Friday, February 25, 2011

15 Unique Wedding Reception Ideas | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

Looking to have a wedding like none other -- at least like none other you've ever attended? Don't be afraid to try something new and something that's intrinsically you. The first step is to define who you are as a couple. Investigate your likes and dislikes. Ask yourselves: What do we enjoy doing in our spare time? Which is our favorite season? Favorite artists, movies, and music? Favorite era? Once you've unveiled your personal style, you're ready to take the second step and start developing a wedding-day theme.

Here are 15 ways to craft a one-of-a-kind celebration.


1. Find the right wedding venue.

Locating the right spot to host your fun, formal affair is your greate st challenge. Having the wedding in a hotel ballroom will lend a very different tone than having it in an old weathered barn on your grandfather's farm. Locate a distinctive venue -- scout out old nightclubs, movie theaters, city roof gardens, hip restaurants, art galleries, or historic mansions. Get reception ideas in your area! Or transform the space you choose into something different by setting up screens to create different environments for dinner and dancing. You can even change the mood from one area to the next with the lighting: one room might feature white and ivory paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling while the next may be outfitted with deep red beaded lampshades on every table.

2. Develop a theme.

Finding a common chord to play through all the elements of your wedding -- from your paper products to your party -- will help you put on a production that's truly unforgettable. Try a masquerade ball! Infuse your theme from the reception venue (a fancy ballroom or an old theater) to what to wear (have guests come in costumes, such as butterflies and angels) to the favors (give guests handmade masks) to the honeymoon (go to Venice during Carnevale).

3. Pick an unforgettable guest book idea.

Have a photo booth set up at the site so that your friends and family can take their own pictures or group shots. The results are a little like a home video without sound. Whether you pose properly, make funny faces, or try your best Rockette kick line, you'll be caught on tape showing your true colors. Compiled into a visual wedding-day guest book, these are photographs that will be treasured by brides and grooms for years to come.

4. Pay attention to the decor.

The vibe of every wedding is dictated by the decor. To achieve an event that reverberates with romance, adorn your space with dozens of red roses and golden ornamentation. For casual elegance, try candles set afloat in pools, flowers floating in fish bowls, and a string quartet playing love ballads.


5. Go classic.

White-on-white is never out of style. As many people as there are looking for hot, hip new colors and coordination there are those craving the ultra-traditional. Talk to your florist about mixing shades of whites for the bouquets; use all-white linens or linens that mix various shades of white -- ivory cloths with white overlays, for example; and have a white wedding cake with white rolled fondant frosting and accented with ivory sugar blossoms. Final touches: waiters dressed in tuxedos with white jackets (hello, James Bond), and, of course, a white limousine.

6. Embrace color.

Develop a visually stunning scene using monochromatic color, whether blue, violet, or kiwi green. See our favorite wedding color ideas. Consider setting up different sizes and shapes of tables (circular, square, rectangular) and use different textures or designs for the fabrics (pin-stripe fabrics on round tables and tiny polka-dot covers on square ones). Although your color palette will remain the same, each tabletop will render a distinct personality.

7. Set your tables apart.

Who says the tables must sport uniform arrangements? Think of your spread of tables as a garden, each row or corner with its own identity. Place some of your chosen blooms in tall opaque vases, float other flowers in short bowls, use others in clear vases filled with rocks and water. Accent the shorter centerpieces with tall taper candles and the taller ones with shorter votives or tea lights.


8. Make it intimate.

If you've chosen a huge reception space to accommodate your massive family, make it more intimate by adding lounge furniture. If you can't bring in couches and plush chairs to create a sitting area, try seating only four people to a table instead of eight to ten, or drape the walls and ceilings with rich velvety fabrics to close in the space.


9. Go for good lighting.

Lighting is a key (and usually forgotten) element. Okay, so there's always candlelight or chandeliers or strung twinkle lights. But before you take an easy way out, ask if your venue has another form of lighting and use it! Find out if your venue can provide cool effects like gobo lighting to create shapes with light. Yes, it could border on cheesy if you overuse it, but initialing t he white walls with your new monogram during your first dance can add an unexpected element to the occasion.


10. Give your guests a taste of the town.

Serve something regional. We know a bride who had a popular East Coast seafood soup poured at each place setting, as guests arrived in the tent. Another bride we know served sour-cream cornbread with mayhaw jelly, a local southern favorite. If you're marrying in a city that brews its own beer, be sure to stock the bar with it or with another signature drink from your hometown.

11. Drink it up.

Espresso bars are hot and a good accessory to dessert -- especially if you serve your espresso with cordials. These bars also provide a good jolt toward end of the night as the party winds down and the yawns start pouring in; plus, lattes and cappuccinos served on dainty china can be very sexy drinks.

