{Pro in the Know} Addressing an Invitation

There are several ways to address your invitations, but it all depends on the degree of formality desired, who is being invited, how modern do you want your piece to be, and of course cost.   Your envelopes are the beginning of the first impression for your event, so its important to choose wisely on how you are presenting your gorgeous invitation pieces.

Below are several options on how to address your envelopes on your invitation.  To figure out the option that is best for you, take the number of invitations being mailed out and multiply it by 3 or 4.  That's how many steps each piece is going to take.

1. Outer envelope main address
2. Outer envelope return address
3. Reply card return address
4. Inner envelope name (if you choose to have one)

Handwritten Address - This is the most cost effective option, but can become very time consuming depending on how many envelopes you have to address.   If you give yourself a goal of 10 - 20 pieces per day or per person, your handwriting will stay beautiful on all of the pieces.  You can ask friends, your bridal party, or family to assist you.  Also try your writing pens out on paper before you use them to make sure they don't smudge or smear.  You don't want a messy envelope!

Calligraphy - For many years calligraphy has been considered one of the most popular ways  to address a wedding invitation.  This art form creates a beautiful elegance to your envelope and can save your schedule if you don't have time to hand write them yourself or don't have legible penmanship. When choosing a calligrapher that is right for you, make sure to ask for samples of their work.  Often times, a calligrapher will have several font styles to choose from and can match the style of your invitation.


{photo by AZPenGraphics.com}

Computerized Calligraphy - Computer calligraphy is a beautiful alternative to hand calligraphy for the cost conscious busy individual.  It offers sophistication and elegance, but can often times come at a fraction of the cost.  There are several beautiful calligraphy style fonts that you can give your printer to use when they are printing your envelopes for you.  Or check with your stationer to see if they can do it for you and match the same font on your invitation.  Often times you may even be able to incorporate the invitation design and a flourish of your choice.

Envelope Wrap w/ Address - Envelope wraps are a new trendy way to incorporate the design of your stationery into the design of your envelope.  They start on the front of the envelope and wrap all the way around to the back with the return address printed directly on them.  It's definitely not standard etiquette to have them, but they sure make a wonderful first impression and carry a cohesive look for your design. You then either hand address, calligrapher or even use computerized calligraphy to do the main guest address on them.

Address Labels - Labels are a quick alternative to hand writing and computer calligraphy.  You can find them in all different colors - white, silver, gold, and even clear.  If you are going to use labels, try the clear ones so they don't look so odd against the background of the envelope.  Or try to incorporate a design into your label rather than just text.  This would be my least recommended way of addressing an envelope unless its the only way you can get them out in time.

{Pro in the Know} Invitation Terms

Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but there are actually many more terms that are associated with them and items that might accompany them.  Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you are likely to encounter while shopping for your invitations. 

    

Seal and Send Invitations: This all-in-one wedding invitation style folds up and seals into its own self-mailing piece.  Attached to the invitation by a perforation is the response postcard which is easily removed by the guests.  Since the response piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing and the envelope is eliminated.  Pricing for this type of invitation usually includes decorative seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the invitation and on the response postcard.

Layered Invitations:  This term pertains to invitations that have layers of paper tied or glued together.  Many times the top layer is translucent which means that through the top layer you will see a muted version of the decorative paper that lies underneath. 

  

Pocket Wedding Invitations: This style of invitation includes a pocket wrap that holds the invitation card and has a pocket to hold any separate card enclosures.  The wrap then folds up into one piece for enclosing in the mailing envelope.

Announcements:  For those whom you would like to inform of your recent marriage but will not be invited to your wedding, you can choose to mail them an announcement card.  They can be printed on paper that matches your wedding invitation with the verse reading that your wedding has already taken place.  Suggested mailing is on the day of your wedding or immediately after. 

Reception Cards:  An insert card that contains all the details of your wedding reception.  Reception cards can be used in place of having this information printed on your invitation or if only certain guests might be invited to this portion of your celebration.  They can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert.  Please keep in mind that including this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards:  Guests are asked to return this card indicating whether they will be able to attend your wedding.  Response cards provide you with the accurate guest count you will need to properly plan for your dinner/reception.  The response card along with its return mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation.  Remember to include a postage stamp on this small return envelope which will also have a mailing address pre-printed so your guests can easily return it by the date you have requested.   

Map/Direction Cards:  Guests will appreciate direction cards as a convenience if they are not familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.  

