Wedding Wreck Wednesday!

Hello Kitty....on steroids.....

Selecting a stone that “speaks to you.”

Certain personality types are drawn to particular diamond shapes, according to Saul Spero, a diamond appraiser and gem consultant. His book, Diamonds, Love and Compatibility, is the result of 25 years of work, interviewing 50,000 women.

If you prefer a:

• ROUND BRILLIANT: Your are empathetic, dependable and your husband, children and family are your first priority.

• MARQUISE: You are sexy, outgoing, impulsive and zestful with a passion for challenges. But the stone’s pointy end indicates a sharp temper.

• PRINCESS OR EMERALD: This square or rectangular, clean cut shape suggest an efficient leader who is disciplined and highly organized (and a little stubborn.)

• OVAL: You are feminine, individualistic and creative, at you best when when employing your artistic talents. Though organized and disciplined, you are not afraid to show your wild side.

• PEAR: You are in good company with Elizabeth Taylor. A tear-drop pear indicates an adventurous, gregarious type. You like to be liked and have a wide circle of friends. Once your community and social obligations have been met, you enjoy unwinding in the comfort of your home.

Wedding Dates that your guests might rather be somewhere else.

Most of the wedding articles you'll read will tell advice on the best wedding dates to have the best weather and the biggest discounts. What they don't tell you is what the WORST wedding dates are. Here are wedding dates you'll surely want to avoid when planning:

• New Year's and Christmas (Anywhere between the 23th of December and the 5th of January) Thanksgiving (In US, the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, the second Monday of the month.


• Valentine’s Day (unless you are willing to spend more) – Although many couples pick this date out for their wedding, it could be something to re-consider especially if you have a limited budget. Not only would flowers cost too much around this season but venues would also have high-time high rates as restaurant reservations and venues are in-demand for functions and romantic dinners.


• Mother’s Day or Father’s Day – Like Valentine’s Day, flowers would not be cheap during this time and reservation rates in restaurants and venues would be at its peak.


• Prom Season – Flowers, venues and transportation hire would be too expensive at this time of the year, so it would be wise to avoid this date when choosing your wedding date.


• Final Four/March Maddness- (April 4 and 6, 2009)


• In the US, the weekend before April 15 - tax day! Okay, probably no one would rather be doing taxes, but they might be a little stressed out!


• Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2009)


• Daylight savings time If you're having a Sunday wedding on daylight savings weekend, will your guests remember to change their watches and get to the wedding on time? It is more of a problem in the spring (when the US springs forward) than in the fall (falls back) as its better for guests to be an hour early than an hour late.


• Labor Day weekend While some wedding experts say these both Labor Day and Memorial Day are good days to get married (as you'll likely find cheaper rates on venues and vendors, and your guest will have three days to travel), I find that wedding guests often have other plans for these weekends. It's also harder and more expensive to travel on those weekends.


• Religious observance. If you are Jewish, or many of your guests are Jewish, you may wish to avoid Friday evening weddings, and Saturday weddings before sundown. You'll want to consult a Jewish calendar before setting your date. Don't marry on Rosh Hashanah (Begins at sundown: Sept. 18, 2009) or Yom Kippur (10 days after Rosh Hashanah). Most synagogues frown on marriages during the Days of Awe (the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), as that is a very busy time. Depending on your community or denomination, you may be able to get married immediately after Passover, or may have to wait until after either Yom HaShoah or Shavout.


• If you are Christian, or many of your guests are Christian, you'll want to avoid Holy Week (from Palm Sunday Weekend through Easter Sunday - generally late March to early April), and Christmas weddings. Some churches find Sunday weddings after the service a joyful celebration of the Sabbath, others frown on a wedding during the day of rest. Check with your congregation to be sure. Also, be aware that December is a busy month for most Christians, and thus it is better to plan a wedding for a different month if many of your guests are Christian.


• If you are Muslim, or many of your guests are Muslim, be aware that Shawwal is considered a favorable time for a wedding, but the sacred months of Muharram and Ramadan are very bad times for a wedding. Many Muslim weddings occur on Sunday. You'll want to consult your mosque before selecting a date, of course.
  
  Before you pay non-refundable deposits, or send out save-the-dates, avoid disaster by making sure your wedding doesn't fall on one of these dates.

There is Hope!

