Something Old, Something New...

Today Event Architect Adel Domingo is going to share with you some twists on one of our favorite wedding traditions...

Why would you wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue?

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe

This old poem rumored from the Victorian era poem symbolizes five tokens. If a bride holds a piece of each symbol when she gets married, her marriage will be happy and filled with good fortune. We all know getting married is wonderful but the marriage part is a new and challenging adventure for the couple, and they can use any advantage they can get!

The “old” means something from the bride’s past and usually a token from the Bride’s family to continue a part of her family’s history. It could be the Bride’s Mother’s gown or veil she plans to wear on her own wedding day. It could also be her Grandmother’s pearl earrings that she inherited. A new twist to this is to include something you may have something of your Father’s or Grandfather’s. A pocket watch tucked in your sash or the love letter your Grandfather wrote your Grandmother tucked in the bible you are holding in your hand while walking down the aisle.


Photo provided by R.E.M. Photography

The “new” part means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life. New tokens or items are easy. It could be the new shoes on the bride’s feet, or new jewelry given to her by her parents or groom. A new twist to this is as simple as getting a new haircut or style that day, or getting married in the couple’s new home.


Photo provided by R.E.M. Photography

The “borrowed” tokens usually are from important people in the bride’s life who have had the good fortune of a good marriage, and would like to share that fortune with her. It can be Grandma’s engagement ring attached to her bouquet. A twist to this is a key from her parents’ first home attached to the bride’s bracelet, or to make her feel a part of your special day, something of your mother-in-law’s.


The “blue” token symbolizes purity. A long time ago, wedding gowns were made of blue fabric, not white. Nowadays, brides use blue shoes, handkerchiefs, a garter, and sashes to name a few. A twist to this is just simply using a blue ribbon to wrap the bouquet or wearing jewelry with blue gems. Blue sapphire earrings will definitely make a blue statement. Instead of heels, why not blue cowboy boots if you’re a country western bride.


The silver sixpence in your left shoe means money, honey. Financial security may not be the most important thing to hold a marriage together, but it is definitely important, now and more so in the past where women were not allowed to own property. New twists to this are a copper penny in your shoe or have the groom put one in his shoe too. The groom was the original wearer of such sixpence back in old Scotland. Better yet, purchase a keepsake sixpence for authenticity.

During these ultra-modern times, a bride and groom still yearn for the traditional because deep down, they believe in it, but go ahead and put your twist on it.

What are you Thankful for?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I personally think it is very important to take pause and think about all you truly have to be thankful in your life. Me, I have a supportive family I can rely on in good times and bad, I am privileged to do work that I enjoy, and I am blessed to have my health.

This attitude of gratitude should definitely flow into your wedding planning. If you take a step back and look at all of the family and friends who are making this day possible, you will surely be overwhelmed by their love.

Be sure to take time to thank all of these special people. This should include your parents, siblings, bridal party and anyone who is contributing financial or emotional support.

There is no doubt that you have been experiencing your fair share of parties (engagement, bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette, etc.). Take time at your rehearsal (or a special lunch or dinner if you won’t be having a formal rehearsal) to truly thank those who have made your day possible. It’s ok to spend more time on speeches at this party. This is also an appropriate time to present any gifts you’ve purchased.

On the big day you can put a note of thanks in your program, or give a short but heartfelt thanks during your reception. It would also be an appropriate time to thank your guests for attending.

Remember that your favors are one of the ways that you can show your guests appreciation. Put some thought into something they will enjoy or take away as a special remembrance from your wedding.

If you have guests traveling in from out of town for your wedding it is nice to have something for them at their hotel. You can typically coordinate this most easily if you have booked a block of rooms at one hotel for your guests. Something as simple as a short note, an itinerary of events, a bottle of water and a few snacks will go a long way in showing your guests that you appreciate them.

No matter the size, there is most certainly a team working together to plan your dream wedding. While they are doing it because they love you, everyone likes to feel appreciated.

May all of you enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. I look forward to seeing your comments on what you are grateful for.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),
Olivia

Destination Wedding Planning

Crashing waves on a white sand beach, a snow capped mountain, grapes growing in the Italian countryside, many brides imagine getting married in a beautiful destination. The photos will be amazing, and the memories will last a lifetime.

When planning a “destination” wedding (any wedding where a majority of the guests will be traveling to attend) there are some special considerations to factor in.

