goods. Whether you purchase them from your local bakery or the grocery store, they will look wonderful mixed in together.
- Think outside the box. Use what you already have. Don’t be afraid to attach a beautiful plate to a substantial candle stick; use your white vessels (plates, bowls, platters and trays) they’ll look uniformed; experiment with different shapes and sizes.
- Have a design plan as this will give you a custom look and don’t be afraid to dress it up.
- Shop your closet and use what you already have. Think about fabrics (scarves, runners, linens, pretty paper, etc) to every day vases in your cupboards, as you’re building a scene for everyone to “ouhhh” and “ahhh” over.
- Use different heights to create dimension and visual interest.
By following these simple tips, you’ll find you’re able to create a memorable sweets table everyone will be talking about for some time to come. Be creative, be fearless and have fun!
Happy Planning
Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events – http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com
contributions from The Knot and Amy Atlas, author of “Sweet Designs”
The Power of Color
I’ve had the pleasure of planning a large number of weddings now and a question I always like to ask my clients is “What are your wedding colors?” Some brides know immediately, after all they’ve dreamed of this big day for a very long time. Others aren’t quite sure. Let me say this, there are no rules. Your wedding is the perfect opportunity to paint a picture for your family and friends as you move into marriage and you become a married couple. I’ve listed some suggestions to help guide you through this process.
Don’t be afraid of rich colors like burgundy, royal blue or even plum, bring it in everywhere.
Stay away from Stark White as it doesn’t give you any dimension. Try using soft ivories and off whites. It will soften your look and will look better on film or in pictures. It will also give you the base to layer in your favorite colors.
There are three types of color families you should become familiar with:
-Full Color, which are primary and secondary colors with strong vivid hues. They include red, blue, margenta pink, purple, green and yellow.
-Medium shades of colors, which aren’t so intense, are pink, lavender, peach and light yellow.
-Soft hues include lighter tones of ivory, white and luscious yellow.
When you mix these different color families, you obtain contrast and a three dimensional look, especially in your flowers. Having a conversation with your florist is so important when it comes to your color scheme. Your florist will be able to bring that pop of color you’re looking for out in your centerpieces or using softer tone flowers make your centerpieces soft and romantic.
What ever color choices you make, it should reflect you and your soon to be bride or groom. If you’re outgoing and full of energy, bursting at the seams, lots of color would certainly be in order. Are you more traditional and subtle, then softer tones will bring the feel of romance and love to your color selections.
Happy Planning!
Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings and Events
5 Tips To Being A Fabulous Maid of Honor
Your best friend or sister is getting married and you were asked to be the Maid of Honor. You may be asking yourself what does that mean? That means you’re someone very special to the bride and she’s honored you with this special position. But what do you do? Here’s my five top tips on being a Fabulous Maid of Honor:
1) Offer to do “it”, again and again and again. Whether your bride is looking for a custom cake or topper, a florist for those special ordered flowers or looking for that perfect favor for her guests, help her from the start and run with it. You don’t want the bride worrying about anything. You need to be one step ahead of her and get things done.
2) Don’t be afraid to delegate the numerous things that will go on. Have grandma, her godmother or a favorite family member help with the details of her bridal shower. And don’t be afraid to let others share in the expense of these gatherings and items. You certainly aren’t independently wealthy and everyone should contribute a little something toward the big day, whether it’s grandma, her godmother or favorite family members.
3) Say nice things about the groom or partner. She is currently on cloud nine and is so happy. Tell her what a great choice she’s made and let her smile. After all, you’re the Maid of Honor and your opinion counts.
4) ….and if you don’t care for the groom…..don’t share it. Hopefully before things have gotten so far as you being the Maid of Honor, you’ve shared your concerns. The bride knows your concerns and doesn’t need to hear it over and over again. Be supportive, have a listening ear and know when to just let it go.
5) Don’t forget to have some “me” time. Pamper yourself prior to the wedding and unwind. This is a job for all practical purposes and you may not have alot of time for yourself. So make time to go to the salon, have a mani/pedicure or a massage and relax. On the big day you’ll be busy, but be sure to enjoy yourself….after all you’re the Maid of Honor for a reason.
Happy planning!
Mary Homer-Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com
Making Your Wedding Day Special
Most little girls dream of a big wedding, with a large ball gown and extravagance. So how do you achieve that and not have the same cookie cutter wedding you see so often? By making it your own. What do I mean by that? Make sure you’re doing things that reflect your personalities. Do you absolutely love tacos or cheeseburgers? Then why not bring in a food truck for late night guests to enjoy? After dinner you’re dancing, drinking and having a great time. It works up an appetite, so why not enjoy a little snack off your local food truck before the end of the night?
If you’re thinking I don’t like food trucks, that’s okay, there’s all kinds of things that can do to make your day special. Are you a pastry student at your local culinary college and love baking? Bring in your own take on a dessert bar…your colors, your flavors, your style. Remember ladies, this is about you and your groom, so be sure he’s involved in these decisions too. It can be so much fun!
How about a hot sundae ice cream bar with all the toppings! Maybe a Cappuccino bar to ensure everyone makes it home safely. Whether you want a photo booth for great fun pics, like the new whoopi pies or donut towers, the old staple of a cupcake tower or simply love a brooch bouquet in lieu of real flowers…the skies the limit. Don’t be afraid to fly, after all this is your day!
Happy Planning.
Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
Boston Runs Again, Walks Again, Smiles Again
I wanted to take a moment this week in remembrance of last years Boston Marathon. Last year was a devastating time for the people of Boston, with many losses and many survivors. What I’ve found is that the people of Boston have come back fighting, stronger than ever. Even in the mist of life’s most challenging situations, many survivors are resolute to return and stand tall. To run again, to walk again, to smile again. To them I send my thoughts and prayers.
When planning weddings with my clients, I try to help them keep things in perspective. Yes, this is a once in a life time moment for you, your fiance’ and your family and friends. But in the grand scheme of things, if everything isn’t precisely perfect, you have the love of everyone around you to envelop you and make your day so very special and memorable. Life is full of memories and this is the first of many first for you as a married couple.
Happy Planning!
Mary Homer-Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com
Is Wedding Planning More Stressful for Men?
We always hear about “Bridezillas” and how stressed they are in planning their wedding day. They want everything just perfect, no mistakes and no screw ups. But what about the groom? Do grooms become stressed out along the way as well?
According to recent surveys by Kalms, an herbal stress remedy company, the answer is a resounding yes. 16% of women found planning their wedding stressful, while 23% of men found it to be one of the most stressful life events. That’s one in every four men.
What part of the planning process causes the most stress? According to Kalms the top three stressors are the guests list, managing to stay within their established budget and making family and friends happy. This can be a huge task to achieve for any couple.
When men and women were asked what are the top stressors in their life, they included moving, having a child, getting married and securing a new job to name a few. 37% found moving to be the most stressful, which is followed closely by 34% regarding having a child.
The survey also addressed how wedding planning affects couples. While 40% indicated they were not stressed by planning their wedding, 30% were noted to be anxious, 23% lost sleep and 18% argued with each other.
So what’s a groom to do? Finding something to help you de-stress is the key. Play a game of basketball with your buddies, golf with family and friends, have a guys night out to help you regroup and come back to the table calm, cool and refreshed. After all, women do this all the time, whether it’s a spa treatment, hitting the gym or simply meeting the girls for a glass of wine. Everyone deals with stress in their own way. At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying your big day with the love of your life. So don’t let the stress of planning that day dictate your planning style. Take a deep breath and forge ahead.
Wishing you happy planning!
Mary Homer
courtesy of the Huffington Post
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