I saw the cutest necklace adorned by Malia and Sasha Obama on Election Night and I finally found them online at Cake Jewelry. I immediately ordered me one, since since they are a limited edition, only 50 left, and when they are gone, they are gone. Additionally, 20% of all proceeds go to Girls, Inc. which is a plus. Make sure you get yours today.

Wedding Wrecks Wednesday!

How and who allowed them in a church dressed like this?

It's 5 O'Clock somewhere

I love anything Gingerbread.....and it is so pretty!

Gingerbread Apple Crisp-

1 oz Monin gingerbread syrup

2 oz Bacardi Big Apple rum

2 oz apple juice- splash of lemon juice

Place 1/2 cup of simple syrup and 4 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs on separate plates. Dip outside rim of martini glass into simple syrup, then into graham cracker crumbs several times to ensure coverage. Set aside. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, gingerbread syrup, apple juice and lemon juice. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into rimmed martini glass. Garnish with red apple slice.

Get your Java on!

Specialty coffee drinks are not only the hottest rage in the country, but it is a healthy and socially responsible alternative or addition to serving alcohol. An espresso bar can provide a cosmopolitan touch of elegance as well as a sophisticated flair to the reception.

An espresso bar caterer should be able to provide your event a full menu of espresso beverages made from high quality, fresh coffee and milks, a professional server (referred to as a 'barista') and the equipment and ability to serve your guests quickly and with flair.

Here's our list of what to look for and what to ask for.

What to Look For:

They should have professional commercial espresso machines (not retail, home units)
The barista should be professional having worked or working in an espresso café.
The espresso caterer should provide setup service prior to guest arrival in the area of service.
The menu should offer a variety of espresso drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and flavored drinks.

What to Ask For:
Where do you purchase your coffee from?
Is your coffee source a roaster or a wholesale distributor? How fresh is the coffee?
What kind of espresso machine(s) do you have available?
Is your machine mounted on a cart? What does it look like?
If your machine is not on a cart does it require a special table? Do you provide it?
What are your electrical (voltage and amperage) and water requirements?
Will you offer nonfat or low fat milk? Hot chocolate?
What Italian syrups do you provide for making flavored lattes and mochas?
If we require your servers (baristas) to stay longer can that be arranged?
Do you charge by the hour or by the number of guests?
Do you offer all your drinks in decaf?
Do you offer whip cream?
How are your barites dressed?
What does your espresso station look like and how much space does it take up?
Do you charge for setup and delivery?
What is your minimum service time?

Espresso and specialty coffee is not a fad, it is a lifestyle that says quality not quantity. Nonetheless it is still new to many Americans and therefore not everyone will want a cappuccino or mocha, in fact, in some areas of the country where espresso coffee is still very new only a fraction of the guests will order a drink. However those that do will greatly appreciate the service and probably have more than one drink. If there are children and young teens request that hot chocolate, steamers and Italian sodas be available. (Italian soda is a tall drink of soda water with Italian fruit flavor syrups served over ice.) In fact for hot spring and summer weddings request that the menu include iced espresso drinks; they are delicious and extremely refreshing.

Do Not Disturb; Chocolate Fantasy in progress.....

While candy bars with personalized labels are a dime a dozen, a German startup offers a tastier kind of customization, letting customers design their own chocolate.

After selecting either white, milk or dark chocolate, customers pick the ingredients they'd like to add: fruit, nuts, spices or bits of candy. Options range from the familiar (almonds, hazelnuts and raisins) to the adventurous (cumin, gummi bears and gold dust), and up to five ingredients can be selected. When they're done mixing and matching, customers pick a name for their very own 'meine schokolade', which is printed on the label. They're also given a unique product code for easy reordering. Prices range from EUR 2.50-6.50, that is about (US 3.60-9.30) for a 125 gram bar, depending on which ingredients are added. Chocri uses fair trade, organic chocolate only.

Source: Chocri

Weddings with a View

Amazing, what a view! Can you imagine? I know I could'nt. I can't look out my office window from the 3rd floor without getting wozzie.

Back in 2006, a Belgian company began offering its clients the opportunity to hold dinners in the sky--lofty events held on a platform suspended from a crane. Over the past two years, Events in the Sky has organised over 500 events in about 25 countries, and works with partners in over 15 markets to help expand the concept. Recently, the company added a new service to its line-up: Marriage in the Sky.