12. Have a dessert buffet.

Bring in 20 different sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries, banana fosters, and creme brulee. Talk to your caterer for clever ways to decorate tables and present mini desserts. Your family can join in the fun -- ask your best friend's mother to make her famous brownies or your aunt to make those pecan delights. A dessert buffet encourages mingling and ensures getting people off their seats and closer to the dance floor. If you still can't pass on the multitiered confection, box the individual cake slices and distribute as favors.

13. Go pro.

Book professional entertainers. An a cappella group or singing waiters during cocktail hour will turn on the charm. Hire a group of dancers -- choose from belly dancers to Irish jig or salsa dancers -- who'll perform during courses. Bring in some different music for an hour or so, perhaps a steel drum band, a barbershop quartet, or a mariachi band.

14. Add a cigar roller to your reception.

A master cigar roller who demonstrates the art of cigar rolling will prove to be a big hit. You might ask him to display and hand out an array of rare or limited-edition cigars for guests to enjoy after dinner -- do this in conjunction with a lounging area or around a martini or vodka bar for an added chic factor. Or, have him entertain guests during the cocktail hour while you two are busy taking pictures.

15. Invest in a watercolor artist.

There are wedding watercolor artists who will draw in pastels, or paint in watercolors, the reception as it unfolds. This can be a great gift for the bride and groom, but it's also some quiet entertainment for guests and especially good for weddings set in great scenery -- creating a collage of events like guests dancing outdoors on the sand and the best man's toast by the water at a beachside bash

Thank you to The Knot for these great tips!

Your Perfect Day...because you deserve it!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Candy Buffet Table 101 | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

Candy Buffet Table 101

A candy table can be a whimsical addition to your reception, or act as playful and interactive favors. Here are some tips to get you started!

Candy Buffet Table 101 article photo

Presentation

Use a color scheme that matches your wedding palette: wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Taking advantage of the colors you’ve already established can enhance your candy table’s presence, and bring cohesion to your entire reception.

Create depth and height in your display: with simple boxes or even phone books, you can sculpt a beautiful landscape on your table. You can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, or even leave them bare and covered with matching linens for a refined, free-flowing cascade.

Take advantage of your centerpieces: whether they be flowers, candles, or tiny little goldfish, using an extra centerpiece or two will not only tie into the rest of your reception, but it can also add life and freshness to your candy table.

Don’t be afraid to use trimmings: details like good quality linens, ribbons, and paper can add nice touches to your overall display.

Less is more: trimmings are definitely your friends, but don’t go overboard! Too many space fillers can potentially clutter your table and cause sensory overload!

Consider the table: where will it be located? Will there be a nice backdrop or wall behind it for pictures? Or will it be open so people can access it from all sides? Will it even have sides, or will it be round? These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.


Candy

Color is key: as mentioned before, having a specific color scheme can really make your table pop. Monochromatic palettes can also be striking and elegant. Make sure to consider different hues and shades – for example, if your colors are red and brown, don’t be afraid of using different shades of reds and pinks. If using primarily dark colors, try to use trimmings in lighter shades to bring energy to your table.

Check the weather: Will it be hot or sunny? Will the table be indoors or outdoors? If indoor, will there be AC? If you’re worried about warmth, save the stress and avoid candies that could easily melt (unfortunately this includes most chocolates)!

Fruit seasons: if you’re planning to use fresh fruit on your table (e.g. chocolate dipped strawberries), make sure you consider if they are even in season. Strawberries in the winter might not be as sweet as when they’re at their peak in the summer!

Not just candy: if you’re open to treats in other forms, consider mini cookies, kettle corn, or spiced nuts as sweet additions. Placing the wedding cake or groom's cake on the same table can add visual diversity.

Be creative: candy isn’t just made to be eaten, but also to play with! Bundle large lollipops together like a bouquet of flowers, or skewer some marshmallows to simulate kabobs – the possibilities are endless.

Keep it simple: having a variety of flavors and different types of candy can be satisfying to everyone, but don’t be afraid to go with a specific flavor profile. Whether it be a gummy bear bar or a chocolate truffle tribute, your guests will definitely enjoy the sugar rush!

Don’t buy too much! It’s easy to worry about not having enough for everyone, but if you’re planning to include a meal and cake in your reception, guests probably won’t be stuffing themselves with extra sugar. A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person. If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, save large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers.


Containers and Supplies

More than jars: apothecary jars and similar containers tend to be the standard, but don’t miss out on other shapes and sizes you can find elsewhere! Vases are fabulously inexpensive alternatives, and are easy to find. If you’re going for opaque containers, small pails can give a rustic vibe, and wicker baskets can be cute and lighthearted. Don’t be afraid to use cake stands, flat platters, and other serving ware to give your guests a variety of ways to choose their sweets!