Double Envelopes:  Traditionally, formal wedding invitations come with a set of two envelopes.  The outer envelope is actually the mailing envelope containing the name and address of the guests.  The inner envelope holds the invitation along with any insert pieces and is addressed with only the guests' names.  This envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope.

Printed Envelope Flaps:  Having your return address printed on the flap of the outside envelope can save you time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are promptly returned to you.  A return address also provides an address to any guests who might not be able to attend but still wish to send a card or gift.  There is usually a small charge for this option. 

Lined Inner Envelopes:  For a small fee, you can request a colored lining on the inside of your inner envelopes to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble.  Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals:  Optional, decorative self-adhesive seals can add the finishing touch to the outside of your mailing envelope.  They are available in many styles and are used to give the illusion that they are holding the flap down even though the envelope has already been sealed. 

Informal Notes:  These are typically used as your thank you notes but it is a good idea to order them when you order your wedding invitations since they can be printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs.  Informal notes are personalized with either your monogram or first names on the front with the inside left blank for you to write your personal message.  Any extras can be used long after the wedding for other purposes.  Blank mailing envelopes are included.

Engraving:  This is a time-honored process of raising ink on paper through a process of etching metal plates, filling the etches with ink, then pressing paper into the plates.

Thermography:  A printing process whereby wedding invitations are printed in ink and a special powder is sprinkled over the wet ink. Then the invitation is sent through a heater which melts the powder and "raises" the ink. Thermography is more cost effective than engraving. 

Many of the above items are not essential to making your wedding invitations complete but now you know some of the options that are available.   Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which invitation style you choose and which pieces or special touches to include as part of your entire stationery ensemble. 


Article by Knol

{Pro in the Know} Place Card vs. Escort Card

A frequent question that comes up often is ...
what is the difference between an escort card and a place card? ... and do I really need menus?

Escort Card:  These lovely cards are used to tell guests which table they are assigned to for the main reception.  Typically they are displayed in an area just outside or close to where the guests will be entering in and done in alphabetical order.  They should be alphabetically arranged in an area and could carry a cohesive theme with the rest of the decor.  For example, a beautiful floral centerpiece may sit in the center of the table and tent folded cards in color or theme matching cardstock will align around the arrangement.  The card usually states the guests name and "Table number ____ has been reserved in your honor."  Then the guests pick up this card and carry it with them to their assigned seats.

Get as creative as you wish when displaying the escort cards.  You can use fascinating ribbons and fabrics, mini picture frames, river rocks with calligraphy, miniature flower pots and more.  Think outside of the box on how to "wow" your guests by incorporating your personality.

Place Card: These beauties are actually displayed at the seat to where the guest is assigned and typically done when you have given your guest a meal option on your invitation reply card.  You also would have a seating chart available for your guests to note which table they are assigned to.  The place card is a bit more time consuming; however, it's very important for the catering staff to know which entree is being served to which guests.  It also can indicate if there is a food allergy or specific need for the guest such as a vegetarian meal.

Another opportunity for you to showcase your personality and flair.  Have fun matching your place cards to your decor and theme.  You can still use beautiful folded table tent style cards that match your stationery, but you can also get creative.  Color code them with big rhinestones for the staff to clearly see and don't forget you may be in a darker room.  Or you can find fun shapes of animals to indicate chicken, beef, fish or veggie options.

Menus: Menu cards are a fantastic way to personalize your celebration dinner and add to the decor elements.  Your guest feel as though they are sitting down at a private dinner in honor of the guests.  Even if the meal is pre-chosen for your guests, its a nice way to inform them of what is best yet to come. Better yet, if you are using food stations, it allows your guest to pre-plan ahead for what they will choose  when they go to serve themselves.

Photography by: April Green Photography (rock place card), BQ Photography (blue escort cards), Ivy Studios (pink escort card and menus), Weddings by Us (Tuscan place card)

{Pro in the Know} Table Linen Terms

When it comes to planning the details for your grand celebration, you should always consider the scheme of things and truly think about the big picture.  Linens can truly bring a room to life.  A lot of facilities already provide basic linens in typically white, ivory, black and some times brown. 


Here are some terms that will help you when looking into which linen option is right for you:


Classic Standard - This line offers the largest selection of colors and sizes and is the most economically priced it is the perfect solution for cost conscious budgets or, as coordinating linen to an overlay. If you are looking to add dramatic color and flair to your special event this is the way to go! 