Destination Wedding Does Not Equal Cheaper: From a planning standpoint, having a destination wedding does not necessarily mean cheaper. You need to factor in all of the travel costs for you and your husband to be. This will include your travel to and from your destination, your food and lodging while you’re there, and possibly a pre-wedding trip for planning purposes. You also have to factor in shipping fees, or extra baggage fees, for the items you will be traveling with. Of course, there is the cost of the wedding itself as well.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

You Will Most Likely Have an Intimate Celebration: All of the friends and family members who want to attend your wedding might not be able to. I am a big believer that the wedding is about the bride and groom, and what YOU want. However, you have to be realistic about who you are inviting and their financial situation in relation to the expense of attending your celebration. This may mean speaking to your sister before you commit to a location, or budgeting to assist those you want to attend that might not be able to otherwise afford it.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Be the Hostess with the Mostess: Even though you are most likely traveling yourself, you are still the host and hostess of your wedding. It would be thoughtful for you to suggest lodging, food and sightseeing activities for your guests. You may want to organize a few optional group activities that your guests can participate in. This is not only a great way for the group to bond, but also shows appreciation for those that have taken trains, planes and automobiles to see you and your love dedicate your lives to each other.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Destination weddings provide a beautiful backdrop for a beautiful ceremony. They provide a great opportunity for guests to relax, and hopefully squeeze in a mini-vacation. So, gather your group, pack your bags, and have the celebration you’ve always dreamed about.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Twist on a Traditional Wedding Dinner

Today Event Architect, Adel Domingo, is going to share tips on how to personalize your Wedding Day culinary and beverage selections. She has some great, and practical tips, on how to take a traditional wedding dinner, and put your mark on it.

It is sometimes difficult to gauge a couple’s style these days. However, the majority of couples still like to stay traditional in their gown, tuxedo, and even music choices. They want to keep things “simple and elegant,” but with their own unique touch.

The wedding reception gives the couple the opportunity to stray from the traditional, especially in their food and beverage selections. If on a limited budget it is a little more difficult to stray away from the usual chicken dinner. The stigma of the good old chicken dinner may seem tacky, but if some thought is put into it, the wedding meal does not have to be boring. If you’re not on a budget, you have to be careful not to overdo it.


Champagne, or a version of a sparkling wine, like the Italian Prosecco or the Spanish Cava, is starting to be trendy again. Your favorite red or white wine is still popular to serve during dinner but the sparkling wine is very popular during cocktail hour. The cocktail of the hour can be a Kir Royale or the couple’s favorite beer or ale. The beer is always popular, but why not have more than 6 choices?

The hors d’oeuvres or appetizers can be as informal as mini quesadillas or as simple as mini French brie with a sliver of pear on brioche. You can also use ethnic choices to reflect your heritage. For instance, you can serve sushi, hummus dip, or tapas. Why not have fondue stations, or have fondue on each table instead of soup or salad? It’s a good way for your guests to get to know each other and its fun.

The reception food can be tailored to the couple’s style or liking. Organic ingredients are a little more costly than most, but asking the chef to use the local produce is not only meaningful to the local business, but may boast of the local flavors. If you use Farmer John’s potatoes for your soup, it can be mentioned on the menu card. You can also use your mom’s soup or cake recipe, or your father’s barbecue sauce for the ribs. Who says you can’t have fried chicken or meatballs? You can serve anything you want, as long as it’s served in an organized and beautiful way, and most importantly, taste like you want to have seconds!


Let’s talk about the couple’s sweet taste. You can have a typical dinner but have fun with your dessert. At your sweet table, why not have pies? You can serve Aunt Millie’s lemon bars with a side of sorbet or whip cream if you don’t want a wedding cake. You can go seasonal and serve a pumpkin pie if you’re getting married around Thanksgiving. Finally, if you still want to stay traditional, do your cake cutting on a two-tiered cake and serve a miniature version of your cake, down to the cake topper, to every guest. If you can fit it in your budget, have a crepe station. There is nothing like the smell of hazelnut chocolate melting on a crepe pan.


After all that dancing, you can treat the guests that survived the night to a special delivery box of White Castle burgers, a mini nacho bar or a tub of cold water bottles and ice cream sandwiches.

Just one more thing worth repeating, even though you want to add your own unique culinary style to your important event, make sure it tastes simply delicious.

Thanks Adel!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Who Lights the Candle?

It is hard to be invited to a friend or family members wedding as a designer, I am always working on the weekend. On a rare occasion few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding as a guest. It’s a different world when you get to be a guest, enjoying a Raspberry Lime martini and tenderloin on a crostini, with a dollop of crème fraise.

