Colors and Textures

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography // Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center

Clients often ask us to help them decide on a color palette for their big day. We love assisting with this portion of the planning! Remember to think beyond just colors, as patterns and textures can play an important part in your overall aesthetic.

Bridesmaids' dresses. We love the look of muted, tone-on-tone bridesmaids' dresses. Not only does this compliment many body shapes and sizes, but it really makes the bridesmaids' bouquets pop!

Lace. Lace is making a comeback! Whether on the wedding dress, cake design or table linens, showcasing lace in combination with other, more modern touches can create a gorgeous look.

Pretty patterns and terrific textures. We LOVE patterns and textures! Don't be afraid to be bold. Linens with fun patterns and textures can really enhance your overall decor. La Tavola is our go-to company for gorgeous linens that are sure to make a statement! 

Best friends forever!

Let's talk a bit about bridesmaids. You've asked them to stand by your side during your wedding because they've always been there for you. They're your people -- the ones you can count on to have your best interests at heart. So show them some love! If you really want to be best friends forever, keep these tips in mind to help minimize stress when picking out bridesmaids' dresses. 

Give them a voice. Ask each girl to select her top two-to-three style and color choices. Then, compile their picks and consider their preferences when making your final decision. You have control over the overall look, but each girl will feel like she's played a part in the process. 

Consider body types. It's a rare group of bridesmaids who all look spectacular in the same dress. Your friends have different bodies, personalities and quirks. Let each bridesmaid pick a dress that offers the appropriate fit and coverage for her assets, and you'll be guaranteed a happy (and good looking!) wedding party.

Order in advance. If you're purchasing made-to-order dresses, place your order 4-6 months before the big day. If you're buying dresses off the rack, purchase them as soon as possible because stores may sell out of popular style/color combinations. Either way, your girls will need enough time for alterations and unforeseen issues. It's always better to be safe than sorry!

Hot Tips for a Cool Summer Wedding

With its glorious weather and longer daylight hours, no wonder summer is one of the busiest wedding seasons. Here are some tips to consider when diving in to plan a successful summer wedding!

Timing is everything. Photographers often refer to the "golden hour," which is about an hour or two before sunset when the light is soft, flattering and free of harsh shadows. Not only will your pictures turn out better then, but your guests will be less likely to melt in the sun. 

Always have a backup plan. Place a tent on hold or reserve an alternative indoor space in case of inclement weather. That way, you won't be scrambling to find cover if Mother Nature decides to throw an event on your big day! Having a plan B in place may cost a bit more, but peace of mind is priceless.

Consider your guests' comfort. Getting married somewhere really hot? Offer your guests cold beverages and/or fans. Provide sunscreen and/or sunglasses if you're expecting direct sunlight, or bug spray if your ceremony is in the woods. Pashminas are always a nice touch if your locale gets cooler at night. In addition to helping ensure your guests are more comfortable, these thoughtful gestures are often the details people remember.

Dress for success. There is nothing worse than sweltering in your formal wear. If you're getting married outside in a hot climate and want everyone to enjoy themselves, you might opt for more casual attire. Also consider covering metal chairs, which are a conductor of heat.

Protect your cake. News flash: cakes can melt! To prevent this from happening, ask your venue to store the cake in a refrigerator until you're ready to cut it. 

Add Sunshine to your Shower!

Planning a wedding shower and don't know where to begin? No need to stress. We've put together some tips that are sure to add sunshine to your shower! 

Date. Host the shower around the same date the wedding invitations go out (about six-to-eight weeks prior to the big day). There's an exception to this rule, however. If many guests are traveling from out-of-town for both the wedding and shower, don't ask them to purchase two plane tickets in a six-week period! Instead, spread out the events by holding the shower three months before the wedding. 

Guest list. Determine if it's a women-only party or if couples will be invited. This will impact every aspect of the gathering -- from venue selection and the type of food served to the choice of entertainment.

Timing. If many of your guests have small children, a late afternoon tea on a Saturday often works best. If it's a couples' shower, think about doing something more fun and social in the evening. 