Lamours -  Lamour is a smooth matte- satin fabric that lends a luxurious and polished appearance to you table. When you are the event planner, remember Lamour is the special event linen with a myriad of colors to reflect the feelings you are trying to reveal. From wedding linen to any party linen you can imagine, Lamours will present the sentiment you want the guests to experience.

Bichons and Bengalines - With the crinkled silk feel of Bichons and the luxuriously ribbed texture of Bengalines, these tablecloths, napkins and chair ties offer unusually rich color palettes to your table fashions and effortlessly become the party linens to have and showcase your special events!

Damasks and Brocades - Elegantly textured Damask and Brocades are sure to set your special event apart from the others, as you showcase that a tablecloth is not just a tablecloth, it’s a statement!

Pintuck - A very rich and elegant linen with a diamond shape grid pattern and gorgeous sheen.  Dresses up any table to an elegant, yet modern level.

Glitz and Glamour - With its wide array of fabrics that glisten and sparkle, this line will add sizzle to table linen and excitement to any event décor. Add that perfect party linen that will set your special event apart by adding that exceptional twinkle.

And one of the most important questions I get:


Lap Length Linen - If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes down to just sit above your lap.  This is a great linen to use as an overlay over top of a floor length linen.  I don't recommend using it alone as you will see the table legs.


Floor Length Linen - If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes all the way down to meet the floor.  


Linen descriptions and pictures provided by www.BBJLinen.com 

{Pro in the Know} Seasonal Fall Flowers

When you trying to figure out the flowers you want for your next event, it's often helpful to consider which flowers are in season.  They either may not be available or if they are, they will be way more expensive.  Plus, you can also create a look or feel once you know what is available to you.

Autumn is the season of the primary harvest. Autumn falls during september - november in the Northern hemisphere, and during september - november in the Southern hemisphere.Crops are harvested during Autumn. Leaves change color are at their beautiful best.

Flowers Blooming in Autumn are:

Acashia, Allium, Alstromeria, Amaranthus, Anemone

Baby's Breath, Bittersweet

Carnation, China berry, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Cosmos

Echinops

Freesia

Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Gloriosa

Hypericum

Iris

Juniper

Kangaroo paw

Kalancheo

Liatrus, Lily, Asiatic Lily

Misty Blue

Orchid

Pepper berry, Protea

Queen Ann's Lace, Quince

Rover, Roses, Rowen berry

Salvia, Solidago, Statice, Star of Bethlehem, Sunflower

Yarrow

Zinnia

Information provided by www.theFlowerExpert.com

{Q&A's with Author: Kimberly Schlegel Whitman}

Tablescapes and The Wedding Workbook

Author: Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Published by: Gibbs Smith Publishing

Tablescapes {Setting the Table with Style}

Define the word “Tablescape”

A Tablescape is a table setting with style! I am a frustrated artist who can not paint or draw so I express myself thru creative tablescapes. The empty table is my blank canvas and I create my works of art (some are better than others!) by preparing the table for a meal.

Where do you find your influences for your tablescape projects?

I am influenced by things all around me all of the time. Sometimes my inspiration is found in a certain flower that has caught my eye. Sometimes by a centerpiece or container for those flowers. Other times I am inspired by a garden I have visited or a photo that I have seen or fashion. We should all keep our eyes open all of the time because there is inspiration everywhere around us!

Name 3-5 places you love to shop for fabulous tablescape pieces.

Antique Stores, Auctions and Garage Sales are really my favorite resources. I also love Madison, Porthault and At My Table (all in Dallas). My mother's china cabinet is not a bad resource either!!!

What, in your opinion, are the 3 most important elements to a good tablescape?

I don't think that there are really 3 essential elements for every table but I do think that careful and thoughtful consideration should be put into each one. Really think thru your meal and consider what will be needed. What plates will you need, silver, glasses, etc. Once you have the essentials taken care of you can play and have fun with the rest. I think that color schemes should be playful and fun. Not everything needs to be perfectly matched either. Use your imagination!

Why is it important to create a theme for your event?

I love themes because they help me make decisions. I have very eclectic taste had love so many looks and styles so a theme is a helpful tool to keep my look cohesive. Your theme can be as simple as a color or two colors or it could be as imaginative as a Winter Wonderland.

What did you learn about yourself, while writing and creating this beautiful book?