I heard a chime signaling me up into the ballroom, and as I entered I was… not sure what I was.

There were beautiful flowers, the lighting was just perfect and linens had set the stage for an elegant dining experience. But, the candles surrounding the centerpieces and floating in the tall cylinder were not lit. At that moment I saw the bridesmaids and the Banquet Captain approach each table to light the candles. Unfortunately not all of the wicks were to ready to be lit, so the whole process was a bit challenging.


This experience got me thinking about the pampering each of our Event Designers and Creative Director at Oliveaire strives to provide for our brides and grooms. We work to make each wedding a perfect day for our clients, and how this is truly an “Oliveaire experience”. But enough about that.

I want to share some tips for the brides who are interviewing florists, or already working with a florist, to prevent some of the issues that may potentially arise on the day of your wedding:


1. If you have candles that are part of your centerpiece, and they are being
provided by the florist, ask them who will be responsible for lighting them,
and when they will be lit. You want to make sure that they are lit in your
room photo shots, but are not lit so early that they burn halfway down by the
time your guests enter the room.

2. The glass container that these stunning floral centerpieces reside in, are
they yours to keep, or for guests to take home? Most of the time, unless
written in the contract, glass containers are a rental item, and they are
picked up at the end of the night.

3. Will the florist come back at the end of the wedding night to pick up all
the glassware? Your venue may dictate this policy. They may want all vendors to
clear out all items and inventory by certain time.

4. Will the boutonnière include two pins, and will there be extra pins sent?
Also, will they be individually labeled with the bridal party members’ names on
it? This will avoid any confusion as to whom the flowers belong too.

5. Is a sample floral centerpiece included? This will give you the opportunity
to admire your vision, as well as make any changes to your floral design in
advance.


All you brides to be, your day will be breathtaking. At the end of the day you will have transitioned from Miss to Mrs.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Make Sure Your Carriage Awaits You!

Most couples picture themselves in the type of car they will arrive in or depart from on their wedding day. Imagine walking out of a Rolls Royce for a touch of royalty, a limo bus for the partying entourage, a mustang for the rocker couple, or a limo for a hint of Hollywood elegance.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Let’s say you plan to rent a Rolls Royce for that big event. What time will it show up, at whose house, how long do you have it for, and how long will it take for you to go from A to B to C or D? I guess you can figure out what I’m trying to point out. What good is this beautiful or unique mode of transportation if you don’t have a schedule or timeline? A car is supposed to get you somewhere on time, and safely. A bride wearing a silk organza gown with a long veil cannot drive herself to the church, period, and she better not be late. It doesn’t make sense to prepare for months, or even a year, for a beautiful event, and arrive late.

Always allow enough time for each activity, pause and photo opportunity, while you’re getting in, sitting in and walking out of the car, in traffic and the weather. Give your schedule to the transportation company, or wedding planner, ahead of time so they know what to expect or even advise you if your timeline is realistic. Maybe you will need 6 hours instead of 7, or it could be different altogether for a horse-drawn carriage. Horses are not as fast as automobiles. But then maybe you just need the carriage for a couple of hours, from the chapel to your reception at the nearby winery. Please remember that you need to return the mode of transportation at the agreed time, or else the driver will leave, or you will pay for the extended hour.

Always, let me repeat, always confirm your transportation ahead of time, not the day of the wedding. Call the company a month ahead to confirm, and then a week ahead, and then the day ahead, just to make sure. Make sure to pay ahead if required so you don’t have to worry about it on your wedding day. Make sure to get the driver’s name and cell phone number for the day. The office number does not help you on a Saturday when it’s closed.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

So what do you do if your ride doesn’t show up? Anything can prevent your ride from showing up - your limo was rear ended, your uncle who is supposed to pick you up in his nice Cadillac misheard your instructions, or your best man didn’t fill up his tank. Here are a few simple tips if your transportation unexpectedly doesn’t show up or is extremely late. Plan ahead, and don’t panic. Keep a taxi’s phone number handy. Tell a relative or friend who has a working car to not leave you until your formal transportation shows up. If it can’t be helped, dial that cab company’s number and order a cab, or two if you have your bridesmaids or groomsmen with you. The most important thing is to not panic. Riding in those taxis may be one of the funniest and memorable moments if you stay positive.

