Love is in the Air

Sometimes we can’t help posting about unique proposal ideas, and these two definitely qualify!

Adam proposed to Taryn with a video that JetBlue played on all 150 individual TV screens on their flight to California. In the video, Adam detailed how they met and why he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. When the video ended, he dropped to one knee and pulled out a ring. Their fellow passengers applauded while flight attendants passed out cake pops to celebrate.

JetBlue threw an impromptu party once the flight landed, complete with cheers, champagne and cake. The airline said that eight departments collaborated to create this memorable day for Adam and Taryn. Go JetBlue!

And, in what was clearly a sticky situation, Brett affixed 8,000 Post-It Notes all over Megan’s living room walls to ask for her hand in marriage. It took several months beforehand for Brett to write “I Love You” on each of the 8,000 notes. Talk about a labor of love!

Do you know of any unique proposal ideas? If so, feel free to share them with us!

Wedding Wardrobe Tips for Men

This post is for men (or for women who dress their men!). You’ve been invited to a summer wedding but have no idea what to wear. Just because it is warm outside doesn’t mean you can show up in shorts and a t-shirt! Here are a few tips to determine the appropriate attire:

1. What time of day is the wedding? Is it an afternoon affair or an evening function? An afternoon wedding is much more casual, calling for a light-colored suit. You should wear a dark suit, however, for an evening function.

2. Where is the wedding? Is it in a fancy hotel or on a beach? While you should wear a nice, dark suit to a wedding at a fancy hotel, you could don a white polo shirt with a khaki suit for a beach wedding.

3. How formal is the invitation? Is it calligraphy or an e-vite? Cotton clothing tends to be more casual. So, the more formal the invitation, the more formal the fabric of your clothing.

And finally, if you want to show your personality, feel free to do so in your choice of ties, socks and accessories.

Bottoms Up with Brew

Couples are increasingly saying “I do” with brew at their wedding receptions. In addition to becoming more selective when choosing which beers to serve, many are actually brewing it themselves!

Craft beer has become so popular that TheKnot.com has jumped on the wedding beer bandwagon, partnering for a second year with Boston Beer Samuel Adam’s brand for the release of Brewlywed Ale. The brewery invites brides and grooms to the release party to purchase Brewlywed Ale. Three couples were even married at last year’s party!

Hotels are also embracing the craft beer trend by adding it to their services. The Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport has partnered with Enegren Brewing Company to offer a “Hoppily Ever After Package” that allows couples to brew their own custom beer. Enegren consults with each bride and groom before creating  a unique recipe for them. The couple then physically brews about 30 gallons of the beer at the brewery in Moorepark, California. The custom beer is later offered on tap at the wedding reception. Talk about a specialty drink!

Costly Cakes

At recent cake tastings (yes, our job is so tough), we’ve noticed that more clients are deciding to stray from the classic wedding cake. Creative grooms’ cakes, pies, cake pops, popcorn bars and dessert buffets are gaining popularity. But many traditional brides still see the value in a statement cake. Here’s a look at a few that definitely took center stage.

Although Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries were only married for 72 days, the price tag on their cake was $20,000, according toYahoo!. This six-foot-tall, black-and-white tiered cake was reportedly modeled after the Royal wedding cake. Kim and Kris received a pretty sweet deal, as the Royal wedding cake reportedly cost $78,000. Prince William and Kate Middelton’s cake, an eight-tiered cake with about 900 sugar flowers, apparently took more than five weeks to make. (I wonder if it tasted five-weeks old!)

We fully believe that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” And, if you weren’t previously aware, diamonds and cake go well together. Just ask Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss), who partnered with Devorah Rose for her event “Devorah’s Diamond Gala” to create a cake garnished with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. What’s the price tag for something like this? Oh, just a mere $30 million!

Of course, you don’t need to spend your entire salary (or life’s savings!) on a cake. Just make sure your dessert reflects your personality, whether that be sweet, tart or salty!

Guys, Listen up!

This blog post is meant for all you men out there. Men, put some thought and planning into your marriage proposal!