Personalize, personalize, personalize. We consider this the key to any successful party -- whether a wedding, shower or birthday celebration. Who doesn't love specialty cocktails, personalized napkins, customized swag and more? It's the small details that show you care, make guests feel welcome and are most often remembered long after the event. 

Menu. We recommend shying away from food that requires a knife to eat. A shower is a social affair, so serve items your guests can pop into their mouths while carrying on a conversation. Although champagne is always acceptable (and suggested!), take into account the time of day when choosing the drink menu. For a morning celebration, consider serving mimosas or Bloody Mary's, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. For an evening event, you might offer signature cocktails that represent the bride and groom.

Entertainment. While games are not advised -- no need to resuscitate the toilet paper dress --  plan on providing some form of entertainment. (And no, opening presents in front of your guests is not entertaining for them!) You might have the group create hashtag suggestions; try their hand at cookie decorating; or even write down advice, date ideas or predictions on slips of paper to place in a pinata the bride and groom can open on their one-year anniversary. 

And, if you're still overwhelmed after reading these tips, just give us a call. We'll be happy to help you out!

Wedding Dates to Avoid

One of the first questions people often ask when learning that you're engaged is, "When is the wedding?" There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a date -- how much planning time you'll need, the season you'd like to get married, and when and where you want to honeymoon, to name a few. It's also good to consider which dates might inconvenience your guests and adversely affect your budget! With that in mind, here are some dates to avoid in 2016 and 2017.

Holiday weekends. At first blush, holiday weekends might seem like an ideal time to host a wedding. Lots of people travel anyway then, you might reason. And many people won't have to work on Monday, so you could potentially hold the celebration on Sunday -- an historically less expensive day for receptions. But think again! In reality, travel and lodging costs skyrocket during these weekends. So do prices for labor, flowers and just about everything else! Besides, holiday weekends are often reserved for family gatherings that people may have to attend instead of your wedding.

Memorial Day
Weekend of May 28-30, 2016
Weekend of May 27-29, 2017

Labor Day
Weekend of September 3-5, 2016
Weekend of September 2-4, 2017

Columbus Day
Weekend of October 8-10, 2016
Weekend of October 7-9, 2017

Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 24, 2016
November 23, 2017

New Year's Eve. We constantly have clients who envision throwing a New Year's Eve wedding. Once they find out the extra cost for the venue and vendors, however, they often decide to choose a different date.

New Year's Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Sunday, December 31, 2017

Super Bowl Sunday. Cross this date off your calendar now...unless you want to rent TV's to live-stream the game during your wedding or risk having die-hard fans miss your celebration!

Super Bowl Sunday
February 5, 2017, in Houston, TX

Religious Holidays. Make sure to check the calendar for any religious holidays, even those you don't observe. Scheduling your wedding during Lent, Ramadan or Rosh Hashanah, for example, may prevent guests from attending due to cultural obligations.

Friday the 13th. If you're at all superstitious, you may want to avoid a wedding weekend that begins on Friday the 13th, which is known as the day of bad luck.

Friday the 13th
May 13, 2016
January 13, 2017 
October 13, 2017 

Giving Thanks

Although everyone loves getting wedding gifts, the prospect of writing thank you notes can often be daunting. Thank you notes do more than express your gratitude; they let guests know you've received their presents. The gift giving will begin as soon as you announce your engagement and continue well past your wedding day. So follow these simple tips, and you'll find that writing notes may even be pleasant!

Don't skimp on stationary. In fact, we recommend that clients build thank you notes into their wedding budgets. When deciding on stationary, consider the thickness of the paper, the font color and style, border choices, etc. Don't forget to think about the envelopes, too! Maybe you want your envelopes to be a fun color, lined with a gorgeous pattern or printed with your return address. Beautiful stationary makes it more enjoyable to write thank you notes -- and more special to receive them! 