The message I’m driving at, excuse the pun, is it’s not just the style or mode of transportation that will get you to your long awaited event, but it’s also you planning ahead, and keeping your cool.

Vendor Meals.. Is it a must?

I had an opportunity to speak with a bride recently about her wedding vendors. I asked her if she planned on serving a vendor meal during her wedding event. Her comments back have so thrown me off that I felt that it should be talked about.

She said, “when I go to work my employer does not feed me a Steak lunch, this is no different for the photographer, videographer etc. whom I have employed”.

My comment back to her was, “That is true but if your employer had you working at an event that had food, I am sure you would partake in it”.


So, long story short, I feel that you should always take care of your event team by offering a meal. You will be surprised how many contracts these days have the inclusion of meals, parking and travel.

For all our bliss brides out there, here are some tips on how to navigate your vendor meals:

1. Ask your caterer or venue if there is a discounted price for vendor meals. Most places will offer the same meal as the wedding dinner and some will offer a sandwich option.

2. You will have to decide in the event timeline an appropriate time for your photographer, videographer and DJ take a break for dinner. Sometimes Entertainment groups will eat prior to the event and photographer during the scheduled dinner.

3. This is the hardest decision I think, should these vendors sit at a designated vendor table in the dining room, or should they be directed to different room for their meal? If you do end up having your vendors at a designated table in the room, don’t forget to order linens and a centerpiece. You wouldn’t want an odd looking table in the room if it is not dressed up.

4. Don’t forget to ask your vendor their meal preference. They might have food allergies or a vegetarian meal preference.

Offering a meal to your event team is a nice gesture. They do spend the day with you capturing your moments and memories.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Wedding Ceremony Music

Today, Adel Domingo, Event Architect will be sharing some tips on how to make selections on music for your wedding ceremony.

I’ve never attended a wedding ceremony without music, except for mine, because my husband and I got married in a civil ceremony in a typical judge’s bureaucratic office. Not cool, or should I say, there was no warmth or romance at all. It wasn’t us. We love music. We did get married in a church a year later and we were surrounded by our loved ones and, of course, music. My brother’s band played at our reception.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

No matter what kind of ceremony you’re having, you need a song for the intro, possibly a reflection or dedication song somewhere in the middle, and a recessional song. That determination is easy but choosing the songs is not that easy. Why? Because you have one chance to show the world which songs reflect the love you have for each other. However, when you choose the right songs, you’ll know it, because it will make you and your loved ones weep, or at least, make them sigh.

What’s your style? Classical, folk, religious, alternative, and in what language? It is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Pick your top three favorite for each category and you narrow it down. This may take a week or months.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Who will sing? The church’s music director, your friends or family, or hired musicians are all available. Sometimes a DJ is used, a cd can be played on a boom box, or an iPod can be a big part despite almost being invisible. It needs to be a clear and moving, so if your Dad is an awesome guitar player, ask him to play because that is one memory that will never go away.

What is your favorite song? What songs inspire you or speak to you and remind you of the great love you are about to embark? What prayer song will seal your vows? The choice is endless from the ever classical Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” to the quirky Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Linus and Lucy.” Sometimes an appropriate song to choose for the entrance song is a song of the family letting their daughter go and escorting her into her new life like “The Water is Wide” an English folk song. A reflective song “Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban is great for those who like country music.

Whatever style of song you choose, I believe in my heart that it should never be offensive or dark or basically humorous leaning towards bad taste. But, why should you listen to me? This is your wedding ceremony, which is one of the most sacred, peaceful, and serious time of your lives. You’ll never hear the end of it from your mothers and grandmothers on why you chose “that awful song” if you pick a “unique” song. Yes, it’s their wedding too, so pick a song in honor of them or for any anybody near and dear to your hearts that have inspired you and taught you to love.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

After Party, After Glow

Today Katie Gutierrez, Event Architect from Oliveaire is going to talk about the party(s) after the party. Take it away Katie...

“I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day!” Kiss could not of said it any better!

Ceremony… Success!
Reception… Success!
That’s it? It’s over already?
The reception does not have to be the end of the celebration. Keep the party going!

Not everyone will attend the after party, but etiquette would dictate that you should invite everyone. What kind after-partier are you?

For you night owls, you can continue the party at the hotel bar. It would be best to set this up ahead of time so that they may be able to stay open for a extra hour or two of friendly cocktail consumption!