Marriage in the Sky is hosted on a platform, where 20 guests are strapped into aircraft-like seats and suspended at a height of 50 meters. As befits an exclusive venue, Marriage in the Sky can be customised to every couple's wishes, including spectacular elements like bungee jumping off of the platform after vows have been exchanged. A second crane can be used to suspend another platform at the same height, making room for entertainment or more guests.

This is something I would love to see, from the ground of course!

Source: eventsinthesky.com

Wedding Wrecks Wednesday!

Some people are tacky and shameless. I just have no words.......

Royal Cakes...Wow!

When you see wedding cakes like these--literally, tremendous works of art meant to be admired and enjoyed--you have to wonder what the rest of the wedding is like. I was certainly curious about it, so I checked it out. Of course I had my speculations .Were the cakes real? I decided that we're pretty certain that none, or only a small portion of the design is actual cake. Structurally it is nearly impossible to make these designs in cake and we think it is most likely styrofoam. Just the fondant alone would be heavy. I was certainly curious about it, so I checked it out.

Here's the scoop on Kuwaiti weddings!As you'd expect, Kuwaitis adhere strictly to the teachings of Islam, which has specific rules regarding marriage and its related customs. In the case of marriage, the bride and bridegroom will have been approved of, though not necessarily chosen, by both sets of parents. This tells me that most Kuwaitis are permitted to marry for love.

I looked on the internet and found an article about Chef Omar in the Al Watan Daily, where he quotes the cakes start at 600 Kuwaiti dinars (roughly $2000) to 3000 ($10,000) Kuwaiti dinars for a replica of Versailles. Those are decent numbers for sure. Check out the article here. His designs are being talked about around the world!

Are you ready for the flower truth? Can you handle it?

Contrary to popular opinion, don't think that silk flowers are always going to be cheaper than real. Many of the quality ones are as expensive as the real thing -- if not more. While many people tend to love silk flowers more because they last forever, the truth is that you can also make your fresh flowers last forever by preserving them. This is becoming a more common tradition. Whether you learn to do it yourself or you have a florist do it, it is possible.

Personally, we love working with real flowers. However, silk comes with some advantages -- it's tough and shelf stable, and the petals won't come off at the worst possible moment. On the other hand, silk flowers don't always look real, and they aren't always a bargain, either.

Picking wedding flowers in season can save you a bunch of money. Sure, growers are now able to fly almost anything in from the other side of the world, but you'll pay a premium for that.

Knowing what flowers grow local to your region of the country and are in season during the time of your wedding, can drastically reduce the overall cost of your wedding.

Spring Wedding Flowers:
Apple or cherry blossoms, Daffodils, Dogwoods, Forsythia branches, Hyacinth, Iris, Larkspur Lilies, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, Pansies, Peonies,Sweet Peas, Tulips

Summer Wedding Flowers:
Asters, Calla Lilies, Dahlias, Daisies, Delphinium, Geraniums, Hydrangeas, Iris, Jacobs Ladder, Larkspur, Queen Anne’s Lace, Roses, Shasta daises, Stock Sunflower, Zinnias

Fall Wedding Flowers:
Asters, Chrysanthemums, Zinnias, Gerbera daisies, Marigolds, Roses, Sunflowers

Winter Wedding Flowers:
Amaryllis, Camellias, Forget-me-nots, Jasmine, Orchids, Poinsettias, Holly

The final choice depends on what type of person you are.

If you're a practical person that wants her bouquet as a keepsake, and would not be concerned by the odd guest saying 'aren't they artificial flowers?' then by all means go for silk wedding flowers.

If you are a real romantic and just feel that there is no substitute for the velvety smoothness of 'Grand Prix' red roses or the fresh fragrance of hyacinths - then enjoy your day with natural real flowers.

Say good bye to the "Peek a Boo" strap!

Okay you have on your sexiest black dress, hair, make up are all on point and you are ready to hit the city for a girls night out or step out for a romantic dinner and you take one last glimps in the mirror......there you see the tell-tale elastic peeking out for all eternity.


I first noticed these while watching E this weekend, when Beyonce was parading on the Red Carpet. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, I seen them and then I did'nt so of course I had to figure out exactly what the heck was going on.


Finally I came across Hollywood Clear Bra Straps. These are so amazing, they are performing veritable fashion magic, and it’s no illusion. Hollywood Clear Bra Straps are:

Stylish…under sheer fabrics
Discreet…with tanks, t-shirts, halters, strappy tops, swimsuits and
Sexy…with revealing necklines and swimsuits


Why sacrifice support, comfort and confidence for the sake of style!

Finding the perfect Veil

There is an endless range of styles in bridal veils to choose from when selecting your wedding headpiece. It can at times be almost more difficult than selecting your gown. Where do you start? There are three essential things to do before choosing your bridal veil: First choose your gown (this establishes the formality and style of your wedding). Second remember your bridal veil is an accessory. This means that any bridal veil or headpiece you select should accentuate your dress not overpower it. Third decide on the hairstyle you will be wearing on your wedding day. Discuss this with your hairdresser and have a couple of trial runs before the wedding.

There are several different types of wedding veils available. The type is usually determined by length. For instance the elbow length veil does reach the elbows. It usually looks best with shorter dresses with no bustles or trains.

Fingertip length veils fall to the end of the bride’s fingertips. It goes best with a wedding dress l that is longer than tea length although you also see them with floor length dresses as well.

A blusher veil is a thin veil that only covers the face. It looks great with a wedding suit or a shorter dress although nowadays it is also seen worn with long goddess style gowns.

The classic chapel veil is three yards long. Long sleeved, full gowns that fall to the floor look best with this dramatic type of veil.

These are not hard fast rules for wedding veil wear but they tend to be the tried and true rules for looking your best.

Shoes, Shoe, oh how I love Shoes

What woman does not love shoes? The other day while cruising the net a came across Shoetube. Shoetube is a place were shoe addicts can also get the latest news on styles, find sneak previews of spring lines, and clever interviews on the street with shoe divas. User's can also rate the shoes online to enter to win fabulous shoes from several of the hottest shoe designers in the world. Make sure you find that perfect shoe for your next Holiday Sioree!

Wedding Traditions & Orgins

Many of today's popular wedding ceremony and reception traditions can be traced to ancient Egyptian and European customs. Many are often based on symbolism, superstition,and even the belief that evil spirits could bring disease and death to newlyweds. Although the exact origin and usefulness of many of these early wedding traditions are not always clear, many of these wedding traditions are just plain fun!

Bouquet
Wedding bouquets were originally made of such strong herbs as thyme and garlic, which were meant to frighten away evil spirits, and to cover the stench emitting from people who had not bathed recently!

Bridesmaids
Early Brides and Bridesmaids wore similar dresses in order to confuse evil spirits.

Carrying The Bride Over The Threshold
When a Groom used to steal his Bride from her tribe, he was forced to carry her kicking and screaming. This act of thievery has evolved into a more romantic gesture, welcoming the Bride into her new home.

Ring Finger
Prior to the 5th century, the ring finger was actually the index finger. Later, it was believed that the third finger contained the "vein of love" that led directly to the heart.

Shoes On Vehicle
Ancient Romans used to transfer to the Groom his authority over his Bride when her Father gave the Groom her shoes. In later years, guests threw their own shoes at the newlyweds to signify this transfer of authority. Today, this tradition is kept alive by simply tying old shoes to the back of the newlywed's vehicle before they leave their wedding reception celebration.

Tying The Knot
This comes from the days of the Roman empire when the Bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots. The Groom untied the knots prior to the consummation of their marriage.

Wedding Cake

Also during the days of the Roman empire, wedding cakes were baked of wheat or barley. At the reception, they were traditionally broken over the head of the new Bride by the Groom as a symbol of her fertility. Guests would then scramble for pieces of the cake, and take them home for good luck. It later became a tradition to place many small cakes on top of each other as high as possible. The newlyweds would then try to exchange a kiss over the top of the tower of cakes without knocking them down. During the reign of King Charles II of England, the baker added icing, and the modern style of wedding cake was born. It is unclear when the tradition of the newlyweds smashing wedding cake into each other's face first began, and uncertain if such marriages are consummated later that day or evening!

White Aisle Runner

This is supposed to symbolize God’s holiness and walking on holy ground. It is believed that by having this runner present in the place of marriage, God will be actively involved in the ceremony.

The Honeymoon

Originally, when the groom “kidnapped” his bride he would take her into hiding. Usually, by the time the bride’s family found her, she would already be pregnant and a price for her would then be negotiated.

Carrying the bride over the threshold

It was tradition for the bride to enter the house through the front door before the groom, and if she tripped or stumbled it was seen to be very bad luck, hence it became a duty for the groom to carry his new bride over the threshold.

Anyone who has gotten married or even been to a wedding at one time or another has seen a variety of rituals practiced. Many of these traditions have become so commonplace that we don’t even question their presence in the wedding or wonder where they came from or why they began in the first place. Now you have a better idea of where these ideas and traditions came from!

Don't you just love "mini's"?

Dont't you think everything is cuter when it is smaller? The hottest growing trend at wedding receptions has been finger food. I have seen mini ruebens, soup served in shot glasses, fries served in a juilep cup, mini corndogs..the list goes one.My all time favorite mini is the "Mini Macaroni & Cheese"compliments of Martha Stewart. People love mini foods at wedding, but keep in mind, there are a few rules you need to follow:

1. Make it Tidy-There is nothing worse than biting into a tiny bit of finger food and having it gush/squirt/or crumble all over your party dress. Avoid foods that are too flaky or contain a lot of liquid sauce inside. Sushi is good as long as it is not drippy. Stuffed mushrooms are another stable but elegant finger food.

2. Make sure it has a dip-Dips can transform ordinary raw fruits and vegetables into a novelty. They can ad diversity, elegance, and even a little fun to your menu without vastly increasing the cost. Some good dips for sweet food are: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, cream, plain white chocolate or flavored white chocolate. Lime is a popular flavoring for white chocolate. For savory foods ranch, cheese, salsa, or artichoke dip are excellent compliments

Follows those 2 simple rules, and your mini's will be a hit at your next event.

NC Association of Bridal Consultants Rock!

Wow..just returned from a great seminar with the NC Chapter in Greensboro NC, and boy am I pumped! Veronica Foster our NC State Coordinator & owner of Behind the Scenes, Inc. ., did an awsome job today, educating us on the business of wedding planning. I met some wonderful people and looking forward to the next session.

ABC is a phenomenal organization founded in 1955 and is the oldest and largest organzation of wedding planners in the world. When you choose a wedding coordinator that is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, you are choosing a highly trained professional with expertise in planning weddings.

Don't trust the details of your wedding to just anyone! Be sure to choose a consultant that is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants to help you plan your upcoming wedding!

Please visit http://www.bridalassn.com/

Accesories for the Bride

Your big day has finally arrived. You have your dress, veil and bouquet...so what else is left?

Maybe a nice string of Pearls ( symbol of purity and innocence)? The various lengths of pearl necklaces include the dog collar, choker, princess, matinee, and opera. A dog collar is made up of several strands of pearls stacked up on the neck. A necklace that rests at the base of the throat is termed a choker. A princess-length necklace rests above the bustline. A matinee-length necklace rests below the bustline. An opera length necklace falls around the waistline. A lavaliere is a pendant on a necklace.

Even a pair of Diamond Stud Earrings (Suggest Elegance). A button earring accentuates a round face. A dangle earring widens a narrow face. A squared earring adds interest to a long face. What ever you decide make sure it enhances your gown and not take away from it.

If you are not into jewelry, try adding a Hair Comb. Buy combs that are decorated with the same details as your dress, such as pearls, rhinestones or crystals. If you think this looks too "matchy matchy," buy accessories that are similar but not identical in style to your dress.

Wraps or Shrugs are great if you are wearing a strapless or bare shouldered dress, you might want to cover up in the house of worship. For warm weather look for wraps made in organza, silk, lace, or a light cashmere. For cold weather you can go with satin, velvet, cashmere, or white fur.

Nothing is worse than seeing a Bride that has way too much going on. Just remember, it is your day and it is all about you!

GPS Underwear

Just when you thought you have heard and seen it all. GPS underwear..when I first heard about it, my first reaction was OMG..I dare my husband to give me those as a gift to keep tabs on me. Actually it was invented not to play inch high private eye on your spouse or significant other, but more for your safety. This will allow police to locate you if you are abducted or in a worse situation. The Brazil inventor targets her underwear to the modern, hip, tech savy woman. Even though there has been alot of controversy surrounding her luxury pieces , she is pressing forward. These sexy pieces sell for a whooping $800, but is not available in the US yet.

Source: Techiediva