Scoops and things: when choosing containers, make sure you keep in mind how your guests are going to get the candy out! Scoops, tongs, and other serving ware should be small enough to get the goods!

Individual containers: if your table is set up as a DIY favor station, little bags (get your custom made bags from Jenny at Your Perfect Day) or mini boxes can be great take-homes. Dress them up with a little label and ribbon and your guests have a tasty treat for later. Small, clear plastic cups or even napkins are also cheap ideas if you prefer the candy to be eaten on the spot.


Your Perfect Day rents candy jars and the scoops/tongs! We also create candy bags and boxes! Contact us today for a quote!

Thank you to Project Wedding for this great article!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

DIY Ribbon Boutonniere | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

I was recently inspired by this photo of a simple and elegant ribbon boutonniere. Because you are working with fabric, the color options are virtually limitless compared to flowers, and the cost of this project is next to nothing. So I thought I would give it a try. Check out the unbelievably simple instructions below for how you can make your very own ribbon boutonniere.



Materials
2 yards of ribbon (I used grosgrain)
Cotton Thread
Button

Instructions
Fold the ribbon in an accordion style. You want the total length of each fold to equal the diameter of the final boutonniere. In my case, I made each fold 2.5" and the final boutonniere is 2.5" across.


Sew a couple of tacking stitches through the center of the ribbon length and knot the end to keep in place.

Fan out the folds.


Fine tune the folds so that each division is as evenly spaced as possible. Cut the "loose end" in a diagonal for a more finished look.

Sew a button over the tacking stitch to finish off the boutonniere. While stitching the button on, stitch slightly outside of the initial center tacking stitch. This will hold the fanned out folds in place.

And for less than $5 and 10 minutes of work, you have a beautiful and stylish boutonniere!


Thank you to BrideTide for this idea!

Your Perfect Day....because you deserve it!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Non-flower centerpiece ideas | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE flower centerpieces.
But what do you do when you are allergic to flowers?
Or you want to do something unique for your centerpieces?
Well, I have a few ideas on how to create a centerpiece WITHOUT using flowers.



Balloons: Balloon centerpieces are very popular. You obviously can not use fragile normal balloons as centerpieces, instead helium balloons are used. One has a chance to make full use of creativity here, you can arrange the balloons the way you want. Like for example, you can tie tiny baskets filled with chocolates to a balloon and then tie the balloon to sticks. You can even stick balloon strings to a glass vase. Making an arc of balloons is also a unique idea! Choosing the right colored balloons is also important. If it is a beach wedding, choose blue balloon, red and pink which are the hit colors. Always remember to choose balloons of different colors, preferably two colors. Also make sure that your tablecloth complements the balloon color.



Feathers: Feathers are a great way to wow your guests when they walk into your reception. You can use feathers that match your color scheme or you can just use white ones to keep it simple. The best way to use feathers is to put them into an Eiffel tower vase (like the one above).



Water Centerpieces: If the wedding is in the evening, water centerpieces are the best option for you. You can add colorful candles to the water, you will find specially designed water candles in the market. Besides candles, a uncommon water centerpiece is the fish tank! If you have a buffet system and only big table, this is a perfect idea for you. A small aquarium with colorful fishes swimming two and fro is a pretty site. You can make use of fake fish centerpieces if you have to put them on each table.



Lanterns: There are loads of lamps available in the market that can be used as wedding centerpieces. You can choose any one depending on your choice, like for example there are inexpensive Japanese lanterns which give a festive look, then there are glass lanterns too which give a classy look. If you want a complete unique lantern, go for cup or vintage lanterns. Ghost leaf lanterns and gazebo lanterns are another type that can be used to increase the beauty of your wedding. You can add floating candles to the lanterns to make it a wedding reception centerpiece, provided it is in the evening.



Fruit: One of the biggest trends for 2011 is using fruit as your centerpiece. Fruit comes in a variety of colors and shapes. You can put it into a vase or your can just set in on a plate. You can use a single piece of fruit or you can use multiples. You can use it whole or slice it into halves or quarters. You can even mix and match them.



Leaves: If your wedding is in fall, what can be a better centerpiece idea than foliage leaves! Leaves give a classic and nostalgic look to the wedding. Maple leaves are obviously the favorite, however you can add your creativity and make use of different kinds of leaves. You can spread the leaves around a floating candle centerpiece or fill a tall broad glass with leaves and place them on the table.



Food: Yes, we said food. You can use food as your centerpiece. Instead of purchasing a 4-layer cake, have your baker create a few individual cakes or cupcakes. Use the small cakes/cupcakes as your centerpieces. That way people can help themselves and you don't have any centerpieces to take down at the end of the night. Or order something from Edible Arrangements. This can take the place of h'orderves during your cocktail hour.



Your Perfect Day....because you deserve it!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

31 tips on how to save money when planning a wedding | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner



Weddings are expensive.

But you can cut costs without anyone missing, well, what's missing.



Reception

1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.

2. Think off-peak season and save thousands! In Ohio, off-peak is November - February.

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot -- it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

4. Skip the Saturday wedding. Have a Friday night wedding or an early afternoon Sunday wedding!

5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

6. Shop the off-season for extra decor -- get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine's Day.



Flowers

7. Use more greenery than flowers.

8. Swap out costly flowers -- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

10. Buy flowers that are in season. Ask Enchanting Flowers about what flowers are in season for your wedding!

11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.


Food & Drink

12. Serve entree duets.

13. Skip the main course -- apps and drinks are fine too.

14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It's fun and often cheaper.

16. Skip the champagne toast.


Cakes

17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

18. Keep the add-ons simple.

19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.



Stationery & Favors

22. Make your response card a postcard.

23. Give out one favor per couple.

24. Make your cake the favors.

25. Have favors double as escort cards.

26. Order save-the-date postcards. Your Perfect Day offers 100 custom made save the dates for $35.

27. Have a candy table. This can be cheaper than individual favors and buy your candy after the holidays (Easter, Halloween, etc)



Photo, Video & Music

28. Have a photographer you love but can't afford the prices? Ask them if they have a hourly package instead of a full-day package.

29. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception. (like Ultimate Nights)

30. Ask you band or DJ if you can play a CD during the dinner hour instead of having them work it.


Planner
31. Meet with Your Perfect Day as soon as you get engaged or half way through your planning. We offer FREE advice for all your wedding needs.


Thank you to The Knot for this article!


Your Perfect Day...because you deserve it!
.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

10 ways to not regret anything on your wedding day | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner


You know not to book your venue before you set a budget. You even know the differences between addressing inner and outer envelopes. But do you know who should get their hair and makeup done first: you or your bridesmaids?


Here are top 10 common planning blunders and how to avoid them:

1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices
When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he/she can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.

2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone
Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn't final. And it shouldn't be: Friends you're close with when you get engaged may be more acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.

3. You'll regret it if you skip videography
Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you'll see things you may have missed. Worried you can't afford one? When you book Your Perfect Day as your wedding coordinator, Fordham Footage will give you a discount on any of their packages.

4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress
Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn't mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you're not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well, it's likely you'll have to purchase at least (if not all) of those items.

5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors
You've choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it's tempting to control every detail so you're guaranteed to love the results, but you won't have the time, and you certainly don't have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And you know what? They almost always will, especially if you're not spending precious time getting back to you about every detail.

6. Think hard before you pick your attendants
Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you would trust to be there (and not get totally annoyed with you) when you need them the most. You don't know new friends well enough yet to be sure they'll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you'll likely regret.

7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans
It's so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more options you're going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that your're changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma's cookies, they won't be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that's not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grande finale.

8. Seriously don't book you salon appointment last
We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don't want your 'do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylist will likely get to you late if you're last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants'. It's not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated hairstyle if she's pressed for time. That's not an option for you: the same goes for your makeup, don't cut it too close.

9. Don't even think about speeding through photos
Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn't enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is close to the ideal because you'll look more relaxed in your pictures. Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.

10. Avoid "hiring" a friend instead of a pro
Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn't mean he'll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won't leave home without her Flip - this doesn't make her a videographer. Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music, the food, the coordination, etc. Besides, don't you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of working though it, anyway?

Thank you to The Knot for this informational article.

Your Perfect Day....because you deserve it!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Polaroid themed wedding | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

We love when our clients come to us and say they want to have a "themed" wedding and need our help to create it! It can be a sports team theme, holiday theme, movie theme, anything!

When we heard about a Polaroid themed wedding (thanks to one of our favorite local photographers, Dallas Galbreath), we had to do a blog post ASAP!

Here are some ideas that we found:

Start off with creating a unique save-the-date to let all your guests know about the fun themed you are planning for your wedding!


Ask your photographer if he/she has a Polaroid camera that he/she can bring to the wedding (if not, buy one). Use it to take fun pictures in between the wedding & reception!


Put Polaroid pictures all around the escort card table!


Enhance your centerpiece with a Polaroid picture of the two of you!


Have your guests take pictures of themselves, paste them into a Polaroid scrapbook & write you a little note!


Make "A" frames or Polaroid photo holders your wedding favor so your guests have some place to keep their Polaroid pictures!


Take a Polaroid of everyone in your bridal party &
use that to create a thank-you card for them.
Also, use some of your favorite Polaroids to create
your guests thank-you cards!


If you need some help to plan your "themed" wedding, be sure to contact us for your FREE 1-hour consultation! We can also custom design your save-the-dates, invitations, programs, thank-you cards, etc!

Your Perfect Day....because you deserve it!