For those who want to continue to dance, you can also take the party to a club or lounge. Transportation is the most important thing here! Make sure that if you do have an after party somewhere other than the hotel or reception venue, transportation is organized. Whether it be a bus that will bring the guests back, or designated drivers to be responsible to pick up some guests. Find the best late-night spots and you can continue to dance the night away!

For something a little bit more private, you can book a hotel room or suite. It would be great to invite some guests back up to the room to enjoy some light snacks, and a few drinks just to mingle!



If you’re more of a spontaneous couple, just wing it!

If one day is not enough, have a Post Wedding Brunch.

What better way to recover from a fantastic night than to continue the celebration the next day in a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether it be at a home, or even at the hotel restaurant, this is a great way to gather more of your guests and give them the opportunity to just unwind from the previous nights festivities. Typically those who attend the brunch are the guests from out of town and close friends and family of the newlyweds. A Post Wedding Brunch is great! During the brunch you are able to talk more intimately with each guest, as there won’t be that many. You can bid your out-of-town guests farewell, share photos, videos and even laugh at all the funnies of the night!

The party does not end there. You’ll have a lifetime to celebrate! Your new life has just begun as Mr. & Mrs. Continue to Rock and Roll!!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

To Dos Before I Do, Will You?

There are many fun things to do when planning a wedding. As a bride you use your creativity in designing the look of your day, you dive into luscious fabric while choosing the gown of your dreams, and there are parties with friends and family to be enjoyed.

However, there is that nagging “to do list” of not so fun items. This includes applying for a marriage license, getting documents together if you are planning to change your name and working with an attorney to create a pre-nuptial agreement, if you so choose.

I’m not sure if it’s thanks to Kanye West, or just our societal standards, but pre-nups seem to be a taboo subject to discuss. Many brides and grooms feel that they do not need a pre-nuptial agreement, and that might absolutely be the case. Here is the thing, if you decide to end your marriage, in the absence of a pre-nuptial agreement drafted by you and your fiancé, you are subject to state law for the division of your assets and all other proceedings.

That may be fine with you. More than likely you do not know exactly what that entails; I’m guessing most of us don’t. So, while I truly hope that every marriage lasts a lifetime, statistics tell me otherwise. My suggestion, while of sound mind, and absolute confidence that you will be with your significant other for all the days of your life, at least have a conversation with an attorney to know what the laws are in your state regarding divorce. I kind of look at it like creating a will or purchasing life insurance. I hate to think of myself dying young, but if it should happen I want to leave my family in the best position possible.

After your talk with the attorney, go out and celebrate the fact that you will NOT be one of those statistics!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Making a Statement

Ladies, you may have found the perfect gown, but your ensemble is not complete until you find the perfect accessories to compliment that gown. Like everything about your wedding you want your accessories to be a reflection of you and your personality. Here are some really fun trends that I see happening right now.

Interesting Hair Pieces: It seems that the tiara and traditional veil have taken a backseat to some new and exciting hair pieces. One of the most popular trends in weddings today is the birdcage veil. This is a very short piece of netting attached to some kind of headband or clip that typically is no longer than a brides ear. Speaking of headbands, they are everywhere, and they have lace, netting, feathers and more attached.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Fun shoes: We’ve discussed this before, but the days of simple and white or ivory shoes are over. Brides are making statements with their shoes, everything from wearing bright colors, unique styles to a rise in wearing closed toe shoes. Just be sure to let those toes peek out for your guests, and photographer, to see.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Glamorous: It seems our blushing brides today are looking for glamour and elegance on their wedding day, think “Old Hollywood”. Very beautiful statement pieces of jewelry are being donned on the collarbones, wrists and earlobes of these gorgeous ladies. While the pieces are gorgeous, they are not flashy or the “bling bling” sparkle we have seen in the past. They do not overwhelm the dress or, more importantly, the beauty of the bride.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Have fun when looking for your wedding day accessories. Take some time to think about what pieces will really finish your look. Before you head to the store visit mom, grandma, aunts, etc. and see what they have that you might be able to borrow for your big day, wearing a piece that belongs to your family always makes it more special.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Design watch 2011

Today we have Katie Gutierrez, Event Architect, chatting with you about the color scheme of your wedding. She has some great insights, enjoy!

“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” Oscar Wilde

This is a great quote. You start off with a blank canvas. You are the artist who brings to life your celebration. You create the mood; you create the personality. You are designing the moment of a lifetime.


Color trends for weddings are like fashion trends. The change in trends signifies the new season. They are always changing, constantly evolving, and being more and more about personal expression vs. tradition.