I learned that I have an even more wonderful husband than I realized! We were having a blast working on all of these tables together because I was pregnant and could not life anything heavy! He did so much work! It was a great reminder to really put your heart into the things you do for your family and friends, even setting the table.

As a design expert, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the event
design business?

Work hard and be organized. It is important to get as much experience as you can. Help other professionals who you admire and learn from them. But...above all...don't be competitive with your peers in the industry. Putting together a great event takes teamwork!

The Wedding Workbook {A Time-Saving Guide for the Busy Bride}

Why should The Wedding Workbook be a must-have for every bride?

It is a great tool for staying organized and it is pretty enough that you can pull it out in years to come and browse thru it...almost like a scrapbook.

Besides being organized, what is the best piece of advice you could offer to a newly
engaged couple?

Stay calm and have fun. Remember that the wedding day is not only about you but also about your family and friends. Also...make a pact to hold hands and not separate at the reception. I am so sad when I see a Bride on one side of the room and the Groom on the other. They always say..."I hardly got to see you or dance with you!"

What would you recommend a bride to splurge on and where to scrimp back?

This is different for every bride. You should always select one area that is especially important and splurge there. Be dramatic with this one area and spend an extra special amount of time on it's preparations. For a foodie, this might be the meal. For a more visual person this might be the flowers. For a person with a passion for music, it might be the dj or band. Let your own personality and passions shine thru.

How can a bride create a luxury look without the luxury price tag?

Keep your eyes open for great values. Getting married can be very expensive so always look for bargains from the location to the dj... You can always ask for a better price too! Do not ask your guests to pay for anything more though. A Cash Bar is a no no! Your guests have already purchased you a gift and possibly travelled to celebrate with you.

What style trends do you predict will be popular in 2009?

I love color and would love to see the popular lavenders and plums that are so prevalent in our fashion choices show up at Weddings.

About the Author {Kimberly Schlegal Whitman}

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a "hair cutter." I still think that would be fun!

When did you first realize you had a passion for parties?

When I was planning my Idlewild Debutant party I fell in love with the process of planning a party. It satisfies my Type-A desire to organize things and my creative side too.

Who inspires you?

My parents are a great inspiration. They love to celebrate in style and love to socialize. They get great satisfaction out of spending time with their friends and meeting new people when they are attending or hosting events. My mother-in-law lives in Paris and has great style. She is always telling me about the next big trend or the most fantastic party idea.

What is the greatest aspect about your career?

I love the idea that I am helping create memories for people and celebrate the special moments in life.

How do you stay organized in your busy life?

I am a Virgo...super organized! I am also a "do-er" and I love to just dive in and organize. Being bossy doesn't hurt when it comes to organizing either! I love to organize and can't stand it when things are out of place so it comes very natural to me. Don't get me wrong though...there are many days when I am a mess and I will just stay up until three in the morning until I can get my act together and organized!

Does Lola keep you company during the day?

Sweet Little Lola follows me everywhere. She is ten years old now though so I don't travel with her as often as I used to. She gets uncomfortable sitting in the little bag on the plane for too long.

{Kim's Book Reviews}

I was truly honored to not only receive these absolutely gorgeous and extremely inspiring books, but to receive the time for this gracious Q&A session with Kimberly.  

Tablescape:  From the moment I laid my eyes on the front cover, I knew I would fall in love.  The pictures in this book are so rich and the writing style is so eloquent. It's definitely a must have book for every event planner, designer, stylist, florist, etc who truly enjoy being inspired by beautiful pictures and intimate details.  Every time I open up the pages, I see something new that I keep in my "some day to do list" for a client.  There are so many wonderful features, beautiful pages, and great inspirational pieces.  I know I'll use this book at many future appointments with clients when they are looking for design and color help!  The things that are showcased are also very practical and not super over the top to where it can be recreated affordably.  I adore it!!  As a matter of fact, it's going back on my coffee table right now!!

The Wedding Workbook: I was really excited to see why this book was unique in comparison to the other "planner" books out there.  Once I popped it open, I quickly figured it out.  It's beautiful, it's practical, and it allows for expansion of more, more and more!  The three ring binder part makes it very efficient in the fact that other pages, documents, or folders can be added to this book.  We all know, brides need the room for their own thoughts and organizational tools and this book allows for that necessary expansion.  The checklists and timelines are very helpful, but most importantly, I adore the pocket that accommodate each section.  It's the perfect resource as well as organizer to help a bride feel less overwhelmed! Again, a must have!!

