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

The Final Touch to the Perfect Look

Hello lovely brides, today I am giving the floor to Kate Gutierrez, Event Architect with Oliveaire. She will be giving you some great advice on selecting your wedding day shoes. Take it away Kate!

Marilyn Monroe got it right when she said “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."


Photo Courtesy of theknot.com

When it comes to finding shoes, it’s hard not to just dream about that very moment you are standing at the end of the aisle, looking amazing as ever, the love of your life waiting for you make that first step, with those stunning 4 inch Manolo Blahniks! Yes, style is important. Yes, they can be just as beautiful as you ever imagined them to be, but there are a few key things to keep in mind as well.

Comfort:
This is a very important, if not the most important, factor in selecting your shoes. It is very easy to be carried away with the way the shoes look. You have to remember that you will be walking down the aisle with these shoes, standing for what may seem like hours on end, walking around mingling with your guests, and dancing at the reception in these shoes.

Try shopping for shoes towards the end of your day. Feet tend to swell as the day progresses, and they are bigger at the end of the day. Also, try purchasing shoes that are a ½ size bigger than you usually wear. The more strain you put on your feet, especially given how many hours you will be wearing them on your wedding day, they will swell. It would also be a great idea to have an extra pair of insoles, or pads, for your shoes. This way you can slip them on whenever and wherever they are needed.

Consider purchasing second pair of shoes for the reception. Something that is a little bit more comfortable, like a low heel, ballet flats, or cute flip flops. At some point during the night those fabulous wedding shoes will start to hurt!

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Break your wedding day shoes in! Walk around at home in your shoes for a few weeks before the wedding. MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE!

Height:
This goes hand in hand with comfort. A heel is a great way to give you that extra boost. It creates lift that will elongate your body and crafts a beautiful line. Who doesn’t want that? However, if you have never worn a heel larger than an inch, this would not be a great day to start on those 3 ½ inchers. Just imagine yourself being in those shoes all night. Also, think about the height of your groom, just to make sure you are not soaring over him.

Comfort? Check. Height? Check. Now, surface...
Are you having an outdoor wedding? What type of shoes will work? A spiky heel on grass will have you uncomfortably on the balls of your feet the whole time, or poking holes all through the lawn. Having an indoor wedding? Does it have a slippery surface? What type of shoes will work well inside? These are questions you have to ask yourself. You want to ensure that you are able to walk marvelously and are not slipping and sliding. One quick tip-if you have shoes that have a smoother sole, scuff it up. Make sure that you have enough traction.

Your Day, Your Style:
You want to choose a shoe that reflects your style. This is the fun part. If you are more traditional, the most popular shoes are made of Silk and Satin. They are the easiest to dye, and are typically the same color as your gown. If you are Non- Traditional then explore COLOR! This can add that WOW to your look.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

More helpful tips:
A simple and elegant dress should be paired with a more elaborate shoe. A dress that has more beadwork and detail should be paired with a simpler shoe. Even with this said, your shoe should reflect YOU. If you decide to go with shoes that have embellishments, make sure they coordinate with the embellishments on your dress. If your shoe has embellishments, watch out for the fabric that is at the bottom of your shoe to ensure that it does not snag on the heel, or that you don’t step on it.

Length of Dress:
Consider how visible your shoes will be. This will help with budgeting. If your shoes are not something that will be AS visible then the $$$$ designer shoes can be replaced with a $$ less expensive shoe. If you have selected a shorter gown it may seem easier to justify spending more on shoes, because you know they will be seen. Always keep in mind, the key points (comfort, height, style, etc.) when purchasing your wedding shoes. Oh, and if you are spending the $$$$, make sure you can wear them again! Tip- Make sure that you purchase your shoes with enough time to take them along to alteration appointments.



Where are they?
There are plenty of places to find shoes. These days the most popular place is online. You are able to compare prices, styles, designers, and basically everything, in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget my earlier suggestion, COMFORT IS KEY, and you cannot try on shoes your purchase online. That’s why giving yourself enough time for delivery and/or a return is a huge MUST. Sometimes when purchasing online it is good to purchase more than one pair. It is easier to return a pair that is a “no” than to find a pair you love last minute.

You can also often purchase bridal shoes at a Bridal Salon. Most Bridal Salons just have sample sizes of shoes, just like gowns, so you will have to order your size. Make sure you ask about, and are comfortable with, their return policy before you order shoes.


Photo credit to R.E.M. Photography

You can make a day, a week, or a month of finding your shoes, shopping around until you find the perfect pair to go with the perfect dress! Hit up all the department stores and the local boutiques. Admire someone’s shoe collection? Ask them where they shop and pay that business a visit.

Although this may seem like an overwhelming list of things to remember, the most important thing is that this is your special day. You want to be comfortable, confident and stylishly you. The perfect pair will lead you to be the most dazzling bride out there!

Have fun shopping,
Kate

What you have selected for your wedding day shoes?

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

After the Last Dance

I know you hate to think about it being over, but trust me, your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye. Be sure to take time throughout the day to look around, take it all in and have fun. After all you have been waiting for this moment your whole life.



It is important for you to also have a plan for the end of the night, after the party has ended. Whether you will have a Wedding Planner onsite, or will be relying on help from friends and family, you will need to think through the end of the evening, and probably the next morning. Why, you ask? Here is what we know to be true…

First, are you at the place you will be sleeping? (i.e., is your reception at the hotel you will be staying at?) If not, how are you getting back home? Many brides and grooms do not think through carrying cash on their wedding day. One of my favorite cautionary tales is of the bride and groom who needed a cab to their downtown condo at the end of the night, but did not have cash, a credit card or a debit card on them. Luckily their Oliveaire Wedding Planner saw them on her way out of the hotel, and gave them $20 to get home.

My advice, have someone check you into your hotel room, and make that someone who will remember to give your groom (who has pockets!) the room key at some point during your reception. Also, think through how you will be getting to that honeymoon suite and be sure to have some cash, a credit/debit card and your cell phone (with the important phone numbers programmed in) delivered to you at the end of the night by someone you trust (probably the same person who checks you into your hotel room). If you are party hardy couple, don’t drink and drive. Arrange for a car to pick you up or have a designated driver.



Next, where are your gifts? Make sure to assign this task to a close family member. It will then be that person’s responsibility to secure the envelopes and move boxes of gifts. Your Reception venue may have a safety deposit box you can keep them in until the end of the reception, but then it is your responsibility to make sure they are picked up. Have a plan for where you will take those generous gifts the next day. The sooner you get that money in the bank, the better, especially if you plan on catching a plane soon.



Finally, headed to the airport the next morning? Make sure that your luggage is packed, and that your tickets and documentation are all easily accessible and ready to go! Nothing puts a damper on a honeymoon like forgotten passports or lost luggage (or a hangover FYI).

None of this will take too much work, just a little bit of forethought on your part. Enjoy that beautiful and monumental day in your life. Happy Honeymoon!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Theme Weddings: Do or Don't

When I think of a theme wedding visions of a bridal party dressed in Renaissance Costumes or Lightsabers come to mind. Now, I realize that many theme weddings don’t take it to that extreme, so I will give you a cautious “Do” when it comes to theme weddings.

My caveat on the “Do” is that the overwhelming theme of your wedding is YOU!

A Bride and Groom cannot go wrong if they make sure their wedding is a true reflection of themselves. What are you and your fiancé passionate about? How can that translate into your wedding?

Here are a few ideas:

Date: Select the date of your wedding to correspond with your favorite season, to accommodate the overall fashion look you are going for or that will allow you to incorporate food you love, when it’s in season, on your menu. If you love the colors of fall and warm apple pie, find a date in the fall. Always picture wearing a (faux) fur stole and taking pictures in a snowy winter wonderland, pick a date in a winter month like January or February (you may even score some deals as it’s the slow season).



Décor: Incorporate colors, images, artwork and personality into the overall look of your day. In this aspect the difference lies in the details. Set your “theme” for your guests in your wedding invitation. Carry it through in all of your wedding day stationary (programs, place cards, menu cards, thank you cards, etc.) to pull off a very polished look. Work with your floral designer and decorator to incorporate important colors, textures and fabrics throughout your big day. Be creative with centerpieces, we love flowers, but you can bring in some fun non-floral items depending on the look you are going for.



Pre & Post-Wedding Parties: Bridal showers, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Rehearsal Dinners and a post-wedding Brunches are all great opportunities to bring your theme through. Keep your colors in mind, pass out fun theme related favors, and add some fun touches.

If you’re the biggest Trekkies around, no one will be surprised to see Captain Spock as the Officiant of your ceremony. Not quite so passionate? Then make sure YOU (& your fiancé, I mean YOU as a couple), your passions and personalities are the theme of your wedding, you can’t go wrong!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Here Comes the Bride...

Ladies, you’ve found the right guy, he found the right ring, now you must truly find “The One.” Your wedding gown of course! Many brides find selecting their wedding gown the most FUN part of planning their wedding. So, first and foremost, take some time and ENJOY finding your gown, the one that will bring a tears to your eye, and probably mom’s too.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Your dress will set the tone for your wedding so keep that in mind as you hit the racks. As you search here are some helpful hints to know before you hit the store:

Style
All kinds of words are used to describe the shape of a gown. Hopefully this will help you know what you’re looking at.

Ball Gown/Princess: shape is traditional, poofy, and what comes to mind when you think of a Princess getting married. There is typically a more fitted bodice but the skirt is big big big. This style is flattering on most and favored by those who want to camouflage their hips.

Empire/Babydoll: This gown will have a “flowing” feel from just below the bust through to the floor. Girls who want to enjoy food on their big day, without worrying about their tummy showing may want to look at this style of gown.

Trumpet/Mermaid/Fit n Flare: This gown is going to be fitted through the body to somewhere between the hips and the knees, and then it will flare out some. Each dress will vary in just how fitted it is and how much volume comes with that flare. This cut can give the look of curves to those with a more athletic build or accentuate the waist of a bride who wants to work her curves.

Photo Courtesy of theknot.com

A-Line: This style is very similar to the Ball Gown or Princess shape, there is a fitted bodice, however there is less volume in the skirt. This is a universally flattering style.

Sheath: This style of gown is pretty fitted throughout the gown from top to bottom. This gown will highlight hips and probably won’t leave a lot of room for enjoying a big meal on your wedding day.

Other things to think about are the style of neckline (strapless, halter, sweetheart, etc.), length of train (if any), and amount of beading and lacework you are comfortable with.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Color:
White, Bright White, Diamond White, Antique White, Off-white, Champagne, Ivory... Who knew there could be so many shades of the color your groom will inevitably call white?

Think about the colors you typically wear because they look best against your skin tone. If you find yourself wearing more cool tones you will most likely find yourself happiest in more of a “white white” gown. If you tend to go warm in your clothing and make-up you will probably want one of the softer versions of white. Many shops will only have a sample gown in one color, but they can order it in a few so try on the sample and look at their swatches.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Party:
I’m not going to dive into Bridesmaid gowns, I’m talking about the entourage of ladies that all want to go dress shopping with you. Remember that every person you bring will have an opinion on what you should be looking for and ultimately buying. Bring a few ladies who are close to you, who will be honest with you, and that’s it. No reason to let all those voices get in your head and sway your decision. You know your style, your body and what you like, you will know your gown.

At the Bridal Gown Salon:
Be open to trying on gowns that are different than what you imagined. You may think you “know” what you want, but you have most likely never seen yourself in an actual wedding gown before. Step outside of your comfort zone and try on something different. It won’t hurt anything and you just might surprise yourself.

Be honest with yourself, and your sales consultant, about your budget. No reason to fall in love with an $8,000 gown if you budget is $1,500.

And finally, as my friends on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” would say, think of your dress like your fiancé, once you find “The One” stop looking!

BBFN (BRidal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Do Me a... Favor

We’ve all gotten them, the good, the bad and well, the ugly. Yes, I’m talking about favors. Like all aspects of a wedding, favors vary greatly depending on the couple’s style and budget, from something small and traditional like a small tulle wrapping of almonds to something as elaborate as a bottle of wine with a custom label.

Photo from theknot.com

Anyone you ask about favors will give you their opinion, and each of those opinions will be very different. Here is what I can tell you after attending more weddings than I can count, as a guest and as a planner:

If they can’t eat it, your guests will probably forget it:
Those beautiful little votive holders, wine stoppers, coasters, etc. will catch the guests’ eye, and they will all talk about how great they are. However, after all of the dancing and a few celebratory cocktails, you will find most of those favors left behind. I can’t imagine that anyone has enough parties to need quite that many coasters.

I have found however, if you give your guests a little treat, you will not have as much leftover. Why is that? My best guess is that people either eat them between the courses, during dancing, or pick them up on their way out for a snack on the way home. Favors such as candy bars, truffles or cookies are great munchies and you will not find many are left behind.

Photo from theknot.com

Honor Your Guests:
Some Brides and Grooms chose to honor their guests by making a donation to a charity close to their heart. This is a beautiful way to give back, and make your guests feel special. One couple I know made donations to several charities, and indicated which charity they selected for each guest on their placecard. Another Bride made a donation to the USO because her brother was overseas serving in the Army during her wedding. Just be sure to put a sign in a frame or on display so your guests know that you have thought of them. If you decide to donate to charity in lieu of favors, choose with your heart and connect with your purpose.


Photo from theknot.com

Overall, don’t break the bank. A favor should be a token of appreciation to your guests, thanking them for taking time from their busy lives to celebrate your love and the beginning of your new life. You can consider adding a sweet table or late night munchie station for your guest to enjoy by moving your favor budget to accomadate the expense. If you come up with a great idea, and you think your guests will remember to take it home, go for it. After all it is your big day.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Salmon or Sea Bass: Meal Selection at Your Wedding

How important is the dinner selection for your wedding? Much time is spent on planning the details of the day, but especially for your guests, the most important part of the day is dinner. Planning the right selection of hors d’oeuvres and number of courses in the meal will have guests offering accolades.



I have met two couples in the past week that have complained about the food at their wedding. You don’t want that to be you. And after all of your hard work you don’t want your guests walking away hungry, or talking about the dry chicken!

Here are some noteworthy thoughts to ponder upon while making food selections:

Know your guests:
You may be a foodie, but are your guests? If you want to showcase the talents of your Rock Star chef make sure to balance the meal. Offer some trendy palette teaser for appetizers, but you may consider keeping the entrée basic.

Menu Matters:
Spend time with your catering manager to discuss your tasting. Select items that are in your wedding package, but do not be afraid to ask the chef to be creative. Never arrive hungry to a tasting. You will not be able to judge the food for its taste and quality if you are starving. Once the food arrives at your table, give it few minutes before you take a bite. This will allow you to better understand how the food will taste if it is served during a large dinner service.

Not Happy:
If you are not happy with the quality or presentation, try again, and try until you are happy. It is your big day, and you want to make sure that your celebration dinner is truly something to celebrate. You want your guests to enjoy the food, as much as you did at the tasting. Your catering manager wants to make sure that you are happy, and will be accommodating within reason. Remember, your Venue Manager is not your Wedding Consultant



Teen or Children Meals:
Don’t forget the younger guests at your reception. They may not care for the lavish artistic meal presentation, but would be satisfied with a less “foofooie” dish. Do a plan a course for them that is similar to the selection you are offering your adult guests.

Offering a meal choice:
Letting your guests choose between the salmon and steak? This will certainly create more work for you in the tracking of the RSVPs to correctly count the meal selections being made by your guests. Keep in mind that your guests have selected their meals 6 weeks in advance, and may not even remember their choice on the day of the event. Some venues may offer “at time service,” which will allow guests to choose their selection once they are seated in the ballroom. This is the easiest choice for pleasing your guests, but it will most likely cost more.



As you make the final selection of your royal feast, be sure to take pictures of the plates you have chosen. Do share with your catering manager special notes or comments made during the tasting. Have all your special requests, temperature preferences and presentation choices written in detail so that the catering manager and the culinary staff are aware of your requests. Once you have enjoyed your culinary experience be prepared to work it all off on the dance floor.

Happy Feast!!!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

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