FALL/WINTER 2010/2011: BOLD/VINTAGE!!

The colors are saturated, daring, and very BOLD. Rich Purples, Reds, Chocolate Browns, Coral, Turquoise, Sage. Try taking your choice of these colors and splashing them with accents of orange, gray, fuchsias, yellows and metallics. This adds that creative glamour. I have been seeing “out of the box” color combinations, which evokes personality!


And of course, there’s the ever-timeless Black. Black is always in season. It provides that simplicity, that striking-ness and the elegance.

TRY Monochromatic! By taking one color and using several shades of the same spectrum you will create a textured, dramatic, yet graceful look.


With any color trend you are able have a MODERN & BOLD wedding or a CLASSIC & TRADITIONAL wedding. It’s all about how you pair your colors, and the details.

Embrace color and just be inspired. Some of you, I’m sure, have known what your color scheme would be before you were even engaged and have your heart set on that. That is wonderful! Paint on your canvas! Some of you have no clue where to begin, which may be daunting since the choice you make will have a part in every aspect of the wedding.

Just take a look at you and your groom. Think about your personality, your lifestyle and what you enjoy. If a color had to express that, what would it be? Or, if you want your guests to walk into a room to feel a certain way, what way would you want them to feel? What colors will help create that feeling?

Remember, whatever colors you choose, whether it’s a part of the season's trends or something you've chosen on your own, it speaks to the soul, touches your emotions and will create the most magical feel to your special day.

~Katie

Hope you are all feeling inspired to design your canvas!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Wednomics: The Economics of Planning of a Wedding

The ring of your dreams is on your finger, you will be with the one you love forever, and you have spent a few days looking through bridal magazines (which is very important), daydreaming about what your celebration will look like.


As you begin to make your plans, the first, and probably most difficult, question you have to answer is what your wedding budget will be. You and your fiancé will need to discuss how much you can comfortably spend on this celebration. To come up with your final budget you may need to speak to your families to see if they will be contributing.

Over the next few weeks I will break down the expense of a wedding into a few different scenarios. For the purposes of writing this blog I am going to plan three fictitious weddings with a budget of $20,000 each. My hope is to illustrate a few options of how that budget can help each bride achieve the wedding of her dreams. My hope is to provide some industry insight along the way to make the planning journey go a bit smoother for each of you.


In order to do so, I want to be sure to answer your burning questions along the way. I am looking forward to reading your comments over the next week or so and addressing each of them in my “Wednomics” blogs to come.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

WE tv Showcase Highlights

Hello lovely brides,

If you follow us on Twitter or Facebook you know that on Saturday, July 24th we were lucky enough to co-host the WE tv Wedding Show at Oakbrook Center. Despite the strong storms the night before we had a great turnout.

Mark Ingram came to give Brides advice on selecting their gowns:



We organized tablescapes around three main themes, Bliss, Love and Romance:
















BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

HD Beauty – Up Close and “Pore”sonal

Today, Adel Domingo, Event Architect with Oliveaire will be sharing some beauty tips with all of you lovely ladies. Take it away Adel...

If fluorescent lights were not enough, all of a sudden up comes high definition technology. Now, instead of just seeing a hundred pores, we can see a million pores and specks on our faces. I can understand why a director would like to show an action film or sports action in “high-def.” The details are unbelievable to look at. The clarity and the movement are so flawless.


A reporter or actor, male or female, cannot just go in front of the camera without putting on makeup. The shine on their faces, or even bald heads, could blind us when we watch them if not for makeup. I guess they also have to be pleasant to look at as they deliver the bad news or their lines. Let’s be honest now, as an audience, we critique their images like there is no tomorrow. We are as harsh and strong as the studio lighting that is focused on them. I guess it’s the fact they cannot hear us thru the screen, or that they’re celebrities, or it’s our own insecurities. But I digress.

The digital cameras and video cameras used in the wedding industry today are fast and clear. As a bride you may be a little worried, if you are aware of high definition, or just being in the spot light. Even the term high definition is intimidating.


Photo credit to R.E.M. Photography

How do you deal with it? Just make it easy on yourself and consult with a makeup artist that has experience applying makeup for print ads or commercials. Ask questions. Ask them to do a makeup trial on you, and then have somebody photograph or videotape you with a high quality digital camera. If the artist is good, he or she will know how to match your skin tone and type, whether they should use an air brush technique, a mattifier to minimize pores, use mineral powder or pressed foundation, just to name a few choices. The application of the lipstick is also important. However, one of the “must do’s” is to use a concealer. Using a concealer brush instead of your hands or a sponge is much better because you have better control on the coverage. The makeup artist has the tools, and the supplies, to tackle the job. He/she will make you look beautiful, and most importantly, make it last for hours of crying, dancing, and hugging.