Next Must Haves on my list: 

The Pleasure of Your Company

Dog Parties
The Art of the Party {by Renny Reynolds and Elaine Louie}

{Books, Books and More Books}

Yesterday was such an exciting day.  I walked up to my front door to see a couple of boxes just hanging out.  Not thinking much of it, I picked them up and just put them in my office thinking it was just a stack of paper that had arrived for an invitation order.  When I got around to opening them, I realized that one was a box of books sent to me from Jennifer King at Gibbs Smith Publishing!   I quickly ripped the box open and felt like a kid at Christmas.  My eyes were the size of saucers as to my surprise there were 5 books just looking at me saying "You know you want to curl up in your reading chair with us!" They were sooooo right!!  I was sooooooooo excited.  Just flipping through them, I was sucked in by the luscious pictures!  

• The Wedding Workbook {A Time Saving Guide for the Busy Bride}
  
• Just Write {The Art of Personal Correspondence}
  
• Wedding Showers
  
• Tablescapes {Setting the Table with Style}
  
• Ribbon {The Art of Adornment}

I can't wait to dig into these fabulous books and share what's inside with my blog readers!!  For the next few weeks I'll give you reviews on each book, share some pictures, and even include my mini interviews with the authors. You must stay tuned!! It's going to be awesome!

THANKS THANKS THANKS Jennifer!! These books are AMAZING! :)

{Next Blog} DIY: O is for ....

{DIY: E is for Emergency Kit}

Pink Lady Kathleen from thePinkBookBlog posted this very helpful blog to make your own emergency kit for the big day.

For extreme klutzs like me, attending a wedding with out some sort of back up plan is asking for cake on the dress and a bloody nose. And while some accidents are going to happen, and emergency kit could be that photo-saving grace. Here are 20 of the essentials I could think of, if you have any others, let us know!

1. Pain Reliever 2. Makeup – for touch-ups 3. Deodorant 4. Baby Wipes 5. Clear nail polish – stocking runs 6. Miniature sewing kits – for that broken strap or loose bustle 7. Comb/brush, bobby pins, hair bands 8. Tissues 9. Eye-drops/contact lens solution 10. To-go fabric stain removers 11. Antacids 12. Breath mints 13. Tampons and pads 14. Band Aids 15. Double Sided tape 16. Safety Pins 17. Lint Roller 18. Snacks 19. Earring Backs 20. Corsage Pins

We have created this post before with a much more extensive list.  Click HERE for a full list with many more ideas on what to add to your kit.  Pick and choose as necessary.

{KIM'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT}

Use a nice large hat box or big plastic container for your Emergency Kit items.

Then after the big day, store this in an easy to access cabinet or closet of your home.

It will be very handy for other occasions or emergencies that may arise.  

Just make sure to check the expiration dates!

Seperate your items into large Ziplock plastic bags and label them according to use.

It will be much easier to find your items, the more items you have.

{i.e. - medical, bathroom, beauty, etc.}

{DIY: D is for Damask Candle Wrap}

I recently came across the Fussy Designer blog for a graphic designer who designed a custom damask wrap to go around candle holders. Here are 3 templates you can download and print on vellum to adhere to your votives.

SUPPLIES:

• Vellum Paper (compatible for the type of printer you have - ink jet or laser)
  
• Double Sided Tape
  
• Scissors
  
• Glass Candle Holder
  

Note: Votives should be purchased from Michaels, it's a pack of 12, grayish box with a picture of candles on the side of it.

Her vellum was purchased from Staples, make sure you pull the vellum tight around the votive and secure with double stick tape.

{KIM'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT}

Embellish your divine damask wrap by adding colored ribbon or rhinestones 

for a little pop and pizzaz.

The template has colors of orange and brown.  If you would like to create this DIY

project in black, simply print the template and photocopy it on a black / white copier.

Don't want to use vellum paper?  Check out the fabric section at your local

hobby or craft store.  Then use the provided template to cut out your piece.

Don't want to DIY? Check out some of these great sites:

Yummi

Colonial Candle

Damask Diva (Etsy Shop)

Votive candle holder photo courtesy - soon2Bmrsjaramillo from www.projectwedding.com

THANK YOU!! They are beautiful!

{Wedding MBA Conference}

First of all, I just HAVE to say HELLO to all of my new friends that I met at this conference!!  

This past week has been an amazing adventure as I joined some of my colleagues for the Fifth Annual Wedding MBA conference.   It was a educational opportunity to meet so many inspiring wedding and event professionals from around the world, as well as spend time with my wonderful valley industry friends!

I also was enamored by the opportunity to have fabulous conversations with the lovely ladies from GetMarried.com, Alan Berg from theKnot.com, Jennifer Fallon from Kate Aspen, Christine Thomas from AboutWeddings.com and Marcia Vidal from Crystal Clear Weddings, just to name a few.   Of course I can't say thank you enough to Andy Ebon from WeddingMarketing.net.  It was so generous of you to showcase our blog in your seminar and I appreciate your constructive criticism!!

I hope all of my new friends gained some powerful information and inspiration from this educational event.  Please stop by and let me know what you thought of it.  I would love to hear your take on it and how you were inspired!! 

Photo courtesy of The Wedding Marketing BLOG!  Thank you!!

{5 Ideas to Make Your Wedding Your Own}

1.) Plan a couples' shower.
Double the fun of a pre-wedding shower and invite the guys along. Fabulous couples' themes come in all shapes and sizes: a culinary shower where you sample gourmet dishes and shower the bride and groom with kitchen tools or a traveler's shower, where you present them with travel-size treats or books on their favorite destinations.

2.) Carry out a theme.
Did you two meet in Cancun? Or maybe you fell in love closer to home over burritos and sangria? Plan a festive rehearsal dinner that evokes memories of how your love story began. Plan the menu, decorations, music and entertainment (salsa dancing, anyone?) accordingly.

3.) Take shopping a step further.
Plan a girls-only shopping day for you and your bridesmaids, complete with the usual manicures, pedicures and shop-til-you-drop agenda, but make the day extra special by inviting a photographer along to capture the moments. Perhaps your wedding photographer has an assistant who could step in, or secure the services of your professional photographer for a couple of hours. (Remember framed photos of you and your attendants make priceless gifts down the road!)

4.) Dinner with a Twist.
Schedule the bachelor's dinner, bridesmaids' luncheon/dinner or simply a night out for you and your attendants to be a progressive dinner. An especially good idea if your attendants are local, each person claims a course: cocktails and appetizers at one house, main course somewhere else, dessert at still another house and after party still elsewhere.

5.) Show off your hometown.
If your attendants are all out-of-towners, invite them to get to know your hometown a little better by hosting them for brunch or dinner at a local historical setting. Many historic homes are rentable for special occasions, and offer an ambiance all their own. Rent a van, trolley or bus to taxi the wedding party around town, narrating your own brief mini-tour of where you two grew up.

Great article provided by Exclusively Weddings

{Phoenix NACE Dine Around}

For all of you local Phoenix Bloggers in the event industry, this months NACE Dine Around is going to be a FABULOUS time!! From Pink Cadilliac Margaritas to Dueling Pianos to tons of eats and treats, you wont want to miss this awesome networking opportunity. So mark it in your calendars and sign up today. Lets get ready for wedding season :) 

Sign up here -------->>> www.PhoenixNace.com

{Chandelier Centerpiece with Scott Corridan}

As a culture that knows how to celebrate, we love our inspired tabletop designs. Tabletop designs have become a popular competition angle for many professional event organizations, charities, design groups and the like. NACE, the National Association of Catering Executives, a nationally based professional organization dedicated to networking for professionals in the special events industry while building educational opportunities, hosted its 2nd annual Elements Competition at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge on Monday, June 30th. While the temperatures soared above 110 F outside, the attitude inside the competition space was very cool, ultimately hip, and super inspirational!

Nationally acclaimed event producer Scott Corridan was the event's celebrity judge, and with his 15 years of experience and exacting eye to detail and what inspires us to celebrate at our utmost best, he offered the group of 35 contestants some valuable insights. (read the rest of the story on SonoranLiving.com HERE)

We were greatly honored for Scott to have chosen our pieces from our tablescapes to showcase on this segment. Check out this video to see him cover some great facts about event planning and view some fun pieces from the competition.

The beautiful glass flower creations that artist Scott Johnson from Jade Glass created.

To participate in future NACE events and to become a member of the Phoenix NACE chapter, please visit www.phoenixnace.com.

For more inspiring tips on table design and the luxury lifestyle world of Scott Corridan, please visit www.CorridanandCo.com.

Scott is also President and Creative Director of White Chocolate Label wedding gowns. For more information, visit www.WhiteChocolateLabel.com.

{Martha's Tool Tracker}

Martha does it again!! I know a few of you other lovely bloggers have showcased this on your page recently, but I actually was so impressed with the services that I had to post it myself. This is such a great way to keep brides organized. From budgets to vendors, you can save, organize, and print everything in one place. It's such a smart way to keep everything in one place and the visual elements are a great attribute to staying on track. Just click on the picture above to take you directly to the tools. Thanks Martha!!

{Bridal Registry - Wish Pot}

Christine at WishPot.com sent me an email this morning and I just had to post their website on our blog. It's such a great idea that now it incorporates weddings. A bride can login to www.WishPot.com and create their registry from HUNDREDS of your favorite stores online. I think it's a fantastic way to create variety instead of having to register at just one store.

Shop anywhere - One wedding registry
Create your registry with Wishpot, add items from your favorite stores, discover great wedding ideas, and share your registry with friends and family.

{Men prefer being solo over a bad marriage: study}

SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Bachelor Carl Weisman got fed up of being classified as a playboy, a loser or a commitment-phobe so he set out to find out exactly why he and a growing number of eligible men were steering clear of marriage.

Weisman, 49, conducted a survey of 1,533 heterosexual men to research a book aiming to give women an insight into why some smart, successful men opted to stay single -- and help lifelong bachelors understand why they are still the solo man at parties.

He concluded that most men were not afraid of marriage -- but they were afraid of a bad marriage.

"Men are 10 times more scared of marrying the wrong person than of never getting married at all," Weisman told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"This is the first generation of people who have grown up with bad divorces. People assume there is something wrong if you don't marry but these are men who have made a different choice and not given in to social pressures."

The release of his book "So Why Have You Never Been Married? - Ten Insights into Why He Hasn't Wed," comes amid a growing trend for more people to stay single, with less social or religious pressures on men -- and women -- to tie the knot.

Weisman said U.S. figures showed that in 1980 about 6 percent of men aged in their early 40s had never married but this number had now risen to 17 percent.

AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES

Weisman said his online survey found there are three groups of bachelors -- about 8 percent who never want to marry, 62 percent want to marry but of which half won't settle for anything less than perfection, and about 30 percent who are on the fence.

Four out of 10 bachelors did not want children compared to three out of 10 wanting to be a father. The rest were undecided.

But while 72 percent of respondents said they were not afraid of marriage, about half of them said the situation that scared them most was marrying the wrong person.

"It's so important to these men to get it right. My best advice to single women after bachelors is to be patient. If you're in a hurry to get married you'll be frustrated," he said.

Weisman also found that financial issues, both positive and negative, played a large part in men's fear of commitment.

"Those with little money said they would have nothing to offer a partner, with some suffering self-esteem issues and withdrawing from the dating pool," said Weisman, an engineer-turned-author with two books now published.

"While those who are financially sound were terrified what a bad divorce could do to them."

Weisman said his research blew away any idea that single men were unhappy.

"A compelling issue was how many of them had found contentment in a never-married life," he said. "They had created lives full of careers, friends and ambitions. It was not like they walk around all day worried about not being married."

For him, researching the book made him also look at himself -- and he ended up living with a girlfriend for the first time.

"Now we're looking at getting married. As I researched the book I found I was looking at men 10 years older than me and it was like looking into the future. If I didn't change, nothing would," he said.

(Editing by Miral Fahmy) Yahoo News

{10 Tips to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding}

1.) Setting the Tone
Set the tone of your green wedding by choosing an eco-friendly location. If an outdoor wedding is up your alley, choose a location that will show off the beauty of the environment. If you prefer an indoor location, check out local museums or art galleries that will donate your deposit to a good cause.

2.) Choose Eco-Friendly Rings
When it comes to choosing a ring, make sure to use jewelers that are green-friendly. More and more, jewelers are using recycled gold and fair-labor gemstones. To make sure you are not purchasing a "blood diamond," ask your jeweler about the origin of the stone.

3.) Use Local Vendors
Choosing area vendors is a great way to keep the transportation emissions low and support your local economy. If you are interested in using a green wedding planner, check your local listings -- they're popping up all over the country.

4.) Re-Use a Wedding Dress
Though your wedding dress may be your most treasured item of your wedding, there are many ways you can be eco-friendly when it comes to choosing a dress. First is the age-old tradition of wearing your mother or grandmother's dress. Take it to a local seamstress to transform it into your own special dress. If you can't imaging wearing your mom's gown, check out charities such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, where you can buy or donate a dress. All proceeds go to support women with breast cancer.

5.) Photography: Go Digital
Even though most photographers are using digital cameras, it's a must for a green wedding. Digital photos don't use the harsh chemicals, wasted paper, and rolls of film that film photography does. Another plus is you get to choose exactly what images you want printed. Ask your photographer if they allow you to keep the digital images after the wedding is complete, then you can save a digital album of your big day

6.) Use Recycled Paper
Using recycled paper is an easy way to create green invitations or programs. Ask your vendors if they can print on recycled paper or recycle the leftover scraps. We love the eco-friendly invitations of Tasha Rae Designs. Her theory: "Who said recycled invitations can't be beautiful?" Her invites are just that, beautiful! For an alternative to cut back on paper, create a wedding Web site where your guests can print off directions, reply, and find out hotel information.

7.) Home-Grown Flowers
For your flowers, choose a local organic florist to arrange your centerpieces and bouquets. For a summer wedding, use farmers' market finds to create bouquet and table arrangements, or use potted plants which can be given away to your attendants at the end of your big day.

8.) Choose an Organic Menu
Ask your caterers if they can provide vegetarian and organic entrees. Also consider what you are dining on. If your location doesn't provide dishes, consider renting them to avoid using disposable plates.

9.) Favors
Instead of favors, let your guests know that you have donated a specified amount per guest toward your favorite environmental organization. Check out www.idofoundation.org, where you can register to raise money for your favorite organization.

10.) A Green Honeymoon
When you're planning your honeymoon, keep in mind the practice of ecotourism, which is defined by The International Ecotourism Society as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Check out their Web site for ideas and sources to plan an eco-friendly honeymoon.

10 Tips to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding - article found on BHG.com

{Personalize Your Event}

Personalizing your event can mean many different things. A couple can add their signature details through color, decor elements, food and even music. Adding these personal touches are so important to making your event unique and showcasing your personality. Today, monograms are just as popular as ever before because they are more creative compared to when they first begun with just the single last initial. With technology and fabulous design images, the sky is the limit to creating a simplistic monogram into a beautiful design that is like a piece of art.

Be conscientious when designing and using your monogram:

-- FONT: When choosing a font / typestyle for your monogram, choose at least 3 - 4 different ones. What may work for one name, may not look as appealing for another. Like some times the letter "S" or "T" will not appear as you expect.

-- DESIGN: Think about the style and decor of your home. Are you someone who likes contemporary, romantic, vintage, Asian, retro or even floral designs? Check out the pattern in your china, towels in your bathroom, or even a comforter. These such things can inspire your monogram design because they reflect your personality.

-- COLORS: You can definitely use your chosen event colors, but also consider using black or grey and apply it to color. For example, there are big savings to have your monogram printed with black ink onto a colored cardstock rather than colored ink, and it comes out very beautiful and rich.

-- RULE OF THUMB: Do not overuse a monogram. Add it to your event with random and simplistic touches, but do not go overboard. It does not have to be seen on every element of your event. Introduce it with your paper essentials and a few additional items like maybe a cake topper, aisle runner or beautiful gobo on your dance floor. By overusing your monogram, you are actually down playing the beauty of it.

{Wedding Checklist}

This handy little checklist, provided by WedAlert.com today, includes most of the necessities that you need to purchase for your wedding day.

{Table Setting}

I found these informative table setting diagrams on the Toast and Tables blog and thought they would come in really handy. The casual lunch makes me want to throw a beautiful summer party by the pool with refreshing summer time drinks and delicious foods hot off the barbecue.


(above: For a casual lunch, feel free to use heavier dinnerware, like these simple ceramic plates. Provide glasses for whatever beverage you plan to serve).



(above: A casual dinner calls for less formal china and stemware, and stainless steel flatware is fitting for the relaxed setting).



(above: For a formal luncheon, the table is set much as for dinner with a few exceptions. The presence of an iced teaspoon and iced beverage glass announce a daytime event).

(above: The primary difference between a formal luncheon and formal dinner setting is the increased number of glasses for red wine and champagne).