Consider the Dallasite, for example, who recently took the saying “go big or go home” to a whole new level. After a weekend in Disney World, he and his girlfriend boarded a flight for Dallas. Hours later, as the aircraft descended upon Dallas, he asked his lady to take a picture of the city 1,700 feet below. Little did she know, he had arranged for a 5,000-square-foot banner reading, “Sara, will you marry me?” to be placed on top of the Winspear Opera House. Apparently, in-flight proposals happen more than you’d think! To read more about this elaborate proposal, click here.

I’m not suggesting you coordinate a flyover, a flash mob or do anything completely over the top that has the potential to go viral. In fact, I’m a big fan of proposals that are intimate and sentimental. Below are some pointers to make that day even more memorable and special.

My good friend and fabulous photographer, Amy Karp of Amy Karp Photography, has recently started documenting engagements. Yes, she hides in the bushes (not in a creepy way) and takes pictures of the entire proposal, from the man dropping to one knee and pulling out the ring to the woman’s response. What an amazing way to relive this glorious day!

If you and your lovely lady can afford to travel, plan a trip somewhere exotic. According toYahoo News, the best places to propose are Queenstown, New Zealand; Verona, Italy; Serengeti National Park, Tanzania; St. Lucia; Praque; Bali, Indonesia; Big Sur, California; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Kauai, Hawaii. But, let’s be real, not everyone can swing a surprise trip across the world!

So, whether you cook a candlelight dinner, organize a scavenger hunt, revisit the place you first met, or have a picnic in the park, just be yourself and speak from the heart. And, of course, call us as soon as she says, “YES!”

For the top ten best marriage proposals according to The Knot, click here.

Giving is Good!

One of our sweetest clients, Paul, called yesterday with some not-so-sweet news. His three-year-old nephew, Dax, is currently in the hospital, and his birthday is Monday. He wanted to cheer the little guy up by sending him something fun…today! We immediately thought of Paul and Lauren Brooks with B3 Entertainment. (They are our go-to couple for anything entertainment!) They worked quickly to find just the right talent. This morning, a mere 20 hours after our first phone call from Paul, Spiderman visited Dax in the hospital and brought him so many presents! Good job, Spiderman!

We can’t even explain how amazing it feels to organize something like this. As our good friend, Paige Chenault, always says, “Giving is good!” And boy, is she right!

You are Cordially Invited to...Live Stream

You read our blog because we cover the hottest trends in the event industry, right? Well, today’s post is no exception. Our topic is live-streaming your wedding!

As a bride or groom, consider being able to invite anyone you want without having to worry about capacity or budget. Live-streaming began as a way to accommodate friends and relatives living far away or experiencing poor health. But increasingly, couples just want to share their big day with a larger audience. Guests can simply log onto a website while relaxing at home (wearing loungewear newly purchased with the money saved by not traveling to the wedding!) to watch a friend or family member tie the knot.

If you are interested in live-streaming your wedding, check out I Do Stream and My Streaming Wedding. These companies set up a login for the couple to pass along to guests, create a virtual guestbook for participants to sign and even offer packages that include cameras and crew for the non-do-it-yourselfers.

For (Pet) Lovers Only

Do you have a special furry friend you want to include in your wedding? As long as your pet is fairly well behaved, we say, “Go for it!” After all, pets are part of the family. And, let’s be real, is there anything cuter than a puppy dressed to the nines?!

During one of our spring weddings (featured above), the bride and groom’s dog decided to participate by accompanying  the newlyweds up the aisle. As if this picture weren’t amazing enough, Missy’s four-footed presence makes it extra special! Thanks, Amy Karpfor capturing this moment!

Field Day Fun!

We have had some amazing spring weddings this year, and this weekend’s is going to be no different. What will be different, however, is that our bride and groom are branching out from the traditional wedding and having an adult “field day” at Winfrey Point on White Rock Lake. Guests will enjoy lawn games like giant jenga, connect four, corn hole, water balloon toss, dizzy bat race, egg and spoon race, and my all-time favorite — toss the bass. And, yes, there will be prizes! When not in the middle of a game, guests will enjoy crawfish, gourmet pizzas, a rockin’ band, kegs and sangria. We love it when our clients think outside of the box. This will definitely be a day to remember!