Why go thru all of this? Because you want to look flawless on your wedding day. However, remember that flawless doesn’t mean some Hollywood definition of perfection. Sometimes those flaws are what make you beautiful and perfect. The lines that appear when you smile, that mole, the freckles, those little things about you add to why your fiancé fell in love with you. So do yourself a favor, don’t hide everything. HD should capture your tears, the flow of your gown, that first kiss as husband and wife, and the real you.

Adel

Hope you enjoyed the tips!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olviia

p.s. If you are in the area be sure to join us at the WE tv Wedding Show at Oakbrook Center this Saturday, July 24th from 12 - 6 p.m.

Vendor Agreements, do you need them?

When entering into an agreement with wedding professionals, as in any business relationship, where there is an exchange of monies for products or services, expectations must be clearly defined. Weddings are costly. Brides and Grooms spend thousands of dollars to make their big day perfect. They all rely on surrounding themselves with people that they feel can deliver that to them. Before entering into a relationship with such person or company, here are some tips on what to expect.

Agreements or contracts must include:
- Full company name, address and phone number of the vendor
- Names of the bride and groom
- Date and time of the wedding and reception (if you don’t have this information at the time of signing, it should be noted that the information will be added at a later date)
- Services or products being provided should be specified, with as much detail in writing as possible (For example, on a floral contract, instead of “ ten centerpieces,” a better idea would be to have “ ten centerpiece arrangements with white miniature Calla lilies, red roses, and seasonal greenery, sized in a pilsner vase with submerged orchids”)

For Services:
- Set- up time, start, finish, and break-down time should be listed
- Name of the person or persons who will be performing the service
- Any electrical or special requirement of the venue
- Additional charges for night pick up or above ground ballrooms
- Any delivery of products after the wedding (such as photographers or video) should be listed, with a date by which you will receive the product



Regarding prices and payments:
- The refundable amount (& conditions) should be listed, with the charges as detailed as possible
- Each item should be priced separately, unless it is part of a particular package
- In the case of packages, content should be listed in detail
- If there is the possibility of adding on services at a later date, those prices should be listed so that you have the pricing guaranteed—particularly the pricing for photos and albums when contracting a photographer
- Set-up fees should be included in the contract. If they are not listed separately, it should be clear that the price includes set-up and break-down

Taxable products or services:
- All applicable taxes should be listed
- All rental taxes should be listed
- Required gratuities should be listed, and if they are not required but encouraged, this information should be included

Special requests:
- Should be noted somewhere in the contract (such as no “Hokey-Pokey” played by the DJ, or Vegetarian meals provided by the caterer upon request)
- Parking or travel fees
- Overtime fees
- Restrictions on lifting and moving of equipment, products, furniture, etc. must be clear



Payments:
- Schedule should be listed in detail, including the acceptable forms of payment, and applicable penalties (for example, if a personal check is returned)
- Due date of such payment(s) must be included
- Final payment date and amount must be listed
- Charges, including any penalties for making changes after the final order is placed, must be clearly stated

Policies:
- Cancellation policies should be included in the contract, with specifics regarding cancellation by either party
- The deposit requirement and refund policy must be clear
- If there are other relevant policies that the vendor follows, they should also be included in the contract

You should be presented with an original copy of the contract, with two sets of original signatures - yours (or the person responsible for paying) and a legal representative of the vendor. In order to make the contract binding, you will need to present compensation at the time of the signing.

If the contract lacks any of these items, don’t hesitate to request corrections, additions or verification of details. It is in everyone’s best interest to have everything listed in advance. If the vendor hesitates to provide you with a detailed contract, perhaps you should consider a different vendor.

If expectations change, make sure to record the changes in writing. This will protect you, and validate accepted changes by the vendor. After all, it is your one and only day. Surrounding yourself with an event team that understands your vision, and enhances your wedding experience, that is the right team for you.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Linen, What's Your Choice?

Hello lovely ladies,

Today Melanie Stancampiano will be sharing some tips and tricks about linen selection with all of us. Take it away...

Call me biased but I believe that linen has giant impact on the overall ambiance of a room. This is particularly important to consider when planning a wedding, gala or any other important event.