Purchase pre- and post-wedding versions. Because you aren't technically Mr. and Mrs. until after the wedding, consider purchasing some notes that have your first names at the top and others with your new, shared last name or monogram (like the pictures above). While you may want the post-wedding stationery to be more formal and match your wedding theme, feel free to have fun with colors and fonts for the pre-wedding notes! Purchasing extras of both versions will prove handy for years to come. 

Treat yourself to nice pens. Select your writing implement based on your paper choice. Make sure the pen rolls nicely across the page, doesn't get absorbed into the paper and doesn't smudge. We suggest you stick with blue or black ink, depending on your stationary's color scheme. By stocking up on a few nice pens and storing them with your stationary, you won't have any excuse to put off writing those notes!

Stock up on stamps. If you're like us, you love checking completed items off your to-do list! How frustrating to take the time to write a note but not be able to mail it because you lack stamps. Always have a roll of stamps on hand. Go to the post office and purchase nonseasonal forever stamps. That way you can use them...forever!

Don't procrastinate. A little discipline goes a long way. We suggest that clients write a thank you note as soon as they receive a gift. Just turn on some music, pour a glass of wine and start writing! Also, remember to keep track of those you've already thanked...otherwise you might embarrass yourself by sending the same person two notes! 

Personalize each letter. We all know there is a formula for writing a proper thank you note, but make an extra effort to add a personal touch. Thank the person or couple for traveling to your wedding, share how much you enjoyed dancing with them all night, explain how you plan to use the check or gift they sent, share how excited you are to see them at the next event, etc. 

Sign both names. The gift was sent to both of you. No matter who is writing the note, make sure you sign both names!

Say Goodbye to Uniformity!

Mixing and matching has never been trendier. Here are some ways to mix and match your way to a gorgeous event.

Round and rectangular tables. Try one long head table in the middle of the room surrounded by round tables, or flank the dance floor with three rectangular tables and fill the remaining space with rounds. Either lends itself naturally to a variety of centerpieces, adding interest to your reception space. 

Photo credit: Amy Karp Photography

Types of chairs. From cross backs to round backs, chiavaris to ghost chairs, feel free to mix and match -- even at the same table!

Photo credit: Pepper Nix Photography

Photo credit: Amy Karp Photography

Silver and gold. Don't be afraid to mix metallics! You can absolutely use petite silver vases and gold silverware or gold chargers and silver flatware. In fact, we love BBJ Linen's new silver birch linen, which highlights both gold and silver tones. 

Photo credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Patterns and textures. There's nothing more fun than a client who opts for mixing it up with bright, bold, patterned linen! 

Photo credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Photo credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

So try a little variety...you'll be glad you did!

How to host a Rocking Reception!

1. Hire a great band/DJ and play songs that will encourage guests to dance! You can show off your discerning musical taste some other time. If you want people to have a blast at your reception, play danceable music!

2. Don't give guests an excuse to leave the dance floor. Keep a bar open nearby so they can easily get a refill, and provide comfortable shoes for ladies who decide to kick off their heels (our current favorites are Rescue Flats).

3. Keep the surprises coming. Planning a fireworks display? Don't tell your guests beforehand. Let them be surprised!

4. Offer late-night food to keep guests fueled. Serve munchies (think: sliders, fries, pizza, milkshakes, etc.) about an hour before the end of the evening. You can even ask the catering staff to pass these alcohol-absorbing foods on the dance floor. Again, another reason your guests won't have to stop dancing!

5. Provide lounge seating near the dance floor. Even those dancing the night away may need to take a breather. With lounge seating near the dance floor, guests can relax while still feeling a part of the party.

6. Hand out party favors. Whether you pass out neon necklaces, custom sunglasses, awesome party hats, boas, or glow-in-the-dark musical instruments, your guests will love you for it. Plus, your photographer will capture awesome pictures of your grandmother rocking a funky mask!

7. Keep toasts short. Avoid open-mic night at all costs, and remember that it's quality -- not quantity -- that counts. Nothing puts a damper on a party faster than a series of long, inappropriate, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants toasts. Select individuals who will make meaningful toasts, and let them know that all speeches should be less than two minutes. Schedule most of the toasts for the rehearsal dinner, with just one or two reserved for the wedding reception. 

8. Offer something for "non-dancers" to do. Be sure to plan something for those who want to take a break from dancing. A photo booth, slow motion video, cigar roller, or butt sketch artist are great alternatives to keep people entertained.

9. Be discerning when making seating assignments. If you're arranging the seating, give careful thought to who you are placing next to whom. A well considered seating chart leads to a lively dinner, which leads to a great dance party, which results in an awesome wedding reception!

10. Plan a welcome reception. If you're limiting attendance to the rehearsal dinner, consider hosting a welcome reception for everyone after the dinner. This allows guests to get to know one another, so they can skip the introductions and go straight to celebrating when your reception rolls around!

Tricks for Transforming your Venue

You don't have to love everything about a venue to transform it into your dream wedding space! Here are some easy fixes for the most common complaints.

Carpet. Don't worry if the carpet wouldn't be your first choice. Once the tables, chairs, stage, and dance floor have been installed, your guests will see very little of the actual carpet. To ensure this is the case, plan a statement piece in the middle of the room that will draw their eyes. Among other ideas to consider are a floral installation hanging from the ceiling or a unique dance floor.

Wallpaper. Does the wallpaper scream country French when you're looking for art deco?  Find a pattern you love and make it into a GOBO (a patterned light projection). By shining this on the walls, you'll elevate the wallpaper into a stunning light feature!

Linens and Chairs. If you're not happy with the venue's linens and chairs, consider renting others! From rustic, wooden farm tables and benches to elegant linens and colored glassware, find the rental items that best fulfill your vision. If budget is a concern, rent specific pieces that will have a big impact -- like a love seat or king and queen chairs for the bride and groom or a specialty linen for the cake table.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Hiring a good photographer is extremely important! Your flowers will die, your band will stop playing, your guests will go home, and your memories may fade. But your pictures will last you a lifetime! So, keep these tips in mind as you go through the process.

Personality Counts. Choosing a photographer should involve more than simply considering his or her body of work. Just as important is the feeling that person gives you. You have to click with your photographer and enjoy being around each other. After all,  you'll be side-by-side for 10 hours on your wedding day!

Practice Makes Perfect. Use your engagement session as a trial run. Unless you're professional models, you and your fiance might feel a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera at first! Not to worry. A good photographer will help you relax and capture images that reflect your personalities. 

Similarly, although it's a southern tradition, brides everywhere should consider having a bridal portrait session before the wedding day. This is a great way to test out your hair and makeup with your bouquet and dress. While you may have thought your makeup looked heavy or your hair a bit big in person, it often translates slightly differently on camera. Seeing pictures of the complete package a few weeks before your wedding will allow time to make final adjustments (i.e., scale the size of the bouquet a bit, make your hair fuller, etc.) before your big day.

Your face will hurt. You may never again have to smile so long! Family portraits will seem like an eternity. But try not to force your smile, as your grandmother will be so disappointed that your "eyes" aren't smiling in your picture with her. Instead, grab some bubbly, take some much needed breaks and enjoy the moment!

Plan in Advance. Always give your photographer a shot list. This is especially important for organizing family portraits and documenting details the photographer may not know about (i.e., you're wearing your grandmother's earrings or wrapping an heirloom handkerchief around your bouquet). A shot list is a great tool to ensure you get most of the pictures you want, but don't be overly disappointed if you don't get them all. Your photographer will surprise you with so many awesome candid pictures you didn't expect!

A Balancing Act. A good photographer will be present but not obtrusive. Your photographer should capture candid shots without you ever knowing he or she was there. You may think you hired a ninja!

Ownership Rights. Don't assume you own the pictures. Many photographers will share photos with you but maintain the copyright to the images. Don't let this freak you out. Carefully review the contract before hiring your photographer to ensure you feel comfortable with its provisions. Share how you plan to use your pictures with your photographer and whether or not you would like your wedding to be featured in a publication.

Patience is a Virtue. It takes a long time to get your photos back. Pictures posted on social media will have to suffice for the six weeks until yours arrive! And it takes even longer to create and order your wedding album. Narrowing down your favorite 50 pictures for the album will feel like the hardest task you've ever encountered. Take your time, and the end product will be fabulous!

To the Rescue

Flip flops have become the go-to, wedding-reception giveaway for couples who want guests to kick off their party shoes and dance the night away. Looking for a fresh, new take on this idea? We recently discovered Rescue Flats.

Rescue Flats are foldable flats that can be worn multiple times. The shoes are one-size-fits-all, thanks to the elastic backs that help secure them to your feet. Other features include: faux leather finishes that are weather resistant and provide a dressier look; and flexible scuff proof soles with padding, so they're comfortable, too.

We had a basket of Rescue Flats available at a recent wedding, and guests couldn't stop raving about them! Although a bit pricier than flip flops,  these cute shoes are definitely worth considering. 

Stamp of Approval

No wonder couples love getting married in Park City, Utah. Its quaint charm, natural beauty, endless outdoor activities, and laid-back vibe make it ideal for a destination wedding. And we're not the only ones who think so. Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked Park City the third-best small city in the United States! So, be sure to put Park City on your list of possibilities if you're planning a destination wedding.

The Icing on the Cake

As some of you know, our founder/CEO Rachel Derman married Eric Moore on October 4, 2014, at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, Texas. It was a dreamy affair that created lasting memories for all who attended, thanks in large part to the yeoman efforts of the wonderful vendors who participated. That's why we're especially honored that The Knot chose to recently feature Rachel and Eric's wedding.

Click on this link to check out the details and view the stunning photos: https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/a-garden-inspired-jewish-wedding-at-ritz-carlton-in-dallas-texas-album

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Check out our latest post on Food & Wine's Style section for tips on how to create the perfect wedding hashtag!

http://www.foodandwine.com/fwx/how-create-perfect-wedding-hashtag

Pretty as a Picture

You tried on countless wedding gowns before falling in love with "the one." You spent hours in alterations to make sure it fit like a glove. You married the man of your dreams and had the best day of your life in  this dress. You paid hundreds of dollars to clean and preserve it after your big day. Now what? Don't just pack it away in a box in your closet. Instead, display your gown in a shadow box frame, and you'll have a masterpiece with enough memories to last a lifetime.

Picking Flowers

Photo Credit: Joseph Marks Photography

No matter the size of your floral budget, you'll be able to stretch it much further by keeping the following tips in mind: 

Shop seasonally. We know, peonies are your favorite flower, but they're not available year round. Unless you plan your wedding for peony season, you may have to substitute another flower like the garden rose. Flowers are less expensive and in the best condition when they're in the peak of their blooming season. Plan your wedding date accordingly if you absolutely must have a particular flower; otherwise, be flexible!  

Do your research. Having a destination wedding? Be sure to research the local agriculture laws. Since most islands restrict flower imports, for instance, you might want to consider some native exotic blooms that match your decor instead of flying in tulips from your hometown. 

Consider the weather. Whether you're getting married in the winter or summer, stick with flowers that will keep their shape under extreme weather conditions. Ranunculus, dahlias, callas, delphinium and tulips can survive colder temperatures. Adventurous brides may want to embellish their winter nuptials with non-floral accents like pine cones, dusty miller, snowberries and even feathers! Resilient flowers like orchids, birds of paradise, lilies and roses are perfect for beach settings. Keep these blooms in cooler temperatures and out of the sun for as long as possible for optimal freshness.

Party Schools!

Colleges aren't just for learning anymore. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, many schools have begun marketing themselves as wedding venues!  

It makes perfect sense. Prime wedding season falls during summer break when students are away and facilities are going unused. Plus, these institutions are able to accommodate groups of all sizes and are adept at meeting their needs. Equally important, most don't insist that you attended school there to marry on their campuses. No wonder the WSJ says that "the number of college-affiliated venues listed" on WeddingWire "has increased by 144%" over the past five years. 

So, if you're looking for a venue to host your wedding, contact your local college or university. It may not be your alma mater, but it may be a party school!

This Just In...

Check out our latest blog post that was recently featured on Food & Wine!

http://www.foodandwine.com/fwx/style/9-new-wedding-trends-you-and-your-guests-will-love

Honoring Those You Love

If you’ve ever watched TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something Blue, you understand the pressure many brides feel to honor their mothers by wearing their often yellowed, usually dated wedding dresses. Rest assured, brides, there are many ways to honor the important people in your life without looking like your grandmother’s doily! 

Put the sixpence your mom wore on her wedding day in your shoe. Assuming mom kept her sixpence, wearing it on your wedding day is said to bring your marriage good luck. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but the sentimental value is six fold!

Wear your mom’s veil. It’s less risky than wearing her wedding dress and has much the same impact. Just remember to bring the veil to your dress consultation to make sure you say “yes” to a dress that works with the veil.

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Sew a portion of your mom’s veil or dress into the inner lining of your gown. Be sure to sew it towards the hem so you can easily show it off without revealing too much leg!

Tie your grandmother’s heirloom handkerchief or wedding ring to your bouquet. Although you don’t want your bouquet to look like a charm bracelet, tying family items to it will allow people who are unable to attend the ceremony to be there in spirit.

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Or, attach a small, framed photo of a loved one to your bouquet. One of our brides carried a picture of her deceased dad so he could symbolically walk her down the aisle. Cue the tears!

Photo Credit: Jenny Martell

Bridal Party Gifts that Keep on Giving

Although an honor, being a bridesmaid or groomsman comes with responsibilities. Your bridal party spends time and money making sure your day is everything you envisioned and more. So show them some love by giving them a token of your appreciation!

The best gifts are those that can be used even after the wedding. A well-chosen present will prompt your bridesmaids and groomsmen to think fondly of you and your big day every time they use the item.

At a loss for ideas? Here are some popular choices:

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Bridesmaids:

·      Robes or pajamas. Pamper your ladies by giving them something cute to slip into for hair and make-up. They’ll feel extra special and look great in pictures! We love anything from Plum Pretty Sugar.

·      Jewelry. Everyone knows that good things come in small packages! Give your bridesmaids a piece of jewelry they can wear to the wedding and treasure after. Our favorites are from Kendra Scott or Tiffany’s.

·      Tote bags. A great tote bag, with a personalized monogram, will definitely help each girl keep her items together on the wedding day…and thereafter at the beach or gym!

·      Stationary. Handwritten notes on luxurious paper are making a comeback. Give each of your ladies custom stationary, so they can practice this art form in style!

·      Clutches. Your bridesmaids will need to carry lipstick and cell phones (hello, you want them to take pictures and use your custom hashtag to tag them!). A cute clutch for each girl makes an ideal gift.

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Groomsmen:

·      Ties and/or pocket squares. For a cohesive look, give your guys a dashing tie and/or pocket square to wear on your wedding day. Your bride will be glad you did!

·      Funky socks. Everyone loves fun socks. (And, if they don’t, maybe they shouldn’t be in your bridal party!) Socks are a great gift for two reasons: they create opportunities for awesome photos, and even the funkiest socks are hidden by slacks when your groomsmen are standing at the altar!

·      Watches. One of our grooms gave each groomsman a different watch to match the individual’s personality. All the watches were purchased on Overstock.com.

·      Shaving kits. To ensure your guys look their best and are freshly shaven for pictures, give them classic shaving kits.

·      Cuff Links. More than one groomsman has been known to forget cuff links (look closely in pictures for substitute items like safety pins!). By giving this accessory to your groomsmen, you’ll help them look sharp at your wedding and beyond.

·      Flasks. Let’s be real, the guys just want to party. Let them start a bit early by gifting them monogrammed flasks. For an extra special touch, fill up the flasks with each one’s beverage of choice!