A Picture Perfect Wedding

Here’s a sneak peak at our AMAZING wedding this past Saturday, when a New York bride and groom took their first looks at The Stoneleigh and then said “I do” at Three Three Three First Avenue. She wore a blush Badgley Mischka dress; he wore a J Crew suit. The two lovebirds, along with their friends and family, danced all night. We couldn’t have done it without some amazing vendors: Amy Karp Photography, Fancy Cakes by Lauren,Cebolla Fine Flowers, LeForce Entertainment, Dallas Partymaker Catering, TLC Rentals,Versa Strings, Executive Sedan Service, and Wynne Transportation. More pictures to come soon!

Happily Ever Borrowed: Frost Yourself For Less

Celebrities don’t buy jewelry for red carpet affairs, so why should you for your wedding? Let’s be real, how many times after your big day do you plan on rocking that tiara, veil or bedazzled belt? One of our good friends (and fellow sorority sister!), Brittany Haas, has launched an amazing company — Happily Ever Borrowed — that RENTS bridal accessories for your wedding day! Yup, how AWESOME is that?!

Brittany is super fashionable, so there’s no doubt in our minds that you are going to love her accessories. And the process could not be any easier. Simply order your accouterments online and have them shipped to you. After the wedding, just use the complimentary return label they provide and mail the items back from any USPS box.

So be a savvy bride. Walk down the aisle in style…for less — http://www.happilyeverborrowed.com/

Hidden Costs of Entertaining

Most people are aware of the major expenses involved in hosting an event — venue, music, food and beverage, decor, etc. Just as important, however, is budgeting for the hidden costs and recognizing which ones are negotiable.

Service Fees. Many venues add a service fee to their prices. These are not necessarily gratuities distributed to employees you would tip but rather an administration fee for overseeing your event. Services fees are often subject to negotiation.

Tents. Many people think that renting a tent will reduce their venue costs, but that is simply not the case. Think about it; you have to start from scratch and literally custom build a venue. Not only can the physical canopy be pricey, but flooring may cost thousands of dollars — and that’s not even taking into account sidewalls, fabric liners, generators, lighting, staging, tables, chairs, tableware, restrooms, catering equipment, permits or heating/air conditioning. The total cost for a tent and accessories can easily be more than the amount for renting an already existing venue.

Taxes. Don’t forget tax! Every vendor will charge you tax, which can really add up. Make sure you prepare for this in your master budget.

Tips. Tips are always appreciated for vendors who go the extra mile to make your function special. Consider tipping your banquet team, musicians, photographer and valet, to name a few.

Miscellaneous. Make sure you read your vendor contracts carefully. Venues have a tendency to charge corkage fees, AV fees, champagne toast fees and more. Be aware of this, and feel free to negotiate to have these fees waived, if possible.

For more information on this subject, click here for an article by Yahoo News.

Taking the Stress out of Wedding Dress Shopping

Purchasing a wedding dress should be one of the first things you do after he pops the question. The general rule of thumb is to purchase your dress nine months in advance, giving you plenty of time to receive it and make alterations. If you’re having a dress custom-made, however, be sure to give yourself additional time.

With so many to choose from, wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming. But follow these tips, and you’re more likely to have a good time!

Date. The season you’re getting married will help you narrow down your choices. Having an outdoor ceremony in the summer? You may want to avoid ball gowns or full skirts, which will add weight to your dress and leave you simmering.

Location. Keep in mind the location of your wedding ceremony and reception. A lightweight, airy dress will work best for the beach, for instance. You’ll also want to consider a different style for a vintage rustic wedding than you will for a traditional black-tie affair.

Budget. If you watch Say Yes To The Dress, you know it’s risky to try on gowns that are beyond your budget. Once you establish a budget, only shop in stores that you know carry dresses within your price point. Remember that few bridal boutiques allow walk-ins; most insist that you make an appointment.

Style. Know the style basics (silhouette, style, fabric), but remain open minded. Even if you have an image of what you want on your big day, be willing to consider other looks. Our brides often think they want one silhouette but completely change their minds after trying on other options. And that’s perfectly okay!

Pictures. A picture’s worth a thousand words! Make sure you bring pictures of dresses you like to your bridal appointment. You don’t have to like everything about the dresses but, if your bridal consultant has an idea of the kind of silhouette, neckline, style and fabric you like, he or she will be that much more likely to pull your perfect dress.

Picking a Date

When you envision yourself walking down the aisle, do you picture a winter wonderland or a lavish spring affair? Choosing a date can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding. After all, the date will dictate all other aspects of the event. We loved this article from Yahoo and wanted to share this information with our readers. Here are some things to consider when selecting a date.

Weather. Have you always dreamt of an outdoor wedding? Your guests won’t be too thrilled if they are freezing outside in a snow storm or broiling in the heat. Even if you’re playing it safe with an indoor affair, the time of year will affect more than just the temperature. It will also affect your seasonal flower selection, as well as your local food options. In general, you can plan for weather based on past records. We recommend our clients look at the Farmers Almanac when considering a date. Finally, be aware that every city has peak wedding months, which are often related to the weather. Getting married during off-peak seasons will allow you to better negotiate with vendors.

Holidays. It may seem like a good idea to tie the knot on a holiday (NYE, July 4, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.), but think again. Your wedding will be more costly — staff have to be paid overtime and floral prices are often inflated — and so will airline and hotel expenses for your out-of-t0wn guests.  Moreover, think how difficult it will be to enjoy quiet, romantic anniversaries in the future when the rest of the world is celebrating a holiday along with you! Choose a wedding date because of its significance to you, not because it’s also a major holiday.

Timing. Don’t rush; give yourself plenty of time to plan. This should be an enjoyable process, not a race against the calendar. Ordering a wedding gown can take six-to-eight months, and a custom-designed gown can take more than a year to create. Be sure to visit various bands playing at other weddings to determine which one you like best. But most importantly, enjoy this time!

Saying Yes to the Dress

Bridal gown shopping can be overwhelming. There are so many styles, textures and colors to choose from within a huge price spectrum (who knew there were a gazillion shades of ivory?!). How do you determine which dress to choose?

Many people make the mistake of bringing a large entourage with them when they shop for bridal gowns. We recommend taking no more than three people. The fewer outside opinions, the easier it is to decide what you like best.

Secondly, select individuals who actually want you to look beautiful. This may seem obvious, but often brides invite a large group of friends who subconsciously sabotage the appointment because of jealousy. Bring your mom or other family member whom you trust, as well as your best friend.

Third, consider what looks best on you. While it’s great to look at pictures before your appointment, don’t have your heart set on one dress. You may not have the same figure as the model in the picture and, thus, the dress may fit differently. Have an idea of the style you want, and then keep an open mind.

And don’t forget to let your personality shine. Yes, we want you to choose a dress that you will look back at in 20 years and still love, so don’t go super outrageous. At the same time, this is your day…have fun with it!

Finally, think about your wedding venue. Are you getting married in a cathedral or on the beach? The venue will dictate the style you should lean toward.

If you want to know what’s the hottest selling dress in your city, check out this article fromThe Wall Street Journal— http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304707604577422222567639682.html. See, even wedding dresses are newsworthy!

Shout out to our Cornell friend, Hayley Paige. We LOVE her designs! http://www.jlmcouture.com/bridal-gowns

Wedding Customs Around the World

We recently read an article by Jacquelin Carnegie in Bachendorf’s Accent magazine about wedding customs in different countries and thought we would share our findings with you. We know, we know. We’ve written articles about weddings in other cultures in the past, but we find it interesting and hope you do, too!

Japan: Similar to a Western ceremony, a Japanese bride typically wears white, while the groom dons black. Instead of wearing a gown and a suit or tux, however, the Japanese bride and groom don kimonos. During the reception, it is typical for the bride to change clothes several times, which signifies her readiness to return to everyday life. Japanese weddings are generally small, as only family members and close relatives attend. The bride receives a ring and nine lucky gifts for happiness.

Mexico: Rituals and traditions from the Spanish, Aztec, Native American and Anglo-American cultures are all incorporated into the ceremony. Many Mexican processions are accompanied by a mariachi band and a donkey carrying bottles of tequila and wine for toasts along the way! As the couple exchanges their vows, a beaded rope is tied around them in a figure eight. This signifies their eternal bond and unity. Traditionally, the grooms gives the bride 13 gold coins during the ceremony, which represents Jesus and the 12 apostles. This symbolizes the groom’s commitment to support his wife throughout their life together. The bride receives an ornate box for the coins’ safekeeping.

India: Indian weddings are widely known to be some of the most beautiful and lavish. They usually last five days, with several rituals before, during and after the ceremony. The bride wears gold jewelry to symbolize wealth and purity. The family often starts acquiring the jewels as soon as the bride is born to contribute to her own “independent” wealth. The gold is essentially a wearable savings plan! Instead of exchanging rings, an Indian groom ties a black and gold beaded necklace around the bride’s neck.

Scotland: You know you’re attending a Scottish wedding when the groom and his groomsmen are wearing kilts and dancing to bagpipes! Other Scottish traditions vary by region. In the northeast, for instance, the best man gives the couple a clock, while the maid of honor gives them a tea set. In the Borders, a sprig of heather in the bridal bouquet brings good luck.

Let the Creativity Flow!

We always encourage creativity when it comes to producing Save The Dates. A clever notice makes a great first impression and can help set the tone for your upcoming wedding. (Of course, the same holds true for mitzvahs, birthdays, and other events.)

Regardless of your budget, you can find an original way to let guests know to reserve your date. Just make sure your personality shines through. If you’re an ice cream-loving couple, for example, send a pint of your favorite ice cream — filled with taffy or some other melt-proof item — with all of your wedding information illustrated on the container. If you’re an athletic couple, don jerseys with the information and take a photo to mail out. If you’re a country couple, write the information on your cowboy boots to be photographed and distributed. Or, send out a magnetic photo booth image of you and your fiance holding up signs that say “Save,” “The,” and “Date!” so your guests can put it on their refrigerator. The options are endless!

Bar Mitzvah Bowling

We had a blast this past weekend celebrating Max’s Bar Mitzvah. What made this party so much fun? Not only were the guests showing off their moves on the dance floor, but the party was held at Lucky Strikes bowling alley. Between bowling and dancing, there was non-stop entertainment all evening.

Shout outs to Magen Boys, who did an outstanding job spinning tracks and encouraging everyone to dance; Susanee at Wildflowers, who provided the amazing florals; and our awesome photographer from Eclipse. Great vendors make all the difference!

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Couple Getting Married on Jet Packs!

We LOVE clients who want to host their events in unique locations. Break outside the typical hotel ballroom and our creative juices start flowing. But even we were shocked when we heard about a bride and groom who tied the knot while wearing water-propelled jet packs. Yes, you read that correctly…jet packs!

The couple became engaged on a trip to Mexico that was organized by the adventure travel company, Zozi. When Zozi heard about the engagement, the company decided to throw the pair an unforgettable wedding. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds shared an airborne first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me,” during which they never came within five feet of one another!

Check out the video here: http://screen.yahoo.com/thrill-seeking-couple-gets-married-on-jet-packs-30381471.html?pb_list=23dce613-c500-43f0-9134-70e58b73187a

Don't forget the sedative(s)!

Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday party, non-profit fundraiser or wedding, rest assured that “situations” may arise. As event planners, our job is to anticipate and troubleshoot potential glitches. From hoisting bar tops through a window because they wouldn’t fit up the staircase to sewing a bride’s dress after her groom ripped it during their first dance, we have dealt with it all and love the problem-solving aspect of our job. Of course, it helps to be prepared. That’s why we bring our “emergency kit” to every event. It includes Tide to Go pens, safety pins, tape, pain relievers, clear nail polish, antacids, smelling salts, sewing kit, mints, blotting papers, lip balm, sunscreen, deodorant, and so much more.

For those of you who think you don’t need a day-of emergency kit, the Center for Disease Control has an entertaining message for you. (See video below.) Their recently released Wedding Day Survival Guide states that “planning for a wedding isn’t that much different than planning for a disaster.” It then goes on to discuss some necessary items to have in your wedding day emergency kit, including sedatives (plural).

We like to take a more positive approach to the subject and say that planning an event can, and should, be fun! Your job is to be the life of the party; ours is to give you the peace of mind to do so.