Think about linen like the paint on the walls of your home. The way that your furniture, artwork and personal touches appear in a room is greatly impacted by the color and texture of the walls. In the scope of your event, the flowers, china and stemware are comparable to the personal accents in your home. Surely you are working with a florist and/or décor professional to adorn your tables with lush flowers, sparkling candles or elegant crystals. The impact of these items is greatly affected by the linen on the table.


Reception venues typically offer some sort of linen with their wedding packages. To expand upon the “wall paint” analogy, this linen is the equivalent of a flat beige paint. The linen has to fit into a variety of events and provides the most neutral background. If you do not plan on renting linen my advice is to be sure to use the house linen purposefully. Find out if the table linen is white, ivory or some other color. Talk to your florist about how you can best coordinate centerpieces, and which color to select for a napkin.

If you prefer color or texture on your walls, then you will want to leave some room in your budget for linen rental (you will get high impact for low cost in linen rental, I promise!). I still recommend working hand in hand with your florist/decorator when making your final linen selections. You want to make sure they are aware of your selections, leave them a swatch if possible.


Now on to the fun part… making your selections! There are so many choices in color, textures and sizing when it comes to linen. First there is the cloth, which covers the table and is most often floor length. An overlay is typically a square of cloth used as an accent on a table. This can either be done in a coordinating color or in a sheer cloth to add to the overall feel of the room. Another option to add color is by using a runner (or two, which would be my strong recommendation). This is a strip of fabric that is run down the center of the table as an accent; the centerpiece would be placed on top of the runner. If you want to use two runners you can run them side by side, or like an X. Finally, the color, fabric and fold style of napkins must be chosen.

Think about the colors you are using throughout your wedding. Try to incorporate more than one color in your linen selections. Use a neutral cloth and add a pop of color in your napkin, or use a striking table cloth and add a neutral colored napkin, champagne works with just about anything. Think about fabric textures and how you can mix them to add depth to the setting.


My favorite tablecloths are those that have texture right in them, a “Twist” or “Pintuck” create such a striking look, and no overlay or runner is needed. I love to see tablecloths in deep rich colors are well, but then again if you looked around my house you’ll see the same on my walls. Like all aspects of your wedding, you will make the most striking impression if you make your linen selections reflect you, and your unique style.

Have fun, try a few different looks, and always feel free to contact us if you’re looking for suggestions!

~Melanie

Hope those tips helped you out.

BBFN, (Bridal Bliss for Now)
Olivia

Place Cards, Escort Cards and Scrolls, Oh My…

It’s one of the most daunting tasks when approaching your wedding, putting together the seating chart for your wedding reception. After you have figured out which guests will be seated at which table you need to figure out how you will communicate that information to your guests on the big day. There are Place Cards, Escort Cards, Scrolls and more. You may be wondering what all the lingo means, here are some pointers:



Place Card:
A place card indicates exactly where a guest should be seated, including which table, and which seat at the table. This card is placed at the guest’s seat. You may use a Place Card in conjunction with an…

Escort Card:
An escort card tells a guest which table he or she is to be seated at. Most often you will find one card per couple on a table during the cocktail hour.



Scroll:
Instead of giving each guest a “card” you may choose to keep all of the guest seating information in one place. This is often beautifully done on a scroll. Besides giving guests a place to check back if they loose their escort card a scroll can be a beautiful keepsake for the bridal couple. It may be more difficult to make last minute changes to seating if you chose to use a scroll, so keep that in mind when allocating your time to assign seating.



Thinking about scraping all of them, DON’T! I promise you, you will have some tables half empty, and 18 of your colleagues trying to squeeze into one so they can sit together. If you are not up for assigning each seat, take some time and at least assign each guest to a table.

Do yourself a favor and do your seating chart in Microsoft Excel. Provide your coordinator (or a trusty friend) with two copies of the list, one sorted in alphabetical order by last name and another sorted by table number. This will allow your coordinator to help guests find their table number if they can’t find their name on a card or the scroll. It will also allow the coordinator to know where open seats are quickly if the guest’s RSVP did not reach you in time to assign their table.

When it comes time to assign tables think about where the speakers are going to be set-up, which tables will be closest to service doors (and thus server chatter and some kitchen noise) and which family members and other VIPs you want seated closest to you and your bridal party. Enlist the help of both families if you are having trouble placing people, especially those you might not know as well.

Take a deep breathe, when you get to this step you are in the home stretch!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia